Comet Over Broadway (Warner Bros.) (1938)

TOPIC FOR DEBATE The old controversy: "Should a woman seek a career or is her place in the home?" can be used as basis of a debate over the air. Married women who have become successful in business take one side, housewives the other. Of course, contest is tied in with your showing by means of announcements before and after program. If handled properly, stunt should be good for newspaper break. INTERVIEW WOMEN Inquiring reporter in lobby interviews women who have just seen picture on question: "Do you think Kay Francis was justified in sacrificing her personal happiness for a man she didn't love?" Editor of woman's page can also be approached on this question, writing up arguments for both sides of question in woman's column. EXPLOITATION YOUR CURTAIN CALL Next Attraction: gZAATAY FRANCIS JOHN LITEL i Sp ZAM WHAT HAPPENS WHEN FICKLE PUBLIC FANCY FORGETS ASTAR? fq % FAITH BALDWIN TELLS ALL /N THIS THRALLING S70Ry OF A WOMAN You WOW ‘a } i } } Curtain of miniature stage set goes up and down revealing blowup stills CC 36, 43, 307, and copy shown above. Revolving disc (A) has string attached at (D). String goes through pulley (B). As (A) revolves, curtain (C) rises and falls. MAGAZINE STORY "Comet Over Broadway" is based on the popular Cosmopolitan Magazine story by Faith Baldwin. Display back copies of issues carrying story in lobby and surround with stills from picture. Copy: "Faith Baldwin, brilliant American writer, tells all in this thrilling story of a woman you know." Also arrange to have local magazine distributor insert heralds in latest issues of Cosmopolitan. SACRIFICE STORIES In the picture, Kay Francis sacrifices her own happiness for the sake of her husband and daughter. You can play up this angle by arranging to have local paper award small prizes or guest tickets to those sending in the best letters relating a similar ‘sacrifice story.’ Some may be interesting enough for publication. FIND TOWN’S THESPIANS Conduct a city-wide search for outstanding amateur actors and actresses. 'Talent scout’ makes the rounds of schools, dramatic groups, etc., and selects outstanding performers. They are awarded prizes at your theatre night picture opens. Newspaper interviews can be arranged, in which winners tell why they think they are qualified to become successful actors and actresses. There's also the possibility that one of the winners will "'click"’ with local producer. This would mean added newspaper publicity for your theatre. “WHAT CONSTITUTES TRUE LOVE?” In "Comet Over Broadway," John Litel proves his love for his wife by killing a man to protect her honor. This angle can be used as the basis of a newspaper contest in which readers are asked to send in letters, answering the question: "What Constitutes True Love?" Best letters are awarded guest tickets to your show. Publicity story on Page 8 in which John Litel gives his ideas on the subject, can be printed along with contest rules. NOTIFY SECRETARIES Secretaries and stenographers go for this kind of a picture, so be sure to tell them about your show. Distribute notes on office memo paper in office buildings, restaurants, beauty shops, ete. Copy: "What strange power can make a small town girl Braodway’'s star of mystery? What guilty secret can make her give up fame and romance for a man she doesn't love? See ‘Comet Over Broadway’ with Kay Francis at the Strand Friday.” FIND ‘PERFECT MOTHER’ Contest is sponsored by local newspaper. Competing mothers are invited to supply information about their families — their rules for a happy marriage and successful family life, methods of rearing their children, etc. Prize, which can be promoted from local merchant, is awarded to the woman whom judges consider the ‘perfect mother.’ Her rules for happiness can be print ed on woman's page of cooperating newspaper. RUN A “LADIES' DAY” Stress the feminine angle by running a woman's party and fashion event at your theatre. Group of shapely young girls parade on marquee, or in lobby, modeling gowns from leading shops in town. If used as a marquee stunt, 6-sheets can be posted on both sides so that passers-by will be sure to note that Kay Francis in playing in "Comet Over Broadway." Merchants cooperate by advertising event via posters displayed on counters and in windows. Also notify women's clubs via direct mail. 7 TROUPER TALKS ON THEATRE Perhaps there's an old trouper in town who will tell about his (or her) experiences in the theatre —the sacrifices he had to make, the outstanding stars he became associated with — winding up with advice to young actors and actresses just starting out on a stage career. Situations in picture might be tied in with his story. This should make a real human interest story for newspaper or radio feature. MOTHER -DAUGHTER CONTEST "Most Beautiful Mother and Daughter Contest" is staged in cooperation with local paper along lines of annual Beautiful Child Contest run by N. Y. . Daily News and other papers throughout the country. Mothers are invited to send in photos of themselves with their daughters. Prizes are awarded to the most attractive pair. Winning pair can be introduced from your stage night picture opens. ADVICE TO SOB SISTERS Editor of woman's page of local newspaper can assist in bringing your show to the attention of women. Might run a Sob Sister Column for a few days before your opening, inviting readers to send their marital and family problems to her. Stunt can be tied in with your showing of picture by having her. mention in column the difficulties which Kay Francis experiences in. the role she plays in "Comet Over Broadway." ON THE COVER: The one-sheet: see the actual paper for lobby display. Page Ten