The Exhibitor (1959)

Laurel Awards Salute New Upsurge IN ANY YEARLY WRAP-UP of an industry’s accom¬ plishments, an editor enjoys ferreting out trends that have become evident over a 12-month span. Our industry has never been without its trend-finders, but mainly they have been impressed by the changes that have occurred. It’s time now to salute for the 11th time the creative personnel of motion pictures via the International LAUREL AWARDS, voted by the world’s exhibitors, who comprise the screen’s link with the public. Some of the changes that have manifested themselves over the past year are indeed pleasant to report. For one thing, there has been an encouraging up¬ swing in attendance and interest in motion pictures on the part of the public. This welcome halt to a downward swing that had lasted an uncomfortably long time has been credited to a variety of factors, not the least of which is better films. A public satiated with the commercial "sameness” of the bulk of television pro¬ gramming has rediscovered the excitement, glamor, and unmatched technical and photographic excellence to be found in theatres. Motion pictures have become not only bigger, which would be hardly a virtue in itself, but more imaginative, more adult (a plus when accompanied by good taste). RECORD BALLOTING Another heartening side¬ light of this years LAUREL balloting has been participation by a record number of exhibitors. It seems as though the industry itself is recognizing its potential. A fine motion picture is as complicated a venture as a great symphony played by a top orchestra, and when the varied technical com¬ ponents and creative talents jell properly, it’s as exciting a venture as well. For the first time, exhibitors were asked to vote on special musical and photographic categories as well as production, direction, and acting. It takes a heap of talent to make a movie. VOGEL A WINNER Each year, the LAUREL ballot asks the question, "Which person or what development do you think did the most for the industry during the past year?” JOSEPH R. VOGEL This year, the situation was never in doubt. As the votes poured in, more and more theatremen singled out the resurgence at MGM under President Joseph Vogel as the most heartening industry occurrence. It’s hardly a surprising development. For years, MGM occupied the highest spot in motion pictures’ corporate world. Theirs were the stars that meant the most, the films that grossed the most. Then the company began to slip, slowly at first, and then with alarming speed. The low point was reached when forces within the company seriously considered its dissolution as a pro¬ ducer-distributor. Enter Joe Vogel, and the rest is well known, not only in the industry but throughout the business world. Today, solidly in the black, MGM awaits the release of the industry’s biggest film, "Ben Hur.” Small wonder that ex¬ hibitors singled out MGM and Joe Vogel for special LAUREL AWARD honors. THE OLD, THE NEW There are many in our industry who will battle at the drop of an adjective, but there is one unifying force as well. There is still nothing wrong with the motion pic¬ ture business that good pic¬ tures won’t cure . . . good pictures and the realization of mutual responsibility and respect for the other guy, be he exhibitor, producer, or distributor. Look over the names of the creative giants honored in these pages. Many you have seen before. They’re famous throughout the world and rightfully so. Others are unfamiliar, and they can be found in every category. They represent the future of motion pictures and of every man, woman, and child whose life is bound up by the industry. The wisdom of experience, the rash¬ ness and imagination of youth are blended in the melt¬ ing pot of the silver screen. The results are the films that have kept motion pictures the best entertainment buy all over the world. MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR says a sincere "Thank You” to those whose ballots have made these awards possible. We say a sincere "Well Done” to the men and women who make these films possible. With a year of solid achievement behind us and the promise of more and more great films ahead, it’s a fine time for trend-finding. 1959 LAUREL AWARDS