The Exhibitor (1950)

EXHIBITOR NT-1 miWS OF THK Boston Crosstown Massachusetts State Labor Commis¬ sioner John J. Delmonte called for a new wage board study of prevailing wages in the amusement and recrea¬ tion industry in the state. Massachusetts law provides for the establishment of minimum wages for specific industries by a board representing the interested parties. Approximately 20,000 workers are employed in state’s amusement in¬ dustry, where present minimum wages are 55 cents an hour for beginners and 62.5 cents an hour for experienced woi'kers. Eliminations announced last fortnight by the Bureau of Sunday Censorship included the following: “California Pas¬ sage,” parts 1 to 9. (Deletions: Dialogue, “That is, a lady, I mean.”, in part 5). Republic; “Secrets Of A Sinner,” parts 1 to 7. (Deletions: Dialogue, “You’re just sore because — ”, to and including, “ — There’s always dear Jessup.”, in part 5). Embassy. Cay Christmas trimmings and festoons on buildings, streets. Public Garden, and Boston Common proved to be a boon to the usually sluggish season for down¬ town houses. Decorations, inaugurated this year, created lively interest among the citizens, with many out-of-towners driving into the downtown area to glimpse the trimmings, and then staying over to patroni.ze a theatre. Influx of visitors on Sunday nights was so heavy that it became necessary to close Wash¬ ington Street to vehicular traffic, and police reported there were about 10 cars for every available parking space. Man¬ agers of downtown houses reported Sun¬ day business was way over last year’s grosses. Instigated by Mayor Hynes, with cooperation of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, all downtown business es¬ tablishments were asked to contribute to the $40,000 fund. Although the fund fell about $15,000 short, indications are that Myron (Mike) Kellin, left, Hartford, Conn., featured in Paramount’s “At War With The Army,” is seen looking over promotion material with John Patno, assistant manager, Allyn, Hartford. if repeated next year the quota will easily be reached for it proved a bonanza for all concerned. Martin Mullin and Sam Pinanski handled collections for the industry, with all downtown theatres and circuits contributing. Norm Prestcott, Bob Swan, and A1 Dary, disk jockeys WORE, were sched¬ uled to spin their platters from the lobby of the Metropolitan on Dec. 26. Tied in with “Mr. Music,” the jockeys conduc¬ ted their regularly scheduled shows from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Acting upon the suggestion of Mort B. Bluemenstock, WB vice-president, colorful displays of submarine battle flags will be on view in lobbies of key city theatres where “Operation Pacific” is scheduled. Loew’s Boston Theatres stockholders elected the following officers and board of directors: Nicholas M. Schenck, president; Charles C. Moskowitz, vicepresident and treasurer; Leopold Fried¬ man, vice-president and secretary; Joseph R. Vogel, vice-president, and Charles Kui’tzman, clerk. They will also serve as directors along with Charles W. Pike. In a new contract effected between New England Theatres, Inc., and the projectionists’ union, the projectionists will receive one-third of a day off per week or 17 days per year with pay, plus two weeks paid vacation. In 1952, the men will receive two-thirds of a day off per week or .34 days per year with RKO’s 1951 “Ned Depinet Drive” recently got under way at the company’s New Haven exchange, where pictured, from left, are: Bill Cannelli, salesman; Barney Pitkin, branch manager; Robert Folliard, eastern district manager; Lee Kissner, booker; Hugh Maguire, office manager, and Sidney Kramer, shorts subjects sales manager. Mr. and Mrs. Sal Adorno, Sr., Middletown, Conn., recently observed their 50th wedding anniversary. Adorno, who owns and operates the Palace, has been in the business for the past 40 years. pay, plus two weeks vacation. In 1953, they will receive one day off in seven with pay plus two weeks vacation. Charlie Wilson, Loew’s publicity office, has been busy producing his annual Christmas show. The two and a half hour live talent production premiered at the Bunker Hill Recreational Center, Charlestown, and followed with a series of appearances at vet hospitals. Theodore Fleisher, Interstate Thea¬ tres, has been named TOA co-chairman for “Brotherhood Week.” NET managers and assistant mana¬ gers received sizeable bonus checks just before Christmas. . . . Alex Strulson, who spent the past few weeks at 20thFox, where he has been learning the business, returned to New York City. Joe Mansfield, ELC publicist, is sport¬ ing a new 1951 Pontiac. According to his reports, the car has all the attach¬ ments except a bathtub. . . . Connie Leverman, clerical staff. Monogram, married Arthur Goldman, Dorchester, Mass., on Christmas Eve. The bride¬ groom is a medical student. . . . Rachael Canter, daughter of Eddie Canter, treas¬ urer, ATC, was married recently to Arthur Friedman, Kent O. The groom is a student at Kent University, and the couple will reside there. The Metropolitan lobby was loaded to the hilt with Christmas wreaths, ti’ees, and interwoven colored lights. To furth¬ er the Christmas spirit, recordings of Laurette Luez, in Boston recently to exploit MGM’s “Kim,” takes time out from her duties to visit convalescing service men at Murphy General Hospital. January 3, 1951 NEW ENGLAND