The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

8 THE EXHIBITOR First Gov’t Witnesses Called New York City — The government last week secured an order from Judge Samuel Mandelbaum authorizing it to serve subpoenas upon 14 witnesses for their appearance at the beginning of the equity suit May 1. More than 100 witnesses will be called at that time. Among the exhibitors in the territory served by The Exhibitor were H. A. Batastini, Punxsutawney; M. E. Ouslander, Scranton. An order permitting issuance of subpoenas is required where a witness lives more than 100 miles from the courthouse, the attorneys explained. In the metropolitan area, no court order will be necessary. Abe Montague, Columbia sales chief, was questioned in pre-trial examination last week, discussing policies. He revealed that the company does not give a 10 percent cancellation privilege. Only 33 percent of the company’s customers buy 100 percent of the product, he said. The company favors independent accounts, he declared, finding it gives better rentals and advertising. Clearance concerns the company only as it affects income, he indicated. Herb Hustler Passes Philadelphia — The local industry lost its third veteran member within a fortnight’s period when Herb Hustler, manager, passed away April 4. He was not connected with any theatre at the time of his death, but had been in the business for many years. Passing of Charles Rapoport and Gilbert Fleischman was also mourned within the same period. Lou Diamond Mourned New York City — The trade was shocked to hear of the death of Louis A. Diamond, 48, April 6. Diamond was Paramount’s top shorts producer and also headed Paramount Music and Famous Music. He suffered a heart attack while dancing and died shortly after. He was buried April 9. Waller, Del., House Burns Laurel, Del. — Waller, under lease to the Schines, was destroyed by fire April 5, with loss estimated at $50,000. Fire was discovered shortly after closing. Building is owned by T. J. Waller estate, built in 1928. Herbert Brown is manager. New York Lease to Brandt New York City — Consolidated Amusement Enterprises last week end sold its lease on the New York, under construction at 43rd and Broadway, to Davis Zimmerman, an attorney representing the Brandt circuit. Father Al Katz PHILADELPHIA — It was a boy, seven and three quarter pounds, for the Al Katz family here April 5 at Mount Sinai Hospital. Father is the genial field representative for Jay Emanuel Publications. National Legion of Decency List, April 10, 1940 UNOBJECTIONABLE FOR GENERAL PATRONAGE — "The Biscuit Eater,” (Paramount); "Star Dust,” (20th Century-Fox); “Golden Gloves,” (Paramount); “Texas Stagecoach,” (Columbia). UNOBJECTIONABLE FOR ADULTS — “And One Was Beautiful,” (Metro); "Beyond Tomorrow.” (RKO); “Lights Out in Europe,” (Kline); “'Til We Meet Again,” (Warners). OBJECTIONABLE IN PART — “Johnny Apollo,” (20th Century-Fox); "King of the Lumberjacks,” (Warners). Philly Allied Meets Philadelphia — Present status of the Neely Bill was discussed at the meeting of the board of the Allied Theatre Owners of Pennsylvania last week end. Talks in favor of the bill were considered. A letter concerning the “Pot of Gold” radio program, sent to Allied by the Federal Communications Commissions, was read to the large attendance of board members. A resolution was passed protesting the use of theatrical films in 16 mm. sizes, and the use of nickel “juke-boxes” for showing films. Next general meeting of Allied will be held April 16, while the next upstate meeting will take place at Mount Carmel April 12. Conference Committee Set New York City — Determination to make the forthcoming Spring “Conference” dinner of the Picture Pioneers the best yet was expressed by Jack Cohn, house manager, last week in announcing the appointment of Harry Brandt as chairman of the entertainment committee. At Brandt’s request, the following men were appointed as members of his committee: Barney Balaban, Nate Blumberg, Charles Moskowitz, Marvin Schenck, Ned Depinet, Sy Fabian, George Skouras, Sam Rinzler, Joe Hornstein. THE EXHIBITOR Volume 23, Number 22 April 10, 1940 Advance Shots on Coming Reviews 20 Better Management 14, 15 The Check-Up (The Exhibitor’s Servisection) Yellow Section Editorial Page 3 Hints on Newspaper Advertising 22 In the Spotlight 6 Late News Highlights 7, 8 National Mirror 9, 10, 11 National Mirror Picture Page 21 National Release Date Guide Inside Back Cover News of Territory 23 et seq. Production Happenings 18 Territorial Highlights 5 The Tip-Off 19 Warren Stokes Hollywood Newsreel 18 Material contained in the Late News Highlights section often represents new developments in stories to be found on other pages of this issue. If the reader will bear this in mind it will avoid possible confusion. This section of THE EXHIBITOR goes to press last, with latest developments within the industry, where available. Cocalis Winners Announced New York City — Winners of the Cocalis Enterprises' J. J. Thompson Drive for better business were announced over the week end during a managers’ luncheon at the Hotel Lincoln. Drive spanned the period from January 1 to March 31. First prize money went to Leo Stearns, manager, Pilgrim. Second and third awards, respectively, went to manager Bouzis, Rosedale, and J. Bonney, Beach. Winner of the special exploitation prize was Herman Slepian, Pelham, and the merchant tie-up award went to Yorke’s Fred Unger. Ben Friedman, Ward, and Joe Cannon. Crest, took the maintenance and service money. All other managers received one week’s salary. Matthew Carroll Passes New York City — Matthew V. Carroll, treasurer and a director of General Theatres Equipment Corporation, and treasurer of National Theatre Supply Company, died in his 47th year at his home in Bronxville, April 4, following a long illness. Funeral took place from Christ Church, Bronxville, April 6. Besides his wife, Mary Williams Carroll, he leaves two daughters, Jean and Phyllis, and two sons, James Williams and Walter Green. Gilman, Elder Shift New York City — Shifts in the Loew managerial setup last weekend found Bill Elder, New Haven, Conn., traveling to Harrisburg, Pa., to take over the Loew reins dropped by Sam Gilman, promoted to Dayton, O. No KKO Dividend Action New York City — At a meeting of the board of directors of Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation held last week end, the board considered the matter of a quarterly dividend payable May 1, 1940, and took no action to pay it. Selznick ( Continued from page 7) were denied by D. O who said that he had thought of it but that there was too much opposition from various religious sources. That, and the price. “I would,” he averred, ‘‘like to do the life of Christ at some time.” He also toyed around with the idea of buying “My Dear Children” in which John Barrymore is appearing on the Broadway stage, but also dropped that plan. Talk got around to ‘‘Gone With the Wind,” and Selznick emphatically denied that the film is not doing very well in the nabes. He claimed, and referred all disbelievers to Metro’s Bill Rodgers, that “GWTW” was doing proportionately as well in the nabes and second runs as it did in first runs. He re-iterated an assertion made during his visit here some months ago that the picture will not be cut for the subsequent runs. Selznick announced that he has director Hitchcock and actresses Vivian Leigh, Hattie McDaniels, and Ingrid Bergman under five-year contracts. He also said : “I sincerely believe Lawrence Olivier will be the next great male star. 1 wish I had him under contract.” On Technicolor, D. O. S. had this to say: ‘‘I will use Technicolor on any picture which warrants it. I believe in five years from now every good picture will use the process. The only thing holding it back at present is cost.” A controversy on the ‘‘double feature problem” ensued during which time the consensus of opinion was discovered to be that more pictures like “Rebecca.” as to content and length, would do away with duals. The trend in Hollywood, according to Selznick. is towards independent production. Warners, he said, is even thinking of forming a separate sales force to handle product delivered by independents. Answering a question on “social significance” films, Selznick opined : “I suppose there will be more pictures dealing with social and propaganda subjects, but I won’t make any. When made, they should be advertised as such.” April 10, 1940