Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1944)

Record Details:

Title:
Motion Picture Herald
Date:
Nov-Dec 1944
Publisher:
[New York, N.Y. : Quigley Pub. Co.]
Volume:
Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1944)
Leaf #:
000350
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:
August 29, 2022
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^'WHAT THE PICTURE DID FOR ME^ Columbia BLACK PARACHUTE, THE: John Carradine, Larry Parks — This was surprisingly good for the action end of a double. It is just Uke a Western with a dififerent dressing-. Had numerous favorable comments, which is unusual on a Friday and Saturday double. Will not miss in any small town situation.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. COWBOY CANTEEN: Charles Starrett, Jane FrazeeGood business and everyone liked it. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 10, 11.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont , Can. KANSAS CITY KITTY: Joan Davis, Jane Frazee, Bob Crosby—Business abov par and the audience seemed to enjoy this throughout. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 10, 11.— H. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Neighborhood patronage. STARS ON PARADE: Lynn Merrick, Larry Parks— The less said about this one the better. No plot, no story, not a comedy, a little music, and that is all. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 3, 4..— Leonard J. Leise, Rand Theatre, Randolph, Neb., Rural and small town patronage. Mefro-Goldwyn-Mayer BATHING BEAUTY: Red Skelton, Esther WilliamsOne of Metro's best for quite a while. Magnificent color and Skelton at his best. Everyone satisfied. Played Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 29-31.— Leonard J. Leise, Rand Theatre, Randolph, Neb. Rural and small town patronage. BATHING BEAUTY: Red Skelton, Esther WilliamsThis is a good one that everyone semed to enejoy. There were lots of laughs and everybody was satisfied. Business was good. Played Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 9-11.— M. Bailey, Strand "Theatre, Dryden, Ont, Small town patronage. GASLIGHT: Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman— The artistic achievements of this well-acted picture were overshadowed by the reaction of our audience which failed to appreciate the novel entertainment provided by Mr. Boyer's eflforts to drive the charming Miss Bergman insane. Played Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2.— A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. MADAME CURIE: Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon— I used this midweek on account of comments read in these columns. This was a mistake. It was a grand show and should have had a Sunday opening. One patron, a section hand, remarked: "It was one of the finest shows I have ever seen." This goes to refute the charge that the picture is too highbrow for a small town. — L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. NAUGHTY MARIETTA: Jeanette M'acDonald, Nelson Eddy — Reissues do not go ove as a rule for us, but business on this was satisfactory. — R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and rural patronage. SLIGHTLY DANGEROUS: Lana Turner, Robert Young — Show satisfactory. Business fair. — R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and rural patronage. TARZAN'S SECRET TREASURE: Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan — Satisfactory and business O. K. — R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and rural patronage. THOUSANDS CHEER: Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly — A very good color picture. — Rubel Hutchings, Allen Theatre, Allen, Neb. THOUSANDS CHEER: Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly — Well, the lion roared again and I mean roared with good entertainment. It is a swell production in beautiful color. What a change from some of the product we have to put up with these days. Twenty years ago there was plenty of product, but now the exhibitor has to beg for it. Well, times will change. Thanks, Metro, for a swell release. Play it in any spot. Played Saturday, Oct. 28. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sask., Can. Rural and small town patronage. TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR: Jimmy Durante, Van Johnson — Very well liked and business good on this variety type of entertainment. Durante's best bv several lengths.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER, THE: Irene Dunne, Roddy MacDowall — This is an excellent production and was well attended even though the war angle might have kept some away. We had almost a full house the first night and there was no criticism. Played Sunday, Monday, Nov. 5, 6. — A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. YANK AT ETON, A: Mickey Rooney, Edmund Gwenn — Rooney is slipping here. He is clever but the director is to blame for his over-acting, which tires the audience by the time the show is over. Business better on this one.— R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and rural patronage. . . . the original exhibitors' reports deportment, established October 14, 1916. In theotremen serve one another with information about the box-office performance ; product — providing a service of the exhibitor for the exhibitor. ADDRESS REPORT What the Picture Did for Me. Motion Picture Herald, Rockefeller Center, New York 2 Monogram LADY, LET'S DANCE: Belita, James Ellison— The first night we had no picture; the second night they did not come. The lady danced and so did the exhibitor with no business. Played Monday, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 31. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. Paramount AND THE ANGELS SING: Fred MacMurray, Dorothy Lamour — Business only fair; no one seemed enthused. Played Sunday, Monday, Nov. 12, 13. — H. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Neighborhood patronage. DIXIE: Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour — Satisfactory picture. Business fair. — R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta, Can. Village and rural patronage. HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO: Eddie Bracken, Ella Raines — This is a good little comedy but business was very light, due to the lightweight cast. Played Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 8, 9. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO: Eddie Bracken, Ella Raines — Good fan fare that brought them out. His speech was a masterpiece. Played Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. HENRY ALDRICH SWINGS IT: Jimmy Lydon, Charlie Smith — Once in a while these are O.K. but don't play them too often. — R. R. Kiefer, Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. HITLER GANG, THE: Robert Watson, Victor Varconi — My people did not care for this as it was too much like a documentary film, and the cast was made up of unknowns. Business was not up to average. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 10, 11. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount, Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. MINESWEEPER: Richard Arlen, Jean Parker— Played Sunday. No sellout but did normal Sunday business. Played Nov. 5.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. SOULS AT SEA: Gary Cooper, George Raft— There is still plenty of interest in this reissue. A good sea adventure that is worth seeing again. Played Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2.— M. Ewing, Ewing Theatre, Midlothian, 111. Suburban patronage. PRC DEVIL RIDERS, THE: Buster Crabbe, Al St. JohnGood picture that helped our double bill nicely. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 3, 4.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Tlieatre. Tilbury, 0*it., Can, HARVEST MELODY: Rosemary Lane, Johnny Downs — Played this on a single bill and it did not do well. Played Sunday, Oct. 29.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. RKO Radio GOVERNMENT GIRL: Olivia de HaviUand, Sonny Tufts— This picture drew well at our box office. — Rubel Hutchings, Allan Theatre, Allen, Neb. SHOW BUSINESS: Eddie Cantor, George Murphy— I thought that this picture should do business, but it didn't. Cantor is no draw; nevertheless, it was a good, entertaining musical, but had no appeal here. Played Monday. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7.— Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. UP IN ARMS: Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore— So far as this critic knows this is Danny Kaye's first venture into the Hollywood screen spotlights. Judging from his par excellent performance in "Up in Arms" he gets our vote and the vox pop hereabouts say O.K. The picture was loaded with laughs, just as we advertised. There was no war stuff, but lots of entertainment, fine Technicolor and plenty of pulchritude, the latter always boosting my box office. From the opening to the finish it was all Kaye and definitely O.K. The film estabhshed a new Sundav gross with some help from the "Battle for the Mariims." Tlie people rolled up a new high score for laughs on this one. C'mon, Hollywood, turn out some more like this and give the home folks a "sh in their arms" for morale. Played Sunday-Tuesda Nov. 5-7.— Sid J. Dickler, Belraar Theatre, Pittsburp Pa. Neighborhood patronage. Republic IN OLD OKLAHOMA: John Wayne, Martha Scott— j good as the best. Business tops. — R. R. Kiefer, Rui Circuit Tlieatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and rui patronage. PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA: Ruth Terry, Bob Livin ston — Very satisfactory. Business good. — R. R. Kiefe Rural Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Villai and rural patronage. ROSIE THE RIVETER: Jane Frazee, Frank Albertsc — Ulenty of howls and fun assured plus the antics Vera Vague. Enjoyed by all. Played Wednesday, Thur day, Nov. 1, 2.— M. Ewing, Ewing Theatre, Midlothia 111. Suburban patronage. Twentieth CenturyFox EVE OF ST. MARK, THE: Michael O'Shea, Am Baxter — A well produced war story but the people a: tiring of this type of picture. Business poor. Playt Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 8, 9. — Harland Rankin, Plai Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. EVE OF ST. MARK, THE: Michael O'Shea, Anr Baxter — This was well liked by our patrons. Busine; above average. Played Tuesday, Wednesday, Oct. 3 Nov. 1.— H. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Neigf borhood patronage. FOUR JILLS IN A JEEP: Kay Francis, Carole Lar dis — An entertaining assortment of music and Hollywoo stars. It is a story of Hollywood going "Over "There;' to entertain the servicemen. Played Friday, Saturday Nov. 3, 4. — M. Ewing, Ewing Theatre, Midlothian, III' Suburban patronage. j HELLO, 'FRISCO, HELLO: Alice Faye, John Payn — Good enough show. Business fair. — R. R. Kiefer, Run Circuit Theatre, Hardisty, Alta., Can. Village and mri patronage. LODGER, THE: Laird Cregar, Merle Oberon— Thi picture was very good. We had very bad weather s can't blame the picture for only fair business. Playe Wednesday -Friday, Nov. 1-3. — M. Bailey, Strand Thea tre, Dryden, Ont., Can. Small tctwn patronage. OVER MY DEAD BODY: Milton Berle, Mary Bet Hughes — Double billed with "Cowboy Canteen" to nic business. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 10, 11. — Hai land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. TAMPICO: Lynn Bari, Edward G. Robinson — Good pic ture for the weekend. Did O.K. Played Friday, Sat urday, Nov. 3-4.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til bury, Ont., Can. United Artists IT HAPPENED TOMORROW: Dick Powell, Lind Darnell — This picture is nothing big. But it has a fe\ laughs for those who saw it. Business not good. I must have been the weather. Played MondayWednes day, Nov. 6-8.— M. Bailey, Strand Theatre, Dryden, Ont Can. Small town patronage. LUMBER JACK: William Boyd, Andy Qyde— Thi was also acceptable to our Western fans. Used o double bill with "Voice in the Wind" and lost quite few customers via exits bfore relief came with "Hoppy's appearance on the screen. Played Friday, Saturday, No'i 3, 4.— A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calil Small lumber town patronage. UP IN MABEL'S ROOM: Marjorie Reynolds, Denn; O'Keefe — This out -grossed everything except "Lassi Come Home" and "Going My Way." The net was reall' something as the picture was bought at a program pricf As a matter of fact, it is only a program picture, but th title must have been what did it.— L. V. Bergtold, West by Theatre, Westby, Wis. VOICE IN THE WIND: Francis Lederer, Sigrid Guri —The previous night we showed a picture in which th villain attempted to drive his wife insane. In this pic (Continued on page 50) 46 MOTION PICTURE HERALD, NOVEMBER 25, 19+