Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

8 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS FILM BULLETIN Philly Has First Sunday Movie Shows Bad Weather . . . It required more than biting winds, rain and sleet to prevent thousands of Philadelphians from celebrating their newly-won "victory" over the ancient state "blue laws," by attending their first Sunday movie shows in this city on November 17th. The inclement weather undoubtedly cut heavily into the attendance, but most of the larger theatres reported excellent business — even for more favorable climatic conditions. It was estimated that close to 200,000 people were attracted by these first Sunday shows. As long as an hour before opening (at 2 P. M.), long queues of "firsts" had formed before several of the downtown theatres. By the middle of the first show, two of the houses reported capacity crowds. At this time, a strong wind was playing havoc with those who ventured out on the street and a driving hail rain was forming slush pools on the sidewalks. But, still, Philadelphians left their homes to experience the novelty of witnessing a movie show on the Sabbath — something which had hitherto been forbidden them by laws written 190 years before. Nabes Not So Hot . . . Reports from neighborhood theatres varied greatly. The larger theatres apparently were fairly well filled, while many of the smaller houses expressed disappointment, despite the weather. It seemed that the smaller the theatre, the less satisfactory the response. The operator of one 500-seater said the gross of the day did not cover his expenses. Except for the Stanley and Fox, central city first-runs, business in the evening was greatly below that in the afternoon. The weather, of course, was blamed for this and many exhibitors pointed out that this happens on any week-day in bad weather. Several neighborhood theatres remained closed. Among these were the Great Northern and the Tioga, both operated by Columbus Stamper. Owners of the closed houses are waiting to learn how their week-day business is affected before making a definite decision. Clergy Say . . . Conflicting opinions were expressed about the open Sunday by various clergymen in the city. Rev. William B. Forney, foremost opponent of Sunday movies and leader in the fight against approval of the b.ll which legalized them, remarked that "Heaven seems to be weeping over the surrender of the Christian Church to the movie companies." Disagreeing with Dr. Forney were several clergymen, who expressed the opinion that the church would not be affected to any material extent. Rev. Dr. Charles H. Long, rector of Zion Episcopal Church, said: "The people who want to come to church will come anyway. I do not expect Sunday movies to have any effect on my congregation." Others who found nothing to concern them in the opening of movie houses on the Sabbath were: Rev. B. Shetlock, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, who said: "The folks who have been coming to church will continue to do so;" Rev. Martin Dietrich, pastor of Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, who stated: Sunday movies will not undermine people's morals more than during the week. It is the type of picture that is shown that matters, not when it is shown." Meanwhile, plans have been made by opponents of Sunday movies to stage a mass meeting protest against them in the near future. Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian ministers and a number of church groups are organizing the meeting. U. S. Studying Moves To Oversee Industry No Self-Control . . . One aftermath of the St. Louis verdict, acquitting five major film executives of anti-trust law violation, is an increased interest on the part of the Federal Government in discovering means of checking the monopolistic practices of the major film companies. With all efforts to organize some plan of self-regulation apparently going by the board, due to lack of interest on the part of the big film moguls, observers in Washington are convinced that the Department of Justice will suggest some type of regulatory legislation at the 1936 session of Congress. The film industry, with few exceptions, has ignored the invitations to attend the "Congress of Industry," slated for meeting in the Capital city on December 9th. This attempt to rehabilitate the NRA idea of self-regulation within the limits of the constitution can hardly expect sympathy from either producers or independent exhibitors, both recalling the Blue Eagle days without relish. Congress . . . But, quite a few important people in the Federal Government and in Congress believe that unless legislation is enacted to protect the ' little fellows," meaning independent exhibitors and producers, Federal censorship may become a necessity. The latter step is regarded as undesirable by most of those watching the industry from the outside, but they point out that there is a rapidly growing demand for Government supervision of the industry and that it will come, unless the big powers in film business consent to loosen their tight grip on the flow of trade within the industry. The coming session of Congress, relieved of the overwhelming burden of New Deal legislation, which occupied practically the entire last session, may readily turn its attention to thoroughly airiig the alleged evils practiced by the majors. All attempts to introduce such legislation before the 1935 Congress were sidetracked. But, the sponsors have droppsd their plans; they are merely biding their time — and it may come shortly after the body convenes in January. RKO Universal Shakeups Awaited Spitz Looking Over . . . Two major film companies are on the verge of studio reorganizations that are bound to reflect decided changes in their products. RKO. with newly appointed president Leo Spitz on his first visit to the studio is momentarily expecting announcement of several important changes in the setup of production executives, while Universal is awaiting the replacement of the founder of the company, Carl Laemmle, by the Charles R. Rogers-J. Cheever Cowdin (Standard Capital Corp.) interests. The poor quality of product coming from the RKO studio within the past two years makes it virtually certain that a complete transformation will take place there. Several film makers are being mentioned to head the lot, with Emanuel Cohen, who had charge of Paramount production for a brief period, supposedly having the inside track because of his friendship with John D. Hertz and Spitz. Observers, however, are of the opinion htat Cohen is not the man to better RKO product. Universal . . . At Universal, production is proceeding on several of the studio's most important features of the year. However, an obvious air of tension has gripped the personnel as the change of management looms nearer. Rogers will complete the last picture on his Paramount deal within the next month and will probably assume charge of U's production promptly thereafter. Option to purchase Universal for #5,500.000, in addition to the #750,000 loan extended to Laemmle several weeks ago, is expected to be exercised by the Cowdin-Rogers group almost any day. Only hitch could be failure of them to obtain money promised by bankers. However, it is believed that U is a good buy at that price and the deal will go through. ''You ain't seen nothing — until you see our SENSATIONAL DISPLAY OF PRIZES for THEATRE GAMES" Don't delay . . . come in TODAY! HORROW NOVELTY COMPANY 1319 VINE STREET Philadelphia Phone: Rittenhouse 6539