Code of the Secret Service (Warner Bros.) (1939)

“Code Of The Secret Service” Is Based Upon Material Compiled By Wm. H. Moran, Ex-Chief, U.S. Secret Service Play up this fact in your advertising and publicity. Also in lobby, front and away-from-theatre displays. Set up a real steel file in lobby week in advance of showing. Placard carries copy: “From the files of W. H. Moran, former chief of U. S. Secret Service comes the inside story of Uncle Sam’s first line of defense against crime ... See America’s fearless Secret Agents in action in ‘Code of the Secret Service’ on the screen of this theatre begin ning next Friday.” | "NLL CODE CONTEST Scattered through the classified ad section of local newspaper are names, concealed in code, of local people selected from telephone or city directories. Readers whose names are printed win guest tickets to see “Code of the Secret Service.” Box on first page of classified section announces stunt and gives the key to code numbers. NAP ‘WANTED’ POSTERS Display of ‘Wanted’ posters showing criminals now sought by federal agents should get lobby attention. Local Post Office might be willing to supply you with a handful of ‘em. If you make up special teaser ‘Wanted’ posters on this film, add one to exhibit: also scene stills, selling copy, billing and playdates, of course. TIE TO CARTOON Many newspapers are current ly running cartoon strips dealing with detectives and secret service agents. Check with local editor on possibilities of tagging underliners tying in ‘Code of the Secret Service’ and your showing. Might place a small ad on same page as feature calling attention to film. CRIME CLUES For lobby attention-getter set up a large box with placard alongside asking folks to deposit any information they might have on criminals. Items are turned over to local police, of course. There’s a chance that one of the leads handed in will materialize in newsworthy copy. FINGERPRINTING In cooperation with local detective bureau arrange a fingerprint booth in lobby week before opening of film. Stunt could be handled by police expert who explains work. Or members of Junior Secret Service Organiza tion could lend a hand and act CRIME DISPLAY Arrange lobby display of modern apparatus used to track down criminals. Local police officials might help by lending fingerprint charts, photos, guns, test tubes, etc. Surround with stills and selling copy on ‘Code of the Secret Service.’ Embellish with real crime photos. BOOK TIE-UP It should be an easy matter to arrange window and counter displays featuring books on secret service experiences; spy and counterfeiter stories. Include scene stills and selling copy: “SEE America’s fearless Secret Agents in action . . . risking their lives to protect yours! SEE ‘Code of the Secret Service’ at the Strand Friday.” Te as unofficial attendants. TAG MAGAZINES Here’s a favorite of Irv Windisch, N. Y. Strand exploiteer. He hands out back numbers of secret service, detective, or crime story magazines with stickers containing selling copy, billing and playdates. Magazines are supplied by distributor and handed out free in lobby. HEADLINES DISPLAY Watch local dailies for news stories or feature breaks on work of the Department of Justice. Clip a few headlines and stories and mount on display board in montage fashion with ad copy surprinted tying in ‘Code of the Secret Service.’ Current “sensation” magazines might have stories and art breaks for lobby use.