Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1934 - Aug 1935)

INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS. "FILM BULLETIN" THE EDITOR'S DIARY To and At the Allied Convention SUNDAY En Route . . . Group consisting of Morris Wax, Harry Fried, Dave Barrist, Columbus Stamper, and the editor of FILM BULLETIN hopped off from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, Sunday afternoon at 2.19. Oscar Neufeld had left the night before to look over the territory (?) in advance. Barrist set out immediately to make up the sleep he had lost the night before, while the others shmoosed about everything from the Convention to Georgia peaches (fruit variety). Snatched a swell picture of Barrist dreaming, but afraid it won't jell — too much vibration. At Washington, ran into Herman Blum, Allied prexy in Baltimore, and dynamic little Red Kann, the boyish-looking fellow who edits M. P. Daily so capably. While waiting for a switch of trains in Union Station, watched March of Time take movies of Secretary of Agriculture Harry Wallace, Chicago-bound. Snitched a couple stills for myself. Off from the Capital to bumb into Abram Myers, Allied counsel and Board Chairman, looking at a menu in the diner (of all places!). After dinner, two hours of intense and hot industry problem discussion. Nothing definite settled, but a few fair ideas exchanged. AH this taking place in the washroom just outside the men's youknow-what, i if < » Early to bed and about one-half hour s sleep on the jerkiest train ever. MONDAY Up at six and damn glad to get out of that berth. Breakfast and "last stop, Atlanta!— all out!" Checked in at Piedmant Hotel. Hello to Sid Samuelson and a couple dozen others. Wash up, and down to lunch. Introduced to Georgia corn licker. Whooo! Pete Woodhull, Oscar Neufeld along with J. W. McCormack, Amity Pictures, our delightful Southern host. Four o'clock and the first meeting — National Directors only, x iiey lay plans for the conduct of the Convention. Samuelson says that everything is going to be thrown wide open. M-G-M in Chicago; block booking, high percentages; preferred playing time — everything to get a good, healthy airing. Policy Committee appointed: Messrs. Littlefield, Saperstein, Wax, Col. Borisky. To decide problems to be discussed at general sessions and report to President Samuelson. HORROR FESTIVAL" DUAL BILL E. K. drops us a line from New York to suggest that some enterprising exhibitor should double feature "The Bride of rFankenstein" and "The Phantom Fiend" — and plug the twin bill as a "horror festival." Well-grounded rumor is that most important problems (Metro, producers' boycotts, etc.) will be discussed in secret meetings, press and outsiders excluded. Convention Committee on committees to advise President: Messrs. Smith, Richey, Hertington, Stone, Katz. Directors' Committee to consult on Insurance: Messrs. Smith, Lazarus, Olive. Adjourned. Late arrivals (by machine): Ray Schwartz, Dave Milgram, Charlie Goldfine, Ben Green. 8 P. M. and a charming reception for Mr. and Mrs. Samuelson, Commissioner Myers, and the other national officers. Am I tired! Activities for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will just have to wait for next week's issue. Good night. "Not a dark house in more than 20 years of film delivery service!" NEW JERSEY MESSENGER SERVICE 250 N. JUNIPER ST. PHILA. "The show must go on!" — and it takes reliable delivery service to get it there on time . . . HorlacheR DELIVERY SERVICE 1228 VINE ST. PHILA. M. Lawrence Daily, Notary Public THE LOCAL INDUSTRY'S FAVORITE PRINTING COMPANY NATIONAL-PENN Printing Company 1233 VINE STREET PHILADELPHIA SIMON LIBROS AL. ' BLOFCjN OSCAR LIBROS from Philly By BREVITY They're calling Abe Rovner "Honest Abe" now. He lost his coat, presented a claim to his insurance company and collected. Then, he discovered that the coat had been in Dave Barret's office all the time, so he promptly returned the money to the insurance company. Meanwhile, Dave swears that he has a coat of his own and doesn't need Abe's. R C. Meeker, head of Sound Equipment Servicing Company, who was severely injured in an auto acident several weeks ago, is on the road to recovery. He's expected home from the Stroudsburg hospital this week. * * The local G-B staff has been reorganized. Herb Given, of course, remains at the helm. Lillian Gimbel is the new booker. Johnny Schaeffer is handling Philadelphia and New Jersey sales. George Dillon comes in to take care of the Harrisburg division. * * We hear that Jack Ungerfeld is still in possession of the Palm, Palmerton, despite the story that Cities Theatres was to assume the house. * * Were wondering if it's true that there will soon be a shakeup in one of the major film offices. * * Mr. and Mrs. Herb Given, Vine Street's most handsome couple, did pretty well for themselves down at the Pimlico track last week-end. * % One of the smaller indie exchanges will fold soon. * * Murray Beier, Charlie Donohue and their Preferred Pictures staff move across the street to 1323 Vine Street on or about June 1st. * * Sam Hyman is in University Hospital recovering from an operation. * * Lew Berger returned to the street last week aftering licking an operation. * * And, while we're mentioning our sick list, Lou Blaustein, NSS man, came back to his post on Monday. Lou was stricken about two months ago. Stanley Goldberg did a good job at Lou's position during his absence. * * Fays is scheduled to close this Thur:day night. Bud Irwin has been managing the house since Sid Stanley was moved up to Comerford's Capitol, Wilkes-Barre. * * The Philadelphia Moving Picture Machine Operators Union, Local No. 307, moved into new headquarters at 1230 Vine Street on Monday. Open house was held for the trade. * * Miss Willensky, IEPA secretary, prepared the case of the indie exhibs against Sunday movies. * * Harry LaVine, Gold Medal boss, is being credited with having done a swell job in putting the exchange over the top. With the aid of a capable staff, LaVine has the place humming with activity. * * Ben Harris is one of those infernal, proud papas who just can't tell you enough about his kids.