Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

March 21, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 23 Momentum Activities Is Given Theatre by Merger in West Vitagraph Lauded by M. P. T. O. for Non-Taxable Music {Special to Exhibitors Herald) BOSTON, MASS., March 10.— The Vitagraph company was cornmended for its action in the non-taxable music question by a vote of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, Massachusetts branch, at its annual meeting here last week. The following resolution was sent to the company’s officers : “That the above organization go on record as commending the actiori of the Vitagraph Company in lurnishing nontaxable music cue sheets lor their futureproductions.” Some discussion centered about the nontheatrical situation ; and it was resolved to Cl iilmue the discussion ru the next meeting The following officers were elected for 1925: Nathan Yamins, president; vice presidents, Patrick F. Lydon and John Freeman; Stanley Sumner, treasurer; Ernest H. Horstmann, executive secretary ; executive committee, P. F. Lydon, J. H. Woodhead, Ed Rhind, A1 Somerby, W. B. Littlefield, S. Sumner, H. H. Levenson, N. Yarnins, F. L. Harris, Ft. I. Wasser.nan, E. H. Horstmann. Go Thru Smoke to Miss ** Through the Flames” (Special to Exhibitors Herald) MILWAUKEE, WIS., March 10.— “Through the Flames” was on the screen at the Crystal theatre. Fire broke loose in the basement. Patrons scampered. Gilbert Hackbarth, an employe of the theatre, was overcome with smoke when he went through the flames to the basement to find Grace Rue, cashier. Not knowing she would be rescued she had already left the building. The fire was out before severe losses accrued. George Beyer is manager of the house. Hanlon Dies in Frisco (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SANTA ROSA, CAL., March 10.— Peter J. Hanlon, prominent theatre owner of Vallejo, died suddenly in San Francisco last week as a result of an attack of acute indigestion. Deceased was known as one of the most energetic theatre owners in the state. Guests Ousted at 3 A. M. {Special to Exhibitors Herald) CLEVELAND, O., March 10.— Fire at three o’clock in the morning drove 150 patrons into the street from the Princess theatre, an all-night motion picture house at 229 Euclid Avenue. The blaze began in the projection room. William Deubel, the operator, was burned seriously. Actor Dies from Crash (Special to Exhibitors Herald) HOLLY W O O D, March 10.— Jack “Shorty” H:|mi!ton, motion picture actor, died March 6 following injuries received when the automobile in which he was riding, struck a steam shovel standing in the street. New Houses Planned as Chain Holdings Increase Three Companies at Spokane, Wash., Combine — Grombacher President of Consolidated Concern It used to be that a majority of the big news originated with the producers and distributors. Today it is the theatre that is “hogging” the limelight. Activities in the theatre field today have the industry guessing. Each week brings new mergers and combines. Exhibitors who in the past have been satisfied to own and operate one house are acquiring one, two and three additional theatres. Big circuits as well are expanding. Number of Circuits Increases 25 Per Cent A person who has followed closely the unusual developments in the theatre field estimates that during last year the number of circuits and combines increased by at least 25 per cent. This tendency toward consolidation meant the elimination in many instances of the individual theatre owner. This movement is not confined to any one territory. One week the news breaks in the East, the next week in the South, the next week in the North, and the next week (or this week, as it happens) in the West. In Spokane, Wash., three companies have just merged under the corporate name of .'5pokane Theatres, Inc., with Ray Gromliacher as president and general manager. Included in the combine are the Liberty, Casino and Class A theatres. Associated with Mr. Grombacher in the deal is R. E. -Neal, president and treasurer of Neal & Allendcr, Inc. In announcing the merger, Mr. Grombacher said: Capitalized at $300,000 “We will file incorporation papers for $300,000 Monday morning and believe that li\' merging the interests of the three theatres we will effect an organization that will prove a more successful medium for our own interests and work to the better adxantage of the public. The merging of the three playhouses gives the new corporation the buying power of about 300 picttires, which is close to half of the picture output of the industry.” The consolidation of the three houses marks what is said to be the most extensive theatre enterprise in the history of the -Spokane theatre world. -‘■\mong the most active of the circuits is West Coast Theatres, Inc. This company which now controls more than 100 theatres, has a $5,000,000 program of expansion. Included in this program is a 2,500 seat house at San Jose, Cal.; a theatre at Washington and Vermont streets, Los Angeles ; a house at Huntington Beach and one at Wfllmington. Saenger Building New House A resume of theatre activities in other sections of the country follows: Saenger Ehrlich Enterprises as a $1,000,0(X) house under construction at Shreveport, La. Jensen & Von Herberg has leased the local theatre at Sunnyside, Wash. Fitzpatrick & McElroy has purchased the Family theatre at Adrian, Mich. .Ackerman & Harris will lease the new theatre now being erected at Hayward, Cal. Casady & Smith, owner of the Mystic and Castle, has taken over the Princess at Rushville. Ind. It was purchased from \\'alter F. Easley Chamberlain Amusement Enterprises will open the newest addition to its fast growing chain, the Victoria at Mahanoy City, Pa., shortly. Columbia Theatre Company of Long\iew, WAsh., has plans under way for its second house. The Fischer theatrical interests, with headquarters in Chicago, will begin construction within the next month or so on a new house at Fond du Lac, Wis. M. H. Garvin has purchased two theatres in Omaha, Neb. Recently Mr. Garvin has ■been operating a house at Holdredge, Neb. Cadillac Theatres Company has acquired property at 993 Third avenue. New York, on which to erect a house. Wfilliam Brandt, head of 292 Flatbush Avenue Company, has leased the Carlton theatre property in Flatbush avenue near Seventh. The house will be demolished and a new theatre erected. T. & D., Jr., Enterprises has a new theatre in San Francisco. This company plans to build several neighborhood houses in Oakland and one in Reno, Navada. The foregoing in no way exhausts the report of current theatre transactions, but it does give some conception of the present trend in the theatre field. Coolidge Attends Show of **Roxy and His Gang” (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ' WASHINGTON, D. C., March 10.— Fhuler the auspices of the National Press Club a performance was provided Friday and Saturday for the benefit of veterans at the Walter Reed and Mount Alto hospitals who watched “Roxy and His Gang,” liroadcasting artists from the Capitol theatre. Patrons at the show were President and Airs. Coolidge heading a list of a score of Washington officials. ForetelVs BilVs Doom (Special to Exhibitors Herald) PORTLAND, ORE., March 10.— The Tucker, censorship bill introduced recently in the legislature and which passed the House has been killed by the Senate. The Montana legislature is now considering a similar bill, but it is expected a similar fate is in store for it.