Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1943)

February 27, 1943 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW 39 Method for Permit to Rebuild Fire-Swept Property Outlined Theatre owners and operators will be interested in the observations of Frank Crystal, head of a New York City insurance agency bearing his name, on Conservation Order No. L-41 as amended by the War Production Board and carried in a recent issue of the New York Journal of Commerce. He pointed out that an erroneous impression has been created to the effect that the amended order estops rehabilitation worit of a reconstruction nature after a building has been swept by fire. It is his contention that such reconstruction relief for the owners of real properties damaged by fire is "not out for the duration of the war." Must Notify by Telegram "Study of the War Production Board order reveals that owners must follow a definite procedure in order to obtain relief," explained Mr. Crystal. "The nearest local field office of the War Production Board must be notified by telegraph (a letter will not be sufficient) within five days of the date of the fire in order to obtain a future priority rating for required materials. "The next step is to file form PD-200 with the War Production Board within two weeks of the date of the fire ; this form requires an itemized list of all needed materials. A supplementary statement may be filed emphasizing the hardship, if any, that would be caused to the owner in the event that an application is denied. "The policy holder's right of adjustment with the carrier (the insurance company or insurance companies on the risk) is in no way jeopardized by War Production Board action, but it is well to bear in mind that under certain conditions materials required for reconstruction may not be available even with priority assistance. This is as it should be, since it is indisputable that critical materials needed for war purposes have first call on available supply. "There is no doubt that the War Production Board does not wish to harm the interests of owners ; yet, concededly, its policy in connection with the granting of priority assistance must be determined by the merits of each application and local conditions aiTecting the supply of materials. General procedure has accordingly been made flexible." The Booth Speaking Greenville, Pa., Seeks WPB Okay to Build Another Theatre To accommodate an enlarged population of war workers and service men, Greenville, Pa. is ready to build another theatre, housing 1200, as soon as the War Production Board will release orders on essential building materials. The Blatt Bros., who own and operate the Mercer Square and the Main theatres, purchased a large parcel of property on the north east corner of Shenango and North Mercer streets to erect the new theatre on an area 120 square feet. Fire Starts as Reeled Film Snaps Stratford, Okla. — A broken film on the projection machine was the cause of $500 worth of damages in the projection room of the Byars theatre. The severed film ignited as the reels ceased operation. Marion to Insulate and Remodel Cedar Rapids, la. — The Marion Theatre, having received a permit from the fire department, will remodel at a cost of $200 and insulate the building at an outlay of $800. William P. Branch, projectionist at the Myers Theatre, Rich Square, N. C, rates our prettiest bow for an idea this department would like to see repeated regularly. So, "The Booth Speaking" hereupon is turned over to Bill Branch for his list of the 10 best pictures of 1942. In submitting his list. Branch says : "Being an operator I have grown very fond of movies and I should like to give my opinion of the 10 best movies of last year. Here goes :" 1. Mrs. Miniver 2. How Green Was My Valley 3. Kings Row 4. One Foot in Heaven 5. Suspicion 6. Now, Voyager 7. This Above All 8. The Pride of the Yankees 9. The Man Who Came to Dinner 10. Wake Island Branch gives as his selection of the best short in years, MGM's "The Blitz Wolf." In case we haven't made it plain up above there, this is an invitation to projectionists everywhere to send in their selections of the best pictures of last year, the best picture they screened last month ; last week, or their idea of the finest picture they ever screened. Properly Directed Janitorial Work Saves Equipment There is nothing so good that it can't be improved. With this thought in mind we are offering a few choice suggestions to you, Mr. Manager, some of which you may already be following. If not, putting these tips into practice should certainly work out to your advantage. When it comes to janitorial work, it's always a good idea to furnish your porters with adequate lighting for cleaning, thus avoiding the necessity of using regular house lights and thereby effecting a saving on current. Standing the lamps too close to the draperies and walls tends to scorch them, so warn your janitor against this. Your carpets and stair treads gather abrasive grit and dirt, which if allowed to remain will gradually cut the nap and considerably shorten the life of your rugs. It's up to the manager, therefore, to see that the vacuum cleaning equipment undergoes a constant check to insure maximum efficiency at all times. Prior to cleaning the theatre janitors should remove all gum from the bottom of the seats. Doing this will prevent annoying and damaging accumulation. It has become a very harmful habit in a great many theatres for janitors to roll up drapes at aisles and exit openings and tie them in a knot in order to get them out of the way while cleaning. Allowing this procedure to take place for any length of time will reduce expensive draperies to raglike proportions. As part of the janitor's regular daily schedule make it a must for him to wipe down the seats with furniture polish, clean and dust the electric fixtures, wash the walls in rest rooms, and scrub the alleys and exit ways. A real economy measure can be brought about if you instruct your help to make sure cleaning equipment — brooms, mops and all similar articles — are hung and never stood on end. ENCYCLOPEDIA of EXPLOITATION 10,001 Selling Ideas Popular Priced Edition Only $1.95 Postpaid SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW 1501 Broadway, New York City HE IS STILL THERE He may be a little hamstrung by gas rationing and oil rationing. He's got the "priorities" and his "B" card doesn't let him get very far. But — ^he's still there. He's got a glint in his eye and willingness in his heart and he's on the job to help see you through from here on out. "He", of course, is your National Theatre Supply Company representative — a good man to remember these days. rdATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY More $$$ in Pop Com Reduce Supply Costs Use the world's finest guaranteed pop com. COSTS LESS! Sells faster, produces greater profit! Complete line of pop corn, salt, seasoning, cartons, sacks. Prompt deli WRITE today for full details and Low Prices! World's Largest Pop Corn Producers AMERICAN POP CORN CO., SIOUX CITY, IOWA Indiana Tax On Fire Inspections Make those improvements now! The Indiana House passed a bill late last week authorizing the state fire marshal to charge five and ten-dollar fees for the inspection of all amusement centers. The fire marshal can withhold permit of operation if adequate protection is lacking. Now i'S the time to mal<e those much needed improvements to your theatre. Allow us to offer our suggestions and estimate. NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS, INC. • Draperies • Interior Decoration • Murals 318-320 W. 48th Street New York