Bureau of Missing Persons (Warner Bros.) (1933)

HERE IS A COMPLETE CAMPAIGN TO PUT OVER THIS GREAT CIVIC CO-OPERATIVE PLAN MAKE YOUR THEATRE A “BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS.” BUILD UP UNPRECEDENTED GOOD WILL AND PLANT THE TITLE INDELIBLY IN THE MINDS OF YOUR ENTIRE POPULACE This stunt cannot fail to find a ready acceptance from Federal, State, County and Civic Police Departments, Its extraordinary merit will be instantly recognized. In the apprehending of “Missing Persons” no other method could possibly secure the same quota of results. Probably in no period of our history has the number of persons reported “Missing” been so appalling. This in a measure is due to the increasingly growing activities of kidnapping gangs. Then, too, the past lean days have brought poverty into many homes, and boys and girls in desperation have run away to “fight the battle” alone. Despondency over financial and marital difficulties account for hundreds of others who have mysteriously “disappeared.” Jail breaks also furnish their quota to the number of “missing persons.” Furthermore, in every locality, no greater number of “missing persons” have ever been wanted as court witnesses for federal investigation and criminal activities, than at present. Every city and town maintains a BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS or its equivalent. The same is usually under the direct supervision of the local detective bureau. The ramifications of this department are many and varied and they are often forced to enlist the cooperation of every branch of police and public welfare service both at home and afield. Even though there may be rare periods where no local persons have been reported missing, the Bureau of Missing Persons is always, however, cooperating with other police departments along these lines. The minute your playdates are set on “Bureau of Missing Persons,” start the ball rolling immediately. In fact, you do not have to wait for bookings to be set. The mere fact that you have bought the picture justifies putting the proposed plan into operation at the earliest possible moment and keep it in force until opening day. The expense of getting out the required special trailers, slides and exploitation accessories is trivial compared with the tremendous box-office reaction that will accrue. The longer this stunt is in force the more and more publicity that will pile up. The complete campaign is presented here in detail together with the follow-up tie-in features that will positively assure you of one of, if not the biggest week in the history of your theatre. On this page you will find sample trailer announcement, the form which the trailer description of missing persons should take, and sample copy for slide carrying reproduced likeness of “Missing Person.” Furnished also is copy for lobby announcement, throwaways and box for newspaper ads. In order that this does not appear too obviously an exploitation stunt in the interests of a certain picture, make no mention of this angle in your campaign. Playing up the title, “Bureau of Missing Persons,” in all copy is ample to do the selling job for you, and when your regular announcements break, you will reap the benefits. Then you can compare the incidents in the photoplay with the actual cases in which the theatre has endeavored to cooperate. If you subscribe to radio time, devote a portion of the broadcast periods in interest of stunt. State over the air that full descriptions and pictures of missing persons are shown on your screen, and invite the public to cooperate with the police. Get over the fact that all who attend your theatre will be in a better position to identify all persons wanted and win the rewards offered. PRESENT THIS PLAN TO LOCAL BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS 1—Agree to run at each show (or certain shows) for a period of from one to three weeks, a special trailer (with additions as required) giving descriptions of such Missing Persons as the Bureau are keen to locate. 2—Agree to reproduce photos of these “Missing Persons” on slides which will be run with trailer. : 3—You will also urge via the screen that all patrons keep a sharp lookout for the persons involved and furnish the police with whatever information or well founded belief they may possess as to the whereabouts or recent movements of the “Missing Persons.” 4—If rewards are offered you will announce this information. 5—You will feature this cooperative plan in lobby and advertising. 6—You will turn over to proper official all information regarding “Missing Persons” that may be left at theatre. 7—Invite prominent police official at inauguration of stunt to speak from stage, urging public to cooperate with police and theatre on this plan. 8—State that you will award 30, 60 day or season passes, according to importance of information received from patrons, that result in solving of “Missing Persons” cases. Suggested Lobby Display Copy STRAND PATRONS! Help Us Cooperate with the BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS At each performance we will screen photographs and descriptions of “Missing Persons” sought by the police. Our patrons are requested to note these carefully and report to Capt. John McGuire, Police Headquarters, any information they may have regarding the whereabouts or recent movements of such “Missing Persons.” ‘* * Patrons who materially aid the Bureau of Missing Persons in solving these mysteries will be generously rewarded by The Strand Management. NOTE—The above copy is also suitable for throwaways, mailing cards or special box in house organ. When employed for throwaways, reverse side can be devoted to material on this or current attractions. Smash Trailer Announcement TO OUR PATRONS! The Strand is cooperating with the Kansas City Bureau of Missing Persons in solving the disappearance of local residents officially reported “missing.” In order to secure your valuable cooperation, we are going to screen at each performance, descriptions and likenesses of persons sought by the local Bureau of Missing Persons. Any knowledge you may have regarding the whereabouts or recent movements of the missing persons described, kindly relay immediately to Capt. James McGuire, Chief of Bureau of Missing Persons. Note these persons carefully. Keep on the alert, that you may recognize them on_ sight. Make a note of anything you may overhear or suspect that will assist in solving these disappearances and turn same over to Capt. McGuire. To those who give such information to the Bureau of. Missing Persons as will definitely assist in clearing up these mysteries, The Strand will award a 30, 60 day or season Guest Ticket, according to the value of the service rendered. Special Folders Print up small folders, on the outside cover page of which is the following copy: “RETAIN THIS ‘INFORMATION WANTED’ FOLDER ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS AND CONSULT ITS CONTENTS FREQUENTLY.” On the inside page reprint the descriptions of the persons announced as missing on your screen, together with whatever information you have on each case, that might have been deleted from screen through lack of Space. Carry a paragraph urging patrons to retain the folder, to secure future editions and to study same carefully so that they may instantly recognize the missing persons mentioned, should they cross their path. On the back cover page carry matter relative to the picture and playdates. Distribute these only to patrons as they leave theatre. Sample Missing Person Trailer MISSING! JANE DOE Blonde. Age 24. From home of her parents, 2929 Maple Street, Kansas City. Last seen 12 noon, Sunday, August 27, 1933, boarding westbound Route N street car. Was wearing light blue dress, white shoes and turban. Carried small tan overnight bag with initials J. D. Possessed no known funds, therefore believed to be held or hiding nearby. Note description carefully. Sample Slide KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR JANE DOE PROFILE Age, 24. Weight, 115 lbs. Height, 5 ft. 5 in. Eyes, Blue. Hair, Blonde. Mole, Left Cheek. a As a rule the Bureau of Missing Persons will be able to supply you with a full face and profile photograph of the persons sought. Your slide maker can easily make a layout of these as shown in diagram above. In case only one style of photo is available, make slide layout accordingly. Boxed Copy For Newspaper Ads TO OUR PUBLIC. SPIRITED PATRONS Help us to cooperate with the BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS Read full details on The Strand screen. Page Three