Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

Page 14 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW May 27, 1939 22-130 743 M I N 104 .00 TORRINGTON. CONN.. 3^,eif/a.y, 2. -^939 THE TORRINGTON CITY _ N9 BANK OF ENTERTAINMENT. INC. if you see Gary Cooper in "The Adventures of Marco Polo" at the State Theatre, Torrington, Tues. or Wed., May 2 or 3 Manager State Theatre MINUTES OF ENTERTAINMENT You Can Use This On Any Outstanding Film When the Samuel Goldivyii-United Artists release, "The Adventures of Marco Polo," played the State Theatre, Torrington, Conn., Manager Pearce Parkhurst distributed ehecks to his patrons — checks not for cash, but for 104 minutes of entertainment. Your local printer can fi.v up this novelty for you, too; but be sure that the amount of the check is the running time of the film you're advertising. featured in the production. They were spotted in prominent locations by Whelan Drug Stores. All hands on board ships of the fleet were advised of the film's general merit and, particularly, of its basic Americanism theme. Ship bulletins carried a YMCA headquarters letter strongly endorsing the film. In leading hotels 10,000 special tabloid newspapers were distributed to guests, and lobby listings were obtained. A giant-sized telegram plugging the picture was displayed at the Greenwich Village Casino, prominent local night club. In addition to amusement page spreads, the women's page of the Journal-American carried a three-column cut of Alarjorie Reynolds. Several exceptional art breaks were added to amusement page quotas. The theatre front was an eye-catcher, employing bright, original art and poster cutouts. Over the marquee and extending along the building front right to the top was a multi-colored giant banner dominating Broadway at that point. Paul Benson was the exploiteer. That's what we call taking advantage of every opportunity in selling a show. Campaign Slanted For Fair and Fleet Visitors Including special slants aimed at the first influx of World's Fair visitors and members of the U. S. Navy fleet which steamed into New York in time for the opening, the exploitation campaign for "Streets of New York" at the Globe on Broadway made effective use of the film's showmanship ingredients. Network commentators came through with generous words for the film with George Fisher, via the Mutual chain, and Kate Smith, over the Columbia outlets, making special recommendations. Station WNYC broadcast a half-hour dramatization of the film with advance spot announcements building interest in the airing. Several juvenile organizations made group trips to the theatre. The streets from which the picture got its name bore ample testirnony to the playdate. In the Times Square district there were three window displays featuring the World's Fair compact tieup and playing up Marjorie Reynolds, who is The Key to Bigger Box Office Grosses! "Chick" Lewis presents ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EXPLOITATION (SECOND PRINTING) by Bill Hendricks and Howard Waugh PRICE $3.50 SOLD ONLY THROUGH 1501 Broadway SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW New York aty Cash, Check or Money Order. (No C. O. D.'s). For Canada add 25c. SSm>t # The Gorilla (Continued from page 9) cram more of their crazy antics into what should be one of their best box oflice pictures. It should please all their fans especially the kids. With good sound support from a hefty cast of marquee names of Anita Louise, Patsy Kelly and those three grand menaces, the Messrs. Atwill, Lugosi and Calleia, it was no trouble at all for Director Allan Dwan to keep up a snappy pace for the entire sixty-five minutes. Harry Joe Brown left little to be desired from the production standpoint. If there is a Zoo in town try to get the loan of a cage and gorilla for lobby display. Blow up newspaper scareheads with headline "The Gorilla is at Large." "Reward for capture of Gorilla." For street ballyhoo have three boys parade in vicinity of theatre with signs reading "If you want to see us capture the Gorilla — Follow us to the Theatre." OUTSTANDING: The three Ritzes and Patsy Kelly. Catchline: "The Gorilla will give you more fun than a barrel of Monkeys." (FAMILY) The Zero Hour Rep. ( Plollyzvood Preview) Drama 62 mins. Good Entertainment In Rather Familiar Theme Makes Suitable Companion Feature (National Release Date, May 27) Cast: Frieda Inescort, Otto Kruger, Adrienne Ames, Don Douglas, Jane Darwell, J. M. Kerrigan, Ann Todd and others. Original screenplay by Garrett Fort. Directed' by Sidney Salkow. Associate Producer, Sol C. Siegel. Plot: Frieda Inescort has achieved recognition and success on the stage under the tutelage of Otto Kruger, a producer. Kruger is paralyzed for life in a motor accident the night they are to be married. Frieda remains loyal to him for many years, even though Kruger refuses to marry her because he feels it is unfair to chain her down to an invalid. She decides to adopt a little girl from a foundling home, but the child has been asked for by Don Douglas. In order to be near the child, Frieda sees a great deal of Douglas and they finally fall in love, but she refuses to marry him because of Kruger. When Kruger learns of this sacrifice, he releases her by rolling his wheel chair of¥ the roof of the building. SUMMARY: Republic has packed plenty of entertainment into a not unfamiliar theme by giving it first rate troupers, good production values and splendid direction. The picture has enough suspense and heart tugs to satisfy the average audience and should make a fine companion feature on any bill. Frieda Inescort and Otto Kruger head an excellent cast and turn in splendid portrayals. The direction, by Sidney Salkow has been carried along at a fine pace and Sol C. Siegel has given the picture careful production assets. Invite inmates of an orphanage to a special showing, sponsored by local newspaper, and arrange transportation with bus or taxi company, placing banners on each vehicle advertising the picture. The title lends to many novel teaser ads. OUTSTANDING: Sidney Salkow's direction. Catchline: "His final message to the woman he loved." (FAMILY)