Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1930)

October 11, 1930 EXHIBITORS HERALD -WORLD 23 Normalcy on Way But Waste Must Never Return, Says Katz Optimism Fully Justified by Business Facts, He Declares Fox Will Build Four Big Houses in Texas, NeWS Story States Paramount Organization Told the Methods Permitted Under Rapid Expansion Have Got to Go (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 9. — Although warning that "present and future conditions demand, in best interests of all concerned, the fullest measure of effectiveness from every effort and every dollar," Sam Katz, head of Publix, has told his executive cabinet that from facts presented by President Hoover in recent addresses, the conclusion is that there is reason for optimism. "Industry in general," said Katz, "is assuming the steady, progressive pace of normalcy, following a period of over-expansion and over-production. "Expansion has encouraged some neglect in obtaining the fullest value from every dollar and every effort we expend," he admonished in reference to the Publix organization. "This, too, must be stopped so that a guarantee of company and personnel security may be had to the highest degree. Every dollar and every effort we expend must do its full, effective duty. Waste Uncalled for At Any Time, Says Katz "Definitely, I want to say to everybody that this situation as to operating costs is not to be taken as a reason for pessimism anywhere in Publix. In reality, it should create optimism. Publix needs now and will need in greater number in the future, all the capable, intelligent, effective, energetic and loyal manpower and brainpower that we can develop. Even under emergencies of hasty expansion, waste and useless impediments had no reason for being. There is no justification for them under normalcy." Stating that the financial standing of Paramount-Publix was greater than ever, Katz advised that "the readaptation of operating costs that is occurring is required in the interest of good business practice and for the security of every employe in the company. This Period Seen as One of Changing Values "At this time," he said, "we are passing through a temporary period of changing values and confusion. The firm foundation upon which the United States rests with its free, educated people, its natural resources and national resourcefulness, is a permanent, unchanging factor for optimism. "Long ago Paramount-Publix insured its future and the future of its personnel by the adoption and strict maintenance of sane, conservative business policies, in order to provide a bulwark against dangers of possible world economic disturbance in the future. Our company and those in it who are usefully engaged may well feel reassured as to safety from any dangers which present and future conditions might threaten. "This, of course, means a strict continuation and, if possible, more strict surveillance of effectives and effectiveness. "There exists a tendency to spend money for things that we can either do without or can create within ourselves. I expect this tendency to be curbed." Vigilance Needed Over Expenditures and Promotion Continuing, he declared, "The importance of exercising the utmost thought and effort to safeguard expenditures and similarly to increase income cannot be overestimated at any time. At this moment, anything less than a vigorous, determined vigilance and effort is dangerous. This fact is the only outstanding or alarming symbol of economic conditions of the present and future that confront Publix and nation. We can and will conduct ourselves accordingly and Paramount-Publix will emerge stronger and greater and its personnel will find more enduring and well-founded happiness in its daily tasks." (Special to the Herald-World) DALLAS, Oct. 9.— The Dallas News says that Dallas and three other Texas cities are to have $1,500,000 theatres by September 1, 1931, and connects Fox Film Corporation with the project. The story says further that the theatres will be elaborate and of modern design, with ample accommodations for the Fanchon and Marco stage shows, a part of the Fox organization. The stated $1,500,000 cost is only an estimate, however, for the newspaper explains that it is using this figure only on the basis of the outlay which Fox has made for de luxe theatres in other key cities. The former Interstate Amusement Company has a three-year contract for Fox Films in the Majestic theatres at Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. This contract expires September 1, 1931. Interstate Amusement is now a part of the R K O organization. R K O with its own product to exhibit in the four cities, is not expected to renew the Interstate Amusement's contract with Fox. According to the newspapers, Fox will have its real estate agents here within six weeks to select a site for the first of the new theatres. Tri-State M P T O Meets in Memphis Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 (Special to the Herald-World) MEMPHIS, Oct. 9.— The Tri-States MP T O, comprising the states of Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, will hold its fall convention here Sunday and Monday, November 30 and December 1. The program and speakers have not been announced. Find Heavy Percentages Of Youth at Showings Of "Abraham Lincoln" Film So Popular Many High Schools In East Send Students En Masse (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 9.— The interest on the part of school pupils in certain types of motion pictures has led to the showing of Saturday morning matinees for their special benefit. Last Saturday such a performance of "Abraham Lincoln," playing at the Central theatre, was given for high school pupils of New York. It was attended by members of the student body of Bay Ridge, Wadleigh and Haaren high schools and the High School of Commerce. It is pointed out that the greater part of the audience at the performances of this film are young people. So active is the interest of high school pupils in particular that they are buying tickets in groups and attending the theatre in a body. A second Saturday showing was held for the pupils of the Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn.