Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1942)

Page 26 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW June 20, 1942 WPB Issues Advice on Handling of Emergency Rating Requests Theatre owners should communicate with War Production Board field offices in their localities whenever emergency repair or maintenance materials are needed. Instructions on the procedure for obtaining necessary materials for emergency repairs issued by Christopher J. Dunphy, Chief of the Amusements Section, of WPB's Services Branch, stress the instruction concerning notification through field officers as a means of facilitating the service the WPB seeks to render under a plan to handle emergencies. "Emergency" is defined in the statement as : "an actual breakdown of existing equipment or a situation where it is evident that a breakdown or suspension of operations is imminent because of damage, wear and tear, destruction, failure of parts or a similar situation." Warn Theatremen Not to Make Applications to Washington In order to expedite the handling of applications for emergency ratings it is necessary that WPB's field officers be used as a means of reviewing them. These field offices were set up to handle such matters, and direct contact with these offices will result in quicker appraisal of the merits of applications than if they were sent directly to the Services Branch in Washington. "In ev€nt of an emergency breakdown," Mr. Dunphy advised motion picture theatre operators, "get in touch with the War Production Board field office in your locality, state to them the emergency case and they will communicate the facts immediately to the proper authorities in Washington handling emergency repairs and Did you know that NATIONAL'S regular service to theatre owners includes such unusual merchandise as • Emergency lighting systems • Shatter-resistant glass coating • Luminescent blackout signs • Reflectone cosmetic chairs • Boxoffice safes for blackouts • Reel repair service and many other timely specialties created to meet today's conditions. NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY always tries to give you that extra bit of service that makes it a pleasure to do business here. More than ever today, it pays to go NATIONAL all the way. NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY maintenance.. If justified, a preference rating for the necessary repairs will then be wired back to you." The official said that emergency repairs of all types will be expedited greatly if persons requiring an emergency rating follow the procedure outlined. Attempts to deal directly with various WPB Branches in Washington will result only in unnecessary delay, he said. Strand, Staunton, Va., Redecorated Staunton, Va. — Another step forward in the progress of redecorating the Strand Theatre was accomplished recently when the Charles H. Kenney Studios of New York City placed new damask on the panels of the theatre and hung a new stage setting. According to Mr. Ed Purcell, manager of the house, painting of the interior and installation of new fluorescent lights for the marquee will complete the renovation job. Studio Theatre, Richmond, Cal., Opens Richmond, Cal. — The Studio Theatre here has opened under the management of Robert L. Lippert, local theatre operator. The theatre, which occuT)ies the space of the former Safeway Store building was completely remodelled with the entire cost being kept under the government commercial remodelling allowance. Colquitt Theatre Damaged by Fire Brunswick, Ga. — The Colquitt Theatre here was damaged by water during a fire which damaged an entire block at a loss estimated at $50,000. New Equipment for Emporium Theatre Emporium, Pa. — The Emporium Theatre has replaced its projection equipment at a cost of approximately $5,000. Lightning Bolt Causes Fire St. James, Mo. — The Lyric Theatre here was struck by a lightning bolt recently which caused a fire on the roof of the building. The damage was reported to have been slight. Park, Chattanooga, Remodelled Chattanooga, Tenn. — The lobby and lounge of the Park Theatre here have ben remodelled to provide more seating place. The work, which took about two weeks to complete, used plastic and all-wood materials. Brandt Takes Over Hastings House Hastings-On-Hudson, N. Y.— The Brandt Theatre Corporation has taken over management of the Hastings Theatre and plans to redecorate the house at a cost of $5,000. Theatre Housed in City Auditorium Portsmouth, Va. — The City Auditorium here was recently remodelled as temporary quarters for the Colony Theatre. Kirsch-Cooper Acquire Lexington Jack Kirsch, Illinois Allied president, has purchased the Lexington Theatre from the Max Sach circuit. The acquisition gives the KirschCooper circuit a total of five houses. Stalled for Duration Youngstown, 0. — Work was stopped on a new theatre here because of the War Production Board order halting all construction of this sort costing in excess of $5,000. The equipment for the theatre which has already been purchased is being stored for the duration. Rialto, Chicago, Reopens Chicago, 111. — The Rialto Theatre which has been closed due to damages caused by fire was reopened recently. The remodelled theatre has had new projection equipment. New House in Midland, Mich. Midland, Mich.— The Midland Theatre, seating 1,375 persons, was opened recently by William A. Cassidy. The theatre, center of a new commercial building, cost upward of $300,000 and incorporates the newest in construction ideas. The seats are all on one floor with the exception of a glass enclosed balcony "cry room" seating 20 persons. Peru Theatre Redecorated Peru, 111. — The Peru Theatre has been reopened after having been closed a week for extensive alterations. In addition to a new marquee the theatre also has had its interior redecorated, seats reupholstered and nev^' sound equipment installed. Legion, Cartersville, Ga., Reopens Cartersville, Ga. — The Legion Theatre, which was recently destroyed by fire, has been completely rebuilt and was opened to the public recently. In rebuilding the theatre the seats were rearranged to provide more room between rows and a new heating and cooling system was installed. New House in Covington, Tenn. Covington, Tenn. — The Ritz Theatre here was opened recently by the Ruffin Amusement Company. The new theatre seats 750 people. New Theatre Planned for Seneca, HI. Seneca, 111". — Construction of a new theatre here will be started by the Anderson Theatre Circuit as soon as the plans will be approved by the War Production Board. The Hogan building has been acquired and it is planned to rebuild and remodel it into a modern theatre at a cost of $30,000. Application for WPB approval was made because of the opening of a defense plant in the area. Tri-States Opens New Theatre Ottumwa, la. — A new $50,000 theatre opened here recently replacing the one destroyed by fire over a year ago. The theatre which seats 1,200 persons will be operated by the Tri-States Theatre Corp. of Des Moines. Fire Damages Clinton Theatre Clinton, La. — A fire damaged the Joy Theatre here operated by Dr. L. L. Powers. The extent of the damage was in the neighborhood of $10,000. Lawrenceville, III., House Modernized Lawrenceville, 111. — Work has been started here on the modernization of the State Theatre. The theatre which is part of the Frisina circuit will have a new marquee, new cooling system, modern sound and projection equipment and new rest rooms.