Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1945)

THE NEWS DIGEST not deny that such an eventuality might be forthcoming. Golden felt that it would be of short duration. The important factor, said Golden, was that the film industry will go into an era of expansion to catch up with the development which normally would have occurred during the past three years. With the release of critical material, he foresaw the erection of 1000 theatres, costing as much as $100,000,000 with the programmed expansion of Hollywood studio facilities involving another $20000,000 to $30,000,000. He also discussed the possibility of prefabricated theatres, plans for which now are complete in all details, and in increase in drive-in theatres, SIXTH WAR LOAN CLOSES As one of the most successful drives ever participated in by the motion pictures industry completed its record-breaking run Harry Brandt, national chairman for the industry's Sixth War Loan Campaign, revealed that the success of the drive would not have been possible without the splendid cooperation shown by exhibitors, distributors, theatre managers and other industry personnel. "I assure you," Brandt stated, "that at the beginning of this drive, the $14,000,000,000 goal looked pretty tough and there was a bit of a doubt in my mind, but after the way the various industry workers pitched in. I soon felt confident that we would do a job. As a result the 6th War Loan will exceed its quota by approximately $6,500,000,000." Brandt returned to his offices and was scheduled for a short vacation after which he again will be active in another industry endeavor, the Red Cross campaign. 5,000,000 SEATS FOR 'DIMES* DRIVE Alabama was the first state to go beyond its quota in the enrollment of theatres for the 1945 March of Dimes campaign, with Rhode Island running a close second. As national headquarters tabulated theatres enlisting in the drive. R. M. Kennedy and R. R Wilby, co-chairmen for Alabama, reported three more theatres pledged than the total number in last year's drive. Over 5000 theatres aggregating more than five million seats were pledged early last week, with every circuit replying signifying 100 per cent cooperation, Joseph R. Vogel. circuit chairman, disclosed. National Screen will furnish participating theatres with a full-color lithographed one-sheet Citation poster sigrned b National Chairman Nicholas M. Schenck and Foundation President Basil O'Connor. The drive publicity committee has prepared a "Thank You" one-sheet which is being mailed with the campaign books. The appeal trailer, featuring Greer Garson. titled The Miracle of Hickory." shows scenes during the North Carolina polio epidemic. NOVEMBER ADMISSIONS TAKE DROP Federal taxes collected during November for October admissions fell slightly below those of the preceding month, totaling THANK YOU for your cooperation in the handling of film. It if working out swell. NOW SAVE PAPER This is an important War Effort. Return posters sent to you in error. Do not throw them aside. Return all posters properly marked, labeled and wrapped. Don't throw them loose in the lobby. YOU DO YOUR PART! WE'LL DO OURS! HIGHWAY EXPRESS LINES, INC. 236 N. 23rd St. 1239 Vine St. 1225 Vine St. Philadelphia 7, Penna. LOCust 4311 d from Pane IS) S30.183.465 aga.nst $31,097,641. Collection, during Wgggf yg* were $16,388 863. The small drop reflected the seasonal trena. The largest portion of the drop was due to a sharp decline s admTssfons from'the Third New York « Broadway I D, net wh re collections dropped from $4,873,946 to $4,015,458. Elsewhere, aa ^^^"33L brought the -al^vern^reve nue from ticket sales for the 11 months of 1944 compared with $152,581,903 for the corresponding period m 1943. Receipts for the year are expected to hit $300,000,000. WAC SCHEDULES THREE Three short subjects for January release were announced by the War Activities Committee. The first, scheduled for January 11th is "Brought to Action." showing the Jap Navy's attempt to snuff out MacArthur s Philippine invasion. United Artists is releasing generally, except for Albany. Des Moines. Memphis. Oklahoma City and Portland, where MGM will handle the film. The second, "What's Your Name," a War Department film stressing the vital need for manpower in war Industries, will be distributed by 20th-Fox and is scheduled for January 18th release. The third is a Red Cross film, produced by March of Time, dramatizing the American Red Cross services to armed forces around the world. Release date is January 25th. RKO will distribute. UA RELEASES FOR HUGHES. STURGES United Artists will release Howard Hughes' 'The Outlaw.' probably in March, it was disclosed last fortnight by Gradwell L. Sears, UA vice-president in charge of distribution. Completed four years ago. Hughes withheld the picture because of distribution difficulties encountered when the Hays office refused to permit the picture a seal unless Hughes deleted "objectionablescenes. Two years ago. he leased the Geary theatre in San Francisco after wide publicity concerning Jane Russell, buxom star of the film, and played the picture, which carried a PCA seal. The cuts indicated by the Hays office will be made before UA releases the picture, Robert Savini, Hughes' agent in the deal, declared. Sears also announced a deal whereby UA will release two pictures to be directed and produced by Preston Stureres, following the latter's departure from the Paramount lot. The deal was concluded between Sears and Henry Henigson. representing California Pictures Corporation. PEOPLE Robert H. O'Brien will become special assistant to Barney Balaban, Paramount president, following his resignation as a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission which was accepted by President Roosevelt on Friday, Dec. 29th. O'Brien will act as liaison between Paramount officers and the company president and will represent Paramount at organizational meetings. Donald A. Henderson was elected Director and Treasurer of 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Sydney TowelL Harry Bodkin resigned his post as branch manager for United Artists in Philadelphia to retire from the industry. Morton MagiU. UA branch manager in Pittsburgh, replaces Bodkin in Philadelphia, while William Shartin of the company's New Haven branch, steps into Magill's spot in Pittsburgh. William Healy was named administrative assistant to Austin C. Keough, Paramount vice-president and general counsel. J. F. Wrege was appointed assistant to J. J. Unger, United Artists Western division sales manager, replacing Emanuel Silverstone, who has joined the foreign department in an executive capacity. Mrs. Ethel Smith, wife of Martin Smith, president of Allied States Association and Ohio theatre circuit operator, died in Toledo January 2nd following complications caused from burns she received on Dec. 6th. Bill Blowitz resigned from the Paramount publicity department to handle press relations for Mary Pickford, effective Jan. 8th. NEW JERSEY ! SIGN THAT PLEDGE! MESSENGER , MARCH OP DIMES SERVICE JAN. 25-31 McnihfT Natl Film Carrier, , 250 N. JUNIPER ST. Pnlladelphia, Pa. 1 33