Off the Record(Warner Bros.) (1939)

CLASSIFIED GAG SECTION 25 Theatre-Tested Ideas Easily Put to Work AMATEUR REPORTER CONTEST should appeal to all embryo news hounds. Paper makes assignments to cover; best story is printed in paper. Writer nabbing passes to your show. CAPTION WRITING TEST. Newspaper runs scenes from picture. Contestants write their own caption. Guest passes go to writers who turn in best captions for entire series. EXTRAS SURPRINTED. Screaming headlines surprinted in red on back numbers of first editions and distributed by newsies as “Extras.” GAL NEWSIES dressed in coat made of newspapers stands at busy corners of town passing out heralds on “Off The Record” and yelling EXTRA! EXTRA! OBSERVATION TEST. Reporters have to have keen sense of observation. Newspaper runs scene from pic asking readers to make complete list of everything they see in photo. Prizes to most complete. PEEP DISPLAY in empty store window. “This is strictly ‘Off The but look!” On the inside are cut-out figures of O’Brien and Blondell. Copy reads: Record’... Surround with montage of sensational newspaper headlines, title and playdates. PROOF READING TEST. Readers of cooperating paper are asked to find errors mn spelling and grammar in a publicity story or ad. Ducats to most proficient. SCHOOL NEWSHAWKS invited to cover your showing as guest reviewer of local daily. Best written review is carried by paper and wins prize. STORY OF THE WEEK in local newspaper is clipped and submitted by readers with 100 word letter stating their reason for choosing. Prizes for best letters. _PROMOTION COPY SLANT “ORE THE RECORD. 5" are the letters and expressions of satisfaction from many advertisers in TIMES CLASSIFIED SECTION. ON: FEE RECORD |... are these figures to prove the selling power of TIMES CLASSIFIED ADS. * Of 365 jobs advertised here during the last 3 weeks, 250 were filled by people who applied for them through this newspaper. ¢ Of 450 products advertised in this Section during the last 3 weeks, 300 culminated in successful sales. THAT'S GETTING RESULTS! [NEWSPAPER NAME] THMNODDRQDOOODORSORAUREDERODOOTOUO DOOD ESRD RDO ODORO DONDE ORDOODEODSAOSOODEORORODODDODSOODEDADDORORODD = Many newspapers like to boast of their classified ad section by spotting ads on other pages—sometimes front page. Above copy suggestion might interest promotion manager of local newspaper. Still shown is No. C-Pub A-7—10c from Campaign Plan Editor. DISPLAY PAPERS OF PAST and present. Exhibit is made up of editicns of town’s leading newspaper from its beginning up to today. Paper’s promotion manager should be glad to cooperate to get this excellent plug for paper. NEWS OFFICE. How’s about dressing up the lobby in typical newspaper office atmosphere with desks, typewriters, signs. news tickers, ete. NEWS PHOTOS. Original news photos of sensational news beats borrowed from local newspaper morgue are displayed in lobby with caption:—“Off The Record” photos you’ve never seen. PHOTOS OF LOCAL SCRIBES are ex hibited in lobby along with recent story written by them. TELETYPE MACHINE sends messages plugging picture. Surround with display and ask people to read TARE giving “Off The Record” news. displays, MENTS? -RADIO linen AD UNDERLINERS might be tricked uplike this: “EXTRA!—‘Off The Record’— coming soon to Strand.” BOOK WINDOWS tie into such inside stories of the Fourth Estate as “We Saw It Happen” and “Lords of the Press.” Copy: “See The Inside Story of the Funniest Story of the Year — ‘Off The Record’ at the Strand Theatre.” DISPLAY OLD NEWSPAPERS. Offer passes to folks bringing in the oldest editions of local newspaper. Display ’em in lobby and try for news break in local daily which should be easy to get. EDITOR WRITES FEATURE. Your favorite local editor or columnist might like to write a feature story on famous married newspaper teams such as portrayed by Pat O’Brien and Joan Blondell in “Off The Record.” GUEST COLUMNISTS. Prominent local men take over column entitled “Off The Record” writing about subject best known to them. INQUIRING REPORTER gets “Off The Record” opinions from localities on current events. INSPECTING LOCAL NEWS PLANT. Most people would like to see how papers are published. Arrange with newspaper to invite certain number of patrons each day to inspect plant and editorial offices. NEWS CAMERA used by Bobby Jordan suggests dealer tie-up including window cooperative ads, heralds ete. NEWS FLASHES over radio. Try to sandwich in a plug or two for the picture immediately after news broadcast. TEASER ADS. Copy: couple wishes to get rid of one angel with “Young married dirty face received as wedding present. For further information see “Off The Record” at the Strand Theatre. ————— Other Exploitation Suggestions on Pages 10 and II