International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

N EWS PROJ ECTIONS Jottings of happenings which, while mostly of a non-technical nature, have a bearing upon general industry welfare and progress. PRESIDENT TRUMAN was rather coy (another expression for definitely non-committal) about the possible repeal of the 20% amusement tax, and other excise taxes, in his first press conference of the year. Of course, had he come out flatfootea for repeal of such taxes, the Republicans automatically would oppose the program. This tax is lacerating show business, present-day admission prices being a far cry from the low prices which made the movies the greatest medium of mass entertainment the world has even known. Average price for film tickets is up sharply from the low point established last July, but still is slightly lower than We install it we service it RCA Service Engineers on television assignments are factory-trained experts. You can depend on them to keep your theatre TV equipment at peak efficiency. ^Vhen you get set for television in your theatre, RCA Service Engineers are prepared to help you. These experts have received intensive training in the television laboratories and factories of the Radio Corporation of America and are qualified to supervise the installation of complete theatre TV systems — and keep them running. They will see to it that all video equipment, including coaxial lines and antennas, are installed for maximum operating efficiency. They will give whatever operating instructions are necessary to your projectionists on handling the equipment. They will be on ready call for quick emergency service. Like the Service Plan for motion picture equipment, RCA's new Theatre TV Service includes periodic inspection calls and unlimited emergency service — at reasonable rates. Tubes and components are replaced without additional charge when Parts Plan is included. ■f -f 1 IMAGINE IT — television programs on your screen with reliability corresponding to a motion picture show. It's a fact — when it's backed by RCA Service. Write for complete information. RCA SERVICE COMPANY, INC. A RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA SUBSIDIARY CAMDEN. NEW JERSEY comparable period last year, a survey shows. . . . This is something: In a move to trim operating expense, 28 theatres in Columbus, Ohio, closed the entire week preceding Dec. 24. Trailers announced that action was taken because "interest in moviegoing is at its lowest ebb during the week before Christmas." Nice (not) service by these theaters, nice ad for the business over-all, nice way to make people forget the movies. Strangely enough, Wall Street prefers the new Paramount Theaters setup for investment as against the new production company. . . . Imporatnt Note: Fox West Coast Theaters have abandoned plans for installing theatre Tv equipment in 12 of its theatres. Reason given was the "great expense" and, said Charley Skouras, prexy, "American people still want to go out for their entertainment." What the hell is this: isn't going to the theater "going out?" Real reason is that the toppers in this business, having got theirs, are a bit jittery and don't want to invest in any "courage" capital. Let the theaters go to pot. . . . Columbia Pictures reported a $337,000 quarterly net profit, after taxes and all charges. . . . Not generally known, but RCA has long had on file in Wilmington, Del, Federal Court an infringement suit against DuMont on Tv patents. The old razzle-dazzle, with history ala sound pictures repeating itself— and the guy with the biggest bankroll and the largest patent department coming off best. Charley Ross, recognizing the growing trend for Eastern production, notably in the N. Y. City area, is increasing his stock of lighting and other production equipment. Bad news for the West Coast boys, already hard hit by the British restrictions. . . . Reports an industry trade paper: the new Garutso balanced lens will eventually be adopted for 100% of movie production. The guy who wrote this item should read IP for December last, page 13. . . . Dept. of Justice demands that Griffith Circuit drop 93 of its 224 theaters in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico within the next three years. In areas where boxing is televised, attendance has hit an all-time low, according to the National Boxing Association. Who says Tv isn't deadly as i an entertainment field competitor? . Among moviegoers with Tv sets, 37% prefer video as their favorite way to spend an evening, while 28% still vote for the movies, reports Audience Re Altsc's 312 Theater Service Contracts Altec Service Corp. has recently signed sound servicing contracts with 312 theaters in 42 states ranging from Maine to California. Thirty of these agreements related to drive-in situations. 26 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST January 1950