The Exhibitor (1959)

UNSOLICITED • The letters from readers which appear on this page are not solicited. MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR does not suggest questions to readers in order to provide a flow of letters. From HARBOR BEACH, MICH. For the past couple of weeks I have been reading that the "conciliation system’’ was the answer to aid for the small theatreman — but nowhere have I been able to find anything that actually explains what "con¬ ciliation” is. I have been the manager of the local theatre for just over a year. I gather that "conciliation” was started or set up some two or three years ago; and those managers who have been around that long probably know and understand what it is all about. But I must confess that I belong to the ignorant group and know nothing about it. Do you have anything that might help me to understand "conciliation?” If not, can you tell me where I might get such information? Harbor Beach Community Theatre J. F. WHITE, Manager EDITOR'S NOTE: A dozen or more letters in a similar vein indicate that there is a real lack of knowledge, not only from newcomers like Mr. White, but from many an old timer. So, else¬ where in this issue, MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR is listing the full objectives and operatiotial rules to " conciliation .” This is another "theatre-wise” service from the tradepaper that tries hard to render superior services to theatremen everywhere. From ARLINGTON, VA. Since I am no longer in the theatre busi¬ ness, I do not have the need for MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR that I once had. My brother and I subscribed during the entire time we ran a movie theatre — 10 years. SC e relied a great deal on its reviews as a guide to our selection of pictures. If I ever return to the exhibiting business I’m sure I will need it and want it. Good luck to MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, and thanks for its service in the past. GERALD LITTLE EDITOR’S NOTE: So another theatre man leaves the industry, and no doubt another theatre has closed. Let us hope that the healthy grosses of the last four or five months will bring some modern parking-equipped theatres to replace the closed ones, and will encourage the re¬ turn of some of the Mr. Littles. From SYRACUSE, N. Y. I have just received my fourth ACHIEVE¬ MENT CITATION for this year. Please ac¬ cept my sincere thanks for the interest MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR is taking in theatre managers. Your recognition of our efforts gives us a very warm feeling indeed. I am now working on "THE BIG CIRCUS” and "YELLOWSTONE KELLY” so complete campaigns on those two shows will be along soon. S. L. SORKIN, Resident Manager RKO Keith’s Theatre EDITOR’S NOTE: And the apprecia¬ tion of managers such as Mr. Sorkin gives us a very warm feeling, too. A Quote From London Several different subscribers have drawn our attention to the portion of the Annual Report by Sir Philip Warter, chairman of The Associated British Pic¬ ture Corporation, in which he states: “The quality of showmanship carried out by ABC (theatre) Managers is best evidenced by the fact that in the recent global showmanship contest organized by an American film trade paper, three of the five major silver citation awards were won by ABC Managers . . .” The “American film trade paper” was, of course, MOTION PICTURE EXHIBI¬ TOR. The “global showmanship contest” was, of course, our 1958 annual $1000-inprizes contest conducted by the EX¬ PLOITATION Department, but judged by a committee of U.S. theatre executives. And the three ABC Managers who won Silver Achievement Citations last year were: Douglas G. Adams, Regal, Kirkaldy, Scotland; R. J. Crabb, Lyric, Wellingsborough, England; and Nat Matthews, Ritz, Leyton, England. In addition, Adams won a $200 cash prize and a Pepsi-Cooler. Take a bow, gentlemen! From EATONTON, CA. As a subscriber, renewing now for three years and hoping to have many more renewals, I wonder if you could help me to locate a service published sometime ago in MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR? The particular arti¬ cle dealt with film rentals, and a ratio of film rental to house overhead and to profit. In addi¬ tion, I am also interested in your theatre oper¬ ating and theatre bookkeeping Forms and Systems. May I have samples of your complete line. JOHN W. PECK, Manager Pex Theatre EDITOR'S NOTE : You probably refer to our analytical study of SLIDING SCALE as published in November, 1955, and again republished in the issue of April 15, 1959. Charts used in this study could be applied to the determining of fair film prices and profits for any thea¬ tre. A reprint is being forwarded. From NEW YORK, N.Y. The case of Scotch arrived promptly, as you predicted, and is now (most of it) reposing in my rare old white pine likker cabinet. 1 have been awaiting, with a fatalistic attitude, the arrival of swarms of relatives, most of whom have extra-sensory powers and can smell anything with an alcholic content within a radius of 100 miles. Upwind! I would have responded earlier, but I have been immobilized at home with a well-turned ankle, sustained when I fell off a ladder. Some of my waggish associates here would have it that it was a wagon, to which I have learned to smile wanly and shake a bony finger in remonstrance. May I thank MGM and thank MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR for the opportunity — and the reward. MPE and these SHOWMANALYSIS are valuable tools for any showman, and I rather believe you will dis¬ cover that the latter series will prove the most popular feature any trade publication has in¬ itiated in a long time. RUSS GRANT Loew’s Theatres EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Grant was the author of the "How I Would Sell . . .” SHOW MAN ALY SIS on "IT STARTED WITH A KISS,” and was therefore the recipient of a case of Scotch from MGM. His letter is amusing and makes good reading. But we wonder about that ladder! From HOLLYWOOD, CAL. The "How I would sell ...” SHOWMANALYSIS is a very welcome addition to your fine trade paper. I am looking forward to continued reading of it. PAT R. NOTARO, Zone Manager Stanley Warner Theatres From RICHMOND, VA. I predict that your "How I Would Sell . . .” SHOWMANALYSIS series will eventually be¬ come the most popular department in your trade paper. The first two of this series have been excellent. FLOYD STRAWLS, Division Manager Fabian Theatres From MASON, OHIO The wife lost the other invoices, but I got this one. I read and like MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, and follow its REVIEWS. So here’s a check for the next two years. CLYDE HUMPHREY, Owner, Manager, Booker, Operator, etc. Dream Theatre EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks! But do¬ ing all those jobs, how about changing the theatre name to Nightmare ? From MIAMI BEACH, FLA. Here is my new and permanent address where you can send MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR from now on. I assure you that I still enjoy reading it each week, for it is like getting a letter from home. Hoping MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR will continue its good work, and wishing you many many more days of health and success. BENJAMIN SHINDLER 455 So. Shore Drive EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Shindler is one of the real "old timers ” of the Phila¬ delphia territory. After more than 40 ac¬ tive years, he has now retired. We wish him health and happiness, and are listing his address for the benefit of his many friends. From WINTHROP, MASS. Can you tell me where I might secure 35mm. motion picture shorts directed at "SAFETY EDUCATION” for children of grade school age? I need to cover such subjects as: safety on the way to school; safety while playing; safety at home, etc. LESTER LAZARUS EDITOR’S NOTE: Our records fail to turn up any such 35mm. films. We have learned, however, that Coronet Films, 488 Madison Ave., New York City have such films in 16mm. THE QUALITY READERSHIP of the Motion Picture Industry