Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1943)

Record Details:

Title:
Motion Picture Herald
Date:
Jul-Aug 1943
Publisher:
[New York, N.Y. : Quigley Pub. Co.]
Volume:
Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1943)
Leaf #:
000732
Language:
English
Subjects:
motion pictures, Motion pictures -- Periodicals
Collection:
Hollywood Studio System
Format:
Periodicals
Contributor:
Library of Congress, MBRS, Moving Image Section
Sponsor:
Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division
Coordinator:
Media History Digital Library
Description:
Founded in 1915 by a Chicago printing company as a regional trade paper for Midwest exhibitors. In 1916, editor Martin Quigley bought out the owners, and over the next 15 years, he grew EXHIBITORS HERALD into one of the most important national, weekly trade papers in the film business. Quigley acquired MOTOGRAPHY in 1917 and MOVING PICTURE WORLD in 1927. In 1930, he acquired MOTION PICTURE NEWS and the new 'consolidated' publication became MOTION PICTURE HERALD. From the pulpit of his editorial page, Quigley preached the need to improve the motion picture industry and improve the quality of the films. He skillfully served as a mediator in disputes -- between distributors and exhibitors, between the film industry and the Catholic Church (Quigley was one of the architects of the Production Code). Quigley claimed that EXHIBITORS HERALD represented the 'independent exhibitor' and sections like 'What the Picture Did for Me?' certainly provided a forum for theater owners. But plenty of exhibitors viewed Quigley as a servant to the studios and large theater chains. In response, publications such as SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS FILM BULLETIN, HARRISON'S REPORTS, and BOX OFFICE were either formed or grew significantly in the years following Quigley's brief moment of consolidation in 1930. -- Eric Hoyt, 2014
Date Added:
May 30, 2024
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40 MOTION PICTURE HERALD August 28, 1943 // WHAT THE PICTURE DIH FOR ME Columbia COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN: Paul Muni, Lillian Gish — In spite of too many war pictures, this one was an exception and drew a fairly good crowd. It is certainly a dandy film. It is queer the wav once in a while a war picture will draw a good crowd; and I never can guess ahead of time which one it will be. — W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. DESPERADOES: Randolph Scott, Glenn Ford— A swell colored Western with beautiful scenery and lots of action. However, for some reason or other, business was low average. I though they would welcome this one with open arms instead of tight pockets. They usually like action pictures like this when they are well done.— W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. NIGHT TO REMEMBER, A: Loretta Young, Brian Aherne — This was a timely little comedy romance. Was nothing that my audience expected but was really enjoyed by all. Played Tuesday, June 29.— Mrs. O. E. Brumley, Pal Theatre, Chatham, La. Small town and rural patronage. REVEILLE WITH BEVERLY: Ann Miller, William Wright— This one set just right! The bands are the whole thing as there is not much to the story. In the midst of a lot of war pictures this one stuck out like a sore thumb and was thoroughly enjoyed. Attendance far above average in spite of very few people left in town.— W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. SHE HAS WHAT IT TAKES: Jinx Falkenberg. Tom Neal— Just getting ready to date this picture, as well as "Murder in Times Square" and "Overland to Deadwood. In checking mats find that no one column one inch mats have been made on even these program pictures. It's about time that all companies start making at least one or two mats one inch size on each picture to give small exhibitors a chance to use same in newspapers. We only run a one and one -half inch daily ad. — A. H. Kaufman, Fountain Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind. SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT: Don Ameche, Jack Oakie, Janet Blair — This is a good picture with lots of down-to-earth entertainment. Those patrons who came enjoyed it, but not enough of them, as it's not the kind of picture they particularly like. In a better type theatre it should draw very well. Played Sunday, Monday, Aug. 15, 16.— A. H. Kaufman, Fountain Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind. STAND BY, ALL NETWORKS: Florence Rice, John Beal— Good action picture but did no biz as patrons don't like any kind of war pictures. When thrillers like this or others with even big stars don't do biz in an action type theatre, then it's time that producers quit making so many. Played Tuesday, Aug. 10. — A. H. Kaufman, Fountain Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind. YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER: Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth — We did nice business on this one. Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth always go over the top here. Played Tuesday, July 13.— Mrs. O. E. Brumley, Pal Theatre, Chatham, La. Small town and rural patronage. Fa ma LA NOCHE DE LOS MAXAS: Arturo Cordoba, Estela Inda— Uusually run a few foreign language films as this is a college town. Never make anything but goodwill on them. This is really quite good as foreign films go. It was made in Mexico and has English titles. Play it if you can use this kind. — W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer AIR RAID WARDENS, THE: Laurel and Hardy —Timely title. Enjoyed by all. One of their best in a long time. Played Friday, Saturday, July 2, 3.— Philip Schwartz. Parkway Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. ANDY HARDY'S DOUBLE LIFE: Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone Good small town picture, but no extra business. Played Sunday, Monday, Aug. 1, 2. — Melville Dinner, Kozy Theatre, Granite, Okla. Small town patronage. . . . the original exhibitors' reports department, established October 14, 1916. In it theatremen serve one another with information about the box-office performance of product — providing a service of the exhibitor for the exhibitor. ADDRESS REPORTS: What the Picture Did for Me, Motion Picture Herald, Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. JOURNEY FOR MARGARET: Robert Young, Laraine Day — This picture advertised as a 'Second Mrs. Miniver," but hardly up to that standard although it was much enjoyed by my patrons. Not as outstanding as Miniver but a good evening's entertainment. Would recommend this one. Played Saturday, July 31. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sask., Canada. Rural and small town patronage. JOURNEY FOR MARGARET: Robert Young, La raine Day — Ran this with "Desert Victory" to very fine business. It is a nice picture and the kids in it do very well. The local church helps a little homeless English boy in a home similar to the one in the picture, so they did a lot of advertising for people to go see this one. That helped the box office a great deal, I know. — W Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. RANDOM HARVEST: Ronald Colman, Greer Garson— A little slow in spots but it is all they said it would be. Excellent attendance for the off-season. One of those pictures that brings ot the worst stayat-homes. — W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. RIO RITA: Abbott and Costello— For a lot of laughs this picture is tops. My patrons enjoyed it very much. Played Sunday, Monday, July 25. 26. — Cecil Atkinson, Star Theatre, Star City, Ark. Small town patronage. WHISTLING IN DIXIE: Red Skelton, Ann Rutherford— Ran with "Saludos Amigcs" to a little above average receipts. The last half of this one had the crowd in an uproar. It is swell lowbrow comedy. The first half is a little slow — W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. YOUNGEST PROFESSION, THE: Virginia Weidler, Edward Arnold & Guests — This picture was not very well liked and we had several walkouts. Some of the intended humor is a bit strained and missed the mark entirely. It does, however, possess some lighter moments which may leave a pleasant taste in your patrons' mouths. Played Saturday, July 31. — Army Theatre No. 2, Ft. Bragg, N. C. Monogram MR. WISE GUY: East Side Kids— Very good picture for our patrons. Give us more of the East Side Kids, as folks like 'em better than many of the big stars. As some of the boys are getting pretty big and Uncle Sam is taking some of the "Old Gang," maybe it would be a good idea to start with 4 or 5 more 'teen age youngsters and work them in the series with those that are left. Played Thursday, Friday. Aug. 12, 13.— A. H. Kaufman, Fountain Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind. RHYTHM PARADE: Gale Storm, Robert Lowery— As fine a musical as you want. Story, print and direction as good as any major. Played Sunday. Monday, July 4, 5.— PTiilip Schwartz, Parkway Theatre. Bridgeport, Conn. Paramount BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON: Dorothy Lamour. Richard Denning— This is a very beautiful Technicolor outdoor "A" picture; although the weather was very warm we had a packed house. Played Tuesday, July 20— Mrs. O. E. Brumley. Pal Theatre, Chatham, La. Small town and rural patronage. BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON: Dorothy Lamour, Richard Denning— The color was beautiful. Dotty's singing was bad and the story childish. However, the patrons seemed well pleased and there were many good comments. Business average. Played Saturday. Sunday, Aug. 7, 8.— James A. Blossom, Movie-tone Theatre, Fairfield, Mont. Rural and small town patronage. CAT PEOPLE: Simone Simon, Tom Conway— Two strong; no comedy relief. My patrons dislike horror pictures. Result — very poor biz. O.K. for audiences who like this type. Played Wednesday. Thursday, Aug. 4, 5.— H. M. Schenecker, Lyric Theatre, Webster, S. D1. Small town patronage. CHINA: Alan Ladd, Loretta Young— Sorry to lose Ladd as he has something on the ball. Average business to an average show. Nothing big. Played Sunday, Monday, Aug. 8, 9.— D. A. Russell, Ness Theatre, Ness City, Kan. Small town patronage. CHINA: Alan Ladd, Loretta Young — Alan Ladd's performance great. Story would have been trite without him. Loretta Young impressive. Will do business where the patron hasn't been given too many war pictures. Played Sunday-Tuesday, July 25-27. — H. M. Schenecker. Lyric Theatre, Webster, S. D. Small town patronage. DIXIE: Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour — Not our biggest grosser, but one that held up very well and gave us the biggest Saturday (fourth day and usually short because of week-end passes) on the books. Bing can still pack 'em in and they like to look at Dottie. Played Wednesday-Saturday, July 28-31.— V. G. Mullarkey. Theatre Officer SAAAB, Santa Ana Army Air Base, Santa Ana, Calif. REAP THE WILD WIND: Ray Milland, Paulette Goddard — Fairly good attendance for the season came to see this excellent Technicolor De Mille film. As usual, De Mille incorporates comedy, love, thrills and drama. The accent is on the thrills in this one. The whole crowd held its breath during the underwater octopus scenes. This is the first time I played it as I usually pass up advanced admissions here. — W. Varick Nevins, III, Alfred Co-op Theatre, Alfred, N. Y. Small college town patronage. SALUTE FOR THREE: Macdonald Carey, Betty Rhodes — Thanks to a shortage of released product, we played this two days. Those who stayed in camp turned out okay because of the presence of Bugs Bunny on the program and a strange rumor that "Gone with the Wind" was playing. Played Monday, Tuesday, Aug. 2. 3.— Army Theatre No. 2. Ft. Bragg, N. C. STAR SPANGLED RHYTHM: Betty Hutton, Eddie Bracken, Victor Moore — Paramount has made better pictures with a smaller cast. Not the superduper I expected. Betty Hutton the best star. Played Saturday-Monday, July 24-26.— Melville Danner, Kozy Theatre, Granite, Okla. Small town patronage. WAKE ISLAND: Brian Donlevy, Preston Foster — All seemed to like it fine. The best war picture that we have shown so far. Played Tuesday, July 6. — Mrs. O. E. Brumley, Pal Theatre, Chatham, La. Small town and rural patronage. Producers Releasing Corp. BILLY THE KID IN WESTERN CYCLONE: Buster Crabbe, Al St. John— Awful. It might go oyer with the youngest type of Western fan, but otherwise the film would have been better off turned over to a newsreel company. Played Thursday, Friday, July 22, 23.— V. G. Mullarkey, Theatre Officer SAAAB, Santa Ana Army Air Base, Santa Ana, Calif. Republic BOOTS AND SADDLES: Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette— Gene Autry is tops for Westerns here. However, we are not doing any good with Autry reissues. Played Friday. Saturday, June 4. 5.— Mrs. O. E Brumley, Pal Theatre, Chatham, La. Small town and rural patronage. FLYING TIGERS: John Wayne, Anna Lee— This picture was booked for two days although, due to poor transportation, was able to run but one night. A grand picture, liked by all. The box office returns (Continued on ohfiositr page)