Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1947)

E 14 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, February I, 1947 Complete Your Blue Prints for Building or Remodeling Now Council Agrees All Plans Should Be Ready; Materials Situation Beginning to Ease; One Member Is Now Clearing Sites Although building materials are still in very tight supply, this is the time to draw up complete plans for expected construction of new theatres and remodeling of old ones, in the view of the overwhelming majority of the members of STR's Theatre Advisory Council. By far the larger number felt that not only should plans now be made, but that they should be carried right through the blue print stage, all ready to be put into effect. Situation Easing Some members find an improvement in the materials situation. No one calls it good, but material can be had if one wishes "to scramble for it" one noted, and another can get what he needs "if expense is no object." The majority of the Council do not approve of building on an "expense no object basis" as a rule, but some of them are getting started on remodeling projects at this time. "Small remodeling jobs should be handled now." " 'Must' jobs are justified now." "Remodeling isn't easy, but it can be done." The general view is that the materials situation will be eased within not more than a year. One member expects substantial improvement within four months; two others in six months; two in six months to a year, the majority within one year. Only one feels that the present unfavorable conditions can continue for more than another year. Some of the Council members are now buying real estate for new theatres. One Councilor thinks real estate prices are favorable now, even though he expects some further recession. C. B. AKERS Griffith Theatres K. F. ANDERSON W. S. Butterfield Theatres W. B. ARMSTRONG Golden State Theatres E. E. CLEVELAND Western Mass. Theatres DICK DICKSON National Theatres J. H. ELDER Interstate Circuit EMANUEL FRISCH Randforce Amusement Corp. Another declares: "If an organization has a definite expansion program in mind, property should be acquired now." "We have bought a few sites, although prices are high." "Buy now in an old established community?— no; but in a new community — yes." Others took an intermediate view. "I don't favor buying now, unless to protect a location." "Buy now? — only the 'musts'." "If absolutely required." Still others were flatly opposed to acquiring any property at present. "Real estate is on the down-grade, and will be for several years. The longer one waits, the better the price." One member, however, not only has acquired property and plans, but is clearing ground. He expects that he may have to wait six months to a year before starting actual construction — but he'll be all ready to go just the moment he feels the green light is on! Planning The majority in favor of completing plans at this present time was overwhelming. Only a single member dissented. "Carry planning through to complete details." "We are completing our blue prints." "Definitely, this is the proper time to formulate a remodeling and construction program. Carry planning to complete blue print stage." "We are actually getting complete blue prints." "Carry plans through to complete blue print stage, except for details." In view of the fact that drawing up theatre plans takes time, this attitude is unquestionably linked with the general view that circumstances will favor new work within not more than a year, and perhaps in only a few months. Theatres vs. Homes? The ethical question of building new theatres while many homes are still needed came in for extended comment. Most Councilors feel that there is no ethical issue now involved, and that no public resentment will follow construction of a new theatre. "Putting up a theatre would not be considered any more unethical than building any other public structure." "Inasmuch as a theatre is a necessary part of community life, I don't believe we would be criticized." "The materials used for theatres in most cases are not used for homes. Few items would have any bearing on home building." "Right— materials required for theatre construction do not affect homes to any great extent." "In our own case, we still are doing only remodeling, and only where it is definitely needed for public safety and security." A minority considers that theatre construction or remodeling at this time is unethical, and will bring an adverse public reaction. "Very much so," says one member. "We hear unfavorable comment on all sides about new amusement enterprises of any kind." Prefabricated and Quonset theatre* hold only a limited interest for the Coun(Continued on Page E-32) MELVIN C. GLATZ Fox Inter-Mountain Theatres HARRY J. GLENN Wm. K. Jenkins Theatres HERMAN R. MAIER Warner Brothers Circuit HARRY MOSCOWITZ Loew's Incorporated L. PARMENTIER Evergreen Theatres SAMUEL ROSEN Fabian Theatres FRANK D. RUBEL Wometco Theatres LEONARD SATZ Century Circuit CLAYTON TUNSTILL Malco Theatres R. VAN GETSON Balaban and Katz Corp. JULES S. WOLFE Famous Players Canadian