Fox West Coast Theaters Now (May 14, 1930)

NOW Civic "Leaders Extoll Career Of F.W. C. Chief • At Hollywood Breakfast Club's Enthusiastic Gathering • RARELY does the world-famous breakfast Club steed, Ham, welcome such a powerful group as Joseph M. Schenck, Harold B. Franklin, Governor C. C. Young, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, and Louis B. Mayer. # As Living evidence of the higu esteem in which Harold B. Franklin, President of Fox West Coast Theatres, is held by his friends and asso- ciates in the motion picture business, over two thousand people from all parts of the state of California gathered Wednesday morning at eight o’clock in a state-wide demon- stration at the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, to pay their respects to the genius for whom “Harold B. Franklin Month” during May is now being cele- brated. This gathering comprised executives from the various mo- tion picture companies, such as Louis B. Mayer of Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer, Joseph M. Schenck of United Artists, Sol Wurtzel and A1 Rockett of Fox, and many other representatives. It included Governor C. C. Young of California, Dr. Rufus Von KleinSfflid, President of the University of Southern California, more than twenty members of the Superior Court panel of the Los Angeles Coun- ty Supreme Court, including Judge Carlos B. Hardy. Repre- senting the City of Los Ange- les, Fire Chief Ralph E. Scott, and Chief of Police Roy Steckel. Baron Phillippe Rothschild of the internationally famous banking family of Paris, now on a world tour, paid his re- spects to the Fox West Coast chief. Executives of the Fox West Coast Theatres, in- cluding Howard Sheehan, J. J. Franklin, J. J. Sullivan, Charles Buckley, H. G. Delabar, and theatre managers and publicity directors of the Fox West Coast Theatres and repre- sentatives of the press. Fanchon of FANCHON AND MARCO, and distinguished guests, men and women nota- bles in all walks of life, were all present to pay tribute to Harold B. Franklin. Reverend Jimmy Brougher was Toastmaster, and Louis B. Mayer and Joseph M. Schenck acted as hosts for the occasion. Addresses of praise extolling the personal virtues and show- manship genius of Harold B. Franklin were delivered by Dr. Von KleinSmid and Governer C. C. Young, and were broad- cast over Radio Station KFWB. Louis B. Mayer dwelt at length on the life of the Fox West Coast Theatres presi- dent, from his early modest beginnings to the present high rank which he holds in the in- dustry. He praised his human qualities and his democratic virtues. Joseph M. Schenck, in a brief, witty speech, remarked on the keen showmanship of Mr. Franklin, and his ability in presenting and putting over successfully pictures produced at the various studios. Through the courtesy of Fanchon and Marco, de- lightful entertainment was fur- nished, including the LOEW’S STATE Band, under direction of Georgie Stoll, an adagio team from the Fox Studios, and many other acts, topped, of course, by the SUNKIST BEAU- TIES who took the audience by storm. Mr. Franklin was then pre- sented, by Dr. Von KleinSmid, with a bronze lamp, suitably decorated and significant of the tenets of the Breakfast Club, as a memento of the high esteem in which he is regarded. Harold B. Franklin, deeply affected by the demonstration accorded him, pointed out that he was simply the head of an organization to whose great- ness—as well as his own rank in the field of showmanship— every individual member of Fox West Coast Theatres had contributed to the fullest measure. He paid his respects to the executives and members of the organization, and expressed his gratitude to the men and women gathered to pay him honor. Maurice DeMond, founder of the Breakfast Club, delivered the closing remarks, stressing the fact that this was one of the most enthusiastic gatherings ever assembled at a Breakfast Club function. Photographers, representing the press, busied themselves in obtaining photo- graphs suitable for their various publications, and a meeting such as seldom assembles to pay respect to a showman had ad- journed. IS DIRECTOR OF STATE C. OF C. Another Honor for President # AMONG other honors con- ferred on Harold B. Frank- lin during the Month of May which is being celebrated by all theatres in the Los Angeles Di- vision as Harold B. Franklin Month, was his election to a directorship of the State of Cali- fornia Chamber of Commerce. Culminating two years of progressive business leadership on the west coast, Harold B. Franklin, President of Fox West Coast Theatres, was suggested as a director of the State Chamber of Commerce, by Harry Chandler, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and the State Chamber of Commerce put its stamp of approval on the suggestion by electing H. B. Franklin director by unani- mous vote. CIRCUIT THE WORD TO BE USED • In Referring to the Theatre Group • Because of agitation in some sections of the country against chain stores and other chain enterprises, it is Harold B. Franklin’s instructions that under no conditions is the Fox West Coast Circuit of the- atres to be referred to as a “chain,” either in conversation or any written matter. The word circuit is to be used. While no movement has been made by any of those opposed to the “chain” idea in com- merce against the theatre situa- tion, it is believed the better policy is to eliminate in every way the idea of chain in con- nection with Fox West Coast Theatres. The power of suggestion in the word may at some point set off a spark that would do in- estimable damage. In an analysis of the situa- tion the theatre occupies a much different position in the life and commercial phase of a town than does the amalgamated sys- tem of retail enterprises. It is a business stimulant. It is the focal point for many people, both of the town and in many instances from sur- rounding towns. Many mer- chants find a location near a theatre very favorable to their business. Theatres are heavy tax payers, their expenditures in the town run high in advertis- ing, electricity, help, etc. Pos- sibly of all outside interests they invest more money in the town in which they are situated than any other type of busi- ness. Where theatres play vaude- ville or other live attractions additional money is left in the town through the hotels and restaurants. Under no conditions use the word "chain.” Circuit is the proper designation. It is a word grown up with the the- atrical business. MANAGERS IN CONVENTION AT ST. LOUIS • Talk Over Problems And Make Plans #T. A. REID, St. Louis divi- sion manager called all his managers into St. Louis, Tues- day, April 22, for a series of screenings and dinner. In the evening a banquet was held at the Jefferson Hotel at which time a telegram from Mr. Harold B. Franklin was read. Mr. Franklin expressed him- self as being greatly pleased with the outlook for the im- mediate future. The large num- ber of especially fine pictures of- fered promises fine spring busi- ness was his opinion. Speakers at the dinner were Mr. J. F. Mansfield, assistant to Mr. Franklin, who urged that problems of Summer be met early before the hot weath- er actually commenced. Mr. Reid, who for the first time since FOX WEST COAST THEATRES acquired the houses, had all his managers together, expressed himself as being very happy over the new connection and explained at considerable length the benefits of being as- sociated with such a progressive organization. E. C. Rhoden, Midwest Di- vision, who attended the meet- ing as guest, spoke briefly con- firming Mr. Reid’s remarks. Others who spoke were T. E. Yemm, assistant to Mr. Reid; Caesar Berutt, booker; H. S. Rutherford, division auditor; H. E. Jameyson, publicity di- rector. At the conclusion of the talks an “open forum” was held in which everyone ex- changed experiences, problems and ideas. So interesting did this part of the meeting become that it was only adjourned on account of the necessity of many managers catching mid-night trains. # THE great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving .—Oliver Wen- dell Holmes.