Motion Picture Daily (Jan-Mar 1955)

Friday, January 14, 1955 Motion Picture Daily 3 People Arthur L. Mayer, president of the Independent Motion Picture Distributor Association of America, will he the principal speaker at a meeting tomorrow evening of the Society for Ethical Culture here. The foreign film distributor will address the group on the subject of "America to the Movies." George Hoover, international chief barker of the Variety Clubs, stated in Albany that he had now visited every tent in the country "except three" and that he expected to call on those before the May international convention in Los Angeles. Robert C. McNabb, 20th CenturyFox branch manager in Cincinnati, will be installed as chief barker of Tent No. 3 on Jan. 29 at a dinner dance in the Netherland Plaza Hotel. Jack Swartout, who retired as manager of Stanley Warner's Ritz Theatre in Albany was hosted at a buffet supper in the lobby of the theatre by employes. He was presented with a television lamp. Alfred Swett was transferred from the Avon in Utica to succeed Swartout. Ben Simon, retired 20th CenturyFox manager in New Haven, is back in the home town for a visit from Miami and will leave for Los Angeles in May. Thomas Gandy has been elected president of the projectionists' Local No. 304 in Waterbury, Conn. Other elected officers are Joseph Mazeika, vice-president; Frank Carey, secretary-treasurer; Francis LaFlamme, corresponding secretary, and Harold Berger, sergeant-at-arms. n Walter Lang, Paramount office manager in San Francisco, is back on the job after recovering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Al Ochs, who operates drive-ins at Port Clinton, Mansfield and Cleveland, O., has taken over the Clinton indoor house at Port Clinton from Meyer Fine of Associated Theatres. SDG Will Cite Cohen Of Tost Gazette' HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 13. — Screen Directors Guild president George Sidney today announced the selection of Harold V. Cohen, motion picture editor of the "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette," to receive the guild's annual Critics Award, established a year ago and first awarded to Bosley Crowther, of the "New York Times." The award will be presented at the guild's annual awards dinner at the Biltmore Hotel, Feb. 13. Sidney said, "The award is conferred on the critic whose reviews during the year are judged most perceptive and conducive to betterment of motion pictures." J. Robert Rubin (center), permanent chairman of the Amusements Division of the National Conference since 1936, receives the Brotherhood Award for his achievements in the field of human relations from Barney Balaban, chairman of the Brotherhood dinner held last night at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here. Looking on (left) is John H. Harris, national chairman of the 1955 Brotherhood drive. Brotherhood Campaign (Continued from page 1) delivered by Rev. Thomas Cilgore, Jr., were climaxed by the presentation to Rubin of the National Conference's gold plaque honoring his achievements in the field of human relations. The presentation was made by Barney Balaban, chairman of the dinner committee. Senator Fulbright underlined the importance of the Brotherhood effort by citing the need for a spiritual awakening throughout the world. "If the minds and hearts of men can be freed from the shackles of countless superstitions and prejudices against their fellow men," he declared, "the concept of brotherhood and the appeal of the moral law will be more readily recognized and accepted." Senator Fulbright was preceded at the rostrum by John H. Harris, national chairman of the Amusement Division of the Brotherhood Drive for 1955; William P. Tolley, chancellor of Syracuse University, Rubin's Alma Mater, and Dr. Everett R. Clinchy, president of the National Conference. Balaban, paying tribute to Rubin, said, "During his decades of service he played a significant role in the development of our industry. He was a pillar of strength in his own company. His wise counsel and statesmanship were ever available to serve the constructive purposes of the whole industry." Reviewing the progress of Brotherhood since 1936, when Rubin assumed the chairmanship of the Amusement Division, Balaban pointed out that the largest amount raised in those days was $36,000. Today, he said, the campaigns raise in excess of $100,000 annually. Balaban introduced Louis Nizer, who served as toastmaster for the dinner and who paid high tribute to Rubin. Harris, who was for many years the Big Boss of Variety Clubs International, referred to the work of the Conference as "an extension of Variety Clubs' working and thinking". Chancellor Holley reviewed the career of the guest of honor from the time of his school days until the present, paying particular tribute to his shyness and humility, and the fidelity and devotion with which he has served the motion picture industry. The Brotherhood drive will be climaxed by the observance of Brotherhood Week, Feb. 20-27, under the slogan of "One nation under Cod." News Roundup NTFC Meets Today National Television Film Council's first executive meeting lor 1 v55 will take place here today at Headquarters Restaurant. It will elect a chairman of the board and discuss plans for the coming year, particularly color films for television, and improved handling of films at TV stations. Mexico City Saw 39 Films Only 39 films were exhibited in Mexico City in December. This is no cause for alarm, the trade explains, because several, including "Magnificent Obsession," "The Caine Mutiny," "The Student Prince," "Three Coins in a Fountain," "White Christmas," and the Mexican "Watch Out for Love" played the same theatres over long periods. Twenty-two of these exhibitions were contributed by Hollywood, one from Cuba, three each from Italy and Russia, two from France, one from England, and seven from Mexico. To Book for Smalley Nine Smalley houses are being bought and booked by Upstate Theatres, Inc., of Albany. The circuit operates theatres in Cooperstown, Johnstown, Norwich, Dolgeville, Fort Plain, Walton, Sidney and Stamford. Aids Safety Drive Irving Caesar, ASCAP writer and director who has produced songs of safety and friendship, will be in Denser from January 16 to 19 to deliver messages of safety and better human relations to young boys and girls. Governor Dan Thornton of Colorado invited Caesar to help in Colorado's fight against highway accidents. New IFE Exchange Jack Sims is in charge of the new Italian Film Export office in Charlotte, N. C. Dave Williams, however, who operates for IFE from Atlanta will supervise both the Atlanta and Charlotte offices. To Honor Schanberger The Variety Club of Baltimore will give a testimonial dinner to J. Lawrence Schanberger Tuesday. Until late last year, Schanberger was the owner and general manager of Keith's Theatre for 27 years and formerly managed the Maryland Theatre. He now is in the hotel business. Pete Prince is chairman of the dinner. ASCAP Shifts Mgr. Philip O. Alexander, manager of the New Orleans office of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has been transferred to Des Moines, succeeding L. H. Severson, resigned, it was announced here by J. M. Collins, ASCAP sales manager.