The Exhibitor (1966)

r-. .~ ,< V. l: EX-781 August 17, 1966 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR August 17, 1966 SECTION THREE Vol. 76, No. 2 I EXPLOITATION I ACTUAL PROMOTIONS from the fertile minds of exhibition and dis¬ tribution that can be applied with profit to the theatre situations. This special section is published every-second-week as a separately bound, saveable service to all theatre executive subscribers to MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR. Each saveable section represents current submissions by theatremen and promotion plans from distributors that have originality and ticket selling force. Exhibitors are invited to submit campaigns on specific pictures or institutional ideas. Add EXPLOITATION to your permanent theatre library. Address all communications and submissions to the Editors of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, 317 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Penna. —19107. Paramount Paperback Tie-ins Paramount Pictures has set tie-ins with six major paperback book publishers for movie editions based on nine of the company’s major forthcoming film presentations. The motion picture edition of “Is Paris Burning?” which will have its American pre¬ miere for the benefit of the Alliance Francaise on November 9 at New York’s Criterion Thea¬ tre, is being published by Pocket Books. The book, by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, has been an international best-seller. Also to be issued by Pocket Book is “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad,” based on the play by Arthur Kopit. “Hurry Sundown,” now being filmed by pro¬ ducer-director Otto Preminger on location in Louisiana from the best-seller by K. B. Gilden, will be published by New American Library. Also on the company’s schedule is the new movie edition of David Ely’s “Seconds.” The film, directed by John Frankenheimer and produced by Edward Lewis, stars Rock Hudson. “Funeral in Berlin,’ which stars Michael Caine as secret agent Harry Palmer and is due for release this year, will be issued in a movie edition by Dell. The suspense novel by Len Deighton has been an international best¬ seller. Also to be published by Dell is the novelization of the madcap comedy “The Swinger,” starring Ann-Margret. Ballantine Books is issuing Bill Naughton’s “Alfie,” the novel from which the author wrote his stage and screen plays. “Alfie,” starring Michael Caine in the title role, will have its American premiere in New York City on August 24 at the Coronet and New Embassy Theatres. “El Dorado,” a novel by Harry Joe Brown, is being published by Bantam Books. The film, which was produced and directed by Howard Hawks, stars John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. “Warning Shot,” a novel by Whit Masterson, will be issued in a movie edition by Popular Library. The film, produced and di¬ rected by Buzz Kulik, stars David Janssen. “Steal A Million” On Buses William Wyler’s “How to Steal a Million,” is being promoted by an editorial poster in more than 1,000 buses in the New York met¬ ropolitan area. Although Broadway plays have been ac¬ corded this treatment in the past, “How to Steal a Million” is the first motion picture to be given this free editorial exposure. The edi¬ torial card will be in the buses for a period of two months, and declares to the millions of New York bus riders: “This is real summer entertainment: a gay, lighthearted blend of romance and larceny that you can relax and enjoy without any effort” lowie, Zap, Pow, Holy Bigscreen ' Batman " Campaign Launched By Fox Seen at a recent Batfink press conference on 20th Century-Fox's "Batman" are, from left to right, the Penguin— Burgess Meredith; the Catwoman — Lee Meriwether; and the Joker — Cesar Romero. ‘Eye For Eye* Ideas Embassy Pictures has prepared a compre¬ hensive Exhibitors’ Showmanship Manual on “An Eye for an Eye.” Exploitation highlights include imprinted poker cards, a western nickname contest, tie ins with local stores on sales featuring “An Eye Full of Values,” lariat contests, sporting goods tie-ins, and Western brands contests. _ Austin, Texas, youngsters recently greeted Adam West, Batman himself; and Lee Meriwether, the Catwoman, at the Municipal Airport during their recent visit in connection with the premiere of 20thFox's "Batman" at Interstate's Paramount. The promotion campaign for 20th CenturyFox’s feature release, “Batman,” was launched with a gala World Premiere on July 30 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. The affair was held in conjunction with the famous Austin Aqua Festival, a month-long celebration which is one of the most outstand¬ ing events held in the Southwest. Adam West and Burt Ward, who star as Batman and Robin in the film and the top-rated ABC-TV series, were on hand for premiere festivities. A contingent of press representing national magazines, radio and TV networks, and syn¬ dicated columnists were jetted to Austin for the unique events. Following the premiere, West and Ward toured New York in connection with openings in the Metropolitan area, participating in a series of public appearances, newspaper and magazine interviews, and radio and TV guest appearances on local and network stations. Howard Newman, 20th-Fox publicity di¬ rector, stated that the Parks Department was co-sponsoring “Good Citizenship” citations. This contest has been publicized by the New York City department which is circulating 1000 posters in play areas, and over 60 news¬ papers will participate in the selection of youngsters from neighborhoods and youth groups who have helped to make their part of the city a better place. He cited the many television, radio and press outlets which are giving prime attention to the citizenship cita¬ tions and bringing an enthusiastic Central Park welcoming crowd for West, Ward, Parks Cbmmissioner Thomas P. V. Hoving and the winners. Theatre managers were urged to take the interest in sponsoring candidates for cita¬ tions to their immediate neighborhoods. Also promoting “Batman” engagements this summer will be one of the most extensive mer¬ chandising tie-in campaigns in motion picture history. Bat capes, hats, masks, balloons, bub¬ ble gum, sweaters, pictures, toys, candy, etc., will flood the country receiving prominent displays in such busy spots as super markets, dime-store chains and drug stores. Merchan¬ disers of Batman products will cooperate with theatres at the local level, bringing the “Bat¬ man” story to shoppers everywhere. Special posters, streamers and in-store display items will be distributed to promote both the film and the myriad of products. National Periodical Publications, Inc., pub¬ lisher of the Batman comic books, will also participate in “Batman” openings at the local level through more than 600 wholesalers ( Continued on page EX783)