Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1946)

Z8 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, November 16, 194« REGIONAL NEWSREEL ROYALTY AT LONDON PREMIERE. The first Royal Command Film Performance at the Empire Theatre, London, proved to be a most brilliant social event. The above scene in the Empire foyer, with King George chatting to Stewart Grainger, and Princess Elizabeth talking with Ray Milland, gives no indication of the surging activities of the crowds outside the theatre, where police were powerless to deal with the legions drawn to Leicester Square to greet the Royal Family and the stars. LONDON OBSERVATIONS By JOCK MacGREGOR The biggest week in the history of the London film trade was highlighted by the reception for the stars appearing for the Royal Command Performance, the Eric Johnston interview, the gala premiere itself, Paramount's luncheon for James E. Perkins, new managing director for Great Britain, and the dinner dance at which Adolph Zukor presided, and the preview of "The Jolson Story." The Royal Command performance at the Empire, which garnered $150,000 for the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund and scored as a headline story in newspapers round the world, was one of those events that not only cast its shadow before, but left a wake of discussion behind. Among the many sidelights which continue to brighten conversation about this glittering first showing of "Stairway to Heaven" was the sight of newsreel cameramen operating in white ties and tails; and the continuing query among usherettes and managers from all West End cinemas (who helped out) as to how they fared in the mobbing which took place in Leicester Square's battle of the showmanship centurv. Max Milder, joint managing director of WB and ABPC which controls Britain's largest cinema circuit, two studios, Pathe Distributors and a newsreel, announced that negotiations are nearing completion for the purchase of Anglo-American Distributors. Anglo, under Louis Jackson, has become a leading independent distributor, handling the highly successful British National output. It would appear that Anglo is making this move to insure adequate booking for its product in view of the uncertainty which faces the small British producer. It has been whispered for some weeks that Jackson was going to throw his lot in with ABC or Korda. still a mystery man in this field. Paramount's dinner dance drew a big turnout of him personalities, with Odeon being particularly well represented. J. Arthur Rank made one of his rare appearances. The speeches were short. Mr. Zukor spoke most highly of Jimmy Perkins in introducing him and referred to Mr. Rank as a "credit to our industry throughout the world." Mr. Rank responded for the guests and dbviously enjoyed the evening. Later on Zukor and he had a heart to heart talk. Already the entire Paramount output goes to his Odeon circuit and a still closer tie-up between the two organizations would not be surprising. Ray Milland led the film stars and there was much competition among the ladies to dance with him. Capt. Sidney Clift's daughter Denise was among the first to get him on the floor. It was a great night for the independents who were there in strength. Lou Morris appeared to be finding life to his liking. Mr. and Mrs. Then Fligelstone did not miss many dances. PERKINS MEETS BRITISH PRESS. J. E. Perkins, chairman and managing director of Paramount Film Service, Ltd., succeeding David E. Rose, was introduced to the London press by George Weltner, president of Paramount International Films, at a luncheon held at Hungaria, London. At the table above, left to right: Maude Miller. Perkins, Weltner, Jock MacGregor, Lillian Duff and Frank Farley. (Continued from Page 27) pneumonia, has recovered enough to leave his bed and will be back at work shortly. MGM branch manager, Jerry McGlynn, receive! encouraging news following a physical checkup at the Mayo Clinic. He will return to work on a part-time basis for awhile. Joyce Rodda, assistant cashier at MGM, is taking a leave of absence on advice of her physician. ALBANY ~ CUPID BUSY ALONG FILM ROW; VARIETY CLUB DENIAL DAY SET FOR NOV. 30; WEEK-END GOOD From Miami Beach, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hellman write that they are already comfortably settled in their home there, where they will remain for the winter months. The Hellman Theatre office is being enlarged and renovated. MGM booker Dorothy Stein spent the holiday week-end in Buffalo; Betty Herrick of Warner booking office, enjoyed hers in New York City. Camille McCaffrey, Columbia cashier, has just returned to the office after a week's bout with intestinal grippe. Florence Bergmann is the new Columbia biller and telephone operator. Mrs. A. McNamara who operates the Bay Theatre, Alexandria Bay, during the summer months is now in her home in Valatie, N. Y. where she will spend the winter. Mrs. L. J. Van Buren has sold her woodcraft store and will devote her entire time to the operation of the Van Buren Theatre at Cairo. Burton Moyer is a very busy man between teaching piano and operating the Cherry Valley Theatre, Cherry Valley, one day a week. Margaret Smith, assistant to Harvey English, has now an assistant, Gwen Ryan. Mr. English, who started with the operation of one theatre, the Capitol, about ten years ago is now the owner of eleven in the following situations ; Livingston Manor, Roscoe, Jeffersonville, Hancock, Windsor, Roxbury, Interlaken, Dundee, Narrowsburg, N. Y. and Halsted and Susquehanna in Pennsylvania. Sidney Mull has opened the Masonic Hall, Nassau for the winter months. Holbrook Bissell of Advertising Distributors. Inc. has just returned from a trip out west where he visited Lima, Cleveland and Alliance, ' Ohio. 20th-Fox office received a surprise announcement of the marriage of their salesman, Dan Houlihan to Anne Pohl. They are honeymooning in Iowa. Jerry Spandau, Universal branch manager out of Buffalo, visited Albany. Louis Brager, Warner Bros, real estate department man, is in town. A surprise miscellaneous shower was tendered Marian Lippoth, MGM assistant cashier, on Thursday, Nov. 14th, at the home of Ruth Hogan in Watervliet. Marian will marry Michael Milark on Nov. 30. Mrs. Jennie C Rosenthal, owner and operator of the State Theatre, Troy, is visiting her daughter, Mrs lack Green, in Kansas City, Mo. Frances Gulaski, Republic stenographer, was married to Kenneth Tucker on Oct. 27 at the St. Joseph's Church, Troy. .Mbany Variety Club's .Annual Denial Day w ill be held Saturday, Nov. 30. In conjunction with this drive five Albany area college chorus