Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1954)

EXPLOITATION PICTURE 'Jubilee Trail' Off Beaten Track Characters, Novel Offer Angles A variety of interestiui; characters, lively action and music, and the fame of the (nven Bristow Literary (hiild best-seller give Republic's "Jubilee Trail" an assortment of ])egs on which slnnvmen can hang their exploitation. It should be known right off the bat that, despite the title (maintained on the basis of the novel's poi)ularity ), this is not a musical western in the usual interpretation. There are some zesty musical numbers, lavishly done, and a western background filmed in the best Trucolor, yet, but it is the human clashes, physically and spiritually, that dominate the screenplay. A much higher quota of appeal than usual is aimed at the women, and the showman would do well to make this point. Kev in the web of personalities that mesh in the plot is Vera Ralston as a dance hall entertainer and barroom girl, fleeing from an unwarranted murder rap, to do good in her naughty way. Others for descriptive blowups are Joan Leslie, sweet young newly wed returning to her husband's (John Russell) home to be faced with tragic consequences ; Forrest Tucker, quiet man of strength who is always there when needed; Ray Middleton as Russell's brother, whose ruthless ambition to rule an empire causes his l)rother's death and suicide of unwed mother and baby ; Pat O'Brien, trying to drown out a past of shame in drink ; Buddy Baer as "Handsome Brute", giant of a man in heart and body, but midget in brains, and several others. The pressbook displays the characters' catchlines in a tie-up for a book display shown below that could very well adorn a lobby to excellent advantage. Also pictured is a special set of stills for front blowups and use in lobbies. Pressbook features a widespread book promotion, tied in with the Literary (iuild selection, bookstores, libraries and author Gwen Bristow. The publishers, including Pocket Book editions, are giving the film a strong backing as well. Worthy of mention also are the stills which capture the dramatic, musical and action features efTectively. Republic's New Orleans' sendoff with a gala premiere that brought all the stars, company toppers and municipal and state bigwigs to the affair, biggest movie preem in the city's history. Covered by radio, T\' and the syndicates, j)ublicity was nationwide. Th« BlilU )llualrat*d oU9t complete or •lament material for •ll*CllV* blow-up UM imss Photo of Lobby B Pholo of InMil Cord PSolo of One-Sheet Potter Ari Work Pbolo All Work Photo (Upn9hl) Atk lor Front Sol el five (i) ittlU in ordering from your Motional ScTo«n brtxnch. or ordor bj number BOOK DISPLAY | You can mak* an all«n(ion-9«ltin9 diiploy br uilng a btow-up o( lh» book photo, together with ■tllU of Ih* itan with id«nhfytng charae1«r coptteni. and K«n*i from lh« piclur* Your copy could b« Ev»ry On» Oi Cwon BrUlow's Wondvrlul C>iorocl»n Com*« to Vivid Ul« In 'lubil** Traill" ' StiUj or* availabU on erd«r from your NotioBa] Scrom branch; 1««}-SI3 BoakSlOl CiMraclM St tl Dvkl (!) A(l mats pictured in the pressbook art angled at scope, the novel's popularity and the variety of characters. Principal illustra tion in most is figure of \'era Ralston ir dance hall costume, calculated to draw th( male eye. Prominence of the two fcmalt leads is pointed up also, to catch interest ol the distaff side. Note empliasis of "drama" rather than the western angle. Hook promotion is closely tied in with th< film. In addition to the suggested display a left, bookstore promotions have counter anc window displays. A "living Hook" bally i' suggested, blowing up the jacket photo foi tlic front and using stills or a blow-up of thi otie-sheet on a box slotted for vision. Other promotions outlined in the prcs.s book include costumes, music, a map dis play showing stars and the '{"rail they trans versed, and a special synopsis set of stills. P«g* 20 FILM BULLETIN F*bru«ry B. I7S4