The Film Daily (1940)

-gst OAuy Tuesday, June 11,19 Para. Sales Policy Flexible, Says Agnew f Paramount's accounts were sold on a flat rental basis and that the company preferred it that way. Each deal is completed to fit local situations, he added, stressing the fact that there was no set rule as to percentajre contracts, except those with the laitrer clicuits. "Prosperity Club" Ruled Not a Lottery in Omaha Omaha -"Prosperity Club,' $500 weekly triveaway sponsored by city's 23 theaters, has been driven the go ahead signal by Municipal Judge Palmer. Plan is now in its fourth week, aiul requires people to register in theater lobby but not pay admission to register or win the award. Thej must sign card on day of drawinj^ to be in line for the award, however. Palmer dismissed a lottery charge against Manager Allen of the Omaha Theater and said "signing of a card does not constitute consideration by any stretch of the imagination." Allen had been arrested as a test case. Denis Film in Rochester Rochester — "Asia-Africa-Advenlure," will be shown by Armand Denis and Leila Roosevelt at the Eastman Theater here, today, under sponsorship of the Civic Music Association. Denis was associated with the Eastman Kodak Company for many years. WEDDING BELLS Lincoln, Neb.— When the Stuart Theater's cashier, Alice Trumble, was married to Don Costello, one time usher, all her sister "how many" girls were attendants. Indianapolis — Marguerite Barton, Columbia cashier, and Charles Stewart were married Saturday in the parsonage of Roberts Park Methodist Church here. Cincinnati — Miss Helen Lederer, UA, is to be married June 29. Cincinnati — Marion Ray, RKO, has announced her engagement and approaching marriage to Al Neitus, lawyer. Chicago trade is extending congratulations to Max Factor, formerly a Great States booker on his recent marriage. He is now associated with the Pioneer Theater circuit. Albany — G. Schuyler Beattie of Watervliet, Paramount head booker, was married June 7 to the former Miss Rosamund Keenan of Troy. wiTti PHIL M. DALTi ▼ T T • • • WHEN Spyros Skouras spoke at last Thursday's Ampa meeting and made a plea oi the closest possible co-operation twist all wings of the industry in the face of the current economic crisis growing out of the international maelstrom he struck sympathetic "tuning forks" in various key spots throughout filmland This comer has found reaction to the Skouras suggestions lo be prompt and poignant which proves the industry is quick as ever to light against adverse forces emanating from without as well as from within ▼ ▼ ▼ m % % ONE of the first voices raised in stipport of the Skouras rallying cry was that of Grad Sears who gave Kis endorsement pronto Now we have before us a copy of "An Open Letter To Spyros Skouras" from B. S. Moss and its content is of clear interest — so here it is: T T T • • • "DEAR Mr. Skouras May I congratulate you upon your plain statement of facts at Thursday's Ampa luncheon May I also wholeheartedly second your plan lor a 'moral merger' and the formation of a representative committee The Town Hall Meetings of the Air have proved that Americans like to hear both sides of a question and like to ask questions about subjects in which they are interested Why not put this committee monthly upon the stage of one of our empty theaters and invite members of the industry perhaps the public also to come and participate? Let them discuss block-booking and other worries Maybe this would knock them out of their 'current lethargy' as you so aptly put it T T T • • • "WHY not then put up prizes for the best original ideas from the rank and file of the industry — make them feel a vital part of it, able to make a definite contribution? On your third point. . . .-. .concerning admission prices I u;oH!d like to make this comment Prices should not be hiked sinless absolutely necei,sary because the public is being sold today on the air and through published articles on the idea that large organizations can through increased efficiency give better value for less money For 25 per cent less than we paid 25 years ago we get today a much better automobile Mazda lights once sold for $1.00 apiece; today an improved bulb sells for 15 cents Why should the same theory not work for the movies? T T T • • • "DOUBLE features we both agree are bad Why not eliminate them, economize in this fashion and give the exhibitors fascinating and informative short subjects instead? I commend your effort to wake up the industry ond snap it out of its doldrums and fatigue Good luck to you Sincerely (signed) B. S. Moss" ▼ TV • • • WELL, setting aside biz controversy for awhile we turn to a recreational controversy — THE FILM DAILY Golf Tourney which is being fiercely contested (even as you read these words) up on the gay greensward of the Glen Oaks Club near Great Neck This controversy proves something else namely, that this industry will only be as strong as the health, serenity and sense of humor of its executives It will be a sorry day indeed when (Heaven forbid!) we have a blackout on wholesome diversion and good fellowship That's why today's Golf Tournament is much, much more than just a golf tournament! Further Film Loss In Italy's War Entry {Cuntinucd from Page 1) Balkan countries would go throu Bagdad instead of through Mediterranean, with a longer ti for shipments the principal d culty at this time. The film forwarding companv sj that shipments to Sweden anA land were now being handled tW Petsamo, Finland, or through C stanta, Roumanian port on the Bl Sea. Although no business is bei done now in Italy by the majors was believed that the Italian m^ would cause blackouts and sub quent theater shutdowns in m southern French cities where b ness had been good due to the flux of population from other pa of the country. "Too Many Girls" Is in Rehearsal at RKO Radio H'est Coast Bureau of THE FILM >DAl Hollywood — George Abbott started rehearsals at RKO for film version of "Too Many Girl Pix cast in addition to Desi Ari" will have the following from Broadway production: Hal Le R Eddie Bracken, Mildred Law, ^^ liam Blees, Janet Lavis, Anna W Tesslo, Libby Bennett, Amari Morris and James Benton. All the players will return to the ci w-hen "Too Many Girls" goes tour in the Fall. It will open in C cago on Labor Day. Jerry Whyte, who was stage mt ager for Abbott in New York, con out to assist him. Hugh Martin 1 been released from his duties "Louisiana Purchase" to arrange 1 Rodgers and Hart score here, will play a part in the film and tt return to "Louisiana Purchase." Win Merit Drive Prizes Second drawing for prizes in Merit Pictures Corp. playdate d. was held last week with A. Eps: St. Marks Theater, N. Y. City, ^v ner of the first prize. Adolph Wei . Plaza, So. Jamaica, won second p; i , and third prize went to R. Ste kretz, Square, Brooklyn. Films Escape in 111. Springfield, 111.— The Illinois L. • islature adjourned its special sess. i without enacting any film legis • tion during the session. STORKS Beckley, W. Va.— C. D. Crawfo Beckley Theater, recently became t father of a baby boy. Cincinnati — Irving Sochin, I representative, is father of a ba girl, Stephanie, born June 6.