Boxoffice-December.17.1973

• DECEMBER 17, 1973 

"NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

liKludini till Stci.cni Ntwt PM«t •' All Eilitiom 

X 

"^ 'i 

American National 

Enterprises, Inc. 

THIS YEAR WE ARE PLEASED TO BRING YOU FIVE FAMILY FARE PICTURES: 

Your encouragement and the cooperation you have given our regional 

booking centers have prompted our continued expansion into year 

round production and distribution. 

And best wishes for the Holiday Season and the coming New Year...

I 

I 

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BOXOFFICE STAFF

Co-Produclions Will 

Be Stressed by A6P 

By SYD CASSYD 

HOLLYWOOD— Astral Bellevue Pathe, 

Ltd., has launched a drive to expand its 

production schedule, with heavy emphasis 

on Canadian-U.S. co-productions. The firm 

recently became a publicly held corporation, 

with Harold Greenberg as president of the 

parent company and Edward Bronfman as 

director and a member of the executive 

committee. 

Among .^BP's first productions in a $10.- 

000.000 program are three properties scheduled 

by Sandy Howard Productions, whose 

"The Neptune Factor," a 20th Century-Fox 

release, was a three-way project between 

20th-Fox. ABP and Howard's own com- 

film, to be followed by a musical, 

•RRRompp." budgeted at $2,500,000. 

ABP employs approximately 600 in its 

various subsidiaries, which include 28 theatres. 

29 camera and film equipment stores, 

three photo-finishing laboratories (including 

one in Israel), Astral Communications, 

Ltd., headed by Marty Bockner, and Intercontinental 

Leisure Industries, where Laurence 

Fein, with Don Johnston, heads TV 

production. 

Bronfman and Greenberg outlined the 

policy of the Canadian government, which 

has a program to motivate increased filmmaking. 

The sum of $10 million recently 

was budgeted for this government effort, 

following the initial grant of a like amount 

five years ago. Thirty features, including 

20 French-language films, have been produced 

to date. 

International Market Sought 

At the press luncheon held at the Beverly 

Hills Hotel Tuesday (4). the Canadian 

executive provided information on activities 

in Canada. Greenberg. Bronfman and 

Bockner, along with Howard, noted that 

company projects are expected to include 

co-productions with film-producing companies 

in the world market. Thus, a soft 

market in one area may be overcome by 

increased activity in another. 

"Canada wants to take its place in the 

international film market." Greenberg 

emphasized. "Since the U.S. and Canada 

are the two closest countries in matters of 

geography, language and customs in the 

Western hemisphere, we feel it is only 

good business sense to consummate mutually 

beneficial co-production agreements." 

The firm's promotion and public relations 

program is handled by Ben Bigman of 

Graphic Communications, Montreal, with 

Bill Watters handling press relations in Hollywood. 

Columbia Pictures Allots $35 Million 

For Production of Quality Product 

By 

SYD CASSYD 

HOLLYWOOD—Columbia Pictures Industries' 

board of directors and executives 

allocated $35,000,000 

for film production 

at their meetings in 

October and November 

with some of this 

money coming from 

':^ deals with producers 

and other groups financing 

pictures. In 

their moves to restruc- 

at the new Columbia headquarters in the 

Burbank Studios, which is used jointly by 

Warner Bros. Communications and Columbia. 

Since WB and Columbia moved 

here, it has become a vast expanse of plant 

and other facilities, making the lot a beehive 

of activity. 

Says Quantity Not Solution 

In reference to e.\hibitor complaints that 

product quantity and quality are insufficient 

for their needs, Begelman said, "There 

is no magic in numbers. In order for us to 

remain viable and serve the greatest possible 

number of operating theatres, we must 

go for a mix. I can't tell you if that mix 

will come out of a season's total of 18 or 

25 films from our company. For, rather 

than make films in which we have no genuine 

belief but just to have a flow of product, 

we would prefer to eat our overhead 

than to throw good money after bad in 

such a process of trading dollars. 

Explaining how he expected to implement 

the new program and the type of personnel 

he will have. Begelman told of the new 

aggressive posture and apparent reasons for 

what might have happened to Columbia 

in the past decades. He noted that the 

company has matured and become somewhat 

tempered by its recent experiences. 

Many More Projects Planned 

"Columbia was perhaps not as aggressive 

in getting out the hook and yanking 

new blood in the door." he said. "Previous 

management has done monumental things 

for this studio, but it reached a point, for 

a variety of reasons, some obscure or 

incalculable, but they came to rest in a 

rather passive posture. Projects came here, 

perhaps, for the wrong reasons. It's our intention 

and that of our top management 

to bring many more projects to Columbia 

to work in our turnaround, and for the 

right reasons." 

Continuing on his plans, Begelman said: 

"Peter Guber, our worldwide production 

chief and his associates, work with me 12 

hours a day, seven days a week, living 

with creative people among the production 

group who had not come to Columbia 

before." 

Top Talent Being Groomed 

He suggested that this effort is already 

working, with Martin Ritt and a new, 

talented director, who made "Sugarland 

Express," Stephen Spielberg, in whom 

Begelman sees "a new Peter Bogdanovich." 

signed for new features. Lawrence Gordon, 

formerly with American International Pic- 

ture Columbia, the 

pany. Made in Canada, it was the largest 

,x • 

, „ new president, David 

, 

U.S. -Canadian film venture to David Bcgelnian 

date. 

„ 

i \^ 

Begelman, a 25-year tures, also represents a new level of production 

for the studio, he stated. 

veteran of the 

Three More Big Budgeters 

entertainment business, 

starting with Music Corp. of America, was Begelman said he wanted to make it 

Howard has announced that "The Devil's 

chosen to head the motion picture and related 

subsidiaries, as president of Columbia people who can bring us product, and we'll 

quite clear that "our doors are open to all 

Rain," to be filmed in the U.S. and Canada 

and set for a June 14 start, is budgeted 

Pictures, Inc. 

evaluate whether the financing of that 

at $1,500,000. Scheduled next is "Magna Begelman discussed his plans and policy product is good for Columbia." He added 

One," a $3 million science-fiction feature 

BOXOFTICE December 17, 1973 

that independent producers who had financed 

and completed their own films could 

come to Columbia for distribution, if the 

film was "right." 

With "The Way We Were," a Blue Ribbon 

Award winner in the National Screen 

Council poll. Begelman noted that the new 

Streisand feature "For Pete's Sake" compares 

in form to "What's Up. Doc?" for 

pure light-hearted entertainment. "We expect 

this film will do as well as 'Doc,' " 

he said. 

As to the expenditure of very high budgets, 

the Columbia president stated. "I consider 

films costing two to three million 

dollars as 'high-priced' films. Those from 

$1,500,000 down are in the medium to lowcost 

range. We think that those costing $1,- 

000,000 today will have quality and will 

attract a sizable segment of the audience 

we have to get out of their homes to come 

to see the films." 

Would Consider Outside Films 

However, films that might have been 

made outside the confines of Columbia production 

deals, if they have quality, and the 

costs were low, would still be considered. 

Begelman noted that "we don't expect that 

every film will perform the way we want, 

or as some of our product has in the past, 

when they were blockbusters. What we do 

expect is to avoid the hills and valleys that 

the motion picture industry has historically 

experienced. If we can achieve a dollar of 

profitability on every film we finance and 

distribute, then we will get our share of 

the market that saw high grosses for 'The 

Way We Were,' 'Love Story,' or The Godfather.' 

" 

In this pattern of distribution and given 

the economics of today's conditions, Columbia's 

topper noted that, while it might be 

uneconomical to service all the screens in 

the country, the company does "realize that 

we have an obligation to serve them."

Group 1 Fiscal Year Profits Up 238%; 

12 Releases Are Scheduled for 1974 

NEW YORK.—Group 1 Films, distribution 

subsidian,' of VI Productions, ended 

its fiscal year October 31 with earnings up 

238 per cent over fiscal 1972. Brandon 

Chase, president of Group 1, stated that 

the earnings picture was especially significant, 

sjnce the 1972 net itself was very 

good. Chase credited careful individual campaigning 

and "hand-carrying" of each new 

release for the increase at a time when 

some industry spokesmen are making references 

to "slumping business." 

Chase feels that the day when ads could 

be made up and a film "thrown out into 

the marketplace" has been gone for years. 

The irony of the matter, he says, is that 

there are those in the business who still 

do not realize this fact. 

Preliminary Campaign Tested 

For every Group 1 release a careful 

preliminary campaign first is tested and, if 

necessary, changed as often as required to 

get the grosses on these dates as high as 

possible. The company does not send prints 

to its exchanges around the country until 

all testing has been completed and a successful 

ad campaign finalized. Very often, 

according to Chase, this system can delay 

the wide release of a film for months but 

it always has been evident that the concept 

is worthwhile when grosses finally are 

tallied. 

Chase takes pride in being able to say 

that "Group 1 never has had a loser" and 

he credits the careful choosing of product 

and the extra-careful campaigning for such 

a record. He pointed out that he insists that 

every release have a look that is different 

from its predecessor. Different artists are 

used to execute the artwork and different 

approaches constantly are being refined with 

the help of top people such as Roger Darin 

and Arthur Barnett. The company's latest 

release, for example, features artwork by 

Bob McGinnis, who created a sensation with 

his ads for the James Bond pictures. 

Worthwliile Promotion Urged 

This campaign approach, which demands 

a great deal of time and money, is viewed 

by Chase as a means of "making a dent 

in the marketplace." He carries this same 

thinking through in trailers, one-sheets, 

newspaper ads, TV and radio spots, pressbooks, 

handbills, etc. In order to compete 

with free TV, Chase believes "you have 

ta hit with everything you have in every 

area." 

"If you expect people to get out of their 

easy chairs, travel to a theatre, go through 

the cost and trouble of parking their cars, 

pay a healthy admission price and sit with 

a crowd, you'd better make it worthwhile 

or the public simply won't respond," Chase 

explains. 

To acquire new product other than that 

produced by VI Productions, Chase travels 

twice a year to the film capitals of the 

world, often spending a month and viewing 

as many as six films a day to get a comprehensive 

idea of what is available. In this 

way, he feels confident that he can make 

the best possible decisions as to which films 

to acquire for Group 1 release. And, because 

Chase has established the "fast-andtotal-payment" 

method, he gets first crack 

at the films and is able to negotiate 

favorable prices and distribution deals. 

The addition to Chase's staff of topcaliber 

sales talent such as former MGM 

executive Mel Maron also has been an important 

factor in the success of Group 1 

Films for, as Chase stated, "Without top 

sales people out in the field to tell your 

story, you're wasting your time and effort." 

Group 1 has 12 releases scheduled for 

1974 and, in addition, has charted significant 

new production of theatrical and TV 

films. Chase said. 

Ira Teller to Bryanston 

As Ad-Pub Vice-Pres. 

NEW YORK—Ira Teller was named vicepresident 

of advertising-publicity, worldwide, 

of Bryanston 

Pictures, newly formed 

production-distribution 

company, it 

was announced by 

Ted Zephro, the company's 

chief operating 

officer and sales vicepresident 

(chief). 

Teller, who comes 

from National General 

Pictures where he 

Ira Teller 

held the post of advertising-publicity 

director, will be involved 

in all phases of promotion for the Bryanston 

program of films ready and forthcoming. 

Beginning his career with 20th Century- 

Fox in 1961, when he graduated from NYU 

with a masters degree in English literature. 

Teller worked for Joseph E. Levine, Columbia 

and the Diener-Hauser-Greenthal agency 

before returning to 20th-Fox as ad director. 

He was with NGP for the last four years. 

'Day of the Jackal' Pulling 

Record Grosses Overseas 

LONDON— Fred Zinnemann's film, "The 

Day of the Jackal," for Universal, approaching 

the $4 million mark in its initial 

overseas engagements, has moved to the 

Universal Theatre here to continue its 

record-breaking run after rolling up $511,- 

000 in 24 weeks at the Paramount Theatre. 

The figure represents the highest gross 

ever recorded in that time span at the Paramount, 

where the John Woolf production 

premiered June 14 and went on to pass 

"The Godfather" in total gross and length 

of run. 

Columbia Reports Profit 

For the First Quarter 

NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures Industries 

reported revenues of $62,264,000 for 

the first quarter which ended September 29. 

This compared to revenues of $51,814,000 

during the same period in 1972, according 

to the first quarterly statement to stockholders 

released by Leo Jaffe, chairman of 

the board, and Alan J. Hirschfield, president 

and chief executive officer. 

Earnings after taxes this year were $261,- 

000, or three cents a share, as contrasted 

with a loss of $5,179,000 after taxes last 

year, or 79 cents per share. 

Most divisions of Columbia Pictures Industries 

continued to operate at a profit 

during the first quarter, the report said, although 

theatrical division results were less 

than satisfactory. The company is in the 

process of readying a production program, 

however, which it is hoped will produce 

more favorable results over the next 24 

months. Until the program is implemented, 

CPI has acquired outside product and will 

distribute these independently financed 

films. 

The report said early boxoffice returns on 

"The Way We Were" are "most encouraging 

and the picture will be playing across 

the country for the holiday season. We have 

every reason to believe that the picture will 

continue to meet with favorable audience 

acceptance." 

Marion Dougherty Named 

Two Roads Vice-Pres. 

NEW YORK—Marion Dougherty has 

been appointed vice-president of Two Roads 

Productions, it was announced by David 

V. Picker, president of the recently organized 

independent filmmaking organization. 

Miss Dougherty, who was formerly head 

of Marion Dougherty Associates, one of 

the outstanding casting companies in the 

motion picture field, assumed her new post 

Monday (10). She will work on all aspects 

of Two Roads pictures and also will actively 

seek additional literary properties for the 

company's development. 

As head of Marion Dougherty Associates, 

Miss Dougherty worked on such recent 

motion pictures as "The Great Gatsby," 

"Day of the Locust," "The Sting," "The 

Paper Chase," "The Friends of Eddie 

Coyle," "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Midnight 

Cowboy." 

Talent Search Launched 

For Omni Film Actress 

HOLLYWOOD — Producer Daniel B. 

Cady has launched a nation-wide talent 

search for an actress to portray the title 

role in "Thunder McCoy," Omni Picture 

Corp.'s next feature film. Production begins 

on location January 21 in Memphis, Tenn., 

with interiors to be lensed in Hollywood. 

Cady said he is looking for a "female 

version of Burt Reynolds, a statuesque, 

animal-type woman who will be convincing 

as a white lightning runner." 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

— 

High Court to Review 

Ga. Obscenity Case 

WASHING! ON —The U.S. Supreme 

Court Monday (10) agreed to hear argument.s 

in an obscenity case from Georgia 

in which the R-rated motion picture "Carnal 

Knowledge" was ruled obscene. Since one 

of the questions raised b>' the Georgia appeal 

is one voiced generally since the landmark 

decision by the high court last June 

whether standards used to judge obscenit\ 

should be those of the state or of communities—the 

Supreme Court may now be 

ready to clarify its earlier stance on pornography. 

The case, which will be argued later this 

term with a decision expected by June, was 

brought to the Supreme Court by Albany, 

Ga., movie theatre operator Billy Jenkins. 

Jenkins was arrested in February 1972 after 

the Dougherty County sheriff's office 

seized the "Carnal Knowledge" print at the 

Broad Avenue Cinema, despite the fact that 

the film had been acclaimed by critics. 

Fined $75 and placed on 12 months probation, 

Jenkins, through his attorneys, 

claimed that the Georgia laws used to convict 

him of obscenity were unconstitutional 

and that he was denied due process of law 

at his trial. 

The Supreme Court, by a 5-4 majority, 

last June swept aside the previous requirement 

that obscenity be judged on a national 

standard and further strengthened the power 

of local prosecutors by easing their burden 

in demonstrating obscenity. Prior to the 

June 21 decision by the high court, prosecutors 

had to prove that a work had no redeeming 

social value. Under current law, 

they must now demonstrate only that it is 

not a "serious" work. 

Valenti Says High Court 

Review Is 'Step No. 1' 

NEW YORK—Jack Valenti, president of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, Monday 

(10) said "the decision of the Supreme 

Court to hear the appeal of 'Carnal Knowledge' 

is good news indeed." 

Valenti added, "It is step No. 1 toward 

our ultimate aim of insuring the right of 

films to be shown without harassment or 

indictment." 

Ted Post Starts Ten-City 

Tour for 'Magnum Force' 

HOLLYWOOD—Ted Post, director of 

"Magnum Force," starring Clint Eastwood, 

is on a ten-city, 12-day tour on behalf of 

the Warner Bros, release. Cities visited by 

Post in behalf of the drama will include 

Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, 

St. Paul. Chicago. Pittsburgh. Boston. 

Philadelphia and Washington. D.C. 

"Magnum Force." a Malpaso production. 

was produced by Robert Daley from a 

screenplay by John Milius and Michael 

Cimino. 

Eastwood plays the role of the San Francisco 

detective he created in "Dirtv Harrv." 

Columbia Hails Another Streisand Hit 

Although Columbia Picture: 

continuing marketing plans on 

Were," the group toasted the rthc 

cameras in Los Angeles. Both films ai 

Shown (I to r) arc: Richard Kohr 

publicity and exploitation; Barry L 

Francisco); Mort Hock, Rastor Prodi 

ploitation manager; AI Nath 

COUIMlhS 

l/VORLOWIDE 

. SALES DRIVi 

» 1973 1974 

ocross the country were in New York to discuss 

Streisand-Robert Redtord storrer, "The Way We 

ira 

Streisond film, "For Pete's Soke," now before the 

Productions. 

>io vice-president and national director of advertising, 

nvcr); Jim McMillan (Chicago); Peter Bobcia (San 

ice-president; John Skouras, Columbia nationol exicploitotion 

supervisor; Bill LaVellc (Dallas); Andrew Fogel- 

son, vice-president in chorge of worldwide aavcr 

publicity; Howard Pcttingill (Miami); 

Also participating in the meeting were 

Irv Ivers, general West Coast assistont tor odve rtising. 

advertising executive Jerry Levine, John Markic (Boston); Milt Young (Philadelphia); Maureen 

O'Donnell (Toronto); Sid Zins (Washington), and y )el Poss (Atlanta). 

Work of Dr. Aaron Stern 

Lauded by Jack Valenti 

NEW YORK—Jack Valenti. 

president of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, issued 

the following statement upon his return 

from Iran: 

"I am sorry to see Dr. Aaron Stern leave 

the Rating Board. But he goes with my 

warmest hopes for new success in his challenging 

film venture. He and his staff have 

done an outstanding job in honestly and 

carefully assigning ratings for some 500 

films a year over the two and one-half 

years of Dr. Stern's term as director of the 

Rating Board." 

Valenti said increased public confidence 

in the rating system during the past two 

years was evidence that the Rating Board's 

work under Dr. Stern had won widespread 

approval among theatregoers. A successor, 

he said, would be carefully evaluated to 

maintain the acceptance which presently 

exists. 

Queen Elizabeth Honors 

Producer Hcd Wallis 

WASHINGTON—The official investiture 

of .American producer Hal B. Wallis to the 

honorary award of Commander of the Most 

E.xcellent Order of the British Empire 

(CBE), conferred upon him by Her Majesty 

Queen Elizabeth II, took place in Washington, 

D.C. at the British Embassy with 

British Ambassador Lord Cromer presiding. 

Mrs. Wallis, along with a select group of 

Washington society and government officials, 

attended the ceremony and the embassy 

reception that followed. 

ABC's Penthouse to Open 

In Atlanta December 26 

ATLANTA—This city's colorful Penthouse 

Theatre will open Wednesday (26) 

at Phipps Plaza with "The Exorcist," 

a Warner Bros. film. Decorated in loganberry 

and red-orange, the Penthouse has 

516 comfortable rocking-chair seats. 

"Our patrons are assured perfect vision 

from any seat in the theatre," said John 

Huff, vice-president and general manager 

of ABC Southeastern. "This is made possible 

by a special wall-to-wall curved screen 

engineered to Penthouse specifications," he 

said. 

The unique sound and projection system, 

called Ultravision, this year received an 

Academy award in the field of technology. 

It was developed by Wil-Kin, a subsidiary 

of the American Broadcasting Co. The latter 

owns .ABC Southeastern, which operaites 

both Atlanta's Fox and Phipps Plaza theatres. 

"The Penthouse will offer the same high 

quality films for which the Phipps Plaza is 

renowned." Huff said. Penthouse patrons 

will reach the new entertainment center by 

an escalator located near the existing Phipps 

Plaza Theatre. 

The dramatic entry way includes two 

pedestrian bridges connecting the plaza level 

with the Penthouse lobby and an elliptical 

lighting fixture 40 feet in diameter. The 

special lighting arrangement, which uses no 

more electricity than many less spectacular 

fixtures, will highlight the multi-colored carpeting 

and vinyl adorning the walls. 

Architects for the Penthouse are Brookbank. 

Murphy & Schields of Columbus, Ga. 

BOXOFTICE :: December 17, 1973

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..: .ROBERT DORFMANN FRANKLIN J. SCHAFFNER ......DALTONTRUMBO LORENZO SEMPLE, Jr. 

HENRI CHARRIERE JERRY GOLDSMITH FRANKLIN J. SCHAFFNER PANAVISION' TECHNICOLOR' 

lORIGINAL SOUND TRACK ON CAPITOL RECORDS 

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WEST COAST PREMIERE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 at 7 P.M. 

MANN'S WILSHIRE THEATRE BEVERLY HILLS 

Sponsored by the Western Institute for Cancer and Leukemia Research 

For the benefit of the Salk Institute 

For reservations call (213) 274-3817 or 278-6700

Bernard Diamond, executive vice-president of Loews Theatres (seated at head of table, right), was 

honored with a surprise luncheon on November 28, given by the theatre division's entire executive 

group in observance of his tenth anniversary with the company. Bernard Myerson, president of Loews 

Theatres, is seated at Diamond's right. 

M. J. Frankovich Reports 

On 15,000-Mile VCI Trip 

HOLLYWOOD— Producer M. J. Frankovich, 

president of Variety Clubs International, 

has returned from a ten-day trip 

covering 15,000 miles. He was accompanied 

by past president Ralph Pries and 

international vice-president E. D. Martin 

on a visit to Variety Tent 28 in Toronto, 

Ont., during which Frankovich attended a 

luncheon and two dinners given in his 

honor. 

He spent a full day visiting youngsters 

in the Crippled Children's Hospital in 

Toronto with Doug Wells, chief barker of 

Tent 28. This hospital is the largest of 

its kind in Canada and it was here that 

the electro-limb was conceived. It now 

is being manufactured at the Variety Village 

Electro-Limb Production Center in 

Toronto. Plans are under way to establish 

electro-limb centers in all Variety tents 

throughout the world, Frankovich said. The 

first 100 electro-limbs have been ordered 

and it is hoped that within a short time there 

will be thousands of children throughout 

the world using these facilities, made possible 

by VCI. 

In New York Frankovich met with international 

vice-president Frank Yablans and 

international ambassadors Salah Hassanein 

and Bernie Myerson. A luncheon was arranged 

with the women's organization of 

New York's Tent 35, at which time the 

principal discussion was the annual giant 

Christmas party given by the tent for 5,000 

needy and underprivileged children. 

The New York tent announced that it 

has ordered three more Sunshine Coaches 

to add to the ten previously acquired this 

year, which are used for transportation by 

various children's organizations and hospitals 

in the Greater New York area. A 

project originally conceived by Leslie Macdonnell 

in London in 1962, there now are 

1.300 Variety-sponsored Sunshine Coaches 

in use throughout the world. 

Frankovich attended a board of directors 

meeting of the London tent, where he was 

advised by chief barker Eric Morley that 

£1,700,000 have been raised so far this 

year and it is anticipated that this amount 

will be raised to £2,000,000 by Jan. 1, 

1974. The London tent has satellite organizations 

in various parts of the United Kingdom 

that are active in raising money for 

underprivileged children and this year they 

have contributed £200,000 for children's 

projects. 

Frankovich also visited the Channel 

Islands (Jersey and Guernsey). These two 

new tents are very active and have raised 

considerable money for charity, even though 

the Jersey tent only has been in existence 

five years and the Guernsey tent was given 

its charter this year. 

John J. Pilmaier Named 

BV's Midwest Dist. Mgr. 

NEW YORK—John J. Pilmaier has 

been appointed Midwestern district manager 

for Buena Vista, Walt Disney Productions' 

distribution subsidiary, it was announced 

by Irving Ludwig, president. The 

appointment was effective Monday (10). 

Pilmaier succeeds Lee Heidingsfeld, who 

has resigned to relocate in the Florida area. 

Pilmaier will headquarter in Chicago, 

supervising BV's Chicago, Indianapolis, 

Milwaukee and Minneapolis branches. He 

formerly was Chicago division manager for 

MGM. Previous to that he served as MGM's 

Detroit division manager, Detroit branch 

manager, Milwaukee branch manager and 

Minneapolis assistant branch manager. His 

career in distribution began with Paramount 

Pictures and MGM in Des Moines. 

'Walking Tall' Chalks Up 

Windsor, Canada Record 

WINDSOR. ONT.—The most extraordinary 

engagement in the history of Windsor 

ended with the 33rd and final week for 

"Walking Tall" at the Devonshire Theatre. 

This is the longest-running film ever to 

play any theatre in Windsor. The total gross 

for the 33 weeks at the 426-seat theatre 

was $131,467. 

The BCP production, distributed by 

Cinerama Releasing, has been setting alltime 

records throughout Canada, matching 

its success throughout the United States. 

Premore Forms Division 

For Film Distribution 

CULVER CITY, CALIF.—Premore Productions, 

TV and syndication organization, 

has formed a new independent motion picture 

distribution division, Premore. Inc., it 

was announced by Ben Siegel, distribution 

executive who will be consultant for the 

new unit. According to Siegel, all films will 

be distributed by Premore as a presentation 

by the Solo Cup Co., major manufacturer 

of paper and plastic cups and containers. 

Siegel simultaneously announced that Premore 

has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution 

rights to two major motion pictures, 

"Congress of Love," with Curt Jurgens and 

Lili Palmer, and "Marco Polo Jr.," a fulllength 

animated musical feature with original 

music featuring the voice of Bobby 

Rydell. 

Both films are being readied for national 

release in early 1974. Extensive promotion 

campaigns are being designed for launching 

well in advance of the openings. 

Premore offices are located at 9336 West 

Washington Blvd., Culver City. 

Adult Film Ass'n Outlines 

Program for Convention 

HOLLYWOOD—The Adult Film Ass'n 

of America's 1974 convention will be held 

at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel, San 

Diego, Calif., January 25-29. Phase I will 

end with luncheon Tuesday, January 29, 

with Phase II consisting of a special charter 

trip to Las Vegas. 

Saturday, January 26. the board of directors 

will meet from 10:30 a.m. until noon. 

Trailer and product screenings, as well as 

sales campaigns, will be held in the hotel 

convention area, with distributor and exhibitors 

booking sessions being conducted 

concurrently. 

Following the business sessions, the group 

will take a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. 

David Friedman, president of AFAA, is 

headquartered on Filmrow here at 1654 

Cordova St., Los Angeles 90007. For 

further information on the convention, contact 

Friedman or Darlene Forman, executive 

secretary. 

3 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

Mayer Foundation to Aid 

13 AFI Research Projects 

WASHINGTON — The American 

?-ilm 

Institute, administering funds provided by 

the Louis B. Mayer Foundation, has commissioned 

13 new research projects to enlarge 

and strengthen the bod\ of American 

film histor\, it was announced by AFI director 

George Stevens jr. The projects, totaling 

$18,000, were awarded by the AFI's 

film history advisory committee in the second 

round of a second three-year grant of 

$150,000 from the Mayer Foundation. 

Under this round of grants, David Chierichetti 

will conduct an oral history with director 

George Seaton: Steve Cohen with 

cinematographer Norman O. Dawn, and 

Steven Greenberg with director Rouben 

Mamoulian. Joel Greenberg will conduct an 

oral history with George Folsey and Ranald 

Macdougall: Alain Silver will interview director 

Henry King, and Eric Sherman will 

conduct oral histories with screenwriters 

Abraham Polonsky and Howard Koch. 

The committee allocated a number of research 

grants—to Aubrey Solomon to investigate 

the corporate history of 20th Century-Fox 

Studios and Ronald Mottram to 

expand his studies on the early years of 

sound. Joe McBride will conduct a series of 

oral history interviews in a project entitled 

"The Collaborators of John Ford." 

Prof. Arthur Lennig will continue work 

on a definitive study of D. W. Griffith's 

'Intolerance'": Paul Mandell will interview 

cinematographer David Stanley Horsley, and 

Prof. 'William Greenleaf of the University 

of New Hampshire received a grant to continue 

a history of the Motion Picture Patents 

Co. 

The Louis B. Mayer film history program 

is administered at AFI's Center for Advanced 

Film Studies, Beverly Hills, Calif. 

Projects are selected by the AFI's film history 

advisory committee, whose members 

include film critics Charles Champlin, Arthur 

Knight and Andrew Sarris; film scholars 

Kevin Brownlow, David Bradley and 

William Everson; screenwriter Casey Robinson: 

director Peter Bogdanovich, and Daniel 

Selznick, independent producer and vicepresident 

of the Louis B. Mayer Foundation. 

James Powers is administrator of the film 

history program, with Rochelle Reed as 

coordinator. 

CALENDAR lEVENTS 

Film Title Changes 

HOLLYWOOD — 'Blazing Saddles" is 

the new title of Warner Bros.' comedywestern 

"Black Bart." directed by Mel 

Brooks and starring Cleavon Little, Gene 

Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman and 

Madeline Kahn. The way-out western is 

scheduled for release in March with Alex 

Karras, Count Basic and Dom De Luise in 

featured roles. 

"The Dove" is the final title for Gregory 

Peck's "Here There Be Dragons." EMI- 

MGM will distribute the film in England, 

while Paramount will handle worldwide 

distribution, with a U.S. release in the 

spring of 1974.

Veteran Stars to Appear 

In MGM's 'Entertainment' 

HOLLYWOOD — Fred Astaire. Bing 

Crosby, Gene Kelly, Peter Lawford, Liza 

Minnelli, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds. 

Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and 

James Stewart will appear in special sequences 

for MGM's "That's Entertainment!" 

it was announced by Daniel Melnick, vice 

president-production who is executive producer 

of the film which was written, produced 

and directed by Jack Haley jr. 

"That's Entertainment!" highlights a starspangled 

parade of fabulous performers in 

the greatest moments from the best of the 

MGM musicals, spanning 1929 to 1960 and 

literally running the range from A ("An 

American in Paris") to Z ("Ziegfeld 

Follies"). 

More than 200 movies from MGM's 

library of film favorites were screened in 

the course of selecting the material for 

"That's Entertainment!", the premieres of 

which will be for the benefit of the Motion 

Picture and Television Fund. 

Among the big hit movies from which 

highlights have been chosen are the four 

"Broadway Melody" films, "Bandwagon," 

"Anchors Aweigh," "Annie Get Your Gun." 

"Easter Parade,' "Gigi." "Good News," 

"High Society," "Seven Brides for Seven 

Brothers," "Showboat," "Singin' in the 

Rain" and "Wizard of Oz." 

"That's Entertainment!" also includes the 

music of some of the greatest song writers 

of the century and the works of over 100 

top directors, producers, scenarists and 

choreographers. 

Trans-Lux Votes Dividend 

NEW YORK—The directors of Trans- 

Lux Corp. declared a regular quarterly cash 

dividend of 8*4 cents per share on the common 

stock, payable December 21, to stockholders 

of record at the close of business 

December 15. 

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MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

The following feature-length motion pictures 

have been reviewed and rated by the 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

Program. 

Title DIttributof Rotlna 

The Devil in Miss Jones (MB Dist.) (x) 

The Godfathers of Hong Kong (Cannon) [r] 

CORRECTION 

In Bulletin of December 3, "The Hanging Woman" 

(International Artists—^R) was incorrectly listed under 

the title "The Laughing Womon." 

'World of Our Own' to Be 

Shot in St. Paul in Feb. 

ST. PAUL, MINN.—This city will be 

the backdrop for a motion picture to be 

filmed here in February, a project of Howard 

Minsky, co-producer of "Love Story." 

Minsky recently completed a brief visit to 

the Twin Cities, accompanied by his director, 

cameraman and scenario writer. 

Tentatively titled "World of Our Own." 

the screenplay reportedly will deal with a 

film salesman who works out of a Minneapolis 

branch and who meets and marries 

a St. Paul girl. The time setting will be 

1937. 

Minsky during his visit told Marvin Mann 

not to touch the front of his Grandview 

Fine Arts Theatre here, implying that it 

will be in some of his Minnesota capital 

city footage. 

Film Spoofing Buck Rogers 

To Be in Panavision 70 

NEW YORK — "Roger Buck. Super 

Spaceman" is the title of a new film, spoofing 

the famed Buck Rogers comic strip hero. 

To be filmed in Panavision 70, in a combination 

of live action and animation, it is 

written by Alan Robbins and Marvin Shapiro 

who have collaborated successfully on a 

series of satirical efforts in books and plays, 

published and produced in England. 

A co-production of Sabre Productions of 

Canada and the newly formed Spaceman 

Films of London, filming is scheduled to 

begin early in February, with simultaneous 

shooting of live-action sequences in London 

and animation scenes in Toronto. Producer 

Geoffrey Kahn has set Victor Corning to 

direct. 

Brad Petersen Joins 

MCA Law Department 

LOS ANGELES—Bradner Petersen has 

joined MCA, Inc., as an attorney in its law 

department at Universal City. He is a longtime 

member of the entertainment bar, in 

the past having represented various industry 

companies, and is a trustee of the Los Angeles 

Copyright Society. 

Century Circuit Net Dips; 

Await Takeover by Loews 

NEW YORK—Leslie R. Schwartz, president 

of Century Theatres, has announced 

a net income from operations of $119,891, 

or 36 cents a share, for the previous fiscal 

period, with a "dearth of good commercial 

films and ever-increasing costs" blamed for 

a decline in earnings. An extraordinary item 

of $251,534, or 76 cents per share, represented 

the sale of theatres in Phoenix, Ariz.; 

St. Petersburg, Fla.. and the Sheepshead 

and Elm theatres in Brooklyn, N.Y., in addition 

to an $80,000 tax loss applicable to the 

period. 

Century is awaiting court approval to 

allow the purchase of the circuit by Loews 

Corp. for the sum of $12,664,768. If the 

court finds that the acquisition "will not 

duly restrain competition," it is anticipated 

that the deal will be completed between 

March and May 1974. Loews is offering 

$31.50 per share on 402,059 shares of 

Century stock. Century also owns several 

fast-food stores and shopping centers. 

In the annual report to stockholders. 

Century's total fixed assets were stated to be 

$12,530,746 after an allowance of $11,712,- 

362 for depreciation and amortization, with 

a long-term debt total of $8,399,037. The 

report specified stockholders' equity as being 

$1,165,388. 

AIP Signs Exclusive Pact 

For Movielab Processing 

NEW YORK— Movielab. Inc.. the New 

York and Hollywood-based film processing 

laboratory, has contracted to exclusively 

handle all laboratory services for American 

International Pictures. Announcement of 

the long term multimillion dollar pact was 

made by Arnold Diamond, vice-president of 

Movielab, Inc., and president of the company's 

Hollywood facility. David Malamed, 

AIP's senior vice-president-finance and 

treasurer, handled the negotiations for his 

company. 

Current AIP features now being processed 

on a daily basis at the Movielab Hollywood 

plant include "Hell Up in Harlem," "Sugar 

Hill," "Foxy Brown" and "Truck Turner." 

In addition, release prints are still being 

made for such films as "The Italian Connection," 

"Dillinger" and "Coffy." 

i Season's Greetings i 

DEV 

I 

I 

Donald L Velde, Inc. | 

10 BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

60X0FFICE 

BAROMETER 

This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening weelt of their first runs in 

the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs 

are reported, ratings are added and averages revised. Computation in terms of percentage in 

is 

relation to normal grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as "normal," 

the figures show the gross ratings above or below that mark. (Asterisk denotes combination bills.) 

* 

o

. . 

*i¥oUcfm>od defiant 

Stanley Donen Will Direct 

'Lucky Lady' for 20th-Fox 

Stanley Donen is scheduled to direct the 

Gruskoff/ Venture production of "Lucky 

Lady" for 20th Century-Fox release, it is 

announced by Alan Ladd jr., vice-president, 

creative affairs. To be produced by Michael 

Gruskoff, "Lucky Lady" is an original story 

and screenplay by the husband and wife 

team of Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck, 

whose most recent writing effort, "American 

Graffiti," has emerged as one of the year's 

biggest hits. The action-adventure film will 

be shot in Baja and Southern California in 

Panavision and DeLuxe Color . . . Bill Shatner, 

president of Lemli Productions, advises 

that he has added "No Deposit, No 

Return." an original screenplay by Karl 

Tunberg, to the acquisitions of his Lemli 

Productions for motion pictures. Production 

plans for Lemli will be announced shortly 

after the first of the year for activation 

early in 1974 . . . Mel Brooks checked into 

offices at 20th-Fox, to begin pre-production 

work on "Young Frankenstein," a Mel 

Brooks comedy to go before the cameras in 

February 1974, on the 20th-Fox lot. Producer 

Michael Gruskoff already has set 

Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle and Marty Feldman 

to play leading roles. "Young Frankenstein" 

is a Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks 

screenplay based on the characters in the 

novel, "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley . 

"The Monkeys of Bandarpur" has been purchased 

by Caruth C. Byrd Productions to be 

filmed as a motion picture, starting in January, 

on location in Agar, India. George 

Brooks and J. "Skeet" Wilson will co-produce 

"Star of India," story 

the film . . . about the 1964 theft of priceless gems from 

New York's Museum of Natural History, 

has been given a January starting date, on 

location in Miami, reports producer J. 

"Skeet" Wilson. Robert Conrad stars in 

the Caruth C. Byrd production, and Alan 

Kuhn, a partaker in the famous theft, will 

serve as technical adviser. 

Paramount Signs Roy Scheider 

As 'Sheila Levine' Co-Star 

Roy Scheider, star of 20th-Fox's upcoming 

"The Seven-Ups" and Oscar nominee 

for "The French Connection," will make a 

switch from action to comedy, teamed with 

Jeannie Berlin as star of Paramount's "Sheila 

Levine," based upon the Gail Parent bestseller 

"Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in 

New York." Sidney Furie directs . . . G. D. 

Spradlin, who ran for mayor of Oklahoma 

City in 1965, will play a U.S. senator in 

"The Godfather, Part II," currently fihning 

at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles under 

the direction of Francis Ford Coppola, who 

is also producing. Spradlin, former lawyer 

and oil businessman, has appeared in a 

number of films, prior to winning this leading 

role in "The Godfather. Part II." . . . 

By SYD CASSYD 

Alex Karras, television's erstwhile Canadian 

Football League analyst, has been signed by 

producer-director Harry Thomason to make 

his dramatic motion picture debut in 

"Tapioca Tree," a Centronics International 

release, currently filming in Beebe, Ark. 

Karras. former 250-pound lineman for the 

Detroit Lions, will portray a 250-pound 

Araceli Ray, Renata 

Southern sheriff . . . 

Vanni, Silviati, Argentina Brunetti and 

Emma Palmese were signed for key roles in 

Bryanston Pictures production "The Last 

Porno Flick," it was announced by producer 

Steve Bono. The five will play Italian 

church ladies who unwittingly put up money 

for the production of a porno film in the 

satirical comedy starring Frank Calcanini 

and directed by Ray Marsh . . . Mackenzie 

Phillips, the talented and precocious youngster 

whose acting debut as the pugnacious 

teeny-bopper in "American Graffiti" won 

her rave reviews, has been signed by producers 

Michael Gruskoff and Art Linso to 

star with Alan Arkin in Warner Bros.' "Rafferty 

and the Gold Dust Twins." 

Jack Webb Company to Make 

'Emergency: Fir el' for Universal 

Jack Webb will be executive producer of 

"Emergency: Fire!" theatrical motion picture 

produced by his own Mark VII, Ltd., 

production company for Universal Pictures, 

it was announced by Sid Sheinberg. president 

of MCA. Inc.. parent company of 

Universal. Filming will begin early in 1974 

with theatrical release scheduled for this 

coming summer. R. A. Cinader, the television 

show's co-creator, will produce. James 

E. Moser, a former "Dragnet" associate, is 

writing the script. "Emergency: Fire!" will 

revolve around characters and actors from 

"Emergency!", the popular one-hour weekly 

dramatic action series now in its third season 

on the NBC Television Network. The feature, 

as does the TV series, will focus on a 

highly skilled team of paramedics working 

for the Los Angeles County Fire Department 

and the doctors and nurses manning 

the emergency wards of the cooperating 

hospitals. The cast of the full-length film 

will additionally feature many star names in 

cameo performances. 

Vivian Bonnell Is Assigned 

Role in 'For Pete Sake' 

Vivian Bonnell has been signed for a 

featured role in "For Pete's Sake," the 

Rastar production for Columbia Pictures 

which stars Barbra Streisand, Michael Sarrazin. 

Estelle Parsons, William Redfield and 

Molly Picon. Known to television viewers 

for her work in the Tender Vittles cat food 

commercial, in which she struggles valiantly 

trying to get a temperamental cat to eat. 

"For Pete's Sake" marks Miss Bonnell's 

first appearance in an important role in a 

major motion picture. Miss Bonnell also has 

. 

worked in nightclubs as both a comedienne 

and a singer. The film is being produced by 

Martin Erlichman and directed by Peter 

Yates . . Syndicated TV columnist Joan 

Crosby will portray the role of a slattern 

mistress of Abe Kusich, a dwarf who lives 

in the down-at-the-heel Hollywood Garden 

Complex, in the Paramount film "Day of 

the Locust." The picture, a Jerome Hellman 

production of a John Schlesinger film, stars 

Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, William 

Atherton and Geraldine Page. Filming began 

on Hollywood locations and at the Paramount 

Studios, currently. 

'Prisoner of Second Avenue' 

Has Four Cast Additions 

The Melvin Frank production "Prisoner 

. . Joseph 

of Second Avenue" for Warner Bros., starring 

Jack Lemmon, Anne Bancroft and 

Gene Saks, which Frank is producing and 

directing, has had four additions to the cast. 

They are Ivor Francis, Ed Peck, Patricia 

Marshall and James McCallion . 

Bottoms and Kay Lenz are being co-starred 

in "Unwed Father," new title of the Wolper 

Pictures Movie of the Week, formerly 

called "Cast Me a Shadow." Lawrence 

Turman, president of Wolper Pictures, is 

executive producer of the film, and Stan 

Margulies, producer with Jeremy Kagan 

directing . . . Dewayne Jessie, Jack Colvin, 

William Lucking, Jarion Monroe and 

Andrew Duncan were added to the cast in 

"Vrooder's Hooch," a Playboy production 

of an Arthur Hiller film now before the 

cameras at 20th-Fox. They join a cast 

headed by Timothy Bottoms, Barbara Seagull 

and director-turned-actor George Marshall. 

Hiller, who co-produces with Edward 

Rissien, also directs from an original screenplay 

by Daryl Henry . . . Alexandra Nicholson, 

the reigning World Champion Women's 

Trampolinist, has been set to make her acting 

debut in "Trial of Billy Jack." The 16- 

year-old performer is also a former winner 

of the "Miss Black Teen-age Illinois" title. 

A Billy Jack production, starring Tom 

Laughlin and Delores Taylor, the picture 

chronicles the further adventures of the 

characters introduced in the first film, "Billy 

Jack." 

Perry Dell and Others Set 

For Directorial Chores 

Perry Dell has been signed to direct 

"Devilin," bicycle racing film, which is the 

kickoff project of Ber-Dell International 

Productions. Dell also will serve as producer 

of the feature, which is currently in the 

casting stage. Manfred Bernhard is executive 

producer, and George Simich, production 

manager . . Bill Orcutt was set by 

. 

director Robert Taylor as production manager 

for "Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat," 

Steve Krantz production to be released in 

May by American International Pictures. 

Orcutt begins work this week . . . Producer 

Michael Klinger selected John Glen to serve 

as second unit director for "Gold," his new 

suspense film starring Roger Moore, Susannah 

York, Ray Milland and Bradford Dillman, 

which currently is filming on location 

in South Africa under Peter Hunt's direction. 


Th 

• AOLINES & EXPLOITIPS 

• ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

• FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

• SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

• REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

THE GUIDE TOM BETTER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G 

Swedish, Norwegian Groups 

Help Advertise 'New Land' 

Swedish and Norwegian organizations 

across the country are participating in promotions 

and special screenings of Warner 

Bros.' "The New Land." the story of a 

1 9th Century Swedish settlement in Minne.sota 

and the sequel to last year's highly 

acclaimed "The Emigrants." 

In Hartford, Conn., a special educationoriented 

preview was held at the Showcase 

Theatre, .'\ttending from the entire north 

central Connecticut region were librarians, 

teachers from public and private secondary 

schools, college teachers, representatives of 

the National Society of Media Educators, 

Swedish and Norwegian group members and 

other opinion makers. 

KVOD-FM. popular music station in 

Denver, Colo., offered its listeners free 

tickets to "The New Land" during the first 

two weeks of the engagement at the Century 

21 Theatre. KAAT Radio also gave 

tickets to listeners in a similar promotion. 

In addition, a pitch for expected big group 

sales was made recently at a special screening 

for teachers of Denver's public and private 

schools. 

Over 1.500 mailings have been made to 

librarians and heads of high school and 

college English and humanities departments 

in the Milwaukee, Wise. area. Members of 

the clergy as well as of Swedish and Norwegian 

organizations have also been contacted. 

Media representatives in Cincinnati, Ohio, 

were afforded the opportunity of interviewing 

Mrs. Grete Peterson, close friend of the 

late Vilhelm Moberg who wrote the novels 

on which "The Emigrants" and "The New 

Land" were based, at a special preview. 

Mrs. Peterson recounted numerous stories 

about Moberg and his work. Interviews recorded 

at the screening were broadcast on 

WLW and WCKY radio in Cincinnati. 

Manager Dons Ape Garb 

For 'Boggy Creek' Date 

When "The Legend of Boggy Creek" 

played at the Odeon Elmdale Theatre in 

Ottawa. Ont.. manager Larry Dixon pro- 

1 L moted the engagement by renting an ape 

costume and creating his own Fouke monster. 

Because it was so hot wearing the costume, 

Dixon shared the ape role with his 

assistant manager. Paul Hood. The monster 

made various personal app)earances around 

the city for two days prior to the opening, 

I he glass on the from doors at the 

California Theatre in Santa Rosa, 

Calif., was decorated to look like 

swinging saloon doors, and the lobby 

and concessions counter repeated the 

"Western" motif during the recent engagement 

of "Westworld." 

including a visit to the Odeon St. Laurent 

Theatre. 

Dixon reports that the Central Canadian 

Exhibition was being held at the same time 

and "provided an ideal opportunity to contact 

more people in two hours than otherwise 

could have been done in a month." 

Dixon was unable to see his way around 

while in the costume and bumped into several 

people. Another manager guided him 

through the crowds while distributing heralds 

and taking pictures. 

A self-created Fouke tnonster found an 

interesting vantage point atop the 

entrance way to the Odeon Elniwood 

Theatre during the engagement of "The 

Legend of Boggy Creek." Manager 

Larry Dixon and his assistant manager, 

Paul Hood, shared the monster 

role. 

Multi-Varied Promotions 

Spark 'Vengeance' Dates 

A variety of promotional campaigns supplied 

the initial impetus for the recent opening 

of Warner Bros.' explosive new martial 

arts picture, "Sacred Knives of Vengeance," 

in several key cities across the country. 

In San Francisco, special newspaper advertising, 

screenings, trailers, posters, stickers, 

door panels and T-shirts plugging the 

opening of the picture inundated the Bay 

area, while a special tie-up with a leading 

black and top 40 radio station, KDIA, 

blanketed the entire area with a sweepstakes-type 

contest broadsiding the film. 

In Dallas, K.AFM radio saturated its listening 

area with daily disc jockey contests, 

offering free tickets to winners of dozens 

of different question-and-answer formats. 

Kansas City followed along the same lines, 

staging teenage competition in downtown 

shopping centers, based on the art of karate, 

kung fu and other arts of self-defense. 

WBOK in New Orleans conducted a 

week-long radio contest with prizes ranging 

from T-shirts and free tickets to a private 

screening for the grand prize winner. Detroit 

tied in with area karate schools and 

awarded free karate lessons and tickets to 

the picture to contest winners. 

'Seagull' Gains Promotion 

Through Tie-Up With Mint 

An unusual arrangement between the 

Franklin Mint and producer-director Hall 

Bartlett was utilized to promote the release 

of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." 

Under the arrangement, the mint is 

selling silver medallions featuring the seayull 

logo and the key quote from the book 

on a mail order basis through ads in national 

publications. 

Accompanying each pendant is a questionnaire 

asking if the buyer has read the 

book, and if he plans to see the film. 

A pre-release survey indicated that 41 per 

cent of the buyers planned to see the film, 

but more importantly, 47 per cent were 

unaware that a film had been made of 

the monumental best-seller. 

Bartlett said the initial figures were obtained 

before the pre-release publicity had 

a chance to reach most areas, but that he 

anticipates a high percentage of the pendant 

customers will attend the film now that 

they are aware of it. 

film. 

Bartlett is the producer-director of the 

BOXOFTICE Showmandiser :: Dec. 17, 1973 — 129 — 13

a 

Bus Joins Tfie Paper Chase 

John Houseman, noted producer-director-teacher who makes his motion picture 

starring debut in "The Paper Chase." was greeted by models hired by radio 

station WRC as part of its Washington, D.C., area on-air and on-street promotion 

for a special screening of the fihn at the Cinema Theatre for law. film and 

drama students from neighboring universities and colleges. Houseman was the 

featured speaker at a seminar which followed the fibns showing. The bus 

toured all college campuses in the area, drumming up interest in the special event. 

PTA, Calif. Theatre 

Split Show Proceeds 

Manager Jack Baldock of the El Rancho 

Theatre in Victorville, Calif., arranged a 

tie-up recently with the local Parent Teachers 

Ass'n (PTA) for a benefit showing of 

"Yours, Mine, and Ours," with ticket sales 

going to the PTA and concessions sales to 

the theatre. 

The president of the PTA attended a 

meeting of the PTA council and gave each 

of the presidents enough flyers for each 

was assisted by a serviceman from the local 

air force base who filled in as a second 

clown. 

The net result of the benefit was over a 

thousand happy kids at two matinees— 

financial success for the PTA. "And did the 

theatre ever sell concessions," Baldock said. 

Los Angeles Record Chains 

Giving 'Hendrix' Big Boost 

Three leading record outlet chains in Los — 

Angeles gave big promotional assists to 

Warner Bros, top-grossing musical documentary 

"Jimi Hendrix" and the exciting 

soundtrack album from it. 

Tower Records, the largest retail diskery 

in southern California, displayed 18 sixfoot-long 

"Hendrix" flags, all hanging from 

the top of the building. Also, atop the 

Tower Records' store in the heart of the 

Sunset Strip stood a 16-foot blow-up of 

the late rock superstar. Inside the store, 

buyers looked at scenes from the film in 

a 23-inch rear-view projector. 

Wherehouse Record shops set up large 

window displays featuring one-sheets. Sevenfoot 

"Hendrix" displays were featured 

at Licorice Pizza music stores, where 

patrons obtained gratis Jimi Hendix personality 

posters. 

Credit Card Helps Pay Way 

In Two Midwestern Cities 

You may not be able to say "charge it" 

at the movies, but having a credit card 

helps pay the way at American Multi- 

Cinema theatres in the Kansas City area 

and at the circuit's Six West Theatres in 

Omaha, Nebraska. 

In Kansas City, a Sears credit card or Seaproof 

of a Sears credit account rates a 

discount admission price of $1.25 on Tuesday 

nights, and at Omaha's Six West Theatres, 

a J. C. Penney credit card accomplishes 

the same. 

of 

class in each of the schools they represented. 

A flyer giving all the details of the benefit 

and asking for help from the mothers 

was sent home with each student a week 

before the performance. Two more flyers 

were sent home with each student the following 

week. 

Over 400 tickets were sold through advance 

ticket sales at the schools. This helped 

"cut down on the line at the boxoffice," 

Baldock said. 

The PTA obtained free publicity in the 

local newspaper and in the San Bernadino 

paper, and Baldock obtained free radio 

spots from stations KAVR and KCIN. 

One of the PTA ladies volunteered to 

c, as a clown during the benefit and put on 

: "fun and games" part of the show. She 

14 

The winner of a John Pillinfêr look-a-likc contest .shared a platform with the 

Lady in Red and Vic Berstein, American International Pictures' Midwest mana-^ 

ger out in front of the State Lake Theatre in Chicago during "People Week 

in 'the Windy City. The special week inspired sidewalk showmanship at all the 

ABC-Great States houses on State Street. Bernstein presided as contest judge. 

— 130 — BOXOFFICE Showmamdiser :: Dec. 17, 1973

Ocean City Unit Set 

By Schwartz Circuit 

DOVHR. DHL. — Rcba and Muriel 

Schwartz, owners of George M. Schwartz 

Theatres, have announced plans for a third 

theatre in Ocean City, Md. To create a 

triplex, a third auditorium will be added 

to the Sun & Surf Twin Cinema, located 

at Ocean Highway and 144th Street. 

The theatre will have 330 Steller American 

seats, making the total capacity of the 

entertainment complex 1,000. The new unit 

will have the finest sound and projection 

equipment and decoration will be in keeping 

with the beach motif. 

Construction will begin immediately to 

assure an early spring opening. The twin 

will continue to operate as usual during 

the construction period. 

The opening of the Sun & Surf Twin Cinema 

in Ocean City in August 1971 provided 

residents of that community with the first 

year-around theatre in the area's history. 

.\ddition of the new unit will bring the 

George M. Schwartz circuit to 16 theatres, 

all in Maryland and Delaware. 

Containment Screen Data 

Requested by Bob Selig 

PITTSBURGH—George Tice, president 

of NATO of Western Pennsylvania, reports 

that a communication has been received 

from Robert Selig advising that progress 

on the containment screen is on schedule 

and that the national NATO committee is 

proceeding with the patent application, with 

NATO as the owner. 

Selig stated, however, that certain information 

is needed from Pennsylvania drivein 

operators immediately. He asks: What 

is the extent of your own needs and are 

they crucial? To date, or pending, is there 

local, county or state legislation by statute, 

ordinance or condemnation as a public 

nuisance, etc.? If the 6,000-square-foot 

prototype fulfills all the exacting requirements 

and tests, how many screens (surfaces) 

would you be interested in? 

The initial price for the screen. Selig 

said, probably will be between $2 and $3 

per square foot for the lenticulated nickel 

surface, faced with chromium (engineered 

for your geometry). This does not include 

installation of the panels, the economic 

system for which the committee is researching 

via Zach Beiser of Pacific. 

Pennsylvania ozoner operators should 

direct the above information to Robert 

Selig, chairman, 120 North Robertson Blvd., 

Los Angeles, Calif. 90048. The operator's 

name, company name and address should 

accompany the report to Selig. 

1,600-Seater Approved 

NORTH PLAINFIELD, N.J.—The 

planning board November 27 approved site 

plans for a 1,600-seat theatre on Route 22. 

The movie house will be built between West 

End Avenue and Gino's Restaurant on the 

Great Eastern Discount Store property. 

Pittsburgh's 

10 Per Cent Amusement 

Tax Forcing Many Films Out of City 

PITTSBURGH — Discriminatory and 

onerous amusement taxes have prevented 

many first-run movies from opening in this 

city, George Tice, president of NATO of 

Western Pennsylvania, told members of the 

city council at a scheduled budget meeting 

Tuesday (4). He said that many film distributors 

have elected to show their pictures 

in suburban theatres where they do not lose 

10 per cent of their gross, as has been the 

case here for approximately one decade. 

The Pittsburgh budget shows that for 

1974 the 10 per cent amusement admission 

tax is expected to produce 2.4 per cent 

of the city's income, $2,490,000. 

Tice rapped the amusement levy and he 

pleaded that this tax be eliminated. He 

said that besides being confiscatory and 

unrealistic, the continued imposition of this 

tax has an unhealthy influence on the 

economy of the city. He remarked, "This 

10 per cent tax is what every man needs 

for capital improvements for his operations." 

It has been more than seven years since 

there has been any theatre construction in 

this city and, during these years, 26 new 

movie houses were built in the suburbs. 

Nine more are planned, according to Tice. 

Unfortunately the day before found the 

Press featuring a page banner article headlined 

"Movie Business Thriving Here, Major 

Theatre Operators Say." 

Theatre owners will pay about $500,000 

of the $2.3 million collected by the tax in 

1973. Sports and other entertainments bring 

in the great bulk of the levy, which is the 

only theatre admission tax collected in the 

commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this via a 

political act of the general assembly. On 

this point, too, Tice urged the council to 

exempt city theatres from the tax, since 

it is not applied to motion pictures in any 

other municipality in Pennsylvania. 

Several council members were sympathetic 

but none were expected to vote to 

remove the tax. Walter Kamyk said he was 

"not too pleased with present movies." 

Edgar Michaels said that theatre owners 

have "justifiable pleas." 

The Post-Gazette printed this; "Having 

lived with a discriminatory 10 per cent 

amusement tax so long, Pittsburgh theatre 

owners probably would be stunned if they 

got a favorable reaction in their annual pleas 

to city council to have the tariff removed. 

"The fact that the movie business is 

anything but the dominant mass entertainment 

medium it was when the tax was 

passed and the fact that no other municipality 

in Pennsylvania has such a tax should 

mean something—but obviously doesn't. 

"One solon—and I use the word ironically—said 

the tax enables the city to derive 

money from suburbanites who come to 

town to see movies and thus use city services. 

He's obviously ignorant of the fact 

that the movies have been shifting gradually 

to the suburbs for years and that downtown 

theatres have to fight for survival. 

"The same councilman added that he's 

not too pleased with today's movies. Many 

of us aren't too pleased with today's politicians 

either." 

Pa. Theatremctn Refuses 

To Collect Illegal Tax 

BUI LER. PA.— Fairview Township took 

Max Summerville into county court to try 

to collect a 10 per cent amusement tax 

which the commissioners had made effective 

August 1. Of course the exhibitor did 

not collect or pay the levy, which is illegal 

under commonwealth law. 

The politicians wanted a part of the 

action, with the exhibitor showing X-rated 

films at the Chicora Drive-ln. Summerville 

said that the whole thing amounted to 

harassment. 

Irving Moross Retires; 

Columbia V-P Since '67 

NEW YORK—Irving Moross retired Friday 

(7) as vice-president and general counsel 

for Columbia Pictures, 

a division of 

Columbia Pictures Industries. 

Moross began 

his legal career 

with the law firm of 

Schwartz & Frohlich 

and in 1935 was assigned 

to work on the 

Columbia Pictures account. 

He became a 

Irving Moross 

partner in the law 

firm in 1941, a {>osition 

he held until 1969. 

Moross was named vice-president and 

general counsel for Columbia's film division 

in 1967. He also has served, since early 

1971, as chairman of the law committee 

of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America. 

Moross will continue to serve as a legal 

consultant to Columbia Pictures and has 

rejoined the law firm of Schwartz, Burns, 

Lesser & Jacoby, successor by merger to 

Schwartz & Frohlich. 

Vintage Films Offered 

PHILADELPHIA — The Bryn Mawr, 

which had good audience response for its 

Marx brothers and W. C. Fields festivals, 

booked a double bill for Wednesday (12) 

offering James Cagney in "Public Enemy" 

and Edward G. Robinson in "Little Caesar." 

Both are 1930s gangster films and if there 

is patron enthusiasm the Bryn Mawr will 

look around for some more "golden oldies." 

Ben Weiselberg Is Dead 

NEW YORK—Ben Weiselberg. longtime 

manager of various in-town theatres 

for Loews, died recently. 

(Editor's Note: More New York News 

on pages E-17 through E-20). 

BOXOFTICE ;: December 17. 1973 E-1

BUFFALO S.eudon 3 reeiini^j tu 

BUFFALO 

1 

MERRY CHRISTMAS and 

Best Wishes for the New Year 

| 

JIM BIGGARTf/?o/w JAMES V. I 

AL DAHMA * LAVORATO 

National Theatre National Screen 

| 

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Supply "A" Service jS 

^î Ethel Mis - 496 Pearl St. ?^^ 

| 

| 

I 

Sincere Best Wishes For The 

I Holiday Season ... From I 

TONY KOLINSKI 

& 

CHARLIE GIRARD 

I 

ATKO Canton Corporation, 222 

| 

R Midtown Plaza, 700 E. Water | 

« St., Syracuse, N.Y.— 13210 % 

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êadon 6 

Ljreetinad. 9' I •s 

JOE GARVEY 

HOLIDAY 

THEATRES 

Cheekfowaga 

A MERRY CHRISTMAS 

TO ALL MY EXHIBITOR 

AND DISTRIBUTOR 

FRIENDS! 

| 

k 

| 

I 

^S!»fiBi9*S!»*:s>ajr>J^â^^^»esis^^ 

Wishing You and Yours a Season of 

Happiness, Health and Prosperity! 

igm 

HOLIDAY THEATRES 

CHEEKTOWAGA 

ALVIN B. WRIGHT 

PRESIDENT 

3801 Union Road i^ 

SEASON'S GREETINGS! 

JO-MOR Theatres I 

ROCHESTER 

JOHN R. MORRIS P. 

MARTINA • SLOTNICK 

^^ WILLIAM YANTZ ^ 

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BUFFALO s.eadon d 

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NATO 

OF NEW YORK STATE 

I 1^ Sidney J. Cohen |^ 

President 

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(fJedt lA/ldked! 

[ 

MARTIN HOLLANDER 

MINNA G. 

ZACKEM 

AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL 

PICTURES 

300 Delaware Avenue (716) 8S3-5150 


Hohday Season . . . From 

HARRY EDELMAN 

THEATRE FILM 

ADVERTISING 

716-632-6688 

125 Cindy Drive, Williomsvilte 14221 

Holiday Season . . . from 

DEWEY MICHAELS 

PALACE AND CINEMA 

Theatres in Downtown Buffalo 

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Holiday Season! 

To All My Friends In Bufialo 

JAMES J. HAYES 

I 

gi Variety Club Telethon "M | 

c1^ Los Angeles. Calil. 90028 e^ 

{ 

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^''^^ Hollywood Blvd., Suite 314 K^ 

[ 

\ 

«^S[t^s:

BUFFALO 

Jrviiig Singer, an industry veteran, has 

joined Frontier Amusement Corp. in 

Irving Singer 

the buying and booking 

department. Singer 

brings to his new 

affiliation a wide and 

varied experience in 

the industry. He 

started with MGM. 

serving in both the 

company's B u f f a - 

1 o and Kansas City 

branches. Subsequently 

he became associated 

with the Schine 

circuit here and in its headquarters in Gloversville. 

Following this position. Singer 

worked for a motion picture circuit which 

had its headquarters in this city to serve its 

theatres in Kentucky, Virginia and New 

York. Prior to joining Frontier, Singer was 

employed by the Dipson Corp., Batavia, in 

the buying and booking department, with 

time out along the way to manage the circuit's 

first-run Amherst Theatre at Buffalo's 

city 

line. 

Jim Lavorato, manager of the local 

branch of National Screen Service, 496 

Pearl St., has his office all decorated for the 

holidays. Christmas reminders are everywhere, 

including the new line of Christmas 

posters and decorations for, as Jim says, 

"all types of decor"-—whatever that means. 

Over 100 projectionists, their wives, 

their friends, et al, were in attendance at the 

annual Christmas party in the Carriage 

House on Genesee Street the other evening. 

Tom Griffin is president of the local union 

and Ken Kavanagh, business agent. 

. . . 

American Mult! Cinema's Como Plaza 

complex is nearing its grand opening date. 

The sixplex, with a seating capacity of 

1,623, is located in the plaza in Cheektowaga. 

Jeff Schnabel is coming from the 

company's Woodhaven 4 in Cornwell 

Heights, Pa., to manage the new facility 

The Webster Street Merchants Ass'n 

in North Tonawanda sponsored a Christmas 

party for the kiddies the other day. 

when Santa came to town, showing them a 

free film, "Black Beauty," in the Riviera 

Theatre. The youngsters also received 

candy. 

Joane M. Allison, arts director of Lockport's 

Kenan Center, has been appointed 

director of ongoing programs for the stateoperated 

Lewiston Center for the Arts, an 

arts park-theatre complex nearing completion 

in Lewiston State Park. 

East Coast film and video artists, media 

educators and arts administrators were in 

town for a "December Week of Film and 

Video," sponsored by Media Study, with 

assistance from the Albright Art Gallery, 

Media Study Center of the State University 

at Buffalo, the State Arts Council and the 

Creative Artists Public Service Program. 

The seminars continued through Sunday 

Somebody has said that "some 

. . . (16) 

people have all the luck." We believe it. At 

the recent Channel 29 Christmas Party on 

Grand Island. Mrs. Joseph Garvey, wife of 

the general manager of Holiday Theatres in 

Cheektowaga, won a color TV set. 

The new Melody Fair is offering a 

money-saving season ticket for the summer 

of '74, where the stars will shine under the 

new half-million dollar dome. It is 12 shows 

for less than $70 and among the stars to 

appear there are Glen Campbell, Helen 

Reddy, Engelbert Humperdinck, Eddy Arnold, 

Don Rickles, Sergio Franchi, Jim 

Nabors and a new Paul Anka musical. 

Louis Fisher, the chief producer at Melody 

Fair, also is a barker in Variety Club Tent 

7. 

The North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue 

was the scene of the first annual Christmas 

party staged by the businessmen of that 

section. A cartoon show started at noon but 

Santa Claus was the center figure at the 

celebration. The party was geared to the 

ten-and-under set. 

Dewey Michaels, owner and operator of 

the downtown Palace at Main and Tupper 

and the Cinema on Main Street, is vacationing 

in sunny Florida. Dewey recently celebrated 

his 75th birthday. He is an officer 

of NATO of New York State, a past chief 

barker of the Variety Club and an officer 

of many other organizations. He ran the 

original downtown Palace at Shelton Square 

for many years ... As of next June, Melody 

Fair will be "the dome." Construction of a 

$400,000 geodesic dome at the North 

Tonawanda entertainment center already 

has begun. Producer Lewis T. Fisher held a 

press conference the other day to talk up 

the new structure. The dome will be superimposed 

on the site which, for 18 years, has 

had only a tent. 

Women of Tent 7 Schedule 

Annual Christmas Party 

BUFFALO—Women of Variety Tent 7 

will hold their annual Christmas party for 

children Monday (17) at the Rehabilitation 

Center, 936 Delaware Ave. Stockings filled 

with toys, as well as fruit and candy, will 

be given to the youngsters and ice cream 

and cookies will be served. 

Mrs. Walter Meyer is chairman and Mrs. 

Gervase Ernewein is co-chairman of the 

event. Dave Thomas of WKBW-TV and the 

Shrine Clowns from Ismailia Temple will 

furnish entertainment. Sam Geffen, chief 

barker of Tent 7, will have the role of 

Santa Claus and Mrs. Carlton H. Newman 

will be Mrs. Claus. 

Hostesses are Mrs. Charles A. Boggess, 

Mrs. Joseph F. Schaefer, Mrs. V. Spencer 

Balser, Mrs. Louis A. DiPirro, Mrs. Robert 

Sullivan, Mrs. Robert D. Mason jr. and 

Lenore DiVita. Ethel Tyler is publicity 

chairman. 

Buffaledo Pleads Guilty; 

Judge Defers Sentencing 

BUFFALO—A theatre corporation has 

pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in an 

obscenity case before City Judge Rudolph 

U. Johnson. He deferred sentencing until 

Monday (17) against Buffaledo, operator 

of the Allendale Theatre, on the complaint 

filed after Detective Sgt. Frank V. Spano 

seized two reels of an unnamed film March 

3, 1973. 

Buffaledo is scheduled for trial January 

2 on a charge of "promoting obscenity" 

in the showing of "Deep Throat." 

BUFFALO 

BUFFALO 

&-eR*;sia«?)B«aa«?sr«?!w«!^^ 

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ADVERTISING 

ELLIS 

CORPORATION 

MICHAEL ELLIS, Jr. 

President—Past Chief iGS 

Barker, Variety Club i^S'' 

^^^'' 

STATLER HILTON HOTEL 

''Sr«'!5w«?Sr«?srs5!*a?sr«»'sr^^ 


Holiday Season ... irom 

RICHARD AARON I 

Sales Manager 

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^ WG Radio 55 °/g 

fp 4G4 Franklin St. 14202 

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BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

. 

. . . The 

. . Your 

Jim Ecker Re-Elecied 

Ten! 1 Chief Barker 

PI rrSBURGH — Attorney James M. 

Ecker has been re-elected chief barker of 

Variety Club Tent 1 

Other crew members tor 1974 were 

elected as follows: Bert Sokol, Holiday 

House, first assistant chief barker; Larry 

O. Garrett. WKTQ-13, second assistant 

chief barker; Chester Walters, dough guy; 

George Werl. property master; George 

Stern. Associated Theatres; David Tesone. 

Tesone Trucking Co.; Nick Lazzaro; Warren 

B. Dana. United Press International; 

Ben Center; David Crantz, WTAE-TV. 

Channel 4, and George Thomas. Bureau of 

Public Information, press guy. 

On the board of directors are the following 

past chief barkers: Nathan H. Kaufman. 

George Tice. Bob Prince. Jack Van Lloyd 

and Edward C. Boyle. 

All Officers Re-Elected 

By Local 171 of lATSE 

PITTSBURGH—At a 

regular meeting of 

lATSE Local 171 Sunday (16). the secretary 

cast votes for officers for 1974. all uncontested. 

Those nominated and now re-elected 

are: 

Harold "Red" 0"Donnell. president; Don 

Ross, vice-president; Luther Thompson, 

secretary-treasurer; Martin Torreano sr.. 

business agent; Leon Gayzakian. Edward 

Limbach and Martin Torreano jr.. executive 

board members; Rex Kantner, sergeant-atarms; 

Tom Loeffler. Angelo Marino and 

Bill McElhattan. trustees; Harold O'Donnell 

and Don Ross, delegates to the international 

convention fby virtue of his business agent 

office. Marty Torreano sr. also is a delegate); 

James A. Sipes and Ralph Ferrey. 

delegates to the Allegheny County Labor 

Council, and Walter Malinski. delegate to 

the Union Label Council. 

film 

.Alan King's production company wil 

"Ball." 

PITTSBURGH 

phe Manos Christmas parly again this year 

is dated for the Adams House. Adamsburg, 

Friday evening (21). This event remains 

the outstanding theatre circuit holiday 

season gathering in the Mideast. 

Morris Finkel announecs that the Chatham 

Cinema has licensed "Mamc" for 

opening March 27 . correspondent 

has just been inducted into the Republican 

executive committee by Robert P. Fohl. 

county chairman . . . Pittsburghcrs formed 

a CATV committee in the city council 

chambers Wednesday (12). This group 

wants the council to give the go-ahead for 

bids and licensing to bring CATV into the 

city, which is surrounded in the suburbs by 

40 cable systems. 

The world's largest long-distance telephone 

cable will be opened here in January. 

Called the L-5, it can carry more than 100,- 

000 phone conversations at once. The system 

took three years to build and cost $100 

million ... A film documentary on Franco 

Harris was completed here and now a similar 

film is being produced by Laurel Productions 

of Pittsburgh on O. J. Simpson, 

another gridder, with George Romero of 

Latent Image directing. 

Sharon's Hickory Plaza Shopping Center 

has a large storeroom which is being converted 

into a four-unit theatre, reportedly 

for a circuit in our town. Less than a block 

distant within the Plaza is the Bantam Theatre, 

which has been closed and unoccupied 

for a year or longer . . . Edinboro is expected 

to get a new theatre. The Best Theatre 

in Edinboro is operated by V. K. Ramsey 

Pittsburgh Dance Council benefited 

from a special exhibition of Rudolf 

Nureyev's "I Am a Dancer" at the Shadyside 

Theatre Sunday evening (9). the outstanding 

feature of the production being a 

rehearsal of Glen Tetley's "Field Figures." 

danced by Nureyev and Deanne Bergsma. 

Tetley, the world's greatest choreographer, 

is an old friend and neighbor of your correspondent, 

residing two blocks from our 

Wilkinsburg residence. Go another six 

blocks and you will find the home of the 

screen's best dancer-choreographer. Gene 

Kelly. 

Jake Pulkowski, National Screen Service's 

ever-feaithful depot manager, has been walking 

ten miles extra daily to and from his 

home to be on the job for his exhibitor 

friends. Several other members of the industry 

have been hitching rides with friends 

during the illegal bus and trolley drivers' 

strike . . . "Oliver!" was the kiddies Saturday 

and Sunday (15, 16) matinee at a number 

of local theatres ... A dozen or more 

theatres are showing the "Coffy" and "The 

Mack" combination . . . George Anderson 

writes that he resents the multiplying loudmouths 

who find it impKJssible to attend 

any entertainment event without talking as 

incessantly as "a roomful of Howard Cosells" 

More than 15,000,000 ticket purchasers 

. . . have gone through the turnstiles at 

the Civic Arena since it opened Sept. 17, 

1961. 

A Christmas reopening is planned for the 

Parkway Theatre, McKees Rocks, which 

was badly damaged by fire several months 

ago. Screen, drapes and other equipment 

and fixtures were being installed following 

general repair, painting, etc., with Paul Gasperi, 

exhibitor, directing the renovation program 

. . . Suffolk Cable TV had a Christmas 

present for all new subscribers in December, 

free installation . . . The Allegheny 

County Fair has been canceled for 1974 . . . 

Braddock hasn't had a theatre in some years 

but free movies are featured Monday eve- 

(Continued on page E-8) 

Lae ARTOE REFLECTORS 

î SILVER GLASS 

IP/."-I3'/2-14", $33.00 

16" -t6'/>" DIAMETER $54.00 

AMERICAN MADE 

l chlcogo'^j 

PITTSBURGH 

PITTSBURGH 

WHEELER FILM COMPANY 

PITTSBURGH, PA. 

Frank Silverman 

Yetta H. 'Wheeler 

David Brown 

Jacquelyn Wheeler Stein 

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11lllerru 

»;sa»Win

Changing Moviegoing Sfyles, Moods 

Rkiflected in 

PITTSBURGH—A letter from a moviegoer, 

Patricia Bashline, was published in the 

November 20 edition of the Pittsburgh 

Press and it pointed up many aspects of 

theatregoing which she said have changed 

during the past several years. Ms. Bashline, 

who commented she had just finished reading 

a Sunday Press story about "overlooked" 

movies of 1973, made the following observations 

which she said could account for 

some films not receiving the recognition 

due them: 

"The theatres themselves used to project 

a 'swanky image.' The theatre in our town 

has just been painted red and yellow and 

now looks like a circus wagon. The ticket 

booth is gone. Tickets, instead, are sold inside, 

next to the popcorn machine and 

candy counter that sells expensive boxes 

of stale candy, not fresh ten-cent bars. 

"The price for one ticket is high enough. 

Multiplied by each member of the family, 

it becomes astronomical. 

"There is no usher or even a need for one. 

I traveled 60 miles to see 'Last Tango in 

Paris' and sat there in that yawning chasm 

with perhaps six other people—a far cry 

from the times I sat on the step in the balcony 

. . . because it was the only seat. 

"Pictures used to change every three days. 

There were photographs in frames outside 

Pittsburgher's Letter 

in a near-empty room while you stare at 

the curtain, listen to canned music (where 

is that enormous console organ?), while the 

manager waits hopefully for some lastminute 

ticket buyers. Or until you at last 

decide to buy a carton of popcorn. 

"If the theatres are going to be empty, 

they might as well take out those rows of 

seats and have comfortable armchairs in 

which you can curl up around coffee tables. 

Then you could get your feet up, have a 

cup of coffee and snacks or sandwiches 

just like at home. 

"I often want to see a particular movie. 

•Marigolds' was one. But it never came near 

where I was or at a time I could see it. Or 

maybe, if it did, there just wasn't any hityou-on-the-head 

advertising to get me there. 

"Parting shot. I think today's morals play 

a big part. I walked out of 'Lolita' because 

my husband was breathing too hard. That 

didn't amuse me and I go to the movies 

to be amused. I get enough real-life ugliness 

on the pages of the Pittsburgh Press." 

to interest you. 

"The picture ran continuously, so you 

could go in anytime and wait until you 

reached the point at which you went in. 

triggering a melee. 

was a newsreel, previews, travelogs, cartoons, 

etc. Now there is a 20-minute wait ceived a required government approval. 

"Stories of A" reportedly has not re- 

it, 

Between the ending and the beginning, there 

I J. 

w^ 

^yûppu 

Six Patrons Are Injured 

In Film-Seizure Attempt 

GRENOBLE, FRANCE—Six moviegoers 

were injured November 29 after a fight 

broke out when police entered La Nef 

Cinema here to confiscate the motion picture 

"Stories of A." The film, which depicts 

an abortion, had been running for 45 

minutes when officers attempted to seize 

PITTSBURGH 

M. G. Film Company 

I 

g 

Civic Towers 

g 

g Room 1014 I 

I 32 W. Randolph St. | 

f Chicago. 111. 60G01 g 

g (312) 346-6916 g 

i w ^ 

-I T 

Virgil Jones 

I 

| 

Ann Jones 

I 

g 

Ann Senkowski 

I 

g 

Ruth Shapiro 

I 

g 

I Many thanks to the exhibitors in the Minneapolis territory 

| 

I 

for your support during our first year of operation ! 

Please 

| 

I call or write us in Chicago for your booking needs in 1974. 

| 

^yôtlui aud 

r 

WestgaleDuotoJoin 

Jo-Mor Circuit Soon 

ROCHESTER. N.Y.—Twin theatres will 

be built at Westgate Plaza on Chili Avenue 

at Brooks by Jo-Mor Enterprises, Rochesterbased 

circuit. The houses will be named 

Westgate I and II and a Christmas-week 

opening is scheduled, according to John 

Martina and Morris Slotnick, heads of the 

Jo-Mor Corp. 

The 400-seat theatres will share a common 

lobby and refreshment stand. They also 

will share one projection booth with automated 

equipment, requiring the services of 

one projectionist. 

The building eventually will be the keystone 

of a new mall-type shopping center, 

an addition to the present Westgate complex, 

Slotnick said. 

The Westgate duo will raise the number 

of Jo-Mor theatres in the Rochester area to 

12, all of them, with the exception of the 

Little on East Avenue, the Fine Arts on 

South Avenue and the Cinema on South 

Clinton Avenue, located in suburban shopping 

plazas. 

The company is marking its tenth anniversary 

this year and, according to Martina, 

is preparing plans for further expansion. 

Both theatre heads see a resurgence of interest 

in motion pictures as producing companies, 

major and independent, move 

toward screen entertainment aimed more 

at the general public. 

William Yantz is general manager of Jo- 

Mor. He has succeeded William Laney, who 

has opened his own travel bureau in the 

same building as the Jo-Mor offices at 240 

East Ave. in Kodak Town. 

Three Film Personalities 

In Hartford in 3 Days 

From New England Edition 

HARTFORD — The "feast-or-famine" 

theory as regards sporadic hinterland treks 

by film principals was demonstrated by the 

visits here of personalities plugging three 

films in as many days. 

Paul H. Hunt came through ahead of 

Film-Makers' "The Clones," followed by 

Arthur Roberts, star of Unisphere Releasing's 

"The Bride" and, finally, by Calvin 

Culver and Claire Wilbert of Audubon 

Films' "Score." 

PITTSBURGH 

JULES CURLEY 

I 

ADV AGENCY § 

i Direct Mail and Offset Printing | 

i 

415 Van Braam St. 

| 

I 

Frank J. (Bud) Thomas 

g 

E-6 

BOXOFFICE :; December 17, 1973

PITTSBURGH 

^ eadon 6 in^d 

PITTSBURGH 

^bMt«»a«s«i&«iis«e»«ii»«ii^t^^ 

JK-BîdaJftiiaJSiaJateiSiBJaia^^ 

MONESSEN AMUSEMENT CO. 

AND 

MANOS ENTERPRISES, INC. 

GREENSBURG. PA. 

George F. Callahan Jr., President | 

EXHIBITORS SERVICE COMPANY 

85 Helen Street, McEees Rocks, Pa. 15136 r 

\ 

Joseph F. Mulone 

NICK MULONE & SON 

SEASON'S GREETINGS 

I 

Screen Frames 

All Types 

Pittsburgh Street Cheswick. Pa. | 

SEE YOUR THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER f 

I 

CINEMETTE CORPORATION 

107 Sixth Street 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222 

(412) 232-0042 

I 

Merry Christmas 

SCREEN GUILD 

Happy New Year 

Productions of Pittsburgh 

i» 

NATO 

Of Western Pennsylvania 

Fulton BuUding 

I 

Distributor of Prestige Motion Pictures 

David C. Silverman, Manager 

415 Van Braam Street 



Best Wishes 

f 

Twentieth Century-Fox Gang 

Pittsburgh Branch 

George Ball 

Mary Palmino 

Bill 

S. PERILMAN FILMS 

709 Fulton Bldg. 

Anderholt 


Ruth Gorczynski 

Rhea Kramer g S. Max Shabason E. Elman 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 E-7

. . . John 

. . Penciled 

. . . Crown 

. . "Forbidden 

ITTSBURGH 

(Continued from page E-5) 

Tings at Inspiration Center there . . . WLOA 

Radio now has the biggest FM transmitter 

in Pennsylvania and one of the most powerful 

in (he entire country. 

A holiday card was received by Boxoffice 

from Mrs. John A. Smith, past pres- 

. . . "Lulu" 

ident of the Federation of Motion Picture 

Councils, who added a note that she always 

enjoys reading your favorite trade magazine 

Ford film excerpts will be screened 

without admission Sunday (23) and Sunday 

(30) at Carnegie Lecture Hall 

and "Ask Any Hooker" were Art Cinema 

offerings. 

The Stanley will be closed for several 

days before Christmas . . . The Shadyside 

will open "The Tall Blond Man With One 

Black Shoe" next month . in 

at the Nixon for the week of January 7 is 

"A Community of Two." which will return 

Claudette Colbert to the stage, her co-star 

being George Gaynes. The Nixon hopes to 

get licenses for "Lemmings" and return 

dates for "Two Gentlemen of Verona" and 

"Grease." Dated is "That Championship 

Season," opening April 1 . . . Quote: "Movies 

haven't run out of gas"—^George Anderson. 

In release are such features as "Heat." 

"Girls Are for Loving," "Savage," "Up 

Your Alley," "Pink Garter Gang," "Death 

by Invitation." "I. Monster," "Silent Night, 

Bloody Night." "Carnal Connection." "Sextet." 

"Rainbow Bridge," "Gimme Shelter," 

"The Don Is Dead," "The Way We Were," 

"American Graffiti," "Executive Action," 

"The Deadly Trackers," "The Serpent." 

"The Pyx," "Walking Tall," "The Long 

Goodbye," "Booby Trapped," "Caged Virgins," 

"The Iceman Cometh." "The Slams," 

"Camelot," "Sacred Knives of Vengeance," 

"Nurses Report," "The Family," "State of 

Siege" and "The Devil in Miss Jones." 

George C. Wilson III of Wilson Theatres 

and the Huntingdon Drive-In was hospitalized 

and in intensive care after suffering a 

mild heart attack November 28. The thirdgeneration 

exhibitor was to be returned to 

his home in Tyrone a few days ago, where 

he will rest for several weeks before gradually 

returning to his work as manufacturer, 

printer and theatre owner. Late this 

month or early in 1974. George will go 

to Cleveland for further tests. Friends in 

the business extend holiday greetings to 

George, Honey, sons, etc., with the prayer 

that the showman makes a rapid and complete 

recovery and return to good health. 

"Theatre Games" was the film feature at 

Penthouse 1 and Penthouse 2 recently 

Allied Theatre Equipment Co., Inc., of Phila. & Baltimore 

PHILADEIPHIA 

157 N. 12th St. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 

(215) 567-2047 

Everything for the Theatre 

SALES 

SERVICE 

^ 

-^ REPAIR 

BALTIMORE 

12 E. 25th St. 

Baltimore, Md. 21218 

(301) 235-2747 

(formerly J. F. Dusman Co.) 

"i 

showed "Crooked Arrangement" . 

. . Kay 

S. Cushing. formerly with KQV Radio, is 

the new development and promotion director 

for the Civic Light Opera 

South Hills Theatre's stage-and-scrcen holiday 

season offering is captivating audiences 

as nothing to compare with it is being presented 

in the entire metrojxslitan area—or, 

in fact, within the tristate territory. 

Variety Tent 1 continues Friday-night 

parties throughout December. The clubrooms 

will be closed Christmas and New 

Year's Day . Under Censorship 

of the King" and "Touch Me" were recent 

features at the Garden Theatre . . . 

The Fiesta's "The Family" ads pointed out 

that TV's "Kojak" (Telly Savalas) is Charles 

Bronson's co-star in this film . . . The Casino 

showed "Revenge" and "Captive Couple." 

Carl Geruschat, who is presenting the 

Christmas stageshow at Jim Baker's South 

Hills Theatre, expects to produce monthly 

stageshows for the Stanley. At the South 

Hills, also as part of the Christmas season 

show, the giant theatre organ is heard again, 

having been entirely rebuilt. Baker opserates 

his Mode-Art Pictures film studio-lab within 

the theatre building. 

"The Paper Chase," previewed Sunday 

. . . The 

(9) at the Denis, Monroe and Manor theatres, 

opens Friday (21) at the latter house 

Publisher issued a new book. 

"Fifty Years of Movie Posters" 

Guild is showing "A Clockwork Orange" 

... A new adult theatre is being prepared 

for opening on Federal Street. 

The Bizarre Art is featuring "AU-American 

Hustler." "Angel's Last Tango" and 

"Three Women." The Christmas show will 

include "Three Came Running." "Tijuana 

Blue" and "Body and Fender." The New 

Year's week features at the Bizarre Art will 

be "Sexual Awareness." "Ensenada Hole" 

and "Homer the Late Comer." 

News flash: The seven-day bus and trolley 

drivers' strike ended Monday (10). Downtown 

businesses were severely damaged by 

V 

PITTSBURGH 

CHARLESTON, W. VA. 

. . Norreh 

. . Monday 

. . The 

. . JF 

the strike and. when resumed, bus serviee 

was poorer than ever. 

Ralph \Iaderia, neweomer to lATSE Local 

171, now holds down the projection job 

at the Sewickley Theatre . Manos 

Theatre at Monessen is now known as the 

Cinema . Social Club, 1226 Herron 

Ave., is showing free feature movies 

each Tuesday . is movie night 

at the House of Tilden, 6308 Penn Ave., 

East Liberty, where go-go boys are featured 

on stage. 

Mayor-Manager Preparing 

For Elkins Twin Theatre 

LLklNS. W. VA.—The new Manos circuit 

twin theatre near the city limits has 

been progressing favorably in construction 

and indications are that an opening could be 

planned for mid-February. Manager of the 

downtown Manos Theatre for several years 

is James Gladkosky, mayor of Elkins. 

Gladkosky is checking construction and 

is familiar with materials and their utility 

and, when opened, the twin theatre at the 

Tygart Valley Center also will be under his 

management. 

.SIDNEY, NEB.—Charlie Schenck, Commonwealth 

manager, has been transferred 

here from Scottsbluff, Neb. He succeeds 

Steve Foster, assigned to Riverton, Wyo. 

BALTIMORE 

MATO of Maryland scheduled a meeting at 

its headquarters, 516 North Charles 

St.. Thursday (li) for the purpose of electing 

officers for the new year. 

Mrs. Sylvia Reznick, longtime .secretary 

to Walter Gettinger, Gettinger Amusement 

Co.. owner of the Howard Theatre in the 

downtown area and also owner of the Stowaway 

Motel in Ocean City, will marry Morris 

Wolf, an appraiser and head of the loan 

department at Livingston's Pawn Shop on 

East Baltimore Street, January 6. The couple 

will be wed by Rabbi Joshua Shapiro in his 

study at the Rogers Avenue Synagogue. The 

ceremony will be followed by a small reception. 

A two-week honeymoon in Jamaica, 

West Indies, will follow immediately. The 

two will make their home at Wolf's residence 

on Courtleigh Drive in the Liberty 

Road section. 

Private funeral services were held Saturday 

(8) for Mrs. Naomi Duff Smith, who 

operated her own public relations and advertising 

firm for 26 years before her retirement 

in 1969. She leaves a son, Edward 

Duff Smith, of this city; a daughter. Mrs. 

Charles F. Hughes jr.. of this city; a sister, 

Mrs. Robert M. Steptoe, of Martinsburg, 

W. Va., and three grandchildren. 

George F. Eitel, local branch manager 

for National Theatre Supply Co., spent 

several days in Newport News, Va., completing 

installation of the booth equipment 

at the Cinema City I and II and the Cinema 

City Drive-In, owned by Fred and Jerry 

Sandy . Theatres is setting up a publicity 

and public relations department to dispense 

company news on a weekly basis, according 

to JF general manager Donald 

Gunther. It will begin operating early in 

1974. 

Mary Magdalen Bashnian, sister of the 

late Francis X. Bushman, died Saturday (8) 

at Stella Maris Hospice after a short illness. 

She is survived by one brother and 14 nieces 

and nephews. 

Maurice Rushworth, retired, who originally 

was the sound man in the Baltimore 

Civic Center for nine years, left for Orlando, 

Fla., to visit his son and daughterin-law. 

Memorial services for George Alston 

Stevens jr., who was known to radio listeners 

here as Al Stevens, were held Monday 

(10) at the Meditation Room of the Johns 

Hopkins Hospital Children's Center. Stev- 


BALTIMORE 

BALTIMORE 

JSgtJ!a3Ba38gt5ag65!:S63agS3aa55aS!g55Bg5;BS55Sgt5aSSSBSSS!S55Sasaa5aSE5=a53^ 

l£JSSiKSiSK»=£»a:Ks:aS8£JSK!S2£KS3S8:3S:S5SK5aSSSS)KSKS:Ka£S«£!SKJ»' 

s.eadonA 

L^reetinad 

r 

WESTVIEW 

CINEMAS 

I 

Greetings 

From 

ROME 

THEATERS 

t5=gS sags 5agS 5855 5ag555fi55!S5 5885 55gS5K5 58555Sa sags 5agS5!S5S::g!»5Sa55g«5!S55as 

"Season's Greetings" 

NATO OF MARYLAND 

516 N. Charles Street 


Holiday Greetings 

From the Gang at 

Associated Pictures Gd. 

19 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 

Baltimore, Maryland 21201 

Philip Glazer Dennis Malat 

rfl^^si*PiW??vrs^v53^*Wirti?BSr^NlB»%i«^%^^^ 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 E-9

. . Dr. 

BALTIMORE 

"Pie Uptown Theatre, 5010 Park Heights 

Ave., currently is open only Saturdays 

and Sundays . . . Grant's Northwood and 

Hillendale theatres discontinued matinees 

November 19. Evening performances are 6, 

8 and 10:30 p.m.. according to Israel Batista-Olivieri, 

administrator of operations for 

these two houses. 

lATSE Local 181 has a health and welfare 

plan currently. In compliance with 

federal law. three exhibitors and three projectionists 

will be serving on the board of 

Local 181. Appointed are: (Exhibitors) loseph 

Grant, Hillendale and Northwood theatres, 

Donald Gunther, general manager. 

JF Theatres, and Robert Rappaport. Rappaport 

Theatres. (Boothmen) Walter Rohoblt, 

operator. JF's Regent Theatre: Aaron 

Goldbloom, projectionist at Mini-Flick I 

and II, Schwaber World-Fare circuit, and 

John Griffin, operator at GCC's Timonium 

Drive-In. John Griffin will serve as administrator 

for the health and welfare plan of 

lATSE Local 181. 

. . . Roland 

Three local projectionists and their wives 

traveled to Ocean City Saturday (8) to hear 

Guy Lombardo. who was appearing at the 

Convention Center in this famous spa. Participating 

in the event were Mr. and Mrs. 

Donald Bruscup. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Miller 

and Mrs. Chester Towers 

Bruscup, president of lATSE Local 181, and 

Mrs. Bruscup. along with Donald Miller, 

the local's business agent, and Mrs. Miller 

attended a dance at the Riviera Beach Fire 

Hall, Pasadena. The occasion was a benefit 

for the Mount Pleasant Beach Improvement 

Ass'n. Also attending was Mrs. Audrey 

BALTIMORE 

Sincere Holiday Greetings to Our 

Theatre Customers & Friends 

Hawkins, sister of Roland Bruscup and 

widow of John Hawkins, formerly projectionist 

at Schwaber's Playhouse. 

Caplan Bros." glass firm, which supplies 

many theatres here, announced the following 

changes in personnel: appointed vicepresidents 

are Sol Caplan, Meyer Caplan, 

Irvin Fishbone, Ray Harting and Morris 

Zappals. In addition, the following men 

were re-elected to their office: Louis Caplan, 

president; Benjamin Caplan. executive 

vice-president; Alvin Gerstein, senior vicepresident, 

and Aaron Caplan. secretarytreasurer 

. . . Abel Caplan's Westway Theatre. 

5300 Edmondson Ave., showed "Chitty 

Chitty Bang Bang" as the kiddies matinee 

attraction. 

. . . John 

. 

John Wright, formerly of Schwaber's 

Playhouse and the Allied Theatre Equipment 

Co. of Philadelphia and Maryland, 

has returned to Allied, where he is doing 

maintenance and shop work 

Hewitt, formerly with Allied, has become 

an operator for the Ritchie I, II and III, 

owned by Bob Rappaport, Rappaport Theatres 

. . . John Manuel's Belair Drive-In 

has begun a weekends-only policy until 

spring Richard C. Waldman has 

been named director of research and product 

development at Esskay Quality Meat 

Co., vending machine suppliers. 

BALTIMORE 

i Best Wishes For A 

| 

i Happy Holiday Season 1 

I 

g 

Claude Neon Signs, Inc 

1808 CHERRY HILL ROAD 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND-2I230 

V^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

BALTIMORE 

F. H. DURKEE i 

ENTERPRISES 

I 

I 

K 

| 

n 

t 

5436 Harford Rd. 

| 

I Baltimore, Md. (21214) g 

I 

i 

BALTIMORE 

iS=gl5Sa3!SS5sa3BgS5sa5Sa5Kl5Sgt3KS3BSSJBa!!S35agS5Sgt3ag5«53Sgt3Bg53Bg5J!5 

GREETINGS 

From the STOWAWAY MOTEL 

('WALTER GETTINGER) 

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 

£!ea^sssieB£!&a;]ga£jss££»:jgs£;gs£isai!gK]3K£S!:!gas&siss£;ga;!esi]sa:ie 

a5Sg552SS5!SS5ag5Sg5:BgS5!K?;!S55=g55a^5!Ki^;S55KS3aS5!aaj5SE3Bg55aSESag65ag55 

BEST WISHES FOR A 

HAPPY and HEALTHY '74 

BOB RAPPAPORT 

(RAPPAPORT THEATRES) 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 

K)8:£iga:)SK!g&£!3:îSs:]sa:igs:jgss&K^s:^s:9SKas£)gs:âi3gKJSSigKis&:i; 

S-10 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

BALTIMORE 

BALTIMORE 

I 

I 

All Best Wishes For A 

Happy Holiday Season | | j4uPÛ J4o(ldi 

fpy^ 

SCHWABER 

t WORLD-FARE I 

I 

f 

luud. 

to all my iriends in the industry, 

I 

THEATRES g 

Israel 

Batista—Olivieri 

i 

t 

5 Baltimore. Maryland « 

(Administrator of Operations.) 

Grant Theatres 

Hillendale 

Northwood 

I 

"Season's Greetings" 

1 i 

g To All Our Friends 

| 

I 

I 

g Local— (181) 

I 

i 

I.A.T.S.E. 

g 

I Baltimore, Md. § 

1 

I 

Sa5Sg53agt3S535ag5 55853535153 Sg55Sg5SSg55Ba5ag53ag53aa 

i Greetings i 

t From i 

g 

I 

R/C Theatres 

I 

| 

R Virginia, Maryland, Delaware S 

IS 

5 and Pennsylvania 

s) 

» 

2 » 

K Executive Offices * 

i 19 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 

| 

t Baltimore, Md. 21201 | 

I 

I 

| 

1045 Taylor Ave. 

1572 Havenwood Rd. 



Season's Greetings 

from 

Cornco Incorporated 

BALTIMORE, MD. 

The Concession Supply and 

Equipment Center 

'Our 28th Year and Growing 

a 

i 

S A MAN NEVER STANDS SO TALL | 

I AS WHEN HE STOOPS TO HELP | 

i A HANDICAPPED CHILD. 

g 

I 

t 

S The heart of show business that g 

a % 

S helps handicapped children. « 

i 

| 

8 ^ 

S Baltimore, Md. 

g 

I Variety Club Tent 19 

i 

Greetings From 

R. T. Marhenke 

Cinema Film Exchange 

428 S. Wolfe St. 


Telephone: NO 5-8368 

and-276-5474 

M 

ssjsfsssgisss 55^55=315855 jaajaasagsjiajsgsjastjsssjsas 

i i i 

i i Happy Holiday Season S 

I 

g ^ 

I 

S R Add to your pleasure and visit the s! 

M 

g 

"Theatre Concession Stand" 

s 

I 

I 

g g Wolsh Theatre Service g 

i S P.O. Box 347 ^ 

I I CockeysviUe, Md. 21030 | 

§ i S 

a 

£a££»£»:)Sssi&a:i0si£S£igK^si)ss&a[^:;£isa:i&si£»; 

BOXOFFICE ;; December 17. 1973 

E-11

. . . R/C's 

BALTIMORE 


ens, 71. died in Denver Monday (3) following 

a stroke. He leaves three daughters, a 

brother, a sister and four grandchildren. 

The following officers were elected for 

1974-75 by lATSE Local 181: Roland 

Bruscup, re-elected president; Donald Miller, 

re-elected business agent; Chester Towers, 

re-elected treasurer; Walter Rohoblt, 

elected secretary, succeeding John Griffin, 

and. to the board of trustees, James Amos. 

Dan Flanagan and Edward Smith. Sergeantat-arms 

is Ronald Broseker. 

Mrs. Robert Nethen, wife of the president 

of Claude Neon Signs, entered Johns 

Hopkins Hospital Tuesday (4) and has recovered 

from surgery. She was released Friday 

The mother of Mrs. Susan 

(7) . . . Nijak. clerk-typist for R/C Theatres in the 

BALTIMORE 

office here, entered Bon Secours Hospital 

Tuesday (4). She has been undergoing various 

tests. 

Irwin Cohen, head of R/C Theatres, announced 

that the circuit's Capitol Theatre 

in Danville, Va., has reopened after extensive 

refurbishment. Dave Knight, district 

manager, supervised the updating project 

Aaron Seidler and Mrs. Seidler 

spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta. 

Ga., with their son Joseph and daughterin-law 

. . . R/C vice-president and general 

manager Mike Hession visited his home in 

Chestertown during the holiday, visiting his 

parents and relatives . . . The R/C circuit 

now has 50 screens, with the opening of 

the Capitol in Danville, Va. 

R/C Theatres screened K-Tel's "Mister 

Superinvisible" Saturday (8) at the general 

1 / ^ 

t from I 

t 

' 

t THE TOWSON THEATRE I 

i 

^ 

8 YORK TID. AT HUTZLERS § 

1 i 

i Out Holiday Attraction 1 

1 ^ 

U JULIE DONALD § 

^ "^ 

^ 

g CHRISTIE SUTHERLAND | 

i 

^ "DON'T 

LOOK NOW" ^ | 

I 

offices. 19 West Mount Royal Ave. . . . 

Mrs. Sareba Maslow. secretary to Irwin 

Cohen, head of R/C, reports that the circuit's 

offices have been expanded . . . 

Joseph Liberto next spring will celebrate his 

nine-year anniversary as a manager for 

Schwaber World-Fare's 5-West and 7-East 

theatres. 

John Nethen, secretary-treasurer of 

Claude Neon Signs, announced that the 

company is planning a Christmas dinnerparty 

for employees and wives Friday (21) 

at the Friendship International Inn. The 

firm is installing new signs for the Camelot 

Theatre in the Delco Plaza as well as putting 

up holiday decorations for various municipalities. 

Irving Goldberg Heading 

Allied Equipment Sales 

PHILADELPHIA — Allied Theatre 

Equipment Co.. with offices in Philadelphia 

and Baltimore, announced the appointment 

of Irving Goldberg as head of its sales department. 

Goldberg long has been associated 

with the theatre equipment industry in the 

Philadelphia 

area. 

Allied now services theatres in Pennsylvania, 

New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, 

Washington, D.C., Virginia and West Virginia. 

Goldberg will headquarter in the 

Philadelphia office but will handle sales 

for both offices, covering all seven states. 

Any theatre owner desiring any information 

or help from Goldberg may contact 

him by calling (collect) (215) 567- 

2047 in the Philadelphia area or (301) 

235-2747 in the Baltimore area. Goldberg 

also may be contacted by writing him at 

the company's Philadelphia office: Allied 

Theatre Equipment Co., 155-157 North 

12th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107. 

BALTIMORE 

BALTIMORE 

I Season's Greetings i 

a 

i 

t 

I 

RON 

From 

FREEDMAN 

;^ 

| 

HAPPY 

HOLIDAYS 

From 

Maryland 

Display 

Service 

Al Zlatin 

1800 Worcester St. 


727-5542 

^SK55ag?5aSE sags 583 !!S55ag?5asS5agi!aas;asg^ sag? 5aglS 

i 1 

I Season's Greetings | 

I 

i 

K Caplan Bros. Glass Co. i 

« I 

I 207 N. CENTRAL AVE. 

I BALTIMORE, MD. 21202 

I (301) 27G-2700 

GLASS FOR EVERY PURPOSE 

I 

MIRRORS, TOPS, 

I 

REPLACEMENTS 

I 

t 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

g 

i 

E-12 


Family Plan Inaugurated 

At South Hills Theatre 

PinSBURGH—A trcqucntly discussed 

ciinimvcrsial subject is family or G-r;Ued 

film entertainment vs. the idea that many 

theatres play only adult films. The South 

Hills Theatre. 3075 West Liberty Ave., 

Pittsburgh, has solved this family-entertainment 

crisis. In fact, not only has it .solved 

the immediate problem but James Baker, 

owner of the theatre, has done something 

about the admission price. 

Along with inaugurating a new stageshow 

and movie policy. Baker has introduced 

theatregoing on the "family plan." This plan 

will be a\'ailable for Saturday and Sunday 

matinees during the live stageshow performance 

of "The Look of Christmas" and the 

showing of the film "Camelot." 

The family plan provides that, with two 

adult admissions, children under 12 are 

admitted for only $1 (maximum of five 

children). The regular admission for the 

stageshow and film is $4 for adults and $2 

for children. 

WASHE^GTON 

WASHINGTON 

paul Rolh, president of national NATO 

and president of Silver Spring-based 

Roth Theatres, returned from three days of 

meetings in New York with various national 

committee heads and officers. Among topics 

discussed were assistance for small-town 

theatres, trade practices and legal affairs, he 

said. The NATO president also told Boxoffice 

that the association is developing a 

major policy for dealing with the energy 

shortage, based on governmental guidelines. 

It is hoped that theatrical film entertainment 

may be pursued as an energy-saving 

medium. Roth expects to spend the Yuletide 

at home and at the end of January will 

travel to Dallas. Tex., to speak before exhibitors 

and their guests. 

The nation's film critics from coast to 

coast. 30 in all. chose 39 personal favorite 

features which comprise the American Film 

Institute's "Critics' Choice" series, which 

will run through January 16 at the AFI 

Theatre in Kennedy Center. Local critics 

polled by AFI and their choices are: Gary 

Arnold, Post, Robert Siodmak's "Crimson 

Pirate" (WB) and Clivc Brook's "On Approval" 

(Contemporary Films); Tom Shales, 

Post. Jerry Skolimowski's "Deep End" 

(Para); Donia Mills, Star-News, William 

Wylcr's "The Collector" (Col), and Frank 

Getlein. Star-News. Alexander Mackendrick's 

"Man in the White .Suit" (Contemporary 

Films). The other critics polled are; 

Jay Cocks. Time; Paul Zimmerman, Newsweek; 

Arthur Knight; Paine Knickerbocker. 

San Francisco Chronicle; Charles Champlin. 

Los Angeles Times; Vincent Canby, New 

York Times; Stanley Kauffman. the New 

Republic; Judith Crist. New York Magazine; 

Arthur Schlesinger jr.. Vogue; Rex 

Reed. Chicago Tribune/ New York Daily 

News; Bruce Williamson. Playboy; Bruce 

(Continued on page E- 1 6) 

WASHINGTON 


from the staff 

of 

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WASHINGTON 

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WASHINGTON 

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Samuel N. Wheeler Ross S. Wheeler 

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From 

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MURRAY BAKER—Central Division Manager 

MARGE BAKER—Office Manager 

WASHINGTON, CINCINNATI, 

INDIANAPOLIS 

*»«ii»ftiB*^^!»s^l»si»i^stf!i» 'i!>l»'tm Xii»Xiit^ 

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from 

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Elmer, Elmer, Jr., Bob, and the whole crew 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17. 1973 

E-15

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Cook, National Observer: Jon Landau. Rolling 

Stone; Molly Haskell, Village Voice; 

Andrew Sarris, Village Voice; Roger Greenspun, 

Penthouse: Addison Verrill, Variety: 

Richard Corliss, Film Comment: Mollis Alport, 

.Saturday Review/World; John Simon, 

the New Leader: Louis Sweeney, Christian 

Science Monitor: Joseph Gelmis, Newsday: 

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times; Stephen 

Farbsr; Ernest Callenbach, Film Quarterly, 

and Richard Roud. Most popular directors 

proved to be Ernst Lubitsch and Richard 

Lester. Three films from each are being 

shown. 

Donna Liftman, National General branch 

manager, said January 18 is the target date 

for the local exchange to "go out of business." 

It is expected that by that time the 

transfer of films and other material to 

Warner Bros, will be finalized. 

Don King, president and operator of the 

Town Theatre Group, has sold the Key 

Theatre, a 357-seater built in Georgetown 

about five years ago, to David Levy, lawyerexhibitor-distributor, 

effective January 1. 

Levy is the sole distributor here of New 

Line Cinema and has the distribution rights 

to Alan Bates' "King of Hearts" in this 

city, in Virginia and in Maryland, he said. 

King's group now consists of the Town 1 

and 2 and the Penn theatres. 

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Universal's "American Graffiti," after 16 

weeks at Loews' Embassy, according to 

manager Cherie Williams, was a "sellout 

until it left" and was booked into four 

neighborhoods — Beltway, Pike, Capital 

Plaza and Vienna. Avco Embassy's "The 

Day of the Dolphin" arrives at the Embassy 

Thursday (20). 

William Zoetis, 20th Century-Fo.\ branch 

chief, screened for exhibitors "The Seven- 

Ups" at MiPAA Monday (10). It was sneaked 

in three periphery theatres. Roth's Silver 

Spring East and Americana and K-B's 

Bethesda, Saturday (8). Philip D'Antoni, 

director of "The Seven-Ups," as well as 

"The French Connection" and "Bullitt," 

was here Monday (3). He said he believed 

it was "sort of a universal fetish" for 

moviegoers to "just love" car-smashing 

scenes "as long as metal is touching metal." 

D'Antoni's next picture concerns a revolution 

where the "police play no part at all." 

His "The Seven-Ups" opens Friday (21) in 

seven area theatres. 

Seymour Berman, United Artists branch 

manager, tradescreened "Billy Two Hats" 

at MPAA Friday (7) . . . Nat Shore, coowner 

of the Aspin Hill 1 and 2, said he 

celebrated his 40th (?) birthday Saturday 

(8). He added he's not claiming to be any 

older. Tex Fisher of his managerial staff 

lectured to students at Georgetown University 

on "The Establishment, Operation, 

Design and Construction of Modern Multiple 

Theatres." 

The energy squeeze, apparently, is being 

recognized in the White House motion picture 

theatre, where the First Family privately 

views films. It has been observed that 

robes have been placed over the theatre 

chairs. 

WASHINGTON 

K!glss5^:gE sags !sa;a5i5 sags5SS5SK^s;Si5agEs:ajaas!a3a^ 


from your friends at 

PARAMOUNT 

ALEXANDRIA, VA. 

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MARTY KUTNER 

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Eastern Sales Manager g 

GEORGE KELLY 

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Branch Manager 

^ 

JACK HOWE 

I 

Office Manager-Head Booker § 

i 

E-IB BOXOFFICE :; December 17. 1973

1 

— 

— 

—— 

I 

I 

— 

— 

— 

—— 

— 

— 

— 

Baltimore Has 37 Movie 

Theatres; Once Had 139 

BALTIMORE — James Jones, onc-limc 

ad film employee, recently authored an article 

titled ""When Movies Showed the Commercials." 

which was published by the Sun 

Magazine section of the Baltimore Sun. Recalling 

many details of exhibition through 

the years, Jones wrote as follows: 

"Within Baltimore today there are 37 

motion picture theatres. Fifty years ago the 

movies—soundless and filmed in not very 

compatible black and white—were the newest 

entertainment fad and in the same local 

area then there were 130 or more houses, 

to say nothing of many theatres in suburban 

neighborhoods. 

Remembers Ten Theatres 

"Between Baltimore Street and the front 

of Broadway there were ten theatres. There 

were six in the East Baltimore Street block. 

Lexington Street had six between Charles 

and Howard streets and two more just a bit 

farther west. Pennsylvania Avenue had 1 

from Franklin Street to North Avenue and 

Columbia Avenue (now Washington Boulevard) 

had five from Fremont Avenue to the 

B&O tracks. 

"There were so many theatres in town 

that every time a new one was built the 

owner was hard put to find a distinctive 

name for it. There were the usual theatre 

names taken from the streets or avenues on 

which they were located. Others were named 

for the communities they served, while 

still others identified with nearby plazas, 

parks and other landmarks. 

"Celebrities figured prominently in the 

names of Baltimore theatres. For example, 

the Roosevelt (the rough rider, not FDR), 

Washington, Douglas, Lord Baltimore, Lord 

Calvert, Lincoln, New Peabody, Dunbar 

Gertrude McCoy and McHenry. Traditional 

names, related to the general field of entertainment, 

included the Children's, Comedy, 

Excelsior, Goodtime, Family, Ideal, Idlehour, 

Pastime. Pictorial, Picture Garden, 

Realart and Solax theatres. 

Partial to Regal Names 

"The names associated with royalty were 

pretty well used up locally by such theatres 

as the Regent, Queen. Princess. Crown. Majestic. 

Palace and Royal. And so were regional 

patriotic references—American, Capitol, 

Colonial. Dixie. Flag and Liberty. 

"In addition, there were houses named 

for their founders or owners—such as 

Schanze's and Lubin's theatres—and many 

which took their titles out of literature and 

mythology—the Aladdin, Apollo, -Aurora, 

Elektra and Eureka. Others got their names 

out of our natural surroundings or from 

sheer whimsey—the Blue Mouse. Bunny. 

Eagle. Daisy and Clover or the Star. Flaming 

Arrow, New Crescent, Sunset and Rainbow. 

"I got to know most of these theatres 

well in the early 1920s. At 14. I went to 

work as office and errand boy for a public 

accounting firm in the Park Bank Building 


Serp/W 620 ot NY Forum and 550 

At Baronet for Composite 585 Bow 

NEW YORK — -Serpico," the week's 

only newcomer, rolled up an impressive 585 

for its first combined week at the Baronet 

and Forum theatres, thereby easily running 

away with No. 1 grossing honors as most 

theatres were marking time until the holidays 

with holdovers or re-runs. "The Long 

Goodbye" (265), "The Resurrection of Eve" 

(220), "The New Land" (200), -Five on the 

Black Hand Side" (190 in a combined Cinerama 

and RKO 86th Street Twin II booking) 

followed in that order on the ranking 

list. 

(Average Is 100) 

Baronet Serpico (Para) 550 

Cine—Ash Wednesday (Para), 3rd wk 230 

Cinema Meon Streets (WB), 8th wk 165 

Cinerama Five on the Block Hand Side (UA), 

7th wk '60 

Columbia The Paper Chose ;20th-Fox), 

8th wk '40 

Columbia II Breezy (Univ), 3rd wk 50 

Coronet— Executive Action (NGP), 4th wk '90 

86th Street East Hurry Up or I'll Be 30 

(Emb) 4th wk '00 

Festival— Don Quixote 1 '5 

(Cont'l), 5th wk 

Fine Arts Ooy for Night (WB), 9th wk 185 

Forum—Serpico (Para) 620 

Little Carnegie The New Land (WB), 6t-h wk. ..200 

Paris England Mode Me (Cineglobe), 3rd wk. . . . ' 30 

Penthouse Battle of the Amazons (AlP), 

3rd wk 60 

Plaza Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams 

(Col), 7th wk '70 

Radio City Music Hall Robin Hood (BV), 

5th wk '85 

Lose That 'Cold' Feeling 

By Going to a Theatre 

PHILADELPHIA — Claude 

Schlanger. 

head of the Budco circuit, which operates 

50 theatres in the Philadelphia area, says 

that "the way to keep warm this winter 

is to go to the movies a lot." 

"When a theatre is filled," Schlanger 

points out, "you don't heat it at all, even 

in freezing weather. In fact, you have to 

bring in fresh air from the outside to keep 

it from getting too hot. Now we're not always 

so fortunate as to have a full hou,se 

but think of the fuel we'd save if we were. 

We'd hardly use any all winter." 

Schlanger explained that each patron 

represents a "small furnace set at 98.6 degrees." 

Therefore, a crowd of 1,000 would, 

indeed, be quite a heating plant! 

The same sentiment was echoed by the 

head of the 35-unit SamEric circuit, Mert 

Shapiro. He agreed that the conservationminded, 

public-spirited thing for everyone 

to do this winter is to see a lot of movies. 

"We're really not sure what shortages 

will mean to us just yet," Shapiro said, "but 

once you start thinking about this thing, 

you can do a lot without much trouble. 

Our managers used to leave the thermostat 

at 70 or so all the time. But now they're 

turning them down to about 50 when they 

close. It's no hardship. A theatre is in use 

only about 12 hours a day." 

Budco managers, according to Schlanger, 

are changing light bulbs in theatres to lower 

wattages. "They're replacing 25-watt bulbs 

with 15s and 60s with 40s and so on," he 

said. "In our drive-ins we have somebody 

go over to make sure a heater is turned off 

RKO 86th Street Twin I— Bottle of the Amazons 

(AlP), 3rd wk 80 

RKO 86fh Street Twin II Five on the Black 

Hand Side (UA), 7th wk 220 

68th Street Playhouse The French Conspiracy 

(Cineglobe), 4th wk 100 

Stote II Ash Wednesdoy (Paroi, 3rd wk '05 

Sutton ^Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Paro), 

7th wk 50 

34th Street East Hurry Up or I'll Be 30 

(Emb), 4th wk 65 

Trans-Lux East The Long Goodbye (UA), 

7th wk 265 

World The Resurrection of Eve (Mitchell), 

9th wk 220 

'Le Sex Shop' Regains 

No. 1 Status in 11th Week 

BALTIMORE—"Le Sex Shop" bobbed 

back to the top of the first-run list after 

yielding for several weeks to other attractions. 

This time the Playhouse feature, in 

its llth week, grossed 140—30 points 

ahead of three films which tied for runnerup 

honors. 

II, Poramount Cops ond Robbers (UA), 

Cinema 

2nd wk. "0 

5 West, Mini-Flick—Jeremy (UA), 4th wk 110 

Glen Burnie Mall The Deadly Trackers (WB), 

2nd wk 2^ 

Playhouse— Le Sex Shop (SR), I 'th wk '40 

Westview 1, Patterson Executive Action (NGP), 

' 

2nd wk 

Westview il—The Way We Were (Col), 4th wk. 

'^^ 

."0 

Westview III, Towson Jonothan Livingston 

Seagull (Para), 3rd wk ' = 

Westview IV 

5th wk 

The Paper Chase (20th-Fox), 

.'00 

as soon as a car pulls out." 

Reminisced Schlanger, "We used to leave 

the downtown theatre marquees lit up lall 

day. Now, we're just lighting a little bit, 

to show the theatre's open up till dusk, and 

then turning all the marquee lights on 

when it gets dark." 

Schlanger said he hoped the city wouldn't 


NEW YORK CITY 

Happy Holiday 

From 

The Gang at 

JOE HORNSTEIN. INC. 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

New York 

SPECIALISTS 

Florida 

:s£s:â:&ss^si^K£»)^£^!&s£J^â:iSs:)Ss£)gss£ 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 E-17

BROADWAY 

glXTY-THREE FEATURE FILMS were 

shot, at least partially, in the New 

York City area this year, according to 

Christine Conrad, the lively gal in charge 

of the mayor's coordinating office for motion 

pictures. This represents a 16 per cent 

increase over previous years. The highest 

previous number had been 49 films in 1969. 

Of those filmed here, a significant number 

were of the crime-and-cop-thrillers genre, 

including "The Stone Killers," "Gordon's 

War," "Serpico" and the upcoming "The 

Seven-Ups" and "The Super Cops." Other 

NEW YORK CITY 

"The Way We Were," "Sum- 

films include 

mer Wishes, Winter Dreams," "Badge 373," 

the forthcoming Barbra Streisand film "For 

Pete's Sake" and "The Great Gatsby." 

Among those films scheduled to be shot 

here in coming months are Paramount's 

"Sheila Levine," "The Godfather-Part 11" 

and United Artists' thriller about a subway 

car hijack, "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3." 

Walt Disney and the Radio City Music 

Hall continue to be good for each other. 

I he Music Hall's current attraction, "Robin 

Hood." has established the all-time one-day 

record for a gross— on Saturday (8). In 

hopes of continuing this happy relationship, 

the Music Hall has hooked another Disney 

film. "Superdad." to follow "Robin Hood" 

around February 4. 

• 

A second Sunshine Coach has been 

pledged by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Picker 

and will be presented by the Variety Club 

of New York early in 1974 to the New 

York chapter of the Ass'n for the Help 

of Retarded Children. This will be the 12th 

of the Sunshine Coaches pledged by Tent 

35 during the year and will be the fifth 

NEW YORK CITY 

?®=rs 

^Mme ^ ^^leui êa/i in "^974 

THOMAS & SHIPP FILMS. INC. 

110 W. 18th St. 

Kansas City, Missouri 64108 

(816) 421-1692 

Mary Hayalip 

Bob Mauss 

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lohn Shipp 

Ken Heard 

Louise Hoeming 

Wilma Martin 

Serving the exchange areas oi Kansas City. 

St. Louis. Des Moines and Omaha 

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Kansas City. Missouri 64108 

DAVID SHIPP 

General Manager 

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BETTY BURDICK 

Inspectress 

% i JôlldcLu L^reetinaS I I êadon d LureetLinad 9' 

To All Our Friends in the 

Motion Picture Business 

AUDUBON FILMS 

850 7th Avenue New York. N.Y. 

Radley Metzger Ava Leighton 

Executive Director Gen'l. Soles Mgr. 

SEATING CORP. OF NEW YORK g 

(Neva-Bum Prod.) \ 

247 Water Street 

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 

CLIFF HOLDEN 

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630 9th Ave. 

BEN PERSE 

PLaza 7-4510 

HARRY PERSE 

S To All Our Friends in the 

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Film Industry 

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Allen Bazzini, Rosily Bazzini, Lloyd Mertz 

Unisphere Releasing Corp. 

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E-18 


disirihuted to an AHRC chapter during the 

fiscal year. Picker is chairman of the Sunshine 

Coach committee for Variet\ Clubs 

International. 

• 

New York's Aniinaled Film Festival 

moves into its second session at the Loch 

Center in New York University January 

9-12. The festival was started in November 

1972 and is devoted solely to spotlighting 

the animated film, he it a short, feature, 

made-for-TV film, foreign movie or film 

for advertising purposes. Among the highlights 

of this year's festival will he tributes 

to the great Czech puppet filmmaker, Jiri 

Trnka, the Japanese creator Yoji Kuri and 

several 

others. 

• 

Long projected but only now getting an 

official go-ahead is a sequel to "Funny 

Girl." the movie that made a film star out 

of Barbra Streisand. To be named "Funny 

Lad\." this sequel also will star Ms. Streisand 

and will be produced by Ray Stark. 

The story is expected to detail the life of 

singer-comedienne Fanny Brice after "Funny 

Girl" and will deal with her second 

marriage to entrepreneur Billy Rose. 

• 

Actress Anna Karina is in New York to 

present her first motion picture as a director. 

Titled "Living Together," it is being 

shown Monday (17) as part of the International 

Critics Week at the Museum of 

Modern Art. Ms. Karina also plays the 

leading role in the film. 

• 

Joseph Green Pictures, a production firm 

in New York, has acquired PromPix, which 

will serve as the advertising and marketing 

arm of Green's company. It will work with 

subdistributors, exhibitors and media outlets 

in setting audio-video campaigns for such 

upcoming Green releases as "Blade." 

• 

The world premiere engagements of 20th 

Century-Fo.x's "The Laughing Policeman," 

starring Walter Matthau and Bruce Dern, 

will begin Thursday (20) at the National 

Theatre on Broadway aiul the Beekman 

Theatre on the east side. The attraction wilt 

open simultaneously in Los Angeles. Produced 

and directed by Stuart Rosenberg, 

"The Laughing Policeman" was filmed entirely 

on location in San Francisco in De- 

Lu.xe Color. 

• 

With a number of the big new Christmas 

releases not scheduled to bow in the metropolitan 

area until Tuesday (25) or Wednesday 

(26), openings have been down 

to a trickle lately. Paramount's big supernatural 

thriller, "Don't Look Now." debuted 

Sunday (9) at the Sutton, while Avco 

Embassy's "Happy New Year" started Wednesday 

(12) at the Festival. Opening Sunday 

(16) at the Columbia I and Embassy 

was "Cinderella Liberty." Thursday (13) 

saw the start of "Henry VIII and His Six 

Wives" at the 86th Street East and "Alfredo, 

Alfredo" begins Monday (17) at the Plaza. 

"Papillon" also opens Monday (17) at the 

State I, Orpheum and Tower East, while 

"Sleeper" will be unveiled Wednesday (16) 

(Continued on next page) 

High Admissions, 

Big Movies on TV 

Cited as Causing Attendance Drop 

PITTSBURGH—An article in the Press 

November 18 asked the question "Why 

aren't people going to the movies more 

often'.'" and then drama editor Edward L. 

Blank suugesled several possible reasons 

why more than three dozen good-to-cxcellent 

movies this year have failed to score 

at the boxoffice in Pittsburgh. He suggested 

that admission prices, big movies turning 

up on TV, parking, abundant recreation on 

college campuses and bad conduct of theatres 

may have had an effect. 

Ten days later Blank said that several 

readers had responded to the question, 

agreeing with some reasons mentioned by 

the Press and also adding some of their own. 

A cross-section sample of the readers' comments 

were published in Blanks' column as 

follows: 

$6 Causes Hesitation 

"J. Hall of Mars writes: So many evenings, 

the first choice of my friends and I 

is a movie but we pass on to other activities 

because we are reluctant to spend $6 a couple 

for a 'pig in a poke.' This is a goodly 

sum. which we don't mind spending if we 

know what we're getting." 

According to Blank, the latter part of 

Mars' remarks is "a recurring theme in the 

letters and conversation with moviegoers. 

Almost no one simply 'goes to the movies" 

anymore. Unlike in the pre-TV era, most 

of today's audiences want to be nearly certain 

they'll like a picture before they spend 

the time and money to see it. Unknown 

quantities arc virtually doomed." 

The next letter, from Marianne Devaney. 

15, of Upper St. Clair, said: "I love movies 

but of all you mentioned in the article, I 

saw exactly two. I can't go downtown to see 

these films because I can't drive and my 

mom hates the traffic in town. She won't 

let me ride the bus or trolley because she 

doesn't think they are very safe. 

Moviegoers "Must Be Rich' 

"Also. I am not rich and that's what you 

have to be to go to the movies anymore. 

Three dollars per person is ridiculous and 

downtown isn't the only place where this 

much is charged sometimes. I can't even 

expect my boyfriend to take me to the 

movies once a week at those prices. 

"Thirdly, the 

rating system. A few of my 

friends' parents are scared, confused or just 

don't trust the rating system. Another thing 

that often happens is that if a movie's downtown 

run wasn't sf)ectacular. the neighborhood 

theatres don't even give it a chance. 

Before I could scrape up the money to see 

'.\ Warm December.' it was gone. 

"One last complaint I have is that some 

other movies stay too long. Two examples 

I can cite are "The Godfather.' which stayed 

at the Village the entire summer of 1972. 

and "Last Tango in Paris,' which stayed 

most of the summer of '73." 

Mrs. Frank Marhefka, from east of Pittsburgh, 

stated: "Perhaps the movies you 

mentioned would have made more money 

if they had gotten more exposure outside 

the city and its suburbs. 

"Probably the main problem is in the 

distribution more than the admission prices. 

There are a whole lot of us who can afford 

it because our children are raised and we 

don't have the babysitting costs the young 

marrieds have. 

"I love outdoor theatres and would go 

often but I just don't care for monsters, horrors, 

motorcycles and triple-bill X movies." 

Said Blank: "Mrs. Marhefka is correct 

assuming any movie is bound to make 

in 

more money the longer it stays in play but 

what gets played at all is what makes money 

and with rare exceptions a movie's boxoffice 

performance tends to be consistent. 

If a film doesn't do well in its first week, 

chances are almost nil it will improve in 

the second. The boxoffice generally drops 

off from 20 to 50 per cent each week. Those 

which hold steadily or drop gradually . . . 

are rare. Finally, drive-ins tend to play the 

same films at the same time as neighborhood 

theatres. Horror flicks, teenage-oriented 

films and X movies do proportionally 

better outdoors than in. Slipshod X films 

consistently perform better at drive-ins than 

all but the biggest 'regular' movies." 

A letter by C. Y. of North St. Clair Street 

contained the following remarks: "What 

happens to movies once they are shown in 

first-run and neighborhood theatres? There 

are dozens I wanted to see but missed because 

I was busy or out of town. I kept 

looking for reruns of 'The Damned.' "Rocco 

and His Brothers.' 'The Discreet Charm of 

the Bourgeoisie.' "Roma.' "Electra Glide in 

Blue' and "Death in Venice.' 

""They seem to have b

— 

BROADWAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

at the Coronet and Little Carnegie. 

• 

Columbia Pictures' "Siddhartha" made a 

special return to New York in showcase 

theatres throughout the metropolitan area 

Wednesday (12). Originally released here 

during the past summer. "Siddhartha" enjoyed 

a long and much-heralded run both 

in Manhattan and throughout the five 

boroughs. The entire production was filmed 

on location in India. 

Other Wednesday (12) showcase openings 

included "The Wcry We Were" (fourth 

week). "Billy Jack" (eighth week). "Harry 

in Your Pocket" and "Deadly China Doll," 

"Sssssss" and "High Plains Drifter" and 

"Swingin' Models" (second week). 

Baltimore Has 37 Movie 

Theatres; Once Had 139 


at Lexington and Liberty streets. Later we 

moved into the Lexington Building, where 

our office rented desk space to John W. 

Walton, owner of the Ad Film Service Co. 

This business supplied the filmed advertising 

matter for movie screens. 

"When the accounting firm was transferred 

out of town, I stayed on with Walton 

at a salary increase of $1—which brought 

me up to $7 a week, plus carfare. 

"The commercials flashed on movie 

screens covered Baltimore the way a local 

TV commercial reaches the whole town 

these days. It just took us a bit longer. The 

standard filmed ad was 50 seconds long, 

cartoon animations or motion pictures of 

live actors, and if there was any dialog it 

was spelled out, for this was long before 

movies had sound. If an advertiser wanted 

to go all-out with a full-color ad, the film 

had to be colored by hand. 

"The standard package of ads was six, 

which provided a five-minute run, and the 

minimum contract was for 13 weeks. The 

ads were for such products and services as 

Kolb's Bread, Mead's Wholesome Bread, 

hot-air furnaces, milk, dry cleaning, women's 

hosiery and the like. Each ad package 

ran for a week at each theatre. It was my 

job, every Monday, to retrieve the cans of 

ad films which had been returned to the 

company's central film exchange, rewind 

them, splice them wherever necessary and 

get them out to the theatres which would 

use them next. 

"The downtown theatres were close 

enough together for quick delivery but theatres 

in the outskirts ran from Morrell Park 

to Highlandtown and from Mount Washington 

to Curtis Bay. Because many of these 

theatres didn't open until 6 p.m., it took 

some tricky planning for me to get all the 

advertising film delivered by showtime. I 

traveled by street car. 

'The job had its fringe benefits. One of 

my duties was to attend movies here and 

there as I chose to make sure the houses 

ran the ads they were paid to run. Most 

of the neighborhood houses charged a dime. 

The big movies downtown charged a quarter 

for matinees and 40 cents at night. My 

sister, now Mrs. Anna May Rapp, was a 

waitress at the time at the Box Tree Inn, a 

tearoom and restaurant on Charles Street. 

Often we'd meet after work, hustle over 

to the New Theatre before 8 p.m. and pay 

a quarter apiece (day rates) to see a firstrun 

show. 

"Priscilla Dean was a great favorite in 

those early years. So were the Gish sisters, 

Dorothy and Lillian. And those wonderful 

adventures and shenanigans of Douglas 

Fairbanks, Monte Blue, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, 

Harold Lloyd, Tom Mix, William 

S. Hart, Hoot Gibson and Charlie Chaplin! 

"I left my movie job after a couple of 

years and worked and studied until I became 

a certified public accountant. Today 

I enjoy the excellent on TV 

entertainment 

but after 50 years the movies still have a 

fascination for me. My wife and I go to 

quite a few of them." 

Theatre Attendance 

Fall-Ofi Studied 


cartoon, a newsreel and a short subject or 

travelog. 

This letter-writer received this reply from 

Blank: "Two theatres in the district feature 

reruns of older, good films regularly—the 

Guild and the Playhouse. 'Roma' was at the 

Guild again recently with 'Satyricon.' But 

the days are long gone when a movie's playoff 

will take it from neighborhood to neighborhood, 

week after half-week, appearing 

in an assortment of double bills. The trend 

now is to saturation bookings, whereby 12 

or more theatres book a film the same week 

and split additional advertising expenses." 

Charlotte Jackson of Turtle Creek had 

a word to add about manners: " 'Scarecrow' 

was an excellent movie but a couple behind 

me talked, giggled and chomped popcorn 

(it must have been five pounds worth) 

throughout. A true movie lover will pay the 

admission price IF peace and quiet are guaranteed. 

"I missed many of the movies you mentioned 

ONLY because of the fear of sitting 

near obnoxious ienoramuses." 

Lose That 'Cold' Feeling 

By Going to a Theatre 


darken the streets, however. That would 

increase people's fear of going to downtown 

movies at night "and we have enough 

trouble with that already." 

Said Shapiro, "You might think gas 

shortages would keep people from going to 

the movies. But the American way is to 

jump in the car and go somewhere when 

things are bad. They say you can't keep 

a good woman—or a bad woman for all 

that matter—home seven days a week no 

matter what. If you take her to the movies, 

that's two hours you don't have to talk to 

her if you don't like her." 

State in Harrisburg 

Sold, Will Be Razed 

HARRISBURG, PA. — The shuttered 

State Theatre, which presented its last showing 

Sunday night, November 25, will be 

razed to make way for a $2.5 million office 

complex. The theatrical landmark, which 

began by presenting vaudeville productions 

in the 1920s and reached its zenith by becoming 

THE theatre in Harrisburg, was sold 

by Fabian Management Co. to the Pennsylvania 

Rural Electric Ass'n. The last film 

exhibited at the State was an X-rated motion 

picture, "Lunch." 

Earl Miller, known to his friends as 

"Hoppy," had been with the State and its 

sister theatre, the Colonial since 1928, according 

to the Harrisburg News. An article 

in the News also stated: "Joseph Griffin 

is considerably younger. At 20, he's been 

the State's manager for five months but 

has been in the theatre business since he 

was 14. The young and old. They view the 

closing of the State from different generations 

with one common denominator 

love. 

First Runs to Suburbs 

"Griffin believes that the movie business 

is moving out to the suburbs because 

distributors are keen on having their films 

shown in theatres outside the city proper. 

"The competition in booking is terrific but 

distributors know where they want their 

films to play.' He adds, "The classier films 

supposedly draw the suburban audiences 

and that's where they go.' 

"To Miller there's another reason for 

decline of downtown theatres—the decline 

of the city. 'The business just isn't there 

anymore. We could play "Snow White" and 

we wouldn't do any business, so it's not 

just the X-rated films.' 

"The aura of the 'name star' was a big 

factor in contributing to the popularity of 

the State at its peak. That, too, is gone. 'It 

used to be we had stars—Bette Davis, Joan 

Crawford. Cary Grant, etc.—and people 

came in to see them. No more,' Miller said. 

"Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald 

would line up people 'around the block,' 

Miller noted. 'These X-rated films. When 

they went for the X rating, they went for 

the fast buck but they lost their regular 

audience along the way,' Miller added. 

50 Years of Memories 

"Fifty years of memories: Bette Davis 

starring in 'Dangerous." Mae West in 'Klondike 

Annie.' Al Jolson crooning 'I Love ta 

Singa' in 'The Singing Kid.' 'Birth of a 

Nation,' 'Ben-Hur,' 'The Robe" and 'Jesus 

Christ Superstar.' Visits by Mitzi Gaynor, 

Broderick Crawford, Vera Miles and Larry 

Parks. A jitterbug and bobby-sox jamboree 

in 1952. Mickey Mouse party. The Nescafe 

bar. Open-toed shoes and padded shoulders. 

Did every woman look like Joan Crawford'.' 

"Fifty years of memories. Fifty years of 

entertaining. Fifty years of voices. Now 

silence." 

£•20 BOXOFFICE :; December 17, 1973

— 

— 

— 

—— 

— 

— 

— 

WB), 

— 

A. P. Chamie Heading 

WG-Ind. Health Fund 

HOllAVVOOD -- AH red P. Chamie. 

vice-president and secretary of the Ass'n of 

Motion Picture & Television Producers, will 

head the board of trustees of the newlyformed 

Writers Guild-Industry Health 

Fund. Establishment of the fund was one 

of the tjrms of the contract negotiated this 

fall between the Writers Guild, the association 

and TV networks. 

Parties to the fund agreement are WGA. 

East: WGA. West; AMPTP. and the three 

TV networks. ABC. CBS. and NBC. 

The new fund supercedes the old Writers 

Guild-Broadcast Industry Health Benefit 

Fund. 

Although details of the fund's operation 

have not yet been completed, it is established 

to provide health and welfare benefits 

to eligible writers and their beneficiaries. 

Officers elected, in addition to Chamie. 

are vice-chairman. Marshall Wortman, 

AMPTP; secretary. James R. Webb. WGA. 

and assistant secretary, Larry Rhine, WGA. 

The term of these initial officers will run 

through Dec. 31. 1973. An election will be 

held again next month to elect officers to 

a one-year term beginning Jan. I. 1974. 

Eighteen trustees and 18 alternate trustees 

have been named to the board, split 

evenly between employer and union representation. 

Trustees named are Chamie. Howard 

Fabrick. Billy H. Hunt. Benjamin B. Kahane. 

Stuart K. Mandel. Orison S. Marden, 

Joseph A. Reilly. Ellie Abrahamson. Richard 

Schonland. Paul Dubov. John T. Dugan. 

Julius J. Epstein. John Gay. David Karp. 

William Ludwig. Robert Pirosh. Larry 

Rhine and James R. Webb. 

Alternate trustees are Leonard Chassman. 

David P. Harmon. Edward Jurist. Irma M. 

Kalish. Brad Radnitz. Donald S. Sanford. 

Robert A. Schiller. Lorenzo Semple jr.. 

Elizabeth Wilson. Gareth R. Hughes. 

Arthur Schaefer. Edwin Perlstcin. Ed Prelock. 

Daniel Slusser. Wortman. Robert Key. 

Vincent Soukup and Bernie Gehan. 

Committee chairmen named are Rhine, 

administrative committee; Webb, benefits 

committee; Wortman. finance committee, 

and Fabrick. legal committee. 

Fund administrative associates will administer 

the fund. 

Filmways Has Net Profit 

Of $L106,000 for Year 

LOS ANGELES—Filmways, Inc., had a 

net profit of $1,106,000, or 50 cents per 

share, for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 

1973. it was announced by Richard L. 

Bloch, chairman of the board and president. 

This compared with a loss of $2,875,000. or 

$1.70 per share, for the prior fiscal year. 

Filmways revenues for 1973 were $54,- 

756,000, as compared to $54,186,000 for 

fiscal 1972. 

Said Bloch, "We know that the performance 

of this year has created the base and 

the momentum that will enable us to continue 

the upward trend in profits." 

'Entertainment!' Showings 

To Be Benefits for MPTF 

HOLLYWOOD—Daniel Melnick. MGM 

viee-president, production, who is executive 

producer of "That's Entertainment!", a film 

in which Fred Astaire. Sing Crosby. Gene 

Kelly. Peter Lawford. Liza Minnelli, Donald 

O'Connor. Debbie Reynolds, Mickey 

Rooncy. Frank Sinatra and James Stewart 

will appear in special sequences, written, 

produced and directed by Jack Haley jr.. 

announced that the premieres of the film 

will benefit the Motion Picture & Television 

Fund. 

"That's Entertainment!" highlights a starspangled 

parade of fabulous performers in 

the greatest moments from the best of the 

MGM musicals, spanning 1929 to 1960 and 

literally running the range from A ("An 

American in Paris") to Z ( "Ziegfeld Follies"). 

More than 200 motion pictures from 

MGM's unexcelled library of film favorites 

were screened in the course of selecting the 

material for the movie. 

AFI Award Dinner to Be 

Produced by Paul Keyes 

LOS ANGELES—Paul W. Keyes will 

produce the American Film Institute Life 

Achievement Award Dinner honoring James 

Cagney March 13, to be held in the International 

Ballroom of the Century-Plaza 

Hotel, it was announced by AFI director 

George Stevens jr. The event will be taped 

and broadcast as a CBS-TV special March 

18. 

Stevens will be executive producer of 

the dinner, the second of its kind given by 

the AFI. Ted Ashley and Sue Taurog will 

be co-chairmen of the dinner and Keyes also 

will be head writer for the Cagney tribute. 

The Life Achievement Award was established 

by the AFI board of trustees. The recipient 

is chosen for the whole body of his 

contribution to American film by a committee 

consisting of Ted Ashley, Barry 

Diller, William Friedkin and David Mallery, 

.AFI hoard of trustees members. 

Theatre Debut Delayed 

TRACY. CALIF.—Vern Hanson, owner 

of the new Holiday Theatre Building on 

West 11th Street, announced in late November 

that the opening of the showhouse 

would be delayed until January. Seats and 

some equipment did not arrive on schedule, 

although the structure itself virtually is 

complete. Bob Evans will manage the Holiday 

when it opens, Hanson said. In the 

meantime, the Grand Theatre on Central 

Avenue remains closed. 

Golden Globes January 26 

HOLLYWOOD — Steve Lawrence and 

Eydie Gorme will emcee the Hollywood 

Foreign Press Ass'n's 31st annual Golden 

Globe Awards dinner, to be held at the 

International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton 

January 26. The presentation of awards 

will be aired nationally as a special program 

bv Metromedia Television. 

Three LA Topnotchers 

At Avco Cinema Trio 

LOS ANGELES—Once again Avco Cmema 

Center could boast it was showing the 

metropolitan area's three top first-run grossers: 

"American Graffiti." 535; "The Paper 

Chase." 400; "The Way We Were." 300. 

Elsewhere around the city the strongest 

boxoffice percentages were 230 for "Behind 

the Green Door," which completed its third 

month at the Four Star Theatre, and 200 

for "Breezy," third week at the Regent. All 

other films grossed in the 65 to 150 range. 


ABC Century City 1, Vogue, Monica I— Mossocre 

in Rome (NGP) 65 

Avco Cinema Center 1, Hollywood Cinemo 

The Way We Were (Col), 6th wk 300 

Avco Cjnema Center 2 The Poper Chase 

(20th-Fox), 5tti wk 400 

Avco Cinema Center 3 American Graiffiti 

(Univ), 18fh wk 535 

Bruin Cops and Robbers (UA), 4th wk 80 

Chinese, National Executive Action (NGP), 

4th wk 130 

Cine Cienega ^The Devil in Miss Jones (SR), 

34th wk 

Cinerama Dome The [>on Is Deod (Univ), 

150 

3rd wk 90 

Crest, Pontages Ash Wednesday (Para), 2nd wk. 145 

Fine Arts The New Land (WB), 7th wk 75 

Four Star Behind the Green Door (SR), 12th wk. 230 

Fox—Chorley Vorrick (Univ), 3rd wk 65 

Hollywood The Young Nurses (SR) 75 

Pacific Hollywood— Battle ot the Amazons (AlP), 

2nd wk 65 

Picwood, Los Feliz Siddhartha (Col), 3rd wk. . . 90 

Plaza Mean Streets (WB), 6th wk 125 

Regent Breezy (Univ), 3rd wk 

UA Cinema Center 2 Westworld (MGM), 

200 

6th wk 65 

Villoge Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Pora), 

5th wk 

Wilshire, Los Angeles Karado—The Hong Kong 

90 

Cat (SR) 70 

'Executive Action' Grosses 

165 as Denver Topper 

DENVER—Typical pre-Christmas holidays 

grosses popped up right and left on 

Denver's Barometer, with 165 the top percentage 

recorded. That was the report 

week's reading for "Executive Action," 

fifth week at the Denham; "Sacred Knives 

. 

i 

of Vengeance," the only first-week feature 

around, scored an even 100 — just average 

business—at the Paramount Theatre. 

Aladdin Last Tongo in Paris (UA), 33rd wk. ... 75 

Center The Deadly Trackers (WB), 3rd wk 70 

Century 21 The New Land (V^'B), 7th wk 

Cherry Creek, Villa Itolia The Woy We Were 

50 

(Col), 7th wk 150 

Colorado American Graffiti (Univ), 17th wk. .140 

Continental The Long Goodbye (UA), 4th wk. 

Cooper Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Para), 

.125 

4th wk 80 

Denham Executive Action (NGP), 5th wk 165 

Ogden Jimi Hendrix 3rd wk 

Poromount Socred Knives of Vengeance (WB) 

65 

.100 

Salute to Elia Kazan 

HOLLYWOOD—Richard Crenna was 

toastmaster at the Actors Studio's 25th anniversary 

benefit Thursday (6) at the Beverly 

Hilton. Warren Beatty accepted the 

studio's award to Elia Kazan, whose career 

was saluted with a 45-minute film. Paul 

Ziffren chaired the event. 

Stanley Solson Appointed 

HOLLYWOOD—Seymour H. 

Malamed, 

executive vice-president, administration, of 

Columbia Pictures Industries, announced 

that Stanley J. Solson has been appointed 

acting head of the division of the integrated 

entertainment complex of Trans-World 

Communications. He succeeds William J. 

Butters. 

BOXOmCE :: December 17. 1973 W-1

LOS ANGELES 

LOS ANGELES 

;aaJ!!:iiaJC>îa.&aa«^s«^s«:^ 


UNITED PRODUCERS 

I Harry Ross Dick Kay Alx Coopennan | 

8310 Beverly Blvd. | 

Los Angeles, Cal. 90048 

| 

(213) 653-2430 

| 

| 

| 

( is^>^ÎSa*a^0BaJSSaJ^«9«i!M^^ 

Best Wishes 

For The Holiday Season 

Crown International Pictures^ Inc. 

292 So. La Cienega (213) 657-6700 

Beverly Hills, Cal. 90211 

Newton P. Jacobs, Pres- Mark Tenser, Exec. Vice-Pres. 

George M. Josephs, Gen. Sales Mgr. 

!Si&fis!»J!s!S*as>CB!i?i3i)S!aJ^ 

Hollywood International Film 

Corp. of America 

Carlos Tobalina, president 

Maria P. Tobalina, vice-president 

"Sandy" Magdaleno, sales mgr. 

Gerald L. Pirtle, controller 

1044 So. Hill St. L A. CAL. 90015 

TeL (213) 749-2067 

% 

^ 

% 

CINEMATION INDUSTRIES. INC. 

I 

f 9200 Sunset Blvd. Suite #625 

LOS ANGELES. CALIF. 90211 

I 

•1 HAROLD MARENSTEIN 

3 Vice-F¥esident ol Production 

S 

and Distribution 

AL KOLITZ 

I 

RONALD LITVIN 

A Western Division Western District 

9 Sales Manager Sales Manager 

» Distributors of Fritz the Cat, The Cheerleaders, The Black 

:S Six, and A Library ol many other hits. 

S Call Us in Los Angeles at (213) 273-7770 


from 

HOWARD WHITE | 

SIGN PRODUCTS 

1319 West 12th Place., Los Angeles, Calif. 90015 

,-=?srt?jSroiSra!SrssjrS!?ff«isSrts 

(213) 747-6546 

| 

t 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

I 

i CINEMA SERVICE 

I 

g Walter Goodman Philip Stanton 

Merv Viner 

'd 

I 

432 So. San Vincente Blvd. (suit D) 

^ Los Angeles, Calif. 90048 

I (213) 659-5220 K 

Sr 

ft 

Seasons Greetings 

I 

| 

I from I 

I AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL 

| 

PICTURES OF LOS ANGELES 

| 

HARRY LEVINSON, Branch Manager 

| 

and 

t 

THE WHOLE CREW | 

9033 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 210 f 

Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211 | 

Phone Area Code (213) 273-7433 W 

% 

^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

! HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

| 

I 

I 

ELLMAN FILM ENTERPRISES, INC. 

| 

Richard S. EUman, Pres. tf 

Sam Dansky Phil Garfinkle 

I g 

Ingrid Figger Ruth Record s 

New Address: 

g 

8201 Beverly Blvd. | 

Los Angeles, 90048 | 

(213) 655-8200 

| 

i 

Greetings 

from 

Azteca Films, Inc. 

I 

I 

I 

I 

W.2 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

^ 

^ 

^^ 

^ 

% 

LOS ANGELES s.eadon d reeCinad ?tL 

r 

'>iSg>^li)i»lî»siig^î»:î»3îs^:lij»^^ 


Favorite Films of California, Inc. 

Covering The 13 Western States 

Don Foster 

Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211 

(213) 657-6700 

Pete Tolins 

Seattle. Wash. 

(206) 624-6234 

Andy Anderson 

San Francisco 94102 

(415) 776-4409 

Bates Farley 

Denver, Colo. 80203 

(303) 623-1221 

-%sX:i!»a^!ex:^t!,âXi>ia^;>,jSX^ 

I 

MEfiHY CHRISTMAS 

and 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

SHAN V. SAYLES 

and 

THOMAS L. SAYLES 

LOS ANGELES 

Again as in the Past 

52 Years 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

HERB JACK 

*êadon 6 LureetinaA 

Seymour Borde & Associates 

Public Seating Consultant 

308 Hidalgo, Greenbrae, Ca. 

415-461-5909 Zip 94904 

Jem Film Distributing Corp. 

292 S. La Cienega 

Beverly Hills 90211 

Suite 205 

(213) 652-6785 

J^teta>gti&^î&J^>a^CiisJ^»«to^;^âîtoJa•>^ 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A JOYOUS NEW YEAR 

From 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES 

Gerry W. Haile 

District Branch Manager 

291 South La Cienega Blvd. Suite 410 

Phone 

Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211 Area Code (213) 

657-7200 

I 

I 

% 

^ 

I 

GREETINGS 

from the Hollywood office 

of 

BOXOFHCE 

Syd Cassyd Ann Lewis Joan Robins 

% 

^ 

^ 

^ 

Happy Holiday 

AL LAPIDUS 

NO FUSS—NO MESS 

READY TO EAT POPCORN 

1692 Cordova St. Los Angeles, Calif. 90007 

(213) 734-6225 

Help Variety Boys Club 


From 

GOLDSTONE FILMS OF L.A., 

INC. 

HARRY GOLDSTONE, President 

JACK SHERRIFF, Branch Manager 

8444 Wilshire Blvd., 5th Floor 

653-3231 Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211 

I 

I 


CREST FILM DISTRIBUTORS. INC. 

JERRY PERSELL 

JULES GEREUCK 

MAX FACTER 

Other Offices 

LOS ANGELES 

1979 So. Vermont St. 

(213) 733-1123 

B?si!r5«Sr«!Srs«Srsi!WWi

ll5acKdt 

due 

m 

JÊTROPOLITAN S 130HENY PLAZA 

Theatre has a potential "sleeper" with 

the program which opened Thanksgiving 

week. It is perhaps the most provocative 

two hours of film thus far this year, according 

to Metropolitan spokesmen. 

The two main ingredients are "Sunseed." 

a 95-minute documentary dealing with the 

religious upsurge among American youth 

in particular, as translated in teachings o' 

philosophers of the Far East. Director Fred 

Cohn of San Francisco toured India, Nepal, 

Israel and many neo-religious centers in 

the U.S. to develop his subject matter and 

offers the views of many well-respected 

gurus, among them ex-Harvard Prof. Baba 

Ram Dass and the late Sufi leader, San 

Francisco's Sam Lewis. 

The second portion of the program is a 

25-minute interview with still-controversial 

Dr. Timothy Leary, actually filmed inside 

Folsom Prison in California. The interview, 

seemingly uncensored, was shot originally 

for a Sacramento TV station. The Doheny 

Plaza showing is its first theatrical booking. 

Both films are in color. 

While the subject matter of "Sunseed" 

may seem to limit the program's appeal, 

the first-week gross would indicate a broadening 

interest in the new spiritual trend. 

"Sunseed" is the first full-length motion picture 

to treat this subject objectively. 

The producer is distributing his own film, 

making his own bookings from San Francisco 

via his company. New Age Films. 

* 

BEVERLY AND FERD SEBASTIAN 

consider themselves "plain folks" and 

tell TV audiences on their whirlwind promotion 

tour in behalf of "Gator Bait" that 

they are "ordinary red-necks" who never 

have moved very far away from their Texas 

heritage. 

"We make our films for the Sears-Roebuck 

audiences and, when they pack the 

houses to see our film, they know we're not 

kidding," said the former school teachers, 

who are the modern-day traveling artistmanagers. 

Using a plane to move from 

town to town—and making deals before 

they leave their quiet home in Westlake 

Village, a small bedroom township a few 

short miles from the Los Angeles city limits 

—the writer-director-producer team is a 

far cry from the days in the early 1800s 

when acting companies traveled up and 

down the Ohio River to stage shows from 

riverboats. 

The motion picture they produced was 

made in the swamps of the Louisiana bayou. 

It is a fine back-country piece of filmmaking, 

with the tough woman heroine in the 

film taking on the men and handling a 

gun with the best of them. Ferd remembers 

it wasn't so very long ago that they 

bought their Arriflex camera for $1,500. 

And he has learned to use it with the finest 

in film techniques. It is an R-rated movie 

but it could receive a PG later. 

^WITH SYD CASSY 

Having made one motion picture which 

has grossed $3,000,000 to date and having 

to utilize ingenuity to get their regular payments 

for the picture from a distributor, the 

Sebastians decided to go it alone when they 

finished "Gator Bait." 

Instead of lining up a distributor and 

then subdistributors, they are making thei.' 

own deals and signing up circuits. Using 

some previously employed merchandising 

techniques, they land at the airport closest 

to town and. having set the publicity by 

phone, meet the local press. TV and other 

news people. 

Praises Radio Response 

Mrs. Sebastian is amazed at the response 

she gets from daytime radio, where the 

broadcast saturates the country— and one 

local theatre grosses almost as much as the 

total population of the town in which the 

participating theatre is located. One town 

with a population of approximately 1,000 

actually grossed $7,500 the first week and 

$3,500 the second, she said happily. 

According to most of the producers in 

Hollywood, distributing as they do with 

major or mini-major firms, the big problem 

is to recoup their money even months 

after it has come into boxoffices. Not so 

with the Sebastians, for they establish a 

hard-and-fast relationship with the local 

theatre owner or manager. "There is no 

fooling around," says Mrs. Sebastian. If, 

after concluding a contract, the theatre tries 

to change the terms, she acts like any good 

business person and immediately goes k 

another town in the same area, saturating 

it via radio broadcasts. 

Solid Showmanship 

The Sebastians are performing in th.- 

field of showmanship tasks which the former 

motion picture industry structure buili 

up to successful heights. The old industry 

concept had an advance publicity man in 

town a week before a film opened. Now. 

it's a "remote" job from a desk in the 

closest exchange town. Mrs. Sebastian 

thinks that's swell! While some of the very 

highly rated and much-publicized blockbusters 

play in competition, her brand of 

selling from the back of a plane, much as 

the late Harry S. Truman sold Americ. 

from the back of a train, is just plain folksy, 

shrewd merchandising. 

Mrs. Sebastian takes her children with 

her and one girl, aged 13, came up to Tracy, 

her 12-year-old son, and said she'd kiss 

him—if she could. The now-sophisticated 

mini-star said bravely, "Why not'.'" And 

the girl delivered the kiss. 

This prompted Mrs. Sebastian to tell us 

of the strict supervision now in vogue in 

Arkansas, where many 17-year-olds can't 

enter a movie theatre anymore without 

being escorted by parents. It's proving to h 

a hardship. 

The Sebastians' next film—and it is just 

one a year, for they are going to be busy 

playing the big cities, too, after taking in 

$500,000 from just part of the Southwill 

be "Poor Boy." It. like the other pictures 

they have made, will be produced in 

their "studio without walls," to paraphrase 

Andre Malraux's "Museums Without 

Walls." 

They are the new itinerant showmen 

who will help to bring audiences back to 

theatres which the older folks deserted, say 

the Sebastians, practitioners of an old art 

in a new guise. 

• 

JHE VITALITY OF FILM business will 

not stagnate with Mike Thevis, Atlanta 

producer, and Rick Robinson, Hollywood 

director-producer, around. In ten years Thevis 

expanded a neighborhood newsstand into 

an empire. He owns 120 corporations, 

among them a record company in the 

rhythm-and-blues field. Robinson. 27, who 

had sold Thevis photography services, went 

back to Atlanta and interested him in the 

story "Poor Pretty Eddy." now being edited 

here. 

"We're both pretty hard-headed but he 

liked the story and saw my films 'White 

Justice." which I made for $50,000. and 

•To Hell You Preach,' made for $90,000. 

He's a high flier." said Robinson, "and we 

made 'Poor Pretty Eddy' for $1,000,000." 

Robinson, a tenth-grade-schooled, innovative, 

creative man from Dogtown. W. Va., 

recently addressed a class at UCLA, disclosing 

that his 40 jobs before he became 

a filmmaker gave him an insight into practical 

living. His advice to the students was 

to borrow $50 from someone, take a trip 

to the East Coast and then come back 

across the country with little money in their 

pockets. He said they might get "busted, 

beat up and bruised" but by the time they 

returned to class they would know something 

about life that could be put into the 

films they made. 

On action-adventure films, he sees no 

reason not to develop character, along with 

commercial ideas. He notes that Alfred 

Hitchcock, with maximum suspense, in 

"Psycho" doesn't show too much blood or 

any nudity, yet contains his audience and 

moves the imagination to what is on the 

screen. Robinson feels that if a character 

dies on the screen, the audience should feel 

something for that person. 

His latest motion picture, with Shelley 

Winters. Leslie Uggams. Mark Christian. 

Slim Pickens and others, is a good example 

of his type of production. While he is a 

writer, he has a screenwriter develop his 

ideas. To get the background for "Poor 

Pretty Eddy," Thevis took Robinson into 

the back country of Georgia for a few 

weeks and the film reflects the "feel" of 

that locale. 

The schooling that men such as Robinson 

received in X and R films may make itself 

felt in top action-adventure stories for those 

who learned their lesson from that medium 

and didn't become too involved with the 

sex-and-nudity subject matter. 

Football Film Under Way 

HOLLYWOOD—Laurel Productions of 

Pennsylvania announced the start of principal 

photography on the biography featuring 

O. J. Simpson of the Buffalo Bills. 

W-4 BOXOFFICE December 17. 1973

. 

Gloria Swanson Cited 

By LA City Council 

l.OS ANGELES—Actress Gloria Swanson. 

74. has been cited by the Los Angeles 

City Council as "a fabulous living legend." 

Miss Swanson was honored by the council 

for "her unique ability and skill to span 

generations of change successfully and for 

the genuine pleasure and entertainment she 

has brought to millions of people all over 

the world." 

Declared the council resolution. "She is 

truly a lady for all seasons." 

Accepting the honor. Miss Swanson told 

the council that Los Angeles is the "city of 

dreams" and reminisced about the "smell of 

orange blossoms" in the air when she arrived 

in 1916. 

Joe O'Halloran Shutters 

Two Theatres in Corona 

CORONA. CALIF.—Joe O'Halloran. 

who has managed the Showcase and Corona 

theatres, told residents of the community 

"goodbye" via the Corona Daily Indef)endent 

following the shuttering of the 

showhouses. "As I leave Corona. I feel bad 

that with me leaves an important part of 

the recreational activities of many families. 

that of attending the theatres." O'Halloran 

said. 

He had special thanks for the PTA. the 

Interpace Corp. employees and families, 

the YMCA. Boy Scouts and other groups 

with which the theatres had worked on 

special benefit programs for charities. He 

also thanked the police department and 

certain individuals, as well as thousands of 

Corona residents. 

"It is for these people that I feel sad in 

leaving Corona without a movie theatre." 

said O'Halloran. "Yet. in essence, that is 

how we found Corona just three years ago." 

Steinmann-Baxter Acquires 

Popular ItaUan Feature 

NEW YORK—"Love and Anarchy." director 

Lina Wertmuller's controversial 

drama which has been Italy's top boxoffice 

attraction since its showing as the official 

Italian entry at last May's Cannes Film 

Festival, has been acquired by the Steinmann-Baxter 

Co. for distribution in the 

United States and territories and Englishspeaking 

Canada. The film is expected to 

have its U.S. premiere early next year. 

The Steinmann-Baxter Co.. a newly organized 

organization for producing and distributing 

films, is headed by Herbert R. 

Steinmann and Billy Baxter, with offices at 

140 West 57th St.. New York, N.Y. 

Joan Bullard to MS&I 

HOLLYWOOD—Joan Bullard will join 

the staff of McFadden. Strauss & Irwin as 

director of the music division January 1 

She will headquarter in Los Angeles after 

working for the past four years as public 

relations director for Johnny Mathis' RoJon 

Productions. 

Hollywood 

JJl-l.EN M. BACKOWSKI has joined the 

staff of Central Casting Corp. as an 

assistant casting director. Mrs. Backowski 

the second assistant casting director hired 

is 

by CCC this year. Randy Henry joined the 

staff in September. 

• 

Marking the first corporate acquisition 

since its inception. Quinn Martin Productions 

has purchased Fred Calvert Productions, 

which henceforth will operate as a 

wholly owned subsidiary of Quinn Martin 

Productions. According to Calvert, the 

acquisition of his firm by Quinn Martin 

will make it possible to perfect new techniques 

for animation. 

Ik- 

Warren Beatty accepted the Actors Studio 

Award for Elia Kazan at the organization's 

25th anniversary dinner Thursday (6) at 

the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Paul Ziffren was 

chairman of the affair. 

* 

Ms. Pat Hawkings, secretary to Steve 

Krantz, who is producing "The Nine Lives 

of Fritz the Cat" for American International 

Pictures, is back from France. All 

she saw was Orly Airport. Ms. Hawkings 

delivered necessary documents to allow 

"Heavy Traffic," which Krantz also produced 

for AIP, to open in ten Paris theatres 

the next day. Then, two hours after arriving 

at Orly, she flew back to her office 

job in Hollywood. "Not exactly my idea 

of a vacation," admits Ms. Hawkings, "but 

it was worth it to know that "Heavy Traffic' 

did open as scheduled— and to big business." 

* 

Salvatore Billitteri, AIP's executive in 

charge of production, flew to Rome in connection 

with AIP's release of Terence 

Young's "The Amazons." 

• 

Tom Fenno, general telethon chairman: 

Herman Ripps. vice-chairman, and Jim 

Hayes, telethon director, announced that 

all systems are go for the April 20-21 

Variety telethon. All meetings about the 

telethon are open—and hard workers are 

welcome. 

• 

Owing to the overwhelming popularity 

of French director Louis Malle's leviathan 

documentary. "Phantom India," which was 

screened last year, the monumental eighthour 

cinematic exploration of India will 

return in January for a series of four screenings 

at UCLA. 

* 

Director Don Siegel, currently working 

in Europe on Universal's Richard Zanuck/ 

David Brown production of "Drabble," will 

be the concluding speaker at the highly acclaimed 

National Film Theatre's John Player 

Lecture Series in London. 

Ik- 

Steve Allen's 15th book has just been 

published by Piatt & Monk but what makes 

Happenings 

him happiest is that a series of letters known 

as "The Happy Jack Fish Hatchery Papers," 

in which he and Dalton Trumbo debate 

the true meaning of liberalism, have been 

included in Esquire Magazine's special 40th 

anniversary issue. 

* 

Four Star International president David 

B. Charnay, in his continuing expansion 

into major theatre-relea.se films and TV, 

has named Sidney Balkin as director of 

motion pictures and TV project development. 

Four Star is inviting submissions of 

scripts and project ideas suitable for development. 

• 

Hall Bartlett's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" 

got some publicity out of the USC- 

UCLA game as Neil Diamond, who wrote 

the songs and music, conducted the Trojan 

marching band in a new arrangement of 

"Dear Father." 

•*- 

Connie Stevens addressed students at the 

Lee Strassberg Institute November 26 on 

the artistic demands being made by motion 

pictures filmed for TV today. 

* 

Chuck Connors left the U.S. for Russia 

as an official guest of Soviet Premier Leonid 

Brezhnev and the .State Committee of 

Cinematography for the USSR. The twoweek 

tour invitation stemmed from a meeting 

between the Soviet leader and Connors 

at San Clemente in July when they both 

were guests of President Nixon. 

Travis Blair to New Post 

HOLLYWOOD—Travis Blair, formerly 

with American Multi Cinema (Durwood 

Theatres), is now assistant general sales 

manager for Film-Makers International. He 

is taking over all facets of field ads and 

promotion. 

'Vaccares' Lensing Done 

HOLLYWOOD—Principal 

photography 

has been completed on "Caravan to Vaccares," 

a film based on the Alistair Mac- 

Lean novel. 

Le« ARTOE XENON LAMPHOUSE 

SPECrtL MADE IND DESIGKED 

FOII 35MM THEtTnE OPERtTION 

1000 WATT/ 1600 WATT LAMPHOUSE $500 

1600 WATT/ 2500 WATT LAMPHOUSE $750 

Lee ARTOI XENON RECTIFIERS 

SILICON 

1600 WATT 2S00 WATT 

$500.00 

"""'"'""" 

$700.00 

5 YEAR PRO RATA GUARANTEE CASH PRICES 

Lee ARTOE XENON LAMPS 

(BULBS) 

1000 WATTS 'si 65.00 1600 WATTS $250.00 

CASH ncii 2500 WATTS $300.00 "-"cam v.oi 

« Iw ARTOE Carbon Co 

; 1243 Belmont Chicago 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 W-5

National 

LOS ANGELES 

s.ecL&on s 

tinad 

reeLirtis-o 

los angeles 

i!K55!:a5!K5!aglS:gESS3SgE5!K(3ag55aKES:gESSSSKE5aa sags sag? !!S5!ag?5KE5Sg|5SS 

O/'^^TVaP OJ-C;rT>^ OfCrTy^ w 

êaAon 6 

L^reetinuA 

f 

I Christie Electric Corp. t 

I 3410 West 67th St. 

| 

I Los Angeles, California 90060 i 

I 

(213) 750-1151 

I 

agE5agE5ag558ajagl5!S55!^S;^55g5!asSJSg|SKS5ajSSa3aKE5KESSE5agE5agE5BgESag^ 

i BE^l WISHES i 

B-J-T PRODUCTIONS 

i 

| 

i From I 

Bill 

I 

& Jackie Thrush f 

« 6651 Danridge Drive g 

§ San Jose, Calif. 95129 § 

I (408) 255-0675 

g 

^ For '74 "NECTOR OF THE GODS" f 

t and "EXCURSION INTO THE OCCULT" 

| 

g and in preparation 

g 

^ "SHALLOW THROAT, BIG MOUTH" g 

B5 

E 

t'îj»ssi»?>i»îi»JSj&®aWl«»J!^^ 

ag?!S^!ssEssS5asEjasE!ag552S5;agi!aK?5Bg5s:js;agi5ag?i8Sjt5ag5s:^5!^s35agE3B3 

^âJo/1 J 

KJreetinaJ 

^• 

I FILM BOOKING SERVICE 

I. E. POYNTER BRUCE POYNTER 

ROBERT I. KRONENBERG 

& ASSOCIATES, INC. 

8530 WILSHIRE BLVD. SUITE 210 

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. 90211 

(213) 652-5350 

I 

OF CALIFORNIA 

| 

^ 

I 

t, 204 South Hamilton Drive 

| 

t Beverly Hills, California 90211 | 

i 653-2722 I 

| 

from 

THE ORCON FAMILY 

r^ 

Optical Radiation Corporation | \, 

] : 

I 


From 

Screen Service Corp. 

Ennis C. Adkins, Br. Mgr. 

Martha L. Salido, Off. Mgr. 

also 

Mono, Joan, Yolanda, LaVeme, Joanne, 

Joe, Virginia, Lloyd, Gus G., Gus C, 

Mary, Mel, Stephie 

2001 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles 34 

836-1505 

jaâx>isJB>.iaJKa»ai9Xi;i9A^ 

-â^JJiiogaHSftiaisîiiiaîaB^^ 

SêuSon 3 

LureetiXnaA 9' 

Cinema National Corp. 

9056 Santa Monica Blvd. 

Los Angeles 90069 

(213) 274-0128 

I Capital Productions^ Inc. 

I 

g U.S. • Toronto • Mexico • Tokyo • 

% London • Tel Aviv • Guayaquil/Quils 

I 

V7-6 BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

LOS ANGELES 

s.eadon d 

^^^^^s^^^^m^^fîmm:^^^^^^^^^^- 

Ljreeting.d 

los angeles 

GILBOY, INC. 

Wishing You 


8536 National Blvd. 

Culver City 90230 


from 

ASPELL THEATRE SERVICE 

Tom Aspell 

116 No. Robertson Blvd. 

Los Angeles, Calif. 90048 659-1900 


McFADDEN. STRAUSS 

êadon A 

from 

LjfeetinaS 9' % 

IRWIN INC. 

Maury Foladare & Associates 

N.Y. & Hollywood 

DPI DIMENSION 

PICTURES 

Wk 

EXTENDS 


TO ALL 

I 

*êa6on J 

L^reetlinad 9' 

from 

BUDD THEATRE SUPPLY 

Edward R. Budd 

8537 Washington Blvd. 

Culver City, Calif. 90230 

(213) 839-4325 

êadon 6 

L^reetLinas 9' 

s.eaAon d 

Q Teetinas 

FILBERT COMPANY 

1100 Flower St. Box 508S 

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA 91201 

(213) 734-1195 

from 

Exhibitor Service 

Car! Smiley Michael Kirkwood 

Marilyn LaPan 

Horry Rackin 

Syd Lehman 


LOS ANGELES 

Tames Barker has been named Western regional 

manager of Universal/ 16. a division 

of Universal City Studios, with headquarters 

at the exchange on South Vermont 

Avenue. He formerly was sales manager 

for Universal/ 16 in Atlanta, Ga., and before 

that was 35mm booker with Universal 

in Los Angeles. Barker earlier was with 

United Artists both here and in Seattle. His 

new territory covers the Western states, including 

Alaska and Hawaii. In addition to 

the professional 16mm theatres in this area. 

Universal/ 16 gets some excellent bookings 

LOS ANGELES 

from colleges (based on attendance figures), 

with a print grossing as much as $1,000 in 

some areas. 

Hanna-Barbera Productions is going into 

live roadshows wtih the Children's Hanna- 

Barbera Symphony, which will play the lucrative 

fairs and theatres in 1974 featuring 

Bob Eubanks' Concert Express. The theme 

of the show is to introduce classical music 

to children within an entertainment format. 

Cartoon characters will explain the function 

and use of various musical instruments in 

the orchestra as the music of Grieg. Bach 

and Mozart, among others, is performed. 

For those houses which still have stages 

intact, the new attraction offers possibilities 

for "special" days. 

Mayor John V. Lindsay, who gave the 

ADL's 60th anniversary Torch of Liberty 

Award to Monty Hall Sunday (9) at the 

Century Plaza Hotel, told the 1,000 persons 

there that fuel should be distributed "according 

to the need—of geography and of 

environment—and called for the federal 

government to take charge." He commented 

that "we cannot allow the Arab oil princes 

and a handful of interlocking cartels to 

blackmail the U.S." Bringing a round of 

applause at the rostrum, where he was 

flanked by Hall and Mike Frankovich. president 

of Variety Clubs International, the 

fighting mayor said, "We cannot buy our 

way out of the energy crisis by selling off 

Israeli territory." Lindsay was given a distinguished 

public service award for leadership. 

I 

from MANSON DISTRIBUTING CORP. 

Specialists in Exporting American Films 

g 

I 

| 

Hollywood, California 90069 I 

Telephone: (213) 273-8640 | 

Cable: MANGOLD 

EDMUND GOLDMAN 

MICHAEL F. GOLDMAN 

BmBmm (^vutixx^B 

g 

i 

^ 

| 

I 

While the gathering at the Century Plaza 

fostered the fight for civil rights, the Academy 

of Television Arts and Sciences at the 

Beverly Hilton Sunday (9) also brought out 

700 entertainers, producers and writers to 

honor another more subtle attack on prejudice. 

Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, film 

and TV producers, were honored for their 

satirical commentary on American life via 

the TV series "All in the Family" and a 

new ethnic approach to programing. "Sanford 

and Son," with "Maude" a leader in 

honest appraisal of women's rights. The 

motion picture section of this gathering is 

looking forward to the time whe nail three 

programs are made into theatrical feature 

films. 

All the major independent distributor 

presidents came to Sandy Howard's party 

which he gave at his penthouse apartment 

on La Cienega for the Astral Bellevue 

Pathe executives—^Harold Greenberg, Edward 

Bronfman, Marty Bockner and attorney 

John Johnston. Those in attendance 

were Charles Boasberg, Milt Goldstein. 

Joseph Sugar. Sid Solow, Milt Moritz. Dave 

Dortort, Harry Teitelbaum and stars Susan 

Oliver, Joan Blackman, Barbara Siegel, 

Kathy Gelbart, Pat Anderson, Jennifer Lee 

and Patrice O'Neil. Also attending were Mr. 

and Mrs. Mel Shavelson, Don Taylor, Helen 

1 

FINER PROJECTION -SUPER ECONOMY] 

CENTURY THEATRES 

IP 

7805 Suii.set Blvd. 

Hollywood, Calif. 90046 

213) 874-5400

Strauss. Arthur Parks. Bob Gcrsh and 

Dorothy Wilde. 

Jerry Persell, Crest Films, independent 

distributor on the West Coast, where the 

problem of gasoline assumes different proportions 

than in the rest of the country, 

due to the distances involved, feels the fuel 

shortage will keep people close to home. 

Thereforj. reasons Persell. people will visit 

local-area theatres rather than take the freeway 

to the first-run houses. On another 

level. Persell views, in the pronouncement 

from MGM that it is considering using subdistributors 

for the projected schedule of 

pictures under the new regime of Frank 

Roscnfclt. that the work of the regional 

distributors has achieved full recognition. 

These local men. knowing the conditions of 

their area, can act and react to the needs 

of the distant home offices of the majors 

as they do for the many independent producers 

now supplying theatres with product. 

Persell held his annual meeting with his 

branch office managers in the Western 

states, with Bob Parnell of Seattle. Harp)er 

Paul Williams of San Francisco and Jack 

Felix of Denver in attendance. 

The noisy greeting and reception given 

Walter Lantz by ASIF.'k. where all the great 

artists of the animation business assembled, 

was heart-warming and at the same time 

sad. for the art largely has been taken over 

by the vast TV commercials industry. The 

prices paid on Filmrow for cartoons would 

delight the hearts of the theatres— 'but the 

(Continued on page W-12) 

Roger Gorman Announces 

Expansion at New World 

ANGELE.S—Roger Gorman's New 

l.OS 

World Pictures is expanding via additional 

offices, new personnel and the largest release 

schedule in the company's history. 

Office space at 8831 Sunset Blvd. in 

Hollywood has been increased by 60 per 

cent and after the first week of January 

the NWP staff will be expanded by at least 

40 per cent, with the bulk of the new people 

being assigned to the domestic and international 

sales and advertising departments, 

working under general manager Frank Moreno. 

Joining NWP will be Steve Smith, to 

work directly under Moreno. 

NWP president Roger Corman also revealed 

that his company will release at least 

12 films in 1974. as compared to nine 

movies released in 1973. 

Wills-Googe Wedding Held 

At New MGM Grand Hotel 

LAS VEGAS—Veteran western film 

actor Chill Wills, 73, was married Friday 

(7) to Novadeen Googe of Baxley. Ga.. the 

first persons to be married at the new MGM 

Grand Hotel here. It was her first marriage 

and Wills' second (his first wife died about 

three years ago). 

Las Vegas casino owner Benny Binton 

served as best man and matron of honor 

was Anna B. Moore of Lubbock. Tex. 

Richard Boone purchased the rights to 

"When the Whippoorwill." 

HONOLULU 

^ctress Helen Hayes was here on a Hawaiian 

holiday and visited her son 

James MacArthur. a regular on the "Hawaii 

Five-O" TV series which is filmed in Hawaii 

. . . Also visiting relatives and friends 

was theatre manager John "Pop" De Rego 

from the Palace Theatre at Hilo on the 

island of Hawaii. 

Ed Sawtelle, known as the most popular 

theatre organist in Hawaii for 20 years, 

died in Los Angeles. He was 87. Sawtelle 

arrived in Honolulu from Cambridge. 

Mass.. in 1922 for Consolidatcd's grand 

opening of the Princess Theatre. He returned 

in 1936 for the opening of the 

Waikiki Theatre and remained through 

1955. Sawtelle became very popular with 

his organ concerts, playing many requests 

from the theatre audiences. 

Buster Keaton Film Opens 

Park City Opera House 

PARK CITY. UTAH—The Park City 

Opera House here had its opening night 

recently. It bowed with some old-time 

melodramas and the picture "Sherlock. Jr.." 

starring Buster Keaton. with proceeds going 

to aid the Utah Heritage Foundation. 

The theatre has 420 seats, according to 

Michael Barry and manager Charles Snyder. 

LOS ANGELES 

LOS ANGELES 

HOWARD W. KOCH 

Thanks to all exhibitors 

for their cooperation 


f i^ 

f i 

f i: 

Season's Greetings % 

Avco Embassy Pictures Corp. 

"DUKE" DOUGLYN, Dist. Manager 

CARLOS HILL 

10850 Wilshire Blvd. 

Los Angeles, Calif. 90024' 

Area Code (213) 879-9600 


NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF 

THEATRE OWNERS 

OF SO. CALIF. 

BRUCE C. CORWm, PRESmENT 

292 SO. LA CIENEGA BLVD.—SUITE #216 

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. 90211 

Telephone: 657-5790 

Season's Greefings 

BOXOFFICE INTERNATIONAL 

FILM DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 

| 

| 

I 

Harry Novak and Staff 

| 

4774 Mekose Ave. | 

Hollywood, CaL 90029 

| 

(213) G60-1770 

| 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 

W-9

1 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

fjobert I. Kronenberg announced the sale to 

Nippon Herald of Japan of the theatrical 

and TV rights to "Days of Thrills and 

Laughter." nostalgic feature directed by 

Robert Youngson. an Academy Award winner. 

The deal was negotiated through Lee 

Faulkner, local representative for Nippon 

Herald. 

Lamont Johnson, president of Artisan Releasing 

Corp.. acquired "My Friend, the 

Enemy" (former title. "Jud") for distribution. 

The Duque Films production was produced 

by Igo Kantor and written and directed 

by Gunther Collins. 

Paul Maslansky, director of American International's 

"Sugar Hill." returned from 

exhibitor and location conferences in Australia. 

Singapore and Rome. 

Jacqueline Susaiin and her husband Irving 

Mansfield arrived from New York to attend 

a series of preproduction meetings at Paramount 

with producer Howard W. Koch, 

director Guy Green and screenwriter Jules 

Epstein for the filming of Miss Susann's 

novel "Once Is Not Enough." due to go 

before the cameras early in 1974. 

KDAY Radio and Warehouse Record 

Stores joined in a giant poster giveaway 

promotion to herald the Los Angeles area 

multiple openings Wednesday (5) of Warner 

Bros." "Jimi Hendri.x." This is a film about 

the late rock guitarist and it is a Joe Boyd- 

John Head-Gary Weis production for WB. 

Producer George Pal and director Michael 

Anderson departed for Nevada and 

Oregon to scout locations for WB's "Doc 

Savage, the Man of Bronze." 

Elizabeth Taylor was honorary chairman 

and Charlton Heston chairman of the star's 

committee for the Israel Bonds-spwnsored 

world premiere of "Kazablan." the MGM 

Israeli musical, screened Wednesday (12) 

at Pacific's Beverly Hills Theatre. Stars 

scheduled to appear at the event, dedicated 

to the memory of the late Eugene L. Wyman. 

included Steve Allen, Jackie Cooper. 

James Darren. Glenn Ford. John Forsythe. 

Cary Grant. Buddy Hackett. Monty Hall. 

David Janssen. Janet Leigh. Jayne Meadows. 

Jan Murray. Bob Newhart. Rowan & 

Martin and Barbara Rush. Chairman of the 

gala was Eugene V. Klein, former chairman 

of the board of National General Corp. 

Ray Razmig announced the appointment 

of Maurice A. Krowitz as vice-president 

of worldwide distribution for the Aljoray 

Co., a film and TV distribution firm . . . 

Planned as one of the major motion picture 

benefits of the year, arrangements have been 

completed for the Southern California premiere 

of "Summer Wishes. Winter Dreams." 

starring Joanne Woodward and Martin 

Balsam. Thursday (20) at the Music Hall as 

a benefit for the Elizabeth Fry Center. Los 

Angeles County Sheriff Peter Pitchess is 

honorary chairman, with Congresswoman 

Yvonne Braithwaite Burke as co-chairman. 

Proceeds are earmarked for the halfway 

house for women released from prison, 

which was established in 1966 by the American 

Friends Service Committee. 

"Screaming Tiger" (AlP), which has 

opened strongly in initial national engagements, 

has been set for multiple showings 

in the Greater Los Angeles area beginning 

January 9. 

AMC 6-Plex Approved 

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—The planning commission 

has approved a conditional use 

permit for a six-auditorium theatre to be 

built at 1750 Saratoga Ave., between Quito 

Road and Campbell Avenue, by Kansas 

City-based American Multi Cinema. Total 

seating capacity of the complex would be 

1.452, according to Channing Richmond of 

Palo Alto. Calif., developer of the project. 

LOS ANGELES 

LOS ANGELES 

Bi£ie.x;>i»%a^&ih:JEisi»Sii»^^ iîtîâ^îsiiî^ !i>».;!«!sMîee.B^s^/« 

I 

I 

I 

êadon s 

from 

TODD-AO 

1021 N. Seward St. 

Hollywood 90038 

\^reetLinad 9' 

Season's Gieeiinqs 

From 

INTRO-MEDIA PRODUCTIONS 

We will release 

"The 

Photographer" 

this year 

So look for us in '74 

9000 Sunset Suite 611 

L.A., Co. 90069 278-8200 

&niETROmEDIR PRODUCERS CORPORRTIOn 

NEW WORLD PICTURES 

8831 Sunset 

Hollywood 900G9 

WISHING 

YOU 

A Happy Holiday Season 

And A Prosperous New Year! 

| 

W-IO BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 

Âf

Throat' Ruled Obscene 

By Santa Ana Judge 

SANIA ANA. CAIIJ.— After viewing 

the film "Deep Throat" Wednesday. November 

28. Superior Judge Byron K. Mc- 

Millan issued a permanent restraining order 

banning the Pussycat Theatre. Buena Park. 

Calif., from exhibiting the X-ratcd motion 

picture. Prints of the film found at the 

showhouse at that time and at any time in 

the future could be seized under the judge's 

order. 

Following a private screening at a downtown 

Santa Ana theatre. Judge McMillan 

ruled: "I find the material obscene beyond 

any reasonable doubt. 'Deep Throat' is no 

better and probably worse than stag films. 

It lacks any kind of a plot and is without 

real humor. There is no justification for it 

except the exploitation of sex and prurient 

appeal." 

Dr. Donald Sears, a professor of English 

at California State University at Fullerton. 

in testimony preceding Judge McMillan's 

ruling, said the material was "utterly without 

redeeming social importance." He asserted 

that the storyline was "minimal" and 

that the dialog was a "series of cliches and 

one-line gags presented in a sporadic fashion." 

Dr. Sears viewed "Deep Throat" along 

with the judge. 

Neither the Buena Park Pussycat Theatre 

nor the parent company. Los Angeles-based 

Pussycat Theatres, was represented by legal 

counsel at the hearing. 

Disposition of posters, cash and other 

materials seized in raids at the Buena Park 

adult movie house was not mentioned in 

Judge McMillan's ruling. 

Bruce W. Harmon Takes 

Reins at Plaza 4-Plex 

^rom North Central Edition 

LINCOLN—Bruce W. Harmon, 22, is 

the new manager of the downtown Plaza 

theatres, according to an announcement by 

Michael Gaughan, district manager for Cooper 

Theatres. Although Harmon came here 

from Houston where he was an assistant 

manager for General Cinema Corp., Lincoln 

is far from being strange to the young 

bachelor. 

He was graduated last May from Nebraska 

Wesleyan University in Lincoln where 

he majored in theatre arts and was active 

in summer theatre. He also was a reviewer 

for Wesleyan's campus newspaper. 

Harmon reported for work several weeks 

ago in order that he might work with his 

predecessor Jay Maness. The latter, who had 

resigned from the Plaza post, effective October 

15, stayed on several weeks more, 

since his new work with Travelers Insurance 

Co. did not begin until November 12. 

Tri-State Convention 

Will Be Continued 

From Southeastern Edition 

MEMPHIS—The 1 ri-State Theatre Owners 

convention will go on for years if exhibitors 

from several states have their way. 

A move at the last convention to reduce 

it to a social affair or eliminate it was defeated 

by the Tri-State board. Opponents 

claim that since Tri-State no longer has an 

affiliation with the National Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners, the convention has become 

mostly a social affair. 

Tri-State leaders now assure the membership 

that they plan to continue the annual 

meeting with business sessions, cocktail 

parties, a golf tournament, tournaments in 

card games and style shows. 

Tri-State has more than $10,000 in the 

bank and this year's program will add more. 

Frank Heard, Tupelo, Miss., exhibitor 

and Nathan Flcxer of Waverly were leaders 

in assuring that the convention continues 

next year; now many other Tri-Staters have 

joined them in supporting indefinite continuance 

of the event. Exhibitors say they 

like to come to Memphis for a visit of 

several days duration, as offered by the 

convention schedule, booking and buying 

on the same trip. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SAN FRANCISCO 

îa^Jtii^'fJasJiaa.aia^^ 'îs tite ja^cai^^ 


JIM BARRY 

IT 

FROM THE 

GAYETY THEATRE 

& PAD PRODUCTIONS I 

Pete De Cenzie 

i 80 Turk Street San Francisco 

Western Theatrical Equipment | 

187 Golden Gate Avenue 

Wish You a 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

and 

A HAPPY NEW YEAR 


JIM NOCELLA 

RON FERNANDEZ 

FLO HACKETT 

JENNY SOMERVILLE 

BUENA VISTA DIST. CO. INC. 

680 Beach Suite 432 San Francisco 94109 | 

I 

I 

S 

Season's Greetings From 

Pacific Theatre Equipment Corp. 

BOB WOELFL 

JERRY HARRAH 

142 Leavenworth Street - 771-2950 

San Francisco 

^' 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 W-1

. . . Entry 

LOS ANGELES 

(Continued from page W-9) 

prices couldn't support an industry. 

"The Screaming Tiger," new AIP release 

in the kung fu genre, opens in a multiple 

run in drive-ins and hardtops January 9 

through the Los Angeles/ Orange County 

areas. This one was filmed in Japan . . . 

The NAACP Image Awards, where the 

motion picture figures who have helped 

enhance the image of minorities will receive 

the kudos at the Palladium, will be held 

January 19. Bob Jones, chairman, appointed 

Don Cornelius. "Soul Train" host, as 

The Los Angeles City Council did not 

accepi the strict regulations proposed by 

the department of water and power committee 

which would have closed "all public 

exhibition." said Councilman Joel Wachs. 

Hearings continued for a week for the public, 

with the council then voting on its own 

version of ordinances necessary for this 

power-consuming geographic area of 400 

square miles. The suggestion of Paul Roth, 

president of national NATO, that a theatre, 

because it takes people from TV sets and 

consumes only as much power as 1 5 TV 

sets running full blast, is now part of the 

council's research information. 

Mrs. Joseph (Jean) Vimig, 79. died early 

Monday (10) as a result of a stroke 

suffered a week earlier. Mrs. Vimig was the 

mother of Jerry Vimig. director of motion 

picture sales at CFI. 

Worldwide distribution rights to "Black 

Sampson," a contemporary action-adventure 

film made by Omni Pictures Corp., have 

been acquired by Warner Bros., it was announced 

by John Calley. executive vicepresident 

in charge of production. 

Fred Williamson's "Hell Up in Harlem" 

will be tradescreened Wednesday (19) in 

Charles Aidikoff's screening room. 

"Jeremy," the Cannes Film Festival 

award-winning film, released by United Artists, 

has been published by Bantam Books 

and is now available in paperback. 

Bradley H. Roberts, executive vice-president 

and managing director of Needham, 

Harper & Steers/West, has been named 

chairman of the TV judges' selection committee 

of the 14th annual International 

Broadcasting Awards. Roberts will name 

chairmen of the 25 TV creative screening 

panels around the world to select awardwinning 

commercials which will honor the 

best radio and TV commercials of 1973 

deadline for the National Academy 

of Television Arts and Sciences' national 

award for community service has 

been set for January 14. according to Joseph 

Bluth. chairman of the awards committee. 

The concluding series of Filmex's "The 

Great American Films" was shown in a 

36-hour movie marathon Saturday (15) and 

Sunday (16) at the El Rey Theatre. For $5 

patrons could stay for as much as they 

could stand—and come and go as they 

pleased. Among the classics shown were 

"Duck Soup." "All Quiet on the Western 

Front" and "All About Eve." 

ALBUQUERQUE 

Come top releases are on tap for filmgoers 

during the upcoming season at the 

city's hardtops. Disney's "Robin Hood" will 

be at the Fox-Winrock; "Magnum Force" 

is the Christmas attraction at the Mall Cinema; 

"Westworld" is set for two houses. 

Commonwealth's Los Altos and the downtown 

Sunshine; the Hiland will present 

"Jonathan Livingston Seagull," and "Ash 

Wednesday" will be the offering at the Lobo 

Arts, while "The Sting" will be at the Cinema 

East. 

Roma deLong resigned Tuesday (4) as 

secretary to Paul West, Video Theatres city 

manager, to marry H. Hadley Nail, retired 

local school teacher. The wedding is planned 

during the holiday season. 

A film society interested in nostalgic movies 

has been organized here and currently 

is screening some classic motion pictures 

in the Guild Art Theatre. The group is 

called Moving Pictures. Ltd.. and was 

formed by three local movie buffs—Kim 

Lesser. Enid Howarth and Mary Davis. 

Screenings are held at the house twice every 

other Saturday morning before regular 

showtimes. The series started November 24 

and will continue through May 25. Among 

the films booked are: "Captain Blood." 

"Forbidden Games." "Adventures of Sherlock 

Holmes," "Red Balloon," "Red Shoes," 

"The Men," "Passion of Joan of Arc," 

"Metropolis," "The Secret Life of Walter 

Mitty," "White Sheik" and "The Big Sleep." 

SALT LAKE CITY 

Tlllen Pedersen, American National Enterprises' 

director of marketing, stated 

that ANE's new outdoor adventure picture. 

"Birth of a Legend." which will be completed 

in December, will be tested extensively 

in January. It will join ANE's main 

winter release. "Cry of the Wild," which 

has playdates scheduled throughout the 

country . . . Julie Hamblin. executive secretary 

to ANE president R. V. Coalson, released 

news of her engagement and forthcoming 

marriage in January. 

Tony Cueno of the publicity department. 

Jack Wodell Associates. San Francisco, was 

in town for a special showing of Warner 

Bros.' "Magnum Force." The picture was 

shown Tuesday (4) at the Villa Theatre, 

with excellent response from the audience. 

It will open its first-run engagement in this 

city Christmas Day at the Trolley Square 

Theatre. 

Pat Wheat, president of the WOMPl 

Club, says members are very busy on one 

of the club's Christmas projects. The 

liofl, 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SAN FRANCISCO 

k ^ 

II ^ Best Wishes From f 

P I 

VERNE ZEESMAN 

| 

^ I Motion Picture Counseling, Inc. I 

ft^ M San Francisco g 

i 

To My Many Friends 


I 

| 

g 

I 

g 

CALIFORNIA CONCESSION 

| 

g 

SUPPLY CO. INC. 

I 

^ 

EMERICH KUN 

g 

177 Golden Gate Avenue I 

I 

I San Francisco, Colli. 94102 t 

'sseid 

W-12 


. . Columbia 

. . Clayton 

WOMPIs are baking goods and giving them 

to the Primary Children's Hospital. The 

hospital then will sell the gifts at the Sail 

Palace during the Festival of Trees. 

Bob Loftis of United Artists recently returned 

from a national sales convention in 

San Diego, Calif. Others attending the convention 

were home office e.xecutives James 

Velde and Al Fitter. Loftis reports that it 

was a very successful convention. It was 

held at the Bahia Motor Hotel. 

Stan Dusnip, owner of various theatres 

throughout Colorado and Idaho, was in 

town on business . . . Bill William, division 

manager, Syufy Enterprises, was in town 

visiting Roger Peyton of the Century 21. 

Barr>' Berg of Wycoff, Inc., received a 

severe injury to his back while moving cans 

of film on the dock. Barry is well known to 

all the people on Filmrow and all his many 

friends wish him a speedy recovery . . . Irv 

Harris, owner of various theatres in Idaho, 

was in town on business . Stauffer. 

service engineer at Universal Theatre 

.Supply here, is vacationing in Kansas City, 

spending his time with his ill grandmother. 

DENVER 

gates Farley of Favorite Films of California 

traveled to Salt Lake City to set 

dates on his product . 

screened 

the new Jack Nicholson picture, "The Last 

Detail," at the Century screening room . . . 

Michael Barry traveled from Steamboat 

Springs to Park City, Utah, to attend the 

opening of the Park City Opera House 

there. 

John Vos, retired film salesman, is still 

confined to Mercy Hospital here after undergoing 

surgery. 

Three are to be elected to the board of 

directors of the Rocky Mountain Motion 

Picture Ass'n. Nominated for the posts were 

Carmen Bonacci of Lippert Theatres. Alan 

Flohr of Wolfberg Theatres, Bette Micheletti 

of J&B Film Distributors, Dick Klein of 

the Trojan Theatre, Longmont, Jay Ruehlen 

of National Screen Service and Clay Batter 

of Batter Booking Service. 

Film Exchange Employees Union held its 

annual election of officers and Dick Gibbons 

of Denver Shipping was elected president: 

Dorothy Guiney of United Artists, 

vice-president: Joan McCaw of Paramount, 

treasurer, and EIna Duncan of Columbia, 

secretary. Harry Bills of Universal was elected 

business agent for the coming year. 

Visiting the film exchanges were Don 

Swales, Playhouse Theatre, Aspen: Dick 

Klein, Trojan Theatre. Longmont: David 

Cory. Goodhand Theatre, Kimball, Neb.: 

Howard Campbell and Ncal Lloyd. Westland 

Theatres. Colorado Springs: Paul Cory, 

Fox Theatre, Sterling, and Herman Hallberg 

of Coop>er Theatres was here from Nebraska 

to set dates in the various Cooper situations. 

Ronald Neame will direct Columbia's 

"The Odessa File." 

Denver Judge Is Vexed 

At State's Film Case 

DENVER—Judge Robert Cummins of 

the Denver District Court made short work 

of a hearing in which the city hoped to have 

the film "The Magnificent Cowboys" declared 

obscene. Charged in the case were 

Marty Baker, owner of the theatre where 

the film had been shown, and the projectionist. 

The judge chided the city attorney because 

of the fact that the evidence in the 

case was hearsay and hinged on the testimony 

of a police officer who had viewed 

the film. Before the case could be brought 

to trial, the movie had completed its run at 

the Hayloft and the print shipped out of 

town. Defense attorney Arthur Schwartz 

branded the incident a "fiasco" and talked 

of filing a civil suit on the grounds of malicious 

prosecution. Schwartz contended that 

now "The Magnificent Cowboys" can be 

shown indefinitely without interference but 

the city attorney disagreed. 

Viewed at Three Theatres 

The Hayloft was one of three theatres 

where films were viewed with the intention 

of having them brought into court on the 

grounds of alleged obscenity. 

"Deep Throat," which had been showing 

at the Studio E Theatre, was declared obscene 

and returned to the theatre. 

When the 

film was being shown again, it was seized. 

Motions asking for the return of "Deep 

Throat" were refused and this angle of the 

case is now on appeal. 

Earlier it had been determined that a 

Denver judge would view the three films in 

question in order to make a determination 

as to whether the films were obscene or not. 

He had viewed "Deep Throat" at Studio E 

and "The Devil in Miss Jones" at the Tabor. 

"Deep Throat" is the only one that has been 

brought into court. The owner of Studio E, 

Investors Productions of Las Vegas, Nev., 

was fined $300. The theatre manager. Raymond 

Menefee jr., will be sentenced following 

a probation hearing. 

Prints Shipped From Town 

With "The Magnificent Cowboys" and 

"The Devil in Miss Jones" having completed 

their runs and the prints shipped out of 

town, it is doubtful if those cases will be 

heard further. Defense attorneys claim that 

with the dismissal of the present case involving 

"The Magnificent Cowboys" it 

could be brought back to Denver and exhibited 

without legal action against it standing 

up. City attorneys, however, do not 

agree. 

In the case of "The Magnificent Cowboys." 

the city decided to go ahead with 

that case even though they could not present 

any single legal precedent. When the vice 

bureau officer, James Lux, took the stand, 

Arthur Schwartz, defense attorney, said the 

evidence was strictly heresay and violated 

procedural rules requiring presentation of 

the "best evidence" and could not be used 

in a trial as sensitive as a hearing to determine 

whether a film was obscene or not. 

The court was recessed for a short time 

to see if city attorneys could come up with 

something relevant. They came back with a 

colleague. Wright Morgan, who cited a 

court case, but Cummins declared it irrelevant, 

stating, "If you think that I'm going 

to sit here and try to decide an obscenity 

case on a motion picture based on the testimony 

of someone who might have seen it, 

you're wrong. That's that." 

Instead of trying to dismiss the case, City 

Atty. Martis rested the prcsecution and 

Cummins handed down a verdict of acquittal. 

Defense attorneys declared that films 

that had been in court and found obscene 

could be shown in other theatres. -Several 

attorneys and judges disagreed with this. 

Ken Kolbjornsen. assistant city attorney 

heading the anti-obscenity move, said he 

thinks that once a film has been found obscene, 

the city can, without even getting a 

court order, confiscate it no matter where 

it is being shown in the city. Because of the 

opinion, police officers seized a copy of 

"Deep Throat" at Kitty's Pleasure Palace 

and have filed charges against owners of 

the theatre. 

If defense attorneys are right in assuming 

that adverse decisions affect only the theatre 

where the film was being shown, then 

it could take many actions to get an obscene 

film out of town. If they arc wrong, then 

an acquittal or a ruling that a certain film 

is not obscene, for whatever reason, might 

prevent further prosecution. 

Because of the newsprint shortage, the 

Rocky Mountain News is limiting theatres 

showing X-rated films to four inches of 

space each day. Some months ago, even 

after running an editorial about a year ago 

defending the publication of X-rated film 

ads, the Denver Post has placed a limit of 

two inches of space on such ads. Sunday 

(2) the News printed 13 such ads, with 12 

of them taking the maximum space. The 

13th. the Aladdin, where "Last Tango in 

Paris" is on an extended run, took only 

about an inch of space in the group ad for 

Mann Theatres. 

Where the theatre showing an X-rated 

film is part of a group of theatres, the News 

will let the ad appear in that combination 

display but the Post insists on separating 

them, putting all X films in a two-inch 

space under the heading "Adult Entertainment." 

The Post also runs ads for X-rated 

bookstores under that heading. Sunday (2) 

the Aladdin was the only movie house ad in 

the "Adult Entertainment" portion of the 

amusement page. 

Wichita Twin Theatre Closed 

WICHITA—The Movies 1 & 2 closed 

and will reportedly become a health spa in 

the future. 

Joe Cramer is producing "The Trial of 

Billy Jack." 

For Prompt Personal Atterttiort 

Equipment, Supplies or Service 

PETERSON THEATRE SUPPLY 

19 E. 2nd South 

Salt Lake Crty, Utah 84111 

Phone (801) 322-3685 


W-13

Ozoners Change Schedules 

In Colorado and Wyoming 

DENVER—Many drive-ins in the Colorado 

and Wyoming areas will close completely 

or for portions of the week during 

the winter months; however, from Denver 

south 4ome of them will operate full-time, 

with others on a weekends-only policy. 

In the Wolfberg circuit of ten airers, 

three will be open full time, with the rest 

operating weekends. All of these are in the 

immediate Denver area. Remaining open 

full time are the West, Monaco and Wadsworth. 

Theatres and their managers are; North. 

Kenneth Oliver: East, Steve Patton; West, 

Kenneth Lysek: South, Shelley Carrigg; 

North Star. Ray Wagner; Arapahoe, Tom 

Wales; Monaco. Ronald Johns; Wadsworth, 

Harry Taylor; Valley. Andy Lewis, and 

Havana, Clint Nix. 

Tom Smiley is president of Wolfberg 

Theatres, with William Vande venter as 

drive-in district manager and Ray Studer as 

assistant. 

Highland Theatres, headquartering in 

Boulder, Colo., is closing the following for 

the winter: Motorene, Greeley, Colo.; Skyline, 

Laramie, Wyo.; Sunset, Fort Collins, 

Colo.; Lake and East, Pueblo, Colo., and 

the Nor-West. Denver. 

Remaining open on a part-time basis are 

the Holiday and Twin Motorena, Boulder, 

Colo., supervised by George Hyde, city 

manager; the Evans, Denver, with Gary 

Johnson as manager; Cinderella Twin, managed 

by John Windier, and the Colfax, 

helmed by Pat Towne. 

Russell Berry is Highland Theatres' general 

manager and Robert Anderson is district 

manager for the Denver area. 

Cinema Arts Productions 

Films 'Greed Lust' in KC 

DENVER—Cinema Arts Productions, a 

Denver-based company, has returned from 

Kansas City where a feature-length film 

titled "Greed Lust" was shot. The movie is 

a spoof on the 1940s genre of detective 

films. 

Produced and directed by Denver filmmaker 

Ian Morrison. "Greed Lust" has 

Kansas City actor Joe Leahy (who is best 

known for his role in "Is There Sex After 

Death?") in the starring role as Prof. Joe 

Sledge. A blind chicken and a talented seeing-eye 

duck also are featured (they do a 

Charleston dance with a crow and a lizard). 

The Kansas City home of Mrs. Russell 

Stover of candy fame was used for some 

of the scenes. 

The film was shot in a week on a budget 

of under $4,000; however, the actors were 

working on a deferred-payment basis. A G 

or PG rating is expected for the motion 

picture. 

"Greed Lust" was lensed in 16mm but 

will be enlarged to 35mm for use in theatres. 

Morrison plans to promote and distribute 

the film himself. 

First-Run Film Theatre 

Is Planned for Auburn 

AUBURN. CALIF.—Ronald E. Lichau, 

a member of the city council, has disclosed 

that Herbie Green Enterprises of Redwood 

City, Calif., is expected to finalize negotiations 

for the purchase of the State Theatre 

next February. The showhouse, which 

has been closed for nearly a year because 

of a faulty roof, was owned and operated 

by the United Artists Theatre Circuit. Also 

included in the transaction is the Auburn 

Drive-In, another UATC property. 

The purchase price for the two theatres 

was not announced. 

Lichau said that Herbie Green Enterprises 

plans to convert the L200-seat State 

to a 400-seat, all-loge theatre which will exhibit 

first-run films. Once the theatre section 

is altered, between 12 and 16 office 

spaces will be installed around it, with access 

via a walkway mall. 

A new roof will be constructed over the 

the theatre section. The roof covering the 

offices and mall will feature sky wells and 

as much access to natural light as possible, 

according to Lichau. 

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — The planning 

board has passed a resolution approving 

the schematic design of the Mar-Nel Shopping 

Plaza proposed for the southeast corner 

of Amwell Road and Route 206. A 

motion picture theatre is planned, among 

other tenants, for the 27-acre complex. 

DENVER 

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BOXOFnCE :: December 17, 1973 W-15

. . The 

. . 

. . 

S f >* 7 r L £ 

Q,eneral Cinema Corp's Renton Village 

Cinema I ha^ a free Christmas show 

sponsored by the Renton Village Merchants 

Ass'n Saturday morning (15). Shown was 

"Treasure Island." the Orson Welles version, 

along with a number of cartoons. 

Meanwhile, next door at the same time in 

Cinema II Cinerama Releasing had an invitational 

showing of the upcoming release. 

"Digby. the Biggest Dog in the World." 

The Dorothy Matin Agency was in 

charge of arrangements for the recent visits 

of Tony Lo Bianco and James Bridges. 

Lo Bianco, one of the stars of "TTie Seven- 

Ups." 20th Century-Fox Christmas release 

opening Friday (21) in the United Artists 

Cinema 70. made a number of appearances 

on TV and radio shows as well as at a 

number of press conferences. Bridges, the 

writer-director of "The Paper Chase." another 

20th-Fox Christmas release, also 

opening Friday (21) in the United Varsity 

Theatre, was in town for TV, radio and 

press conferences. Bridges made an appearance 

at the University of Washington in the 

Hub following a special screening of the 

film. By the way. the Varsity is located on 

the fringes of the University of Washington 

in the heart of the university shopping district. 

Cinemation screened "The Police Connection" 

Thursday (6) and "Teen-Age Sex 

Report" Monday (10) in the Jewel Box on 

Filmrow. Columbia screened its March release. 

"TTie Last Detail." with Jack Nicholson 

Tuesday (1 1) in a night screening at the 

same spot. 

Major openings on the local scene were 

"The Spook Who Sat by the Door," at the 

Coliseum Wednesday (5); "The Sacred 

Knives of Vengeance." in the Town on the 

same date, and "Massacre in Rome," at the 

Music Box Friday (7). 

Sterling Recreation Organization had the 

Russian Ballet Film Festival in its Lake 

City. Belvue and Lewis and Clark theatres 

Wednesday (5) through Tuesday (11). while 

"Westworld" continued in the Seattle 7th 

Avenue: "Executive Action" was at the 

Cinerama, and "Last Tango in Paris" was 

in its final two weeks at the Uptown. 

The premiere shO'Wing of "Jonathan Livingston 

Seagull" had to be switched to 

Wednesday (19) at the Uptown Theatre . 

Cinerama Releasing's "The Pyx" went into 

the Fifth Avenue Theatre Friday (7) and 

"That Darn Cat" and "Dumbo" went another 

week in the Bellevue Overlake Cinema 

II. the Roxy in Renton and the Bay in 

Ballard. 

"American Graffiti" continued to lead the 

entire area as it completed its 15th week in 

an exclusive engagement at the Renton Village 

Cinema I. Meanwhile. "The Way We 

Were" began a sixth week at its original 

openings, the Bellevue National Cinema 

Crossroads 1. the Renton Village Cinema 

II. the King and the Aurora Drive-In . 

"Siddhartha" was still going strong in a 

fifth exclusive week at United's Varsity 

and "The Paper Chase" was sneaked there 

Sunday (9). as well as at the United Artists 

Cinema 150 the same night . United 

Artists Cinema 150 kept "Walking Tall" 

another week and next door at the United 

Artists Cinema 70 "Betty Boop Scandals of 

1974" was on the screen along with the first 

chapter of Captain Marvel and the Little 

Rascals. 

A special Walt Disney Productions" 

"Robin Hood" coloring contest occupied a 

full page in the Outlook, weekly entertainment 

section, with readers of all ages welcome 

to enter and vie for 40 pairs of passes; 

two puppies of their choices from two different 

pet stores; 18 two-pound boxes of 

Neslle's Quik; a dozen soundtrack albums, 

with storybooks, from Disneyland Records. 

and 100 Jiffy Pop Popcorn packages. Entrants 

have until Friday (21) to get their 

drawings in. as prize winners will be notified 

by the Outlook newspaper to appear at 

the Food Giant Store, a major participant 

in the contest, where December 27. at 9:30 

a.m.. all will receive the above-mentioned 

prizes. The store also, as a tie-in. ran special 

sales on Nestle's Quik and Jiffy Pop Popcorn 

below their standard prices. Opening of 

the new Walt Disney film is set for the 5th 

Avenue theatre Friday (21). 

Variety Club Tent 46 Ladies presented a 

star-studded spectacular featuring top recording 

artists at their charity Christmas 

party and luncheon Friday (7) in the Washington 

Plaza Hotel. The motif was "Christmas 

'Round the World." Children's charities 

benefited from the raffle proceeds. 

Gene Keene of the Cirque Dinner Theatre 

announced that Ruth Roman has been 

signed to star in person in "Time of the 

Cuckoo." the Cirque's next attraction, opening 

New Year's Eve. 

Prints, Receipts Reported 

Taken in Pussycat Raids 

BUENA PARK. CALIF.—Vice 

officers 

confiscated four prints of "Deep Throat" 

at the Buena Park Pussycat Theatre in four 

separate raids Friday. November 23, and 

Saturday. November 24. taking with them 

more than $4,800 in ticket and concession 

receipts. 

Pussycat spokesmen alleged that police 

called in a safecracker to impound the day's 

receipts which had been deposited in a keyless 

drop safe. The officers also reportedly 

seized posters, time schedules and a camera 

used by a Pussycat employee to photograph 

the law enforcement agents in the act of 

obtaining a search-and-seizure warrant from 

Judge John Smith of Brea. Calif., right in 

front of the theatre. 

Meanwhile. Walnut Properties, operator 

of the Pussycat Theatre in Escondido. 

agreed to convert that house to a general 

film policy and promised not to operate 

any adult theatres within the north county 

judicial district of San Diego County. 

Favorite to Release Two 

Films in Western States 

HOLLYWOOD—Favorite Films of California 

has acquired distribution rights to 

"Nurses Report" and 'Fox Style" in the 

13 Western states, according to exceutive 

vice-president Mark Tenser. "Nurses Report" 

had a successful showcase engagement 

in 29 New York theatres and will go into 

Favorite exchanges immediately, says Tenser. 

"Fox Style" is a Presidio production, 

starring Chuck Daniel. Juanita Moore and 

Denise Denise. 

W-IS BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

— 

— 

— 

— 

— — 

— 

'Executive Action' 

600 KC Peak Mark 

KANSAS CITY— •Executive Action." 

counting 600 in its third week at Gicnwood 

2. out-distanced all first runs in the Midwest 

(as tabulated on the Kansas City and Chicago 

business barometers). No. 2 in the 

Kansas City lineup. "The Way We Were." 

recorded a solid 300 on holdover time at 

the Plaza, and "Siddhartha" carried off No. 

3 honors here with a second-week 250 at 

Embassy 1. The week's only two newcomers 

turned in only average 100 ratings as 

Christmas shopping moved into high gear 

at all area commercial centers. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

Blue Ridge 4, Ranch Mart \, 2 The Long 

Goodbye (UA), 2nd wk 200 

Brywood 5, Embassy 2 American Graffiti (Univ), 

14th wk 200 

Cameo The Slams (MGM) 1 00 

Embassy 1—Siddhortha (Col), 2nd wk 250 

Fest.yal—Payday (CRC), 2nd wk 100 

Fine Arts The New Land (WB), 6th wk 175 

Four theatres The Deadly Trackers (WB), 

2nd wk 100 

Four theatres Hit (Paro), 2nd wk 125 

Four theotres Soered Knives of Vengeonce (WB) 100 

Glenwood 2 Executive Action iNGP), 3rd wk. . . .600 

Glenwood 1, Blue Ridge I Charley Varrick 

tUnrv), 7th wk 100 

Midland 2 BoHle of the Amazons (AIR), 

2nd wk 100 

Plaza The Woy We Were (Col), 5th wk 300 

Loop Houses Marking Time 

Until Holiday Films Arrive 

CHIC.'\GO—While Loop theatres were 

waiting for Christmas releases, grossing percentages 

range from 150 to 225 f)er cent. 

"Blood of the Dragon" and "The Deadly 

China Doll" opened at 225 each at the 

Roosevelt and Woods theatres, respectively. 

and "The Chinese Professionals" rated 225 

in its second stanza before Oriental Theatre 

patrons. 

Carnegie The Poper Chose (20th-Fox), 7th wk. .200 

Cinema The New Land (WB), 6th wk 175 

Michael Todd BoMIe of the Amozons (AlP), 

2nd wk 175 

Oriental The Chinese Professionals (NGP), 

2nd wk 225 

Roosevelt Blood of the Dragon (5R) 225 

United Artists The Don Is Dead (Univ), 2nd wk. 150 

Woods The Deadly China Doll (MGM) 225 

Dickens Film Festival Is 

Under Way in Indy Museum 

INDIANAPOLIS—The first in its 

Charles Dickens Film Festival series was 

offered Friday (7) by the Indianapolis Museum 

of Art. with W. C. Fields and Lionel 

Barrymore in "David Copperfield." This 

was followed Saturday (8) by "Great Expectations," 

with John Mills and Jean Simmons. 

Tickets were $1 for museum members 

and $1.50 for nonmembers. 

"Oliver Twist" was scheduled for Friday 

(14) and ".^ Christmas Carol" for Saturday 

(15). 

GCC Twin Unveiled 

COLUMBUS, IND—Columbus Mayor 

Max Andress attended the ribbon-cutting 

ceremony which marked the official opening 

of General Cinema Corp.'s Courthouse 

Center Cinema 1 and 2 late last month. 

The two 330-seat auditoriums feature pushback 

chairs. Raymond Ellis, manager of the 

twin, and Lenny Mays. GCC division manager, 

planned the premiere festivities. 

Sir Weight's Court Finds 

Kaycee Area 'Not Ready' 

KANSAS CITY—Sir Waighfs Court, 

motel at 10801 East U.S. 50 in suburban 

Raytown. Mo., which featured closed-circuit 

X-rated movies, has closed because of 

a lack of interest and periodic interference 

by police, according to a spokesman for 

Ikon Corp. of Denver, which operated the 

hostelry. 

"It just wasn't a going business." said 

Robert G. Duncan, attorney for Ikon. 

"Jackson County just wasn't ready for it." 

The first such facility of its kind in this 

area. Sir Waight's Court opened in mid-July. 

During its five months of operation. Raytown 

police and the Jackson County sheriff's 

patrol twice raided the motel, confiscating 

videotape players and film cassettes. 

Duncan said the Denver-based firm now has 

removed all the closed-circuit equipment 

from the motel "and shipped it elsewhere." 

The lease has been canceled. 

According to Duncan, he expected to appear 

in Jackson County Circuit Court Monday 

(10) or Tuesday (11) to settle the court 

oases pending against Ikon Corp. The firm 

was charged with three counts of "possession 

of obscene movie film" and three 

counts of "publishing (transmitting) obscene 

movie film," Robert Frager, an assistant 

Jackson County prosecutor said. 

After a raid on the motel July 31 by 

Raytown police in which films, projectors 

and accessory equipment were seized, the 

misdemeanor charges were filed. The motel 

again was raided November 16 by Jackson 

County sheriff's deputies and Raytown 

police. Three additional films were seized 

in 

the second raid, sheriff's deputies said. 

Titles of the movies, which were viewed 

by motel guests in the privacy of their 

rooms on TV screens, have not been released 

so far as is known. 

.VIARTING THIRD UNIT—Owner 

Mort Fink, left, and managing director 

Bene Stein, center, Golf Mill 

theatres 1 and 2, get assistance from 

Nicholas Blase, mayor of Niles, III., as 

all three display real shovel power for 

the ground breaking at the site of Golf 

Mill 3. The 700-seat showcase to be 

built adjacent to Golf Mill 1 and 2 

will be ready for operation in June 

1974. When completed, the three-theatre 

complex will have a combined seating 

capacity of 3,200 seats and share 

some common facilities. 

Updated Lyric Opened 

By Kerasotes Circuit 

MONTICELLO, ILL.—Kerasotes Theatres, 

which owns theatres throughout Illinois 

and Missouri, early last month announced 

the official reopening of the newly redecorated 

Lyric Theatre here. The circuit purchased 

the long-closed showhouse several 

months ago. 

The updating included extensive remodeling, 

new lobby carpeting, new screen, new 

sound system and a fully automated projection 

system as well as general cleaning and 

repainting. 

Chosen for the debut of the refurbished 

Lyric was the Reader's Digest presentation 

of an Arthur P. Jacobs production, "Tom 

Sawyer," released by United Artists. One 

feature show was offered at the grand opening, 

beginning at 8 p.m. Doors opened at 

7 p.m. to give the general public an opportunity 

to look over the movie house. 

According to Kerasotes officials, the 

Lyric will show all types of new films and 

will adhere strictly to the motion picture 

rating system. Showtimes will be 7 and 

9 p.m. Monday through Friday, with continuous 

showings from 2 p.m. on Saturday 

and Sunday. 

Boxoffice prices will be $1.75 for adults 

and $1 for children, with season tickets 

being offered at great savings. 

Fryer-Schuster Nuptials 

Announced by Dick Fryer 

NEVADA. MO.—Dick Fryer, 

owner of 

Nevada Theatres, the Fox Theatre and Trail 

Drive-ln, has announced the marriage of his 

son Dale Wayne Fryer to Miss Jean 

Schuster Saturday (1). The couple is now 

settled in their new home, built next to the 

drive-in. following a week's trip to the 

Ozarks. 

Wayne has been in business with his 

father for the past four years and presently 

is doing just about everything in operating 

the theatres. His father still buys and books 

as well as taking care of some office work. 

A Navy veteran. Wayne served on the 

aircraft carrier Ticonderoga and sf>ent six 

months in Vietnam as a corpsman. He now 

looks forward enthusiastically to many 

vears in the theatre business. 

Joe Renteria in SA Area 

To Promote His 'Toke' 

SAN ANTONIO—Joe Renteria is starring 

in a movie he wrote and produced. 

Renteria was in the city on a promotional 

visit in behalf of the film "Toke," which 

of>ens at the downtown Texas. 

The film is based on the real life experiences 

of three marijuana smugglers who 

acted as technical advisers for the film, 

played some bit parts in it and a lawyer 

who gave Renteria the information on 

which the film was based. Don McDougal 

directed the film and co-produced it. 

A group of 27 businessmen in El Paso, 

the hometown of Renteria, put up 512,500 

each to finance the movie, which was shot 

in El Paso. 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 C-1

— 

KANSAS CITY s.eadon 6 reetinaA '9^ 

KANSAS CITY 


from 

a t^ftiîî/u J'Vew- ^€€ia! 

R & J 

PARKING 

STANLEY H. DURWOOD 

PRESIDENT 

^ 

RICHARD M. DURWOOO 

^^^ 

SENIOR VICE PRE5IDENL AlltC 

, 

0«!»sjsJei9*2aJSJ5vaii»JSi&0ij^ 

"Wannesi Holiday Wishes 

1629 Wyandotte 

Ray St. 

James 

g 23G-5426 Monthly Rates 

I 

I 

i f 1 MANN THEATRES 1 

3859 W. 95th St.—P.O. Box 6346 

Shawnee Mission, Kas. 66206 

Phone: (913) 381-2058 

Ralph Amacher 

Elaine Palmer 

I 

PLAZA, FINE ARTS, BROOKSIDE 

ANTIOCH, METCALF, 

50 DRIVE-IN 

«»irWsrt!iSrB?Sr

:) 

, 

\ 

KANSAS CITY ê ^êddOtl 6 

>?*S^jfek '

. . Wilma 

I 

KANSAS CITY 

êd Post, director of "Magnum Force," sequel 

to the highly successful "Dirty 

Harry," was in Kansas City Monday and 

Tuesday (10, 11) to promote the Warner 

Bros. film. Much of his time was occupied 

with interviews for radio and TV. including 

WDAF News (from the Crown Center Hotel) 

KBMA-TV ("Dialing for Dollars"), 

WHB Radio's "Community Contact" (taped 

interview), the Kansas City Star. KCMO 

"Noon Edition," KMBC-TV's "Etcetera," 

KMBZ Radio and KAYQ Radio. Post feels 

that those fans who loved Clint Eastwood 

as Dirty Harry will pack the theatres for 

his return. Dan Meyers of Galvin-Farris- 

Ross advertising agency handled Posfs promotion 

tour. Post left here for St. Louis to 

continue his publicity campaign. 

L&L Supply Co. will hold a combination 

Christmas open house and house warming 

at its new offices at 3612 Karnes Blvd. The 

festivities will be TTiursday afternoon (20). 

Hosts Tom and Bob Fleming are looking 

forward to seeing all their exihibitor friends 

there. 

Thomas-Shipp Films will host a Christmas 

party at the exchange Friday (14), starting 

at 3 p.m. . . . John Shipp, Thomas-Shipp 

Films, was in Atlanta, Ga., Monday and 

Tuesday (10,11) attending a New World 

Pictures sales meeting . Martin, 

Thomas-Shipp Films, participated in the 

State Bowling Tournament in Joplin Saturday 

(8). 

The WOMPIs held their annual Christmas 

party Thursday (13) at the Buttonwood 

Tree Restaurant on the Plaza. Over 50 

members and guests attended. The WOMPIs 

also brought a little bit of Christmas to 

others Saturday night (15) at the Christmas 

party for Muscular Dystrophy, which was 

held in the Communications Workers Ass'n 

Building in Lees Summit. WOMPI Helen 

Gates (who also is an executive on' the board 

for Muscular Dystrophy), Patty Poessiger, 

Elaine Palmer and Goldie Lewis baked 

cookies and filled over 200 stockings with 

goodies for the children. Avon donated 

gifts for the occasion. 

Screenings at Commonwealth: "The 

Seven-Ups" (20th-Fox), Tuesday (11); "All 

the Way Boys!" (Avco-Embassy), Tuesday 

(11); "The Last Detail" (Col), Wednesday 

(12): "Dead Pigeon on Beethoven Street" 

(Emerson), distributed by Marcus Film, 

Thursday (13): "All the Way Boys!" (Avco- 

Embasy), Thursday (13): "To Catch a Pebble" 

(Weisenthal), Friday (14), and "Five 

on the Black Hand Side" (UA), Friday 

(14). 

Chuck Elder, United Artists booker, will 

undergo major surgery Wednesday (19) at 

St. Luke's Hospital. Bill Gill will be filling 

in 

for Chuck during his absence. 

Ray Holmes, Commonwealth Theatres 

city manager for Manhattan, Kas., was on 

the Row Tuesday (11). 

Forty years ago, according to the column 

by that name in the Kansas City Times 

Monday (10), "Sitting Pretty," starring Ginger 

Rogers, Jack Oakie, Jack Haley, Thelma 

Todd and Gregory Ratoff, was at the 

Newman. Myma Loy teamed with Max 

Baer in "The Prizefighter and the Lady" 

at the Loew's Midland, and Mae West was 

in "Lm No Angel" at the Plaza. Popular 

film actor Bert Lytell had the lead in "Ten- 

Minute Alibi" on the Shubert stage. 

Seize 'Miss Jones' Print, 

Arrest 3 at Old Chelsea 

KANSAS CITY—The Old Chelsea Theatre, 

1228 Broadway, which advertises the 

"highest quality adult films in the most elegant 

of surroundings," was raided Monday 

(10) at approximately 5:15 p.m. by Jackson 

County authorities who had viewed most of 

the current offering, Gerard Damiano's 

"The Devil in Miss Jones," starring Georgina 

Spelvin. 

A print of the X-rated motion picture was 

seized by the raiders, who were led by 

Jackson County Sheriff Kenneth Carnes. 

The sheriff was accompanied by a deputy, 

two Kansas City vice squad detectives and 

Judge James V. Horn of the magistrate 

court. 

Old Chelsea employees Glenna M. Smith, 

Diane S. Levine and Ernest H. Shaffner 

were arrested and charged with "possession 

of obscene material." The three were re- 

MID-CONTINENT Theatre Supply Corp. 

1800 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

Phone (816) 221-0480 W. R. "Bill" Davis, Mgr. 

PROMPT • BFFIC/ENT 

• COURTEOUS 

leased on $500 bond and scheduled to appear 

Wednesday (19) in magistrate court. 

Robert Darby is manager of the Old 

Chelsea TTieatre, where "The Devil in Miss 

Jones" was playing in its "third smash 

week," according to newspaper ads at the 

time of the raid. In a TV newscast Tuesday 

(11), Darby indicated that, except for a twohour 

interruption the previous night, the 

X-rated film was continuing to be exhibited 

at the Old Chelsea on the usual schedule. 

He termed the raid—and several others 

during the past few months—as simply 

"harassment." Darby expressed the thought 

that adults were entitled to determine what 

they did or did not wish to see and declared 

that no one ever had been "forced" to view 

a film at the theatre. In fact, he said patrons 

turned off by the screen fare could 

receive refunds. 

Darby attributed the recent rash of raids 

at the Old Chelsea to certain individuals 

and pressure groups who had "nothing better 

to do all day than sit around phoning 

councilmen, etc." He said he believed that 

taxpayers would prefer that law enforcement 

monies be spent to curb the rising 

number of violent crimes in Kansas City 

rather than to have funds and personnel 

diverted to the censoring of adult films at 

the Old Chelsea. 

Sheriff Carnes. who was interviewed by 

KCMO-TV News, stated that the film print 

had been confiscated because it was believed 

that the subject matter of the motion 

picture violated state statutes. 

Joseph Bluth Named Prexy 

Of Image Transform, Inc. 

From Western Edition 

BURBANK, CALIF. — Joseph Bluth, 

electronic photography pioneer, formerly 

president and founder of Technicolor's 

Vidtronics Co. in the U.S. and London and 

most recently head of Republic Communications, 

has moved over to Image Transform, 

Inc., a subsidiary of EUanin Investments, 

Toronto, Canada, as president of 

ITI, it was announced by Douglas V. N. 

McCutcheon, ITI board chairman. 

Following Bluth's impact on the process 

of using electronic TV cameras to lens 

features in color, transferring the image 

to motion picture film for release to theatres, 

back in 1966, the technique took a 

huge leap forward when live TV transmissions 

from the surface of the moon 

during the Apollo lunar missions were rapidly 

transferred and broadcast to TV audiences. 

NASA has just reassigned these contracts 

and, in addition, a feature motion 

picture made in Canada shortly will be 

processed at the laboratory. 

Bluth's new projects at ITI will be announced 

shortly. 

CARBONS, INC. 

' 

' Box K, Cedor Knolls, N. i. ^^ 

ouri— Ringold Cinema Equip. Inc., Sf. Louis, (314) 352-2020 

Notional Theatre Supply Co., St. Louis, (314) 968-1733 

C-4 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

asyou live 

& breathe 

Christmas 

Seals 

FIGHT 

LUNG DISEASE 

Fight emphysema, tuberculosis, air pollution 

Space coninbuled by Ihe publisher as a public 

10 I BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 C-5

C'wealth Is 

Building 

Fourplex in Wichita 

WICHITA, KAS.—A lease agreement 

has been signed between Kroh Bros. Realty 

and Commonwealth Theatres for the construction 

of a quadplex in the Pawnee Plaza 

Shopping Center on South Broadway. The 

multitheatre. to be named the Pawnee Quartet 

theatres, will be incorporated within an 

existing building. Entrance to the lobby will 

be from an enclosed mall which leads to 

shops and parking facilities. 

Theatre design has been executed by the 

Law Co. of Wichita in conjunction with 

Mel Glatz & Associates of Denver. The 

opening of the fourplex is targeted for early 

1974, according to Commonwealth president 

Richard Orear. 

Total capacity of the four auditoriums 

will be over 1,000, Orear said. 

The addition of the Pawnee Quartet theatres 

to the Commonwealth circuit will make 

a total of 12 screens operated in the Greater 

Wichita area by the firm. Commonwealth 

resident city manager is Web Meredith. 

KANSAS CITY 

Boys' Clubs Launching 

New Films, TV Project 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK—Launching of a new and 

novel film development project was jointly 

announced by the Boys' Clubs of America 

and film and television veterans Ezra Stone 

and Irve Tunick, 

Stone, director of more than 300 films 

and television series, including "Lassie," 

"The Jimmy Stewart Show," "Bridget Loves 

Bernie," "Julia" Sandy Duncan and many 

others, started in radio as "Henry Aldrich." 

Tunick, also a radio veteran, has written 

more than 150 major network television 

scripts, including several award-winning 

"Ironsides" scripts. 

Together, Stone and Tunick will work 

with E. J. "Ed" Stapleton, resource and 

development director for the Boys' Clubs 

organization, on a full-length feature and 

pilots for series. Themes will be built around 

actual experiences of Boys' Club executives 

and members while combating a wide range 

of current youth and adult problems. 

Stone and Tunick will be headquartered 

in Los Angeles. 

AAT Franchises First 

Four-Screen Complex 

From Southwestern 

Edition 

OKLAHOMA CITY—J. Cooper Burks, 

president of American Automated Theatres, 

Inc., based here, announced completion of 

plans for the circuit's first four-screen theatre. 

It is to be built in the Reding Village 

Shopping Center at Grand and South Western 

Avenue in Oklahoma City. 

"Until now," Burks said, "we have been 

limiting our franchisees to single and twin 

auditoriums but the success of quads in the 

metro areas across the country opens a 

whole new spectrum to our future development 

in franchised theatres." 

AAT already has more than 20 screens 

in operation. Scheduled to open next year 

are over 100 AAT franchised-screens in 

16 states. 

Steve Bono will produce "The Last Porno 

Flick" for Bryanston. 

KANSAS CITY 

»»»«ii»*a!MSa.sS!»flsJ!)«!S*s^^ 


WARNER BROS. DIST. CORP. 

DICK HILL, Branch Manager 

JOHN LONG 

BOB KRAUSE 

GARY FREEMAN 

JERRY BRETHOUR 

eMiii»e«!»&»h9Jess«si»;i(is^^ 

I 


FROM 

WOMEN OF THE 

[ MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY 

KANSAS CITY CLUB 

«i«J(^!s.^;(i»Si;!i»J!ii2»«;i»s^^^ 

Best Holiday Wishes 1 

STEVE DURBIN BOB BUSCHER I 

SUE MULLINS 

UNITED NATIONAL FILMS, Inc. 

1703 Wyandotte • K. C, Mo. 

I 

Phone: (816) 474-5330 

I 

| 

| 

| 

| 


KANSAS CITY s.eudon d 

Kjreetln^d 

;^^^^5^^^^^^^^^^^^^~^^^ 

:iC3(^C3iSC3:-{IO»Sg^SgEg^gi:i?JSîi^pEîgg^£igig5S^ 

pi 

y 


1800 CENTRAL 


DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

BETTY BURDICK 

Inspectress 

^ I 

i 

i 


DICKINSON THEATRES 

GLENWOOD MANOR MOTOR HOTEL 

GLENWOOD THEATRES 

K.C.'s Finest 

5913 WOODSON RD. MISSION. KAS. 

GLEN W. DICKINSON, JR. 

Bob Johns 

Jean Calvert 

Judy Helton 

Jerry Jones 

Ray McKitrick, Branch Manager 

and the Rest of the gang at 

UNIVERSAL PICTURES 

Serving Kansas City and St. Louis 

Send 

Besl Holiday Wishes to 

All 

•C?^SXi:aaîSjasji9Iîj»Ssi9JS^^ 

«.i»%iSA«iSJi>;j»St;i9J!!sjS»^^ 


Ben Shlyen Jesse Shlyen Morris Schlozman 

"Chip" Rouse John Pocsik 

Charlotte Folsom Mary Jo Gorman 

Gwen Wolfrom Ralph Delmont 

Larry McClain 

BOXOFFICE 

Kansas City 

s.eudon 6 (jtreetinaS 

di 9' 

Drive-In Theatre Mfg. Co„ Inc. 

F. W. Keilhack 

L. E. Higginbothom 

709 North Sixth Street 

Eomsas City. Kansas 

Geo. W. Higginbothom 

O. C. Wells 

8i!a«i!ts«?5jreRw«?Sr!?««f^^ 

ss!re»?a«iSrst!?are?s^^ 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 1974 

Here's What We Have to Make It Happy in 1974, Four 

Big Ones for Immediate Bookings: "From the Mixed-Up 

Files of Mrs. Basil E. Fronkweiler," "Dead Pigeon on 

Beethoven Street," "The Tall Blond Man With One 

Black Shoe" and "Run Stranger Rim." 

BEN MARCUS 

MARCUS FILM DISTRIBUTING CO. 

Distributor For the Top 

Independent Companies in the Industry 

1974 The Year oi the Independent Distributor 

Ranch Mart Shopping Center South — Lower Level 

3793 W. 95th St. Overland Park, Kas. 66206 

Telephone (913) 381-6222 

| 

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL 

PICTURES 

1703 Wyandotte St. 

John Wangberg 

Jack Klug 

HArrison 1-2324 

Dian Brethour 

Bob Pike 

Suite 203 

Eleonora Martin 

Extend Sincere Holiday Greetings 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 C-7

ST. 

LOUIS 

^/ehrenberg circuit president Ron Krueger 

and his wife Harriet are vacationing in 

Spain—and Wehrenberg staff executive Ray 

and Marie Parker have just taken up residence 

in their new home on Crown Hill 

Lane, Forest Hills Country Club, overlooking 

Mary Jo Kraus, 

the fourth green . . . formerly with the local Metro-Goldwyn- 

Mayer exchange, has joined the staff at 

Avco Embassy Pictures. Dolores Strinni, 

most recently with Avco Embassy, is now 

with United Artists" local exchange. 

Gallery displays current in area theatres 

include: South County Cinema, Lindbergh 

ST. LOUIS 

I Holiday Greetings i 

AVCO EMBASSY 

PICTURES CORP. 

Ralph 

Hacker 

Mary Jo 

Kraus 

Eileen 

^ 

S 

« Sessel I 

i 

i 

and Lemay Ferry roads, oil paintings by 

Joseph Venezia, through December; Grandview 

Cinema, Grandview Shopping Center, 

paintings by Norma Malerich, through 

Tuesday (11), and Northland Cinema, 

Northland Shopping Center, oils and acrylics 

by Mary Barrie Brennan, through Tuesday 

(18). 

Burt Lancaster in "Executive Action" is 

in a fourth week at Central City, Stadium 

Cinema 1, BAC Cinema, Des Peres 4 Cine 

and Westport Cine, with "American Graffiti" 

in its seventh week at a second Westport 

"Cry of the Wild," in 

Cine unit . . . 

its second week at Bridgeton 1. Crest, St. 

Andrews Cinema, Webster Groves and 

Washington theatres featured a "popcorn 

matinee" at Saturday and Sunday showings, 

with a free 25-cent bag of popcorn to all 

comers. 

York Theatres to Reopen 


YORK, PA.—Bernard Lynch, former assistant 

manager of the Strand and Capitol 

theatres, located at George and Philadelphia 

streets in the downtown area, said RKO- 

Stanley Warner Corp. informed him October 

25 that the movie houses would be reopened 

and that he would have the responsibility 

of managing them. The theatres had 

been shuttered several days before by a 

Delaware firm which had leased them from 

RKO-SW. According to Lynch, films for 

both the Strand and Capitol already were 

booked. 

Major Updating Under Way 

At Theatre in Plainfield 

PLAINFIELD, ILL.—Patrons entering 

the Village Theatre here are greeted by a 

sign which reads: "Pardon our dust. We are 

remodeling." The property is undergoing a 

complete facelifting, both interior and exterior, 

according to manager Jack Crider, 

who says it will be completed in a few 

weeks. 

At approximately midnight, after the feature 

is ended and moviegoers have gone 

home, workmen arrive at the Village Theatre. 

And they are making definite improvements. 

New cedar walls have been installed and 

pleated draperies encircle the inside of the 

theatre, framing a new screen. The old stage 

has been torn down. Crider, who has managed 

the house for a year, says that it wasn't 

needed anymore. 

All the seats have been upholstered and 

repainted and. in the lobby, a new concession 

area has been installed. The boxoffice, 

now on the outside of the building, will be 

moved to the inside. "TTiis way," Crider explains, 

"people can come in out of the 

weather to buy tickets." 

New carpeting also is being installed. Not 

only does it cover the auditorium's center 

aisle and the lobby area but it also extends 

across the sidewalk to the curb. 

Asked about moviegoing trends. Crider 

said he definitely feels that there is a current 

surge back to the neighborhood theatre. 

"I don't think there is any doubt about it," 

he emphasized. "I think this is what we're 

seeing." 

Pointing out that this is the fourth neighborhood 

theatre his carpenters have remod- 

ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS 

- - - - 

I 

l 

I 

WOODY TOWNSEND 

And 

I 

i The Staff 

at 

I 

II 

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*«i!*«!Sir«isarSiSr«?«^^ 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

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^Jôlidau 

K^reetlnaA 

St. Louis WOMPI 

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eled recently, Crider added. "Many people 

have told me they hadn't been to an indoor 

theatre for at least 20 years. They come 

here, enjoy it and will come back again. 

With a Disney film, we have a lot of families." 

He reminded thai the theatre's marquee 

also will be remodeled. It will have a lot of 

cedar, complementing the exterior of the 

building, he stated, and spotlights which will 

shine down on the sidewalk. In addition, he 

said the heating system has been completely 

revamped and related that the theatre has 

been air-conditioned for some time. 

"We understand this was one of the first 

theatres in the state to be air-conditioned, 

although that probably will be disputed." 

he laughed. 

The projection booth also is being updated 

and Crider said some $3,000 already 

has t>een spent to modernize the equipment. 

What is the aim of the newly redecorated 

theatre? "To cater to families." smiles 

Crider. "We intend to show as much of the 

family-type film as we can." 

Joanne Fontaine in Waco 

W.^CO, TEX.—.Actress Joan Fontaine 

and actor-professor Dr. Richard Hudson 

were here on the Baylor University campus 

Saturday (1) to present "Life in a Love," a 

dramatic montage of readings from Robert 

and Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poems 

and letters. 

Tent 4 Gives $84,000 

To Local Charities 

ST. LOUIS—Gifts totaling $S4.0()0 were 

distributed to 51 local charitable institutions 

Friday. November 30. by St. Louis Variety 

Club Tent 4 at a luncheon at the Chase 

Park-Plaza Hotel. John Londoff, chief barker, 

distributed the gifts from funds raised 

by the club's telethon last Fi;bruary. All 

agencies serve needy, hard'cappjd or underprivileged 

children. 

Gifts included five Variety Club Sunshine 

Coaches, bringing the tent's fleet to 45 

specially designed buses which take handicapp>ed 

children to picnics, museums, the 

zoo and other areas children normally visit 

daily. 

Londoff said the contributions are in 

addition to approximately $100,000 allocated 

earlier this year and that additional 

checks will be presented in the weeks ahead, 

as the organization begins planning for its 

eighth annual Telethon Crusade for Forgotten 

Children, which is set for the weekend 

of Feb. 23-24, 1974. over KPLR-TV. 

Variety Sunshine Coaches were awarded 

to: St. Louis Ass'n for Retarded Children. 

United Cerebral Palsy Ass'n of Greater St. 

Louis, Boys Town of Missouri, Darrow Hall 

at Vaugirard and St. Louis Society for 

Crippled Children. 

Children's agencies receiving gift checks 

at the November 30 ceremonies included: 

ABC-Athletic Boys Club; ARC House: Bi- 

State Hemophilia Ass'n; Camp Happy Day: 

Cardinal Glennon Foundation; Central Institute 

for the Deaf: Cure of ARS Child 

Development Center; Cystic Fibrosis; Delta 

Gamma Foundation for Visually Handicapped 

Children: Fern Waldman Memorial 

Fund; Good Shepherd School; Jewish Commimity 

Centers Ass'n; Judevine Center for 

Autistic Children: Koinonia 'Youth Camp; 

Lutheran Family & Children's Services; 

Lasky Cleft Palate & Oral Cancer Rehabilitation 

Center; Life Seekers; Mental Health 

.'Kss'n of St. Louis; Miriam School; Missouri 

Epilepsy Federation; Muscular Dystrophy 

Ass'n; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; 

New Hope Foundation; Narcotics Service 

Council (NASCO); Nursery Foundation of 

St. Louis: Optometric Center of St. Louis; 

St. Joseph School for the Deaf; St. Louis 

Children's Hospital; St. Louis Boys Club; 

St. Louis Hearing & Speech Center; St. 

Louis Society for the Blind; St. Louis State 

School & Hospital; St. Mark's Learning 

Center: St. Martin's Child Center; St. 

Mary's Health Center; St. Mary's Special 

School: Special Lutheran Classes; Springboard 

to Learning; Turner Community 

School: The Waymakers; 'Youth Emergency 

Service, and Vaad Hoeir. 

ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of THEATRE OWNERS 

of EASTERN MISSOURI 

Plan Now To Attend Reorganization Meeting—January 1974! 

| 

(Date To Be Announced Soon) a 

| 

To Out Many Friends: 


from 

Stuart, Phil and David Tomber 


• 

C. R. FRANK POPCORN 

& SUPPLY CO. 

Delmor St. Louis 

RON KRUEGER 

Wehrenberg Circuit of Theatres 

*' 

.jsx&iXiimJifiMiJtî^tlgiif^giXâiî^^ 

JijiiaJaB&tai>gi!eJS!»g>te«awteWeriaBPite 

F''3*%ir«»^^ 

BOXOmCE ;: December 17, 1973 C-9

— 

o?!*

CHICAGO s.eadon 6 

^^^^^mi^tmm^mw&^'^'^'^'Sii 

i^reeunaj weetlnas 

Chicago 

I 

S 

I 


from 

FRANK MAZZONE 

I 

GEMINI MANAGEMENT CO. | 

I 2640 W, TOUHY, CHICAGO, ILL. 60645 I 

IV 

Phone: 973-5960 g 

if 

I 

I 

I 

I 


HARRY GOODMAN 

APACHE FILMS 

32 West Randolph St., Chicago, 111. 60601 f 

Phone: 782-5620 

^ 

h 

I 

g 

I 

^ 


SAUL GOLDMAN 

ALLIED THEATRES FILM 

BUYING AND BOOKING 

185 No. Wabash Chicago, III. 60601 

Phone: 346-4731 


BILL JANET LAURA 

WM. H. LANGE & 

ASSOCIATES, INC. 

32 W. RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO, ILL. 60601 

Phone: 332-1734 

m Season's Greetings 

I 

^ 

NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE CORP. 

I 

jj;i NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

I 

.Ig I JACK GREENBERG 

'h % TOM BRENNER 

•B I MERCEDES PIERCE—MARCY GILMORE 

.5k 

i^ 

1322 South 

I 

Wabash Ave., Chicago, HI. 60605 

I Phone: HA 7-8211 


from 

Lee Heidingsfeld, Dist. Mgr. 

John Roberts, Branch Mgr. 

Ray Losinski, Auditor 

And Rest of the Buena Vista 

Distribution Co. Staff 

Buena Vista Distribution Co., Inc. 

203 No. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 60601 

Phone: 641-6970 

^ ^ SEASON'S GREETINGS 

IDA GOTTLIEB—MOE DUDELSON 

CINEMA V 

1211 No. LaSalle St., Chicago, 111. 60610 

Suite 1 210 

Phone: 266-0009 

I 


THE McVICKERS THEATRE 

25 W. MADISON ST., CHICAGO, ILL. 

Phone: 782-8230 


EDDIE JOVAN—MANAGING DIRECTOR 

MONROE THEATRE 

In The Heart of Chicago's Loop 


CINEMATION INDUSTRIES. INC. 

JACK ECKHARDT 

DONNA RUSSO 

9575 W. HIGGINS RD., ROSEMONT, ILL. 60018 

Phone: 696-1566 

BOXOFHCE :; December 17, 1973 C-11

. . Roscoe 

. 

. . Aaron 

. . George 

CHICAGO 

pranklin J. Schaffner was in town for a 

couple of days to promote "Papillon." 

Also here for publicity sessions was Phil 

D'Antoni in behalf of "The Seven-Ups." 

"Papillon" opens at the State Lake Theatre 

Friday (21) and "The Seven-Ups" breaks as 

a Christmas attraction at the Michael Todd 

in the Loop as well as in selected outlying 

theatres. 

Bruce Dern arrived to talk up his co-starring 

role with Walter Mattbau in "The 

Laughing Policeman." The film opens first 

run Friday (21) in selected outlying theatres. 

Dern"s visit was followed by the arrival of 

Lou Gossett. who appears in "The Laughing 

Policeman" . Ormand and Joyce 

Walker made the press rounds here to tell 

about Paramounfs "Willie Dynamite." 

Harry Lustgarten, retired ABC film buyer, 

married Ms. Lee Fitzgerald Saturday 

(15). 

Preparations are in full swing for the 

eighth combined new officers' installation 

for Tent 26 and the Women's Variety Club. 

The date is January 25 and the location is 

CHICAGO 

eadon d 

reetlnuA '9' 

FROM 

CHICAGO 

WOMPI'S 

BS£^K5BK3eKagBJK8£3SS£3S:S3SS£aSS£3SKBS£âKS25S 

I 

i 

the Pick Congress Hotel. Bene Stein starts 

a second term as chief barker and Mrs. 

George (Barbara) Regan takes the helm as 

president of the Women's Variety Club . . . 

The Variety Club of Illinois turned over a 

check in the amount of $1,000 for the 

neediest children's Christmas fund. 

Larry Dieckhaus and ELd Ustic have had 

an overly full program in progress in 16 

different cities for new 20th Century-Fox 

films, including "The Paper Chase," "The 

Seven-Ups" and "The Laughing Policeman." 

Don Buhrmester is helping out in the 

e.xploitation effort. Buhrmester's press junkets 

will take him to Detroit in behalf of 

"The Seven-Ups" and he will be accompanied 

by Sonny Grosso of the film. Don also 

is covering Indianap>olis with Tony Lo 

Bianco. 

"Hell Un in Harlem" makes its entry with 

added and helpful exposure. The first 2,000 

women patrons receive a whistle carrying 

the words "Blow the Whistle on Crime." 

Since crime has been on the rise here during 

the past year, the whistle serves as more 

than a mere gimmick; a shrill toot can serve 

as a safety measure in case one is accosted. 

"Hell Up in Harlem" opens Friday (21) at 

the Roosevelt Theatre in the Loop . . . The 

AIP action film "Battle of the Amazons" 

SILICON 

Lee ARTOE 'FUZeD' SILICON TUBES 

FOR MOTION PICTURE RECTIFIERS 

DESIGNED TO BE BEST 

I 

REPtACC 

tNEXPfNSIVE FUSES 

mSTtAO OF 

EMnSf rUBE 

C 1 O SO L« ARTOE Caibon Co 

^1^. 

l243BelmonfC 

1243 Belmont Chicago 

opens in outlying areas Friday (28) with one 

of AIP's most cosily radio and TV campaigns. 

. 

With the sudden announcement that National 

General Pictures' operations will be 

absorbed by Warner Bros, around the middle 

of January, grosses continued to pile up 

for "E.xecutive Action" and "The Chinese 

Professionals" Levett, who has 

served as branch manager for National 

General, will be joining Redstone Theatres 

in Boston . Schlesman joins Allied 

Theatres Film Buying & Booking in the 

capacity of booker. 

Monday and Tuesday (10, 11) were the 

dates in this area for the presentation of 

Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" by 

the American Film Theatre. Individual 

tickets were available at most theatres, with 

$4 the price for matinees and $5 for evening 

shows. 

Word received here reports the death of 

George Lefko in Las Vegas November 16. 

Lefko, 81 when he died, was active in this 

area for many years as a salesman for Warner 

Bros, and as an independent distributor. 

The 200 people who attended Frank 

Standel's retirement luncheon included a 

number of "old-timers." Everyone was 

especially happy to see Johnny Fontana of 

Clark Film Service. This was Fontana's first 

venture out since he suffered a stroke in 

early September of this year ... Ed Russell, 

who served as assistant publicist at MGM. 

is in Dallas, Tex., imtil Christmas for "Westworld" 

promotion. 

An announcement received here states 

that booking and buying for the Morton 

Cinema, Morton will be handled by Tri- 

States Theatres, Cincinnati ... A further 

announcement informs that Mann Theatre 

Corp., formerly National General Theatr;s, 

is now located at 1660—Route 22, Union, 

N.J. 07083, P.O. Box 1483, phone (201) 

687-4685. This company operates theatres 

in Peoria and Champaign. 

Congratulations to Cindy Buda and Janet 

Terri. Cindy, formerly secretary to Ray 

Russo of 20th Century-Fox, has a son. 

Janet, who was with Warner Bros., became 

the mother of a son. 

Sfari BOXOFFICE coming . 

D 1 year for $10 D 2 years for $17 (Save $3) 

D PAYMENT ENCLOSED Q SEND INVOICE 

These rates for U.S., Ginada, Pan-America only. Other countries: $15 o yeoi. 

Filmrow loses one of its most respected 

men with the retirement of Lee Heidingsfeld 

as district manager for Buena Vista. 

Lee plans to leave at month's end for Florida, 

his retirement location. John Pilmaier, 

formerly division manager for MGM, succeeds 

Heidingsfeld at Buena Vista. 

Best wishes to Lou Calamari on his ap- 

THEATRE 

STREET 

ADDRESS 

!"OWN _ STATE ZIP NO 

NAME 

POSITION 

BoXOffice — THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124 

C-12 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

'f 

poinlnicnt lo head the Plitl Theatres operations 

in the Minneapohs urea. 

"Robin Hood," opening Friday (21) in 

15 outlying theatres, is being supported by 

the largest advertising campaign ever used 

by Bucna Vista. The film also has been 

given an abundance of free publicity by 

newspapers which have been printing pictures 

relating to the movie as a result of 

the tour activity which has been in progress 

for the past weeks. Tliere is every indication 

that enthusiasm for this new animated feature 

is going to prove a point projected by 

BV—that the attraction is a real moneymaker. 

For the first time in history the Variety 

Club of Illinois hit the 500 mark in its 

membership rolls. Donald Mack was the 

500th member. 

Word sent by the Harvard Theatre in 

Harvard. 60 miles northwest of here, states 

that "The Devil in Miss Jones" has been a 

big item at the boxoffice. According to the 

Harvard owner, the film is drawing patrons 

who drive all the way from this city . . . 

(Continued on page C-16) 

CHICAGO 

Variety Heart Center 

Named for Nicholson 

Wli.Sr LO.S ANGELES — A bronze 

plaque nameplate commemorating the official 

name change of the Variety Children's 

Heart Center to the James H. Nicholson 

Variety Children's Heart Center was unveiled 

at the UCLA School of Medicine 

here November 28 in memory of the 

late James H. Nicholson, motion picture 

executive. Nicholson, a past chief barker 

of Variety Club Tent 25, died Dec. 10. 

1972. His wife Susan and son Jimmy jr. 

were present for the ceremonies. 

Following a luncheon in the Bel Air 

Room at UCLA, a check for .$50,000 from 

the Variety Club was presented to the 

UCLA Foundation in memory of Nicholson 

by Joseph Sinay. Tent 25 chief barker. To 

be used for the center's continuing work 

in research and treatment of children's diseases, 

the gift was accepted by Dr. Sherman 

M. Mellinkoff, dean of the UCLA School 

of Medicine, and Dr. Forrest Adams, head 

of the division of cardiology of the department 

of pediatrics. 

Samuel Z. Arkoff. president and chairman 

of the board of American International 

Pictures and chairman of the Nicholson- 

Variety Fund for the center, was instrumental 

in raising the money. 

The Variety Club has supported the Children's 

Heart Center at UCLA, which uses 

advanced medical technology in diagnosis 

and treatment, since 1966. 

'Jones' Is Found Obscene 

By Suffolk County Jury 

NEW YORK—A six-man Suffolk County 

jury found the X-rated "The Devil in 

Mi.ss Jones" to be obscene and the operator 

of the New Coram Cinema, where it is 

being shown, guilty of two mi.sdemeanors 

in promoting obscenity. 

Asst. Dist. Atty. Saverio J. Fierro, head 

of the rackets bureau, said that the film 

was still being shown in the Coram, L.L, 

theatre because a federal district court judge 

had stayed seizure of pornographic films 

in the county. 

CHICAGO 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

^ 


DAVE SCHATZ 

DARRELL BONNER 

I CHICAGO USED CHAIR MART 1 

1320 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 60605 

| 

Phone: 939-4518 I 

^ 

I 

I 

GREETINGS from 

TEITEL FILM CORP. 

1 HOUSE OF WINNERS 

ABE AND CHAS. TEITEL AND STAFF 

333 No. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 111. 60601 

Phone: Fl. 6-2566 

iî»JîaSfigiSijgt:îgtSiiai!i)jgtSi^^ 

jCiiaftataiisJiia^jiBn Piiin'saB ttinTii^ 


L & M Theatre Management 

35 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago. 111. 60601 

Phone: 782-G395 

1 

CHARLES COOPER 

GRATIS SHORT SUBJECTS 

32 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 111. 60601 

Phone: 782-0220 


LEWIS MOTION PICTURE 

ENTERPRISES 

410 No. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611 

Phone: 644-6400 

HERSCHELL LEWIS, PRES. 

1 

f 

f 1 

'\ 

? 


from 

JACK CLARK, PRES.—NATO OF ILLINOIS 

4059 W. North Ave., Chicago, 111. 60639 

PHONE: BE 5-7210 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 C-13

CHICAGO s.eudon 6 

Q' reeiiniî til 

CfflCAGO 

^p«iSJ«^rc?sr

CHICAGO 

CfflCAGO 

J. M. G. Film Company 

| 

Civic Towers—Room 1014 SI 

32 W. Randolph St. 

g 

Chicago, 111. 60601 I 

(312) 346-6916 I 

Virgil Jones 

Ann Jones 

Ann Senkowski 

Ruth Shapiro 

^Jûuû ^Jôliuuu l/UisneS 

w^ 

^ 

lo one and all and many thanks for your support during our first 

year of operation, ff e one our success to you., our good exhibitor 

friends. Please call or nrite us in Chicago for your booking needs 

in 1974. 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 C-15

. . Duncan 

CHICAGO 

(Continued from Page C-13) 

20th Century-Fox finished shooting here 

for "Harry and Tonto," starring Art Carney. 

Shooting will start here in mid-January 

on "Power Play," written by former local 

FBI agent Gordon Gordon and his wife 

Mildred. The mayor's office says ex-Chicagoan 

Paul Pompia is considering six 

weeks of shooting here on "Varga," featuring 

Vincent Gardenia. Tony Lobianco, Ray 

Scheider and Suzane Brent. Action is set 

INDIANAPOLIS 

I A MERRY CHRISTMAS t 

i 

i 

-«* 

A HAPPY NEW YEAR i 

I 

i 

a Don and Dolores Pierce 

I 

« 

1 

I Bradford Film Transit Co. | 

I and K 

I Novo Airfreight Corp. I 

8 718 N. Senate Indianapolis ^ 

I 

I 

I 

for February 21 to March 20. 

Russ Reed is the newly elected president 

of the local branch of the Screen Actors 

Guild . Pope is rebuilding the 

Portage Drive-ln. Portage, Ind. 

Airer Vandals Released 

To Custody of Parents 

KENDALLVILLE, IND.—Two underage 

youths from Garrett, Ind., who were 

arrested in connection with $13,000 worth 

of vandalism at the Hi-Vue Drive4n, located 

on state Route 3 south of Kendallville. 

have been released to the custody of 

their parents, even though one of the two 

was armed with a pistol at the time of 

arrest. 

Cleon Point, manager of the theatre, told 

police that itwo projectors, valued at $600 

each, were smashed beyond repair and film 

was strung around the booth "like a clothesline." 

He also said the pair cooked a turkey 

and rabbits in the concession stand and 

used the deep freeze as a toilet. Popcorn 

boxes, broken light bulbs and other material 

THEja^TRE EQUIPMENT 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

339 No. CAPITOL AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

was strewn throughout the building. A door 

was damaged, holes were poked in ceiling 

tiles and a well pump was broken. 

The boys, when apprehended, had a 

pistol, knives and were wearing clothes 

which they had stolen from Bob & Shirley's 

Western Shop north of Avilla, Ind. 

Joyo's Policy Is Ideal 

For Elderly Citizens 

From North Centrol Edition 

LINCOLN—'Phil McDermott of the suburb:m 

Joyo Theatre may have gained a 

captive audience of elderly patrons when 

Mahoney Manor opened only several blocks 

from the movie house but there is no need 

for him to think about forming a senior 

citizen's club. McDermott points out that 

the Joyo had gone to a low, one-price policy 

in June 1973, several months prior to occupants 

moving into the approximately 120- 

unit Mahoney Manor. The manor is a Lincoln 

Housing Authority-sponsored high-rise 

residence for low-income elderly citizens. 

The Joyo's 50-cent admission price is as 

low as most senior citizen clubs could hope 

to find. McDermott feels that many Mahoney 

Manor folks are attending the shows 

as films of interest to them are scheduled. 

At any rate, McDermott says, "The 50- 

cent general price policy has made the difference 

between just breaking even and 

making a little profit these days." 

Shows Greek Features 


NEW HAVEN—The Sampson & Spodick 

Lincoln Theatre is continuing a series of 

Sunday Greek-language motion pictures. 

INDIANAPOUS 

INDIANAPOUS 


I 

from 

g 

STATES FILM SERVICE, INC. | 

Robert Ahart, Manager 

g 

429 N. Senate, (317) 638-3531 

| 

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 

| 


I 

I 

I 

from 

MOVING PICTURE MACHINE 

OPERATORS LOCAL 194 

I 

S Robert Covert, Pres. 

I DONALD HURT, Bus. Agent 

4612 East Tenth St. Indianapolis 46201 

I 

| 


Merry Christmas-Happy New Year 

ZIPP FILM DISTRIBUTING 

f 

I 

S 

I 

John Holohen % 

718 N. Senate Indianapolis, Ind. 1 

I 

£l: 

A Merry Christmas and a Happy 

and Prosperous New Year 

GER-BAR. INC. 

Mary Lou Hopkins 

Ben Hopkins 

Dave Jessup 

Viola Hoffmann 

339 N. Capitol Ave. 

^^sSaAtj^BiiisjeiiisJ!^^ 

Sam Goddard 

Abe Martin 

Lewis Doll, Jr. 

Dave Comer 

Indianapolis 


Septum Readying Duo 

ForPre-XmasDebui 

NORCROSS, GA.—ScplLini, Inc., organized 

recently by Norman V. Schneider and 

Ron Herman, will open its new Roswell 

Village Twin Cinema before Christmas in 

rheatre Supply will complete the project. 

NTS also has installed the latest SAM 

Simplex projectors and the large screens. 

Jim McMurray of Blevins Popcorn Co. 

supervised installation of all the concessions 

equipment, the latest on the market. 

Patrons will enter a common lobby to 

purchase tickets from a single bo.xoffice. 

with the concession area in the background. 

J. B. Rush, of Atlanta, is the contractor 

and Irve Hill, owner of the Roswell Village 

Center, is the architect. 

Schneider spent many years with Altec 

Service Co. in Atlanta and many different 

sections of the country. He recently retired 

from Altec but decided to try exhibition. 

He formed a partnership with Ron Herman, 

who owns and operates the Twin Star theatres 

(former Jerry Lewis locations), and the 

Roswell Twins came into being. These playhouses 

will fill a long-felt need in this section 

since there is no nearby competition. 

Bruce Stern of the Atlanta booking agency 

bearing his name will buy and book for 

the Roswell Village twins. 

Sam Perloff Universal's 

SE Accounting Manager 

ATLANTA—Sam Perloff. 

who has been 

in the motion picture industry four decades, 

has been appointed Universal Pictures" regional 

accounting manager for the Atlanta 

trade territory and will headquarter in the 

local Universal exchange, it was announced 

by Robert Carpenter. Universal general 

sales manager. 

Two weeks ago Carpenter announced the 

appointment of Truett Hall to a similar post 

in the Dallas. Tex., region, where Walter 

Armbruster is manager of the Universal 

exchange. 

Three more such regional accounting 

managers are to be appointed. Carpenter 

said, this new position Iseing created by the 

company in five domestic sales regions to 

work with branch personnel and their customers 

to facilitate all matters pertaining to 

accounting. TTiis move, according to Carpenter, 

should greatly enhance the company's 

ability to give the best possible service 

with a minimum of problems. 

Perloff had been associated with MGM 

in the Atlanta area throughout this more 

than 40 years in the industry, beginning as 

a shipper and rising to position of division 

office manager before MGM business recently 

was transferred to United Artists 

exchanges across the country. 

Post-Production Proceeds 

On 'Moonrunners' Film 

ATLANTA—Post-production is under 

way on "Moonrunners," the action-filled 

adventure film about moonshine liquor runners 

in the South, starring Jim Mitchum 

and Kiel Martin. 

Avrum Fine of Atlanta's Editors' Center, 

who has been with the picture crew since 

filming began in nearby Haralson County 

September 17, reports that completion of 

the Phase 2 section of Roswell Village, a 

new shopping center. The twins will have 

298 seats in the No. 1 auditorium and 288 

in the No. 2 section. The latter auditorium 

the principal photography has given 

also will have 

him the 

a stage for the convenience of 

signal for "full steam ahead" on the allimportant 

cutting and editing. 

civic organizations and other groups who 

have no other place to meet in the area. 

"The footage is excellent," Fine 

Installation of the seats from 

commented, 

"especially the chase sequences. 

National 

The film has five of them and it's easy to 

see how the company wiped out 1 1 cars 

while doing the scenes." 

Guy Waldron directed the film from a 

screenplay woven around the life of Jerry 

Rushing of Monroe, N.C., who, with his 

confederates, is said to have run one of the 

largest illegal whiskey operations on record. 

"We came in on time and on budget." 

said Waldron. "and that's a credit to everyone 

involved since we had some sizable 

problems to overcome." 

Trade response to "Moonrunners." which 

took six weeks to film, has been excellent. 

Waldron noted. "We've gotten inquiries 

from major studios and from many of the 

larger independent distributors. They all 

want the first look at the completed picture." 

Co-starring with Mitchum and Martin are 

Chris Forbes. Joan Blackmon and veteran 

character actor Arthur Hunnicut. 

Jim Corbett Organizes 

Buying, Booking Firm 

ATLANTA—Jim Corbett. an Atlanta 

Filmrow staffer for nearly 30 years, has 

organized his own company in the film 

buying and booking field and is being assisted 

by his son Carl. Corbett Enterprises 

is the name of the new business, which is 

located at 5 LaVista Perimeter Office Park. 

Suite 20. in Tucker, virtually a suburb of 

Atlanta. 

The firm's first client was Lloyd Royal, 

who owns and of)erates the Royal TTieatre 

and Hiway Drive-In at Shawmut. Ala., and 

five theatres in Meridian, Miss., and three 

others in Pascagoula and Moss Point, Miss. 

C-orbett started his career as a booker for 

United Artists in Atlanta and resigned after 

five years to become associated with MGM, 

also as a booker. That was 22 years ago. 

He was promoted to office manager and 

moved into the sales department in I960, 

became branch manager and held that job 

until 1969. In that year, Corbett was promoted 

to assistant division manager under 

W. W. "Woody" Sherrill, MGM's Southern 

division manager with headquarters in 

Atlanta. 

Following the recent closing of the MGM 

Atlanta exchange, Corbett decided to go 

into business for himself. He has hundreds 

of friends in the film industry and urges 

them to visit him or contact via telephone. 

His number is (404) 939-4782. 

Cobb Theatres Buys 

Two Florida Units 

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.—Cobb Theatres, 

based in this city, has purchased the Gulfgate 

Theatre in Naples, Fla., and the Plaza 

Theatre in Eustis. Fla., from Central Valley 

Theatres of Rome, Ga. 

Announcement of the transaction was 

made by R. C. Cobb, president of Cobb 

Theatres, which owns and operates other 

Florida theatres at Daytona, Fort Myers, 

Fort Pierce, 

Vero Beach and Stuart. 

The Naples theatre will be operated under 

the supervision of Bobby Cobb, dual city 

manager of Fort Myers and Naples. 

R. C. Cobb also announced that the circuit 

has resumed operations of its theatres 

in Memphis. Tenn.—the Fare 4. Frayser 3 

and Whitehaven 2. .'\1 Goddard has returned 

to Memphis as city manager for Cobb 

properties. 

In addition to the theatres in Memphis 

and in Florida, the Cobb circuit owns and 

operates 28 units in Alabama. Norm Levinson, 

e.xecutive vice-president, is in charge of 

all company operations and theatres. John 

Zampi is the Florida division manager 

under the supervision of Irv Richland, 

special assistant to Levinson. 

William Copley Becomes 

Wometco District Chief 

MIAMI—William Copley has joined 

Wometco Tho;itrcs ;is district manager in 

^liargc of theatres in 

Broward and Palm 

K c a c h counties. He 

will have his headquarters 

at the Gateway 

Theatre in Fort 

y^ f'^^^^H Lauderdale. 

Copley formerly 

was district manager 

for Schine Theatres in 

New York state, that 

m;-ii- i^ circuit later 

1 

becoming 

WiUiam Copley i. 

^ ' r> .u 

known as Panther 

Theatres. Pior to joining Wometco, Copley 

was general manager of Virginia Theatres 

Enterprises. 

He has been in motion picture exhibition 

for the past 21 years. He and his wife 

Maryanne, son Ric and daughter Lorrie will 

reside in the Fort Lauderdale area. 

Hal, Jim Ferrell Raise 

Curtain at Eureka Cinema 

BATESVILLE. MISS. — The Eureka 

Cinema was opened Friday. November 23, 

by new owners Hal and Jim Ferrell. 

The cinema had been completely remodeled, 

redecorated and upgraded with new 

equipment and furnishings in a program 

that required two months of work preceding 

the opening. 

The policy of the new owners is to do 

everything possible through creating a comfortable 

place to view movies and through 

careful bookings to attract family trade. 

BOXOFnCE December 17, 1973 

SE-1

0^^^^^"^'' * "^^-v^^ 

STATES TH^^*^ 

t 

I 

t 

I 

GULF STATES THEATRES, INC. 

| 

510 O'KEEFE AVENUE g 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 

| 

A DIVISION OF FUQUA INDUSTRIES 1 

NEW ORLEANS 

NEW ORLEANS 

^ 

f 

h 


AND 


5 Aubrey Lasseigne 

£ Lake Cinema Morgan City, La. 

I 

^1 


WOMPI 

of 

New Orleans 

|f 

We extend to you our very best wishes for a 

most enjoyable Christmas and a very Happy 

and Prosperous New Year. 

GULF STATES-THEATRE 

OWNERS SERVICE, INC. 


AND 


1030 Carondelet St. New Orleans, La. 70130 

Barry Lasseigne, Mgr. 

C-Wall Morgan City, La. 

ft? 

.^ 

;'.E-2 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

wishes 

you a Merry Christmas 

» 

and a Happy New Year 

J^rene Ljuilio 11IHexlc 

P, O. Box 24200 

Pkone 504-58U1610 


ilew yyrleanSy JLa, 70184 

I 

SE-3

NEW ORLEANS 

Candy Perrj of Ogden-Perrj' Theatres returned 

from a Thanskgiving holiday 

spent in San Francisco. She had attended 

the NATO convention in the West Coast 

city and was so fascinated with it that she 

had to return for a longer look. 

Clarke Jackson, also of Ogden-Perry Theatres, 

returned to his duties after a week's 

vacation but he spent his free time at home 

taking care of a virus . . . Another Ogden- 

Perry staffer, Dawn Mathers, departed on a 

week's trip to Washington, D.C. 

Ron Pabst of Blue Ribbon Pictures met 

with Gulf States Theatres bookers to set up 

January, February and March bookings . . . 

Mike Ripps of UFO conferred with Ron 

Columbia Acquires Rights 

To Georgia-Made Film 

ATLANTA— "Buster and Billie" (originally 

"Black Creek Billie"), a Ted Mann 

production directed by Daniel Petrie and 

produced from a screenplay by Ron Turbeville 

of Ebenezer, N.C., has been acquired 

for distribution by Columbia Pictures. 

Filmed in and around Statesboro in this 

state, the picture co-stars Joan Goodfellow, 

who played a featured role in "The Lolly 

Madonna War." and Jan-Michael Vincent, 

who starred in "The World's Greatest Athlete." 

a Walt Disney production. 

It's an unusual story about the "big man 

on the campus" and the high school "bad 

girl." Also featured are Pamela Sue Martin, 

Clifton James and Robert Englund. Featured 

is Jessie Lee Fulton with Statesboro 

townspeople playing the remaining characters. 

Petrie has directed several major films. 

'^ 

iL&JLiLiLOJLiLiULgJLflJ>JJU>-0-0-fl-0-gJLft.aJLnnr>nnnnnnrs''C' 

Pabst of Blue Ribbon Pictures and Irene 

Mexic of the Gulf States Theatres publicity 

department on details of a campaign for 

"All the Young Wives," which broke in 

New Orleans and nearby theatres Thursday 

(6). The film is being distributed in the 

New Orleans territory by Blue Ribbon 

Pictures. 

A NATO of Louisiana meeting here 

brought an influx of business visitors to 

Filmrow. Among those noted in the various 

exchanges and supply offices were Aubrey 

Lasseigne of Morgan City. Doyle Maynard 

of Natchitoches, Charles Bazzell of Baton 

Rouge, all Louisianans. and Ed Jenner from 

Laurel. Miss. 

including "A Raisin in the Sun" with Sidney 

Poitier. "The Bramble Bush" with Richard 

Burton and Angle Dickinson, "The Main 

Attraction" with Pat Boone and Nancy 

Kwan and "Stolen Hours" with Susan Hayward. 

"Black Creek Billie" is one of more than 

a dozen films lured to this state by Georgia's 

15-member Motion Picture and Television 

Advisory Committee, which was appointed 

by Gov. Jimmy Carter. The state's film 

efforts were delegated to the state's Department 

of Community Development, headed 

by Lt. Gen. Louis W. Truman, U.S.A. 

(Ret.). 

Petrie and his film crew visited five 

Southern states before deciding on the 

Georgia location. 

"We got great cooperation from Ed 

Spivia of the Georgia Film Commission and 

that played a big part in our decision to 

shoot in Statesboro," said Petrie. "It was a 

low budget ($350,000) picture and we 

needed all the cooperation we could get." 

"Buster and Billie," in a unique genre of 

films with many facets, is described as "a 

tender love experience, a gut-ripping human 

drama laced with humor, a gritty slice of 

1948 rural America nostalgia." 

Music was composed and conducted by 

Al DeLory with the "Billie's Theme" song 

written and performed by Hoyt Axton. Ted 

Mann was the executive producer, Terry 

Morse jr., associate producer, and Ted 

Parvin the production designer. 

"Spivia did his home work better than 

our contracts in other states." Morse commented. 

"He sent us photographs of possible 

locations and arranged contacts for us, 

which made our trip to Georgia and our 

work there much easier." 

Frank Grosjean Is Dead; 

Wrote for BOXOFFICE 

SHREVEPORT. LA.—Frank Grosjean, 

87, for many years Boxoffice correspondent 

here, died Friday, November 23, in the 

Heritage Manor Nursing Home after a long 

illness. 

Grosjean was a reporter for the Shreveport 

Journal from 1921 until his retirement 

in 1963. His beat included the fire department, 

police station, city courts and the 

entertainment field during his 40 years with 

the newspaper. In 1960 he was recipient of 

the Shreveport Fire Fighter Ass'ns Reporter 

of the Year Award, the first newspaper man 

ever so honored. 

A native of Shreveport. he spent his entire 

adult life in this city except while serving 

at Camp Kearney, Calif., in the Army 

Postal Department during World War I. 

When he retired from the Journal, he was 

certified as an honorary city court judge by 

Judge G. Randell Whitmeyer. 

Waller Enterprises Opens 

Uptown in Grand Prairie 

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEX.—The Uptown 

Theatre has been reopened under the new 

management of Waller Enterprises, a Jacksonville. 

Fla.. company headed by president 

Eddie B. Waller. The company also has 

theatres in Georgia. 

Waller was in Grand Prairie a week 

ahead of the November 9 reopening, which 

featured "The Neptune Factor" and "Battle 

for the Planet of the Apes" as screen fare. 

The theatre is open daily from 5:30 to 11:30 

p.m.. except Saturday and Sunday, when 

there are matinees starting at 2 p.m. 

"Our intention is to show good, family 

movies." Waller told the Grand Prairie 

Daily News, "and we will have adult supervision 

at all times. Parents are invited to call 

the theatre for any type of information." 

NEW ORLEANS 

NEW ORLEANS 

tir«a-^5^xtS!o«?sW^Sr'i?w«?t^^ 


| 

from % 

JACO PRODUCTIONS 

Mack Grimes Pete Howêll Johanna Grimes f 

Groover Chase Connie Redfern n 

K. O. Rogers Eloise Reed Linda Hand S 

Bobbie York Jimmy Walker S 

171 Simpson Street, N.W., Atlanta, Ga., 30313 I 

Telephones: (404) 524-4218 and 523-8501 

| 

I 

December 17, 1973

NEW ORLEANS s.eadon 5 y^reetinaA 

?/// NEW ORLEANS 

4a*»a>rianra»wi> wiBWiBWi»wc ;s» ;iMMa ww «toJ^^ 


CHARLIE VARNADO & STAFF 

I.F.I. FILMS 

NEW ORLEANS 

MASTERPIECE PICTURES, INC. | 

602 Metairie Road Tel. 837-5535 

P, O. Box 9479 

METAIRIE, LA. 90055 

Ba>^jtis^jaBJ!a&'ftisJSiaJjjasWtt«S^ 


and 

BEST WISHES FOR A VERY PROSPEROUS 

NEW YEAR 

From all of us to all of You 

\, Exhibitors Poster Exchange 

214 So. Liberty St, New Orleans, La- 70112 JA 5-3563 

\ 

8f 

>'»-t!l»fil»Vii»'(ii»t>i»^flMjigi'^S^ 

Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas 

and A Prosperous New Year 

"Eric" DISTRIBUTING CO. 

4308 No. Central Expressway, Suite 205 

Dallas, Texas 75206 (214) 827-4444 

Serving the New Orleans, Memphis 

Dallas and Oklahoma territory 

Eric & Maud deNeve Donald W. Scruggs 

acf6a!^ 8Biag!Srawqtaqcat:M gsigga «

ATLANTA s.eaAon 6 

s5;^^«?i'-is 

reetlnad 

ATLANTA 

(JC3S'iC3i iC3E {C3»«C3BC3liC3B^{^9BC%JC3îC32riC3f^C% iC3i£ i^^ 

1^^ ^Mme ^ Ûu/ êa/i 

THOMAS & SHIPP FILMS, INC. 

110 W. 18th St. 


(816) 421-1692 

Mary Hoyalip 

Bob Mauss 

Charlene Ward 

lohn Shipp 

Ken Heard 


Wilma Martin 

Serving the exchange areas oi Kansas City, 

St. Louis, Des Moines and Omaha 

agjjîigggisggg?^§§ga:^îsa'îg^Sig^^ 

Seasoxis Greetings 

in ^974 


1800 CENTRAL 


DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

CENTRUM 


From 

INItRNATIONAL hILM CORPORATION 

Producers of 

CENTRUM 132 Cone Street, N. W. 

Atlanta, Georgia 30303 

Telephone 404/524-3445 

Michael A. de Gaetano 

President 

In Canada contact: ALLIANCE FILM DISTRIBUTION. 651 Yonge Street, Toronto

Sam 

T L ANT A 

Qhristnias trees are up in lobbies of film 

exchanges and agencies on Filmrow. 

although not as bright (with lights) as in the 

pre-energy shortage holidays. However, 

there's no shortage of Christmas spirits and 

good will among members of the various 

industry staffs. Already the barkers and 

i 

ATLANTA 

g Season's Greetings 

| 

i 

^ 

ts from g 

i 

i 

ESTHER OSLEY 

I 

| 

I 

EXHIBITORS SERVICE I 

I _^^^__ COMPANY i 

I 

1229 Park Boulevard » 

I Stone Mountain, Georgia, 30083 | 

Telephone: (404) 469-5401 

g 

I 

^ 

barkerettes of Variety Tent 21 have hosted 

their benefit party for 75 to 100 youngsters 

who have cystic fibrosis and the WOMPIs 

are preparing gifts for their yule party for 

members of the Girls Club. The Sunday (9) 

Variety party was preceded Friday (7) with 

a tree trimming and gift wrapping party at 

Variety headquarters in the Fox Theatre 

Building Friday (7), The WOMPIs gathered 

at the Variety Club quarters Friday (14) for 

a covered dish supper and to wrap presents 

for distribution at the party for their young 

guests. 

"American Graffiti" is the front runner in 

the city's "longest-run" derby, being in an 

18th week at this writing and doing weekend 

turnaway business (with nightly lines) at 

the Weis Fine Art Cinema. This theatre is 

located within a mile of another Weis unit, 

the Capri Cinema, where "Last Tango in 

Paris" also is experiencing turnaway business. 

Albert "Butch" Clifton of Universal's 

booking department has resigned to accept 

a position as service manager of the truck 

division of Nalley's Chevrolet Agency. He's 

the son of Virginia Clifton, Columbia booker 

.. . Hart, American International 

Pictures Southern division director of ads 

and promotions, was missing from his desk 

while serving as a jury venireman. Since his 

official residence is Miami, Fla., his summons 

came from the Dade County courthouse. 

Sam dutifully made the journey to 

Florida to answer the call. 

Michael Parver of the ad and publicity 

agency bearing his name, has returned from 

a Warner Bros, sales meeting in Burbank, 

Calif. . . . George Cothran, Atco Gibraltar, 

returned from his long-delayed vacation . . . 

Bill McGaha, who has produced several 

films in this area, including "J.C.", "The 

Shrink" and "The Speed Demons," has 

shuttered his MC Productions and has entered 

the restaurant business. He has acquired 

and is operating the Sip & Sirloin 

Restaurant and the Luv-In Lounge in the 

Toco Hill Shopping Center. 

Donn Davison, president of Lion Dog 

Enterprises came back from Las Vegas, 

where he had spent time in connection with 

booking engagements for his "Shantytown 

Honeymoon." The film met an excellent 

reception in the Southeast and Donn is 

expecting it to go equally well in the Las 

Vegas area engagements. He plans to spend 

Christmas with his father, who resides in 

Louisville, Ky. 

(Continued on page SE-12) 

ATLANTA 

ATLANTA 

I 


| 

K-Tel International 

I 

| 

Motion Pictures 

I 

g 

S (Atlanta-Charlotte-Jacksonville-Memphis) fi 

i V. J. (Jimmy) Bello B. Beth Baddorf 1 

g 

K 

g 

We thank you for your support and will cong 

H tinue to deliver good pictures and service. jS 

262 

I 

Club Road Circle, Building 18 | 

S Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 g 

Telephones: (404) 294-1250 

I 

and 636-2791 « 

;g;5ag(5::g(5a^5a^5ag(^:fii5:g!5sg(5ss(;agE5S^!S^:»^s:g(5Sg(5as(5S55ag(3afi;5sg(j 

% from 

BRADLEY FILMS, INC. 

Gordon Bradley, President 

Don Bradley, Salesman 

Suite 820, Atlanta Film Building, 

161 Spring Street, Northwest S 

Tel; (404) 525-7887 Atlanta, Ga. 30303 | 

t5Sg55agtSSg!5aajag5!ag5SK(5=gS5Sg55Sg5SSI55a5!K55agl5aa5ag5S!a38g5JSa58g5S!S 

î 

Irom 

Modular Cinemas of America 

(A Division oi Cotuiors' Capital Corp.) 

5725 Buford Highway, Northeast 

Tel: (404) 458-8843 Atlanta, Georgia 30340 

CORBETT ENTERPRISES 

Buying and Booking for the Exhibitor 

Jim Corbett Carl Corbett 

Suite 20, LaVista Perimeter Office Park 

Tel: (404) 939-4281 Tucker, Georgia 30085 

;«j!»ciatW!»«ia»

Herman Dyke Is Given 

Two Years in Prison 

ATLANTA—Herman Dyke, manager ol 

the 96-seat Festival Cinema, has been convicted 

on obscenity charges in connection 

with the showing of "The Devil in Miss 

Jones." After a jury in Fulton Criminal 

Court returned a guilty verdict. Judge Dan 

Duke fined Dyke $2,000 and sentenced 

him to serve a two-year jail term. 

This is the first time such punishment has 

been meted out without probation of the 

jail sentence in this area. 

Dyke and three others had been arrested 

on charges of disseminating obscene materials 

after a raid on the theatre October 24. 

when a print of the X-rated film was seized. 

Those arrested were released on $2,000 

bond. Tlie run of the picture, however, was 

resumed with another print the same day 

the raid was staged. 

Subsequently. Dyke was rearrested, another 

print was seized during the raid and 

the Festival went dark for a few hours before 

a third print of "Miss Jones" could be 

placed in the projectors and showing once 

more. Dyke was bound over for trial, which 

resulted in his conviction and this did bring 

about a halt to the picture's run. 

Meawhile. lawmen were going through 

the same procedure at the Paris I Adult 

Theatre, where X-rated "Behind the Green 

Door" was being shown. Two raids were 

staged there, arrests made and the prints 

seized. But that run ended when Dyke was 

convicted and the heavy jail sentence imposed 

on him. Gilbert Deitch. Dyke's attorney, 

has filed an appeal. 

ATLANTA 

Mafia Insisted on Its 

Own Preview 

Of 'Godfather/ Producer Reveals 

ATLANTA— "The toughest thing we had 

to do was to sell them (Paramount) on 

Marlon Brando as Don Corleone," said 

Albert Ruddy, producer of "The Godfather." 

in a recent talk before the Atlanta 

Advertising Club. "They felt that he not 

only does not draw people to see a film, 

he keeps them out." 

Ruddy, engaged in making "The Longest 

Yard" in Reidsville, where the Georgia 

State Prison is located, entertained his Atlanta 

listeners with incidents about "The 

Godfather." the most successful picture 

(moneywise) ever made. 

"Everyone involved in that film desperately 

needed a winner," he recalled. "And 

everyone walked off with a lot of money, 

including Brando, whose last si.x pictures 

had bombed." 

Ruddy said that he insisted on Brando 

for the title role. After getting an okay from 

two Paramount partners to produce the film, 

he still had to get the approval of an executive 

in New York who asked him: "' "What 

are your plans for this picture?' I told him 

I wanted to make 'a terrifying movie about 

people you love.' He bought it." 

Ruddy and his crew did a screen test on a 

cheap videotape machine at the actor's 

house and that's what resulted in Paramount 

putting their money into the picture. Among 

actors losing the part of Don Corleone to 

Brando was Sir Laurence Olivier, Ruddy 

revealed. 

Making the film turned out to be a nightmare. 

Ruddy continued: "Everybody connected 

with it was fired three times, excluding 

the actors. We had 80,000 to 100,- 

000 people following us around as we shot 

scenes in New York City. We were like the 

circus." 

When the film was finished, the makers 

planned to premiere the picture in New 

York with Henry Kissinger heading a special 

list of guest luminaries. 

".Some of the guys from Brooklyn (Mafia 

types), who had been very nice to me on 

the film wanted tickets but everyone felt 

a little concerned about them sitting next 

to Kissinger," recalled Ruddy. 

A Mafia type called him personally. 

Ruddy said, and argued: "If you do a movie 

about the Army, you invite the generals, 

right? If you do a movie about the Navy, 

you're gonna invite all the admirals? So, 

why can't we come?" 

"He had a point," Ruddy admitted before 

the highly amused members of the Atlanta 

Advertising Club, "so we wound up by 

having a special screening for them. The 

FBI was there, too." 

Ruddy's "The Longest Yard" stars Burt 

Reynolds and is about a football game in 

prison, involving a team made up of inmates 

playing against prison guards and the climax 

is a blood bath. It's a $2,500,000 production 

with Robert Aldrich as director. 

NGP will distribute "Knife for the 

Ladies." 

ATLANTA 

S 

I 

^yôllduu VJreetina4 I 

I 


EDGAR L. 

RICE 

Offset Printing 

WOMPI of 

ATLANTA 

159 Cain Street, N.W. Atlanta, Ga. 30303 

Phone 524-6513 

S Serving you since 1952 


CLARK FILM CO. 

I ^ ' 

/^ /• I 

Tom Lucy 

Harry Clark 

Marvin Doris Belton Clark 

Patricia Fuller 

ATLANTA s.eadon 6 Q- reeun til ifi 

ATLANTA 

^«piusa «^ Ui?a 

tiW «âfa»^>^jj !" "^-j-i y 

:- ^;- ^» '^yn r^yn '^yn r*^ i^tn m'w m-i wjn 'tan rgn 7)211 "Mw w>ff 


from 

General Film Distributors, Inc. 

C. L. Autry Lewis Owens 

Betty Johnson 

Suite 304, 136 Marietta Street, N.W. 

Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Phone: (404) 577-1542 

ipjâ5!KS»KKK3SK5Sa;KK3SS£^KK:sas:KKKK!S!S!sa£KsJ!sa;5KS^Si^ 

^ss:!^ss^s::^ss^y::^y!^7!^ssîs^7s^ysi-s:^y:aiys^y!!aii!!^^!:ays^y!^'^ 

^Jôiidau 

Cy/reetlnaS 

I 

\ 

^Jôliaciu K^reetinas 

| 

''°'" 

I 

WOODY SHERRILL 

\ 

a To My Many Friends in the Industry 

^ 

S Atlanta, Georgia S 

t 

I 

SEPTUM, INC. 

I 

A/. M. Schneider Ron Herman 

| 

I 

S Roswell Village Twin Cinema w 

« (Opening Mid-December) ^ 

« 665 Roswell Road Roswell, Georgia § 

a:i^&Kis:£i^&!&sj:&KigK^BSigs:igS93S]3si:!eafâ£E»igK£ffii£»£»£ss 

^.eadon A CfrTeetinad 

di 9' 

4 

BLEVINS POPCORN CO. 

2023 Hills Avenue, N.W. 


Telephone: (404) 355-4860 

S5SSt3Sa55a5ISi55SJ3SaJ!!35aajaa5!K65!S5JB5S5:a5aa5BSiS!«J!SSSS?5Sg5sag5S 

g 

g ^Jôildau LjreetinaS 

from 

Choppell Releasing Co. 

(Serving Atlanta and Jacksonville Territories) 

Wayne Chappell, President Mark Biles, Booker 

Wayne Byrd, Salesman Grace Parrott, Cashier 

2 Perimeter Place, N.W., Suite 250 


Telephones: (404) 432-3361-2 and 432-1437 

KaS!a5SS3S5!S55!»SSKESa55a5Bas:aSS3J!«J!«E3SS55=g(5sa5!S53Saj!a 

cE-10 BOXOFTICE ;; December 17, 1973

EXTENDS TO ALL 

êadon^d 

LjreetiinaS 9' 

Pictures Corporation 

ANNOUNCING! 

MORE FOR '74 

It takes all kinds... 

THUNDER McCOY 

4 KING OF SPADES ^ 

Teenage Mistress -Truck Stop Mama 

Black Starlets - 

Student Mafia 

Slavery '74 - 

Starlets and Harlots 

And Omni has them all! 

BEST WISHES FROM THE OMNI CREW 

DANIEL B.CADY MACK GRIMES 

PETE HOWELL MICHAEL ROTHSCHILD 

KEN ROGERS ALICE MOORE 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 SE-11

. . . Previewed 

. . . The 

. . Sneak 

ATLANTA 

(Continued from page SE-8) 

Two industry birth announcements: Mr. 

and Mrs. James Di.xon (he's assistant to 

Glenn Simonds, AIP branch manager) have 

their first son. He is Brian Vaughn, who 

weighed 8 pounds. 13 ounces, when bom at 

the Kennestone Hospital in nearby Marietta. 

The Dixons have a daughter Dawn 

Michelle. 3, who has claimed her new 

FOR ALL 

YOUR THEATRE NEEDS 

Cinemecconico Projectors * Carbons 

Automation Equipment * ORC Equipment 

Christie Platters * Xenon Bulbs * Reels 

Sound Systems * Lenses * Draperies 

Parts * Service * Repairs 

Complete Concession Equipment and Supplies 

Candy — Popcorn Machines — Butter Dispensers 

Capital City Supply Co., Inc. 

124 16th St. N. W. 


(404) 521-1244, 873-2545, 46, 47 

"Since 1939" 

BETTER HYBRID POPCORN 

DIRECT FROM THE GROWERS 

50 LBS. OR 50 TONS 

Satisfaction Guaranteed 

STAR and GOLD MEDAL MACHINES 

574-1079,,, Tel. j „ / SCOTTSBORO 

P.O. Box 787 Word Popcorn LO. ALA. 35768 

All Popcorn Supplies 300 lbs. Prepaid 

ATLANTA 

brother as her own special charge . . . Mrs. 

Jacquelin Wright, secretary to Universal 

exchange manager Dick Settoon, has a baby 

girl, her first-born child, who arrived at 

DeKalb General Hospital. Baby Rebecca 

Lynn and her mother are doing fine. 

. . , 

Some recent Filmrow visitors: Jerry 

Woodall of the Cornelia Drive-In; Harry 

English, Moffett Theatres Co.. Montgomery. 

Ala.; Jim Goolsby. Parkwood I and 

Parkwood II, Griffin; Barron Godbee jr.. 

general manager of the Pal Amusement 

Co., based in Vidalia, and Harold Smith, 

an exhibitor from Newport, Tenn. 

Manager George Ellis of the Film Forum 

staged a benefit performance for the Georgians 

for the Equal Rights Amendment. He 

presented "Stand Up and Be Counted," 

Columbia's release dealing with the women's 

liberation movement. Admission was $2. 

Marquee changes: "Doctor Death." Atlanta; 

"What's Up. Doc?". Broadview I; 

"This Property Is Condemned." Broadview 

"Sacred Knives of Vengeance," Wcstgate 

II; 

and Lakewood; "Jesus Christ Superstar," 

Cobb Center; "Romeo and Juliet," Marietta 

Strand; "Encounter With the Unknown," 

Lenox Square II, Greenbriar, South DeKalb 

IT; "Paper Moon." Buford Highway; 

"Woodstock," Emory Cinema; "Blackenstein," 

Rialto; "Walking Tall" and "Brother 

of the Wind," Jonesboro Twin cinemas; 

"Scalawag," Cherokee; "Deliverance," National 

Triple; "A Touch of Class," Lenox 

Square I. 

Linda Hampton became the bride of 

Daniel Joseph Craddock Saturday (8) at the 

Sardis Methodist Church. Young Craddock 

is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Craddock 

of Craddock Films and is manager of 

the Atlanta Film Building. In fact, this 

match is a Film Building romance, since 

Linda is secretary-receptionist for Dan's 

parents, whose office is in the Film Building. 

Mrs. Charles Schuler, the bride's mother, 

has spent many years in the film industry 

with agencies and exchanges along 

Filmrow. The newlyweds left on a honeymoon 

trip that was to include time at Las 

Vegas. 

Filmrowers were saddened by the death 

of Edgar Loy O'Neill, who died of a heart 

attack at his home Sunday, November 25. 

O'Neill was a link with the past in the film 

business as he had spent 44 years as a salesman 

with Atlanta's Universal exchange 

prior to his retirement about five years ago. 

Survivors include his wife, children and 

grand-children. A large Filmrow delegation 

attended O'Neill's funeral services Tuesday, 

November 27. 

Recent trade and press screenings at Columbia's 

Filmrow Playhouse: "Ash Wednesday," 

Paramount; "So Sad About Gloria," 

screened for Bill Simpson, Charlotte; "The 

Blade," Clark Releasing; "That Man Bolt," 

Universal; "Werewolf in Washington," Jack 

Vaughan Productions; "Bamboo Gods and 

Iron Men," American International Pictures 

at the 20th-Fox exchange 

was that company's "Laughing Policeman" 

Preview Theatre in the Atlanta 

Film Building remained dark for the second 

week . previews: "Magnum 

Force." starring Clint Eastwood as "Dirty 

Harry," on the same bill with "Jimi 

ATLANTA 

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 

from 

SOUTHERN INDEPENDENT 

THEATRES 

E. William (Bill) Andrew 

S P.O. Box 18927, Lenox Square Station jj 

% Phone (404) 252-0167 Atlanta, Ga. 30328 S 


CAPITAL CITY 

SUPPLY CO., INC. 

124 16th Street, N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30318 

Donald Howell Lewis Waits (Charles (IJiilds 

Charlie Sims, Aaron Norman, Charlie Weaver 

Phone: 521-1244 

â»»attAa>aiaJij&aiih»naftta»J!a>>ftto

. . Dewey 

. . . Lenses 

. . Optics, 

— 

Hondrix" at the Weis Cinema; "The Last 

Detail," coupled with "Executive Action." 

Loews' 12 Oaks. 

Patients* Progress: Frank Lowery, Atco 

Gibraltar salesman, was discharged from 

St. Joseph's Infirmary after a siege of emphysema 

and returned to his film duties . . . 

Richard Hopkins, son of .Mr. and Mrs. 

Virgil Hopkins (Virgil is territorial salesman 

for .MP), had an operation in his nasal 

passages at DeKalb General Hospital and 

now is mending niceh . Bentley, 

Georgia Theatre Co. accounting department, 

checked into a hospital for an operation 

but his doctors decided he didn't need 

it. So he checked out and went back to 

work. 

Glenn Sinionds, .VIP exchange manager 

here, reported that his company's "Hell Up 

in Harlem." the new Fred Williamson starrer, 

will open Christmas Day at Loews' 

downtown Grand and at key situations in 

the South, including Birmingham. 

'Deadly Trackers' Radio 

Promotions in 5 Cities 

From Southwestern Edition 

DALLAS—Radio promotions in five of 

this region's major cities attracted a big response 

as a boxoffice boost for Warner 

Bros.' "The Deadly Trackers." the western 

which opened November 21 in more than 

40 theatres in Texas and Oklahoma. 

The radio promotions were tied in with 

local merchants in Dallas. Houston, San 

Antonio, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The 

gimmick in each city was to have a station's 

deejays furnish on-air clues to the location 

of a "Deadly Tracker" prize hidden somewhere 

in the vicinity. Listeners had to tell 

where they thought the prize could be 

found. Winners received passes and merchandise 

supplied by well-known retail 

chain stores in each of the participating 

cities. 

Stations and merchants taking part in the 

two-state market promotion were: KLIF 

and individual western retail stores in Dallas. 

KRLY and Way Out West saddlery 

shops in Houston. KTSA and various retail 

outlets regularly advertising on KTSA in 

San Antonio, KOMA and Pant Place, Inc., 

at Oklahoma City and KELI and Rebel 

Jeans in Tulsa. 

John E. Kane Appointed 

GCC Mideast Film Buyer 


BOSTON—The appointment of John E. 

Kane as regional film buyer for General 

Cinema Corp. was announced by Larry 

Lapidus, vice-president-films, for the Boston-based 

circuit. 

Kane, who recently resigned as Detroit 

area sales manager for Metro-Goldwvn- 

Mayer, will be GCC film buyer for the 

Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit exchange 

areas. An industry veteran, Kane, prior to 

his service as MGM Detroit division sales 

manager, was an exchange manager for 

both Paramount and National General Pictures. 

Kane has assumed his duties for General 

Cinema, headquartering in Detroit. 

First Centrum Film 

In Works for 1974 

.A 11 AN I.-X—The first major project of 

the newly formed Atlanta-based Centrum 

International Film Corp.. which will include 

film production and distribution in the 

Southeastern territory, will be titled "UFO; 

Target Earth," which is ready to begin 

shooting for worldwide release early next 

year. 

This film will capitalize on the current 

flying saucer "sightings" and incorporate 

two natural phenomena—a simultaneous 

total eclipse of the sun and the passage of 

Kohoutek comet at its closest point to the 

earth—in which public interest is rising to 

a climax. 

On hand to record these two events will 

be a Centrum photographic team with six 

specially equipped cameras in Bogota. Colombia. 

This footage will be included in the 

original screenplay of "UFO" by Michael 

Courtland. 

Don Scurdino. young star of stage, screen 

and TV. will have the lead in the picture 

as a university researcher who accidentally 

learns of military attempts to conceal news 

of mysterious flying objects from the public. 

Edward G. Henry, president of Centrum 

International Corp.. a division of the new 

company, will produce the picture and 

Michael A. de Gaetano. president of Centrum, 

will be the director. Robert M. Storer, 

owner and executive producer of Atlanta's 

Storer Studios, Inc., will be the director of 

cinematography. Aside from the shooting in 

Colombia, most of the location filming will 

be done in central and eastern Georgia, 

from which areas numerous reports of UFO 

sightings have been reported. 

.Six features have been acquired for 

Southeastern distribution by Centrum, 

which is made up of three existing organizations; 

Intermedia Photo Co., Storer 

Studios and Centrum International Corp. 

Their resources have been pooled to create 

an Atlanta-based company that will not only 

produce and distribute films but engage in 

related activities. 

Associated with president Henry in CIC. 

on loan to CIFC, are Michael J. Elliston. 

vice-president, and William G. Lucas, general 

manager. Unit personnel includes Jack 

B. Jennings. Debbie Simms. William S. 

Becker jr.. Wayne A. Sigmund and Andrew 

J. Epstein. 

President de Gaetano brings with him to 

the Centrum ranks Nicholas P. Nizich, 

Intermedia's chief photographer. From 

Storer's organization come associate producer 

Tom Tolbert and director of lighting 

Robert J. .Segars. 

Henry, originator ot the Centrum process, 

is a native Texan (El Paso) and a pioneer in 

qualitative exploratory consumer research 

and served eight years as executive vicepresident 

of .Applied Market Research of 

Chicago, of which he was a founder. 

Storer is the son of George B. Storer, 

president of the Storer Broadcasting Co., 

which owns and operates WAGA-TV, in 

Atlanta. He worked for the station prior to 

organizing his own firm and Storer Studios 

now boasts one of the largest inventories of 

motion picture equipment in the .South and 

one of the most complete film editing facilities 

in the country in addition to the only 

existing model of a computerized animation 

machine, which he designed. 

In a reception held at an open house in 

the headquarters of Centrum at 132 Cone 

Street. NW. Gov. Jimmy Carter was a guest 

and was presented with a director's chair 

with his name and a star emblazoned on the 

back of it. Through Governor Carter's interest 

in attracting motion picture producers 

to Georgia, the Georgia film effort, as 

it is called, has resulted in more than a 

dozen pictures being produced within the 

boundaries of the state and movie companies 

have left behind them more than 

$12,000,000. 

Mark Teploe will adapt "Pots and Robbers" 

for the screen. 

SOUND PROJECTION 

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MONTHLY SERVICE BULLETINS 

A GUIDE TO BETTEH SOUND HEPHODUC- 

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thecrtre circuits, projectionists. Simplified 

instructions on "how to repair projectors 

and sound equipment," Automation Equipment—NEW 

AND OU). Simplex, Brsniert, 

Century, Ballantyne, Motiograph, etc . . . 

Xenon and Arc Lamps . . . Generators 

and Rectifiers . . . "Step-By-Step" service 

data on Vacuum Tube and Transistor amplifiers 

. . . Speaker Systems . . . Screens 

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MATICS AND DRAWINGS. Theatre Maintenance. 

We keep you up-to-date on lÊW 

developments in equipment. MONTHLY 

SERVICE BULLETINS AND NEW PAGES 

FOR YOtni LOOSE-LEAF MANUAL every 

month for one year. Over 175 pages. 

81/2 X U" Loose-Leaf Practical Manual— 

The price? ONLY $9.95 in U.S.A.. Canada. 

Data is Reliable and Authentic. Edited by 

the writer with 35 years of Experience: 

18 years Technical Editor the MODERN 

THEATRE. (Remittance payable to: Wesley 

Trout, Cash, Check, or P.O. No CODs.) 

WESLEY TROUT, EDITOR. Baas Bldg., Box 

575, Enid, Oklahoma 73701. 

1245 Adams St. Boston. Mass. (617) 298-5900 

^ CREATORS OF CONTEMPORARY THEATRES 

^ COMPLETE TURNKEY PACKAGE 

-^ DESIGN & ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING AND REMODELING 

^ CARPETING, PROJECTION, SEATING. MARQUEE, CONCESSION 

WRITE FOB COMPLETE BROCHURE 

BOXOmCE :; December 17, 1973 SE-13

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NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

ADVERTISING INDUSTRIES 

1325 Logan Circle, N.W. Tel: 351-1416 

Atlanta, Ga. 30318 351-1418 

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Bob Sedlak—Willard Kohorn—Bob Hoire 

Johnny Whitoker 

& The Entire Atlanta Staff 

5*oa!r«!Sr«Sra?Sj«ia

Best Wishes for/tt\e 

Holiday Season 

J. .-J. 

And a Blocktfuster, New Year! 

HARNELL INDEPENDENT PRODUCTIONS, INC 

6065 Roswell Rd. N.E, Suite 502, Atlanta, Georgia 30328 Telephone: (404) 256-3464

EDWARD L MONTORO 

is proud to present 

1974 CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO ALL HIS 

EXHIBITOR AND DISTRIBUTOR FRIENDS! 

JANUARY 

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BOXOFFICE December 17, 1973

. . The 

— 

Salty the Sea 

Lion Is 

Emerging as New Star 

MIAMI — "Laws don't protect anim.ils," 

film director and animal trainer Ricou 

Browning told Ale\ Ben Block. Miami 

News entertainment editor, who was interested 

in getting a story about Browning's 

new film star. Salty the sea lion. "When 

people have a personal feeling for an animal, 

that does more good to preserve them 

than all the laws. It makes the sea lion more 

than just fur walking in water." 

Block's feature article about Browning 

and Salty, which appeared in the Miami 

News Tuesday. November 20, follows: 

For Ricou Browning, a sea lion is a creature 

that swims with him in the family pool 

and sleeps in his spare bedroom. 

For the past four years Browning has 

been raising a California sea lion named 

Salty the way other people raise a pet dog. 

He has done it with patience, care, affection 

and attention; and it all shows in an extraordinary 

new film opening tomorrow in Miami 

called, naturally, enough, "Salty." 

Browning is the man who headed up the 

team that trained and cared for the dolphins 

who took the name "Flipper." Since then 

he has directed episodes of another TV 

series. "Gentle Ben." and now works full 

time with "Salty." 

Most of Browning's days are now spent 

at the Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne 

where "Salty" and her pals from the film 

have taken up residence. 

Her pals? 

Salty's pals include a trained pig named 

(Continued on page SE-I8) 

JACKSONVILLE 

JACKSONVILLE 

Diehard Lewis, Florida branch manager for 

American International Pictures, announced 

that Dixon "Dick" Regan has 

joined the local AIP staff as office managerhead 

booker. Dick can be counted among 

the Old Guard of Filmrow as he spent many 

years as a Paramount salesman and he was 

serving as MGM's branch manager here 

when the company suspended film distribution 

earlier this year. 

Many WOMPI members were sacrificing 

luncheon periods to stuff Christmas stockings 

which will be distributed by the Salvation 

Army over the city Christmas Day 

(25) as presents to boys and girls in needy 

families. WOMPI has contributed this prc- 

Christmas community service for many 

years. 

The many film industry members who 

bought chances on the basket of cheer recently 

raffled off by WOMPI members 

will be pleased to know that their dollars 

are being used for a good industry cause 

by vote of the WOMPI membership. A 

portable breathing machine is being donated 

to the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital at 

Saranac Lake. N. Y.. with the entire purchase 

price coming out of WOMPI's profits 

from the basket of cheer (won by Bob Capps 

sr. 

of General Cinema Corp.). 

Thomas Edison Bell's Plaza Mini Cine 

Theatre in St. Augustine, across from the 

historic Old Slave Market, is being enlarged 

into a Plaza Maxi Cine Theatre. 

Frances Conner, Universal staff, is 

WOMPI's newest member here. She is the 

talented artist who designed the Thanksgiving 

cover of the WOMPI Bulletin. Frances 

is also chairman of the annual WOMPI 

Yearbook . biggest WOMPI moneymaking 

project of the past several years 

with all profits marked for its charitable 

enterprises—has been participation in the 

Community Club Awards under the leadership 

of radio station WAPE and with financial 

sponsorship by a score of leading business 

firms in the city. Last year WOMPI 

won several hundred dollars as the grand 

prize winner against 39 other competing 

women's groups. Wendy Hendrickson, 

WOMPI president, said WOMPI members 

have been invited to a CCA kickoff luncheon 

at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre January 

7 . . . Cleveland Kent, an executive of 

the Kent Theatres chain's home office here. 

is cooperating with WOMPI in providing 

Channel 7. educational television, with a 

wide range of motion picture materials for 

dissemination to the public over the station's 


TOP QUALITY 

ROYL POPCORN 

Tropical Syrups 

ROY SMITH CO. 

365 Park St. Jacksonville, Fla. 

JACKSONVILLE 


PICTURES 

137 E. Forsyth St. 

Richard Lewis 

Sandy Hughes 

Lisa Prosser 

35G-5737 & 38 

Don Gatlin 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 

Room 202 

Charlie King 

Lynda Kerr 

Diane Ruhoy 

f 

I 

f i: 

I 


| 

from 


Mack Grimes Pete Howell Johanna Grimes 

Groover Chase K. O. Rogers Eloise Reed 

Connie Rediem Linda Hand Jimmy Walker 

Bobbie York 

171 Simpson Street, N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30313 


A 


CLARK FILM CO. 

Harry Clark 

Belton Clark 

Brenda Davis 

Charlotte Greene 

Mary Ann Clark 

Violet Tuenge 

Esther Clark 

Richard Cohen 

Ricky Cohen 

Dei Hylton 


UNIVERSAL PICTURES 

George F. Byrd 

Terry Tharpe OUie Mathews 

Jim Carriker 

Marsha Weaver 

Ardine Pinson Wendy Hendrickson 

Frances Conner Julie Dowell 

BOXOFFICE ;; December 17, 1973 

SE-17

JACKSONVILLE 


popular "Feedback" program. Also working 

on this project are WOMPI members Joyce 

Malmborg and Marsha Weaver. 

Clark Film Releasing Co., headed by 

Harry Clark and his younger brother Belton 

as second-in-command, is having a pre- 

Christmas open-house ceremony at the 

firm's new building in Arlington. Belton 

. . . Craig 

said Filmrow personnel "from top to bottom" 

is being invited, including branch 

managers, shippers, truck drivers, salesmen, 

theatre managers and others 

Music has resigned from the Clark firm to 

enter another line of work . . , Harry Clark 

went to Atlanta for conferences with Tom 

Lucy, manager of the company's Atlanta 

branch, and Marvin Doris, a new Clark 

salesman. 

Helen Wintenburg, former ABC Florida 

.State Theatres home office general worker, 

is now secretary to William S. Baskin. ABC 

FST district supervisor in this area . . . 

Gene Jacobs, branch manager of American 

Multi Cinema, drove downstate to confer 

with St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale 

exhibitors, and his salesman, Dick Vollberg, 

headed north to vacation in the North 

Carolina Mountains. 

WOMPI members expressed their appreciation 

to the many male members of Filmrow 

who have cooperated with WOMPI 

during the year in carrying out industry and 

community service projects by honoring 

FINER

MEMPHIS 

^{emphis film industry people were celebrating 

Christmas last week. Variety- 

Tent 20 hosted a Christmas party for the 

families of barkers, featuring Santa, a 

brightly ornamented tree, gifts and refreshments—the 

works. Several film exchanges 

celebrated with office parties for staffers 

and customers and anyone who dropped in. 

while the Memphis WOMPI Club had a 

party for members and then played Santa 

to elderly men and women in two institutions. 

The WOMPIs also have adopted two 

families and will surprise them with food 

and gifts at the appropriate time. 

Drive-ins across the trade territory were 

closing for the season in many areas. The 

Carroll at Huntingdon in this state, the 

Gienwood at Glenwood. Ark.. Lakeland at 

Benton, Ky., 64 Drive-In at Russellvillc, 

Ark., and the Paducah at Paducah, Ky., 

have been moth-balled for the cold weather 

weeks. 

The Cinema Theatre at Indianola. Miss.. 

has resumed use of the film delivery and 

pickup services of Film Transit. Inc.. out of 

Memphis. 

Roger Moore has the lead in the upcoming 

suspense film, "Gold." 

MEMPHIS 

Waverly, Tenn,, Proud of Tri-State 

Award for Exhibitor Nathan flexer 

WAVERLY, TENN. — This town had 

something to cheer about when exhibitor 

Nathan Flexer, owner-operator of Mi-De- 

Ga Theatre and the Valley Drive-in. came 

home from the recent Tri-State ihcatre 

Owners convention in Memphis with the 

biggest award of all: Showman of the Year. 

.'\nd he brought home an attractive trophy 

to prove to the home folks he had won! 

In its story about Flexer's recognition, 

the Waverly News Democrat said: 

"The coveted award is presented by 

the Lorraine Carbon Co. each year at the 

convention, which is attended by theatre 

owners from a six-state area—Tennessee, 

Kentucky, Mississippi. Arkansas. Missouri, 

Kentucky and Alabama. Qualifying for the 

award are many exhibitors, theatre equipment 

suppliers, folks in concessions and 

other phases of the theatre industry. 

"In making the presentation, the company 

representative said. 'Flamboyancy plays second 

fiddle this year and the award goes 

to a man that has made a continuous contribution 

of loyalty and support to our industry 

over a period of 37 years. 

" "He has owned and operated a theatre 

for years. His .sense of fair play carries over 

to a policy of "same admission for the good 

pictures as for the bad." His aversion to 

chewing gum is well known. When he's on 

the door, the chewing gum goes out before 

you get in, period.' 

"Commending Flexer 'for his steady application 

as an inspiration to all people in 

the industry,' the I^rraine Carbon Co, representative 

noted the old adage. There's a 

good woman behind every successful man 

but Mr. Flexer carries it further and recruits 


MEMPfflS 

SE5as?5ag5sagE sags JBg?!5s55K?;5g55asE 583jaajsasKtssas 

R With Sincere Appreciation s 

t A t 

S Best Wishes From g 

MRS. FAYE T. ADAMS I 

I 

I 

BOXOFFICE REPRESENTATIVE S 

^ 

3041 Kirkcaldy Road | 

Telephone 3574562 

I 

K Memphis, Tenn, 38128 

| 

S 

a J? 

MEMPfflS 

Merry 

Christmas 

arii 

hiappy New Year! 

A. B. FILMS 

P.O. Box 8271 

Memphis, 

Tenn. 

Betty 

Arendall 

Phone: (901) 274-6491 

BOXOFFICE :; December 17, 1973 SE-19

Waverly Takes Pride 

In Award for Flexer 


the whole family in his theatres.' 

"Making his home in Waverly for 37 

years. Flexer and family have operated the 

Mi-iDe-Ga Theatres, which was named for 

his son Mike, his wife Deanie and and son 

Gary. 

"Active in community affairs, Flexer has 

served for many years as chairman of U.S. 

Savings Bonds, is a Shrincr and Scottish 

Rite Mason and is dhairman of the county 

election commission. 

"He is presently a vice-president of the 

Tri-State Theatre Owners and has been a 

member of the Variety Club for a number 

of years and a member of the National 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners." 

John Huston has a leading role in Paramount's 

"Chinatown." 

CNC Distributing Two Sun 

Int'l Films in 13 States 

HOLLYWOOD—Cinema National Corp. 

has been appointed exclusive subdistributor 

for Sun International Productions' films, 

"Instinct for Survival" and "Brother of the 

Wind," in the 13 Western states. 

"Brother of the Wind" commences exclusive 

runs in New Me.xico this month and 

in San Francisco in January. "Instinct for 

Survival" starts runs in California, Washington 

and Oregon in January. 

MEMPfflS 

MEMPfflS 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

Thank you, Mr. Exhibitor, for your business the past year. 

FILM TRANSIT, INC. 

Rapid, Accurate, Insured Transportation 

3931 Homeviôod 

P. O. Box 18642 Memphis, Tennessee 

365-7550 

North Little Rock Office~-1204 Willow—Phone 374-5571 

2 

Greetings 

from 

VILLAGE CINEME THEATRE 

4676 Knight Arnold Road 

Dave Lebovitz Memphis, Tenn. 



Mack Grimes Pete Howell Johanna Grimes 

Groover Chase Connie Redfern 

K. O. Rogers Eloise Reed Linda Hand 

Bobbie York Jimmy Walker 

171 Simpson Street, N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30313 



Southern Theatre Service 

Johnny Gannon, Booker-Buyer 


GUILD THEATRE 

1705 Poplar Avenue 

sws^-e^^s-^^SsîSs^rsiîS^sSJ*!^^ 

ttQ-«»»

êadon 5 ^HKk ^reeilnad 

MEMPHIS feciAon A jKKflk W'^^^t^'*^^ Memphis 

j 

Merry Christmas 1 

i 

i 

\ and i 

i 

i 

I 

t 

\ From 

\ ARENDALL 

i 

ENTERPRISES il 

I 1364 N. Watkins, Memphis, Tenn. | 

^ 1 CHARLES ARENDALL I 

I 

I 

P.O. Box 8344 Phone: (901) 274-6471 f 

^ 1 

I 

I 

.^âJon J 

LjreetinaA 

rrom 

MALCO THEATRES. 

INC 

Memphis, Tenn. 

a 

^^ 

>iitffl ( 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 SE-21

— 

Each Ouf-State Filmmaker Captures 

A Different Facet of Miami Life 

MIAMI—With three more filmed-in- 

Miami movies being released in November 

and several others having been shot in South 

Dade locales in recent months, what image 

of this city is being cast on the nation's 

screens? 

That's what John Huddy, entertainment 

editor of the Miami Herald, asked in his 

Sunday. November 25, article in the newspaper's 

Lively Arts section. 

What image does Miami project on the 

screen? "Well that all depends," mused 

Huddy, "on the director, on the film . . . 

and on your own expectations." 

"To filmmakers Gries (Tom) and Starr 

(Harrison).. Huddy continued. "Miami is 

a chic, elegant, well-heeled metropolis that 

basks in the sun like a jewel and that serves 

as the location for a high-stake, jet-set. diamond 

hustling arrogant, sleek young man in 

$200 sportscoats. a million dollars in gems 

carelessly stashed in one pocket, a deadly 

little .25 caliber automatic in the other. 

Miami is: a fancy party on the patio, a 

bloody execution in the warm salt water. 

Miami is: a rakish, callow youth. 

"Elaine May sees it differently. 

"Through her vicwfinder. Miami means 

Miami Beach; Miami Beach to the sharf)- 

tongued director is not glamorous or sophisticated. 

As Miss May's camera car drives 

up Collins Avenue, we see the Beach as 

Elaine May sees it: an old woman shuffling 

down a sidewalk past a vulgar collection of 

overstuffed, overpriced hotels. A resort so 

passe. Miss May seems to be saying, it can 

generate its own laughs in serving as the 

sight of a satire." 

Huddy's article continues in part: 

Comically old and foolishly decayed is 

how Miss May views the area. But Ricou 

Browning, a sun-baked, sandy-haired Miami 

director who specializes in family films and 

animal pictures, would never think of shooting 

his $900,000 feature film on the Beach. 

To Browning. Miami is a tropical paradise, 

a place of sunshine, wildlife. Everglades, 

sparkling ocean. In "Salty," Browning's first 

feature, the characters are not wrinkled, 

nor shuffling. They are young, vibrant, 

healthy—and attractive. 

Although director Joseph Adier sees 

Miami as a home for many so-called senior 

citizens, the young director with the bushy 

beard and the shoulder-length hair invokes 

the "heaven's waiting room" theme without 

malice. To him the elderly who play checkers 

in the sun represent a sadly neglected 

treasure. These are funny, frisky, unpreten- 

^S CQson's 

Orcctincs^ 

1327 5 =7./ 7 =7 •/ ^ ="'" 

Wabash !—^' ''""

CHARLOTTE s.eadon S 

^^^:mm§mtmm:m:mm^'^^;^'mm 

Ljteetinad 

charlotte 

^$iS'i» t Sii>Wi»Si»W!a gaftgaa^j&gJ9.t-

, 

'Black Six/ 'Queen 

Boxer' Bow at 400 

MEMPHIS—Jubilation prevailed among 

Memphis exhibitors as three 400s. a 300, 

three 200s and an average 100 popped up 

on the grossing Barometer following the 

Thanksgiving holiday trade. "The Way We 

Were." third week at the Plaza, and newcomers 

"The Queen Boxer" and "The Black 

Six" led the way with 400 each; the 300 

went to "American Graffiti," still a boxoffice 

power in its ninth frame at Plaza 2. 

{Average Is 100) 

Crosstown—Chorley Varrick (Univ), 4th wk 100 

Loew's—The Block Six (SR) 400 

Maico—The Queen Boxer (SR) 400 

Memphian—Jimi Hendrix (WB), 2nd wk 200 

Paramount—Executive Action (NGP) 200 

Park—Instinct for Survival (Sun) 200 

Plaza 1—The Woy We Were (Col), 3rd wk 400 

Plaza 2—American Graffiti (Univ), 9th wk 300 

Krantz Wants an Oscar 

For Animated Features 


BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. — Steve 

Krantz. producer of American International 

Pictures' "Heavy Traffic" and "Fritz the 

Cat." wants to see the short subjects category 

of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences award an Oscar to animated 

films (as a separate category) or at 

least recognize the art. when it is produced 

as a feature. 

His attempt parallels that of other groups 

which have sought to extend the Academy 

categories as Oscar time approaches. News- 

SILICON 

Lee ARTOE ''FU2eD'' SILICON TUBES 

FOR MOTION PICTURE RECTIFIERS 

DESieNED TO BE BEST __— 

y "'''' 

REPIACC 

,FU2Ep INCXPCNSIVC FUSES 

^X^. C 1 9 50 

WRITE— 

INSTEAD OF 

tNTIU TUat 

I" ARTOE Carbon Co 

1243 Belmont Chicago 

The Exhibitor Has His Say 

TO: 

BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., 

Titie 

Comment 

Days of Week Played 

Exhibitor 

Kansas City, Mo. 64124 

reels, when they were in vogue, also tried 

to secure a category. 

Krantz sent a letter to Walter Mirisch. 

president of AMPAS. who advised that, 

with this year's awards already set in the 

various categories, the Academy will give 

his proposal consideration for the 1974 

Oscars. 

The animation segment has a worldwide 

organization. ASIFA. which recently honored 

Walter Lantz for his contributions to 

the industry. The ASIFA awards ceremony 

was held at the Sportsmen's Lodge. 

Plan Early '74 Debut 

For Cinema in Dayton 

From Mideastern Edition 

DAYTON, OHIO—A late January or 

early February opening is anticipated for 

a film theatre which is being constructed 

for Bob Mills in the Washington Square 

Shopping Center. Mills said that he expects 

to have a $100,000 investment in the structure 

and described the decor as in keeping 

with the shopping center's Williamsburg 

design. 

Mills, who disclosed that he also is interested 

in a small downtown movie house, 

said, "This is probably the first step in an 

expansion program. As a small independent, 

I hope by adding additional houses to 

strengthen my booking ability. I expect I 

will look to the south side for most of my 

expansion." 

A theatreman for 23 years, Mills has 

operated the 500-seat Cinema South for 

nearly ten years. He also had the Cinema 

East from 1965 until this year, when it 

burned three days after he acquired the 

450-seat Colony Square Cinema in Lebanon. 

He plans to operate the new theatre in 

the Washington Square Shopping Center, 

which is located at Far Hills Avenue and 

Whipp Road, evenings only, with matinees 

on weekends and holidays. 

William Wertz is the architect on the 

project and the development is owned by 

the Campatrick Corp.. which is headed by 

J. T. Patterson, according to Mills. 

YOUR REPORT OF THE PICTURE YOU 

HAVE JUST PLAITED FOR THE 

GUIDANCE OF FEUOW EXHIBITORS. 

Company.. 

Theatre 

Weather.. 

— Right Now 

Salty the Sea Lion Is 

Emerging as New Star 

(Continued from page SE-18) 

The hard part for Browning was raising 

the money to finance a feature film about 

"Salty." Browning says he talked to a hundred 

different companies and individuals 

over two years. He said most experienced 

film people told him they liked the idea but 

the public wouldn't be interested in large 

enough numbers to make it profitable. 

When Browning approached outside money 

interests, they turned him down because 

film is famous as being a bad investment. 

"Why should they invest in a sea lion," 

Browning says they asked him, "when they 

have a guaranteed return from real estate?" 

Finally, about a year ago, he found his 

investors and formed Sea Lions Services. 

Twentieth Century^Fox will distribute the 

picture. 

'Salty' G Rated 

"Salty" is G rated and designed, says 

Browning, for youngsters, senior citizens 

and all those who are normally attracted to 

Walt Disney productions. 

Watching Browning describe life at home 

wtih a sea lion I couldn't help being caught 

up with the flush of his vitality and enthusiasm. 

Browning, at a vigorous 42. has a 

bush of blonde hair and a taut leathery wind 

washed face. 

"I don't recommend a sea lion as a house 

pet," says Browning. 

In Browning's home, then a large South 

Miami spread he has since sold. Salty had 

her own room, shower and ready access 

to the family swimming pool. Her playmates? 

Browning's four children who range 

in age from 16 to 20. 

"In the morning." recalls Browning with 

a smile, "she comes like a dog to wake you 

up. Or she'll come lay on your legs and 

rub her nose on your lap." 

Thrives on Milk 

Salty was fed at first from a baby's milk 

bottle. Even now she sucks on a pacifier 

on long car trips in the specially outfitted 

camper Browning uses to transport her for 

publicity appearances. 

Salty will tour Florida extensively in the 

next few weeks promoting her film. 

"When she shows true affection," says 

Browning of his creature pal, "it's much 

more valuable than just having her show 

a trick." 

For Ricou Browning. Salty is more than 

just a mammal or a sea lion. He sees her 

on film in and out of the water, unlike 

Flipper who was waterbound. More, though, 

he remembers her nuzzling him in the morning 

to get him out of bed. 

Browning says Salty has even made him 

give up his longtime hobby of hunting animals 

for sport. 

"Hunters can kill animals because they 

all look alike to them." says Browning. 

"Once you get attached to an animal you 

can't kill them anymore. They don't look 

alike anymore." 

For Ricou Browning. Salty looks like his 

best friend and his future. 

3E-24 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

— 

1 

Texas NATO Issues 

Product Reels Call 

DALLAS— Bob NichoKon, liiiii buyer 

lor Commonwealth Theatres, will be in 

charge of the products screening at the 

NATO convention to be held in the Fairmont 

Hotel January 29-31. 

The screenings will be distributed over 

the three days of the convention, giving 

exhibitors an opportunity to see all the 

product reels and still have time to attend 

all other imptirtant work shops and exhibits 

while in Dallas. This will give all exhibitors 

an opportunity to know what they will be 

showing next year and ideas for exploitation 

can be worked out accordingly. 

Distributors desiring to have their product 

shown during the convention MUST have 

the product reels in Bob Nicholson's office 

at 700 Tower Petroleum Bldg., not later 

than January 22. They also should call Bob 

(214) 748-0284 immediately so he can know 

exactly from whom he will be receiving 

films for a closer checkup. 

This promises to be one of the most exciting 

conventions held in Dallas. .At this 

time there are only three booths left. 

Video Circuit Has Bought 

Twins in Bartlesville 

OKL.AHOMA CITY — Video Theatres. 

based here, has acquired the Eastland Twins 

in Bartlesville from the Ashley-Snyder interests, 

the transaction effective October 31. 

Along with Video's other operations in Bartlesville. 

the Eastland Twins will be under 

the management of Robert Scott. The Penn 

Theatre in Bartlesville was closed Tuesday 

(4). 

Effective after business November 15. the 

Center Theatre in Vinita was closed and 

will remain so until further notice, according 

Inc., office. 

to W. B. Turk. Video divisional man- 

ager. 

Meanwhile. Video's Lawton manager 

Clyde Walker reports that a wave of downtown 

urban renewal in Lawton is about to 

sweep away three circuit houses there 

the Diana. Ritz and Lawton. The latter 

has been closed for more than a year. Walker 

expects the Diana Theatre will be torn 

down soon after January L 

Circuits Operating in Texas Will 

Add II New Screens Within 30 Days 

D.ALLA.S—Within the next 30 days, 1 

new screens will be added to the state's 

entertainment facilities by four different 

circuits as Texas exhibition continues its 

ambitious expansion program. In addition, 

a November change in ownership in Brownwood, 

Tyler and College Station properties 

stepped up the business pace at sets of 

twins in each of those towns and General 

Cinema Corp., in October, converted an 

.Amarillo theatre into a twin. 

New theatres to be opened within 30 

days: 

• ABC Interstate plans to open the ABC 

Twin East in El Paso Friday (21). Twin 1 

will seat 504 patrons. Twin 2 will accommodate 

322 ticket buyers. 

• American Multi Cinema will open its 

Green Plaza Three in Houston January 1. 

Seating capacities before these three new 

screens will be 350. 225 and 225. 

• Rowley United Theatres will have 

cinemas 1 and 2 in Brownsville ready for a 

January 1 debut. This theatre is located in 

Amigoland Mall Shopping Center, which 

has a zip code number of 78520. 

• Presidio Enterprises, Inc.. 1524 East 

.Anderson Lane, Austin, plans to open its 

Village Cinema Four around the first of 

January. Screen 1 will face an auditorium 

of 400 seats, screen 2 will entertain 240 

patrons. Other seating: screen 3, 226 seats; 

screen 4. 300 seats. This theatre is situated 

in the Village Shopping Center, zip 74263. 

Buying and booking will be done by Eddy 

Erickson; invoices and boxoffice reports will 

be sent direct to the Presidio Enterprises. 

DALLAS 

Effective November 16. ABC Interstate 

Theatres took over the ownership of Cinema 

I and Cinema II. Brownwood; Cinema 

I and Cinema II, Tyler; Cinema I and Cinema 

11. College Station, from Texas National 

Theatres. 

Wednesday. October 25, the Cinema 

Theatre in the Western Plaza at Amarillo, 

after being closed since early September for 

the changeover, was reopened as a dual 

auditorium theatre by General Cinema 

Corp. Presiding at ribbon-cutting ceremonies 

for the circuit were W. T. Alexander 

of Dallas, GCC district manager: Ken Lett, 

manager of the new twins, and Debra Atwood. 

assistant manager. Jerry Hodge, city 

commissioner actually wielded the giant 

scissors used for snipping the ribbon, which 

cleared the way for the first patrons to 

enter GCC's handsomely decorated new 

duo. Screen fare on opening night consisted 

of "The Visions of Eight" and "The Night 

of the Jackal." 

Projection facilities for the double theatre 

complex were fully automated as part of 

the expansion to two screens and the lobby 

area underwent minor refurbishing. Customers 

buy tickets from a single cashier for 

admission to whichever side is showing the 

film they wish to view. Manager Lett told 

the Amarillo News and the Amarillo Globe 

Times that the conversion of the local Cinema 

is part of a transformation to twin theatres 

being conducted throughout the 500- 

unit General Cinema Corp. circuit. 

"North Dallas Forty" will be a 1974 

Paramount production. 

^yôliciuu L^reeti f^ 

SA DA Ted Butler Wants 

All Adult Theatres Dark 

SAN ANTONIO— District attorney Ted 

Butler claims that only two local adult 

theatres are still showing hard-core pornography 

in this city. Those two. Mister X 

Adult Theatre and the Mars Theatre, were 

raided by vice squad detectives who arrested 

three persons and confiscated film and projectors. 

Butler, in a talk before the Business and 

Professional Men's American Legion Post, 

stated that he will not be satisfied until all 

the movie houses showing pornographic 

films are closed permanently. 

He told the group the grand jury found 

establishments offering pornography in most 

instances are directly owned and suppljed 

by organized crime. 

1901 S. Good Latimer Dallas, Texas 75226 

Phone— Dallas (21 4) 421 -5461 

Houston (713) 869-5053 

WISfflNG OUR MANY FRIENDS IN THE 

MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY, A VERY MERRY 

CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 

BOXOFnCE December 17. 1973 SW-1

ê 

DALLAS —)eu6on S Ljteetlinad 

DALLAS 

Meny Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year 

To All Our Friends and Customers 

MODERN SALES & SERVICE, INC. 

2200 Young Street Phone Rl 7-3191 Dallas, Texas 75201 


STARLINE PICTURES COMPANY 

JIMMY PRICHARD 

629A 500 South Ervay Dallas, Texas 75201 

Phone 748-5709 Area Code 214 

I 

TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO ARE 

1 STILL IN THE BUSINESS 


Skeet Noret 

!ffa«fs!r«S»^JSr«i*eiSrt'fSr«Sirs^^ 

eSir«fsi«i!*sii*t^?S^^ 

s 


I 


| 

OF TEXAS. INC. | 

Bill Hill Dana Haas 

| 

500 So. Ervay Street, Suite 605B I 

Phone: (214) 748-6145 Dallas, Texas 

| 

I 

» Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas 

g 


I "Eric" Distributing Co. & 

I 

t 

DIMENSION-GENERAL 

RELEASING CORP. 

4308 No. Central Expressway, Suite 205 

Dallas, Texas 7520G (214) 827-4444 

Serving the New Orleans, Memphis, 

Dallas and Oklahoma territory 

Eric and Maud deNeve Donald W. Scruggs 

itffl!js^;is.%;i»'K:a.c>^>»;^C)3s^^ 

From \ 

PEGGY SMITH 

I 

MYCO FILM EXCHANGE I 

MYCO HLMS INC. SUITE 445 | 

FIRST BANK & TRUST BUILDING I 

RICHARDSON TEXAS 75080 231-4904 | 

^!is>»a;i»;iuiaX)ja.9ti9fi^t9Xi^^ 


from 

Goldstone Films of Texas, Inc. I 

"The Home of the Money-Makers" g 

| 

s 

Harry Goldstone, Pres. f 

Jerry Kamprath, Manager £ 

SW-2 December 17, 1973

DALLAS ê —>eu6on 6 

Ljreetin^d 

dallas 

S

— 

DALLAS 

paramount moves again! Maybe the old 

saying that "third time's a oharni" will 

work out in this case. Paramount's first 

office was near the Union Terminal. In 

1931, the company moved to 314 South 

Harwood, where at one time there were well 

over 100 employees (of which only three 

Virginia Stevens. Ethel Hodge and James 

Broiles—are still with the Dallas office). In 

1951. Paramount moved to 401 North Pearl 

Expressway. Due to adoption of the computer 

process, elimination entirely of the 

company's publicity department and taking 

salesmen off the road, the office staff 

dwindled to 15 at 401 North Pearl Expressway. 

For several years the Dallas exchange 

was the only Paramount branch still doing 

its own shipping; however, with the company 

making its latest move, its shipping 

now will be handled through the Central 

Shipping & Inspection Bureau. 

As of today (17) Paramount staffers are 

ready for business in their new location: 

COMPLETE PACKAGE DEAL 

NOW AVAILABLE 

Christie & Westrex Equipment 

Massey Seats — Technikote Screens 

(Con be financed by Litton Ind. Credit Corp.) 

All Types of Theatre Service & Installation 

Consulting Theatre Engineers 

PINKSTON'S 

Universal 

Theatre Supply 

6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 442. 

telephone 369-4600. Fortunately for area 

exhibitors, this new location is much easier 

to locate. Those exhibitors coming from the 

south end of the city can get on Central 

Expressway and keep going north until they 

reach the Mockingbird Lane exit. Go 

straight across Mockingbird, taking the service 

road one block; the 6060 Building is just 

north of the Dallas Cowboys headquarters 

and south of the new Ramada Inn. Exhibitors 

coming from the north, turn off at 

Mockingbird Lane exit, turn east across the 

Central Expressway overhead, then turn 

north at the service road. Paramounters invite 

you to visit them in attractive new quarters 

and are confident you'll like what you 

find. 

C. E. Precise, business agent of the Longview 

area operators union, had a successful 

operation in Houston and returned home for 

further recuperation. In fact, he will soon 

be able to walk a mile a day; then he will 

be able to return to a fairly active life . . . 

We understand that the Town & Country 

Drive-In at Dallas and the Rebel Twin 

Drive-In at Carrolton have been closed and 

that the Rebel Twin is to be dismantled . . . 

The Triangle Drive-In, Dallas, had planned 

to have a black-only policy but has changed 

those plans in favor of continuing to operate 

its 

regular policy. 

Dale Smith of Siloam Springs, Ark., 

opened his Spring Cinema, a new theatre. 

Bruce Seidel of Selling. 

November 21 . . . 

Okla., sold his Tower Theatre to Dean Fox, 

of Georgia pecans and another shipment no 

doubt will be here by the time this Boxof- 

FicE edition reaches your desk. There is a 

shortage of pecans in this Texas area, we 

imderstand, so the WOMPIs stand ready to 

make up for it. Money from their sales of 

pecans goes, of course, to help finance the 

PO Box 253, Leedey, Okla.. effective November 

3. 

4207 Lawnview Ave. 

Fox lives in Leedey. 

Dallas, Texas 75227 

Eric de Neve Announces 

(214) 388-15S0 

(214) 388-3237 ABC Interstate WOMPI members are in 

18 Films for Next Year 

charge of the club's December luncheon 

DALLAS—Dimension General Releasing 

scheduled for today (17) in the Dallas Athletic 

Club Royal Alcove. Members will 

Co. of Texas and Oklahoma, represented by 

Eric G. de Neve at 4308 North Central 

bring toys to be distributed at the Children's 

Expressway, has announced a distribution 

Shelter for Christmas. Judy Wise, a faithful 

schedule of 18 new films for 1974. 

WOMPI, again is bringing the club's Christmas 

tree from her farm in East Texas. 

Dimension Pictures soon will release 

"Love in 3-D," the first of nine films expected 

from that independent company. 

Spealiing of WOMPIs, anyone needing a 

Next will be "Trucking" and "Working 

supply of pecans should contact Juanita 

Girls" from Dimension, with other titles to 

White at Ind-Ex. So far WOMPIs have sold 

be announced soon. 

700 pounds of these mammoth whole halves 

General Films Corp.'s "Centerfold Girls" 

tops nine 1974 releases announced by 

Arthur Marks, GFC president and production 

chief. First in line from this company, 

"Go Modem...For All Your Theatre Needs" 

for release through de Neve's Dallas office, 

^^^.yyLoiie'ui 

' 

"Centerfold Girls" will roll early next 

SALES & SERVICE. INC. month. It will be directed by John Peyser 

"Go hiodaia . . . Bquipmait, Supplies & Service" 

and produced by Charles Stroud from a 

screenplay by Robert Poete. 

2200 YOUNG STREET DALLAS, TEXAS, 75201 TELEPHONE 747-3191 • • Others from GFC, with the time of their 

club's 

many chi,rities. 

Joseph S. Caffo, 67, an accountant for 

Village Kitchen Foods the last 12 years, 

died here Monday (3). For many years he 

was head of the accounting department for 

R. E. Griffith Theatres. While the Variety 

Club maintained a permanent headquarters 

here, Caffo served as its manager and continued 

as a member of Variety the remainder 

of his life. A native of Richwood, 

W. Va., he was a veteran of World War II, 

having served in the U.S. Army. Survivors 

include his wife Lee, sons Gary and Mark, 

all of Dallas; his daughter Mrs. Ned M. 

(Pam) Edwards, Irving; three sisters and 

two grandchildren. 

Looks like Debbie Reynolds will be playing 

Dallas in "Irene" sometime in '74. She's 

going on tour with the show, leaving the 

New York company to Jane Powell. The 

tour is to start in August which means that 

it could be a State Fair show unless Tom 

Hughes is definitely locked into "Gone With 

the Wind." 

Bob Hope, due in Dallas this weekend, 

will preside over the dedication of the Lesie 

Townes' Hope Wing at Tony Goble's 

James Comedy. There is a flurry of activity 

at Tony Goble's James Comedy, where a 

wall of the club is being redone with a panel 

of Bob Hope photos, tracing the veteran 

comedian's career. 

CARBONS. CARBONS, INC I Box K. K, Cedar Cedor Knolls, N. J. 

'ô*c ^ mvtc — *Jt'^ U tie Cow 

1In Oklahoma—Oklahoma Theatre Supply Co., Oklahoma City, 

(405) 771-2950 

In Texos—Modern Sales and Service Co., Dallas, (214) 747-3191 

SW-4 BOXOFFICE ;: December 17, 1973

production start: 

March— "Friday Foster." based on the 

black comic strip by James Lawrence and 

Jorge l.ongaron. Orvilie Hampton is completing 

— the script. 

May "Sally. Sara and Sam." a crime 

drama set in New Mexico and Nevada. 

June— "Suddenly No Pamela!" based on 

a terror suspense story by Charles Stroud, 

is being prepared for filming in New England. 

Summer— "Stress," a police story and the 

sequel to "Detroit 9000." with Alex Rocco 

again starring. 

— Early fall "The China Tiger." to be 

produced in the Philippines with Christopher 

George — and Ross Hagen as stars. 

September "The Day Stella Died." a 

terror suspense story by Tim Sipielli— to 

be filmed in San Francisco and Palo Alto. 

October-November— "The Honey Tree." 

an original by Marks, will be filmed in the 

U.S. and Mexico. 

November — "The Snow Bunnies." a 

drama adventure by Kathleen Tanner; filming 

at .'Kspcn. Colo. 

'Love Lies Waiting' Show 

Brings Arrests for Two 

FORT WORTH—A jury, which viewed 

a courtroom screening of "Love Lies Waiting." 

convicted Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Dee 

Woods (who were employees of Jerry's Art 

Flick Theatre) of showing an obscene movie. 

Joe Shannon jr.. assistant district attorney, 

told the jury that the Woods were 

working at the theatre while it showed X- 

rated movies. 

DALLAS 

DALLAS 

giisgtto»ito«w«îiHêa-aiit>Jt^^ 

Meny Christmas and Happy New Year 

Thank you, Mr. Exhibitor, for your business the post year. 

BENNIE LYNCH 

500 So. Ervay Suite 603-B Dallas, Texas 75201 

214-744-3165 

»&4a^îsêii!aJfi:2»J!iii»«!^^ 

Cxumh Jîttxiirutoxi., 

1712 COMMERCE SUITE IIOI 

DALLAS. TEXAS 75201 

214 - 741-3370 

Una. 


I 

| 

3 from § 

1 „ i 

Allied Artists Pictures Corp. 

I 

| 

% Doug Dopkins, Division Manager | 

3 Bill Dorsey, Booker 3 

i Suite G40-A, 500 So. Ervay St. Phone Code 214 

| 

I Dallas, Texas 75201 747-1658 | 

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

to all our friends in the 

Motion Picture Industry 

W M P I of Dallas 

Glynna Farquhar, President 

| 

^ 

I 


I 

^ From the Members of 

I OPERATORS LOCAL | 

NO. 249 lATSE I 

I 

DALLAS, TEXAS 

I 

| 

I Affiliated with the AFL-CIO | 

"There Are No Folk Like Showfolk" 

g 

Greetings to All My Friends S 

in the Motion Picture Industry. S 

LOU WALTERS 

8140 Hunnicut Dr., Dallas, Texas 75228 

The Season's Greetings to All of Our Friends 

In the Motion Picture Industry 

DEBBS REYNOLDS BOOKING 

| 

SERVICE AND | 

SOUTHERN ENTERPRISES § 

2344 Farrington St. 

| 

Dallas, Texas 75207 Phone: 634-2690 t 

f 

ff 

rTC'^te^ftiy

— 

1 

Dallas 

Majestic Theatre May Have 

Future as City's Symphony Hall 

DALLAS—"If there should be a final 

decision to preserve the downtown Majestic 

Theatre as a concert hall." observed William 

A. Payne, amusements editor of the 

Dallas News in a recent article headlined 

"From Films to Concert." those who might 

be responsible for such a conversion project 

would do well to inspect what has been 

done to the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. 

Calif., the latest of six former movie palaces 

that now have been given new careers 

in entertainment and community service." 

in 

Payne's Dallas News article continues, 

part: 

The future of the Majestic Building, 

erected in 1921, has been in question since 

it was closed last summer by Interstate 

Theatres as an operating movie house. Interstate, 

which has a lease on the property 

to run for several years, still maintains its 

circuit headquarters in the building. The 

structure is owned by the Hoblitzelle Foundation, 

established by the late Karl Hoblitzelle 

who built the theatre and formed the 

Interstate chain of film houses. 

The Hoblitzelle Foundation has indicated 

unofficially that it is willing to donate the 

Majestic property to an organization which 

will not only pledge to preserve the structure 

but also put it to use for the entire 

community. Any action by the foundation 

in contributing the property to the community 

will depend in large measure on 

these assurances. 

The Majestic is almost the sole example 

downtown of the opulent design of the early 

1920s when ornamentation was the order 

of the era. In the passage of the years. 

some of this opulence has been obscured by 

the dirt and grime of time, but also by more 

modern additions. We think that restoration 

of the theatre, commensurate with its use 

as a concert hall, could be a project which 

would catch the interest of the public as 

well as serve an arts need. 

That is what happened in Oakland where 

the Paramount Theatre, like the Majestic 

located on a major downtown thoroughfare, 

was restored to the brilliance of its 1931 

opening, while at the same time was converted 

into a symphony hall. Dedication of 

the Paramount in its new role took place 

only two months ago. 

Conversion of theatres in St. Louis. Columbus. 

Pittsburgh. Youngstown and Miami 

had preceded the Oakland project, but these 

other theatres were conversions, with considerable 

structural changes made, rather 

than a true restoration, such as was accomplished 

in Oakland. 

Jack Brethards. executive director of the 

renamed Paramount Theatre of the Arts, 

told us when we visited his office a few 

weeks ago—and he showed us through the 

structure—the fact of restoration of the 

Paramount had been a major factor in the 

success of the project. 

"The result." says Brethards. "has been 

a rejuvenation of arts interests in the (San 

Francisco) East Bay area. The Oakland 

Symphony alone reports that its ticket sales 

have tripled because of the organization's 

move into the Paramount. And we have 

received enough inquiries for other use of 

the theatre to assure that it will truly become 

an arts and entertainment center." 

Oakland, like Dallas, had no adequate 

arts facility in the central city area before 

the Paramount conversion. Studies were 

made for construction of a new facility, a 

convention center-theatre type of project, 

but were abandoned because of cost. So. 

about five years ago city leaders began looking 

for an existing structure which might be 

converted to a concert hall. 

At that time, the Paramount was still in 

use as a movie house but in 1970 Fox West 

Coast Theatres decided, like the Majestic 

management here, that cost of operating the 

theatre was more expensive than simply 

closing it. This action directed Oakland's 

search for a downtown concert hall toward 

the Paramount. 

The almost gaudy Paramount is generally 

regarded as the most significant example of 

the "art-deco" design in the world today. 

In the restoration project, carpets and upholstery 

in the exact original design were 

created, original paint tones were used 

DALLAS 

DALLAS 

S 

The Season's Best 

i u fj ^ /• . 

^ 

MABLE GUINAN 

BOXOFFICE 

Dallas 

\ 

JACO PRODUCTIONS I 

I of TEXAS, INC. I 

I 

S Bill Hill Mack Grimes Ken Rogers « 

i Pete Howell Dana Haas | 

I 

I 

\ 

500 South Ervay Street, 

| 

\ 

Phone: (214) 748-6145 Dallas, Texas 

| 

K 

a 

i Season's Greetings | 

g From the Members of § 

i FILM EXCHANGE EMPLOYES I 

I 

UNION 

I 

I LOCAL NO. B-53 w 

a 

lATSE SPECIAL DEPT. 

| 

I P.O. BOX 475 DALLAS, TEXAS 

| 

i Affiliated with the AFL-CIO | 

Christmas Greetings 

| 

w from ^ 

i ALTEC SERVICE COMPANY | 

^ 

Leon Felder—Dallas 

| 

^ 

D. M. Davis—Lubbock 

| 

% Bill Emmerson—Houston K 

g DALLAS, TEXAS 1 

SW-6 


and even the color ol the light globes 

matched the 1931 originals. 

It is interesting to note thai Brelhards has 

served as theatre consultant in the current 

study which the Stanloid Research Insiituie 

is making of the arts and their needs in 

Dallas. .And only last month, councilman 

Garry Weber, chairman of the city council 

committee resfwnsible for the study, asked 

SRI to include the Majestic in the report 

which is expected to be completed by the 

end of the sear. 

Director Bob Kelljan 

screenplay for .MP's "The 

Ran." 

DALLAS 

s writing the 

Day the Dogs 

Albertville Circuit Is 

Building Indoor Duo 

.ALBHRTVII-LE, ALA.—W. W. Hammonds 

jr., president of the United Amusement 

Co. of Albertville, has announced 

plans to construct a two-theatre complex 

in the Marshall County Mall on Highway 

431. 

"It will be the most modem twin-auditorium 

theatre in north Alabama," Hammond 

said. 

"Each theatre will have 300 of the de 

luxe rocking-chair type seats and will be 

constructed with the latest theatre equipment, 

including a fully automated sound 

and projection system," added Jerry Huddlcstone, 

advertising and promotion manager 

for the Albertville circuit. "The entrance 

to the new theatre will be adjoining 

the new arcade at the rear of the Marshall 

County Mall. By having a twin theatre, we 

will be able to bring first-run movies to our 

patrons at an earlier date, plus having the 

capability of having two entirely different 

types of movies in each of the twin theatres." 

The twins will be known as Mall Cinemas 

One and Two. Architectural firm for 

United Amusement Co. is Brookbank, Murphy 

and Shield of Columbus, Ga. 

DALLAS 


:^ 

i 

I World Wide Distribution I 

^^ 

i 

t 

I Onx Stincexe Appreciation 

i 

1 For Your Marvelous Patronage 

i 

i 

And Cooperation And 

I 

I 

I 

THE GRASS CONNECTION 

Lone Star Cinema, Inc. I 

First Bank & Trust Building ^ 

Suite 445 i 

Ricliardson, Texas 75080 ^ 

I (214) 231-8116 I 

I 

I 

tk 

.^ Erwin Lang ''eggy Smith 

i 

i 

I 

i 

i 

To Wish You Joy At Christmas 

And Peace Through 

The New Year 

i PINKSTON UNIVERSAL 

THEATRE 

SUPPLY 

I 

i 4207 Lawnview, Dallas, Texas S 

« %' 

tg 

g A Merry Christinas and Happy New Year S 

S to all our friends in the 

5 Motion Picture Business 

Best Wishes for a Prosperous and Successful 

New Year to Our Many Friends and Associates 


PICTURES OF TEXAS 

S 

Dallas, Texas 

9 

=^. 

1330 HiUne Dr. 

Dallas, Tex. 75207 

V Mr. and Mrs. Earl Podolnick 

$ Dick Empey Larry Linck Roy Adams 

i 

BOXOFHCE December 17, 1973 SW-7

ANTONIO AGUILAR y 

JAIME FERNANDEZ 

CLAUDIO BROOK 

RITA MACEDO 

ARTURO BERISTAIN 

DIANA BRACHO 

^^!ÊB 

VICENTE FERNANDEZ 

SUSANA DOSAMANTES 

JALISCO NUNCA 

PIERDE 

pm 

lACQUELlNE 

ANDERE 

HECTOR 

SUAREZ 

LA 6ATITA

WANT TO TRY A 

DIFFERENT MOVIE? 

TRY A MEXICAN MOVIE! 

FILMS INCORPORATED 

P. 0. Box 61 

San Antonio, Texas 78291 

DEANDA ' RIVERO 

MOHOItflN 

bL±± 

HECTOR SUAREZ 

VIRMA GONZALEZ 

OFELIA MEDINA 

DEQUE COLOR 

ES EL VIENTO 

KATTY JURADO 

FABIOLA FAICON 

^^^^^^^^^ 

^^^H 

^^M 

ESPERANZA 

,.»— y CARIDAD 

^^^

i 

'Isn't It Good to Know?' 

Uses Unique Techniques 

SAN ANTONIO—-Isn't It Good to 

Know?", a new film that abandons traditional 

story lines to involve the viewer in 

the life-experiences of real people, will be 

shown in various churches in the local area 

and is open to the public. 

The film was edited and directed by J. 

Michael Hooser, a 26-year-old filmmaker 

who brings provocative new techniques to 

>eu6on 5 

SAN ANTONIO 

|lt1E4ilgEl«INC| 

his major film. It uses multiple images on 

the same screen to produce a multi-media 

effect covering documentary stories, appearances 

by the Rev. Billy Graham, original 

songs by Judy McKenzie and scenes 

from Dino De Laurentiis" production of 

"Barabbas." 

The film traces the change from disillusionment 

of drugs, violent protest and 

witchcraft to communication and purpose. 

By shifting the viewer's attention from 

the true stories of the people who lived 

Ljreetina5 

CENTURY SOUTH 6 

COLONIES NORTH 

OLMOS 

SAN PEDRO 

TOWN TWIN 

MISSION TWIN 

BANDERA RD 

FRED RD 

LACKLAND 

TRAIL 

VALLEY HI 

VARSITY 

SKKKKKKSeK5gK3gK5SK3SKKKSKKK!gKSSS3S5K5SK3SKgKJSK!eK3SKgK5SK^K5SKBK^KKS!eK3SK5S«K 

SAN ANTONIO 

them, to brief appearances by Graham, to 

video vignettes coupled with original new 

songs, the producers have created a film 

conveying ultimate drama, the drama of 

change. 

Glenville, Inc., Claims 

Civil Rights Violations 

SAN ANTONIO—Glenville. Inc.. a California 

corporation representing three adult 

movie theatres raided here recently, has 

filed suit in federal court claiming civil 

rights violations. Defendants listed in the 

suit are Police Chief Emil E. Peters, Ass't 

Dist. Att'y John Quinlan and Police Capt. 

James Despres. 

The plaintiff contends it lost money when 

the three theatres were raided and closed 

by police-county teams. Theatres raided 

were Mr. X Adult Theatre, Mars Adult 

Theatre and Parisian Arts Theatre. 

In the original petition, the petition alleges 

defendants conspired to run plaintiff out 

of business by seizing the plaintiff's machines 

and by scaring off his customers with 

repeated raids. 

Glenville, Inc.. declares in its petition it 

has been damaged to the extent of $300,000. 

It is asking $1,750 per week, beginning 

November 22 for loss of future profits and 

$16, .^02 in lost profits. 

SAN ANTONIO 


110 W. 18th St. 


(816) 421-1692 

Mary Hoyslip 

Bob Mausa 

Chatlene Wcid 

lohn Shipp 

Ken Heard 


Wjlma Martin 

Serving the exchange areas of Kansas City. 



1800 CENTRAL 

Kansas City. Missouri 64108 

DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

BETTY BURDICK 

Inspectress 

m 


CALLAGHAN TWIN CINEMA 

CHARLES R. NOLTER 

Owner 

Callaghan at Ingram Rd, 

San Antonio, Texas 

78228 

From 

mad 

The Randalls 

» % Starlite Drive In Schertz, Tex. S- 

SW-10 December 17. 1973 

I

Another Rare Pola Negri 

Print to St. Mary's U. 

SAN AN rONIO^Cincnia-Arls Seminars 

of St. Mary's University, long a patron ot 

actress Pola Negri, has been given another 

rare print of Miss Negri's 1921 production 

"One Arabian Night." The film is another 

of the famous films directed by the renowned 

German director Ernest Lubitsch. 

Father Louis Reile. SM. director of the 

seminars, said that the donor wishes to remain 

anonymous. Reilc did state that the 

film is a song and dance entertainment film, 

a full-length feature. The title tells you what 

the film is about, h; continued. Miss Negri 

dances and has several exotic costume 

changes, that combination of techniques 

that helped distinguish all her performances 

under the director who first recognized her 

rare talents. 

Reile said the film would be kept m the 

university's archives with "Carmen." another 

of Miss Negri's films, and with many 

other objects of Miss Negri's which the 

university has collected and acquired over 

the years. 

No immediate date has been set for the 

screening of the film, "One Arabian Night." 

SA Theatres Participate 

In 'Santa Claus' Showing 

SAN ANTONIO—Three local theatres 

were among the 100 Texas movie theatres 

that showed "Santa Claus" Saturday and 

Sunday to matinee audiences. The theatres 

were the Broadway, McCreless Cinema 

II and the North Star Mall Cinema II. 

K. Gordon Murray, producer of the 1959 

film which won a best family picture award 

at the 1959 San Francisco Film Festival. 

said the 19 millionth patron will see the 

film during the Texas engagement. 

The movie, which annually plays to Saturday 

and Sunday matinee audiences in 750 

theatres, made its fourth visit to Texas. The 

picture shows Santa Claus as the messenger 

of goodwill to people of all nations and uses 

children from all sections of the world as 

Santa's helpers. 

SAN ANTONIO 

Another SA Theatre 

Closed After Raid 

SAN ANTONIO—Another of San Antonio's 

dwindling number of adult motion 

picture theatres was closed down November 

15 in the wake of a raid on the Mr. X 

Theatre. 

A task force of city-county officers, accompanied 

by Justice of the Peace John 

Campos, hit the theatres about 5 p.m. 

Arrested in the raid were Pablo Gomez, 

the boxoffice attendant: William Earl Clark 

and Windell Gene Romines, who were 

SAN ANTONIO 

ROBERTO L. GALLEGOS 

FROM HIS NEW COMPANY 

ESPANA FILMS. INC. 

Wishes His Many Good Friends 

A Very Merry Christmas And 

A Happy and Prosperous New Year 

333-334 International Bldg. 

Son Antonio, Texas 78205 

y\mad 

charged before acting night magistrate Fred 

Clark and freed on $5,000 bond each. 

Charges lodged against the men were conspiracy 

to exhibit and distribute obscene 

materials. 

Romines also was charged with perjury 

stemming from an appearance before the 

special Bexar County grand jury that probed 

local pornography. A $1,000 bond was set 

on the charge and Romines posted it. 

Most adult theatres in the city have been 

closed by the city-county task force and 34 

indictments already have been returned in 

connection with the raids. 

Earlier in the week, the task force raided 

and closed three stores that contained peep 

shows. 

(512) 

225-7031 

a Season's Greetings | 

i 

I 

g 

From the Members of ^ 

TEXAS 

TEX-PACK 

EXPRESS 

FILM 

SERVICE 

I 

OPERATORS LOCAL | 

I 

NO. 407 LATSE 

| 

» « 

I 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS f 

g Affiliated with the AFL-QO 1 

i 

i 

From Sunny San Antone! 

Alfred Negley—Jackie Reed-Florida Barnes—Jack Hoover 

The Very Best for You in the New Year! 

| 

g 

g 


SW-11

. . The 

. . . Bongo 

1 

SAN ANTONIO 

gob Squyres, manager of Universal Cinema 

I and Cinema II at Universal City, is 

malcing arrangements with members of the 

Lions Club to bring Christmas cheer to underprivileged 

children. After the children 

get their presents from the Lions. Squyres 

will treat them to a movie at the Universal 

Cinema . . . Current at Universal Cinema 

2 is "Walking Tall," in its llth week. The 

film is in a third week at the Town Twin 

Drive-ins and also is being held at Century 

South 6 and the Woodlawn. 

Mrs. Edna Ward, cashier at the Majestic, 

downtown flagship of ABC Interstate Theatres, 

returned to work after a stay in a San 

Antonio hospital ... A Buster Keaton Film 

Festival was held Wednesday (12) and 

Thursday (13) at San Antonio College, with 

all showings free to the public. Screened 

were "The Navigator." a full-length feature, 

and four short films— "The Balloonatic," 

"The Electric House," "The Blacksmith" 

and "The Boat." 

Tom Powers, city manager of the Cinema 

Arts Theatres, has come to the aid of Ed 

Castillo, SA Light columnist, who is campaigning 

to get rid of cowbirds in the down- 

FOR ALL YOUR THEATRE NEEDS & REPAIRS 

THE BEST PLACE TO BUY IS 

TEXAS THEATRE SUPPLY 

915 S. Alamo St. 

Son Antonio, Texas 78205 

rOUR LASERLITE CARBON DEALER 

SAN ANTONIO 

town area. Powers is donating four tickets 

good at any of the Cinema Arts units here 

to the indivdual who comes up with the 

best suggestion for getting rid of the birds, 

which are becoming a menace to pedestrians 

as well as a health hazard. 

New SA marquee titles: "Westworld," 

Century South 6, Laurel, Azetc 3 and San 

Pedro Drive-In; "Papillon" at Century 

South 6 and the Olmos: "The Bible" at the 

Wonder Theatre; "The Sting." Century 

South 6, Fox Central Park Twins: "Deaf 

Smith and Johnny Ears," Broadway; "The 

Don Is Dead," Century South 6, Aztec 3; 

"Forbidden Sexuality," San Pedro Drive-In, 

Trail and Town Twins. 

Erik Von Zipper was on hand at the San 

Pedro Outdoor Theatre and the Trail Drive- 

In to admit free any female patron who 

showed up in a bikini. The triple feature 

program screened "Beach Party," "Bikini 

Beach" and "How to Stuff a Bikini," with 

Annette Funicello . San Antonio 

Museum Ass'n presented a Christmas movie, 

"Miracle on 34th Street," Saturday (15) at 

the Witte Museum. 

Horton Foote. a Wharton native who won 

the Oscar in 1965 for the book "To Kill a 

Mockingbird," was the principal speaker at 

Trinity University's Ruth Taylor Concert 

Hall Monday (10). Foote spoke on "Writing 

for Film and Theatre." He also has written 

screenplays for "The Chase" and "The Stalking 

Moon," plus several plays— "The Traveling 

Lady," "Trip to Bountiful," "The 

Oil Well" and "Roots in a Parched Ground" 

Joe, the one-man bicycle band 

familiar to visitors in downtown San Antonio, 

has had a film crew following him 

around recently. About a week ago they 

were filming Bongo in the River Walk area. 

Seven Famous Films Are 

Booked in Trinity Series 

SAN ANTONIO — Seven critically acclaimed 

films from Europe and the United 

States will be shown on the Trinity University 

campus, beginning January 30, as a 

part of the Trinity University International 

Film Series. 

Included in the series are: Fellini's 

'Roma," directed by Federico Fellini, Italy; 

"Two English Girls," Francois Truffaut, 

France; "Les Biches," Claude Chabrol, 

France; "Teorema," Pier Paolo Pasolini, 

Italy; "Tristana," Luis Bunuel, Spain; 

"Faces." John Cassavetes, U.S.A.: "Sunday, 

Bloody Sunday," John Schlesinger, England. 

Trinity will have the privilege of sponsoring 

the Southwest premiere of "Two English 

Girls." 

"Roma" will premiere the series January 

30, with screenings scheduled about every 

three weeks through May. Each film will 

be shown once on the Wednesday scheduled 

in the Chapman Graduate Center Auditorium. 

The Trinity University International Film 

Series resulted from efforts by Dr. George 

Boyd, assistant professor of religion; Valeria 

Furino, foreign languages instructor: 

Bill Hays, chairman of the journalismbroadcasting 

and film department; Dr. 

David Middleton, assistant professor of Eng- 

SAN ANTONIO 

Not Only At Christmas 

But All Year Thru 

"Many Thanks" and 

"Our Best To You" 

INDEPENDENT 

THEATRE SUPPLY 

I 2750 E. Houston San Antonio, Texas 78202 

& « 

To all our friends 1 

and the Editors of « 

BOXOFFICE . . .1 

Season's Greetings! 

ALAMEDA — NACIONAL 

and AZTEC-3 

— THEATRES — 

Maurice Braha, Owner San Antonio, Texas 

I 



From 

f 

I 

I 

GLADYS CANDY 

| 

Boxoffice Representative I 

IN 

San Antonio, Texas 78201 | 

if 

I 

I 

Greetings of the Season 

I TEXAS THEATRE SUPPLY I 

E. G. OUVARRI, JR., Owner 

915 South Alamo CA 2-1002 

Our Low Prices — Help Fight Inflation 

"IT 

PLEASES US—TO PLEASE YOU" 

| 

S.V/.12 BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

. . Leonine 

lish; Emilio Nicolas, chairman of the Student 

Activity Board, and Joanne Shaw, public 

relations department, to bring to the 

community recent outstanding films which 

have had brief local bookings or ones which 

had never been shown in San Antonio. 

Series subscriptions will be $9. less than 

$1.30 per film. If available, tickets at the 

door will be $1.50. 

General Cinema Hosts 

Debut of Austin Duo 

AUSllN— Mayor pro Icni Dan Love 

represented the city at opening ceremonies 

for Highland Mall Cinema 1 and Cinema 

II Wednesday, November 21, and snipped 

a strip of film symbolically indicating that 

the new theatres were ready for their first 

paying customers. 

Aiding Love in the premiere ceremonies 

were Bilh' Wilson, district manager for General 

Cinema Corp., the Boston-based circuit 

operating the new twins: Bob Fredley, city 

manager in charge of the Highland Mall 

and Capita! Plaza cinemas, and assistant 

manager Ed Daugherty. 

The Highland complex consists of a 605- 

seat auditorium, where "Charley Varrick" 

was the opening feature, and a 390-seat 

section which presented "The Stone Killer" 

as its first screen attraction. 

Six Charges Are Dropped 

In 'Deep Throat' Cases 

HOUSTON — Visiting District Judge 

Stanley Kirk of Wichita Falls dismissed a 

felony charge of conspiracy to exhibit obscene 

matter and five misdemeanor charges 

of exhibiting obscene matter in the "Deep 

Throat" case Tuesday (4). 

The action on a state recommnedation 

left only one charge pending—a misdemeanor 

indictment against Cinema West Art 

Theatre manager Joseph M. Spiegel, who 

was granted a mistrial November 14 on the 

conspiracy charge. 

Judge Kirk agreed to the conspiracy dismissal 

after the prosecutor George Jacobs 

said the state was not ready to proceed and 

the new penal code would make the charge 

obsolete January 1. 

Spiegel's earlier jury, which deadlocked 

6-6. felt that conspiracy was not there, it 

was stated by Jacobs. He explained that 

misdemeanor charges against five co-defendants 

were being dismissed because their 

part was negligible. 

Misdemeanor charges were dismissed 

against Edna Nolene Brashear, James Michael 

Ohmart, Bonnie Katherine Moore, 

Ernest Randolph Feille and John Wise 

Coles, all employees of Spiegel's Cinema 

West Art Theatre. 

Houston vice officers seized the film 

"Deep Throat" April 10 after viewing it 

at the theatre. The film will remain in court 

custody pending Spyeigel's misdemeanor trial. 

Kirk transferred Spiegel's misdemeanor 

case to Judge Thomas Routt's county criminal 

court at law. Jacobs said he expected 

to go to trial early next year. 

HOUSTON 

gue Edwards, .-XBC Interstate's publicity director 

in Houston, has had surgery at 

Rosewood Hospital. She is convalescing 

nicely there . . . Beverly and Ferd Sebastian 

of Hollywood, formerly of Houston, will 

pay this city a holiday visit. To date the 

Sebastians have turned out six movies, the 

latest being " "Gator Bait." Filmed at Caddo 

Lake, " "Gator Bait" already has grossed 

half a million dollars. 

Tony Lo Bianco flew in Friday (7) on a 

promotional visit in behalf of his latest film, 

""Seven Ups" . Pictures, a new 

company headed by Jim Bulnes and Paul 

John Stevens, will begin shooting a feature 

around the city in the spring. "The Mysterious 

Mansion" will be a low-budget project 

for which casting will start soon. 

Film star Mercedes McCambridge is appearing 

in the stage production ""Virginia 

Woolf" at the Windmill Dinner Theatre 

Frels' Wharton Plaza 

To Become Triplex 

WHARTON. TEX. — Plans to convert 

Wharton's Plaza Theatre into a luxurious 

three-auditorium complex have been announced 

by Mrs. Marjorie S. Frels. president 

of Frels Theatres. 

New wall treatment and completely refurbished 

seating will be featured in each 

auditorium, Mrs. Frels told the Wharton 

Journal. Xenon lamps and completely automated 

projection system will assure high 

quality screen presentation. In addition, the 

latest in theatre sound equipment is to be 

utilized. 

Mrs. Frels noted that with energy conservation 

so critical, every possible step 

will be taken to assure that the all-new air 

conditioning and heating systems will operate 

at maximum efficiency with a minimum 

of energy consumption. 

Greg Swenson is manager of Frels' theatre 

properties here, the Rio and Plaza. 

Apache Belles Help Tell 

About Tyler Transaction 

TYLER. TEX. — The Apache Belles of 

this city assisted in announcing the recent 

change of ownership of Cinema I and Cinema 

II in the Bergfeld Shopping Center. 

November 16. the day ABC Interstate Theatres 

assumed operation of the two theatres. 

the Apache Belles handed out fortune cookies 

to shoppers at the center, each cookie 

... A Houston Post film reviewer recently 

drove to San Marcos to witness filming of 

"The Great Waldo Pepper." the story of 

barnstormers in the 1920s. The reviewer 

talked with movie principals Robert Redtord. 

Bo Svenson and Susan Saendon and 

these interviews helped build up an interesting 

article for the Spotlight. Sunday amusement 

supplement of the Post. The Universal 

film is being shot under the direction of 

George Roy Hill and the cinematographer 

is Robert Surtess. 

Tlie Bijou is continuing its vintage films 

policy. Theatre No. 1 has W. C. Fields' 

""My Little Chickadee" and "It's a Gift"; 

Theatre 2 presents James Cagney in ""Yankee 

Doodle Dandy." The next attractions 

will be Bette Davis in "Jezebel" and 

""Marked Woman" and Gary Cooper in 

""Sergeant York." In addition there are Disney 

cartoons and a new chapter of ""Captain 

./Kmerica" serial. 

bearing a slip of paper announcing the new 

ownership. 

Apache Belle Janet Everett, 18, a freshman 

at Tyler Junior College and daughter 

of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Everett of Tyler, was 

photographed for the Tyler Courier-Times 

as she watched a man shopper read the 

message on a fortune cookie she had given 

him. 

Along with the Tyler duo. ABC Interstate 

Theatres took over from former lessee 

Texas National Theatres screen twins in 

Brownwood and Bryan-College Station as 

announced in Boxoffice for Monday (10). 

HOUSTON 

K 8 

I Greeffngs of fhe Season | 

1 From g 

I Southwestern Theatre | 

I Equip. Co. a 

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k: Wes Fishlock - Bob Mortensen 

- S 

i Randy Sanvik t 

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& Supply House Write for Prices and Information 

BOXOFHCE :: December 17. 1973 SW-13

OKLAHOMA CITY êfedAOtl 6 

Q' Teetinad 

Oklahoma city 

I 

I WISHING ALL MY FRIENDS IN THE f 


I 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 

| 

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 

| 

AL GOOD ARTISTS BUREAU 

We furnish music and entertainment 

for any and all occasions. 

.;§ 2500 N.W. 39 Telephone 947-1503 

Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112 

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Jack & Linda Boucher 

LITTLE RIVER DRIVE-IN 

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ERIE THEATRE & 

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COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON 

Maxine's Film Coffee Shop 

712 West Sheridan Phone 232-9881 

Make This Headquarters When Visiting Filmrow » 

Maxine and Walt Haberlin, Owners S 

«l(i«5a»J!Bai«aJa»iS!»«isJS^^ 

I Christmas Greetings 

S, r rom 

MISTLETOE EXPRESS SERVICE 

I 

g 

Now Serving Five States 

Oklahoma. Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and Missouri 

111 Harrison Avenue 236-1482 

P. O. BOX 25125—Zip 73125 

Jack 

LaMonte, Vice-President and 


WITH BEST WISHES FOR A 

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON 

Oklahoma Cinema Theatres 

North Pork Cinema 4 

| 

Plaza Cinema % 

Heismon Cinema 4, Norman % 

Academy, Edmond % 

The Season's Greetings From 

The Members of 

Motion Picture Machine 

Operators Union, Local 380 

p. O. Box 384 Oklahoma City. Okla. 

Earl Landsberger, President 

i 

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MERRY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR | 

1 FROM YOUR YEARS AHEAD BANK I 

AMERICAN BANK OF 

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S Geo Sam Caporal fe 

% Chairman of the board % 

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The Reactivated 

Variety Club International 

of Oklahoma Tent 22 

Wishes All Our Friends a Most 

Joyous Holiday Season 

WISHING OUR MANY FRIENDS IN THE | 


I 

A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON I 

CAPORAL THEATRES | 

Operating S- 

Cinema Mayflower and Yale Conventional Theatres g 

Riviera and Skyviev/ Drive-In Theatres 

b 

George Sam Caporal Chris Caporal Jg 


Oklahoma City Shipping 

Theatre Delivering 

& Forwarding 

and 


Bett Baird 

i09 S. W. 7th 

Charles Baird 

Phone 235-2553 

8gjirc?graajg>;a

OKLAHOMA CITY 

s.eadon d 

l^teetinud 

Oklahoma city 

i 

if * 


JIM O'DONNELL 

Theatre Booking Service 

Office 232-9900 Home 685-7570 

708 West Sheridan Oklahoma City, Okla. 

Zip 73102 

I Greetings of the Season | 

I 

is From V 

OKLAHOMA THEATRE 

SUPPLY CO. 

Maxine and Eldon Peek 

West Sheridan 

Zip 73102 

BWirsW*s?Srs??ars:?«r«sar^^ 

Phone 236-8691 

I 

i 

a Best Wishes For A Very Merry Christmas 


g 

I PAUL STONUM 

^ 

Member oi the Board of Directors of 

f THE UNITED THEATRE OWNERS OF OKLAHOMA 

fl 

AND THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS 

SS 

23RD. YEAH 

% Operating the REDSKIN and MILLER Theatres, 

q 

Anadarko, Oklahoma 

Wishing You 

HAPPY 

HOLIDAYS! 

McConnell Amusement Co. 

Hobart, Okla. 

John McConnell, Vice-Pres. & General Manager 

% 

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s 

^ 

s 

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from 

MAHANEY—JACKSON 

THEATRES 

Guymon, Okla. — Perryton. Tex. 

Suburban Theatre (S 

Corral Dr. In 

Everett 

& Joan Mahaney 

Elhs Theatre & 

Ranger Dr. In 

Dick & Frankie Jackson 

ii (Vi «^Siii |^ i^îittt i^ i^ft tg» 

uS!i

. . Frank 

J_ 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

lyfarch 19 and 20! United Theatre Owners 

of Oklahoma and the Panhandle of 

Texas board members have chosen those 

two March dates as the time for the organization's 

annual convention next year. The 

site will be the Hilton Inn West, here in 

Oklahoma City. So if you have a 1974 

calendar handy, it might be a good idea to 

circle March 19 and 20 now (and add 

"UTOO" near the circle as a memory jog 

for when you start using the March page). 

WeMI try to help out. too, with news items 

about the forthcoming convention as the 

program shapes up. 

Christinas attractions on OC screens (already): 

"Hell Up in Harlem," Center: "The 

Serpent." Lakeside: "Heavy Traffic." Mac- 

Arthur Park: "The Seven-Ups." Quail 

Twins: "Day of the Dolphins," Quail Twins; 

"Robin Hood," Villa: "Sleeper," Continental; 

"Westworld," Westwood. 

Services were held in Ardmore Friday 

(7) for Hershal L. Gilliam. 83, a retired 

theatre owner. Gilliam formerly owned and 

ran the Globe Theatre in Ardmore. During 

the years, your correspondent Eddie Greggs 

remembers making many calls on this theatre 

account and we send our deepest condolences 

to the Gilliam family. 

"The Paper Chase" was sneaked at the 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

SEASONS GREETINGS 

SPECTRO THEATRES 

Office 830 S.W. 31st 

OKLA. CITY, OKLA 73109 

telephone 235-4337 

C^SKSSSSBK^KSSKSSKISKjKSSSK^KaSK^K^KSSS 

Quail. Park Terrace and Apollo 2 theatres 

Sunday (9) . . . Milton O. Rimmer. booker 

and buyer for American Automated Theatres, 

which has headquarters in Oklahoma 

City, went to Dallas on film business. 

James and Rose Gaskins, who have closed 

their Skyview Drive-In at Ardmore until 

Christmas, are enjoying visiting various 

parts of sunny California during their vacation. 

CINEMA ENGINEERING 

Visiting various Oklahoma City film businesses 

were O. K. Kemp, former exhibitor 

in Poteau, and Charles Smith, former exhibitor 

in Wynnewood. Both are assisting 

the new owners of their former theatres 

. . . Also on Filmrow were Dwight Terry, 

Lakeside in Woodward and Terrytime 

Drive-ln, Woodward; Dean Fox, Tower 

Theatre in Selling; "Andy" Anderson, Riverside 

Drive-In, Norman, and Skyview Drive- 

In. Ardmore. 

Video Notes: Five circuit employees received 

five-year service awards last month: 

S. L. Starr. Ms. J. L. Harris and Ms. A. M. 

Lange, all of Abilene, Tex.; Ms. J. F. Martin 

of Midland. Tex., and K. L. Kerschner of 

Ponca City . Little, a former longtime 

manager with Video theatres, underwent 

two operations late last month at 

Methodist Hospital in Lubbock. Tex. He 

may be contacted with cards and letters at 

his home: 925 Plaza Drive. Clovis. N.M. 

88101. according to the Video December 

bulletin. "Around the Circuit." 

Carrie Orlman, widely known Oklahoma 

exhibitor, was given a paragraph in the 

Sunday (2) "Sunday Matinee" column by 

Jon Denton in the Sunday Oklahoman: 

Quoting, "Friend Carrie Ortman of Ortman 

Theatre, Hennessey, ponders the question, 

Is "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" a study in 

"existentialism?" ' Someday, we presume, 

she'll be booking the film for her house. 

"Do the "intellectuals" consider JLS to be 

rather "existential" in its philosophy? I don't 

know any "intellectuals" or I would ask 

'em.' she adds with a chuckle. She's got a 

tough question there. First, she must identify 

an intellectual, rare birds that they seem 

to be. Then she needs a definition of 'existential' 

that makes sense, an even more rare 

quest. Find an intellectual who understands 

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existentialism, who has read JLS and who 

communicates in less than a 50-cent vocabulary 

and you have found a guru. We don't 

know anybody vague fitting that description. 

The millions who read the book, though, 

see something that builds their inspiration. 

That's enough, in light of current book and 

movie fare." 

William Lane Jr. New 

Tent 22 Chief Barker 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Chief barker William 

Lane jr. and other new officers of 

Variety Tent 22 were installed early this 

month at a dinner at the Oklahoma City 

Golf and Country Club. 

George Sam Caporal. who has been chief 

barker of the tent for the last two years. 

acted as installing officer. 

Installed with the new chief barker were 

Frank McCabe, first assistant chief barker; 

J. Eldon Peek, second assistant chief barker; 

Ken Bartlett, dough guy, and Pat Ryan, 

property master. Board members installed 

included Tom Tatum, William Veazey, J. D. 

Northcutt, Dr. Jim Lea and Milton Rimmer. 

Advisory board members include Gary 

Baldwin, A. G. Meyers, Larry Wolf, Marge 

Snyder, John Ashley, Frank Cossota, Richard 

Garman, Dr. Charles Larason, Bob 

Busch, Carl Gadd, C. Hubert Gragg, Tom 

Parrington, Leonard Newcomb. Charles 

Proctor of Muskogee, Jim McKenna and 

Russell Hunt, both of Tulsa, Everett Mahaney 

of Guymon, Al Good and Dennis 

Ward. 

Caporal was awarded a plaque for his 

service to the club as chief barker. Membership 

of the tent has increased 411 per 

cent during the two years he served as 

Oklahoma City Variety leader. 

Tour San Jose's Fox Theatre 


SAN JOSE. CALIF.—The city s Fme 

Arts Commission, the Performing Arts 

League and the parks and recreation department 

recently conducted a tour, open 

to the public, of the Fox Theatre. The 

property is under consideration for purchase 

by San Jose as a showcase for the presentation 

of fine arts events. 

Comedy on Benefit Show 


HARTFORD — "Jack and the Beanstalk." 

Abbott & Costello 1952 comedy, released 

by Warner Bros., was screened at Hartford 

College on a recent Saturday, with 10 a.m. 

and 1 p.m.. showings, for benefit of the 

United Fund. A Three Stooges short, "The 

Merry Mavericks," completed the program. 

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140-Pound Buck, John Cooper Fight 

Life-and-Death Battle to Finish 

OKLAHOMA CITY—John Cooper, who 

owns and operates the Kiamichi Drive-In 

at Antlers, has been an ardent deer hunter 

for years. But, like all men who spend years 

in the wilds on the track of game, he discovered 

that the hunter can become the 

hunted. And when that occurs, it's an experience 

to remember—if one survives. 

Here's how the Daily Oklahoman's Glenn 

Titus recounted Cooper's Big E.xperience in 

the ""Outdoors" column Thursday (6): 

John Cooper reached for the dead deer's 

antlers to admire his prize and suddenly 

the big buck's antlers swung in an arc that 

nearly caught John in the chest. 

Being a fellow not to leave a job unfinished. 

John pulled his sheath knife and 

buHdogged the deer's head to the ground 

where he intended to finish off the buck. 

However, before he could inflict the fatal 

cut, the buck flipped his head again, tossing 

John off on his back some distance away 

and tried to come after him. 

However, the half-inch lead ball in the 

deer's neck from the .50 caHbre Hawkens 

muzzle loader had paralyzed the deer's hindquarters 

and it couldn't move fast. 

To say the least, the deer hunter from 

Antlers was a bit shook up. not a novice 

by any means as John has killed a deer 

every year for the past 18 years. 

The incident took place about 11 miles 

northeast of Finley about 7:30 during the 

first day of the primitive season hunt. 

John had been waiting on a stand where 

he felt sure a buck would come by and his 

patience was rewarded by a big ten-pointer. 

The deer came within 20 yards of John 

before he touched off his Hawkens rifle and 

through the cloud of powder smoke saw the 

deer fall. 

Now not that John was excited or anything 

like that, he laid down his one-shot 

rifle after the deer dropped and now he was 

frantically trying to find it, for he had given 

up the idea of dispatching the deer with his 

knife. 

He found his rifle about ten yards from 

the deer and took a few more steps away for 

safety and started to put a fresh charge 

down the business end of his piece. 

John had two 90-grain charges of black 

powder in a plastic medicine vial with a 

safety top on it that wouldn't come open. 

In his excitement. John bit the top off 

the vial and poured in both 90-grain 

charges, not realizing he had double-charged 

his rifle. He patched a ball and rammed it 

home. 

"Davy Crockett. I don't believe, ever 

loaded one any faster." John recalled with 


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excitement coming back into his voice. 

"It sounded like an atom bomb when that 

double charge went off and it nearly 

knocked me over but the deer fell like it 

had been pole-axed." John said. 

The buck dressed out 141 pounds, which 

is a big deer for southeast Oklahoma. 

John said he just bought his Hawkens 

rifle this fall and already had won two 

turkeys with it at a turkey shoot and now 

had the most exciting deer hunt of his life. 

First North Tulsa 

Theatre Due in 74 

TULSA—North Tulsa's first film theatre 

operation in several years is booked for 

early 1974. The Northland Shopping Center, 

managed by Cornell Williams, will have 

a twin-screen theatre with 350 seats in each 

auditorium. 

Site for the twins will be provided 

through conversion of the now vacant but 

one-time Humpty Dumpty Food Store, 

which had a 9,000-square-foot area. Remodeling 

of this store began late in October. 

Williams told the Tulsa World that United 

National Corp. of New York City, which 

acquired Northland earlier this year as part 

of the 22 properties of Boston's National 

Realty Investment, is backing the theatre 

conversion project. 

"When the remodeling project is finished," 

said Williams, ""the Tulsa concern of 

A&T Business Consultants will actually 

operate the twin-movie business." 

The shopping center manager noted that 

addition of the twin-movie operation at 

Northland is just another way in which 

United National is attempting to rejuvenate 

the business and office complex. 

Williams, a native Tulsan and son of Otis 

Williams who owns his own real estate firm 

in Tulsa, was sent by United National to 

Michigan State University for a short course 

offered by the International Council of 

Shopping Centers before he was assigned to 

Tulsa to take over active duty as manager 

of the Northland Shopping Center. 

5th U.S. Appeals Court 

Refuses Dallas Case 

DALLAS—The 5th U. S. Circuit Court 

has dismissed an appeal by the Dallas district 

attorney's office to hear the case 

against Associated Tlieatres, Inc., owner of 

three Dallas theatres involved in a pornographic 

films controversy. The U.S. court 

at New Orleans declared Friday (7) that it 

did not have jurisdiction in the case and 

that "review of the single-judge temporary 

injunction lies in the three-judge court convened 

to hear the case." 

Mike Aranson. attorney for Associated 

Theatres, told the Dallas Morning News 

Saturday (8) that the three-judge panel 

probably will hear the case early next year. 

The Continental Theatre, 2036 Commerce, 

French Arts Theatre, 3710 Cedar 

Springs, and Lido Theatre, 2830 Samuell 

Blvd., were closed last June by a restraining 

order from 162nd District Judge Dee Brown 

Walker. 

Walker granted the restraining order on a 

petition by the district attorney's office asking 

that the theatres be prevented from 

showing ""any and all explicit motion pictures." 

A week later. U.S. District Judge William 

M. Taylor ruled in a temporary injunction 

that Walker's order was unconstitutional 

because it placed the burden of proof of 

what constitutes obscenity on the theatres. 

At that time. Taylor set into motion the 

empaneling of a 3-judge court to hear the 

case on the merits. 

But the district attorney's office appealed 

instead to the 5th Circuit Court. 

Paris, Tex., Eager 

For New Theatres 

PARIS, TEX.— March 1 already is a redletter 

day on next year's calendar for local 

residents who like to get away from home 

for their evening entertainment. It's the 

date set for opening here of a twin-screen 

motion picture theatre under construction 

in the 2500 block of Clarksville Street, between 

Ken's Pizza and the Buttermilk Creek 

Shopping Center. 

The twins are being built by Paris Theatres, 

Inc.. headed by president Jimmy Duncan. 

Marshall song writer, and his business 

partner Bob Han. Their project represents 

a $400,000 investment, Duncan told the 

Paris News. Auditoriums will be of equal 

size, divided by a soundproof wall. 

"The way we usually judge whether it's 

soundproof." Duncan told the News, "is to 

start a motorcycle in one room. If we can't 

hear the engine in the next, we're sure it's 

soundproof." 

He added that the Paris Twins are part 

of a series of 20 such theatres Duncan and 

Han are planning to build in cities under 

50,000 population. They recently opened 

such a complex in Marshall. 

Duncan, as a composer and record producer, 

has been in that field since 1957 and 

has to his credit the gold records ""My Special 

Angel" and "String Along." He also has 

written and produced records for Wayne 

Newton. Eddy Arnold. Jerry Vale. Connie 

Francis, Rick Nelson, Mahalia Jackson, 

Bobby Vinton and Percy Faith. 

Duncan told the Paris news that general 

features, nothing sensational, will be booked 

for the two theatres: ""For example, a Walt 

Disney movie might be in one room, with 

a good John Wayne western in the next," 

He said emphatically that no X-rated movies 

will be seen at the Paris Twins. 

The complex is being built by the B. J. 

Duncan Co. of Marshall from local funds. 

Jim Myrick Realtors. Paris, handled the 

site 

transaction. 

Bradford Dillman and Susannah York 

have leading roles in "Gold." 

W-18 BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

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BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 SW-19

Gtandbury Boothman Fred Wilkerson 

Retires After 63 Years in Industry 

GRANBURY. TEX.—It's amazing how 

many films have their best parts right when 

it's time for a reel change, Fred Wilkerson 

commented to the Granbury Village Weekly 

as he prepared to retire recently after being 

a projectionist since 1910. In fact, because 

of reel changes, Wilkerson said he doubted 

if he has ever seen a full picture show in 

63 years as a boothman. 

"However," declared the Village Weekly 

in its feature article about the veteran, 

"missing parts of films has never bothered 

Wilkerson because it is the mechanical part 

of the motion picture industry that has 

interested him over the years." 

As a kid, Wilkerson remembers that he 

was fascinated by the projection equipment 

that made the early pictures possible. He 

watched and learned until he became a professional 

projectionist in 1920. 

He thinks he has possibly been through 

the full cycle of the motion picture industry: 

"When I started, people looked at picture 

show people as the same kind of people as 

carnival people, then it grew to a legitimate 

business and now with the kind of movies 

that are being made, people are beginning 

to have their doubts about picture show 

people again. 

"I don't like to run lots of the pictures 

they make today and the small-town theatre 

people do not like them but they have 

to show what is being made and what people 

are paying to see." 

Wilkerson says there used to be a few 

"rank" pictures made years ago but they 

were shown to segregated audiences and 

were advertised as educational. 

He laughed, recalling that some of the 

films had a man traveling with them who 

called himself a doctor. He would get up 

and make a talk before the show. 

"He was about as much a doctor as I 

am." 

Wilkerson said that one time after such 

a movie had been shown here, a lady proceeded 

to tell him he should be ashamed 

for showing such a film. 

"I just told her that it was advertised as 

to what it was and she certainly was not 

forced to go." 

As you live and breathe! 

Give 

to Christmas Seals 

"My first projectionist job was with a 

Victor Scherer and a Mr, Nelson, who had 

put in a picture show in Granbury shortly 

after World War I on the west side of the 

square, where Western Auto now is," Wilkerson 

recalled. "The late Fort Keith took 

over this theatre in late 1922 and remained 

owner of the theatres in Granbury until his 

death in 1958. In the early '20s the projectors 

in the theatre were Powers No. 6A and 

were motor driven. 

"The projection lamp was gas and the 

gas was made with chemicals. It was called 

a calcium light, made with cakes of Oxone. 

a quart of ether and water." 

Before Wilkerson began working for the 

Keith family, he had traveled around over 

this area with his own show. Wilkerson hod 

an old Powers projector and a couple of 

reels of film. 

Calcium Gas Lights 

"I only used the calcium gas light with 

my old hand-cranked Powers projector 

where electricity was not available," said 

Wilkerson. "Between 1910 and 1920, there 

wasn't a school or hall in Hood County 

where motion pictures hadn't been shown 

by me or some other road showman. 

"It was really something, grinding out a 

couple of reels on a hand-crank projector 

while fighting the bugs the light attracted." 

With a muscle driver projector, a film 

was shown only once. 

"If you got there late, you just missed 

the first 

part," he recalled. 

The price was 15 or 25 cents or whatever 

the people would pay. 

Lots of things have changed in the movie 

business but Wilkerson points out that the 

basic design of the projector is the same. 

He said the film still moves at 90 feet or 

1440 frames a minute on 35mm film. 

Altered Powers Projector 

The projection light has been improved 

and sound added but he has made some of 

the changes on the old Powers projector he 

still owns and Wilkerson claims that with 

the same light and lens the untrained person 

could not tell any difference in the 50-yearold 

machine and the new ones by looking 

at a picture on the screen. 

He does not remember much about the 

pictures he has shown over the years. Wilkerson 

rates "King of Kings" in 1927 as 

the first really great picture. However, he 

says it was a film in 1924, "Covered 

Wagon," that was the turning point for 

films in small towns. 

It was a western and not too good but it 

caught people's imagination and made them 

movie fans. He remembers the stars, Lois 

Wilson and J. Warren Corrigan. 

Wilkerson remembers the first movie in 

color, "Wonders of the Wasteland" with 

Jack Holt, because there was emulsion on 

both sides of the film and he had to scrape 

both sides when he spliced the film. 

He remembers "Gone With the Wind" 

with its 13 reels. He has run the film 35 

or 40 times since it was released in 1939, 

The last great picture show, in Wilkerson's 

opinion, was "The Ten Commandments," 

the last Cecil B. DeMille film. 

Running films is more than just putting 

reels on a machine. At times in years past, 

it could be dangerous. Back in the days 

when film had a nitrate base, a film room 

was almost like a powder keg. 

The projection rooms were lined with 

tin as protection against fire and if there 

was a film fire, all one could do was slam 

the door and run. Wilkerson commented. 

He had two film fires that did damage 

to theatres. A third one almost damaged 

him. When he was screening his traveling 

show, he had 1.000 feet of film that was 

worn beyond use. so he rolled it off the reel 

and was going to burn it. 

"I stuck a match to it and it almost exploded. 

I just barely got away." 

Today the film will not burn but projection 

rooms are still hot and not many people 

are interested in learning the business, he 

said. 

When sound came to the small-town theatre 

in 1930. Wilkerson built the turntable 

for the sound records. The first sound was 

on records that had to run at 33 and 1/3 

revolutions and had to be synchronized with 

the film. 

"We would get a truck of records with 

the film and we had to have a rehearsal in 

the morning before running the picture for 

the public. If there was a gun shot or an 

explosion that was too loud, the needle 

would jump out of the track," he said. 

Sound Records Fizzled 

After a film was spliced a few times, it 

never was in synchronization with film, Wilkerson 

said. The sound was put on the film 

in 1933 and the records went out. 

Wilkerson worked for the Keith family 

here for 40 years. They started the theatre 

and had others in the area. He recalls that 

by 1930 they had built the movies into a 

stable business and "people no longer regarded 

us as fly-by-nights." 

TTie Keith family built the Palace after 

World War II and then added the drive-in 

in 1952. A Mr. Poor owned the business 

for awhile after the Keith family, then the 

Johnsons bought the two shows. Last year 

Gilbert Clayton became the operator of the 

businesses. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilkerson worked together 

for many years in the movie houses. She 

operated the concession stands and ticket 

booths. 

Available in Emergency 

Now that retirement is here, Wilkerson 

plans to possibly do any emergency repair 

work for the show but mostly he is going 

to rest, play with his old Powers projector 

and enjoy his Masonic Lodge work. 

TTie couple has two children living, a son. 

Bob, and a daughter. Penny Parkinson, both 

of Fort Worth. 

"I don't regret being a movie projectionist 

all these years," said Wilkerson. "There 

might have been more money in other jobs 

but this one has always fascinated me and 

I have enjoyed it." 

lor.-li 

^W-20 BOXOFFICE ;; December 17, 1973

— 

— 

— 

The Way We Were' 

265 in Minneapolis 

MINNHAPOl.lS- In Ihc wake ol plump 

Thanksgiving week grosses, figures tumbled 

from the sublime to the sorry. Holdovers 

were the rule, no fresh product checking 

in. Ironically, the picture that has been in 

town the longest also was the second strongest: 

"American Graffiti'" chalked up a powerful 

250 in its tenth week at the .Skyway II 

Theatre. Top honors, however, went to 

"The Way We Were," performing like a 

champion with a 265 in its fifth frame at 

the Skyway I. "Executive Action." "Mr. 

Superinvisible" and "Charley Varrick" all 

continued to perk. But other hangers-on 

plainly had worn out their welcome. 


Academy The New Lond (WB), 8th wk. . 75 

Campus Siddhartha (Col), 6fh wk 95 

Cooper Charley Varrick (Univ), 4th wk 130 

Gopher The Deadly Trackers (WB), 2nd wk 60 

Mann Executive Action (NGP), 3rd wk 175 

Multiple (three theatres) Mr. Superinvisible (SR), 

2nd wk '.160 

Orpheum The Don Is Deod ;Univ), 3rd wk 30 

Park The Long Goodbye lUA), 3rd wk. 95 

'. '. '. 

Skyway I The Way We Were (Col), 5th wk.' '265 

Skyway American Graffiti (Univ), 10th wk, ..250 

II 

State Jimi Hendrix ,WB), 2nd wk 40 

Varsity— Sex Modness (SR); Cocaine Fiends (SR), 

2nd wk ;.. 

World Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Para), 

90 

3rd wk 80 

State Tax on Pornography 

Proposed by Neb. Senator 

LINCOLN — Nebraska's 

controversial, 

unpredictable Sen. Terry Carpenter. Scottsbluff. 

came up with a proposal to handle 

pornography problems that might set off 

legislative fireworks. In a nutshell, he says 

to license those who market and bring pornographic 

materials into the state. Just how 

far this concept would extend or whom 

this licensing would embrace wasn't spelled 

out by the fiery, gray-haired senator. 

It is his belief that "pornography is like 

liquor and it can't be stopped from circulating, 

so treat it like liquor." That is. 

license wholesalers, distributors and retailers—regulate 

them and tax them. He would 

call for a 25 per cent tax on top of the selling 

price. 

Asked to define pornography, Sen. Carpenter 

admitted he doesn't know what it 

is. But "it's pornographic if it (sexually) 

stimulates either the mind or the body." 

he said. 

Asked further what he would do if the 

stuff turns one person on but leaves another 

cold. Carpenter replied, "We'll have to .set 

up some board with power to give exemptions." 

In the opinion of the Scottsbluff legislator, 

"It's not young people who are buying 

this stuff. It's people my age (70s) on down. 

They get it and put it in paper bags." The 

Senator said he's sure a pornography tax 

would discourage purchases "and raise one 

helluva lot of money for the state." 

Irwin Dubinsky, president of NATO of 

Nebraska, and other industry members say 

it would be premature to comment on the 

senator's idea. They recalled the veteran 

lawmaker is known to change his mind frequently 

(more than once) on much less controversial 

matters. 

'My Son, My Son' Premiere 

Is Held in Holdrege. Neb. 

LINCOLN—The nationwide premiere of 

"My Son. My .Son," produced by Ken Anderson 

Films of Warsaw, Ind., was held 

Sunday (9) in Holdrege, Neb. A more appropriate 

place could not have been selected. 

Bernard Palmer, nationally known writer 

for the Back to the Bible Broadcasting Co. 

of Lincoln, lives in Holdrege and wrote the 

book on which the film is based. About his 

wayward son. it originated as an article in 

the Christian Life Magazine. 

Anderson Films came to Holdrege to produce 

the picture, relying on local talent, 

with the exception of a few professional 

actors. After a prepremiere showing for a 

small group Saturday (8) in Lincoln, these 

are some of the comments reported by Sunday 

Journal & Star religious writer Anita 

Fussell; 

"Heinz Fussle has turned out a gorgeous 

color production that should make Nebraskans 

proud of their beautiful country and 

beautiful people. His camera goes into the 

churches, schools, homes and clubs of Holdrege, 

recording the sounds and images of 

a community. 

"With the help of a few professional actors 

and a lot of local talent, the movie 

succeeds in making you care about this 

Holdrege family and what happens to 

them." 

Bernard Palmer. Craig Cumins (who 

plays the son Barry at age 12) and young 

German producer Heinz Fussle attended 

the smaller Lincoln showing. 

Ivory H. Barron Is Dead; 

SWT Management Official 

MILWAUKEE—Ivory H. Barron, 73, a 

retired management official for the Stanley 

Warner Theatres, died Thursday (6) of a 

stroke at the West Allis Memorial Hospital. 

He had retired in 1967 after working more 

than 40 years in the theatre management 

firm. He started with SWT in Chicago, 

moving to Milwaukee approximately 20 

years ago. 

He leaves his wife Isal, West Allis, Wis.: 

a daughter, Mrs. Robert Staebler. Minneapolis, 

and a sister. Mrs. Roy Richardson. 

Mammoth, 111. 

360-Seat Cinema Is 

Unveiled in Waseca 

WASECA. MINN,—The .?60-soat 

Waseca 

Cinema was opened here in mid-November 

by Gene Hart and Al Rieck of Waseca 

and Arnold Carver of Owatonna, partners 

in the operation. The debut of the showhouse 

culminated almost two and a half 

years of effort to provide the community 

with a movie theatre, one to fill the void 

that was created when the State burned 

June 24, 1971. 

The auditorium features widely spaced 

rows of seats to provide ample leg room 

and the booth is equipped with the latest 

in automated projection equipment. The inaugural 

film attraction was the Ryan 

O'Neal-Tatum O'Neal starrer. "Paper 

Moon." 

Manager of the Waseca Cinema is Gene 

Hart. He will be assisted by five part-time 

employees. Films will be shown seven nights 

a week, with a children's matinee every 

Saturday afternoon. 

Milwaukee BFC Evaluates 

December's Screen Fare 

MILWAUKEE—The final evaluation of 

films playing in the Greater Milwaukee area 

was distributed by the Better Films & TV 

Council of the Milwaukee Area. The list 

included the following motion pictures and 

ratings: 

Family — "Charlotte's Web," "Robin 

Hood" and "Maurie," excellent, 

and "Pippi 

Longstocking," "That Darn Cat," "Gallant 

Bess" and "Vanishing Wilderness," very 

good. 

Adults and Young People— "American 

Graffiti" and "The Way We Were," very 

good: "The Paper Chase" and "The Optimists," 

good, and "Mister Superinvisible" 

and "Arnold," fair. 

— Adults and Mature Young People "The 

Day of the Jackal," excellent; "Harold and 

Maude," "The New Land," "O Lucky 

Man!", "Paper Moon" and "A Touch of 

Class," very good; "Cops and Robbers," 

"Charley Varrick," "The Deadly Trackers," 

"Executive Action," "Quick, Let's Get 

Married," "The Screaming Tiger," "Massacre 

in Rome" and "The Don Is Dead," 

good, and "Brother on the Run," "Girl on 

the Road," "Run, Virgin, Run" and "Tales 

That Witness Madness," fair; "Battle of the 

Amazons," "My Baby Is Black," "Queen 

Boxer" and "Checkerboard," poor. 

Adults 

—• "Africa Uncensored," good; 

"Nurses Report," poor, and "Lonely Wives," 

very poor. 

Mrs. Robert Hunholz is preview chairman 

of the Better Films & TV Council of the 

Milwaukee Area. 

CARBONS, INC. 

l^ 

Box K, Cedar KnsNt, N 

In 

Nebraska—Slipper Theatre Supply Co., Omaho, 

(402) 341-5715 

EOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 NC-1

1 

MILWAUKEE 

jyjr. and Mrs. Bill Nichol celebrated their 

golden wedding anniversary Sunday, 

November 25, when members of the immediate 

family, other relatives and a host of 

friends joined them at a sitdown supper in 

their home at 2862 North Grant Blvd. Bill, 

well-known freelancer who has written for 

dozens of tradepapvers. was local Boxoffice 

correspondent until he retired in January 

1971, with Wally L. Meyer becoming Boxoffice 

reporter for Wisconsin. 

United Artiste' Riverside Theatre was 

filled with 1.700 whooping, hollering devotees 

of rock-a-billy music Tuesday night 

(4) when the New Riders of the Purple Sage 

made their second appearance in this city. 

Nearly 400 underprivileged youngsters, 

accompanied by parents, guardians or group 

leaders, made up the happy audience that 

was entertained at a children's Christmas 

party held at the Varsity Theatre, 14th and 

MILWAUKEE 

Wisconsin, arranged by Variety Club Tent 

14. Held Saturday morning (8), Roy Schroeder. 

executive secretary of Tent 14, found 

lots of extra hands to lend assistance this 

year when the newly formed Variety Club 

Auxiliary pitched in. Serving as ushers, 

manning the refreshment tables, handing 

out stockings filled with goodies to each 

child and generally helping to keep order 

were: Lavern Bluma and Monica Tamboxin, 

Capitol Service; Donna Hartkop, Ben Marcus" 

secretary; Marge Ondrejka, 20th-Fox 

office manager; Mary Jane Rohn, Page- 

Schwessinger Advertising Agency; Pearl 

Malone, real estate; Sylvia Harris, school 

teacher; Rose Portnoy. real estate; Audrey 

Bernar, AIW, and Lorraine Huebner and 

Lorri Dahlen. Universal Foods. Marion 

Schroeder, Roy"s wife, and Ida Fink from 

the Mount Sinai Epilepsy Center office, as 

in other years, were in the thick of hospitality 

attentions. 

For the fourth year, Boxoffice correspondent 

Wally L. Meyer put the two-hour 

show together as emcee and led the singing 

of carols while devising audience-participation 

stunts on the stage. Karl Thiede. United 

Artists office manager, subbed for Santa 

once again as he visited with the youngsters 

in the theatre lobby. Students from Whitefish 

Bay High School, a group of ten, presented 

a number of folk songs and Christmas 

carols, while Ronald McDonald presented 

his usual fun routine with balloons 

with kiddies as assistants. Lonnie 

Brown, Varsity Theatre manager, plus a 

corps of motion picture projectionists, had 

necessary equipment ready for the show, 

all 

while Gerry Franzen of Cinema, Inc., was 

present with his camera to catch all the 

ongoing action. Four Pink Panther cartoons 

provided the screen entertainment for a 

Christmas show that had a little of everything 

for everybody. 

Wally Konrad, manager of the new Spring 

Mall three-plex on the city's far south 

side (he also manages the Mill Road trio 

located in the northwest area, credited with 

being Wisconsin's first triple movie house), 

arranged a showing of "From the Mixed-Up 

Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" for a 

number of neighborhood chairmen of the 

Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area. The screening 

was at the Spring Mall Saturday morning, 

November 24. After the movie, the 

group gathered for a special luncheon at the 

Layton Place South, where they discussed 

the film in conjunction with this season's 

upcoming Christmas party. According to 

Scouts public relations director Gretchen 

Wenzel. the chairmen were enthusiastic and 

had found the picture to be "extremely advantageous 

... It has more of a plot than 

most films seen here today. We regard it as 

recommended viewing not for just the 

(Continued on page NC-4) 

MILWAUKEE 


Civic Towers—Room 1014 


Chicago, 111. 6060 

(312) 346-6916 

Virgil Jones 

Ann Jones 

Ann Senkowski 

Ruth Shapiro 

^Jûppu ^Jôlidau l/i/ldked 

w^ 

^ 

^ 

lo one and all and many thanks for your support during our first 

| 

^ 

year of operation. We owe our success to you, our good exhibitor 

^ 

I friends. Please call or ivrite us in Chicago for your booking needs | 

i in 1974. g 

NC-2 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

MILWAUKEE s.eaAon 6 

^^t^^^^mt^^m^tm^'m^^^^'m^^. 

du 

MILWAUKEE 

Wishing You the Best Compliments 

of the Season 

And a Wonderful 1974 

BETTER FILMS COUNCIL 

of SHEBOYGAN COUNTY 

Wisconsin 

I 


UNITED ARTISTS CORP. 

212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 

Milwaukee 

53203 

ED STOLLER 

KARL THIEDE 

1 


BUENA VISTA 

DISTRIBUTION CO.. INC. 

Greetings of 

The Season 

212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, Wis. 

Distributors of Walt Disney Productions 

WALLY L. 

MEYER 

CAROLE SUTTER 273-5111 

BOXOFTICE REPRESENTATIVE 

l/Sedt lA/ldhed 

FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON 

AND 

EVERY DAY OF THE NEW YEAR! 

MARCUS THEATRES 

of Wisconsin 

| 

Ben D. Marcus, Pres. £ 

I 


f AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL f 

PICTURES 

iEDGAVIN 

KAY JUELL 

ROBERT LESTER 

Christmas Greetings 

Independent Film Distributors 

of 

Wisconsin, Inc. 

6421 MILWAUKEE AVE. 

WAUWATOSA, WIS. 53213 

TELEPHONE 771-9470 

aj;iir

. . . Although 

j 

. . . The 

I 

LW AU KE E 

(Continued from page NC-2) 

Brownies but for the older junior high 

school Girl Scouts as well." Wally is happy 

to point out that this marks the fourth 

consecutive season the city's Girl Scout 

organization has chosen to arrange its annual 

Christmas season film parties at the 

Mill Road—and now at the Spring Mall. 

UA Northridge Movie 2 and Southridge 

Movie 2 have a cartoon festival. Monday 

through Friday, continuous from 10:30 

a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and announces to parents 

and guardians: "While you shop, let the 

children enjoy one hour of cartoon fun." 

All seats are 50 cents. 

Martin Wiviott, producer for the Melody 

Top tent theatre, arranged a holiday concert 

for the benefit of Variety Club's Epilepsy 

Center at Mount Sinai Hospital Friday 

(14). It was hoped the event would raise 

$20,000 ... A large ad in the Enterprise, 

weekly newspaper published in Oconomowoc, 

stated that the Burger Chef there was 

supplying one free ticket with every order 

of "Funburger, fries and drink" for the 

November 24 "Super Surprise Matinee" of 

"New Version of Black Beauty" (two showings) 

at the LaBelle Theatre in Oconomowoc 

or "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" at 

10 a.m. in the Park Theatre in Waukesha 

Disney's "Robin Hood" does 

not open at the Tosa in Wauwatosa until 

Tuesday (25), neighborhood youngsters 

were invited ahead of time to enter a Robbins 

coloring contest to win a "Robin 

Hood" record album. 

Joyce Lindberg, manager of the UA 

Southgate TTieatre, had a birthday November 

15 and was perhaps relieved in a way 

when her staff didn't make much effort 

about "reminding" her of the passage of 

time. "Just as well," she might have 

thought. Then, upon arriving at home after 

closing hours, she found a dozen longstemmed 

roses awaiting her— a gift from 

the Southgate staff . . . November 23, Joyce 

hosted a Christmas decorating party for the 

staff. They spruced up the lobby and surrounding 

areas with Yuletide ornaments and 

adornments and then were treated to pizza 

and soda refreshments. "A wonderful gang," 

claims Joyce—but now without Evan St. 

Martin who, upon turning 18 last month, 

took a regular job at a south-side record 

shop, Musicland. 

The Ceroid Theatre in Weyauwega recently 

presented cartoons at 7 p.m. as part 

. 

of a party sponsored for youngsters by the 

Weyauwega Chamber of Commerce and 

Jaycees . . Jane Pepper, owner of the 

Auditorium Theatre in St. Croix Falls, said 

that the film "Instinct for Survival" was so 

popular with Polk County audiences that 

new showing times were in effect during the 

movie's weeklong engagement "to permit as 

many people as possible to see this picture." 

There were two showings each evening, 

Wednesday through Tuesday, with two matinees 

on Saturday and Sunday. Jane says 

the film is "suitable for family viewing." 

Martha Raye, screen and stage comedienne, 

is appearing here in "Everybody Loves 

Opal" at the Centre Stage restaurant-theatre 

Lipizzaner horses made famous 

by Disney's "Miracle of the White Stallions" 

appeared Saturday and Sunday (1, 2) at the 

Milwaukee Auditorium. 

City aldermen are urging that nunchaku 

sticks—called "karate sticks" because they 

have been popularized in the prevalent kung 

fu movies in recent months—be outlawed 

as dangerous weapons and declared illegal. 

In Illinois the state .Senate also is trying to 

stiffen penalties against the sale of the sticks. 

Karl Thiede, UA office manager, hosted 

a tradeshowing of two releases, "Billy Two 

Hats," starring Gregory Peck, and "Busting," 

starring Elliott Gould, November 29 

MILWAUKEE 

MILWAUKEE 

i»%h^%i»S);ia£s^M^tS»cci9A^^ 

^^î»î»JiKSsSiiaJ!iig>s&ii;}iti^^^ 

Wishing You The Best 

And A Wonderful 1974 

GLENN C. 

KALKHOFF 

INTERNATIONAL 

REPRESENTATIVE, 

lATSE. 

f 1 

K 

if if 

:| 

^Jôtidau KJreetinaS 

8 

Harry Melcher Enterprises 

New and Used Theatre Equipment & Parts 

3238 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Ph. 442-5020 

MilviTQukee, Wis. 53210 

«iSretiSr«Si«!Sr«iW:!?!ir!^^ 

iS>»««ia«»e5i««to.?sWSsJesjsM^^ 

CHRISTMAS 

and 

NEW YEAR GREETINGS 

Better Films & TV Council 

of Milwaukee Area 

(Member of Federation of 

Motion Picture Council, Inc.) 

&I£Rf£S!eK)î»îE»[!E»)îgaS»a:£«!SK£»lE»i8&9^£»S$S^ 

ssi3si!ga:ig:£)3s:!g5S&s£iS:^3S;£9@:£!gs£ig:£)SK&s:^3;£5iiS:£SSs£i&K&S&K£ 

Milwaukee Film Center 

Inc. 

333 N. 25th St. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 53233 

Oliver Trampe, Mgr. 

a 

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. . 

. . . The 

. . The 

. . Mr. 

at the Centre screening room. Screened in 

the same spot were two 20th-Fox fiiins. 

"The Laughing Policeman." Saturday (1). 

and "The Seven-Ups," hosted by local office 

manager Marge Ondrejka. 

Robert Johnson, manager of the Wisconsin 

Theatre in Sheboygan, was pleased with 

the proclamation issued by the town's 

mayor. Richard W. Luscha. It urged all 

local citizens to sec the film "The Gospel 

Road" and proclaimed Wednesday (5) 

through Tuesday (1 1) as "Happiness Week." 

Business for the religious movie is exceedingly 

good. Bob reports, and he has had 

groups come by chartered bus from as far 

away as Green Bay and Manitowoc. 

A free children's show at the Walworth 

Theatre. Walworth, was sponsored by the 

Big Foot Area Chamber of Commerce . 

Santa Claus arrived by helicopter in downtown 

Elkhorn, after which local kiddies were 

treated to a free movie at the Elkhorn Theatre. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Qeneral Chienia has opened a twin installation 

in Eau Claire. Wis., the Cinema 

1 and II. For a time, confusion threatened, 

since Gene Grengs already op>erated the 

Cinema there. Grengs has elected to rechristen 

his theatre the Downtown Cinema 

Brainerd Theatre. Braincrd. managed 

by Floyd Bunnell, has been changed 

into a twin. National Theatre Supply Co. 

supplying the necessary equipment. 

Frank Zanotti, Universal branch manager, 

left for a week's vacation to be spent 

close to home . Lyric Theatre. Ellendale. 

N.D.. has closed indefinitely . . . 

Meanwhile, the King Theatre. Adrian, 

which has been closed for a year, reopens 

at Christmastime, according to owner-operators 

C. Korkow and Jim Wagner. 

The HalUday Theatre, Halliday. N.D.. 

changes hands January 1. Mr. and Mrs. 

James Bohrcr are taking over the showhouse 

from Wilfred Schaper . and 

Mrs. David Deulsch. Maco Theatre. Virginia, 

combined a visit to Filmrow with an 

evening at the Guthrie Theatre for a bit of 

Mel Edelstein, 

stage entertainment . . . 

State Theatre. Hibbing, was a Filmrow 

visitor. 

The University of Minnesota has closed 

for three weeks, marking the end of the fall 

quarter. The student exodus affects not only 

the near-university theatres, the Campus 

and Varsity, but also most other first-run 

situations, since the collegians, numbering 

close to 30,000, make up a hefty hunk of 

active moviegoers. 

Dick Hurley, general manager of Ken 

Murray Productions, lays claim to being 


MINNEAPOLIS 

MINNEAPOUS 


McCuUoch Film Distributing Co. | 

Theatre Film Buying Service 

500-A Produce Bank Bldg. 

Minneapolis, Minn. 55403 

STAN MCCULLOCH 

JIM WILSON 

f 

3 Best Wishes for the Holiday S 

From AU of Us to All of You | 


F. C. Myers, Branch Manager 

Bonnie Lynch, Booking Manager 

Joe Rosen, Salesman 

Lee Campbell, Booker 

1104 Currie Ave. 

S Minneapolis, Minn. 

t 

S 


S. E. HELLER 

W. H. AIKEN 

Grand Rapids, Minn. 


Merry Christmas—Happy New Year 

LOMAC DISTRIBUTING CO. 

JOE LOEFFXER 

4518 Arden Ave. Minneapolis, Minn. 

Tel. 926-0386 


AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 


WISHING YOU A HAPPY 

AND PROSPEROUS 1974 

I 

MIX TRANSFER CO. 

701 North 4th St. Minneapolis. Minn 55401 

| 

American International Pictures I 

1000 Currie Ave.—MPLS. 

Morie Buell • Gert Weber • Birger Ronning 

| 

jj 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 NC-5

Incorrect Movie Ad Price 

Creates Unique Situation 

By WALLY L. MEYER 

MILWAUKEE—T h e problem which 

arises when a newspaper advertisement carries 

a wrong price can be of utmost concern 

to almost any businessman, including the 

showman, who may wonder if he is required 

to sell tickets at the advertised price. Such a 

situation evolved here when a husband and 

wife saw an ad in the Journal's daily movie 

guide concerning the nature film "Vanishing 

Wilderness." 

The ad was for the Sherman Theatre, 

4632 West Burleigh St., and stated that the 

movie house would open at 6 p.m. and have 

an early admission price of $1.25 until 6:30 

p.m 

Ȧ letter of complaint from the couple 

stated that they "stood out in the cold rain 

from 6:10 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. before the 

MINNEAPOUS 

boxoffice opened" and that they then were 

charged $2 each. The pair took this up with 

the manager, who said that the ad was 

wrong, that this was the Journal's fault and 

that he could not sell the tickets for less 

than $2. 

The Journal responded to this complaint 

by pointing out the error in the ad was made 

by the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners of 

Wisconsin which places ads for the local 

movie house owners with the Journal Co. 

Ordinarily a theatre manager might honor 

such an error, a newspaper editor explained. 

But in this case the film was not a presentation 

by the theatre management but by 

the owner and exhibitor of the film. Pacific 

International Enterprises of Medford, Ore.. 

which had rented the Sherman for the showing 

and instructed the management to 

charge $2. 

The logical conclusion to this is that if 


Civic To'wers 

Room 1014 


Chicago. 111. 60601 

(312) 346-6916 

Virgil 

Jones 

Ann Jones 

Ann Senko^wski 

Ruth Shapiro 

Many thanks to the exhibitors in the Minneapolis territory 

for your support during our first year of operation! Please 

call or write us in Chicago for your booking needs in 1974, 

^Jûppu 

MINNEAPOUS 

^Jôlldc 

.^6 

MINNEAPOLIS 


the only non-Oriental to be named to the 

committee of the Dosan Memorial Ass'n, 

which is headed by actor Philip Ahn of 

TV "Kung Fu" fame. Hurley, also extremely 

active in the Salvation Army in the Twin 

Cities, attended the Army's "Kettle Kickoff" 

in St. Paul and was knighted the St. 

Paul Winter Carnival King Boreas XXIII. 

Each knight is given a fitting title. Hurley's: 

Sultan de Salvation Army Supreme. 

the ad has a wrong price because of a typographical 

error, the advertiser is not subjected 

to the penalties of the law, as is true 

in the case of false advertising. However, 

the Better Business Bureau of Greater Milwaukee, 

in such cases, asks that some notice 

be run in the same publication to call attention 

to the error. 

The outcome of this particular case was 

that the unhappy couple came into the 

possession of a "couple of passes for a 

future film," mailed to them by NATO of 

Wisconsin. 

Motown's Esther Edwards 

Becomes a Bank Director 


DETROIT—Esther G. Edwards, senior 

vice-president and corporate secretary of 

Motown Industries, has been elected to the 

board of directors of the Bank of the Commonwealth. 

One of the few women bank 

directors in the nation, Ms. Edwards recently 

became the first woman to be elected to 

the board of directors of the Greater Detroit 

Chamber of Commerce. 

She is the sister of Berry Gordy jr., who 

founded Motown Record Corp. and Motown 

Industries, the largest black-owned 

company in the nation among manufacturing, 

.service or retailing firms. 

She is married to Michigan State Rep. 

George H. Edwards. 

MINNEAPOUS 

f>^W^ tj4 Ûai.. êa/i 

THOMAS & SHIPP FILMS. INC. 

110 W. 18th St. 


(816) 421-1692 

John Shipp 

Mary Hayalip 

Ken Heard 

Bob Mauss 


Chorlene Ward 

Wilma Martin 



^SG3ft«30ilOS«3J?C3if*^«3if«3«^«3£-«36*e»-SC3S;rr*iaQK 

in ^97^ 


1800 CENTRAL 

Kansas Cit'y, Missouri 64108 

DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

BETTY BURDICK 

Inspectress 


. . From 

Cooper Holds Annual Xmas 

Party for Golden Agers 

LINCOLN— Even the wcatheim.m ci>opcr.itcd 

Saturday (1) to make the \9^^ 

Christmas party lor Golden Age Club members 

at the Cooper/ Lincoln one of the best 

ever. The holiday-season party was given 

in two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and the 

other at 1 p.m.. to accommodate some 1,000 

men and women affiliated with the Cooper 

Golden .Age Club. 

Juice, coffee and cookies preceded each 

performance of the party movie, Walter 

Matthau's "Plaza Suite." Staffs of both the 

Cooper/ Lincoln and the downtown Plaza 

were on hand to serve the guests in the 

Christmas-decorated suburban theatre. So 

were managers Randy Hartman and Bruce 

Harmon. 

Michael Gaughan, Cooper's district manager, 

handled the master of ceremonies job. 

This included presentation of a free dinner 

ticket for two to Mr. Steak to the 

oldest man and woman at the morning 

party and similar dinners at the Villager 

to the "youngest" afternoon show man and 

woman. 

Each of the four recognized Golden 

Agers also received a series of free complimentary 

Cooper show passes. The two 

women singled out were given a corsage. 

.Membership in Cooper's Golden Age 

Club gives the holder a 50-cent reduction 

in the price of the Cooper movie which he 

may be attending afternoons or evenings 

throughout the year. 

Rep. Emory Hebard Says 

No Tax Boost in Vermont 

MONTPELIER, VT.—The head of the 

Vermont House of Representatives appropriations 

committee had some good news 

for the Green Mountain state's business 

community, including exhibition. 

Rep. Emory Hebard of Glover, a Republican, 

said that the legislature would not 

boost state taxes, the thinking even applicable 

to "splinter" taxes, such as the levies 

on liquor and gasoline. 

LINCOLN 

gtaff members of the Cooper/ Lincoln and 

the Plaza have a late-night dinner date 

•Sunday (2.^) when they will gather at Mr. 

Steak's for the traditional Cooper Theatres 

party. Movie faro later will be a special 

showing of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," 

according to present plans. The Hall Bartlett 

production for Paramount release is 

scheduled to open Christmas Day (25) at 

the suburban Cooper/Lincoln. 

Irwui Dubinsky spent the first weekend 

in December in bed. fighting a "bug" that 

produced a high temperature, bad throat 

and general symptoms that kept the hardworking 

industry member away from his 

Retired Walt Jancke reports 

office . . . 

spending the first seven days of December 

"holed up" at home—but for a different 

reason: snow, ice, wind and low temperatures. 

John Slama, assistant manager at Cooper/Lincoln, 

will leave the category of 

young bachelors June 30. He and Miss Glenda 

Nelson of this city have announced their 

engagement. John also is a junior in the 

University of Nebraska College of Engineering. 

He's the son of Mr. and Mrs. Don 

Slama of this city. The future bride's parents 

are Mr. and Mrs. Myr Nelson of Filley. 

That merry-go-round of family birthdays 

that turn December into one celebration 

after another for the Irwin Dubinsky family 

is under way once again—with one difference. 

All the celebrants live here this year 

for the first time, so festivities won't be 

restricted by miles or family separations. 

Sarge Dubinsky, vice-president of the family 

circuit, was the birthday party star Sunday 

night (9). It's his sister's time Wednesday 

(19), when Mrs. James (Joyce) Rodenberg 

has her birthday. Grandson Greg Dubinsky 

will be five Friday (21). Mrs. Irwin Dubinsky 

celebrates here Christmas Eve (24); 

son-in-law Arthur Lapin Saturday (29); 

grandson Jeff Lapin Monday (31), and oldest 

grandson Richard Rodenberg January 9. 

when he becomes 16. 

Douglas 3 still was billing "The Way We 

Were" on Screen 1 and Screen 2 as of Monday 

(10) and offering Barbra Streisand on 

its third screen in a return engagement of 

"What's Up, Doc?" Manager Lee Levorson 

says "The Way We Were" still may be occupying 

one screen Christmas but a special 

film promised for the holiday crowds is 

"The Sting," with Robert Redford, Paul 

Newman and Robert Shaw. 

Cooper/ Lincoln staff members put in 

some extra time Saturday morning (\5) and 

will do so again Saturday morning (22), as 

the suburban theatre auditorium is used for 

special holiday movie parties. Manager Randy 

Hartman said the traditional Sertoma 

Club's children's party Saturday (15) featured 

"The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." Coming 

up Saturday morning (22) is the local 

United Rubber Workers Union/ Goodyear 

annual Christmas party for employees' children. 

A new tenant in the garden-level shops of 

the Douglas 3 building is the Logos Book 

Store. The new president of the International 

Ass'n of Fairs & Expositions is Lincolnite 

Henry F. Brandt. Manager of the Nebraska 

State Fair, Brandt is the first Ncbraskan to 

head the North American organization since 

the late Gov, Robert Furnas, who helped 

found it in 1885 . Scottsbluff 

comes reports that Richard Jamison, son 

of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hill of that city, is 

making his motion picture debut in a film 

starring actor Gene Hackman. Jamison, 30, 


OVER 44 YEARS EXPERIENCE! 

AAERCHANT ADS-SPECIAL TRAILERS 

Trailerettes-Daters 

(515) 288-1122 

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P.O. BOX 541 Des Moines, Iowa 50302 

LINCOLN 

LINCOLN 

^« 

DOUGLAS THEATRE CORP. 

Wishes You a Merry Christmas 


Russell Brehm, Pres. 

Douglas Bldg., Lincoln, Neb. 

?a«SW«P 

to 

Showmen Everywhere 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

from 

The Stall and Management of 

COOPER THEATRES 

General Offices: 

Cooper Plaza, Lincoln, Nebraska 

«iS:«?Srsflft«?*!«iraiSra!!ti

. 

LINCOLN 

(Continued trom preceding page) 

of Denver has been active in Denver theatrical 

circles in recent years. 

Concession receipts from the three-day 

weekend return engagement of "The Ten 

Commandments" at the Cooper/ Lincoln 

again underscore audiences' eating habits 

when there's an intermission. The four-hour 

film demands an intermission, staff members 

point out. It was followed Monday and 

Tuesday (10. II) by another of the special 

American Film Theatre offerings. "The 

Homecoming." 

Jason Robards, film-stage-TV star, is one 

of the stars in "The House Without a Christmas 

Tree," brought back again this year as 

a video special. But the author is Gail Rock, 

raised in Valley, educated at University of 

Nebraska and living in New York City the 

past 12 years. In an interview, Miss Rock 

told how the story and subsequent play 

recreates a part of her children in Valley 

(but Clear River in the performance). Miss 

Rock, an honors graduate at NU, is working 

now on a screenplay. 

Return of Seized Films 

Ordered by U.S. Judge 

MILWAUKEE—A temporary restraining 

order preventing the Butler Police Department 

from keeping 150 allegedly obscene 

films seized in November from the 

Automated Vending Co. warehouse in 

Butler, Wis., was issued by Federal Judge 

John W. Reynolds. The judge said he was 

compelled to grant the order pending the 

outcome of a recent judicial challenge to 

the constitutionality of a state obscenity 

Lae ARTOE REFLECTORS 

IIV- 13'//'- 14" DIAMETER $33.00 

16" -16'//' DIAMETER $54.00 

AMERICAN MADE 

statute. Reynold's order also halted the 

prosecution of Charles Lawrence, 29, who 

had been charged with "possessing lewd, 

obscene or indecent films with the intent 

to sell them." 

Reynolds cited two federal court decisions 

as reasons for his restraining order. 

One was a Seventh Circuit Federal Appeals 

Court opinion which upheld a ruling 

by Federal Judge Myron L. Gordon that 

a search warrant must be obtained before 

a seizure, in this case 82 reels of allegedly 

obscene motion pictures. The other involved 

a three-judge federal court order 

preventing Milwaukee County Dist. Atty. 

E. Michael McCann and police from halting 

the showing of allegedly obscene films at 

the Parkway Theatre. 3417 West Lisbon 

Ave. 

The court said, in the suit brought by 

the theatre operators challenging the constitutionality 

of the state obscenity law, 

that there would be no ruling on the merits 

of the suit until the state had an opportunity 

to change the law by "judicial construction 

or statute." The opinion said recent 

U.S. Supreme Court decisions were 

"likely to sound the death knell for the 

Wisconsin obscenity statute as it presently 

is construed." 

'Miss Jones' Ordered Off 

Screen of Roxy Theatre 

CLEVELAND—Common Pleas Judge 

Frank J. Gorman has ordered the Roxy 

Theatre and its manager Thomas H. Flynn 

to stop showing the X-rated movie "The 

Devil in Miss Jones" on the grounds that 

it is "simply an obscene and pornographic 

film." Judge Gorman's decision came following 

arguments by Everett A. Chandler, 

police prosecutor, and defense attorneys, 

all of whom had attended a special showing 

of the film earlier. 

The temporary restraining order was 

sought by the city after Flynn continued 

to exhibit the motion picture following c 

police raid November 17. In that raid, 

Flynn was arrested, released on $200 bond 

and a film print confiscated. Flynn's case 

is pending. 

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Editorial Scores Policy 

At Local Movie Theatre 

BERLIN, WIS.—"Sex on the Marquee— 

for Any Age" blazed the headline over an 

editorial in the Berlin Times November 15. 

A photograph positioned alongside the topof-the-page 

editorial shows a theatre front 

with its marquee listing Woody Allen's "All 

About Sex" (rated R) at 7 and 9 p.m.. 

along with a Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. matinee 

of "Magic Boy," rated G. 

The editorial commented: "It seems there 

are still some naive, morally sound parents 

around who think that just because a community 

once raised funds to build a new 

theatre that the theatre should show basically 

family pictures. Heavens, what outmoded 

thinking . . . apparently! That type 

of parent had an unpleasant experience 

again recently when he dropped his daughter 

off to see a movie which turned out to be 

rather pornographic in the eyes of the 16- 

year-old and she told her parents about it. 

"Dad responded by calling the Berlin 

Theatre manager to ask if he didn't check 

ages and refuse to admit minors to films of 

that nature. The manager's response was, in 

effect, that it wasn't his job to check ages 

at the door, that he didn't intend to do it 

and that children come to his theatre at their 

own risk. There have been numerous cases 

where witnesses have reported seeing small 

children at X-rated films in Berlin, so this 

isn't an isolated case. It is. rather, quite 

common. 

'Theatre 

Responsible' 

"Dist. Atty. Robert Gonyo. upon receiving 

a recent complaint, wrote to the theatre 

here advising the corporation that Wisconsin 

State Statute 94:25 ('Exposing Minors to 

Harmful Materials') places the responsibility 

squarely on the theatre. He also advised the 

theatre that further complaints of that 

nature will be formalized. 

"The law clearly outlines what is meant 

by 'harmful materials' and also states that 

'whenever the . . . district attorney has 

reasonable cause Xo believe that any person 

is engaged in selling or exhibiting harmful 

material to minors ... the district attorney 

. . . shall institute action in the circuit court 

... for adjudication of the questions of 

whether such material is harmful to minors.' 

"Under recent court decisions, individual 

communities can pretty much determine 

what kind of 'entertainment' it wants its 

children exposed to ... We can't believe 

this town raised thousands of dollars to 

build a theatre so that filthy movies could 

be shown to its patrons. When we have 

criticized this practice in the past, the theatre 

owner has argued that the community 

wouldn't support the theatre if only family 

films were shown. Yet at a recent showing 

of 'Vanishing Wilderness,' children were 

sitting on the floor and undoubtedly 'Tom 

Sawyer' commanded good crowds as well." 

The editorial concluded with the strong 

statement: "If the theatre really believes 

that pornography is the answer to financial 

success, then we'd be better off without the 

theatre!" 

iJC-8 


. . For 

. . Larry 

Don Yoeger Owes Success 

To Family Film Policy 

ORANGE CITY. IOWA—While some 

theatre owners turn to the exhibition of socalled 

adult motion pictures (of various 

calibers; e.g., "hard-core" or "soft-core") 

because they vow they "can't make expenses" 

with what is termed "family fare," 

Alton, Iowa, theatreman Don Yoeger has a 

different story to tell. He says he "owes 

the success of his theatre" to "family films." 

The story received press coverage in a 

recent feature by-lined by Georgia Voysey 

in 

the Orange City Democrat. According to 

the article: "When Don Yoeger bought the 

Palace Theatre in Alton, everyone said that 

he was crazy to expect to operate a fulltime 

theatre in this area. It was open only 

on weekends at the time. Eight years later, 

he is showing movies every night and has 

proven those skeptics wrong. 

"Yoeger attributes his success to promoting 

the Palace continually as a family theatre. 

'The whole thing was in picking the 

right movies and being very, very careful 

not to offend anyone," he explains. 'I try to 

get as many family movies as I can and 

stay away from R and X-rated films as 

much as possible. My philosophy is that 

that kind of film hurts business terribly.' 

"But a few years ago, film companies 

weren't producing many family films. If a 

script didn't contain some form of nudity, 

producers weren't anxious to bother with it. 

At that time, Yoeger said it was very difficult 

to get family films and that he was 

forced to show a few X-rated movies. 'It 

was terrible but there was nothing else,' he 

complains. "One time we showed "Beyond 

the Valley of the Dolls" and I was so embarrassed 

that 1 hid in my office when the 

people left. I didn't want to look them in 

the eye. This is a family theatre and I 

assure you that you couldn't very well bring 

your family to a film like that.' 

"He recalls one time when the mistakeprone 

Democrat advertised a family film 

for him when in fact he was showing a 

(Continued on page NC-12) 

DES MOINES 

ôii Bloxham, branch manager at United 

Artists, attended a sales meeting Monday 

(3) through Thursday (6) at .San Diego. 

Calif. 

Bob Boots, head shipper at Iowa Film 

Depot, vacationed at home the first week 

of December. 

Word has been received of the death of 

Walter Peterson, owner of the Windsor, 

Hampton . . . Industryites here also have 

just learned of the death November 19 of 

George Lefko, former branch manager for 

Warner Bros. 

Russ Houghten of Heartland Cinema Co. 

and Madonna Kosman were wed Saturday 

(1) at St. Joseph's Catholic Church here. 

Central States news: Visitors to the home 

office recently were Maynard Nelson, from 

his district office in Mason City, and Dean 

Tutor, Fort Dodge . Day hopes 

the layoff over the Thanksgiving holiday 

from his league will help to improve his 

bowling ability. Speaking of bowling. Glen 

Nargang recently bowled a series well over 

the 600 mark and then turned around and 

bought a new ball for the next time out! . . . 

Drive-ins in Dubuque, Clinton and Cedar 

Falls have closed for the winter and the 

S.E. 14th Drive-In here is operating weekends 

only ... At Hastings, Neb., for ".'Ml 

the Way Boys!", Strand manager Dick 

Smith held a contest to find someone who 

could give the "real" name of either of the 

"Trinity" boys. First prize was a free airplane 

ride, courtesy of Hastings Skyways. 

Word has been received in the home 

office that the Jim McLaughlins of the 

Ottumwa theatres are expecting their second 

child. Jim seems to have his heart set on a 

boy this time . the showing of "All 

the Way Boys!" at Charles City, free admission 

was offered to anyone bringing a 

newspaper ad to the theatre of one of the 

first "Trinity" pictures. There's no report 

as to whether or not there were any winners 

, . . Also at Charles City, Gaylc Otterman, 

manager, had her troubles when the local 

newspaper doubled up her newspaper ad, 

resulting in two ads in one issue—one on 

top of the other! 

M&T Empire Cards Okay 

At Holiday Boxoffices 


CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y,—Joseph P, 

Garvey, general manager, Holiday Theatres, 

is the originator of a new promotion 

idea. When a customer buys admission 

tickets, he is accepting the M&T Empire 

Card at the boxoffices of all the Holiday 

theatres. 

The idea has caught the public fancy and 

Garvey says he notes a pickup in business, 

A lot of folks use M&T Empire Cards for 

many things but this is the first time they 

have been able to approach a boxoffice with 

one. 

Garvey is promoting the idea from many 

angles—screen, lobby, newspapers, TV, 

radio, etc. 

I 

DES MOINES 


f- HAPPY NEW YEAR i 

^ 

i 

^ NATO ^ 

t of i 

t 

Iowa 

g 

i 

fe Roy H. Metcalfe 

^ 

i 

President 

g 

i 

g 

g 

i 

DES MOINES 

DES MOINES 


Davis Theatres Inc. 

311-llth 

Des Moines, Iowa 

515-288-6006 

HAPPY NEW YEAR— 1974 

Heres What We Have to Make it Happy in 1974, Four 

Big Ones lor Immediate Bookings: "From the Mixed-Up 

Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," "Dead Pigeon on 

Beethoven Street." "The Tall Blond Man With One 

Black Shoe" and "Run Stranger Run." 

BEN MARCUS 

MARCUS FILM DISTRIBUTING CO. 

Distributor For the Top 

Independent Companies In the IndustrY 

1974 The Year of the Independent Distributor 

Ranch Mart Shopping Center South—Lower Level 

3793 W. 95th St. Overland Park, Kas. 66206 | 

Telephone (913) 381-5222 S 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17. 1973 NC-9

*~i 

. 

DES MOINES 

DES MOINES 

I 

f 

im 

The Des Moines Office 

of 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

Extends Season's Greetings 

DAVE GOLD 

LOWELL KYLE 

ELOISE LAWRENZ 

BERNICE RUDSTON 

I 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year | 

B and I BOOKING AGENCY I 

Jim Sparks 

Paramount Bldg, Des Moines 3 

288-7949 1 

Eleanor Hatfield 

| 


FROM THE FOLKS 

AT 

Iowa Parcel Service & 

Iowa Film Depot 

3123 Delaware 

Des Moines, la. 

A Merry Christmas and Happy 1974 

from the folks at 

WARNER BROS. DIST. CORP. 

Des Moines 

I 

I 

^ 

Best Holiday Wishes 



STEVE DURBIN 

BOB BUSCHER 

SUE MULLINS 

UNITED NATIONAL FILMS, Inc. 

1703 Wyandotte • K. C, Mo. 

I Phone: (816) 474-5330 

IOWA UNITED THEATRES 

3 E. M, Garbett, President 

2 

Jim Gray, Buyer 

g 

Des Moines, Iowa 

June Gates 

Norma Rosewall 

WE WISH YOU A . . 


and Prosperous New Year 


And A 

Prosperous 1974 

Des Moines Theatre Supply 

D & D ENTERPRISE 

Eiv/ood Robbins -g 

Joanna Greene Ted Bohemann g 

1121 High St. Des Moines, la, 

|, 

311 - 11th Des Moines, Iowa 

Bill Doebel, Pres. 

«»!*«Sirt»i»

Charleston, S.C., Arcade 

Closed; Lack of Quality 

From Southeastern 

Edition 

CHARLESTON. S.C—The Arcade Theatre 

has been closed indefinitely because of 

a lack of what Larry Barrett, assistant general 

manager of Pastime Amusement Co.. 

described to Margaret L. Moore. Charleston 

News & Courier staff reporter, as "'an 

insufficient quantity of good films." 

"If we can get quality films for the Arcade, 

we will reopen it." Barrett added. He 

emphasized to Ms. Moore that the theatre 

had not been closed because of financial 

reasons. 

Barrett explained that this time of year 

is "slow" in the industry because major 

studios are waiting for the Christmas holidays 

to release their big pictures. He explained, 

too. that some films must be 

booked six months in advance while others 

only require a week's notice. Most of the 

films, he told Ms. Moore, are booked 

through the major studios' exchanges in 

Atlanta. Charlotte or New York. 

Pastime .Amusement also owns the Gloria 

and Riviera theatres in Charleston. 

OMAHA 

— 

OMAHA 

Yê U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday (4) remanded 

the Little Arts Theatre's appeal 

of a city of Omaha conviction for the 

possession of and showing of alleged obscene 

material back to the Nebraska Supreme 

Court for further consideration in view of 

recent decisions reached by the nation's high 

court. The city about a year ago seized four 

films being shown at the Little Arts and 

arrested the manager for "showing and 

having obscene material." The municipal 

court ruled in favor of the city. Attorneys 

for the theatre appealed to the district court, 

denied the appeal, upholding the city of 

Omaha. The attorneys again appealed to the 

Nebraska Supreme Court which, in its findings, 

ruled that the films had no (or little) 

plot and no redeeming features and therefore 

were patently hard-core pornography. 

The court further upheld the contention of 

city attorneys, that the films' contents were 

contrary to community standards of moral 

conduct. The theatre appeal to the U.S. Supreme 

Court was based on the community 

standards of moral conduct reasoning. Later 

decisions of the high court upheld this contention 

in another pornography case appealed 

to 

it. 

— 

A paralyzing blizzard struck this city, 

southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa 

Tuesday f4). which generally is visiting day 

for out-of-town exhibitors. .Several cities 

Red Oak. Shenandoah. Glenwood. Auburn, 

Nebraska City, Falls City and others—were 

without power for several hours and a few 

had not received power as of Wednesday 

Sid Metcalf and Al Woodraska of 

(5) . . . 

Harlan, Iowa, made it to our town Wednesday 

(5). Woodraska, who spent Thanksgiving 

in Las Vegas, observed that the usual 

razzle-dazzle wasn't there, since the neon 

was out on Fremont Street, due to the 

energy crunch. 

Carl and Hazel White returned from a 

Caribbean trip two days after the recent 


OMAHA 

& 

Al this season it's a time to look back and say 5 

"Thank You!"—and a time to look ahead with 

hope and say: "Merry Christmas, Happy New 

Year!" 

Quality Theatre Supply Co. 

1515 DAVENPORT—OMAHA 

s 

I 


To AH Our Many 

Friends & Customers 

TOPS THEATRE 

Dick Barkes & Staff 

«!*«i?!a«*si«rta5Src:i5ireiS«is^^ 

s^Sr

OMAHA 


storm sunburned, and Carl remarked: ""A 

guy must be nuts to come back to this kind 

of weatlier" . . . Joe Gregory. Buena Vista 

booker, journeyed to Denver to take part 

in a company powwow tfiere . . Harold 

. 

Struve. head of Struve Enterprises, with 

theatres in Fairbury. Beatrice and Hebron, 

was in town Thursday (6) ... A lady employed 

in a local department store as a giftwrapper 

for over 18 years commented recently 

on the nature of the articles she was 

wrapping: "If Christmas isn't white, it will 

be wet." 

Phil March, owner of Marchone theatres 

in Nebraska. Iowa and .South Dakota, retired 

and is living in Sun City. Ariz. Phil 

must be a part-time worker for the chamber 

of commerce there. His Christmas card 

carried the observation: "It's lovely in Sun 

City." Maybe he is "rubbing it in" because 

of our recent weather here! 

Don Yoeger Owes Success 

To Family Film Policy 

(Continued from page NC-9) 

movie rated R. Several persons were extremely 

unhappy when they brought their 

kids to see what they thought would be a 

character-building film. 

"Apparently filmmakers have realized 

that most people don't care for a lot of 

pornography and consequently have been 

making more family-type movies. With the 

increasing availability of these movies. 

Yoeger points out that attendance at the 

Palace has increased. 

"With very recent movies now showing 

on TV almost nightly, one might question 

whether this would adversely affect Yoeger's 

business. 'Not at all,' he says. 'Besides. 

I can't see how anyone can sit and watch 

a movie on a dinky TV screen.' 

"Does Yoeger himself ever go to movies? 

'You betcha. Three hundred and si.\ty-five 

days a year.' he replies. 'Some 1 watch more 

than once and some I don't watch at all 

when I have them here. It depends on the 

movie.' 

"The theatre business is 'the most fluctuating 

business in the world' because of unpredictable 

attendance, Yoeger explains. 

'You never know how many people will 

come—so much depends on things like 

weather and conflicting events like sports,' 

he says. Second shows are especially unpredictable 

and Yoeger has been known to 

show movies to a house of only three 

people. 

"While Yoeger says that he loves the 

theatre business, he admits that breakdowns 

in the middle of shows get him 'very upset.' 

Ironically, he says that breakdowns most 

often occur during long films when the 

house is packed." 

Elliott Gould wil 

tional's "Who." 

star in Lion Interna- 

Towne Cinema Marks 

First Anniversary 

WEST LIBERTY. KY.—The Towne 

Cinema observed its first anniversary with a 

big celebration during the Thanksgiving 

weekend, November 22-24, playing John 

Wayne in "Cahill, United States Marshal." 

Since Towne Cinema opened a year ago on 

Thanksgiving, the young owners of the theatre, 

Lanely and Langley Franklin, thought 

it appropriate to celebrate their anniversary 

with Wayne's most recent picture. 

Towne Cinema is one of the new businesses 

in West Liberty that was built after 

the entire business block was destroyed by 

fire. The block now is filled with new stores 

which joined Towne Cinema in the celebration 

of its first year by displays, advertising 

and having customers register for anniversary 

prizes. 

The Towne Cinema has done very well 

for its first year and the Franklin brothers 

are quite pleased with its reception by the 

community. 

E. I. Ornstein Booking Service, Louisville. 

is the booker for the cinema. 

C'wealth Transfers Watkins 

ALLIANCE. NEB.—Ray Watkins has 

been shifted to Alliance, Neb., from Chadron. 

Neb., succeeding former Commonwealth 

manager Ray Breen, who has resigned. 

WEEK 

Opportunity Knocks 

EVERY 

in 

BOXOFFICE 

• CLEARING HOUSE for Classified Ads 

• SHOWMANDISER for Promotion Ideas 

• FEATURE REVIEWS for Opinions on Current Films 

• REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis of Reviews 

Don't miss 

any issue. 

NC-12 BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

— 

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— 

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— 

— 

Contempt Citation Upheld 

By Ohio Supreme Court 

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Supreme Couri 

has upheld, 12-5. a contempt citation against 

Larry Hardy. Cleveland, manager of the 

Pussycat Cinex Theatre there, who had refused 

to turn over allegedly obscene films 

to a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas 

Court. This decision reversed a Cuyahoga 

County Court of Appeals ruling at Cleveland, 

which had overturned the lower court 

decision that sent Hardy to jail. 

Cleveland police officers charged they 

had viewed obscene films at the Pussycat 

Cinex Nov. 4, 1971. Hardy refused to produce 

the films in court and was sent to jail. 

The high court said that, since Hardy 

admitted the films were in his possession 

and he still refused to produce them, he was 

in contempt. 

Proposed Akron Ordinance 

To Allow Bingo, Raffles 

AKRON—Theatre operators are not 

looking kindly on a proposed ordinance 

which would make bingo games and raffles 

legal in .'\kron. feeling they have enough 

competition without encouraging bingo. The 

bill was proposed by Councilman William 

Grimm, who said that the new Ohio criminal 

code, which goes into effect January 1, 

will permit games of chance which produce 

income "solely for charitable purposes." 

In Akron, bingo, raffles and any other 

games of chance have been banned regardless 

of who would profit. 

"I am not advocating gambling but I 

think bingo for charitable purposes should 

be allowed," Grimm said. "Residents 

shouldn't have to go outside the city to 

play bingo." he added. 

Rockwell Films Dissolving 


HARTFORD—Rockwell Films, Inc., 

Hartford, filed a certificate-of-dissolution 

with the Connecticut Secretary of State's 

office. 

'American Graffiti' 

With Standout 700 in 

CINCINNATI — "American 

Graffiti" 

grossed 700 in its 14lh week at Sky walk 1 

and continued to lead Cincinnati's first runs 

virtually unchallenged. The only other feature 

scoring anywhere close to the Universal 

blockbuster was another film accenting nostalgia, 

"The Way We Were." which recorded 

a 650 third week at Showcase 1. "Summer 

Wishes. Winter Dreams" ranked No. 3 dur- 

. 

ing the report period thanks to a .350 third 

week at Showcase 2. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

Albee Battle of the Amazons (AlP), 2nd wk. ... 75 

International 70, Kenwood Executive Action 

(NGP), 3rd wk 300 

Ploce Chorley Vorrick iUniv), 3rd wk 

Showcase 1—The Woy We Vfere (Col), 3rd wk. 

300 

.300 

Showcase 2 Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams 

(Col), 3rd wk 350 

Showcase 3 The Don Is Deod (Univ), 3rd wk. 

Skywalk Cinema 1—Americon Graffiti (Univ), 

..300 

Ufh wk 700 

Skywalk 2—Arnold (CRC), 2nd wk 150 

Studio Cinemas Cops and Robbers (UA), 4th wk. 225 

175 for 'Spook' Represents 

Top Results in Detroit 

DETROIT—"The Spook Who Sat by the 

Door." playing a fourth week at two Detroit 

theatres, scrambled to the city's peak boxoffice 

business— a composite 175—during 

the current report period. "The Way We 

Were" also enjoyed solid support in a fourth 

week before Detroit patrons and put together 

a 155 average at four theatres. Third 

high on the Barometer. "The Paper Chase" 

races to a 120 third week at Towne II. 

Adams 

Seven Blows of the Dragon (SR), 2nd wk. 90 

Eight theatres The Don Is Dead (Univ) 60 

Eight theatres Brother of the Wind (SR) 80 

Five theatres A Touch of Class (Emb), 3rd wk. . 70 

Five theatres American Groffiti (Univ), 14th wk. 105 

Four theatres The Way We Were ;Col), 4fh wk. 155 

Four theatres Jonothon Livingston Seagull (Pora) 75 

Fox Terror in the Wax Museum (CRC), 2nd wk. .85 

Grand Circus The Block Six (SR), 3rd wk 115 

Ten theotres Executive Action (NGP) 75 

Towne II The Paper Chase (20th-Fox), 3rd wk. .120 

Two theatres The Spook Who Sat by the Door 

(UA), 4th wk 175 

'American Graffiti' Rates 

No. 1 in Cleveland at 470 

CLEVELAND—This city could boast of 

five very good grossing percentages as re- 

Cincy Leader 

14th Week 

suits poured in from the report week. 

"American Graffiti" scored the top figure 

of 470 per cent (nearly five times average), 

"The Way We Were" had 355 in a fivetheatre 

engagement, "Executive Action" 

rated a composite 310 at six theatres, "Summer 

Wishes. Winter Dreams" opened at 

three situations at 295 and "The Black Six" 

raced through a second week at the Scrump- 

D-Dump-D for 210. 

. 

. . . .135 

Berea, Village ^The Paper Chase (20th-Fox), 

5th wk 100 

Five theatres—The Way We Were (Col), 5th wk. .355 

Four theatres Charley Varrick (Univ), 2nd wk. .. 80 

One theatre Americon Groffiti iUniv), 10th wk. 470 

Scrump-O-Dump-D The Block Six (SR), 2nd wk. .210 

theatres The Deadly Trackers (WB) 125 

.310 

Six 

theatres Executive Action (NGP), 2nd wk. Six 

Three theatres Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams 

(Col) 295 

World East, World West The Serpent (Emb) 

Tent 6 Champagne Benefit 

CLEVELAND—Variety Club Tent 6 

plans to hold a champagne benefit theatre 

party January 23 at the Chagrin Falls Little 

Theatre, where "How to Succeed in Business 

Without Really Trying!" will be performed. 

Donations (tickets) are priced at $5 each. 

DETROIT 

i ., , ^ ^ 

. 

I 

Season s Greetings f 

1 S^ i 

i 

g VERA PHILLIPS t 

I 

BOXOFFICE REPRESENTATIVE | 

g 

What's new with you m 

s! Is News to me. g 

g 

DETROIT 

DETROIT 


The 

I 

BUENA VISTA 

DISTRIBUTION CO. Inc 

Goldberg 

Gary Ford — Frank Jones — Ursula Davis 

Donna Wioskowski — Ruth Becker 

f 

and Staff 

T-wins 

i 

(arrangement by Management) 

% i 

t»*«?«r«!!*

i 

DETROIT s.euSon 6 

?#^^ 

reetinad i^c 

DETROIT 

«KSiaif--!«3^ ialE3K-{C3»{C3BC3iK3BC3$l^-~aC3;90l! 'iC3C;«CK:-!CK X3ll!ii'SICXie3iX3iXX^Sa6^C3i aCSSfCas 'aac!ii:C3>:!-!ilOK'iaq^ 


110 W. 18th St. I 

Kansas City, Missouri 64108 i 

(816) 421-1692 | 

Mary Hoyslip 

Bob MausB 

Chailene Word 

lohn Shipp 

Ken Heard 


Wilma Martin 



êm in ^97^ 


1800 CENTRAL 


DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

BETTY BURDICK 

Inspectress 

^ 

T. ROGVOY ASSOCIATES 

Principals 

G. Bruce Boore 

Bernard K. Drane 

Clare D. Imhoff 

Associates 

& Staff 

Charles K. Loomis 

James H. Fowler 

.êaAon 6 

f 

v^reetinad 

Jack E. Simmons, Branch Manager 

Steven J. Miller, Sales Reresentative 

Nicholas D'Ambrosio, Office Manager 

Joan Urbanczyk, Branch Mgr.-Secretary 

Agnes Harden, Head Booker 

. . . And the entire Detroit 

"Universal" staff. 

I 

" ^ S 


Guild & Variety Theatres 

Albert Dezel—Elvera Shields 

êci5on J 

L^reetinad 

MICHIGAN 

FAST FOOD 

SUPPLY CORP. 

formerly 

Michigan Popcorn Company 

Reason 6 

KjreetinaA 

| | 

—jeaSon 6 K^reetinad 

from 

EASTWOOD THEATRE 

C. I. Ruff Distributor IRVING BELINSKY 

23300 Greenfield Oak Park | 

CHARLES BURNS 

ME 


Se 

K^reeCinud 

DETROIT .^êcLdon S du 

Detroit 

GTeetinqs of the Season | W 

Wishing You 

S health, happiness and prosperity 

I 

MILT 

LONDON 

AVCO EMBASSY PICTURES | 1^' 

CORP. 

1 1 18 FRANCIS PALMS BLDG. 

DETROIT, MICH. 48201 


G. M. STUDEBAKER 

Motion Picture Service 

17302 W. McNichols Road Phone 273-5417 


from 

Officers & Members 

Local No. F-25 

I.A.T.S.E. 

Reason d 

v^reetlnad 


COOPERATIVE THEATRES OF MICH. 

Mt. Clemens Drive-In 

Theatre 

Bob Buermele 

Earl England 

Carl Buermele 

Ken Guibord 

Joseph Ellul, Sr. Joseph Ellul, Jr. 

Arlene Buermele 

Eleanor Kloc 

qSa«a8

DETROIT 

Dn obsen'er might have done a doubletake 

as a tiny lady dashed across Washington 

Boulevard to have Thanksgiving 

dinner at Topinka's. She did look like one 

of those silent-film heroines—like Lillian 

Gish, perhaps. To be sure, it was Lillian! 

She was in town to promote a book about 

herself and her sister Dorothy. Perhaps the 

most famous early movie in which she appeared 

was "Birth of a Nation." Miss Gish 

is now 77 years young, with eyes undimmed. 

and was on a whirlwind tour of 

32 cities in two weeks. The title of her book 

is "Gish Girls." 

WXYZ-TV here refused to air the TV 

commercials for National General Pictures' 

"Executive Action." While the film's subject 

matter might be considered controversial, 

the fact remains that WXYZ-TV 

doesn't blink at many other controversial 

subjects and readily telecasts them ... A 

recent letter to the Free Press read, in part: 

"How about electric heaters at drive-in 

movies? Is that necessary, with all the fine 

cinemas we have indoors? Are these as important 

as a warm house, office, plant or 

shop? Or, does pleasure take top priority 

now, with job, education and home ranking 

at the bottom of the energy conservation 

list?" 

The Krim Theatre in Highland Park, 

which generally offers X-rated films, continues 

to be besieged with troubles. November 

19. as the manager was about to enter 

his office, a gunman stuck a revolver in 

his back and escaped with the weekend receipts 

and the manager's revolver. When 

police arrived to investigate, they found 

between 30 and 40 pickets outside the theatre 

protesting the feature. Just a few weeks 

ago, the FBI confiscated a print of the theatre's 

boxoffice hit, "The Devil in Miss 

Jones." However, the Krim was permitted 

to retain copies of the film and remain operative 

while officials attempt to determine 

whether or not any federal law has been 

violated. Last June there was a shootout in 

the Krim lobby which eventually culminated 

in the death of a gunman and two Highland 

Park police officers. 

The Main Theatre, Royal Oak, is featuring 

two of the first films made by the 

Beatles; namely, "Help!" and "A Hard 

Day's Night." The motion pictures, which 

started Wednesday (5) for a 19-day showing, 

were brought back by special arrangements. 

Announcement of the special film festival 

presentation was made by Robert F. Anthony, 

owner of the theatre, after conferences 

with a number of radio deejays and 

area recording experts. "The current wave 

of nostalgia for famous musical presentations 

which are considered classics in the 

rock musical history indicates considerable 

interest in seeing the Beatles perform when 

their group hit the peak of success and popularity." 

Anthony declared. 

In announcing the special festival showings. 

Anthony revealed that, although the 

pictures normally are not available and 

would have to be obtained from the West 

Coast, there would be no admission price 

increase. Adult tickets are $2 for evening 

showings and $1.75 at matinees. Students 

12 through 15 pay $1.50, while children's 

admission is 75 cents. Special record albums, 

including collector sets of Beatles' 

hits from 1962-67 are on sale in the lobby 

and several popular radio personalities made 

personal appearances on the Main Theatre 

stage during the opening week. 

Buena Vista Distribution Co. has opened 

its district office in Oak Park—Suite 107, 

23300 Greenfield Rd. The new quarters 

occupy approximately 1,500 square feet. 

Fred Bunkleman is district manager: Ruth 

Becker of the recently closed MGM offices 

is office manager: Frank Jones remains as 

head booker: Gary Ford is a booker, and 

Ursula Davis and Donna Wioskowski remain 

in their present capacities. The district 

office previously was located in Cleveland, 

Ohio, and the move was effective Saturday 

(1). 

The Youth Film Forum Saturday (8) was 

held at the Studio 8 Theatre, located in 

DETROIT 

5!SS S:a !aa 58^ 5!SS SS=? S!K5 55g? ;!S3 SK; SS^SKS 58g| 

JI^^S? 

3385 SSJS SSE 5!S?5^ 

DETROIT 

I 

BEST HOUDA Y WISHES i 

I 

HAPPY CHANUKAH I 

I 

and i 

i MERRY CHRISTMAS j 

i to all our exhibitor friends! i 

I J. M. G. Film Company 

| 

^ 

I 

% 23300 Greeniield Rd. 

| 

Suite 111 

I 

I 

Oak Park. Michigan 48237 

I 

I 

I (313) 968-0500 | 

t 

I 

I 

Nathan D. Levin 

Curtis Peterson 

Suzanne Drolshagen 

i Barbara Knipp 

| 

| 

g 

| 

i'1E-4 BOXOFFICE :; December 17, 1973

8 Mile Road Shopping Center. Moderator 

was William Reisdorf. teacher of English 

and sociology at Brother Rice High School. 

His literature classes involve a study of 

classic and contemporary British and American 

literature as well as related full-length 

feature films, which he feels provide a refreshing 

supplement, an integral part of his 

English program. The forum viewed and 

discussed a film. 

Susan Stark, News film critic, said of 

20th Centur\-Fox"s "The Paper Chase," current 

offering at the Towne: "Succeeds wondrously 

well! Not merely a good film, it is 

a surprisingly good film! . . . James Bridges 

emerges as a filmmaker whose efforts have 

attained must-see status!" 

Delighting both the young and the old 

(and the in-between) is Walt Disney's "That 

Darn Cat," a Buena Vista rerelease, now 

showing at the Allen Park, Main (Royal 

Oak), Cinema (Livonia Mall), Cinema (Macomb 

Mall). Riverland, Cinema (Warren) 

and State Wayne. 

Move to Reactivate 

Eastern Mo. NATO 

From Central Edition 

ST. LOUIS—A concerted effort to reactivate 

the e.\hibitor organization. National 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners of Eastern Missouri, 

was launched Friday. November 30. 

at a luncheon meeting at the Chase-Park 

Plaza Hotel. It was attended by key area 

exhibitors, as well as by New York-based 

George Roscoe, field representative for national 

NATO. 

L. J. "Bill" Williams. Union, Mo., veteran 

indef>endent exhibitor, accepted the assignment 

of temporary chairman of the 

group and will set a date in early January 

1974 for a mass meeting of the exhibitors 

covered in the eastern Missouri territory to 

kick off the project. 

The meeting will be attended by Roscoe 

and other top officers in NATO and all 

exhibitors are urged to be in attendance. 

Jim Damos, St. Louis, continues to serve 

as treasurer of the old local group and 

advises that the new NATO of Eastern Missouri 

has no financial obligations and the 

new group can start operations on a solvent 

basis from what remains of the treasury. 

Williams currently is compiling a list of 

covered exhibitors and will announce the 

date of the meeting as soon as arrangements 

are completed. 

BV East Central District 

Office Moves to Detroit 

NEW YORK—Buena Vista's East Central 

district office, formerly headquartered 

in Cleveland, will be moved to Detroit. The 

relocation, effective immediately, was announced 

by BV president Irving H. Ludwig. 

Fred Bunkelman will continue as East 

Central district manager, headquartering in 

Detroit, supervising BV's Detroit, Cleveland 

and Cincinnati branch offices. 

DETROIT 

DETROIT 

*êadon S L^reetinaA 

CLARK THEATRE SERVICE 

BILL CRYSTAL JEANNIE 

| 

I 

I 

i 

I 

I 

I 

I 


Warner Bros. Dist. Corp. 

DON MARTIN, Branch Mgr. 

MITCH BLUM 

STAN BARAN 

CHARLIE BURNS 

and STAFF 

Season s Greetings 

GREATER DETROIT 

MOTION PICTURE COUNCIL 

Season's Gieetinqs 

L& L CONCESSION COMPANY 

| 

AUTO CITY CANDY COMPANY I 

Julian Lefkowitz 

Jerome and Burton Levy 

Seymour Wayne 

X!i^&Ja>Ja«s'^to^Ki»P»iia^^^^ 

JCî9>C)ij»A:i»J$i^j^ 

I 


SERVICE SEATING 

John Heidt 

525 W. Edsel Ford Texas 4-2738 

DOROTHY RYNEW DUNCAN 

MICHIGAN EMERGENCY PATROL'S 

GRANDMOTHER 

Member GDMPC 

BOXOFTICE :: December 17. 1973 ME-5

^;?^!® 

DETROIT s.eadon 6 

S- teetinud DETROIT 

A Very Merry Christmas and I 

A Very Happy and Prosperous 

I 

% 

I 

Greetings of the Season 

From 

I 

| 

S 

1974 I 

Herman Cohen William Brown | 

FOX THEATRE 

I 

Ringold Theatre Equipment | 

I 32647 Ford Road 

Garden City, Michigan 48315 

I 


i 

t 

I 

1 

NATIONAL 

^^^^ 

i SERVICE, INC. i 

t § 

^ Edward McCauley John Steva ^ 

i Joe Valinski | 

i & Entire Staff ^ 

I 

1 

PEP 


LINES 

TRUCKING 

COMPANY 

Subsidiary of 

LEASEWAY TRANSPORTATION CORP. 

S^SSSESagl SKI58^ jaSESSISgESKI 5a5S>Sg6 sags 5agl!Sg5S:gE sags 5aS5S:gE 3885 jagESS 

I 

season's G.ee«n,s 

I 

NICHOLAS GEORGE THEATRES | 

I 

Allen Park Camelot Jolly Roger 

| 

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Park n Fort George Mai Kai » 

w Galaxy Michigan D.I. 

| 

^ Plaza Southgate 

^ 

a Americana Complex I, II, HI B 

i 

i 

a And Carousel I & II 

| 

'» 

i 

i 

i Greetings of the Season k 

S "Go Gail Where the Big Money Is" K 

GAIL FILM DISTRIBUTORS 

| 

I 

16300 W. Nine Mile Road 

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g 

Suite 106 

I 

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I Southfield, Mich. 48075 Phone (313) 557-5024 | 

Arthur Weisberg, President 

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^ 

g Sam Milberg, Jean La Brecque § 

g Branch Manager Booker S 

I 

Judy Vetor Russ Malinas 

jg 

« Secretary Booker 

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SilSsa sags »53Sg| sag? SSI5BSESKESK?55a sags sags 5SgEJKS:fSg5}Sg|5Sg|!ag|jag5 5855 5! 

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ê 

>eu6on A 

K^reetinaS 

§ Alden W. Smith Enterprises, Inc. | 

i 

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i 

16300 West Nine Mile Road (# 116) | 

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Southfield, Michigan 48075 

| 

I Alden W. Smith Mel B. Malinas g 

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§ From Your Friends S 

a John and Evelyn Dembek 8 

1 DEMBEK CINEMA SERVICE 

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p 

New Address: 

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p 3718 Brewster, Dearborn, Mich. 48120 

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^ Phone 271-8770 f 

M Film booking, buying and all related services 

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ME-G 

December 17. 1973

Ray Kunz Announces Plans 

To Reopen Galena Theatre 

GAl.ENA. 11. L.—R.i\ Kiinz has acquired 

the former Stanley Theatre on South 

Main Street from owner Robert Buehler 

and has announced plans to refurbish the 

facility and again operate it as a movie 

house. Kunz plans to present classic and 

selected family-oriented films in addition to 

staging productions of the Pilot Knob Fine 

Arts Workshop and Pilot Knob Repertory 

Company. 

CINCINNATI 

Film-Dinner Theatre 

Plans January Debut 

ST. LOUIS— A. J. Cervantes jr.. son of 

the former mayor of St. Louis, has obtained 

the necessary signatures for a full liquor 

license for his proposed dinner-movie theatre 

at 71 Maryland Plaza, in the vicinity of 

the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel, and is planning 

a January opening for the facility. 

The dinner theatre, a variation of a successful 

stage play and dinner opieration in 

St. Louis County, will be the first in St. 

Louis and will be called the Maryland Plaza 

Screening Room. 

Young Cervantes stressed that he is promoting 

the venture entirely on his own and 

did not want to appear as if he were depending 

on help from his father. 

Geoffrey Lewis had been added to the 

cast of "The Great Waldo Pepper." 

CINCINNATI 

Season's Greeimqs 

American International Pictures 

of Cincinnati 

Milton Gurian Harold Hoffert 

Carol Mills 

Irene Niehaus 

35 E. 7th St. Cincinnati 

621-6443 

CHAKERES THEATRES 

EXTENDS EVERY GOOD WISH FOR HAPPI- | 

NESS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON . . . PEACE 

AND PROSPERITY IN THE NEW YEAR. 

Yuletide Greetings 

from 

INTERSTATE THEATRE SERVICE 

INC. 

buying - booking 

consultation - advertising 

Gene Tunick-Pres. E. Handler 

Mary Smitii 

Brenda Buchanan 


BUENA VISTA DISTRIBUTING 

CO.. INC. 

Walt Disney Productions 

Fred Bunkelman 

Mildred Post 

Phil Fortune 

Kathy Buken 

TOC Booking 

Agency 

James W. McDonald 

I 


1- from 

ZIPP FILMS INC. 

John Holokan Bob LaSance 

1036 Enquirer Bldg. 

Cincinnati 

241-5548 

S 

I 


from 

UNITED ARTISTS CORP. 

An entertainment service of 

Transamerica Corp. 

Don Womack 

Rena Schroeder Walter Mergenthal 

Tom Morris 

Jo Ann Shelton 

Bob Oda 

I 

I 

I 

YULETIDE GREETINGS 

from 

MID STATES THEATRES 

I 602 Walnut St. Times Theatre Bldg. | 

I 

I 

iSircsirtg?arB{!iirCiîrC?Src^^ 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 ME-7

CINCINNATI 

T^rs. Marcella Berger, wife of Mike Berger. 

20lh-Fox booker, is convalescing nicely 

following surgery. 

Carolyn Fembank, cashier for National 

Screen, and Helen Cirin, secretary. National 

Theatre Supply, celebrated their birthdays 

Monday (3) with an office luncheon prepared 

mostly by Carolyn, who is a gourmet 

cook . . . Ratna Assan charmed all who 

heard or saw her when she was here to promote 

"Papillon." which opens at Cine Carousel 

Wednesday (19). 

Tri-State Theatre Services is booking and 

buying for the Jefferson Theatre. Fort 

Wayne. Ind.. for owner Al Rodriguez. 

. . . The 

One O'clock Luncheon Club held its annual 

Christmas dinner at Yungers Cafe 

Thursday (13). The One O-Clockers are 

the "Girl Fridays" on Filmrow 

Paramount office staff will have fun at a 

Christmas luncheon to be held at the Hotel 

Terrace-Hilton Tuesday (18). 

Phil Borack is growing a beard so he can 

properly portray Santa Claus at the office 

party during pre-Christmas week. 

Jack Oberlietner is new district manager 

for Mid States in the Dayton area. Oberlietner 

gained his theatre experience with 

the Stern Theatres. His base will be at the 

Salem Mall Cinema. 

Mid States has made a number of promotional 

changes in its managerial training 

program, which includes Clifford Hesltine. 

new manager of Dabel, Dayton. In this city, 

the promotions involve Charles VanFossen, 

manager of Princeton cinemas; Ken Mc- 

Cain, manager for Studio cinemas, and Jim 

Cummings, Hollywood. Advanced to assistant 

managers are Steve Kruse. Place Cinema; 

Rick Belvins, former assistant at Times 

Towne, transferred to the Grand in like 

position; Tom Velarde, Studios; Barry 

Wuestc, Times Towne, and Pam Roff, Skywalk 

cinemas. Pam is a woman and black 

—the first woman to stick to the training 

program at Mid States. She began her training 

as an usherette and worker in the concession 

stand at Studio cinemas. All the 

managers and assistants are young, mostly 

19-20 years of age, and are learning their 

chosen profession from the ground up. 

'Deadly China Doll' Has 

Six-Theatre Engagement 

PROVIDENCE—Six theatres participated 

in 

a day-and-date Rhode Island premiere 

of MGM's "Deadly China Doll." 

The six theatres included the Art and 

Paris, both in Providence; Cumberland. 

Cumberland; Kent Cinema I, East Greenwich; 

Strand, Newport, and United, Westerly. 

Dipson House in Pa. 

To Reopen As Twin 

BRADFORD, PA.—This city will be 

without an indoor motion picture theatre 

for the first time while the 1 .400-seat Dipson's 

Bradford is being converted into two 

theatres is April 1. 

The project has been in the planning 

stage since S. M. Gleason. a local building 

contractor, bought the property earlier this 

vear. 

Paola Theatre Equipment 

Sold by Charles Thomas 

390-seat mini-theatres. The shutdown is expected 

to last several weeks after the downtown 

film house, last of the city's three, 

goes dark. 

The renovation is part of a reconstruction 

of the Hooker-Fulton Building, which includes 

six floors of offices and two groundlevel 

stores. 

Target date for the premiere of the twin 

OSAWATOMIE. KAS.—Charles Thomas, 

who for years has operated the Paola 

Theatre in Paola, Kas.. during the winter 

months, announced that he has sold the 

showhouse equipment to a Paola firm. The 

theatre building is owned by L. W. Baehr 

of Paola. 

Thomas will continue to operate the Midway 

Drive-In during the summer months. 

CINCINNATI 

CINCINNATI 

from 


Executive Bldg. 

Suite 400 

35 E. 7th St. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 

Jay M. Goldberg 

Lynne Goldberg 

Mary Ann Plasters 

Marion Merten 

Vicki Hill 

Irene Ho^vard 

Mona Binns 

Naomi Reese 

Bernice Lipke 

Alma Welkom 

ME-8 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 

i

Hans Gambaro Appointed 

To 20th-Fox Int'l Post 

HOLLYWOOD—Hans Gambaro has 

been named 20th Century-Fox International's 

coordinator for special projects and 

director of international sales control, it 

was announced by David Raphe], president 

of 20th Century-Fox International. Gambaro 

will continue to be based at the company's 

home office. 

Gambaro, who joined 20th-Fox in 1969 

as a trainee in the New York home office, 

most recently was supervisor, international 

sales control, at the Century City studio. He 

has held various overseas posts. 

DeVisser Is Building 

Two 400-Seai Dualers 

NEW YORK—Two 400-seat twin theatres 

are being erected in the Long Hill 

Plaza Shopping Center in Oakland, N. J., 

was announced by Spyros Lenas, president 

it 

of DeVisser Theatres. 

The new houses will open in April 1974 

and will be completely automated, with 

Westrex equipment and American Seating. 

DeVisser currently operates eight theatres 

in New Jersey and shortly will announce 

four more projects. 

Midnight Shows Popular 

At 99 Cents Admission 

MANCHE.STER, CONN.—Jerry Lewis 

Cinemas went the opposition one better the 

other weekend with its midnight shows, the 

latter a regular weekend feature in the area 

for many months, with 99 cents the prevailing 

admission price. 

Jerry Lewis Cinema II screened a double 

feature, comprised of Columbia's "Macbeth," 

1971 release, and Paramount's "The 

Possession of Joel Delaney," 1972 release. 

In the main, theatres on the weekend midnight 

policy have been showing a single 

feature. 

CINCINNATI 

CINCINNATI 

5i9*ii»Jfi«»Jeijtê!^^ 



from 

to all 

FRANK YUNGER CAFE 

1807 Elm Street 

Cincinnati 

Bil-Ko 

Enquirer Bldg. 

Fihn Distributors 

Indianapolis Detroit 

Bill 

Kohagen 

Jo Harrison 

Jill 

Ernspiger 

Cincinnati 


from 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Tony Knollman, Branch Manager 

Sales 

Bill Stanforth 

Booking 

Jerry Ochs Mike Berger 

«p;rB!««i*sSira!*eq!si«i!*«^^ 

and the entire staff 


from 

C. J. Ruff Distributor 

Jeff Ruff 

Bob Scarbourgh 

Nancy Stine 

Debbie Ruff 

1012 Enquirer Bldg. Cincinnati 

iiSftîsAasfiiJiEiiiBJOsiiiK 


TRI-STATE THEATRE SERVICE 

INC. 

Philip Borack 

Bob Rehme 

Paul Enright 

709 Terrace Hilton Bldg. 

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 

Barry Steinberg 

Larry Thomas 

Jerry Zanitsch 

421-3474 

421-3475 

i 


« Cincinnati, Ohio 

I 

I 

I 

EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR 


AND 

A HAPPY NEW YEAR 

Merrit Sticker 

Claudia Unger 

Bob Bruce 

Kcrthy Haun 

Jim Brunetti 

Don Benning 

Nancy Keyes 

Nancy Wallpe 

Elaine Scherder 

Debbie Crite 

Dennis Haley 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 ME-9

Billy-Tall' 

Phenomenon Perplexes 

Critic as Two Films Make Comebacks 

DETROIT—Susan Stark, Detroit Free 

Press film critic, discussed in a recent column 

"Why 'Billy Jack' Is Back—and 'Walking 

Tall,' Too." Said Miss Stark, "The telephone 

rings and a reader asks. "When was 

your review of "Billy Jack" in the paper?' 

I am used to that question by now, 

know the exact date—Aug. 20. 1971. 

so I 

More 

than two years ago? The reader is somewhat 

The phone rings 

taken aback . . . 

again. 'How about this "Walking Tall." Is 

it really as good as the ads say?' " 

The Free Press critic says that these 

phone calls about the two motion pictures 

have been coming in steadily for several 

months now and what is difficult for her is 

trying to figure out the whys and wherefores 

behind "what I shall refer to from 

now on as the 'Billy-Tall' phenomenon. Miss 

Stark revealed that in the fifth week of the 

"Billy Jack" engagement, the current one, 

it was being shown in 25 theatres in the 

metropolitan Detroit area. A short time 

later it was being shown in 40 theatres. She 

described this as "an absolutely incredible 

booking," noting that "Executive Action," 

which was called "a solid commercial prospect," 

was enjoying a "typical ten-theatre 

first-run booking." 

"Billy Jack" grossed, according to Miss 

Stark, "a whopping $615,000 statewide in 

59 theatres during the first week of its current 

run. The fourth week of the run, it 

played at 67 theatres around the state and 

pulled in $250,000." She said that tradepaper 

reports indicated that figures for only 

one theatre, the local 600-seat Quo Vadis. 

showed "Walking Tall" was doing every 

bit as good as "Billy Jack." 

Exclaimed Miss Stark; "The figures on 

people in the Detroit area— and all over 

the nation—avoiding self-hatred by rushing 

to see both films. Now to the big question: 

Why? 

"Certainly, the hard-sell, top-dollar advertising 

campaigns have helped bring people 

in. I do not underestimate the masterminds 

of the ad industry. They, after all, 

are the ones who have convinced countless 

American women that pantyhose should 

come packaged in little white plastic eggs. 

And they are the ones who, according to a 

friend in the business, are seriously testmarketing 

a product that dispenses chicken 

liver from an aerosol can. 

"But advertising power goes just so far 

as an explanation of the 'Billy-Tall' phenomenon. 

Other movies have had equally hyperbolic 

promotions but no stunning boxoffice 

results. Consider 'Lost Horizon,' for example. 

"It occurs to me that the one highly marketable 

thing both pictures have in common 

is their glorification of the maverick individual, 

the guy who will stand up and be 

counted, even if the rest of the crowd remains 

seated. The loner appears to be today's 

substitute for a happier, more romantic 

the 'Billy-Tair phenomenon are truly stunning—but 

how to interpret them? For one 

era's hero and it doesn't matter if the loner 

is a real rat. It matters only that he is 

thing, both pictures have been reissued with 

alone or, at the very least, operating 

very expensive, hard-sell advertising campaigns 

... I. for one, find 'relentless dun- 

against high odds, against the drift of things. 

"Secondly. I became increasingly aware of 

ning' offensive. Relentless dunning has never 

a strange new breed of moviegoer. The 

sent me tumbling out of bed to go to any 

awareness began about five years ago when 

movie. But here ... I am clearly in the 

I heard 

minority. The 'Billy-Tall' phenomenon 

from theatre managers that Kubrick's 

'20001 

has 

: A Space Odyssey' was drawing 

repeat patrons in droves. Most of them 

were young people. 

"Many of them came back to see only 

one segment of a movie. Several of them 

came back to see that segment once a day. 

With '2001,' it was the psychedelic trip 

sequence. 

"I think it is safe to say that the 'Billy- 

Tall' phenomenon owes it evistence, at 

least in part, to the growing number of 

cultists in the moviegoing audience. This 

segment of the audience takes a film very 

CLEVELAND 

CLEVELAND 

gsr^^Sr^'Ssr. 

'1,3,/ 

I 


i ART THEATRE GUILD, INC. | 

i 

I 

t LOUIS K. SHER, PRESIDENT 

| 

i SAUL SHIFFRIN, "VICE-PRESIDENT I 

s » 

I GEORGE nTZPATRICK, CLEVELAND 

| 

i 

Greetings of The Season 

And "WHAT'S NEW?" 

LOIS BAUMOEL 

BOXOFHCE REPRESENTATIVE 

i Season's Greetings | 

^ 

T, 

From 

i 

t 

I 

I S. ROSE INC. g 

I COMPLETE OFHCE FURNISHINGS 1 

I 

CONTRACT DESIGN DIVISION 

I 

i 781-8200 1213 Prospect | 

I C' > /^ f 1 

i êadon d K^reetinad 

| 

from 

R 

g 

M Officers and Members § 

°J i ^ 

LOCAL C. E. 5 t 

I 

I 

Film Exchange Employees 

GEORGE SENDREY, President 

t 

K 

tg 

g MARY JANE HILLENBRAND, Secretary g 


personalis, .itlopts it. in .i way, and keeps 

in constant touch with it. Psychiatri.sts might 

say that such behavior reveals an impaired 

ability to distinguish between fantasy and 

reality. Then again, it could be a simple 

escapism or even hedonism. 

"A final thought, in the search for explanations, 

is that the two pictures in question, 

like the vast majority of today's successful 

movies, have a built-in element that 

I have come to think of as the right-on 

factor. Movies that knock the establishment. 

especially the white establishment, do well. 

CLEVELAND 

I have sat in theatres showing such movies 

and I can tell you that the "right ons' are 

as much a part of the scene as the popcorn. 

" "Billy Jack.' like so many movies before 

it, hits hard at establishment types and 

ideas. 'Walking Tall," on the other hand, 

shares in the right-on factor another way. 

It is the first major movie I ever have seen 

that bids for cheers from the law-and-order 

crowd, as opposed to the anti-establishmentarians. 

Heaven knows, the law-andorder 

people have waited long enough for 

their day at the movies. That day appears 

to have come, at last, in the form of 'Walking 

Tall." 

'"Returning from the realm of speculation 

to the world of facts, I note that the Taylor- 

Laughlin team presently is shooting 'The 

Trial of Billy Jack," a sequel to the first 

film, in Arizona and that Buford Pusser, 

the real-life Tennessee sheriff with the big 

stick, is now making himself available to 

members of the entertainment press corps 

for interviews. 

"Is it possible that we have only the 

proverbial tip of the iceberg?'" 

CLEVELAND 

Compliments of the Season 

from 

Ohio General Agency 

Insurance in All Its Branches 

One Public Square Bldg. 

696-8200 Cleveland 44113 

f 

I 

I 

Happy Holiday 

ARMSTRONG THEATRES, INC. 

JACK ARMSTRONG, President 

FRED LENTZ, General Manager 

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO 

sj'a-«gqrgjjtir

CLEVELAND 

JêRoy Kendis, Associated Theatres, left for 

Arizona. He plans to return briefly at 

the end of January. 

The ladies' auxiliary of Variety Tent 6 

will hold its holiday party Wednesday (19). 

Blanche Vederman is chairman of the 

occasion. 

The industry Christmas party will be held 

CLEVELAND 

at "The Last Motion Picture Co." at 18th 

and Euclid Monday (17). Paul Levine, 

United Artists branch manager, and Claudia 

Ungar, Paramount sales manager, are in 

charge of the festivities. 

Loe Raetner, local exhibitor, will undergo 

surgery later this month in Los Angeles. 

Pearl Widzer, who was secretary at Selected 

Films for more than 17 years, retired 

Friday, November 30. Everyone wishes 

Pearl good luck in the easy days ahead . . . 

Toby Goldstone is the new girl at Academy 

Advertising who soon will succeed Sherrie 

Gilbride. who may retire to rear a family. 

Co-Operative Theatres presently is booking 

and buying for the Tanglewood Theatre 

in Chagrin Falls. 

Van Johnson is appearing here through 

Monday (31) in "There's a Girl in My 

Soup" at the Carousel Theatre. 

Owen J. Kilbane, 26, was sentenced in 

U.S. District Court here Tuesday (4) to a 

year in prison and fined $5,000 for conducting 

prostitution across the state lines. Kilbane 

manages the Hillcrest Motel, 18510 

Euclid Ave., the first motel in the area to 

show X-rated movies and, according to the 

FBL one of the places where prostitution 

was conducted. According to agents, the 

ring had been under surveillance more than 

a year before the raids. 

Bill Kohagen, president of Bil-Ko, has 

been spending the past seven weeks in Cfncinnati 

Josephine Harrison, Cincinnati 

. . . Bil-Ko branch manager, is recuperating following 

recent surgery. Kohagen has been 

subbing for Josephine, who now is doing 

very well. 

I Greetings of the Season | 

from 

SELECTED THEATRES 

SAM SCHULTZ JAY SCHULTZ 

and 

STAFF 

Exhibitor Ralph Russell recently was in 

the city visiting with industry friends . . . 

Corliss Taylor, daughter of the Rev. Hillarry 

Taylor, pastor of New Bethel Church 

in Oakwood Village, is a local girl who has 

had an early start at becoming a successful 

actress. She first studied nursing here before 

becoming a drama minor at Central State in 

Wilberforcc. She appeared in productions at 

Karamu, Musicarnival and Kenley Players 

before going to the West Coast where she 

appeared in the musical "Don't Bother Me, 

I Can't Cope." Ely Landau saw her in the 

play and asked her to appear in the Ameri- 

CLE'VELAND 

CLE'VELAND 


23300 Greenfield Rd. 

Suite 111 

Oak Park. Michigan 48237 

(313) 968-0500 

Thanks very much to all our Cleveland exhibitor friends 

for your support in 1973. Call us or write to the address 

above tor your booking needs in 1974. 

HAPPY HOLIDA YS! 

Nathan D. Levin 

Curtis Peterson 

Suzane Drolshagen 

Barbara Knipp 

^'F.-i2 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

Box 

can Film Theatre motion picture "Lost in 

the Stars," with Brock Peters. "Lost in the 

Stars" will open here in April. 

Two films from 1932, "Grand Hotel," 

with Greta Garbo. John Barrymorc. Joan 

Crawford and Wallac;: Berry, and "Dinner 

at Eight." also featuring Barrymore and 

Berry, were shown by the John Carroll 

Student Film Society in Kulas .\uditorium 

Sunday (16) at 7:30 p.m. The society is a 

student-run organization. 

David Miller, director of National General 

Pictures" "Executive .\ction." recently 

was in the city to promote the film, which 

currently is showing here at five theatres. 

Miller said that he. the crew and the actors 

all worked for minimum union wages in 

order to get the movie made on its tight 

budget ot^ $500,000. Burt Lancaster will 

earn a percentage of the picture. The cast 

and crew, he said, were remarkably punctual 

and the picture, shot entirely on location. 

was made in 30 days. Miller anticipated 

some sort of trouble with the film and is 

pleasantly surprised with the reception the 

movie has been receiving. None of the 

major studios would touch the film before 

its completion. "Executive Action" has 

been particularly popular with young people. 

According to mild-mannered Miller. 

"Executive Action" was unusual in that the 

action had to be "held down" so it would 

not distract from the dialog. During his 

visit Miller insisted that none of the known 

facts about the assassination have been violated. 

The director is particularly pleased 

with the reception in Dallas, both the opening 

and the showing. Some persons have 

taken shots at the picture. Local attorney 

Burt W. Griffin, who served on the legal 

staff of the Warren Commission, claimed 

the movie leaves out 95 per cent of the facts 

and, according to Griffin, there was no conspiracy. 

Local attorney Harry N. Blum, 

associate producer of the film, along with 

two other local investors, Stephen Kadish 

and Dan Freedman, attended last month's 

Hollywood preview of the film. 

'Offbeat' 'Harold and Maude Marki 

Passing of 64fh Week In 

DETROIT—A movie review written by 

critic Susan Stark appeared in the Detroit 

Free Press Dec. 29, 1971, and it read as 

follows: "Strange as it may sound, a film 

about the love affair of a 20-year-old boy 

and a woman pushing 80 is easily the most 

genuinely romantic, spritely and easy-totake 

comedy of the year. The boy's name 

is Harold, the woman's Maude. The movie 

is named for both of them." 

With "Harold and Maude" well into the 

second year of its Detroit run. Free Press 

staffer Maryanne Conheim recently did a 

feature on the "64-week Love Affair With 

a Special Lady." Wrote Ms. Conheim: "Two 

or three times a day for the past 64 weeks, 

people have been lining up at a small theatre 

in Ferndale to see an offbeat little movie 

no one expected Detroiters would take to 

in a big way. 

"It's called "Harold and Maude.' It's about 

a love affair between a 20-year-old boy who 

likes to stage mock suicides and an 80-yearold 

free-spirited woman who likes to "liberate' 

city trees, police motorcycles and pet 

store canaries. 'Harold and Maude' is running 

ahead of "Ben-Hur" (62 weeks) and 

"Funny Girl' (61 weeks) and is grossing well 

at the Studio North Theatre, according to 

Studio Theatres general manager Ross Caccavale. 

Detroit 

"So many of the film's devotees are repeaters 

that some are well known to the 

theatre staff, like the girl from Washington, 

Mich., who has seen the film 37 times. 'A 

good word for it is "cult," mused Caecavale, 

trying to explain the film's appeal. 

"There are many people who have seen it 

a dozen times. It seems to grab a lot of 

young people. Not because of the comedy 

but because of the philosophy espoused by 

Ruth Gordon (who plays the octogenarian 

with the fluttering heart). It's about a free, 

uninhibited, spontaneous kind of existence.' 

"Fran Golden, 31, a textile restorer at 

the Detroit Institute of Arts, tried to explain 

why she was going to see the film for the 

tenth time: "I could see it every night!' she 

exclaimed. "It's such a regenerative thing. 

Maude is my lady for a whole lot of rea- 

(Continued on page ME-16) 

THEATRE PROJECTION BOOTHS 

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CONSULT US 

CLEVELAND 

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liaf and (iMrMtccing 

All-Winter Operation Is 

Planned in Guerneville 

GUERNEVILLE, CALIF. — Tony and 

Carolyn Mata of Forestville, Calif., new 

owners of the River TTieatre in Guerneville, 

announced plans to keep the showhouse in 

operation all through the winter. They qualified 

the policy, however, by stating that 

"floodwaters will be a determining factor 

at one point but we are hopeful that this 

winter will be a mild season." 

The Matas plan to continue family fare 

on a weekend basis, with matinees on Saturday 

afternoons for children of all ages. 

FROM 

LOCAL 160 

I. A. T. S. E. & M. p. M. O. 

CLEVELAND 

i 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

CARBONS, Inc. 1- 

' 

K, C«)or Knolh, 

'1^0« ^ m^tc — ^g'd U tit C»^' 

YIn Kentucky—Stondord Vendors, Louisville, (502) 361-1155 

In Michigan— Ringold Theatre Equipment Co., Grond Rapids, 

(616) 454-8852 

Ringold Theatre Equipment Co., Garden City, (313) 522-4651 

In Ohio—Ohio Theatre Supply Co., Cleveland, (216) 771-6545 

BOXOmCE :: December 17. 1973 ME-13

CLEVELAND s.eadon 6 

?î«i?î&~i% 

Q' Teeuna6 di 9' CLEVELAND 

« 


PETER F. ROSIAN 

PERSONAL FILM RESEARCH 

2108 Payne Avenue—216-771-3830 

I 

f 

I 

t 


from 

BUENA VISTA DIST. CO. 

WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS 

FRED BUNKELMAN 

DAVE BEAUPAIN 

District Manager 

Branch Manager 

JIGGS" DZIK 

Booker 

AMD ALL THE STAFF 

| 

B 

«iSrtiSirt!JSrgjai)^£^»£ 


from 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Wrri, TV/IG, Branch Manager 

FRANK HUNT, Oliice Manager 

PAT MOONEY, Booker 

and the staff 

2108 Payne Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114 g 

881-2257 

I 

I 

ME-14 

•^& 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17, 1973

; 

Local Standards Survey 

Is Planned by Law Firm 


LOS ANGELES—Robert Carter McDaniel. 

partner in the law firm of Fleishman, 

McDaniel. Brown & Weston, announced at 

the Los Angeles Press Club Wednesday (5) 

the firm's intention to introduce a new, 

comprehensive, scientifically produced public 

opinion survey to determine contemporary 

community standards concerning sex 

CLEVELAND 

and nudity in the arts, in part as a means 

of supplying objective factual information 

to be used as guidelines in obscenity litigation 

and also to help alleviate the taxpayers' 

burden of paying for the needless prosecution 

of "obscenity" cases involving consenting 

adults. 

A partial release of the data already on 

hand will be effected at the same time and 

McDaniel will be willing to answer questions 

from the media which would not be 

considered prejudicial to current litigation. 

Starlite Airer Is Robbed 

Of 18,000 Feet of Film 

From North Central Edition 

STURGEON BAY, WIS.—The Starlite 

Drive-In was robbed Saturday night, October 

6, with the thieves making off with 

18.000 feet of film. According to reports, 

all of one movie was taken and part of 

another. The film was on nine 12-inch, 35- 

minute reels in the projection room. Involved 

were the motion pictures "Butterfly" 

and "Fun and Games." 

CLEVELAND 

j 

"Thank you" 

For being our Customer 

The entire stafi joins me in 

This Holiday greeting of 

appreciation 

Mike Klein 

branch manager 

Warner Bros. Pictures Co. 

mi*>Jiii»iiîMm:î»'îi» i» 'iiiimVlm 

BEST WISHES FOR 

I 

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR 

Avco Embassy Pictures Corp. 

19201 Villaview 

Bob Blitz 

tggrtg»«g?jKggti

— 

— 

Offbeat' 'Harold and Maude Marks 

Passing of 64th Week in Detroit 

(Continued from page ME- 13) 

sons. She doesn't just take from anyone 

she gives and it comes back to her. It isn't 

at all a profound statement. It's like getting 

your battery recharged. You should leave 

"Harold and Maude" wanting to plant trees 

and hold hands and you should want to live! 

I might be stretching it but I really see it as 

the whole cosmic thing,' she said. 

"Recently the theatre management shifted 

'Harold and Maude' across town to the Studio 

New Center to make room for the new 

Francois Truffaut movie 'Day for Night.' 

But the loyal fans keep coming. 

"Kathy Wallie, 19. who has seen the film 

37 times and holds the current Detroit record, 

says simply: 'Within my group of 

friends it's sort of a cult. Everyone walks 

out of the film smiling and happy. It's not 

that I'm a fanatic, really.' One night recently 

Cathy Herzog, 23, a University of Detroit 

theology student, took her friend Sister 

Paula Mary, 39, to see the movie and explained: 

'It says so many true things that 

are important to me and says them in such 

a beautiful way. It says to me that hearts 

can come together and leap barriers like 

time and only the young and old have the 

courage to say it.' 

"The only two movies that have had 

longer Detroit runs than "Harold and 

Maude' were 'This Is Cinerama' (99 weeks) 

and "The Sound of Music' (97 weeks). The 

only other city where 'Harold and Maude' 

has really taken hold is Minneapolis, where 

it is now in its 87th week. "They tried it in 

COLUMBUS 

fhe Christmastime 

doesn't care what people think.' Universal in various capacities. 

lineup of top features 

includes "Robin Hood" at Great Western 

Pittsburgh with the same ads and it dropped 

and Northland, "Papillon" at Loews' 

dead in three or four weeks,' Caccavale said. Arlington and Eastland, "Sleeper" at the 

"I've been spending 

Dre.xel, $300 to $400 a week 

"Magnum Force" at Cinema East 

the bare minimum advertising budget for a and Loews' Westervillc, "Jonathan Livingston 

first-run movie house. 

Seagull," at Loews' Morse Road, "Ash 

"E.xperts are at a loss to explain the film's Wednesday" at Carousel East, "The Sting" 

at 

selective appeal for Detroit and Minneapolis University City Cinema. "The Sevenaudiences. 

'Detroiters may be desperately Ups" at Great Western II and Town and 

searching for some sort of religious solution Country and "The Paper Chase" at Camelot 

to their problems,' speculated Detroit psychiatrist 

North and Forum 2 and 3. 

Dr. Paul Lowinger. "But it's hard 

to know why they would choose this kind Ratna Assan, Steve McQueen's leading 

of film for a religious revival. There is a lady in "Papillon," was interviewed via 

sense of decay and death about Detroit but long-distance telephone by Sara Carroll of 

then why wouldn't the film catch on in the Dispatch and Gene Gerrard of the Citizen-Journal. 

cities like Newark and Cleveland?' 

The interviews were arranged 

"Lowinger compares Maude's last fling by Sam Shubouf. Loews' city manager. 

with Harold, whom she meets at one of the 

funerals they both attend regularly for fun. 

to 'getting high on heroin before they come 

to take you away. So the city is dying. What 

the hell's that got to do with the movie?' 

BV Appoints Dave Gonda 

NYC District Manager 


Lowinger finally concluded, admitting he 

was stumped. 

NEW YORK—Dave Gonda has been appointed 

Buena Vista's New York metro- 

"In spite of Harold's preoccupation with 

death—driving hearses, attending funerals, 

politan district manager, effective immediately, 

it was announced by Irving H. 

staging phony suicides and murders for the 

benefit of his phony socialite mother, who Ludwig, president of the Disney distribution 

subsidiary. 

barely notices—the film's mostly young audience 

doesn't see that as negative or unhealthy. 

For the past year, Gonda served as 

'It's believable is what it is,' ex- 

manager of BV's Detroit branch. Prior to 

plained 16-year-old Debbie Blair of Bloomfield 

this he served a year in exhibition in the 

Township, going to see it for the sev- 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., area, was a sales- 

enth time. 'He does the kinds of things I do man for United Artists in Detroit for six 

—whatever he feels like doing. And he years and spent more than ten years with 

" 

COLUMBUS 

COLUMBUS 

»«*»».»as.e!i9.EKâiaiS^^ 

From 

N.A.T.O. of Ohio 

Serving Exhibition 

Throughout Ohio 

î 

»i»«(!S«i»î!iC8»JBsi»iSi9«!»-»*?^^ 

HappY Holidays To Everyone! 

The Staff 

John Barcroft Advertising Agency 

16 E. Broad St.—Columbus, Ohio 

John L. Barcroft Sue Barcroft 

Julie Kiebel Mary Selleck 

Fred P. Oestreicher Betty Kerr 

of 


from 

FRED OESTREICHER 

Columbus Correspondent 

BOXOFTICE 

I May Your Holidays Be Merry and Bright ! ! ! 

GOOD TIMES 

In Coliimbus 

Complete Entertaiiunent and Leisure 

Activities Guide 

Tom Thomson 

404 Thurber Drive "West 

Columbus, Ohio 

Â 

-IS BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

Three $5,000 Fines 

In Norwell Case 

BOSTON—Three fines totaling $15,000 

will be appealed to Superior Court by 

defendants South Shore Cinema, Inc., and 

projectionist Charles Shaw of the Norwell 

Cinema, who drew the fines from Highani 

District Court Judge Alvin C. Tamkin in 

cases involving "1001 Danish Delights." 

Judge Tamkin fined the South Shore 

Cinema. $5,000 for possession and $5,000 

for showing the picture: Shaw was fined 

$5,000 for showing the film. 

Found innocent of similar charges were 

Paul Grossman and John D. Harper jr., 

principals of the Pittsburgh-based corporation, 

since it was not proved they had direct 

knowledge that the film was being shown. 

Still to be ruled on by Judge Tamkin is 

"Ail-American Girl." a second film confiscated 

by state police from the Norwell 

Cinema, which has been involved in controversy 

with a Norwell citizens group and 

the Norwell selectmen throughout this year 

over the policy of showing X-rated movies. 

In January, after 300 Norwell residents 

had met to protest the Norwell Cinema's 

"steady diet of obscene films," the town's 

selectmen refused to issue a new operating 

license to the theatre. This tactic failed. 

however, when a federal district court ruled, 

in a case involving a Boston theatre, tliat 

.Massachusetts' licensing laws were unconstitutional. 

The Norwell selectmen thus were 

forced to issue a license to a theatre, which 

continued its X-film policy. 

Last month, led by Nicholas Pizella and 

Rita Warren, the citizens resorted to picketing 

the theatre and state police twice raided 

the cinema, confiscating "1001 Danish Deliehts" 

and "All-American Girl." 

UAT Circuit Ridgefield 

Playhouse Has Been Sold 

RIDGEFIELD, CONN.—United Artists 

Theatres has sold the 500-seat Ridgefield 

Playhouse to local interests, the latter planning 

to convert the building to either a bank 

or other commercial purposes. 

Prior to the circuit taking over the theatre 

in the late 1 960s. the property was operated 

by Prudential Theatres. 

Esquire Withdraws Case 

Involving 'Miss Jones' 

HARTFORD— Legal counsel for Esquire 

Theatres of America. Inc., which had challenged 

Connecticut's obscenity laws in connection 

with showings of states-rights release 

"The Devil in Miss Jones," has withdrawn 

the case in U.S. District Court here. 

Attorney Alvin Pudlin of New Britain 

gave no specific reason for the move but 

indicated that his client felt the issue would 

be covered in several other obscenity challenges 

pending in the federal courts. 

eta's Paris cinemas I-II, Wethersfiekl 

(suburban Hartford), stopped showing the 

film after a brief engagement last spring, 

when a patron complained to police. 

Pudlin had sought a court order to block 

police from interfering with the theatres' 

bill-of-fare. 

AMC Opens Fourplex 

At Hadley, Mass. 

HADLEY, MASS.—A m e r i c a Multi 

Cinema of Kansas City, Mo., has opened a 

four-auditorium complex, the Mountain 

Farms Mall Cinemas, in the newly built. 

$6-million Mountain Farms Mall shopping 

development off Route 9. Overall seating is 

1.200. 

The project is situated on a 40-acre tract, 

with some retail outlets in addition to the 

four cinemas. 

The developer was Charles Schnier Development 

Co. of Bloomfield, Conn, 

Flip Wilson will 

Saturday Night." 

appear in "Uptown 

BOSTON 

Conn. Theatres Cut 

Heating, Lighting 

H.ARTFORD—Conneclicul thc.itre owners, 

in the main, are voluntarily reducing 

use of electricity, said Bernie Menschell, 

president of the Connecticut Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners. 

1 he move, tied to the industry's energyconscious 

developments, has theatres, including 

drive-ins. turning on marquees lights 

(in the case of underskyers, of course, highway 

signs) later in the evening. 

Menschell heads the Menschell Bros. 

Theatres, operating the Berlin Cine I-II, 

Vernon Cine I-II, and Manchester and Pike 

Drive-Ins, in metropolitan Hartford. 

"We are turning thermostats down to a 

prescribed 68 degrees," Menschell said, "and 

waiting until the last possible moment to 

turn on the marquees. .And we turn the 

marquees off after the crowd is in for the 

last show of the evening. 

"Previously," he added, "some theatres 

would keep their marquees lighted well into 

the evening for promotional value. But 

we're also Americans and we want to keep 

in the mainstream of American thinking; 

hence, the new operating pattern." 

CATO represents two-thirds of the some 

200 theatres in the state. 

Stan Sekula jr.. South Windsor Cinema, 

announced a new policy of one performance 

only "on school and work nights." 

'Thunderfist' Opening 

BOSTON—"Thunderfist." the PG-rated 

martial arts Artisan Releasing film, made 

its New England debut Wednesday (5) at 

the Paramount Theatre. 

BOSTON 

g Season's Greetings f 

t 

I 

I 20th Century-Fox i 

i 

P 

S John Peckos Robert Cheren ^ 

K » 

g Corine Fisher Ralph Farnham * 

U Larry Silverman a 

BOXOmCE :: December 17. 1973 

NE-1

BOSTON 

lyfike Sirota, resident manager of Ed 

Lider"s Allston cinemas, is on an 18- 

hour daily schedule preparing for the gala 

world premiere of "Mistress Pamela," a 

major release from Fanfare Corp. The 

premiere is scheduled for the theatre complex 

at 214 Harvard Ave., Allston, New 

Year's Eve. Based on Samuel Richardson's 

1740 literary classic "Pamela." the motion 

picture is to be shown on both screens in an 

opening night celebration that promises to 

bring the golden age of movies back to 

Boston. Anne Michelle, an English beauty, 

has the title role and those who have seen 

her previous films compare her to Raquel 

Welch, Claudia Cardinale and Sophia Loren. 

Mike says enthusiasm and interest in the 

premiere are building rapidly and will be 

abetted by a full round of sneak previews, 

public appearances by the stars and producers, 

spotlights and ballyhoo. Announcement 

of conferences and luncheons to promote 

the occasion also will be made soon. 

For further information, interested parties 

may contact Mike at 277-2141 or 232-1400. 

George McKinnon, Boston Globe film 

reviewer, ran some nice words in his movie 

column November 28 for Justin Freed's 

Park Square Movie House programs. Wrote 

George: "If the world is too much with you, 

what with Christmas shopping, the energy 

crisis and the Washington mess, you might 

try flopping back into an era that seems, 

from this distance anyway, a simpler time. 

Today and tomorrow the Park Square 

Movie House has a fine bill of two 1930 

comedies; 'Holiday.' with Katharine Hepburn 

and Cary Grant, and 'His Girl Friday," 

the typical Rosalind Russell comedy of the 

pre-war years, also starring Cary Grant. 

Sunday through Tuesday the theatre is showing 

two more classics from the 1930s, 'Top 

Hat,' with Astaire and Rogers, probably one 

of the best film musicals ever made, and 

'The Thin Man,' with those 'ultra-sophisticates' 

of the 1930s, Wilham Powell and 

Myrna Loy, plus, of course, the dog Asta." 

Steve Minasian, Esquire TTieatres executive, 

was out of town for a week, flying to 

New York for conferences and meetings 

NEW ENGLAND SEATING and 

CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 

Over 15 years Experience in 

REFURBISHED & NEW CHAIRS for 

Theatre * Auditorium * Scliool 

33 Simmons St., Boston, Moss. 02120 

Phone Collect (617) 442-3830 

with film producers and industry executives 

regarding coming features. 

Nick Russo's G. G. Communications, 

Inc.. has moved to larger quarters in the 

Statler Office Building. Formerly in Room 

910. the firm now is on the eighth floor in 

820, a suite of five lavishly decorated rooms 

on the round end of the building, all of the 

rooms beautifully bright and with 11 windows 

overlooking the spacious Public Garden 

and Boston Common. As one of the 

office girls commented, it gives the staffers 

excellent views of the swan boats moving 

about on the Garden lake. The company's 

popular "Pippi Longstocking" still is being 

booked and shown, judging by the numerous 

telephone calls coming in for repeat 

bookings. Nick said that the pubhcity department 

is busy setting up plans for the 

new Pippi fihn. "Pippi in the South Seas." 

Joe Barilla, well known in the film district 

for many years, will take charge of 

Judd Parker Films' shipping department, 

effective January 1 when the company 

moves to 50 Church St. and occupies 

quarters recently vacated by American International 

Pictures. Joe originally owned and 

managed the Boston Film Shipping and 

Film Inspection Co., later joining American 

International and supervising its shipping 

room for several years. 

Boston's Universal exchange on Church 

Street rapidly is becoming the hot spot in 

the film district for those of us looking for 

that mysterious thing called luck. We recently 

reported that Jack Finn, Universal 

exchange manager, had a winning ticket in 

the state lottery. In fact, he had two; also 

Walter Dyer and four of the office girls 

won $25 prizes in different weeks and now 

two more girls, just last week, hit the game 

for two winning tickets. The latest winners 

were Joan Carrado, booker, and Lorraine 

Licciardi, bookkeeper, and everyone is asking 

them where Universal staffers buy their 

tickets. 

Harvey Appell, AIP exchange manager, 

announced that after a hectic weekend of 

moving, all members of his staff are well 

established in their handsome new headquarters 

in the Park Square Building, Room 

222. That's right next door to another wellknown 

business—the U.S. Social Security 

office. The new AIP office, completely furnished 

with new equipment and fittings, is 

modern in every detail. Harvey's office has 

relaxing leather lounge chairs and sofa 

(which are going to make it an attractive 

place to visit) and a bright red carpet at 

least two inches deep. Don Cohen's office 

is similarly outfitted except that his carpet 

is a dazzling purple. The entire AIP office 

is 

brightly lighted by new fixtures. 

Hugh McCauley, formerly in charge of 

MGM advertising and publicity for the 

Northeastern area and headquartered here, 

has relocated in Florida, where he has joined 

Wometco Theatres as district manager for 

theatres in the north part of the state. In 

his new assignment, Hugh will have charge 

of theatres in Gainesville. Ocala. Orlando 

and St. Petersburg. Hugh reported that his 

wife Betty would not join him in Florida 

until late this month since she gave birth to 

their first child— a boy—November 7. Hugh 

flew here November 8 to be with his growing 

family and now is looking forward to 

having his wife and son join him in time 

for Christmas. He sends a big hello to his 

friends in and around the Boston film 

district, including all of his friends on the 

newspapers and other news media. His 

address is c/o Park Twin Theatres, PO Box 

657, Winter Park. Fla. 32789 and he would 

welcome cards and letters from friends in 

this area. 

Mary Elizabeth Doherty, secretary to 

John Norton, National Theatre Supply, in 

company with one of the girls she knew in 

school, took off Monday (3) by jet for a 

two-week vacation in Florida ... At 

National Screen .Service in the same building, 

Mary Rita Doherty, trailer booking 

clerk, was feeling blue because she was 

being forced to part with her pet cat, Teddy 

Bear. It seems Mary Rita has moved to one 

of those ultra-fashionable apartment buildings 

where no pets are permitted, except 

that she already had moved in and become 

established there before she learned about 

the pet ban. Mary Rita pleaded with the 

caretaker, saying that she had had Teddy 

Bear five years—but the caretaker insisted, 

"No! That cat must go!" 

INCORPORATIONS 

— Connecticut — 

Olde Mistick TTieatres, Inc., c/o Salvatore 

J. Galtieri, Olde Mistick Village, Mystic; 

Galtieri, president; Normand H. Surprenant, 

secretary-treasurer; directors. Donald 

H. McNeil and Roger L. Surprenant. 

Twins for Norwich Mall 

NORWICH. CONN. — Antonio Reale 

and Anthony J. Monterosso of M&R Development 

Co.. East Hartford, have announced 

plans for an enclosed shopping 

mall, to include twin cinemas, on a 152- 

acre tract off Route 52, Connecticut Turnpike. 

Theatre Inspector Retires 

NEW HAVEN— Robert C. Spodick, 

executive committee chairman, Connecticut 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners, addressed a testimonial 

dinner honoring retiring New Haven 

city theatre inspector Philip Skelly. Spodick 

is partner with Leonard Sampson in New 

Haven-based Sampson & Spodick Theatres. 


(BULBS) 

1000 WATTS $165.00 1«00 WATTS $250.00 

CASH HICK 2S0O WATTS S3C0.00 auiiic»~ uam 

* lee ARTOE Carbon Co. 

;i243 Belmont Chicago 

I 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17, 1973 

i

NOW BEING BOOKED FOR JANUARY- MARCH PLAYDATES 

CHARIOTS OF THE GODS? 

IS REACHING FOR THE STARS 

IN ITS PREMIERE ENGAGEMENT IN BUFFALO: 

FIRST TWO WEEKS 

RELEASED BY 

$17&280! 

INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS, INC. 

Based on Erich von Daniken's 

controversial best-seller 

which rocked conventional 

theories of history 

and archeology. 

Productions, Inc 

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION, CONTACT CLOSEST SUN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS REGIONAL OFFICE: 

LOS ANGELES: Jim Rogers SEATTLE: Jim Rogers ATLANTA: Dale Smith KANSAS CITY: John Hinks SYRACUSE: Ron Perkins DALLAS: George Luce 

11071 Massachusetts Ave 507 Yale Avenue North 3550 Broad Street Drawer 11069. Antioch Station 1914 Teall Avenue 11422 Harry Nines Blvd.. Suite 108 

(213)478-4034 (206)624-8241 (404)458-0237 (816)781-7636 (315)437-7017 (214)243-2401 

(A new regional branch office will be established In Washington, O.C. effective January 1, 1974) 

HOME OFFICE: Roger Schaffner, Vice President, Distribution, 11071 Massachusetts Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90025 • (213) 478-4034 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17. 1973 NE-3

—— 

— 

— 

—— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

i 

'The Way We Were' 425 in 7th Week 

At Boston; 'Executive Action 300 

BOSTON— The Way We Were" attracted 

steady patronage in the report week, its 

seventh at Cinema 57 Two, and wound up 

leading the city's first-run grossers with a 

425 percentage. "Executive Action" tripled 

normal business at Cheri One in rounding 

out a month of screen time and "American 

Graffiti" claimed the report's No. i ranking 

on basis of 235 at Cheri Two. All other 

Boston first runs grossed in the 115 to 200 

. 

range. 

[Average Is 100) 

Beocon Jesus Christ Superstar (Univ), 

Hill 

23rd wk 120 

Chorles The New Lond (V^^B), 6th wk 115 

Charles East Day for Night (WB), 7th wk 155 

Charles West— Grond Boutfe (SR), 6th wk 

Chen One— Executive Action (NQP), 4th wk 

105 

300 

1 I Cheri Two—American Groffrti (Univ), th wk. .235 

Chen Three— Streets ;WB), 6th wk Mean 200 

Cinema 57 One Chorley Varrick (Univ), 6th wk. 125 

Cinema 57 Two The Paper Chase (20th-Fox), 

7th wk 200 

Circle Cinema—The Way We Were (Col), 7th wk. 425 

Gary Nurses' Report (SR) 135 

Kenmore— The Harder They Come (SR); 

Get to Know Your Rabbit (WB) 115 

Loews' Abbey Two—The Young Nurses (SR) 115 

Savoy One—The Don Is Dead (Univ), 3rd wk. ... 1 60 

Sovoy Two The Deadly Trackers (V/B), 2nd wk. 125 

•The Way We Were' 250 

During Hartford Fourth 

HARTFORD—"The Way We Were" 

nearly doubled grossing percentages of its 

nearest competition in a week of spotty 

^ -wUh 

^ 

S SCREENS 5 

^^ JVATCH PROJECTION IMPROVE V5 

^ NEW TECHNIKOTE ^ 

^ JET 

WHITE & PEARLESCENT 

^ 

AvollobU fron row oulb«f1ud 

Thwilr* Eqvlpm«nt S«ppir Ovotori 

TECHNIKOTE CORP. «3 S«abrli

REDSTONE 

MANAGEMENT 


| 

[ DAVIS BROS. MOTION PICTURE BOOKING AND BUYING SERVICE | 

STAN DAVIS 

HERB HIGGINS 

RUTH BALTIMORE 

925 Statler Office Bldg. 

Boston, Mass. 

426-0717, 0718, 2274. 2275- 

482-4592 MEL DAVIS 

CAROL COHEN 

SANDY PERKIN 

^W»';sw!«3JS!»*asiJio-CsisX:,i^^ 


MAJOR THEATRE 

EQUIPMENT CORP. 

44 Winchester St., Boston 

542-0445 

Successors to loe Cifre, Inc. S 

Dave Fox Mack George Paul « 

Frances Morns Arthur Porter 3 

ifi8s£kis«ii9Jc;^9JSa»«iis£i!S«i9X)isx^^ 


CINERAMA RELEASING CORP. 

Bob Anderson 

Steve 

Barbett 

*ai?atoRiaSa9J!«toSa: 

Warner Bros., Dist. Corp. 

Boston Office 

«?>ii«Sr3?

' 

BOSTON s.eadon 6 

Q reetlnad BOSTON 

^ 

Seasons 

Greetings 

OLD COLONY FILM TRANSFER CORP. 

738 EAST BROADWAY SOUTH BOSTON, MASS. 

268-4516 

Sr«iSirSS!r«SSr8SJr«iiS^^ 

êadon J 

Lureetu 

nlFREd BlacK conpoRaCion 

ALFRED BLACK, President 

DENNIS W. KUNIAN, Vice-President 

q

BOSTON 

BOSTON 


E. M. LOEWS 

THEATRES 

164 TREMONT ST. BOSTON 

Phone 482-9200 

3 

Universal Good Will To All 

From 

UNIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY OF BOSTON, INC. 

BOBBY AARON 

LOU CHIARAMONTE 

1245 Adams St. BOSTON 

Phone 298-5900 

êfeadon d 

Nelson Wright 

Ljreetlnad 

Marvin Hubon 

June Talisman 

WRIGHT ENTERPRISES 

1124 Park Sq. Bldg. 

542-4G05 

Happy Holidays 

RICHMOND FILM 

DISTRIBUTORS. INC. 

921 Park Square Building 

Tel. 482-1600 

i 

I 

I 

s.eadon d 

c. reetinaA 

VARIETY CLUB 

OF NEW ENGLAND 

Staff of the Jimmy Fund 

Season's 

^v^viii ii!Si

J 

There s 

Nothing Wrong With This 

Industry Good Films 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

HARTFORD—The late Nicholas M. 

Schenck. long the enthusiastic pace-setting 

executive of Loew's. Inc.. was often heard 

to remark that there is nothing wrong with 

this industry that good pictures can't cure. 

The thinking, the tempo and the temperament 

of a business, in which erratic releasing 

patterns have been very much part of 

the day's modus operandi for varied reasons, 

can indeed range from spirited outlook to 

dismal discourse. Somewhere in between lies 

a more realistic appraisal: the creative end 

of the industry in truth can turn out just so 

much topflight quality; the promotion arm 

can pay attention to just so much in just so 

much time. 

Sperie P. Perakos. president and chief 

executive officer of the family-owned-andoperated 

Perakos Theatres Associates. New 

Britain, Conn. -based circuit, told us the 

other afternoon that if enough people in 

exhibition, let alone distribution, made up 

their mind to sell and sell again what they 

have booked, there'd be a significantly 

strong boxoffice response. 

"We shouldn't downtalk the business, in 

conversation with fellow exhibitors or. for 

that matter, the public to which we are trying 

to sell the present-day attractions." he 

asserted. "We've got to maintain, somehow, 

a firm and realistic marketing approach." 

There are variations, certainly, on the 

Perakos philosophy. But. basically, every 

man deserving of the appellation showman 

BOSTON 

Cant Cure 

believes in his product, wants to sell it. sell 

it as never before and. in turn, garner 

greater boxoffice receptivity. 

Boston's Ben Sack, who has, at present 

count, 20-plus theatres, was quoted in New 

England's largest morning daily, the Boston 

Globe, the other day as saying that the core 

of his business, despite the latter-day emphasis 

on suburbia, is still in Boston. Through 

Sack's concerted salesmanship, the Hub City 

has jumped nationally from 24th place to 

third as a film market. 

The Globe quoted him: "I'm available for 

funerals, dances and bar mitzvahs. is my 

expression—meaning that the people who 

make the movies have the right to do what 

they want with them. 

"But 1 don't approve of beginning with 

multiple runs. I think pictures should go 

from downtown to the periphery to the 30- 

theatres-at-once showing and. after 30 to 40 

per cent of all these houses being built have 

to close down, things will go back to the 

way they used to be." 

Sack's latest development is a four-auditorium 

complex, called Sack Cinema City 

(seating capacity of 850, 750, and two of 

600 each) in Danvers, a Boston suburb. This 

is a million-dollar project and, he noted, 

without the cinemas, he doubted if a supermarket 

chain (A&P) and a bank branch 

would have f)een planned for adjacent 

space. 

Referring to the new project. Sack told 

the Globe: "These theatres are going to be 

good for Danvers, bring in a lot of business. 

And they'll be good for me, because the 

North Shore is an up-and-coming area." 

He emphasized that the core of Sack 

Theatres will continue to be maintained in 

downtown Boston. Full-page ads attest to 

this theory. 

The public's taste in entertainment is subjected, 

as veteran industry observers will 

readily admit, to enormous fluctuations. 

20th Century-Fox's "The Poseidon Adventure." 

Paramount's "The Godfather," 

United Artists' "Live and Let Die," American-International's 

"Heavy Traffic," to 

mention only four, proceeded to stagger the 

imagination of the most conservative elements 

in exhibition. 

A Monday morning quarterbacking, i.e., 

a post marketing reevaluation, of just what 

made the four catch public attention, must, 

of necessity, encompass the very drive, the 

dramatic flair, if you will, accorded the preopening 

marketing. 

Above all. we'd wager that every man 

who worked on the selling campaigns believed 

in the product, believed in the product 

to the extent that they, in effect, went 

the extra mile in ascertaining even better 

marketing approaches than had been envisioned. 

There is a thin line between distinctive 

advertising and hum-drum concepts; the 

former proceeds to persuade, the latter 

dawdles with lackluster approaches. 

Industry friend, Ray Parker, majordomo 

of the Concord Hotel, Kiamesha Lake. 

N.Y., mailed us a business card he had 

received from a resort hotel acquaintance; 

it read, "A Man Can Fail Many Times 

But He Isn't a Failure Until He Begins to 

Blame Someone Else!" 

How very applicable to motion pictures! 

BOSTON 

gaaai!a.Cia8.%is>îaJi«W!agJ!JiiWJto^ 


NFB Film Distributors 

470 Statler Office Bldg., Boston, Mass. 

482-4442 


Cinemation Industries, Inc. 

1129 Park Square Building, Boston, Mass. 

Dick Waite, Paul Peterson 

Harold Levin 

Peggy Hunter 

cga

^^1 

BOSTON .êadon 6 K^reetuin^6 BOSTON 

% 

^Jjeu5on 6 K^reetinad % 

AVCO EMBASSY PICTURES CORPORATION I 

JOE WOLF 

Eastern Division Manager 

MAURICE LEVINE 

Sales Representative 

BOB RANCATORE 

New England District Manager 

LOU LIESER 

Buffalo Representative 

% 


TO ALL OUR FRIENDS 

CINEMA DESIGNERS 

1245 Adams St. 

BOSTON Phone 298-5900 

iiuo Aaron 

Lou Chiaramonte 


s.eadon 6 Q*^reeunas 

di 9' 

Esquire Theatres of America, Inc. 

Robert P. Borsamion 

Stephen G. Minasian Philip J. Scuderi 

«Rjrss?ar«!!9rt»5Q-ssrsf*«?^^ 


350 Park Sq. Bldg. Boston, Mass. 

s?S

HARTFORD 

The years are rolling on: Tommy Alquist, 

now 58, marked his 50th year in the 

performing ranks Thanksgiving Day, recalling 

he first performed at age 8 at the 

old Middlesex Theatre in Middletown. Alquist 

later worked for the Warner Bros. 

Theatres and at the late Martin H. Keieher's 

Princess Theatre. He also worked for Walter 

B. Lloyd at the Allyn Theatre, then under 

the M&P Theatres banner. Tommy recently 

talked with Lloyd by phone down in 

Tampa, Fla. Retired for some years, Lloyd 

went on to the Florida State Theatres after 

his long-time Allyn stint. Alquist now is in 

the insurance field. 

George B. Cohen, son of Lou Cohen, 

retired Loew's Poli manager, and Mrs. 

Cohen, has been named chairman of the 

1974 Waterbury Jewish Federated Appeal 

Campaign; George is president of a car 

dealership in Waterbury and is vice-president 

of the Waterbury Jewish Federation. 

Rudy Frank, publicist for the Harris 

Bros.' State for many years and now operating 

the Rudy Frank Record Shops, had a 

reunion with the man who appointed him 

chairman of the State Board of Fisheries 

BOSTON 

and Game. He went trout fishing with 

former Gov. John Dempsey. Rudy served 

20 years on the board, an all-time record. 

John Connell jr., son of the SBC Management 

Corp. executive, and planning a career 

in forestry conservation, is a sophomore at 

Central Connecticut State College, New 

Britain. 

SPRINGFIELD 

\X7ally Beach hosted the western Massachusetts 

premiere of a unique stageand-screen 

presentation, "Cin-a-Rock" motion 

picture and "live" rock production, for 

four days, charging $3 admission for all 

seats, at his Julia Sanderson Theatre. On 

the screen was Bert Tenzer's "Free," with 

Jimi Hendrix, Mountain, Van Morrison, 

Steppenwolf and Doctor John; this was followed 

by a "live" performance with Fat 

and Fire Water. 

The Grand Theatre, Indian Orchard, 

playing Buena Vista's reprise attraction, 

"Snowball Express," charged what is believed 

to be the lowest admission in years, 

50 cents for all seats, on a recent Fridaythrough-Sunday. 

NEW BRITAIN 

^he New Britain committee on standards 

of decency at a recent meeting attempted 

to determine what the standards of the 

community were but to no avail. The subject 

was to be discussed at another session, 

to be attended by Mayor Stanley J. Pac. 

NEW HAVEN 

Tn a rare area promotion pitch for a skinflick 

attraction, leading lady Tina Russell 

came in from New York for press interviews 

ahead of the Fairmount Theatre's 

premiere of "Whatever Happened to Miss 

September?" a states-rights release. 

Several hundred law-enforcement officials 

from around Connecticut attended a testimonial 

dinner for State Police Commissioner 

Cleveland B. Fussenich at the Sheraton 

Park Plaza Hotel. He received a distinguished 

service award for an "innovative 

approach to law-enforcement problems." 

Theatre licensing and supervision is under 

the state police department in Connecticut. 

Paul Newman, who maintains residence 

in Westport, now says he hopes to film another 

movie in Bridgeport, showing "a more 

positive side of this great, spirited community 

where I have many friends and 

happy memories." The actor-director caused 

a stir among community leaders after Cosmopolitan 

Magazine quoted him as saying 

"Bridgeport is terribly depressing." Newman 

partially filmed 20th Century-Fox's 

"The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the- 

Moon Marigolds" in low-income sections of 

Bridgeport and was quoted in the women's 

magazine as repeating a remark of Bridgeport 

Mayor Nicholas Panuzio, saying 

Bridgeport is "the armpit of New England." 

Newman contends that Cosmopolitan had 

quoted him out of context and that he had 

been misunderstood. 

"The Great Waldo Pepper" is being 

filmed in San Marcos, Texas. 

BOSTON 

i»?Si&a>i»55i»Si»Oi»aii»aas.e!i»a>i^ 

s.eudon d Q'^ db 

WE'LL HAVE MORE IN 74 

FROM A.LP. OF NEW ENGLAND 

Harvey Appell 

Don Cohen 

Joe Leahy 

46 Church St. Boston 542-0677-78-79 

Jêasond Lf reelings I 

| Season 6 Qreetlinad 

f 

Judd Parker Films, Inc. 

B&Q Associates 

Hatton Taylor 

John Parker 

James Engle 

Michael Parker 

^3 Jsa»?aa*s!»iS!9*!»«iteaih»^ «i»*sS»»ii!«MSsjsJS!«*s!»a5i!»«^^ 

^^-\^ BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973

'' 

' 

BOSTON s.eadon d L^reetbina6 BOSTON 

^fmm M ^âi êoA in ^97^ 

THOMAS & SHIPP FILMS, INC. B INDEPENDENT FILM SHIPPERS 

110 W. 18th St. 


(816) 421-1692 

Mary Hoyalip 

Bob Mauss 

Chailene Ward 

lohn Shipp 

Ken Heard 


Wilma Martin 

Serving the exchange areas oi Kansas City. 

St. Louis. Des Moines and Omaha 

1800 CENTRAL 


DAVID SHIPP 


(816) 471-3348 

BETTY BURDICK m 

Inspectress 

ig^5$!§gS^§^Sâ5g^:5§Sgy^;§£^-^^!^S^g!i^^ — ^ 

I 

êadon 

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1 I 


From Your 


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National Screen Service Family 

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A Complete Theatre Service 

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ERNIE WARREN 

BOXOFHCE CORRESPONDENT 

FOR THE BOSTON HLM DISTRICT 

1909—AND ON AND ON 

remember: Elmer Pearson, Not Blumberg, Edgar Brooks, 

I 

Paul Brunei, Ed Eschmann, R. D. Marston, Frank Vine, 

Bernie Corbett, Jake Coolidge, Dick Sears, Art Holah, 

Irving Wormser, Tom Sprye, Harry Campbell, Tim 

OToole, Bill Cuddy, Ross Cropper, Bill Kelly, Jack Uc- 

Gann, Paul Baron, Sam Moscow. 

THOSE WERE THE DAYS 


Nu Pixie Cinema 

I I Hyde Park 

Tony Di Santis 

Daughter Mother Grandmother 

Lucia Rose Mary 

Four Generations on Film Row 


MEL SAFNER MARTY HERMAN 

HELEN HERMAN PATTY SCHWARTZ 

VIOLET DARVILLE PATRICIA HAUSER 

Edward Ruff Film Assoc, Inc. 

1134 Park Sq. Bldg. 

GREETINGS 

:\ ROBERT WALDMAN DAVID E. DICK 

Operators of 

[ ACADEMY CINEMA 1 AND 2 \ 

Newton Center 

A Subsidiary of 

FAIRBANKS INDUSTRIES 

I 

.. 

..,„..„.,„ . 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17. 1973 NE-II

I 

I 

1 

. 

ROUNDABOUT NEW ENGLAND 

Tt was, more or less, passed over in printedbroadcast 

media emphasis, but the fact 

that one of the most successful marketing 

executives in the world sounded off on the 

theme that "too many businessmen are 

complaining too much" caught our attention 

while browsing through one of the 

dozen-plus newspapers we read every day. 

The man was Akio Morita, acknowledged 

as one of the most successful and individualistic 

men on the economic scene in modernday 

Japan. At 52, the president of the 

world-famed Sony Corp. is not one to follow 

the herd; what he does and how he 

does it should prove that where there's a 

will, there's a way. The premise is as 

applicable to motion pictures as to everything 

else and what he said in Tokyo, addressing 

the Foreign Correspondents Club 

of Japan, should be studied by those who 

would lead the film industry out of tension 

and what that word implies in terms of 

film industry fears and frustrations. 

Sony happens to be one of the world's 

major manufacturers of high quality sound 

and video equipment. The gross sales for 

its last fiscal year hit $778 million. 

What did Morita say that caught our 

attention? He cited American businessmen 

as being "too arrogant, impatient, illprepared 

and parochial" to succeed in 

competitiveness with Japanese firms. 

"American enterprises," he said, "need 

to take more time to study the market 

situation in Japan and manufacture products 

the Japanese people will want to buy, instead 

of expecting too quick results." 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

Is it not an economic-fact-of-life that 

all too often a motion picture, created by 

some of the best talent in the world, is 

sent into the market-place without an introductory 

ad in Boxoffice for cinema owners 

everywhere to study? 

Is it not an economic-fact-of-life that 

all too often a distributor tosses a film into 

national release without initially ascertaining 

what best local-level advertising approach 

should be encouraged, to garner a 

greater profitability for local-level exhibition? 

What Morita says in Tokyo is as true to 

key-market releasing patterns for motion 

pictures on this side of the Pacific. 

Morita told the press assemblage in Japan 

that American businessmen are complaining 

too much about their trade problems 

and doing business in that booming country. 

But they just don't seem to work at 

problem resolvement hard enough. 

Mind you, Morita knows what it is to 

earn-a-buck: he helped found Japan's tape 

recorder and television manufacturing firm 

as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo with astonishingly 

modest backing in 1946. 

By the middle of the 1950s, his business, 

gratifying enough, was hitting sales 

figures that could stagger the imagination. 

In 1972, Sony opened a 300-man assembly 

plant in San Diego. Another manufacturing 

outlet is going up in England. 

Morita remarked: "When we announced 

we would start production of Sony products 

in California, the response from our 

American dealers was the question whether 

Sony products made in California would 

have the same quality as products made 

in Japan." 

But Morita and his key people made sure 

that the same high quality emanating from 

Japan was evident in California. "To maintain 

this standard, our workers, regardless 

of our nationality, must use our know-how 

with the same attention to quality that our 

Japanese worker devotes to the product." 

San Diego sales figures are escalating. 

Sony's premise holds true. 

What of American business practices? 

"I get the impression," Morita said, "that 

there have been so many things to do and 

demands to be met inside the broad expanse 

of the U.S. that American manufacturers 

have assumed all they had to do was to 

make something new and it would be bought 

up by the customers. It seems they have 

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become so accustomed to this condition 

that they have forgotten how to find out 

what really satisfies the customers." 

He conceded that American companies 

are constantly concerned with figures and 

if 

rapid returns are not produced, the rating 

of the company drops: "Except for very 

large corporations, I wonder whether 

American companies are willing to embark 

on world-wide marketing ventures that require 

long-term investments." 

Americans, he mused, often assume their 

philosophy is always right any place in the 

world and that anyone who does not understand 

their philosophy is wrong: "Sometimes, 

Americans assume their laws should 

be valid throughout the world. We must 

not assume that all peoples in the world 

are the same as Americans." 

Morita constantly hears Americans telling 

foreign businessmen "to be fair." Fair 

play, of course, is vital: "But being fair 

does not mean that all nations should do 

things the American way. Being fair means 

that if I go to another country, I must understand 

the way things are done in that 

country and abide by the pattern of local 

behavior." 

To his view, Morita finds that Americans 

have been complaining to excess about 

Japan's enormously successful trading track 

record (there was a $4 billion-plus trade 

surplus with the U.S. last year). 

At the same time, Americans are not 

working hard enough or adapting their own 

products sufficiently to meet the challenge 

of the world's market place. 

He scored the still widely held argument 

that low wages are the key to Japan's 

economical progress. TTie wage level is rising 

at the rate of 15 per cent a year. 

Sony's homeland employees are earning 

as much as will be received by workers in 

the plant intended for England: "We have 

a people of one race, speaking one language, 

accustomed to working hard and having 

the management ability to coordinate these 

qualities." 

And applying these factors to the daily 

routine, Morita and other Japanese businessmen 

have proceeded to revise their 

country's industrial structure. The boom 

goes on. 

Several key elements are cited: Internal 

competition, a life-time system, reliance on 

trading companies and a tendency to "work 

with the rules." 

The Japanese export trader, when he 

faces restrictions in a country, will first 

exert efforts to sell his products in accordance 

with those restrictions, "instead of 

complaining and trying to get them 

changed." 

What has made Sony a dominant component 

of the Japanese economy is not 

especially innovative; Morita and his key 

people have looked to their markets, determined 

what can go and what cannot go and 

proceeded from that strategic point. 

So, too, with motion pictures. If there's 

a market for something, it behooves distribution 

and, in turn, exhibition, to seek it 

out, cultivate it and, in a team effort, come 

up a winner, week after week. 

NE-12 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 

4 

li^

; 

TVC Plans Expansion 

In Western Canada 

CALGARY'—.\ iJN.ilulion in the exhibition 

of films in western Canada could be 

under way with the news that Transcontinental 

Video Corp. of Vancouver is expanding 

through the West. This new concept 

in motion picture exhibition is achieved 

through the use of videocassettes in small 

theatres. Houses presently using this system 

reportedly are operating 24 hours per day. 

A special screen is required for the theatres 

but staff requirements are at an absolute 

minimum. A single person can take 

care of the whole theatre, as the cassettes 

can be operated from the ticket booth, according 

to TVC. 

Another economy feature of the system 

is that the tapes can be erased and used 

again. Master tapes of each picture will be 

kept and duplicates can be made as required. 

At the present time Toronto has a duplicating 

center where 500 tapes can be made 

simultaneously. 

With an extensive library of cassettes. 

each house will be able to show various 

films throughout the day and also will 

be able to cater to local tastes and interests. 

A library of cassettes will be maintained by 

each theatre, with emphasis on family pic- 

(Continued on page K-9) 

Capitol Theatre Ends Si-Year Span 

As Montreal Entertainment Palace 

MONTREAL—When the curtain came 

down for the last time at the Capitol Theatre 

Sunday evening, November 1 1. with Reveen, 

the great hypnotist, performing that symbolic 

act which has ended his annual appearance 

at the showhouse since 1966, it 

was an occasion to evoke memories which 

reached back to Saturday, April 2, 1921. 

That night, the curtain first went up to the 

opening notes of the Robespierre overture 

as the Capitol Symphony Orchestra, under 

the baton of conductor John Arthur, ushered 

in the era of the great movie palaces in 

Montreal. 

Managing director N. L. Nathanson, who 

had begun his working career selling popcorn 

as a boy in east-end Dominion Park 

and rose to head Famous Players Canadian 

Corp., at that time proclaimed the Capitol 

to be "a theatre built for you." He announced 

to the firstnight guests, "Tonight 

brings a new form of entertainment to Montreal. 

Here, for the first time in Canada, is 

being presented an annual blending of the 

cinema—stage, pictures, music and dancing. 

Sensing that something new is constantly 

demanded, men who have kept their finger 

on the public pulse ior years, have given 

their best to provide amusement that will 

This new entertainment 

please every taste . . . 

has not been planned for a day or a 

week but is to remain until replaced by 

something even greater, something yet to 

be conceived by the genii of the theatre . . 

. 

The Capitol is for you. Its every feature 

was planned with your comfort, convenience 

and happiness in mind. If you love 

to sing, to laugh, to live, you will find the 

full measure of enjoyment in this theatre." 

Then came the first feature film, after a 

feast of other entertainment. It was Cecil 

B. DeMille's presentation of "Forbidden 

Fruit," a Famous Players-Lasky production. 

All of Montreal's elite, as well as international 

celebrities, gathered for the occasion 

and afterwards, as Tom Cleary recalls, 

"Quite a lot of them went over to a nightclub 

that used to be opposite the Imperial 

and whooped it up until dawn." 

Cleary was a 17-year-old usher at the 

opening of the Capitol. He stayed with 

Famous Players, eventually becoming manager 

of a succession of their movie palaces. 


TORONTO 

TORONTO 

êadon 5 

FROM 

K^reelLinad 9' 

THE RANK ORGANIZATION IN CANADA 

• THE ODEON THEATRES (CANADA) LIMITED 

• RANK FILM DISTRIBUTORS OF CANADA LTD. 

*2êadon 6 

Ljreetinad 

i 

THEATRE CONFECTIONS LTD. 

Serving Theatres 

5 

From Coast to Coast 

% Toronto—Vancouver—Calgary 

Head Office, Tel. 438-1242 

J, 

; 

i 3434 Lawrence Ave., East 

Scarborough, Ontario 

THE SEASON'S BEST 

TO EVERYONE 

I. W. "Bill" AGNEW 

Toronto Correspondent 

BOXOmCE 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 K-1

TORONTO 

premier Operating plans to establish a second 

small theatre above Cinecity, 

which itself originally was a post office. 

Tenants on the second floor of the building 

already have been given notice to vacate. 

The Variety Club of Ontario Tent 28 

held its annual nomination luncheon meeting 

Tuesday (4) at the Park Plaza Hotel. 

Head table guests included CKEY's "Dialog" 

team, Charles Templeton and Pierre 

Berton. 

The locally based English division of 

Mutual Films is to join forces with Ambassador 

Film Distributors to distribute 

IN 74 

TORONTO 

MCA CANADA LTD. 

Mutual product. This company was set up 

in 1972, with Gordon Lightstone appointed 

as branch manager. Ambassador Films was 

started by Len Herberman soon after his 

former employer. International Film Distributors, 

was sold to National Telefilm 

Associates, U.S. firm . . . David Haslam 

has been appointed advertising-publicity director 

of Ambassador Film Distributors. 

MCA RECORDS (CANADA) 

MCA T.V. 

The local premieres of two new Canadian 

films, "The Visitor" and "The Hard Part 

Begins," were held Sunday (2) as part of a 

Canadian cinethon at the Cinematek. Both 

films were sponsored by the Canadian Film 

Development Corp., which financed ten 

(CANADA) 

MCA MUSIC (CANADA) 

UNIVERSAL FILMS (CANADA) 

2450 VICTORIA PARK AVE., WILLOWDALE, ONT. 

Branch 

Offices 

St. John • Montreal • Winnipeg • Calgary • Vancouver 

such films this year, with each costing less 

than $100,000. Both features were premiered 

at Ottawa's National Arts Centre 

last month. "The Visitor" was directed by 

John Wright and was filmed in Alberta. 

"The Hard Part Begins" was directed by 

Paul Lynch and was filmed in this city 

and in nearby Paris. A forum also was 

held at this new theatre. Director Don 

Shebib, Prof. Bob Fothergill and critic 

Martin Knelman participated. 

Another landmark theatre here is about 

to disappear. The Nortown, built by Famous 

Players in 1947, is to be torn down to 

make way for a new development. Its current 

double bill is to be its last—Îsrael benefit 

performances of "The Policeman" and 

"Saliah Is Fun!" 

Local NFB bookings included "Atlantic 

Rescue," at the Biltmore; "Circle of the 

Sun," at the Imperial One; "Behind the 

Scenes," at the Yorkdale Cinema, and 

"Valley of the Moon," at the Hyland One. 

Paul Cavaliere to Helm 

DeVisser's Willowbrook 


WAYNE, N.J.—Paul Cavaliere has been 

named manager of DeVisser"s Willowbrook 

Cinema in Wayne, succeeding Robert Pavlick, 

who recently resigned. Cavaliere has 

been with the Spyros Lenas-headed DeVisser 

organization for the past four years and 

most recently had been manager of the circuit's 

Cinema 23 in Cedar Grove (for the 

past year). 

He is succeeded in Cedar Grove by Tom 

Andreotta. who also manages DeVisser's 

Verona in Verona. 

In addition to the Willowbrook, Cavaliere 

also will take charge of DeVisser's nearby 

Little Cinema I and 2 in Wayne. 

Pavlick had joined DeVisser in June 1972 

as manager of the Willowbrook. His future 

plans were not disclosed. 

Jon Voight will star in next year's "The 

Odessa File." 

TORONTO 

5«asons Greetings 

from Canada's Number 7 

Film Distribution Company 

ASTRAL BELLEVU 

Head OHice 224 DAVENPOnt ROAD. TORONtO. ONTARIO 

Branch Offices 

CAIGARY • WINNIPEG • MONTREAL -SAINT JOHN 

LIMITED 

K-2 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 

J

; 

EDMONTON 

ABC Southeastern Is 

Adding Atlanta Unit 

ATLANTA—Construction is proceeding 

rapidly here on a theatre and condominium 

sales center addition to the Phipps Plaza, 

according to an announcement by Victor 

A. Schroeder, vice-president for development, 

Phipps Land Co.. developer of Phipps 

Plaza. 

The new Phipps Penthouse Theatre, to 

be equipped with 516 rocking-chair seats, 

is being built on the plaza level of the 

addition, perpendicular to the existing 

Phipps Plaza Theatre. The mall level will 

serve as the new sales and marketing center 

for Plaza House, the luxury high-rise 

condominiums being developed adjacent to 

the shopping center. The sales and marketing 

center is under construction for opening 

next spring, while the theatre is being 

targeted for a grand opening during Christmas 

week of this year. 

John L. Huff, vice-president and general 

manager of ABC Southeastern Theatres. 

said that the Phipps Penthouse Theatre will 

complement the first Phipps Plaza Theatre, 

an 861-seater which was opened on the 

mall level in December 1970. ABC Southeastern 

owns and will operate both facilities 

at the Phipps Plaza. 

Patrons will reach the second theatre via 

an escalator to the plaza level, where they 

will cross two bridges to the multicolored 

carpeted outer lobby. An elliptical concentric 

lighting fixture 40 feet in diameter 

will light the lobby, highlighting the multicolored 

carpeting and vinyl adorning the 

wall. 

A 45-foot wide screen will cover the 

front wall of the auditorium while a redorange 

carpet will cover the other walls 

and the floor. The most modern projection 

facilities are planned for the new theatre, 

including the Academy Award winning 

Ultra Vision picture projection system, wellknown 

for its ability to maintain and project 

an extremely sharp focus on all parts 

of the screen. This affords each viewer, 

regardless of his seating location, an especially 

refined and detailed picture. 

Architect for the Phipps Plaza addition 

is Finch, Alexander, Barnes, Rothschild & 

Paschal, and Beers Construction Co. is the 

general contractor. The architect for the 

theatre interiors is Brookbank, Murphy & 

Shields and the theatre contractor is Strother 

& Co. 

Six-Member Lubbock Jury: 

'Tango' Is Not Obscene 


LUBBOCK, TEX.—A five-woman, oneman 

jury found the motion picture "Last 

Tango in Paris" "not obscene' by Lubbock 

community standards and theatre manager 

Ralph E. Boyd "innocent of exhibiting an 

obscene movie." 

The movie had been confiscated at Boyd's 

theatre August 31 after a two-day run in the 

city, the first of 25 Texas cities to test the 

film in court. 

The trial began in County Court-at-law 

Judge Denzil Bevers' courtroom with selection 

of a jury. After two days of testimony, 

including showing of the film, final arguments 

were presented. The jury debated just 

over two hours before returning a verdict. 

TORONTO 

Oscar Hanson Dies; 

A Pioneers Founder 

TORONTO— luncral services were held 

Saturday, November 24, for Oscar R. Hanson, 

who was the last of the founders of the 

Canadian Picture Pioneers. He was president 

of the Pioneers in 1 942, two years 

after the organization was formed, and 

again in 1951. Hanson founded the group's 

trust fund shortly after and was chairman 

until 1964. He was named "Pioneer of the 

Year" in 1958. 

Hanson also was one of the I 1 founders 

of the Variety Club of Ontario Tent 28. 

Starting his career in show business as a 

singer in his native Jacksonville, 111., Hanson 

came to Canada in 1920 and organized 

Canadian Educational Films. For many 

years he was Canadian representative for 

Allied Artists Corp., Lion International 

Films of England, Foto-Nite, Inter-State 

Television Corp. of New York and he was 

president of Sterling Films of Canada. 

•c«ic««>r

. 

O NT RE AL 

Peter Adamakos, president of the Society 

MONTREAL 

Our Sincere Ippreciation 

For Your Marvelous Patrouage 

And Cooperation M . . 

of Filmmakers, issued the following 

statement anent the Canadian Film Awards: 

"The Society of Filmmakers wishes to express 

its full support of the Canadian Film 

Awards, its aims and goals. We are proud 

to be a member of the executive arm of the 

Canadian Film Awards and. in that capacity, 

we shall continue to press for the reforms 

we have always believed would enhance 

the reputation of the institution and 

to assist the Canadian Film Awards to serve 

the best interests of the Canadian film industry. 

"The Society of Filmmakers also wishes 

to express its gratitudes on behalf of the 

filmmakers it represents in all film regions 

of Canada for the excellent and dedicated 

effort expended in the course of this year's 

awards by Ralph Umbcrger. Violet Crone 

feintieSt 

greet pau toitl) 

tI)ougl)tss 

and Christopher Dew. in particular Marcia 

Couelle and Claude Godbout. and especially 

by Father Marc Gervais, in view of the 

many special events which had been 

planned in detail over the past year to celebrate 

the award's silver anniversary years." 

Theatre Management 

Course Set for USC 

From Vv'estern 

Edition 

HOLLYWOOD—NATO of California, 

together with the University of Southern 

California School of Cinema, announced 

that plans for a theatre management course 

have been finalized. The 15 -week class begins 

February 12, with a tuition fee of 

$100. 

Among the suggested faculty are Bert 

Pirosh, Morton Lippe and Thad Danz, who 

will speak at the first two sessions about 

availability of product, competition, percentage 

and all related factors in theatre 

operation. Other sessions will deal with 

advertising, concessions, maintenance, home 

office administration, union relationships 

and industry trade organization. 

Bob Selig and Jim Meelikian are set to 

discuss censorships, the code and rating 

system and zoning problems. The final two 

sessions will be field trips to observe a 

booking meeting and to visit a multiplex, 

single hardtop and drive-ins. 

The 30-man suggested faculty met Thursday 

(15) to iron out the course. A part 

of the tuition fee will go to the program 

coordinator, as yet unnamed. 

Sol Lesser, distinguished veteran of the 

motion picture industry, worked closely 

with NATO of California head Bruce Corwin 

to develop the course, which is expected 

to make noticeable advances in theatre 

management. Plans are being formulated 

to tape the classes and publish the 

information in book form for use around 

the country as a model for future theatre 

exhibition 

courses. 

General Film will lens "The Centerfold 

Girls" in early '74. 

MONTREAL 

anb begt toigftesJ for i 

Cl)ri£^tmasJ anb tlje | 

iêto §ear . _ 

1I 

I 

MEILLEUR SOUHAITS 


JEAN-PAUL HURTUBISE 

i 

i 

| 

Best Theatre Supply ê: 

ARMAND BESSE, Pres. 

4810 ST. DENIS ST. 

Ph. 842-6762 

MONTREAL 34, QUE. 

I UNIVERSAL FILMS OF | 

CANADA Ltd 

f 

| 

8444 Boul St. Laurent 

I 

| 

I Montreal i 

'^ 

1 

BOXOFFICE ;: December 17, 1973 

I

— 

John Woolf to Produce 

'Odessa File' for Col. 


BURBANK, CALIF.— Peter Guber, vicepresident 

in charge of worldwide production 

for Columbia Pictures, announced that 

John Woolf will produce "The Odessa File," 

based on Frederick Forsyth's best-selling 

novel, for Columbia release. Work on the 

feature, starring Jon Voight, will begin 

January 3 on locations in and around 

Hamburg, Germany, before moving to 

Munich for the remainder of the shooting 

schedule. 

Ronald Neame will direct from a screenplay 

by Kenneth Ross and George Markstein. 

"The Odessa File" is the story of a freelance 

reporter's investigation and pursuit 

of a modern-day organization which protects 

the identities and serves to advance 

the destinies of former members of the SS 

in and out of Germany. Forsyth also authored 

"The Day of the Jackal," which was 

produced by Woolf. 

MONTREAL 

Michael A. de Gaelano 

Heads New Company 

From Southeastern Edition 

.\TLANTA—Centrum International Film 

Corp., a new production company, was introduced 

to the public Monday, November 

26, at the firm's headquarters, 132 Cone 

St., NW, in the heart of downtown Atlanta 

and received a hearty welcome from Gov. 

Jimmy Carter, a special guest because of his 

efforts to promote this city and state as 

ideal places to make movies. 

Centrum is a Georgia company which will 

produce pictures, engage in film distribution 

and other related marketing activities. 

It was formed by the principal stockholders 

and officers of the following companies: 

Michael A. de Gaetano, president, Intermedia 

Photo Co.; Robert M. Storer, vicepresident, 

owner of Storer Studios, and 

Edward G. Henry, president. Central International 

Corp. 

These officers represent more than 60 

years of experience in advertising, marketing 

and the distribution of films and other 

products as well as a combined total of 25 

years in the creation and production of 

films for TV and theatrical distribution. 

Other officials are Nicholas P. Nizich, 

assistant to the president; Thomas H. Tolbert, 

associate producer of the Storer 

Group; Robert J. Segars, director of lighting; 

William G. Lucas, general manager, 

and Michael Elliston, vice-president. 

Centrum has acquired six new motion 

pictures for distribution and began Monday 

(10) to produce its first picture, tentatively 

titled: "UFO: Target Earth." 

Twin Debut Postponed 

WATSONVILLE. CALIF.—The opening 

of twin theatres here by the Kindair Corp. 

has been postponed until next spring or 

summer. Last winter's heavy rains reportedly 

caused unavoidable delays in construction, 

according to Tom Rayn of Rybar 

Associates of Los Angeles, developers of the 

project. 

MONTREAL 

''!îi)^^«s»s«i»i!îa.fitisxi2»^^ 

'gil>^B>ii»!!>i»3îst'!ii»tiit»Siit^^ 

J 

and 

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a 

J^ctppu IIlew Ljeear 

ASTRAL 

BELLEYUE PATHE 

LIMITEE 

CLAUDE CHENE 

PIERRE DANSEREAU 

RAYMOND BELLEAU 

5800 MONKLAND, MONTREAL 

488-9151 

mad t I 


and Best Wishes 

to 

all 

D. ENGLISH & Co. Ltd. 

RESERVED SEATS 

ROLL TICKET 

PRINTERS 

also All BINGO Supplies 

from coast to coast 

Paul Saxe 

Art Levitt 

Nat Gordon 

6485 Durocher, Montreal — 273-1745 

* Compliments of the Season 

BELLEVUE FILM 

DISTRIBUTORS LTD. 

WALT DISNEY 

Twentieth Century-Fox Corp. 

also 16m. MGM product 

Harry Hayes and Staff 

I 

1590 Mf. Royal Ave E Montreal 

3 Joyeux Noel 


CINE AGENCE du QUEBEC Inc. 

Film distribution—Buying 

and Booking Agency 

G. Theroux, president 

5950 Cote Des Neiges, Suite 110 Montreal 

BOXOFHCE :: December 17. 1973 E-5

MONTREAL s.eadon & reetinad MONTREAL 

1 

?as^«Si9Jpi!9îSJ«S!!MS!»ei^ 


irom Executives and 

staff 

5«i»*;!!*?i»«i»flsi9«!!i«S!a*ii9^^ 

Season's 

Greetings 

to all 

our friends 

Meilleurs 

Souhaits 

a tours 

nos amis 

SECURE CINEMA 

INVESTMENTS LTD 

1430 Bleury Montreal 

Cinemas Unis Ltee 

United Tiieatres Ltd. 

MONTREAL 

i 

Peace and Happiness 

throughout 

the coming years. 

TOM CLEARY 

BOXOFFICE Representative 

3720 Van Home, Suite 4 

Montreal H3S 1Z7 

I. :S 

i Best Wishes to our 

% 

I 

I 

Friends and Associates 

QUEBEC CINEMA BOOKING LTD. 

1 Mort Prevost 

I 

Roger Desautels 

i 1430 Bleury—Suite 10 

I 

Montreal 288-6336 

Kjs-Siiasiîîamiaiîaêâ^sisîaxmxfii:!^^ 

WISHING ALL FRIENDS 

EXHIBITORS and DISTRIBUTORS 

A Very MERRY CHRISTMAS and 


JACQUES 

GAGNON 

Columbia Pictures of Canada Ltd. 

1590 Mt. Royal Ave. E 

MONTREAL 

K&sJ!iieJ6il»xii»xi)e:i^»:ît>:^»:iîi3^^ 

MEILLEURS VOEUX 

SEASON'S BEST WISHES 

fiiEPix m. 

8275 Mayrand St. 

MONTREAL 

Best Wishes and 



Meilleur Voeux 

I 

MONTREAL POSTER 

L'AFFICHE 

Ope'rant 

JIM TROW 

EXCHANGE 

FRANCAISE 

I 

MAURICE FONTAINE • LUCIEN LARTIGEAU | 

2255 Westhill • Montreal H4 2F3 

| 

I.A.T.S.E. 

MONTREAL MOTION PICTURE 

PROJECTIONISTS UNION 

LOCAL 262—MONTREAL 

G. NADEAU, President 

F. SOTORIO, Business Agent 

December 17, 1973 

I

MONTREAL 

MONTREAL 

To our Quebec and 

Maritime Territories 

JOYEUX NOEL ET BONNE ANNEE 

COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON 

ARCHIE COHEN 

JACK KROLL 

EILEEN BRENNAN 

JAQUELINE MORIN 

WARNER 

BROS. 

DISTRIBUTING (Canada) LTD. 

MONTREAL 

I 

I 

I 5890 Monkland Ave. H4A 1G2 | 

I 

f 

To Greet You with kindest 

thoughts and Best Wishes 

For Christmas and New Year 

GENERAL SOUND 

and THEATRE 

EQUIPMENT LTD. 

J. J. KILCULLEN SR. 

Yvon Plamondon 

George Latorre • N. Payer 

160 BATES ROAD 

TOWN OF MT. ROYAL QUE. H3S 1A3 

QUEBEC CITY 

3226 rue MILLERET 

«SrsSi«i!w«iSr«SsrSiS^^ 

| 

% 

^ 

% 

S 

^ 

I 

% 

I 

I 

I 

I 

I 

A Merry Christmas 


HARRY COHEN 

WORLD WIDE SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Ltd 

COBUCK ENTERPRISES Ltd 

I 5800 Monkland Ave. 

I Montreal & St. John, N. B. 

? Meilleur Souhaits K 

I 

ASSOCIATION DES 

| 

PROPRIETAIRES DE 

| 

CINEMAS DU QUEBEC INC. | 

Paul Gendron 

President 

3720 Van Home • Montreal • 738-2715 

g 

f 

| 

Compliments of the Season I 

I.A.T.S.E. 

MOTION PICTURE STUDIO | 

TECHNICIANS LOCAL 734 | 

Frank Sotorio, 

MONTREAL 

Business Agent 

ctisJBaJgtiaJtisXiisJPaaJiigJBia Wis taw iS!i^â>Ja!»â&gaîscasJig>ga»J>aax>^ 

s 

Meilleurs Souhaits 


Paramount Film Service Ltd 

ROMEO GOUDREAU 

5887 Monkland Montreal g 

I 

I 

| 

% 

% 

^ 

^ 

S 

Meilleur Voeux 

BERTRAND FRANK 

International Films Distribution Limited 

Cinerama International Releasing Organization 

a Montreal and St. John, N. B. 

i 

Best Wishes and a 

Prosperous New Year. 

QUEBEC PICTURE 

PIONEERS 

G. NADEAU—President 

MONTREAL 

& 

| 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 1973 K-7

. . The 

CALGARY 

Tt is that time of year again and Famous 

Players is promoting its books of gift 

tickets as Christmas gifts. There is one free 

ticket in every book, with prices set up for 

children, adults and senior citizens. These 

tickets are good in any FP theatre anywhere 

in Canada and can be used all year long. 

These very appropriate gifts are available 

at any FP theatre. 

Nigel Empett is e.xperimenting with a special 

after-midnight double bill on Saturday 

nights in the Towne Cinema here. November 

24 the program featured the worldrenowned 

Beatle in "A Hard Day's Nighf 

and "Help!" This type of presentation 

really should appeal to the young set. 

After a l>ad fall on a downtown street, 

Peggy May of Paramount Films turned up 

for work with badly bruised face and legs. 

Peggy really is having her share of troubles 

this 

fall. 

Another Sunday afternoon of music was 

offered to Calgarians when the Odeon Theatre 

presented "The Student Prince" in its 

festival series. This version of the beloved 

classic starred Ann Blyth and Edmond Purdom, 

with the singing voice of Mario Lanza. 

This was Sigmund Romberg's version of the 

light-hearted romance. There was only one 

performance of this family-rated movie. 

The Alberta Censor Board put in an arduous 

month in October, viewing 49 features 

as well as various short subjects. Of these 

features 44 were 35mm and five were 

16mm. A family rating was given to seven 

films, 12 were adult, 15 were adult—not 

T-8 

suitable for children and 15 were restricted 

adult. Of the family group, there was one 

Italian, one British-Israeli and one British. 

Adult films had two British, two Italian 

and one Swedish. Of the 15 adult—not 

suitable for children pictures, three were 

Italian, one Israeli, one Chinese, one Mandarin 

and one British. In the restricted adult 

classification, there were three British and 

two Italian. Two epics were passed with 

warning tags — "Lady Kung Fu" (adult—not 

suitable for children), which must carry the 

warning "extreme violence throughout," 

while "The Hunting Party" (restricted adult) 

has the line: "warning: sadistic violence 

throughout." 

Dale Evans Monday (3) headlined a spectacular 

free concert at this city's Jubilee 

Auditorium in support of Bibles for the 

World. Under the leadership of Rochunga 

Pudaite, a famous evangelist, this group is 

seeking to supply free editions of the Living 

New Testament Bible to everyone living in 

Ireland. On the program with the wellknown 

star were Maura Kelly and Richard 

and Patti Roberts. 

The University Theatre's last French-language 

film to be shown in the Francois 

Truffaut series at the University of Calgary 

was "Stolen Kisses" (1968), starring Jean- 

Pierre Leaud, Delphine Syrig and Claude 

Jade. This movie features a character created 

by Truffaut in his first major motion 

picture, "400 Blows." "Stolen Kisses" had 

English subtitles. 

Kathy Rankin is a new staffer at Warner 

Bros., succeeding Ruby Chowdbury. A bride 

of only two months, Kathy's hobbies are 

skating, skiing and sewing. Her husband is 

a law student at University of Calgary. Welcome 

to the industry, Kathy . Towne 

Cinema, Edmonton, featured "Five Fingers 

of Death" and "The Omega Man" November 

23 for its after-midnight show. 

This city and Edmonton had multiple-run 

showings of "Westworld," with five Edmonton 

theatres participating— Meadowlark, 

Start BOXOFFICE coming . . 


n PAYMENT ENCLOSED Q SEND INVOICE 

THEATRE 

These rotes for U.S., Canada, Pan-America only. 

STREET ADDRESS _ 

Other countries: $15 o year. 

TOWN STATE ZIP NO 

NAME POSITION _ 

BOXOFFICE—THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 


. 

Capilano, Plaza 1, Studio 82 and Twin Two 

Drive-In. Locally, the thriller played in the 

Palace and the Sunset Drive-In. Famous 

Players in our town ran a contest for a 

Funseekers Holiday in conjunction with the 

engagement. The prize was a trip for two 

to any Funseekers destination—^Hawaii, 

Spain, Britain or Europe. Entry forms and 

deposit boxes were at the Palace, Chinook 

and Sunset Drive-In. 

Brian Bingham of Astral Films flew into 

town for a three-day visit. While here, 

checking on local operations, Brian visited 

friends, called on local industry executives 

and jaunted up to Edmonton to call on the 

Alberta Censor Board. In Edmonton he 

dropped in on Phil May of May Theatres 

and, after being shown the various projects 

there, declared that he was "very impressed." 

Brian reports that Astral is involved 

in filmmaking with two pictures in 

production. Both films, "Lies My Father 

Told Me" and "The Apprenticeship of 

Duddy Kravitz," are being made in Montreal, 

with Harold Greenberg taking part in 

the projects. Winnipeg was next on Brian's 

itinerary, where he was going to spend 

some time with Barry Meyers. 

Imperial Cinema Bows 

In North Canton, Ohio 


NORTH CANTON, OHIO—The first of 

22 indoor theatres planned for the Midwest 

region, all to include an adjacent motel, has 

been opened in the North Canton Belden 

Village complex just off 1-77. The 602-seat 

theatre, which has been named the Imperial 

Cinema, adjoins the Imperial House Motel. 

When construction of a 73-room addition to 

the motel is completed, the motel patrons 

will have indoor access to the cinema. 

It was reported that the 22 Imperial 

House motels constructed or under construction 

all will have an adjoining film 

house. 

The scenic design for the exterior of the 

first one was described by Dick Shippy, 

amusement editor of the Akron Beacon 

Journal, as "Mock Camelot." He referred to 

large, hinged doors flanked by guard towers, 

with prospective patrons approaching the 

theatre by way of a drawbridge (no moat, 

though). The interior, however, looks like 

a film house, with blue and gold seats and 

gold carpeting. 

Each of the proposed complexes would 

be funded by local investors. 

Al Hemingway to Helm NW 

Division for Cinemation 


NEW YORK—Murray Kaplan, general 

sales manager, announced that Al Hemingway 

has joined Cinemation Industries as 

Northwest division manager with sales responsibilities 

in the San Francisco, Seattle 

and Portland territories. Hemingway will 

report directly to Kaplan. 

Hemingway formerly was with 20th Century-Fox 

and Paramount Pictures. He most 

recently was assistant division manager for 

MGM, based in San Francisco. 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973 

ill

— 

High Cost of Heat Could 

Cause Theatre to Close 

From Mideabtern Editiun 

TOLEDO. OHIO—Many downtown Toledo 

office buildings and stores have been 

using steam heat provided by the local 

utility, Toledo Edison Co.. but it was reported 

that some of the users, including the 

Renaissance Valentine Theatre, might have 

to close down because of proposed rate 

increases. 

Terry Gallagher, who operates the theatre 

in a building also occupied by a hotel, as 

well as a parking lot. said. "We would have 

to show movies only when the sun shines." 

Gallagher pointed out that if the proposed 

increase is granted, it would be the second 

hike in two years. He said the Renaissance 

currently is a marginal operation. 

CALGARY 

TVC Plans Expansion 

In Western Canada 

iC'iMitiiuied Ironi p.igc K-1) 

tures and ethnic films specializing in the 

language prevailing in the particular neighborhood 

where they will be shown, TVC 

staled. 

In Vancouver. TVC is running its own 

theatre and screening German-language 

films. Plans include securing worldwide 

travelogs, with the company now holding 

an exclusive contract for Horst Koehbler's 

travel films. A number of major movie 

companies have signed contracts for transferring 

films to videocassettes for distribution 

to the mini-cines, TVC said. 

Gordon Nyen of Gull Lake. Sask.. is one 

of the seven directors of the firm. Three 

other men from Gull Lake—Dean Mortensen. 

Walter Kronkvist and Ross Chalifour 

are involved in a joint franchise in a theatre 

in Surrey. B.C. Walter Kronkvist is operating 

this house. 

Ross Chalifour is planning to operate a 

franchise in Calgary, while Dean Mortensen 

intends to establish theatres in .Saskatoon 

and Edmonton. 

TVC has a world franchise and is now 

selling franchises to interested persons. At 

mid-.'\ugust approximately 160 theatres had 

been signed, a spokesman said. For the most 

part, these are mini-theatres located in a 

shopping center and most seat approximately 

60 viewers. This exhibition concept, of 

course, could call for innovations in distribution, 

censorship and allied 

CALGARY 

fields. 

cKs«!fis'srii9Kx»ii^ 


from 

Motion Picture Theatre 

Assoc, of Alberta 

Don C. Menzies—Pres. 

B. H. Wiber—V-Pres. 

R. E. Button—Sect'y 

H. Ross—South V-Pres. 

T. R. Wowler—North V-Pres. 

Merry Christmas and 

A Prosperous, Happy New 

Year 

Len 6c Joy Larson 

Wales Theatre, High River, Alta. 

& 

Joyland Theatre, 

Strathmore, Alta. 

i^!si«?Sre?sc«i*a!?i^^ 


Theatre Agencies Ltd. 


Happy New Year 

Hector Ross 

Calgary 

Frank Kettner 

To Our Friends In The Fibn Industry 

Consolidated Film Shippers 

Calgary 

A! Bloomcrist and Staff 


From 

KAM THEATRE 


To Our Clients and Friends 

LINK JANITORIAL SERVICES 

Brian Hall 

028 Southdale Rd. S.W. Calgary 

BOXOFFICE :: December 17. 197.^

eetlnaA If. 

CALGARY 

ê«^!a^;ia^^j»£sto«S»J!i^Miai»fii^^ 

ee»fi$>s»«;i»«iss.«>i»«iis4si»î^»«ê«^^ 

A 


i 

and 

I Best Wishes For The New Year 

I 

ASTRAL FILMS 

I 

| 

|| 

Calgary % 

Gordon Guiry and Staff 

I 

| 

I 

i 

Peace and Happiness at 

Christmas and In The New Year 

MAXINE McBEAN 

Boxoffice 

Calgary 

I 


| 

I 

rt to friends & associates in theatre business. 

I 

h 

f 

§ Jubilee Theatre, Valleyview 

I 

§ 

n Park Theatre, High Prairie, Alta. g 


and 

BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR 

Paramount Film Service Ltd. 

Calgary 

W. LaForrest, Br. Mgr. 

»Bji 

•JeiiMiiMi!sJSisJ!i!e^Si!sJ!l«i^^ 

I Season's Greetings I 

I 

I 

I 

Canadian Motion 

Picture Pioneers 

I (Alberta Branch) I 

« H. Ross, President g 

I 

| 

I 


from 

Consolidated Theatre Services 

Don Mills, Ontario, Calgary, Alta. 

-10 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

— 

— 

— 

— — 

I 

— 

— — — 

— 

Golden Globes to Be 

^1!!'!!'! '^^°- ^^' ^^^^ 

HOLLYWOOD—The Hollywood Foreign 

Press Ass'n's annual Golden Globe Awards 

presentation will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 

1974. it was announced by Judy Solomon, 

president of the HFPA. Funco Corp., Stephen 

Jahn, executive producer, will produce 

the show for the second consecutive year. 

The Golden Globe Awards show will be 

telecast nationally by a Metromedia TV 

network from the International Ballroom of 

the Beverly Hilton Hotel. 

Family of Audie Murphy 

At Hospital Dedication 


SAN ANTONIO—The widow and two 

sons of film star Audie Murphy participated 

in the ceremonies dedicating the $42-million, 

760-bed Audie Murphy Veterans Administration 

Hospital here Saturday, November 

17. 

Murphy, the most decorated U.S. soldier 

in World War II, became a motion picture 

star after he returned to civilian life. A native 

of Texas, he was killed in an airplane 

accident after he had made more than 30 

films. 

Speaking at the hospital dedication ceremony. 

Rep. Olin Teague of Texas declared 

that "This is the only time a veterans" hospital 

has been named after a soldier for 

being a soldier." 

Theatre Permit Granted 


LAS VEGAS—The city commission of 

Las Vegas has approved an application by 

Otis Harris for rezoning of land on the 

east side of Highland Drive between Owens 

and Madison avenues to allow construction 

of a motion picture theatre, cocktail lounge 

and a convenience market. The action was 

taken after Commissioner Ron Lurie was 

assured by Harris that the facility would 

be a "family" theatre. 

Strong Toronto Gross Report Shows 

16 Films Doing Better Than Average 

TORONTO—One of the best overall reports 

in several months showed up here: 

four "excellent" grossers, four "very good." 

eight "good," three "fair" and only one 

"poor." There were several new films on 

display but strangely enough they did not 

share in the higher "very good" and "excel- 

. . .Excellent 

lent" gross marks; the "e.xcellents" went to 

"The Pyx," "Under Milk Wood," "Jesus 

Christ Superstar" and "American Graffiti" 

— all of these deep into their successful 

Toronto engagements. 

Fairlown State of Siege (Mutuel), 9th wk Poor 

Four Seosons The Pyx (C-P), 8th wk. 1 

Four Seosons 2—Under Milk Wood (AFD), 

3rd wk Excellent 

Hollywood (North) Jonathan Livingston Seagull 

(Para), 2nd wk Good 

Hollywood (South)—A Touch of Gloss (BVFD), 

t4th wk 

Good 

The Paper Chose (BVFD). 5th wk, Hyland 1 

Hyland 2 

. .Good 

Summer Wishes, Winter Dreoms (Col), 

2nd wk Very Good 

Imperial Lost House on the Left (Astral) ...Good 

Triple Irons NGP) Good 

Imperial 2 

Imperial 4—Mossocre in Rome (NGP), 4t-h wk. .Good 

Imperial 5 Westworld iMGM), 8th wk Good 

Imperiol 6 Brother of the World (Sun) Good 

Towne Cinema Lost Tango in Paris (UA), 

24th wk Very Good 

University Jesus Christ Superstar (Univ), 

7th wk Excellent 

Uptown I American Graffiti (Univ), 

7th wk 'Excellent 

Good 

Uptown 2 Jimi Hendrix (WB), 2nd wk. 

Uptown 3 Slipstreom (C-P), 2nd wk 

. . .Very 

Foir 

Uptown Backstaoe I Jeremy (UA) Foir 

Yonae Black Belt (AFD), The Family 

(AFD) Very Good 

York I—The Way We Were (Col), 4th wk. Very Good 

York 2 The Optimists (Pora), 4th wk Fair 

'Cries and Whispers' 'Excellent' 

First Week in Winnipeg 

WINNIPEG—^Business was down slightly 

for the third consecutive week but still 

ahead of the same week in 1972 by at least 

10 per cent. "Cries and Whispers" came in 

with a strong opening at North Star II. 

garnering one of Winnipeg's four "excel- 

. 

lent" ratings. Others were earned by holdovers 

"Last Tango in Paris." "White Lightning" 

and "American Graffiti." 

Capitol— Niqht Watch (BVFD), 2nd wk Good 

Garrick I—Jeremy (UA), 8th wk Fair 

Porrck Harry in Your Pocket (UA), 4th wk. Good 

II 

King's Lost Tango in Paris (UA), 3rd wk. 

Metropoliton The Pyx (C-P) 

. .Excellent 

Very Good 

. Excellent 

North Star II Cries and Whispers (IFD) 

Odeon White Lightning (UA), 5th wk. ..Excellent 

Pork Heavy Traffic Astral), 3rd wk Average 

Polo Park—Americon Graffiti (Univ), 

5th wk Excellent 

Windsor Affair in Rio (Donton); Love on Wheels 

(Danton) 

Fair 

Grey Cup Interest Reflected 

In Calgary Film Grosses 

CALGARY—Three "excellent" ratings 

headed up the grossing report this week but 

several theatres had only "fair" or "poor" 

returns, due in part to people here being 

intently interested in the telecast of the 

Grey Cup football finals involving Edmonton's 

Eskimos. "Excellent" marks went to 

newcomer "Brother of the Wind" and holdovers 

"The Way We Were" and "American 

Graffiti." 

Brentwood, Chinook Brother of the Wind 

(Sun) 

Excellent 

Calgary Ploce I The Optimists (Para) Poor 

Grand One Cops ond Robbers (UA), 2nd wk. . . .Fair 

and T« —The Long Goodbye (UA) Foir 

rth Hilllliser 

Squor. " 

-Night Watch BVFDl, 3rd wk. Very Good 

-The Paper Chose (BVFD), 

na 

American Graffiti (UniN 


WINNIPEG 

1 

i Seasons Greetings I 

i 

I 

I 

ROBERT HUCAL | 

i 

BOXOFFICE 

I 

I 

i 

S 

i 

Winnipeg, Manitoba S 

WINNIPEG 

WINNIPEG 

i 

Best Wishes 

I 

^ 

from 

I 

the 

I 

Executives and Members 

| 

of the 

I 

MOTION PICTURE THEATRE ASSOCUVnON | 

OF MANITOBA 

t 

SEASON'S GREETINGS AND 

BEST WISHES FOR THE 

NEW "iTAR 

WINNIPEG # REGINA SASKATOON 

t^St«iJi

Capitol Theatre Ends 52-Year Span 

As Montreal Entertainment Palace 

(Continued from page K- 1 

) 

He then headed Montreal pubHc relations 

for the circuit and today, semi-retired, he 

is secretary of the Quebec Theatre Owners 

Ass'n and correspondent for Boxoffice. 

The theatre's closing was marked by a 

black-tie auction of memorabilia to raise 

funds for the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal 

and the Quebec Picture Pioneers. The invitation 

to the event described it as a "champagne 

salute to the roaring "20s"' and 

featured the sale of art and bric-a-brac, a 

grandfather clock and marble statuary, along 

with a wide variety of ornaments and furniture 

from that period of American baroque 

which came into its own after World War I. 

Offsetting the sadness of the closing of 

the Capitol, slated to be razed, was the unveiling 

of a model of the Centre Capitoi 

which is destined to replace the venerable 

movie palace. Containing two intimate 

cinemas, the 18-story office tower will rise 

in the heart of the department store area, 

located on a 25,000-square-foot parcel 

bounded by St. Catherine Street, McGill 

SAINT JOHN 

PEflCC 

MISS KAY RYAN 

BOXOFFICE—Samt John, N.B. | 

BKSeKaSKKK^K^KBK^K^KBK^^SâJ^KKSBBS 

College. Catheart and Mansfield. 

J. David Mooney of United Theatres and 

Famous Players said in part: "If tonight 

we say farewell to this lovely hall to which 

so many of our big family had become so 

attached, cherishing its elaborate decor . . . 

it is indeed because (we) live in a different 

era, an era of different tastes and habits . . . 

These decisions are never easy but. in our 

democratic system, the will of the majority 

prevails and the diminishing numbers which 

flow through these halls testify to the 

majority's preference for the small, intimate 

neighborhood cinema. And such will be the 

two new cinemas housed in Centre Capitol 

... Its four-story glass podium, housing a 

most complete range of food and drink 

facilities, together with service and retail 

outlets, certainly will improve the McGill 

College to Mansfield site."" 

Mooney likened the change in cinema 

tastes to today's automobiles and the vintage 

cars which lined St. Catherine Street the 

night of November 1 1 as part of the "roaring 

'20s" motif of the Capitol closing. 

The night, of course, had special significance 

for Tom Cleary. He recalled how, 

at the Capitol's opening, he had "considered 

himself lucky to be part of the great event."' 

Someone found a photograph of Cleary in 

his usher's uniform, standing ramrod straight 

as required in those days when ushers were 

subject to daily inspection by "martinet" 

managers. Complementing the uniform's 

elegance were white gloves and spats. The 

manager of the Capitol then was H. M. 

Thomas, Cleary recalled, and "every day, 

before opening, we had to go through the 

drill. There was no fooling around." 

Cleary, who at 69 is an almost legendary 

figure in the Montreal film business, having 

handled publicity for all the big houses on 

St. Catherine Street, remembers that live 

music was a big feature of the screen presentations 

in the '20s. "Remember," he said, 

"these were silent pictures. So we had the 

orchestra alternating with Buddy Payne on 

the organ. They screened the picture once 

before it opened, took notes of the fast parts, 

the chase, the love scene or the thriller 

scenes. Then they would go to the library 

and get the right sheet music." 

There were three shows a day and. at 

suppertime. the organist or the orchestra performed 

without stage or screen distraction. 

Admission was 75 cents but during the depression 

the price dropped to 25 cents before 

1 p.m., which offered many a few 

hours' warmth in the winter, along with 

entertainment that could make them forget 

their woes temporarily. 

About the Capitol's grand opening. 

Cleary, who in a few years became assistant 

manager of the movie palace, chiefly remembers 

an enormous mass of people. "And 

it was like that for a long time," he reminisced. 

"There would be long lines of people 

stretched along St. Catherine to Mansfield 

and down Mansfield to Catheart, where 

Place Ville Marie was just a great big hole 

in the ground, year after year after year." 

He said that the Jack Arthur productions, 

which fitted between the movie showings 

three times daily, eventually were replaced 

by unit shows out of the William Morris 

Agency in New York. 

"Saying goodbye to the Capitol," Cleary 

feels, " is like saying goodbye to my first 

love. The job paid $1 a night but it is as if 

I never left it"—which, in a way, he didn't, 

since he remained with the circuit until his 

formal retirement. 

About the closing, he commented: "I 

can't help feeling sad about it. After all, I 

was in at the birth. Over the years it provided 

a lot of entertainment and a lot of 

happiness to many people. It's like saying 

'goodbye' at the deathbed of an old friend. 

It's true that there will be two new and more 

intimate theatres to replace the Capitol and 

the old Strand and a magnificent structure 

will house them. But I grew up in the generation 

of the Capitol and saying 'goodbye' 

comes very hard indeed." 

SAINT JOHN 

SAINT JOHN 


TO ALL 

from 

DARYL MADILL 

AUDREY WETMORE 

ASTRAL FILMS, LTD. 

| 

77 GERMAIN STREET SAINT JOHN, N.B. | 

(E2L 2E8) I 

I 

I 

K 

| 

| 

I 

I 

I 

g 

Best Wishes 

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS 

IN THE MARITIME TERRITORY 

from 

VINCE WINCHESTER 

I 

I 

and Staff 

i 

BELLEVUE FILM DISTRIBUTORS LTD. 

I 

I Gl UNION STREET — SAINT JOHN, N.B. 

i (E2L 1A2) 

•'.12 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

; UNIVERSAL 

Milwaukee Peep Show Law 

Ruled Unconstitutional 

From North Central Edition 

MII,WAUKEE—A city ordinimcc regu- 

bookstore peep show movie machines 

lating 

has been declared unconstitutional. This occurred 

when Federal Judge Myron I.. Gordon 

Wednesday, October 24, declared the 

city ordinance unconstitutional and further 

ordered Milwaukee police and the city attorney's 

office to stop enforcing it. 

The judge issued the written order after 

an assistant city attorney had conceded in 

a letter to him that the ordinance could not 

be defended legally. 

Peep shows have been in operation in 

Milwaukee for approximately five years and 

there presently are about a dozen of them 

in business. 

Garby Theatre Is Updated 


CLARION, PA.—Cinemette Corp. of 

America's Garby Theatre here reopened recently 

following major renovations, it was 

announced by circuit president Paul Grossman. 

Over $30,000 reportedly was spent in 

reseating the theatre, installing a new projection 

and sound system and completely 

remodeling the interior, including the concession 

area. The building also received a 

facelifting and a new attraction board was 

added. 

Simpson Installing 

New Radio System 

From SouthcOitorn Edition 

RNOXVILLE. TENN. — Broadcast 

equipment is being installed this month at 

the River Breeze Drive-In on Asheville 

Highway at Holston River, converting the 

airer from standard speaker-post operation 

to Cinema Radio, a concept of sound which 

allows patrons to hear the movie over their 

car radio. 

James M. vSimpson, president of Simpson 

Operator Co.. which has four outdoor and 

four indoor theatres in Knoxville, said that 

the thing that impresses him about the new 

system is the quality of the sound. 

He explained to the Knoxville Journal 

that a Cinema Radio transmission system 

is installed within the projection booth of 

the drive-in. The radio transmitter is connected 

directly to the projector's sound 

heads and the signal is carried through a 

cable buried about one foot deep in varying 

rows of the ramp area. The cable acts as a 

horizontal aerial and leaks a radio signal 

that can be controlled as to the distance 

it is broadcast. Any radio within the controlled 

distance will pick up a clear highfidelity 

signal but radios outside the theatre 

will not be able to pick up the sound. 

The patron will set his radio to the frequency 

that will be established for the theatre. 

Patrons also may bring a portable radio, 

if they prefer, and the theatre will have 

available radio sets for cars with no radio. 

A few spaces at the front of the theatre will 

have the standard speakers, Simpson said. 

He pointed out, too, that a noticeable 

change will be removal of the speaker poles 

which sometimes cause drivers problems in 

parking. In cool weather, windows won't 

have to remain cracked for the speaker 

wires. 

Simpson said that the system is operated 

under a restrictive set of Federal Communications 

System regulations. The River 

Breeze will be the second drive-in in the 

nation to switch from individual car speakers 

to the Cinema Radio system. 

"This improved sound system is another 

step in our program to bring Knoxville theatregoers 

the latest in equipment and the 

best in theatre facilities," Simpson told the 

Journal. "We introduced Cinerama at an 

indoor theatre, have heaters at an outdoor 

theatre and UltraVision. the latest in film 

projection, at another indoor theatre." 

Simpson's circuit operates the Riviera, 

Capri Cinema, Capri Cinerama, Capri Terrace, 

Twin-Aire East, Twin-Aire West and 

Chapman Highway theatres in addition to 

the River Breeze, which prior to the changeover 

to the new radio system had speakers 

for 400 cars. 

SAINT JOHN 

SAINT JOHN 

I 

Best Wishes for the Holiday 

Season 

DONALD McKELVIE 

JIM BOND 

MISS KAY RYAN 

FILMS (CANADA) 

77 GERMAIN STREET SAINT JOHN, N.B. 

(E2L 2E8) 

?Sn Vybn wm 'St- ^ '* ^h J*'" ^>»g^>« "^^ ***» ^^« «>» mi*iv>i« riinw» 

^ 

BEST WISHES I 

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS 

IN THE MARITIME TERRITORY 

FROM 

MARITIME POSTER 

EXCHANGE LTD. 

207 CHARLOTTE STREET 

SAINT JOHN, N.B. 

(E2L 2K1) 

a

. . Bob 

. . 

SALES 

"Oval 

COUV E R 

IS/alking Tall," Cinerama Releasing Corp.'s 

Boxoffice hit which had a run of 27 

weeks in the Lougheed Mall cinemas, made 

way for "I Could Never Have Sex With 

Any Man Who Has So Little Regard for 

My Husband" . . . Bryan Rudston-Brown of 

Universal Films phoned to report that 

"Jesus Christ Superstar" had played to 

more people in its first 21 weeks than had 

any other long-run picture in the Park over 

the same period. 

With everyone looking for means to conserve 

energy. Film Classifier Ray McDonald 

disclaims any responsibility on the part 

of his department with regard to a fuel 

shortage. "The government credos concerning 

cutting down on energy use do not 

apply to me. Although I annually watch at 

least 300 movies. I work in the dark anyway," 

explained McDonald. 

From the Province's Lome Parton: "The 

fellow who said 'Who's Kate Reid?" had to 

be out to lunch last week. Not only was 

she starring on stage in the Playhouse hit 

'Leaving Home" but at one time she was 

competing with herself all over town. While 

the live Kate Reid was playing opposite 

Leslie Yeo, she was on film, playing opposite 

Katharine Hepburn in 'A Delicate 

Balance' in four movie houses and was on 

three TV channels opposite James Stewart 

in 'Hawkins on Murder" ... So on her day 

off, she dropped in to see a matinee of the 

movie.'" 

. . . Although 

While impending cuts in gas and plans 

for energy rationing have the drive-in operators 

worrying about next season—and 

more immediately where to go while they 

are shut down for the winter—the Orpheum's 

Ted Bielby once again took off for 

Florida and it is expected he'll go to Disney 

World during his annual holidays 

the winter, with its wet and gloomy 

days, has put a temporary halt to outside 

production, things are still active on the 

moviemaking front. 

Tom Braidwood, who got $7,500 from 

the Canadian Film Development Corp. last 

year to make a short film, showed it at the 

University of British Columbia and reports 

on "Inside the Reflection"" are good . 

Peter Bryant, another West Coast filmmaker 

with $7,500 from the CFDC last year, 

now has promises of $60,000 from the filmindustry 

backers—on condition. He has to 

do a professional rewrite of his new script. 

"The Supreme Kid," film it in 16mm and 

find $40,000 from private sources to meet 

his $100,000 budget. Even with all these 

. . . Jack Darcus is almost 

. 

obstacles, Bryant figures he has won half 

the battles and thinks he can start filming 

early in 1974 

ready with the final print of his film "The 

Wolf Pen Principle" Elliot is reported 

heading for Los Angeles to dub "The 

Inbreaker"" and the University of Manitoba 

wants both of the aforementioned movies 

for its Canadian Film Symposium in February 

.. . Portrait" and "One Minute 

Before Death," the two films shot back to 

back a year ago by Maple Leaf Productions, 

a Mexico-Vancouver co-production, was 

seen for the first time in public Sunday (9). 

The charity showing, with all proceeds to a 

children's Christmas fund, was held in the 

Denman Place at 1:30 p.m. All tickets were 

$1.50 for the Gisele MacKenzie-Wanda 

Hendrix double bill. 

Caniawest Films, reportedly the biggest 

commercial film company west of Toronto 

and north of Los Angeles, headed by president 

Dave Mintz, was spotlighted in a recent 

feature in the Sun. The company, 

which is owned by Wometco, produces 

everything from animated TV cartoon 

series to documentary films to TV commercials 

and series. Canawest was started 

in 1960 when Vic Spooner and Jack 

Gettles came up with the idea of supplying 

product for TV. Gettles now is one of two 

vice-presidents of the firm, the other being 

Andy Anderson. Awards have been won by 

Canawest for its TV commercials and for 

a documentary film, "Brave New North," 

done for the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. 

Some well-known stars have worked in 

Canawest films—William Shatner. Burl 

Ives and Vincent Price. Hollywood-based 

Hanna-Barbera also has called on Canawest's 

animation department, which is 

VANCOUVER 

VANCOU"VER 

s.eudon S Q' reeiiniuS ill 

To All 

Hosfoid Theatre Supply Ltd, 

Vancouver 

Complete Theatre Supplies 

Booking and Buying Services 

Vi Hosford 

Margaret Davie 

Al Mitchell 

BEST WISHES 

To AH Our Friends and Customers 

in the four Western Provinces 

CANFILMS 

RENTALS : 

: 

SERVICE 

All Audio visual equipment 

Projectors - screens 

Columbia—Astral—Universal 

Paramount—National General 

Vancouver 

956 Richards 

682-3646 

Calgary 

522-1 1th Ave. SW 

264-4660 

Winnipeg 

583 Ellice Ave. 

786-6759 (Phone). 

I 


| 

i 

AND 

I 

I BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR 

| 

I TO ALL OUR FRIENDS IN SHOW BUSINESS 

| 

U from « 

I 

MOTION PICTURE THEATRE 

i Association of British Columbia I 

IS 

SM»SrsKSr«^Sr«Sra?Sjr«i?Sra?^^ 

TED BIELBY, President 

f 

ts 

^!rcsrgr«?SJr«*«?Br*JS«Sa^*«?ft«^^ 


from 

JIMMIE DAVIE 

Vancouver Correspondent 

BOXOFnCE 

M4 BOXOFFICE :: December 17, 1973

— 

— 

— 

headed by Burric Hclmer. for a number of 

productions. Canwest most recently has 

completed a documentary on the RCMP, 

with Canadian actor Leslie Nielson doing 

the narration. 

Movie Complexes Possible 

Following Hartford Vote 

HARTFORD—The possibility of multiple-development 

of motion picture theatres 

in downtown Hartford is being voiced by 

city officials following voter November 6 

approval of a $25-million development bond 

issue. 

Midwinter demolishment of the Franklin 

E. Ferguson-operated Strand, 1.300-seat 

first run at 1017 Main St.. will mean the 

end of downtown cinema facilities. All other 

central-core theatres have either been demolished 

or converted to other commercial 

properties. 

Significantly, the number of theatres in 

outlying areas of the city and in suburban 

communities is at all-time high. Numerous 

projects have been announced for outlying 

sections but no exhibition interest has yet to 

project plans for downtown for next year. 

Strong Toronto Gross Report Shows 

16 Films Doing Better Than Average 

(Continued from page K-11) 

uptown The Way We Were (Col), 2nd wk. .Excellent 

Westbrook—^The Man Colled Noon (NGP) Poor 

"Brother of the Wind' Strong 

Newcomer on Edmonton Scene 

EDMONTON— Public interest in the 

Edmonton Eskimos, playing in Canada's 

national football finals for the Grey Cup 

on TV Sunday, November 25, was at a 

fever pitch; there wasn't much theatregoing 

here or in Calgary until the game was over. 

This situation made the ref>ort week's theatre 

grossing results all the more amazing 

"excellent" or "very good" right down the 

line. "Brother of the Wind," new at the 

Jasper Cinema and Klondike, was an outstanding 

grosser. 

Jasper Cinema, Klondike Brother of the Wind 

(Sun) 

Excellent 

Odeon 1 —Jesus Christ Superstar (Univ), 

1 7th wk Excellent 

Odeon 2—Jeremy (UA), 4th wk Very Good 

Plaza II—The Way We Were (Col), 2nd wk. Excellent 

Rialto—Charley Varrick (Univ), 2nd wk. ..Very Good 

Varscono—American Graffiti (Univ), 6th wk. Excellent 

'American Graffiti' Popularity 

Continues in Vancouver 

VANCOUVER — "American Graffiti" 

added another "excellent" week to its chain 

of triumphs at the Varsity Theatre, where 

it has played for two months, and "The 

Stone Killer" started its Vogue engagement 

on the same high note, "Jesus Christ Superstar" 

gave the Park Theatre another "very 

good" frame and completed 22 weeks of 

screen time before Park patrons. 

Capitol— Night Watch ,BVFD) Good 

Coronet—Electro Glide in Blue (UA), 2nd wk. Average 

Downtown—Jonothon Livingston Seagull (Para), 

2nd wk 

Fine Arts—Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams 

Good 

(Col), 2nd wk Good 

Odeon—Jeremy (UA), 3rd wk Fair 

Orpheum—Westworld (MGM), 2nd wk Good 

Pork—Jesus Christ Superstar (Univ), 

22nd wk 

Very Good 

Ridge— Executive Action (NGP) Above Average 

Stanley— A Touch of Class (BVFD), I 5th wk. Average 

Varsity— Americon Graffiti (Univ), 8th wk. .Excellent 

Vogue—The Stone Killer (Col) Excellent 

State's Renovation Cost 

Casts Doubt on Future 

HARRISBURG, PA. — After a group 

interested in establishing a cultural arts 

center for Harrisburg toured the State 

Theatre, some doubts were expressed concerning 

the cost of renovations plans to 

bring the structure up to the standards required 

under the Occupational Health & 

Safety Act of 1970. The theatre originally 

was built about 1908 as a showcase for 

vaudeville and legitimate stage productions. 

Although the committee did not rule out 

the feasibility of utilizing the venerable 

showcase, indications were that plans would 

be explored for building a cultural center 

in Harrisburg and "incorporating into it 

the spirit of the State Theatre." 

An ad hoc committee had been established 

in Harrisburg to save the movie house 

from destruction because of its size and 

VANCOUVER 

its classic architecture and decor. This 

organization had been vitally interested in 

renovating the State for use by cultural 

and artistic interests. 

Local architect Edward Wundram, who 

did a feasibility study, told the Harristown 

Steering Committee of the Greater Harrisburg 

Movement that the cost of purchasing, 

renovating and furnishing the State 

for a cultural center would be $1.5 million. 

He said that even if the building is renovated, 

the resulting facility would be limited 

and that compromises would have to be 

made in the cultural center. 

Dick Mahland Joins Loews 

NEW YORK—Richard Mahland has 

joined Loews Corp. as director of benefits. 

He will be directly responsible for the administration 

of the firm's benefits program. 

Mahland succeeds Bruce Gunther. resigned. 

Cowan Oldham House 

Opens in McMinnville 

McMINNVTLLE. TENN.—Ernest Martin, 

president of Cumberland Amusement 

Co., opened its new Cowan Oldham Theatre 

last month with ceremonies dedicating it to 

the memory of Cowan Oldham, founder of 

the circuit. 

Cumberland has its home offices here; it 

owns and operates theatres in Dayton. 

Sparta, Winchester and Tullahoma, all in 

Tennessee. 

Among Atlanta, Ga., Filmrow representatives 

attending the theatre opening here 

were Dan Coursey, 20th Century^Fox exchange 

manager; Travis Carr, 20th-Fox 

salesman, and Frank Lowry, new sales manager 

of Atco Gibraltar's film division. 

VANCOUVER 

J B»Ws i^te iiii»ftii*Ci;tecaBtt)ntt!nWh^

il 

BOXOFFICE LEADS THE FIELD 

with more exhibitor subscribers 

because it publishes . . . 

MORE Local and National News 

i 

AAUKC Booking 

Information 

lYlUKt Showmandising Ideas 

IvlUKC Operational 

Information 

IyiUKl Equipment and Concessions Tips 

AAUKC Convention Coverage 

lYlUKb on all counts that count most 

—read and relied on by MORE Theatremen 

than any other film trade paper in the world 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY - WITH THE LOCAL TOUCH! 

JAB BOXOFFICE :; December 17, 1973

B O X O F r I C £ 

An InUrprativ* onolytlt of lay ond trodeprctl rcvUwi. Running tim* If In poranthnai. Th* plui and minui 

lign> indicate degrsc of merit. Llitlngt cover current reviews regularly. © l» *or CInemaScope; (g Panavision; 

S Technirama; $< Other Anomorphic processes. Symbol U denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award; All 

films are in color except those indicoted by (b&w) for block & white. Motion Picture Ass'n (MPAA) ratings: 

Bl — General Audiences; PG— All oges admitted (parental guidonce suggested); H— Restricted, with 

persons under 17 not admitted unless accompanied by porent or adult guardian; (X—Persons under 17 not 

admitted. National CothoUc Office for Motion Pictures (NCOMP) ratings: Al— Unobiectionoble for Generol 

Patronage; A2—Unobjectionoble for Adults or Adolescents; A3— Unobjectionable for Adults; A4— Morally 

Unobiectionoble for Adults, with Reservations; B—Objectionable In Part for All; C—Condemned. Broadcasting 

and Film Commission, Notional Council of Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATURE 

CHART. 

BOOKMJVCUMDE 

Review digest 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

++ Very Good; + Good; — Foir; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary H is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

1 L 

£ = ? o

: .rming 

. .Toho 

. Toho 

lEW DIGEST 

dPHABETICAL INDEX H Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In th« summary tf is rated 2 pluses, = as 2 minuses. 

m 

4604 Jesus Christ SupB'Star 

® (103) M Univ 7- 2-73 BS A3 

Jimi Hcndrix (102) M-Doc WB 10- 1-73 H 

4634Janathan Livingston Seagull 

(114) (f F Para 10-22-73 El Al 

4631Just Before Nightfall (107) D ..Col 10-15-73 

4633 Just the Two of Us 

(82) D 

—K— 

BoxoffiCB Int'l 10-22-73 E 

461S Karado—The Hong Kong Cat 

(85) ® Ac Hallmark 8-27-73 C 

4611 Lady Ice (100) Ac-NI NGP 7-30-73 PG A2 

4631 Lady Kung Fu (99) ® Ac-Melo NGP 10-15-73 H 

Lake ot Dracula (S2) ® Ho 9-24-73 

4604 Last American Hero, The 

(100) ® D 20th-Fox 7- 2-73 PG A3 

4600 Last of Sheila, The 

(120) ® My WB 6-18-73 PG A3 

4645 Laughing Policeman, The 

(112) Ac 20th-Fox 12- 3-73 S 

4600 Legend of Boggy Creek, The 

(90) ® Doc Howco 6 18-73 IS Al 

4598 Legend of Hell House, The 

(90) Ho 20th-Fox 6-11-73 PG A3 

4620 Legend of Hillbilly John, The 

(86) F Jack Harris 9- 3-73 gS 

4598 Let the Good Times Roll 

(99) © Mus Doc Col 6-11-73 PG A2 

4606 Live And Let Die (121) Ac UA 7- 9-73 PG A3 

Une (101) Melo ..Danish Film Inst. S- 6-73 

. Long Darkness, The (120) D 9-24-73 

4617 Luana (91) Ad CapiUI 8-27-73 PG 

—M— 

4614 Mackintosh Man, The 

(105) (P) Sus WB S- 6-73 PG A3 

4630 Man Called Noon, The 

(98) ® W NGP 10- 8-73 H 

4643 Man from Deep River 

(90) (§ Ac Jos. Brenner 11-26-73 H 

4619 Manhandlers, The (85) 

|H 

Melo Premiere Rel. 9- 3-73 

4606 Man Who Loved Cat Dancini, The 

(114) (gW MGM 7- 9-73 PG B 

4639 Massacre in Rome (103) D NGP 11-12-73 PG A3 

4614 Maurie (UO) (£) D NGP 8- 6-73 01 Al 

4632 Mean Streets (110) Melo WB 10-15-73 (H A4 

Memories of Underdevelopment 

(104) (b&w) D Tricenfl 6-25-73 

4623 Mister Superinvisible 

(91) © C K-Tel 9-17-73 Bj 

Mother and the Whore, The 

(215) Melo b&w Elite 12-10-73 

4628 Muddy Mama (90) Sex C . . Horizon 10- 1-73 |H 

Muzzers (53) F . . Open End Theatre 9-10-73 

My Fair Baby (82) Sex D Arrow 12-10-73 (x.) 

—N— 

4646 Naked Ape, The (S5) D-F Univ 12- 3-73 PG A3 

Newcomers, The 

(77) Sex M-C Mi-Loid 7-23-73® 

4528 New Land. The (161) D WB 10- 1-73 PG A2 

4617 Night Watch (99) ® Sus-D ..Emb 8-27-73 PG 

—0— 

4608 Oklahoma Crude (110) (©Ac ..Col 7-16-73 PG A3 

4602 One Little Indian (90) W BV 6-25-73 Q Al 

46051001 Danish Delights 

(85) Sex C Cambist 7- 9-73 

Operation Leontine 

(85) Ac Audio Brandon 7-23-73 

4632 Optimists. The (110) fp; C-D ..Para 10-15-73 PG Al 

4597 Lucky Man! (166) Sat WB 6-U-73 IB) A4 

4635 Outside Man, The (104) Ac UA 10-29-73 PG A3 

—P— 

4626 Paper Chase, The 

(112) *) D 20th-Fox 9-24-73 PG A3 

4613 Playtime (108) C Continental 8- 6-73 

4636 Police Connection, The 

(91) Cr Cinemation 10-29-73 m 

Prison Guard 

(90) ® C b&w Filmaeo 8-Z7-73 A3 

(111) ® 

—R— 

CRC 11-12-73 O A4 

4540 Pyx, The Sus-D . . 

Resurrection of Eve 

(85) Sex D Mitchell Bros. 10-15-73 (S> 

Return from Africa 

(105) Melo b&w New Yorker 11-26-73 

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ACS INTERNATIOKAL 

ORace Drivin' Woman 

(90) Ac..M«y73 

Jo; wnkerMO, Mike Hoeler 

ALTURA 

®Under Milk Wood (90) F..M>r73 

Itichard Burton. Peter O'TooIe 

©Phedre (90) Trageily . Mar 73 

(French language) 

©L'Amour (90) C. Jim 73 

The Adversary (110) b&w C. July 73 

(reviewed 11/27/72) 

AMERICAN CINEMA 

@Nev«- Look Back 

(88) Ac. Mar 73 

QMatter of Winning 

(84) Adv...Jun73 

ATLAS FILMS 

@Crypt of tlie Living Dead 

(81) Ho.. 

OSlamping Ground (83) D.. 

CAMBIST FILMS 

©Affair. Tlie (91) C. 

Ray Lalne. .Tndltli Strelner 

©Bordello (90) C. 

Lonnle Fedderson, UUa Bge 

©Code Name Trixle 

(reviewed as "The Craiies") 

(103) Ho. Mar 73 

©Minor's Wife, The (86) ....C. 

Michel Jacot. Anne Graf 

©1001 Danish Delights 

(90) C. July 73 

Oertie Jung. Dlrche Passer 

CENTAUR RELEASING 

©Invasion of the Bee Girls 

S 

(85) Ad. June 73 

Teach Me (SO) D.Noy. 73 

Swinging Cheerleaders, The 

(..) Feb 74 

CINE GLOBE 

©The French Conspiracy 

(125) Ac..Nw73 

Jean-Loute Trlntlgnant. Jean Seberg 

©Some Call It Loving (90) . . Nov 73 

Tlaa Farrow. Richard Pryor 

©Eagles Over London 

(100) Ad.. Nov 73 

Frederick Stafford. Van Johnson 

Little Fugitive (90) b&w ...Nov 73 

Richie Andrusco 

©England Made Me (90) ..Nov 73 

Peter Finch. Michael York 

CINEMA 5 

©State of Siege 

(120) Pol. Apr 73 

Yves Mont.md 

©I Could Never Have Sex. Etc. 

(89) C. Aug 73 

Carmine Harris 

Carldl. Cynthia 

©Visions of Eight 

(105) Doc Aug 73 

©From the Mixeo-Up 

Frankweller 

F|les/Mrs. 

(..) C..Sep73 

Tngrld Prater 

Bergman. Sally 

CINEPIX 

©A Very Private Party 

(..) Sex C. Mar 73 

Nathalie Jean 

©Phobia 

Naubert. 

(..) 

Coutu 

D. Apr 73 

Anthony Beckey, Brett 

Ingrld 

MISCELLANEOUS 

©Tile Awakening 

(..) Ho..Jun73 Dave Dlckerson. Sanna Ringhaver 

©Female Moonshiners 

Louise Marleau. Daniel Plion 

D & D DISTRIBUTING 

(87) Sex D. .Apr 73 

©The Devil's Due 

HOWCO INT'L 

(90) Sex D. Apr 73 

Cto&f West. Lisa Grant 

©Legend of Boggy Creek 

(90) Doc. Jun 73 

DANISH FILM INST. 

INDEPIX RELEASING 

©Worlds Greatest Lover 

Give God a Chance on Sundays 

(87) C. .Mar 73 

(94) bSw D .. May 73 

atan Ross. Marvin Miller 

Ballad of 

(104) 

H. DOSSICK 

Carl-Hennlng. 

b&w 

The 

D . . May 73 JOSEPH GREEN PICTURES 

©Wits End (88) Aug 73 

P. FILMS 

Turn Kcrnii, Vi.-ki Uaciniu 

The P.O.W. (82) D. .Jun73 

ELLMAN ENTERPRISES 

03 Blade (90) Nov 73 

©Tbe Beast & the Vixens 

(80) 

.I..I111 

K-TEL 

M:iil.'\, .lull Cvplifr 

INTERNATIONAL 

Ad..Apr73 

©Legend of Frcnchie King. The 

Jean (Jtbsnn 

(95) W. Mar 73 

©Fearless Fighters (83) Ac ..July 73 

Brigltte Bardo!.. Claudia Cardlnale 

Oiang Clilng, Tee Tuang 

^Hot 

LEISURE MEDIA 

Connections (87) Sex . May 73 

©I Love You Rosa (90) D . 73 

Billy Busy. Talle Cochrane 

(Hebrew-language) Mlchal 

©Moonfire (96) Ad Jul 73 

Bat-Adam 

Richard Bean. Sonny Listen 

LEVITT-PICKMAN 

ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES ©Henry VIII and His Six Wives 

©Bummer! (98) Ac. May 73 (125) HI.. 

Klpp Whitman. CVinnle Strickland 

Keith MlcheU. Donald Pleaaence 

©Flesh and Blood Show. The LIMA PRODUCTIONS 

(95) Ac-Ho .Jub73 ©Wet Lips (80) Sex. Jun 73 

FANFARE 

iji Persecution (..) . . . .Sus. .Jun 74 

Laiia Turner. Trwor Howard 

HLM-MAKERS INrL 

SSTlie Clones (95) ...SF..Sep 73 

Mtijfeaîl Greene, Gregory Sierra 

2.VMmM In the Rain (90) . . Nov 73 

t'ectMirt \Am&, Alex Nlcol 

'(LM VENTURES IHTi. 

(^W.lti- Women Had Tails 

(. .) C. .June 73 

EeBto Berger 

'?aSSVi'AY HtM CORP. 

.ib'crmalii. Th« (84) C. .Fab 73 

Rtl. 

Dttf 

©There Wat a Little Girl 

(86) D..July73 

John Torena 

Alderman, Lyilah 

GATEWAY FILMS 

©Ule Liz, The (95) Rel Mar 73 

Anne Baxter, Steve Forrest 

©Ballad of Billie Blue 

(90) Rel. May 73 

. . 

GENENI FILMS 

©Doll Squad (..) A. .Mar 73 

Michael Ansara. Frandne York 

GOLDSTONE FILMS 

3War Devils (99) Jan 73 

Guv Mfidlson, Van Terniey 

GROUP I FILAAS, LTD. 

©Pepper & His Wacky Taxi 

(..) C..Jan73 

John Aatln. Frank Sinatra Jr. 

HALLMARK RELEASING 

©Don't Look In the Basement 

(95) Ho -Sep 73 

HAMPTON INrL 

©Island of Lest Girls 

(85) Ac .Mar73 

©The Gorilla Gang (89) . 73 

©Naked Evil (80) Ho May 73 

Anthony Alnley. Suzanne Nere 

©The Halfbreed (90) ..W. Jun 73 

Lex Barker, Pierre Brice 

©Kiplino Code (107) Mar 74 

Alain Nnury. Oorla Kunstmann 

©Blonde Connection 

(85) Jan 74 

Judv Winter. Werner Peters 

©Sins of Rachel (90) Sept 73 

Ch.ise Cordell. Ann Noble 

©The Cat Ate the Parakeet 

(85) Dec 73 

Phil Pine. Madel Keen 

HARNELL INDEPENDENT 

PRODUCTIONS 

©Brother on the Run 

(90) Ac July 73 

Owen MItrhell. Terry Carter 

( .) ©Wrestling Queen Ac July 73 

VWan Vaehnn. Cowboy Bill Watta 

©Blood of the Dragon 

(90) Ac. Oct 73 

JACK H. HARRIS 

©Hungry Wives (89) Ho. Feb 73 

©Schlock (80) Satire Apr 73 

. ©Sixteen (90) D Oct 73 

Mercedes McCambrldge 

©Housewife (formerly "Bone") 

(96) Ac. 

Jeannle Berlin. Yapttet Kotto 

©The Legend of HMlbilty John 

(86) Sus.. 

Severn Harden, Harris Yiilln 

HEMISPHERE PICTURES 

©Assault (90) Sus. Mar 73 

Suzy Kendall. Frank Flnlay 

©The ifoung Seducers 

(80) Sex D. Apr 73 

Bvelyne Ingrld Steeger 

Traeger. 

©Sabena (90) .Sex D May 73 

©Bed Career (86) Sex 73 

HOLLYWOOD INT'L 

Orgy American Style 

(94) Sex. Mar 73 

Lo»e On ..Ac. Apr 73 

Wheels (75) 

HORIZON FILMS 

©Zaat (100) SF-Ho .Mar73 

. 

FILMS 

L.T. 

©This It a Hijack 

©Steel Arena (99) ... Ac Apr 73 

May 73 

(90) Melo 

Diisty Russell. Laura BrDoka 

©Mistress Pamela {..) ..C. Jan 74 

Julian Barnes. Ann Michelle 

©Truck Stop Woman (..) ..Aug 73 

MARON 

©Ciao. Manhattan 

(90) Blog. D..Apf73 

Edie Sedgwick. Roger Vadlm 

MATURE PICTURES 

©High Rise (66) Feb 73 

Tamle Trevor. Richard Hunt 

MB. PRODUCTIONS 

©Devil In Mks Jones. The 

(74) S» F Mar 73 

MEDIA CINEMA 

©The Killing Kind 

(..) Siif..S«p73 

Rutli Roman. Ann Sothem 

Rel. Date 

MENTOR 

©Walls of Fire (121) Doc. Apr 73 

MIRAGE FILM DISTRIBUTORS 

©Chaperone. The (87) Sus.. Sep 73 

Sandy Dempsey. Paula Lane 

©I Love You. I Love You Not 

(84) D....Aug73 

Lynn Harris. Marsha Jordan 

©Maids. The (86) C May 73 

tisohl IMgart 

WILLIAM MISHKIN 

©Flcshpot on 42nd St. 

(81) Sex D. May 73 

NEW LINE 

©Jimi Plays Berkeley 

(..) Doc .Sep73 

NEW YORKER FILMS 

©Painters Painting (116) 

(part b&w) Doc . 73 

Priest and the Girl, The 

(87) b&w D . Mar 73 

Paulo Jose, Helena Icnei 

Solcil-0 (104) 0. Apr 73 

Happiness 

(70) b&w (silent) C. Jun 73 

NOR'WEST PROD. 

f^^lTraii of the Will 

" 

(75) 0D-Ad..M«y7S 

PACIFIC INT'L 

©Vanishing Wilderness 

(90) Doc Jan 73 

PARAGON PICTUMS 

©Cycles South (91) . Ac May 73 

Don Marshall. Bobby Garcia 

©Love Me Baby. Love Me 

(103) D . 73 

Anna Moffo. Gianni Maodila 

©The Horrible Sexy Vampire 

(91) Ho. Oct 73 

PATHI 

Hunoer for Love (75) . . . D . . Mar 73 

PHOENIX INT'L 

©Sleazy Rider (86) D Feb 73 

Jim Gentry. Penny Bnnin 

©Poor Cecily (86) .Sex D Aug 73 

Aneela Field. Wm. Quinn 

f^ Impersonator. The 

(94) Sus. Oct 73 

PREMIERE RELEASING 

'IThe Manhandlers (..) Ac. Jun 73 

©Bikini Bandits (..) Sep 73 

SlDeath Squad ( ) Oc< 73 

PYRAMID ENTERTAINMENT 

©Roadside Service (75) Sex Jan 73 

Carnlvnn Willis. Deedee Bryson 

©Slavery 1973 

(105) Sex Doc Apr 73 

R. A. ENTERPRISES 

©Sins of Rachel 

(94) Sex Melo. Mar 73 

Ann Noble. Bruce Campbell 

SCOTIA INTT. 

©Baby. The (85) Sus Apr 73 

Anjanette Comer. Ruth Roman 

©Death Wheelers (89) Ad.. 

George Sanders 

©Pancbo Villa (90) W. 

Telly Savalas. (Tlbit Walker 

SCREENCOM INTERNATIONAL 

©Love. Swedish Style 

(83) C. Mar 73 

SHERMART DISTRIBUTING 

©Wild Honey (95) ...Sex. Mar 73 

SUN INT'L 

©Brother of the Wind 

(87) Doc. Jan 73 

©Instinct for Survival 

(..) Doc. Nov 73 

SUNSET INTERNATIONAL 

©Terror on Half Moon Street 

(90) Sus. Nov 73 

Hnrst Tappert. Karln Hubner 

©How to Play the 

Seduction Game (..) C. Nov 73 

©Bloody Friday (93) ..Ad. Nov 73 

Raimund Harmstorf 

©Kill Me Gently (..) Ad.. Nov 73 

Tony Kendall. Brad Harris 

©School of Fear (..) Sus.. Dec 73 

©The Making of a Lady 

(..) HI. Dec 73 

Richard Johnson. John Mills 

©The Yin and Yang of Mr. Go 

(..) Spy.. Dec 73 

James Ma-son. Burgess Meredith 

THEO. HOLCOMB 

©Russia (108) Doc. May 73 

TRANSVUE 

©Incredible Challenge. The 

(95) D Feb 73 

Michael Cralg. Bva Renal 

TRICONTINENTAl 

Alliance for Progress 

(108) b&w Pollt . 73 

UNISPHERE RELEASING 

©The House That Cried Murder 

(85) Ho .Nov 73 

Robin Stra.s8er. Jotm Real 

UNITED MARKETING— 

KKI FILMS 

©The Gardener (97) Sus. Jul 73 

Katherlne Houghton. Rita (Jam. 

Joe Dallesandro 

WALTER READE 

Ten From Your Show of Shwn 

(92) C. Feb 73 

Sid CMeau. Imogene Coca 

©Girls Are for Lsvini 

(94) Ac-Soi..M«»73 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

The Bitter Tears of ^'Z^lnflT' 

Petra von Kant English titles 

(Die Bitteren Tranen 

Der Petra von Kant) 

Tango-Film IFilmverlag 

der Autoren) 119 Minutes Rel. Nov. '73 

Writer-director R. W. Passbin(ier, wlio is 28. centers 

on tlie emotional entanglements of a top fashion 

designer iMargit Carstensen) for markedly 

varying di'amatic effect in this import. A mite too 

long for the subject matter concerned, this may 

find an audience in selective playdates and on 

what's left of the art-fUm theatre route, but commercial 

prospects are bleak. Lesbianism can be 

handled within the concepts of cinematic structuring, 

but Passbinder makes the fatal mistake of 

dawdling where he should proceed with drive. 

Margit Carstensen, Hanna Schygulla, Irma 

Hermann, Eva Mattes, Katrin Schaake. 

The Breakup 

T^tT^to,. 

(La Rupture) English titles 

Les Films la Boetie/Euro 

International/ Cinevog Film 125 Min. Rel. Nov. '73 

Gifted Gallic writer-director Claude Chabrol zeroes 

in on a woman caught in emotional chaos, the 

overall effect engrossing entertainment of a kind 

only rarely captured on either side of the Atlantic. 

The central character (played with compactness 

by Stephane Audran) , attempting to leave her husiDand. 

who is turned on to drugs, comes up against 

the vindictiveness and viciousness of her fatherin-law 

(Michel Bouquet), the latter not above coldly 

calculating moves to discredit her morals for custody 

of the woman's son. M. Chabrol knows keenly 

the human condition and penetrates psychological 

patterns with striking skill. He wrote the shooting 

script from a novel by Charlotte Armstrong. Andre 

Genoves was the producer. 

Stephane Audran, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Michel 

Bouquet, Marquerite Cassan, Annie Cordy. 

Land of Silence and Darkness '=*=" 

About °?.=Tf,"'y>' 

Blino-Deaf 

, 

(Land Des Schweigens German narration. 

und der Dunkelheit) 

^"°''^" ''"" 

Werner Herzog Films 90 Minutes Rel. Nov. '73 

Taking a rather unusual premise for himself. 

Germany's Werner Herzog, previously cited for 

such releases as "Even Dwarfs Started Small" and 

"Fata Morgana," is concerned here with the ongoing 

attempts of a middle-aged woman in Germany, 

named Fini Straubinger, who went blind at 

15 and then deaf three years later, to help other 

handicapped people. Herzog produced and directed, 

with the narration by Rolf Illig. Photography, by 

Jorg Schmidt-Reitwein, is touching in its simplicity. 

Selected play-off on this side of the Atlantic seems 

indicated. 

Narrated by Rolf Illig. 

Japanese Melodrama 

Latp l.aie rtUlUinn Autumn 

Japanese dialog. 

(Akibiyori) English titles 

New Yorker Films 127 Minutes Rel. Nov. '73 

Rather long for the genre, this Yasuriio Ozudirected 

and wi'itten (latter function in collaboration 

with Kogo Nodal import measures up well as 

a study of a woman newly widowed and faced with 

immediate decisions. Ozu's directorial prowess 

makes of the material at hand engrossing entertainment 

of a kind best appreciated by the foreign 

film buff. Commercial prospects would seem limited, 

however. Yushun Atsuta is to be commended for 

his cinematography. 

Setsuko Hara, Toko Tsukasa, Chisu Ryu, 

Mariko Okade, Keijo Sada. 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Dec, 17, 1973

: 

Opinions on Current Productions 

Feature reviews 

Symbol ® denotes color; © CinemaScopa; !^ Ponavlsion; ® Technir other onomorphlc proceues. For ttory lynoptlt on eoch plctura, •• r*v»n« ild*. 

THE STI^G 

PG 

Comedy 

Universal (7401) 129 Minutes Rel. Dec. '73 

Three of the top talents that previously collaborated 

on the classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" 

(1969) are reunited to make the b. o. hum again. Stars 

Paul Newman and Robert Redford and director George 

Roy Hill have given a new look to an old con game in 

an original screenplay by David S. Ward. Film cashes in 

on the nostalgia craze by being set in 1936. This isn't 

overdone, the costumes and backgrounds being authentic 

looking without resorting to drowning out the soundtrack 

with Thirties tunes. The old Universal trademark of the 

mid-30s, in b&w, provides a good mood-setting opening. 

The story is divided into six segments and concerns the 

two stars' efforts in swindling racketeer Robert Shaw out 

of a small fortune. Newman's role is actually secondary 

to that of Redford, who is constantly being beaten up, 

shot at and pursued. It's the kind of film an audience 

really responds to; the plot has two major twists, the 

climactic one being so neatly done that an invited preview 

crowd biu'sts into spontaneous applause. Few movies 

today can boast of such ingredients. Tony Bill and 

Michael & Julia Phillips produced the Richard D. 

Zanuck/David Brown presentation, in Technicolor. In 

all, it's one of the year's funniest. 

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Ray 

Walston, Eileen Brennan, Charles Durning. 

MAGM'M FORCE m 

Action Adventure 

Warner Bros. (216) 124 Minutes Rel. Dec. '73 

Back for yet another heavy action bout with criminals 

is Clint Eastwood in one of his most popular roles, that 

of the fists-first San Francisco detective. Dirty Harry 

Callahan. This time, reacting perhaps to some of the 

criticism of the first film, the scriptwriters have deliberately 

fashioned a story in which Harry is seen to be 

cleaning house with the Fascist-oriented take-the-lawinto-your-own-hands 

characters definitely on the wrong 

side. The result is a film that's very heavy on the kind 

of action fans like. Whether it's taking care of a plane 

hijack, shooting it out with robbers in a china shop or 

plunging his car up and over a lot of familiar San Francisco 

hills, Eastwood keeps the thrills going at a milea-minute 

in this one. The plot, however, is not too complicated 

and, at 124 minutes, looks more than a little 

padded at times. It takes much too long to establish the 

central conflict of the film. Eastwood gives another larger 

than life performance as the relentless lawman; he's 

been at these roles long enough to give them a real stamp 

of authenticity. Ted Post's direction is perfunctory and 

occasionally a bit on the cutesy side. Produced by Robert 

Daley. Screenplay by John Milius (Dillingen and Michael 

Cimino. Music by Lalo Schifrin. 

Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Mitchell Ryan, David Soul, 

Robert Urich, Kip Niven, Tim Matheson. 

BLADE m 

""©'"" 

Joseph Green Pictures 90 Minutes Rel. Nov. '73 

Another tough detective with an unusual name becomes 

a screen hero in the person of John Marley, 

character actor remembered for his fine work in "Love 

Story." His New York-filmed adventures in tracking 

dowTi a homicidal maniac make for an absorbing, if 

involved 90 minutes. Executive producer-director Ernest 

Pintoff, working from a script by him and Jeff Lieberman, 

uses the realistic approach he adopted for "Who 

Killed Mary What'sername?" with generally effective 

results. A large cast of local actors has been encouraged 

to participate in a wây which suggests a lot of ad-libbing; 

despite a certain amount of pretentiousness, "Blade" 

comes across as a tough, offbeat item for the general 

market. The language and some topless scenes merit an 

R; Jon Cypher's elimination of most of the females makes 

for rugged action, but the violence isn't really dwelled 

upon, except in the pre-titles murder and a fight between 

Cypher and Marley. A few unusual people turn up in bits 

"Super Ply" producer Sig Shore as a business executive, 

comics Steve Landesberg and Eddie iThe Old Philosopher) 

LawTence as porno producers, Andy Warhol star 

Jeri Miller as a dumb porno queen, and "Maude" (TV) 

regular Rue McClanahan. Produced by George Manasse. 

John Marley, Jon Cypher, Kathryn Walker, William 

Prince, Michael McGuire, John Schuck. 

CINDERELLA LIBERTY [f 

Comedy Drama 

© 

20th Century-Fox (2927) 117 Mmutes Rel. Dec. '73 

In the grand boxoffice tiadition of such other Christmas 

love stories as "Pete 'n' Tillie," "John and Mary" 

" 

and, of course, "Love Story itself, comes this comedyromance 

which gives James Caan (of "The Godfather" 

fame) a really good leading role and may weU make a 

star of Marsha Mason, hitherto seen only in this year's 

"Blume in Love." Miss Mason's first appearance, expertly 

wielding both pool cues and wisecracks in a Seattle bar, 

is one of this year's more memorable entrances and 

should put the lady in line for many other good parts. 

Caan is also fine in a somewhat more pedestrian role: 

the relationship of the two is not unlike that of the two 

main characters in "Klute." The film's strong sense of 

character and situation, however, is diminished somewhat 

by the soap opera elements that enter the story 

about midway, which will appeal to women. The strong 

language and salty dialog of some scenes may also be 

offensive to some patrons though they are fully in character 

and are never made gratuitously or out of place. 

Mark Rydell's fine direction and the excellent playing 

in their roles by Eli Wallach and Kirk Calloway make for 

a very satisfying experience. 

James Caan, Marsha Mason, Kirk Calloway, Eli Wallach, 

Allyn Ann McLerie, Dabney Coleman, Fred Sadoff. 

DOA'T LOOK NOW d 

Supematugl Thriller 

Paramount (8704) 105 Minutes Rel. Dec. '73 

Based on a short story by that master of shudders 

Daphne Du Marnier (she also wrote "Rebecca" and "The 

Birds"), this is one of the best supernatural thrillers 

in a long time highlighted by excellent performances 

from Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie and revivified 

by direction from Nicholas Roeg ("Performance" 

and "Walkabout") this is absolutely fascinating in its 

slow accumulation of mood, its rich depiction of the 

shghtly seamy sides of Venice in the winter and its heady 

accumulation of terror. The end may strike some as a 

bit anti-climactic so rich and fulfilling has been what 

came before and those who want every thing carefully 

spelled out for them may get a bit confused by the intricate 

details in the film; otherwise the film is as sumptuous 

a bit of work has as come out this year. Roeg uses 

a multiple amount of symbols and objects to push his 

story forward and keep the audience involved and some 

of his views of the canals of Venice whether silently 

steaming at night or lapping against the shore like so 

many tongues at day are breathtaking. Chi-istie and 

Sutherland have one extremely erotic love making scene 

that manages to be both utterly revealing and still within 

the bounds of acceptable taste. 

Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie, Hilary Mason, Clelia 

Matania, Massimo Serato, Leopoldo Trieste. 

SUMMERTIME KILLER 

Avco Embassy ( ) 90 Minutes Rel. Oct. '73 

The adventures of a fairly unique kind of mightmakes-right 

killer give this film a fairly good start, but 

it soon is lessened by dialog that is really a bit laughable 

and a cast of players that seem to have very little interest 

in their material. Action fans will no doubt appreciate 

the number of fast escape scenes, most of which involve 

motorcycle chases. But the film does not contain too 

great a number of them and there are several uneven 

stretches to get through. In the lead role, Chi-istopher 

Mitchum, son of Robert, shows that he has a fairly 

long way to go to achieve his father's ability. Though 

ali-eady featmed in several action films ("Rio Lobo" and 

"Big Jake"), his personality remains somewhat bland 

and uninteresting. Ms. Hussey still looks great but is 

hampered by dialog that is both mawkish and obvious. 

Karl Maiden hasn't got very much to do, and his character 

never seems to come strongly into focus, being at 

times a heavy and at times a good guy. The predominantly 

Italian production crew seems to be right at home 

with the action elements of the story but rather unconcerned 

about breathing any warmth or believability 

into the romance! Produced and directed by Antonio 

Isasi. Screenplay by R. Buckley and B. Degas. 

Christopher Mitchum, Karl Maiden, Olivia Hussey, Raf 

Vallone, Claudine Auger. 

The reviews on these pages may be filed for future reference in any of the following woys (1) in any standard three-ring 

loose-leof binder; (2) individually, by company, in ony standard 3x5 cord index file; or (3) in the BOXOFFICE PICTURE 

GUIDE three-ring, pocket-size binder. The latter, including o year's supply of booking and daily 

mov be obtained from Associated Publications, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kohms City, Mo. 64124 for %^39. 

record sheets, 

BOXOFFICE BookJnGuide :; Dec. 17, 1973 

4650 4649

. . The 

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploifips; Adiines for Newspapers and Programs 

THE STORY: "Cinderella Liberty" (20th-Fox) 

Kept on land by a slight medical problem, confirmed 

sailor James Caan gets a lot of Cinderella Liberty: permission 

to be away from the base until midnight. On one 

foray into Seattle's water front bar district, he comes 

across bar hustler Marsha Mason and. after going to 

bed with her. meets her young son Kirk Calloway as 

well. Not bothered by the fact that Calloway is black. 

Caan strikes up a relationship with the two of them, 

eventually causing Ms. Mason to give up her hustling 

ways. However, the relationship is badly strained when 

Caan discovers that his soon-to-be wife is once again 

pregnant but not by him. This causes him to leave in 

anger and Ms. Mason turns to the bottle for company. 

Eventually. Caan returns. Prematurely born and sickly, 

the baby dies, and Ms. Mason grows increasingly distraught 

and pessimistic. Eventually, she abandons both 

Caan and Calloway, believing they are better off without 

her. But, through a clever ruse. Caan gets himself discharged 

from the Navy and he and Calloway set out 

after Ms. Mason. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Work out a tie-in with youi- local recruiting office, 

playing up the Navy life as depicted in the film. Have 

a contest involving Navy slang and the title. 

CATCHLINES: 

Cinderella Liberty: An Unexpected Love Story. In the 

Tradition of "Mr. Roberts." Another Sailor Goes Ashore. 

THE STORY: 

"Dont Look Now" (Para) 

Completely distraught by the accidental drowning of 

his young daughter, chm'ch architect Donald Sutherland 

accepts a job restoring a cathedral in Venice and takes 

wife Julie Christie with him. There Miss Christie encounters 

two English ladles, one of whom is blind and 

a psychic; she tells Miss Christie that the little girl is 

happy but later warns that Sutherland is in great danger 

and must leave Venice immediately. Sutherland poohpoohs 

the idea even when he starts having visions of his 

daughter in her red raincoat and only narrowly escapes 

from a scaffolding collapse in the cathedral. While Miss 

Christie is attending to sudden duties in England, Sutherland 

thinks he sees her on a funeral boat and goes to the 

police; they don't believe him. Wandering through 

Venice he sees the vision in red again. Miss Christie returns 

to Venice too late to keep him from being murdered 

by a mysterious mass killer: a hideously grinning 

dwarf di-essed in a red raincoat. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Work out a tie-in with yom- local library on the works 

of Daphne Du Marnier who wrote the story upon which 

the film is based. Have a display of supernatui'al phenomena 

or just the sights of Venice to point up the mood 

of the film. 

CATCHLINES: 

Don't Look Now: A Psychic Thriller. Pass the Warning. 

Venice: The Perfect Place for a Watery Grave. 

THE STORY: "Siunmertime KiUer" (Avco Embassy) 

A number of sudden mobster assassinations across the 

U.S. cause the mob to hire crooked policeman Karl 

Maiden to investigate. Meanwhile, the killer, Christopher 

Mitchum, zeroes in on his final target, mob leader Raf 

VaUone, the man who ordered Mitchum's father to be 

killed many years earlier. Failing in an initial direct 

assassination attempt. Mitchum seeks to get at VaUone 

first through his secretary, Claudine Auger, and then 

through his daughter, Olivia Hussey. Mitchum kidnaps 

Miss Hussey and installs her on a houseboat in a remote 

part of Spain; the two fall in love, but Mitchum still 

tries to Im'e her father to his death by arranging a trap 

at a bull fight. Pace to face with the man. Mitchum's 

love for Miss Hussey prevails, and Mitchum doesn't 

shoot. Meanwhile Maiden has tracked Miss Hussey to 

the houseboat and is waiting when Mitchum returns. 

Maiden decides, however, to let the lovers escape; for 

this he is shot down by the mob when he returns to New 

York. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Play up Christopher Mitchum as the son of Robert 

Mitchum. Work out a deal with merchants to display 

motorcycles 'used prominently in the film) in the lobby. 

CATCHLINES: 

He May Be a Summertime Killer . . . But He's Dangerous 

All Year Round. Better Duck When It's Hot . . , The 

Summertime Killer's Here. 

THE STORY: "The Sting" (Univ) 

In six acts, an old con game is played. Robert Shaw, 

banker and racketeer, runs a numbers empii'e in Illinois 

in 1936. A Joliet rumier, James J. Sloyan, is victimized 

by con artists Robert Redford, Robert Earl Jones and 

Jack Kehoe, When Jones is killed, Redford swears revenge. 

He contacts Jones' friend Paul Newman, a master 

con man now down on his luck. With backing from 

Harold Gould, John Heffernan and girl friend Eileen 

Brennan, Newman puts a plan into operation. He beats 

Shaw at poker during a game on a train, using Redford 

to Im'e Shaw to his phony Chicago betting parlor. Redford 

is constantly hounded by crooked cop Charles 

Durning and Shaw's hired gunmen, one of whom turns 

out to be a woman, Dimitra Ai'liss, posing as a waitress. 

Gould is set up as a Western Union executive with firsthand 

information on the outcome of horse races and 

Shaw starts betting as Redford's partner. The last act 

involves Shaw's placing $500,000 on a false tip and FBI 

agent Dana Elcar being in on the showdown. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Tie in with the original soundtrack album, available on 

MCA records and tapes. Get across the idea that anyone 

can be stung—use artificial beehives for promotional 

gimmicks. 

CATCHLINES: 

All It Takes Is a Little Confidence . Biggest 

Con Game of Them All. 

THE STORY: "Magnum Force" (WB) 

In San Francisco, known but unconvicted mobsters, 

pimps and other felons suddenly fall victim to an executioner 

di'essed in a policeman's uniform. Working on the 

case for the San Francisco police force is detective Clint 

Eastwood who also stops along the way to take care of 

such things as an airplane hijack and a china store 

robbery. Eastwood soon narrows his suspects down to 

belligerent and aging detective Mitchell Ryan and four 

traffic patrolmen with unusual skill at firearms. When 

Ryan is killed dui'ing still another assassination, Eastwood 

starts to close in on the four patrolmen and discovers 

that they have formed a quasi-fascist society dedicated 

to taking the law into their own hands. An assassination 

attempt on Eastwood fails though a similar try succeeds 

in killing his partner. Felton Perry. Eventually Eastwood 

succeeds in closing in on the fom' and theu" leader Hal 

Holbrook. who was Eastwood's own supervisor. After a 

car chase and several shoot-outs on the San Francisco 

docks, only Eastwood is left alive. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Play up the various types of ballistics weapons used 

in the film. Make sure people understand that Eastwood 

again is playing his successful "Dirty Harry" character. 

CATCHLINES: 

Clint Eastwood Is Dirty Harry in Magnum Force. Magnum 

Force; You Need All You've Got to Get a Man Like 

Dii-ty Harry. Magnum Force: It's the Most There Is! 

THE STORY: "Blade" (Joseph Green) 

Account executive Jon Cypher murders Jeanne Lange 

because of her affair with black militant-di'ug pusher 

Ted Lange. Her father. Congressman William Prince has 

secretary Keene Cui'tis instruct detective Chief John 

Schuck in how to conduct the investigation. Lt. John 

Marley, who hates Prince, has little use for Schuck and 

tries to help suspect Lange. The sadistic Cypher kills 

prostitute Raina Barrett, fearing she may be a witness. 

Next victim is a secretary with whom he had an affaii', 

Karen Machon, who loves Peter White, Cypher's fellow 

executive. Under pressure and receiving no help from 

Schuck, Marle.v decides to quit. Having followed Marley, 

the killer mmders suspicious aunt Katharine Squire and 

sets a trap for Kathryn Walker, the mystery-wi'lting 

mistress of Marley. In Central Park, cop and killer fight. 

Marley kills Cypher, actually Prince's deranged brother. 

The corrupt Prince is elected to the Senate, Marley is 

reinstated. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Play up Blade as a new kind of cop-hero. Mention the 

wealth of New York talent in the cast. A tie-up with 

razor blade dealers might be effective. 

CATCHLINES: 

Blade Can't Be Bought. He's As Tough and Sharp As 

His Name ... A Vicious Killer on the Loose. Blade's 

Career—and His Life—Are on the Line. 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Dec. 17, 1973

, Box 

ATES: 30« per word, minimum S3.00. CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions lor price 

I three. When using a Boxoilice No., figure 2 additional words and include 50c additional, to 

3ver cost of handling replies. Display Classified. S2S.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

Mowed. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Set-H ropy and answers 

Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124. 

CUeRlOG 

HELP WANTED 

WANTED: Assistant managers and manners. 

Progressive, going midwest circuit 

3S openings tor experienced managers 

nd manager trainees. Send recent photo 

nd resume to Boxoflice, 3060. All replies 

9ld confidential. 

. WANTED: Experienced projectionisl, 

anager lor indoor or drive-in theatre 

r growing theatre chain in Pacific Norlhest. 

Offers in addition to salary, top 

edi,:al plan and life insurance paid by 

jmpany plus other benefits. Send recent 

loto and resume to Suite 600, 919 S. W. 

lylor. Portland, Oregon 97205. 

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES in Arkan- 

[s, Tennessee and Kentucky for experiiced 

theatre managers with knowledge 

projection. Send resume, photo and 

ilcrv requirements in confidence to Boxfice, 

3030. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

FORMER EXHIBITOR (Not by choice— 

vorcee), four theatres. Experienced 

5s). So let's make a deal ond put me 

ck in exhibition. Boxoffice, 3081. 

MATURE MALE THEATRE MANAGER. 

ssen'.ly employed in management, dees 

change. Write B, Oxholder, P. O. 

)x 412. East MoUne, III. 61244. 

IFULL CHARGE experienced California 

3 MI-e594 horns, 3 MI-1'156 baffles, 6 MIanager 

presently employed but availile 

9584 speakers, 6 MI-1449 

MI-9742-A trcmsformers. 

LF spfakers. 

3 networks. 

5 

Civic 

Center, Box 85, Waterbury, Comecticut. 

for chc llengmg position. College, 

nily, age 47. Boxoffice, 3038. 

COMPLETE 3Smm projection booths. 

Simplex or Ashcraft lamps Write (or details 

LENS REPAIR 

Boxoffice, 

3037 

WE REPAIR ALL Cinemascope and 

ime lenses. Low prices on requestne-Opiics, 

P O. Box 486, Lee's Summit, 

3. 64063. (816) 524-8918. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

ALL MAKES OF POPPERS, caramel con 

juipmeni, iloss mocnines. sno-bali marines. 

Kriscv Korn. 12Q So. Halsied, Chi- 

:go. :il 60606 

MISCELLANEOUS 

BACK ISSUES OF BOXOFFICE BAROM- 

TERS lor scle- Complete your liles. 60s, 

rly 7a's and some 50's, $3 GO each, poste 

included. Send check or money order 

Boxofiice, 3075. 

MARQUEES, SIGNS 

Designed, Engineered. Built. Erected, 

lintcdned on Lease or purchase plan. 

Mont Electrical Adver'ising Systems. 

iham, Pa. (215) 675-1040 

THEATRE REMODELING 

:iNEMA DESIGNERS. INC., builders o: 

^temporary thealres. can remodel your 

i theatre or build you a new one. Com- 

!le turnkey proiect. Write lor tree bro- 

Jre- 1245 Adams St., Boston. Mass 

24 (6171 298-5900 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

35MM PROJECTICN BOOTH3 FO? THE 

ECONOMY MINDED EXHIBITOR COM- 

PLETE $I,!OaCO, Boxclhce, 28.:0. 

REBUILT Simplex XL. Century booths. 

Used, rebuilt seats. Boxofiice. 3051. 

PAIR BRENKERT ENAHCS in good condition 

with new relleclors. $350 Pcir 

CO. 

excellent Ashctaft Model D or CVO with 

reflectors, $450 00, FOB Vancouver, B C 

Canada. Packed and crated. Write or 

phone: DOMINION THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

CO. LTD., 970 Davie St., Vancouver, B. C. 

FOR SALE: Complete Drive-in Equipment 

from screen to concession stand 

equipment. Used. Good condition. Reply 

to Boxoilice, 3084. 

ONE ONLY HOLMES portable Mazda 

35mm sound projector, 2M it. upper and 

lower Mags, portable base, Holmes L25N 

amplifier, lens. Excellent condition. Bargain, 

$495 00. Write or phone 682-1848. 

Dominion TTieatre Equipment Co. Ltd., 970 

Davie Street, Vancouver. B. C. Canada. 

NEW AND USED equipment for all your 

theatre needs. Personalized, fast and elficient 

service. Perfection Theatre Equipment 

Company, 617 E. 33ih, Indianapolis, 

Ind. Phone (317) 925-2700. 

THREE COMBINATION RCA soeaker 

bcffles on castered stands consisting of 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

USED EQUIPMENT bouah' and 

St prices Texas Theatre Surply. 915 

- 

Alamo San - Antonio - 

--'05 

78205 

TOP PRICES PAID: For soundheads, 

lamphouses, rec'ifiers. protectors, lenses 

and 

STAR 

portable projectors. 

CINEMA SUPPLY, 

What 

217 

have 

West 

you? 

21st 

Street, New York, 10011. Phone (212) 675- 

3515. 

USED THEATR-3 EQUIPMENT WANTED. 

Call (317) 925-2700, between 10 a.m. and 

1 pm. 

FILMS FOR SALE 

ISmm FILMS. Postcard brings bargain 

list. Inao Films, P.O. Box 143, Scranton, 

Pa 18504. 

16MM FAMOUS CLASSICS. Catalog. 

25c. Manbeck Pictures. 3R21-B Wakondo 

Diive. Des Moines. Iowa 5C32I. 

TEN MINUTE MYSTERY SHORT SUB- 

JECT. For college ffnd art houses. "Mystery 

in Shadows," direct Irom producer to 

theatres. No d'stributor. Conrad Brooks, 

3024 Riverside Drive, Burbank, California. 

FILMS WANTED 

PRIVATE COLLECTOR wishes to buy 

16mm and 35mm lilms. All replies will 

be answered. Boxoffice, 3023. 

MOVIE ADS 

(AS FORMERLY SUPPLIED BY METROPOLITAN MAT SERVICE) 

Glossy 8'/2 X 11 proofs and mots of all major motion pictures as 

fhey are released. A great supplement to your usual press book 

material. Over ten different one and two column ads on one 

sheet; reverses, Bendays and a great selection of mini ads and 

advertising styles to help sell your pictures. Only pennies per ad. 

For additional information and free samples, write: 

XOmCE :: December 17, 1973 

BOXOFFICE, 3089. 

HOUSE 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

LET US SELL YOUR THEATRE or handU 

your real estate needs Connectors Corp. 

44"SAM"PLATTERS 

SOLD TO 

ONE CIRCUIT! 

u 

HS8 

^fc^F INTER-C INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE 

TO National Theatre Supply Sales Executives 

FROM 

Dean Phillips 

OFFICE 

Home 

SUBJECT "Super SAM" Sales Shiash 

DATE 12/3/73 

We are in receipt of a single Purchase Order for hk 

SAM* platters - the largest single order for platters 

I've ever heard of. First installation before 

Christmas. Watch for full details. 

Regards. 

'SAM-Simplex AERO MATIC 

the star performer that doesn't stop the show

Boxoffice-December.17.1973

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