Jezebel (Warner Bros.) (1938)

Street And Lobby Ballys Horse and buggy is driven through town by coachman wearing topper. Girl in red dress (crinoline style) sits in the back, carrying parasol on which billing appears. She makes rounds of department stores and other vantage points where crowds can see her. Mardi Gras float parades through town with “Southern belles’ and ‘“‘colonels’’ dressed in 1850 costumes. Float is covered with cutouts of Davis, Fonda, Brent, and Lindsay; also plenty of confetti. Broadcast a recording of the song ‘‘Jezebel’’ through P.A. system. Bette Davis is one of the most versatile actresses in pictures, her parts ranging from hard, bitter portrayals such as “Marked Woman”’ to light comedy as in “It’s Love I’m After.’ This suggests a lobby poll in which you ask fans the type of role they would like Bette Davis to enact in the future. Tell them consensus will be sent to Warner Bros.’ Hollywood Studios. Front cover of this press book can be used for an attractive display in your lobby. Surround with plenty of stills from picture and poster accessories (see pages 14 and 15). Set up piano in your lobby week before picture opens with sheet music of “‘Jezebel”’ spread over it. Girl dressed in crinoline costume sits at the piano and plays the song to her ‘‘southern colonel.’’ Music dealer might like to tie in by sending over a pianist, and in return you let him sell music in lobby. Attractive girl in red crinoline costume stands on platform. Lights around platform are entirely covered by hoop skirt girl is wearing. Spotlight is thrown from above thereby illuminating the entire figure from above and below and giving same effect as boudoir doll lamp. Girl is supported by back rest in the middle of platform. She is attractively made up and remains absolutely motionless to give the appearance of a wax doll. Selling copy: “Jezebel — Heartless Sweetheart of the South — Half Siren, Half Angel — All Woman! Coming to the Strand on Friday.”’ ‘Jezebel’ is having the distinction of opening at Radio City Music Hall. Many exhibitors will want to bring this salient selling point to the attention of their patrons and impress them with picture’s prestige. Mention in your regular advertising, direct mail, spot announcements, programs, and lobby displays. “Jezebel” New Torch Tune When Guy Lombardo introduced the song “Jezebel” on his nationwide hookup radio program, the popular bandleader predicted it is destined to be a number one hit! — and he’s right! This real torchy tune can help sell your show in this way: 1. Arrange to have music dealers fix up window, counter and lobby displays; counter cards are available; 2. Play the song over your P.A. system periodically; 3. Be sure bands ’round town are supplied with orchestrations. For further information, contact your Harms representative, or write to Sam Serwer, Harms Inc., 1250 Sixth Ave., New York City. 3 Easy Working Contests For paper, program or lobby contest, ask patrons to name Academy Award Winners for the past few years. Here they are: 1933 — Katherine Hepburn and Charles Laughton; 1934 — Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable; 1935 — Bette Davis and Victor McLaglen; 1936 — Louise Rainer and Paul Muni. Tie in Bette Davis’ reputation for being the screen’s best actress by holding contest to find local gal with best histrionic ability. ‘Scout’ makes rounds of community playhouses, school dramatic societies, little theatre group, etc. Committee consisting of town’s socialites, dramatic editor, etc. presents winner with town’s Academy Award in your theatre the night picture opens. In cooperation with editor of local paper's woman’s page arrange a ‘Jezebel Recipe Contest.” Women are invited to send in their favorite southern recipes. Free tickets to your show are awarded to the best ones. Se ee ee eee RR IEE ION SII IONS RIN EDOM SII SNS SECIS Page Thirteen