Babbitt (Warner Bros.) (1934)

EXTRA NOTICE In The Simple, T NEW AUTO PARADE [| 3 HILARIOUS CONTEST DAYS OF “BABBITTRIES” Since Babbitt does the most outlandish things and gets into the most embarrassing situations, it might be an amusing contest to have readers send in to cooperating newspaper, the funniest “Babbittries” they know of. More details in publicity stories below. Planned for three days, but good for one if your editor feels that way about it. Three illustrations available in one mat. Order Mat No. 11—30c. (1st Day Story) Best ‘‘Babbittry” Submitted Will Win Tickets to Theatre Who knows a new “Babbittry”? When Sinclair Lewis wrote his famous novel “Babbitt,” he gave a new word to the nation’s vocabulary. A “Babbittry” can mean many things, but all of them are things that only a Babbitt would do. Babbitt, according to the screen version, in which Guy Kibbee and Aline MacMahon will open at the PIS. ee DBNE AC ROM cn tt titanate? 50cc<s eS drank unwisely at a banquet of the Zebras and awoke, hours later, in a milk wagon that was making its early morning deliveries. Perhaps YOU know a story of some fantastic drunken escapade. If you do, send it to the “Babbittry Contest Editor’ of the ave weil, eee! (newspaper). If it is among the ten best anecdotes sent in before ..............00..... ; when the lists close, you’ll receive two tickets sto! the #.4.1....d200543. Theatre to see Kibbee, Miss MacMahon and a remarkable cast in the First National production of “Babbitt.” Additional “Babbittry” contests will be announced tomorrow and the day following. Ten pairs of tickets will be awarded daily with a grand prize at the end of the contest to the one who sends in the best ‘“Babbittry” submitted during the three days. All “Babbittry” anecdotes should be limited to 100 words. _ (2nd Day Story) Describe Costume For “‘Babbittry”’ and Win Theatre Tickets If Babbitt were going to adopt a costume, either for a ball or a bazaar at the Zebras’ Club, what kind of a costume would he wear? A “Babbitt,” according to the commonly accepted meaning of the word, would be certain to select something that would make him conspicuous, perhaps a little silly. Some “Babbitts” habitually dress in a manner that attracts attention. They will insist upon wearing green carnations, or pink shirts, or startling hats. Others display themselves only on special occasions. Right ‘now,. the ?7243....2, 33% (newspaper) wants suggestions for “Babbittish” costumes, either on the street or for a ball, and will reward those who send in the best ideas with two tickets to the .......... Theatre, where the inimitable team of comedians, Aline MacMahon and Guy Kibbee will open in the film version of Sinclair Lewis’ great novel. “Babbitt, (On -...........deeeee If possible, send in a photograph of the costumes described. If no photograph is available, describe it ‘in not more than 100 words. All entries should be sent to the Babbittry contest editor of the before Many a family album contains photographs of unique costumes. The older and more grotesque they are, the better. But those who do not send photographs have an equal chance of winning. Another contest will be announced tomorrow. In addition to ten daily prizes, a grand prize will be given to the one who sends in the best “Babbittry” during the three days the contest runs. (3rd Day Story) Last Chance to Win Theatre Tickets in ‘‘Babbittry’’ Contest Here’s the final chance for writers of “Babbittries” to win free theatre tickets as prizes. Every “Babbitt” is a boaster; it‘s one of their distinguishing marks. “Babbitt,” in the screen version of Sinclair Lewis’ great novel, continually harped on his ability as a fisherman and his skill at casting. But when trying to demonstrate his skill in tossing a fly, his hook landed in the hair of a young woman passing by, much to her discomfort and the glee of his fellow Zebras who had questioned his claims to prowess. Send in YOUR story of a boaster, and what happened because of his boasting. If it is among the ten most interesting ones submitted to the “Babbittry Contest Editor” of the ........0..0000.. (newspaper) before .................0.0000. ; you will win two tickets to the ilies hanese nenenee Theatre, where the First National adaptation of “Babbitt’’; wall’ open: omy ......-ces..cidhed sc with Aline MacMahon and Guy Kibbee in the stellar roles. A grand prize of (state prize) will be awarded to the author of the best “Babbittry” submitted in the three day contest which ends today. Winners of tickets in the first day’s “Babbittry” contest are: (list names of winners). Winners of yesterday’s contest will be announced tomorrow. a 80 808080 i INITIATION PARADE MEANING OF BABBITT Colorful comedy costume parade is a steady draw for any house. Through regular channels, get kids and adults interested in comedy costume parade from distant point to your theatre, where prizes can be awarded to those wearing funniest ’ costumes. Parade should pass through hub of town and carry banners with some such copy as: “Everybody’s Invited to BABBITT’S Initiation at the Strand Theatre.” FREE RADIO SCRIPT Twelve minutes of lightning-fast action — three minutes of plug. Staff or amateur thespians can do it. For mimeographed copies (one for each character to save you typing) write: Editor, Merechandising Plan, 321 W. 44th St., N. Y. C. Page Eight Most people know what “Babbitt” signifies, but have different conceptions of what it actually means. A one-day newspaper contest on: “Your Conception of a Babbitt,’ with ducats as prizes, should draw for your show. I] REALTY OFFICE WINDOWS Most real estate offices have movable-letter signs in their windows showing available apartments or houses. Signs can carry such copy as: BABBITT was a real-estate man. So are we, but we’re no BABBITTS. Our men are always on the go to get you the best available, and so on .. . followed by list of “‘for rents.” If the real-estate man runs a newspaper ad, the same copy will go for the ad. With the new auto season impending, dealers are anxious to display their new models. A parade of new cars should be an interesting civic event, a swell chance for the dealers, and a chance for you —as originator of the idea— to cash in with a few banners. Your copy will depend on local situation, but we can suggest something like, “Babbitts follow the lead of others—but Chevroford blazes a new trail with its 1935 model.” Your playdates should be spotted on all banners. You might even stick your own car in the parade with nothing but bally banners on it. [| CONTACT CIVIC CLUBS The boys who have been called Babbitts (meaning the Rotary, the Kiwanis, the Lions, and similar organizations), should be among your first campaign objectives. You'll probably have to dare ’em into coming—’cause they don’t consider themselves to be Babbitts. Circularize their meetings with card asking, ““Have you nerve enough to laugh at yourself? See ‘Babbitt’.” Or ask them “Are you a bunch of Babbitts? Come to the Strand and decide for yourself.” Get ’em scrapping among themselves about it—as long as you can stay in the middle. It'll bring ’em in. [| ROLES FOR KIBBEE Some time ago, Kibbee was referred to as “the perfect Babbitt.” Fans are used to seeing him as the philandering sugar-daddy. But that doesn’t mean he has to play that type of role. There are a great many classic, well-known stories with roles well suited to Guy’s qualifications. Offhand, we think of Pickwick, Falstaff, and Sir Toby Belch, as just a few of the classic characters. How many can you get from your fans? Should mean a good tieup with English literature classes in schools or colleges. [| TEASE ‘EM WITH THESE Teaser campaign below shows how to get “Babbitt” circulated throughout town. Expense is negligible as most of work can be done by your sign shop. 1. Banners at entrance to town, reading “BABBITT WELCOMES YOU ALL TO 39 2. Bars, beer taverns, etc., can feature signs like “THIS IS ‘HOME, SWEET HOME’ TO" BAG IT.” 3. Cards on cigar store windows—‘FREE CIGARETTE LIGHTER INSIDE ...COMPLIMENTS OF BABBITT.” Walker-ins get a match. 4. Display of very over dressed man in men’s shop window, “See Babbitt at the Strand for what the well-dressed man will not wear this season.” 5. Try calling hotels, asking to have Mr. Babbitt paged. 6. Don’t forget railroad stations with “TAKE A TRIP TO SEE AUNT HETTIE IN BUFFALO OR BABBITT AT THE STRAND.” 7. AND you might plant signs in barber shop windows .. . “BEWARE — BABBITT GETS IN YOUR HAIR.” 8. If tie-up can be arranged with candy vendor, distribute samples carrying copy, “COMPLIMENTS OF BABBITT.” 9. Men dressed in ludicrous costumes to parade streets with sign reading “DON’T MISS BABBITT’S INITIATION AT THE STRAND TONITE.” 10. Placard football stadiums with “AFTER THE GAME, YOU’RE ALL INVITED TO BABBITT’S PARTY.” 11. Ice skating rinks might use the “WELCOME TO BABBITT” signs.