Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

May 20. 10^0 :S H O W M EN'S T R A D E R E V I E W Page 3 The Editorial Page A Referendum The suggestion that exhibitors vote on the Trade Practice Reforms at the National AUied Meeting in Minneapohs is unquestionably a good one. Unfortunately, it will not reflect a sufficient cross'section of opinion from exhibitors to make the result really representative. For at least one time both national exhibitor organi' Zations should cooperate to send out a ballot along with the latest draft of the reforms and let all exhibitors ex^ press themselves as they see fit. The same suggestion could apply to the Neely Bill. With all the various factions throwing aspersions at each other the real beneficiaries or victims of the bill cannot be heard. And it is high time the independent exhibitors were allowed to speak for themselves rather than through the medium of definitely biased representatives. A A A Justice appears to be determined to push the suit as hard as it can and, furthermore, to augment the main suit with individual actions in various parts of the country in' volving certain circuits and distributors. Ours has been an attitude difficult for some persons in the industry to understand. Yet when boiled down to facts, that attitude is simply one looking towards a solution of industry problems from within the industry as against accomplishing the same thing through lawsuits and legislation. The latter method is too charged with danger of explosions from which the independent ex' hibitor, who needs aid and protection, may get the worst of the burns. As a result we have been accused of being subsidised, which any common'sense person who knows what it is all about, must realize is pure bunk. It simply serves to better illustrate a point we brought out a few weeks back when we deplored any attitude that dictated a policy of "think as we think or you are wrong." Attend The Convention A A A The deplorable lack of interest among exhibitors in /^I^QUt PlCtUfeS the various national conventions of the exhibitor groups is one of the real reasons why the theatreman's viewpoint is never unified. Each convention brings out the rank and file and leaders of the particular organization but there are probably ten unaffiliated exhibitors not in attendance to every one of those who are affiliated with the organization in conven' tion. The net result is a onesided reaction to every problem discussed on the convention floor. We realize that many exhibitors cannot afford the ex' pense of a trip to a convention, yet, if their attendance will help clear up the differences of opinion and bring about some solution to the industry's problems, the ex' pense will long be forgotten while the benefits continue. By all means, if you can possibly spare the cost and the time, make the trip to Minneapolis this year for the Allied Convention. You do not have to be a member of the group nor will anybody try to force you to become one. Exhibitors have been invited to attend and as one, you should be there to take part in the deliberations. A A A Government Suit All hopes of a peaceful solution or settlement of the Government suit against the industry appear to have faded completely. For whatever reasons it may have, the Department of We were fortunate in being able to personally see two really fine pictures this week. Universal's "The Mikado" is not only Gilbert ^ Sullivan at its best but it tops any stage version of this world famous comic opera by reason of the pretentious pro' duction, the exquisite Technicolor, never before shown to better advantage, plus a musical scoring that will be greeted with delight by music lovers and dyed'in'the' wool movie fans alike. Believe us, you have nothing to fear when you date this picture. Its experimental runs in widely diversified spots have already branded it as a box office hit minus any high' pressure campaign. Imagine what it can do with the aid of some smart showmanship! MGM's "Goodbye Mr. Chips," settles once and for all the status of Robert Donat as one of the screen's greatest actors. So much so that it seems to be a fore gone conclusion that the Academy Award this year must go to him and "Mr. Chips." You, as well as your audiences, will sit enthralled throughout the unfolding of this grand story about a man who travelled the long road of life devoted to the service of educating the youth of his country. His shyness, his all too short romance, and his delightful characterization as he grows old, all contribute to what must be labeled: a magnificent story beautifully told and superbly acted. Hail Leo and the British Lion. — 'CHICK" LEWIS