Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

80 EXHIBITORS HERALD Eebruary 7, 1925 Ann Russ, a stenographer in Universal Exchange, Chicago, receiving a check for $10 for solving an International News-reel cross-word puzzle, from John Mednikow, assistant manager. The check is from R. V. (Diamond Dick) Anderson, general manager of International Newsreel Corporation. CHICAGO PERSONALITIES By J. R. M. Butterfield to Build New Playhouse at Ann Arbor, Mich. A new theatre in Ann Arbor, Mich., to be called “The Capitol” or possibly “The Campus” is to be erected by the Butterfield interests. This is the same firm operating the Majestic and the Arcade theatres at the present time as well as a string of 30 other houses located in the various larger cities in Michigan outside of Detroit. The new theatre will seat about 1,800 people, will have two floors with a commodious mezzanine floor advantageously located. The house will have every modern improvement and will be patterned somewhat after the Strand theatre, Lansing, said to be one of the finest theatres in the country. A stage with plenty of room for any sort of production will be provided although it is the intention of the Butterfield _ management to confine the theatre’s activities to the popular price field. No definite date of completion has been announced although it is expected that the house will be ready for occupancy by the first of the coming year. The property was acquired by the Butterfield interests some two years ago with the view of furnishing Ann Arbor with a new and commodious playhouse. John Eberson, Chicago architect, is furnishing the plans and will have supervision of the construction of the building which will include several store and office rooms as well as the theatre. To Manage Theatres Charles Wa.gner, former Paramount exploiteer at Cincinnati, and recently connected with the Famous Players publicity department, has accepted the management of the Colonial and Strand theatres, Cambridge, O. Mr. Wagner was a well-known newspaper man. Salesman Kidnaps Exhibitor Competition is becoming so keen between Illinois salesmen they have to kidnap the prospective customers nowadays. Morton Van Praag, who covers central Illinois for Universal, dropped into Monticello last week, learned that H. F. Walther had just taken over the Rialto theatre and was open for pictures. Two other salesmen were also on the job, so Van Praag asked Walther to hop into his car and take a little ride. He took him to Decatur, 30 miles away, put him up at a first class hotel, and the next morning sold him 100 per cent Universal program. Mr. Walther opens the Rialto this week. Edwin SILVERMAN, manager of W'arner Bros, exchange, was called to New York for a business conference last week. ^ “Bob” Funk, Universal salesman, who covers Northern Indiana and part of Illinois, received notice and congratulations from the home office upon his winning second prize in the Century Comedies sales contest just closed. “Bob” received a check for $150. R. H. Healy, former owner of several theatres at 35th and Halsted Sts., which he sold to Louis Laemmle, is now connected with the Schoenstadt organization, managing the Garfield and Hallfield theatres. ^ ^ ^ Down in Mackenaw, 111., a town of 800 people, the town marshal runs a picture show every Saturday night in the Knights of Pythias Hall. * SK Harry Hollander, Universal country sales manager, is back from a circle of the key towns. Louis L.aemmle, office manager L^niver sal. is taking a short vacation at Battle Creek, Mich. * * * Dave Hellm.an, manager of the Reelcraft exchange, has been on the sick list for a week. * Hs * Nat Wolf, of the picture department, Orpheum circuit, left on Saturday for Sioux City, la. ^ H. C. Young, manager of National Screen Service, is back once more at his desk, 845 South Wabash Ave., after basking in California’s sunshine for several months. Mr. Young opened the West Coast office of N. S. S. * * * Toe Smith, in charge of the Universal poster department, was sent to Detroit to assist in installing a new system there. * * * Joe Lyon (speaking of Joes), is on the sick list, the Fox salesman having talked so much he’s got sore throat. ^ 4^ Bill Bender has joined the Metro sales staff. ^ ^ ^ The Langley theatre, 706 East 63rd st., is stimulating business at this popular neighborhood house by running a unique series of slides in verse. All announcements are in jingle form. Irving Mack is making the slides. * * Mrs. Gradwell Sears, wife of First National salesman, is still seriously ill in St. Louis. ^ ^ ^ Eddie Grossman has gotten out a neat little folder announcing the premiere of “Sacrifice” which opens at the Castle theatre, Feb. 9th, for an indefinite run. * * * Friends of Nat Wolf pulled a birthday surprise party on him last Wednesday night at the Parkway hotel. * * * ,The opposition to motion picture theatres by the clergy is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. In Great Ridge, 111., the Rev. Pauli of the Presbyterian church. NOW BOOKING ^FJmDUCEM-^DISTRIDUtJNG ~ CO RP ORATION