Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Sep 1956)

McCarthy Now Feldman Aide At Universal Universal Pictures has named Frank J. A. McCarthy, southern and Canadian sales manager for the past 15 years, to the post of assistant general sales manager, to replace the late Raymond E. Moon, according to an announcement by Charles J. Feldman, vice-president and general sales manager. The appointment is in line with the company’s policy of developing its top executive sales personnel from within the ranks. Mr. McCarthy’s post as southern sales manager will be filled by the promotion of Henry H. Martin, now district manager with headquarters in Dallas, a post he has held for the past five years. Mr. Martin’s spot as district manager will be filled by the promotion of Robert N. Wilkinson, now branch manager in Dallas. Succeed Franlc J. A. McCarthy Henry H. Martin ing Mr. Wilkinson in Dallas will be Walter E. Armbruster, sales manager in Dallas since 1950. All appointments are effective immediately. Mr. McCarthy entered the industry in 1918 as a student manager for the old Fox Film Corporation. He held branch manager posts with Paramount, First National and Warner Brothers between 1920 and 1931. He joined Universal in 1931 as Boston branch manager. In 1932 he was promoted to eastern sales manager and in 1941 southern and Canadian sales manager. Mr. Martin joined Universal in 1929. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 and when he rejoined Universal in the latter year he was named branch manager in Oklahoma City. In 1948 he was named Dallas branch manager and in 1951 district manager with headquarters in Dallas. Mr. Wilkinson joined Universal in 1941 as a booker in Memphis. After war service, in 1946 he was named office manager in Memphis, becoming branch manager there in 1948. He was named Dallas branch manager in 1951. Mr. Armbruster joined Universal in Dallas in 1935. He was named Dallas office manager in 1947 and sales manager in 1950. Georgia Industry Launches Drive to Boost Attendance ATLANTA, GA.: According to reports from here, Georgia distributors and theatre owners are launching a statewide campaign to increase film attendance. Some 30 representatives of the state’s industry have formulated initial plans here for a proposed campaign to be put underway on August 15. J. H. Thompson of Hawkinsville, Ga., president of the Georgia Motion Picture Theatre Owners and Operators Association, told the meeting there is a need to “overhaul” the advertising and publicity methods used by the industry. He said emphasis placed on sex and violence is keeping away a large number of the potential audience of women and children. According to other representatives at the meeting, there is a need for more varied advertising methods. Other suggested features of the proposed campaign: 1. Creation of nurseries in theatres for the convenience of parents of young children, who would otherwise be forced to hire baby sitters. 2. Statewide use of a slogan to be decided upon by members of the unit. 3. More enthusiastic support of motion pictures by people employed in the industry. 4. An objective evaluation of the approach to motion picture production and exhibition. 5. Use of a contest to be sponsored by individual theatre owners. A committee named to formulate detailed plans for the campaign includes: Gordon Bradley and Paul Wilson, both of Atlanta, representing distribution; O. C. Lam, Rome, Ga.; A. B. Padgett and E. E. Whitaker of Wilby-Kincey Theatres, and Furber Mincey of Claxton, Ga., representing exhibition, and, representing WOMPI; Mrs. Jackie Cowart, Mrs. Juanita Elwell and Mrs. Ailene Robbins. Dr. Flick Predicts Censorship Return ALBANY: Predicting the return of some form of censorship, Dr. Hugh M. Flick, executive assistant to the New York State Commissioner of Education, commenting on the recent grand jury report in Philadelphia recommending the establishment of motion picture censorship in that city, said, “It may take a little time, but I am confident that the pendulum of public opinion will swing back to some reasonable and legal form of regulation.” Dr. Flick, who headed the New York State censorship board for six years, disagrees with those who say censorship is dying. Nor does he agree with the belief that self-regulation by the industry is an effective solution. Dr. Flick feels that the fact that 50 per cent of the pictures submitted for licensing in New York are foreign-made and therefore outside the Production Code, is in itself sufficient cause to question the efficacy of self-regulation. "Horse” Recommended “The Phantom Horse,” new Japanese film in Eastman color opening at the Normandie theatre, New York, July 24, is the first foreign language motion picture to be recommended without qualification by the National Children’s Film Library for exhibition to children in all theatres, it is announced by Mrs. Marjorie Dawson, associate director of community relations for the MPAA. The endorsement advises that children may attend the film without adults accompanying. $2,029,200 Warner Circuit 39 -Week Net The net profit of the Stanley Warner Corporation and its subsidiaries for the 39 weeks ended May 26, 1956, amounted to $2,029,200, after all charges including $3,649,300 deduction of depreciation and amortization and $2,400,000 deduction for Federal and Canadian income taxes, it is announced by S. H. Fabian, president. This profit is equivalent to 94 cents per share on the outstanding common stock, ''he net profit for the 39-week period of 1955 was $2,222,000, after all charges including $3,373,800 deduction of depreciation and amortization and $2,850,000 deduction for Federal and Canadian income taxes. The profit for this 1955 period was equivalent to $1.01 per share on the common stock then outstanding. Theatre admissions and merchandise sales, rents from tenants, etc., for the 39 weeks ended May 26, 1956, amounted to $70,758,100 as compared to $68,630,600 for the same period ended May 28, 1955. The net profit for the quarter ended May 26, 1956 after all charges was $400,100 as compared to $600,500 earned in the same period during the prior fiscal year. This is equivalent to 18 cents per share on the common stock outstanding as compared to the 1955 quarter’s earnings of 27 cents per share. MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JULY 21, 1956 25