Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1929)

November 9, 1929 Motion Picture News 53 MANAGE!?!' POUND TABLE CLUC "Spice & Pep" Are Keynotes Of Ray G. Brown's Stuff We have told you about so many different kinds of "Browns" that the addition of another one should prove even more interesting. This time we introduce ^"^^— Ray C. Brown, manager of the Strand Theatre, in Akron, Ohio, for the StanleyWarner outfit. One of the nicest ways we can think of to introduce Ray is to quote from his letter which is a gold mine of information about himself and his activities; so here goes: "Well, here's a little 'dope' about one of your members that you haven't heard much about. I have my membership certificate hanging in the office, and the little pin in the lapel. Your CLUB is s'mply great. 'Null said. This exchanging of ideas is great, and, boy, I get a lot of help from these pages. Ray C. Brown, talking from the Strand Theatre, in Akron, Ohio. And, oh, yes, brother Harry is manager of Proctor's Theatre, Newark, N. J., brother Richard, running the Liberty Theatre, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and our "DAD," managing the legitimate Lincoln Theatre, also in Pittsburgh, Pa. "A little more 'dope,: thirty Ave years old, have been in the show business nineteen years, married, two kids. The boy is already making up ads at the age of 8; so it won't be long before I can sit back and take it easy. He is to be a P. A. and the girl a Pavlowa. "Here's a little stunt I pulled on "The Hottentot." 10,000 cards and envelopes like the enclosed were given out at the Ravena racetrack outside of Akron. One inserted in every program which every person received upon entering the park. Jockeys also (for a few ducats) painted the fences with whitewash, reading "The 'Hottentot'" leading them all at the Strand." These cards were also placed in all the cigar stores and pool rooms. "Day before the opening of the picture, ran an ad on sporting page (published with this story) also enclosed. I'll write again soon, lots of luck and best wishes. Sincerely, RAY C. BROWN." Tom Noone's Selections 2 Sure-Fire Winners Ej<posmoN PARK Th« HOTTENTOT ThrHOTTENTOT "The HOTTENTOT STRAND Starts Friday. Oct 4th THEY'RE OFF! AT RAVENNA AND AT THE STRAND The Be.t Hor.ri Id the Counlr) In 7 Race. * Day 2:15 P. M. Daily Till Oct. 19th The Hottentot LEADS THEM ALL At He FIsBhei Acron (he Screen In a Racy Race Hone Vita phone Farce At the STRAND STARTING TODAY Now, I ask you, what else can we say about a fellow that writes as snappy a letter as all that? Nothing? Well, you're right, but this much we will add, whether he likes it or not, and that is that Ray is a doggone good showman, and knows the business from A to Z. These little contributions represent but the smallest drop in the ocean when it comes to talking about his ideas for exploitation and publicity and we are certain that the ROUND TABLE CLUB pages will have many more fine stories about Ray and his activities. (P. S. Listen, Ray, how about getting "Pop" to join?) Is Theatre Your Prison? Unfortunately most managers today devote every moment of their time to their theatre, when they should be getting around and doing some visiting. Developing the habit of calling upon brother exhibitors in neighboring towns. Sit down and talk things over and then let the other fellow come over to visit you. This is the only feasible way that you can find out what your own immediate surrounding communities are doing. The other way is to follow closely the activities of the different theatre managers through the columns of the CLUB pages in the NEWS, week by week, and above all you must always keep in mind that a portion of these pages are at your disposal. If you have anything to say, whether it be exploita: tion, advertising or theatre operation, here is the logical medium through which you should express yourself. George MacDonald up in New Hampshire writes in to say that he thought Whyte of Hartford was an old man. Why he should think so he failed to say, but he was agreeably surprised to see Whyte's picture on the CLUB page and now he knows different. And that holds for you, too. Let the rest of the world know what you look like. It is very interesting to study the photos of the various members and it is just as interesting as reading what they have to say for the benefit of others. "Chick" M. Meriwether Expects To Break All House Records M. Meriwether, resident manager cf the Concord and Roxie Theatres in Concord, N. C, is now getting set for what he hopes will be the greatest season he has ever —^ """""" '^—— had in any theatres under his management. With the encouragement of his general manager, Roland G. Hill, of the Amusement Enterprises, we have every reason to believe that Mr. Meriwether will more than meet the responsibility that has been placed upon his shoulders and will come through with flying colors. Our only hope is that in engineering his exploitation and publicity he will be guided by what his many brother managers are doing by keeping in close touch with their activities on our pages. Incidentally, if he succeeds in putting something over himself, we are sure that Mr. Meriwether will be glad to forward the details to the CLUB so that our other members and readers will have the opportunity of seeing and reading what he has done to increase box office receipts, That is what we are all banded together for and we aresure that the pleasure and profit is mutual. Let's hear from you again real soon, Mr. Meriwether, and be sure to let us know what is doing theatrically down your way. Thank you. The Real Club Spirit! "All For One And One For All"