Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1944)

(Continued from preceding page) SAN FERNANDO VALLEY: Roy Rogers, Dale Evans — These are the boys that bring in the patrons. This is ray first Roy Rogers but as we always say it takes a cowboy picture to pay off the mortgage. My people went for this in a big way. The mystery to me is how the players keep their hats on through the fights. Mr. Rogers, let me congratulate you, as the small exhibitors rely on stars like yourself to entertain in the real farm and ranching communities. I would strongly recommend this picture to any small town exhibitor. Played Saturday, Nov. 18.— A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sask., Can. Rural and small town patronage. SONG OF NEVADA: Roy Rogers, Mary Lee, Dale Evans — With good -weather and good country roads this Rogers lived up to its reputation and drew better than average grosses. That isn't all. They really liked the picture. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 17, 18. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town and rural patronage. YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS: Roy Rogers, Dale Evans —Rogers is slipping in my town. His Westerns are getting too high class. Rogers was one of our big favorite Western stars, but today he is slipping here. Wild Bill Elliott is far ahead of him. Here's hoping that Rogers will get back into the saddle. Played Saturday, Oct. 28.— Paul T. Mitchell, Mitchell Theatre, Barbourville, Ky. Small town patronage. Twentieth CenturyFox BIG NOISE, THE: Laurel and Hardy— These boys do business for me regardless if the picture is good or not. This was only fair but one scene in an upper berth was worth the price of admission. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. DANGEROUS JOURNEY: Burma Travelogue— Fair draw on a single bill. Used in place of a Western in a spot where I should have doubled with an action feature. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. EVE OF ST. MARK. THE: Michael O'Shea, Anne Baxter — Another fairly good "soldier show." It contains some good humor. It appeals to the audience quite well. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 17, 18.— M. Ewing, Ewing Theatre, Midlothian, 111. Suburban patronage. HOME IN INDIANA: Walter Brennan, Lon McAllister— A nice sweet picture. It drew very well and we had lots of favorable comments. However, I doubt if a picture of this type would be so well received if it were repeated very often. Played Wednesday, Thursday, Nov. 22, 23.— Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, O. Small town patronage. HOME IN INDIANA: Walter Brennan, Lon McAllister— Can't say enough good things about this. Good business and good comments. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. HOME IN INDIANA: Walter Brennan, Lon McAllister— We cannot say enough about this masterful production to even begin to do justice to its many fine and spectacular points. Business was capacity the first night and it was very good on the second night. Nothing but praise from the audience. Played Sunday, Monday, Nov. 26, 27.— A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. IN THE MEANTIME, DARLING: Jeanne Crain, Frank Latimore — In the meantime they went for the exits before the picture was half over. It is a stale subject to build a picture around. There is nothing to recommend it but it would be O.K. for the weak half of a double bill. When this easy money era ends I hesitate to think what will happen when you have to run pictures as the above in order to fill your bookings. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. IN THE MEANTIME^ DARLING: Jeanne Crain, Frank Latimore — Absolutely no business on this. Picture just fair. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. IRISH EYES ARE SMILING: Monty WooUey, Dick Haymes — Very fine feature in color that didn't do a lot of business here, possibly because there are no Irish. We enjoyed this and are sure that all who came did likewise.—A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. IRISH EYES ARE SMILING: Jfonty Woolley, Dick Haymes — A sweet picture for anyone's money with old Irish tunes and songs. You can't beat that combination. And, Mister, there is a lady in this that has pulchritude and voice. She is Miss Thebom. They don't come any better. She is outstanding. Wait imtil you hear her sing "Mother Macree."— A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. ROGER TOUHY, GANGSTER: Preston Foster, Lois Andrews— This was the most gripping and thrilling gangster picture since "Little Caesar." There is not a slow or dull moment. It is exceptionally well handled with no glamorizing of the criminals. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 24, 25.— A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. SULLIVANS, THE: Anne Baxter, Thomas Mitchell— This is a truly grand picture. The comments were fine and I should think every exhibitor would want to play it. I played this feature late but I am glad I played it because it was a smashing hit. Business good. Played Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 23-25.— Paul T. Mitchell, Magic Theatre, Barbourville, Ky. Small town patronage. SULLIVANS, THE: Anne Baxter, Thomas Mitchell— This is a human interest story, touching on the war, but it is not a war picture. There is plenty of comedy and it drew better than average business. Would class this as an extra good small town film. Played Sunday-Tuesday, Nov. 26-28. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town and rural patronage. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT: Phil Baker, Phil SilversWent over very well here and everyone seemed to like it. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. United Artists KNICKERBOCKER HOUDAY: Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn — Another dismal flop. Many walkouts and much adverse criticism. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 24, 25. —A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Calif. Small lumber town patronage. • KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY: Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn — Just cannot believe that adult men produced, directed and played in this picture. Had a lot of walkouts, but the smaller children enjoyed it. A few more of these and I will close my doors permanently. — Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, O. Small town patronage. SENSATIONS OF 1945: Dennis O'Keefe, Eleanor Powell— The sensational acts were very good, but the story, if there was one, did not carry for our patronage. Business below average for this type fare. Played Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 30, Oct. 1. — Edward H. Belz, Community Theatre, Athens, Wis. Rural and small town patronage. SENSATIONS OF 1945: Dennis O'Keefe, Eleanor Powell— A fair draw. A bit of everything and not much_ of anything. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. SINCE YOU WENT AWAY: Claudette Colbert, Shirley Temple, Monty Woolley, Joseph Cotten, Jennifer Jones — There is no question or doubt in my mind that this picture is star-studded and the names of any of the players on my marquee or on my lobby displays have their draw at the box office. But the type _ of picture they are cast in is another matter. Mr. Selznick and his staff have gone all out in 171 minutes of tear-jerking and tugging at one's heart-strings with another epic of the war that is, was and will be a reality in many of our homes. Need we go to a theatre and sit through such a long spectacle that terminates in an ordeal for the morale of Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Public? Movies should be boosteruppers; the theatre a place to seek diversion and relaxation from the trials and tribulations of the unhappy days before and after the present. I wonder just what my conferees of the cinema think about this? Do they think as I do, a former G.I. of this war, that perhaps "Vox Fop" should be polled and see if they want war stuff of this nature? As for the picture itself, the stars did swell jobs in their respective parts. At my box office this picture didn't give me any turnover due to its much too great length. It increased my operating costs due to overtime and added advertising for the three days. It is definitely not a picture for a neighborhood house of limited seating capacity. Could I be wrong again? Let's hear from some of the other exhibitors. I can take it! Played Simday -Tuesday, Dec. 3-5. — Sid J. Dickler, Belmar Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pa. SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD: Edgar Bergen, "Charlie," Bonita Granville — Jane Powell appears to be a coming actress who is well liked. Played Saturday, Sunday. Sept. 23, 24. — Edward H. Belz, Community Theatre, Athens, Wis. Rural and small town patronage. STAGECOACH: John Wayne, Qaire Trevor— This John Ford production is very well made. Even the discriminating can hardly find fault. Attendance average. Played Tuesday, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 25.— Edward H. Belz, Community Theatre, Athens, Wis. Rural and small town patronage. VOICE IN THE WIND: Francis Lederer, Sigrid Curie— Very poor. A couple more of these and I can retire and live in peace. Played Tuesday, Nov. 21. — Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, O. Small town patronage. Universal CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY: Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly —Not up to the standard of the usual Deanna Durbin pictures. Fair draw but those who saw it expected more and said so. — A. E. Eliasen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage. FIRED WIFE : Robert Paige, Louise Allbritton— A darling sophisticated comedy. People really enjoy this type of picture, non-war and non-slapstick. Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 24-25.— Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, O. Small town patronage. FOLLOW THE BOYS: Stage and Screen Entertainers — Are you having a tough time pleasing all your patrons at the same time? Well, here's a show that will do the job for you and will get you some extra spending money. Has all types of acts, music and laughs, but I have seen better pictures of this type. — Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. INVISIBLE MAN'S REVENGE, THE: Jon Hall, Evelyn Ankers — A picture which baffles because of its trick photography. The plot is weak but a competent cast does what it can to make it stand up . We did poor business and some said it was "awful." Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 24, 25. — Thomas di Lorenzo, New Faltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. MERRY MONAHANSi THE: Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan— Our audience thoroughly enjoyed this picture. There wasn't a dull moment. It is a 90-minute vaudeville show with every number done by O'Connor, Oakie, Peggy Ryan, and this new little girl, Ann Blyth, who went over big here. The story never gets in the way of the musical entertainment and dancing, and vice versa. Business good. Played Friday, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2. — Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. Small town patronage. MOONLIGHT AND CACTUS: Andrews Sisters, Leo Carillo— Sixty minutes of fill-in if you need that mud Didn't register here. Very poor attendance. Double with "Invisible Man's Revenge" from the same studif Played Friday, Saturday, Nov. 24, 25.— Thomas di Loreu zo. New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz. N. Y. Small tow patronage. MOON OVER LAS VEGAS: Anne Gwynne, Davi Bruce — Good little musical comedy that did below averag business.— Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, W. V: SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD: Edgar Bergei "Charlie," Bonita Granville — Poor draw and not muc of a picture. Should have double billed it.— A. E. Eli asen, Koronis Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural an small town patronage. Warner Bros. CRIME BY NIGHT: Jane Wyman, Jerome CowanA good program picture which we played with "Th Merry Monahans" to good Friday and Saturday busi ness. No walkouts and all were pleased. Played Dec 1 2. — Thomas di Lorenzo, New Faltz Theatre, New Palts N. Y. Small town patronage. SHINE ON, HARVEST MOON: Ann Sheridan, Denni Morgan — A very nice picture from Warners, one of the f« that really satisfied the customers. Many said, "W would like to see more like this." Business average Played Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 21, 22.— Edward H. BeU Community Theatre, Athens, Wis. Rural and small towi patronage. Short Features j Columbia HIS HOTEL SWEET: All Star Comedies— There is onbig laugh in this two-reeler. Play it and they will howl —Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Palt7 N. Y. SCREEN SNAPSHOTS: No. 9^This is a great ree about the 50th anniversary of the motion picture. I went over well here and pleased them all.— Thomas d Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer A GREAT DAY'S COMING: Miniatures— This is : li swell short. Don't fail to play it because it will be ap 1 predated by most everyone. — Edward H. Belz, Commun 1 ity Theatre, Athens, Wis. ; BIG HEEL WATHA: Technicolor Cartoons— Good col | or and some laughs, but the idea of the plot is a littlrepetitious.— Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre New Paltz, N. Y. FOOTBALL THRILLS OF 1943: Pete Smith Special ties — a compilation of football shots of last season'i games whipped into a pleasing reel by Pete Smith's apl propriate commentary and editing. It was well like( here.— Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre. Nct Paltz, N. Y. -I OVER THE ANDES: Fitzpatrick Traveltalks— An ex cellent travelogue in color spoiled by a very poor print It is very interesting and entertaining. Mr. Fitzpatrick why not a Traveltalk of ocean-going sailing vessels. Feo pie love the sea and the ships that sail on the eea.-I' A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sask., Can. j SPORT QUIZ: Pete Smith Specialties— This is one o the very best audience reels of the year. It went ove: with a bang on a program with "Kismet" as the feature —Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz N. Y. SPORT QUIZ: Pete Smith Specialties— Another goo< one from Metro.— Edward H. Belz, Community Theatre Athens, Wis. THE LONESOME MOUSE: Technicolor Cartoons— very good color cartoon.— A. L. Dove, Bengough 'Thea tre, Bengough, Sask., Can. ' WHY_ DADDY: Miniatures— In this Robert Benchlej is the "I Know the answer" guy at a radio quiz show It is pretty funny and registered here very well.— Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. Universal EAGLE VS. DRAGON: Two-reel Special— This is ai! excellent animal picture and should have appeal every where. The press material and posters don't do justici to the subject. Teachers and students will particular!} enjoy it. — Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz 'Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. MR. CHIMP GOES SOUTH: Variety Views— An ex cellent animal feature about a monkey, his troubles an< his trip to Florida. Lots of laughs. Pleased all here —Thomas di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Faltz N. Y. Vitaphone ANGEL PUSS: Merrie Melodies Cartoons— Long oi laughs. This one is O.K. for any program. — Thomas d Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. FROM HAND TO MOUSE: Merrie Melodies Cartooni —This tells the old story about the mouse helping th< lion but it is done in burlesque style. It is fair. — "ITiomai di Lorenzo, New Paltz Theatre, New Paltz, N. Y. -44 MOTION PICTURE HERALD, DECEMBER 16, 194^