SCREEN 'JUN ■ 6 1 RADIO MUSIC STAIpE Piii,llsli,(l w«kly nC iti Went 4611; Street, K>vr York JO. N. T.. hy Variety, inc. Aiinii.Tl iiibscrlptlon. tlO. Sln(i* copIm. 2« crjiti. Hiitcrca IS aecuna-clasa Diatlev DoMinbor I;i05. at Ilia Pont OIKica at N->v Yoi!:, N. y., iiiiiler .llia" act u£ M»ri;l> 3, ISTO. CUl>VRiGUT, J»W. MV VAKUb-lY, INC. AM. KIGU'I:^' MJSSEKV^D. VOL. 162 No. 13 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1946 PRICE 25 CENTS N.Y. Drama Critics' Boxscore; p[ AS BiyEPRINI Season of 1945-46 (Jun« 1, 1945-May 31, 1946) (» Abbreviations: SR (Shows Reviewed); R (Ri(ht)i*W (Wron^); O (No Opinion Clcvrly Expressed); Pel, (Percentage) I.KWIS NICHOLS (Time.":). I.OVIS KBONENBERGKR (PM). W.\RD MOREHOUSE (Sun) •VERNON RICE (Post) ROBERT GARLAND (Jotirnal-Ainevican ) . ROBERT COLEMAN (Mirroi'i *WII.ELLA WALDORF (Post; SR R W O PCT. 59 54 5 !915 59, 53 6 .898 57 5) 6 .894 55 48 7 .872 24 20 4 .833 59 4!) 10 .830 58 48 10 .827 31 23 8 .742 56 41 13 2 .732 63 35 18 .660 61 5.1 6 .901 V.^HiKiY (Combined) 61 C'Mi.sji Waldorf reviewed Hisl half season, Rice taking over Jan. 1 due to former's falal illness.) Nichols Noses Out Kronenberger In 'Variety' Drama Critics Boxscore For a number ot seasons Lewis Nichols ot the N. Y. Time.t and Louis Kronenberger ot PM have l)(!en balllinfi it out for Vahikiv's Ni'i.v York drama critics champion- sliili. The past season has been no difii'irnl, Nichols nosing out Kron- enberger, last year's winner, b.v one less wrong guess. Bolh liave now copped twice. Nicliols' 1945-46 percentage of ITIt'is is the critics' boi.tcoie orip- iiinieti niirt atitiualli/ used by Variltv since 1923. It is therefore tlie bo.x:- score the Billbonrd decided lind come t)Uo file public doiiiiiiii and so stole il. The wiiisiinl pni'l o/ this sequeme is that it tool; 'em 20 years to get ai'otind to it.] [Sinatra's Baseball Pic j For Kelly, Lippy and Self I Chicago. June 4. I Script about three baseball pla.vers ! who go on vaudo tours during tlieir I off-seasons is being prepared b.v i Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. I The Voice added that Metro's story I dept. seems moderately interested. It's a "Tinker-to-Evers-to-Cliance" yarn, lie said. Vith parts of "Ryan, O'Brien and Shaughnessy," tailored for himself, Kelly and possibly Leo Durocher, who has signilicrt some interest. Didn't indicate, however, wlio'd play first and second base and shortstop roles. .915 is e.xccptionaUy high, having been topped only twice since the boxscore started during 1922-23. All but one critic clearly expres.sed an opinion in their 1945-46 notices, liie. exception being charged with two "no opinions.'' Right behind Krorienbergers S9B came Ward Morehouse, of the (Continued on page 68) Awesome Orson PutsHexonCrix Tele Nips Self With Day Program Void; Sets Sold Blindly Television itself is now ganging up on television, First postwar receiving .sets hit the retailers' shelves last week, ptil out by the 'Viewtone Corp. and the Bel- mont Corp., latter a subsidiary of Raytheon Manufacturing Co. Retail- ers, however, can't demonstrate the .sets to' prospective customers din - ing normal daytime hours of trade bccau-se none of the video stations is currently broadcasting daytime programs. WNBT (NBC, N. be.^an broadcasting four aftcriioons a week alter returning to the air ^ul)sccllll.Mlt (Continued on page 24 j In his regular Sunday (2) Blue network broadcast, Orson Welles threatened to put the whammy on tlia critics who didn't like hi.s "Arotmd the World." which opened last Friday (31) at the Adelphi. N. Y. Spilling a fantastic tale of Harlem vengeance, hex, voodoo drtims and all, Welles told of how once before he had "killed" a critic. U was all highly amusing to listeners as he "predicted'' dire things to those re- viewers who panned the show, al- though conceding that the new mu- (Continued on page 33) St. Petersburg, Fla., June 4. . 'Virtually everj' facet of show busi- ness — including films, television, radio and recording .:ompanie.s — had their eyes riveted on St. Petersburg, Fla.. today (Tues.). For, out of the current convention of James Caesar Petrillo's American Federation of Musicians may emerge a blueprint for union behavior that is expected to vitally influence all branches of the entertainment industry, at least for the next 12 months; The repercussions from Petrillo's opening blast at the radio industry and the recording companies on Monday (3) are already making themselves fell, and there's no at- tempt being made to conceal the wori i.somc slate ot the radio -record- ing chieftains. Sensing perhaps more llian ever befoi e that they were being squeezed a.s the "whipping boy" of what es- sentially is an industry problem, net- woi k executives made no bones as to their concern in the wake of (Continued on page 56) Johnston Says He Won't Be Yesman In Answer to Film hdustry Critics Runyon Sets 250G Price on Film Biog Damon Hunyon has set a $230,000 tab on his life story for any film company that's interested, with aoth- Fox reportedly given first choice. Agent Paul Small has just returned from a trip to the Coast where he huddled with studio exacs on the property. If the deal goes through. Runyon wilt script the story himself. Runyon, for a time, produced at 20th. 'Buy Stock And Be Our Partners/ ABC TeDs Talent Hollywood. June 4. Sale of slock to stars broadcasting on it.« netwoik to fortify it.s position against defections to other skeins when time opens up in the fall is ini- der sei ious discussion by the ABC plans board. By making its per- formers and those on other nct.s partners in the operation. ABC's Ed Noble and Mar'it Woods liold 10 the theory that it would strenath- en the ch?in piogramMvise and woo other top latent with the partner- ship bail. Idea stemmed from the proposal to Bjng Crosby and repoi led ov'er- U\re. to Ed Cardnei- for purchase ot ABC slock in lieu ot full earnings, thereby placing them in the capital CConlinued on page 33) Expect N.Y. Fight Bonanza Influx by out-ot-towiiers for the I.,ouis-Conn boul. June 19. is vx- peeled to bring in its wake a bo- nanza for the Broadway spots. One nitcry. La Martinique, which planned to shutter June 19 for the lirst major summer ■ closing since i pre-war, will remain open until :.)iMic 21 to cash in. Spot reupciis in 'September with Harvey Sioic. Martha Tillon and Tlie Viig;il)onds. ROY ACUFF IN TENN. GUBERNATORIAL RACE Memphis. June 4. Roy Aciiff. N.o. 1 hillbilly songster ot rjdio and screen, was entered in the Tc-iine.s.see governor's race in a sin pi ise n"'Ovc the past weekend and I lie is icpoi ted scrioii.-ily considering j canipaigriing for the Republican I ncuninalioM. . Two years ago Acufl had decided ■ nuaiiiM entering politics, alter mull- . ing the matlor lor many months. He : sairl il would interfere with his ra- 'fiio and film commitments at that time. .N'nihing further heard on sub- ' (Conliuucd on page CTj Henry Morgenthau In Quick Fadeout III a surprise move, Henry Mor- genthau. Jr.. ex-Secy, of the Treas- ury under President Roosevolt, has bowed out of the radio commentary picture alter an eight-week series of broadcasts over a flvt-atation "pri- vate network" 'covering New York, Baltimore. Washington, San Fran- cisco and Hollywood. On WMCA. his N. Y. outlet, in Baltimore, anrl in Washington, He was locally spon- sored, while the Others carried him .sustaining. Reason ascribed for the quick fadeout is that Morgenthau is in need of a rest and wants to relax. He considers the eight-week experi- ment in the "pull no punches" tech- nique as a success. But understand- ing is that he won't return to the air unless he can go coasl-to-coast via a major- network. He had pre- viously been rebuHed for network presentation. Morgenthau's last broadcast was Wednesday (May 2B i. with 1>is ac- cusation that President Truman had betrayed the trust ot the man who put him in office stirring consider- able pro and con comment. By HERB GOLDEN Eric Johnston took open cog' nizance last \veek ol increasingly- frequent reports being heard of din- satisfaction by certain industry top- pers . with his administration a« president of. the Motion Picture As- sociation. Johnston freely admitted to VarKkxy that echoes of the reports had reached him, but olTcred no apologies other than his record to date. ? There's no sign thai any crisis in the regime ol the MPA's S100,000-a- year, prexy is anywhere near, but if irritations on both sides continue to grow, a showdown could possibly occur. Likelihood of that happen- ing now, tiowever, is slight in ligtu of the excellent results Johnston lia,'* achieved in the past few week*; in advancing the industry's export trade potential. The settlement w\v,\ (Continued on pag* 5j Mountain Goes To Mohamnied Via H'wood Miniatures By WHITNEY W1LI,I.\.MS Hollywood, June 4. Hollywood in Miniature. Inc.. wUh Don Hai'tman, Columbia producer, as prexy, and Nat Goid.stone choir-, man was previewed for Hollywood last week, and nothing quite like it has ever come out of the tilrn capit-jl. Six large miniatures present a paRcant of Hollywood which is sup- posed to, and doe.s, give an cxai-t jllimp.'ie of the picture colnny as it nicfts the eye. It's due a tour, .itarling in Uie fall, willi u Ni-w York date. - Tlieic is Malibu Beach. Grji.i- man'.s Chinese theatre, the Bi^) vn Derby, the Hollywool Bo.vl. a ly;)!- oal motion picture stud'ii. and, Anally, th.e City of Hollywood. First five arc approximalcly Ave (Continued on page 24 > The Hour Of Charm All-Girl Orchestra a»4 Choir Conductad by Pliil !i^pitoluy 10th Ytar en the Air Sunday t, 10 P. M. E.S.T. NBC !»IISCBULANY Wednesday, June 5, 1946 There's No Place Like Home, H'wood Finds in Hollywood, June 4, The Cindticlla molit is getliiig a play atiiin iii Hollywood star-build- iiiR Bclivilics. It hasn't yet reached the IcKCiHlary piopoilions of the old silent tUiys when, sccording to pop- \\\a\- superstilipni at least, a gal was liable lo be discovered by a directoi; at the Vrnice iiicf, the corner, cpf- fee shop, or a Uixi-dancehall, for in- slaiK-e, and be sky rocketed, prompt- ly to stardom. Habiis and importance of directors and producers have changed all that. Thcv'ro loo hard lor the aver-, age cal io mecl. But, anyway, the- Cinderella scUip has gotten as far. down the scale as Ihc studio bacU- lols. the liilli" theatres and the haunts of n>odcls. Theory a.uain is boing widely dis- cussed and u> some extent acted upon around the studio that there's no reason why the ambitious young- ster.s sliouldn l lake- the high hur- dles lli-st! Nancy Guild was suddenly yanked out of •whatever obscurity may be the lot of an Arizona co-cd and featured by 20th-Fox in "Some- where in the Night." . . ! .'^etlous Speak Louder I Sol Le.s.ser not. Only announced; that "he waij going into, the con- ; tract shadowlands of Hollywood, or even farther, for a couple of youii;i .. actresses for "No Trespassing," but , he actually did as mUch.. Julie. Lon- . don was taken from a; professional school and Allene Roberts from the little theatres tor the two . feninic leads in the Edwai-d .G. Robinson- . Lou McCallister starrer. Also Rory I Calhoim. under contract to David | O. Selznick. but fresh to. pictures. | was signed for a featured role in the film. - . Le.-tsef maintains that the contract . li.sts of the various studios include j any number of talented young , players who aren't being givcn_ a ; chance on their own lots. He in- ' sist.s that theres no need, for talent licouts to range far afield when they can find what they want right in Hollywood's own backyard. Ttiis theory .gets considerable sup- . port from tiie fact that it isn't so ; long ago that Louis B. Mayer served caustic notice on Metro's citing de- pat-tment. producers and directors that tliey were letting valuable tal- ent go to waste and were, failing to give proper attention to. dievclop- nienl of young contract players. Tar's Own Closet Paramount oo the other hand. Sports Shorts Uhfavorabl* weather finally forced two ball games on New York the sanie night (.May 28, a Tuesday ) at Yank Stadium and Ebbets Field. So what do you suppose Henvich — Keller and DiMaggio and Reese— Reiser and Herman did to McGeo — Hope and Skellon'r On a cold, vainv night 28.000 turned out. in Brooklyn and 50,000 in the Bronx, indicating that maybe all. the dairy people are not west of the- Hudson. There was a rush ot ticket or-, ders for the Louis-Conn figlit before the public sale • .started, tiU' demand then .slowing down and with the title event but two weeks- away' OS).- ihe sale will have to' improve greatly, if the Yankee Stadiinn is to approxi- mate capacity. Checks for as much a.>! $25,000 each from large commercjfll firms were received, lho.se rtrms plaiuiing to cnxertain customers and einployees at the match, such expenditures bpi"(( chargeable off income tax re- turns. So far the majority of fans, buying directly Uom. Mike Jacobs' office are colored.' as previously reported; aiid it's as- .•iumed that the bulk ot other .sales w-.ill be made by ageiicies. Total ticket sale.s. as of late last week, approximated $1,850,000, SI 00 top. Mo.st of the tickets sold by Jacobs directly to tight ad- dicts are of lesser deiioniiria- tions. Guy Lombardo thinks he may get iiis Gold Cup boat up to 110. This is the one with the Hi- Cylinder Miller. He is also re- ported fooling around with a jet motor. It explains where Lom- bardo doe« his •bv'uncing. Indianapolis 500-mile auto grind saw- Spike Jones with an entry iit the race,- and antedi- luvian auto collector Jame.s Mel- ton piloted one of tiis ancieiits in the Fiiestone old-car parade. 207lli WEEK ! KEN MURRAY'S •■BLACKOUTS or 194«" El Capitan Th««lr«, Hollywood, Cal, '-V..ii're the killer. Ken--nia in*: .A. Ki*»i "IK'"'.": ALAN LADD. The Berle-ing Point By Milton Berle 'APPLE BLOSSOM TIME' AS ANDREWS' INDIE LucienneBoyer Clicks Heavily in First B^ A. Performance Since '38 I Buenos Aires, Mi9.V IS. ' The famous blue velvet gown niay \ lia\-e gone the way of other glories of France, but Lucieniie Boyer's tal- ent as singer and actress i-f still sock b;o. material for Buenos Aires au- diences. French chantoosey has a whole briefcase full of new songs, but audience.s. here insist, on her packing the old favorites a.s well; this she- does- with incomparable ar- tistry. Her voice is excellent, per- haps less hu.sky than before, -and at- thoiigh .she use.s. no mike, she can be heard effortlessly acro-ss the entire theatre. Mi.ss Boyer's precm at the Odepn Theatre gave socialite Argentines a chance to demonstrate their pa.ssion for everything French, and ^ they gave her a resounding welcome lal 12 peso.-;— $3— which is a high ad- mission .scale for Bueiics - Airest. There was a brief in.slant of stunned 'surprise when .she came on. because 'the "Paries Moi d'Amour" queen, I once so .svelte, is many . pounds. . heavier which may be due to the potato-bread diet of occupied France. But the cleverly designed Alix gowns do good cambuflagc duty, and . all el.se is forgotten , as soon as she goes into song. Singer's stint occupied the second half ot the bill and was divided into three section.s. each punctuated by a different gown: blue, while and Lou Levy, manager of the An- drews SIster.s. has bought the .film rights lo "I'll Be With You in Apple Blos.som Time", as a starrer for the has gone systematically about the : femme trio.. Levy and the Andrews i talent hunt in its own bailiwick. . will produce it independently. . „,„•„., ,„„ „.h:,t Studio has been active in making ' Their Decca disk version ot that last ^ ' foanouls for some time, farming out ' tune was among the early platters called ^^e opt m sm of F. ancc^^ its young.'^lcrs for parts in other ! to catapult the Andrews «iHs' to I audience reali/at.on oj^ Bludios where they can get a build- up and fan following. In addition, the company has established a sys- Boy!' Hollywood's xeally turning. out western pictures in a hurry, In ■ fact, out there, if you don't get your iiiakeup oft quickly enough, you mis- Ihe preview.. ..I'll never forget the day I was. playing golf at Hillcr and woimd Up in a sand-trap-^lhere .was Monogram shooting a de.> • scene. .. .Speaking of movies, due to llie trend of psycho pictures, 1 .,u.vt heard that Prof. Albert D. Metzler, world famous psychiatriijt, was hired, as eastern talent scout for MGM; . ..However it's not true that the cast times for the next Ingrid Bergman' picture will be designed by the Now England Strait Jacket Co. The Crtal WU Way "Oklahoma" has been, running for three year*. . . .next . year Ihey elect a new governor. . Jack' Bobbins is goihg'to spend that MGM. half-million profit ciicoulag- iiig the improvement ot the .T R's. . . .Robbins Rhumba Research. ; Oite comic Jn town did so well the other night. .. .they're congratulating the guy hg stole the inaterlal from. ■ Solly Violinsky knows a guy who . has been in more pawnshops than Ray Milland's piortable. ri Know a . Broadway producer who; has had so many flops'. . . .ho luis a direct chule to Cain's. Saw a niovie .yesterday and cried my eyes out. . . .1 wasn't in the pielurp. Doing great at the Carnival.. Uncle Sam gels 90% of my .salary— my agent gets lO'.i . .. idoes anybody know a reliable finance company.' Incidentally, they have a new innovation for visiting' comics at the Car- nival— on the' $2.50 dinner they .serve Eyorsharp pencils and pine linen pads. A There's Xo Trulli lo the Rumor That Tommy Mahville'.s divorce decrees' are printed on cancellcil checks .;..ThBt John LI Lewis is umpiring for Brooklyn— so that he can keep calling strikes. .. .That W. C. Fields look out a $50,000 policy on his ihiist ....That niy brother, Frank, is looking for a job. .. .That the Moscow Alt Players, are appearing in The' Red Mill... . That when Clai-k Gable wanl.s lo travel incognito he wears- .smoker ear muffs That Meniisha Skiilnick will .sOon be starred iii the "M.-tgnillcent Yonkel" That be- cause of the housing shortage Frankenstein, Dracula and -the Wolf . Man are all living backstage at the Riaito theatre. Ilanfnair Descriptions June March: Strip-endous. . . . Herb Shriher: Harmonic-comic. .. .B. -S. Piilly: Fraud-villiaii. . . .Tommy Mahville: Cashitivaling. . . .Vincent Price: Dragon-wicked. Obscrvalloii Dept. Got the surprise' Of my life last nile. . . .sat in Lindy'.s for 20 niiniiles without hearing an.vone reiriark. "This place is a goldmine. ' Certain nite club M.C.. has beeii spending money likie water. . . .now he's trying to float a loan. Know a girl that has .such an Interesting problem ... .they booked her for a return engagement on"Mr. Anthony's" program. Overheard at the Zanzibar: "He's got all the money shell! ever need." Met a guy that's .so dXimb, when .somebody gave him tickets for "Call Me Mister". . . .he went out to buy a confivmalion present. Saw Jcs.sel at the Roxy. The theatre's so big that if you sat in the last row jn the balcony. . . .you'd think he was. singing on key. ;Undersland B, S. Pully has cleaned tip his ^ict. .. .after each naughty word he says D. D. T.. Bcrird Krcs You can't go wrong with a Feist song unle.Ss you .place it with Mills;. ' Talent Scoift to Young Hopeful: Who knows? In 10 year.s you may be a big "enough .star to be able to write « testimonial for Ken Murray's Blackouts." One nite club funny man is so bad.... his hecklers are demanding top billing. 1st comic: Hotu loiifl t/id it tuUf [inu lo become a sucfi'Ss? 2(1 comic: Oil, nborit 10 -pnyM o/ Joe E. (.eii'is' innterinl. . What n crowd at the Carnival la.st Sunday night. Half aii hour before the show started, the lobby was packed. .. .thought it would never stop raining. < . - Went; into a re.stauranl.on 8th Avemic. One waiter was slanriiiig on liis head serving a cup of coffee. I exclaimed. "What's the idea of standing on your head'? Who arc your' The waiter replied, "I'm one of the Yacopi "Troupe. . Damn that Morris office. ' i4side (6 tiiy bobkiiiokcr: "Yoiir .slip iii slioiri/*;/." My brother (the one with the I'ui lle-ncck no.se) has found a way lo save his money he uses mine. wide"att''enLn.'%n7"the"indTe-made | of,: the three gowns. she got the big- filmusical will be tied in with the ten-i ot stage auditions, oh its own lot through which promising con- tract players can do their stuff in (Continued on page 24) song's revival. Pascal Woes Grycie For Shaw's 'Profession' Hollywood, June 4. Gracic Fields is being paged by Gabriel Pascal for a starring role In a lilm version ot Ihe George Ber nard Shaw drama, "Mrs. Warri-ii's Profes-sion.'* Actre.-^s is currently reading a re- vised script of the play, which may be produced in Hollywood it Pa.-^cal. finds .studio facilities unavailable in England next fall. , Re-Created Club Durante Due for SRO Tonight :est hand of all. U is a typically French gesture, put on with all the grace and showmanship at which Ihc French are so skillful. Songs run the gamut of expres- sion, from the clas.sy "Chanson.s" to "Je ne croLs plus au pere Noel," , . the piquant flavor of "De la Made- SRO sign' is expected to be posted ^ igj^g „ ropera " and the tragedy ot early lonighl (Wednesday) iO f''ont -^napelle Toi." She had her audi- or the Golden Slipper, dancehall "n . thoking back tear.<:. Times Square, N. Y.. when Jimmy | .Jacques Pills (Miss Boyer's hu.s- iDurante's friends gather with The-,,3nc)) covers the (li.St half of the iSchnoz to celebrate his 30 years m , bui^ and' .socks with his joie de , l.show biz. Metro is throwing lha ; innuendo and ' good-na- parly for Durante, and the, dan(:e- | (^^pj bonhomie. He i.s especially hall, on the site of the old Prohibi- ^^^^ j„ .-pi^.^ia Gaucha. " a satire on lion hoispot known as the Silver i i^j.^, pustoms, which g<»es over big. Rogers' Forced Landing . Meniphis, June 4; Buddy Rogers made a forced land- ing in his plane smack on the high- way near Blue Mountain, Miss.. Sun- day >2i night when darkness and Slipper, will be known tonight only pju^ on.stage for .iB minutes, wilh- ; as the "Club Durante. ' 'out being tiling I More than 400 of the comedian's' ! friends, including. Mayor William rO'Dwyer, are expected to attend. , _ , , ,. . , . ■ ;. Durante will leam. iip with his old,! w<-ieavily with (rosmo- tunes thai, helped push Duraiile to polilan U. S. audiences. Her "Par^ Frank Pourcel. violini.st, leads the 'l accoinpanimciit and does a .---oId, a 4th Generation P. A. . Hollywood, June 4. Six-pound, 13-ounce daughter was born Saturday i.I) to Mrs. Eddie Ettinger— and the infant's life work seems cut but for her. ' Father is an independent pub- Hcisl. Grandfather. Ed Ettinger, is an independent publicist. Great-aunt Margai'Ct Ettinger is an independent publici.^t. Great- aiinl Loiiclla O. Paisons is a newspaper coluinni.st. and sec- ond cousin Harriet Pai-.sons is a film producer. poor visibiliLv compelled emergency [ [fj^^-jy" '',;, 'pl.^'^nf.^jy comedians' landing. He was flying his own ship j,, g,|,|i,ion. Diiranle will do a piano from a Biimingliam air show to Memphis, accompanied by - .Marc Cramer. Plane taxied along the highway into Blue 'Mountain where residents ot this old soiitherh college town turned out en masse to greet flim- sier. He resumed trip nexl da.v: escaped willibut injury. for Laurilz Mel- Icz-Moi d'.AiiKiur" has lost nothing over the year.t years. "Comedy of Murders.' atarled leiising yesterday (Monday) on a 10-weck shooting schedule. Chaplin and Robert Ploroy cd- di)cci and Chaphn will co-.star with Martha Raye. Kccoinpaniment chior. Parly is slated to begin at 11 p.m. , DuiaiMe arrived . from the Coast yesterday iTuesda:( )' for the affair! and for the Broadway prcem tomor- i row i Thursday ) at Li-s' board, composed of Mr.s. John AI- dien Carpenter, Mr!!, Louis L. Mann nnd Mrs. George J. Asle. * Paulette to Frankfurt . Pari.s. June 4. .Actress Paulette Godditrd has gone to. Frankfurt for ftvfc days Ss gue-it of the AriTiy before returning to iln U. S. She plans visiting here on htr \vay back to America, Wi^lneMlay, June .8, 1946 FICTCRES $10,000,000 DEAL Enterprise The picture business adds another chapter to its breathless ~ pace with tiie Enterprise-Universal distributing deal. In three months a new major film company acquired a studio, set a re- leasing; deal and went hito traduction. In eight months It will have its first picture, "Ramrod," in distribution; in nine it will have five pictures shooting. Since last March Charlie Einfeid and David Loew (with the cooperation and know-how of A. Pam Blumenthal, David Lewis and David Tannenbaum) have set up a major producing com- pany with almost as many top stars in its stable as any other niajor wltli the exception of Metro. Its roster of marquee names now Includes Ihgrld Bergman, Ginger Rogers, Barbara Stanwyclc, Joim Garlleld, Joel McCrea and Veronica Lalie, plus directors lilie Anatole Lltvak, Universal, for its part, as prexy Nate Blumberg observes, adds a potentiar $30,000,000 gross annually to its business: Blumberg also states that its partners in England (Rank, et al.) ''are particularly enthused about the acquisition." The Rank-Universal worldwide theatre chain wants fresh U- S. product with marquee values/ arid obviously favors playing its own affiliated pictures rather siphoning off dlstiibutlon income to some other major. For U, also, the . Enterprise ac- quisition is an advantageous hypo to Its production values. It looms as an all right deal all around. AheV. LI LOAN CUES 3 Weakness in Pix Stocks Causes ^ Speculation on Anti-Trust Decisb^ USees$MOOOWorM With Enterprise Distribution Deal Deal pkaj'ed Monday (3) by which ♦ the Charles Einteld-David Loew flnlerpi'ise Productions unit will xe- leaso via Universal gives the lattei- cpnipaiiy a considerable product- hypo. U e.\ecs, who during the past yejii- Or so have feared the effects ot a wann\e list .of b.o. names on the studio s: lists, are highly pleased wi!h the ariangement which pro- vides them with such marquee draws Iiijli id Bergman, Ginger Rogers. Barbara Stanwyck,. John Garfleld. (nd .loel McCrea. They figure the Enterprise tieup should- give the company as much as $30,000,000 a year till in world grosses. Pact provides lor the Loew-Ein- teld setup to turn over t^ U lov dis- tribiitioji .a minimum oiaix lealmes a year. They are to be sold sepa- rately from U's own product and that of its other indie units, such as Walter Wanger, Mark Hellinger, Frit/. Lang. Mike Todd and Skir- ball-Manning. To' this end, U will name a sales manager to wflii k ex- cUi.sively on the Enterprise relea.scs. Bach pic will be sold individually and nol be contained in blocks with any other films. Althougli the present deal is ex- clusively with Universal, the pros- pects still are good for the product to be turned over to United World Pictures for release in a year or so. when tlial organization is operating at full blast. UWP is halt-owned by U and half by J. Arthur Rank. Deal v.ilh Enterprise, it was ac- knowlcdijccl by U prexy Nale Blum- berg Moiiday <3), is considerably broadci- than tlie usual perccntaRc distribution contract. Blumberg re fused to discuss what U offered to obtain Ihc Enterprise product in face of oilers to Loew and EinfcUl (CoMtiiuicd on page 25) U B.R. for Ent Hollywood, June 4. , Univer.sal's deal for release of Enterprise pictures, it is under- stood, entails financing of pro- duction by the distributing com- pany. David Loew and Charles Rin- feld were admittedly seeking more than the iisual percentage distribution arrangement from the company, they signed with and the extensive financing set- up offered by U is said to be one ot the added attractions. Einfeld. Bluiiiberg East For U Sales Convention Hollywood,. Jiine 4. , .'Charles F.infcld will come ea.-^l around the 20lh with his boy. Dick to allend tlic Universal convention, "see the shows", etc. Nate Blum- berg. U president, who quickies to the Coast oj) Friday (7), also will return in time for the U sale-: pow- wow al the Waldoi-f-Astoria. N. Y. Mrs. Blumbci'S i.t remaining east until the U topper gets back to N. Y. Laraine Day, M^G Sever . ' , • ' Hollywood. June 4. : Laraine -bay and Metro dissolved their conllaci, wliich still had five .veavs Iff run. Understood aclrcss was dissatisfied with a' long lisl of loanoul roles, . Since she signed her second Mclvo contract in 194-1. Miss Day had played only one picture, "Kccd Your Powder Drv," on the homi; Raftery Quits As UA Prez Tuesday Edward C. Raflery will quit the presidency of United Artists at the annual stockholders'- meeting next Tuesday (11) whetlier or not a suc- cessor is decided upon before then it was flatly slated by an authori- talive source this week. At the .name time it was said that UA three owners have no one set to take Raftery 's place and Ih* indica lions are that there is no likelihood of their finding anyone in the short time left. Ratlery's departure will leave the company' without an overall opcval ing head. There have been veporls that a cojnmiltee consisting of a rep of each ot the ■ three owners would be set up to 1-lin U.\ until a new prosideni is decided on Whellier or not this conies about actual day-lo-day operalions will devolve on CJrad Scars, v.p. in charge of dislribulion. Another possibility that has been talked ot is partner. Mary Pickford temporarily filling in- the presiden- tial vacancy. Miss Pickford is said to have indicated a desire to take the po.vt, but it is questionable whether her two partners. David O. Sel/.nick and Charles Chaplin, would agree to such an arrange- nient. agnew^aoTatdesk after month away Neil Agnew. v.p. in charge of dis- Iributibn tor David O. Sel/.nick. is e.-ipectecl back at his desk late this week. He ha.s been out for almost a month, dining which (ihie ho was operated on at the Polyclinic hos- pilal. N. Y. Ho left the hospital 'last Wednes- day (29 p and has been rei-upeialins at his liome since then. Out; of the chores lacing him is the annual n(-.?elin.!; of Uniled ArlisK slncl;- holcl-ii s nc'xl Tuc.-;di(y (til, ai -.' '.licli 'he is slaliid to repiestfiil SelViiick. By H.\BRT REGENSBjERG London, June 4. Alexander Korda's , recent deal, whereby he acquired British Lion Films for nearly $1,000,000, is only a forerunner of things to come, Kovda is now reputed to be a mil- lionaire iu English pounds, and is wealthier that he has ever been, Appointment of Arthur Jarralt as maiiaging director of BLF:. also is significant. Jarrntt, who is under- stood to have invested $400,000 in Korda's. venture, is a theatre man, having acquired his theatre hold- ings , from the late William Evans, original Ownier of Provincial Cine- matograph Theatres, absorbed some years ago by Gaumont-BritisI). Although Korda is reticent about his future activities, it's understood that he is plenty active, with big developments expected shortly. In- siders say that he is dickering with three important indie circuits, for tlit^ir big holdings. This would give him a real outlet for his fiiLiire product. One company under consideration is Shipman & King, prominent thea- tre owners who,, until receiitly, were backers of- Sydney Box productions. Company controls around 40 houses, scattered all over England, mostly in worthurhile spots. Rank often has bid for these, but understood that the price asked is around $6,000,000, with the owners insisting they main-r lain managerial intere.st. Korda might think it worthwhile to keep them occupied ' with him, which .makes the deal likely. Another company iKorda is sweet on. ^yith Jarratt also anxious, is Granada theatres. The.se comprise 3.5 dehixers, IS in London and sub- urbs, the others in the provinces. These are controlled by Sydney and Cecil Bernstein. They are reported ready , to give Korda and his con- ferees a big slice of their holdings, which amount to near $8,000,000. for a consideration. This is that they slay on actively. S. M. Super Cinemas, Ltd.. and its associated companies, comprising around 60 theatres in the Lancashire and Birmingham areas, including the recently acquired Danilo Cir cuit ot eight deluxeis in Birming- ham and nearby, are others Korda is said to be after. Southan Morris, head ot these companies, is reputed to be extremel.v friendly wilh Korda arid Jarrat, which should help the deal, . Acquiring interest in these three prominent indie circuits would en (Continued on page -24) Charm That Failed Al Sindlingcr, head ot Audi- ence Research Institute, thought that a horse which his daughter, Jacqueline, .17, was riding on their Hopewell: N, J., farm last week was getting too rough with her. He wallcbd over to calm the crlllcr down and ex- plain to the gal about handling horses. He expects to be back at his . office later, this week. The four cracked rib.s are healing okay. Col. Case Cues Gl-Studio Setup Hollywood, June .4, Precedent-setting case of vet- actor relations with the studios, was decided in favor of former GI with settlement that has Fred Graff going back to Columbia under full year's acting contract. . Screen Actors Guild had hearing.s with all major studiosr represented in discussions as to situation of ac- tors whose option periods had ex- jjircd within few weeks, after- return from rriilitary service. Graft' was under yearly option contract at Columbia and was draft- ed about five weeks before first op- tion was due. After severSl ycar.s in the Army, studio hired him back tor balance of original contract period but failed to take up option. Actor claimed that, under the, Selective Service Act, he was entitled to re- employment for- full year becau.se, under his term contract, he coiild not be classed as a"temporary". em- ploye, who is not protected by SSA. . Studio, although disagreeing with Graff's contention, has agreed to re- employ him for full year as "a mat- ter of good will and general policy ot doing its part to aid veterans re- e.>-tabllsh themselves." ♦■ Weakness of Aim stocks during the past week, in the face of a generally, rising market that drove the com- bined average ot all sliares to the highest level in la years, found both indu.sti-y and Wall street financial circles at a total loss for an explana- tion. One theory bruited about was lhat insiders had a tip the anti-trust suit decision, about to be handed down, had gone against the majorj and this was depressing Aim issues. Splendid first . quarter carnin.if statements, far in excess of last year, in all theory should have scnl pic- ture slocks skyrockctiiig, . Instead, while mo.sl .of the riiai;ltet,^climbed, majority of nim shares either just inanagcd to hold their own. or took .spills; There were *declines ot- as niiich .a.s two to three points in one day, with Paramount. RKO, RepubT lie. 20lii-j;ox, Columbia, Universal aiid Warner Bros, among the suf- ferers. Aside from the anti-tnist suit lin^ off theory, only reason that was of- fered on the street for the slides iii picture issues were more or les.-: minor dips, in boxoffice receipts. This trend to drops in gros.scs. as noted last week, was becomiiig in- creasingly evident, but certainly no cause for alarm. Theatres were slill doing biz that in any. but the most limh times— as exemplilied by Ihe past six months— would, be regai-ded as terrific: B.o. weakness. 'Wall si reetcis figured, wasnit ot sufficient proportions to account for some of lliose falls film stocks took. What effect the pendhig anli-lriist suit decision actually had on the market was a moot point. It ap- H>eared fairly certain that the three- judge Federal statutory court in New York arrived at its findings and Ihe decision would be handed down momentarily. But if (he coiirt had actually decided against the Big Five and .was calling for divprce- meiil,. it was figured in some quar- ters, why should this react against Columbia, Universal, and Republic, which arc not defendants in the suit, but who.se shares dropped? U, SHERLOCK SAT ADIEU Hollywood, June 4. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson will cease solving crimes for Uni- versal with the release of "Dressed to Kill." 14th picture 'n the detec- tive series. Studio's contract with the Arthur Cojian Doyle estate for use ot the Holmes stories has lapsed. National Boxoffice Survey Downpour, Unfavorable Weather Dampens Memorial Day Expectancy — 'Postman,' 'Love Me,' 'Tomorrow,' 'Territory' Big Winner* Mrs. Goldwyn Back Sat. Mrs. Samuel Goldwyn, currently in England on a quick look at the pro- duction and distribution situation for her husband, is expected back in New York Saturday (8). She planed over two weeks ago. While numerous key cities are be- ing helped thi.s week by the Me- morial Day holiday upswing,, others are suffering from too much damp- ne.ss. or changeable weather. Heavy downpours on several days wiped out prom iiiing weeks in . .several eastern metropolitan keys, overall total reflecting thi.s. Bulk of big money is concentrated in eight pictures, with small change in leadership from the previous week. Big winnei' at the wickets is ■Postman Rings Twice" (M-G). playing in some 14 theatres, with a national total of- aroUnd J.'l'.i.OOO in principal keys covered by V.^Rl^:nf. Others in the top eiglU; in about order namfed. are "Do You Love .Me" (20th'i. "One More. Tomorrow? (W'BV, "Badman'.s Teri it'oi-y" iRKOi. "Blue Dahlia' (Pan, "To Each Mi.s Own" (Par). '"I'he Outlav:-" lUA) !ind "Heartbeat" (RKOi. "His Own" ?ets into the select class via the .hi.i.!;e. SI35,000 being done on second week at N. Y, Music H.ill. ."Mlhough in Only three cilic. "TV.i- Outlaw" looks lo l:iiid about .Sl JD.nOO ip-..Mily becau. e of Vc!.;ord biz i;- I'l . ; S--.1 l-'r;.;-.'': <) t'-icjlre;-. yihn is still pluyinii in lour- Los Angeles houses althom-h now In ninth week. The remarkaljle slrenglh shown by "Territory" at- tests 10 the comprehensive national exploitation by RKO on this big western. "Heartbeat," another RI<0 picture, managed 16 get into the Hist eight although in only six ke.vs. "Bride Wore Boot. s"' (Par), "Young Widow" rUA), "Devotion' iWB), ■'Killy'' iPar) and "Two Sisters From Bo.-^ton'' (M-G) cither show promise or are rounding out their priiK-ipal playd.ates in pi incipbl . cities! "Widov.'. " second Jane Ru.-- | sell starrer, which has done v.cll in - Dayton, Toledo, Salt Lake City and} |.-everal other spots, hits Detroit this cominj! week. "Two Sisters" is just starting, but is leader in Cincinnati and fine on second Philadelphia week. Ihe.ic bcinx only spots playini;. "Night in I'aradisc'' 'U i sliov.s up in just t^vo cities but is rated tor- rid $a5.600 in Chicaiio, "Dark Correi " (20lh). "Her Kind of Man" iWB; and "Somewhere in Night'' (20thj don'l slack up well this session. Last-named rates an avera.yo S52..000 in throi: L. A. spots, only cily s.l'0-,\lng. (C'oiiipleie fil"! Bo.ro.flice Reports. Patjes 16-17J Trails .Marli neKl»terf<1 l--buxr)BJ> BY BIMK, SII.VKK.M AN ■■(ilillitliKil W'urkl.t by VABIKTV, Ini-. Sid 8i]\-criii:in. I'l-i-nliltiit Wml 4(;ili St., New Tork in, N. T suBSCfiir'noN Anniiot 110 Foreign. S'liijple CoifffN. . • Vol. 162 110 No. 1.1 INDEX Bills . . . . (i7 Chatter . . :.. ...... . . 32 Film Reviews. . . .13 Foreign ; ... 20 House Review.-; .......... . . -24 .Inside Legit . . 71 Inside Music. . . . 58 Inside Pictures. .. :r> Inside Orchieslras ,. 5B .Joe Laurie, Jr. . .,.. .. '. . .. 'j:) Legitimate ;. B8 Litpraii . :: . — .. 2a Milton Berlc 2 Mu.sic ■ . . r>T . Night Club— Revit . . . , . 'iii Obituary . . . Orchestras . . .")? PiclurCs Plays Abroad , . '. 71 Radio :- • . . -:•! Radio. Kcvipws ........ : . 4-1 Recmnmcndcd Records. . . .">« Frank Scully - .. 28 Television ............... f.'4' Vaudeville . , ti:i 1 '|».»M.V V.-Mtl»TV (I'libllsli'il In 'Il0l,!;'v,'(inil. bt D.i'.l.v \ aiii-l.v. l.nl." . tlO « \c.n— JI'.' l-'oip'En A FESSIER-PAGANO PRODUCTION ith CHARLES WINNINGER CARL ESMOND Raymond walburn Elisabeth risdon LOUISE BEAVERS WALLACE FORD FRANKLIN PANGBORN Original Screenplay Written and Produced by Michael Fessier and Ernest Pagano Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER Executive Producer: HOWARD BENEDICT A UNIVERSAL PICTURE Vednesday, June 5, 1946 PICTURES Johnston s Program for Film Labor Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association, states there are three objectives he aims to achieve to stabilize the Hollywood labor situation. He lists them' as: 1. A system o( arbitration. 2. Establishment 6f a single labor committee to negotiate all wage at'reements on behalf of the craft unions. 3. A method of getting greater continuity of employment. On the arbitration system; Johiiston said he favored a perifianent paid ai-bitrator, similar to the one maintained by the clothing and other industries. Hq asserted this system, with the arbitrator's salary shared by the unions and the employers, had worlced out very satisfactorily in other fields, A single committee to represent the craft unions in wage negotia- tions (not working conditions), Johnston said, was needed because the greatest difTiculty in dealing with some SO different unions was each of the lattcr's constant fear that some other union was- going to get a bet- ter deal than they. Johnston said this greatly delayed negotiations and could only be eliminated by handling all wage agreements via a single representative comnnittee. As fo'r greater continuity of employment, he said he felt that was necessary because the basis of all labor trouble is a feeling of insecurity that most employers have , not understood. He pointed out that em- ployees have the same continuing "overhead costs" as a studio, whether they work or not, so they are entitled to assurances that they can reg- ularly meet this overhead. He refused to disclose his ideas on how the problem of continuity of studio employment should be approached, but stated he didn't think the industry was ready yet for agreements to pay annual wages. Johnston No Yes-Man Contlnned from paic 1 the French government, particularly, has been winning him wide ap- plause. Hollywood biggies, whose grum- blings have been heard all the way to Washington and New York, are mostly mifled at wliat they consider a lack of attention by Johnston. Ex- plaining that the MPA during the past few months . had been prac- tically a five-ring circus, Johnston said it was manifestly impossible for him. to be everywhere at once and he had. been spending the major part of his time on the important ex- port matters^ the results of which he was very proud. ' One Hollywood insider explained the irritation at the MPA head last week thus: "Johnston wants to pitdi sU'aight balls and the boys want him to pitch curves." "I don't know how to pitch curves," Johnston declared. "Frank- ly, there have been plenty of times I've disagreed with industry execu- tives. But if they want a yes-man, they, don't need me. They can get someone for a couple hundred dol- lars a month." More Hollywood Visits Whatever unhappiness lingers on the Coast, after announcement of the foreign agreements during the past week, Johnston hopes to elim- inate during a visit to Hollywood oh which he'll leave next Monday (10). This is the first of regular fortnight jaunts he expects to make at least once every two months to keep re- lations with company toppers on the Coast running, smoothly and elim- inate their complaints of lack of 91- tcntion. MPA head admitted that his visits to Hollywood since he took the post last fall had been infrequent. He was on the Coast in October for three weeks, January for two weeks and March for two weeks. With other duties, particularly foreign and labor matters, taking up his time, he indicated he didn't see how he could have gotten to California any more often. One of the harder differences of opinion between Johnston and some industry execs, it is reported, is over , labor relations. MPA prexy is a student :of modern labor relations methods and he feels that "Holly- wood has not been living in the atomic age as far as labor relations are concerned." He said he would seek a reexamination of the labor :>ituation when he got to the Coast. L'AffaIre Pat C«8ey Among the things that Johnston has wanted is a labor relations ex- pert, . under his control, as a re- placement for Pat Casey, who has operated more or less independently for many years as "studio labor con- tact." Following out this idea, Johns- ton went so far as to make a more or less definite commitment to a former officer who handled labor re- lations for. the Navy. At the same time, it is reported, it was suggested to Casey that in view of his ad- vancing age he accept a. generous pension and step out. Casey, it is said, immediately went to the presi- dent of one of the majors and in- formed him he had no intention of quitting. Inasmuch as he was so familiar with the inside 6f many studio labor matters, he suggested, he thought .it would be a praor move for the industry to lose him. The prexy in question agreed and pres- sure was put on Johnston to call off his deal with the Navy man. That, of course, has left a sore point. Johnston, queried on the interpre- ation, was noncommittal. He said, however, that he had spoken to Casey concerning . the advisability of a younger man (Casey was 71 in November). The vet labor contact, Johnston indicated, was not entirely willing— but, on the other hand, not unwilling— to step out. Johnston, admitting he. had inter- viewed a number of candidates for the labor job, said he was seeking a man in his 405, and definitely no older than his early 50s, with a wide knowledge of every phase of modern labor relations techniques. Reexamine Hollywood Standards During his Coast stay, Johnston said, he will also call for a re- cxaihination of the type of pictures to be made by Hollywood. He de- clared that he felt the Production Code perfectly adequate and in need of no changes, but his talks would be along the line of the kind of pictures people want in this country an.d abroad. "I feel that one of my jobs," the former Chamber of Commerce head asserted, 'Is to call for conatant reexamination of all phases of the picture field. Leaders of the film in- dustry, like successful leaders of any other inidustry, have a natural tend- ency to stick to formulas that have led to their success. In the mean- time, the world may pass them by. It's necessary, therefore, that we reexamine ourselves constantly to make sure that we are keeping up with an atomic age." For years prior to Johnston's ac- cession to the MPA presidency, Hol- lywood royalty got along oh an easy basis with Will Hays, in large meas- ure, perhaps, : because of Hays' long experience as a professional politi- cian. He had unique ability to please everyone by not hitting too hard at anything. But Johnston is no Hays in that respect. He; has very defi- nite ideas and equal determination to put them over. If he finds himself stymied too often, nothing is more likely than that he'll tell the MPA members to get themselves another boy. Another point that can't be over- looked in regard to Johnston's fu- ture in the industry is that he is po- tential presidential timber for 1948. One of the things that bounced him high in that respect was his recent swansong speech at the U. S. Cham- ber of Commerce convention in At- lantic City. Taking the Viewpoint of enlightened capitalism, as against the tory dichardism of the National Association of Manufacturers, Johns- ton won himself backslapping from a wide variety of sources. INGENUITY USED lU Gyp DISTRIBS By IRA WIT Aftermath of the bldwoff on per- centage, picture Chiseling which pushed Ross Federal out of the the- atre checking business- and led to a string of lawsuits still popping up in the courts is a host of stories of just how it was done. Methods of gypping distribs turned up on inves- tigation show one thing— that the exhibitor who was out for more than the contract gave him didn't lack ingenuity, those in the know say. And it took more than one way to skim off an estimated $20,000,(>00 from the distributor's cut, they add. Classic story of how. far a con-- niving exhibitor will go to anare the extra dollar is that of the mayor of a small midwest town who also hap- pened to be the sole exhibitor of his domain. Hizzoner had a law passed which made it mandatory for. the checker to pay a $5 tax daily for the privilege of checking! What's more, the tax was to be paid directly to the mayor— this eliminated the pos- sibility of the distribs sneaking in a blind checker to keep tabs unbe- knownst to the exhib. Custom of using blind checkers first sprung up some 25 years ago when percentage clauses were ini- tiated in sales contracts. Idea which Ross Federal used widely was to check on the operator wifhout let- ting on to it. Point, of course, was to separate the goats from the sheep and then to keep ai real watch on the goats. Practice faded out re- cently 'when Confidential. Reports, Inc., which services for all ma- jors, except Metro and part of War- ners, took over. From Booze to Dame* 0ns of the standard gimmicks used until recently was one method or another of disposing of the check- er who was too conscientious. Favor- (Continued on page 29) Vast Fix Saving In New Brit. Pact Washington, June 4, New tax treaty with Great Brit- ain, which eliminates double-taxa- tion for actors but makes American players subject to the British tax rate .while working in England, might save the American film com- panies a potential $35,000,000 to $40,- 000,000 annually. Treaty was ratified by the Senate in a late , session Sat- urday (1) night. Under existing coriditions, before ratification of the new treaty, Brit- ain was not taxing American film distribs on remittances of their British take. U. S., however, had been taxing British companies on the money grossed by the latters' prod- uct in this country. Situation fomented considerable agitation in Parliament, with re- sultant demands for laws subject- ing American distribs to full taxa- tion. Under existing tax rates, this would have hit them for almost 9(1% of the present ;.$80,0O0,OOO take from the Britsh market. Since, under the new treaty, Amer- ican actors working in Britain less than six months will be subject to (Continued on page 29) Brenner Heads Metro's District Checkers in L.A. Los Angeles, June 4. William Brenner, head of Metro's checking department, is currently selling up a district checking office here to cover all theatres on the Coast. Checkers working out of the' new office will make their reports directly to the field office, instead oif to the homeoffice, as they'd been do- ing in the past. New offices, it's understood, will not be established in the exchange cities so as not to have anything to do with the exchange staffs. Check- ers will also work independently of the Willmark Agency checkers, with whom Metro has a contract for an- other year to check certain situations throughout the country. Gov. MiUiken Win Resign MPA When 70 Tiiis Year; Mayer or Vining to Succeed Cap-ahd-Gown Circuit With the cap-and-gown cir- cuit running at full blast this month,. Motion Picture Associ- ation, toppers will be kept busy on both coasts. Byron Price, MPA v.p., who heads the or-' ganization's Hollywood . activi- ties, gets an honorary master of arts degree from Harvard tomor- row (Thursday), while prexy Eric Johnston is slated to make the commencement address at University of Southern Cali- fornia June 15. Price, who headed U. S. cen- sorship during the war, also shuttled up to Harvard Monday (3) for Phi Beta Kappa honors. He's Slated to huddle with John- ston. UN Strain Nips Soviet Pix Buy With the U. S. and Russia locking horns at United Nations meets and elsewhere, latest repercussion in the low ebb of Russo -American relations is the indefinite shelving by the Soviets of previously announced plans to buy a minimum of 10 American films in the coming year. The films, all on the entertainment side, were to have been, forwarded to Moscow via Artkiho, U. S. distribu- tor of Russe pix, in a program for expanded use of American pictures in Russian theatres. Understood that Artkino has vainly awaited instruc- tions to ^tart selection of likely sub- jects for the past two months. The Russians, instead, will make no purchases whatever of U. S. pic- tures, it is reliably reported. Pro- jected trip to the U. S. of a represen- tative of the Soviet Union's film min- istry to cooperate with Artkino in choosing films, now long overdue, has been' apparently dropped. Soviet rep was supposed to journey here last month, and his failure to appear was coincidental with the open flare- up on Iran. Russian animus towards American film companies was heightened re- cently when one of the newsreel companies irreverently treated the recent Soviet elections. Dubbed in English commentary of . Russian- made reel distributed here ribbed the election as a one-sided match in which Josef Stalin was a sure win- ner. American films continue to be popular with the Russians and the two or three currently exhibited there pack the houses. Understood, however, that the official policy is to use tjie dropping of plans for U. S. pix as another expression of Russian displeasure oyer the claimed Anglo- American alignment against . the Soviets. ♦ Carl E. MiUiken, secretary of the ■ Motion , Picture Association since 192C, will resign "at the end of this year, MPA President Eric Johnston disclosed last week. At that time MiUiken will have reached thie age of 70 and' Will retire 3n pension, in keeping with Johnston's aim to in- fuse younger blood into all aspects of the Organization. Milliken's successor may be either Gerald Mayer or Robert E. Vining, both of whom have been named to the MPA staff within the past few weeks. They are relieving MiUiken of part of the load of handling the industry's export affairs, which have been an important part of his duties and which he has done in addition to his work as secretary of 'the as- sociation and for years head of the eastern Production Code Adniinistra- tion. Mayer and .Vining, said Johnston, will have every opportunity to prove themselves before MiUiken leaves. He hopes to make a choice of one of them for the post left vacant by the departing secretary, rather than bring someone else in from the but- side, the MPA topper stated. Mayer served the State dept. in western Europe during the war years. Vining was a captain in the Navy, handling intelligence. He was named to the MPA staff several weeks ago and last week was ap- pointed aide to the president. Both he and Mayer will specialize in. ex- port matters. Mllliken, in 20 years with the MPA and its predecessor, the Motion Picture Producers Sc Distributors of ' America, has become a prorhinent industry figure. He was a WiU Hays appointee. Popularly known as "The Governor," the title goes baclf to his two terms as governor of Maine, which he wound up in 1921. It was in that capacity that he first became interested in films, embark- ing on a series of pictures from out- door stories featuring Maine's scenery, . If Horne-Deutsch Make Infl Deal It's For One Film Only Deal being talked . by Hal Horns and Armahd Deutsch with Interna- tional is for one picture only. It calls for the William Goetz-Leo Spitz organization to provide studio space and release via United World for "This Side of Innocence," to be made from the Taylor Caldwell novel. Home, chairman of the board of Story. Productions, which wiU make "Innocence," said Monday (3) from the Coast that no deal with Inter- national has actually been set yet and that other possibilities for stu- dio space and release arc still being canvassed. Home was joined by Deutsch in Hollywood over, the weekend and Stanley Kramer, v.p. in charge of. production, planed out of . New York Monday (3). Don Ettlinger, who is screenplay- ing "Innocence," expects to leave for the Coast with the. finished product Friday (7). Lesb'e Ruling Baffles Studios Hollywood, June 4. The Joan Leslie court decision, freeing the actress from her Warner Bros.' contract, is expected to play havoc with chances of under-age femmes in seeking studio contracts. Superior Judge Alfred Paonessa. ruling on a demurrer filed against the injunction previously granted Warner Bros, preventing Miss Leslie from leaving its employ, made the decision which is keeping legal and talent heads in the studios here awake nights. The Los Angeles jurist ruled that while actress' original coiitract, signed while she was a minor, was duly approved by the superior court, studio did not obtain such approval when . succeeding options were lifted "and therefore, no contract existed between Miss Leslie and Warner Bros." Immediately follow- ing the ruling, Warners announced it will iippeal the decision. Although effect of the ruling will not go hard with men players, since most of them are 21 or over when they hit studio contract lists, most talent heads here believe that if the decision is upheld in the higher courts. It will deal a heavy tlow to chances of femme applicants for stardom. It is emphasized that most (Continued on page 29) YoDDg, Jewel to £-L Hollywood, June 4. Ray Young, studio general man- ager, and Edward C. Jewel, art di- rector, shifted from PRC to th« newly-formed Eagle-Lion organiza- tion. Three ' other PRC department heads turned in their resignations. They are Norman Cook, production manager, ■ Betty Pagel, casting di- rector, and Karl Hajos, musical director. 6 Wedneidajrt Jane 5, 1944i with CHARLES WINNINGER CARL ESMOND RAYMOND WALBURN ELISABETH RISDON LOUISE BEAVERS WALLACE FORD FRANKUN PANGBORN On.. J Screenplay Written and ProducftJ by Michael Fessier and Ernesi Pa^-ano Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER Executive Producer: HOWARD BENEDICT A UNIVERSAL PICTURE Wednesday, June 5, 1946 PICTURES TIME TO RETURN TO BALLYHOO Rainy Weekends a Rreak for Film B O. But Sports' koads May Yet Be Felt stormy weather during the last* several weekends has temporarily' postponed' the usual boxofFice der cline in the key cities, but has done so at the expense of the outdoor , re- sorts and attractions. Despite the stall, however, record crowds at the seashore, ball games and other out- door spots over the Memorial Day weekend indicate that the. exhib will experience his usual summer slump this year. Persistent rains, while cutting into theatre grosses during the weekdays, bolstered biz ,on weekends, by keep- ing people in the cities. Full force of the seasonal dip in receipts, there- fore, has not yet been felt. With balmy weather over Memorial Day, however, several keys reported off- ish biz and grosses in others cities saw marked reflections. Rain has also caused a slowdown In the turnstiles at the ball parks but the baseball magnates are still looking forward to the biggest year in history. Total admissions in the big leagues, despite an abundance of rain, were 1,000,000 ahead of the first month of last year. More than 61,000 showed up for a night game at Yankee Stadium, N. Y., Friday (31), which was the first decent weather break for a game under the lights that Larry MacPhail's had since he installed the new lamp sys- tem. And this despite the fact that the Yankees were playing the last- place . Athletics. As film biz shapes up, the worst that can be said is that this sum- mer will be a normal hot weather period, in the opinion of exhibitors and distributors currently . trying to forecast trade trends. It's only a matter of getting back into the usual seasonal strides, since the industry has always looked for a sQmmer slump with a resultant upbeat in the fall. Abnormally high grosses have re- versed this usual pattern for the last several, years, being close to the biz enjoyed during the rest of the year. Fact that boxoflice take has been higher than ever before has given most houses somewhat of a cushion against the shock of ,the torrid months' dip. Giant attendance at competing outdoor attractions was expected but the early season trek, as illustrated by the Memorial Day crowds, was the surprise. It's viewed as a fair example of what film biz is in for when the real dog days arrive. Flocking of million; to the out- door entertainment field is looked on as a natural result of wartime re- strictions, when the public was forced to stay at. home. Restricted travel occasioned by gas-rationing and the shortages of tires and other goods, all contributed to .the better trade at film houses. Gene Kefly's liyiiig' Hollywood, June 4. " Gene Kelly's pic for Metro (Pan- dro Herman) has been renamed "Life's for the Living" and will be directed by . Gregory La Cava with June Allyson co-starring. This is the yarn for which. Harry Kurnitz recently went to New York to get Kelly to do this picture. Cen- tral character is a returned sailor who was previously a dancer. RRs Hurt Biz But Now Bounced Back L. A. to N. Y. Roy Bai-gy Hal Bock Murray Bolen Zelm'a Brookpv Pat Casey William Castle Phil Cohan • Buddy de Sylva Mary Edwards Florence Eldridge Dale Evans Harriet Frank Paul Jarrico Mitchell Kowal Ella Logan Jeanctte MacDonald Allan Meltzer Oscar Morgan F. T. Murray George Pal Elliot Paul John Paxton John D. Phillips Harry M. Popkin Byron Price Walter Ramsey Ruby Rosenberg Jack- Sayers Joe Schoenfeld Douglas Shearer Col. C. A. Shoop Harry H. Thomas Don Thornburgh Jean Trent Ann Triola Arthur Van Horn June Vincent William Watts Carey Wilson Business in the pictures theatres was affected by the rail strike, prin- cipally in the larger centers, and previously across the country by brownouts, but has already bounced back on a national average/to where it was before, accor^ling to operating sources. Legit hoiise^ were hurt some by the rail strike, especially through a drop in advance and mail orders, but cited that it's hard to tell just how much was. due to the strike since season is going into the stretch. Niteries in New York did. not exr perience particular damage from the railway tieup. Nightclubs had no complaint Saturday night (1) but were reported considerably below normal on Sun- day (2). plaint Saturday night (1) but were reported considerably beloyv normal on Sunday (2). The brownout, brought about by the soft coal strike, hurt the most in Chicago, where theatres were forced to close down for awhile and elsewhere in the face of curtailed op- rations while the walkout was in progress. Overall harm from the short-lived railroiad strike was less serious on the whole but'had' notice- able ' effect in large cities with tran- sient populations such as New York and Chicago. In addition to every- thing else, Los Angeles was injured during May by the tram strike which has since been settled, immediately pushing up grosses. Meantime, there are other strikes and threatened walkouts which may hurt, especially if prolonged. This includes the Hudson tubes strike in N.Y.., which interferes with travel by people living in New Jersey. LonK Decoration Day holiday Thursday (30) was not quite up to expectations in some localities but, on an average throughout the coun- try, proved satisfactory. In N. Y. several factors militated against a heavy pull on Decoration Day, headed 'by very balmy weather which kept people outdoors. Addi- tionally, large crowds went to ball games and races, while others viewed Memorial Day parades. Then also 50,000 people tried to visit a part of the fleet now in the Hudson river but only 25,000 were able to get on the boats. lEBlTO NEED HYPO SOON Exhibitors, throughout the, country, still coasting on war-born easy grosses, are failing to push local ex- ploitation of pictures. That's the current gripe of major company top flackinen, privately airing ihelr views. Pressbooks and other ex- ploitation material are piling up on the theatreman's desk with the lat- ter making no real effort to fully use the ammunition to ballyh«>o films slated for local showing, the pub- licists complain. The exhibs fell into the bad hab.lt during the war, it is claimed, when "all tiiey had to do was turn on the electric lights to do top business." Decline In showmanship became evident during the war, , one exec said,' when exhibitor purchases of display material sagged 40%. Slack has yet to be taken, up, he added. Point made by several' flackmen is that exhibs should mend their ways now when there's still velvet in the grosses.. By so doing, they say, the inevitable tapering . off of b.o. re- ceipts can be cushioned. Exhibitor practice ' of using local newspapermen to handle local ex- ploitation' diet down during, the "Arar, it is said. With their loss through the draft aiid otherwise, no replace-' ments \tFere made because th'e exhibs were satisfied to let well enough alone. The theatremen themselves, flacks say, were too busy then to (Continued on page 35) CPA Order Further Delays Show Biz Bldg. Washington, June 4. New show biz construction takes anothor temporary setback under orders Issued last week by the Ci- vilian Production Administration. Because the number of priority authorizations has been outrunning available building materials, CPA ordered its regional directors to re- duce their dollar value of authori- zations by two-thirds for at least 45 days. No authorizations already issued, will be affected, but the scramble for scarce building mate- rials will be cased. If this move fails to do what it was supposed to do, make more ma- terial available for home building, it fnay be followed up by another one. Veterans groups are currently raising the roof in. D. C. charging that the. vets home bt'ildin.i; is a flop because material is i ":'!-" chan- neled into commcrcral structures. British Story Mart Pkks Up British story market, which had sunk during thie war to almost noth- ing as. a potential source of Ameri- can screen material, has picked up in both quantity and quality diiring the past month or so, major com- pany story eds report. They say that quantitatively there's been an upturn of about 300% in the number of books, plays, and originals being received in this country over what was coming in six months ago. English film industry, which, pribr to the war, was negligible as com- petition to Hollywood^ for story material, is becoming an important factor In bidding against American companies. With the J. Arthur Rank apd Alexander Korda organizations offering real coin now, most British writers prefer to sell their wares at home, rather . than to Hollywood. One reason is patriotism and the other the - dual taxation they suffer by disposing of their properties in America. / New laws in England and United States which eliminate the necessity of a writer paying income tax in his homeland on a story he sells to a studio in the other country it ex- pected to materially help the situa- tion. Hollywood hopes it will aid in furthering the quantity of- mater- ial it receives for . Inspection from England. Among the stories coming In from abroad now are st'ill a good many about the war. American companies practically refuse even to consider them. English audiences are said not to be so down on war films as Americans are, but British com- panies, with their eyes on the U. S. rnarket,' have thus become as reti-. cent as Hollywood on the combat yarns. Eagle-Lion (Patlie Tag Out) Seeks Own Selling Org; Foys N.Y. Huddles CpL Renews Jack Cok Hollywood, June 4. Jack Cole has re-signed as dance director for Columbia Pictures at a substantial increase. Cole, prior to the new pact, had considered leav- ing the studio to' return to Broad- way, . but upped figure caused a change of mind. . Prior to film work, Cole did a dance act with the Kraft sisters. Distrib-Services Washington, June 4. Film distributors have worked out a more advantageous deal for them-, selves in their postwar arrangements with the armed forces, which are planning to continue extensive screenings to service personnel at all bases. Here is the deal with the Navy Dept., which is typical. Navy pays 40% of a fictitious door charge of 10c for each gob, based on an aver- age 20,000 men seeing each print. The new contracts are the first which require a per capita payment from the Navy and, from the Navy's viewpoint, are not a$ good as the pre-war deals, s Industry's attitude appears to be,j however, that It donated so much' for free tp the services during the war that It Is now entitled to make a little money. WMle the deal is a. better one than the 'commercial ex- hibitors get— considering the fact that Navy gets its pix early— Navy Motion Picture Exchange does all the handling out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The distribs provide no service comparable to what they give the theatres. . The Navy figures it will pay the companies $1,781,670 for prints dur- ing the fiscal year beginning July 1. It expects to buy four features a week (15 prints of each) plus ac- companying newsreels and shorts, or a total of 208 features per year. Of these, 40% of the prints will be in 35in and the remaining 60% in 16m. Of the features, »0% (187 subjects) will be in blac]( and white, while the remaining 10% (21 pix) will be Technicolor. As -the Navy figures it out, each 35m 7'eehnicplor print will cost an average of $1,074, and $552 for the cheaper 16m. In black and white, the cost per 35m print will average $501, and the price of a 16m feature will be $352. Remainder of the total will be made up. from the reels and short subjects. ^ Eagle-Lion Co. has plenty of ccia available to back independent pro- duction and is currently shopping, around toMie up with fllmakers on productibnrdistrlbution deals. So says Bryan Foy, studio head of £SL. He's in New York, along with Au- brey Schenck, his assistant, ' for huddles with Robert S. Young, Pathe Industries' official, Robert Benjamin, general counsel for P-E, and Arthur Krim, Benjamin's legal associate. Chief business for the conferees will be the selection of a sales head for the new organization, Foy disclosed. In deals with indie producers, Foy said, E-L's studios, now under ex- tensive expansion, would be avail- able should shooting space be re- quired by the producer. . Addition- ally to putting coin into these pro- ductions, the company would also handle domestic and South Ameri- can distribution. Under an existing, pact, foreign distribution of all E-L pix would be the job of the J. Arthur Rank organization. Foy plans to stay in New York for 8-10 days but will extend the time if a sales chief Is not tagged within that period. While here, he'll be on the hunt, for story material and acting personnel. Despite re- ports, the company is not actively in quest of a president to head the outfit, Foy said. Pressing need Is for a sales force so that E-L can start releasing schedules in the fall, he added. 3 Beady By Scp(. 16 On this score, the company ex- pects to have three films in the can by Sept. 15, Foy stated. First two to go before the cameras in July will be "Repeat Performance" with. Franchot ToRe and "Its a Joke, Son" starring Ke'nnj^ Delmar (Senator Claghora). Studios rigged with eight stages has capacity output of 22 pix yearly. No figure for the first year's production will be set until the sales head is chosen, Foy said. ' Foy disclosed that the name Pathe- Eagle-Lion was chanjged back to Eagle-Lion because RKO squawked, claiming Pathe is its own label. Foy reiterated prievious statements that PRC, also controlled by Pathe Industries, would not be liquidated because of the formation of E-L. Latter company plans to use PRC physical distributing facilities but no merger further than tiiat are in the cards, Foy said, PRC, in turn, will sell its own product. . UBS. ACER'S FU FINCH-HIT Cecelia Ager, who was PM's first film critic when the sheet was founded six years ago, returned to that task Monday (3) . She's reliev ing John T. McManus while he takes a two-month vacation, during which time he'll also attend the American Newspaper Guild conven- tion. He's prexy of the New York chapter. . Mrs, Ager is wife of music pub lisher Milton Ager, and prior to joining PM in 1940, wroie for VARIEiy. Goldwyn-Mrs. Fairbanks Renew Lease on Studio Hollywood, June 4. Samuel Cloldwyn has concluded a 20-year leasing deal with Lady Syl- via Ashley, former wife of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., for 50%, of the Gold wyn studio. Control of the other 50% is held by Mary Pickford. New lease begins November, 1948, when present one runs out. Lady Ashley, who is in London, was represented here , by her lawyers. lOOG Studio FaeelUt Hollywood, June 4. Reconstruction campaign at Eagle- Lion starts off with a $100,000 face- lift and more building to be done as soon as the Government green- lights material and equipment. James T. Vaughn, production man- ager, has programmed construction of a new wardrobe building, dining room, dubbing room and consolida- tion of two small sound stages into one big one, N. Y. to L. A. Ingrid Bergman N. J. Blumberg A. Pam Blumenthal Helen Colton Jack Davies Martin Field Mrs. Verbina Hibbard S, Barret McCormick Gradwell Sears Ben Selvin David O. Selznick Edward Sherman - Mike Todd J. J. Unger Seidelman's PRC Post Refutes E-L Merger Talk ' Appointment of Sam Seidelman to the PRC post of foreign manager is further refutation of any impending "merger" between PRC and Eagle- Lion. According to PRC's h,o. execs., PRC would not be projecting plans for expansion of its production and distribution facilities if the firm's liquidation wais in the works. Lloj^d L, Lind, .PRC veepee, also flatly de- nied reports that Sig Neufeld had or was pulling out of the company to organize a new producing-distribut- ing organization. Seidelman, who started work on Monday (3), was formerly managier of the Latin American division for United Artists and before joining UA in 1931 was with Paramount. Job at PRC will be to establish overseas ex- changes and equip them. with re- quired manpower. VIDOR GETS eOL 'HEART' Hollywood, June 4. Columbia assigned Charles Vldor to direct the Virginia Van Upp pro- duction, "My Empty Heart," starting, early in July. 8 Wednesday, June 5, 194^ Co, He cfalmeJ men mteDlfFemHL Till she went WOLF/t on the Town ! ill Universal Presents A FESSIER-PAGANO PRODUCTION GEORGE BREl lUCILLE BALI VERA ZORIl with CHARLES WINNINGER CiUHESMOND Raymond walburn elisabcth risdon LOUISE BEAVERS WALLACE FORD FRANKLIN PANGBORN Original. Screenplay Written and, Produced by Michael . Fessier and Ernest Pagano D'awt^d.ly WILLIAM. A. SEITER Executive. Producer: HOWARD BENEDICT UNIVERSAL PICTURE Wednesday, June 5, 1946 PICTURES 'LEASING' SCRIPTS OLD PK IDEA Screen Writers Guild's Licensing Proposal Bound to Curb 1^ Pix Sleadily increasing demands by the Screen Writers Guild for licens- ing their properties to film produc- er!!, instead of selling them outright, and for a separation of copyrights, are currently being viewed appre- hensively by those film connpanics a'i'eady in, or now planning, foreign Itim programs. At a recent open meeting of the SWG, the writers proposed that in any contract where a member of the Authors' League of America, parent body of the SWG, grants a producer the right to make a picture based on his story material, there 'should be granted "only the right to pro- duce and exhibit, within a stated period, a single motion picture on 3Sm Him' in the English language . . . Such rights shall be in the form of a license, limited as afore- said, which shall cease. on the ex- piration of a nxcd period of time." SWG prexy Emmet Lavery pointed out at the time that the minimum basic agreement, under which the SWG operates, applies only to em- ployment conditions and thus covers mostly only screen writers hired by studios to adapt the work of other writers for the screen. Because SWG desires the new formula to be ap- plied to all writers, it's petitioned the exec council of the league to arrange a joint committee among the member guilds to huddle on the subject. Member guilds, in addition lo SWG, include the Radio Writers' Guild, the Dramatists' Guild and the Authors' Guild. If the writers can force their pro- posal on the studios, it's felt that the foreign ICm programs will suffer especially. With the idea calling for an original contract to cover a 35m film, the studios would have to lay out additional money to obtain 16m rights lo Ihe same story. And, since most or the majors contemplating foreign 16m distribution plan to dub the picture in the language of the country for which it's intended, the "English language" clause will also hit hard. Other Effects Proposal's time limit period might also have deleterious effects. With their foreign markets practically cut off during the war, most majors now have a tremendous backlog of pix that they're priming to move into the foreign territories as soon as trade restrictions can be lifted. And, since no company will export a 16m version of a film until the 35m version has exhausted Its playing time in the same territory— because of the desire to protect their 35ni accounls — the exportation of 16m prints might be delayed In some In- (Continued on page 25) Doona Reed to Liberty Hollywood, June 4. Liberty borrowed Donna Reed from Melro- for two more, pictures, one to be produced in 1947 and an- other in 1948. Actress is currently working as femme lead opposite James Stewart in Ihe Frank Capra production, "It's a Wonderful Life." Dantine, Actor-Newsman Exiting WB, to FVeelance Helmut Dantine, just returned from a 10-week tour of Europe as a correspondent for' Look mag, said that he recently accumulated enough points to get out of his Warners con- tract and expects to return to Holly- wood next fall as a freelance actor and director. Dantine, who was Warners' favorite Nazi fanatic in atKiut a half-dozen pix, stated he was looking for a satisfactory part in a film that "says something." Dantine revealed that, prior to coming here as a refugee from Nazi persecution, he had been an anti- Nazi political leader in his native Austria. He was chairman of the Democratic Austrian Youth Move- ment in Vienna which supported Kurt Schuschnigg, Austria's last chancellor before Hitler took over. Dantine's first article on conditions in Europe is skedded to appear In Look next month. WALLIS' LIZ, NOT PAR'S Because Lizabeth Scott, who guested on the Kate Smith radio program Friday night (31), was in- troduced as a Paramount star, Joe Hazen, prez of Hal Wallis Produc- tions, registered an offlcial squawk with Par. Actress la under contract to Wallis. There have been prior complaints due to inadvertent montion of Miss Scott as a Par star. After Frisco Foldo (Police), The Outlaw' Reopens to Smash Biz Maintaining its tremendous b.o. power, "The Outlaw" smashed to all kinds of records in the three-theatre day-date engagement which opened in San Francisco last Wednesday (29). Playing the United Artists, Esquire and Tivoli, with a combined capacity of 3,300, "Outlaw" looks set for around $80,000 on the week. It had $58,656 in the till up to Sun- day (2) night. Accounting in part for the amaz- ing figures, of course, was the pub- licity resulting from the closing of "The Outlaw" by the police, April 23, and the arrest of the manager of the United Artists theatre, where it was playing. It ran for just one day. Case was taken to court and the right of the house to show the picture upheld. As soon as possible thereafter, Harry Gold, sales chief for producer Howard Hughes, ar- ranged the three-ply re-premiere. Another peculiar quirk to the higH grosses is the fact that this is actu- ally a repeat engagement. for "The Outlaw." San Francisco is the one town where it had a previous run, playing an eight-weeks' engagement at the Geary and Tivoli theatres in 1943. At that time it took $166,000 out of S. F. Opening day last Wedne.<;day at the UA was $592 bigger than the $4,238 pushed across the sill on the April 23 date— an added indication of the publicity power of police ac- tion. Figures for the first five days at the three houses were: Wednes- day, $12,495; .Thursday, $12,709; Fri- day, $10,607; Saturday, $12,379 and Sunday, $10,466. 'OUTLAW NO TRAILER FOR TONG WIDOW Anticipation that the second Jane Russell picture, 'JYoung Widow," would greatly profit by the publicity the star received in "The Outlaw," hasn't proved true. Film, produced by Hunt Stromberg for United Art- ists release, hasn't played any key cities yet, but grosses in a flock of other towns have been moderate, in no way reflecting the tremendous biz hit by the embattled Howard Hughes production. In practically all the- dates played by "Widow"— Dayton, Toledo, Salt Lake City, Wilmington, Reading and Harrisburg — the picture has pre- ceded "Outlaw." Ads stressed that this was the opportunity for the public to get Its -first gander at the heavily-plugged player, but theatre- goers were apparently interested only in her performance in the Hughes picture. "Widow's" initial key city date is Detroit this week. OTHER VALUES I Autiiors' Guild Presses Film, Tele E ji Rights, Pushes leasing' Scheme By JACOB WILK (Eastern Production Head of ' Warner Bros.) The article In recent 'VARiBrr concerning the "leasing" instead of buying of film rights to plays and other screen material was read in this precinct with a great deal of in- terest, not only because of its gen- eral subject matter, but chiefly be- cause Warners was marked as hav- ing already started the practice of "leasing." We are not entitled to thi.= credit. Picture deals with a time re- striction were common back in 1914 and. 1915, and proved i^eneraliy un- satisfactory to authors and producers alike. I think 'VARierr, by claiming the practice will probably become universal in a few years is sticking its neck out further than ao india- rubber giraffe. In the first place, 'Varieti- — and, presumably, the authors — forget one salient fact: restricting the sale, of rights to a limited number of years is the same as adding extra money to the asking price, because the film company is getting less value for its money, and taking a greater risk. Under an outright sale, the film company can pick the most favor- able period to produce and release the picture. The picture can run longer, with, a better chance of get- ting back the investment and a profit to keep us in the business of buying stories. There are always pictures that don't get back their negative cost — and a reissue, or a more successful remake, years later, may enable the company to recover its investment; Rule out these safeguards, with a "leasing" gimmick, and the film com- (Continued on page 39) Tetzlaffs IstatRKO Hollywood, June 4, Ted Tetzlaff's first director job under his RKO contract is "Riflf- ralT," ba:sed on the Martin L. Rack- in yarn, "The Big Angle." Nat llolt production will co-star Anne Jeffreys, Pat O'Brien and Wal- ter Slezak. 'Adult' Category Must Be Billed, Ontario Rules Toronto, June 4. As a result of the recent agitation by reform groups, the Ontario ex- hibitors will be required to bill fea- tures as "adult entertainment" when this classification Is made by the province's censor board. Govern- ment measure became effective on June 1, and the description' of type of pic must be prominently displayed in all ads. HUGHES' ODD 'OUTLAW ADS IN JULY NAT'L MAGS Unusual ad for "The Outlaw" has been set by producer Howard Hughes to break in July issues of a flock of national mags. It's a fuU- page cartoon, divided into seven blocks, flrst of which,states: "Here's why this thrilling new picture has been kept off the screen for two years." Second block is a drawing of a studio set, with Hughes sitting in the director's chair saying, "O.K. boys, that's it." Underneath is the explanation: "1944 — Hughes com- pletes The Outlaw'." Actually, It was completed in 1941.) Few blocks later is a drawing of a theatre, with the note: "June, 1944 —'Outlaw' World Premiere is held at San Francisco. Picture breaks every existing record. Held over for eight weeks. Plays to more than 300,000 people." (Original San Francisco engagement was in Feb- ruary, 1943.) Drawing of stars Jane Russell and Jack Beutel clinching in a pile of hay, with the word "Censored" across it, is captioned: "Then 'The Outlaw' is banned by the censors. But rather than cut a single scene from the film, Hughes withdraws it from the theatres of the world." Next picture Is of the producer standing in front of a theatre, tell- ing reporters: "I'm going to fight this battle to the finish and make sure that the public sees the pic- ture exactly as I made it." Final box is an enlarged drawing of Miss Russell and Beutel lying in the haypile with the caption: "Now, at last, exactly as filmed." Also- breaking In July magazines is a full-page ad in color, featuring a large, voluptuous pose of Miss Russell. It originally carried the line at the bottom: "How would you like to tussle with Russell." Most mags, however, have demanded that it be removed or changed before ac cepting the copy. F.L Harley Shifted To Paris by 20th; London For Art Silyerstone? Francis L. Harley, for the last 10 years 20th-Fox managing director in Great Britain, has been made man- aging director for Europe, Scandi- navia, the Middle East and all of Africa as far south as the equator, appointment being made this week by Murray Siverstone, 20th-Fox In- ternational prexy. No appointment has been made thus far to the post vacated in Britain by Harley. Arthur Silverstone, homeoffice representa- tive to the foreign division, is cur- rently in London, but the com- pany's N. Y. office would not admit that he would move into Harley's old position. Silverstone d'lsclosed that Harley, who has been in N. Y. for several weeks for homeoffice confabs, has been invited to become a 20th-Inter- national veepee. Also that Harley's unexpired contract has been ex- tended for seven years. A -veteran in the foreign ' field, Harley is one of the best-liked American foreign managers in England, having been able to straighten out several dis- putes over film terms there in re- cent years. Harley will headquarter in Paris. Silverstone said that Harley's new post is definitely one of the most prominent and significant ones in re- lation to the company's postwar op- erations abroad. BRACKEN TO STURGES, THEN POSSIBLY INDIE After more than five years with Paramount, Eddie Bracken Ifeaves that studio effective July 1 to make one picture for Preston Sturges, fol- lowing which he will begin pro- ducing on his own. Latest addition to the parade of independent pro- ducers is currently in New York, following a scries of theatre dates across the country. Due to return June 10, Bracken will make one more pic for Para- mount, a musical on loanout to An- drew Stone. Following termination of his Paramount ticket, comic will go into "Wizard of Whisperinjg Hol- low," to be produced and directed by Sturges. Plans are already in the hopper for Bracken to start his own "Hambletonian," a story of the sulky track at Goshen, N. Y. Dicker is on with Barry Fitzgerald to play the top supporting role in the nag flicker. Reason given by Brackc.i for the move is that his two top pictures. "Miracle of Morgan's Creek" and "Hail the Conquering Hero," were both made under the Sturges aegis, and following his "Whispering Hol- low" effort he will probably work under the advisement of that pro- ducer-director. While in New York Bracken will read a couple of plays and appear on the "Continental Celebrity Club," "Theatre of Romance" and "Stair- way lo the Stars." - Last show will feature Bracken's own composition, "Love Waltz," pl?ycd by ' Paul Whitcman. Exec council of the Authors' Guild, continuing to press the film, industry for the right to license story materials instead of selling them outright, and for separation of copy- rights for films and television, will, meet in N. Y. today (Wednes- day) for further huddles on the question. Another meeting has been scheduled for Los Angeles later this month. Both will be devoted to working out the best means of ob- taining the two rights. Acting under its basic assumption that no writer should ever, be forced to give up rights to his material to anyone not in a position to exploit it, the council is preparing to ask' for the retention of full tele rights in the hands of the author, separate and apart from his assignment of film rights. Since film companies are temporarily restrained by the; American Federation of Musicians from producing any pictures for tele- vision, the Guild feels that this is the propitious time to press its point in expectation of the major part that films are expected to play in video's future. Embraces Everything All guilds in the Authors' League, parent body of the Authors' Screen Writers', Radio Writers' and Drama- tists' Guilds, have already won their point with radio. Playwrights in the Dramatists' Guild, too, have settled with the television broadcasten. Guild recently signecl a deal with NBC television to try out plays ex- perimentally on video. DG has also won a split clause with the film companies, under which the playwrights reserve the right to live presentation of their works on television, with the film studio retaining the right, at pres- ent, for screen presentation of any play it's bought rights to. Guild is also expected to fight for full sepa- ration of copyrights in this instance sometime In the future. Film companies, in the opinion of League execs, are the only ones left who want to purchase rights to story materials that will last forever. Al- ready committed to selling too much, the various guild members are fac- ing increased pressure from film story buyers. Buyers are especially tough on new writers trying to break into the big time or on those seeking to make a comeback and it's these, especially, that the League wants to protect with its proposed copyright changes. Sears and Selznick West, Unger Follows Next Day David O. Selznick and Grad Sears left New York Monday (3) for Hol- lywood. Selznick. vacationing in the east for the past six weeks, origi- nally intended to leave for the Coast about 10 days ago, but was delayed by illne.ss. He spent most of the past week recuperating at the home of William .S. Paley, CBS topper, in Manhasset, L. I. Scars, distribution chief of United Artists, in which Selznick is a part- ner, will huddle with the company's owners preliminary to the annual meeting of UA stockholders in New York next Tuesday (11). Joe Unger, UA salesmanager, left New York yesterday (Tuesday) for the Coast to join Sears. They'll re- turn over the weekend, in tirne for the meeting next Tuesday. HODIAK BACK ON FAY Hollywood, June 4. John Hodiak, Metro star, is back on the payroll after a suspension of four weeks. Actor's layoff . was the result of his refusal to accept a picture assign- ment. LORD DRAWS 'SANDS' Hollywood, June 4. Metro handed production reins on "Mr. Sands" to Robert Lord, making a total of four features on his shoot- ing schedule. Others on the li.it are "Coquette," "The Forsythe Saga" and "Three O'clock Dinner." K.C. Books Special Shows Kansas City, June 4. Uptown, Fox-Midwest first run spot, will experiment this month with an "extra show" polcy. Two special shows have been booked for June 29. It they work out, they may become a oncc-a-month' regular stunt. For the first .show, a morning kid- die matinee, a big cartoon show will be used. » Cartoon show intact has been booked to follow in 10 other houses of the Fox city string. The Uptown also ' will combine vaudo iwith film in a play for the bobby SOX trade with a "Jive and Boogie Show" midnight, June 29. 10 Wgdneeday, June 5» 1946 They're gettinig their lips together (or the GAYEST KiSS OF THE YEAR! Universal Presents GEORGE BRENT IDCILLE BAIL VERA ZORIl A FESSIER PAGANO PRODUCTION 3m with CHARLES WINNINGER CARL ESMOND RAYMOND W ALBURN ELISABETH RISDON ( . . ... LOUIS^ BEAVERS WALLACE FORD FRANKLIN PANGBORN Original Screenplay Written and Produced by, Michael Fessier and Ernest Pagano Direeted By WILLIAM A. SEITER Executive Producer (HOWARD BENEDICT A UNIVERSAL PICTURE WiHlnesday, Jane 8, 1946 PICTVnES 11 United llieatres (lllinoB) Opens I "^^"^ Drive to Balk 10% Ikatre Tax Chicago, Juii* 4. + Viriorouii cnmpaign to defeat the pvnpo.secl 10% tax on thealie admis- sions in iiliriois, brought up as s means o( flnancing a 'sta(e soldiers bonus, was begun last week by United Tliealres of Illinois, with Ed Zoin. Pontiac, III., prez of the indie group, urging . upon membei's thai (lie indst eftective single thing they ciiM do to defeat the tax is Id enlist the cooperation of their palrons. ' lyieiely asking theatre patrons to write their representatives is iiol enouKli." Zdm wrote inci»bei's ar IJTOI. "because they'll forget it. You must put on n campaign in yoiir the- alie to flo and will have others in his territory later thi.s' month, while Hugh Owen tees olT his meetings in New Orleans to- morrow (Thursday). Earle Swei- garl, who started sessions in the middle east last week, will hold meetings later in the month in Philadelphia, Washington and Pitts- burgh. Hush Braly, district manager at Deliver, and Albert M. Kane, in similar post at Boston over New England, are co-caplRins or the Par sales campaign. SE€ INKS WITH INDIES, 1ST EXTRAS GUILD SHOP Hollywood,- June 4, Screen Extras Guild signed in- terim agreenients with the Society or Independent Motion Picture Pro- ducers and the Indcpendeiit Motion Picture Producers Assn., achieving ail industry-wide guild shop for al- ino.splicre players for the fir.'il time in Hollywood history. AtireenientS; are similar to that previously signed willi the major Kludio.s. James F. HaniiiK. SR(i ox- eciilive secretary, is negotiiilln.i; pcr- niancnl coiitracls covciinB waacs and w(n king conditions. SPG, MPSP Hearing Starls Thurs: (6) Hollywood, .liinc 4. Hearuif; on bargaining clcclion. of Screen Publicists Guild and. Motion Piciurc Studio Publicists starts Thiirsjlay (6) before the National Labor Relations Board. SPG seeks industry-wide balloting of worUiiiK praiseis, while lATSE local of MPSP want."! producers to hold election only ill nine major s'ludios. Connors Urges 20th Salesmen to Find 'Rich Harvest of Hidden $' Citing that there , is a rich har- vest of hiddi?n dollars at the dis- poMil of salesmen who have the will and 'determination to go after Iheni. Tom J; Connors, y. p. over, sales for 20lh-Fox. jias worked out an incen- tive bonus plan Tor the men who sell Him. ba.sed strictly upon individual peiformancc. This supplenienls Ihe one, two or three-week salary allot- ments paid all employees of branches on thice ronlhiuiiig sales diivcs each year. The overage payments on these drives,' however, will be eliminated, r" Under the Connors plan, based upon their personal eiroil. salesmen will receive a bonus of $100 for reachhi.sj their , Individual total quota' for the drive period, cur- rently being one which ends Aug. 24. For dollais in e.xcess of quota salesmen will receive a bonus of $150 or a fraction thereof, for each additional week's quota delivered during the drive peiiod. For example, if a salesman has a quota of $2,00() per. week in a 17- week drive, lie will receive $100 for- dellvering $34,000 of busine.ss. If he should deliver $36,000, his compen- sation would be an addiljonal $150 or a total of $250: or if he delivel-ed $:18.000, his total bonus . would be $400 and so on. Paymenls for frac- tions of a week over delivery will be calculated according lo the per- centage that these fractions repre- sent of a whole week's quota. In a letter to all salesmen inform- ing them of the bonus, Connors stated "the fate of this plan lies entirely in your hands.'' adding ••frankly I am not interested in any formula, good or bad. that does not pay off and when this drive is over, we shall see lo what extent it ful- fills this essential requirement. II may show up some bux.^ that will requhe modification or- correction but its continuance' depends entirel.v. upon your ability lo build your dis- tribution along the lines outlined in this letter." Connors pointed out that during the years in which 20lh'g three an- nual drives have been in operation, he has watched carefully the work- ing of the 20lh formula, especially as il ha.s alTected the earnings of the .-ialesmen. Slating that while it is yenei^ally rccognix.ed that Ihe.^e con- tests have paid off handsomely. 'iOlh's distribution head notes thai • there is ho doubt thai the payments, based as Ihey are on team perform- ance alone, have not accrued in proper proportion to the individual salesmen." Hollywood, June 4, Metro ha» three companies woik- ing on localioni \ylth .departure of Richard Thorpe - and troupe for Michigan to shoot the Esther Wil- liains starrer, "This Time for Keeps." Meanwliile, "High Barbaree" is in work at King City, Cal., and '•A Woman of My Own" at Monterey. Machinists Beef In Studios Goes To NLRB Appeal Hollywood, June 4. Members of International Assn. of Machinists, Lodge 1185, are filing un- fair labor charges with the National Labor Relations Board as a result-o'f the discharge of two mechanics. Elmer Johnson was dismissed by Warners and Willfam Zimmerman by Metro when American Federation of Labor members refiised to func- tion while these two non-AFL work- men were on the job. The non-co- operative idea went into effect last Wednesday by order of the Los An- geles Central Labor Council, which decreed that AFL machinists were not permitted to handle machinery proces.sed by members of the lAM. Schine Circuit hesses for Hearii^s As Need for Realignment Plan 13G PhiUy Robbery , Philadelphia, June 4. ■ Thieves broke into the home' of Frank Blum, locai indie, Sundar night (2>, and carted away^ a safe containing S2,o6o in cash, $6,000 in negotiable bonds, and $3,0(>0 worth of jewelry. The cash comprised re- ceipts from Blum's two theatres, the Slonehurst and the Sedgewii:k. . Robbers al.so forced the door of the Penn, South Philadelphia, and blew open a safe in the theatre of- fice and eiicaped with about $900. in receipts. They also got. away with a projection machine valued at $500. 2 Different Proposals Increasing Par Stock Offered Stockholders Proposals for increase of author- i-zed capital stock, establishment of a definite number of directors, and a change in the by-laws of the cor- poration wiping out the present manner of choosing board members, will be voted upon at the, annual which recently withdrew from the meeting of the stockholders of Para- AFL. ■ ■ ■ " " " " ■ - For a lime there was talk of pick- eting by iion-AFL workmen and a thi'cal of an industry-wide strike, but that procedure has been stalled; off by the appeal to the NLRB. It will be several days before the appeal is. decided. . Equal Availability Demanded by Twin Cities If Price Is Same niount lo be held in ^lew. York June 18. according to a notice and proxy slalement sent to stockholders last week. In an accompanying letter signed by_ Barney Balaban, president, it. is pointed out that; except lor the' pro- posal to .split the stock two for one, proposals are all in the way-of tid.v- ing up Par's capital structure. - He pointed out that the first and sec- ond preferred slocks were Originally aulhori/.ed and issued a numl>er o( yeais ago but have been redeemed, adding that '•iis there is no further need for- Ihe authorized and un- Minneapolis, June 4. shares of either class, I be- Twin City independents are de- "t is well to eliminate them. " manding equal availability with 1'here are 44,211 shares of first pre- Miiinesola Amus. Co. (Paramount) f«''''«^ P*'' '^'a'"e of $100 each and neighborhood houses when admis- ^-^^^ shares of second preferred at a sions are identical. Attention of di.s- P«'' of $10 each., iribulors has been caUed lo the lind- | If the stockholders vole ,the elim- ings in the Jackson Park (Chicago) i inalion of these: shares, the author- case. -- -ized capital stock -will be increat>ed Under present clearance, Minne-!lo »9.000.000 and 4,544,200 new sola Amus. neighborhood theatres shares 61 common is.sued. Should have seven days over corresponding stockholders not vote the elimina- independent houses with the same lion. Par proposes an increase of the admission scale. North Central Al- aulhori/.ed capital slock to $13,479.- lied. the independents' organization. .290 and issuance of 4,542,851 new acting in behalf of the Minneapolis shares of common, and St. Paul independent neighbor- Slockholders will be asked to au- hood exhibitors, now has served ah thori/e a permanent board of direc- ullimattim that "the unfair discrim- tors of 16. Up lo now the board has illation must dease." called for an indefinite number, be- The Twill City independent ex- , ing not less than IG nor more than hibilors' group also was to meet to ! jg However, Ihe board has con- discuss a proposed nickel till in ad- : sisliid of 16 rather than 17 or 18 mi.ssion ;prices all along the line, j since 1935. Leaders of the group have been try- Statements to stockholders list ing unsuccessfully to get the Minne- j the salaries of Par execs and direc- sola Amus. company to take the lead : tors, headed by the $189,083 paid in the scale boosting. - John J. ' Henry Ginsberg, v.p. and general Friedl. president of the Paramount I manager in charge of studio opera- circuit, however^ declares he is sat- lions, during the past fiscal year. isHed with present operations and. in the face of - the independents' pres- sure, is holding firm to maintain the present level unless intlali6;iary in- fluences become so great as to make action mandatory. Edna Ferber's 'Great Son' Mike Todd's First for U Joe Breen Will Rule On Rank's 'Bedelia' Froale Balaban received $156,000, plus pen sion trust liienefits of $24,250, while y. Frank Freeman, v.p. in charge ot production and a director, received SI 30.000. plus $10,797 in pension trust benelils. Adolph Zukor, chairman of board, who's not eligible to the pen.sion (rust, received $159,400. Larsesi stockholder among Par execs as of April 30 last was Stanton GrifTis. chairman of the executive conimillee. who then held 4.600. Buffalo, June 4. Schine Chain Theatres. Inc., moved before Judge John Knight iii federal court here last week for appoint- meni of a special master to hold' hearings and take ;le9limony a.s to the present method.s of operation of ; the Schine circuit. Arthur Garfield Hays of New 'Vork City, appearing as special counisel for Schine, argued to Judge Knight that such -B rehearing was a nece.s- sily in order to acquaint the court with present alleged legal methods and condition.s ot the Schine the- atres' operation as contrasted with methods and conditions previously e.Nisting and testified lo in the Gov- ernment's anlirtrusl suit. As a re- sult of the latter the Court held. Schine to be guilty of the violHliOns. of the Clay(on and Sherman anti- trust acts. It wa.s; claimed by Hays that .liuch a . re-e.\amination . of Ihe situation was a necessity because, unless the- court a.scerlained and was familiar' . with the presoni methods of opera- tion of the theatres, any plan of re- alignment or reorganization which might be imposed on the Schine chain by the.cOurt might turn out to be pointless and unfair, espei;ially in view of the claimed present rectifica- tion of the former practices and mat- ters complained of by the Govern- ment. Reserves Deolsloii Judge Knight re.'-erved decision in the molioni indicating, however, that, in his opinion, to do what Hays requested would mean a reopening and rehearing of praclically the en- tire case, which consumed several months of trial- la-iit summer. Robert Wright, special Government pvo^a- culor fur the Department of Justice, who conducted the .case originally, did hoi appear on the motion, his office bc;ng represented by George Globe,- BulTalp U. S. Attorney, who merely staled that the Government's position remained unchanged in spite of the motion or the mailers upon which it was based. Scblne Proposal Al the same lime .the Schine counler-proposal to the Govern- ments plan for realignment and re- organi/.ation of the Schine chain was officially . filed and made public in court records. Generally, its out- lines arc as reported in VAiiiin-if two weeks ago. Schine's counter-propo- .sal suggests several alternative plans, the outline of each being similar but dilTcring in various, operational de- tails and in the identity of the iKsner flcial ownership of the proposed con- trolling corporations. "They envi.sago one corporation for Schine's New York. Slate theatres, the ownership of which is lo be vested in J. Myer Schine: a Siccond corporation com- posed of Schine's Ohio theatres; to be controlled by Louis Schine; and a third corporation, including all Maryland. Kentucky and Ohio the- atres booked oul of Cincinnati, to be owned and controlled by Hildegard and Marlha Schinc (wives of J. Myer and Louis, respectively ^ The purpo.se of . the plans appears lo be that Ihcir adoption would ef- fect a siilit of the Schine chain of Iheatre.'i into three separate intra- ytate . groups, each doing business chiefly within stale lines, only there- by eliminRling the inicrstale feature, of their operation.s. Armed with alternate endings to ] Balaban is listed as then holding the John Corfield- J. Arthur Rank I 2.000 although . in addition owning film '- Bedelia," Isadorc Goldsmith, i S'^ OOO.OOO aggregate principal amount British producer, arrived, in New 1 of 2^j% convertible notes Of the cbr- York vesterday (4) oh his way to j poVaiion. I the Coast. Goldsmith w'ill ttnie/.- \ Leonard Goldenson, v.p. over thea- vou.s with Joseph Breen, head of the Hollywood. June 4. Production Code Administration, to Mike Todd's initial production for thrash out the question of which Universal release will be "Great ondin.si ; to "Bedelia" will . be Son.'' Edna Ferber story. Todd, i chosi-ii. B i con previously nixed a currently in the cast, paid $200,000 for pre-publication rights to the novel. Slory is now being scripted hy Florence Ryerson and Colin Clements. Two vets h;(ve also writ- ten a nnisical based on the life of Stephen Foster, tilled "Oh. Susanna." which is on Todd's future Broad-/ way production list. Al Jolsoii at one. time was mentioned for it. i On off in Chicago where his ••Up Central Park" is current at» the Slu'ibcrt. U recently bought right tie operations., held 1,600. while 1 Austin C. Keough, v.p. iarnd general I counk-l had 1.000. Charles M. Rea- gan, v.p. over distribution, was not listed as owning any Par Stock- as of April 30 last. suicide windup for the leading lady as contrary lo code provisos. j ~ Second curtain sequence which !... . \, T J the I'CA chief favors for ' Bedelia" | Miami, IN.Y., Lase lO.day has her turned over to the law.: Trial of Ben Brodie, operator of Goldsmith will argue that it de- the Miami theatre (N. -'Y.) for al- stroys Ihe slory effect in an effort ui'^etl violation of the obscenity to win Breen over to the suicide j laws is .slated for todciy (5) before molif. f-he Raiik organization ran | tliree judges in the coQrl of special BEN LYON TO TOP 20TH TALENT DEPARTMENT ■ Hollywood. June 4. Ben Lyon, currently in England, succeeds Rufus LeMairc as ex- ecutive taient director at 20lh-Fox. LeMail•(^ (ecently resigned to . join .International Pictures as Bill Goet-/.'s aide. iviaicella Kemp will function as Lyon's execulive assistant while Robert Palmer. William Mayberry and Jame.-i Ryan will remain on the 20lh-Fo.'c lot as casting directors. , into similar trouble last week when . his return east. Todd slopped , ' The Wicked Lady", a Universal re- in I lease in the U. S., was turned down I by trie PCA. IRei-ieic 0/ "Bedelia" ti'illi m ori(;iMnl suicide endiiip appenrs on sessions. Charges were preferred asainsi Brodie by N. Y.. License Commissioner Benjamin Fielding foJIowiiiK a raid on the house. ana suspension of Brodic's license. Raid allegedly disclo.scd that a to '•Park" for Deanna Diirbiii and ., . . , . . has assigned Felix Jackson lo pro- piige 13 o/ flie ciirreiil is.siie. j4ii ; mimbcr of ••hot shots ' had been add duce the film. Todd also sold llie oiiili",e niid ftpprolsal o/ llic .fiori/ 1 ed lo—Guilty Parents." a film pien screen rights of '•Mcsican Hayride" t/crc/opmeiil is ificluded i>i lire re- : beinc .<.cici,nc'l. after reyiew by the lo Univer.sal for Abbott A Co.stello. .UM'»rii'.] I board ot cciisoi's. 2«lh Adds N. Y. Scouts Anderson Lawlcr and Lee Strass- berg have been added to the talen* deparlinent of the 20th-Fox home- office, Joseph Piiicus. deparlmeiit chief, announced last week. Lawler recently produced "Some- where in the Night." a John Hodiak starrer. Strassberg, a former direc? lor ot the CIioup Theatre and The- aln- Guild, will act as coach, and test tlir.'ctor in conjunction with Burk SynKUi. 12 Weilnewlay, June 5, 1946 * A FESSIER-PAGANO PRODUCTION s with CHARLES WINNINGER CARL ESMOND RAYMOND WALBURN ELISABETH RISDON LOUISE BEAVERS WALLACE FORD FRANKLIN FANGBORN Original Screenplay Written and Produced by Michael Feeeler and Erocet Pagano Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER Executive Producen HOWARD BENEDICT A UNIVERSAL PICTURE WeiliieMliif, June 5, 1946 Ah nil Hud King of Slam . Los" Angeles, June 1. ■juiii-I''uv ivlouiie of IiOuIh D. IjIiiIiioii ui'0> (liii'iluii. illnni ]r«ti» Dunne, Itex Hnn-lHun, l.iiiUu iMiiiell; feuturon I/W .1, Cobb, Unle HmiilPi-Kuni'd, Mlkhnll RuHun\ny. .DcnniH Jliiry, U'Ho ncnHlilo, Jlli'liiirJ l.yoii. ri-iU'il li.v Jolni I'loniwfll. Scrffniiluy, 'J'nl- hiK Jvnnhijj* and tinUy tienson; bltHrO uixih btiiRt'.tiiby' by' Marffor^t. l^nndon; riimei-ti, Arilmr Mlllor; muslr,' Hnrnnnl lli'i'iiniiiin lliiiiiioii .Ton^ onw m. l'i-<>il Sorwn. ' AiiRClrn,'- May .01, '40. WINS. I'riKli^Htiiuvn - In J.(iK ItuinthiH (IliK*. J'-IM Ami;i .'. 'I'll' Klilg. , *rN|illin. ki-jilHlnniif 'I'hlniiK...,. Aliil..;... ......... . .■sii. i>:(iwH,i ii . . . . . ... J»1 Itll-U' .IMS. II lllilMI I .iiiiin i i» riis. , . . . .Ar,iiiiiHlM>i^. . ; rii>ii cin iiiii . . . . . , Jiiii KlilrliM'. . • . J'l iiiiV l:iN. M b('ivK ll.Tl.r. , . . . riilii'tv.j< C'*ii-Ylnj:. l>;iiifV» IHrii-uir. . . Alii«K .MiM-l-'iiriiitio. Mi «, I yll lv. r;!;!!! . . j\lv. t':irlwriKl»l . . . I.':i|,|:,iii (iitttii I'll.. I I "11 III! . Ct.t I'l i.iiu'iil Clcil. .Sl.illo:^,- Cu.-inl .Irt'iie' IiiiiiiH. Itv\''lliii'rl!fi>ii . .-. . . . . .Miiilii Itiiriifll 1 .l.>'>- ,1. CiiM. . . .(!iili. 'S:inilpig:i(ivil . .. .'. .\Hkliiill 'l;ar;nnni,\ . i . . . . . ■. PrniiiK Hi,i.y .v 1.- ,M..i-ii.H Jnli.f II l;i\,'rt, ■.('ll.M \'iir:i\j|i( .\ iii;i'.'.t.|i i;iiiii'(1s. I iititilliy ('tlijnfr. .slitulion for romance eniirely sat- isriclory. ' The carefully Written !icreoni)lay by Talbot Jennings and .Sally Benson is packed with delight-, ful incidents, sly humor and intense! dramatic moments. John Cromwell's direetioir makes the most of the .solid script tMsis. skillfully playing with tears,, chuckles and drama, and get: ting the most from the potent cast. Irene Dunne does' a superb enact - hienf .of Anna, the woman who! in- fluenced Siamese history by being teai'hei: and coiUidantc to a kingly barbarian. Rex- Harrison shines par- ticularly in his American film debut, making a notable success' ol a dilTi- cult iole. It's a sustained character- ization ol the King of Siam that liiakes the role real. Linda Darnell. Ihii'd star, has tittle more tban a bit as one of Ihe king's wives, who in- curs )tis displeasure and is burned at the slake. She does well. . Standouts among , the featured, cast are Lee ,1. Cobb and Galo Sonder- .gaard. Former, as the king's minis- ter, and latter, as a cast-off 'vxirc sock over commanding performances. Mik- hairRasumny. Dennis Hoey, Tito Re- iialdo. Richard Lyon. Leonard SlroiiK. Mickey Roth and Addison Richards arc among the others who lend ex- cellent service to making this top- flight lllm entertainment. ' Lutiis D. Lightoh's productiu:> has Ijolish aiKl reflects wise budget ex- penditlne. Only 'thing th.'it could have iM-en added would have been color, the costumes andi sellings lend- ing themselves to tint ti"eatmen;. Ar- thur IVIi|lcr"s lensing complements the players and physical appurteni,nces- of lhc production, and Bern,".rd.Herv- inann's score is an elTcctive aid to the mood. Brofh FII3i REVIEWS serving a jail. term. In the conipanv of a feinmc sharper and a detective, the crook starts a gastronomical tour of the. country, determined to have an eating fling that will . last him through his time in jail. His two companions are interested in snaring $500,000 in 'government certificates he has concealed. Some suspense is developed, as is a romance between the crook and the confidence gal, but it's all a bit too smooth to register honestly. Windup has love convinc- ing them' it's time to go straight and start an honest life after th >li!ji|4>r Jim . Los Angeles. May 25, .^^|»l^(| ri'li'ii;.',' of Un-illr' tt. rtdll iinHhic- liiiii. l-'i'MiilH')' Jiii'kil- "lluli:))-' .liMikiliK, .l:illli-y CiiilK. I"l'.illi I H Cin'iil'ii; I.IKillll Tol- li-ii. SiiriiiK l:yiiii;l,iii. Chiiiffu-Hli l.«'i«. 1)1- 'n'Vli'il l-'i,.,l X(niii'iii:inii. ' S» ropniilji.v; iIi'Mi'j;,* llriifi-: liiiHOil .1111. 'ii(,vi'!, . "Ai-nly liiril," Ity 'I'liiiiiiiy Wiiili>luin: 'riiiiiora, . I,r>l.i''r Wliili-: iiiiinIi- sciiri'. (lotn-Kf! Hii'^HMuiii; ctilr I'll. l-'r:iiik ■ lliill. 'I'l-iHlfiilifivvn ii^' I,rtH An- Bi'lf". .Mii.i L'-J. '41;. UniMiini,' linir. US MINS, l.iiiir .lliii 'I'tikkri . . Jiij'kip "Ihiiili" .lonkliiH fain.. IliE .liiii Tiikkri-. .. ;..liiiiip. CuiiK Ihiiii 'CnMji'r .Mii«.»ioy - 'rhiiiini'v . All M. Sl.'ii'ivi'ir. . . srn..ii'n. '.Mrs. (ilrliHiiii. . . . c'li.-iiiliiln Ciiloiirl S|jii-\\f.|t \Usit Murilii .MIsli )l:lll.. .-; . . . KNi,. ' . I:.,iiiiiir I '+i i ;i • .Vlj.l-) ..... .. . Ty\n Kmnrl P^Mtpi*' -.(ONE SONCI Hollywood, .'iim 4. . .M,;li.> ii'li ;.»i- i,r U:il|ill Whlf l« ni;;ii I"". (Ill, liiili. .Slui> l.tli-llli'. Hull iinil .I'lliii lli?" . KUvl IIiII 'IiikI I.,*.-!!!. ('hiirii.rl>: .sliii-y/ Kiitiili W-lidflw i mlil Hi„l Alliiii Kcnwiiril; i;;iii)orii. Kiir) l-'rciiii.l . iKilhii- ^■tiri'. ( Jt'tilvi* lJ:isHIli:in :; 8*»iiH. K;iI|"Vl nl;ii.i*'., Ci'iii-iii. ItiiMHiliiin ;. OiLII'it-. ('I|i'.ili'r VV. Si.li:i|.|T»'r. -'I'rjiilesliiKv'U in l.i'K .\ iiu,*!'-.... M;i.> Jil. 'Hi Uuiiiiliii: linn-. »'! .'II.N"-. Itti'Ui \\ Uifl ; .-. . hili'ill,-. I'.:ill . . , ..1..1III ■ ll,.,'i.',l, , . . . . . Mi,\ .l .\iil;rii . . . ..■.Ihmii ll..:i,-. l.i'luir.' I'll I,- . i-:ii>iiii. I'l.H.i.. .ii. ...I,"li'\'il r'i>lriu';iii . \'l;i(li;tlii S.,K»>l,«n Ii.iiiii r ; . .Chll'-ii. I- Mil — . .'. . i''i-jini-c.H <;;ni,rii ..I.ll:iil:i r;u'||.n . , . . .Siiriii^; I'lyiii.eioii ...... .('lliliK\v:iIi r.f.*. . . ; . . I.:»iit;i I ji' l'l;,iiir. Ili-nii (i'.\'|.il| ..... .\li,'r,-l^ .\iiKi iiiii . . . . . .L'l'li.n Trav-cry ,'...' l:inli l;i;Hly . . . .Slliiri'ili .\lr,\l.'inny liny. nn<'-klA.\ ('.•(nil ^N'liifeiH .V:iir Von: A lea riei'ker. designed to .<.ho\vcase per.s'onalily. of Jackie —Biitcli"' Jenk- ins. "Lillie Mister Jim" servos its purpo.sc. It's inexpensively mounted and generally fulfills it.i program aims. Story is sentimental hokum in large doses. For what it. deals with, script is well written by George Bruce and handled equally well di- rectorially by Fred Zinnemann. Plot vohccrns youngster being raised by his mother and officer father at an Army base. It hews to a fairly straight line until the mother . dies. Then the father takes to dr;nk in his sorrow, the kid. i.s neglected and it takes a Chinese manservant to straighten things out again.Tliere's .some Chihe.'ie, philosophy tiirov/n in for good , measure, and "scenes be- tween young, Jenkins and Chingwah Lee. the servant, arc effective, made .so, by laltoi'"s performance. As adult leads. James Craig aiid Frances Cifford have little chance to sland Out. Luana Patten.. Spring I Byington. Laura La Plante. Henry j O'Neill. Morris Anki'iim and otiicis are adequate to what transpires. Orville O. Dull's production is okay tor expenditure. Lensing .u>d other technical credits measure up. Film is ovorlong. for its worth and could stand considerable tightening. Brog. Miniature Reviews "Anna and the Kins »t Slam" ' (20th). Ace biographical drama headed for lusty b;o. "Two Smart People" (M-G), Melodrama that tries too hard to be bright and gay. Cast names will aid selling. ••LlUle Mister Jlmr* (M-G ), . Sentimental hokum about Arm'y- rai.sed youngster; b k a y for family trade: "Janie Gets Married" (WB). , Mild marital niixupsVmild b.o V'Bedella": (GFD). B r i t i s h - made- murder thriller by -'Vera Caspary, wi.th Margaret Lock- wood. Ian Hunler: big for U.S. "Perilous Holiday" (Col ). P'at O'Brien in a nicely-paced com- edy meller, "The Bunarbund" (Ut. Light tomedy fluir -with Ella Raines. ."A Girl in a iviilllon" (British (Lion). Sydney Box production of light English comedy; mild American entry. : IS Pcrllwusi Holirfnv (Mirsic) Ciiluniblu ioli»:i!i« or J'lill J,. liuu rii-udnc lioil. Hlm-H I'al O'Brlrii, Kntii 'Wnri-icli ramiirox .Alxn lUlt, KiIkhp Ruc'ciiinn, An (Ji-oy long, pirecleil by Kdiranl ij, oiir. nib. Rcmnplay by Iloy CliHliidui-. b,-(i(.'(l nu muiy by Rub«rl Curaun: cikiii'ik, ('liHi-irii l,nivloii, .1r. ; (•(lllnv. vIiiIh l.nwrciiic. Al mallfi. .V. T.. .Mli.v ;nip; .Sptidj; AkiiIi'-i^. . . . Mi'H. I.HI liiiin, , . , . .\l;iiiiiel i.'4M-iv.. . . . . -I.illlfi. . . . . . I'cniiy l.(K-i,M,'i-. . , . I'c'iii Kiliiii. ,'.,,,'.. .I'll! (I'Ki'ii'ii .,,,;.Miilli -(Viin-Uk Alan Mill, ...Kiit(ii(- l»ii(.b:iliHii .AiiJrc> . l.dnK , ,;..WIII:itil .ni)l,i'i<(h't,n Kildui-ili, ( 'iiiiini'lll .' .\liiin;i lidiiilM'll Abirll'ii (ii'ii'i-jiliii;;i 1.1V .Ndt-i'lli, : . ., . .Al Hill I.'i^ili'o Jti^(;i>!( l.cM.-inid (h-i-lirxlni telling, IS an uninspired, ihe dialog being full of . cliches with rareiv a bright spot. The film has also been carelessly edited, in keeping with Ihe haphazard quality, of the rest of Jt In several scenes, the. peslv kid sis- ter appears with a prominent but unexplained shiner. In the final scene, the WAC leaves the house carrying in her- hand the hat of the newspaper magnate who has ju ,t ar- rived. Perhaps she's to brint" it bock in the sequel's sequel. Pic is paced in a slighilv frenzied tempo, which isn't necessarily a synonym for fun. Robert Hutton plays the young husband v-. ith. much appeal and some conviction; and the late Robed Benchley is :)musing in a smallish role as stepfather. Donald Meek, too; is a standout ih'.d sub role as newiipaper magnate. But most or the other' actors seem a litlle un- coinfortable in their roles, in the grip of a silly script. Joan. Leslie and "Edwiird Arnold appear particiilarly unhappy about it. Broii. . H<'dHia (BRITISII-MADCI London. May 24. i(>iii;nir l-'Ibii OiHU'ilididi-H' ri'li'.-iNc.nr .liilin .('•n-lb'lil. |ii-(i((ii|.1i,,i(. scii-i* -Miil-;:;i|-e1 U.i-k- (v,,i,.l. Aniie (.'l-;i\v.rdril. Idli lluiid'i-. K;(ri-y K. Ilurni*)'. l>j)-(H-(i'(l by l.|iiii'(» (*i,iiir'•'•!■ I',lilli<>.. Alitie Cbtirlr-K. (';itn,-r;i. .l-'i-»»(l,»r(ck A. ViiitiiK. llin-dbr.liilidK.. Al I.eti-cHtci' Sddiiro lbcji(i-c. Kniillilil; liinr. Wl .\IINS. '. Ri-iIoIIm Cbdi'llc (':i)'i-liii:ii,ii. Hell Cliddi'v- i:ilf» . . .Miiry Iltflllldll N'iii-)W( Ibiriis !•)-. M.'Af.c . , .Mr. It.Mint'l 1 illf. lien 11,-11' '.-J A lei- '.liilliiHli.d,.'. .^ylv-i:i' .liiliilKtiine. . ('ll|it:iin. .M(-Kelvy.. . .Miii'i::(i'el l.iH'-k»'iri,(1 .......... l:ill. JJuMel- . . . . I '.;i i-i > K . K,:i ^lle^ ..\iiii,. ('i:iv( riird Ite:il(-ii> \':(ilcy . . . . l.itdWe tl.-ilii|irdn . . .- Mil KMIIidll.l . . . . . ..Inlieu .\l-i.-h.-ll . . . K V icisldii- K(>e\-c^ ..... (>li;ii l.liiili. . ..l.ihi. S.-:le« . . . . . ., I!iiil.:ii,-i n!:iii I'l:iinle n.iilev •lani«' 4«4'fN >lari*i<*il. W;(i- - lli-i.j,. i'elei(.X(. (ir jVIe Ci.lllteb |i'i-Milli<-l iiiii;- Sl:it-H .Ididi l.i'..Mcl i.inii-l. I>iek l-;i'i,d:ilil >|t"'l> ..... M:ii l>:(i-;l . Il|-d\\ ii .'.\l:ii'-.:.-ii>d llddlllleii .Add,. Cilti;, Km b 'I'dlie* . . . WiMlKlii V'l dditil-.** Aft* . ( -,,11111. 1'N ........ .n,,i, S"i V, -. . , SI-ldM Ihuli'imiev...'. . .-. .s'l'itidii .M-,)i.i Vdi'-/... .I'll l-'eli'lll. -. I'i(\ iulil I 'fdiii,|\vlf;lil . ..i;,i ,idi-i4 l>driiiii'. . /, . . .Id"- J'lii jef "Twd Small People" is flipi>iinlly- Ircated niclodianVa. It's nev(>i' as hi'ighl as it trie.v to be and as a c()n- .se(nieh(:e overall results fail to st.".ck U|i 1(1 expectations. Name values rate it foi (ikiiy bookings, film hnviny Lu-- ('■''c Ball. John Hodiak and Lloyd N.i.iiiii. : . ' Si.-iipt ol ihe basically okay plol li;n t)ccn packf-d with awkuarj di i- li- Over-flircclion ;ind iinilei-fiill- iiii; arc (illici- handic'iji.-.- I'lol I'lni- ci'riis the days all"tt."l a conii- dciK-e mill) before 'he luc- to' slaii .III die . Illi-k,. .M I-. -. l,-dinviiy .Ml .4 ( 'idiw .1) . . , . Siddl Aid i1, , , .. . ...... Si-ddlier i;is ii .\li-. Sl,.i\-fi.«.., , . . .Ml-.". ' \'ii(i 111 dill . .Ml-M. Ani.'I,.>. . . . , I'ddlii . . . , ; n.i-i-d.-iiliiie .. . ...... tie;nl I'dii. . .- Warners" .veqiiel to ils s>';'een ver- sion of "JaDie."' the Broadway suc- cess or two sca.-ions ago aboiit adoles- cents. su/Tciis liom the same trouble or m/ii\ f()llowups. The id,t'.>. the well of inspiration, ran oiit with llic one shot, and all the king's men (:ouldn't put a .second-hand model together again. Lacking all around in script- ing; (lii'cclion and ai'ling. (his one is niiiinly fiir the nahps and sub.>.p- quenls. The plot is the l.v'pic-al slory or the first few nKinthS In a youn;< ("oiiplc's marriage, with servynt trouble, in- law trouble, job trpublc and. . best - rr lend trouble. Janie has. inavrieii her boy just returned from the war.- and has wangled a jot) for hini 'on her rathrr's news|)aper. A V/AC- friend iiri'ives to nioivopoli'/.e yiiui'.'i hubby. A newspaijcr miiiJMate sIkuvs up to buy the liical iicwspai)er. A lew more ,'i.-iMirled |)e(!|ilr anDCiir on flie .scene. l() iihiilve the voiiiiu |)C(i|)lc rurllier in a series iif trite situation';. •No| iiiil\ al'e Hie eii''"i'iisl!iii(-ps familial' and a little tired, but the No niatter how much this may differ from .Vera Caspar.v's iioxel. it coulct scarcely be improved on for adaptation and scripting for the .screen. If "The Wicked Lady" did well in the U. S.. this one' should achieve even bigger returns there, being penned by author of "Laura." Margaret Lockwood is more wicked than in her previo'is roles in a more subtle manner. Her portrayal or a woman who in greed Tor money poisons three husband wiih .an air of maidenly innocence, is Miss Lockwood at her best. She is only prevented from doing away with hubby No. 4 by the interv.'niion of an investigator who has been trying to catch up with her in 'jonii'.'clion with collection ot successive life in- siiianc'e policies, paid af'.er each death. Opens in Monie Carlo, with a youl\g painter scraping acqiiaiidance with a honeymoon coupl:'. . Latter learns the wife posse.sscs a. pricclc-is black pearl .which he csiensibly wislies to- buy. He persuades the hus- band to let him paint his bride. When, busine.'s-; compels their relui n honvc. the artist is invited there to complete the ))oili'ait. Only then does '[ be- come ; apparent that the pcr.-islent yoimg man is. trailing along, but not rrom amorous ' motives as . thi; girl imagined. The; husband's svdden ill- ness arter a; Christmas parly cause.-;, the sleuth to take the' docio;' in'o his confidence. Faced whh exposure; the trapped woman ends in taking poi.'-'on her.'ielf. : which the hu-band has left with her as a wav out. His graduiil realization or her giiili is. a drariVatic highlight. This is John COrlleld's fiisl piiiriiie- lion under the. J. Arthur' Rank banner and is conuhendable tidh) all angles.. Ian Hunter, as the :hu;t i.- ex- cellent. . Camera work i.- exception- ally good. Allhoiiijh story- i.-i iih'palatable. no aclJial inurder scenes are slunvn. The only victim visible is the Siamese cat who siiceumbs to Doisoned rood in- leiided lo dis|)(i.-i.e or the s|eiiili. Filiil should prove real lio.voffice (•sijecially in \ iew . (>r vogue fur this lyiie ;.scs in the .subsequent run hou.sc.s. Roy Chansloi'"s . screenplay, adapted rrom a Collier's mag scrinj bv Rob- ert Carson, is well taildied to the talents or Pat O'Brien, who rambles through the filnr in. his usual glib tashion. Repartee between him and Ruth Warrick is the brightest spot in the pictui'e. Course or action, how-^ ever, siduyh.s off the- story, resulting ill the- picture's buildup to ;i flat let- down. Jt comes out as another cops- and-robbers talc, transplanied to a Mexico City locale. O'Brien plays a T-maii. sent to Mexico to .break up a (.'oupterfeit ling run . by Alan Hale and Edgar Buchanan. Mi.ss Warri(;k turns up as a syndicated columnist w'h().«e father had been murdered by Halo back in the States;: She's already J'o'ced him to flee to Mexico City after bi-eakihg the sloi-j' of his rackets north of the border and has followed him for fur- ther revenge. . SubsequeiU events have O'Brien and Miss Warrick fall- ing for each othei'. although eacn dis- trusts the other's interest-in. Hale un- til the final reel, when they crack down on hifn together. O'Brien does good work as the treasury dept. sleuth, fast with both his fists and.; his wisecrack'!. Couple of Irish ditties he runs 'lirough.at a piano come off'- well. Film'gives Miss 'Warrick her first .good break since her film debut in "Citizen Kane." Bounteous wai'drobi?. reveals her as one of the screen's lop beau- ties and her acting is .ple-ily adept. Hale is sufficiently, sardonic as the counterfeit . leader and Buchanan turns in a nice perfoi'mance as his siderkick. ' Eddie LeBaron and his orch . get featured billing but' arc seen only New Foreign Films (Uifli/.-ciT/ for Anglo-U. SJ MarheO ";\(l I'elll >t(Hll(Piir" ("ll:ii.|.y i;.. I.iti-ky"i (l-KKNCII). I'allie Ciuhmi'IIiiii'i Cilii'lldi |-,..|„:di',' iirCtlH. ld-(Hl(ii-l idil. l;in','.|- ■ d by .Mill, el . I.;llcild,.|. Si.-Mx l>iiiil,-l|e l»iii-|-ieil.\. .Alidl-e. I.IIKIIel. l-'ril ld- b.\ M iir ':ill»-|-( S;id\':iJ>,li. S>-ri.ed|,|ii.\. |,'y .\ki'i r. ( iilbei-r S:lll- (-;ij»dl. I''i'i, iK-diKe Ciriddi; l;r-.j lew "d id I'liri.^. niidiiidi; iiiiie. IM.'t .XIIN."^. moifientarily in a night-club .se- quence. ■ Same sequeiice fea'tilrea Amelita Vargas, a lu.sh Lat.n dancer who oiitmaneuvcrs Diosa Costeilo in a fast samba. Supporting cast is okay. ' Producer .Phil L. Ryan nas lined the film with rich niouniings that emphasize the tourist's version of Meicico City. Director Edward H. Griffith keeps the ca.s't jumping through its paces and gels Ihe niost out of the film's good dialog. Charles Lawton's photography is oii the cred-' it side. . Sial. .The RunanHind i."nivei-s.il pcleuH* or ,kip i;cii.|:,tis.,!i . id»- dld'duM. iilani Itiid Ciidii'ndi. (■:lld i::iIi,(.K'; redlui-F» llrMlrrick ' Ci-iiw.rdiil. i"niiil, .Mi-- J/iiKl). Directed, by . C'liiirleM . Lddiinil. Si-neflnplay. Arihui .T. llei-niHii. S;idi Hell- ninli:. mnierit. atel.v put him on the wrong track, that hc"'s brought back the secretary, aivl he's in love. - Production and photography obvi- ously been done in a more painstak- ing manner than usual. Linutod use of prop scenery in favor of the real thing adds quality.. Versimilitude in the situations is neither a':ke'.l nor expected. Musical score ' by Frank Skinner provides creditable ouericr. Thcsping is convincing tor th£ most part, with the only exceptions those scenes wherein Miss Raine: tries to cry or laugh hard and evidently can't. A couple of the battles are' loo patently fakes. Brod Crawfoi-d and Rod . Cameron do well, and Fi'ank McHugh .puts in a top support Vole. A (liirr In Ji Million (BBmSH-MADEi London.. May 24. .In-llieb I,li')n n-l(^iii;e . or Syiliu-.v (lt,t in-o- lui-llnn. St^il-H KilKll Wlllliilid,; .l|-:<.ll ( li een. (KHl. HnhW Kddrdrd. Xdlinidii Wd.die. Iil- ■ei-lpd by- >"raneb( .^eoi'le. .^lin-y nnil w-t-feii-- pJny, liy -Afurfel nnd Sydney llnv. ( 'dj.iier;,, ■ KeKiddId H. Wyer. liei-l ..Mdnoi,. I',ei-dlfl U'wiN. A(' SUdlld Ode; ' lliiiiiiiii;: lliid-. H4t - .MINK. diiy Hy - rendei-KdKl ';....; (illu-rlnKbjiiii 'e;i iHMly 1.- Sdll'/tlliKd .Mdlly C l-:it r,iii(-rn)dii r;iviMiid .\bi(i.'(t;ei-. III. I'elei-K. . . . ; . Ilil;:li Wllli:,ii;.>i .liidii ( ireciiWMi (1 . . . I'.:isil Itiiiirid-il .N'dJiiilitn \\-n.\ dd . . W.\ he WdlSdll . . tliii ■ ly\ . I'diver' . . . Y v,iiiid, t men . . .1 i.i .Meiyli ...K.ludi-.r I.esy . ..I:|.|i,-y Iviilcbl . ..Idlidli |l .MIilH Marquee value of names for local I fun faVCs and witty dialog in an amusing , storv' will a.ssuie local gi-o.>i.ses. For America, the chiinces appear limited to spots with Flench palronaKC because director Marcel L'Herbiri'. in an attempt lo retain the dialo^i. has made the piciure look like a sla-jey filmization .it a legit. | turns in U. S Also caiiieia work not even. It i Concerns invehtor-hubby 'Hugh [shows Danielle Darrieux as the jeal- i WilhainiiV who is always annoyed by ous wife or Francois Peri'.'r making; . a. nagging wife. She finally gels a hei'solf the unwanted Kuest (if Andre 1 divorce, with the judge (on^-.ratii- Lugiiet who, hi'ving his own worries, ' lating hubby On his escape. "Theii the This is last picture Sydney Box will (do for outside companies before assuming control of Gainsborough Films for J; Arthur Rank thi;; fall. Story is light, but has many laughs. Chances not bright for any re-il re- was about to commit suicide. The cast is good and doe.s well- consider- ing. Afii.ri. "Dddile Mneren Ijis. I'lildlirm,'' i W„i-.1» l-'iiil"i (Sr.AMMI), AAA l.l,^ .\ I'U.-lil lli>.~ .\ MH;i;id,,>l |,M„lll.-i ii,ll I , 'I, -;!)...; l iirt-eied. by. 1 1 ill;,, l-'i '-^ ■ 'id*.-"- Kill iillie .M line.. -Wb.-I.- I l,\rti^ , I'll-, .ii-:( II,- r,-:ildi'-.4 li;)Ii,. lU-rli'li .M-d.|e'/.. I. id, I., I.,. ,\iiivli:, l-''-li.-i. U'di- .Mlilti.. I'.ilild .. .\l;iii{i 'llllil:r,'li,. .|..y,. V'.i-'.iini-/,, i-;i. l'°erl>ii,,.- .\lii, li>.|-,-,iK I .-< |di.\ . I,.\ , .M,-i i:.;.! , 'l:i . Ididi. "Id lid., l.;i 11,1 id:*.'' .M:,iii .\l ('.l-.-
  • . ( 'ditii .l.|d. II- Kii., did husband acccpLs War Office appoint- ment in an isolated town, 'when hei j learns that there are mo women nearby. I Things run smoothly till the ar- rival of an American coloii'-l. Hartley Power, with his niece. Joan .'Green- wood; Willianis soon falls victim and ' ' marries the gal. Couple i i e .sepa- i rated when she: starts the same rou- 1 tine as his first wife. RCuivion results 1 when hubby becomes father. ..Cast is adequate, with Mis'; Gicen- niiii- . \v()nd. in her llr.'.i starring role, ac- i quitting 'herself well. On the oiher !..,,, ^ , . ■ hand. Williams at limes appears too I Hailed by prodiiecrs and critic.-, as ; „|c) fo,- a juve lead. Basil Riid|ord I an -artistic effort, tins is vastly di.-;- ^ Naunton Wavnc plav Miei.r ni-ua! j appointing. Story . is weak aii'l En- , ^-nj^ Englishmen. Rcfre. I riqiic .Miiino. hampeic'd by inexpert, , . i direction and .-Kny. tails to mcaMue /ii ; mu^o*,.a Vl?U/.*i.;/. ■ up to hi.-. pie\ious screen work. This Llll Inealie EdeCll IC i,. Hugo Fre»;oi>(?.se's debut tis ,i pic- Awain nK- Pllll Blsi^it tiii-e dircelor. His stage experience | Agdin VnOth r llll Diani. (loeSii't help hi.- screen woik. .Juan Chicaiio. June 4 .lose C'a.-1 1(1. Ai';;cnlina's ac;' I'oiiduc- | Order permitting theatre miii'quee.s lor and ' comiiosei'. ha.- pi'ovided a ' air-conditioiiing systems to go -.real inusieal score iilthoiigh more j,^ f,||i fupce was, signed original sc oring «'<''il'< '^ave helped. ; ,j,, ,^ ; (jp, „ mi,,,,;., q,,,,. .Diii io C aizav.. a newcom'i'. is . the i '""'^""^^ " . ", , ,1, „r juve lead and has n(...;sibilil.e- He's ■ '''<--!'<-'5 Commis-sion. as esu It o^ an adole.x'em piani.st iii this. There i «;luch the light.-, were blazing as 'are no touches of humor tf< virljove formerly in the Loop, Cooling plants. ilie dreary .-lory. Ballet .';egue'iices .are too long although the most in- 'teresting part ol the picture, and ' iiuirels. if any. are due to '.Vliirgarila i Wallmaii . and Maria RiiiiiiovH. Al- i lliinigli made on an ambiliinis scJile. . tills i.s loo lugubrioiis to havi aiiy in- terest tor U. S. incidentally, got goiny ]\.ift iii lime for Chi's firsl real warm spell of the year, which started-Decciration Da.v. The rieiiriy . month-loim tliinout .saved 19i;.i00 tons of coi.il here:, ae- . cording -to the Coininonwealili Edi- son Co. WfJnestlay, June 5, 1946 P^^^iETy 1* 16 PICTURE GROSSES W«>4lueMla7, June 1946 L A. Revives; *In Night' Bright 52G, 3 Spots; 'Forward' Sturdy 45G in 2, 'Tomorrow' Hefty 41G for 3 on 2d Los Aneeles, June 4. ■♦ Fii.>.l-iiins are recovering from e(- feris of ihe- streetcar strike this Ktniv/ii. will) some holdovers doing bell*"!' ihaii on previous week; Hetty holidiiy li iidr hIso is « help., -The city' iHkes on 27 lirst-ciins and mpveovers within the next week. in addition to throe nvw day-date situations. Bel- mont joins- Ihe Los Angeles Egyptiap «nd Wil.-^hiie with the opening of "Two Sisici-.s From Boston" on June 4, wliile Orpheum goes straighl^flhTi on (iisi-i-im. June II, with the Vogue WMci Kl Roy. , ■■.SoMU'w here in. Night"' is slightly c\ t'r nvorHco at $&2,000 in rlu'ee the- uxn-f. "Fiont This Day Forward" .•■liii|)os .-luidy $45,000 in two hous^e.'s. "Ono Moio Tomorrow" looks stout J-II.OOO .-ocond frame in three. ■•Po,.-;\m;iM Rin^js Twice" will do~ pmooih s:i7.iiOO on Jourlh frame, three Jtu-nlions. - Outlaw" slill is potent at $;tl.nnn for ninth weiek in four spots. ■ Spiial Slairca.se" finales on fourth friinu- wiih healthy 125.000 for three house.-;! -Virginian" will do $28,500 in third week, two spots. Ksdmales (or This Week Rcvri-lv mils Moslc Hall iBlumen- fold-G&S) 1824: 85-$l )— • Outlaw" lUAi i9ih wkt. Steady $4,000. Last week, nnc $4,300. t'lirlhav Circle iFWC) <15|3; 50- $11— -Do You Love Me" i.20th) inio. I. Okay $U.5O0. LafI week. ••Madonn;( of 7 Moons ' 'U) '3d wk\ $o.aoo. Chinese i Grauman-WQ) >2.0i8: .nO- $1 I-— Sonicwhfie iii -Night" (20th) anri '-Efl injjhani's Raid" 1 20th). Good $15.00(1. La.st week. "Do Ycu Love" ^20lh I ■ 2d wk ). neat $11,700. Bownlown (WB) (1.800: 50-$l)— "One Mui-c Tomorrow" iWB J (2d w-k I. Neat $15,000. Last week, goo'd $21.H00. Ksyplian (FWC) (1..538; 50-$l)— '•Po.>itm;Mi Rings Twice" (M-G) (4th \\k). Finale.s at $8.500.. Last week, perky $10,200. Four .Star lUA-WC) <900: Ii0-$1)— "Dark Corner" i20lhl iBdwk) Cm.o.). Only S2.400 in 4 days. Last week, fine S5.«00. Guild >FWC) i96«: 50-$l)— "Spiral Slair<.-a.-e ■ (RKO» (4th vvk). Solid $6.SO0. I.a.-^t wo.ck. big $7,500. llawHii (G&S - Blumenfeld) C956; 6.=i-.sn— -Outlaw" cUA) (9th wk). Slill big at $6,000. Last week, sock $(i.000. Hollywood (WB) (2.756: SO-tl) - "One .More Tomorrow" (WB) I2d wk I. Ave rage $13,000. Last week, good $18,600. ■ .. Hollywood Music Hall fBlumen- fokli. 1475: 85)— "Outlaw" tUA) '9lh wk). Trim $4,000. Last week, $.1 HOO. I.oew's Slate (Loew-WC) (2,404: 50-$l I — "Somewhere in Night" '20th) and "Effingham's' Raid" i20lh). Average $27,000. Last week, •Do You Love" i20th) (.2d wk), $14,800. l.os .Anecles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 50-$l )— "Postman" (M-G) (4th wk). Fine $21,000. Last week, nifty $18,700. Orpheum I D'town) (2,000; 65-85) —"In Fa-sl Company" (.Mono) with Andy Ros.sell. A'aude acts on stage. Sock .M0..=)00. Last week. "Guy Could Charioe" (Rep) with Slim Gaillard Trio 1 2d wk) and Jimmie Lunceford orcl) on slage. .solid $28,400. PantaBcs (Pan) (2,812: 50-$l)— "This Day Forward" ^RKO) and "Man Alive" (RKO). Smooth $23. 000. La.-it week. "Goes My " Broadway Grosses Eatinaled Total Grem ThU Week ....... . .i:il,SM (Bo.ted on 16 Ilitalres) 'Total Gr*u Same Week I.«sl Year . . :$5JS;h« ■ iB(i,\ed OH 15 (lienlrfs). 'Postman' Smash 30G in Mfld Pitt Pilisburgh, June 4. ' Po.-ilman Rings T^wice" at Ihe Stanley, is blazing ahead this week. In fact it's the only big lioise of the holiday stanza, everything else be- ing jiist .'. Cri.v did okay, but patron.s did not. Will be. lucky to get $6,500. sad for a holiday week. Comes out tomorrow 'Wed.) fov "Dark Corner" . 1 20th). Last week. "Pinocchio" iRKO) irei.tsue) i2d wk 1. nice $6,500. Harris 'Harris) (2.200; 40-70)— "Do You Love Me" i20th) i2d wk). Holding up very well at good $12,- OQO. Last week. j{)'ea I $20,000. Penn iLoew's-U.^) (3..100; 40-70)— "One More Tomorrow'' (WB). Get- ting by but no great shakes for a holiday week. However, no com- plaint at $19,000 or over. Last week, "Devotion" (WB). $17,500. RUt (WB) '800: 40-70 )— "Tomor- row Is Forever" (RKO) (.m.o.). .^fter; fortnight at Stanley, over $4,000 mark, good, at this small- .seater. Last week, fifth downtown on "Saratoga Trunk' (WB), okay $3,000. Senator (Harris) 0.750: 40-'70)— "Gilda" (Col) (4th wk). Held over here. Moveover from Harris, should hit $4,500. excellent. Last week, bet- ter than $6,500. Stanley (WB)- f3.8O0: 40-70)— ; "Postman Rings; Twice'' (M-G). Be.st ■here in weeks with sock $30,000. Naturally hbld.^ at that figure. Last week. '"Tomoi-row Is Forever"' (RKO) (2d wk), big $14,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— '"De- votion" (WB) ^(m.o.). Doing bit over average biz at near $9,000, much better than okay. Last w"eek, "Zieg- feld Follies" (M-G) (m.o.), $7,000. 'Postman' Brisk 19G Leads Mildish Ballo Baltimore. Jutte 4. Biz lioro is generally otl with the lone exception "The Postman Always Rings Twice," at ix)ew"s Century. Some action also is repoi"ted for "Heartbeat," tiied to vaudc, at the combo Hippodrome. Estinatei r«r This Week Century (Loew's-UA) 1 3,006; 20- 60)— ""Postman Always Rings Twice".'. ( MtG ). Topping low"i-i .witi-i lotising $19,000. . Last week. ""Night iit Casa- blanca" (UA), $12,700. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240: 20-70)— "Heartbeat" (RKO) plus vaude. Attracting .some trade at $17.- 000. Last week, •"Badman"s Terri- tory'; I RKO) and vaude. $14,200. Kellh'i (.Sehanberger) (2,4«U: 20- 60)— "Night ih - Paradise" (Ul; Fair- ish respon.se at $11,000. La Orpbeum (RKO) (1.900; 45r65) — "'Badman".s Territory' (RKO) and "Partners in Time"' (RKQ)- I'lea.s'ant $14,000. Last woek. "City for Con- quest" I WB) and ".\o time for Com- edy" IWB) irei.ssues), inild $10,000. Tower iFox-Jo/fee) '2.100; .39-60) —"Spider Woman Strikes Back" 'U) and "Str.inge Conquest" t,U8.*M (Bated, on 24 citiei, 184 theotrei) Casablanca' Wow 20G in St Louis St. Loui.s. June 4. End of long rainy spell plus Me- morial Day bi:i, accelerated trade here. "Do You Love Me" Will grab the top money, but "One More To- morrow" and "Night in Casablanca" are comparatively as big, latter being especially strong. . EallniaUs for This Week Loew'a . (Loew) (3.1'72; 44-66)— "Night in Casablanca" (UA) and "Devil's Mask'' (Col). Solid $20,000. Last week. 'The Outlaw"' (UA) i3d \vk), $17,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 44-65) — 'The Outlaw" (UA). Neat' $9,000. Last week, "Rebecca"' (UA) (reiiss- ue). W.200. Ambaaiador (F&M) (3:000: 44-65) — ""Oite More Tomorrow'" rWB» and •"Blondie"s Alibi"' (U). Great $21,000 Last week. "Devotion."' (WB) and ""Blondie's Lucky Day"' (Col ), solid $19,000, Fox (FitM) (.5.000; 44-65)— "Do You Love Me" (20lh) and "Johnny Comes Fb'ing Home" (20th). Solid $25,000. Last week. "Deadline at Dawn" (RKO) and "Tarzan Leopard Woman ' (RKO). .$22 000. MIsiourl (F&M) (3.500: 44-65)— "Dark Corner" (20lh) and ""Rendez- vou.s"' (20th). Good $19,000. . Last week, 'Saratoga Trunk" (WB), $11,- 000. St. Louii (F&M) (4.000: 60-60)— "Masquerade In .Mexico"" (Par) and ""Miss Susie Slagle"s" iPar). Nice $8,000. Last week. "Gaixie of Death" (RKO) and "Spider Strikes Back" (Ul, $7,500. 'Postman' Rings Bell In Buffalojerrif $28,000; 'Heartbeat' Punchy 17G Buffalo. June 4. Biz i.s on upbeat currently. Leaders are "Postman Rings Twice"' and "Heartbeat." with former smash. Eilinatet (or This Week Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G). Ter- rific $28,000 in 6 days or near Last week. "Devotioit" iWB) ani "Night Editor ' (CoD.-snug $14,500. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000: 40-70) —'"Blue Dahlia" (Par) i2d wk) Strong $17,000 after lasl Week's great $23,000. Hipp (Shea) '2.100: 40-70)— "Devo- tion" (WBj and '"Night Editor" (Col) (m.o.). Hefty $10,000 for 6 days. Last week. "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) and "Porlrait of Maria'" (M- G). lofty $12,000. Teck (Shea) (1.400 : 40-70)— "Diary of Chainbermald"" (UA) 'm.o.) and "•Red Dragon"" (Monoi. Dand<- $7 - 500 in 6 days, l^st week, "Dragon- wyck" (20lhi (m.o.), $4,000 for third downtown week. [^ifayelte (Basil) (3..300: 40-70)— "'Perilous Holiday" iCol) and "Meet Me on Broadwav" (Col). Firm $9 • • 000. Last week.'""Sevenlh A-'eil" (U) i and '"Tangier " (U). $10,000. '' 2«lli Century ,(20th Cejit.. Inc.) i3 - 000; 40:70 1 — "Heartbeat" (RKO) and "Swing Parade 1946"' iPRC) Punchy $17,000 or over. Laiil week "Murder in Music Hall" Tftep) and "In Fa.st Coinpaii.v" (Rep). $9..500. Boston, June 4; Memorial Day . holiday, though sunny and wann, tipped biz last week. "Badman's Territory" with vaude Is sock at the Boston. ■'•The .Postman Always Rings -Twice." at the State and Orpheum looks stand, out. "Devotion" is nice at Para- mount and Fenway. "Heartbeat" also shapes fancy $29,000 at Memorial, Estloiates fer TBI*- Week Bottan (RKO) (3,200; S0-$1.10) "Badman's Territory" (RKO) pUij Milt Herth Trio, laavry Stevens, others, on idage. Sotik $38,000. Last week, "Suspense" (Mono), Loui.i Armstrong orch, others, only $22,000. Eiqaira (M-P) (1,200; $2.40) — "Henry V" (UA) (9th wk). Steady $6,000 against last week's fairish $5,500. Fenway (M-P) (1,375: 40-:80) — "Devotion^' iciting Week" (Rep). $23,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2.900: 40-80) — ""Postn-ian Rings Twice"" iM-G).- Sturdy $28,000. Last week, "Gilda" (.Col). $20,000. Paramount (M-P) (1.700; 40-BOi — '"Devotion" (WB) and "One Exciting Week" (Rep). Nice $16,000. Last .week. "Kitty"' (Par) and Dark Alibf (Mono), $14,000. State (Loew) (3.200: .35-80) — "Postman Rings Twice"' (M-G). Solid • $19,000 or over. Last w^eek, "Tars and Spar.s" (Col) and "Phantom TivieC (Col). $12,000. Tranainz (Trans! ux) '900; 30-74) —""City for Conquest" (WB) and "No Time for Comedy"' (WB) 're- issues). Satisfactory- $5,000. La.st week. "'Cat Creeps" (Ui and 'Spi- der Woman Strikes Back' (U), $6,000. Tremont (Brand-Muge) ( 1.500; 40- 80)— "Whistle Stop"' (UA) and "Junior Prom" (Mono). Mild $12.- 000. Last week. " Breakfast Holly- wood" (UA) and "Stiangc V«>yage" (Mono), $12,500. I^irginian' 7G, Lmcoln Lincoln. Jiine 4, Uncs-pecled frost here is keeping a few seats unoccupied this .session but ";Vii-i(inian."' at the Lincoln, and, "Br.ide Wore BooU," at the Stuart I aie doing top biz. Kmlmatcii for This Week Mncoln iLTC) (1.500; 44-55)— " Vii-ginjan" (.Par). Stout $7,000 to lead city.. T..a»t week. "Two Sisteis From Boston'' (.M-(;i. $7200 .Sluart (I-TC) (1.800: 9-^55 1 -"Bride Wore Boots" (Pan. 'Near capacity „,,V«':«"y,', INTO I (1,100; ,"«5..50) ti'li!'*''"'" '-WB). Mwlest 'Ur »4!2^ S*"P", NthrMkm il/VC.) f|,l2fi; 9-43) ;,""",}"" A'""'''" ""f ""d "Oliver KikMii ' (/(„li<-| f)„|y || 7„(, j„ 4 (lay!- Lart ■■II,,,,.,. Ho,-,oi-s" 'I.I ;,/i/J ■Spid.., ,St,,k»,: 'U), dill,, I" 5 i\Ujt, J Auto Jubilee Ms Det. ^ But ^Week'-Prima Trhn 32G, 'Gilda' yid 35G Detroit. June 4. The Automotive Jubilee, wiih its accompanying parades and show.-;, combined with tlie Memorial Day weekend to slow pice here this .ses- sion. It particularly hit the Satur- day lake when the auto show staged a parade that had the main street lined with about 750,000 for four hours! Estimates for Tbli Week Fox (Fox-Michigan) (4.049; 60-85) —""Gilda"' (Col) and ""Night Eiiiiiiy"" (Par), $5,000 in 5 days. Wedneaday, June S, 1946 PICTITRE CBOSSES IT Weather Bops Chi Albeit Paradise' 35G; 'Saint'^Boswell 55G, 'Virginian' 26G Chicago,' June 4. -f Bulmy weather definitely is be- ginning to show its eflCccts at tlie Soxofftce, with only newcomers '•HoodJuni Saint," witli Cohnee Bos- well heading stage bill, at the Orien- tal; "Night in Paradise," at Die Pal- ace, and "Virginian," at the Rooiie- velt, .stacking up solid after the bclow-hopes holiday weekend. However, doing well are "Bad- man'.s Territory," with $12,000 at the Grand on moveovcr from the . P'al- ai-c. and longtermers "Dragon wyck" and "Saratoga Trunk." $19,000 and $23,000 respectively . at the Apollo and State-Lake, Estimates tor This Week Apollo (B&K) (1,200; Gn-Sal — "Drasonwyck" (20th) (7th \vk). Nilly $19,000. L^st week, $3O,.S00., Chltiaco (BitK) (3,900; 65-95) — 'Cinderella Jone.s" (WBi with Wogdy Herman orch (2d wk). Okay £ 13,000. Last week, excellent $55,000. Garrlck (BficK) (900; 65-95) — "Bai\dit Sherwood Forest" (Col) (6th wk). Tidy $17,000. Last week, $19,000, Grand (RKO) (1.150; 65-95) — "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and • Dicsscd to Kill" (U) (m.o.). Potent $12,000. La.st; week,. "No Time foi Comedy". (Wp) and "Torrid Zone" (WB>; (rcis.sues), only $9,000. Oriental (EssahessV (,3.2-tO; 65-95) —"Hoodlum Saint" (M-G) with Connec BoswtU heading stage bill Klashy $55,000. Lost week, "Nisht in Casablanca" (UA) (2d wk) with Cluick Foster orch. Bob Ebcrly. on .sta:fc. . fast $39,000. ' Palace' (RKO) (2.500; 65-95) — "Night in Paradise" (U) and "Truth About Murder" (RKOX Hot $35,000. Last week. "Badmaa",< Tc'riitory" I RKO) and "Dressed 16 Kill ' (U) (2(1 wk), lusty $29,000. Roosevelt (BiK) ( 1., 500: 65-9.5) — . "ViVKinian" (Par). Fine $28,000. Last' week, "Devotion" (WB'i t4lh wk), fair $19,000. SUtc-Lake (B&K) (2,T00; 55-95)— "Saratoga Trunk" (WB I 9lli wk) Solid $23,000. LasI week, muscular $20,000. llnllcd Artists (B&'K^ (1 700- 65 95>— "Ziegfcld Follies" (M-Gi (6lh "'I;''. Slick $20,000. Last week, husky 522,500. Wood* (Essancss) (1.200: 05-95) — "Tomorrow Is Forevej- ' (RKO) (7th wk». Thumping $20,00(). La.st week, tancy $21,000. Grossei Are Net Film grods estimates, as re> ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- out ihe ' 20% tax. Distributors share on net take,- when playing . percentage, hence the estimated figures are net income. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, in- clude the U.S. amusement tax. Pony Bally m ProY. Dps 'TerritoryMo Big 20G; Tosbnan' Record 29G Providence; .Tune 4. Solid is the word for biz here- abouts with Loew's Slate topper wilh "Postman Always Rings Twice" and RKO Albee also big with "Bad- man's Territory." Also .sock as holdovers are Strand's "Killy." and Majeslic's "Do You Love Me." Big openings surprising in view of lack of newspaper advertising which papers refused because of shorlages. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.200: 44-6.5)-^ "Badman's Territory" (RKOi ajid "Ding Dong William.s" (RKO). Opened to standees who wei-e -Iri-at- cri (o brief stage pre.sentalion of two pinto ponies to two Rhode Islaiid youngsters \v\\6 wrote be.st letters tnlling why they would like lo have llic.in. Headed for sock -S'in.OOO or near. Last week. "Rebecca" (UA) (rci.ssue) and "I'rulh About Murder" (RKO). only $9,000. Carlton (Fay-Loow) (1.400: 44-65) — "Gilda" (Con (3d downtown wk). Niflv $6,000. Last week. "Dragon- w.vc!;" (201h) (2d run), good $5,000. Fays (Fay) (1.400: 44-6.^ )— 'Moe Palonka, Champ" (Mono) and vaude on slage. Happy $7,000. Last week. "Swln.q- Parade" (Mono) and vaude on .sliieo. $6,000. Majestic (Fav)' (2.200: 44-05)— "Do You Love Mc" .i2nil>i (2d wk). SiP.irlv $10,000. Firsi sesh w;is nice SI" 000. Jlrli-npalltaii (Sim 'er) (3.100 : 65- fl5»— "(ianic of Dealli ' (Mojio) and ll.'l Mi'lnlyre orcli oit singe. On 4-r'.iy weekend riii\. Siiaoov $B.500. I.nsi week. ".\rizon:r' iCol). and '1.001 Ninht.-;'! (C(>1) i rris.-:Mc.<). $2,- Ollll in 3-d.TV weckoiid slmid. S(:iie (Loew) Ci.SOO: 44-6.=;)- "''oslman Rin)!.nd (Silvcrmnn) (2.''.nO: 44-fi3") r-' Kitlv" (Par) (2d wU). Wow .SIR,- nno. Hit 'the roof for Uniickoul $20.- lUiO' in first week, FERGUSON UPS AT COL. Rol)crt Ferguson itci).-; .into I lip lop s|)ol ill Columbia's ori'ssljonk dept. '"Ilowiiin the rcsigiiiilioii of Sylvia K'o.ssack (4). Ferguson, with llio cdnynany .since 1.14(1. currently lioUi- j posi in Die ad\ ertising coi)y (icpl. Tomorrow' 29G In Sloppy PhiUy Philadelphia, and "Walk in Son" (2011) I, ,$i;700. l.oew'» SUle (Loew'.s)" (3.300: 40- «0i— "Poslman Rings Twice" (M-G). With .six shows a day should deliver resoiindinB $10,500. Looks lo hold. ._. . .. La.-il week. "Breakfast Hollywood' Neai $12,000. i (UA) and "Hoodlum Saint" (M-G<, I WB > i .5)8.000. and ni.o. (Ui, ■ " Marv- Anderson (Peop'e'.s) (1,000; 40.(101— "Her Kind o( Man" (WB' 12(1 vl: '. Drc)i)i):ii;; lo poor St.OOO on ■o f'-.v. v.'cck. sturdy SS.OOd. NaliiMial. (.Sl;indardi (2.400; 40-60' , iConlinucd on page 25 1 Grosses in the downtown New York film houses remain variable despite fact that Decoration Day last Thursday (30) fell into tlie current week for most theatres. Rain from Saturday night (1) through most of Sunday afternoon hurt to some ex- tent. Also it's believed that the Hudson tube strike is .' causing loss of considerable New Jersey trade. Decoration Day itself, with various adverse boxoffice factors figuring, was under expectations: Only, three new pictures,. arrived on the Broadway front diiring the past week, headed "by "Badman's Territory" ■ at the little Victoria and "Cluny Brown," Rivoli's new tenant. Former is doing terrifically and should strike a new house high for the Vic of around $38,000. "Brown" is less potent at the Riv but looks to snare a good $43,000 or over. "Perilous Holiday." at the Rialto, -will get only about $7,500, slow, and won't hold. State has a n^w bill iti "Road to Utopia," here on second run from recent Paramount engagement, with Frank Parker and the Slate Bros, on stage. Outlook is for a good $28,000 or better. Taking the view that the weekend rain may have helped rather than hurt so far as the Music Hall is con- cerned. Gus Eyssell, managing direc- tor, estirnates the current (2d) frame for "To Each His Own" will mount to a massive $135,000 as against initial seven days' $126,000. Decora- tion Day holiday , had the effect of pushing this week's figures ahead of the prior roimd in sevei'al other theatres also. Best gain, among these, is the $75,00d the Capitol will do with "Postman Rings Twice" and GUy Lombardo's band on fifth week. Last week for this show was $70,600. Estimates for This Week Aslor (City Inv.) (l,.30b; 70-$1.40) —•'Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO) (7th wk). Holding up well, appearing about $37,000. while* last week rounde(i to $41,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 60-$1.10) —"Postman Ring.s Twice" (M-(i) and Guy Lombardo orch (5th-final wk). Pushing to strong $75,000 this week as contrasted with $70,600 for the fourth. 'Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G), with Ritz Bros., Gracie Barrie and Buddy Morrow orch open tomorrow (Thurs.). Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$1.25) —"Night in Paradise" (U). Opens here today (Wed.)'a£ter two moder- ate weeks with "Bad Bascomb" (M-G). second being $25,000, the first $21,000. Globe (Brandt) (1.416; 80-$1.50)— "Make Mine Music" (RKO) (7th wk). Good $20,000 sighted currently, near to $21,000 grossed on sixth week. Holds over. Goifham (Brandt) (900; 80-$1.50)— "O.S.S." (Par) (2d Wk). Retains fine strength at $25,000. Initial seven days went to $32,000, new house record. Continues further. Hollywood (WB) (1,490; 80-$1.10) —"Stolen Life" (WB) (6th wk). Finished fifth round last night (Tues.) at slout $32,000, beating pre- vious week's $28,800. Falaea (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.20)— "Heartbeat" (RKO) (4th-flnal wk). Comes down to fairi.sh $17,000 on blowoff, while last week was okay $21,800. . "Without Reservations'' (RKO) moves in Friday (7). Paramount (Par) (3,684; 70-$l. 20) —"Bride Wore Boots" (Par) with Glen Gray orch and Louis Jordan's Tympany Five open here^ today (Wed.) following four weeks with "Blue Dahlia" (Par). Duke Ellington orch and Mills Bros. Finale tallied $74,000, the third week $'72,000. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945: 70-$1.25J— "To Each His Own" (Par) and slageshow (2d wk). ting i $133,000, itial stanza's $126,000. Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— "Per- ilous Holiday" (Col). Slow at only about $7,500 and gels only one week. In ahead, "Dressed to Kill" (U) wag the same. Rivolt (UA -Par) (2,092; 80-$1.25) —•'Cluny Brown" (20th). Slower than recent pictures have been here but good at $43,000 or oyer. • Last week, ninth for "Killy ' (Par) was a suitable $20,000. Row (20lh) (.3,886; 90-$1.20)— "Do You Love Me'.'" (20lh) and Count BiL'io orch (2d wk). Looks to get a robust $83,000 following initial wpek'-s fancy $97,000 which included Decoration Day. Goes one more Wi!Ck. Stale (Loew's) (3.4.30: 43-$1.10)— "Road to Utopia' (Pan (2d run), with Frank Parker and Slate Bros, ill person. Pulling well, with good .$28,000 or ovci' sighted. Lasl week, ••Ziegfeld Follies" .(M-G> (2d run), witli Willie Howard and Larry Stevens on stage, was on disap- pointing side at only $23,000. Slrand (WBi (2.7.36; 73-$ 1.20)— •'One More Tomorrow'' (WB) and Tommy Tucker orch (2d.wk). Not pulling so well at only around $38,000 while first also was . disap- pointing at 144,000. Goes one more week. ; : VieKrla (Maiirer) (720; 70-il.20)— "Badman's Iferritory" (RKO). Opened big on Decoration Day and, retaining terrific pace, will hit $38,- 000 or over to establish new house record here. Last week, SMORd for "Well Groomed Bride" (Par) was slender $9,000. Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- $1.50)— "Madonna of Seven Moons" (U) (2d-final wk). On final eight days ending tonight (Wed.) .will b« only about $14,000, Ught. Initial week was very (ilMppoinljng »t $lfl,500. "Tlie Junaround" (U) opens tomorrow Cfiiurs.). "Outlaw' Record SOG, Froco Ace San Francisco, June 4, Big neWs this week is the oolossal biz being registered by '"nie 0(it- law," playing day-date at the United Artists, Emi'uirc and 'Tivoli. Jaiia RusteU picture looks to hit a new all-time Frisco record in these three spots, doing around $70,000 the flnit five days and ex-pecting to hit $80,- ' 000 or belter qn the week.. It toared to huge $27,000 at the small United Artists. Town is generally stronger all around, with single house doing the biggest money being the Golden Gate with "Heartbeat" and vaude headed by Ciro Rimac's "Rhumba Revue." EstimaicH for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 60-95) —"Heartbeat". (RKO)- plus vaude . heailed by "Rhumba Revue" with Miquelilo Valdes and Ciro Rimac. Great $36,000. Last week, "Falcon's Alibi" (RKO) plus vaude headed by Andrews Sisters, husky $45,000. . Fox (FWC) (2.651; 95-85)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par). Sock $31,000. Last week, "Kitty" (Par) (2d wk), $21,000. WarBeld (FWC) (2.858; 55-85)— "Do You Love Me ' (20th) (2d wk). Down to $16,000. Last week, nice $28,000. Paramount (FWC) (2,846: .55-85)— "Bad Bascomb" (M-G). Strong at $27,000. Last week, "Walk in the Sun" (20th), $18,000. < St. FrMieli (FWC) (1,400; 55-85)— "Kitty'' (Par) (m.o.). Nice $11,000 or neaf for third week downtown. I^st week;- "Ziegfeld Follies" (M-G) (4th wk) (m.o.), okay $8,500. State (FWC) (2,133; 59-89)— "No Time for Comedy" (WB) (reissue). Nice $19,000. Last week, '^Blue Dahlia" (Par) (4th wk), still good at $7,500. ^ Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (1,207; 53- 85)— "Renegades" (Col). Lofty $24,- 000. Last week, "So Goes My Love" fU) (2d wk), good $12,500. VniUd Artlita (Blumenfeld) (1,- 207; 55-85)- "Outlaw" (UA). Colossal $27,000 or near, unheard of at this small spot. Last week. "Perilous Holiday" (Col), satisfactory $11,000. 'POSTMAN'-VAUDE WHAM $39,000, WASH. Washington, June 4. Business If uniformly good Uiii week, with, all but one house offer- ing a .new pic and the city govern- ment living the theatres the nod to aiart usiiig air-conditioning sp'stems , again. "Postman Rings Twice" is a s'i'/.eable jump over in- j Jeader .with sock . session, highest ' racked up here in a long tihie. 'Mad- man's Territory" also is big. Eiilmatei for This. Week Earle (WB) (2,154; 44-85)— "One More Tomoi-fow" (WB). Good $22,- SCtO. Last week. "Her Kind of Man" (WB). thin $17,900. ■•Ilh's (RKO) (1,838; 44-80)— "From This Day Forward" (RKO). Solid $17,900, and holds. Last week, "So Goes My Love" (U). $19,900. Metropoliton (WB) (1.503; 44-70) —"Badman's Territory'' (RKO). Strong $13,000 or near. Last week, "Rebecca^' (UA) (reissue), $15,500 in 8 days. Capitol (Loew) (3.434; 44-80)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) with vaude. Ringiiie . bell for great $39,000. Last week. "Breakfast in Hollywood" (UAi, $23,000. • Palace (Lncw) (2.370; 44-70)— "Do You Love Me" ('20(h). Fine $24,000. Lasl week. '•Killy" (Par) (3d Avk), big $16.000.. Columbia (Loew) (1,263; 44-70)— ' Di-agoiiwyck" (20ih) (in.o.). Pleas- ipj $9,500. Last week. "Ziegfeld Fnllie.s"; (ll-G) (2d wk), $5,500 in 5 days. f>^i^kiETf W€J«»iJ«y, June 5, 1946 Wednesday, June 5, 1946 P^RtEfr 19 smashed every house in the Gotham Theatre's 13-year history-by thousands and thousands of dollars-in the first weekend^of its Broadway world premiere! PARAMOUNT scoops the field with "the first picture of a new cycle"! 20 INTBRNATIO^TAL Inflation in China and Frozen Funds Complicate Already Chaotic Pic Biz Shanghai. May 22. With most of China currently in { pj^j^^^^ g^^ . >Jeine made this week after a- series of talks between Harry M, Warner, Jack L. Warner and Wolfe Cohen, Warner International veepee, following the return of Cohen from a four-month tour of the Orient. Previously, he had made an inspection tour of. Latin America. To make 16m service available in as many of these countries as pos- sible during the celebration of WB's 20th anniversary of talking pictures work. on small-gauge prints has-been started at once. . Productions will be picked with an eye to particular suitability to the different markets. All markets involved will get the special anniversary^ release, "Night and Day." Every exhibitor using 35m prod- uct will be protected to the extent that no lem prints, win be sold for exhibition in opposition to' 35m accounts. While many 16m projectors have been installed already in the Philip- pines, other markets need this equip- ment badly. Cohen reported to Harry and JBck Warner after his South American trip that 16m ap- paratus is «till comparatively scarce in all' countries down there. India requires at least 1,000 projectors while Ceylon needs more than 100. 'Red Roses' Limited In Appeal; Wynyard Play Unlikely m London London, June 4. "Red Roses For Me," which caiAe into the New theatre on May 28 after a tryout at the Embassy, was well received. However, it has only a limited appeal. "Portrait in Black," which opened May- 30 at the Piccadilly, was indif- ferently received, and looks like un- likely. .Crix ' gave this American thriller a razzing for the most part. Diana Wynyard is starred. NEW VARNA REVUE NSG IN PARIS BOW Paris, June 4. Despite no imported or outstand- ing taleiit, nice costumes and much nudity may put across the new Ca- sino revue, "Extra Dry," produced by Henri 'Varna. Music isn't outstanding. Metro Buys Melbourne's SL James From Fullers Melbourne, May 24. Fullers Interests have sold St. James theatre here to Metro after long powwows. M-G-M rented the house for years from Fullers, finally deciding to buy the theatre. St. James once was second-run, but now is flrstrun. Deal gives Metro a stronger position in the setup here. John Fuller, brother of Sir Ben, sold Metro the big St. James, Syd- ney, when brothers decided to break partnership many years ago. Irisli Pix Censor Bans 34 Dublin, May 28. Reviewing 1,390 films last year, Irish film, censor Dr. Riohard Hayes has banned 34 and ordered cuts in 314 others. Of the .pictures trim- med, objections were '. under the wartime censorship orders in 66 and not under morals censorship code. War-time censoring since has been dropped, No comment was made on 1,042 films passed. Some exhibitors carried objec- tions to Hayes'* decisions to the Appeal Board which confirmed his decision in 10 cases, passed eight with cuts and overruled his objec- tions on nine others. KEBRIDOE BACK TO SYDNEY Sydney, May 24. Robert Kerridge, head of the powerful Kerridge circuit in New Zealand, who's been in London on a deal with J. Arthur Rank for 50% takeover of chain, boats in soon "from a brief U. S. looksee. On same boat is Here Mclntyre, Universal's local chief, who also has been in N. Y. Prep 2 Viemia Fdms Vienna, Mby 28. Two new companies have started work here. Vindbbona Film Co. accepted the scenario of Hugo M. Kritz and Dr. E. Strzygowski. Pic-, ture is about the Vienna Singing Boys and will be called "Prater- biiben." Music will be by Willi Schmide Centner^ ' Donau Film Co. sighed contracts with Maria Andergast, Ridolf Prack, Hans Holt, Theo Weiss, Willy Da- nek and Karl Skraup for "Weite Weg." Eduard Hoesch will direct. French ^ow Biz As It Is Today Paris, May 28. French exhibitors are awaitihg return to near-normalcy' , before starting full-scale operations. ' Show- men here expect that despite all agreements executed by Leon Blum, the least that may be expected is covert, if not open, opposition from trade unions and' politicians. Same is true in other fields. Le- git has lost virtually all of the old- school producers, and newcomers consist mainly of strawmen for wildcatters . or shoestringers willing to take long chances on procuring angels. Many actors are reported working for virtually nothing, just to get their name on the marquee. In the music fields, the French public will take American music, but do not want foreign performers, except name concert artists. But payoff here must be in francs and consequently not attractive to Amer- ican topnotchers. . Radio activity is subnormal be- cause of quality of broadcasts. This field has always t>een a gold mine for politlcos, because of political plums connected with it. Once con- ditions resume normalcy, the boys are expected to dip heavily into ra- dio budgets. Nlteries, however, are going full blast because of plenitude of black market money. Arthur Loew Outlines Big M-G Bally Plans For Latin-Am. Market Keynoting Metro's first postwar sales conference of foreign mana- gers, Arthur M. Loew, prexy of Loew's Innternational, . told Latin- American supervisors' at the first session at the Hotel Astor, N. Y., yesterday (Tuesday) that the , Latin market would be given the same selling and exploitation features given to Metro pictures in the U. S. Sam N. Burger, regional director for L. A., warned the foreign man- agers that, even though Metro pic- tures dublied in*Spanish had taken in heavy grosses in the South and Central American market, "we must not regard the initial response - with complacency and hope that it will roll alon^ of Its own volition." Managers must continue to offer ex- hibs every possible advertising aid. Burger said. Loew, Bilrger and Morton A. Spring, veepee of Metro Interna- tional, outlined Metro's selling and exploitation features in the U. S. and their application throughout L. A. to the delegates, who were awarded the trip to the h.o. for sales-promotion in their zones. Fol- lowing a week in N. Y., the dele- gates will fly to the Coast for addi- tional confabs with Metro studio chiefs. U Signs Aboaf Americo Aboaf was named to an executive post at the homeoffice of Universal International yesterday (Tues.) by Joseph H. Seidelman, company prexy. Managing director in Italy for Paramount for 14- years, he supervised Par's biz in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria during that time. From 1039 to 1940, Aboaf was special rep for U in Italy, Spain and Portugal. London, June 4. "Araenio ft Old Lace," Strand. "Better Late," Garrlck. •Can Can," Adelphi. •Flfty-Flfiy," Strand. "Fine Feathers," Wales. "First Gentleman," Savoy. "Follow the Girls," Majesty's. "Frieda," Embassy. "Gang Show," StoU. "Guinea Pig." Criterion. "Hasty Heart," Aldwych. "Here Come the Boys," Savllle. "High Time," Palladium. "Honeymoon," York's. "Lady Edlnbnrgh," Playhousi. "Make It a Date," Duchess. "Merrle England," Princes. "Nlfht.and Mnsle," Coliseum. "No medals," Vaudeville. "No Boom At Inn," Winter Garden. "Perohance to Dream,? Hipp. "Portrait In Black," Piccadilly. "Private Lives," Apollo. ."Bed Boses For Me," New. "Shop Sly Comer," St. Martini. "Song of Norway," Palace. "Sweetest and Lowest," Ambass. "The Kingmaker," St. James. "Under (he Connter," Phoenix. "While Snn Shines," Globe. "Wind Is Ninety," ApoUo. "Windermere's Fan," Hay market "Wlnsiow Boy," Lyric. "Worm's View," WhitehaU. Bernstein Ffflds Czech Musk On Upbeat; Paris NG A picture of a culturally thriving Prague, and a correspondingly apathetic Paris, was presented by Leonard Bernstein recently on his return to N.. Y. from a European trip. The young conductor flew back to. conduct the last two concerts of the NBC* Symphony Orchestra in N. Y., and left again by plane yes- terday (Tues.) to direct several concerts with the London Philhar- monic. Bernstein, who rapresented Amer- ica at the International Festival of Music at Prague, fduhd the Czechs "the most intensely musical people I ever saw." Concerts and opera were going on day and night. The city has fiiUy recovered culturally from the Nazi occupation. . The Germans let the Czech Phil- harmonic continue under its' bril- liant young conductor Rafael Kube- lik, but for the last six years the orchestra couldn't perform any works by Russian, French, British or American composers, especially those by Jewish composers. Result was that in the past season, said Bernstein, the orchestra played no Bach, Beethoven, Brahms or Mozart whatever. Bernstein, who found the Czech Philharmonic one of the finest or- chestras he had heard, directed it in two concerts of modern American works— Gershwin's Rhapsody, with Eugent List; Copeland, Barber,. Har- ris, Schuman, and Bernstein's own "Jeremiah" Symphony. As for Paris, where he spent, a week, Bernstein said he found an all-time low in music. Music stand- ards are lo^, performances of opera were shoddy, the orchestras bad. Bernstein will be back in the U. S. in a month to spend the summer at Tanglewood with Serge Kousse- vitzky, teaching conducting, and setting up the U. S. premiere of Benjamin Britten's highly-touted opera, "Peter Grimes,"" which he will conduct for /our performances. Bernstein may also do Biltzstein's "Airborne" Symphony there. U. S. Distribs' Solidari^ Pointed Up By Enactment of Frencb Fdm Pact Metro's Lartigue Honored Paris, Ma:; 28. Henry Lartlgue, Metro chieftain for France, has been awstrded the Croix de la Liberation, the new French order for distinguished ser vices during the war. .General LC' clerc and Admiral Thierry d'Atgeh' lieu received the same honor. La'rtigue spent part of' the occu- pation period in jail becaiise of his underground activities. He never- theless contrived to save about 800 prints for Metro which put them in ia favorable position here when busi- ness resumed. Italo Film Plan Lacks Any Quota Washngton, June 4. Latest word here is that the Italian government has officially agreed to modify restrictions which the American film Industry had previously found imacceptable. Most recent offer by the Italian govern- ment, according to George Canty, film specialist for State Depart- ment's commercial policy division, has been accepted by U. S. Embassy in Rome. New proposal eliminates the sec- tion requiring that film revenue be spent within six months aftei: de-. posit in Italy. Also expands the number of- uses to which the money can. be put Agreement, to be put into effect shortly, places no re- strictions on import of Hollywood films. The 16-picture quota per company plan, in original Italian proposals, is now missing. It ap- pears likely that American com- panies will agree voluntarily to some sort of liinitation. GREATER UNION NABS MORE NABE HOUSES Sydney, May 24. Greater Union Theatres will take over three more nabe picture houses this month with other spots likely to come in soon. Norman B. Rydge, circuit chief, just back from London talks, expects his chain to expand in the .nabes in next few months. Circuit may have some .80 nabes when new deals finally are com- pleted. •♦■ Recently-enacted French-Amer- ican film pact, giving American dis> tribs free rein to bid for ! at least 68% of French playing time, has proved, according .to industry offi- cials, that U. S. film companies could stand together, since all distribs re- fused to export a single new filni Into France.while the loan was under ne< gotiation. Pact, also pointed up the increased backing, being offered the industry by the State Dept. Under the deal, it's believed that about 7S% of French screen time might be open- for bidding in the free market to American distribs, depending o:^ how niuch demand there is for French product during the first two years. France, while not a comparatively big market, has always meant much to American companies since the cost of all European operations is charged off against the French setup. French governrheiit argued 'against any numerical quota from the cut- set, fearing -that Riissia might de- mand the same number of releases as granted to the U. S. American dis- tribs also opposed the institution of a numerical quota, fearin'g that a spec- ified number of imports might Iiave resulted in the smaller companies, non-members of the Motion 'Picturef Assn., demanding an equal break for French playing time; French government. It's disclosed, originally wanted seven of every 13 weeks for French product. This would have meant a ; worse repren- tation for American product tlian before tlie war, when the French had about 40 percent of playing time, U. S. government and MPA offi- cials, in arguing for the 68% figure, lacked the usual support of French exhibs, result of the terrific business currently being enjoyed by French . theatres. Almost any picture has done capacity and, cpn.<;equenlly, French exhibs felt they didn't need fresh American product. New pact, it's believed, will aid considerably in building up the French industry. Current batch of extremely weak French films result- ed from the monopoly established by French producers during the war. Agreement will now give these pro- ducers a chance to build up their usually high production standards during the next two to four years, G.U.T. Atso Into Melbourne- Melbourne, May 24. Reported that it won't be long be- fore G,U-T. grabs some Victoria habes. Deal reported on with the Frank O'ColIins loop for more spots. Rydge recently got thing's theatre here from O'ColIins. Tibbett's Paris Talent Hunt Dublin, May 28. Lawrence Tibbett, during a stop- over at Shannon A'rport, Ireland, on his way to Paris, said he and Grace Moore will conduct Paris auditions for opera talent in July at the conclusion of his concert tour of Italy and Germany. Auditions will be financed via a fund raised by Miss Moore in New York last March. Displaced Foreign Acts Hock To Argent As Brazil Bans Gambling Buenos Aires, May. 21, Folding of the gaming tables at Rio de Janeiro casinos has brought an avalanche of cables here from acts ' now in Brazil's city casinos, the^res and niteries, all seeking Buenos Aires contracts. Demand for dates caught Argentine bonifaces fiat-footed, with so much talent al- ready booked they can't take ad- vantage of the Brazilian overflow. Buenos Aires previously has been at a disadvantage in respect to Rio or Sao Paolo because they could pay higher coin for acts, in view of the take at gaming tables. Argentine immigration authorities may have foreseen the Brazilian anti-gambling' act, and resulting dis- placement of foreign acts. At any event, they were about to decree re- strictions on the entry of what they term "Afro-Cuban" musicians or interpreters of Afro-Cuban music. This attempt was stalled by repre- sentations made via the Broadcasters Assn., which pointed out th&t re- prisals might result from Latin- American countries where Argentine talent is allowed to work without any restriction. Plans are being made to step up immigration to Argentina until the population has been built up from the current 14,000,000 to 40,000,000. Smafl Mex Exhibs See Union Pay Demands As Tiireat To Take Houses Mexico City, June 4, Lesse^ exhibitors here are viewing . with alarm what they regard as a move by the National Cineinato- graphic Industry Workers Union (STIC) to gobble up their houses. STIC has filed with the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitra- tion a demand that, the Cine Bravo, a small second-run, pays its help $5,986 (Mex), which STIC avers is due them for the day off per week they have had for six yeai's or ever since the theatre opened. Also that the . house hike the daily wages of employees to the high level obtain- ing here for first-run film theatre employees. Cine Bravo operators told the board that STIC's demand is pre- posperous, contending that employee pay is on a seven-day footing. Also that it's impossible for them to boost wages to a level with those of first- runs, STIC said if its demand is not granted pronto it will call a strike against the Bravo. Little exhilis fear that STIC will make similar de- mands against them and call strikes .against their cinemas. They fear that STIC will win these and take away their houses. STIC asserts that all it is doing is getting better pay for its members. Cold Keeps Grace Moore From London Concert London, June 4. Thousands were disappointed when Grace Moore was uiiable to appear at Albert Hall for a special concert, Monday (3). Star, halted by bad cold and overwork, was present long enough to Intro Marjorle Lawrence as a sub. Miss Moore announced she would fly to U. S. Wednesday (5) and re- turn to Europe in October for. a European concert tour. 22 Wednesday, June 5, 1946 WORLD LED OFF BY Flags will fly! Civic salvos will salute Stars will be there! Boxoffice history I Celebration followed by immediate milAyAiE BAXTER BRUCE CABOT • ESTHER DALE • ROY ROBERTS • J. FARRELL MacDONALD • screen ! Century -Fox gives you a new outdoor Technicolor triumph in the greot| Wednesday, June 5, 1946 2S ^^^^^^^^ & greatest outdoor picture of them all! ^ill be made — in the headline 2-Gity /dates throughout the west it glorifies! i m ^^^^^^^^^ i lioxoffice fraditioiiBMef "My Friend Flick«" and "Thunderhead, Sen of Flieka"! 24 nCTOIIBS Wednesday, June 5, 1946 House Reviews state, N.V. Frank Parker, Slate BTOs.Moxth Jay Carroll (4), D'lvons, Joe Phillips & Patricio Flviin, Miller Bros. & Lois, Crosby Sisters (2) ; "flood to Ufopio" (,Par). Stale's show is on the spotty side,, but e shown under manage- ment of John Arthur -Productions. No Details Missing Painstaking care was taken to present a faithful picture- of the different siibjecta. Buildings are constructed to scale, and are their minute replica; Chinese theatre forecourt, for instance, has the foot- prints of the stars, just as they actually appear. Facade of the theatre is a museum piece in itself, being made of exquisite hund-carved ivory, and copper. Malibu Beach ininiature shows the homes of the stars and the million- dollar Rindge "castle." now a relig- ious' retreat. HIM avers that this latter building alone in miniature costs $6,500. Brown Derby restaurant shows the original structure, on Wilshire Blvd. Hollywood Bowl, which seats 21,000 .persons, is reproduced at ex- act scale, with every seat and box just as it appears on actual scene. Motion picture studio, a composite of all the studios in Hollywood, has every physical feature which the average studio boasts. Fall Day to Scale Surpassing all these, though, both In size and impressive vista, is City of Hollywood miniature. Hollywood is revealed In this from full day- light to darkness, process covering two minutes and -half. Each of the 450 buildings is built to .exact scale bf original, with same number of 'tylndows, and iden- tical elevations and architecture. It is the. same panorama which might unfold Itself were the observer to fly over Hollywood in a low-flying plane. Plan Is to . present these minia- tures in a motion picture exhibit, vvhlch will include costumes, props, life-sized panel paintings of stars. Corporation presently is negbtl- atlng for several spots in New York, and plan is to keep it open there for at least a year, before taking exhibit out on the road. Korda's Deal — CoBttnned from page 3 tail an ouUay of at least $10.000,- 000. which should not be difficult, as Hambros Bank, Ltd., prominent merchant bankers, who helped fi- nance the BLF deal, are willing to advance coin for any picture thea- tre proposition that Korda may hava In mind. Fact that the Shipman & King ajid Southan Morris circuits are at ■present undergoing valuation by Harris Sc GlIIow, theatre valuers and agents, adds color to the story that some' deal inay be set shortly. -As to product,. Korda is eyeing a. few of Rank's producers; He has already weaned some away, with others ready to talk as soon as their Rank commttmenU are wound up. His American contacts with Cary Grant. Paulette Goddard, Burgess Meredith, etc., ar$ also a sigh that he is after big business. Forecast is that before long, Korda will have quite a circuit of around 135 theatres In which to play his product. BESrs PBOMOTION George L. Best, who has been as- sistant veepee of American Tele- phone & Telegraph Co., was named veepee of ^Western Electric last week. Best' rose through various engineering assignments and iihally* was made commercial engineer in 1940 and two years later was ap-' pointed assistant veepee. In his new spot. Best will have charge of obtaining necessary li- censes' under patents of others' for use by the Bell System, and H-- censing others to use Bell System inventions. WcilneBtlay, June 5, 1»46 PICTURES 2S French-Italian Stage Shows for Foreign Film Theatre on Broadway Foreign pictures, mostly Frencli, aitd accompanying stageshows suited to each attraction, will constilule the policy to be placed in eflfecl the flrsl weelc in September at the Ambassa- dor, New York, by Lebiv Sirit/.ky a.nd his two sons, Joseph and Sam, who have the old legit house on a lease running to the fall of IBSO. At pres- ent the theatre is playing old re- issues on double bills. Meantime, the Siritzkys are look- ing lor houses in other parts of the country for playing oJt llie same policy that will be instituted at the Ambassador, : Opening pictui-e at the Ambassa- dor will be Marcel Pagnol's "The Well - Digger's Daughter," Prendi- made. Siritzkys will seek French talent. from here and abroad to go Avith this one, whereas if- an Iliilian picture is played, talent ot that . na- tionality or perhaps a coiicteosed opei a will be presented. WB'NightandDay Warneri, latest ot tha majors to jump on tht 16m foreign band- wagon, wiU' b« th* first to release one of its new, top , A pix in the iiarrow-gauge size at tha same time it's released oii 39m stock domes tically. Film is "Niglit and Day,' Cole Porter biog which Warners has earmarked as ■ special reieas* in conjunction with Its celebration of the 2.0th anni of talking pix. Company plans to eiiler the nar- row-gauge theatrical fihn field as ■oun as possible in Latin America and the Orient Announcement of the new program was made follow- ing' the return to the homeoffice of Wolfe Cohen, WB International ■ veepee, from an inspection tour ol the Far East. Work of reducing its regular features and shorts to 16m size is being started immediately in order to get the program rolling in as many territories as possible before the 20lh Wini celebration. Pix are to be selected accordii\g to their suitability and will be distributed by regular WB foreign nales per- sonnel. Following the pattern already established by other majors in the field, WB wiU not seU 16in prints in any locality where they might in- terfere with established 35m exliib.^. Company has not yet announced whether it will make all new features and shorts available to the . narrow-gauge market or will con- centrate, as other companies are doing, on those older pix that haven't yet been shown overseas. Cohen, who made a thorough sur- vey of South America before his Far East tripi reported that 16m equipment is still comparatively •carca in all these countries. WB will probably try to supply foreign exhibs with projectors itself. Bill Bennett of D.C. And Shnff of Akron To Oppose lAVWakh William' Bennett, business repre- aeiitativ* of Local 22, Washington . Marquee strength is boosting this to solid $19,000. Last week. "This Day For- ward" RKO) and "Ding Dong Wil- liam" (RKO), $12,000. Strand (Fourth Avenue) U.400: 40-00)— "House ot Honors" lU; and "Spider Woman Strikes Back ' (Uj. Strong $7,000. Last week. "ScvcMith Veil'' (U) and "Strani-e Conquest'' (U) (2d wk), lair $3,500. 100 Texas Exhibitors Vott ATA Membership Dallas, June 4. Mora than 100 Texas exhibitors meeting here at the Adolphus hotel voted to set up a Texas unit of the American Theatra Assn. Henry Reeve. Menard, Sam Landrum. Dal- las, and Leon Lewis, Fort Worth, were elected directors to the national board. R. J. O'Donnell, vica-presldent and gei\eral manager of Interstate cir- cuit, presided at tha meet and intro- duced Si Fabian, prez of the national ATA, Ted Gamble, organization chairman, and Robert Coyne, e.xecu- tive director. 'territory' Strong ZOG, Denver; loYe Me' 2SiG Denver, June '4. "Badman's Territory" is copping top coin for a single theatre this week, and holds. Biggest total goes to "Do ■you Love Me." playiiig at three spots. "Blue Dahlia" is pack inj{ the small Denham. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1.400: 35-74)— "Renegade.^"' (Col) and "Talk About a Lady" (Col), after week at Den- ver; Inquire. Webber. Fine $5,000. Last week. "Gilda" (Col) and "Just Before Dawn'' (Col) tm.o.), fair $3,500. Denham (Cockrill) (1,730: 35-70) "Blue Dahlia" (Par). Last week, "Kitty" (Par) (3d wk), fine $12,506. Big $17,000. Holds over. Denver (Fox) (2.525: 35-74)— "Do Vou Love Me" (20th) -and "Rende:£- vous 24" (20th), day-date with E.s quire, Webber. Strong $18,000. Last week, "Renegades' (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Con, also E.squire, Webber, good $16,000. Esquire (Fox) (742: 35-74)— "Do You Love" (20th) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th), also Denver. Webber Nice $3,800. Last week. "Renegades' (Col) and 'Talk About Lady " (Col), good $3,500. Orpheum (RKQ) (2,600; 35-74)— 'Badman's Territory" (RKO) and •Partners in Time" (RKO). lofty $20,000. Last week, "Ziegfeld Fol lie.s" (M-G) (.2d wk), $12,000. Paramount (Fo:() (2,200; 35-74 V- "Cinderella Jones' (WB) and "Bo- hemian Girl" (fC). Good $10,000 Last week, "Shock " (20th) and "Gay Cavalier" (Mono), fair $9,000. Blallo (Fox) (878: 35-74 )— '"Spider Woman Strikes Back" (U) and "House of Horrors" (U ). Big $6,000, Last week, "Abilene Town"' '(UA) and "Madonna's Secret" (Rep), after week at Paramount, good $4,500, Webber (Foxi (750: 35-74)— "Do You Love" (20tli) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th), also Denv«r. Esquire. Good $3,'?00. Last week. "Renegades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col), good $3,3 00. SI FABIAN GIVEN MPA AWARD FOR SERVICE This year's annual beacon award for meritorious and patriotic ser- vice in the picl(n« Industry was scheduled to be presented last night (Tuesday) to Si Fabian, eastern cir- cuit operator. In recognition of his war activities woi'k. by Motion Pic- ture Associates at its dinner-dance at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. New York., Fabian won on secret bal- loting several weeks ago over Spy- ros Skouras, president of 20th-Fox; Arthur Mayer, operator of the Rlallo. N. y.. and Jame-i Stewart, actor. Results were kept a secret until last night, however, William F. Rodgers, v.p. over sales for Metro, made the. presentation of the award. lo Fabian. Understood that around $.60,000 has already bieeh raised among film companies and individuals toward the fiiiid goal of $102,000 recently .set up by the MPA and tliat Fred Schwartz, v.p. and general manager ot the Century Circuit, who".-" this year's MPA president, would repojt on that last night (Tuesday). Bob Weitman. managing director of the Paramount theatre. N. V.. who was. entertainment chairn)an, ar- ranged to bring over, the entire Par show which opeiis at his thealre today (Wedncsda.v). includinj! the Glen Gray orchestra. Louis Jordan's Tympany Five. E-iigenic Baird. Larry Storch, Four Evans and the Man- hattan Debs. Arl Shinle.v's band was obtained for the dancins. while .stars who promised to piit in an ap- pearance were Eddie Bracken. Li/,- abeth Scott and Jennifer Jones. It was estimated ye.-^KfJtliiy (Tues- dav) by Morris Sandeis. sulos sii|)cr- viior for 20lh-Fo.\ whn's MPA's lir.'it v.p., that aroinid 8,"Ul woulti altcnd. . PM Rips Flexible B way Pix Scales Habit of soma Broadway film houses raising and lowering admis- sion prices in proportion to the length ot the queue at the boxoffice won another blast last; week from PM. New York sheet had previously squawked at tha practice ot man- agers sticking their head out of the door and guessing that another 40c or so added to the tap wouldn't shoo too niariy people away. Newspaper's beef, in the column of critic John T. McMahus; con- sisted primarily of a letter from an- other newspaperman, a sports writer on the N.Y. Daily News. He staled: "Last Friday, PM's, fllni guide showed Danny Kaye it the Astor ("Kid from Brooklyn"), top pi-ice $1.40. The picture started at 9:40. My wi(e and I arrived at 10 p.m.. at which lirne the boxolTice showed $1.80 admission. "Since we wouldn't be bilked that way^ We went next door for colTee and doughnuts to talk it over. Came out at 11. It was still between picr lures, as the next feature wasn't to start until 11:40. But the price had dropped to $1.40. "Il'.s either up to the Astor to tell PM that it does charge $1.80 or up to PM to expose the Astor or drop it from its movie guide if it persists in posting a difTerent price, higher lhan the one it 'advertises.' " New Tint Pi'ocesses Shaping Up Fw I Showdown Battle With TechnicohNr Mrs. Dawson Succeeds As DeBra's Aide at MPA Mrs.: Marjorie Granger Dawson was named last week associate to Artiiur DeBra, director ot depart- ment of community relations of the Motion Picture Association. She succeeds to duties of Mrs. Jeanette Emrich, who died May 18. as liaison between the film . industry and vari- ous preview.ing committees of na- tional Women's organizations. Mrs. Dawson is widow of Dr. IVI. Hen)-j- Dawson, aissociate professor of Medicine at CoUnhbia U))iversity. For the past six years she has been assistant headii)istrcss at the River- dale (N. Y.) Country School and lias had wide public speaking exi>eri- i ence. U-Enterprise Contlnnei from page 3 from a number ot other major com panics. Predoet Lineyp First release under the new setup will probably be Harrj- Sherman's production of "Ramrijd," now shoot ing '. on location at "Zion National Park, Utah. It stars Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake. Set to go into production June 24 is "Arch of Tri umph." from the Erich Maria Re marque book. It will star Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, with Lewis Milestone directing. Other stories on Enterprise's first v«ar slate include Remarque's next iiovel, "Tl\6 Other Love," which goes into production around Sept. 1, with Barbara Stanwyck in the top spot Others include "The Burning Jour- ney," starring John Garfield; "Maggi July," starring Ginger Rogers and pencilled In to start, Nov. 1: "Coup de Grace." from novel by Joseph kessel, with Aiiatole Lttvak as pro ducer-director and British .star James Mason in a major role. Still other stories on the Enter- prise schedule are "Wild Calendar.' from the novel by Libbie Block, with Ginger Rogers heading the cast "They Passed This Way," Satevepost serial and published novel, starring Joel McCrea, and "The Snake Pit April Book-of-the-Month Club se lection, which may be Litvak's sec- ond picture. Blumberg is scheduled to leave New York for the Coast Friday (7 to tie up loose ends of the deal. A Pan) Blumenthal, New "York fman cier and Enterprise v.p.. flew to the Coast Monday to be on hand for the announcement of the pact with U. Blumberg is due back in New York June 24 for U"s sales conven tion, Mrs. Blumberg is remaining east until he returns. MPTOA Resents ATA s Expansion Fear on the part of officials o£ the Motion Picture Theatre Owners Assn. that creation of the American Theatres Assn. forebodes the with- rawal ot affiliate flnoncisl backing of MPTOA has motivated the iccont open rivalrj' between the two tl:eii- ' Ire' groups, it is understood. ' Antat;- onisin of some MPTOA toppers, on the upgrade in the past few weeks, has 'tween fed on unofficial indica- tions that affiliated circuits are in- Itned to drop their membership in- the organization, unless it merges with ATA. Affiliates, it is said, see no reason for paying double dues nd currently favoring ATA as the more promising of the two units. Question of mi^rger has split MPTOA directorship.' ■ W.'iile one faction is holding out for a revitali- zation of the organization and a fight for leadership with ATA, (he. other faction is maintaining that affiliate withdra\val is inevitable and that . the merger is the only practica- ble solution. On ' this score, latter group has pointed oufthat the loss of affiliate coin ' and membership would spell the collapse of the organization. Controversy Is expected to come put in the open at tlie hoai'd of directors meet slated for Columbus. Miss. ne.\t week. Proposal of prexy Ed Kuykendall, recently made, for membership drive and renewed activity for MPTOA, will probably collide with a counterproposal that the group disband and Its members join ATA. Latter move, according to reports, will be supported by a number of the affiliated circuit reps. SWG Licensing — Conllnucd from page 9 stances ' for as much ot Hollywood, Jiine 4. The spectrum is taking a . heavr beating in Hpll.vwood now with various color processes trying t» knock "Technicolor for a ro\v of rain- bows. Producers are convinced that (x>lor is set to become as important to picture-making as sound. In fact, it has reached the point, 'where .they're virtually apologiung to re- viewers because a picture is niade in black and white, And probably the only reasons why any of the current studio product lacks the flajnboyance of a neon sign are: 1. Color costs too much for any- thing bill the highest budgeter:;. 2. There isn't enough of it to go around. • Result is that technicians are . working overtime on color photogra- phy experiments, and some of them, at lea.^il, are making satisfactory progiess. Agta Blurbed The new Agfa process, which Was widely publicizeil through the cir- .. cumstances of it having been brought over from occupied Germany through government agencies, has so far had more ballyhoo than use. "The real competition to Technicolor is developing from the older processes that up to now have been sort of dimmed out by the glory of Tech- nicolor. So long as most producers were content to go on making black and white pictures and there was Tech- nicolor for everyone who wanted to put the dough into a tinter, the olliev methods were simply dismissed as something not quite adequate. But. now that Hollywood has suddenly' become color-conscip^is the alinast- (orgotten processes are being worked over and improved. Cinecoloi — which has been more or less scorned as a two-color process that didn't approach the gorgeous- ness ot Technicolor — is really com- ing into its own. Companies that couldn't gel Technicolor commit- ments for one reason or another have been experimenting with it and it has now hit the big time, with Metro preparing to use it for more features. The studio gave the process a try- out in one picture, "Lucky Star," ~ ^hich has not yet been released, but which has turned out so well rn studio screenings that Cinecolor films are promised as regular Metro prod- uct. Improvements in the method were worked out in the filming of "Lucky Star'" and since that picture was produced the Cine<:olor com- pany ha.s announced that it has lick- ed still more bugs and is now ready with a three-color process. Initial Break-lD Cinecolor got its first break in the new color parade when PRS started its series ot Eddie Dean westerns. First of these went over nicely with tlie audiences, was ea-sy on the eyes and even more naturiil in soft . shadings than some of the Technicolor films. There was an evident tendency, to blur, however, — fault tlmt has been pretty well corrected in the latest of the series to be screened for reviewers. Uni- versal is reporting good success with Cinecolor in "The Michigan Kid," now filming. Meanwhile, Herbert J. Yates, Re- public prexy. recalled that the Con- solidated Laboratories, one ol his companies, had a long discarded coloi- process, called Magnacolpi'. He got it out. dusted it off and stai-ted using it in a new singing-cowboy, series, starring Monte. Hale. The first picture was a pi'etty- sorry job in the matter oi color, the vaiious tints blurring badly and suddenly blacking out completely in spots. Alt Hale and his horse had to do to disappear completely from the picture momentarily was to get into the shadow of a tree. Bui the next one was better, and the last of the series. "Out California Way" is claimed by studio technicians to be a lop color job. Process, as worked out and improved by the Consolr idiitcd. exjicrts has been renamed ? 100,000 Fire Destroys RKO Theatre in Iowa Des Moines. June 4. . Fire destroyed Capitol theatre. .Marshal llown. la., last week. Cause (if bl:ize has not' been dcterrnihed. as much as seven eight years. SWG has already indicated that the period for w-hich writers will lease rights to a company will de- pend, at Rr.st, on individual nego- tiations, but that they're aiming eventually for a seven-year period. If the exhibition of a picture on narrow-guage stock is delayed for more than that length of time, con- sequently, it again means that the studios will have to negotiate a new contract calling for the payment of more money to the author. Radio Writers' Guild, meanwhile, has already okayed the leasing pro- po.sal. leaving only the Dramatists and Authors to act on it. Lavery has admitted that adoption of such a propo.~ar would require the work - in(; out pt methodolog.v, but insisted thai if the two dominant principals —licensing and separation of copy- rights— were adopted, alt subsidiar>- principles would fall into place "at the right lime." "One realistic word of warning.! of. course, may be in order at this point." Lavery said. "The program thai we are discussing cannot be- . won without a struggle. It will be ; ^ ''"•=':°"»' ' vijjoroiislv oppo.sed.at cverv turn by ■ Technicolor, ncverlheles.s. is some producers aiid some studios. | the yardstick, and producers grade who will offer everything e.xcept the ■ the tinteis made ' thing we are asking for. But the still limes are changing—witness thie in- creasing nuiiibcr of independent film producers — and inevitably the studio.'^ will change with the times. Only question, he clouniowii house, il is operated ] wlicll.er the Aulli(ir> by other methods as "gooquad working on. the probe was in- Airuolcd to (]W7. the. bookies and gamblers on police bribery. Meanwhile, Sullivan refused to ciiiiiment on his scoop, par excel- lence or reveal Ihc .-iources. of his ill format ion. Mayor O'Dwyer skicv that he would make no attempt t6 '■finbarras.s' the columnist by press- i»K an inquiry. royalty iiow Kocs to the original pub- lishers. Authors are- presently de- mnnding the entire Ic, maintaining there's no reason for the- original publisher to share In these profits. ..lanncy Novel Sets Record "Miracle of the Bells," first novel of Kus."!cll janney,. erstwhile theatri- cal press agent, and producer, is ."ifrtting some kind of a pre-publica- tion record for a . book that has>)'t yet been scliectcd as a book club choice. Publi.shers Prentice-Hall last week upped the pre-publication pj lnting order, from 2.'j,000 to 125,000 copies on the basis of advance .or- ders for the book, slated to appear Sept. 13. . Several, film companies are rcr porlccl (Icfinilely. Interested in the no.ycU but .lanney.'s asking price of $100,000 advance, plus W;;- oC the film's gro.ss, has held Ihiiigs up ao far; Author was advance man for Otis Skhmer and other stars before .World W;u- I and was co-author and producer ©["Vagabond King." His af;ent,' 'br.- Ediiiiind Pa'uker. is han- dling negolUition.s with the liim com- panies: by running a "Bulletin-Journal" edt ,tion. The printers walked ottt in protest, and it's not known ytt if they'll return. Managements of the Edmonton papers claim they plan to continue joint publication by use of photo-engraving. Whole pages are typed oh layout sheets and then pho togi'aphed and engraved. Ofllc\ally, strikefs give as reason i;br dispute fact that Southam com- pany will not,- sign blanket agree- ment with its live papers. Other two Southain , sheets. Vancouver Prov- ince & Calgary Herald, are' not yet afl'ected. biit . notice has been given by International T)-pographers Un- ion. in Vancouver .that the contract is c,\pirinig Ihi.-i t^'iE.tl?. . : :lii Ottawa, Citizen is li.'ing radio to all' news and fcaturc.s (includiiig x;oi'iiic.<) every' 15 minutes. Philly News Drivers End Strike The 15-day strike of the. Philadel- phia newspaper delivery truck driv- ns ended Thursday (30) following a nrguiiating meeting Whieh lasted for more than 11 hours. Under the settlement, the drivers obtained a two-.vear contract with the Record, Inquirer and Bulletin, with the same raises, vacation periods and other concessions offered liie drivers before they went out on hlrike. However, the drivers will Ket an additional $3.30 a week raise ne.M March 2. Present raises are from $46 to $52.30 for night work on the Record and Inquirer, and from $42.50 to $50 a ;we.ok for day workers on the Bulletin, an evcnmg paper. The paid lunch period, basic issue on which the strike "was called, was not granted the drivers. ' In addi- lion the drivers union signed a no- >i) ike pledge for the life of the con- tract. PM's EKpaiided Sports - Starting ne.\t Monday (10), PM ,ic royally for each copy of hLs book sold in the 25c pocket- book' reprint, with lO'i of this money going to his agent. Another Vsc nunrerEncyciopedIa Set - Aiiatole Chujoy has signed a coii- tracl to compile, and edit a Dance En'cyclopcdia for A. S. Barnes Co., N. Y. Volume, of 800 pages, and fi>;st of it.s kind, will cqotaih li.'ting of dancers, cojnpo.-icr.*, choreographers, director;;, musicians and anyone con- .iicctcd with the dance, together wilh thumbnail .'•ketches; list bt steps, tci minology ,oC modern -dance, ballet, etc.: listing of ballet productions; with |)lot, decor and dancers of first pn'rormanees: -history of the dance, in all rorni.<. modern; ballroom; ijal- Ict. cic. Book is set for May 1, "47. deUver:^. Chujo.v.' editor of Dance News, has been writing :ibo;it. the dance since 1920. •Who's Who* For H'wood Sclincidor-Fisher, new Chi pub- lishing oiilfit, is prepping a ."Who's Who in Hollywood.'.' first section '.of which will deal with the way stu- dios are set up, with latter half made up of thumbnail biographies of stars, producers, directors and writers. Planned' to issue it annual- ly, ciothbound, with first edition out eaiiy in 1947. Publishers Everett Schneider and R.- C. Fisher, recehlly out of the Army, are from St. Lbuis and Min- neapolis, respectively, and are com- piling the material themselves. Also publishing "Blitz Children," story of British kids by Fisher and -Bernard W. King, London writer, plus a na- tional mag. National Sports Week- ly, first issue of which will be out in July. McAllister Atom Fix Head Maj. Henry W. McAllister, photog on military leave from the N. Y. Journal-Americiin, has . been named supervising chief for the photo- graphic newsreel and television set- up for Operation Crossroads, atomic bomb tests slated for Bikini Atoll in the Mar.shall Islancis sometime in July. Project will be covered by all the major photographic groups, as well as hundreds of service photogs op- erating from ships, planes and heli- copters. From the pool of material some to be made by automatic cam- .cras, Hr.st pictures of the blasts will be relayed by i'adip-photo back, to the U..S. for immeiiiate publication. Maj. McAllister, formerly headed up- still picture operations tor the Army Pictorial Services iu the Eu- ropean theatre, where he supervised the work of some 500 Signal Corps photogs during the. Normandy, {nr yasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Walkout On Canadian Chain. Po.'-t-war hcaclBches in Canadian newspaper eonipo.sing rooms reached a clin-ia.K last week, wlien lino ops on three papers of the Southam chain walked as a result of monlhs- long - tiff with another Southam .^heet. Winnipeg Tribune. Papers af- fected are Hamilton Spectator.' Ot-? tawa Citizen: and Fdmoriion Jour- nal. The ops walked out Thui-sday (30) in .sympathy with colleagues in Win- nipeg, where an open shop is oper- ated by' the Tribune .and a Sifton paper,. Winnipeg Free Press. 'Viriii- nipcg strike has been going on for nionths with sli-ike finally ' being broken i though .op.s won't -admit it) ijy the papiirs' hiring of non-union labor. Sheets are .still being picketed. .^nothcr Edmonton sheet, the. Bul- letin, is now lhrcalenen'. the Bulletin aided its; struck colleague ciiA'rrER Freeman Lewi.s; elected exec vee- pee of Pocket. Books. . Ernie Anderson : named editor of Esquire Year Book, set for publica- tion in December. Joey Adams' autobiography, ''Prom Gags to Riches," is .set. for SeiJtem- ber publication by Fi'<;deri(:k Fell; botlgl.ls G. WooUi former editor of Textile World, boiight the Lamand.T Park' . (Cal. ) Herald from Ralph E. Perkins. Roy C. Holli.ss. gen. mgr.' N. Y. Daily News, a breezy book. "Nibbles arid Me'' (Duell: $2). Nibbles being her pet (^hipmuiik. "Pos.se.«s Me Not.'' new Fan Nichols novel, .was singled out by the Book Clinic of American Insti- tute of Graphic Arts for its typo- graphic format, planned by Stefan Salter. Joe Blair returned from, a -flve- moiUh motor lour of Mexico, w-hcr.c he practically completed a hovel. Three Rings.'' slated for publica- tion in autumn. King Features .syndicate is ready to close a deal- with Appletbn-Cent- ury. Publishers of "Arch of Tri- umph," to run the novel as. an illus- trated, serial strip. Krishnalal Shridharani. author of 'My India, My America" and "Ma- hatma and the World," will return, to India July 16 after 12 years in U. S., to make a six-months survey. Edith Jackson, (laughter of Billy Jackson, the bid-line vaude booker, who was formerly with, the N. Y. World-Telegram and- UP. now re- porter for the Southwest 'Times, Pu- laski, Va. - The Marquess of Queensberry's. book "The Sporting QueensberVys" will be rcwriltrn and reprinted, for the U. S. trade, with the Hear.st syndicate likely . to take on certain of its features. Jo.seph T. Shaw, once editor Black. Mask, where he di.<:covered and brought forward Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, now a.s.so- ciated with Sydney A. Sanders agency. John Wilstach new client. . Frederick Fell po.stpohing publica- tion dates of two titles because of production difficulties. .''P-sycholpgy for the Millions" set back to .July 18 and "A Treasury of Doctor Stories by the World's Greatest Authors" now slated for Aug. 15. Bill Trcadwell; has edited a fully illustrated "Big Book of Swing" (■Cambridge; $1), dedicated to the late Capt. Glenn Miller. Includes about everything in pop music from jive to corny music, rhythm groups to dick jockeys, etc. ' First edition 100.000 copies. . ' Mrs. beWitt Wallace, co-editor and ep-owrier of .Readers' Digest, re- ceived, honorary degree of doctor of litieratiire from Russell Sage "Women's College, Troy, N. Y., June .2. Mrs. Thomas C. Desmond, Wife of a N. Y. slale senator and' author of children;s and travel books, was similarly hbno'-(»d. Evelyn Lawsori 'Vorse. former public relations director for King Fcature.s, has opened her own flaekery in partnership with Ton i Mendez. former nilery producer; and Irving Mo.scs. Latter was recently discharged from the Army where he organized a recruiting and publicity section on the Coast. ' Chaim Newman, whose anthology on "Gentile and Jew" has been pub- lished in England by Alliaihce Pre.ss, has set. an American iediiipn via Si- mon & Schuster. More than half the "U.S, edition will include new text by American well-knowns discours- ing on ihe "problem", just as a large number of Brili.sh by-liners did in the original English eclitibil. ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦*« >♦♦♦ SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK ;; ♦^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t«t»»» By Frank Scully * » m ♦ t < ♦ m m « > « ♦■ . ; Playpenn, Gal., May 29. "fill ''"rhe Skirf feels, that .slacks have gone f(>rever I'm afraid Scully'is Scrapbbok will have to double in this domestic field now and then lest Vakibtv freeze oiit its feinmiB readers. ■ ■That Metro's sub-deb delivery girls may now xv^ai: skirts instead of .slacks inili(;ates a' hopeful trend, but when Betty- Hutlon hires Edith Hcad to design ballet skirts for maternity dre.sses, the Schiitparelli in mc'.bcgins fo develop a hcjmstitchccl pAychosis. Molly Castle Cauthor of "Around the World With An Embryo") and Mine; Scully (author of "My: Four Fleas from Heaven And How They. Grew") and I (author of "Babies, Just Babies") worked but the perfect maternity dl'oss y.ears ago. , It. wasn't ba'sed on high waists and' flaring skirls, wild cblor schomos, .sniocks or aiiy .such give-away.s. It was. based, on the- birdie. You' focus curious eyes a foot above where they feel iinpelled to look. You do it iii all sorts of way.s— dashing hats, : big satin bows ,'aroUnd the thro.-it,. diamond' rimmed -glasses— any sort of attention caller to your matronly face. -As to dresses, the job is to keep the bust, and the hips in proportion. . And iiow can yoil do that when nature is -working only one side of the street'.' For heaven's sakes, must only stars be allowod to build up a part? ' Of course. That's the idea. Build up your che.st until it's as large as your hips. That way you will be a large woman for a few months, biit yoii will have a balaiiecd figure:. If normally you measure 30 bust, 26' wai.>it aiid 36 hips and you discover that you're now 36 bust, 36 waist and 46 hips, Ihcin build ybur bust, up to 46,. . ; As for clothe.s. wear stitfish material. Wear, starched capes with wide shoulders that diire away from the hips; Wear dark blue or black. Lay. off loud colors except aroiind the neck or. in. hal.s. This way nobody will knbw .you're having a baby until at last, of course; it's, no secret. By Ihoh even Winchell will know it. Lest you think tin's lcads:;nOwhere, let me as.siire you that Mme. Seully how ha.s four babies and her figure at this moment is: bust 35,.waist 26, hips 35. As so(in as .life levels off a bit niy advice to .stars having babies i.s tb .go throuKh retirement hi Friinee. There they will find a most touching sohcila- tibn for their maternal welfare. Many Aine'rican. expatribts will testify they owe their lives to expectant. Frenth mothers. .George Cantyi U. S. Trade Cohiini.^sioiier abroad, often told nie that he iKiver cr0.s.sed a Paris street alone. .Taxis. Used to lie in wait for him if he tried. But he oul- gue.-ised them. -He would' wait till an expectant mother wanted to croK.Si Then he would walk at her side^ The calis would start after hini, .";e(D. ihe expectant mother, stop dead, and not eyeii dare to honk lest they clislurb her. Grinning, Canty got a<5i'o« every bpiilevard alive. ' 1 recall so many things about-Frenchmcn and motherhood. I recall young wolves at street Corners 'about to Rive their cry and say '"Bon jpur mix petite chou-chou." only to ob.servc .sign.s of liberie, cgalite and mUternitc. The.v would immediately lower tiicir voices and change to "Bcjn jour jha' petite ma.man.'' . Breaking the' News to Mother I remember a waiter. who never stopped saying, "Yes, Mademoiselle" while serving, but when the madenibisclle finally got up to leave and he. saw her proKle in full he would bow and say,"Au rcvoir,' Madame." . •But I -especially remember -my own bewildered Mama Scully being cauKht far. off base at feeding time. She -was at the Place de la Concorde and her fir.st born, the Skipper, was in a. hotel far beyond the Arche de Triumphe. All; the' cabs were congregated at the Place for the start of the Tour de France, a bike. race that inarathoned all' over France. She could get no cab to lake her home. She appealed' to gendarmes. Thi y shrugged their shoulders, "in an hour. Madcmbi.sellc. After the tour has started., maybe,"..one gendainie con.-;ol("d her. "But I have a baby at hoine crying right now for his milk," she pleaded. VYou have a baby?" "Ye.s." . "You, ". ordered the cop of Ihe first cab, —take the woman home." The cab driver screamed, "i want to see Ihe Mai t of the inceV "This is' a mother." explained Ihe cop quiety. . "She has a baby at home awaiting its nburrilure. Allcz!" The cab driver honked, threw tip his hands, claimed his starter wouldn't work and cried, "Quelle idiote! ' The cop ci-anked the car and ordered him to proceed. At every slop .signal the cab driver le.n.hed out to tell the world what an indignity had been heaped upon iiim by an imbecile who didn't know enpirgh to stay near her baby at feeding time, "Americain!" he added, to make the imbecility clearer. At the hotel he di^pped the little Mama, turned on a franc and .sped back to the .start: of the Tour de France. I still hope he got there in lime. The,.Bell In l.a Belle France .Vnd in that .«aine Iwlel I recall a resident who had lived there 12 vcar.s. Maria Korda may remember this, incident as she also Jived there at the time. The oldest living resident complained the fir.st night because the brtbv had cried 20 minutes. He iriade such an issue of it the proprietor sjiiri, "Lislen. didn'l you ever cry as a baby? That, baby will be here 12 day."--. If you dont like it you can leave for 12 day.s. but if you go. don't ever come back." "But can't .vou put a mattress or something against the door to les.sen the sound?" begged the o.l.r "Sure, ' said the proprietor, "but on your side. It's an ugly sfght. It , .1^ outlook. Yours is already spoiled.'.'. Was it worth all that? Well, the guy is now 14 and graduating wilh an A minus average. He also wants to be a radio commentator and, A'.s.or not, is ready right now to spiel fpv It Pays to Be Ignorant." He made a pitch the other day lo .''M' it's on. the condemned list at his school. "Jack Ford, I. said, more to coiisoleMiim, "is making a picture in Ariionu., You can sec that when It's released." "What's it called?" "My Darling Clemenline," I- .said. "Not for me," he said, "I , hale musicals," _Arrd that's, why picture eompahies have to have publicity men. advev- tising copy-writers and salesmen. No-Admirals for Ford Ford, incidenlally, -was pursued 150 miles beybild Flagstaff, : Ariz., fo get his reaction to directing "Johii Paul Jones"-a picture already assured a piolog by Pi-esident -Truman and tiie cpoperafton of bur own Navy, as well 2'?,"]°^* ^'•"a'"' France and Riis.sla. 1 did the pursuing. But I didn t gbt my man. . , . : Himself a naval man. Ford seemingly doesn't like the sea enough io ^^T^li"^* '"''u f°!' costumes. He's the sailor home from the sea and |Jad of it. For wh4t lis worth to e.yele-luinlcrs. the direelbr of "They Weie. Expendable," -Men Without Women," -Up the River," etc., prereiS. . to, direct westerns. ;Well, he can close "The Outlaw" discussion with a ve- majce of one of hi.s pet picture.s. It's called "the Last Outlaw" and liives me a lift every time It s made. _ Nearly 20 years ago the high commahd of our Mediterranean Fieei> Rtx Ingram and I were punching the bag in Nice and these officers suggc.-ted to Ingram, who had just ijiade "Mare Nostrurn." that ihey thought the ?.f-L^' ''^e of Ihis same Joha Paul Jono. Ingram preferred to make "The Garden of Allah." ^ So this is the second time history's adventurous admiral and a fine diiec- . to» have refused to collaborate. Who'll make it three'; Wer of the Appeals Board for Censor- ship of Films in Irelan^ First major orchestras- to tour Ireland since 1929— the Halle under conductor John Barbirolli and Lon- don Philharmonic — have been booked for two-day performances in Dublin's 3,000-seater Theatre Royal, July and August. Minneapolis By' Les Rees Sharon Rogers and h'er girl band Into Happy Hour nitery. Hotel Radisson Flame Room has "Professor" Irwin Corey. John C; Wilson returned Sunday (2) irom west coast and opening h' country home John Davis Lgd^e turned down offer to make film in France, ^ Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Roodner ob ierved golden wedding anniversary 1 2). He is oionecr theatre builder. Grace Filkins, veteran actress, how retired, celebrated, birthday (2) at home of daughter, I,.yda So- koloff. Westport Inn, closed during war, has been done over and opened last week as.' Westover. Ino. -J Pat Pov/crs "sold his Longshore Club to San Francisco Harold Wise, head Paramount I takes over next December booker, vacationing in Chicago. John Hassctt has succeeded late Irving Mills, 20th-Fox office man- Allie Hamilton as manager of the ager, to New York to spend vaca tion with his two small children. Masquers of University of MinnC' sota offering "My Sister Eileen Dorothy Lev/is' annual ice show "Voice of the Turtle Jnto Hotel Nicollet Minnesota Ter- race for. summer run. Fred Finnegah, RKO booker, rep- few days before completinj; la.»♦»♦♦»>>>♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦ . . . ■ ■ .1 , ; iThumbnose Sietch-Jimmy Durantel : ♦♦<>< > n > M «» M By Joe Laurie, Jr»», n ><♦♦>♦( Oh Catherine street, ia New York City's Lower East side, on Feb. 10, 1893, a very busy stork knocked on the door of Rose and- Barthelmeo Durante and yelled, "Come and get it; I got millions of "em!" Then In sotto voice, "But not so ugly!" Papa and Mama Durante took hold of the bundle by what they thought was the handle, but the baby yelled, "I'm mortified!" And they found that they were holding the nose of the future Jimmy Durante. After looking at their other three kids. Papa Durante was heard to murmur, "everybody wants to get into the act!" They named the baby Jimmy because the boys on the block would \ise him to open doors, windows and safes. Catherine street was known as the "Kiiow Nothing DisUlct!" Little Jimmy grew to be a very mischievous kid.. He would tie the neighbor's spaghetti in knots and hide in his father's razor tase.. He Was a little shaver at the time. His father would tie up the dog nights and let Jimmy roam the streets to learn' the secrets of life. There are no flowers or bees on the east side, ' His childhood consisted of just plain measles and eating the raisins out of the cake. Shows he was not looking for the worst of it. He played garnes like one o'cat, prisoner's base and 2c back on the boltle. It was a tougti neighborhood where bonds just meant bail! He didn't get much schooling and can prove it. Only went to the . "seventh grade and majored in deprisciation^ He claims his primary education was the palmiest dnys of his ignorance. He was called the grand old man of Public School No. 1. He helped in his father's barrber shop lathering the customers, but he didn't s'have anybody as he hated the sight of blo6d. After school hours he ran errands, washed glassware, took a screen test in a photo-engraving shop and auditioned in the Fulton Fish Ma.rket. He was in the second-hand fish business and was known as the Lucius Becbe of the Fulton Fi-sh Market. He knew his P's and Q's but didn't know the rest of the alpliabct. At 13 he smoked his first cigar and realized he was a man— a sick man! He was now'the oldest adolescent in the neighborhood. He had a mu.sical background as his old man used to spank him with, a guitar. He played on a comb with tissue paper over it. In those days he and the comb both' had teeth! People in the neighborhood would get up parties just not to' have him. He was welcome at the Irish parties because ' his. nose looked like a shillelagh. He developed a falsetto burp, .sort of a pink-pajama soprano. His voice changed but hot enough. He decided to go on the stage to look for the pot of' gold, and at first, he ended up without the gold! He took a. few piano les.sons and put his heart and soul in it. In fact he put everythiii},' in it except music. At 17 he got his first professional job as pianist at Diamond Tony's saloon in Coney Island, where he played for Eddie Cantor, George 'Whiting, Julia Geraghty and other greats. He then played in Chinatown at the Chatham Club where most. of the customers were used to wearing government jewelry (handcuffs to you) and the beer was the only thing in the jernt with a collar on it! ' In 1916 Jimmy or- ganized a five-piece Dixieland combination and played at the Club Alamo in Harlem, where he met Eddie Jackson. In 1917 he played with the band at Broadway's Club Nightingale. He. was in and out, playing in dram shops with pianos. It was in 1923 when he opened the famous Club Durante on SBth street, just off Broadway. I A Trio Is Born Lou Clayton (just split with his vaudeville partner .Ukulele Ike Ed-, 'wards) bought in with Jimmy and the greatest trio of clowns was sparked into being. Eddie Jackson 'strutted, Lou Clayton danced and Jimmy sang, talked and became one of the greatest comic personalities on the stage. It was here that Siihe discovered Jimmy and shouted his praise in 'Variety. The trio was the unhandsomest three guys in the show business. Lou con- sidered himself a beauty of the old school, but unfortunately school had been out a good many yearg. Jackson's face looked, like it was going to run down his clothes, and his mouth furniture looked like a dentist's sho\y- case, while jimmy looked like a floorwalker in a! junk shop. It was here that the song classics were first sung, "Jimmy the Well Dressed Man," "Who Will Be With You When I'm Far Away, Out in Rockaway?", "Ever Have the Feeling That You Wanba Go, Still You Have the Feelin' That You Wanted To Stay?", "Tumarounda." And the greatest song ot all— "WOOD!" And many, many more of Jimmy's songs that have since become classics. They worked in the Dover and in The Parody clubs, it looked, like success was in, the cards but they got lost in the shuffle. They played vaudeville, were in Ziegfeld's "Show Girl" and "Tlie New Yorkers." and they played everything including horses, . uiliich made them play every- thing! ' Jimmy got a picture offer as a single in 1929. This broke up the trio, but not their friendship, Jimmy took Lou Clayton as his manager. Clay- ton said, "No contracts Jimmy, let's make this a gentleman's agreement." And Jimmy said, "No use draggin' in a thoid party!" You can always dis- tinguish Clayton, the manager, and Durante, the actor. Clayton wears $29 . M vari- ous parts of the nation ana pre- dicted they would be able to pay their own way. *" WB'S SUNDRY STUNTS FOR SOUND'S 20TH ANNI Special events arranged by War- ner Bros, in connection with this summer's 20th anniversary of sound celebration include a screening at the homeoffice today (Wednesday) for sports writers of early talker newsrecls, a display of costumes by models from various Warner pic- tures since the advent of sound and featuring of music from WB talkers for a full week starting July 31 by Muzak. RCA- Victor, co-sponsor with WB on the sound anniversary affair, will put on a special contest on window displays in connection, with albums of . Cole Porter mUsic from the WB film, "Night and Day." Album will carry with it a four-page insert de- voted entirely to the anniversary event. In addition to other stunts, a highlight of Victor s campaign will be featuring Cole Porter music on the RCA hoiir Sunday, Aug, 4. ' In connection with the sound, an- niversary, WB plans spotting insti- tutional full-page ads in 21 national publications with an aggregate reader circulation of 150,495,960. Ads will mention co-sponsors of the sound celebration. LaRue, Hudson Plane To Toronto for Can. Pic Hollywood, June 4. Jack LaRue and Rochelle Hudson planed to Toronto to play in "Flying North," to be filmed by Dominion Productions, Inc., a Canadian com- pany. LaRue will, play the heavy and Miss Hudson the femme lead. Male topper will be selected from Cana- dion radio talent. Par Borrows W]finan Hollywood, June 4. Paramount borrowed Jane Wyman from Warners to co-star with Wil- liam Holden in "Gary Ambler." Picture will be Richard Blumen- t.hal's first producer chore since rer t'urhiixg to the Paramount, lot. PAIR JOIN JUNEAU Hollywood,. June 4. Clarence B. Juneau Enterprises maker of ; educational, religious and commercial films, sighed Nate Watt as executive director and Henry Donovan as production director. Watt and Donovan made training films for the Army aod Navy dur ing the war. * Caught between steadily rising production costs and a market that won't budge a cent upwards from its unprofitable price level, short sub- ject departments of the majors are in a dilemma on how to; get but from behind the accountant's eight- balL Oyer , the past 15 years, in contradistinction to all other phases of the. film industry and the ecbnomy as a whole, no overall ot substantial Increase has been made in rental charges on shorts. Costs, on the , other hand, have skyrocketed during this period from a low of f G,000 to the current ceiling of $30,000 plus $20,000 for printing and distribution. Few subjects these days can , hope to net back this basic charge averag- ing around $50,000. Despite the fact that only three of the majors have shorts departments able to break even or to show a trivial annual profit, there's no danger of these units folding. Firstly, because exhibs insist upon a con- tinuous supply of two-reelers al- though ' unwilling to foot increased tabs; and secondly; because the ma- jors find shorts to be a valuable ad- junct in merchandising their feature productions. Disney shorts, also produced at about $.iO,000 each, lay outside the typical iridusti"y picture since they manage to gross about $tS,000, the highest return in the field. "Springfield" Loss In an effort to cut down on the fiow of red. ink, two-reeler producers are backing into a less expensive product while trying to hypo exhibi- tor acceptance of shorts. Shorts, such. as orchestra and musicaV revues or elaborate color jobs requiring a large number of technicians, and performers, are out for the next period. Warners, as a case in point,' doesn't intend to duplicate its ex- perience with a noteworthy short produced under its banner last year. Costing $135,000, and unanimously hailed by the critics as a heavy contribution to the fight against ra- cial intolerance, "It Happened in Springfield," , was brushed off by .ex- hibs and wound up as a $40,000 clip on. the chin. Prominent on producr tion agendas will be travel and ad- venture, series needing, only a roving camera crew and cuffo wild animal actors. in their natural scenic habitat. Majors'are also planning to reissue a flock of their best shorts of the past few years as a method of recouping some ot the coin expended on them. Sell Shorts in Package Deals Latest selling technique to break down exhib resistance against giving additional playing time to the. brief- ies is the presentation of a film pack- age including a full program of car- toon, newsrecls, documentaries and related subjects at a wrupped-up rental fee. Film Classics, a reissue outfit, Innovated this policy nine months ago in connection with an 85-minute program of comedy shorts titled "Funsa' Poppin' " and the ma- jors arc following suit after FC's bookings hit a record figure for this type of program. With a minimum of 65% ot Amer- ica's fllckeries in the double feature category, and absolutely no Indica- tion ot any reduction taking place in this figure, basic problem of the shorts distributors remains to un- cover enough exhibs willing to play their product. The package program idea is in its initial wedge into modi- tying the double feature practice In favor of short subjects without shortening screen program time. At-. cording to exhibs, more shorts would be shown if the majors displayed . more showmanship in selling their two-reelers to the public. Demand could be developed, they claim, but it would take a nationwide publicity and adverli.''"iT c'mpaign on the part of the producers Morgan Cites Rising Costs At the recently concluded regional meeting of Paramount's shorts sub- jects department in San Francisco, Oscar A.. Morgan, sales manager, fbr cused attention on the rising costs ot two-reeler production and said, "It is apparent that the situation offends every principle of sound economics and could not continue indefinitely. Therefore, it becomes essential that we increase our rentals in propor- tion to the increase ot our costs,". Other execs in the industry believa that higher rentals would serve only to shrink the number ot buyers without affecting the total gross. Cure for the two-reeler financial headache has apparently not been, patented as yet. 84 Wednesday, June 5, 1946 IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO A DOGI The Trade Press is raving about M-G-M's NEW Technicolor Hit! How about ah Academy Award for Lassie! \ COURAGE OF LASSIE This review from M. P. Daily is typical: ^The picture is the best of the Lassie jobs to date. Again in Technicolor and a supporting cast of strong names. Better than ^Son of Lassie'/^ ★ M-G-M Presents LASSIE in A New Adventure "COURAGE OF LASSIE" • In Technicolor • Elizabeth Taylor v Frank Morgan • Tom Drake * Original Screen Play by Lionel Houser * Directed by Frank M. Wilcox • Produced by Robert Sisk Wedpeflda^t June 5, 1946 PICTURES S5 Inside Stuff-Pictures Second annual survey by Woman's Home Companion on motion' picture preTcrence among its readers shows a slight falling oft in fllmgoing during 194G (or this group as compared with 1945. Whereas 39% ot those polled last year said they attended films at least once a wceic, this year the figure declined to 35%. Biggest factors in preventing more frequent attendance arc lacic of preferred features, lack of time, and high admission prices. Most influential factors in lining up customers.at the wiclcets are listed M mag and newspaper reviews, marquee .names, and trailers, In the ranking o£, favorite screen stars, voting revealed heavy concentration in favor of the top three femme performers, Greer Garson, Ingrid Bergman Biid Belte Davis, with 76% polling for one of the three. Among the males, Binn Crosby, Walter Pldgeon and Clark Gable garnered only 41% of the tolal ballots. Repoblic Bastin' Out Hollywood, June 4, June is a heavy production month at Republic. Newcomers are "Last Frontier," Home in Oklahoma," " Z o r r p Strikes Again," "Sioux City Sue" and "Rio Grande Raiders." Still shooting from last month are "The Mysterious Mr. Valentine," "That Brennan Girl" and "The Angel and the Outlaw." ' Rail strike really took a cut out of the Metro sales convention, held in Chicago last week. Meet was delayed one day because of the train cancellations and the consequent slice in time forced William P. Rodgers, Metro .sales chief, to wrap things up much faster than originally planned. Several execs, including William Brenner, head of the checking depart- ment, didn't even get a chance to speak to the 70-odd delegates. Most milt'cd of the execs was H. M. Richey, in charge of exhibitor relations, who'd planned to spend at least an hour and- a halt outlining the new eNp!oit»lion, pamphlets. After much dickering, Richey was finally per- milled 15. minutes. F.xlub.-; are making fresh plea to Hollywood studios to settle question of piclLU'e titles before any publicity is sent out on film, or at least before publicity campaign rolls. ^ Prevalent practice of picture companies publicizing a film under one ta^. then changing title as many as six times, is upsetting to public, exhibs aver, a.s well as themselves. Result is, fans wait for productions made under certain names, sometimes missing the.se pictures because by time they, are released new tags have been attached to them. On conservative estimate, at least S0% ot pictures made are hot released- under title they held when filmed. • Earnings of boxing champions are often split in various ways, and the Warners production, "Life With Father," Is getting . similar treatment. Howard Lindsay and Russel Croiise, who staged the legit version, are get- ting 35% of the profits. Understood Irene Dunne, film's star, and Mike Curtiz, director, are also cutting percentages. Picture is Curtiz's last job inider his bid contract, which called for a straight salary. His new pact provides for a cut in the profits, and the report is that the studio agreed to give him a slice of "Father" before he signed the new document. Gener,\l John Fremont's wife, hitherto neglected by Hollywood pro- ducers, will be the central figure In two forthcoming film biographies. Paramount recently bought "Immortal Wife," dealing with California pi- oneer days, and now Walter Wanger is breaking out with "So Gallantly Gleaming," based oh the adventures of the same gai in the same period. Wanger aims to get his version started In September, beating Paramount to the punch. Motion picture industry is far behind the times in methods and ma-, terials for set construction, according to Loreh L. Ryder, Paramount tech- i\ical engineer. What the studios need, he says, is an entirely new ex- ppndablu material v/hich may be put together quickly and abandoned wlicn the scenes are completed. Other needs, he declares, are fast-drying paints, new carryalls for set handling and cranes or elevators for overhead rigging. ' James A. FitzPatrick, who makes Traveltalks for Metro, is competing against his home lot in a series ot musical shorts based on the careers ot noted composers. For a time it looked as if FitzPatrick would make the tuneful series tor Metro release, but the deal fell through. Now he has closed with Werner Janssen and his Los Angeles symphony orchestra for a string- of musical briefies in Technicolor. Meanwhile, Metro has assigned Jerry Breslcr to produce a series based on the same topics. David O. Selznick'S technicians have developed a new apparatus which synchronizes sound, dialog and action tracks and permits the editing of a film while it Is l>eing projected on a full-size screen. It is estimated that the use of the new contrivance reduced the editing time, on "Duel In the Sun" by oh« third. Machine was developed by Robert Hansard, chief projectionist, and James Stewart, chief engineer. • New kind ot blizzard, 'with chemical snow, was tried out at RKO and may be used in future pictures calling for winter scenes. Artificial flakes are pumped high in the air from a high-pressure hose and flutter down like the real article. Synthetic snow is odorless, lasting and docs not harm scenery or costumes. It can also be sprinkled on roofs and cliffs without the use of ladders. Three-year renewal deal was inked by Sol Lesser with RKO some weeks ago on distribution of the "tarzan" series. It was reported last week' (not in VAaiKTY) that the pix would go to United Artists, but that was appar- ently confusion over the fact that all Lesser films, except the "Tarzans," are released by UA. A three-year renewal of the UA deal was also signed recently. Jinx on "The Razor's Edge" at 20th-Fox has afflicted thr^e top players within the last 10 days. Gene Tierney was out for a week with an in jured eye, John Payne was hospitalized with a threat of pneumonia and Clifton Webb with acute bronchitis. Edmund Goulding, director, is still healthy but is getting dizzy trying to juggle the schedule to keep the picr ture in production. Federal Flms will shoot its first picture. ''Carnegie Hall," entirely in New York, according to Boris Morros, who will co-protfiice the picture with William LeBaron. Most ot the filming will be done in Carnegie Hall and the rest at Fox Movietone studio and a hew plant now under construction In New York by RKO. Filming starts July 15 under direction of Edgar Ulmer, who recently checked oiit ot PRC. Enterprise is cutting a hole ot 2,304 square feet In the roof of a sound stage to shoot the first sequence ot "Arch of Triumph/' Sicript calls for opening shots from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris. Scaffolding will be erected through the roof and 45 feet above, a total height of 94 feet above the ground. Meeting of Melro'production executives resulted in an order to cut down use of film on retakes. Understood Louis B. Mayer told the assembled producers that all scenes be limited to four takes. Later it was agreed that the matter of lakes would be left to individual producers, with fien eral idea that they will use film as economically as possible. Old Joe Stork is causing a lot of hesitation among the maslerminds of Metro, who are wondering what to d6 about "Jenny Was a Lady." Jan Clayton, slated for the "Jenny'' role, is expecting. Question Ls whether to rUsh the. picture into production ahead, cast another in the starring spot, or postpone shooting until next year. Male script clerks are gradually replacing fenimes on the Hollywood film . lots. Diiring the war the clerks were practically on the distaff side, but now the boys register about CO'!; , and the percentage is steadily rising, Metro Returning to Some of Its Pre-War Methods of BaUyhoo 'No Help Wanted' And UNRRA Pic Probably 1st Two Shorts Via ATA 'No Help Wanted," American Legion one-reeler, now shapes up as likely first documentary to be dis- tributed throughout the country via American Theatres Assn. machinery. Film, along with "Seeds of Destiny," two-reeler back by the United Na- tions Relief & Rehabilitation Ad- ministration, has been screened in two spots for ATA ciommittee ap- proval with nine more coming up. Action was taken in accord with uniform policy now set by ATA un- der which all films submitted by the Government and outside agencies will be previewed by committee members in 11 key cities for pre- liminary 0.0. Reaction to "Seeds of Destiny" in Boston and Atlanta where . screen- ings were held was unfavorable mainly because the members felt the horror sequences were too long. Film depicts starvation conditions in Europe as part of UNRRA's cam^ paign to ship more food overseas. Committee members suggested cut- ting the film to one reel prior to acceptance. Initial reception jf "No Help Wanted" is uniformly good. The short takes up the cudgels for dis- abled vets with a plea to employers to rhake room for them. It accepted, ATA will arrange tor its distribu- tion through one ot the major com- panies. SCHOOL BOOK COS. TO DISTRIB CLASSROOM PIX Major step towards solving the distribution problem of 16m educa- tional films, long considered one of the chief bars to more extensive use of such pix in the country's school systems, has t)een taken by Young' America Films through its recently-concluded contract with Transfilm, Inc. Under the contract, Transfilm will produce all Young America films. Latter, in turn, has signed exclusive deals with the leading school book depository, companies, which will handle distribution of the pix in the same way they distribute textbooks. This means that some 400 salesmen throughout the country will line up .sales and distribution for the new product. Contract calls for Trans- nim to produce 40 16m cound films and .100 slidefllms during the first ytear. Young America, under .the con- tract, pays all scripting and similar editorial costs, while Transfilm pays all production . costs. Following sale of the films, Young America first gets back Its original investment for distribution and print costs and Transfilm gets returns on ils pro duction costs. Anything remaining Is then split 50-50 between the two companies. Young America Is an outgrowth of Young America , mag. Its stock- holders include Walter Wanger, Wil liam Goetz and Sol Lesser, all of whom serve the company in a con- sultative capacity. Prexy Stuart Scheftel is a co-founder of Tele- news Theatres. Recently reorgan ized Transfllm, headed by William Micscgaes, produced many training films for the armed 'orces during the war. It currently produces com- mercially-sponsored pix for such manufacturers as Ford, Socbny- Vacuum, Lever Bros., Carstairs, Con- tinental Baking, etc. Young America recently obtained exclusive 16m distribution rights to RKO's "The House I Live In." Frank Sinatra short. Film is being sold outright for |27.50 to schools . and civic groups, with much of the pro- ceeds being turned over . to anti- discrimination organizations. Metro publicity-exploitation staff, with most wartime restrictions now gone by the boards, plans to hypo Its ballyhoo in the future and will blanket the country with its stunts. Under the joint supervision of How- ard Dietz, veepee over ad-publicity, and William R. Ferguson, director of exploitation, the company plans to revive many of. the stunts that plugged Metro pix in the past and also institute several new ones. Dietz is currently on the Coast, where he plans to set up an office at the Culver City studios in order to achieve fuller cooperation with the studio publicity staff. Although he'll continue to spend most of his time at the h.o., lie'll shuttle back and forth throughout the year. While visiting the studio just be- fore the recent sales tneet In Chi- cago, Dietz lined up a deal with the Douglas Leigh Sky Advertising Corp. to have an ex-Navy blimp ply the Pacific seaboard ; with messages on its sides plugging Metro pictures. Blimp will be. smaller than the one being used on the Atlantic coast, which is scheduled to begin opera- tions the first week in July. Dietz announced last week that Metro had tied up the blimp advertising with the Leigh company on an exclusive basis for the next three years. Metro ad chief has also lined up a unique ballyhoo' stunt tor the forthcoming . "Gallant Bess." Com- pany will take the equine star ot the film on a tour of the key cities, hitting, each town about a week Be- fore the opening date. Horse will go through a series of tricks for the public. Stunt, similar to the old traveling truck in which Metro toured the country with Leo, its lion tradeniark, is the first one of its kind since the. war's end. ' Ferguson is currently lining up a second "show-building" unit, which will cover the country from Indian- apolis to the Coast. Traveling unit to demonstrate to the public how Metro pictures are made has been functioning for . the last several years in the 'New Orleans district. Latter, under the supervision of Kert Prickett, will concentrate on the eastern half of the country, with the other one touring the western states under Norman Linz. Dietz is slated to return from the Coast about June 15 and will be followed about a week later by Howard Strickling, studio publicity chief. Duo will bring back to the . homeoffice reports of the campaigns they're now setting ujp. on forthcom- ing products, including 'The Year- ling." "Till the Clouds. Roll By," "Holiday in Mexico," "No Leave, No Love" and "Fiesta." Return to BaHy Contlnoed from pace 7 handle exploitation on a full-time basis. Consequently display adver- tising dipped, radio tieups at local stations fell off, and glamor contests and other drumbeatlng faded out. As matters now stand, according to the flackmen's wail, a substantial number of exhibs are depending on newspaper ads and work put in by major company field exploiteers. The majors' staffs cannot possibly do a complete job on local ballyhoo in the approximately 500 towns in which theatres are located, it is ar- gued. Exhibs rhust turn again to the habit of employing local expert.s, they aver. Switch to the pre-war policy should be easy, it is claimed, because there is currently available' a pool of public relations experts recently mustered out ot the armed services and Governmental ' agencies. These men learned their trade and fur- thered it by running service publi- cations and handling publicity for the Government. With newspapers now staffed to capacity, a good deal of talent is floating at>out ready to be put to work in the film marts, it . is said.- Neiv Yokr Theatres' AiK SHEKIDAN • DwMlt MORftAN Jack CARSON • Atoilt SMITH , Jam WYMAN In Warner Bros. Hit "ONE MORE TOMORROW" In Person TOMMY TUCKER AND HIS OBCHESTBA ' Pluii THE THREK ROSS SISTERS STEVE EVAN'S B'wqy at 47tli St. STRAND BETTE DAVIS In tVuriier lhni», llir ^'A STOLEN LIFE'* Wllh Gknn FORD • Dan* CLARK Wollar UENNAN • CharU* RU6GIES l>lrr<>t«l hr CnrtU H(rnli:irilt HOLLYWOOD Contlnu4iDH B'ini.v at SInI Htrrcl MayrMi Dick Harry O'HARE • HAYMES • JAMES "DO YOU LOVE ME'V I'l.fa ON' STACK COl'.NT B.l.mH 0K«'. 1'KTKB.S SIS. extra: liKNK SHELDON V ^ 1 60th S«. — : PANNY KMTE . — Itdmicolor DoortO^ ACTA* 1:30 ASTOR 4iih SI. Paramount Prcycnla Aliin Vrninlra Wllilnm I.ADO • LAKE - BKNUiX. "THE HUE DAHLIA" A George MnrHhall ' I'roduc.llon Id rrrHon DUKE ELLINGTON Anil HIa OrrliMlra .STJ .MP • STf MI'V Kttra— TIIK MILLS BROS. r.*lt.\MOl'NT, Tlmea Bqaarc DARE PLUCKS 'ROSEBUDS' Hollywood, June 4. Danial Dare draws production re- sponsibility on "Gather Ye Rose- buds," a musical to be filmed by Paramount. Tunefilm will be based on a tale of pioneer days in Indiana, "fUM, mmi. IttUTYl -Dailr Newi WALT DISMEY'S . coMtoY MuacM HATUtt ^ - y GLOBE I fICNNICOiei RKO CHARLKM BOYER JKNNfFEB JONES la ' ERNST LUBITSCH'S CLUNY BROWN SOlli C'eniury-Fox RIVOLI ll'wny * tOth St. Doora open aiM A.M. PALACE B WAY & 471M St GINGER ROGERS! "HEARTBEAT'' with l;l.gncd from the 20th-Fox i-xchansjo here lo go with UA in Cleveland as a salesman. , „,_^. Skellon to Inlcrsl.ite Houston. Al Lever, city manager for Inter- state here, named Howard Skellon manager of the Village. Ho was manager of the Alabama prior to service in the armed forces. Fimple New Ilousr WB Mgr. Fairmont, W. Va. Bee Fimple Is new manager of Warner Bros. Virginia theatre here. William Wyatt, who came here from, the Rialto at Charleston, has been ordered back to his position there. Family, Kirksville, III,, will go to the new liouse in Green Bay, Mo. Krnest Fox Joins I.oew'a Memphis, Ernest Fox. recently discharged from Army, rejoined Loew's South- ern circuit as relief manager. Has been In Memphis past two weeks pincli-hilting for Bill Kemp at Loew's State and Col. Cecil E. Vogel at Loew's Palace while they were away. R. E. Baulch elected president of Ihe Crescent Amusement Co., to succeed the late Tony Sudokuni. who died April 28. BaulcJ) has been an oTIicial of the company tor 20 years. Peterson Sells 2 Iowa Houses Des Moines, Charles Peterson, vet indie Iowa theatre owner, sold his two houses at Hampton, Iowa, to Garbett circuit. Walter Peterson, his son; back from the .service, will manage the houses for Garbett, Albany's Ist Drive-In Reopens Albany. The Auto-Vision, first drive-in in the Albany district, opens sixth sea- son. Debuting in 1940, it was a gas rationing casualty in 1943. Dave Willig, of the Rivoli in Schenectady, is the pre'sent lessee. Denver Takeovers Denver. E. G. Jeppe bought the Moon, StrattOn. Colo., from Mrs. Fred Flanagan. Fred Flanagan, died re- cently. James Mooney; Universal salesman in Salt Lake City, shifted to Denver exchange as head booker and office manager, succeeding Bruce Marshall, who left to join U. A. as salesman. Martin Butler opened new 775- seat Sandia, Albuquerque. Harold Johnson bought Elberta, Palisade. Colo., from C. J. Stephens. Jene H. Sombar, wife of William Sombar, Paramount booker, has bought the Isis, Victor, Colo., from M. W. Kessey. Carroll Robinson, recently check- mg supervisor for Warners, has jomed PRC as salesman. _ Bernard Gold, recently discharged from the Army, who has been tak- ing an extended vacation, is back at Metro as office manager. Hamer Hicks, former Rex. Brigh- ton Colo., operator, out of Army and back as operator at Granada, Monte Vista, Colo. Biitte Park Beopens Fox-Intermountain's Park reopen- ed recently for subsequent runs after three- week shutdown for new carpeting, seat recovering, lobby painting and cleaning. Harold Murrell is Columbia ship- per after stint with Ninth Service Command. Canadian Moves „ ,j „ Regina, Sask. Harold Gray, manager Orpheum, Fort William, Ont., switched to Metropolitan theatre, Regina suc- ceeding Charles Bahrynowaki, who goes to Orpheum. Princess theatre, Yorkton, Sask., will be remodeled and repaired. Roxy there also gets a facelift. Atlas Realty and Finance Corpo- ration Calgary, AlU.. took a four- year lease on the Garry, Calgary from owner Frank Sheppard, Van- couver. , T'ave purchased the majority stock Interest of Frank E [; 1? ' They now have 16 houses in 11 southern Illinois counties John Brown v.et. back in his post as^manager of the Ozark, Louisiana. K?c"''"k°"„u?PV,°^'"« Mission. «.as., boLight Monroe and Nolan p City. Mo., and closed rdtter! -u p'owell who recently pur- chased the Avalon, Avalon, 111., has changed tag to the Key. Bernard Sargent, war vet, has opened the Sargent, Forreston, III Basil Fogelson, former manager of Antone Interstate Changes San Antonio. Henry Bergman and Norman Schwartz have exchanged posts here. Bergman moves from Aztec to be manager of Empire, while Schwnrlz ' goes from that house to the Azlce. Both are Interstate thea- tres. English QuiU TrI-Stales Des Moines. Carter English, manager Majestic, Centerville, la., for TrI-States Thea- tre Corp. before he became a major in air corps resigned as manager of this house to be Oklahoma manager for Maytag Washing Machine. Sup- planted by Jack ShnglufT, who was at Zephyr, ' Burlington, la. Sling- lulT's spot will be taken by Paul Scholer. Bert Thomas, assistant booker for Central States Theatre Corp. since his return from service, resigned to rejoin Columbia exchange as a .salesman, a job he. held previously. Succeeded by Neil Adair, formerly Warners booker here. Mendelsson to Indpls. . T. L. Mendelsson appointed Indian- apolis branch manager for Universal, succeeding L. J. McGinley, assigned to company's bomeofflce on special duties. Mendelsson takes over new duties this week. He joined U as salesman In 1941. He was Detroit branch manager until he went into the service, and was special Chi rep on his discharge this year. Cooper Fdn. Gels Lincoln House Lincoln, Neb. • The Cooper Foundation, operators of the Lincoln, Stuart and Nebraska theatres in Lincoln, has announced the acquisition, effective June 1, of the formerly independent Capitol theatre from R. R. Livingston. Liv- ingston will be. associated with the Cooper Foundation. Brill New Man on WB Ann! Richard Brill, former field repre- sentative for Warner Bros, in the Denver and Salt Lake City terri- tories, transferred to Chicago, where he will work on special events in connection with WB's 20th anniver- sary of sound celebration. K. C. Fox Changes Kansas City. Leon Robertson, city manager Fox- Midwest, announced three managerial shifts, Pete Pekarek, recently dis- charged from service, going to the Vista as manager, H. W. Bills mov- ing from there to the Gladstone Charles Morrill, vet manager at the Gladstone, goes on a six month leave of absence. Waters Given Baieich, N. C, Spot _ , „ Raleigh, N. C. C. L. Waters of Charlotte appoint- ed manager of Colony theatre here succeeding N. C. Hilburn. Waters is out of the Army after three years. Before going Into the service he was manager of Charlotte theatre, Char- lotte. Frank Hensoii Back to Akron ■»T t , Akron, 0. New shift in Loew's managers here sends Walter Kessler to cir- cuit s raglonal olTipes at Cleveland, and returns Frank Henson to his olci post here. Henson went to Atlanta, Ga., last spring Kessler came her. from the Loow house in Canton. Don Geddes Back To Seattle Don Gcddos, vet theatre mlnjger IS back nv Seattle as Fifth Avenue house manager. He Was formcrlv manager of Orpheum for Mamrick. Evergreen, prior to being Wonatchce city manager. " Buys Findlsy, O., liouse Findlay O Waller Slouve, owner of three Findlay Ihoalrcs, has purchased the building occupied' by the Stale thea- tre here; . Frank Willis lo Winnipeg Rp.iiina, Can. W. J. Proudlove, manager of Gaiety thciilie, Winnipeg, moved lo S,':?,'."'' Capitol. Succeeds Frank Willis, who goes to Gaiety. Carlton Upped by NSS Richard Carlton, who has been do- voting most of his time to prepara- tion of Mister Showman, special trailer publication of National Screen Service, has been appointed assistant to Melvih L. Gold, director of ad- publicity NSS. Before going into the Army, Carlton was six years with Columbia publicity department. BUI Stein Leaving. K. C. Kansas City Following his return from the service, Bill Stein has given man- ager Barney Joffe« and the Tower theatre notice and expects to leave his position as stage manager and publicity man arouhd June 20. Slein planning h.q. in New York. Con's Film Fotos Sale Consolidated Film Industries which controls Republic Pictures' sold its Photo-Stills Division to Film Fotos, Inc.. a newly organized com- pany which is to continue operation of the -plant, . one of the biggest in the U. S, Harold Berla, for several years In charge of this Consolidated unit, is head of Film Fotos which will continue servicing Republic. Arthur J. Miller, Republic vecjwe and resident manager of Consoli- dated's Ft. Lee lab, and Joseph Mc- Mahon, Republic secretary, handled the deal along with Berla and Rob- ert Delson, general counsel for Film Fotos, W-K to Keep S. C. House Closed Spartanburg, S. C. ■ Wilby-Kincey will not immedi- ately replace Strand, oldest theatre of its local chain, shuttered recently after 30 years. Sabbath shows ban hit all Spar- tanburg houses starting June 1. Next August citizens will determine by referendum whether Sunday shows are okay, houses staying dark Sundays until settled. Many Portland Changes Portland, Many changes in the Portland Evergreen district of Albert J. Finke, with Liberty manager Russell F. Brown upped to post of ad director for _ Evergreen theatres, which in- cludes houses In Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver. Earl Hunt resigned ad post to head his own organiza- tion, an ad matrix service. Brown in 34 years in. the show biz, rose from usher to house manager in Eugene. PJher managerial changes in Port- land include th.e return from Navy of Zollie Volleheck, who checked in at the Paramount again, moving Frank Pratt to Orpheum. Pan! Stevens jumped over from latter to Oriental. Robert Anderson goes from Oriental to the Liberty. VIIW HOW FOR SAU. Charmini •iM-itery ■bovo tho iMp In Holly- wood. I bdrim., 1 ba. Cosy p«imM d*n. CmtptH, drmp^, (priithUn, u»ll hoot. ImiMCMlalo, poffoct con- ditUii. PsMramlc vImv rify and •CMii from keuM and pirtlo. $34,SM pMMttion. IMS Iwnul Ploia Drtvo. Ct. *4«44. FOR A MOTION PfCTUM STORY Gone to a Meeting off Iht # # SOCINMIDSOULS! I IN N^ y"; AMAZING PLACES UNITlb htil HOLLYWOOD »»OITBI_''!L'*;/" ' ' ' '" IR¥IN» HOFFMAN COOPM ., JfMMr tTiWAKI fMvr. loMd oa BIADIB't DiactT CobrWt Soc^o/yr A Stagefright Clinic, Conducted by on In- COBOMiT Penius Young Pianiit!" rii» Vorfc'i lattitr CHR. SCIENCI MONITOR. Mttendinfl a Session Is an Inttresling and pi^ ^^EiiHueniny Erperieiice.'" ■ ■'// You Want to Spend an Unusual Siindau CADI Uflicnu EDO. i4ttcnd the Society of Tfiitid Souls.'" ■nut. miU0N_ - "/T'S WONDERFUL / 1 ! .'" L.^m •<•«». 'rruo I'onfe.BlonH, Dally N.-«». W.., ).l • loTSu'^publtulo^/"^ ^' Tl."", JleraUl Tni.u„c.-o. over ^•S™''-?^*'" All Major Radio Networks ("WE. THE PEOPLE." MORTON DOWNEY SHOW. JANE COWL) ki^v» .i**t*J"9»— SUNDAY at 8:30 p m. NOW AT- 223 W. 46Hi ST. FEE FOR JOINING GROUP. $1 For dotails phono or writ* BERNARD GABRIEL. TR. 7-6700 ■ — _ leo w. iM si.-^~ Wedneeday, June 5, 1946 leasing' Idea Not New Continned from page 9 pany would have to base most of its pictures on original stories, and not even take a chance on borderline plays and novels at any price be- cause of the complications and risks. Certain properties that are in great demand, like "Life With Father" and "Saratoga Trunk"— can get special terms. If other such prop- erties come along, there's no doubt that either wc or another filni com- pany will talk, turkey. No Honorariums But to say that prices for all mate- rial can be automatically upped in ' that way is about the same as pass- ing a rule that, after a price has been negotiated, $50,000 must be auto- matically added as an honorarium. The net result would be to drive down the price on material — because it would discourage discussions of such material as the companies would have bought for less ' than $50,000. Such a condition might conceiv- ably been put across by the type- writer boys some three years ago, when we had a seller's market, and prices were zooming up. But not now. As Variety itself has correctly reported on numerous occasions re- cently, the market has switched; more and more it's getting to be a buyer's market; and I'll string along with you lads on your reports that the trend is due to get more marked as the days roll by. Prices have reached theiir peak and are on the downgrade. Emmet Lavery, No. 1 man of the studio pen-pushers, should have learned enough about New England horse-sense — and horse-trading- sense — while he was writing "The Magnificent Yankee" to realize the above facts. He should also have realized that pointing a finger at the brethren in France was a nod for the opposition rather than for his own boys. It's quite true that the "leasing" system has been In effect in France — but can Lavery or any- body else show that it's helped the French theatre, the French film in- dustry, or French writers? I doubt it, because the facts are that it hasn't helped them. The plight of the writers in France be- fore 1939 illustrates the dangers of such procedures. Helps the Elite The entire proposal— like so many proposals made by the writers' or- ganizations— tends to help the elite few, who don't need any extra help, at the expense of the great middle group, who need all the help they can get. Now or anytime, with or without new rulings by the Authors' League, the top few writers who've emitted material that's in great de- mand will be able to put top prices upon it — including in the price, if they're so inclined, a clause limiting the rights to a definite term of years. Without being a member of any authors' league, George Bernard Shaw has written terms thatT make the terms of any American author sound like something out of Wool- worth's basement. But the great host of writers, who want very badly to sell their stuff to films, and whose ability to do so depends on making a deal with -the companies as to price, will find those prices sharply lowered becav--; of the "leasing" gimmick. Ana ,i many cases, per- haps- the majority, they'll find that they can't get any picture action at all. Out of all the shows produced on Broadway in the last few yeai^, how many have been bought for films? Not a large percentage. , And that's partly due to the many restrictions that are imposed on any deal, even for flops. A baker's dozen or less would have been sold at almost any price. But the majority of the com- paratively few that were sold would have had a much tougher time col- lecting screen money under a "leas- ing" system, A good number of them wouldn't have collected anything at all. The whole plan strikes directly at freedom of opportunity — which is one of the bases of the American way of life. The more binding the rules the Authors' League puts on the sale of film rights, the tougher it becomes to sell material that doesn't happen to be in unusual de- mand, And, since that category in- cludes the bulk of all material sub- PICTIJRES 39 mitted, I feel that the Authors' League, in following out the pro- posal, is cutting sharply into the freedom of opportunity of its rank- and-file members. I am selfish in saying this, because we need material of as wide a range and variety As possible, and I am convinced we ^cannot get sufficient material from' name writers only. We do not want, to see artificial restrictions like a lease plan block- ing the channels through which there should be a free flow of story material from the writer to the market. MPAA's Educational Program of 7 Films Set by Arthur Mayer , The tedious task of picking out a full" program of ,seven ediicational pictures, which the Motion Picture Assn. of America majors will turn out, is nearing completion. Arthur Mayer, coordinator on the . project for the American Council of Educa- tion and the MPAA, estimated this week that production on the first major company educational might be started in two or three months. Major companies have appropriated $105,000, or $15,000 for each educa- tional picture. While RKO has been mentioned as likely to start on the first classroorn subject in this educational setup, no definite decision has been made on which company will handle the ini- tial- picture. But it now appears likely that an educational subject suitable for elementary schools cov- ering weather, seasons of the year and other elements of time will be the first of the subjects. Mayer explained how intricate the task of outlining this educational, program is because of many factors involved. One is that publishers of text books must be consulted s j that there will be no conflict between classroom school books and the screen subjects or no unnecessary duplication. Then the board of aca- demic advisers must be consulted in selection of an instructional film. Majors might farm out the pro- ductions if convinced that would be better than at own studio. Rawstock Dearth Forcing Some Labs In East to Shutter One Day Per Week Geo. Skouras' P.A. To Become Mrs. Joe Shea Janice Rentchler, in charge of ad- vertising-publicity for the Skouras circuit at headquarters In New York and with- the organization many years, has resigned effective Friday (7). She is retiring to become the bride. of Joe Shea, veteran publicist who has been on the road since last fall with the legit, "Harvey," which lays off during June. Reported Nick Matsoukas, head of the community service department with the Skouras . chain, of which George Skouras is president, will succeed Miss Rentchler. Leatherneck Minnie Indie Hollywood, June 4. Three former Marines, John Chad- wick, Keith Robinson and John Whitaker, organized a new 16m company, Cinemette Productions, to make narrow-gauge cartoons in color. Before they joined the Marines the trio worked for Walt Disney. Autry Preps 'Sue' Hollywood, June 4. Gene Autry checked in at Re- public for production huddles oh "Sioux City Sue,'' his first ' picture since leaving the Army Air Corps. Filming starts June^ 11, with Ar- mand Schaefer as producer. HEP HMS m*'-^ — • : : *■ ■ — - -f: • — ■■ — : ■ — Additional $10,000,000 Loss Seen Averted by End of Strike Crisis Make Mine Music The next two years in radio Is expected to see the return ot the musical show cycle. There hasn't been one in radio, of real trend pro- portions since the mid-'SO's, and they faded out of a dominant spot when the dramatic suspense show era bowed in. During the war years, of course, the accent was on top names which, in turn, cued the pat- tern for top-budgeted variety-formated shows with the comedic emcees ruling the roost. But with the return of loW -budgeted shows, it's viewed as more than likely that the 'musical-accented programs will circle the kilo- cycles much as they did 12 or IS years ago. It's anticipated that in lieu of "names," new vocalists, particularly, will be cropping up. For Mie musical shows are the ones that can be whipped together at mod- erately-scaled budgets; a $500 weeltly fee will be the "come on" for potentially good singers who may rate the top billing on tomorrow's shows. 'Rate Steakrs Sneaking Forward As Penny-Pinching Rules the Roost It looks like the "rating stealers" ♦ are coming out in full force. These are the low-budgeted mystery-crime- suspcnse shows that have been all oyer the kilocycles in increasing numbers in recent sea-sons and now appear, in the mad scramble of spon- sors to whittle down their program- ming costs, to be taking a firmer hold than ever. Decision of Wildroot to drop the Woody Herman Friday night pro- gram on ABC, and substitute the lower-budgeted Dashiel Hammctt crime series, is cited as but one illustration of the current thinking. While it's the feeling that over the next couple of years the musical- formated show will' come back Into its own, right now tlie boys are . thinking in terms of the "ratiiig stealers." For one thing,^ they can be wrapped up within the $3.000-$4.000 weekly bracket. For a long while they've noticed them solidly . en- trenched, particularly on ABG and Mutual, giving the top-name, heavy- budgeted opposition programs oh MBC and CBS a run for their. money. "The Shadow" on Mutual, "Inner Sanctum," etc., frequently pay off better than the opposition name shows,' both in terms ot comparative ratings vs. ' costs, and In moving merchandise off the counters. And today, with economy ttic walch'- . word, that's precisely what most of them are interested jn. 'Stairway' to Lhnbo Scheduled by Philco Philco's "Stiirway to the Stars'; Sunday evening ahow on ABC is checking oft on June 30, with some doubt existing at the moment as to whether or not sponsor will return in the fall. 'Stairway" went in several weeks ago as the summer replacement for "Hall of Fame," with original plan, to. segue back into "Hall" format in the fall. Philco production snafu^, however, has thrown the fall broad- casting plans into a state of flux. Like Cake But Wary of Eating It The .past couple of weeks has wit- nessed a reversal of thinking on the part of some of the top coin spenders in radio occupying choice time slots. These bankrollers, who usually stay en the air on a year-round basis, had served notice of intention to check off this summer for 13- week periods. Motive, of course, was to retrench on their billing,<;. The fact, however, that there are a flock of applicants for the desirable night-time segments, has cued the fear among the "hiatus-conscious" boys that they might be forced into ie.ss favorable niches when the fall rolls around. It particularly holds true at NBC, where the demand for good time hasn't diminished, despite the wholesale exodus of shows. Cancellations Catching Up With ABC Web Those "cancellation blues" appear now to be catching up with the ABC network, which up till now was per- haps more Immune from the si>on' sorship retrenchments than the other webs. On top of the current uncertainty as to whether the top-budgeted nighttime Philco "Hall of Fanie" and U. S. Sleel-"Theatre Guild of the Air" shows will return in the fall, the Prince Matchabelli-Stradivart show has cancelled Sunday after noon. Last show was Sunday (2). In addition, William H. Wise Co., the mail-order book outfit, is dropping sponsorship of the Galen Drake pro- gram effective July 7. Serutan has cancelled itself out as bankroUer of the Don Gardner early morning commentary, but ABC has grabbed a new sponsor, Seeman Bros., via the Weintrauli..a86ncy. Possibilit:^ of Armour bankrolling the Al Pea'rce layout and the new Swift contract for an additional 15 minutes of "Breakfast Club" had relped offset the "blues" dirge. Unrefreshiiig Hiatus Mulled by Coke Execs For MBS Band Program Coca-Cola Co. execs down in Atlanta, wrestling with the sugar situation, want to cancel out . the three. - times - a - week "Spotlight Bands" show on Mutual for an eight-week summer period. D'Arcy agency, which handles the coke ac- count, is reportedly trying to per- suade the outfit to stay on through the hot weather months. But, as of the moment, the feeling around Atlanta is to jump on the hiatus bandwagon since, coke production being what it is, the drink dIstriBs can siell jusl so much whether show stays on or; not. Apparently there'll be a decision within the next :fcw; days^ MBVaME Feel Economy Apparently the ad agencies weren't kidding when word got around that the payroll axe was be- ing sharpened as a result of the re cent nosedive in billings. Over the past week, in particular, the jitters became intensified at some of the key agencies, with .the chief topic around the trade concerning the lopping off of heads, and budget economics being effected. At Kenyon & Eckhardt agency, 10% pay slash has been inaugurated for all earning in excess of $5,200 a year, along with a promissory note that; if conditions return to normal in the fall, the coin will be restored. There's a lot of uneasiness around Benton & Bowles agency, with re- port*; that about 50 heads are going to roll. ■ Similarly, the economy axe swinging at Young & (Continued on page 54) LIS UP IT BLO(:VS.NBG By GEORGE ROSEN NBC's night-to-night overall su- premacy in pulling in the dial cus- tomers—a condition that's prevailed for so many years that the other webs would rather not count them — may come in for something approxi- mating a jolt when the new fall sea- son rolls around. Right now it's still a hazy picture as to how the reshuffling of top per- sonalities will finally crystallize. Pretty near anything can happen in the way of. new cancellations and the desire of sponsors to segue into low-budgeted programming. But as of the moment, there's been enough trading and checker-board maneu- vering to indicate that CBS is in a fair position of altering- the five- evenings-to-two ratio which in years past has put NBC far out in the lead. Taken night by night, here's how the drawing cards appear to stack up thus far: Sunday nifhl: With the Benny- Bergen-AUen parlay teeing off a new semester in September, it's NBC's night hands down. Not to mention the strengthened Fitch "in- betweener" spotting Phil Harris and Alice Faye. An indication as to how. tough it is to buck the Big Three is gleaned from the fact that CBS has the 8 p.m. (opposite Bergen) slot scant, with no takers. Monday nlchl: Despite the fact that Lever Bros, is yanking out the Joan Davis show in preference for low-budgeter, this still remains CBS' heavy audience night, with its back-to-back 90-minute "Lux Radio Theatre" and Screen Guild Players pix adaptation cycle. Both continue lb hit the bigtime via Top 15 Hoopi crating league. Add to this the fact that NBC's top Monday night draw- ing card, "Information Please" bows off for Socony. Tuesday niKhl: CBS and the others can close up shop. It's Fibber-Hope- Skeltoh on NBC and that takes care of the bulk of the listening audience. Wednesday nifht: The Bristol- Myers 60-minute showcasing of Ed- die Cantor and "Mr. District At- torney" has long given NBC the edge. But with Cantor exiting the B-M fold to work for Pabst; possibly in September, CBS is out to make a "kill" and Is trying to team up Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra as the initial overture to woo new listeners. The "Gilderslecve" move- over from Sunday to Wednesday, however, may still clinch it for NBC. Thursday night: This was once NBC's strongest night, back in the days when Bing Crosby was sur- rounded by a flock of top talent that stretched over a two-hour period. But now der Bingle is gone. And. with the possible exception of Jack Haley, there isn't a show of top stature in the whole stretch. There's a possibility that General Foods may move "Aldrich" into the spot being vacated by Dinali Shore, but for the most part the NBC Thursday sked ha.s fallen on pretty lean days. Unfortunately for CBS, it, too, is lacking in sock Thursday night programming. Friday night: The switchover of Cantor to the Pabst spot held down this season by Danny Kaye, along with the . Jimmy Durante-Garry Moore show for Bexall, would indi cate that CBS will be getting the edge, despite the "Duffy Tavern"- "People Are Funny" pulling draw for NBC. Saturday night: This shapes up again as pretty much of a 50-50 di- vision of honors. It's CBS' "Hit Parade" vs. the Procter, i Gamble two-way bid for NBC audience at- traction with "Life Of Riley" and "Truth or Consequences." Fluff of the Month ■ There's been a lot of wonder- ing around the trade why the Book-of-the-Month Club, which sponsors "Author Meets the Critic," has bypassed what, it's conceded, would be the top drawing-card of the year— air- ing of its June selection, "The Hucksters." So far the BOM sponsors have been laying low toward inviting any overtures for the prize "inside radio" broadcast of the year. Pitting of George Washington Hill, supposedly the real-life counterpart of the novel's . Evan Llewelyn Evans, against Fred- eric Wakeman, the author, would pack Madison Sq. Garden, it's agreed. CBS Would Parlay Smatra & Shore For Wed. Payoff Although Dinah Shore, who is be- ing dropped by General Foods, has served notice that she wants top billing in a solo vocal spot on her new show, CBS is making a de- termined effort to bolster its Wednesday 9 p.m. segment via a teamup of Miss Shore and - Frank Sinatra on the Old Gold show. Feeling is that, with Eddie Cantor possibly checking but of the oppo- sition slot on NBC this fall, rather than waiting until September of 1847, the Sinatra-Shore combo could well be the opening wedge toward CBS Wednesday night supremacy on audience pull. The back-to-back Bristol-Myers parlay of Cantor and "Mr. District Attorney" has "for years, put NBC way out in front on Wednesday listener response. Right now it looks like Joan Davis will move into the NBC slot being vacated by Cantor (come- dienne is bowing out of her Monday night CBS Lever Bros. spot). And CBS is so convinced that the Shore- Sinatra teamup will take the draw away from NBC that it's \yilling to talk in terms of all kinds of conces- sions, such as the network itself paying for line charges in the event of out-of-town dates, etc. The ad agencies, already dras- tically affected by strikes, produc- tion snafues,' material shortages, etc., heaved a sigh of relief last week when the soft coal strike was finally terminated. A check of the top agencies reveals the consensus that, had the. strike . continued an- other 30 days, they were prepared for network programming cancella- tions to the tune of an additional $10,000,000. That's the amount that's already been written off the. agency books by previous retrenchments. Ihdiistrial accounts that would have received a staggering produc- tion blow by continuance of the strike had served notice on the agencies not to expect them back in the fall if they couldn't get rolling immediately. For one thing, it would have been the death blow for the last vestiges of institutional programming re- maining on the air. And, while the clouds of uncertainty have lifted to some degree, there's still some ele- ment of doubt, say the agencies, of some of the top-budgeted shows re- turning in the fall. 'Home' Fires Bum Bright $ Horizon When the Score is tallied on 1946 47 advertiser billings, it's more than likely that American Home Prod- ucts will be right up near the top of the heap, on the basis of the pro- gramming deals currently beiiig wrapped up. At a time when most of the radio spenders are tightening the pur.'.e strings, AHP has just sewed up the Bob Burns show and purchased two additional daytime half-hours on CBS for a new Coast show, "Sur- prise Party," which tees off July 2 in the 3-3:30 slot. Deal was pactcd through Ruthrauff & Ryan on be half of the George Washington Cof fee (Foods Division) account. Plan is to spot the audience partic ipatibn show two afternoons a week during the summer, and expand it on a cross-the-board basis in the fall 'MAKE IT A MILLIOIS' Trailerizing a slogan "Make It a KrendCutsCabes Gab; Drops Van Kreml, sponsor of Gabriel Heatter and the Lyle Van noontime iiews strip on Mutual, is revising its radio programming schedule. Hair tonic outfit is droppfng the Sunday night sponsorship of Heatter, picking up the tab henceforth for only one of the Heatter commentaries instead ot three, and is cancelling but the^an daytime program. The two-way re- trenchment adds up. to $75:',06(i loss in Mutual billings, both taking effect about July 1. Report is, however, that Kreml wants to return to radio in the fall with a couple of half-hour nighttime shows, preferably on NBC or CBS. Abolition of the old rate card struc- ture, effective July 1, by prexy Ed Kobak, was one of the factors cueing Kreml decision to lop off -the Mutual billings. Cost would have shot up considerably, but attitude of network was that any preferential treatment to one sponsor would occasion squawks from others. When Van moves out of noon spot. Mutual plans to put George Carson Putnam into spot on su-staining basis. Web feels he'll be saleable in spot Shift in Heatter schedule cues the following moves: Barbasol will> re- linquish the Sunday 8:45 p.m. slot, with Heatter dropping out com- pletely. Barbasol will sponsor gab- ber on Wednesdays, 9 p.m., instead. R. B. Semler (Kreml) is relin- quishing Wednesday-Friday,*9 p.m., slots .starting June 28, but is holding, on to the Monday spot. Lineiip will then be Monday, Kreml sponsoring; Tuesday and Thursday, Zonite Corp. (Forhan's); Wednesday, Barbasol, and Friday sustaining. Mutual hopes to get a new sponsor for the Friday spot^ Million," U. S. Army recruitment is investing heavily in a spot campaign during June on 746 stations across the country. Slogan is cued to fact been recorded .lince- la.st September, _ _ . . that 750,000 Army enlistments have jshortwave cars pickin« up fenimcs m Riibicam, l and the Army wants at least 250,000 markets and at homes. more before the tend of this month. I Dave Voung produces. < • It's Bums VkeGildy Wlto Goes in for H3dy In Genera] NBC Swkeh American Home Products acquisi- tion of the Bob Burns show, which Lever Bros, is dropping, ha$ cued further juggling of the NBC pro- gramming sked. Burns is moving out of the 7:30 Thursday night slot ihe had long been anxious to capture _ better time) and he goes into the emcees to* be selected 'giving gais 1 6:30 Sunday e\cr.m". spot currently going oyer for merchandise prizes. | occupied by "Gilderslecve." And Show Via Shortwave Hollywood, June 4 "Surprise Party" starts July 2 over basic network of 34 TBS sUlions on Tuesday and Thursday from Holly- wood for 3b-minute ride. It's an- other audience participation shovi with Stuart Wilson and two other Highlight will be two emcees- in Gildersleeve," in turn, moves into the 8:30 Wednesday nijht niche, be- ing vacated by the Piuleigh cigaret- Hildegarde program, 44 R/urao iiBvniws WcJnetdayt June 5, 1946 "THE FABULOUS DR. TWtiBDY" WItK frank M«rk«n. Nui» Brysnl, ■ EMI* Green; Elliot DMiel. miulcal direetor; Bud Helitand, aiinonncer 'VIrller: Robert Riley Crutcher rrodiicer: Z. Wayne Grilfln 3« Mfns.. Sun., 7 pjn. PALL MALL WEAF-NBC. N, Y. (.Rxithfauff It Ryan) American Tobacco Co. has pur- chuscd this new Frank Morgan pack- age as the summer replacement show for Jack Benny, with George Wash- ii>gton Hill cancelling out the Lucky Strike commercial in favor of a Pall Mall buildup. The 'Sunday evening slot is being used as a "trailer" for the Morgan-Pall Mall tieup. with the comedian slated to go into the last-half of the Kay Kyser Wednesday night hour on NBC in the fall. Scripter Robert , Riley Crutcher has tried to pattern "Fabulous Dr. Tweedy" to the blustering Morgan comedy delivery mannerism. Actu- ally, he's taken up where he left off a year ago on the "Eddie Bracken Story " though with somewhat loss successful results.' That "delayed punch" technique of commg-back- for-your-line was really overworked on Sunday's (2) opening stanza. But aside from the Crutcher stock-m- trade which paid off as more sock comedy when patterned for Bracken, the scripter seems to have gone overboard on the double-entendre businei^. There were times Sunday when it bordered too close to mdigo for comfort. If "Tweedy" is slanted for familv attention— and Benny.s been spending years developing uni- versal appeal for the Sunday at 7 •segment— Crutcher had better thmk in terras of juve appeal, as well. Basically, his story material Is okay. With Morgan as a college prof in a girl s school, addicted to say- ing and doing the wrong things at the wrong time and inadvertently emerging as Mr. Fixit (shades of Bracken), it lends itself to mod- erately amusing comedy. . . Morgan gets a good assist from Eddie Green (doubling from 'Duffy s Tavern") and Nana Bryant, with Elliot Daniel taking care of the or- che.stral bridges. • Pall Mall commercials are laid on with the same thickness as Luckies. with a reprise of the war- time "on the land— in the air— on the sea" sound effects and the trip- hammered "cooler, smoother plugs. You really know Morgan is out to sell Pall Mall. -THE COKE CLUB" With ^Morion Downey, Leah Ray, David Ross, Coke Club Quartet, Jimmy Lytell Oroh Prodnoer-Dlrector: Paul Lonb Wrifter: Hector Chevlfny IS Mins.; Mon.-Frl., 12:11 p.m. COCA-COLA WOR-MBS, N. T. (D'Arci/) Mutual has moved this show, long- time' aired over its network giinus New York, into its flagship with a format revision and a buttressing of Morton Downey with, the Coke Club (Quartet. Show's basic new feature is a twlce-a-week salute paid by Downey to a "big, little American" who has performed some notable public service. The tribute is de- livered through straight narration and on the new show's preem Downey gave the verbal palm to a Chicago citizen who arranged lor some recreational facilities to be opened for teen-agers on the south side. Show, emerges as a so-so melange of gab and music. Downey's thrush- bird warbling of "Everyone Is Say- ing Hello" and "Welcome to My Dreams" > might appeal to listeners deep in the snows of yesteryear but certainly lacks a modern note. Ap- pears, moreover, to be straining for the high register which was Downeyls trademark. Backing up with some fancy harmonizing, the quartet took over by themselves for one oldie, "Memories'' which they rendered with suitable mazola. Jimmy Lytell's orch has a pleasing accent on strings. Emceeing the show In Informal stylCi Leah Ray strikes an in- gratiating manner in her chattering with Downey and David Ross' handling of the Coca-Cola plugs is InoFfensive. Program is transcribed, ."OPERATION STATESIDE" With Ray Lewis, Jane Drennan, Henry Leff, Dick Ellers, Edwin MacDonald ' Wrltfcr'Producer: Dick Bertrandlas 3« MIns.; Thurs. (3t), 9:3* ajn. SuslainluK KPO-NBC, San Francisco This was an emotionally dramatic poetic prose narrative depicting the impressions of an unidentified (3.1. returning to his Jiome after serving in the armed forces. It related the tense reactions of a home-hurtgry boy, provoked by situations, voices. Bounds and evients as he progressed from his ship through Separation Center, tj home-town and discharge. The show superlatively highlighted facts and fears which face all re- turning war vets. It was excellently written and effectively produced by Dick Bertrandlas, recently, returned frbm service, and well siipported by competent cast with Ray Lewis turning in a . sensitive lead role por- trayal. -■ Show previously had been offered April 20 and was repeated as Memorial Day feature because of sodk listener reaction. Ted "OPERATION CROSSROADS" flflth Joseph E. Davles, Albert Bln- steln, Gen, Georc* C. Kenney, Sen. Rrlen McMahon, Harold Urey, Harold C- lokes, hep. Jerry Voor- hb, Mrs. Wendell Wlllkle, Vlce- Adm. W. H. P. Btendy, Dr. Lather Evans, Archibald MaoLelsh, Har- old E. $tas.ponsorship of ."The Shadow" on the 87 Mutual .staMoas on which it s now being bankrolled by Grove Labs, ii) the southwest and west, .starting Sept. 8. Carey Salt and Blue Coal will continue sponsoring it in the midwest and east respec- livelyi .Contract, for 52 weeks, is throush the Ajthur MeyerhofI Ascncy, Chi. In the 5-5:30 p.m. slot on the wc.'itern .stations, it s the first network .show Washington, June 4. * Application of CBS to purcha.se Staiioti KQW, ."SOOO-walt San Fran- cisco outlet owned by the BrUnton Bros., was nixed la.st Friday (31) by KCC. Sales ticket wa-s. $950,000. Vote was four lo two. with Cliffoi d J. Durr and Ray Wakefleld dissent- ii'.U. KCC statcjLIt did not believe net- works ..'tations is a pretty good ceiling for a web. CBS owns seven outright, of which six are 50,000-watt clear channel powerhouses. No other net owns more than five. There appears a strong possibility that CBS may take the matter to court to test the commission's aii- Ihorily to limit the number of sta- tions a single owner can control.- Actually there is no official lid on the liuiuber of standard outlets, and this is the first case in the standard field in which FCC has'said to. a sinjjle owner: "You've got enough." Commission has a limit of six on FM chaimcis: and flye on video. In that connection, CBS may also test the authority of the FCC to limit the number of FM stations. Web, which has FM outlets in New Yoi'k and Chicago, and applications in for Bu.ston, Los Angeles. St. Louis and Minnciipolis. lasi week filed -an application for a seventh FM chan- nel—in Washington. A release by CBS in Washington stated signifi- cantly: "It was pointed out that the appli- cation does not now raise any ques- tion under the FCC ruling limiting FM station owiUMship by any one licensee to six outlets, as .such a Hucstion would not arise until the FCC had granted six FM licenses to CBS:" Thrf.e Reasons In its application to purcha.se KQW, CBS laid down three rea.sons tConlinucd on page 52) General Food$ Shutters MBS 'House of Mystery' "House of. Mystery," the General Fobds-spoh.sored show on Mutual, recently awarded top network honors in the juve division at Ohio State lER Conference, bows oiil this Saturday t8). While Benton on account, still holds a six-week re- newal option for fall airing, move, coming in wake of whole.sale GF retrenchment, looks like "permanent rblderoo unless grain situation im- proves. Show was created by Bob Max- well, juve package specialist, follow- ing story preference survey made by Dr, Robert Thorndyke of Colum- bia University. Data compiled re- vealed that moppets of both sexes in wide-age range preferred supernat- ural mystery to any other format. Olga Druce, agency producer-di- rector of vhow, resigned this week and is weighing other offers, among thenx production of adult version of "House of Mystery." known, that manager James Gaines I lotio n company has sp onsored: and asst. manager, W. Burke Miller :, are heading ' the planning board, wliich expects to come up witiv .some big-scale public Service shows by fall. New AFRA Pact, Miller, who came out of the Army only on April' 1, after having been with OSS, u.sed to be in charge of the net's public service programming before he went into uniform. Qn his shoulders lies most of. the re- sponsibility for spending that cool million to show New York and the country that when NBC's flagship it Bowles, agency i goes in for shows-"in the public in- Spark Fireworks Six resolutions, some of them ex- pected to spark lively nppo.silion. are terest" it does so on a bigger and j coming before a meniber.ship meet- better scale than any ever seen be- ■ ing of AFRA's -New York local fore. . I Thursday night f6). Feeling among network execs is 1 At the same time, signs of on- Cragston Out Of ABC Co-op Setup coniing negotiations for i-enewal of the AFRA contraict with the .net- works were seen in the fact that the meeting was scheduled to elect a committee to- deal with wages and working conditions.' Two of ihe resolutions, which arc expected to be passed without much argument, deal witli condeinnation of the Lea •Anti-PetriUo" bill and ilio Ciise Bill. DL'II D J* M T* J ■'^ resolution that may cau.>;e a rnUly KaaiO-IieWS lie I dispute is one adopted by the Na understood to be that, NBC being the profitable operation that it is, can afford to invest that $1,000,006 in •■fancy'* programming as an example to the rest of the country. Daily News Dickering For WDAS, to Complete Philadelphia, June 4. I The Daily News, Philiy's only i tabloid, is reported dickeri'ig f-,r the j purchase of WDAS, 250 waiter which '. is independently owned. If the deal ' jells, it means that every local news- j paper will have a direct radio ticup. | The Inquirer owns WFIL. ABC out- ! let; the Evening Bulletin operates WPEN, non-network, and the Rcc- ! ord recently purchased WC,^U. CBS ' outlet. ! Neither Lee EUmaker, publisher I of the News, nor Alexander Dan-' nenbauni. WDAs prexy, would ciis- , tional Board of AFRA but about which the N. Y. chapter board has done nothing. This resolution con- demns opponents to OPA. The tra- ditional split between ''ivory tow- eritns" and their opponents is likely to develop over this resolution. Another resolution calls for tii-ht- ening the- constitutional provision.-^ for filling the unexpired term of ' a National Board member. This j re.solutioh cites the fail that Juano Hernandez has • resigned from tho | BIT ABEL GREEN When Jack Benny returns in the fall it will be his 15th year in radio. With the progression of time, the comedian has noticed , a number of things in radio trends and cycles, particularly as these concern com- edy shows. . First: I f i he llvst half-year is good, the audiciice will accept almost any- Ihiiig thereafter, he feels. Consi.stent listening, say until after the holi- days, and especially if audiences like the programs, conditions them, de- spite Ihcmsclves, to thinking- every- thing is great: The theory of "the greatest .show yoii ever did" is fallacious, says the vcter,-ih comedian, because . "ril prove it this way.- 1 think 'Born Yesterday,' which we just saw on Bioadway, is the greatest show 1 ever saw. Now, as I say it, I kno\y that's wiong because you and I have -said that dozens of tinics about -the greatest this and the greatest that. Ill other words, it's your best le- memborcd. meaning your most re- cent program, which is the deter- mining factor. In actuality Allen and ! have done other 'greatest' shows but )iow they're talking about ' Freds Mr. and Mrs. satire with Tal- Iiilah. or my appearance with hiih this p;!.st Sunday." Amateors Gel Leeway Di.spo.cing of that, Benny feels ."iii-onKly about some other things in radio. Mo.st recent is the trend for those .somewhat .screwball-participa- lion pro.^rams. chiefly of a daytime Jiature. wherein nervous audience candidates have been known lo com- mit ..some quite awkward faux p;;?. Bcniiy observes, without laboring the point, becau.sc his comedy .style doesn't depend on s.a. gags or leer- ing delivery that nonetheless it docs surpri.se all comedians how they are subjected to all sorts of censorship rcstrjcl ions, whereas these other programs gel; .so much latitude. While he- dismi.s.ses it a.s-. not being particularly a major concern, says Benny, let any of the topflight com- ics essay ad libbing which the day- lime quizmasters and interviewees of the. sundry bride-groom, honey- mooi'i, "queen'' and- kindred shows iiidulse in— and they'd hear fioin ,«poii.--or. network and public pronto. Rcfcjing to VARiE'fY's tabulation roctntly, indicating that fhe same ra- dio t<>|>notthers in lOie were on top 10 years aso. he thinks there's, no I Continued on page 52) Finally, there are two resolutions i 'Author Meets Critics* asking that a membership meeting be called for a report after AFRA's Seasonless Listening Stressed by KMBC In Ballyhoo Cured to DST Kansas, City, June 4. KMBC's promotion deparlmeht has rigged up a daily newspaper cam- paign as a kick-back against the loss -of iune-in due to daylight sav- ing lime, and the resultanl jumble ■it has caused in prograinming and lisleiier appeal here. Promotion director E. P. J- Shurick has a series of 12 to run in 12 dailies throughout the territory during ihe summer months when D. S.T. gunis up the work.s. Theme of the , series advi.scs listeners to gel their radios in shape now foi' the big programs ahead, and ads list those big progranis as appearijig right now. It's also calculated as a bulTer against the summer slump in listening, when some of the bigger shows clear the air waves. Tile total of 144 insertions will carry through June and July. Stressing such phra.ses as "Warm Weather Li,-.leniiig Hints," "No Va- cation for Big Programs," and "News Is Hot the Year 'Round." .sc- ries begins in consumer dailies ncvl •vveek. A. shakeup took place this week in the ABC's cooperative programming dept., and llie ihufTle found Bariiey Cragston (tepping out suddenly. Dope was that top leadership of the tuss the nrgolialions, but 't is 'uiown I national convention, to be held in net has been di.ssalisfled with co- j||,gt EUmaker has been' ai'xious to ' August, and tor quarterly niectin;;s | op department'.s lop-heavy organi'/a- I buy into a radio station, since the : of AFRAitcs to di.scuss matters of! lion as a separate entity. | other three Philly papers now have general concern, to mcmber.s. First : According to one soui'ce, the ABC 1 station affiliations. For s'i. with Ihe re- sult that, some of the ABC execs felt their co-op dept. was not doing as well as it should; Crag.slon's sudden bdw was laid to "conflicting opinions on polic.v mat- lei'.<." His place was taken tem- porarily by Muri-.iy Grabhorn, man- ager of Ihe web's .--talions sales dept. .^s .such, Grabhorn was responsible for the co-op setup anyway. While watching co-op. GiablVoni conliiuM-. also a.s coortliniilor of the network's O&O. stations as well :is head of the .spot .>iaJcs dcpl. Larry Suites reinaiiis sales man- ager lor .ABC c»-i>p, «mIi Lyi) Wil- .son heading the lu oiiiotiitn i.iid crc - alive (livi.'-ioii. iiiul Ludw i>; .Siinnitl as office niaimtCr. association with WDAS, scheduling regular news .shots and other pro- grams. The paper and ra-|R) station have al.so worked together i'. luiiner- Sccond bears the signatures of Casey Allen; Frank Butler. Malcolm Childs. I.Mary Hunleri Winston O'Kccfc. Doii^ na Keith. Emit Rcnan.. Alex Scoui by ' and Martin Wolfson. Trails CarlinSix Years; He Finally Succumbs "Airihor Mc< Is The Critics.' which swilclii-d recently from WTiN. .V. Y. lo WQXn, ;,l.so goes on Mutual Rtt- work June 12. MBS' N. Y. oi;tltt. ■ won. howovci'. won't carry show. WQXR's program will be .sponsoied, I as bcfoi-c. by Book of the Month Club. Mutual net program will- be Top 15 and the Opposition Willi Biiip Crosby e.viiiiig (lie Krw/t Mk.sIc Hrtll. slioir loolt n Ti.l iio.sedire i" I'le (nic.vt lAInii 3(it /fooper lallies. di.siippcni'nio jfroiii ilie Top |.S fankx and iriirriiiiy iip No. T.i on the l/.oopcr puriulc. lEihrard Ervrell Horlon iiioucs iiilo KA//1 Jimc 13, week earlier i/uiii oiiiyinrtdi/ SCI.) . Gull/ .vi.r o/ (lie .sliou's fnriiu; i/ie s(i/I" oppo.s-iiioii o/ lli« To|f 1.") suc- ceeded ill crushing l/ii-oii«/i irii/i ini H.O or liellt'r in llie IiiickI report. It, ti-d.s -ifope, Sl.cltoii. t'iblier in the One, 'I'n o, Three- sjiot, u il/i Al.leii moving iii/o No. 4 posilion. I'llOGRAM Bob Hop .... ......... 27..')~ Red Skcllon ... . ...... 24.2 Fibber &. Molly........... 2:t..') Fred Allen -. , Itl.H .Str(-en Guild Players . 111.7 "Lux Radio Thcairc" .. 10.0 Charlie McCarthy . !«.« "Mr.. Di.-trict Altoi ncy"! . . .. IH.-I Jark Benny : Walltr WirK'hcll 17.4 Kay Ky.-icr ... Ui'.i .lack ll.'ilcy :. Ii: :i "Take U-L(-ave Ii " . . .. \n.'> .•',ijb' \ 9.,T "T( li pliunc Iliiui". / (i.4 "Intiii niatictn PU a.^c" 8.2 Bi.ij Cro-by 10.0 ".M.-iiihatlMi .Mi.ii-.v-GorRi.-.iiHr (1.(1 "lliiur kI Chill in " ii.4 "Irmci Sanctum" .•uslainin.:;. Shows will not be the .amc. the ■ two iJio^rams calling for rlid'crcnt - books and critics, with John K. M. , McCrfFri V howe ver emco. in.f; b(ith ' programs. WQXR s is a Tluir.iOay I y:l{(l p.m. shu-.v. rtbroadcast by trnn-. '.-^ciiption Sund.-iys 2::)0 pjn. MiitiK.-rs • sluiw. a live one, will he heard I Wi (inc.sdays: lft::)0 p.ni. I Ownu-pr'oductr Martin Slon-.r aiul j Miilual'.-: ijiO'^ramming hc"d Phillips iCarlin )il;.-n e^■p.■.ndi^.^ J-iKS' .sh-.iw. pichinj; up authors outside N. Y, on rtmote sliu«,s, iran.sportin'; show^ a.": ;; r ,i.s Molly vvnod for tho piu'po.sc. I'-'ilm ra-,jiinl i.s lobked on .is p.M ilcu- • ily iiiviiin.':. because of authors ' fi\: in rc.'ii.. with .some, of a pic's stais lirrsMit ;is v.tll the author ; I'liiri still.; angle is that S'onc aii- ; ciliiined liis sliow^ for NBC rix yi-ars ; :.;;o, ' v.h( n Carlin, then .with NBC, .liniicd it dov.n. Four yi-ars :.;;o, ;v. -itii r.U'lMi had swilchv:'i t.) ttie ■ EImc i.ABCi, he turn(:d it eown ' ; tifiiv when -iibmiltcd lo liim. Since .jiiiiiiriv Mutual, he's eh.in;L'ed hi.s .Ml). 46 WeimMJmjf June 6, 194^ CBCs 'Confiscation Policy Is B> ( if AltLES J. LAZARlfS Montreal. .111116 i. Olio poicnl fac< can be gleaned fiiiii! tlie Cunadian Am;)!, of Bi-oad- CHsl<»is foiii-day •'cohvontion con- cliidoJ in Quebec City last Thiiis- d;iv ciO". Though the CAB., as a borU. lias dnimmcd up cnoujih cmiiauc u> piolest certain CSC. ac- lioiis.— i.e.. the taking over ol iiidic fri-qiitfiu-icp— the . individual indie nuMnbcrs are generall.v disnppoinletl ji: tl'.o rcsvfll.- of the parlc.v. and do. n.'i vo; r jls iin.'il\ diriicull to esliil)lish as y; ulmi tlic CAB intends to do of- iui;ill> Willi rosards to n.iihlins; the CBC oti ccilaiii issues. Bui for the ii-coiil. ilio c-oiucntion, in a rc- UM.-.cf! >l;i!cnicnt. protested CBC"s inlei ;crciiic with the fivciuoiicios or Viriv :;nlii.i stations, and proposed ihc si-i;lri;; up of "a new and inipar- \ -.tV b-'tiy to rcKulate oporatioii of ail Canadian broadeastiH!; stations. Tlio icU-a to set up an "imparliar liinl,\ to (Viotrol radio broadcasliiii; i« (-1 .i;rcater siijoiricance than in.vihi ; ppcar al first glance; siiiie i; is the lir.-it step taken by any or- U>ir.i/.rd Kioup of Canadians to siiii) CBC of some of il.^ p.t)\v(>r. CBC ii! its present setup has iit rolled radio system, and.i ' rr •;i:iii); as top authority over Ciiii- adian radio. Should the CAB pro- |)os:il be iinplemented at a. fiiluie date, il will nioaii simply that CBC'i; mil" as Canadian radio czar, will be doni- away with and a bpd.v similar 111 the FCC in U. S. would be formed. What llie C.^B can actually do: in soi-inu lh;M ils • idbas are put into piarlico. remains. to be seen. Meanwhile. Ihoujih many siibjecls were discui^scd at the confab it wat; e\ idem lh:ii the indie ops were pri- mal i'.i interested ill dcalinj; with their worry No. 1. The indies swprd-of-Damocles leeliiiji was heightened by CBCs move In lake over the frequencies of CFRB. Toronto and CFCN. Cal- vary. Where the axe will, fall nCxt. il"e- indies' main worry at piesi'iit. sieve it's iinknowii what the next imive on the part of CBC will be. -Vlrw Wit'ii Alarm" Ci'ii'f beef ii: the ofTicial CAB sMieinei!l was the "absurd" siliialion wlu'.ein llie CBC "while competiii.u will' ii'itependcnl stations, al the saire liie.e reuiilatcs and controls il>- C'liiM'el ito' s. " ■ So lon.« as the CBC occnpic.- the fie'fl 1)1 commercial broadcaslint. it sI'M- 1(1 be eonfined to it.- brcad- r.is il l; activity and should not in- teiiiMr with, or regulate its com- peM;iiis." the statement added! Tliou.nh not naniins the atleeled staliiiiis specifically 'why. il could no! In; learned i CAB adopled a reso- luiioii that • viewed with alarm" the CBC plan to move in on indie frv- queiicies. li was not in ihc public ' iiileiesi "that the CBC be permilled . til iiilei fere" with such tiequeiicies. tlio lesoUilior. said, meanwhile iii- siriuiiii;; ll-.c CAB directors and of- li.erv ••(„ oppcise the proposal as \ i'.;iiioo.-.|y as possible " Wlllc 111,. CAB . didn'i : iiidicjle viMI fiii-m ils 'vigoipus" oppiisilion til CBC plans would lake! and tliiii'!;!; il dosen't appear, on the sin -, face iii:.vw:iy. that there's vei y niuch il car till for the time beiiiK. it's iiiin e liuiM likely thai the . conslaiii bi-i ls a(;aii:.-i| ihe CBC On the pa; I ni li e Midie op^. members of por- liairei'i and the Canadian public, lia- leached ihe showdftwn stase. Il.iii.x Sednwick. CFRB op and ri'a r 11.111 of Ihe CAB board. >aid l e- ceMl.v ilu.i •If the CBC takes over oi'i wave leiifilh it wilt be ijiifii- imnii ; li)ei i.\ . . We intend to u.^e I'very lexitiip.dle inean.v. to pel.-iiHdr Ihe y.ivernmci:! Ihal it wmild be nil la i I'arliumenlary A.ssuranre r:.ii ;.er in titc week, the Hcru.'-e of- Civimifi's -ca., 'told that the !Fi-flera: Governmci'.t "l-as ho intehtion ol disposse..>i'-^" the op? of CFRB until all ii ie.e-ted partie.- have a chance, fo ap.je.ir before the. Parliaini'ntary ud'o con:rr.lttt'e. ir.'. not kr.ow ii as yel. nor wa.- .it dL-.closed at the convention, whether the CAB «as invited, or iriietids to «ubm:t it.s iecofr;mendalii.iii.-. to the (Continued on page ; Canada Also Exercised Over Freedom of Radiol I Ottawa. June 4v ! ', Next : session of Canada's parlirt- I menl will be presented with a "bill j of riijhl.s-' which will include "free.- 1 doins (if press and radio." according ■ to Progressive-Conservative n\einber ■ John biefenbaker. . . The MP. Nvho will pre.sent the new: bill. .said. "Freedom of radio is ; ol' niajor significance in view ot the (iovcrnnicni's decision to deny the provinces the ri^ht to operate radio stations. In ni.v opinion; it GoyernT ineni-cnnlrolled thouglit oyer pro- vinciaily-ow'ned • stations is danger- ou.s. it becomes immcasurnbl.v niore so if Ihe re.deral Govcrnmenl e.Ner-" cises like control over a nalioiial sysiem." . . ■ • B&B Preps /Our Town' For American Rail AssD. Benton Sc Bowlee has taken «ii opt tiou on Thornton Wilder's prize- winning legiter, "Our Town," for possible radiia show to introduce Assn. of American Kailroads, its clieni into .radio. BiiB has had a script done, but 1»o casliiiK or auditions as yet. WHl present 'Town" and other ideas to client in midsummer, for . fall setup. ■Rail assii.. . hitherto confining promo- iion efToi-Ls to magazinies, will likely curtail latter outlay fpi- new; i'adio. .sponsor.ship. t M > t 1 1 1 1 t t 1 1 1 1 **tt******1***** *t »ttt t n H M I MH- From the Production Centres 'Audition Playhouse' Ties Up the Loose Ends^ Giving Idea Man a Break Fresh idea in radio progi'amming, i.-; claimed for ' Audition Playhouse." new package show now making . a.i;i'ncy rounds. Show's chief fuhc- iion is to gfve a hearing to radio ideas which haven't got beyond the I sci jpi sl;i,s;c. Each week the show- spots one 'aiidilioh script" of a slunv idea. Format varies weekly— diamatie. variety. musical or coincdy. Admittedly ihe flock of package agencies have scripts, which tliey've ne\ er had a chance to produce-,-and which no one has bought. In addi- lioii. freelance writers, college radio work.shops and non-pros have ideas which agency and network prograni buyers have, bcch loo busy lo thumb Ihioiigh. Show will present idea in dramatized form taken o(T the air in- stead of a sciipt, aiding in ils prps- ptctive sale. New show will be a showcase for prospective sponsors, .ijivinj; them a new program idea each week at the same lime presenting an enlcrlainmenl program. At end of 13 wcek.s. best show in .series will be given a tryout by sta- tion or .spon.-ior. \vho will then share in Ihe program. Show, a half-hour, once- weekly., iy being produced by Jack Lloyd, through his Internation- al. Radio & Television Features. WMCA, N. Y.. is now considering it for a stistainer. but Lloyd is hopeful of picking up a sponsor promptly! ■ Hpll.vwbod, June 4. . . Likelihood: of a Radio Academy presenting awards for outstanding work at the. same time that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does, becomes highly pos- sible- with Nat'l Assn. of Broadcast- ers'' board slating that plans for such aii - Academy "had been approved in j)rinciple." Action, it is understood. Will be pres.-ied ai the NAB board ineeling in I Ksle's Park. Colo.. Augii.sl. 7-9. Con- ctirreiii piesehtalions of film and radio. Academ.v awards i>exr year wovild -be' p(issible. provided Acad- em.v plans were pushed . before the close of this year. i Proposed plan calls for a wide nieinbership basis: divided into 12 branches: management; artists, musi- cians, writers, tlireclors! producers, lievv.s ediiors and commentators, ad- vertisinK aKencies. sponsors, public i'elation> pcrsoni\el. engineers, and the . public through radio listener cnunpils eslablished in every corn- inunily where there is one or more iadio transmitters. '" Under the plaii. awards would be made on both local and national levels, ijiversiiy of membership ii; to prevent control or domination by aiiy single interest. j St. Louis — Garlh Slaisbury has joined the news slafT at. KWK. He served three years as an artillery oflicer after his graduatioiT from the Missouri U School of Journalism. WPEN Juggles Sponsored Shows Around to Permit 2-Hr. Philly Dell Concerts Philadelphiii, June 4. WPEN last week Eigned for the broadcasting rights of Robin (loud Dell concerts, forcing several ad- vertisers lb shuffle their lime so that the entire two-hour programs niay be aired. . WPEN, which is owned by the Evening Bulletin, will broadcast the Monday aiid Wednesday programs al [ the Dell. Monday conccrLs regularly feature name soloists. Wednesday nights arc set aside for all sym- phonic concerts. Max deSchauensee, Bullet'in music editor, will annotalc the concerts. WTIC Develops On-Spot Coverage Of Major Events for Edited Shows Hartford. June 4. EITeclive method of radio new.s broadcasliim technique has been ■ developed by Leonard Patricelli. prograiii maiiager-,of WTIC. 50.000- watier here. Formal is a digest of the high- li.ijhls of a newsworthy affair on. a ma-ler record, with selections from imporlaiu speeches of individual- involved, with a commentary by a ' slali.on iiews: mikeman. Simple as 'it .■rounds, il tall~ for a great deal . of .piodiiction work, and the complete ■ utilization of a stalion'.-. facilities. I| i'- mil iniended for On the spo! broadcasting, but lor use in a iiev.^ broadcaslinj! period or othier tune set a.^itlc foi airing of th<- special evciil ,. Ifii-a wa- tested by Palricell, in covei aiie of tlie 47th annual nieei.n.ii' here of the Conneclicul Chambe.- ot ('•■iinini-rri' on May 22. Se.-. ioi, :>.„■ ai^ arici'ii jiiii ar;d evening alfa/: ari'i (■J.irien (ivcr six .':Olia ho ii.i. o; spef c'ii- by ■ 1 1 spijaker.-; ' :-evei a;! oi V. Iio'ii ail; iiationally (jn'.-.v; T'. liive. coii,pj<'ie CO- j.Tago WTtC fi.' 'wo ciimiieer.- and a rrikcrt-'-ri m tl,f iin i tin;;. Corripleie irari.sf.r LpliOr v.a. made of. il|i- doiibh' ■.'■h^iif In final broadcast forrr proni hir, wa.- eilu-ied a half-if.our lOo; A-!lh nieai; of 'orielavt »p>;;i!;e. aired, arid a roi-.Tuir^ tdu-.rrA-tt'ni : n Berna.fl .Mi ili.' h/vid ti.'.'i')i..'»".-i M'jMin.^. v.ai(:cd u^, aod tu eai 'i ' speaker by reviewing iniportant I newsworthy statements of each, and i then brought in speaker's voice I making direct statement. Editing ! was by Tom Eaton, news biireRii ■ chief. Willi .sci'iplihg by Mullins and Eaton. On In An Hour Program was aired by stalion less Ihiiii an hour after, final speaker of evonin.g jfot olf the podium. To cover Ihe affair, the station utilized the services of personnel from' eii- gineeriiig, produclion and. news de- pailrnents. in all a total of seven per.soiis wei e.ii'-cd lo gel the ma.Mei lecord into final form for airing. Whai.iriade job more difficult v,-as lack cif sc.rtpr-; by aomt of the .-pcakyi.v This mtani thai wrilleii rettird had i<> \,'- rnade! from f.ide> . 'lit, foi edilKiK purpose. Th» nnal iialf-hoiii <)iOi v,a., made fiorn IB ••iiij.n.i; Ki-iiifi. .<,de;, Froir [hi-^i- J'i dijbi>ifii{, J '.■>!■ !m\ logether iiiin II ciji. for ti,>- ai; finaie. S^aiioi I, pliinnirig l/j give ;■!■■■, f, It,- i-T-.i-^f [I, Irnporiani af- ,'a:i . KI ^.r'.!U' fa .)\\i>i, A''coladp r.-t- t- ■■i\ii-;>'l: t,t-i-, . f.if y b" WTIf; fof II-: ma-'crful ftoviage of if.e cof.f lA v--- 7 hicr ir,Mijd<'/| speal'- VII- .t, Cir. /;a-,vr.',rid Bald-/-;. Wi'.'lfiiht K^••'rlf>ff.'•rl. si'.'-f.ce M.. •'II ',t 'I'l y. Tiir.t--.: T):/- r Ul■.,:■ ■■'>'. 'U.tiiii^- \ir-,\i\ t'lt'f,'-,- i; S A.,j' .A"',; • /• f;i.r,-i, , ■ IN TSEir YORK CITY , Frank Stanton, CBS. prexy, back lron\ soiilh, where he got an honorary LLD degree IronV Birmingham Soiittiern. . , .He'll be dittoed this irionih bv Ohio Weslyen, . , .Oillelle is picking . up the U>1> to air the finals of the open champion.ship from Cleveland on June 15 and the amateur fii^uls Xroin New Jersey on Sept. 14. . . .Alfred M. Kallman. of CBS engiiieering stafi, wiliinarry Nan Coburn. as.sislant .to Jo Hanson, WHN press chief, the com - iiig weekend,.,. . .Brooklyn's SOQlh birthday will be obsei-ved with .several specials- over WHN on Jiine i2. Borough President John Cashinore and " Brooklyn Eagle executive ed Edwin B.. Wilson will be iii group of. Brook- Jynile.s pi!irlicipatint; iii round table on ^'whither Brooklyn." Red Barber will do special phm during his broadcast of t>odgcr game. . . , Lumberioii, N. C'.'s WTSB joins Mulual as full time affiliate Idday (fi.i. makitnj SKSili slHlioii in MBS net, Paul Moyle is manager , . : , . Rita Hurwick. WOV liack. engaged to Johnny Hynies. oj Blow aeency and. ex-ehief of station relations bureau in the OWI pomeslie selui>.... An Henley has wrapped up the righls to ■ the old Ballyhoo, for a half-hoiir comedy show based on the Norman Anthony -edited, iiiag. with Anthony also in on deal for an as.-^isl. '. . .Jeanne Cagney joins "Slellu ■Dallas" players . .. .Inge Adams and John Haby added to "Our. Gal Sunday "... .Doris Daitoiv new lo "Lora Lawton'"; Elaine Williams new additioii to "Baekslage Wife" cast ... .Marvin Youhg (& ShuberlV to Chicago last weekend on busi- ness! . ..Mulual's Fratik Ziizulo ab<;ent last week with strep throat recur- retice. .. .Wayne Murray and Marilyn Boshnick rneinbpr.s of CBS' expi-ri- mentallheisp group. .. .Elajne Kont and Jack Manning iiVto the cast of "Li);lit of the World". . . .Jilhnity Olson andjiis "JLadies Be Seated" back Mon. 13k from a personal a|)pearance lour in 'Erie and Cleveland ■!. .Charle.s Itarrell. ABC producer, huddling with Herniaiv Timberg. cbniedy writer, on a new Broadway legiter for fall production. Cliff Carpenter, bill of the service, is back in. hi.-: lead role , on ABC's "Terry and the Hirales." w'hich he lllled before he was in uniform. Oweii Jordan, who subbed for him, has resigned. .. .George Zachary oil for llic Coast to do linal shape-up of Kord Festival of Atne'ricBn, Miisic wliicU preems Juiie 30. . . .Scripter.s Hedda and Norman Roslen are parents now. ■ It's a girl Albert N. Williams, of Stale Depl.'s short wayery. has soltf a! yariT'to, Colliers. .. .WNEW's waltage-upping. license-renewal hearing before FCC. is expected to hit fron| pages when Aide Bulova. relOrns to Xace the music at N. Y. hearing June 18 Mulual's \y. Patrick. Burkbardt doubliiiK ill assi.slani production' spot on "Married For Life," while doing promolioti for show. ,! . Is Tide's new mag going lo have .something Id do with radio and television','. . . .With Bill Berns on vacation, his brother Sain is running his "Sunday In Hollywood" show on WNEW. ... .Art Ford's all- ni){hl"Milkman's Matinee'' on WNEW renewed oh long-lcrm basis, to June 1. 1949. .. .Jocko Maxwell, said to be only Negro sport.seasler in the conii- Iry (he's on WWRL). now also doing publicity for Newark. N. J;. Eagles. Manufaclurers Trust Co. of N. Y. bought WEAF's "Around the Town With John Cooper " for Mon.-Wed.-Fri.. 7:30-7:4S.p.in. slot, local N. y. onl.v, for .52 weeks. McCann-Erick.son is-agei\cy. Adverse criticism in Variktv last Week of Jane Hoffmai\'.s actiiig in "Angels Don't Marry." Du Mont television show, was slightly e.\ag(ceraled— : especially since the lady wasn't.' even there. Because of sudden illness. Miss Hoffman pulled out of the cast al the last minute, and. sinre the DuMont flackery didn't make an.v announcement to the coiUrary. it whs taken for granted that the actress in question was Mi.ss Hoffman Radio section of the U. S. Savings Bonds Division (formerly War Bonds Divi- sion i moves to New York June 15. operaliuK under Brent, O, Giinls. IK CHICAGO . . . James E. Brown, formerly promotion manager with John E. Pearson Co., joined WBBM sales staff . . . .Norman Blackburn, of the J. Waller Thompson' agency, in town for look-see. .. .Howard Kellihg to Coasl for conference,'! with Gene Aulry . . . .Paul McClijer, NBC central division sales maiiager, elected first veepce of the Chi Federated Ad Clubs Bill Eddy on loan to the Navy from WBKB as civilian consultant in connection with rebuild- ing Ihe Naval E-1 electronics television program. . . ."Top of the Morning" will replace ^'The Wishing Well" for Car.son Pirie Scolt. will' Mar.v .^gnes Schrdeder writing and directing and Bob Murphy and Kay Campbell head- ing the. cast ... . .A. W! Kany. NBC cenlraj division stalion relations "man- ager, off to South AIncrica on a 20-day tour with b."iJI being Tooled by own- ers of Ihe Merchandise. Marl for Kanys second prize in idea contest.... Carl Brissoii. of Mutuals "Voire in Ihe Night!" skeddcd for .several local airings of the show while in town for cafe engagement. . . .Vacationing NBC staffers include George E. Hallmaft. program department; Dorolliy Masler.s, pre.ss. and Henry L. Cavanah. Louis E. Heidcn, Wilfred C. Pralher, Russell B. Sturgis and Williain Hartgenbushof. engineering, Vivian Martin from the Crez Paree to the WBBM vocal slalT Fred- erick J. Lipp with NBC central division continuity department after hitch in Navy as a Thiid Fleet coriespoiident. . . .Swift and Co. taking another 13 minutes of "Breakfast Club" lime: they how sponsor the «:I.i-8:4.'> slot.... NBC affiliate station managers. T. F. Smith of KRS Corpus Chrisli. and Joseph Mackin, WMAN Marionette. Wis., in town for a visit. IN HOLLYWOOD ... The word got around lhal Mann Holiiier. al this late dale, wa.- slill sliopr ping around for a "Parky " midyear staitdb.v .so he had lo leave town to gel away from Ihe constant jangle of phones. . . ;Frances Langfordhas left Ken Dolaii after IS years for representation by Wiltiam Morri.s. Dolan look lier under his .wing when she was singing on a cheroot program in Florida al $;> per ditty and bi:Ought her along to $2,500. a week. At the time..Dolaii, was manager of Rudy Vallee....Whili9 most of the stars maktf with ga!v .tiine!s on their sabbatical! Judy Canova will be sweating ii out in a Coluinbia, picliire. .11 was Mrs. Henry Ford. Sr.. who picked kiio,v iManniiig for the" commentary on the Ford summer hour with Leigh Harline's music. Selec- tion xvas made from a baleh of lecorded yoices. , , .Hedda Hbpjjer will lei ell those fall deals simmer while she betakes herself lo Berlin and Paris. One liiopo.sal has her einCeeing in the DeMille maniier in a rormal takeoff ot "Lux Radio Theatre" in which the big :indie i)roducers would make available their players and pt:operlies. ... Myron Kirk back in town on tjie iiail of the elusive Cro.-by which tiiay lake him lo the bioad expanses ot Na\ada 'wherw der Bingle is re.-ting Riiss Jblinstoii in town lonjt eiioii.'ji l-. giam i^ Skiimay Ennis .... Bob Crosby renewed Ihroiigh October ai|d."Oale, With .Inoy" picked up for the .summer and fall thereby squelching a lol of . loo>e lalk ...Bob Redd gpl nipped on Ihe Ihigli bv a sqttirrerwhich scain- pei ed no his paii.tvleg. and had fo have medical Irealinent. . . , Jack Ruinon. called II b day v.jth MC'A and may package indcpondeiillv The gncssiis aic'iiov,- Kuesinig that Bing will restrict his radio movements next fait lo giie..il .slioU lAhon he'd in town making piclure.s or culling disks! Ile"ll come off htttei Hi,i>ii( ially Ihal way;.,. Lux Radio theatre move.s into il-s Mill .v*Di till- w-e»k.... Don Beldlng. scotching rumors of a rift in tbe agfocv, ae/. " i elalionshlp nmong the partners (Foole and Cone i was never o'-llci and the loiigei w- work together the better we like each other." .VTiirrav Bo.en ea.si to IhIIi abottl the Victor Borge-Bennv Goodman .sl»nv' v/hiM, Htak^M out here in September. ... ;Nils Gi'anlund "has cooked tip a . r,i-j -HI, art called ■'.^ITf; Talkiim" and CBS mav save il for the fall. H"-'- kfie-/-.)i,,f,.7 hen'" i.n,,. with ihe viM .showmun bringing on the stiirs ot •vf-i, - >.i, ' I'L! ooiienlilies wiien he look an itileresi in llieni and nursed tii'-Jii /*ti0,000 a suppprliny same. Lo.s Angeles, San ly,.;,,. to produce its own motion pic- Franciscii, San Bernardino and j ^„.g.; f,,^ i,.se in video. Syndicate Slpcklon. according to latest avail- , jj^^tcd ii.s a.ssets at $27,013,000, in- able dope, uill have aired pix In lauding $6,7.53,000 in -:ush, with cn- .Iheir allotted 'channols. Fresno, San I company surplus $18,891,000, Diego. Siicramcnlo aiid San Jose, al- j _ Chopin's "Minnie Wjillz" and "Diuice. of the Hours. ' From a l(i>( linic:il nniilc the show , :^^e,(en;;'';il:d S'lA^^^l^^ ihe .itunlion could, be cpr changes, lo bring out impoitant de- , r^-clcil very easily. ;dilions very .«oon. Video is too cosily ^ii piT.scnl, when compared with the mall rcluin,'-.. lo tool around \vilh ;Cs. lo Drill;, tails, were usid lo unod effect. Tim- ing and fast oace added lo the .suc- cess of. the ■2ir-miiuile show. '■ ••nUMONT BKKI'STAKiES" With Oeinils , lames, emcee; others rroduccr: Charles Stark Set: Rob Brielil 30 Mins.: iWed. i S!)), 9 p, m. Sustaining; ' " WABn-nuMonI, N, Y. It's gelliivi In a uoinl where any lime (flcvisi.m < >:<-;;s feel the Mccd (Conlinued oil page .')2) RCA PREEMS TELE COURSE RCA's f()ur \vecks course in tele- i-l.sion theory and operation, open tp all bi'o;:d.ciisling engineers from .sta- tions in li-c U. S; and Canada, opened Monday i3) at KCA Institutes, under Ihe supervision ot Gcorgi? F. Macdel, Jr.. chief in.slruclor. ' Similar courses in 1944. and last year had bccJi open only to enuiiicers from stations al- filialed with the ."^BC web. NBC Scores Another Beat With Detroit Jubilee Pix NBC television icorecl another ma- jor newsbcal by telecasting filiris of the .\ulomolive Gplden Jubilee in Detroit over WNBT, the web's N. Y. tele outlet. Sunday i2) night,- only .sp- permitted, have seen np takers to date. J. E. Rodman, Frcsnp. had already obtained "CP" when he withdrew. San Dici'o has had no applicant a>! wilh S.-in .lose and Sacramentp. In StocUlon. .). F,. Peffer is on applica- tion, and in San Bernardino Ihe I Brpadca.siing C»♦♦ »♦♦♦♦♦♦» . ♦♦ Tollow-up Comment: ♦ .♦■♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦ f . Hlldegarde and Buddy Clarke guested on NBC's Carnation show last Monday night (3) to pack this session tightly with music and noth- ing else but. Clark, a baritone crooner being added as a regular to the program starting next . week, made his preview debut in ausijicious style via 'IPenthouse Serenade." "The Gypsy," and a duet with Hil- dcgarde on "I- Told Every Little Star." Voice will probably not float the bobby-sockers but is virile, well- trained and unmnrred by any tricky mannerisms. Hlldegarde chansoned solo on "Full Moon and Empty Arms" with beaucoup so;il-sorrow. Backbone of. the show remains Percy Faith's orchestra with its quasi-sym- phonic depth aiid unusual instrumen- tation on pop tunes. .Program, how- ever, is a bit overweight musically and could effectively use some comic dabs. Literary Airer Case To Trial, Injunction Nixed Motion ot Martin Stone, producer ot "Author Meets the Critics," for an injunction to restrain WHN, N, Y. indie, from broadcasting "Books on. Trial," was denied In N. Y. supreme court Friday (31) by Justice Eder. Meanwhile, Court has set the trial date tor next -Monday (10). Stone^ had alleged that WHN had "appropriated" his idea, originally embodied in "Author," tor the new "Books'', show, and hiid- sought to confuse the listening public by broadcasting the latter show at 8 p.m. Mondays, same time as "Au- thor" had originally been broadcast over WHN, Stone's show moved lb WQXR, N. Y. indie, two weeks ago and Is being aired Thursday nights now. Noting that the defendants had '•unequivocally denied" all Stone's complaints, and had asserted they were not seeking to capitali/.c on his idea or to palni o(1t"Books" as the same show as "Author," Justice Edcr declared that "if this be the fact, there is then no basis whatever for thc'granting of an Injunction or for the maintenance of this suit." HART OFF WNEW, TO KFWB Maurice Hart, WNEW, N. Y. disk jockey of programs of his own plus understudying Martin Block, leaves that station the end ot this week. He heads, for Hollywood June 12, to start ' a daily half-hour disk, sports, news and weather show on CBS' Saturday night "Talks" show 1 ^^WB there, for Chesterfield cig- got hold of something hot when it aired Carroll Reece, chairman of the Republican National Committee, on May 18 with an attack that started from the FCC. Blue Book and ended with all the Hearst-McCormick stuff about the commission using radio for Government propaganda. For, as balance to Recce's rave, the net had to put Thurrnan Arnold on last Sat- urday night (1) as American Civil Liberties Union representative. And ACLU's viewpoint, as expressed by the former Asst. U. 'S. Attorney General and monopoly bustor, is anything but NAB-llke. Arnold struck hard at Recce's 'worn out cliches" and at Justin Miller's "shouting of the same kind of nonsense." He made one parallel between the FCC and the Post Of- fice Dept. which just about wraps up the anti-FCC arguments. He pointed out that the P.O. dept. does under the second class mailing regulations, control the balance between advertising and editorial matter on magazines — which Is no .more than the FCC proposes to do in radio. The dcfensn rests. arets. KFWB show, titled up," starts June 17, week. "ABC Round- six nights a On CBS, Saturday (1) the "re- sponsibility of the press, radio and motion pictures" to acquaint the people throughout the world with the activities of their representa- tives to the UN and its sub-groups, was stressed by Brooke Claxton, Canadian minister of health and wel- fare. Claxton had aririved in New York to participate in the work of the UN group dealing with the for- mulation of a world-wide health and social welfare program. He under- lined the necessity tor "a free ex- change of news" in speaking of the role played by public information media. CINEM ART Offers you- • On iI tiw Uriest stiin m Ntw Ywfc • Aksiliti flMty stiiii aN ilt the iir rteirlii{S • CiRfiiti i$c uri filR recariii fi^litin • ViHyliti Pressints-Jeljurjes 7-10 iay$, risl •Tiers in 4 • NigUi iiptriuni teduncal ftiH • Qwtrical traascriptieas If NM m4 OrlkacMStit StMtfarii • ISml Mtin ptetiris fir tibmiii fbiN M fir istinatis m< OPEN TIME : ruia 3-9172 niirMIPT lECBIDINB ' MOTION PICTURES • PiillC AODJESS tlllLnillnl III Park Afiaai Nan fath 1}, i. I. UN's Draw Continued from page ^2 C. A. B. Continued from page 42 ^ who's getting closest to settling the confused picture of radio research, will take" place Monday (10), when A. C, Nielsen plays host to Chi radio and ad execs at thn company plant. Nielsen meeting follows on the heels of the Chi invasion by C. B. Hooper, who appeared before the Chicago Radio Management Club last week arid later at a subscriber meeting at the Morrison hotel. The Nielsen affair will be the first in a .series of "NRI Open House" evening sessions, with CRMC members as guests for the Initial get-together. . Purpose of the conference, accord- ing to Nielsen, is to demonstrate to Chi radio and ad execs— through ac- tual inspection and explanation of key Nielsen Radio Index operation— that NRI service has developed a thorough marketing research service for radio. ... Nielsen will further attempt to .ihow that the NRI— through Ktatis- tical reoearch, technical research, production of electronic recording devices, pilot operation of radio re- search technlqued, etc^Ijas achieved the nearest exidting approach to an ideal radio re^iearch service In con- trast to the "program rating," upon which moirt radio rnxcsin-.h tm been largely concentrated. WNYC was most enthusiastic. In Siegel's opinion "that simply l>roves the falsity of the idea that the aver- age radio listener is a luiikhcad." To complete the picture, It must be noted that while WNYC asked listeners to let themselves be heard — WEAF, in accordance with a strict policy against such solicitation ot listener opinion about a specific show, did not ask listeners to speak up. ' WEAF actually rebated a total of $7,260 to commercial sponsors whose shows were cancelled on account of the UN broadcasts. W. Burke Miller, asst. manager ot the station, said that, in addition, chunks of- time were rescheduled so that no cash rebate was made, but there was time-cost involved as far as the sta- tion was concerned. WLIB's estimate of commercial costs involved were that 30% ot the time used by UN had been previously scheduled for sponsorship. WMCA's veepee, Chas. Stark, estimated that his station lost $9,400 througli UN coverage. WNYC, being non-commercial, had no re- bate problem, .ot course. in regards to the audience mail pull, the most eager speculation ranged around the tremendous 'gap as between WEAF on the one hand and the three indies on the other. The consensus by researchers was this: "If you're going to do a public service job, promote it. WEAF sim- ply failed to promote." B&B.Y&R — Continued from pagt ti where It's said that approximately 80 are exitliig. With the return of Ted Steele to Benton & Bowles radio dept. fol- lowing his wartime semester, Frank Barton checks out ot the agency. He has been with BScB since Oct. 1 as manager of the radio dept. Steele had been with the agency for six years prior to going into uniform. Barton soys his future plans are indefinite. His radio agency affilia- tions go back to 1930, but he's now mulling going into the building busi- ness. B&B-switchcs last week also found Bush Barnum's bowout as publicity topper, with Dick Bellamy taking over. Latter had been with Matlies agency. Barney Ross to Plug FeOow Pugs Over WHN Barney Ross, former lightweight and welterweight champ, will emcee a series of 10 sponsored shows over WHN. N. Y. indie, starting Sunday (9); as a publicity buildup for the Conn-Louis fight. Brass Rail, N. Y. eatery, is sponsoring the scries through* the . Milton Blackstone agency. Ross, \yith Bob Brumby, former war correspondent, as his aide, will interview both Louis and Conn at their training camps. Remarks will be transcribed on wire recorders and rushed back to WHN for airing from 10:30 to 10:45 p. m. nightly through June 19. Transcriptions are expected to be offered for sale throughout the countr.v. Ross recently joined the Blackstone agency as, an account exec. HERE'S CAROL ADAMS Carol'* altrt to fh* htnd of mwi riiat premptt CaMoa womM to nuM for "Htra'i Carol Adoni" . . . •vory woohdoy morala^ a» toa. Aad Carol lolli Hiom what Hity wont to hoar la a happy boH-bour of lator- vlawt with latoroiria^ poepla aad "|Bit-fcotw««a-at.anii;ed labor. !,*» Vs. 'Free Radio' In biting tones, he hit at Con- gress, thie Nalioiial A.ssn. of Broad- i casters, aiid the new.spapcrs. He \ declared the Lea bill, authored by { Rep. Clarence F. Lea (Cal.). was "dis- : criminatory, unconstitutional, un- | democratic and the first step against free radio." Pctrillo, without mentioning Presi- dent Trurnan, rapped the President when he said: "I would be Willing to bet every dollar I own today that President Roasevelt would not have signed that bill if it had come to him." Contract.s with the union.s in the three originating cities. Petrillo said, expire Jan, 1,^ 1947, due to an action during his (irst year as picsident of the AFM. It is on that dale he plans to issue his restraining order, if the Lea bill is declared consti- tutional. Insisting that he is a loyal citizen. BLAZES THE TRAIL! Here's marked progress In planned program- ining! By conslttently airing better local shows with top audience and sales appeal, WJW won 8 firsts out of 19 classifications with .47 points against the next station's 26 in the Cleveland Press Radio Poll . . . prov- ing again that WJW Is Cleveland's CHIEF Station I -J A ^^ B o Petrillo admitted he Is now waiting (or a U, S. marshal to arrest him because he intentionally violated the Lea bill In Chicago last week in calling the WAAF strike. He pref- aced his remarks on tlic Lea bill with an attack on the NAB. which he accused of spending millions of dollars for propaganda and haying more lobbying power than the Na- tional Assn. of Manufacturers. Never before in the history of the U. S., he declared, had one orghnization. "brought abpiit the passage of a law directed against one union and leav- ing all the others out." "Tlial's Foul" "I want lo tell you, that's foul," he shouteci::.-."But the NAP will sec the day when they will comc to us tor help. As sure as I am standing here, the next step will be against the broadcasters themselves. And I don't want to see it. I want to see free radio." He told of a meeting in Now A'ork between (he executive bo;>vd ol the AFM and niembcrs of NAB, at which he pointed out to the bioadc:islers thai they supplied only .$H,000.000 of the $25,000,000 received by nnisicltns annually in salaries. "All wc get from you Tcllows is propaganda," Petrillo . (lunlod him-, self as saying. "You arc an unscrup- ulous organization. 1 tell you. get that kni:e out of our hau'c or we won't do business with you -..uy more in the Xulure." "So now Ihoy won't be friend with us." he griinicd. Shrugging hi.v s^lu ul- ders. he added: "Wc arc i^ol going lo talk business like that. Tlic-ru is too much involved." Referring to the roconi railroad strike, he said he remembered a time when all labor laws were modeled after those made for the railroad unions. "Now. becaii.se two brave labor leaders are caught in th'.> middle, they are called the two mos' un- scrupulous labor leaders in . the. his- tory, of America. It look-; like Jim, Petrillo is beginning to h.Tve com- pany.'' He saw danger in the attempt to shackle labor implied in other laws recently introduced. "The Lea bill is bad enough." he said, "but the Case bill really does the job on ail labor." He was especially bitter in his de- nunciation or Congrc-s for the clr.im that it is fighting to keep up the standards of American labni by not permitting cheap labor to come into the count i-y. Congress, he asserted, had tried lo stop the AFM Jrom plac- ing a ban on foreign broadcasts which, he claimed, were "not only cheap labor, but labor for nothing. Congressmen are working against the American musician and for th.. for- eigii musiciaii." He singled out for spe'.-i:;l attack Congressmen who have s' .'ed with the N.^B a-iainst the AFM. only to have it revealed that they receive part of their income from ?\'AB con- nections. His most stin;'.i:!g barbs were directed af Rep. Eugeiu- Cox (Ga.), Who has called Petrillo a "racketeer." "if I am a racketeer." he snapped, •'why did you boys in Wiishingioii have to pass six laws to get ino'/- What's the matter with tiie present law'? The federal penitentiaries are full of people, and I am not smart enough to beat all the law.'--." Pelrillo said Cox was jhown in J941 to have received $2..V]0 from a Georgia radio station for fixing a case before the FCC. Laic-. Petrillo added. Cox sent the nioncy baei; and became a stockholder with the radio station's own money. He charged that Rep. Lea had sponsored the Lea bill in rKlurn for the NAB s .sanction in giving a-soi;i- ate Justin Miller the fat N.a'b prexy plum. Davis, Fly, Kl Al. Others criticized by Pelrillo for their aflilialion will) broadcasting companies which he. said had iiifiu- enced them in their performance of duty were former OWI Diiector Elmer Davis, two former chairmen of the FCC-OPA Adminiilrator Paul Porter and J. Lawrence Fly and Sen. Burton K. Wheeler, chair- man of the Senate Committee on Inlerslate Commerce, who.se son, Petrillo said. \f a member of NAB.' Petrillo also attacked the news- papers, which he accused of working );aiid-in-hi:iid with NAB to .shackle him. A.';.^'J;^ing that 300 of 900 radio stations in the U. S: are now cm;- li'olled by the pi-ess. he .waid this would s'oon include every station in America. "We're getting the wor.-^t of it^" he told, delegates. "Ai'd there's nothing v.-e can about it. I want you to know v.■h.^•. ^)l!;|•(•^^ a lot of talk about publir s.enLin cmI. But the l e-.v rjri.neis iMifle /lubMc .senl:- mcnl, and ihey'ie nol as po'/.cJJul as Negroes Barred, PetriDo Cancels St. Petersburg, Fla., June 4. "If our colored delegates are not good enough to go there, \vc flgiire we aren't cither." With these words, Jaihes C. Petrillo, AFM prexv today cancelled the AFiM convention's scheduled outing for its 801) delegates when two night clubs— Bill Williams', on Treasure bland and the Penguin Club at Sunset Beach— refused to admit Negro delegates. Greyhound had .set aside 20 chartered buses for llxc scheduled all day outing, and the two clubs had prepared $3,500 worth of foods and liquors. Petrillo ordered the food and polublcs given to charitable institutions. The 45 Negro delegates attending the convention are slaying in the homes o( local Negro residents, having, been refused rooms at the h q hotel, th^ Soreno. All 45 arc musii:ians, ot course, from various parts of the country. votes when it comes to influencing Congress." . Lauding the AFM for its democ- racy, Pctrillo declared; "There is more democracy; in this federation in one miiiute, and in the coming week in this convention, than in a lifetime of some of the Sciiators and Congressmen iii Washington." Commenting on Congress" . claim that it represents the people. Pe- trillo said, "It all depends oi\ who the public is, and what side of the fence the public is on." After Petrillo's fiery address Mon- day, convention delegates rcla.»:cd Tuesday during a day-long tour of St. Petersburg and the nearby gulf beaches. They were scheduled to get down to the serious business of Ihc con- vention Wednesday morning (5). Phil Spilalny's all-girl orchestra will entertain delegates between business sessions Wednesday. More, business sessions arc scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and will in- clude nomination and election of new officers. CBC Meet Conliniird from |>:>Ke 4S committee. The committee wilt be headed by Ralph Maybank, and from various sources it was learned tliat some indies will ask to appear, whether the C.\B sponsors tliem or not. Napier Moore, edilorial director of Maclean's Publications, addre.wd the parley and .hit out hard on the way the CBC conducts its business. In a veilt:d warning to the bps, he told them that the coming year would be of great significance to Canadian indies. He didn'l elabo- rate on his hinted warning, but there could be no mistiiking the tra- get for his remarks. J. N. Thivlcrge. general manager of CHRC, Quebec, was elected prexy, and Rolaiid Beaudry, Mon- treal, was named veepee. Treasurer is Paul Lepage, CKCV, Quebec; secretary, Joachim Grenier. Quebec. Directors are: G. R. A. Rice, CF- RN.. A. M. Cairns. CFAC. Lloyd Moll'att, CKBI., F. H. Elphike, CKWX.. Harry Sedgwick. CFRB., K. D. Soble, CHML.. Jack Beardall, CFCO.. A. GaiUhiei, CULT., Col. Keith Rogers, CFCY., and Maj. W. C. Bor.rett, CHNS. Van Horn East for CRP Hollywood, June 4 Arthur . Van Horn, newly-elected v-p of Command Radio Produc- tions, Inc., group of cx-slafl'ers of Armed Force.i Radio Service here left for New, York during week to open a branch office there to push sales of their package productions. Electioius were held immedialelv prior lo his departure. From among ;iO stockholder-workers Walter Schu- mann wa.s elertcd proxy and chair- man. Mike Mcshokow was named treasurer-secretary, and Elliott Lew- is got second v-p post. close hauled to the wind requiies a steady hand at the wheel. Like (lie ski|>|>cr of ihc yawl, radio time salc.'Sincn hiusl be experi- enced. Wcc(i and Company'] stuff of seventeen "old hands" daily covers the nation's iiiiporiaiii udio rchtei j with the skill and cficciivcness iliai come only from long exj)cricntc. ; ; Nil' lADia STATIIN lEPIESERTATIVES N(« Twk • IntN • ckieait • Adnia Ntnit • Sm Frucisct • Our c/i«/i/j or* >hos* vou read obout For effectivt Consult ART FRANKLIN A $ S O C I A T I S 460 Fourth AvoRue • New York 16, H. Y. Ctit MUtriy Hill 4-S47I f I I I 1 f f f i i 1 I f i I I Wt'tlncMlay, Jum« Sy 1946 ORCIIESTRAS-MUSIC 57 ASCAFs 'Country Club Set? The "country cUib set" is an intra-trade Tin Pan Alley opprobrium ror the inner-circle po)iticians allegedly dominnling in ASCAP, which faces some sharp debate Jn both the piibll.shers and writers' classiflca- iion committees. Since the Arthur Schwartz decision, when that songsmilh won his point for AA classification, the ASCAP records o( catalog size, per* formances, etc., must be kept wide-open Tor all members' eyes, and ooine songsmiths are pressing the issue for. better ratings; And ol course the Irving Berlin va. ASCAP fight has already been aired.- Fox Nixes Royalty Deal In Four-Star Record Switch Harry Fox, agent and trustee for various music publishers, has taken a stand in regard to the recent pur- chase of Four-Star Records, in Hollywood, by Cliff McDonald, backed by a syndicate of money men, McDonald took over the firm last week,- along with the little-used Gilt-Edge label put out by the same company, from Richard N. Nelson Byfield Latest ta Join Hotel 'Rebels ; Sherman to Nix High-Bracket Bands Louis Prima Changes Mind, Won't Buy Into Hub Spot Appeals Board in Pubs' Gangup Pubiisher-members OC the Amari-r can Soviety of Composers, Authors mid Publishers pu.shed aside official nominees for executive positions in the organizalion last week,, and for the first time deliberately elected men of their own choice. This un- tisuiil action re.-iulled in the election of Irving Caesar and Max Mayer to the board of appeals over W. C. Handy, Sidney Kornheiser, John Lister and Charles O'Flynii, regii- larly posted nonunees Uwo of the four to be tlcrled'. Election of CHC-ar and Mayer was the direct result of a concerted cam- paign among certain of the topmost publisiier-niembi'rS of the society. And, as far HS Caesar's election is ctmcerr\ed, the entire situation has started a trend of thought. Il'a based on the fact that Caesar was de- feated for re-election as a wriler- n\en)ber of ASCAPs board of direc- tors weeks back. 'I'his defeat was caused by a .ganging-up of writers against him.' Later, he was ap- pi'oached on the idea of being nomi- ■ iiated for the appeals board— but .as a publisher ih« owns Irving Caesar, Inc., Ilrnii . He at fti sl accepted, then rejected the bid. Thereafter, the cli(|Ue.of lop pubs went to work, and the M'eight of their votes put hin\ into office. That certain publishers went to bat for him, among them some who were known to have bit- ASCAP Board to Hear Classification Beefs Special meeting of the ■ director bngrd. of the .American Society of Coinposers. Authors and Publishers, has been called for June l.S to con- sider various beefs against cla.ssifl- cation by writers and publishers. Major item to be heard; Will be the Irving Berlin appeal which is ex- pected to consume iriost of the meet- ing. Others on tap are Jack Lawrence, wlio, after beiiig twice rejected for a boost in rating, has been con- ducting his own investigation into the merits of ratings held by con- temporary writers, and Ni(:k and Charles' Keimy. Lombardos Set Up L I. Airline ► . Chicago, June 4. Ernie ByAeld, band buyer for the Panther Room, Sherman hotel. Chi- cago,' last week joined the ranks of hotel men rebelling against the prices the top name bands ask. He ^....^ ...u.,-.. Louis Prima has dropped all plans jsdvised booking agencies that ill the who*fo"un'ded"it! Mcltonald ha^beeii I to buy into a Revere Beach, Boston, '^^^'ili'f t^^"^^ " ''.'l his engineer. It seems that Four-Star owes Fox some $15,000 in unpaid music roy- alties from its era under Nelson. McDonald and his. syndicate intend taking over this debt, but seek an arrangement whereby the coin . wiil be paid off in $1,000 installmenLs along with royalties fbr' new mate- rial. Fox has rejected the idea. He wants the $1.5.000 immediately since' a new regime is taking over the company and wants no part, of an installment plan. ballroom with a Hub syndicate. He '""^^'"^ situated and priced just ^ , ■ . , . ., , under those m the high-brackets, had been playmg with the idea for , Byfleld'-s attitude is due lb the fact several weeks and had gone so far that business is hot as Kood as it as to reserve some time for the spot ; «as la.st year this time, when hordes for his own band, in addition to •''erviccmen from local Army and talking with Music Corp. of Amer- ^avy in. • I. J . . , ' scys. cl al, high guaiantco.» plus Spot Prima had in mind mci- pe,eenti,ges of the gro.w. Th:,t s-o.it dentally was no the Crescent Gar- , f..^,,, „„X ^„ however, dens, a large ballroom that ha.s been , ,„ ^^^^ f^^^.^^ Byfield will take used for one-nighters frequently by i,,^ ^esl available, within reasonable Sy Shribman and other New England promoters. Pri'ma's baby was an- terms. He has Buddy Rich curieiil. I with ..Mvino Hey,. Tex Bcnpke and 'Blue Skies Score Tees Otf Berlin s New London Co. ■ Irving Berlin, Ltd., is being set up as a Wholly owned British subsidiary by the songsmith-publisher, releas- ing through Louis Dreyfus iChap- pell) ill England, It's in line with a glowing U. Si music piiblishing trend to. set up self-owned and operated .subsidiaries around the world. The differing copyright laws Hgure in this procedure, among other things, since British copyrights are valid during the life of the author, plus 30 years, as against the 28 years in the U. S., plus 28,yeai-s renewal. Berlin will piit a wealth of his old slandard works into Berlin, Ltd.. tee- ing off with the '■Blue Skie.s" score. That Paramount ITechnicolored) ftlmusical includes some 30 Berlin oldies, and the new London firm will I new airline which will go into op- j publish the score abroad. - Berlin ; eralion June l.'l. Called Long Island, plans a London trip end-J cunibeht on the appeals board and , Ai,.\vays. the line' will operate be- L pijut of the Par pic, which he will had asked not to. be nominated ' t^^-een terminals at 23d atreet and p,-eview to the Briti.sh radio-music again; lie' was forced back into his ' nie East River, N. Y.. and 'West, b^inch. (hair by the writc-ui votes for the , south, and East Hampton and Mon- Meantime the U S Berlin coin- simple re:.son thai the publishers , ,Bi,k Point. L. I. . It will use aix ' 3, ,,3, ^^^^^ , special staff to who e.xerled their influence m ; Qrumman 12-pas. John. SeuKstack. standard publLshei. 1 capitali/.ation is set at SitOO.OOO. Apparently the firm IS already a success. Us service is already 70"f subscribed, the limit Remain- other building nearby which cun ent- G,^,,„ „,„^^,j orchesUa. Charlie ■ a '° ; Spivak. Claude . Thornhill. Loui., drop the Idea i^ undisclosed. p,;,,,^ Gene Krupa, Frankic Carle. _ , .01 '<"'"' Ray , Anthony lined up in that Delay on Monroe s Spot , ^..^^^ 'sorrye. of the above are un- v..,.»h,, June 4. I (loubtedly drawing the term.s he how ,.=.M^H^.^h. M H u " : objects to and probably wont.rome ■ mrt„^ Vo *r """k unless they lower their sights. ^«miv ?Lr ,1 T A • "w* ! Along with, other hotel men. Bv- ^inni^J^l*?'J^ / fle"r« that while lower-priced and new bands .haw fewer patrons, the difference in the Music publisher Lester Sahtly, J... J , , , , . partner ■ in Sanlly-Joy; Guy Lom- terly re.vented his defeat for re-elec- Hj3,.j,„ g,,^, j,,, brothers. Carmen and tioi) as a writer lo the society's direc .Leibert:: aiid Royce Guinn. have lor board, is giving many People l^.'^j^^pj^lgj e.stablishment of a idear ' As for Mayer, he had been an in- j eralion June l.'l. Called Long Island.| plans a London trip end-July, with spot. Monroe will debut the opera- tion with his band. Club is situated in Framingham, not far from here. Form B Seen Slated for Axe At AFMMeet .salary saving makes up for Uie les.oer draw. Some booking agoncie.i feel (hat's a fallacy which is' at the. moment being brought liome to some hotel owners who have refused to boo.st their bids . for the very top name.s. They'll pay the latter only a few hundred dollars more in £uar> antees than a band with consider- ably less prestige. In . the days before the war. it's pointed Out, most hotels ran their band and entertainment roonis at a loss, charging the debit off to adver- tising. Since.the war's stjirt, all be- gan to make money. . Still, salaries for talent were not appreciably upped. Now thait grosses are going There have been so many cries of ''wolf" attendant to the long-,, , , contemplated ousting of the Form Blf^o^V^"- the tendency is to rediice costs contract blank by the American *»■ buying lower-priced talent That s Federation of Mu.sicians. that agen- '.''e things agency and band cies and bandsmen disregard .such . wrong with hotel band conversation. ■ However, this time i i"?'" K'-ossev currently. Few are it's felt that advance dope on the They need an occasional top name to stimulate interest. McFarland Twins Join Brigade of Nite Spot Owners With LI. Buy Buddy Morris Buys Up Magnetic Catalog (1 Song) Ending Row Hollywood. June 4. Morris Music last week bought ■ the pop song "Dreamland Rendez- 1 vous" from Magnetic Music Co.. AFM-exec feeling relative to Form B is on the level. They expect it to be knocked out during the cur- rent annual convention at St. Petersburg, Fla. For some time the AFM men and James C. Petrillo have wanted to discard Form B, it's known, but have not done s6. According to union execs themselve'.'!, the time is ripe, and it will be accomplished | xiavis Corp., stated ju.st prior to. during the convention— or so some heading back to New York hesd- of them hope. Form B. which cites I (n,arleis over weekend that - (o the a bandleader as an employee and best of niy knowledge* 20th-Fox is makes the buyer of a band the em- ; „ot trying to obtain corporafe con- ployer, hence liable for social se- | li-oi of J-T, or lU subsid. Mu.-icraft curity and unemployment taxes, has j Records... Thus are scotched .some- been a headache to the band busi- i ^^hat rumors which have per.sisled Musicraft, 20th Only Chummy But No Deal, SezPrez Irving Felt - Hollywood, June • 4. Irving Felt, prez of the Jefftrson- ness ever since its inception. both here and in New 'Vork. Bandsmen are also getting a kick | However, Felt admitted a "very out of Petrillo's ranting against the close relationship" between hi.s com- Lea Bill and his test case again.st pany .and 20th-Fox, and revealed WAAF, Chicago, inaugurated last ; that George Skouras has bcromv a week. Since Petrillo didn't step i large stockholder in Musicraft. It is out against the constitutionality oft i-e ^'r "•'-'iL'pe^-';;'^ s'Mne lhne: F'aur Gamie, Rene Salvyano. Jlcrl ^:^^Z^n Ln:'''''''^^^^ .Verdtm.Jac.ues Enoch, ctal. US ORCHESTRAS-MITSIC ir. Tlii.x is llie latcsl |>l;iin- ' tnoch Mfhl (vocal by Palsy. Oar- live liiniem by Herman 4: Co. Callcil roll, Daiiiiy Sullivan and Inampliglit- • SiM render." it affords ihc Hcrnu" evsl' '"Do You Do'.'.iDo You Dp? Do man an opportunity 10 wail ' well. ^ Vou Do'.'"-' U I Had You" (Coiitinen- Buc-liii'.p cliorus do line. Tliip side i.-- lal C 1185). "Do You Do?" is sunK reminiscent ot "Sorrento." it'll soil by Miss Cairctt. ll'.-ically. and lyrics arc corn. Disk recommended only for Miss Piper. Gent Krnpa (vocal by Anita O'Dayi ''Boogie Blues"-"Lover" iCo- lumbia .■)(i98Ci. This is America's top ppp drummer man at a rhythmic milestone. Replete with a Charley ^entura sax solo, Anita O'Day ' vocal and excellent tempo, it's a very mer: chandisablc item. Then too. in the final measures, it's remindful of. the "Hey-Bob-re-bop" craze. It'll sell. "Lover" is the vv.k. Rodgers-Hait tune. But try and recognize it. It becomes a bit -wild early in the sheet, and stays that way. Not com nieicial. .lii*-t proves in solo spots I Such piano! niore style for a' staiidotit job, but shows dcllnite promise. Very listeii- able disk, but even here band gets put of hand with engineer at times. Recommended. Buddy Morrow (vocal by Jimmy McAfee) "rd Be Lost Without You"- "Sinoke Gel.s in Your Ej-es'' (Mercu- ry Popular Series 3015). A compava- tively new band Morrow organized last year. Touted as an excellent Iromhonist, Morrow doesn't pi'ove it solidly on "I'd Be Lost." McAfee skats the tune adequately; .souiids like' any band singer. Band, when Morrow isn't playing sounds iiiiddle- cl.a.<-s. Recommended only as. an in- troduction to Morrow's work. 'The "B': side is tops for Morrow's sliding scales. "Smoke'' is sold by the young maestro. He shows a flne"hand" at the slide-horn, and the lung work to match. Good disk. Recommended. Walter Groy Orchestra (instru- mental album, eight sides). (Musi- craft 358 to 361 icl.) "Don't Ever Leave Me"-"Why Was I Boin," "Who"-';All The Things You Are," "Smoke Gets. In Your Eyes"-"The Touch of. Your Hand," "Why Do I Love You"-"Make Believe." This, a Jerome Kern tribute, is .th.e best ef- fort ye'l released by Miusicraft. Outllt is to be conffi-atulaled for excellent quality of waxing. Walter Gross" work and the timeline.ss of releases. On vinolyte. of the late Kern's best works. Gross, an excellent pianist, adds, if that's possible, to the beauty of the Kern compositions with his' clean-cut playing. It's pure nostalgia from "Showboat," "Very .Warm For May,'' "Sunny." "Roberta" and ■ Sweet Adeline." Not only Gross, but the sidesmen, from the barps and fiddles, to the rhythm and brass, play beautifully! Highly recommended! Be AFM Stinger Byrd amendment to the Case la- bor bill provides a real headache for future negotiations between Jap-ies C; Petrillo and recording companies. Amendment, by Senator Harry F. Byrd (D. y» ), provides that welfare funds for unions supplied partly or wholly froin cpmpany fijnds, may not be managed solely by unions; In the case of exisiting welfare funds, the change is to 'take place when the present contracts expire. Thus, the pre.sent AFM contracts with the I'ecprdinK companies which provide for the payment of royalties for. each disk sold, can. continue un- changed until their expiration. Af- ter thai, the companies must have 50% representation in controUing the resultant revenue to the AFM's wel- fare fund. While the House has not yet accepted this Senate provision, it is- expected to do so, ' Inside Orchestras-Music Some muslo men cannot understand, the attitude of the PuhlishciV Cla.ssiflvation .Committee of the Amarlean Society of Composers, Aiiihors- and Publishers, in regard to the battle with Irving Berlin over availability points. They feel that the issue between Berlin and the publishers on the ' ASCAP board who are bitterly opposing his bid for 5,500 points, which would make hi.s catalog equal in availability value with the Arms owned by hi!(. opponents; ultimately may generate a situation that W'on'l do Ihe Sol'lely any good. Tiiat Berlin will light the thing to a finish Is certain.; His attiludp in- dicate.s that he . may even include some sort of action outside the Socictv Hi.s reasoning on the 4.000 points, originally awarded his new IrviiiB Berlin Mu.sic Co. last ycai', after he split with Saul H. Bornslcin and broke ui) the old Irving Berlin, Inc. partnership with the latter; is as fol- lows: He pointy out that origihaily the bid Berlfn,: Inc. and Abc Music Corp. catalog.'! had a total value of 6,750 points— 5,500 for Berlin, Inc and L250 for ABC. When the split came, Berlin took all of his selt-\vvitten tunes froin bbth the Berlin Corp, and ABC catalogs. When ASCAP gave Berlin 4.000 points, Broiightein's Bourne, Inc.' flrrh received 2.750 points and AB(j:was ciit from 1.250 to 250 ;points. The i,000 taken frpm.HABfi. were, Berlin explains, given to his firm. Tlwt would indicate that ASCAP valued all of tbe top .songi< he had taken froni the old Irving Berlin onf.^ Hi at only 3.000 points, with another 1,000 for the ones lifted froin the ABC catalog. He feels it doesn't, add up. Having just recorded a 12-side Decca album of Irving Berlin'.s "Annie Get Your Gun, " proxy Jack Kapp is eyeing Orson Welles" "Around the World, " just-opened Mercury Production oh Broadway with a Cole Porter score, Kapp is uncertain about"Town,"'. in solo -or album form, but the DecoH head is reminded of an anecdote, cdnccrning Wellesi. I,atter has^ done some, distinguished, i'ecordinfis for Dccca in the past but not until KaiVp came into the actuat Waxing situation, personally, \\-as there a coliesion of thought and idea as regards the recording lechnique. Kapp; told WcUe.s," You renihid me of aii Oil wcll-^and no pini iiilcnded-^ which gushes forth, rich dividends, but unless harnessed and . chahnelod, this -natural spawning from within can be -diftu.sed into dlver.se and .some* times unproductive results.". Welle.i' acquiesced, especially as. recards the recording lechnique, and since then some of his Decca records have becli highly commercial. Music Corp. of America has bopked its'flrst attraction into Mi.ssion Beach, Saiv Diego, since. Larry Finle.y-opernted site fieured in trial in Los Aiigeles at \yhich booking outlet dropped $55,501) by coming oiit on losing end of aiiti-lrust suit. Since the trial, MCA h.is submitted bands to Mis-sion Beach at precisely same flgui-es and at same time (hey arc offered rival ballrooin. Pacific Square. MGA's only Coast booker, who was not caljcd as \vitness at trial. Bud pverbeck. wa.-s designated imn-icdlatcly after court closed to handle the ticklish Mission Beach situation and Ovcrbeck:has been cautious in that he has never phoned nor gone to s|jot personally, but always sub- mitted through the mail. Last weekend, MCA was astonished wluMV.Missioii . took Tiny Hill orchestra for two weeks, starting July 9.^ Bid was.ni.ide and taken via mail, rep.s of neither ballroom nor bpokory . having inet as yet since they glared al each other In courtroom. 10 Best Sellers on Coin- . ,„ ,, ,■ , ) Dinah Shore Columbia 1. Gyosy (6. (Leeds) Jink Spots Decca „ ■. , , ,„ , . , ( Perry Como Victor 2. Prisoner of Love (9 i (Mayfairi... | j,,^ g^^,^ ......Decca 3. Laughing On the Outside itii (BMl »; . . . . Dinah Shore ......Columbia 4. They Say It's Wonderful ("2. iBcrlinV.. \ b,*?'!",! " ' ' r^'*^-',"'," I Andy Rus.sell Capitol 5. All Through the Dav (8. i Williamson j . . VP"ry Como. Victor ( Frank Sinatra Columbia 6. Sioux City Sue (51 (Moi ris. ....;..,,.. . 1 Bing-. Gii-osby •',;..;. ..- Oecca ) Tony Pastor Cosino 7. Don'i Be a Baby. Babv (3 i iTrianele) ' . . Bros. ....'Decca - . I Tommy DPrsey Victor 8. Slioo-Flv Pie (U) (Critoi ioii' | Stan KeiUon . .Capitol ■) Dinah ahorc ...... .Columbia 9. I'm a Big Girl Now (6.i. (World >.,.... .. Sammy Kaye .. ;Victoi 10. Oh What It Seemed 16 Be . JLo^w's^ Inc., boai'd will foVmally ratify the 1673,000. purchase |^rice of J'ack Rob. bins' 26% iiiteiesV in the Metro- Robbihs-Feist' Miller muHtc publish- ing iiileiests. this ' gross sum In- cludes U. S. and sftatie taxes so as to pennil Robbins' a $$00,000 net proAt on ilie deal. Thus spelU finis to. a hectic Bssijcialibii since the enily talkers when ■ Hollywood turned to Tin Pan Alley fo\' the dual purpose of insui-ing itself witli' a baclUoR of . njusifal copyrights but, primarily, ss an exploitation medium for fllmusi- cal exceipls. As the industry developed and the hits slaiteci to pay off into some- times fabulous sums for nostalgic (ilmusicals, as ' wilntss the Cole Porter, Jerome Kei'n,' Irving Berlin, George Gershwin; Geoi-ge M. Cohan und kindred cavalcades and screen biosraphicals, the synchronization rights iissunicd hcretofoie unsuspect- ed values. • This, and other intra-lrade values, •ill add up to the general show busi- ness conclusion that I.oews got itself n good buy with Ihe $500,000 payoff for Robbins for his quarter owner- ship iir a i-ombinalioh of catalogs which, besides the venerable Feist firm, his own . Robbins Music Corp. and iVlillor Music,' also included copyright pools of Vincent "Xoumans' works, the old Shcrman-Clay catalog «nd olhers. On the olher hand. Robbins, phy.s- ienlly run down and told to take it; ■ easy, niiiy embark on a'S'ear's \yorId trip of "jusl following the sun" with liis wife. • Must i^tay Active None Ihe less, the hade, knowing the volatile Robbins. knows he is ju.st. just as apt to jump into immediate activity. He has countless offers and will probably wind up music pub- lishing be.iides lielping his son (Buddy) and nephew i Howard Rich- mond! with iheir American Artists Bureau. AAB'is an olVshoot of Ihe Robbins Arti.(alion and exer- cise, and thai in it.self gave. Robbins anri Mayer something 1o yet warm about. . . .rtobljin.s' extraordinary inlerosi in I.atin mu.sic. on the oilier hand., was among the major i.^-siies which Ihe N. Y. cxees in Loew's eouldn'l im- ''°»e ^^^^-^I^*^''*. olher for sound. A vodon is trying to 1 '^e"""* ''«"8er of miacarniage get rid of one of the men, and is o' J^st'ce .11. I i„ sonably good name, drew 64 people until last week to relam his director • u. i i » i uMiii JO. I r,. u„.., .,«.„„Ji Oil 8 one-uighter last week, cmur: He has already been named | = . secretary of the recently formed Slept Music Co.. owned by writer ■Sammy Slept and Chuck Greeii, and this was to have been u.sed to keep him on the boai'd. However; fear- ful of the explosion this would have created, plus the fact that Robbins lei his plans out, the idea has been dropped by those concerned. Another angle that is probably more responsible for billing the riiove m the fact that, the ternis of Robbins' deal' willi Metro, under wliielf^^he took $.SOO.d00 (plus $173,- 000 in taxes) for his Je^i slice of Robbins. Fcisl and Miller miisic companies, prohibits him from going into another publishing venture. Gamble Circularizes N.Y. Pubs on Price Equality In Music Rack Situation N. Y. music publi.shers recently received an "open letter" from the Gamble Hinged Music Co.. of Chi- cago, on the subject of music racks. Pubs, according to, their individual feelings on the matter, cheered the missive, or shrugged it. off. It seems that during the three and four years and longer . the leaders were in service, the rep Ihey made for themselves prior to the big scrap did not starid up. Which tends to bear out a VAitiETr prediction of two years ago that if these men stayed out of . circulation "long enough, a new audience would grow up, and they would find the task of resuming where they left off a dit- ficult one. One or two of the leaders not doing welt were, hardly started with their own bands before, don- nihg uniforms, so they, iii effect, are virtually completely hew names. One of file difficulties "agencies have encountered with bands macs- troed by returning vets is the price .situation. These leaders must u.se a better class of musician to play the arrangements laid out for them. As a result, their 1946 operating coals and the prices they musl ask, tend to overbalance the b.o. value of a 1941 or '42 reputation. CAP. EXEC AIMS AT mH DISTRIB TIEUP Hollywood, June 4. Glenn Walliclis, exec veupee ot willing to continue hiring only the lightman. Complaint has been made that soundman is incompetent. Discrimination charges also have been leveled, since to date only .the Avpdon and the Palladium have been saddled with union technicaiis, w'hile . othei' ballrooms in area haven't been forced lo take on card- carrying workers. lATSE, howe\'er, admits it has overlooked the oppor- tunity arid is now planning . entry, into whole field. IBEW was caught unawares, but plans to flex its mus- cles and reportedly will insist that ballroom jobs are in its province. Gist of Giimble Hinged's argu- ] Capitol Records, sallies' down l.lex- ico way end of this week to set up dislributiori outlet for firm's plat- Icrs. Accompaiiying him will be Car- los; Gaslel. personal manager iif Songwriter Sues AMP, Muzak for |105,000 On Infringement Claim Associated Music. Publishers and Muzak, are' named as defendants in N. 'Y. federal court by Leon De Costa, composer, in a suit for alleged infringement and mi.suse of his copy- righted song, "Valse Boheme." Ac- lion charges defendants used the lune without con.sent in public per- formance for profit via broadcasting arid electrical transcription, since 1929. According lo the complaint, the tune, originally assigned in 1917 to Breilkoff & Hartcis, music publish- ers, was acqiiited by AMP in' 1929. AMP, it is alleged, licensed to Muzak the broadca.slirig and e.t. rights., thought it did not have the right to do so. 'f'hese rights, were not included in Brcitkoff fit Hartels' original copyright assignment and could not have been given to AMP Jydfe Clark Oploes In his dissenting opinion in the Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Clark recognized the difficulties of a jury trial Iri such cases. He said;— "Now, as to the first, I am not one to condemn jury trials. . .since I - think it has a place among other quite finite methods of fact-finding. But I should not have thought it pre- eminently fitted to decide questions of musical values, certainly not .so much so that an advisory jury should be brought in if jio other in avail- able. And I should myself hesitate to utter .so clear an invlfation to ex- ploitation of slight musical analogies by clever musical tricks in the hope ot getting juries hereafter in this circuit 16 divide the wealth of Tin Pan Alley. This holding seems to me an invitation to the strike suit par e.xcclleDce." I think the tact of this jury trial even under the mast favorable ctr- ciimslances — a .strong case for de- fendant, a fine Judge and an inlclli- gent jury — raises the question whether the Copyright Law should riot be changed .so as to reduce the iricidence of jury trials in copyright infringement cases. The present law on the point seems to be about as follows: If all the plaintiff asks' is damages — whether actual damages or slatu- lory damages in lieu ot actual dam- ages — lie is entitled to a jury trial. If he ask.-y for an accounting ot dc- . fendanl s profits, thetfiiestion is more complicated. In the 4th Circuit, it is clear that he may stiU gel a jury trial in these circumstances. Pathe Exchange, Inc.. v. Dalke, 49 F. 2d, IHI. The 9lh Circuit which includes Culifornia has taken the rnost ex- treme position. It has held lhat where a plaintiff asks for damage.s. menls was not the rack sy.^iem it- self, but the practice of publishers in turning over to rack operators huge quantities Of nivisic. at 2c per Copy lower than jobbers are able.: King Cole. Stan Kenton. Peggy Lee. ' when the. copyright charged hand.s. to obtain the same copies, u Rack op- ctc„ and Ted dc Azevedo. whom | various limes, compiaint al- accounting of profits and an jn- perators pay 20c for music; jobbers. Capitol hired recently to chart its | cosia made demands for j j^mciion he may try the first ca»-e 2'2c). soutli-of-lhe-bordcr inva.^ion. Gas- i ,.o^.aj,y p;,ynneiils for u.sc of the tune . ',,, jj^jj^V ^ tel is financially mlqrc.;hipi'>( d from here; there are no laws, declares Ihe. complaint. De j y,„.,, j ,(,g point is not fcs nimodiate plans for opening a re- i Cosla is erilitlcd to damage.s of ^ilOO.- 1 ,.,gj„. Sheldon v. Moredall Realty I.eller al.-;o pointed out that due ! oordiiig studio or pi:es.-iiig planl ' 000 from the alleged infrinBeirients i ^.^ p .^j,^ - land misuses. He .<.eeks the addi- ' lo Ihe rack system of selecting only the lop 10 or I.*) limes for .sale an uiltried song is ^.ever. laken. U s in- I ferred thai jobbeis and reiail deal- ers, on the other hand, help plenly [(oward making a hit by displays. i lisliiiKS, etc. This angle of the letiei' aci'o. charges AMP failed to j.- ^j^^^^ circumstances, the Court; fully prosecute the application for copyright: failed lo protect his rights: failed to furnish a conti'act: Krid rclaihed lor its use and. control Iho modcrni'/.fcd version, which in iRi.v c'liinpnriy. will he li ken over by ! curporated portions of the ori J Ihc Dominion Rubber Co. I tune. may in its discretion, award Ihe pliiimitl treble damages. But it ihe plaintiff wants profits, or if; he wants statutory damages rather than . ac- giiial <'!""agtP, he cannot have a. jury ' (Continued on page 60) 60 fmCHESTUiiS-MIISIC V^diiewliiy, June 5, 19-16 Music Notes Harry "Paikyakarkiis". EiiisliMii sitJiieci by ARA |o do series ol cliildicn'!; disks. . . .Lee Savin named nationiil sales manager o( Miijicraft Becords. . . . ' Paul Weston, tiiusical clirecmr of Capilol Records, on his first vaciish in four years. .. .Morton Downey signed to disk exclusively for Miijcstir Records. .. .Wingy Maiione today iWod. ) cuts four side* for 4 Star Rec- ords... Kay Thomas, blues bawler recently signed by Black & White Records, cuts first four sides this week ... .Harry Warren and Ralph Blane clelfed 13 ditties for Aleiro's forlheoming "Summer Holiday". .. .Ma.x Sleiner starting his lenlh yeai as scorer and composer for Wlarner Bros.. . ... : Mel Torme and lyis Mel-Tone.- will cut foin' sides for Musieraft this week on Coast, backed by Soiniy Bnrke^s 6rch....Emil Coleman orchestra inked for two musical shoil.'-- for Embro Films.... Jan Savitl'. signed by Coliunbia for one pic..,:Pat Ballard has emerged from retirement and; again is songwriting. I^atesl is " Little Butterfly." on which he collabeil with Moe Jaflte and Clay Boland. .. .Frank Stacy out of promotion de- partment of Capitol Records. .. .Excelsior Records has split with Jack Cul- slialTs national distrib setup and is lining up indie distribs in keys across : coimtry. Ralph Isaacson has joined diskery to act as sales coordinator^ ... Bill Hay, Amos 'n Andy program announcer; this week will wa.\ album- or fable narrations (or Comet Records. . . .Siiiilcy Jim Ricli-iidson named ^ sales manager of Superior Records. j 10 Best Sheet SeHers c lVccl.- Eiidiilif Jiiiie 1» Gyps.\ .. Leeds Prisoner of Love . , .May fair All Through Day. . . , Williamson L:uighing on the Outside. .BMl Siou.N City Sue . ...... Morris I Don't Know Enough. .... .C-P Full Mpoh. Empty .^rms. Barton I'm Biq Girl' Now. . . , . World ln r.o\ e In Vain . . T. B. Harms NBC, CBS, ABC. Matual Plugs (Peatman System) fo/loiriiiff (ire Cie Afo.vf Ployed sotigs o/ file teeel,-. M(ij/ 24.;)o based on the I'lipi/risi'iled snrrry b\j Dr. John Peatman's Offii-e oj Bc^n-an l'i, „si„n the .Accurate Reporliiij; Rndio Log as basis oJ infonnation in N. y. All Through the Day— fCenlcnniiil Summer". Williamson ' .\s If I Didn't Have Enough Oiv My Mind... ,,. .Melrose i Coiiie Rain Come Shine— ♦"St. Louis Woman". ....Crawford ' Do You Love Me'.' — v"Do You lx>ve Me'.'". . . ...... . . .BVC Band Biz Bo(f in Gotham 'Sticks'; Surburban Spots Qutdraw N.Y. by Far Bands working roadhouses in sub- ui'ban areas surrounding N; Y. have made a much better bo. showing than the combos in the major spots within the city during the past week or two. N. Y. bi7. has not been good for the past momh or more and a forlnighl ago. when the railroads . wetil on strike, it melted away to a dribble. Last week it picked up slightly, but was far outstripped by suburban spots. No. 1 biz getter in the 'sticks" is Tex Beneke and the Gleivn Miller orchestra, which has been crowdin.ij Meadowbrook consistently. Nighl it opened (31 1 it played to 2.2.iO-odd patrons, a one-nighi record for ihe SIKlt. Lasi week. Claude ThoriihiU's new band went into Post Lodge, Ijrch- monl. N. v., and. though Tliornhill has been out of circulation . four years, he packed the 500-.. In a heavy downpour he played Vo almost 1.100 patrons and 400-odd re,-;erval ions weren't picked up. i Bel-Tone Glaims Pressing i Plant Sold Rejected Disks i Hollywood. June 4. i Bureau of Internal Revenue was •informed by Bel-Tone Records thai ! Zenilli Molding company of Fuller- • ton sold 5.000 Bel-Tone. disks witli- I out paying Federal Excise tax. Bel- ; Tone is al.sO preparing a civil suit I again.<:t the preying plant for pcd- [ dling waxes without permission, on ihe ground that the material is copy- righted and was sold by unauthor- ized agents. Zenith, according to. Dick El well, t Bel -Tone pre.xy. pressed disks but they were refused by his company for technical Haws. Elwell claims I they were sold rather than de- stroyed: he fust discovered that faci I when he-louied Oklahoma recently : and foimd a. dealer who had bought ! .some of the platters. Stales he lia.^ ' afHdavits and sales receipts proving : the claim. • Kenton Still Unable To Get Loose From East Dates, Stay West Stan Kenton has so far been un-. able to tear himself loose from eastern daie.'^ ho seeks to cancel in order lo remain oh the Coast closer lo his faiiiilv. Pennsylvania Hotel. N. Y., where he's due to open Sept. 2. flall.\ refuses to release him from the obliftation. So do the operators o I Eastwood Gardens. De- troit and Cedar Point. Sandusky. O. B(>oking at the Paramount Theatre. N. V.. for November is the only diite Konlon doesii't want ■ to get out 01. I Kver since. Kenton advised Cen- : era! Artists two weeks ago that he would rathei' slay on the Coast and i work one-nighlcrs. etc.. than come ! cast, the agency has Ijeen endcavor- I hie 10 salisfs him. So far, it has I had no luck. Doin' What Comes Naliir'lly— '"Annie Gel Your Gun " Don't Be a Baby, Baby , ., Full Moon and Empty Arms..,,.., ........ G.vpsy : I Didn't- Mean a Word I Said— t"Do You Love Me".. 1 Don'l Know Enough Aboul You. . . . .'. , .' I DonI knoNv Why...-..: I Fall In Love With You Ev'ry Day. | I'd Be lA)Sl Witl\ouc You. , . . ...... ........ ; . In Love In Vain— v"Centennial Sununei" In Ihe Moon MisI II Conldn l Be True Just A'sillin' and A roekin' Laughing On Ihe Outside...; , i.ove On a Greyhoimd Bus— t"No Leave. No Love".. More Than You Know .....<... Oh. What It Seemed to Be . ... Persoiuilily— -; "Road To Ulopia" ,'. Prisoner of Love Seems Like Old Times..... Shoo Fly Pie ] Sioux City Sue ,, ] ] ' ,' ! They Say U s Wond«rfiil— ♦"Annie Gel Your Gun"' ' We'll Gather Lilacs Where Did Lou Learn To Love. You Are Too Beautiful ■ ', Top Tunes for Your Books An All-Time Favorite I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE, BABY Music by*. , JIMMY McHUGH Publishad by MILLS IPetrillo Would Never Stand for This Gimmick I Toledo, . June 4! ■ Special device which will do away ; with bands at Juneral services in South .^nlcrica will be manufnc- Uiicd in Toledo by the recently- formed Toledo Elect rocratt Co. Ii is a widespread cu.-lom thioughoul the Latin countries lo have funeral mu- . sic at grave services. New device will b11o\v the operator of a hear.-.e to nu n a switch as - the funei al cars I reach the grave, and appropriate i music Will come forth, i Incorporators of the hrm are Ray- { mond and Lorainc Nantais and Wil- ! liain J. Armhein. Firm, will also ' manufacture other speeia) radio and electronic devices. BLUE ROOM, N.Y., FOLDS I FOR REDECORATING .Blue Room. Lincoln Jiolel. N.Y.. j closed for alleralioiis !a-^t night j iTuesday i: after the exit ( f Buddy I Morrow s oichesti'a. There is no ideCuiite date for the reopening: il I will depend on the lenglh of time ! lonsunu'd in the redecorating Lee I Ca.'-lle will go in wlien that occurs; ; lie's currently at the Roosevell hotel, Washington. D.C.. anoth-r Maiia Kramer-owned spot. Morrow s, band goes inio :he Cap- itol theatre Thursday (Bi willi tlie Ril/. Bros. , .. Berlin Ti;KU!gle . . . /Barton , . , , Leeds . , , . Kobbins ..fC-P . . . . FeisI ...Slept . . . . Advanced . . . .T. B. Harms . . . .Shapiro . . . .Santly-.loy Robbins . . .SUM I ... Robbins ...Miller .. . .Sanlly-.Iov . .. .BurUc-VH . . .May fair FeisI , . . .Capilo: ; . . . i\lorris Berlin . . . .Chappc'll .. Morns . . . . llarnis t FilJHlisienl. ♦ Leoil Mi(.sirnl, t BM/ Liceiijted. EUGENE ORMANDY TO CONDUCT S. a; SERIES Philadelphia. June 4. Eugene Ormandy is signed lo cdn- ducl a series • of concerts in Latin American counlrie.i as soon as he nnishes his lour with Ihe Philadel- phia Orchestra. Tour, covering 37 concerts in 30 cities, will end June .9. Ormandy is scheduled lo fly to Rio deJaneiro oil June 17. Robbins-Meiro Contintird froni pact S9 MUSICWHIZ! □ Bagels wiHi spun 1. What T. Levis?* ^ Cowboy dun90r.es 2. How htq is a cow- bey's Stefson? Five gallons Ten gallons 3. What is the tiXe 2 Way Down Upon Hie Swanee song of Republic's River big, new Trucolor oi'.J what ,ts every- body singing???** WAY" •r JACK MEAKIN and FOSTER CARLINO **lacliidia9 ferry Coma, Hoogy Cormichael, King'* Mm, The Modtrn- oirM, Km Caraon, SoM of tht Plonttri, jMdy Cmovq, Menr* Holt, Rldari of the Purple Sog«, WnHnqhoiiit Chorai. utc, ete. CdMPOSERS MUSIC CO. 9120 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 46, Cal. •Pronounced "Lee-viie" Latin counirics along the lines of Ralph Peer's Southern Music and Peer International — it was then that I^oews decided lo clean house ill with the Cuban .comjsany; (2i the Robbins Artists Bureau, and 13) h.vpo east -west accord. With Loew's adding the Robbins 26'> to its already owned 51'; con- trol, the remaining 23'; will prob- ably be bid for in order to attain 100'< ownership. Jack Bregman, now head of Bregmaii-Vocco-Conn, who left Robbins as business man- ager, has around 5"^ and the rest is owned by Dom'enico Savino, mu- sic editor of the firms; sales exec Bernard Prager; and production manager Stephen Levilz. Savino owns a larger chunk than the others, around IKr. Corwin, Sepia Musikers Ink Theatre Contract Los Angeles. June 4. Sherrill Corwin. only vaudlilm op- erator here, signed contract with Negro Musicians' Local 767 over weekend and will reopen the Lin-, coin, colored stage-show site, on ,ruly 8. Corwin. who has the Or- pheum and Million Dollar theatres here.Mecently acquired Hie Lincoln, j Pacling with union followed a monlli-long series of negotiations, during which the bone of coiitcnlion was whether or not the contraci would call for slaiid.-by musicians when travelling orcheslras are used. .As contraci lliially emeiged. Cor- win agreed to hiiv a 16-piece band composed of 767 members for one week's woik. followlni; playiin; of three consecutive traveling allrae- lioiis. Firsl show ijilo Lincoln will be topped by Ink Spot.s. and on opening night, receipts will be split among four Negro chariiios. Condon Jazz Co. Invited to Paris Eddie Condon and his jazz troupe have been invited by the French government to give two concerts in Paris during the first week in Octo- ber, Group will play in the Salle Pleyel and the Paris Opera House in a benefit for (lisplaeed per.sons. Upon his return from overseas, Condon has been booked for a .series' of one-iiighter eoneerls around the country for the two-week period, Oct. 13-29. Condon also commences his sixth sea.snn at Town Hall next fall when he will be Ihe only jazz group to appear in . the and. Copyright Cases Continued rroni pace S>i j trial. Patent Law. Section 70: Bella- vance v. Plastlc-Crafi Novelty Co., 30 F. Suppy! 37 (D.CD. Mass. 1939 >: I Tilghman v. Proctor. 12.t U. S, 136. , 31 L Kd. 604 (18671; Coupe v. Roger j l.'i.T Li. S. 56,1 M895i: Bro(vn v, Lan- :.voii. 148 Fed. 838 iC.C.A. 8lhi i 1 1900 I. The result is thai as a prac- I tical mailer, a plamlifT does iiot ask i foi- a jury trial in patent case.<. Hi> can orrly have the imporiani reme- ■ di(•.^ if he ha.-, the case tried before a ' judge without a jury. ' ir Ihe Copyright Lau wcieamend- I ed so a.~ lo make it parallel lo the PaUMil l.aw in this respect, the re- [ suit would be that a plaintin could not h;i\'- a jury n ial unlf'S.- lie were ■ willing lo limit himself to actual fiumages. a priic"lii;al matter. It IS very difficult lo prove aciual damages in a copyright case. If iplaidtift wam.-» statutory damages in lieu of actual damages, or if 'he wanU an accounting of defendant's profits, the case would be decided by an e.-

    ericnced judge rather than a jijry, I would sUggesl thal personi in- terested 10 the Held :. Still doing bia hi/, with' 5.700. AI.VINO KEY OKI II CU) Wilh Jo.Anii Byaii, Bob McReynolds, Robert I'oluccio, .Mrlliiers Hotel Astor Roof. N. Y. If one wasn't cerlaiii that the rail- road ban against the movement of i studio. circu.'ies had been lifted two weeks , . — ; . — ago. the whereabouts of the Ringliiis ' . . . » »• rwt li^'StxHl^i.^^ :rL:''^ZX[ Aquanum May .Use Two : was-occupying the^Astor Roof band. , Y\Ct Toppef That's the way the new Alvino , Aquarium Re.stauranl Rcy ouilit strikes you. lake one Los Angeles Krcddy Martiii I Aniba-'isador; 900; $l-$r.50i. nilly ;i.800 covers. Iliiss Morjran iBillmore; 900; Sl-li.SOV Climbing back, to warlimc levels -.'j.«»0 labs. Holiday crowds . eciualled - Location Jobs, Not in Hotels Up to, 2.900 bill slill below Al R«lh. recently discharged from the Army, has joined the cOcktail department of the Moe Gale agency. Pre-war he was with the WOR Artist Bureau. (CfltCQffO) Billy Bishop (Blackliawk:,.500: $2-f2.50 min.). pai'. ■ ~ Gay Clarldre (Choz Paree: iS50: $3-$3.50 min.). WalU-i bulging as Danny Thomas tbj's wilh new Che/. Paree record wilh 6.000. N. Y.. may jimmy Dorsey (Rainbo: $l-$l.2r)V : Ray Anlliony closed nuirsday (30), use two new bands later this | oor.sey in Friday (31 1 to up Week lo . fair 8.000. summer for one period in lieu. of. kddy Howard i.\ragon: 90c-$1.15i. Down lo 14.000 but still a tidy taVc. one lop name Negotialioiis arc now , Buddy Sliaw iLaliii Quarter: 700: $3-53,50 niin:.l. Martha Raye, Estelte SOing on to install the coi«parative- , Sloan, et al,. doing steady 4.200. ' ly new outfit under Budd.v Rii;h in. , Angeles) the spot: along wilh the band soon s»minv Kave iPalladinm. B, Hollywood, 5lli wk,V Heavy plav over to be built by Toddy Powell. ' ihe hohday; big 28.000 admishes, Jan Garber, Bobby Sherwood (Avbdon. B, Los '^iigeles. 3d .wk.1. No beefs, at 13,000 lickel.s. ■ Joe .Sanders (Trianon. B. Soiiih Gate, 3d wk.'t. Took a shellacking from If the pair goes into the spot, it would follow the run of .Count Ba.sie. On the Upbeat THi TALK OF THE TOWN GEORGE TOWNE CitrrtRtly ANSLIY HOTEI. ATLANTA, ftA. ■«oadeatti|i4 Pear Tlmai Wachly WOR-MirtMal, Ceail-to-Ceait * CURRINTLY PELHAM HEATH INN NIW YORK M91.: MUSIC CORP. OP AMiRICA Then the band goes into action. You hold on to your head to make sure il stays on while the six truih- pels. four' trombones, etc.. bla.sl away- would open pair on Aug, 22 in beautiful, precise fashion. Next. vou hold your sides howling al the "antics produced by the very clever Bob McReynolds and a.^sislanls do- ing a great arraiigement of the nov- . elly. "Sioux City Sue." a piece of] Columbia Records got out a disk business that will knock theatre au- : by Modernaires vocal group consisl- diences for a loop. That's bolstered j ;,^jr of songs they did while with by a half-dozen or more equally , p^.g.^.„,. ii,„os arc sli^ng ilenis. _ ' ones RCA-Victor has copies Of by oi^tT^fir^^l;d.*'li;s'l^;)y^^i.he Minor band wilh the saine sing- parent fault Is the 10 bra.s.s, which | ers — "Elmer's Tune. "Moonlight are needecl about as much as the Serenade" (vocalK "Don't Sit Under hole they try to bore in your head ,iie Apple I'rec." and "Chattanooga when you hear them. It has about (^|,„q.c|,oo-. packed onto one side, everything else one (:ould ask for, in . ..ji.uebo.x Saturdav Night ' on an orchestra bidding for big Onancial Z\. „.,,..,i. ,,..„.pA =ales returns. And it does everything >'everse ,.. .Bill Rauak named sales wilh spark and enthusiasm. Except , manager of Musicrafl Recoids.... Rey himself: half the time his kisser ; Les F.lgart band due into frank and demeanor remind you of^a Hag Dailev's Meadowbiook. July 23 at half-mast. , , ' Palomar ballroom. San Jose, near- Another fault, and one that should the variou.s strikes to drop to 3.850, Stan Mycri (Slapsy Maxie's. N. Lo.s A.ngeles. 8tli wk.). Hit about 3.500 for final .slau/^a before shuttering until .Inly. Eddy Oliver, fagc CavanaUfli Trio .'Trocadero. N. Hollywood. 3d wk,). Some good nights, .some dull nights, but average 3.000. Garwood Van iCiro's. N. Hollywood. 8th wk.). Nitery picked up to 3,1«0 covers for final frame before month of darkness, Benny Sirong i.Trianon: 90c-$l.r5.) Going up bul' slill olT th« pitch wilh 12.000. »j . o . . , .... ing completion. .. . Cniorge Pa.xlon be corrected, is Rey s loo-infrequent : * . J raniinf theatre N Y.. us» of the trick guitar he invented band into Capitol Ihcalie ^ J. himself. Connected to a throat mike July 5 .,. Chubby Jack.si. 01 or on •ither Louise King (Reyi. who 1 Woody Herman band ...GU *i.uiK- plays harp in th« band, or one otilin joined Frankie Carle band as the. musicians behind the bandstand. | vocalist . , Jerry Coloima' unil play.- MET OPERA SETS B O. MARK IN MEMPHIS Memphis. June 4. Metropolitan Opera's recent two- I night stand here, first such , in -45 I years, set new records for b.o. take I in Ihese part.-;. Soine 1 1 .776 per.sons I saw "Carmen" and ' Madaiiie But- I irrtly " on succeeding nights with I sross $57,859. I Previous gate high hereabouts was the scn.sational Billy Rose take wilh Ohio Liquor Board £u.s|)eiided night-club license of 'Hecuniseli Club, Toledo, for -30 days, after il was night-club licenst; of Tecumscli Club, i^i;^^rK'^.'^^b5;rtrR^iT°-;,.J^'^' va^Jl^i^l M^m.e'Tk^l -C.'-y.Qui.t'' back in 19;,. ,2,1.00 broadcasts. The obvious iritorest Her.shey, Pa.,, Saluidaj m nmht. created every time he uses the in- ,jan Garber. current at Avodon strument should indicate to him its . ballroom, L, A., into Aragon. Ocean value in his future. I Park. Calif., Sept. 9 to Jan. 13. Art in a single nighl. Chicago Civic Opera, last big-time troupe here, did $65,000 in three pertorniaiices in 1930. As for Vocalists, there are .so many it's not easy to keep track of them all. JoAnn Ryan does fenune solos. She sing.s well and looks better. Robert Coluccio knocks olT ballads Kasscl crew will follow Garber . . Charlie Spivok dated into Palladium. Hollywood, six weeks Dec. 26,... Garwood "Van band, cuncnl at Giro's. smartly as a soloist and also works j Hollywood, will play Arago". Ocean as part of tlie Air-Liners quartel for which Rey is seeking a new name. McReynolds, Chuck Peterson, et al.. chip in the novelties. This new Rey coibbo is a fine buv. Wood: HERBIE FIELDS AND HIS ORCHESTRA Faoturlng Pottl Pow«ri NOW— RUSTIC CABIN ENQiLeWOOD CUFFS. N. J. , Indefinltaly iraadaoiKag ' WOR-Mntuol, Ce«if>to-Ceait Park. Calif., June 8-27... Tex Be neke crew. Glenn Miller, following September stand al Palladiiim. Hollywood, will play Mi.ssion Beach. San Diego, on consecutive weekends. OiLt. 11-13 and 18-'20 . .Ike Carpen- ter flew from. N. Y. lo Coast to re- place Mollis Sulser as 8Bcr in Bobby Sherwood orch. .. Jimmy Dnrsey will c1(2but a new ballroom al R(lg< Ellison Exits Exclusive Disks After Tune Tiff Hollywood, June 4. Ben Ellison, general-manager and one of original organi/,ers of Exclu- sive Records, pulled out of company over weekend afler a tilT- with Leon Reiie, pre/ of plattery. Dispute oc- curred when Ellison gave his recent composition. "I Left My Heart In Mississippi" to Martin Block Music Co. for publication, whereas Rene (hoiight ilem should have been is water Beach, San Francisco, xvilli I "'"''! by one of the Iwo shcel-music Dal D:in- ! publishing subsids of E.>cck!Sivo. roui:-day .stand. 'July 3 ford band will open ; June 18 at Ellison had a contract wilh waxi 1'i ianon. San Diego, and .span sum- ] ery which did not c.s'pire iinlil end iiipr. . , Earle Spencer, has foi meir a ; of this month, but he ankled after j,iew band and put il |inlii rclieai sal i a iniilual agreement. He claims that ; ill Hollywood. . . his contracl^ specifically slaied ho i Band booking,'- al Bill Grcdn's. ''•'""''' P'ace any, songs he authored Pittsburgh, include Ted Wcein-. iw„ l anywhere ho wanted, nol neeiessarity weeks, June 14: Jan f ;ail)ei- fnr a ' ^^''"^ ""C of. Rene's ruins, fortnight, July 24 , . . Baron I'.llioll staff maestro at WCAE, I'iiKbuigli. I will spend statioil layoll this mui- j nier al p'Hcniy Ballrotjrn. Cliicago. I where he's spoiled foe 10 week- ■ . , . Fciur Blazes al the 'I'lopical Bar. Pitt., for four week- . . firay Gordon; Orchestra inlo Vocnc Tpi-.' race. Pitt., for two v.-eek- ./ime following Ina Ra.v IfiiLton ', Mei h Conrad, pianist ,nl Don Mel/' f 'iisino; Pill., for lv.o-an(l-a-liaif vi-in':..' has moved to new Sea llniiui Bai a' few (loorj av.'oy.' * • ■ -••■-•--» SHI'S WWW A (;h'»i Hit ntiiiaii ! ! DON'T SAY YOU'RE SORRY AGAIN By I.ee Pearl, Art Herman, Eujrcne West Itccnrdcd By Krsltin* Hawkins on Victor Records (20-1M2A) The VelveloiieN on Coronet Records (Cor-4A) r-With More Coming:!! KANES MUSIC PUILISHERS-^U19 IROADWAY. N. Y. fXClUSIVF MANAGEMENT mm Wedoeflday, June 8, 1946 VAITDEVILLB 6S BrazO Casino Ops in Move to Interior To Offset Metropolitan Gaming Bans Brazil's casino operators, whose' .activity was blacked out weeks back by a govt, ban against gambling, are attempting to get around the official Irown on the gaming tables by mov- ing their operations far from metro- politan centers. It seems that the cause of the recent stand against dice, roulette, etc., was numerous coinnplaints by churchmen that the tables were too convenient to the common man, who was losing his shirt and couldn't afford it. > Current plans via which operators hope to lift the ban, call for gam- bling activity to be transferred from metropolitan centers of Rio de Ja^ niero, Sao Paulu, etc., to locations inaccessible to all but the wealthy. In this way, it's hoped that the churchmen will be mollifled and the govt, will see its way clear to okay- ing resumption of green-felt activity. If the operators succeed along these lines, they will, of course, re- sume the buying of U. SI and Euro- pean talent. Since the clubs closed, last month, a lucrative source of revenue to acts, agencies, etc., has been cut off. . However, the plan to move gam- bling to remote localities is expected to draw bitter opposition from the Copacabana, Rio. Copa is the only casino which ;doesn't have a branch elsewhere. Rival Atlantico and Urea have such branches and they could easily make the switch. Urea own-, er, Joaquin Rolla, has the Casino de Icarehy, reached only by boat from Rio, while Alberto Bianchi, Atlantico cp,' owns the Casinos, de Guaruja, Saio. Paulo, Serra Negra and de Lyndoa. First would be closed un- der the plan, other two going Into operation. They, too, are remote from large centers of population. ' Brazil's largest Casino, the Quitan- dinha,' at Petropolis, although not af- filiated with any of the above, would be able to operate under the plan since it's located about 25 rnile^ from Rio. JEAN SABLON DICKERS WITH GIRO'S, MEX CITY Deal is on the Are for Jean Sablpn to' play Ciro's, Mexico City, some- time in July. Ciro's, in the Hotel Re- forma, run by A. C. Blumenthal, an American expatriate, has at various times used important name talent. If deal goes through, Sablbn will clear around $3,000 weekly. French singer, currently working in a Paris musical,* will return to this continent via of South America, where he'll visit his mother, now living in Brazil, and then go back south to Ciro's. He's already dated for the Mount Royal' hotel, Mon- treal, Aug. 19. Sophia Tucker signed for the Lookout House, Covington, Ky., for two weeks July 10. Chas. Trenet's Nitery Hit Booms Disk Sales, Reversing Usual Idea Charles Trenet's click at the Em- bassy club, N. Y., reverses the cur^ rent trend in record sales. In most cases, singers or bands click on p.a.'s only after making hit records, biit Trenet disk retailings have boomed considerably since his laud- able notices at the club. Trenet's oldies and .origihals have been . hitting boom sales since his importation to this country. One re- tail Arm,, Liberty Record shop, has taken four of Trenet's recordings and albumed them despite the fact that they were originally issued as single biscuits. They sell for $3.90 and go like hot cakes.' Boom of Trenet records is cueing another importation, by Columbia Records. Carlo Butti, whose disks have had a large sale among Italian speaking groups, is slated . to come to the U.S. under Columbia auspices for a concert. Pitt Terrace Folds Floor Shows for Summer Months Pittsburgh, June 4. William Penn hotel's Terrace Room, town's ace late spot, dropped floor shows for the summer over the week-end. Unlike past seasons, however, room will be kept open for daiicing only three nights a week, Thursday to Saturday. Dinner dancing will continue every night, but only until 9 p.m. early part of the week. Marty Gre- gor's band stays on. Gypsy Rose Exits Chi in Huff After Frolics Coin Row Chicago, June 4. Objections of the management to her playing a club date here, for which she received $600, resulted in Gypsy Rose liCe storming out of the Frolics last week oh the final night of. her six-week engagement at the spot. Nitery, coincidentally, folded the same night, after four months of red ink operation. . American Guild of Variety Artists reps here were called in when Miss Lee pointed out that other acts on the bill had played outside dates and that she was therefore entitled to accept them also, especially in view of the fact that she had taken a cut of $1,000 a week during the dimotit, woriiing for $3,000 instead of the contracted $4,000 because of dif- ficulties the spot was operating un- der. At any. rate, she settled for a $fi00 slice from her final week's pay — the amount . received for the club date — because of a clause in her pact with the Frolics forbidding such dates, and took off for an engage- ment at the Band Box, Portland, Ore,, leaving AGVA to handle any further negotiations. Jackie Gleason signed for Brad- ford roof, Boston, starting June 20. Art Tatiim, blind , Negro pianist, has served notice on the William Morris agency that he's leaving the office when his current contract ex- pires, June 16. Cavallaro s Par Date Puts MCA In Middle of NewRift; Now ItsWaniers WHitEMAN, WHITING TO CAPITOL THEATRE, N.Y. Paul Whiteman's orchestra and Margaret Whiting have been signed to play the Capitol theatre; N., Y,, starting around the beginning of August. Whiteman is playing a re- peat date at the house; Miss Whit- ing is playing her first N.Y. vbude date here. Miss Whiting comes up via her click on Capitol recordings. She rose to prominence with her disking of "It Might As Well Be Spring" and has been on the Philip Moiris Johnny Desmond radio show. Joe Hiller, Pitt Booker, Suggested Arbitrator Of AGYA-NCO Battles Pittsburgh, June 4. Matt Shelvey, head of AGVA, has suggested Joe Hiller, local booker, as arbitrator of any future differ- ences between Pittsburgh Night Club Owners Guild and performer's Un- ion here. Recent impasse over post- ing of cash band, which tossed floor shows out of Pittsburgh clubs for several week, ended when agents agreed to put up the dough for spots they service. ' Hiller, it's understood, Is agreeable to nitery men and he has stated his willingness to serve if called on. It was Hiller, incidentally, who first proposed that agents put up the se- curity bond after owners had flatly turned down AGVA demands. At that time, however, cafe men weren't willing either to post* it themselves or have anybody do It for them. It was the principle of the thing, they said. Allen Jenkliu and Ed Brophy are being teamed for vaiide appearances. Carmen Cavallaro's orchestra, which recently finished a run at the. Strand theatre, N. Y,, was sold by Music Corp, of America last week to the Paramount theatre, N. Y., thereby cementing newly-developed relations between MCA and the Par booking men and seemingly opening a rift between MCA and Harry Mayer, . booker of • Warner Bros, houses. Cavallaro goes into the Par . some time between eight and 10 months following the Strand date, or between next December and Febru- ary, 1947. He'll be drawing $12,500 weekly. For a couple of years at least, there wa§ bad blood between MCA and Paramount, caused by a succes- sion of disputes at the time the Gapitol theatre, N. Y„ opened a stage-show policy and MCA began pulling its bands away from the Par and putting them into tlie Cap, Even this was predicated on prior uneven relations between ' the two. Since that time MCA had "hot booked a band into the N. Y. flagship of the chain or any of its key city theatres until recently. Initial break in the attitudes of both was the placing of Bob Chester's band in the N. Y. house behind comic Danny Kaye and the later booking of Dick Stabile to accompany. Dinah Shore (they open , next month). . Whether the moving of Cavallaro to the^Par from the Strand is based on a dispute with WB or only method of healing the Par breach is uncertain. Despite its cause, Mayer is burning. MCA's theatre depart- ment, headed by Johnny Dugan, probably isn't forgetting, either, the fact that Par's booking division Is currently buying talent for a lot more time than the two weeks (N. Y. and Earle, Phila.) WB i« playing. Peter Hayes' Balto Job Peter Und Hayes, current at tha Copacabana, N. Y., has been Te< booked for the Club Charles, Balti* more, at an Indefinite date, for $2,000 weekly. NEWEST DANCING STAR "Sht's Hm Betr in H«r LIm"— Charii* Dawn. Chlcage Harald-Amarican DOUBLING NICKY BLAIR'S LOEW'S CARNIVAL ★ CAPITOL NEW YORK (Currently) NEW YORK (Opening June Gth) FOR THE RECORDS OPBNBO January, 1945, played 12 weeks BAL TABARIN,. San Francisco. OPENED April, 1945, played 16 weeks CHEZ PAREE, Chicago. OPENED September, 1945, played 10 weeks COPACABANA, New York OPENED November, 1945, CARNIVAL, New York, and HELD OVER. r INDEFINITELY MaM^Mnent: WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCr .. . 1 J JH ll ' ni I II . II M Jll > . J4 i J. U III J.l il I I i J .IMI H J .HI 64 VAVmKVWtlM Wcdnesdaj, June 5, 1946 Nitery Owners Put Cafes On Block I lymiwas joins mca While Market Is Hot; Fear Biz Dip Attempts to sell top New York nilertes have reached their highest point ill years. Many owners are trying to unload holdings now that values are up sky-high and the tax bite, under capital gain rules, is re- stricted to 25%. Current dip in nite- ry grosses partly accounts for will- inKness of many operators to unload, but many regard recession as tem- porary. , . Inspiration tor the boom market in cafes has been the recent sales of the Riviera, Ft. Lcc. N. J., to Bill Miller for a reported $750,000, and takeover of the Iceland. N. Y., from Mike Lar- sen at $160,000. Since then many major club own- ers have been sending out feeler.s. Two spots have so far been put on the market openly. Lou Walters is asking $250,000 for his 50^^ share of the N. Y. Latin Quarter, and Dario. of rival La Martinique, is willing to unload his share for a similar sum. One reason that some clubs aren't being peddled openly is the fear that solicitation would automatically low- er the asking price. Consequently owners all prefer being approached. This was the modus operandi of the near-sale of La Martinique two weeks, ago. Dario was approached by Frank Caspar through Frank Law, but price difference nixed that deal. Dario originally asked $250,000 then came down to $225,000, but Caspar's top price was $175,000. Other than Caspar, not too many nitery buyers are appearing. Some out-of-town boite owners are report- ed attempting to get a foothold in N. Y., but are being held back be- cause of inflated sale prices. Chi- cago syndicate is reported reac|y to step into th« N. Y. picture as soon as business recedes, so' that they would be in a more favorable bar- gaining position, • Nitery investment is still regard- ed as a good proposition inasmuch as many believe that the mass cafe trade is still an infant industry. It's the contention of many that when lower talent costs prevail, profitable operation can be achieved willj aver- age checks down to around $2.50. Currently the larger mass niteries run at a nice profit with checks av- eraging $4 per person. Hal Fisher "Laughingly Yowrs" CarrtaHy LATIN QUARTER, De«. Dir.: WILLI/^-" MOMIS AGENCY Shepp's in Fold; 35G Tax Bin Due Hollywood," June 4. Billy Berg, operator of local nitery bearing his name, has decided not to reopen Shepp's Playhouse, down- town black-and-tannery, which he had an eye on. Reportedly, Berg pulled out of project because the now-shrouded site owes $35,000 in back taxes to Uncle Sam. Meanwhile, Berg has on his hands two bands, CeePee Johnson . combo and Joe Liggins' Honeydri'ppers, both for concurrent periods. He had pacted Johnson for a stretch at his Hollywood spot, and had Liggins inked for Shepp's. Contracts with both.orchs have been deposited with Negro Musicians' Local 767, and un- less Harold Oxley agency, which handles Liggins, gets another date to All the void, matter will have to be adjusted by union. Liggins' pact is guarantee of six weeks with option for .six more. To clear his once-planned opera- tion of Shepp's, Berg is understood to have plunked down $1,800 with Local 767, which had blacklisted Shepp's for failure to pay last mu- sicians used in spot just before for- mer operators bowed out. Panama Nitery Biz Off, No Tourists; Casanova Folds Panama City, June 4. Club Casanova, playing name American acts, under direction of Cowes family, was the first folderoo in Panama's current night club depresh. Lack of tourists and usually heavy spending soldiers and sailors is being felt over entire Isthmus, and most of the bistros, are yelling panic, despite the fact their take of the past five years ran into the millions. - Club Happyland is importing Os- car Moreno's Cuban Follies, all Cu- ban show, featiiring Chino danseuse Lily May Wong. U. S. talent comes here at its own risk, American Guild of Variety Artists refusing protection since Panama spots won't sign AGVA minimum pacts and post salary bonds. $100 AND UP PER WEEK! 3«llliii alarm tloiki, po^kit knlvii, hose, ■l*v«t. mrtllt, ihlrtt, dnita, iMltanr goetft, e«rd»d ndie., tuti lapplln. HHdredi of ftthsr itimi it FACTORY PRICES. S«nd 3i itanp for blf mw Ottalof* MID-SOUTH SUPPLY CO. 219 E. MirilkM SI* W. Brud LIttIo RMk, Aik. TtuikiM. Tn. Phil Wrigley Has Big Plans for Catalina Is. Chicago, June 4. Longrange plan to subdivide Cata- lina Island, owned by Philip K. Wrigley, head of Wrigley Chewing Gum, Is being whipped together by Wrigley. He is currently on the is- land arranging for rebuilding the St. Catherine hotel. Plan calls for general renovation of all Catalina business sites, plane service, and highspeed boats to han- dle traffic from the mainland, plus a new sewage system, etc. Moving of Cliff Johnson, long- time CBS-WBBM announcer, to Catalina to do 11 broadcasts a week is seen as first step in Wrigley's applying for a license to broadcast from the island and an attempt to promote a large-scale real estate venture to make Catalina a second Malibu Beach. Tflakcus LOEW BOOKING AGENCY OtNttAl tXICUTIVI ofncts LOEW BUILDING ANNEX 1«0 W. 4«tt< It., N. Y. C. • MyanI 9-T»00 Lynn Luoas, brothar of bandleader Clyde Lucas, who until recently vo- caled with tha band, has given up singing chores for a piost In Music Corp, of America's club date depart- ment. Lucas will be in charge of music contracting on MCA-booked banquet dates. He succeeds Billy Sherr, who left MCA several weeks ago. AD Billy Rose Mairs Are Unusual Even Horseshoe, N. Y., Lease Troubles Ruth Barr to Open Miami Office to Rep. Agcys., Club Huth Barr, who recently gave up the agency business in New York, is opening a talent ofTice in Miami Beach, Fl'a. She will rep N. Y. agencies In talent deals with Florida nileries. While in N. Y. Miss Barr was ex- clusive booker for Imu Walters' Latin Quartisr. Youth Theatre Almnni Recitals Tip Source Of Vanguard, N.Y., Talent Secret of where the Village Van- guard, N. Y., gets its supply of fresh talent is out now that alumni of the Youth Theatres, a semi-pro group which has banged around the borscht-belt and in minor legit of- ferings in N. Y., completed a scries of recitals at the Barbizon-Plaza theatre. N. Y, Saturday. (25). Most of the cast read like a roster of past and present performers at the Village spot. Some members no- tably Betty Garrett, legit discovery in "Call Me Mister," and George Tyne, who appeared in "Walk in the Sun" (20th-Fox), have advanced considerably since they made their beginnings with this group. As intimate legit efTort, the group's revue, 'Tidbits of 1946," was often refreshing and well-gaited, but much of its novelty had been ex- pended by being previously seen at the aforementioned Vanguard. The Youth Theatre has a politi- cally liberal and socially conscious viewpoint which is all too evident in its comedy skits and songs. Comedy was well taken care of by Phil Leeds, current at the Vanguard, Bernie West, last at Cafe Society Downtown, and Sherle Harlt. with Buddy Jaroslow emceeing the first half of the show. Their efforts came off pretty well, especially a skit on Rep. Rankin and a satire on the flood of psychiatric films now very much in vogue. In the song department, Marais and Miranda, South African folk singers who recently gave a recital at Town Hall, N. Y., clicked .with folk ballads, and Mordecai Bauman, in studied and cultured voice gave out with a trio of songs of modern Russian composers. Eddy Manson ac- comped by Marjorie Welles at the piano, highlighted the musical ef- forts with smart harmonica solos, and Iva Kitchell burlesqued modern and cliassical ballet in a laugh pro- voking manner. Lou Cooper provid- ed piano aceompaniment. Jose. Race Track Near A.C. Perks Niteries Atlantic City will get a big-league nitery with the opening of a Board- walk room seating around 400. Cafe, still unnamed, will use names and will spend up to $6;500 weekly for talent. It will open around June 22; The room is located on top of a Howard Johnson restaurant and will be operated by Jimmy Krillow. Frank Gravatt, former owner of the Steel Pier, who still has extensive realty holdings in the resort, is in on the deal on a percentage basis because of the lease. Booking will be by Frank Elliott, who formerly booked the Steel Pier, and New York rep will be Joe Coopersmith of the Eddie Sherman office. Deals are already cooking for Sophie Tucker, Belle Baker and Jackie Miles, but inkings haven't been concluded. Inspiration for the room un- doubtedly comes from the opening of a race track IS miles outside of A. C. They're banking upon large numbers of spenders coming in from Phil- adelphia and Ni Y. for the bangtails. Other Atlantic City hotels,' be- cause of proximity of the track, are also going in for additional enter- tainment. Traymore and Shelburne will install dance outfits in their dining rooms. * Billy. Rose 's faced with one of the oddest situations a nitery owner ever ' had to contend with. It seems he had two separate leases on the site of his Diamond Horseshoe, N. Y.. a long-termer covering the club itself and a month-to-month hold on space housing dressing rooms and otficos. And the new owner of the Para- mount hotel, in which the club is locatecf, has cancelled Rose's grip on the dressing room and offices. Fortunately, i>art of the office . equipment and personnel was hoascd in the club proper. So, Rose has moved some of the former to his Ziegfeld theatre, which he owns, to make more room for the performers ousted from the dressing room space reclaimed by the hotel'.i owner, Jules Epstein. He also is dickering for floor space in brownstone houses across the street from the Horseshoe, into which he wants to move the remainder of the offices. Situation is a result of difficulties with Epstein. 'Rose's lease on the club space Itself is effective for ap- proximately another three years, at $18^000 per, which is cheao in com- parison to current real estate rates. Epstein would like to get Rose out or write a new lease, hence the heckling. Apparently, the strategy is proving successful. Rose Is now in the throes of negotiating a new lease on the entire club and dressing room space. It wilt, when completed, im- mediately replace the old one. That Rose is confident of working things out Is apparent in the fact that he's planning a new- show, to open around the iend of July. Bert Tucker, Soph's Son, Takes Over D.C. Cafe Bert Tucker, son of Sophie Tucker, has been named manager and booker of the Duet restaurant. Washington. Spot wa.s sold last week by Herb Sachs and names of new operators Weren't divulged. Sachs had been fcudin;? with the American Guild of Variety Artists oh the i.ssue of posting salary bond. It's likely new management will make peace with the Guild, inas- much as owners v/ill seek name tal- ent for the spot. Tucker, prior to assuming man- agement of the Duet, wis with the William Morris au(ency cafe depart- ment, was assistant manaf: "KiiilH KHTe iMrry ■ Slorch noUy ap- proval for hli*' rle%«r minilcr}'." Holly wuoil K r |i It r t e r : "Larry .Sliirl'irH tiilriilH ' drew NiHitiliinriMiK niipliiiiMi lonK Iwriirr \\t llnihiii'il IiIn art — (lir iiiimr rroivd rrally neat for hlh St., N«w York, N. Y. femme trade, where Ws unsophlstl- cBted and homey humor hit with telling effect. He shows some good bits in the maize vein, such as his takeoff on the "Lost Weekend" and satire on Hildegarde. ^ Comedy is also a vital part of Jor- dan and Parvis, ballroomers, al- though they aren't banking on it as the main portion of their routines. They have the knack of putting zany licks into their turn, which makes for pleasant reception here. Larry Funk's band has ft dance- able and smooth beat with.an Instru- mentation of four rhythm, three sa-x and a trumpet. Funk, . shades of Sleepy Hall, plays an electrified banjo, which he keeps In a muted state 50 that Its function is like that of a guitar. He's a capable show- backer and also keeps the floor nm- ,ply occupied. Femme chirper, billed as Our Girl Friday, is fairish on the vocals.. Marvelle Myler, songs and piano, does the lulls. Jose. Coloslmo's, €hl Chicago, May 29. Ada Leonord orch (16), Johnny Knapp, Virginia Wolfer, De leers (6), Mel Cole orch (6); $2.50-$3.50 niin. Rlltmore Rowl, A. Los Angeles, May 29. Russ Morgan Orch (22),. Ben Yost White Guards (6), St. Claire & Vilova, Tommy Trent, Lindsay, La Verne & Betty; cover $1-$1.50. ., , Russ Morgan has moved in on the Biltmore for what looks like an in- stitutional stand. "Music in the Mor- gan Manner," plus the Morgan man- ner itself, is what appeals to the family carriage trade at the Bowl. Old tunes and new tunes mixed into nifty medleys with plenty of em- phasis on rhythm and salable schmaltz is a natural for the Bowl patrons who like sweet dance music. Morgan's" emceeihg, with the right touch of ribbing, goes a long way to making him a solid commodity for hotel fans and especially so here. Joe Faber has assembled a show- manly package of entertainment that gives enough variety and is short enough to please, without bor- ing. Ben Yost's White Guards, vocal group, star in the show and have to beg off after - many well-deserved encores. Group goes from opera to musical * comedy with smash show- manship. St. Claire and Vilova, a ballroom terp team, warm up as they go, putting new life into stand- ard turns around the floor via smart stepping and intricate lifts. Tommy Trent, puppeteer, brings out Punch & Judy to the delight of youngsters as well as old folk. Trent gives his dolls some fresh dialog that smacks more of the nitery than the nursery, but the Crocodile- triumphs in the end over the upstart Punch. Lindsay, La Verne & Betty have been around town for some time with their acrobatic dancing but the customers never seem to tire of the endless cartwheels and muscle stretching. HufS; Plantation Room, N. Y. (DIXIE HOTEL) Larry Funk's Orch (8) uitth Girl Friday, Lou Seiler, Jordon & Parvis: $2mtn.. Itv Benjamin, taking over this nitery that was tops , in the Windy City during the "bang-bang"' days of the 20's, has spent $30,000 fur redec- orations and grade A' talent and comes up with one of the most ter- rific shows to hit town in a long time. The once drab' spot is now gay in new colorful dress but retains the old intimate atmosphere that made It fa- mous during Chi's more robust diiys. Heading the show Is the expertly produced ice revue, "Fantasy on Real Ice" plus an old' Chi favorite Ada Leonard, returning for her first cafe engagement -with her own fem orch. Staged by Truly McGee, the revue fei)tures one of the shapeliest lines in town. Handicapped by a small floor, cast nevertheless doesn't let the lack of room bother them in the least. Decked in beautiful costumes,, line opens with a snappy "Mademoiselle From Armentieres and is followed by Bruce Sheffe.r . doing a solo to Gershwin's "American in Paris." Vir- ginia Walter, star of the show, de- lighted the usually blase first-night aud with her grace in "Won't You Buy My Violet." Peggy Fahy adds a comedy touch with a clever num- ber, "Everything Stops for Tea." Johnny Knapp m.c.'s the show and gives iti strong vocal backing, piping most of the numbers that the skaters do. Sporting a pleasing personality and a voice remindful of Morton Downey, Knapp displays the talent that prompted Irving 'Berlin to choose him for one of the leads In "This Is the: Army." Besides doing a bang-up job of backing th^ ice revue, Ada Leonard and her girls receive a good share of the aud applause with their fine musical interpretations. One of the better fem orchs heard in these parts, the girls pleased with solid arrange- ments of, "Russian Lullaby" and "An- nie Laurie" followed by Miss Leon- ard chirping "Three Long Years" and "St. James Infirmary." Mel. Cole and his. band do a good job of providing dance music while the girls take a breather, and Colo- simo s "continuous" entertainment policy Is featured in the gentlemen's lounge where a trio provides appro- priate tunes foi* the stags. Foos. El Moroceo, M ont'l Montreal, June 4. Paul Gray, Jerry & Turk, Leslie & Carroll, Milroy Line (6) , Hal Hartley Orch (13); $1:50 min. Current parlay at El Morocco Is jamming them in like never before. It's a mad mixup from start to fin- ish, but the resiMt has the audience screaming for. more. To begin: with there's Paul Gray, who handles the m.c, spot. Gray Is a dignified looklM gent with a bald pate of which h«\not the least bit self-conscious. He's a sock story, teller with a riotous laugh that breaks In at the punchline to set the payees into gales of laughter. Be- sides that he's got a hefty pair of pipes thiit he uses to good advantage •in some takeoffs (Inkspots, Eddy & Macdohald, Ronald Colman). Leslie 8t CaroU make a pleasant singing duo that gets solid mitting in commercial items like Gay Nine- tics and Cohan medleys, as well as "Sweethearts" from "Maytlme." Eccentric terpers Jerry 8c Turk really bring the howls in some slap- stick jivery with Jerry seguing into throwing lines at the audience' for some good yocks. As finale Gray and Carroll come back to join Jerry & Turk in an opera takeoff. It's all boff entertainment except for the comedy slipping a little too low at times. This is one of best shows seen here in a long time. Hal Hartley's band does a fine showcutting job. Line is good-look- ing but routines still could be uerked up. Biz booming. , Laza. iVormandie Roof, Mont^l (FpLLOWUR) Montreal, June 4, There's a general letdown In cur- rent Normandie Roof . (Mount Royol hotel) bill, with all the acts trying hard but it just not adding up to the ientertainment the room had been getting. It's hard to figure out why MCA, which books the. roomi sent up four acts which In toto don't measure up. Jay Martin, tenor with a good set of pipes, does the best of the acts. He had to beg off after some smooth delivery of "Oh, What It Seems to Me" and the inevitable "Chasinj; Rainbows." Remainder of show- includes the Rossi Sisters, a tapster duo in the teeoff slot; Maxlmillian, with some solid pianistics offering three jive Items and a slower piece; and Don Cumitiings, who's billed as comic. Cummings does a little rope tricking and then segues into the radio an- nouncer who mixes up the product • gags. Much of his stuff is too rough for this room. However, Cummings knows how to sell a punchline and with some material switching should be able to register well in many Maximilllan's act needs: dress- spots. Ing up. Loza. WALLY BOAG ' OorreBtlr . WILLIAM PENH HOTEL PITTSIURttH. PA. MoMfMUMrti MARK J.-UDDY PAUL REGAN COMIC-SATIRIST Officially the Plantation room has siispended the corn-band policy In favor of the orthodox musicrew and small flobrshow type of proceedings. However, the net effect Is still the same; Zanyisms previously under- taken by the band are assumed by the performers hired for the pur- pose, and the predominantly tourist and hen-party patronage from the provinces take to this type show with Intense avidity. Consequently policy change is seen as no departure ia either presentation or audience re- ception. Chief comedy Item here Is Lou Seiler, who's been around as part of the Seiler . Bros, and lately as a sin- gle where he worked, among other spots, the Glass Hat of the Belmont Plaza hotel. He's topnotch with the predominantly unaccompanied JOE JACKSON, Jr CURRENTLY RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK VARIETY says: "It's a tribute to a performer on this mammoth stage, and in such a giant theatre, that a strictly sight comeclian can reach the innermost reaches lot a house for belly laughs. Which is what Jackson does. ... Jackson stands on his own. . . ."— KAHN. DANTON WALKER says: "If you wete sehtimental about Joe Jackson, famed vaudeville clown, you can see his same get-up on Joe Jackson, Jr., now in Radio City Music Hall revue." Monagtmaht LAWRENCE GOLDEN. INC. WednwiJay, June g, 194A 67 Variety Bills WEEK.OF JUNE 5 NamrraU la mmmt^fUom «Hb kill* UUm MImI* ttmlmt tmt 1 *Um. •hatlwr fmO «■ ipm «Mk. XKW YORK CITV Capitol («) nil'/ HrnH }lu BW \OHK CITV I'Hminoiiiit (0) ann . IKiiy. BnllarO Klleen OnrllHle DAVTOV r^tenlal «) Charlie Splvak- Ore Frank RadclKfe Coro, Steve & Bdrty SPBINOHELD Coart 8q («-») 3 ResiKW YORK CITV I (Hraml <7) -'I'oniniy Turker Ore Sieve iOvans S Ross Sis The Chords IITICA Rtanlejr <||.|3) Rrsklne Hawkins O Charioteers . hdependeBt NEW YORK CITY .Mask Hall (6) Beltlnii Dearborn 4'harlHs IM Helchert Joe Jiickson Jr Itockettes iilee Club Corps de Ballet Rosy (7) Count Biisle Ore May Rax Peters .Sis Genn .Sheldon Klnlbash (8-«) Ralph English Kelvin ft Lynn . <:ilRord ft Marlon 3 Welles CHICAGO OrieaUl (a) Connee Boswell Jackie Green LeRoy Bros The Alblns HARTFORn State (*-«) Tex RItter Pals of the Prairte Phil .Marks Joe Allison America's Leading Independent Agent EDDIE SMITH 1501 Irccdwoy. New York Tom O'Neal The Marcos l>n\vn Bros Al ft Jean Johnston .iamaica (6-S) Moke ft Doke Zlggy Lane ^ Radio Rnmblera Ksldl* Carol r McWIIIInms Co. (e-7) John Fredcrlrhs Bromley ft Barrett Gloria Davis Hal Menken AKRON Palace (8-») Spike Jones Ore Al.TANTIC CITY .Steel Pier («-ll) ..Tune T.orralne ^ Arnauts a Mandells (one to fill) HAT.TIMORK IIIPIHMlrome (A) a Kings .Mark Triplets I.t-o Trent Low lllle >t Slnnl y. Slate (A-N) Itoyal Whirlwinds Ted Martin rielder & Il.irrlet. J.iitashii ^' r.aur'ce (0-K) George T.yons Morey ft En Ion Roland Miirr6lll Co (one in fill) C'AMIIfCN Towers (7-9) P ft B Martin Minevltch Rasrals Johnny' HOLYOKB Valley Areiia <») Bob Chester Ore rrnckerjarks . Miller ft Gene KANSAS r.'TY ■ Tower (7) 2 LItlleJohns .lack Ktorrlson . Glenn I^rson Frances Urban NEW BEnFOHIIi Balls* Sq ((l-D) Milton Blakely .Alan Reno I.>anc ft Small Kay ft Carroll .Morris ft Ilyan l'AWTi:CKF.T Capitol (0) Don ft I'hil Klnir Helrnu ft Howard .Mlllon lllakely J ft K Hiiydcn Itny lllKKS riiii.Aitiii.riiiA Carmun (H) TerrI Iji' PriincunI •Mage ft Karr Harold lloyO ,i'o Gcoriro Frcnns . ■ PROVIDKXCE , Mf'iroirro <"-«) VluUHO of IfnriurM .' IIOCKFOKl) I'Hluro (7) Paul Walker Or.c Allan Kane fhrlslinc Foraylhc Splllcr'H Srnis Walter John Miriam Gwinn Miriam La Veil* Clnb IS Jerry Bergen Kloria Veslolt Candi Corle:^ Roy Si'dley Flora Drake O Andrews Ore CopacubMBB DesI Arnaz' Oro Julie Wilson Bob JoliDslon ■ Joey Gilbert r.ynue Iturrelt Krnle Hoist Bd Raul ft Eva Reyes Peter l.lnil HsyeH BlamOMd HonHrshec Joe B Howard r.lonel Knye Watson Sis Fritzl Schelt Ann PennlngloB Willie Solar Ja«iuellne Hurley MIctauel Edward Bill Acorn Emma Francis Jimmy Allison Bill Moore Four Rosebuds Vincent Travera Or Marty Reirt Ore 4IM Beslaaniiit Benny (inndinsn O G'wieh Village Ina •Ian Me>r)ll Ann I'Higb (,'arrle 'Kliinell n S Pully >1 S Gump Ruaa ;Cni-lvle Ore Havana-Mndrid Nestor ChdjTes Virginia .MrCruw Don (^'lIKAnOVK Jlarrin-t'lali'e- .slmnnun Hetel Ambassador I.ouls Dolanrourt O Jules l^ands Ore Hotel A star Alvinii ' Hey Ore Hotel BelmeBl I'Inu C.lairo Hoofe Jeann Isner Kranrls .Mah>ne Hob RusKrll Kathryn UufTy Dcr» Edille Stonii Ore Hotel Rlllmnr* Dick Stabile Oro l.aihrop ft iH-e Itnlph Fonl Orr. Hntel Conmoilure Ihil .Mrlnlyru Ore llolel niile f.iMTy Kiink Ore f.iiu Seller Jordan ft I'srvls Hoi el EtIIWB Blue Uatron Oro Essex nonse Pancho Oi-c Hotel l.rxlngloa MomI Kal- Tanu Kaue Tallma Malls .Moklhana J Pineapple Ore Hotel New Viirbci Jerry Wnid Ore Hotel Peiifistlviiiilt Geo Paxlon v ' - - OM BoBUBiaB l.ctlk- uroH .Marcellu ft Nich'I's Olga A>rlova Adrh^nne Parker Joe La Forte Or* Riviera Ted Lewis Ore Nuro Morales Ore Ralwn DIca ' Mervyn .Nelson Paul Vlllard GIna Janss Wallv Blanker Muriel Gaines Cedric Wallace Trie Has* KretcliBUi Blanks Itasll Fomeen .V Alexandroir f!arl Gorbf .Mlscha Uzdanoff Irene Feodora Dura BIrse Karuvncff . SplvT'* Root Spivy Daphne Hellman . Stork Cluk Morales Ore Vcraallle* Evelyn Knight Enill Peltl Ore Village Bara Billy Kelly (^arlnnds Allola Wallace Page Morton llert Stone I'atsy Lane Jimmy Nola Tex Fletcher Village Vantaard Eddy ^Conson Elerinnr Bower* Don Fry MHrhls ft Miranda Hank Duncan Trt» n'lvel nob Lee Gertrude Hlld .iu.m AInsll* FrnnclECO Bruce Norman Vivian NIckolsnn D'nivcro ft Belm'tc '.CaBBlbar Rocli cater King Cole 3 Tip. Tup ft To* Mario Ellington .Maurice Rocco Howell ft Bowser Pee Wee .Marquette Clauds Hopkins Or' Ted McRao Oro . /.Imroernian'* Gene KnrdoS Oro W ft J Brown . U'nyne Thompson ..\ilrie'nne Parker CHICAGO College IDB Hedela Carl Mars P Frank 4r Janyce Buddy Rich Oro Hotel Bteveaa Arleen LIndetrom Covsey ft Ayres Jeff Lane The i9hyrettoa Arlene LIndstorm •' Boulevardears Copsey ft Ayers Orrin Tucker Ore ' l4Ula Qoarter Martha Raye Three Rocketa Estelle Sloan Martin Kent B Tost Cavallct* L Q Lovelies Buddy Shaw Ore Falrner Houee Ted Straeter Ore Gil Lamb Bob Coffey Nip Nelson Stuart Morgan (!) Merrlell Abbott O Rio CabaBB Jan Murray The Bernards Manor ft MIgnon The Lovelies (10) Tine OardcB* Jessie Rosella Ken Walker Bobby' Hargent Young ft Lucky June Hart Doreen Winters OBITUARIES WILLIAM S. WILDER William S. Wilder, 55, owner and operator of the Wilder chain of theatres with houses in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Roanoke, Va., died at his home at Crystal Lake, Virginia Beach, Va. May 22. Wilder, who was quite proud of his : beginning in the theatrical biz as Usher, was a native of Ports- mouth. From Portsmouth he went to Norfolk as chief usher at the Col- onial. He won $50 for song on bill with Mclntyre and Heath and then declined bid to tour with them. . After managing houses in Rich- mond and Norfolk, Wilder got hl.<; big break in 1928 when he acquired the Newport theatre in Norfolk and pioneered the nabe spot biz in that area. Rapitlly expanding, theatres were opened in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Roanoke. ALEXANDER OLSHANETZKT Alexander Olshanetzky, 52, or- chestra leader ' anfl composer of Jewish songs, dropped dead of a heart attack while attending the an- nual convention of the Rotary In- ternational at Atlantic City, N. J., yesterday (4). Olshanetzky had written the scores for some 40 oper'ettes per- formed in the Yiddish theatre. Bom in Odessa, Russia, he was later violinist in the Imperial Opera House and. during the first World War toured Europe and Asia with his own military- band. After his ar- rival in the U. S. under manage- ment .of Sol Hurok, he joined the Yiddish Art Theatre, and turned to writing scores. Subsequently, Olshanetzky con- ducted the orcheistra at the Brook- Variety Artists for four years, and member for 28. For many years he toured vaude with his former wif« Mary Marble tmder the team name of Chip and Marble. Burial will be today (Wed.) at KensicOi N, Y. HAROLD KENNEDT Harold Kennedy, S(, vet vaude and minstrel perforiner, died June 1 in N. Y. He toured for many years with the George Primrose Minstrels, and played vaude houses throughout the country. Survived by wltJow, Emma Fran- cis, currently appearing in revue at Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe, N. Y. WILLA FOERSTER Willa Holt Wakefield Foerster, 76, old-time vauder, died in Ims Angeles June 3. A singer, Mrs. Foerster intruduced "Honey; Stay iri Your Own Back Yard." She w^ found in a small L. A. hotel by actor Charles Cobum, who provided for her hospitalization. ARNOLD GROSS Arnold Gross, 65, theatrical at- torney, died in New York May 28. Gross long- had. been interested in and. associated with summer' stock ventures at Brighton Beach, the production of "One Sunday After- noon,'', and Empire Productions. WILLIAM J. RRADFORD Williarh J. Bradford, 63, conductor of the old Keith Palace theatre or- chestra in Akron, d., and a com- lyn Paramount and later toured the | posei-, retiring ten years ago, died Publix and other theatre circuits, i jn that city May 26. BOBBY RROWM Bobby Brown, 48, radio producer. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ahearne, ' died May 31 in Hollywood, following a heart attack. Former uke player son, Hollywood, May 10. Mother's Maxine Garrison, Pittsburgh Press Hollywood correspondent. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Beler, son, New Brunswick, N. J., May 29. Father is a member of C'olunibia'; pressbook department. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knittel, daughter. New York, June ^. Mother is Luise Rainer, Rim star. Mr. and Mrs. Winston Wade, son, Hollywood, May 30. Mother is the former Nedra Stafford, chief of Ac- tors Equity office in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ryerson, daughter. New York, May 20. Father is. radio scripter on "Grand Central Station" and other air shows. Mr. anti Mrs. Jan Bart, son. New York, June 2. Father is radio and nitery singer. Mr. and Mrs. George Preston Turner, Jr., son. New York, May 11. Father is a director for Pathe News. Mr. and Mrs. Janies Flavin, son, Hollywood, June 1. Parents are film players. , ' Mr. and Mrs. Dick Moreans, daughter, Los Angeles, June 2. Father is fllm publicist. Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Ettinger, daughter, Hollywood, June 1. Father is film p.a. JACK ALTFIELD Jack Altfleld, 21, HKO asiit. film editor, died in HoUywooi, sudt'ciily, June 1. Leaves widow, fornter Jei.y La- Varre of RKO publicity dept. and singer in vaudeville, Brown entered radio 18. years ago with his production of "The Nutty Club." Making bis headtjiiarters in Chi-, cago, he became executive producer for Wrigley and supervised produc- tion of all the gum company shows, and personally directed "Myrt and Marge," "Scattergood Baines" and "Gateway to Hollywood." i On . several occasions he was sent | Father of Georgie Kayc, vaude to Europe by Wrigley to round up nitery comic, died in Nc; York, new atmbsphere and material ■ for j^gy 3o_ radio shows. He moved to HoJIy- , TALBOT V. HENDERSON Talbot V. Henderson. .67. ch^i-uc- tsr actor on. staife and sciecn. died May 24 in Los. Aneeles after a lonii illness.. wood three months ago to take up residence. Surviving is his widow. Roy Acuff Continued from ' page 1 DAN DE BAUGH Dan De Baugh, 65, manager of the western office of Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey shows, died in Chi- cago,. June 3. He had been with the circus since 1902 as advance man, special agent, car manager, general excursitm agent and Anally western manager. De Baugh also was vice-president of the Barring Outdoor Advertising agency. Survived by widow, Florence, and son, Howard, who is assistant elec- trician at the Erianger theatre, Chi- cago. ject until Saturday when H. E. Mc- Lean, of Cookeville. Tenn., walked into Nashville headquarters of the Republican state executive commit- tee with a properly prepared peti- tion qualifyiiig Acuff for GOP cam- paign. Republican tihairman, W. I. Davjs, said Acuff is in the race of- ficially now, unless he withdraws. AcufC is on tour and was not avsil- able for comment, but McLean de- clared the • rustic minstrel had promised to accept the Republican nomination and make campaign if he should win it. Corn country crooner's tremen dous personal following had politics in a dithier at thought of his running two years ago, just on the heels of Jimmie Davis' victory in Louisiana AcufT's father was a General Ses- sions court • judge in Knoxville. Singer is under contract to- WSM, Nashville, and Republic Pictures in Hollywood. Mother of Jules Levey, Warner Bros, real estate exec at the home- office; died May 30 in New York. Burial was. in Rochester June 2.- Aunt, 64, of Ben Cammack, man- ager of RKO at Dallas, died in that city, May 26. She was also the aunt (Continued nn page 70) MARRIAGES Barbara Kline to I.iortimer J. Becker, Detroit, June t. Groom is N. Y. radio and legit attorney. Alice Goodno to George S. Taylor, Tijuana, May 28. Groom is a stage and screen actor. Ethel Rose Smith to William J. Healy in New York June 1. Groom i.<; executive assistant to Austin C. Keough, 'v.p. and general counsel [for Paramount. Mary Jean Copelahd to Anthony MARSHALL BURNS Marshall "Curly" Burns, 60, vet- eran vaude circuit trouper, died May 31 in Akron, Ohio, following a three-day illness. . . Early in hw carieer Burns did a i Ross, Stockton, N. J., June 2. Bride blackface single, touring with Rog- | is former assisUnt stage mgr. of ers Productions. He settled in Ohio j "Glass Menagerie"; groom is afipear- to produce his own musical com- , ing in "Glass Mcnager.e," Play- edics and staff the Colonial theatre during -the stock season. Following the war, during which he worked house, N. Y. Peggy Morrow Field to Louis Hay ward, Hollywood, May 29. in a factory, Burns and his wife, did Groom is film- actor. a double as Burns and Walker. Survived by widow, mother, and brother. JIMMIE SHANNON James Royce. 65, songwriter, died in Pontiac, Mich., May 20, after accir dentally falliiig in front of a freight train. Rpyce, known prpfe^ionoUy as Jimmie Shannon, achieved his first success in writing the music for Chauncey Olcott's "Shameen Dhu" In 1912 which contained the sciig, "Irish Lullaby." He also wrote the lyrics for "Missouri Waltz" and col Franclne Blum to Shep Chartoc, Chicago, May 22. Groom is Chi indie radio producer. Tahia Kerim to Lt Coil. Gilbert Levy, Los Angeles, May 31. Bride is an Egyptian film actress. Jane Read to William L. Satt, Jr., Narberth, Pa., June 1. Bride is commentator on WCAU, Philly; He's son of SKF proxy. Pierrette Alarie to Leopold Si- moneau. Montreal, Can., June 1. Both are classical, singers. Betty Laughton Kelley to Wes Hlncltluiwk mil.v lUshnii Ore .Mli-«t .Miinn Jiickle Kii'lils Nlok ft Vickie Ches Puree - D.'inny Thomas . Maurice ft .Maryea SonKS Pay Off I-a. Gov. Hollywood, June 4. Gov Jimmie Davis, of Louisiana, Southern Music Co.'s most prolific clefTei- of hillbilly tunes, has 1< nocked down apni'OMimatcly $34,000 In royal- tics In. " last yeir; His • .natorial salary is $12,000 per annum. '^^lont^^.Z;:^.r'^iU:;:^. ^^"^^^er Carmel^^^ June Including "Mother of Mine ' and "At Bride is legit actress, the Foot of the Cro.ss." Survived by daughter. WILLIAM MARBLE George W, Oglesby, 75, known prcfessionially as William Marble, died June 2 in N. Y, after a short illness. He was treasurer, of Nut'l Kalz, Chicago, Belita to Joel McGuinness, Holly- wood, May 2. Bride , is figure skat- ing star. Groom is actor'. Ida May Balaban to Shcrwin Howard Scully, Chicago, June 2. Eiide is daughter of John Balaban,. .secretary-treasurer of Erl'ban li 68 UMSTTIMATB Wednetd«7v Jan« S» 1946 Jersey Strawhat in Quick Foldo Before Season Officially B^n One summer stock has folded al- ready although the season has not yet offlcially begun. . Morristpwn, N. J., strawhat operated by jack Wasserman, a young newcomer, played a little more than a week, then ceased. Theatre management demanded the rent but the bankroll had already been depleted. Under- stood takings for the initial week were less than $1,000, and the first night ot the contemplated second week took in less than. $100. Players' salaries were protected by guarantee money on deposit with Equity. It seems that Wasserman had entered into contracts with isev- eral name players for' proposed sub- sequent appearances, without men- tioning it to Equity, and he will be required to pay them off if still aspiring to be a manager. . Dame ivhitty for Circuit Dame May Whitty has been booked Into a number of summer stocn spots, to appear in "Night Must Fall,' after Equity okayed . her appear- ances. Latter concession was , re- • quired because the English actress is a non-resident alien and the rules bar foreign players from stock. Rules were adopted by Equity many seasons ago, when there was agita- tion against aliens, principally Brit- ishers. At the time'stock was an im- portant engagement virtually the year around, whereas now nearly all such, stage activity is confined . to the barn theatres. Indications are that .not as many name players will appear in straw- hats as before the war, one notable exception being Gertrude Lawrence, dated to play in "Pygmalion" at the Cape Playhouse, Dennis, Mass., which win be operated by her hus- band, Richard Aldrlch. Not a few summer . stocks will again operate with apprentices who are required to pay the management from $100 to $300 for the season, sometimes in- cluding board and lo'dging. AU strawhats under Equity registry, however, must engage six Equityites at minimum scale or better for the duration of the season. Nichols Continued from pace 1 Maiden Bridge Season Maiden Bridge, N. Y.. Junb 4 The Maiden Bridge Playhouse, formerly the Nell Gwyn theatre, will open :an eight-week season of summer stock on July 12. Director ot the group is Eunice Osborne (Mrs. Walter Wood). For three years before the war, Miss Osborne was director for the Tamarack Playhouse, Lake Pleasant, N. Y. She was .a director on the staff of the Goodman theatre, Chi- cago, for six years. Sim, with a hefty .894. He covered one less show than Nichols and Kronenberger. Morehouse made the strongest bid : for honors since he has been reviewing first nights. He was running fifth at midseason, then cohsislcntly climbed. By Jan- uary the Sun aisle-sitter and col- umnist made four incorrect predic- tions but in the subsequent 25 no- tices missed only twice. Excellent, top. was Howard Barnes, Herald Tribune, who ran second at tlie halfway mark but finally placed, fourth, four points back of Morehouse. He, too, is do- ing 'double duty, being first-string film reviewer for the Trib. Pet- centages'of the four.lcaders are dif- ferent oiily by virtue of .orie or two wrong guesses. One of. those who didn't improve his midyear stand- ing was Robert Coleman of the Mirror. It was indicated this spring that there may be two new reviewers on Broadway next season. A re- placement for Burton Rascoc of the World Telegram is expected. He resigned when the Telly refused to run his strongly-worded pan re- view of Old Vic's "Henry IV", first part A new reviewer for the Post may be selected, too, its critic, Wilella Waldorf, having- died in January. Since then Vernon Rice has tirst-nighted and has done fairly well. When he quit Rascoe was in last place, again, having been wrong on. 19 shows Out of 53 covered. The final score shows that the cntics were more accurate than ever before, the. number of inac- curate predictions being nearly 50% fewer tliah in past seasons^ at least as far as the first four in the boxscore. Vauiety too reduced the numbei: of sour guesses to about the sanie extent over last year. Its percent- age was .901. . ■ Individually, Variety reviewers rated as follows: .1st Nat Kahn (Knhn), 1.000; 2d, Jack Pulaski (Ibee), .i933; 3d, Arthur Bronsoh (Bron), .889; George Rosen ue'' "Polonai.se" •'St. Louis Woman'' "Skydrifl"" "Strange Fruit"' "Swan Song ' 'The Day Before Spring" "The Duchi'.<.s Misbeh»ve.s" •'The French Touch"' "The Gill from Nantucket" ■'The Mermiiid.-i Singing"' "The Next Half Hour" "The Rich Full Life " "The Rugged Path" •"The Ryan Girl"' "The Secret Room"' "'The Song of Bernadette"' "The Wind Is 90" "The Would-Be Gentleman"" •Tlii.s. T.x). Shall Pb.ss"' "Truckline Cafe"' "Walk Hard" '"Woman Bites Dog" "You Touched Me" UOLBOVEBS FROif PREVIOUS SEASONS "Anna Liica.sta" "Life Wilh Father" ' Bloomer Girl'' i closed) "Oklahoma!' "Carousel" , "On the Town". 'closed) '"Dear Ruth" — - "Song «f Norw ay." "Follow the Girl.s"' i closed) "The Gla.-y> Menagerie"' '•Harvev'' '•Hats "Ofr to Ice" ii-losed) "I Remember Mama " I II Its) "Hamlet" "Hrnrv IV." P;iil 1 '"Henry IV;' Part i "Oedipivs""— "Critio" "Pygmalion" "Show Boat" "The Red Mill " "A Gir\ lor the Biirle"' '•A l\)rlrail in Black* ''A Young American'' "Between Covers " "Bigger 'Than Bariunn"' "By Appointnicnl Only " "Caviar to the Cicncral " "Cr.escenrio" "Dearl/ Beloved ' "Emily"" "Forever Is Now"' "Georgia Boy" "Judy 0"Connor"' "Lambs Will Gamble " "La.st House on Ihe Left"' '"Loye in the Siiow"" "Miss .Tones"' 'The Late George Apley" (closed) ••The Voice. of the Turtle"' ••Up in Central Park" .i'closed) REVIVALS " Uncle Vanya ' iMudefalcs) "De.'iert Sonn " . "The Winter's Tale"' ll'lsps) ".^s You Like II" "He Wlv) CU'ls Slapped" TRYOUT FLOPS "Mr. Co.ipt-r s Left Hand " •"Minder Without Crime " "Of .«lI1 People" •"One Shoe Otl " . "Questionable Ladies" "St. La/.;iie's Pharmacy"' " Siilule to Murder"' •ScciHul Gue.-^-;pr " "Shootiii" Slar " •"Spring in Briuil"' •■The Joyou.s' Sea.:..--t of |)ro- •(liiclion. In acldilion lo ".\nnic"' r.nii ".Mis- and. there ai'e plans to remodel th« Playhoiine. That cannot be done until after tbe run of '•Menagerie." Charles Stewart li retained as house manager. wa.s given the contract to Install cooling apparatus in the Cenlm'y and .\delphi theatres, lA's local 1 took the. position that an equal num- ber of . its members .should be '"em- ployed."' The Shuberts, who operate both houses, took exception to that demand, and when the locals! couldn't settle the argument It went lo the respective parent unions. At Ihe .settlement meeting Walsh declared IA"s stance and ordered that no standby men be used at cither theatre. Harry Van Ar.sdale, head o[' IBEW, responded by saying that his union .speciali'/.ed on new j . coiislructioii and inslallatioii!!, that: ereltas here this summer, was to it had no illasions of operating back- ; .'top oiil of the picture in favor of .-ta);e but that IBEW inen don t like | Arthur Krajn. of New Yojk, appar- the idea of No. I s men silting j em'.v has fallen through, yet drawing ! GRISMAN-KRAM DEAL FOR AX LEGIT POWDERS Atlantic City, June 4. A deal whereby Satn Grisman, who has a lease oii the ballroom of \\ie' huge Boardwalk Municipal hall, and. propo.sed to present .stock op- ; ter. Murdock Paces Chicago Critics : Chicag»>. luiv.; 4. ■ilenry Murd»K"k of the S/^ii U-d the Cliieago critics in the pa.st se,'St>n wilh .«()«. Clnudia CiKsiilv of the Tribune was ill last pliace. The News, ^"hich div ided up reviews. t«»lluv, iii,n | duriri . departure" of Lloyd Lewis, between • into the outcloor show field fm: the Bob Ca.sey, C. J. Biilliel a.ul S.\diiey [first tiine, its inetnber.s being EQUITY TAKES DIP INTO WATER SHOW Equity has assumed jiirisdiclion of | the .so-called Acquarclta. whicli was j the .^cquacade during New York's ^ World Fair mi Flushing Meadnws. That means thai players iii "Mr. Winkle".s. Holiday" iniist belonu I" >he legit union or its chorus branch. There were jin isdictio'ial (litlerences ' lite Fair, ^\ilh Fciuity soiiig . "SR " mean: Harris; finally .settling '"n Harris, holds foilith place, llieir comhined tt>tals being S.'i , shows reviewed: 2" right shots: eiglit wrong, and per- centage of ;771. Tlirir boxseore follows, iiig slio.w.s reviewed: "W," wrong, and ""!Vl.." SR. Murduek-iSiinl 3.S PalUk iTimes»' 31 Stevens I Her.- Amer. I 39 Caney-llartts-BHllicl, combined " I News).. 3.'5 Leonard '.Toui'ital of Commerce 1 ., 35 'if. < CaaaMy (Tribune)... 34 29 9 •.American Jubilee" and the rail- road show, but the vaude union hart the .^c((iiacadp. "Winkle" is a book show. E<|iiil.\'s: chance lo assume jitrisdiciion. .Soine. .scenes' will be upon a sta,!;e. with a "P."" right: I portion of the iiiimbeis in tlleA^aler. 01 rceniage; ■ lt"s h Rip Van Winkle sloi.y. huol; R. W. Pet. being b.v. Elliott Murphy, who i.> iiri)- ;',H 7 .KOO jdiicing it. and Norman Zeno. inu>ic ; i4 7 .774 I being by Herbert Kingsley, Sho'v is j dated to open June 'V2. w ilh Robert (josden and Ireiie Carroll plnyinK ihe I leads. Miirphy proposes Iransfen ni» the show to the Broadway sector in 1 the fall, a .special tank for swimming i "27 8 .771 I 743 . 735 I numbers being designed. other musicals rated as win nt'is are ""Three To Make Ready. "•.^l"e You Wilh It".'"" and " Billion . Dollar Baby, ' tde group. :n Icitn. not , tomiJarin.i; with last ycar'.v 'Cai- ou.scl." "Up In Ccnlral 'Piii k." "Bloomer Girl" and " Song of .Nor- way." plus "Oklahoma!" well in its fourth year. " Brazil" was eslinialed to have di:t liiuch behind,, if at all. Slanduut Revival.^ Standouts among the revivals are. the Old Vic repertory from London, ""Pygmalion"' nvhich w.i.s dated for a limited stay and made a run of. iU. "Show" Boat." "Hamlet." "The Red. Mill" and. ""Desert Song. I'lie Winter's Tale' could have scored, loo. bill was forced out in a bnokiiig iani. .Mlhoiigh '4.'S-46 slipped under the levels 111 la.sl .sea.son. it wa> .veil ahead of that of ■42-'43. when the total of S.'i new" shows ei)m|)ri.^e(l Broadways low production r<."or Menagerie." "Dream Girl." '"Life Willi Fallicr." "".^nna Luca.-ta. I'he Voic e of The Turtle,"' . "Oklahniiia." "CaroM.-el."" " Three to Make Ready,"". iC4iMtiiitied on page 70) ai'iiiiiid doing nothing pay. It was Ihc flrst clear slalcmenl of haiids-otr policy between the respec- tive unions. Work on the coolinn systems was i"esu!ne'm\\>^" t^'"^"'}- ^ell earlier said that again next fall for its 1 31 h road lour. 1 1" '^'"*" had requested the caiic. lla- starting Aug; in Schenectady. To- ;'">" :"' 'he tease beeaii..e illne.xs i.s romo. Detroit, -two weeksi and t''"''"^^ ^im to give up all bus.ness other towns will follow for a pros- pective 24-weck run. along eastern ■ 'Tobacco Road' to Tour For 13th Consec Season! seaboard and into " midwest. Same leirilory W"as covered this pn.^l .sea- .soli for 18 weeks' lour. Jack Kirklaiid. and Harry II. O.-h-' rin will again present ilie .-how. with .Michael . Goldreyci" doing ihe book- ing, .lohn Barton w ill play the li nd. with Lillian Nardell. Viniiie I'liil- lips and other, vets to resume lioup- ing. Irving Becker will ajiain be company manager. Barlfiil is iiiinv iilaying llic icad in a Coa.st version of "Road." stock ri>:lils having been lea.scd to Lo.ii.-- MacLoon. Coiiipany opened tw"o undertakings. Farlier in the year Kram foiiKht lo stage shows in the hall but lo.-rt when Bell threiiirncd to rc.sinn friim 'he Auditorium Commission unle.s.i Grisir.an was awarded Ihe lca.se. Un- less there is another sw itch of plan.s it is .-.till operettas lor the summer nionllis Jiere. They w"ill run In enm- pe:ilion to pier-vaudeville niiiirifr. Iiii'M /W^ilfs. Ailliui" Manr«i«i"i. lealy, .liillb 'WniTeii, l.aiiy l.aiiirni p. \ li - lovla Coixlovn. Waiiie!'.' NelMiii Hdi> lifi: ■(•Mings. Robt. Davison; lo.iljnifM, -M.m <'cili ; ( liTlifl, Bmbtllo; cniirtih loi . IMu y l.^iani: HiianKenieulH^ Uusnojl Wmi'i-i i.. T*(l ItovnI. In Iwo HCl» »nil 34. m-fni*)*. Oionfri -Viloliilit, N. Y., Ma> 8). 'm; ■»» 'iU loji; I'PxnlHr luP. ' R Coinifl'K Knavl.-...OiMin WVH-' > l.adv .(lenevlovr Smii-i'* Ml. I'l'iUfli!! KuKR Vllliin- .M:il-.iH.s..ir Ai.-rv .li'vllv Slfdin Sil.ii:il"M M.>n> IMiigeinii ....Inlii' Wiuil-n P.'*>l>aiiuIk- Botijiiniln (.'rnell-Sipew. >!i.(iiiciil Di.ir Itli. Kali'li linni il-l". . . l..ti'rt l'i»ilit<-li A .sei-vniKnnin ,M»illl(^r SiM'Vlii;;iii;iM. . M.'i-i:illlah. B Mnnrfi-. Hi'ill^h ('i>n.*)u1 In bue/. All .Sr.il> Spy A Si'i'ftiKl Arab Spy A ^Vjiii ii-c (irtWlpik. . . .\on.l:i * A n'lSb I'lirol . . . . ..c I..* 'i.iy (•iti-nx ArliMs: •I ho l-Viin .liigclovs. .Thp Tlii i>e K:nias:.w:i ■111.- jliillini: liliibi- l.inly...Ai|.;l:.l.ir I'ois 1,1 liny Sp.iiill BiTii.i il s..\as<' I.Billy liiiwi'll -.>ivllro(*iii*lwi:;xlH (.iveKuty .Mi'nclivall , . . . . . . noriub.- ISInl . , . . Bfi-niirtl i^avaise . . . .yief-Mi* Srlnialirl . . Ki ainriil Piirtif 1>I ...hiu-aH Aim Cny Sp.-.iill , Mary l|p;il> Vrllilli l i.lii'ii luiMe LV-zannt 'I'll- (■.■nliii lionlni . Th-' llanrt P.iiJaiir-' I'll.' Slidv foi iM«. CI. in M<.ili 1' • III I'liil.i l:i i.i.- ,. . . . Urtiinn ......... Mliii.>-M'i lNilii-i-iiian. . . ■ M. Mikity .M:i|. . . Niiiiiiiia .Mull. ln':iu(>ii A Bai IMiili'i . . .MlK.< l.u , lj«niU-t\va ; . .. r.ay iiiii'ii.v /Sicfan St' iialn l . . .Nndiiiii r.:.l.>-i . .KOril^c l';s;iiM. L . ..riiff Clialiiiiaii . .T.a'l iy I .ai:v.*ii|... , ...Aitlinr I'lih.-ii . . .'.il.U'K '(Visyiily ..K.l.lv <1i llPi.iiVa .. . ..Allan la.wdl ..nHiilivl P.'I'a'ilii .■fjdilv di ^;oiKi^« inolo-histi'ionics, to a globs-girdUiig shift of scene and selling. Welles' in- jfenuily in pacing t)it pi-ooecdirigs— and he miisl take the rap lOQf-i as the adaptor, impre.;'l(ni ),i,„lni-lion oT ruin^dy in Uir,»,.* a, -Is by .\. l:i, bai:J .N'a^Il. f'l'auir^'* ^11..*" t'lialli-i'Uni. Miiiiy Thonnion. Halpli Fi,|'!i*'*. IHcliard I>.\ 'I'-Bennf t. SIORfil by Mi^.s Cba.lfriiin and .Naah. Sflt m\uI rosi nini'i I >' M„npy. . \l. Barryliior?, K.. T., Jniie .'i. ' IH;- $;'..iLn top. nallad spiler. nicliaid 1>\ pr.Jll (iaril.«. I'Vniiv Itnlsbell T.nii I;... . . nn^ Hai1ta\va.\ I..*\vin i^OKKl ■ ■ ■ • s.|iiir.> t^linun l.iiini'nip. ■I'll,- n.Mdle. , will sinikcHpritl'e. . . . . . .Ma.vld- Vanow I'ariiiiM' T.pejrf.,.. .Mi. liaM . . Ilavollp Ben . KlixaM.'Ui l\nslta I'iMt»i' Biiyno . : Italiilr Cnliinan . Itiiili Cbatiprlnn llalpli iMiilirs . . I low ar.l l''ix,-licr .Max* Slainin ..Ha'ti 'rh.ninii'ii Ii.i.n .\I,-K,'P ..lrff"i>;,ii .riialP:! . .I*.al(,h ■S;nnin'*r . . . . lolin Cay WellM-a-Poppin Playgoer who read the notices on "Around the World' de- manded to know it Orson Welles was in the show or not, pointing out that he wasn't mentioned at all in tlie Mirror review hy Robert Goleman. However, he conceded that Welles' name ap- peared many ,time.<; in Robert Garland's review in the .Tonrnal- American. Hears! chah*, of which the Mirror and A., are key members, have long since tabued _Welles, because of the latter's "Citizen Kane" pic, ,al-. legedly about Hearst. J- A credited the younif .show- man as author, producer and actor in "World," one paragraph being lieaded "All's Vi'elles." Gag around town before the show opened described the musical as "Welles-a-Poppin." coined by humorist H. I. Phillips in the N.Y.Sun. This Wellcsapoppin mel-ing* of corny silent films, .circus, ab.' acada- bra, a round-the-world cha'so. inusi- cal exlravaganza and the old hokum bucket just misses Olson S: .Tuhnsioii '•Hcllzapoppin" proportions. Yet.it has enough good fun to appeal. Whether it will last long enouijh to amortize the production or offset a slaggeiing army of rostrum workers, in front' and behind the scenery, is doubtful, especially considering a crew of more than 50 who almost got into their own way opening night. The two act.'* require 34 scenes, not all d)fferet\ti of course, but the aprons open fiCT quentlv, panels right, left and down- stage rise and fall conslantly. and' when Welles,, as "Dick Fix. a cop- pers knark," isn't skulking aft-.'r the honorable Arthur Margetsnn he is making with the magic, shooting fowl from traps above the auditorium, and generally cavorting. . Whatever Welles does li good the- atre. If an illegitimate soVt of legit theatre, it is none the less diverting. A prime fault is when it docs go too legit; meaning, that when the Cole Porter ballads assert themselve.s in the few straight scenes. Welles' ab- sence is felt. It's when he is tlie in- sidious menace in Suez. India, oh the China Sea, when he is feeding ho«> to the trusty American manservant in a street of evil repute in Kong- Kong, when he's in a Mexican dive, plots dirty work at the cro.ssroads of an American railroad junction and back to Liverpool, and finally under the wire at the London Whist Club, that Welles is the complete trouper. In the Oka Saka circus scene in Yokohama he lets all his Big Top and Nat Leipzig libidos assert them selves aT> Oriental wirewalkers. bal ancer.s, magicos and the lil-e make for a ripsnorting flrst net finale (neatly staged by Barbette). The cast does its stiifl well, notably Margctson as the proper Mr. Philcas Fogg; Mary Hcaly as the graceful In dian princess; Julie Warren. ' the beauteous Irish nursemaid in love with Larry Laurence, th;; Yanken manservant to Mr. Fogg. Also foa tiired is Victoria Cordova v.'lio han- dles "If You Smile at Me." one pC the three top tunes, in the Mex cafe scene. Other Porter .song standouts are "Should I Tell You I Love You " and "Pipe Dreaming." allernaiely done by the Misses Healy and War rcii. and Laurence. Melson Barc-lifl has done a. tairly Imaginative, job with the lei'!) slaKing allliough there are scenes .whiclrprc sent greater opportunities. Ilpvevpi- the kaleidoscopic pace and the mulli shiftinji scenes (well done by Robe Davi.soiu forri-nd too much accent on aify one aspect. . The actioii rijnges from the yeslei year silent-niclter technique, wiih di— liberatel.v; corny titles and old^school ' Will Shakespeare woiildn"t like what playwright N. Richard Nash docs to him in the lallev'-; comedy about the marital mixups of the Bard and Anno Hathaway. Neither will Bi'oadway. For the first theatrical oPforiili,' of the new '46-'47. season slai-rng jiinc I is a lame, halting aflaii' which pre- tends to be several things f>.id is ac^ lually none. The play- is largely slock farce of trite situations, with a pedestrian performance. The dialog is. in the main; uninspired. Nash would have it that negligent husband Shakespeare returns from jOndon.after a three-year absence, which he has busily spent in staging is plays. Still enanVourcil of his. wife Anne, who Is aboul to divorce him and remarry, a local wight, he psets the town's routine, runs riot the household, and uproots the ffair between wife and v. ight. All this is accomplished in a va- iety of moods; sometimes rowdy, ometimes romantic, and several imes spilling over into caric.iture. The lines are noteworthily unfunny, occasionally of double meiining. and sometimes, when paraphrasing a. line from a Shakespeare play or uliliz- ng one outright, downriuht em- barrassing. Tlie whole affair is hur inorless and cheap. Performances don't help mailers. Ruth Chattertjn (who co-produced as well as co-duected) playing Anne loo archly; Ralph Forbes hamming the local lover, and Barry Thomson caricaturing the Bard. . Eli/.abeth Eustis lends some flavor to the role of a young sfriiinpet. Richard Dyer- Bennet, as a ballad seller, is a re- deeming feature with a charmipg rendition 61 several Blizabethan bal- lads, including one he wrote ('.'Would You Win the World's Acclaim";. Motley's costumes and the combi- nation indoor-oiitdoor set of Anne Halhaway's cottage are also com inendable. Broii. St. Loo Muny Opera Sets Impressive Summer List St. Louis. .Tune 4.. New fenime faces , scheduled for lop: roles in the forthcoming 12- week season of the Municipal Thea- tre Assn., sponsor of alfresco eiiter- lainment' in the Forest Park play- house, includes Wilina Bpence. Mar- ion Bellj Birala Rainoaka, Eleanore Lultoii. Gloria Hamilton, Leonore Rae and Peimy Edwards. Other newcomer.s will be Sid Mar- ion, John, Cortay, John Silver. Jean Greenwell. Pitlman Corry. F.arl Co- vert and Eric Brolherson. Faves of past seasons who also will returii in- clude Lee DiKon, Ross- Wy.se. Jr., Helen Raymond, Patricia Bowman. Ollie Franks. Leonard Elliott. Wil- liam Lynn, Jack Blair, Billie Worth, Natalie Hall and Edmund Dorsey. The season lees off June 6 for a ip-night stand of Siginund Rom- berg's '/Desert Song." "The other pieces will be limited to seven nights. . Hays Abroad Voile Be Deviae (Cracy Revuct Paris, May 21. Mllly (Ibldin proanciloii nC iwo.HvIn (If) A,'onini» i'tiivni} by bVrnuiul ]timvi'a,v.' IMcrrn VHi'«nii« unj Pleiro Usalalllpn. SUoh.-Iii-h by ;tlon?.v-Kon. MuDli: by Manily* 'Ynili). Willy Ooldlu «nrt Hcnu Miit li'i'. Dlii'ileil by Pasquall. Sola «nil ooaHinips by i'ves- Homiat nnd nnymond l.')ni)CM by .Mjy llOKCra. Stiii'a l.wlon Uiiiimx-. wliu Sl.lo-Tloipv, Roy I'osllanx,. Allro 'I'li'sot. Cliiiiile l)i!ll.v3, Habliio I'mdi-.s. I'bilsiiuiiu .iHcqiilei'. U1111K0I.V.S. Clalie .Maffpl, Kelly Dalan, Soledud, Ainlivc C'amna, l,«>ii'« Vnna. I.yiUe Vallc Viain'olao Foimon. J'a.si.'all. Ainainly, .IncanM Slorel. Xi>ilily Hlll.«. LleiRi'd lliuiiel, Uiiy C'lmiTlpr, .lean Diiaii), Ki'pd' ilpln; Jeud Albpil. Marc Itenanil, J. f/. Jnnbeil, lliibpvt Miinny, Jilas- Wnlban. .tn Vi'ai-hmi. HnbprI I.anci" lol ; Amy aiontia bullPt. I nnipaumms da d* Cbunanii . Hnd llie' JlotloyA. -Al ' A. B. 0. lUcHivi;. C Jersey Strawhat — Continued from pace .^^J Joseph Cortese for later shows in- clude Rosemarie Brancato, Lee Dixon, John Gurnay, Frank Horna- day, ' Martha Larrimore. George Rasely. Mary Lou Boyd. Edith Fel- lows, Frances Greer, Billy Sully, John' Cherry, Melton Moore and Detmar. Poppen. Shows' to follow "Blossom Time" are "Bohemian Girl." "Count of Luxembourg." "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." "Rosalie." "'Student Prince>" •'Counie.ss Marit?:a" aiid "Rose Marie." SUMMER THEATRE Vol "'I iMs waMll. Nrar C'liiH- ('ml; Niiiiiiiicr rcMirl. I.nii( cKlaldlnliiiil. .Snii) mil ri'rry iililii. I^numial upiHtr- • miH.v. I'rrirr KituUf CO ; M'lll run- .Mldrr Iioii-Kiiull.r. SrnMin rpiil 1-Srot. 1.1) onlv kRAn. Art fuVl. Wrilr BOX HH. .»I,\X<».>IKT. lioii« Slaaninfl St, . Hampion Playhouse Debut Bi'idgehampton. L. 1.. June 4. Hampton Playhouse. Bridgehamp- lon. L. I., will reopen after a Jive- year shutdown, under management of Richard Osborne and Call Hill- son. Ten-week .season will start June 25 with "Yes, My Darling Daughter." An Equity A class slock group will be directed by Lawrence Dobkin. Osborne, recently out of the Army 13 B*way Shows — Continued trom page C9 "Show. Boat"' and "The Red Mill." 3 More NMr-Hlls At least three more plays should have belonged among season's suc- cesses but ended in the red for varying reasons. "Lute Song'' was probably the most ambitious try. It Was more a spectacle than a drama, and undoubtedly tlia outstanding production novelty, but it cost too much to get on the boards and the operating nut was loo high. "Rugged Path" might have played into the spring but for the disaffection of its star. Spencer Tracy. With the en- gagement curtailed, it failed to earn back its investment by a consider- able, margin. "Home Of The Brave" won plenty of plaudits and might have lasted out the season but for the slop limit. It ftnaled with a gross of around $15,000. and would tiave been moved but the thealie shortage prevented .that. "Antigone" was among the plays' thai "had to be done" and brought new laurels to Katharine Cornell. When attendance to the tragedy started to taper. "Candida" was revived in repertory to bolster patronage. Not all the record number of at- tractions taken off during tryoul are believed to be total casualties. "Win- dy Hill" turned • a profll. touring most of the season, yet there are no definite plan.s for showing it on Broadway. Among the plays that may be among the '4B-47 crop are "Miss Jones," "A Portrait In Black" and "St. Lazare's Pharmaey.""Cre- scendo'' was among, the try out flops but turned up recently in revived form as "Swan Song." being current- ly bJi' the Broadway list. Chi's 8 of II QmII Of the 36 legit shows, tl-at bowed in Chicago during the se-ison just closed. I.'i ooeiied here pre-Broadv. ay — someihing of a record for the past 1,1 years of Chi legit history. ' Terrific total of cighl of these formerly operated the Greenwood shov/s— more, than half— folded beV Playhouse, Peak's Island. Me. SAMUEL FRENCH MNC£ IS3» Plaj .Broken and Aulliors* Represenlalives Zft Mr«rt 4Slh MrMt. Nair Vtirk ■II irmtt Kh Mnwl, !«■ Aa«alM Mae Can't Keep Date Lo.s Angeles. .June 4. Canadian railroad .strike pre- vented the Mae West legit starrer. "Fting Twice Tonight,'' from playing in Vanpouyer; B. C but the «how i.s on the }0b all this week in Portland, Ore. ' Following Portland, the company will move to Chicago for. an indef- inite run; starting in Ihiee v,eeks. . fore getting to. 1 he main sk^m. They were "Si. Lazare's Pharmacy," "Spring in Brazil." "Pas.iii'.g Show." "Joyous Sca.s," /Mluring Francii DeSttlei, June 24, With comparatively small produc- tion outlay and with only one mar- quee name, Mitty Goldin has. -pro- duced a revue that is likely to keep his A.B.C. vaude stand in clover this summer if permitted to carry on. ■Tliat is if after the forthcoming elec- tions, the politicians, who find them- selves safely intrenched, do not in- sist on scis.soring scenes where ftin is made at their expense. Consider- ing that half the scenes are political satire, this looks the main -risk. There is no nudity,, with only the Persian scene where the girls are more' undrapcd than :average. One sketch has familiar burlesque luies. Dansation by the Any Rogers ballet is cut down to a political scene where they impersonate German frauleins. Vaude act.s include the Compagnons de la Chanson, male choir of nine and a click, in their usual number. They also fill in on other sketches. Also Jacques Morel, who bc.lides being in many scenes, appears as a talenl impersonator, and the Hotleys. acrobatic jumping act. The Marcelle Turpin costumes are nice. Tliey Were made in Max Weldy's (ciu-rently in Hollywood) Paris workshop. Lucien Baroux, who stars, is popular on stage and screen her«^. He appears four times, three in political scenes, and once in the onu where the double-talk makes a strip tease look tame. This shows Claude Daltys as a girl who has applied to an official agency to help her have a eugenic baby. It rings in the photog. who is mistaken lor the gov- erhment operative. It's a familiar skit to U. S. biu-ley patrons. Barou.x is. good in the sentimental scene. He. is, also in a political skit showing how foreign totirisfs are given pref- erential treialmeiit over natives in French hotels. The be.sl political sketch shows Claude Daltys. as the sleeping beauty, awakened by three princes. Max Dalban, Jacques - Morel and Arnaudy, impersonating Communist Thorez. Socialist Blum and M.R.P. Schumann, with Pa.squali iinpersoii- ating Herriot as an interloper. It brings the house down. Most of the political sketches are funny, only a couple getting sentimental. One of these shows an aged couple, done by Arnaudy and Alice Tis.sot. in tronl of a war-destroyed village. . No attempt has been made to at- tract tourists. America is only men- tioned twice One sketch ha.s Claude Daltys as,a French GI bride, refus- ing to stay on his farm when she discovers that her hu.sband. Jacques Morel. 13 taking orders from his mother. Another shows the Any Rogers ballet as Nurnberg dolLs with American and French dolls trying to train them in their native dance. Apart from the American mother role.. Alice Tissot appears in the * rench .tourist sequence as Baroux's wife and in Persian scene, a skit on the closing of brothels and one on the local OPA. Last shows Pasquali as a tired sultan. Show has a fast tempo. Direction by Pasquall and Mitty Goldin. who ^'^tl'.t foi- it. makes the mo.sl of the small stage. Maxi. ii»ng Sh»w ,,. ■ , ,, London. May 11. -^r""''' """"""lalion uf iirljiinal riAl" "(JaPK S .,i«'' In i,v„ a,.,,. d,.,'W?d , ,• mVn Tv™,,"".':,",'"' ^'""']' "•'""<•■•■ ^ l... Ll^ iMol , Ij'ilcs jnd .inil!-l.-. J,V,i„i's» iui.,i, naKir. apj'iy Cole. Daily I'lj,--'. «„,,.,. HnnmleM. Donirlaa Rnlilnsini Ha,n- [jav,. wn. Cyi ll Plan, Ai'lhiii Undd. J>li k' Kii,n-> iiaii {'r";-'^^ l)l.yn. Nniinan KHloivri-: a-n and Hill At Xu.ll, l.nnaon. .Mav . Show has an excellent record hav- ing entertained tioopx for th;- lust three year.s in Burma. Italy. Malta. North Africa. Greece and Holland. J;ioin reports it has proved better cnlerlainmeni than most ENSA shows sent out by Basil Dean. ~ f«.". 1*^*^1 "^f.'i the provinces weeks to capacity biz W'tlial,,^it iH^nol a West End show! Seem.s lhat Ralph Reader, who years ago used to sUge the dancer in Clay- ton and Waller musicals, has mtder- taken too much in a one-man attempt to supp y Jyrtcs, : music and stage show. He should, have given others a.C'hance to collaborate with him, with much better reaulu, . But show In not without rededming featuren, ind also reveals ■ lew talented young men who should prove, with ■ little more exi)evience, worthy of joining the ranks of talent- hungrjr vaudc. Razzing the BBC is always a laugh, getter. This one, a takeoff of BBc'a ace featur», "In Town Tonight," just misses, and could have been made much funnier. Big tableaii depiclini some of Charles Dickens' characters made famous in hij books, proves one of the highlights of the evening Len and Bill Lowe, ex-RAF bovs" and former vaude standard, show ■up well in songs, dances and comedy gab. Closing first halt ts string of melodies of old Tivoll davs. inclndihg "Put on Your Tata," "Little Ciulio^' "I'll Be Your Sweetheart," "Iv. the Shade of the Old Apple Tiee." "I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside," and others of that vintage. Reg Dixoivi in well-written comedv proves clickn with audienco. Boy hiis personality and fine delivcrV which, with a little more pr;ictice, should prove an asset to any vaude bill. Show should serve as fill-in for house till something better betomes ' available. Beye. tM Satnle Famllle ('Holy Family') Paris. May ),'t. Mary. Moi'Knn and .Mi'H. i:.,r...i;n pnidni*- lloli iif lllvOi«-Bl't C'oini-dy by ;\iifl,-,v lU,iiH:iili. Siai'H .Mai'KuPvile riiM'i'y 'and It,..l,eri AViii- ZHan: ri-aliiif-K AUvoelle 'DHnibi'oniaind. J.,'uh NValllioi- ami ijn/.o(MaU. l.>iri,t-tod bv M'vl^r. Sel by WakilcVlli ll. .M SI. Cvausra. .M,niicr-iii-la\v .. •Mi.'ln-I IsalipllH 'I'bf Kii.'lol . . . . Til- Kailic'i' l^io-l,^ .\nKilsli-- Siiniino ,Ua>; Hi 111- . . . . . .Mh\ hi 'JP. . . . . . Ki^niai'd HL in. K<>rnai'd al 2". . r;lm>lli< I'll, If Minil Aniil '1*01,,..... .Vnni 'rill .\ ili*poi'10l'. . .. . . . . . . .\lai'piti>vil,\ Vii'ii- ....... Il-ibf n >j|ii<7.,.;in .Maii-olle P:ilnl>'.-iMii{,iit i"i:'H-0 l;,-sy l.i'.'H Wiililwr - - .'. r.oiirn s-iut . : Sii'/i'l Ma.'iK. Ihi'1. Cian-I.lon ..laan'v;:,! I 'la "lb- ( !>■(■ 'llB I.iiiiIh Vflln .NohIIh Konjcin'M 'llt*iii'i '.Vlahi't . i . .l{ri inMl,!,, (li abivat h*li,ri'ii,-t» Hrir)'A ........ Ilnln-i I Dtii'i'aii This comedy, conservatively pro- duced, gels quite a few laughs parlly diie to rLsque lines. .The fu;uiy bu.si- ness introduced by Jean Meyer's clnver direction-also helps. Tlu- cur- rent call for escapist material gives it a chance for a fair rliii. Andre Roussin. who wrote ' "Ains-Train- Gram" and "Grande Fillo Toule Simple." has obviously ?xpandcd what rales as a curlain raiser into three acts. Hollywood is not likely U» use a story tending to show lhat many sons are not really tho.se of the men" who legally call Iheniselves their father. -Most of the play takes place diir- ing-a dream of Ro.bcrt Mur/.eau. who is shown as a nervous youngman expecting the birth of his flrst child any mii,uite. He's made more nervous by news lhat his mbther-in-'aw won't arrive in lime for the hanpy event. Marcelle Dambremont. an alluring nurse, is with him. He is so tired that he goes to sleep before the doctor arrives. He dreams that the son he expocls in the fruit of his wife's indiscretion, and that his mother-in-law exolains shameles.sly that this is the reason she accepted his proposal so quickl.v. He dreams that-he makes love to. the nurse and has a son by h3r and an another son by his wife. The dream goes on and on with expected mix- ups. Murzcau wakes up I0 learn the doctor has delivered two twins. Murzeau. as the dreamer, is ex- cellent. Almo.st all of the lauglis 'are provided bv Marguerite Pierry as the mother-in-law, Robert SoIIim'. as the cra7,y uncle, and Leon Walll'-or, as the unbending father,. IjOU is Vcile i.s realistic as a 20-year-oicl .vonlh who is unable to decide for hunsolf. Marcelle Dambremont is tlie mii.se. and Su/.et Mais plays the wife "llie rest are only bits. flfn.vi. Obituaries isxs Continued from paict 67 of Mrs. Ned Depinet. wife of RKO piexy. • : . Mrs, Fdllh N. Beer. 68. niifitlier ot Robert M. Beer' gen. mgr. of WATG. A.shiand, O., died May 27. Her lalB husband was gen. mgr. of Hie A.sli- land Times-Gazette. Robert V. McFarlaitd, .IS, trans- portation exec for Colunibju Pic": tures. died March 2H at Veterans Hospital, Sawtelle. C^l. Mother, 85, of the late Sidney Howard, playwright: died in Nev/ York May 28. Stepdaughler and two stepsons sun'ive. Mrs. Molly Belrslaln. 77. rtotln*!' of Flo Browne, film agent, died 28 In Hollywood; Father ot Ted Perrine, Sand.v Lake, Pa., theatre owner, died 3 1 hii home there lust week. Mrs. J«s«le Lonise Dnnii, ^9, tnother of James Dunn, film died May JO In Beverly Hills, CM. WetlneBtlay, June S, 1946 LEGITIMATE 71 Inside Stuif-Legit Bui-iij! Mantle in Ihc N. Y. News Sunday (2) named his choice plays o£ the 1946-47 season and took his formei- critical colleaKues to tosk lot- re- fusing, to name a best play, as he did two seasons a^o. He wisherf to '•tell the Drama Criliuis Circle and the Piilil/.er Prize Committee to pro- ftjed with caution imtil. they come to the edge of the clifT and then take a 'long, running jump into the river." >l8 heiicls his list Avith "State o£ The tinion." the Piilit/.er winner. Memo to the critics: ' ••I am not one to. insist that every member ol the Circle should vote . tor tlie play lliat he docs not consider a perfect or even a 'best' play, .just ' because that is what he promi.sed to do when he joined the Circle. . But I do think he i.<: putting a silly and stubborn vanity ahead of a most helpful duly to the theatre, its writers and its boxofTice supporlera when he does refuse to vole. Especially when, by holding out; (four did) he defeats what, I was IplH, was the chief aim of the Circle when it .was organized: . 'To .select each season the best play written by. an American playwi iglit and pinctuced in New York.' "Howard Lindsay and Ru.ssel Crou.se's '•Stale" mi.. O lOperelln).., "Anna Liicasta," Mansfield (9'2d j week) iD-1.04l; $3.60 >. (Estimated i aiound $12.000' which was llow gross ; mark, but colored cast drama caii operate okay at lower levels. ! ".\nnie Get Your iCuny" Imperial ! (■3d week) I M-1. 427; $6.60). Even .■ilanding room lickcLs sold out in ad- vance for newest click; takings Hunt Sti'omberg. ,Ir.. plotting Broadway, re\ ival of next sea.-ion ot "The Front Page." .may find .soiiie encoui'agenient in Pitlsbui'gh' fi'om current Playhoiise production of the BeiV Heclil-Charles MacArthur newspaper (■omedy. It's the biggest thing at the boxoffiee in llie hi>lor.v of Smoky City coniiriunily theatre. Originally staled fur a four-week run, engage- ment was first extended another week and after that still anolhei-. In addi- tioii, pl;(y was covered by this Pilt flrst^.- Igaiet Wycherly replacicd I^ainette Taylor for month: has been slipping; : around $13,000 la.st week. I "The Alatnlficcnt Yimkce," Hoyaio iiCD-l.l)25: $4.80). Final and 20th week: drew excellent gro.sses up into spring. Ihcn tapei-ed: $10,000. "The Voice of the turtle,"' Moreseo '113th week) (C-93fl: $3.60). Btatrlce Peai-.-ion anad Alan Baxter replaced Martha Scot i and John Beal: ai'innid S12.000. , . "This, Too. Shalt Pass," Beiasro ( .ilh week ) i C- 1,077: $4.20 ). Another toleraiiace play doubtful of summer but operating in the In Jaiiuary Cdr. Sandnr Krciner bought two lickels for "Harvey;'' by jnail. but remilted $1.60 too niuch. and a check for that. amount was sent the Naval officer aboard the USS fjOs.Angele.«. Last week, it was letiirned to Brock Pcmberlon. the .sender, with a leiiuHst ilial lie use ihe money to buy him.self "a drink or two.' Check was ri-mi(led to ihe inanaiier from the New Yorker masazine.. Cdr. Kriuiier sending it in cafe of Ihe, maga- zine: he di.dn't know. Pembei'lon's addre.-o.-. The manager doesn't drink. , The dealh of Joseph M. Patterson, publisher of Ihe M. Y. Daily News, recalls that he was allegedly the lead chaiacler in a play written by Mabel McElway. first fitin crjlic for the tab: Drama was done in collaboration wilh Irving Kaye Davis but wa.sn't produced. Understood it was hardly eoniplinKjnlaiy lo Patterson. Miss McElway is married lo Richard Clarke, manauing editor of the News.' . quoted at $45,200. Esllmales for last Week I "A" "fou With It?" Shubert OOtli i .maj;" lauded Esllmates for Last week week) (1.382: $4.80). Since moving 'red. $3 .500 "Anna I.uCBSla," Civic (36. week) down from Century, busiue.ss not | "Three in Make Ready" Broad- ^*?.1?'.P''"'l; '^..V;""2.i°..*^''i*'"'- "P e-'^Pectation.s: oIT last week lo.||n„.st (i3lh week) (R- 1.160: $^.80). nnn" f?nS . "c- ■ " V ' "ound $20,000. Jane Kean- and , Gi'o.s.ses. not comparable to those at (1.000: $4.20); Six performance.-^ of fietly Allen replaced Joan Roberts Adelphi in early weck.s, buL.'^aid to "Antigone and two of "Candida and Jane Dulo. , be nrofilable- $21 500 brought terrific $23,000. ! "Around the World." Adelphi (1st "Merrv . Wives of Windsor," Er- j week I i M-1. 434: $6 ). Opened Friday OLD VIC langer i2nd week) 1 1400: $3.60 1; (31) as scheduled: drew mo.slly I •'llcriry IV.'' Parts I and II; • critical press but got $13,000. in first I ;'Unt,le Vanya," "Oedipus," and "Th» three times. : j Critic/' Century i4th week ) il.B70: "Billion Dollar Baby." Alyin S6). Import has another week In go: .(24th week) . (.M-1.331; $6). Aflcr i business great with takings neivrly very good start, attendance has been | $49,500: bigger than expected, tapering and la.st week's estimated REVIVALS gross was $23,000. Harold Gary re- I ".Show Boat," Ziegfeld i 21st week) placed Dave Burns. | iM-l.628: $6). Not so good at mid- "Born Tcsterday," Lyceum ( 18th j week matinee and one or Im'o nights week) (C-993; $4.80). Only play to; were offi.sh: business still big hiw- give an extra matinee last week: i ever; quoted over $44,500. that .sent, gross of smash over | "The Bed Mill," (46th .veek) (M- $21,500. . 1.319: $4;80). Making fine run of it "Call Me Mister," National (7lh and may plav throughout summer; week) iR-1.142; $6). Scale for week- ea.sed to $29,000 last wieek. day nights upped: .sock revue up lo | "iiamltl/' City Center (2.692; $29,500 which will be topped from $2.40). Opened two week return en- now on. I liagement Monday (3). "Carousel." Maje.slic i59lh week> j _^ — : .. — (' M-1. 667: $6). Last season smash is .still jnaking goodly profit and should span summer easily: figured arouiid $39,000. Betta Slriegler- replaced Bambi Linn. "Dear Ruth," Miller 77lh week) fC-940: $4.20). Lois Wheeler. Leona Powers and William Talman re- placed Augusta Dabhey. Helen. Mac- Kellar and Michael Road; buisiness slipped to $8,500. "Deep Are the Roots," Fulton i.35th week) iD-968: $3.60). ^Frances Waller. Theodore Newton and Rob- Disappointing $13,.500, second week. Skedded to close Saturday (81. "Slate of the Union,"' Blackstonc (6lh week) (1.360; $4.20): Climbing to a lusly $27,000. ••Dp In central-Park," Shuberl (7th week) I2.ie3;$4.80). Slipped but still strong with $44,000. VWIndy City," Great Northern '3rd week) 1,425; $4.80). Went up to $18,000. ,000 Philadelphia, June 4. Wilh no opposition, and aided also by favorable followups in local dailies, "The Dancer," George Ab- bott's melodramatic production, picked up slightly, getting $3,000 at the Walnut. With Locust. Shubert and Walnut definitely washed up now for the 1945-46 season, all further activity 'Bloomer' 35(], Current Road Shows 'Pei'iori Corviiiig Jiiiie 3-15) "Anna Liicasta" --ri\-ic. Chi iH-ISK "Aiillprone" - "(>ndlda" — Harris. Chi. >3-R). . '•Blackouts of Iftte" — El Capilan. llollywood (;l-l')). "RIoomcr Girl" t- Shubert,, Bost. (3-15). "Come on Up" l"Riii|r Twlee To- .nl»ht"l — Miiyfair. Portland. i3-8): Temple. Tacoina (9); Mel., Seatlle (10-151. ' ■ . "Cyrano de Beritfrac" — Forrest. Phila.; (3-151. : "noose for the Gamier" -Colonial. Bost. i3-l."pi.. "IIai'vey"---Met.. Seattle (3-8). "Luftlnir Room' Oiily" — Nal'l. Wash. (3-l,SV. ' "Laura"— Cass. Det. i3:-8); Harris. Chi. <10-|5i. "Meet Hie Wire"--Shiiberl-Lafay- .eltc. Del. c3-.l5i: "Merry Wives of Windsor," Erlan- ger, Chil (3781; Miisic Hall, Kaii.siis Cily VlO-l.-)!. "0bsessinn"--l,()he['O, Santa Bar- ^ bara 1 13-14 1. , "Oklahoma!" — Biltniore. L. .^. (3-15); . ".Slate of the Union"— Blackstone. Chi, (3-15). . "Up In Central Park" — Shuberl, Chi. r!»,15i. •Voice of the TiiTlle" — Geary, Fri.-ico (3-15). :'Voloe of the Turtle" (2d Co.)— Plymnulh, iJosl. i;i.-ir>;. • "Windy (:|ly"— Gt. .Norlherii, Chi. ;.i3-8). SlVMMER STOt'K ".An|{el .street"— Litchfield thealre. Litchfield, Coim.. 1 lO-iS'. "HlUhe Spirit" ■- Bucks County 'Playhou.se. New ^^ope.^Pa. (7-l.Sl. I :'Hay f-'ever" — Summer Garden. Unily Farm, -Kansas City, Mo. 13-8) . '; - "New Moon"— Royal Alexandra. , Toronto (4-8 "Rosalle^'--Papci' Mill Playhouse. Millburn, N. ';l-«>. ■'•Sailor Beware'' '— Cambridge. ; Mass. cll-a 1 . . ! ••The Male Animal" — Playhou.^'e. Wbicesler. Ma.-is. i4-Hi. centers about Forrest, which got 1 pj-t Emhardt replaced Baibara Bel Jose Ferrer's revival of "Cyrano de ; Qeddes, Llyod Gough and Harold Bergerac" last night (3) tor a two | Vermilyea; $8,500. wi'ek.-;' engageiTient. Fortnight's | "Dream Girl," Coronet . <25th engagement promises to be a good | week) (CD-i,037: $4.80).- Has been one even though season is late for leasing downward but still eypected a costume classic like this here. 1 to span summer: around $14,000 last Forrest then goes dark for a pe-. i v^ eek. riod. re-operiing July 1. with "Fol- . viurvev." 48th Street (83d week) low the Girls." with Gertrude Nie.-ien ! r'C-925: $4.20). One of the leading in her brigiiial stellar role. Musical lioldover prospects for next .sea.son: is figured by management to span ] again well over $19,000: Bert hot weather months. Forre.-il has a j wheeler • will sub for Frank Fay partial cooling system, not a: com- ' Boston, June 4. "Bloomer Girl" continues to be a smash hit at the Shubert, impervious to such events as labor troubles and, heat waves. However, it's definitely ulosing June 15, which marks end of the .sea.son for Boston's .Ive Shu- bert-operated houses, the Shubert, Wilbur, Plymouth, Opera House and Copley. •'Voice of the .Turtle." picked up a bit at the Plymouth and '.s destined to continue succe.sstully uiiiil June 15 for a 25-Avetk run here. Th-ere':i b<'en nothing like this since "Rose Marie" ran 29 weeks in 1925. "Cyrano .de Bergerac." at the Colonial, in its plete one. .Shuberl. Locust and Wiil- luil have none at all. who .goes on vacation- in Augii.-.t ly-econd stanza, dih now playinj; | ble $3.5.000. the leads: tlown around $7,000 but | ••Cvrano'~dc Bergerac," Coioii.al run leader will flick. ! 1 1 500: $4.20 ). About $12,000 .akam.st "Lute Song," Plymouth iD-1.0.6;i: : j,pp,.,j.,(imately 410,000 for :Wec!> be- $6): For. (in'al and 19th week. Dolly | (ore. ■ to the Philharmonic s i Haas has replaced Mary Martin.,: "voire of »he Turtle," . Plymouth which bowed to ifood lAtlractcd eorisiderabic attention and i , j ^ud-j;} 1. Good $15,000 against $14.- 'Laura' Bright 25iG, D C. ■ . Washington. June 4. I ' Laura" clicked here al the Na- tionyl. wilh a sUndy $2r)..S00 ' ruiiK ^ip lo its credit. Disappointing mati- nees kept week from beiiig virtual ' sell (lui. - j ProspeCls for Ol.^en and Johiifon's ' "Laffing Room Only." ope.iili.iu lieie 'last nighi (3 ( for forlniuhl, arc nwy. - Ba-ion conipan.v of "Voice cif, (lie , Turile " follows Jim'e 1-7. for 'liiniied '; eligageinent. " 'Roberta' Record 44i€, /Oklahomar 38G, in LA IjOS Angeles.June 4, I Combiitalion of holiday and strike's i-i\d tii'ouijht the jcfiit uross.es inio ', top .spot ihis pa.st wee.k. Mightiest coin went ' "Robert a.". 'notices and. $44..500 for ihe initial 'frame .. . record high -o far: fm' :lhc sea.'ion. "Oklahcmia." '. ilted an- other $38.(100 out of the (iistomers idiiring its fourth week at 'he Bilt- j nn'ire ami will remain at tliat SRO »,,,„,„,. ;,.-;„j .o* hnn ! figure for the remaining eight weeks I ^^^^^^ l^'^'^m-^s ■ I66th •or ineiun. ^ ' week ) iM-l..509v $4.80), Last year it Ken Murray s ■Blnckoufs of ll)4b ^^.^^ fiKured that this .sock muscial Kave an e.xli'a pcrform.i.ire cvvr, ^,„„if, ,„|,|a.st others and yaihe slfll ■ Memorial Day and brought, the bdlTo . .j,^^ -29,500. . take 10 $l«.0(in for Ihe -iOeth .•i!''etch . "^...q,, ^^y,,,^^j„ Avenue," Corl i4th should do well on four: around $1.3.- 500. •'O Mistress Mine," Empire I'IBth sveek) ■(CD-'I.082; $4.80). Advcrlisini; tickets for September and October •show laying off d.uring July and 000 for weather week before. aiid sli'ikc— be.«et al Kl wli.i<'!i sti-ike. M'(il'l' Capilan. "Tobacco Ro.id. Kol under way dnriii'! the c'limb'ed up :Mi('('ly for .SKI.Oini CHI Ihe .e 4. Harold J. Kennedy's "A Giio.sc for the Gander." .starring Gloria Swan- son. gros.«e(l a ialisfactory $8,000 at the ROval Alcxanon (20th ':week) (CD-I .057: $4.80). Should play through next -.season ' despite, road companies. Sells out all limes, with hei'e with the ; gro.ss lopping $24,500. Straluht play ' leader wilh exception o fOld Vic. I ••St. Louis Woman," Beck '!)lh 'LAFFING; offish 23G, CLOSES BAUrO SEASON Baltimore; June 4. "LafViiig Room Only," advkrli,'^ed_ with Olsen and John.son, but minus taller, who was reported ill. wound up the legit season at Foi'ds here last week on an off note. Garnei'ed ■a hi.rd-to-get 823.000 for the ;*fff.):t. I Season was most profitable in years for town's loniE. legit stand, in spile of pdori.sh list of attractions de- pendent mcstly on sUndbys of re- cent years and so-so prc-Broadway break-ins. . . , . "Maid in the Ozarks" has oeen spotted into the iiidie-booked Maiy- lshd,i currently showing pix. on a four-wall deal set to istort next Mon- day , >10). Strong campaign in ad- vance. 71 Dcmryl Zanuck oaid Henry Hathaway^ for the spot you gave me in your four-startler, "The Dark Cor- ner. ^UoHiUf Dave and Jack Kopp, for those Deccarative royalty checks for my new disc, "The Man I Love;" and thanlcs, Milton Gabler, for that first recording contract you $ave me with Conmiodore. ... ^JUohJu, Sherrill Korwin. for hav- ing me booked into your theatre, the Orpheum, in L A., twice within five weeks (they tell me I was the first to come back so soon). . . . *JUaHJu, Maurice Duke, for my first picture break, in Monogram's "Junior Prom,". . . . 7^s^^ Walter WincheU, Earl Wilson, Dorothy Kilgallen, Danton Walker, Ed Sullivan, Jimmy Starr and all the rest of the newspaper people who hiave been so generous with the kind words. . . . Bing. lor lotting m# cut those Decea records with you. They tell me "Who's Sonry Now" is aelting like oeiling price nylons. . > . "^UohIu, Kate Smith and Ted Col- lins, for inviting me to oppear on your radio show last month. ... *]UaHhli Tommy Rockwell and everybody else at GAC for working so hard in my behalf. . . . Carlos Gastel, for bring- ing me back to Hollywood. My Troeaderopening at the King Cole Room is set for June 10th. ... ^^, fioin daily and weekly newspapers. m:ii;a- zincs and radio network.^ will bo po.'ited nn Ihe USS App.ilacliian. griieral press headqtiarlors. and at Kwajalein. Included arc ncus rcl cameramen and nnotlicr million - tiire camcronian reprc.-iciilin.u the piwl of television broadcastci .• ujio V ill recorj Ihe event. Ap|)alacb.ian will carr\ fi'' nous- paper correspondents, as v vil a> 12 i,lijl cameramen, several lu v. - rl men. the tele newsreel plDli.;'. II v.i- (!lo broadir.sters, 15 wire sorvico ii - porters, and 27 magazine wii'ris. l.;.i~.d ccvuraye at Kwajalein u-.!l be J.andlod by three newspaper cim u - spondcnts. nine magazino \vril.~r>. tin ce wire service reporter^, four ra- dio correspondents and five new si eel (Continued on pa^e 40) Webb's 1st Pic Terping Hollywood, June 11. Clifton Webb and Gene Ticrncy arc praelieally set for Georgie Jes- scl's production of "The Band Wagon" upon Webb's return from Noel Coward's play. "Present Laugh- tor." next spring. Webb will dance for the first time on the screen in this pic. Howard Dictz and Artlun- Schwartz, who authored the staye original, will write several new souks for the film with the two oldies. "Dancinq in Iho Dark ' and "I Love Louisa. ' to be featured also. PM Needs 100,000 More Readers; Had Considered, Then Nixed Selling Ads PM, N. Y. daily tabloid, is ap- proaching its sixth anniversary next Tuesday tl8) with red ink sjiread all over its ledger. After soakinp auay a substantial reserve fimd dui ing the preceding year's opera- tions, the paper has been operating al a considerable loss for the last fiscal year because of the "raised cost of living." To make up this do- llcil. PM is i>lanning un open, con- certed plea to its readers to cam- paign lor 100,000 additional circula- tion. Plea will take the form of a 12- Pa^e prospectus, which the papei will use as an insert in next Tues- tlay's editions. It will also be mailed to a select list. Prospectus will slate that PM's editors had seriously con- sidered breaking away Ironi il^ unique basic principle by liiuilly akrecing to accept advert i.->iiiu. but were forced to forego the idea be- cause of the paper's own plant ca- pacity. "This was so lumted. ' ac- cordmg to the prospectus, -thai PM (Continued on page 30) Longhair Music s Biggest Boom Due Tlie longhair music business is in for another boom year ne\t season, perhaps the greatest year in its history. Right now, every !>ig arlisl is sold out for next sca.-on. The audience for serious music, aceoiding to Arthur Judson. pvvz of Columbia Concerts, world's largest rcncort bu- reau, has grown faster than the sup- ply. The saturation point in concert bookings, Judson sa.\s. has in no v ay been reached. Columbia Concerts iiscif has al- ready set 151 recitals for next !-cason in N. Y. alone, which is 10 concerts more than it handled for the enlire 194a-l(i N. Y. season, and a 20'; in- crease over bookings this time lasl year. Judson admits to a ccrt.iiii ii.fla- (Continucd oi\ pa;;e 34) T. SALES PRAGTIGE Major nim companies and the Government divided honors yes- terday when a 73-page opinion was handed down in the anti-trust suit. Decision barred theatre divorcement but drastically changed current selling prices. The three-judge fed- eral court in New York, in effect, or- dered a system of auction bidding for individual pictures and simultane- ously ruled price-fixing, block book- ing, pooling arrangements, formula deals, master agreements rnd (lan- chises to be, in the main, -nvalid. Clearance and run, as such, were held not to be violative of the Sher- man Act unless unrc&sonable in character. In determining the question of reasonableness, the court laid down seven factors on which to base judgmort The lengthy opinion al.-^o held joint own^ nership of theatres by the majors with each other or wilh indies, to (Continued on page 4) Musicians Jix Pix for Televi^on For One of Video's Worst Bio / Metro's Yoamans Biog Metro, which has a Jerome Kern filmusieal biography in work and the (Richard) Rodgers and CLorcnz) Hart story upcoming, will glorify an- other songsmith. He's Vincent You- mans, who died early this year. Metro's deal is said to cover $250.- 000 for the rights, outside of the .song clearances, which the studio must negotiate. Canada, Which Banned Eddie Cantor on Radio, Invites Him in Person Hollywood, June U. Only radio comic invitect to 'Van- couver'.'; Diamond Jubilee pageant, July 1 to 13, is Eddie Cantor. Irony of it is that several months ago Cantor's radio show was banned in Canada for reasons never fully ex- plained. Surprised at the invitation to play 12 nights in the pageant. Cantor was told by the promotional head of the project that he was the favorite comedian with Canadians and that (Continued on page 55) B way Biz Outlook On the Upgrade The present jammed occupancy of New York's hotels is a highly favor- able indication of Broadway's show biz chances this summer. In recent weeks managers were puzzled as to business possibilities, grosses moving up and down, except- for the newer legit standouts. Major midtown hotels are refusing to accept reservations for the bal- ance of the >month. Some limit ac- ceptances to weekends only, and the demand for help is known to have jumped recently. Influx 6f buyers and the start of vacations explain the hotel situation. Highest demand for hotel rooms is dated for next midweek, the Louis-Conn fight on Wednesday (19) being the factor. Most large hotels, especially those on the east side, are booked solidly until late August, and ticket agencies say that out-of-town mail orders are piling up daily. St. Petersburg, Fla,, June 11. Having -already barred live mu- sicians from appearing on television shows,' James C PetriUo and his American Federation of Musicians, have just dealt video a new blow, probably the toughest one to date. PetriUo has served notice on the film studios, it was learned at the AFM ccnivehtion here', that they are Other detailed AFM con- vention stories in ^iisic and Radio sections. forbidden to use product from their iiound- tracks for television. The pix' industry, having no other ; alterna- live, had to accede. In ef fecit, it pitts television in a position where - it (Continued on page '40) PetriUo Seen Making Bid as Maestro Of Overall Labor; AFM Backing Strong B.O.S HIT IN V-DAY LONDON CELEBRATION London. June 11 Inclement weather failed lo di.srupt y-Day celebration heic for 11.000,000 Londoners and visitors. Ciowd.s swarmed the streeLs. and show biz consequently was olT, since Pic- cadilly traffic was diverted. Those celebrating were not buvinc enter- •ainment, but going tor the free show. However, Sunday and banU-holi- biz soared with Ioiik lines for "im houses and other theatres. By GEORGE ROSEN St. Petersburg, Fla.. June 11. The manner in which James C. I'eli'illo was swept back into ;he presidency of the Amenean Fed- eration of Musicians by unanimous vole and thunderou.^ oval ion of the .''iFM delegates assci'nblea in con- vention here was only one oi a iinm- ber of significant events pointing uj) that the next 12 month.'; may well be Ihe most turbulent in the battle of Pelrillo vs. the entci lainmcnt in- dustry. What the convention served to il- lustrate, for one thint!. is tlK.I Pcf- rillo is more fiinily entrenched within the expanding rank.s of the AFM with its nearly 2«0.0f)0 mem- bciship. than ever before. Bui even heyoiid lhat. there cmcrgert a Pet- riUo whose power may even trans- cend that oi AFM prcxy ar.ci \.'ho may eventually step fort!: as llie key figure in the nation's overall labor picture. To the networks, the radio indus- try in general, the recording and film companies, plus others within the enterlainmenl industiy with w hom PetriUo & Co. do busincs.s. the implication was clear that the boss of the musician.s' union isn't likely to yield an inch, come what may. But further, hi.s drastic proposal (drastic in terms of AFL protocol), which won the unanimous backing (if the convention, that the AFL, CIO and the Railroad Brotherhoods merge their memberships and or- ganizations to fight the Lea Bill, the Case Act and other anti-union leg- islation, is viewed in some quarters as a bid for supremacy and as the dominant, key figure in the entire labor picture. To new.smeti covering the conven- tion (and, in view of the current Petrilln vs. the radio industry l.ibor crisis, it was given unprecedented coverage) the conduct of the con- clave as spearheaded by PetriUo be- lied Ihe far-flung allegations that the AFM prcxy wields a czaristic baton over the boys. For the first linie the reporlorial contingent seemed to find some meaning, understanding and democratic procedure behind what PetriUo was striving for. But so far as Pelrillo himself wa.s concerned, he made no bones that he was reconciled to Ihf fact that the pre.^s of America "v-as out to get hiin." If the convention had a theme at all, it was "let's go lo work lo combat the propaganda directed again.-^t the AFM and PetriUo as {> ezar." A flock of resolutions were introduced by various delegations recommending that AFM pour vast sums into a public relations-educa- tional campaign to take the .stigma ofl PetriUo &: Co. But the union pi-cz personally would have none of it and channelled the resolutions into (Continued on page 30) Fire-Hazardons Hotel Niteries Hit by Chi, Dnboqiie Disasters Possibility exists thiat many enter- tainment rooms, cocktail lounges and niteries located in hotels throughout the. country will shutter as hotels are. closied as a consequence of the two disastroits fires in the LaSalle Hotel, Chicago, and the Canflcld Hotel, Dubuque. First casualty is the Walton Hotel, Phila- delphia, which was condemned by city authorities, and suspended op- erations Saturday (8). [Ar detailed below, Chi authorities shuttered one Loop legiter, the Great Northern, and 5 niteries as result of llie La Salle catastrophe]. Dclails on the Walton Roof on page 52. Others arc expected as city au- thorities all over the country are oncc-overing aU inns in their juris- dictions. City authorities realize that fire- fighting equipment is substandttrtf^^ because of Inability to gct'fcifl&ce-'- ' rhents during the .war. ' Alsa the acute room shortage i.^ taxiiitC hotel staffs and facilities to the point (Continued on -page 52). ' NIGHT CLUBS PONDER FALL-OFF IN BUSINESS Question of whether the current 40% average drop in nitery busines.s , is only a temporary recession or ah indication that conditions are re- suming pre-war normalcy, is. being mulled by bonifa(:es throughout the country. Business during the pa.st^ two months has dwindled to . the point where grosses are up to 40% below, the wartime highs. Getting partial blame for this condition is the dislocation of in- dustry because of strikes aiid ma- terial shortages. Those following that school of thought believe that (Continued on page 52) We«1iieMlay, June 12, 1946 $25,000,000 Industrial Centre For Miami; Expo, Radio, Aquacade, Etc. Final plans for Ihe largest year- » roimd industrial exposition and trade centre iii the world, to be erected in Miami, Florida; were completed last week in New York by hotel magnate William Liebow. With more than a dozen buildings to be erected on a 112-acre site, the permanent trade fair will include a Radio City, complete with televi- sion studios, a 6,000-seat aquacade, a 2,000-seat auditorium, and a picr ture theatre, all at a cost of $25,- 000,000 or more. Purpose of the Pan-American In- dustrial Exposition, as the fair will be called, will be to provide a com- mon meeting ground for. commerce between the Americas, where inter- American trade can be carried on with 'a minimum of red tape and travel. Secondary result will probr ably be a permanent large draw to Miami and Miami Beach, affording niteries a year-round market I Liebow, who owns Braznell-Inter- national and Robert Clay Hotels in Miami, as well as recently finished Hotel Ihternacional in Panama, con- ceived the idea with his associate, Dr. D. F. Reeder, early in the war. Architecture will be done by L. Murray Dixon. Current plans call for the theme building to be com- pleted by September, 1947. Theme building, x-shaped, will bo four stories, topped by a 20-story tower, and will be a merchandise mart in which manufacturers from North and South America will have equal opportunity to display prod- ucts to buyers from both continents. Structure will cost 2V4 million, total investment in the project by Reeder and Liebow to satisfy Miami mu- nicipal government of good faith, (Continued on page 55) Theatre Wing Starts Vets Training Course In Show Biz Fields American Theatre Wing, is starting Its Veterans Training Program in N. Y., July 8, when it opens an eight- week summer course for professional vets in legit, radio, music and dance. Wing has leased building at 432 West 44th street where it will give instruc- tion in all fields except radio. Latter field will be handled by classes at various N. Y. radio station studios. Theatre courses will cover a wide range, with specialists in each field (Continued on page 6) Irish Cabinet to Sup With Jeanette MacDonald Dublin, June 6. Members of de Valera'.s cabinet ere to attend a dinner in honor of Jeanette' MacDonald here July 11 when the singer arrives in Ireland for the last of her six concerts in the British Isles. She will sing at the Theatre Royal, Dublin, July 13 and return direct to New York by air. following day. Miss MacDonald's fee, which Har- old Fielding says he cannot divulge under his agreement with the singer, is claimed to be highest ever paid to a concert artist visiting Ireland Fielding is to visit U.S. again shortly to negotiate for p. a.'s by other stars Ruth Gordon's 'Miss Jones' For the Freddie Marches Ruth Gordon's play, "Miss Jones," which closed earlier this season after being tried out by Max Gordon, is being rewritten for Fredric March and his wife, Florence Eldridge. Draft has already been approved by the Marches who were planning to go to London for Thornton Wilder's play, "Skin of Our Teeth." Latter project was to have been produced by Laurence Olivier, but will be postponed a season. Cleve. Goes Hollywood Cleveland, June 11. Even the drugstore chains here are getting showmanship-minded to the degree ot hiring Jimmy Durante and Gary Moore to niakc p. a.'s at the opening of a new super-drug- store last week. Schnozzola and Moore flew here to put on an afternoon clambake in the store, for autograph-huiiters, who caused traffic jams. . Sports Shorts Ticket sale for the Louis-Conn fight dated for next Wednesday night (19) at- the Yankee SU- dium perked up considerably during the past week with the ticket sale over the $2,000,000 mark. Out-of-towners will wit- ness the contest in droves. Che Pittsburgh party of three 12-car trains has, been . arranged for with the Pennsy R.,.R. alone. A deal for 150 Pullman rooms to bring fans from- a midwest burg was cancelled bepause of the promoter's demands, but the reservations will be used any- how. In addition there are many charter planes contracted for lo bring fight addicts from the hinterland. Over the weekend there- were varying opinions as to the win chances of the prin- cipals. Former champions Gene Tunney and Jim Braddock were quoted in favor of Conn. How-: ever,' it's S"iW?3iiH to judge cither man from training camp activi- ties and Louis is on .!he short end of the betting odds. . Fight ticket' situation was blasted open by. cops, who lapped the telephone wires of Jacobs' agency, four clerks being ar- rested and held under bail. Po- lice said they heard prices for $100 quoted as high as $175 by the brokers but they did not obtain possession of any tickets and it is questioned if a conviction can be" had without such evidence. Mike Jacobs who is prompting the flght said he has no interest in the agency.. Another arrest was made, when an a.gcncy clerk accepted $100 gratuity for sup- plying 10 tickets at $100 each. Plain clothes men then returned the tickets, also the marked C- note, which is claimed to have been thrust into the clerk's breast pocket by the "buyers." Where they got the $1,000 plus $9, which was the legal resale fee was not explained. Evidence in the hands of the police in that case is the marked $100 bill. Price of the fight tickets in- cludes the Federal and stale tax, so the net on the $100 tickets is approximately $77. N. Y. License Commissioner . Ben Fielding announced an in- vestigation of ticket brokers for alleged overcharging to deter- mine "whether there is a con- spiracy to violate the state law." Clerks in four agcniiics charged with gypping on Louis-Cionn fight tickets summoned. Agen- cies involved are Jacobs, New- man's, Miller's and Trosky's. Department licenses 80 agencies but there are 57 who subscribe to the legit theatre ticket code, indicating that the others do not handle theatre tickets but spe- cialize on sporting events. Death of Jack Johnson recalls the connection of several Bro.id- way showmen in the promotion of two of his spectacular fights. When the colored champ lost to Jess Willard in Havana in 1915, L. Lawrence Weber snd , H. H. Frazee werie partners of Jack Curley who fronted. Sam McVey, Negro heavyweight who was in Johnson's corner, was among those who averred that "Li'l Arthur" or "Tlie Big Smoke" as he was Ci(lle:-Conn fight. Jack Qakie, Met Allen and Dayc Siegjtl in from Coa.'jt, seeing the ball games. Tiie Berle-ing Point By Milton Berle 208th WEEK! KEN MURRAY'S "BLACKOUTS OF 1946" El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 'Keep 'em laughing Ken— you're doing a great Job. .BOB HOPE. Sample of '46 An idea of blacketeering.and dipsy- doodle bribery is exemplified by a man who bought two cases of rum, which he didn't need, in order to get a case of Scotch which he did need, to present it to a textile manufac- turer, in order to buy 1,000 yards of material This material would then be presented by the Scotch purchaser to a certain used car dealer who was also a manufacturer of infants wear oh the side, hence needed the lex- tiles. The ultimate, purpose was to influ- ence the used car dealer, who also has a new ear auto agency, lo sell the Scotch donor a nciv car. Discrimination Ends Vs. American Actors On Double Taxation Washington, Juhe 11; Discrimination against actors un- der the anti-double taxation treaty with Britain wais ended last Thurs- day (6). Secretary of State James F: Byrnes and J. Balfour, British Minister attached to the embassy here, sighed a supplementary pro- tocol piutting entertainers in the same class with all other Americans who work in England for six months or less. ■ This means that actors who go there will pay income tax to the U. S. and at the American rate, which is cheaper than, the British gouge. The original treaty, ratified by the Senate June 1, left actors in a position where they would have to pay income taxes at the British rale if they worked in England. Does Jack Benny Want To Improve Own Fiddling? Chicago, June 11. Jack Benny has just heard he may finally succeed in bringing over Czech violinist, Alex Vizvari, whoin he in met in Prague on his last sum mer's overseas USO junket. Benny was impressed with the fat fiddler, not so much for his virtuosity as his natural sense of comedy. A burly Czech ("unfortunately re- minding you of Goering in appear- ance"), Vizvari has a natural sense of cbmedy, despite inability to speak a word of English, which Benny thinks would make him a novelty in concert. "In fact I'll play tour with him a little myself," adds Benny, who frankly .admits he's stage-struck. Whilie in Nciv York the past few weeks, and now vacationing here with his father, Benny got a bang playing benefits, making charity drive appearances, etc. He .. adds, "I've been talking' about doing a season in New York with my pro- gram and maybe this next year I'll fool eyen myself and do it," because he misses Broadway a lot. For tlie /ir.s'l lime I'm a Daddv. Celebrotiiip Failiff!' Day And u'hot do lyou i/ii'ik I'm. getttno? The bills /voiii Mother's Doi/. . . dot a real bang out of Jimmy Duranlc's 3Dth Anniversary parly at the converted Golden Slipper last Wednesday night. Everyone who counted was there . . .PLUS A FEW WHO COULDN'T. .. .The place was~ full of "Who's Who," until Toots Shor walked in— then somebody yelled "What's that?"... .it was so crowded, the hecklers were working from the Men's Room.. /.Understand that while Jimmy was in New York, his no.se was making a personal appearance in Philadelphia — Jimmy's old partners were right on hand: Eddie Jackson and Lou Clayton (the Byron Nelson 6t show business). Clayton told me there was no truth to the rumor that Jimmy had been signed by M-G-M because Leo the Lion had developed laryngitis. ...But the whole affair was a great tribute to a real trouper. The only thing vi^as that the party broke up too early— the "TVvo Sisters" hud to go back to Boston. The Great Wli Way Know a comedian who is such a ham he's doubling between a llicalre and a sandwich at theThcatrical Pharmacy. Eddie Bracken says that when his baby grows up, he doesn't want Itim to be president. . . .just wants Kim to play Clarence Day in "Life With Father." . W. C. Fields spent a fruitless day at Grauman's Chinese theatre yester- day. He found oilt you can't preserve a hiccough in cement. What's needed at the UN meeting is Faith, Hope and Clarity. Got a lovely present from Leo Lindy for Father's Day .... a pocket watch with anchovies in place of hands and a chain made of braided noodles. Rodgers.& Hammerstein are all broken up;... they overslept one morn- ing and only turned, out five Broadway hits; Harold Gary says that in view ot Ihe fact that you can see the Melropple ; show from the sidewalk, that's the only corner. where aa agent can catch an act and a street ear at the same time. There's No Truth (o the Rnmor That in his next advertisement Billy Rose will mention the Diamond Horse.shoe that the favorite picture on the borscht circuit is "The Bride Wore Beeti" . . . . that Senator Claghorn has seen "The Virginian" 88 times that the columnist Mortimer is now spelling his name "Li".... that each new play starts an engagement at the Belasco theatre b>f adver- tising "positively last week": .. .that "Coax Me A Little Bit'' was written by John L; Lewis. Hangnail Descriptions Margaret O'Brien: Dyna-mite Orson Welles: "I" The People Cen- tral Park: Bad Man's Territory Marjorie Main: Dill Face. . . .Mayflower doughnut: Techni-cruUer. • Observa.llon Dept. Hollywood is the only place in the world where a guy can starve to death- among his friends. Lunched at the "21" last week. Food Is so expensive there they should give you 12 months to pay— — yoii get 6 months i£ you don't: Henny Youngman knows a iiiteclub that's so fashionable they serve two- tone mickeys. Ted Lewis has been in show business for 30 years and has said "Is Everybody Happy" 10 million times as yet, nobody has answered him. Otjerheord on vty raido: Announcer: You've got a fine set ot pipes. Singer: No so loud. This is supposed to be a cigaret program. Berled Eggs On Broadway there's 16 inches difference between a pat on the back and a kick in the pants. SCENE: Waiting room at the William Morris Agency: ACTOR: If I sit here any longer, I'll be old enough to be booked into the Diamond Horseshoe. Atttobiograph]/ of a bad aclor: ''Hssss-tOTy'." Caiight Peter Lind Hayes at the Copa... .was so impressed I compli- mented him by saying, "Peter, you're wonderful." Peter quipped, "What do you mean wonderful'? . . . .THERE'S NOBODY AROUND." There's » new Hollywood lunchroom that Just held a anack preview. Got the. surprise of my life. I read of an actress who made the front pages by taking an underdose of sleeping tablets. A comedian confided, it was bis ambition to live In California and die ia New York saggested he pUy the Roxy. Eavesdropped at the Copa: He reMiinds me of on Adler-eleuated shot ....... 99% heel. Len Stern reports that NBC is looking for a cummer replacement for a summer replacement. My brother (the one who books squirrels into parks) hasn't been feel- ing well lately. He absent-mindedly walked into an employment agency and still hasn't gotten over the shock. AFTERPIECE: All characters mentioned In this column arc purely flctUioas and have nothing to do. Authors' 'Honor' Held at Stake In Latin-Am^ 'R^ts' Provision Cheaper to Go Out? Television set owners who hope to, get the jump on Mike Jacobs by watching the Louis- Conn fight on their video re- ceivers may discover the fight wil] cost them at least the price of a ringside seat— $100— any- way. Most set owners plan to in- vite as many lookers as they can accommodate. With the cost of drinks, etc., the hospitality inay run high. N.Y.C.PUBUe SCHOOL'S COURSE FOR SHOW BIZ Increasing evidence pi stronger recognition of the entertainment field as a vocation, especially by educators, is being felt as the N. Y. City Board of Education takes un- der consideration a proposal for establishment of a four-year high school course for the performing arts, Tentatively planned lor loca- tion In what is now building hous- ing P. S. 67, near the heart of Broad- way's show biz district, school will be the first of its kind in this coun- try, and marks the longest forward step toward g^eneral vocational edu- cation pi youngsters for show busi- ness. Detailed plans for the school's curriculum are being worked put by a selected committee of leading names in entertainment, under chairmanship of Mrs, Samuel Lewi- sohn, member of the Public Educa- tion Assn. Included on the commit- tee roster pre Helen Hayes, Martha Graham, Brock Pemberton, Walter Damrpsch, Margaret Webster and (Continued on page 34) 4. Latin- punctilio which makes it prejudicial tp an author's honpr to permit any deviation from his pub- lished wprks may force radio broad- casters and film producers to dis- continue purchasing Latin-American story ' material pr music right.";. Adpplipn pf such "authors' moral rights" laws which recognizes crea- tor's inalienable paternity in his creation as currently being pushed by Mexico and Argentina at the In- ter-American Conference of Experts on Copyrights now meeting ia Washingtpn. Success on the. part of the law's proponents would freeze the use- of S. A. stories and music in the U. S., copyright lawyers say. Proposed revamping of iiiterna- tipnal regulations governing the li- censing pf musical -recordings and the use pf fpreign composilibii<: jn jukeboxes which wpuld basi.ally change current practices are al.so under consideration^ Draft of the system pf CPpyright laws, In \yhich the changes are embodied, was for- mulated a few months ago and are now being fprmally prescnled for the first time to member iialiops of . the Pan-American' Union. If ap- proved by the U. S., their ihcorpo- (Cpntinued pn page 55) WetlneHlay, June 12, 1946 PICTTITRIIS FILMS' $100,000,000 NET PROFIT Argentiiie-Soviet Mutual Reception Will Cut Further Into fix in S.A. Argentine recognition of the So- viet government last week, smooth- ing relations , between the two couii- ti ies to promote trade, is expected 'to slice anotlier segment of playing time from U. S. aims throughout Latin America. Russian pictures are only trickling into the sputh-of-the- bordcr countries now, but with the now Argentine agreement and the ■ gradually increasing production schedules of Soviet studios, Ameri- can companies are certain to experi- ence touKlicr, times ahead. In Aryentina itself, a quota law already rociuires that pictures made ill that country get 40% of the play- ing time. That means that the othir OOS'. must be shared by Hollywood prdcliict with Mexican and other for- ciiiii-made features. That's hurt plenty. o£ course, but biz has been so KQod in Argentina that total rentals have heldup to pre-war standards or better. . However, Brazil has replaced Argentina as the sonvee of the largest revenue from Latin America. . ■ Argentina's new hands-across-thc- sca policy with Russia is expected to maK-c the coimlry a gateway for in- roads of Soviet product into all the South American nations. That, pUis the fact that French pictures were always popular in Latin America and may soon be expected in large nuinbors, while Mexican product is already getting a very favorable proportion of playing time, is seen as foreboding less palmy days for Hollywood's output. In Argentina itself, in'addition to the mandatory 40% playing time for national product, latter often gets a break too in that owners of the two biggest circuits, Lauteret & Cavallo and Lococo, have a financial inter- est in many of the productions. Playing' both ends against the mid- ■ die. they not infrequently find it more profitable to hold over one of tlicir own pictures than put iii a now American film that might do better at (lie b.o. Carl Byoir to Play Down Hughes' S. A. Pix Flair, Build Him Up as Big Biz Switch in the basis of "Tlie but- law" publicity campaign from Jane Hu.ssoirs s.a. to Howard Hughes' qualities as a motion picture and industrial magnate i.s reported back of llie shift in flackcries made by the producer this week. Hughes jumped from the fla.shy Russell Birdwell ofTioe. which has handled ''Tlic Outlaw"' continuously since its conception seven years ago. to the con.scrvaiivc Carl Byoir 4: As.soci- atcs. Byoir outfit is a neophyte at film pulVory. It specialises in handling top industrial -execs, big business. foreiRii soveriiment.s, etc., many of whom arc willing to pay consider- ably more to keep their names out of print than get them in. That it will be willinc to associate itself with sucli stunts as Birdwell has used is considered doubtful. With '"The Outlaw" firmly estab- (Continued on page 18) Bernstein, Hitchcock, Bergman's Indie Setup Sidney L. Bern.steiii, British ther afre magnate, arrived in N. Y. Mon- day (10) night by air and plans to fly to the Coast tomorrow (Thursday) for huddle with Alfred Hitchcock and Ingiid Bergman on the trio's nidie production deal. Present plains call for the production of one film annually ill the U. S. and one in tiielaiKl. (Gary .Grant, originally repotted tied in on the deal, has withdiawn). Bernstein, upon arrival here, do- , nied reports Uiat he and his brother, Cecil, had discus.scd selling their Granada chain of deluxe hou.scs in England to Sir Alexander Korda. Keports had the duo ready to gi\'.! Korda and his confreres a big slice of their .holdinKs. amounting to almost S8,000,000. on consideration that they stay on actively. Hedy's New Indie Firm . Hollywood, June 11. Hedy Lamarr formed a new indie production outfit, Marlborough Films, in collaboration with Arnold Press- burger anad Douglas Sirk. First picture under the new setup will be "Last Year's Sno\*',"- with Miss Lamarr . starring. , Don Tracy wrote the novel on which the screen- play will be built. Goldwyn-Korda In Closer Tie Sir Alexander Korda, who wiU pro- duce a film in the United States la- ter this year, is understood to have a deal set to use space in Samuel Gpldwyn studios. This is seen as tightening the reported tieup of Korda with Gold wyn in latter 's plan to iset up his own distributing com- jjany. Possibility of the two produc- ers getting together is also figured as one of the rea.sons Korda has gone .so slowly on making a releasing ar- rangement for his product - in the U. S. Korda is due in' Hollywood from London at the end of July. He plans turning out top-budgeter there pend- ing rounding out of improvements on his British studio space. Mean- time, he has proceeded with plans to add' theatres to his holdings^ last \veek floating a $4,000,000 stock is- sue for his British Lion Film Corp., Ltd., distribution affiliate. Loan was reported oversubscribed eight times by the public within a few minutes of its announcement. It is believed that Mrs. Goldwyn, who returned to this tpuntry from England last Saturday (8), may have had discussions with the British producer while there. She was in London for about two weeks and heads from New York for Holly- wood' today (Wednesday). Goldwyn's renewal of his releas- ing deal with RKO oiv a one-picture ba^•is has no bearing on his intent to set up his own distribution sys- tem, other than that the scheme is being delayed a matter ot months. Goldwyn hopes to establish his set- up at (lie same time he is releasing his ne.\t one or two pix via RKO. METRO'S CAREY WILSON SCOUTS NEW'KILDARE' With Metro aiming to start the ' Dr. Kildai'c" series again, Carey Wilson, who produces Ihe pictures, is searching for a candidate for the role of the young medico. It was created by Lew Ayres and later played by Van Johii.son. Last pic- ture in the scries. "Between 'Two Women." in which Johnson was "Kildare," was released more than a year ago. There's now too high a priorily on Johnson's .services on the Metro lot to cast him in the pail. Wilson has a script for the next pic all ready for the day . he finds the player he wants. Yarn is by Jack' Andrews and Harry Ruskiii. Willis Goldbeck. . who used to write the Scries, has directed the last few and will probably repeat on the next. This is the first ' script by Andrews, who was formerly ai 20th- Fox, since he was discharged from the Marine Corps. At request of exhibs. Wilson said. Metro will continue the practice it adopted with the last few pictures of leaving the scries identification out of the title. Kxhibs complained that the "Dr. Kildare" liame in the label made patrons unceilain as lb whether or not they had seen the particular picture before, when they noticed it advertised, and this dis- couraged businc-s. Same is true of the "Hardy" series, which Will likcwi.se be resumed. .Wilson was also producer of these 'pi\, bill chore has been turned over ' lb Bob Sisk; yPi)[CEDENT[D IN BIZ'S HISIORY An unprecedented net profit, prob- ably in excess of $100,000,000 for the fiscal year of 1946, is in the cards for the major film companies. The stag> gering total, far and ahead of the $65,000,000 net for the heretofore peak year of '45, was presaged last week when Warner Bros., last of the ma- jors with the exception of United Artists to report for at least the first quarter of the current fiscal year, announced soaring profits of $9,- 123,1)00 for the six months ending March 2. Its gain, well in line with that of most other majors, was ap- proxiinately double the $4,605,000 for the comparative period of ' the pre- ceding year. Extra filip to majors' net profits, carried iipwards by an onrush of customers to theatre tills, is the re- duction in Federal taxes in effect for the current year. Droppihi; of excess surplus profits taxes and tijc slicing of the surplus profits bite has meant a greater share of the gross is converted to net Since the excess surplus tax was aimed at heavy profits, its elimination has ballooned the net take of good biz particulaiij'. First 12 weeks of '40 were phe- nomenally profitable. Execs . point out that there has been some b.o. slackening . following the close of a peak March business over and above the usual warm weather decline. Con.sequently, estimates which would indicate an even far greater total for the year have been scaled down- wards. In the absence of a sharp reversal in grosses, $100,000,000 fig- ure is considered a probable. In previous years, it is pointed out, net profits reported in the first frac- tion of the year have been a con- sistent basis for an accurate forecast (Continued on page 18) Ed Raftery, Trying to Bow-Out Again Looks to Remain UA Prez Joan Leslie Encores Win Hollywood, June 11. . Joan Leslie won another legal vic- tory over Warneirs in Superior Court, where Judge Alfred E. Paonessa refused a temporary injunction re- straining the actress from working elsewhere until the studio's appeal has been decided, Decision leaves her free to work wherever she pleases pending n higher court verdict on the voiding of her $1,500 weekly player contract. BOB TAPLINGER IN QUICK WANGER WALK Bob Taplinger. after 10 weeks as veepee of Walter Wanger Produc- tions, exited last week. Taplinger had advanced a plan to Wanger on landing the job and failed to exe- cute his plan. Until he can get anothei- connec- tion, Taplinger will retain, iiis of- fices in the Wanger quarters. He's curicnily laid. up with a cold at his home. Rep. Buys 'Mexico' Hollywood. June- 11. Republic purchased "Heart ot Old Mexico'' and assigned it to Roy Rogers. Picture is slated for a late summer .start with Edward J. While produc- ing. • Col. May Shift To Block Selling , Unexplained order from Colum- bia's general sales manager A. Mon- tague to the entire field force to slop sales on all 1946-47 product is harbinger of a move to funda- mentally revise method of selling the company's pictures. Although Co- lumbia's execs are keeping absolute- ly mum on the significance of the stoppage order, issued last Thursday I (6) from Chicago afteir a powwow of company bigwigs, indications are that a shift will take place from the present policy of selling the wiiole year's program at once in favor of a block system similar to that forced on the "big five" by the Govern- ment's consent decree in 1940, In addition,. Columbia will prob- ably amend its percentage requests and. rentals upwards on the 1948-47 product and dues not want to be tied up with any pacts made previously with exhibitors. Shift to the block sj stem sales method, which Colum- bia was not legally required to malvC in 1940 as a member of the film in- dustry's "little three," will follow upon almost six years of highly profitable operation . under this sysr tem by the majors. With Columbia's yearly release schedule showing a steady decline in line with the gen- eral industry trend towards longer playing time, the block system will offer bigger opportunities to cash in with higher percentages on the major productions. A second meeting is being held on June 17 in Chicago to clarify the new setup. Attendance will include h.o. execs, sales chiefs, district man- agers and all branch managers from Columbia ofllce throughout the country. Edward C. Raftery was assured of reelection as president of United Artists as result of action by reps of , the . stockholders at their annual meeting at the home office in New York yesterday (Tuesday). They took no direct vote on the question of Raftcry's continuance in the post, but, it has been learned, agreement was reached on reelecting all pres- ent officers. Actual balloting, a mere formal- ity, will take place at noon- tomor- i row (Thursday) in New York, when the hew board of directors elected at the stockholders meeting yester- day gets together for the purpose of organization. Only one change was made in the directorate. Sidney Chaplin, brother of UA partner Charles Chaplin, was replaced by ilerbert P. Jacoby, of Schwartz & Frohlich, la w firm which reps' Chap- lin.' Change was a mere matter of conve/iience, Sidney Chaplin being on the Coast and usually not avail- able for meetings in' New York. Repping the owners at yesterday's conclave was Charles Schwartz for Chaplin; Milton Kramer for David O. Selznick; and Isaac A. Pennypacker, vet Philadelphia attorney, for Mary Pickford. Directors they reelected were: for Chaplin— E. Claude Mills and Rex Dennant; for Selznick^ Neil Agnew, Leonard R. Case and Kramer; for Miss Pickford— Raftery, Pennypacker and Franklin Cole. Raftery who took over the UA presidency in 1941, has becii request- ing for several- years that he be .per- mitted to resign and return to his law practice. He's a member of the flrni of O'Brien, Driscoll llliliPil WwMy li.T VAKIKTV, llH'. Sifl Silvcriiinn. Prcfi|<1cnl 154 WcHl 1KIU Kl., New Ynrk I'J. N T SUDSCniPTION Forelcn .... »ll SIhkIq CoiWcil 2C CtT.-.! Vol.163 «^ No. 1 INDEX Bills . . 55 Chatter 63 Film Reviews 6 Foreign 14 House Reviews all Inside Lejit . . . 5!) Inside Music 44 In.sidc Pictures . . 22 In.side Orchestras 44 In.side Radio ' 40 Legitimate 57 Literati '. , 01 Milton Bcrle 2 Music 4a New Acts .................. 56 Nisht Club— Reviews 54 I bbiluar.v G2 . Orchestras . 43 ! Pictures . . . . .. , 3 Plays Abroad 14. Radio 2.) Radii) Reviews l;iJ Rccoinniendod Recurd.s .... . 44 Frank Scully 61 Television 31 Vaudeville 51 . IMII.V VAKIKTV (I'ubllsli'd In i;ollywo(i(; bj BnlH- Varlcl.v. Md,' *10 a Vcai' — tl'J l''orc!sn . FICnJIIES WedncMlay, June 12, 1946 Pro#»s To Be Incorporated h the Fmal Anti-Trust Deaee A decree is granted in accordance with the views expressed ^jn the foregoing opinion to be settled on 10 days notice. It should provide for the dismisMl 01 aU claims asserted by the plaintiff .against any of the defendaliuwhich act only as producers of motion pictures. anJ for the dismissal of claims against any other defendants based on their acts as producers, whether as individuals or in conjunction with others. Can't Fix Prices The granting of licenses by any of the defendant-distributors which fix minimum prices for admission to theatres should be enjoined in which such minimum admission prices are fixed by the parlies in writ- ing, or through a committee, or through arbitration, or upon the hap- . pening of any event, or in any other wise. Can't. Fix Clearance The defendants should be enjoined from concerted agreeing to main- tain a system of clearance as among themselves or with other cxhibi-. tors, and ho clearance should be granted against theatres m ^substan- tial competition with the theatre receiving a license for exhibition in excess of what is reasonably necessary to protect the licensee in the run granted. Existing clearance in excess of what is reasonably jiecessary to protect the licensees in the runs awarded to them shall be invalid . pro tanto. In determining what is a reasonably clearance the following factors should be taken into consideration: (1) ;rhe admission prices of the theatres involved, as set by the ex^ hibitor; (2) The character and location of the theatres involved, including •ize, type of entertainment, appointments, transit facilities, etc.; (3) The policy of operation of the theatres involved, such as the showing of double features, gift nights, giveaways, premiums, cut-rate tickets, lotteries, etc; ^ ■ (4) The rental terms and licen.te fees paid by^thc theatres involved and the revenues derived by the distributor-defendant from such thea- tres; (5) The extent to which the theatres involved compete with each other for patronage; (6) The fact that a fhealie involved is affiliated, with a defendant- distributor or with an indepeiident circuit of theatres should be dis- regarded; and (7) There should be no clearance between theatres not in substantial competition. No Franchises The further performance by any of the defendants of existing for- mula deals, master agreements to the exterit that we have previously found them invalid, or franchises should be enjoined, and the defend- ants should also be enjoined from entering into or carrying out any similar agreements in the future. Defendants owning a legal or equitable Interest in theatres of so*"!) or more either directly or through subsidiaries may exhibit pictures, of their own or of their wholly owned subsidiaries in such theatres upon such terms as to admission prices and clearances and oh such runs as they siee fit. 95% Owned Theatres . No defendant or its subsidiaries shall exhibit films other than on its own behalf or through wholly owned subsidiaries, or subsidiurics in which it has an interest of at least 95%, without offering the license at a minimum price for any run desired by the operators of each theatre ' within the competitive area. The license desired shall in such case be granted to the highest responsible bidder having a theatre of a size and equipment adequate to show the picture upon the terms offered^ The license shall be granted solely upon the merits and without dis- crimination in favor of affiliates, old customers, and any person what: ever. Kach license shall be offered and taken theatre by theatre and picture by picture. No Block Selling No contracts for exhibition shall be entered into, or if already out- standing shall be performed, in which the. license to exhibit one fea- ture, is conditioned upon an agreement of the license to take a license of one or more other features, but licenses to exhibit more than one feature may .be included in a single instrument provided the licensee shall have had the opportunity to bid for . each feature separately and shall have made the best bid for each picture so included. To the ^extent that any of the pictures have not been tradeshown prior to the granting of a' license for more than a single picture, the licensee shall be given by the licensor the right to reject a percentage of such pictures not tradeshown prior to the granting of the license to be fixed by the decree. But that right to reject any picture must be ex- erci.<:ed within 10 days after there has been an opportunity afforded to the licensee4o inspect it. \o Pooling The defendants shall be enjoined from entering into or continuing to perform existing pooling agreements whereby given theatres of two or more exhibitors, normally in competition, are operated as a unit or whereby the business policies of .such exhibitors are collectively determined by a joint committee, or by one of the exhibitors, or whereby profits of the "pooled" theatres are divided among the owners accord- ing to pre-agreed percentages. They shall also be enjoined from mak- ing or continuing to perform agreements that the parties may not ac- quire other theatres in the competitive area without first offering them for inclusion in the pool. The making or continuing of leases- of theatres under which defendants lease any of their theatres to an- other defendant or to an independent operating ,a theatre in the com- .petitive area in return for a share of the profits shall be enjoined. Each defendant. shall cease and desist from ownership of an interest in any theatre, whether in fee or in stock or otherwise, in conjunction with another defendant-exhibitor. Each defendant shall cease and de- sist from ownership, jointly with an independent, of an interest in any theatre, greater than 5% unless such defendant's interest is 95% or more; and where the interest of such defendant is. more than 5% arid less than 95%, such joint Interests shall be dissolved either by a sale to, or by a purchase from, such co-owner or co-owners. Rearrangement of such joint interests with an independent, if by purchase, shall, how- ever, be subject to the direction of this court so that their effectuation may promote competition in the exhibition of motion pictures. Where a defendant owns a 95% or greater percent interest in any theatre, such theatres may be considered as its own so far as this opinion and the decree to be entered hereon are concerned. ipan Add Theatres With Courts' OK Each of the defendants shall be enjoined from expanding iu theatre holdings except for tht purpose of acquiring a co-owner's interest in jointly owned theatres, and this only in cases where the court shall permit such acquisition, instead of requiring an outright sale of the un- divided interest of the defendant in question. The foregoing provision as tb divestiture of partial interests in theatres shall apply both to in- terests held in fee and beneficially and to those represented by shares of stock. But it shall not prevent a defendant from acquiring theatres or interests therein in order to protect its investments, or In ordSr to enter a competitive, field; if in the' latter case, this court or other com- petent, authority shall approve the acquisition after due application is made therefore. No Buying Pools Each defendant shall be enjoined from operating, booking, or film- buying through any agent who is also acting in such matters for any other exhibitor, independent or affiliated. The decree shall also provide for arbitration of disputes as to bids, clearances, runs, and other subjects appropriate for arbitration in respect to all partie.s who may consent to the creation of such tri- bunals for adjustment of such disputes. It shall also provide for an appeal board generally similar to the one created by the consent de- cree as to any parties consenting thereto. It shall make such disposition of the provisions of the existing consent decree signed Nov. 30, 1940, as may be necessary in view of . the foregoing opinion. In order' to secure compliance with the decree to be entered, duly authorized representatives, of the Department of Justice shall on the written request of the Attorney General or the Assistant Attorney General in charge of anti-trust natters, and on reasonable notice to Anti-Trust — Continued from page 1 be contrary to the anti-tr»st laws and directed divestiture where that interest exceeded, 5% and was less than 95%, Commenting on the crucial ques- tion of divestiture, the court said: We think that the opportunity of independents to compete under the bidding system for pictures and runs renders such a harsh remedy as com- plete divestiture unnecessary, at least until the efficiency of that sys- tem has been tried and found wanting.". ' . The "foot of the. difficulties," the court followed through, was not in ownership of theatres by producer- distributors but in the selling prac- tices which earlier in, the .opinion the court had nixed. As an added point, the court said that there would no longer be anything to prevent a new theatre from being built even in a territory, where affiliates, are strongly entrenched. It was also jwinted out that the majors owned only a little more than one-sixth of all the theatres in the U. S. which could not constitute a monopoly of the film biisiness that should subject it to the "drastic remedy of eornplete divestiture in order to effect a proper degree of free .competition." However, the court said, joint theatre ownership of more than 5'« was a restriction on competition and therefore . invalid. . Auction Selling " After delving into minirnum price fixing and clearance systems, the court concluded that the entire seliip' could only be rectified by auction block selling of pix. "The only, way th^t competition may be introduced into the present system of fixed prices, clearances, and runs is to re- quire a defendant, ■ when licensing its pictures to other exhibitors to make each, picture available at a minimum fixed or percentage, rental tif clearance is desired) to grant a reasonable clearance and run,*' the opinion declared. "When so offered," the court con- tinued, "the licensor shall grant the license for the desired rnr, to the highest bidder if such bidder is re- sponsible and has a theatre, of a size, location and equipment to pre- .sent the picture to advantage." Major companies were free, howevei:, to distribute their films to their own houses in any fashion they saw fit. Price-Fixing Out Price-fixing was thrown out be- cau,';e the judges felt that a uniform .system had been set up in tlie in- dustry! Study of a table of theatres and cities showed, according to the opinion, a similarity in minimum prices fixed for the sanie theatre in the licenses of all the defendants. "The Little Three joined in this sys- tem, it was said, because their licenses also maintained minimum prices. Erection of .a price structure and "conspiracy" in doing so was of itself an anti-trust offense, the court .said. Court was careful to say that the holding on price-fixing did hot pre- vent distribs, from continuing their present methods of determining film rentals. Devices , for measuring rentals and the fixing of a flat sum, a percentage or both, were perfectly legal, the opinion averred. Clearance Okay Clearance of itself is not viola- tive of the monpply laws despite the Government's contention, the judjges held. "It seems to us that, a grant of clearance, when not acconipanied by a fixing of minimum prices or not unduly extended as to area or dur- ation, affords a fair protection to the interest of the 'l'.;ensee without^ un- reasonable interference with, the in- terests of the public," the court said. The majors however had "ac- quiesced" in a uniform system and in a number of instances have main- tained it unreasonably, it continued. Location, type of house, prices charged, competitive situation and a number of other factors should be In Short-A Mexican Standoff? As matters stood late last (Tuesday) night in the anti-trust case, it was difficult to determine whether the Government or the film com< panics considered they'd won their Bght Both sides, it was felt, might decide to appeal the decision. Speaking tor the Motion Picture Assn. of America^ iatlorney Sidney Schrieber last night said that Columbia, Universal and United Artists had not yet heard the decision, and attorneys of the Big 5 (Metro, Paramount, 20th-Fox, Warners and RKO) had not yet had a chance to study the situation. Schreiber pointed oiit that any appeal will have to be filed within 60 days after the final, decree isr handed down, which might take another several months. • U. S. Attorney : Robert L. Wright, oii the other hand, has stressed many times in the past that the Government considered the problem of divorcement the crux of the entire situation and "would settle for nothing less." Three-judge panel intimated yesterday that it had not completely thrown out the idea of divorcement, declaring in its decision that complete divestiture was considered unnecessary, "at least until the efficiency of that system (of competitive bidding) has been tried and found wanting." . Schreiber also intimated that the majors were not completely satis- fied with the system of competitive bidding set up in the decision. Modification of the bidding system will have to be made through ' practice, not agreement, he said, adtding that the itse of sealed bids by exhibs might help ease matters. Referring to the court's bar of divorcement, Schreiber declaried it \yas still likely that any intentions of applications for construction of new houses by the Big 5 will have to be cleared by the court, at least , until the final decree is handed down. used to determine reasonableness of clearance, the court stated. As matters now stand, the opinion de- clared, the majors have been acting in concert to establish a uniform clearance systeni and this is violative of the Sherman Act. Decision of individual controversies on the sub- ject must be determined by local suits in the airea concerned or "even I rhoie appropriately, to litigation be- fore an arbitration board." Blockbooking Turning to blockbooking, tlic three judges banned the entire practice whether, the sale involved' two pix or 40: "Any form of blockbooking is ^illegal by which an exhibitor, in order to obtain a license for one of more films, must accept a license for one or more other films," the opinion flatly declared. The court, however, said that a distrib was not limited to the sale of one film at a time so long aS; the deal on one was not dependent on the terms of the others. Blind selling was not as obiection- able as blockbooking as far as mo- nopoly was concerned, the decision said. (Consequently, it would be enough it the decree included a pro- vision which would insure an ex- hibitor the right to reject a percent- age of the films which he bought blindly. Formula deals, master agreements and franchises have tended to re- strain trade, according to the court. The bidding .system would obviate or at least mitigate these restraints, it said. Franchises of more than one year, moveovers, overage. and under- age provisions in contracts as well as many types of master agreements and formula deals were found to be illegal. : Arbitration System Arbitration ' system in the in dustiy, initiated by the consent de- cree and now in force, cannot be continued ' without the consent of the niajois, the court held. Ruling was . made despite feeling of court that it was desirable that tfie system be continued to aid in carrying out the decree which the court would shortly put into effect. Acceptance of an arbitration .system ."for deter mining disputes on the bidditig sys tern" would facilitate adjustment of most diflfererices"with a large saving of time and money as compared with separate court actions," - the court said. Opinion wais a Joint one by Judges Augustus Hand, John Bright and Henry W. Goddard. ' Hearings before the court were concluded January lasti Suit itself has been pending in the courts for the past six years, GREATER NX FUND HAS m OF FILM BIZ QUOTA Film indu.stry ■ to date has con- tributed $58,950 to the Greater New! York Fund, approxinriating. 75% of its $78,600 quota, .'Spyros Skouras, committee chairman; announced th.it the sum practically assures that the industry will exceed its quota. Fund, similar to the Community Fund in most cities, provides flnan* cial support: for 415 -N. Y. hospitals, health and welfare agencies. This year the fund is seeking 'from busi- ness men in N.- Y. $5,900,000, .which is 25% more than was contributed in 1945. N. Y. to London John Mason Brown. Hedda Hopper. Lizabeth Scott. the defendant or defendants affects,, be permitted reasonable access to all books and papers of the defendants and reasonable opportunity to interview their officers or employees, as provided in Section XVIII of the Consent Decree. Proceedings under the decree to be entered shall be staved pend- ing appeal, or for the purpo.se of enabling the parties to adjust their business withoiit an unfair burden or as practice may require upon- such terms as the decree, shall provide. . Jurisdiction of this cause ..should be retained for the purpose of enabling any of the parties to the decree to apply to the court at. any. time for such orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate tor the construction or carrying out Of the same; for the enforcement of compliance therewith, and for the punishment of violations thereof, or of other further relief. Fipdings should be proposed by the parties for the assistance of the court, but such proposed findings will form no part of the record. Dated June 11, 1946 AUGUSTUS N. HAND, U. S. Circuit Judge HENRY W. GODDARD JOHN BRIGHT » » » Lawson Now Also M'ging Director of Gen'l-Odeon ■■ Toronto, JuneM. J. Eai'l Lawson, prexy of General ■ Theatres Corp.. and Odeon Theatres of Canada, has been named to the additional pest of , managing direc- tor. Annual board meet which tapped Lawson also reelected all di- , rectors for another year. Board also approved several pro- motions for Odeon. George .Peter.s, Odeon secy., takes on the added job of exec assistant to Lawson. Frank Fisher was nanried as western division manager of theatre opera- tions. All other Odeon officers were reappointed. L. A. to N. Y. Brian Aherne. Fred Ahlert. C. BakalcinikofT. Saul H. Bornslcin. Nick Campbell. Roy Chansior. Harry Cohn. J. J. Cohn. Emil Coleman. Jerry Colonna. Perry Como. Emery Deutsch. Helen Deutsch. Jack Elliott. Walter Florell. Walter Gould. Karen Hale. Rex Harrison. Kurd Hatfield. Klaus Lahdsberg. B'rances Lahgford. Peter Lawford. Norman Millen. George Montgomery. OEugene O'Brien. Lilli Palmer; Ralph Peart. Al Porgie. Charles Ross. John Schulitian. Gradwell Sears. Vic Shapiro. . Dinah Shore. .Dave .Siegel. Frank Sinatra. Jonie Tapps. ■ T. C. Thackrey. ■Van Tonkins. Lewis Allen Weiss. Walter Winchell. N.Y.toL.A. Sidney L. Bernstein, liCe Bland. Michael Browne. Pat Casey. Norman Corwin. Xavier Cugat.' Judith Evans. ■ CJeorgia Gibb.i. Mrs. Saipuel Goldwyn. Joe Hazbn. r C. P. (Pete) Jaeger. Dore Schary. Robert Wolff. Wednesday, June 12, 1945 nCTIJIIBS INDIE STAGE SHORTAGE EASES MPTOA Takes Neutral Stand on ATA, Votes to Seek Checking Reforms Cplumbiis, Miss,, June 11. Suggestive of a neutral stand so. far as the American Theatres Ass'n is concerned was the resolution passed this afternoon (Tuesday) by the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America board, that "it will co- operate with any organization in the industry for the purpose of discuss- ing and acting upon problems and questions relating to the welfare of the business." Board voted to go along on bne-coUection in theatres yearly, however. Finding dissatisfaction with the present checking system particu- larly use of local checkers, MPTOA board decided to appoint^ commit- tee of three to meet with sales heads in an effort to formulate a mutually satisfactory checking system. For the first time the MPTOA will appoint . a paid general secretary to handle, executive duties relating to the organization. Any planned move to scuttle the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America and merge it with the American Theatre Assn. apparently was nipped in bud as MPTOA direc- iors yesterday (10) met with presi- dent Ed Kuykendall and laid plans for a stronger organization. Meeting -was held here because of inability of Kuykendall to travel on account of his health. AU discussions yester- day were referred to ^kecuUve com- mittee for action today, but any chance o( affiliation with ATA apr pears remote. Bob Wilby, of Wilby-Kincey cir- cuit, Atlanta, was the sole champion at ATA, but his remarks were made as an observer and not as an MPTOA representative. Because of ATA's •policy 6t steering clear of trade practices, consensus was that any (Continued on page 18) Metro Stalling Eng. Prod. Until Return Of Amalgamated Studios Metro is currently holding up plans for production in England, pending release of its Amalgamated Studios in London by the British government, according to 3. Robert Rubin, Metro veepee. Acuta short age of equipment in England is also ' stymieing ' any immediate plans for production, Rubin said. Ben Goetz, managing directgr of Metro's British production setup, re cently returned to London following a series of confabs with company execs both : at the h.o. and on the Coast. Definite plans will wait un til Goetz has had an opportunity to survey the situation in liglit of the huddles in this country and make his report to the h.o., according to Bubin. Possibility exists that Metro might decide to build a new studio in Eng- land to hypo its production there. Any such plans, of course, must await the availability of building materials, as well as studio equip- ment. Goetz is expected also to survey possible building sites and report on the feasibility of building ai this time. Sam Eckman, Jr., Metro exec in England, meanwhile, arrived in N. Y. yesterday (Tuesday) from his Coast vacalipn. He's slated to return to England in two weeks, following a series of confabs with h.o. execs. Romberg's 'Sunny River' Pic and Foster Musical Hollywood, June 11. Sigmund Romberg will write an entire new score for "Sunny River," Technicolor musical to be produced by Jack H. Skirball and Bruce Man- ning for Universal. Oscar Hammer- stein, 2d, who collaborated with Romberg on the original legit (flop) musical many years, ago, will arrive on the Coast from Australia in about two weeks to Awork with Romberg on the film's musical numbers. Romberg is also, planning a new stage musical with Herbert and Dor- othy Fields for next November. Subject will be a modern romantic story and aimed at U's operatic so- prano, Susanna Foster, for the lead. E-LEannarks $imOOOFor StudiaRevamp Hollywood, June 11. A million dollars have been al- located to revamp the old PRC stu- dio, now under control of Eagle- Lion, with a program of new con- struction designed to turn out a minimum of six features before the end of 1946 under general super- vision of Bryan Foy. A $100,000 facelifting operation was started last week while the stu- dio was bereft of production troupes, but that turned out to be only a start, in the general rehabilitation program. The new idea includes the purchase of new equipment and the modernization of the old plant to meet the demands of postwar production on an international scale. Reconversion program will be car- ried out, as soon as materials are available, under supervision of James T. Vaughn, studio production manager. ■ RENtllLS OPEN IIT Mayei Hollywood, June 11. Indie producer stage space situa- tion is easing up, despite fact that tour former rental studios virtually are no longer open to lessees. Other lots have thrown open their facili- ties to the indies; with the result that within the past two weeks nine commitments have been inked for space, with others expected to fol- low momentarily. Edward Small is latest to make ar- rangements, setting deal with Hal Roach'' for stages beginning iii Au- gust. Small for number of years has occupied , space at RKO-Pathe, but due td increase in RKO's usage of studio, plus David O. Selznick's heavier occupation, here, United Ar- tists producer had to look elsewhere. He partially solved this problem by making deal with International for "Bella Donna," and another with Co- lumbia for "The Return of Monte Cristo." Last week, too, saw Pine-Thomas move their base of operation from Eagle-Lion studios, where they had functioned since entering produc- tion field, to new Nassour studios. They will continue shboting on E-L lot for two more pictures, but fol- lowing windiip of second in August all product thereafter will be filmed at Nassour. Growing Firm Nassour is likely to become oiie of top rental studios of the future. Five stages are currently in con- struction, and Edward Nassour, own- er and operator of studio, is merely waiting until work has progressed a little farther before accepting at least half a dozen indie deals. Andrew Stone last week, also, switched from General Service stu- dios to Roach lot, which will be his new home after .more than four years it GS. He is due to put his new Eddie Bracken starrer, tenta- (Continued on page 6). Bogart's One-Day Sitdown Hollywood, June 11, . One-day one-man sitdown strike at Columbia was won by Humphrey Bogart, who refused to start work in "Dead Reckoning" until he knew what gal was going to be his co-star. Problern was solved when Colum- bia annpunced that Lizbeth Scott had been borrowed from Hal Wallis. CDKOE HIT BY FLU Hollywood, June 11. . George Cukor collapsed on the Metro set of the Greer Garson star- rer, "Sacred and Profane," and Vic- tor Seville stepped in as a pinch hitter. Cukor, ailing with flu, will resume when he recovers. HLM TERMS 'TOO STIFF/ BERNHARDT BIOG OFF Hollywood, June 11. Lysiane Bernhardt has gone back to Paris without closing a deal for film rights to the life story of her grandmother, Sarah Bernhardt. American film companies thought the terms were too stiff. Meanwhile, Leo Morrison, agent, is still negotiating with major lots for the filming of the French star's biography. Fitzgerald Back to Ireland Dublin, June 4. Back in Ireland for the first time in almost 10 years Barry Fitzgerald, who left Dublin's Abbey Theatre for Hollywood, said "they have, me played put in Hollywood; I'm going to have a good long rest." His vacation in Dublin likely will last three months. He returns to Hollywood for 'Rip Van Winkle' and to co-star with Bing Crosby in "Welcome Stranger." Abbey player says he will not break his holiday to appear in his old theatre — now .closed for one- month break. Rita's Rio Vacash Hollywood, June 11. Rita Hayworth, fulfilling a long desire, is set to take a two-month vacation in Rio de Janeiro. She'll leave from New York shortly before Labor Day. Star is currently working opposite Larry Parks in Columbia's "Down to Earth," Technicolor musical' being produced by Don Hartman. Another lOOG From M-G To Keep 'Hucksters' From Legit Prod. 1st Extra $100,000 which Metro last week handed Frederic Wakeman for screen rights to his best-seller, "The Hucksters," brings total price on the novel about the radio advertising business to $300,000 — a modern-day record for film rights to a book. Gimmick which gave Wakeman the extra lOOG was a stipulation in the orginal contract with Metro that he had the right, within 18 months, to stage a legit version of his book. Metro — possibly in a reflection of its recently-announced aversion to legit in general — bought out Wake- man's play privileges. Original pact, reported to be a seven-year leasing arrangement, is not that. It calls of payment of the $200,000 purchase in seven equal yearly installments. At the end of seven years, under the terms, M-G may acquire permanent rights by payment of $2,500. Cooper 's, Hedy's Flu Halt Respectiye Fix Hollywood, June 11. "Cloak and Dagger" and "Dishon- ored Lady" have iemporarily shut- tered due to illnesses of respective stars Gary Cooper and Hedy LaMarr. The United States, production at Warners won't resume for a week because Cooper is out with intestinal flu. Hupt- Stromberg's film was blackcd-out last Friday (7) when the actress came down with same plaint as Cooper'Si ;r Reaffirms M-G s Policy of Not 'Selling Shares' for Talent or Scripts Macgowan Ankles Par To Don Cap and Gowii Hollywood, June 11. Kenneth Macgowan, currently winding up his.producer contract at Paramount, is abandoning film pro- duction to become professor of the- atre arts at the .Los Angeles branch of the University of (California. Ap- pointment, announced by prexy Robert Gordon Sproul, goes into ef- fect Sept. 1. ■ Macgowan will head a faculty group in the formation of an en- larged curriculum of courses in mo- tion pictures, both entertainment and educational; radio, television and legit. Peck, Massey Sought By Rank for Boers Story Hollywood, June 11. Gregory Peck . and Raymond Massey are getting a pitch from J. Arthur Rank for top roles in "The Turning Wheel," story concerning the Boers of South Africa, which Rank has purchased for $75,000. Plan is to rnake film in South Africa, in Technicolor, starling 1947. Jobston toPut Stress on Code At Coast Meet Washington, June 11. Studios are going to get it hot and heavy on observing the letter ^and spirit of the motion picture code when Eric Johnston addresses the big industry dinner in Hollywood June 19. Johnston will lay down the law when he speaks at the affair before about 250 toppers, including presi- dents of all the major companies, studio executives, indie producers,' etc. Johnston feels that the code is strong enough as it stands now, and needs only proper enforcement to bring about the desired results. The MPA prexy, who flew to the Coast Saturday with Joyce . O'Hara, his aide, will spend most of his time, there' trying to work out a formula for the contract negotia- tions with the studio unions. He ex- pects to be back in Washington some time in July and will probably go to Europe in September. Film industry chiefs, representing the studios and the home olTices, will hold a series of meetings here, start- - ing June 17, to discuss postwar prob- lems of the motion picture business, including future trends in "produc- tion and distribution and labor and economic conditions. Eric Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Assn., will preside over three days of discussions, climaxed by a dinner to be hosted by Louis B. Mayer June 19 at the Beverly Hills hotel. Execs coming in from the east In- clude Barney Balaban, Paramount prexy, accompanied by George Weltner, ' Charles . Reagan, David Rose, Claude Lee and Russel Hol- mah; Nicholas M, Schenck, prexy of Loew's and Metro; Spyros Skouras, head of 20lh-Fox, and Nate Blum- berg, chief of Universal, lihe last mentioned will stay in Hollywood for the summer. Company presi- dents currently in town and ready to attend the meetings are Harry War- ner, Warner Bros.; N. Peter Rathvon, RKO, and Harry Cohn, Colurribia. Independent producers preparing to enter the discussions are Hal Wal- lis, Cecil B. deMille, Hunt Strom- berg, William Cagney, Samuel (jold- wyn and Walt Disney. Scribs Win Selznick Agency Suit Decish Los Angeles, June 11. ■ Suit filed by the Myron Selznick agency against two writers, Dwight Mitchell Wiley and William Bowers, was won by the scripters in a deci- sion handed down by Judge Roy V. Rhodes in Siiperior Court. Court ruled that during the days of the attempted reorganization, of the agency it was in no position to serve the clients and that the writers were well within their legal and moral rights in leaving the agency and signing with Harold Rose, who handled them as a Selznick sub agent. Louis B. Mayer has reaffirmed to M-G execs the policy he set for the company that it will not "sell shares" in Metro via deals by which writers, producers, directors and players par- ticipate in profits of individual pic- tures. Mayer's aversion to"profil- sharing" was one of the major rea- sons, it has been learned, for the studio topper's decision a few weeks- ago to abolish the play department Growing practice of film compa- nies' offering a percentage of a pic- ture's net to attract top properties and talent is felt by Mayer to be entirely unnecessary for a company of Metro's standing. He figures that with the company's list of marquee names and enough story properties in its files lo keep it going for years without buying another, M-G doesn't have to "give away' the company" to continue turning out top product. Edict on profit-sharing will apply to best-selling books as well as to plays. Mayer has let it be known that he has no objection to legiters, per se, but is displeased about the present practice of other companies offering participation deals, which he figures would push Metro into the same, habit if it wanted to compete. No % Strings On the other hand, Mayer has In- dicated to producers and story execi in New York that he's willing to spend any amount within reason for ; either a play or a book— but jt must be a straight deal with hp per- centage strings attached. If a par- ticular Broadway hit is felt by studio heads to be a strong bet for a pic- ture and is wanted by a producer or star, Mayer has let it be known he has no objection whatsoever to (Continued on page 22) Mary Quite Contrary To Goldwyn Bulletin On Studio Ownerskip Hollywood, June 11. ' Late bulletins on the battle for control of the old celluloid rancho on Santa Monica blvd., across the street from the gas house, are as follows: Sam Goldwyn says he owns 60% of the Jand. Mary Pickford says she owns 50 1/10%. Goldwyn recently made a state- ment that he had acquired an even half ownership of < the terrain through a deal with Lady Sylvia Stanley, widow of Douglas Fair- banl(s. Sr., which gave him "full control of 50% of the property." Miss Pickford came' back with ■ communique as. follows: "I am certain that Mr. Goldwyn did not intentionally mean to be in- accurate, because as a matter of record I own 50 1/10% of the prop- erty!" The lot, once known as the United Artists Studio, was owned jointly by. Miss Pickford and the elder Fair- banks. When the actor died,- he left his estate in 40 parts, of which 20 went to his wife, the present Lady Stanley. Twelve parts went to Doug- las, Jr., and eight parts to relatives, including a brother and a half- brother, Norris Wilcox. Goldwyn, several years ago, ac- quired the 12 shares owned by Doug- las, Jr., and those owned by the brpther and other relatives, but Miss Pickford had meanwhile bought the Wilcox share, to add to her original half-ownership. That is' what MLss Pickford says, and everybody around Hollywood knows' that she'.s no slouch when it comes to business. Claims Winnie Sheeban Owes 20tb-Fox $13,200 Hollywood, June 11. Twentieth-Fox filed suit against the Bank of America Monday (10) seeking $13,200 from the estate of Winfleld P. Sheehan. Bank, which is. being sued as executor of estate, is asked for money on 10 promissory notes as- sertedly executed by Sheehan be- tween 1944 and 1945. Faithful In My Fashion Melio Mlctec of Lionel lloueer piwluctlon. KtHit Doniiu Heed. Tom Dr»k<; f»iituiv» K. K. Horton, SprlDK I» 'ng'«n. S f Kun.m . llmiy Dnvejiport. Wllllnm Phi"!}""' > "■• Kiirei Huinlllon. Hobivrl C^vaMUKM, Wurn- Orlglm.l KCMenplay. Lionel Housci : x«iiici-i>. Ch'rlcM Sjili-ino. Jr.; e.llior; Irvine « . i- .,V on; sc.*. .SMhimlel Shllkrcl Tir.. .■■ ,huwn X. Y.. Mny •-■7, 'in. HunnInK llil.f. ^^K^K^orick —•■'^r',;?:;;' Till the End •! Time )ll<0 rele;.«« oi uire ."(chury producilon. .ShuK Curalliy Sli-auliv. Guy MaillHin, JJolj- r I .Milchun.; Hill William.: reolur." Ion. ■lulh , WlUUtm Gurgan. Jean Porter, Johnny S;in. K Loren TIn.lall. «ulh Neleon. Selena toyle Harry Von Zell. Dlrerlod by Kil- vm I Un.ylryk. ^S«reenplHy, Allen Klvkln „M -.,..vcl Ky .NIven B.i«-I.: r|....ern. HurrA- Wil.l; fdlCT. ll»rry Gersljul; nssr (llreiiur, Hul>y riniienberK; ll:irline. l'r'vie«;"I^N"- V.. UonnliiK lime. '"'^ 8<-(tre. J-rlKh June 10. WU. l.sl Bnrlly. MIhh ApplCb'lllr. . Mr. Wllwin WiiUei .\W MkniHl Mr. Stuli- :jn(l Uiirny Ilnrry Duviniiv.i ..Win. -11111" l'lir.ru:» . ..Margnret Hanllllun Hnbnrt Ouv.iiuiuKh . ...Warner .Vnueisnii .Connie UllilirM . . ; . .Kretl' Ev!»lrr '".v. WIlBon W-iiil .Jack Oieiniiiii l»iil uu><'. her usual charm and elfin appeal, does a bahgup job as the war widow. She does manage to get across the sense of loss which blocks hier return to normal emotional responses. Her bff- again-on-again amorous entangle- rnents vvilh Madison are a little hard to take at times but here the script errs and not the actress. When Mad- ison sees the light and decides to stick it out rather than seek an im- possible Shangri-La, their cure is mutual. Robert Mitchum does well with the lesser role, of a buddy .«;ufferihg from a head injury. Actor lends the right touch of hard-i:ored grufliiess as he flght.llni-:cd l>y Wil- iiah) .Heaudlhe.. .'^i-i'eenplay. Jarh Townley and John K. Hutler: baar.d on uriKlnul story ■by' Dennis Murray; -i;:iiiirr'a.. John Alton; editor, VVIIIiom P. Tholnpsti.n; rnngf. Don. Kayeand ilughle l'rln,-e. .lolin I'eiilH, Billy Meyera and Elmer Schn^liet. Jack Law- rence; nrrhesli'Hl 'arrniigenienls. Dale l-ititla: music ilireclor. Morton Scull. I'reviewpd at KfA studios, llnllywoodi June .T, W. llunninK ilMie. m .MI.S'8. "Crime of the Century " has an at- tractive title but otherwise shapes up as a below-par melodrama. .Produc- tion values are unusually solid tor a low-budgcter but by ihemsclvcs can't surmount the weak plot structure. Over-close scissor- work, inorcover, has hickcti whatever story content there was to begin with, causing the film to unreel at stich^ a breakneck speed that essential details were either omitted or left dtmgUng. Col- lection of marquee unknowns add little to the overall quality and .slot this film as bottom-end program fare. Yarn is concerned with the ma- chinations of an industrial tycoon who attempts to suppress the news of his associate's death , for a few days in 'order to fix a board of direc- tors', election; When a newshound sniffs out the corpse, he's put out of the way by a kidnapping. The repor- ter's brother gets on the trail and en route falls in love with a femine fa- tale who's working for' the tycoon. Crime is un.snarled by the dead man's daughter who leads the brother to the corpus delicti. Picture contains one macabre sequence in v.hich the dead nrlan i!!. shown lying in a bath- ub encased up to his neck in ice cubes. ^ Michael Browne, as the :eporters brother, tries to dress up the part with a tough-guy style but the nian nerisms are too broadly conveyed to be convincing. Stephanie Baclielpr, playing the dangeroti:i lady, gets over a sultry air in credible fashion, while Paul Stanton, as the. masnale, and Martin Kosleck. as his aide, do their chores with custoinaiy polish C'oloruilo .ScronMile (50NGS— OOI.OK) ■PRP release- of Ht»l'Hi( Kiiiiiii-li .T:uw,'y prudtu-tioo. illrcfletl by 't';,ii...cy. .^lar:* Kmlic l>ean; fe;ilures l>iicid Sluiri.ie. Itos'coe Ales. Original M-reenplay. . Kraocea KaviiiiaoKh; songs. Rddic neon. H. 1 Armstrong, tTsrle Ihiellp; <:olor), Itoliei t Shacki'Ifoi-d Winn. Tradesliowii .\. Y. Running time. »M MINS. Bddle .Vevnilu Soupy .' Sherry Judge Hilton Duke Lola........ Dad Dillon W f *lliV'l fOiilera I'llluir: -June Sam (t^ine- Ihigh :, '40, .Mr. TrlniMr. fol. niaki-. RIngo. ; . . . Kddie Dran ..lJ:icid Shorite ...Itosi-iH- Ales , . .M:ii y Kenyiin . l''OM-e.sl Tayhii .'.Deoois .Mi:or .^IVKall Ael Taylor. . . Helen PIckeii... Jimmy ('nrtls. .. Oils Piper Charlie Plikelt. Mayor 'reeide. . . A I Pearce .I'lnkv l.ee Jerome Cuwon . . . ..Siifmp .Howard . . . .. . Arlt'Oe 'Harris '.Mary Trcrh . . I.io-ra'ine Krueger .Xhinry Dexter ..Will Wright Arthur Lott ...... .Chester Clute l,4»ver €ome Baeli lJnl\-ers;,l release of Howard Benedict pro- duclion. Siara George Brent, Liicllle Ball, Vera '/.oriim: feoturea t^harles Winninger, (':iil Ksm'ond. Raymond- Walburnc Dli-ecl- «d by William A. Seller. Origlhal screen- play. .Michael Fe^Fler and Krnest Pagano: camera. Joseph Valehtlne; editor.' Rny Sny- der: score, liana J. Sailer. -Tradesh'nwn N. v.. lune III. '4H. Running time. M SIINtl. Kill (Kreneh). Dispii release of Brrvin Films iirtMinclloii; dli-i'i-led by Daniel .N'orniun; hiais -llf-i;0:ii-d Jlller; features Jules Hcrry. Alme I'larione. Ales- .indre RIgnaull. Yvt.lle Lebtin. Iliiliy. An- d)-cu: story and dialog by Daniel N'oriran; camera,- Tnpbi-kiifr. Reviewed' In f'arls. Itiinning time. HH .^llN'S. "Tempo, diretlion. pholo'griiphy. an.tl sound are above the averafx of re- cent French pix.. Bernard Blicr,. In his. first starring role, is -the legit actor currently - in "Aupres dc. rha Blonde" here. His characterization of the insurance clerk iinwittjngl.v' corhpelled to become a tool of jewel thieves provides many gags. Com- edy stems mostly from funny dialog which would lose much in transla- tion. For French patronage, it looks •big; for ■V. S., lukewarm except in arty spots. Moxi. acting as chairmen to give . courses and to bring in guest instructors weekly. Legit subjects will include acting,, directing, managenicnt and production problems, publicity, voice and diction, makeup, play analy.sis,. playwriting, stage and costume de-; sign, and a theatre .symposium. Donald. Qenslager and Charles Elson - will chairman and teach de- sign; Kermit Bloomgarden and James Reilly will head up theatrical production; Sol Jacbbson, publicity problems; Jean Rosenthal, produc; tidn problems; Johri Ge.ssner, play analysis; .. Robert Anderson, play- wrighting; Edgar Stehll and - Eddie Sens, makeup.: Margaret Webster will start off the theatre symposium, with Brock Pembertpn discussing production, Agnes DeMille and Jerome Robbins the dance, etc. Above list is a partial one, with other names to be heard from. Six subjects will be offered in ra- dip, with Earl McGill handling pio- diictioh; Elwobd HbWman, ; writing; Teti Cott, station operation and map- agement; Luis Van Rootcn, dialect.s end various instructors on actinit' Summer term will be followed by more expanded courses in fall and winter, with terms repealctl every eight weeks. Winston O'kecfe is exec director of the Wing's vets project, with Mary Hunter, director, in charge of course planning, Byron McKenney acting as vets' adviser. Registration begins Juljr 1. > Wednesday, Jane 12, 1946 PICTURES SALES PINCH HITS DISTRIBS 'Bella Donna May Precede 'Mirror As UWFs First Release Xmas Week United World Pictures is now def- ♦ initely set to put Its initial release in ' theatres Christmas week. First pic was originally sked^ed to be "The bark Mirror," with Olivia DeHavil- land and Lew Ayres, which is al- ready in the cans. However, there's now a strong possibility that first will be "Bella Donna," with Merle Ob- eron, George Brent, Charles Korvin and Paul Lukas. "Bella Donna" title Is likely to be switched before release. Pic is now being shot, having been acquired by International, UWP producing affil- iate, from Edward Smiall. Enthusi- asm of UWP execs for the story and cast is responsible for the possible decision to shift initial release from "Mirror," which is likewise an In- ternational production. Plan is to make the second release a British picture and then alternate with one U. S. and one British. Lat- ter is product of J. Arthur Rank stu- dios, which share with Universal, a half-interest in UWP. William J. Heineman, UWP sales chief, is planning to put his eastern and western division manSigers on the payroll Sept. 1, his district man- agers on Oct. 1 and his salesmen on Nov. 15. With the tight construction situation making it impossible to erect the combination Universal- UWP exchange buildings that are eventually planned, Heineman is in- tending to set up in whatever space U can make available in its branches, such as converted poster or shipping room areas. Only in. St. Louis, Bos- ton and Indianapolis has U been able to obtain permission to do the com- plete remodeling job that is desired. Sph Lucky Strike's Big Ad large Puts Brake On Chesterfield's Pic Lucky Strike cigs' launching of a •major $4,300,000 newspaper advertis- ing campaign on June 17, has raised the stop-look-listen flag at . the ad agencies for the other tobacco com- : panics. Latter are viewing with considerable interest the possible re- sults of Lucky Strike's summer ad splurge, and one company, Chester- .flelds, has tabled plans for produc- ing another fllm on the style of its pre-war feature, "Tobacco Land," until the new competitive aspects are clarified. Lucky Strike's campaign, handled by Foote, Cone & Bclding, will ex- tend for 10 weeks and will hit every English daily newspaper in the coun- try with twice-weekly spreads. Campaign, which will feature the. "Lucky Strike Means Fin^ Tobacco" slogan, is to begin in the eastern dailies during the week of June 17 and ^ill travel cross-country into the midwest and Coast dailies in the following weeks. Simultaneous coast-to-coast launching was pre- vented by the acute newsprint short- age in the west. What If It's a Boy? Hollywood, June 11. Jerry Wald's success in mak- ing the top-grossing "Mildred Pierce" for. Warner Bros., with Joan Crawford's comebadc ap- pearance in the pic getting her an Academy Oscar, has him tell- ing friends that the baby his wife's expecting in the fall will be tagged "Mildred Joan." With good reports on his cur- rent production, "Humoresque," also starring Miss Crawford, his. pals are asking Wald if he's planning another baby to honor that film? . And how far can this thing can go? Dual Features StiD Fans Faves Homeoff ices Seen In Stiff Moves Vs. SPG Stifl opposition of film homeoffices is expected to demands of the Screen Publicists Guild, New York, when negotiating sessions are started. Thus far no date, has been set but, meantime, publicity-adver- tising heads are niuUing the mat- ter. C. J. (Pat) ScoUard, executive assistant to Charles M. Reagan, v.p. over sales for Paramount, will rep resent the film companies in the negotiations, SPG is demanding a minimum of $100 and an increase in scales of 30% plus increases in severance pay up to a total of $2,000 for 20 years of service.' The old SPG contract ran out last May '4, so that any new deal would be retroactive to that date. SPG wants a one rather than a two- . y^ar contract. Impatient over stalling on negotia- tions by the film companies, SPG Monday night (10) sent telegrams to each, signed by Roger Lewis; of 20th- Fox's advertising department, nsk- •ng for an immediate industry-wide meeting to negotiate a new contract," Most elements of the film, industry were frankly skeptical last week on results of a poll announced by Women's Home Companion showing that 79% of readers surveyed pre- ferred single features to duals, 18% preferred double bills and 3% didn't care. Overwhelming percentage in favor of the singles had a gimmick in it somewhere r/as. the general agreement as the issue of single vs. double bills, which has been more or less dormant in the past fiew years, again came to the fore in intra-in- dustry conversation. As usual, say those most familiar with film b.o. tastes, the public talks singles— but buys doubles. Invari- ably, questionnaires will reveal one feature ■ is preferred to two, but when it actually comes to shoving' those coins across the b.o. sill, Johnny Public and his bride show it is tite duals that get them. Lots of experiments on the double- feature issue were tried a few. years back and the results were almost always the same. One of the most noble of the experiments was at the Ziegfeid, N. Y., when Loew's at- tempted to replace duals with cream of feature releases quickly after first run. . Scheme flopped miserably, despite even a neighborhood clien- tele, that was figured a pushover for singles. Snobbishness is believed to be one of the reasons why the polls always show preference for one feature. Most people apparently have ah idea that it isn't smart to admit they like duals. They think it puts them in the same category as the guy who turns to the comics first in his newspaper. And just as he tells the Galluppers that it's the editorial page he's really turning to, so the average theatre patron thinks the thing to say is that double bills ai'e poison — if he wants to look like a reasonably sophisticated cit- izen. As for the b.o. fizz of singles after the public has been educated to duals, theatre men figure the reason is that patrons who prefer twin-bills won't go to a single-fea- ture house, while customers who like the one-picture idea will go to a dual house and try to time their ar- i-ivai to catch the picture they want —aside from the fact that they frequently then decide to sit through the second feature anyway. TOP EXECS WRITE 01 DEAL Enterprise productions' announce- ment last week that- it is seek- ing a salesmanager to supervise handling of. its product under the new Universal pact is typical of the reasons major cofnpanies are suffering a shortage of top- grade sales personnel. It's a shortage that not only is being felt in efforts of the big distribs to retain their homeoff ice executive help and divi- sion managers, but goes right through the ranks of district and branch managers and all the way down to student salesmen. With a large number of present branch managers and sialesmeri get- ting to be vets of such vintage that they'll be starting to think of re- tirement in a few years, the general shortage of sales help that faces the industry is likely to get worse rather than better if current conditions per- sist. That's why top - distrib execs feel that the problems of rebuilding their ranks is one of the most im- portant the industry faces at the moment. Enterprise's plan to have its own salesmanager is putting it right in competition with Eagle-Lion, which is likew,ise seeking a man for such a post and has made offers to a number of major company execs, but without success. Likewise, Eagle- Lion arid United World Pictures are both seeking sales help on all levels, which is sure to be a severe dirain on major company staffs that have already badly felt the recent build- ing up of staffs by David O. Selz- nick, Samuel Goldwyn, International and other indie companies. When Goldwyn goes ahead with his plan for his own distributing company, there will be still greater raids ar(8 competition for execs. Top Manpower Shifts Defections from major company sales forces in the past few years of such, men as Bill Heineman, Neil Agnew, Arthur Sachso'n, Harry Gold, and a flock of others have left holes (Continued on page 21) Joe Hazen West to Huddle Hal Wallis This Weekend Joseph H. Hazen. president of Hal Wallis Productions, plans leaving for the Coast either Saturday (15) or Sunday (1^6) to huddle with Wal- lis on production plans , and , other matters. Next Wallis release through Para- mount, "Strange Love of Martha. Ivers" will have its world premiere tomorrow (Thursday ) at the Carlton in London. Lizabeth ScOlt, star of picture, who will attend the open- ing there, flew out of New' York Monday afternoon (10)^ "Ivers" has its American' opening at the Para- mount, N. v., July 24.' United Newsreel Fold Puts Overseas Areas Back in Private Biz After six months of operation at a cost of $100,000 for the film indus- try, the United Newsreel is folding its distribution service abroad with the June 18 issue. United,, a com- bine of the five ma]of'|xewsreel pro- ducers in this country, was func- tioning as an . interim project to bridge the gap between OWI's over- seas newsreels and the resumption of commercial operation in foreign areas by RKO-Pathe, Universal Newsreel, Fox Movietone, Paria- mount News and M-G News of the Day. In countries where English lan- guage versions are not adequate, the Motion Picture Export Assn. will continue to distribute foreign lan- guage versions of the U. S. com- pany's clips. In Gerrhany, Japan, and Korea, military authorities will secure footage from the five news- reels for editing and showing in the occupied areas. Paris is being restored as hub of continental activity for newsreels distributed in the Near East and o.ther French-speaking regions. Lo- .cal production has already begun in Greece, and Italy is turning out an Italian-language reel for the Conti- nent and for some areas in Africa and the Near East. Production of a Chinese reel is being determined by John Begg, in charge of film ac- tivities for the State Dept. At a meeting last Friday (7) of the five newsreel editors, Michael D. Cloflne of News of the Day, .was elected chairman of the newsreel committee of the Motion . Picture Assn. During the war, newsreels functioned as a division of the War Activities Committee. DEANNA SURBIN'S NEXT Hollywood, June 11. Deanna Durbin's next Universal starrer, . "I'll Be Yours;" will be directed by William Scitcr. Felix Jackson will produce, start- ing late in July or early in August Rank-U (Enterprise) Setup Looms As Tops in Industry; U to 'Big 5' Class Ent's 16-20 for U Pact . entered into between Universal and Enterprise last week, is for a minimum of three years. Agreement calls for a mini* mum of 16 pictures and a maxi- mum of 20 during the period. Russia Eclipsing U.S. on Fix in Reich American film companies are be- ing left at the post in Germany with Russia racing down a straightway field in utilizing pix as a propaganda medium for their political philoso- phy. So says Frederc Ullman, Jr., prez of RKO Pathe, just returned from a five- week trip through Eng- land, France and Germany. While overseas, Ullman completed deals with the independently .owned Pathe companies of England and France for a worldwide newsreel network in which neutral areas are to be al- located among the three Pathe out- fits. Comparing American and Russian policy in the conquered territories, Ullman declared that U. S. military authorities have been assisting .a private German organization in get- ting out a weekly newsreel; but the company is under-financed, under- equipped and under-staffed with the result that America is taking respon- sibility for a "miserable attempt to piit out a newsreel with, a demo- cratic viewpoint." Russia, on the other hand, is producing a reel in Germany that is on par with the best shown in this country. As for feature films, Ullman stated that nothing but old American product was being screened and their con- tent had no relation whatsoever to the problem of reviving the beaten and desolated German people with a democratic spirit. Commenting upon France, Ullman said that country was rapidly re- covering from the exhaustion and devostation of the war. Despite con- trary reports, Ullman said that gov- ernmental interference in the film industry was on the wane with- the official newsreel company, France Actualites s'cheduled to fold around the first of next year. The RKO exec maintained that there was lit- tle chance for passage of the bill in- troduced last month in the Chamber of Deputies by Gaston Deferre, un- der-seeretary in the Ministry of In- formation^or the confiscation of a large se;c£or of France's film indus- try. The Socialists and the Mode- rate Republican Party won't go for it, he said. Ullman disclosed plans for over- seas production in the hear future of RKO Pathe's two-reel'er series, "This Is America," which goes un- der the title, "Today and Tomor- row," for European distribution. War Department Denies Withholding 'Atom' Pic Washington, June 11. War Department denies recent re- ports that it has withheld public release of the Signal Corps film, "The Atom Strikes", four-reeler made for Major General Leslie Groves, on ground the subject was too strong for the public to take. Department spokesman said "cer- tain legal restrictions not controlled by the Army'- prevented general distribution of what is. said to be the most forceful and most complete pictorial .record of the havoc wrought by the atom borhb on Hiro- shima, and Nagasaki. Army, accord- ing to the spokesman, turned over to the newsreels all the footage it controls on the bomb devastation. No details were given on what was meant by. "legal restrictions." Pic will be shown publicly at the first of the Government Film Work- ers evening screenings here tomor- row (12). With 3. Arthur Rank planning to push his theatre holdings from the present 1,280 to more than 2,000-^ including houses in vhe United States — and Universal's acquisition of En- terprise product last wee^, the U- Rank setup looms as the biggest in- ternational production-distributionr exhibition combine the industry has ever known. Universal itself, via aims of its affiliates *o obtain the U. S. houses, also jumps from the "Little Three" category domestically to a top spot among the "Big Five" — Metro, Paramount, Warner Bros., RKO and 20th-Fox. It portends a significant change in the. lineup of the U; S. industof. Through interlocking directorates and ownership, the combine now draws the product of Universal it- self, a flock of various Rank pro- duction subsids in England, the Spitz-Goetz International Pictures setup, the Loew-Einfeld Enterprise unit, the Walter Wanger and af-; filiated Diana setups, and the Bruce Manning-Jack Skirball, Mike Todd and Mark Hellinger indie organi- zations. In the field of distribution, more or less centrally controlled now. are U's own machinery, the parallel United World Pictures setup, and the British companies, General Film Distributors- and Eagle-Lion, In addition. Rank is tied up via a reciprocal international releasing ar- - rangement with American Eagle- Lion. Rank's theatre holdings now vir- tually circle the globe, although they are naturally more concentrated in Great Britain than elsewhere.. The plan in .the U. S. was originally for UWP to acquire control of houses where there were first-run booking problems, but greater expansion than that is now understood to be ' contemplated. Acquiring U S. thea- tres currently is admittedly no sim- ple problem, but the Rank-U com- bine will reportedly begin picking them up wherever possible in the near future. SOPEG $30 Minimom, 35-Hoar Week, 3-Wk. Vacation Sought Tonight A $10 raise, creating a minimum of $30 for the lowest of 27 different labor grades among whitecollarites working in New York homeoffices will be proposed at a membership meeting tonight (Wednesday) of the Screen Office & Professional Em- ployees Guild, CIO. A 35-hour week is sought, plus three weeks vacation after five years of service. Official schedule of demands, also covering 180 job classifications from messengers now getting $20 weekly, and lowest rung in clerical help, which receives $22 weekly, will be based upon voting of the members at tonight's meeting. The demands will be formally pre- sented to the film companies on June 15. Present contract expires July 27, Companies involved are RKO, Loew's, Paramount, Columbia, 20th- Fox, United Artists, Republic and National Screen Service. Warner Bros.' and Universal are . covered by AFL. whitecollar unions. Odium, Rathvon, Depinet, Others Reelected at RKO ■The present officers of RKO were reelected at the organizational meet- ing yesterday (Tues. ) of new board which had been named by the annual stockholders session last week at Wilmington, Del.' Floyd B. Odium was renamed chairman of the board, N. Peter Rathvon, president; Ned Depinet Was elected vrcc-chairmah of the board and executive veepee. Directorate also renamed Malcolm Kingsbprg, Gordon E. Youngman. and John M. Whitaker as. vice-presi- dents. Youngman is also general counsel. J. Miller Walker wa- re- elected secretary. Also re-elected were Garrett 'Van Wagner, comptrol- ler, and William H. Clark, treasurer. Among the assistant treasurers named is a new one, A. E. Roech. P^KlSSfr WedneMlay, June 12, 1946 BOYER ENNIFER HEfMAKE LOVE to Ernst Lubitsch' CLUNY BROWN from 20th Century CHARLES BpYBR . JBNNIPIR JONES in ERNST LUBITSCH'S Production of "CLUNY BROWN" with PETER LAWPORD > Helen Walker • Reginald Gardiner • Reginald Owen • Sir C. Aubrey Smith Richard Haydn r Margaret Bannerman • Sara Allgood • Ernest Cossart • Florence Bates • Una O'Connor f Produced and Directed by ERNST LUBITSCH • Screen Play by Samuel Hoffenstein ond Elizabeth Reinhardt t Based on the Novel by Margery Sharp 10 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, June 12, 1946 Outdoors Yen Sloughs L A. Albeit MS; Sturdy 53(1 2 Spots; 'Sisters OkeSSG in 5, 'Renegades' 21)1/26 in 3 Los Angeles, Tune 11. Fii'strun grosses are causing no sensation this week. Balmy weather end windup of school term both are figured holding theatre biz to aver- age levels in most theatres, although "O.S.S." looks very fine at $53,000 in two houses. "Two Sisters From Bos- ton" shapes fairly good $85,000 in five spoU. "Renegades" is barely okay with $26,500 in three locations. However, "The Outlaw" looks steady on its 10th frame in four houses at $28,500 or near. "This Day Forward" is okay $23,000 en second session in two operations. Third stanza of five days for "One More Tomorrow" appears steady $21.00u in three spots. Last five days of "Some- where in the Night" on its second week in four houses shapes up to so- so $23,000. Estimates lor This Week Belmont (FWO- (1,532; 50-$!)— "Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G). Good $10,000. House moves from neighborhood to deluxe flrst-run for .Metro product in a .four-house day- date string with this film. Beverly HIIU Music Hall (BUimen- feld-G&S) (824; 85-$l)— "Outlaw" t.UA) (10th wk). Steady $4,000 after $4,500 last week. Carthay Circle (FWC) (1.518; 50 $1)— "Do You Love Me" ^ "' wk-m.o.). Slow $4,000. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week ....... . . .«634,000 (Based on 16 theatres) Total Gross Same Week Last Year .. ........ SMO.OOO (Based on 15 theatres) (20th) (2d Last week. $5,000. Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- $1)— "Somewhere in Night" (20th) and "Effingham's Raid" (20th) . (2d wk) (5 days). Just $7,500. Last week, average $13,400. ^ ■ Downtown (WB) (1,800; 50-$l)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (3d wk). Finales at $8,500 in 5 days. Last week, good $16,600. Downtown Music Hall iBlumen- leld) (872; 85-$1.20)— "Outlaw" (UA) (10th wk). Steady $15,500. Last week, stout $17,000. Egyptian (FWC) (1,538; 50-$i)— "Two Sisters" (M-G). Average $17,. 500. Last week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (4th wk), okay 300. Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$l)— "Spiral . Staircase" (RKO) (m.o.). Good $5,500 in 8 days. I^st week, "Dark corner" (20th) (3d wk-4 days) (m.o.), good $2,400. Guild (FWC) (968; 50-$l)— "Rene gades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col). Fair $6,000. Last week. "Spi- ral Staircase" (HKO) (4th wk), nifty $6,000. Hawaii (G&S-BIumenfeld) (956 65-$! )— "Outlaw" (UA) (10th wk) Brisk $5,500. Last week, smooth $6,000. Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 50-$l)- "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (3d wk). Getting $6,500 in 5 days. Last week, healthy $14,300. Hollywood Moeic Hall (Blumen feld) (475; 85)— "Outlaw" (UA) (10th wk). Hitting $3,500. Last week, hefty $4,300. Loew Stat* (Loew-WC) (2,404; 50- $1)— "Somewhere in Night" (20th) and "Effingham's Raid" (20th) (2d wk-5 days). : Fair $10,500. Last week, below hopes at $23,200. Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 50.$i)— "Two Sisters" (M-G). Solid $33,500. Last week, "Postman" (M-G) (4th wk), oke $20,400. Orpheum (D'town) (2,000; 65-85) —"Tugboat Annie" (Rep) and "Throw Saddle on Star" (Col) with vaude acts oh stage. Okay $20,000. Last week, "In Fast Company" (Mono) with Andy Russell on stage, socko $32,000. PanUges (Pan) (2,812; 50-$!)- "This Day Forward" (RKO) and "Man Alive" (RKO) (2d wk). Mod- est $11,500. Last week, average $19,100. Paramount (F&M) (3,398; 50-$l)— "O.S.S." (Par). Big $35,500. Last week, "Virginian" (Par) and "Tokyo Rose" (Par) (3d wk), nice $18,300. Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1,- 451; .50-$l)— "O.S.S." (Par). , Hand- some $17,500. Last week, "Virgin- ian" (Par) (3d wk), bowed out with neat $10,300. RKO Hlllstreet (RKO) (2,890: 50- 80)—' This Day Forward" (RKO) and "Man Alive" (RKO) (2d wk); Off at $11,500. Last week, nice $20,100. Rltz (FWC) (1,370; 50-$l)— "Two Sisters" (M-G). Average $7,500. Last -week. "Postman" (M-G) (4th wk), oke $7,300 on blow-off. United Artists (UA-WC) (2.100; 50-$l)— "Renegades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col). (3ood $15,500. Last week, "Spiral Staircase" (RKO) (4th wk), hefty $10,500. Uptown (FWC) (1,790; 50-$l)— "Somewhere in Night" (20lh) and "Effingham's Raid" (20th) (2d wk). Just $5,000 in S days. Last week, good $9,900. Vogue (FWC) (885; 50-$l)— "Renegades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col). Neat $5,000. Last week, "Seventh Veil" (U) (5th wk- 4 days) (m.o.), eood $2,500. Wllshlre (FWC) (2:296; 50-$l)— "Two Sisters" (M-G). Average Pitt Biz Spotty But 'Kitty' Rousing $28,500; 'Comer' Droops to 6iG PitUburgh, June 11 Biz plenty spotty here, and latest alibi is that opening of eight-week summer opera season hurts. It gets about 8,000 nightly. Only one show- ing any strength at air among the new films is "Kitty" at the Penn. which is banging away lor a hold- over. Other first-run entries, 'Dark Corner" at Fulton and "Renegades at Harris, are just limping In. Sin- gle remainingi bright spot looks like second stanza of "Postman Rings Twice," at Stanley. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-70)— Dark Corner" (20th). Will be lucky to slip over $6,500, very sad here. . Last week, "So Goes My Love" (U), also thin at $6,800. Harris (Harris) (2,200; 40-70)— "Renegades" (Col). Slow start and unlikely to go over $12,000, not too hot here. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) (2d wk), good $11,000. penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 40-70)— Kitty" (Par). Only bright spot in town, solid $28,500. Should . hold. Last week, !'One More 'Tomorrow" (WB), $21,000, fair for holiday ses- sion. Blti (WB) (800; 40-70)— "Devo- tion" (WB) (m.o.) about par at $3,- 000. Last week. "Tomorrow Is Forever" (RKO ), okay $4,000. • Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-70)— "Do You Love Me" (20th) (m.o.). Mild $3,506. Last week, "Gilda" (Col) (m.o.), exceptional $4,S0O for fourth week downtown. Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-70)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d. wk). Rousing $19,000. Last week \)lazing $33,000. Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.) . fair $8,000. Last week, "Devotion" (WB) (m.o.), $7,000. CAVALLARO BOOSTS 'HOLIDAY' 44G, CLEYE. Cleveland, June 11. Carmen Cavallaro's band with "Perilous Holiday" caught on so quickly and is hitting such a fast pace that the Palace is sure of a smash session. Opening day and weekend biz was terrific. Nearly as hot is "Badman's Territory," which has been showing a flurry of two- gun action at the Hipp boxoffice and may rate a holdover. Second stanza of "Two Sisters From Boston" at State stood up well. Estimates for This Week Allen (RKO) (3,000; 44-65)— "One More Tomorrow". (WB) (m.o.). Cheerful $9,000. Last week, "Gilda" (Col) (5th wk), great $12,000. Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 44-65)— "Badman's Territory" (HKO ). Strong $21,000. Last week, "One More To- morrow" (WB), smart $19,500. Lake (Warners) (800; 44-65)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB) (m.o.). Okay $3,000. Last week, "Dark Corner" i20th) (2d wk), nice $3,600. Ohio (Loew's) (1,200; 44-65)— "In Old Sacramento" (Rep). Steady $6,- 600. Last week, "Kitty" (Par) (m.o.), big $8,500 on third downtown sesh. PaUce (RKO) (3,700; 55-$1.10)— "Perilous Holiday" (Col) with Car- men Cavallaro orch on stage. One of year's sockiest vaudefllm combos here, earning raves and great $44,- 000. Last week, "Her Kind of Man" fWB) at lower scale, fairly good $15,000. State (Loew's) (3,450; 44-65)— "Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G). Second chapter of Jimmy Durante tune-show hypoed by comedian's p.a. for new super drugstore tie-up with Metro. Solid at $18,000 or dose after sock $30,000 opening week. Stillman (Loew's) (2,700; 44-65)— "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA). Nice $14,000. Last week, "Whistle Stop" (UA) (2d wk), hearty $9,000 Territory' Big $8,500, L'ville; 'Tomorrow' 9G Louisville, June 11. Hot weather which arrived sud- denly here this session is putting a crimp in biz at most downtown houses. One exception is the Strand, where "Badman's Territory." well exploited, with tie-ins with local ra- dio .station and giveaways of live ponies, is piling up strong figure. •One More Tomorrow" did okiiy in nine days at another small-scater, the Mary Anderson. Estimates for Tills Week ^ Brown (4th Ave.-Loew's) (fO-60) —"Kilty" (Par) (m.o.). Fair $4,500. Last j/vpek,: "Breakfast.in HoHy wood ^UA) and "Hoodlum Saint' (M-G) (m.o.), about same. ... Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 30-40) -"Adventure" (M-G) and "Idea Girl" (U). Fairish $1,700. T..ost^week. "Road to Utopia" (Par) and "Shock • (20th), $1,600. ,^ Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 40- 60)— "Postman Rings Twice' (M-G) (Zd wk). In this case he didnt ring twice, h.o. stanza being only meagre $8,000 after last week's terrif $20,000. Mary Anderson (People's) (1,000; 40-60) — "One More Tomorrow (WB). Okay $9,000 on .9 days: Last week, "Her Kind of Man" (WB) (3d wk), $4,000 on 5 days. - National (Standard) (2,400; 40-60) -"River Gang" (U) plus Jack Gwynne magic show three days split with "Gold Mine In Sky" (Rep) and "Suii Valley Cyclone" (Rep). Nevv policy landing neat $6,000. Last week, "Mask of Diijon" (PRC) and "Devil Bat's Daughter" (PRC) split with "Spellbound" (UA) and "Swing Out, Sister" (U), moderate $4,000. Rlttlto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 40 60)— "Do You Love Me" (20th). Catching medium $12,000. Last week, .''Kitty" (Par), strong $17,000, and moveover. ' Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 40- 60)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO)^ This actioher well exploited and should grab big $8,900. May, hold. Last week, "House of Horrors" (U) and "Spider Woman Strikes Back (U), strong $7,000. Del Slips M But 'Day Stout 24G: Tostman' Forte 34a 'Gilda' 28G, 2d Wash. Hits Skids; 'Forward' 12G, 2d Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gron This Week . . , I2,714,e«0 (Based on 21 cttie.s 177 thea- tres, chie/Iy /irst runs. Including N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Keaf .12,M5,M» (Based on 24 cities, 191 theatres) $16,500. Last week, "Spiral Stair- case" (RKO) •(4th wk), sharp $7,500. Wlltern (WB) (2.300; 50-$l)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (3d wk). Only $6,000 in 5 days. Last week, fancy $14,500. Washington, June 11. With all six major mid-town houses playing either a holdover or a moveover. and the Ringling circus in town, the hottom fell out of biz on F Street this session. "Postman Rings Twice" at the Capitol, heads the parade with what would nor- mally be an excellent second week, but even this was below hopes after the terrific initial session. Others also slipped badly. Estimates for This Week Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-80)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) with vaude (2d wk). Good $23,000 but competish cut it down. Last week, terrific $39,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,263; 44-70)— "Kitty" (Par) (m.o.). Okay 18,000. Last week, "Dragonwyck" (20th), $7,500. : Earle (WB) (2,154; 44-85)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (2d wk-4 days) and "GUda" (Col), 3 days Nice $20,500. Last week, below average $19,500 for "Tomorrow.' Keith's (RKO) (1,838; 44-80)— "This Day Forward" (RKO) (2d wk). Slipped to $12,000 after solid $17,500 opener. Metropolitan (WB) (1.503; 44-70)— "Devotion" (WB) (m.o.). Only $7, sod. Last week, "Badman's Terri. tovy" (RKO), fancy $12,500. Palace (Loew) (2,370; 44-70)— "Do You Love Me" (20th) (2d wk). Just passable at $14,000 after fine $21,000 opener. 'Gilda' Terrif $10,000 Standout in Omaha Omaha, June 11 "Gilda" Is doing standout biz and will hit a terrific total. Others are not so hot, with "Bride Wore Boots," at the Paramount, and "Dark Corner," at Orpheum, only moderate, Estimates for This Week Brandeis' (RKO) (1,500; 16-G5)— "Gilda" (Col) arid "Game of Death' (RKO). Terrific $10,000. one of best ever at this spot. Last week. "Bad-: man's Territory" (RKO) and "Ding Dong Williams" (RKO), okay $6,800. Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par). Not too hot at $10,500. Last week, "Kitty" (Par), smash $16,300. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) —"Dark Corner" (20th) and "One Way to Love" (Col). Modest $10, 000. Last week, "Three Strangers" (WB) plus Chuck Foster, Dinning Sisters, others on stage, sock $23,200 near all-time top at 20-80c scale Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 16-65)— "Kitty" (Par) (m.o.) and "Mysterious Intruder" (Col) (1st run). Light $7,500 or over. Last week, "Dragon wyck'' (20th) (m.o.) and "Gay Blades" (Rep) (1st run), $8,300. Stale (Goldberg) (865; 15-50)— "Ziegfeld Follies" (M-G). Fine $3, 500. . Last week, "Up Goes Maisie' (M-G) (3d run) and "Gay Cavaljer" (Mono) (1st run) $2,200. Frisco Nosedives But 'Man' Passable at 26G/ 'Outlaw' Huge 70G, H.O. San Francisco, June' 11. Biz is off, being partly blamed on baseball competish and season of year. Still outstanding is "The Out- law," which will hit $70,000 or near on second week at the United Artists, Esquire and Tlvoli. Jane Russell starrer made picture history on first week with colossal $88,000 at the same three spots. EitimatM tor This Week Fox (FWC) (2,651; 55-85)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB). Mediocre $24,000. Last week, "Bride Wore Boots" (Par), sharp $31,000. Golden Gate (RKO) (2.844; 60-35) —"Heartbeat" (RKO/ plus vaude headed by "Hhumba Revue'' with (3iro ftimac (2d wk). Slipped to $21.- O'OO. but still good. Last week, strong $36,000. Orpheum (Bliynenfeld) (1,207; 55- 86)— "Renegades" (Col) (2d wk). Off badly to $11,500. Last week, smart ^fe4,000i , . Faramonnt (FWC) (2,646; 65-85)— Bad Bascomb" (M-G) (2d wk). Down to $19,000, but okay. Last week, okay $27,000. St. Francis (FWC) (1,400; 55-85)— Kitty" (Far) l4th wk) (m.o.). Oke at $8,000. Last week, nice $10,500. State (F*C) (2,133; 55-85)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (m.o.) (2d wk). Npt so good at $14,000. Last week, "No 'time for Comedy" (WB) (reissuel, $15,000. . , United ArtlsU (Blumenfeld) (1,207; 1-85) — ■'Outlaw" (UA) (2d wk). 55-L . Still terrific with $24,000 or near list week, . sensational at record shattering 134,000. Warfleld (FWC) (2,656; 55-85)^ Her Kind of Man" (WB) ''Dark Cor. nef" (Mth): Medium $26,000. Last week. ''Do You Love Me" (2(5th) (2d wk), mild $16,000. Tomorrow' Okay 22iG In Slumping Denver Denver, June 11 "One More Tomorrow" looks okay to good at three spots to win top coin but not especially stout. "Blue Dahlia" is strong enough to win a third week at the Denham. Biz is very -spotty, witli take way off from last week in most houses. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— "Do You Love Mfi" (20th) and "Rendez- vous 24" (20th), after week at Den- ver, Esquire, Webber. Good $4,000. Last week, "Renegades" (Col) and "Talk About a Lady" (Col) (m.o.), fine $5,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70) —"Blue Dahlia" (Par) (2d wk). Down to $12,000, but neat. Last •iveek, big $17,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-70)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Dark Alibi" (Mono), day-date with Es- quire, Webber. Good $16,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th ) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th), also Es- quire, Webber, big $18,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Dark Alibi" (Mono), also Denver, Webber. Fair $3,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th), also Denver, Webber, good $3,700. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "Partners in Time" (RKO) (2d wk). Way off to about $9,000. Last week, big $20,000. Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— "Perilous Holiday" (Col) and "Blondie's Lucky Day" (Col). Oke $9,000. Last week, "Cinderella Jones" (W6) and "Bohemian Girl" (FC), good $10,000. Rialto (Fox) (878: 35-70)— "Rene- gades" (Col) and 'Talk About a Lady" (Col), after week at Denver, Esquire, Webber, ' Aladdin. Fair $3,500. Last week. "Spider Woman Strikes Back" (U) and "House, of Horrors" (U), big $6,000. Webber' (Fox) (750: 35-74)— "One More Tomori-ow" (WB) and "Dark Alibi" (Mono), also Denver, Esquire. Okay $3,500. Last week. "Do You Love Me" (20th) and "Rendezvous 2*" (20th), good $3,700. : Detroit, June 11. "From This Day Forward" looks standout this week at the small- seater United Artists. "Postman Rings Twice" will get the top coin at the big Michigan where it is solid. Remainder of city is largely hold- over, with best showings being made by "Gilda" and "Badman's Terri- tory." . Estimates for This Week United Artiste (United Detroit) (1,841; 60-85)— 'This Day Forward" (RKO) and "Truth About Murder" (RKO). Stout $24,000. Last week. "Devotion" (WB) and "Live Wires" (Mono) (2d wk), strong $18,000. Broadway-Capitol (3,000; 60-85)— VBadman's Territory" (RKO) and "Strange Voyage" (Mono) (3d wk). Fine $14,000. Last week, good $17.- 000. Fox (Fox -Michigan) (4.049; 60-85) —"Gilda" (Col) and "Night Editor" (Col) (2d wk). Nice $28,000. Last week, solid $36,000. Palms-State (United Detroit) (2 - 976; 60-95)— "Saratoga Trunk" (WB) and "College Queen" (Par) (4th wk). Good $16,000. Last week, grand $20,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,034; 60-85) — "Postman Always Rings Twice" (M-G) and "The Gay Cava- lier" (Mono). Forte $34,000, Last week, "Road to Utopia" (Par) and "Shadow Returns" (Mono) (3d wk), fine $20,000 in 6 days. Downtown $18,000. Grand (RKO) (1,150; 65-95)— '•Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "Dressed to Kill" (U) /(m.o.). Pert $»..')00. Last week, .fine $11,000. Oriental (Essaness) (3,240; 65-95) —"Hoodlum Saint'' (M-G) with Coiinop BoswcU heading stage bill i2d wk >. Strong $35,000. Last week, so'-k $50,000, miBcc (RKO) (2,500; 65-95)— "N'iijht ill Paradise" .(U) and "Truth About Murder" (RKO). (2d wk). S'luiul $25,000. Last week, muscu- lar $35,000. Kunscvelt (B&K) (1,500; 65-95)— "Vir.niniah" (Par) (2d wk). Sharp $2i.rinn. Lasl week, healthy $20,000. Slate-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 65-95)— "Killy " (Par). Opulent $45,000. Last w(-U. "SaratoKa Triink" (WB) (9th (Inc $23,000. IJnilcd Artists (B&K) (1,700: 65- 951— "Cilda" (Col). Lush $30*000. I.asi week. "Ziegfeld Follies" (M-G) i(ilh wUi, tidy $20,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 65-95)— 'Tomorrow !.<; Forever" (RKO) (8lh wki. Tolerable $10,000. Last week, not bad $18,000. Grosses Are Net Film gross estiiTiates, as re- ported herewith from the vari-' ous key cities, are net. I.e., with- out the 20,% tax. Distributors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net income. The parenthetic , admission price's, however, as iiidicated, in- . elude' the U.S. amusement tax. Indpls. Oif But Indianapolis, Jun^ 11. Film biz here has tumbled tfoih year's peak during the past week, 'holdovers and season's first heavy, draw of outdoor competish being felt. "Postman Rings Twice" at Loew's and "Kitty" at Indiana are tjelow average in second stanzas. "Badman's Territory" at Circle and "Murder in Music Hall" at Lyric, look barely fair as new entries; Estimates tor Tbb Week Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,800; M-60) —VBadman's Territory" (RKO) and "One Exciting Week" (Rep). Week's best at $12,000. Last week, "Ding Dong Williams" (RKO) and Spike Jones orch oti stage. Terrific $31,500 at new .48-74c cbml>o scale. Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 40-60) —"Kitty" (Par) (2d wk). Tepid $11,000 after sizzling $22,600 first week. Loew's "(Loew's) (2,450; 40-60) — "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G). Slow $10,000 on holdover after hefty $20,700. opener Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,600; 40-60) — "Murder in Music Hall" (Rep) and "Caiman of Paris" (Rep). Not bad $7,500 first-run.. , Last week, "Devotion" (WB), thin $5,000 on moveover. 'Heartbeat' 16G, Cincy Cincinnati, June 11. Trade is spotty for the ace houses, yet two hefty new bills "Badman's Territory" and "Heartbeat," are holding the overall count iti stride. Biz in first half had weather oppo- sish from season's first heat spell. Holdovers "Two Sisters From Bos- Ion" and "Do You Love .Me" are zippy. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70)— "Heartbeat" (RKO) Sturdy $16,OO0. Same last week for "One More To- morrow" (WB). Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 44-70)^ "Two Sifters From Boston" (M-C) (2d wk). Holding strong at $12,500 after wham $19,000 opening. Stays on. Grand (RKO) (1,430: 44-70)— "Do You Love Me" (20th) (m.o.). Hotcha $8,500. Ditto last week on "Dark Corner" (20th). Keith's (United) (1,500; 44-70)— "One Way to Love" (Col) and "Meet Me On Broadway" (Cbl). Slow $4,- 000. Last week, "Kitty" (Par), fourth downtown stanza, $5,0()0. Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 44-70)— "Dark Corner" (20th) (m.o.). Fairish $4,000. hast week, "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) (rti.o.), limp $3,000. PaUoe (RKO) (2,600; 44-70)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO). Big $17,500. ' Juve interest aided by pony giveaways on stage to Times-Star carriers in subscription contest. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th), swell $16,500. Shnbert (RKO) (2,100; 44-70)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.). So-so $4,500. Last week, "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (m.o.), slick $6,- 500. Summer Slump in Mpls.; Tomorrow' Oke at lOG, love Me' Mildish 13G Minneapoli.'i, June 11. Grosses continue to take on a sum? mcr coinplexion and head down- ward. No soaring figures are in siKhl. "Do You.Love Me" and "One More Tomorrow" ard the newcomer leaders, but "Hguse of Draeula" is givini{ sood boxoffice account of it- self; too. Holdovers include "Post- man Always Rings Twice" in 'its third downlown week, and "Dragon- wyck." "Heartbeat" and "Devotion" in their second. First-named is sIroiiHcst of lot. Kstimales for This Week A>tcr (Par) (900; 25-35)— "Texas Jamborop"' (Col) and "In Fast Com- I)any" (Mono). Good $2,000 for 4 days. Last week, "Phantom Thief" (Col) and "Johnny Comes Flying Home" (20th) split with "Man Who Dared" (Col) and "Strange Imper- salion" (Rep), okay $2,500 in 7 days. .Century (Par) (1.600;' 44-60)— "Dragonwyck" (20th) (m.o.). Fairly ?iiod .$7,000. Last week. "Blue Dah- lia" (Par) (2d wk), good $6,500. Gopher (Par) (1.000; 44)— "House or Draeula" (U). Strong $5,300. Last wc^k. "Black Market Babies" (Mono). $4,500. I..vrlc (Par) (1,100; 44-GO)— "Post- man Rings Twice" (M-G) (m.o.). Here afler two weeks at State. Fast asm. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk" •WB) (4lh wk), good $5,000 in 6 days. / Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 44-00)— One More Tomorrow." (WB). Okay . $10,000 or over. Last week, "Heart- beat" (RKO). good $12,000. , Kadlo City . (Par) (4,000; 44-60)— ^Do You Love Me" (20th). Moderate Sl.3.000. Last week, "Dragonwyclt" (20th). fine $16,000, • RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 44-60)-^ Mearlbeal" (RKO) (m.o.). Satisfac-. lory $5,000 after week at Orpheum; Lost week, "Devotion" (WB). $6,000. . Stale (Par) (2,300: 44-60)— "Bride .Wore Boots" (Par). Crix no like but looks trim $11,000. Last wcck,"Post- IV'tiiRinEs Twice" (M-G) (2d wk), hii: $11,500 after terrific $17,000 first week. . , Vn'own (Par) (1,100; 44-50)— ^.legfcld Follie.s" (M-G). FiVsl nabe HhowmB. eood $3,500. La.st week, Viiginian" (Par). $3,000. __World (Par-Stoffes) (350: 44-80) — Devotion" (WB) (m.o.). Here after mild first RKO-Pan stanza. Fair $2.- fS^ii.?'"^' week. "Yank In London" '20lh), light $1,500. St. Loo B.O. Feels Hot Weather Bot 'Gilda' TaU 20G; Torever' OK 18G St. Louis. June 11. Stiff opposish from the Municipal Theatre in Forest Park and other outdoor attractions plus hear midr summer temperature is reflected in reduced grosses at the big houses currently. "Gilda," running solo, is the best draw at Loew's. "Tomorrow Is Forever " dualcd with "Ding Dong Williams' is runnerup at the Am- bassador. Estimates for This Week I.oew'.s (Loew) (3,172; 44-65)— "Gilda" (Col). Great $20,000. Last week. "Nisht in Casablanca" (UA) and "Devil s Mask" (Col), sock $23,- 000. Orpheum (Loow) (2.000: 44-65)— 'Night in Casablahca" (UA) and 'Devil's Mask" (Col) (m.o.). Neat $10,500. Last week, "The Outlaw" (UA). $10,000. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 44-65) — "Tomorrow Is Forever" (RKO) and "Ding Dong Williams' (RKO). Solid $18,000. Lasl week. "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Blondie's Alibi" (U). $20,000. Kox (F&M) (5,000; 44-65)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and "Perilous. Holiday'' (Col). 3 days, and "You Love Me" (20th) and "Johnny Home" (20lh) (2d wk) 4 days. Nice $17,000. Last week. "Love Me" and "Johnny," sock $28,000. Missouri (F&M) (3.500; 44-65)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Dark CornerV (20lh). Fine $16,000. Last week. "Dark Corner" (20th) and "Rendezvous" (20lh). $15,000. St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-60)— "My.slerious Intruder'" (Col) and •Glass Alibi"' (Rep). Nice $0,000. Last week, "Masquerade Mexico" (Par) and "Susie Slaglc's" (Par), $8,000.' • 'Love Me'^J7,300, Lincoln Lincoln, June 11. Torrid weather is sending people lo air-condilioncd theatres, with biz holding well. Kslimates for This Week Lincoln ILTO (1.500; 44-55) — "Do You Love Me" t20th). Strong $7,300. Last week, "Kitty" ' (Par), $7,500. . Stuart (LTO 0,800; 9-55) — ' Hearts Growing' Up" (Par). Not too good . $6,200. Last week, "Bride Woic Boots " (Par). $6,700. Varsity (NTC I (1.100; 35-50) — "P(:rilous Holiday" (Col). Sfilil week with "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA). Around $6,000. Last week, "Cinderella Jones" (WB) and "Tar- zaii Leopard Woman". (RKO) $5,000.. Nebraska (LTO (1.126;- 9-43) — "Kitly" (E^ar) (m.o.V and "Johnny Comes Flying" (20th). Good $2,200. La.st week. "nasg(id An.gels " (Film Classics) and '-Oliver the Eighth (Indie), sloul $2,.')00. . 'Her Man' Socko $17,000 in Prov. Providence, June' 11. . Majestic is riding high this week with "Her Kind- of Man," only new show in town. Others are. holdovers and fairly strong. Second week win- ners are Loew's State's "Postman Always Rings Twice" and RKO Al- bce's "Badman's Territory." Sudden rise- in weekend temperatures helped, if anything. Estimates for This Week Heat Bops B way But 'Sisters'-Ritz Bros., Barrie Huge 108G; '^de'-(iray 7iKj, 'Paradise' M, 'Runaround' 22G Warm weather, as against rpin which hurt before, is mainly re- sponsible for Broadway boxoffice doldrums this week.-.while. also, con- tinuance of the Hudson Tubes strike, affecting around 115,000 people, adds to the interference. However, a few shows are bucking the t>de remark- ably well; These include "Two Si.sters From Boston," with the Ritz Bros.. Gracie Barrie and Buddy Morrow band on stage, this combo carrying the Capitol into very high ground at a sensational $108,000, not far from all-time high of house. Other new bills are faring much less auspiciously. Paramount, which ended its first round last night (Tues.) with "Bride Wore Boots" and the Glen Gray band, plus Loui.s Jor- dan's Tympany Five, got away un- der average at $70,000 thoush still good profit for this time of year. "Tangier," on first run at the Stale, With Les Elgart orch and Pat Roohey in person, is slow-paced at only about $20,000. At the Criterion, "Night in Para- dise" finished its first roiind last night (Tues.) disappointingly at onlv $20,000 but remains over. "The Run- around," new tenant at the Winter Garden, is failing to draw well' at a moderate $22,000. "Without Reserva- tions." new entry at the Palace, is another that's running under hopes at an indicated $29,000. Little Rialto will grind out only $7,000 or. over with reissue of "Shadow of Doubt." . Among a few holdovers that show sustained strength tops is "To Each His Own,!' now in its . third week at the Music Hall, and heading for a big $125,000. New show today is Roxv's "Sorrie- where in the Night" and the Copa- «abana Revue, plus Peter Lind Hayes. . Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1.300: 70-$1.40) —"Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO) (8th wk). Still comfortably in the money at indicated $32,000. Last week was $38,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4,820: 60-$l.)0) T^^'Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G). with the Ritz Bros., Gracie Barrie Albee (RKO). (2,200; 44-65)— and Buddy Morrow orch on stage Badrrian's Territory" (RKO) and "Ding . Dong Williams" (RKO) (2d wk). Fairly heavy $12,000 for 6-day stand. First week, great $20,000. Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,41)0; 44-65) —"Walk In Sun" (20th) and "Avia- lanche" (PRC). Fairly good $6,000. Last week, "Gilda" (Col) (3d down- town Wk), $5,000. Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— ''Allot- ment Wives" (Mono) and vaude on stage. Steady $6,000. Last week. ':Joe Palooka. Champ" (Mono) and vaude, nice $7,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200: 44-65)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and "Dressed to Kill" (U). Sock $17,000. Last week, "DO You Love Mc" (20th) (2d wk), good $10,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 69- 85)— "Live Wires" (PRC) and Dr. Neff on stage. Three-day run very weak $3,500. Last week. "Game, of Death" (Mono) and Hal Mclntyre orch on stage, nice $8,500 in 4-day weekend stand. SUte tLoew) (3.200; 44-65)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk). Slowed up to fairly good $14,500 afler hitting knockout $27,- 500 in opener. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —"Kitty" (Par) (3d wk). Still good $10,000. Second week, nice $12,500. Socko from the gun and should hit terrific $108,000. not far from house record. Last week. "Postman' Rinf!s Twice". (M-G) and Guy Lombardo orch (5th wk) fell off sharply toward end to finish at $66,000, but okay. Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$1.25) —"Night in Paradise" (U) (2d wk). Not doing well at only $20,000 for initial seven days ended last night (Tues.). In ahead, "Bad Bascomb" (M-G) (2d wk). $25,000. Globe (Brandt) (1:416: 80-$1.50)— "Make Mine Music" (RKO) (8lh wk). Will get about $17,000. okay Glen Gray orch and Louis Jordan's Tympany Five oh stage (2d wk). Less than socktul at $70,000 on first week ended last night (Tues.) but substantial profit. The concluding (4th) round of "Blue Dahlia" .(Par), Duke Ellington orch and Mills Bros, was particularly fancy $74,000: Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (5,945; 70-$1.25)-^"To Each His Own" (Par) and stageshow. (3d wk). Retains bigness at the bo., with excellent $125,000 sighted this week. Second registered a terrific $137,000. : Rialt« (Mayer9 (594; 35-85)— "Shadow of Doubt" (U) (reissiie). Won't be more than a mild $7,000 or over. Last week, "Perilous Holi- day" (Col) was $7,200. Slvoll (UA-Par) (2.092; 60-$1.2S) —"Cluny Brown" (20th) (2d wk). Dropping off to around $28,000, dis- appointing. Initial seven' days hit a good $43,000. Remains further. Boxy (20th) (5,886; 90-$1.20)— "Somewhere in Night" (20th), with Copacabaha Revue on stage, opens here' today (Wed.). Concluding, five days of "Do You Love Me?" (20th) and Count Basie orch was on slow side at $52,000, while second week was stout |83,000. SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 43-$1.10)— 'Tangier" (U) (1st run), with Les Elgart orch and Pat Rooney . in per- son. Going is anything but fast at probable $20,000. Last week, "Road to Utopia" (Par) (2d run), with Frank Parker and Slate Bros, in person, good $30,000. Strand (WB) (2,750: 75-$1.20)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and Tommy Tucker orch (3d-final wk). Dropping to a islcnder $31,000 or thereabouts on blowoff while second week didn't rate much better at $37,000. "Janie Gets Married" (WB) and .Erskine Hawkins orch open Friday (14). Victoria (Maurer) (720: 70-$r.20) —"Badman's Territory" (RKO) (2d wk). Off a tiood . deal f)'o>n s^^Vo opening pace but still s:ou: at $21.- 000. Initial seven days went la $30,- 600. new house high. Winter Garden (UA) (1.312; 00- $1.50)— "The Runaround" (U). Fail- ing to attract much trade at moder- ate $22,000 but holds. Final eight days on second week of "Madonna of Seven Moons" (U) slid to mild $14,000. ANDREWS SIS LIFT 'DAWN' 34G, SEAHLE Seattle, June 11. Biz is in the groove this week in Mn"i\nir* ^^^^ ""^^^ ^"'^^^ ' spots, with Maritime Interna- $20,000. , . , , . ... Golham (Brandt) (900: 80-$1.50)— ' conference opemng and the "O.S.S." (Par) (3d wk). Holding | Parade of Progress figured helping. vp stoutly, this week lookiii-.' $23,000 while second was fine $27,000. . | Hollywood (WB) (1,499; 80-$1.10) '■ —"Stolen Life" (WB) (7lh wk). Re- I mains very steady, sixth stanza I through last night (Tue.s.) reaching' $29,000, near to fifth's $32,000. "Night '■ and Day" (WB) is slated to open ] here near the end of July. I Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.20)— : "Without Reservations" (RKO).; Running under hope.s at $29,000 but holds. Last week,, fourth for "Heart- ! ibeat" (RKO) fairish $17,000. i Paramount (Par) (3.664: 70-$1.20) i -"Bride Wore Boots" (Par) Hub Badly Hit by Heat, Vacations; 'Jones' 19G,2Spots; 'Whistle' 20GJ^ Boston, June, 11. Harvard"s Commencement, occa- sional oiitbiirsts of good weather anci vacation preparations will combine this week to slough the boxofi'ice lake in nearly all spots. Even ''Bad- man"s. Territory" is sagging at the RKO Boston, despite a new stage layout for second stanza. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3.200; 50-$M0)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO) (2d wk) with Merry Macs, Berry Bros., others, on stage. Weak $24,000. Last week; with Milt Hei-th Trio, others, strong $36,000. Esquire (M-P) 0.200: $2.40)— "Henry V" lUA) (lOlh wk). Good $7.,500 against la.st "week's big $9,000. Fenway (.M-P) (1,.375: 40-80)— "Cinderella Jones" (WB) md-.I "In Old Sacramento'! (Rep). Only $7,000; Last week, "Devotion" (WB) arid "One Exciting Week" (Rep), $11,000. Majestic (Brand-Mage) (1,.500: 40- 80)— "Whistle Stop" (UA) and "Ju- nior Prom" (Mono) -(2d wk). Just $10,000. Last week. .$I2;0()0 for same. Memorial (RKOt (2,900; 40-80)- ' Heartbeat" (RK.O) and ; "Miin in Grey" (U) (2d wk). Mild $22,000. Last week, $31,000. Metropolitan (M-P) (3.467; 40-80) — ''Blue Dahlia" (Par) and "God's Country" (Indie) plus Dr. I. Q. on Monday nights for summer rui' (2d wk). Stout $24,000. Last woek, $30,- 000. Orpheum (Loew) (-2.900: 40-80)— "Postman Rings Twice'' i.M-Cj (2d wk). Off to $22,000. Last week, .stout $28,000. Paramount (M-P) (1.700: 40-80)— "Cinderella Jone.s" (WB) .and"In Old Sacramento" (Rep). Modest $)2.-' 000. Last week. "Devotion" (WB) and "One Exciting Week'' (Rep). $16,000. . State (Loew) (3.200: .35-80)— "Post- man Rin,(!s Twice'' (M-G I '2(1 wk). Fair $15,000. Last week. $20,000. Translux CTranslux) (900; 30-74)— "Valley, of Zombies" (Rep) and "Face of Marble" (Mono). Good $5,500. Lasl wrek,"Cily for Conque.-l" (WB) and "No Time for Comedy" (WB), (reissues) $5,000. Tremonl (Brand-Mage) (1.500: 40- 80)— "Whistle Slop" (UA) and "Ju- nior Prom" (Mono) (2d wk). Thin $10,000. L&i!l week, $12,000. Orpheum is stepping out with An- drews Sisters on stage plus "Dead- line at Dawn" to hit all-time vaude- film record. "Kitty" also js smash at the Paramount .to pace straight lilmers. Estimates for This Week Blue . Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (4th wk). Okay -$4,500 or near. Last week, big $6,500.- Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) —"Hearts Growiiig Up" (Par) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th) (2d wk). with Fair $7,000 in 6 days. Last week, very nice $12,000. Liberty CJ & vH) (1.650; 45-80)— "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) and "Gentleman Misbehaves" (Col) (3d wk). Oke $5,000 in 4 days after nice $9,700 last week. Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— "Ziegfeld Follies" (M-G) (3d wk). Good' $6,500. Last week. "Blue Dahlia" (Par) (4th wk), oke $5,500. Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 45-80)— "Do You Love Me" (20th) (2d wk). Modest $7,000 after big $13,800 last week. Orpheum (H-E) (2,000: 55-$n— "Deadline at . Dawn" (RKO) plus Andrews Sisters on stage. Stage song trio boosting this to gient $34,000', all-time vaude-film record. Last week. "So Goes My Love" (U) and "Dressed to Kill" (U), $12,300, okay. ralomar (Sterling) (1.3.50; 45-80)— "Seventh Veil" (U) and "Detour" (PRC). Good $6,000. Last week, ■'Murder in Music Hall" (Rep) and "Cat Man of Paris" (Rep), $5,200. Paramount (H-E) (3.039; 45-80)— "Kitly" (Par). Great $20,000. Last week, ,-VZiegfeld Follies'' (M-G), fancy $11,000. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800: 45-80)— "So Goes My Love'' (U) and "Drc.s.sed to Kill" (U) (rh.o.). Fair $5,000. Last week. '-Saratoga Trunk" (WB), oke $4,700 lor sixth week downlown. Winter Garden (Sterling)- (800: 25- 30)— "Bells, of St. Mary's" (RKO) and "Gav Blades" (Rep) (3d run). Bi.c $5,000: La.st week. "Masquerade in Mexico" (Par) and. "Pardon My Past" (Col) (3d run), nifty $4,400. 12 Wednesday, June 12, 1946 IT CAN'T BE JUST LUCK! There has never been a period in film annals when any company has delivered such a continuous flow of big pictures as M-G-M. One right after another: "Adventure," "Ziegfeld Follies of 1946" in Technicolor, "The Postman Always Rings Twice,'' "The Green Years," "Two Sisters from Boston"— and now "Three Wise Fools." ' When "Three Wise Fools" had its first Theatre Preview in Gilifomia, (continued) Wfednegday, Jnne 12, 1946 18 (conttnued) M-G:M was elated by the reports. The audience laughed and wept and sat enthralled. Hollywood acclaimed a new sensation. The picture had a heart, they said. They loved the story of the little Irish-girl-with-a-brogue (played by Margaret O'Brien) who brought sun- shine into the lives of three hard-bitten bachelors. They predicted that it was the sure-fire stuff to pour gold into the coffers of theatres. Now the print has come East. We previewed the picture in a typical neighborhood theatre, Loew's 72nd Street in New York City. Gentlemen, it was simply thrilling to watch those average folks enjoy our picture. Time will confirm what we tell you now, but mark this prophecy: ^^Three Wise Fools' will be one of the most beloved pictures of our time— beloved by you for the business it will do — beloved for the joy it will bring to millions of Americans in every comer of the land." MARGARET O'BRIEN, LIONEL BARRYMORE, LEWIS STONE, EDWARD ARNOLD, ray COLLINS. JANE DARWELL, CHARLES DINGLE, CYD CHARISiSE, HARRY DAVENPORT and THOMAS MITCHELL. Screen Play by John McDerraott and James O'Hanlon. Story by John McDermott. Based Upon the Play by Austin Strong. Staged by Winchell Smith. Presented by John Golden.. Directed bf EDWARiTbUZZELL. Produced bV WILLIAM^H. WRIGHT 14 INTEBNATIONAL •tahiett'II' i^ndom office St. Miiriln'* riavf , Tratolrir SqUN French Producers Denounce Pact On U. S. Pix Imports As Unequal u. Paris, . June As had been expcclcd lieie, | j qqq g^jjjgjj TJigatr^^^ Violated Quota in '45 French picture producers have. dC' nounccd the U. S.-French afiveei- ment on how new American films can be imported into France. Jac- ques F. Frogcrics, head of the Syn- dicate of French' Film Producers, hiis warned that the Ficiich ^Im industry could not survive the "unr equal" competition of increased film imports from the U. S. He described film production in. France as the country's second largest industry. . French producers have renewed the old plea that they be given six but of seven weeks playing time for each 13-wcck period. Under the pact tlicy get four out of 13 weeks, with the' remainder of the world market free to bid for the other nine weeks. They have not mentioned the sliding scale of the agreement, which would give French product a better break it the local industry does not stage the comeback expected. Entire pact was negotiated, it's understood here, so that the French picture business would be protected until it started making stronger product. Also there is an escape clause ' which would enable a re-review of the situation if i\ot working out as anticipated by either side; French public admittedly is anx- ious to see new American product, having been fed a diet of weak pic- tures, many made here while the French producers had a monopoly, fi-om French studios and oldie U. S. films. Frogeries admitted that Amer-. ican distributors would send oiily their best films .here although in producer quarters ah attempt was made to .sell the public that only weak Americans fare would be sent to France, London, June 4. More than 1.000 theatres in :1945 failed to comply with government quota regulation, which requires theni to show at least 17^4 per cent British films. Reason is shortage of British product, which consisted of 67 features in 1944-45, three less than in previous year. Film trade maintains • that short- age stems primarily from time takeh up in making such pictures as Caesar and Cleopatra'.' (two years). Men of Two Worlds," "Beware of Pity," "Carnival," and, "London Town" which took over . a year to complete. Knowing the difficulty of exhibit- ors, government is closing its eyes to violations. It's figured that since the films were noot "lade, the exhibs couldn't show- them. U.S. to Self-Impose Pix Quota in Selling France Washington, June 11 How the American film industry hopes to avoid ; flooding France with its 6-year backlog of product was outlined today by Gov. Carl Milli' ken. Motion Picture Assn. of Amer- ica foreign chief, He said that U. S distributors propose to work through the industry's Export Assn. to use a self-imposed quota on pictures re leased in France. Milliken traced the history of re cent complaints from French pro diicers over the recently made U. S- France import pac{, stressing that over-production in -France appar cntly is the big headache. He said that the unreistricted production dur ing the war had resulted in the nor mal number of French producer growing from 15 to 50. It was in cheated that this, of course, meant weak screen production and a sur pliLs of flbns that go begging for playdates. ; Milliken also outlined the prob lenis confronting U. S. distribs getting remittances out of Fi-ancc, biggest being when this coin can be obtained and at what rate. He Ex- plained that the money falls into four categories. First is that accu- mulated prior to the outbreak of war; .secondly, there is the. coin ob- tained In southern France; also that received from distribution of OWI pictures; and in the final category, the money received from rental of old films offered exhibitors after the war. Poland plans to send a representa- tive to N. Y. to talk with Amcricaii film officials regarding a distribu- tion deal in that country. At pres- ent, no U. S. films are released in Poland. Milliken also revealed that the public in that country wants to see Yank screen product. Can't Get Away With It Pari.s, June II. 'Two Army C.I.D. men entered the Trioniphe . Cinema when their car brnke down on Champs F.lysees'. Next patron to be ushered in was Matdiew.Spencc, of Baltimore, a GI who had twice broken Jail. Recognizing ihim by the flash of nil usherette's torch, they enlisted the help of a French gendarme and snapped handcuffs on him without dis- turbing the audience. Picture being .shown in the theatre was "You Canit Get Away,,.oj'ith Murder." Plays Abroad The Kln|(Hiaker London, June .4. .AsHOi-i:i|iMl l.lit.. i)i-r»4'ui.i' loir uf lifw iiliiv in ihiTi: H.MK Of' Hi-cnfs) l.y >f:M-- uiu-fi l,iu'i\ DiriH-uil l>y Jolin CUiiiriii.". -M SI. .I;iim".>i llicJlllf. Kli'liiiltl, Kiirl tif \V« in il k ; . .lolm Cli'lilfnl.s Ktlwnnl. Dukf lit Viirk IliilM rl Kililinni .l.ailv ulviTK Iniio ViiiiliriiKli KllziltiClil C:iil)- '!ll>>-. . . Kliy Iliimiiliillii .Miiixaicl WdiMlvllli". ItoHriii.ur IMvIs .\nllutt)y \\"io .iiiiiii r::iii'i>ii UVn-lil lvi-1 JIttiii.r Sill' lil.f I'll . . . I.'niiiri.s 'Itiiwr . . . ..M.iiiu l.i.sliT . . . .;^l:ivy Sdmc . . . . I^i'i:tn 1 liiyCH . . KUM.S0I1. .Niiploi' 'Abe Lincoln' Big (MMNips . Washington, June 11, The picture, "Abe Lincoln in Illi- nois," broke all Nip house records when it opened in Tokyo during April, bettering figures previously set by "Watch on the Rhine" and one beanna Durbin film. This is re- ported in the April summation of non-military activities in Japan is- sued Sunday (9) by the office of General Douglas : MacArthur,. Su- preme Commander for the Allied Powers. Report says nine Hollywood fea- tures, nine documentaries, and two shorts have been received in Japan and are being shown in titled ver- sions in leading houses there. The American-Japanese Motion Picture Assn., is using 12 mobile crews to tour small towns and villages, showed our documentaries in April to nearly 200,00Q people in Northern Honshu. Live pilays, newsreels, radio, entertainment and ddcumenr tary films are extensively used by MacArthur to show that democracy means responsibility as well as free- dom. Japan ha-s just produced a feature film, "Victory of Women," which em- bodies the concept of woman's equality with man. The play, "Watch on the Rhine," was produ- ced in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, being presented by the Zen- shinza troupe which previously pre- sented Drinkwater's "Lincoln." The military government has fos- tered, the organizatiori of Sh'n- engekijin Kyokai,- the New Theatre People's Society, to further democ- racy in the theatre. It .started with 350 members, all theatrical artists. ShepardWillDo AnoAer Mimical '■ London, June 11. Firth Shepard having planned not to produce any more musicals has changed his mind.. He intends to do another edition of."Shepard's Pie," tentatively titled "More iShepard's Piei" with a cast headed, by Arthur Riscoe, Richard Rearne, Eddy Gray, and Douglas By ng. Wendy Toye, who directed Charles Cochran's "Big Ben," is to direct. Show replaces Jack Waller's . "Merrie England," at the Princes sometime in September. • Kenneth Home has written new play . "Fools Rush In," which is be- ing presented by Linnit & Dunfee,- and which stars Derek Farr, Elsie Gray, Jeissica Spencer, Joyce Bar- bour, and Bernard Lee, with Rich- ard Bird set to produce. Show toiirs the provinces for eight weeks be- fore coming to Londoi). .; . Emile Littler has a new play, by Clemence Dane, as yet untitled, with a cast headed by Sybil. Thorndike, Judy Campbell, Leon Quartermain, William. Fox and Marius Goring. Will tour provinces for several weeks before opening here. Fred Thompson's musical, which was to have been presented by Jack Hyltoh. as starring vehicle for: Bud Flanagan, will be done by Jack Wal- ler. - . David Rose, Par's British Mixup Over Remake Rights On le Jour' May Delay RKO Production Plans Paris. June 4. Difficulties loom over the sale of remake rights to Hakim Bros, on the French picture. "Le Jour Se Leve"' made "iy Sigma Productions. The .film, starring Jean Gabin; opened at the Madeleine here a few days before war broke out. A report from England is that re- make' ri'ghts were bought by RKO on the understanding that- all prints on' distribution outside of France and Belgium be ' destroyed. Sicma productions here claims knowing nothing about the RKO deal, .and say BOLLE GETS HARLEY'S 20TH SPOT IN BRITAIN Otto W. BoUe has been named managing director of 20th-Fox op- erations in Great Britain, succeed- ing Francis L. Harley, who was ap- pointed last week to head 20th op- erations in Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle Ea.st and Africa. .BoUe, for- merly 20th supervisor in Australasia, South Africa and the Far East, will headquarter in London. Bolle will also, bcconie. managing director of British Movietone News, Ltd. With 20th for the last. 10 years, he was named to the Far East post during his annual visit to', the h.o. about a year ago. He's eiu-renlly in N. Y., having arrived . here from Sydney' in May. Fir.st of the season'.s repertory, this is John Clements' ihitial elVort as actor-mnnager. Of its type, a satis- fying piece of stagecraft that will ap- peal , to lovers of historical subjects. Set in medieval England >.vith plot and counter-plot . of royal intrigue, story is of. nece.'sity episodic and runs loo loiig. It compares favorably with John Gielgud's production of "Richard of Bordcau.\" .several years ago.. Tlie tilting of .throiics, the giv- ing in marriage of young princesses as pawns in European politics and the topical "6ft' with his head" tend- ency give the story perpetual drama and suspeiise. Action is focused on the powerful Earl of, Warwick who, when one young kinsman on whom he bestows the crown proves unworthy, prompt- ly restores the one he suppl.anteui)lcll, >lii-h)>>ino nrv- liuiillhl, Col^lto Aniony. .Diins--Hinlion by Muuil Jliiiwrirlil, .Mniic l.tnme Diilipn. Chi-iHiinii Ai-iiHiir, Pierre I.ii Unn. Willy'llny anO' Annul.- I''crj;ir. Olrc(;leil Ijy llini-l Vai-na. SUclilirs l.y lli-iirl Vnixl :ii'ii .M.-(i: Call. .\UlKii- liy .ludft l';ulili-.i. Vlii' i-nl Srol In. Vul liiM'K. Ht^R'*!* I.lli-hrxi. BesrtiolCN. Sii-in. Xflly Coldly. .Mine ('o.mlioii\; vi.*.liMnfr-' l-y Itnymonil Ko(;t. TIriii-i I'lavei-i... Vv*---i .|;).n nal: -.vt.'lH bv nnynionil Ko.tl, I'liinilc P<^ri iiT YVOM Bonnal; Mui-iol ctfoi-l.". P. Conn. ."^Iv jpeti (fii'lK, J- niAdcI?:, fiKht men. At COKino tie rai-ij*. . i; TT f - /-I » V ' remake rights have been -sold to the l>niei, Here lOr LOntaDS Hakims, with the exception of France David Rose, managing director for and Belgium, where the picture is distributed in original version by Paramount in Great Britain, arrived in N. Y. from London yesterday (Tues.) for homeoffice confabs and huddles on production. His arrival is timed so that he -c^d attend the production conference ^ii the Coa.st this month. Rose also will report on the status of film production in Great Britain. Rose leaves for the Coast next Tuesday (18) along with George Weltner; Par . International prexy, and Fred Hutchinson, general sales manager in Britain, who arrived in the U. S. several weeks ago. Rose was last in the. U. S. about four months ago. Vog. Si.(;ma had sold some foreign distribution rights in original version to Paul Gr'aetz, "Ti-anscontineiitai preJty. Local RKO office knew nothing of the Hakim purchase, which likely was transacted in Hollywood. Paul Graetz; currently in Paris, says that he agreed to stop distribut- ing the original version and ordered all prints to be sent to Sigma here. So it looks as if there had been some misunderstanding on the remake pact. Graetz,' leaving soon for Scan- dinavia, will return shortly to Paris to start production. Irish Students Like American Films Best Dublin, May 28. First quiz among students at Uni- versity College here, on preference for U. S. or British pix, showed 62% want American films, 34% British and 4% giving no answer. Made by student body, mag, sur- vey revealed 62% of women faybred U. S. pix, against 56% for the men. Same poll also sought opinion on the State-owned radio station, and found 66% were listeners. BriL Producer to Aussie ■ Sydney, June 7. Michael Balcon, production chief at Ealing Studio.s, London, and Harry Walt, who was in. Aussie, last year directing "Overlanders" for Ealing, are due here in July. Balcoh is coming in for- premiere, of "Overlanders" and also to looksee the new production possibilities here. "Overlanders," Ealing's first Aussie pic, plays the Greater Union Thea- tres circuit GI Vaudery Folds Paris, June 11. . Olympia Music Hall is closing down June 16 as an Allied troop theatre after serving for 20 months as an entertainment centre for thou- sands of GI's stationed in Frahce. A vaude house staging 10 acts at each performance, the theatre played to. capacity houses until redeploy- ment cut down slzc-of audiences. Henri Varna, veteran Paris show man, currently reviving "No. No Nanette," has produced a revue of .strictly local caliber which 's sure of doing business since the only oilier revue in Paris is th6 Folios Bci'Kcrc. Opening was delayed several liii'C.s, and even now there is variaiico be- wccn the program and actual siii.w. ReVue's best points arc nn;eh niidiiy, nice costliincs and several ;.oi)(l .si ts. : The nanie bt the house also .is a lure. There is no American laknl m the c.Tst. Billy Hay,, annouiiecfl ;'s an American lap dancer, is a Hiiii;.,'arian. Varna had the same ur.ihlcni as Paul Derviil of the Folios Ber.u'oic in finding a femnic star since Pari'., is shy of any equivalent of Mislinguett. He brought in Yvonne parries who comes from the prpviriecs whore .-I'c was sin.King operettas. Sli'- 1 • i:\ o'y brunet with enough 'of a voice to be heiird above the chorus ev i ii tie .show has no music worthy i f inui- tion. In her several appeur.inci's. .she gives a good account of hi.'i'.seif in- eliidiiig the final curtain wIVen she discards her long dresses to appear in tights. For a night club secue she is a torch singer standin.:; on a huge champagne cup from which bubb'e.s, are blown justifying the "extra ury" name. This is produced by fast re- volving gadgets dipping in a liquid elastic solution and projerling what iobks like sbap bubbles. This u.se of plastic is the sole novelty of the show. > Opening scene shows the nianne-: quins each representing one iil' 'the revues formerly produced at this hou.sc. Ah important .sequence has Michel Dolmo, ns Bluebearil: hand- ing his keys to Michel Bcrnardini, his wife; before leaving- her in their bedroom. Set changes to the treasure room wliere nude girls coir.c out as jewels, each carrying stones of ap- propriate-color. The forbidden closet then is elevated into view, with more nudes ; representing the niurdercd wives. " Dolmo returns, strips Miss Bcrnardini and perforins s.mio sort of adagio with her. Other . sequences with o\ilslanding sets are the night club .scene where the bubble machine is eniployed. a gi'and opera ball under N;i;ji'leon HI. with nice costumes and sonic classical dancing by Marie Loui.sc .Oidion and Christian Arnaut. Also a .scene in ancient Greece, opening with iu;de mannequins . taking their places as ornaments in house portico. Later this is replaced by a stadium where a chariot race shows the -horses re- placed by nude girls. A rather sexy episode opens with the mannequins coming on stav.e one at a time, wearing garb appropriate to the period in which various paint- ers known ■ for their nudes lived. Each is stripped indivi Indicalions here are that the State Departnjent wlU not step in to im- prove the compUcated financial fiit- ualion in China for. film companies doing business there. Department feels that pictures have right to ex- pect more favored treatment than other types of U. S. business oper: ating there in the present highly in- tlHlcd market. Recent stories from Shanghai said SUte Dept. might be asUed to help the film dlstnbs get coin out of China. • Last year the U, S. official went to bat twice for picture companies and enabled them to bring substantial cash into this country. However, private trade was not properly es- tablished then. Now it has been re- established and the 1945 preferential treatment for Alms Is ended. All American business operating in China is in the same boat, The present remittance rate is $1 Amer- ican for $2,000 Chinese, and the U. S. distribs stand a good chance of get- ting all their money out this year. However, the overall net in Ameri- can currency will be smaller than in 1945 when the picture companies were permitted to bring into this country only 15% of their funds fronv the sale of films, but at the special preferential rate of 20 to 1. MARCUS SHOW TO DO SECOND AUSSIE TOUR •' Sydney, June 4. Dave Martin, head of the major Tivoli vaude-revue loop, is dicker- ing with A. B. Marcus for a second Aussie tour after his South African trek. Marcus show clicked here be- foie World War II . under the FuU- eis-Snidcr-Dean manngemenll still holding the all-time biz record for a stage combo from U; S. Martin is keen on getting big shows from U. S. and Great Britain to lift biz to same high level as pre- war. Believed here that the Chifley Labor government is getting ready to unbend on coin takeaway lor ■talent from overseas. Aussie Racing Hhs Pix Brisbane, May 28. Night trotting races on Saturday nights in this area are hurting biz at film theatres as 46,060 go to see the nags on the best night of the week for exhibUors. . Brisbane managers are now trying to figure out something to give hot opposition to the trotters. Main headache is that family parties are held in homes, hotels, and other spots Saturday nights with plenty of betting. Races are broadcast. Italo Loan Would Latinos' Coast Meet Following, a week of huddles with homeofflce execs, Metro's. Latin-American: managers' left for the Coast Sunday (0) for another two weeks of confabs with studio officials. Managers, from 10 L, A, countries, were awarded the trip for outstanding business rung up in their terri- tories! . On the Coast,, the territorial chiefs will o.o. forthcoming M^t- ro product and advise studio execs oh how best to fit in pro- duction plans with problems in their markets' by discussing problems faced in selling a pic- ture in their territories. Accompanying the managers were Sam Burger, Metro re- gional.' director for L. A.; Wil- liam Brenner, asst. regional di- rector, and Arthur Pihcus, chief of Metro International's 16m pubhcity staff. Burger and Brenner are slated to return to the h.o. following the end of the . confabs. Pincus will stay on for added work on- the 16m pro- gram. M-G s Upped Grosses in So. America Prove Dubbed Pix Top Titled Versions Robert Clarke Resigns As ABP^s Prod. Chief London, June II. Robert Clarke, director and head of production for Associated British Picture Corp., has resigned after being with , company since the 'John Maxwell days. Understood that he objected to Max MUder's suggestion to bring over an American to take charge of production when Elstree studios reopen shortly. Meanwhile Warwick Ward, former producer and studio manager at Welwyn studios, is in charge tem- porarily. U. S. distributors are looking for a boost in. Itahan trade as a result of proposal by former assistant Sec relary of State Adblph J. Berle for an export-import bank loan to Italy by the U. S: for the purpose of re financing postwar commerce. Plan wa.s submitted ' . at recent foreign trade meetings. It will be recalled that most distribs pulled out of Italy in 1938 as a. result of film monopoly laws passed by Mussolini's govern- ment. Biz has been on the upgrade since the war ended, but only in the last few weeks have U. S. distribs ob- tained a satisfactory pact for import- ing films into. Italy. Berle called for an interim ar- rangement under which commerce with Italy can begin on a peacetime basis, rather than have relations con- tinue under the present "state of war" conditions. He said that Italy should be given the fullest measure of responsibility with regard to her internal affairs and that travel and shipping restrictions between the two nulibhs should be lifted. Former New York's Lt.-Gov. Charles Por Ictli cited the millions of dollars held by the Treasury Department as funds ' appropriated by the U. S. Army for goods and Services re ceived from Italy. Picture company feelings on the subject were reflected by Carl E, Miiliken, foreign chief of Motion Picture Assn. of America, who said that such a loan undoubtedly would improve Italian film trade. Top Vaude Returns To Ireland After 6 Years Dublin, June 4. First big time vaudeville acts, since the travel ban was imposed by Great Britain in 1940 will reach Dublin late this month. Oscar Robin's band heads the pro- cession with a two-week session at 3,00l)-seat Theatre Royal. Harry Davis, Joy Conway, Bob Dale, Jackie Bonser and Eddie Palmer are listed as part of setup. Carroll Gibbons bas signed for a date late in August. Since 1940, Irish vaude houses have depended solely on local talent, usually using the a series of revues. same players in London Town' Folds London, June 4. Judging )jy the number ol letters received by Marc Connelly, quite a few Londoners deplored the closing pt "Our Town." These notes voted Jt one of the most intelligent plays sent over from America in years. Apparently the only people not sorry to see end of show were the Tennent outfit and Bronson Albery owner of the New theatre, where, the play ran. They decided the play was doomed to failure almost the nrst day. Three days after opening. It was suddenly canceled, with re- sult that no photos of show's scenes \vcre visible from outfront. were visible outfront CAPE TOWN THEATRE MGR. SUIN IN OFHCE Cape Town, May 28. Herman Michelsohn, manager . of Majestic Cinema here, was mur- dered in his office during the after- noon show on May 7, robbery being the motive. Although there was evi dence of terrific struggle, nobody in ilie audience or passing by the thea tre heyd anything. Afier an inten sive man hunt, Cape Town police arrested a European youth on mur der charge. Michelsohn was one of the most popular managers in Cape Town. During 20 years of service he at dif' ferent times became well known at every one of Cape Town's cinemas. He was a step-father of Sybil Jason who went to Hollywood and did imall parts in a few films. Dolores del Rid Plans Legits of Her Hit Pix Mexico City, June 11 The stage temporarily has away two of Mexico's leading screen players. Dolores del Rio and Liji Sandrini. Miss del Rio is organizing a stage company to stage versions of Mexi- can picture in which she scored her biggest hits. She plays the lead in all of the M. Sandrini will pre sent a series of four comedies. Both are dickering for the Palace of Fine Arts .(National Theatre) for a sum- mer season. Williamson-Tait Seen After Big B'way Shows; Hanunerstem in Aussie Sydney, June 4. Here for a three-weeks' visit,. Os- car Hanimerstein II, said that he hopes to do at least one Rodgers- Hammerstein show, probably "Okla- homa?' this year in Australia. It would play Melbourne; with top U.S. stars back by Aussie talent. He is here while his wife visit her parents. It's thought here that Hammer- stein will deal with Williamson-Tait, with whom he is huddling. Broadway showman said he was worried about the small scale for legit shows here. Aussie top is mainly less than $4 at opening night and $2 after, opening curtain. He in- ferred that admissions would have to be higher because of the overhead in setting shows of the calibre of "Okla- homa," "Carousel," and "Annie Get Your Gun." Legit people, here think the public would pay more to see new shows with new stars of the kind produced by Rodgers-Hammer- stein setup. ; Legiters aver that a bow-in' here by Rodgers-Hammerstein via Wil- liamson Tait would be just the tonic needed to boost legit biz into figures unheard of before World War II. W-T can route a major show into all Aussie keys, with repeats in most zones, plus many. New Zealand play dates as has been done before. Play- ing time from one to two years for a single show is rated likely, for big for a zone with about 7,000,000 popu- lation. It's a cinch that had the Fullers been ready to play legit now on pix switchover. Sir Ben Fuller would have signatured Hammerstein to a contract long ago. Austrian LegitersMOl Vienna, May 28. First annual report of Associa- tion of Dramatic Authors and Com- posers,, given recently at a meeting by Syndikus Dr. Fritz Stein, re- vealed strides taken in the past year. The association had been dissolved when Hitler occupied Austria, and was refounded early in 1945. Mana- gers of legit show in Austria agreed on 10% straight royalty for authors and composers- at the meeting. Canada Stepping Into Feature Prodnction Hollywood, June 11. Canada is readying a bid for the world film market, according to Paul L'Anglais, president of the newly or- ganized Canada Productions, Inc., of Montreal, Company will use site of a Canadian -army canip which has been converted into a film studio. First picture will be "Rendezvous at the Chateau Frontenac," slated to start in July. Prodiiction will be backed by Canadian banking inter- ests and government agencies. L'Anglais, currently in Hollywood, has signed Fedor Ozep as director, Rian James as screen writer, Eugene Shuftan as cameraman and Gilbert Mandclik as assistant, director. Aussie Govt. Seen Helping Pix Prod. Sydney, May 28. Return of Norman B. Rydge, top- per of Greater Union Theatres, co- partnered locally with J. Arthur Rank : in Cinesound and Pagewood studios, is seen as the signal for Aus- sie film production to be placed on a firm footing, something never at- tenipted beifore here on a big scale. Rydge indicated that new setup with Rank will see Aussie film produc- tion definitely going places in the near future. Plans call for importa- tion of some of world's best direc- tors, technicians, writers and talent. Understood that the J. B. Chifley Labor Government will: introduce special legislation soon to lower the terrific import' duty now prevailing on all technical equipment needed in film production. It's possible that the Chifley Government will come into the new production scheme financially, seeing in the Rank plans a ready-made spot for Aussie work- ers now out of war plants. One plan for talent, tentatively outlined, calls for British stars, to work in U. S. via the Universal deal, continuing on to Australia for a film or two: U. S. stars going to England and then on to Aussie for a picture. Reported here that Universal may become interested in Aussie film proiuction. Rydge declined to. talk about new production and distribu- tion in detail until he's told GUT stockholders about his huddles with Rank. Femoie Nudity Brings Mex Pix Censor Ban Mexico City, June 11. A lady in the nude was the grounds for censors to ban the first Mexican picture they have liixed in a long lime. Censors banned "To Love Is To Live." Barring of the film has drawn the ire of the film producers association which argues that the nudcness that irked, the censors is not the indecency they call it but high art. This "au nalurel" also has prompt- ed a lawsuit. Emilia Guiu, young and sightly Spanish actress who plays one of the leads in "Amar" has filed action against Javier Campos Ponce, press agent for pictures producer, Ftlmex, S. A., because she says pub- licity showed ^ a stark naked female statue tNat has her face. Actress claims that this display makes her the mark of public scorn and men- aces iver film and stage career. Upped grosses of Metro Inter- national's all-Spanish versions of M-G pix in Latin America indicate that, contrary to general opinion, dubbed versions do as well in first rutis in the key situations as they do in subsequent runs, All-Spanish versions, moreover, ■ have much longer playing time in the' subse-' quents and . first runs in .secondary cities. Figures brought back to the h.o. by Metro's Latin managers show that, during the last 17 months dur- ing which Metro field te.itcd the dubl>ed versions by dispensing com- pletely with titled films, grosses in at least two situations were up as high as 300% over grosses produced- by Metro films with English tracks and Spanish subtitles during the •preceding year and a half. Mana-. gers conceded that film business gen- erally in Latin America, had in- creased but said the rise waS? not sufficient to explain the tremendous increase in Metro grosses, which they attributed to . Metro's use of only dubbed pix. As a result, Metro. International will hencefortb distribute only films spoken entirely in. Spanish. As one manager said, the pictures Offer bet- ter entertainment because "now every nuance of dialog can be. fully appreciated and understood." Metro has been the only compSny in South America that stuck to a consistent policy. Other companies have switched back and forth from the dubt>ed to titled versions, offer- ing exhibs their choice which, ac- cording to Metro execs, isn't good for ' business. Exhibs who've seen their grosses go up with dubbed pix still complain that they'd rather have the titled versions. 'This is due, ac- cording to the Metro chiefs, to the fact that the exhibs have been con- ditioned by the policies' of other companies. It bad been the general consensus heretofore that, as in most countries in Europe, customers in the key cities preferred titled versions to dubbed films. Metro's dubbed ver- sions in Santiago, however, grossed 127,616 pesos during the 17-month ' period, as compared to the 90,772 - pesos grossed by titled versions dur- ing the preceding 17 months^ Other key cities showed sloiUar hypoed grosses with dubbed pix. Rest of the majors, Metro chiefs think, never- gave the dubbed versions a chance to prove themselves. Dubbed versions, according to Metro execs, will be the answer to the increased competition being offered American product in Latin America by local product. Technical level of production in such countries as Argentina and Mexico is certain . to go up and, when it reaches a point of real competion, American com- panies will have to have all-Spanish films to stay in the running. Unlike other companies who've dubbed some of their musicals but retained the lyrics in the original Engli:>h version, Metro has^ even dubbed in the songs. Spanish singer, for example, was found who could sound much like Judy Garland '-for the dubl)ed version of "Meet Me in St. Louis." Because of the difilculty in getting Technicolor prints, the picture has just opened south -of-the- border and is doing tremendous business. FRENCH NARRATOR KILLED Paris, June 4. Capl, Bravig Imbs. 40, was killed near Lyons, in a jeep accident. He was' well known in Frani'C as "Bob- by" of the French radio networks. Author of -the novel "The Profes- sor's Wifei" during the, war, he broadcast for American troops. His wifi- and three children lived in iN. Y. 'First GentlemanVSold For $80*000 to Brit. Pix London, June 11. Atlpf several offers ranging from 540,000 by Michael BalcOn to $60.- OOU by Marcel Hcllmon. Henry Shcrck has finally .dispo.--ed of filiii rights of "The First Genllcman." the Savoy ., theatre hit, to Fraiik Launder & Sidney Gilliatt (Iiulivid- ual Films). Robert Morlcy. who.i.s playing lead, is to duplicate hi;- I'ole in the film version. Understood the show brought $80,- 000. the price originally demanded by Shcrck. Col., 20th Honor Crack Salesmen in London London. June 4. .Toe Friedman, London head of Columbia Pictures and Chairman of War Activities Committee here, tossed a luncheon here for ^cvdn American managers responsible for having raised most money in U. S. Film Industry's Victory Loan Drive. Thirteen prize winners in Tom Connors Film Drive arc also visi- tors to London, and arc being feted by 20th-Fo.x, with Ben Lyon, com- I Ijyny's la'lcnt scout here, as host. lAflpi- four days, the visitors went to 1 Paris and then on to Rome. Campbell and Connelly Doing Scripts for Rank Alan Campbell, Hollywood scripfer, and Marc Connelly, author of "The Green Pastures," have signed, to write original screenplay for Sidney Box, producer for the J. Arthur Rank organization, Campbell's "Self-Made Man" earmarked as a starring vehicle for British actor Stewart Granger. Connelly, currently in London, went there to appear in the British legit version of "Our Town," which was a flop abroad. Rank organiza- tipn heralded the pacts as the first ."tep in a drive to recruit top Amer- ican aiid. iBritish wi-iters for expand- ing production plans. INFANTILE PARALYSIS IN MEX Mexico City. June H. Inianlile pari\lysi.« forced the dosinp ol all anuLsenicnt places in Oiizabii, Vera Cruz state in- duslriai center. Children also are h.Tinird from all such .spots in Puebla City, capital of Puebla state. CORDOBA BACK ON AIR Mexico City, June. 4. Arturo de Cordoba has been inked to' top a weekly program at local station XEW, Mexico's largest, by D'Arcy Advertising. De Cordoba was a star at this sta- tion and XEQ before he : went into films. 16 Wednesday, June 12, 1946 . is 4 in thrills and chills, "Class melodrama, tops with heavy box-office potential." .Variety .Robinson surpasses himself... Welles does best acting of career...Miss Young scores m „,ost difficult role . . • Excellent. ^ ^^^^^^ richly endowed to score "Tense, excitmg • • • '"^"'r ^ solidly in popularity and profits. ^^^^^^^^ .powerful dramatic entertainment delivered by superbly produced filn.. cast e«e.s^^^^^ IKTEN TO "THE STRANGJR inMrisT" ALLEN PRESCOTT l^rJlS P M. DAILY OVER WJZ good show, ond c, good sho« b.geu „«,„.produced>.eres..holding melodrama cuould do well at box-ofRce. . . Shooia u« Exhibitor ..T.p.bracke. draw on names, and can be into big amaCionwUhsma. exp.o.. _showmenVTrad.Re».ew -Tense. s-spense.u.me.od.an,a...wmknow high box-office returns. _j^^„y^,,j Reporter "Final scene i. sheer dramoHc «'Y"°";'" ;„,d show with high box-office expectancy.^ "Will have audiences gripping the edge of .u «ats Should insure lop business, their seats . . • anv .independent Movie Of The week in LIFE, wh|ch colls it "o thriller . . . ^iWed with suspense. Top selection in LOOK. WedncBday, June 12, 1946 NO. Archbishop CaBs 'Kilty 'm' mtiaw'thellnholy 3' of Current Pix New Orleians, June 11. ♦ Archbishop Joseph Pummel names | y» ^ ^2,576,405, 26 Wks. ConsoUdated net proflts of $2,576,405 for the 26 weeks end- ing May 4, '46 was announced by Universal this week, Figure rep- resents an advance over the $2,064,175 that U garnered for the corresponding period of the previous year. In part, the gain • was scored because of scaled- down federal taxes for the cur- rent year. «s Uie "unholy three" group of cur- i renr films which he condemned as iinnt for members of this Catholic diocese, "The Outlaw," "Gilda^ and "Kitty." He stated the worst of- fender was "The Outlaw," which opened Thursday (6) here at LoeW's Stale. \ Rodney Toups, Loew manager, clashed with Herve Racivitch, dis- trict attorney, two days before the film opened. The newly-elected d.a. of three weeks since the local Mor- rison reform ticket swept out Mayor Maestri, aricepted the complaint from the local Legion of Decency commit- tee. The d.a. cited the .Louisiana criminal code setting the maximUm penalty as a $300 fine and a year in jail for obscenity-immoral violations for each exhibition of the film. Racivitch demanded picture screen- , . „„„„ fng for the Legion and others but midtown. PhiUy. is skedded to open Toups nixed a preview except for the ,■ about the end of July, and every- Where WiU Goldman Get Product, Philly Theatre Circles Ask Philadelphia, June U. ■ W illiam Goldman's new $1,000,000 filmer, now under construction in mayor or chief of police. This com- promise was refused by the d.a. Opening .show Thursday found Le- gion members, police matrons, state bar members, reps' from the. d.a. of- fice and police dept. present. Later, after a huddle with the group, d.a. ofl'ice dropped idea of pushing crim- inal code violation. The Legion voted it "condemned." Newspapers were mum', airing neither side of the controversy. Only one Catholic church voted one year's boycott of the theatre. Picture holds at Loew's for. a second week starting Thursday (13) after smashing . all house record^ for the initial stanza. Hughes' New P. A. Continued from page 3 li.shed as far as publicity is con- cerned, Hughes is understood anx- ious to get himself out. from' under the layers of cheesecake that the Russell campaign has subjected him to. He wants to reestablish himself as the shy and sedate millionaire in- dustrialist and aircraft manufacturer. Getting his own way on "The Out- law's" censorship and advertising troubles has become something of a fetish with him, but the personal publicity which has attached itself to him as a result is something he doesn't relish. He's told intimates that he'd prefer to leave to the world a more fitting memorial than that of the man whp exploited Miss Rus- Fcll's charms. Change of pace in the type of publicity to build up a worthy reputation for Hughes is right up the Byoir alley. Birdwell .took no chance on Hughes' announcing that he was "fired" or had "resigned." He sent the press a wire frankly stating his office had been "replaced" by Byoir, adding, with no fear of being ac- cused of modesty: "It was Birdwell who made a national issue of "The Outlaw'." Other than that Birdwell refused to comment. body is wondering where Goldman will get the first-run product he. says the. house will feature. Goldman won't talk about it other than to- say that the product will be forthcoming. Which companies he has signed to deliver the pictures, he won't say, and neither will local disli-ibs. Goldman is currently engaged in a long-drawn out legal fight with all the majors,, whom he has ac- cused of a conspiracy to freeze him out of first run product for the Er- langer which he has under lease. The case has been adjudicated in Goldman's favor, but the amount of , actual damages to be awarded him is yet to be decided. Goldman sued the majors and the Warner chain for $1,350,000. Of the major companies, 20th Century-Fox is believed ' most friendly to Goldman (Goldman and the Skouras Bros, ^yere once asso- ciated iti St Louis) but 20th now opens its first run exclusively at the Fox, operated by a subsidiary of 20th-Fox. Warner product is put. This leaves Universal, Columbia, United Artists, Paramount and RKO as possibilities. The last three com- panies are considered the most likely prospects for Goldman, ac- cording lo industry observers: DUNN ELECTED PREZ OF NX MGRS. GUILD George Dunn, manager of RKO's 81st St. theatre. New York, who was chairman and organizer of the Mor. tion Picture Theatre Operating Man- agers & Assistant Managers (lUild, was imanimously elected president at an election held late Sunday night • 9). Other officers; all of whom will .•itrve for two years, include Leon Kclmer, manager 6t the Kenmore, Brooklyn, v.p.; Maxwell Levine, Or- pheum, Brooklyn, secretary-treas- urer; and Qeorge Baldwin, Colonial, N. manager, recording-secretary. A board of three trustees com- prises Harry Padva, manager of the Shore Road, Brooklyn; Jerry Grecn- bergcr, manager of the Prospect, Brooklyn, and Rudy Kramer, Ches- ter, N. Y. Delegates at large are John J. Thompson, manager of the Franklin, N. Y.; Arthur Pl.ifka, a.'^st. manager of the Kenmore, Brooklyn, and Joseph Aberncthy, assistant at the Colonial. At the Sunday night session mem- bership voted that all vets who re- turned to RKO managerial jobs but who received less than $200 net in retroactive pay iinder the contract recently signed, be brought up to the $200 through assessment of the memr bcrship. Some veterans were back on the job only long enough - to re- ceive $40. Jock Lawrence's Mission Jock Lawrence, top U. S. flaclc for the J. Arthur Rank organization, planes off for England tomorrow (13J for a month or two stay. Lawrence will huddle with Rank officials on plans for an elaborate campaign to push U. S. popularity of British stars on Rank's roster. MPTOA Meet Continued from page S s organization that sidetracked that all- important issue wa£ not doing right by its members. There also was the accusation that ATA was prodUcer-cdntroUed through mem- bership of affiliated theatres. r Kuykendall in' his address to the directors questioned the prepon- derance of independent exhibitors in ATA, and pointed oiit that ATA prexy Si Fabian also was in opposi- tion to Paramount in other situa- tions. Wilby said that affiliated theatres fought high percentage terms as actively as the indies, and that the affiliated circuits were the first to combat them. He said his circuit had refused to play several top pictures, indicating that . inde- pendents and circuits haivc same problem. Wilby took a potshot at commer- cial advertising finding its way into features and shorts. He recom- mended that effo'rU be made to curb the practice by producers. Products such a.<> Coca-Cola, Yellow Cabs, Willys jeeps and others set into pic- tures through influence of repre- sentatives in Hollywood. He said he cuts out all such footage in films playing his theatre.s,. and that if others would do same thing prac- tice may be halted , blOO Million Profit [ ^^S Continued from page 3 of the balance of the period. Singled out as examples are such companies as Loew's which reported $6,768,000 for its first half of "45, and a $12,- 913,369 total; RKO with a $1,141,044 first quarter and $6,031,085 total; 20thrFox with a $2,855,485 first quar- ter and $12,746,467 total; and War- ner Bros, with a $4,605,000 half-year and $9,901,563 full year. Par the Pacenukker Easily the pacemaker for fiscal '46, on the basis of first period reports, is Paramdunt. Company which chalked up a towering $17,821,000 for '45 announced first quarter proflts of $11,500,000 and stands fair to net around $40,000,000 for the year. Likely runnerup is 20th-Fox which now is heading for a banner $20,- 000,000 net as against $12,746,467 re- ported for the past year. Company's first-quarter figure stands at $0;- 241,953. Warners and Loew's .should wind up in close to a dead heat for thirds place money with the latter favored because its last reported period cut aero.s.s the lush first three months of '46 without taking full advantage of it. Loew's half-year garnering of $8,052,067 makes it probable that it will cross the tape at the $16,000,000 mark or more. Company's take for '45 with the fiscal year cndin.s; on Aug. 1 was $12,913,369. WB has a $16,000:000 profit foreshadowed by its half-year profit of $9,125,000. Company's net last year was a re- sounding $9,901,563 which is little more than what its current half-year brought in. Next in line with a probable profit Of $12,000,000 is RKO. Company scored a remarkable quarter net of $3,675,953, as compared With $1,141,- 044 for the comparative period of '45. Its profit for that year was $6,031,085: Both Universal and Columbia are likely to hit the $4,01)0,000 mark. U's first 13 weeks ending Feb. 2 brought in $934,506. Its fiscal ,'45 take, ending Oct. 1, was $3,910,928. Columbia's year which closed on June 1 netted the company $1,'945,-' 167. UA,. with no publicly owned stock, makes no report of proflts. Warner's half-year proflt is equi-r valent to $246 per .shai-e on the 3,- 701,090 shares of common outstand- ing as against $1.24 per share, after payment of $8,200,000 taxes and $170,000 contingencies, for the year before. Gross income for WB amounted to $79,456,000 compared with $68,228,000 for ^he correspond- ing period one year. ago.. Company's term bank loan was sliced to $23,865,000 by payment of a total of $6,364,000. Reduction was made meeting installment due May 1, 1946 and prepaying Nov. 1, 1946, Nov. 1, 1954 and May 1. 1955 install- ments. Warners also obtained a cut to 2% interest for the balance of the loan. Rate formerly was 2% per annum to Nov. 1,'1952'and 2V4% thereafter. Special stockholders meet to pass on proposals previously ' mad^ by the board of directors to split the common stock two for one, cancel li'easury stock and increase author- ized capital stock will be called for Aug. 1. Employee pension plan study by the board has not been com- pleted, the company said, and the plan will r.ot be submitted afthe coming stockholder's session. WB reports cash totaling $17,572, 300. Evaluation of productions com pletcd but not released', at cost is $23,384,605 while productions In the works figure at $8,869,084. Coinci dentally, the company , paid a semi- annual bonus averaging one week's pay to its employee? simultaneously with the issuance of the report. Kallets Super Drive-In Includes Dancing, Refreshments, Picnicking Wehrenberg Succeeds To MPTOA Presidency Columbus, Miss., June 11 . Fred Wehrenberg, veteran St. Louis exhibitor, who was chairman of the board of MPTOA, today (Tuesday) was elected president, succeeding Ed L. Kuykendall, who has held the post many years and hails from here. Kuykendall be- comes president emeritu.s. Vice presidents reelected are Frank G. Walker, head of Comerford chain M. A. Lightman, circuit operator ,ot Mcmphi.s; . Mitchell Wolfson, part- ner in Wometco circuit in Miami; and E. C. Beatty, general manager of the Butterfield circuit in Michigan J. J. O'Lcary. g.m. of the Comer . . (ord circuit, .succeeds Walter Vin- Bocause of his health, Kuykendall cent, Virginia chain owner, as treas was not a candidate for reclccilion a.s president a post Jie has held .since 1933. , Approximately 30 reprosenlativcs urrr, while LeWen Pizor, Philadel phia exhibitor, succeeds Wehrenberg as board chairman. Morris Locwen lien, ..of Oklahoma City, was re arc. here, including H. A. Cole.. Allied i elected secretary. Herman Levy is leader, who is here as an observer. rctiijne tainment spot for Syracusahs. Built by Kallet Theatres, Inc., of Oneida, at a reported $250,000, the drive-ih covers 25 acres at W. Genesee tnpk. - and Kasson rd., between Faiirihount ind Camillas — an easily accessible spot for central. N. Y. motorists. Theatre has an 800-car capacity in an . elaborate layout. Cars drive, direct onto ramps with no backing up. Films are projected on a huge central screen and each, car i.s fur- nished with an individual spcakei: for soiuid. Drive-in has a neat landscaping touch of an artificial waterfall at the back of the- screen at the entrance, A circular dance fiopr directly in front of the screen provides diver- sion for "early birds." There is a refreshment stand hear the bo.N'office and picnic facilities nearby. At present, theatre operates on a two-show nightly basis, Willi an ex- tra midnight screening Saturdays. Under this setup it is estimatcd"lhat 12,000 persons a week may be ac- commodated. Althought peak' has not yet been reached, weekend business already is way ovci: capacity, with waiting cap lines often extending a. niile into Fairmount, keepiiig state troopers busy with the ti'afflc. Current screen fare consists of single features of such vintage as "Mr. Lucky" and "Northwest Mounted Police." F. W, Donahue, veteran exhibitor who has been with the Kallet chain . 18 years, is managing the driyc-iii, a.ssisted by Burton Donovan, cx-GI who was with Kallet at Fulton and Cana.stota. Kallett is plannini; six more drive- ins upstate. Ground already has been broken for the first ot thcni near Utica, at Gary's Corners on the Rome-Utica road. LOEW'S MAY BOOST ITS DIVIDEND ANOTHER 50C With the possibility of net profit reaching $3.50 per share in the fiscal year ending next August, Loew's may boost its dividend rate to 5bc per share, according to reports in Wall Street. This showing would be equal to $10.50 a share, on basis, of the old stock previous to the three- for-one split in recent years. Stock at current prices represents a yield of around 4V4% as reflected in the present 37%c quarterly divvy. It the Loew dividend. was lifted to 50c, it would mean the old stock- holders prior to the split would be getting $6 per share annually. At present these shareholders, get $4.50 after giving credence to the splitup. PHILLY ALLIED NIXES AUGNING WITH ATA Philadelphia, June 11. Fight betvireen the American The- atres Assn. and National Allied States Exhibitors resulted here in exhibs nixing the formatiori -of a lo-. cal ATA chapter. Action which turned down the organization of a group followed a determination by an exhibs' committee that the move would be "inadvisable" unless Allied and A'TA first got together. A com- mittee comprising Jay Emanuel, Mor- ris Wax, Norman Lewis, J. Fred Osterstock, Ted Schlanger, Michael Felt and Lester Kricger, will study the situation. At a meeting held here last month, at which time Ted Gamble, ATA board chaitman, and Si . Fabian, prexy, explained the aims of the new theatre unit, conclusion reached was that .it would be requisite that a ma- jority of exhibs in the area should hold membership. Without enlist- ment of Allied members a majority could not. be obtained. Allied com- niitteemcn declared . that national Allicd's stand was such that they could not go along. Picture Grosses — Continued from page ID s KANSAS CITY Holding well at $13,000.- Last week, strong. $20,000; Mldhnd (Loew's) (1.500; 45-05)— "Po.stman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk). Satisfactory $11,000. Last week, solid $18,()00. Newman (Paramount). (1,900; 4S-. 65)— "Blue Dahlia" (Par) (2d wk). Trim $10,000. Last week, sock $16,< 500. Orpheom (RKO) (1,900; 45-65)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "Partners in Time" (RKO) (2d wk). Oke $9,000. First week, fancy $14,- 000. Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,100; 39-60) —"God's Country" (Iftdie) and "Texas Jamboree" (Col) with stage, show headed by Glen Larson. Good $11,500. Last week, "Spider Woman Strikes Back" (U) and "Strange Conquest" (U) with vaude headed by Larry Collins, mild at $9,500. Illfell Groomed' Lnsty 1 7G in Mfldish Bof f. Buffalo, June. 11. "Well Groomed Bride" and "One More Tomorrow" look best bets of new entries here this week. ' Estimates for This M^eck Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— "Well Groomed Bride" (Par) and "Hot Cargo" (Par). Rosy $17,000. Last week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G), sock $28,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3.000; 40-70) —"One More Tomorrow" (WB); Fancy $17,000. Last week, "Blue Dahlia'! (Par) (2d wk), great $15,000. Hipp (Shea') (2,100; 40-70)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and "Prison Ship" (Col). Choice $10,000. .Last week, "Devotion"^ (WB) and "Night Editor" (Col), $9,500. Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— "Post- man Rings Twice" (M-G) (m.o.). Good $7,500/ Last week, "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) (m.o.) and "Red Dragon" (Mono), $6,000, fair. Lafayette (Basil) (3,300; JO-70)— "Renegades" (Col) and "falK About Lady" (Col), Dandy $13,500. Last week, "Perilous Holiday" (Col) and "Meet Me on Broadway" (Col), snug $9,000. , , 20ih Centnry (20th CciVt) (3,000: 40-70) — ''Heartbeiit" (RKO) and "Swing Parade of 1946" (PRC) (2d wk). Okay $8,000 or over. Last week, husky $15,000. Wednesday, June 12, 1946 nCTITRES 19 Stock Option Film Contracts Henceforth Subject to Taxes Industry habit of spreading com-" peiisation over over a period of years took a beating within th6 post few weeks when the U. S. Treasury Dept's, reversing a previous stand, clamped down on the practice of grantine stock options. Ukase, in short, holds that paper profits gar- nered by conversion of options into stock are to be charged up as ordi- nary Income for the year in which the option is exercised. Treasury's change in attitude, as indicated by the new ruling, may play hob with other industry eustoms Including newly initiated practice of leasing sloiy material instead of ah outright sale, film legalites opine. New ruling is retroactive to Feb. 20, 1045. Stock option habit sprung up under previous Treasury stand . which -permitted an exec, whose contract gave him that privilege to pick up stock under option and hold it indermitely without paying a penny in taxes. Department regula- tion went further and provided that • pi oflts made oh the sale of the stock would be charged as capital gain with the bite Hxcd at 2,5% rather thai) at the substantially higher in- come tax rate. Contracts such as that granted Ci'ad Scars by United Artists, in wliich part of coiinpensation is a form of life insurf^nce paid to the sales chiefs family in the event of his deatIV, may also be affected, lawyers say. Understood that several otiier CNccs have been considering pacts siniilar to that obtained by Sears. Tax problem is also posed by the leasing of story material, legalites aver. Actually/ it is said, there is little difference between licensing a story dr play for a fixed period in which a liimp sum is paid at once and leasing the same story for. a term of years. General rule enforced by tlic Treasury provides for the pay- ment of the tax as income of one year where the transaction is com- pleted within that fiscal year. « By leasing, the author or playwriglit spreads his compensation and there- by cuts his tax. Question which now crops up is whether tax offllcinis will regard leasing with jaiahdiccd eyes as a device to escape the bnc-ycar provision, attorneys say. Flays Newtreel Overlap Indianapolis, June 11. Duplication in newsreels is latest target of Theatre Facts, bulletin of Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana, put but by Don Rosslter, secretary. "A num- ber of Indiana exhibitors have stated that the amotmt of shots duplicated by the different com- panies' newsreels Is at an all- time high," Rosslter states in latest burn. "During the war ~the. iBlih coihpanles used the short- ness of : manpower, materials, diiTicultles of travel, etc., to ex- cuse duplication. That, condi- tion no more 'exists, and it's; high time the . newsreels stop interchange of shots which re- duces greatly the value of the ■ newsreel to the .exhibitor;" Jodge Throws the Book At 6th Ave. 'Hot Shot' Fixer Branding ol the Miami theatre (N. Y.) as a "public nuisance" by llic court of special sessions this week, a novel legal procedure heretofore un- precedented so. far as a N. Y. theatre is concerned, has Dept. of Licenses onioinls piizxlcd on tl>e lensth of t nic the house will be padlocked as a re- sult of the judicial label. New York corporation counsel is currently bc- in;; quizzed to answer that one. Court hearings on Monday (10 1 brought down the house when the thi'cc judges presiding, anccred over tlie addition of 401 feet of "hot shots" in "Guilty Parents/' fllm which v. as playing at the Miami, called that tlic- atre a "cesspool, a menace ind a dump on Sixth avenue." Maxiivurh fine of $500 wa.s slapped agaiii.'it B.-n- mir .Amusement Corp., operator .of the house. Benjamin Brodic. picz ■'of Benmir, who contrary to the cor- poration had pleaded not euilty. will Bassler's Busy Summer Hollywood, June 11. Busiest producer at 20th-Fox this summer will be Robert Basslier, who has four features slated to roll within six weeks, starting June 24 with "The Homestretch," a Techni- color .production co-starring Cornel Wilde and Maureen O'Hara. Others are "Tlie High Window" and "Bob, Son of Battle," starting simultaneously July 1, and "Party Line," taking oft Aug. 5. Army Show Savvy To Hypo Hitches Army showmanship, which reached i ne\y hiigh during World War II as the War Dept. sought to enlist the country behind its GIs, is again out' doing itself in current efforts to re' build the Army via voluntary en- listments. With Congressional dilly dallying . preventing conscription procedure from providing the 1,- 000,000 men the War Dept. wants, the Army is going all-out on an ad' vertising, publicity and exploitation campaign that has seldom been equalled. Major item is the "Army Ground Forces Caravan,'- which opened a five-day stand in Albany, N.."Y., yeS' tcrday (Tuesday). It takes 40 ve- hicles, requiring almost two miles of road, to move it, with, one of the truck-trailers, containing a taiik, weighing 60 tons. Personnel includes 110 men, eight officers and a dog trained to smell out the enemy. Ex- hibition moves frornl the Albany armory to Rochester and then pro- ceeds into New England. Another major exhibit Is slated to open at Steel Pier, Atlantic City; I June 22. Covering 11,000 square feet, ; It will include a Signal Corps' dem- ' unstration of radar reaching the moon, jet-propelled planes, every sort of air and ground forces train- ing gadget, airborne infantry equip- ment, etc., etc. Mucli of the exhibit is of an audience participation na- ture. In addition, the personnel, consisting of 60 men, all combat veterans, will give three special shows a day. Two Air Force traveling exhibits are already being operated in New York City and New Jersey. Each of them is housed in 10 trucks and is in the nature of a walk-through. T'-cy've all been put together under tlie guidance of Col. Dorsey Owings, director of public relations ' for re- cruiting of the 2d Service Command, which headquarters in Ne\y York. Owings also introduced something new iu the way of radio promotion with a spot announcement platter adapted from the Army's Duck- worth marching chant, rather than flraight talk. Discs were so widely Ijlayed that the Army has changed stand trial Sept. 23. 1 the words of the chant and is now Judge Hackenbcrg declared: "Any I putting them on some hundreds of license issued for this place will be I stations commercially as one-minute Over my dead body." PadlocUln.;,' I announcements. Outlets arc being may be indefinite unless theatre [paid to us6 10 of the spots a week, owner, can obtain a legal upset on ■ Another ■ hunk of showmanship appeal, liccn.<;e officials said. It was was the purchase last week by the pointed out that the License Di-pt.. ! Army of a flve-minutc five-times-a- Usclf, was noW powerless to lift ihe week sports show on WJZ, N. Y. It ATA's 1st Move To Cut 20% Tax Opening gun in a newly initiated campaigri to scale down the current 20% Federal amusement tax oh the- atres will be touched off today (12) when Ted Gamble, American The-, atres Assn. board chairman, and Robert Coyne, executive director, huddle with Secretary of the Treas- ury Fred M. Vinson". Move is con- sidered first step in an effort to win Treasury support of exhibitor pleas for Congressional action. Preluding the Federal tax battle, Coyne as ATA rep joined in the; successful fight last week which headed off a proposed bill to hike Illinois state taxes by 10%. • ' ' Designation of Vinson as nominee to Chief Justice post in the Supreme Court almost crimped slated confer- ence. ATA officials decided to go ahead with the confab despite the nomination to., sound out Treasury sentiment: Gamble and' Coyne will push the argument used successfully before the Illinois legislature that fllm adrnission taxes are directed against the poor man's steady amuse- nrient diet. Feasibility of a reduc- tion at tlie present time is also in for discussion. The two ATA officials will also meet with Basil O'Connor on the same day. O'Connor as head of both the Red Cross and The. National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, charities which lean heavily on the- atre collections, is set to talk about ATA's one-a-year theatre drive stand. With Gamble currently serv- ing as topman for the American Cancer Society, all three important charities will be represented, Problem of distribiitipn of collec- tions poses major l)urdle to be thrashed out. Understood, also, that O'Connor opposes entire idea of one- a-year drives which is figured to hit the March of Dimes campaigns par- ticularly hard since approximately two-thirds of its. receipts are gar- nered in the filinhouscs. ATA. offi- cials, however, arc. not expected to yield on that point. ban without court action. Paramount Meeting Reported Routine Paramount board .meeting. TImut- day (C) is reported to have bec-n routine. There was no official an- hounconicnt of the session, which. wi!s brief. Company's- annual stockholders' meeting will be held next Tuesday (18) to consider increase in capital sitiek of ihe company. Later that duy. Barney Balaban, president, will leave for the Coast,, accompanied h.v Ccorge Weltner, head of the for - ei. n department, Leonard GolcU'.n- son. v.p. over theatres; Adolph '/M- kor, chitlrman of .board, and Curtis Mitchell, ' publicity -adverlisin;{ iKad, to discuss product and other plans is preceded by a 15-sccond version of the Duckworth chant recruiting disc. N. W. Ayer agency is handling the War Dept. radio account. Chico, Cal/s, 3c Tax San Francisco, June 11. Cilv of Chico. Cal., yesterday (Monday) voted 1,G04 to 734 .to up- hold a special liceiisc tax of 3c per adniissi:)n, excepting children, under 12. on !(.«.■ two picture houses. Sena- tor seats 1,400 ajid the American 980, both being Golden State theatres. Tax will net Chico approximately $16,000 aiuuially. While the tax. louglit by many as discriminatory, is upon the theatre ownership, nothing nrevcnis their passing it along to tiir theatregoer in increased admis^ sions. SCHAEFER RETURNS TO PK WITH 2 INDIES Hollywood. June 11. George J. Schaefer returns to film production with two pictures. "Mir- acle at Midnight" and "Shady An- gel," to be produced by William Stephens with financial backing by Equity Capital Corp. Schaefer is president and board chairman of latter. First feature, "Miracle,'' will be a starrer for Rin Tin Tin III, slated to roll in July. "Angel," starring William Bendix, gets a January start. Meanwhile. Schaefer is nego- tiating for a release outlet. Arch Mercey's Bow-Out Poses New fix Prohleni AVashington, June 11. Announcement by President Tru- man last week that he will permit the Office Of War Mobilization & Reconversion to' taper off and dis- appear in a couple of months, will result in the discontinuance or shift- ing of the OWMR liaison with the (i\m. industry.' Unit is presently headed by Arch Mcrcey, formerly with bWI. Mercey .serves as clearing house for Government rcqut'sts for as- sistance from the studios and fllm Iheares in connection with official shorts and clips. Only recently, in an address in Florida. Mercey prom- ised exhibitor.^ that the Governrnenl will inake very few requests for screen time, and then only for very important subjects such as the world food shortage. Fpldoroo of the job ; would mean thai the industry will be back to I the old fiamc of sparring with a I dozen different Federal dcpartnients I and' aiLlcncio.'--, all of which 'want ' soinolhing at tlic same time. Casey Ired at Retireinent Reports; Labor iStuation StUi 'Explosive' A Stand-in Winnah One of the eastern N. Y. ipan- agers who won a prize entitling him to a trip overseas because of his work during the war iii behalf of the War Activities Committee never made the trek, biit it was through no fault ol his owTi, When the owner of the circuit learned that one- of his house managers had copped the European trip, he decided to go in his place. "After all, I taught that man- ager all he knows," was the rea- soning of the boss. So the cir- cuit topper took the trip. ■¥ Indignant at reports he was plan'-, ning or had been asked to quit his post as studio labor contact, Pat .Casey, in New York last week stated that no one had ever, spoken to him on the subject Asked , if he was considering retiring, he said; , . "I won't say yea and I won't say . no until someone asks me to get out. I don't believe in crossing bridges until I come to them." (Eric Johnston, president of the . Motion Picture Association, the previous ' week told Vabiety that he was desirous of: bringing into the industry, under his wing, a younger man familiar with all aspects of modern labor relations . techniques. He stated the matter of Casey's re- tirement had. been discussed. Casey, 71, is independent of the MPA set- . up. His salary is borne by 10 com- panies.) Casey declared the present labor situation in Hollywood is as explo- sive as at any time In the industry's history, with conditions now almost ■ identical to those of March, 1945, which led to last year's seven-month studio strike.'- He said he saw abso- lutely, no way out of it as long as the American Federation of" I,abor irefiised to settle jurisdictional dis- putes among its rnember unions and guilds. In all its history, Casey ob- ■ served, AFL has never settled one such, dispute. Commenting on Johnston's present efforts on the. Coast to trlng labor peace and stability, Casey com-, mented: '"If he can solve It, he's a bird." Vet : labor contact expressed little faith in the three points for studio peace that Johnston outlined in VAHiBTy last week. Two .of these points— an arbitration system and establishment, of a single committee of labor to negotiate all wage agree- ments on behalf of craft ijnions — Casey said had been aims of studio execs for . years, but they've never succeeded in . getting the union lead- ers agree to them. The third point— greater continu- ity of employment to relieve the workers' feelings of insecurity, which Johnston contends is the root of the labor problem— Casey said he : thought, was Impossible. He de- clared the industry just isn't organ- ized in any way to make more stable employment conditions feasible. Commenting oh questionable stu- dio labor practices of the past— which in some quarters have been blamed for Hollywood's present' troubles— Casey justified them as having been forced on. the industry.. He said the producers were forever luider a threat, from officers of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees to close down the nation's theatres if they didn't get their demands. Inasmuch' as this was the most serious possible action and would cost the companies hun- dreds of thousands of dollars daily, they gave in. Present labor troubles, similar to those of last year, grow out of the AFL's practice of direct chartering of international unions in jurisdic- tional fleUls exactly parallel to William R.. Ferguson, Metro ex- .^^''f , "f"""''"/^, , . ■ . J. „ , , lATSE charter. lA is an AFL affili- ploitation director, flew to the Coast '.ate. The opposing AFL-chartered Monday (10) to sit in oa huddles ' groups operate as the Conference of Meakin Upped ByRKOHieatres In. a major realignment move in operating supervision affecting numerous persons. Sol A. Sch- wartz, general manager of the RKO circuit, has' promoted Hardie Meakin, assistant division manager over the Cinciiinati-Dayton division, to post of divisional head of the' Trenton - New Brunswick - Washing- ton group of theatres. In consequence of this step, Wil- liam Clark, manager of Keith's, Dayton, is advanced to spot of as- sistant to Col. Arthur Frudenfeld, Cincinnati division manager, while Goodwin Siible, now manager of the Colonial. Dayton, succeeds Clark in charge of Kcitli's. In addition, Schwartz has created seven divisions over the Greater New York group of theatres, which iformerly was manned by two zone managers, Charles B. McDonald and Russell Emde, with two division managers each under them. Under the new setup. Michael Edelsteih, who was division manager with McDonald takes full comrnand of a group of houses, while Sigurd Wexo, Who also was attached to Me Donald's zone, will .be • assigned to a special theatre post in the home- office. Emde's two division mana- gers who take over for themselves are Edward Sniderman and . Joseph Di Lorenzo. John Hearns, who handled the Trenton-New Brunswick houses for RKO, and Jay Golden, who super- vised operations in Rochester, arc the other divisional heads in the Greater N! 'Y. area, which takes in New York. Brooklyn. Long Island, Westchester county and northern New Jersey. Ferguson Joins Dietz, Strickling at Studio with Howard Dietz. veepee over ad- vertising, and Howard Strickling, studio publicity chief. Dietz and Strickling have been conferring' for the last several weeks on hypoed publicity and exploitation campaigns for Metro's forthcoming product. Strickling is expected, to. return to the h.o. over the weekend. . Dietz will stay longer on the Coast" to fln-, ish setting up his. studio office, new venture which he hopes will bring about closer cooperation between the studio and h.o. publicity staffs. Studio Unions. Casey indicated he thought . Johnston would find him- self' a babe-in-the-woods in these violent cross-currents with all their background complications. ' Casey . returned to the Coast yesterday (Tuesday) after a week in the east on "personal business." MPRF Greenlighted For $231,000 Hospital Hollywood, June 11. Building permits were granted by the Civilian Production Administra- lioii to the ^fotion Picture Relief Fund for a $231,000 hospital and the Motion Picture Centre for a $230,000 sound sI-.ii;g. Meanwhile. RKO was denied per- mission to erect an ofTiuc building ccstiuK $G1.3r>0. Fund wil hold its annual meeting July 7 and has invited all studio einployo.>! tn inspect the! home and learn .-iboui its work in behalf of needy and dependent film workers. Seeks Fi'ench Talent For N;Y Vaude Policy Andre Magnus, director of pub- . licity for Siritzky International Pic- tures, planed to Paris last week to contact . French radio, stage and screen talent for appearances in .stageshbws to be put on by the Siritzkys at the Ambassador, N.. Y., , starting in September. , Sta,i{ebil!s, of foreign flavor, will, be played, with French. Italian and other foreiKn-niadc pix. RENE CLAIR PABISWABDS Hollywood, J'une 11. Rene Clair shoves off for Paris la two weeks, to produce and direct a series of French language pictures for RKO in associatibn with Pathe Cinema. First of the series will be "Golden Silence.'' with Ruimu and Francois Perier topping the cast. 20 Wednesday, June 12, 1946 Vrednesday, June 12, 1946 p^niEfV 21 SCREEN PLAY DIALOGUE BY BY CHARLES HOFFMAN & CATHERINi TURNEY • ADDITIONAL JULIUS J. AND PHILIP G. EPSTEIN • BASED ON THE PLAY BY PHILIP BARRY • MUSIC BY MAX STEINER PROOUCiD BY BENJAMIN GLAZER ITS A USSOM IN ITS A BIG NEW ONft FROM WARNERS Metro's 30th Anni Party for Durante Starts as a Gag and Winds Up an Event Whb't That Guy? Metro s Curly Harris had Is- ued instructions they^shall-not- pass without proper invitation card for the Schnozzola party, so one guy, sans ticket, was held up five minutes at the door until properly Identified. . He was only Mayor William O'Dwyer ol N.Y. City. Sime's RevieWv (March K, 1921) By ABEL GREEN What started as .a synthetic liosr talgic stunt by Metro's Joe Paster- nak and Howard Dietz, et al., in order to give the concurrent Capitol ^N.Y.) film, "Two Sisters from Boston," a little extra irr(^pctus, turned out to be one of those mem- orable Broadway nights which could play a week-stand. Dubbed a party in honor of Jimmy Durante's "30th anniversary in show business," the prcfsagented Metro stunt was eclipsed by an honest sentimentality which no studio could underwrite nor any p.a.s. promulgate to the de- ; gree it was achieved. The idea of doing honor ti the Schnozzola was such a . natural that it was soon apparent to the Metro homeofflce publicists their problem would be one of selection rather than promotion. The demand.s for ducats for the "Club Durant," on the site of the Prohibition landmark, the Silver Slipper, at Broadway and 4Bth, were hotter than, a 1946 drive- yourself. ' For the occasion even the City Fathers dispensed with protocol for one of its favorite sons and issued a one-night liquor license to the "Club Dura, f :." Today it's actu- 1 ihis piece of property." ally the Golden Slipper, one of those Brandt interesU, headed by Harry dime-a-dance creep joints where, as ^^^^ vvilliam, have no immediate Schnozzola cracked, he came down | ^^^^^^ .^^^ 42d-43d properties, but that afternoon "to case . the jernt, iiader things ease up and building hold a record playing, and, before I j entertained, they will decide knew it, one of the hostesses grabbed ^^,hat to do in developing the large me and right away I was Uking six parcel Harry Brandt stated' that, fast lessons." meantime, the five film houses will As Carol Bruce aptly put it, vvhen continue in operation, A skyscraper called on to do something, by c6-em- .with possibly a couple theatres or cce Danny Healy, "This is Jimmy's |, igrge hotel are mentioned as pos- night," which is why the host of : sibilities. . ' other top names refrained. Clay»on. ] ^^.^^^j^^g on 42d .street. Brandts' Skyscraper' Or Hotel Planned For 42d43dSt,N.Y.,Plot Now owning five theatre proper- lies which extend from 42d .street through to 43d in New York, all that the Brandt circuit needs to com- plete what Harry Brandt, president, declares will be the largest plot in the Times Square area will b« the purchase of a onc-story cafeteria structure which . takes up around 30 feet oh 4'2d street. . Located in be- tween the Apollo and -Selwyn thea- tres, Brandt admitted that "we may have to pay through the nose tot Jackson & Durante, reunited for the occasion, reprised almost everything j they ever did with the exception of Mile. Fifi's "The ■ Americans" and "Wood," latter because ot the lack of props. Lou Clayton doing his schottische — including the prop' salt— and Eddie Jackson with his sockeroo strut and general vocal assist to the Great Proboscis gave the young-oldsters a nostalgic bang. This was the rein- carnation of the glamoroiis Prohibi- tion era in all degrees. Sime's re- view — reprinted herewith — when he first caught the boys at Loew's Slate March 16, 1927, still holds true. They did everything in the book. Still Tcrrlflo •Vet showmen . like Irving Berlin, E. Ray Goetz, Billy Rose, Earl Car- roll, Milton Berle, Xavier Cugat. Monte Proser, Eddie Davis, Sherman Billingsley, Danny Healy, Joe Lau- rie, Jr., Harry Hersbfleld, and the seasoned Broadwayfarers like Louis Sobol, Dorothy Kilgallen and Danton Walker, among others, later ap- praised the boys, as regards 1946 standards. The conclusion was they're as socko toddy. Stripped of all Volsteadian sentimentality, it can honestly be said that Du- rante & Co. have a spark which is truly unique. The best answer is Schnoz's continued riding the c^est. N. Y. Post's Earl Wilson, who wa.^n't around Broadway 20-25 years ago, best sums up the newcomers' reac- tions to the Great Schnozzola when he said: "It's all I've been hearing." Good Ad Libs The spontaneity of the Durante- isms made for as much of the fun as their now seasoned routines: . As the snapshots flstshed Durante ex- claimed, "I'm . being more ' photo- graphed here than in my picture." In tribute to Lou Clayton, now his manager, he exclaimed, "But tell me, folks, how much is 300%!" Seeing the mob he cracked, "Chee, :I wish it was a pay in' crowd tonight." Rem- iniscing about "Red Hot and Blue," in which show he was with Bob Hope and Ethel Merman, he mused, "I wonder what became of them while I've gone on to greater heights." Leon Enken, headwaiter for Clay- ton, Jackson £c Durante at the old Parody and Dover Clubs, asked for the privilege of headwaiting again for this occasion, as did Bob Collins, now at Gallagher's. ''■ incidentally; Leon (& Eddie's) worked harder that night than at his own joint. His partner, Eddie Davis, also walked out on their 52d st. bistro to emcee the first show. Danny Healy took over for the second frolic— more of CJ&D— and, incidentally, Healy evi- denced himself not only as the pe- rennial' juvenile but one of the bet- ter emcees, bringing Helen Cohan, Lila Rhodes (Mrs. Charlie King) all adjoining each other except for the restaurant standing between two ot them, are the Victory. Times. Square, Apollo, Lyric and Selwyn.' Some of these theatre properties ex- tend through the block to 43d on which there Is a frontage of 22'ir feet, while on 42d street itself the ■realty extends 316 feet. All of the houses play grind double features, mostly old pictures. A deal acquiring the "fee" to the Victory theatre property brought about complete ownership of the large parcel by the Brandts. Singer's Soundies Suit Settled; Sum Secretive Ross Leonard, singer, discontinued his suit against Soundies Distributing Corp. in New York federal court Singer charged Soundies with distributing without consent a coin machine film called "Something to Write Home About," containing a transcription of his voice. He set tied for an undisclosed sum. Leonard, whose real name Is Pat Rossi, had sued for punitive dam- ages of $25,000, plus an injunC' tion and an accounting of profits. a^d people like that to the limelight in contrast to the current crop of show biz names. The Whole Book Durante started off with the first song he ever sang in the original Club Durant (no final 'e' in those days; saved electricity that way) on 58th off Broadway, over a garage. It was "So I Ups to Him" and, from then on, the resulting hand-tOj hand acclaim truly substantiated that "this evening is the highlight of my whole career." Thereafter he did the gamut from "Jimmy . the Well Dre.een for benefits, including their Winter Gar- den Sunday night engagements. Lou and Eddie are all set as they are. It's Jimmy who must set him- self, as he carries the burden ot the comedy and nearly all ol the en- sembles. For instance, the orches- tra directing -bit; that panicked the halcony-and seemingly downstairs as well. But it wasn't so good and it wasn't Jimmy Durante. Jimmy can draw his comedy just as broad, and much finer. And "Yucatan" will never be a sharpshooting stage riot. Opening in "one" with Donnelly alone at the piano, the three boys gagged along with Jimmy in a Stet- son, probably borrowed, and singing "I'm Going to Tell a Story," full of gags, helped by his two companions. When going into the full stage, a handsome' set with the orchestra grouped in the center, it told that unless the "one" opening is neces- sary, the act should sUrt in the full set, the nightclub scene, and remain there. "She's Just a Cow" and "Old Broadway" were brand new to the house from their laughter and ap plause. So was "Yucatan" and "The Noose" (news), also all ot The Nose (schnozzle) stuff. Lou worked the nose thing to the limit. For the finale it was "Jimmy, the Well Dressed Man." Durante's own song, and a catch-phrase around town now, picked up from one of the Durante dumps that started on West 58th street, moved by request to 51st street, and again playing for more people and money at the Parody, where they are one of the sights of the town. That goes both ways. For an encore Eddie did his "Hot- test Boy," bringing up another fact, that the longer anyone watches this trio, the more they like them. There is no act in the business that grows on an audience like these three boys, through their work and personali- ties. Each is individual and neither clashes. WednonJay, June 18, 1946 Inside Stuff-Pictures Occasion ot Warners' 20th anniversary celebration of talking pix reculls the hostile attitude towards films oh the part of vaude bookers in the early days ot sound. Introduction ot souncf was Iboked upon as a deadly chal- lenge to the variety stage, which already had lost lots of ground to the silent films, and talent was turning more and more to sound shorts as a way of keeping in the public eye. Trying to dam this drift to films was Edward F. Albee, whose Keilh- Albee circuit controlled the major part of the country'! yauders. Albee threatened to rblacklist all performers .who appeared in sound pix and, in 1927, K-A inserted a clause in all contracts forbidding actors to appear on Vitaphone. As is known, the vaude artists- ignored Albee's threat and went over to the new^ medium. Among those who fared better on the screen (and radio, which benefited tremendously becaiise ot the new flock of audible stars who were created) were Jack' Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby-, Fibber McGee i Molly, Bob Burns, Edgar Bergen, Biirns ahtt Allen, and many pthers. While studio space on the Coast remains tight for any r^iajor production, the increasing niiiiiber of producers of commerciallyrspohsored pipturrs seeking Holly wood studios are finding it fairly easy to rent space for a short period of time, according to Gordon Knox, prexy of the Princeton Film Center. Knox returned from the Coast last week, where he lined up space at (he new Morey & Sutherland studio.s tor a two-reeler for an as yet uniden'lifird sponsor. Knox plans to start'rolling the film sometime in July on a lO-dH.tr shooting schedule, utilizing Hollywood talent. Under lATSE rules, Knox will use studio technicians for the picture but will take along his own staff of writers and directors. Insiders got a snicker out of Bo.slcy Crowther's review in the N: Y. Time.s Saturday (8) of "Without Re.servations" (RKO). Crowther and ihe Screen Writers' Guild have been in combat tor several months over a SWG charge that he didn't give proper credit to writers on a^ picture. Times critic, in his"Reseryations" revie\y, said:". . . there are several tirf- some episodes and foolish attempts at sight gags to remind one that writer and director were laboring heavily to put over a stunt. . . . Jesse Lasky, who produced, and Mervyn LeRoy, who directed, should have manifested a Utile more taste--or should we charge the omission against the 'wTiler of the screen play, Andrew Solt?" Ingrld Bergman prolonged her New York stay 'recently, but. to no avail, a\yatting a first-hand look at a new Swedish film which Warner Bros, was bringing- Over with Viveca Lindefors starred. WB has . the Swedish girl under contract — she's. already on the Coast — but was importing Miss Linde- fors' last Swedish-made film (or academic reasons and.possibly also remake, as happened with David' O. Selznick's"Inlermez'zb" (Bergman); Incidentally, Katherlne Brown, former RKO story editor in New York and now running the N. Y. office ot Leland Hnyward (MCA), set the WB- Lindefors deal. Carey. Wilson, Metro producer, who has perhaps Hollywood'."; most free- wheeling, tongue, is not averse to telling stories on hinnself about his verbosity. Irving Thalberg once told him, he sez, that it's a good thing he didn't write the Lord's Prayer. "It might have been pretty good," Thalberg said, "but it would have taken 20,000. words." . Mayer's Policy CoBtlnucd from pafe.S; Anyhowr, the State Is only next door. It will be a pleasure to hop m at a supper show some day this week to see them flop. They all nop at supper shows. Furthermore, this .settles the mooted point whether these unques- tioned and unique entertainers will do for the stage. They will for any stage. . sime. mUE SKIES' CHI PREEM AS A SALUTE TO B&K Paramount will world-premiere Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" in Chi- cago in September as a salute to Balaban & Katz, pioneers in de luxe motion picture theatre operation. B St K rarely indulges in world preems. , There will be ^ a national "Blue Skies" Week during which Berlin will make personals, radio gucst- shols. acquiring it; Same goes for best- selling books. Final determination to halt par- ticipation in production of legiters and purchase of screen rights prior to a show's appearance on Broadway came with a going-over by Mayer ot current season's figures. Aside from "Show Boat," screen rights which M-G alr^dy owned, no move lias, been made toward filming any of the other six plays in which the company participated — and it ap- pears possible that they . never will be picturized. Even "On the Town," which was a solid hit, has attracted no interest from Metro's producers. And screen rights are costing the studio around $210,000. It put up about $250,000 for the rights and is getting back approximately $40,000 as its share of receipts. "Show Boat." ^1 Al. "Show Boat" hasn't I'eturned any- thing to Metro yet, although it is running at a profit and is expected to get the company back by the end of the year the $172,000 it contrib- uted toward the $300,000 production cost. If It continues running in the black after Jan. 1, Metro, ot course, will be on velvet. "Day Before Spring," which was a flop, represented total expendi- ture of better than $225,000, with $100,000 base Aim rights cost, $60,000 in weekly payments while it was running and $75,000 for participation in the. legit production. -"Streets Were Guarded" was practically to- tally financed by Metro— it put up $60,000— although it made no ' deal (or pic rights. All the coin was \0!^. "Soldier's Wife," which ran fof better than 20 weeks,: was a bit bet- ter. M-G got back halt of its share ($25,000) of the production cost. Screen rights cost it $75,000, in ad- dition: to the usual Dramatists' Guild contract arrangements of 15% of the wefkly receipts. On "Rich Full Life," Metro put up $25,000 in pro- duction costs' and got back $18,000. It paid about $80,000 in addition 'for pic rights. "Rouhd Trip" had $20,000 of Miet- ro's coin in its total 50G production cost. It got :none of it back and had no picture rights. On the other hand, Metro has gar- nered quite a list of profitable prop- of Mary Dugan," "Rio Rita." "Pan- ama Hattle," "White Cargo," "Girl Crazy," "Tonight at 8:30," "Grand Hotel," "Dinner at Eight'' aiid Idiot's Delight." Settlement has been, \vorked out by. Metro with Howard Hoy t, who headed the play department,, and Harriet Kaplan, his assistant. They felt that the severance, pay they were given when the department was disbanded was insufficient in view of the exec positions, they held. Following negotiations last week with Metro prez Nicholas M. Schenck, Hoyt and Miss Kaplan got additional sums which they now consider "satisfactory." Both are taking vacations at the moment and expect to announce' future plans shortly. MPRF GREENLIGHTED FOR $231,000 HOSPITAL American Council on Education and the Film Council of America have completed plans for (he nar tional audio-visual conference to dis- cuss motion picture work of the United Nations Education^.!, Scien- tific fc Cultural Organization, slated for Friday (14) and Saturday (15) in Washington. Leading American educators and film and recording apecialists will huddle with U. S. State Dept. reps and delegates from major civic or- ganizations in formulating recom- mendations to be presented to the UNESCO preparatory commi.ssion, . scheduled to meet in London in July. Dr. George F. Zook, ACE prexy, will preside at the two-day session. Participants in the conference, in addition to Government agencies concerned with UNESCO, such as the Office of Education and Dept. ol Agriculture, will represent most edu- cation, professional and civic organi- zations dealing in production, distri- bution or use of motion pictures and other visual materials. These in- clude the. National Education A.s-sn, National University Extension Assn, National Assn:, National Assn. of Broadcasters, National Assn. of Vis- ual Education Dealers, Allied Non- Theatrical Films Assn., Educational Fijm Library Assn., American Library Assn. and the Assn. of EcTAB 8:30 A.M: astor I'woy ol 4Stli St. «^ ON SCREEN "Thurs., Juno 13 Una TURNER I John 6ARFIEU) *Tli« Pettmoa Alway* RIaqt Twice' IN l*ERSON^ Mtniiha siiiiinlli Henry 'Red' Allen and >. C. HlNlnbelham and Bead EkTRAI Denea De Harea CHARLES BOYEK . JENNIFER JONES In ERNST LUBITSCH'S GLUNY BROWN 20th Century-Fox R I VOL I B'Waj * tHh St. Doom open (Nl* A.M RADIO CITY IVIUSIC HALL "TO EACH HIS OWN" Spaetaealar Stag* PredMcHem BADMANSTEmOf^Y MNDOLPHSCOn MM mCHMOS |# aonEtiMriUYES^ B WAY & 47th St. PALACE CLAUDEHE COLBERT JOHH WAYNE "Without Reservations" WlHi DON DeFORE An RKO Radio Picture 8TH BIG WEEK! WALT DISNEY'S ■ COMIDY MUSKAl HAViU J* ^ t Sales Pinch — Continued from paic 7 s which these outfits have been en- deavoring to cover by tipping other personnel. That's a natural expedi- ent, but one that can only be car- ried so far because of inability of lesser execs to carry the bigger loads or their unwillingness to take on heavier responsibilities. Promo- tion plan has already gone farther than much of the personnel justi- fies, some execs feel, and voids in major company staffs, particularly at the district manager level, still exis^l,-^•;, . . in Addition to men drained off by indies, top sales help has been lost to the production end of the business, with its promises. of quiclt- er gains, and to other industries. Many men in field forces have re- gned in recent years to take over theatres of their own. In addition, since the selling system instituted by the consent decree, inost, com- panies have found it desirable to have more divisions, more districts and more salesmen in each branch. So that's added still further to the shortage. There's scarcely a homeoff ice exec or division manager who hasrt't been .pproached in one way or another with an offer of another job. But with most of these men earning $600 week and upwards, they are in a category where ■ the tax situation makes offers of more coin almost meaningless. They don't feel, in most cases, that the small amount of extra green they could keep makes it worthwhile! giving up the security of jobs they've held for years. Gimmicks When tax-laws were more lenient, execs were wooed away with options to buy stock at lower than market price, big expense accounts and other such giminicks.. But that doesn't go any more. The stock warrants scheme^ which used to make stock .-profits made as part of an employment contract a capi- tal gains, now taxes them as straight income, and expense accounts, be- yond actual accountable expenses, are likewise fully taxable. Long-range solution to all this is. seen 1>y distrib toppers as careful choice and training of. men for the bottonl of the ladder. That's the student salesmen category. Students are now getting around $60 a week to start, moving to full salesman status in six to eight months and being upped to around $85. Latter used also to be the average pay of an experienced salesman, but com- petition among companies and from theatre operation has pushed it up. Necessity of getting and holding good men is likely to tilt it still farther. There's a big jump in pay between salesman and the next rung, the branch manager. Number' of companies have been combing ranks of returning vets for likely prospects as student film ped dlers and feel they have made some good- choices. Average of about one out of three studes sticks it out to become a permanent member of the industry. Present discomforts and hardships of traveling are discour aging to many of them. Pressure Groups Win IllnuHS Fight Vs. 10% Film Tax for Vet Bonus E-L Signs de Cordova Hollywood, June 11. Arluro de Cordova, Mexican film slar, was inked by Eagle-Lion to a two-picture deal, with "Don Juan Miirietta" as his first starrer. Story, to be filmed in Cinecolor, is based on the exploits of Joaquin Murietta, a sort of Robin Hood in the early days of California. Col. Vs. Krasna (Par) Over 'Dear Ruth' Goes To Trial Today (Wed.) Plagiarisin suit of Colombia Pic- tures against Norman Krasna, au- thor of the legit play, "Dear Ruth,'' has been moved up for trial today (Wednesday) in N. Y. supreme court before Justice Samuel Null. Named as co-defendants with Krasna are the Broadway play's producers, Bernard Hart and Joe Hyman, all of whom are being charged with pirating one of Colum- bia's screen properties. Plaintiff charges that in 1942 Harry Cohn, Columbia prer, paid $4,000 for a work by Joseph Hoff- man, titled, "Dear Mr. Private," plus $28,000 additional for screenplay treatment. In 1944, a few months before Coluinbia was skedded to start production, Krasna copyrighted version of "Dear. Ruth," which, ac- cording to plaintiff, was similar in content to the Hoffman story. Co- lumbia, represented by attorney Louis D. Frohlich, is suing for an injunction and accounting of legit play's profits. Entangled in the suit is Para mount, which bought the screen rights to Krasna's play for $450,000, Aware of Columbia's claims. Para- mount has been marking time on the play's filmization until the litigation is settled. Paramount has. only paid out $1,000 of the stipulated purchase price with a provision in the con- trace giving the film company , the right to duck out completely if the court action is not flnisiied by end of the year. Trial was originally slated to be- gin- Monday ClO), but was postponed due to Frohlich's illness. In the meantime, Harry Cohn is arriving in New York from the Coast to attend, the trial as are Lew Wasserman and Jules C. Stein, prez of MCA, agency which handled sale of the Krasna play to Paramount. Latter is al- ready east. ■ Joan Crawford Setting Fmal Enterprise Details Hollywood, June 11 Joan Crawford and Enterprise are entering final stages of all negotia tions, with the actress understood ready to ink three-picture pact on participation basis. She is expected to start work on new ticket im mediately upon completion of cur rent chores in "The Secret," her final picture at Warners. . Discussions she had earlier with Skirball-Manning have been called oflf. Enterprise is miilling the idea of sending Ingrid Bergnrian and Charles Boy«r to Paris for aiiout two weeks of shooting on 'Arch of Triumph' agaihst authentic backgrounds in the French capital. Trip would cost less than the construction of sets Hollywood, and would draw a lot of publicity, Eiiterprise feels. Charles Einfeld, David Loew and David Lewis are huddling on the proposition and will announce a de- cision this week. GLOBE r:.^ I IICHNICdlOl RKO Rele3$e Enterprise Inks R. B. Roberts Hollywood, June 11. Enterprise inked R. B. Roberts as a producer and handed him the John Garfield starrer, "The Burning Jour- ney," as his first chore. . Until recently Roberts was busi- ness manager for ; Garfield and a number of screen- writers. CHI JUDGE WEIGHS KEEASING INJUNCTION Chicago, June 11. Film interests are keeping a close eye on Federal Judge Michael Igoe, awaiting his decision on an injiinc tibn against the Chicago film release system, filed last week by the Jack- son Park Corp. against Balaban & Katz and Warner circuit theatres in the Chi area. System, according to the complaint, prevents the Jackson Park Theatre from bidding on an equal basis with the large circuits. Judge Igoe listened to arguments by attorneys for both sides Friday (7), then adjourned the hearing to take the case under consideration The brief, asking for the injunction, further asks that price-fixing bei en- joined and that the use of double features under the system be elimi nated. It. also asks that the Jackson Park theatre be given playing dates ahead of B&K's Maryland theatre and a day-and-date run with War ner's Jeffery theatre.. That admission, prices be fixed by competition rather than by combina- tion and agreement was also asked, as was the right for earlier showing than that caused by artificial restric tions of the Loop and successive runs setup of the present system of releases. Plaintiff further asked the right for the exhibitor to negotiate for earlier runs without being faced by distributor combination designed fo deny this right in order to protect their own theatres from competi lion. . Chicago, June 11. Terrific propaganda effect of films was demonstrated vividly last week when pressure from the industry, in the form of trailers shown through- out the state of Illinois, was igiven credit for deleting a proposed 10% tax on films to help finance a bonus for Illinois veterans. Levy, if passed, was viewed as a wedge that other states throughout the country would take up to force through similar taxes in their home bailiwicks. However, it was bypa publicly admitted his fear of the films in a letter read to the senate by Republican Sen. Everett Peters, chairman of the bonus commission, in which he said he feared public resentment of the admission tax, on top of the present 20% Federal tax, might cause com- plete defeat of the bonus plan in the Nov, 3 referendum. Alternate Froposal Followup- proposal, as amended after abandonment of the film tax, now calls for financing of the bond issue through an increase in cigaret and racetrack taxes, plus a biennial appropriation from the general rev- enue fund. Estimated that the levy on smokes will produce $7,000,000 and that on the gee-gee industry $7,- 500,000, proponents having previ- ously estimated' the film tax would produce $5,000,000 a year. Sen. Charles F. Carpenter of E.nft Moline, 111., owner of a string of downstate film houses, was leader of the insurrection against the tax. Among those who appeared to pro- test against it were Otho C. "Pops" Leiter, professor of j6urnali.'cen di- vulged as a result of the meeting ot the National Executive Committee. From the Coast, some information has trickled back on what happened at a general membership meeting held in Hollywood while Lyon and Mrs. Bryant were present. Coast membership,, ^t's reliably reported, got tough with the (^uild negotiating committee, which Is headed by Lyon, and insisted , on progress in the Four-A "snail's pace", ncgotia- tionSi , . Present state of the negotiations, it's understood; it this: agencies have agreed to change form of old-type "release" which scripters must sign and which writers have denounced as "form of bondage!" That agree- ment is considered a victory by the writers. However, writers have been handed a hot potato by the agencies. Latter, who have all subsidiary rights to scripts and programs now under the old forin of release, still want to. hold on to such rights. They have proposed to Guild that, in future, the sponsor — rather than the agency — be given an agent's cut-in, or even, a higher percentage con- trib, in case the writer of a show ' should succeed in selling it for films, television, legit stage, or any other medium. Balk That's where writers balked, and that's where the West Coast membership is reliably reported to have put the heat on the negotiating committee. It so happens that Sam Moore, national prexy, is in Holly- wood and he proposed, a plan which the . Coast chapter adopted. The Moore plan is to tell the agencies that the writers will allow the spon- sor or agency a cut-in on subsidiary rights to full programs. But on one- shots, the Coast people insisted, they want the writer to have full power to sell subsidiary rights. Whether such a. plan would or would not stall negotiations between the writers and the advertising remains to be' seen. But that's the Coast plan, and (Continued on page 42) FCC Reopens WINS Book • On Transfer to AVCO Washington, June 11. FCC last week agreed to reopen the record on the- application to transfer WINS (Hearst Radio, Inc.) N. Y. to 'Victor Emanuel's A'viation Corp. Additional evidence is to be presented to the commission here June 19. Case has been hanging fire for some time, with indication up to now that FCC would nix transfer. Dinah Not Too Unhappy About Frankie Obligato Dinah Shore came into New York last weekend for a t« MMM t <<»>♦«♦» m mW YORK CITY . . . Ed kobak and his wife celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday (10). The Mutual prexy took her to see "State of the Union." John Faulk, folk story teller whom CBS' Bob Heller has been touting as a new Will Rogers, gets his air chance when he goes on the CBS net with his own show Sunday (16). Stanza's titled "Johnny's Front Porch," and Faulk will talk about anything that pleases him, for 15 minutes Philip Stahl, out of the Army, back as WQXR announcer. .. ;John A. Aaron upped at WQXR lo director of continuity. .. .Jack Barry has gotten apart- ments for HI vets in eight weeks through his WOR "Daily Dilemma" show. . . .ABC web building a new dramat show to feature Staats Cotsworth and his wife, Muriel Kirkland. ., .Fay Duncan quit J. Walter Thompson to handle New England Housewives Protective League show for Fletcher Wiley, as assistant to John Trent. .. .Landt Trio on CBS comes back for one week, June 24, after vacation, goes off agaifi, then returns August I • Terry Lampert, formerly in the William Morris agency publicity dept., has joined the Foot?, Cone & Belding flackery. . . .KSWM, Joplin, Mo., be- comes the 157th CBS affiliate July 18; It's a 250-watter . . . . AB9's trade publicity chief. Jack Pacey, ailing. . . .Mitch Grayson at Northport, L. .I., for summer, . ..Ivey fit Ellington's Hal Jerries off for a visit in Michigan. - Norma Roberts; Mutual music editor, taking on additional- duties as mag publicity head June 17, when Helen Stedman leaves .that post to return to Columbia Pictures. .. .Nornian Livingston, WOR's program director, to Florida Sat. (8) for two weeks' vacation. .. .Lewis Allen Weiss, v.p. and gen. mgr. of Don Lee network, in N. Y. for Mutual board of directors' meeting.... The scripter oh that critically favored NBC "Mariners Quartet" is Hal Engel. . . .Borden's, summer show with Tommy Riggs, pinch hitting for Ginny Simms, trying to hypo the stanza with a fresh writing slant. Jack Douglas has been taken off writing chore and scripting has been handed to combination of Larry Marks and Bill Manhof. . . .Eileen Farrell, star of Prudential "Family Hour," has signed an exclusive year contract with Columbia Records. First waxing will be an album ot Irish melodies . . . .Paul^avalle of NBC's "Highways In Melody," forming nuclei for nation-wide Boy Scouts of America orchestras and choral groups : . . , Sammy Kaye's "So You Want to Lead ^ Band" oh ABC switches from Wednesday nights to Tuesday nights 8:30 \yith broadcast of June 18..., Jackie Kelk signed to make regular monthly appearances on NBC "Sup- •per Club" during summer. Guy Lombardo's wife, Lilliebell, required SO stitches after being bitten by pet Great Dane last week. .. .Perry Como and bandleader Lloyd Shaffer of NBC "Supper Club stanza, Constellationed into New York Saturday (15) . . . .Como resumes his thi'ee-a-week stint on stanza week of June 24. . . . Ara Gerald and John McQuade added to "Our Gal Sunday" Patsy Campbell and Alan MacAteer join "Just Plain Bill".... Adelaide Klein, Maxine Stewart, and Lon Clarke join respective casts of "The Strange Romance of Evelyn Winters," "The Romance of Helen Trent" and "BackrStage Wife" ....Len Holton, of the Young fic Rubicam talent dept., has been ill for a week and is improving Tom Lewis going back to the Coast AFRA attorney Mortimer Becker married in Detroit last ' Friday (7) to radio actress Barbara Kline..:. Ed Franck, for a few years a messenger at Young & Rubicam agency, promoted to production staff of "We, the People" ....Rupert Lucas, in charge, of YficR production on the Coast, has been brought eastward, upped to program manager at agency's N.Y. h.q YfitR veepee Harry Ackerman commuting to Westport, Conn,, these days, where he's planning to turn summer home into permanent digglrigs. . . .With Harold Rome scheduled to go to Hollywood as result of. his success with the legiter "Call Me Mister," his wife, who's commercial writer at Ruth- raiiff fic Ryan agency (handling Rinso account) will go to the Coast,... Vera Barton's "Hospital Circuit" programs renewed for 13 weeks on WNEW. Group Seeks FCC Okay To Operate a Station Expressly for Des Momes Des Moines, June 11, Application has been made to FCC by a newly-formed broadcast- ing company to operate another station in Des Moines, under the name of Des Moines Broadcasting Corp. Company has been capital- ized at $50,000, with the station to provide programs "expressly for Des Moines," with emphasis on sports, music and local news. The application to operate does not specify a specific power but asked for sufficient strength to cover Des Moines. James L. Kelehan, former KRNT news and special events announcer, is president; David D. Milligan, first vice-president; George W. Webber, Jr., second veepee; George W. Web- ber, Sr., third veepee and treasurer and Robt. L. Webber, secretary. All live in Des Moines. m CHICAGO . . . Mary Hartline, 18-year-old prch leader of ABC'S "Teen Town," back after four weeks in the hospital. . . .Don Gallagher back as Peter Colby on the "Ma Perkins" show after four and a half years in khaki. .. .Wilms Herbert recently adtfed to the cast of "Today's Children," set to narrate NBC's new "Tales of the Foreign Service". .. .Maurice Copeiand is a new addition to the cast of "Captain Midnight". . . .Jack Ryan, NBC central division press head, appointed publicity director of the newly-organized symphony orch in suburban Evanston: . . .A"third-base slide" in a Memorial Day ttaseball game netted a broken ankle for Howard Greeter, ABC photog . . . .Ward Quaal, WGN announcer back from the Navy, received a citation from his former' boss for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the per- formance of outstanding service". . . .Marie Karlstrom, of Mutual's midwest staff, on vacation to the Pacific northwest. .. .Recent staff changes at WHBF, Rock Island, include Bill Selah upped to production boss, Chuck Harrison, in charge of special events, and Ray Hampton named supervisor of sports i...Lynn Chalmers put of "semi-retirement" to join WBBM's vocal staff — "Terry and the Pirates" renewed for a period of 52 weeks by Quaker Oats. IN HOLLYWOOD ... Vic Hunter of Foote, Cone fit Belding chartered a plane for Sun Valley to shoot the breeze with Bing and. incidentally let fall a few pertinent remarks about General Motors and fall radio. They're still talking about how close The Groaner came to signing with Reynolds Pen Frank Pitt- man, Coast head of Needham, Louis fit Brorby, goes east June 13 to help get the Warings started in "The McGee's spot. .. .Rupert Lucas dispatched to N. Y. by Young fit Rubicam to start off "McGarry and the Mouse" and then join the home office staff as a program manager. ., Ted Bacon's Golden Strings back on sponsored time over KNX. .. .All Joan Davis deals have developed chills so it looks like she'll stay with Swan far another season Gene Autry finally got half hour segment on CBS for Wrigley and' his vacated quarter hour goes to Toni Cold Wave now hunting for a Holly- wood show.... Frank Samuels watching over ABC Coast operations while Don Searle vacations ..Alex Robb, head of program package sales for rfonn M/rH^''* condition following a stroke. . . .Fort Pearson subbing for Glenn Mardy as Alka Seltzer newscaster on Don Lee net. .. .Encores and intermish were trimmed at the Philharmonic where "Roberta" is on the boards so that Luba Malina could make a guest shot with Eddie Cantor Jan Savitts ork Skitch Henderson^ pianist, and Golden Gate Quartet flVl the summer void for "Meet Me at Parky's". . . .Dick Powell's"Hogue CJal- ery" moves from Don Lee-Mutual into the Fitch NBC spot but won't re- thlt ffml MBr" f''*'!? i" "how will be bought for 1 T.t * refused to sanction the move back to Mutual on the ground that its network would be plugging a rival's program. . . .Bob Hope l?,f"!/ 4°^" broadcast to his press agent for distribution ,°n tnwn ]^"T»,^n '^'!^ ^^^^^^ '^i'^'^l'^ • ' ^usiest chanteuse rinin- McKeon. In addition to her . two CBS sustainers she's doing flve-a-week quarter hour transcription series for Rexall, . . .Hal Bock rpnii^'n f,?,** °" NBC television. . . .Actress, asked why she chucked radio. orSirfrt c^'^'Fu*"? complicated. She Explained: "a director «f,n.f 9n.^V 1 "^'"8 ^ '°""^«<^ too ta"-" With the bow- out of 20th-Fox from Frigidaire's "Hollywood Star Time," production passes from the packager Famous Artists, to Foote, Cone fic Belding. ...Kay Kyser passed around small boxes of cigars to celebrate arrival of his first "Rpm,;;; p»,f^"^ ".,P.«"""?o"ia Vict™ and under an oxygen tent .f^!^" D ? iu-l^?"" IS being revamped by the Lyorts agency for fall sale. ..Paul Phillips, onetime producer of the Kay Kyser program, now "hronHin^"'^*'"^^''" oV'.'O"** Harriet.". .. .Ben Brady is back fi«l>fi ~?^^^^ sustainmg time. .. .Joe Rines has several agencies in- terested in "Hollywood House Parly." Microphone will eavesdrop on parties in the homes of the stars. WedoMdaf , June 12, 1946 27 BATHE OF COLLARHES AT CBS Decency, Too, Pays Off- It's true that no one deserves a medal for doing the decent thing. But when scores are tallied) it's worth iceeping the record straight about thoroughly sensible behavior on the part of a radio organization that could have made things tough all around— and could have thereby hurt the entire trade— had It chosen to act otherwise than with sheer decency. An example of such behavior Is that of CBS, and especially of its secy.-treas. Frank White, whose Job it Is to deal with labor. With three AFL unions embroiled and going every which way, and at least two of these AFL outfits opposing a CIO union in this week's (14) election for CBS white collarites, television people, and video directors— the networlc has opened its mouth only once. When It did appear before the National Labor Rela- tions Board in this connection. It did so only to oppose splitting the video nieggers from the audio directors. For the rest, CBS has kept hands ofl. Tacltjy, it said to its employees: Exercise your rights under the Wagner Act, choose whatever union you want, or noiie at all— It's your right, and we'll abide by results. That, from a big corporation, is behavior worth remembering. Bow Out of Clii FM, Leaving Dozen in Quest of 12 Giannek Chicago, June 11. ' Inability to comi>eto with en- trenched AM broadcasters caused the withdrawal of five applicants for local FM stations at FCC hearings ill Chi last week, bringing total bows to six. Cancelling their applications . were the Telair Co., Dual Engineer- ing Corp., Raytheon Manufacturing Co., .Johnson Kennedy Radio Corp., and Nathan Swartz. . Tl\e Agricultural Broadcasting Co. (WLS) also withdraw its application from the current, hearings, but will reapply for a frequency which is purely rural. Withdrawal ot the six applicants brought the number of those re- maining to an even dozeri, easing the pre-licaring tension which had der veloped over the fact that there were 18 appiicaj\ts lor the 12 available local FM channels. On the first day of the hearings Robert Knapp, of the Radio Chapter of the American Veterans Committee, ■ further con- fused matters by submitting a state- ment asking that two of the available frequencies be set aside for a period ot six months to allow recently dis- charged veterans time to file an ap- plication. Of the 12 remaining applicants, six submitted testimony at the hearings, which are being conducted by Sam- uel Miller, chief of FCC's new FM application department. Jack Blumc, new regional attorney for the FCC here, handled the legal end. Pro Blue Book Ml applicants concentrated most ot their testimony to proving their willingness to support the recent FCC Blue Book anent devoting more time to sustaining public service programs as against the present large amount of commercial pro gramming. AM broadcasters, now in the sad die, promised an Increase of public service shows on proposed FM sta tions, and organizations not now in AM biz but applying tor an FM (Continued on page 36) TOT OF GOLD' SET FOR RETURN IN FALL "Pot ot Gold," one of th« most- rapped shows, from a trade angle, when it was on the air uritil June, 1941,' is coming back to a network spot again in the fall. Sponsor will be the same as before, Loiiis, Howe Co., for. Tums. Horace Hcidt, who conducted the orchestra on the 'show's old stand, will not be back with it, the podium being taken by Dick Stabile and his 20-piece band. Gimmick of the show will be ex- actly as it was — turning the wheel ot chance among the nation's 11,000, 000 telephone homes and handing somebody $1,000. .As on the. 'Pot" ot old, no one will have to listen to be entitled to the graiid prize— answering the tele- phone will be enough. Show is being wrapped up by Roche, Williams and Cleary agency, with Richard Porter, veepee of the agency's New York office, now bu.sy shopping for a network and for time. Fry Vice Ogilvie Washington, June 11. Kenneth D. Fry was named act- ing chief of the international broad- casting division of State 'Depart- ment's Office of. International In- formation and Cultural Affairs. He had been associate chief in charge of the Frisco office. He succeeds John Ogilvie who re- signed after being with the Depart- ment and blAA since 1941. Fry was formerly NBC director o£ New and Special Events in Chicago. Union Sez RCA May Stymie FM Chicago, June II. A subpoena ordering RCA Presi- dent David Sarnoff to appear and testify at the FCC hearings on new FM stations in Chicago was request- ed Monday (10) by Joseph Mattson, director of the UAW-CIO Broadcast- ing Corp. of Illinois, who said he wants Sarnoff questioned on RCA's policies chiefly as they affect unions on volume production of FM receiv- ing sets. "Sixty per cent of all FM patents are issued to RCA," Mattson said. '•RCA is one of the largest produc- ers ot radio receiving sets in this country, and its production and sales practices and policies have an im- portant bearing upon the number of FM receiving sets which are and will be available to the American people." Malison's statement, included in the petition for a subpoena, contin- ued: "Unless receiving sets are available, it will be impossible to build up a listening audience, with consequent disastrous effec' on UAW-CIO Rroadcasting Corp.'s op- erations and those of other inde- pendent applicants who do not hold AM licenses and who are complete- ly dependent upon the success .of FM for their continuance in the broadcasting business. "Oh the other hand, the failure of FM will affect NBC very little, since it intends merely to pipe its AM pro- grams into its FM transmitter at little extra cost, Success of FM.is likely . to decrease its- (NBC's) ad- vertising revenues by the reduction in the population in the service area" of the metropolitan FM station as compared with that of its 50-kilowatt clear-channel standard broadcasting station." SET FOB fm. By, SAUL CARSON Eight hundred white collarites at CBS'N. Y. h.q. are going to the . polls Friday (14) to vote in three elec- tions being conducted by the Na- tional Labor Relations Board. And, with the company keeping its hands strictly oft the labor battle, the la- borites are keeping up a hot bally- hoo that will culminate on Friday when one CIO union- will oppose two AFL outfits. . Battle for the .800 is being fought by the United Office knd Profes- sional 'workers, of America (CIO); International Brotherhood ot Elec- trical Workers (AFL) ; Interna- tional Alliance of. Theatrical and ;Stage Employees (AFL); and Ra- dio Directors' Guild (AFL) . There are three distinct conflicts involved. One is the balloting of about "775 white collarities for choice of a iioion, oir for non-union affilia- tion. In that fight, it's the UOPWA. vs. IBEW and lATSE. . Second fight involves Radio Di- rectors' Guild vs. lATSE for control of about 20 directors and assistant directors in CBS television. Third separate 'ballot is for ex- actly six people. They are wardrobe mistress, assistant casting director (there is no casting director), vis- ualizer, animator, film cutter, and librarian— all in CBS video. For this small group, the separate ballot of- fers a choice between IBEW and lATSE. While the group is very small, the precedent to be set at CBS may point the way to the big fight ahead between lATSE and IBEW for control of technical per- sonnel in television — a fight that cer- tainly will spill oyer into Hollywood and the film industry in the future. UOPWA, with a special Radio Guild headed by experienced or- ganizers, has kept up the hottest campaign, using smart-looking prop- aganda literature and, besides, pre- senting a complete program, includ- ing wage classifications on which the CIO is ready to go to work "as soon as we win this election.". UOPWA's closest rival is IBEW. Latter, however, is< conducting its campaign through the national (In- ternational) office, the local at CBS, No. 1212, having refused to take in the white collar people. This point has been punched home a good deal by UOPWA, which points out that if IBEW wins the election the CBS collarites will be "second class" cit- izens. Truth is that if IBEW should win, chapter would be a "B'.' local. CBS engineers have an "A", local in IBEW. An "A" local, confined to male, journeymen only, gets one vote per member at a national IBEW convention or in a referen- dum conducted by the International. (Continued on page 36). Old Vic 'Diction' Stirs Professionals; Fan MaO Floods Columbia Workshop De Angelo Quits M-E Carlo De Angelo, producer on the staff of McCann, Erickson agency, has resigned, effective July 1." De Angelo will devote his time to freelancing in both radio and legit productions. Although he bows out of the agency's central radio depart- ment staff, M-E execs said he will be on call for freelance assignments for them. SFORTSCASTERS ELECT Tom Slater, of Mutual, succeeds his brother Bill as prexy of the Sporl!) Broadcisters Assn. as a rc- i suit of elections held last week, i Jimmy Dolan, treasurer of the I group for a number ot :years, be- ; comes a vcepce, sharing that office with Stan Lomax. Joe Hasel is scc- I reiary; Andy Lang, trcasiircr; and Harry Wisnicr, national secrclary. Continental Can Joins Exit Parade Continental Can, which sponsors the Saturday night "Celebrity. Club" CBS show, joins the expanding list ot bankrollers exiting from the ra- dio picture. Outfit is dropping "Club" after the Jurie 20 broadcast, after a year-and-a-half sponsorship of the p'rogram, .'Talent-production cost on show is |4,500 weekly. "Club." produced by Marx Loeb, had a 5.7 on the latest Hooper, with the sponsor reported not unsatisfied with its drawing pull, but decision to exit based on current conditions. Show had undergone a series of format revisions, incliiding change of title, being an offshoot of the old CBS-packaged "Report to the Na- tion." Jackie Kelk, who stepped into the show a couple of months back, in meanwhile reportedly set for an au- dition at Young & Rubicam for a halt-hour situation comedy. BBD&O is' the agency on the Continental account. Corwin and Luce For ComTSeries? . For the first time since he hit the big time on the air, Norman Corwin is likely to dp a sponsored series next fall, when he returns from his 'round-the-world trip as first winner of the Wendell Willkie. "One World" Award. Sponsor would be Time, Inc;, the Henry Luce out- fit publishing Time, Life, Fortune, etc. While negotiations are still in a delicate stage, with Young & Rubi- cam agency trying to wrap up the package,, plans are said to have ad- vanced far enough for agency to be huddling with CBS over peak list- ening time for a minimum of 10 full hours for the Corwin aircrs.- Hitch is said to be that Corwin, while not averse to accepting the Luce sponsorship, , with all the coin it would involve, insists that he > Pronounced public and trade re- action followed the two 9.0-ininute broadcasts of the Old Vic Theatre Company by. the Columbia Work- shop on June 2 and June 9. Both in Manhattan and Hbllywood the two programs, were musts with actors, director and writers, so that the irh- pact of the two shows upon radio land other) professionals was very considerable according to all inforr mation. The film colony, which of course had no opportunity to see ; Laurence Olivier and Ralph Rich- ardson do their stuff in person, were especially interested in Columbia's two $5,000 specials. What struck most professionals was the "''diction" of the repertory group. Thiis sort of speech is not often heard in Ameri- can . radio it was generally agreed and the example of the Old Vic players is expected to be' felt in diverse ways in the near future.. Professionals also fell in love with the idea of radio drama not limited , to the convention 24:40 of the spon- sored half-hours. "A chance to get your teeth into a part hardly evier i is provided in the U!S.A." one actor was quoted in a Colbec Restaurant bull session afterward. Professionals take note, however, of the fact that both Old Vic broad-, casts were based upon radio scripts prepared in. the CBS Program Writ- ing Division by American writer- editors, James Hart for "Richard HI" and Charles S. Monroe for "Peer Gynt". It was . surmised that this American collaboration probably did a lot to assure clarity and in- telligibility and made the perfect combination with the Old Vic deci- I sion. j John Burrell, director of the Old i Vic Players, took some 22 houra re- hearsal for each of the two per- formances. That fact attracted much attention in the trade. Herbert Men- ges rehearsed some eight hours with would have sole control of what j "^'^ orchestra for "Richard" and goes on the air. He's said to have.! iio.urs for "Peer Gynt", One agreed-to do the full-hour shows I f New York professionals wrapping up his impressions result- ^1"^"^'* ^" » ing f?om the global junket. But. he '"'^•^^^^^^''^ °" refuses to be bound too fast to a ] sponsor, and he would do these' shows anyway, having them aired as CBS sustainers, if the bankroller doesn't accept his terms. Dope is that Luce outfit is willing to spend as much as $100,000 for the Corwin airers. Corwin would not pay off in quality and pays off in audience. The impy one-hour rehearsals for the daily dramatic serials in the U S. A. were mentioned in painful contrast at many a cocktail-'party in the past 10 days. Meantime the, reaction of the gen- eral public to "Richard" (the re- only write but produce and direct 1 ''P?"-'^r«°. "P^^py"'; will be more evident in another few days) has been ecstatic. CBS officials report a snow-storm of "unusual" fan mail as well. Corwin is scheduled to leave by plane for London Friday (14). He's been going through a round of con- fabs and official farewell . functions for the last two week.s, first of these having, been the "Salute to Corwin" meeting run by the Independent Citizens Committee of the Arts, Sciences and Professions, with which he's worked closely as chair- man ot the radio committee. Mon- day (10) he was kudosed at a luncheon thrown . jointly by CBS, the Willkie Memorial Fund, and the Common Council for American Unity. William C. Paley, CBS board chairman, who was among the speakers at Monday's formal shindig,, virtually promised that CBS .would be open to Corwin to. make a report on the . One World theme when he returns. Mrs. Ogden Reid presided at the meeting, and among the guests were Corwinls parents and Lee Bland, CBS engineer who's go- ing to accompany Corwin. Bland will carry with him a wire recorder and other equipment which Corwin will use for his permanent record of occurrences on the tour. Corwin's trip will . take almost four rhohths. the schedule calling for his return to. Los Angeles, about Oct. 9 of 10. His itinerary, covers, after London, the following stops: Mexico City, June 4. Paris, Brussels, Oslo, Copenhagen, News of and comments about Stockholm, Warsaw, M o s c o w, | . strikes of any kind are tabu for Prague, Rome via Vienna, Athens, j radio in Mexico, the stations have two-day sidetrip to been warned by the Ministry of the with a surprising number of tele- grams. One complication in connection Willi two Columbia Workshop broad- casts were "conflicts" involving Laurence Olivier. . While Laurence Evans, general manager, and John Moses, agent, sold the Old Vic as a package to CBS the William Morris Agency separately sold Olivier alone to Anchor Hocking's Reader's Di- gest (June 2) and United States Steel's Theatre Guild (June 9) so . that for "Richard" Olivier arrived at CBS 20 minutes before air and for Theatre Guild it was necessary for the commercial's usual Sunday aft- ernoon dress rehearsal to be post-, poned because at the time, 3-4:30 P. M., Olivier was in Studio 22 do- ing the Workshop. Both the American Federation of Radio Artists . and the American Federation of Musicians rhade graci- ous gestures to the visiting British company, enabling them to appear for CBS under easy stand-by terms. Rose. STRIKE NEWS TABU ON MEXICAN RADIO Cairo with a Palestine, Kliarachi,'New Delhi, Cal cutta, Chungking, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, . Batavia (Java), Bali, Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu. Trip is longer, and more complete, than that taken by the late Wendell Willkie from which re- sulted latter 's. book "One World." Interior which recently banned news and comments about politics from the mikes. Station operators ai-e ired by the ban on strike news and comments in. view of the fact that this ban docs not apply' to newspapers, niags i and other vetiiclcs of printed infor- 28 RABIO REVIEWS Wednesday, Jane 12, 1946 •HOOK OF MVSTEBT" ("Japrney Into Fe»r") IVIth Lanrence Olivier, Alex Seonr- by, MUdrcd Ciinton, Gay Sorcl, Dwl(bi Weiit, BIcbud Coofan, E. A. Krnmsohnildt, Anthony Kemie Cooper, Robert Dry den. Commer- cial, Georee HIeks; annboneer, Norman BrokensbIre, Harold Levey, mnslcal director. Adapter: Robert Cenedella Producer: Edwin M. Marshall Director: Kenneth Webb 69 MIns., Sun., 10 p.m. V. S. STEEL CORP. WJZ-ABC, N. Y. (BBD&O) Let it be said a. the outset thai there's little doubt the biggest chunk of credit for U. S. Steel's .succeistul contrib to the Sunday iiight air be- longs to the ageiicy and the sock prodiiction-writing-directing' person- nel assembled bv the agency (BBD & O). Too often, the agencies are left out in the cold, and the sponsor gets the top kudos— whereas raps are directed at the boys on the talent side. A careful breakdown of raves and brickbats involving Steel'.s full season with "Theatre Guild on the Air" discloses that, it's the agency staffers— and neither the Theatre Guild brains nor the steel corp. s doughbags— who did the consistently good job. The sponsor, of course. Ls to be credited for having sense enough to pick somebody who knows how. But for the rest, it's the radio- men who can put the stuff acros.'i. And that was shown again when Steel bowed for the hiatus season with a l.'J-wcek season of full-hour mysteries. Teeoff vehicle picked for this aircr last Sunday (9) was Eric Ambler's "Journey Into Fear." Robert Cene- della did an adaptation that brought every bit of the novel's flavor to the radio version. Ed Marshall's produc- tion—except for onie spot— was tops; and Kenneth Webb's direction was superb. That ore spot, . which is probably not Marshall's fault at all. wa-s ithe star, Laurence Olivier. By comparison with Mildred Clin- ton's sock characterization of the only gal in the story, or the jobs turned in by Alex Scourby, D wight Weist, Richard Coogah, Guy Sorel, E. A. Krumschmidt. Robert Dryden and three parts by Anthony Kemble Cooper— by comparison with these, the touted Olivier illustrated exactly the reverse of the Theatre Guild's concebt of radio acting. The Guild seems' to think that great legit actors are necessarily best on the air. May- be they are — as far as publicity is concerned. But it ain't nece^arily .so a.<; far as mike presence, smoothness - of radioization, and general fluff-free air acting is concerned. Olivier's job was okay: that's all that can be said about it. There's any; number of top radio actors around the principal production' centers who could've done the lead job just as well, and perhaps without the six or seven fluffs which the great actor permit- ted him.self to make. On the . commercial side. George Hicks carried off his role as "voice of U. S.. Steel" proficiently enough, while Norman Brokenshire did the announcing chore i:v his usual neu- tral manner. Cars. "MEBCVBT SUMMER THEATBE" rAronnd the World In 10 Days") With Orion Welles, Arthur Marcet- son, Julie WarreDj Larry Law- rence, Mary Healy; Ken Roberts, announcer; Harry Levant orch Adapter-Producer-Director: Welles 30 MIns., FrI., 10 p.m. PABST BEER WABC-CBS, a.x. (Wnrujicfc fc Leoler) Whatever Orson Welles' eyc-ear- popping didderoos may or may not garner from the current Broadway production of the Jules Verne clas- sic with Cole Porter music— fact is- that, on the air (1), it was. a pleas- ant, half-zany half-hour that went so fast the listener .was .surprised when the stopwatch hit the end. Was it great radio? Who cares?. . It was fun. It was good listening, it was a ■ fltiing summer fill for that other sophisticated voice on the air, Danny Kaye. Pabst beer seems to have a penchant for that type of air showmanship, else it wouldn't have picked the Welles as the follower to the Kaye. Doubtlessly, Welles' bpener (or the hot-weather airer could have been more fun visually. But it was plenty good aurally. Welles ■ did a sensible adaptation of the stage version for the _ air, throwing aside conventionalities, hop-skip-and-jumpihg around the script with frank acknowledgment that 30 minutes on the air permitted no more extensive treatment. His stage colleagues, Arthur Margesvon, Julie Warren, Larry Lawrence and Mary Healy ■ were right . in there with him, pitching all: the way. Welles might have used more of the Porter music. But that lack didn't hit the listener as a disappointment until the show was over; one was too busv following the swift doings during the show- to, notice that the writor-producer-director-actbr was leaving .some of his boys and girls somewhat out in the cold. Ken Roberts handles the Pabst commercial^ with straightforward effectiveness, and Welles him.'-elf added a pitch for the brew with- out demeaning his artistry for a moment. Cars. ''ATTORNEY FOR THE DEFENSE" With Al Hoce, others Producer: Herb Rice Writer: Milton Kramer Director: Ernest Ricca 30 MIns.; Sun., 5 p.m. Suslalninir WOR-Mntual, N. Y. Apparently reluctant to dispel any of the mystery aura :n its solid two hours of detective stories, on Sunday afternoons, Mutual has come up with "Attorney for the Defense" as a summer replacement for '7he Sha- dow." Starting at 4 p.m., the web's Sunday roster pow reads "Mystery is My Hobby," "True Detective Stories," "Attoriiey" and "The Ab- bott Mysteries." All of which should be enough to satiate any detective etory fan. Most lnti;iguing factor of "Attor- ney"- is th'e fact that the show is written by Milt Kramer, who priac ticed law him.self for 10 years before turning to radio scripting and. con sequently, should have a wealth of material from which to draw. If the preem (iEI) performance is any indi- cation, . however, Kramer ' is taking full advantage of editorial liberty. Show is basically good and makes for entertaining listening, but it's • doubtful whether any attorney could get' by in court with the stuff Kra- mer gives hiis hero to do. . Script also bore several glaring' Inconsistencies. Story revolves around Roger Allen, successfur law- yer who apparently argues for his clients only to keep an obstreperous district attorney from climbing into the governor's chair on the shoulders of his court convictees. In one in- stance, Allen impersonates the D. A. before a witness. On. the following day, however, the witness sees Allen and the D. A. together in court and doesn't even notice the non-resem- blance. Ernest Ricca does a nice job of direction, k.eepin^ the action moving. Al Hoge is good as Allen and the supporting cast follows through in good : fashion. Producer Herb Rice nas fltted the show with fair mount- ings; including the Inevitable organ music, which helps set the mood. HEART SONGS" With John Paul Goodwin, Dwight Brown IS MIns:; Sun., 9:15 a.m. (GST) Interstate Theatres Circuit KTSA, LSC, San Antonio From the studios of KGKO. Dal- las-Fort Worth, comes this - fourth network program sponsored by . the Interstate Theati-es. Programs are aimed at the whole family just about ready to take off for church and feature John Paul Goodwin reading poetry to the background music of Dwight Brown. . On program caught "Heart Songs' were "Smilin Through." "If I For- get Thee" and "Will You Love Me When I m Old." Also heard at the closing was the hymn"The. I>ord Is My Shepherd;!! Goodwin has a pleas- ing voice and puts the poetry across. There's five minutes devoted to "Pictures of the Week" by Goodwin, to appropriate music by Brown. Lat- ter gives out with some good accpm- animent and should be given a solo spot to break the monotony; Best bet would be to add a vocalist to sing one of the "Heart Songs" to hold interest. ■ . . . Commercials are held to a brief interlude with a hint to the whole family to go to an Interstate Thea- tre in the evening for ^well enter- tainment and relaxing in a place where its cool. Andy. •^THE ABBOTT MYSTERIES" With Lea Tremayne, Alloa Bein- beart, others . Producer; Mendy Brown Writer: Ed Adamson Music: Burt Buhrman SO MIns.; Sun., S:30 p.m. HELBROS WATCH CO. WOR-Mutual, N. Y. tWeintroiib) Another in Mutual's listenable slate of Sunday afternoon detective stories. "The Abbott Mysteries bowed in Sunday (9) as a si'mnjer replacement for "Quick As a Flash. New show impresses as a light, easy to take mystery .with a good and novel script. Adagtsld. from the best seller de- tective novels , by Frances Crane, "Mysteries" follow.s through on Miss Crane's thesis of having each title revolve around a color. Preem, for instance, was titled the "Redwood Coffin." latter being the receptacle in which one of the principals was conveying a set of valuable gems from N. Y. to L. A. Judging from the show's debut, however, scriptcr Ed Adamson evidently had his mind on Alfred Hitchcock's film thrillers. Writer got in many o( the ideas first broached in Hitchcock pictures^ but never mana'ged to achieve the Hitch- cock suspense. ■ Most of the action in the .show oc- curs on a train, in which the femme jeweler vanishes somewhere cast oC Albuquerque— and which hint? -vaguely of Hitchcock's . "The Lady Vanishes." When the newlywed de- tective duo, Pat arid Jean Abbott, trace the gal to the gang'.s hideout and uncover the leader, latter sound.s very much like a Sydney Greenstrcet character, with his impeccable gram- mar but cowardly emotions. Which again hints of Hitchcock. . Show's basic faults lie In the lack of sijspensc at the "curtains" and the fact that Adamson didn't throw in any clues for the listener to try to figure out the mystery for himself. Climax, too. was corny, falling very flat. Les Tremayne and Alice Rein- hearl, supposiedly real-life newly- weds, are good as the Abbotts, achieving enough voice inflection in their clinch sequences to . make it seem that the newlywed tag. is authentic. Four commercials are thrown in. instead of the usual three, but they're- short and easy to take. ■ Stal. BARNEY ROSS With Bob Brnmby 15 MIns.; Mon. thro Frl„ «:4S p.m. BRASS RAIL RESTAURANT WHN, N. Y. With flght fan fever rising at the approach of the Louis-Conn bout, WHN has designed a show that curries favor with the element that's restless for every scrap of info on the protagohistic pugs. Ap- peal is strictly limited here to the folks with the flght bug in their bonnet which, judging from ' the numbers willing to lay down $100 for a pasteboard, must be consider- able. Show otherwise is haphazardly slapped together in grab-bag fashion. Show is originating via wive transcription but of the training camps of both fighters with Bob Brumby handling the bulk of the chatter and Barney Ross furnishing the inside psychology as one fighter looking on another. Initial progrnni, which originated from the Conn camp at Greenwood Lake. N, J., was handicapped by Conn's layoff and Brumby and Boss were forced into interviewing everybody in, .sight. Single question was posed each time: "Who do you think, will win?" Range of answers went from' hedg- ing to forthright predictions in favor of either Conn or Louis. Conn un- hesitatingly voted for himself. We expect the same from Loui-s. High .spot of the show was sportswriter Jimmy Cannon's reply: "Since both are enlisted, men I refu.se to pick one as against the other; if one \yas an officer, however, it would be easy to pick the winner on sentimental- grounds." Plugs for the Brass Rail were me- dium rare. "FOR WO>IEN ONLY" With CrelRhton. Stewart 15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Frl., 9 a.ni. and 3:30 p.m. ParticlpatinK WCAU, PhlladelphU Only male gabber extant fat least in these parts) whose entire spiel is beamed for femmes exclusively. Stewart -has a ear-soothing voice and friendly - delivery. Script is well prepared and topics, he takes are varied. He tells intimate little stories about folksy subjects; gives news items women would be inter- ested in; describes events and drives, in and around town, while dovetailing products he's plugging expertly ai)d subtly. . On twice daily. Stewart is cur- rently bankrolled by Bridgeport Brass Co., Philadelphia Electric, Celanese Corp., Gibson Art (greet- ing cards), Kingan's Meats, Ab- bott's ice cream and Colgate Co, Shot. Transcription Reviews "THE CORONETS" With Coronets and Scotty Harrell. Producer-Director: Jack Richardson Co-Op 460 Stations . (Standard Radio) Music, and more musii!, is Stand- ard Radio's forte, and all on the hy- pothesis that that's what the great majority of listeners prefer. Their library ranges from the hot licks of Matty Malneck, Eddie South, Art Tatum and the like to the rural rhythms of some of. the country's outstanding hillbilly combos, with "The.- Coronets," outfit herewith under appraisal, falling well in the middle and combining features from both of the far-flung schools. They're a sweet, swingy outfit, something on the order of the Three Suns, using Hammond organ, ac,- cordion. bass, guitar. Scotty Har- rell, vocalist, specializes in show, tunes, a la "Grand Night for Sing- ing" and "When the (ilhildren Are Asleep," and gives .'em rousing in- terpretations. Platters heard also included solid renditions of "St. Louis Blues," "Pickle, in the Middle" and "Doctor, Lawyer" by the band. ATilce. "SPADE COOLEY AND HIS DANCE GANG" . With Tex Williams and Precious ; Price Producer-Director: Jack' Richardson Co-Op 460 Stations I Standard Radio) Spade Cooley's "wrsterri swing" gets ' slick showcasing in Standard Radio's bid to the hinterlands. Combo of three guitars, novachord, accordion, two fiddles, harp, bass and drums plays swingy, danceable stuff that's a combination of "country" (they don't like to call it hillbilly any more) and swing, and they play it to a fare-thee-well, without any. reliance on set-callers, parodies of standards (a la Spike Jortes), or what have you. Standouts are tunes like "Steel Guitar Rag," square dance with riffs; "South swing," polka; "(Copenhagen," which is "society-type!' more than anything else, with accordionist and belly-flddler sneaking in .with some nice runs; and ballads like "Please Give Me One More Chance," "Heart- aches, Sadnes.s and Tears" and "Shame on You." Tex Williams shines in ballads, chirping very much 'on the order of Gene Autry, biit Precious Price, while sporting what's probably the year's choice monicker, is only so-so. Gal' just doesn't have the li'I dogie approach; however, she isn't on too many of the platter.s. and the side- men make up for any shortcomings in that dept. anyway. Mike. "OPPORTUNITY. V. S. A."' With Bill Berns. Bill Raidl, others 15 Minf.; Sat, 4:4.'> p.m. Sustaining WOB-MBS, N. Y. Here's a little show that may build into something quite significant, although it started slowly and with- out too niiuch excitement on its bow- in last Satrday (8). Idea' is an excel- lent one, and the two young ex-GIiS on the assignment seem to know how to handle it. Bill Berns and Bill Raidt are go- ing- to oilt' the country, in a jeep to interview fellow veterans and ask them, in effect, "how-ya dpin' buddy, and why?" "They're going to report oh the air in this 15-minute. Sat. package ju.st what the vets are do- ing, what the problems are it any, how they feel about things at home, in general, etc. Which should make for a sock show. Itinerary laid out for the boys covers about every im- portant city between the two coasts, Only slip seeins to be that they're sticking too close to the big cities and apparently forgetting that rural America's voice is also worth hear ing. However, maybe they plan to bring the rural customers to the studio mikes in the MiitUal' cities. On the preem, they put- on several New, York vets. .One- told how he e.stablislied a new mail service. 'an- other how he opened a haberdashery with the help of a Grioan. Third guy on the program is head of the Book Find Club who qualifled only because he's a vet — but his was a going business before he went to the service. However, there's no dpubt that the beginning was slow only be- cause, the two handlers were still close to home, working out of a WOR studio. Undoubtedly, they'll make their shows more interesting— the central idea being sound, and the know-how being there-as they, get further away from home base. Pageant mag is tied in with the venture. Monthly, the two GI trav- elers .\yill do a feature for the pub- lication, based on their trip. . CarSi '•BREAKFAST WITH THE BEN. NINGS" With Kay Campbell, Bob Mnrphy. Venlda Jones Frodncer - Wrltar - Director: Mary Agnes Sobraedar 15 MIns.; Mon.-Frl., 7:30 a.m. CARSON FIRIE SCOTT & CO. WBBM, Chicago (Burnet-Kiihn) Replacing "Wishing Well," early - morning pitch for Cnicagoans to get down to the Loop and buy things like crazy from the Carson Pirie Scott dept. store, "Breakfast with the Bennings'! is an unusual rise-and- shine layout, involving as it does some pretty heavy dramatics. Defi- nitely an experiment, its appeal will depend on now many, listeners ean take that, sort of thing at 7:30 a.m., in preference to standard musicom- edy r<5veilles. ■Shows teeoff with a player-piano roll by "Kay Benning" (Kay Camp- bell) of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morn- ing," with . Bob Murphy, playing Bob," her husband, sleepily yelling for her to quit hamming it up. The corn, she explains, was just to wake him uij. whereupon she segues into A more pleasant rendition of the tune. Venida Jones, incidentally, is the pianist, and her player-piano takeoff is a rib-tickler. Doubtful sector of th^ show is the first half, with the couple settling down for their cbffee-and. chatting meanwhile about "buying that wed- ding present for Cousin Susie in Carson's china section," etc.,- with Kay warning Bob it's getting late and to hurry and down his coffee. "It's 7:35, dear," she says, not only for Bob's benefit but for the listen- er's. There were two such time an- nouncements on show. heard. Last part of the show caught com- prised a sock dramatization of the life of Jane Fromari, termed "Queen of the Purple Heart Circ-iiit." which turned out to. be an inspirational "thought for the day" for Bob. Kay and the audience. Murphy and Mi.ss Campbell took all parts, coming up with a short but exceptionally well done yarn on the career of Miss Frornah. from an interview with Paul Whiteman that suppo.sedly started her on the bigtime -to the Lisbon , crash that crippled her but failed to crush her spirit The •'thought'! gimmick is a daily fea,- ture, and a good one. Miss Campbell's impersonation of Miss Froman, complete with stutter, was fine thesping, and the doubling jobs by herself and Murphy were done smoothly and believably. Pr6- (Continucd on page 42)' ♦♦»»«♦♦♦♦♦»<♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ "VARIETY FAIR" With Holland EnKle, Elmira Roess- ler, Spotlighters (4) Writer: Nellene Smith ■■ IS MIns. Co-op , (World Broadcastnig) . World Broadcasting has cooked up. a pleasant series of 156 quarter- hour musical seminars for its latest "Audi-Flex" feature. ASCAP-BMI vocals are dished out with zip by Elmira Roe.ssler, Holland Engle and the Spotlighters— two guys and two gals— and the latter also double on guitar, belly-flddle, vibes and piano. Writer Nellene Smith weaves a country fair theme throughout, with (Continued on page 42) "LUNCHEON SERENADE" With Hal Thompson, Glen Hunt, Karl Lamberiz and orchestra 16 MIns.; Mon. through FrI., 12:30 : p.m., CST . INTERSTATE THEATRES/CIRCUIT KTSA, LSC, San Antonio The Interstate Theatres Circuit of Dallas, with houses in pgncipal cities throughout the state, is 'be- coming more and more the heaviest uf^ of air time. This makes' its third network program. This opus originates from the studios of KGKO, Fort Worth and is aired over the Lone Star Chain. Coming as it does during the noontime, program is a natural for. the dialer. It fea- tures show tunes from current and past film successes. Program's theme is "You Are My Lucky Star.'' . Karl Lambertz is a vet . conductor in this area and is ably surrounded by .some' good musicians. String or- chestra is well modulated and serves better than a swing group. . !Eo the background of "You Ought to Be in Pictures," local announcers break in and give out with what is current at the local theatres. Here in San Antonio it's Glen Hunt, who does alright with liis brief com- mentary.' " ' Hal Thomp.son, recently returned fronj the armed services, is program announcer and gives out in neat style. , Commercials are in good taste and are hot too long. They invite lis- teners to "relaxe at your cool In- terstate theatre." Andy. |Follow-up Commentl ♦ ♦♦«« M t« M <<« M «»4«»«4» "Information, Please'! on Monday (10) hit the season's comedy jackpot with Jimmy Durante matching his I.Q. with Deems Taylor and the reg- ular "Info" braintrusters. If the ma- jority of the questions were slanted toward the 'ISchnoz" (at one point Taylor questioned the wisdom of his hanging around) then it v;as all to the good. For if it wasn't educa- tional, it paid off in plenty of laugh dividends. Durante was batting 'em out left and right; the guy's no ge- iiius, but what a showman! . "The PaclBe Story" has been a late-night San Francisco-originuled show on NBC lor nearly" three years now. Beginning with last Sunday's (9) segment, it becomes one of 1 he Ave series of summer programs de- voted to build interest in the United Nations (the others being "Tales of Foreign Service," "Our Foreign Policy," "Concert of Nations." and "Home Around the World"). If this week's airing of "Pacific Story" is a criterion, NBC's UN pitch should indeed prove a healthy stimulant toward global thinking on all kinds of issues, including the controversial. Sunday's show dealt with (he Burma Patriotic Front, the national- ist movement in that sector of the British empire. And if our British allies might be dispo.sed to look dbwii their noses at the type of frank ciriticism they drew from the show, there's no doubt that colonial and subject peoples would be ha ppy to hear that one of America's major radio, nets . gives their . grievances sympathetic treatment It was good, realistic material, put over with a minumum of dramatization but with maximum punch. WIND, Chicago, is giving staff an- nouncer Russ Patch a break by as- signing him to emcee "Nonscn.>-c Cupboard," morning record show that picked up some hefty ratings when, steered by Eddie Hubbard.- who has since been picked up by Chesterfield for their local platter pitch, a la Martin Block in N; Y. Patch is doing a good job. too, even ■ though he doesn't play a uke or sing along with the records, as Hubbard did. Announcer Aldan Fitzpatiick plays straight man, and the two guy.s. bat the gab around glibly, leaving plenty of space betweentimes for plugs for the Satevepost, Borden's. Ex-Lax, Walgree^i's, Chicago Dally News, etc. It's one of Chicago's most llstened-to wake-up shows, ac- centing platters by Sinatra, Caval- laro, Haymes & Porre.st Connie Haines, Jo Stafford end the like. Wednesday, June 12, 1946 RADIO 29 RACKETS MUSCLE INTO CHI RADIO Sen. Mitdidl Raps Whodunits, Okays FCC Blue Book Uie on Conunercials Washington, June 11. Radio "crime and horror" pro- grams were blasted on the Senate floor last Thursday (6) by Senator Hugh B. Mitchell (D., Wash.) who called upon FCC to do something about the whodunits which, ' he added, "impair the menUl and phy- sical well-being of children." Mitchell defended the FCC Blue Book on programming, and rapped the "glib" polls taken by the broad- casters to prove they were doing a good job. "Common sense alone should tell us," he said, "that the public interest is not served by commercial bally- hoo which seeks to reach juvenile listeners by. all sorts of tricky de- vices calculated to play upon their ypiilhtul emotions. Mothers know from ordinary observation that meaningless radio melodramas en- tice their children away for long hours from healthful play outdoors, from school lessons and from neces- sary household duties. Other in- jurious effects are evidenced in in- creased emotional tension and ir- ritability, sleeplessness or bad dreams, and premature acquaintance with the sordid and . delinquent as- pects of social life." Mitchell said that one broadcaster in his state, with a network affilia- tion, checked up on web "horror" programs and found they totaled 26 Vu . hours a week. Adding soap operas "because they too are de- signed to play upon human emotions and are full of murders and sus- pense," Mitchell said the two types of programs' added up to 76\i hours a week "devoted to entertainment of a sort that could be classed with the poorest examples of piilp fiction." "AUbl" PoIU "Too much has been made in some quarters," the senator continued, "of opinion polls which purport to show that radio is doing a better job — whatever that may be taken to mean — in the community than churches, newspapers, schools or local govern- ment. Glib-questions are bound to receive glib answers, The publicity attending these polls should not be permitted to gloss over the fact that radio broadcasting has many undesirable features and vast room for self-improvement. ' "The relevent question, I submit. Is not whether radio is doing a bet ter job than the churches and schools, but whether radio is doing its own job well enough. . "In fact many parents maintain that the churches and schools fare 60 badly because the radio is un doing the good work of these other influences. If American mothers and fathers were polled for their judgment on this particular issue, I dare say that the broadcasting in dustry would not be so prone to con- gratulate itself." Discussing the Blue Book,- Mitchell added: "I note a glaring omission in that report. The commission failed to discuss the responsibility of broad- cast licenses to the children of America. In other respects the commission's report performs a valu- able service. It shows there are wide gaps between promise and per formance on the part of many sta tion operators. "I cannot understand why the commission should be subject to criticism by some persons on the count of exceeding the law when it has now Anally begun to live up to the law, unless it may be that these persons hope to throw a smoke screen' around present shortcomings in the broadcasting industry. Most of the talk we hear about free radio is carried on in apparent unaware ncss of what Congress has written into, law and what the courts have adjudicated.. Those who think more important to sell commodities over the radio than to offer whole some entertainment and other bene fits, need to be remlinded that the primary function of radio as con • cei ved by Congress is to serve the public, not to make money." July 4 Fireworks Frederic Wakeman and his contro- versial . radio-industry novel "The Huckster's" will appear on "Author Meets the Critics" program on WQXR, N. Y., July 4, apparently as result of suggestion in last week's- Variety. Producer Martin Stone, however, maintains he tried to get Wakeman three months ago, when he was tip- ped off to novel's potential by Book of the Month Club. Wakeman, how- ever, was ill at the time. Writer is now at Nantucket, working on an-: other novel. . Charlotte— Clyde L. Clem, Jr., has been appointed director of sales pro motion and publicity for WSOC, NBC outlet here. TRIP NETS FCC Adopts FM 'Reservoir Rde' Holding Each 5 th Spot for GIs Levers Cues Ad Shakeup Upping of Charles Luckman^ into the presidency ot Lever Bros, has brought the biggest top-level shake up in the company's , history, and might well bring on aii equally im- portant switch in advertising end ra dio policy. Luckman has "opened the ircsigna- tions" of Grafton B. Perkins, veepee over Lever's advertising; Perkins' asst.. Homer Clark; sales veepee Gurth^F. Chambers and his asst., Wil lard Mossman, and has sent W. E. Lannefeld, veepee and geri. mgr., to retirement. Lannefeld had previous- ly been granted a year's extension over the retirement age to continue in active service. Speculation on changes in ad pol- icy are cued by the fact th^t ousted ad exec Perkins was long known to lean heavily toward Ruthraiilf & Ryan and the famous soap shows for his radio billings. Result is that R&R has a heavy plurality in Lever's more than $3,000,000 yearly radio coin,, holding just under half. Re- mainder, spent mostly on three big shows, is split between Foote', Cone & Belding, J. Walter Thompson and Young & Rubicam. Largest of the Lever shows is "Lux Radio Theatre," billed at $20,000 per week for talent alone, through . J. Walter Thompson. FCB handles the Bob Hope program, while the Joan Davis show and "Woman's Life," a soapera, are billed through Y&R. Other three, "Amos 'n' Andy." "Aunt Jenny" aind Bob Burns, fall to R&R. Should any change occur, it's doubted that webs themselves would be affected. Billing is split fairly evenly between NBC and CBS. Chapter III Unfolds In Fight of 'Books' Following a two-day postpone- ment of hearing."; in the suit brought against WHN. N. Y. indie, by Mar tin Stone, producer of "Author Meets the Critics," the ca.se is ex pected to conie. up on the court's calendar today (Wednesday). Trial date was originally set for Monday (10), but was passed both then and yesterday (Tuesday) because of the court's overloaded docket. Stone has alleged that WHN and Harold Pettcy, station's director, had tried to copy the idea he asscrtedly originated in "Authors" by putting on "Books on Trial." Latter show replaced "Authors" on WHN. when Stone moved his production to WQXR, another N. Y. indie. Stone's requested injunction to prevent WHN from . broadcasting "Books" until the case had been .set tied in court was turned down last week by Judge Morris Edcr in N. Y. supreme court. Chicago, June II, Example of how radio stations, especially those in smaller markets, can unwittingly become inv.olved in con games of the most vicious sort was revealed here recently by a script writer for a now defunct ''ra- dio production agency." The writer, a vet, got mixed up with the outfit, but pulled out shortly afterward when he got hep'to what was going on. In putting over its shady deals, outfit's first move was to get hold of farm journals and catalogs, from which it would pick out names of likely victims— usually cattle breed- ers. Then ; it would be long-distance the prospect from a Chi office, giv- ing out with a spiel to the effect that "our production agency has been running a series of farm - lec- tures, as a result of which we've been receiving a large number of in quiries; from gentleman farmers, big breeders, ' and the like, who are in- vesting more and more in cattle — income taxM being, what , they are — and we thought you might be in- terested in being teMured on one of our shows." Promises were made that the com- pany's "special announcer" would talk about various kinds -of cattle, and that he would bring into his talk the prospect's farm as the best place to buy that brand. Then, if the guy showed' signs of interest, a "feature, writer" was sent out to the farm to write up five or six pages of copy about the place and get a contract, rates for broadcasts being $59, $180, $240, $360 and up, depending on the length of air time pacted for. And, of course, the breeder read the lengthy copy before the writer left him. The Gimmick Catch, despite all the copy, was a phrase under "Conditions of Agree ment" on back of the contract read- ing, "Radio production company herein named shall have the right to edit and revise all- advertising copy," as a result of which the pages and pages of copy came out on the air merely as spot announcements, With none of the accompanying 'farin lecture with plugs for you, as promised. Agency had three small stations in this area accepting the spots. The stations, after the breeder got wise and finished blasting the agency for misrepresentation (all he could do under the circumstances), were the ones who won the disfavor of the breeder in the long run, for accept- ing copy irdrh a shady outfit. As a result, stations finally got on to the agency and, besides refusing to have anything more to do with it, black listed the outfit with other stations, whereupon it went under. Harm had been done, however with hundreds of suckers — like the guy who was led to believe his Ab erdeen Angus would be worked into the agricultural section of AP news cast and actually wound up with : IS-second spot announcement. ABS Writes Off Debts Hollywood, June 11. Word has been received here from defunct Associated Broadcasting System that indebtedness to former supplementary affiliate stations will be erased by July 1. Majority of les- ser debts to labor, etc., have been paid off, it's understood, Epc^net owes fees for carrying of commercial, programs by the sup- plementary stations. Regulars on the net shared sustainers as well are not holding bills. Please Don't Remit N. W. Ayer agency office in New York hit the good-will jackpot, last week when WWRL (N. Y.) accepted an offered schedule of 13 spot an nouncements, but refused to lake money for same. The spots were for the Army re cruiting drive. WWRL manager Edith Dick felt the station Should air the spots as a pliblic service, Just One Happy Family , These husband-wife ayem shows are gradually turning into community sessions through the combined efforts of Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald, who Claim the dubious distinction of having originated the format. Duo is slated to have Jinx Falkenburg and Tex McCrary as guests on their show 'over WJZ (ABC, N. Y.),next Tuesday (18) from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Fitzgeralds will then reciprocate by guesting on the ''Hi Jinx" show the fol- lowing half-hour over -WEAF (NBC, N. Y.), Fitzgeralds had Elliott Roose- velt and Faye Emerson as guests last Tuesday (4) and Earl Wil- son and his B. W. guested on their show about three months ago. Tim Healy, the breakfast spieler on WHN, N. Y. indie, is slated for an early appearance. So far, only Dick and Dorothy have refused the invitational guest shots. Summer Mystery Bandwagon Rolls Chicago, June 11. Summer replacement for Mutual's Freedom of Opportunity," . spon- sored by Benefit Health and Acci- dent Assn. '6t Omaha, is "Freedom of Opportunity Presents 'Mystery Is My Hobby,' " starting July 14. Like the Theatre Guild-U. S. Steel layout, outfit is continuing identification of itself with its regular . tag, at the same time going in for mystery shows as the best solution for filling in the layoff gap. All that. Incidentally, in the face of an extremely low rating, being opposite the Guild show, '"Take It Or Leave It," and "Hour of Charm." But the insurance outfit is com- pletely happy about the whole thing, inasmuch as it is doing what's com- puted as. about 60% more business now than it did two years ago, prior to going on the air with "Freedom," which dramatizes the success stories of celebs. "Mystery," which will originate on the Coast instead of Chi, gets its name front "Murder Is My Hobby," Mutual suslainer. Agency is Arthur Meyerhoflf. Washington, June 11,' FCC last week reversed its previ- ously-announced policy and said it would hold back some FM channels for latecomers. Move appears a vic- tory . for Commissioner Clifford J. Durr, who has been an advocate of holding back some channels for the future, particularly for Gl's. The plan is to withhold for one year every fifth channel in an area, but where four or less channels arc available all will go to first comers. Objectors to this plan will get a chance to argue it out July 12. "Under the proposed policy," said. FCC, "no reservation of channels would be made If a maximum of four channels was indicated for a particular area. However, if at least five but no more than nine channels were indicated for an area, one channel v7ouId be withheld lor the period of one year from the date of the a.doption of this policy. Two channels would be withheld if 10 to 14 channels were listed; three, if 15 to 19 channels were listed; and four if 20 were listed. "The object of this policy Is to permit an equitable distribution ot ' FM frequencies. Provision is made for the future consideration of an applicant for an FM station in an outlying city which has not yet ap- plied at this time, if at least five channels are indicated for the area." Vet Is Citizen First, WOR's DriscoU Rules Increasing habit of newspapers and wire services to label as "ex-GI' every veteran who commits some law infraction or irregularity has aroused Dave DriscoU, director of special features and news at WOR, N. Y., to action. Pointing out that most of the 12.0()0,000 men and women formerly in service were good citizens, and that the percentage of bad ones in no way differed from that in civilian life, DriscoU has sent a memo to WOR newsroom and publicity edi- tors on the subject. Memo states that unless, a man's military service has some integral relation to the story, or there is some specific reason why his mili- tary record should be pointed out, he's not to be referred to as "ex- GI." "Constant labeling of service- men involved in crime does a di.s- scrvice to the average sierviceman or service woman," memo said. One Held in D. C. Washington, June 11. FCC last week announced alloca- tion of eight of Washington's nine FM channels. Winning applicants- were: NBC, Cowles Broadcasting Co., Commer- cial Radio Equipment Co., Metro- politan Broadcasting Co., Potomac Broadcasting Cooperative, Inc., Evening Star Broadcasting Co. (WMAL), WINX Broadcasting Co., and' Theodore Granik, operator of Mutual's "American Forum of the Air." Commission announced that, in holding back one of the channels, it was putting into practical operation for t^e first time its brand new rule withholding for one year every ftftb channel in a^ given area. There were . three, other applicants in the running, WWDC, Mid-Coastal Broadcasting Co., and Chesapeake Broadcasting Co. Within the last couple of weeks, CBS has also filed for an outlet here. Two members of the commission, E. K. Jett, and acting chairman Charles Denny, wanted to give the ninth channel to WWDC. Bertha Brainard Dead; Pioneer Exec at NBC Mrs. Bertha Brainard Peterson, belter known by her own name as Bertha Brainard, one of the genuine pioneers in radio, who up to early this year was manager of the NBC program package division, died sud- .tlenly yesterday (Tuesday) of a heart attack, at her home, Huntington, L. I.. N. y. Mi.-s Brainard entered radio in 1922 as a drama reviewer-" for WJZ when that station was located at Newark, N. J^ and later, became New York branch manager for the station. When NBC was formed in 1926, and VfJZ became part of the combine, she joined the web° as east- env program manager. Later, she was commercial program manager. Bertha Brainard quit NBC early this year when she married Curt Peterson, an executive with the Murshalk & Pratt ad agency. Bikini Jump-Off Spot For Cousins' BuOdup As Radio Personality Norman Cousins, editor of Satur- day lievicw of Literature, will take over the Bikini Atoll atom-bomb- test chore for the ABC network for which Raymond Swing was origi-- nally scheduled, and radioites close to Cousins saw in that assignment the possible ethergencc of a new radio personality in the near future. Sat. Review, it's known, has had its eye on radio for a long ' time. AS long as a year and a half ago, mag's veepee and business brain, Jack Cominskey, offered to give carte blanche to a writer whom he v/anted to develop radio for the the two current properties of the Saturday Review Associates— Re- view and Encore— as well as for the still hush-hush "Project X'' publica- tion supposedly being financed by Marshall Field. Only hitch at the time was that mag was not sure it had a radio personality to carry the main brunt of any airer. Bennett Cerf had too many of his own com- mitments, and John Mason Brown had not emerged as a distinct radio personality. Lately, Cousins has been on th« air a numtter of times, and his mag's associiates feel they have in him an outstanding literary guy who at th« some time can be depended upon to establish his voice on the air. Want- (Contlnued on page 40) 30 RABIO Wednesday, June 12, 1946 Horida Solons Blow Hot V Cold In FinaUy Chilling PetriUo Rap St. Petersburg, ?la., June U. ' For a while last Ayeek Florida Authorities were hot .after . the scalp of James C. Petrillo, flery proxy of the American Federntioii of Musi- cians. But their excitement proved only a tempest In a teapot. It seems Petrillo included some remarks in his opening address to the AFM convention here which State's Attorney General J. Tom Watson thought might have violated an ancient Florida sedition law. Speciflcnlly, Petrillo said that if the Supreme Court rules the Lea (anti-Petrillo) bill oonstitutional, the AFM would retaliate by direct- ing miisicians in the key network cities of New York, Los. Angeles, and Chicago to jilay for local pro- grams only, thus depriving network broadcasts of all livelBusic. In Tallahassee, Watson read news- paper accounts of the talk, promptly telephoned State's Attorney Chester B. McMuUen (of Pinellas county, in which St. Petersburg is located), re- questing that he investigate. Watson said it appeared possible Petrillo had violated a Florida sedi- tion law passed 50 years ago which says: "If any person shall hicite an insurrection or sedition amongst any portion or class of the population of this state, or shall attempt by writing, speaking or by any other Sez Petrillo St. Petersbui-g, Fla., June 11. James C. Petrillo's only com- ment, when apprised that the "Florida sedition case" had fiz- zled out, was: "It seems a guy can't even make a speech anymore.". means to intite such insurrection or ' Sedition, the i>erson so offending shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison not exceeding 20 years." McMullen said the definition of sedition as "excitement of discon- tent against the government," might apply to Petrillo's remarks. Petrillo refused to comment but Joseph A, Padway, AFM chief coun. sel, debunked the insinuations. He Baid: "President Petrillo's speech was not only lawful and proper but is protected by the Constitution of the United States and .the constitution of the state of Florida, I was present I in the hall and listened attentively to President Petrillo's speech. He made no threats. I do not think that the state's attorney or any other government offlcial in Florida is anxious to go witch hunting. We have come to St. Petersburg to hold a peaceful, law-abiding convention, and that is what we have done." McMullen promised a decision by Friday morning, but later said he was waiting on "correspondence" from Watson. Saturday (8), McMullen huddled for an hour with Circuit Court Judge John U. Bird, in whose court Petrillo would have faced trial if charged. After the conference, McMullen sim- ply stated that the investigation was "washed up." "I have decided there was no vio- lation," he said. It was reported the judge had told him the whole thing was much ado about nothing. Hefty FCC Docket ■ • Washington, June 11. Next. Monday (17) is an important heariiig date for the FCC here. On that day, the commission will open investigations of the Don Lee. network, which has allegedly violated chain broadcasting .regulation.. Those set manufacturers who d been able to get some sets on the retailer.s' shelves had. been hard hit imtil now by the complete void in daytime tclcca.sl.';. Customer was forced to buy a set as an almost complete blind article, since all the retailer had with which to dem- onstrate the set's reception qualities -were the station's test paltern.s-, which were not transmitted on any definite schedule. WNBT is now on the air four afternoons a week, broadcasting its •■Radio City Matinee" on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 1-2 p.m. and the educational series for high scliobl studcnis on Tuesdays 2-2:30 p.m. WCBW will probably run >ls Saturday "Man in the Street" show as a weekly feature also. All of which mean.s that a polen FCC, ADMEN Skeddcd to become the tallest _ . structure in Chi, the proposed B&K j lial set buyer would do well to hit joint FM - television transmitting . the .store sometime during those tower will rise 000 feet above slj cct ' hours for best rc^iilts on what kind level on the edge of the Loop. I of a buy he's getting. Television, oversold to the public by its over-enthusiastic backers for the last decade, migh( finally attain something like full stature this year. New upswing in. optimism being evidenced by the industry's top ex- ecs is cued by the fact that five more top-coin advertisers signed up. for video shows in N. Y. during the last week, and by the expressed determination of the FCC to clear as many station applications, as pos- sible during the next six months. With hearings ifor Los Angeles and New York out of the way, the commission is pulling all slops and, from present indications, might be able to grant permits for at least 90 stations by Sept. 1. Actual start of operations, naturally, must aWait the lifting of the Civilian Produc- tion Administration's building freeze and the beginning of mass produc- tion of receivers. While unwilling to make any predictions, on the former score, industry execs are confident that sets will begin i'olling oft the lines in quantity by the end of the year. Present and potential broadcasters have given plenty of evidence dur-. ing recent hearings that they're eager, to go ahead ' as fast as condi- tions permit. Illustrative is the ABC web, which went on record during the hearings for N. Y. channels as being ready and willing to spend ? 10,000,000 for video, half for con- struction and the other $5,000,000 for operations ' during the first year for its four requested stations. Al- though beset by inter-industry con- troversies; such as the color con- flict, industry chiefs are confident that such questions will wither away and die once television gets rolling. Advertisers' faith in the new me- dium is indicated, by the compara- tive raft of new commercials. Espe- cially heartening to industry chiefs i.s the fact that the top-coin sponsors are buj'ing time on television at the same time they're slicing their ad- vertising budgets for radio and other media. WNBT, (NBC, N. Y.) has signed with Bristol-Myers for a 52- wcek series of Sunday night shows through Young & Rubicam, and has renewed deals with Firestone and Esso. ABC television has just signed for a scries of. four Thursday night shows to be sponsored, by Sweet- heart Soap through the Duane Jones agency. Shows wiU be broadcast over WABD (DuMont, N. Y.) start- ing Thursday (20). And Gulf has bought the former sustaining night news show on WCBW (CBS,.^N. Y.) for 52-weeks. Latter deal \vas also handled by Y. & R. WNBT, in addition, currently has two weekly shows sponsored by Standard Brands and other weekly programs plugging Gillette Safety Razors, Vocational Guidance Insti- tute and RCA-Victor, plus a string of other advertisers who buy video time to run their commercially- sponsored films. ABC, without it-s own station,' currently produces shows for the A. E. Rittenhouse Co.. Adler Shoes, U. S. Rubber and Chevrolet. Thus, despite the niany obstacles being placed in television's path from various sources, including James C. Pctrillo, American Federa- tion of Musicians prexy. as well as. execs inside the industry, television can finally be said to have gone commercial. And, according to broadcasters, all things point to video growing up in a big way dur- ing the rest of 1946. . TBA'S POPPELE NAMED TO C. OF C. COMMriTEE Hypoed interest in television by the nation's top business execs was evidenced last veck by the appoint- ment of J. R. Poppelc. prexy of the Television Broadcasters Assn.. as a member of the committee of the do- ineslic distribution dept. of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. Committee, representing the retail, wholesale, advertising .and scrvico industries, scrve.<; to promote .sound principles and practices in market- ing. Thackreys Have $8,000,000 Assets To Back N. Y., L. A., 'Frisco Video Muezzin's Ditks Hollywood, June 11; Gag recording cooked up by ABC execs as a satire on the Los Angeles television hearings has become the talk of the in- dustry. Platter, written by a suffer at KECA, the web's L.A. outlet, kids all the brass assem- bled for the Coast hearings, in- cluding, such execs as John F. Royal, Howard Hughes, Paul Rai- bpurn— and even Mark Woods, ABC prexy. Typical of the gags: '■Hughes is heard to say that if his applica- tion is accepted the station will play "The Outlaw" at least once a night-^just to show that the Hughes Tool Co. can "keep abreast of the times" in video. CBS applicant, plugging for col- or video, has a decided southern drawl. When Royal gets ready to take the stand, the FCC exami- ner tells the assembled appli- cants to "please bow your heads and face to the east." ABC played the platter at i special dinner during the hear- ings. It has cut 60 of the disks and so far has received requests for more than 100 of them. British Tele, Resuming After Seven-Year Layoff , Shows 25^ Improvement London, June 11. BBC. television, which resumied broadcasting FridlJy (7) after a six- year wartime hiatus, has improved 25^0 since 1939; according to BBC iexperts. Numlier of sets in opera- tion in the London area, however, has decreased from 23,000 sipce be- fbre the war to about 15,000.. Some of the sets suffered damages during the blitz and others hsve gone out of use through the dearth of spare parts. Set owners pay BBC- a fee of $16 yearly. Company is expected to spend about $4,000,000 annually on television, which' works out at the rate of about $240 per viewer. Num- ber of viewers is expected to in- crease very soon, since radio manu- facturers are working overtime and expect to have at least 100,000 sets in operation by the end of the year. BBC's hpur-and-a-half formal op- ening ceremony was beamed to the limited audience in the London area. Teeing off with a gag theme of 'you can see us but thank Heaven we Can't see you,", the opening show ranged from Shakespeare to music hall va- rieties. Program began with a cloud-framed shot of the single BBC television antenna at Alexandra Pal- ace in North London, which was the principal RAF radar station during the blitz. After a short fanfare, tele direc- tor Maurice Gorham spoke of the better things to come once the video program starts rolling. Show was highlighted by a repeat performance of the last BBC telecast in 1940, fea- turing a Mickey Mouse cartoon. Also included was a remote pickup from BBC's special events truck of the Victory Parade rehearsal. Two More Bow Out Washington, June II. Two more applicants dropped out of the race for low frequency black and :white television stations last week. Stromberg-CarlSOn withdrew its application -for Rochester. N. Y..: and WFBM, Inc.. bowed out in In- dianapolis. Washington, June 11. Early decision is expected ' from FCC oii allocation of the remaining four video channels in the New York area for which six applicants ap- peared at hearings last week. Three of the city's seven channels arc al- ready licensed to NBC, CBS and DuMonl, . Final session on Thur.sday (d) was. devoted to the applications of Dor- othy S. Thackrey (N. Y. Evening Post and WLIB) and the Debs Me- morial Radio Fund, Inc. (WEVD). Mrs. Tliackrey gave her total as- sets as $8,092,000 and told the com- mission: "My primary interest ih tel- evision, radio and newspaper pub- lishing is to provide the widest pos- sible public service by utilizing .and making available to the public the most effective means., of ma.»s com- muriications: I am enthusiastic over the limitless future of television." She has video applications in for Los Angeles, and Sah Francisco a'.so. and said she woidd spend 50Ci of her time on the West Coa.«t if she gets all three channels. She esti- mated equipment and installation of the New York station would cost' $209,000, and said the first year's operation would exceed $416,000. Ted O. Thackrey, her husband; Frank Kiiaack, chief engineer of WLIB; and Jackson Leightcr, presi- dent of WLIB, also testified. Adolph Held, president and board chairman of Debs Memorial Radio Fund, said the idea was to "provide . a free voice in N. Y. radio and per- petuate the name of Debs." Ques- tioning brought out that the For- ward Assn.,. derived from the N. Y. Jewish Daily Forward, would help with the financing. Inference was that if Fund got a station, it would be largely devoted to foreign lan- guage prograins as is WEVD at present. WOW withdraws Omaha, June 11. WOW has withdrawn its applica- tion for commercial television but will continue experiments, accord- ing to John GiiUn, Jr., president. Video 'Oscars , Due Tonight American Television Society will pass out video's "Oscars" tonight (Wednesday) at special ceremonies at the DuMont Wanamaker studios. N. Y. Recipients of awards for the 1945-46 season were chosen this year by a special committee composed, in addition to chairman Richard Manville, of radio execs of the three chief wire services, including Robert Brown of International News Serv- ice, Phillip Newsom of United Press and Tom O'Neil of Prcs As.sociation; an Associated Pre.s.s affiliate. For the first time in ATS history, presentation of the awards will be lolevisod. Telecast has been sched- uled over WABD (DuMont. N. Y.) from 9 to 9:.'50 p.m. Newly-clccted officers for the forthcoming year will be inducted at the same meeting. New orficer.s in- clude George T. Shupert, pre\y. Ralph Rockafcllow, veepce: Dian Dincini secretary, :uid Archibald U. Braunllcld. treasurer. New board members include Charlc; Allicoatc, Richard Manville, Edward C. Cole, David Hale Halpern. Frederick A. Kugel, Don McClure and Alice Pontlargc. .Award.s. in the form of placjucs. may go to individuals, station.-.', ad a.iencies. etc.. and may be jiivcn johitly. Citations will be made for the year's outstanding contribution ! to the development of tclevisioii commercially: to tectinical e.xcrl- ; Icnce in video produciioti; for tech- ; nical advancement in the science of I television: for the most consistent cfiort in the developing of the most ! efl'ccti've video commcvcial.s. and for the yeur'.s best sports programming. I Awards will al.-io be given for tlie i year's best educational program; for I the movt outstanding contribution to • children's progranuning; for the bc-t I news progioms:. for the most oul- I standing productions; be.~l special ' events program: bpsl direction, and . for the most oulslunding service to I ATS. We . CBS COAST SCRIBES WIN 20% PAY HIKE Hollywood, June 11. Increase in pay of slightly over 20^i has been granted personnel of program writing department at CBS here. Hike, retroactive to May 1 when old ticket was terminated, was given after several weeks of haggling between net execs and reps of Radio Writers Guild. Writers jump from $58 to $72.50. They also get a 50% increase in schedule of commercial fees for writings used on Pacific network of CBS. Also under the new agreement CBS loses 10% interest in subsidiary uses of material penned by staffers. In the future, thie writers will be permitted to do freelance work so long as writings are confined to CBS shows, commercial or otherwise. Ra- dio, television and other rights, ex- cepting rights to one radio usage by employers, are now held by writers and net no longer shares extras. Brisson's Legion of Merit Washington, June 11. Legion of Merit has been awarded to Lt. Col. Freddie Brisson for hiS work with the AAF as chief of the Office of Radio Production. Cita- tion said in part: "He organized and developed the original AAF radio production unit.. In the summer of 1944, in answer to the demand from the American public to know and understand the activities of our overseas fighting forces he proposed the idea of send- ing combat radio operating teams to all theatres of operations in order to record and report the actual war in the air. "The resuKant program. The Fighting AAF,' broadcast over ABC and throughout the world to our fighting men, contributed in a great degree both to troop and home front morale during the closing phases of . World War II." MacGregor Sets Stars For Recruiting GIs Hollywood, June, 11, . •Humphrey Bogart,' George Mu" phy, Pat O'Brien, Joe E. Brown and Robert Mitchum have been set to essay lead roles In series of trans- criptions being made by C. P. Mac- Gregor for U. S. Army Recruiting Service. First in series was complet- ed last week, with Clark Gable in top spot. Army is buying total of 26 plat- ters. Film actors do dramatic bits, grouped around which are please by military figures. the theme. In "Trials" there's the sound of a gavel, then voices in an echo chamber to denote the court- room. No music — but a decidedly novel effect that sets both shows apart. • A number of small cA. outfits haven't used music at all because of the expense involved, and precisely because of that economizing tlioy may prove the lucky guys iii. the long run. Also, a number of live shows have been known to shy away from hiring the Petrillo boys be- cause of the AFM chieftain's ruling forbidding transcribing ^of programs that make use of music for rebroad- cast in delayed markets. Up to the present, it's generally , agreed among producers here, sound effects have never been as efTcctivc as music, but that may be because producers have never gone into the use of them as completely as they might. It's a foregone conclusion, they insist, that practically finy kind of a mood can be denoted without music, and with very little dilTicidty. Most directors, however, have left it up to the music to change the scene, create a mood, etc. If nothing else, therefore, a Pet- rillo ban will introduce sometiting new to radio, it's felt, and it's thercr fore up to the industry to get to work exploring the vast field of effects that has been practically ig- nored up to this point simply be- cause most producers and directors have been too lazy to let anything but music do their work for them. DAVE BECAL ORGANIST and PIANIST Now FREE LANCING ORIGINAL MUSib IDEAS AND G. 47 U%t DWiilen, Chteoqe 10. III. Dalawar* 4247 *BUT GOOD Wednewlay, June 12, 1946 35 AWARDS AND CITATIONS nECEIVED BY WCAU IN 1946 FOa PROGRAMS BUILT AND BROADCAST IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: ''THE CAREER FORUM'' fii.sfitute for Education by Radio, Ohio State Uhiyersity : " , . . An outstanding radio series/ distinguished for its originality and freshness of treatment . . ." Variefy ; ^ . . Civic conscious WCAU . . . an auspicious project helping young America to speak up and answer, as well as ask, questions . . / Chamber of Commerce and Roavd of Trade of Phiiadefpyiia: , . In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the future business life of Philadelphia../ Mlhoard: *, Local Section of National Radio Editoi^ cites WCAU for its outstanding public service program. The Career Forum . . / "CRUSADE FOR RETTER DRINKING WATER" City Coife^e of New Yorfi; "... Citation for the outstanding public service program broadcast by a clear channel station . . / ''Award of Merit for the most effective public .service program The facilities lhat crealed the programs thal nicrited these awards are available to all WCAU advertisers 50,000 W4TTS • CBS AFFILIATE PHILADELPHIA S LEADING RADIO INSTITUTION 36 BADIO Wednesday, Jane 12, 1946 CIRCLING THE KILOCYCLES Cincliiiiati— Present trends in la- | dio will be discussed by J;unes p. I Shousc. chicl o£ the Crosley Corps , broadcasting division, In liis talk: at llie annual mcetinB of the Na- tional Editorial Assn. at Estcs Park, Colo., slarling June 13. It's the sec- ond time for Shousc to address an NEA convention. Other speakers at this year's powwow will be Archi- bald M. Crosley, president of the radio research firm bearing his name. ' and Palmer Hoyt, publisher of the Denver Post. Bill Barlow, of the 'WLW publicity staff is accom- panyiMK Shouse to Esies Park. Omaha— Mel Hafcen, ex-Navy lieutenant has been appointed head of VVOWs new farm service depart- ment. Plllsburgh— Donald F. Lassiiipcr and Walter R. Glaus are new addi- tions to the KDKA technical staft. Lassingcr comes here after seven years with Weslinghouse in Balti- more while Glaus, a former part- time worker at KDKA and other Pittsburgh stations, recently finished a four-year stretch in the Marines. Bill Grayburn has returned to the WWSW announcing staff after com- pleting his freshman year at Pitt. It took him five years to do it. his studies having been interrupted for four by Uncle Sam. for posterity the voices of the au- tomotive, pioneers oil a wire re- cording spool and presented it to the Automobile Manufacturers Assii. to be placed in a sealed vault and opened 50 years hence for re-broad- cast on the 100th anniversary auto- motive celebration. Among the voices recorded are those of Barney Oldfield, George Nash, George Holly, Charles King, Henry Duryea, Gen. William S. Kniidsen, Henry Ford II. Senator Homer Ferguson, Walter P. Rcu- ther. Norman Stcinkraus. A. A. Bcrle, James Melton and George Romney. voluntarily given a general wage boost to office workers, effective June 1. President Don Davis said the boost is being made to some- what equalize the pay of these workers with those of announcers and artists, recently boosted by the signing of o new contract with the American Federation of Radio Ar- tists. General Manager John Schilling said the pay boosts for some 15 workers ranged from $5 to $50 per week^ striking an average raise of about 25%^ Huntsville, from J. C. RothwcU and W. J. Harpolc. IVashlngton— Annual search for "Miss Washingtoii" for the Atlantic City beauty contest will be handled as usual by WWDC. Contest got under way locally Sunday (9), with the station calling on contestants to file their applications. D.C. semi- finals" will be held in August. Detroit — George W. Trendle, president of WXYZ (ABC) recorded Kansas City, WHB. one of Kansas City's pioneer radio statioiis, goes nighttime in the near future. News was received Friday (7) that a "con- ditional grant" has been given by the FCC to the station's long-stand- ing application for 5,000 watts day and night on 710 kilocycles. Switch from daytime only to full operation will climax 15 years of surveys, negotiations, and FCC ap- plications on the- part of WHB to get evening time. Station presently is operating on 1,000 watts, 880 kc, daytime only. During the past dec- ade and a half WHB has had one application or another almost con- stantly before the FCC. Management of Station WHB has San Antonio — .V plea made by the. Rev. Sam Morris. Baptist minister and prohibitionist on behalf of the National Temperance and Prohibi- tion Council, to the FCC to deny reincwal of license to KRI..D, Dallas, was turned down by the FCC. Mor- ris contended that he sought to buy time over KRLD and that the sta- tion refused to sell him time for his abstinence messages. Philadelphia— Alan Barric. out of the Coast Guard after four years' service, is now radio director for Elmer. P. Cook Associates. Victoria, Texas — Morris Roberts, owner and operator of KVIC has applied to the FCC for consent to sell the station to John G. Long for $192,500. Long is a theatreman (Long circuit of 57 houses) and is also a partner in the Bay City Broadcasting Co., which holds a grant for a station there. Long is also plamiing to'^ purchase KSAM, mmswaf 1053 wonderful prizesl 1ST PRIZE 1946 Lincoln 4-Dodr Sedan 2ND PRIZE 1946 Mercury 4-Door Sedan 3RD PRIZE 1946 Ford 4 -Door Sedan NEXT 1050 PRIZES 10 BENDIX AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES! Tligy msh -triple rinst-dainp-doi citllies. . .anldimlicilly H) PHIICO PHONOGRAPH- RADIO CONSOLESI M) PHIICO REFRIGERATORS! M LADY ELGIN WRIST WATCHES! 10 TOASTMASTERSI 1000 PAIRS OF ARTCRAFT NYLONS! 9tms will bti ttwarded prompfly offer winners are chosen IIBBY, mNtlLL t IIBBY Chicago 9, 01. CANNERS OF LIIIY'S 100 FAMOUS FOODS TUNE INI EASY TO WIN! YOUR LOCAL ABC STATION MONDAY THRU FRIDAY Minneapolis— Ray Tenpenny, stalT announcer on WCCO, CBS, lor the past three one-h-alf years, leaves to join the NBC announcing staff in Chicago, ADD SLEEP HAZARDS: RADIO ALARM CLOCK Something new in the way of alarm clocks that will wake the pub- lie up with its favorite ayem radio show has been designed by General Electric electronics engineers. New invention is a bedside clock-radio set that automatically goes off in the morning with a radio, show instead of a blaring ring. Latter is also included for the heavy sleepers, sounding a few minutes after the radio comes on. Set i£ equipped w'ith an alarm selector control that turns off the radio for the evening. Clock, how- ever,, continues to function. At the time selected, tho clock turns the radio on. Clock and radio work independently of each other. Set is expected to hit the market this month. Cost is to be Si7.35. CBS IHESl FAMOUS RADIO KKSONAUneS ARE YOUR JUDGBSs Don McNeill, of "THE BREAKFAST CLUB'! Jeo. Kelly, of tho *'QUIZ KIDS" program Paul Whiteman, of "STAIRWAY TO THE STARS'! DuplicaU print will be awarded In com of o fie. All enMei be- €em» fhie prt^perty of Ubby MSNeitt libby. Texas Politico Gripes Vs. 'Quality' Stations Washington, June 11. Homer Raincy, one of the 12 can- didates for governor of Texas, wired the FCC Saturday (81. charging four Texas stations with trying to restrain full discussion of public is- sues because they refused to sell enough time to permit the candidates to air their platforms. Stations, all belonging to the Texas Quality network are:; WFFA, Dallas; WBAP, Ft. Worth; KPRC, Houston; and WOAI, San Antonio. Rainey charged the four stations had entered into an agreement to sell each candidate time for only one broadcast between June 11 and July 13, latter the date of the Texas pri maries. Rainey charged this was a violation of the Sherman anti-trust act and the Communications Act. — ConUnned from page. 27 — A "B" local gets one vote for each 100 members. If IBEW wins, there- fore, the 800 tnembers would get at most only eight votes— and UOPWA is making most of that point. lATSE's big fight is concentrated only in the television field, where it has already lost its first step— the NLRB having ruled that direc- tors should vote on belongi)vg to the Radio Directors Guild or no imion at all. The fact that the UOpWA's Radio Guild has made a careful job analy- sis, and has ^proposed exact wage scales, with raises averaging 25% for CBS collarites, is also being used strongly by the CIO union. On the other hand, IBEW answers that drive with sarcasm, declaring in its leaflets that it will do the best it can for its membership but won't promise "a brand new Cadillac, a six-room apartment on Riverside Drive, a diamond ring and a yacht." The CIO group claims the sup- port of , maiiy other labor groups and of some top CBS people not in the office workers' classification, while IBEW is backed by engineers and technicians largely. CIO group says it has been endoreed by Radio Writers Guild, William L. Shirer, CBS producer Bob Heller, actor Frederic March, and "one of CBS' oldest employes in point of service, Anthony Desmartcau, head of the CBS tevevision accounting dept." CIO group has skedded a rally for today (Wednesday) at the N. Y. Newspaper Guild Club, where it will have Betty Garrett of "Call Me Mister" and Kenneth Spencer ot 'Showboat" cast to help boost its cause.. NOTHING TO BUY! And right away the car of your dreams may be yours if you hurry to enter this easy contest open only to women, 18 years of age or older. All you do is tune in Libby's popular "My True Story"— and then tell, in 100 words or less, why you like to listen to this dramatic, entertaining radio program. Listen to "My True Story" on your American Broadcasting Station today. (You'll enjoy listening even if you don't enter the contest.) When you hear the easy rules, you'll hurry to get in on the $12,000 worth of wonderful prizes. Remember —nothing to buy! ChiFM S Continued from page 27 ^ license pledged pr6gramming on • 60-40 basis in favor, of sustainers. Fact that Paramolint has a con trolling interest in the B&K corp. was brought to light by Blume dur- ing the testimony of John Balaban, secretary-treasurer of the corp., one of the organizations applying for an FM license. B8tK now operates the local television station WBKB Blume questioned Balaban on re- cent anti-trust suits against Par and B&K, and wanted to know if the studio would exert influence to plug its products on the, proposed FM sta tion. To all questions Balaban an swered no. Before BiK's testimony was concluded, Blunie asked that ad- ditional information on the anti-trust suits be submitted. for the record. Other organizations testifying dur ing the week were the Amalgamated Broadcasting Co., ABC, WCFL, Lin- ;coln-Belmont Co., and NBC. WCFL Rapped Surprise appearance of S. E. Gour- fain, of the Gourfain-Cobb ad agency, at Wednesday's (5) hearing, to protest the. application of station WCFL on tlie grounds that the sta tion acted contrary to existing broad casting standards by cancelling the commercial program of the Erie Clothing Co., sponsor of common tator, Gerhardt Schachcr, broke the quiet that had prevailed during the first three days of the hearings. WCFL cancelled Schacher's pro gram' for his alleged "pro-Russian and "anti-American" broadcasts and, according to Gourfain, refused, to announce the switch of the program to another station. Maurice Lynch, WCFL station manager, maintained that Schacher was "pro-Russian" end "anti-Ameri- can" biit denied charges that th* station refused to make announce ment of program cancellation. Mil ler, ordered the agency and the station to submit samples of Dr, Schacher's scripts to the FCC. Woman Bites (Hot) Dog Cliicago, June 11. Chicago Herald-American's film critic, Ann Marstcrs, pulled a ssvitch- eroo last week, throwing a cocktail feed-party in the Ambassador hotel's Polo Roorh for all the press agciils in town. Reason: She started fcmcccing a celebrity interview show, tccoflf guest being Carl Brisson, on WGN Monday (10). V Close hauled to the wind requires a steady hand at the wheel, Like the skipi^er of the yawl, radio lime salesmen must bic experi- enced. Weed and Company's staff of seventeen "old hands" daily covers the nation's important radio centers with the skill and effectiveness tliat conic only from long experience. [ c.c),\ip.\;\;v lADIO STATION lEPRESENTATIVES Niw Vwk • lettN • CMcifo • AUntt OitriH • Sn Frmciitt • Mit.i LOli CLAYTON UNITED REXALL DBDO CO. Friday— CBS— 10 p.m. D8T WeAnetduff Jam 12, 1946 lUBIO S7 Philippme Air Chief ^ying Coast Material Hollywood, June 11. Norman Paige, head of recently reformed Philippines Broadcasting Co checks into Hollywood some- time this week from San Francisco. He has been in Bay City buying eouipment and lining up persdfin^l for revival and expansion into an archipelago network. In addition to resuming with two iap-(lestioyed Manila stations, the company plans building stations on other . larger islands of the group such as Ley te, Luzon, etc. Guild — Continued from page 25 (hois who.se work.s it wns adapting, and was chary of changes.^ Then according to its directors, it learned to deviate Iiom original scripts, and toward the end got quite ruthless. The Guild found that plays with too miiny dialects (like "Jacobow- sky and the Colonel") were difTicull to get over on the air. Plays with too many characters (like "Yellow Jack") were too hard to follow. Voices that sounded diflcrently at a play's first reading, began to grow similar as. tension mounted towards performance time, so that certain voices sounded alike on the air. The Guild 'admits it made this mistake severpl times, as in "Jacobow.sky" with Louis Calhern and Oscar Knrl- wcls. and in "Boy Meets G'\r\" with Gene Kelly and his opposite. The Guild found its purposes served better by the u.se of legit ac- tors who knew the roles, than by radio actors, discovering that though radio actors gave a smoother flr.st reading, their work was les.s rounded at the end. It took legit actors longer to get into .stride, but when they learned they werei (he better actors. The Guild found, too, that dramatic values in legit and radio were the same, with some nece.ssary changes as adding punchlines in.slcad of bits of business for effects or climaxes. O'Neill Not Holy Curiously . enough, it was the Guild's most sacrosanct playwright, Eugene O'Neill, who awoke it early to the need of radical script changes to make its plays more radib-wi.se, telling directors Langner and Hcl- burn that you couldn't do radio, suc- cessfully without using radio media. Then the Guild had its adapters do a great deal of rewriting, plus original writing, to replace stage direction, stage limitation, etc. The Guild feels it was wi.se in choosing radio people like producer. George Kondolf and director Homer Fickelt for its plays, the former be- ing especially valuable because of his experiences in both fields, radio and legit. The Guild found that most of the expected tabus were non-existent. They put on "daring" play.'i- with hundreds of favorable letters to the few dissents. Only a few people, ob- jected to "Strange Interlude," which as a stage play had been banned in Boston. In other plays of adult theme or provocative situations, like. "The Silver Cord," "Second Man" or "They Knew What They Wanted," the Guild stuck right to the original script and experienced no trouble. The sponsor, U. S. Steel, say Lang- ner and Helburn, let the Guild do as it pleased, never interfering. The Guild was never once a. tion day after day Monday through Friday! WJW WcdBM^ay* 12, 1946 ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 43 AFM CANT GET RD) OF $1,000,000 Capitol Shows $107,761 Net for 1946 First Quarter in Bullish Report Band »nd music biz people, who ' were amazed recently by the rela- tively low earnings-statement lor all of 1945 by Capitol Records, toolt a different stance last week after a glimpse at the company's income figures tor the first quarter of '46. Whereas Capitol showed only a $95,- 145 profit for all of last year, out of • a gross income of $5,119,528, the initial quarter of this year has pro- duced a tolal gross of $2,094,064 and a net of $107,761 after federal and Elate tax provisions and other charges. Such a statement by Capitol puts the company in Ihe light that most band and music people had held it originally and justifies somewhat the eagerne.<:s with which they went af- ter Capitol stock when it was put on the market recently. Jump in figure. offered a spot in a new George Abbott inuscial, to be produced in the fall, plus a shot at Frank Dailey's Mead- owbrook, and so far doesn't want either. He wants to head coastward as soon as po.ssible after his current j run of ohe-nighters and theatres. I Jones broke Kay Kyser's is.o. rec- 'ord at the Circle, Indianapolis, la.st week even though he worked only six days. He had a car entered in . the Memorial Day classic at the In- Idianopolis speedway (which broke ; down after ."SO laps), and refused to open until Friday (31). He piled ■up a $30,850 gro.ss to beat Kyser's sev( n-(!a' r.iark. On a straight 50- ."jO from the nr.<-.t' dollar, Jones took i $15,425 for his end. 44 ORCHBSTBAS-MVSIC Wednesday, June 12, 1946 RECOMMENDED RECpRDS (For Jocks and Jukes) By BARRY GRAY (WOR-Mutual's AU-Night M.C.) Vaufhn Monrot (vocal by Vaughn Monroe and Moon Maids) "Who Told You That Lie?"-"It's My t-azy Day" (Victor 1892). '^Who Told You" is a f.t. that gives Monroe and the Moon Maids an opportunity to sell the business man's bounce de-- partment. It's the usual Monroe format, the maestro fronting the group, and the gals in close hairmony.- Band plays well. Tune iUelf sounds commercial, and should peddle well in racks and jukes.. "Lazy Day," from a western pic, sounds the same as the other side with a different lyric. Not recorhmended. , ElU FUigerald-Louis Jordan Tym- pany Five (vocals with orch)— "Stone Cold Dead in the Market"- "Petootie Pie" (Decca 23540). "Stone Cold" is top calypso stuff with Miss Fitzgerald and Jordan dueting the words. With the Tympany Five to handle the backing in legit fashion, the femme and Jordan really wrap it up for sales. Recommended. "Petootie Pie" is teed off by Jordan and oiuickly segues to the "Atisket" gal. Purely Harlemesque in word-, age, it will probably rate sales. Recommended. Jose Morand (vocal by Marilyne Towrie)— "Amado Mio"-"Vem-Vem'' (Apollo 1007). Morand's initial at- tempt on pop wax (he has been on World transcriptions). Apollo, r minor diskery, lacks technical quali ty to record this, or any .group de pending upon shading of minor tones, any good. High surface noises. Morand holds, fast to tempo lines, and delivers a beat. Miss . Towne sings poorly. Arrangement is very ordinary. Not recommended. But not fair chance for Morand- due to bad disk. "Vem-Vem" is much cleaner, louder and brighter. Brass reproduced badly. But a better side. ■ No arrangement to speak of. Tempo good. Recommended to introduce Morand only. Louis Prima (vocal by Jack Pow- ers and Prima) "Whatta Ya Gonna Do!"-"The Coffee Song" (Majestic 7191). "Whatta Ya Gonna Do!" is a thing with a dragged beat, and Prima playing McCoy (Clyde). Pow- ' ers sings badly. Waves vibrattos like he's saying goodbye. Not recommended. "Coffee" goes native. Just call Prima "Xavier." Actually It's a good vocal turn for the maes- tro. Nice rhythm. Ciever lyrics. Recommended. Should do very well at jukes. Louis Armstrong (vocal by Thel- ma Middleton)' "No Variety Blues"- "Whatta Ya Gonna Do!" (Victor 1891). "No Variety" is torched by Miss Middleton. It's good. Femme has excellent diction. Armstrong talks into disk at end of first chorus, and then swings into musical vcrr biage. Personality plus. Great for Armstrong fans. Commercially not solid. But recommended. "Whatta Ya Gonna Do!" is the maeslro's "B" offering, And it is. Written by Sunny Skylar, it s weak. Not up to the lyricist's par.. Armstrong breathes life into it, but it's still not enough. Glnny Sims (vocal with.Lou Bring Orch) "My Melancholy . Baby "-"I Live But to Love You" (ARA 146). This is the best ARA disk yet heard. Miss Sims docs a nostalgic selling job, and it should show up nice on the books. Recommended for jukes. Bring orchestra handles background well. Fiddles sound good on Miss Sims. Guitar work at intro is \ieat touch. "I Live But to Love You" is based on a classic. Musically lovely, but lyrically bad, Waste of good voice. Not recommended. ■ Bob Crosby and Win&y Manone Orchestras (vocal by .Quig Quigley and Wingy Manone) "Big Fat Ma, Skinny Pa" -"General Jumped at Dawn" (ARA 143). . ARA backs the Bob Crosby and Wingy Manone bands on this one. Crosby is on the "A" side with "Big Fat Ma." Sung by Quigley, it's adequate musically, and poor lyrically. Lyric isn't. helped by the skat handling. Recording, al- though better than ARA's previous work, is still not good. Not recom- mended. "General" is Dixie, and majors in Wingy's trumpet. If you like Dixieland, . you'll like this. Cleanly waxed. Recommended. But no great sales threat.. It's nostalgic to hear Mahone's voice. Billy Eckstine (vocal with Orch) "You Call it Madness"-"Tell Me Pretty Baby" (National 9019). The "Sepia Sinatra's" latest platter re- lease. "Yoii Call It Madness" will self to fans. National could do bet- ter with Eckstine's voice on wax. At times his work is muffled. He has sounded better. Band only adequate. Not recommended; "Tell Me" is iii a hep groove. Band in better beat form. Wax needs cleaning up badly! Jan Savllt (vocal by Bob D'An- drea) "All the Time"-"I've Never Forgotten" (ARA 147). Savitt uses a studio band on this one. They play raggedly. D'Andrea sings pleasantly, but phrases poorly. Another poor disk, technically, by ARA. "I've Never Forgotten" on the flipped side listens brassily. : D'Andrea handles quicker , bdat, with resultant shorter phrases, easier; Not recommended. Johnny Mercer Finally Agrees to Do Cap. E.T/s Hollywood, June 11. Johnny Mercer has been signed by Capitol Transcriptions after origin- ally refusing to ink a contract, even though he's prexy of Capitol Rec- i ords, parent company. He etched two sides of 10 tunes e.ach before returning "iast. He'll re- turn in August to complete the series. British Best Sheet Seflers (Week Ending May 30, 1946) London, May 31. Can't Begin Tell You. .Chappell Mary Lou .......P. D. & H. Chickcry Chick. . . ;. , . .Connelly Cruising Down River. Cinephonic Bygones Be Bygones... Feldmaii Money Root AH Evil.. Chappell Along Navajo Trail. . . Maurice Atchi£on, 'Sante Fe Sun Land Beginning Again. Feldman Ashby De La Zouch. Gay OK What It Seemed to Be. .Sun Grand Night Singing.. Chappell Slack Setdes WithMorrisTo Revive Band hade Ordiestras-Miidc Panther Room of the Sherman Hotel, Chicago, la gradually assuming aU the aspects of a circus, with a midget added recently to keep clown Carl Marx company and pass out Mercury recordings by Buddy Rich. Marx is a fixture in the spot. Platters by Rich are distributed three times a night by the midget, known as "Mr. Mercury," to customers holding winning tickets. Stubs, which the little guy distributes at the door and later pulls out of a hat, are the idea of . Meircury prez Berle Adams, who's testing the exploitation deal here prior to trying It out In other spots throughout th| country where his conlractees play. Hollywood, June 11. Freddie Slack, who has been working as a single pianist on the Coast for months, intends to reor- ganize his band. He has secured a release from a, contract with the William Morris agency with the payment of approximately $900 he owed it in back commissions and has signed with Joe Glaser's Associated Booking Corp. It was Slack's unauthorized switch to Glaser's ABC from Morris over a year ago, incidentally, which started a three-cornered frafcas be- tween tlie leader, and the two agen- cies. Morris took Slack to the Amer- ican Federation of Musicians to force him to abide by a contract be- tween them or pay a sum for re- lease far higher than the above amount he plunked down to sever the ties. Slack apparently is in a hurry to get rolling again. He already has be- gun rehearsing his band and will start on one-nighters in this airea before another week. Maurice Duke Is personally managing , the outfit. Dispute between Southern Mu.stc Co. and Bel-Tone Records over which controlled publication rights to "Mean Mama Blues" has been settled, In February, Bel-Tone recorded the ditty, written by Slim Gaillard, and simul- taneously secured the' pub rights, which it now has assigned Mills Music, Inc. Later, Music Publishers' Protective Assn; told Bel-Tone it must pay royalties to Southern, as that firm controlled song. After much talk it was discovered that the Southern song, written years back, actually was labeled "Jimmic's Mean Mama- Blues," a Jimmie Rodgers' western plaint which has nothing in common with Gaillard's work. .First release of Hamp-Tpne Records, recently formed pop-plattery, has been roundly banned by radio disk jockeys. Item is "Hey Ela-Ba-Re-Bop," rendered by Wynonie Harris, into which has been inserted four, lines of rhyme about Jack and Jill trudging up a hill and not returning with the fabled pail of water. Lyrics, incidentally, were not in original version of song, first made popular by Lionel Hampton on Decca label. Mrs. Hampton is Hamp-ToiVe prexy. Waxery, in turn, is financially controlled by Jef- ferson-Travis Corp., which also owns Musicraft and Guild labels. Programs, Inc., which recently set up in the business of compiling and selling souvenir programs, which are virtually biographies of various band- leaders, is currently rushing out a book on Bdb Hope, copies of which must be oh the Coast by the time he starts his one-nighter totiT next week. To get them there, the company has chartered a DC-3 cargo ^irliner to move four tons of the books from N; Y. to Oakland, Cel., over next w.eekend. Several wieeks ago Capitol Records chartered a cargo. ship to move thou* sands of Hijpe's first record albums from Scranton, Fa., to Hollywood. ■ 10 Best SeUers on Coin-Machines Gypsy (7) (Leeds) Prisoner of Love (10) (Mayfair). .. . . They Say It's Wonderful (3) (Berlin) Laughing On the Outside (7) (BMI). . B. All Through the Day (9) (Williamson) 6. Sioux City Sue (6) (Morris) .......... 7. Don't Be a Baby^ Baby (4) (Triangle) 8. I'm a Big Girl Now (7) (World). ... . . . 9. Shoo -Fly Pie (12) (Criterion) I Ink Spots Decca •• ( Dinah Shore. Columbia { Perry Como. . . . i .Victor •• I Ink Spots Decca ( Perry Como .Victor •* |Ahdy Russell Capitol .. Dinah Shore Columbia ( Perry Como Victor ' ' ( Frank Sinatra. . . . .Columbia ( Bing Crosby .Decca • ' ( Tony Pastor . . : , .Cosmo i Mills Bros, ; . . . .Decca Tommy Dorsey ..... .Victor Move to Force Vocalists In Bands to Join AFM BntAGVARowAyerted St. Petersburg, ria., June 11 Over the protest of a number of delegates, the American. Federation of Musicians in convention here last week skirted what had all the ear marks of developing into a major jurisdictional dispute with the American Guild of Variety Artists The AFM delegation rejected a reso- lution calling for an. amendment to the laws which would require all vocalists working with traveling bands or bands on location to iden' tify themselves as taxpaying mem bers of the AFM, regardless of whether the singer was recruited from vaude or other ranks. Move to force all vocal accom- panists with bands into the AFM ranks had overtones of the recent jurisdictional dispute involving AFM and the American Federation of Radio Artists, when latter insisted that bandsmen doubling into chatter roles should enroll with AFRA. Number of delegates pointed out, however, that enforcement of the new provision, particularly in such top production centers as Hollywood and New York, would invite strikes "90% of the time." . . . .• Sammy Kaye . ( Stan Kenton . . '• '• ( Dinah Shore . ., 10. Oh, What It Seemed to Be (18) (Santly-J) ' prankie^Carl"" Coming Up I Don't Know Enough About You (CP) ....Victor .-. ..Capitol ■Columbia .Columbia ..Columbia ( Peggy Lee.'. , .Capitol ^ Mills Bros. Decca Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop (Leeds) Cement Mixer (Mills) Bumble Boogie (Martin).., Freddy Martin Ashby De La Zopch (Manhattan)....,...,, Merry Macs , ( Lionel; Hampton. ( Beneke-Miller . . Slim Gaillard . . , .Decca .Victor , .Cadet .Victor .Decca In Love In Vain (T. B. Harms). Coin' What Comes Natur'lly (Berlin)... There's Good Blues Tonight (Embassy) , 4 Haymes-Forrest ...... Decca ' ( Margaret Whiting. . ..Capitol j Dinah Shore Columbia ' ( Jimmy Dorsey, ... .... .Decca Check of talent rosters of both major and odd-label diskeries reveals that there are twice as many male vocalists either soloing on or featured bri wax than there are female. It is only branch of amusement industry where this situation obtains. Inquiry reveals that platteries have discov- ered it is far harder to sell a femme and takes far longer to build one up into prominence. Steady perusal of best-selling lists and jukebox faves will show soundness of the theory and the ratio. Capitol Records has prepped new sort of exploitation for platters via 16m color short, of transport planeload of Bob Hope alburns .arriving in Holly- wood from east. Hope and several other Cap luminaries on hand for the advent mugged and gagged to pep up footage, Prints ere being sent to retail music stores, which are asked to rent projectors and display fVlm within or in show windows. If reaction to stunt is favorable, plattery plans to follow up. Music circles are wrinkling brows in perplexity over appearance of sheet copies of "Beautiful Carnation," published by Peer International, written by Danny Kuaana and Bernie Kaai. Prominently printed on sheets Is legend: "Featured in Universal Picture, 'CbiUinental Rose'." Universal never has produced either feature of short, with that title, nor is pic con- templated, t Musicraft Rccord.s' exploitation and promotion dept. goes even the major companies one better with the style of its "hew release" sheets to record reviewers, etc. Data on various disiks gives complete infoi'iViation, includ- ing the source of the song, publisher, timing of the recording, brief biog- raphies of artists, supporting conductors, and just 'about everything else a reviewer or disk jockey might want to know. Contrary to reports. Mercury Records has., not sold Tito Guizar any stock in the company as result of his switch to that label from Victor. Much of Mercury's talent has attempted. to buy into the outfit, but original stockholders have refused to part with their holdings. Operations are still on a contract basis. William Morris agency is attempting to clear the way for Victor to record Slim Gaillard doing his novelty hit, "Cement Mixer." Singer-guitarist did the trick in February for Cadet Records, to which he is not tied exclu- sively. Odd-label Hollywood firm has distribution on Coast only. Item proved white-hot seller out there and Vittor hopes to-CBsh in nationally. Irving Taylor, vet song lyricist, has been suspended by Songwriters Pro- tective Assn. for failure to pay dues. Taylor, now on Coast, asserts he got posted for refusing to pay dues during three-year hitch in Navy, on ground he did no writing then. Tommy Dorsey; ..... .Victor | legal aid. HUDDLESTON PLANS TO nCHT PIPER OUSTER Hollywood, Jiine 11. One of few known refusals of job to returned GI is case of John Hud- dleston, one of original members of Pled Pipers. His former spot in act now is occupied by Hal Hopper, and Huddleston last week put matter of his 25% interest in group ' in hands of his attorney, and also evoked aid of Federal (Government, Out of Army since February, Huddleston claims . he got a run- aroiind. from Chuck Lbwry, Clark Yociim and Hopper, who now form act along with June Hutton, After, several months of discussions, avers Huddleston, now-component mem- bers of turn have offered him $1,000 flat payment, plus $100 weekly for a year, for his 'interest in group. Having originated and named the act, Huddleston is holding- out for U5,000 or, he states, he will seek "Hock-A-Chinick, Chop-A-Tea-Pot" is an odd. Chinese novelty, the fore- part of the song title being a Yiddish phrase given an Oriental connotation by Charles S. Brower and Frank 'Turner. Shapiro-Bernstein publishes. ASKS HIGHER RANK FOR ARMY MAESTROS St. Petersburg, Fla., June 11. Delegates to the American Fed- eration of Musiqlanfl* convention hare last week voted to squawk with the, Wal; Dept. and governmental execs on the alleged brushoft Army band leadiers received: during the war as .well as the brush to their present status. The AFM's beef, speclBcally, deals with the present rank of Army bandleaders — that of warrant offi- cers—which, says the union, places them In an inferior position to' doc- tors, lawyers, dentists, veterinarians, and flanancial and recreational per- sonnel, "all of the foregoing haying commissioned status." "Such discrimination in career opportunities," protested the con- vention, "will deprive the jpeace time Army of the . very type of American musician who . could im- press upon the peoples of the oc- cupied territories overseas the high cultural attainment of our nation." . As a result the Federation voted to call on Congress to create com- missioned status for all bandleaders of . the U. S. Army, with a rank no lowet' than 1st lieutenant Kepote Disks To Float Stock Deal Add Keynote Records to the list o( indie disk manufacturers floating stock issues through Wall Street underwriters. Plans are currently afoot whereby Keynote, which has been restricting itself mostly to jaza releases, will market 100,000 shares of stock at $3.79. It follows the Capi- tol and Cosmopolitan companies in stock deals. Up until recently. Keynote had no pressing plant of its own. Last week, it completed a deal to buy the Gen- eral Record Co. in Hollywood. It also is in the process of building a completely new plant in New York. At the same time^ its board of direc- tors has been reorganized . to include actors Lee Cobb and Paul Robeson, Sam Novick, John Hammrnd, now back with (Columbia Records after discharge from the Army, and three Wall ■Street men who are involved in the stock setup. Cosmo's stock issue, which has been in the works for weeks, finally is due to hit the - market in N. Y. tomorrow (Thursday). Some 68,700 shares go on sale at $4. E. F. Gilles- pie & Co.. Is the underwriter, , Wednesday, Jone 12, 1946 OBCHBSTBAS-JIfVSIC iS 1 D. S. Music Biz Shows No improveiiient As English Sales Take Similar Dive Sheet music and record sales, which have been in a decided ilump the past two months or so, show no inclination to improve. Music sales have been fluctuating very unevenly, one day achieving figures to start music publishers talking and the next day hitting new lows, as Oc- curred one day last week. Currently, there is only one tune, Leeds Music's "Gypsy," that Is ap- proximating pre-slump sales figures. This tune has been getting off be- tween 12,000 and ISiOOO copies a day and has reached a sale of approxi- mately 600,000. No other is closfe to it of the current crop, although Irv- ing Berlin's "They Say It's Wonder- ful" is vising steadily. Although music publishers cry over current conditions, they admit that the overall business is stiU above the comparative period of last year. What they currently call a bad slump, is such only in i-elation .to the unprecedented peak business of last winter. Whether the recession will be temporary or permanent no one know.s. Apparently few publishers feel it will continue long. None has made any moves to cut expenses as yet. As for the record business, it's also off sharply and shows no tendency to get back to last winter's figures. Companies, as in the case of the mu- sic business, are still selling plenty of recordings, however. A Parade Nobody Saw St. Petersburg, Fla., June 11. this town is still talking about "the parade that nobody saw." As one of the AFM conven- tion highlights, union prez '^James C. Petrlllo thought It would be a good idea if the 1,000 delegates and attendees put on a display for the benefit of St. Petersburg residents, of the union's united front by marching from a Phil Spitalny park concert 'back to convention hdqts. Petrillo and Spitalny shared grand marshal honors. Word got around town, and the route of the march — down Fourth street and then Second ■avenue— was lined with towns- folk. Everything went off okay — except that Petrillo and his boys took the wrong route, marching down Second street and turning into Fourth avenue. Loudon Sales Off London, May 31. Music publishers on. this side of tlie ocean arei greatly worried over the drop in sheet sales, which is worst .Since before tlie war. Ordi- narily, Tin Pan Alley here would not be greatly perturbed at the sud- den drop in sale.^, generally looking upon it as a temporary slump and that biz would come back better than ever. But current reaction if differ- ent. Many feel this is no temporary lull. They base their facts on discharge of millions of war workers, which equals a lack of money; counter-at-. tractions, such as greyhound racing, racing, bright lights and longer days, which is sending lots of people to ' theatres and cinemas instead of listening to . the radio or providing themselves with indoor diversions. In the good old days, a best seller here meant sale of . 300,000 copies, but now it is nearer 100,000, ' with some even less. Vic Lombardo Forms Own Orch Victor Lombardo, saxist brother of Guy, Carmen and Leibert Lorn' ' bardo, has finally made up his mind to have his own band. Several weeks ago he walked out of the long established Guy Lombardo out- fit at the Capitol theatre, N. Y., in a huff over money. Later he re turned to the band for a brief period. Now he's forming his own combo. Lombardo last week signed a long-term deal with General Art- ' ists Corp. for management and doesn't give himself much time be fore he's scheduled to debut the new combination. GAC has him booked to open June 28' at Ross Fenton Farms, Asbury Park, N. J., for 10 weeks. One of the things that delayed settlement of plans for the new band was the decision on booking agencies. Music Corp. of America was in the picture; There's no clear dope' ori the styling of the new band, but it's intimated that it will be exclusively sweet and not too far off the widely known Lombardo style. Outfit will be composed of 14 people, including leader and girl vocalist. AFMsConvensh Plenty Hoodoo St. Petersburg, Fla., June 11. A hoodoo convention — that's what they were calling the annual pow- wow. of the American Federation of Musicians here last week. To start with, Arthur H. Kuhn, a delegate from. Local 813 of San Jose, Cal., died on his way to the conven- tion. The very first day, President Petrillo unleashed some riemarks in his convention-opening speech that; brought' about a week-long investi- gation by Florida authorities who thought he might have violated the Florida sedition law. The probe eventually fizzled out. Second day of the convention, a planned day-long tour of the city and nearby Gulf of Mexico beaches was canceled because white em- ployees of two- beach restaurants where delegates were to have had dinner, announced they would not serve the 49 Negro delegates. An- gry, Petrillo called the whole thing off, ordered $3,500 worth of food and refreshments given to some char- itable institution. With the tour called off, many delegates went swimming. One, Vic- tor Carpenter of Spencer, Wis., dove into shallow water, struck bottom and suftcred a cracked vertebra. He was rushed to a hospital where his condition was said to be "fairly good." Edward A. Sweeney, another dele- gate, was fined $15 for driving through a red tralflc light and hitting another car. James H. Hart, delegate .from Phoenix, suffered painful lacerations of the face when a palm fell from a tree in front of the convention hotel and struck him. And last but not least, a conveii tion hotel waitress precipitated an argument with Phil Spitalny which was climaxed as Harry Steeper, as- sistant to Petrillo, blacked the eye of an assistant hotel manager. Mercer Ellington Orch In 2-Tr. Mnsicraf t Pact Mercer ElUngton's orchestra has been signed by Musicraft Records, through Billy Shaw of the Gale agency, who has been handling the band's dates.. It's a two-year ticket. Deal has nothing to do with Musi- craft's recent signing of Duke El- lington, Mercer Ellington's father. See Greater Tie ByMWithM-G In Robbins Music With Metro haying acquired Jack Bobbins' 26% interest in the Rob- bins, Feist and Miller Music Corps, for $673,000 gross (SOOG net to Rob- bins), it may be that this will pave the way for greater accord between Metro and 20th-Fox studios. It may kayo the latter studio's yen for ac- quiring more music catalogs — ^MiUs Music has been frequently men- tioned — and, instead, coordinate more directly its existing tieup' with Rob- bins Music Corp. lHat has some 1 1 years yet to run but, for the same reasons of strained relations as existed between Jack Robbins and Metro, the 20th-Fox plant was- not cooperative. The antipathy of such songsmiths as Harry Warren and Mack Gordon also may be eased since these writers, in spleen over the Robbins- Feist-Miller setup, had veered away to Bregman, Vocco & Conn for publication outlets. Padway Waxed Hot On Effect of Vetoed Case Bill at Meet Travdins Combos Under AFM's Inti Board Win Raises St. Petersburg. Fla., June 11. The American Federation of Mu- sicians has secured pay hikes for all traveling musical combps that come under jurisdiction of the In- ternational Board of - the AFM. While it doesn't include traveling bands that come within jurisdiction of the locals, it does take in mu- sicians with traveling shows, 'vaude units, circuses, 'opera companies, ice carnivals, state and county fairs, concert tours, ietc. Union Prexy Petrillo'fi recom^ mendation to the AFM convention last week, passed unanimously, calls' for an increase in the prices for traveling (Engagements of such units of "ISI'c and upwards", with International Executive Board au- thorized to blueprint a breakdown. Original recommendation was for an. increase of "at least 15 to 20%" but this was amended. AFM Meet Faik to End Fonn B ^t Tacitly Obys Maestro Corporatioiis Gayl Rib Juggy Gayle, Feist plugger, is something of a Tin Pan Alley : "character'^ which explanation is necessary to prelude his remark to Jack Robbins when the latter showed his former staffers a. new song. It's "Millionaires Don't Whistle," first publication by the new Robbins & Sons company, and after most of the music men opined it was a good piece of material. Gayle looked at Rob- bins quizzically and then' cracked: "Everybody's going into the publishing business nowadays." Col Pacts Stordahl Axel Stordahl, conductor for Frank Sinatra on his Old Gold radio broadcasts, and on most of his Co- lumbia Records, has been signed by the latter disk company for work separate from his Sinatra chores. He s been tagged with a three-year ticket to turn out mostly albums and occasional individual disks. He continues work with Sinatra. St. Petersburg, Fla., June 11. The American Federation of Mu- sicians in convention here was warned that the Case Bill, under bitter attack during the full week of meetings, would play right into the hands of the recording companies and, in the event of collective bar- gaining, would leave musicians hold- ing the bag. [Case bill was vetoed by President Truman yesterday (Tuesday) morning.] The caution was sounded by Jo-' scph A. Padway, general counsel for the American Federation of Labor arid the AFM, who, in one of the highlight Ulks of the annual pow- wow, charged that the biU, unless vetoed, would, simply as a cooling- off measure, destroy the entire meaning of collective bargaining. "By extending the cooling-off period from 30 to 60 days," Padway warned the delegates, "the companies would be able to make enough masters to nullify any need for collective bar- gaining." AFM's 'Ivory Tower* The American Federation of Mu- sicians has voted acceptance of a resolution which somewhat parallels the "Ivory Tower" resolution' of the American Federation of Radio Art- ists. The resolution makes illegal the current practice of locals in larger centers whose membership embraces symphonic players, from forming their own intra-local association for discussion purposes. Case, specifi- cally, is believed to stem from' the troiibles that ensued when such an association in Cincinnati vested it- self with powers and proposed bar- gaining conditions that thie local felt rightfully belonged to the whole membership. . However, the implications are be- lieved deeper, suggesting overtones of the "Ivory Tower-let's-break-iip- political-cconomic-discussiori," as in-: timated by proponents of the resolu- tion in their comment of "not hav- ing people around who poison minds." Small locals— in .nOn-symph cen- ters — are excluded from, the terms Of the resolution. RdUnns&Sons Formed by Pub J. J. Robbins & Sons, Inc., with "Millionaires bon't Whistle," by Bob Wright and Chtt Forrest, proves how fast Jack Robbins has gotten back into harness. : Last Thursday the LiOew's, Inc., board ratified the $500,000 net profit buyout of Rob- bins' 26% interest in Robbins, Feist and Miller Music Corp., and almost immediately the publisher was in business for himself with a new song. Making his headquarters with the American Artists Bureau, Inc., head- ed by his son, Howard (Buddy) Bob- bins, and his nephew, Howard Rich- mond, the vet music man received a formal communique from both youngsters that "we are hastening to send.yoii our retainer as a $l-a-year advisor" to the AAB. Although attorney Sam Hartman handled Robbins' SOOG deal for the legal consideration of "one necktie", which Mrs. Robt>ins "paid" hint yes- terday (Tues.), Ute new Robbins & Sons firm was incorporated by Ber- nard L. Miller, w.k. in the music business. Robbins is music publishing as a sideline, at least for the moment The "Millionaires" song was intro- duced by Jane Froman in the last Copacabana (N.Y.) nitery revue and she has already recorded it for Majestic. , Jonie Taps, head of Columbia Pic- tures music interests, came on from the studio Monday (10) to huddle with Robbins on a possible deal for Sun Music, a Decca Records subsid, which is tied in with Columbia Picts cxploitationally. An informal cocktailery by the Robbins, Feist and Miller music staffs bon-voyaged their ex-boss last Friday (T) when the longtime head of the firm bearing his name bowed out. Trenet's Co|. Album Columbia Records will make an album with Charles Trenet, French singing importation now at the Em- bassy Club, N.. ■y. His records hove become very much in demand in N. y. in recent weeks and the al- bum is designed to take advantage of it. Trenet disk connection in France is with the company afniiated with Columbia. It operates under the same name. Therefore, Trenet's work for Columbia here follows. Promoter Sy Shribman, St. Petersburg, Fla., June 11. American Federation of Musicians annual convention did nothing cbout ridding itself of its Form B cont':act blanks, after officials of the union had led band-business, eicecs to un- derstand that it would be eliminated. However, the AFM apparently is no longer bothered about whether its members adhere to the terms of the blank, indicating that it is slbwly getting around to the point where Form B will be booted. Its useful- ness, AFM officials say, it at an end. Form B cites bandleaders as em- ployees of those who buy their mu- sic, thereby making the leader ex- empt from the payment of iSocial Security and unemployment taxes. Recently, a half dozen top and me- dium-rated maestros have set up cor- porations which are contrary , to the terms of Form B. Union officials arie aware of them and have indicated no desire to interfere. These corprra- . tions, set up for tax purposes and strictly legal, operate thusly: a'lcoder . is the employee of his own organ- ization. Latter makes deals for his services, collects his money, pays So- cial Security and unemployment taxes on him and his musicians p>iys salaries to all, etc. These corpora-, tions could not have been set up if Form B was being strictly enforced by the AFM since the latter would prevent the leader froin paying, his own s.s. and unemployment lcviie> That a discussion re Form B did not enter onto the floor of last week's conventloQ disappointed many v/ho have long been awaiting its, demise. Passes Away in Mass. Simon (Sy) Shribman, New Eng- land dance promoter and band fi- nancier whose coin helped . a hand- ful of struggling maestros into big reputations, died last week (3) in. Boston after a long illness. He was 58. News of Shribman's death was slow in getting to the band business people who were his friends. He was buried the day after death in his home town of Danvers, Mass., and it wasn't until later' in the week that it became known. Death fol- lowed a second stroke, suffered dur- ing a vacation in Florida last win- ter, where he had gone to recover from an earlier stroke. He was moved to Boston from Florida only five weeks ago. Shribman booked bands into a string of New England ballrooms, sorne of which he owned, for years. Probably the fli-sb bandleader in whom he invested money, and who later became a top name, was Artie Shaw. Later, he repeated with the late Glenn Miller, who also eventu- ally shot up into the No. 1 b.o. spot. He also had an interest in Charlie Spivak, Cl?ude Thornhill, Hal Mc- Intyre, Woody Herman and 'Tony Pastor Last three he was 'Still in- terested in at the time of his death. He leaves three brothers, among them Charles Shribman, who has been operating his band Interests, and a sister. Dreyfus Qiarters Morris BriL Fim London, June 11. Louis Dreyfus' arrangement with Edwin H. (Buddy) Morris, under which he will set up a music pub- lishing outfit in this city, apparently is nearing reality. While the actual papers have not b6en signed,- a char- ter has been issued by British au- thoriti* to Edwin H. Morris, Ltd, of London, Firm will be activated as soon as possible,: it's explained. It will have its own plugging staff and separate offices. Into the new catalog will be transferred all of the songs Dreytiis has' published here in the past by arrangement with' Morris' American publishing houses, i.e. Morris, May- fair, Melrose, Burke-Van Heusen, etc. Dreyfus recently set up a similar arrangement with Irving Berlin, whose music he has also represented in this country for years. Another American firm which has estab- lished a publishing venture here is Leeds Music, which entered into a reciprocal publishing-house arrange- ment with Peter Maurice. Latter launched the Leeds offices here three weeks ago with a cocktail party. First song is "Along Navajo Trail," which Leeds made a hit in the U. S. Leeds, in turn, has set up Peter Maurice, Inc., in N, Y., and will laiinch. it with a song titled, ' "Under the 'Willow Tree," which was a hit here months ago. MUSICIANS UNION IN FLA. RACIAL ISSUE St. Petersburg/ Fla., jxme 11, . For the second time within 48 hours, the American Federation of Musicians in convention here found itself embroiled last week in a situ- ation in which the "minority issue" was again projected, this time with Phil Spitalny in the middle of an embarrassing tiff in which . a top hotel staffer was slugged. Spitalny came here with his all- girl orchestra to perform for Pet- rillo & Co. Before .shoving off for another date in Savannah, the troupe checked in at the dining room of the town's No. 1 hotel and convention hdqts., the . Soreno. Pressed for time after the troupe had waited for 40 minutes for some service, Spitalny spoke to the wait- ress and she, in turn, it's charged, chimed in with a derogatory, racial crack. Whereupon Spitalny sent for the hotel staffer who, witnesses testify, reprised ■ the sentiments of the waitress. At that point Harry Steeper, one of the top AFM execs, intervened and took a resounding sock at the guy. 46 ORCHESTHAS-»l VSIC WedneBilay, June 12, 1946 Song of the Month-New Twist in a«b «• Best sheet S.O.rs Group Idea-Making Trade Rounds There are many variations ol tlic Book-ot-ttie-M6nth Club idea, such as Records of the Month, etc. Now comes a "Songs of the Month." Mu- «ic publishers in New York were cir- cularized on the inception of such an organization last week by Robert Lissaiier, former owner, of Jewel Music. Lissauer's idea is to group three songs a month to subscribers for $1, the songs to be selected tunes just getting started and which in Lissauer's judgment will become hits. The enormous maryin for error In this method, plus the fact that the company is going to pay publish- ers the regular 22c. per wholesale price for music, which cave."; n com- paratively small margin for profit, is what makes music publishers be- lieve the idea may never work Tlicy point out that advertising, mailing and clerical costs arc too hiph cur- rently. In addition, Lissaucr intends giving subscribers a boiu'.s of a folio or something similar with every fourth sot of songs accepted. Despite tneir fcelnig that the idea as laid out cannot work, many piib.s ajc rooting for its success. Tlu'v Have told Li.sSauei: that it and when he corrals a sutficiont number o( buyers, the price ol their music will drop to 20c.. the break given music racks currently. Others, however. They Both Make Noise Philadelphia, June U. Last week, Jerry Oaghan, Daily News gossip columnist, curried ■ ah item that George Evans, Frank Sinatra's press agent, would be the "tub- thumper" for Elliot Lawrence's orchestra, when the band opens at the Pennsylvania Hotel, New- York. Next day, Lawrence got an irate phone call from M;in Spec- tor, his drummer. "That's a dirty trick." Specter shouted over the phone. "You promised to take mo to New York with the band. Now I see you're double-crossing me and hiring Evans for the driuns." 1( took Lawrence a good half hour to convince Spcctor that a "tub-thumper" was anything but- a skin-beater. (Week Etidhio, Jtiiie 8) Gypsy Leeds They Say It's Wonderful. .Berlin Laughing on the Outside. .BJII Prisoner of Love Morris Sioux City Sue Morris All Through Day. , . . WiUiamson I Didn't Know Enough C-P Full Moon, Empty Arms. Barton I'm Big Girl Now . , .World Doin' What Naturally .... Berlin Arnstein Nicked For$l525Fees In Porter DEPRECATES SMUTTY SONG LYRIC TREND Tuckahoe. N. Y. Eo'ifor, Variety: Speaking as one who lias hung aroimd with a few very good pro- fessional lyric writers for aliiiost 25 don't care much for the idea, feeling ] years, and as one who used to know that there are now too many racks, etc., that take music trade away from music stores. MG Starts Dickering To Buy Up Remaining lil of Big 3 Stock As the music trade has anticipated ever since Metro's buyout of Jack Bobbins' 2C'.'<; of the Robbins, Feist, and Miller Music catalogs, the film company h^s set abotif acquiring the remaining small pieces of the combine held by four individuals whose shares aggregate 23";;,. First to 1 iproached was J3omenico Savin ho holds 9<;; of*he stock, the la. \ of the four small cuts. Savino has been with Robbins in New York as mu-ic editor, com- a few of the tricks, it seems to me a rather dangerous trend is shaping up via the double meaning lyrics that men, women and little children are listening to on the radio these days. ■The movie industry is now trying to untangle a dangerous trend in suggestive advertising, and . they should throw out some of the ads I have seen in the best New York papers. I love smut — but in a saloon, with middle-aged men. I do not like to have my mother or my wife hear smut, and although I have no children, I think I speak for quite a few fathers. in the old days around Tin Pan Alley, occasionally in the sweetest type of ballad, a clever lyric writer could legitimately tuck in a few words that Tntglit be interpreted two ways, and it used to help sell a song pos;r, orchestrator, etc., for the past to a publisher and/or an interpre- 22 years or so If and when the ' tive artist if the lyrics showed such deal goes through for the purpose of ; professional know-how. But today, his holdings, he will remain with I Mr. Editor, I am almost ashamed to the publishing house.' It had been ! say I am a lyric writer, for I am rumored that he w;;s di.smis^ed as : ashamed of a lot of the lyrics I hear of Monday (10). 'with their not-so-.sly double mean- Others holding Robbips-Feist- . ings. Occasionally they make even Miller shares, who will probably hf \ me blush when I am olonc with my approached one by one to sell out. ! radio! In a business (music busi- are Jack Bregman, former Robbins ness) that has grown so fast in the e):ec but now a partner in Brcg- j past few years, why doesn't some- mi.n, Vocco & Conn, Bernard Pragor body check this trend before it gives and Stephen Lcvitz. Each owns everybody who is in it a black eye? 4')ii shares. Li-st two are Robbins \ Why not? execs. ' Pnt Ballnrd. Ira B. Arnstein was assessed $2,525 in attorney fees and court costs by " Federal Judge John C, Knox, as a result of hLs imsucccssful infringement suit vs. Cole Porter in New York. Coin-t granted the fee application oC Porter's attorney,- Samuel J. Silverman, for succcss- I fully defending Porter against Arn- stein's suit for alleged piracy of his unpublished and published works. It is one of the few instances in the many plagiarism and infringement suits filed by Arnstein, that he has been nicked for defense costs. Arnstein had charged that Porter's hit tunc£, "Night and Day," "Don't Fence Me In," and others, were lifted from his published and unpublished songs.' Asked to decide only on whether there had been infringe- ment, a jury took only two hoiu's to toss Arnstcin's latest case out of court. It took two weeks to hear testimony, however. NBC, CBS, ABC, Mutual Plugs (Peatman System) FoIIotui«(/ nre the Most Plai/ed songs of the week, Ma]/ 31 -Jtine 6, bosett on the copyrighted siiTuey by Dr. John Pea(7na)>'s Office of Research, valng the Accurate Reporting Rodio Log a» basis of in/onnaflo»» in N. Y. All Through the Day— t"Centennial Summer". Williamson Cement Mixer Mills Coax Me a Little Bit. . Bourne Come Rain Come Shine— *"St. Louis Woman" Crawford Cynthia's In Love .... .■ • • . .ABC Do Yoix Love Me?— 1"Do You Love Me?" BVC Don't Be a Baby, Baby ... .Triangle Full Moon and Empty Arms. ; • . .Barton Gypsy ,. Leeds I Don't Know Enough About You : tC-P IDoti't Know Why .......Feist I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time .Broadway I'm a Big. Girl Now.......... World In Love In Vain— t"Centennial Summer"... T. B. Harms In the Moon Mist. :• Shapiro It Couldn't Be True Santly-Joy I've Got Sun In Morning — ""Annie Get Your Gun" Berlin . June Is Bustln' Out All Oyer... T. B. Harms Laughing On the Outside. , . .JiBMI More Than You Know. Miller Oh, What l{ Seeinod to Be - Santly-Joy One More Tomorrow : . . . , ...... ...Romiek Prisoner of Love Mayfair Shoo Fly Pie ..: .Capitol Should I Tell You I Love You'^— "Around the World".. ....Chappell Sioiix City Sue ; i*"f>i i i.v Strange Love Famous There's No One But You. ...Shapiro They Say It's Wonderful— ""Annie Get Yom- Cun". . . . . . .Berlin We'll Gather Lilacs ....Chappell Without a Penny In Your Pocket Global t FiliWislcal. " Lesheets which compete with regular sheet music sales and pay off publishers better than writers. Bands at Hotel B. O/s Weeks Band Betel Flared Johnny Pineapple* Lexington (300; 79c-$l-60) « ..,. 19 Jerry Wald* New Yorker (400; |1-$1,S0)... ...... 10 George Paxton...Penniylvanla kSOO; $1-$1.50) 3 Xavier Cugat....Waldorl (550; $2)... 3 Joe Relchman. ....Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50). 4 Alvlno Rey...... Aslor (850; $1-$1.50)..,.. 3 OoTen Puit Week 1.650 1,050 1.775 3.275 2,350 3,800 TOUI .Coven On Ihit* 41,125 19,100 5,450 11,925 8,375 8,150 * Asterisks indicate a supporttno floor shoto. New 7orfcer has (ce sfiow; Lexington, an Hawaiian /loor .siiott). Chicago Sherm»n Hayes (Walnut Room, Bismarck hotel; 465; $1.50-$2.50 min.). Continuing steady climb to 3,100. Ernie Heoksoher (Mayfair Room, BlackstOne hotel;' 350; $l.S0-$2.50 mini)^ Up again to 2,700 after falling oft last week.. Stephen Kisley (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach hotel; 900; $3-$3.30 min.). Following the trend with a jump to 5,700. Buddy Bleti (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 950; $1.50-$2.50 min;). Up to 4,500 but still not good for this large spot. - Ted Straeter (Empire Room, Palmer House; 590; $3-$3.50 min.). Straeter, Gil Lamb and Nip Nelson doing a fancy 5,500. Orrln Tucker (Boulevard Room, Stevens ho.tel; 630; $3-$3.50 min.). Shot up to 6,200 for the biggest take in months. Los Angeles Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Climbed some lo 4,000 tabs. Buss Morgan (Billmore; 900; $1-$1.50). General uptrend helped ring up 4,350 covers. (6), Whiteman's Musical Salute to Yet Song Plugger Mose Gumhle One of the deftest pic plugs, for the upcoming "Night and Day" fllmusical (Cole Porter biog), took on extra values Monday niglit (10) over ABC network because of its salute to Mose Gumble, dean of con- tact men. As Paul Whiteman, maes- tro of his "Forever Tops" program, saluted "C>ld Man Mose," it shaped up as solid musical showmanship. Incidentally, this made it the second sentimental - showmanship indulged in this past week, .both with a Hol- lywood hook, the other being Metro's "30 years in show business" party for Jimmy Durante. Whiteman skillfully blended "Ja Da"' and "Forever Blowing Bubbles," both circa 1919, as the keynote to when he first met "Bumble Gum- ble," as the vet Remick's plugger is afTectionately known, and through deft scripting the audience got the idea that behind every song hit, whether by Cole Porter or others, there's the plugger who helps "make!' the hits. With Clark Dennis. Eugenic Baird and the Buddy Weed Trio for vocal assists. Pops White- man ran a strong Porteriana gamut from "Beguine" through "What Is This Thing Called Love," "Anything Goes" excerpts, and finally the "Night and Day" payolT. The film, Warner -produced, culls its music from its own music subsids, hence the e3(traordinary songplug buildup, with pumble giving it a new and punchy fillip. Abel. Location Jobs, Not in Hotels v (Chicago) Will Back (Aragon; 9dc-$1.15). Back did average 12,000. Charley Barnei (Rainbo; $1-$1.25). Jimmy Dorsey closed Thursday Barnett in Friday (7) to close week at so-so 9,000. Billy Bishop (Blackhawk; 500; $2-$2.50 min.). Bishop hitting stride with 3,100. Gay Clsrldffe (Chez Paree; 630; $3-$3.50.min.). Same old story; Danny Thomas pulled 6,000. Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $3-$3.50 min.). Dropped a bit but still healthy 4,000. . Benny Strong (Trianon; 90c-$l.M). Down, but still okay 11,000. ' (Los Angeles) Sammy Kaye (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 6th wk.l. Finale stanza okay with 24,000 admishes, Jan Garber,: Bobby Sherwood (Avodon, B, Los Angeles, 4th wk.). Holi- day filled but nifty 15,000 ducats. Joe Sanders (Trianon, B, South Gate", 4lh wk.). Bow'oul frame a dull thud, at 3,750 admishes. Eddy Oliver, Eddie Heywood (Trocaderp, N, Hollywood, 4th & 1st wks ). Both rooms nice 3,000 covers. Dorsey's Femme Warbler May Turn Up in Tlayshop' Tommy Dorsey is combining his long hunt for a new vocalist with exploitation for his "Playshop" Mu-- tual net program Fridays at 10 p.m. Leader has been seeking a fenime warbler suitable lo. his needs for months and requires one mor^ than ever . since letting the "Sentiment- alists," femme quarlel ouL Mutual-"Playshop'' gag is a con- test, with entrants shipping photos and disked samples ot vocal qualifi- cations to Dorsey via any one of the net's 3'00-odd. stations. Aspirants must be between 18 and '20. BAKALEINIKOFF'S N. Y, BATON Hollywood, June 11. Constantin Bakaleinikoff leaves for New York Friday (14) to pie- pare for all-Tschaikowsky concert at Carnegie Hall June 19. RKO musical director is first of such film maestros ever to lead the N. Y, Philharmonic Orchestra.!. 3 BRAND NEW UNPUBLISHED SONGS We Hope Recerdinq Companies, Performing Artists And Potential Publishers Will Like: LITTLE BUTTERFLY (Don't Fly Too High) rtjr MOE JAFFE, CLAY BOLAND and PAT B.XLLARO (ASCAP) DID YOU EVER CRY ■y PAT BALU-SD and OERNARD M.'.LTIN (ASCAP) JUST A LITTLE BIT LATE By PAT BALLARD (ASCAP) >1dvance Block and Wh/te Copies Available Write BALLARD, 50 Chippewa Read, Mohcgon Park, Tuckohee, N. Y. Triangle, Song Hits Ask Dismissal of 'Paducah' Suit "provide good j Triangle Music Corp. and Song Hits Guild, in answers filed in New ; York federal court to Harry Kipp's isuit for alleged appropriation of his j common-law copyrighted tune, "Pa- flucaii," as): for dismissal of the .complaint on the greund Kipp is guilty of waiting too long to com- mence action. Therefore, he is barred froni maintaining the suit. ' Song Hits admits that Kipp sub- millcd a poem entitled "Paducah," in March, 1943, and that Triangle j published a tune called "Paducah," I in Oct., 1943, composed by Harry I .Warren and Lee Robin, which was ! u.-ied in' the Fox film "The Gang's l All Here." 'BuI, Song Hits claims , thai Kipp had knowledjje of the fact and had consented and approved the publication and licensing of the lune by Triangle. N.O. Drives for Funds To Maintain Symph Pop Orch New Orleans, June 11. Volunteer group has been formed here to launch a guaranty fund ot $125,000 to aid in maintaining the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra and the Summer "Pop" concerts and to iniisic within the range of the average income." H. C. Parker is general chairman of the fund. Pelham Heath Inn, N. Y. Herman Shubert, owner, running 'IgoM driv- ing contest for bandleaders, music men, newspapermen, June 20. Active! solicitation will begin shortly by 150 volunteer workers who will seek pledges from firms and individuals. Ray . Hcalherton band set for . St. Moritz hotel, N. Y., starting June 20. BOURNE Inc Veloz & Yolanda Terpery? Hollywood, June 11.- Vel07, and Yolanda are planning erection of a ballroom here, which will bear name, of terp twain. According to . team, terpery will tolerate no form of hoofing other than llie gliding art, jam bands will not be used and jitterbugging will be. thumbed off premises. Dancei-s currently are being lonsed in Co- lumbia filmusical "Thrill of Brazil". IT'S THE TALK OF THE TOWN By SYMES, NEIBURQ, LIVINGSTON oinriiy t'cilcin-.lo, Ger,. .ru,'. ivi q it: Wrdneiday, June 12, 1946 49 Voice >«r* <'*w r ■ 3 ■ — I E'oO At r sila.9 I ■ ■*V^'%: .song. H - GORDON mIoiIaI JOHmSTUAffT JOHNNYmW '.'^ , « -;' - •"•y become**^*"!? ^Orbfcit^ . 50 ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC Weflnesday, June 12, 1946 Critical Paper Situation Cues Order Stoppage Unless Shipents Arrive Paper situation in the music busi- ness has reached the critical stage. Supply has dropped so low among the various lithographers who turn out piano copies, orchestrations, lead sheets, etc. for publishers, that they fear they will be stopped soon from filling orders unless shipments begin arriving. If it hadn't been tor OPA restric- tions, the music industrj- might not now be faced with a serious short- age. Several weeks ago, five ship- loads o£ paper came into N. Y. from Sweden. Apparently, they were dis- patched here on spec. Some of the printers knew about the boats and sought to buy up their cargoes, but the OPA turned thumbs down on the theory that the price of the paper, plus import taxes and other charges, would bring the overall cost above OPA ceilings in this country. Hence, the paper was not allowed into this country. It was returned to Sweden. ASCAP Nipping Song Shark Pubs in Bud American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is out after song shark . publishers. Society's complaint committee last week had a Chicago publisher on the carpet for irregular activities and expelled him from the organization. Others arc on the list. Chi pub discharged from member- ship was Robert De Leon, owiicr of a Krm bearing his name. He's also a member of ASCAP as a songwriter and this affiliation with the society was allowed to stand. He was charged with irregular activities in dealings with amateur songwriters in the middle west. Lorraine Partnered In ARA Subsid Pubs Hollywood, June U. Sid Lorraine, who has been gen- eral-managing Carol Music, Inc., and sistcr-flrm, Stanley Music, last week was made a partner in companies by Mark Left, prexy of ARA. the ppp- plattery headquartered here. His cut is undisclosed. Carol and Stanley were organized by the dislicry as subsids to publish songs acquired by ARA for waxing. Former is BMI-afliliate; latter re- cently made bid for ASCAl* iriem- bership. Lorraine has fronted bdth since they were formed. Cosmo Tnskegee Disks To Scholarship Fund Royalties accruing from the sale of disks made for Cosmopolitan Rec- ords- by the Chapel Choir of Tuskegee Institute will be chan- neled into a Cosmo memorial schol- arship at the school in memory of Booker T. Washington; Coin, which would normally ' go to the institute, will be augmented' by Cosmo with part of its own profits. Choir, which recently performed at Constitution Hall, Washington, the first Negro talent to work the aud, made 32 sides for Cosmo, 20 of which AviU be released in album form during the next six months. Some of them will go into a inter- faith album to be released by the company including musical works from the. Jewish, Catholic and Protestant faiths. Choir is composed ni 59 voices. 'Carmen' to Open Bowl Hollywood, June 11. "Carmen," produced by Boris Morros and conducted by Leopold Stokowski, opens the Hollywood Bowl's season, July 9, with a repeat performance July 10. Winnifred Heidt, Ramon Vinay, James Pease and Marina Koshetz will head the cast. ic Notes LA. Symph Gets Order: $15 Hike for Mosikers " Los Angeles, June 11. Flat $15 per week per musicians is being asked of Los Angeles Sym- phony As.sociatipn by Local 47 on take-it-or-lcave-it basis. Union pre- sented demands, duplicate of deal recently obtained from Hollywood Bow^l Assn., and stated men will get boost, or there will be no symph performances. Windjammers now are pegged at $70 weekly for eight performances, same number they would perform under new ticket. With rehearsals sure to run well beyond eight, it is estimated that musikers will average $115 per stanza, including overtime. Symph heads are now stewing in the' or-else proposal, since union of- ficials are still in St. , Petersburg, Fla., where they attended AFM con- vention. DUKE'S COAST DATES Holly wood, June 11. Joe Zacca, operator of Meadow- brook dancery, is promoting a Duke Ellington jazz concert at Shrine auditorium here for Aug. 7, guaran- teeing $5,000 against 60% of gross. " Ellington is booked into Meadow- brook for three four-day weekends following Shrine date at a price understood to be $6,500 per week- end. Stan Kenton's orchestra cut six pop sides and flock of transcriptions for Capitol last week on Coast, .. .Smiley Burnette will warble own composi- tion, "I'd Make a Hit With Vou," in forthcoming Columbia film, "Outlaw Tamer" Spade Cpoley cut four sides for Columbia Records over week- end. .. .Diana Lynn over weekend waxed first two of six sides of piano- plinking album she's making for Capitol Records. .. .Edmund Goulding, directing "Razor's Edge" for 20th-Fox, has cleffed two tunes for film, "Dark Is The Nifiht" and "J'Aime Ta Pomme". . . .Gene Krupa pre-scoring this week on RKO's "Beat the Band" fllmusical Cliff Ogden, western sales rep of Capitol Transcriptions, returns to Hollywood office today (Wed.) from month's trek through Southwest . Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Sons of the Pioneers doing five songs in Republic^ "Home in Okla- homa". .. .Lou; Levy has commissioned Don Raye to put English lyrics to French songhit, "Pigalle," which Leeds Music will publish in this coun- try Jimiriy and Mildred Mulcay signed for records by Sonora., ..Al Porgie and Nick Campbell, pubs, on Coast for visit from N. Y. offices.... Kay Marx has joined Hollywood office of Mills. Music, replacing Glover Carlson, who has shihed over to 20th-Fox publicity ... .Aaron Gonzales, orchestra loader current at Bevhills hotel, Beverly Hills, Calif,, forming own music pub firm, Azteca Publishers, primanly to i.ssue own composi- tions Jack Ecoff, Mills Music standard catalog salesman, oiv Coast for week from N. Y. headquarters, contacting schools and musical organiza- tions. ...Abe Olrhan, newly named chief of Robbins-Feist-Miller, due oil Coast from N. Y. on July 1 on combination vacash and huddle with Metro studio execs'. ...Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson signed to write songs for Republic's "Calendar Girl." First stint for team at studio.... Arthur Piantadosi out as Coast spngpluggcr for Melody Lane Pub firm will no longer employ Hollywood iune-tout. .. .Carl Zoehrns. general sales manager of E. B. Marks Music, back in N, Y. after semi-annual trek to Coast on biz check. .. .Boyd RaebUrn band last week finished cutting its first album, for Jewel Records.... Jack Final, who left Freddy Martin orchestra to form own crew, will disk two albums for Mercury Records : ; . Emery Deutsch en route from N. Y. to Coast to open Hollywood outpost of his Emery Music Co Robert Bailey over weekend narrated children's album for Bel-Tone Records. Ted Sills scripted and directed — Bill Rawak appointed eastern sales manager of Musicraft Records. Jules Munshin, of "Call Me Mister." waxed Ave numbers. from the show for Stinson label .... Stinson-Asch releasing new album by Jo.sh White Package Music, Inc.. has been incorporated to conduct a music and the- ati'ical business in New York. Bernard Haas, New York, is a director and filing attorney. Gene Gold, former arranger, has joined Music Corp. of America cock- tail band dept. We are proud to announce tee have just acquired the EXTENSIVE CATALOGUE OF L. B. CURTIS MUSIC PUBLISHER Containing FAVORITE STANDARDS SUCH AS DRIFTING and DREAMING * * * ROSES FOR REMEMBRANCE THINK OF ME THINKING OF YOU HONEY DAT S All and many others Burke and Van Heusen, Inc. New York • Hollywood • Chicago • Cincinnati On the Upbeat Convention Hall, Asbury Park, N. J., will have Jour Mutual and two CBS wires weekly when Harry Jame.s starts week-stands June 29 . ; . Les Elgart orchestra due for shot at Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook . . . Te.x Beneke-Glenn Miller combo did $7,062 gross plus lax at Hershey Park, Helshey, Pa.,. Saturday (8), just 30c under ' Vaughn Monroe's previous date . . . June Davis joins Gcorgie Auld band as vocalist . . , Bobby Byrne returns to Roseland Ballroom, N. Y. Sept. 18 for eight weeks . . . Gene Krupa returns to Aquarium Reslauraiit, N. Y. Aug. 22 for three weeks . . . Columbia Rec- ord execs huddle in Bridgeport, Conn., next week (17) . . . Dinah Shore in N. Y. for vacash . . . Elm City four signed by Deluxe Records . . . Lou Sciiroedtcr band nearing four-year mark at Mayflower hotel, Jacksonville . . . Gary Stevens, for- mer Charlie Spivak vocalist, out of Ai-my . . Hal McKusick jumped from Boyd Racburn lb Al Donahue sax section al Saltair, Salt Lake City . . . Decca Records declared 30c divvy lo capital stockholders as of June 29 . . . Eileen FarrcU signed to Columbia Records . . . Ben Adler doing Deluxe Records promotion . . . Sunny Skylar to Mercury Records . . . Jerry Colonna into N. Y. today (Wed.) to start one-nighters route with Billy Bulterfleld band and show at Totem Pole, Auburndale, Mass., Saturday (15). Bobby Beers, pre-war vocalist with Lawrence Welk orch, back from Pacific and interned at Corona Naval hosp (Los Angeles) with rheumatic fever. He is expected to rejoin Welk in three months. . .Deuce Sprlggens' western band into Rancho, River- side, Calif., for indef stand... Sal Elardi, trumpeter, and Dal Dattore, alio sax, have quit the Buddy Rich band. Jerry Thirkeld replaced lat- ter', . . Russell Klein is seventh re- turning vet to rejoin Freddy Mar- tin. ..Bill Gene has re-formed a 15- piece band on Coast and is breaking in conibo' with string of one-niters, . Larry Barnelt, Music Corp. of America bandrbopker, on Coast from N. Y.. officft for two-week visit to old stamping grounds... Al Dona- hue, currently disk-dating in Holly- wood for 4 Star Records, set for In- def run at Claridge hotel, Memphis, starting Aug. 2... Arthur Van band set for three weeks, at Sherman's, San Diego, opening June 27. Wilson number crew follows July 19, . . . Gino Arbib is selling Jack Harris for summer al the Palm Beach Casino, Cannes . . . Al Jennings and his British all colored orchestra is first local band to visit Italy since the war. Start 12 weeks tour June 17 '. . . Maurice Winnick band booked for Deauville Casino, July 12, for six Nat Allen band, takes over from Ambrose at Giro's liondon, middle July when latter goes to Monte Carlo for the Summer . , . Burl Firman band was to have opened for Cliff Fischer at his Les Ambassadeurs, Paris, but has suddenly switched over to the opposition, the Bagatelle. Gray Gordon orchestra opens for two weeks at Vogue Terrace.Pitt., Friday (14), following Ina Ray Hut- ton . , . Closed for dancing since summer of 1942, Pines, Pitt., has re- opened with Bill.LeRoy's orchestra. Band was there when spot shut down and job's the first location for ' LeRoy since his discharge from the Army as a lieutenant ... . Bill Bickel, after, three years in the Marines, has rejoined the Baron Elliott orch as pjanist and arranger . . . Cats and A Fiddle- have replaced Four Blazes at Tropical Bar, Pitt ... Lee Kellon's WJAS, Pitt, staff band into West View Park for a run. 'Absent-Minded' ■y lURT MILLER Super Novtfy Song FOR 'TOP-DRAWER' PERFORMERS I'HOf KSSION.AI, rOlMKS NOW Brown It H*nd«rson, Inc. leM Bn»dnrii.v, >>n' York 1» Always S«a«| — All Ways Pepalar MILLS PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS STARS FELL ON ALABAMA IT MUSrSE TRUE JUST A GIRL THAT MEN FORGET MILLS MUSIC, INC. U19 irMdwoy N»w Yerh 19 TopTuaesfforYonr Books An AU-Time Favorite I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE Music by . . . JIMMY McHUGH Published by ROBBINS Wednesday, June 12, 1946 VAIIDEVILLB II N. 0. French Quarter Ops in Pank As State, Local Officials Qean Up New Orleans, June 11. ^ Crusade by the SUte Revenue De- partment to clean out night spots operating illegally in the French Quarter got underlay in earnest here this past week and the panic is on among operators. State departrhent agents closed tluce. spots on charges of operating bars without proper permits and concealing violations. Most promi- nent club to feel the Impact of the drive was the Brown Derby. It was closed, according to Pierre I^Barre, head of the New Orleaiis office of the stale revenue force, because Joe Ahnerico, who held the license with Albert P. Thibodeaux, had served a prison term and thus was not en- titled to a permit. Almcrico also faced charges Friday (7) of refilling - whiskey bottles with liquor infeiriof to their labelled contents. Charged with him weire Thomas O'Connor and John Zech- enelly, bartenders. AH were released under $500 bond. Earlier in the week, revenue agents closed the Little Club and the Goat House, for "health ■ and -and $100,000— for that's the conservative estimate of the value of his club, and he ap- parently has no redress. Hotel will be renovated, according to Albert M. Greenfield & Co.. .which represents a syndicate which re- cently purchased the hostelry at a sherifl's sale for about $400,000. Ap proximately $500,000 will be spent, but whether Lynch will be able to make a deal with the new owners is problematical. Rebuilding will take a long time, it's said, Hotel was built in 1896 on the $ite of the old Empire theatre for about $2,000,000 and was considered one of the most modern and lavish of its day. John Drew, Nat Goodwin, Maxine Elliot and other big names of show biz lived there. In recent years virtually all of the stars who played the roof, Sophie Tucker, Harry Richman, Milton Berle ami many others, stayed at the Walton. Latin Quarter, Chi, Books Merry Macs, Minevitch Latin Quarter, Chicago, continues heavily budgeted shows into the summer. Ralph Berger, op, has Merry Macs and Bbrrah Minevitch Rascals for the June 21 display. Other acts for that bill yet to be set. DOING BIZ WITH LAW JAILS NITERY MANAGER Ne^y Orleans, June 11. Henry Verdijlant, manager and "part owner" of the Mayfair Club, night spot in Houma, La., near here, was arrested by federal agents Fri- day (7) after latter bought.a ton of sugar from him at five times OPA ceiling. Arrest was made after , an FBI man posing as a truck driver bought the sugar and had Vcrdillaiit and his bartender load it into a gov- ernment truck. Verdillant was arraigned before U. S. Commissioner Reginald H. Car- ter, Jr., on charge of black market operations. He is being held in the Terrebonne parish jail. where many are undermanned 1 It's also a known fact that some hotels, during the war, have been asked to eliminate certain fire haz- ards, but authorities have been lenient with these spots because of the shortage of building materials and new equipment. But because of the two fatal blazes occurring in one week, build- ing inspectors are expected to clamp down on even ininbr viola- tions, . and^^ a consequence many outmoded inns are likely to be shuttered. A two-pronged inspection by the New York City Department of Housing & Buildings has already been started, One inspection tour will be started by this department and the other by Deputy Com- missioner Morris C. Comar which will see that all provisions of the multiple dwellinc Inw are enforced. SaranacLake Postwar San Di^o Isn t Qwst To\ni Yet But It Ain't What It Used to Be Eddie. "Rochester" Anderson plays State, N. Y., week June 27. He'U have Kitty Murray and Addie Young ■ with him. By . Happy Benway Saranac Lake, N. Y.. Jiiite 11. Margaret Dougherty, who is perl- ing nicely at the Rogers, cheered, by surprise visit from her mother, Mrs. J. Kelly. Helen Pelcchowitz. Sam Lekfo, Frank Lee and Joe Kellcher upped for meals and mild exercise. Jack Hir^eh, who has been doing nice things for colony inmates for over 20 years, here for his annual summer vacash and gifting the needy. Arthur Slattery, . former Rogerite, visited the gang last week. Abe Seligman doing nicely at the Rogers. Gladys Pebbler, telephone opera- tor at the Riogers, married to Wal- ter Ramsey and honeymooning in Arkansas. Frankie McGovern, footer, got his all clear papers and left for home. Alfredo Gonzalez spared no ex- pense in making opening of the Swiss Chalet a gala event. Nitery features X^atin American talent and orch. Wrlie to those who are III. 5 Night Glubs, Legiter Shuttered in Chicago Chicago. June 11. FolloVving on the heels of the La Salle hotel f>re, resulting in the death of 61 persons. Mayor Edward J. Kelly ordered the closing of one Loop legit house and five nabe niteries Thursday (6) for alleged violations of the city's fire regula- tions. Stinging from the ban was the Great Northern theatre, housing Philip Yordan's "Windy City," which was prevented from playing its last four performances before bowing out Saturday (8). Niteries ordered closed were the Club Alabam; El Mocambo, Liberty Inn. Playhouse, and the New Cuban Village. The Shubert, playing host to Mike Todd's top-grossing "Up in Central Park," was ordered closed in Kelly's orig- inal order, but received a. last-min- ute reprieve.' House was given two weeks in which to get in line with the city's fire regulations. Kelly threatened to close addi- tional niteries, legit houses, and filmeries which do not meet fire- law standards. A total ot 100 enter- tainment spots in town were ordered closed a few weeks ago for violation of the fire regulations, but remained open despite the lack of an oflicial permit. Kansas City Hits Biz Snag Doe to Strikes Kansas City, June 11. . Biz in the bistros and nitc spots here has toppled an average of about 30%, what with the coal strike and a series of local strikes. Past week- end, however, a slow recovery was becoming evident. Currently, the plague on local biz is partially due to bread and ice cream strikes. A Baker's strike has been in progress, since June 1, tak- ing more than 15 of the town's larg- est bakeries out of production. Ice cream strike came in only last Fri- day. Recent meat and milk strikes al- most closed a number of nite spots. Bread strike sent clubs and restau- rants scurrying for biscuits, bread substitutes, etc. One dpwnstatc Missouri operator In territory served from K. C. has gone to the extreme of flying in bread from California. Shortages ot beer and liquor have further complicated the picture, and a number of clubs arc known to be considering summer closings for rc- modellings if the strikes don't abate. Bonifaces Continued from pace 1 Pa. And's SOG Loss Cohneaut Lake Park, Pa., June 1 1 The 6,p00-seat Temple of Music auditorium at this amusement park, suffered a loss estimated at $50,000 in a fire last week. Frame struc- ture was erected in 1925 at a cost of $90,000. It had not been used for the past 10 years. The Kid From Manbatton — Back to Monhoffon — Via Okinawa and Hollywood REMBRANDT OF IMPRESSIONS' (OPENED JAN. 6) GIRO'S HOLLYWOOD (7 Weeks) (OPENED MAR. 7) COPACABANA, New (6 Weeks) York Kiirl MIlMn, N. Y. Miirrh 18th, '40: ".Suruh Cliiirclilll conKrntiiliitril tlir Copii'f* Ittirry Stnr<>li for iniiH>rHonHUn^ livr fiiitiou:^ fhllier." Tlir Illllboard, Sfurrli Itttli. '-JO: mlmliry is w sood lVn hnrd to brllrvv tliiit hiith nniucti an noniilil Coliuun, Humphrey lloi^Hrl, reirr Ixrrrr, CIrfIc . Oiiblc Jtuy Mllliiiid iind .IoIm o( otlim mn not on tiie Htmr. ... He In nlmoat a curbnn cop)' of tlie orlKlnulfl. He held hia nudlence »prll- bnund. . . .'' JlmiDT Stan, EvealUK Hrr- nld - EipreiM, HolbKood, ,lnn. 10th, MA: "Larry Storrh doe* ImpenonatlanH «f Cary Onint, Honald Colrunn, Wlnaton Cliurrhlll and many otlHirs better than motit of the bl(hl.v- toated parformeria." lliilN. V a r 1 e t y : 'Xarry .Stori'li , . . tile HhoWHton- l>er. . . . FIniil Imitation liniUKht (lunn iUt linuHe and left nci dry eyes open- ing nliflit." K\e. niilletln, rlill., Apr. ■tmu,. "FanH gu\» Larr.V Storril noUy ap- pruval for lila clever nilnilcr.t'.*' Hollywood Reporter: "ijirry Storrli'ii talenta drew sponlaneoua applaaw lUHir before he flnlalied hla act — the name crowd really went fur IiIh mInilckliiK." I.ouIk Sobol, N. Y. Joarnal- Aracrlcan, Mur. J8lli, '48: Another vlalt lo the Topuc- abasa where a ybunjiater nnmrd Larry Storcli dellr- en* umazlni;:. voice lm]ier- Honatlooa. of THrloiu ffeniry, ranglnn friim Peter I^irre to WIniilOB Chnrchlll." EARLE. PHILA. AND RKO, BOSTON BENNY GOODMAN (2 Weeks) I (OPENED MAY 20) STATLER HOTEL, Cleve. (2 Weeks) AND NOW PARAMOUNT, New York (Opened June 5th) Management: WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY business will bounce back within a small percentage of top takes. But the larger number of bistro props, declare that the wartime honeymoon is over and cafes had best learn to operate with dwin-. died income. They point out that aside from current wave of strikes and industrial shutdowns, the big percentage of trade which . came from transient GIs is. gone perma- nently. They also point out that prolonged shutdowns of iriany large industrial plants has decimated the financial reserves of many who pi'c- viously frequented cafes. • Another factor is the decline of black-market money, much of which filtered into the niteries. Iii many cities, illegal operators think it wiser to stay on the inconspicuous side by moderate spending, fearing that excessive Splurging will attract too much attention to themselves and to their operations. Combination of these factors and other conditions prevailing in var ied localities is felt to have brought about the current setback. However, there are several bright spots in the nitery scene that indi cates that there's nothing wrong with the business that a good head- liner won't cure. The Copacabana, N. Y., which hit its lowest ebb two months ago, has bounced back to rope's-up biz when current show went in a few weeks ago. The Car nival, N. Y., hasn't dwindled appre- ciably from its high despite the long run of Milton Berle. Business there has dropped to some extent because most of the monied crowd already has seen Berle in the first four months. They're now getting the minimum spenders, but enough of them to cause Berle to hit average figures consistently. He gets $7,500 guarantee and percentage when gross hits over $42,000. Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe has picked up, and Rose ascribes this hike to the topicar ads he's been running. Zanzibai;, N. Y., with Rochester headlining, is also hitting hefty grosses, while the Latin Quar ter, N. Y., is going along at a nice clip with name talent. Embassy i^ similarly doing well with Charles Trenet as sole performer on the bill However, there are others whose b.p. . has dropped considerably Among them is La Martinique which is shuttering June 21 ior the summer. The Versailles and Ruban Bleu has also dropped appreciably. Out-of-town spots,, especially those in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Detroit, have taken terrific lac- ings at the b.o., which is said to be a reflection of local industrial setbacks combined with a general tendency of spenders to hold on to their reserves for a vacatioit fling. The business setback has given renewed impetus to nitery owners' campaign for Io\yer salaries. Agen- cies say that with the exception of top names, salaries, pressure for lovyer salaries from night club oper- ators is gettitig heavier. "There has been some decline in the mediuin- priced category, and further cuts arc expected. San Diego, June 5. Along Broadway In this town and out on the road to Mission Beach, where the able-4>odied seamen used to toss coin hither and yon, the AB's have developed sore pitching arms. Boys have ceased r-throwing last dollars . across the "' plate and the nitery business here is going into a dull slump. Spots are still running, but the financial brakes arc on. This town, once . a cemetery for admirals, leaped into worldwide prominence as the center of a war- time airplane industry and. base of submarine and destroyer activity. Not counting the big Marine Corps cstai1}lishment, which grew to amaz- ing proportions during the late war and is now being reduced to peace- time status. For a time San Diego was the hottest town on the Cali- fornia Coast, with liotel clerks laugh- ing ofl tourists and nitery owners telling prospecliye customers to come around next week, or iicxt year, it didn't matter, really. San Diego night spots arc still operating but under an economic pall, with three or four waiters or waitresses working where, once there were eight or nine, Same goes tor orchestras. Three-piece combos are filling stands once occupied by eight or a dozen men. Airplane workers have ceased to draw over- time pay and sailors have ceased to toss away their wages with the idea of having a good time before sudden death. The town is returning to the old admiral status, and old admirals never \yere very hot about tossing coin around niteries. HAVANA-MADRID, N.Y., BACK TO LATIN SHOWS Havana-Madrid, N. Y., is resuming Latin type shows following consist- ent use of varied type performers for nearly two years. Reversion to original policy, starting June 20, fol- lows- the recent opening of the near- by La Conga, which has drawn con- siderable patronage away from the Havana-Madrid. Sergio Orta, who produced shows, at Havana several years ago before signing an . acting pact with Metro, will again do the production. Initial bill under revamped policy will be topped by Carlos Ramirez. La Conga, N. Y., new show, start- ing July 16, will have Betty Reilly, Los Barrancos and Mechita's rhum- ba band. Pupi Campo crew holds over. BILLY RAYES 93rd Consecutive Week AS Masttr of Ceremonies Earl Carroll's Sketchbook Earl Carroll Theatre — Hollywood — Mgt: MCA ARTISTS COMEDY PATTER For All BranekM of TbMtrtcalt Fun-Master Gag Ffles N«t. 1 Tkry 13 at $1.05 Each 13 DlffMtat Scripfi for $13.00 A "MUST" fOK MOUNTAIN AND AU OTHtR USOKT CNTCKTAINEItS Net. 14 Thru 20 READY SOON! I$2.00 Eocb— OmAU Scripti) (Or Propald AHvoaM Ordw ONLY) In prrpnratloni "Fan-Mait«r Book of BUclwntn. HklU ti Blta," alM "Fob- Manter Hamor-dor for Kmceeo." $2.00 Dapetit on C.O.D. OMtn FOR ALL MATERIAL PAULA SMITH . .200 W. Mth fltrmt ; Nrw York City IB, M. T. Wednesday, June 12, 1946 63 TalU Dark and Box-Off ice! JACK OWENS AMERICA'S FAVORITE DAYTIME SONGSTER CURRENTLY HEADLINING WITH BELITA AT CHICAGO THEATRE SINGING STAR OF THE ABC "BREAKFAST CLUB" AND NBC "TIN PAN ALLEY OF THE AIR" Have you heard JACK'S MERCURY RECORD of His own hit, ''CYNTHIA IN LOVE''— its swoonsational! Pcrsonol App«aronc«s, Central Booking 'Offic*_Metien Picfuro Roprosontotivo, Lou Irwin,, Hollywood * ACCORDING TO THE LATEST HOOPER RATING B4 VAVBEVILLB WedncMlay, June 12, 1946 Night Chb Reviews Panther Room, Chi (HOTEL SHERMAN) Chicago. Buddy Rich Orch (18) with Doro- thy Rcid; Perry Franks It Janyce, Thinfc-a-Dri)ik Hoffman & Co. (3), i.iiie (8), Jack Lane, Carl Marx; f 1. 50-%'i.bO minimum. Ultimate in brassassinations is limned by the Buddy Rich boiler- niakei-s in the new Panther Room show. Rest of the layout is middlin", with Think-a-Drink HolTman and his potables held over. Like most big commercial bands, Rich's 5 trumpet-4 trombone-5 reed- 5 rhythm outfit sounds repetitive alter a riff takcoft with the maestro very much in evidence in the para- diddle dept. nAIso does "Quiet Riot," another ear-splitter, with "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again" trimmings, to cue need for more showcasing of individual mem- bers of the orch, which boasts some good musicians. Rich's canary, Dorothy Reid, is okay vocally, but shows little song- selling prowess. Unfortunate choice of tunes, "Where Did You Learn to. Love'?" and "Come Rain, Come Shine," doesn't help much either. Should use at least one standard. Perry Franks and Janyce give out with their usual flash opening, ' in which he does all the cleatwork and she fakes— but successfully. Pair dis- play a lot of pep, but the rountines are kinda dated, indicating it might be smart for them to adopt a few balleterps to the turn. His "Beguine ' solo, withal, is sock as per. Line, attired as "Old Fashioned." "Daiquiri," "Pink Lady,". "Scotch," "B&B," "Manhattan," etc.. are natu- rals to intro HolTman's always inter- esting act, complete with bar and still able to startla even such old standbys as Charlie Dawn by sneak- ing up behind and turning on his electric schnoz. Mike. Kliiy Davi8% Miami Miami. Jesse Block, Josephine Del Mar, Lari Worth It Nana, Myra Jeanne, Ken Jones, Johnny Silvers OtcH (6), Cnrlos Hoiiez Orch l5); $1.50-?3 "»'»• Well balanced layout here offers a neatly paced 90-minulc show with lopHners Jesse Block and Josephine pel Mar clicking for top returns.. Block, appearing here for his first nitery engagement as a single, clicks with sock special material. Ditty about the club, bosses, customers, etc., garners plenty laughs. -Stand- out is his nostalgic Gershwin med- ley. Took three encores, with Eve Sully coming on at end to take bow and indulge in some bowoff gags. Mis:; Del Mar gets over in-exciting fashion. Her Latinairs and derriere tossing score all the way. Lani Worth and. Nana are standard Latin-type terpers. Gal is a looker arid makes the act with her torso twisting. Essay the South American dances satisfactorily. Myra Jeanne offers some aero twisting that has the payees paying close attention. . Tops her stint with acro-dance in which she taps out rhythms with feet on drurn placed on head. Garners plenty applause. Ken Jones, tall, nice-looking lad, emcees and sings several nuinbers. . Johnny Silvers' crew cuts a neat show and alternates for customer dansapaiion with Carlos Honez orch. Larry.. <5la8B Hat, N. Y. (BELMONT PLA/.A HOTEL) (FOLLOWUP) Parlay of Bob Russell and the Kathryn Duffy dancers has- given the room a protracted period of some of its brightest shows. Rus- seir.s now in his 16th week, while the Duffy girls have been here since the beginning of the season. They are consistent lures for the hotel patronage, as well as the npn-resi- dents. New part of the layout comes with songs -by Leslie Long, terping of Don Costello, and the new. pro- duction numbers surrounding him by the line. Costello (New Acts) is an imaginative dancer with a flair for Baltct, can sing sufficiently to tic up with the production, while Miss Long (New Acts) < takes the vocal spot handily. Russell has th(! knack of building a following and taking it with him wherever he goes. He's baritoned at the Terrace Room of the Hotel New Yorker for several years, and it seems he can stay here for a sim- ilar length of time. He has smart presentations of a medley of old- timers as well as mildly indigo ver- sion of "Chi-Chi Castenango" and "Doin' Whpt Comes Natcherly," which gets top response and full at- tention even in this difficult room for song arid talk acts. Eddie Stone orch and Nino rhumba band oi:cupy the podium. Jose. Blaekhawk, Chi Chicago. Jackie Fields, Nick It Vickie Col- lins, Billy Bishop Orch (12). tuith Alice Mann & Bill Darlow; $2-$2.&0 min. PAUL REGAN tiny >'ini>lios, Boston Boston! . John Steel. Billy. Hess, DeCourscy two assistants to relay the drinks to & Jai>iesoii. Upside Doion Emmanuel, the models, who in turn serve the : Virpiiiin Haver. Jack Coldy. Jimmy customers. One of the latter, inci- Knuc Orch. (6) ; $2.00. min; $2.50 Sats. dentally, asked for a bowl of borschl - — ; — at the opener, and got it. Jack Lane Formerly the Checker Inn, this emcee s amusingly, and Carl Marx is spot, run by Nick Parrotta and Ricco I Vaglionc. has been going about two and a half months and has caught on ; in a big way. Has about 250 covers plus lounge terracing the main floor, and a ban- quet room above handling 150. Place is decorated with usual Gay Nineties murals, and motif is carried out down the line. Waiters wear peg top trousers, mustachios, etc., and take turns singing "Daisy," etc., to ac- companiment of Hainmond organ. Place also supports a barbershop quartet and a hand organ, each tak- ing frequent turns for continuous entertainment Two shows a night, current line-up consisting largely of old-timers. Up- side Down Emmanuel, well along, ,does tricks with hoops while stand- ing on his head. . DeCoursey and Jameson do "Bird in Gilded Cage," etc., plus a soft shoe routine with I much of their old-time skill and^all j of their old-time ebullience. Billy '.Hess wows with his bell-ringing bL:siness and follows up with a tap ' a la Rooney -for a big click, and John i Steel, former Ziegfeld star, tenors a i number of hits like "A Pretty Girl'' ; from old shows, and finds' plenty of ; favor. Only (lonlemporary note Is injected by Virginia Haver, who warbles i nicely, and the Barber Shop quartet, all young men of the waiter staff. ! Place needs a solidcr band as th COMIC-SATIRIST Mnnnceinrnt: M.C.A. STEVE EVANS Offerlni; HAPPY TIMES A JOLLY MOMENTS Currently STR.ANn. N«iv York, FOR 3 WREKS KOSKN-ANGKR ASSUCIATJ<:S !one fails to support the acts properly. |Bi-i, on a Monday night, supper show, I was great, only two or three tables ! not filled. . Elie. playing rhythm behind the guitar. Chirpstrcss Dell Welcome is okay as soloist and in duets with Hayes. Billy Burke is a big guy introduc- ed as "a great Metropolitan opera star," whereupon he does Bonnie Baker singing "Oh, Johnny," the Ink Spots throbbing "H I Didn't Care," bass Uncle Tom and falsetto Little Eva talking over ''the wages of sin," and Sinatra singing "Em- braceable You," latter being em- barrassing, to say the least. Hi.'t Ink Spots impresh .is fairly sharp but the 6thers.fail to connect. Enrica and iNovello nonchalantly disregard floorburns in a tango in which he slides her across the, boards. Ballroom duo's varied quin- tet of terps also includes a waltz, paso doble, rhumba and mazurka, and they win a nice nod.. Mike. Vine tiarileni*, C hi • Chicago. Bobby Sargent, Ken Walker, Jessie Rosella, Young & Lucky, June Hart, Doreen Winter, Joe K'sh Orch (6); no min.! or couer. With Billy Bishop and orch con; tinuing to dish out smooth . music, the Blaekhawk management fea- tures Jackie Fields and Nick Ac Vickie Collins in the new show. Fields uses aud participation to good advantage, and amazes the cus- tomers by producing hastily con- cocktcd drinks in a matter of sec- onds. A clever magician, Fields pleases the aud by pulling out a thoroughly . shuffled deck of cards any poker hand called for. Other standard . magic acts such as pour- ng liquid into a folded piece of paper, and undoing a helplessly complex knot stacks well with the nitery's customers^ Nick and Vickie Collins, young dance team,, do some solid tap rou- tines but their stage presence suf- fers from a lack of experience. With little more playing time they should remedy this. Alice Mann continues to click with "Doctor, Lawyer. Indian Chief," and also does a dandy job on "My Bill." Trumpeter Bill Darlow does well with "Big . Fat Mama." Billy Bishop and orch still doing good job of backing show. . Foos. Bill-topper at thi^ intimate nabe boite is local . boy Bobby 'Sargent, back at the cafe mike after four years in the service. A natural comic, Sargent is handicapped by poor material but nevertheless dis- plays enough enthusiasm to rate good returns from the customers. After impreshes of Charles Laugh- ton, in a scene from the "Hunchback of N[otre Dame," and a Mortimer Snerd .character "Horace Jerk- water," Sargent , hit his stride with clever impersonations of the differ- ent types of show people and how years in the business affeets their performances. . Ken Walker, lecturer and com- poser turned nitery m.c, does a credible job of holding the show to- gether and pleases with a number of Hawaiian songs which he wi-ole with Harry Owens. "Aloha" is. the most familiar, but "Tradewinds" and "Her Name Was Hula Lu" also get good response. Large ana powerful Jessie Rosclla gives out with "Old Man River," "That's for Me." "Come to Baby, Do" and "Gypsy." ■ With a strong, booming voice she shakes the small nitery, and what Miss Rosella's pipes lack in quality she rnakes up in vol- ume to please the aud. Two clever tapsters. Young and Lucky, add life to the revue as do Doreen Winter, pert dancer, and June Hart, billed as the "Hillbilly Jitterbug:" Joe Kish's orch backs the show well and provides flashy dance music between shows. Foos. AGVASetsli-Day Drive on Coast Hollywood, June li.; American Guild of Variety Art- ists has 6penecl up campaign along length of Pacific coast Cor six -day week in niterics. ' Majority of clubs here have been on such a schedule for some time, but those that haven't are havinf lu-cFsiirc applied. ' San Francisco situation Is some- what similar to local, but in Port- land and Seattle, whjuh work mostly seven days, AGVA offices have begun a barrage. Union con-' templates establishing outposts shortly in Salt Lake Chty and Dcn-^ ver, and in these localities, whcie niteries also stay lighted nighlly, six-day clause will be inserted in all contracts the union can set. Devil-Dancer Cleared Cleveland, June 11. Lillian West, who docs her nitery "Devil-Dance" under- name of Gail Parker, was cleared of indecency charges' for a second time last week, but found herself out. of a job. Both the dancer and Lenny Adclman, y/ho toplined her at his Lenny's cafe for 19 months, came to the mutual con- clusion that Cleveland was getting too hot for her. ' Couple of months ago ihe strip- per was pinched on similar charges but was. dismissed because the war- rant was drawn up incorrectly. On the second rap the police depart- ment, prodded by squawks from nearby churches, booked her for vio- lating another law, but the case was again thrown out of court. Club Duet, Wash. Washington. Jerrie Blanchard, Marilyn Hale, Pat Chandler, Bob Knight and his Orchestra (8), Valencia Latin- American Band (3); min. $2; Satur- days $3. LATIN CASINO, PHILLY, FOLDS FOR SUMMER Latin Casino, Philadelphia, will shutter for the summer, June 29. Lack of an air-conditioning plant is given as the reason for closing. In the interim, Casino will undergo re- modeling. Reopening is set- for Sept. 11. JitUvxcus LOEW BOOKING A G E N C Y cfNiDAi fXfcurtyt orricfs LOEW BUILDINb ANNEX ; 160 W. 4«th St., N. Y. c: • UyanI 9-7100 Jerrie Blanchard carries an other- wise weak show into something ap- proaching par for the course with her big smile and smooth, intimate handling of the customers. Routine of songs is on the spicy side and goes as well here as it did during her recent appearance at the May- flower hotel. Her soft, suggestive handling of "Take It .Easy," "I Don't Want to Get Married" and a medley number on an amorous gent named Fink goes well with the late crowds. She is less successful with one on a landlady's daughter. She mixes nicely with the ringside tables, kids the musicians and otherwise has everybody happy and calling for more. Marilyn Hale. red-head tap dancer, offers an agreeable routine but her act seemed too short when caught. Pat Chandler, who doubles as emcee, is given a flashy introduction when he comes on but fails to live up to fanfare. He sings, tells a couple of gags and does imitations. He rates his best hand in the imitations of Wal- ter Wirichell, Maxie Rosenbloom and Gabriel Heatter, not so much for the. class of the mimicry, but be- cause of the sex-gestive lines in the patter. One imitation of a Greek delegate at the UN meeting was strictly banana stand comedy. Bob Knight orch and Valencia band alternate for customer dansa- pation. Lbuic. Walnut lluom. f :hl (BISMARCK HOTEL) Clticago. ' Sherman Hayes Orch (12) with De(( .Welcome; Enrico & JVonello Billy Burke; $1.50-$2.50 minimuTU. Sherman Hayes' schmalizy syn- copations remain the made-to-brder comeon for the Walnut Room, with the acts mere adjuncts. While con- tribbing mostly Lombardo-like glis- sandos, the band also" comes up with "Hawaiian War Chant," their show- piece, and some unique spottings of instruments elsewhere, .with' Hayes' soprano sax and a pair of clarinets Korvin's East Strawhat Hollywood, June 11. Charles Korvin, winding up a film chore in the International produc- tion, "Bella Donna," is in for a summer of strawhat draina. Actor is headed for Abingdon, Va., where he will guest at the Barter theatre as thesp and director. O'Connor's 1st in 3 Yrs, Hollywood, June 11. Donald O'Connor's first flim after leaving the Army will be "Kath- leen." a co-starrer with Ann BIyth. Film is O'Connor's first for 'Uni- versal in almost three years. Hal Fisher "Laughingly Yours" Currenlly LATIN QUARTER, D«t. 'Dir.: WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY WALLY BOAG 14TH N. B. C. TELEVISION SHOW MoaagoiMM): MARK J. LEDDY FRAKSON ^ COMBDIAN-MAGICIAN NOW 12TH RETURN ENGAGEMENT AT THE WALDORF-ASTORIA NEW YORK ALWAYS A HIT Direction: MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA Wednceday, June 12, 1946 ss Variety Bills WEEK OF JUNE 13 Kinmiili to •MOMtloa «tllh bllli below tadlcat* opoiliif daj •! tliow. . wketliw taO or ipltt voch. MEW YORK CITY CupKol (13) Bltr Bros BuiUly Morrow Ore Miriam Lavelle Grade Barrl« The Maxelloa Btate (18) Bobby WhalInK Johnny DUKSnn Mennaha Skulnlk Renee Ue Marco Lowe 1(1 & Sl'nl'y H 'Red- Allen ua WASHINGTON Capitol (18) Whitney Sla f- Var Sctz Ralph Slater NEW YOKK CITV- riiniinount (U) Glen Gray Ore JorJan -Tyanipany B Kugenlo Balril J.arry Slorcli A Evana ManhaUan Deba .. CHICAGO Chkaco (13) Bulltii lee Show Jacli Owen Janaleys ' Chria Crosa MIAMI Olymplii (12) Arthur LcFleur DchaK* & Shirley Han Ouinnilnga Dolly Dawn Boyd ft Luroy BOSTON ' Boaton.dS) Guy Lombardo Ore Jack Carter Ly'n Royco ft NIt'a Kay Ballad Alleen Uarlyle A Purvla Pullen* SAN FRANCISCO Golden Gate (1«) Joe Allison , (18-16) Qay Nlnetlea Keith Clark ' ; J ft B Haydeh- WASHINGTON Howard (M) Mills Bros Tiny Bradshaw Ore Edwards Sis 2 Jacks WILLOW GROVE Fark (18 only) Jean Barry ' \ ■ Bo6 Coftey Monroe ft Adams Dave Seed Co Laslo Bellak Co WOONSOCkET New Park. (16) Crahdall Sis Top Kicks Duke Art feld Rice Sally. Jack ft Mnac't Cabaret BiOs NEW XOBK aTT Aquarium Les Brown Qrc Itex Stewart Ore Blue Angel Robert 'Maxwell • Ellis Larkln 9 Eddio Mayohon James. Corps . ' rhfe CiocIelT (DonntovD) Josh White Sarah Vaufilm Cliff Jackson Pete Johnson J C Heard Ore Cafe Society (Uptown) . Pat Flowers TImmie Rogers Beatrice KraCt Edmund Hall. Oro Carnival Milton Berle Hop, Skip, Jump Elly Ardelty Stai) Fisher Hotel BooNvell. Joe Relcliman Ore Hotel St. R«(li Pesijy Norman ■ Paul Sparr Ore Theodora Brooks Hotel Tafl Vincent Lopez Or< Hotel Wafaorr-A I.elffhtoh Noble Ore Dorothy Shay Prakaon' MIscha Bbrr Ore - Iceland Ice Revue ■ Kelly'a SInblea Leonard Ware 4' Vlcl{| Zlmmer Olivette Miller La Conga DIosa Costello ^larlanne Del Csaino Pupl Cnmpo Ore Lo Marllnlqne Ren Bluo Lessy & Moore A • E N e Y *TJ»« Outstanditiff Aoeticy" •oehiiifi for Hm Moit DltcrlmlMllBq of MopMdMt Thoofro Owatn tSOl •reaPar«iiioMrt Wdq. Now York IRyoM f-4352-3-4 Mlml Walters CIJfVELAND I'alace (18) Spike Jones Oro porest - Mldgely Amelia Gllmore Snielnos Pcrsonet's. MIsrha Aiier Kcnry Busse Ore NEW YOBK CITY i The Charioteers Strand (14) Berry Bros Ersklne Hawkins O I Dusty Fletcher : NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (IS) Bettlna Dearborn, liberies Lasky Lucille Cummlngs Ed Relchert Joe Jackson Jr Rockettes Rlee Club Corps ds Ballet ' Roxy (12) DesI Arnaz Peter LInd Hayes Sherman ft Seckler George Prentice Bob Johnstone . Janet Gaylord Apollo (14) Howard Nichols . CAMUEN Tower* (14-16) Mkko a Karr UeurKe Lyons Bernle George Fielder ft Harriet 3 Kings CHICAGO Oriental (IS) Duke Elllncinn O (~'aok ft Brown (one to nil) HARTFORD State (14-16) The Ijimbcrtls" Hoy Rogers Liza Morrow IIOLYOKB Valley Arena (16) LOW,HrrEand STANLEY PLAY LOEW'S STATE, NEW YORK WEEK OF JUNE 13 Mgt.: EDUIE SMITH IMl Broadway, New York . Flntbusli (15-16) Herby Lynn Miller ft Jean Mary McClanaban The Barreta (one to All) ■famalca (10^12) Trumpet 2 Jack DeLeon Ernestine Mercer Daro ft Corda Chal ft Sonay (13-16) Gordon Olltord Virginia Austin Byrne Sis Morris ft Ryan a Wards ^ JI8-14) Don Bruce Wyon\lng 2 Bromley ft Barrett Bobby Leroy ATLANTIC CITY Steel I'ler (16) A ft M Havel . ■ Montana Kid (Ihreo to All) BALTIMORE Hippodrome (16) The Marcos ganhy Drayson Paul Regan The Dabonalres . Royal (14) L Armstrong Ore Coles ft Atkins Slim ft Sweet Musical Madcaps , State (18-18) Joan Barry gob Coffey pave Seed Loalo Hellak Co (16-lB) rne Rnymonds Jablan George Dunn Billy Branch Co Bobby Ryrne Ore The iVunhlllH H Adair Dancere (four to nil) KANSAS CITY Tower (14) Sid BInko Evans f£ Mayer (two to nil) NEW REUFORD RallsH S9 (IS-IS) Cnindall S>n Sally Jack ft Masc't Sid Bice Top Kicks Betty Austin PHILADELPHIA Carman (13) Marlon Burroughs Denny Meroft Co llclene ft Howard Don & Phil King PKOVIBENCR Melrop't'ii (14-16) Tifx Rltter Pals of the Prairie Fhll Marks Joe- Allison llarohl BoyClalre- Sliannon Hotel Ambassadoi Louis Betancourt O Jules Land* Or* Hotel Aslor Alvlno Rcy Ore ■ ilelel Belmont Plnia Don Costello Leslie Long Dob Russell Kathryn Duffy Dcr* Eddie Stone Ore . Hotel BIHmora Dunnlnger . Brand.wynhe Orc- HalDh Font Ore Hot«l Commodore Hal Mclntyro Oro Hotel Dixl* Larry. Funk Ore Lou Seller Roberta Hollywood Jordan ft Parvis Hotel Eillun Blue Barron Oro Essex Itons* Fancho Ore. Hotel l^xInglOB Moml Kal Tapa Kaua Tallma Mall* Molilhana .- J Pineapple Oro Hotel I*ew Yorker Jerry Wald Ore Hotel Peniiarlrnnli Goo Paxton Ore Hotel Pierre Myrus. Consucio & Artlnl Los Panclios Stanley MeUio Ore Hotel Plaia Paul WIncliell Gome/ ft. 'Beatrice Pancho Ore - Mark Monte .Ore Roger Dannea Dixie Roberts Joe Caridullo Oro Sacasna Ore.. Ijitin Quartai Jackie Miles Radio Aces Penny Edward* 3 nays Don Suxon Esquires Marty Beck Oro Buddy Harlowe Ore Leon A Eddl*>* Ed41e Davis June St Clair* The Pettys Phyllis Arnold * Del Aires Susan Dahl- Bob Wayne. Art Waner Ore -ftladlion' Car* Jack Kerr Carl Harte ' Patricia Bright Sonny Kendls Ore Mont* Carlo Dick Gasparr* O Roberto Slboni-y Old BoDuiBlan LeWlrC liVOB Mar<-elln ft Nlciri's OIkh Orlova. Atlri^niio Parker Jo* La Port* Or* RiTlera Ted Lewis Ore Noro Morqies Oro . Roban Blen Mervyn Nelson Paul Vlllard Gloa Jnnss Wally Blacker Muriel Gaines Ccdric Wallace Trlu Kdss Kretcliroa Blanlca Basil Fomeen N Alexandroff Sari Gorbl Mlscha U/danoff Irene Feodbra Dara BIrse ICaravaeff Siilry's Bool Spivy Daphne Hellmao Stork Club Morales Oro Vemllle* Evelyn Knight Emil Pottl Ore Village Barn Billy Kelly Garlanda Alicia Wallnce Page Morton Bert Stone Patsy Lane Jimmy Nola . Tex Fletcher Village Vanguard Eddy Manaon Eleanor Bowers Don Pry Marals ft Miranda Hank Duncan Tn* Wlvel Bob Lee - Gertrude Hlld Jean Ainsll* Francisco Bruce Norman Vivian NlckolKon D'RIvoro ft Belm'te Zanzibar Rochester King Cole 3 Tip, Tap & Toe Marie Ellington Maurice Rocco . Howell & Bowser Pee Wee Marquette Claude Hopkins Or< Ted »IcRae Oro ZImmermnn'e Gene Kanlns Ore W ft J Brown Wayne Thompson Adrlenne Parker MpIk ZslgB CHICAGO niarklnin'k i Ni -1: ft Vickie, Billy lllshnii Ore t'hez Puree Alice Mann i Dann.v Thomas Jackie Field* Maurice ft Maryea Pbylllg Claire Francis Marlon Adorables (12) Luelo Garcia tiro Gay Clarldge Oro Coloslmo'a ' Ada Leonard Oro Jay Seller Virginia Walters. Johnny Knapp. De-icers (16) Mel Cole Ore . Frolic* . (jypey Rose Le* The Alblns Cover Girls (6) UstralUtos (() tlenrl Lisbon Ore Hotel Bismarck Harvey Crawford. Sherman Hayes Or Enrlca ft Novello Bill Burke Dell Welcome Martinis (2^). Eddie Fens Oro Hotel Blackston* Carl Brlsson E . Heckseher Ore H Edgewater Dch Stephen Klsley Ore LeUrac ft Bernlce DIGatano ft Adam Preston Lambert 4 Song Styles Hotel Congress Don Salvo Oro Hotel Continental Robert ' Crum Joe Vera Ore - Hotel Sherman T-:A-D Hoffman Jack Lane . College Inn Models Carl Marx P Frank ft Janyce Buddy Rich Ore Hotel StcTeni Arlecn LIndsirom Jeff Lane Covscy ft Ayres The ShyrettOB Boulevardears. Copsey ft Ayers Orrln Tucker Oro Latin Quarter Mai'tho Raye Three Rockets Esielle Sloan Martin. Kent B Tost Cavalier* L Q Lovelies Buddy Shdw Oro Palmer Uonso Ted SIraeter Oro Gil Lamb Bob Coffey Nip Nelson .Stuart Morgan (3) Merrlell Abbott D . Jllo Cabana Jan' Murray . ' -The Bernards Manor ft MIgnon The Lovelies (10) Lee Davidson Ore Vine Gnrdeng Jessie Rosella Ken Wolker Hobby .Sar«ent Jiinr Hart Dorcen winters Toung ft Lucky ' $25,000,000 Centre Continued from page 2 ; and will have a special room for each nation of the Americas. . Radio City building is expected to All a . long-standing Miami need for complete radio . facilities. Included in blueprints are. television studios for "pool" use by franchise-holders in that area. Seaplane docks will be provided to facilitate transporta- tion for visiting 'stars as well as others desiring a quick lobk-see into the operation. Designed to seat 6,000, the aqua- cade will feature water shows and competition between the various na- tions, as well as professional lay- out. Auditorium will also be used for shows and various special exhi- bits,* while the picture theatre will be used for both commercial-indus- trial pictures and those of the Hol- lywood variety. Other plans being considered provide for a nitery on the exposition site, but final ap- proval appears doubtful , in view of the number of boltes in Miami Beach proper. One reason ■ for enthusiasm with which plans have been received by commercial people is that the , per- manent exhibit will not only pro- vide a site where all inter-American trade can be negotiated, but pre- sents a formidable challenge to Brit- ish competition in South America, long a threat to American trade. In amusement biz, possibility is seen of Miami' and Miami Beach becom- ing boom towns for niteries and theatres throughout the year, with further possibility of legit houses Anally going big time in the Florida cities. Cantor Continned from page 1 when his broadcast was kept out of the Dominion, the dialers tuned in stations across the border. This was borne out by a survey showing that his popularity had not been affected by the ban. It's likely now, in view of Cantor's acceptance of the Vancouver bid and his willinghess to help make the pageant a success, the ban will be lifted next season. $8,000, Show Vancouver, June 11. Cast of 4,200 and names such as Eddie Cantor and John Charles Thomas will, feature Vancouver's $80,000 ; Diamond Jubilee Show July 1-13. Show will be staged in the "Timber Bowl," seating 12,000. Producers of the show are well- known local showmen, Leslie A. Al- len and J. Gordon Hilker. Allen is a lawyer besides being associated with Hilker in putting on stage shows, name bands, and concerts in Vancouver. A producer for Ziegfeld and Billy Ros?, John Harkrider, has been given leave-of-absence by the Na- tional Victory Show Committee , to be director-general of the Jubilee ■Show. An associate of Ted Shawn, Wilbur McCprmack, has been im- ported by the producers tor do the choreography. Music is being com- posed-condiicted by Lucio Agostini, well-known conductor for the Ca- nadian Broadcasting Corp. Tie-ins have been made with all local department stores and booths have been set up at every important downtown corner to sell tickets. Fred Spear has bc;n appointed mi n.ngei- of the Folly -.'■.catre, Kan- sas City burlesque hoUse. Theatres-Exchanges Continned from page 24 preem at Lexington, Va., on Mon day (10) night for "Cradle of a Na- tion," -Fitzpatrlck Traveltalk featur- ing historical shrines and educational institutions in- Virginia. Screening, . held at the- Warners' State, was attended by Gov. William Tiick, state Chamber of Comrnerce officials, several presidents of V.M.I, alumni chapters., and 18 Virginia college prexies. V.M.I, students held a special parade on the campus pa- rade ground Monday afternoon, fea- turing the same routines depicted in the, film. Western N. T. Bealignments Buffalo. Richard A. Hayman, son- of the late A. Charles Hayman, was mar- ried to Dorothy J. Hicks of Mon- terey, Cal;, at Del Monte, Cal., last month. Hayman manages the Hay- man flrstrun Strand and Cataract theatres at Niagara Falls'. New 700-seat house is announced for Fredonia, N. Y., to be built by D. Feinstein of Pittsburg. ' Myer Fox, former Columbia Pix, office manager here, named Roches- ter salesman for company. Jack BuU- winkl^ being transferred to Buffalo sales. Shea-Par-Loew cominunity the- atres now operating at increase in admission from 35c to 40c. Chil- dren's scales to Shea . downtown first- runs also upped. Sc., ■ - New open air picture house to be located on Chautauqua Lake will be ready July 1 for operation by Ira Da- vis, owner of Peacock Inn, Mayville, and WHliam Fisher, Hartfield oil operator. Many Lincoln Changes Lincoln; Neb. Realignment at Lincoln Theatre Corp. follows the company's acquisi- tion of former independent Capitol theatre from "Bob"- Living.ston, pres- ident of the Nebraska Theatre Own- ers Assn, . Livingston was replaced by OUie Geen, for. last two years manager at the Stuart. Ted Butter- field, for 10 years with Cooper Indus- tries, and former manager . at Lin- coln, takes over the old Stuart spot, in addition to being the new city manager, replacing Ralph Ayer. Johnnie Schatluetzel, manager of Nebraska theatre, assumes Butter- field's former duties- at Lincoln. Charles Shire, until recently in ac- counting department, goes to Ne- braska. Nebraska Theatre Corp., the Var- sity, State and Colonial here, is mov- ing Walter Jancke, former city man- ager for Westland theatres in Gree- ley, Colo., in to replace Howard Ked- erer as city manager. Federer goes to Colorado Springs, Colo., to be as- sociated with Westland Ranches, Inc. Lowcnstein's Sncecsisor With Harry Lowenstein, president of Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey for the past five years, step- ping down, organization ':s set- to pick a new topper at its annual con- vention slated for June 19-21 nt At- lantic City. Lowenstein will be tes- timonial-(linnered on the closing day of the meet. Confabs also feature an open forum to -which the heads of all film companies have been. in- vited. Old exhibitor grievances will come up for gabbing. Agenda calls for dis- cussions of trade practices, legisla- tion, film rentals, use of local check- ers, 16m competition and other in- dustry problems. After-hours play- time includes a golf tournament, cab- aret night and cocktail parties. Adjunct to the confabs will be a motion picture . equipment show. Plans also call for a number of speakers to lecture on television, electronics, and glass fabrics for the- atre fireproof decorations. . Warner Adds Another for AnnI Everett D. Thorner added to . the field public relations staff of War- ner Bros, going to Denver and Salt Lake City territories for 20th anni- versary special events. Thorner did publicity at N. Y. World's Fair and subsequently was associated with ra- dio ad agencies. Mpis, Lcgitcr to Fix Minneapolis, The ' Lyceum, local 2,100 - seat legitimate theatre, is to be re- modeled and then devoted more to films as well as: to touring stage shows as, a result of its purchase by Ben B. Fenton and associates of De- troit, Mich. Fenton group, which operates a number of theatres and hotels throughout the country, paid $450,000 in cash for property which also includes an office and store building. Indpls. Items Indianapolis. Indianapolis Variety club ' is now closed for .'iix to eight weeks, for a complete redecoration job. Food and screening equipment are to be installed. Joe Ncgcr, manager of the 20th- Fox Milwaukee branch, here for Decoration Day races. , Tcimmy McCleaster, 20th - Fox salesman, underwent an appendec- tomy at St. Vincent's hospital. Ab- sence leaves sales staff shorthanded, since George Landis, branch man- ager, Laddie Hancock and Frank Warren are in Europe oh jaunt won in company's recent sales competi- tion; Eastern Missourt Changes „jj, .. . St. Louis. Eddie Morns, formerly of Kansas City, now covering Missouri terri- tory for local 20th-Fox exchange; William and Don . Hope, Sesser, 111., blinding a new 400-seater in Elkville, 111. Town never had a film theatre until now. Milton D. "Bud" Lewis, riscently discharged from Army, succeeded Vcrn: Everroad as city manager in Danville, • 111., for Public - Great States. Kalafat Bros, readying a 'new 800- seater in Lansing, 111., for July. Harold Larson new manager of State, Mendota, 111. A. M. KruU, an Army dischargee, planning a new theatre in Stover, Mo., which never, before had a pic- ture house. Eddie : Rosecan, owner of Rialto, Hannibal, Mo., reopened house after a $40,000 face-lifting job. Elnier Cline opened his new thea- tre in Blue Mound, 111. Authors' 'Honor' ^pBH""**! from page- 2^= ration in copyright laws here would be effected by treaty. Current draft puts forth a com- promise measure on "authors' moral rights" laws which would permit the creator to sign away . control . of a work by contract. Question of whether an organization represent- ing the author could do so for him might still be unanswered, legalites aver. .Moreover, strong move by Mexico and Argentina may wipe out the -compromise measure. Ifs and Buts As matters now stand, broadcast- ers,- publishers and film companies have no hesitancy in purchasing rights because U. S. laws governing American authors also apply to the Latins. But drastic effects of S. A. rule is such that a new song could not be adcled to an old operetta to modernize it Even should the (spm- poser receive extra cash for the right to add the song, he could later step iii and call off the deal. Con- sequently, leaders in the amusement field are actively opposing adoption of the draft One of the factors which kept the U. S. out of the Berne Convention, the worldwide international agree- ' ment on copyrights, is its incorpo- ration of "authors' moral rights," it is pointed out here. Consequently, all U. S. consultants to Dr. Luther Evans, Librarian of Congress, and U. S. delegate, with the possible ex- ception of Sidiiey Fleisher, who rep- resents the Authors League, are un- derstood to oppose the change. These consultants art Justin Mlllfer, prez of the National Ass'n of Broadr casters; Herman FInkelstein, repre- senting ASCAP; Bienjamin H. Stern of the Book Publishers' Ass'n; and Edward A. Sargoy, chairman of the copyright section of the American Bar Assn. Latin Musie Effects Rhumbas, sambas and tangos may be dropped as standard jukebox repertory if the draft goes through. Current proviso which applies equally to U. S. and foreign com- posers, exempts the jukes from the payment of royalties for performing rights. "The' jukes have that privilege under the U. S. copyright laws as "coin-operated ; machines." Latin-American composers, under the draft, \yould be given a copy- right on their works in the U. S. which would not be subject to this exemption. Consequently, the musie box operators would be compelled to pay royalties on music written south of the border. More than likely, it is said, the jukes would lay otf the supply rather than foot the bill. Compulsory license provision - in U. S. copyright law would als4) r-bc in for a reversal sq far as the Laiiin- Americans are concerned. This pro- vision forbids the granting -of ex- clusive rights to make records t ity by Friday and registered simi- ' larly the next night, even Saturday afternoon seeing strong patronage despite the intense heat. A theatre- party outfit failed to dispose of its allotment but 2,000 tickets were sold directly at the boxoffice in one day. On the second night Welles inserted a gag. Out in one; he said some critics wrote that "World" has everything in it but the kitctien . sink. He mo- tioned to a stagehand — and one was trundled on. It got a Uugh. In the Sabbath broadcast Welles thanked Vivien .'l in trouble or out of it, she plays a tongue-in-cheek version of an adventuress for fun, her expres- sive, saucy drawl working to per- fection. The plot revolves about the "balloon gag," which is a nifty variation of the Westian trade- mark, "Come up and see me some time." . And Mae has the time of her life making pawns of the men who reach her apartment in the hilarious and amorous proceed- ings. Among others, she handles a pair of saubrs, a taxi driver, a gangster, a killer from Mexico, a senator, an Argentine lover and, of course, her fiance, played by young Michael Ames, and his father, Roy Gordon. She also finds time to sing some jive and ballad. All of this takes place in a swank Washington, D. C; apart- ment, where La West hides out after fleeing involvement in a Mexico City murder; At the curtain's fall, the ap- ?lause was long and spontaneous rom West admirers. Oakland Post-Enquirer Mae West "Rings" Bell at Long Beach Mae West in a sneak preview of "Ring Twice Tonight" at the Long Beach Municipal Auditor- ium enjoyed a full house of ap- proximately . 3,000 last night;, overcoming the difficulty of Im- provised seating to record a laugh a minute for the two -hour show In a switch from the usual West personality, Mae wards off male visitors with fancy dialogue instead of giving them the come- on. There are 15 men (two of them sailors) and a colored maid in the cast besides West. Michael Ames and Don Harvey provide the major support. Cleo Des- mond as the maid is a standout. The swank apartment set by Rita Glover is equal to the best that Hollywood films employ. Capable, direction by Russell Fillmore is evident. The show goes to Fresno tomorrow night. Hollywood Reporter Mae Wesf s Play Praised By HERBERT WORMSER The husky-voiced, smirking Slnuous-wrlgling Mae West re- turned to the living stage last night at the Auditorium in a first performance of "Ring Twice Tonight," a gay, wisecracking comedy. An admixture of farce comedy, melodrama and straight comedy was obviously written for Miss West by a team of -three. Miles Mander, Fred Schiller and Thomas Duriphy. They knew what they wefe doing for their play Is filled with laughs and sltr uatlons that only the undulating lady could project successfully. Miss West has ample opportun- ity for flamboyant entrances and plenty of chances to deliver the double-entendre lines. Miss West wanders in and out, dominating the proceedings with the many, many men all beguiled by her famous come-hither look. If there ever was a play with the theme "come up and see me some time" "Ring Twice To- night" is It. The audience laughed hard and long and the enthusiasm Indicates that Miss West has a play that will have audiences chuckling for a long time. Long Beach Press-Telegram Mae Gives 'Em The Expected You cannot accuse the pro- ducers of "Ring Twice Tonight" of taking anybody's money under false pretenses. They promised to present Mae West playing Mae West with all the Westian mannerisms. This they made good on. All Miss West's trade- marks were there — slinky walk, bedroom eyes, sexy Intonations, suggeistlve dialogue. "Ring Twice Tonight" will not win the pulltzer price for the year's finest play. However, it seemed thoroughly to please the customers who laughed fre- quently and easily and thor- oughly enloyed themselves. The first couple of acts allowed people to think the worst of the buxom Miss West— that she was a murderess, a blackmailer, a swindler and the lover of a dozen men. In the final scene she was cleared of all the> allegations ex- cept the last. This being the character of the heroine, she was doubtless pleased with the large cast, which was exclusively male ex- cept for a maid and a cook. Most of the large company of gentle- men played their parts Well, par- ticularly a small sailor whose knowledge of boogie woogle was phenomenal. San Jose Evening News ON UP TWICE) Mae West's 'Ring Twice' Is Comedy Click at Preem "Ring Twice Tonight" opened at the Long Beach Municipal au- ditorium last night for a one-night break-in, revealing a script that pays off at the boxofflce. Miss West is up to her old tflcks but with a new slant. Instead of the come-on, she is trying to get rid of them. She .bats down approximately one dozen suitors. Th e switch from Miss West's usual lure plus the lines and gags given her make for lots of laughs throughout the evening. Comedy by Miles Mander, Fred Schiller and Thomas Dunphy has Miss West In the role of an adventuress who Is about to marry a young mlllion-helr. From the buildup on her past It appears she has had an unsavory history. It all comes out fine In the end with a star-sp&ngled finish that reveals her as a G-girl. Her maids send out balloons with her cards on them to keep her from being lonely. Result is an assortment of strange characters who show up with a gleam In their eye. Miss West shows a terrific sense of timing and showmanship . Russell Fillmore's direction is very sharp. Rita Glover's setting is in best possible taste . Show undoubtedly gill click In its Coast run. Daily Variety Mae Scores in New Play LONG BEACH, May 16— Mae West returned to the stage this evening in a Arst performance of an exuberant, gay comedy, "Ring Twice Tonight." Craftsmen have tailored a glove-flttlng, humorous production for the hlp-swlnglng actress who enacts the role of cin adventuress in love with the son of a wealthy Washlngtonlan. The plot starts in spice and dissolves In sugar, with Miss West providing every- thing an audience would expect of the woman who created "come up and see me sometime." Miles Mander, Frtd Schiller and Thomas Dunphy have written a wise-cracking piece ideal for the typical Westian delivery. The star stops the show every minute she's on the stage. The comedy should be a success on Broadway. A large audience In Long Beach's vast Mjanicipal Auditorium received the play enthusiastically. Russell Fillmore directed. L. A. Times Mae West's New Play Given Big Hand at Premiere Here Mae West, the gal with the figure and "that" walk, has a real hit in her new stage vehicle, "RlTjg Twice Tonight." That was the opinion today of Berkeley ans and other East Bay residents who filled the Oakland Auditorium Theatre last night to see Miss West and a supporting cast of 30 In the new produc- tion that may become one of the outstanding theatrical hits of 1947.. -t- Whlle the new Mae West ve- hicle still has a few rough spots to be Ironed out, the initial per- formance brought a ready re- sponse from the appreciative au- dience. It is full of smart comedy lines and the plot moves along smoothly to a surprise ending. The scene Is laid in Washing- ton, D. C, and depicts Miss West in an entirely new character. The supporting cast, which in- cludes Michael Ames, Cleo Des- mond, Roy Gordon and Charles G. Martin, Is excellent. SURPRISE ENDING Miss West is taken for a mod- ern international adventuress at the opening of the plot and members of the cast are intro^ duced In quick sequence through a novel "balloon gag" that pro- vides much of the humor. The final scene reveals the star In an entirely different role and provides a surprise ending that carries considerable punch. Closing its two-dajr trial run In Oakland tonight, the show win play San Francisco and Chicago before moving on to New York. Berkeley Daily Gazette EVERY SPOT RINGS WITH CRITICS* PRAISES • EVERY DATE RINGS UP NEW RECORDS! Wedoetiay, June 12, 1946 LISGIUMATB 59 80 Strawhats Now Equity has again revised its expectations lor summer stoclt activity, which may reach a new high in the number pt rural showshops this season. A total of 80 strawhata should dot the eastern states from Vir- ginia to Maine, more than any summer during the past 10 years. , In 1930 there were 55 hideaway stoclcs but after gas rationing started due to the war, the number dropped steadily. Last summer the total was 25. As of last week 65 stocks had posted salary guarantees with Equity, and 15 more were due to comply before the end of the month. Summer slock has hardly started but Hollywood talent scouts are figuring on extensive coverage; while Equity inspectors will probably do likewise to check on whether the barnyard impresarios are adhering to the rules. Inside Stuff-Legit The impressive dais at the recent Jewish Theatrical Guild dinner honor- ing John Golden, at the Hotel Astor, N; Y., a couple of weeks ago, is still drawing wide comment from those who attended. The dais included the who's who not only of show business but also of other fields, including Mrs! Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Louis Nizer, the attorney, toastmastered. Other speakers were Mrs. Roosevelt, Eddie Dowling, Albiert D. Lasker, Harry Hershfleld, Jack Benny, Deems Taylor, Major Gen! Irving J. Phillipson, Fiorello H.- La- Guardia. The dais aliso included , Chief Magistrate Edgar Bromberger, District Attorney Frank S. Hogan, Noble Sissle, James E. Sauter, Mady Christians, Newbold Morris, Will H. Hays, William Gaxton. Congressman Sol Bloom, James A. Farley, Rupert Hughes, Grover A. Whalen, William Morris, Jr., Gen. William ("Wild ' Bill") Donovan, Lee Shubert, Charles McCabe, Fannie Hurst, Bert Lytell; Dr. Harry N. Wright, Geh. John Reed Kilpatrick, Mrs. Frank Vanderlip, Police Commissioner Arthur W. Wal- lander, Walter Vincent, Gene Buck, Abel Green, Rube Goldberg, A. J. Balaban, Regan "Tex" McCrary, Alfred J. McCosker, Mary Margaret Mc- Bride, Brock Femberton, Arthur Hopkins, Bill Robinson. Rabbi Abraham Burstein, Father Henry J. Lenahan . and Rev. Waller S. Bentley. And Golden, of course. Mary Martin, Bert Lahr For /Music Box Rem'? Fred Astaire and Gertrude Lau- rence being unavailable, Irving Ber- lin intends going through with his "Music Box Revue" this winter and is talking, to Vl^Ty Martin and Bert Lahr to' head th> cast. Miss Martin also has been talking ofdoing a new Arthur Schv^'artz stage musical which the composer and her husband, Richard Halliday, would co-produce. An investigation was recently conducted by the federal admissions tax department in N. Y. following claims made by a Broadway house man- ager who alleged that the boxof Ace staff was selling "locations," meaning that a number of patrons were admitted without tickets and ushered to seats designated on a slip of paper. The result was negative. G-men came in on the case after anonymous letters were isent a pro- ducer, theatre owner and others, the missives being potscribed to the effect that the "revelation" had also been sent a newspaperman but never received by him. Letter-writer then went to the tax department in per- son, with the result that brokers -were quizzed and their records scrutin- ized. It was then quickly discerned that the irregularities were non- existent. However,' the matter caused con.siderable comment and not a little aggravation among those involved. When the hpu:>e man was interrogated about getting in racial arguments backstage with a department head, he mumbled something about family troubles. He is not slated for a man- ager's job next season. Although Orson Welles is due on the Coast in July for his first aclor- director stint at Columbia, on Sherwood, king's "If 1 Die Before I Wake," actor is quite likely to delay the assignment because of his involvement in the legiter "Around the World." Actor-producer, aroused by critical pans and by . word-of-mouth praise, says he plans staying with show, in which he has . a 'prominent role, if it builds, and will stay around, if it flops, to take it on the chin himself. Ads have played down his name and part in the show, not because he wanted to bow lOut, he- says, but so's not to push himself. Now Welles plans changing ads and publicity, to give more prom inence to himself, indicating he plans to rise or fell with the show. Protest Color Line At N. Y. Meeting Protests agaiiist the color line in certain branches of show business were voiced during a meeting at the Lyceum, N. Y., last week by a group within the American Veterans Com- mittee. Playwright Robert E. Sher- wood was among the speakers who advocated a change in custom, such as the ban against, colored patronage in Washington. He cited a special performance of his "The Rugged Path" when it played the capital, those invited being wounded GIs, many being amputees. For that per- formance, at least, colored vets were permitted on the lower floor of the National theatre. Canada Lee, appearing currently on Broadway in "On Whitman Ave- nue," protested the barring of Ne-. groes from the stagehands union, Lo- cal I. It was brought out that there a deckhands unioii in Harlem known as Local lA, which has 27 memt>ers, but there is so little back- stage employment in that section of the city that the men are trying to get permanent jobs in other fields. Marc. Blitzstein told of difficulties with a USO unit sent overseas. Col- ored musicians and chorus used for the special symphony, which he com- posed, were embarrassed, especially in London, because of friction be- tween white and colored GI audi- ences. Problem of racial tolerance is prominent on the agenda of AVC. Arrangement for an afternoon meeting at the theatre was made by Garson Kanin, author of "Born Yes- terday," current at the Lyceum. Equity Ronains Tops Financiafly Of 4A s Unions; Deadline Squawk ' Equity's annual meeting, held at the Hotel Astor, N. Y. Friday (7), was lightly attended, although offi- cers lor a three-year term were bal- loted for. Fact that neither the ticket, headed by Clarence Derwent for president, nor candidates for the council, were opposed probably ex- plains why only ajpproximately 350 members turned up, about half the number on haind last year. . The meeting proceeded placidly until a complaint was voiced by a minority about the deadline for a possible opposition ticket. Prot- estants claimed that official notifica- tion of the regular ticket,.- as carried in Equity's monthly magazine, was not received until the dead line was passed. Constitution fixes that limit at 20 days prior to the election date A Hollywood daily last week had to back-track on its sob-sister story written about old-time vauder Frankie Bailey and her destitute condition According to report. Miss Bailey, known in the Weber-Fields era as "Girl With the Million-Dollar Legs," supposedly was going blind from cataracts on b«th eyes, ekeing out a $50 a month existence on old-age pension, etc. Following story's appearance, further investigation revealed that the former glam-gam gal had exaggerated her cpndition and she retracted the substance of her statements. Seems she has ample resources for the neces sary operations and friends have been coming through nicely. Old Vic players, winding up a sensational six-week engagement at the Century, N. Y., this Saturday (15), had to release 22 hours for each of two CBS appearances. On June 2 they went on the air with "Richard III," and last Sunday (9) they presented "Peer Gynt," which were not in their repertory «t the Century.. Each program ran 90 minutes. CBS officials were gratified at the batches of mail that followed each program Having come from London as a unit, Old Vic actors did not come within Equity's regulation alien-actor rules but were each required to pay $9 dues for one .six-month period. Ordinarily foreign actors are required to pay Equity 5% of their salaries, with a minimum of $10 weekly. Richard Watts, Jr. and John Mason Brown are still closest in running for drama critic's spot on N. Y. Post next season to replace the late Wilella Waldrof who died last winter. Vgrnon Rice, second-string critic who filled in second half of past season as reviewer, however, is still being considered as a regular, if he shows further writing improvement over the summer, Post management favoring idea of upping a staffer as against bringing in an outside "name." '(Brown, of course, once held the job on the Post.) Watts, reported (elsewhere) making a South America trip, is definitely not going. "I Remember Mama" will finale its long engagement at the Music Box N, Y., "any Saturday." Principal reason for extending it week to week is to try out replacements for the minor characters: a couple of "finds" is reported. Mady Christians and Oscar Homolka will continue as co-stars when "Mama" takes to the road. John van Druten comedy-drama is the first managerial ventifre by Rodgers and. Hammer^tein. "Tour in the autumn may not include many .stands because it is difficult to troupe the sellings and revolving plat forms. Expectation is to have an extended slay in Chicago, Understood the Shuberts are intent on acquiring a legit house in Holly wood to take advantage of the increasing demand for stage fare in that sector. Attempts have been made to buy into existing theatres there, with out Success. Current report is that the Broadway producers have an eye on a parking lot on Hollywood blvd., a block from Vine street, for the construction, of a legit house as soon as they can get building materials'. New. Muislcal to Frecm Bolton Landing, N. Y., June 11. "A Nice Place to Visit," new musi- cal, comedy by Frank Davidson, Thomas Pulliam, Philip kadison, Tom Howell ,and Stanley Fcrbcr, will be preerhed at Bolton Landing summer theatre, as opening bill July 2 of this Lake George strawhat. . 15th Slocbbrldre Season Stockbridge, Mass., June 11 Willman Miles-pn JUne 25 will tee off the 15th seasgn.of the Berkshire Piayhou.se— interrupted by the war —with Leo G. Carroll in "The Late George Apley." Among the other guest stars booked is Dame May Witty, for the week of Aug. 28, in -'Niight Must Fail." Jooss Ballet To Tour U^. for 1st Time m Six Years; 27 Weeks Booked Jooss . Ballet, returning to U. S. after six years, has been booked by Charles L. Wagner for 27-weeks' tour, opening in Montreal Oct. 14. Company will play N. Y., at City Center, Dec. 3-22. Tour covers east, south and Coast, with midwest skipped for lack of. playing time. Northwest territory, however, is al- ready being lined up for '47-'48 sea- son. Company, now headquartered In London, will again have Kurt Jooss, Ulla Soederbaum, Noelle de Mossa,- Hans ZuUig and Rolf Alexander at head of troupe. In addition to old faves like "The Green . Table," "Big City," and "Prodigal Son," company will present four new works, "Pan- dora," "Sailor's Fancy," "Company at the Manor" and "Le Bosquet." Troupe marks first ballet company under Wagner's management in his 38 years of concert work. Coinpany is completing a Scan- dinavian tour June 16, and will start a Holland tour June 25 extending through July. On Aug. 8 company starts a tour of Ireland, then leaving for Canada for its American engage- ment. Wagner will also present the opera "II Trovatore" on tour next fall for seven weeks in' 48 perform- ances, with Fritz Mahler conducting. Opera \yill have two alternating casts, chorus of 26, and orchestra of 30. 'Venture marlcs Wagner's sev- enth year of opera presentations. In addition, vet manager is offering a $1,000 prize for a short, opera in Eng- lish, based on an American (heme, with a tour of at least 25 perform- ances (on royalty) al.so guaranteed. Scores must be submiled by Oct., '47, for production in autumn, 'm. 152 EQUITY MEMBERS De DURING PAST YR. There were 152 members of Equity who passed away between April 1, 1945, up to March 31. 1946. Their names: ■ George Arlis.s, George W. Barbier, Henry A. Barrows, William H. Bar- wald. Guy Bates, May Beatty. Robert Benchley, Jules J. Bennett Kenneth E. Berry, John Berlin, William Blees, Harry Bodin, Sophie Brandt. Gary C. Breckner, Otto Browner, Conrad Cantzen, William G. Carr. Charles K. Champlin, Willism . Clark. Wil- fred Clarke, Addie Clifford, Davis Cl.vde, Charles E. Golton. Zeke Colvan. Don Costcllo. Frrnk Ciaven. Dan Crimm'ns. Sydnev S. Cushinir. Lucille Davis, Gloria Dickson. Dan- aid Douglas, Gregory DniestrofT, Ar- thur Elmer, E^lear .\lchison Elv, Gilbert Emery, Bessie Mar Enclish, Hugh Ettinger. Knute Erickson. Charles E. Evan.s. Mary Faber. Wil- liam Fairbanks, .Edith Faver.sham. Norman R. Feusier; Ellzp'oeth T). Ferris. I..eon Finch. Jack J. Viei-nme. Al.so Erford Ga.se. Msisic Gay, Russell Olea.son. Lpvia Georsie. Claude Gilbert Bob Orandi. Josenh Greene, John Hale. Edna F. Hall. .Teffer.son Hall, Selms Hall. Mvra Hampton. Henrv R. Handon. T^rn. dore Hardeen. Burt Harcer. W. S. Harkins. John Harrinaton. Forres- ter Harvey. J. Clarence Harvf. Mr.*. Percy Haswell. J. Alex. . HEv'ier. Katherine Havden. Fred Herm-n. Adrian R. Mines. M?x HofTn''nn. .'r.. Ralph D. Holmes. Vivien Holt. Ri"=- sell Hopton, Le.ster Howard. Frank A. How.son, Glenn Hunter. Luise Gerard Huntington, William W: Jef- ferson. Stan.iev jessup. Harrv Jor- don, Alfred Kapneler, Doris Keane, John L. Kearnev, Arthur J. Kelly. Tyler Kent William T. Kent Louvsp La Clede. Erne.st • Lambert. W. Lander. Marcel Le Mans, Harry Levan, S^m Liebert. Edward Locke. Al.'-o. Geor"c McKay. Dann Mal- loy. Geor.i>e F. M?rion. Jpmes rTa>-. riott James R. Marshall. Jo'Toh Martell. William A. Mrson. ^jnys Matthews, Roderick Maybee. Philio Merivale. Hymah Mever. MHnricn M. Minnick. Earle Mitchell, Lionel Monagas. Catherine Moorp. George Leon Moore. Percival T. Monre, Louis Morrell, James W. Mullin, Ferdinand Munier, Bennett. Mi's.son, Alia Nazimovs^ Perry Norman. Fiske O'Hara H. Murray O'Neill. G. A. Pete Palmer. Sara Peyton. Edith Potter, Earl Reddinc. Vincent Rondinone, William Roselle, . L, Douglas Rowland. Ray L. Royce, Josephine Sabel. Colfax Sanderson. Hugh Saxon, Cyril Scott Emmelt Shackelford, Inez Shannon. Lavinia Shannon, George Sidney, Gus S'ny, Joseph W. Smile.v, William Smyt.he. Thomas Speidel, ClilTcird Stork: .Tcs Jhomassen, Virginia Tracy. Al Tra- hah. Marie Van Ta.s.sell. Charles D. Waldron. John R. Walsh. Jarnes B. Waters. Jay Wesley. Eleanor Wessel- hoeff. Vernon G. Williams, Jessica Wood and Herbert Yo.st. Schwartz Signs Licht Yiddish Art Theatre director Maurice Schwartz' has set David Licht, South American impresario, to guest-direct his forthcoming pro- duction, "Song of the Dnieper.'' Licht will also dramatize, the Rus- sian novel, and Schwartz will play the leading role. "Song" will open Oct 21 at the Yiddish Art theatre, N. Y. Mt. Gretna Resumes Mt Gretna,. Pa. . June M. The Gretna Playhouse, which re- sumed activities last summer after being clo.sed throughout the war- years,, will open its 1946 season Thursday (13), with "Kiss and Tell." Charles F. Coghlan, who directed the company last season, is again direc- tor. A ten-week season has been ar- ranged, . and among the other plays to be presented are "Pride and Prejudice," "Charley's Aunt" and "Blithe Spirit." 'Over 21' Tees Off Syracuse, June 12 Virginia Franke's Skanfatcles Slim- mer Players will launch their '46 season June 24 with "Over 21." but an unexplained resolution, had been adopted by the council stretch- ing the period to 30 days. Fred Lewis of "Harvey" made the complaint, followed along the same lines by Frank Fay, star of the show. There were 700 ballots cast, indi- cating that most of the vote!? were sent by mail. Tellers voided 30 bal- lots mostly because they were in- correctly marked, but there were 130 write-ins for officer and council posts. The slate as . elected: Der- went, president; Augustin Duncan, Cornelia Otis Slcinner, Dudley Digges.and Williiam Harrigan, first, . second, third and fourth vicepresi- dents, respectively; Paul Dullzell, treasurer; John Beal, recording, secretary. All. but Derwent are in- cumbents. Named to the council: John Alexander, Anne Burr, Mady Christians, Warren Coleman, Alan Hewitt Myron McCormick,. Carol Stone, Richard Taber, Edna Thomas and Margaret Webster, all named for five years, with Philip Bburnuuf as a replacement. It was announced by secretary- treasurer Paul Dullzell that Equity reached another new high in its fi- nancial status,' surplus being $l,36i;- 821 as of last March 31. Deductible ■from that total is^$558,500 represent- ing money from managers on de- posit to guarantee salaries and . ac- tor claims but all subject to Equity's order. That leaves a net of more than $803,000, and the union's sur- plus increase for the fiscal year was $91,500. A year ago the balance sheet showed tf total of $1,012,571, including guarantee deposits. Income, in addition to . regular dues, came principally from initia- tion fees, which totaled $95,851, thefr* being 971 new mcrnbers. ad- milted, some having -E^'.vanced from ' Chorus EJquity. During t^c year 695 actors came back into show busine-s, that being the number reinstated. In addition there were a flock of members who returned from w<:r service. Some 800 were in unifcnn and, until discharged, w£re on a non- dues basis. Thfif^ were 323 with- ■ drawals. S,222 Meinbers Annual statement gave the total number of. Equityites as 5,222 as compared to 3,987 on the rolls in the spring of 1945, number of - legit ac- tors devoting most of their time to radio or pictures not being esti- mated. Operating expense went up .•-bmewhat during the yezr but for four straight seasons Equity's fi- nances have been on the upbeat through conservative administration.' Dullzell advised that the associa- tion's bankroll be safeguarded xs heretofore, so that unforeseen emergencies can be met. There were 152 deaths among the nicmhership, list having a number 'of wsUknown names. Equity, meml>er of the Associated Ac'iors and Artistes of America (Four A's), is in the. best financial condi- tion of the affiliates. Understood that the vaude union (American Guild of Variety Artists) has oyer $90,000 in its treasury, and it's ex- pected that some of the Equity coin advanced to that outflt will be re- turned, at least in token amounts. The Four A's itself is in better shape than heretofore, with around $32,- 000 oh hand. Picture (Screen Actors' Guild) and radio (American Federa- tion of Radio Artists) affiliates have been in good financial shape for some time.. Bert Lytell retired as the Ekjuity president after serving for seven years, having declined renominatibn. He was given a life memlsership and $1,000 in appreciation for his extra curricular activities, in war entertainment work. Checks of $500 were given Paul Douglas ("Born Yesterday") and Barbara Bel Gcddes ("Deep .Are the Roots"), as prizes for the best "supporting- player" performances of the past season, annually granted by Der- went Douglas diwied up his prize, donating half to the Actors Func^ and half to the Stage Relief Fund. ^ Lytell was high lauded for his terths as Equity prez; he will be honorary president for life. Spa's Jane 2S Start Saratoga Springs, June 11. The Saratoga Playhouse will open .season, under management of Jewell Steven, on June 25. Performances will be given in the Spa theatre on the Saratoga Reservation. Guest .stars will include Charles Butter- worth, Binnie Barnes and Jean Parker. 66 UGiniMATB Wednesdajt June 12, 1946 B'way Kz Spotty With Some Musicals Slipping; forld' Surprise 28G in 7; Vic 49G, 'Annie' 45G. 'State' 24G. Tops Broadway's 1946-47 season is dated to start approximately around. Labor Day but there were three pre-season openings, two of which were fast flops, while the third, "Around The World," may prove a surprise win- ner. It was reported going to capac- ity late in the first full week. Last iiraab-'o . ^skiitc liiom "Thf Dsncer week's debuts were "The Dancer and "Second Best Bed," both of which were yanked Saturday (8) following bad notices. Due on June 20 is "Icetime," new skating revue at the Center, Radio City. Around the same time a com- bined open-.iir musical comedy and swimming show is slated for the Acquaretta at the former World's Fair grounds. No new shows are dated for July. Old Vic will con- clude Saturday (15) and other clos- ings are likely. Business last week was spotty, with some shows improv- ing, others dipping. Eiitlmatcs for LasI Week Keys: C iComedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Reuue), M (Musical), O (Dperetto). "Anna Lucasta," Mansfield (93d week) (D-1,041; $3.60). Among the attractions which . picked up, with estimated gross around $12,500. "Annie Get Vour Con," Imperial ■(4th week) (M-1,427; $6.60). Regard- less of conditions, new musical smash should sell out for many months to come; over $45,000 "Are; You With It?" Shubert (31st week) (1,382; $4.80). Started off to fine gtbsses but has been disappoint ing of late; topped $19,000 however last week, "Around the World," Adelphl (2d week) (M-1,434; $6). First full week minus one- performance surprised, and despite notices mostly on the doubtful side, show built t« capac- ity. Friday nights are out because of Orson' Welles' radio program. £stimated nearly $28,000 in seven times. "Biiilon Dollar Baby," Alvin (25th week) (M-1,331; $6). . Was on the verfic of folding but operating costs revised: takings airound $22,000; week to week. "Born Testerday," Lyceum (19th week) (C-993; $4.80). Over $21,000 again; previous week under-esti- mated and with an extra perform- ance the count was close to $23,000. "Call Me Mister," National (8th week) (R-1,142; $6). First week, at increased top saw takings go to $31,- 700; when theatre parties are over will get more. "Carousel," Majestic (60th week) (M-1,667; $6). Getting goodly share of visitor patronage which should continue indefinitely; jumped to $43,000 last week; "Dear Ruth," Miller (78th week) (C-940; $4.20). Bit better here- and run comedy has tickets on sale jnto July; quoted around $9,000. "Deep Are the Roots," Fulton (36th week) (D-968; $3.60). Takings im proved with the aid of cut rates and tlie gross approximated $11,000. ^Dream Girl," Coronet (26th week) (CD-1,037; $4.80). Held to about same level as previous week with the gross quoted around $14,000. "Harvey," 48lh Street (84th week) (Ci-925; $4.20). Other slayers may vary but this one still sells out quoted over $19,000. Ruth McDevitt replaced Josephine Hull, who is on vacation. "I Remember Mama," Music Box (97th week) (CD-979; $4.20). Going along on week-to-week basis and hardly making operating profit now $13,000. "Life With Father," Bijou (.MOth week) (C-614; $3.60). Picked., up with the field and went to $8,000 run leader made sonie profit. "O Mistress Mine," Empire (19th week) (CD-1,082; $4.80). Holds to $24,000, capacity, and is one of the leading candidates for next season continuance. "Oklahoma!", St. James (^167th week) (M-1,509; $4.80). Broadway's musical wonder commands capacity despite! long run; close to $30,000, "On Whitman Avenue," Cort (5th week) (D-1,064; $3.60). Getting sup . port of tolerance organizations: tak ing.s upped last week with $8,500 ap roximated. "Song of ■ Norway," Broadway (94th week) (0-1,900; $4.80). May stick through summer; around $25, 500.' "This looks like good money but show is costly to operate, "Stote of the Union," Hudson «Oth week) (eD-1,057; $4.80). As - hard to get tickets for this smash as in the early weeks; over $24,500. "St. Lonis Womaii," Beck (10th week) (M-1,214; $6). Slipped further to around $21,000 and summer chances not definite. "Second . Best Bed," Barrymore. Taken oil Saturday (8); mild press; played one week; under $4,000. "Swan Song," Booth (4th week) (CD-712; $4.20). Unless business picks up materially, continuance much longer is doubtful; rated under $5,000. . "The Dancer," Biltmore. Opened last midweek; closed Saturday; five performances. "The Glass Menagerie," Playhoiisc (62d week) '(CD-805; $4.20) . • Dropped further; under $11,000 last week and summer holdover doubtful. -••The Voice of the Turtle," Mo- osco (114th week) (C-939; $3.60). Do- ing well enough and should go further; under $11,000 last week; an- nounced to suspend June 2^. "This, Too, Shall Pass," Belasco (6th week) (C-1,077; $4.20). Using two-for-ones; partly accounted for improvement to approximately $5,- 500; but peratibn not yet profitable. Three to Make Ready," Broad- hurst (14th week) (R-1,160; $4.80). Looked like real winner when it opened, but tapered; improved \o nearly $23;500 last week. OLD VIC "Henry IV," Parts I and 11; "Un- cle Vanya," "Oedipus," and "The Critic," Century (1,670; $6). Final and 6th week which was the sched- uled length of engagement. Record business for repertory with takings ^nearly .$49,000. REVIVALS > "Show Boat," Ziegfeld (22d week) (M-1,628; $6). Agency demand for tickets has been dropping of late and business has eased off; $44,000 estimated. "The R«a Mill," 48th Street (33d week) (M-I,319; $4.80). Picked up and again registered nearly $30,500 with indications of stay through summer. ."Hamlet," City Center (2,692; $2.40). Game in for two weeks ire- turn date which concludes next Sunday (16). 'OKLAHOMA!' BOFF 38G, mERTA'HEP43GM Los Angeles, June 11. "Oklahoma!" went through the fifth week at the Biltmore with an- other SRO $38,OO0; "Roberta" re- peated $44,500 at the Philharmonic oh the second stretch. "Blackouts of 1946," light only in a couple of matinees due to the beach pull, still collected $17,000 for 206th stanza at El Capitan. "To- bacco Road" neared $10,000 for third frame at the Mayan. 'Park' OK •State' Plays Abroad Continued from page It 'Bloomer' 3SG; 'Gander 7G, Hub Boston, June 11. Gloria Swanson in "Goose for the Gander" continued a mild draw at the Colonial at $7,000 and will be on hand at least one more week. Other legit houses, closing June .15, did excellent biz. Enlivening the local scene this summer will be the new John Huntington - Lee . Falk playhouse known as the Boston Summer Thea- tre, in air-conditioned Mutual Hall, and the Cambridge Summer Thea- tre under same aegis. Cambridge house opened last night (10) with Michael Whalen in "Ten Little In- dians.". Boston house opens June 24 with Dame May Whitty in "Night Must Fall." Estimates for Last Week "Bloomer Girl," Shubert (1.590; $4.85). Wow $35,000. Moves off to Coast after 15th. "Voice of the Turtle," Plymouth (1,200; $3^ About $14,000 in 24th week. "Goose for the Gander," (Colonial (1,500; $4.20). Not much better than $7,000. Chicago, June 11, Shutdown of one legit house and the threatened closing of- another, due to being alleged flre hazards, scared Chicagoans away from the b.o., Tesulting in a general drop in the week's take. "Windy City," skedded to close Saturday (8), was forced to fold Thursday (6) with a four-day take of $8,000. The top grossing. "Up in Central Park" at the Shubert, received a last-minute reprieve Thursday night but eased to $42,500 because of the scare. "State of the Union" continues to play to capacity with $26,500 and Katharine (Cornell ended her. limited engagement of "Candida" and "An- tigone" Saturday (8) with a strong $24,000. "Merry Wives of Windsor" folded Saturday (8) after three weeks, winding up- with a weak $14,000. (Advance for "Laura," which opened at the Harris Monday (10), was' a healthy $14,000. Estimates for Last Week "Anna Lucasta," Civic (37th week) (900; $3.60). Down to $11,500. "Candida,*^' Harris (1,000; $4.20). Closing limited engagement with a strong $24,000. "Merry Wives of Windsor," Er- langer (3rd week) (1,400; $3.60). Folded Saturday (8) after three weeks, winding up with a weak $14,000. "SUle of the Union," Blackstone (7th week) (1,360; $4.20). Doing big biz with a $26,500 week. "Up in Central Park," Shubert (8th week) (2,163; $4.80). Still tops in town, but hurt by threatened Shu- bert closing. Eased to $42,500. 'Windy City," Great Northern (4th week) (1,425; $4.80). Skedded to close Saturday (8) but folded Thursday (6) when Great Northern was locked up by city for alleged violation, of fire regulations. $8,000 for four days. 'VAGABOND king; 34G; TURTLE' 14G, FRISCO San Francisco, June 11. "Voice of the Turtle" moved into its last week at the Geary, minus its star K. T. Stevens, who left for a rest in southern California. ! Nancy Holland has been, subbing. I,ast week, the eleventh, it did an oke $14,000. . "Vagabond King," Civic Light Operas second production at the (Jurran, now m last 9 days of its three week run, is doing capacity business. Starring Dorothy Sarnoff and John Tyre, the show grossed $34,000 last week. . "Obsession," starring Basil Rath- bone and Eugenie Leontovich, is due to open at the Curran for a 10-day run, June 16. "Merry Wives of Windsor," the Theatre Guild's third Frisco production, starring Charles Coburn. will open at the Geary, June 17. Paris K\iru Dry- danc* with Arnaut. A good contor- tionist bit of dancing as dona by young Anouk Ferjac as a bird of pafadise. She scores later -with her contortion work, dressed in snake- skin, via an adagio with Arnaut Apart from Billy Ray, she is the only yaude act in the show. In several sketches, Harry Max is chief laugh getter. He appears as a simpleton calling. on a friend whose sleepwalking' wife takes him to bed after first taking off his clothes. In another, he is shown as subbing lor a star at a picture studio. Motion pictures are introduced in another sketch, tilled "Caught in the Act." This opens with projection of a film showing Robert Berri, an American soldier, and Colette An- tony, a French vvoman, necking in the . park. Letter's husband. Max, in the. flesh, comes, out . of the au- dience (accompanied by Christiane MuUer) and gets on stage. He argues' with his screened wife. During the argument, to demonstrate her pul- chritude. Miss Antony strips. Max kills her. Then Berri fades off the screen, appears in the flesh and walks off with Miss MuUer. : Berri later is an elderly man who is on the make for all the girls he meets, including a skirlless one played by. Miss Muller. Ths line of ; girls does well. The mannequins, billed as Pin-up Mans- field girls, are lookers and fair strip- pers. What, dresses they woar arc colorful, but it's mostly ,io .brai find small G -strings. Ma.v». DIx Negres (■Ten LiUle IndUns') Paris, June 1. . :Slinuna Bori'l.iii nrniluc-liuil (-f AK:ilh.i rhrlsUf'H .JiThv III ihyi'v ucl!*. French .h(1«|)- lalliin liy Plo»-re .Urlvtv hiiiI AVok VillHr.i. Stars llclene PorOrlero. wUli ticorirca Sel- Mer, TvAnne J.eduf. >loli(>n l.e Bcal. M.iu- i-ice ll«g:nney, llnotil Muiro, .Ueiio Klc-iir, Itobert Monr. lloiirl. NiiHHiel. Ji*annc r.lon. Dli-eclPil by RolniKl PltMi-l. Set liy KnilK- nnti -J^utin Ilerlli). At ThPMlr^ Antolnp. ' Voi'fl : HeleiiD PcrdrJpro Kotcerlf .OarKPd SellkT Mm. Ht'CL'i-H .- YyoMiip liOdur Lomhitrd. k(ilt?rl 1,0 Deiil Anti>n .Miiurlro Iti'K.'i m.cy Hloi-e Unotll Mnrro Dr. I.«>vvl!i.. Uen^ Kleiir Uenorii) Mui'k>Mi/.i>f Itobert. Moor .TU(1k» W.'irnrHA-i* Mi'nrl .N'oiulet blinlly Krcni Jcunno Lion Robert Le Seal as the man who flres the final shot. Whole cast does ex- cellent work. Jeanne Lion, as the hard-to-get-on-with guest, draws many laughs as relief for the chills. ' Show's reception was good and it looks set for a run. Ma,Ti, 'Cyrano' Grosses 16G In Pluladelplua Solo; 'Girls' Due to FoDow ■ Philadelphia, June 11. Philly's one remaining legit show, Jose Ferrer's revival of Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac," started rather slowly at the Forrest, but built steadily throughout the week to achieve a healthy $16,000 for the first of two scheduled local stanzas. There is still an offside chance of an extra week, inasmuch as this week's sale is brisk. ."Cyrano" is otherwise scheduled to close for summer and the house (Forrest) doesn't get another show until July 1, wh"5n the musical hit, "Follow the Girls," comes in for what is hoped to be a summer's run. "Cyra- no" got three fine notices and one sour one, which started quite a con- troversy within ranks of critic's own paper (Record). "Girls" will undoubtedly have the field to itself during July, but several shows have been mentioned for local bookings in August and it seems sure that the 1946-47 season will get un- derway before the traditional Labor Day date. O&J Merry 27G, D.C. Washington, June li. Olson and Johnson's "Laffing Room Only" racked up merry $27,000 ht-re. Show had two performances Sunday (9) in lieu of usual matinees. Holds another week. "Voice of the Turtle," which moves into the National with (he Boston cast June 17, already has healthy mail order piling up to its credit. "Turtle" stays three to four wei-ks, depending on b.o. Unusual for this house, which normally limits 'runs to fortnight 'MAID' SHY 4g, PITT J ' Pittsburgh, June 11. Maid in Ozarks apparently overstayed its local welcome. Hill- billy comedy tapered off to little less than $4,000 in its third and final week at Casino theatre. Freak attraction, however, man- aged to, turn in an okay profit on local run, getting around .$25,000 on the three weeks. Advertised top was $3 (including tax) but town was flooded with two-for-ohes which accounted for most of the take. ' 'MOON'S' BRIGHT 15G, TOEONTO Toronto, June 11. Ernest Rawley's revival of "The New Moon" grossed $15,000 for seven performances as opener of the seventh summer season at the Royal Alexandra here, with 1,525- seater scaled at $3 top and produc- tion hl^ld over for a second week. ' Tallulah Bankhead.». with Donald Cook, follows in "Private Lives," June 17. Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Nig- gers," done in N. Y. (as "10 Little In- dians") and in London, looks a likely entry here. Play has been produced here by arrangement with B. A- Meyer, the Lontion producer. "The story is well-known here, a French translation having been se- rialized in an evening daily. High- brow French crix complain that the play . is not arty, but French pro- ducers realize that such type of show is unlikely to leave them in the red. It has been mounted nicely, with a compact cast and a good set, Helena iPerdriare, best known here as a film star, Is well supported by L'Homme C^hI Sle Donnait 1m domedle (The Man Who Acted For Hlmselt) Paris. jHCquos A'niola proililrllon or ".S'iKhL Must Fall," by Knilya WIIMuinit: HrtHptulloii liy IMprre Rbcher. . Sinrs Madeleine .SufTol. Features Murffucrite Ducourel, JacqtioUne- Dumnncrnu, Guy Hnurcy, Yvelle HC-nu- monl, CivoiRes Yallla. ClnudliiR Horln. Jacquca Volols. DIrorted by Juctlup.i Viilols and , Ocorges Vnllols. At IMieude a» rilumour. Mr». Terence Madeleine Suffel D.nn ;..C:uy Hanrey Mrs. tiraniHon MiirKUerlte Diicouret Olivia Jaetiuetlne Dumoaecnu 'Hip Nurse .YveU'e Deaumnni Hubert Reoigea ViiIIIh Maid VInudlne Born BelBlze Jacnues \'aLois This French translation of the English drama had been done be- fore World War II at the Anloiive, so this is really a revival. Current taste for. detective plays and Madeleine Suffel's comedy .antics as the cook make 'it a good bet here.. She gives a good perforrhance; Giiy Haurey, as the bellboy, only a featured part goes over big. ■ Marguerite Ducouret is the' old woman whom he_ murders after she has given him a job, and Jiicqueline Dumont plays the niece who nearly falls for him. . 'Though the play has been conser- vatively staged, the one set by Ner- scs Bartau of the living room at the English country house looks authen- tic. Well-planned ; liglUing effects add to the gruesoirie atmospliere. Di- rection is nice. Mn.x-I, ToBcanini Set for Paris Paris, June i. On his way' back from Italy, Ar- turo Toscaniiii will stop oyer here for one concert at the Charhps Ely- sees theatre, June 20.. The Milan Scala orchestra, brought over speci- ally for the one concert, will be un- der his baton. All this is predicted on Toscanini, mentioned as a possible choice (or the presidency of the new Italian Republic, not being handed the job. Current Road Shows (Period Covering June 10-22) "Anna Lucasta" — Civic, Chi (10-22). "BUckonU of 19W — El Capitan, Hollywood (10-22). "Bloomer Girl" — Shubart, Bost. (10-16). ' . ' "(Come On Up" ("RInr Twice To- night")— Met., Seattle (10-22). "Cyrano de Bergerac" — Forrest, Phila. (10-15). "Goose tor the Gander" — Colonial, Bost. (10-22). • "LaRIng Room Only" — Natl, Wash. (10-15). "Laara"— Harris, Chi. (10-22). "Meet the Wile"— Shubert-Lafay- ette, Det. (10-22). "Merry Wives of Windsor,"— Mu- sic Hall, Kansas City (10-15); Geary, L. A. (17-22). ■-Obsession" — Lobero, Santa Bar- bara (13-14); Curran, Frisco (17-2?). "Oklahoma!" — Biltmore, L. A. (10-22). "SUte of the Union"— Blackstone, Chi. (10-22). . "Up In Central Fark" — Shubert, Chi. (10-22).- "Voice of the Turtle" — Geary, Frisco (10-15); Aud., San Jose (17); Aud., Oakland (18-22), "Voice of the turtle" (2d Co.)— Plymouth, Bost. (10-15); Nat'l, Wash, (17-22). SUMMER STOCK "Angel Street"— Litchfield theatre. Litchfield, Conn. (10-15). "Blithe Spirit" — Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, Pa. (10-15). "My Sister Eileen" — Hunterdon Hills Playhciuse, Clinton, N, J. (18- 21). "Rosalie"- Paper Mill Playhouse, Mllburn, N. J. (10-15). "The Royal Family"— Red Barn, Westboro, Mass. (17-22), "Springtime for Henry" — County theatre, Suffern, N. Y. (17-21). "The Man Who Came to Dinner" —Worcester theatre, Worcester, Mass, (10-15). Play on Broadway The Dancer George Abbott production or nieto[Ii':e. . Thef flght eventually involves a' money cache secreted by the dancer years before, and. which the wife and pa'r tron each seeks to uncover for tlicir own. And; there are three murde rs, two: of the victims being the patron and wife, eliminated by the dancer much too conveniently for the story's sake. Anton Dolin, the ballet dancer, plays the title role with consider- able conviction. He certainly plays it authentically enough, and he has a moment or two in which he dances. But this is primarily an acting role, in which he is called: upon to play mostly pantomime.' Colin-Keith- Johnston is the dilettante, and lie plays it well; it's decidedly ah un- sympathetic character; The best part is that of the police inspector, and Luis Van Rooten, in the role, gives the play its best performance. Helen Flint is the wife, and the role is sr-ot- tily played. Bethel Leslie is the daughter, The play's only other char- acter is that of the butler, played by Edgar Kent. Kohn. (Closed Sat (8) after five per- formances). Wednesday, lime 12, 1946 UTERATI 61 L Herat i They're All 'Cooth' Now Newspapermen are no longer un- eouth. drunken louts, who live with their feet on desks and a sneer on ihe^ Hps for all the civilized world's conventlons-at least they're no longer that way in films. Long-heard sauawk of the newspaper fraternity «t what they consider the screen's unjust characterization of them has brought forth figures from Francis Harmon, v.p. of the MoUon Picture Association, to prove it ain't so. Last year, Harmon reveals, there were newspaper people in 77 of the 398 features okayed by the MPA. There were 81 identifiable journal- i.sls in the 77 plx. Of these, 67 were sympathetic characters, five were wn- sympathetic and nine played indlf- ircicnt, minor roles. One, an unsym- pnthetic newspaper man, had a prominent role, while 37 newspaper people appeared in prominent sym- pathetic characterizations, Harmon reported. L i Among outstandmg n.lms about newspapermen during 1945, the MPA v.p. said, were "Story of GI Joe," with Ernie Pyle as the leading char- acter; "Blood on the Sun," .with Jimmy Cagncy in the leading role of an American managing editor in Tokyo who uncovers a Jap plot, for- world conquest; "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," with James Craig in a major sympathetic role of a country editor, and "Col. Effing- ham's Raid,'' in which a bright yoimg reporter helps a southern colonel re- tain the historical landmarks of a southern city. In presenting the figures to the newspaper world recently, Harmon came up with a reverse twist, asking that the press continue howling about individual pictures as much as it Chooses, but to lay off blasting Hollywood for the sins of single 'producer. He declared: . . "I will be frank and say unequivo- cally that we of the motion pictures have no right to brand all newspaper people as villains when the exigen- cies of a particular screen: story re- quire a journalist to appear, in an iinsyrhpathetic role. Edmund Burke's statement that you cannot indict a whole nation applies equally to an entire profession or an industry— whether it be, newspapers or Holly- wood." each to do. Ads are a regular part of the Horseshoe's $1,500 weekly budget, Rose - maintaining that he isn't taking any more space' now than during the last seven years, provirig he says that in the past peo- ple never read - his ads. Rose says he started these ads on the feeling that regular, nitery ads' on the drama, page were not beinjg read. ".What I primarily had to sell was myself," said. Rose, ■ Rose, acknowledges an able assist- in these ads from Lee Roggo. of the Blackstohe agency, his advertising. radio and newspaper promotion- Collier's runs not one but two ads or more in a newspapier on Friday, plugging current issue's contents. Digest runs weekly newspaper ads on its book. Post is upping its Wednesday ' back-page, half -page newspaper ads to a full page, plus its i:adio spot commercials, etc. Pubs' FbrelKn ' Markets Upped European and Latin - Arnerican markets for American literary prop- erties continue on an upped scale, which began following the end. of the war. According to a report from Preiitice-Hall's foreign dept., for»gn publishers are . seeking . rights . to many books published in the U. S. during the war, as well as to those more recently published. Chief among the earlier works is Kurt Singer's "Spies and "Traitors of World War .II," which goes into its eighth foreign edition early next year when It will be published in Denmark. Kenneth Boulding's "Eco- nomics of Peace" has. just been , pub- lished in; France and Eliot "Tainter^s •September Remember" lis slated for October publication in Buenos Aires. Various foreign publishers have al- ready bought rights to Rosamond' Marshall's "Duchess Hotspur" and to Russel Janney's "Miracle of the Bells." ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ OM <>♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦>♦»♦♦ ♦♦♦♦«>>♦♦♦. i SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK ; ;m « mmm > >mm By Frank Scully » m «« mmm >* m Ed Sullivan's 2d Bid story On top of his scoop that the Broad- way bookmakers and plainclpthes- men allegedly were working in co- operation, it's recalled' that the Broadway columnist Ed Sullivan also broke the story on the Henry Lustig (Longchamps restaurants) tax-eva- sion case. The N. Y. News column- ist first tipped ' the town, including Lustig, that the Government would brook no "settlement." Lustig is cur- rently on trial. Billy Rose's 'Advertorials' ,"Midget advertorials" Billy Rose has been running the past six weeks in N. Y. dailies for his Diamond Horseshoe, have attracted attention far beyond the nitery belt, as one of the smartest bits of ad-copy pro motion in several seasons. Ads, running from 75 to 250 words each, and all written by Rose him- . self, have had no apparent relation to the Horseshoe except goodwill. But effects have apparently been felt. Rose claiming that the Horse- shoe biz has picked up 30 to 50% the last two weeks, as against a general biz decline everywhere. Rose attributing this entirely to the qds in question. Ads have gone far afield of nitery subjects, even of the entertainment field. Rose has paid tribute to Al Jolson, W. C. Fields, Irving Berlin, Oscar Hammerstein 2d, Richard Maney, Ned Alvord, Orson Welles, Flo Ziegfeld, Carl Erbe, Dorothy and Herbert Fields, Bill Robinson, and others. He's also devoted the col- umn to N. Y. Commissioner of Parks Robert Moses, Displaced Persons, the food shortage, etc. Pieces have been nostalgic, anec- dotal, rambling by turn. Recent Bob Moses piece was a defense of the commissioner, of whom Ilpse admits "there's no love lost between the Grand Panjandrum of the Parks and little .Willie," because the news- papers were unfairly rapping a guy who's done so much for N. Y. in the way of parks, highways, playgrounds and stadia. Broadway, in general, has liked the pieces, vvhether columnists, ac- tors, bistro proprietors or plain cus- tomers. There have been excep- tions, N. ,Y. Daily News' Bob Syl- vester recently decrying the "social conscious" slant in the ads, and ■ pointing out an incongruity between Hose's plea for food conservation • for Europe's hungry and the sumptu- ous, repasts at the Horseshoe. Horse SRL's Brown to London John Mason Brown planes to Lon don tomorrow (Thurs.) as corre spondent for the Saturday Review. of Literature. Also scheduled for BBC broadcasts on current English liter' ary and theatrical scene:, and CBS Tcports to this country on prese;it day England. - Was ill last couple weeks with re currence of illness, contracted while in Navy, but is okay now. 'Land of Lost' Books -Isabel Manning Hewson has de livercd to Whittlesey her second book, ''Adventures in the Land of- the Lost," based on her Mutual net- work kids' program. Publication will be delayed, due to continued suc- cess of first book, "Land of the Lost,' published in '45. Meantime, an Eng- li.<:h edition of the first book will be brought out by Heineman of London'. Educational Comics brought out '■Land of the Lost" Comics, first comic book adapted from the pro gram, on Sat. (8), with Mrs.. Hew- son ^writing the continuity. Story was also done on the air Sat. (8). First edition called for 400,000 cop ies. Kaufman's 'Photographic Memory'. Elements comprising a whodunit in themselves are wrapped up in. the recent withdrawal from' sale of Wolfe Kaufman's mystery, "I Hate Blondes," which was published in April by Simon & Schuster. Similarities in sentence phrasing between scenes in the book and pas- which handles ; sages in Eric Ambler's 1937 mystery, ~ "Background to Danger," ■ were cialled to the attention of S&S short- ly thereafter. The publishers, al- though stating that no plagiarism in plot was. found and that the similar- ity sharply occurred in only one sec- tion of Kaufman's book for some 30 isentcnces, took matter up with both authors. "They offered to split roy- alties, but Amber, an English nov- elist, through his U. S- agents. Music Corp- of America, insisted the book be withdrawn. Kaufman explained he has a trick, photographic memory, trained by years of newspaper and magazine work, during which he never , took notes; . He admitted reading the Ambler book (which has been re- printed in 25c pocketbook editions, as well as made into a film), claim- ing sentence structure must have stuck in his mind unconscioiisly. Story broke Thursday (6) in Earl Wilson's column in the N. Y. Post. Columnist . had been sitting on the story for some time, although it also has been circulating in the trade. Coincidence automatically precludes any pix sale of the Kaufman book. The whodunit had a first printing of 10,000 copies and a second of 2,000,' and sold over 9,000 copies. Author will get royalties from S&S on the bopies soldi Publishers seem less concerned about the licking they're taking, on returned copies, future, editions, plates, ads, etc., thaii the feeling the incident will scare Kaufman off from further writing, his acute mem.ory po-'sibiy haunting him that he may again unconsciously plagiarize some thing. Example of the sharp "photo graphic" memory ' is evidenced by these two quotes which Wilson itemed: Ambler . "Don't you think you are being rather foolish,- Mr. Kenton?" "Why?" Colonel Robinson's yellow sk^n tightened suddenly. "Because -what' evci:. your prim notions of responsi' bility . may be, I want those photO' graphs and intend to have them. Furthermore." he added slowly, am prepared to take any steps that may be necessary to overcome your scruples." "Such as?" Kau/7nan He said, "Don't you think you are being foolish, Mr. Anderson?" ••Why?" His Skin tightened suddenly. "Because," he said, "whatever your prim notions of . responsibility- may be, I want that photograph and I in- tend to have it. Furthermore, I am prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to overcome your scru pies." "Such as?" Mags and Comlo Books Dip Sharp falling off in mag and comic book sales the past few months has cued all sorts of trade rumors re- garding literati changes, ranging from talk that the recently-spawned swank Curtis publication. Holiday, would fold, to stories that both mag- azines X (Saturday Review of Liter- ature's prospected popular weekly, and Curtis* pix mag) would be aban- doned. It's reported that Reader's Digest and the Satevepost have had as much as 30% returns from the newsr stands in recent months, with other mags suffering io greater degree up to 75%. Comic books havi. . taken a sharp drop, from a 40,000,000 war- time sale to a present 25,000,000 cir- culation, with the skids still on.' Likeliest i-cason for circulation drop is deflation of a wartime boom in reading, whe^i GIs, travelers, .shifting populations, etc., read mags shoe staff, itself is reported not too : as lime-killer, and publishers' put keen on the ads, as not being rapidr I out new mags in constant stream to fire enough (too general and amia- meet the demand. Anyway, dealers ble) to attract nitery clientele. But|,are reported firing back magazine objections are in minority; there has I bundles unopened, while on the even been an offer to syndicate the other hand the bigger mags, like pieces. | Satevepost, Collier's and Reader's Rose acknowledges an able assist i Digest, are going in more heavily appearing in the News' daily, and | than ever on promotion, staggered in the other seven N. Y. Satevepost Is reported setting sheets. Pieces take about an hour $2,500,000 aside this year for mag, Alcoholics To publicize The Alcoholics Anonymous Grape- vine, Inc., was recently: chartered at Albany, N. Y., to edit, print and bind materials pertaining to "Alco- holics Anonymous." Offices are in N. Y. with Royar F. Shepard as filing attorney. (Capital . stock is six shares, no par value. Bemelmans' H'wood Book Ludwig Bemelmans, novelist and screen writer,- has finished a book to be published by Viking in autumn Titled "Dirty Eddie," book is. a sa tire on Hollywood via a pig who is needed for a part in a picture. Flackers to. Elect will Yolcn, flack chief of WNEW has bowed out of the post of prcsi dent of the Publicity Club of N.Y a post he!s held scveral years. . Nominees for the hew slate, to be elected at a meeting Monday (17), arc: For proxy, Arthur J. C. Under- bill and Robert Nathans; first vecpee, Mao Wagner Carlisle, Mary Pent- land; second vice prexy,. Lt. Col. Dorsey Owings, Michael M. Engel; recording secretary, Helen M. E. McCarthy, Adriienne Minden: board of directors: Yolen, Leon Epstein, (Continued on page 62) Pugit Sound, June 6. "Priority" being the No. 1 word of the Century (that's a dictloiiary, con), I'm afraid I've lost ihy place in line as a historian of matters that don't matter. I am gazing at the sky above the Brown Derby viewing the beauty, of a Navy blimp that was hot advertising Jane Russell in "The Outlaw," when out parachuted Lt. Col. Barney Oldfield, our old Nebraska mugg, who had previously jumped into eight European countries In this war and had become quite good at it. He landed on my surviving foot' and before I could say "Superman!" he buttonholed me and demanded what I had meant by saying I had been ruined by"The Jazz Singer," the first bleater of show biz. I replied that I hadn't said anything of the sort. "You did tooi" he insisted. "Where?" I demanded. "Over at the American Veterans political rally at Warners' KFWB studio." What I had said was that I was running for the lowest office in the land, was low enough to make it siai would assure an honest administration because I was 20% off in my hearing and couldn't even' hear bribes. "A likely story 1" he said, as he pulled me indoors to one of those booths .where everybody shows from the heck up and looks pretty dead that way when the check comes. He began giving ihe chapter and curse about this biz of priority. ■ To hear him tejl it a kid called "Don Juan," starring Warner Bros., Vitaphone and John Barrymore in that, order, had captured the Puget ^Bay area with sound before Jolson knew one knee, from the other. Oldfield, who doesn't smoke, not even cornsilk, hashish or the original Barney's burned-out cigars, nevertheless began getting smoke in my I's. He said he was giving me the straight instead of rushing to Eddie Durling, .Joe Laurie or Louis Sobol. because (1) Durling won't touch anything unless it has a ■ women-'and-horses angle,. (2) Sobol won't touch anything that doesn't begin with Ekibol and (3) Laurie, yawns till his Bl Ropo goes out if the subject is later than April 8, 1901, and the' Bijou bill in Chicago, But you," Barney pointed out, ''you're young enough to know :betler. You know, the iVarners camie from Youngstown, O., and you certainly must remember 'Don Juan' because he put you and your salient travelog ight out of business in Nice, France, and don't go saying it was "The Jazz Singer' again or I'll have to use what influence Warners have, left to get you exiled to 'Truman's cabinet." He Lays a FOundaUon Frem there on .he laid out the picture of things as they were in 1926 when everybody thought that silencfe was not only. Goldwyn but hei:e to stay. A day of Big Parades, Dancing Daughters, Patriots, Wings, Card- board Lovers' and Rin Tin Tin, , it didn't seem as if anybody could get very far with . disciplined noise, especially after years of Valentino and Theda Bara - shaking men and women to their very foundation garments without saying a word. All the. while we were making our travelaughs conform to the formula, •like studying geography under Charlie Chaplin," in faraway France, this revolution was going oh in Ilollywood. Cut and titled, we shipped our first reels from Marseilles to New York. I had rather .thought they had met "the Jazz Singer" heading toward Europe and were, sunk in midocean without a trace. I do remember we hurriedly reprinted what reels we had left and rushed! them to the Dutch East Indies in the hope of getting our costs back before Jolsonic sirens began screaming out of every picture house in the world. But Oldfield insists it was "Don Juan", that put us out of business, not Dori Jolson, His version is that it took place on Aug. 7, 1926, and that we must have read even in French papers that John Barrymore in tights had tried to make the most of moments alone with Mary Astor. The picture . had accompanying sounds and rhusic fed to it, and the audience. A Repub- lican by the name of Will Hays blabbed a bit on the .same program, Giovanni Martinelli and Marian Tallye. fought to see' who could open their . mouths, widest, yell the loudest and look silliest, and the boys of Lorighair Local No. 8Q3)Mthe New York; Philharmonic, sawed and oboed an overture to a frenzied finish. . . , He Names Names . This, coming from the screen of the old Warner theatre in New York, must have lieen all very pleasant to Harry, Jack, Albert arid Sam. Sam. now dead, was the idea man. But whethei: I am right or Oldfield, the news of it along, the Riviera Poverty Row was as welcome as the undertaker's approach with a measur- ing tape in one hand and a spade, with damp earth still on it in the other; We knew our celluloidal testimonial to the wonders of European spheres of . influence was now as mute as a parrot with a clevis over his bill, The sad part is that the wisdom, of our judgment was so right in this matter! Of course, that being 20 years ago and I still eating in a magniflccnt manor of my own, the sheer tragedy of that morning after Aug. 6, 1026, looks more comic no'w. The Warners are still in the business just over the mountain from me, and from what I hear, they intend to make quite a show of their 20th anniversary. Before they brought their racket into the picture palaces and a guy could sleep as much as he wanted. without inter- ference, even I was not against coming uninvited once in a while to Warner functions. I was denied the opportunity of seeing the opus of all time on this history-making night in New York, but Oldfield, who wasn't there either (it was before paratrooping) knows what it did. "The first Impact was on the critics. They lit matches to look at the expression on each other's faces, went to the men's room to hold reassuring conferences, made deals with each other to go along in a group, more or less, .so.no matter what happened they'd all look silly or smart togethei". That was the initial note of the revolution, like the first rasp of a beginning avalanche. The thing was so big, few knew' Where to take hold of it, or whether they wanted to get a hand on it. So Seldes Now Dialogs For Far Most of the reviews got off the hook by^calllng it a novelty, and it wasn't until later, when Hollywood's smartest men and some of their parrots in New York began to jump on the Warners, that articles began to appear by guys like Gilbert Seldes, who Is never wrong, that "Hollywood Commits Suicide." After the critics and the electric light company, which put colored lights on the great white way for the first time to extol the wonders of Vita- phone, had tasted this "revolution" in New York, the orange grove, and swimming-pool country was next to feel that narcotic impact of a boom. Face-distorters who had been away'from the dime store- too long and resented the prospect of returning to a once-price existence, were first to feel the rap. Two fellows, a. church usher (on Sundays) by the narne of Conrad Nagel, and John Barrymore, a-guy with a mugg which sent women off into wild dreams and put a strain on the hooks and eyes of their cor- setry, were said by everyone to be the only people in Hollywood who could manage this talkie thing. These two men had been of and in the theatre, where their elocution records were well known. Conrad Nagel's Belgle ' Barrymore took his time about making pictures, but ppor old $2,500-a- wcck (Conrad, not him.. He was owned by M-G-M, and M-G-M was loathe 10 get excited about this talking picture business until it looked a bit more solid than it did in its unsteady coltish-legged days. Louis B. Mayer went into the talkie medium like an agent, not a producer. Anybody, -who wanted' his prize boy, name of Nagel, could have him frorn a price, and Nagel gabbed for every company but Metro. ■ ~ He made, by actual count (must give the Warners' researchers credit on these statistics), 31 feature pictures in the first two years of the Warner remake of Hollywood. He was a very good man for it, because he was' blond, and that meant he could work 24 hours at a stretch without shaving) (Continued on page 62) 61 Pussier? Wfcdne«day, Jnine 12, 1946 OBITUARIES ntANKCASE Prank Case, 69, proprietor of Al- gonquin hotel, N. Y„ died in New York, June 7, about live months after his wife had passed away. His hostelry had been the vendezvoiis of tlie literary and theatrical great for two generations. Case's association •with the hotel began in 1902 as a clerk. He subsequently became manager and then owner. During more than four decades he and his hostelry achieved the status of a New York institution known throughout the world. ■ The hotel and its "Round Table became a rendezvous for actors writers, artisU and others. . Two generations of celebs were habitues or the establishment during Case's operation. Two generations of the Drews, three generations of Barry- mores, adventurers Jike Richard Harding Davis, fabulous Broadway cliaracters like Diamond Jim Brady, wits like Frank Ward O'Malley and Alexander Woollcott, and Hollysvood folk from Doiiglas Fairbanks arid Mary Pickford to Orson Welles and the newest starlets. Case was born in Buffalo, N. Y.. and according to his book."Talcs of a Wayward Inn." . lie had sold rail- road tickets in a Buffalo hotel. He harbored a yen for a job in a New York hotel which l>e eventually ful- filled as clerk at the Algonquin. Attractive surroi. .dings of spot and affable manner of Case soon at- tracted theatrical folk and later the literary. He bought the hotel in 1927 from the estate of Alexander Smith for $1,000,000. Case had married twice. His first wife, Mrs. Caroline Eckert died in 1908. His second wife, Mrs. Bertha Grayling Case, died last Februai?. Surviving are a son, daughter, brother and three sisters; managed "House of Shadows'' at the Longacre theatre, N. Y, Upon retirement from professional work, Wallace maintained interest in the theatre via the operation of Little Theatre , groups. For several seasons, he operated the Fireside Players at Wliite Plains, N. Y. Survived by widow and sister. MAUBICEFLECkL.ES Maurice Fleckles, 74, pioneer dis- tributor of motion pictures, died June 5 in Holly wood, following a stroke. . ■ Born in Chicago. Fleckles entered the film business about 45 years ago and later managed one of the, ear- liest nim exchanges in that city for Carl Laemmie, Sr. In 1900 lie mar- ried Laemme's sister, Anna. In partnership, with John Tippctt he conducted the agency distributing raw fllm stock for Agfa-Ansco, meanwhile operating several motion picture theatres in Chicago. Nine years ago Fleckles retired from: .the industry because of ill health. . employed on the lot continuously since 1915. Father of Mary Jane Walsh, musl- comedy actress, died in Danveport, la., June 7. . EDDIE LOFTUS Eddie (Edward A.) Loftus, 52, vaiule performer :.nd one of the first i-adio singers on the air in the Chi- cago area, died in Chi June 5. Loftus, who in recent years played the piano in taverns on West Madi- son St. in Chi, sang over pioneer station WTAS in the Loop 25 years ago. Prior to that, in yaude, he in- troduced his own song. "Dirty Flies," and introduced a number of tunes, to Chi, among them "Open the Door, Close the Door" and "I Cried for You." Later he was .manager of the Midnite Frolics, nitery. His decline in recent years was at- tributed to grief over the death of his wife, Violet, hi 1932. MARRIAGES Barbara Pretty to Philip Molloy, Yunia, June 8. Groom is a publicist at RKO. Betty Laughlon Kcllcy to Wes Gallagher, Carincl, Cal., June 1. Bride is an- actress; groom a news- paper correspondent. Amy Berlinger to Sydney Magld- ^n, Pittsburgh, , June 0. They're nfWry dance team known as Sydney and Ames, Blanche (Pat) Maloney to James A. Dunn, Pittsburgh, June 5. Bride is the daughter of John J. Maloney, central division sales manager for Metro. Judith Evans to Michael Browne, New York, June 9. Bride is legit player; groom screen and legit actor. Dorothy Hooks to John Bonaguidi, Chicago, May 29. He's bassist with Joe's Vera's orch. Ciorinne Schussel. to Harry Egel- man, ■ New York, June 8, Bride, is daughter of Seymour Schussel, Film Classics branch manager in N. Y. Jane Cramer to, Dave Scott, Pitts- burgh, June 6. Groom's an ' an- nouncer at KQV. Sonya Stokowski to Flight Lieiit. Willem H. Thorbecke, New York, June 8. Bride is daughter of Leo- pold Stolcowski, concert maestro. LEO SLEZAK Leo Slezak, 71, leading member of Vienna State Opera and father of Walter Slezak, stage and screen ac- tor, died in Bavaria, June. 6. Slezak sang with the Metropolitan Opera in New York from 1909 to 1913, after having achieved success as a Wag- nerian tenor .in most music capitals of Europe. He sang the hero, roles in such operas as "Tannhaeuser." "Lohengrin" and "Aida." He went back to the Vienna State Opera in 1913. In the '30s he appeared in a suc- cession of Viennese films. These in- . eluded "Love in Three-Quarters Time," "Women's Paradise,". "Music in the Blood," ''Her Greatest Suc- cess", and "World's in Love." In 1944 Slezak was fined 100,000 marks by the Nazis, who were en- raged because his sOn, Walter, had appeared iti the role of a German U-boat officer in "Lifeboat" and as a Gestapo official in "This Land Is Mine," two U. S. films. Hitler saw seized prints of the pictures and or- dered the fliie. AL WOODS AV Woods, 51,' screen actor and member of the Pasadena Community Playhouse company, died June 3 at his home in Pasadena,' following a heart attack, Starting career as a piano player in early fllm houses. Woods became an actor in silent pictures, later di- viding his time between Hollywood studios and the Pasadena theatre. His legal name was Frederick Lud- vig Dreeke. ' Scully's Scrapbook Continued from page 81 i GEORGE GARY George Karesh, 33, known profeS' sionally as George Gary, was killed in an automobile accident recently in Chicago. Gary was emcee at Hclsing's Vodvil Lounge. Chi. His car over turned after hitting a light post and three stanchions, killing him and seriously injuring Ceil Vondell, dan- cer, who was riding with him. A Brooklyiiitc, Karesh received an honorable discharge from the Army live months . ago, after three years' service, and was then booked into the Vodvil Lounge through Al Horde's Central Booking ' Off ice. Body was shipped to N. Y. for burial. Survived by mother; three sisters, brother and daughter, II. Gary wiis divorced from his wife, a non- professional, several years ago. EDWARD HOFFMAN Edward Holfman, 65, who for 35 years was in show business in New York and on the circu.^', circuit, died at his home in Washington, on June 6. Born in Peekskill, N. Y., he ap- peared with the Al Fields Minstrels on. Broadway . and was both stage manager and performer for Buffalo Bill Cody, Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey. JEANNETTE FARLAND Mrs. Elmer H. Brui.iner, known oh vaude stage as Jea'nnette Farland, died May 27 in Cleveland. . : From 1907 to 1912 she and her husband toured vaudeville in a magic act under Iiilling of Kalma and Farland. After quitting show biz, Brunner opened photography studio in Cleveland and they lived here until 1940. when they :movec( to St. Petersburg, Fla. JAMES W. WALLACE James W. Wallace, 81, former stage manager of Broadway shows, died at his home at Storniville, N^ "V., June 6. He had been stage manager for several Theatre Guild produc- tions, including.. "Caesar and Cleo- patra" (1925).' He. was also stage manager for Morri.^ Gest's produc- tion of "The Miracle'' and later BILL ZEITLER William (Bill) Zeitler, 55, veteran vaude trooper, died in Washington June 6., after an illness of several years. A native of D. C, he went iiUi) show business in 1908 when he joined Kcrnan's Burlesque stock Co. there. He and his wife, the . former Dor- othy Wolfe, who died in 1936, toured vaude circuits for many years billed as Bill and Dot Zeitler. BIRTHS Mi:, and Mrs. Kershaw (Kert} Beauregard Bui'bank. daughter. New York, June 5. Father a publicity man; mother a model. Mr. and Mrs. Joe L.. Brown, son, Hollywood, June 5. Child is the grandson of Joe E. Brown, comedian, currently starring in "Harvey." Mr. and Mrs; Sam Geison, daugh- ter. New- York, Jur.e 6. Father, is assistant to head of . eicploltatioti dept. of Columbia Pictures.: ' Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Berwick, daughter, G^endale, Cal.; June 5. Mother is a former secretary at Co-' lumliia; father a dialog director. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Honigberg, daughter, Chicago, May 31. Father is press agent. Mr. . and Mrs. David Lichine, daughter, Hollywood, June 2. Mother is the former "Tatiana Riabouchlnska, danseuse; father is a dance director. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ostermah, son, Syracuse, N. Y. Mother's the former Rosemary. McDonald, Pitts- burgh band singer. Mr. and Mrs. Lee September, daughter, Pinehurst, N, C, May 24. Father js press agent. Mr. and Mrs. George Grippo, son, N. Y., June 8. Father is a member of Columbia Pictures' art depart- ment. , Mr. and Mrs. Alexander L,ockwood, daughter. May 22. Father Is current- ly with "Hamlet," at City Center, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Thomas Sil- verstone, ion, June "7. Father: is counsel for the American Guild of Variety , Artists and chairman of The- atre Chapter of American Veterans Committee. while the black-bearded lads had to stall at 5 o'clock to go under the razor end lose valuable picture-making minutes. Conrad said he once was granted a short respite and took his wife to New York. One evening, wanting to kill, some time, they elected to relax at a movie. They went to five different theatres offering first runs, and had to give 'up and go home. In the output of all five companies, Nagel was the star In every one. He was getting pretty tiried of himself,! which proves that even an actor Is only human. When the boys In New York gathered the morning after that "Don Juan" premiere at the ttambs . Club for lunch, Oldfleld who wasn't there either, says there was a lot of debate. At one table sat Joe Jaurle, Jr., LeRoy Prlnz, Frank Fay and some others. Every mention of talking pictures floored them with' laughter. Five-years later, Prinz, who works for War-r hers now, will tell' ypu the, same gang met at the same table arid buried vaudeville! A fellow with a premonition was one icl Joe Laurie's book, a vaude comic with sour-silly puss, oiie Hugh Herbifrt. He took the bull by the you- know-what, took a cut in salary, joined a show, "Exposures of 1928," and set bfl tor Hollywood. He had a feeling that the thing was here, just like Sam Warner did. The Sherbert Inclodes Herbert He had no sooner landed in Hollywood than he was met 'with two men— \ Mike Curtiz, and an interpreter. Mike was a Hungarian circus strong man, who had split up the world with Alexander Korda in a Budapest deal. These hobohemians actually got their dream to walking. Curtiz took the part of the, world where the British once had trouble marketing their tea, and Kprda took the marketers. When Herbert met him, Mike was already in association with the Warners on a sign-language basis, and the inter-, prefer was hired from'; 'Westerii Costume Co, to impress.^and hire Herbert Herbert' worked days- at \yarners, quitting in time to provide stage belly- laughs each evening. He siiggested that some; of ..his old vaitde sketches might be just the thing for onc-reelers, comedy talkers. The idea was okayed and Hugh (later "woo-woo") Herbert became the first talkie short man.' He got so wrapped up . In one, a thing called "Lights of New York," that he couldn't get it- down to one reel. It kept spilling over until it was five reels long, arid before he knew it, Warners had their first all-talking pic- ture. I think it cost about 40G, and returned about' $4,000,000, which- stopped all nonsense about "talk is cheap." 'Thus by the time all of us realized that sound had been ' wired into pictures it was already here to stay. Thus Jolson's . appearance was prac- tically a second run. He was rung into the Warner camp because George Jessel wanted $25^000 to act in a silent version Of "The Jazz Singer','! and as much more if he talked. When Jesisel placed such a premium oh parting his lips, it made the Warners so wild they gave Jolson twice as much. The difference now is that while Jolson is having his biog done by a guy like Sidney. Skolsky at Columbia, Jessel is producing pictures at 20th which arc bipgs of guys, like Skolsky, But Warners insist that 1948 celebrates the 20th. anniversary of bringing blab to the Bijous of the world .at prices everyone can afford to pay. -Not 1913, nor 1927, but 1926. I giiess I should be big about It and fbrget-my 11 geographical reels that never saw light of a projection machine for profit.' I had a pretty secretary all the time we were making the picture anyway, so I can't say it was a total loss. Our four productions are still to. be seen on the boulevards, arid one Nonny, aged 2, is pencilled in as Mme. President for 1992— the SOflth anniversary of the discovery, of America. That leaves "Don Juan"' still at the lower end of a double feature and Oldfleld at WB. ample, one jacket, a few years ago, brought up a youthful fan* ♦>'<'.t the author of the book had written Nick Carters for Street & Smith, The re- viewers, very naturally, maybe, went to it: "He is stiU writing. lOc melo- dramas." . Another Jackcit piclured the author as if he were fundamentally a soldier, ignoring his long wood-pulp writing record. When someone dug that up, it appeared the writer was trying to conceal it.. In the.se cases, and many others, It is claimed by author.s' as- sociations, that if the writer had final approval of the book jacket's per- sonal material about him, it could not place the author in a harmful light. JOHN WOLFORD John Wolford, 62, exhibitor, died June: 2 in Ontario, Calif., whore he had been a Fox West Coast partner in the operation of several theatres since 1933. Prior to that he had op- erated independently for many years. Surviving are his widow, two sons and a daughter. SAMUEL J. LASS Samuel J. Lass, 74, member of the Wsrner Bros, story department at the hdmeolfice for 17 years, died June 9 in New York. Funeral services were held the following day at Riverside Memorial Chapel, N. Y. E. R. TOERPE E. R. Toerpe, 59, manager of the Orphcum theatre 'in Galcsburg, III., for -the past two years, died at his home there 'June 4. SYDNEY HYMAN Sydney Hyman, 71, -Ihcatrical agent, died May . 6 in London. For many years Hyman. was chief booker for the South African circuit. Literati Continued from pace 61 3 Owen Brantley, Shepard Henkin, Mary-Madeline Riddle, Mary Fur- long Moore, Aniy Blaisdell, Theresa Stone. Writers Aid Enrope's Hungry Fund drive has been launched by P.E.N., internationl literary society, to provide food and clothing for des- titute writers and artists in Europe. Drive began when the Book-of-the- Month club pledged $5,000 for that purpose if a similar amount was raised elsewhere. Since then, and in a short tirhe, more than $10,000 has been flushed, with contribs from Author's League, Doublcday Doran, and others. four 50% Harry Jac»b Shenk, 63, I*ara- mount studio grip for 31 years; died June 1 in Hollywood. He had been London Dallies Upped. London dailies, restricted to pages during the war, get a .uppage to six pages next month but thereafter, want to jump from six to 16 pages, else they'll go into the red. The • four pages pc^r'mitted. a proflt through paper saving but, sans ads, the new six-page size cuts, down the profit. If going to eight or 10 pages it would spell red ink certainly, hence the request for a larger in- crease in order to fake on ad lineage. Those Book Jackets A minor but impol-tant change in book contracts, for authors, may have the latter ruling on book jack- ets. Book jacket blurbs' often have hurt writers unwittingly. . For ex- OHATTER Eddie Eagan succeeding Gene Austin as columnist for Opera mag. Stanley Smith succeeded . Jerry Asher as fan mag editor for 'Warner Bros. Ben Ames Williams down South gathering maleribl for Civil War novel. Sinclair Lewis tarrying in N. Y. before going to new summer home in Mass. Theodore S. Amusserid, discharged from Navy, back with Rinehart book firm. Arthujr J. Cummings, editor of the London News-Chrohiclc, gandering Hollywood studios, Larry Reid, exec, editor of Motion Picture mag, in Hollywood for a week of gandering. . Edan Wright, rotogravure editor of Chicago Daily liiews, in Holly- wood to ogle film lots, Clayton RawsoUj with Macfaddon dick mags, resigned to. become new book editor for Ziff-Davis. Quentin Reynolds appointed chairman of mag. div. of Nat'l. Serv- ice Fund for Disabled Vets. Walter Ramsey, Coast editor of Ideal Publishing Corp., heading east for huddles on advertising and cir- culatioiv ; Mike Todd gets profiled in current (July), issue of Pageant by Arnold Perl under title of I'Hamlet and the G String." - : , Mary Harrell, ex^Lt. in the Ma- rine Corps, has joined staff of Seventeen, to put out a special home economics supplement. > Margaret O'Brien's short "mem- oirs," titled"The Happiest Days of My Life," will be published by Wo- man's Home Companion. Said a selling writer about to go all hog freelance; "My wife has a part time job. Now, to be on the safe side, I'm going to get her a full time ' job," Jean Carse, daughter of author Robert Carse and Columbia Pictures* story editor Janet Wood Carse, mar- ried Friday (7) to Sanford Wachtcl, . an architect. Inez Robb, N. Y. Journal-Amer- ' ican and INS feature writer, just recently back from Germany o.o., getting an honorary doctorate frohi her native Iowa. Walter Bernstein, first porre- spondent to interview Tito during the war when a Yaiik staffer, is go- ing to Yugoslavia to cover the Mik- hailovitch trial for the New Yorker. Marina Cisternas, Hollywood for- eign correspondent, completed her second novel, "There Is No Tomor- row," for publication by Thomas Crowell & Co.. Her first was "Maria- Antonia." Carolina Art Assn. is spon.sor of DuBose Hcyward Play writing Award of $500 for winning play, contest ending Oct. 1, 'Winner to be pro- duced at Dock St. theatre, Charles- ton, S, C. Award, a yearly affair, has been . suspended since '43.. Ward Morehouse profiles Theresa Hclburn and Lawrcfnce Langner as "Mr., and Mrs. Theatre Guild" in July Stage Pictorial. Mag, iriciden- ially, will publish only two editioiis during summer because of newspriift shortage, resuming monthly sched- ule in September. Messmore Kendall, owner of the Capitol theater, on Broadway, has authored his memoirs, "Never Lot Weather- Interfere," for Farrar- Straus. Same firm publishing book by David Stern, editoi: 'of the Cam- den (N.J.) Courier Post, tilled "Francis"; and "Yank (The GI Story of the War)," by the staff members of Yank. The talk oh Alex Woollcott Thurs- day over WQXR rather confusing, avoiding the book. Dorothy Parker said her friend "was a lousy writer, but a great guy v/ho p\it people through college but never told any- one." Then how did she. know? Brock . Pemberfon > said he earned WooUcoit's enmity by not letting him pick his first produced piny. Louis Kronenberger merely hated Alec's florid style. Altogether hardr ly a talk that would sell! a book. Miss Parker said "hell" and gasped and went on. Long pauses as if a rehearsal ' would' have^.bcen help- ful. Everybody acted qs if any mo- ment the ghost of the great late celeb might talk back. Wednesday,, June 12, 1946 CHATTEtt 63 Broadway Jack L. Wainer, due east In Aii- Neil Agnew returned' to his desk at Vanguard Productions Monday HO)- ■ ^. w Joe Roberts spending his vacash from the Selznick flackery around NY Hichard Barron has replaced Wal- ter Cojf in the sUge version of '^he^Quehtin Reynolds weekending rcBularly at the Billy Roses' Mt. Kis- co home. . , \ , . Kay Buckley doing strawhat leads with the Green Bush theatre, Blau- velt, N. y. The Earl Wilsons (N. Y. Post), to the Coast June 21 for 2 Mi weeks via Constellation, . Joe Shea, road-agenting "Harvey, which lays off this month, in town from Seattle last week. Collier's Irailerized the Gloucester -House, seafood eatciy .next door to Toots Shor's, and now the lines are out to the sidewalk. Joe Schenck, 20th-Fox topper, ac- companied by Mike Todd, due in New York next Tuesday (18) to at- tend Conn-Louis flght. Excavation for a building addition to the N. Y. Time.s oh West 44th street will soon be finished after certain blasting difficulties Joseph A. Lippman, of National Concert & Arti. N. T., by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription, 110. RIngle coplei, tC cents. ISutereil aa eecond-clasa matter December 2i, 1905, at the. Post OHlca at Ne^r Tork, N. Y., under tbe act u{ Murcb 3, 1879. COrVBIQHT, IMe, BT TABIBTT, INC. ALI. BIGHTS BESERTED. VOL. 163 No. 2 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1946 PRICE 25 CENTS LOUIS-CONN TEST TELEVISH SOCK Experimental Theatre for Broadway Wins Legit's Nod as New Talent Aid A comprehensive, practical plan to enlist Now York's entire legit indiisr ' tiy — producer and manager organ<^ izations; writers and directors; actor, stagehand, designer, agent and mu- sician unions— in setting up an ex- perimental theatre for Broadway, is being actively pushed in the trade. The idea involves a theatre where promising, unusual plays can be tried out under special conditions, non- competitive with Broadway. The theatre v;ould serve to encourage young playwrights, whose immediate work might not be ready for the commercial theatre. It would even subsidize the writers, in order to kec]) them out of radio or the films' clutches. The theatre would be a training groiuid for young actors, directors and designers, as well as be an ap- prentice school for stagehands, car- penters, technicians, etc. Above all, it would give special plays— plays of ideas, poetry, politics— a chance to be produced professionally, on the theory that such production would aid legit as a whole. Tlie plan— a long-thought-out proj- (Continued on page 16) BERGEN STARTS niM ^ INDIE FOR TELEVISH Hollywood, June 18. Aiming for future television busi- ness, Edgar Bergen will enter indie film production with experimental output designed strictly for video. He's readying his Sunset blvd. prop- erty, and will start lensing in about two weeks. Reels will be done both in 35m and 16ni« and will consist of simple biickgrounds. Vaudeville style of variety shows Will be presented, consisting of puppets, shadowgraphs, silhouettes, pahtomime, breezy com- edy, and musical miniatures on. one and two-reel films. Bergen will write and produce and may also act, but minus Charlie McCarthy. Memphis Runs True To Form; Bars 'Carmen Jones' Memphis, June 18. Ellis Auditorium, municipal show- house here, is drawing color line on "Carmen Jones." Ned Alvord, Billy Rose rep was in town the past week seeking dates for next sca.son's tour, wllich is to bring the all-Negro mu- sical into the south for the first time. . , Col. C. A. McElravy, Auditorium mgr., said he didn't have suitable dates open anyway, but that he wouldn't be willing to play the col- ored troupe even if there were dates available. ' ■ '" 'Hamlet' in Hebrew Jerusalem, Jun^ 4. The first Hebrew production of "Hamlet" is being staged here by Habimah theatre, with S. Finkel in the title role. Hvi Friedland is the producer. Troupe has been in re- liearsal more than six months. Abraham Sholonsky, Hebrew poet, has worked' on the translation more than a year. GeansesSoids With Greasepaint New Orleans, June 18. Bron Clifford of Philadelphia, who is conducting a revival meeting here at First Baptist church, announced from the pulpit Friday (14) that he has signed . a seven-year contract with Metro and is going to combine film acting and preaching the gospel. The 27-year-old preacher said he turned down a Hollywood offer a year ago when he was holding serv- ices in a western city, "But after much consideration and prayer," he said, "I decided that 1 could broaden my sphere of influence if I went into the movies. Christ taught with para- bles, and I intend to carry on His work with the media that we have today— films and radio. Oui- genera- tion is ' listening to the radio and going to the theatres and I must go where the people are." Clifford said that he plans to hold evangelistic services in Holly woo;! when he's not working before the cameras. "I hope that my life can be a testimony to Christian living," he added. CAN'T TAKE IT EH? . Hollywood, June 18. Preferring to wake up at 5 p.m. than 5 a.m., Howard Lind.say has decided not to appear in Para- mount's "The . Emperor's Waltz" with Bing Crosby. Lindsay claims acting In pictures Is harder than on stage. JAMES BAND IN 175G RAID OF THE EAST Harry James figures to net himself around $175,000 during his forthcom- ing trip east. His dates, in the msk- ing for weeks (during which time Music Corp. of America has been plagued by one-night promoters, etc., who want to buy him), were held up by an indecision over whether he would do his Coca-Cola broadcast from radio studios or from the: bandstand while on location. That's been straightened out by • (Continued oh page 22) Plea for Guardianship Of William S. Hart Los Angeles, June 18. Guardianship of William S. Hart,' former western star, was a.sked in Superior Court by Francis Gudger, an old friend of the actor, end G. E. Frost, a tax consultant. Plea was thyt Hart, now 75 and hospitalized, is too ill to take care of himself or his property, estimated at $2SP,000; HFFECTIL fUTIIlE SPOIITS "Television's big chance comes to- night (Wednesday) when WNBT (NBC. N. Y.) telecasts the Joe Louis- Billy Conii heavyweight champion- ship fight from Yankee Stadium, N. Y. It may have historic sig- nificance. With the telecast being trans- mitted to Washington and Philadel- phia, as well as to. set owners in the Greater New York' area, at least twice . as many fans ate expected to watch the fight from a "ringside" television seat as those in the Sta- dium. If the telecast proves success- ful, it may well spell -the doom of future million-dollar gates for simi- lar top sports events. Number of fans' watching the fight via television may exceed 150,000, whereas the probable capacity for Yankee Stadium is about 75,000, And (Continued on page 30) HGHT INFLUX HYPOS N.Y. CAFES, THEATRES Effects of the business influx as a result of the Louis-Conn fight to- night (Wednesday) is expected to be felt in N, Y. theatres and cafes for several weeks. Influx of spenders for the heavyweight championship bout has loaded hotels to the extent that it's impossible for buyers to make normal mid-June trfps to Gotham, being forced to delay junkets until hotel situation is eased. Consequently niteries and theatres have picked up considerably. Al- though plane and train transporta- tion from the city will be strained immediately after the fight, enough spenders will remain in N. Y., for a couple of Weeks anyway, to hypo Broadway. > Estimated total gross for tonight's Louis-Conn fight for the heavyweight title at the Yankee Stadium was re- vised downward. Mike Jacobs re- fused to : give figures, saying that many tickets were in agencies but (Continued on page 2) Dont Rub It In, Europeans Say, Deflating U. S. Pix Showing Tlenty' Twist are boy Prospective parents longer wishing for a girl. AH. they want now is a Repub' lican. no or Barney Balaban's $4^)00,000 Profit With Paramount's prepayment last Friday (14) of $2,500,000 in notes, which weren't due until 1949 51, company 'is left with no other indebtedness than $2,000,000 in par ent company paper held by prexy Barney Balaban. Latter coin was loaned to Par by Balaban person ally several years ago and he stands to make around $4,000,000- when he retires the debt through ■ conversion into common stock holdings. His de- cision to do so was announced at the annual Par Stockholder's meeting yesterday (Tuesday). Balaban provided the company with the $2,000,000 at 2%% interest on the provision that before its 1951 maturity date he could convert the note into cpmmon stock at the price the shares were selling at the time of the loan. Figure then was 26%. At the close of business Monday (Continued on page 22) ♦ Europeans don't ' want to see America as a land of plenty. At. least don't rub it in, they say, but the pictures that Hollywood has been sending to them have almost been flaunting the fact that the past war has seen the United States as the least of the tlnlted Nations to suffer, economically. And so the American film industry, with an ever-alert eye towards the foreign market as the hedge against a possi- ble domestic boxoffice deflation, is going to angle its films more to ne- gate this type of resentment. With American picture^ as one of its strongest envoys in the nations of the world, the gripes have been neither good for the. American film industry nor for U. S. public rela- tions as a whole. There seems to be a national tendency of people living in dire misery, with few of the accepted (Continued on page 22) ZANUCn NEW MISSION TO EUROPE FOR GOVT. Hollywood, June 18. Darryl F. 2^nuck, production head at 20th-Fox, has been set to go on another confidential mission to Europe for the Government. Previously Zanuck worked for the State Department in the cultural re- lations field in Europe. BOB HOPE'S 500G GROSS FOR 30 ONE-NIGHTERS San Francisco, June 16. After standing Oakland Aud on its ear with an $18,000 gross and a turnaway crowd of 3,500, -Bob Hope's barnstorming vaude crew jammed the San Francisco Civic Aud for a take of $20,000 last Wednesday (12). Unit does a two-hour and 15-min. presentation, with Hope on stage for 90 minutes of the time. It present box office pace continues the Hope caravan will, according to its man- agement, gross $500,000 for its 30 days of one-nighting. Show Includes Carmine, five film starlets consistlnj of Laura Corbay, Valmere Barman, Virginia DofTy, Bca Allen and Mavis Murray; Jim and Mildred Mulcay, Jack Pepper, Ronnie Sev^rson, Nilsson Twins, Eddie Rio, Olga San Juan and Skin- nay Ennis Orchestra (16). ' Hope headed for Denver following the Frisco date and will wind up in Topeko, kan., July 4th. Unit is travelling by plane. I OIK ti:li^:visio> MISCBLIANY Wcdneidajr, Jane 19, 1946 Afien Piroperty Custodian Did a Big Wartime Biz in Foreign Fix, Music Curtiz's See's Play Hollywood, Junfe 18. Desita Pek, secretary to Michael Curtiz Jor 18 years, has written a play which he is producing in Las Palmas Theatre, Hollywood) . in Aug- ust; Curtiz is nnancially interested, Titled ''The Ancient Cure," sub- ject is how patriarchs get, cui:ed of senility by yOung women. Washington, June 18. ♦ Alien Properly Custodian took ever 2.300 films from enemy coun- tries and enemy-occupied nations during the war, according to the an- nual APC report issued yesterday (Monday). Report covers the (Iscal year ending July 1, 1945. Total of 11,000,000 feet of nlm was included In the seizure. Rentals on the seized, film for the fiscal year amounted to $21,589. APC had a number of requests from American studios interested in le-. make rights on some ol the pix. All were nixed, however, because the agency could not determine what rights it controlled in the basic stories. Studios were permitted to buy clips, though, for use in new produc- tions at $2.50 per foot. Seven produ- cers bought stock shots from 14 Ger- man and four Japanese pictures for inclusion in eight new American films. APC has had a steady business in the sale of music .rights, with many foreign titles vested' by the govern- ment. Largest single share of royal- ties for music came from works licensed for use in motion pictures. An example was the licensing of De- bussy's "CTair de Lune" for Para- i ^j^jg Qtjs skinner in 1895. Eva Le mount's ' Frenchman's Creek." Gallienne in 1929 and Cornelia Otis OLIVIER, PEMBERTON, EVANS GET DEGREES Laurence. . Olivier became the fourth thesp to receive an honorary degree from Tufts College, Medford, Mass., Sunday (16). Messmore Ken- dall, builder of the Capitol Theatre on Broadway, was also to have been honored by Tufts but suffered an at- tack of pneumonia last Wednesday (12) and was taken to Doctor's Hos- pital, N. Y. Olivier was especially cited for his work in ''Henry V," which was termed a "major contribution to moT tion pictures." Other actors who've I received degrees from the college in Best seller of all during the period was, . as expected, "Lili ' Marlene." APC granted 23 licenses, of which 20 were royalty-bearing. For the fiscal year, "Lili'-' brought in over )10,000, covering use in 01ms, radio, sheet music, mechanical reproduc- tions and live performances. About half the amount came from radio and . $1,000 was paid for use of the number in a British Aim written arouiid the song itself. Recording companies paid in $71,- 777 on music compositions vested from BIEM (Bureau International de L'l^lition Mecbanique), the French outfit that controlled me- chaitical recording rights for most of western Europe, Labor Party Seeks N.Y.C. Subsidy of 425G For Nabe Legits, Pix, Radio The American Labor Party will seek $425,000 from New York City for neighborhood theatre activity, and will make its own 16m pix oh political subjects, in plans formu- lated last week by the group to en- gage in various cultural ehterpriees Involving legit; ,11ms, radio aiid press. The ALP has already chartered the ; Broadway Club' to engage in these activities. Its attorneys are drafting a bill to be presented to N. Y.'s City Coun- cil for a $425,000 appropriation, to build 10 neighborhood theatres in settlement house basements, and to hire a staff of 10 for each theatre. Staff would include director, actors, stagehands, etc., on yearly contract at a $2,000 salary. Its pix division is setting up a plan for a corps of 16m cameramen to make and distribute newsreels, documentaries and children's pro- grams on political subjects. One pic subject already set is "How the 1946 Elections Are Being . Run." Financing of the film project will be handled by ALP'S 34 dubs in N. Y. Radio groiip is prepping a cam- paign to seek a 15-minute weekly spot, free, from each N. Y. station for a discussion of such public: issues as OPA, health, black markets, etc., with reps of each political party given equal time on the air. Press division is preparing to col- lect 'data on political and social is- sues for publication to ALP mem- bership and outside interested par- ties. J. P. McEvoy to 'Profile' Rank for Readier's Digest Heading for EIngland on the Queen Mary from New York this week are the Paul Gallico!!, Mrs. Ben Goetz, Mrs. Jock Lawrence and Mrs. J. P. McEvoy. The three latter femrhes are all heading for .meetings with their husbands. Lawrence, who heads J. Arthur Rank's U. S. flackery, left the States by plane last week. McEvoy is pres- ently in Galway, Ireland, doing a yam on Eamon de Valera for Read- er's Digest He'll proceed from there to England to profile Rank for the same publication.- Mrs. - Goetz is wife of Metro's -British prodiietion chief.- = Skinner in 1935. Brock Pemberton honored by Uni- versity of Kansas and Maurice Evans also given honorary degree by Lafa- yette College. Showmansbip Technique To Sell New Fashions Promotion along stiowbusincss lines of women's wear has been in- cepted by manufacturer Safn"" Fried- lander, related to Dazians' Emil Friedlander. He has been running class fashion . shows' in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, with Conover models parading the new line, and emceed by Maggi McNeliis, NBC femme commentator. A band accompanies the fashion para(le. Biz has been SRO and merchandizing bullish. It's seen that when production is in full swing anc held at range adjoining Pelham Health Inn, Bronx, N. Y., to- -morrow (20). .Radio's Bill Stern, says Motor Boating, has treated himself to a cruiser in the 40-footer da.'-s. Restaurateur Toots Shor took delight in introducing Jimmy McLarnin ,to - Tony (Tanzoncri (now comedian-pafiner of Joey Adams). Both were bitter ring rivals, the boys splitting de- cisions on two'' flghis. Wells tonight's the night of the Big Fight. I was lucky, I got a seal in the first row— as you enter the Stadium. . . .Of course, I've seen Conn fjght before— with Bregman . . . . Rbcco Vocco refereeing Jack bakie came in from the Coast to see the bout. He's bribed a 42d St. moon merchant to lower his telescope for a few minutes. . '. .Toots Shor covered all the Louis- money in town— but as soon as he stood up they found it again. .. .Warner Bros.: claims the whole fight is just a trailer for Errol Flynn's next picture .... I was planning a party of 80 — biit Fanny Ward couldn't make it.... Although one black marketeer has a ticket In the first row, he's complain- ing about it — it seems his scat is right in froiit of.a Treasury agent. . . .But plenty of moolah is being wagered on the fight. Asked Ben Blue how he was betting. He said, "I'm shooting the works this time— I've got J.'iOO that says the fight won't go 16 rounds." , THE GREAT WIT WAT .Know a girl who is so dumb, asked her if she knew what "Mountain Time" was and she said she'd never been to Grossinger's. Solly Violinsky just wrote a new song ditty titled "Everyone Has Some- , one. But All I Have Is You." "There's ah agent in town that rates his acts according to their appear- ance, delivery, and who they steal their material from. Understand future editions of "Forever. Amber" will be printed' on Kleenex. . . .for readers to droor into. Eavesdropped at Hanson's: "What a play she made for him! Burns Mantle included it in his '10 Best Of The Year!'" "The Rltz Bros. (The Panicomics) have been doing so many shows a day -they keep shouting "Capitol Punishment!" Broadway is talking about the producer who, after an operation in Phila- delphia, refused to let the surgeon stilch him up ... .because he didn't want an out-of-town closing. .; There's No T/uih lb. the Rnmor: That Joe E. Howard will .star in the remake of "The Kid"..., Thai I he Gaiety Delicatessen, is spori.sbring a new radio program called "'rhe Lox 'rheatre". , . .That John L. Lew i.s only smokes Lucky Strikes. . ; .That in his next picture; Clifton Webb will play a happily marrie'd' man. Observation Dept. Jerry Bergen used to be with Tommy Dorsey's string section . . . .and he's got'the twine to prove it. Asked Henny Youngman what club he was playing at in Philadelphia. Henny quipped, "Jack Walton's LYNCH room." Scene: Keitbo'* Gofeterio. IstM.C: What's New? .2d M.C.: Not YOUR act. . Already my studio's preparing NOVEL advertising for my new movie. They're saying, "In his next, picture. .'. .BERLE IS FUNNY!" Know a prodncer who Is so sure his next show'U be a flop. ...he's re- hearsing It at Cain's. Boy: Wasn't if loDelv tualtritip (o (lie strQi7w o/ fhot music? Girl; Yeah. ...it would hove beeti lovelier if it hadn't been n rliiinibn.''' Went to a swanky restaurant the other day. The waiter wouldn't .serve me any rolls Instead he had Nelson Eddy sing me one chorus of ■'Shortnin' Bread." Berlcd Eggs . Joe Erens says he owns a beautiful home in Beverly Hills. . . .all it needs is a little more air in the tires. Caught Bert Frohman's opening at Club 18 Monday night. He packed them in.... I wouldn't say the place was stuffy, but when Freddie Lamb opened the door to let some smoke out— three Indians answered back. Moved to Long Island for the summer. Spent hours in. my garden yesterday. . ..Looking for it. Out in Hollywood, a movie star's importance is jiidged by the size of his car. Danny Kaye tried to get them lo put windshield wipers on Ihe Sania Fe Chief. • Hired a new publicity man.... had to promise to get HIM into the col- umns three times a week. Helena Rubenstein ,is going to open a beauty parlor at Belmont Park to lift fallen faces. My brother (the one who's studying lo be a mental case) is working on an idea to make pickles beautiful. :. .he plants them lipside down. . . .and in- stead of warts, they have dimples. PROPHECT: Winner of the Louis-Conn boat. .. .MIKE JACOBS! ♦ ■ — ' ■ PIX UNIT UNCHANGED AS OWMR REMAINS Washington, June 18. Reversing his stand of the week before, Prexy Truman last Friday (14) announced he would continue the office of War Mobilization and Reconversion, and appointed John R. Steelman, his labor advi.sor, lo head the. unit. Switch in the White Hou.se plans means that the motion picture unit, under Arch Mercey, - will continue Without change. Hercey is serving as liaision between the film industry . and the various Government depart- ments and agencies. Fight InMx Contlnned from pa(e 1 the latter have had to buy outright heretofore. Apparently there were tickets consigned out-of-town and it was reported that large blocks of tickets were returned from Pitts- burgh, Albany and other points. Such reports indicated the sale up to Sat- urday (15) was around $2,000,000, a Tigurc under Jacobs' expectations and it was doubted that the total gate •will top that of the second Dempsey- Tunney bout in Chicago which had a $50 top. Yesterday, the day before the fight, Jacobs, claimed the gate, might bel- ter $2,500,000, but tickets were avail-, able in all quarters. Weakness of the sale was indicated wheh the pro- moter announced 10,000 standing- room admisisions woiild bi: put on sale at 6 p.m. at the Stadium, price being $5 per head. Brokers were of- fered tickets constantly Jtrom out-of- towners who probably figured on speculating with them. A N. Y. group formed to fly fight fans from midwestern cities gave up at several points, cancelling planes chartered for that jjurpose. Survey of possibilities out of town showed too littlie interest in making the I rip. hostility to Jacobs by .sports cditor.s being one. factor, so it was decided to take the loss and escape going further into the red. Hotel situation was another factor, feai- that rooms could not be had doubtless keeping prospective fans at h6mc. On the eve of the match there was just as much difference of opinion over the contestants' chances among .sjjorts writers who have watched Louis and Conn's, training routines, as before. One expert referred to the fighters as "a couple of old men," in a fistic sense. Jack Dempsey was quoted saying a puncher never loses his' wallop, indicating he. favors Louis. Pat Kirkwood Yens Stage Musical Before Next Pic Hollywood, June 18. Pat Kirkwood, British stage and screen actress under contract to Metro, has made one picture op- posite Van Johnson titled "No Leave, No Love," and wants to do a stage musical before her next camera chore. Studio Is willing but Wants ap- proval of the script, believing she's material for later\buildup. 3d 'Yankee' Fdming Hollywood, June 18. Mark Twain's old yarn, "A Con- necticut Yankee at King Arthur'.s Court," wUl be filmed for the third time, this time as a musical A Paramount. Film rights were ac- quired, from 20th-Fox, which had produced the story twice. In ad(l,itibn, Paramount bou^l' — ^ , — — — : ■ — • — ' [ -, Complete Co-op From UA's Owners Pledged Raftery Upon Reelection Move to Nationalize French Films As Protest Vs. Accord With U. S. Paris, June- 18. •♦ Anti-American campaign caused by tiie recently signed Frcnch-U. S. film pact is being used as a spring- board by some producers to foster a movement to nationalize many the- atres for exclusive showing of French Alms or nationulUation of. distribution. Communist Member of Parliament ^renier suggested tl\at the Soviet example be followed by crealing a cinema cabinet minister. Commies had previously disap- proved Iho free-exchange prmclple expressed in the film agreement, and unions now are attempting to snafu .the film pact. However, the con- servative press and Leon Bliim'.s pnpcr, Popnlaire, have commended the U. S.-French picture pact. The film agreement, which Blum ne(,'otl hT VARIETY, Inc. (ilil SMverinan. President IS4 Weat 4Gtli St.. N«\T Torb li, N. T BUBBCIUPTION Annoal ..flO Forelffn Ill SIncIa CAplea ...it Cen'.f Vol. 163 i^^fl^ No. 2 INDEX Bills Film Reviews .... 8 House Reviews 50 Inside Legit.'. . . . ; .. . 53 Inside Pictures. ; . . . .... 20 3G Literati , 54 Milton Berlc 2 New Acts .... , . ..... 50 Night Club— Reviews. . . .... 4.", . . 4!) Orchestras .... 39 Radio • .... 2a Radio Revic\v.s. . . ... . . i... 2(i Recommended Records. .... 42 . . 27 Unit Review .... 43 'Vaudeville . . .... 4« UAII.V, VAIIIETT (Pabllnhed In Ilollytvood by Dally Varloly, r.td.j 110 a Tear — V' ITorelcn PICTVIIES Wednetddy, June 19, 1946 Hughes Likely to Lose PCA Seal As He Drops Johnston Decision With the N. Y. federal court Mon-- day 117) freeing the Motion Picture A.'ssociation to take any action it wii^hes against' Howard Hughes, it appears likely that 'The Outlaw" will lose its Production Code Admin- istration seal. Withdrawal of the PCA stamp' of approval will cut off about 90% of the nation's theatres as potential showplaces for the pic- lure and will materially, cut into Hughes' profits. Producer's alterjialive. if he per- sists in defying the MPA's nix of the "Outlaw" ad campaign, w-ill be to book the film into houses- which do not subscribe to the PCA. This would take in many small art houses, Jegiters and whatever other type of special operatior that Hughes could line up which isn't dependent on a flow of regular Hollywood product for its existence. Should Hughes elect to take this path, he could still be assured of a heavy take from "The Outlaw" on the basis of the publicity it has re- ceived and the heavy grosses it has garnered to date. With houses rented on a four-walls basis and the picture held for lengthy runs, it could get considerable play. . That Hughes wouldn't compromise was evident frbrn the statement he issued on the Coast after the de- cision was announced: "I want to be sure the public understands that this is merely , a decision regarding my request for a temporary injunction. This decision has no. bearing on the trial. The case has not yet come to trial, When it does come to trial I intend to prosecute it with all the strength I have." What Hughes is referring to above is the fact that, In addition to the injunction plea, on, which decision was given, he filed a $1,000,000 anti- trust suit-T-asking for triple dam- ages—against the MPA and its mem- ber companies. ThaL«won't come up until next fall, at the earliest. ,MPA now not taking drastic action against Hughes is inconceivable to nwst trade observers and would ap- pear a weak position, since the pro- ducer has obviously flaunted the or- ganization. No Ezpulsion In any case, the MPA will now go ahead with its exjpulsion of Hughes, whether or not the seal is with- drawn. It was the day before the Association's ' scheduled meeting to toss him out that his suit was flled asking for an injunction to prevent removal of the PCA seal and inter- ference with his advertising. The court at that time issued a tem- porary restraining order that kept the' MPA from even discussing the Hughes issue. Regarding the MPA's right to re- voke its seal, Judge John Bright wrote in Monday's decision: "I know of no law which authorizes a party to accept the good in a con- tract and reject what he does not like. It (Hughes Tool Co.) cannot have its cake and eat it too. If it wishes to retain the seal it mu.'^t be on the condition that it adhere to the agreement under which it holds and has used it. . .This entire controversy has been precipitated by the act of the plaintiff. . .It seems more an ef- fort on the part of the plaintiff to add this case and its peregrinations through the courts as additional pub- licity and advertising in promotion of the picture." Use of ads not okayed by the MPA's Advertising Code Adminis- tration Would permit the Association to revoke its seal; on the picture, granted May 23, .1941, under terms it was issued: "That any advertising .. ..shall, be submitted for approval to the ACA. . .and that only such material. ..approved shall be used ...That, in addition to any other ap- plicable penalties, the PCA reserves the right to void this certificate at any time hereafter, for any violation of conditions set forth herein." What 'Harvey' Started Latest cycle in show biz seems . to be fling into supernatural whimsy. Irish leprechaiins and Gaelic fantasy arc present in irhportant ways in the three following, pro- ductions: "Three Wise Fools'". 'Metro) with Margaret O'Brien and two plays, "Biirnaby" (prob- ably to be retitled "Barnaby and Mr. O'Mallcy), play by Jerome Chodorov for legit production next fall; and"Finian's Rain- bow," musical fantasy .' by Yip Harburg, Fred Saidy and Burton Lane, to be produced by Lee Sabinson in November. 6. S. Moss and Son Into Indie Prod. Charles B. Moss, New York exhib and son ol B. S. Moss, w..k. theatre realty operator, is organizing an in- die production unit to turn out three films in the next two years. He said Monday (17) that a budget of $4,7 000,004 is being set up for trio, .wi^th the elder Moss handling the flnanc- Moss is managing director of the Criterion, Broadway first-runner, ownership of which he and his father share with Loew's. They also share ownership in the Trans-Lux on Broad\yay, operate, the. Alden, Jamaica, L. I., in conjunction wJth RKO, and. have a couple of other houses on their owfi on Long Island. Aiming to specialize in- "pre-sold'' pictures, drawing material from books and air shows. Moss has op- tioned Fannie Hurst's forthcoming novel, "The Hands, of Veronica."' He plans to leave for the Coast iri July to set up production details. He's also negotiating for a couple other properties, planning to get setups arranged on the three pictures be- fore seeking a release deal and istarting actual production. Moss said that his contemplated pi'oduction will' in no way interfere with his'theatre operating activities. Mpls. 4,000^ter to Par Minneapolis, June 18. Biggest theatrical deal In years here brings the 4,000-seat $4,000,000 Radio City theatre and the land on which it is located, to the Cwnership of Minnesota Amusement Co. (Para- mount circuit), its present lessee and operator, for ah undisclosed sum. House was purch^ed from the es- tate which acquired It when the ownr ers were forced into bankruptcy. Minnesota Amusement Co. also an- nounced the purchase of the land on which 1,100-seat Lyric stands: It, had boMght theatre itself, a Loop move- over house, a few weeks ago. Picket B-K Nabe In Ghi 'Outlaw' Protest Chicago, June 18. Picketing of "The, Outlaw" at the Balaban & Katz nabe Marbro began over the weekend, with congrega- tions from seven west-side Catholic parishes, totaling close to 2,000 per-, sqnsj ganging up on the theatre in shifts with signs protesting the film as indecent. Thomas Cash, prez of the Holy Name Society of St. Mel's, blasted B&K for showing the pic as is, ex- plaining that Holy Name officials and Catholic clergymen had objected to three scenes. Cash said B&K promised to cut out these .scenes, but instead they decided to show 't as originally planned. Pick incidentally, had a record run recently at the Loop Oriental, running into no censor trouble. It was only when it hit the nabes that trouble began. Drive Against 'Outlaw* Continues in St. Louis St. Louis, June 18. Local exchange of United Artists has been requested by Mrs. A. M. Burt, founder of Better Films Coun- cil here to sell "The; Outlaw" inde- pendently of other company product so exhibitors can buy or reject the film. The Council voiced its objection to screening of picture at Loew's, where it ran: three weeks and an- other at Orpheum, and ' announced It would continue its efforts to get theatreowners in ihe St. Louis area tiot.to show film. 'OnUaw' Halted In La. New Orleans, June- 18. Following a complaint from the Legion of Diecency: aiid church gi'oups, "The Outlaw,v showing at the Joy- theatre in Alexandria, La., was halted after two days' screen- ing and the house manager,. John W. Sasser, fined $100 in city court on each of two coimts by Judge G. Voltz for violating an ancient penal ordinance relative to "putting; on an indecent performance," and given a 30-day jail sentence which wis sus pended. Sasser appealed to the district court. Jessel RePacled At 20lh-Fox for 3 Years Hollywood, June 18. . George Jessel signed a new pro- ducer contract, at 26th-Pox for the next three years. To date, Jessel has four produc- tions on his program, "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," "Brooklyn Bridge," "Missouri Waltz" and "Band Wagon." 'Dear Mr. Private' Vs. Dear Ruth' Up to Judge Null The legal puzzler, whether Nor- man Ki-asna's play "Dear Ruth" is his own brainchild or a carbon of Jo.seph Hoffman's "Dear Mr. Pri- vate", went to N. Y. supreme court Justice Samuel Null for final say Friiiay (14) after a three-day court battle. Trial of the piracy action brought by Columbia Pictures against Krasna, along with Bernard Hart and Joe Hyman, Broadway play's producers, closed pro-and-con airing of charges that Krasna had picked up the plot from a Columbia brochure of .the Hoffman tale. Krasna, armed, with a heap of notes and jottings, held forth on the witness stand for a good part of the time., in an effort to 'prove that the idea of the play came to him "as a gradual growth". One of the prin- cipals in his play, the juvenile Miriam, was derived froni Groucho Marx's daughter, Miriam, Krasna as- serted. He had ' occasion to study Miriam for many years since he was a frequent visitor , to Groucho's home before his marriage, Krasna said. ■ Krasna said that the idea of a .soldier falling in love with a let- terwriter, theme of his play, came to him because of his parallel ex- perience with his own wife. Both Moss Hart and Jerotne Chodorov encouraged him iri the project in conversations that he had with them in December, '43, the witness said. Defendant called upon Hart, Jules C. Stein, prex of MCA, Lew Was- serman, MCA veepee, and Bai-ret Clark, play expert, in an attempt to corroborate his story. MCA had agented a deal ■whereby Paramount bought "Dear Ruth" film rights for $.450,000. Stein and Wasserman .spoke of a meeting between Krasna and Harry Cohn, Columbia prexy, in July '44 in which the latter pur- portedly offered a deal to back play. Cohn, who flew east to support Columbia's charges denied Krasna's ; claim that the latter outlined his i .story to him at the meeting of the [ duo. Plaintiff also put considerable stress on claimed similarities be- . iween the two works. Testimony to the effect that Columbia paid $4,000 in 1942 for the Hoffman play plus S28,000 for script treatment and then was fouled up when Krasna copyrighted his version in '41. a few months before production was skedded, was also introduced. Aside from the litigants. Justice Null's, decision is being watched by Paramoimi which is marking time on the play's filmization. Par, Avith only $1,000 cash paid, has the con- tractual right to duck out if Krasna takes it on the chin or the action isn't comjjletely wound up by the end of the year. N. Y. to L. A. Matt Allen Barney Balaban Barbara Bel Geddes William Cahn Harry Cohn John J. Garrity Paulette Goddard Leonard H. Goldensr n Radie Harris Russell Holman Fred Hitchitison Lou Irwin Walter Kane . Milton Krasny Charlotte Learn Kenneth MacKennn Curtii; Mitchell Eli Oberstein Edward C. Raftery David Rose Spyros Skoura:^ Jack Warner. . George Wellncr Garey Wilson Jules Ziegler Adolph Zukor. Wall St. Survey Augurs hofitaUe Era iw I%[ industry Will Continue That 'Fire* Scare Chicago, June 18. Jittery state of mind that has taken hold of midwesterners fol> lowing the LaSalle hotel holo- caust two weeks ago was under- scored last week at the Genesee theatre, Waukegan, 111., when a child screamed . "Fire!" ' threw several hundred customers. Into panic, with fllmgoers- falling all over Ihernselves in a rush for exits. Crowd was Anally calmed by manager John L. Mitchell, who told them an irispection of the premises showed'no evidence of Are. No one was injured, al- though a number were treated for nervous shock catised by the shoving mob. Italo 'OpenCityV Freak B.O. in U.S. , Internationalized, thinking obvi- ously brought on by the war is send- ing one foreign language picture to better than an estimated $1,000,000 U. S. gross for the first time in in- dustry history. Film is the Italian- prodiiced "Open City," which, in nine engagements, most of them still going strong, has . turned in a dis- tributor's gross that will total $100,000 by the end of the month. Previous high was the approxi- mately $225,000 in rentals garnered by the French-made "Mayerling" a few years before the war. Surprisingly, the record take is being achieved by an independently- distributed (Mayer-Burstyn) picture playing art houses, rather than prod- uct going into circuits and important, iiidie theatres under the sponsorship of Metro International. Latter re^ cently inaugurated a new policy of distributing foreign Alms in the U. S. and just last week sent its fourth film,' "Stormy. Waters," into release. Metro's imports have done rather well, particularly in contrast to pre- war figures on U. S. distribution, but "Open City" has been garnering what amounts to almost freak grosses. ■ , Made during early days of U. S. occupation by Roberto Rossellini, with unofficial aid from.U. S. Signal Corps men, it was brought to the U. S. by a GI, Rod Geiger, who is reported to have paid $3,000--a usual figure— for rights in this country. He turned it over for release to Arthur Mayer and Joseph Burstyn, Vet dis- tribs o( foreign-mades, under a pact by which he gets 45% and they 55% of the dislrib's take. L. A. to N. Y. George Bagnall Mort Blumcnstock Jloward Dietz , Carol Donell Mary Edwards William R. Ferguson Clark Gable William Goetz Eliot Gorden Sid Grauman Mack Grey Kurt Katch . Hurd Hatfield Mann Holincr ' Hal Horne Joljn Joseph Jack Kirkland Walter Lantz : Peter Lawfbrd Paul Lazarus, Jr. Jean Louis Sam Marx' Burgess Meredith Sam Moore Dudley Nichols Harry M. Popkin George Raft .George Schaefer Steve Sekcly Lloyd Shaffer Sam Spiegel Jimmy Stroock ■TpHn Sutherland jo.seph Unger Vivian Wolfast f The picture industry Is entering ■ the most proAtablc era in Its history, according to the latest basic industry analysis by Standard tc Poor's Corp. While there are many factore . con- tributing to such forecast result, greater national leisure and lower taxes currently appear to have the! most vital influence. Signs of rough weather ahead are indicated at sev- eral points in the survey, not the least of which is the increased coih risk involved by the increaise in number of features and the' Aim business' limited growth prospects in the immediate future. (S 8i P survey was apparently written before the anti-trust decision was handed down last week.) The S 4c P survey mainly paints an extremely favorable pict6re. It cites that theatre attendance now is running ahead of record war levels, that it should benefit from rising wages, greater employment and shorter working hours. Leading picture companies should chalk up record profits, this analysis shows. Besides the higher level of wages, accompanied by lesser num- ber of working hours, refurbish- ment of old theatries and building of new ones, designed for greater comfprt, should, help entrench the- picture-going habit. Another factor listed is the return of many service- men to civilian life, which has ere- ' ated a larger potential audience. - That the foreign markets aire gradually reopening also is listed as favorable. The report states, "al- though the British cinema industry is being exparided, many years will elapse before it will approach in size the vast facilities, equipment and studio space available to Hol- lywood.'' Standard's survey in appraLsing the longer term operations in the production branch points up that co.sts are a vit^il problem "since in- adequate control over production ex- pense was a chief cause of the poor profits of many producers before llie war." It claims this was remedied during the - war through enforced operating econornies, "but it remains, to be seen whether the extravagance of prewar days will return." Also that' margins will tend to harrow, as the. cost per picture goes up. . While claiming that 'abor costs are . cxhorbitant, breakdown of Aim pro- duction costs oh a $1,000,000 feature in Standard's analysis shows that labor costs, including cameramen and crew (but not directors and as- sistants), amounts to less than 4% of total. It claims production costs have gone up 25-50% over prewar levels, "reflecting higher wages and salaries, wider use of color fllm and larger fees for novels and plays." Percentage PIx While large producing companies have adequate inventories of com- pleted pictures and films in key houses still enjoy extended run.s, production likely will be stepped up in anticipation of demand for more product, the Survey contend.". Since features are distributed large- ly pn a percentagie basis, the element i of risk will be increased, according to this report. "If the picture fail.s to be a boxoffice. success, returns on a percentage basis would fall farther short of costs than if distribution were on a flat rental basis." It claims that ''B" pictures. Sold generally on a flat rental basis, will continue tp be a stabilizing influence. The report lauds the way most film companie,? set their flnahcial households in order during the war. The unwieldy capital structures thi^t formerly characterized the pictui'o business .were greatly simplifled dui -. ing the war. Senior obligations of seven film, companies formerly rep- resented about 51% of average iii- vested; capital, but have now bcert \vhittled down to near 24%. Con- tinuance of this policy is expected to pare the percentage further in 1946.. Also that conservative divi- dend policies have allowed lartic cash balances to be built up in the wartime period, with net workin;;- capital of majors strengthened,' and finances now the soundest in the in- dustry's history. Taplinger Shifts to Par ■Hollywood, June 18. Robert Taplinger, until recently an executive aide to Walter Wanger, has signed with Paramount as a pro- ducer. . Deal is for Ave years. N. Y. ttf LONDON Lcc Blend Norman Corwin Sam Eckman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gallico Mrs.' Ben Goetz Jack Harding Percy Ho.skins Mr. and Mrs. Jock. Lawrence Jcahette MacDonald Mrs, J. P. McEvoy Wednesday, June 19, 1946 PICTURES INDUSTRY GROGGY FROM DECISH Pennsy Allied Forms Buying-Booking Combine in Face of Decree s Provisos Philadelphia, June 18. ♦ Allied Independent Theatre Own- ers of Eastern Pennsylvania today (Tuesday) announced the formation of a buying-booking combine for its members, marking the. first such combine undertaken on an organiza- tional scale in' this area.- Rumors of such a move have been floating around the Phill:r exchanges for the last several months but all speculation has been on a hush-hush basis to date. In announcing the combine. Allied general manager Sidney E, Samuelson said it has been set up to operate similar to the co- operative booking plan now in use ill the Pittsburgh area, but that it would be optional to Allied mem- bers. It Ihe anti-trust decision calling for the buying of each picture singly on a competitive bidding sys- tem takes effect, it will automatic- ally render atiy combined booking group obsolete. Allied execs, with between 300-400 theatres in their or- ganization, believe the new step will enable their members, however, to get better picture deals for at least another two years. Date of the anti- trust decision becoming law is be- lieved at least that far in the future. One other indie booking combine Is now in operation in the Philly area, under the Affiliated Theatres tag. Latter, ' however, comprises only about a dozen houses. D. C. Figures Little 3 Has Been Hit Harder Than Majors (Big 5) Washington, June 18. Feeling here is that the Little Th;-ee was hit harder tljan the Big Five. The Big Five have a chance to retain all or most of their thea- tres if the court approves their pur- chasing of outstanding interests. The Little Three, without . theatres, are merely hit hard by the strinjent distribution sections of the decree. One portion of the decree, not previously stressed, is pointed out here as important by the Anti- Trust Division. In many of the large cities the majors have move-over houses in the midtown which have ' been protected by clearance and price scales up to now. Decree will also be a boon for those who have built theatres in many cities for rental to the chains controlling product. For instance, in Washington, Trans-Lux expects to get under construction in the next few months with a Central city de luxer. Gossip , has been that Trans- Lux might rent to RKO which badly wants a second showcase to handle its surplus of product. (It has RKO and Universal here). Trans-Lux (Continued on page 16) ' PAULETTE PARD WTTH KORDA IN XARMEN' PIC Paulette Goddard, arriving In New York from Paris over the weekend, revealed that her first film unde* Sir Alexander Korda's banner will be "The True Story of Carmen," from the novel by Prosper Merimee on which Bizet's opera ' is based. Film will be produced in England next May under the participating deal held by Miss Goddard and her husband,' Burgess Meredith, with Korda. Player has been in England and on the Continent for the past month, huddling with Korda, looking at studio facilities, acquiring a ward- robe and being tutored in a British accent' for a forthcoming film. She also entertained at American army posts in Germany. ^_ Miss Goddard plans to return to the Coast this week. 'What 'm I Bid' With top* industry execs, the Government and exhibs all lampooning the anti-trust deci- sion, . the forgotten man seems to be the branch manager in the exchange area and he's got . his kicks too. Under the prjbsent systeih of selling pictures, the branch manager has usually been relied on by the h.o. .to make the best deal obtainable for product, and subject to checks from district managers, has been left pretty much on his own. It the same holds true under the proposed coiQpetitive bidding system, it's the branch manger who will get all the headaches of accepting bids and then judging which theatre is best suited, via its bid, to make the best deal. Should the .system go into ef- fect, most branch managers can be expected to ask for a hike in pay- , Selling Singly . &owing Habit The sale of pictures singly, as de- creed by last week's verdict in the anti-trust suit, has been on the in- crease since the advent of the con- sent decree in 1940 when blockbook= ing was ruled out for the Big Five; but what now vastly changes the complexion of things is restriction as to admission minimums. Among forthcoming releases ear- marked for separate sale, most im- portant is David O. Selznick's "Duel in the Sun" in which the investment now runs beyond $5,000,000. ' Plans call for a policy modeled somewhat after that under which "Gone With the Wind" was sold at stipulated minimum boxofflce prices. It is possible that "Duel" may be rushed put earlier than had been anticipated in view of the decision in the equity suit against the majors though, in Selznick quarters, it is felt the appeal of the anti-trust ver- dict will provide sufficient time for "Duel" to get out of the way. Present ■ plans are to give "Duel" a world premiere in Texas, its locale, toward the end of October and probably in Dallas with a New York run to follow. Intention is to spot the picture into the Astor and next- door Victoria, on Broadway, day- an(l-date at advanced prices. Other pictures not yet on release that are slated for sale separately include "Green Years" and "Easy to Wed" from Metro, Paramoijint's "Monsieur ' Beaucaire" and RKO's "The Stranger." Fresh to, the mar- ket as singles Include foiir from RKO, "Without Reservations," "Make Mine Music," "Heartbeat" and "Kid From Brooklyn," plus "Road to Utopia" from Paramount. While United Artists has always sold its pictures singly-, the same habit is now virtually in effect with Warner Bros. whicK no longer' makies up blocks but sells each film as made available. The same policy exists vf ith 20th-Fox to a lesser extent, while Par, RKO atid Metro adhere to blocks no larger than five pic- tures.. 'T TELL lO'S HURT OR HELPED . Implications in the 73-page anti- trust treatise handed down in the N. ..Y. federal court last week has the film industry standing on its head. . Confused speculations hit a peak as the first week faded with neither lawyers nor film toppers certain of the answers to a- flock of brain-teasers, No. 1 question — ' who would be hurt and who helped if the court's say went into effect- was wide open with the odds heavy that it would stay so for a long stretch. Reactions vairied widely in the three branches of the industry. Even the legal ramiflcations of the pro- posed decree were uncertain be- cause legalites were chary of curb- stone opinions. On. one point, alone film . officials were unanimous — that all phases . of the industry were due for major changes if the decision stands. Production plans would be in for a revamping, most execs think. With single-picture sales in the wind, the Bs will probably be in for another beating, it was felt. If Columbia and Universal specialists in the minor- budget product, were compelled to drop season-block selling . they would, more than likely hike the number of the films for a better spot at the auction block. The big-budget picture, itself, stands to be a bigger gamble If the court's word becomes law, officials opine. Old customers of the majors no longer can be expected to bail out a company on an expensive dud (Continued on page 18) Team Keyea^DIck Powell Hollywood, June 18. Columbia inked Evelyn Keyes to play the femme lead opposite Dick Powell in the mystery picture, Johnny O'clock." Milton Holmes will produce. With Robert Rossen as director, starting July 1. Col. May Go Blocks Of 5 Pending Appeal Columbia may go to blocks of five pending, decision, on appeal of the U; S. anti-trust suit, which would force the company, along . with the Big Five, to offer pictures singly and to one theatre at a time. Previously suspending its sales 'meeting in Chicago, Col reconvened there Monday (17) for a three-day convention. Decision to go 'back was reached immediately after last week's (11) ruling in the equity suit against the majors'. Advance plans by Col called for 44 features the coming (1946-47) season, same as the 1945-46 semester. New Distribs Like UWP and Eagle May Benefit Sharply from Decree Par's Discretion No phase of the U; S. anti- trust decision handed down last week may he discussed with out-, siders by -members of the Para- mount legal department, oh or- ders from above. Company has the largest legal department in the industry, in- cluding various types of special-, ists in law. Par also has out- side attorneys in New York and various other cities. Decision Seen As Curb on Indies' Easy Bankrolls Heavy trend of recent years to independent production may well be reversed if and when terms of the decree ordered by the court in the anti-trust suit last week become ef- fective. Happy days of easy financ- ing by indie producers probably will' be at an end, with a resultant swing back to major studio picturemaking or a cut in the quantity qf product. Banks on both coasts which spe- cialize in advancing production coin to indies have indicated that en- forcement of the court's terms will push them into hardening their poli- cies on loarks. They see an end to present-day tendencies toward lax- ness in insisting on only the highest grade production setup, since there have been few films in recent years that haven't got the banks their in- vestments back. Basis of the increased caution is the generally recognized factor that individual auctioning of pictures will leave a lot less room for the film of medium or doubtful quality. A flick will have to be top grade to be sure qf getting its cost back. Secondary pictures will find few enthusiastic bidders, with the resuU that the pro- ducer's gross may be of dubious pro- portions. Good release deal is of prime im- portance now to a bank in deciding on whether or not to give an indie the money he's seeking. Financial houses feel that distribution via a strong major company assures a relatively good income for a picture even if it's not a super-duper. With major release now there's a certain amount of automatic pre- selling. But if and when the day comes when every film has to be sold completely on its own quali- ties, bankers say it's a different story. •Under terms of the decree, there's really no preselling at all, since, even if an exhib signs up for a film, he automatically has the right to can- cel, it after it is tradeshown. And the bankers, who like to be pretty certain of what they can count on in the way of returns before they subscribe their money, don't like that at all. . Par Hit Hardest By 95% Proviso Hardest hit by the. divestiture pro- visions of the antitrust decision rul- ing that if a major company owned less than a 95% interest in a tliea- tre,.such interest had to be sold or purchase effected by buying out the partner or partners in each case, is Paramount. Of its approximate 1,600 theatres, only around 550 are wholly-owned by Par and thus un- affected. The balance is tied up in many partnerships across the coun- try which range from a minority interest to beyond 50% but below 95%. Wholly-owned properties are, in the main, very valuable, ones and at somewhere in the neighborhood of 550 still represent a larger number of houses than held wholly or par- tially by any other major compariy. Properties controlled wholly in- clude the Niew York and' Brooklyn Paramounts, Balaban & Katz, the Great States circuit, All-Florida,- chain in Florida, . plus . Para- mount Enterprises in . the Miami sector, the large Minnesota Amuse- ment Co. in the northwest; New England Theatres, r'nbther good- sized circuit of importance; the Ricl^rd & Nace chain in the Arizona territory arid smaller groups in up- state New York, Ohio and Detroit. Partnerships -which Par would have to buy out or to which it would have to sell in event the equity suit decision is upheld . on appeal are rriostly on a 50-50 basis and include many valuable chains. Partnerships which range up to 50% and from 50% up but not to 95% embrace the- atres which blanket the entire south, excepting Florida, plus operations throughout New England, Penn- sylvania, Michigan, California, Utah, Idaho, parts of New York state, Illi- nois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Okla- homa, Colorado and New Jersey. 4- New York anti-trust suit decision, if enforced, will hand new releasing companies such as United World Pictures and Eagle-Lion a flying start in the battle for playing time, film execs think. Wide-open mar- ket in which the old customer is pushed from his favored spot on the ground-floor is bound to open the door to substantial inroads by the newcomers who no longer would face a multitude of closed situations, officials opine. Consequently, re- gardless of the confused effect, of th^ three-judge ukase on the rest of the industry, it's thought that the new outfits' blessing would be unmixed. UWP with what appears to be a forthcoming batch of better than run-of-the-mill product should find itself in a favorable position to make hay, that company's officials think. Since the old customer of a major can no longer get a break in stick- ing to a company, for better or worse, he'll more than likely be shopping for promising grossers without previous committments. With the majors unable to assure an exhib of a season's product, the theatreman'.<; bound to cut loose in his hunt tor profitable pix to fill his pJSying time. While smaller film companies, such as UWP are not defendants to the Government suit, and therefor free from the injunctive provisions which restrain the majors from pick- ing up new houses without court, approval, understand that the small- er outfits will likely seek judicial - sanction before buying theatres. One reason for such action is the possibility, as filrn legalites point out, that an unregulated course of theatre expansion could open the (Continued on page 16) MONO'S 44-WEEK NET OF 318G DOUBLES '45 , Consolidated net profits of $318,- 824 after provision for federal taxes and other charges was garnered by Monogram Pictures for the 44 weeks ending May 4, 1946, 'the company disclosed last week. Take com- pares with a $154,405 net which Monogram made for the comparable period of '45. Company production plans for the 1946-47 season call for it to turn out 32 features and 12 westerns. Figure is 'identical with that of the current season. With domestic and foreign sales 22% over that of the previous year for the 39 weeks ended March 30 Monogram's net for that period was $254,510, the company announced. Profit represents a substantial gain over the $121,089 .net for the pre- vious year. Zanuck's 3-Hour Pic Hollywood, June 18 At the start of the fourth month of lensing on "Razor's Edge" ycster day (17), 20lh-Fox announced that Darryl F. Zanuck is considering let ting the film run at least tliree hours with an intermission French Pic, 'Afflok/ Cites 'More Objectionable' Ui. Fix in N.Y. Censor Plea Appeal from a ruling of the New York censor board which directed extensive scissoring of the French film "Amok" was filed last week with the State Board of Regents. Move was made by William Brandt, prexy; Martin Leyine, treas.; and Oliver Ai,^ Unger, veepee, of Dis- tinguished Films, distrib of picture which was set to open at Brandt's Republic theatre late this month. Censor board is taken to task tit: the appeal for its order directing de- letion of a scene which the board claimed depicted the lead femme re- questing jungle doctor to perform an abortion for her. Film, adapta- tion of a Stefan Zweig novel, does not disclose nature of the operation, appellants say, though the medico's refusal is on grounds that i^. would be illegal. Appeal argues that even if the censors' inferences are accurate, treatment of the subject with "dig- nity and restraint" plus the fact that plot structure develops conclusion that effects of abortion are inevitably disastrous, warrants a clean bill of health. Number of films recently played on Broadway which were al- legedly much more objectionable than "Amok" are referred to in the appeal. Among those are "Scarlet Street," "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Open City" and "Kitty." REPUBLIC'S BUDGET FOR '47 AT $25,500,000 New program for Republic pic- tures production during' the 1946-47 season calls for an outlay ot $25,500,000 for 32 features, 26 outdoor mellers, and four serials. Sii^teen ot the proposed productions will be in color. Frank Borzage will do two spe- cials, in addition to which there will be 10 deluxers. Also there will be eight Roy Rogers pix, two of them in color, plus four. Gene Autrys and eight Bed Ryder features, empha- I sizing studio's reliance on oaters. Zanuck has written 37 added ] There has been additional scenes which won't be filmed until $2,000,000 allocated for studio expan- August. , sion, and $3,500,000 for promotion. PICTURES WMlneaday, June 19, 1944i Small-Town Independent Exhibitors Appear Hardest Hit By Deci»on Proposed fystem of competitive bidding for each picture singly un- „ , r«ll«-;»«- der the anti-trust decision looks lo tXCOailEBS tOUallieS hit the indie small-town exhib -inm vu ll'l - hardest, .when and it the system ever ] ^||| ^206 HIKC becomes law. Already considermt' T,n» in themselves on the short end of the Los Angeles June 18 ^ ba'Tain under the consent decree. New labor contract, calling for^a the rurahtes believe they'll be even . 12'; wage uppage^ and » five-day worse oft under the projected auc- ! week for film "^^ange white c^^^^ linn hirlrtinp Dlan Un ilie.s, was signed after months of l,on biddmg plan. _ luitiRling by the Office Employees Chief plaint heard from the small. ; j, »'j;„„f,onal Union and the major towners concerns the emphasis laid I . .. on arbitration Of all conUoversies in ; ^^.g^ boosts and . improved work- ing conditions will benefit clerks, stenographers, cashiers, bookers and the decision handed down by the three-judge panel in N. Y. last Tues- day (11). Under, the consent decree, the indies also had the right to turn over what they considered inequi- ties to an unbiased conciliator. Too often, however, the exhib, unable to afford topflight legal iounsel be- cause of his limited bankroll, \yould find himself confronted in court with some of the best legalites in the country, sent lo the hearing by the major distrib to protept his in- terests, phone operators in' the exchanges. Sliding Scale Vs. Auction Pix Pariles' Coast Powwow Hollywood, June 18. Charles M; Reagan, Adblph Zukor, Russell Holman and Claude Lee ar- rived yesterday (Monday) lor Para- mount studio huddles. Barney Bal- aban preceded the group from the h.o. by several days. Zukor left io visit his daughtier in Tucson but will return after a day's slay there. Schine Stay Asked Until Sup. Court Hears Trust Case Auction-Bidding for Top Product Presages Wave of Theatre BuOding Wheither there will be a place in .... ,t , the- proposed competitive bidding. Unable to cope with the 'cgal'st'" ; .vslem for the sliding scale arrange of the majors' lawyers, the exhibs m -^^^j ^y Metro, 20th-Fox and many cases simply packed up in . o,her majors is another of ^he ques- tlisgust and went back home. I' tions currently being bandied about tralive of the exhibs discontent, .^^ . ^j^^^j^ ,heir at- with the system IS the fact that^only , Distribs have used the sys three cases were taken to arbitra- ; ^.^^^.^ consent decree was handed down in 1940, considering it Ihe fairest method of dealing with tion in the Pittsburgh exchange area since the consent decree became ef- fective in 1340. Since all three oc- curred during the first year, it'.s considered more likely that, the ex- hibs gave up after realizing they couldn't fight back, rather than that the cornplaiiilb were so few. . With the competitive bidding sy.hat happens to the sliding scale when the decision be- comes law, however, it's almost cer- tain that other parts of Metro's 19- point sales policy \yiU be rendered obsolete. Designed a year ago to cover business relations between Metro and its customers, the 19 i:o!nts were reiterated and re- EfTirmed as this company's, guiding : policy by Rodgers just a few weeks afo at the Chicago sales meet, ' Policy is devoted mostly to out- Mining the way an exhib can, get a Indies concede that their busine.ss p|(.,ure adjusted to a lower bracket, picked up tremendously during the j( hjs grosses do not justify the war when the consent decree was in f,\„ys original allocation. If the effect and that the hypoed grosite.'-. t;cmpetilive bidding system becomes were due, to a large part, to the tf.cctive, the allocation plan will better quality product turned out by , probably be thrown out completely, the majors.' Too often, however. Ihey which will throw most of Metro's 19 claim, some of the, top-price films pojnts opgn to rewriting. One factor in which the .decision were of poor quality and didn't per mit them to make operating ex- penses on tlie individual pictures. It's against this factor they object. Under a competitive bidding sys- tem, it's possible tfiat any film hav- ing a top name stcr or similar at- traction will r.".fc top prices, regard- less of the qurlity of the film. Car- rying the idea to CNtremes, it's even po.ssible, according to some exhibs. that a newcomer might bid as much as 80'^% for a picture, just to build up a reputation for his house. And, the small-towncrs corhplain, they might coincide with Metro's policy is the provision for arbitration in all car.es of dispute, to assure fair deal- injrs between distribs and exhibitors. M-G's 19 points emphasize the com- pany's willingness to adjust any al- leged Inequity with an exhib so that he won't have to take the dispute to arbitration. MacKENNA BACK FOR M-G Buffalo, June 18. Arguments by Willard S. McKay and Arthur Garfield Hays, before Judge John Knight in the U. S. Dis- trict court here yesterday (Monday), in support of motions of the Schine circuit ifor a stay of reorganization proceedings, pending outcome of Schine's appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court, was strongly Indicative of confusion in the industry as a result of the anti-trust decision last week. • McKay, in his . argument, made no secret of the ifact that no one knows just what will be the practical result of that decision and predicted that its enforcement may bring the com^ paratively hew motion picture in- dustry into the status practically of a "public utility." because of the auction-block system prescribed by the court. In arguing lor a stay, McKay insisted that the decision in the anti-trust ciase should be taken into careful consideration in the Schine proceedings, inasmuch as it was calculated to work far-reaching changes in the industry, which fur- nish further reasons why. the Schine circuit should not be. dissolved until a Anal determination by the Su preme court of all the anti-trust liti- gation: Hayes was before the. court again in support of his' motion made (wo weeks ago for the appointment of a special master to hold hearings and take testimony as to Schine's present alleged legal methods ol ofieration as' contrasted with the objectionable conditions previously testified to dur- ing the trials of the case, and upon which Judge Knight's decision, with its drastic anti-trust findings, was based. During the argument it was rer vealed that the Government has not only filed a counter-jurisdictional statement in the U. S. Supreme Court, but has asked court to dismiss Schine's appeal there on the ground' that it is premature and that the judgment appealed from is not a final one. ^ Judge Knight at first denied the Schine motions, but following lengthy argument pointing out that the decision in the anti-trust case in effect, operated as a stay until an appeal to the Supreme Court had been decided, and also that a stay was still in effect in the Crescent case, the Judge reserved finar deci- sion until after a further study of the anti-tru.st and Cresent cases, and of the brief filed by Schine on the pres- ent motions. Krasne's 'Cisco' Series Not So Costly After AD Holly wood,. June 18. . Monogram, which figured that the Cisco Kid" series , made by Phil Krasne lor them were budgeted too big at $62,000 and burned when one went to $65,000 and bought him out. has not functioned economically as well since taking over. They budgeted the first two they made at $80,000 and the cost on the first hit $132,000 and the second $117,000 with the Monogram fran- chise holders a bit peeved as the re- turns on these pictures were not nearly as healthy 'as those made un- der the Kraiine formula. Film Booiiers Cry For Big Chance Taking umbrage over the concern of major producer-distributors who have lost certain sales personnel to the ever-increasing number of inde- pendent companies entering the film field, a New York booker of many years experience, charges the dis- tribs with a high degree of short- sightedness in developinent. ol sell- ing manpower. He asks why the cornpanies do not ♦ake stock of the potential man- power which exists among !:alesmcn, ofTice managers and bookers in the various branches, giving thern an op- portunity to show what they can do. Pointing out that the same must be true in other territories, this vet- eran booker emphasizes that in the past 10 years the promotions to homeoffice selling posts has - been virtually, nil and that. also., advance- ment in the exchanges themselves suggests that the salesmen, bookers and office managers must be "for- gotten people." Cited that in the N. Y. branches there are many salesmen and book- ers who have been on the job up to 25 years and more without much recognition and that there are plenty of sellers with good background who are sitting idly by waiting for jobs. One complaint is that many dis- tributing companies are putting on student salesrnen. but will not give a booker, even with, many years ex- perience, a chance to sejl. Bookers receive up to $100 week- ly, but it is felt they are underpaid in the face of the many thousands of dollars' in dating that are their re- sponsibility. This is also true of salesmen who annually negotiate contracts involving a lot of money. won't be able to compete under ON COAST TO PRODUCE such odds. , Smalltowners who had enjoyed first runs in a city in opposition to a house belonging to a major circuit will be in an especially precarious position. Such exhibs. so long as they continued on good terms with the distribs, maintained their flr.st run position in the past. Chain house, with more money from which to draw, will now be able to bid more for. a film, forcing the indie i job within a lew weeks, into either a subsequent run posi Kenneth MacKenna, Metro exec, who has been in England tor the past three months, is now, back on the Coast. Formerly story editor at the studio, he had been promised, bclorc he lelt to undertake the Brit- ish chore, that he wbuld be handed a producer berth, upon his return. He's expected to be named to the new ♦ A wave of theatre building, especially in situations that are now non-competitive, is a strong ' probability in the event single-pic- ture selling and open bidding, as provided lor in the anti-trltst deci- sion, is upheld on appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court. There are any number ol situa- ' tions in this country that Are con- trolled by circuits or by individual exhibitors who have had nothing to worry about- in . the way of choosing product from all distributors. Hun- , dreds ol sm{ill towns lall in this category. While some ol these might be capable ol supporting an extra, theatre, up to now the darigers of a "shutout" have forestalled build- ing. ■ Take, lor example, a town of around 5,000 which now has but one theatre. . It way or . may not be part bf a chain but particularly it part of a ' circuit of even less than a dozen houses, product has been so sewed up that anyone would fear erecting an opposition house. The theatre in qyestipn which has enjoyed what is known as "national release" might, be one seating, say 700 seals. ■ The temptation to build a large and more modern house it there is to be open bidding now becomes extreme- ly strong and not. unlikely that this may occur it the trade practices laid down in the U. S. suit go into effect. ' Major circuits and affiliates have many towns" virtually to themselves. One such instance is a city of around 45,000 population where an -affiliated circuit has three theatres, a first, .second and' third-run. No one has dared invade that particular strong- hold because of operating control and circuit buying 'power. Under open bidding, however, there would be nothing lo dissuade- a prospective exhibitor from . build ing^ at least a better house than the second run which now serves the town in the light of ability to outbid on all product in which interested. Building 61 new theatres, of course,, will have to await ability to get construction material but that may not be too tar off. Supposition is that there are a lot of people prepared, to invest in theatre build^ ing . and that much money has lain ready tor investment in exhibition even against the odds pre.sented by . the order of operations which antc- diAed the U. S. anti-trust decision. Throughout recent years, in the face of business done by picture houses, it has become a popular ex- pression in the trade to "try and buy a theatre." Emergency ATA Meeting Votes to Back Decree At an emergency' meeting yester- day CTuesday). of Amefrican The- atres Assn. a resolution' was passed relieving the organization of any ac- tion in connection with the decision in the United States anti-trust case "inasmuch a.s this decision involves intra-indu!;try trade practices such tion or out of business. THEATRE SEATS NO LONGER OPA-RULED Washington, June 18. OPA decontrolled theatre . seats yesterday (Monday),' removing them from price control. "This leaves car- peting as the only important item lor theatres, still under price ceil- ings, with the lid to continue another 8-12 months unless OPA is killed off ' in the meantime. Action on theatre - seats , provides that, the manufacturers must submit catalogs and other data to OPA. In the event seat prices zoom loo charply, the agency would restore conUols. ~ ' i MiicKenna's task abroad was to . clean up. pacts with writers, direc- I tors, players and others, which have been hanging, fire ever since Alex- ander Korda pulled out of Metro's British setup last year. Some of the contracts were settled and others v. ere extended ' to continue when Metro resumes British production under guidance of. Ben Goetz. That's not expected until about the begin- nin."! of next year. While abroad, MacKenna arranged for Richard Hogan to serve Metro as Briti:s'h story scout. Hogan w.is MacKenna's assistant at the studio before going into the Army. He was i-ecently discharged. Temporarily, at least, he'll hot have the title of British story editor, but will service the studio and New York story de- partments. a.s were excluded pn juri.vood screenwriter and novelist, has been made a full professor at New York University, where he heads the department of motion pictures. He is the only full-time pro't of films in an American university . or college. Gessner established the depart- ment In 1941 as on assistant pro- fessor, later rising to an associate professorship. Bolton, Rose New Indies Hollywood, June 18. New indie production outfit was formed here by Whitney Bolton and Harold Rose, with "The Middle Window" slated as their first pic- ture, Film will be based on a romantic novel by Elizabeth Goudge, author of "Green Dolphin Street." ITOAPrez Favors Self-Regulation Although terming the Federal court's anti-trust . decision a forward step for exhibitors in fostering free enterprise, Harry Brandt in his an- nual report to the Independent The- atre. Owners Assn. made a strong plea for industry self-regulation as the way to correct existing trade practice inequities. Brandt, speak- ing before 250 exhibitors at the ijOA's annual installation luncheon at the Hotel Astor, N. Y.; last Thurs- day (13) warned those who were seeking regulatory legislation that they were inviting disaster. Referring to the disgruntlement of some exhibs' that divorcement was not decreed, Brandt said it would have made small difference even, if it had, "with the rising number of percentage pictures that are sold to- . day, the distributors are partners in every theatre in the nation." The decree's boon to exhibitors, Brandt said, lies iii the fact that now they "may buy as many or as few picr tures as he desires and he may bid for each picture against his competi- tor, except in the case of a film pro- duced by the company - owning the theatre. The right to buy has finally been given to exhibitors and when, this portion of the decision has been clarified, the matter of run will un- dergo a major reshuffling." Declaring that, exhibitors have been suffering the same abuses for more than a decade, Brandt advo- cated formation of a new national association of independent exhibs which "will in truth supply them with' the strong central leadership that they are now sorely lacking and which will so strengthen their ranks that the inequities under which they are currently operating will vanish and they will be able to conduct their business on sound economit principles." Brandt said that ITOA was proud of its record in the war effort under affiliation with the American The- atres Association and he attacked "some minority elements who felt that their obligation to continue this magnificent community service'.' had ended with the war. Enumerating the charities supported by the metro- politan theatre owners, Brandt said the exhibitors responsibility to the community "will not only be borne, but furthered." Ted (Gamble, chair- man of the ATA, in his address to the . luncheon, also hailed the the- atres for their contributions to the war . effort and said that one of the current objectives of the ATA was to get relief from the discriminatory taxation against theatres. The two guests of honor, Mrs, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mrs. Anna Rosenberg, both spoke of the coop- erative spirit of the exhibitors as setting an example to the rest of the world. Former Mayor James J. Walker, as chairman of the meeting, formally inducted the newly elected officials of the ITOA into their berths. Those inducted were David Weinstock, first v.p.; Max A. Cohen, second v.p.; Leon Rosenblatt, treasurer; J, Joshua Goldberg, secretary; John C, Bolte, scrgeant-at-arms.v Hollywood, June 18. . Studio labor situation remained tense yesterday (17). in face, of "eco- nomic action" threat delivered via telegram to all lots and company presidents by the Conference of Studio Unions. Answer to wires, which demanded an immediate meet- ing, wage increases and contracts, is! not. expected until the prexies ' gather here tomorrow (19) for an in- dustry dinner, and they may get to- gether Thursday (20) in a labor meeting to attempt ironing out the situation.^ Battle over stujlio machinists which the painters local entered last Thursday (13) has resulted in a num- ber of layoffs. Metro, Warners and Paramount have all let scenic paint- ; ters, general painters, etc., go for refusal to work on sets intended for productions in Technicolor. Paint- ers take the position that an AFL arbitration directive gave machine work to International Assn. of Machinists Lodge 1185, currently un- der suspension by the AFL and brush . wielders will not paint color sets un- til lAM machinists are permitted to service Technicolor cameras. Meantime, studios are finding It difficult to obtain painters to handle sets for Technicolor productions. Lots are . also running into some trouble, although it's not critical yet, in obtaining carpenter work, on such sets. Carpenters are on. the job for all work in the mills, but are understood to be refusing assign- ments on color sets after work is but of the mill. General opinion points to gradual slowdown in work that may reach a . complete stoppage unless situation is solved before long, as painters and carpentet's continue to support ma- chinists in jurisdictional fight with AFL locals. Goldwyn Wants Ad Agcy. Near Studio, So Shifts To Hypo Audience Boildnp New concept in Holly wodd of need for starting advertising on a picture as long as possible before release led Samuel Goldwyn last week to shirt ad agencies. Producer pulled his account from Donahue & Coe, which has long had the Gold- wyn biz, and handed It to Foote, Cone & Belding, because the former doesn't have and doesn't wish to set up a Coast office. Goldwyn feels that the long-range campaigns he desires require the agency to have a rep close to the studio. Change In thought on timing of ads grows, out of patron-polling ac- tivities in recent years of Audience Research Institute, which has given the Industry the nev/ concept of "audience penetration." Latter is a percentage figure telling a producer at any time how much of the public is familiar with his picture. The surveys— to which Goldwyn is a sub- scriber-r-have shown that the earlier the advertising and publicity starts, the greater the "penetration" by date of . release. And "penetration" bears a direct proportion to gross. Thus, Goldwyn's policy now is to start his ad carnpaigns rolling at the same time as his carnei'as. Con- siderable advertising,' for instance, has already been published oil "Best Years of Our Lives," which isn't slated for release until, December. In the old days the producer would have waited until a few weeks be- fore release to start spending his ad budget, but now he feels It ad- vantageous to give the public, ex- hibs, salesmen and the trade in gen- eral a strong impression about the picture as a mental rallying point that can be bUilt up and reinforced repeatedly by the release date. Same concept, of course, goes for publicity, as well as advertising. Pro- ducers are now having,their flack- eries start high-powered campaigns well before a script is even put in work in order to make as many im- pressions as possible and push up the "penetration" figure. WnM REVIEWS We4lne«1ay, June 19, 1946 Smoky (SONGS— COLOR) Hollywood, Jvme 15. 20lli-Fox leleane of llobei t Ilnaslcr pro- ducilon. SliirK Kroil JlocMuiray; feHHuca Anne Daxtcr. Uurl Ive», Uiuce Cn wt. KHihfi- UhIi". Roy Uobpits. J. Knrrcll .M«g- Uonaia. DIrcilril by Louis King. Scrten- rlny. Llllle Hny«arri'il Jicisfn; inusii-. David Haksln; arrnnKemenm, A ribur Mor- ion: ediioi. Nick pc .MnKKlo.. TradeBhown 1» A. June 13, •■iO. Uunnlnii^ilme. M MINB Clint Bnrkley. Julie. Bill Krank. . ....... Ornni. Fled MncMurrny . . . ..\nne naxier ..■.Hurl lvf» Ili uoe »C.il)Ot Kslher Ual» ..Iloy Itoberl" Karrell .\».icDonnl. ulll Tennyson, Dob HII- Hard, 'Dlc,[ MUCH. NYin, Davis,. Duke Groner, t'horles Stewart, Herman Fair- banks, Dick Watson, LouU' Jonlan, li-one Hlgglnbotham, Dan Fisher, Krvin Drake. Lucky .Mlllendei'. Jerry Dlnck: Editor, llud Pollard; asslstnnt.Olrector. FM Kelly. Tre- mlered June H. 'tO. Hamilton Ihcaire, .N. Y. nunnlng lime. .64 MINS.. r.uclua-Tlrokepvhh-e Jordan. .. .Tx>uls Jordan Pi-ofeaaor Di ury'; I*Vank Wilson Dean HnrRraves. Enioiy Richardson MlsB Annabelle ' llrown .'Valerie lllnck Benjamin Ware :;rd . . . . 1 AHIton Woods Kchoolboya— Harry Joseph Hllllard Donald . ; Tommy . Xlx Robert '.Charles Johnson Joe. ' .John. Front Porter , ....Waller Karle Sh-an^er Brntst Oilloway LonR I.eiiged Llz-iile. ...... Dimples Daniels Tympany Band William Davis .Piano Joshwa W. Jackson ...Sax Anron Izcnball Trumpet t;nrl JIOKOli Guitar .lesjie Siniiikins. '. . .Haas Eddie Hyrd '. .Drums Tile ".\rlstu-Gen'es" Girls Club Bamboo Blonde" marks Frances Langford's return, and it's not a very auspicious return. Picture impresses as a tired affair in production, acting, story and music. Miss Langford's experiences over- seas seem to have left their mark and Frank Redman's camera work does nothing to improve matters. Her voice, however, retains its honey- smooth quality. Script doesn't call for too much thesping ability from any of the cast and she carries the title role in okay fashion. ' ' Yarn, adapted by Olive Cooper and Lawrence Kimble from a story by Wayne Whittakeri . is novel but doesn't hold much in the way of sus- pense or appeal. Audience will be able to call the ' ending midway in the first reel. Miss Langford plays a singer in a two-bit nitery who de- velops a romance with a B-29 pilot the night he shoves off for the Pacific. They don't even know each other's names, however. On Saipan, the bomber crew swipes Miss Langford's photo and has her portrait painted on the plane, which they christen the "Bamboo Blonde." Crew immediately becomes the hottest in the air force. Back in New York, the nitery manager capi- talizes on the publicity by billing Miss Langford as the original blonde.' Crew is ordered home for a bond- showmanly use was made of the seen- I selling tour and Miss Langford and ery in Robert Bassler's production I the pilot discover it's the real thing, guidance: Color lensing by Charles *" * ' " ' ' ' Clarke is breath-tfking, particularly the day and r.ight-time outdoor shots. Scenery and' animals come through better on the color register than do the human actors, but this is a minor fault probably lying in the preview print. Story is backed up by sharp deliveries from other credited fac- tors to help measure it as a solid pleaser for all type audiences. Brog. Deadline .for Murder Los, Angeles, June 15. Twentlelh-Fox rel^asu of Sol M. Wurlzel production. Features Paul Kelly, Kent Tny- Jbr, Sheila Ryan, Jerome Cowan. Renee Carson, Joan Olnlr. Marian Martin, Leslie Vincent. Directed hy James TInKllnir. .Story ond . screenplay., Irvlnic CUmmlnits. Jr.: camera, Ucnjamin Kline; editor, William P. CInxton. , Tradeshown In Los Anxeles, June 1.1, '40. Hunnlnit lime. 64 .MINS. McMullen ...Paul Kelly Millard ..Kent Taylor Vivian Shelld Ryan Lynch ;Jerome' Cowan '/Ita Itfiiee Carson Hnlen -loan Blair X.aura .Marian .^^^lrtln Vaul , I-eslle VInccnl Johnny Malt McHu^h Tiny' lody Gilbert Keller ■ . . • Kdwiird. Marr <:harlcs ..Thoiniin Jackson Hudson Mrry Hlakc Krank "ny '•'''nl Gordon Masseur Ktlrkmiin Floorman -1st player Andre rh:irlot 1.3mory I'nrncll ...l.e.^lcr Dorr . . .Kdilie Kane .Willliuh Newell Jnd Player . lack Mulhnll 3rd IMayer .- Mi'ncp Kcrniilil 1.flt Poker Player locy Itay •Jnd Poker Player lOrnC'il llllllanl ■Waller -Vd Snylor J'.'levutor Operator ffV'.- O'Dolinoll Sturdy .supporting', fare. A mys- tery thriller that uses a casual, mat- ter-of-fact manner to spin tale of murder and intrigue. It avoids ex- traneous dialog, plots its action -for cuspense and interest. Production backing by SoU.M.. Wurtzel gets best values for budget expenditure, and direction by James Tingling keeps melodramatic factors in hand all the way. Story by Irving Cummings, Jr.. concern^ a biijtime gambler, but After unsuccessful attempts by the pilot's ex-fiancee to break up the ro- mance, his wealthy parents accept Miss Langford into the family and all ends well Supporting cast, on the whole, is adequate. Russell Wade, as the pilot, seems unsure of himself when it comes to the heavy thesping, but comes through okay: Ralph Edwards supplies some nice comedy as the dough-hungry but warm-hearted, nitery owner and Iris Adrian does a fair bit as his gal friend. Jane Greer is sufficiently catty as the pilot's ex- fiancee. - Four songs by Mort Greene and Lou Pollack are standard and none seems headed for the big time. "Dreaming Out Loud," which is -re- prised most often, gets by best as a smooth ballad. Film's one production number is built around- "Moonlight Over the Islands," just another. Hawaiian song. ' Film's low budget is evidenced- by the mediocre sets and other mount- ings lined up'liy producers Herman Schlom and Sid Rogell. Anthony Mann's direction follows suit, never too good and never too bad. Camera work, with the exception of the un- fair handling given Miss Langford, is okay, especially in the simulated slty- flghting scenes. Stal. . duals, job looks like a quick throw- mertpgether, with no particular care in scripting, direction or periorm- ance. Especially the script. Plot drags in all manner of trite situation in its story of ' ai young couple, anxious to go straight, and prevented from doing so by a gang- ster who knows their past. The duo, working in a dept. store, are forced to burglarize the place. In turn, they doublecross the big-shot. Latter is killed by a cop when he comes, for the coin, and the couple gives up loot and themselves to satisfy society. Situation and dialog._are maudlin and corny, with such Ttems as the copper's motherless son and his dog dragged in for sentimental reasons,- and the . whole business ringing phony from beginning to end. Alan Curtis and Ann Rutherford, as the youii^ couple, play the roles straight, while Preston Foster gives a half-hearted performance as the gangster. Jimmie Moss is the pre- c<^ious kiddie. Bron. . My Pal Trigger (SONGS) ■ Republic release of , Arniand fM-huefer- Frank .McDonald production. Stars Hoy Rogers, "Gabby" Uayea, Dale Evans. Jack Holt, "TrlKger." Features Lei-oy .Mason, Hoy- Barcroft. Directed by Frank McDon- ald. Screenplay, Jack TownUy and John K. Butler; camera, William Bradruril: spe- cial effects. Howard and Theodore l.ydecker; musical director. Morion Scolt;.- editor, llarry Keller. Tradeshown New TorkV June 13, '40. Running lime, 79 .MINS. Roy Rogers .-Hoy Rogers Gabby Kendrlck. .. .George "Gabby" Hiiyea Bua;in Dale Kvana Brett ScovlUe Jack Holt Carcon l.eI^oy Mason Hunter -.Roy Harcroft .Sherllf ' / Sam Flint Croupier Kenne Duncan Auctioneer....' Ralph Sanford Storekeeper Frnncla McDonald Dr. nentiey Harlan nrlggs' Davis Wm. TIaado Wallace Alan Bridge Walling Paul E. Hums Magistrate '. . . . Prank Relcher Bob Nolan and .Sons of Pioneers Louis Joi-dan's first feature-length effort shows wise direction in that thesping was held to a minimum in favor of music. By ordinary stand- ards, "Beware" might just rate a "B;" However, with 600 theatres playing Negro films and the fact that the picture would not be out of place in some ofay houses, maximum grosses fo.' this type of film can be expected. Jordan is a consummate showman and has been surrounded with a couple of fine thespers in Frank Wil- son and Valerie Black, both of the "Anna Lucasta" legiter. Tunes, which pop iip one after another, are some of the Tympany's top platter sellers, in- cluding "Don't Worry 'bout That Mule," "Beware." "Salt Pork, West Virginia," "You Gotta Have a Beat," arid other."!. Story .tells of a small . college, out of funds due to book -juggling of its endower's grandson, which calls upon its ahjmni for help. All refused ex- cept Jordan, apparently, who never received the letter and who was never given a thought. Stranded by a washout on the way to a date at the Paramount, N. Y., Jordan rescues the college, whips the nasty heir, and makes off with the physical instruc- tress, with whom he's been in love all the' time. Music i3 okay and direction fair- ish, but camera work, is . definitely mediocre, showing too many close- ups of Jordan singing. Mae.stro's rhythmic bouncing in front of the backdrop, in the close-ins, is annoy- ing and painful to the eyes. Produc- tion features are not impressive at any time, although some montage .shots give band's sheet and platter music, and house dates good plugs. . Cracfc-Vp . Hollywood, June I,^, RKO release of Jack J, Grosa pronp1e IdcnP' . (Ideal Couple) (FKENf^H). romptoir Francuia du Film lelease'bf S.ll.F. (Jean C.lerc) production. Stars 'nuytnond Uouleuu, I'lelene PerdrleiV;: fcaiurcH DpnfhO Grey, Philippe Olive. Sl- noel, 'Vve.i Denlaud. Jac(iuellhe Pierreii. Dl- rec-lrd by Bernard Jlnland. Story by Pierre I.eaiKl: dlHloR. >tlchel- Diirnnd and T.cauil. Camera, riauile Renoir; miisic. Georges van I'jtryti;. seiH. Rolartd 'Quignon, It'unnlnK lime, M 511 JiS. Unlikely for America, except for French language, spots. The funny story and multiple lole played by the star probably explains the Metro purcha.se of story for remake. En- tirely different from usual French productions and smacking of slap- stick comedy, yarn shbw.s Raymond Rouleau as a 1912 pix star due to appear at a gal.i attended by former President of France Ai'mand Fal- lieres. : Latter is burlesqued. De- tained by the police, Rouleau must alibi himsell' and adopt many dis- guises to defeat a rival producer. He finally wins Hclcne Perdiere who does a femn.e p'x star of the serial era. Skit on the old-time film indus- try i.s geared fairly fast and- drew laughs. Afa,r», Psychological thriller that adds tip to average results. There's sufficient name strength in the cast and ex- ploitable angles to assure okay pay. off in general situations. It's an ac- tioner that moves along at a fairly fa.st clip, has been given good pro- duction values. Pat O'Brien, Claire Trevor and Herbert Marshall should further aid the selling. Basic idea on which script is prem- ised a<:ds up to good thriller mate- rial and' conies off well enough as scripted, . played and directed, even ■ though never reaching suspenseful heights aimed at. Plot is wrapped around a museum art lecturer who is believed to have cracked up mentally when he insists he has been injured in a non-existent train wreck. After proper amoCmt of heroics and action it resolves into a plot to steal mu- seum's old masters by substitution of copies and crooka are trying to keep lecturer from, using his skill to detect forgeries. O'Brien is not too aptly cast as the lecturer, but gives the assignment his usual vigor. Cluire Trevor as his girl friend fares better, giving role some good nioments. Marshall, rriysterious character who proves t-'i be a Scot- land Yard nian in the windup, also shows up well. Ray Collins, art-mad doctor, who stage; the dirty work; Wallace Ford, prolice detective, Dean Harens, Damtan O'Flynn, Erskine. Sanford and Mary Ware are others doing okay In the cast. Irving Rels' direction of the Jack J. Gross production moves yarn along but lacks extra drive to punch the material over solidly. Lensing, editing and other factors are com- petent. Brotf., Alan From Rainbow Valley (SONGS-COLQB) -Hollywood, June 15. Republic release «t Ixiuls Gray produc- tion. Stall Monte Hale, Adrian liunih; features Jo Ann Marlowe, Ferris Taylor, Emmett - Lynn, Tom Ixindon, Bud Geary, Kenne Duncan. Doyi O'Dell, Bert Roach. Sagebrush Sei-enaders. Directed by Robert Springsteen. Original screenplay, nelly Burbrldge: camera (Trucolor), lluil Thack- ery; songs, Eddl« Cherkose arid Cy Feiier; Roy Rogers, Glenn Spencer; editor. Ed- ward Mann Pr«vlewe 'Vienna Society Bevived 'Vienna, June 5. Another society which had been dissolved by the NaziSj has been revived.. It is the Wiener Schiibert- bund, which promotes music by Franz Schubert. At first concert in Konzerthaus, President Ernst Meithner promised programs as in pre-war days. Current London Shows London, June 16. ".\rsenlc & Old Lace," Strand. "Better Late," Garrick. "Can Can," Adelphi. "Flfty-Fitty," Strand. * "Fine Feathers," Wales. "First Gentleman," Savoy. "Follow the Girl," Majesty's. "Frieda," Westminster. "Ganr Show," Stoll. "Grand National Night," Apollo. "Green Laughter," Comedy. ".Guinea Pl(t," Criterion. "Hasty Heart," Aldwych. ^'Hcre Come the Boys," Saville. "High Time," Palladium. "Honeymoon,'' York's. "Lady Edinburgh," Playhouse. "Make II a Date," Duchess. VMerrie F.ngland," Princes. • "Night and Music," Coliseum. ",\o Medals," Vaudeville. "No Boom at Inn," Winter Garden. "Pcrchanrc to Dream," Hipp. "Portrait in Black,^ Piccadilly. "Private Lives," Fortune. "Red Boses tor Me," New. "Shop Sly Corner," St. Marlins. "Song of Norway," Palace. "Sweetest and Lowest," Ambass. "The Kingmaker," St. James. "Under the Counter," Phoenix. "While Sun Shines," Globe. "Winderracrcs Fan," Haymarket. "Winslow Boy,", Lyric. "Worm's View," WhitehalL Mikler Due in N.Y. To Discuss Warners Prod, in England Max Milder, president of Warner Bros.-International Corp.,. is due in U. S. next month from London to discuss British production problems as well as attend Warners national convention in Atlantic City, in August.- Besides heading Warners', foreign setup. Milder is head of Warner Bros. Productions, Ltd.; Warner Theatres, Ltd., and is a di- rector of Assdciated British Cinemas. While there has been a lull in all Warner production in England re- cently, mainly because of necessity of rebuilding the Teddington studios, it's understood Milder will huddle on future British film-making. It's planned to rebuild the Teddington plant, destroyed by Nazi bombs dur- ing the war.. Meantime, it is pos- sible that WB may arrange other production plans to fill the gap temporarily. . 3. Foreign Mgrs. In .N. T. Three foreign managers arrived in N. Y. last week. . Gregory E. Georgoussy, RKO gen- eral manager for the Near East, came in by boat. He plans staying over for the company's annual con- vention, July 1-3. Saim Eckman, Jr., Metro's managing director for Eng- land, arrived early in the week for an extended vacation at Palm Springs. ' He plans two weeks of confabs with homeoffice execs. Arthur Rowland-Jones, Loew Inter- national territorial manager for India, arrived in N. Y. last. Thurs- day (13) to report to Eddie F, O'Connor, regional director for Far East. Rowland-Jones visits the studio for looksee at product after homeoffice huddles. Juve Vandals Disruptmg Argent. Town's Pix Shows Cordoba, June: A wave of hooliganism is disrupt- ing picture shows here in this uni- versity city. Encouraged by lack of police action, especially if the offend- ers appear to belong to the Peronist labor faction, rowdies are invading film houses, and ousting respectable patrons by their unbridled behavior. Femmes of all ages arc insulted by the police-protected hooligans, wKo usually occupy the cheaper gallery seats. They while away their time by pelting those below with lighted cigaret butts; Washington, June 18. U, S. film funds tied up in France stand to be clipped as much as $1,- 000,000, under the French capital tax, next Aug. 15. Details for re- leasing the rnoney are still to be. worked out. Some of the funds date back to before. thc war, some to before the German occupation, and some to the period from D-Day to the present. They are subject to the capital tax . bite under a new convention being worked out by France and our State Department as a . supplement to the 1939 anti-double taxation treaty with the French. Situation: on the capital tax has been a major headache in the film biz export branch, and was not touched upon in recent treaty with' the French, permitting entry of U. S. films into France. •' Motion Picture Assn. of America has had its eye on the 5%. capital levy for some time. Whether or not U. S. distributors were to be clipped under it was not known until last Wedniesday's" (12) memorandum on the new deal with the Frerich. ■ New arrangement, however, will, provide two important benefits. Eilm funds will be exempted from the French tax on "enrichment," and also from the stiff bite on royalties, which American distribs have been subject to heretofore. 124 Dnbblngs Tearly The eight major film • companies which make up th6 membership of the Motion Picture Export Assn. have voluntarily Agreed not to re- lease more than 124 dubbed features, in France during the fiscal year starting July 1. Agreement was an- nounced via a cable^gram sent to European managers of U. S. dls- tributors in France by Eric Johnston, head of the association.- Purpose is not to fiood France with too many U. S. pictures in the next. 12 months. Johnston reiterated his statement, made during treaty discussions be- tween Leon Blum, French envoy, and James F. Byrnes, Secretary of State, that the American film, in- dustry has neither the desire nor intention of flooding the French market with more pictures than it can absorb. . The film pact, which was incorporated in 'the loan and trade agreements recently concluded between France and U: S., did not include an import quota. Figures in N. Y. indicate that the eight major distribs ' involved re- leased ah average of 179 features annually in France durifig the three years prior to the war. Vienna Legit Downbeat Vienna, June. 4. Theatre biz deflation has set in here. One month ago it was almost im- possible to obtain a ticket for any legitimate stage show without either standing in line or paying scalper prices. Today the theatres are half empty and many pas.ses arc giveq away to fill up the house. Managcis attribute this to two things, lack of good plays and scarcity of money. Despite the fact that no official step was taken to curb high money circulation, the Austrian schilling currency is ^slow-' ly gaining ground and people^do lioi throw away coin anymore. WB FOREIGN EXECS TO A C. CONVENTION Various sales executives in the foreign field will attend the Warne/ sales convention in Atlantic City,. Aug. .5-7, to be followed by meetings at the homeoffice with Wolfe Cohen, foreign veepee, to discuss plans for developing the 16m program in Latiii-America. Those coming in include Max Milder, managing director in Great Britain; Joseph Hummel, v.p. of Warner International in charge of Europe and adjacent countries; Arthur Abeles, Jr., managing direc- tor for Argentina and supervisor for Chile and- Uruguay; Peter Colli, supervisor for Cuba, Porto Rico, Santo Domingo, Trinidad, 'Veiie- zuela, Panama and Central America; Ary Lima, managing director for Brazil; Armando 'Trucios, managing director for Peru and supervisor for Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador; and Michael Sokol, general manager in Mexito. Swedish King's Grandson to PIx Stockholm, June 4. Lennart Bernadotte, grandson of King Gustav V, will start soon as jshorls' producer for Europe. Film, one of leading production companies in SwedcDu Export Assn. Names 3 Thre hew aides to operate in 13 countries overseas for the Motion Picture Export Assn. were named last Friday (14) after a meeting in New York of association members with Irving Maas, its' general man- ager. . Alfred F. Corwin, formerly with 20th-Fox foreign publicity depart- ment, will be ad-publicity manager. He recently rejoined the company after four years of Army service. William F. Laffan, for the last two years comptroller with producer Mike Tood, was named comptroller in charge of accounting. Irving M. Eckstein, who handled sales control in United Artists foreign department, will be in charge of sales; control. During the war he was with the Army Signal Corps in the Orient 10 Wedneeday, June 19, 1946 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I- • ~' ,v,, -^v- ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ Destined for peak popularity, the song hits from be heard for the first time on the air on THE PRUDENTIAL HOUR Sunday, June 23rcl, Coast To Coast, 125 CBS Stations- 5 p.m. (E. D.T.) M.i^ic bv Josef Myrow Lyrics by MacK Gordon^Mus.c by ^^^^ "I UKE MIKE" • . '"a vERV MERRV .'a FARMER'S UFE S BLUE". ,^FE" . "THREE L'^LE GmUS .^.n ^^^^ V4oMEWHERE »N THE N^^ ^ ^DV" ME FEEL SO YOyNG ^^^^5.. Music by Harry Warren THIS JUNE HAVER • GEORGE MONTGOMERY • VIVIAN BLAINE • CELESTE HOLM • VERA-ELLEN • FRANK LATIMORE in "THREE LIHLE GIRLS IN BLUE" in TECHNICOLOR • Directed by BRUCE HUMBERSTONE • Produced by MACK GORDON • Screen Play by Valentine Dovies • Adapted by Brown Holmes, Lynn Starling and Robert Ellis and Helen Logan • From a Play by Stephen Powys • Dances Staged by Seymour Felix • Ballets by Babe Pearce '•I Like Mike" • "On The Board Walk" . "Three Little Girls In Blue" • "You Make Me Feel So Young" • "Always A Lady" • "This Is Always" Published by. BREGMAN, VOCCO & CONN "A Farmer's Life Is A Very Merry Life" ♦ "Somewhere In The Night" Published by TRIANGLE MUSIC CORP. We«lne8(lay, June 19, 1946 11 imm mo the ICING OF SiAM -r- ft f— -,— ^ ^ '■ r" ■ '~^ ■ r ; ■ RADIO CITY MUSIC HALi CENTURY.FOy Darryl F. Zanuck Presents IRENE DUNNE • REX HARRISON • LINDA DARNELL in "ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM with Lee J. Cobb • Gale Sondergaard • Mikhail Rasumny • Dennis Hoey • Tito Renaldo • Richard Lyon • Directed by JOHN CROMWELL • Produced by LOUIS D. LIGHTON • Screen Play by Talbot Jennings and Sally Benson • Based Upon the Biography by Margaret London 12 PICTURE GROSSKK Wedneaday, June 19, 1946 L. A. Spotty But Territory' Nifty 39G in 3 Spots; 'Reservations' OK 51Gin2,'auny'Brisk55Gfor3 Los Angclos, June 18. ' Oonciiil lirst-iuii biz uiitlook is iHM so bright this week allhounh mnic theatres are eominR lhroii!{h )iicelv. Hot weather plus vacations and linal week of school will hih;t. Hollywood and Wilshirc areas are least afreeled.: Example of this is -Cliiny Brown" which is, shaping up To;- (;e while downtown Loew's is very lilihl. •Without Rcurvations" is com- paratively better at above avcrafie S.)l UOO in two houses. "Batlmans Territory ," opening a new day-date irio of theatres, is very nifty at y:i9,000. Warner reissues of "No Time For Comedy" and "City For Conciuesl" al.so will land ¥39,000 in three spots. Second week of "Two Sisters From Boston'' looks , okay $43..')00 in four operations. "O.S.S."- is way off on second week at two Paramount houses with $28,500. Eleventh week of "The Outlaw" will do near $20,000 to wind up record run. very good considering length of .stay. "Renegades" looks dull «14.000 on second and final week in tluxe locations. Estimates for TKis Week Belmont (FWC) il.o32: 50-$J) — 'Two Sisters From Boston" iM-Gi i2d wk). Nice $5,500. Last , week, smooth $10,100 for initial frame as llr.st run. Beverly Hills Miisic Hall iBIuroen- fold-G&S) (824 ; 85-$lWOoullaw" | . nice $21,000. Fox. (FWC) (2.651, 55-85)— "Post- man Rings Twice" (M-G). Gireat $37,- 000. Last week. "One More Tomor- irow'' (WB). $24,000. WarBeld (FWC) (2.656; 55-85)— Dark Corner'' (20th ^ iind "Her Kind of Man" (WB) (2d wk). Mild $12,- 500 in 5 days. Last week. Tine $26,000 Paramount (FWC) (2,646; 55-85) —"Bad Bascomb" (M-G) (3d wk) Trim $11,500 in 5 days. Last week $19,000. St. Francis (FWC) (1,400; 55-85)— 'One More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.). Thin $8,000. Last week; "Kitty" (Par) (m.o.) (2d wk), line $8,000. Slate (FWC) (2,133; 95-85)— 'Brjdc Wore Boots" (Par) (m.o.). (3d wk). Sad $6,500 in 5 days. Last week, not so good $14,000. Orpheum (Blunr.enfcld) (1^207; 55 85)— "Night in Paradise" (U). Mild .$9,000. Las*, week, "Renegades' (Col) (2d wk), $11,500. United Artists (Blumenteld) (1,207; 55-85)— "Outlaw" (UA) (3d wk) Good $17,000. Liitt week,, great $24,000. 'Paradise' Neat $13,500 Seattle} 'Forest' S'/zG Seattle, June 18, Bi-i is off in mo.st spots this ses- .-•ion, with holdovers no help. "Heart- bcat,""Night in Paradise" and "Gil- da" look top newcomers, although -Enchanted Forest" is strong for the ! Palomar. EstimaUs lor This Week , Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)-^ "Do You Love Mo" (20th) (m.o.), with "She Went to Races" (M-G), Okay $5,000. Last week, "Bride Wore Boot.s" (Par) (4th wk), 8 days, oke **FiIth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) —"Heartbeat" (RKO). Good $11,000. Irftst week, "Hearts Gi'owjng Up (Par) and "Rendezvous 24' (20th) (2d wk). fair $0,900 in 6 days. _ ^ Liberty (J&vH) U,650; 45-80)— "Gilda" (Col). Magnificent $15,000. Holds. Last week, "Diaty of Cham- bermaid" (UA) and "Gentleman Mis- behaves" (Col) (3d wk), neat $5,300 '"Mullc^Hall (H-E) (2,200; 45-80 )— •Breakfast in Hollywood" (UA) and "Cat Creeps" (UV. Fair $8,500. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) (.2d wk), oke $6,900. Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— Ziegfcld Follies" (M-G) (4th wk), Nice $5,500 in 8 days. Last week, oke $6,500. Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 45-80)- •Night in Paradise" (U) and "She Wolf ih London" (U). . Trim $13,50(^. Last w-eek, "De:-.dUne at Dawn (RKO) and Andrews Sisters in per- son, colossal $32,50C. „ Palomar (Sterling^ (1,350; 45-80)— Enchanted Forest" (PRC) ^ and -Freddie Steps Out' (Mono). Great $8 500. Last week. "7th 'Veil" (U) and "Detour" (PRC), fair $5,700. Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 45-80)-' Kitty," (Par) (2d wk). Neat $11,000. Last week, immer.se $19,500. Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 45-80)— 'Hearts Growing Up" (Par) and •Rendezvous 24" (20th) (m.o.). Fair $4,500. Last week, "So Goes My Love" (U) and "Dressed to Kilr"(U) (2d wk), good $4,800. ^ Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 25- 50)— ••Because of Him" (U) and Spiral Stairca.sc" (RKO) (3jl run). Fair $4,000. Last week, "Bells of St. Mary'o" (RKO) and "Gay Blades (Rep) (3d run), $■'.,000. Hub Better; llifidow' Trim 26G, 2 Spots; 'Paradise' 24G, 'Love Me 28G, Both Fat Key City Grosses Esllmaled Total Gross Thli Week .,, »3,«31,590 (Bastion 23 cities, 197 tlien- tres; chteflv /irst rittij, includirii; N.Y.) Total Gross Sams Week Last Year ....... . . .$2,567,29,0 (Based on 23 cities, 182 theatres) 'Dahlia' Sturdy $14,000, Indpls.; 'Casablanca' IIG Indianapolis, June . 18. Rain followed by midsummer heat over the wcekenc cost all deluxers some business, " but most current grosses arc shaping up better than' average. "Blue Dahlia" at the In- diana is getting most coin, but "Bride Wore Boots," at the Circle, and "Night in Casablanca," at Loew's, are okay. ■ . Estimates (or This Week Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2,800; 40-60)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) and "Ma- donna's Secret" (Rep). Nice $12,500. Last week, "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "One Exciting Week" (Riep), oke $12,000 . Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,300; 40-60) —"Blue Dahlia" (Par). Sturdy $14,- 000, Last week, "Kitty" (Par), $10,- 000 oh holdover. Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 40-60)— "Night in Casablanca" (UA) and "Mysterious Intruder" (Cbl). Modest $11,000 or near. Last week, "Postrhan Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk), $10,- 200. Lyric (Katz-Dollc) (1.600: 40-00)— "No Time :for Comedy" (WB) and "City for Conquest'' (WB) utiissues). Nice $6,000. Last week. "Murder in Music H.iU" (Rop) and ■ "Cntman of Paris" (Rep), oke $7,500 as first-rim Forward (RKO) and "Man Alive" (RKO) (2d wk). $11,300. Ritz (FWC) (1.370: 50-$l)— ••Rene- gades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col) (2d wk). Slow $4,000. Last week, sturdy $8,000. United Artists (UA-WC) (2,100 50-$!)- "Renegade.-:" (Col) and "Talk About Lady " (Col) (2d Wk) Near $7,500. Last week, smart $16,- 000. - . Uptown (FWC) (1,719: 50-$l)- "Cluny El-own'' (20th). Strong $13, 000: Last week, "Somewhere in Night" (2nth) and : "Effingham's Raid" (20th) (2d \vk-5 days), $,5,000. Vogue (FWC) (885; 50-85)— "Bad- man's Territory" (RKO). Smooth $7,500. Last week. "Renegades" (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col), neat $4,900. Wllshire (FWC) (2,296; ,50-$l)— ' "Two Sisters" (M-G) (2d wk). Neat $11,500. Last week, nice $16,800. Wlllern (WB) (2,300; 50-$l)— "No Time For Comedy" (WB) and "City For Conquest" (WB) (reissues). Okay. $11, COO. La.st week, "One More Tombn-ow" (WB) (3d wk-5 days), $5,400. D.C. Beats Heat, Better, 'Casablanca'-VandeBig 32G, 'GUda' Great 22G Washington, Junis 18. Washington is on the upbeat, despite warm weather, after last w«ek's poor showing all along the main stem. Lead . was taken by "Night in Casablanca" which played SRO bi/, backed up by a strong vaude bill, . ' - Estimates (or This Week Keith's (RKO) ■ (1,838; 44-80) — "Night in Paradise" (U). Sturdy $15,000. Last week, "This Day For- wa'd" iRKO) (2d wk). good $12,500. Earle (WB) '2,154; 44-85)— "Gilda" (Col). HandFOme $22,000 or over. Last week, "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (2d v,k), and 4 days "Gilda" (Col). 3 days, solid $18,000. MctropollUn (WB) (1,503; 44-70)— "City for Conquest" (WB) (reissue). Nice $8,000. Last week, "Devotion" (WB) (m.o.), ditto. Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 44-80) — "Night in Casablanca" (UA) with vaude. Smash $32,000. Last week. Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk), .strong $24,000. Columbia (Loew) (1,203; 44-70)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (m. o.). Great $11,000. Last week, "Kitty" (Par) (m.o.), $8,000. Palace (Loew) (2,370; 44-70) — "Blue Dahlia" (Par). Sock $23,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) (2d wk),. $14,000. 'Heartbeat' Fast $15,000. K.C. Ace Kansas City, June 18. New product is brightening biz this week after a siege of holdovers. "Heartbeat," at. the Orpheum, and "Night in Casablanca," at the Mid- land, look to get top coin. "Cinder- ella Jones" in the Newman is doing nicely too. "Somewhere in the Night," at the Esquire, Upto\Mn and Fairway is mild. Estlnutes (or This Week Esquire, Uptown, Fairway (Fox Midwest) (820, 2,043, 700; 45-65)— "Somewhere in Night" (20th), Mild $11,500. Last week. "Do You Love Mc" (20th) (2d_wk), okay $10,000 in six days. Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— "Night in Casablanca" (UA),' and "Notorious Lone Wolf" (Col). iTrim $15,500. Last week, "Postman Al- ways Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk) $12,000. . Newman. (Paramount) (1.900; 45- 65)— "Cinderella Jones" (WB). Nice $12,000 or near. Last week, "Blue Dahlia" (Par) (2d wk). solid $10,000. Orpheum (RKO) (1.900; 45-05)— "Heartbeat" . (RKO) and "Deadline at Dawn" (RKO). Big $15,000, and likely holdover. Last week. "Bad- man's Territory" (RKO) and "Part ners in Time" (RKO) (2d wk), oke $9,000. . tower (Fox-Joffec) (2.100; 39-60) —"Talk About a Lady" (Col) and "Gay Blades" (Rep) with vaude. Fair $9,000. Last week. "God's Coun- try" (Iiidic) and"Texas Jamboree^' (Col) with stage show headed by Glen Larson, $11,000. 'Monte Cristo' Nice 12G, Buff^ Taradise' Fat 14G Buffalo, June 18. Plenty of holdovers here this week but the biz tone is good gen^ erally. Toppers aniong new films are •'Night in Paradise^' and "Wife of Monte Cristo." Estimates (or This Week BulTalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— "Cluny Brown" (20th) and "Rendez- vous 24" (20lh). Mild $13,000. La.st week, "Well Groomied Bride^' (Par) and "HiJt Cargo" (Par), bright $17,000. Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 40-70) —"One Move Tomorrow" (WB) (2d wk). Stout ■ $10,000. Last week, fancy $16,500. H pp (Shea) (2;i00; 40-70)-T"Well Grooined Bride"' (Pal-) "Hoi Cargo" (Par) (m.o.). Fair $8,500. Last week, "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and "Prison Ship" (Col),. hardy $11;000. Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— "Post- men Rings Twice" (M-G) (3d wk). Dull $5,000. Last week, neat $8,500. La(ayette (Basil) (3,300; 40-70)— "Night in Paradise" (U) and "Blonde Alibi" (U), Dandy $14,000. Last week, "Renegades". (Col) and "Talk About Lady" (Col), $13,000. 20th Century (20th Cent!) (3,000: 40-70) — "Wife of Monte Cristo'' (PRC) and "Club Havana" (PRC). Nice $12,000 or better. Last week, "Heartbeat" (RKO) and "Swing Parade 1946" (PRC) (2d wk), oke $7,500. . Heat Slows Cincy Gait But 'Casablanca' Brisk 18G; 'Street' Okay 14G Louisville, June 18 Summer temperatures are here and they're slowing up biz, particu larly oh Sundays wnen it hurts most In spite of heat, "Casablanca" is strong at .Loew's State. "Scarlet Street," at the Rialto, is not up to expectations but still okay. EsUmaUs (or ThU Week Brown (4th Ave.-Loew's) (40-60) —"Do You Love Mc" (20th) (m.o.) Very nice $5,000. Last week, "Kitty" (P^ir) (m.o.), $4,500. Kentnoky (Switow) (1,200; 30-40) — "Rainbow Over Texas" (Rep) and "Tars and Spars" (Col). Snappy $1,60(). Last week, "Adventure" (M-G) and "Idea Girl" (U), $1,700 Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 40- 60 )— "Night in Casablanca" ( UA ) and "Mysterious Intruder" (Col) Sprightly $18,000. Last week, "Post- man Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk) sub-norjnal $7,000. Mary -Anderson (People's) ' (1,100 40-60)— "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (2d wk). Slipping, off to medium $5,000. Last week, sturdy $9,000 on NaUonal (Standard) (2,400; 40-60) —"Hit the Hay" (Col) and vaude headed by Clayton McMichen': "Gesorgia Wildcats" split with "Sa murai" (Indie) and "Ecsta.sv \ Wilderness" (Indie). Excellent $8, 500. Last, week, "River Gang." (U) and Jack Gwynne Magic Show split with "Gold Mine in Sky" (Rep) and "Sun Valley Cyclone" (Rep), neat $6,000. Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 40 60)— "Scarlet Street" (U). None too lively, but oke $14,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th), medium $12,000, and m.o. Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400 40-60)— '•Badman's Territory" (RKO J (2d wk). Holding up well at neat $5,000 after initial week's solid .$8,500. Boston, June 18. Business., is on the' upbeat this week with "Do You I^vc Me" prov- ng a good draw ait the Metropolitan and "Night in Paradise" going strong ' at the Keith Memorial. Fair but cool weather is helping, and batch of new product also' is boasting the tnke . at most spots. Estimates for This Week Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— She Wrote the Book" (U) with Guy Lombardo' orch, Jpck Carter, Lynn Royce & Nitza, others, on stage. Neat $36,000. Last week, "Badman's Territory" (RKO) (2d wk) with Merry Macs, others, okay $21,0()0. Esquire (M-P) (1.200; $2,40)— Henry V" (UA) tilth wk). Fine $9,50() again.st $8,500 last week. Fenway (M-P) (1.375; 40-80)— Blue Dahlia" (Par) . and "Return of Rusty" (Col). Improved $10,000. Last week, "Cinderella Jones" (WB) and "In Old Sacramento" (Rep), $7,000, Majestic (Brand-Mage) (1,500; 40- 80)— "Young Widow" (UA), Trim $12,000. Last week, "Whistle Stop" (UA) and "Junior Prom" (Mono) 2d wk.), $8,000. Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 40-80)— Night in Paradise" (U) and " Dressed to Kill" (U), Sturdy $24,000. Last wecfk, "Heartbeat" (RKO ) and "Man in Grey" (U)'(2d wk), $22,000. MetropoliUn (M-P) (3,467; 40-80) -'•Do You Love Me" (20th) and Mysterious Intruder" (Col). Fine $28,000. Last week. "Blue Dahlia" . Par) and "God's (Country" (Indie) plus Dr. I. Q. on Monday nights. (2d wk), strong $24,000. Orpheum (Loew) (2.£00; '40-80)— Night in Casablanca" (UA) ai>d 'Mysterious Intruder" (Col ). Okay $24,000. Last week, "Postmnn Rings Twice^' (M-G) t2d wk). big $22,000. Paramount (M-P) (1.700; 40-80)^ Blue Dahlia" (P.ar) and . "Rieturn of Rusty" (Col). Not too big at $14,- 000. Last week, "Cinderella Jones" (WB) and "In Old Sacramento" (Rep), $12,000. SUte . (Loew) (3.200* 35-80)— 'N'ight in CasabLinci' (UA) and 'J^ysterious Intruder" (C()l). Aver- age $15,000 La-st week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk), $14,- 000. Translux (Translux) (900: SO-T-O— "Glass Alibi^' (Rep) and •Ghosts cn Loose" (Mono) (reissue). Good $5.- 000. Last week, "Valley of Zombies" (Rep) and "Face of Miublc ' (Mono), same; , Tremont (Brand-M;i;!c) (L.'iOO; 40- 80)— "Young Widow" iUA". .'vlodest $14,000. Last week, "Whistk Slop' (UA) and "Junior Prom'' (Mono) (2d wk.), $12,000. 'Cluny' Modest $15,700, Denver; 'Diary* Hot 15G Denver, June 18. Hot weather is denting biz at some flrst-run spots this week but four theatres will be okay. - Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74) — "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Dark Alibi" (Mono), after week at Denver, Esquire, Webber, Fine $4, 500. Last week, "Do You Love Me' (Continued on page 22) MPLS. STILL OFF BUT 'CORNER' GOOD AT 12G Minneapolis, June 18. Boxofflce trend here is still down- wards. New product lacks suffi- cient strength to curb the sea- sonal trend. The newcomers, "Dark Corner," "Well Groomed Bride" and "Badmari's Territory" are all doing well. Holdovers are far from being smash. Estimates (or This Week Aster (Par) (900; 25-35) — "Ren- dezvous" (20th) and "Glass Alibi" (Rep). Satisfactory $2,000 in 5 days. Last week, "Texas Jamboree" (Col) and "In Fast Company" (Mono), $1,- 800 in 5 days. Century (Par) (1,600; 44-70)— "Do You Love Me" (20th) (m.o.). After one Radio City week. Looks like mild $5,000. Last week, "Dragon- wyck" (20th) (2d wk), fairly good $6,500. Gopher (Par) (1.000; 44)— "Born (or Trouble" (WB) (reissue). Big $5,000. Last week, "House of Dracu- la" (U), $5,200; Lyric (Par) (1,100; 44-60)— 'Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (m,o.). Here after Urst week , at State, Okay $5,000. Last week, "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (3d wk), strong $5,000, Orpheum (RKO) (1,100; 44-70)— "Badman's Territory" (RKO). Climb- ing to .sock $14,000. Ponies given to ypuiigsters as prizes in newspapef contest. Last week, "One More To- morrow" (WB). $10,000. Radio City (Par) (4,000; 44-70)— "Well Groomed Bride" (Par). Fairly KOod $16,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th). $12,000. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1.600; 44-70)— "Perilous Holiday" (Col). Mild $4,000. Last week, "Heartbeat" (RKO) (2d wk), modest $5,000, . SUte (Par) (2,300; 44-70)— "Dark Corner" (20th), Good $12,000, Last week, "Bride Woie Boots" (Par), $11,000, Uptown (Par) (1,100; 44-50) — "Kitty" (Par). First nabe showing. Good $4,500. Last week, ':ZiegfeId Follies" (M-G), $3,500. World' (Par-Steffe.-.) (350; 44-80)—. "One More Tomorrow" iWB) (m.o.). Proflteble $2,500. Last week.' "De- votion" (WB) (2d wk), $2,000. WedneBdajr, June 19, 1946 PICTURE GROSSES 19 Outdoor Competish Hits Chi But W Wow 35G; IMurder -Ellington Chicago, June 18. • Biz okay, but the great outdoors is moving a mighty_ potent com- netuor, what with baW breezes fix:" ly and vacations cuWng in. First week ol "Kid from Brook- ivn" at the Woods, .however, looks Ifrone J35 000, and "Murder xn the Music Hair plus Duke Ellington band at the Oriental wUl do extra fliie $55,000. Other newcomers are "Heartbeat" - "Deadline at Dawn," Parace good $30,000; "Shock." .at Canuck, weak ^15.000, .and^^Man^an Grey." il Grand, so-so $15,000. Hold- overs arc only average. Kslirootes for This Week Apollo tB&K) (1.200; 65-95) — "Saratoea Trunk" (WB) (Uth week downtown): Lean $15,000. Last week, pert $17,000. Chicaio (B&K) (3,900; 65-95) - "Suspense" (Mono) with Belita, Jack Owens on sUge (2d wk). Fine $48,- 000. Last week, stout $55,000. Garrlck (B&K) (900; 65-95) — "Shock". (20th). Tepid $15,000. La.sl week "Bandit Sherwood Forest" (Coll (7lh wk), big $15,500. ' Grand (KKO) (1,150; 65-05)— "Man in Grey" (U) and "Journey Together" (Indie). So-so $15,000. Last week. "Badman's Territory" thKO) and "Dressed to Kill" (U) (m.o.J, scant $9,500. ' Oriental (Esisaness) (3,240; 65-95) —'Murder in Music Hall" (Rep) with Duke Ellington orch oh stage. Solid $55,000. Last week, "Hoodlum Saint" (M-G) with-<3onnee Boswell heading stage bill (2d wk), disap- pointinj; $27,000. PaUce (RKO) (2.500; 65-95)— "Heartbeat" (RKO) and "Deadline at Dawii" (RKO). Flashy $30,000. Last week. "Night in Paradise" (U) and "Truth About Murder" (RKO) (2d wjt). fairly good $22,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 65-95)— "Virginian" (Par) (3d wk). Trim $18,000. Last week, prime $24,000. SUte-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 65-95)— "Kitty" (Par) (2d wk). Good $33,- 000. Last week, handsome $40,000. Unllcd Artists (B&K) (1,700: 65- 95)— 'Gilda" (Col) (2d wk). Stout $29,000. Last week, towering $35,- 000. Woods (Es.saness) (1,200; 65-95)— "Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO). Wham .$35;000. Last week, "Tomor- row Is Forever" (RKO) (8th wk). down to $15,000. 'Widow' Rousing 1(G, Leads Cincy Cincinnati, June 18. Ovciall b.o. readings of major stand.s show no signs of summer complaint. Of the new bills, VYoung Widow" is leader with "Our Henrls , Were Growing Up" a slow gecond- place winner. "Runaround" also look.s pleasing. EsllmaUs fo.r This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 44-70) — jy„0""i; Widow" (UA). RoiLsiiiK fiB.m or near. Last week, "Heart- beat (RKO), "okay $14,000. CapUol (RKO) (2.000; 44-70> — Two Sisler.s From Boston" (M-G) •3d wk). Solid $9,000 after $10,500 second round. _ Grand (RKO) (1,430; 44-70) - RiJnaiound" (U). Pleasing $7,000. S'„ ''^^^"^ "Do You Love Me (20lh) (m.o.). ..n'*^"'''\ (United) (l.SOO; 44-70)— rnli"?,'.'^'„J*=r'"'t°''y'' and "Letter, fo' Evic (M-G). No dice at $3,500. Tm i /T''- , ^a''"* Corner" (2011)) *n).o.). fainsh $4,000. '■Hr.'.v." (2,600; 44-70) - erate "P" ^P"). Mod- T^.l-.*";?^"- Last week. "Badman's ^ Shul7 (RKO). hotsy $15,500. ■■Hr.o^n"'' ..'RKO). (2.100; 44-70) - 55"?u"'^",L (RKO) (m.o.'). AH right 'Adventure' 13G, Monti '■AHy-,s, ..Montreal. June 18. chanm n looks the fiioi'.'-o^ .ill over town. P.i,^''"^^?!** Thli Week enfh vM^^Vr."''"'°= 35-82)-"Sev. $1 000 . . (Eagle-Lion). Fairish ForevP,-' "Tomorrow U «cond\vcck^°^- Nice $10,000 for , (^T) (2.700; 35-62)- SPOUO ^'f^" (M-G). So-so vcnlui^"? /,S'^r.\^2,800; 35-67)-"Ad- wce " "T .Nice $13,000. Last -U' soc'kVlUSo"'^''"'^"'' 'un '&(>: 35-53)-"Tar- "Myslorin^?'? i^°'^3n" (RKO) and MiMcnous Intruder" (Col) (2d wk). Groues Are Niet Film, gross estimates, as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- out the 20% tax. Dist)ributors share on net take, when playing p^ercentage, hence, the estimated figures are net incotae. The -parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, in- clude the U.S. amusement tax. New Pix Fail to Help Pitt; IMary'lOG, 'Night' 12G,'Tarzan' Strong IIG Pittsburgh, June 18.' Spotty biz is . continuing locally with no. particular strength at most houses. Four new films biggest here in long time, but none is; smash. Best probably is "Tarzan, and Leopard Woman" at Warner, which has dropped out of moveover classiflca tion for the summer to relieve product.s backlog. Stanley is not so hoi witlv"Her Kind, of Man" and "Night In Paradise" is barely okay at Harris. Estimates (or This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-70)— "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA). Do ing little better than, house has done in recent weeks but still hot what this spot has t>ecome accustomed to lately. Looks around $10,000. Last wcijk. "Dark Corner" (20th), under $9,000. Hai'ris (Harris) (2,200; 40-70)— "Night In Paradise" (U): Okay $12.- 000 or near. Last' week, "Renegades" (Col). $11,000. Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 40-70)— "Kitty" (Par) (2d wk). Tapering oft to $15,500. "not too bad. Last week "Kitty" great $26,500.- BIti (WB) (800; 40-70)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (m.o.). Here after good fortnight at Stanley; will do over $4,000; good for this, small-scatcr. Last week, "Devotion" (WB). also third week m.o.. $3,200. Senator (Harri.s) (1,750; 40-79) — "Renegades" (Col) (m.o.). Average $3..300. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) after two weeks at Har- ris. $3,600. Stanley (WB) (3.800: 40-70)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB). Barely getting by at $17,000 or a bit over. Stays only one week. Last week, "Post- man" (M-G) (2d wk), sturdy $18,000. . Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— "tarzan Leopard Woman" (RKO). First of (irst-run pix^ for this more- over .site to ease product jam. E\r ccllcnt $11,000. Last week, "one More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.) weak $7,000. Heat Hurts St. Louis But 'Gilda' 17iG, 2d St. Louis, June 18. Continued high temperatures are again holding down big grosses, ".lanie Gels Married," at the big Fox. is in the top spot, but not .strong. "Gilda" is nearly as big on second week at Loew"s. "Cluny Brown" is average at the Arhbas- sador. Estimates for This Week Loew's (I.oew) (3.172: 44-65) — ■'Oilda': iCol) (2d wk). Fine $17,500 .-liter big $21,000 grabbed on first stanza. Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 44-65) — "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) a-nd "Just Before Dawn" (Col). Neat $13,000. List week. "Night in Casa- blanca" (M-G) and "Devil's Mask" (Col), good $8,500. Ambassador (F&M) (3.000; 44-65) —■'Cluny Bi-own" (20th) and "One Way to Love" (Col). Average $15,000. Last week. "Tomorrow Is Forever" (RKO) and "Dong Williams" (RKO). $18,000. Fo.\ (F&M) (5.000: 44-65)— "Jan ie Gets Married!" iWB) and "Junior Prom" (Mono). Only $20,000. Last week. "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and •■Perilous Holiday" (Col), just $22,- 000 in 11 days. Missouri (F&M) (3.500: 44-05)— "Night in Paradise" (U) and "Hoiise of Horror" (U). Fine $12,500. Last Week. "One More Tomorrow" (WB) and "Dark Corner" (20th). $9,000. SI. Louis (F&M) (4.000; 44-65)— "Soi)g of Arizona" (Rep) and "Ro niance of the West" (PRC). Fast $5,000. Last week, "My.sterious In truder" (Coll and "Glass Alibi iRep). $4,500. Balto Sloppy Albeit 'Renegades'- Vaudel4G Baltimore, June 18. Rather mild going here. Best in downtown sector, mostly holdovers, are newcomers, "Renegades," tied to vaude at the combo Hippodrome, and "Somewhere in Night," at the New. Rest of list is sluggish. Estimates for This Week Centory (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 60) — "Breakfast in Hollywood" (UA). Modest $11,000. Last week, Second of "The Postman Rings Twice" (M-G), $12,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 20-70) — 'Renegades (Col) plus vaude. Nice $14,000. Last week, sec- ond of "Heartbeat" (RKO) and vaude. okay $13,200. Keltb's (Schanberger) (2.460; 20- 60 — "Madonna of Seven Moons" (U) starts today (Tiies) after two weeks of "Well Groomed. Bride" (Par) at $8,700 and $11,200. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 25-55)— "In Old Sacramento" (Rep) (2d wk). Holding well at $3,500 after over average first round at $4,800. New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60) — "Somewhere in Night". (20th). Fair- ish $10,000. Last week, third of "Do You Love Me" (20th), modest $7,900. Stanley (WB) (3.280; 25-74)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (2d wk). Fairly good $9,000 after stout initial sesh at $13,700. ValencU (Loew's-UA) (1.860; 20- 60)— "Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (n).o.) Above average $5,500. Last week. "Gaslight Follies" (Indie), mild $3,600. " Nice $7,000 after strong $10,000 opener. Imperial (CT) (1.850; 25-45).^ "Walk in Sun" (20lh) and "Blonde Alibi" (U>. Fine $8,000. Last week "Just Before Dawn" (Col) and "One Wyy to.Lovc" (CoU, $5,000. Jones Ups 'Dawn ' Wow 466, Cleve. Cleveland, April 18. Hot June weather is hurting most spots this week. :Big exceiption is Palace, which is near a record with Spike Jones band plus "Deadline at Dawn." getting standees on flirst three days. "Night in Casablanca" at State, and "Cluny Brown." at Hipp are not so forte. Three major theatre circuits boosted «dmish scales during past v/eek. ' Estimates .for This Week Alien (RKO) (3,000; 55-70)— "Bad- man's Territory" (RKO) (m.o:). Lively $8,500. Last week, "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.), about same. Hipp (Warners) (3.700; 55-70)— "Cluny Brown" (20th). Thin $16,500. Last week. "Badman's Territory" (RKO), stout $21,000. Lake (Warners) (800; 55-70) — "One More Tomorrow" (WB) (m.o.). Pleasing $3,500 on thi^d downtown lap. Last week. "Her Kind of Man" (WB) (m.o.), $3,300. Ohio (Loew's) (1,200; 50-75) — "Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G) (m.o.). Sock $7,500 after two great weeks at State. Last week. "In Old Sacraniento" (Rep), $6,000. Palace (RKO) (3,700; 60-95) — Deadline at Dawn" (RKO) plus Spike Jones orch on stage. Biggest opening in years, with Spike's City Slickers hypoing combo to terrific $46,000. Last week, "Pei-ilous Holi- day" (Col) with Carmen Cavallaro orch. -smash $42,000. SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 50-75) — 'Night in Casablanca" (UA). Mod- erate $18,000. Last week. "Two Sis- ter.s Boston" (M-G) (2d wk), still smart $17,000. Stillman (Loews) (2,700; 50-75)— "Diai-y of Chambermaid" (UA). Off to $B.00O. after walloping $16,000 last week. N. Y. StiD SiMtty; W-(x)pa Revue Brisk 86G But 'ianie -Hawkms Only OK45G:'OunyDownto2SG,3dWk. Although . this past weekend and Monday (17) were better on the whole than the same days a week back, business in the downtown New York film showshops averages up disappointingly. A large number of holdovers is partly to blame but some compare favorably with the last week; in fact, two grinds will be better. Heading new bills is Roxy's "Somewhere in Night." with the Copacabana Revue on stage. While short of terrific, . house finished initial seven days last night (Tu.cs.) at .a strong S86,000. Only three other shows ' came m, one being "Janic Gets Married," which hit the Strand Friday (14) with the Erskine Haw- kins band on stage. Not more than about $45,000 is sighted, considerably under recent house average. State is oh second-run with "Post- man Always Rings Twice" and; in person, among others, Menasha Skulnik arid Renee de Marco. Pros- pects are sanguine for a very robust $35,000 or near. Little Rialto will get by okay at $8,000 with "Inside Job." On Monday night (17) "Henry V." a J. Arthur Rank — produced- English film, began a twice-daily run at the City Center at $2.40 top under The- atre Guild sponsorship. United Art- ists is releasing the pictiire in the U. S. Opening night, largely in- vitational, was capacity. Among holdovers, very powerful is "Two Sisters From Boston." \vith the Ritz Bros., Grade Barrie and Buddy Morrow orch on stage. Cur- rently in the second week at the Capitol, a terrific $105,000 likely will be struck. Final (4th) week of "To Each His Own" at the Music Hall wfll be about $115,000. still exceptionally strong. "Anna and the King of Siam." bought from 20tlv-Fox a long time _ ago. opens here tomorrow (Thurs.). - Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1.300: 70-$1.40)— ''Kid From Brooklyn" (RKO) (9th wk). Remains well in the profit column at indicated $29,000 this week. Eighth was $32,000. Capitol (Loew's) (4.820: 60-$l. 10) —"Two Sisters from Boston" (M-G). with Ritz. Bros., Gracie Barrie and Buddy Morrow orch ; on stage (2d wk). Continues at a sock pace, with $105,000 sighted on. initial holdover, session. Last week was close to all- time high at $109,300. Criterion' iLoew's) (1.700: 60-$1.25) — ""Lover Come, Back" lU) opens here today after two light weeks with "Night in Paradise"' (U). first having been slightly over $20.000,. second $16,000. Globe (Bral)dt) (\.!>00: 80-$i:50)— "Make Mine Music" (RKO) (9lh- final wk). Picked up pace for prob- able $18,000 or over, good, on blow- off, while last Week was $17,500. "Diary of Chambermaid" lUA) moves in Saturday (22). Gotham (Brandt) (900: 80-$1.50) — "O.S.S." (Par) (4th wk). Pulling extremely well, with fine $27,000 in view, better than third week s $25,- 000. Hollywood (WB) (1.499: 80-$I.10) —"Stolen Life" (WBl (8th wk). Finished seventh round last night (Tues.) at good $25,500. near to previous week's $27,800. Remains un- til end of July, under present plans. Palace (RKO) (1.700; 60*$1.20) — "Without Reservations" (RKO) (2d wk). Tliough- not big at the b.o., holding up well at $27,000 currently Initial seven days was $28,500. Holds further. Par«moant (Par) (3.664; 70-$1.20) —"Bride Wore Boots" (Par), filcu Gray, orch and Louis Jordan's Tym- pany Five (3d-final . wk) . Not , an outstander here but suitable profit at $60,000 on . second frame ended last night (Tues.). First finished at $70,000. Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- lers) (5,945; 70-$1.25)— "To Each His Own" (PaW and stagcshow (4th- final wk). Will exit with about $115,000 to its credit, exceptionally fine. Last week hit $120:000. "Anna and King of Siam" .('20th) opens to- rnorrow (Thurs. ); Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— "Inr side Job" (U). Fair enough $8.- 000 likely. Last .week. 'Shadow of Doubt" (U) (reiss'.iei ended up at $7,000. RlvoU (UA-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.23) —"Cluny Brown" v20th) (3d wk). Coivtinues to disappoint at around $25,000 this week. The second wound up at only $29,000. Boxy; (20th) (5,886; 90-$1.20)— "Somewhere in Night" (20th) and • Copacabana Revue on stage (2(i wk). Short of sockful but strong at $86,- 000 on first week ended last night (Tues.). Final five; days on third ■ week of "Do You Love Me?" (20th) and Count Basic orch was $53.000.. less than anticipated. SUte- (Loew'a) (3.-450 ; 43-$1.10)— "Postman Rings Twice!' (M-G) (2d run), with Menasha Skulnik and Renee de Marco, others, in person. A virile $35,000 or near seen. Last week, "Tangier" (U) (1st run). Les Elgart orch and Pat Ropney on stage, was very disappointing at only $20,000. Strand (WB) (2.750; 75-$1.20)— "Janie Gets Married" (WB) and Erskine Hawkirts orch. Failing to show speed at only about $45,000 but okay profit, and holds. Last week, ttiird for "One More Tomor- row" (WB) and Tommy Tucker orch was slender $30,000. VIctorU (Maurer) (720; 70-$1.20) —"Badman's Territory" (RKO) (3d wk). Holding up remarkably well at $20,000. stout. Last week was $21,000. Holds. Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- $1.50)— "She Wrote the Book" (U) opens here today (Wed.) after a poor 13-day run with "The Rtmaround" (U), final six days being $10,000, . initial week $17,000. Det. Spotty, listers' Lusty 18G; 'Bascomb' Big 'Widow' Lofty 16G Detroit. June 18. Holdovers are slowing biz pace this session, and trade is fairly spotty. - "Young Widow." ''Bad Bas- comb" and "Two Sisters From Bos- ton" look best newcomers, both bring strong. "Somewhere in -the Night" is rated only fair. Esllmales tor This Week United Artists (United Detroit) (1.841: 60-85) — "Two Sisters From Boston" (M-G) and "Letter for Evie" (M-G). Strong $18,000. Last week. "This Day Forward" (RKO) and "Truth About Murder" (RKO). solid $22,000. Palms-Slate (United Deti"oit) (2.- 976; 60-85)— ""'Bad Bascomb" (M-O) and "Gay Blades" (Rep). Big $26.- 000. La.st week. "Saratoga Trunk" iWB) and "'College Queen" (Par) 1 4th wk), good $16,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4.034; 60-85 1 — "Postman Rings Twice" (M-Gi and '"Gay Cavalier" iMono) (2d wk). Strong $25,000. La.st week same setup $33,000.- fox c Fox -Michigan) (4,049; 60-85) —"Gilda " (Col) and "Night Editor" (Col) (3d wk). Okay $18,000. Last week, stout $27,000. Broadway - CapUol (United De- troit) (3,000: .60-85) — ■"Yo(in« Widow" (UA) and '"Don't Gamble"' (Mono). Lofty $16,000. Last wce!^. "Badman's Territory"' ; (RKO) and "Strange Voyage' (Mono) (3d wk), fine $14,000. Adams (Balaban) (2.863; 60-85)— '"Somewhere in Night"' (20th ) and "Yank in London" (20th). Fair $1.5.- 000. Last week. "Dragon wyck ".' 1 20th) (2d wk) and "Out of Depths" tCol). $12,000. Dowtown (Balaban) (2,683: 65-95) —"Cat Creeps ' (U) with John Cal- vert and rriagic show,. Three Acro- inaniaes, Roy Davies and Grace Mc- Donald oh stage. Tepid ' $19,000. Last week. "Notorious Lone Wolf" (Col) with Ray Kinney orch. Chester Morris, othws, on stage, rousing $3l.U00. Madison (United Detroit) il.85B; 40-55)— "Sailor Takes Wife'' (M-G) and "Masquerade in Mexico " nr). Oke $3,000 in 3 days. Last week. "Whistle Stop" (UA) afld "Tars and Spars' (Col), good $2,500 in 3 days. Philly Torrid, So Is 'Dahlia; 40G Philadelphia, June 18. Heavy exod(Ls to the shore over the weekend is cutting into the biz picture in Philly. Despite this, topr notch product is doing okay. Chief money -getters are "Blue Dahlia" and "Cluny Brown"' among the new- comers. Surprise of the week is re- vival of "Pinnochio" snaring a heavy play at the Keith's. Estlmales for This Week Aldlne (WB) (1.300; 40-85)— "this Day Forward" (RKO) (2d wk). Pale $9,500. Opener fair $13,500. Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 40-85)— "Her Kind of Man" (WB) (2d run) (4 days). So-so $3,500. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk" (WB). fine $6,000 for second run. Boyd.(WB) (2..'150; 40-85)— "Spiral Staircase" (RKOi (2d wk). Good $22,500: Opening, week, ijrcal $27,- 500. Earle (WB) (2.700; .40-85)— "Post- man Rings.Twice" (M-G) (2d wk). Husky $29,000. Last week, boft $38.- 5C0. Fox (20th) (21250; 40-85)— "Cluny Brown" (20th). Neat $27,000. Last week, "Do You Love Me" (20th) mild $14,500 on third week. Karltan (Goldman) (1,000; 40-85) —"Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (2d run). Fairish $7,000. Last week, "To- morrow Is Forever" (RKO), ditto for second week second run. Keith'ii (Goldman) (2.200; 40-85)-^ ■Pinocchio" (RKO) (reissue). Bang- up $13,000. Last week. "Hoodl'um Saint" (M-G), $4,800 on second run. Mastbanm (WB) (4.387; 40-85)- "Blue Dahlia" (Par). Hot $40,000. Last week. "One More Tomorrow" (WB) n.s.h. $17,500 second sesh. Stanley (WB) (2.950; 40.-85)— "So Goes My Love' (U). Only $12,000. Last week. "Two Sisters From Bos- ton" (M-C). oke $16,500 on third week. SUnton IWB) (1,475: 40-85) — "Perilous Holiday"" (Colt. Thin $8,000. Last week, "Tangier" (U). $8^500*' 14 Weduestlay, June 19, 1946 JESSE L. LASKY and WALTER MacEWEN present CLAUDETTE COLBERf JOHN WAYNE in MERVYN LeROY'S production of with DON DeFORE ANNE TRIOLA and Miss LOUELLA PARSONS Produced by JESSE L. LASKY Screen Play by ANDREW SOLT i WcdncBday, June 19, 1946 15 — and the Wormest romcmtfc icomecty lever to detigHt record ^rowdslThe startling ; ddventiire$ of a girl in,o Puilniart predicomeiit otid of her two-rnaci re^cii e jparty, intlodifig the hqndsdrtie Stranger of such amazing amatory action! 16 PICrVRES Wednesday, June 19, 1946 Absenteebi as Bad in Theatres, I^x Offices. Etc., as in Wartime In some industry quprters it is* declared that abseiitceism is as bad «s it was during the war years when lielp was difficult to get while in others much concern is felt over the fact that the number of absen- tees appears to be steadily increas- ing. This includes homeoffices, film exchanges and theatres. Situation has reached the poihl where one company has placed visit- ing nurses on its payroll. While this is partly with a view to aiding any- one who is legitimately sick, it's Blyo a means of checking on people who report themselves ill but aren't. Same company also checks with doctors to determine status of any- one on (he sick list. One other dis- tributing organization is considering a similar plan. Pointed out by the executive of one of the larger film outfits that absenteeism seems to be more ram- pant among hewer employees who are less interested in their jobs than others. This same higher-up also points out that there are so many jobs floating around these days that a lot of lesser employees- have -bCT come independent and take time off without fcai of the consequences. In one of the. film exchanges, the office rnanager finally: became skep- tical of a certain employee reporting sick too often. He had, her followed from home and found' she was going around to employment agencies ' seeking a better job. Theatres continue to have a lot of trouble with ushers and other help on which the turnover is still great. They, too, are being careful about docking or firing anyone los- ing more than a reasonable amount of working time. DeMille Gets Museum Pieces for Costumer Hollywood, Junie 18. Deal for the use of early Ameri- can statistics was closed by Cecil B. DeMllIc with' the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. . Historical items, never Used in fllms.to date, will be inserted into the DeMille production, "The Un- conqu*red," for. which background sequences are now being shot in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. MINN. AMUS. FOLLOWS TREND IN PRICE HIKE Minneapolis, June IS. . Following the lead of a number of independent exhibitors in. and. out of the Twin Cities, the Minne- sota Amus. Co. (Paramount) is rais- ing its admission prices in every situation from a nickel to a dime starting this weekend. Loop first- run admissions in Minneapolis and St. Paul will jump .from CO to 70c, including tax, for the "A" houses, A few weeks ago, John J. Friedl, president of the company, had re- iterated his stand for keeping ad- mission prices at the present level "until such a time as the inflationary trend reaches a stage where sucK advances are made necessary." He now says that the recent rapid rise in costs compels the boosts. Approximately 30 Minneapolis and St. Paul and out-of-town in- dependent exhibitors preceded Min- nesota Amus. Co, in upping their ad- mission prices from a nickel to a dime, the action having been taken when the Paramount chain refused to yield to independent pressure to take the lead in boosting scales. Now it's certain that all independ- ents will fall into line and follow suit in tilting. In Redwood Falls, Minn., for ex- ample, Don Buckley raised the scale in his "A" house from 40 to 50c, including' tax.. Independents in Brainerd, Worlhirigton and l,a Verne, Minn., also raised. Neighborhood house admissions' in St. Paul and Minneapolis, generally, will go from 35 to 40c. Attributes Kid Vandalism To Nervousness Caused By Some Actors, Fdms Des Moines, June 18. A 12-year old sprout in. junior highschool' in Dubuque, iowa, has decided to make theatre vandalism his "project," which indicates it may even include Hollywood as evidenced in a quote from the moppet follow- ing one of the city-wide forums on the subject of theatre vandalism by kids. According to Daryl Koch, a sey enth-grader in Jefferson juriior high at Dubuque, ''the actors 'iti certain types of pictures drive us to fight, run around, carve our names on the seats, cut the upholstery and other, things." He attributed this to the restlessness caused them by these pix. Said Koch: "Some of the children find even the comedies 'diimb.' All agreed that 'crime doesn't pay' pic- tures make them 'nervous and jit- tery," so we are afraid to. go home alone in the evening." Koch personally canvassed 49 of his ' fellow seventh-sraders, 46 of whom admitted to attetiding the the- atre frequently — "because our par- ents wanted to. get rid of us. for ari afternoon or evening." 3 Stuntmeii Injured Duringr DeMille Pic Pittsburgh, June 18 Harry Cordell, Hollywood slunt- man doubling for Gary Cooper in Par's "Unconquered," and two others, Wayne Leathers, also from coast, and Henry Wills, returned for picture locally, were badly in- jured Saturday X16) while doing lo- cation stuff on new Cecil B. De- Mille production at nearby Cook's Forest. Men were hurt while film- ing a scene which called for them l<>...^winB from their horses, grab onto a limb and disappear into the tree foliage. Instead, they landed in a hospital. Cordeli . received a back injury. Wills a broken left .arm and Leathers a pulled tendon. Accident will further dielay departure of "Un- conquered^' crew for Hollywood; work's already been< held up for more than a week because of bad weather. ^ Experimental Theatre — Continued from page 1 'Modem Times^ trial Agam Postponed in N.Y. Plagiarism suit against Charles Chaplin and United Artis-ts. hanging fire since 1937, was again left in mid- air last week with failure of the plaintiff to appear for examination. Charge, made by Films Sonore Tobis, a prewar French outfit, is that Chaplin's "Modern Times" (UA) was pirated from "A Nous La Li- _berte," written and produced by "Rene Clair in. 1932. George Lourau, prcz of Sonore, who brought the suit, was originally slated to. appear for examination June 5, . 1939. A postponement was granted, however, and with the start of the war he went into the French army. Last word received by O'Brien, Driscoll Si Raftery, defend^ Ing the suit, was that Lourau was "somewhere in the Maginot Line." That led to a whole series of fur- ther postponementsi last of which expired last week without Lourau'^ appearance. S. j. Kmgman Special Field Rep for Goldwyn Policy of indie producers expand- inj; their own sales forces continued last week with appointmeint of Saul J. Krugman as special field sales rep in the east for Samuel Goldwyn Production!;. Al Suchman was liamed to a similar job several weeks ago by Arthur Sachson, general salss manager for Goldwyn.. Krugman will h.q. in Philly, cov- ering that city, Washington, Pitts- burgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Suchman covers New York, Boston, Buffalo, Albany, ' New daven and Canada.. Formerly with United Artists and 20th-Fox, Krugman had last been eastern salesmanager for Ben Bogeaus. Canada's Fix Head Denies Red Tinge "Toronto, June 18. After charges were denied that the hat was passed around the. head office of the ' National Film Board for . the legal defense of Canadian government employees charged with giving atomic bomb secrets to Rus- sia, the first clear picture -of what the National Film Board is and what it is .doing was given by. the Hon. Brooke Claxton, chairman of NFB. Claxton said -there .were 73r em- ployees on the National Film Board, payroll in Canada and 20 in the U. S. Since the resignation over a year ago of John Grierson as com- missioner, the post has been filled by Ross McLean, although, latter is not a member of the board as yet. Under questioning, Claxton said that NFB offices had been estab- lished in New York, Chicago and Washington early in 1943. He denied that NFB had distributed Russian films depicting collective farming and collective health services in that country during the last five years. Ad-Pix Nosedive Continued from page 7 . studio shelves, no new authorizations have started them on their way to the . caimera. A go-ahead signal has been promised by the agencies as soon as a turn in economic condi tions warrant it but there's no Sign of that in the immediate future execs say. Meanwhile jiecond quarter of the year's orders for new production has dwindled to the point of a $5,000,000 year. Repercussions have already been felt in the labs where commer cial raw.stoek orders are at their lowest ebb since 1935. One exec ex- pressed the general wail in the in- dustry by predicting: "We'll all be playing gin rummy in August unless something changes the picture." Decline is first in many years of mushrooming commercial produc- tion. Prior to Pearl Harbor, the take from filming industrials climbed steadily until in '41 a top $15,000,000 business was Stored. Wartime . de- mands skyrocketed prpdiiction of in- dustrials, mainly of instructional, genre, with the industry completing a minimum of 5,000 films during the war years. Production continued to mount following. V-J day, with '46 highly toiiled as the banner year, until the current snag cropped up. NFB ill Limelight at Mont'l . Montreal, June 18. Canada's three info services— Na- tional Film Board, Canadian Infor- mation Service and CBC — already cited at the spy trials in connection with staffers involved, were again in the limelight last week at the trial of Fred Rose, Communist mem ber of parliament, charged with conspiring with Russian agents to secure secret war information. This time NFB was singled out The crown prosecutor is looking for Freda Linton, who was on John Grierson's secretarial staff when he headed the . NFB. Grierson quit some time ago. This film body itself often has been charged with being infiltrated with communists. NFB also came in for mention a a few days previously, when Igor Gouzenko, prosecution witness and former Russian embassy clerk, who obtained the. allegedly incriminating papers froin embassy files, stated that he lifted the documents from the files while the embassy staff was attending a screening of a NFB film oh Sept. 5, 1945. Edward Mazerall, fo.rmer CBC engineer, is already serving a four- year term for spying, and Gordon Lunan.. a staffer with Canada's War Information Board (converted to CIS after V-J Day), is now await ing trial on spy charges. One of the Red documents sup- po.'icdly lifted by Gouzenko claimed Grierson himself was contacted to wo.rk with the Russians, but . he re fused. 'Way' Reissue in Spring "Going My Way" (Par) will prob- ably be resold as a . reissue next spring. It was originally released in February, 1944, Reissuance this fall is ruled out because of cpnflict with "Blue Skies (Par), in which Bing Crosby also appears. Latter is slated for release Sept. 27. This past winter "My Way" was not available for repeats because of Cr"siiv's "Bells of St. Mary's" (RKO). . cct of Theresa Helburn, co-adminis- trator of the Theatre Guild— is in the formative stage yet, but has met the enthusiastic approval of vprious legit toppers with whom it has been dis- cussed. Essentially the plan covers experi- mental plays that are too"non-com- mcrcial" to be done on Broadway under present costs of operation. The productions would be done under special arrangemenl-s, .with conces- .■sions from various .industry factors on costs, fees, etc, Tlie theatre would Joe managed by an administrative board that would include representatives . from . all branches of the industry, with a di- rector chosen by them to run the project. Should the plays be done commercially subsequently, there would be a scheme for retroactive full-scale pay to various unions or participants, the feeling being that the rights of labor always have lo be protected. Legit In a Rul The theatre, according to Miss Hel- burn and her supporters, is in a rut today. Less plays- are being done yearly as more flops occur, „and writers and producers become dis- couraged. Opporturiity to see plays is shrinking steadily, with fewer the- atres available. Legit, for selfish rea- sons, must take an unselflsh step, co- operating to provide what in the long run should be a great . stimulus to the development of new, needed talent— an experimental theatre. Miss Helburn is properly suited to make the suggestion, because of the Guild's own work in this direction years ago. In its early days the Guild did special productians on Sunday nights, such as "The Cloister," "John Hawthorne," "Morn to Midnight," and others. . "Morn" ran two Sunday nights, and then for special matinees for total of eight performances because it was so well received. It was the first excursion of the new expres- sionism form in America, and it stim- ulated \J. S. playwrights to similar plays, as in Elmer Rice's "The Add- ing Machine" and John . Howard Lawson's "Processional." ..Today's Costa "Morn to Midnight" had 11 scenes and cost only $2,000 to produce. To- day it iwould cost $30,000 to $40,000 to. put on an 11-scene show by pres- ent Broadway production costs. The Guild had to halt its Sunday experi- ments due to Ekjuity rulings on re- hearsal pay, two-week salary guar- antees, etc. The Guild sponsored some young talent who put . on '"Hie Garrick Gaieties," which ' went on subse- quently for a commercial run. A venture like the "Gaities" today would be frustrated from the. start, by current theatre regulations. Miss Helburn feels that today's experimental theatre plan is bigger than the Guild, and should be a plan of the industry proper, with the Dramatists Guild and/or Equity spearheading the movement. Fin- ancing is a simple matter. Already, private individuals have made of- fers of money, but Miss Helburn thinks this is also an industry re- sponsibility. Suggestion has been made to her that producers Of successful Broad- way plays set aside 1% of their weekly gross, after their production costs have been recouped, as a the- atre fund. Fund would finance pro- ductions, cover administrative ex- penses, even subsidize promising playwrights. Plan's advocates point out that in N.Y.; center of creative dramatic art in America, there is no expei'l- mental theatre. England has several, such as the Gate theatre.- There is no place on Broadway for a youitg director to try his hand; he has to go off to the little theatres or the strawhats. .Where the Lurits developed Ihrir great acting talent by playing every type of part, there is no such oppor- tunity today for the young actor. As commercial costs have mounted, long runs have become more important, lessening chances of actors doing many roles. The plays the Guild put on years ago for the the Lilints, like "Goat Song" and "Juarez and Maximilian," couldn't be done tor day 'because of the . costs and the prospect of limited runs. . MisS'Helburn points out thai pres- ent repertory plans of various BroadNvay group's are most praise- worthy, but that their purpose is mainly to revive classics, rather than encourage new playwrights. Equity's I Library Theatre productions of re- vivals are similarly aimed in a dif- ferent direction, ' . r An experimental theatre is needed in N. Y., according to Miss Helburn, becaiisc the theatre is a great ait and needs constant nourishing. If we try to. limit its source of experiment, she; says, we're cutting off its blood at its roots. • Why Not In Peacetime? Her supporters ask why, when the the industry could get together in wartime, through a. Theatre Wing, unitedly to help the war effort, the industi-y. can't cooperate in peace- time for its own ultimate benefit. By cutting off chanciss of experiment in the theatre, they say, its various branches are limiting their ultimate chances of livelihood. . Stagnation in the N.Y. theatre is apparent, with a'*greater number of theatres now opierating in such citivs as London, Paris. and Moscow. Other entertainment Industries have repre- sentative groups, like the film's Mo- tion Picture Assn., looking after its combined interests. Or tlicy have research laboratories, like radio's experiments in tele, etc., developing , ideas. and personnel for tomorrow. . Other industries have employer- employee, combinations with joint fluids for schools, training, welfare, etc.; as witness the needle trades, Only ■ Broadway, . they say, has no laboratory, creating for the future. Minors Hit Hard — Contlnaed from page i — will now be able to operate the house itself, bidding for Universal, Paramount, 20th-Fox, United Artists, etc. product, since those studios do not own theatres in Waishington. . D of J admits that ihe distribulpi-.s must be given additional time to ad- just to auction selling and will not stand in the way of the companies getting that, it is understood. Federal courts, one Government spokesman pointed out, do not nor- inally stay an entire decree pending appeal to higher tribtinals. In the Crescent and Schlne theatre chain cases, for example, the district courts allowed stays only on dives- titure, but ordered the other pro- visions into effMt Immediately. With appeals by both the majors and Justice D^artment assured in the New York motion picture de- cree, best estimate here is that no phases of the decree will go fully ' into effect before September at the earliest. It will probably be up- wards of a year before anything is done about the most important provisions. Anti-Trust Division spokesmen figure it will probably be early fall before the three-man expediting court enters its final judgment. Court will probably enter a pre- liminary judgment next month, af- ' ter which it will receive motions from both the government and film firms for amendments. These will have to be studied and acted upon in advance of final judgment. In view of the fact that the im- portant provisions will be carried to the Supreme Court on appeal (Circuit Court will be skipped), stays are expected to be granted by Ihe N. Y. tribunal on some of them to maintain a status quo pending final decision. Best guess here is that it will take a year or more be- fore the Supreme Court gives its last word on the subject. New Distribs Continued . from page i door to a Ciovernment move jlb add the offending company to the suit, as a defendant. Lawyers for the smaller com- panies have no fear that the couit Avoiild nix theatre buys because. Ihcy say,, these transactions would fui- thcr ihe competitive situation ra- ther, than restrict it. Proposed df- cree terms, in this regard, provide that a defendant will not be ic- .<;liaiiicd from theatre expansion where it jiermits the company "lo enter a competitive field." Opinion of the court, though specifically, addressed to the major defendants named, was oi>viously in- tended to apply to the entire indus- try including the smaller companies it is said. Selling practices which are n. g. for the top outfits are also out for the leisser companies. De- cision puts the indiistry on notice and any attempt by rion-defendanls to go their own way would inevitably, lend the Dep't of Justice to an ap- plication to bring the offender into court and subject it to decree strictures, lawyers maintain. VedneBday, June 19, 1946 ^ f'^RllS lf Y _17 (And another CAPitol (N- Y.) smash hit, repeating its nation- wide triumph!) M-6-M FEATHERS YOC/R NEST/ 18 PICTURES Wednesday, June 19, 1946 Argentina's Fibn Producers Swing Into Activity as Film Dearth Fades Buenos Aii'cs, June 4. Now that tlic stagnation in Aifien- llnas film industry, caused by the deaith of raw r.tock, ha;; been swept aside, a new crop of production xniils is beginning to sail into Ihe job of making more r.iid better ,pix. First of the new • units is Prpduc- liir, y Artistas dc America," with iis afl'iliate Films Andes of Men- ■jloza. Don Juan B. Bariiia is prexy, and Alberto de Zavrtlia is to be director general in "charge of pror duction. First production us already under way with Delia Garces (Mrs. Al- berto dc Zavalia); Susahita Freyrc, surlet who has been climbing fast; and Estebari Serrador- in the. leads/ Story has the love's of the poet Becquer as its theme. PAA, as it is to be called,, has made a deal with Lumiton, to lease Its studios at Munro, until' its own are ready. Company has Pedro Lo- pez Lagar under contract, on loan from Argentina. Soho Film, to do Ibsen's "John Gabriel Bjorkman." The aftiliation with Andes Films, a Mendoza unit, is part of a plan to make the Andean wine-producing province of Mendoza the Hollywood of South America. PAA has' cabled a record bid to screen star Libertad Lamarque, cur- rently in Mexico, for a musical. La marque left Argentina with no. in tention of returning for several years. Bridgeport Murder Case For de Rochemont's Next Bridgeport. June 18. Louis deRochemont of 20th-Fox has bceii here for local look-see in ad- vance of filming of a !;emi-docu- mcntary, similar to '•House on 92nd j St.," to be based on the still un- ' solved Bridgeport murder case of , Father Dahmc in the '20's. .■ Unique twi.st, in which state's at- torney, later U: S. Atty. Gen. Homer Gummings, changed his mind about a seemingly certain suspect, was featured in recent Reader's Digest piece. Richaj-d Murphy \vill write sex'eenplay. Walter Huston and John Hpdiak are slr.ted for leads in picture. De- Rochemont plans some locatioii shooting in Bridgeport this summer. Statistics On Pix, Radio, Books BILL DOZIER INKS WITH INTERNAT'L AS VEEPEE Hollywood, June 18, Bill Dozier, former production chief at BKO, inked a new contract with International as viceprcsident and member of the board of di- rectors. Under Dozier's supervision arc t h r e e productions: ■"Ashendcn," "The Egg and; I" and "Peabody's Mermaid." Gangster fix ' Continued .from i>aec } , JOHNSTON'S EAST-WEST ADMEN IN COAST MEET Gordon White, advertising code administrator in New York for. the Motion Picture Association, and around > whose rulings Howard Hughes' current court battle on "The Outlaw" is being fought, left last week for fortnight of confabs with Johnston office colleagues on the Coast He's huddling with his opposite number in Hollywood, Simmon Levy, ad code boss there, and Jo- .seph I. Breen, head of the Produc- tion Code Admini.stration. Talks, timed to coincide with meetings of Eric Johnston, MPA chief, and company heads in Hollywood, are for the purpose of generally ■ align ing aims and rules on the two coasts. Sam Marx Confers In Wash, on A-6oinb Pic Sam Marx, Metro producer on "The Beginning or the End," story of the atom bomb, is in Washington this week conferring with GovernT ment officials on the film. Marx has been commuting regularly between live Coast and Washington since he was first handed production reins on the picture, checking each stage in production with top government execs. He's due. iat the home office this weekend, where he'll huddle with Metro chiefs on the picture. Carey Wilson, Metro producer who turned out "Bikini— "The Atom Island," a short on the Pacific atoll where next month's A-bomb tests will be held, returned to the Coast yesterday ('Tuesday) after 1,0 days at the h.o. and in Washington. Short, which was released Saturday (15), will serve as advance publicity lov the Metro feature, as well as offer- ing the public much-needed info on "Operation Crossroads." Figures in the surv*y. contained in . "People and Bodks" $10 book by Henry C. Link and Harry Hopf, were correcteid recently when a film company executive called attention to aii error regarding time .spent at picture theatres. Re-check . by . the Psychological Corp. revealed that of 480 people who admitted attending a film theatre in. the survey, spent an average of 2 hours and 33 minytes daily at picture houses. It was pointed out by the picture company official that the original figures used in the book, showed the average time spent at a film theatre to be only 18 minutes. How- ever, the misdirection in the' re- port's findings apparently w'as con- tained in the fact that "average time spent" was figured not only for' the 480 out 4,000 persons who at- tended a theatre but also for the 3,520 people who did not go to . the cinema. - "The Psychological Corp. actually conducted - the survey, but it's not clear whether the error was made by it or the authors. ■ ■ The book, which is a study of reading and book -buying habits, as well as a survey of public's recrea- tion habit's, showed 21% of the 4,000 interviewed read a book "yesterday" and spent about 62V& minutes doing so. With the corrected compilation, pictures rank first in the amount of time spent daily per person for recreation. Radio was next with one hour and 54 minutes and books, third. Magazines and newspapers followed next in order. However, time allotted for radio, was rated as contrary to the gen- erally accepted figure in the radio industry With Eve" and ''100 Men and a Girl," both (luffs. Strangest of all was the sending of. "Devil and Daniel Web- ster" for foreign auds who have lit- tle knowledge of U. S. history. Meanwhile, authorities have- re- fused to permit the showing of Charlie Chaplin's "Great Dictator" in Germany and Austria. Although there are several prints in Europe which have been sho.wn privately to Russian officials, the State Depart- ment didn't feel the film "psychploglr cally proper" for either conquered or liberated audiences. Reports that Chaplin didn't want the film shown to Gernjanic audiences have not been conHriT>ed. In any case, with a propaganda tool as strong as pix. State Depart- ment authorities are painting a sad picture of the American ''liberators." $1,113,035 for McCarey Continued from page 2 Chaplin Denies Hollywood, June 18. Statements, from. Army informa- tion control officials in Germany that Chaplin was unwilling to show "The Great Dictator" to Germans at any time were denied by Chaplin's film booker, William Gooding. Latter stated the Army was in control of all motion pictures and- makes all deci- sions as to what will be screened in Germany. • Gooding said- as soon as the Army asks for a print of 'The .Great Dic- tator" it will be supplied' and added that "The Gold Rush" currently be- ing exhibited in Germany was so well received that 10 more prints were irecently requested. Industry Groggy Who Playj FDR? Hollywood, Jime 18. Who will play the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.in. "The Beginning Or the End" is still an atomic secret, but the best bet today is that Walter Huston will get the job, if Metro can arrange a hiatus in his scenes for "Summer Holiday." If that can't be worked out; a second choice is Thonias Mitchell. Stromberg Inks Garnett Hollywood, June 18.. Hunt Stromberg inked I'ay Gar- nett to a two-pictut'e deal as pro- ducer-director, starting with "White Jade," -which will be filmed at Gen- eral Service studios for United Artists release. Currently Garnett is directing 'The Big Haircut," a tale of the western wheat fields, at Paramount. ' Continued froip. page ( s by-: playing it regardles of its pre- vious reception; critical arid finan- cial. The tinrie-honored plea to. an cxhib to play a floperoo -with the argument "string' along with us on this one and we'll make it up to you" won't carry water because dis- trib gratitude can't be expressed in dollars and cents. Consequently, execs argue that the "costly dogs" arc heading for an even bigger fall. K.Q. Sales Practices Decision poses some hard-to- answer puzzlers on a number of current sales practices. Habit ' of permitting adjustments on pix that In the radio biz. it has ] gross less than the expected returns been figured that the average family : may be a judicial casualty, toppers spends four hours daily listening.] think. Since films would go to the The figure obtained for this book I highest bidder, a subsequent reduc- gives the figure at around two 1 tion in terms which might push the hours. This would mean that the ; bid below that of a ' competitor average family had only two per- would very likely be considered violative of the decree. Another poser .which sales execs are mulling is whether length of playing time would be a factor in determining whose bid is higher. As an' Instance ot the problem, it is pointed put that in some situations smaller houses have had the first choice over much larger theatres because they offered extended play- ing time and a greater total return on a film. Officials are inclined to the belief that rental returns in the past based on a total rather than per. diem computation would be the crux of the question, More Suits? ■Whether the court's branding of block -booking,, price fixing and cur- rent clearance systems as illegal will bring in its wpke an onrush of exhib anti-trtist suits, has the industry guessing. Anticipated batch of these actions failed to develop after the Chicago Jackson Park decision some four months ago and execs are hope- ful that the drought continues. How- ever, most, legalites feel that the court's ruling which hals the cpmr panics engaged in mpnppplistic prac- tices wpuld be admissable in evi- dence in any individual suit and that it would weigh heavily against the defendants. -Opinion is that if an exhib could prove that he has suf- fered damages as a result of pric« fixing, b'lpck-booking, ect. he' would be able to collect Harlem's First Big Pic Preem Nets Orphans IG Hftrlem's first big picture premiere netted better than $1,000 for a Ipcal Negro orphanage and brought to the uptown Hamilton theatre some of New York's top nitery names. Film. Astor Picture's all-Negro "Beware" starring Louts Jordan (reviewed in this issue), began at midnight fol- lowed by an impromptu vaude pro- gram, with all receipts, at $4 top.'!, going to the Riverdale Community House, home for orphaned Negro ehildren. Following the picture's end, a show which ran better than two and a half hou.rs began, with the appear- ance of Louis Jordan and hi.s Tym- pany Five,. Pete Johnson, Maxine Sullivan, Nicholas Bros., Thclma Carpenter. Susan Reed, Willie "the Lion'' .Smith and his Dixieland groupj. Deep River Boys. Garland Wilson.' Canada Lee, and others fol- lowed in quick .succession, all off to good returns, although toward' the end the aud was slightly sleepy. Jordan will do a repeat for Astor some time in September. "Beware" was his first full-length effort for the company, although he did a two- reeler, "Caldonia,'' fpr them a year agp. one or two others not in the initial listing. No woman from Hollywood is in the. top 10. The other.-; in order after. McCarey arc: Charles Skburas,' $393,000 from Fox-West Const Thea- tres and National Theatres combined; Fred MacMurraj*, $391,217 from Parahiounl and 20th; Darryl Zan- uck, $260,833; Spyro.s Skourns, $255,- 907;' Ray Milland, $243,333; William Bendix, $234,204; Charles Boycr, $207,500;" Monty Woollcy, $205,104, from 20th and Warners; and Buddy De Sylvn. $204,054. Michael Curtiz was a close 11th with $203,759. Top woman earner was Carmen Miranda, $201,458. (!:harles H. Strub, of the Los An- geles Turf Club, topped everybody but McCarey On the nationwide, all- inclusive list with $466,537. Tr(:asury list is based oh salaries, bonuses, ' etc., of O'i'er $75,000 re- ceived from a single employer. It does not include those who might get $50,000 apiece, for instance, from each of two employers. Likewise it does hot include stock dividends or profits,, nor radio earnings for a star who produces his own show. Here arc.the 75G people, with the figures for the calendar year 1944 unless otherwise . indicated: Phil Berg-Bert AUenberg, Inc.: Bertram AUenberg, $106,504. . Cagney Productions, Ind.: (July 31, 1945) James Cagniey, $150,000; Wil- liam Cagney, $150,000. Captain Kidd Productions: (Nov. 30, 1945) Charles Laughton, $100,000: Randolph Scott, $85,000. California Pictures Corp.: Preston Sturges, $190,000: 'Fox Midwest Amuse. Corp.: E. C. Rhodeh, $94,613. . Fox West Coast Agency Corp.: Charles P. Skouras, $130,000. National Theatres Amus. Co.: Chairles P. Skouras, $2ti3,000. Hal Roach Studio.s, Inc.: William E. Bendix, $234,204. B & K Management Corp.: (Chi- cago) John Balaban, $104,000. Paramoiml Pictures: Barntiy Bala- ban, $150,000; Eddie Bracken, $105,- 083; Charles Brackett, $102,100, Frank Butler, $104,525; Bing Crosby, $192,- 944; Buddy De Sylva, $204,654; Brian Donlevy, $86,166; John Farrow, $92,- 141; Y. Frank Freeman, $130,000; Henry Ginsberg, $146,566; Paulettc Goddard, $187,333; Bob Hope, $185,- 416; Dorothy Lamour; $167;500; Au- stin C. Keough, $78,000; Fred Kohl- mar, $75,333; Alan Ladd, $88,999; Sidney Lanfield, . $104,404; Mitchell Leisen, $172,810; Fred MacMurray, $213,333; George Marshall, $156,000; Leo McCarey, $1,113,035; Joel Mc- Grea, $81,250; Ray Milland, $243,333; Seton I. Miller, $130,600; Victor F. Moore, $91,000; Charles M. Reagan, $78,611; Mark R. Sandrich, $141,000; Allan Scott, $78,750; Betty Button, $84,875: Harry Tugend, $131,650; Billy Wilder, $136,750; Adolph Ziikor, $109,000. 20th-Fox: Don Ameche, $117,000 William A. Bacher. $79,500; Lloyd Bacon. $161,250; Tallulah Bankhcad, $110,666; Erskine Caldwell. $83,750; Charles Coburn, $197,991; Thomas J Connors, $112,300; Preston Foster $78,606; Bryan Foy. $172,250: Betty Grable. $172,000: Henry Hathaway, $132,500; Dick Haymes, $104,062; H. B. Humberstone. $75,541; George JcsscI, $99,291; Henry King, $143,333; Wil- liam Le Baron, $159,000; Louis D, Lighten, $77,833; Ernst Lubitsch, $159,500; Fred MacMurray, $177,884; Joseph L. Mankiewicz, $185,500; Archie L. Mayo; $89,038; Carmen Miranda. . $201,458; Joseph Mosko- witz, $79,500; Alfred Newman, $81,- 317; William Perlberg, $185,500; Otto L. Preminger, $95,875; George Rah, $108,333; Norman Reilly Raine, $102.- 375; Gregory Hatoff. $145,000; Joseph M. Schenck, $130,416; IjCw Schreiber, $81,500; George E. Seaton, $123,266; Spyros P. Skouras, $255,907; John M. Stahl, $172,250; Joseph Swerling, $137,000; Gene Tierney, $77,083; Lamar Trotti, $B8,37S; Monty Wool- ley, $80,104; Sol M. WuVtzel, $77,500; Darryl Zanuck, $260,833. Warner Bros, Circuit Management Corp.: J. E. Coston, $77,706; I. J. Hoffman, $76,191. Warner Bros. Pictures: Joseph Bemhard, $157,100; Kurt Bernhardt, $111,708; Henry Blanke, $154,500; Humphrey Bogart, $132,916: Charles Boyer, $207,500; Robert Buckner, $81,625; David Butler. $123,750; Joan Crawford, $100,000; Michael Curtiz, $203,759; Delmar Daves, $87,450; Charles Einfeld, $151,333; Errol Flynn, $184,000; Leo Forbstein, $91,- OOO; 'Victor Francen, $86,916; Jules fJohn) Garfield, $114,708; Cary Grant, $172,916; Howard Hawks, $80,- 000; Mark Hellinger, $159,000; Paul Henriedi $163,437; Stanley Morner, $118,541; S. Z. SakaU, $80,208; S. Schneider. $78,900; Herman Shumlin, $91,666; Barbara Stanwyck, $125,666; Max Steiner, $89,566; Jerry Wald, $75,416; Raoul Walsh, $173,000; A. Warner, $104,000; H. M. Warner, $182,500; J. L. Warner, $182,100; Monty Woolley, $125,000. Warner Bros. Pictures Distributing Corp.: Benjamin Kalmenson. $84,761. Some other salaries on the list: Hearst Consolidated Publications: William Randolph Hearst, $100,000 Los Angeles Turf Club, Charles n' Strub, $460,537. Blue Network; Chester J. La Roche, $85,000; Eastman Kodak: T. J. Hargrove $107,482; Frank W. Lov'cjoy, $85,451 ■ H. C. Siovcrs, $75,775. Hearst Corp.: Walter Wihchcll $97,241. . National Broadcasting Co.: Nilcs Tiammoll, $84,200. General Outdoor Advertising: Bui'- nclt W. Robbins, $75.1!iD, Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate: Gray :and Gray, $94,437. News Syndicate . Co.. Inc;; R. W Clark, $UC,000; F. M. Flynn, $90,000; R. C. Holliss, $90,000. Tribime Co.: (Chicago) C. M Campbell, $80,786; L. H, Rose, $111- .068. Zenith Radio Corp.; Eugene F. Mc- Donald. Jr., $85,000. Des Moines Register and Tribune Co.: Henry. P. Martin.. Jr., $77,379. D'Arcy Advertising Co.: .(St. Louis) A. L. Leo, $126,197. Pulitzer Publishing Co.: (.St. Logis) Joseph Pulitzer, $184,389. American Weekly, Iiic: Mortimer' Bcrkowitz,. $184,629. Harcburt, Brace & Co.: Donald C. Brace, $84,489; S. Spencer Scott, $81,- 814. Hear.st Magazines: Richard E. Bcr- lin. $124,134. Lennen & Mitchell: Philip W. Len- neni $83,333. McCall Corp.; William B. Warner, $140,779. Reader's Digest: Albert L. Cole, $84,500: Kenneth W. Paynie, $84,462; DeWitt Wallace, $99,500. fix Selling Continued from page I putliries. Open .hearings similar to those in the Schine case would be held.' Indicative of the time re- quired is the Schine suity a mvich simpler legal riddle, but one in which no. final decree has been signed yet although the decision came down In November, '45. A stay, restraining enforcement ot the decree will be automatic once the Government files its appeal. D of J has 30 days to do so and the defendants will then be permitted to counter with cross-appeals. Case then goes on the high court calendar for hearing, an estimated six months after filing. Possibility exists, law- yers say, that the appeal would be granted a priority in view of its im- portance. Lehgtliy deliberations by the nine Supreme Court judges are more than likely since the tribunal will delve into a voluminous ma.«s of records. Should an affirmance be handed down, the majors then would have the right to ask for a sizable delay to put the new decree into effect. Likely course of action' by the dor fendants would be to requiest post- ponement of its operation until the inception of a new selling .season. Move would be under decree provi- .sion granting that tinfie for the par- tics "to adjust their business with- out an affair burden." Par Splits Continued from page 3 will serve as showcases for our pro- ductions/' Balaban made reference to studio space in England, saying, "So far we have been unsuccessful in at- taining studio space in Englapd^and this has forced postponement of production there. We now plan to produce next spring and, if possible, to rent space and facilities lor pro- duction, but; in any event, we will purchase land, as a. site for con- struction of our own facilities when- ever conditions permit." JHe also outlined his intention to commence 16m foreign operations during the coming year. . PREMINGER TO ASSUME 'AMBER' DIREaOR REINS Hollywood, June '18. New director for '"Forever Am- ber" at the 20th-Fox lot is Otto Prem- inger, who takes over the job orig- inally held by John Stahl. Filming is slated to start Sept. 2, with Wil- liam Perlberg continuing as pro- ducer. To date nobody has been picked for, the Amber role, played briefly 'by. Peggy Cummins before produc- tion was abruptly halted about two months ago. Studio execs refused to comment on the report that Linda Darnell woyld get the job. pjctore Herald 1l c D 0 • BE SURE TO SCREEN THIS FAST MOVING COMEDY ...AND YOU'LL AGREE WITH tho^World-Telegram, which said t "IT'S A SPIRITED AND LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT 1" and>ho New' YorklSunTi THE PKTURE IS OUT FOR UUGHSI It and PMi "IT CRACKLES SPONTANEOUSLY I" and th» New York. Daily Newt t "ITS FAST AND FURIOUS ENTERTAINMENT l'' WW www t -AND NOW IN ITS SECOND WEEK AT THE N. Y. WINTER GARDEN 20 PICTTURES Wednesday, June 19, 1946 F9m House. Legit Theatre Part Of Big Maryland Project; Exchange Items Washington. >Jew (Irive-in picture ihealrc iird Elrawhiit lc(!il house are in the bUie- pi iiil slagf ror ihc vicinity of Gi cen- bdt Mcl Theatres are part of an iwcrrll S2.000.000 project of Sidney Lust, operator of a slrinR of nabes in neaiby suburban Maryland. Project, for which ground has been broken, also includes . DIrecIni by Cartia Bernhardt HOLLYWOOD C4>iilliiU(iua ll'way at 5li«t Street CHAKI.KS IIOVKK JKNMFKK JONKS In RRNBT l.lJltlT.SCiI'.(S GLUNY BROWN 20111 Cenluiy-l'ox Rl VOLI H'waT A 4Mh 84. .Doom apep t:!M A.M. A WARNER IROS. HIT "JANIE GETS MARRIED" with Joan Rebort LESLIE • HUTTON la PortoN ERSKINE HAWKINS ANIt UI8 ORCIIEN'l-H.^ rioa Hi* t%tr§ tret. • T1ti» CiMrtetMft B'way at 47«h St. STRAND ON IjCKKEN I.V PKRtiON E^Tl'lMirs.. .lUMt! 20 ANN P« OWEN WISTER'S ■M 'THE CORIO ^9 VIRGINIAN' mM Joel McCREA 1^ Brian DONLEVY OTHER Sonny TUFTS BIG ACTS! Mo.-'III. Theatre Expanalon St. Louis. The Lexington, a North St. Louis indie house, sold for S3.5.000 bv Eliza- beth H. Carlton to Tom M. Londoff. Lelahd and Walter Norton, and Paul Bramlett have lighted the Wanee, Kewanee, 111. Construction of a new 400-seaier In Sterling, 111., for George and John Farral, of Kewanee, III., is almost completed. Business men of Tampico, III., en- I gaged Paul F. Lane to draw plans , and manage a new 400-seater in the town. Martin Moritz. of Benson, 111., pur- chased a site for a new house in Roanoke, III., which now is without a motion picture theatre. BmmlEEmoHY rvicTOB»lMND0LPH SCOH MNRRIUNSItf John HOOIAK • Nancy GUILD 'Somewhere in the Night' A 20th Ccn(urt/-Fo.T Picture Plui on Stoga-COPACABANA REVUE DESI ARNAZ KMcnl PETER LIND HAYES W ^ ■ Boih SI. PAIACE B WAV & 47lh St CLAUDEHE COUERT JOHN WAYNE "Without Reservations' with DON DtFORE An RKO Radio Plctura lERT 1 itions" I RE I Kenton Gets 'No' Hollywood, June 18. Universal inked Erie Kenton to direct "She Said No," a comedy scripted by M. Coates Webster. Picture is slated for August film- ing, with Howard Welsch as pro- ducer. I'urnniount Prcucnto Alan V«runl>'H William LAI>D l,AKK . BKNUIX "THE BLUE DAHLIA"' A GUUI-K6 >r,'\rRlmII tM'oduCtlon In I'vrKoli DUKE ELLINGTON .And HIh OreliFHlrA STUMP ft STli.Ml'V Riira— THK .MILLS BROfl. I'AHAMOVNT, Time* Sqmira StMUa ULraTN DANNY KAYE . Aon S^ooMyii — itcbiHeolor • :30 A.M. ASTOR 4»lt...St. RADIO cnv MUSIC HALL ''KING OF SIAM'r Sptcraenlar Staqt Produellon* Wednesday, June 19, 1946 21 One of the Best /Murder Mysteries Iver Produced in Hottywood" SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW «^ Loved '] ^ Y. Daily News A R E P U B L I C PICTURE 22 PICTURES Wcdneaday, June 19, 1^ H wood Barbers May Go Hungry; Pix Give Loi^iairs Top Scorii^ Chores Hollywood, June 18. ♦ The recent announcement by En- terprise that the studio will seek top Ulent of the world in building up its music department seems, at first glance, to have a touch of bombast in it. But a little consideration of the present music situation in Hol- lywood would indicate that Enter- prise — or any other studio that has the coin— can attract the best of the serious composers.. The days when scoring for pic- tures meant a batch of title music, some theme music and a chunk of sound effects are virtually gone. Pic- ture scores now offer a chance foi: the composer of symphonic music to make a stronger bid for fame and fortune than ever before. Hollywood and a job in a film studio music de- partment can be as direct approach to concert honors as any. Cited in support of this statement Is the fact that Miklos Rosza's score for David O. Selznick's "Spellbound" was performed two weeks ago by the San Francisco Symphony Or- chestra. George Antheil, who scored Ben Hecht's "Spectre of the Rose" for Republic, will have the gratiflcatioh of hearing that music conducted by Leopold Stokowski in the Hollywood Bowl this summer. His Fourth Symphony is already programmed to be played by six^ European symphony orchestras in Moscow, Paris, London, Prague, Brussels and Zurich. . Type of talent Enterprise is an- gling for is illustrated by the fact that it is now dickering with Igor Stra- vinsky to do score for "Arch of Tri- umph." And named to head its music department is Rudy Polk, who as artists representatives, handles some of the toppers of the musical ■world. Regardless of other considerations symphonic music done as a picture score has. exploitation possibilities that it would never enjoy otherwise. Not only is the limited audience of the concert halls and outdoor bowls augumented by the huge mass of fllm fans, but the music is' getting extensive radio airing now as part of the ballyhoo for the pictures. As a matter of . fact, studio flackery- ef- forts along this line have de- veloped an actual . and increasing radio demand for picture scores. Selznick exploitation staff points out that where it at first timorously bid for a chance to air waxed selec- tions from picture scores it is now being asked for complete scores to meet radio listener demand. The scores for "Spellbound" and "No- torious" are still in heavy demand, :|id the studio is making elaborate arrangements for extensive airing of Dmitri Tiomkin's symphonic score for "Duel in the Sun." CoUarhes' $10 Demand Proposals for a new contract cov- ering its whitecollar members in eight film company homeofHces in New York making demands for a straight $10 increase have been sub- mitted for negotiation by the Screen Office & Professional Employees Guild. Companies whose present contracts run out July 27 are RKQ, Paramount, Loew's,. Columbia, 20th- Foxi United Artistsi^ Republic and National Screen Service. Present scale starts at $20 for mes- senger boys and beginner clerks $22; $28 to $30 for accounting clerks, $35 and up for .secretariSs and $55" and $60 a week for various accountants, screen ireaders, etc. RKO Sets Mills As Martha Scott Co-Star Hollywood, June 18. John Mills, British actor, has. been signed by RKO to star with Martha Scott in "So Well Remembered," to be produced in England in collab- oration with J. Arthur Rank. . Filming starts in London in Au- gust, with Adrian Scott producing and Edward Dmytryk directing. Baying-Booking Combos Lead to Laziness Of Exhibs, Say Distribs Minneapolis, June 18. District and branch managers here charge that showmanship of inde- pendent exhibitors in the territory is! deteriorating, with partial respon- sibility placed on buying and book- ing combines that most of the thea- tre owners have joined, during the past year. The distributors claim the inde- pendent exhibitors are becoming lazy." Exhibitors become lazier as they have less to do, according to the case made out by the fllm exchange The biggest job of the independent theatre owner hitherto, requiring the most time and effort, has been buy- ing and booking, it's pointed out. Now this job is being shifted to booking and buying combine heads. Five buying and liking combines have been organized within a year and at the present rate nearly every independent exhibitor of conse- quence will be a . member of one of them before 1946 ends. Prior to, a year ago there was no such organi- zation in existence in this territory. SPG WILL NIX ISPID, INSIST ON 307^ TILT Against the 30% increase demand' ed by the Screen Publicists Guild, New York, producer - distributors yesterday (Tuesday) made a coun- ter-offer of 15%, but reported in ad- vance of an SPG membership meet- ing scheduled for last night (Tues- day) that this would be rejected, Old contract expired May 4 last. SPG officials do not believe their demands are unfair in view of the minimums.now in effect, being $35 to $50 for apprentices, $50 to $75 for associate publicists or admen, $70 to $100 for regular publicists and $100 for all senior publicists. In addition to the straight 30% raise, SPG' wants severance pay amounting to one week's salary for service ranging from three to six months, two weeks from six months to and including one year and two additional weeks for every year or fraction thereof but not to exceed equivalent of one year's salary. At a membership meeting Thurs day night (13), Roger Lewis- was elected president of SPG by accla mation, succeeding Robert S. Fer guson who resigned to take a super visory post at Columbia as in charge of the pcessbook department. Lewis, who is attached to the advertising department at 20th-Fox, was sue ceeded os first v.p. by Herman Tern pie, member of the art department at RKO. PECK'S 'PARADINE' PIC Hollywood, June 18.' Next picture for Gregory Peck •will be "The Paradinc Case," a. mystciy yarn to be produced by David O. Selznick. ' TVIfrert Hitchcock Avill . direct, starting in August. . Picture Grosses ^5 C«BU>iied from page 12 s DENVER (20th) and "Rendezvous 24" (20th) (m.o.), $4,000. Dtnham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70)— Blue Dahlia" (Par) (3d wk). Way off to $7,500. Last week, fair , $11,- 500. Denver (Fox) (2.525; 35-74) — 'Cluny Brown" (20th) and "Phan- tom Thier' Col), day -date with Esquire: Fair $13,000. Last week, ■'One More Tomorrow" (WB) jnd Dark Alibi" (Mono), also Esquire, Webber, good $16,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "Clu- ny Brown" (20th) and "Phantom Thief" (Col), also Denver. Thin $2,700. Last week, "One More To- morrow" (WB) and "Dark Alibi" (Mono), also Denver,- Webber. $3,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— 'Hoodlum Saint" (M-G) and "Last Chance" (M-G). Fairish $14,000. Last week, "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "Partners in Time" (RKO) (2d wk), $8,500. Fikraniaunt (Fox) (2^200; 35-74)— "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) and Romance of West" (PRC), day- date with Webber. Fine at $11,000. Last week. "Perilous Holiday" (Col) and "Blondie's Lucky Day" (Col), $0,000. Klalto (Fox) (878; 35-70) — "Do You Love Me" (20th). and "Bendez vous 24" (20th) (m.o.). Nice $5,500. Last week, "Renegades" (Col) and Talk About Lady" (Col) (m.o.), fair $3,500. Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74) — Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) and "Romance of West" (PRC), also Par- amount Neat $4,000. Last week, 'One More Tomorrow" (WB) and Dark Alibi" (Mono), also Denver, Esquire, okay $3,500. Balaban Continued from page 1 Man Fr*Bi Rainboiy Valley Monte Hale gets the girl as well, and id followers of the cartoon strip re happy again. Robert Springsteen keeps footage moving along with his direction. Hale and Adrian Booth do well by top romantic spots, former also sing- ing "Ridin' Down the Trail" and "The Man in the Moon Is a Cow- hand." The two other tunes are taken care of by the Sagebrush Sere- naders, typical Western song group. Jo Ann Marlowe, moppet; Ferris Taylor, Emmett Lynn (in forlaughsj!, Tom London, Bud Geary, Kenne Duncan and others work well^ Louis Gray's production does okay by the values for budget. Bud Thack- ery did the color lensing, getting in some natural effects in outdoor shots. Other credits are standard. Brog. Stormy Waters ("Rcmerqnc")' (FBENCB-MADE) Metro relrusc ot StAia F»ma iiruiKlcllon^ SlHrs Jculi (Tallin. MIchfle MolKun. Dlrerl- cU by Jf^iiii (ii-einlllun. From Concourt prhce novel by HiiKue Veicel; utref nploy. by jHC'iuts PiPvoit. , At Mlh SI. PlHyhoviue, .N. siHiiliiK June 15. '4U. Itunnlhn Unit, 17 MIN». I.,ii)reni .Tpnh "Onbln i:iuherine MIchelB Marnan Yvonnr Mudelelne Heiiaud Tuniiuy Bl«v»lt« raptaln of "MlrvM" Ifun Mnrchnt Boscv .Fcinund LcUoux (22) it was around 78. This would give . Balaban better than $50 a share profit . on 76,000 shares or totol of about $4,000,000. There has been . ..some . minor squawking by stockholders at va- rious times concerning Balaban's profits on the deal, although most of the company's owners feel that on 'the basis of the situation when the loan was made the profits are en- tirely fair. That results from the fact the stock has appreciated so much, a circumstance which no one could foresee at the time. Don't Rub It In Continued from page 1 comforts of life, to resent scenes of happy Americans with . big cars, fancy electric refrigerators loaded with fancier foods and all the other aspects (Hollywood - version) of U. s: life. It's the old tale of the rest of the world having the idea that nothing but plenty reigns in this country. Costome Mellera Perennial Thus the reactions received by American distribs has been much more favorable to costume dramas and the mellers in which affluencei of the average U. S. citizen doesn't enter. Whether by chance or de- sign, the industry was fortunate in having' i number of such pictures on hand for foreign distribution right after the end of the war and now — this time purely by design — it's turning out more. In addition to other reasons, in- crease in the costumcr and mcller output is desired by the distrib end of the business because of the tirae- lessness of the subject matter. With the world market so unsettled at the moment there may be years be- tween the release of the same film in neighboring countries. And, natu- rally, with a "Kitty" or a "Duel in the .Sun," whether release is in W4C or 1956 isn't; Soing to make much dit- fcience at the b.o. Film Reviews — ContiBQCd from page B i uneven production which needs con> siderable cutting. Telling the story of South America's patron saint gnv^ Argentina's film, industry a golden opportunity to do a picture of inter* est to all the tAtinrAmerican conn* tries. But in spite of lavish care, they have mufled it again. The' pic- ture has been two years in produc- tion aiid this may colint for the slow pace. As a compliment to the Saint's Peruvian birth. It was preemed simultaneously in Lima, Peru, and at the Monumental theatre here. Crix tried not to throw brickbats at the home production, but their disap- pointment was obvious. As usual, the life of a saint is treated with dignity, but Argentine producers have yet to learn that humor is not incompatible with the higher plane. "They cling to their melancholia de- spite knowing this is a mistake for a boxoffice film. As Rosa de Lima, the high-born . Peruvian lady, who became a' saint, Delia Garces is overshadowed' once ' .more by the greater experience of the veteran cast around her.' As in the "Ghost Lady," Antonia Herrera steals nearly all her scenes. . Story is laid in the Peru of vice-regal days and reproduction of Lima's colonial architecture is the be.st part of the film. Potentially a magnificent sub- ject to interest U. S.. audiences, the heavy treatment has reduced its chances there. Prov. Holds Up Despite Outdoor Yen; G. Rogers Big Diary' 16iG Providence, June 18. Though far from sensational, most stands are doing fairly well despite nice weather which jammed the beaches over the weekend. In-town- ers are giving a nice play to RKO Albee's "Heartbeat" and State's "Diary of a Chiambermaid." Ma- jestic's "So Goes My IiOve" is steady, Esilmatea for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.200; 44-65)— "Heartbeat" (RKa) and "Deadline at Dawn" (RKO). Big $17,500 for Ginger Rogers' opus. Last week, "Badman's Territory" (RKO) and "Ding Dong Williams" (RKO). (2d wk), big $10,000. CarMon (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) —"Walk in Sun" (20th) and "Ava lanche" (PRC) (2d wk). Surpris ingly good $4,500. First week, $6, 000. Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Devil Bat's Daughter" (PRC) and vaude on sUge. Good $(5,000. Last week "Allotment Wives" (Mono) and vaude, $6,500. Mtajcstic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65)— "So Goes My Love" (U) and "Rendez vous 24" (20th): Pert $13,000. Last week, "Her Kind of Man" (WB) and "Dressed to Kill" (U), very nice $17,000. Metropolitan (Snider) (3.100; 65- 85)— "Flaming BuUete" (PRC)/ and Tex Ritter heading stage show for 3-day weekend run. Very healthy $9,000 for last show of season. House reopening in August. Last week, "Live Wires" (PRC) and Dr. Neff on stage, weak $3,500 on 3-day week- end stand. State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— "Diary of Chambermaid" (UA) and "Devil's Mask" (Col). Sturdy $16,- 500. Last "week, '"Postman Rings Twice" (M-G) (2d wk), good $14,- .500> .strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) —"Perilous Holiday" (Col) and •Talk About a Lady" (Col). Fairly nice $14,000. Last week. "Kitty" (Par) (3d wk), good $9,500. Omaba Sommer Biz OK; '2Sis'12G,Xo?eMeM0C Omaha, June 18. Following usual pattern here; hqt weather is driving many into air- conditioned film theatres. This is especially true of houses withstront' fare like "Two Sisters from Boston." This is best grosser In town at the Paramount, where it is not far from top biz for house. Estimates for This Week Paramount (Tristates) (3,000; 16- 65)— "Two Sisters from Bb.'itori" (M-G). Nice $12,000. Last week, "Bride Wore Boots" (Par), $10,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) —"Do You Love, Me" . t20lh) and (Jn FreJich; English Titles) Made in Paris and in the port of Brest shortly before the Nazis took over France, this well-made French production finally gets its preem in the U. S. under the aegis of Metro. Both Jean Gabin and Michele Mor^: gan have appeared in American screen productions since being "dis- covered" in French films. While this is not Cabin's top Friench screen ef- fort and hardly measures up to other work Miss Morgan has done in her native land, the paiir team up well here in the. romantic passages. ■ As one of the foreign .language pictures Metro pla:i's handling in the English- speaking market, picture shapes up strongly with the initial French pro- duction, "It Happened at the Inn," which M-G is handling in like fash- ion. This simple tale of an ocean sal- vage-boat captain proves gripping entertainment,, particularly in view of the French language being con- veyed via superimposed > English titles and that the story obviously required considerable scissoring. At times this pruning makes the story too episodic, with the connecting skeins left dangling. Despite this trimrfling to .fit American moral standards, "Stormy Waters" turns out to be a typical Gaelic romance ot the sea. All the notion is packed into open- ing reels as Gabin goes to the rescue of a fiouftdering merchant vessel in storm-whipped seas. Skipper of the stricken ship is tinscrupulous and cuts loose when nearing port to de- prive Gabiii of the rescue fee. Dur- ing the height of the storm. Miss Morgan, wife of the cutthroat cap tain, goes by lifeboat to Cabin's ship where, she is treated until port is reached. The affair between the two is complicated by Cabin's ailing wife. Climax finds him returning to the sea when his wife dies. Both stars click 'and Madeleine Re- naud is adequate as Cabin's wife. Capable support is headed by Bla- vette, Jean Marchat and Fernand L'e- doux.' Jean Giemillon's direction is good, while the screenplay by Jacques Prc- vert cover;; nicely the possibilities offered by Roger Vercel's novel. Mar jorle Adams has done a superb job of English titling. Wear. Rosa dc Ameriea ("Rose of America") (ARGENTINE-MADE) Buenos Aires, June 4, DLslrlbnlilora Fanamerlcftnn relenue of Sun' MIkucI BtiidlOH' production, Dli-cclcd by An>tirio U** Zaviill.n: Stars Dell.a (Inn-OH In ; (he lUle role, with Orestes CivlKlln. Antonio. Herrero, Klfii O'Connor. ' Rnrlnue Alv.trcz Diosdado. AnKCUoA Pngnno, Do- n)ln;;o Sapclll, . Franclsro T.opoz ■ Sllva, Rafael Fronliiura, . -Krncsto ■ Vilchrfl nnO RIlKtrdo Sanlalla, $!t-roen l^Lory liy IMIkc.s rntlt de. .Ma)'nl ftnrl lloincrn Many.! cumi-ni. .ln:4C Mai-lu llrllran, itunninK llmc, lOS .MINH. (In Spanish;' No English Titles) Aside from the excellent settings and photography, this is a dragging, Hell» Moscow (Songs) (RUSSIAN-MADE) Aviklno' release, of Moalllin iirodiirtiiui. .Stars Anya Sli-nvlnHkayu, Nikolai l.fuaiiv. Lev l^lrogov, Oleff Ilobi*ov: featurea VasHlll Sulcznev. Ivan Lulie'inov. Andrei Shlr^huv. Sersel I'hillpovl Dlrct'ict; by..SerRel Yeike- vlch. Screenplay, Mikhail Volplii, .S'ikulal Krdnian; camera. Mark MaKblsoa; ina?k-, Annlole ' l.cmln: Ungllah tUlef;, Charles OlehVent. At .Stanley, N Y., week June iO, Iti. Ilunnlng time, 80 MINS. Tania ..\nyft .Slrnvlnskaya Kolln ; .Nikolai l.ttiniiv OleK. ■ • . .OlCK ildbrov Fed la Grandpa NIknnor. . . . . . . The School Director.... Aaal^thnt Director lirlkln. the Arcordtnnlal The Scenario Writer.... Vaaalli Keleznev . . . .I.eV IMrogov .Ivan I.nbexnov Andrei Shlr.thav .Serirel Phlllpiiv Doris 'I'enla (In Rtusian; English Titles) AH things con.<:idered, meaning past performance, Soviet pictiire pol- icy, and language difficulties, this Russian offering to American flicker audiences is still pretty weak. And few American payees will stop .to consider any of these factors, let alone a cast the majority of which is amateur. Market-wise, "Hello Mos- cow" will sell to that group of per- ennial hopefuls who patronize any picture with the red star stamp. What a weak plot-within-a-plot at- tempts to do is sell Russian indus- trial schools. Method employs a group of amateur youngsters playing students who are preparing for a musical show in Moscow. . In re- hearsals they rim into a crochety old school director who attempts to stop • them by hiding the piano,- but they rent an accordian from a local pub. Turns out the squeezebox was stolen by the saloon musician from the old professor, who accuses the boys. Jus- tice ultimately prevails and show goes on. Final scene switches rather pointlessly to mass calisthenics and the young hero making a speech about Russia's destiny. Story is presented in a series of disjointed flashbacks, with loo.sene.'is emphasized by the language block. The music might be good, Ivit sing- ing and dancing is obviously ama- teurish. Camera work is erratic, sometimes good and other times pretty bad. "They Made Mc a Killer" (Par). Okay $10,000. Last -week; "Dark Corner" (20th) and ''One Way to Love" (Col), thin $9,800. Brandels (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— "Cilda" (Col) and "Game of Death" (RKO) i2d wk). Okc $6,500. First week was smash $10,200, and close to record. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 10-65)— "Bride Wore Boots" (Par) (m.o.) and "Danny Boy" (PRC) (1st run). Only $7,500, slow. Last week, "Kilty" 'Par) (m.o.) and "MyisteriOus In- truder'' (Col) (l.st run) flimsy $7,000. State (Goldberg) (805; 15-50) — "Blue Dahlia" (Par) and "RidiniS on Air" (FO.-Trim $4,000. Last week, "Zicgfeld Follies" (M-G), $3,000. James Band Continued from page i shifting the Asbury Park, N. J., date; thereafter the program goes off the . air for the summer,' eliminating the problem in other spots. James starts', in the: cjst wilh.ohc- nightersl all of which are payini; him $4,000 guarantees, plus per- centages.. He opens June 26 at Her- shey Park,, Hershey, Pa., then moyos to Fernbrook Park, Dallas, Pa. (27); radio program from N.Y. (28); Con- vention Hall, Asbury Park, (June 29-July 6); Lake Compounce, Brii;tol, Conn. (7); Riverdale Park, Sprliig- field, Mass. (8); Old Orchard, 'Me. (10); Sun Valley, Worcester, (ID; radio. New York, (12); Sunnybionk Ballroom, Pottstown, Pa. (13); Slccl Pier, Atlantic City, (14-20); Ple.nsuie Beach, Bridgeport (21); Totem Pole, Auburndalc, Mass. (23-27). For the three location dates, James Is drawing a total of $66,000, com- pared to the $25,000 weekly ho wanted for location work, piffoi'- ence is in the Totem Pole diilc, which is for Ave days only. While he's set so far ..on only 12 one-nit;iit- ers others are to be put In for r-.sl- crn spots and stopovers in the initl- I west on the way back to Hollywood. Wednesday, Jnne 19, 1946 RADIO 23 LOADED PLUGS WORRY AGENCIES St Louis Nues This is a story of six agencies iii search of an answer-^r how a survey on spot announcements boomeranged. To test the effectiveness of spots, tha top station riep outflt in the business, Edward Petry, sent its research consultant, Alfred Politz, into St. Louis (city was specially chosen because of its rion-Petry represen- tation) to' malce a two-month survey among set owners, He went armed with fresh; copy fpr Jingles, dramatic spots, etc., never before used on the air, solicited from six different agencies on behalf of six difTerenf sponsors. So what happened? For one month the spots were aired, and when Politz polled the communitx he found that over 60% of those ques- tioned were familiar with the spots. In terms of impact, it was just what the research doctor ordered. . But everybody's trying to figure out the signiflcance of the second month's results. For instead of continuing to spimX upward, the whole thing sloughed off. People seemed to forget. They couldn't remember. They wouldn't say for sure. So the sponsors and account execs are wondering -whether pacting spots on a SZ-weelc basis has the impact of a quick job that can be ac- complished in 30 days. ' (No sales check was made during the survey.) Or does it mean that copy should be changed every month? Or just scram out of radio after a 30-day quickie? Apparently it wasn't what they went after. There's a "confusion factor," too, that's cueing some hair scratching. When the researcher' went into homes with a recorder and played' spots that had never been on the air before, 26% of the persons polled said they had heard it before. Everybody wants to know why? N.Y. Herald Trib Latching on To Radio in $1,000^)00 Promotion Drive The New York Herald Tribune ^ has launched a. $1,000,000 promotion campaign, to be spread over a three- year period, with a large «hunk of the coin earmarked for radio. Cam- paign is aimed at hypoing daily's circulation, which 1« now around the 400,000 mark, approximately 170,000 under the N. Y. Times cir- culation figure. HT, it's reported, is going exten- sively into spot announcement via radio, and is picking up the tab on N. Y.'-audienct slanted shows sponsored on a partlciiuting basis. These currently include the Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald program on WJZ, and the Arthur Godfrey morning show on WABC. In addition, the HT tag .will get round-the-clock coverage on WMCA, with which it's tied up on news programs, with the long-time WOR association also continuing. 'Author on WICC WQXR Unlmppy The New York Times-owned indie, WQXR, registered a squawk with Mutual last week when it found out that the MBS affiliate in Bridgeport, Conn.. WICC, had carriWd the "Au- thor Meets the Critic" show. When WQXR agreed to the plan whereby Mutual could carry the show on a sustaining basis, stipula- tion was that the web would, not feed it to any station within a 75- mile radius ol New York. Thai's .why it's not carried on WOR, net- works N. Y. flagship station. Apparently everyone forgot about the station in Bridgeport, which is less than 70 miles from N. Y. JVQXR is particularly fond of its (^onneclicut circulation; feels its sta- tion is patterned for that type of listenership. So it's particularly anxious to get WICC out . of the 'Author" picture. Ford Chips CBS Hole, But Net Doesn't Lose CBS program department has an other eight-week programming neadaclie to contend with, following decision - of Ford Motor Co. to take a summer hiatus on its Bob Crosby Wednesday night show. Progratri goes off July 24. Although it represents an $80,000 retrenchment on network time costs, actually the amount is virtually Wiped out, in terms of web losses, «ue to fact that Ford loses iU year- round discount because of the eight- week lime forfeit Deep in the Heart of RCA . NBC sales promotion staffers are a little bitter about a fine piece of treachery on the part, of the Colonial Trust Co., which has a prominent corner in Radio City, N. Y. ' Six windows of the bank are filled with Jumbo blowups of WOR (Mutual) program fea-. tures. NBCBizHypoOn Way With Music ByFordMABC NBC is clearing its 4 to 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon hour for what shapes' up as the hottest network time sale since the commercial ex- odus began a couple months back. Deal involves the Ford Motor Co., which wants the time for its 60- minute musical show currently heard Sunday nights on ABC. All of which would leave ABC saddled with the 8 to 9 o'clock segment. Plan reportedly calls for Ford to pour additional coin into the show to vest it with fuller production. Currently heard in the 4 to 5 slots are the "National Hour," 30-minule sustainer, and the RCA show. "Na- tional Hour," according to present plans, will go into the 7:30 Thurs- day night slot being vacated by Bob Burns (Lever Bro?.) while the RCA program J^'ill move on July 7 into the Sunday afternoon 2-2:30 slot. Thai's the period currently held down by International Harvester for its "Harvest of Stars," which is mov- ing up a half-hour into the slot being vacated by Westinghouse. Lalter has cancelled out. SEEN AS BUNK Some of the'lcey agencies in radio production, talcing stock of the past season's programming, are quietly planning a rebellion against the overemphasis bii sponsor, identifica- tion. They claim that it's ruining shows, was responsible for. the exit- ing of one of the top-budgeted pro- grams thTs season and that, unless the agencies wake up aiid nip it in the bud, it will dp incalculable damage, to network programs nexl season. One of the top agencies whose boast it was that it was responsibU for the integrated commercial (and there are many sponsors who de- mand integrated commei'cials be cause they feeV these build up spoil sor identification) has joined in the vanguard of .those who have gone completely sour oji the idea. That's because it lost one of its prize shows. The sponsor finally con- cluded that the show wasn't selling his product, and the agency blames it on the fact that the sponsor was cramping the style of the scripting- production department by insisting that sponjscK identification come first, then build your show from there on." . The agencies that are ganging up on the "all-out" sponsor identiflca tion argue that s.l. in itself is no guarantee that the show is selling the goods. But their chief squawk is that some bankroUers who are in the market for shows are demanding that the whole comedy line be de- veloped around a locale which will immediately identify the program with what he's got to sell. That, say the agencies, forces the writers to hue to a line that kills off any originality. 'It'll be a happy day for radio," said one top agency exec, "when it gets back to the straight commercial and the sponsor lets the production dept. alone." 'Take It' Vs. T or C Likely Winter Lineup As P&G Shuffles Time More reshuffling of top network shows shapes up for next season. Latest report is that Procter and Gamble has grabbed the 10 o'clock Sunday night period being vacated by . General Electric "Hour of Charm" show, with Ralph Edwards scheduled to move into the slot from the Saturday rtight 8:30 segment. Into the . Saturday spot would go the new P4cG Drene show which re- places Rudy Vallee in the fall. Move vvould pit two of the top quiz shows opposite one another, with "T or C" battling it. out against Phil Baker's 'Take It Or Leave It" Short on Payers, Spph Programs Down for Cuffo The whole picture of sponsored symphony programs next season is pretty much in a state of confusion, with possibility that there may be a major symphonic organization re- turning under commercial auspices. CBS still doesn't know where it stands-with regard to the N. Y. Phil- harmonic Sunday afternoon pro- gram, with probability that U. S. Rubber Co. will not commit itself one way or the other until August, General Motors has given ut> spon- sorship of the NBC Symphony on Sunday afternoons, and the network is now on the trail of a promising nibble. But regardless of whether it starts the' new season as a sus- tainer or a commercial, NBC has frozen the 5 to 6 o'clock period for the ensemble. Meanwhile it's reported that Allis- Chalmers, will bow out "of sponsor- ship of the Saturday night Boston Symphony on ABC concerts next season. Bankroller has been picking up the tab for thei program for the past few„seasons as a wartime in- stitutional "baby." Mutual had the Detroit Symphony under sponsorship of the Reichhold Chemical Co. last season, but it wasn't on this year. The Philadel- phia Orchestra will return to CBS in its usual Saturday afternoon slot in the fall, but it's strictly on a sus- taining basis aimed at enhancing re- lationship for the orche.'stra's. tie in with Columbia Recordings. An ali-sustaining symphonic sea- son would add up to a loss of sev- eral million dollars in billings for the webs. Deal Negotiated for Hooper To inherit C.A.B. Subscribers July 31 Two for the Show Unprecedented situation of two shows last Saturday (15) when CBS' "Cross Section- AFL" afternoon show originated froin a rehearsal of the net- worlc's "American Portrait" pro- gram. Labor show was devoted last week to the entertainment in- dustry, with the problems of the American Federation of Radio Artists specifically being sub- jected to a once-over. So CBS cooked up the idea of "fading in" on the ."American Portrait" rehearsal, taking re- . mote equipment Into the studio, with a resultant "two shows for one"- . being achieved . with a minimum of confusion. Bing-GNDeal (live and Waxed) An Set to Ride Unless some new bugs - show up, the Bing Crosby-General Motors deal Will be finalized early next week after Thj Groanei: returns from picture location in Canada. The program, scheduled for a fall takeoff, will be set up like this: Peggy Lee (or her type) as femme vocalist; "Skitch" Henderson, piano solo and accompaniment; Les Paul, guitarist. The Charioteers and John Scott Trotter and the choir. Glenn Wheaton will produce and Bill Mor- row looks after- the script, Under GM sponsorship, the pro- gram would go to ABC, which has no policy ag'ainst disks across the chain. - First four or five shows would be done live and one or two others during the season at Crosby's option, since latter has choice of live or waxed program. Vic Hunter of Foote, Cone & Beld- ing agency, has been with Crosby on, vacation at his Elko, Nev., ranch and Sun Valley and isliow on loca- tion with him in Canada, and it's reported that Crosby has committed himself orally to the GM deal. . Still hopeful, however, that the deal may run afoul clinkers, Tom Harrington has dispatched Frank O'Connor to Canada to talk over a deal with Crosby for a Ted Bates client. Cooperative Analysis of Broad- casting ^nd C. E. Hooper have got- ten together on terms whereby lat- ter on July 31 inherits the CAB au- dience measurement subscribers. In all, there are 102 agencies, adver- tisers, etc., who have' been getting the CAB rating service exclusively, now moving into the Hooper sub- scription ranks. Others who have also been getting Hooper ratings have cancelled themselves off the CAB books. Despite the fact that CAB kicked up a fuss and ranted 'faint so when Variett several weeks ago said that the CAB rating operation would fade out the end, of ' July, the deal be- tween CAB, Crossley and Hooper for the lattA 'to take over July 31 was consummated Monday after- noon (17) and CAB sent out notices yesterday (Tues.). Terms of the agreement call for Hooper to ihsike a remittance until May, 1947, to CAB on the difference between the higher Hooper rate to clients and that which they have been paying to CAB. Meanwhile, CAB is proceeding with its plans to expand its e)4>eri- mental research operations. CBS Joins Hick Rodeo Circuit With Jamboree Popping m Oklahoma Hillbilly pattern of Saturday night network programming gets a hypo when Continental Can gives 'up sponsorship of its CBS "Celebrity Club" show next month. Network will -join in the bid for rural audi- ence attention when it puts its own hillbilly program into the 10:15-10:45 slot. According to present schedule show will originate from Oklahoma City. Saturday jamborees, almost strict- ly an NBC "baby" up till now, in- clude Miles Laboratories "National Barn Dance" and the R. J. Reynolds- sponsored "Grand Ole Opry," with the Colgate Judy Canova show fall- ing pretty much in the same, cat- egory. CBS Show Beats 'Jim Crow' Rap CBS' new "Night Life" show, which bowed Jn last week, went on only after a series, of tumultous epi- sodes in whicb allegations of "con- doning Jim Crowism" resulted in the show's producer, Will Roland, threatening to scram from the pro-, gram and the network. However, tha network's No. 1 man, William S. Paley, backed up the intent and con- tent of the show as promulgated by Roland^^ despite opposition of some southern affiliates — and the show went ort. Show, a musical intended to de- pict New York nightclub life, spots both white and Negro talent. At a recent meeting of CBS affiliates, some of the programming delegates from the south balked, asserting they would carry . the show only if the format provided tot an all-Negro or all-white cast. CBS, as a result, was considering overhauling the. format, with Roland then hitting the ceiling, claiming that such a move. would put radio back 20 years and that, it the stage and films weren't averse to mixed casting, why should radio? He was backed by other directors and producers at the web, who argued that it was tantamount to segregating Christians and Jews on programs. Paley immediately gave Roland the go-ahead. Show is still too new to determine just how many southern afflliateg arc carrying it. ABC Goes to the Astor To Find a Show There ABC network is currently blue- printing a new flve-times-a-week afternoon show tabbed "Meet Me at the Astor," which has been tenta- tively scheduled into the 4:40-5 o'clock niche. . Walter Kieran is slated to emcee the show, which will originate from the tea and cocktail lounge of the N.Y. hotel, with Kieran getting a pickup of cross-section reaction to anything that pops into his head. Boss Wants Time/ WQXR Faces Loss, But Most Sponsors Come Through With the New York Times now taking over all the news programs on its own station, WQXR, station management found itself facing the loss of a large slice of Its annual In- come. There have been about nina daily sponsors of the WQXR every- hour-on-tjie-hour newscasts, and sit- uation arose where station had to serve notice on them that they'd have to bow off the programs. Sales stall - was sent out with orders to wrap up new contracts for the various clients, but channeling their commercials into musical pro- grams. Thus far, all but one hav« agreed to stay on — and station ex- pects the lone holdout to coma through this week. As of July i, incidentally, station drops its "Interstate Broadcasting, Co." tag and will plug itself as "the radio station of the New York Times." t4 BABIO Wcdneaday, June 19, 1946 Outcome of CBS Wlute-Collarites' Election May Hinge on Challenges The United Olflceand Professional t Workers of America (CIO), a union of white-collar workers, came with- in a handful of votes of winning the CBS white-collar workers' elec- tion last week. When the National Labor Relations Board rules oh a number of challenged ballots, the CIO union may yet find itself in, If It snags from four to nine votes out •f a total of 23 challenged. On a plurality basis, the CIO union had already won the day. But it had to have a clear majority of 670 ballots cast* or 336 votes-^and it had only 327. Next in line, numerically, ran the so-called "company" vote of people who cared to belong to no union at all. This vote tallied 208. The In- ternational Brotherhood of Electri- cal Workers (AFL) came third with 103 ballots, less, than one-third the- CIO's endorsement. . The Inter- national Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (also AFL) was hardly in the running at all, getting only nine votes out of the total in this group of 670 ballots. These 670 votes were cast in the principal of three elections held simultaneously under the NLRB's rulings. In ^ the CBS television division, there were two other elec- tions. One of them was a contest between IBEW and lATSE for a total of nine people grouped in a miscellaneous unit. These included animator, film cutter, wardrobe mis- tress, etc. Originally, the group was six; arguments between the two A^L unions enlarged it to nine. What will happen to this group is up to the NLRB. . Then there was a third election, involving 13 television directors and assistant directors. (See separate story). Strike Averted While lATSE seemed to be fight- ing for what was, numerically, an insignificant group, actually the fight between IBEW and lATSE was very keen. At one point Thursday, night before the election, both groups were about to call strikes. lATSE was going to strike the CBS tele- vision department, and IBEW count- ered \yith a threat that in that event it would strike the entire radio net- work. While company execs who are anxious to keep out oiE trouble with any of the unions refused to dis- ' ciiss the matter, it was known that a company rep was ready to go on the air at 8 p.m. Thursday (13) and inform the public of a possibility of a strike. IBEW finally notified the company two minutes tjefore air- time that it would not strike and put the. company in the middle be- . tween two opposing labor groups. lATSE's concern for the nine in the miscellaneous groups as well as for television directors is important because this union insists, despite the NLRB ruling to the contrary, that television is more akin to Alms than it is to radio. If the lATSE- IBEW fight broadens, therefore, it is likely to spill over into Holly- wood. Whether .the CIO union has won . the Election -will be decided by the NLRB on the basis of an examina- tipn of the reasons for the 23 chal- lenges. The UOPWA says it made no challenges, thereby implying that it thinks a goodly number of those 23 voted for it; The chal- lenges are mostly from IBEW. In one case, an employee in the CBS publicity department was challenged on the grounds of being an "execu tive."' Afraid to record, his vote under those circumstances — although the balloting was secret — this man did not -vote at all. In case the UOPWA does not win a clear majority, after the chal- lenged ballots aire tallied, it's up to the NLRB to determine, perhaps after a hearing, what kind of a run off election shall be held. lA'TSE is sure to be out of the run-off, since it got less than 20% of the total vote. There may or may not be room on the run-off ballot for people to re- cord their choice of belonging to no union at all. The NLRB could rule the runroff be between UOPWA and IBEW alone, since 420 of the 670 votes were for union affiliation. The barrage of last-miiiute propa- ganda increased last week as elec- tion time came nearer, the UOPWA and IBEW doing most of the propa- gandizing. The company, at the last moment, joined in the rush of state- ments,- issuing a statement asking the people to vote for no union af- filiation at all. But even that state- ment was mild, and was . admittedly Issued only for the record. 6G HoDioIka Show Gertrude Berg and Vera Elkel have combined to package a half- hour comedy situation show built around a Swedish-American family, and starring Oscar Momolka, star of current Broadway hit, "I Remember Mama." Miss Berg to script and direct. , William Morris agency handling package, quoted at $6,0(>0. Flannn s 107G Bid As Interest Nixed Claim of Donald Flamm for an additional $107,000 interest which he sought' to tack on to a verdict of $350,000. won against Edward J. Noble was thrown out last week , by the appellate division ' of the New York supreme court in a 3-2 deci- sion. Verdict, itself,, was recovered by Flamm on March 31 in a suit which charged - Noble with forcing the plaintiff to sell station WMCA to him at an inadequate price. Appellate court, without written opinion, held that Noble was not required to pay interest charges. Ap- peal from the $350,000 verdict, pend- ing in the same court, has not yet been heard. Pknty of Fvewodis on Tap For RDG As Intra-AFL Rash Breaks Out O'Nea'tNiihtSpot . Danny O'Neil, who currently holds down his own morning show on CfBS, will also double ihis summer into a Saturday night musical pro- gram being built around him. Show will be tabbed "Danny O'Neil and His Guests," with format providing for showcasing of new talent. Tees off July 13 in the 8:30-8:55 slot. KLZ National Ad Manager DUDLEY TICHENOR Formerly manager of KVOR, Colorado Springs; recently released from AAF after 2% years as PRO. KLZ, DENVER Fidler Into Lad Slot, The Hat' to Midweek, As Carter Bays Time With Carter Products buying the 15-minute (9:30-9:45) Sunday night ABC slot currently occupied by Fiorello LaGuardio, the ex-N, Y. Mayor will.be shifted to either Tues- day or Wednesday night at 8:15 when the new sponsor takes over the time at the end of the month. - LaGuardia, who's now divorced from Liberty magazine sponsorship auspices, is under contract to ABC until Dec. 31. Web. which is pay- ing LaG $1,000 a broadcast as a sustaining commentator, is recon- ciled to the fact that the ex-Mayor will probably remain on a sustaining basis for the remainder of the year (with LaG himself preferring it that way). Carter is still shopping around for a show for the. additional 15-minute period. Client is moving Jimmy Fid- ler from 9:45 into the spot being vacated by LaGuardia, with the new stanza going into the ex-Fidler seg- ment. Texas Outkts Hit Florence Pritchett's BrieBe On Winchell Sub Show David Selznick has granted a leave of absence to Florence Pritchett un- til Sept. 1 so she can appear on the Walter Winchell summer replace- ment with Quentin Reynolds and Ben Grauer. One of the 'Tour Urges" used in the exploitation of "Duel in the Sun," she will be given a five-minute segment each Sunday to talk on the woman's side of the news. WDGY Gospel Nix Stirs Mpk Church &oupshto Action Minneapolis, June 18. Battle over broadcasting by church groups, centering here, is threatening to assume nationwide proportions. Following action of WDGY in can- celling a preponderance of weekday gospel programs, church groups called a rally which attracted 3,000 persons. . Group heard a charge by the Rev. Henry B. Prince, Minneapolis pas- tor, that Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America was trying to prevent broadcasting of the gospel. He said the council has convinced an increasing percentage of radio interest that such programs are undesirable. Another pastor. Rev. Wallace Olson, said "We pay for radio time and a station has no more right to deny us the right to broadcast than the telephone com- pany has to deny you the rigfTt to make a telephone call.".' Still an- other, Dr. W. H. Murk, St. Paul, said "liquor interests" and "atheistic Communists" were also trying to keep religion off the air. At the rally, combined groups de- cided to circulate petitions to send to congress asking legislation which would compel any station to put re- ligious sponsors on a par with com- mercial buyers of time. More than 5,000 signatures were obtained the flirst few days. While some sponsors had agreed with WDGY that audiences of re- ligious broadcasts were not respon sive, complaining elements were seeking aid of National Assn. of Re- ligious Broadcasters, which, is spring conference here had voiced a similar plaint. Another rally was called for next Sunday in Minneapolis armory, which seats 10,000. ■ Washington' June: 18.' Obligation of Texas radio stations to air fully issues in the upcoming Texas gubernatorial primary may be subject of a full-dress FCC public hearing, if Homer Rainey, one of a dozen candidates for governor of the Lone Star State has his \yay. Rainey has already protested to FCC and the Justice Dept. refusal of four stations of the Texas Quality Net— WFAA, Dallas; WRAP, Ft. Worth; KPRC, Houston; and WOAI, San Antonio— to give more than a' half-hour ^lot to each of the guber- natorial candidates between now and July 15. Since his wired pro- tests of June 8, the former Texas univ. prexy, has made formal de- mand in writing for more time on the four outlets and is now readying a petition to FCC for an immediate public hearing. . While the communications act does not require stations to make time available for political broad- casts, Rainey charges a "conspiracy" among the four stations to restrict discussion of irnportant public issues at stake in the upcoming election. -He also claims violation of the anti-trust laws. The Justice Dept., it was understood, immediately re- ferred his earlier complaint to FCCp, on. the ground that action was out- side its jurisdiction. WALKER CONmMED Washington, )une 18. Senate Saturday (15) confirmed the nomination of FCC Commission, er Paul A. Walker for another seven- year term beginning July 1. Bridgeport Columnist Gagged on WONS, Hits At Radio 'Immaturity' Hartford, June 18. Signed column by Bill James of Bridgeport Herald soundly chast- ised Hartford r^dio for failure to mature. James claimed Hartford radio wasn't of age because it fell down in obligations to community in letting fear of stepping on toes of few slant radio policy. James was referring to his rela- tions with WONS. He had gone on station as commentator on a weekly Friday night 15-minute slot. He had expected to . do on the air gossip similar to material carried in his Bridgeport Herald column and had given air show same tag of "Casual Observer." However, the station wouldn't allow him to use contro- versial material and his show fell flatter than a pancake. In announcing his^ withdrawal from the air scene, James made the blast but included remainder of Hartford stations. Top 15 and the Opposition Walter Winchell mowed up /rom lOtd to second place in the June 15 Hooperatinps, with the latest Top 15 re/lectinB the changing pattern as. summer hiatus lime moves in. Such shows as "We, The People," Jud]/ Canova, "Can You Top This?" and "Hit Parade'' are now keeping com- pany with Hope, Skelton, Fibber, Allen, etc., in Top 15 representation. Here's the lineup, along uiith opposition shows thdt managed to crash through with an 8:0 rating or better: PROGRAM Bob Hope . . . .. 26.0 Waiter Winchell ... OPPOSITION Red Skelton 19.5 20.1 11.9 "Manhattan Merry-Go-Round" Fibber & Molly. . . "Lux Radio Theatre" 18.5 16.4 Fred Allen 16.3 Screen Guild Players "Mr. District Attorney' "Take It-Lcave It"..., Kay Kyser 14.9 Jack Haley 14.0 Judy Canova 13,4 Eddie Cantor 13.3 "We, The People 12.8. "Top This?" 12.5 "Hit Parade" 12.5 9.5 11.1 "Info Please" "Crime Doctor" 16.2 15.9 15.5 8.8 "Hour of Charm" 8.6 9.3 "Sat. Night Serenade" "Gangbusters" 60-MIN. DO-GOODERS GET PALEY-CBS NOD Reaction to Robert L. Shayon's re- cent hour-long "Operations Cross road" CBS show has cued a new net- work policy instituted by William S Paley, whereby the 60-minute one- shot programming technique will be carried out as a permanent feature. As in the case of the atom bomb show, the series, to be done at regu lar intervals, will focus attention on vital national issues. Two are cur rently being blueprinted— one on housing, and another on juvenile le linquency. William N. Robson is re- portedly down for one, with Shayon slated to do the other. > The Radio Directors' Guild has broken 'out into an intra-union, in- tra-AFL rash, as a result of last week's CBS elections embracing white collar workers, miscellaneous television people, and directors em- ployed by CBS' video division. While RDG prexy Ed Byron is burned about radio directors- at CBS taking an open stand in favor of a CIO union which was on the bal- lot for the white collar workers — the entire RDG itself is involved in a battle with the powerful AFL Inter- national Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employeeis. Since lATSE is an Autonomous International inside the AFL, while the RDG is only a federal local that has no genuine au- tonomy, some members of the RDG say "I told you so, we should never have jointed the AFL : in the first place." Furthermore, the lATSE- RDGi fight comes to a head just at the time -the . RDG awaits an answer to its application to the AFL execu- tive council for an international charter. In a set of complicated moves, this is what happened: The RDG had insisted that it has jurisdiction over directors and assistant directors in CBS television. lATSE claimed these people were in a branch of the film industry, and should belong to lATSE. CBS supported the RDG view, as did the two other organ- izations battling for the CBS white- coUarites: United. Off ice and Profes- sional Workers of America (CIO), and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (AFL). When' it came to the balloting, last Friday (14), the bitUots for video directors "gave " thetn a choice as Be- tween lATSE, RDG, or no union at all thus lining up two AFL groups against each other. Thirteen video directors and assistant direbtors voted. At that point, and for no reason made public, the New York regional office of the AFL. entered an appli- cation to the NLRB, asking that the video directors' ballots be im- pounded. In .effect, RDG people said, that meant the AFL was selling ttMxn down the river. The RDG is going to fight, this move. However, it could be ordered by the Walshingtin h.q. of AFL to lie low — or have its charter re- voked. Some directors would just as soon see that happen, pointing out that as a federal local of AFL, "we are tied hand and foot any- way, as this incident proves." Meanwhile, there is in the intra- RDG'tiff. This results from the fact that CBS director Robert Lewis Shayon, the shop steward, urged white-collarites to identify • them- selves with th« United Office and Professional Workers of America (CIO). Resolution went on to state that, in the opinion of the CBS-RDG members, "the UOPWA is the best qualified to represent their interests." Wh^ Byron heard about it, he did a burn, notifying the CBS di- rector contingent that "the execu- tive council of the RDG wishes to go on record as disavowing this (CBS) resolution, as no group within the RDG has any authority whatever to pass any resolutions or to take, action of any kind except as individual members. The official stand of the RDG in this section is absolutely neutral except insofar as the election of the televsion direi;- tors and assistant directors is con- cerned." ' CBS directors say they stand pat; that they acted as individuals, not as the RDG. There's friction, too, within the . Guild ranks over a move which would vest the RDG Council with power to appoint shop stewards, rather than elect them. Opponents of the move claim that's against all the precepts of democracy. Another Bulova Delay Washington, June 18. The second hearing on the bid of the Paulist Fathers for Arde Bulova's New York sUtion, WNEW, slated for July, is now likely to be post- poned until Aug. 8, according to re ports here. NAM GETS CBS TIME TO BALANCE AFL-CIO CBS, which is rounding out a 26- wcelc series of programs devoted to the CIO and AFL (current 13-week cycle on "Cross Section-AFL" winds up next week) ha« now scheduled a 13-week program semester which will place similar Saturday afternoon cuffo time at the disposal of the Na- tional Assn.. of Manufacturers. Series will tee off on July 6 and, like the others, will be produced by Bob Heller. NAM scries will be de- voted to the problems of small bu.si- ness people. Network feels that, in order to fully round out the picture,- the "other side of the fence" should get equal spotlighting, Wednesday, June 19, 1946 RADIO 2S CANADA: STUDY IN FRUSTRATION Jericho s WaDs Still Stand Survey just conducted by the American Assn. of Advertising Agencies shows that, despite the wave of commercial rad io' cancel la - tionsi many agencies are enjoying the same volume of business as; last . year, wWle several have even surpassed their 1945 figures. Four-A's conducted a spot check of six of the larger agencies in N. Y„ which reportedly revealed that both their employment and volume are up over a year ago. Check indicates, says the Fbur-A's/ that signs of a general decline are only tempcrary and that the slow- down the result only of curtailed prodiiction, Other survey highlights; ' All advertising is off about as much as radio, and the agency radio stalls are .burning over the fact that , th? newspapers play up the air cancellations— while never giving a line to the cancellation of news- paper and magazine ads. While no agency would reveal any figures, thie consensus was that radio, newspapers and magazines each- lurnished about one-third of the average agency's business, and the decline has been general all along the line. Curtailment is due, niost agency chiefs said, to strikes and shortages; plus the fact that, with the lifting of the excess profits ■ tax last January, many industrialists have cancelled their, institutional advertising. N. Y. FM Picture a Gambake, Even After Four Drop Out of Sweepstakes Washington, June 18. The prospect looms that several of the bidders for New York City FM stations will pull out their applica- tions prior to the hearing— now set to open July 8— following FCC ac- tion last week holding out lour channels in the metropolitan area for assignment at a later time. Further withdrawals appear likely, with four cohipanies pulling out this week— Raytheon Manufacturing Co., The New York Sun, Arde Bulova's WNEW, and the United Automobile Workers (CIO), which is converting Its bid for a Newark station to "com- munity-type" operation and so escaping hearing. New York FM scraps still loom as one of the toughest to date, with. 20 companies now in the running for only five channels — or an average of four bidders for every slot. Under the FM-channel-reservation plan, four of the 20 bands originally al- located to the N. Y.-northeastern Jersey area are being withheld for another year. Eleven more channels are already occupied by existing licensees. As a result of the heavy competi- tion, FCC officials are openly advis- ing some of the applicants outside Manhattan to try for community sta- tions, which will give them almost as much coverage and can be handed out without hearings. Still in the running in N. Y. are: National Maritime Union (CI©); Amalgamated Broadcasting ' Co. (CIO's Amalgamated Clothing Workers); and- Unity Broadcasting Corp. (AFL International Ladies Garment Workers); WBNX; WLIB; WMCA; Hearst Radio, Inc.; Ameri- can Broadcasting Co. (WJZ); Metror pqlitan Broadcasting Corporation (in which the Ohrbach department store interest!! and Mayor O'Dwyer are stockholders); Frequency Broadcast- ing Corporation; The News Syndi- cate, Inc.; Bernard Fein; the People's Radio Foundation, Inc.; North Jersey Radio, Inc. for Newark; Radio Projects, Inc., Newark; Atlantic Broadcasting Co., Newark; Gardner Cpwics' WHOM for Jersey City; and North Jersey Broadcasting Co. (Don- ald Flamm and Comdr. James Cos- man) for Paterson, N. J. . Elias Godofsky. an original ap- plicant, switched over earlier to a community" bid, and now has a grant m Hempstead, L. I. Supreme Broacasting Co. and Book-of-the- Month Club pulled out their bids several weeks ago, v'^^anwhile, the FCC last Thurs- oaj U3) denied a. petition of the American Jewish Congress to inter- vene m the hearing in protest to the .application of the New York Daily wews, but said this did not prevent J"„ p*"P from appearing and mak- fh„ Z "tatoment during the course of ni-nt ."'"S- The Jewish Congress is "F a erant to the News by reason of allegedly anti-Semitic 4r- AFRA Gets 'Em Young Washington, June 18. . Cute angle on . the clothing shortage went out over WTOP, CBS outlet here, Friday (14), when staffer Joe McCaffrey in- terviewed John K. Jones, presi- dent of the National Institute of Diaper Services. Airer featured Jones demon- strating and explaining into the mike a new "kit-fold" technique on three-month old Dick Carson whose screams could be heard over the ether. "Ladies and gentlemen, you have just heard little Dick Lar- son's comments," concluded Mc- Caffrey. "I believe that just about sums up the diaper situa- tion." tides carried In the paper. BBC, lion's Tail Twisted by WUB WLIB (N. Y.) last week threw a challenge to BBC via a special one- shot show which It demanded that BBC play to home audiences in Britain. If BBC accedes to the de- mand, the British listeners will hear i some scorching criticism.s of both their Prime Minister. Ernest Bevin, and BBC itself. It all started when Mi-. Bevin made a speech before the British Labor Party last week (12) assert- ing that propaganda for admission of Jews into Palestine stems from N. Y, .because "New York doesn't want them." BBC's regular evening "Newsreel" show, as, sent over by shortwave from London for relay to American stations, gave nine b£ the 14 minutes to the' Bevin .-speech- but that one paragraph of his speech, referring to N. Y., had been deleted. WLIB aired a special one-shot "N. Y. Answers Bevin." within 24 hours of the Beyin speech. The sta- tion cabled BBC and Mr. Bevin that it is sending them platters of the show. The station demanded of BBC's North American office in N. Y. that BBC at home play the answer in fairness to N. Y. N. Y. officials of BBC. obviously embarrassed both by Mr. Bevin's re- mark and their "Newsreel's" omis- sion of a critical paragraph, would .say only that they had sent the WLIB platter to London. Some of them made no secret of their fr^ling that BBC had put itself on a spot with that omission. WLIB meanwhile gave ils answer wide ballyhoo. Copies of the plat- ter were also sent to KLAC, Los Angeles, and KYA, San Francisco, for airing over tho.se outlets which, like WLIB, are owned by the N. Y. -Post, mtNTTOPS; By GEOBGE ROSEN Subject Canadian radio to psycho- analytical treatment, and you'll probably come up with the prize ex- aniple of frustration in all radio his- tory, anytime or anywhere. That's the opinion of some of Canada's top radio talent either visiting or working in New York now. Here is how they sUm it up: You'll find a setup that combines at once the best and the worst fea- tures that radio has to offer. From a standpoint of sheer economics, you'll find Canadian radio being held in check; extremely capable and gen- uinely talented writers, actors, pro- ducers and. directors suffering from a horrible inferiority complex be- cause, in terrns of American radio, they are working for a pittance. True, Canada is not too overloaded with top talent, but there are enough of them and 'enough is being accomplished, to suggest that, under better working conditions, Canadian radio could well be the ideal setup. Canada is producing shows that would make U. S. network and agency boys — who never hear them — open their mouths in something suggesting amazement. Stripped of many of the tabus of .U. S. radio, with greater freedom of speech for political expression, with less cen- sorship, and an overall frankness free of the shackles of inhibition, some of the Canadian-produced shows have a quality all their own that's unmatched in the states. For Example Take, for example, the annual "Stage" series on CBC. Or Andrew Allen, Canada's top producer. Or such writers as Len Peterson, Lister Sinclair, Hugh Kemp, or Fletcher Markle, who was brought down by CBS to direct his own "Sometime Every Summertime" on the Col- umbia Workshop last Sunday; or actors like John Drainie, described by Norman Corwin during his Ca- nadian Red Cross show as "one of the 10 best actors I've ever worked with." Or Don Harron, another of Canada's top actors. Or such excit- ing shows as "Burlap Bags." Yet there is not a feeling among any ot these personalities that they have been indoctrinated into the bigtime. There's no effort, made to invest them with prestige. They lack recognition. Many blame the CBC for its lack of initiative on press relations. But if incentive is lacking— it stems Irom other faults, as -well. For example, the top script fee is $100; t75 for regional, net shows. (Top commercial fee is $200) . Ac- tors work under the $25 union (AFL) mirtimum, and that includes rehearsals. ' A few ot them have managed to break away. Alan Young, for in- stance, who was persuaded by agent Frank Cooper to take the plunge in U. S. radio. Or Patricia Jaundry, who only a few months ago was working in Canada for $75. a week and now is scripting the "Aldrich Family." for Young & Rubicaih for $750 a week. But the rest go'- on: they work very hard, -for little returns. They know that f-adio in Canada is so set up that it could readily lend itself to the most progressive operation anywhere (although the indies are not nearly as progressive as. the CBC). But it's all peculiarly a part ot the pattern of Canada's inferiority complex— and that hurts. Atomic Show to Fill In For P&G-Vallee NBC Spot When Procter and Gamble turns the' Thursday night 10:30-11 Rudy Vallee slot back to NBC for the summer (new show goes in come October), the network programming dept. will fill in the 13-week hiatus period with a series dramatizing the full implications of atomic energy. Series, which gets under way July 4. will be scripted by. Arnold Mar- quis, who also writes the Sunday night NBC "Pacific Story" show. ProRrain will originate from Holly- wood. CBC Execs Hit Back at Critics, Show 75% of Indies Get Profits; New Web to Operate 16-Hour Sked That's for Me Hollywood, June 18. A dream of a lifetime may yet come true for Arch Oboler. Met- ro has asked him if he would like to direct "The Hucksters." That's like askii;g a guy if he'd take a million bucks. No lover of commercial , radio and more often its severest critic, Oboler would sink his bicuspids deep into, such an assignment, Jiist ' how he is working on another picture and if the M-G bosses like it and there's been no change of heart he'll likely get the call. He's living for the day and how he'll revel in it. Kyser, G. W. 11 Feudin' Over Pact Hollywood, June 18. Kay Kyser and George Washing- ton Hill arc feuding again, but it's only as serious as the two principals want to make it. Brush occurred over kyser's refusal to accept a new five-year deal from American To- bacco. Bandleader said, "I just didn't like the terms and told him so. I made him a counter proposal but apparently he didn't like it. He refused to comment;" New five-year contract would re- place a pact which has a year to run from Jan. 1, 1947, at which time Kyser resumes with Luckies after terminating lend-lease arrangement with Colgate. Kyser had other rea- sons for turning down the new con- tract. Besides not wanting to be tied down for that long, he's not so sure he wants to continue in radio and doesn't like the idea of getting a scvcn-weiik layoff while others are given 13 to 17 weeks (Jack Benny, who also works for Hill got 17). Before the start of last season Kyser threatened to retire from radio for a long rest, but \yas per- suaded by Hill to continue under Colgate auspices. Pot of Trouble Ready For Tot of Gold' As FCC Frowns on Format Washington, June 18. FCC officials are expressing inter- est hei'e in a report that the con- troversial "Pot of Gold" show may stage a radio comeback, next fall under its old sponsor, Tums. The commission tried repeatedly to get tlie program off the air in 1940 and 41 on grounds that it was a "lottery" and as such forbidden under Section 318 of the Communications Act. FCC even went so far as to refer the case to Dept. of Justice for prosecu- tion early in 1941, but the D. J. re- fused ip go into it, and the program itself folded in June of that year. Indication that FCC is still keep- ing a wary eye out for programs of the lottery-type came this month in its decision nixing an FM bid for lo- cal station WWDC. The FCC decision hammered away at a "Captain Cash" program carried by WWDC, which is a prize-give-away affair. Com- mission assumed the show would be duplicated over WWDC's FM trans- mitter ind questioned its legality. Like "Pot of Gold," the WWDC show gave no bonus for listening, but handed out the cash only when a specific question was answered correctly by some one on the other end of a telephone connection. What the commission apparently didn't know when it wrote the Washington FM decision was that WWDC had already bowed to. the inevitable and (Continued on. page 36) * Montreal, June 18. Two of CBC's top officials-rDr. Augustin Frigon gen. man. and Ernest L. Bushnell, program dir- ector^last week admitted two facts -before the Parliamentary Radio Committee. . ^ Frigon revealed that CBC -is now for the first time in its history op- erating under a deficit. Bushnell slammed out at critics of CBC programs and hinted that a smear campaign was going on all over Canada against CBC. To those who pointed to U.S. programs as examples of what the CBC airers should be like, he claimed that single U. S, airers shelled out $20,000 for talent alone, whereas CBC had only that amount to provide programs for a whole week. While the matter of CBC budget and programming is of vital concern, these questions are almost routine compared to the CBC-taking-over- indie-frequcncies issue which is due to spark fireworks at the Radio Com- mittee at any time now. There's little doubt that CBC of- ficials will have a lot of explaining to do in regard to the above matter. Announced intention to take over frequencies of CREB, Toronto, and CFCN. Calgary, points to the fact that CBC is determined to stick to its plans, come what may. From the other side, as evidenced in a state- ment issued by the Canadian Assn. of Broadcasters parley last week, tlie indies are prepared to take the fight to the floor of the House. Whose Money? New $8,000,000 talked about CBC web is also something the CBC of- ficials will have to explain, since sorncbody is sure to ask; what's the purpose and wberc's the money coming from if, by both Frigon and Bushnell admissions, the web is op- erating under a deficit and pro- grams under the present conditions are suffering through lack of funds.? Frigon explained the deficit ($35,- 000 before providing for deprecia- tion and obsolescence) in this Way: Revenues from, the sale of radio receiving license ($2.5Q per receiver) had fallen short of the . estimated budget requirements. The CBC had estimated it would receive $3,9itch Henderson and the Golden Gate Quurtct in smoothly segueing sequences, with each doing at least tv, - n '.li rs to suggest full value received from all, Premiere sunuay tlii) had the Savitt musicians '.rotting oiif a symjjhonic-jazz nrrangcment of "The Sorcerer's .Apprentice" that was appetizing, arid . an aiTiingement of "St. Louis Blue.';" that was swank, Miss Haines mooned fetchingly through "They S.ny It's Woriderfur and "There's Good. Blues Tonight," while the Golden Gate Quartet, ace vocal group, sang its sharply shaded versions of "Shadrach" and"Shoo Fly Pie." Skitch Henderson's brisk pianology was evident in "Liza," "Laura" and "St. Louis Blue.s." In all, a tasty Sabbath nightcap. Broti. SAD SACK" With Herb Vifran, Jim Backus, Patsy Morfin, Dora Slncleton; Dick Joy, annopncer; Lou KosloB oroh,. Writers: Charles Isaacs, Art Stan- der Producer: Ted Sherdeman 30 MIns., Wed., 9 p.m. OLD GOLD WABC-CBS, N, Y. (Leuiien Sc JWi(cliell). As the summer replacement tor Frank Sinatra, Old Gold brought George Baker's . "Sad Sack" out of the pages of the wartime Yank mag, placmg the pathetic GI in a mufti situatibner on the air. As aire