Reel Journal (June 1931)

JESSE SHLYEN, Editor and Mgr. 4704 East 9th Street Phones—Chestnut 7777; Res. Wabash 0841 KANSAS CITY, MO. MP T A Directors Confer Big Demand for Western Product Threaten Ouster Kansas City Exchange Managers Stress Wide Reduce Wages Effective on June 8 the operators in St. Louis mo¬ tion picture theatres have re¬ duced their wages 5 and 7 *4 per cent. Those paid $60 a week or less are cut 5 per cent and those above $60 will get 7 V 2 per cent less. The new rates will be in ef¬ fect for ten weeks. N. J. SUNLEY DIES Was Pioneer in Film Busi¬ ness From 1905 St. Louis— The St. Louis film- dom has lost one of its real pio¬ neers. Funeral services were held at 2 p. m., June 9, for Na¬ thaniel J. Sunley, age 66 years, whose career as a motion picture salesman and exchange shipping clerk went back to the early days of the Swanson-Crawford Pic¬ tures Company of 1905 and 1906. In point of service Mr. Sunley was the oldest man ift the local motion picture circles. He start¬ ed with Swanson-Crawford and later was with Mutual. Eventually he was with Robertson & Cole and later its successor the F. B. O. In recent months he was shipping clerk for Progressive Pictures, Inc., 3320 Lindell boulevard. Action Against George Adams If He Fails to Close Other Amuse¬ ments Besides Shows. J. H. John, head of the Greater Wichita Association, has threaten¬ ed that ouster proceedings will be made against George L, Adams, county attorney, if he fails to act on complaints the association will bring to his attention regarding violations of the Sunday labor law. Recently the Wichita Retail Merchants’ Association, as well as the Greater Wichita Association,' voiced strong opposition against the order made by Adams to close all Sunday shows in Wichita after July 4. John said that if Adams failed to close other amusement (Continued on page 11) Demand for Action Pic¬ tures in Territory. Kansas City exchange managers are voicing exuberant enthusiasm over a wide demand throughout the territory for western and ac¬ tion pictures. The crying need is for more westerns; the demand was never greater, they report. The public is clamoring for action pictures because they are fed upon too many sophisticated and sexy stories. With a lineup of eight Buck Jones’ pictures, Columbia has been doing a rush business. Announce- emnt is made that the new prod¬ uct will include 16 westerns, divid¬ ed among eight Buck Jones and eight Tim McCoy pictures. L. George Ross, Columbia ex¬ change manager, says that his company is doing a mammoth busi¬ ness on westerns, with the terri¬ tory virtually locked up, far sur- (Continued on page 11) The “Stag” Film By JESSE SHLYEN, Editor F ROM reliable sources a matter in regard to the show¬ ing of “stag” films has been called to our attention. The term “stag,” which is apparently obvious t.o many, is associated with films “for men only” or “for women only.” Generally the films are of a discriminating nature and are quite shocking to the morals of people of refine¬ ment. He was a member of and for¬ merly was president of Film Exchange Employes Union No. 16,169, and a veteran of the Span¬ ish American war, being a mem¬ ber of Walker Jennings Camp, Spanish American War Veterans, also of Beacon Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. Interment was in Na¬ tional Cemetery, Jefferson Bar¬ racks, Mo. Recently a widespread use of such films has been manifested, according to authoritative reports. Under the guise of scientific films these reels are imported from foreign countries and shown in intimate circles; such as smokers or fraternal gatherings. It is only our policy to report the news at the present time that such films are being shown. A number of them ! are said to have made their appearance in Kansas City j I just lately. No actual evidence has been obtained yet.l | (Continued on page 11) Meet to Discuss Zoning and Outline Plans for Extensive Campaign on Sunday Shows. The board of directors of the Motion Picture Theatres Associa¬ tion met Tuesday afternoon for the chief purpose of conferring on zoning and outlining plans for a vigorous campaign in defense of Sunday shows in Kansas. Nothing [definite was done in regard to the 'two problems. Only ways and means of promoting a successful campaign were discussed. A committee of five, who will work out the details on the Sun¬ day situation, were appointed. Those who were named are: E. C. -Rhoden, Fox Midwest Theatres division manager, chairman; O. K. Mason, Great Bend, Kas.; C. L. McVey, Dreamland Theatre, Her- ington, Kas.; E. B. Danielson, Mainstreet Theatre, Russell, Kas.; Ed Haas, Fox Theatre, Hutchin¬ son, Kas. Copies of the zoning and pro¬ tection plan which was adopted last July have been mailed by the association to all territorial exhibi¬ tors and it is generally believed that the same plan will be approv¬ ed by most of the exhibitors. Buddy’s Brother Marries St. Charles, Mo.— Bruce Rogers, brother of Buddy Rogers, was married here a few days ago to Miss Marajen Stevick of Cham¬ paign, Ill., daughter of H. V. Ste¬ vick who owns a string of news¬ papers in Illinois, Arkansas and Texas. Bruce Rogers has appear¬ ed in several motion pictures. O. K. Sunday Shows Marion, Ill.— The city com¬ missioners here have legal¬ ized Sunday motion picture shows despite the opposition of local ministers. The new ordinance raises theatre li¬ censes from $100 to $200 a year.