The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

28 THE EXHIBITOR The material which appears in these columns is gathered for THE EXHIBITOR by a handpicked and well-paid staff of news men in and about the cities represented under separate headings. These men are constantly in touch with each local situation and this accounts for THE EXHIBITOR appearing first with such local doings. In response to many inquiries which have reached this department. this material is not copyrighted. which probably explains why some of the material finds its way at later dates into contemporary publications. It is the opinion of the editors ol this publication that while news may be copyrighted, ability (which is far more important) cannot be. This explains why we ignore the first and value the second. broiled lobster dinner of his own making recently. In addition to the lobster, Bill served his guests steamed clams, brown bread and potato chips. . . . Film buyer Lynch has returned from a trip to New York City where he met and conferred with Frank M. Boucher, in charge of the Schine Washington and Delaware division. . . . O. E. Williams, National Theatre Supply Company, Albany, and Tom McCleary, RCA, Buffalo, were in for conferences with Guy Selmser. . . . Mrs. Harold F. Sliter and son Fred have returned from a visit with Mrs. Sliter’s mother in Buffalo. . . . Manager Lou S. Hart, Hipp, played a midnight “horror show” to a full house. Lou offered “Black Friday” and “House of Seven Gables” with a special Hart “horror” prelude including clanking' chains and “corpses” that peeked through exit curtains, all to good effect. Jamestown Charlie Fish, Winter Garden, was confined to his home with the grippe. . . . Joe Florio, sound engineer, has been removed to his home following an emergency operation for appendicitis at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Buffalo. (We hope he received all the gags the gang sent him.) . . . Allen Newhall, Palace manager, Ruth Kelley and Virginia Callahan forgot to count callories when they were invited to Italian spaghetti dinner. . . . Max Friedman, Albany booker, entrained for Buffalo. . . . A1 Beckerich, formerly, Palace, was a visitor. . . . M. A. Silver, zone manager, Warners, was in Buffalo. . . . Ailing with throat infection is Virginia Callahan, district office. Medina Cliff Schaufele, Diana, had his ushers wear green ties and shamrocks to advertise “Three Cheers for Irish.” . . . Carl Corella, service staff, Diana, returned to duties. . . . Ray Majeski, assistant manager, expects to enter the state of marital bliss in the Summer. . . . Cliff Schaufele says “Snoopy” rid the theatre of mice. Ole an Murray Lafayette, Haven, tied in with Sears-Roebuck on bicycles used in “Call a Messenger,” got a full window display with stills and cards on the picture, merchants tap ad, and promoted a bicycle from store for a giveaway to the kiddies. . . . Lafayette had a large collection of medals and other wartime memos for a window display in co-operation of the American Legion in prominent stores in town for exploitation on “Fighting 69th.” Rensselaer It’s reported that Roger Marmon, Bright Spot, is taking the fatal step very soon. Rochester Manager Gene Chiramonte, Lake, extended its running time from four to five days, taking in Monday. . . . John B. Tucker, manager, Monroe, screened Frank Gannett presidential campaign film for local GOP bigwigs. . . . Charlie Freeman, Century, has returned from a speedy jaunt to North Carolina. . . . Neighborhood houses followed Lent slump with wave of giveaways to lure customers. . . . Lion roared on the screen of Century first time in years when theatre got Metro product crowded out of Loew’s by “Gone With the Wind.” . . . Howard DeGraw, manager. Temple, Fairport, gave away live rabbits. Smashed auto dragged behind a truck in downtown arear effectively advertised safety short “Drunk Driving,” Grand, manager Ray Ferigno taking advantage of interest created by Democrat and Chronicle’s strong traffic safety campaign. . . . Manager Freeman, Century, used comic “Pinocchio” figure as street bally for holdover of the strong kid show from the Palace. . . . First run houses reported topheavy with balcony business at 15 cents to 3 P. M. and two bits thereafter. . . . Manager Louis Levitch, Riviera, staged a Spring fashion show. . . . All Schine houses gave away comic books to kids at Saturday matinees. — D R. Syracuse Sorry that Gus Lampe could not go fishing with us opening day. . . . Bill Doss has stopped sneezing since the rubber mat was removed. . . . Fay Woodford’s prompt relief enabled Robert Sardino to give emergency blood transfusion and save a life. . . . Effie Bettigole blossomed out with a new Easter suit. ... New horn was installed at Fitzers’ Rivoli annex by George Brown. . . . Bert Sanford, Jr., and A. J. Rademacher paid a visit to Altec. . . . Jack Darrow, Albany Altec, has been on the sick list. Eleanor Williams, Rivoli cashier, finally told us her name. ... A new arrival is expected at the home of William and Anne VanWagner in August. . . . Elmo Carpenter has left for a southern cruise, taking the navy with him. . . . “Bob,” son of George Raaflaub, is in the hospital with scarlet fever. . . . Glad to see Fire Marshal Charles Wilkes out on the street again. . . . Nat Marcus, Columbia salesman, was another snow bound victim. . . . Fred Haines, Fred. Pelligrini, William Carson, Isadore Gross, George Spicer and Howard Cady make up the stage crew at Martina’s Empire. . . . According to Harvey Cocks, son Hige is quite an artist. . . . We believe Irving Cantor is the ace promoter of Syracuse. . . . Cliff Jaquin is glad the roads to Mexico are open again. . . . Local 376 is reported organizing a softball team. Jerry Barry, assistant manager, Paramount, entertained visitors from Lowell, Massachusetts. . . . “Stubby” Johnson is looking for a thief wearing two sweaters. . . . Blair and Lavine are keeping “Jim” DeVenney in smokes. “The Boys from Syracuse,” first Jules Levy production for Universal, gets its world premiere here in August, with the cast attending as well as many others. A big time is planned by Gus Lampe. Fred Donohue claims he will keep the Easter Lilies fresh all Summer. . . . “Horsewegotchie” fools the boys with lefthandedbowling; ask Eddie Cummings. . . . Correction: Harry (fancy pants) Gurnes is the one who is sitting on the spot. . . . George Phillips should be getting those long fish poles out soon. . . . We enjoy riding on the same bus with Ernie Curtis. . . . Note to Rad: Fire Marshal Wilkes places his approval on the balcony at 505. . . . Welcome Albert Green and James Gallery, Auburn, to The Exhibitor circle. . . . Telegrams without signatures carry little weight. . . . Morris Fitzer is reported casting his eye on Salina Street. . . . Undertakers won, Jack Kerly has another new car. . . . A1 Gilbert has instituted “Book Night” at the Riveria and Avon, as has Sam Slotnick at the Acme. . . . “Bill” Wittneben, formerly with ERPI and National Theatre Supply, has taken new position in Chicago with a wine company. . . . Cerone Service is trying to install a larger refrigerator in George Brown’s home to hold a full-grown chicken. . . . Wonder if Lou Taylor has dug out of the snow at Malone? . . . . C. H. Withrow, former ERPI service engineer, Rochester, died recently in New York City. Are we correct in thinking that Frank Murphy, Loew’s State manager, will soon say “I do”? . . . Notice to the entire world: George (Altec) Brown is not connected with this publication in any manner, J. J. S. being solely responsible for any news items appearing in this column. . . . Now that the warm weather has come, we will once more open our outdoor office at Jefferson and Salina Street (the Waldorf if it rains). — J. J. S. T rumansburg Palace is now known as the Burg, under John Ryan operation. Utica Family, which has been closed for several weeks, re-opened Easter Day. John Augello is manager, under the supervision of L. J. Carkey, formerly, Avon, Olympic. Theatre has been remodeled and redecorated. Harold Lewis, Lincoln, still plays poker even though a newly-wed and at home at that. . . . National Theatre’s Williams was seen about the Family which re-opened Easter. . . . Local 337 threw a party. . . . All Bill MacNeilly could buy for Easter was a hat. . . . Local 337 is beginning to show its stuff, winning nine straight bowling contests. . . . Glad to know that the Humphries are all back on the job again. The doctor’s holidays are over. . . . Congratulations go to Stein and Gaffney for their swell new Audisc Transcription studio. April 10, 1940