The Exhibitor (1959)

September 30, 1959 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR 5 NEWS CAPSULES i ii i "PILLOW TALK" The other evening we were privileged to attend a screening of the new Univer¬ sal comedy, “PILLOW TALK,” starring with distinction the two LAUREL AWARD winners, DORIS DAY and ROCK HUDSON. If proof were ever needed of the inaccuracy of the old bromide that “comedies shouldn’t be seen in projection rooms,” this was it! The room fairly rocked and rolled with laughter. It is one of the most delightfully funny comedies in a long time. And that goes for wherever you see it — whether projection room or your theatre. If “PILLOW TALK” is an example of the big-picture “new look” over at Uni¬ versal, we’re all for it. Miss Day is pret¬ tier, more able, and better turned out than ever. Mr. Hudson will surprise you with his ability to do uproariously funny comedy. And the whole picture, from sup¬ porting players (Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter, etc.) through sets, backgrounds, music, etc. is top quality. Here is a picture you are going to hear a lot about! — J. E. VA BROADWAY TV GROSSES "F.B.I. Story" Opens Strong NEW YORK — The Broadway first runs were doing fair with holdovers last weekend, while one opening was strong. According to usually reliable sources reach¬ ing MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, the breakdown was as follows: “BLUE ANGEL” (20th-Fox). Paramount ($39,435)* — The fourth week dropped to $18,000. “THE F.B.I. STORY” (WB). Radio City Music Hall ($147,610) — Opened to $104,500 for Thursday through Sunday, with the first week sure to top $160,000. Stage show. “THAT KIND OF WOMAN” (Paramount) Roxy ($55,405) — Friday through Sunday ac¬ counted for $27,000, with the third week heading toward $43,000. Stage show. “TAMANGO” (Roach). Capitol ($33,350)— The second and last week was expected to hit $27,600. What do YOU know about . . . it • | • * • rr conciliation • YOUR “THEATRE-WISE" TRADE PAPER GIVES YOU THE OBJECTIVES . . . AND THE OPERATIONAL RULES (See this Issue) FORMS FOR THIS PAGE CLOSED AT 2 P.M. ON MON., SEPT. 28 Einfeld Urges More Exhib Public Service NEW YORK— Charles Einfeld, 20th-Fox vice-president, stated in a message to the company’s regional ad and publicity mana¬ gers that it is “necessary and vital” to offer more public service in the theatres. He said a plan to do this could be worked out with exhibitors “to the betterment of the community, the theatre, and the motion picture business.” He cited the newsreel as a “public service” that “few have taken full advantage of” and suggested the showing of special morning shows with educational shorts for school children. Intermission times could also be used for public service announcements, Einfeld con¬ tinued, such as weather, traffic, safety re¬ ports, “to raise the standard of the theatre and increase patronage.” Einfeld called on the Fox managers to hold informal discussions with local exhibitors on community public service programs. “SOME LIKE IT HOT” (UA). Victoria ($22,900). Return to Broadway house saw the first week hitting $12,000. “THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE” (UA). Astor ($25,530) — The sixth and last week reported as $14,000. House is closing for renovations. “ANATOMY OF A MURDER” (Col ). Cri¬ terion announced that the 13th week would reach $16,000. “A HOLE IN THE HEAD” (UA). Loews State reported $17,000 for the 11th week. “CRY TOUGH” (UA). RKO Palace claimed the second session at $10,000. * Figures in parentheses represent 1958 averages as compiled by MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR s!/ FILM FAMILY ALBUM Diamond Rings Susan Judith Frisch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Frisch, Neponsit, L. I., an¬ nounced her engagement to Roger Fredric Bloom. The future bride’s father is treasurer of the Randforce Circuit in New York City. Go Id Bands Janet Helene Kaimine and Paul Lazare were married on Sept. 25 at the bride’s home at Rye, N. Y. The bride’s father is vicepresident and general manager of Stanley Warner Corporation. Chris Welch, Washington, D. C., and Robert Goldhammer, Allied Artists salesman in that city, were married in Washington. They will spend their honeymoon touring New England. Obituaries Harry Bissing, 85, credited with designing the first moving electric signs on Broadway, died Sept. 24 at a Sharon, Conn., hospital. Mrs. Laura Gillis, wife of Allied Artists’ Philadelphia branch manager Max Gillis, died after a long illness. She is survived by her husband and two sons. John W. Sage died in Detroit after a short illness. He is survived by his wife and father. He had been with United Detroit Theatres since 1945. Max Shulman, 89, builder of the Rivoli and Webster, Hartford, Conn., now operated by his son, Maurice, died on Sept. 21. Louis Stahl, 85, pioneer theatre owner and exchange booker for the old General Film Company in St. Louis, died last fortnight. He opened the old Liberty about 1909, and with his son operated the Union. Later, he joined the Skouras Brothers Enterprises and was with them some 25 years. Local industry leaders recently joined with civic leaders in tribute staged by the Golden Slipper Square Club, Philadelphia, in honor of producer William Goetz. Shown at the dinner at the Sheraton Hotel at which the club's Distinguished Service Award was presented to Goetz are left to right, Edward Emanuel, first assistant chief barker. Variety Clubs International; Le» Beresin, chief barker, Philadelphia Variety Club; David Zinkoff, Philadelphia Warriors public relations representative; Police Commissioner Thomas Gibbons; Goetz; and Louis Glazer, pres¬ ident, Golden Slipper Square Club.