The Exhibitor (1959)

10 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR September 30, 1959 The NEW YORK Scene By Mel Konetoff JOSEPH E. LEVINE, dynamic independent distributor-producerexhibitor, reported at a press luncheon at the 21 Club last week that Paramount will distribute his forthcoming “Jack The Ripper” in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. He expected that a million or more dollars would be expended on the campaign following the pattern set for “Hercules” when the saturation bookings take place in mid-February. Levine’s Embassy Pictures will have complete control over all advertis¬ ing, publicity, and exploitation. The agreement indicates a possible forerunner to future arrangements between the companies, and these could include two other features ready for release in the near future in the possession of Levine, “Hercules Against The Gods” and “Where The Hot Wind Blows,” formerly titled “The Law,” with Gina Lollobrigida. Balaban welcomed Levine, praising his judgment and showmanship abilities, noting in particular that “he is a man who backs his judgment with his own money.” The “Ripper” campaign is expected to be an elaborate one with special music and other novel touches, as well as heavy emphasis on radio and TV. A campaign to reach the millions of mystery fans is also in the works. In addition to the press, on hand from Paramount were George Weltner, James H. Richardson, Jerry Pickman, Sidney Deneau, Hugh Owen, Howard Minsky, James Perkins, and Henry Gordon. Embassy was represented by Budd Rogers, Sid Blumenstock, Norman Prescott, and Bill Doll. Levine took off for Italy after the luncheon to look at more product and to concentrate on the third “Hercules” film, presently in the works. ACTOR-PRODUCER SPEAKS: Cary Grant will probably wind up the wealthiest man in the business. When we saw him the other day at the Plaza Hotel, the question was put to him how he selected a company for which to make a film from the many deals offered him. These were his requirements: First, how good and exact was their bookkeeping. Second, can he get the negatives back after eight years. What would he do with these when he did get them, we wanted to know. Shrugging his well-tailored shoulders, he thought they could be reissued, sold to TV, or to people who buy negatives at 90 cents on the dollar. What did he think about the fantabulous amounts of money requested by the top stars who are in great demand? Opined he, all the companies have to do is refuse to pay. The business, said he, is certainly not unhealthy with the bigger pictures doing better than ever before. He declined to attach much importance to the complaints from the many producers, who are unaware what the public and exhibitors want. They just make picture after picture. He recalled how in the past producers never got out to see the public or exhibitors, but now the picture has changed (no pun intended), and some make it a point to meet with the public and theatre operators — something he likes to do. Regarding complaints about censorable material, he shrugged and said there are too few producers with sensitivity and taste. He likes to select his own material, and as a result he is responsible in a measure for his flops as well as his successes. Grant lashed out at those who try for a quick buck. What kind of picture does he like to make? Replied he, “Successful ones.” Grant prefers making audiences laugh, although the gamble is greater when you make a comedy, prob¬ ably the reason many don’t go in for comedymaking. How do you feel about seeing your old pix on TV? Replied he, “How do you feel about looking at old snapshots?” It also hurts because obviously if the people are home looking at the oldies they can’t be in a theatre, can they? “Operation Petticoat,” which he made for U-I, is his 24th picture to go into the Radio City Music Hall. As a producer, he doesn’t interfere in other departments, having confidence in the abilities of others. He is very happy with U-I, which is why he will make his next for them, “The Grass is Greener,” which is a hit play in England and which he will make with Deborah Kerr. He is also working on another property, a comedy with Ingrid Berg¬ man, with no company set yet to handle. Grant will try to cooperate on “Petticoat” openings as much as time will allow. Seen at the recent 20th-Fox sales meeting at the Sheraton Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, were, left to right. Bob Conn, Chicago branch manager; Jack Kirsch; Martin Moskowitz; and George Kerasotes; and, right, Henry Hachatt, Great States; Howard Kinser, 20th-Fox branch manager in Indianapolis; John Dromey and Izzy Weinshenk, Great States. Rugoff & Becker Operate Paris, N.Y. NEW YORK — Donald S. Rugoff, president, Rugoff and Becker Management Corporation, announced the appointment of Duncan Mc¬ Gregor, Jr., as a vice-president of the com¬ pany. McGregor will continue as president of the Paris Theatre Corporation and the Pathe Cinema Corporation, wholly-owned subsidi¬ aries of Societe Nouvelle Pathe Cinema, French film producer, distributor, and ex¬ hibitor. Rugoff announced also that effective im¬ mediately, the Rugoff & Becker Management Corporation, in conjunction with McGregor, would operate the Paris. Mrs. Lillian Gerard will remain the vicepresident of the Paris and will assume the post of advertising-publicity director of the Rugoff & Becker theatres. Another new appointment in the Rugoff & Becker Management Corporation concerns Stanley Silverman, who has been named vice-president of the corporation in charge of operations. Rugoff & Becker operate the following thea¬ tres: Sutton, Beekman, Art, 8th Street Play¬ house, 5th Avenue Cinema, and Gramercy, all in Manhattan; Austin in Queens; Laurel and Lido in Long Beach; and Cinema in Manhasset, Long Island. The Murray Hill, New York City, slated to open on Oct. 7 with “Pillow Talk,” will be the latest addition to the Rugoff & Becker circuit. New Fla. Circuit Formed MIAMI — Joseph Fink, formerly with Georgia Theatres Corp. and Wometco The¬ atres, Inc., and K. Gordon Murray, connected with production and distribution of roadshow attractions, have merged efforts to form a new theatre circuit. To be called the Murray and Fink Theatres, this new circuit now operates the Riviera Drive-In and Lincoln Theatres, both in Key West; the Suburbia Drive-In, Gainesville; and the Hi-Way Drive-In, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Pending zoning changes, plans are now ready for the building of two new theatres in the Miami area by Murray and Fink. Kentucky Production Set LOUISVILLE — Newly organized Kentucky Cumberland Prods., Inc., plans to film its first picture, tentatively titled “False Echo,” in Harlan, Ky. Ed Sampson, Harlan County na¬ tive, will direct, announced Richard Einfeld, producer. Roxene Wells is to be associate producer. Circuit Judge Ed Hill and Sheriff Jay Barlow, both of Harlan County, have been assigned roles. Leads will be brought from Hollywood and other players will be cast from Harlan, Einfeld said. What do YOU know about . . . H • I • f • // conciliation ? • YOUR “THEATRE-WISE” TRADE PAPER GIVES YOU THE OBJECTIVES . . . AND THE OPERATIONAL RULES (See this Issue)