The Dragon Murder Case (Warner Bros.) (1934)

AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE, FOR-- Thrilling Sea-Lore Contests The sketches of sea-monsters described in Lieut.T. Gould’s, “The Case for the Sea Serpent,” recently published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, suggest several ideas for unique contests and lobby stunts to excite interest in “The Dragon Murder Case.” Three illustrations in Mat No. 1—380c. Commander R. (A) “My Conception of the Famous Loch Ness Monster.” Need not be confined to this particular monster. Any monster—mythical or otherwise— may be substituted. Contestants may use any form of descrip < CREATURE SEEN BY H.M.S. “FLY.” “A large marine animal ete: with flappers somewhat like those of turtles.” tion — prose, poetry, sketches, (D) “Sea-Serpent Drawings,’ either for children or Contributions are displayed in lobby. Or people of all ages. tie in with department store for window display. SEA-MONSTER SIGHTED OFF GREENLAND WEST COAST. “It’s body was as bulky as the ship and three or four as long. A _ long, SAAA“w$q times Sss3qss Its eyes seemed red and like burning fire.’ sharp snout. (B) “Strangest Sea Experi ence’’—having to do with some THE EGEDE SEA -MONSTER. “Stories of giant ten-armed sea-monsters capable of attacking ships and carrying off their crews.” strange sea-animal. Prizes for most fantastic yarns — real or mythical. (C) Are there any local legends in your town having to do with strange inhabitants of the sea? If so, run contest for most interesting version. (E.) Blow-up these sketches for lobby display with accom panying descriptive copy. Co-op Mystery Week Dealers’ sale angle is co-op newspaper ads (or individual department store) using this copy—‘‘The only mystery about this sale are these low prices. ...” Your tie-in for the picture is: “And the biggest mystery of allis “The Dragon Murder Case’ now at...” Other boosters to use are: package inserts; reprint of co-op ad page with theatre imprint on reverse side; imprint paper bags; counter and window cards. Book Stores: Idea is a natural for book shops and circulating libraries. Latest mystery publications advertised, dominated by “Dragon Murder Case.” Your tie-in is in ad copy, window displays, and book-marks. Contest sponsored by dealer offering book prize for best letter on: “Why I think ‘The Dragon Murder Case’ will make a good picture.” Newspaper is lined up to publicize the contest to sustain readers’ interest in book page. Page Two Loeal Heroes Every year, New York and other large cities honor heroic police, firemen and detectives. This always gets big space in the papers. Chamber of Commerce might be persuaded to sponsor the idea. Offer your theatre for officials to make awards on opening night of the picture. Or Interest a newspaper to print a series of interviews with detectives about notorious cases they worked on. The boys will talk for the publicity and your tie-in in this picture which presents the most mysterious case of all time. SEUDIO STYLES DEALER TIE-UP Style No. 960 | Still Lindsay 354 \ Daytime frock created by Orry-Kelly for Margaret Lindsay in “The Dragon Murder Case.” Another ready-made dealer tie-up for you to Contact local Studio Styles rep cash in on. resentative or write to Gwen Heller, Warner Bros., 321 West 44th Street, New York City. Lobby Blowups These 28 x 42 blowups are on heavy cardboard stock. Easel backed, if desired. In full colors: $3.50 each. In black and white: $2.25 each. F. O. B. New York City. Order directly from: NATIONAL STUDIOS 226 West 56th Street M,. ¥eC. ‘‘The Dragon Murder Case”’ is the follow-up of the 1933 Gold Medal Award by New Movie magazine—newest Van Dine mystery thriller, already a big seller —giving you ready made angles for live exploitation. Take these tips: PUBLISHER has advised all dealers to cooperate with your showing of the picture. Upon request from dealers, publisher will supply 15” x 18” colored display cards. You supply cut-outs, stills and other display material. Contact Mr. S. Galt, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 597 Fifth Avenue, New York City. BOOK MARKS for distribution by book shops, public and circulating libraries. WINDOW DISPLAYS in all book shops to feature other mystery stories, with “Dragon Murder Case” prominently displayed. Pick up picture selling copy from the ads. SPOT ADS on book page will reach a responsive audience interested in mystery stories. Try for a cooperative ad with books stores. AS PRIZES for contests, dealers offer the book in ex change for the resultant publicity. bd GIANT BOOK in lobby. Cover is copy of the original with added copy: “Open the book for the solution to the ‘Dragon Murder Case’.”” When opened, lookers-in read a plug for the picture. Enterprising showman once used a gal inside the book who, when the book opened, started a spiel about the picture. BULLETIN BOARDS in libraries to carry notices of your showing. lobby with copy reading, For Story Tellers Two contest ideas that boost the story angle are offered for your newspaper’s choice: 1. Best short mystery story. Everybody has aspirations to write, so this gives them a chance to see how good they are and win a prize to boot. Cooperating newspaper prints the best story daily; you present the prizes. Run it as long as interest holds out, but start it in advance of your showing. 2. Unfinished mystery story. Paper prints the facts from which readers frame complete story. Facts used, of course, are those about the picture. Here they are: “A man dives into a swimming pool on a millionaire’s estate. He never comes to the surface. When the pool is emptied, no trace of the body is found. Philo Vance is on the job to track down the peri force that lurks on the estate.’ (Now go on with your story. Poolin Lobby — 2 from the Book Borrow from local aquarium or pet shop a large glass pool filled with varieties of fish. Spend a little time and you can have it looking like the swimming pool in the film. Display this in your Turn back to the cover. It’s a dandy for a lobby poster. Pick a line from the ads for change of copy, surround with stills and you have a real flash. For another attention getter clip “Freak Facts” from the publicity section and blow-up for a one sheet or 40 x 60. Material is even interesting enough “The pool which no one ever swam out of. See this amazing mystery, S. S. Van Dine’s ‘Dragon Murder Case,’ coming to this : ies j etre ann? for display in live store window. Country of origin U. S$. A. Copyright 1934, Vitagraph, Inc. Ali rights reserved. Copyright is waived to magazines and newspapers.