Motion Picture Herald (July-Aug 1935)

I 96 MOTION PICTURE HERALD TJje delayed presentation of Col. Bill Hendricks' Ouigley April Silver took place a few days ago in Memphis, where the tnanager of the Warner Theatre (center) accepted his honors from Col. Roscoe Turner (left), famed flyer. In the group also are Col. Hoivard Waugh, Warner Theatres Kentucky zone director. Col. Tom Young, Memphis Fox exchange manager, and the Flying Keys, also Colonels, who recently established a new flying endurance record. Ceremony originally was planned to take place in Hollyivood tvhere the plaque was forwarded, but changes in the program switched the proceedings to Memphis with Turner flying the trophy back from the Coast and doing the honors in Hendricks' home town. Bill won the Aivard on the Fox picture, "Baboona." Insurance Connpany Gives Heralds for Farrar On "Les Miserables" through the cooperation of local insurance company, Ward Farrar, Loew's Palace, Indianapolis, succeeded in having all solicitors distribute theatre heralds when calling on accounts. Tying in with Boy Scouts, each master was instructed to discuss the picture at all meetings, place notice on bulletin boards and recommend that boys attend showing. For his street bally Ward used enlarged book on small wagon pulled by burro with man in costume at reins (see photo). Special screenings were held for press, clergy and local notables. Newspaper tied in on a movie crossword puzzle contest based around title. Farrar's Book and Burro Bally Radio Discovery Ni+es Click for Hodges Jack Hodges, of the Florida, in Jacksonville, Fla., reports the conclusion of the statewide radio discovery nights held in 20 towns of the Sparks circuit, each theatre sending local winner to the finals which were held on the stage of the Florida. Winner of the finals receives a free trip to New York via boat, week's stay at midtown hotel, and an opportunity to sing on Showboat hour. Jack reports contest biggest yet with distinct increase in business. Another radio stunt currently clicking for Jack is a tieup with local station dramatic group to put on dramatization from a coming attraction. Program is no cost to theatre as sponsor pays for everything getting a break on the screen in addition. (P. S. — How's the fishin', Jack?) "Have You Contributed Lately}" Killers and "G Men" Act As Street Bally for Gilkeson To promote his "G Men" date at the lola Theatre, Tola, Kan., C. G. Gilkeson handcuffed four of his house staff, labeling them Karpis, Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson and marched them through the streets in charge of two G men equipped with pistols and riot guns. This bally also was used in surrounding towns. Gilkeson also secured from the sheriff's office various accessories used by the department of justice and these were stationed in front of house during run. July 2 0, 19 3 5 Hits on "Marietta'* At Two-Day House He did it with exactly $17.80 in a theatre open only two days a week, Fridays and Saturdays — referring to Manager Chuck Shannon's campaign at Warners' Hollywood, Pittsburgh, on "Naughty Marietta" that was voted the Quigley June Bronze Plaque. And the tipoff on how much Chuck put on the ball is evidenced by his report that all the art work for his many window displays was done by himself. To land these windows, all in prominent neighborhood locations, Chuck secured tieup stills for tieins with florists, dress shops, drug stores, beauty shops, shoe stores, etc., painted the cards and posters and generally supervised the layouts. Accompanying photo shows some of his handiwork. Other merchant tieups were made via rubber stamp with which Shannon imprinted shopping bags, napkins, grocery and five and ten bags, restaurant checks, and even the bills at nearby tailor and cleaning shop. Tailor also pinned stamped cards to each outgoing garment. Space on back page of heralds was sold for enough to cover entire cost plus printing" and these also were distributed by participating merchants. Chuck then promoted kites for giveaway at matinees, planted empty barrel labeled "danger" contaming stills and picture copy at prominent corner ; painted a vacant window with bon ami and leaving a peep-hole in the center labeled "ladies only," inside showing theatre display. Window cards were tied to spare tires on cars belonging to house staff, their friends and Shannon's. Telephone was used extensively in advance, imposing lobby and front made up inexpensively, and all local papers and shopping guides promoted for various publicity, art and ads to wind up what was reported a highly successful campaign. "Have Yoii Contributed Lately'?" Barry Stages "Nitwit" Nut Hunt for Kids A lucky nut contest was staged by Terry Barry at the Huntington Station Theatre, Huntington Station, N. Y., for his "Nitwits" date. All under 18 were eligible and at a given signal youngsters adjourned to a nearby lot where the nuts were buried and started their hunt. Terry says police protection was provided and to each kid finding one of the lucky nuts a pass was awarded. Stunt broke papers with gag stories. "Have You Contributed Lately}" One of Chuck Shannon's Windows