Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1947)

Record Details:

Title:
Motion Picture Herald
Date:
May-Jun 1947
Publisher:
[New York, N.Y. : Quigley Pub. Co.]
Volume:
Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1947)
Leaf #:
000208
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 . . . 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. Columbia DANGEROUS BUSINESS: Forrest Tucker, Lynn Merrick — Good program picture — S. T. Jackson, Jackson Theatre, Flomaton, Ala. GALLANT JOURNEY: Glenn Ford, Janet Blair— Rated high, but grossed low. These biographical sketches are not entertainment and this early history of aviation is no exception. We took a licking on it. Played Sunday, Monday, Feb. 23, 24. — N. W. Huston. Maywood Theatre, Galena, Kan. GALLOPING THUNDER: Charles Starrett, Smiley Burnette — Another of the Durango series that pleased the weekend patrons. Played Friday, Saturday, April 18, 19. — James C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. JOHNNY O'CLOCK: Dick Powell, Evelyn Keyes— One of the best mystery thrillers of the season. By an unusual simplicity and directness in its dialogue and situation "Johnny O'clock" manages to be unconventional and interesting throughout. Lee Cobb gives Powell a battle for top honors. Gomez and Ellen Drew contribute first class supporting performances. Business was good and the audience was generally well pleased. Played Sunday -Tuesday, April 13-15. — John R. Cooney, Waldo Theatre, Waldoboro, Me. Small town patronage. SING WHILE YOU DANCE: Ellen Drew, Robert Stanton— That is the type picture they saddle small towns with, and even the farmers won't stand for such corny acting. They would rather stay at home and listen to the bullfrogs and crickets. — E. J. Bunnell, Crist Theatre, Loveland, O. TALK ABOUT A LADY: Jinx Falkenburg, Joe Besser — Fair musical. Played Wednesday, Thursday, April 2, 3— W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre. Stanley. N. D. WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN, THE: Lee Bowman, Marguerite Chapman — By cutting to 60 minutes this might be good for second spot on a double bill. We used on top half on account of running time. No draw. Played Friday, Saturday, April 18, 19 — A. C. Edwards, Winema Theatre, Scotia, Cal. WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN, THE: Lee Bowman, Marguerite Chapman — Very well done in line of mysteries that drew well. Played Wednesday, Thursday. April 9, 10.— W. J. Whitmore. Star Theatre, Stanley, N. D. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN HOLLYWOOD: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello — Good comedy that drew kids and adults. Played Friday, Saturday, April 11, 12.— W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre. Stanley, N. D. ANCHORS AWEIGH: Gene Kelly, Frank SinatraMusic and color good — Iturbi excellent. Played Sunday-Tuesday, April 13-15.— W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre, Stanley, N. D. BOYS' BRANCH: James Craig. Butch Jenkins— This is very good for any small town. Used here on midweek to good business. Played Wednesday, Thursday. April 16, 17.— A. C. Edwards. Winema Theatre. Scotia. Cal. HOLIDAY IN MEXICO: Walter Pidgeon. Fiona Massey — Everybody seemed to think this is a grand show. Music was splendid and showed off our postwar sound to perfection. This must be what the industry calls a prestige show. Flayed Sunday. Monday. April 13, 14.— Rowe'll Bros. Idle Hour Theatre. Hardwick, Vt. Small town patronage. HOLIDAY IN MEXICO1: Walter Pidgeon, Ilona Massey — This was an expensive, well produced spectacle that unfortunately did no business here. The title was partially responsible, as our customers are not interested in Latin or South American entertainment. Played Sunday, Monday. April 13. 14.— A. C. Edwards. Winema Theatre, • Scotia, Cal. LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY: Mickey Rooney, Louis Stone— Another picture that went oyer good. Lots of laughs and pleased everyone, from kids >n up. Mickey Roonev is as good as usual. Business excellent. Played Sunday. Monday, Anril 13, 14.— Wallace M. Smith, Palace Theatre, Cisco, Tex. LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY: Mickey Rooney, Bonita Granville -The judges, naturally the audience, rendered a split decision on this one. But they all agreed that Sara Hayden ran off with the picture. I just don't know if these Hardy series are going to go in the future as they did in the past. This did but average business. And that will be the $64 question if more are made. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. LOVE LAUGHS AT ANDY HARDY: Mickey Rooney, Bonita Granville — If it's comedy you want, just book this. This new Hardy picture will draw both classes and will please 100 per cent. Glad to see Mickey back! Played Wednesday, Thursday, April 16, 17.— James C. Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. NORA PRENTISS: Ann Sheridan, Kent Smith— Not a boring picture but drawn out. The kind to make a person stop and think. They all seemed to like it. Played Monday, Tuesday, April 21, 22.— Don L. Smith, U. S. Naval Air Station, Welfare Theatre, Ottumwa, Iowa. SECRET HEART: Claudette Colbert, Walter Pidgeon— Rain and an American Legion dance hurt us on this outstanding attraction. I received more praise on this feature than any I have played this year. Played Monday, Tuesday, April 14, 15.— James Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY: Robert Walker. Judy Garland — It is a magnificent production and received good reaction from most of the audience, but they also, as well as we, thought it was over-long in some of the sequences of his life story. That, too, was the criticism on the Gershwin picture. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. TWO SMART PEOPLE: John Hodiak, Lucille Ball — A good little picture; in fact, far superior to many of MGM's higher allocated pictures in current release. It has a new story angle and something "different" is what we need. Played Tuesday, Wednesday, April 22, 23.— Ted Keelen, Royal Theatre, Sheffield, 111. TWO SMART PEOPLE: John Hodiak, Lucille Ball — Only a fair box office; very few comments. Played midweek or probably would have done better. Played Tuesday, Wednesday, April 8, 9. — Wallace M. Smith, Palace Theatre, Cisco, Tex. VALLEY OF DECISION: Greer Garson, Gregory Peck — Held audience attention despite length. Played Sunday-Tuesday, March 16-18. — W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre. Stanley, N. D. Monogram ALASKA: Kent Taylor, Margaret Lindsay — Entertaining, despite fact the print was poor. Played Friday, Saturday, March 21, 22.— W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre, Stanley, N. T). DECOY: Jean Gillie, Edward Norris — Very good acting on the part of Miss Gillie. "Decoy" was played on a Sunday date only, and it got by O.K., as it was interesting throughout. Played Sunday, April 20. — James Balkcom, Gray Theatre, Gray, Ga. GAY CAVALIER, THE: Gilbert Roland, Martin Garralaga — Pretty fair. My people don't like these Cisco Kid Westerns. — S. T. Jackson, Jackson Theatre. Flomtaon, Ala. SIX GUN SERENADE: Jimmy Wakely, Kay Morley — Just another Western with singing, snooting, etc. That should please action and rural fans. Believe my crowd is beginning to like Wakely better. Played Thursday-Saturday, April 17-19.— Terry Axley, New Theatre, England, Arkansas. STRANGE VOYAGE: Eddie Albert, Forrest Taylor —This little picture was better than I had expected it to be. Pleased on a Saturday double feature. — S. T. Jackson, Jackson, Flomaton, Ala. VACATION DAYS: Freddie Stewart, June Preisser -This is the best teen-age to date. Spade Coley's band is a drawing card here. Pleased both young and old. Played Monday. Tuesday. — L. Brazil, Jr.. New Theatre. Bearden, Ark. Paramount BLUE SKIES: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire— Not up to the Bing Crosby specials. Bing is definitely not a lover. He must stick to the more serious roles with that voice. He must not be cheapened. Played Sunday, Monday, March 2, 3.— E. J. Bunnell, Crist Theatre, Loveland, Ohio. BLUE SKIES: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire— Good musical in beautiful Technicolor. However, failed to do at box office what I expected of it. Played Sunday, Monday, April 13, 14. — Terry Axley, New Theatre, England, Arkansas. CROSS MY HEART: Sonny Tufts, Betty Hutton— Such screeching and cackling, most people left with a case of nervous jitters. Betty Hutton better stay at home and train her voice and nerves. Played Friday, Saturday, March 4, 5.— E. J. Bunnell, Crist Theatre, Loveland, Ohio. EASY COME, EASY GO: Barry Fitzgerald, Diana Lynn — Box office good because of star attraction. Story poor, but amusing. Few comments, and toomuch like the usual run of the mill. Played Sunday, Monday, April 6, 7. — Wallace M. Smith, Palace Theatre, Cisco, Tex. EASY COME, EASY GO: Sonny Tufts, Diana Lynn —Exhibitors beware! This is the "Turk of Turks."I'll be months overcoming the damage I did by playing this one. There is just no excuse for it. The only good to come from my experience with this one is that it has served to wake me up on my buying and booking. Played Sunday, Monday, April 27, 28.— Ted Keelen, Royal Theatre, Sheffield, 111. MY FAVORITE BRUNETTE: Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour — A very good picture. Pleasing to the whole family. Bob Hope is always a good drawing card here and was as funny as ever. Business good. Played Thursday, Friday, April 10, 11— Wallace M. Smith, Palace Theatre, Cisco, Texas. RAINBOW ISLAND: Dorothy Lamour, Eddie Bracken — Very funny, and attendance was average. Why don't they reissue more of the better pictures instead of the just average type. Played Tuesday, Wednesday, April 1, 2. — Ralph Raspa, State Theatre. Rivesville, W. Va. STRANGE LOVE OF MARTHA I VERS: Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin — Should be for adults, butpleased all except the juveniles. Played Sundav-Tuesday, March 23-25.— W. T. Whitmore. Star Theatre. Stanley. N. D. PRC TERRORS ON HORSEBACK: Buster Crabbe. AT "Fuzzy" St. John — PRC is now selling some streamlined Western reissues with Crabbe. Even Westerns are getting too high. Fair Western. — S. T. Jackson. Jackson Theatre, Flomaton, Ala. TRAIL DUST: William Boyd— Good old William Boyd. They came out to see him. Played Fridav. Saturday. April 18. 19.— Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ont., Can. Republic GUY COULD CHANGE, A: Allan Lane, Jane Fra zee — A good show with plenty of appeal. Played' Wednesday. Thursday, March 26, 27.— W. J. Whitmore, Star Theatre, Stanley, N. D. I'VE ALWAYS LOVED YOU: Maria Ouspenskaya, Philip Dorn — This is a beautiful picture in Technicolor with a good love story. Comments were good. Played Saturday, Sunday. — L. Brazil, Jr., New Theatre, Bearden. Ark. MURDER IN THE MUSIC HALL: Vera Hruba Ralston. William Marshall — Some good skating. In fact, show appealed to all. Played Friday, Saturday. (Continued on opposite page) 46 MOTION PICTURE HERALD, MAY 10, 1947