The Film Daily (1948)

0*\ DAILY Thu sday, May 20 194J RKO to Expand 16 mm. Transportation Dates (Continued from Page 1 ) charge of foreign distribution, is said to be enthusiastic about the project, visualizing a vast new development in a field of almost limitless possibilities. Sales toppers reveal that a start already has been made, with the field barely tapped thus far. Recent reports show that RKO pix are now playing the Shannon Airport, while the USS America, and the Swedish motorship Stockholm have been equipped with projection facilities and are playing the RKO program. It is pointed out that at least one U. S. train is using 16 mm. films, and that films have been tried out on some of the trans-Atlantic Constellation planes. As to future possibilities, RKO points to long-run trains operating in the South American continent, Australia, Europe and the Far East. Air lines are listed as prospects, as well as ocean cruises, and the many ships which ply the seas without ever putting in at New York harbor. 20th Branches Set New High in Smith Drive (Continued from Page 1) sales manager. The company's 31 branches in the U. S. and six in Canada also topped a previous high established in the first 18 weeks of 1946. Sales performance marks first objective in division sales managers efforts in the Andy Smith Anniversary Month celebration. Harry G. Ballance's Southern Division rolled up a total of 3,600 contracts in the single week ending May 1. AFM to Meet in Asbury Park Asbury Park, N. J.— The AFM convention will be held in Convention Hall here June 7-11. Chairman Wayne Coyne of the FCC speaks at the final morning business session. STORKS West Coast Bureau of THE FILM 'DAILY Hollywood — A son, named Mark, was born to Mrs. Paul McNamara, wife of the Selznick vice-president in charge of public relations, in Good Samaritan Hospital here yesterday. It's the McNamaras first child. Baby weighed in at six pounds. West Coast Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A baby girl weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and named Melinda, was born at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital to Carl and Eileen Stacks. Father has been for many years in the story department at Warners. INDUSTRY MOURNS FOR PETTIJOHN Denver — B. A. Dixon, manager of the Gothic, and Mrs. Dixon are parents of a baby girl, Debra Carol Dixon. "T'HE death of Charles C. Pettijobn in Indianapolis yesterday cast a pall over ■ the industry in New York and elsewhere and expressions of 2rief and tributes came swiftly from company toppers and others who had long known and esteemed the former MPPDA general counsel. Among them to reach THE FILM DAILY last night were these: WILL H. HAYS, former president of the MPPDA: "Charley Pettijohn was a friend of friends for friendship's sake. This quality he expressed in countless services to innumerable persons. He long served this industry loyally and well and gave much indeed of his life and strength to its welfare. He will be genuinely missed everywhere. His passing is a great personal loss." SP"YROS P. SKOURAS, president, 20th-Fox: "In the passing of C. C. Pettijohn, I have experienced a great personal loss, and the industry has lost one of its truly outstanding leaders. His constructive contribution to the motion picture industry, during his many years of association with it, cannot be estimated. He was a great friend of all of us, and his passing leaves a void in our midst." NATE J. BLUMBERG, president, Universal: "The motion picture industry has lost one of its veterans in the passing of Charles Pettijohn. As one who knew him for many years, I join with the industry in extending my sympathy to his family." WILLIAM F. RODGERS, vice-president, Loew's: "It is wirh deep regret that I note the passing of Charles C. Pettijohn. I knew him for many years, and always held him in high regard." JACK ALICOATE, publisher of THE FILM DAILY: "In the death of Charley Pettijohn, the industry loses a staunch friend and a valiant defender of its rights. During his 20 years as Will Hays' right hand, we had frequent business and social con tact and were ever impressed with his conviction that the motion picture industry was the best in the world." BARNEY BALABAN, president, Paramount: "The untimely death of Charles Pettijohn comes as a shock to all of us in the industry who knew him so well and worked with him so many years. As an executive of the MPPDA he contributed invaluable work in bringing about a better understanding among all the people of our industry and with the public served by our industry. My deepest sympathy is extended to members of his family." GRADWELL L SEARS, president of UA: "Charley Pettijohn helped nurse our industry through its swaddling-clothes. Now, in its maturity, his guidance and counsel will be sorely missed." GORDON YOUNGMAN, vice-president and general counsel of RKO: "The industry is sincerely sorry to lose an old and valued friend." FRANCIS S. HARMON, MPAA vice-president: "The members of the staff of the MPAA received the news of the death of Charles C. Pettijohn while they were holding a regular staff conference. The older members of the staff who had been associated with Mr. Pettijohn over a period of years reviewed the long history of his accomplishments for the motion picture industry. They joined with me in lamenting the passing of a good fellow and democratic personality. He will be long remembered for his infectious optimism and enthusiasm." 00 To Show Korda Pix (Continued from Page 1 ) tures released, Robert L. Coe, station manager, declared. The following stations have already signed to play the pictures: WGN, Chicago; WBZ, Boston; WWJ, Detroit; WMAR, Baltimore; WFIL, Philadelphia; WTMJ, Milwaukee; WBEN, Buffalo; WMAL, Washington; KSTP, Minneapolis; KTLA, Los Angeles; WEWS, Cleveland; WBAP, Ft. Worth; WHIO, Dayton; WSB, Atlanta; WPIX, New York; KSD, St. Louis, and the new station in Miami. Included in the 24 picture package are such features as "Rembrandt," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "The Ghost Goes West" and "Private Life of Henry VIII." Blumenstock Assigns Serlin Mort Blumenstock, Warners vicepresident in charge of advertising and publicity, announces the appointment of Bernie Serlin as field man in the Central District, with headquarters in Cincinnati. Serlin will also cover the company's branch areas in Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Film Pad on "Trial And Error" Operation (Continued from Page 1) the meeting was not stated, it is understood that it was to permit the participation of John G. McCarthy, associate manager of the MPAA international dep't., who gets in today from New York for a short stay. The BOT spokesman, expressing the official Labor Government viewpoint, referred to the pact as a "gentlemen's agreement" rather than a legal document, a reference that quickly stirred trade interest. The agreement, of course, is unique in that the signatories are a Government and a foreign, private industry. Publication of the official text, now anticipated about next Wednesday, will not reveal any points not already known, it was said. (Provisions of the agreement were exclusively detailed in The Film Daily on March 12). ANTFA Dinner Meeting The Allied Non-Theatrical Film Association will hold its monthly dinner meeting in the Hotel Sheraton, Monday evening. Program will center around the topic "Promoting the 16 mm. Industry." Charles Pettijohn Dies in Indianapolis (Continued from Page 1) tration, and Bruce A., and a siste' Mrs. Gertrude Frary. ao. Pettijohn retired as genera i sel of the MPPDA, now the Mi-iL in March of 1942, after 20 yeai service with that organization. A native of Indiana, he came ini the industry as attorney for Fran Rembusch, Indiana exhibitor, an later was legal advisor to an e: hibitor group in Indianapolis. Con ing East, he was with Exhibitor Mutual, leaving that organization tj join Lewis Selznick. A former secretary of the Indian Democratic organization, despiK political differences, he was a clos friend of Will H. Hays, and whe Hays resigned as Postmaster Get eral to head the newly forme I MPPDA, Pettijohn, who had been j factor in the organization of tha group, became its general counsel. His long record of industry servic '\ was marked by many an achieve ment, legislative and otherwise. H organized the industry for participa \ tion in the nation's war effort i 1917. He effectively led the motio picture's fight against outside cen sorship, and he had much to do wit the legalization of Sunday shows. In addition to his many friends i the film industry, Pettijohn was close friend of many persons promi nent in politics and government, an had been acquainted with severa, Presidents of the U. S. For a time he served as town coun cilman of Harrison, N. Y., winninj the post by a then unusual move iift which he campaigned via two brie sound films which were shown in th> village theater, in the town squar< and at the Westchester Country Club. He had been called to Italy oi business at the time of the campaign A resident of Harrison, Pettijohi left for Indianapolis, his native city' about three weeks ago for a visi to his brother, Dr. Blanchai-d B Pettijohn, and for a physical check up. He gave up his law practice about three years ago. i Set Revere Trial Date Chicago— Trial of the $3,000,00< \\ anti-trust action filed by Revert' Camera Co. against Eastman Kodal will be held June 15 before Federa Judge Phillip Sullivan. Zabel anc Gritzbaugh are attorneys for Re vere, with Eastman represented h\ Herrick, Vette and Peregrine. CHARTERED H. M. THEATER CO., INC., Charlotte, N. C.J to operate theaters. Authorized capital stock $100,000 with $300 stock subscribed by Frank Sims, Fred Hasty, and Elmer Rouzer, all of Charlotte. INTERNATIONAL CITY BROADCASTING SERVICE, INC., Dover, Del.; purpose, deal in television broadcasting stations; capital, $1,000, 000; principal office, the Corporation Trust Company, 100 West Tenth St., Wilmington, Del