Variety (September 1952)

C'jcOTVlIKS Cfips From Film Row NEW YORK David and Wilbur Snaper took a long-term lease on the 800-seat Palace, Netcong, N. J., from Fred Falkner who’s retiring to Florida. Deal was consummated through Berk & Krumgold. Same brokers also recently disposed of Falkner’s Liberty Theatre in Bemardsville, N. J. Wilbur Snaper is prez of the Allied Theatre Owners of N. J. and heads National Allied as well. Leo Wilder moves from head of Wander Bros, homeoffice still de- partment to post of assistant to Eve Siegel, fan and national mag- azine contact. Nat Gertsman ad- vances from assistant to headc- of still dept. LOS ANGELES Azteca Films bought exclusive U; S. releasing rights to.. ‘‘The. Shawl of Soledad," Mexican pic- ture recently shown at Venice Film Festival. Columbia is reissuing Mine With the Iron Door,” filmed in 1930, • Goodman & Kaufman Distribu- tors closed a deal for West Coast distribution of British-made fea- ture, "Brandy for Parson.” Jerry Wald’s "The Lusty Men’* will be released by RKO in 80 film houses day-and-date throughout Texas on Oct. 2 following world preem in Dallas Oct. 1. Monogram-Allied Artists will hold its first national sales conven- tion in six years ip Chicago, Sept 24-26, with Morey Goldstein pre- siding. DENVER Fox Intermountain Theatres will- drop, the management agreement with William Fox-Isis Co., on the Isis next March. Move' is made as part of the compliance with the federal court degree telling the company to dispose of certain houses. With Wolfberg Theatres operating the Paramount, the de- cree will be complied with. In Denver, the company must still dis- pose of one of three houses, the Aladdin, ^Webber or Esquire. Frank Monaco, Universal head shipper, to assistant booker. Paul Rothman sold his interests In the Lee Theatres to Lem Lee, and will enter other business. Paul Thompson, cashier at Metro, has gone with Lee Theatres as office manager. i ALBANY John Gardner, owner of the Colony in Schenectady, opened the Turnpike Drive-in between Schenectady and Albany. The Turn- pike has a capacity of 'about 400 Gerry Atkin now has d^l as- signment as manager of Ritz and advertising director of • Warner theatres here, in Troy and Utica. Switch to the Ritz is latest economy move made by circuit upstate. CHICAGO Balaban & Katz has repacted its lease on the Regal. Censor board reviewed 92 films In August classifying two for adults only and rejecting two for- eign pix. Strand Theatre, Brookfield, 111., reopens Sept. 14 after six-month shuttering. Arnold Lund takes over house from Don Royce. ‘ A. Becker, former operator of the Vet, Is new house manager. The Vogue, East Chicago, Ind., which was dropped by Manata & Rose ^circuit, picked up by the <^UtDOOIt\ REFRESHMENT, SERVICE from Coast to Coast ov#r ’A Ctnfury Refreshment Servlci^ for DRIVE - IN THEATRES SPORTSERVICE CORP. sPOOTSia vicr BiOG • Bu'ffllO ’ Mfl sea Hartley Corp. Hal Malone named manager. lu'spite of a slight upbeat in city tax collections, July receipts con- tinued to show a decline in theatre levies. Tax bureau reported $75,- 000 take against $96,000 last year and a seven-month total of $664,000 against $743,000 in like period of 1951. Eddie Spear Is back at Mono- gram aS city sales manager. Twentieth-Fox is going before •Judge Michael Igoe to ask for an unlimited extension for "Snows of Kilimanjaro” showing in Chicago. Illinois-Indiana Theatres held ite annual fall sales meeting at Michi- gan City, Ind. last week with re- 1 turn to -old fashion salesmanship as theme of ses^ilon. PHILADELPHIA Jack Bgresin, Variety Clubs In- ternational chief barker, heads in- dustry phase of forthcoming United Fund Campaign. Judge William H. • Kirkpatrick, in U. S. District Court, has set Nov. 19 as the trial date for the Independent Poster Exchange suit against National Screen Service, Warner’s 2,700-seat Earle set to reopen with a vaude-film policy Sept. 26. Ted Schlanger, Warner’s zone manager, is back in action after a bout with virus. Norman Silverman, Republic branch manager, hosted Victor McLaglen while the star was in At- lantic City for preem of "Quiet Man.” DALLAS Movietime tours are scheduled to get-under "Way in Texas in Oc- tober. Present plans call for two units to organize here and go out to the smaller Texas cities Oct. 27. R. J. O’DohneU, veepee of Inter- state Theatre Circuit, is in Holly- wood conferring with Jerry Wald, producer and other tlKO execu- tives, on the local world preem of Wald’s rodeo pic, "The Lusty Men,” slated for October release. Plans call for a group of 20 Texas bom screen and rodeo stars to at- tend the opening. The Twin Drive-In opened at Amarillo; it’s considered the larg- est ozoner in the state. J. Robert Bell, assistant mana- ger of the Crest here, resigned and is now in New Orleans, where he is undergoing basic training at the Naval Air Base. Jack Veeren named manager of Northwest Highway Drive-In here, being transferred here from Hous- ton where manager of Irvington Drive-In. Both are operated by Claude EzeU & Associates. Robert J. O’Donnell, general •manager of the Interstate Theatre Circuit and Col. H. A. Cole are heads of the 1952 Texas theatres Crippled Childrens Fund drive which opened Aug. 31. Fred Cannata, general manager of Horwitz Theatres in Houston, announced remodeling of the Iris there at a cost of $50,000. It Is the oldest circuit house. CALGARY, ALTA. Green Acres Drive-in Leth- bridge, Alta., sold by Green Acres Drive-in Theatre Co., Ltd., Calgary, to Majestic Theatres, Ltd., Leth- bridge. Majestic is owned jointly by Lethbridge Theatres, Ltd., and Famous Players Canadian Corp. New ozoner at Swift Current, Sask., is the Swift Current Drive- in, operated by Douglas Burke and Robert Dahl. Theatres here and in Lethbridge, Alta., banned admission to chil- dren under 16 because of polio. PITTSBURGH Irving Shiffman, former man- ager of Lippert exchange in New Haven and before that a salesman for Eagle-Lion in Albany, joined UA sales staff here; takes over post vacated by resignation of Irving Frankel. George Tice, with Columbia for years, went with Monogram as a salesman. Tice at one time headed the local Col exchange;, at time of his fesignation recently he was City salesman. Highland Theatre ,in Natrona Heights leased by Mr. and Mrs. Julius Burin and Joe Benedick. Burin was projectionist under Benedick and is*continuing'^ his booth duties. Martin, H. Seed, ex-film, sale^ man and theatre manager here and in Ohio, now is Pennsylvania sales- man for Mack Shirt Corp. of Cin- cinnati.. He is the son of Harry Seed^ who recently retired as WB division sales chief in Chicago. Joseph Gellman, manager of the . Plaza in Duquesne for many years, acquired the Edward H. Fey in- surance agency in that town. Another Pittsburgh film publi- cist switched to the ad business, with appointment of Ken^ Hoel, long-time head of ad-publicity for the Harris circuit, to newly-created post of director of public relations for G. Norman Burk; agency, Hoel quit his Harris post after nearly 25 years; also handled ad-publicity for two ice shows controlled by Harris outfit. Joe' Feldman left Warners early this year after nearly 24 years to become a partner in biz of Julius Dubin, called Dubin and Feldman, Inc. Md. Censorship Continued from page 4 screen does not'include obscenity, immorality and inciting to crime.” The statement brought a quick reply from Joseph I. Breen, v.p. of the Motion Picture Assn, of America and administrator of its Production Code. He xieclared: “The charge in the annual report of the Maryland State Censor Board that there has been a relaxa- tion in the motion pictiire indus- try’s voluntary code of self-regula- tion is completely without founda- tion. "Not only has there been no relaxation of the standards of good taste and decency represented by the Code but there will be none. Hollywood, as it has done in the past, will continue to provide clean and wholesome entertainment. The views of the Maryland cen- sors certainly are not shared by responsible and public-spirited groups all over the country. For example, 13 national organ- izations,' representing 40 million American women, recently re- ported that they found 78% of mo- tion pictures suitable for family audiences—the greatest percentage in the history of reviewing films by these groups. Further, a recent report by The Very Rev. Msgr, Patrick J. Master- son, executive secretary of the Na- tional Legion of Decency, com- mends the high moral standards of American motion pictures. Even other censors do not agree with the Maryland Board. Accord- ing to the Ontario Censor Board, which reviews.-American pictures, our films have attained a high level in good taste and handling of adult themes. Less material of an ob- jectionable character was observed than ever before.” UA Billings •' ~ ContiiLued from pac« S $450,000 each was chalked up. This figure had •been the previous high for the past five years. Last week’s total billings, with foreign department money includ- ed, totaled $760,000. Credited with a substantial por- tion of the take is a quartet of films, consisting of, "African Queen,” "High Noon,” "Island of Desire” and "Outcast of the Is- lands.” "Desire” had been playing the Loew’s circuit in New York but revenue from these dates is not included in the week’s billings be- cause Loew’s has yet to make its settlement on UA’s b.o. cut. UA currently has films in 46 theatres in the Loew’s, RKO, Trans-Lux and Brandt circuits In Gotham. Leading the list is "Noon,” Stanley Kramer produc- tion, which is now in its seventh week at Brandt’s Mayfair. TORONTO (Continued from page 10) $12,000. Last week, "Capt. Black Jack” (IFD) and "Talk About Stranger” (M-G), $10,000, Eglirif^ton (FP) (1,080 40-80)— "Diplomatic Courier” (20th) (2d wk). Good $7,000. Last week, $ 8 , 000 . Imperial (FP) (3,373; 50-80)— Son of Paleface” (Par) (2d wk). Nice $12,000^ Last week, $23,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2,748; 50-80)— "Lovely Look At” (M-G) (3d wk). Fair $9,000. -Last week, $14,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,390; 50-90)— “Lure of Wilderness” (20th): Sock $15,000. Last week, "Don’t Bother to ICnock” (20th) (2d wk), $7,700. Shea’s (FP) (2,396; 40-80) — "Wliere’s Charley?” (WB). Fair $11,000. Last week, ' "Greatest Show” (Par) (3d wk), $12,500. \ Tivoli, University (FP) (1,436; IXSS, 40-80)—"Dreamboat” (20th) (2d wk). Good $11,000. Last week, $16,000. Uptown (Loew) (2,743; 40-80)— "World in Arms” (U) (2d wk). Oke $6,500. Last week, $10,500. W€<lii€«4ay, September 10, 1952 Picture Grosses MINNEAPObIS (ContiiSued from page 11) "Apache Drums” (U) and "Saddle Tramp” (U) (reissues) which opened yesterday (Mon.). Four days of "Big Sky” (RKO) was moderate $4,090, Last week, first for "Sky” was $10,000. KKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 40-76)-- "Farmer’s Daughter" (RKO) and "Bagdad” (U) (reissues). Great campaign for “Farmer’s Daughter” and it’s hearing fruit at $5,50(). Last week, "Duel at Silver Creek (U) and "Last Train From Bom- bay” (Col), $5,500. State (Par) (2,300; 50-76)—"Lure of’ Wilderness” (20th). Virile $8,000. Last Week, "What Price Glory” (20th) (2d wk), $6,500. World (Mann) (400; 85-$1.20) — "Carrie” (Par) (2d wk). Lusty $4,000. Last week, $5,400. IcLAIN’BIG $11,000, INDPLS. ‘CARRIE’ 8iG Indianapolis, Sept. 9. Back-to-school movement has film biz on quiet side at first-runs here this week. "Big Jim McLain” at Indiana is okay to lead town. "Carrie” at Circle is fair. "Merry Widow” looks tepid in holdover at Loew’s. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cockrill-Dolle) (2,800; 50- 76)—"Carrie” (Par) and "Royal Journey” (UA). Only $8,500. Last week, "What Price Glory” (20th) and "Red Snow” (Col); modest $9,000, Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-76)— “Big Jim McLain” (WB). Nice $11,000. Last week, "Son of Pale- face” (Par), $13,000. Loew’s (Loew-’s). (2,427; 50-76)— "Merry Widow" (M-G) (2d wk). Slow $6,500 after moderate $11,500 opener. Lyric (C-D) (1,600; ^>50-76) — "Woman of Nopth Country” IRep) and "Old Oklahoma Plains” (Rep). So-so $4,500. Last week, "Greatest Show” (Par) m.o.), big $6,500: WASHINGTON (Continued from page 10) $33,000, with best opening day in four years. Last week, "Sally and St. Anne” (U) plus vaude, nice $ 21 , 000 . Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 50-80) —"Watusi” (Indie) and ."Cajun” (Indie) (reissues). Big $7,5h0. Last week, "Whistle Stop” (Indfe) and "Pitfall” (Indie) (reissues)/ $6,500. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 50-85) — "This Above All” (Indie) (reissue). Fine $4,000. Last week, "No Rest- ing Place” (Indie), slow $2,000 in 5 dsys Keith’s (RKO) (1,939; 50-85) — "Sudden Fear” (RKO) (3d-final wk). Great $9,000 after big $12,000 Palace (Loew’s (2,370; 50-80) — "What Price Glory” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $13,000 after big $21,000 Iflst Playhouse (Lopert) (485; 50-$l) —"High Treason” (Indie) (3d wk). Steady $5,500 after $6,000 last week.' Holds. Metropolitan (Warner) (1,200; SO- SO)—"Cripple Creek” (Col). Pleas- ant $5,500, best in recent weeks. Last week, "Narrow Margin” (RKO), $3,500. Warner (WB) (2,174; 55-80) — "Son of 'Paleface” (Par). Great $19,000, and stays. Last week, "Big Jim McLain” (WB), $14,000. DENVER (Cqntinued from page 10) "Where’s Charley?” (WB) and "High Sierra” (WB), $12,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 50-85) — "Anybody Seen My Gal” (U) and "Sea Tiger” (Mono). Nice $3,000. Last week, "Where’s Charley?” (WB) and ‘High Sierra” (WB), $2,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85) — "Big Sky” (RKO) (2d wk). Slow $8,000. Last week, $10,000. Panunpunt (Wolfberg) (2,200; SO- BS)—"Big Jini McLain” (WB) (2d wk). Off to $9,000. Last week, big $16,000. Rialto (Fox) (878; 50-85—"Ring” (UA) and "Man From. Black Hills” (Mono) (2d wk). Fair $2,500. Last week, record; $7,500. Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 50-85) — "Three for Bedroom C” (WB) and "Rose .of Cimarron” (20th). Fair $6,000. Last week, "Don’t Bother To Knock” (20th) and "Shores of Tripoli” (20th) (reissue, $6,500. Webber (Fox) (750; 50-85) — "Three for Bedroom (j” (WB) and "Rose Cimarron” (20th). Mild $3,000. Last, week, "Don’t Bother To Knock” (20th) and "Shores 'of Tripoli” (20th) (reissue), fair $3,000. ‘Sky’ High $19,000 In Cincy; ‘Miserables’ Hep IIG, ‘Dreamboat’ Big 16G Cincinnati, Sept. 9. Stout returns are continuing this week for downtown theatres. Flagship Albee retains top position with lofty figure for "Big Sky.” Palace has smooth sailing on "Dreamboat’' and "Les Miserables” is a lively new bill at the Capitol. Holdover of "What Price Glory” and also "High Noon” are pleasing at the Grand and Lyric. ^ Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3.100; 55-75)—"Big Sky” (RKO). Boff $19,000. Last week, "High Noon” (UA), same. Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 55-75)— "Les Miserables” (20th). Looks hefty $11,000. Last week, "We’re Not Married” (20th), $11,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 55-75)— "High Noon” (UA) (m.o.). Hotsy $7,500. Last week, "Affair in Trini- dad” (Col) (m.o.), ditto. palace (RKO) (2,600; 55-75)— "Dreamboat” (20th). Swell $16,000 or close. Last week, "Big Jim Mc- Lain” (WB), $14,000. Crosby Bright $12,000, Balto; ‘Widow’ Fat 14G Baltimore, Sept. 9. Strong lineup of product is re- flecting itself in upped activity all along the downtown sector here this week. In front position is "Merry Widow,” at the Town. Good activity also is reported for "Just For You” at Keith’s and the Stan- ley’s "Son of Paleface.” Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 20- 70)—"World in His Arms” (UI) (2d wk). Maintaining strong pace at $6,000 after big $9,700 opener. Keith’s (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 70)_-“Just For You” (Par). Fine $12,000 for Bing Crosby pic. Last week, windup of 18 days of return of "Greatest Show” (Par) at pop prices brought run total to fine $34,400, Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— "You For Me” (M-G). Opening to- morrow (Wed.). Last week, "Mon- tana Territory” (Col) and "Tale of Navajos” (M-G), average $4,200. New (Mechanic) (1,^0; 2(^70)— "What Price Glory” (20th) (2d wk). Sliding off at $5,000 after fairish $7,900 opener. Stanley (WB) (3,280; 25-75)— "Son of Paleface” (Par). Nice ac- tion at $12,000 or near. Last week, "Jihi McLain” (WB) 9-day run was $11,300. Town (Rappaport) (1,500; 35-70) —"Merry Widow” (M-G). Strong $14,000. Last week, "Sudden Fear” (RKO) (2d wk), big $5,500. BOSTON (Continued from page 11) to about $3,800 after strong $5,500 for first. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 40-85)— "Sudden Fear” (RKO) and "Capt. Black Jack” (Indie) (3d wk). Great $15,000 after staunch $25,000 for second. May hold a fourth. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 40-85) —"Son of Paleface” (Par) and "The^ Jungle” (Lip) (2d wk). Dipped to gobd^$12,000 for. Bob Hope pic aftj^j,strong $20,000 for first. C^heum (Loew) (3,000; 40-85)— "Merry Widow” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $15,000 shapes after big $23,- 800 for initialer. ' Paramount (NET) (1,700; 40-85) —"Big Jim McLain” (WB) and "Rose Bowl Story” (Mono) (2d wk). Okay $10,000 after solid $15,000 for first. State (Loew) (3,500; 40-85)— "Merry Widow” (M-G) (2d wk). Not bad $7,500 indicated after oke $11,500 for first. New York Theatres g-MBio cm Mutie lur Rockefeller Center "IVANHOE” ReAtrt KKiekelk Jmm TAILOR • TATLOR * FON^INB Color by TiCHNICOlOll . An M-C-M rWor# p/w SftCTACTMa CTAWEfRESBITATIOII CrimMn' Pirate