One Thrilling Night (Monogram) (1942)

HERE’S ONE FOR THE MONEY! The theme of “One Thrilling Night”—a draftee’s hurried honeymoon—suggests a stunt that has always been good for increased ticket sales—a stage wedding! . See if you can uncover an about-to-be-married draftee in your community who can be sold on an idea of having the ceremony performed out in public . .. in return for a load of gifts which you'll promote from local merchants. There’s a pack of fellows who are getting hitched just before joining up, so don't pass up this promotion merely because you think it may be hard to find the willing couple. You might even try an ad in the personal columns: “Draftee about to be married wanted. Please call manager Blank Theatre.” Merchants will be wide open for this stunt. Jewelers, gift shops, department stores, lingerie shops, florists, luggage dealers and beauty parlors are just a few you'll want to contact. The theatre should lead off the gift list with a war bond. BIGGEST ‘THRILL’? CONTEST “One-shot” essay contests frequently land with dailies whose editors like to brighten up their sheets now so loaded with war, rationing and other sombre news. Try springing a “My Most Thrilling Night” letter competition on your newspaper. Passes are offered to writers who best describe an exciting one night adventure. Letters can be based on romantic, dramatic or comedy experiences and the winning entries will be published and displayed in the lobby. An alternate subject which also ties in directly with the picture is: “Should a Man About To Be Drafted Get Married?” This is a real controversial topic and should get a heavy return of letters as well as starting plenty of word of mouth discussion. TEASE ’EM WITH ‘‘PERSONALS” You can awaken curiosity and put over the “racey” angle of the picture by taking a series of small personal ads in the classified columns. Here are some sample teasers: WHAT EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW—learn about the wildest honeymoon on _ record. One Thrilling Night tells plenty at the Blank Theatre. MEN—see what happens up in Millie's room. You'll be surprised. Phone Main 1234 and find out all about One Thrilling Night. GIRLS—do you want to enjoy One Thrilling Night. Phone Main 1234 and make arrangements right now. Pleasure, fun, surprises. FOR WOMEN ONLY— compare your honeymoon’ experiences with Millie's. Her's is One Thrilling Night. Call Main 1234 to find out about it. ® COCKTAIL WITH A KICK A few passes distributed to bartenders should result in the creation of a cocktail labeled “One Thrilling Night.” They can gag it up by adding a catchline reading: “Few people can stand more than one.” You might also distribute imprinted napkins or paper coasters to cocktail bar operators with the copy... “For One Thrilling Night phone Main 1234 (your theatre no.). @ INQUIRING REPORTER For a ballyhoo gag send an “inquiring reporter” around town stopping passersby to ask them what they think would make their “most thrilling night.” He tells them it’s for a survey in conjunction with the picture and hands them a throwaway. If your local daily actually has an “inquiring” column, try to sell the editor on using this question. It’s a pip, too, for a radio “man in the street” program. ROLL YOUR OWN HERALDS FOR THIS ZIPPY STORY! With illustrations taken from pressbook mats you can make up a herald with plenty of pulling power. Front cover and inside spread are shown below. On the back cover put your regular theatre ad. The caption on the front is bound to get them interested and they'll read it right through. Incidentally, added punch will result if you can get a pretty girl to distribute the heralds on the street. The Wildest Experiences A Bride Ever Had!... “ONE THRILLING Met The bride wore a startled look... a detective is at the door! Don't Miss The Funniest Honeymoon On Record! Horace has just eight hours Millie finds a stranger in bed until the army gets him! --.@ dead one! Gangsters crash in, hunting A blonde bandit kidnaps the for hidden loot! blushing groom! Wow!