The Exhibitor (1960)

NEWS CAPSULES In accordance with the practice established two years ago: FILM FAMILY rfS ALBUM Obituaries Oscar Hammerstein II, 65, librettist, lyricist, and producer, died at his Dolyestown, Pa., home. Teamed with Richard Rogers, films were made of the team’s “Oklahoma,” “The King and I,” and “South Pacific.” Several of his songs were Academy Award winners. Tillie Lessy, wife of the late Michael Lessy and mother of Perry Lessy and four daugh¬ ters, died last week. In addition she is sur¬ vived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great¬ grandchildren. For many years, the Lessys owned and operated the Diamond, Phila¬ delphia. George LeWitt, 70, Connecticut film industry pioneer and an attorney, died suddenly at his New Britain, Conn., home, after a short illness. He operated the old Russwin Lyceum, now the Embassy, New Britain, many years ago; and subsequently owned the Liberty, Hartford, Strand, in Old Lyme, and Strand, Plainville. In addition, he was a partner of the late John S .P. Glackin in the Arch Street, New Britain. In recent years, he was listed as president of the Lakeside Realty Company, owners and operators of the Ber¬ lin, Conn., Drive-In. Survivors include a son, Baruch S., active in the Berlin management. Mrs. Evelyn Winikus, mother of Francis Winikus, European assistant to United Artists vice-president Max E. Youngstein, died at her Hendersonville, N.C., home. She is sur¬ vived by another son, Thomas. Vancouver Tops UA Week New York — Harry Woolfe, United Artists branch manager in Vancouver, and his staff of salesmen and booksers have won the United Artists Weeks Contest for the most billings and bookings registered during the two -week period of June 26 through July 9, it was announced by James R. Velde, vice prisident in charge of domestic sales. The all-out efforts of sales personnel in UA’s 33 domestic branches in the U.S. and Canada enabled the company to amass a record total of 28,404 shipments during the two -week period. Second and third place winners are Harry Goldman, Chicago branch manager, and his staff, and Richard Carnegie, Los Angeles branch manager, and his staff. Charles S. Chaplin, Canadian district man¬ ager, led in the district standings. A hard-working staff will take a well-earned vacation during the week before Labor Day. But we'll be back in time to continue the bright service format and the numerous exclusive service features with the issue of Sept. 14. Sam Schultz, left, head. Selected Theatres Circuit, is the first Greater Cleveland, Ohio, theatre owner to receive the "special gift" Will Rogers inscribed statuette award from Raymond Schmertz, distributor chairman. Will Rogers Memorial Hospital Drive and local 20fh-Fox branch manager. The "special gift" classification is irrespective of business con¬ tributions. Schultz is exhibitor co-chairman of the drive in association with Loew's Theatre division manager Frank Murphy. Alcoa To Participate In Fox Studio Buy NEW YORK — It was announced last week that ‘“Century City,” a self-contained com¬ munity for 30,000 persons, will be on 20th-Fox studio property by Webb Knapp, Inc., and the Aluminum Company of America, which will participate in the land purchase. 20th-Fox directors have approved a con¬ tract, subject to stockholders’ approval at a special meeting to be held on Oct. 17, for W & K to buy the 265 acre site for $43,000,000 in cash. On Aug. 1, W & K com¬ pleted a $5,000,000 down payment to the film company. The remaining $38,000,000 will be paid when W & K’s subsidiary, 91091 Cor¬ poration takes title to the property next spring. William Zeckendorf, W & K president, and Frank L. Magee, Alcoa president, jointly announced that more than $250,000,000 of buildings will be constructed on the site. Alcoa will participate in the acquisition through purchase of a “substantial interest” in 91091 Corporation, it was said. Alcoa plans to utilize aluminum in construction of the property. “Century City” will be comprised of highrise apartments, offices, stores, a hotel, and other structures to be built in the next decade. Ground will be broken next spring for the first buildings. More Anti-Pay-TV Kits NEW YORK — Even before they received their kits for the Anti-Pay-TV Congressional petition campaign, New York City theatres have called for an additional supply of peti¬ tions, Philip F. Harling, chairman, Joint Com¬ mittee Against Pay-TV, disclosed. Harling said that the Loew’s and RKO cir¬ cuits, and the major Broadway theatres had asked for an additional supply, in order to accommodate what they feel will be the response to the campaign. B&K Appeals Chi Ruling CHICAGO — Balaban and Katz announced they plan to appeal the verdict of Superior Judge Donald McKinley who ruled against their request for a writ of mandamus to compel the building department of the City to grant them a wrecking permit to demolish Garrick Theatre Building. The theatre been closed recently by B & K as it considered a profitable operation. was There will be no SEPTEMBER 7 issue of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR. FORMS FOR THIS PAGE CLOSED AT 2 P. M. ON MON., AUG. 29 TOA Honors Doris Day NEW YORK — Screen actress Doris Day has been selected by the Theatre Owners of America to receive its coveted 1960 “Star of the Year” award, it was announced by Al¬ bert M. Pickus, TOA president. Miss Day will accept the trophy in the Cocoanut Grove of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Friday evening, Sept. 16, before an audience of more than 1,000 of the na¬ tion’s leading theatre owners, at the Presi¬ dent’s Banquet which will conclude TOA’s 13th annual convention. Each year, TOA selectes the one actor or actress who has not only starred in success¬ ful pictures, but has brought credit to the entire industry. 6 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR August 3 I, I960