Blockade (United Artists) (1938)

labors EXPLOITATION The title, the story, the production, the stars of ''Blockade” give plenty of scope for high, wide and hard-hitting exploitation! Practical contests, ballys, features, stunts and ideas are yours to take hold of and turn into ticket-selling publicity. Here, show¬ men, is your opportunity to break down the blockade of indifference and smash through with a town-toppling campaign on "Blockade”! __ Carroll’s “Exciting Moments” A Madeleine Carroll "Dangerous Moments Contest” is right in the groove for selling the exciting adventure of your show. Publicize it as "sponsored by Made¬ leine Carroll,” and build it around the crucial moments of danger that have figured in five of her most recent pictures, including "Blockade.” Plant the series of five action stills, each portraying Carroll in a perilous situation, a*; a day-to-day feature in your local paper. Offer prizes and guest tickets to the first dozen or so fans who send in the correct identification of the name of each picture and the leading man. Accompany your art plants with daily publicity stories, a sample of which is given here. Order the series of five two-column stills on Mat No. 15D—30c; Cut—50c. The answers, reading from top left: George Brent in "The Case Against Mrs. Ames”; Robert Donat in "The 39 Steps”; Henry Fonda in "Blockade”; Tyrone Power in "Lloyds of London”; Francis Lederer in "It’s All Yours.” Fans — Decipher Code! Plant this code puzzle for an intriguing newspaper feature that will give a direct plug to your show. Offer guest tickets for the first dozen or so correct translations of the code received. The code looks difficult at first glance, but is really very easy. It’s a puzzle that offers fun for young and old alike. Order the 2-Col. Mat as No. 20B—30c; Cut—50c. Solution: Food ship is nearing the harbor. Watch out for it and stop it at all costs. & “Exciting Moments” Candid Contest Give the legions of candid camera fiends a chance to shine in an "Exciting Moments” contest based on the many critical situations in which Madeleine Carroll finds herself in "Blockade.” Get the shutter-snappers to send in their candid shots of any exciting situation they encounter around town. A steeplejack on his high perch; a woman caught amid swirling traffic while crossing the street; a fist fight or an accident; any picture con¬ veying excitement. This is the kind of contest your newspaper will eat up, for the best pictures sub¬ mitted are bound to be good copy for the paper. Get your editor to run them from day to day during the period of the contest. Tie with a camera supply house for prizes. “Hidden Word” Teaser Here’s a brain teaser for the fans that provides fun for alert minds and at the same time strongly sells your picture. Offer it as a series of one-word code messages, with prizes or guest tickets for the first complete sets of correct answers received. Each sentence contains a hidden word; the clue is given in parentheses. 1. Start the car rolling down the hill. (A prominent star in "Blockade”) 2. You only have one cuff on, Daniel. (Another well-known star in "Blockade”) 3. He saw his Pa in the other room. (Where the story of "Blockade” takes place) 4. So you’re not going to the Romancentennial ? (What you will find in "Blockade”) 5. Can you lisp your name, little girl? (Norma’s profession in "Blockade”) 6. The cover of a thermos bottle makes a handy cup. (Relationship of Basil to Norma) 7. Efforts to revive him gained new hope as antidotes were administered. (What Marco is when the story opens) 8. A smooth rill ran quietly through the wood. (What the picture will afford you) 9. I hope a certain lady will notice me. (What Marco wanted but could not find) 10. Most mothers will, on any pretext, rave lyrically about their children. (What Norma is doing when the story opens) Answers: 1. Carroll; 2. Fonda; 3. Spain; 4. Romance; 5. Spy; 6. Father; 7. Peasant; 8. Thrill; 9. Peace; 10. Travel. Send Out a “Ship” Truck Bully For a striking truck bally, hire a platform truck and build it up in the form of a ship float. In accordance with what your budget will permit, your display can take any form from a flat compo-board cutout of a ship to a complete float built up around the truck platform, with cabin, mast, stacks, etc. In any case, you can cut oversize portholes in your ship and insert blowup heads of Carroll, Fonda and Carrillo looking out of the portholes. Display a banner reading: WILL THE FOOD SHIP GET THROUGH? See "BLOCKADE”—Rivoli Theatre—Now! Extru! Carroll Nominated for That Desert Island! Columbia University students, in their annual poll, recently voted Madeleine Carroll the "woman they would choose to be marooned with on a desert island.” Cash in on this timely publicity for your picture star by arranging similar polls among students in local high schools or colleges. Put the question thus: "Do you agree with the students of Columbia University in their choice of Madeleine Carroll as their favorite desert island companion?” Arrange with your local paper to cover the story with suitable local angles. You might also put it in the form of an essay contest among students, asking them the above question and calling for brief essays explaining the reasons for their answers. Page Five