The Exhibitor (1964)

MONT MOW -H &j>8wn The ROCKY MOUNTAIN MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION Presents. ■ « < Luncheon in the Brown Palace Hotel recently opened the second annual convention of the Rocky Mountain Motion Picture Association in Denver. A “Forward Look” to 1964-65 was the theme of the meetings. Varied, Lively Agenda Sparks Rocky Mt. Meet DENVER— More than 250 members of the 3ocky Mountain Motion Picture Association ittended the organization’s second annual convention recently, at the Brown Palace dotel. “The Forward Look 1964-65” meeting stressed the theme, “Our Bright Future,” and nought together personnel from all branches >f the industry. It covered a wide range of subjects — from small town theatre operation to tax problems — dedicated to the improve¬ ment of the theatre business and closer co¬ operation between exhibition and distribution. John R. Dobson, United Artists branch manager, and RMMPA president of the young organization, presided. A luncheon opened the two day meet. Key¬ note address was by Max Bercutt, Warner Brothers studio publicity head, who pointed out that at least $400 million represented the investment of distribution for product dur¬ ing the coming year. Guest of honor at the convention was film star Cliff Robertson, currently seen in “The Best Man” at the Centre here and shortly in United Artists’ “633 Squadron.” Harold Chesler, National Association of Concessioneers, gave a talk on concessions, and the meeting continued with an address by Frank Ferguson, director of tax depart¬ ment of Marshall Stevens, Inc., followed by trailers on major releases from many of the studios. Closing talk of the session was by Robert W. Selig, vice president of National General Corp., who stressed the importance of a united effort on the part of the theatre in¬ dustry against the introduction of pay tv. A cocktail party sponsored by Coca Cola Bottling Co. closed the business session of the opening day. In the evening, the group saw a special screening of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” at the Denham. Second day was also filled with activity. The publicity team of Pete and Mary Bayes presented an interesting approach to new radio programming designed to create added interest in films, using the “soft sell.” More trailers of forthcoming attractions were viewed, backing up the promise of “Our Bright Future.” Field publicity representative Ed Edmiston, MGM, laid out the campaign for “The Un¬ sinkable Molly Brown.” John Rowley, president of TOA, pointed out that box-office receipts last year were up five per cent and appeared even higher so far in 1964. He also discussed blind bidding and indicated that steps were being taken to correct the practice, leading to a more unified industry. Luncheon was hosted by Denver Shipping, South-West Film Service, Manley, Inc., and Adler Silhouette Letter Co.. The afternoon session included addresses by William E. Bar¬ ret, Denver, author, and Fred Engle co-pro¬ ducer of “Lilies of the Field.” Distaff mem¬ bers retired from the main gathering to view a specially arranged style show in another part of the hotel, while the male members concentrated on business. Robert Heyl, Wyoming and West Drive-In, Torrington, Wyo., gave an enlightening talk on “Small Town Theatre Operation and Promotion,” which stressed the necessity of the theatre manager taking part in his town’s civic affairs. A publicity workshop on “633 Squadron” was held by A1 Fisher, national director of advertising and publicity for United Artists. A cocktail party hosted by Alexander Film Co. preceeded the banquet which wound up the convention. A standing ovation was given John Dobson, outgoing president, for his work for the organization during the past year. Attorney General Duke Dunbar of Colorado represented the state, and Charles Teppen spoke for the city. Greenberg To Sunset Int. NEW YORK — Berry Greenberg has been appointed a vice-president of Sunset Inter¬ national Corp., a television distributing sub¬ sidiary of Warner Bros. Pictures International Corp. He will replace the retiring Karl Mac¬ donald as head of international tv sales, it is announced by Wolfe Cohen, president of Warner Bros. International. Buchanan To Agency Post NEW YORK — Charles Schlaifer, president of Charles Schlaifer and Company, New York and Los Angeles advertising agency, has an¬ nounced the appointment of Thomas J. Buchanan as vice president. Buchanan, formerly studio advertising man¬ ager at Warner Bros., will become manager of the West Coast offices of Schlaifer. Boston Garden Sold Out For Beatles' "Concert" BOSTON — The Beatles, who are making a motion picture, heartened Boston exhib¬ itors and indicated a tremendous potential for their film by selling out at Boston Garden for a concert to be held on Sept. 12. Boston Garden put tickets on sale for the Beatles and in two days sold out its 12,325 seats to make boxoffice history. Within two hours following the opening of the ticket windows, 4,000 tickets were bought in the rush. For five and one-half hours before the boxoffice windows were opened at 10 a.m., long lines of shouting, cheering youngsters milled around, the ma¬ jority of them sporting Beatle badges. Scalpers however, were reported having a field day and doing a landoffice business offering tickets at prices from $20 to $30 a pair. Indications were that the asking price for Beatle tickets for the Sept. 12 date would be in the vicinity of $50 a pair before the time for their performance rolls around. Ticket prices were $5.50, $4.50 and $3.50 at the boxoffice. Exhibitors Cite Presley CHARLOTTE — A letter of commendation was sent to Elvis Presley, by the board of directors, Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina. A trade paper story regarding the manner in which many motion picture personalities damage the boxoffice potential of their pic¬ tures by over-exposure on television was cited as the reason for the action. The letter read, in part, “in checking the list of stars who have hurt themselves in this way, your name was notable by its absence! Our board, by unanimous action, asked that I express to you and Colonel Parker our appreciation for your refusal to make appearances on television and in other facilities in competition with theatres, there¬ by assuring your continued popularity in motion pictures. The finest carbons ever made... PROJECTOR CARBONS June 10, 1964 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR 15