Monsieur Verdoux (United Artists) (1947)

DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN CHAPLIN CHANGES! CANJfOU? CHARLES CHAPLIN in Monsieur VE R D O U X (A COMEDY OF MURDERS) featuring MARTHA RAYE Released thru UNITED ARTISTS POST CARD TEASER This specially prepared post card will help further the "Chaplin Changes! Can You?" theme. The card, available in mat form, should be mailed to your com¬ plete mailing list and to all special groups such as students, labor organizations, clubs, art groups, etc. Also distribute as a street giveaway, in lobby and as package insert. Add the following locally imprinted personal message on the back of the card: "Come prepared for the strangest and the most entertaining shock of your life. Come prepared to see Charles Chaplin as 'Monsieur Verdoux', , , a role only he could create. Starts at the Theatre," Order Mat (3B) .45 United Artists Theatre Dear Friend: I am taking the liberty of discussing what is perhaps one of the most controversial films in screen history. It is my sincere belief that Charles Chaplin's "Monsieur Verdoux" will go a long way toward exposing a problem which has existed among all men and women for countless years. However, before you see this film I would like to make known some of the facts which are involved in this controversial theme. Charles Chaplin, the beloved "little tramp" of yesteryear, deserts his former role and emerges a slick, sinister and charming French Bluebeard whose sole interests are women and murder. What circumstances made him thus, is just one of the debatable points which you will carry home to ponder. Please remember, this is not just "another motion picture!" Instead you will see a new character that only Charles Chaplin would have the courage to create. You will also be privi¬ leged to witness a diabolic and amusing story once told only in whispers. But with all its strangeness, there is a pathos and beauty and richness devoted to a love story that will haunt you until pictures are no longer made. Seldom in a life-time does such a picture come along. This is one of those rare produc¬ tions. I hope that you and your friends will find the new Charles Chaplin as "Monsieur Ver¬ doux" the same entertaining genius that the "man-with-the-baggy-pants" always was. I know that you will leave the theatre feeling that you have seen an unforgettable motion picture. A motion picture that will make you wonder! Sincerely, Arthur Blank, Manager United Artists Theatre PERSONAL LETTER FROM YOU -TO REGULAR PATRONS! At left is a suggested personal letter from you which is a "must" for this campaign. So much front page talk has been stirred up concerning this picture that a letter such as the one suggested here can prove invaluable in crystalliz¬ ing local interest. Send it out on your theatre stationery at least one week in advance of your opening. -TO STUDENT BODIES! Students in high schools and colleges have known Charles Chaplin as the dean of the motion picture's creative artists. Not many of them have had an opportunity to see him on the screen on account of their youth. Tell them about your showing. Remember, too, that the film is so provocative it is important to these groups for group discussion and study. A follow up letter to school offi¬ cials may suggest classroom reports on "Monsieur Verdoux" for special school theatre parties. -TO ORGANIZATIONS! There are many organizations which function as discussion groups, and which should be interested in the controversial nature of Charles Chaplin's "Monsieur Verdoux." The personal letter should be sent to members of such groups as well as to their officers, and to members of book circles, woman or¬ ganizations, labor groups, civic organizations and dramatic groups. LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS! In order to give "Monsieur Verdoux" the prestige to ^which it is properly entitled, invite a select circle of civic and organizational leaders along with the press to a private screening. At the screening distribute pads or cards to be mailed to you expressing their frank opinion of the film. From these comments get up an endorsement display for > your lobby and a local newspaper ad. For general pub- # licity purposes, arrange for editors, radio commentators and women's clubs leaders to see the picture in advance, providing them with any material required for editorial comment in their respective fields. Get On The Phone! If your theatre has unlimited phone service, put it to use by having your ushers or usherettes call as many patrons as possible in advance and current with your run. Callers simply state: "Charles Chaplin in 'Monsieur Verdoux' will be showing Friday at the UA Theatre. The management knows how eagerly everyone has been waiting for this picture and so we've taken the liberty of telling you about it personally." For a teaser angle, have girls ask if Mon¬ sieur Verdoux is there. Answers obviously will be negative, upon which girl replies: "Oh, of course not. Monsieur Verdoux is at the UA theatre." Page Seven