Exhibitors Herald World (Jan-Mar 1929)

January 19, 1929 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 23 Publix, Manufacturers "W'OU wouldn't suspect it when you observe Publix theatres and witness Publix shows. But it's true — Publix runs a factory. This great chain makes polishes and soaps, deodorants and a long list of other supplies for its 600 theatres. Many of its products were conceived by its own research laboratory, which co~t< $100,000 a year. The whole story of this unique institution, the only one in the theatrical world, is told in the "Better Theatres" section under the title, "Publix, Merchant of Shows and Manufacturer of Soaps." It is a significant story of modern business. Warners Service Pacent, Biophone Houses with Film (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— Installation of the talking picture device manufactured by the Pacent Reproducing Company has been approved in two theatres by Warner Brothers and talking pictures served to both theatres by Warner. Warner Brothers also has approved the Biophone installation in the Lafayette theatre and "Lights of New York" has been served the theatre. According to George E. Quigley of Vitaphone, any type of device will be approved and serviced with Warner pictures where It meets with proper quality of reproduc tion, but each installation will be consid ered and approved individually. Tom Mix Ends Contract With F B O; Is Reported Negotiating with Fox (Special to the Herald-World) HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 15.— Tom Mix has ended his contract with F B O, although the contract specified one more picture to be made. It is said that the agreement was ended by mutual consent Saturday night when William LeBaron and Mix looked at the first cut of his latest production, "The Dude Ranch." Although Mix states that he is contemplating a trip to Europe, there are Persistent reports that he is negotiating with Fox for a long term contract and that he dislikes thoughts of leaving the screen Sheehan Adds Movietone Talent and New Scripts (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— Winfield Sheehan s activity in New York has already resulted in the rounding up of movietone talent, scripts for stories and other picture properties, it is learned. An important announcement will be made soon. He also has found time to visit friends in Boston for two days. New Theatre to Replace One Destroyed by Fire (Special to the Herald-World) VIRGIL, KAN., Jan. 15.-The I O O F lodge will build a new fireproof building costing $12,000 with a modern theatre on the first floor. O. D. AUis, former owner and manager of the Derrick, which was destroyed by fire, has a lease on the new house. Paramount and RCA Reported Discussing Joint Operation Arrangement Would Involve All Phases of Entertainment and Would Associate Six Large Organizations and Other Interests in Every Branch of Industry (Special to the Herald-World) NEW \ ORK, Jan. 15. — It is understood from well-informed sources that Paramount and Radio Corporation of America (R C A) have entered into discussions looking to a possible operating agreement between these two powerful factors in the entertainment field. Because of the magnitude of the issues which would be involved in such an undertaking, it is not to be expected that anything of a definite nature will be known for some time — probably not for several months. Although only in the conversational stage, it is understood that the agreement, if effected, would involve practically every phase of the entertainment field, including motion pictures, radio, vaudeville and stage. The possibilities of such an agreement which is under discussion would be limitless. It would bring into association such outstanding organizations as R C A, Paramount, Keith-Albee-Orpheum, F B O, Publix and its hundreds of associated theatres, Victor Talking Machine Company and other interests. Such an agreement would give to Paramount the sound picture production facilities of R C A, a galaxy of artists of international prominence, a nationwide broadcasting chain and other benefits. ^To others it would give the benefits of international theatre chain, international distribution of pictures, and all the facilities of one of the foremost picture producing companies. It would give each participant in the agreement an outlet for product, the scope of which scarcely can be visioned. The organization would rank as one of the greatest internationally. Universal Is Launching Dressmaking Contest in Gordon Fabrics Tieup (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— A total of $3,500 in prizes will go to winners of a dressmaking contest arranged by Universal in a tieup with M. C. D. Borden & Sons, Inc., makers of Borden Fabrics. Any woman who purchases Borden Fabrics from her local store and submits a dress to the local store before May 15 is eligible in the contest. The fifteen best dresses from each Flaming Mail Plane Perils Publicity Pearls (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— Publicity matter from the Fox West Coast studios can now be officially regarded as "hot stuff." A batch of it was scorched when the air mail plane bringing it eastward caught Bre in a crash. It consisted mainly of copy sent by Earl Wingart, head of the Western publicity department of Fox, to Glendon AUvine, head of the Eastern department. When it finally arrived the envelope contained a note from post office inspectors at Omaha saying that it had been damaged in an airplane wreck at Fort Crook Air Field, Omaha, January 6. store will be entered in the national contest and the awards will be made June 15 at the Borden New York headquarters. A motion picture style show of new Borden Fabrics modeled by Universal stars is ready for use of exhibitors, as well as contest paper and trailer. After preliminary style shows at the theatre a local Cotton Queen Contest and Style Show is to be conducted in May. RKO Productions Is New FB O Title; 4 Firms Renamed (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— RKO Productions, Inc., made its formal appearance in the motion picture industry here today. This is the new name of F B O Productions, whose part in the development of the industry' has been a long and honorable one. The familiar F B O name disappears entirely, as each of the four subsidiary companies of RKO Productions was renamed also. Henceforth they will be known as the RKO Distributing Corporation. RKO Studios, Inc., RKO Pictures of Canada, Ltd., and RKO Export Corporation. Officials of the old FBO company were elated at the change in name, feeling that the new title carries with it some of the gloryand prestige of the gigantic Radio-Keith-Orpheum organization, of which RKO Productions is such a prominent part. Hiram S. Brown, president of RKO, will speak over the National Broadcasting chain Tuesday night, January 22, introducing the first of a series of Coast-to-Coast programs. RKO acts will present their specialties. Simmons and Lee to Edit AMP A Year Book; Masque Ball March 2 (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK,. Jan. 15.— Mike Simmons, Bristolphone publicist, and Manny Lee, Pathe minnesinger, have been appointed by President George Harvey of the A M P A to take editorial charge of the A M P A yearbook. The book will be one of the distinctive features of the Hollywood Masque Ball, to be staged at the Astor hotel March 2. Myers Quits Commission To Take Over Allied Duties (Washington Bureau of the Herald-World) WASHINGTON, Jan. 15. — Commissioner Abram F. Myers, recently elected head of Allied States, today left the federal trade commission to take over his new position. He will be succeeded as chairman of the commission by Commissioner Edgar A. McCullough. Appointment by President Coolidge of a member to succeed him on the commission is expected soon.