Shipmates Forever (Warner Bros.) (1935)

a a EXPLOITATION Ring Stunt Suggested By Fitm (ist Publicity Story) Navy Ring Dance To Be Celebrated At Strand Nov. 20 Have you ever seen the traditional ‘‘Ring Dance’’ ceremony of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis? If you haven’t, the next best thing is to see it on the screen at the .......... Theatre=next:2.ci5..csea: » when Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler will open in the Cosmopolitan Production ‘‘Shipmates Forever,’’ a story based on the life of the cadets. When a cadet has: successfully fin Available still form. Order still No. AP167—10ce. ished his second year at the Academy, he is entitled to wear his class ring, which binds him and his fellow classmen as ‘‘shipmates forever.’’ And to make the pledge more binding, the ring is always placed on the finger of the cadet by his current ‘‘ best girl’’ who is rewarded with a kiss as the couple march through an enormous ring to the plaudits of the entire cadet corps. This ‘‘ring dance,’’ which is really more of a march than a dance, will not only be shown in the film at the en ee Theatre, but will be celebrated by the audience, who will participate in an unusual ‘‘lucky ring contest?’ to be conducted by the Theatre in co-operation with many loeal merchants. These rings are now being distributed throughout the city, and additional rings will be given to all purchasers of tickets for the local premiere of ‘‘Shipmates Forever.’’ These are good luck rings in more than one sense, for possession of one of them may bring a real reward to its owner, if he or she happens to be in the audience when prizes are distributed. Prizes Offered At 9 o’clock, just after the premiere of ‘‘Shipmates Forever,’’ Mr. te accep Dlanager Of the: i..3.0:..2.5-« Theatre, (List names of committee members who will supervise the drawing), will draw numbers. Then, the people whose rings have these numbers on them, will receive prizes. The first prize will be (List all prizes). ‘“Shipmates Forever’’ is a comedy drama of life at Annapolis, with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, who made such a hit in ‘‘Flirtation Walk’’ again co-starred as screen sweethearts. Supporting Powell and Miss Keeler are Lewis Stone, Ross Alexander, Dick Foran, Johnny Arledge and many others. Frank Borzage directed the original screen play by Delmer Daves. Further details of the ‘‘lucky ring’’ contest will be announced from the stage of the ..............00... Theatre eho ste (opening date). Here’s a promotion suggested by one of the film’s sequences — The Annapolis Ring Ceremony: Nightly, starting two weeks or a week in advance of premiere, award prizes to persons in audience having numbered ring which corresponds with number picked from box. Should holder of winning number be absent, shelve prize for final drawing which takes place night you open ‘“Shipmates.” Like the idea? — then follow this step by step procedure: SEE LOCAL EDITOR While newspaper assistance isn’t necessary — it'll help. Try Ed on couple of announcement stories. No sponsorship — just couple of plain ordinary news stories. There might be good yarn on winners. Especially if prize means great deal to them. After you've set this... CONTACT MERCHANTS Try local store managers for prizes. Explain that they'll be courtesy carded in lobby and from screen (If theatre policy permits). In addition, supply ‘em with stack of cardboard rings, a certain amount to be distributed daily. In this way only cooperating stores will be headquarters for stunt. They can either give rings away gratis or with every purchase. No need telling you how many stores to contact. The more prizes — the more patron interest. After you've lined up the awards... RING IN LOBBY Give plenty of lobby space to contest announcements. Erect a giant ring similar to one illustrated.. Have usher in attendance handing out heralds announcing stunt. Special one or two frame trailer plugs wouldn't hurt. And if you've a regular program, devote major part of couple of issues to contest build-up. DRAWING AT PREMIERE It will probably develop that most of the prizes will still be on hand for the last drawing. If this is the case do everything possible to spread word of the “fortune in merchandise” to be given away. (You know all the angles) Before first night performance pick numbers out of hat. Just so there won't be any kicks, try to get couple of prominent locals to officiate. To add to general interest plant couple of stooges in audience to excitedly rush to stage only to find they have wrong number, etc. REPORTERS ATTEND The night of the drawing, invite reporters to see the fun. The description of the excited audience, people coming up with the wrong numbers and the rest of the confusion might make an interesting feature for the next day’s papers. Of course, you'll have a photographer handy to take pictures of the lucky winner standing next to the pile of prizes. OTHER SUGGESTIONS In all announcements be sure to mention the tie up between the film’s “ring ceremony” and this stunt. If you don’t want stunt to extend over week — whole thing can be shot opening night — with no piling up of prizes. AND HERE’S ANOTHER ‘RING DANCE’ ANGLE In dance hall, schools, and perhaps even your own lobby, the Annapolis Ring Dance might make quite a hit. Ring could be set up as illustrated, with couples dancing around it. Couples are judged, best dancers nabbing prizes. (2nd Publicity Story) Your Ring May Bring You Luck At Strand Today Don’t forget to bring your lucky ring to the celebration of the U. S8. Naval Academy’s traditional ‘‘ring dance 2nat=the=\n-sas Theatre tonight. It may bring you luck, just as the possession of the Academy class ring is supposed to be mighty lucky for the cadet who has successfully completed his second year. The ring ceremony is incorporated in the Cosmopolitan Production ‘*Shipmates Forever,’’ in which Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler and an all star cast will open at the ..0....... i. TV heathe ote. -cakisscsc The rings, which have been distributed throughout the city and which will also be given all purchasers of tickets, form the basis of an unique contest arranged by the ..............00. Theatre in co-operation with many local merchants. Each ring is valuable as a souvenir of a most important motion picture premiere. In addition it may have a more tangible value if its owner is in the audience when full details are announced from the stage of the ........ Theatre immediately before the feature picture, ‘‘Shipmates Forever’’ is shown. LOBBY AD ARE YOU COMING TO ‘RING NIGHT’? Every night this week a numbered ring will be given to every patron of this theatre. Next Wednesday, during the showing of “Shipmates Forever,’ ten numbers will be called from the stage, and the lucky number holders will receive many valuable prizes, so be sure to get your ring and then be on hand next Wednesday evening at the premiere performance of “SHIPMATES FOREVER” YOUR LUCKY RINGS GOB This ring is made of heavy cardboard, imprinted with whatever copy you want. They're numbered successively, each ring having a different number. Prices: 1M — $4.00; 5M — $3.75 per M; 10M — $3.50 per M. Order direct from: ECONOMY NOVELTY CoO. 225 West 39th Street New York City Page .Nine