Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1947)

SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, November 1, 1947 5 Mm 1*1 'A I: Tribute to Will Rogers It becomes more and more evident that when an outstanding activity reflecting credit to our industry and generating a world of goodwill for the whole motion picture fraternity, is to be done, the Variety Clubs International are always doing it. Latest in the continuing parade of endeavor along these lines will be the dedication and unveiling of a magnificent bronze plaque at the ^'^ill Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, on November 4th. At this time the amusement busmess will gather in the person of the International officers and the chief barkers of the thirty-three Variety Club Tents, to pay homage at the final resting place of our former ambassador of goodwill. Will Rogers. During the ceremonies outstanding speaker tribute will be paid and to top the whole afternoon and evening of activity, the regular Bob Hope radio broadcast will take place with many of the visiting dignitaries participating. The motion picture industry may well be proud of its membership m the Clubs because of the fine work being done to help underprivileged children in every community where a Tent is operated, as well as for the great credit they reflect through such activities as the annual Humanitarian Awards. Thanks to V.C.I, this fine side of the industry is portrayed to the public through the medium of the press and newsreels whose coverage of the events reaches many millions of people throughout the world. Our industry cannot do too much to support and encourage the work and further expansion of these fine Clubs. ▲ ▲ ▲ Jackson s Two Years Two years ago this week SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW inaugurated the important and significant series of articles by Jack Jackson, and with this issue we take proper notice of both the series and the anniversary. From the very beginning, the Jackson series attracted widespread attention and interest and before they were far along dozens of requests were coming in from both large and small circuits, as well as individuals, asking for reprints, for permission to reproduce in house organs, etc. At first we were inclined to cheerfully grant these requests, but it soon dawned on us that the continuity and cumulative power of the series, which so greatly enhances the value of individual chapters, might be impaired by indiscriminate and sporadic publication. So, only a few months after the Jack Jackson series was introduced we knew that sooner or later these outstanding and justly famous texts on theatre management would have to be presented in book form. This was a logical conclusion because as you read through those articles you soon arrive at the very obvious decision that such a book would be the finest of Its kind in the way of an interesting and valuable volume on efficient theatre management, show merchandising, physical operation, maintenance, and about every other phase of up-to-date showmanship. So, in paying this deserved tribute to Jack we also take the occasion to announce that work has been started on editing the articles published in the last two years with the object of publishing them in book form. Although many hundreds of people in the industry have expressed a keen desire to purchase such a book, orders will not be accepted until it is actually on the presses. That announcement should be forthcoming shortly after the first of the new year. And we know that its demand and acceptance will be industry-wide. Thanks, Jack, for the able and intelligent manner in which you have written those articles. Any showman worthy of the title, whether he be an oldtimer or a newcomer, can improve on the job he is trying to do through possessing and reading the book as soon as it becomes available. We hope this fine series will continue for many years to come so that we can follow up the first volume with a second and perhaps, a third. AAA Could Be.... (From Iowa & Nebraska Theatre Owners Bulletin). "Producers who have . . . completed pictures . . . now find themselves with a real headache caused by that tough old character 'Dame Fashion' who has decreed long skirts for our womenfolk. Thus, the short skirts in these held-back pictures will look dated, funny and old in no time." * « * * MGM's Bill Rodgers says there is a definite swing back to aggressive show-selling by exhibitors. That's something to cheer about, and quite to be expected. Because while there was a lot of lackadaisical showmanship during the lush years of heavy attendance and many newcomers got into key spots, there still remains a large segment of very able theatremen in the film business. If the trend to vigorous showmanship is running strong, these fellows with the know-how deserve the major credit, because they set a pace others must follow or lose out in the race. —CHICK LEWIS