Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1936 7 AILILIIED'S IP AST ICIECCKID By Abram F. Myers General Counsel and Chairman of the Board of Allied Allied was organized in protest against producer domination of the M. P. T. O. A., and this circumstance explains Allied's undeviating devotion to the interests of the independent exhibitors. The organizers had the vision to so vest control of policy during the first three years that subversive interests could gain no foothold in Allied's affairs, and when in 1932 the control was turned back to the members this policy was so firmly established that the forces of hell could not prevail against it. The fi st problem tackled by Allied was that of securing "interchangeability" in the use of the various brands of sound film on the different types of reproducing equipment. This accomplished, Allied turned its attention to the high cost of sound pictures and equipment and negotiated the R-K-O and Tiffany franchises which resulted in lower price levels in territories where exhibitors made proper use of the opportunity afforded them. At the same time Allied induced RCA Photophone to produce a standard equipment for less than $300.00 which would be available to small theatre owners. Competition compelled ERPI to build a low price equipment also and thus Allied's vision and initiative made it possible for thousands of small theatres to remain in business. Allied leaders being willing to assume personal risks in the cause to which the organization was dedicated testified for the Government in the Paramount and First National cases, and by continually pressing for action paved the way for the decisions outlawing compulsory arbitration and the blacklisting credit bureaus. In industry conferences Allied has always insisted on real relief, not gestures, and has several times wrung important concessions from the sales managers only to have the agreements arrived at repudiated by the overlords of the industry advised and guided by the Haysites. Much of the protection which Allied has afforded the independent exhibitors cannot be counted in terms of affirmative action. By unremitting resistance to the encroachments, Allied has greatly neutralized the combined forces and power of the producers. This was especially true under the Code when the Big Eight possessed powers of life and death over the independents which they dared not exercise. Last winter Allied leaders battled openly and boldly for the Neely-Pettengill Bill, suffering abuse and slander at the hands of the Haysites while many rabbit-hearted exhibitors whose interests were at stake remained at home. Both the Senate and House subcommittees have reported the measure favorably — which leaves unbroken Allied's record of never having lost an argument on the merits of the independents' cause. Allied now is actively engaged in a project to build on the foundation of two existing minor companies a new major producing and distributing organizations in which the exhibitors will have a stake as an offensive and defensive competitive weapon. A new program of intense activity involving the creation of competition as well as a new legislative program and plans for litigation will be fashioned at the Cleveland Convention. llbvuJi ft FEATURES which make this NEW REGISTER superior to any previous mode See the fascinating GENERAL REG I ST ER exhibit of new ticket issuing machines in our booth at the Hollenden Hotel, during Allied Convention. GCtiCRAt RCGfSFCR CORPORATION M*0 BROADWAY HCWY6RK, N.V. ic Individual unit construction if Velvet touch keyboard ir Silent operation if Visable counters it Modern consol cabinet if Complete flexibility in size if Guaranteed mechanical performance if Removable motor if Safety lock (Register operates only when loaded with tickets)