Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1931)

May 23, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 57 Tom McGuire Says Not Much Doing But We'll Say He's Busy That the business of selling shows in his city is progressing at a rapid rate is indicated in an Anniversary issue letter from Thomas McGuire, manager of the Hollywood Theatre, Detroit, in spite of the fact that the writer rather apologetically informs the Club that there's nothing much to offer in the way of news. After a glance through this member's contribution we'd go so far as to say that he is making things hum out his way. For instance, right at the start Tom informs us the Hollywood just gave away its 125th Ford ( one is given away each Friday and Saturday). Business must be tough, Tom, if you can give away two automobiles each week. But what is the gag? You don't furnish any detail so all we can tell your brother members is that you've apparently turned Santa Claus. Oke ? But one thing that Tom does mention is that his house is running a Kid Klub Kontest of a nature that is getting a lot of attention each Saturday matinee. Any youngster under 16 who has any theatrical talent may compete for awards of wrist watches and other suitable prizes. Now here's the trick : The winners of these prizes, after a period of 15 weeks, compete among themselves for Trophy Cups ; then the cup winners compete in a grand finale, the grand prize being an engagement along with the regular RKO headliners on the vaudeville program. Tom tells us the kids and their fond parents just ate this up, and that it cost but little owing to the fact that a jeweler gave him a break for a co-operative ad. A Diplomatic Move During the Easter season Tommy got himself in the good graces of the religiously inclined by turning over the house for a portion of Good Friday to the Detroit Council of Churches. A special program was made up for the occasion which called attention to the fact that services would be held at the theatre from 12 to 3 P. M. The organist was featured and choruses from several congregations took part in the affair. The regular theatre program was started at 3:15 P. M. Two pages of advertising were secured for the program. As to the popularity of the move, 3,442 people attended during the aforementioned hours. Mac also has a calling card gag which he tells us has proven a corking business puller. He's passing it along in view of the fact that it may be a novelty to some of the boys. Just one thing wrong with this picture. Tom. You write that the card is enclosed but we can't locate same, so will have to describe it as well as possible. According to his letter the card serves the same purpose that any regular business calling card serves, plus the novelty of appearing as a reserved seat for some theatre special. And it really does admit one to the theatre. But, as Tommy points out, how often does just one person go to a theatre alone? Therefore, the recipient brings along another cash customer which 10 to 1 the house would have had otherwise. He adds that a great number of them are apparently retained as souvenirs as fully 80 per cent never are returned. Newscas+ing Is Popular Another new stunt that the Hollywood started a few weeks ago which has proven quite a novelty is opening a half hour earlier three nights a week to permit the newscasting of late press flashes, closing stock quotations baseball scores, race results, etc. The news flashes are furnished through the courtesy of the daily papers and are those which have arrived too late for insertion in the editions generally carried home. In order that the stunt does not become too tiresome, local celebrities and public officials are invited to do the news casting. This stunt is handled on nights that are not continuous run. No. Tom, from what you tell us we gather that you are no busier than the one-armed paper hanger but now that you've been elected President of the business men's association on your side of the town perhaps you will manage to keep your mind occupied. "W'e have just sent that snap of you and boss Ben Cohen down to the engraver so it ought to make its appearance with this story. We hope that Ben will find something for you to do this summer in the way of selling shows and that you will contitme to serve your fellow members. Thanks Tommy, very much, for sending the nice letter. The Club appreciates your efforts. The Showman's Calenda AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB FEATURE Check up on these dates each week and see how you can turn them into "money dates" for your theatre. Each new month offers new days of untold opportunities. May 29th May 29th May 30th June 1st to 8th June 1st June 1st June 1st June 2nd June 3rd June 3rd June 3rd June 5th June 6th June 6th June 8th June 9th June 10th MAY Ascension Day Wisconsin admitted to Union (1848) Memorial Day JUNE Swimming Week Two cent postage stamp established between U. S. & Great Britain (1908) Kentucky Admitted to Union (1792) Tennessee Admitted to Union (1796) 1st steam vessel arrived in Boston from England (1793) Confederate Memorial Day (Tenn.) King's Birthday (Canada) Jefferson Davis' Birthday (1808) 1st Public Balloon Ascension in France by Montgolfier Bros. (1783) Nathan Hale's Birthday (1756) American Marines' Victory at Belleau Wood (1918) Battle of New Orleans (1815) John Howard Payne's Birthday (1791) (Author of Home Sweet Home) Franklin drew lightning from clouds (1752) Can you tie any of the above events into your theatre^ 8 activities? And don't overlook the many local events that are constantly turning up right in your own town, county or state. Keep an eye on Calendar^^ £or an £uture holidays and events. ^^The Showman^s advance tip on