Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1945)

Febntary 17, 1945 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW 31 He will preside at the Red Cross War Fund Drive luncheon February 24, at the Netherland Plaza. Following the Red Cross War Fund luncheon, the Cincinnati Cinema Club will hold its meetingRalph Kinsler, Chief Barker of the Variety Club, has called a board meeting for the 19th. Harry Berman is coming on from Albany's Columbia office to take over the Columbus territory, replacing Nat Kaplan, who is moving to Florida. Clarence Kincaid, formerly with RKO Grand Theatre, has been reported killed in action. Among exhibitors booking on the Row this week were Adelaide Ward, Elliott-Ward Circuit and Mrs. Z. T. Womachs, Grayson, Ky. HARRIS6URG Praise is being heaped on Jack D. O'Rear, manager of the Colonial, for his coolness and efficiency in removing 1200 patrons from the house February 6 when fire caused damage estimated at $15,000 to the Colonial, and $85,000 to adjoining buildings. O'Rear, told of the "small blaze" by his cashier, Arlene Clouser, took a hand extinguisher, telephoned City Police, then quietly walked up and down the aisles of the capacity house, asking patrons to leave because of a slight fire. Within five minutes the theatre was cleared, with not one sign of panic or fright. The blaze is thought to have started by a lighted cigaret, tossed by a customer into an air-duct and ventilator in the outer lobby. The State Assembly, in its 136th session here now, is asked to pass on a bill to establish a State Fair Employment Practice Commission, whose powers would prevent "job discrimination" because of race, creed or color. Under the proposal introduced into the House by Rep. Homer S. Brown, (D.), Allegheny, the Governor would have authority to appoint a fivemember commission to prevent employers or labor groups from engaging in discriminatory practices. Brown called denial of promotion or wage increase to skilled or technically-trained employes because of race, creed or color, "discrimination." Newly-elected officers of the Showmen's Club of Harrisburg were installed at a dinner and meeting held in the William Penn Hotel. The 1945 slate includes : Frank Jelenko, Metro, president; Robert Handley, Yost circuit, vice-president ; Sam Gilman, Loew's Regent, secretary ; Mike Shulman, RKO, treasurer ; Bob Handley, Mark Rubinsky, Rubinsky Circuit ; and Cal Lieberman, Senate, clubroom committee. Commanding officers and their aides from the Mechanicsburg Naval Supply Depot, the Naval Air Facility, and the Middletown Air Depot, were guests of honor at a preview of "The Fighting Lady," the Navy's documentary film which played four days at the Rio. Harry Goldberg, manager, was host for the special showing. Francis Deverter has been named assistant manager of the State, it has been announced by Manager E. Girard Wollaston. VANCOUVER The Odeon Circuit is reported negotiating with Andy Digney for the Oak, one of Vancouver's newest and best suburban theatres, with a seating capacity of 800. In the event of its sale it will give Odeon an outlet of 28 theatres in British Columbia with more reported to follow in the near future. The subject of equipment by British manufacturers has taken an important stride, preliminary though it is, toward postwar dominance through Canadian outlets, as a result of the Rank-Odeon setup. Gaumont-British Kalee, equipment subsidiary of the J. Arthur Rank interests, ostensibly will not have to start from scratch but can count upon business resulting from the expansion of Odeon theatres from the accepted 100 houses to at least 200, which probably means that the chain will double in size over a period of time. Aside from the contemplated 100 or more additional theatres, G-B Kalee will have as customers other circuits and independent theatres in the Dominion. In its drive for top-flight executives it is reported that the Odeon Circuit made an offer to Larry Bearg, Western division manager for Famous Players, who declined the offer, preferring to remain with FP. No successor has as yet been named to the post vacated by Haskell Masters, who resigned recently as general manager of the Odeon Circuit and as president of Empire-Universal. The death of Clair Hague, at the age of 59, in Toronto last week shocked his numerous friends in show business. He was president of the Canadian Picture Pioneers in the Dominion, and has been Universal's representative in Canada for the past 22 years. Mrs. George McEwan of the Royal Theatre went under the surgeon's knife in a local hospital, and latest reports are that her condition is improved. Jimmy McAllister, old-timer in show business beginning some 25 years ago in Aberdeen, Scotland, is now a member of the Canadian Picture Pioneers. Russell McTavish, owner of the Gamble Theatre, has recovered sufficiently from a recent operation to leave the hospital. Mary Lucas joined the local staff of EmpireUniversal as revisor. She has been transferred from the Calgary office. Matt Carroll of the Rex Theatre, Salmon Arm, B. C, is reported making many improvements to his theatre. David Bray, pioneer exhibitor of New Westminster, B. C., died here recently at the age of 78. Bray operated the first theatre in New Westminster with Frank Kerr, who now operates the Edison. On their last trip to the West Coast, executives of Famous Players visited H.M.C.S. Discovery, the navy's newest training center in Vancouver, where Ken McRae, a former Famous PlayersCanadian theatre manager, is commander officer. A stage which was in the process of building in the recreation department found a voluntary donor for its equipment when J. J. Fitzgibbons, FPC president, donated sufficient material which enabled the presentation of a much bigger program of entertainment than had been originally contemplated. Running local cafes seems to be a habit here with former showmen. The last entrant into the cafe business is Jack Johnson, formerly with Filmart, who now owns a restaurant in the •downtown area. The other four in the "eating" business are Bill Long, former executive with Odeon ; Wilfred Little from Abbotsford ; Jack Cooperhead, formerly with the Roxy, and Al Gold, formerly with the Tivoli, Calgary. The Falkon Theatre, owned by Fred Falkner, Tisdale, Sask., was completely destroyed by fire recently. About 165 persons vacated the house in safety as soon as the alarm was given. W. P. Nichols of the Royal Theatre (formerly Pantages) will begin a stage show policy as soon as alterations are completed in compliance with the fire warden's request. PORTLAND Ronald Ames has succeeded Ralph Ravenscroft as West Coast exploitation representative for Paramount Pictures. The latter is now in charge of short subject advertising at the studio. Ray Ackles, 20th-Fox salesman in the Inland Empire area has returned to Seattle for monthly conferences. Frank L. Newman, Sr., is leaving for Palm Springs to attend a conference with West Coast theatre executives. Earl Keate, Universal exploiteer is making numerous contacts in the Pacific Northwest for "Can't Help Singing." George Mitchell, Eastern Washington salesman for United Artists, is back in Seattle for conferences. "Meet Me in St. Louis," was held over for a second week at the United Artists Theatre here. Frank Mantzke, formerly of Milwaukee, is taking over the Seattle Monogram headquarters. Thomas McCue, auditor for Universal, is covering the Portland and Seattle exchange. John Howay, U. S. N., has returned to prewar haunts in and near Seattle and visiting theatre friends. Word has been received of the death of George L. Eder, 61, former theatre operator on Vashon Island. Zollie Volchok, former Paramount manager, Portland, is taking over a special assignment for Uncle Sam at Ft. Lewis, Wash. PITTSBURGH Warner Bros, ace house, the Fairmont Theatre, Fairmont, W. Va., was burned to the ground last Saturday morning, with an estimated damage of over $500,000. The fire threatened to spread to the heart of the downtown section before it could be brought under control after firemen struggled for more than three hours. The Fairmont was the largest theatre in the {Continued on Next Page) PLAN FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW. National Theatres' Executives photographed at the meeting in Los Angeles last week. Top left: George Bowser, general manager, and B. V. Sturdivant, division manager Northern California, Fox West Coast Theatres. Center: Mike Rosenberg, Principal Theatres; Harold Fitzgerald, division manager. Fox Wisconsin Theatres. Right above: Frank Newman, Evergreen State Theatres; Charles Thall, assistant division manager. Northern California, Fox West Coast. At right: Pete Lundgren, film buyer, Fox West Coast; Andy Krappman, Southern California division manager. Fox West Coast; Al Rosenberg, district manager, Evergreen State Theatres.