What a Man! (Monogram) (1944)

* * FUN FOR SALE! What Could Be Better in These Times? Whenever war, depression, jitters or troubles of any kind hit the nation, showmen the country over know there’s one sure-fire remedy at the box office—LAUGHTER! Your picture, “What A Man!” fills the bill perfectly. It’s gay, fast-moving and clever entertainment that an audience of any age will enjoy. First of all, there’s the highly hilarious situation of a timid, white-collar worker, soft-shoeing into his bachelor apartment one evening to find a strange woman seated in his living room, baggage strewn around the flat—a nifty looking little blonde. While running around trying to figure this one out, the poor guy becomes involved in a murder mystery outside his apartment, in the hallway. Then he is certain the woman in his apartment is the murdered gangster’s moll, and possibly his murderer. As if that isn’t enough in the way of life’s complications to happen to one bewildered citizen, an office investigation into the management comes forth to cause him more worry. There’s a gay romance as the film progresses between the bachelor and the strange girl that makes the whole show well-balanced and 100% fun. The title reflects the story’s hilarity and the cast is headed by two popular favorites. Johnny Downs, of course, has been well-known as a top-flight comedian for many years; Miss McKay can be remembered easily for her outstanding comedy performance in “One Thrilling Night,” released early this year. She is a gal that’s going places fast. Both of these are well taken care of, we think, on the publicity pages of this book. Make sure the whole town knows you have fun for sale! They're looking for relaxation and you've got it for them! Try Spot Radio Announcements To Sell Those Extra Tickets! Exhibitors throughout the country are reporting excellent results from the use of “spot” radio advertising in conjunction with the regular newspaper and billboard campaigns. “What A Man!” announcements will be doubly effective if used on the air immediately preceding or following some of the coast-to-coast (or local) comedy shows, such as Bob Hope, Skelton, Fibber McGee and Molly, Burns and Allen, Jack Benny or Kay Kyser. If listeners enjoy this type of entertainment—and comedy shows enjoy the widest following—they are sure to be interested in seeing a good laugh-filled bit of screen fare. Many showmen have concluded agreements with their local stations whereby the broadcaster gives the theatre free time in return for trailers run on some of their featured shows. Why not try this in your situation? Suggested spot announcements: 50 WORDS— Announcer: Is the war getting you down? Do you worry about paying your taxes? Try this sure way of forgetting today’s troubles, see the funniest, zaniest comedy of all —Johnny Downs and Wanda McKay in “What A Man!" Blank theatre now. No rationing of laugh-packed entertainment at the Blank theatre! 35 WORDS— Announcer: War news getting you down? Worrying about next year’s taxes? Try this simple, but effective, tonic for laughter—see Johnny Downs and Wanda McKay in “What A Man!” Hundreds of laughs guaranteed! Blank theatre now! TEASER SPOTS OFF-PAGE During the run of the picture spot single column, half-inch inserts on several pages other than the drama section of your local newspapers. Blocks read, simply: “What A Man!” Naturally, your advertisement on the theatre page would reveal the meaning of the message. Might possibly add to the campaign by including “See theatre page” in small letters below the picture title. The latter suggestion, however, would detract and lessen the interest and cause fewer people to talk about the advertisement. Usually people thumb through a newspaper and if they see the picture title by itself several times before they reach the theatre page, they are bound to notice it there, no matter what size the ad may be. WALKING ADVERTISEMENT For an eye-catching man-on-the-street poster bearer, have one of the ushers, or a hired man, dress up in tights and then pad the muscular zones to ridiculous proportions. Poster would read, “You've never seen anything like it!” on the front. On the back would be “What. A Man!” in large letters with name of theatre and playing date in smaller print. Instead of the regulation tights might let the man wear a pair of bright red underwear. fith all the padding on arms, legs and body, the man ought to be warm enough even for days when it is snowing. Also if no men are available, you might find some kids around twelve who would think the idea a lot of fun. Dress them up the same way and let them parade around the streets. “CHARLES ATLAS" IN LOBBY As a side promotion from your strong man-ofthe-street, you might use the same man for a supplementary stunt by having him return to your lobby periodically to perform feats of strength by lifting bells weighing two thousand pounds and other weighty objects. Naturally bells and objects would be cardboard or some other light substance. Card behind platform could read: “See Abdul, the strong man, performing impossible feats of weight lifting before your very eyes. Once he was a weakling; now he is a muscular giant. What a man!” This could be done in addition to the roving strong man by hiring another parader or by roping another usher. LINE UP A DEAL WITH BARS Bars are always in line for a lot of business around the holidays and usually folk around bars are out for amusement, so these are good spots to post play notices. It might bring in some extra customers if you lined up all the bartenders to feature a special drink for a week or so before the picture hits your house. Drink would be called the “What A Man!” cocktail—only two to a customer. Drink one and if you are still standing — what a man! Barkeeps could figure out some sort of mixture that would be an ordinary whiskey or gin drink and serve it under that name. Printed card alongside could give theatre name and picture plug.