Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1944)

An international association of showmen meeting weekly n MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress XESTER FRIEDMAN, Editor GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor QP 'repare for Emergencies It was only natural that the disastrous circus fire in Hartford ould have its effect on the amusement industries in general. Legislative action came swift and firm, with all Hartford theatres )rced to maintain police or fire guards whenever a performance in progress. Whether the guards are employed by the theatres r supplied by the local police or fire authorities, they must file ;aily reports with city deputies. The tragedy which befell Hartford is still fresh in the minds of lartford people; so that the exhibitors will be hard put to take ny counter-action to ease the stringent regulation. The experience once more calls to mind the importance of safeuarding against any happening in a theatre which will create ardships for the industry as a whole. Such is the state of mind of the public today that any slight isturbance may be the spark which can touch off a panic with onsequences far too serious to contemplate. Never was the time more propitious for managers to check Ueyways and exits to be sure that all means of egress are clear; i ascertain that all fuses are of approved type and amperage; ~> have loose or broken wires properly attended to, and to i& that the theatre staff is adequately trained to handle amy mcrgency. AAA Dn Space Reductions Charles E. Williams, advertising manager for Mid-State Thetres, Inc., Milton, Pa., adds point to a recent editorial suggestion •om this department that the distributors devote more attention 3 ad mats of smaller dimensions. Mr. Williams feels that real results could be attained "for mutual id and progress" if other showmen who are affected by film comanies' reluctance to recognize current conditions would add their oice to a common complaint. Mr. Williams' immediate problem does not arise from rationed swspaper space. His difficulty is that the local papers in their ffort to conserve space have reduced column widths from the ustcmary 12 ems to I 1 1/2 ems. He points out that a majority of the mats offered by the dis•ibutors cannot be trimmed adequately — in some cases the plates annot be trimmed enough for use without borders, regardless of lat shrinkage. 'This," states Mr. Williams, "rules out the possibility of using ny considerable amount of white space without going to the •ouble of completely altering layouts." We have not heard of other cases where column width has been decreased. If the idea has spread to any extent, it might be well for the distributor companies to give added consideration to this new angle which might call for a survey and perhaps a more uniform width for mats to meet all local demands for theatremen across the country. Sh owman s AAA Creed Each month the Chamber of Commerce in Lexington, Ky., bestows an Award of Merit upon the member who has done the most for the organization and community. A news clipping forwarded by Bob Cox, manager of the Lexington theatre there, announces that he has been cited for the Award for the month of June. A note from Bob which accompanied the clipping state's: "You know that the smart theatremen have expounded at great length on the importance of goodwill and that a good theatre manager will try to make a place for himself in the community. You also know that the industry heads have pointed out the importance of lending every possible aid to the community contribution to the war effort. "Here's my point: After two long, hard years of trying to do the above things, and knowing in my heart that I was succeeding to some extent, I now have tangible proof that the community leaders recognize a theatre manager's place in the city. "Do you see why I'm so proud?" AAA Three-and-One-Half Centuries Three hundred and fifty-six years of showbusiness experience are represented by managers comprising the Toronto Suburban Division of the Famous Players Canadian circuit. Fifteen personalities are included, establishing an exceptional record with an average of 23.7 years per manager. Heading the list is Al Ritchie, Alhambra theatre, with 40 years to his credit. Al Easson at the Oakwood and Walter Sraydon of the Parkdale follow with 34 years each. At the Beach, Roy Downey claims 32 years' service, with Ronald McClelland at the Capitol also breaking the 30-year mark by one. Youngest in point of service but old in experience is Marc Hirsch who has been manager of the Eglinton theatre for two years. The only woman manager in the group, Evelyn Lilley at the Village theatre, has been in the business for 20 years. —CHESTER FRIEDMAN MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JULY 29, 1944 &9