The Exhibitor (1960)

LONDON Observations by Jock MacGregor “PETER ROGERS thinks it’s time we had another beanfeast and the trade show of ‘Carry On Constable’ is a good excuse, so why not join him at a buffet lunch?” This invitation set the tone for the most carefree gathering of associates, bookers, and the trade press since ... well .. . Peter’s last beanfeast. It was the sort of occasion that is a joy to attend. Not only was it delightfully informal, but it also was unnecessary to be discreet and search for the right thing to say. No one had any doubts about this laugh riot. Warm, friendly, and often deliciously naughty, this ingratiating mixture of slap-stick and honest to goodness corn, sprinkled generously with incidents which I have found myself relating, is bound to be an enormous boxoffice hit. Much in evidence was Nat Cohen, who will release it through Anglo Amalgamated — his partner, Stuart Levy, was away sunning himself in warmer climes. He has decided not to challenge his luck any further and will not sponsor another “Carry On” for a year, lest the series goes sour through being overdone. This may be “Carry On, Yank” which will deal with the U.S. Forces in Britain. Nat and Peter were also celebrating the sale of their first picture to a major company for American distribution. Columbia has taken “Please Turn Over,” which is now enjoying top returns at the British boxoffice. A three year agreement for the product to be distributed in Israel through Stiller Films of Tel Aviv has also been completed. THE PRESS ACCEPTED Mike Frankovich’s invitation to meet Sam Spiegel and David Lean and hear their plans for filming “Lawrence of Arabia.” Some queried the suitability of Marlon Brando for Lawrence. Cynically, I wondered just how many who had heard of him would know what he looks like! ALMOST EVERYONE of importance in show business attended the Variety Club’s annual dinner and ball which was a resounding success from every angle. Chief Barker Monty Ber¬ man received nearly 950 members and guests. Mike Frankovich ran a fabulous raffle for which the prizes included the latest Austen Healey sports car, two return tickets to Rome by BOAC Comet, and a TV set. Irving Allen presented the greatest tombola yet with 1,500 gifts, and Dickie Pearl raised some $30,000 worth of advertising for the brochure, superbly produced by Reg Jackson. Raising some $40,000, this was an evening that called for super¬ latives. . . . George Minter will be flying to the Argentine to attend the Mar del Plata Inter¬ national Film Festival where his production, “The Rough and the Smooth,” is the official British entry. Starring Nadja Tiller, Tony Britton, and William Bendix, and directed by Robert Siodmak, this film has scored a big success in Europe and the Far East. . . . Mike Frankovich has taken Walter Shenson, former publicist who scored a big hit with his first production, “The Mouse That Roared,” under the Columbia banner as an independent pro¬ ducer. Announcing . . . SHOW-A-RAMA m A Regional Meeting loaded With Better Business Building Ideas MARCH 8-9-10 Hotel Continental Kansas City, Mo. YOU'LL GET THE GREATEST SHOW . , . LOADED WITH SHOW¬ MANSHIP NAMES . . . AND CONCENTRATING ON SHOWBUSINESS ... EVER PRESENTED IN THE ENTIRE MID-WEST. BE THERE!!! For Reservations . . . Details . . . Write or Wire UNITED THEATRE OWNERS OF THE HEART OF AMERICA 1802 Wyandotte St., Kansas City 8, Mo. Frank Capra, left, recently presented a plaque to Otto Preminger, right, on behalf of the Directors' Guild of America, Hollywood, honor¬ ing him for Columbia's "Anatomy Of A Murder." Varied Campaign Set For U-l "Snow Queen" NEW YORK — Philip Gerard, eastern ad¬ vertising and publicity director, UniversalInternational, told territory circuit and in¬ dependent theatre representatives last week at a home office meeting that the company has already committed itself to a $250,000 advance ad-publicity -promotional expendi¬ ture on “The Snow Queen,” full length ani¬ mated feature in color based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, which is set for Easter release. Participating in the session besides Gerard were Charles Schlaifer, head, Schlaifer adver¬ tising agency which represents U-I; Herman Kass, executive in charge of national ex¬ ploitation; Paul Kamey, eastern publicity manager; and Jerome M. Evans, eastern pro¬ motion manager. Gerard p>oint out to the theatre representa¬ tives that Universal will have devoted five months to develop and execute its campaign on the Soviet exchange film to imprint the film with the U “Pre-Sold” showmanship trademark. Schlaifer translated U’s use of the comic sections for its “The Snow Queen” fourcolor-ads to the Greater New York territory, which will give the ads a seven millions circulation designed to support the day-anddate openings with actual circuit and theatre listings, and cited the ads in Look, Parents Magazine, etc. Evans explained the records, merchandise, radio, television, and special events promo¬ tions, while Kamey outlined the tremendous volume of national publicity which is being directed to the local level of the Greater New York campaign, including the local press coverage of the picture and the “Snow Queen Winter Carnival” held last week-end at a New York resort. The film is set to open in the RKO Thea¬ tres circuit and other theatres in the area on April 13. AA Acquires Three Fix For Brazil Distribution NEW YORK — Allied Artists Interna¬ tional Corp. has acquired three pictures for distribution in Brazil, Norton V. Ritchey, president of the company an¬ nounced. The three films, one is German and two Italian, will be released this spring. 'The three films are Germany’s “A Big Love in a Small Tent,” “The Moralist,” and “Europe By Night.” 18 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR March 2. I960