Exhibitors Herald World (Jan-Mar 1929)

January 19, 1929 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 27 "Standing Room Only" Ticket Sale Is Barred To Montreal Exhibitors (Special to the Herald-World) MONTREAL, Jan. 15— An ordinance just put into effect prohibits the sale of any "Standing Room Only" tickets, while exhibitors have been instructed to discard the "Standing Room Only" signs which have been much in evidence of late. The new regulation, as announced by Chairman Desroches of the Civic Executive, provides that the sale of a ticket at a theatre box office entitles the purchaser to immediate possession of a seat when performances are continuous. When all seats are filled, the box office sale is to be terminated and no patron will be permitted to stand. The Montreal police department was instructed on January 12 to visit all local theatres to see that the regulation was being observed. Further, preparations are being made for the promulgation of a local statute prohibiting a queue of waiting people outside of any amusement house, although patrons may wait in line in the lobby. The new rules are being enforced in the cause of safety, it is stated. Cashier's Screams Send Thief Away in Panic (Special to the Herald-World) TORONTO, Jan. 15.— The Pantages theatre was the scene of an attempted holdup on January 10 when a lone bandit ordered Miss Cora Park, box office cashier, to hand over the cash. Miss Park screamed instead and the racket scared the robber away. Some months ago the lobby wicket at the Pantages, which is the largest theatre in Canada, was held up and robbed of some $800. In the recent case the police subsequently arrested William Reist, aged 21, and he confessed to the attempt. Agnew to Write Screen Version for Sono-Art (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— Frances Agnew has been signed by the Sono-Art productions to write the screen version of "Broadway Bound," the company's first feature length audien. "Broadway Bound" is an original story by Eddie Dowling, in which he will also star. "Toy Shop," T-S Picture, to Play in 52 Loew's Houses (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— Phil Meyer, manager of Tiffany-Stahl exchange closed a contract with the entire Loew Circuit of which the circuit will play the company's color symphony, "The Toy Shop," in 52 houses in the metropolitan district. New Theatre with Sound To Replace Fire Ruins (Special to the Herald-World) HARRISBURG, ILL., Jan. 15.— The Orpheum, which was ruined by fire several weeks ago, will be replaced by a modern picture house. The new theatre will be equipped with DeForest Phonefilm and will open in March. I'm Responsible, Brookhart Says of U. S. Regulation Bill Myers, Answering Rembusch Charge He Authored Measure, Tells HeraldWorld He "Does Not Desire to Participate in Controversy Raised by Producer Interests" (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15. — Senator Smith W, Brookhart claims full responsibility for the bill bearing his name which seeks to regulate the motion picture industry by federal legislation. Charges have been made, particularly by Frank J. Rembusch, militant exhibitor from Indiana, to the effect that Abram F. Myers was the author of the unwelcome Brookhart bill, or at least lent a helping hand in its drawing. Myers, since the offering of the bill, has become head of the Allied States Exhibitors organization, with headquarters in Washington. The HeraldWorld asked Senator Brook dent of the Troy local, was in Albany during F N Enters Film Center Structure This Month (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 15.— The New York and New Jersey exchanges of First National pictures will move into the new Film Center building about the middle of January. The company will be located on the tenth floor of the building. hart pointblank if Myers wrote the bill or helped in the task. Senator Brookhart did not answer the direct question, but made this reply: "I am personally responsible for all bills which I introduce in the Senate unless I state at time of introduction that same is introduced by request." A study of the Congressional Record for Dec. 13, 1927, the day the Brookhart bill was offered in the Senate, reveals that Senator Brookhart brought up the bill without comment or address. It was read twice, a formality, and referred to the committee on interstate commerce. Despite the fact that Senator Brookhart implies, now, that he alone was responsible for the bill, it has been charged openly and not denied that Myers was at least a consultant. Myers and Brookhart are both from Iowa and the interest of both in motion pictures — the former as federal trade commissioner and the latter as United States senator — is wellknown. The HeraldWorld, seeking the facts from the principals involved, asked Myers if he wrote the Brookhart bill or participated in the drawing of its terms. He declined to answer the question, replying in the following terms: "Do not desire to participate in controversy raised by producer interests regarding; authorship of Brookhart Bill, nor do I think it would be proper. I sugeest that you address your inquiry to Senator Brookhart. " the past week, spending some time with the bill drafting commission in outlining the provisions he desired to be embodied in the bill. While there is a state law to the effect that employers must grant one day of rest out of every seven, the law does not apply to projectionists. Theatres Closed for "Flu"; But Ban Is Lifted Early (Special to the Herald-World) ST. MARY'S, ONT., Jan. 15.— Belated action on the part of local authorities because of the influenza complaint was taken when the town officials ordered the two local theatres, churches, schools, dance halls and pool rooms closed for one week. The original order called for two weeks, terminating January 14, but the ban was raised January 10 after conditions had materially improved. "One Day a Week Off" Is Asked for Projectionists (Special to the Herald-World) ALBANY, Jan. 15.— A bill of interest^ to every motion picture machine operator in New York state will shortly be introduced in the New York state legislature as the first step toward providing a day off for projectionists each week. Harry A. Brooks of Troy, presi 2 Youths Escape with $700 Theatre Receipts (Special to the Herald-World) CHESTER, PA., Jan. 15.— Thomas Mangan. manager of the Washington theatre, was held up by two unmasked youths while alone in the theatre office shortly after 10 o'clock last week and robbed of $700. Mangan and Edward Weber, a special policeman employed at the theatre, gave chase, but the thieves disappeared and no trace has been found of them. Citizens of Elwood Pay Tribute to Frank Mackey (Special to the Herald-World) ELWOOD, IND., Jan. 15.— Citizens of this city recently paid tribute to Frank H. Mackey, wellknown theatre operator, with funeral services conducted at the residence. Earlier members of the Kiwanis club visited the home and held short services. Children Beat Out Flames with Caps Before Firemen Can Reach Theatre (Special to the Herald-World) NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 15. — Fire broke out in the Queen theatre Saturday night during a performance of "Tarzan the Mighty," but was extinguished by a half dozen children who, with their caps and seat cushions, beat out the flames which ate their way up a sidewall towards the ceiling. The youngsters had the blaze out before the arrival of the Bremen. Under a heading, "A Happy Record," the "Morning Times" stated editorially: "Fires have started recently in three or four neighborhood moving picture theatres during the showing of films. But in no case did panic result. In two of them, the fire was conBned to the projection room. But last Saturday night a Bre m the Queen theatre started near the audience and attacked the side walls. But the audience, mostly children, instead of stampeding in panic, quietly walked out. Some of them even stopped to attack the fire with rugs and seat cushions."