Boxoffice-September.18.1978

CONTACT NATIONAL AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT. INC. 

8530 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD. SUITE 300 

• BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90211* Telephone: (213) 659-1 872 

ONE BIG LAFF HIT 

FROM 

\IATIONAL AMERICAN 

ENTERTAINMENT... 

DESERVES ANOTHER! 

^ 

$2,427,000 

BOX OFFICE GROSS AND 

75% OF THE COUNTRY 

STILL TO GO. 

SEPTEMBER 18, 1978 

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including Ihc Sirtional Newt Pages of All Editions 

V 

BOOK IT NOW!

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can 

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MTIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

BENSHLYEN 

'utlinttf Ir Nine SKlional Editloni 

Ed::or-in-Chie! and Publishe: 

RALPH M. DELMONT ..Mansoinn Editor 

t-.ORRIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mgr. 

GARY BURCH 

RALPH KAMINSKY .Western EHilor 

Western OKicej: 6425 llollyuood Blid 

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Eastern Offices: 1270 8Uth Arenue. Suite 

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London Olfice: .\nthony Gruner. 1 Wood 

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THE JIODEIIN TIIE.\TltE Section Is 

IlKluded In one Issue escll month. 

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BiUlmore: Kite S««ge. 3607 Sprlngdale. 

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Buffalo: Ednard K. Meade. 760 JIaIn St.. 

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., 

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Ball Lake City: Keith I'erry. 204 K. Isl 

8

— 

Para, and Koch Renew 

Pact for Fourth Time 

HOLLYWOOD—Howard W. 

Koch has 

signed with Paramount Pictures for 

the fourth renewal of his contract as an 

independent producer, it was announced 

by Michael D. Eisner, president and chief 

operating officer of Paramount. Koch, who 

has been an independent pioduccr with 

Paramoimt Studios since 1966, has several 

properties currently in development. 

Among them is the story of Steve Cauthen, 

the 18-year-old jockey, based on a novel 

written by Pete Axthelm. Other projects 

will 

be announced later. 

Eisner, in announcing the new contract. 

said: "Paramount is pleased to continue its 

successful relationship with Howard. He is 

one of the most productive executives in 

the motion picture business and we are honored 

to conduct business with such a gentleman." 

Koch has produced and/ or directed over 

50 motion pictures and TV projects. He is 

serving his second term as president of the 

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 

and produced four of the last six 

Academy Award telecasts prior to his 1977 

election as president. He also produced the 

50th Oscars telecast in April 1978. 

Among Koch's producer credits are "The 

Odd Couple," "On a Clear Day You Can 

See Forever," "Plaza Suite" and "Jacqueline 

Susann's Once Is Not Enough." 

Debonair's 3D Drive-In 

Bill Clicks in Detroit 

LOS ANGELES—Debonair Films' 3-D. 

triple bill, R-rated. drive-in consisting of 

"Lollipop Girls," "Playmates" and "Wildcat 

Women." grossed $29,045 in five days 

in two Detroit ozoners, the Dearborn and 

the Van Dyke. 

"The amazing thing about the gross is 

that the show opened cold." noted Jack 

Kessler. national sales manager. "There 

was less than two days to plan a campaign, 

thereby eliminating the use of such promotional 

tools as trailers, cross-plug trailers. 

TV and radio," Kessler noted. 

The total campaign consisted of twocolumn 

ads placed in Detroit's two dailies. 

"As the word spread about the Detroit 

grosses," Kessler noted, "exhibitors from 

around the country began requesting prints 

and, as a result, all prints on the 3-D triple 

bill are booked solid during September." 

Unger Joins Univ. Int'l 

As Foreign Sales Mgr. 

UNIVERSAL CITY—Stephen Unger has 

joined Universal Pictures International as 

foreign sales manager, reporting to MCA, 

Inc., vice-president Raphael Etkes. 

Formerly an independent producer and 

distributor of theatrical and TV motion 

pictures. Unger handled distribution of the 

Charlie Chaplin film package, among other 

properties, in certain territories overseas. 

He is a graduate of Syracuse University 

and attended the NYU Graduate School 

of Film and TV. 

Eli Horowitz and John Veitch Named 

Exec. Vice-Presidents by Columbia 

BURBANK—Eli Horowitz, senior vice- Horowitz joined the accounting departpresident 

in charge of business affairs, ment of Columbia Pictures in New York 

Eli 

Horowitz 

worldwide, and John Veitch, vice-president 

and worldwide executive production manager, 

have been promoted to executive vicepresidents 

of Columbia Pictures Productions, 

it was announced by Frank Price, 

president, and Dan Melnick, president of 

Columbia Pictures. 

In making the announcement. Melnick 

said, "Messrs. Veitch and Horowitz have 

contributed greatly to the growth and resurgence 

of Columbia Pictures. I am pleased 

that we have the opportunity to recognize 

their exceptional talents by promoting 

them to executive vice-presidents." 

Edwards to Produce, Write 

Direct Orion's 'Ferret' 

BURBANK — Blake Edwards has been 

signed by Orion Pictures Co. to produce, 

write and direct "The Ferret." Production 

starts next summer. 

Over $1 

Million Gross 

For lassie' at RCMH 

New York— "The Magic of Lassie," 

at the conclusion of the fourth week 

of its engagement at the Radio Citj 

Music Hall, reported a total gross figure 

of $1,093,771 for the plajdate. 

Openings in major situations across the 

country are planned during the next 

two months. 

Distributed through the International 

Picture Show of Atlanta. "The Magic 

of Lassie" was produced by Bonita 

Granville Wrather and William Beaudine 

jr. The film was directed by Don 

Chaffey from a screenplay by Richard 

B. and Robert M. Sherman and Jean 

Holloway. 

John Veitch 

in 1946 and then moved into executive 

positions in the international and treasurer's 

divisions. In 1973, he moved to the company's 

West Coast studio, where he served 

as vice-president in charge of business affairs. 

He was elevated to the post of senior 

vice-president in 1975. 

Veitch first came to Columbia in 1963 

as production manager, two years later becoming 

executive production manager for 

the company. 

In 1968 he was appointed vice-president 

of the company. 

Three Paramount Features 

Win Outstanding Grosses 

NEW YORK—Frank G. Mancuso, senior 

vice-president/domestic distribution. 

Paramount Pictures, reports that three of 

— 

the company's current releases "Grease," 

"Heaven Can Wait" and "Foul Play" 

have racked up outstanding grosses in initial 

playdates. 

"Grease" scored $106,102,000 in its first 

73 days of release, with 965 theatres reporting 

out of the 1,200 situations currently 

playing the film in the U.S. and Canada. 

"Heaven Can Wait" has attained boxoffice 

grosses of $50,618,000 in the first 61 

days of national release, with 670 theatres 

reporting out of the 840 houses exhibiting 

the picture in the U.S. and Canada. In 

doing so, "Heaven Can Wait" becomes the 

third Paramount film this year to top the 

$50,000,000 mark in domestic boxoffice 

receipts, joining "Saturday Night Fever" 

and "Grease." 

"Foul Play" has recorded $22,276,000 in 

the first ten to 40 days of release, with 604 

theatres reporting out of the 650 currently 

showing the film in the U.S. and Canada, 

Paramount said. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 18. 1978

'Terry & the Piraies' 

Feature Set by Avco 

HOLL^ WOOD—Avco l-mbas>> Pictures 

lias sianed an agreement to make an S8.- 

000.000 major feature 

film based on 

•Terry and the Pirates." 

the famed and 

long-running comic 

strip by cartoonist 

Milton Caniff. William 

E. Chaikin. Avco 

president announced. 

The agreement was 

concluded with Rich- 

.ird Covey, representing 

Clarence Greene 

\Mlliuni Chaikin 

and Russell Rous s Tower Productions 

and the Chicago Tribune-New York News 

Syndicate. 

Chaikin pointed out that -the picture 

represents Avco Embassy's singularly largest 

motion picture project with regard to 

the company's new involvement in production 

financing of selected product." A quality 

production, he said, "is virtually guaranteed 

with Avco's association with such 

creative talents as Clarence Greene, Russell 

Rouse and John Michael Hayes." 

Screenplay by John Hayes 

Hayes will write the screenplay, Chaikin 

said, and Greene will produce the film to 

he directed by Rouse. The film will be 

shot on locations in Hong Kong and Macao, 

as well as in the U. S.. with Paul A. 

Rosen. Avco vice-president in charge of 

creative affairs, worldwide, serving as the 

company representative on the film. Principal 

photography is set to begin early in 

1 979. 

Greene and Rouse won an Academy 

Award for "Pillow Talk." They have produced, 

written and directed such films as 

"D.O.A.." "The Well," "New York Confidential," 

"The Thief," "The Fastest Gun 

Alive" and "The Oscar." They won the 

Writers Guild Award for the best TV 

screenplay, "One Day in the Life of Ivan 

Denisovitch," based on the novel by Alex- 

"Our intention, reflected by ihc SS.OOO,- 

000 budget," he said, "is to produce a 

major motion picture which will be supported 

by a tremendous advertising, publicity 

and promotion budget that will insure 

its worldwide marketing success." 

He said Avco already is mounting a campaign 

that will have the same marketing 

ind merchandising thrust as ihal of "Superiiian." 

The final script is nearing completion, 

irtcne said, adding thai casting will begin 

>i'-r.'. month, with plans to blend major 

;": -.lars with "carefully selected new 

NEW WORLD 

PRESIDENT 

Roger Cornian. president of New 

World Pictures, has predicted that the 

current release. "Piranha," will be an 

all-time record grosser for the company. 

In its first three weeks of playing 

time in 196 situations, boxoffice receipts 

amounted to $2,099,707. "Avalanche." 

which premiered July 26 in 

Denver, also has been breaking records 

for New World, eight-year-old production-distribution 

company. Corman says 

New World releases have exceeded 

$400,000,000 in boxoffice grosses since 

the formation of the firm. Upcoming 

features include "The Bees," "The 

Movie Cwoer" "Phibes Resurrection," 

"The Frat Rats," "Hard Time Aces" 

and "Saint Jack." 

MCA Board Approves Stock 

Split and Cash Dividend 

UNIVERSAL CITY—Low R. Wasserman, 

chairman of the board of MC.\, Inc., 

announced that the board of directors has 

approved a five-for-four split of the company's 

common stock. The record date for 

the stock split is the close of business 

Wednesday (20). It is contemplated that approximately 

ander Solzhenitsyn. 

October 24 the Chase Manhatander 

tan Bank, N.A., the transfer agent, will mail 

'A Presold Commodity' 

to stockholders of record at the close of 

"Terry and the Pirates" not only is a business Wednesday (20) additional stock 

known quantity but it also is "a presold certificates representing the additional 

commodity," according to Bob Rehme, Avco's 

shares together with buy/sell order 

and operating 

cards 

senior vice-president chief for any fractional share interests. There will 

officer. 

he no exchange of stock certificates. 

.Stock 

certificates presently held by stockholders 

will continue to represent the number of 

shares shown on their face. 

Wasserman further announced that the 

board declared a quarterly cash dividend 

of .10 cents per share on the MCA. Inc., 

common stock outstanding prior to the split, 

to stockholders of recoid .il llic close of 

business Wcdnesdav (20). p.i\.ibK- Oclolvr 

10. 

It is the present intention of the board 

of directors that Ihe next quarterly cash 

dividend will be M) cents |X'r share on all 

moil 

stock. 

Burt Messer Named Col. 

V-P. Marketing Adm. 

NEW YORK. — Burt Messer has been 

named to the newly created position of vicepresident 

of marketing adminstration for 

Columbia Pictures, il was announced jointly 

by Norman Levy, president of Columbia 

Pictures Distribution, and Robert W. 

Con. vice-president and general manager 

of advertising, publicity and promotion. 

Messer formerly was director of business 

administration for the advertising and publicity 

department and will have additional 

administrative responsibilities in national 

marketing activities. 

Before joining Columbia Pictures in 

1976. Messer was with 20th Century-Fox 

as assistant controller for the feature film 

division and. prior to that, was manager of 

budaets and forecasts. 

Plastic Single-Reel Cans 

Win Fast Postal Handling 

CARLSTADT. N.J. — Robert Miller, 

president of the Plastic Reel Corp. of 

America, reports that as a result of close 

teamwork with U.S. Postal Service officials 

over the last few years it now will be possible 

to ship single reels of film in plastic 

shipping cases without delay. 

".\s you probably are aware," Miller said, 

until recently the U.S. Postal Service has 

handled all film shipments manually, which 

often increased delivery time. However, 

after a period of extensive testing, the 

Postal Service has instructed all 21 Bulk 

Mail Centers to machine-process single-reel 

plastic film cases. This obviously will reduce 

turnaround time greatly." 

Clearance for machine-handling of fiber 

cases has not been approved at this time; 

however, negoitations in this area are continuing. 

Miller stated. 

Parker and Marshall Set 

To Make 3 Films for Fox 

N1-;\V ÔRk — Ihe director-producer 

team of .\lan Parker and Alan Marshall 

have been signed to make three films for 

20th Century-Fox, it was announced by 

Alan I.add jr., president of 20th Century- 

Fox Picluix's. Their most recent film was 

Ihe highly acclaimed "Midnight Express." 

Columbia release. 

a 

Director Parker and producer Marshall 

will continue to base their company, Alan 

Parker Films, in England, although plans 

call for filming in both Europe and Ihc U.S. 

The duo is now discussing which of several 

projects will be the first under the 20ih-Fo\ 

banner. 

Correction 

NI W YORK -Harold .Sail/ 

has been appointed 

executive assistant to Ray McCafleiiy. 

vice-president and general sales manager 

of Columbia Pictures. Salt/ is not affiliated 

with Ihe Minneapolis branch as reported 

in a slor\ which appearoil on page 

I l.isl 10 of Hoxoil u week. S.ill/ will con 

Seplemlvr I.S. I')7S

Special'Born Again' K-tel, Drabinsky and Michaels Join 

lô°Sl^?i?L„„ HOLLYWOOD — To Form 

More 

Film Production 

than 25,000 

Company 

members of the clergy across the country 

have been invited to a total of 107 special 

preview screenings which Avco Embassy 

Pictures has scheduled for the week Friday 

(22) through Friday (29) for its "Born 

Again" feature, which it is releasing 

throughout the U.S. this fall. 

The specialized screening program is believed 

to be "one of the most extensive preview 

campaigns ever designed to reach a 

particular, influential segment of America," 

according to Bob Rehme, Avco's senior 

vice-president and chief operating officer. 

"Our strong hope," Rehme stated, "is that 

these clergymen, upon seeing the picture, 

will develop the same positive attitude about 

it as a number of ministers who already 

have viewed it and will pass along the word 

to their congregations. We have a great opportunity 

for a unique outreach here and 

we are capitalizing on it." 

More than 20,000 of those invited are 

expected to see the film during the screening 

period, it has been estimated by the 

Crestwood Agency of Muskegon, Mich., 

public relations specialist in the field of religion. 

Crestwood coordinated through 

Avco and implemented the screening plan. 

Included in the invitations are a large number 

of the country's most influential religious 

leaders, ministers, assistant pastors 

and their families. 

"Born Again," a Robert L. Munger production, 

focuses on the spiritual rebirth of 

former presidential special counsel Charles 

W. Colson, with Dean Jones starring as 

Colson and Anne Francis portraying his 

wife. Also starring are Jay Robinson, Dana 

Andrews and Raymond St. Jacques. Frank 

Capra jr. produced and veteran director 

Irving Rapper directed from a screenplay 

by Walter Bloch. 

'Interiors' Breaking 

Records Both Coasts 

NEW YORK—Woody Allen's "Interiors" 

has followed its record-breaking East 

Coast exclusive run at the 430-seat Baronet 

Theatre in New York City with further outstanding 

grosses at the 440-seat Regent 

Westwood, Los Angeles. Since setting the 

all-time opening-day record at the Regent. 

"Interiors" has recorded the largest singleday 

gross in the history of the theatre—Simday 

(3)—it was announced by Al Fitter. 

United Artists senior vice-president for domestic 

sales. 

"Interiors" also has set a house record 

every day of the week in its exclusive West 

Coast run. 

Meanwhile, in the East at the Baronet, 

"Interiors" continues to set boxoffice records, 

with a fifth-week, six-day gross that 

was well ahead of the previous week's record-breaking 

gross. 

"Interiors" was written and directed by 

Woodv Allen. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 18, 1978 

TORONTO — K-tel International has 

joined forces with film producers Garth H. 

Drabinsky and Joel B. Michaels to form a 

new comany, Tiberius Entertainment, Ltd. 

The company will be involved in the packaging 

and producing of feature-length motion 

pictures for theatrical and TV exhibition 

as well as the packaging and producing 

of presentations for the legitimate theatre. 

Under the management of Drabinsky and 

Michaels. Tiberius Entertainment already 

has a number of projects under way. These 

include: "The Changeling," a $6,000,000 

production scheduled for filming this fall, 

and a major Broadway-bound co-production 

with Norman Kean titled "A Broadway 

Musical." with music by three-time 

Tony Award winner Charles Strouse and 

lyrics by Lee Adams. The musical will be 

directed and choreographed by George Faison, 

who won a Tonv Award for "The 

Wiz." 

Financing Sources Varied 

For its feature-film financing, the company 

will look to traditional and institutional 

sources in North America and Europe 

and. when appropriate, investment from 

Canadian tax-shelter groups. 

Drabinsky, a Toronto-based lawyer and 

entertainment entrepreneur, commented on 

the agreement, stating, "The alliance of 

both of these groups' resources of finance 

and expertise in the entertainment industry 

makes it possible for a company originating 

STARS—Earl Owensby and Ginger 

Alden are shown in a publicity photo 

from tlie upcoming EO motion picture 

"Living Legend." Earl Owensby, head 

of the EO Corp.. plays Eli Canficld 

and Ms. Alden plays his girl friend 

Jeannie Loring. 

in Canada to move strongly into the international 

arena. We intend to develop steadily 

and assume a commanding presence 

wherever film and live theatre are important 

elements of the cultural life of the 

people." 

Michaels, who will head the Los Angeles 

office for Tiberius Entertainment, commented: 

"Garth and I are very enthusiastic 

about the formation of this company. It 

allows us the flexibility to purchase novels 

and screenplays and bring to fruition certain 

original ideas currently under option. 

It's our intention to support aspiring young 

writers, for it is our belief that the story 

essentially is the basis of all good entertainment." 

Produced 'Silent 

Partner' 

Drabinsky and Michael's first production 

association was in the film "The Silent 

Partner," starring Elliott Gould, Susannah 

York and Christopher Plummer. It recently 

was nominated for ten Canadian Film 

Awards, including best picture, and will be 

released internationally this fall. 

K-tel International is involved in merchandising 

a wide variety of personal, 

household and leisure-time products substantially 

consisting of records and tapes. 

The participation in Tiberius Entertainment 

will provide K-tel with new opportunities 

for their multiple distribution channels. 

Tiberius' chairman Philip Kives (chairman 

and president of K-tel) describes the participation 

as "a good investment. We have 

known Garth and Joel for some time and 

are aware of their successful track records 

in production and are confident about the 

commercial strength of forthcoming Tiberius 

projects." 

Head office for Tiberius Entertainment, 

Ltd., will be in Toronto at First Canadian 

Place, with an office soon to be opened in 

Century City, Calif. 

Security on 'Trek' Stage 

Is Doubled by Paramount 

HOLLYWOOD — Security surrounding 

the sound stages where "Star Trek—the 

Motion Picture" is filming at Paramount 

Studios has been doubled since the arrest 

and conviction of John Thomas Askew, 

apprehended for the theft of blueprints for 

sets constructed for the movie. 

Through a business association. Askew 

had gained admittance to the sound stage 

and "picked up" blueprints, which he then 

began offering for sale at $75 per set. 

Contacted by a prospective "customer," 

Paramount officials reported the matter to 

the FBI. After initiating an investigation, 

the FBI turned the case over to the Los 

.Angeles Police Department. 

Askew was charged with theft or fraudulent 

appropriation of secrets trade under 

Section 499 of the California Penal Code. 

Found guilty, he was fined $750 and placed 

on two-year probation.

• 

1776." 

Jack L Warner Is Dead at Age 86 

HOLLYWOOD — Jack L. 

Warner. Icgidnrv 

showman and motion picture pio- 

Warner 

neer, died Saturday (9) of an inflammation 

of the heart. He was 86. Warner had been 

a patient at Cedars-Sinai Hospital since August 

13. 

One of four brothers who forged an entertainment 

empire, he is remembered as a 

tough, flamboyant man who was responsible 

for some of the most memorable pictures 

to come out of Hollywood from the 

1920s to the 1970s. Included on the list of 

his achievements are the history-making 

The Jazz Singer" (1927), "The Life of 

EmiL- Zola" (1937). "Casablanca" (1942) 

and "My Fair Lady" (1964). the latter three 

of which won Academy Awards as best 

picture of the year. Warner him&:lf was 

given the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg 

Award in 1958 for his longtime service to 

the industry. 

Born in 1892 to Polish-immigrant parents, 

Jack Leonard Warner was the youngest 

111 Ihc four sons who made their mark 

in tilms. Harr>. Sam. .Albert and Jack Warner 

formed Warner Bros, in 1903. With 

SI. 000 scraped together through loans and 

the pawning of a horse they rented a vacant 

store in New Castle. Pa., borrowed 99 

chairs from a local funeral parlor, and converted 

the structure into a theatre which 

they named the Bijou. Their first film for 

exhibition was "The Great Train Robbery." 

The brothers soon turned to distribution 

to augment their gains. They created the 

Duquesne Amusement Supply Co.. at Pittsburgh 

in 1906 and then, during the early 

patent wars, moved into production with 

studios in St. Louis and California. Jack, 

after a stint as a teenaged vaudeville songster, 

took over the San Francisco distribution 

exchange. 

The Warner brothers' first success came 

in 1917 with "My Four Years in Germany." 

The film grossed over $1,500,000 but was 

followed by a series of failures and generally 

mediocre product. However, in 1925 

Warner Bros, signed an agreement with 

Western Electric to develop sound films. 

The Vitaphone system which was the result 

of their collaboration utilized a wax disc 

recording synchronized with the film. The 

first part-talking picture, "Don Juan" with 

John Barrymore, followed within a year. 

Talkies 'Bom' in 1927 

Full-scale industry levolution broke out 

on the night of Oct. 6, 1927. with the 

Broadway premiere of WB's "The Jazz 

Singer" starring Al Jolson. That film earned 

the company some $3,000,000 and established 

"talkies" as permanent fixture on 

a 

theatre screens across the U.S. Warner always 

maintained that "The Jazz Singer" was 

his most notable accomplishment. 

With the acquisition of the Vitagraph 

Co., First National Pictures, numerous theatres 

and a Burbank production studio, 

Warner Bros, had, by the end of the 1920s, 

become one of the biggest motion picture 

mated that the brothers" corporation was 

worth 5240,000,000. Within 15 year^ it 

controlled nearly 600 theatres and operated 

35 film exchanges. 

From 1918 Jack L. Warner had served as 

production chief for Warner Bros. By the 

time the Depression hit, he had developed 

an unmistakable style which was illustrated 

by such features as "Little Caesar" with Edward 

G. Robinson and "Public Enemy" 

with James Cagney. Other members of the 

Warner Bros, stable of stars, which he was 

instrumental in building, included George 

Arliss. Paul Muni. Humphrey Bogart, Bette 

Davis and Barbara Stanwyck. 

D:^pres»ion Caused Crisis 

The Depression created a crisis within 

the industry from which WB was not exempt. 

Absorbing millions of dollars in operating 

losses and rebuilding the Burbank 

fire, studio after a costly the company 

bounced back during the recovery period of 

wartime, 

Warner geared the studio to production 

needs brought about by the national emergency, 

turning out more than 100 films for 

military use and producing patriotic hits 

such as "Watch on the Rhine," "Passage to 

Marseilles," "Destination Tokyo" and "Objective 

Burma." 

The 50s found Warner, and the entire 

industry, under attack from sources as disparate 

as the House Committee on Un- 

American Activities and the burgeoning 

medium of TV. In the mid-1950s Jack. 

Harry and Albert, the surviving trio, sold 

the bulk of their holdings to a New York 

banking concern, though Jack remained 

studio boss. Harry died in 1958 and shortly 

thereafter Jack was involved in a nearly 

fatal auto accident. He recovered fully, 

however, and entered the 1960s in full control 

of Warner Bros, production. 

Supervised 'My Fair I^dy' 

Following the lavish and immensely successful 

creation of "My Fair Lady," which 

he personally supervised, he sold his remaining 

stock to Seven .Arts for a reported 

$32,000,000. In 1969 Warner Bros.-Sevcn 

.Arts was acquired by the Kinney Corp., and 

renamed Warner Communications. Today 

Warner Bros, is the film arm of an entertainment 

conglomerate wh'ch also publishes 

books and produces records. 

At age 77 Warner struck out as an indepcndtnt 

producer. The results were mixed, 

but he was moderately successful with 

a musical tribute to the Founding 

lathers. He considered it a "birthday gift" 

to AnK-rici for the celebration of the Bi- 

Ijtst 'Movie MoRul' 

Sl KI'KISK AWARD— Mubli- (.iiiiKin, tliinl Ir.nn Ml 

sfiitcd to her iit thi; ructnl W(>MI'I liiliriiiitioiKil loinrnli.n 

fhc inembiTs of tilt WOMI'I ( hili ot loroiito. Mrs. (.uiiiiii 

'ioroiilo (Il-Ii'kuIi-s, who lire Inokiiiu on, for Iut (k'| (Diitliis ( liih) :iii(l imsl prisidiiil (l>>.

' 

David Gizer Is Named 

Ad Director for UA 

NHW YORK—David Gizcr has been appointed 

director of advertising for United 

David Gizer 

Artists, effective Monday (25), it was announced 

by Hy Smith, vice-president of 

worldwide advertising, publicity and promotion. 

He will report to Ed Seigenfeld. 

vice-president of advertising and publicity. 

Gizer comes to United Artists from the 

Trans-Lux Corp.. where he was assistant 

vice-president 

for one of the nation's largest 

theatre circuits. At Trans-Lux he prepared 

and executed marketing, publicity and advertising 

campaigns for its theatres in the 

New England area. Before that. Gizer 

worked at Columbia Pictures Industries in 

several capacities, including New York advertising 

manager, coordinating the New 

York media campaign. 

Gizer is a graduate of Adelphi University 

where he received a B.A. in political 

science. 

Cast Members Will Attend 

'Wedding' Showing in NYC 

NEW YORK—Many members of the illustrious 

cast will be present for the festivities 

at Lincoln Center when Robert Altman's 

"A Wedding" opens the 1978 New 

York Film Festival Friday (22). Among the 

stars scheduled to join Altman are Desi 

Arnaz jr., Carol Burnett, Geraldine Chaplin, 

Howard Duff. Mia Farrow, Vittorio 

Gassman, Lillian Gish, Lauren Hutton, Viveca 

Lindfors, Pat McCormick, Dina Merrill, 

Nina Van Pallandt, Amy Stryker. Marta 

Heflin, Margaret Ladd, Virginia Vestoff 

and Gerald Busby. 

The 20th Century-Fox release will bow 

in area theatres for regular performances 

the next day, Saturday (23). 

Altman produced and directed from a 

script by John Considine. Patricia Resnick, 

Allan Nichols and himself, based on a story 

by Altman and Considine. It is a Lion's 

Gate Films production, with Tommy 

Thompson as executive producer. 

BOXOmCE :: September 18. 1978 

Research Shows Theatregoers Ready 

For Westerns, Asserts Dono Paoli 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

HOLLYWOOD—Dono Paoli, head of 

Variety International Pictures, new on the 

production and distribution scene, has two 

western features for release this month. He 

is confident that his extensive research will 

be proved right: that the time is ripe for a 

change of pace in the movie business. 

"We researched the entire country," Pa- 

little-known 

western figure. 

The pictures have been booked in northern 

California situations in the Sacramento 

area, with openings set for Wednesday (27) 

and with veteran distribution ace Ward 

Pennington guiding the releasing patterns. 

Heavy TV and radio exploitation will be 

used to promote the openings. 

'Beating the Competition' 

"We know the two pictures can play 

anywhere," Paoli explained. "There's a big 

audience waiting for westerns and ours will 

be the only ones in town." He also believes 

he is beating the competition to the boxoffice 

because, he said, "two majors plan to 

be out with westerns next year—and we'll 

be ahead of them. We'll be firU with our 

two pictures." 

"Ben and Charlie" stars two relatively 

imknown actors, George Eastman and Juliano 

Gemma, in roles as "two lovable 

crooks" who lead a flamboyant life as bank 

robbers but always end up as losers. 

High on the new company's prospects. 

Pennington said exhibitors soon will discover 

that VIP "is not just an exploitation 

firm. We'll handle different product and 

more than the independents are turning out 

now." 

VIP has been coasting for the past two 

years on a cushion of "big financing" as a 

subsidiary of Aveco, Inc.. a Texas oil company 

which is providing the funding. Paoli 

disclosed. 

Even as distribution plans are imder way 

on the first two pictures. Paoli is in the 

middle of preprcduction plans on two more 

films, each of which will be a far cry from 

the westerns. "We plan to make six to ten 

pictures a year and we will pick up other 

product when we think it is good enough to 

distribute," he said. 

Next on the production list is the $.5,000,- 

000 project titled "Oil," which Paoli describes 

as a "major, major picture." He 

claims "any major company would give 

eyetceth to get it." 

The film, he commented, is based on a 

its 

"powerful story that has four or six roles 

that any major Hollywood actor would be 

proud to have." 

Noting that casting still is to be done, he 

added: "We've no preconceptions as to who 

should play the roles. We've been too busy 

getting the rights to the story." 

Paperback on Stands 

"Oil" is a Bantam paperback, already in 

oli said, "and we saw a pattern that clearly print and already giving the upcoming picture 

a presell campaign of its own. 

indicates there is a six or seven-year cycle 

for westerns." He is convinced that the time 

Also on the front burner, with a script 

of that cycle is now! 

nearly completed and preproduction under 

Ready for release by VIP are the company's 

first two features: "Ben and Char- 

River Horse," planned for release next sum- 

way, is a $3,000,000 film project, "The 

lie," described as a type of "Butch Cassidy mer. "It's a very funny story about two 

and the Sundance Kid." and "The Legend salesmen and all the money problems they 

of Frank Woods." which has an unlikely have in a struggle to survive, when they find 

twist in that the legend grows around a a fortune by accident. What happens after 

that makes the movie," Paoli said. 

He added that two other projects also are 

in the "thinking stage" and, he pointed out, 

"we're also actively looking for product we 

can pick up for our distribution unit." 

Staff in Century City 

Paoli observed that "nobody really knows 

us yet." The company has been "tucked 

away" at the Culver City Studios for the 

Dast two years. VIP's production offices will 

remain there, he said, but he plans a move 

shortly into Century City, where he and an 

expanded staff will establish executive offices. 

"We're going to offer independent producers 

something they can rely on—financial 

strength," Paoli declared, thinking both 

in terms of producers who are seeking a 

distributor and those who are "beating the 

bushes" for project backing. "We've been 

in a position where we could mark time for 

the right pictures. Now, we have them as a 

starter—and we have the financing to help 

the exhibitors promote them. People will 

get to know we have the financial clout to 

back our product." 

A E Slates 'Silent Flute' 

Release in February '79 

HOLLYWOOD — Avco Embassy Pictures 

has p-cked up the Sandy Ward/ Richard 

St. Johns production of "The Silent 

Flute" for distribution in the U.S. and plans 

a February national release of the film starring 

David Carradine. 

Lauding the picture's "stunning production 

values" and the "mystical and beautiful 

adventure into the martial arts." Bob 

Rehme, senior vice-president and chief 

operating officer, predicted that the film 

"will appeal to a tremendous number of 

theatregoers" and especially to the vast following 

that still remembers the late martial 

arts star, Bruce Lee. 

Richard Moore directed the feature from 

a screenplav bv Stirling Silliphant and Stanlev 

Mann.

Davis Is Named Business 

Mgr. at Wometco Lathrop 

ANCHORAGE. AK.— Muhacl P. Dau> 

has been appointed business manager for 

strong background in financial management 

and administrative experience. Until recently 

he was employed as controller by 

Alaska Industrial Hardware. Previously, he 

held the positions of office manager, secretary-treasurer 

and district manager with 

firms in Anchorage, as well as in West Virginia 

and California. 

A West Virginia native, Davis obtained 

his B.S. in business administration from 

UCLA. He resides with his wife Evelyn in 

Anchorage. 

Wometco Lathrop, a division of Wometco 

Enterprises of Miami, operates motion 

picture theatres in Anchorage, Fairbanks 

and Juneau and also has real estate and 

other holdings in the state of Alaska. 

Robert Duvall Will Star 

In BCP's 'Great Santini' 

HOLLYWOOD — Robert Duvall has 

been set for the starring role in 'The Great 

Santini" by Charles A. Pratt, president of 

Bing Crosby Productions. Pratt will be the 

producer of the feature for BCP and Orion 

Pictures release through Warner Bros. 

BIythe Danner is scheduled to play the 

feminine lead opposite Duvall. 

The screenplay for •'The Great Santini." 

by Lewis John Carlino. is based on Pat Conroy's 

novel. 

MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

Barbara Bloom Has Joined 

The Edward S. Feldmon Co. 

HOLLYWOOD — Barbara Bloom has 

joined the newly formed Edward S. Fcldman 

Co. as director of creative affairs, it 

was announced by Feldman, head of the 

production company. 

In her new post. Bloom will work closely 

with Feldman in the development of the 

company's motion picture projects and also 

will supervise the acquisition of literary 

material. 

Bloom most recently worked in story development 

for Lowenheim & Brower Productions 

and was instrumental in the development 

of the highly acclaimed TV 

movies "Larry" and 'Minstrel Man." 

Bloom will headquarter at MGM Studios, 

where the Feldman Co. has set up offices. 

Aronowitz Named Director 

Of Station Sales for AIP 

NEW YORK—Phil Leopold, director of 

syndication sales for American International 

Television, has announced the appointment 

of Sandy Aronowitz as director of 

station sales for the TV division of American 

International Pictures. She will be based 

in the New York office of AI Television. 

Jack Vaughn, Sy Weintraub 

Elected Directors of CPI 

NEW YORK — Jack H. Vaughn and Sy 

Weintraub have been elected directors of 

Columbia Pictures Industries. Inc., it was 

announced by Leo Jaffe, chairman of the 

board. 

Vaughn, formerly ambassador to Colum- 

the W o m e t c o Lathrop 

Co. of Anchorage, 

The following feature-length motion pic- 

it was announced tures have been reviewed and rated by the 

by Hugh E. McCauley, 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

vice-p resident 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

bia, ambassador to Panama, assistant secretary 

of state for Latin America and direc- 

and genera! manager. Program. 

T»tl« Dlslrlbulor Rating 

In this posit ion, 

is vice-president of 

tor of the Peace Corps, 

Davis will be responsible 

Coming Attractions (National-American 

the Development & Resource Corp. From 

for the com- 

Entertainment Corp.) 

1975-1977. he was president of Planned 

[r] 

pany's financial administration. 

Dirty Lilly (Bunnco) Parenthood World Population and for 

(x 

three 

... . , , „ r. 

M.chael P. Davs 

Hardcore (Col) 

years prior to that was director of international 

Year (Univ) 

development of Children's Television 

Davis brings to 

g] 

Same Time, Ne.xt (r] 

vVomeico Lathrop a 

.Sex World (Essex Pictures) 

Workshop. From 1970 to 1971, Vaughn 

(x) 

was president of the National Urban Coalition. 

Weintraub formerly was chairman of the 

board of Panavision. Inc. He also was president 

of Banner Productions. Inc.. and a 

member of the board, as well as president 

of National General Television Corp. and 

president of KMGM-TV, Channel 9. Minneapolis. 

Will Rogers Institute 

Offers Local Services 

WHITE PLAINS. NY— Salah M. Hassanein. 

president of Will Rogers Memorial 

Fund, has announced the formation of a 

nationwide panel of consultation physicians, 

prominent in the field of pulmonary medicine, 

to work in cooperation with the Will 

Rogers Institute. Now. members of the 

entertainment industry and their immediate 

families can call on the doctor listed in their 

city for examination and diagnosis of pulmonary 

ailments. 

Through its affiliation with Cornell University 

Medical College, the Burke Reh.ibilitation 

Center and the New York Hospital, 

and because of the reputation of the Will 

Rogers Hospital at Saranac Lake and the 

research conducted there. Will Rogers today 

is able to attract outstanding physicians in 

the field of pulmonary medicine. 

Each of these doctors provides the availability 

of excellent pulmonary medical care 

to industry members without their having 

to travel to New York, as was the case when 

the hopsital at Saranac was in operation. 

The procedure for visiting one of the 

doctors listed is to present a Will Rogers 

membership card for identification as a 

nu-mber or retired employee of the enieri.iinment 

industry. If there is no third-party 

coverage or funds available to pay for the 

e\aminalion. Will Rogers, in the longesi.iblished 

tradition, will pay for the o\ 

.iniin.ilion. 

Sparberg Salute Sept. 29 

LONDON VISIT—Am., lin.l.ass) ixi-cutiMs sW,Ui\ \ „mU,„ In hile AuuusI 

Jo charl progress on llic- toin|.:iM\'s iu« Shirjoik llolnus (hrilKr, •Miirdir In Docrcf." 

I'u lured on the sil a( I.Mr llslrec, hll to richl, are: I ni llirlurinan, presidenl 

of Anilias7S

Ghas.Boren,PastV-P 

OfAMPTP,Diesa!71 

LOS ANGELES—Charles S. Boren, who 

hsaded the Ass'n of Motion Picture and 

Television Producers for 15 years and served 

as the motion picture industry's top labor 

negotiator for 24 years, died of cancer Sunday 

(10) at his West Los Angeles home. 

He was 71. 

Boren retired March 25. 1973, as vicechairman 

of the board of AMPTP. He had 

been at the assaociation since March 1947. 

when he was named manager of labor relations. 

In December 1958 he was named 

exe:utive vice president and on April 1, 

1972, was promoted to vice-chairman of the 

board. He was elected to the AMPTP board 

in 1965. 

One of the nation's most widely respected 

authorities on motion picture labor-management 

relations, Boren first entered the 

motion picture industry in 1935, when he 

was employed in the personnel office at 

Paramount Pictures. 

In 1941 he was named studio manager 

and served in that capacity and also as industrial 

relations manager for the studio, 

until he joined the association in 1947. 

Honorary Oscar in '73 

He received an honorary award from the 


at the 1973 Academy Awards ceremony, 

in recognition of his long service 

to the industry as chief executive of 

AMPTP. 

Boren was born in Owensville, Ind., 

Jan. 9. 1907, He graduated from the 

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences of the 

University of Southern California in 1925. 

He was active in minority affairs and 

received numerous awards and citations 

from labor groups. He was president of 

Central Casting Corp. from 1960 to 1972 

and was an executive vice-president of the 

MPAA from 1963 to 1973. 

Boren served as the first chairman of the 

the board of trustees of the Motion Picture 

and Television Fund. 

He served four terms as a member of the 

board of governors of the Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences, from 1967 

through 1972. 

In addition to his wife, Noreen Gearin, 

he is survived by a son Frank, a daughter 

Gail Green and four grandchildren, all of 

Los Angeles. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions 

to the use Athletic Scholarship 

Fu.id, c/o Athletic Department, USC, University 

Park, Los Angeles, Calif. 90007. 

Magazine Publisher Feels He Helped 

Generate New Interest in Sci-Fiers 

KANSAS CITY—"Star Wars" 

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" 

titles to conjure with at the ho\officc 

Science-fiction, 

Kerry O'Quinn 

once a genre with a small 

coterie of quiet but devoted followers, has, 

within the past few years, become "the 

force" to be reckoned with. Sales of sciencefiction 

books, artwork and spinoff products 

have swollen and major studios are falling 

over themselves to release new fantasy epics. 

Even Disney's roster of recent films includes 

such titles as "The Cat From Outer Space" 

and "The Spaceman and King Arthur." 

Coverage Has Expanded 

Kerry O'Quinn, publisher of Starlog and 

Future magazines, disagrees with those who 

would say he is riding the crest of a wave 

of interest in SF. "I would like to think we 

had some hand in creating that wave," he 

said during a recent visit to Boxoffice's 

headquarters in Kansas City. Starlog, which 

was established a year before "Star Wars" 

blasted onto the scene, was a publication 

at directed fanatically loyal "Star Trek" 

fans. Since their founding, however. Starlog 

and its sister magazine Future have expanded 

their coverage to include all aspects 

of the genre—art, literary criticism, TV, 

boards of trustees of the Motion Picture 

even music. 

films, 

Health and Welfare Fund, the Motion Picture 

Actors 

Two Albums Released 

Industry Pension Plan, the Screen and Welfare 

To bring science-fiction 

O'Quinn 

in all its manifestations 

and partner 

Guild Pension and Health 

to the public, Plans, the Producers Guild Pension 

Plan, the Writers Guild Pension Plan and 

Norman Jacobs and their staff of writ- 

ers enlist the collaborative aid of such heavyweight 

notables as Gene Roddenberry, pro- 

the Directors Guild Pension and Health 

and Welfare Plans. 

ducer of the forthcoming "Star Trek—the 

Academy Governor 6 Years 

Motion Picture," Ray Bradbury, noted author 

He was chairman of the board of the 

and screenplay writer, and Robert Mc- 

Contract Services Administration Trust 

Fund for eight years and was a member of 

Call, who designed some of the stunning 

artwork for "2001: A Space Odyssey." 

There is even a project afoot to preserve 

soundtrack music from "War of the Worlds" 

and other classic films by releasing albums 

that were not available before. Two such 

records, "Rocketship X-M" and "The Fantastic 

Film Music of Albert Glasser," have 

been released on the Starlog label and more 

are on the way. 

The success of his publications has led 

the young publisher himself to consider entering 

the field of film production. "I want 

to get into film. I'm very much interested 

in it," said O'Quinn. who has participated 

in several short and sponsored films as camerman, 

actor, director and music editor. 

He has several film projects "on the shelf," 

awaiting further development. 

Naturally he approves of the current science-fiction 

trend in cinema. He commented 

that, now, the major studios are looking 

at SF films with a more careful eye. 

Twentieth Century-Fox's forthcoming 

"The Alien," for example, was originally 

budgeted at around $3,000,000. "The studio 

wouldn't even consider the project at 

that price," says O'Quinn. "So the creators 

went back and came up with a budget closer 

to $9,000,000. Fox said. That's more like 

it.' and the film went into production." 

Pledges Hit $29,076,405 

In Jerry Lewis Telethon 

HOLLYWOOD—The Jerry Lewis Muscular 

Dystrophy Telethon, presented during 

the Labor Day weekend for the 13th time, 

broke a record again this year. After 21 '/2- 

hours of continuous telecasting, the event 

ended Monday afternoon (4) with pledges 

of $29,074,405. Last year's record total was 

$26,841,490. 

Lewis personally hosted the telethon, assisted 

by Ed McMahon. The spectacular 

video marathon originated live from the 

Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, with most network 

stations cutting in once per hour for 

local-interest 

segments. 

CLEARING HOUSE 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

BUILD ATTENDANCE with real Hawaiian 

orchids. Few cents each. Write Flowers 

oi Hawaii, 670 3. Lafayette Place, Los 

Angeles. Calii. 90005, 

THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDAHS. weekly 

programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily/ 

weekly boxolfice reports, time schedules, 

passes, labels, etc. Write for samples, 

prices. Dixie Litho, Box 882, Atlanta, Ga 

30301. 

BINGO CABDS DIE CUT; 1-75, 1500 combinations 

in color. PREMIUM PRODUCTS, 

339 West 44lh St., New York, NY, 10036. 

(212) 246-4972 

MISCELLANEOUS 

WANTED: Recent movie posters, lobb 

cards and stills in quantity L. Brown 

6763 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Calil 

90028. 

CASH for one-sheets, posters, lobby cor^ 

sets, stills, pressbooks, trade magazines 

coming attraction slides, annuals, trailers 

etc., etc. (any quantity—older the be! 

Martinez, 7057 Lexington Av 

' 

CA 

WANTED: Any title, quantity, must be 

complete; Your used movie posters, any 

size, pressbooks paying 15c each. 35mm 

trailer 40c each. Stills paying 3c each. 

Ship COD freight collect to: Jerry Ohljn; 

More Classified Listing 

On Inside Back Cover 

BOXOFFICE :: September 18, 1978

. . Sandy 

. . Thruslin 

. . Luis 

. . "The 

. . . Professional 

. . . Acepix 

. . . Laszio 

>r ^Jôlluwood liKepoA M 

^ 

Clint Eastwood Signed as Star 

Of 'Escape From Alcatraz' 

Clint Eastwood will star in 'Escape From 

Alcatraz." a Malpaso Siegel film for Paramount, 

with Don Siegel producing and directing 

and Robert Daley as executive producer. 

The screenplay was written by Richard 

Tuggle from the book by J. Campbell 

Brucke . . . Universal plans to make "The 

Sidekick." a comedy western to be produced 

by Edward R. Pressman and Michael Shamberg 

with Harold Remis directing from his 

own script . . . William Marshall Productions 

plans to begin lensing in January in 

New York on "Snow Blind." based on the 

book by Robert Sabbag. Norman Thaddeus 

Van is writing the screenplay about the true 

story of a man accused and subsequently 

acquitted of being the biggest cocaine dealer 

in New York . Howard Productions 

plans to make a film version of "Top 

Banana." the Broadway musical-comedy 

which starred Phil Silvers . . Jerome Hellman's 

. 

"Promises in the Dark" for Orion 

Pictures will begin filming later this month 

on location in New England and Los Angeles, 

with Michael Brandon signed for a 

starring role and Ned Beatty and Kathleen 

Beller also cast . . . "And Justice for All." 

to be produced and directed by Norman 

Jewison for Columbia release, will start 

lensing shortly on location in Philadelphia. 

Joe Wizan is the executive producer of the 

screenplay by Valerie Curtain and Barry 

l.evinson. Al Pacino will star as a lawyer 

a runaway orphan in whom an 82-ycar-old 

retired vaudevillian becomes interested . . . 

Producer Waller Mirisch has signed British 

actor Andrew Lodge for "The Prisoner of 

Zenda," a Mirisch Corp. presentation for 

Universal . McLeod has signed for 

a major role in "Last Embrace" . . . Cloris 

Lcachmun will play the role of Samantha 

in Arnold Kopelson's production of "Foolin" 

Around" . Avalos, a veteran of 

"Thr; nieclrlc Company," will co-star in 

' 

Mr,t Stuff . . . British character actress 

".' p'.ih March has joined the cast of "The 

Magician" . . . Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez 

has been cast as a pin-setter mechanic in a 

bowling center in 20th-Foxs "Dreamer" being 

filmed in Alton. III. and St. Louis. Mo. 

. . . Stockard Channing will play an astrologist 

who uses her star-gazing gift to turn 

a basketball team onto a zodiac winning 

streak in Lorimar's "The Fish That Saved 

Pittsburgh." now lensing in Pittsburgh by 

producers Gary Stromberg and David Dashev. 

with Gilbert Moses directing from Jason 

Starkes' screenplay. The film also stars 

Julius Erving. Meadowlark Lemon. Jonathan 

Winters and James Bond III. with 

guest appearances by Flip Wilson and the 

Sylvcrs. 

Susan Anspach a Cast Addition 

To Douglas-Produced 'Running' 

Susan .^n^pach has joined the cast of 

"Running." starring Michael Douglas, who 

also is executive producer on the feature 

which began production August 28 in New 

York with Steven Stern directing from his 

original script . . . Carol Kane and Telly 

Savalas have been set for special guest appearances 

in ITC's "The Muppet Movie" 

bowler Dick Weber has a 

featured role in 20th Century-Fox's 

"Dreamer" . . . Margot Kidder will co-star 

in the role of Kathleen Lutz in American 

International's "The Amityville Horror." 

To be produced by Professional Films. Inc.. 

it is based on the non fiction bestseller by 

Jay Anson. Ronnie Saland and Elliot Geisinger 

will produce and Samuel Z. Arkoff 

Day," which producer Dwaync Daily will 

begin shooting Tuesday (26) in Texarkana. 

Ark 

Lalo Schrifrin Is Set to Score 

AIP's "The Amityville Horror' 

Lalo .Schifrin will compose ihe music for 

"The Amityville Horror." American International 

Pictures' feature, set to roll before 

Ihe cameras in lale October. The picture is 

a true story based on George and Kathleen 

I iil/'s 2H davs of terror in .i lu>use in Amilv 

villc. 1 I lauK-s Hroliii will noMi.iN I ul/ 

in the film to be directed by Stuart 

Rosenberg . . Fivson Productions has 

. 

signed Peter R.J. Deyell as associate producer 

on "Clones" . . . Don Bach has been 

set by the Turman-Foster Co. to adapt "Endangered." 

a novel by Barnaby Conrad and 

Neils Mortensen . . . Tony Adams will be 

executive producer on "10," Blake Edwards' 

romantic comedy. The assignment makes 

it the fourth Edwards feature for .^dams 

Kovacs has been announced as 

diiector of photography on Orion Pictures' 

"Heart Beat." starring Nick Nolte, Sissy 

Spacek and John Heard. The story is a romantic 

drama of the "SOs and the Beat Generation. 

It will be filmed on location in San 

Francisco and Los Angeles, with John Byrum 

directing from his own screenplay . . . 

TV writer / producer / director Leonard 

Stern is making his debut as a feature motion 

picture director for "Two of a Kind." 

a Fein-Zeitman Production for Columbia 

. . Pictures release . Jesco von Puttkamer. 

senior staff scientist and program manager 

of space industrialization and integrated 

long-range planning studies for NASA, will 

serve as science adviser on Paramount's 

"Star Trek—the Motion Picture." The film 

will be produced by Gene Roddenberry and 

directed by Robert Wise, with William Shatner 

and Leonard Nimoy starring. 

Jan-Michael Vincent Set 

For Role in 'Defiance' 

BL\^RI^ nil IS — J.in-Ntichael Vincent 

has been signed to star in .American 

International Pictures' romantic drama, 

"Defiance," with principal photography set 

to start October 20 in New York City, according 

to Jere C. Henshaw, senior vicepresident 

in charge of worldwide theatrical 

production. Vincent will play a young drifter 

who becomes emotionally and romanti- 

with a special sense of justice and a bizarre 

serves as executive producer . . . Barry Snider, 

Charles Gordone and Robert Fields 

sense of humor . Night the Angel 

cally involved with the people in a rough 

Died" will go into production later this year have featured roles in "Night Flowers," for 

New York ghetto neighborhood. 

for producers Felicia E. Curcuruto and Willow Productions . . . Comedian Jackie Vincent most recently starred in "Hooper." 

with Burt Reynolds, and in John Mil- 

T.D. Palmer jr. with Palmer serving as director 

. . . Titanus Films has begun shooting "Microwave Massacre." set by Reel Life 

Vernon has signed for a featured role in 

ius' "Big Wednesday." His other film credits 

on "The Humanoid." science-fiction feature Productions to begin lensing in Los Angeles 

include "Baby Blue Marine," "White Line 

starring Richard Kiel and Barbara Bach. on October 2. with Wayne Berwick directing 

Fever" and "Buster and Billie." 

with (ieorge H. Lewis directing. 

from a script by Thomas Singer, who is 

John Flynn will direct from an original 

producing with Craig Muckler . . . James 

George Burns, Brooke Shields 

screenplay by Tom Donnelly and Mark Tulin. 

Jerry Bruckheimer and Robert Wunsch 

Franciscus has been added to the cast of 

Are Cast in Two of a Kind' Sandy Howard's production of "City on 

will produce with Oonnelly as associate 

Fn unique existing which teams the youngest 

and oldest two stars in motion pictures. role in "The Great Santini," set to begin 

Fire" . . . Michael O'Keefe has a co-starring 

producer. 

13-year old Brooke Shields has been signed photography October I 1 in South Carolina 

by producers Jerry Zeitman and Irving Fein 

has cast Robin Ritchie to Direct 'Island' 

Ross. Xeni.i 

to play a starring role with George Burns Loba and Jeanine Galvin for "The Swindlers" 

. . . World Wide Pictures has set Jay UNIVERSAL CIIY — Michael Ritchie 

For Zanuck-Brown, Univ. 

in the screen comedy, "Two of a Kind." a 

Fein-Zeitman production for Columbia Piclures 

release. Shields will play the role of 

Macintosh for a role in its "Joni" fealiue 

. . . Rory Calhoun will star in "Okingan's 

has been signed by producers Richard D. 

Zanuck and David Brown to direct Peter 

Benchley's "The Island, " which they will 

film for Universal. Ritchie's most recent 

films include "The Bad News Bears," which 

I.uinched a very successful series of movies. 

.Hid Ihe highly acclaimed "Semi-Tough' 

with Hurl Reynolds. Kris Krislofferson .ukI 

Jill Clayburgh. 

The screenplay for "The Island " is being 

written by Peter Benehley from his own 

novel, a modern-dav adventure slory, to be 

published by Doubleday in May 

1 ')?'). Zanuck 

and Brown also filmed Benchlev's best 

Vw\s\\ book. "Jaws." 

Boxorricr S.pieinlvi l.S. I')7S

• ADUNES ft EXPLOmn 

• ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

• FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

• SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

• REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

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

'Grease Playdate in Eau Claire Touted Via Special 

Mafmee Premiere in Cooperation With Radio Station 

Sensing that "Grease" would b-; one of 

the biggest hits of the summer of '78, the 

staff of the Hollywood Theatre in Eau 

Claire, Wis., wanted to give it a special 

send-off when it opened at the hardtop, 

which is known locally as "The Showplace 

of Eau Claire." The ballyhoo which was 

designed under the supervision of Gary 

Joles, manager of the Hollywood, created 

such excitement that it garnered news stories 

in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, dominant 

area newspaper, and on WEAU-TV 

newscasts. 

To launch the promotion, Joles contacted 

WEAQ, top-40 radio station, for cooperation 

in "spreading the word." It was decided 

to stage a special afternoon premiere to create 

valuable word-of-mouth and. since 

WEAQ is "79 on the AM dial." it seemed 

logical to charge a 79-cent admission for 

the unspooling. The station immediately 

started airing teaser spots to publicize the 

tie-in premiere of "Grease" and these were 

continued through the two-week period preceding 

the film's debut. 

Heralds were printed and handed out at 

the two drive-ins affiliated with the Hollywood's 

parent company, as well as at two 

downtown theatres. To achieve even more 

saturation, they were passed out at three 

McDonald's restaurants in the metropolitan 

Eau Claire area. Additionally, posters 

were displayed in strategic spots around 

town where they would be observed by potential 

patrons, as well as in all the cooperating 

theatres. 

WEAQ Radio assisted in contacting other 

merchants for tie-ins. This resulted in: a 

"nostalgia evening" for two at Houligan's; 

one pair of super-wide, super-sport tires 

from Firestone, as well as Firestone beach 

towels, T-shirts and hats; certificates which 

could be redeemed for Pepsi, from Pepsi- 

Cola, and a $100 dance package—a chance 

to learn the "Grease Hustle"—from Arthur 

Murrav Dance Studios. 

The day of the "Grease" premiere, people 

started arriving at the theatre three 

hours before showtime and the available 

1,000 seats were filled one hour before the 

screening was scheduled to begin. Hundreds 

of hopeful viewers had to be turned away 

from the special premiere event. 

WEAQ, which did a live, remote broadcast 

in front of the Hollywood Theatre, also 

provided taped music from the "Grease" 

album so that the Arthur Murray dancers 

could perform the "Grease" hustle for the 

entertainment and enjoyment of the waiting 

throng. All the aforementioned prizes were 

awarded to winners inside the theatre after 

the premiere-goers were seated in the auditoruim. 

As of August 23. "Grease" was in its 

ninth week at the Hollywood and. according 

to Joles. was "doing very well!" He 

noted, in fact, that "the first-week gross 

was the largest in the 3 I -year history of the 

theatre!" 

In the photo above can be seen just a small part of the thioiv^ m 

enthusiastic fans who attended a special Wednesday afieiitoun 

premiere showing of the motion picture "Grease" at the Hollywood 

Theatre in Eau Claire, Wis. The unspooling. which carried 

a 79-cent admission charge, was sponsored by the theatre and 

WEAQ Radio, which is "79 on the dial." Deejays did a live 

/•lotiiliiiu in front of the showhouse before the movie began and 

Jaiici.r\ jiom the Arthur Murray Studio performed the "Grease 

Hustle." The Hollywood, which seats nearly 1.000 viewers, was 

filled to capacity almost an hour before the .screen program began— 

and several hundred people had to he turned away from 

the premiere of "Grease." 

BOXOFHCE Showmandiser :: Sept. 18, 1978 — 31 11

: 

B. 

Sessions, manager of the Valley 4 cinemas in Roanoke. Va.. lhroui;h a 

lie-in with Mike Allred. district manager for Gabriel shock absorbers, put together 

an eye-catching lobby exhibit to promote the engagement of MGM's "Corvette 

Summer." a United Artists release. Working with 31 local stores that carried 

Gabriel .shocks. Allred. right, arranged to have each im-rchant display a poster 

telling about the promotion, along with a "Corvette Summer" one-sheet, in each 

retail outlet. Gabriel also agreed to give away ten sets of shocks (with a total value 

of $300} to theatre patrons. The prizes were awarded at a drawing held the last day 

of the film's playdate. Along with the posters in each store, drawings were held 

each day to give two passes to see "Corvette Summer" at the Valley 4. A local 

Corvette huff displayed one of his gleaming autos in front of the quad's bo.xoffice 

(III the picture's opening night, generating a great deal of interest among passersby. 

'Greatest Lover' Hyped 

By Realistic Standee 

Three weeks before 'The World's Greatest 

Lover" bowed at General Cinema Corp.'s 

Northpark cinemas in Davenport, Iowa, a 

talented usher constructed a standee nearly 

seven feet tall which depicted a man in 

Arabian attire holding a woman in his arms. 

Above the woman was a balloon with the 

words: "Ah! It's the world's greatest lover!" 

The unique facet of this display was that 

both the faces were cut out; patrons could 

stand behind the characters and insert their 

faces into the openings to create an unusual 

photograph. This proved to be quite a popular 

idea with patrons and with potential 

patrons. 

T-shirts also were designed with the film's 

title on the front and, through a tie-in with 

KSTT Radio, 20 giveaway shirts were presented 

to the station in exchange for over 

50 promo spots with a value of $650. 

Two weeks before the picture's playdate 

began, selected female staffers were supplied 

with the special T-shirts to wear while 

on duty at the Northpark cinemas. This, 

naturally, caused considerable good-humored 

comment and the whole promotion 

proved to be one which was fun. as well as 

one which attracted a great deal of attention. 

Riding Exhibition Sparks 

Interest in 'Int'l Velvet' 

A special riding exhibition by stale 

equestrian champion Karen Steutenville was 

staged outside Plitt's Parkway triplex. Las 

Vegas, to promote the opening of Metro- 

Goldwyn-Mayer's "International Velvet." 

The exhibition sparked a great deal of 

interest in the motion picture and the event 

was covered by local media. 

A picture of Miss Steutenville plugging 

the riding show appeared in the Review 

lournal. along with a news item touting the 

movie and an article about the film's star, 

latum O'Neal. 

I'un wlio lined up to 

see "the Betsy" at the 

United A rtists Theatre 

Circuit's Cinemas in Janesville. 

Wis., had the opportunity 

to view a vintage 

(lutoiiu)bile .similar to the 

—— 

. . 

. . The 

. . A 

— 

. . 

National 

Screen 

Council 

Jt was an interesting month for films, and 

NSC members proved this in large 

quantities as they mailed back their July 

ballots. From day one, right down to the 

last ballot received, Paramount's Fantasy 

Island of the silver screen, "Heaven Can 

Wait," was the obvious "winner takes all." 

In fact, this picture came up with more votes 

than any other picture in 1978 so far. To 

give an example, towards the end of the 

balloting, "Heaven Can Wait" had 181 

votes; the nearest competitor? "International 

Velvet"—with 32 votes! It's safe to 

say that this month's contest was indeed a 

landslide for the super-successful "Heaven 

Can Wait." 

As for the rest of the July ballot, "surprising" 

is the word for Neil Simon's 

"Cheap Detective," a July nominee that 

came up with only a few votes, despite its 

very good showings at the boxoffice. "Detective" 

seems to be a film that lots of people 

are seeing, but not everyone is liking. 

COMMENTS 

It came in third in this month's voting. a very delightful summer array of films. 

"Corvette Summer" was in fourth place, Beatty and Christie are most likeable in this 

old-fashioned "boy gets girl" comedy. 

yet there were a lot of members who commented 

favorably about it on their ballots. John Anthony, WITI-TV, Milwaukee 

Based on these remarks, many of the people 

who saw this film thought it was good Comes Mr. Jordan."—Maria Juana Moore, 

"Heaven" compared favorably with "Here 

—maybe the competition from Beatty and Detroit Motion Picture Council . . . An intriguing 

idea in a refreshing, modern "Heaven" was just too strong. 

day 

The remaining nominees might just as 

well been left off the ballot. Peckinpah's 

"Convoy," torn apart by the critics, wasn't 

exactly the cream of the crop here, either. 

It could muster only a few votes, although 

it's doing its share of trade at theatres. "The 

Swarm" didn't even do that well, and it was 

met by numerous unfavorable comments 

from NSC members. Finally. "Bad News 

Bears Go to Japan" got 1 vote, a tie with 

last month's "Thank God It's Friday." With 

so many low-vote getters, let's be glad that 

"Heaven" shined its light on us this month. 

—S.G. 

"HEAVEN CAN WAIT" 

One of the more worthy efforts in a long 

time. Even if they had to reach back to 

1943 to get a good one!—Don Leigh Mc- 

Culty, Clarksburg, W. Va. . . . In spite of 

being a remake of an old film, I found it 

to be refreshingly different—Morton Levine, 

Hillel, Tuscon, Ariz. . . . Warren Beatty 

and the entire cast were charming summer 

fun!—Mrs. Joseph E. House, Detroit 

... A really great film for ever>'one. We 

need more of the same and still more family 

pictures!—Chuck Fisher, Kansas City, Mo. 

. . . All anyone hard to do was sit back and 

enjoy this picture.—Justin Jascobsmeir. 

Sioux City. la. . . . Warren Beatty has another 

winner with a great cast. It deserves 

top honors.—Harry McCurl, NATO, Birmingham, 

Ala. 

"Heaven Can Wait" is classy entertainment. 

A mature movie in the best sense. 

Dyan Cannon was delightful again. "Cheap 

Detective" and "International Velvet" are 

good runners-up. But the rest? Yech!—Ed 

Blank, Pittsburgh (Pa.) Press . . . Delightful 

—perfect family fare; my son has already 

seen it three times and still wants to go. 

Mel Richardson, KID-TV, Idaho Falls? Ida. 

. . . Beatty scores again!—Keith Williams, 

WBRC-TV, Birmingham. Ala. . . . "Heaven" 

is the best showcase to date of Warren 

Beatty's multi-faceted filmmaking talents, 

as well as a winning reaffirmation of romantic 

innocence in films.—Bruce Westbrook, 

the Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. 

Two remakes stand out this month. And 

for us who have fantasized being a superbowl 

quarterback, "Heaven" noses out 

"Velvet."—Don Braunagel, Detroit Area 

Film Teachers . . . Warren Beatty took an 

old-fashioned idea and made a movie for 

the "TOs.—Elston Brooks, Star-Telegram 

Fort Worth, Tex. . . . One of the best hits of 

ôrvetle Summer" is almost a fable 

in the classic sense: Yoimg man 

on quest meets clanger and colorful 

characters, has episodic adventures, 

finds true love and learns valuable lessons 

about life, principles of morality 

and about his own values. Hamill did 

a good job as the slightly-dumber-thannecessary 

boy.—Ted Mahar, the Oregonian, 

Portland, Ore. 

I was in paradise throughout the entire 

heavenly picture. Warren Beatty 

and Julie Christie were divine in this 

spirited film ("Heaven Can Wait") 

David Parmenter, Leawood. Kas. 

"Convoy" is far from being Sam 

Peckinpah's best film, but it has an 

easy-going vitality that's hard to dislike. 

Peckinpah works to establish the 

ground rules for a new genre of American 

film—the trucker movie.—Randy 

Weddington, the Grapevine. Favetteville. 

Ark. 

"Heaven Can Waif" is proof that 

escapism can be an art. And it gives 

us a good dose of optimism and innocence 

ju.st when we need it. "Corvette 

Summer" is a worthy second-place 

choice. It's goals weren't as lofty as 

"Heaven',s," but it was thoroughly satisfying.—Robert 

Butler, the Kansas 

Citv 

Star. 

setting.— .Ann Ward Rogers, Standard- 

Times, San Angelo, Tex. 

Although "Heaven" lacked the magic of 

old Hollywood, it's still the best of the 

month.—Stu Witmer, KRAB-FM, Seattle 

New Hollywood at its best.—John 

Crittenden, New York , 

delight from 

start to finish. The best film so far this year. 

—Jerry Fitzgerald, TV-Star, Dallas. 

"INTERNATIONAL VELVET" 

Even though "Bad News Bears" and 

"Cheap Detective" are high on the list, I 

must give the nod to "International Velvet" 

as a fine, sensitive motion picture. The list 

is very impressive this month with a large 

selection of good productions to choose 

from.—Angelo J. Mangialeta, WAGA-TV, 

Atlanta, Ga. . . . Good list! I chose "International 

Velvet" because it has such a warm 

feeling for all ages.—Nevart Apikian, the 

Post-Standard. Syracuse . . . Three worthy 

choices this month, but "International Velvet" 

qualifies as the best of the lot because 

of its tasteful script, intelligent direction 

and splendid ensemble acting.—Alvin Easter, 

Cinema Magazine, Minneapolis. 

"THE CHEAP DETECTIVE" 

"Cheap Detective" is for adults who remember 

the film's origins.—Christine Castanada. 

New Yorker Magazine . . . Unfortunately, 

the plot does not hold up and it 

falls flat by end. Funny at times.—John P. 

Hill. WKRC-TV, Cincinnati . . . "Cheap 

Detective" was a waste of time. A pure and 

simple bomb. I stayed for the whole show 

to convince myself it was really as bad as 

I thought it was. It was.—James F. Schrader, 

the Amherst Bee. Amherst, N.Y. . . . 

A huge list of stars waltz through another 

Neil Simon parody. The laughs come easy 

in this funny mixture of "Casablanca" and 

"The Maltese Falcon."—Charles Oestreich, 

Argus, Rock Island, III. . . . Another Neil 

Simon hit for the summer.—J. P. Recher, 

Towson, Md. ... I got stung on "The 

Swarm." but a laugh now and then is good 

for the face, so "Cheap Detective" comes 

Seattle . . . 

up the winner this month.—Joe A. Ortega, 

"Cheap Detective" edges in 

front by default.—Andrew Sarris. Village 

Voice, New York. 

"CORVETTE SUMMER" 

A nice, pleasant group of family films to 

choose from this time. 1 am giving the nod 

to "Corvette Summer" merely because it 

says something about a young person deciding 

to do something and sticking to it. 

James L. Limbacher, Dearborn, Mich. . . . 

In checking with my marketing experts, my 

9 and 12-year-old daughters tell me Mark 

Hamill in "Corvette Summer" was just as 

"dreamy" as he was in "Star Wars."—Tony 

de Haro, KMBC-TV. Kansas City, Mo. . 

Despit; its horrible title, this movie epitomizes 

summer entertainment for the family 

well-paced, full of action, clearly illustrated 

good guys and bad guys and a moral lesson 

to boot.—William Kerns. .Avalanche-Journal, 

Lubbock, Tex. 

September 18, 1978 13

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

This chort records the performance of current ottrocdons in the opening week of their fir^t run« in 

the 20 key citiei checked. Pictures with fewer tfwn fite engagements are not lirted. As new runs 

Io 

are reported, ratings are added and OYeroges revised. Ccmputotion is in terms of percentage in 

relation to average grosses as determined by the theatre monogers. With 100 per cent as overoge, 

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

" 

|; 

5 i 

s i i 2 I s I ! I H i si 

e 5 i 2 5 i s 2 2 s 5 i : n 

Bad New. B.an Go lo Iap

The 4-year Broadway comedy smash 

that had 16 road companies and played 

in 28 countries is coming to the screen! 

The Mirisch Corporation presents 

Ellen Burstyn Alan Alda 

.i^'lSil^^W 

kX^« 

V 

y 

^ 

;i^ 

* >'- 

The story of the longest-run date in the history of non-marriage.

They couldn't have celebrated hapi 

if they v

Quebecois Films Seen 

By Syracuse Students 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — One ol the most 

creative movements in modern film histoiy 

is taking place in Quebec, according to Norman 

O. Keim. lecturer in film studies at 

Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School 

of Public Communications. 

"Yet little is known of it outside of that 

portion of Canada and the films are almost 

entirely unknown in the United States," said 

Keim who is teaching a new Syracuse University 

course on films of independent 

French Canadian filmmakers who represent 

"a sort of counter-culture in the separatist 

movement." Keim is also director of Film 

Forum, a university-affiliated organization 

dedicated to the viewing and study of vintage 

and contemporary films. 

The three-cerdit course, Quebecinema, 

began Monday (11) and is open to all students. 

The public may attend any film or 

lecture for a $1 fee. 

"A surprising number of French Canadian 

filmmakers have been creating feature 

films over the past 10 years against tremendous 

odds," Keim said. "However, lack of 

money and a virtually nonexistent Canadian 

film industry has not kept them from producing 

films of great social significance." 

Three Major Filmmakers 

Three major French Canadian filmmakers 

are represented in the course which also 

brings Jean-Pierre and Connie Tadros, critics 

and editors of Cinema Canadian and 

Cinema Quebec, to Syracuse University for 

a series of lectures during the semester. 

Filmmakers Claude Jutra, Michel Brault 

and Denys Arcand will lecture on their 

works which "are rooted in the Quebec soil 

and are very much illustrative of the political 

aspirations of their people," Keim said. 

A grant from the National Endowment for 

the Arts is helping to bring the Canadians 

to SU for the course. 

"The independent filmmakers produce 

films that speak to the clash between the 

English and French-speaking Canadians in 

Quebec province and the efforts of those 

of French heritage to separate from the rule 

of the Ottawa government," Keim said. The 

Quebecinema group, as opposed to the 

nationally-subsidized National Film Board 

of Canada, have not had their films shown 

anywhere in Canada outside of Quebec, although 

they have won prizes in international 

competition in Europe, he added. 

"We will be showing these films for the 

first time in the United States," he said. 

"These are not slick, commercial films but 

they are well-made social documentaries." 

Critics Jean-Pierre and Connie Tadros 

will start the course with an overview of the 

Quebecinema scene. Jutra, a leading Canadian 

filmmaker, will lecture in October; Arcand, 

a deeply political filmmaker, will lecture 

in November and Brault in December. 

A total of 21 feature films and short films 

will be shown during the course. 

Keim said he has been planning the Quebecinema 

film course for more than a year. 

Stallone to Shoot Rocky W Scenes 

In Philadelphia, Starting October 6 

Sylvester Stallone is greeted by Michel Sauers, production director of the Spectrum, 

a sports and entertainment complex in Philadelphia, and Stephen GreenberK 

(right), vice-president of the facility shown in the background, on a scouting trip 

for locations for his upcoming "Rocky II." Ihe exterior of the Spectrum will be 

used in the forthcoming films, with all interiors to be shot in California. Philadelphia 

also provided the location for the original "Rocky." 

PHILADELPHIA—Aiming to repeat the 

Academy Award-winning successes of his 

"Rocky," which was filmed in Philadelphia, 

Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky 11" will begin 

filming here next month. Michael S. Click, 

production manager for the film, said Stallone, 

who will both star and direct, would 

arrive here October 16 with other members 

of the cast to film location shots. 

A Chartoff-Winkler Film 

Plans for the upcoming location work 

were announced this week by Click, handling 

the production for the Chartoff-Winkler 

film, and city representative and director 

of commerce Joseph A. LaSala. Click, 

who met with representatives of city agencies 

to outline plans for the filming, said 

he would return here October 6 to start 

pre-production work. 

Like "Rocky." which cost less than $1,- 

000,000 to produce, "Rocky 11" will have 

a relatively low budget, and again it will 

make use of local actors, residents and 

color. Click said all the supporting roles 

will go to Philadelphia actors and the Joy 

Todd Talent Agency from New York is 

interviewing local talent. In addition to Stallone, 

members from the original cast in 

lead roles will include Talia Shire, Burt 

Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith. 

Exterior 

Shooting Set 

Exterior shots for "Rocky" were filmed 

in Philadelphia in five days during December 

1975. This time, the shooting schedule 

is expected to take the last two weeks in 

October and the first week in November. 

The interior shooting will be done in Hollywood, 

starting October 2. with release 

scheduled by United .Artists for the summer 

of 1979. 

While Stallone will relurn lo most of ihe 

local scenes set for "Rocky." a most unusual 

indoor setting will be added this time which 

will have the city's highly controversial 

Mayor Frank S. Rizzo playing himself in 

'Rocky II." In the sequel. Rocky gets a 

proclamation of recognition from City Hall. 

The shot will be in the mayor's reception 

room, where he normally hands out proclamations. 

According to Deputy Mayor Anthony 

Zecca. the scene will be ad-libbed 

by Rizzo. 

Camden Regional Library 

Has 1.300 Prints Available 

CAMDEN, N.J.—The Camden Regional 

Film Library announced that it now has 

more than 1,300 films that are available 

for loan to anyone holding a library card. 

The film library is in the suburban Echelon 

Urban Center. Croups and individuals may 

take out the films for periods of only 24 

hours and catalogs are available for $1. In 

addition, there are frequent screenings of 

selected films at the library center itself. 

The film collection ranges from 1895 Lumieres 

to this year's Academy Award winning 

short. "Sand Castle." The library reported 

that during the past year, the most 

popular films in the collection have been 

"Forbidden Planet," "King Kong," "Yellow 

Submarine" and ".Abbott and Costello Meet 

the Monster." 

The least popular borrower for the library 

staff is the person who took out "Yellow 

Submarine" and returned it after clipping 

out three songs, including the title tune and 

"Eleanor Rigby." The big problem is the 

fact that many persons clip out pieces of 

film. A library spokesman said the clipping 

problem is an old one. It is particularly 

visible on the college circuit, where no film 

is safe from Ihe hands of "collectors," 

September IS, 1978 E-1

I 

BROADWAY 

J)ANNY THOMAS will emcee ihc Motion 

Picture Pioneers dinner at the Waldorf 

Astoria here Monday escning. October 16. 

it has been announced by Herb Steinberg, 

chairman of the program committee. The 

latter previously revealed that Bob Crosby 

and the Bobcats will provide dance music 

from 8 p.m. on. 

This 40th annual Pioneer of the Year 

dinner will honor Dr. Jules Sicin, founder 

of MCA and a renowned leader in the field 

of research to prevent blindness. For the 

.second year in a row. there will be dinner 

dancing. 

• 

Town Hall, site of the Legendary Ladies 

evenings a few years ago (with such stars 

as Joan Crawford. Rosalind Russell. Bette 

Davis, Lana Turner. Sylvia Sidney and Myrna 

Loy) and a number of film showings and 

seminars, had been in danger of closing 

because of financial deficits in the last few 

years. But Craig Anderson, producer of the 

Hud.son Guild Theatre, has announced plans 

to convert the 1 .500-seat auditorium into 

two 500-seat theatres for a performing arts 

center. Anderson hopes to begin next summer 

with a full season of new plays and 

revivals. 

Anderson states, however, that he will 

not pursue these plans if the building, which 

houses the New York University Club, receives 

landmark status. 

• 

Universal's multimillion-dollar spectacle 

"Caravans," made in Iran, has been announced 

as the Thanksgiving attraction at 

Radio City Music Hall. A November 2 

date has been set for the opening. Starring 

arc Anthony Quinn. Jennifer O'Neill, Michael 

Sarrazin, Christopher Lee, Barry Sullivan 

and Joseph Cotten. James Fargo directed 

and Elmo Williams produced. 

• 

Hill Park as a .setting recently. The Park 

is diagonally across the street from the 

American Metal Climax Building, which 

houses BoxOFFlCE'.y Eastern office. Roy 

Scheider and Janet Margolin arc starring. 

under the direction of Jonathan Dciunic. 

• 

"Girl Friends," the hit film by Claudia 

Weill for Warner Bros, release, moved 

from Cinema 1 to Cinema II Wednesday 

(13;. Mclanie Mayron and Anita .Skinner 

have the title roles in the film which also 

stars Kli Wallach and Viveca I.indlors. 

• 

Openings: Although the strike of the 

"The Last Embrace," a my.stery-thriller 

for United Artists release, u.\ed McGraw- 

luujor 

newspapers in the city is n,,w ihim ihc 

first month, new films continiir lo (>i>cn. 

Among them are: 

"No Time For Breakfast," the American 

premiere of which was Friday (15) at the 

6tiih Street Playhouse, is based on the memoirs 

of a French cancer research specialist. 

The import stars Annie Girardot and was 

directed by Jean-Louis Bertucelli. The distributor 

is Daniel Houria Film Enterprises 

and ] van-Pierre Cussel, Isabelle Ihipi)'" 

and Francois Perier have co-starring roles. 

"A Wedding." Robert Altman's all-star 

look at an American institution, opens Saturday 

(23) at the Sutton and Cinema 3 and 

five other metropolitan area houses, following 

its showing as opening night attraction 

at the New York Film Festival Friday 

(22). Twentieth Century-Fox is releasing the 

Lion's Gate production, which Altman produced, 

directed and co-wrote. In the cast 

are Lillian Gish. Carol Burnett. Geraldine 

Chaplin. Desi Arnaz jr.. Howard Duff. Mia 

Farrow. Vittorio Gassman. Dina Merrill. 

Peggy Ann Garner. Lauren Hutton and the 

ubiquitous Viveca Lindfors. 

"Bloodbrothers." a Warner Bros, film 

about construction workers, will have film 

festival .showings at Lincoln Center's Alice 

Tally Hall Monday (25) and Tuesday 126). 

followed by its local opening Wednesday 

(27). Theatres involved are the Criterion. 

Cinema 2 and 86th Street East in Manhattan, 

the Cinema J 50 in Syosset. Long 

Island: Cinema 46 in Totowa. N. and 

J., 

the Woodhridge I in Woodbridge. N. J. 

Robert Mulligan directed the drama, which 

was based on Richard Price's novel and 

stars Tony Lo Bianco. Paul Sorvino and 

Richard Gere. 

• 

Book reviews: "Hollywood Character 

Actors" (Arlington House) by James Robert 

Parish is the answer to a film buff's 

prayer, at least a partial answer. With 

help from such experts as Dick Braff, Harry 

Purvis and Earl Anderson, this $.^0 

volume includes data and credit lists on 

372 character people from Walter Abel to 

George Zucco, Although the dust jacket 

insists that the filmographies are complete, 

it would be virtually impossible to list all 

the unbilled performances of these veterans 

unless one had seen every film ever made 

or had detailed records on same. Each entry 

has a still of the actor or actress in question, 

so the less-informed can finally match 

the name with the face. A lot of fun for 

any buff. 

"Robert Altman: American Innovator" 

(Popular Library paperback) by Judy Kass 

looks at the Altman output from "Bodyguard" 

(1^)48), lor which he collaborated on 

the screenplay, to a preview of the current 

"A Wedding," which was going into production 

as the book was completed. The 

writer has a perceptive and lively style 

which makes reading the sections on such 

films as "M*A*S*H" and "Nashville" all 

the more entertaining. Reconinientled 

Odeon Haymarket Records 

Are Toppled by 'Express' 

lONDON In iIk' llinJ ucck ol its 

world picmiL-ic LMig.igeniL-nl, ".Midnight lixpre:is" 

has set a new all-time single-week 

gross record at the Odeon Haymarket here, 

according to Columbia Picliues, 

With the figine going up each week and 

with every night sold out for the 21 days 

al the f>()()-seater, Ihe Alan Parker-direcled 

lilni has reached a reconl ihice week lii-uie. 

— 

— 

— 

6fh 'Inferiors' Frame 

Good as Gold in NYC 

NIW YORK -li uav the s.ime story as 

last week, although the figures went down 

as the sizzling summer business subsided. 

"Interiors" was still very much on lop. a 

555 in Ihe sixth Baronet round. "Girl 

Friends, second, was down " to 360 for the 

fifth frame at Cinema I. In third place "The 

Opium War" puffed up a 280 in the second 

week at the Guild. 

Again fourth, "A Slave of Love" had a 

275 fourth week at the Plaza. "Viva Italia!", 

ninth time at the Paris, was aga-n a 175. 

On showcase, the leaders included "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther," "National 

Lampoons Animal House," "Heaven Can 

Wait," "Avalanche" (new from New- 

World) and those b'ggies "Star Wars." 

"Jaws 2," "Grease" and "Hooper." 

(Average Is 100) 

Baronei Interiors (UA), 6th wk 

Cmema I—Girl Friend* (WB) 5lh wk 

S5S 

360 

Embassy 3 StingrOY (Emb) Ml 

Guild The Opium War (Sino A.iiencan), 

2nd 280 

-Vi»o Ilalial (Cinema 5), 9th wk 

Plaza A Slave ol Lore (Cinema 5) 

^ 

4th wk 275 

Radio City Music Hall—The Magic ol Louie 

(Inll Picture Show) 6lh wk 100 

T-cins-Lux East—Nea (Lbra Films) 80 

4!h wk 

"National Lampoon's Animal House' 

Guzzles the Profits in Baltimore 

BALTIMORE — Holdovers have exclusive 

control of the first-run business here, 

since no new film opened during the past 

week. And leading the long-running pack 

is, not unexpectedly, "National Lampoon's 

.Animal House." guzzling a 275 in its fourth 

frame. 

Other strong runners included "Dear Inspector," 

with a 220 in its fourth week at 

the Playhouse and "Grease," this simimer's 

top draw across the coimtr\, with a morethan-respcctable 

175. also in its fourth. 

Cinema II—Revenge ol Ihe Pink Panther 

(UA). 7lh wk ISO 

Glen Burnie Mall—Greoee (Para). 4ih wk 175 

Liberty National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 4th wk 275 

Patterson Weslview II—Hooper (WB) 5th wk. 100 

I. 

Playhouse Dear Inspector (Sri). 4th wk 220 

Senator Heaven Can Woil (Para) 10th wk 50 

Weslv IV Eyes ol Loura Mars (Col), 

100 

Andrew Benya Dies at 56; 

Active in Charity Causes 

WASHING I ON—Andrew John Benya. 

advertising manager and assistant lo the 

president of Showcase Theatres here, died 

Wednesday, .August 30. He was 56. In recent 

years Benya supervised the operation 

ol over 40 Showcase theatres in Maryland 

iiul Virginia. He also was resident manager 

ol Ihe Beltway Plaza Theatre in Gieenbclt, 

Md. 

Born in Unionlown. Pa., Benya was a 

member of Ihe Pioneers Club anil Ihc Variety 

Club. For the past nine years he served 

as coordinator of the "Movie Carvivals for 

Kids," a fund-raising aelivity for nuiscul.u 

dystrophy. He received an award of apprecialion 

from the MD.A.A foi his efforts. 

.Services and burial were held in Mem 

phis. lenn. Benya is survived bv his «ile 

Irc'K- one d.itightei .ind live sons 

E-2 

noxorricr. 

I>)7.^

1st WEEK 

MAf 

2nd WEEK 

$76,101 $68,707 

LA/S ffllCIITICST 

nDULT opcninc! 

^ in 4 Situations 

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EMMANUELLE 

STORY OF 

ALICE IN 

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SEE THEM 

BOOGIE 

INYOURLAPI 

HotSKIN 

Distributed by 

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Los Angeles, California 

NO INSTALLATION of a special screen or lens!

PHILADELPHIA 

'J^m Currj, star of The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show," the popular midnightshowing 

cult film, came to the Academy 

of Music Saturday (16) for a concert. 

"The Thomas Crown Affair" will launch 

a series of films for the deaf at the Northcast 

Regional Library here. Shown on 

Tuesdays at 8 p.m.. the films are captioned 

for the deaf. 

Carmine Coppola, an Oscar winner for 

the music in his son Francis' "The Godfather: 

Part II." will be honored here November 

12 at the 19lh annual Mario Lanza 

Institute Ball at Palumbo's Theatre Restaurant. 

Cable Systems, Inc., a cable television 

company based in Audubon. N.J.. has applied 

to the State Board of Public Utilities 

for permission to increase its monthly service 

rates in seven of the 10 municipalities 

it serves. The proposed raise in monthly 

charge from S6 to $6.50 for basic cable 

TV would affect 6.500 of the company's 

11.700 subscribers. 

Frederic A. Shore and Allen H. Shore 

have set up Shore Video & Film Productions 

at the Benson East in suburban Jenkintown. 

Pa., for the production of film 

and videotape subjects. 

Project Moving Pictures, the repertory 

film project in Cape .May. N.J.. ushers in 

the fall season with the showing of "Cat 

Ballou." For the Rondo Center in Wilmington. 

Del., with the same film programing, 

the of)cner will be "Rebel Without a 

Cause," with the S?i.5() admission charge 

including a 

light buffet. 

The films of Bing Crosby will be highlighted 

in a two-month series of free Sunday 

afternoon screenings at the Logan 

Square Branch in center city of the Free 

Library of Philadelphia. First feature is 

"Rhythm on the Range" with the free admission 

on a first-come basis. 

Deborah Kerr will check in at the Playhouse 

in Wilmington. Del., for the week 

of October 2 starring in the stage production 

of "The Last of Mrs. Chcyney." 

Bamberger's department stores in Monmouth, 

N.J.. and others in that area arc 

conducting a "Screen Test" drawing for 

youngsters with the winner, to be picked at 

random, getting a part in a "Bad News 

Bears" movie or another Paramount production. 

The winner also rates an all-expense 

paid trip to Hollywood for four, including 

airfare and accommodations for 

seven days and six nights plus a Sony Betamax 

video unit for the family. 

Although local film reviewers were less 

than kind to "Grease," the movie received 

an unsolicited bouquet of verbal praise from 

Larry McMullen. whose column of commentary 

generally reflects the current social 

or political scene. He devoted his entire 

column in the Daily News, which takes up 

half of a tabloid page, telling how much 

he enjoyed the nostalgic flavor of "Grease," 

recommending it strongly for adults. 

Walt Disney product will be available to 

cable TV subscribers in New Jersey for the 

first time. Tclco Cablcvision, serving Asbury 

Park and Ocean Township, announced an 

agreement had been reached with Walt Disney 

Productions to begin exhibiting its product 

on the cable system's premium channel. 

The service will premiere with "Smokey and 

the Bandit." followed this month with 

"American Graffiti." "The Betsy," "A 

Piece of the Action," 'The World's Greatest 

Lover" and "The Last Hard Men." 

Walter Mathau is scheduled to be on 

hand here Tuesday (26) when his friend Dr. 

William Likoff will be officially installed 

as the new president of Hahnemann Hospital, 

where he also is a renowned heart spe- 

A spokesman for Gino's, the fast food 

chain, confirmed that the company is considering 

the purchase of a midtown movie 

house for conversion into a hamburger 

haven. 

A special screening of "Midnight Express" 

was staged by Linda Golden berg, 

regional publicity and promotion director 

for Columbia Pctures here, ai Ihc Top of 

the Fox Preview Theatre. 

Baltimore Chosen Site 

Oi New Al Pacino Film 

BAl IIMORH— Ihis Lii> has been chosen 

for the filming of a new comedv. ".\nd 

Justice For All, according " to Mayor Donald 

Schaefer. Al Pacino will star as a Baltimore 

criminal lawyer in the film which is 

to go into production October .^0 here. 

It is the second major film to be shot in 

this city in the past six months. Universal 

Studios recently was here to lense scenes 

for "The Senator." starring Alan .Mda. 

The Fayette and Calvert streets courthouse, 

the old Post Office building and the 

City Jail will serve as backdrops for the 

film, to be shot in its entirety here over a 

seven-week period. "The desirability of Baltimore 

for movie production is fast being 

recognized by the film industry." stated 

Mayor Schaefer who has solicited moviemakers 

to use Baltimore as a film site. 

Baltimore also was recently the locale for 

scenes in a BBC production on Welsh poet 

Dylan Thomas and for the Public Broadcasting 

System production of "Bartleby the 

Scrivener." 

Pacino is best known for his roles as son 

of a Mafia don in "The Godfather." as a 

don in "The Godfather: Part 11" and a 

bank robber in "Dog Day .Afternoon." The 

Pacino film, budgeted at S5.()fl0.000 to S12.- 

000.000. was written by Barry Levinson. a 

graduate of Forest Park High School here, 

and Valerie Curtin. 

Success of 'Rocky Horror' 

Leads to Stage Production 

PHILADELPHIA — The unprecedented 

success of "The Rocky Horror Picture 

Show." which has been doing excellent midnight 

business on weekends at the TL.A Cinema, 

has prompted a little theatre group 

to cash in on the film's cult popularity this 

coming season. The Society Hill Playhouse, 

located near the TLA Cinema, has announced 

a stage production of 'Rocky Horror" 

as a rock-scored musical with super 

camp characterizations. 

The play version of the screen saga is 

scheduled to have its premiere December 

1 for an open-ended run. 

^^ WATC H PROJECTION IMPROVf \\ ' " >2 

Technikote 

^ SCREENS ^ 

= XRL 

5 LENT ICULAR 

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:$ METALLIC 

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PEAR]iSCENT 5 

O MATTE § 

WHITE § 

TECHNIKOTE corp&

WASHINGTON 

âriety Clubs International president Eric 

D. Morley, here from London, awarded 

the Variety Club of Metropolitan Washington 

its charter, which chief barker John 

G. Broumas accepted on l>ehalf of Tent 1 1, 

at an elaborate banquet in the Holiday Inn. 

Bethesda, Md., Monday (11). The reactivated 

local club"s chief barker and Marvin 

Goldman, National Ass"n of Theatre Owners 

president, were presented with "life patron" 

membership by the visiting president. 

Approximately 250 were on attendance, including 

Mrs. Morley. The diners were entertained 

with background music during the 

The rise and fall of the one balcony theatre 

has not gone unnoticed, and soon will 

be fully chronicled. Sylvester Z. Poll of 

New Haven, Conn., pioneered the one balcony 

theatre. Who in the film business has 

not heard of the Poll theatre circuit? Don 

King, president of the local Town Theatre 

Group, will be the chronicler. King is mid- 

Atlantic director of the Theatre Historical 

Society, whose national organ is involved 

in theatre restoration. King is writing a cultural 

history of the late Sylvester Z. Poll 

and recently spent a week in New England 

researching and fact-finding. King's historical 

treatment of Poll and his out-dated 

structures will be published in the magazine 

of the Theatre Historical 

Society. 

Edward Bader, Paramoimt division manager, 

returned recently from visiting Cincinnati 

and Cleveland film exchanges. 

Hollywood composer David Raksin lectured 

on his music for motion pictures at 

the Library of Congress Friday {\5). He 

illustrated his presentation with film clips 

from films which he scored, including "Laura," 

"Forever Amber," "Force of Evil." 

"The Bad and the Beautiful" and "The Redeemer." 

Raksin discussed various aspects 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

i;f„; FAN PHOTO 

THEATRICAL ADVERTISING CO 

Brochures Available 

$375 

I On IfielBost Beautiful Chrislmaslrailers 

ceptions, don't seem to care about silent 

of his craft, such as fitting an original score 

films. I would like to see silent films played 

to visual and spoken cues and techniques 

in good houses with a good orchestra five 

of writing for animated films, using excerpts 

from the cartoon "Giddyap." Raksin's music 

or six times a year. 1 don't know how to 

bring it off, but it is important." Keupcr 

is featured in the July issue of the Li- 

said that George Eastman House is gearing 

up for an expansion program with more 

brary's Quarterly Journal in an article titled 

"David Raksin: A ComfXJser in Hollywood," 

by Jon Newsom, assistant chief of 

the music division. 

The American Film Institute's September 

issue of American Film includes a cover 

sto-y on the "Divine Miss M"— Bette Midler—starring 

in her first feature film "The 

Rose." Among the feature articles are Jonas 

Mekas' report on the healthy state of avant- 

cocktail-reception, as well as throughout the 

dinner, which was chaired by Steve Turner, 

garde filmmakers, Richard Adier's "Me and 

Universal branch manager. At noon, the 

My Betamax" and "Dialogue on Film," by 

same day, the Morleys had been guests of 

Steven Spielberg. 

honor in Baltimore at an Oscar de la Renta 

fashion show-luncheon sponsored by the 

Women of Variety Tent 

SYRACUSE 

19. 

phil Serling, president of the Syracuse Society 

for Cinephilcs, will succeed Herb 

Graff of New York City as president of 

the National Society of Cinephiles. He was 

unanimously elected at Cinecon 14, the annual 

convention which attracted more than 

400 persons Labor Day weekend with headquarters 

at Hotel Syracuse. 

Two awards were made at the annual 

awards banquet Sunday evening at Hotel 

Syracuse ballroom. Robert E. Lee of Nutley, 

N.J.. president of the Essex County 

Film Club which started in 1938. was honored. 

And the George Eastman House in 

Rochester was cited "for 30 years of preserving 

our heritage of films and keeping 

alive our cinematic past." The laaer award 

was accepted by John E. Kuiper, director 

of the department of films of the International 

Museum of Photography. 

2 beats 1 

3 beats 2 

4 beats 3 

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ALL IN TWINNING 

TRIPLEXING AND 

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)S CHESTNUT STREET 

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• NEW YORK 1 151 

"We must continue to 

preserve our silent 

film heritage," said Kuiper. "I'm really 

scared. The young people of today, with ex- 

storage areas for proper preservation of 

film. He added that the film collection will 

be made more available and tours would be 

organized. 

Sam Rubin, at the head table, one of the 

seven members who started Cinecon 14 

years ago, has sold his publication. Classic 

Fil.ii Collector, to Black Hawk, the world's 

largest distributor of old films. He will be 

consultant for the new publication. 

Besides Kuiper, another speaker at the 

convention was Miss Audrey Kupferberger, 

motion picture archivist with the American 

Film Institute at the Kennedy Center in 

Washington. She spoke at a seminar on Al 

Jolson's "The Jazz Singer." 

The convention in Syracuse attracted 

members from as far away as Buenos Aires, 

Argentina and Australia. 

Bogie Screened for Zilch 

LINCOLN. MASS. — The DeCordova 

Museum hosted a free showing of United 

Artists" "Beat the Devil." a Humphrey Bogart 

1953 starrer. 

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. . Tessic 

NJ Film Panel Looks 

For 'Film City' Site 

TRENTON. N.J.—The New Jersey Motion 

Picture and Television Development 

Commission is scouting areas in the northern 

part of the stale for a location for a proposed 

"Film City." A number of cities have 

petitioned the state commission to be considered 

for the site which will include modern 

film studios, sound stages, theatres, processing 

laboratories, equipment rental agencies, 

hotels and restaurants. 

Sidney Kingsley, chairman of the commission, 

was scheduled to meet with Mayor 

Thomas F.X. Smith and community leaders 

in Jersey City who want the film center to 

be located in that city. Jersey City officials 

say the city's proximity to New York's theatre 

district and television studios, and the 

availability of suitable land, make it a favorable 

location for the iiroposci,! movie production 

complex. 

However, Kingsley said the commission 

has been asked to consider other sites in 

Bnglewood, Edgewater, Hoboken and other 

municipalities that provide good access to 

New York, and they will be "keeping an 

open mind on the final decision." Kingsley 

said the signing last week of a bill authorizing 

the Port Authority of New York and 

N';w Jersey Id build industrial parks in both 

slates was a positive development in pushing 

the film confer projects forward. Kingsley 

met recently with Port Authority officials 

v/ho, he said, were very much intir 

esled in the Film City project, 

SPACK HI MS TOUTED — Sci-fi 

fans of all ages crowded the Star Trek 

America Convention, held Labor l>ay 

weekend at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in 

New York. A highlight of the threcdayfestival 

of fantasy was a I nited 

Artists display heralding the imminent 

opening of "Invasion of the Body 

Snatchers" and the re-Issue of Stanley 

Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." 

At top is the United Artists display 

for "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," a 

Robert H. Solo production starring 

Donald Sutherland. Brooke Adams and 

Leonard Nimoy. Free posters, buttons 

and bumper stickers were hot items 

with the convention crowd, and a special 

teaser slide presentation was packed 

by fans for three consecutive days. 

At left three lovelies at the MGM- 

UA table for "2001: A Space Odyssey" 

present the herald announcing the return 

of the science fiction classic. 

Seven-Part Film Seminar 

On Environment Is Slated 

PHILADELPHIA — A scvcn-p:nt 

lilm 

seminar on environmental problems, utilizing 

both specialized works and some commercial 

films, will be sponsored by the 

Walnut Street Theatre's film and video center 

this coming season. The series, presented 

as "Earth: Our Only Planet," will be shown 

Wednesday evenings starting October 18. 

Discussion leaders for the films will include 

both filmmakers and scientists. Some 

of the film titles in the series include 

Jacques Tali's "Playtime," "Soylent Green" 

and "Walkabout." The Walnut also has received 

a grant of $1,500 from the Pennsylvania 

Council on the Arts for an experimental 

series next March which will be designed 

to encourage the making of feature and experimenl.il 

films in the Philadelphia .irea. 

Cinema Group 4 Formed; 

Will Produce Feature Films 

All AN IK CIIY, N.J.—Bill Murra>. 

manager of the Tilton Lhcalre in suburban 

Northfield, has formed Cinema Group Four 

lor the production of motion pictures. With 

Murray serving as film director, the partnership 

includes Dave Depieiro, Thorn Parkins 

and Rich Heirling. Their first feature, being 

produced here, will be a lull-length "Rendc/vous 

with Rain.i.' based on Arthur C. 

Clarke's \'n^ novel ol the same lille. 

Murray said it will be a 9()-minuie bl,ick 

and-while feature film with a cast of 15. 

homenuiile special cUccIs. aiul h.n.ki;i ound 

BALTIMORE 

^reek actress and political figure Melina 

Mercouri has been in the area w:th 

her American-born husband Ji'lcs Dassin. 

They arc on a promotional lour for their 

most recent film effort. "A Dream of Passion.' 

While in Washington, D.C.. she addressed 

the Washington Press Club. 

Friday (1). the IBM Presents Movies to 

Remember program concluded this season 

with "The Last Hurrah." starring Spenc.-r 

Tracy and Jeffrey Hunter, on channel 9 at 

9 p.m. . O'-Shea. the English music 

hall star, sang on the Inner Harbor West 

Shore stage here August 29. Accompanied 

by the Frank Still Trio, the Tony awardwinning 

performer's act was a part of the 

'Salute to Musi;" series. Between jobs she 

makes her home near Silver Springs in 

northern Florida. 

Janet Leigh, after a 

seven-year sabbatical, 

is back in front of the cameras. .She current- 

Iv is shooting "Boardwalk" on location in 

Brooklyn. NY. ... A Home Box Office 

hook-up. at 514.95 plus installation, is being 

advertised in the Northwest Star, a weekly 

newspaper. The cable channel will show 

PCi. R and X-rated films. "This bears investigation." 

slated a member of the local 

theatre 

M.S. 

industry. 

Martha S. Wright has been appointed 

a member of the Maryland censor board. 

This is the first time since 1916 that there 

have been more than three members of the 

board. This is the first time since 1916 that 

there have been more than three members 

ot the board. She was picked as a consumer 

representative by Acting Gov. Blair 

Lee. 

George F. Eilel, regional manager for 

National Theatre Supply, spent his Labor 

Day holiday at home "just resting and 

relaxing." "It should be called 'Relief From 

Labor Day,'" he said laughing . . . Mrs. 

Laverne Williams returned August 28 from 

a week's vacation at Virginia Beach. Va.. 

with her husband and two young children. 

Laverne is "Girl Friday"lo George F. 

Eiel. 

David Muhl, young manager of the F. H. 

Durk.-e Liberty I & IL slated that busine^^ 

has been picking up there recently, for 

whiLh h; credits the profitable run of "National 

LamiXHin's .-Snimal House." "I'd 

\eniure to guess that volume increased .'5 

per cent for the month of August 1978 

over the same period in 1977. This is due 

mainly to Animal House' which is booked 

until early October." 

Deborah Kerr, starring in a Washington 

reviv.d ol the romantic suspense comedy 

"Ihc Last ol Mrs. Cheyney." told the Washington 

Post that she deplores the lack ol 

good parts lor women in the theatre. "Oh. 

how I wish a smashing play for a wom.ui 

would come along, " said the .Scottish-born 

iciress who is 56. "Maybe Icnncssec Wil 

liams will bring one off. He's the last one 

111 V. lilc le.div marvelous plavs for women. 

I.iki- I 111- (.l.ixs VK-ii.ieeiie' lor msl.uKe." 

E-6 

BOXOmCE nilvr IS. 1978

. . Bud 

. . With 

. . The 

. . The 

PITTSBURGH 

Jack L. Warner, who died recently at S6. 

was the last of the four famous Warner 

brothers, all of whom this writer knew. 

They got their start with the assistance of 

their uncle Lou Kreiger, a favorite of ours. 

Harry Warner, a men's suit salesman in 

1905 at Kaufmann's here, looked across the 

street one day and saw the world's first allmoving 

picture theatre, the Nickelodeon. He 

decided that this was the thing to get into. 

They opened the Bijou in New Castle, Pa., 

and of course the rest is history. Sam went 

along with the far-sighted Harry and with 

youngster Jack who became a noted showman, 

but Abe was by far the best poker 

player. 

"National Lampoon's Animal House" 

(not really a zoo picture) is outgrossing the 

season's so-called biggies here . and 

Helen Thomas of Grove City have announced 

the engagement of their eldest 

daughter Lila Dale to Tom Riley of the 

college town, he being a graduate of the 

institution. She is slated for graduation in 

June of ne.\t year and will be married the 

next day. Bud is the manager of Cinema 

356 in Buffalo Township. 

"The Norseman." "Warlords of Atlantis" 

and "The Hills Have Eyes" are playing 

throughout the territory, and other theatre 

offerings include "Little Miss Innocence." 

"Teenage Seduction," "The Evil," "The 

Boys in Company C." "Joyride," "Summer 

of Laura," "Hot Cookies." Andy Warhol's 

"Bad," "Foul Play," "Hooper" and "Heaven 

Can Wait." 

Response to the announcement of the 

luncheon honoring Meercy Braff Weiner has 

been so good that the accommodations at 

the Press Club have proven inadequate. The 

event has been moved to the Hyatt House 

at Chatham Center, Ballroom 4, same day 

and hour. Wednesday (27) at 12 noon. 

Meercy. NATO and Tri-State secretary, has 

resigned and will make her future home in 

Florida. 

The Pittsburgh city council, seeking to 

assist theatre owners here, has passed a 

resolution encouraging the Pennsylvania 

General Assembly's Senate to pass the antiblind 

bidding bill which was approved by 

the House. Mayor Richard Caliguiri and 

council members prepared and signed the 

resolution which is addressed to members 

of the state legislature. 

John Trautman of this city is the new 

manager of the Penthouse and Cinema 

Follies . . . "Hollywood Goes Hard" was co- 

CIlViatAMA IS tX SHOW 

BUSINESS UV HAWAII TOO, 

WTien you come to Walkiki, 

don't miss the famous Don Ho 

Show ... at Cinerama's 

Reef Towers HoteL f 

featured with "The Farmer's Daughters" 

at the Art Cinema with "The Fur Trap" 

following. Coming next to this adult theatre 

is Wade Nichols in "Honeymoon 

Haven" . 

the football season starting 

strong here some entertainment dollars 

will bypass the motion picture business. 

Pete DeFazio is handling the much-talked 

about "The Fox Affair" in this territory . . . 

Essex's ".Sex World" will be playing hereabouts 

at an early date . University 

of Pittsburgh's Titusville campus has a theatre 

arts department which is worthwhile 

and adventuresome, producing eight plays 

last school year, three being Pennsylvania 

premieres. 

Precession Intermittent Service Co., of 

this city, with warranties given to exhibitor 

customers, now is the Pittsburgh dealer for 

LaVezzi machine works of Elmhurst, HI. 

Bernard Bloom and Frank Bolkovac, members 

of lATSE Local 171, started this business 

in recent months, it being one of three 

projection machine rebuilding outfits in the 

country. The other two are located in Indiana 

and Texas. Bloom and Bolkovac are 

familiar with all types of projectors and 

have a very good record in servicing. 

Condolences to Thelma and Warren Wurdock, 

both veterans in film distribution here, 

on the death of their brother Albert of Troy 

Hill. 

Cinemette, with Ernest and George Stern 

heading the circuit operation, has been 

keeping up the theatre tradition, closing out 

units which are non-productive, and recently 

set up their own concessions business, just 

as they have their own theatre supply outlet, 

advertising business and so on. 

The Bank Cinema returned 'The Turning 

Point" for one week and then ran "An 

Unmarried Woman." Starting Wednesday 

(27) "Julia" will be featured . 

. . "Interiors" 

will open at the Bank Cinema and the 

Showcase Cinemas East and West October 

Chatham opens "The Boys From 

4 . . . 

Currently at the 

Sheraton Inn in Monroeville Mall a Fantasy 

Film Celebrity convention is being held 

TWIN IT!! 

Call Harry Jones 

Drive-in Tlieotre Construction Since 1946 

• Steel 

Towers 

Free Estimates 

^^tUÂSV^ 

with George Romero, local producer, being 

a special guest. About two dozen horror 

movies were programed, plus slides, a costest 

and makeup demonstrations. 

Friday (8) saw the first area showing of 

"Paradise Alley" at the Showcase Cinema 

East. The sneak preview featured Sylvester 

Stallone in his upcoming release . . . "Soft 

Places" played at the Garden . . . Kings 

Court screened "Kentucky Fried Movie" on 

a recent Wednesday evening . Liberty 

featured "Emergency Nurse" as one of 

its three adult movies. 

'2001' Is in Rerelease 

At Four NY Area Houses 

New York—Stanley Kubrick's highly 

acclaimed "2001: A Space Odyssey" 

opened in a special 70mm and full stereophonic 

sound four-theatre engagement 

In the greater New York area 

Friday (1). The MGM presentation is 

playing at the Rivoll, the Gemini 2, the 

Cinema 150 In Syosset, L.I., and the 

Bellevue Theatre in Upper Montclair, 

N.J. 

According to "Star Wars" director 

George Lucas, "Stanley Kubrick made 

the ultimate science-fiction movie, and 

it is going to be very hard for someone 

to come along and make a better 

movie, as far as I'm concerned. On a 

technical level. It can be compared, 

personally I think that '2001' is far superior." 

The film stars Keir Dullea and Gary 

Lockwood. The screenplay was written 

by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke and 

was produced and directed by Kubrick 

in Super-Panavision and Metrocolor. 

It is rereleased by United Artists. 

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September

. . . Record 

BUFFALO 

T ocal talent Terrj Licata look a muchearned 

rest Labor Day at her parents' 

Tonawanda home. She's fresh from her first 

speaking role in her seventh film in five 

months. If things keep hitting the hectic 

pace of the past few months Terr) will 

need more than a weekend's holiday to survive. 

She is in line for the lead in •'Maria." 

a Broadway revival of the 1957 smash musical 

"West Side Story." a character role 

in either "Search for Tomorrow" or "One 

Life to Live" on TV and a role in "The 

Wanderers." a movie for which she's been 

hired but has yet to be assigned specific 

duties. 

If you can't recall spotting her in the 

seven movies so far. that's because the first. 

"The Rose" isn't due until December. She 

landed that part through Bernie Stykes. 

casting director for James Caan's "Hide 

in Plain Sight." which was filmed here. She 

did her bit in Brooklyn in "The Rose" then 

returned for "Hide," followed by "The 

Last Embrace" in Niagara Falls. Terry also 

has three scenes in the latest offering with 

Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. She appeared 

briefly in the film version of "Hair" 

and with Jose Perez in "Night Flowers." 

"Star Wars," the biggest-grossing motion 

picture of all time, went out of release 

Thursday (7). Doug .Smith in the Courier- 

Express wrote: "It's bizarre. Here we are 

coming up to that time of the year when 

hardly any movies of merit are released, 

and one of the few surefire draws vanishes 

like Princess Lcia's home planet. It's hard 

to think of another aspect of culture or entertainment 

where a hot property is suddenly 

taken away from its potential patrons." 

A film about the Holy Land was presented 

at the Catholic Business Women's Club 

luncheon Saturday (9) in the Hotel Leno.x 

pledges and donations of 

$927,480 from the Buffalo area helped the 

Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon swell to 

a nationwide record of $29,074,405. Buffalo's 

Channel 2 was the local hookup in a 

212-station network that carried the 21'/2 

hour telethon. The station, one of the five 

original outlets for the telethon, broadcast 

the fund drive for the 11th consecutive 

year. Funds aid the Muscular Dystrophy 

Ass'n. 

University of Buffalo .series: Tuesday (5) 

Rutlman's "Berlin Symphony of a Great 

City"; Wednesday (6) "The Frst 20 Years. 

Parts 2 and 4". I.umiere's "First Program" 

and "Cohi-Feullade-Duran Reel". Lubitch's 

"The Doll" (1919) and "Design For Living" 

n9.^3); Thursday (7) Ivens' "The 

Bridge," Vcrtov's "Man With a Movie 

Camera" and Badham's "Saturday Night 

lever" and Friday (K) "Saturday Night 

F'cver" and Hooper's "Texas Chain Saw 

Ma.ssacrc" (1974). 

Universal Pictures took a full-page ad 

in the local newspapers Friday (H) to announce 

the "first public showing anywhere" 

of Sylvester Stallone's "Paradise Alley" at 

ilic Plaza North Theatre. The sneak preview 

was held at 8 p.m.. and was presented 

in addition to the regular showings of "Na 

tional Lampoon's Animal House" . . . "The 

Phantom of the Paradise." starring Paul 

Williams, and the animated film "Wizards." 

both underground cult movies, were booked 

for a week at the Granada Theatre, starting 

Bob Dylan, folk-rock 

Wednesday (6) . . . 

composer and living legend, will perform at 

Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium Monday. 

October 9 as part of his current national 

tour. 

Our congratulations and best wishes to 

Jim Hayes who will be married at Walnut 

Acres in Encino. Calif. Saturday (2.^). Jim 

is director of Variety Club of Southern 

California and his bride. Donna M, Mills, 

is a member of Tent 46 of Seattle. The 

couple met at the 51st Variety Club Convention 

in Seattle. Jim is a former Buf'alonian 

and member of Tent 7. and good 

wishes are extended from all friends. 

The Canadian film awards presentation 

ceremony will be held Thursday (21) in 

the Ryerson Theatre in Toronto. Selections 

will be made from films included in the 

Festival of Festivals Thursday (14)-Thursday 

(21), and will be in seven categories. 

A one-hour special of highlights of the 

awards will be telecast on CBS Saturday 

(23) . . . The third annual Festival of Festivals 

is being held in Hotel Plaza II in 

Toronto. Opening night activities included 

the world premiere of "In Praise of Older 

Women" at the Elgin Theatre. All other 

screenings are either at the Townc Cinema 

or the Festival Cinema (formerly called the 

New Yorker) and include Ted Kotcheff's 

"Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" 

starring George Segal. Jacqueline Bissett 

and Robert Morley. 

Two early comedies of Dmighis I airbanks, 

"The' Molly-Coddle" (iy2()) and the 

1919 "Mystery of the Leaping Fish" were 

shown Saturday (9) by the Buffalo and 

Erie County Historical Society. This opened 

Media Study Buffalo's new series of silent 

films and early talkies under the title 

"Movies for the New Jazz II." Thom 

Anderson is the film programer. Silent films 

in the Saturday series will have organ accompaniment 

by Harvey Elsaesscr. The 

showing .Saturday (16) was devoted to 

Charles Chaplin's 1947 film. "Monsieur 

Verdoux." the remarkable and controversial 

slory of a fastidious. Iragic-coniic I'rench 

Bluebeard. 

'Kramer vs. Kramer' Under 

Way on Locations in NYC 

HOLLYWOOD— Principal 

photography 

on "Kramer vs. Kramer," a Stanley Jaffe 

production for Columbia Pictures release, 

starring Duslin Hoffman, Meryl Streep and 

Gail .Strickland, started Wednesday (6). 

Robert Benton is directing from his screenplay 

adapted from Avery Corman's novel. 

To be filmed in and around New York 

City, "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a contemporary 

film about a man deserted b\ his wife 

after seven years of m.irriage, whi> learns 

Ihe true meaning of the wurd "father" 

NORTH JERSEY 

gill Bateson, who most recently served as 

manager of UA's Linwood in Fort Lee. 

has been appointed manager of that circuit's 

Hyway Twin in Fair Lawn. He succeeds 

Bill Leff. who recently returned to 

United Artists Theatres, after an absence 

of two months due to illness. Leff has been 

named as the new manager at the Linwood. 

A veteran in theatres. Leff had been 

manager of the Fair Lawn house for about 

seven years prior to his recent illness. He 

had become manager of the Hyway before 

it's acquisition by UA. while the house 

was part of the Fabian Theatres' circuit. 

Before that. Leff had managed theatres for 

the Moss circuit, as well as RKO-Stanley 

Warner, and had spent several years as publicity 

director for the Clairidge in Montclair, 

then operated by Cinerama. Bateson 

had been manager of UA's Wayne in Wayne 

until he left the company last December. 

He returned to UA early this past summer, 

serving as a relief manager, and subsequently 

manager of the Linwood. before taking 

over the Hyway. 

Paul Peterson, owner and operator of 

several North Jersey houses, is recovering 

at home, following recent successful surgery. 

A member of the New Jersey Motion 

Picture and Television Commission. Peterson 

is involved in ownership and operation 

of six area theatres, including the Wellmont 

and Clairidge Theatres, both in Montclair. 

"2001: A Space Odyssey" was held for 

the third week of an exclusive New Jersey 

engagement at U.^'s Bellevue in Upper 

Montclair. where it is being shown in 70mm 

and six track stereophonic sound . . . Gerr> 

Hazell, manager of the Bellevue. just returned 

from a one week vacation spent at 

Cape May on the S

. . . Chuck 

. . Dcug 

— 

'Animal House' Rules 

In Slow Denver Week 

DENVER—It wasn't exactly a great week 

for the first runs here. Top draw was '"National 

Lampoon's Animal House' with 350. 

but the nearest competitor was "Revenge of 

the Pink Panther" in its fifth week with a 

moderate 275. "Heaven Can Wait," in its 

11th week, pulled only a 200. Four films 

tied for low with average scores of 100: 

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," 

"The Norseman," "Hot Lead and Cold 

Feet" and "Coming Home" in its 13th 

week. Newcomers included a double bill 

of "Island of the Damned" and "The Incredible 

Melting Man" at six situations, 

and "Stingray," 150 at four locations. 


Century 21 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

Bond (Univ), 8th wk 100 

Cherry Creek, Villa Italia—The Buddy Holly 

Story (Col), 6th wk 110 

Continental Revenge oi the Pink Panther 

(UA). 5th wk 275 

Cooper—Eyes oi Laura Mais (Col), 4th wk 130 

University Hill —Heaven Ci 

University Hills : 

13th wk 

4 theatres Foul 

4 theatres—Natio 

(Umv), 6th wk 

Coming Ho 

~, 

4 theatres—Stingray (Emb), 1st 

5 theatres Hot Lead ond Cold 

6th wk 

6 theatres Island of the Dommei 

Incredible Melting Man (AIP), 

8 theatres-Hooper (WB), 7th wk 

-The Norseman (AIP), 2nd 

WB's 'Girl Friends' Has 

Record West Coast Bow 

BURBANK— Duplicating its sensational 

world-premiere engagement in New York, 

where it chalked up a near-record first 

weekend gross of $30,380, Claudia Weill's 

"Girl Friends" August 23 began its exclusive 

West Coast engagement with an excellent 

first-day gross at Westwood's 400- 

seat Avco Cinema 2. 

CUVERAMA IS tS SHOW 

BVSUVESS IN HAWAU TOO, 

When you come to Walklki, 



Reef Towers Hotel. f 

The gross for the Warner Bros, release, 

which stars Melanie Mayron and co-stars 

Anita Skinner, set an Avco Cinema 2 house 

record for an exclusive nonholiday opening 

day, selling out all of its three evening performances. 

TUCSON 

îracle Drive-lii, Tucson's first startopper, 

has eclipsed. Plitt Intermountain Theatres 

closed the outsider recently, concentrating 

attention on the three PIT hardtops, 

with promotions a priority. 

Bob Hope will headline Northern Arizona 

University's homecoming weekend 

early in October. He canceled a scheduled 

appearance last year due to the death of his 

close friend Bing Crosby. 

Jan Haag, head of the American Independent 

Filmmakers program, appeared 

Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the U of A Gallagher 

Theatre speaking on methods of securing 

funding for independent filmmaking. Haag 

produced 42 films for the Department of 

Health, Education and Welfare in a series 

titled "Teaching Speech to the Profoundly 

Deaf." 

A "Cavalcade of Corvettes" promoted 

"Corvette Summer" August 30 at DeAnza 

Diive-In. As a tie-in with the Corvette clubs 

of Tucson and Sierra Vista, 60 Corvettes 

vintage 1955 to 1978 converged on the De- 

Anza, parked in a reserved area in front of 

the concessions building. The DeAnza opened 

early for patrons to peer at an impress'lv; 

sight of over a million dollars' worth 

of sleek sport cars, 

the most expensive costing 

$2iS,500. The crowd also locked at the 

cars 

during intermission. 

DENVER 

Qene Margoluis, division manager for Columbia, 

was in town conferring with 

branch personnil . W.lliams of 

Theatre Operators and Tim Warner of Warner 

Marketing both traveled in from Bozeman, 

Mont., to visit the various exchanges 

Noffke, Evergreen Twin Theatre, 

Evergreen, was in town to set dates. 

Bob Spahn of United Enterprises was 

back at the desk following his vacation to 

Chicago. The Spahns visited their daughter 

and her husband Floyd Brethour who is 

district manager for Warners in the Chicago 

area. 

Ed Thome, Cinema West Theatre, 

Wheatland, Wyo., was taking an autumn 

vacation in the Jackson Hole area. Columbia 

contract clerk Kathy Box was also enjoying 

a fall vacation in the southern states. 

SEATTLE 

paramount Pictures screened "Up in 

Smoke" August 31 and "Death on the 

Nile" at the Seven Gables Theatre. 

Universal screened "Nunzio" August 29 

and "The Big Fix" August 30 at the Jewel 

Box screening room on Filmrow. They also 

sneaked "Paradise Alley" at the Bellevue 

Crossroads Cinema Friday (8) with "National 

Lampoon's Animal House," which 

began its seventh week that same night. 

Bill Shonk, manager of the UA Cinema 

150 and 70 twin complex as well as Pacific 

Northwest division manager for the circuit, 

is on vacation in the area with his lovely 

wife 

Bette. 

(Continued on page W-3) 

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Hollywood 

Happenings 

JÊIL BOG ART. president of Casablanca 

Records and FilmWorks. will be honored 

as the man of the year October 28 at 

New York City's Americana Hotel in what 

is believed to be the largest fund-raising 

event in the history of the music and entertainment 

division of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation 

Joint Campaign. The division 

previously had honored leaders in the 

music world, but has expanded the award 

to include motion pictures. 

• 

Edward L. Rissien, executive vice-president 

of Playboy Productions, was married 

to Laurie Goodman in ceremonies in l.as 

Vesas Saturday (2). 

• 

Imagery Films is scheduling a premiere 

Tucson for "The Sweet Creek County 

in 

War" which has had a limited test run in 

Michigan. The film stars Richard Egan. Albert 

Salmi. Nita Talbot and Slim Pickens. 

J. Frank James directed from his own 

screenplay for producer Ken Byrnes. 

* 

Lynn Stalmaster has been set as casting 

director for Orion Pictures" "10," to be 

produced and directed by Blake Edwards 

with George Segal and Julie Andrews star- 

Science-Fiction Consultants has set up 

offices at 6515 Sunset Blvd. to offer movie 

I? 

Design 

• 

producers a wide range of infonnation services 

in the fields of science fiction, fantasv 

and horror filmmaking. 

* 

Rolling Stone magazine has a cover story 

on Gary Busey as Buddy Holly in its current 

issue, devoting six pages of text and 

photos to the real Buddy Holly and Busey 

in action as the rock "n roll idol in the 

Columbia release. The article also exam- 

perback publication date of Friday (15). 

ined Busey"s off-screen career as a rock "n 

roll performer under the name of Teddy The second printing will boost production 

Jack Eddy, which he had used in pursuing 2.530,000 copies of the novel. 

to 

a music career before going into the movies. 

• 

First Artists" "Stevie," starring Glcnda 

• 

Woody Allen's "Interiors." a L'nited .\rtists 

was night presentation 

release, the closing 

Jackson who won the Best Actress Award 

Sunday (10) at the San Sebastian Film 

Festival. 

at the World Film Festival in Montreal for 

• 

her performance in the picture, opened 

Wednesday (13) at the Royal Theatre in 

Martin H. Cooper, senior vice-president 

Los Angeles. 

Harshe-Rotman & Druck. public rela- 

of 

• 

John Michaeli has been named vicepresident 

of communications for Hanna- 

Barbcra Productions, having joined the 

company in 1967 as director of advertising 

publicity, and promotion. Michaeli also directs 

communications for the company"s domestic 

and international distribution and 

licensing 

subsidiaries. 

• 

Veteran casting director Joyce Selznick 

will teach a course beginning Saturday (.^0) 

and continuing to November 18 at the University 

of Southern California on the trials, 

tribulations and rewards found in the acting 

profession. Title of the course will be "So 

Filbert Company 

Theatre Systems 

Equipment 

• 

Interiors 

Featuring 

SOUND IMPROVEMENTS for your theatre 

You Want to Be a Star. Well. Welcome to 

Hollywood." She also will start a two-day 

casting workshop at USC November 4 and 

5. in which she will evaluate the readings 

and resumes of 20 actors. 

* 

Harold Robblns' novel 'Dreams Die 

First," to be made into a motion picture by 

American International Pictures, was set 

for a second printing before its official pa- 

tions agency, is a contributing author to the 

recently published second edition of Lesly"s 

Public Relations Handbook, writing on 

"Publicity in the Movies" which focuses on 

the new pattern of film as a promotion and 

public relations vehicle. Harshe-Rotman & 

Druck has represented the Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences for more 

than 20 years. Cooper previously was with 

Universal Studios and Walt Disney Productions. 

He supervises public relations activities 

for the .\cademy and the Oscar pro- 

Director Lamont Johnson was honored 

Friday (15) through Sunday (17) in "The 

Judith Crist Film Weekend" in Tarrytown. 

N.Y.. where six of his movies were screened. 

including his most recent. "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband." stairing Farrah Fawcelt- 

M.i]ors and Jeff Bridges. 

* 

Warner Bros.' "Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe'.*" will have a gala invitational 

benefit world premiere October 5 at 

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for the premiere and supper party will be 

priced at $125. The supper party will be 

on the patio of Robinson's in Beverly Hills. 

with e.xotic food specialties from Italy. 

France. Germany, Indonesia and England 

featured. 

• 

Judy Solomon has been named director 

of publicity and public relations for the 

Hollywood Foreign Press Ass'n and for the 

organization's Golden Globe Award program, 

according to president Jorge Gamara. 

* 

Ed Handler, an executive with Phil Borack's 

Tri-State Theatre Service, has been 

named vice-president and general manager 

of the Cincinnati-based company. In addition 

to e.\panded duties in operational policies 

and project development. Handler will 

continue overseeing the booking and buying 

for more than 200 theatres. 

* 

Principal photography was completed in 

St. Louis Tuesday (12) on "Dreamer," 20th 

Century-Fox feature starring Tim Matheson. 

Susan Blakely and Jack Warden. 

• 

The Writers Guild Foundation has donated 

$7,350 to the American Film Institute's 

Charles K. Feldman Library to be 

used to help create and compile a name and 

subject index to the library's script collection, 

covering both film and television 

scripts. 

John Hitter's Big-Screen 

MGM Debut Set for 1979 

CULVER CITY—Popular TV star John 

Ritter will make his big-screen starring debut 

in MGM's "Who Says Nice Guys Finish 

Last?" with Stephen Friedman producing 

the contemporary comedy which is set in 

a large American city, it was announced by 

Richard Shepherd. MGM senior vice-president 

and worldwide head of theatrical production. 

Ritter currently is a nominee for an Emmy 

Award for his starring role in the ABC- 

TV comedy hit series "Three's Company." 

The screenplay for "Who Says Nice Guys 

Finish Last?" is by A. J. Carothers. Production 

is set to start early in 1979. 

SEATTLE 

(Continued from page W-1) 

Another well-known film industryite, 

Ralph Osgood, was in town with his darling 

wife Fran over the Labor Day weekend, 

seeing friends and visiting with their children 

and grandchildren. Ralph of course 

is 

general manager of Tom Moyer Theatres, 

headquartered in 

Portland. 

Bud Dunwoody, division manager for 

Washington and Idaho for the Tom Moyer 

Theatres circuit, returned to town from the 

opening of their new Coeur d'AIene cinemas 

August 31 in Coeur d'AIene. Ida. A 

champagne reception was held along with 

a screening of "Grease." Bud's lovely wife 

Patty accompanied him. 

Peter Nero opened the new programing 

at Jack McGovern's Music Hall with a 

four-day gig Thursday (7) to Sunday (10). 

and was followed by Ginger Rogers Tuesday 

(12) to Sunday (17). Next up are the Mills 

brothers, and Julie Miller will return with 

a new edition of Greg Thompson's Follies 

in early November. 

Among the headliners at the Western 

Washington State Fair at Puyallup this 

year are Roy Clark. Johnny Cash. Neil Sedaka. 

Jim Nabors. Mel Tillis and Myron 

Floren with his orchestra from the Lawrence 

Welk show. Dates for the fair this 

year are Friday (8)-Sunday (24). 

Doing incredible business in its third 

week which eclipsed the record-breaking 

first week was "The Toy" at the Moore 

Egyptian Theatre. The fourth week began 

Friday (8). 

New films on the local scene. "Go Tt 

the Spartans" at the Puget Park. Bel-Rirk 

and Midway drive-ins as well as in the Admiral 

Twin and Federal Way Cinemas, 

"Tintorera . . . Bloody Waters" at the Everett 

Motor Movie and Duwamish drive-ins, 

and "The Man Who Loved Women" at the 

Varsity. 

Still doing superb business: "Grease' at 

the Cinerama; "Heaven Can Wait" at the 

Music Box; "Foul Play" at the Town, 

Northgate. John Danz and Lewis & Clark; 

"Hooper" at the Everett Theatre in downtown 

Everett, Lake City. Bellevue and 

Southcenter; "Revenge of the Pink Panther" 

at the UA Cinema 150: "Hot Lead and 

Cold Feet" in the SeaTac 6. Renton Village. 

Bellevue Overlake. Seattle Aurora and Everett 

Mall Cinemas, and "An Unmarried 

Woman" at the UA Cinema 70. 

A unique happening is the fact that "Star 

Wars" will continue to play an exclusive 

United States engagement at the Westgate 

I in Portland where a contractual holdover 

figure of $6,150 weekly has been maintained, 

and as long as this continues, the 

film can run indefinitely. Bill Spencer. Tom 

Moyer's buyer, says that the holdover clause 

figured heavily in the re-booking of "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind" last winter 

to another house, a matter which brought 

Moyer and Columbia to the legal mat just 

before Christmas. That same clause is now 

working to keep the film on its sole screen 

in the entire United States and Canadian 

market. 

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SAN FRANCISCO 

"J^he Airport Auto Movies, Oakland, closed 

Tuesday (5) to be leveled for an industrial 

park. 

In town Wednesday (6) calling on exhibitors 

and local staff was Jim Spitz. UA western 

division manager. 

Colleen Gogin will leave her booker's 

desk at Paramount to become Lou Lencioni's 

assistant at Festival Cinemas. Walnut 

Creek. November 1. 

Golfer Dick Miller, Warner Bros, branch 

manager, and his father who flew in from 

Hawaii were among participants in the l.os 

Angeles Variety Club golf tournament Monday 

(II). 

Musical chairs: Columbia booker Bruce 

Seabock has been promoted to salesman. 

Karen .Mah will be his replacement when 

she returns from a three-week European 

vacation which started Sunday (10). At Warner 

Bros., booker Marya Ashworth departed 

Friday (8) and Celia Velasco. most recently 

with Mann Theatres in Los Angeles, has 

assumed her duties. Toni Boetcher is now 

the branch manager's secretary, Barbara 

Yong the head cashier, and Karen Latham 

the assistant cashier. 

The committee for the Variety Club's 

32nd annual golf tournament Friday. October 

13. at Peacock Gap Country Club will 

be Connie Carpou. Jim Call. Glenn Coffey. 

Jack Stevenson. Arnold Lavagetto. Jerry 


ONE SHEETS 

TWO SHEETS 

PRESS BOOKS 

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1 TO 4 COLORS 


Harrah. Gene Newman. Tony Grabowv. 

John Hnca. Wall Lenz. Pete Vigna. Stii 

Klein. Bob Barbarisi and Ben Bonapart. 

Fred Kunkel, Film Ventures International, 

firmed dates on "Buckstonc County Prison" 

Wednesday (20) and "Something Is Out 

There" November (15) with local exhibitors 

Thursday (7). 

Karen Groswird, UATC bookers' secretary, 

circuits to Fox as a clerk-typist Monday 

(25). 

Filmrow bowling league's banquet and 

trophy presentations took place at Oronte's 

Mondav (111. 

Cameraman Lee Garmes Is 

Dead; Had 50 Year Career 

HOLLYWOOD — Cinem.itographcr Lee 

Garmes. SO, the first co-cameraman on 

"Gone With the Wind" and winner of the 

1932 Academy Award for "Shanghai Express." 

died August 31. 

His career covered more than 50 years 

as producer and director as well as cinematographer. 

He received no screen credit 

for his work on "Gone With the Wind." 

Garmes. who served as president of the 


in 1940. began his career in 1916 

with the New York Motion Picture Co. 

Thomas H. Ince enticed him to conic lo 

the West Coast. 

Winner of two Eastman Kodak awards. 

he worked on six films that received Academy 

Award nominations. Among his features 

are "The Jungle Book." "The Scoundrel." 

"Guest in the House." "Duel in the Sun" 

and others. He was cinematographcr and 

codirector of "Lydia" and ""Angels Over 

Broadway" and was coproducer and cameraman 

for "Spector of the Rose." He also 

participated in the productions of "Misty" 

and "Adventures of a Young Man." 

In the early days of his career, Garmes 

photographed 36 "Fight Blood" films and 

several Carter de Haven and Joe Martin 

comedies. The first feature for which 

Garmes was chief photographer was "Find 

Your Man," directed by Al Santel. 

PETERSON 

THEATRE 

455 Bearcat Drive 

Times Squore Park 

SUPPLY 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

801-466 7642 

Pink Panther Himself 

Charity Drive Winner 

DIWLR- Ihe li^kle linger ol fate has 

pointed right at Russ Mann, one of John 

Dobson's most devoted workers during his 

Pink Panther "Build a .Mountain of Pennies" 

campaign for Denver's Children's 

Hospital. 

Early in the campaign Dobson. United 

Artists western division manager, enlisted 

several hundred Re-Max realtors in the 

Rocky Mountain area to help spearhead a 

big charity push for the handicapped sports 

program of Children's Hospital. Russ Mann. 

Re-Max broker owner with offices in the 

Woodlown district in Littleton, on the southern 

edge of Denver, offered his services to 

play the panther in person. Filling out his 

costume perfectly, he found himself so 

busy with appearances on television, in the 

news media and al public gatherings, Re- 

Max meetings and scores of other dates, 

that he didn't have much time to sell real 

estate. 

"But the mission is so worthy!" he assured 

his wife. 

One of the many facets of Dobsons' 

campaign was a golf tournament conducted 

by his friend Joe Sperte, owner o!' LaFitle's 

Restaurant. In connection with the tournament 

was a drawing for a new 1979 Chrysler 

Now Yorker at $100 per chance. Once 

again Russ Mann contributed to the cause. 

During the golf awards dinner, Dobson 

was asked by the crowd to draw the lucky 

number for the Chrysler but demurred, saying: 

"Let's ask Willie Williams, director of 

the Handicapped Sports Program at Children's 

Hospital, to do the honor." .So Willie 

drew ,1 number. As fate would have it. the 

number belonged to the Pink Panther him- 

! elf. Russ Mann. 

During "Penny Sunday," channels 2 and 

9 filmed the arrival of families which dro\e 

by to contribute to the mountain of coins, 

"it looks like S75.000 has been raised for 

the sports program," exclaimed Dawson, 

""and that really makes cents!" 

F^

• 

R) 

.. 

'Dear Inspector' Up 

In 5th Chicago Week 

CHICAGO—"National Lampoon's Animal 

House" continued as the top grosser 

in the second week, and special mention 

goes to "Dear Inspector," which upped its 

business in the fifth week at the Near North 

Cinema. While film critics gave "Who"ll 

Stop the Rain" three stars, it did not make 

it as a leader in its second week at seven 

area theatres. "Corvette Summer" raced in 

with 225 in its opening appearance. 


Carnegie—Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands 

(SR), 6lh wk 225 

Cmema—Dear Inspeclor (SRI, 5th wk 350 

Coronet—A Little Night Music (New World), 

1st wk 225 

Ford City 2—Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

Bond (Univ), Bth wk 125 

Roosevelt—Death Dimension (SR), lin wk 225 

3 theatres—The Buddy Holly Story (C:,) 

4th wk 175 

3 theatres—Hot Lead and Cold Feet (EV), 

4th 

3 theatres—Corvette Summer (MGM-UA), 

1st wk 

5 theatres—Revenge oi the Pink Panther (UA), 

7th 

5 theatres—Avalanche (New World), 1st 

6 theatres—Heaven Can Wait (Para), 

12th wk 

7 theatres—Grease (Para), 11th wk . 

9 theatres—Eyes of Laura Mars (Col), 4tl 

9 theatres—Foul Play (Para), 4th wk 

1 1 theatres—National Lampoon's Animal 

(Univ), 2nd wk 

For the Fifth Week, the Frat 

Rules the Kansas Cit'y Roost 

KANSAS CITY— Still holding its wayout-front 

lead for the fifth straight week 

here was "National Lampoon's Animal 

House," which grossed an impressive 570 

per cent during the Labor Day week. Other 

established 

Play." "Hooper"—showed 

winners— "Grease," 

their 

"Foul 

mettle by 

not budging from the 300 range. New titles 

were "The Dragon Lives," "Devil Times 

Five" and "The Teasers Go to Paris " 

Boulevald, Fairyland—The Dragon Lives (SR) 

1st wk - 

Empire—It's Alive 2 (WB) 2nd wk 

105 

65 

Fine Arts—Cat and Mouse 

Glenwood—Grease (Pa ii 

Midland—Sgt. Pepper s Lonely 

(Qu3 -t) 

' 

Hearts 

150 

365 

Iri wk 

t 

Club 

Band (Univ), 7th wl 

theatres—Corvette Summer 

90 

3rd wk 90 

3 theatres—Eyes of Laura Mars (CD 

3rd wk 180 

3 theatres—Heaven Can Wart (Para) 10th wk 270 

3 theatres—National Lampoon s Animal House 

(Univ), 5th wk 570 

3 theatres—Piranha (i - It) 2nd wk 9S 

4 theatres—Beyond and Back Ibunn Clasbi^) 

3rd wk 105 

4 theatres—The Buddy Holly Story (Col) 

2nd wk 1.5 

4 theatres—The Cat From Outer Space (BV) 

5th 

i 

4 theatres—Devil Times Five 1 

4 theatres—Foul Play (Ft il 7th wk 

4 theatres—The Magic oi Lassie 

(Infl Picture Show) 3rd wk 

4 theatres—Revenge of the Pink Panthe 

7th 

7 theatres—The Teasers Go to Paris (SR), 


: On IhefHosI Beautiful Cfiristmaslrailers 

S In Itie Business! 

CHARITY BENEFIT—Bob Jones, 

BOXOFFICE correspondent from Indianapolis, 

representing members and 

friends of Variety Tent 10 in that city, 

presents a check for $9,100 to Ed 

Otting, chairman of the board of the 

Marion County Ass'n for Retarded 

Children. The funds will be applied 

toward the purchase of a new bus for 

the association. 

'Spanky' Will Be Saluted 

At 'Our Gang' Film Fest 

MARION. IND.—A special festival of 

"Our Gang" and "Little Rascals" films 

will be shown in Marion Sunday, October 1, 

when the Marion Quarterback Club salutes 

George "Spanky" McFarland, who played 

a beanie-topped urchin in 95 "Our Gang" 

comedies in the 1930s. 

Next April will be the tenth anniversary 

of McFarland's annual celebrity golf tournament, 

which is always held in Marion. 

He currently is an executive with Magic 

Chef in Fort Worth, Tex. 

Ozark Drive-In Is Sold 

CROCKER. MO.—The Ozark Drive-In 

here was sold by Dave and Ruth Forbes to 

Dale Routh as of August 7. 

The sale ends 25 years of operation 

under the Forbes" management. 

2 beats 1 

3 beats 2 

4 beats 3 

WE BEAT THEM 




CHinmnn KRicGCR 

516 569-1990 

CHICAGO 

Little 

J^ 

Night Mu.sic," a New World Pictures 

feature, opened exclusively at the 

C oronet Theatre in suburban Evanston. The 

tilm was a long time in coming to the 

Chicagoland area, but the main song, "Send 

In the Clowns," has been on the hit list 

for some time. Elizabeth Taylor is the star 

of this film which was the winner of the 

Academy Award for Best Adaptation Score. 

Aaron Cushman and Associates, a public 

relations firm which handles the Don CeSar 

Beach Resort Hotel in St. Petersburg Beach, 

Fla., announced that producer-director Robert 

Altman will shoot a feature film on the 

property. Production of the film, "Health," 

is due to begin in February of 1979. It's a 

comedy and stars will be Carol Burnett, 

Glenda Jackson, Lauren Bacall and James 

Garner. It is to be set in the midst of a 

national health foods convention. 

Welcome to Ellen Davis, who joined 

United Artists here as Midwest publicity 

manager. Ellen comes from New York 

where she was associated with Paramount 

Pictures' advertising department. She succeeds 

Wally Heim, who retired after 27 

years as Midwest publicist and advertising 

manager. 

at 

Hello to Herbert Gray, new sales trainee 

Paramount. 

"American Graffiti" started still another 

run in Chicagoland Friday (8). Universal 

Pictures' publicists note that one of the key 

factors in the rerelease has to do with an 

improved version. The film has been rerecorded 

in full Dolby stereophonic sound 

and five minutes of new scenes have been 

added. Three scenes have been restored 

and some of the material has been rearranged. 

"American Graffiti," which takes 

place in 1962, a period of transition for 

American youth, is rated PG. 

Universal's "The Other Side of the Mountain 

Part 2" also started a return engagement 

in Chicagoland Friday (8). And Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit" returned 

for a special multiple theatre engagement 

beginning Friday (15). 

L. N. Fleckles, longtime showman and 

producer of circuses and outdoor theatrical 

events in the Chicago area, died. Fleckles, 

66, had been in charge of entertainment at 

ChicagoFest, an annual city-sponsored 

event. 

Welcome to Doug Buckley who transferred 

from United Artists in Milwaukee, 

Wise, to serve as salesman in the Chicago 

office. Buckley takes over the job held by 

(Continued on page C-4) 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

i;«IL FAN PHOTO 


September 18. 1978

. 

KANSAS CITY 

The monthly meeting of WOMPI members 

will b>c Tuesday (26) at the Twin Oaks 

restaurant. There will be a board meeting 

at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. 

featuring Swiss steak for $5.95 a serving. 

The meeting will feature reports from the 

recently concluded international convention 

in Dallas. Hostesses for the meeting will be 

members from Dickinson Theatres. 

Ruby Stone, National Screen Service, vacationed 

last week in the Denver area. 

Thomas and Shipp hosted a sneak preview 

ot Donny and Marie Osmond's screen 

debut in "Goin" Coconuts." Friday (8) at 

the Brywood Six theatres. The sneak was 

well-attended and audience reaction was reported 

as enthusiastic. 

The third annual Haunted House, sponsored 

by the Variety Club, will be located 

once again at the Ward Parkway shopping 

center in southern Kansas City, the same 

site which housed the attraction last year. 

Gene Krull. one of the organizers of the 

project, announced that a meeting will be 

held this week to begin full-scale operations 

on the project. People are needed both in 

the construction and operational phases of 

the house. Interested parties should contact 

either Knull or Valerie Hood at the 

National Theatre Supply offices. 

Marvin Hembree, theatre operator in 

southwestern Missouri, has his Eldorado 

Springs Drivc-In back in operation after a 

tornado ripped down his tower August 1 1 

Repairs were completed swiftly and the 

silver screen once again sparkles in the 

moonlight. 

The WOMPIs will meet this Wednesday 

(20) at the home of Nancy Crandall immediately 

after work to construct handicrafts 

and gifts to be sold later this fall at 

sales in various metropolitan shopping 

malls. Each year, the WOMPIs participate 

in the mall sales to raise money for various 

chairitable 

organizations. 

TWIN IT!! 


Drive-in Theatre Construction Since 1946 

• Steel Towers 

• Painting • Repairs 

Free Estimates 

thing it was cut out to be. check with 

Virginia Free. National Screen Service, for 

the great time she had during her last 

vacation. It seems that Virginia and her 

mother had departed on Saturday morning 

for a peaceful week's stay at Pomme de 

Icrre lake in the Missouri Ozarks. Later 

that Saturday morning, however. Virginia's 

14-year-old granddaughter Ginger decided 

it was time to try the new skills she had 

learned after her first day in driver's education 

class. So. she got the keys to Virginia's 

pickup truck—complete with camper 

shell—and went for a spin. But a short 

spin it was. Before she had gone a block, 

she had careened off another car and 

backed into a tree. The police gave her 

just two tickets, but one was for leaving 

the scene of the accident. Virginia and her 

mother hastened back to Kansas City on 

Monday and spent the rest of the week 

trying to get her truck repaired: things 

like a new transmission, radiator work, and 

bumps and dents in the fenders and the 

shell. Ginger, by the way, has been grounded. 

That Virginia knows how to have a fun 

vacation. 

Most of the girls from 20th-Fo\ will be 

busy most of the Mondays this fall and 

winter. They've joined a bowling league as 

the Fo.xy Ladies—they all wear Fo.\ T- 

shirts—and already are in first place following 

the initial week of league action. 

Sherry Handzel. Barb Stewart and Diane 

Rice of the Fox office arc joined by Diane 

Thrasher of Columbia (and wife of Jim 

Thrasher, Fox booker) to make a formidable 

quartet of keglers. After the first 

week's action, the ladies let it be known 

Cystic Fibrosis Jogalhon to be held Saturday 

(23) at Arrowhead Stadium. Persons interested 

should contact Bee Young. Mercury 

Films. 

THEJPTRE EQUIPMENT 

t-Acrvlhing for the t heatre" 

No. CAPITOL AVI., INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

Shern Handzel, the curly-headed wonder Congratulations lo Judy Helton. Buena 

20th Century-Fo.x's secretarial crew. Vista booker, who was elected to the post 

of 

reaches a milestone of sorts this Wednesday 

of international recording secretary at the 

when she celebrates her 30th birthday. Dallas convention of WOMPI this month. 

•pna Termini, Universal front office whiz, 

Helping her celebrate are her co-workers, Judy previously had held the position of 

whizzed out of town last week and on who are having a party in her honor Friday international corresponding secretar\' in 

evening (22). 

197I-72. 

to California, where she visited the Los 

Angeles area during her vacation. 

To all \aricty Club backers: The annual 

If you think your vacation wasn't every- 

Golf-Stag is coming up Wednesday. October 

4 at the Meadowbrook Country Club, 

9 1 St and Nail. There will be golf, tennis, 

gin rummy and fun! Lunch is at noon, 

with a tee-off time at 1 p.m. Green fee is 

SIO: single riding carls S7.50; carts for 2, 

Sll. Tennis also will start at 1 p.m., with 

the gin rummy tournament beginning at 2. 

That evening dinner (SI 2) and the awarding 

of prizes will start at 7:30. Cash bar is 

open at 6:30 p.m. For reservations call 

Mike Klein at (913) 831-9212 or mail lo 

Mike at Paramount Pictures, 4220 Johnson 

Drive, Shawnee Mission, Kas. 66205. 

Eric Morley, president of Variety Clubs 

International, and his wife Julia were saluted 

Tuesday evening (12) at an "Evening 

With Eric" dinner held at the Hilton Plaza 

Inn here. Approximately 200 were present 

for the festivities and the musical entertainment 

which had been arranged bv Variety 

Club Tent 8 chief barker Ab Sher. Inci'- 

dentally. the .Morleys were met at Kansas 

City International Airport by appropriately 

attired dancers (top hats, etc.) who sang a 

song of welcome to the natives of Great 

Britain as they stepped from their plane. 

Variety Club Women in attendance at the 

dinner reception at the Hilton Plaza received 

special recognition from Morley, 

who provided a memorable moment for the 

ladies by posing with them for photographs. 

Julia, of course, unanimously was described 

as "charming" by everyone who participated 

in the tribute. 

Ben Marcus, who heads Marcus Film 

Distributing Co., took his "bunnies" to a 

special luncheon (which marked no occasion) 

Wednesday (6). The "bunnies," who 

they were no slouches on sporting 

the lanes, 

obviously enjoyed being wined and dined, 

such scores as Diane Thrasher's 1S6 and 

included Jcannie Buell, Crown Cinema 

Diane Rice's 180. But can they cook? 

Corp.: Patii Pex-ssiger. Thomas & Shipp; 

WOMPIs are seeking about 

P.im Mash, Avco Embassy: Sharon Richcson, 

ten volunteers 

Topar Films: Debbie Richeson. Na- 

to assist in the administration of the 

tional Screen Service, and Sherry Hamann, 

Marcus Film. The king-sized tete-a-icte took 

place at the Granada Royale on the Plaza 

.uid Ben has to be one of the most popular 

men on Filmrow as a result of his hos- 

Sri'iiiliij; at ('oininoinM-iillh. Thursday 

114). •\i\a ll.ili.il" (Cineni.i .'king for that ideal pel? Want something 

cuddly, affeclionate, cute and easy 

to care for? Something thai won't be under 

MID-CONTINENT Theatre Supply Corp 

1800 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

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

PROMPT • EFFICIENT • COURTEOUS

. . The 

DOLBY 

foot all the time, but that will give you 

years of enjoyment? How about three cute, 

furry baby angora hamsters? Carol Hobbs, 

20th-Fox secretary, is trying to find a home 

for the little critters, which are the six-week 

old offspring of Carol's mama and papa 

hamsters. The little tykes are colored brown 

and white and orange and white. Why is 

she parting with the precious little animals? 

•Tm tired of them." she confided: "they 

make my house stink." However, she said. 

if she cannot find a home for them, down 

the bathroom bowl they will go. So. this is 

a golden opportunity to save a hamster. If 

you're interested, contact Carol at Fox. 

Dickinson's Shawnee Drive-In, located in 

Shawnee, Kas.. sustained about $65,000 

worth of damage— according to fire department 

estimates— in a blaze which erupted 

Tuesday (5) in the concession stand area. 

The drive-in had just been closed for the 

winter season. 

The Jerry Lewis Telethon over the Labor 

Day weekend depends upon volunteers for 

its 

success, and once again the WOMPI gave 

of their time to help answer phones and 

keep the telethon flowing smoothly here 

in Kansas City. Those who donated their 

time and talents were JoAnn Weaver, 

Goldie Lewis, Fran Frame, Nadine Mummaw. 

Mary Ann Ward. Goldie Woerner and 

Donna Robinett. Additionally. Elaine Palmer 

and Marielle Calon appeared on TV to 

present a $150 check to the Muscular Dystrophy 

Ass'n of America. 

ST. LOUIS 

^he musical "A Little Night Music." based 

on Ingmar Bergman's classic "Smiles of 

a Summer Night" and directed by Hal 

Prince, who produced the Broadway stage 

production, is enjoying an exclusive engagement 

at Mid-America's Brentwood. The 

main characters who appear to introduce 

the story based on the premise that a 

summer night smiles three times—on the 

young, the mature and the elderly— are on 

the stage only at the beginning and end, 

with real locations shot in Vienna and 

London. Starred are Elizabeth Taylor, who 

sings the familiar "Send in the Clowns." 

from the Stephen Sondheim score which 

won an Academy Award, and Hermione 

Gingold. Len Cariou. Diana Rigg. Lesley- 

Anne Down and Laurence Guittard. 

Jacqueline Bissett is featured in "Secrets " 

at the Crestwood. Village and Woods Mill 

and also stars in "The Greek Tycoon" with 

Anthony Quinn at Northland 1 . . . 

Universal's 

"Almost Summer." aimed at the 

high school set. opens Friday (22) at Northland 

2 and Sunset 2. Rated PG. the screenplay 

revolves around the race for student 

body president with the usual dirty tricks 

and drive-to-win by the candidates and 

their campaign managers, even as in adult 

politics. Featured are Didi Conn, remembered 

for "You Light Up My Life," and 

Bruno Kirby. John Fricdrich, Lee Purcell 

and Tim Matheson. 

Farrah Fawcett-Majors' first big-screen 

starrer. "Somebody Killed Her Husband." 

opens Wednesday (27) at the Esquire, South 

County Cinema, Grandview and, in Illinois, 

at the Cameo, Alton and Washington, Granite 

City. Jeff Bridges is featured and former 

St. Louisan Dave Johnson appears as Farrah's 

apartment doorman. A graduate of 

SIU. Johnson is track announcer at Meadowlands 

Racetrack in New York and at 

one time was announcer at Cahokia Downs 

and Fairmont Park, across the river in 

Illinois. He has done commercials and 

sports programs on New York's WOR-TV. 

The American Theatre will open its season 

with the Blackstone magic show—for 

one week—starting Tuesday (26). Harry 

Blackstone jr. features some of his father's 

favorite tricks and nine spectacles, 

including 

live animals and a girl sawed in half without 

the protection of boxes. 

In keeping with its theme "Screen Heroes 

and Heroines." the film series at the University 

of Missouri-St. Louis will include 

"The Mark of Zorro" (1920). with Douglas 

Fairbanks. Monday (18): "Sparrows" 

(1926), Mary Pickford, Tuesday (19): "Public 

Enemy" (1931), starring James Cagney, 

Monday (25), and "Jezebel" (1938), with 

Bette Davis, Tuesday (26). Screenings are 

in the J. C. Penney Auditorium and there 

is no admission charge . 

St. Louis 

Art Museum, in conjunction with the current 

"Monet at Giverney" exhibition, will 

present the film "Le Grand Meaulines" (The 

Wanderer) Friday (22) at 7 and 9 p.m. 

"Jules and Jim." Francois Truffaut's love 

triangle, can be viewed Sunday (24) at 1 

and 3 p.m. Both films are romantic and 

impressionistic. Admission is free. 

Glenn Bill, who has been associated with 

Mid-America Theatres at its various houses, 

is now manager of the circuit's showcase, 

the Esquire complex on Clayton Road, 

where "Girl Friends" will open Wednesday 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

SCREENS 

'The Quality Tower that never 


* • * 

GENE TAYLOR 


and Erection Co. 


Shawnee, Kansas 66203 

913-631-9695 

(27). The film, which originally was funded 

with a grant from the American Film Institute 

and with other backing, after two 

years of work was shown at the Cannes 

Film Festival where Warner Bros, picked 

it up for release. It was produced and directed 

by Claudia Weill as a first feature 

after having directed documentaries and 

TV productions. The plot centers around 

career girls in New York, played by Melanie 

Mayron as a photographer and would-be 

writer Anita Skinner when they share an 

apartment and later when they go their 

separate ways. Viveca Lindfors and Eli 

Wallach also are featured. 

Universal recently tradescreened "Paradise 

Alley" at Westport 2. Written and 

directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, 

the film is in the "Rocky" tradition, tracing 

the lives of three brothers in the winter of 

1946 as they look toward a future away 

from the slums of New York's Hell's 

Kitchen. 

'Night of Evil' Producer 

Dies in Fort Wayne at 63 

FORT WAYNE. IND.— Richard E. Galbreath. 

63. founder and president of Galbreath 

Pictures here, who produced a feature 

"Night of Evil." died August 30 at 

Parkview Hospital. 

From 1950 to 1962 his company made 

promotional color films for industrial clients. 

Before founding the company Galbreath 

was radio station musician and 

a 

arranger, portrait photographer and commercial 

film producer. His wife Carolyn, 

a son and a daughter survive. 

Catherine Leigh Kiewert will make her 

film debut as the daughter of Alan Alda 

and Jane Fonda in "California Suite." 

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September

Two Popular Film Series 

Launched in Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—Two major film 

scries 

were launched here last week, the Friends 

of Art Critics' Choice Film Series and the 

1978-79 Classic Film Series presented by 

the Nelson Gallery and Atkins Museum, 

which is subtitled "Rediscovering American 

Cinema: Great Films. Great Stars. 

Great Directors." Both programs were 

planned by Dr. James K. Loutzcnhiser. 

eminent Kansas City psychiatrist, nationally 

known author, film buff and president 

of the Kansas City Film Critics' Circle. 

The kickoff offering at the gallery Sunday 

(10) was a two-film package of Katharine 

Hepburn slarrers— A Woman Rebels" 

(19.16) and "Quality Street" (1937). 

The remainder of the program, presented 

Sunday afternoons at 2:10 p.m. in the Atkins 

Auditorium with no admission charge 

and open to the public, follows: 

DeMille, LeRoy Featured 

October 29. "Madame Satan" (19.30). directed 

by Cecil B. DeMille: November 26. 

"The Women" (1939). directed by George 

Cukor; December 10. two films with Loretta 

Young. "Employee's Entrance" (1923). 

(1932), directed by Marion Gering; April 

22. "The Man Who Laughs" (1928), directed 

by Paul Leni (silent, with musical 

soundtrack), and May 20. "Imitation of 

Life" (1934), directed by John M. Stahl. 

The Friends of Art series was launched 

Tuesday (12) with the Wim Wenders-dirccted 

"The American Friend." Upcoming 

features include: Tuesday (19). "The Bitter 

Tears"; Tuesday (26). "Mother Kusters 

Goes to Heaven," and October 3, "The 

American Soldier," all directed by Rainer 

Werner Fassbidncr. 

Chaplin Films Planned 

The remainder of the schedule follows: 

October 10, "Jonah Who Will Be 2.5 in the 

Year 2000," directed by Alain Tanner; 

October 17. "Four Nights of a Dreamer," 

directed by Robert Bresson; October 24, 

"Cousin Angelica." directed by Carlos 

Saura; (Xtober 31, "Charles— Dead or 

Alive," directed by Alain Tanner; November 

7, "Adalen 31," directed by Bo Widerberg; 

November 14, "The Great Dictator," 

directed by Charles Chaplin; November 

21, "City Lights," directed by Charles 

Chaplin, and November 28, "Wings," directed 

by William Wellman. 

This scries is screened at 7:30 p.m. in 

the Atkins Auditorium, Nelson Gallery 

(cast entrance on Rockhill Road), Admission 

charge for members is $.S lor a series 

of four, or SI.SO for a single showing. 

J'riccs for nonmenibers are S7 for a scries 

of four, or single admissions at $2. Reservations 

must be made through the Friends 

of Art office, 4525 Oak, Kansas City, Mo. 

64111. 

CHICAGO 

(Continued from page C-1) 

Tom Lightburn. who was transferred to 

Louis Marks of M & R Amusement Co. 

returned Monday (11) from a vacation. 

Mid-America Releasing Co. set 

up downstate 

openings of "Shame of the Jungle." 

This animated film is X-rated. It has been 

doing outstanding business in initial showings 

in Milwaukee theatres. Mid-America 

Releasing also has booked "Speedtrap" for 

multiple openings beginning Friday (22). 

"Bread and Chocolate" opens for a first 

exclusive showing at the Brotman Near 

North Carnegie theatre. This Italian-made 

film is classified as a comedy, but it has 

some tragic overtones. It depicts the life of 

an Italian who lives in Switzerland without 

authorization. 

directed by Roy Del Ruth, and "Life Begins" 

(1932). directed by Jugent; 

Kucy Salenger, managing director of the 

Film Office, announced "The 

Elliott Illinois that 

January 14. "Three on a Match." (1932). Chisholms." a six-hour series for CBS-TV. 

filming month directed by Mervyn LeRoy. and "Three will start this in the Peoria. 

Men on a Horse" (1936). also directed by 111., area. And Salenger said that "Promises 

LeRoy; February 18, "Kings Row" (1942). in the Dark." a feature film starring .Marsha 

Ma-son, will be filming for several days 

directed by Sam Wood: March 4. "Bluebeard's 

Eighth Wife" (1938). directed by in the farm country south of Kankakee. 

Ernst Lubitsch, and "Devil and the Deep" 

III. 

Chicago Tribune columnist .Maggie Daly 

reports that a new black film production 

company has taken offices at 410 S. Michigan 

Ave. in Chicago. The company's first 

film to be done in Chicago is "Next Week 

I'll Be a Star." The first shooting date is to 

be announced. Also, according to Daly. 

"Shoot to Miss." a new book about a colorful 

Chicago basketball star who fixed 

games, is to be published .soon. Already a 

group of Chicago professional men have 

raised $1,500,000 for the film version. The 

group is talking to Francis Coppola about 

producing and directing the film, which 

would be filmed in Chicago and Las Vegas. 

Rose Kaplan, head o\ Kaplan-Coniinenial 

Pictures, returned Irom .i visit in New 

York. 

"Tracks" is h.iving iis Chicago premiere 

at the Film Center ol the An Institute. 

While there is no specific reason given, it 

is indicated thai "Tracks" will never play 

in a commercial theatre. Made by Henry 

Jagiom, the film relates experiences of a 

Viet Nam veteran while on a cross-country 

train ride. The veteran tells how he was 

given the responsibility of escorting the body 

of a friend home for a military burial. 

The characters on board the train are 

shown as a weird group, made weird, as the 

story gtK's, by our coimlry's trauma as a 

result of the war. Critics acclaim "Iracks" 

as ow ol the good films to arrive on Ihe 

scene this 

l.ill. 

Robert Pacelli. who was a member of 

Local 110. died August 31. 

According to reports, Fred Williamson 

scouted locations in Chicago for a picture 

he wants to film here. Williamson would 

co-star with Nancy Wilson in the movie if 

plans work out for him. 

"Interiors," a new United Artists release, 

is set to open at the Plitt Water Tower 

Theatres Friday (22). United Artists has 

also set up a second break of "Coming 

Home" beginning Friday (15). and there 

will be a second break also of "F.I.S.T." 

on Friday (22). 

Tim .Mayers is going to be missed. For 

the past years he has been associated with 

the Brotman Theatres Circuit. He will be 

returning after completing courses in various 

aspects of filmmaking activity. 

For the opening of "My Fair Baby" and 

"Maraschino Cherry" at the Admiral Theatre. 

Helen Madigan will make personal appearances. 

Virgil Jones, who heads up the International 

Picture Show Co. operations in the 

Midwest, was on the West Coast to meet 

with Jack Wrather. producer of "Lassie 

Come Home." He also met with former 

screen star Bonita Granvile. Wrather's wife. 

Belated birthday greetings to Doris 

Payne, branch manager for 20th-Fox. The 

Fox office force feted Doris with a surprise 

party. 

Buena Vista Chicago booker Bill Heino 

and his family spent a vacation visiting with 

Bill's parents in Minnesota. Bill returned 

Tuesday (5). 

Florence Cohen, head booker at Warner 

Bros., broke a knee-cap in a fall. While she 

may be handicapped because of a cast for 

aroimd eight weeks, she plans to carry on 

with her job as usual. 

Paramount Pictures is set for opening two 

of its newest movies beginning Friday (29): 

"Death on the Nile." which stars Peter 

Ustinov, Bette Davis and Mia Farrow, and 

"Day of Heaven," a story about a Chicago 

steel worker who changes his life style by 

becoming a migrant worker out West. The 

latter film, which stars Richard Gere, begins 

an exclusive first run at the Near 

North Carnegie. 

American International 

Pictures has completed 

booking arrangements with a sizeable 

number of area exhibitors to show 

"Our Winning Season," a brand new film, 

with "Mean Dog Blues," a reissue. Opening 

dale for this combination is Friday (29). 

When Bill l.unge gels back from New 

York, where he has been checking on new 

product, he will hear news about "Dogs," 

a new American Cinema Group movie 

txioked through Wm. Lange & .\ssocialcs. 

Reports on grosses for this film aa* limited 

at this time, hut according to Ihe Kohlberg 

Circuit, "Dogs," paiied with "Piranh.i" ,ii 

Ihe 53 Drive-In. has been clicking along 

al a good pace. 

C-4 

BOXOtTlCE :: SepieinlHT IS. 197S

. . Bob 

Gala 'Nile' Premiere 

Set for San Antonio 

SAN ANTONIO — A gala premiere of 

"Death on the Nile," a star-studded new 

film based on the Agatha Christie mystery 

novel of the same name, will be co-sponsored 

by Joske's department stores and the 

San Antonio Light, with the audience of 

300 to be chosen by drawings from entries 

to be submitted between now and Friday 

(22). 

The premiere showing will be held at 

Northwest Six Theatres Thursday (28) at 8 

p.m. 

Week of Christie Films 

During the same time. Joske's and the 

Light will present a week of Agatha Christie 

film showings at Joske's North Star Mall 

store, with an early Christie each evening 

and doors open at 6. Admission is free but 

seating is very limited. 

At the gala premiere of "Death on the 

Nile." the audience of 300 consists of Lucky 

Light readers who have won free tickets in 

the contest. Coupons will appear daily in 

the newspaper and are to be brought to 

the sportswear department at any Joske 

store. TTiere is no limit to the number of 

entries made by a contestant but are to be 

deposited at Joske's. 

Friday (22) entries from all Joske's stores 

will be combined for the drawing. Winners 

will receive two tickets each by mail. A list 

of the winners also will appear in the Light 

Sunday (24). 

Ustinov as Poirot 

"Death on the Nile" stars Peter Ustinov 

as Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie's famous 

Belgian detective. Also starring are Bette 

Davis, David Niven, Mia Farrow, Angela 

Lansbury, George Kennedy, Maggie Smith, 

Jack Warden and Olivia Hussey. One of the 

key roles is played by Lois Chiles, beautiful 

young model turned actress who hails from 

Alice, Tex. 

The story is set in the 1930s and. like 

many of the Christie mysteries, deals with 

life and love among the moneyed upper 

class Britons. Travel represented a leisured 

way of life for the international elite, and 

most of the action in "Death on the Nile" 

takes place aboard a luxury steamer crusing 

between Cairo and Aswan. 

Much of the filming was done in Egypt, 

along the Nile, in Cairo and at Aswan. Abu 

Simbel and Luxor. 

.A number of Christie mysteries have 

been made into hit movies, and six of these 

will be shown during the contest week in 

the third floor restaurant of Joske's North 

Sta; Mall. The series progresses from early 

films to the most recent. 

The films are "And Then There Were 

None," "Witness for the Prosecution," 

"Murder, She Said," "Murder at the Gallop," 

"The Alphabet Murders" and "Minder 

on the Orient Express." 

Diane Baker's Artemis Productions has 

acquired rights to Marjorie Sigley's story. 

•Working for Peanuts." 

SAN ANTONIO 

flic biggest news of the week is that the 

downtown Majestic Theatre, which has 

been closed since 1974. will be reopened by 

a south Texas group of investors known as 

Theatre Street Productions, Inc.. October 

6 and 7 with a series of stage shows opening 

with an appearance of Milton Berle . . . 

Danny Kaye, who was seen in a number 

of early day musicals, will appear as conductor 

of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra 

Saturday (30) at the Theatre for 

the Performing Arts. This will be a benefit 

performance to raise funds for a musicians 

pension fund. In a surprise visit, Kaye was 

in for a few hours and stated that he did 

not plan to return to television or the movies 

at present. 

There was good attendance for the 

world's welterweight championship fight between 

Pipino Cuevas of Mexico and challenger 

Pete Ranzany of Sacramento, Calif., 

which was shown on closed circuit TV Saturday 

(9) at the Texas Theatre. Tickets 

were priced at $10 which also included a 

12-round middleweight bout between Marcos 

Geraldo of Mexico and George Cooper 

of Oakland and a 10-round welterweight 

bout between Jose Palacios of Mexico and 

Baba McCarthy of Sacramento. 

"If I Should Die" was shown Sunday (10) 

at the Alamo Heights Baptist Church. According 

to the Rev. Warren Larck. church 

pastor, the film brings together some of the 

world's most respected Christian doctors, 

theologians and psychologists to investigate 

the subjects of death and how it relates to 

the Bible . Pokmsky, San Antonio 

Light film reviewer and columnist, interviev.ed 

Bruce McGill while the actor paid 

a visit to his former hometown. McGill currently 

is being seen in "National Lampoon's 

Animal House" which is playing at the UA 

Cine Cinco, North Star Cinema and UA 

Movies 4. 

"Piranha," which was filmed in and 

around nearby San Maros, Tex., and has a 

number of San Antonians as extras, will be 

seen at the Northwest Six, Century Six. San 

Pedro, Mission, Varsity, Town Twin, Aztec 

3, Jidson 4 and Westwood Twin. The San 

Marcos Aquarena Springs was the site of 

^V^^^, 

filming . . . Special film showings include 

"The Goodbye Girl" at Trinity University's 

Mulli Purpose Room Friday (15) at 7 and 

10 p.m.. and "La Vida de Pito Perez" at 

the Mexican Cultural Institute at Hemis- 

Fair Plaza with a 75-cents admission. 

Among new film titles appearing and 

films returning for additional playing time 

are "Coach," "Dracula's Dog," "20th Century 

Oz," "Solaris," "Gulliver's Travels," 

a double bill of "The Hot. the Cool and 

the Vicious" plus "The Screaming Tiger," 

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "The 

Hollywood Hillside Strangler." 

Midnight movies included "A Boy and 

his Dog" at the Broadway, "National Lampoon's 

Animal House" at the North Star. 

KTFM-FM Midnighters were "The Rocky 

Horror Picture Show" in its 54th week at 

the Northwest Six, plus "Foul Play," "Secrets," 

"20th Century Oz" and "Up In 

Smoke." At the Century South films include 

"Jaws 2" and "Hooper" . . . Burt Reynolds 

can be seen on a number of screens this 

week, in "Hooper" at the Northwest Six 

and Century Six and in "Hustle" at the 

Screen Outdoor and Mis- 

San Pedro Triple 

sion Outdoor. 

Western star Chill Wills was in town to 

announce the introduction of Chill Wills' 

Texas Chili Mix in a chain of local supermarkets. 

With the veteran film actor was 

Big John Hamilton, a long time associate 

of Wills, who has appeared in a number of 

John Wayne movies. 

Dolly Parton who was scheduled to appear 

in concert here has canceled her date 

for a second time. No reason was given this 

time. The first time Ms. Parton was forced 

to cancel due to bronchial pneumonia. The 

singer recently signed a three-picture deal 

with 20th Century-Fox . . . Dorothy Lamour 

has opened at the Fiesta Dinner Playhouse 

in Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the 

Park." She is best remembered as the alluring 

female foil of Bob Hope and Bing 

Crosby in numerous "road" movies. Her 

future plans include a book based on her 

movie career, a tour of "An Evening with 

Dorothy Lamour" and a Hawaiian musical. 

LOG ''JLM 

.Merchant 

ADS 

SPECIAL A\/Al 

ANNOUNcemfm'"^ ^^°'^ REQUEST 

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TRAILERETTES 

FILMS DATE STRIPS- 

HOLID Ay HE ADERS 

NO SMOKING 

FILMACR STUDIOS, INC. 

BOXOFFICE ;: September 18. 1 978 

sw-i

,, . . 

HOUSTON 

"Jhe Briargrove Cinema 3 reopened Friday 

(8) under the ABC Interstate flag. Anne 

Blackburn, who has been with the Clear 

Lake Theatre for the past nine years, has 

been named manager. Her assistant is Grace 

Muratta who moves over from the recently 

closed Tower Theatre . . . Former California 

Gov. Ronald Reagan, who was a 

movie actor prior to his political career, was 

scheduled to be here Monday (11) to help 

fellow Republican Ron Paul in his bid to 

oust Democrat Bob Gammage from the 

22nd district Congressional seat. Reagan was 

to speak at a rally in the Albert Thomas 

Convention Center's West Hall. 

A number of HoU.vwood stars were in 

Houston for the Diahann Carroll golf tournament 

held at the Woodlands. There were 

Claude .Akins, Doug McClure, George Gobel 

and Joey Bishop plus sports great and 

actor Fred Williamson . . . The voice of 

Kim Shaw and the music of the Houston 

Pops Orchestra filled the air around Miller 

Theatre on a recent weekend. Featured at 

the free concert was music from "'Grease" 

and "Star Wars." 

You think all Japanese movies are about 

Samurai warriors or bizarre-looking monsters 

and they never even hint at s-e-x'.' Then 

you haven't heard about "In the Realm of 

the Senses," a critic's choice in the Post by 

William Albright. This 1976 film by Nahisa 

Oshima is based on an actual incident reported 

in Tokyo in 1936. It imflinchingly 

explores the erotic, obsessive, violent and, 

ultimately, fatal sexual relationship between 

a young geisha girl and the geisha owner's 

gangster husband who is literally loved to 

death. Banned from the 1976 New York 

Film Festival, "In the Realm of the Senses" 

is billed as not so much a sex film as a film 

about sex and the nature of sexual passion. 

Making its Houston debut, Albright writes, 

this typical example of modern Japanese 

cinema will be shown only at the River 

Oaks. "Just don't come expecting 'Madam 

Butterfly,' " he warns. 

AmonK the new films 

appearing on local 

marquees and films returning tor additional 

playing time arc "The Last Laugh." "Pretty 

Baby." "Bahia." "Dear Inspector," "The 

Mad Adventures of 'Rabbi' Jacob." "One 

Sings, the Other Doesn't" and "We All 

Loved Each Other So Much," "Every Man 

for Himself" and "God Against All." "Elvira 

Madigan" and "Man on the Roof." 

"Romeo and Juliet" and "Brother Sun. Sister 

Moon." "Maraschino Cherry" and "Piranha" 

which was filmed at the San Marcos. 

Tex. Aquarena Springs . . . Special 

films shown at the Rice Media Center included 

"Chloe in the Afternoon." "Birth of 

a Nation." "The Red Blossoms of Tienshan." 

"The Enigma of Kasper Hauser." 

"Daw Crockett" and "Monika." 

'Outrageous!' Celebrates 

1st Birthday in Cambridge 

complex in Cambridge, comprising three 

screens, held a gala to celebrate the birthday 

of "Outrageous!" as the picture completed 

a 52-week run. and still is playing 

to good houses. Craig Russell, who plays 

the lead in the film, and Paul and Brenda 

Hoffert, who composed and performed the 

music, answered questions from the audience 

before each screening. 

Russell, who appeared in front oi a full 

house and a huge chocolate birthday cake, 

said: "People in Boston are very hip." His 

co-star. Hollis McLaren, and directorscreenwriter 

Richard Benner. all attended 

the birthday party for the $167,000 film, 

made in only eight weeks. "You can't even 

make a commercial for that amount of 

money in that amount of time.'" he said. 

Russell said he was going to Berlin lo 

accept the Silver Bear award for best actor 

of 1978. then he plays London for a week, 

and in October will do his female impression 

act at Carnegie Hall. After that he goes to 

Los Angeles to do a TV pilot. 

Ned Beatty and Marsha Mason will 

"Promises in the Dark." 

New Wodell Posts Allow 

For Agency Expansion 

SAN"FRANClSCO--ln a move designed 

to consolidate the management team and its 

capabilities, several new posts have been 

announced at Jack Wodell Associates recently 

by president and board chairman Jack 

Wodell. 

Chet Price is now vice-president of corporate 

affairs; Carolyn Nelson-Sellers will 

serve as vice-president of client services; 

Marv Atkins is vice-president in charge of 

operations, and Ben Valdes is executive 

vice-president and treasurer for the San 

Francisco-based agency. 

Price, who assumes the post of vice-president 

of corporate affairs, has been with 

JWA lor 12 years and was formerly vicepresident 

of client services. 

Ms. Nelson-Sellers has been with JWA 

since 1964 and has worked in all divisions 

of the agency. She briefly left the company 

to undertake a special research assignment 

with Dr. William L. Rivers, department of 

communications at Stanford University, assisting 

with his writings of "Finding Facts," 

"Other Voices: The New Journalism in 

America" and "Aspen Notebook on Government 

& the Media." 

Valdes has been with JWA for over ten 

years, starting with the agency as its comptroller, 

and now serves as executive vicepresident 

and treasurer. 

Formerly vice-president and general manager 

of JWA's Los Angeles office, Atkins 

moved to Wells, Rich & Green for eight 

months before rejoining JWA. 

Both Nelson-Sellers and Atkins have been 

elected to the board of directors, joining 

Price and Valdes who have served as board 

members for many years. 

Although it is recognized as a specialist 

in the entertainment industry, JWA has 

also served manv consumer-industrial clients. 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

8«"'. FAN PHOTO 


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'Excitement Is Building' 

For Variety Golf Tourney 

DALLAS — Excitement continues to 

build for the annual Variety Club of Texas 

golf tournament as more than 100 executives 

from the nation's major film studios 

make Dallas the entertainment capital of 

Dallas branch managers including Terry 

Graham, American International Pictures; 

Dick King, Columbia Pictures; Jim Sabo, 

Avco Embassy Pictures; Dan Snider, Universal; 

Jerry Smith, Columbia and Bill 

Stevens, United Artists. 

In all, more than 130 golfers will participate, 

with proceeds being donated to the 

Variety Club's Sunshine Coach program, 

the Dallas Rehabilitation Institute and the 

Fort Worth Children's 

Hospital. 

The Variety Club of Texas, an organization 

whose members represent all facets of 

the film industry in the state and nation, 

has a membership of 385 volunteers who 

conduct fund raising activities. 

WW' 

INSTANT CHILI MIX 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

Qlyde and Bill Phillips of the Eagle Theatre 

Mr. C.B. 

Biggs is a new cashier . . 

"Brownie" Akers died recently at her home 

in Stilwcll are closing their house 

from Sunday (17) through Saturday (30) in Tulsa. Services were held there. Brownie 

was a former Video executive. Our sincere 

to take a much-earned vacation. They will 

condolences to those who survive. 

travel to the Southeastern U.S. 

the country Thursday (21)-Friday (22). 

Among those attending the two-day affair 

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Murray are making 

at the Dallas Athletic Club will be H.H. their annual vacation trip to Orlando, Fla., 

Martm, president of Universal Pictures; 

soon. They will be accompanied by their 

Barry Reardon, vice-president of domestic 

son and Earl's brother and his wife. Earl is 

sales for Warner Bros.; Danny Feliman, manager of the Quail Twin . . . John and 

Eastern sales manager for Warner Bros, 

and the chief barker of the New York City 

Lou Buffo of the Liberty Theatre in Hartshorne, 

are just back from a visit with 

Variety Club, and Bill Rives, administrative 

their son in Seattle. 

coordinator of the Texas Sports Hall of 

Fame Foundation. 

Joe, Midge and Jim King have sold their 

Also participating will be the film studios' King Theatre in Tishomingo to Gary Gill. 

Wc will miss the Kings as they have been 

in the business for many years. At one 

time we sold them pictures for their El 

Rancho Theatre in Ringling. Therefore we 

would like to extend best wishes to the 

Kings and a hearty welcome to new owner 

Gill. 

John and Maxine Thompson have sold 

their Thompson Theatre and Choctaw 

Drive-In in Atoka to Carrol Watson. John, 

like father Glen and brother Dick, has been 

in the business for a long time. At one time 

the Thompsons had a circuit which encompassed 

six towns. Dick still is in Healdton. 

Same best wishes to the Thompsons 

and new theatre 

owner Watson. 

Video Independent Theatres happenings: 

Ernest Borgnine attended the world premiere 

of "Convoy" at the Terrace Drivein 

in Albuquerque some time ago. He is 

one of the stars of the film . . Mrs. 

. 

Katie Ittel, Video film pay clerk and veteran 

home office employee, has retired. The 

post has been filled by Mrs. Eva Alexander 

whose assistant is Jan Kloss. Gregg Lynn 

Patty Long, new owner of the Liberty 

Theatre in Konawa, was in to buy and book 

pictures and to stock up on concessions 

Mike Brewer, Royal 

and other supplies . . . 

Theatre and Brewer's Drive-In in Pauls 

Valley, and Dennis Collier, 89er Theatre 

in Kingfisher, also were in for business and 

carried some film home with them. 

Manders and Midway Firms 

Merge, Form PR Agency 

DALLAS—T. E. Manders, president of 

Manders & Associates Advertising, announced 

that an agreement has been reached 

with the Midway Agency for consolidation 

of the two advertising firms. Effective 

immediately, the combined advertising 

agency will operate under the name of 

Manders Midway & Associates with offices 

in the Dallas Petroleum Center, 13612 

Midway Rd., Suite 292, Dallas, Tex. 

According to 

Manders, "The new advertising 

and public relations firm, through 

combined creative, media and management 

personnel, is in a position to provide full 

service for current accounts and will be 

actively pursuing new accounts." 

Tom Manders, who has 20 years of retail 

and consumer advertising experience, will 

head the new agency's management team. 

Manders Midway & Associates serves clients 

in the retail, service, electronics, consumer, 

financial and entertainment fields. 

George Litto will produce "Mousepacks" 

for Orion Pictures. 

"IÎX ANY QUANTITY NEEDED - pour dry mix 

into suitable container. STIR in warm water for 

desired thickness." 

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SeptcmbLT

Opera Season Could Keep Denver's 

Paramount Theatre Out of Hock 

Trjx Wesic.-n Id;uon 

DENVER—So they've all gone to the 

suburbs, where the parking is easy, and 

jelt you with a 2.200 seat deluxe theatre? 

That's the predicament in which John 

Sinuns. president of Wolfberg Theatres 

here, finds himself. 

-We've been losing over $100,000 a year 

on the big Paramount in downtown Denver, 

with 50 years still to go on the lease!" he 

moaned. 

Merchants Have Helped 

"A garden mall on 16th Street in front 

of the theatre has been financed by merchants 

and is on the drawing boards, hut 

that's two years away." he said. "Will it 

help business? We can't wait that long to 

find out. so we have developed a program 

of rentals along with showing of movies. 

For example we will book films around the 

Denver Opera Company, which will take 

over the theatre tor its 1978-79 season," 

Simms stated. 

The company will open October 27 with 

"Madame Butterfly." according to founder 

and musical director Nicholas Laurienti. 

who says the production will run indefinitely. 

The Paramount, built by Publix and 

opened in 1926, is in remarkably good 

condition, the result of good housekeeping 

over the years. The acoustics have been 

tested by the opera company singers and 

declared ideal. The stage is not deep, but 

the screen has been balanced and hung for 

quick removal. Two powerful Wurlitzer organs, 

one on each side of the stage, arc 

available and are still in good working condition, 

thanks to a local organ club and 

its devotion to music. While there is a 

large orchestra space, two rows of seats 

will be taken out to assure freedom of 

movement. 

Denver, while in theory rich in performing 

arts facilities, actually is lacking in useable 

space. At the time that a new center 

for performing arts was being discussed, 

there were several local groups who urged a 

feasibility study on buying cither the Denver 

Theatre or the Paramount and converting 

it to a theatre-opera-orchestra facility. 

Nothing came of the idea. The Paramount 

today is one of three motion picture houses 

left in downtown Denver. Much of the 

Paramount's original Art Deco is still intact. 

A Much-Used FaciUty 

The Paramount has been the setting for 

many events since its opening, everything 

from cooking schools to telecasts of world 

championship heavyweight fights, but the 

opera booking is one of the few attempts 

at bona fide cultural presentation. 

Present plans call for a production of the 

opera "Merry Wives of Windsor," set to 

open March 23 of ne.xt year. If "Butterfly" 

and "Windsor" arc successful, "Tosca" will 

be given in June. 

It is possible the Denver Opera Company 

has found a permanent home and that John 

Simms has made a brilliant move toward 

solving his dilemma. 

For most of its early yean,, the Paramount 

was owned and operated by Fox 

Intermountain Theatres which had taken it 

over from Publix. Harris Wolfberg, Simm's 

grandfather, took Fox to court on an antitrust 

action. Part of the results of that suit 

brought the Paramount into the Wolfberg 

fold. 

The feeling that the obtaining of the 

Paramount was of major importance and 

should be pursued at any cost resulted in 

an "iron-clad lease" that today creates problems 

in working out the theatre's future, 

according to the Barrett story. 

The Wolfbergs own five of the seven lots 

on which the Paramount stands. They were 

purchased in the middle 1970s. Joseph 

Gould, a Denver and Los Angeles real estate 

investor, owns the other two lots. The 

building is owned by a New York firm 

and is leased to Wolfberg Theatres and 

Gould. The lease has some 50 years to go. 

Host of Fond Memories 

The massive hand-painted side panels of 

the majestic Paramount hold lond memories 

for John Simms. who was an usher 

and a janitor at the theatre. He recalls 

lowering the giant chandelier by a handlevered 

winch for cleaning and polishing. 

Simms has been talking to hotels about 

their using the facilities for small meetings 

(up to 2.200) and conventions not appropriate 

for Currigan Hall (with a capacity of 

7.000). He is alerting other businesses and 

groups to possible uses for his theatre. While 

the Paramount is still in good condition, 

Simms does plan on recarpcting the floor. 

John Simms sees the rebirth of interest 

in inner-city areas throughout the country 

as healthy, but he doesn't see the movement 

as being particularly helpful for motion picture 

theatres in the immediate future. He 

does think that beautiful theatres such as 

the Paramount can have useful lives with 

such attractions as the Denver Opera's season. 

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— — 

'Animal House' Still 

Is New Orleans' Ace 

NEW ORLEANS — "National Lampoon's 

Animal House" in its third week is 

still top drawing card with a high of 675. 

"Foul Play" and "Thank God It's Friday" 

were the duo taking second spot. "Let's 

Make a Dirty Movie." a new title on the 

marquees, checked in at 225. 


Joy, Lakeside—Jaws 2 (Univ), 11th wk 150 

Lakeside Convoy (UA), 9th wk 75 

Loews State Let's Moke a Dirty Movie (SR), 

Warners Giving Louisiana a Taste 

Of Its Anti-Blind Bidding Ruling 

State 

Thank God Ifs Friday (Col),

ATLANTA 

f eVar Burton, cast as the young Kunta 

Kinte in "Roots." participated in 

.'.SB-TVs annual Fourth of July parade 

his year and it was apparent that the young 

.ictor was enjoying the adulation accorded 

hirn from the thousands of spectators who 

lined historic Peachtree Street. At the age 

of 19 he was a drama student at the University 

of Southern California, paying his 

way through scholarships. During the summers 

he pumped gas for extra change. Now 

21. Burton lives in a large duplex in Beverly 

Hills, drives an expensive automobile 

and currently is negotiating work contracts 

on a half dozen fronts. He is doing so well 

that his manager. Dolores Robinson, who. 

until recently had him as her lone client, 

has moved into the plush Malibu Colony. 

For Burton, things have not been the 

same since he appeared in slave chains in 

"Roots." which has aired recently for a second 

time. Tuesday (26) he stars in a movieof-the-week 

for CBS. "One in a Million; The 

Ron LeFlore Story." It is about the first 

man in the United States to be paroled 

from prison to play pro baseball. (LcFlore is 

still an active superstar, playing centerficld 

for the Detroit Tigers.) Burton will star later 

this year in another movie-of-the-week 

titled "Battered," the story of three men 

who beat their wives. Also this year, he will 

start shooting "Dummy." a feature film 

with George C. Scott in which Burton will 

play a deaf mute accused of killing a 

prostitute. 

Few actors have moved so far so fast 

. . . and we wish him luck. 

Foster McKissick of Fairlane/ Litchfield 

Theatres. Easley, S.C. and Southern Booking 

Service Co., Charlotte, have issued invitations 

to a cocktail party and dinner to 

be held Wednesday (27) at the Terrace 

Garden Inn. Cocktails will be served at 

6:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Room to be followed 

by dinner at 8. The date of the affair 

is the day before the Atlanta Golf Tournament 

at the East Lake Golf and Country 

Club. 

Danny and Barbara Royal (he is president 

of the Atlanla Chapter of NATA.S) attended 

the second annual Miami Emmy 

awards banquet while they were vacationing 

in Florida. Danny is the senior director 

of WETV. the PBS outlet here. 

A full-page advertisement in the Constitution 

and Journal, heralding the "First 

Public Showing Anywhere Tonight at 8" 

of Universal's "Paradise Alley," written and 

directed by Sylvester Stallone, appeared in 

the Friday (8) issues of those papers. The 

"one-time only" sneak preview was staged 

at the Stonemont I. 

Marquee changes—They were at a new 

low last week, to wit: "Metamorphoses," 

Storey's Rhodes; "Goodbye Franklin 

High." Westgate and drive-ins Northeast 

Expressway, Southeast Star and Roosevelt; 

"Black Trash." Martin's Rialto; "The Redeemer" 

and "Ruby" (double bill). Suburban 

Plaza and Westgate II and six driveins; 

"Magnum Force," "The Enforcer" and 

"Dirty Harry," (triple bill) Weis" Atlanta. 

When Atlanta's Filmrow was in full flower, 

the University Grill on Luckie Street 

was a morning coffee-break gathering place 

and a popular noon eating place. The proprietor, 

Howell Carper, was an affable host 

and raconteur as well as a friend to all of 

the film industry people. Last week Carper 

suffered a heart attack and he is a patient 

in the Veterans Hospital. Boxoffice joins 

the many friends in wishing for him a 

speedy recovery. 

Muhammad AU will play a freed slave 

during the Reconstruction era in a madefor-television 

motion picture "Freedom 

Road," to be filmed in Natchez, a Mississippi 

official says. A four-hour film, to be 

shown over two nights on NBC-TV next 

year, will be a "political look" at South 

Carolina from 1865 to 1875. according to 

Walterine Odom. film coordinator of the 

State Agricultural Board. She said Zev 

Braun Productions of Los Angeles was 

"close to signing" others to star in the film. 

Reportedly they include Marlon Brando. 

Kris Kristofferson and John Carridine. Mrs. 

Odom added that AH will play a former 

slave who returns to his plantation after 

the War Between the States. 

The Goethe In.stitutc Atlanta-German 

Cultural Center began its film series with 

"Aren't We Wonderful." Saturday (9), a 

1958 film directed by Lurth Koffman. The 

WIMIII, Inc. 

"Everything for your theatre— except film" 

© 

(404) 876 0347 

800 Lambert Drive N.E 

Atlanta, Go. 30324 

800 S. Graham St 

Charlotte, N.C. 28202 

(704) 334 3616

. . Carey 

screenings at the Century Cinema Corp.'s 

facility were "Count Dracula's Vampire 

Bride," American International Pictures; 

"Oily. Oily Oxen Free." distributed by Clark 

Releasing Co.. and "The Boys From Brazil," 

20th Century-Fox. (Our apologies to 

Wendy, whom we have been identifying as 

the sister of Mitchell Gellert, the manager 

of the CCC shop. Wendy wants everybody 

to know that her last name is Schurr and 

she is secretary for the firm.) 

WOMPI notes—President Betty Johnson 

called a meeting of the WOMPI board August 

30 at the 20th Century-Fox headquarters 

to discuss the proposed budget for 

1978-79. Following the approval of the 

budget. Alvera Black was installed as a 

new member. 

A big WOMPI vote of thanks goes out 

to Larry Westes at Films Incorporated in 

the form of candy and "WOMPI paper 

weight." We appreciate Larry's support of 

our efforts in community service. 

The president of WOMPI revealed the 

following chairpersons: publicity, Linda 

Crane; membership, Lynda Norris; program, 

Marjorie Roberson; community service, 

Marie Freeman; industry service, Nell 

Castleberry: bylaws, Judy Stevens; finance, 

Harriett Woodall; bulletin, Susan Franks; 

Will Rogers. Cindy Byerly; sunshine. Fran 

Alameida; historian, Esther Osley; yearbook. 

Susan Franks; chaplain. Mary Brannon; 

telephone. Nell Middleton. Louis Cathy 

and Doris Teal. 

Over the Labor Day holiday the newspapers 

reaped a bonanza in advantage for 

current screen product. Paramount took a 

full page and divided among "Grease," 

"Heaven Can Wait" and "Foul Play" and 

invited the readers to "Have a Paramount 

Holiday Weekend" involving 18 locations. 

Universal also purchased a full page to plug 

"Jaws 2" (now in its 13th week) and "Na- 

Condolences are extended by Boxoffice 

to relatives and friends in the loss of loved 

ones. Mrs. Lillian Humphrey of Warren. 

Ga., the mother of Agnes Bailey, secretary 

to William Brower, Buena Vista's Atlanta 

District manager, died and her funeral 

was held August 28 . 

Bowen, the 

husband of Mrs. Mary Bowen. a retired 

booking Clerk, died following a lingering 

illness . . . The wife of Pat Roberson's 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

i;;e; fan photo 


brother Edgar, Harriet Madray, died in 

Birmingham and Pat and Marjorie attended 

the 

funeral. 

Theatre of the Stars' 26th season completed, 

impresario Chris Manos is turning 

his thoughts to the winter play season. He 

feels excitement over the chances of mounting 

a production of "The Play's the Thing," 

which he has been trying to work out for 

four years. In addition he has his eye on 

"California Suite," the Neil Simon comedy, 

and hopes also to obtain rights to "I Love 

My Wife," the "minimusical" which is still 

running in New York. Manos says he is 

trying to work up a suitable vehicle for 

Sada Thompson, star of TVs "Family" and 

a perennial favorite in Atlanta. He also reveals 

that he is talking about a play for 

Joanne Woodard. 

Danny de Noi, a 26-year-old former Atlantan. 

is getting a big break with his first 

acting assignment. He has a major role 

opposite Paul Lynde in a summer-long tour 

of "The Impossible Years," which played 

Atlanta as the fifth offering in Atlanta's 

Theatre of the Stars annual series. 'Tt's been 

going well everywhere," de Noi reports. The 

acting bug has really bitten him and he says 

"I want to get another job as soon as I get 

back out there," on the West Coast. In 

"Impossible Years" de Noi plays Smuts, an 

oversexed artist given to riding motorcycles. 

The role is funny enough, but the character 

has been built up to capitalize on some of 

the actor's attributes, such as his karate 

skills. De Noi lived in Atlanta until he was 

23. working in real estate until the market 

plunged. He ended up in West Palm Beach, 

Fla.. selling commercial music. He set out 

with a friend for the West Coast and. until 

he got his acting job in "Impossible Years," 

he worked as a bodyguard for NBC and 

ABC. He has had experience in films and he 

Sales. It will take over the selling that 

THEATRE 

DRIVE-IN 

SCREENS 

'The Quality Toteer that never 

has had to he replaced." 

* • * 

GENE TAYLOR 


and Erection Co. 



913-631-9695 

has been handled by RKO-TV representatives. 

Turner explained that a sp'xialized 

national sales staff is nccessai-y because 

of "the unique positon 

of WTCG-TV 

as the nation's first "super-station.' " Sab of 

advertising time for the Southeast and for 

Detroit will continue to be handled by the 

Athnta staff. 

Two Atlanta-based companies were 

among the 100 leading national advertisers 

in 1977, according to the annual ranking by 

Advertising Age. Coca-Cola Co. ranked 

38th, with^l977 ad spending of $89,000,000, 

and Delta Air Lines was 97th, with ad outlays 

of $15,700,000, the industry paper said. 

The nation's leading advertiser in 1977 was 

Procter & Gamble.' which spent $460,000,- 

000. 

'Guns of Navarone' Next 

For the Fabulous Fox 

ATLANTA — The fabulous Fox continues 

its Family Film Festival Monday (18) 

with "The Guns of Navarone," based on 

Alistair MacLean's popular bestseller. 

Starred are Gregory Peck, David Niven. 

Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Irene Pappas 

and Anthony Quayle. The film will be 

shown one time only at the Fox at 8 p.m. 

The Academy Award-winning epic originally 

played the Fox many years ago, but 

rot on a super-large screen with stereophonic 

sound. 

With the doors opening at 7, there will 

be a Pink Panther cartoon, an audience 

sing-along and musical favorites played on 

the miehty Fox organ by Bob Van Camp 

at 7:30? 

'Caesar' Meets 'Cleopatra' 

NEW ORLEANS — A double-bill 

AIP's "Black Caesar" and Warner Bros.' 

"Cleopatra Jones" is a hot item here, earn- 

is confident that he can now find work in 

ing $30,825 its first two weeks of an exclusive 

L.A. 

run. The program is being held over. 

A national sales force based in New York 

tional Lampoon's Animal House" (going 

strong in its fifth week) and stretched an 8- 

City has been established to handle the 

col banner headline reading: "There's More 

Atlanta-based 

sale of advertising time for 

Than One Way to Scream." A 6-col by 15- 

WTCG-TV. a station whose programs are 

inch 20th Century-Fox ad warned "Only 

aired throughout the nation and overseas via 

Seven Seven Days Left to See "Star Wars' " 

a satellite transmission system. Ted Turner, 

at 11 theatres. A 4-col by 12-inch ad was 

president of WTCG-TV, a division of Turner 

inserted for six theatres for "Hopper" in its 

Communications Corp.. said the new 

sixth week. It was a field day for the papers. 

office will be known as Turner Television 

2 beats 1 

3 beats 2 

4 beats 3 

WE BEAT THEM 




CHinmfln KflicGcn 

vmarty W00D8AY CONSTRUCTION CORP. 

516 569-1990 

of 

September 18, 1978

Cha 

poon's Animal House" (South Park II and 

Eastland Mall I», "Grease" (Manor Theatre), 

•Hooper" (Charlottetown Mall I), 

Heaven Can Wait" (Charlottctown Mall 

C;RAND ()I'KMN(.— led Solomon and Malt (;uidr> recently opened the 

Northgate Cinema in Lafavette. La. Those attending included (left photo, left to 

right) Mrs. Matt Guidr>: Matt Guidr>: Ted Solomon; Mrs. Ted Solomon: (right 

photo, left to right) Paul Pierret. manager: Ken Wilkinson. Westwood manager. 

Lafa\ette. la.: George Solomon: Matt Guidrv. and George Crosbv. 

CHARLOTTE 

T. "Tinker" Lyles, owner ol the Rîleigh 

J^ 

Road Outdoor Theatre (formerly the 

Moon-Glo Drive-In). Henderson, has complet.My 

renovated his theatre. The remodeling 

is so extensive that the theatre bears little 

resemblance to the old Moon-Glo. In addition, 

new automated projection booth 

equipment was installed by the Charlotte 

Theatre Supply Co. 

Rudy Howell, president, 

and Ken Mitchell, 

general manager of Howell Theatres of 

Smit'hfield. were in town and announced 

plans for new multi-auditorium theatres in 

Clinton and Ahoskie. Also plans were revealed 

to twin the existing Howell Theatre 

in Smithficld. 

Cindy Peeler, daughter of Jim Peeler. 

Exhibitors Service, celebrated her 11th 

birthday Friday (8) with a lavish birthday 

cake. Coincidcntally her Daddy celebrated 

his birthday on the same day, but he would 

not reveal his age. 

Catana Galightly and Lynn Posey, actresses 

and models, were in town conferring 

with "Erv" Melton (Car-mel Studios) about 

their roles in a new picture he will produce 

and which is still in the blueprint stage. 

Catana and Lynn are awaiting anxiously to 

hear from Columbia, which is conducting 

a seminar in 

the near future. 

Bill Simpson (Simpsons Distributing 

Corp) and John Reese broke "The Fruit 

Is Ripe" Friday (15) in 25 key theatres . . . 

Bill and his wife Jackie and grandson Bobby 

spent Labor Day week at Garden City. 

S.C. in their summer beach house. 

John Reese went to Oklahoma to attend 

the wedding of his best buddy from hi^ 

home town. Rock Hill. S.C. 

Congratulations to Phil Cutrell (son of 

Joe. Paramount Pictures) on his first anniversary 

with United Artists as booker. 

Jimmie Murphy (Variety Films), his wife 

Daisy and their eight children met at Shelby 

to join the "family clan" at their annual 

reunion. 

Bobby Bencfield (Avco Embassy) and his 

-harmirg wife Vicki (Tar Heel Films) visited 

their folks from their 'ole home town. 

Atlanta, over the Labor Day weekend. 

New pictures on the marquees: "It's Alive 

2"' (Carolina, Tryon Mall and Viking Drive- 

In II), "Outrageous!" (Visulitc). 

Screenings at Car-mel: "Up in Smoke" 

and "Death on the Nile" (Paramount). 

Screening at Cinema Rock Hill, S.C: "The 

Boys From Brazil" (20th-Fo\; blind bidding 

forbidden). 

Happy birthday Jerry Iheimcr jr.. twoyear-old 

son of Jerry and Pam (Piedmont 

Theatres). 

704-333-9651 /^/ / // ^/ /

. . . Mary 

. . They 

. . Rex 

1 

2 

— 

'Gone With the Wind' 

Aide Dies at Age 86 

MACON, GA.—Susan Myrick. who was 

born on the old family plantation of Doverdale, 

about 12 miles from Milledgeville. 

died Sunday (3) in Macon. She was 86. 

Her knowledge of Southern manners and 

lore of the deep South was waiting to be 

tapped when Margaret Mitchell's great novel 

of the Old South, "Gone With the Wind," 

came into the possession of David O. Selznick. 

who paid S60.000 for the screen 

rights. 

Myrick began her newspaper career as a 

teenage columnist for the Macon Telegraph. 

where she worked for more than 50 years 

and served as associate editor. She was a 

pioneer in soil conservation and a founder 

of the Macon Little Theatre, in which she 

played many roles. 

Hired by Selznick 

In 1939. 11 years after she began working 

full-time for the Macon Telegraph. Myrick 

was hired by Selznick International 

Pictures to assist in the production of "Gone 

With the Wind." She was recommended by 

her good friend "Peggy" Mitchell for the 

job because of her extensive knowledge of 

Southern mores. 

George Cukor. one of three directors 

Selznick used for "GWTW," insisted on 

seeing everything she had written and asked 

her numerous questions during a tour of 

the South before the filming began. But by 

January. 1939. Susan Myrick. was off to 

the West Coast to advise on just about 

everything Southern, particularly how the 

natives spoke and their idiosyncracies. 

Her contract was for five weeks in California 

"to be arbitor of manners and customs 

of the times as well as to tutor members 

of the cast, both white and Negro, in 

accent and characteristic of each class." 

She actually spent nearly eight months on 

the job. 

Wrote After Retirement 

In 1948, after a trip to Europe during 

which she wrote a series of articles for the 

Telegraph, Myrick was named associate editor 

and began her twice-weekly editorialpage 

column in 1949. continuing to write 

after her retirement in 1967. Her last column 

appeared August 17. 

Susan Myrick attended public schools in 

Milledgeville and received her college degree 

from Georgia Normal and Industrial 

College (now Georgia College). She attended 

the Battle Creek School of Physical 

Education in Michigan and later the Harvard 

School of Physical Education at Harvard 

University. 

From Harvard she went to Hastings. 

Neb., where she supervised physical education 

for school children. Later she returned 

to Milledgeville to teach physical 

education at her alma mater. She spent two 

years working for the Georgia Department 

of Education before returning to Macon as 

a high school physical education tutor. 

During her years as farm editor. Myrick 

took a particular interest in soil conservation. 

She wrote numerous stories about the 

soil-building, water-holding forage crop of 

blue lupine. In 1949. she was designated the 

"Bloomin" Lupine Queen" by Dooley County 

soil conservationists for her promotion 

of the erosion-stopping, income-boosting 

winter cover crop. 

Graveside services were held Wednesday 

(6) at Milledgeville. 

Miss Myrick is survived by two sisters. 

Mrs. Edwin Bowden of Austin. Tex., and 

Mrs. William M. l.owerre of Rome. New 

York. 

JACKSONVILLE 

JI^MC Film Management is immediately 

starting construction on its own screening 

room to be built adjacent to their new 

office on the fourth floor of One Regency 

Place in Regency Square. The new screening 

room will 

seat approximately 40 people. 

The WOMPIs tallied up 87 hours of community 

service on three projects during the 

month of August. 19'/2 hours were realized 

from their monthly bingo party for the 

residents of the Florida Christian Health 

Center. Seven hours were spent passing out 

refreshments at the dance for handicapped 

teenagers held at the Woodstock Community 

Center on Beaver Srteet. And 60' 

hours were spent answering the pledge telephones 

for a membership drive held by 

Public TV Channel 7. The WOMPIs answering 

the phones were Judy Yeager. Nell 

Haack, Ethyle Vorhis, Martha Scott. Thelma 

Claxton. Sandy Easley, Rex Grimm, 

Jidie Plyler. Joyce Malmborg and Mary 

Ellen Boyd. Each wore a bright new 

WOMPI T-shirt and each was individually 

introduced on the air. 

News from Warner Bros. Rex Grimm 

spent the Labor Day weekend in Miami 

and then went on to the WOMPI convention 

in Dallas . have a new salesman 

trainee, Jeff Goldstein, who began in 

the Jacksonville office August 28 . . . Booker 

Ron MacPhee and his wife are expecting 

the birth of their first child any day now 

Ellen Boyd also spent the Labor 

Day weeeknd away from town at beautiful 

ard relaxing Crystal Lake . Grimm 

also reports that her grandson Mike, who 

was seriously injured when hit by a truck 

several months ago, has recovered sufficiently 

to be able to start back to school 

this 

year. 

William S. Baskin, former local district 

supervisor of ABC FST, has popped up in 

CUVERA91A IS Vi SHOW 

BrSL\ESS m HAWAII TOO^ 

WTicn you come to Wuikiki, 

don't miss the famous I )oii 1 


Reef Towers Hotel. 

f 

"Pla.v Ball"—.American International 

Pictures entered the Digby men's summer 

soft-ball league in New Orleans 

and walked away with the championship 

after a 3-2 victory. Kiki Dureau 

proudly displays the elaborate trophy 

awarded to the team. 

a new and highly successful role as sales 

manager of All Jax Solid Waste Removal, 

a leading north Florida disposal firm. 

Among his clients is ABC FST. And his 

theatre industry friends remain steadily with 

him in his new work field. 

John Harlan, ABC FST home office 

executive, 

and his family have planned a 

vacation trip through England and Ireland 

with many stops along the way. 

October 1, 1978, is the target date for 

Plitt Theatre's take over of a'bC Florida 

State Theatres. 

Jack King, formerly with Clark Films, is 

now on the sales staff of Floyd Enterprises 

in the film department. 

Hundreds strong, the ABC units of theatres 

in Alabama, Florida and Georgia 

operating under the regional leadership of 

Tom Sawyer of this city—were scheduled 

NATIONAL 

Changeable 

(Continued on page SE-8) 

Letters 

lO-in S2.40 

12-m S3.10 

17.jn $5.30 

24-in S8.00 

Other sizes 

proportionately lovr 

Hard baked enamel on 1/4" Masonite/hardboarH 

resists weather and abuse. Clamp hooks with bronze 

spring hold letter to any track (describe when ordering). 

Letters stay put, are easy to change, easv 

to reod, available in a choice of colors. Availcble at 

your theatre supply dealer. Sample on request. Ask 

tor 

literature. 

Prices subject to change. 

NATIONAL DEVICES CO. 

NATIONAL CHANGEABLE LETTERS DIV. 

1535 16th St. Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 892-1072 

BOXOFFICE :: September 18. 1978 SE-7

. . Into 

MIAMI 

flrthur Godfrey, who originated so mun\ 

programs from the Greater Miami arc.i 

in previous years, was back in town recenil\ 

—this time to preside at the kickotf luncheon 

of the United Way campaign. Back in 

1953 for a live national telecast he wcni 

diving into Biscayne Bay. and arranged toi 

all kinds of other antics that publicized 

South Florida during its warm winter season 

when the rest of the countrv' was freezing. 

This vear's United Way campaign goal 

is'$I1.0.'^. M. 149(h $|. •' N. Miami, Fla., 33181 

Td: (305) 944-4470 

PLEDGE POWER—Wearing their 

WOMPI T-shirts and answering pledge 

telephones for Jacksonville public TVs 

Channel 7 are (left to right) Thelnia 

Claxton, Joyce Malmborg and Rex 

Grimm. Also participating but not 

shown were Mary Ellen Boyd, Martha 

Scott, Nell Haack, Ethyle Vorhis and 

Sandy Easley. In all, the pledge drive 

netted more than $200,000. 

funds. Todd has annoimced that he still 

plans to go before the Metro Commission 

to ask for $25,000. The council said the 

planned November festival was a worthy 

endeavor, but some of the members, especially 

George Volsky. said plans suggest 

that the event will be of only a partially 

cultural 

nature. 

Telephone invitations were issued to private 

screenings of "Girl Friends" at Wometco's 

screening room in its headquarters, 

316 N. Miami Ave.. Tuesday (12) and 

Wednesday (13). 

NEW ORLEANS 

(Continued from page SE-1) 

soring a Las Vegas Party Friday (29) and 

Saturday (30) at the Rault Holiday Inn. 

The ladies have been working extremely 

hard to make it a big success for the benefit 

of the children's hospital. 

The Sena MaU Theatre had the first public 

showing of Universal's "Paradise Alley." 

written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. 

Friday (8). 

"Goin' Coconuts." starring Donny and 

Marie Osmond, was sneaked Saturday (9) 

at the Plaza Cinema IV in Lake Forest. 

TWIN IT!! 


Drive-in Theatre Conttruction Since 1946 

• Steel Towen 

Free Esfimaies 

JACKSONVILLE 


for a final meeting of managers Tuesday 

(12)-Wednesday ^\'^) at the beachfront 

I TLMNurc Island Inn at Daytona Beach. Fla. 

Joe Charles. ABC FST manager at the 

S;in Marco, has scheduled Friday and Saturday 

midnight screenings of "The Rocky 

Horror Picture Show' . the free 

movie act was the Regency Square Branch 

Library with a 1939 Britisher, "The Stars 

Look Down," and three other freebees in 

branch library auditoriums. 

Bells may toll over the long theatre careers 

just ended by Ed and Ruby Novak, 

both managers over Kent Theatres houses 

in Fort Pierce, but now their careers move 

into new fields. Florida friends may reach 

them at their temporary retirement address 

of Route 2. Box 250. Waupaca, Wise. 

54981. Ruby has been one of the most active 

members of the Jacksonville WOMPI. 

200 miles north of where she lived. 

Among advance exhibitor screenings set 

in the Preview Theatre by ABC FSTs 

Vivian Ganas were Avco Embassy's 

"Dream of Passion" and "Watership 

Down. " plus "Girl Friends" from Warner 

Bros. 

Warners Gives a 'Taste' 

Of La. Blind Bid Law 

iConlinucd from SE-1) 

Bros, wants S2.60 tor every adult who sees 

"Superman." Should a theatre want to 

charge S2.50. it would lose 10 cents on 

even.' admission. 

Solomon says. "We're making money off 

the concessions, and that's not the business 

we're in. We want to make our money in 

the theatre business." He foresees a local 

increase to a ticket S4 for "Superman" 

(once Warner Bros, allows him to have it), 

and thinks it might happen by the first of 

the year as general practice for other "big" 

films. 

.Solomon continues. "If Hollywood lowered 

its rental fees and we lowered our 

prices. 1 think there would be an increase 

in admissions and everyone would make 

more monev." 

New Orleans WOMPI Holds 

Open Meeting Aug. 22 

NEW ORl EAN.S—The first open meeting 

of the year was held Tuesday, .-Vugusi 

22. at the Western Sizzlin' Steak House 

dining a torrential Ihimderstorm in the Melairie 

area. 

Guest speaker was Grace Wooley liom 

ihe loc.il Women .Againsi Crime .Agency. 

Mvrchitnt t'ltristinii.t Traih 

I .\sr .SKKVU K— IlKJimi AI.I 

( olor—TInl—».«.« 

PHONE '515 288-1122

— 

— 

Animals Still on Prowl 

At Top in Twin Cities 

MINNEAPOLIS— Benefits of the extsnded 

Labor Day weekend were balanced 

out by perfect weather hereabouts plus the 

hot competition of the Minnesota State 

Fair, which lured tens of thousands daily. 

TTie over-all result was that grosses retreated 

in most situations—but those which held 

their ground looked all the more impressive. 

Four newcomers, all multiples, made little 

impact. Strongest of the lot was "The Inheritance," 

which fell heir to a 125 in four 

openings. "Go Tell the Spartans," a Vietnam 

war drama, was a casualty, mustering 

a light 80 across eight screens. "Jennifer" 

was a mere 60 in four bows, and "Coming 

Attractions" indicated it would be going 

speedily, scraping up a wispy 55 in five 

situations. 


was a dazzling 700 at the Skyway II Theatre 

in a fourth lap, and also looking leggy 

were "Revenge of the Pink Panther," "Foul 

Play," "Heaven Can Wait" and "Grease." 

Now exhibition here as elsewhere enters 

the traditional September "dull-drums." The 

back-to-school distraction with its drain on 

time and money, plus the public curiosity 

about the new TV season's wares provide 

competition the film industry traditionally 

"rides out." Some interesting product is on 

the horizon, but won't dawn until late 

September or early October. 


Revenge ol the Edina I, Terrace 

Pink Panther 

(UA), 7th wk ^- 230 

Edma II Cat and Mouse (SR), 3rd wk 145 

Hopkms, Skyway I—Foul Play (Para), 6th wk 255 

Park—Heoven Can Wait (Para). 10th wk 440 

Skyway II 

Lampoon's Animal House 

Nationol 

4th v.-k (Uruv), 700 

Southtown—Grease (Para), 12th wk 190 

3 thecrtres—Eyes ol Laura Mars (Co;) 

4th wk 145 

3 theatres Who'll Stop the Rain (UA), 

The Cat from Outer Space 

4 theatres 

(BV), 

5th wk 55 

4 iV.'B) 6th 135 

theatres—Hooper wk 

4 theatres The Inheritance (SR). 125 

1st wk 

4 theatres Jenniier (AIP), 1st wk _.._ 

Coming Attractions (SR), 1st wk 

60 

55 

5 theatres 

Go Tell the 

8 theatres 

Spartans 

wk (Avco Embassy), 1st 80 

'City on Fire' Has Begun 

Photography in Montreal 

From Canadian Edit;on 

MONTREAL—Shooting began here 

Monday (7) on "City on Fire," a $5,300,000 

disaster epic starring Ava Gardner, Shelley 

Winters, Henry Fonda, Susan Clark, Barry 

Newman. Leslie Nielsen, Mavor Moore, 

Jonathan Welsh, Richard Donat, Ken 

James and Donald Pilon. 

An Astral-Bellevue-Pathe/ Sandy Howard 

production, "City on Fire" is directed by 

Alvin Rakoff, a Canadian with an international 

reputation. His numerous credits include 

"The World in My Pocket," with Rod 

Steiger; "Call Me Daddy," a TV drama for 

which he won an Emmy Award in 1969; 

"Say Hello to Yesterday," with Jean Simmons, 

and, most recently, "Romeo and 

Juliet" for the BBC. 

Harold Greenberg, president of Astral- 

Bellevue-Pathe, Montreal, and Sandy Howard 

of Los Angeles are executive producers. 

September 18, 1978 

PANTHER SHOWMANDISING GETS RESULTS—Dorean Sherd, manager 

of the UA Southgate Theatre in Milwaukee, came up with a "Big Giveaway 

Contest" to promote the August run of "Revenge of the Pink Panther." Shown 

here with a vendette dressed in a Pink Panther costume and a giant five-foot 

replica of the film character, manager Sherd arranged with the Kay Bee Toys 

Store and the Jo-Lane Shoe Store for door prizes including stuffed toys and tennis 

shoes which were given away to ticketholders during the promo. 

DES MOINES 

Lori Nelson recently resigned from the 

Central States advertising department. 

A replacement has not yet been found . . . 

Steve Blank and a couple of friends took 

a two-week vacation to Israel recently , , . 

Mr. and Mrs. Myron Blank left Tuesday 

(5) on a 16-day tour of Europe. 

. . . Gus 

. . . Maria 

Central States' Glen Nargang is off on a 

10-day fishing trip in Canada 

Campagna and his wife are on a two-week 

vacation through Wisconsin 

Denz, manager of the Centerville Theatre, 

got married recently to Gary Johnson, an 

employee of Clark's Thermo-Gas in Centerville 

where they will live. 

Congratulations to Marty Hoffman, Universal 

shipper, and Doreen Newell. They 

were married at St. Theresa's Church here. 

They took a honeymoon trip to Minneapolis. 

Sheila Beckerman from Columbia Pictures' 

home office was in town during August 

to observe operations . . . Debbie 

Wainwright spent the Labor Day weekend 

in Tulsa, Okla,, visiting relatives . . . Linda 

Stewart went to Lake Rathben. 

United Artists gave away a four-foot 

stuffed Pink Panther in a drawing recently. 

Exhibitors who booked a UA film were 

eligible for the drawing which was won by 

Richard Kellog of Winterset, Iowa, 

The new general clerk for Paramount is 

Joan McSee from Creston. She started her 

new job Tuesday (5). 

The Des Moines WOMPI chapter held 

dinner meeting Tuesday, August 29 at the 

home of Mrs. Carpers and discussed plans 

for the silver anniversary convention in 

Dallas. Those who attended the conclave 

at the Fairmont Hotel Wednesday (6) 

through Sunday (10) were Evelyn James, 

Florence Work, Joyce Taylor and her husband 

Chuck and Paul and Margaret 

Umphress. The Umphresses left early to 

stop in Arkansas to visit their children. 

The only visitor to Filmrow recently was 

Ernie Van Wey of the Sun Theatre in 

Gothenburg, Neb. 

Congratulations are extended to Tim West 

of Dubinsky Bros, whose wife Bev recently 

gave birth to a boy whom they named 

Christopher Michael. He is the West's first. 

Roof of Riviera Theatre 

Collapses; Three Injured 

From Central Edition 

ANDERSON, IND. — The roof of the 

Riviera Theatre in downtown Anderson 

(population 71,000—eighth largest of Indiana 

cities) collapsed Sunday, .\ugust 27 

as a result of heavy rains, with some 150 

patrons escaping. Three persons were injured, 

but patrons had a few minutes' warning 

when water began pouring through the 

ceilins into the auditorium. 

a

MILWAUKEE 

Ctcve and Alma Conway of the Vilas Theatre 

in Eagle River. Wis., took a display 

ad in the local weekly to express appreciation 

for the successful showing of "Damien 

—Omen II." The ad read: "Thank you 

Eagle River for your overwhelming turnout 

during the run of "Damien—Omen II.' Our 

gratitude also to the Vilas County-Review 

for their extensive coverage of the movie. 

Thank you all for making "Damien—Omen 

I!" a success at the Vilas Theatre."" 

Adults are being admitted free when accompanied 

by a child during any one of ten 

movies to be shown the fourth Saturday of 

each month at the Oconomowoc Community 

Center under the sponsorship of the 

O;onomowoc Jaycetles. The series began 

with ""Cinderfclla" starring Jerry Lewis and 

will carry on through May. 1979. with 

tickets costing $1, or 75 cents if purchased 

in advance. Oconomowoc has the 

LaBelle Theatre and also the Scotsland 

Twins located in Olympia Village. 

Parkland 1 & 2 in the Parkland .Shopping 

Center in Muskego. Wis., had a "come and 

get acquainted night'" Wednesday. August 

30 with free admission to Cinema 1. Screen 

offerings included two PG-rated films. 

'"Norman. Is That You?"" and "Eight on 

the Lam." Regular admissions were being 

charged at Cinema 2 which had an all 

Walt Disney show: ""The Jungle Book" and 

"Sign of Zorro." 

The LaBelle Theatre in Oconomowoc had 

a ""Back to .School Show"" with a coupon 

deal as part of its newspaper display ad. 

The coupon plus ."iO cents admitted bearer 

to sec ""King Kong" on any one of six matinee 

showings (two a day) Thursday. Friday 

and Saturday at 1 and .3:30 each afternoon. 

The Plymouth Theatre in Plymouth, Wis., 

had a tie-in with that town's Citizen Bank 

enabling around 500 area youngsters, called 

"junior bankers," to come to the movie 

hou.se for a free show. All children with 

savings accounts at the bank were eligible 

to attend. A photo in the Plymouth Review, 

local weekly, showed Citizens Bank's Buttons 

the Clown surrounded by kiddies while 

seated in 

the theatre lobby. 

James P. Norton, owner and operator ot 

the Chilton Cinema I in Chilton. Wis., had 

a number of extra features during August 

(called ""Anniversary' Month") to celebrate 

that theatre's first birthday since he took 

it over in 1977. Two people were admitted 

for the price of one Wednesday, August 2 

to see "Our Winning .Season." while Sunday. 

August 6 all seats were only $1.25 for the 

matinee and evening showings of "High 

Ballin' " with Peter Fonda. 

"Old-Timers Remember When Razed 

Building Was Theatre" the headline 

a is 

over a front page story accompanied by a 

photo in the Boscobel Dial showing "a 

gaping hole on Wisconsin Avenue left by 

the removal of an historic building that was 

once a theatre." A portion of the news story 

in the August 24 issue stated: ""Tommy 

Fivecoats isn't sure when Charlie Streeter. 

a Fennimorc man who showed silent films 

in Boscobel during this century's first quarter, 

built his movie house, but he places 

thL- date around 1914." Streeter used to 

show films above what is now Lark's Studio, 

according to Fivecoats. and he built the 

movie house complete with a sloping floor 

so all his patrons could have a good view. 

The theatre was closed some years later. 

The 23 Outdoor on Hwy. 23 near Ripon. 

Wis., had an "Elvis Night" Wednesday. 

August 30, with free prizes and a special 

admission of $3 a carload. Films offered 

were: ""Clambake," "Girl Happy" and "Elvis—That's 

the Way It Is." 

Film Distribution Report 

Is Completed by CMPDA 

From Canadian Edilion 

TORONTO—The Canadian Motion 

Picture 

Distributors Ass'n has completed a detailed 

paper titled "Report on the Motion 

Picture in Distribution Industry Canada." 

The report is an update and expansion 

of the 1976 "Position Paper Concerning the 

Motion Picture Distribution Industry in 

Canada." The CMPDA said, "In our view, 

the report represents the most complete 

documentation of feature film distribution 

that 

has been done to date." 

Refurbished American 

Is Open in Piltsion, Pa. 

PITTSTON. PA.—While other theatres 

in northeastern Pennsylvania communities, 

most of them in central-city sectors, have 

been closing down because of public apathy 

and increasing operating costs, the trend is 

being reversed here. On Friday (1) the darkened 

.American Theatre, located right on 

Main Street, reopened its doors after the 

ribbon-cutting ceremonies at 6:30 p.m.. 

with the showing of ""Harper Valley PTA." 

The American, once one of the premiere 

movie houses in this northeastern Pennsylvania 

area near Wilkcs-Barre. was leased by 

Paul Yanik and William Mentz. both residents 

of nearby communities, Yanik said 

he had worked at the .American Theatre. 

which had been open for a short time recently, 

and learned from the mistakes of 

the former management. He said a new 

sound system has been installed and the 

projection unit has been rebuilt for Joe 

Bartz. the union operator, to run. 

In addition, the new managers refurbished 

the lobby to its original state and 

the new look, including fresh paint on the 

ginger bread-type decorations on the lobby's 

ceiling. The refurbishing also included new 

carpeting and a new popcorn machine. The 

balcony of the theatre will be used for the 

time being. Yanik said. The theatre once 

was noted for its many stage and burlesque 

shows and features side boxes and a domed 

ceiling. 

In advance of the reopening, the marquee 

Ights carried headlines saying: "".Ml New 

and For You! 'Your' American Theatre." 

Yanik said the refurbishing gave the theatre 

a sort of n;w ""old American." He said that 

they plan to show only G, PG and R-raicd 

features. "No X-crs," he said. 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

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Japanese Films To Be 

Featured al NY Fest 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK—"New Currents in Japanese 

Cinema" will be a special series at 

the 16th New York Film Festival to be 

shown at 2:30 p.m. each day, October 2-6, 

at Alice Tully Hall. This sampling of the 

innovative and unusual work of independent 

Japanese filmmakers is co-sponsored 

by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and 

the Japan Society. 

"Pastoral Hide-and-Seek," the first presentation 

October 2, is directed by one of 

Japan's leading poets and avant-garde 

dramatists, Shuji Terayama, who will be 

present for the series. Here, he uses a 

variety of dazzling visual tricks and structural 

twists to create a unique statement 

about personal recollections. 

"Third Base," written by Terayama and 

directed by Yoichi Higashi, is a compassionate 

study of a young man's attempt to 

re-evaluate himself after committing murder 

and being confined to a progressive 

correctional institution. Baseball becomes a 

symbol of the boy's yearning for freedom 

and self-expression. 

"Sanrizuka: The Skies of May," a documentary 

by Shinsuke Ogawa, is the seventh 

in a series of films on one of the most 

controversial struggles in modern Japanese 

history. It chronicles the fight by farmers 

in the village of Sanrizuka to prevent the 

building of a new airport at Narita. 

"Preparation For the Festival," based on 

scenarist Nakajima's own youth and directed 

by Kazuo Kuroki, is a classic example of 

the Japanese youth film genre. The story is 

of a boy coming of age in a small town 

which he loves, but realizing that his aspirations 

conflict with his closed world. 

"The Pornographer," Shohei Imamura's 

unusual black comedy, has lost none of its 

satiric bite in the ten years since it was 

released in Japan. A small-time porno filmmaker 

in Osaka struggles with the corrupt 

sexual mores in the world outside and in 

his own home. A technical tour de force, 

it features the camera constantly becoming 

a voyeur, peeking through windows and 

even fish tanks. 

Brochures flvailable 

I On The fHost Beautiful Christmas Irailers 

Sin Hie Business! 

MINNEAPOLIS 

gcveral managerial changes have been announced 

by Plitt North Central Theatres. 

Linda M. Ebeling was transferred from 

the Lake Theatre, Fairmont. Minn., to the 

Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud, Minn. 

Linda's replacement at the Lake is her sister-in-law 

Debbie Ebeling, who was promoted 

from cashier to manager-operator. 

Renee Jacobs has been promoted from 

assistant manager of the Skyway Theatre 

here to manager of the Plitt Hollywood 

Theatre in LaCrosse. Wis. There, she replaces 

Dave Teague, who recently resigned 

to return to the University of Minnesota 

for graduate studies. Renee has been at the 

Skyway Theatre since it opened six years 

ago—and worked her way up the ladder 

from candy girl. 

Rick H. Bartlette has been transferred 

from the Paramount Theatre, St. Cloud, 

Minn., to the Empire Theatre, Grand 

Forks. N.D. Grand Forks happens to be 

his and his wife Ginny's hometown, where 

he started as an usher—and she as a candy 

girl—ten years ago . . . Mark Schmitz has 

been transferred to the Terrace Theatre in 

the Minneapolis suburb of Robbinsdale, a 

recent addition to the Plitt North Central 

circuit. Schmitz previously managed the 

circuit's Norstar Theatre, now shuttered, in 

downtown St. Paul. 

Completing the list of Plitt managerial 

changes, Mark Milner was transferred from 

doorman at the Skyway Theatre here to the 

State Theatre and West Mall 2 theatres. 

Sioux Falls. S.D.. as a manager trainee. 

The announcement of the changes was 

made by Bob Thill. Plitt district manager 

based here. 

Diane Dungay, secretary at the Plitt Minneapolis 

office, enjoyed a weekend in Chicago, 

attending a wedding and enjoying the 

sights in the Windy City . . . Mr. and Mrs. 

Jack Kelvie (Kelvie Booking Service) spent 

the Labor Day weekend in Chicago, where 

they visited relatives. 

Frank Newell, director of Plitt Theatres 

concessions and vending department, made 

a swing through all Minnesota and Wisconsin 

theatres with Bob Thill, district manager, 

to inspect and update concession 

counters and related areas. Newell is based 

in 

the Plitt Chicago headquarters. 

. . 

"The Sound of Music" has been brought 

back to the Cooper Theatre here, ads trumpeting 

"you asked for it in 70mm and 

stereo sound" . Full-page newspaper 

ads in both Minneapolis and St. Paul urged 

readers to "Have a Paramount Holiday" as 

the long Labor Day weekend approached. 

The pages then were divided evenly among 

"Grease," "Heaven Can Wait" and "Foul 

Play." The Paramount folk have spent a 

small fortune on full-page splashes in the 

Twin Cities sheets this summer—but a 

quick check of the local Barometer indicates 

the money has been well-spent. 

Other king-sized newspajjer ads provided 

a "countdown" on the days remaining to 

see "Star Wars." It has been well-publicized 

locally that 20th Century-Fox will "vault" 

the boxoffice giant now for an extended 

"cooling-off" period. 

Forrie Myers, Paramount branch manager, 

set the Cheech and Chong picture, "Up 

in Smoke," for a Friday (29) break in the 

Twin Cities. "It should be a big item with 

the college crowd." predicted Myers . . . 

Lee Campbell, Paramount branch booker 

here, attended the funeral Friday (1) of his 

father-in-law. Elgin Lukanen. 

Dean Schaff, Midwest Entertainment, 

journeyed to Colorado Springs, Colo., over 

the Labor Day period to attend a film festival 

there . . . The Milaca Theatre, Milaca, 

Minn., owned and operated by Carl Brownfield, 

has closed. 

Filmrow vjsitors: Joe Matuska. State Theatre. 

Jackson, Minn.; Dick Feightinger, 

Paradise. Faribault. Minn.: Norm Olson, 

Park, Park Rapids, Minn., and Dan Peterson. 

State. Brookings. S.D. 

Harrisburg Mall Promotes 

Business With Free Films 

From Eastern Edition 

HARRISBURG. PA. — Motion pictures 

will be used in a big way this coming season 

to promote shopping at the Harrisburg- 

East Mall here. The five screens in the enclosed 

shopping mall, the East 5 Theatres, 

will be utilized by the mall's merchants to 

sponsor "The 10 O'Clock Movie" every 

Thursday morning for free showings. 

The free movies for shoppers started 

Thursday (14) with "A Touch of Class." 

CWERAMA IS VS SHOW 

BUSLVESS m HAWAII TOO, 

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Minneapolis, Minn. 55416 

(612) 920-2910 

.September 18. 1978

. 

. 

Who reads Boxoffic^? 

ôple you know... 

and wont to reach 

Key people in Exhibition: 

11,893* theatre owners and managers, circuit 

executives, film buyers and bookers, and 

projectionists 

Key people in Distribution: 

1,227* distributors and sales executives, home office 

i;ianagors, bookers and publicity people 

Key people in Equipment: 

507* supply dealers, sales agents and executives 

Key people in Production: 

396* producers, directors, studio executives, 

cameramen, actors and virriters 

Key People in the Media: 

208* newspaper, magazine editors and writers and 

icdio-TV broadcasters 

Recognize your soles prospect? 

You should because more key 

people in the fikn industry rely on 

BOXOFFICE for its complete and 

accurate information than any other 

film industry publication with ABC 

audited circulation.* 

Take one small step today toward 

big sales tomorrow . . . deliver your 

advertising message to the BOX- 

OFFICE Reader: someone who is 

integral to the film industry . . 

someone who makes the big 

^decisions . . 

>omeone like you. 

AuiJil Hiirr»ii of Ciriulalii.ii^ 

riil)li«li.r'» Stulfnicnl for 6 nio», .ncliiin Jiinr 30, 1977 

U L 

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Sopii'mlxT IS. 1'>7S

— 

Cleveland Gross Drops 

As Classes Resume 

(Un;v,i, 4lh V.-,; 700 

5 theatres Revenge of the Pink Panther (UA), 

7th wk ...130 

5 theatres—Who'll Stop the Rain (UA), 1st wk 95 

Ice Cream Parlor Featured 

In 'Harper Valley' a Hit 

LEBANON. OHIO—An old-fashioned 

ice cream parlor here can credit much of 

its success to a cameo appearance in the 

film "Harper Valley PTA." part of which 

was made in this city. The spot has become 

a symbol of civic pride and is the most 

successful project of a 150-member civic 

group known as Greater Lebanon, Inc. 

This group has tried several projects, including 

creating an industrial park, purchasing 

downtown offices and providing 

parking lots. The ice-cream parlor, decorated 

to reflect the charm of a turn-of-thecentury 

soda fountain, opened in 1969. 

when Greater Lebanon bought the building. 

It formerly had housed a tavern. 

By 1971. the civic leaders were ready to 

"throw in the sponge," as Marvin Young, 

president, said. However they rounded up 

some volunteers to work in the soda fountain 

and it continued in business. He said 

the parlor has been in the black the last two 

years, and part of the success is due to the 

film. 

"People come in and say they saw the 

soda fountain in the movie, and they wanted 

to see it in reality." Young said. Sometimes 

patrons get their sodas served by the 

Rev. Ronald Foulk. retired pharmacist Carl 

McKay or some other civic personage who 

is willing to help out when the regular paid 

employees are not available. 

John Milius is producing "Hardcore" for 

Columbia Pictures release. 

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Bingo Renewal Bid Turned 

Down by Ohio Att'yGen. 

TOLEDO. OHIO—Charging failure 10 

use funds from the bingo games for charitable 

purposes, as required by Ohio anti- 

CLEVELAND — •Intcrnatioricil Velvetdebuted 

here to little media fanfare, pulling 

"Who'll Stop 

bingo laws, the Ohio attorney general's 

in only an 85 per cent rating. office in Columbus has turned down an 

application for renewal of the state license 

the Rain" fared little better, drawing only 

held by the Knights of Pythias Two 

a 95. "Harper Valley PTA" and "Toolbox 

here. 

Murders" both had opening weeks of 160. lodges of the Knights of Pythias used a 

"National Lampoon's Animal House" was large hall in West Toledo for bingo, which 

the clear winner, however, with a solid 700. has been offered four nights a week. 

Nearest comp>etitor was "Heaven Can 

Wait." still drawing 310 in its tenth week. 

The turning down came after officials of 

the state's charitable foundations section 


had monitored the operation and examined 

2 theatres —A Diiierent Story (Emb), 2nd wk .145 

theatres—Piranha (New York), 2nd wk 145 

2 financial records prepared by the lodge. 

Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

2 theatres Sgl. 

Band (Univ), 7th wk 130 According to the state, the lodge paid its 

2 theatres Toolbox Murders (SR). 1st wk. 160 

workers, in violation of state bingo laws; 

3 theatres—Avalanche (New World), 1st wk 155 

4 theatres Grease (Para), 12th wk 180 failed to keep proper records, and failed 

Heoven Can Wait (Para), 

4 theatres 

wk to use all money beyond operating e.xpenses 

10th 310 

4 theatres— Harper Valley PTA (SR). 1st wk 160 for charitable purposes. 

5 then-. —Foul Play (Pa-a\ bf^ wk 275 

Michael Zetezalo. assistant chief of the 

5 thea-' i—Hooper .-.VB) (^trwV. 225 

5 theat.---:—National Lampoon's Animal House 

state's charitable foundations section, said; 

"We believe some of the money was being 

skimmed out," noting that his office has 

received reports of sizable loans being made 

to individuals from receipts of the bingo 

games. The Toledo police vice squad said 

they sought an audit by the state after 

noting discrepancies in the financial records 

of the bingo operations. 

Civic Theatre, Student 

Center Offer Film Shows 

AKRON. OHIO — Lovers of old-time 

and not-so-old-time films can always turn 

to the offerings of the Akron Civic Theatre 

in downtown Akron, or to the weekend 

offerings of the University of Akron's Student 

Center programs, if they want to see 

films 

they may have missed earlier. 

Saturday (9) the Civic offered a revival 

of "The Sting." with Newman and Redford, 

and on Sunday (10) the Civic launched 

a series of Sunday matinee films, the 

initial offering being Art Carney in "Harry 

and Tonto." Admission at the civic is $2 

for adults. SI for children and $1.75 for 

senior citizens. 

Meanwhile, the John S. Knight auditorium 

on the University of Akron campus 

offered the 1977 hit 'film "The Goodbye 

Girl." shown at 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday 

(9) and 8:30 p.m. Sunday (10). 

.GorOEN 

/ Si (E«IS \ 

/ WStMM \ 

RiNGOLD THEATftE 

Fesl Director May Try 

Year-Round Program 

C LEVEl.AND—The success of a French 

film with a Jewish theme. "Madame Rosa." 

has made it possible 

for the promoter, 

Jonathan Forman. to 

think about showing 

extraordinary films on 

a year-round basis. 

Forman. who started 

out with the promotion 

of an eightweek 

international 

film festival two years 

ago. now believes it 

is 

Jonathan Forman 

possible that the Cedar-Lee 

Theatre may develop into a permanent 

"fine arts house." 

Forman. an intense and personable young 

man of 25. said this week he is negotiating 

with the owners of the Cedar-Lee Theatre 

with the possibility that art films will continue 

to be shown beyond the September 

closing date originally set when he started 

his current "Summerfilm 78" series. 

Forman came to Cleveland in the early 

1970s to attend Case Western Reserve University. 

A native of New York City, he was 

raised in suburban Roslyn Heights. L.I. At 

CWRU he received a degree in speech communication. 

As part of his work, he took 

a course in the film with Dr. Lou Giannetti. 

which he found fascinating. Dr. Giannetti 

invited him to be co-chairperson of 

the CWRU Film Society, which presents a 

series of outstanding films that might not 

otherwise have the opportunity of being 

shown. 

"This was my first experience in how 

one rents and exhibits and promotes a 

film." said Forman. "I found it all very 

exciting." 

After his graduation in 1975 he took a 

job with Industrial Publishing Co. He worked 

as an assistant editor of a trade magazine 

called "Occupational Hazards." After 

other work in public relations, he and a 

friend. Alan Glazen. decided to put together 

the International Film Festival. "Between 

the two of us in the first year (1977) 

we managed to put on the festival without 

(Continued on page ME-2) 

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BOXOFFICE :; September 18, 1978

Scpiemlxr 

1 

Fest Director May Try 

Year-Round Program 

(Continued from page ME-1 i 

any financial support." They found themselves 

with a deficit of $1,500 at the end 

of the eight-week period. 

"Just at that time I took a leave of ab- 

exciting campaigns." 

After his brief exposure to politics. Forman 

returned to motion pictures and prepared 

for the second film festival, which 

took place last spring. "We had almost 

doubled the attendance of the First Festival." 

he noted. 

The spring festivals are designed to offer 

out-of-the-ordinary films over a two-month 

period. Forman sees the year-round, sevenday-a-week 

format now underway at the 

Ccdar-l.ee Theatre as providing an opportunity 

for the presentation not only of foreign 

films which have proven their wide 

appeal, but also of some extraordinary 

American-made films which otherwise 

would get only short bookings or no Cleveland 

bookings at all. 

Assuming that the Cedar Lee Theatre 

will be available year-round, Forman also 

hopes to reintroduce the festival in the 

spring, perhaps condL;nsing it somewhat or 

going into a different format. One of the 

possibilities might be the use of the festival 

as a tribute to a certain film director, such 

There is another booking and 6 

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any film would stay. "It's frustrating not to 

be sure about that, but ifs a pleasant frustration." 

laughed Forman. "Ifs better to 

have to worry about a success than to worry 

about what you are going to do about your 

failures." 

DETROIT 

sence from films when I was offered a job 

"Mark Duviduff, manager of the Americana 

Complex in Southfield, suggested 

as press secretary for Ed Feighan. who was 

ninning for mayor." continued Forman. 

to his staff an idea which would benefit 

With some understatement he commented: 

the 

"This turned out to be one of the more sincere efforts of the Variety Club. He, 

along with many employees, staged a car 

wash on the lot of the Americana. Local 

merchants donated supplies such as paint, 

poster board and so on to aid in the promotion 

of the event. Hours of work went 

into the preparation and many turned out 

to participate in the fund raiser. The car 

wash proved very successful. Talk of another 

such project is circulating through 

the lobby of the Americana, so reports 

Jeffr.-y Clear, of W.S. Butterfield Theatres. 

Clark Theatre Service, Oak Park, has 

entered into an agreement with Smith Management 

to represent them in licensing and 

booking of film for their Romeo Theatre. 

Romeo. Baldev Chaudhari is vice-president. 

Shores Madrid Theatre, St. Clair Shores, 

had a special promotion for the first-run 

thriller "Slithis." Distributor Bob Rosen 

scheduled personal appearances of "the 

monster" in front of the theatre on 9 Mile 

Road and Mack for the first two evenings 

of the engagement. 

The monster was so effective (in the costume 

originally used in the movie) that a 

as King Vidor or Robert Altman. with the 

director himself might 

possibility that the traffic jam resulted at this very busy intersection. 

pay a visit to Cleveland. "Obviously we 

Ms. Buermele, manager, had to 

need the cooperation of the companies for 

step into the street to direct traffic. Drivers 

something like that." 

stopped their vehicles and got out to see 

He noted that the popularity of "Madame and photograph this unusual sight. 

Rosa" made it difficult to decide how long The monster also caused some loud 

screaming as he roamed up and down the 

aisles during the showing of the picture. 

Ms. Buermele said the personal appearance 

hypoed boxoffice receipts. Also there have 

been numerous phone calls inquiring as to 

when the monster would re-appear. Second 

feature with "Slilhis" was "Tentacles." This 

theatre is booked by Kelly Ihcalre Service. 

Southfield. 

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(502) 896-9578 

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CLEVELAND 

êlebrities in Cle\eland within the next 

lew weeki include John Davidson at 

the Front Row Theatre with special guest 

star Jerr\ Van Dyke. Also Bob Hope is 

returning to his home town for a onc-nightonly 

benefit jjerformance at the Front Row. 

The benefit is billed as being "For the 

Health of It" and is for the Women's .Ass'n 

of the Cleveland Health Education Mu- 

The Hanna Theatre has completed its 

program for its subscription series which includes 

numerous film stars. It will open 

October 9 with Deborah Kerr in Frederick 

Lonsdale's suspense comedy "The Last of 

Mrs. Cheyney." Ms. Kerr is a six-time 

Oscar nominee and four-time recipient of 

the New York Film Critics" annual best 

award. .Among her best-known films 

actress 

are "From Here to Eternity." "The King 

and 1" and "The Chalk Garden." 

Universal Pictures held the "First 

Public Showing Anywhere" at the Parmatown 

Theatre Friday (8) of Sylvester Stallone's 

"Paradise Alley." It also stars Kevin 

Conway, Anne Archer, Joe Spinell, .Armand 

Assantc, Lee Canalito. Terry Funk, Frank 

McRae. Joyce Ingalls and Tom Waits and 

was written and directed by Stallone. 

A release from Paula Jamrock of John 

litis Associates in Chicago, who handles the 

publicity for Universal, states that "Smokcy 

and the Bandit" will return to the Cleveland 

area for a special multiple theatre engagement. 

"Smokey" will be shown at some 

60 theatres throughout Cleveland and the 

northern Ohio area. Engagements were slated 

to begin Friday (15). 

"A house is needed for a film about a 

Shaker widow" was a headline in the Plain 

Dealer. A large tudor house is needed for 

a television movie to be made by Ross 

Hunter. Unless it is located .soon, Cleveland 

may lose out as th; location. Negotiations 

are under way to film location 

scenes of "The Best Place to Be," based 

on Helen Van Slyke's novel about a rich 

Shaker Heights widow. Hunter grew up 

in Cleveland and is excited about filming 

in his home town. The story is set here. 

but we are in competition with Chicago, 

according to Mari Barnum, manager of the 

Ohio Film Bureau in Columbus. 

Cleveland's Case Western Reserve Uni- 

\erMi> I Mm Society has a most interesting 

film series this fall. I"rom Sunday (17) 

through Sunday (24), one can view "The 

Circus," "Hi, Mom." "Pretty Baby," "La 

V»li\ IS IX SHOW 

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— 

Grande Bourgeoise" and "Monte Carlo." 

Admission to all films is nominal; admission 

to Sunday films is free and coffee is served. 

The Playhouse Square Foundation also 

has a great fall line-up. Unfortunately Pearl 

Bailey was one of the first 

presentations but 

cancelled due to poor health. Next on their 

bill is the Mills brothers with Count Basic 

and his orchestra. October 13-15. Clevelanders 

will welcome Doc Severinsen. who 

warmed up the Cleveland audiences during 

last year's blizzards. 

Columbia will open Farrah Fawcett-Majors 

Friday (29) in "Somebody Killed Her 

Husband" at multiple theatres. 

"Born Again" is on Avco Embassy's list 

of future presentations. It stars Dean Jones. 

Anne Francis. Jay Robinson. Dana Andrews 

and Raymond St. Jacques. 

Suburb of Columbus Will 

Establish Film Society 

UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO—This affluent 

village adjacent to Columbus has a 

cultural arts commission, which plans to 

set up a local film club to handle future 

film presentations in the Municipal Services 

Center. If enough interest in the project is 

shown, the film society would be in charge 

of the free film series now sponsored by 

the Cultural Arts Commission. 

The current series tentatively is set to 

start Wednesday (20) and offer free programs 

once a month through June 1979. 

with the exception of May, when films 

will be shown weekly. The society rents the 

films for between $75 and $100, and uses 

city equipment for the shows in the city 

services building. 

Theatre Owner J. Beidler 

Dies in Fla. at Age 85 

TOLEDO. OHIO—James A. Beidler jr.. 

85. former Toledo theatre owner, died August 

29 in St. Petersburg. Fla. 

For 21 years he was a partner with the 

late Martin Smith of Smith & Beidler Theatres 

which included the Eastwood and Westwood 

de luxe nabe houses and the former 

Royal. Park and East Auditorium theatres. 

The firm also managed the former downtown 

first-run Rivoli, Palace and Pantheon 

theatres for a New York company. 

Beidler retired in 1960. He was known 

in yachting circles, having been past commodore 

of the Inter-Lake Yachting Ass'n. 

A daughter. Mrs. Marilyn Stuckey, survives. 

Arlene Rothenberg and Bill Gerber will 

produce "Final Payments," based on May 

Gordon's novel. 

Tower Is Remembered 

As Big Money-Maker 

"'HOUSiON-^-Ifs" where that midnight 

movie phenomenon "The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show' got its start. Where one of 

Houston's first 'naughty' films. 'And God 

Created Woman' with Brigitte Bardot, 

played. Where 'The Sound of Music' finished 

its record breaking 90-week continuous 

run engagement. Where Houston first 

saw widescreen Todd-AO Vision in 1956 

for 'Oklahoma!' And where—as you will 

find no place else in town—the curtain 

travels from the floor up to the ceiling." 

recalled Eric Gerber, Houston Post film 

writer, 

recently. 

"It's the Tower theatre and don't bother 

looking to see what's playing there this 

weekend. It's closed," wrote Gerber. His 

story is quoted here. 

Four Decades Old 

After more than four decades in operation, 

the 984-seat theatre at Westheimer 

near Montrose — showed what is probably its 

last film "Jaws 2" —Thursday night, August 

24. Like most of the grand theatres 

built in the 1930s and 1940s, the Tower has 

become a dinosaur in the Ice Age. 

With rising real estate prices and exclusive, 

first-run films increasingly difficult to 

book, single-screen houses like the Tower 

have had a difficult time remaining financially 

viable. The movie industry has, instead, 

gone to the "cracker-box," multiscreen 

houses where the same amount of 

land can accommodate four or six screens. 

Of course, those screens are barely a third 

the size of the Tower's. There's no flashing 

neon marquee out front like the Tower's, 

and the interiors of the multiscieen houses 

are a far cry from the Art Deco-ish decor 

of the old theatre. 

Still, the Tower—which will become a 

legit theatre and concert hall—is one of 

the luckier "dinosaurs." Many across the 

country have been razed. 

It opened on Valentine's Day. 1936 

showing "Barbary Coast" with Edward G. 

Robinson. Joel McCrea and Miriam Hopkins—with 

an all-girl drum and bugle corps 

called the Black Battalion performing out 

front. Inside, a 30-piece orchestra was on 

JOHN TRAVOLTA 

i;fo„ FAN PHOTO 


hand to play the inaugural overture and 

Mayor Oscar Holcombe made a dedication 

speech. 

The Tower was one of four theatres built 

in that period—the Eastwood, the Yale and 

the North Main—and they were the first 

real neighborhood houses in Houston, says 

Ross Vallone, who managed the Interstate 

house in the 1950s, and is general manager 

of the Plitt-Interstate circuit here. Of the 

other three, only the North Main remains, 

showing Spanish-language films. 

"It was one of Houston's finest theatres," 

Vallone said of the Tower. "We had some 

of the great films, 

too." 

Future of the Bloomfield 

In Royal Oak Is in Doubt 

ROYAL OAK. MICH.—No plans 

have 

been made yet for the future of the Bloomfield 

Theatre in downtown Birmingham, 

Mich. Gary P. Deeb. co-owner of the 

Bloomfield and the Birmingham theatres, 

has stated that no decision has yet been 

made, although live theatre and concerts 

have been booked into the Birmingham. 

Deeb indicated that chances were "slim" 

that the Bloomfield will reopen as a theatre. 

"Plitt-Michigan Theatre Corp. (prior 

owners of the building) had been losing 

money, despite the experience in the theatre 

business that they had," Deeb remarked. 

Meanwhile the Studio Four Theatre, 

across the street, has been leased as headquarters 

for the Republican campaign this 

fall, city officials say. The Studio Four 

owners fought with the city over rights to 

show X-rated films. They won the case 

but never followed through with the plan. 

lane Fonda Double-Bill 

AKRON. OHIO—The Akron Civic Theatre 

recently held a "Jane Fonda Night," 

showing two films— "Barbarella" and "They 

Shoot Horses, Don't They'?" Admission was 

$2 for adults, $1.75 for senior citizens and 

$1 for children under 12. 

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ME-4 BOXOFFICE ScnlciiilKi IS. I'>7S

— 

— 

—— 

. . The 

Dona Flor and Spouses 

Blissful in New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—Carnaval/ New Yorker 

Films" "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands" 

generated a brisk 225 at the Sampson & 

Spodick York Square Cinema. Columbia's 

"The Buddy Holly Story" hit 185, RKO- 

Stanley Warner Cinemart 2 and General 

Cinema Corp.'s Milford Cinemas 2. United 

Artists" "Who'll Stop the Rain" at Whitney 

and Bowl Drive-In registered 175. And 

state's rights "20th Century Oz" hit 165, 

Redstone Milford Twin Drive-In. Paramount's 

"Grease,"" United Artists" "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther"' and Warner Bros.' 

"Hooper" were among the stronger continuing 

titles. 

100) 

II—Hot Lead and Cold Fee 

Cinemart I 

The Buddy Holly Story 

(Col), Is 

Cinemart II 

Hooper iV/B), ^^-ih -.vk 

Milford Tw 

—20th Century Oz 

(SR), 1st wk 

Showcase I—National L 

(Univ), 3rd wk 

Showcase II—Foul Play 

Showcase III—Revenge the Pink Panihe 

(UA), 7th 

Sho IV—He 

10th wl 

Showcase 

Whitney, -Who'll Stop the Rain (UA). 

1st wk. 

nema Dona Flor and Her Two 

Short Titles—"Secrets, "Grease' and 

"Hooper'— Run Long in Hartford 

HARTFORD—Five new attractions 

generated 

well-above-average percentages, paced 

by Lone Star Pictures International's 

"Secrets," with 250 at the Redstone Showcase 

6. United Artists" "Who'll Stop the 

Rain," SBC Cinema City 4 and Perakos Elm 

2, chalked up 220. New World Pictures' 

"A Little Night Music." Cinema City 4, 

rang up 150; Cinema 5"s "Dear Inspector,'" 

Atheneum Cinema, 135, and state"s rights 

X release, "Love Airlines'" at the Ernest A. 

Grecula Art Cinema, came up with 130. 

Art Cinema—Love AirUnes (SR), 1st wk 130 

Atheneum Cinema Dear Inspector (SR), 

1st wk 135 

_ ._ 

Cinema City I, Elm I—The Buddy Holly Story 

(Col), 2nd wk 

Cinema City III, Elm It—Who'll Stop the Rain 

150 

(UA), 1st wk 220 

Cinema City IV—A Little Night Music 

(New World), 1st wk 150 

Showcase I Heaven Co Wait 

Showcase II—Secrets (SR), Isl wk 

Showcase III—Grease (Para), 12th wk. .. 

Showcase IV Foul Ploy (Para). 4th wk 

Showcase V Revenge of the Pink Panther 

(UA), 7th 

VI- 2 (Un 

3 theatres Notional Lampoon's Anim 

(Univ), 5th wk 

4 theatres Hot Lead and Cold Feet 

2nd wk 

5 theatres—Hooper (WB), 6lh wk. ... 

..250 

Columbia's Dan W. Lufkin 

Purchases Additional Stock 

HARTFORD—Dan W. Lufkin. former 

Connecticut environmental protection commissioner 

and now a key executive of Columbia 

Pictures Industries, has bought 

15.000 shares of the firm"s stock, bringing 

his personal holdings to 37,500 shares, according 

to a report filed with the Securities 

and Exchange Commission. Lufkin maintains 

residence in Connecticut"s Litchfield 

county. 

NEW HAVEN 

fhe Spodick College Street Cinema, now on 

conventional booking policy (X product 

previously was shown exclusively), has new 

admission policy in effect: $1.50 at all times, 

with only 99 cents charged for children and 

those displaying college ID cards. The price 

pattern is comparable to the Sampson & 

Spodick Lincoln. The latter, which is an 

import showcase in the main, has been 

charging $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for students 

at all times. A 99-cents admission for 

senior citizens only continues in effect at 

the RKO-Stanley Warner Cinemart 2, Hamden 

Shopping Center . Sampson and 

Spodick Lincoln is wrapping up its summer 

festival, comprised of 91 motion pictrues in 

105 days. Admission for all showings is 

$2,50. with students and senior citizens 

charged a dollar less. 

The Strand, Haniden, with sub-run scheduling 

of Paramount"s "Saturday Night Fever,'" 

advertised 99-cents admission with 

ads captioned, "Catch It For Only 99 

cents!"' 

The Chesire Public Library screened Continental 

Releasing"s "The Shameless Old 

Lady." 1966 release co-starring Sylvia and 

Malka Ribovska, as a free attraction on 

a recent Thursday. The film has French 

dialogue with English titles. In the main, 

most such free attractions are vintage domestic 

releases. 

Both the Redstone Showcase 5. Orange, 

and the General Cinema Corp. Milford 

Cinemas 2 have "reduced" rates in effect 

—Redstone charges $2.50 to 2:30 p.m.; 

GCC charges $1.50 to 2 p.m.. Saturdays, 

Sundays and holidays. At the same time, the 

GCC Waterbury Cinemas 4 and the GCC 

Meriden Mall 2 charge $1.50 to 2 p.m. on 

a daily basis. And the Hoffman Brothers' 

Capitol, Milford. is charging 99 cents for 

all seats to 4 p.m, on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Alfred Hitchcock's classic, "The 39 

Steps," Gaumont-British 1935 release, was 

shown as a free attraction at the North 

Haven Public Library on a recent Thursday 

night. 

New Haven Register critic Bob Eimicke, 

reviewing MGM-UA's "Corvette Summer." 

commented: ". . . since this is a happy fairy 

tale (and a summertime movie) there must 

be a happy, sappy ending. But even the 

heavy-handedness of the resolution can't obscure 

(Matthew) Robbins' tight, quickthinking 

is direction. There always something 

more going on in the frame than first 

meets the eye. The first half of 'Corvette 

Summer' is a wonderful movie." 

Ads Tout Easy Access 

HARTFORD— In a "first" in recent years 

for a Rhode Island cinema, the Cinema 6 

Twin, Johnston, has been running newspaper 

advertising emphasizing easy accessibility. 

The ad includes a detailed highway map 

and estimated traveling time from nearby 

communities. 

Suit Brought Against 

GCM By Handicapped 

PORTLAND. ME,— In the first such development 

affecting Maine exhibition, a 

Westbrook paraplegic has brought suit in 

Cumberland County Superior Court against 

General Cinema of Maine, doing business 

as the Maine Mall Cinemas (suburban Portland). 

Charging that GCM has violated the 

Maine Human Rights Act by failing to provide 

proper access for handicapped persons, 

Margaret Harnois is seeking an injunction to 

order the cinema circuit to comply with the 

law. She also wants the court to give the 

matter a hearing "of first priority on the 

docket" and to award her the maximum 

$100 civil penalty. 

Attorney Gary W. Libby, formerly with 

the State Human Rights Commission, is representing 

Ms. Harnois and quotes her as 

saying that she has no axe to grind and 

would be happy to settle the matter if the 

cinema plex provided proper access. 

The prevailing state law requires that all 

places of public accomodation constructed 

since Sept. 1, 1974, or which have undergone 

extensive remodeling in the interim, 

must have a ground level entrance or a 

ramp, which can be negotiated by persons 

in wheelchairs, accessible doorways, nonslip 

floors, elevators when necessary and restroom 

facilities accessible and usable to physically 

handicapped persons, including those 

in 

wheelchairs. 

Doug Driesen, manager of the GCM 

plex, said that there is a ramp leading to 

an exit door of Cinema I and that patrons 

in wheelchairs may enter the theatre that 

way if it is requested. Restroom facilities 

also are accessible to handicapped, but there 

is no ramp, only steps, leading to the front 

entrance lobby, he added. 

Engle and Myerson Join 

Forces in New Dist. Effort 

BCSTON—Sumner Myerson and Jim 

Engle have formed a partnership in a new 

motion picture distribution company called 

Regal Films, it was announced. Both principals 

have stated that it is their intention to 

give independent producers the very best 

representation in New England. 

Engle has a background of 14 years in 

distribution with major companies such as 

Paramount, 20th Century-Fox and Warner 

Bros. He has served in various capacities 

from salesman to branch manager, as well 

as five and a half years in independent distribution. 

Myerson, a long-time film industry veteran, 

has diversified interests in New England 

motion pictures, including Film Booking 

Service, L&M Concessions and various 

other industry services. 

Combining with Myerson and Engle in the 

sales force for the new concern will be 

Dave Landau and Richard Myerson. Both 

have sales backgrounds with major film 

companies and experience in exhibition. 

Engle and Myerson have acquired several 

films for distribution. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 1978 NE-1

— 

CAPE COD 

jôidover attractions far out-numbered the 

incoming bloc, the situation dramatical- 

1\ demonstrating boxofficc strength of such 

extended engagements as Paramount's 

"Grease" plus "Heaven Can Wail" plus 

"Foul Play." Universal's "National Lamp«.Kin's 

Animal House" plus the reprise of 

"Smokey and the Bandit," Warner Bros.' 

"Hooper." United Artists" "Revenge of the 

Pink Panther," Columbia's "Eyes of Laura 

Mars" and others. 

•The Buddy Holly Story" from Columbia 

had an exclusive Cape premiere in auditorium 

two of the Interstate Theatres of New 

England's Cinema Centre 3. Hyannis . . . 

The Cape Cinema in Dennis brought back 

20th-Fox's "The Rocky Horror Picture 

Show" for a 12:30 midnight special screening 

ITNE's Cinema Centre 3, Hyannis. playing 

"Grease," enthused in advertising: "Held 

over 10th big week! It gets better every 

time you see it . . . again . . and again 

. . . and again!" 

MGM's 1937 classic, "Captains Courageous." 

starring Spencer Tracy, was shown as 

a free attraction the other Friday morning 

at the Ostcrvilie Free Library in Osterville. 

The Cape's traditional summer theatre 

season wound down for 1978, concluding 

attractions a revue, including "4 Girls 4," 

with Rosemary Clooney. Rose Marie, Helen 

O'Connell and Margaret Whiting, at the 

Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis. All 

scats were at $9.50. The Falmouth Playhouse 

presented "A Party With Betty Comden 

and Adolph Green," charging from $5 

up to $25 (latter price advertised as a "Silver 

Anniversary Special" and applicable to 

a full dinner and orchestra seat for two). In 

addition. Lorna Luft, daughter of the late 

Judy Garland and Sid Luft, premiered her 

new cabaret act at the Crown & Anchor 

Motor Inn, Provincetown. She is half-sister 

of internationally-known Liza Minnelli. Ads 

enthused: "First, Judy . . . then, Liza . . . 

now. Lorna!" 

The Buzzards Bay Theatre, Buzzards 

Bay, advertised $1.50 admission Sunday and 

Wednesday nights, with $2.50 (adults) and 

51.50 (children) charge in effect all other 

evenings. 

The Falmouth Playhouse featured veteran 

thespian Farley Granger in the thriller 

"Count Dracula" for a week, with tickets 

scaled from S5 to $8.90. 

The Osterville Free Library hosted a free 

showing, on a recent Friday morning of 

"Damsel in Distress," 1937 RKO release 

co-starring Fred Astaire, George Burns, 

Gracie Alien and Joan Fontaine. The musical 

was directed by the late, gifted George 

Stevens. 

HARTFORD 

phe timing couldn't have been better. The 

Buddy Holly Memorial Society, headed 

by Welhersfieider William Griggs, decided 

to hold its first international convention in 

Wethersfield just as Columbia's "The Buddy 

Holly Story" was playing at the SBC Cinema 

City 4, Hartford, and Perakos Elm 2, 

West Hartford. The rock 'n roll singer/composer, 

subject of the current Columbia release, 

died at age 22 in a February 1959 

plane crash. 

Katharine Hepburn applied to the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers to build three 

breakwaters to reduce erosion of her beach 

property at Old Saybrook. Although an infrequent 

visitor to the shoreline community. 

Miss Hepburn owns a home in the borough 

of Fenwick, a private residential section of 

Old Saybrook. The actress wants to build 

three stone breakwaters ranging in length 

from no to 170 feet. They would be situated 

east of three existing breakwaters and 

would control sand movement, 

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" 

played a reprise engagement at midnight 

over a recent weekend at United Artists 

Theatres' Theatres East 3, Manchester 

Shopping Parkade. 

Paramount's "A Farewell to .\rms," the 

1932 release with Ciary Cooper and Helen 

Hayes, was shown at Hartford College for 

Women on a Wednesday night under sponsorship 

of the West End Arts Council. .\l\- 

mission was $1 .50. 

MAINE 

fêw titles on .Maine marquees included Columbia's 

"The Buddy Holly Story" plus 

"E\es of Laura Mars," the Universal reprise 

of "Smokey and the Bandit," state's rights 

R product "Nightmare in Blood" and "Axe" 

and X product "Reflections," "French 

Classmates," "Exploring Girls" and "My X- 

Rated Wife." 

.Significantly, while the earlier John Travolta 

starrer, ""Saturday Night Fever," has 

continued to register surprisingly strong 

boxoffice response many months after initial 

release, the young star's latest, "Grease," 

is building attendance records of its own 

indicating that star quality has accompanied 

the "Welcome Back, Kotter" player's literally 

overnight recognition as a big-screen 

principal. Much like Burt Reynolds (whose 

"Hooper" has out-paced many another major 

release this summer), Travolta has evoked 

a sense of loyalty, a must-see attitude, 

on the pan of an enormous quantity of 

Maine moviegoers. He has dominated such 

preference across the state through most of 

1978. 

Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. As 

witness the true-life story of Bangor's Michael 

Moody, who followed an acting career, 

both in New York and Hollywood, before 

opting for a playwriting stint. He has received 

an advance from an unidentified film 

production firm to develop the screenplay 

lor a feature film. The story-line? A Maine 

youth leaves the Pine Tree .State to seek his 

lame and fortune. 

Columbia's "It Happened One Night," 

1934 release with Clark Gable and cfaudette 

Colbert, was screened at the Old Orchard 

Beach Town Hall. 

A New York dispatch to the Maine Sunday 

Telegram, Portland, quoted Melina 

Mercouri on the current state of TV: "I 

have never seen such vulgarity," The article, 

plugging Avco Embassy's "A Dream 

of Passion,"" Miss Mercouri's latest film, 

said that the actress "resented the rapid-fire 

way guests are rushed before an audience" 

on television. "On one show,'" the article 

noted, "'she came after a man doing exercises. 

She imitated his musele-fleving." 

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^êstern Massachusetts premieres: Lone 

Star Pictures' "Secrets." state's rights X 

product including "Candy's Candy." "Personal 

Service." "Love Couch" and "Cherry 

Truckers." NMD Films' R-rated "Alice in 

Wonderland" and "Erotic Adventures of 

Pinocchio." 

Staying on were Paramount's "Grease" 

plus "Heaven Can Wait" plus "Foul Play," 

Columbia's "Eyes of Laura Mars" plus 

"The Cheap Detective," Warner Bros.' 

"Hooper," United Artists' "The Last Waltz" 

plus "Revenge of the Pink Panther," Buena 

Vista's "Hot Lead and Cold Feet," Universal's 


plus "Jaws 2" plus the reprise of "Smokey 

and the Bandit" and of 20th-Fox's rerun 

of "Star Wars." 

The Sundown Drive-In, Westfield. participating 

in regional saturation playdates of 

"Star Wars" (the underskyer charged $5- 

per-carload, regardless of number of passengers), 

advertised: " 'Star Wars' is back 

by popular demand. This is your last chance 

to see it!" 

The Springfield Plaza Twin Cinemas, 

playing "The Cheap Detective," enthused 

in ad copy: "The only thing cheap about 

The Cheap Detective' is the price! Nothing 

but laughs!" Both auditoriums charge $1.25 

admission for all seats at all times, with ongoing 

advertising emphasizing. "See the best 

for less! All times all seats only $1.25!" 

Richard Freednian, Newhouse News Serv- 

"Foul Play' that they divert your attention 

sufficiently from the silly plot and hoary 

sight gags of this no-think mystery-comedy 

to make it beguiling summer viewing." 

Free Springfield Public Library film attractions 

included 20th-Fox's "Cheaper by 

the Dozen." 1950 release co-starring 

Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, and "Tillie's 

Punctured Romance," the Charlie Chaplin- 

Marie Dressier classic. 

A Washington Post news service dispatch 

appearing in the Springfield Newspapers 

quoted Hal Needham. stuntman-turned-di- 

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rector, talking about his pleasure over guiding 

long-time friend Burt Reynolds in 

"Hooper." "As a kid." Needham noted, "if 

you could do something extremely well and 

get people to laugh at it, then you'd do it 

again. When you work as a stuntman 

when I hear those clapboards snappin'. 

well, the old adrenalin just jumps right at 

my heart because I know I'm on, you 

know? You're not just throwing the dice for 

a hundred bucks—you're putting your life 

out there!" 

NEW BRITAIN 

êntral Connecticut may be getting a 

$5,000,000 performing arts center containing 

16,000 square feet of floor space, 

the development to be made available for 

such activity as commercial automobile and 

boat shows. A proposal has been formally 

submitted to the Bristol Redevelopment 

Agency by John Norton, president of Sun 

Realty. 

Tony Reynaud resumed "Bargain Nites" 

at the Bristol Cinemas 2. There is a $1.25 

admission in effect on Mondays and Tuesdays 

. . . The Naugatuck Valley Mall sponsored 

a 10 a.m.. Saturday, showing of Universal's 

"Pufnstuf," 1970 release with Jack 

Wild, Billie Hayes and Martha Raye, at 

General Cinema Corp.'s Naugatuck Valley 

Mall Cinemas 4. Tickets were distributed 

free, on a first-come, first-served basis, on 

the Thursday and Friday before the performance. 

Distribution was handled in the 

mall itself. 

ice, reviewing "Hot Lead and Cold Feet" 

in the Morning Union said, in part: "Only The Ferguson/ Paul Queen Plaza, Southington. 

and Cinema, Kensington, incorpo- 

Disney Studios could make an antique but 

still lethal machine gun look as lovable as rated this copy in newspaper advertising for 

it does in "Hot Lead and Cold Feet.' the reprise of 20th-Fox's "Star Wars"; "Notice 

latest cheapie charmer to head for the preteen 

audience" . had this to say about taken out of release on September 7th. This 

from 20th Century-Fox— 'Star Wars' will be 

"Foul Play." new Paramount release: "Two is your last chance to see this film. Don't 

veteran TV comics, Goldie Hawn and miss !" 

it! ! 

Chevy Chase, race so manically through 

BOXOFFICE :: September 

Matinee Price Takes Dive 

BROCKTON. MASS.—The Brockton 

East Twin Cinema played Buena Vista's 

"Hot Lead and Cold Feet." charging $1.50 

for matinees to 5 p.m. 

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to: 

payable Wesley Trout, Cash, 

Check or M.O.-No COD.s). WESLEY 

TROUT, EDITOR, Box 575, Enid, Oklahoma 

73701. 

NEW BEDFORD 

Coutheastern Massachusetts premieres: 

MGM-UA's "Corvette Summer," Carnaval/ 

New Yorker Films' "Dona Flor and 

Her Two Husbands," Universal's reprise of 

"Smokey and the Bandit" and state's rights 

X release. "China Sisters." 

Continuing attractions included United 

Artists' "Revenge of the Pink Panther," 

Warner Bros.' "Hooper." Buena Vista's "Hot 

Lead and Cold Feet." Universal's "National 

Lampoon's Animal House." Columbia's 

'Eyes of Laura Mars" and Paramount's 

"Grease" plus "Foul Play." 

Standard-Times arts critic Earl J. Dias, 

writing about warm weather film releases, 

said, in part: "First of all, there has been a 

decided emphasis on action and violence 

some of it mindless and banal. Chief offenders 

in this regard have been two screenplays 

about the trucking industry—Sam 

Peckinpah's pretentious and tasteless 'Convoy,' 

and the recent 'High-Ballin' which is 

one of the dumbest ventures into highway 

mayhem that I have seen in years, 

"Following close behind these two," the 

critic continued, "is 'Jaws 2,' a silly item 

with its menacing shark feeding on a diet 

of tanned and look-alike teenagers, and 

'Eyes of Laura Mars,' all about decadent 

photography and a series of gory murders 

"A Tree Crows in Brooklyn," the 20th- 

Fo,\ 1945 release directed by Elia Kazan 

and featuring Dorothy McGuire, Joan Blondell. 

James Dunn and Lloyd Nolan, was 

screened on a recent Thursday night in the 

auditorium of Southeastern Massachusetts 

University. 

Buzz Feitshans is the executive producer 

of "Hardcore." 

2 beats 1 

3 beats 2 

4 beats 3 

WE BEAT THEM 




cHinmnn KflicGcn 

IREET CeDARHURsl 

516 569-1990 

New 

•

1 

. 

RHODE ISLAND 

•pie 2.200-seat Washington Street Strand 

Theatre, once one of the major firstrun 

houses in Providence, has been sold 

for a reported S600.000 by Providencebased 

National Realty Corp.. to Rhode 

Island real estate developer John Rao jr. 

The building is to be converted to other 

commercial purposes. Rao has donated 

about 500 seats to the non-profit Jamestown 

Theatre. Inc.. which hopes to buy 

the Jamestown Theatre and schedule both 

motion pictures and live entertainment. 

And while the Strand is passe, there continues 

hope of sorts for another one-time 

downtown Providence giant— the former 

Loews State, known in more recent years 

as the Ocean State, and currently focus of 

massive planning by the Ocean State Performing 

Arts Center, a non-profit organization. 

Bill Gale, entertainment editor of 

the Providence Journal-Bulletin, has cautioned 

. . in print; "'. in the case of downtown 

Providence and the Ocean State, that 

transition can be made because of a fourletter 

word: park. If people can't park 

safely, cheaply and easily, then they aren't 

going to come to the Ocean State, even if 

RaqucI Welch is taking a bath on stage." 

Film critic Michael Janusonis, reviewing 

Quartet Films' import "Cat and Mouse" 

in the J-B, said, in part: " 'Cat and Mouse' 

is a fine, intricately woven murder mystery 

from France that will probably keep you 

guessing all the way through. Although the 

ending is deceptively simple (and it couldn't 

have been changed since this is based on a 

true story), director Claude Lelouch of 'A 

Man and a Woman' fame has made a film 

that is as strangely curious as a Hitchcock, 

yet as sexily alive as a Truffaut." 

The Lonsdale Twin Drive-In, Lincoln, and 

the Cranston underskyer. Cranston, have 

designated Sundays through Thursdays as 

"Family Nights." The main feature is 

The Elmwood Theatre. 

screened first . . . 

Providence, with "Smokey and the Bandit" 

in auditorium one and a 20th-Fox sub-run 

booking of "Damien—Omen 11" in auditorium 

two, charged $1 admission Wednesday 

and Thursday ... The SBC Castle 2. also 

in Providence, is charging $1.50 Monday- 

Thursday nights and all matinees, with the 

lab increased to S2 Friday, Saturday and 

Sunday nights. 

Veteran thcspian Robert Morley, now 70. 

talked of Warner Bros." upcoming "Who 

Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" 

London dispatch Providence 

in a to the 

Journal-Bullctm: "There was the scene with 

BIWLVESK LV ILtWAII 1tM» 

Wicii you ionic In WalklUl, 

don't miss tlic I'uinous 1 )()n 1 

Show . . . ut ( Inerumu's 

Reef Towers Hotel. 

RHI-I' • WAIKIKI lOWI'.H Ol ''!^ 

Illh HKI.l 

Hi.iiF lowhus • i;i K ,i;wA I i:i< *»«Jf 

a French actor, who not only had to work 

in a foreign language, but had to do so 

while cutting a duck. It was difficult for 

him. and frustrating for me. because if he 

got the words right, he certainly didn't get 

the duck right. He consistently failed to 

sever the wings. And if he got the duck 

right, the words were wrong . . . With each 

failure, he would dash the duck to the floor, 

swear in his native language, and start 

again." 

New film titJes in the region included 

Buena Vista's "Hot Lead and Cold Feet." 

MGM-UA's "Corvette Summer." as well as 

flock of state's rights X product. The holdover 

a 

bloc encompassed Columbia's "Eyes 

of Laura Mars." Warner Bros.' "Hooper." 

Universal's "Jaws 2" plus "National 

Lampoon's Animal House" plus "Sgt. Pepper's 

Lonely Hearts Club Band." Paramount's 

"Grease," "Foul Play" and "Heaven 

Can Wait" and United Artists' "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther." 

The Palace Theatre, West Warwick. 

which has eliminated Thursday through 

Sunday performances (the cinema is the 

only Rhode Island facility with both burlesque 

dancers on stage and an X-rated film on 

screen), is advertising its availability for 

"promoters of mini concerts Thursday to 

Sunday." 

The Avon Repertory Cinema, Providence, 

double-billed Charlie Chaplin's "A Woman 

of Paris" (1923. United Artists) and "Monsieur 

Verdoux" (1947. UA) . . . Columbia's 

"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962 release with 

Peter O'Toole and Alec Guinness) was 

screened at the University of Rhode Island 

on a recent Tuesday night. 

BOSTON 

Q (;. t'oiniiiimiiations will rckisc Ihicc 

lull-length animated leatiues this coming 

fall season, it was annoimccd. The three 

films are "The Adventures of Pinocchio." 

the original classic story by Carlo Collodi; 

"The Little Mermaid," a Hans Christian 

Andersen tale, and "Tubby the Tuba" from 

the beloved, widely read children's book. In 

addition to the above, G.G. Communications 

also will release "Tender Warrior" 

starring Dan Haggerly. All feaiiiies are for 

family 

audiences. 

Maurice M. Green, area Ihealre owner 

and film distributor for many years before 

his retirement, died in Miami, Fla., at age 

82. Green was the owner of the Granada 

Theatre in Maiden. Mass., and part-owner 

of the M and P theatres here. He also distributed 

pictures for Paramount. Born in 

Boston. Cireen graduated from Harvard in 

1919. He was a member of the Variety Club 

of Boston and a sponsor of the Jimmv I-'iuul 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, .i 

sun .ind two daughters. 

I)!i\e rilleniiin. Allied Artists dislrici 

Mi.ni.niti, iiioK .1 living trip throughout his 

territory recently, attending sneak previews 

of AA's upcoming release "The Wild Geese" 

in Framingham. Mass.. Albany and Buffalo. 

N.Y.. and New Haven, Conn. He reported 

that audience reaction was very good in all 

four cities. 

Film Booking Service notified all film 

.-xchar.g.'s that the Memorial Drive-In in 

West Springfield was closed permanently 

as of Sunday, July 30. TTie location has 

been sold to Kmart Enterprises for developmen; 

of a shopping center. 

The cver-alcrt Steve Barbett. head booker 

at .AIP. took off for a week's vacation with 

his wife Theresa to visit their son Dave who 

is stationed at Omaha Naval Air Base in 

Nebraska. Dave is in the military police 

division, is married and lives on the base. 

The film district gave an all-out welcome 

to Al Daytz as he appeared on Church 

Street recently. .^1 is well known to all in 

distribution and exhibition. He is now retired. 

Recent openings on Boston screens: 

"Who'll Stop the Rain" at the Saxon. "Mean 

Dog Blues " at the Gary, "A Slave of Love" 

at The Orson Welles and "One Flew Over 

the Cuckoo's Nest" at the Charles and 40 

suburban houses. 

Ben Cammack, Universal branch manager, 

sent out invitations for a tradescreening 

of "The Big Fix," the upcoming Richard 

Dreyfuss starrer, Thursday, August 31 

. . . The 

at the Parker Screening Room 

Variety Club Jimmy Fund golf tournament 

made the sports pages of the local newspapers 

this past week. Held at the Pembroke 

Country Club on the South Shore, the 

event was well-attended by industryites. 

Of interest to motion picture distributors 

in the Park Square Building was the news 

that now under construction is a screening 

room on the fourth floor. Included will be 

facilities for sales meetings, social affairs 

.ind general get-togethers. 

John Markle, publicity director at Columbia 

pictures, set up a lively promotion 

for the area opening of "The Buddy Holly 

Story" recently. WROR Radio staged a 

"Buddy Holly Sweepstakes" with listeners 

being awarded soundtrack albums and T- 

shirts, with the top winner receiving a Fender 

guitar, as used by Holly in the picture. 

The radio promo ran for two weeks, including 

the week prior to the opening, totaling 

o\er 150 airings both night and da\ 

The up-und-coming Duve landau of Regal 

I'ilm Distributors was letting everybody 

know that he was in perfect health after 

losing 50 poimds during a session at the 

Weight Loss Clinic in Framingham. Mass. 

JOHN TRAVOLTA ^SZô 

8''o, 

FAN PHOTO 


i-nilxi IS. |97,S

' 

CALGARY If Lawyers Are Frustrated Actors, 

Jessie Lynch, longtime Famous Players 

employee, is away on a five-week holiday, 

one reward for being faithful to one 

employer! She planned to spend most of 

her time in British Columbia visiting with 

family at Okanogan Lake—at this time of 

year the nicest possible place to go. 

Vcrn Reaburn, theatre inspector for the 

province of Saskatchewan, has been making 

considerable impact on the cinemas. Saskatchewan 

has a great many theatres per 

capita, with many of them being town-hall 

operations in villages of under 1. 000 population. 

Vern has been traveling around the 

province inspecting these 

houses and aiding 

the owners or management in updating the 

farilities. It seems he is none too popular 

with the owners of the businesses which 

do not meet the minimum standards set by 

Saskatchewan legislators, but Vern believes 

that if the law is on the books it should be 

enforced. 

At the same time, he points out that the 

government of the province has, at the 

present time, money invested in these ventures 

in the form of cultural grants to aid 

small communities in upgrading their cinema 

facilities. It is hoped that many towns 

will take advantage of this government assistance 

to improve presently unsafe or 

antiquated conditions now prevalent. The licensing 

examinations for projectionists also 

are being examined and modernized so that 

boothmen in Saskatchewan who receive 

their licences under the new regulations certainly 

should be competent to handle their 

duties in any theatre. 

Ir\- and Vera Janzen of the Cardium and 

Pembina drive-ins in Drayton Valley had 

a gorgeous holiday this summer touring 

neighboring provinces. They started off by 

taking in the sights in Saskatchewan in their 

motor home and then went across Alberta 

to British Columbia, where they spent a 

couple of weeks in the Okanogan Valley region. 

While the Janzens were away, Mrs. 

Fern Wilson took competent care of the 

managerial duties at the ozoner. Mrs. Wilson 

will be remembered by industryites 

from her several-year stint as manager of 

the Kar-Vue Drive-In. Camrose, until the 

airer closed two years ago. Her late husband 

Drew was a projectionist at the Bailey in 

Camrose from the early years of that house. 

It was nice to have Fern back with us. even 

if 

for just a short time. 

During September, two Edmonton libraries, 

the Southgate and the Capilano 

branches, are presenting free film programs. 

Southgate is specializing in family films, 

while Capilano is providing motion pictures 

with specific appeal for senior citizens . . . 

Entertainer Gig Young has been aopearing 

in Stage West Theatre Restaurant's production 

of Ronald Alexander's "Nobody Loves 

an Albatross" in Edmonton. 

The local 

group "CFAC Radio Presents 

is bringing in some top-drawer entertain- 

(Continued on page K-3) 

Heres One Who May Get His Chance 

WINDSOR—Gary P. Deeb and his associates 

will be tickled pink if their new 

theatre project, bringing live stage shows 

Theatre, a 51 -year-old one-time vaudeville 

house that has been revived as a legitimate 

theatre with a $250,000 facelift. 

The partners find themselves in the show 

industry partly to protect their other real 

investments. Their theatre already has 

estate 

housed a cabaret-style series earlier this 

year. And in the offing are "Broadway 

a 

Comes to Birmingham" series and a dance 

package. 

Deeb. a partner in a real estate investment 

firm owning a sizeable chunk of land 

in Birmingham, including the theatre, says 

the Broadway package is budgeted at a 

little less than $500,000. 

Surprise in Store 

People in the business have told him to 

expect the venture to be in the red for 

between 18 and 36 months. He'd just love 

to mastermind a surprise for them. 

"I am working very diligently to fool all 

of the experts," says the 33-year-old Deeb, 

who shifted into the theatre game from a 

career as a lawyer where he specialized in 

real estate law. 

A real estate transaction sparked the evolution 

of the Birmingham Theatre plans. 

Central Park Properties, in which Deeb is 

involved (along with Ernest and Ted Fuller), 

consumated a deal last year that gave 

it about 50 per cent of Birmingham's business 

district. 

"When we purchased the property, the 

Birmingham Theatre was a movie house," 

explains Deeb. 

Controversy Over Sex 

The sex revue "Oh. Calcutta!" played at 

the theatre and created a controversy. Word 

was that skin flicks and live nude shows 

might follow. 

Deeb says the story prompted their group 

into action to protect their real estate investment—and 

"the best interests of the City 

of Birmingham." 

Yes. the tenant would vacate but the 

group would have to buy the Bloomfield 

Theatre as part of the deal. 

"We woke up one morning and found in 

our possession two movie theatres." says 

Deeb. 

What to do? 

"It happened really unexpeciedly. We 

strongly felt that there was a need for additional 

quality theatre in the area. Since 

we had the facility and we are business 

people, it would be beneficial from a business 

standpoint for us." 

Besides, there's that saying about lawyers, 

that they're really frustrated actors in the 

first place. Deeb is a realist. He knows he's 

to the Birmingham Theatre in Birmingham. in a field dominated locally by the Fisher 

Mich., can attract audiences from a wide Theatre, run by the powerful Nederlander 

area—including Canada, reports Harry Van clan with legitimate stages across the U.S. 

Vugt. writing in the Windsor Star. He goes But he figures another theatre in the area 

on to say: 

is going to give a boost to all operators, instead 

of disintegrating into a bidding war 

The drive from downtown Windsor is 23 

miles—the distance to their Birmingham for shows and cut-throat competition for 

customers. 

Competition Is Different 

"Theatres don't compete in the sense that 

other businesses might compete against each 

other." says Deeb confidently. And he anticipates 

nothing but amicable relations with 

the Nederlanders. 

"The opening of the Birmingham Theatre. 

I would hope, is with their blessing. I 

do not feel that they view us with any 

negative reaction whatsoever. 

"I look forward to being able to work 

with them on a mutual basis toward achieving 

the same goal—that is, promoting theatre." 

Deeb also knows Birmingham is considered 

an exclusive suburb and that he's going 

to have to knock down some of those 

psychological barriers to bring in customers 

to fill the 1.234-seat house. 

"People come to Birmingham from all 

over Michigan, and I'm sure from Canada, 

to shop, to attend cultural events, to eat at 

the restaurants and just basically to walk up 

and down the streets. 

'Not a Snobbish Theatre' 

"We are not trying to make this a snobbish 

type of a theatre house. We are trying 

to make this a house that will be available 

to every one and afforded by every one." 

Deeb is offering a 15-per-cent reduction 

on Canadian orders for season tickets to 

sweeten the pot. 

The Broadway package has attracted 

2.000 subscribers, a figure Deeb finds encouraging 

for an initial campaign. (Each 

show will run for two weeks with eight 

performances a week.) 

The cabaret series showed him some 

people figure the drive to Birmingham is 

worth it. "We have found people from as 

far as Lansing, Toledo, Saginaw and parts 

of Canada. 

"Robert Goulet had a woman call up 

three times from Canada." 

Deeb acknowledges they're still greenhorns 

in the business and they're going to 

make boo-boos. And yes. it did smart (and 

damage the fledgling operation's credibility) 

when the musical revue "By Strouse," 

which promised to open in July, had to be 

postponed to an indefinite future date when 

one of the leads pulled out of the touring 

production. 

Pine Knob, the summer music theatre 


BOXOFFICE Septe 18. 1978 

K-1

vMii p.igc k- 1 

) 

Gilbert to Cine-Agence 

To Head Distribution 

MONTREAL—Claude Chene, president 

oi Cinc-Agcnce of Quebec. Inc.. announced 

that Andre Gilbert 

joined the company 

as an associate, effective 

Friday (1). Gilbert 

has been active 

in the motion picture 

VICTORIA. B.C.—A press release issued 

by the office of Grace McCarthy, provincial 

secretary, disclosed that the government was 

looking for a "large, traditional mansion" 

which would be used by a private film producer. 

The house would be used for approximately 

four months to film a ghost-story 

thriller. 

Bernard Atkins, director of tourism in 

British Columbia, said the script in question 

called for a vacant three-story home "with 

high ceilings and lots of windows." 

According to Atkins, the rent would be 

paid by the film producers and not by the 

provincial government. Officials were helping 

in the search, Atkins said, because the 

filmmakers had been unable to find a suitable 

location. 

'Fast Company' Is Filming 

On Location in Edmonton 

1,UM(JN10N Ihc "last Cdrnpany" 

cast IS racing into production on lidmonton's 

company, and not exclusively Canadian 

International Speedway. 

The picture, produced by Michael Lebowitz, 

ones. "They would have to reflect the age 

Peter O'Brian and Courtney Smith and sex ratios and the style of the company 

and directed by David Cronenberg, stars as it develops," he observed. 

William Smith, John Saxon, Claudia Jen- 

All scripts, whether new or established 

nings, Don Francks, Robert Haley, Cedric 

Smith, Neil Dainard, Michael J. Reynolds 

and Chuck Chandler. 

Also appearing in "Fast Company," written 

by I'hil Savath and Courtney Smith 

from an original story by Alan Treen, are 

Judy Foster, George Buza, David Graham 

and Don Granberry. 

David Perlmuttcr is the executive producer 

of "Fast Company." 

CLVFJLIMA IS Wi SHOW 

Hi'SL\f:5»s IX iL\wAii nny 

VMlcii yon roiiR- In Wulklkl 

don't miss the iiiiiious Don i 

Show . . . ut Clncruniu's 

KcefTowcrH Hotel. 

nlllKlvM 

rtia£A>f 

NAC's David Hemblen 

Not Used to Title 

OTTAW.A— Andres .VI. A^hley. in an 

article which appeared in the Calgary Herald, 

met with David Hemblen. the National 

Arts Centre's newly appointed literary manager, 

and recorded these impressions: 

Some of his colleagues haven't quite got 

used to David Hemblen's new job as the 

"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." will 

be aired this December). 

Nevertheless, he admits to some uncertainty 

the a literary about function of manager, 

saying. "In many ways, it will be a 

self-creative and self-defining job." Right 

now he has 83 Canadian scripts to read and 

evaluate, some from well-known playwrights 

and others from complete unknowns. 

"There's a terrific responsibility in that," 

Hemblen admits, adding with a slow smile. 

"What would you do if you missed 'End 

Game'?" 

He believes that part of his responsibility 

is to respond in some positive 

every scriptwriter "apart from 

fashion to 

common 

courtesy, there are all kinds of levels at 

which one can respond." 

One of Hemblen's first jobs, of course, 

will be to find scripts for the NAC's own 

ones, will go through his hands. "John 

Wood, like most directors, doesn't treat a 

script like holy writ." says Hemblen. "The 

director obviously has a right lo make 

changes, and I hope lo lu- '- 

thing from the classic you cant change a 

word' bit to making good use of the people 

there. In an age which involves light, sound, 

music and the use of three-dimensional 

space, the playwright should welcome 

industry for the past 

16 years, 14 years of 

first literary manager appointed for English 

which was spent with 

working with people who will fill that space 

the National Arts Centre. There 

theatre at 

France Film as sales was some heckling from a nearby table most effectively." 

manager. 

during our interview in Le Cafe "What's Another important thing he found at 

Andre Gilbert 

of distribution 

Banff was a different sensibility in playwrights 

from the western provinces and the 

your new title. Mr. 

copy 

Hemblen'?" and "May 

of that photograph, Mr. 

we have a 

Hemblen?" 

Maritimes. These sensibilities, he believes, 

Gilbert is assuming 

the position of director 

at Cine-Agence of Quebec 

and also will be responsible for the purchase 

of American films, in order to pro- 

providing Canadian classics. 

But Hemblen, perhaps, isn't your average 

actor. He holds BA and MA degrees in 

vide a greater choice of product for the 100 

English from the University of Toronto, 

Naturally he will work very closely with 

clients now being served by Cine-Agence. 

artistic director John Wood, with whom 

spent two years working on a doctoral 

are being expressed in theatrical terms and 

he's already been involved in something like 

Neptune 

fellowship in 1967 and has taught English 

ten shows, eight of them at the 

BC Government Assisting at the University of Toronto. 

Theatre in Halifax. 

In Search for Mansion 

Nor are his qualifications solely academic. 

In three years with TV Ontario he produced 

documentaries, and he's written several 

CBC radio dramas. (The most TORONTO 

recent. 

Bclor Robert Mitchum has signed for the 

lead in ".Agency. " a S4.000.000 Canadian 

feature film based on local writer Paul 

Gottleib's thriller novel about the advertising 

business. Filming is to start in Montreal 

in November under the direction of George 

Kaczendcr. 

The English version of "Madame Rosa" 

opened Friday (1) at the Hyland and Finch 

here. Canadian distributor is Dabara Films. 

Italian 

writer Gavino Ledda was a visitor 

in this city. His film "Padre Padrone" has 

ended a seven-week run at the Fine Arts 

here. Last year, the film won the grand 

prize and the international critics' prize at 

Ihe Cannes Festival. 

Lawyer Hopes Birmingham 

Season Will Draw Crowds 

(Conliniiea I 

with big stars .uid big drawing power further 

north in the suburbs, may dictate that 

the Birmingham Theatre should stick to 

presenting its cabaret series only on weekends 

next season. 

Then there are managers and agents with 

glowing reports about artists in their stables. 

But do their acts in fact deliver an audience? 

"We learn something new every day. 

We'll only make a misl.ike once in any 

given area." Deeb said. 


On Ihe Hlost Beaiitilul Clifislfiias 

I In Ihe Business' 

Irailers 

K-4 

ScpKinJv

CenA!6Euo&9fu • €auu>Me4it • CoMediioH^ • mttifdcKtuiUA 

SEPTEMBER 18, 1978 

The Filbeil Co. has completed the drapery inslallation foi Pucific Ihealies' recently 

twinned Clairenionl I and II theatres in Clairemont. Calif., adjoining La Jolla. 

Aesthetic and acoustical problems were .solved by draping the auditorium in alternating 

panels of gold, red and brown super-antique .uitin. designed and manufactured 

in the Filbert drapery facility. Auditorium I. shown above, reveals the drapery 

and unusual lighting treatment employed, including tivoli aisle lights. 

featuring Marquee, Lobby & Display

.i- 

I MODSRH 

1 TllATRI 

1^ 

SEPTEMBER 

coniEnTS 1^ 

T ḥis month's issue of The Modern 

Theatre feaiures Marquee, Lobby and 

Display areas in the theatre. In Iceeping 

with this theme. Paul Hatch provides a 

wealth of ideas for improving your existing 

signs and displays and several innovative 

ideas that can be inexpensively applied in 

any theatre. He emphasizes that the first impression 

a new patron receives is influential 

in gaining repeat business. This article begins 

on page 4. 

J. W. Agnew offers a representative look 

at Canada's expanding motion picture industry 

through the conversion of the Golden 

Mile Theatre, beginning on page 10. Roughly 

.500 theatres in Canada have been converted 

from single operations to multiple 

scrcjns in recent years. 

• 

John T. Sery, president of Cinema Systems, 

Inc., offers practical advice on the 

improvement of screen image quality beginning 

on page 12. He explains that the 

entire theatre, including the building itself, 

is responsible for the image resulting on the 

screen. Good results will come only with 

careful planning, strict attention to seemingly 

unimportant details and the thoughtful 

sjlection of projection equipment. 

A new stereo-optical sound .system package 

called Galaxy, being manufactured by 

Eprad, Inc., is outlined on page 16. The 

complete system consists of Eprad's Star- 

.Sjope four channel signal processor, the 

.Star Power Four amplitier, a DC exciter 

lamp supply, a nu>nlli)r spc;iker and a floor 

mount rack. 

Another new product is thj Isco Cinelux-Ultra 

lens for studio, laboratory and 

theatre use. The new lens, described on 

page 19, has been computer adapted to the 

film shape in the projector gate so that the 

ccnter-lo-edge focus is more exact than in 

any previous design. 

You'll Never Have A Second Chance 

To Make A Good First Impression By Paul Hatch 4 

"The iiKirqiii'c. lobby and display areas of your theatre rank 

second only to f,'ood product, screened in a qiuiUiy fashion, 

in the overall operation of your theatre. They tell patrons a 

ureal deal about you. the type of operation you run and the 

amount of enjoyinent thai can be had." 

Canada's Expanding Industry Is Exemplified 

In The Golden Mile Theatre's Conversion By J.W. Agnew 10 

"Lari;e numbers of motion picture theatres have been converted 

into nudliplc units over recent years. In Canada alone, more 

than 5(>() 

theatres have underi;one such remodeling;.' 

Improving Picture Quality Involves 

Equipment & Entire Theatre Building By John T. Sery 12 

What is the sinf;le most important item to consider in improving 

picture quality? A motion picture theatre is a system for the 

projection of pictures for viewing by an utulience. Every part 

of the theatre and its equipment contributes to the end 

result." 

Forrest 0. Calvin is Awarded 

1978 J. Grierson Gold Medal 15 

Galaxy Stereo-Optical Sound System 

Is Now Available From Eprad, Inc 16 

Automation and Two Projectionists 

Keep Cobb's Cinema City 8 In Motion 17 

litis i'ii;lil aiuliiiiriiiin theatre opened in conjunction with a 

discotheque, 

a boutique and a restaurant. 

SMPTE Technical Conference 

To Have Largest Exhibit Ever 18 

New Isco Cinelux-Ultra Lens 

Available for Studio/Lab Use 19 

Supply & Demand Law Hits Popcorn 20 

Mother Nature and "a whole string of good popcorn pictures" 

have teamed up to make the popcorn market a tight one. according 

to William E. Smith, executive director oi the Popcorn 

Institute. 

Goetze's Candy Co. Expands Focility 

To Increase Production Capability 23 

Melvin Goetze. president oi the firm, estimates that the remodeling 

efforts will increase production capabilities to over 50 

tons of candy per day. 

Hxhibiiors will be interested in the refreshment 

section article on page 20 concerning 

the current tight supply of popcorn. 

William H. Smith, exectuive director of the 

Popcorn Institute, explains that popcorn 

consumption is "up nicely" in both home 

and theatre use while raw popcorn supplies 

are down this year because of wet, rainy 

weather during the planting season. Ihough 

the problem is nowhere near the panic stage, 

some tips arc offered to help ease the potential 

supply problem and make the most 

efficient use of available popcorn. 

DEPARTMENTS: 

Projection and Sound 

Refreshment Service 

GARY BURCH, Monoglng 

The MODERN THEATRE l» o bound-In leclmn nul 

! 

New Products & Developments 21 

About People & Product 24 

i .1. 

Editor 

n 

) 

Inc., 825 Van Brunt Blvd. Konsoi City, Mo. dil.'-l l.r.i.in i-'.-im. 

1270 Sixth Ave., Rockefeller Center, New York, N. Y 10020, 

Ralph Kamlntky, 642S Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Collf. 9002B. 

M HOXOFFICE. Edltc- 

. I'l-.l Publlcotlont, 

.i!i\f> Jan>ei Young, 

.loin 

Ropresentotive;

BOXOFFICE :; September IS, 1978

You'll Never Have a Second Chance 

To Make a Good First Impression 

This month's issue of The Modern Theatre 

deals with marquees, lobbys and displays. 

These three 

areas of concern rank 

second only to good 

product, screened in a 

^^ 

1^^^ 

^^' ti-'ll 

Paul Hatch 

'Vv',' - 

quality fashion, in 

the 

overall operation of 

your theatre. These 

arc the first areas the 

patron sees when he 

arrives at your place 

of business and they 

him a ereat deal 

yj,^^ y^,^, 

(ê type of 

operation you run and the amount of enjoyment 

that can be had. 

It is vitally important to remember that 

you will not get a second chance to make 

a good first impression. Thus, these areas 

arc important. 

First and foremost, whether you own a 

new facility or an older theatre, clcanlinc.s 

and neatness are the most important aspects 

on which you can concentrate. A little soap 

and water, some paint, a few new light 

bulbs and a genuine desire to make a good 

impression on your patrons are all that is 

required to present an image of which you 

can be proud. 

Examine the Marquee 

There are commercially produced frames 

and marquees as well as the home-made 

type. Regardless of what you utilize, marquees 

should be neat and clean. We often 

become apathetic to the shortcomings of 

our operations bjcause we live with them 

daily. To the patron who visits our theatres 

only periodically, the lack of care and 

attention to fine detail is all too obvious. 

For example, when was the last time 

you stood outsidj your theatre and took a 

close look at what you are presenting as 

an image? Sure, we all come and go frequently 

and observe the facility, but we fail 

to see it in as fine a detail as someone 

who is seeing it for the first time. 

So, right now, with magazine in hand, 

take the time to look your theatre marque: 

at 

or poster frames. Make a mental note 

of their conditions. Are all the light bulbs 

working? Are there broken letters used on 

the marquee? Are there any broken glass 

or plastic sections? Is the marquee freshly 

painted, or is there a need to touch it up 

with some new paint? Is the marquee dirty 

or are there any visible cobwebs? Is it the 

best it can be and are you really proud 

of the image it reflects? 

After reviewing these questions, if you 

are not totally satisfied with the marquee 

and the character it portrays, act now to 

correct any problems. Fix broken letter rails, 

order new letters if necessary, replace 

burned out bulbs and touch up with paint 

where needed. 

The image >our marquee puts forth is 

the first clue the patron has as to what he 

can expect to find inside the theatre. A lack 

of attention in this area indicates the possibility 

that the same lack exists in 

the quality 

of your projection, sound and general clean- 

The Final 

Decision 

Even after the patron has entered the 

lobby, his decision to patronize is not necessarily 

final. What will influence him? He 

will determine if your theatre is clean and 

comfortable. Is it too hot in summer, or 

too cold in winter? Is it in a general state 

of disarray? Are there burned out light bulbs, 

cobwebs or dirt on the floor? Is the paint 

chipped or arc there broken fixtures? 

Take a close look and ask yourself, 

"Would this lobby make a good first impression 

on me?" The answer will be your clue 

as to what needs to be done to improve the 

appearance of the lobby. As I said before, 

now is the time to correct these problems. 

Lobby displays play a large role in influencing 

the mood of the patron. Too few 

as well as too many signs will leave your 

patrons confused. Display only those signs 

which arc needed to keep him informed. 

These signs should be neat and legible. A 

lack of professionalism in the lobby will be 

an indication of what the patron can expect 

to find in the auditorium. 

Here are some ideas you might use to 

make more effective use of your marquee, 

your lobby and the displays you have. 

It \our budget will not accomodate a 

Continued on i>ai;c 6 

SPECIALIST IN TWINNING, BUILDING 

or 

REIVIGDEUNG THEATRES 

We are "THE" specialist in the creation of a twin or multi-theatre from 

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A/C 713-856-5297 

You save big 

dollars with 

xenon 

George Bachar 

National Sales Mgi 

Conrad-Hanovia 

The development of the xenon bulb is one 

of the most positive events in projection 

history It not only allowrs full automatioa it 

provides more and better light on the 

screen, 10-20% more. But, most important. 

Xenon reduces operating costs significantly 

because there are no moving parts 

to wear out. 

A quick look at a comparison of cost reveals 

a 40-50% savings in operating costs fo 

Xenon bulbs over Carbon Arcs. 

Big Yearly Cost Saving 

8mm Carbon 

(a 70 Amps Save 

Lume-X 1600 W Xenon $906.00 

13 6mm Carbon 

(a 150 Amps 

Save 

versus 

X-60C 4000W Xenon $1968.00 

llmm Carbon 

(« 110 Amps 

Save 

versus 

X-60C 3000W Xenon $1418.00 

Savings like this, plus one of the best bulb 

warranties available today should make any 

exhibitor think twice before ordering the 

next batch of Carbons. Our entire line of 

bulbs carry 100% credit should one fail at 

less than one half its rated life and our bulbs 

are completely interchangeable with other 

manufacturers. 

Let us share our nearly fil^y years of experience 

in the industry with you. Call or write 

and we will send you the full details on all 

the above money-saving facts. 

einridl 

HRnouiR 

See your local dealer 

Tho MOPtRN THF.ATHE SECTION

No money down. 

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5-year projector warranty 

The Big three 

replacement trade-in plan 

hais everything 

Our plan is simple. Give us your present 

equipment, no matter what age or condition, 

and we'll provide you with the VIP-35 system 

that fits your operation. There's no money 

down and your old equipment represents a 

25% payment. 

You won't miss a single showing while installing 

the new equipment, because the VIP-35 is 

pre-assembled, pre-wired and pre-screen 

tested. Installation takes less than 9 hours. 

Automation and reduced maintenance costs 

are important savings. Don't pass them up. 

With the VIP-35, multi-theatre operations can 

be operated conveniently and economically 

With half the moving parts of other projectors, 

maintenance is cut to the bare minimum. 

And to top it off, the Big Three offers a 5 year 

projector warranty That's the best you can get. 

Your increased cash flow can naake the payments 

The best times three 

CANRAD-HANOVIA 

BALLANTYNE 

STRONG 

'^^^ 

See your local dealer.. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 18, 1978

Marquee, Lobby & Display- 

Continued front page 4 

commercially produced marquee, or if your 

space is limited, consider the placement of 

marquee letter rails on the facade of the 

theatre building itself. Letter rails can be 

mounted on virtually any surface and, by 

selecting the correct letter colors, an attractive 

and effective marquee can be made. 

In my own situation, we chose not to 

have a marquee but mounted the rails in 

two rows on an area of white clapboards 

above a brick facade. Very visible eightinch 

letters are used. Illumination is 

achieved by means of a dusk-to-dawn, highintensity 

mercury vapor lamp placed on a 

pole. This not only lights the entire marquee 

area, but serves as a nightlight, 

reducing the 

chance of vandalism or accidents. 

Another idea to efficiently use all of the 

materials and space you have is to make a 

mini-marquee. A piece of painted plywood, 

trimmed with plastic moulding around the 

edges, can make an attractive and effective 

mini-marquee. Simply secure letter rails 

on the plywood and mount the marquee 

letters. 

This mini-marquee can be used in windows 

or as a free-standing sign inside or 

outside the theatre building. It may be used 

to promote coming attractions, matinees 

or special promotions. Best of all, it makes 

use of letters that otherwise would be sitting 

on the shelf unused. 

A mini-marquee can be compact yet 

JGKiick 

Relieti 

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to acoustical problems 

3. Discover relief for chronic 

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4. Put away your tranquilizers the cost 

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-.with,- , 

. 

Soundfold 

8.000 theatres across the country and around the world have 

made a full recovery from dull, noisy and energy absorbing 

sidewalls by installing Soundfold With 4 varieties to choose 

from, you have all the options Select Mix & fVlatch, Economy. 

Plush or the ever popular Standard Soundfold s international 

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or 513/293-2671 

Please supply me 

Q Standard 

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Name. 

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Address __ 

jmplete intormation on the following 

;j Mix & tVlatch 

r; Economy 

City State Zip 

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» 

effective and, in many instances, may be 

particularly helpful in communities with 

strict zoning ordinances governing signs. 

It is instantly available for a last minute 

change or to announce "standing room 

only." We use ours to announce the time 

our matinee show ends so that parents will 

know what time to return and pick up their 

youngsters. The potential uses are as 

as your imagination. 

varied 

Lobby Displays 

Use your lobby to its best advantage 

and use professional-looking signs. Rub-on 

and stick-on letters are readily available in 

most areas, so there is no need to produce 

a sloppy hand-made sign. These letters and 

colored poster boards can produce an array 

of tastefully executed signs. 

People are interested in motion pictures, 

projection equipment and old movies. If 

you have old or unused equipment or 

posters, why not display them in the lobby? 

The Bijou Theatre in Julian, Calif., displays 

many old theatre projection components 

in its lobby. They are accompanied 

by a typed explainalion of what 

the item does. 

An old projector head, displayed in the 

lobby along with a typed explanation of 

what the item is and does, will hold a 

patron's interest and arouse his curiosity. 

Couple this with a photo display of your 

theatre showing the projection room and 

equipment, including perhaps a burned-out 

or spare xenon lamp or carbon, a small 

sample of the screen cloth (most people 

is don't realize that the screen perforated) 

and any other items of this nature. If your 

theatre is particularly old, a brief outline 

of the buildings history will be interesting 

to area residents. 

Don't allow your lobby to have an empty 

poster frame. Have standby signs ready to 

fill that void. Plug the concession stand, 

advertise senior citizen rates or make a 

movie-orienied bulletin board. 

I'o do this, clip newspaper and magazine 

articles about movies or movie stars, post 

reviews from trade papers or create yoin 

Continued on poffe S 

Tho MODERN THEATRE SECTION

You 

Sell the Tickets 

and 

ORG'S C.A.X 

. . . Makes Possible the 

Complete Automated Theatre! 

Allows your projection booth to be 

operated unattended! 

No 

T7 

rethreading 

required! 

I'll 

be at 

NATO- 

Booth #18 

Ul^ 

Optical Radiation Corporation 

6352 N. Irwindale Avenue, Azusa, California 91702 • (213)969-3344

I he 

A rcvinse window iniinling for ihc jilin •Grease" adorns a window in the Hatch Theatre 

in Wolfehoro. N.H. The results are professional-looking and very visible in daylight and 

when lighted from behind at night. They are easily removed with a razor blade. 

For Incandescent Systems 

• Individually Adjustable High and 

Low Brightness Levels 

• Illuminated Push Button Controls 

• Separately Adjustable Bright/Dim 

Rate — 1 Second to 30 Minutes 

• Manual Ovende Low Level 

Adjustment 

• Service Loads from 300 to 4200 

Watts, 120V AC 

• Adapts Easily to Automation 

• Easily Installed— Guaranteed 1 Year 

pf?iig|fgi©s 

Optional Remote Controls 

• Fast 

Bright Panic Control 

• Individual Control of 

Multiple 

Lighting Circuits (eg screen 

and house) 

XeTRON Products Division, Carbons, Inc 

10 Saddle Road, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 

Plione (201) 267 8200 

TRON 

The Total Booth Concept 

Marquee^ Lobby & Display- 

Conliniicd litiin paf,'c 6 

own news releases. Such a bulletin board 

will fill the empty poster case and provide 

patrons with reading material as they wait 

for the next performance. It also will help 

promote the motion picture industrs. 

Reverse Window Painting 

Reverse window painting is an attractive 

form of display. It is easy and fun to 

do and will attract a great deal of attention. 

To do it, simply cut the material .\t>u 

wish to display from a pressbook or poster. 

Have a transparency made at a copy center 

or, with a 35mm camera, take a color slide 

of the object. You will need onl\ a negative 

or transparency, since this is lo be projected 

onto the window. 

Mount the transparency or negative in a 

.^."imm slide mount and, using a slide projcclor. 

throw the image onto the glass frt)m 

Ihc inside. I ,i i;el ihe mi.m,' in rescrsc. 

For 

YOUR 

BOXOFFICE 

LAMOLITE' 

ILLUMINATED PRICE ADMISSION SIGNS 

Our enlorged plant facilities assure OVERNIGHT 

coosr to coos 

DURA ENGRAVING CORP. 

simply project the slide 

backwards. In order 

to sec the projected image, it may be necessary 

to place white paper on the reverse 

side of the window to act as a screen. 

Trace the outline of the material with a 

water-based felt-tip marker, then carefully 

fill in the areas with water-based tempera 

or poster paints. Layer the colors so that 

the desired image will be correct as seen 

from the outside. 

Using u Slide Projeiior 

.\ home .35mm slide projector can be a 

big help to exhibitors in many way. In 

addition to using it for reverse painting, it 

can be used to project promotional messages 

onto a screen made of thin, onion-skin paper 

placed in \our window. .\ single slide is 

good, but a series of alternating slides, each 

with a different message, can be used in a 

fashion similar to a marquee. 

.Another way in which a slide projector 

can be used is in the auditorium. Many 

ihe.ilres have no stage curtains or drapes 

.iiul the blank screen is unappealing lo stare 

at before the show begins. We have mounted 

.1 slide projector on the ceiling in front of 

projection booth and use it lo project 

.1 scenic picture on the screen. On occasion, 

we replace this with slides saying "No 

Smoking." "Visit Our Concession Stand" 

or "Intermission." These arc made using 

only a .^5mm negative placed in a slide 

mounting. Ii is impeissible for a patron lo 

miss the large letters across the screen as 

ihe\ wait for ihe performance lo begin. 

1 he ide.is presented in this article are 

n.l.ilivel\ simple and inexpensive. They all 

h.ive been tried and proven lo be effective 

m my theatre. And, what's most important, 

ilie\ go a long way toward creating a got>d 

I II si impression on my patrons. That is inip.Mi.mi 

because you never get a second 

vh.iiKi- lo mike a good first impression! 

TtiP MODERN THEATRE SECTION

o-fault pictures 

> hocus-focus 

ttainable for the first time with the 

credible new Cinelux Ultra M.C. Lens 

totally new theatre projection lens designed specifically for automated th -^ 

SCO Cinelux Ultra 

Distributed by 

SCHNEIDER

1 Ills view shows the existing screen and curtain in the Golden 

Mile Theatre. This lower auditorium seats 645. Its walls and 

ceiling are deep-purple and tangerine-orange with red carpet. 

1 his view of Cinema I in the Golden Mile Theatre shows the 

added projection booth. Above the booth is the e.xterior wall 

that holds the screen of the auditorium added to the balcony. 

Canada's Expanding Industry Is 

By J. 

Exemplified 

In The Golden Mile Theatres Conversion 

W. AGNEW 

Fitting a necessary trend, large numbers 

of motion picture theatres have been converted 

into multiple units over recent years. 

In Canada alone, more than 500 theatres 

have undergone such remodeling. 

One guiding authority behind this massive 

trend in Canada has been Mandel 

Sprachman, a Toronto architect who, in the 

language of the business, has become known 

as the "king of theatre splits." 

"I prefer to think of myself as a recycler 

of run-down theatres," 

says Sprachman. "If 

staff drew up plans for its conversion into 

a six-screen multi-theatre. Similarly, the 

Uptown Theatre was converted into five 

separate cinemas just a few blocks away 

from the Imperial. The Toronto chapter of 

the Ontario Ass'n of Architects made several 

awards to Sprachman for these outstanding 

projects. 

A Representative 

Project 

Typical of many other Toronto projecis 

is the Golden Mile Theatre. This Famous 

Players neighborhood theatre was among 

I didn't step in, those grand, old, opulent the last such to be built in Toronto, yet its 

cinema temples would be torn down and single-cinema design made it impractical for 

simply replaced with parking lots and highrise 

apartments." 

Famous 

Its conversion 

Players to continue 

was achieved 

its operation. 

by the construction 

Two of Sprachman's greatest achievements 

of a steel deck in front of the 

were in giving new life and purpose existing balcony, supported by steel beams 

to Toronto's two largest downtown theatres 

a few years ago. The Imperial was Canada's 

and columns. Emergency exits are suspended 

from existine steel trusts as well. 

theatre and Sprachman and his small The Golden 'Mile's lower Cinema I has 

largest 

645 seats. Its walls and ceiling are deeppurple 

and tangerine-orange, complemented 

by red carpet. The upper Cinema II has 

254 seats and is resplendent in dark-brown 

with walls coordinated in both dark-brown 

and beige. 

Converting a single-screen theatre to a 

double or triple screen operation holds 

many advantages for the exhibitor. It gives 

him more playing options and improves his 

bidding situation. It also widens a theatre's 

market for patrons by offering varied filmfare 

and the exhibitor's bidding risks are 

spread over two or more screens. 

As one exhibitor recently said. "If you've 

got a loser in one theatre, sure, you're not 

happy about it. But, at least you may have 

a good feature on the other screen to even 

things out." Many exhibitons will run the 

high appeal picture in the larger of two auditoriums, 

then show it in the smaller audiloriiini 

as its appeal diminishes. 

////

mechum^''^} P*^; ^^ uv local 1 1.^ 

able 

noNV 

tluou^h y 

^^ 

^^^r^ 

.Ôur Business \s » 

.• 

„ vour Business"

! 

of 

I 

and 

. . 

. 

. 

f 

THE FINAL TOUCH 

the first consideration . 

carpeting of proven performance 

st\ le . 

AN 

Alexander SmithCarpet ^ 

Consult first with the 

EXPERTS 

. . 

^^^J 

Western Scr\ice & Supply. Inc. 

kfiyl :il«lSi.nitSl- • Denver, CO W)2()l 

Portable 

MP Qfl 

35mm 

Ifll "UU Sound Projector 

'f^f\ Professional portable 

equipment offering top 

\^§J 

(5/ quality projection. 

\ Ideally suited for stan- 

.^^Jr 

dard, mini-sized theaters 

'U and screening rooms. 

Many outstanding fea- 

'""^^^ including 

( A 

Xenon 

"I^7i 

^~','ving your picture quality, \ou 

want to know where to start. What is the 

single most imporianl item to consider in 

improving picture quality? Ihc answer is 

Th.< MODKHN THr.ATItr SECTION

that there is no single item that determines 

picture quality. A motion picture theatre is 

a system for the projection of pictures for 

viewing by an audience. Every part of the 

theatre and its equipment contributes to 

the end result which we hope will be an 

entertaining experience. 

Picture quality begins with a light source 

of the proper intensity and color. It must 

be free of flicker or other brightness 

changes. Heat and ultraviolet rays should be 

filtered out if necessary. The lamphouse 

reflector must be a high-grade mirror, not 

something akin to frosted glass. It goes 

without saying that it should be in one 

piece. 

Maintain the Projector 

The light passes to the projector mechanism 

which must be in excellent repair and 

capable of registering each frame of film 

within an accuracy of 0.1 per cent of the 

picture width both vertically and horizontally. 

The shutter must be accurately timed 

and the gear train tight enough to prevent 

"bounce." The mechanism and lamphouse 

must be accurately aligned and securely 

fixed to a heavy, rigid base. Place your hand 

on the machine or lens mount while the 

motor is running. If you feel vibration, you 

will be unable to get the maximum sharpness 

that otherwise is available. 

How old are your lenses? If your lenses 

are more than ten years old, or even if they 

are new but of inferior design, a substantial 

improvement can be obtained by replacing 

them with the latest top-quality lenses. 

Granted, unless mistreated, lenses do not 

wear out, but they do become obsolete. Do 

not overlook anamorphic attachments. 

They have been improved, too. 

The hundreds or thousands of dollars invested 

in lenses can be a complete waste 

unless we carefully consider the port glass 

which interposes between the lens and 

screen. It is unthinkable that exhibitors 

would jeopardize the intent of an investment 

by using any old piece of glass that 

happens to be laying around. 

To guarantee no impairment and minimum 

loss of light and contrast, the projection 

ports should be fitted with plane-parallel, 

anti-reflection coated optical glass. This 

should not be angled more than five degrees 

from perpendicular to the optical 

axis. 

If this prescription seems too strict, a 

passable substitute can be obtained by ordering 

twin-polished pyrex plate, which will 

result in up to 20 per cent light loss (believe 

it or not) over quality optical glass. 

Still, it is far superior in its optical qualities 

over ordinary plate glass. Do not, under 

any circumstances, consider the use of 

ordinary window glass! 

To be honest, having no port glass is the 

best situation. In some cases, adequate noise 

reduction can be obtained by blocking off 

the port with heavy plywood and cutting 

an aperture just large enough to admit the 

projection beam. The port and plywood can 

be covered with an acoustic absorbing material 

for added sound deadening. 

A dirty, ripped screen can and should be 

Conlinued on foUowini; page 

So 

people are destructive? 

What's with these clown who 

go to theatres these days? 

Don't they have any respect for a 

person's property? No! So. 

we're realistic. We send you 

extra fabric, free, with every 

chair order. Up to an extra 3°o 

of seat covers and an extra 

gp Irwin Seating 

Company 

H P.O. box 2420 

Grand Rapids, 

Michigan 49501 

We 

give you 

protection! 

1% of back covers. Plus, we also pretest 

all the material, and post-test all 

he workmanship in every chair we 

make. So. even though you've 

iio\ to seat those rowdies, we 

give you extra protection. For 

our full "protection" story, 

write. 

Wall Drapery | 

System i 

TME ACOtUSTTDCM WOTTIH] S DOTEK=(CIHIAN(!ÊA[B[LE IFlLEATDMiG €IW^ 

MODEL A. STANDARD PLEATING CLIP. 

WITH ECONO-PLEAT EACH AUDITORIUM 

HAS ITS OWN DISTINCTIVE LOOK, WHILE FUL- 

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CURVED PLEATING GIVES AUDITORIUM 

WALLS A FLOWING, ELEGANT LOOK. PATENTED ECONO-PLEAT BRACKET AND 

PLEATING CLIPS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE 

FUTURE IN MIND. AS THE CLIPS ARE INTER- 

CHANGEABLE AND CAN BE MIXED RE- 

MODEL D. PILLAR PLEATING CLIP: LOOK OF 

PLACED WITH A DIFFERENT PATTERN WITH- 

FREE HANGING DRAPERIES. PLUS EASE OF 

OUT REPLACING THE BRACKET 

COtOR COORDINATION. 

ECONO-PLEAT OFFERS YOU MOREI© 

EASTWEST CARP€T CO. INC., 26*4 S. LA OENEGA, UA., CALIF. 900J4 ai3) S7I-I690 

f^ 

©COPYRIGHT-EASTWEST CARPET CO., INC. 1975 ^ 

I I Galaxy Stereo-Optical Sound System 

S^ pKcducU Is Now Available From Eprad. Inc. 

THE 

SOURCE 

FOR 

3 Dimensional 

Plastic 

Letters 

e'tosi" 

The first word in 

DURABILITY 

DELIVERY 

DESIGN 

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THE 

SOURCE 

FOR 

Acrylic 

Flat 

Letters 

4 "to 17" 

Eprad. Inc., is now manufacturing a complete 

stereo-optical sound system package 

called Galaxy. The package consists ol 

Eprad's StarScope four channel signal processor, 

the Eprad Star Power Four amplifier 

rated at a full 60 watts-per-channel at 

eight ohms, a DC exciter lamp supph. ,i 

monitor speaker with a VU meter and the 

floor mount rack. Provision has been made 

to incorporate a tape deck for non-sync 

music in the package, should the exhibitor 

desire. 

A Wholly Integrated System 

Eprad claims to be the only manufacturer 

of a complete, wholly integrated stereo-optical 

sound system package which is 

carefully assembled and thoroughly pretested 

at Eprad's factory prior to shipment. 

The Eprad StarScope signal processor, 

first manufactured in early 1978. already is 

operational in well over fifty theatres 

throughout the U.S. Eprad. Inc., has been 

involved in the design and manufacturing 

of theatre sound systems for 33 years. 

Specifically 

Developed 

The Galaxy system was specifically developed 

for use in commercial motion picture 

theatres and is not an outgrowth ol 

equipment utilized in the home recordiny 

industry, according to company spokesmen 

The list price of the Galaxy system iv 

$7109.52. For more information, use the 

Reader's Service card on pages 25 and 26 

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1319 Wckt 12th Plate Los Angeles, CA 9001 5 

^ 

THROW THE SWITCH, 

TO BETTER PROFITS 

• Double Eagle Carbons 

• SanKor Lenses 

^ _ 

Switch to The Marble Co. lor 

• X-Cell Xenon Bulbs 

• Metal Backed Rellectors 

cm BUI Altundtr. collKt. or contict your Ihoitir supply doalor 

THE/i^MARBLE COMWSNY INC 

V^^ P Bo« 8218. NiihvUli. TN 37207 • (615) 227-7772 -Total SS' 

Th.- MODi:HN TliKATRK. SIXTION

Looking over the newly installed Christie equipment at the Cinema City 8 in Birmingham. 

Ala., are (left to right): Norm Levinson and R. C. Cobb of Cobb Theatres; 

Thomas Wall, lATSE business agent, and William Neat. Cinema City 8's projectionist. 

Automation and Two Projectionists 

Keep Cobb's Cinema City 8 In Motion 

There were a lot of films opening at just 

one theatre complex in Birmingham. Ala., 

last June 16: "Corvette Summer," "If Ever 

I See You Again," "Saturday Night Fever," 

"The Greek Tycoon," "The Last Waltz," 

"The Goodbye Girl" and "Grease" in two 

auditoriums. 

Also opening that night was a discotheque, 

a boutique and a restaurant. All of 

these businesses, including the eight theatre 

auditoriums, opened at one location: R. C. 

Cobb's Cinema City 8 in the Roebuck Shopping 

Center. 

The new Cobb's theatre eight-plex is the 

first such facility to be built in the Southeast. 

Each auditorium seats approximately 

275 person, with a combined capacity of 

nearly 1,900. Completely automated, the 

entire operation requires only two projectionists 

to run it. 

The R. C. Cobb theatre circuit owns and 

operates about 125 screens, mainly in Alabama, 

Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Puerto 

Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Cinema 

City 8 is the company's largest operation so 

far and opening night was a gala event. 

"It was fantastic," said Harry Curl, 

Cobb's Birmingham city manager. "It was 

filled to capacity. The mayor, David Vann, 

was part of our ribbon cutting and he opened 

our new facility by cutting a piece of film." 

In the theatre complex is a boutique that 

sells T-shirts, albums and other movie memorabilia; 

a restaurant; an electronic game 

and entertainment center, and a discolh.-que. 

One of the reasons for the success, according 

to Don Howell, president of the 

Capital City Supply Co.. was Christie Electric 

Corp. Capital City Supply was responsible 

for outfitting the theatre and they installed 

eight Christie consoles and eight 

Christie Autowind Ill's. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 1978 

Christie equipment reportedly was chosen 

because of its reliability and cost-saving 

factors. The Autowind III, for example, features 

four-and-a-half hours of continuous 

programing with no rewinding. The projectionist 

simply rethreads the projector and 

the program is ready for another showing. 

Christie's Autowind III and Autowind 35 

eliminate reel changeovers and rewinds, reducing 

manpower needs and costs. Autowind's 

simple design produces substantial 

savings on installation time, according to 

Christie spokesmen. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

about products and services described 

in this issue of Modern Theatre. 

please refer to the handy postage-paid 

Reader's Service Bureau card on 

pages 24 ami 25. 

The KNEISLEY Lamphouse to 

Remember when Equipping Your Theatre, 

"XENEX" 

• It's moderately priced, ruggedly constructed 

—write fot free 

.^ctalls— 

Clean styling. Complete rear instrument panel. 

Access to interior through full hinged doors. 

Adjustable nose cone. Heavy duty igniter. 

• Horizontal lamp and 14 inch dichroic coated, 

glass reflector provide greater light pickup and 

excellent screen coverage. Focusing and beom 

controls provided. 

• Accommodates 1000 through 4000 wotl Xenon 

Lamps for indoor and outdoor screens up to 

125 feet wide. 

• Magnetic ore stabilization properly positions 

arc tail flame around onodc, increasing lamp 

life. 

• Bbwer Manuol and manual 

cooled. ignition 

douser are standard. Automotic ignition op- 

THE KNEISLEY ELECTRIC COMPANY, P.O. BOX 4692, TOLEDO, OHIO 43620

Del 

Wealherlord Theatre, Wealhorlord. Tex ; 

Why 

Wagner? 

let your 

youngest 

part-timer 

answer that! 

SMPTE Technical Conference 

To Have Largest Exhibit Ever 

Ail available iiuoih space U

New Isco Cinelux-Ultra Lens 

Available for Studio/Lab Use 

A totally new 35mm projection lens recently 

was introduced by Isco/Schneider of 

West Germany. According to the firm, the 

technical performance factors of the new 

it lens establish as superior to any previous 

lens for film inspection purposes. It is 

known as the Cinelux-Ultra M.C. //2.0 lens. 

Its resolution tests provide unusually high 

results, according to company spokesmen. 

In a still projection test using xenon "point 

source" illumination and the USAF-1951 

test pattern, the 7-6 pattern can be easily 

reproduced on the screen. This translates 

into 228 line-pairs per millimeter. 

The contrast ratio of the Isco Cinelux- 

Ultra is unusually high because spherical 

aberration has been essentially eliminated, 

the firm reports. The additional use of a 

new multi-coating for the anti-reflection surface 

substantially eliminates stray light in 

the formed screen image. The resulting 

black/white ratio and color saturation nearly 

doubles the usual contrast. 

Cemcorp announces the 

merger of tv*/o great theater 

product lines: the best in 

automated high speed ticketing 

and the most advanced motion 

picture screens 

/[uhnn^f/rkMt 

HURLEY SCREENS 

515 Melrose Lane 

Forest Hill. Md, 21050 

Lens is Computer Adapted 

The lens design has been computer adapted 

to the film shape in the projector gate 

so that the center-to-edge focus is more 

exact than in any previous design for 35mm 

projection, the spokesmen continued. This 

assures correct focus across the entire film 

and to the corners. 

Its light transmission efficiency is much 

higher than in other lenses of the same /- 

number. In most cases, the new lens transmits 

20 per cent more screen light than 

conventional lenses. 

Control of color is another advantage in 

the mew lens design, the spokesmen said. 

Through the use of special glass elements 

with a new multi-coating, the lens has a 

neutral effect on color temperature, shifting 

color temperature neither toward red or 

blue as in previous projection lenses. The 

Ultra lens faithfully transmits the color temperature 

created by the light source with 

no measurable change. This insures correct 

color judgments, even when using different 

lenses in the same equipment to test and 

inspect the 1.85 ratio or anamorphic 2.35 

ratio films. 

The Isco Cinelux-Ultra lens is available 

in focal lengths of 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80mm 

(2.36 inch "to 3.15 inch) and the 95 and 

100mm (3.75 inch and 3.95 inch) lengths 

will be available in mid-fall of 1978. Other 

focal lengths are planned for 1979. 

Available through leading theatre equipment 

dealers, the lens is distributed by 

Schneider Corp. of America. For more information, 

use the Reader's Service card on 

pages 25 and 26. 

If your screen tower is down 

Call us up. 

Selby is standing by 24 hours a day. 

(Area Code 216 659-6631) 

business to get you back in business We're in fast . . . 

without 

costly delays. We've got the men, the materials, the equipment and 

more than 30 years of experience. Over 700 Selby screen 

towers are in service today. They're standing because we take pride 

in the product we build. So if your screen tower has gone 

with the wind, get in touch soon. We know exactly what to do to 

screen towers that are down and out. 

'eû 

es, Inc >^^ 

3920 Congress Parkway 

Richiield, Ohio 44286 

216-659-6631 (on 24-hour call) 

TUNE-A-MOVIE REALLY WORKS ! 

RADIO SOUND SYSTEMS FOR DRIVE IN THEATERS 

5707 Lady Lane, Tucson, Arizona 85704 

' Telephone (602) 888-0747 

BOXOFnCE :: September 18, 1978

SUPPLY & DEMAND LAW HITS 

Mother Nature and "a whole string o\ 

good popcorn pictures" have teamed up to 

make the popcorn market a tight one. According 

to William E. Smith, executive director 

of the Popcorn Institute, '•Popcorn 

consumption is up nicely" in both home 

and theatre use. Smith attributes the increase 

in theatre consumption to "a whole 

string of good popcorn pictures such as 

Star Wars,' 'Grease' and 'Saturday Night 

Fever.' " 

He attributes increases in home consumption 

to the fact that "many parents 

prefer popcorn over other snack foods because 

it is a wholesome, natural product." 

Smith also reported that "total popcorn consumption 

is up 9 per cent over 1977 and 

some months have been up almost 25 per 

cent." 

Supplies Are Down 

Now the bad news. Raw popcorn supplies 

are down this year because of wet, 

rainy weather during the planting season. 

This moisture reduced the number ol acres 

planted and prevented good early growth 

conditions. Smith also attributed the tight 

popcorn supply to two consecutive years of 

declining popcorn acreage and yield. 

One raw popcorn supplier warned its 

distributors in early June that "the popcorn 

market will be tight due to heavy rains in 

April and May throughout the popcorn 

belt." The supplier also predicted that acreage 

would be very short for the coming 

year. Another popcorn jobber in Virginia 

recently complained that "the price of raw 

com has gone up twice in the past three 

to four months. Each time, the increase was 

$1 per hundredweight for a total increase 

of $2 in this brief period." 

It's a classic example of short supply and 

1974 

POPCORN

i 

NEW 

New Products- 

Conliniied from preceding page 

ilegree of accuracy. Under normal conditions, 

the Energy Wizard systems should 

pay for themselves in seven to eight months 

in most locations. The hotter and more 

humid, or the colder the climate, the 

greater the savings. Savings also increase 

as the size of the auditorium increases. 

The Energy Wizard units are being offered 

at $750 each, plus freight. Units presently 

are in operation in California, .Missouri, 

Wyoming and Colorado. In some parts of 

the country, new laws are pending which 

may allow partial or total deduction on the 

purchase and installation of the Energy Wizard 

system. For more information, use the 

Reader's Service card on pages 25 and 26. 

APPROVED BUTTER CONCENTRATE 

FOR "BUTTERED POPCORN" 

ODELL'S 

ORIGINAL ANHYDROUS 

99.95% PURE 

BUTTER^/^ 

(THE REAL THING — NOT A SUBSTITUTE) 

Bally Case & Cooler Offers 

Modified Cooler 'Super Door' 

Bally Case & Cooler, inc.. recently introduced 

an optional, modified version of 

its standard heavy-duty hinged door. This 

modified unit is known as the "Super Door." 

The door and door frame have been 

modified with the addition of diamond 

plate kick and bump sections; 37 inches 

high outside and ?'5 inches high inside. The 

modification was made in response to an 

increasing demand for doors that will take 

rugged use. according to Bally spokesmen. 

Bally doors are designed for use with 

prefabricated walk-in coolers and freezers 

.ind refrigerated buildings. Bally reportedly 

is one of the world's largest manufacturers 

ol 

such prefab units. 

Bally"s .U .\ 48-inch Super Doors are 

equipped with spring-loaded, self-closing 

more volume per pound . 

. . . less cost per serving 

. . 

• No waste — No rancidity — No curd 

• No water — No soggy popcorn 

• Needs no refrigeration 

• Makes pre-packaging possible 

• Save time — Speeds service 

• Profits — Profits — Profits 

ORDER NOW! Write us for the name and address of the distributor serving your area 

ODELL CONCESSION 

SPECIALTIES CO. 

PO BOX 280 CALDWELL IDAHO 83605 TEL 208 459 8522 

How to butler up an 

,-v'"^ 

' 

.'^•• 

The Popcorn Train is the only popcorn 

carrier that holds a popcorn bucket and 

a drink cup in one convenient package 

So every/ sale is two sales. Colorful 

posters and mobiles available. 

For more information about the 

money-making Popcorn Train 

contact Dixie Marathon. 

jf^ 

-^^ 

2A5 American Lane, 

Greenwich, CT 06830. 

(203)552-4183. 

DISCie/MaRaTHON 

hinges. Ihe fiOineh-wide Super Doors have 

heavy-duty, cam-type hinges and mechanical 

door latches. 

The dixirs are insulated with four inches 

of foamed-in-place urethane with an R value 

of .^3.90. Dual anti-condensation circuits 

permit use of the doors with either coolers 

or freezers. Door hardware is moimted on 

sieel plates with stainless steel machine 

bolts. 

1 or more inforni.uion. use the Reader's 

SeiAkc e.iiJ on p.igcs 25 ,inJ Ib^ 

Recent' Management Promotions 

Announced by The Vendo Co. 

I he \eiulo Co. of Kansas City. Mo., recently 

.inniiunced the following managenieni 

promotions: Former vice-president 

.rnd controller John J. Hkstrom now is 

senior vice-presideni of administration; 

Norman l.aMarre is promoted lo vice-president 

of U.S. equipmenl sales; 

Herni \\>elkel 

is appointed vicc-presideni ol the l-uropc-.ui 

division, and Boley .\. .Andrews is named 

vice-president of research and development. 

I he firm .ilso announced that .lohn H. Ciardell.i. 

senior vice presideni i

Goetzes Candy Co, Expands Facility 

To Increase Producfion Capability 

Goetze's Candy Co. has completed their 

most recent phase of a project designed to 

enlarge and improve existing facilities at 

their Baltimore, Md., plant, according to 

company spokesmen. The new modifications 

included the expansion of both candy 

production and shipping facilities, an enlargement 

of several warehouses and candy 

holding rooms, as well as other structural 

changes. 

Melvin Goetze, president of the firm, estimates 

that the remodeling efforts will increase 

production capabilities to over 50 

tons of candy per day. Additional improvements, 

accompanying the enlargement of 

the candy production facilities, included 

the installation of a new central air conditioning 

system, the expansion of parking 

units and the construction of new employee 

Engineers & Executives Named 

As SMPTE Fellow Members 

The board of governors of the Society 

of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, 

upon the recommendation of the Fellow 

Membership Award Committee, under the 

chairmanship of Kenneth M. Mason, Eastman 

KodaJc Co.. has conferred the distinguished 

grade of Fellow Member upon the 

following individuals: 

John G. Baer, president, Century Projection Corp-; 

Sherwin H. Becker, director of Engineering, Allied 

Film Laboratory; Hobson J. Hello, research associate 

Eastman Kodak Co.; Jean-Jacques Bessire, managing 

director and director of design and development, 

Produits Perfectone S.A.; Robert G^ Buckley. 

Technicolor supervisor. Technicolor, Inc.; Albert H 

Chismark, manager of technical services, Meredith 

Corp. Broadcast Group and director of engineering. 

facilities. Further improvements are scheduled 

for the future. 

Founded in 1895, Goetze's Candy Co. is 

a major employer of Baltimoreans, many 

of whom have made their life-time careers 

with the firm. Factors reportedly contributing 

to the high degree of employee loyalty 

center on the company's policy of maintaining 

a family-like atmosphere and a harmonious 

ballance between employer-employee 

relations. 

Manufacturing Caramel Creams as their 

exclusive product, Goetze's currently offers 

four flavor varieties: caramel, chocolate, 

licorice and peanut butter. A fifth flavor 

soon will be introduced to the market by 

the research department of the company. 

Goetze's is located at 3900 E. Monument 

Street in Baltimore, Md. 

Div,, Chinon Industries, and Heinrich L. Zahn, director 

oi technical development, Bosch-Fernseh 

The Fellow Awards will be presented by 

SMPTE President William D. Hedden at 

a Fellows' luncheon to be held on Tuesday, 

October 31, during the Society's 120th technical 

conference and equipment exhibit at 

the Americana Hotel, New York City. October 

29 to November 3. 

HARRY 

MELCHER 

^ 

mm 

mm 

Reinforcing Ribs-won't fall off! 

Unique Thrust-Back-seals every time! 

Completely different from ordinary flappers-Water 

Master's reinforcing ribs keep 

flapper arms from spreading and unhinging. 

And only Water Master has the grooved 

"Thrust-Back" pyramid that promptly stops 

the flow of water after every flushing. 

AT HARDWARE STORES S^ 

by, president, Dolby Laborotorie; 

Fiat, director of electronic Gideon news gathering, 

ABC News; David K. Fibush, engineering section 

manager, Ampex Corp.; Arthur L Ford, chief engineer, 

DeLuxs General Inc.; Abraham A. Goldberg, 

manager of digital TV development, CBS Technology 

Center; Joseph M. Polonsky, technical director 

of broadcast and TV div., Thomson-CSF; Franklin R 

Reinking, vice-president and general manager, PSI 

Film Laboratory Inc.; Walter A. Seys, international 

marketing manager, motion picture div., Agfa-Gevaert 

N.V.; L. Merle Thomas, associate director of 

technical operations. Public Broadcasting Service; 

Yoso Yasuda, managing director, Yasudcr Research 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Complete PrDjection and 

Audio Visual Equipment 

Acoustical Wall Coverinj Concession Equipment 

and Carpeting 

Sound Reinforcement 

Janitorial Supplies 

Service and Repair 

IMPROVE YOUR THEATRE 

AND YOU 

IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS 

BOXOmCE :: September 18, 1978

ahoui PEOPLE / and PRODUCT 

SMPTE Technical 

Conference 

Is Slated For New York City 

The 1 20ih technical conference and 

equipment exhibit of the Society of Motion 

Picture «& Television Engineers will be held 

at the Americana Hotel in New York October 

29 through November 3. 1978. 

In addition to the equipment exhibit. 

which has been sold out since early July, 

the conference will feature a full four-day 

technical program of sessions dealing with 

the subjects of current concern to the motion 

picture and TV industries. It also will 

have a schedule of social events, a full program 

of activities for spouses and a coffee 

club. 

More than 6,000 film and TV engineers, 

executives and production people are expected 

to attend. For additional information 

on the conference and exhibit, contact the 

SMPTE Conference dept., 862 Scarsdulc 

Ave.. Scarsdale. N.Y. 10583. 

Xenon Light Source Pioneer 

Maynard E. Ackerman Dies 

Maynard E. .Ackerman. director ol marketing 

lor theatre, aiidio-sisual and communicat 

ons products 

at the Optical Radiation 

Corp.. died Saturday, 

September 

2. while in Miami, 

n.:, 

\ L k e r m a n was 

:s.\\ known to the 

niiuion picture exhib 

lion industry and 

the theatre equipment 

business. He was one 

MaviHinl Ackerman 

of the pioneers in 

promoting the use of xenon light sources for 

motion picture projection and has bejn involved 

in numerous theatr; equipment 

management positions, serving the exhibition 

and communication industries on a 

world-wide basis. 

CONDENSED INDEX OF PRODUCTS 

AUTOMATION SYSTEMS 

Optical Radiation Corp 7 

Xetron (Carbons, Inc. 

BOXOFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

Cemcorp 19 

Dura Engraving Corp 8 

Notional Ticket Co 16 

CONCESSION SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT 

Cretors, Inc 21 

Dixie /Marathon 22 

Greer Enterprises 20 

Odell Concession Specialties 22 

CONSULTANTS & BUILDERS 

Filbert Co 15 

Norman & Friddell 4 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

LocRad, Inc 19 

Selby Industries 19 

FILM SUPPLIES, REPAIRING 

Ciro Equipment Corp 14 

FLOOR COVERINGS 

Western Service & Supply 12 

LAMPHOUSES 

Kneisley Electric Co 17 

Strong Electric Co 4, 5 

Xetron (Carbons, Inc.) 8 

MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 

Wotermaster Co 23 

MARQUEES & LETTERS 

BeveliteAdler Mfg. Co 12 

Dura Engraving Corp 8 

Poblocki & Sons 17 

Sign Products 

(Rapid Change Letter Co.) 16 

Wagner Sign Services 

(3M Notional) 18 

PROJECTOR LENSES 

The Marble Co., Inc 16 

Schneider Corp. of America 9 

PROJECTOR SYSTEMS 

Ballantyne of Omaha 4, 5 

Alan Gordon Enterprises 12 

National Theatre Supply 

(Simplex) 23 

REFLECTORS 

The Kneisley Electric Co 17 


SCREEN TOWERS 

Selby Industries 19 

16mm EQUIPMENT & PRODUCT 

Filbert Co 15 

Films Incorporated 15 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

Harry Melcher Enterprises 23 

Notional Theatre Supply 23 

Theatre Equipment Association 

(TEA) 11 

Western Service & Supply 12 

THEATRE SEATING 

Irwin Seciting Co 13 

WALL COVERINGS 

Econo Pleat 13 

Soundfold, Inc 6 

XENON BULBS 

Conrad Hanovia, Inc 4, 5 

Christie Electric Corp 3 


Strong Electric Co 4, 5 

Xetron (Corbons, Inc.) 8 

He held a number of contract and financial 

positions in the aerospace industry and 

private business before he became the director 

of marketing for Christie Electric 

Corp. of Los Angeles. He served in this position 

until 1972. 

Ackerman founded a manufacturing operation 

in Majorca. Spain, and provided a 

line of theatrical products for the Rank 

Organization in London, England. 

.\n international traveler, he sailed extensively 

in the Caribbean, Atlantic and 

Mediterranean oceans. He was born in St. 

Helena, Calif.. August 20. 1916. Educated 

at Glendale. Calif.. Union high school and 

the University of Illinois. Ackerman is survived 

by a daughter living in Carson City, 

Nev. Memorial contributions should be 

made to the local Heart Ass'n. 

Fawley Named Representative 

To Spatz Paint Industries 

Stephanie Spatz Fawley has been named 

as company representative for Spatz Paint 

.^ Industries. Inc.. 1601 

North Broadway, St. 

Louis, Mo., according 

to Michael E. 

Spatz, president. 

handle 

Fawley will 

general sales and technical 

service for the 

^ Spatz customers in 

California, Arizona, 

Nevada. Oregon and 

Washington. 

Su'phame Fa.vlcy 

p^^,,^,^ previously 

served Spatz Paint Industries as a salesperson 

to the ornamental iron industry and as 

an inventory /production super%isor. She attended 

the University of Hartford and the 

University of Missouri. She presently resides 

in Long Beach. Calif. 

Spatz Paint Industries includes a specialty 

coatings division for the development of 

paints and procedures for select industines 

such as industrial-medical gas, marine, agricultural-chemical, 

LP-gas, welding and mining, 

and a Vane-Calvert division for the 

manufacturing of paints for the home-owner. 

The Spatz organization has been in business 

for more than 30 years. 

Lily Appoints Douglas Smith 

To Marketing Director Post 

Ilw I il\ diMsion ol ()ueiis.lllMU>is, Inc., 

recently appointed Douglas B. Smith to the 

newly created position of director of marketing. 

His responsibilities include new 

product development, customer services, 

market and product planning, price administration 

and advertising ai'd s.iles pronio- 

Jct Spray Elects L. J. Jacobs 

To Presidential Position 

llic cU-Liion ol I .oii.iul 1 J.icobs as 

president recently was announced by the 

board of directors of the Jet Spray family 

o! companies. Jacobs has K'cn associated 

uiih Jei Spi.i\ lor 15 years and h,is served 

.IS iK'.isuiei loi the p,isi ten years. 

Tho IVIODERN THEATRE SECTION

BOXOFFICE BOOKINCUEDE 

An interpretive analysis of lay and Iradepress reviews. Running time \& in parentheses. The plus and 

minus signs indicate degree of merit. Listings cover current reviews regularly. Symbol U denotes 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. All films are in color except those indicated by (b&w) for black & white. 

Motion Picture Ass'n (MPAA) ratings: (S) —general audiences; PG—all ages admitted (parental guidance 

suggested); [R]— restricted, vrith persons under 17 not admitted unless accompanied by parent 

or adult guardian; ®—persons under 17 not admitted. National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures 

(NCOMP) ratings: Al—unobjectionable for general patronage; A2—unobjectionable for adults or adolescents; 

A3—unobjectionable lor adults; A4—morally unobjectiODable for adults, with reservations: 

B—objectionable in part for all; C—condemned. Broadcasting and Film Commission, National Council 

of Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATURE CHART. 

Review digest 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

tt Very Good; + Good; — Fair '-,=

.-JD alphabetical index " Very Good, - Good; = Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor ated 2 pluses, - os 2 i 

5026 Nuntio (92) C-D Uni, 5- 8-78 Bl A3 

( 

'89) CAd Sanrio 8-21-78 (fli | 

5000 Opening Night (144) ., Faces 1-9-78 A3 | 

iVIEW DIGEST 

.1 r 

' 

~-fî 

':24 I Wanna Hold Your Hand 

(104) CM Uni> 5- 1-75 PG A3 ~ 

:il II E.tr I S« You Again 

X25 Incredrblf Meltino Man. The 

(86) SF-Ho AlP 5- 8-78 ig + 

5052 Interiors l99) D UA 8-14-78 PG A4 + 

5046 International Velvet 

(126) MGM-UA 7-24-78 PG A2 + 

S046 Iphigenia (129) D Cinema 5 7-24-78 A3 » 

ff 

5027 It Lives Again (91) Ho-D WB 5-15-78 g) B -f 

—0— 

5039Jai« 2 (118) Sus-0 Univ 6-26-78 PG A3 + 

5036 Jennifer (90) Ho-D AlP 612-78 PG A3 -f 

Landscaoe After Battle 

(110) Hi-D New Yorker 3-27-7S A3 H 

Last Supper, The 

(110) Pol-D Tricontinental 6-19-78 + 

5023 Last WalU, The 

(115) M-Doc UA 1-78 5- PG A3 

5015 Late Great Planet Earth. The 

(90) Doc PIE 3-27-7S PG 

Leopard the 5024 in Snow 

(90) R-D New World 5- 1-78 PG 

Little Girls Blue 

(76) Sex C New Day 5-29-78 

5016 Little Night Music, A 

(124) R-CM New World 3-27-78 PG A3 

5014 Madame Rosa (105) D Atlantic 

5049 Magic of Lassie. The 

(100) C-DM Infl Picture Shew 

Main Actor, The 

(88) Bioskop/WDR 

5021 Malibu Beach (93) C Crown 

5009 Manitou. The (104) Ho-D Emb 

5042 Matilda (103) C AlP 

5054 Matter of Love. A 

(88) Sex D .. .William Mishkin 

Maya Deren Retrospective 

(90) Doc-D Grove Press 

5034 Metamorphoses 

(87) An-M-F Sanrio 

5047 Midnight Express (120) D Col 

Mother and Daughter 

(90) D Pantheon 1 

5006 My Boys Are Good Boys 

(90) Ac-D Peter Perry 

5043 National Lampoon's Animal House 

'109) C Univ 7-17-78 IRJ C ^ 

5053 Nea (101) Sex C Libra 8-21-78 -) 

5056 Norseman. The 

AtAd AlP 9- 4-78 PG ± 

—0— 

5054 Oily Oily Oxen Fret 

Oni People: Life and Dulh In Tlirri 

del Fuego, The (55) 

Doc Ch>pman/de Gonnlei 1-23-78 ± 

5006 One and Only, The (9«) C Para 2.13-78 PG AJ )f 

.005 Other Side of the Mountain Part 2, The 

•100) D Univ 2-13-78 PG A3 

ij;;7 Our Winning Beaton (92) C-0 AlP 5-15-78 PC A3 

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FEATURE REVIEWS Sfory Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Programs 

THE STORY: 

"A Wedding" (20th-Fox) 

Following a wedding mass, during which the senile 

bishop can barely remember the liturgy, preparations for 

the reception are being supervised by a nervous Geraldine ^^q, 

Chaplin in a beautiful mansion. Upstairs the matriarch face ( 

of the family, Lillian Gish. dies. Her lecherous doctor, -n c 

Howard Duff, decides its best to keep the news from 

Gish's drug-using daughter, Nina Van Pallandt, mother 

of the bride. The wedding party aiTives and all make 

beellnes for the bathrooms. A gay groomsman teases Desi 

Arnaz jr. about his wedding while the bride's mother, 

Carol Burnett, succumbs slowly to the advances of amorous 

new in-law Pat McCormick. The bride's father. Paul 

Dooley, hears that his other daughter. Mia Farrow, has 

been impregnated by Arnaz. but after investigatiJig he 

learns that she has slept with every boy she knows. Humiliated, 

the family leaves. On the road they see an accident 

involving the honeymooners' car. Thinking that 

their daughter is dead, they retm-n to the mansion for 

help, only to discover that the newlyweds hadn't even 

left and that their car had been stolen by the best man 

and his giiifriend. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

The Altman name and the all-star cast will attract, 

and the theme should afford plenty of tie-in opportunities. 

CATCHLINES: 

You Are CordiaUy Invited to Attend 'A 'Wedding.'

, also 

ATES: 50c per word, minimuni S5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions lor price 

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llowed. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers 

) Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. G4124. 

CLteRIIie 

HELP WANTED 

TOP MIDEAST CIRCUIT Managers 

ssistants, here is your chance to 

ith us. Salary commensurate witt 

srience. Benefit program includes 

EXCITING OPPOHTimiTY to manage 

nd invest in a new automated theatre 

1 a Northern Calilornia college comunity. 

Applicant should be experienced 

L all phases of operation. Salary in adition 

to equity position. Phone (916) SSI- 

Ma. 

BI-LINGUAI. SPANISH speaking manag- 

:s and assistant managers lor Los Anges 

area theatres. Send resume and salry 

requirements to Boxoflice, 4141. 

TOP CIRCUIT has opening lor District 

onager to supervise theatres in Consclicut 

area. Liberal employee benefits bases, $450-00 pair. Cinemascope lenses, 

alary commensurate with experience. Bausch and Lomb, $350.00 pair; Hi-Lux 

=nd complete resume to Boxolfice, 4142. reversed and regular, $200. 

nps 

ectifie 

SUPERB OPPORTUNITY for skilled proctionisl- 

Responsible lor booth maintemce 

and operation of several fully au- 

$400.00 

maled theatres. Excellent working contions 

in progressive midwest community 

over 100,000. Send resume to Boxoffice, 

ALTERNATIVE format theatres. Need 

:r;anagers nationwide. Must be 

-i, a promoter, and willing to 

J^nd resume to Boxoffice, 4155. 

OUTSTANDING indoor manager needed 

lex m the Midwest. Must be thoroughly 

cperienced in house management. An 

nusual opportunity for the right person 

long with an unexcelled financial proram. 

Send your resume with photograph 

f Boxoffice, 4154. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

EXPERIENCED 11 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

TICKET MACHINES repaired. Fast service, 

reasonable rates. Your old ticket 

machine worth money. We trade, buy and 

first. sell ticket machines. Try us Ask 

about our rebuilts. Save money. LED. 

Service Co., 10 Woodside Dr., Grafton, 

Massachusetts. (617) 839-4058, 

CENTURY 35/70 112 Soundheadss, lens, 

speakers Sterophonic sound system and 

complete booth. Other equipment available. 

Hayes Equipment & Supply Inc. (315) 

432-1901. 

222-33! 

XENON LAMPS, single Eprad 2000W with 

single phase rectifier, no bulb, $1,500.00 

Pair Eprad 1600W lamps and rectifiers, 

no bulbs, new, never used, $4,000.00 pair. 

Super Simplex projection heads, good 

condition, $49500 pair. Simplex enclosed 

HOUSE 

SHARP aggressive manager/operate 

teks new opportunity. Currently em 

oyei. Willing to relocate. Boxoffice 

FILMS FOR SALE 

llBMM CLASSICS. Cattalog 50c. 

ick, 3621-B Wakonda Drive, Des Mo 

50321. 

FILMS WANTED 

(WANTED: 35mm trailers 1930-1977. an> 

L. lanuty. Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd. 

llywood, Calif. 90028. 

WANTED 35mm entertainment feature 

for Canadian market. Rights purased 

or will distribute on a percentage 

Send particulars to Boxoffice, 4139 

WANTED: WILL PAY $30 lor "Rocky Hor- 

WANTED: 35mm feature films for Dal- 

Oklahoma, Memphis and New Orleans 

e wish to distribute on a percentage 

is. Send particulars to Bennie Lynch, 

) S. Ervoy, Suite 603-B, Dallas, TX 

201. (214) 744-3165. 

BOOKS 

WILL BUY old 35mm 'SO's and MO's 

-aO's silents. lohn L. Mad- 

X, R-1 Box 57, Duck River, Tenn. 38454 

15) 729-2365. 

MANUAL OF THEATRE MANAGE- 

Professional hardcover edition. 

3JT. 

to 

nd your J20 check or money order 

Iph I. Erwin, Publisher, Box 1982, Laio, 

Texas 78040.

. 

• SEPTEMBER 25, 1978 

wiaUgramiS 

TO 

FROM: 

BE: 

EUAN U^^ 

„^^ WIU3 GEESE" 

^ I^^TS^Ê BESULTS 

Ki. THESE 

^ 

^ 

BEATEN caEBRATlN^ sQUi^ ^S^TO WABNERic; 

_-„^ ^Tc^TT^SS 

EElCESltJ^^^ ONL^ 

caiBRATlN^ THESE ^^...gTER SQUi^ TRANSFER^ TS^TO 2 

prOV1NCES_ 

»JOR CITIES. 

^^ 28 B«s. 

„„i« 

1978. - ,v TNCBEDIBtE WZ''. SIX 

^SSt"C^SE^«^'""^^^^' ^„_^ 

TO 

30% 

UOSEE^COUKTEBS ^ 

^ ^^ 

.n .RE 

,ND WE 

ELYIKG 

HIGH E^^^^^^S^

MAKESDOLLARS 

National Screen Service has revolutionized the 

thinking ol exhibitors throughout the country 

with Its 211 -theatre test campaign of packaged, 

in-theatre retailing of merchandise inspired by 

GREASE. 

Over 118,650 items of merchandise vête 

sold by theatres, totalling almost $250,000 

in retail sales. One-half of this (or nearly 

$125,000) represents profits to theatres-extra 

//wiADA/f'SiJ profits which they would not have had. were 

not for the NSS IVIOVIE 

IÂDNESS campaign. 

And now, for the Holiday Season-look tor 

the pre-researched. pre-marketed. pretested 

MOVIE IWADNESS campaign from NSS on 

SUITHMAN -aimed at the greatest potential 

.ludit'iici' ot .ill 

time' 

NAIIONAL SCREEN SERVICE 

HfiS

' 

I Une. 

; 

(414) 

' patctl, 

il 

NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

Published fn Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN SHLYEN 

Editor-in-Chiei and Publisher 

,LPH M. DELMONT .Managing Editor 

)RRIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mgr. 

,RY BURCH Equipment Editor 

,LPH KAMINSKY Western Editor 

blication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

iisis City. Mo. fi4124. (816) 241-77., 

stern Offices: 6425 Holli^vood Blvd. 

Ujuofid, Ca.. 90028 (213) 465-1186. 

stern Offices: 1270 SLxth Avenue, Suite 

03, Itocliefeller Center, New York, N.V. 

020. (212) 265-6370. 

ndon Office: Antliony Gruner, 1 Woodrry 

Way. Finchley, N 12. Teleptionc 

llslde 6733. 

THE MODERN THEATRE Section Is 

;luded In one issue eacli month. 

lanta- Genevieve Camp, 166 Lindbergh 

Drive, N.B. 30305. 

Jtimore: Kate Savage, 3607 Sprlngdale, 

iston- Ernest Warren, 1 Colgate Road, 

Needham, Mass. 02192. Tele. (617) 

444-1657. 

jffalo: Edward F. Meade. 760 Main St.. 

14202. Tele. (716) 854-1555. 

licago: Frances B. Clow, 175 North 

KenUvvorth, Oak Park, Hi. 60302. Tele. 

(312) 383-8343. 

„ „ ^ „ , 

larlotte: Blanche Carr, 912 E. Park 

Ave., 28203. Tele. (704) 376-1815. 

Chas J. Leonard sr., 319 Queens Kd., 

28204. Tele: (704) 333-0444. 

eveland: Elaine Fried, 3255 Grenway 

,Rd. 44122. Tele. (216) 991-3797. 

nUas; Mable Gulnan. 5927 Winton. 

enver: Bruce Marsliall, 2881 S. Cherry 

Way, 80222. . , 

es MolDCs: Cindy Viers, 4024 E. Maple, 

50317. Tele. 266-9811. 

etrolt: Vera PhiUlps, 131 Eliot St. 

West, Windsor. Ont. N9A 5Y8. 

artford: Allen M. Widem, 30 Pioneer 

Drive. W. Hartford 06117. Tele. 232- 

idlanapolis: Robert V. Jones, 6385 N. 

Park, Tele. 46220. (317) 253-1536: 

Mksoniille: Robert Cornwall, 3233 (J)llege 

St., 32205. Tele. (904) 389- 

5144 

lemphls: Bill Minkus, 5855 Poplar Pike 

No. 3, 38138. Tele. (901) 683-8182. 

jlami: Martlja Lummus, 622 N.E. 98 St. 

tUwaukee: Wally L. Meyer. 301 Heather 

Fredonia, Wis. 53021. Tele; 

692-2753. 

, ^, 

ilnneapolLs: BiU Dlehl, St. Paul DU- 

63 B. 4th St., St. Paul, Minn, 

ew Orleans: Mary Greenbaum. 2303 

Mendez St. 70122. 

City: klaboma Eddie L. Greggs. 410 

South Bldg., 2000 Classen Center, 

73106. 

aim Beach: Uls Bauraoel. 2860 S. 

Ocean Blvd.. No. 316, 33480, Tele. 

(305) 588-6786. 

hlladelphia: Maurie H. Orodenker, 312 

W. Park Towne Place, 19130. Tele. 

(215) 567-4748. 

Ittsburgh: R. F. Kllngensmilh. 516 

Jeanette, Wiikinsburg 15221. Tele. 

(412) 241-2809. 

•ortland Ore. : Jane Comeford, 2365 NW 

Northrup. 97210. 

t. Louis: Fan R. Krause. 818A Longacre 

Drive, 63132. Tele. (314) 9

V'pletnlHT 

UA Gets 13 Lorimar Films in 3 Years 

For $100 Million, Library TV Rights 

NEW YORK— United Artists and Lorimar 

Productions Tuesday (19) announced 

a major agreement encompassing both theatrical 

motion pictures and TV. Under the 

pact, UA will distribute theatrically in the 

U.S. and Canada in excess of $100,000,000 

in Lcrimar film product over the next three 

years, representing a minimum of 13 feature 

films. In addition, UA will turn over 

to Lorimar exclusive TV rights to its immense 

film library for development as TV 

seri,;s and miniseries for TV. 

The announcement was made jointly by 

UA president and chief executive officer 

Andy Aibeck: Lorimar Productions chairman 

of the board Merv Adelson, and Lorimar 

president Lee Rich. 

UA Is 'Ideal Partner' 

In making the announcement, Adelson 

said: "We consider UA to be the ideal partner 

for Lorimar. Its long history as the "independents' 

distributor" together with Lorimar's 

ability to attract outstanding creative 

talent will have a strong impact on the industry. 

UA's distribution track record, its 

expert handling of product, plus its expertise 

in the marketplace assures Lorimar and 

all its creative contributors the very best 

chance for success for its product.'" 

UA president Aibeck stated; "'This marks 

the emergence of Lorimar as a major motion 

picture production company and we 

are happy to welcome Lorimar as a contributor 

to the UA family. Lorimar's reputation 

for excellence which grew out if its 

unique position in the TV industry will be 

just as strong in the theatrical film industry. 

The industry can look to Lorimar for 

important projects and we at UA are looking 

forward to playing a major role in Lorimar's 

exciting 

future." 

Rich commented on the TV aspect of 

the agreement, saying: "The UA film library 

is unique and one of the most extensive 

in existence. It will provide a gold mine 

of sources for TV series and miniseries. We 

plan to send in researchers at once to begin 

investigating possibilities and feel confident 

that we will reallz; enormous input from the 

properties and ideas to which we will have 

access. This is one of the most exciting opportunities 

for development material I've 

ever encountered." 

Fact Effective Ininicdiutely 

The I.orimar-UA distribution pact becomes 

effective immediately with the following 

Lorimar films currently in production 

and post-production: "The Hamster of 

Happiness. Ihe Big Red One." "The Fish 

That Saved Pittsburgh" and ""Being There." 

Lorimar has been gearing up during recent 

months for its entry into major film 

production. In April 1978. Lorimar annoimced 

Ihe formation of Lorimar Films 

and the appointment of Peter Bart as president. 

In May 197S Lorimar's affiliation with 

the newly formed JS productions, headed by 

Jack .Schwarlzman, was announced (JS Productions 

will produce exclusively for Lorimar 

Films). JS and Lorimar then announced 

a multi-picture agreement with director Hal 

Ashby. 

In Octol>er, Lorimar's "Who Is Killing 

the Great Chefs of Europe?" will be distributed 

by Warner Bros, in the U.S. and 

Canada. The multimillion-dollar epic ""Avalanche 

Express" currently is in post-production 

and will be distributed by 20th-Fox in 

the U.S. and Canada and certain foreign 

territories. 

$100 Million Production Budget 

Lorimar TV currently is committed to 

a $100,000,000 production budget for the 

fiscal year. 

The agreement with UA will accelerate 

that company's product flow and further 

enrich its lineup of future films. Thus. UA. 

winner of three straight Best Picture Academy 

Awards and the leading recipient of 

Oscars (97. an industry record), looks forward 

to an even brighter future. 

Jewison, Ritchie Honored 

At Deauville Film Event 

NEW YORK— Producer Norman Jewison 

was honored at this year's just-concluded 

Deauville Film Festival with a screening 

of ""F.I.S.T.". his latest, along with u 

retrospective of previous films, it was announced 

by United Artists senior vice-president 

and foreign manager Norbert Auerbach. 

Two additional UA films not yet seen in 

France, the Michael Ritchie-directed 

""Smile" and ""Semi-Tough," also were unspooled 

at Deauville. Ritchie, who currently 

is shooting a picture in France, met with 

the international press in conjunction with 

the two screenings. 

Following the showing of ""F.I.S.T." at 

the festival, a reception hosted by Deauville 

Mayor Madame D'Ornano honored 

Jewison, who was in attendance at the gala 

event. 

Fenady Now Negotiating 

With Bogart Look-Alike 

1 OS ANC.LI.hS— Writer-producer Audi 

ew J. Fenady, who has a co-production 

deal with Melvin Simon Productions to film 

Fenady's novel "The Man With Bogart's 

Face." is talking to Bogart look-alike Bob 

Sacchi aboi I playirg the title role. In addition 

Fenady also is negotiating with Sacchi 

for r'ghls In "Friday's Heroes," a book Sacchi 

wrote with former champion Willie Pep. 

Fenady, a longtime fight fan, would produce 

""Friday's Heroes," a biographical drama 

intertwining Ihe careers of Pep and other 

fighters, some champions and olhers who 

ended up cripples as a result of "Ihe ring 

wars." Willie Pep's ring battles spanned 

over 20 years. "Friday's Heroes" was published 

by Fredrick Fell. 

CSID Sets Distribution 

Of 3 TAE Productions 

LOS .ANGELES—Trans-Atlantic Enterprises 

has firmed a three-picture agreement 

with Cinema Shares International Distribution 

Corp. for worldwide distribution of 

TAEs first feature films, it was announced 

by Robert D. Kline, president of the Hollywood-based 

production company, and by 

David Blake and Mel Maron for CSID. 

Produced with a lineup of top talent, the 

three films represent the first in an ongoing 

schedule of motion pictures to be made and 

distributed by the independent companies. 

The pictures in the present deal include: 

"She'll Be Sweet. " starring Tony LoBianco 

and Sally Kellerman: "Because She's My 

Friend." starring Karen Black and Keir 

Dullea. and ""Shimmering Light." starring 

Beau Bridges and Lloyd Bridges. 

The first of the three to be distributed, 

according to Maron, will be "She'll Be 

Sweet," set for November release. "Because 

She's My Friend" follows in February 1979 

and ""Shimmering Light" will be released in 

June 1979. 

Executive producers for all TAE features 

in the agreement were Kline and Preston 

Fischer, v ce-president and worldwide head 

of production for Trans-Atlantic Enterprises. 

Ric Waite and Bill Malley 

Join the 'Defiance' Crew 

BE\ LRl > nil 1 S Ric W.i ic h.is been 

named director of photography and Bill 

Ma'ley art director for American International 

Pictures' ""Defiance." which starts 

shooting October 20 in New York City, according 

to Jcre C. Henshaw. senior vicepresident 

in charge of worldwide theatrical 

production. Waite received an Emmy for 

the TV series ""Captains and Kings" and 

has just completed '"Guide to a Married 

Woman"' and ""Charleston"" for TV. 

Jan-Michael Vincent has been announced 

to star in the romantic drama and will play 

a young drifter who becomes emotionally 

and romantically involved with the people 

in a rough New York ghetto neighborhood. 

John Flynn will direct from an origin.il 

screenplay by Tom Donnelly and Mark Tulin. 

The film will be produced by Jerr\ 

Bnrckheimer and William S. Gilmorc jr. 

Robeir Wunsch with serve as executive producer, 

with Donnelly as associate producer. 

NATO Confab Assemblage 

To Hear Griffin B. Bell 

M U ^()Rk (till tin M lUII. Ihe allornev 

geiu-nl ot llic US. li.is accepied 

NATO president Marvin Goldman's invitation 

to address ihe N.-XTO convcniion 

Wednesday. October 18. 

The 1978 convention will take place ,it 

Ihe Americana Hotel, New York Ciiy. 

October 15-18. The molion pielure and 

concession industries Iradeshow, jointly 

sponsored by N,\TO, Ihe Theatre Equipment 

Ass"n and Ihe National Ass'n of 

('orKession,iires. will be preseiiled Oclohcr 

Id- IS .11 ihc s.imc loealion 

BOXOFTICE : 

2.5. I')78

— 

New York Federal Court 

Fines 20th-Fox $25,000 

BEVERLY HILLS—Twentieth Century- 

Fox Film Corp., faced with a contempt 

charge in federal court in New York (under 

the 1951 consent decree in U.S. vs. Paramount), 

after entering a plea of nolo contendere, 

was fined $25,000, plus costs, by 

Judge Palmieri. It had been charged that, 

in the summer of 1977, certain exhibitors 

served by the Boston and Minneapolis 20th- 

Fox branches had been required to license 

"The Other Side of Midnight" in order to 

obtam licenses to exhibit "Star Wars." 

A plea of nolo contendere is not an admission 

of the allegations but it does permit 

the court to impose a penalty. 

According to 20th-Fox, the complaints 

related to "a few isolated incidents which 

occurred in only two of its 26 exchanges 

and in a very few instances." To the extent 

that any incidents of "block booking" may 

have occurred. Fox said "they would have 

been clearly contrary to the company's 

long-standing policy of strict compliance 

with the consent decree, which has been followed 

consistently over the years." 

Fox said that none of the company's 

higher management personnel had been 

aware of the alleged incidents. It added. 

"The local employees involved in these incidents 

previously had been instructed by 

the company on the necessity of complying 

with the decree and had been expressly instructed 

not to condition the licensing of 

one picture with another. Furthermore, 

each license agreement contains a clear "Notice 

to the Exhibitor' setting forth this policy." 

Fox also announced that, since the complaints 

of alleged conditioning first came to 

the attention of management, the company's 

compliance program has been further expanded 

and strengthened. It emphasized 

it that "believes that the revised compliance 

program now in force will prevent the recurrence 

of even isolated, local complaints" 

such as those involved in this particular instance. 

January Start Scheduled 

On 'Last Married Couple' 

UNIVERSAL CITY—George Segal and 

Natalie Wood have been signed to star in 

Universal's "The Last Married Couple in 

America" by the Cates Bros. Co. Gilbert 

Cates will direct the comedy and Ed Feldman 

will produce with screenwriters John 

Herman Shaner and Al Ramrus. Joseph 

Cates will be executive producer. 

Scheduled to begin production in January, 

thj contemporary comedy deals with 

a couple whose marriage is jolted repeatedly 

as their "happily" married friends break up 

with a series of bangs. 

Big-Budget Co-Production Slated 

By Subsidiary of Image Factory 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

HOLLYWOOD—Plans were disclosed 

here Thursday (14) for a joint Russian- 

American production budgeted at between 

$7,000,000 and $10,000,000 and themed to 

the 1980 Olympics, which will be held in 

Moscow. The American production involvement 

would come from Image Factory 

Sports, a recently created subsidiary of the 

Image Factory, which is a national leader in 

merchandising tie-ins with motion pictures 

and other facets of the entertainment industry. 

The Russian participant in the joint venture 

will be Sovin Films, which already has 

moved into the serious-talking phase of the 

project. Image Factory Sports is headed by 

former U.S. Sen. John Tunney as chairman 

of the board and Stanford Blum, president 

of the Image Factory, who also is president 

of the subsidiary. 

An Olympic Theme 

The two named the proposed motion picture 

as one of a number of projects the 

subsidiary is creating under a joint-venture 

arrangement with Financial Engineers. The 

film, Tunney said, will be a love story set 

against the background of an Olympic 

theme. The former politician, cognizant of 

potential politics involved in such an enterprise, 

emphasized more than once that "the 

story will 

be nonpolitical." 

Although most of the details of the project 

still must be worked out. Tunney said a 

producer already has been named by his 

company. The film will feature an American 

cast and most of the technical crew will 

be composed of Russians. Casting will begin 

only when all details are ironed out and a 

director is signed, he said. 

Filming Set for Russia 

Filming will be done in Russia, with 

nnKli of the shooting taking place at the 

stadiimi where the 1980 Olympics will be 

held Shooting on the picture will be done 

next vear with a release date targeted to 

coincide with the summer Olympic season, 

Blum said. 

Preliminary negotiations on the film idea 

are being conducted by Tunney. who has 

been making frequent trips to Russia to 

reach agreements on numerous facets of 

the Image Factory Sports involvement in 

many merchandising plans based on the 

Olympics. 

Tunney said he held frequent meetings 

with the president of Sovin Films. Further 

discussions were to take place the week of 

Monday (18), when a vice-president of the 

Russian film company was due to meet 

Tunney in Hollywood. Further meetings 

will take place in Russia in November, 

Gilbert Cates, who recently completed 

"The Promise" for Universal, also directed 

"Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams," starring 

Joanne Woodward, and "I Never Sang for 

when the proudcer and Tunney go there. 

My Father," which starred Gene Hackman Revelation of the movie project came 

and Melvyn Douglas. 

when Tunney was outlining Image Factory 

Universal vice-president Peter Saphicr 

will supervise the production. 

Sports' newest merchandising gambit for 

the Olympics "Misha." the hear thai will 

be the mascot for the 1980 Olympics. 

"Misha" actually will be a cleverly designed 

bear costume worn by actor Tommy Madden 

who, at present, is acting in 'The Muppet 

Movie." 

The bear will be featured in numerous 

promotional gambits including nearly every 

major parade in the coimtry, serving to promote 

interest in the 1980 Olmpics and as a 

corollary promoting the numerous tie-in 

merchandising items which Image Factory 

Sports will be selling through licensed companies 

which, according to Blum, anxiously 

are seeking deals with his 

firm. 

New Lorimar TV Division 

Headed by Philip Capice 

BURBANK — Merv Adelson, 

chairman 

of the board, and Lee Rich, president, Lorimar 

Productions, announced the appointment 

of Philip Capice as president of the 

new Lorimar Television division, effective 

immediately. Capice will report directly to 

Rich. 

In announcing the Capice appointment 

and the formation of the TV division. Rich 

said: "Phil Capice is one of the most exceptional 

men in the TV industry. His talent 

and ability have contributed greatly to the 

success of Lorimar." 

Capice joined Lorimar Productions in 

1974 as senior vice-president in charge of 

TV. 

The formation of Lorimar Television is 

in line with recent expansion moves by the 

company which saw the establishment of 

Lorimar Films, headed by Peter Bart; the 

appomtment of Robert Meyers as president 

of Lorimar Distribution International; the 

establishment of Lorimar Syndication and 

the appointment of Robert Morin as its president, 

and the affiliation with JS Films, an 

independent production company headed by 

Jack Schwartzman, which produces films 

exclusively for Lorimar. 

Goldschmidt Is Retained 

By Orion for 'Romance' 

BURBANK—Eric Pleskow, president of 

Orion Pictures Co., announced that independent 

consultant Ernst Goldschmidt has 

been retained to supervise the foreign sales 

and distribution of "A Little Romance," the 

first Orion film to begin production. 

Produced and directed by George Roy 

Hill from a screenplay by Allan Burns, "A 

Little Romance" stars Laurence Olivier, Sally 

Kellerman and Arthur Hill and currently 

is before the cameras in Paris with Phalanx 

& Trinacra co-producing. 

Goldschmidt continues to represent EMI's 

"Convoy," "Warlords From .Atlantis," 

"Driver," "Death on the Nile" and "Deerhunter"; 

Joseph E. Levine's "Magic," and 

"Apocalypse Now" for American Zoetrope, 

Francis Coppola's San Francisco-based company. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 25 1978

I heme 

Goldman Reminds That Withholding 

Of Product Violates 

NEW YORK—Marvin Goldman, president 

of the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners, 

has released the following copy of a 

leltei- which was sent August 22 to Jack 

Valenti. president of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America. Copies of the communication 

also were sent to presidents of the 

major film companies. 

Goldman's letter read as follows: 

As you are aware, the states of Alabama, 

Louisiana. Ohio. South Carolina and Virginia 

have enacted statutes ("blind-bidding 

legislation") prohibiting the blind-bidding of 

motion pictures for exhibition within those 

states. You and other representatives of the 

MPAA. as well as representatives of particular 

motion picture distribution companies, 

have made many statements to the 

effect that distributors would withhold 

product from exhibitors in states which enacted 

blind-bidding legislation. 

Important Pictures Unavailable 

These statements have been made in testimony 

before, and written presentation 

submitted to, committees of various state 

legislatures and in public remarks which 

have been quoted in the press. They have 

mainly taken the form of "explanations" and 

"predictions" that important motion pictures 

would not be made available at appropriate 

playing times for exhibition in states 

which enacted blind-bidding legislation. For 

example, you arc quoted in the Feb. 22, 

1978. Daily Variety as stating that ". . . 

antiblind-bidding states would effectively cut 

themselves off from product" and in the 

May 27, 1977, Independent Film Journal 

as stating that exhibitors in states that enacted 

this legislation "would periodically 

end up with no picture booked into holiday 

playdates. An Ohio legislator is quoted in 

the April 10, 1978, Boxoffice Magazine as 

deducting from the MPAA presentation to 

the Ohio Legislature that "major film producers 

'will ignore Ohio' in the future." 

Actions taken by some distributors in 

states where hlind-biddinsz Icuislallon is in 

Antitrust Laws 

effect indicate the disturbing possibility that 

distributors arc taking steps to "punish" 

exhibitors in these states by delaying the 

availability of product, even when prints 

are available for tradescreening, and deliberately 

adjusting release schedules so as to 

give competitive advantages to theatres in 

neighboring states. 

Prohibited by Law 

It should not be necessary to remind you 

and others in the distribution business that 

the antitrust laws absolutely prohibit any 

agreement or understanding, whether expressed 

or implied, and whether made directly 

among distributors or through an intermediary 

such as the MPAA. that they 

woulfl withhold from or otherwise impede 

access to 

product by particular exhibitors. 

Monitoring by 

NATO 

Absent illegal collusion among distributors, 

the normal forces of the marketplace 

must result in vigorous competition among 

them to conduct tradescreenings in states 

that have enacted blind-bidding legislation 

as early as possible so as to obtain the best 

chances of licensing product for desirable 

playdates in desirable theatres. You and the 

entire distribution industry should know that 

the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners will 

be monitoring this situation closely to ensure 

that the antitrust laws are fully enforced. 

Rod Steiger Joins Cast 

Of 'Amityville Horror' 

BEVERLY HILLS — Academy Awardwinning 

actor Rod Steiger has been set for 

the role of Father Delaney in American 

International Pictures' "The Amityville 

Horror," which starts shooting October 17 

in Toms River, N.J., it was announced by 

Jere C. Henshaw, senior vice-president in 

charge of AlP worldwide theatrical production. 

"The Amityville Horror" is based on 

the hjsl-ellinu hook b\ l:i\ \tiv.- 

Rl NAWAV KXI»RKS,S— Ihc soundtrack album ot Cohiinbia I'iiluris' "Midnit;hl 

I-.xpress" is beini; rushi-d into rek-asi- to lake a(t>aiila|i:r of llii' hu(;e hoxoffiri' 

siK'i-i'ss oT llic rilni ill London. Iiixohrd in llie alhiiiii ri'li'asi' arc, rroiii U'fl, Itob 

lloliiH's, \ ji'i'-pri'siilc'iil of ('oliiiiil)ia I'icliirrs Miisit' (Moiip: (îoruio Morodor, toiiiposiT 

or the iiliii score; Dick llcrrcs, director ol iiiiisic lor (oliiiiiliia's Music (^roiip, 

and Itrcndaii Caliill, iiiiisic sopcrtisor lor ( oliiiiiliia I'icliircs. Kclcasc of Ilic alliiiiii 

nil! be limed lo opeiiiii|> of llie liliii. 

Farrah 'Conscientious' 

Says Lamont Johnson 

By JOHN COCCHl 

NEW YORK.—How do you direct a legend 

in her first starring motion picture? 

Director Lamont Johnson, who guided Farrah 

Fawcett-Majors through Columbia's 

"Somebody Killed Her Husband." found 

that the conscientious approach was best. 

The veteran director and actor quickly 

learned that his star was equally conscientious, 

hardworking and, to put it mildly, 

nice. Everyone, it seems, falls in love with 

Farrah's charm and determination to meet 

every challenge. 

Johnson was in Manhattan to cast "Haywire." 

the TV miniseries based on the late 

Margaret Sullavan's life as written by her 

daughter Brooke Hayward. He also was 

anxious to talk about the Columbia release, 

which has its benefit preview at the Trans- 

Lux East here Monday (25) for the Ass'n 

for a Better New York, followed by a supper-dance 

at Studio 54. Regular openings 

begin Friday (29). 

Jeff Bridges stars with Farrah in the comedy-mystery, 

which Johnson describes as 

a throwback to the happy entertainment of 

the '40s. Bridges plays a failed writer of 

children's books and she is a wife and mother 

who decides to leave her husband for 

him. When the spouse is found murdered, 

the lovers attempt to solve the crime, with 

more killings resulting before the climax. 

Johnson, who loves New York, happily incorporated 

Macy's department store and its 

Thanksgiving Day parade into the plot. The 

film naturally was made entirely in New 

York City. 

The screenplay by Reginald Rose casts 

the leads as innocents from the Midwest 

who must cope with the big city. New York 

is a major character, according to Johnson. 

The director, who describes the phenomenal 

Farrah as warm and charming, may have 

contributed the first step in the transformation 

of a major TV (and poster) star into 

a real movie star. 

AIP Slates Oct. 20 Start 

On Filming of 'Defiance' 

BEVERL"^ HILLS— Principal photography 

on .^merican International Pictures' 

romantic drama "Defiance" is scheduled 

lo start October 20 in New York City, reports 

Jere C. Henshaw. senior vice-president 

in charge of worldwide theatrical production. 

John Flynn will direct from an original 

screenplay by Tom Dcinnclly and Mark 

I iilin. The film will be prixluced by Jerry 

Miuckheimer 

( "l-arewell My Lovely") and 

Koberl Wunsch with Donnelly as a.ssocialc 

producer. 

"Defiance" deals with an urban love 

laid against the background of a 

lough, gritty New York neighborhood. 

John l-lynn's direcling credits include 

The Sergeant." starring Rod Siciper, "The 

Oultii." and AIP'n "Rolling Ihunder," 

ring \\'llli,im IX-v.ine. 

Senlemhei 25. l')7S

— 

RCA Service Signs Pact 

On Cinema Radio System 

NEW YORK — RCA Service Co. will 

provide field installation and maintenance 

for the Cinema Radio svstem, it was an- 

Marty Rubin, seated, and Pete Cerruto, 

right, RCA Service Co., join Fred 

Schwartz, president of Cinema Radio, 

at installation and service agreement 

signing ceremony. 

nouRced by Cinema Radio president Fred 

Schwartz. 

The Cinema Radio system utilizes lowpower 

transmitters and underground cables 

to transmit a film's sound to a patron's car 

radio at drive-ins. 

"I'm particularly pleased that a front-line 

company of RCA's standing and reputation 

has joined with us," Schwartz said. "As a 

former exhibitor, I recognize the need to 

know that responsible servicing is readily 

available. We can now provide that assurance 

for all Cinema Radio customers that 

may wish to utilize RCA's services." 

Toga Parties Are Gaining 

Popularity on Campuses 

NEW YORK—The toga party, as featured 

in Universal's "National Lampoon's 

Animal House," seems to be catching on 

with college students, now that school is 

back in session. Such events, while seldom 

making the front page, occasionally do 

make the police blotter. 

"Two young gentlemen in their BVDs. 

armed with bedsheets from a local motel, 

walked out on Highway 98 to assist local 

police in directing traffic," reported Chief 

Sullivan of the Panama City, Fla., sheriff's 

department. 

"Unfortunately, their inexperience in 

traffic control led to a small traffic jam. 

Concerned citizens in the area contacted 

local police. Upon arrival of additional 

officers, the young gentlemen fled, due to 

shyness and not wanting lo be in the public 

eye. 

"Followed by police to the beach, the 

two dropped their bed sheets and fled into 

the Gulf of Mexico. After a 15-minute consultation 

by police regarding sharks and 

piranhas, the two surrendered. They both 

were charged with interfering with traffic 

and fined $\5 each and 'Toga-ed' on their 

wa>' seeming quite pleased." 

American Exhibitors 

Eager to Book 

Wielands Acclaimed 'The Far Shore 

By JOHN COCCHI 

NEW YORK — Canadian films have a 

difficult time getting recognition in Canada 

as well as in the U.S. One which deserves 

attention—and which has received a considerable 

amount at world film festivals 

is Joyce Wieland's "The Far Shore," which 

Bauer International is distributing in this 

country. It has been applauded at such film 

festivals as Cannes. London, New Delhi, 

Edinburgh and Ottawa and L'Agc d'Or. 

Ms. Wieland, a well-known Canadian artist 

interested in politics and the ecology, coproduced 

the film with Judy Steed, with 

whom she has been associated ever since the 

latte.- made a film about the Wieland art in 

the early '70s. On her own, Ms. Wieland 

has been making experimental shorts in 

16mm since 1958. This marks her debut as 

director, co-producer and writer on a theatrical 

feature. 

Made on $500,000 Budget 

Produced with the cooperation of the Canadian 

Film Development Corp., Astral 

Films, Famous Players-Lasky Corp. and 

other groups for only $500,000, "The Far 

Shore" was shot in the beautiful Bon Echo 

Woods of northern Ontario. Set in 1919, 

the original story by Wieland (Bryan Barney 

wrote the screenplay) was based on the life 

of Canadian artist Tom Thomson, who died 

mysteriously that year. The film tells a love 

story, points up the prejudices that Englishspeaking 

Canadians have had for their 

French-speaking countrymen and stresses 

the love of the arts and nature .-;s positive 

pursuits. 

It has been honored with Canadian Film 

Awards for the exquisite color photography 

of Richard Leiterman, for Anne Pritchard's 

art direction and for Frank Moore's portrayal 

of the artist, rechristened Tom Mc- 

Cleod. Moore, who starred opposite Marilyn 

Chambers in the Canadian-made horror 

film "Rabid" (a New World release here), 

stars with Celine Lomez, Lawrence Benedict 

and Sean McCann in "The Far Shore." 

Ms. Lomez, a pop singer, also is in "TTic 

Silent Partner" with Elliott Gould. 

Videotaped the Rehearsals 

This is a project which is particularly 

close to Ms. Wieland's heart, as she had 

been developing the script for some years. 

Whei her associates told her that it would 

be better to have a Polish director at the 

helm only a few weeks before production 

began, she held out until it was agreed that 

she should direct. Once under way, she took 

extreme care with each shot (the finished 

product speaks for itself) and videotaped 

the actors' rehearsals to show to them. Only 

two takes were necessary for most shots 

and no scene had to be shot more than 

three or four times. 

Since one of the backers was the owner 

of 49 per cent of a theatre circuit, he saw 

to it that "The Far Shore" was btxiked into 

his houses. Normalh. the circuits favor 

American product. Although the initial response 

was excellent, the distributor took 

the film out of Canadian release because of 

a dispute regarding a lab bill. Ray Blanco, 

head of Bauer International in Somerville, 

N. J., saw the film at Cannes and fell in 

love with it. 

Playdates have been lined up in New 

England and in Houston, San Diego and 

Santa Fe, with Ms. Wieland participating 

the promotion. One theatre owner in Yellow 

in 

Springs, Ohio, insisted on a booking 

after a screening of the film and grossed 

$1,000 with a three-day interim date. Although 

the ad5 will revolve around a rather 

erotic love scene in a river towards the conclusion 

of the film, Blanco says that this 

will help sell a good film which isn't really 

a sex picture. 

With Ms. Steed, Ms. Wieland is seeking 

backing on a new production, a big budgeter, 

and is hoping she'll work with the 

same cast and crew. 

Johnny Carson Will Emcee 

Oscar Presentation Show 

BEVERLY HILLS—Entertainer Johnny 

Carson will be the sole master of ceremonies 

for the 51st annual Academy Awards 

presentation ceremonies, which will be held 

Monday, April 9, 1979, at the Dorothy 

Chandler Pavilion of the Los Angeles Music 

Center, it was announced by Howard W. 

Koch. Academy president. This marks the 

first time that Carson, host of TV's "Tonight 

Show," has appeared on an Academy 

Awards telecast. 

The 51st annual Awards presentation will 

be telecast live bv .'KBC-TV beginning at 

7 p.m. PST. 

This will be the 11th consecutive year 

that Oscars have been awarded at the Dorothy 

Chandler Pavilion. 

Nominations for Academy Awards will 

be announced at the Academy's Beverly 

Hills headquarters Tuesday. Feb. 20. 1979. 

Sam W. Craver, Southeast 

Area Theatre Owner, Dies 

CHARLOTTE—Sam W. Craver. who 

once owned the Visulite. Plaza and Charlotte 

theatres here and who was part owner 

of about 60 theatres in the Southeast, died 

Thursday (14). 

Craver began his career in the early 

1930s. Soon thereafter he owned theatres 

in North and South Carolina and Virginia. 

Frank Beddingfield. longtime business 

associate and friend, described the motion 

picture pioneers of those early days in the 

Carolinas as "a bunch of fellows who got 

into the theatre business because that was 

where the people were going." 

Craver's theatres are now mostly owned 

by Consolidated Theatres, Inc.. formed by 

a merger with Craver Theatres in 1974 after 

his retirement. His son Sam W. Craver 

jr. is now prcsidciil of (Consolidated. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 25 1978

Seplembei 

PIE in Merchandising 

Tie-Up With Columbia 

MEDFORD. ORE.— Aiiluii Dub^. president 

of Pacific International Enterprises, 

and Vincent J. Alati. vice-president and 

Stars of "Wilderness Family Part 2" 

in a scene from the film are, left to 

righl: Ham Larson (Tobv), the son; 

Bob Logan (Skip), the father; Heather 

Rattray (Jenny), the daughter, and Susan 

Daniante Shaw (Pat), (he mother. 

The motion picture was photographed 

on location in Colorado. 

general manager of Columbia Pictures' merchandising 

division, jointly announced that 

the latter firm will be representing PIE's 

"Wilderness Family Part 2" on an exclusive 

basis for licensing and merchandising the 

film. 

'Ideal Family Portrayed' 

"For a licensee," Alati stated, "the longevity 

that wc can offer here is an extraordinary 

opportunity. Many elements of the 

film—the ideal family portrayed, the animals 

they befriend, the kinds of pioneer 

equipment they use and even the log cabin 

in which they live—are great licensing naturals. 

We arc most enthusiastic about the 

prospects for this 

property." 

"Wilderness Family Part 2" will be released 

in the U.S. at Christmas 197S. Ihc 

film's advance promotional campaign will 

be coordinated with its merchandising program 

by Columbia, which is proceeding 

rapidly to 

sign licensees. 

Varied Merchandise Planned 

Columbia Pictures Merchandising is in 

the midst of negotiations for "Wilderness 

Family Part 2" tic-ins for a line of "Wilderness 

Family" dolls, a play-set doll house, 

clothing and accessories and is setting deals 

for a Super 4mm film cassette, plus novclization 

of the book. In addition, staffers are 

working on a line of T-shirts, posters, comic 

books, games, pu/zles and many more national 

lie-ins involving premium products. 

The merchandising program also will include 

an adult line of sports equipment and 

recreation gear. A top label Christmas release 

of the song "Snow Flakes," featured 

in "Wilderness Family Pari 2," .ilso is scheduled. 

Plans have been Ic.rinulalcd l to advise of the new 

closing dale—October \. Entries should 

be postmarked or shipped by this lime. 

Rather than blame Ihe extension on 

mail delays or hea^j flow of entries, 

we prefer lo allow for procrastination, 

so we ha>e added ten more days to 

extend the deadline for festival entries 

to October 1." 

The Miami festival includes competition 

in shorts, documenlaries, TV, 

features, experimental and student 

films. More than $10,000 in cash prizes 

will be awarded and this year a new 

Graphics Award section has been added 

to include film posters and related designs. 

A cash prize is offered in this 

category. 

The 11th annual Festival of the 

Americas (formerly held in the Virgin 

Islands and previously based in Atlanta) 

is scheduled for November 10-19. 

A film market and equipment trade 

fair, the Miami Photokina, will be held 

in conjunclion with the festival. 

derness Family Part 2" float in the Macy's 

Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City 

and it will carry an exact replica of the log 

cabi'i used in the film, including live trees 

and foliage. "Wilderness" stars Bob Logan 

(Skip), who plays the father: Susan Damantc 

Shaw (Pat), who plays the mother; 

Heather Rattray (Jenny), the daughter, and 

Ha.m Larsen (Toby), who plays the son, will 

ride on the float. Sources estimate that 2,- 

000,000 people will view the float along the 

parade route and an additional 60,000,000 

viewers will see the float on national TV 

via NBC Thanksgiving morning. 

"This is the most energetic advertising 

program we have entered into for one of 

our'films," Dubs said. 

"1 am confident that 

'Wilderness Family Part 2" will surpass the 

enormous success of its predecessor. The 

Adventures of the Wilderness Family Part 

" 

I.' 

'Visitor' Distribution 

Rights Secured by AIP 

Bl VI Kl N nil IS 

tional Pictures has acquired lor distribution 

the lutinistic drama "The Visitor,"' it was 

announced by Louis S. Arkoff, vice-president 

of American Inlein.Ui.Mi.il Prodne- 

"The Visilor" is llie psvehie di.un.i ol ,. 

powerful being from another world who li.is 

been placed on earth lo find and eliminate 

the descendants of a mutant, the galaxy's 

most evil and physically powerful man who. 

centuries b.-fore, used the iMisus|vcling e.irlh 

as a place lo hide from his pursuers. 

roL-. (.ienii I oi,l .iiiJ SIkIIlA W iiueis 

'Movie Madness' Sales 

Near $250,000 Mark 

NLW -ÔRk — Se\moLir Kaplan. N.itional 

Screen Services director of advertising, 

reports that theatre retail sales of 

"Mo\ie Madness" merchandise on the film 

"Grease" are nearing 5250,000. 

"We believe that the results of our 211- 

theatre test campaign of packaged, in-theatre 

retailing of merchandise inspired by 

Grease' virtually has revolutionized the 

thinking of exhibitors throughout the country." 

Kaplan stated. "With the help and 

cooperation of live-wire exhibitors. NSS 

firmly has established that our '.Movie Madness" 

program offers theatres a highly lucrative 

'extra-profit' source of income. After 

all. 50 per cent of the gross sales represents 

almost $125,000 profit to the theatres." 

Kaplan added, "With the concrete dollar 

results on 'Grease" in the ledger book, we 

are preparing an all-out. full-scale 'Movie 

Madness" campaign on "Superman" for the 

hol'day season. Th; "Superman" merchandise 

has been preresearched. premarketed and 

pretested—aimed at the greatest potential 

aLdicnce of all time."" 

Pointing out that "testing is over." he reminded 

that "Movie Madness" merchandise 

on "Superman" is available to all. 

"Can you imagine exhibitors offering 

their patrons the opportunity to buy a piece 

of Kryptonite (that actually glows in the 

dark) from the planet Krypton— at a verylow 

price? Who could refuse?'" Kaplan 

asked. 

Bob Crosby's Bobcats Set 

For the Pioneers' Fete 

NEW "NORK — The "big band"" sound 

will be heard at the 40th annual Motion 

Picture Pioneers' dinner gala Monday evening. 

October 16. in the Grand Ballroom 

of the Waldorf Astoria, New York City. 

Herb Steinberg, chairman of the program 

committee, announced that Bob Crosby ;ind 

the Bobcats have been engaged to play at 

the affair and that dancing will be an integral 

part of the cvening"s entertainment. 

This year"s "Pioneer of the Year"" dinner 

will 

honor Dr. Jules Stein, founder of MCA, 

Inc., and a renowned leader in the field of 

research to prevent blindness. 

Crosby, a big band pioneer, has led his 

own orchestra since Ihe mid-19.'ngs made 

famous bv the Bobcats and co-authored In 

Crosbv are "Until"" and "Silver & Gold."" 

Wood Sol for Bonji TV Show 

DAI I AS Dee Dee VS ood. wlu< choreographed 

"Ihe .StMuid of Music."" "Mary 

Poppins" and "Chilly Chilly Bang Bang," 

has been signed to stage a lavish musical 

number for "Benji's Very Own Christmas 

Siory.'" The show, produced by Joe Camp"s 

Mulberry Square Piodueiions, will be leleeasl 

in DecemlH-r b^ ABC IN". 

BOXOFFICE : 

r>7.S

, 

the 

Henry G. Plilt Is Set 

As ShoWesT Keynoter 

LOS ANGELES— Robert W. Selig. general 

chairman of ShoWesT '79. announced 

that the forthcoming 

Western States convention 

and tradeshow 

will have Henry 

G. Plitt, president ol 

Plitt Theatres, as iK 

keynote 

speaker. 

Plitt's selection as 

the convention's leadoff 

man augurs "the 

forthright presentation 

of strong and 

Henry G. Plitt 

timely opinions, some 

lui doubt highly controversial," Selig promised. 

A World War II hero and ex-paratrooper, 

Plitt has enjoyed a rapid rise in the industry 

since the late 1940s, mainly in various 

divisions and affiliates of ABC Theatres, 

and soon emerged as one of exhibition's 

strongest administrators and all-around 

executives. He stepped away from ABC in 

1974 to buy its Midwest and West Coast 

theatre holdings and, within the past month, 

finalized the acquisition of all of ABC's remaining 

houses for his Plitt Theatres circuit 

which, with more than 400 screens, 

becomes one of the nation's largest. 

ShoWesT '79 will be held February 20-22 

at the MGM Grand Hotel. Las Vegas. Forecasts 

are for an exhibitor registration of 

1,200 to 1,500 and a tradeshow double the 

size 

of ShoWesT '78. 

Wometco Sells Canadian 

Property, Miami Ozoner 

MIAMI—Wometco Enterprises has announced 

the sale of an 11-acre tract of 

land in the area of Vancouver, B.C.. Canada, 

and a drive-in in Miami. The transactions 

will result in an after-tax gain of opproximately 

$1,800,000. 

Wometco originally acquired the 11-acre 

Canadian tract in 1966, shortly after it 

purchased the Coca-Cola bottling franchise 

for Vancouver and surrounding areas, which 

it continues to operate. The company acquired 

the Coral Way Drive-In in 1954. 

The sales follow Wometco's previously 

announced plan to dispose of marginal income-producing 

real properties and certain 

business operations. 

Principal Photography 

Completed On 'Nickel' 

LOS ANGELES — Producer-director 

Ralph Waite. star of TV's "The Waltons." 

has completed principal photography on his 

first feature film, "On the Nickel." 

Waite's film tells the story of one man's 

search for a dying friend in and around 

"The Nickel" (5th Street) and his discovery 

that death is not the end. but the beginning 

of a new life. Post-production will be completed 

in October and Waite anticipates 

release in early 1979. 

Cinema Concepts Seeking Exhibitor 

Advice on New Trailer Production 

ATLANTA — Cinema Concepts. Inc.. 

Nashville-based company, says it agrees 

^.T«iraj jp«jpp»^^—— 

wholeheartedly with 

majority the of 

P^^^HJlJk^ ' 

^PHH^^k 

exhibitors that "there 

^^^^ 

is a definite need to- 

S -* ^'B '^^y to improve, up- 

'l W grade and update the 

/1^"»^-»'V 

quality of spec'al and 

^^^fc ~" Jr cu-tom institutional 

^^^^%^f ^^ film for theatres." 

^^^^ Jfet^^k According to Stew- 

^^H||k^ H^^^^ ail Harncll. 

t,^ . „ „ v:ce-president of the 

Stewart Harnell ,. , a- c 

theatre division of 

Cinema Concepts, based in Atlanta, "The 

initial response from exhibitors across the 

nation has been extremely encouraging and 

inspiiing regarding the need for drastic improvement 

of custom trailers, whether they 

be circuit feature presentation headers, film 

daters, cross-plug trailers or otherwise. Exhibitors 

have stated that, despite spending 

vast amounts of money to build the finest 

showpiaces possible, from the carpets to 

the Dolby sound systems, they still must run 

antiquated and outdated institutional trailers 

because nothing better has been available—up 

to now." 

Two Years' Groundwork 

Ronald C. Ellis, president of Cinema 

Concepts, for the last two years has been 

preparing and establishing an organization 

which he points out has the function of 

servicing the special film production needs 

of America's exhibitors. 

Ellis added that Harnell "is sensitive to 

industry trends because of the overview of 

distribution and exhibition he gained while 

directing the sales thrust of NSS in New 

York. Exhibitors have many common grievances 

and problems, but if any one category 

could be isolated and unanimously referred 

to as 'a frustration' among advertising directors 

and general managers of circuit and 

independent operations alike it would have 

to fall under the heading of institutional 

production." 

trailer 

Harnell reports that after surveying a 

qualified cross-section of exhibitors from 

around the country, it is obvious that this 

frustration stems from "an inability to obtain 

quality institutional trailers at affordable 

prices. Too, it would appear that today's 

exhibitors want more than a simple 

art card depicting an old-fashioned background 

which incorporates dull colors and 

innocuous type style." 

A Sizable 

Investment 

Ellis, observing that Cinema Concepts 

has made a sizable investment, considers his 

company's studio operations "second to 

none and capable of producing custom film 

for independents and large circuits at prices 

that are realistic and sensible." 

One problem commonly shared by drivein 

operators is that of obtaining concession 

trailers that advertise some of the new produ 

ts currently sold in ozoner snack bars. 

Harnell asserts that Cinema Concepts is 

"vitally interested in producing a complete 

new line of refreshment trailer clips for 

drive-ins to use during intermission." 

He therefore requests that drive-in operators 

write or call him in Atlanta at 6520 

Powers Ferry Rd.. Suite 200, Atlanta, Ga. 

30339. telephone (404) 952-3413, to indicate 

the food products for which new refreshment 

trailer clips should be produced. 

It is the intention of Cinema Concepts, Harnell 

says, "to set up a production schedule 

to film these food items and to make them 

available to exhibitors via a special mail 

ordtr form." It then would be possible for 

underskyer operators to utilize the special 

new clips within the contexts of the All- 

American, ten-minute, five-minute and 

three-minute clock trailers also produced by 

Cinema Concepts. 

These all-new full-color trailers, produced 

and scored by Cinema Concepts, reflect a 

significant departure from traditional clock 

trailers made over the past 35 years, Harnell 

declares. 

"A great deal of money was spent to produce 

something altogether new, interesting 

and entertaining for drive-in operators and 

we think this has been achieved in the Ail- 

American Clock Trailer," Harnell stated. 

"Prior to the end of 1978. the theatre industry 

in the U.S. and Canada will be 

offered a totally new line of fully animated 

trailers and an improved line of institutional 

trailers running the gamut from "No Smoking' 

to 'Season's Greetings.' " 

Allen's 'Interiors' Closes 

San Sebastian Film Fest 

NEW YORK—Woody Allen's "Interiors" 

was selected as the closing night presentation 

at this year's San Sebastian Film 

Festival, it was announced by Norbert Auerbach. 

United Artists senior vice-president 

and foreign manager. The screening 

Wednesday (20) marked the film's first 

showing outside the U.S. 

Robert Greenhut was executive producer 

on the Rollins-Joffe production, which was 

produced by Charles Joffe and written and 

directed bv Allen. 

Free Blackhawk 

Films Catalog 

^lus '2 price introductory 

offers on 

't^ Laurel & Hardy 

W. C. Fields, 

and more. 

BOXOFFICE :: September 25. 1978

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Michael Vronskv needs to 

virtues actor Robert De Niro 

in a murky rive 

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ms^

UNIVERSAL PICTURES 

and 

EMI FILMS 

present 

"THE DEER HUNTER" 

Co-starring 

OHN CAZALEJOHN SAVAGE- MERYL STREEP- CHRISTOPHER WALI" 

Music by STANLEY MYERS Director of photography VILMOS ZSIGMOND A.S.C 

Production Consultant JOANN CARELLI Produced by BARRY SPIKINGS, 

MICHAEL DEELEY MICHAEL CIMINO and JOHN PEVERALL 

story by MICHAEL CIMINO & DERIC WASHBURN and LOUIS GARFINKLE 

& QUINN K. REDEKER screenplay by DERIC WASHBURN 

Directed by MICHAE L CIMINO A UNIVERSAL RELEASE rmffl TECHNICOLOR® PANAVISIOI 

INova JOVE Boc*l DQ DOLBY ' STEREO :,:"... - i&ligrJfSlSS' 

SPECIAL ACADEMY AWARD QUALIFYING ENGAGEMENT 

One of the most important and controversial films of 1979. 

Contact your Universal Branch Manager.

Motion Picture Marketing 

Formed by Ex-EMC Execs. 

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. — In a 

joint statement issued Monday (18). John 

John I . C liuiiibli' 

L. Chambliss, Lon 

Kerr and Mike Mahern 

announced the 

formation of Motion 

Picture Marketing 

«•• (MPM), a new film 

marketing and national 

distribution company. 

Chambliss will 

serve as president and 

general sales manag- 

Mike Mahern ". Kerr as vice-president 

of marketing 

and Mahern as vice-president of advertising 

and publicity. All three resigned their 

executive marketing positions with EMC 

Film Corp. four weeks ago because of "policy 

differences." 

As its first release, MPM has acquired 

"Roman Polanski's Forbidden Dreams," an 

R-rated erotic film from the director of 

"Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown." Test 

engagements are set for early October. 

"Roman Polanski's Forbidden Dreams" 

reportedly is the highest-budget erotic film 

ever made in English and Chambliss anticipates 

major boxoffice returns. 

"Roman Polanski is the most controversial 

and probably the most famous film director 

today," he said. "There's a huge audience 

out there for an erotic film by Polanski." 

MPM has designed two separate advertising 

campaigns on the picture, one especially 

for hardtop engagements this year 

and another for drive-in playdates next 

summer. 

During its first six months of operation 

MPM will release four films. Chambliss 

sa'd. Two will be oriented toward hardtop 

play and two will be directed at the drivein 

exploitation market. MPM will work basically 

through the same system of subdistributors 

Chambliss assembled for EMC. 

MPM plans intensive marketing efforts 

on each of its films, it was emphasized. 

Advertising vice-president Mike Mahern 

has designed eye-popping campaigns for 

each of the releases. "Most movie ads are 

too subtle and don't have enough sell," 

Mahern declared. "We think we've got the 

most effective advertising, dollar for dollar, 

in the business." 

Lon Kerr, vice-president of marketing, 

will be coordinating MPM TV umbrellas 

and local booking patterns. "We'll maximize 

our grosses in every market by bringing all 

CALENDARofEVENTS 

SEPTEMBER 

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

11 12 13 14 15 16 

7 18 19 20 21 22 23 

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 

OCTOBER 

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 

29 30 31 

3-4, NATO of New Mexico convention, Sholoko Inn, 

Albuquerque, N.M. 

15^19, Notional NATO convention, Americana Hotel, 

29-Noveniber 3, SMPTE convention, 120th technical 

conference and equipment exhibit, Americana Hotel, 

New York City. 

31 -November 1, Theatre Owners of Indiana convention, 

Marriott Inn, Indianapolis. 

NOVEMBER 

3-23, Chicago International Film Festival, 14th annual 

event. Ambassador East Hotel, Chicago. 

10-19, Greater Miami International Film Festival, 

of the keys and sub-keys under each TV 

umbrella," Kerr noted. "We also definitely 

will continue our policy of setting co-op ad 

campaigns in every market. It's a tremendous 

amount of work but it pays off handsomely 

at the boxoffice, both for the exhibitor 

and for ourselves. Besides, we learn a 

great deal from talking directly to theatre 

owners and managers across the country." 

In addition to distribution, MPM represents 

independent producers distributing 

their films through other organizations. The 

firm is operating out of offices in Marina 

del 

Rey. Calif. 

Califano Set as Speaker 

At 40th Pioneer Dinner 

NEW YORK— U..S. .Secretary of Health, 

Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano 

jr. will be the principal speaker at the 

40th annual "Pioneer of the Year" dinner, 

it was announced by Jack Valenti, 

general chairman of the event. 

Secretary Califano will bring a personal 

message from President Jimmy Carter paying 

tribute to Dr. Jules Stein for his outstanding 

achievements and efforts in research 

to prevent blindness and for his 

leadership in the entertainment field. 

The annual dinner will be held in New 

York City Monday evening. October 16. 

at the Waldorf Astoria. Tickets are available 

through the Pioneer office at 1600 

Broadway. New York City 10019. telephone 

number (212) 247-5588. 

Cheryl Boone Joins MSP 

As Ad-Pub Coordinator 

HOLLYWOOD—Cheiyl H. Boone, former 

publicity coordinator for Columbia Pictures, 

has been named coordinator of advertising 

and publicity for Melvin Simon Productions 

and will supervise all advertising 

and publicity for the company. 

In another appointment. Norma Goldstein 

was named music coordinator to work 

on musical scores with producers. 

Stephen Randall to Helm 

Ad-Pub Research at Col. 

BURBANK— Stephen F, Randall has 

hjjn named to the newly created post of 

director of research in the Columbia Pictures 

advertising and publicity department, 

it was announced by Robert W. Cort. vicepresident 

and general manager of advertising, 

publicity and promotion. 

Randall will be responsible lor Columbia 

Pictures' market research on all releases 

including concept testing, advertising and 

communications effectiveness testing and 

long-term developmental audience research. 

Randall's background includes executive 

positions with United Vintners, the Clorox 

Co. and Market Research Corp. of America, 

where he obtained extensive and varied 

market research experience and background. 

He will be headquartered at the Burbank 

Studios and work directly with Cort. Jack 

Brodsky and Irving Ivers, both recently 

named vice-presidents, advertising, publicity 

and promotion, and Randy Fields, director 

of creative services, in developing strategies 

and campaigns. 

Allied Artists Acquires 

'Fedora' Domestic Rights 

NEW YORK — Allied Artists has acquired 

U. S. and Canadian distribution 

rights to "Fedora," drama about the mystery 

surrounding a Hollywood legend, which 

Billy Wilder produced and directed, it was 

announced by Emanuel L. Wolf, president 

and chairman of the board. Based on a 

story from Thomas Tryon's best-selling 

novel "Crowned Heads," the film boasts 

an international all-star cast including William 

Holdcn, Marthe Keller, Jose Ferrer, 

Hildegarde Knef, Henry Fonda and Michael 

York. 

Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond wrote the 

screenplay and Miklos Rozsa composed the 

music. Allied Artists has scheduled the premiere 

of "Fedora" in the U. S. and Canada 

in February. 

Appeals Board Gives a PG 

To 'Same Time, Next Year' 

NEW YORK — A PG rating has been 

given to the film "Same Time, Next Year" 

by the Classification and Rating Appeals 

Board, it was announced Tuesday (19). The 

film pieviously had been rated R. 

In an appeal brought by Universal Pictures, 

the board heard statements on behalf 

of the film from Robert Mulligan, director, 

and Morton Gottlieb, co-producer of "Same 

Time, Next Year." 

The Classification and Rating Administration 

was represented by Richard D. Heffner. 

its chairman. 

Dimension Announces Two 

More Features for 1979 

LOS ANGELES — Lawrence H. Woolner, 

president of Dimension Pictures, announced 

that "Family Trouble" and "Birthday," 

theatrical features, have been added 

to the slate of 11 films for 1979 release. 

BOXOFFICE :: .September 25. 1978 23

Society for Cinephiles Holds 14th 

Annual Conclave in 

By JOHN COCCHI 

SYRACUSE, N. Y.—The 14th annual 

convention of the Society of Cinephiles, a 

group dedicated to the histor> and enjoyment 

of films, was held at the Hotel Syracuse 

here over Labor Day weekend, Friday 

(1) through Monday (4). Phil Serling. a deputy 

sheriff from nearby Fayetteville. was 

the host for the buffs, who gathered from 

all parts of the globe. Although celebrities 

had been sought, none were available for 

the convention, dubbed Cinecon 14. so the 

fans had to content themselves with films, 

socializing and buying movie material (also 

selling and trading same). 

Gov. Carey Cooperates 

Thursday. August 31, early arrivals could 

attend the nearby state fair, if they so 

chose; such stars as Frank Sinatra, Donny 

and Marie Osmond and Pat and Debby 

Boone were there during the week. Gov. 

Carey was making a speech at the hotel 

and the buffs were clamoring for the films 

to start. A story circulated afterwards that 

one of Carey's aides was told that the governor 

would be guaranteed 75 or so votes 

from the anxious Cinephiles if he would 

leave immediately, which he did in short 

order. True or not, the convention began 

officially Friday morning (1) with the showing 

of "Huckleberry Finn" (1931), starring 

Jackie Coogan. Junior Durkin and Milzi 

Green. 

The highlight of that evening was a special 

showing at the nearby Onondaga County 

Civic Center of Mary Pickford's "Little 

Annie Rooncy" (1925). directed by William 

Bcaudine and also slurring William Haines. 

Among the later films shown were "The 

Great Man Votes" (1939), one of John 

Barrymore's last good films, and the British 

short, "The Case of the Mukkinese Battle 

Horn" (1956), an early Peter Sellers effort 

in which the roots of the Inspector Clouseau 

character can be seen. 

Movie Palace Preserved 

Early Saturday morning (2) was reserved 

for a 35mm presentation at the huge Loews 

State Theatre, which has been preserved by 

a civic group as the Landmark Theatre. Before 

the screening started, Serling read a 

telegram from David Shepard of the Directors 

Guild, informing the gathering of 

tile death of lamed cinemalographer-director-producer 

Lee Garmes at 80 Thursday, 

August 31. Garmes and his wife, former 

actress Ruth Hall, had been guests at the 

1977 Cinecon in Minneapolis and had volunteered 

to come again this year, if no one 

else was available. Ironically, Cinephile 

Dick Bann had tried to reach Garmes at 

about the time of his death to see if they 

tould be present. The morning's feature, 

courtesy of the American lilm Institute, 

was W. C. Fields in the Astoria-made "Running 

Wild" (1927), accompanied on the organ 

by that wizard, Bob Vaughn. Other si- 

Icnts had Jon Mirsalis on piano. 

Syracuse, N.Y. 

Meanwhile, back at the hotel, screenings 

continued with the afternoon Saturday matinee 

presentation of Tom Mix in his first 

sound western. "Destr>' Rides Again" 

(1932). plus cartoons: Buster Keaton in the 

funny short "The Gold Ghost" (1934). and 

chapter two of the serial "Dick Tracy vs. 

Crime. Inc." (1941), on a one-chapter- a- 

year basis. Evening films included "The 

Vanishing American" (1925), starring Richard 

Dix and Lois Wilson, via Griggs Moviedrome, 

and the Maurice Chevalier musical 

"A Bedtime Story" (1933), with Baby I.c- 

Roy, Helen Twelvetrees and Edward Evereti 

Horton, names to make any buffs heart 

flutter. 

The main presentation of the evening w.ia 

seminar on "The Jazz Singer" (1927). 

presented by Audrey Kupferberg of the 

AFI. Accompanying this were trailers from 

other Al Jolson films: "Mammy" (1930) 

and "The Singing Kid" (1936), plus some 

unusual test footage of the great singer, 

circa 1949. To round it out. the part-talking 

"Lucky Boy" (1929). starring George Jcssel. 

who did "The Jazz Singer" on stage 

and nearly did the film version, also was 

shown. An acknowledged expert on "The 

Jazz Singer." Audrey also is sought out by 

the film buffs for her ingratiating manner 

and her willingness to cooperate on behalf 

of the AFI in any way possible. 

Rare Footage Screened 

Marty Kearns of Reel Images, a film 

dealer who maintains offices on both coasts, 

arranged a private screening of some rare 

footage uncovered by his company. Included 

were such fascinating items as the "Command 

Performance" radio shows (on film) 

for the armed forces during World War II, 

with such talents as Bob Hope, Judy Garland, 

Lana Turner and Betty Hutton: 

George Arliss making an appeal to help the 

unfortunates during the depression, and 

shots of the Academy Awards ceremonies 

for 1939. Cartoons were shown into the 

early hours. 

Afternoon Bu.siness Meeting 

Sunday (3). it was back to the nearby 

Landmark-Loews State Theatre for anolhei 

35nim program, consisting of two HoiU 

Gibson westerns, the feature "Dead Ciame" 

(1923) and the short "The Lone Hand" 

(1919). cartoons including Chuck Jones' 

classic "One Froggy Evening" (1956), and 

the William S. Hart feature "The Whistle" 

(1921), a highly dramatic nonwestern, which 

proved to be extremely moving. Another 

dramatic event took place during the society's 

annual business meeting that afternoon. 

President Herb Ciraff, Brooklyn, had secretary-treasurer 

Clinton D. Bredl, New 

York City, give his report and the lloor 

was open for suggestions as to ihe site lor 

next year's Cinecon. George Hoskins, Toronto, 

proposed his cily, which also was ihe 

(Continued on page 25) 

Modern Cable Programs 

To Move Via Satellite 

H^'DE PARK., N.Y. — Carl H. Lenz, 

president of Modern Talking Picture Service, 

announced that Modern has signed an 

1(1 \\. KuL. Kll. ^KL-|)rcîlll^f. 

\idec» and audio sir* ices, Kt A American 

Communications, and William 

Card, right, exeeuti>e vice-president. 

Modern Talking Picture Service, after 

signing the agreement for Modem to 

lease fixed-term dail> TV channel service 

on RCA Americom's Satcom I satellite 

for the distribution of Modem 

cable progranui. 

agreement with RCA .American Communications 

to lease fixed-term daily TV channel 

service on RCA .\mericom's Satcom I 

satellite for the distribution of the Modern 

cable programs. 

Under the terms of the agreement. Modern 

has reserved five hours of satellite time 

on a daily basis starting Jan. 1, 1979. Modern 

also has purchased an option from RCA 

Americom Services for the use of its exclusive 

videotape playback facility at the Vernon 

Valley, N.J.. satellite up-link site. 

Modern will be distributing a series of 

free-loan video programs via satellite to an 

expanded network of C.\TV systems and 

is conducting a marketing campaign to the 

more than 350 C.^TV earth stations representing 

a potential of 4.000,000 subscriber 

homes. Modern's cable programs, which 

start their sixth year in January, currently 

are distributed via videocassette to 100 cable 

svstems with 1,500,000 subscribers. 

Image Transform Handled 

'Heaven' Special Effects 

HOI.I ^\^()()l)-.SpecMl elUvls scenes 

featuring star Warren Beatiy. James Mason 

and Bryant Ciumbel in Paramount's "Heaven 

Can Wait" were transferred from videotape 

to film by Image Transform in North 

Hollywood, according to marketing vicepresident 

Jack Mauck. 

The lirms exclusive system was used to 

achieve James Mason's "dramatic fade to 

his heavenly destination," according to 

Mauck. who added that Ciumbel's s|v>rls report 

on Bcatty's LV set was made possible 

by recording the scx-ne on videotape, then 

transferring to 35mm film for subsequent 

optical printing. 

Produced by Warren Ikatly, "Heaven 

( .111 Wail" stars Beatlv and Julie Christie. 

24 BOXOrriCE : 

Sepleinlvr

Cinephiles Hold 14th 

Conclave in Syracuse 

(Continued from page 24) 

site of the 1973 convention. After it had 

been approved by the membership, several 

people voiced their concern about getting 

films and material past Canadian customs. 

When a few had told of their own problems 

in this regard, Ed Hulse, Parsippany, 

N. J., asked president Graff to consider 

New York City as an alternate. Because the 

1976 Cinecon had been held there and he 

had been in charge then, Graff declined to 

offer New York again (whoever proposes a 

site must be from that area and must be 

ready to accept the responsibilities of the 

convention). Thereupon, Hulse offered to 

take charge of the 15th Cinecon and the 

group approved New York. 

Hulse to Manage Confab 

At 25, Ed Hulse is one of the youngest 

members of the Cinephiles to take on the 

management of a Cinecon. Having had 

much local expertise and being an extremely 

perceptive movie buff, he should have 

no major problems. Additionally, he has 

the support of the large New York film-fan 

community. Hulse automatically is vicepresident 

in charge of the convention. Serling 

was elevated to president during the 

meeting and Bredt succeeded himself as 

secretary-treasurer. Gordon Berkow was 

named to succeed Tom Kendrick as vicepresident 

in charge of the newsletter. 

The society's annual banquet, after the 

cocktail party, took place that evening in 

the hotel's ballroom, where many of the 

screenings were held. Among those at the 

banquet were actor James Dukas and local 

BoxoFFiCE representative Nevart Apikian, 

entertainment editor for the Syracuse Post- 

Standard. President Graff, who is the society's 

favorite speaker, because of his hilarious 

stories, struck a somber note by 

pointing out that most of the guests the 

members would like to see are elderly, 

unavailable or deceased. He suggested that 

they seek younger personalities to help fill 

the dais (many of the members prefer silent 

films and early talkies). Sam Rubin, founder 

of the society and editor of Classic Film 

Collector, its bible, spoke briefly. 

Screenings Follow Fete 

The Society for Cinephiles' annual 

awards went to Robert E. Lee. whose 

Essex Film Society in Nutley. N. J., is the 

oldest of its kind in the country, having 

been started in 1938, and to George Eastman 

House, Rochester, N. Y., for its efforts 

in preserving and protecting film. Dr. 

John Kuiper of Eastman House accepted 

the award and spoke of his organization's 

aims and goals. Film showings continued 

after the banquet. 

Monday morning (4), as the dealers packed 

their wares and the members began 

checking out of the hotel, the annual film 

auction was held, with Irv Abelson, Chicago, 

presiding. A few more films were unspooled 

and then it was back home for 

another year. 

MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

The following feature-length motion pictures 

have been reviewed and rated by the 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

Program. 

Title Distributor Rating 

Bearheart of the Great Northwest 

(Capital Films) 

PG 

The Best (Group I) 

[r] 

Black Silk Stockings (Essex) (x) 

China Sisters (Essex) (x) 

Death on the Nile (Para) 

PG 

The Deer Hunter (Univ) 

[r] 

The First Time (Essex) (x) 

The Hitter (Peppercorn-Wormser) [r] 

A Labor of Love (Nu-Image) 

[r] 

Madame Claude (Monarch Rel.) 

[r] 

They Went That-A-Way and 

That-A-Way (Int'l Picture Show) PG 

NOTE: "CindereUa" (the Group I Inlernalional Distribution 

Organization), which was listed in Bulletin 

No. 452 and later appended in Bulletin No. 463, is 

presently in distribution with an R rating. 

'Buddy Holly' Is Featured 

In Current Rolling Stone 

BURBANK—Gary Busey as Buddy Holly 

is the cover story in the current issue of 

Rolling Stone, the national entertainment 

publication. Inside, the six-page feature focuses 

both on the real Buddy Holly and 

on the personality of Gary Busey, 

Rolling Stone's story includes text and 

photographs of Busey in action, onscreen 

in his electrifying performance as the rock 

'n roll idol in the Columbia Pictures release, 

and offscreen doing his own rock 'n roll 

performance under the name of Teddy Jack 

Eddy. Prior to his film career and continuing 

whenever he has had a free moment, 

Busey has built a second career as a rock 

performer. 

"The Buddy Holly Story," in national 

release, has become a hit picture. It began 

its record-breaking run at the Cinerama 

Dome Theatre in Hollywood. 

Irving H. Levin Forms 

Group L Productions 

HOLLYWOOD— Irving H. Levin, former 

president of National General Corp., has 

formed Group L Productions with plans to 

return to active film production in association 

with Sam Schulman through their 

Levin-Schulman Productions. 

Group L will involve itself in packaging, 

financing and producing films both for theatres 

and TV. Lou Lenert has been named 

by Levin as executive vice-president in 

charge of worldwide production. 

Group L headquarters are at Century 

Park Center, 9911 West Pico Blvd., Los 

Angeles. 

Levin was presented the Motion Picture 

"Pioneer of the Year" award in 1970. He 

is the principal owner of the San Diego 

Clippers basketball team and also is chairman 

of the board of ginernors, NBA. 

Honorary Committee Set 

For Stein/Pioneer Fete 

NEW YORK.—The honorary committee 

for the 40th annual "Pioneer of the Year" 

dinner has been formed, it was announced 

by B. V, Sturdivant, president of the Foundation 

of the Motion Picture Pioneers, and 

Jack Valenti, general chairman of the dinner. 

This year's dinner honors Dr. Jules 

Stein, founder of MCA, Inc., and will be 

held Monday evening, October 16, at the 

Waldorf Astoria in New York City. 

Serving on the committee are: 

Andy Albeck, Ted Ashley, Ashley Boone, Richard 

Brandt, Oscar Brotman, John Broumas, David Brown, 

Harry Buxbaum, Ross Campbell, Robert Carpenter, 

William Chaikin, Michael H. Chakeres, Sherrill Corwin, 

Fredric Danz, Barry Diller, Irving Dollinger, 

Michael Eisner, Nat Fellman, Dan Fellmon, Al Fitter, 

Michael Forman, M. I. Frankovich, Jack D. Fuller, 

P. Harvey Garland, Leonard Goldenson, Marvin 

Goldman, Milton Goldstein, Morton Gottlieb, Cary 

Grant, Jerry Gruenberg, Charles Hacker. Salah Hassanein, 

Mrs. Enid Haupt, Phil Isaacs, Newton Jacobs, 

Leo Jafle, George Kerasofes, Howard Koch and Arthur 

Krim. 

Also, Alan Ladd jr., Jennings Lang, Dr. Francis 

L'Esperance, Sol Lesser, Irving "Bud" Levin, Joseph 

E. Levine, Martin Levine, Douglas Lightner, Weldon 

Limmroth, Milton London, Irving Ludwig, Frank 

Mancuso, Harry Mandel, Ted Mann, Ben Marcus, 

Kenneth Mason, Daniel Melnick, Thomas Moyer, Dr. 

Franklin Murphy, Peter Myers, Bernard Myerson, 

Martin H. Newman, Carl Patrick, Eugene Picker, 

Eric Pleskow, Henry Plitt, Charles Powell, Ralph 

Pries, Martin Quigley jr., Milton Rackmil, Charles 

Reagan, Burton Robbins, Frank Rosenfelt, Paul Roth, 

John Rowley, Elton Rule, Dr. William Beecher Scoville, 

Robert Selig, Terry Semel, Sidney Sheinberg, 

Richard Shepherd, Mrs. William Simpson, Richard 

Sloan, T. G. Solomon, Dennis Stanfill and John Stembler. 

Also serving are Ezra Stern, Frederick Storey, Dr. 

Bradley Straatsmcr, George Stevens jr., Morton Sunshine, 

lames R. Velde, Ray Vonderhaar, Richard 

Walsh, Lew Wasserman, David F. Weeks, Frank G. 

Wells, Roy White, Mo Wax, Mel Wintman and Emanuel 

Wolf 

Tickets for the dinner are available in 

New York through the Foundation of the 

Motion Picture Pioneers office, 1600 Broadway, 

New York City 10019, or bv calling 

(212)247-5588. 

Celeste Holm Narrates 

Free Theatrical Short 

NEW YORK—Celeste Holm, star of 

stage and screen, appears in and narrates 

the new free short subject "Remember the 

Ladies." The 12-minute color film tells of 

the "forgotten women" of Early America, 

who combine child raising and household 

chores with a lively interest in the arts, 

politics, literature and their own self-fulfillment. 

"Remember the Ladies" is available free 

to theatres throughout the country from 

ModernCinema 35, the theatrical arm of 

Modern Talking Picture Service. 

Using art, artifacts and objects of the 

period, "Remember the Ladies" documents 

the years 1750-1815 in America, with appropriate 

patriotic music and tunes. 

'Blue Country' Is Popular 

In Theatres on Cape Cod 

NEW YORK—Quartet Films" "Blue 

Country" has been one of the summer's 

top attractions on Cape Cod. An initial 

three-day booking May 28-30 at the 

Nickleodeon in Falmouth. Mass.. was followed 

by three additional runs. The Jean- 

Charles Tacchella film's wide appeal to 

young people is credited as being the reason 

why each run outgrossed the previous 


25

" 

June Rose Marlow Elected WOMPI 

Intl President at Dallas Confab 

By MABLE GUINAN 

DALLAS—The Women of the Motion 

Picture Indu.stry International silver anniversary 

convention here Wednesday (6) to 

Sunday tlO) was highlighted by record attendance 

and numerous awards and special 

activities. Approximately 300 WOMPI 

members with husbands, guests and friends 

attended the event which was held at the 

Fairmont Hotel. 

WOMPI International president Esther 

Osley of Atlanta presided over the convention. 

Prior to the confab she and her husband 

took time to attend the Garland, Tex., 

Labor Day parad.-. which featured First 

Lady Rosalynn Carter, and a Dallas Cowboys 

football game. 

Presidents' Session Held 

The morning of Wednesday (6) saw the 

international board open its meeting in the 

Fairmont's International Suite. That afternoon 

local club presidents met in the Florentine 

Room for the presidents" forum with 

Juanita White of Dallas presiding. The forum 

was the first to be held as a questionand-answer 

session with past international 

presidents Dorothy Reeves, Myrtle Parker 

and Mary Hayslip serving on the panel. 

That evening Bennie Lynch of Grimes 

Film Booking hosted a cocktail party to 

give everyone attending an opportunity to 

meet and greet each other prior to the subsequent 

business sessions. Prior to that, an 

international officers' dinner, compliments 

of the Washington, D.C.. club, and a club 

presidents' dinner, compliments of the Atlanta 

club, were held at Bobby McGec's. 

Thursday morning (7) the Charlotte and 

New York clubs hosted a breakfast which 

was followed by a business meeting of international 

officers, international committee 

chairmen, local club presidents and past inlernalional 

presidents. 

Infl Officers Saluted 

The Kansas City club hosted a buffet 

luncheon for the past international presidents 

and current president Osley. That evening 

there was a reception for the international 

officers compliments of American 

Inlernational Pictures and the New Orleans 

and Des Moines clubs. From the reception, 

all who could pack into the Air Express 

hospitality suite enjoyed a cocktail before 

retiring for the night in preparation for the 

hard work of official business the next day. 

Friday (8) a "Down Memory Lane" 

breakfast was hosted by J, A. and Jim Prichard. 

New World Films, American Mulli 

Cinema, Commonwealth Theatres, Hob 

Rehme and FI.W Theatres. I he Levee Singers 

provided entertainment during the me.il 

which was chaired by Thelma Jo Bailey. 

Convention chairman Lee I iiley called 

the morning meeting to order as the inlernational 

officers entered. City Councilman 

Steve Bartlett extended greetings from the 

city 

of Dallas and presented president Osley 

a key to the city. She gave him a giant 

WOMPI key-chain to hold the keys to the 

various duties he performs as a city official. 

Doris Payne of Chicago responded for 

WOMPI. ' 

After reports were given and appointments 

made, the convention was adjourned 

until Saturday morning. However, a series 

of social activities began in the early afternoon. 

First, there was a shopping tour 

through Olla Podrido, compliments of Sunn 

Classic Pictures. Also scheduled was a tour 

of plush Texas Stadium where participants 

were able to view the private suites, football 

club headquarters, locker rooms and 

the field itself. Co-WO.MPI chairman 

James Crump, assisted by Brad Tuley and 

Terry Graham, served as local hosts for the 

tour which was sponsored by Santikos Theatres. 

The evening was capped with an elaborate 

ranch party at Ranchland Circle R. 

Roanoke, Tex., featuring a rodeo and barbequc 

dinner. 

Workshops for Delegates 

Saturday (9), in the Venetian Room of 

the Fairmont, Texas Films, Crump Distributors, 

Martin Theatres and Central Shipping 

sponsored a "Yellow Rose of Texas" 

breakfast with the Country Dinner Theatre 

Heymakers entertaining. Reports and workshops 

took up the bulk of the morning, followed 

by luncheon in the Venetian Room. 

Saturday afternoon the election of officers 

was held. June Rose Marlow of the 

Hollywood-Los Angeles club was chosen 

international president. Anna Power of New 

Orleans was named vice-president. Others 

elected were Betty Rose, Hollywood-Los 

Angeles, as corresponding secretary; Judy 

Helton, Kansas City, recording secretary, 

and Jenny .Somerville, San Francisco, treasurer. 

The Jacksonville club reaffirmed its invitation 

to WOMPI to hold the 1979 convention 

there. Hollywood-Los Angeles confirmed 

its bid for the 1980 gathering. 

The chief matter of business at the silver 

anniversary convention was the announcement 

of a $40,000 committment to the Will 

Rogers Institute to equip the cardio-pulmonary 

laboratory at the Burke Rehabilitation 

Center in White Plains, N.Y. Myrtle Parker. 

Will Rogers committee chairman, reported 

on her committee's activities and preseiiieJ 

a $4,000 check to Will Rogers Institute pres 

ident Salah Hassanein. The institute is con 

tinning its three-part program of p.iiieiii 

care, research and health education. 

The Satiuday night cocktail p.uly .uul 

banquet were well attended with many lastminute 

tickets being purchased. The cocktail 

party was compliments of Coca-Cola 

and United Artists Theatres. EnlerlainmenI 

for the evening was provided by 20lh Century-Fox. 

.^l the h.uiquel. which w.is Ihemed "Presidents' 

H.ill." W. B. Williams ol :()lhlo\ 

served as toasimaster. Gladys Melson, retiring 

member of the international board, 

installed newly elected officers. Several 

awaids were presented following the meal: 

the Mable Guinan convention attendance 

cup went to Hollywood-Los Angeles, the 

Loraine Cass community service and the 

Verlin Osborne publicity awards to Jacksonville 

and the Canada membership and 

R. J. ODonnell industry service awards to 

Hollywood-Los Angeles. New Orleans won 

the Lee Nickolaus Yearbook creativity 

award and the Washington. D.C.. club received 

the Will Rogers statuette. 

Perfect .\ttendance Cited 

A surprise presentation was made by Toronto. 

Citing her 

2.*i years of service to the 

organization, the club gave Mable Guinan 

a silver tray. Charter WOMPI Guinan was 

stunned for a moment, but rose to thank 

her "family" for the honor. The Dallas club 

made a special presentation also. Charter 

members Blanche Boyle of Dallas and Lee 

Nickolaus of New Orleans received recognition 

for their records of perfect convention 

attendance. 

Sunday morning (10) a "Hats Off to 

" 

WOMPI breakfast was chaired by two of 

the organization's newer members. Tonsi 

Paiton and Carol Wier. Past international 

presidents were honored. Each was given a 

beautiful afghan made by Mary Cnmip. 

Genevieve Koch, Patricia Kennell and Juanita 

White. This was the first convention 

at which all living past presidents were present 

except one who no longer is a member 

of WOMPI, 

Special TEA Sessions 

Are Slated Oct. 16-18 

NHW ÔRK—The membership of the 

Theatre Equipment .-\ss'n has been advised 

that the organization's board of directors 

will meet Monday morning. October 16. at 

9 a.m. in the Biarritz Suite, located on the 

fourth floor of the Hotel .\mericana. Coffee 

and Danish will be served starling at 8:30 

a.m. A general membership meeting of TEA 

will be held Wednesday morning. October 

18. in the Princess Ballroom on the second 

floo- of the Americana, starling at 9 a.m. 

Coffee, etc., again will be available beginning 

at 8:30 a.m. 

TE.A members also have been urged to 

attend the business session dealing with 

"Th; New Sound" Tuesday morning, October 

17. 

riicse events run concurrently with the 

n.iiiiiii.il N.\TO convention tradeshow, 

Barbara Stuart to Star 

In 20th-Fox's 'Dreamer' 

AirON, III Barbara Stuart h.iN been 

set to co-star in 20lh Century-Fox's "Ihe 

Dreamer," starring Tim Mmheson. Susui 

Blakely and Jack 'Warden with Noel Nosseck 

directing, it was announced by producer 

Michael l.obell. 

Ms. Stuart recently appeared in "leave 

Yesierdav Behind" and the IV pilots "Mc 

I ea:i Stevenson" and "The Oneen and I 

She W.IS ,1 regul.u on " Lillle I.iles" and 

"M.iich Ci.ime!" 

26 BOXOmCE :: S^ptemKr :.'>. 1978

. . 

Nal'l VFW Auxiliary 

Honors Amanda Blake 

DALLAS—The "Joy of Service" award 

was presented to Amanda Blake, star of 

screen, stage and TV, by Mrs. Grace Min- 

Actress Amanda Blake with the "Joy 

of Service'' award presented to her by 

the national VFW Auxiliary at the 

610,000-nieniber organization's convention 

in Dallas. 

nix. national VFW Auxiliary president, at 

the organization's national convention here. 

The actress, who gained worldwide recognition 

through her Miss Kitty role in the longrunning 

"Gunsmoke" video series, was honored 

for her longtime visits to Veterans 

Hospitals, service as an American Cancer 

Society volunteer and leadership in 

preserving 

and protecting domestic and wild life. 

The award included a $1,000 check, which 

Ms. Blake (Mrs. Frank Gilbert of Phoenix, 

Ariz., in private life) designated to go to 

the Humane Society of the U.S. 

"This great lady of the theatre cares 

about her country, people and animal 

friends," Mrs. Minnix said in 

presenting the 

award. 

Ms. Blake lauded the auxiliary's impressive 

record of fund-raising and education for 

Cancer Aid and Research—$1,371,000 this 

past year. The star, herself, is an active national 

volunteer of the American Cancer 

Society and makes many public appearances 

and speeches on behalf of the organization. 

In addition to these activities. Ms. Blake 

serves on the boards of directors of the 

nationwide 

Kansas City Life Insurance Co.: 

Humane Society of U.S., Washington, D.C.: 

Elsa Wild Animal Appeal. Nairobi. Kenya. 

East Africa; board of trustees. Brenau College, 

Gainesville. Ga.: national board. .Arizona 

Sonora Desert Museum. Tucson. 

Ariz.; Arizona Primate Foundation. Phoenix, 

Ariz., and has been inducted into the 

Hall of Fame of Great Western Perform- 

'Moonbeam' Is 

Ray Sharkey to Co-Star 

In Orion's 'Heart Beat' 

BURBANK — Ray Sharkey has been 

signed by producers Michael Shamberg and 

Alan Greisman to co-star in "Heart Beat," 

the Edward R. Pressman-Further production 

now before the camera. Starring are 

Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek and John Heard. 

In the romantic drama about the '50s 

and the Beat Generation, written and directed 

by John Byrum, Sharkey portrays 

Ira Streiker, the writer-friend of novelist 

Jack Kerouac and his close friend Neal 

Cassady. 

Deno Paoli Head of VIP; 

'Oil' Filming Postponed 

HOLLYWOOD — Boxoi t k i; wishes to 

Retitled 

UNIVERSAL CITY— Universal Pictures 

announces that "The Moonbeam Rider." 

starrmg David Carradine and Brenda Vaccaro, 

advis; that Deno Paoli is the president of 

The 

has been 

Moonbeam 

retitled "Fast 

Rider." The 

Charhe . 

Variety International Pictures. Because of a 

film is set typographical error, he inadvertently was 

against the background of a motorcycle identified in a feature story which appeared 

race from St. Louis to San Fra.icisco. 

on page 7 last week as "Dono" Paoli. 

CLEARING 

POPCORN MACHINES 

BBAND NEW COUNTEB MODEL all 

ELECTRIC Display Poppers irom $426 50 

each. Krispy Kom, 120 S Halsted, Chi- 

EXCELLENT CONDITION, floor model 

Hollywood Serial No. 47445 by Cretors. 

Large capacity, llOv, best offer over J600, 

FOB Los Angeles. Call Jeff collect (213) 

462-4326. 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

BUILD ATTENDAKCE with real Hawaiian 

orchids. Few cents each. Write Flowers 

of Hawaii, 670 S. Lafayette Place, Los 

Angeles, Calif. 90005. 

THEATHE MONTHLY CALENDABS, weekly 

programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily/ 

weekly boxoffice reports, time schedules, 

passes, labels, etc. Write for samples, 

prices. Dixie Utho, Box 882, Atlanta, Ga 

30301. 

BINGO CAHDS DIE CUT: 1-75, 1500 combinations 

in color. PREMIUM PRODUCTS. 

339 West 44th St., New York, NY- 10036 

(212) 246-4972 

TRAILERS, MERCHANTS ADS 

MPCA, P.O. Box 7568, Tampa, 

Fla. 33673. In Florida call collect (813) 

247-1791. 

COLOR PROCESSING 

CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 237-2965, comilete 

lab, sound, finishing. Etc. See our 

id Trailers, under Merchant Ads. MPCA, 

DRIVEIN THEATRE CONSTRUQION 

It also should be pointed out that principal 

photography on the feature film "Oil" 

has been postponed until Jan. 17. 1979. 

Next release on Variety International Pictures' 

slate is "Ben and Charlie." 

'Thunder Mountain' Ready 

For Post-Production Work 

HOLLYWOOD — Post-production is 

about to begin on "The Force on Thunder 

Mountain." an American National Enterprises 

action-drama shot on location in the 

Uintah Mountains wilderness area of Utah. 

ne.xt 

Distribution of the feature is set for early 

year. 

HOUSE 

SERVICES 

WE THANK the many exhibitors who 

have chosen us to provide them with 

background music programming. Both ol 

our programming packages have proven 

to be very popular. You too can have 

background music that fits your Ihea're 

and your audience,. C&C music service 

(815) 397-9295. 

WRITERS

. . . American 

. . . Parka 

. . Howard 

. . Tom 

. . French 

. . 

. . . Altovise 

. . Donald 

. . Jack 

. . Dom 

. . 1CA 

. . 

" 

M ^Jôiiuwood rseport M 

f 

Lensing on Columbia's 'Kramer' 

Is Now Under Way in New York 

Principal photography began Wednesday 

(6) on locations in New York City on 

Columbia Pictures" "Kramer vs. Kramer." 

starring Dustin Hoffman. Meryl Streep and 

Gail Strickland. Robert Benton is directing 

from his own screenplay adapted from the 

novel by Avery Corman . . . Production 

began in Texas Tuesday (5) on "Mother." 

Brian Pinette Productions' comedy about 

the problems of placing a parent in a home 

for the aged . . . Producer Eugene Frenke 

plans to film "Conversations With My 

Memory." a novel by Araniais Hovsepian. 

who will write the screenplay and serve as 

executive producer of the story of his experiences 

in San Francisco and Armenia 

International Pictures will 

begin shooting October 20 in New York 

City on its romantic drama. "Defiance." 

dealing with a love theme in a tough urban 

New York neighborhood. John Flynn will 

direct from an original screenplay by Tom 

Donnelly and Mark Tulin. with Jerry 

Bruckheimer and Robert Wunsch producing 

and Donnelly serving as associate producer 

Productions will film "No Longer 

a Child's Game." an original screenplay 

by Robert Hargrove, with shooting to begin 

next fall in Los Angeles. The story is about 

two college students involved in the 1960s 

peace movement . . . Producer Tony DiDio 

has acquired "Conspiracy at Helsinki." 

Robert Henderson's screenplay, and plans 

to go into production next spring on locations 

in Scandinavia and South Africa . . . 

Jerry Leidcr Productions has acquired 

"Swag," a novel by Elmore Leonard. 

Eleanor Parker, Joan Collins 

Signed for Roles in 'Sunburn' 

Eleanor Parker and Joan Collins have 

been signed to co-star in "Sunburn," the 

Hemdalc/August Films action-suspense 

story which began filming Monday (II) in 

Acapulco . . . Added to the cast of Universal's 

"The Prisoner of Zcnda" are Michael 

Balfour, Pete Kellet, George Robotham, 

Mickey Gilbert and Orwin Harvey . 

Betsy Drake has signed for a role in Paramount's 

"Players," a Robert Evans production 

Duff has been cast 

for a featured role in "Kramer vs. Kramer," 

a Stanley Jaffc production. Duff will 

play the role of John Shaunessy, a highpowered 

lawyer who represents Hoffman 

in his court battle to retain custody of his 

son . . . Madeline Kahn will make a guest 

appearance in ITC's "The Muppel Movie," 

playing a bar girl who flirts with Kermil 

the Frog . . . Mickey Rooney has signed 

for a role in "An Arabian Adventure," an 

Orion/ EM I production . Mcl-addcn 

will play an ill-fated helicopter pilot in 

Paramounl's "Prophecy" . actress 

f'orinnc Clery has been cast in a principal 

role of the new James Bond adventure 

Moonraker." "Moonraker," a Franco- 

Hritish co-production starring Roger Moore 

as James Bond, will be directed by Lewis 

Gilbert. It is the 11th in the series produced 

by Albert Broccoli for release by 

United Artists. Co-starring with Moore and 

Clery are Michael Lonsdale. Lois Chiles 

Rod Steiger will 

and Richard Kiel . . . 

pla\ Father Del.ancv in .^meîcan Internalional's 

"The .Aniit>\ille Horror." 

American Int'l's 'Defiance' 

To Star Jan-Michael Vincent 

Jan-Michael Vincent will star as a \oung 

drifter in a tough New York neighborhood 

in "Defiance," an American International 

feature set to begin shooting October 20 

with John Flynn directing . . . David Keith. 

Michael Strong and Paul Mantee have joined 

the cast of "The Great Santini." a BCP- 

Orion co-production . . . Clement St. George 

has been signed for Warner Bros.' "Time 

After Time" . DeLuise will portray 

a vacationing Hollywood agent in a 

guest appearance in "The Muppct Movie" 

Davis, wife of Sammy Davis 

will star in Dimension Pictures' "Giggling 

jr., 

in the Dark." In addition to 

performing, 

she also will choreograph several of 

the musical numbers and has written a new 

dance titled "The Giggle." Producer of 

"Giggling in the Dark" is Larry Babb with 

Sidney Balkin as executive producer. 

Jack Elliot Is Music Director 

For Col.'s 'One Night Stand' 

Jack Elliot has been signed as nuisical 

director of "One Night Stand." formerly 

titled "Two of a Kind" and starring George 

Burns and Brooke Shields . . . Michael 

Ritchie has signed to direct "The Island," 

a Richard D. Zanuck/David Brown production 

for Universal . . . Chuck Murray 

has been named production manager for 

Orion Pictures' "10" to be produced and 

directed by Blake Edwards . . . Joe Cavalier 

will be production manager on "Cabo 

Blanco." the Lance Hool-Paul Joseph feature 

set to begin shooting November I.^ in Mexico 

. . . Leon Tokatyan will write the script 

for Triton Productions' "The Pigman" . 

Dan Perri will design the opening title sequence 

for "The Double McGuffin," sched- 

uled by Mulberry Square for release next 

June R. Boyle has completed 

the screenplay, "The Great American Marriage" 

for Dimension Pictures, which has 

placed the film on its 1979 releasing schedule 

. . . Ralph Winters has been signed as 

editor of "10," the Blake Edwards feature, 

with Robert Pergament signed as assistant 

director . Nitzsche has signed to 

compose the music for "When You Comin' 

Back, Red Ryder?" . Pictures 

has assigned Sieve Vagnino to produce 

and direct his original comedy sequel to 

"A Pleasure Doing Business," to be filmed 

next siiinnii.r in Si. I ouis and in I os .Angeles. 

Clint Eastwood Starring 

In 'Alcatroz' for Para. 

NEW YORK—Clint Eastwood will star 

in "Escape From Alcatraz" for Paramount 

Pictures, ii was announced by Michael D. 

Eisner, president and chief operating officer 

of the company. 

A .Malpaso'Siegel film, "Escape From 

Alcatraz" will be produced and directed by 

Don Siegel. Robert Daley will serve as 

executive producer with screenplay by Richard 

Tuggle adapted from the book written 

by J. Campbell Bruce. 

In making the announcement. Eisner 

said, "It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm 

that we welcome Clint Eastwood to 

the Paramount lot. With the picture scheduled 

to begin production October 16, we 

already have made our distribution and marketing 

plans to release 'Escape From Alcatraz' 

next summer (1979)." 

This is the first reteaming of Eastwood 

and Siegel on a feature since their successful 

"Dirty Harry." 

"Escape From Alcatraz" will be filmed at 

Alcatraz and at the Paramount studio. The 

film will be released in the U.S. and Canada 

by Paramount and throughout the rest of 

the world by Cinema International Corp. 

Stockard Channing Joins 

'Fish That Saved' Cast 

NEW YORK— Stockard Ch.inning has 

been set to appear in I.orimar Films' production 

of "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" 

as an astrologist who uses her star-gazing 

powers to turn a basketball team onto a 

zodiac winning streak. The film is being 

shot in Pittsburgh by producers Gary Stromberg 

and David Dashev, with Gilbert Moses 

directing from a screenplay by Jason 

Starkcs. Also starred are Jonathan Winters, 

Julius Erving, Meadowlark Lemon, Kareem 

Abdul Jabbar and James Bond III, with 

Flip Wilson and the Sylvers in guest appearances. 

Channing currently is co-starred in Paramount's 

"Grease" and in Neil Simon's "The 

Cheap Detective" for Columbia. Other films 

include "The Hospital." "Up the Sandbox," 

'The Fortune" and "The Big Bus." 

Production Starts in LA 

On World Wide's 'Joni' 

LOS ANGELES—World Wide Pictures 

president William F. Brown announced that 

production has begun in Los Angeles on 

"Joni," a feature film with Joni Eareckson 

starring as herself in the title role of her 

life 

story. 

Joni, who was voted the most outstanding 

girl athlete of her 1967 high school 

graduating class, became paralyzed one 

month later (from the shoulders down) in 

a diving accident. During her two-year hospitalization, 

she patiently developed latent 

artistic talents by sketching with a fell tip 

pen held between her teeth. 

James C. Collier, who is directing "Joni. 

also adapted the screenplay from Enrcckson's 

2,000.000-copy best-selling autobiography. 

Brown is executive producer, with 

I'r.mk R. Jacobson as producer. 

28 Sepiembi-r 2.';, 197S

• ADURES * EXPLOITIPS 

• ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

• FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

• SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

• REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

THE GUIDE TO M BETT ER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S • B U I L D N G I 

Widespread Ballyhoo Won Via Multi-Media Promotion 

For 'Swarm' Opening at Capitol Twin in Sacramento 

Manager trainee Gary Warrick of Plitt's 

Capitol theatres 1 and 2 really put on his 

"showmanship cap" to promote the Sacramento, 

Calif., opening of "The Swarm." 

Various first-night festivities created tremendous 

publicity for the playdate—and the 

balyhoo was very evident in the boxoffice 

receipts. 

First, a "Giant Killer Bee" was created to 

dramatize the theme of "The Swarm." 

Equipped with some $50 worth of chicken 

wire, flour, wood, newspaper and other odds 

and ends, Warrick fashioned a 14-foot-long 

papier-mache "killer bee," which was hung 

from cables between the theatre and marquee, 

making it highly visible from busy 

Watt Avenue which runs past the theatre. 

The bee evoked a variety of responses from 

patrons, including a late-night insecticide 

attack by "two crazed exterminators!" 

The construction of the bee was the subject 

of a feature story on "Weeknight," local 

TV magazine show. The huge, inanimate 

insect was filmed and shown on the program 

a week before the film's opening, generating 

considerable preopening want-to-see. 

Meanwhile, the theatre lobby was deco- 

:k 

,af*.«*..

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

315 

This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening week of their first runj in 

the 20 key citiei checked. Pictures with fewer tfran five engajements are not listed. As new runs 

are reported, ratings are odded and arerages rerijed. Computotion is in termj of percentoge in 

relation to average grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent os average, 

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

1^^^

Sameric Circuit Plans 

Theatreman John Burzichelli Shows 

'?"£ !? 

??''°"' ^'; That Age Is No Barrier to Success 

FAnTON pa —Thp Frir FnQfnn TvLin «^ 

EASTON. PA.—The Eric Easton Twin 

theatres, Unked with the Philadelphia-based 

Sameric Theatres circuit, soon will double 

in size and will become tha first ""quad theatre" 

in the circuit. According to Richard 

A. Kane, executive vice-president of Sameric, 

which now operates 97 theatres in Pennsylvania, 

southern New Jersey and Delaware, 

about $500,000 will be spent to add 

two new screens to the existing two screens. 

Construction is expected to start soon, 

with completion scheduled for December 

16 when Sameric plans to give downtown 

Easton a facility offering four first-run films 

at the same time. Plans submitted to the 

city's planning department showed that the 

two new theatres will have seating capacities 

of 364 and 378. Added to the existing Eric 

Easton Twin theatres which hold 665 and 

352 seats, the new quad complex will have 

a total capacity of 1,748. 

The new theatres will be owned by developers 

Jack and George Chartier. who 

have leased the two houses to the circuit. 

The Chartiers previously have developed 

the Sheraton Inn adjacent to the theatres 

and a mini-mall on Washington Street. 

Kane said that business at the Eric Easton 

Twin spurred the expansion to create 

the circuit's first "quad." He said that Sameric 

is pleased with the present movie business 

in Easton "and very optimistic about 

further potential. We do not expand where 

we are not doing excellent business." 

Sameric and city officials now are negotiating 

a parking validation agreement 

which would provide free parking to moviegoers 

in a downtown parking garage, according 

to Mayor Henry J. Schultz. who 

hailed the expansion move as a sign of revitalization 

of the downtown shopping district. 

The expansion is expected to eliminate 

some off-street parking now available to 

the west of the theatres. 

Sameric is planning to open the remodeled 

complex during the week before Christmas. 

Already booked in for the opening attractions 

are "California Suite," "Oliver's Story" 

and "Superman," with the fourth film yet 

to be announced. The Easton addition is 

part of Sameric's overall expansion, which 

will circuit's increase the total to 106 

screens by the end of this year. 

'The Wanderers' Has Begun 

Location Filming in NYC 

NEW YORK — "The Wanderers," the 

story of New York street gangs in 1963, 

began filming Wednesday (20) on location 

here. 

Based on Richard Price's acclaimed novel, 

the Orion Pictures release through Warner 

Bros, will be directed by Philip Kaufman, 

who adapted the book for the screen 

in collaboration with his wife Rose Kaufman, 

The film is being produced by Martin 

Ransohoff with Richard St. John serving as 

executive producer. 

DELRAN, N.J.—Ideas crackle in John 

Burzichelli's head like kernels in a popcorn 

machine. His life, like celluloid in a movie 

projector, runs at 24 frames per second. 

John 

Burzichelli 

So writes Lou Gaul, entertainment editor, 

in a recent issue of Accent, the Sunday 

supplement of the Burlington County 

Times. The following article and accompanying 

photo are reprinted here courtesy 

of the Burlington County Times. 

"I'm running 24 hours a day and having 

a ball." enthused Burzichelli who manages 

the Budco Millside Twin Cinemas in Delran 

during the night and buys the rights to 

and distributes independent films during 

the day. 

His typical schedule consists of rising at 

the crack of dawn, arriving in New York 

City by early morning and then working 

on some aspect of a new film he has just 

purchased. By late afternoon he's on the 

road headed for Delran. where he arrives 

in time to open the theatres for evening 

business. He usually doesn't leave the Millside 

Twins before midnight. 

If there was Olympic competition for 

members of the motion picture business, 

he'd surely be a gold medal winner. Even 

Bruce Jenner would respect this guy's style. 

His youth accounts for much of the energy. 

is At 24, Burzichelli undoubtedly one 

of the youngest motion picture distributors 

in the country. But don't be fooled by his 

youth. He has thrived in 

the movie business 

since he was 17 and has already had a job 

with a Hollywood distribution company. 

A little more than a year ago, the head of 

Cougar Releasing, Ltd.. in Los Angeles hired 

Burzichelli as a vice-president of the 

company and flew him to Hollywood. 

The company president, who heard about 

the youth's unique booking ideas, wanted 

Burzichelli for his natural instincts about 

movies. Cougar was in the business of purchasing 

the rights to films, mostly foreign 

productions, and then selling them to exhibitors 

across the country. 

In addition to helping select properties, 

Burzichelli distributed Cougar's product in 

all areas east of the Mississippi, from Maine 

to 

Florida. 

Burzichelli's dreams had come true. He 

was in the middle of the movie business 

with his own office on Sunset Boulevard 

right next to Hollywood's famed Brown 

Derby restaurant. Then suddenly, he was 

afflicted with an ailment common to those 

who go West: homesickness. 

"My reason for leaving California was 

vimple: I didn't like being so far away from 

friends and family." he admitted, "I didn't 

want to come home five years from now 

and be a big financial success but not know 

my own brother." 

Rather than give up thoughts of distributing 

movies. Burzichelli set up his own small 

company—Indef)endent Artists Corp.—on 

the East Coast. His organization recently 

purchased the rights to a foreign horror 

picture entitled, "When the Screaming 

Stops." "It's based on a German folk legend 

about a woman who lives through the 

centuries by devouring human hearts—especially 

the hearts of young women," he 

said. 

Sells Exploitation Product 

Burzichelli described the film as a bloodand-guts 

exploitation picture. But because 

he believes it will sell, especially in the 

South, he purchased the American distribution 

rights. He will open "When the 

Screaming Stops" October 4 in San Antonio, 

Tex., October 13 in Charlotte. N.C.. 

and in early November in Savannah, Ga. 

Independent Artists Corp.. may next distribute 

three violent karate movies. "I'm 

considering 'Kung Fu Heroes.' 'Kung Fu 

Killers.' and another one with Kung Fu in 

the title." he said with a slight smile. "Right 

now, I'm just trying to figure out if there's 

still a market for these types of choppysocky 

films." 

Also on Burzichelli's negotiation list are: 

— "Stark Raving Mad." based on the true 

story of a man who killed more than ten 

people in Arkansas. 

—"Tooth and Claw." a 1976 French 

documentary film shot on location in Africa. 

"This was shown at the Cannes Film 

Festival a couple of years ago. and got a 

fairly good reception," the young distributor 

noted. "It's all about the strong feeding 

on the weak in the animal world. There's 

not one human in the picture." 

— "Till Death." which he described as a 

"little horror picture" about a husband who 

won't accept the death of his wife. 

— "Black Mass." a documentary about 

satanism featuring the actual filming of a 

devil worship ceremony. 

(Continued on page E-6) 

BOXOFHCE :: September 25, 1978 

E-1

I ASI 

BROADWAY 

J)ESPITE THE CONTINUING newspaper 

strike, information still is getting to 

the public and interest in show business 

events is as strong as ever. The nearing of 

the December opening of the popular King 

Tut exhibition has sparked such unbelievable 

response that reservations are being sold in 

advance through major ticket outlets. Over 

at Lincoln Center the 16th New York Film 

Festival began its ticket sales and most of 

the entries were sold out within a few hours. 

Some movie buffs had as much as an eighthour 

wait in line to get the choice tickets. 

The popularity of the event has increased 

each year and it might be a good idea for 

the festival directors to add more showings 

of those films which sell out early. Even 

though the most well-known features by 

popular directors usually are scheduled for 

opening shortly after their festival playdate. 

the fans still take pleasure in seeing them 

first at the festival. .Some of the more 

popular choices are: Robert Altman's "A 

Wedding." Francois Truffaut"s "The Green 

Room." Claude Chabrol's "Violette." Robert 

Mulligan's "Blood Brothers" and a silent 

film by German filmmaker Fritz Lang. 

"Spies." 

• 

Lorimar Productions has announced the 

appointment of Philip Capice as president 

of the New Lorimar television division. The 

announcement was made by chairman of 

the board Merv Adelson and president Lee 

Rich and is effective immediately. Capice 

joined Lorimar in 1974. serving as senior 

vice-president in charge of television. 

In his 

position Capice was associated with such 

outstanding television films as the awardwinning 

"Sybil." "Helter Skelter," "Eric." 

"Green Eyes" and the "Blue Knight" series. 

Although the Japanese film industry is 

one of the world's most prolific and best 

attended, it is not often that American audiences 

arc given the opportunity to view 

films from that country. As a means of 

increasing the awareness of this 

film output, 

the Film Society of Lincoln Center is presenting 

"New Currents in Japanese Cinema" 

as a special series at the 16th New 

York Film Festival. A total ol five recent 

^^^^v^ 

films will be presented from October 2 

through 6. These films represent a sampling 

of the innovative and unusual work 

of independent Japanese filmmakers. The 

event is being co-sponsored by thj Japan 

Society with the assistance of the Japan 

Foundation. 

• 

The 40th annual "Pioneer of the Year" 

dinner gala of the Foundation of the Motion 

Picture Pioneers is scheduled to be held 

October 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the 

Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Honored will he Dr. 

Jules Stein, founder of MCA. Inc. The annual 

raffle drawing also will take place at 

this time and a line-up of prizes will be 

awarded by the special revenue committee, 

which is being headed this year by Robert 

L. Carpenter, vice-president of Universal 

Pictures. 

M^/^'^^"-oo':lt-M 

SPECIAL ANNOUf 

TRAILERETTES 

• NO SMOi 

• 

On showcase; Limited runs of UniversaPs 

a hit and comes in fifth with a good 310. 

(Avorag- Is 100) 

Baronet Interiors ''A' " ' 

"National Lampoon's Animal House." 

wk S50 

Paramount's "Foul Play" and UA's "Who'll 

Cinema I 

Cinema II— 

Days ol Heaven 

Girl Friends .'.'- 

F3:a). Isl wk 

6th wk 

&40 

525 

Stop the Rain" led this week's top grossers. 

Cmema Stud. Women . .-. 

Guild—Tlie Opium War ,- ..-.s-.^merican), 

Yorker). 2nd wk 225 

Bigger breaks of Paramount's "Heaven 3:H 

Can Wait" and "Grease." UA's "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther" and Warner's "Hoop- 

5), 10th wk 

oi Love (Cinema 5), 6lh P;-.: J A Slave wk 

er" kept ticket-takers almost as busy as 

during the summer. New on the tracks were 

Universalis combo of "Almost Summer" and 

"American Graffiti." Marvin Films' "Convention 

Girls" and "Naked RidL-r." and 

Columbia's "Warlords of Atlantis." 

ADS '^, 

UPON 

'CEMErg, 

REQUEST) 

ILMS DATE STRIPS' 

'HDa 

^ HEADER' 

— 

'Days of Heaven' Bows 

Impressively in NYC 

M \\ 'XJRK— Ihc continuing newspaper 

strike has given rise to a number of 

dailies and alternative methods of advertising 

new film openings. These plus heavy 

radio and TV spots has helped Paramount's 

newest entry. "Days of Heascn." hit the 

top spot this week with a big 640. An unbelievably 

beautiful film. "Days of Heaven" 

also is garnering critical raves. 

Woody Allen's "Interiors" is still proving 

a popular favorite, despite its stark theme. 

placing it in second place with a consistent 

550. Third place is going to Warner Bros." 

"Girl Friends." which is getting bigger returns 

at a smaller house. It jumped up 

to a hugs 525. The long-running Italian 

entry "Bread and Chocolate" is bringing 

in steady big grosses and comes in fourth 

with 425. The French newcomer "No 

Time For Breakfast" looks like it will be 

— 

68th Street Playhouse—No Time For Btooldent 

(Bourla). Isl wk 

Trans-Lux Eost Nea (Libra Films). 5lh wk 

'National Lampoon's Animal House.' 

"Dear Inspector' Delight Baltimore 

BAI.TIMORH— I wo r.ilhcr long-running 

hits lead the Baltimore first-run tally for 

CATV Firm Files Equity 

this past week. The ever-popular, ever-gross, 

ever-hilarious "National Lampoon's Animal 

Action Against Competitor 

House" continues on top with an excellent 

WILKES-BARRE, PA.—A cable television 

firm filed an equity action in the Lu- 

250 in its sixth week here. 

Tied for prime honors is the French 

zerne County Court here to keep cable customers 

from being able to tune in on the 

comedy-romance "Dear Inspector" which 

sleuthed and rushed its wiley way to an 

Home Box Office film entertainments without 

paying a service charge. Service Electric 

equally impressive 250 in its fifth week on 

board. 

Cable TV, Inc., of nearby Hazleton, Pa., 

All other action, as the figures below relate, 

was relatively weak. The lone excep- 

went into court seeking to enjoin Wallco, 

Inc., a locally based firm, from selling a 

tion was. perhaps, "Grease" which slid to 

device which provides the Home Box Office a 175 in its fifth week. 

services to cable TV customers. 

Cinema I— Who'll Stop the Rain (UA). 2nd wk 100 

The cable company Cinema II-Revenge oi the Pink PonUier (UA). 

in its suit contends 8th wk ..ISO 

that Wallco is selling a device which unscranibles 

the cable signal. 

(Univ), 6th -^-k. ...250 

Glen Burnie M.i.;— Grease iFjr.Tl îh wk 175 

Liberty I—National Lampoon's Animal House 

Patterson I. W. f.v* 1- Hooper (WB) 5lh wk . 60 

Playhouse— Dear Inepector iSH). 5th wk 250 

Senator—Heaven Can Walt ,Pcira) Uth wk 50 

Westview IV Eyei ol Laura Man (Cr-!) 

'Heavenly' Signs Compete 

.SIROUU.SHL Rti, PA. — Ihcre 

seemed to he some conflicting and compeiing 

messages glowing from marquees 

.icross the street from each other in this 

Pt'cono Mountains resort conmuinity. Shining 

in lighis Irom the marquee at the 

(li.iiid Iheatre. the message read; "'He.ixeii 

( .111 Wait." obviously the new W.inen 

FILMACR SrrUDIOS,INC. 

1327 South Wabash Aver 312-427-3395 

Ik-.itly-starring attraction. But across tin" 

Nii.-ct on the church bulletin board al the 

1 .ivl Siroudsbuig United Methodist Church. 

ilie message read: "Get Ready for He.i\en 

Now," the lopic of llie |i.i\Ioi"n Siiiulay 

morning sermon 

E-2 Vpictnlvr 25. 1'>7S

CENTURY—" 

nowdoes it 

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"nuts and bolts" of making separate projectorand 

sound reproducerinstallations. 

You get your projector and reproducer out 

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tirely professional installation, with unbe 

lievable ease. 

Century now spares you the "grief" of 

aligning the projector and reproducer. 

Film alignment is automatic, right on the 

button every time. Every frame feeds true. 

Your prints are treated to the tenderest loving 

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Century's "all in 1" design is one of the nicest 

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Celebrate the Bicentennial. 

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CENTURY PROJECTOR CORPORATION 

32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101 

Albany Theatre Supply Co. 

443 North Pearl St. 

Albany, New York 12204 

Phone: (518) 465-8894 

Capitol Motion Picture 

630 9th Avenue 

New York, N.Y. 10036 

Phone: (212) 757-4510 

Supply Co. 

Joe Hornstein Inc. 

341 West 44th Street 

New York, NY. 10036 

Phone: (212) 246-6285 

Theatre Equipment & Service Co. 

100 Lighthill St. 

Pittsburgh, Po. 15233 

Phone: (412) 322-4600 

September 25, 1978 

Standard Theatre Supply Co. 

107 Cedbrook Lane 

Boltimore, Md. 21208 

Phone: (301) 484-7211 

E.3

• 

Hooper 

wo 

BROADWAY 

DESPITE 

THE CONTINUING newspaper 

strike, information still is getting to 

the public and interest in show business 

events is as strong as ever. The nearing of 

the December opening of the popular King 

Tut exhibition has sparked such unbelievable 

response that reservations are being sold in 

advance through major ticket outlets. Over 

at Lincoln Center the 16th New York Film 

Festival began its ticket sales and most of 

the entries were sold out within a few hours. 

Some movie buffs had as much as an eighthour 

wait in line to get the choice tickets. 

The popularity of the event has increased 

each year and it might be a good idea for 

the festival directors to add more showings 

of those films which sell out early. Even 

though the most well-known features by 

popular directors usually arc scheduled for 

opening shortly after their festival playdale. 

the fans still take pleasure in seeing them 

first at the festival. Some of the more 

popular choices are: Robert Altman"s "A 

Wedding." Francois Truffaut's "The Green 

Room." Claude Chabrol's "Violette." Robert 

Mulligan's "Blood Brothers" and a silent 

film by German filmmaker Fritz Lang. 

"Spies." 

• 

Lorimar Productions has announced the 

appoinlment of Philip Capice as president 

of the New Lorimar television division. The 

announcement was made by chairman of 

the hoard Merv Adelson and president Lee 

Rich and is effective immediately. Capice 

joined Lorimar in 1974. serving as senior 

vice-president in charge of television. In his 

position Capice was associated with such 

outstanding television films as the awardwinning 

"Sybil." "Helter Skelter." "Eric." 

"Green Eyes" and the "Blue Knight" series. 

Although the Japanese lilm industry is 

one of the world's most prolific and best 

attended, it is not often that American audiences 

arc given the opportunity to view 

films from that country. As a means of 

increasing the awareness of this 

film output, 

the Film Society of Lincoln Center is presenting 

'New Currents in Japanese Cinema" 

as a special series at the 16th New 

York Film Festival. A total of five recent 

films will be presented from October 2 

through 6. These films represent a sam 

pling of the innovative and unusual work 

of independent Japanese filmmakers. The 

event is being co-sponsored by th.- Japan 

Society with the assistance of the Japan 

Foundation. 

• 

The 40th annual "Pioneer of the Year" 

dinner gala of the Foundation of the Motion 

Picture Pioneers is schedtded to he held 

October 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the 

Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Honored will be Dr. 

Jules Stein, founder of MCA. Inc. The annual 

raffle drawing also will take place at 

this time and a line-up of prizes will be 

awarded by the special revenue committee, 

which is being headed this year by Robert 

L. Carpenter, vice-president of Universal 

Pictures. 

• 

On showcase: Limited runs of Universal's 

"National Lampoon's Animal House." 

Paramount's "Foul Play" and UA's "Who'll 

Slop the Rain" led this week's top grossers. 

Bigger breaks of Paramount's "Heaven 

Can Wait" and "Grease." UA's "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther" and Warner's "Hooper" 

kept ticket-takers almost as busy as 

during the summer. New on the tracks were 

Universalis combo of "Almost Summer" and 

"American Graffiti." Marvin Films" "Convention 

Girls" and "Naked Rider." and 

Columbia's "'Warlords of Atlantis." 

CATV Firm Files Equity 

Action Against Competitor 

WILK.ES-BARRE, PA.—A cable television 

firm filed an equity action in the Lu- 

— 

— 

'Days of Heaven' Bows 

Impressively in NYC 

M W ^(JRK--Ihc ôiilinuing ncsssp.. 

per strike has given rise to a number of 

dailies and alternative methods of advertising 

new film openings. These plus heavy 

radio and TV spots has helped Paramount's 

newest entry. "Days of Heaven." hit the 

top spot this v^•eek with a big 640. An unbelievably 

beautiful film. "Days of Heaven" 

also is garnering critical raves. 

Woody .Mien's "Interiors" is still proving 

a popular favorite, despite its stark theme. 

placing it in second place with a consistent 

550. Third place is going to Warner Bros.' 

"Girl Friends."' which is getting bigger returns 

at a smaller house. It jumped up 

to a huge 525. The long-running Italian 

entry "Bread and Chocolate"' is bringing 

in steady big grosses and comes in fourth 

with 425. The French newcomer "No 

Time For Breakfast" looks like it will be 

a hit and comes in fifth with a good 310. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

- - wk 5S0 

ora), Isl wk MO 

Cm-.T.:: :: Gill Friends (WB), 6lh wk 

Cin. - -. . - ;. Women (New Yorker). 2n 

aui.ri^ The Opium War (Smo-Amenccjn), 

U-tl., c — Bread 

A-k 

-Viva Ilalia! .C.nema 5), lOlh wk .150 

P;a;a— A Slave oi Love (Cinema 5). 6lh wk 225 

68lh Slreei Playhouse No Tim» For BrMldaal 

(Bourla). Isl wk 310 

Trans-Lux East Nea (Libra Films). Sth wk. 75 

"National Lampoon's Animal House,' 

'Dear Inspector' Delight Baltimore 

B.Al riMORl — 

I r.ithcr long-running 

hits lead the Baltimore first-run tally for 

this past week. The ever-popular, ever-gross, 

ever-hilarious ""National Lampoon's Animal 

House" continues on top with an excellent 

250 in its sixth week here. 

Tied for prime honors is the French 

comedy-romance "EXcar Inspector" which 

sleuthed and rushed its wiley way to an 

1 

zerne County Court here to keep cable customers 

from being able to tune in on the 

Home Box Office film entertainments without 

equally impressive 250 in its fifth week on 

paying a service charge. Service Electric board. 

Cable TV, Inc., of nearby Hazleton. Pa., 

All other action, as the figures below relate, 

went into court seeking to enjoin Wallco. 

was relatively weak. The lone excep- 

tion was, perhaps. "Grease" which slid to 

Inc.. a locally based firm, from selling a 

device which provides the Home Box Office a 175 in its filth week. 

Cinema 1—Who'll Stop Ih* services to cable TV customers. 

Rain (UA). 2nd wk 100 

The cable company in its suit contends 

Cinema 11—Hovenfle oi Ih* Pink Panlh*r lUA). 

8th wk ...ISO 

Glen Burnie 

Liberty 1—National 

175 

that Wallco is selling a device which un- 

Mci.;— Gr.a.e iP-i:-.' Sih wk 

Lampoon's Animal Hoiu* 

(Univ). 6lh wt SLranihles the cable signal. 

250 

1. i. Patterson W- 60 

. w (WB) 5lh wk 

5lh Inspector SHl wk 250 

Ployhouse—Doat 

Senator—Hsaven Can Walt Pjra). 11th wk. 50 

Westview IV— Eyes o( Laura Man (Colt 

FILMACR STUDIOS,INC. 

1327. South Wabash Avenue.Chicago.llllnois 60605 312-427-3395 

'Heavenly' Signs Compete 

lA.Sl .SIROLDSUL KC. V.\. Iheie 

seemed to be some conflicting and com 

peting messages glowing from marquees 

across the slreei from each other in this 

Pocono Mountains resort community. Shining 

in lights from the marquee at the 

Cirand Theatre, the message read: "Heaven 

Cm Wait." obviously the new Warren 

Bealty-slarring attraction. Bui across the 

sir.vl on the church bulletin board at the 

I .tsi Siroudsburg United Melhrdisi Church, 

ihe message read: "Ciel Re.idv lor He.iven 

" 

Now. the lopic of the p.isior's Sunday 

morning sermon 

BOXOrriCE :: Vpiomlvr 25, l')7S

CENTURY 

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Mlin 




You get your projector and reproducer outof-the-box 

as "1". In place as "1". An entirely 

professional installation, with unbelievable 

ease. 






care ever. 



time. 



See your 


— or write: 


-designed as 

-packaged and 

shipped as 

-installed asC. 

*• 


i 32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101 

Albany Theatre Supply Co. 

443 North Pearl St. 

Albany, New York 12204 

Phone: (518) 465-8894 

Capitol Motion Picture 

630 9th Avenue 


Phone: (212) 757-4510 

Supply Co. 

Joe Hornstein inc. 

341 West 44th Street 


Phone: (212) 246-6285 

Theatre Equipment & Service Co. 

100 Lighthill St. 

Pittsburgh, Po. 15233 

Phone: (412) 322-4600 



107 Cedbrook Lone 

Baltimore, Md. 21208 

Phone: (301) 484-7211

WASHINGTON 

Neighborhood Theatres, the Richmond-based 

33-thcatre (40-screen) circuit, 

launched a summer concession contest 

which involved each theatre complex 

throughout the circuitous peer group. It was 

the Super Movie Summer '78 Popcorn Tub 

Promotion Contest. Profits and promotional 

factors, based on the theatre's per capita 

sales in the circuit's three divisions, resulted 

in the Northern division having three of the 

four winners: Herman Schraeder, vibrant 

manager of the Dale Cinema 1 and 2. Dale 

City, Va.. was the top winner. In addition 

to a cash prize. Schraeder and his staff will 

get a day at King's Dominion Amusement 

Park near Richmond. Escalating profits 

brought the Springfield Cinema. Springfield, 

Va.. manager Richard Muir, second 

place winner, $600. Eva Hay. whose operational 

power as manager of the Marlow 

Theatre. Marlow Heights. Md.. secured for 

her third prize, also received S600. The 

cash prizes will be presented to the winners 

at an awards luncheon at Neighborhood 

Theatres' Richmond headquarters Tuesday 

f26). R. Wade Pearson is director of the 

Northern division, whereas Roy Thompkins 

is assistant division director. Marjack supplies 

the bulk of the circuit's concessions. 

Barry Crane, TV producer-director ("Hawaii 

Five-O," "The Streets of San Francisco," 

and others), is considered the best 

Q 

miinmiin i iiMiiiiii 

RELAX 


match-point bridge player in the world, 

according to Sheinwold on Bridge. Crane 

has won the McKcnny Trophy, which is 

given for winning the most master points in 

one year in the American Contract Bridge 

League, five times and leads all players by 

a huge margin with the lifetime mark of 

22.000 master points. 

Buena Vista's branch manager Harry Howar 

tradescreened .Mickey's Birthday Party" 

at the Motion Picture Ass'n of America 

"Thursday (21). Howar is mounting this release 

as a matinee during teachers conferences 

in Maryland and Virginia. October 

19-24. 

Ross S. Wheeler, operating head of 

Wheeler Films, and booker Diane Tesfa 

are back at the office after their respective 

vacations. Pat Curtis, an assistant to Wheeler, 

spends her evenings as a relief manager 

for three of Glenmar Cinestate theatres. 

Robert Folliard of Bob Foliiard Films is 

setting up playdates for Martin Film's new 

feature, "High Rolling." After the film premieres 

in the South and West during October, 

it will go wide in this area. 

Marquee Television Network of Rockville, 

Md., the only local pay-TV station, 

broadcasts its radar-like signal to 35,000 

viewers in the metropolitan area. Marquee 

is the entertainment channel for the cable 

system. AmVideo Corp., of Triangle. Va. 

The Marine Corps Development and Education 

Command at Quantico. Va.. since 

April, can view Hollywood films nightly 

without commercial interruptions. 

Grcgorj- Peck's 29-year old son Carey 

Peck, with wife Kathy. was here attending 

a $100-a-couple fund-raising party at the 

residence of Roger Stevens, chairman of 

the Kennedy Center, which Stevens cohosted 

with Sen. Edward Kennedy and the 

elder Peck. Young Carey is the Democratic 

aspirant for Congress from California's 

27th district. At month's end Liza Minnclli 

will be the entertainer at a Los .Angeles 

benefit soiree for the candidate. 

Glenmar Cinestate, Inc.. formerly District 

Theatres Corp.. announced the relocation 

of its 

offices to One Farragut .Square. South. 

Suite 400, Washington. D.C. 20006. as of 

armies stretched from Stalingrad to Berlin. 

The outcome in the East determined not 

only the success or failure of the Allied 

campaign against Nazi Germany but ultimately 

the political structure of contemporao' 

Europe." Burt Lancaster is the host 

and narrator of Air Time International's 

release of the 20 episodes of "The Unknown 

War." In addition to the Archives' 

premiere showings of the first ten, the remaining 

ten one-hour documentaries will be 

televised in the U.S. and abroad this fall. 

Other credits noted are: executive producer 

Isaac Kleinerman (U.S.): artistic direction 

and supervision Roman Karmen (U.S.S.R.): 

historical consultant Harrison Salisbury 

(U.S.). and script adaptation and musical 

coordination by Rod McKuen (U.S.). 

The Post's Jack L. Warner obituary by 

film critic Gary .Arnold covered a half page 

in the newspaper Monday (11). In exploring 

the vast achievements of the "last of the 

first-generation movie tycoons." Arnold 

cited Warner's achievements in developing 

talking pictures with 'The Jazz Singer." and 

constructing the Burbank film-making headquarters 

which included 24 sound stages. 

Warner personally produced the Academy 

Award-winning version of "My Fair Lady" 

and was legendary as a strict adherent to 

"economy" at the studio—e.g., switching 

out lights. During World War II, Warner 

organized the first motion picture unit of 

the Army Air Forces and was commissioned 

as a lieutenant colonel. The late giant also 

was noted for flamboyant comments, such 

as: "The trouble with death is that you don't 

get two weeks notice that your contract is 

being cancelled." 

The 19th congres.s of the International 

Congress of Film and Television Schools, 

composed of motion picture and T\' educators 

from about 50 countries, met here 

Monday (II) through Monday (18) to exchange 

information on the process and 

product of film education. The .American 

Film Institute acted as general secretariat 

for the conference and also is hosted a 

reception for the delegates. 

Hollis Alpert, editor of AFI's magazine. 

American Film, also is the editor of "The 

Actor's life: Journals. 1956-76" by Charlton 

Heston. The Heslon work is to be put 

on the market in November by H.P. Dulton 

cV Co.. as a Henry Robbins book, condensed 

to 448 pages. 


for your accessories. 

UTA delivers them on time. 


I JTA's occessory service 

Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN 

9VA 734 0.f)IO 

nzzzzzzznnzzzi IITIII 

Friday (1). The new telephone number is 

(202) 347-3310. Glenmar Cinestate, a 16 

theatre, 23-scrcen circuit, is a subsidiar\ 

of Farragut Investments, which owns the 

posh new office building. G. Bradford 

Cook spearheads Farragut. with Ronald N. 

Nadler its president, who likewise is president 

of the 

theatre circuit. 

Ihc National Archives film siriis. I lie 

Unknown War," between Ihuisday (14) and 

December K, consists of ten one-hour free 

programs of historical documentaries concerning 

the conflict between the Soviet 

Union anti (ierniany during World War II 

The inlroduclion lo the films, regarding the 

war's lilanic propui lions, slated, in pari: 

"The devast.itiiMi i.-.uised In the opposing 

Keehn in Serious Condition 

After July 14 Auto Accident 

WASHINt.ION-Neal Keehn ot Motion 

Picture Laboratories. Inc., and vicepresident 

in charge of MPI offices here. 

still is in very serious condition following 

an automobile accident in Memphis July 14. 

Keehn was in Memphis to .iltend the 

21st annual MPL Seminar. Iwo other 

MPI. employees. Bill Watson and Danny 

1 homas, received minor injuries in the s.une 

accident 

Keehn has been moved from Doctors 

Hospital in Memphis to Wesley Woods 

Nursing Home in .Ailania near the home of 

his daughter, Mrs. Stephanie Halev. 

E-4 BOXOFFICE Vpleinlvr 25, I97S

Theatre Circuit Engineers 

Teaser 'Phone' Campaign 

ALLENTOWN, PA.— It used to be that 

teasing headlines or suggestive art poses 

were utihzed by theatre owners to attract 

undue attention to an X-rated picture booking. 

Indicative of the turn in events is the 

way the Philadelphia-based Sameric Theatres 

circuit handled its recent booking of 

an X-rated feature—a rating that is seldom 

seen on a Sameric screen. 

While one of the circuit's Eric Allentown 

Twin theatres offered "Eyes of Laura 

Mars," it was a pair of teaser ads that was 

used to draw attention to the offering at 

called, they would have to seek out the 

marquee where they would learn the "mysterious" 

feature is the X-rated "Shame of 

the 

Junole." 

'Moving Image' Awards Are 

Touted As Local Oscars 

ALLENTOWN, PA.—A Moving Image 

Awards competition, which is planned as an 

annual event and which hopefully will excite 

enough local area interest to attain the 

popularity of the Oscars, will be sponsored 

by the Morning Call, daily newspaper, as a 

promotion for its Weekender, the Saturday 

edition with its enlarged amusement section. 

There will be a public showing of the prizewinning 

films on a local TV station. 

Reaching out to the amateur filmmakers 

in the area, particularly those at the many 

college campuses to be found in the area. 

the competition will accept as entries all 

kinds of documentaries, fictional shorts, experimental 

and animated films in Super 8 

or 16mm, silent or sound. 

Harry Northurp and Andy Romano have 

joined the cast of "On the Edge." 

WE NEED HELP! ! 

National organization wants to hire one good 

theatre supply management trainee for this 

orea—theatre supply sales, theatre management 

and/or technical experience in theatre 

operations a real plus for this position 

good starting salary—excellent bonus paid 

— 

for outstanding performance—car— travel expenses—hospitalization 

and fine retirement 

plan. Call collect, (212) 245-6900 or send 

resume to: Dan Miller 

1600 Broadway 

New York, New York 10019 

P. S. Vou can also see me at the New York 

NATO Convention. 

BALTIMORE 

L'za Minnclli appeared at the Mcrriweather 

Post Pavilion in Columbia. Md., 

recently . . . The Town Theatre is showing 

a trio of films— "Revolt of Kung Fu Lcc," 

"Lady Lee's Revenge" and "Killing Machine"—for 

the second week. Up to 12:30 

p.m., tickets are priced at $L50. 

holder to 20 free games and a door prize. 

Also on the Women of Variety schedule is 

a bus trip to Harrisburg, Pa., for a day at 

the Host Inn November 1. The $16.50 tab 

includes a buffet lunch plus a matinee performance 

of "My Fair Lady" at the hotel 

screening room. The group will meet at 

9:30 a.m. at the Reisterstown Plaza. "Buses 

are filling up fast, so make your reservation 

early." Barbara Goldberg, Women of Variety 

president, advised. 

Phil Glazer, boss at Associated Pictures, 

reports that his "The Hollywood Hillside 

Strangler" did good business August 30 to 

Tuesday (5) at three situations: the Mount 

Vernon Drive-In. in Alexandria. Va., and 

at the Queen's Chapel Drive-In in Hyattsville. 

Md. On Wednesday (20) Associated 

broke "Team Mates" and "High School 

Girls" in the Baltimore area. That pair will 

be followed with "Escort Girls" October 4. 

In his wildest dreams Mark Twain 

couldn't conceive of for adventures Tom 

Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn the likes of 

which 13-year-old Charles Glazer, Phil 

Glazer's precocious son. has experienced. 

For instance, latest in his exploits reveals, 

according to his father, that Charles went, 

for the first time, on a deep sea fishing trip 

in Ocean City, Md., Wednesday, August 

30, which took him 63 miles out into the 

Ocean and caught the biggest Dolphin (42 

pounds) landed in Ocean City, Md., this 

year. "It's being mounted and he expects 

to be invited back to the spa Friday (15) 

for the Ocean City Marlin Club's Annual 

Awards Dinner at which time he will get 

a prize for the fish. Ironically—a week 

earlier they had a special weekly contest 

and the Dolphin caught weighed only 24 

pounds and was worth $1,000 as prize 

money, according to Phil. Incidentally. 

Charles is only five feet two and the Dolphin 

he caught was five feet long. 

equipment has been stolen from a storage 

room in the main office of the Baltimore 

County government in Towson. Md. Reported 

stolen were a projector, speaker, 

screen, projection lamps and accessories all 

purchased within the past three months, 

according to Gary E. Burl, director of the 

county's industrial development commission. 

Mrs. Elsie Wagner, cashier for many 

years at the Liberty, returned recently from 

a three-week trip to Germany where she 

The Randallsfown branch of the Baltimore 

County Public Library scheduled a 

Beatles Film Festival Saturday (\6) and 

Sunday (18) showing "Magical Mystery 

Tour" and "Braverman's Condensed Cream 

of Beatles Soup." Admission to both screen- 

Nearly $1,500 irlh 

Michener's best-seller by Tom McMahon. 

Nancy Voyles Crawford and Lorraine Williams, 

the lb€x-FIDCI Films presentation 

was produced by Elmo Williams and directed 

by James Fargo on locations in and 

around Isfahan. Iran. 

Quinn portrays the charismatic leader 

of a nomadic tribe. O'Neill the headstrong 

daughter of a U.S. Senator and Sarrazin 

the American attache sent to find her. 

Filmed in Todd-AO. "Caravans" features 

a cast of literally thousands, ranges in location 

from barren deserts to ancient cities, 

and encompasses in its action sand storms, 

flash floods, colorful tribal gatherings and 

a climatic pitched battle between tribesmen 

and government troops armed with 

modern weapons. 


OF 

ONE SHEETS 

TWO SHEETS 

PRESS BOOKS 

SLICKS 

1 TO 4 COLORS 


1515SO. Hope Street 

Los Angeles. CA 90015 

(913) 749-8288 


E-5

I 

— 

- 

PHILADELPHIA 

\A/ith the new school season siarlcd at Ihc 

University of Delaware, the King and 

Queen theatres in th; Castle Mall at Newark. 

Del., have brought in "The Rocky 

Horror Picture Show" for Friday and Saturday 

midnight showings. 

Ann-Margret flew into Atlantic City to 

officiate at the groundbreaking ceremonies 

for the S30.000.000 addition to the former 

Howard John's Regency to be built by the 

company which operates Caesar's Palace 

in Las Vegas. 

The Plymouth Mali Merchants Ass'n at 

the suburban Plymouth Mall shopping complex, 

has followed the move of other mall 

merchants in nearby communities and is 

sponsoring a free movie showing Tuesdays 

at I I a.m.. as a move to attract shoppers. 

The free shows kicks off at the Mall Theatre 

with "New York. New York." 

Full-length Hollywood feature films arc 

included among the attractions planned for 

the new 200-room hotel, the Tabas, which 

Daniel E. Tabas will con>.trucl in suburban 

Exton. Pa. 

Without any of the usual fanfare and pub 

licity attending a star's personal appearance. 

"An Evening with Al Pacino" was 

staged, a one-man show of dramatic readings, 

improvisations and poetry at the University 

of Pennsylvania's Zellcrbach Theatre. 

Ticket sales, confined to the campus, 

were at S6. 

Paramount Pictures is the prime backer 

for the new musical "Platinum" opening the 

new stage season at the Shubert Theatre. 

Although critics were kind to Alexis Smith 

in the starring role, they must-'red very 

little enthusiasm lor the show itself. 

Following the showing of the free Saturday 

afternoon movies for the five-to-12 set, 

with such features at "Skater Dater" and 

"Hansel and Gretel," the .Somers Point 

(N.J.) Library serves the youngsters peanut 

butler and jelly sandwiches. 

Arthur Penn has been signed to direct 

"Altered Slates." 



TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE. SOUND. 

PROJECTION, PAflTS. INSTALLATION 


214 234 3270 

DOLBY SYSTEM 

blAfl TREATMENT SERVICE 

Young Distributor Claims 

Stronger East Coast Ties 

(Continued from page E-1) 

Certainly neither Universal Pictures. 

United Artists, Warner Brothers, nor Paramount 

arc worried about Burzichelli's Independent 

Artists Corp., but plenty of today's 

biggest producers started out exactly this 

way. The most famous movie mogul—Joseph 

E. Levine— traveled to Italy in the late 

'50s and purchased the American rights to 

"Hercules" for a little more than $100,000. 

In addition to making muscle-man Steve 

Reeves a star, "Hercules" grossed millions 

for Levine and provided the capital for him 

to set up Avco Embassy Pictures. 

The motion picture distribution game is 

a 

the 

big gamble, but with one winning movie, 

distributor can walk away with millions 

in the bank. 

Although the thought of striking it rich 

brings a slight smile to Burzichelli's face, 

he claimed he never really thinks about it. 

He just enjoys the movie game and has 

played it very well for the last seven years. 

Manager at Age 17 

At age 17. he managed the Glen Oaks 

Cinema in Laurel Springs, and when the 

theatre went bankrupt, he tried to buy it. 

He didn't have enough money to do so, but 

the man who purchased it allowed Burzichelli 

to manage and book the place. 

"He let me loose to handle everything 

right on down the line," the pencil-thin 

manager recalled. 

The Glen Oaks Cinema became a chic 

novelty under his reign. The theatre was 

one of the first to show classic films of the 

Marx Brothers, W.C. Fields and Woody 

Allen. Burzichelli also used ballyhoo tactics 

from the I9.'?0s and 40s by having all-night 

shows, giving away free coffee and donuts. 

bankrolling, bicycle give-aways, and sponsoring 

guest app>earanccs by minor celebrities, 

such as Moc Howard of ihc Three 

Stooges. 

During his two years al the Cilen Oaks 

Cinema, the hou.se thrived and Bur/ichelli's 

reputation as an innovator in motion picture 

exhibition grew. 

For the showing of "Who'll Stop the His father offered 10 help him start a 

Rain," the Arcadia Th.-atre carried teaser catering business, but the young man prelerred 

ads in the Daily News inviting readers to 

dishing up entertainmenl, Bur/ichelli 

forgot about food and onlv thought about 

call Joe Baltakc, the newspaper's movie 

critic, "for a good t me at th.- movies." film. 

The telephone number given brought a recorded 

When he heard .iboiit ihc opening of the 

luxurious Millsidc Twins in I'-H^. Bur/ 

message recorded by Ballake for 

which he gives a glowing capsule review of chelli went to the main office of Budco 

the feature film. 

Theatres in Philadelphia and applied for thj 

manager job. He and three other men their 

average age 47—competed for the position 

in the brand new twin and Burzichelli was 

hired, "I still don't know why Budco put 

lailh in a skinny. 20-year-old kid who 

weighed 1.^5 pounds," he joked. 

"1 guess 

w. liked out of the Glen Oaks Cinema with 

,1 lepulalion." 

,\t 20. Burzichelli was the youngest Ihci 

lie manager in New Jersey and the yi>imgesi 

member of the International .MlMiice o\ 

Iheairical and Stage 1 luplovees. 

He leli the Millsidc I wins in \ugusl. 

I''7(., lor .1 Hollywood cireer. .iiul lelurneil 

a couple of months ago to run it at night 

while he distributed movies during the day. 

What if "When the Screaming Stops" or 

one of his other pick-up movies becomes a 

monster hit and he can afford to do whatever 

he wants? "I really don't aspire to be 

a director or producer," Burzichelli shrugged. 

"I just enjoy this business. But if one 

of these films does make enough money. 

I might want to try my hand at taking a 

project from inception to completion." 

Suddenly his eyes lit up like movie projectors 

going full-blast. "You know what 

America is ready for now, a love story or 

a gay comedy, " he enthused, ".'\mericans 

love to laugh or cry ." 

. . 

And as this interview ended, John Burzichelli 

was off and running again— at 24 

frames per second. 

57-Year-Old Theatre Will 

Be Gone Within a Month 

BUM ALO— Ihc .^7->car old dounlown 

Century Theatre will be demolished within 

a month by new owners Joseph Barillari 

and Donald Barillari. owners of Northern 

Demolition. Inc. Both stressed they and 

not their company, were the buyers. The 

theatre was purchased from Harvey «Sl 

Corky Corp. Corky Burger and his partner 

Harvey Weinstein rescued the Century from 

three years of darkness when they negotiated 

its purchase in 1974. 

Since that time they have been using 

it as a bass of operations for many of the 

visiting rock shows and special entertainment 

events for which they have been 

entrepreneurs. Asked about the location of 

future productions. Burger replied that 

.Shea's Buffalo Theatre. Kleinhans Music 

Hall, Memorial .Auditorium and the new 

convention center all would enter into the 

future plans of their theatrical company. 

The Century Theatre opened Oct. 17, 

1921 as Loews State Theatre. It was a 

spectacular gala, with circuit owner Marcus 

Loew in attendance, along with silent movie 

stars Hope Hampton, Lillian Walker, Leo 

Carillo and a dozen or so others, all of 

whom participated in a Main Street parade, 

followed by a vaudeville and variety show 

that lasted until almost midnight, followed 

by a movie. 

The theatre has passed through many 

hands over the year»S l.\ HAWAII nH\ 

§ 

When sou o.inc In WiilUlkl, 

tlon't iuls,s the lumiuis 1 )

. . The 

. 

. 

. 

PITTSBURGH 

^ 

new UHF station, WPTT channel 22. 

should be on the air by the date of this 

publication. Another local UHF outlet. 

WPCB channel 40. will be following in a 

few days. WPTT is located in .VIonrocville 

Industrial 

Park. 

Maryland NATO Has Fun in fhe Sun 

. . . "Mr. 

The Chatham returned "The Turning 

Point" to its screen and the Fulton brought 

back "The Sound of Music" 

Klein" took over the Squirrel Hill screen 

. . . "Star Wars" has disappeared and the 

Bank Cinema is offering "Foul Play" and 

"Network." 

"National Lampoon's Animal House" has 

been doubling the gross of any other film in 

release hereabouts . . . Still shooting here 

last week was "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh." 

all scenes at the Civic Arena having 

been completed some time ago. 

"A Verj' Natural Thing" is advertised as 

coming to the Follies. Coming in person in 

October are top se.\ film stars Jack Wrangler 

and Roger . . . "Honeymoon Haven" 

was the top attraction at the Art Cinema 

following "Hot and Saucy Pizza Girls" and 

"Love Me to Death." Upcoming is "Hot 

Honey" . Strand in Oakland is being 

remodeled into storerooms. 

Cinemette has darkened the Monroe but 

has decided to keep the Forum in operation 

for a month or two ... In the face of 

litigation, the company which is distributing 

the animated "Tarzoon" feature has 

changed the title of the film to "Guess 

Who? Shame of the Jungle." It is now on 

was on screen at the Gateway 

stage show "Grease" returns here October 

28 and 29 for four performances at the 

Stanley. 

The Manor, a Cinemette house, in the 

Squirrel Hill district, is undergoing construction 

for conversion into a twin . 

Market Square readers enjoyed another contest 

consisting of putting two film titles 

. together in a movie marquee game 

The Pennsylvania Ballet is in its 50th anniversary 

season ... A European awardwinning 

film on the life and works of Leos 

Janacek was screened at the Kresge Theatre 

at Carlow College. 

"Up in Smoke" was at the Showcase East 

and West and at Kings Court and North 

Hills following previews Saturday (16) . . . 

The Squirrel Hill has come up with "Giri 

Friends" . . . Theatre Express, just about 

ready to open its new season at a warehouse 

in Oakland, was notified that the 

quarters violated city fire regulations. 

The Sheridan Square Theatre, long dark, 

has reverted to the Cinemette circuit which 

hopes to lease or sell the once-famous 

vaudeville and film house in East Liberty. 

Cinemette is definite that the Sheridan 

Square will not be one of its operating 

movie theatres. 

It's all part of the "Fun In the Sun" at N.4TO of Maryland's 24th annual Symposium-Seminar 

which took place August 22 in Annapolis. Pictured at top. from 

left to right, are Fred Sapperstein, executive secretary of N.\TO of Maryland; Leon 

B. Back, president of NATO of Maryland and general manager of Rome Theatres, 

and Frank H. Durkee III of F. H. Durkee Enterprises, general chairman of the 

event. Below left, Back speaks to Robert Rappaport of Rappaport Theatres and at 

right, Edward A. Kimpel jr. of Rome Theatres samples a crab. 

By KATE SAVAGE 

BALTIMORE—"Fun in 

the Sun" was the 

theme for NATO of Maryland's 24th annual 

Symposium-Seminar at the Bayridge 

Beach Inn in Annapolis Tuesday. August 

22. Approximately 250 persons attended, 

representing exhibition, distribution and 

other allied theatre interests from across the 

state and region. 

Prominent out-of-town guests included 

Marvin Goldman, president of the National 

Ass'n of Theatre Owners; George Manis, 

MPAA representative, and Louis Goldstein. 

Comptroller of the State of Maryland. 

Starting at 1 1 a.m., morning activities 

included golf and tennis at the Annapolis 

Road Country Club, with Edward A. Kimpel 

jr. of Rome Theatres chairing the golf 

committee and Mrs. Kathy Durkee, wife of 

F.H. Durkee Enterprises chief Frank H. 

Durkee III. heading the tennis activity. 

From noon to 3 p.m. a delicious buffet 

was served, highlighted by steaming hot 

crabs, ice-cold beer and sundry other items. 

Bingo was played at 2 p.m. in the dining 

room with dulcet-tongued Bill Steele. Loew's 

Governor Ritchie Drive-In manager, the 

caller. During this time also, there was a 

Softball game between the distributors and 

circuit owners, with card games and swimming 

among other afternoon activities. 

Dinner was served at 6:.30 p.m. Then, 

after an invocation by Jerry Gordon of the 

NATO office, Leon B. Back. NATO of 

Maryland president, welcomed the guests. 

(Continued on following page) 

BOXOFTICE :: September 25, 1973 E-7

BUFFALO 

Jôdek and hostesses for the luncheon and 

fashion show given by Variety Club 

Women of Tent 7 Saturday (16) in the Aud 

Club. Memorial Auditorium, were selected in. 

by Mrs. Joseph G. Schaefcr, chairman. The Buffalo premiere of Max Ophuls' 

Members who were models are Mrs. Charles 1932 effort "Liebelei" was held Saturday 

Clinkhammer, Ann Marie Taberski. Mrs. 

(23) at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical 

Frank B. Quinlivan. Mrs. Michael J. Mazzclla. 

Society. It's part of the new series 

Mrs. Frank DiPaola. Susan Henfling. 

of silent films and early talkies offered by 

Ethel Tyler. Mrs. Robert D. Mason, Mrs. Media Study/ Buffalo. Josef von Sternberg's 

Herman Messinger and Mrs. Carl Kozlowski. 

1931 "Dishonored." with Marlene Dietrich, 

is scheduled for Saturday (30). 

"We An Loved Each Other So Much," 

Italian social comedy with Marcello Maslroianni. 

Vittorio E>e Sica and Frederico 

Fellini. has been booked for an early showing 

at the Evans Theatre . . . 'The Norseman" 

with Lee Majors in his first starring 

role, started Wednesday (13) at Como Mall 

Cinema. 

The Friends of the Buffalo Theatre has 

announced that its season will begin with a 

gala re-opening production of "Tosca" Friday 

(29) and Saturday (30). Merce Cunningham 

and Dance Company, the Pennsylvania 

Ballet, the New York City Ballet and "Rigoletto" 

are scheduled for later dates. Upcoming 

special events include Count Basic 

and his orchestra, October 28. and Nana 

Mouskouri, November 4. Movies are 

planned for senior citizens beginning October 

4. .Shea's Buffalo Youth Theatre will 

present David of .Sesame Street, Pinocchio, 

Tom .Sawyer, the Freedom Train and 

Charlie Brown during its season. 

A feature in the Sunday (10) Courier- 

Express told of the exploits of Richard 

Simpson, a Fort Erie, Ontario, secondary 

school math teacher who has been rubbing 

shoulders with celebrities for the la.st two 

years. Simpson, owner of a 1948 Rolls 

Royce, has acted as chauffeur for Shea's 

Buffalo since its inauguration in 1976, picking 

up entertainers at the airport, driving 

them to their motel or hotel and being at 

their disposal during their local stay. His 

first chauffeuring job began with the opening 

night's first entertainer, George Burns. 

He since has driven for many others, including 

Cab Calloway, Lou Rawls, Virgil 

Fox, Ella Fitzgerald and Max Moralh. 

The .Sunday News (10) inaugurated a new 

service, a guide lo first-run movies in the 

area, with the MPAA rating, their own 

Taking advantaec of the local multiple 

run ol "National Lampoon's Animal 

House," a local pub, Gabel's Bar, featured 

an "Animal House" toga party Saturday 

(9), offering a watermelon eating contest, 

"toga punch" and music of the early '60s. 

Patrons were urged to "Wear your 'Toga 

Attire' and receive a free T-shirt." "Animal 

House" was showing locally at the Como 

8. the Plaza North and the Sheridan Drive- 

New York State's Parks and Recreation 

Department has been asked to consider using 

Shea's Buffalo Theatre as a "winter 

home" for Artpark productions, a move 

designed to boost both the historic theatre 

and Buffalo's theatre district . . . Larry 

Cuba is a filmmaker whose works embody 

what he calls "programable art" and who 

was responsible for the only scene in "Star 

Wars" in which digital animation appears. 

He presented and discussed his own computer 

work Wednesday (20) at Media Study/ 

Buffalo. Included were "First Fig." winner 

of three festival awards. "3/78" and "Two 

Space." The computer animation techniques 

used in "Star Wars" were also discussed 

and illustrated. 

The Newman Center Film Festival at 

Buffalo State College opened Thursday (21) 

with the screening of "Five Easy Pieces." 

the 1970 film which firmly established 

Jack Nicholson as a screen superstar, even 

though he failed to win an Academy 

Award. It will be followed October 5 by 

"The Last Picture Show," in which Cloris 

Leachman won best supporting actress honors. 

Sidney J. Cohen, president of New York 

State NATO, has been admitted to Buffalo 

General Hospital. 100 High Street. Buffalo 

14203. .Send him a gJt-well card, room 

B739. 

'Rocky Horror' Proves It's 

A Winner in Belmar, N.J. 

BELMAR, N.J. — "The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show," which proved a midnight 

winner at the Belmar Cinema this summer, 

will continue to show during the fall and 

winter. After 15 weeks of Friday and Saturday 

night showings at midnight and at 2 

a.m., Michael Frankel, owner of the theatre, 

critic's evaluation for parental guidance and 

comments by other critics . . . "The Inheritance," 

with Anthony Quinn and Dominique 

said he will continue the run to see if 

"Rocky Horror" is only a summertime phenomenon 

Sanda, started Friday (15) at the Holiday 

or if it has enough 

area sustain showings 

fans in 

during 

this 

the 

resort to 

4, Boulevard Mall and Seneca Mall Cinemas 

. 

and winter 

fall 

"Secrets" with Jacqueline Bisset 

. . 

Marled (15) at Holiday 3, Boulevard Mall 

Frankel said il is the bij;i:esl cull lilin 

2 and 

ever to |ila\ 

Seneca Mall 2. 

.il his (()() se.n cmem.i M.iiu 

nights, he added, the demand lor tickets 

was so great that extra late-night performances 

have been added, which has required 

the staff lo remain at the theatre until 5 

and 6 a.m. The only real problem the film 

created was the necessity for staffers to mop 

up about 40 pounds of rice and six barrels 

of trash each "Rocky Horror" performance 

Maryland NATO Has 

Some Tun in the Sun' 

(Continued from preceeding page) 

Larry St. John, Paramount branch manager 

in Washington, D.C.. and area chairman 

for the Will Rogers Institute drive, accepted 

a contribution to the institute. He 

also outlined the background of the hospital 

which only recently moved into larger 

quarters, pointing out its dependence upon 

contributions from the film irduslry. 

Shortly thereafter a varied array of prizes 

were distributed by Back, Steele and Dale 

Paul, an Annapolis radio announcer. About 

45 prizes were given away, with a S50 raffle. 

Golf, Tennis Prizes 

The Vernon Nolte Memorial golf trophy 

was presented to Bill Brice of Chestertown. 

Md., a guest of Pete Prince of the Chester 

Theatre in Chestertown, Md. The presentation 

was made by John Thompson of the 

Ray Thompson & Associates advertising 

agency. 

The tennis tournament was won by Preston 

Frey. Columbia Washingtjin booker. 

Kathy Durkee. although hampered by poison 

ivy from around the tennis courts, conducted 

a tournament that rivalled Forest 

Hills, according to one observer. 

Dick Dacy, Allied Artists branch manager 

in Washington. D.C.. and his fellow 

distributors defeated Ira Miller of Schwaber 

World Fare Theatres and his fellow exhibitors 

in the softball game. The score was a 

close 11-10. The trophv was presented bv 

Back. 

It was the im.mimous opinion of those 

present that Pete Prince deserved a special 

salute for bringing over the luscious crabs 

from the Eastern Shore, which task he has 

performed annually for some time now. A 

special tribute was paid in memoriam to 

colleagues and friends who had died during 

the past year, notably Hank Vogel. Fred 

Perry. Paul Vogel and Loretta Gallaher. 

Oldtimers Are There 

In ,1 special corner was a table for a 

group of beloved oldtimers. Present in that 

crowd were Jack Dauses, former movie seat 

distributor; Jack Levine. former owner of 

the Irvington Theatre; Sol and Nate Klein, 

formerly of the Broadway Theatre who now 

are real estate operators specializing in sellini; 

movie houses to churches, and Chick 

VVingfiekl, e\ s.iicsni.in for Columbia Pictures. 

Frank II. Ouikcc III was general chairman 

of the event. Fred Sapersiein. executive 

secretary of NATO of Maryland, was 

co-chairman, .\ssislant lo all conmiitlecs 

was William Steele. 

S.ippersiein ciMumenled ih.il he w.is 

pleased with this year's results, his first try 

at coordinating the event without the help 

of Vera Wolfe, former executive secretary 

of NATO of Maryland, and he ho|x-s that 

l'»7'> will liiul another tremendous turnout 

loi the 2îh .mnual Symposium-Seminar. 

E-8 BOXOFFICE S^-plemlH-r 25. 197.*'

— 

'Pink Panther' First 

In Slow Denver Week 

DENVER— It was a dull week all around 

for first runs here. No feature even broke 

the 200 barrier; most pictures were far 

below that. Pulling out ahead was "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther" with 185, followed 

by "National Lampoon's Animal 

House" and "Heaven Can Wait." tying 

at 175. "Eyes of Laura Mars" did average 

business, but "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts 

Club Band" dipped to 85. 


Century 21 Sgl. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

Band (Univ), 9th wk 85 

Cherry Creek, Villa Italia—The Buddy Holly 

Story (Col), 7lh wk 100 

Continental Revenge of the Pink Panther 

(UA), 6th wk 185 

Cooper—Eyes oi Laura Mars (Col), 5th wk 100 

University Hills 1, 2—Heaven Can Wait 

(Para), I2th wk 175 

theatres—Foul Play (Para), 9lh wk 

theatres National Lampoon's Animal 

House (Univ), 7th wk 

theatres—Hot Lead and Cold Feet (BV) 

SAN FRANCISCO 

^ 

tribute to Joan Fontaine, with the Academy 

Award-winning actress in attendance 

for an on-stage interview, was held 

Monday (18) at Mike Thomas's Warfield 

Theatre. The 1946 thriller "Ivy" was shown 

in its entirety along with sequences from 

many of her films. The Fontaine tribute is 

part of a series of tributes which included 

the Jane Russell appearance at the Strand 

Theatre last June. Joshua Logan will be the 

next honoree October 12. 

Committee Chairman Al Camillo advises 

that tickets for this year's Variety Club golf 

tournament. October 13, will be $45, which 

will cover golf carts this year in addition 

to the usual green fees, lunch, dinner and 

prizes. 

Kevin Kowalk is the new man on the 

phones, etc., at UATC's booking department, 

moving down the street from Crest 

.Sales Monday (18). 

A "Bond" voyage luncheon honoring Walt 

von Hauffe at the Hotel Sir Francis Drake's 

Franciscan Room Thursday (21) rated a 

"10" even by 007's standards. 

The immensely popular "Annie" ends its 

extended run at the Curran Theatre Thursday 

(28). 

Midnight shows, along with repertory 

bookings, are gaining popularity in the area. 

Along with the Strand Theatre and the UC 

Theatre (Berkeley) which have been playing 

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" for over 

a year at midnight on weekends, the Richelieu 

and Gateway cinemas are running a 

special two-month film series of widely diversified 

films for the benefit of "No on 

Proposition 6." "A Little Rights Music" at 

the Castro Theatre at midnight on Fridays 

featuring local and other stars has been a 

well-received fund-raiser for the anti-Briggs 

initiative coffers also. 

The York Theatre's marquee has been 

blazing at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays 

for a "live" production, "Hollywood 

Haywire," which, according to publicity, is 

"a musical harem of madcap hysteria." 

Norman Chesler, head of Salt Lake City's 

Theatre Candy Co., was in town renewing 

acquaintances Tuesday (12). 

Ron Autrand, AlP, and Columbia's 

Laurie Parodi were married in Reno Sunday 

(3). 

Walt von Hauffe, UA's dynamic advertising 

and public relations man on the West 

Coast, begins Monday (25) as United States 

publicity and advertising director for producer 

Albert "Cubby" Broccoli's "Moonraker." 

the James Bond release for next 

summer now in production in Europe and 

South America. Best of wishes, Walt. 

Paul Michael Curro is the new grandson 

of Sam de Masi, Roy Cooper Co., district 

manager. Linda and Michael Curro, manager 

of the State Theatre. Sacramento, are 

the proud parents. 

Jacqueline Bisset and Robert Morley are 

scheduled to be here October 4 for the San 

Francisco Film Festival which opens with 

their film "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs 

of Europe?" French director Claude Lelouch 

will also be here for the gala opening. 

David Warner will portray Jack the Ripper 

in "Time After Time." 

de^^ 

Filbert Company 

Theatre Systems 

1100 Flower Street 

Glendale, CA 91201 

DENVER 

ân Klausman, who handles advertising 

and publicity for Theatre Operations. 

Inc., of Bozeman, Mont., is back at the 

desk following a vacation . . . Columbia 

branch manager Ken Newbcrt is on a twoweek 

tour of Europe . . . Paramount salesman 

Bob Box was calling on the accounts 

on the western slope of Colorado. 

Bates Farley, Gene Bowles, Lew Kolocheski 

and Jack Micheletti teamed together 

and entered the four-man low ball golf 

tournament held at Park Hill Country Club. 

The quartet brought fame to the motion 

picture industry by winning first place in 

the tournament and each member of the 

team was presented with a SI 00 merchandise 

certificate. 

Harold McCormick, who for many years 

operated the Skyline Theatre and the Sunset 

Drive-ln, Canon City, Colo., was successful 

in winning in the primaries as the 

Republican candidate for the United States 

Senate. McCormick now faces a stiff campaign 

against the Democratic candidate in 

November. 

Jack Hodovance, who operates the Cuba 

Cinema. Cuba. N.M.. is busy erecting a 

new drive-in and. weather permitting, will 

be able to open in October and operate 

into the winter months. 

Approximately 125 members of the industry 

gathered at Denver's Washington 

Park for a good old-fashioned picnic. Hot 

dogs, hamburgers, soda pop and beer and 

all the trimmings were served and there 

was baseball, volleyball, horseshoes and 

other games for those who wanted, and 

perhaps needed, the exercise. Steve Felperin. 

branch manager for Warner Bros., reports 

that plans for next year will be to make 

the 

i'^^ÂVC^ 

picnic even bigger and better. 

From initial 

â^' 

© 

desigti 

to construction supervision, 

to selection of proper 

equipment & furnishings, 

the Filbert Company will 

deliver professional results. 

Talk to a Filbert professional 

today: (213) 247-6550. 

Solt Lake • Boston • Dolloj • New Yotk 

NIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY ^ 

_ HOME OFFICE - 

264 Eost l$r South, Self Loke Citjr, Utah 8411 

BOXOFFICE :: .September 25. 1978

) 

Hollywood 

Happenings 

p: AVWRIGHT AND SCREENWRITER 

Neil Simon and screenwriter Alvin 

Sargcnl are among ten writers selected to 

receive the 1978-79 Irwin R. Blacker 

Awards for distinguished contribution to 

literature in Southern California. Others are 

James Costigan, television writer; Joan 

Did-on. novelist: Will and Ariel Durant. 

historians: Norman Lear, television producer 

Geoff Miller, editor of Los Angeles 

magazine: Mik; Hamilburg. literary agent, 

and Noel Young, publisher of the Capra 

TTtv!miiintnimiiii 

RELAX 


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UTA's accessory service. 

SH (.oi()(wo 'ilii:

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• CENTURY PROJECTOR CORPORATION 

« 32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101

. . The 

SEATTLE 

pob McQuislon and Connie Cohen of 

the 

Sterling Recreation Organization advertising 

and promotion department played 

host to Melanie Mayron. star of Warner 

Bros. "Girl Friends." during her visit with 

various media here Monday (11). They also 

arranged a number of screenings of the film 

at the Jewel Box screening room on Filmrow. 

"Girl Friends" was awarded to Randy 

Finleys Seven Gables Theatre where it 

opens Wednesday (27). 

David Scioli, branch manager of 20th 

Ccnlury-Fo\. iciurned from his vacation. 

"The Bodyguard" and "Goodbye, Bruce 

Lee" went into the Town Friday (15). and 

on the 'nm; date "H gh An.xiety" returned 

to the Uptown. Admiral Twin. Lewis & 

Clark 3 and Lynn Four. 

One of the biggest draws, though, in the 

greater Seattle area was "Hooper" at the 

Lewis & Clark 3, Lake City. John Danz 

and Lynn Four theatres as well as the Everett 

in downtown Everett. 

Pete Tolins of Tolins Film Service was in 

the area calling on his various accounts 

Wednesday (13) and Thursday (14), as was 

Wal: Von Hauffc of United Artists Corp. 

Dorothy Matin of the Dorothy Matin 

Agency returned from Portland and Eugene, 

Ore., where she played host to Pamela 

Shoop. star of "One Man Jury" which 

had a saturation premiere opening Wednesday 

(20) throughout the Oregon territory. 

Mrs. Matin represented the Parncll Film 

Distribution company of this city. Ms. 

Shoop. by the way. is the daughter of actress 

Julie Bishop. Ms. Shoop also played Allison 

in "Return to Peyton Place" on television 

for two years. 

The Dorothy Matin Agency, representing 

Walt Disney Productions, coordinated the 

Mickey Mouse birthday party held here Saturday 

(16), along with branch manager 

Homer Schmitt of the Buena Vista Distributing 

Co., Inc. Mickey arrived on the 

U.S.S. McKeen and landed at Pier 70. One 

of the city's largest department stores, Frederic 

and Nelson, was involved in helping 

plan this all-city function which was open 

lo the general public. 

PETERSON 

THEATRE 

455 Bcorcot Drive 

rime, jquorc Park 

SUPPLY 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

801 466 7642 

Among the new films this past week: 

"Stingray" at the Lynn Four, Admiral Twin. 

Midway. Sno-King, ThiiiKlLibird and Sunset 

dri\c-ms; lowing" at the Duwamish. 

Bel-Kirk and Pugcl Park drive-ins; "Cheerleaders' 

Beach Party" in the Valley 3, Aurora. 

Everett Moror Movie and Bel-Kirk 2 

drive-ins, and "One Sings, the Other 

Doesn't" at the Seven Gables. 

TUCSON 

Cilver salvos to Mr. and Mrs. Ewart Edwards 

on their 25th wedding anniversary 

this month. Married in Yuma in 1953, 

the Edwards have three children—Jackie, 

24. Bob. 20. and Bill. 18. Ewart is Tucson 

area general manager of DeAnza Drive-In 

Theatres. Inc.. and personally captains the 

De.Anza Drive-In. 

Mayor Lew Murphy has appointed a new 

motion picture-oriented nine-member movie 

committee to further the industry in this 

city. Every committee member is an industry 

pro. active or retired. The deep pool of 

climate, location and Tucson talent has not 

been fully stirred. With a budget of $30,000 

allocated by the city council, the current 

committee picks up the promotional baton 

carried so effectively by the mayor's committee 

of two years ago which produced a 

striking brochure. "Focus on Tucson." distributed 

to worldwide motion picture producers 

through a 

$22,000 appropriation. 

Scheduled November opening of El Con's 

g'ard new west and east malls, stores and 

si.x-screen theatre has been set ahead to 

Christmas due to materials shortage. 

How safe is a drive-in from lightning 

during one of Tucson's terrific thunderstorms? 

Well, relatively safe. The awesome 

skybusters usually score up to a thousand 

strikes a storm. And the fierceness of Tucson's 

stormy pyrotechnics (the area has the 

dubious distinction of being one of the 

world's lightning concentration centers) is 

revealed by the few relatively weak storms 

last two simimcrs. each averaging around 

200 strikes. Odds so far favor drive-ins escaping 

the lethal hit. 

. 

New Plitt policy of midnight shows started 

Friday (15) at the Cine HI Dorado with 

"Ladies and Gentlemen Rolling 

Stones." Added was a Three Stooges comedy. 

At the Catalina only, live music by 

Tradewinds preceded the presentation at 

11:30. 

CORRECTION 

Ihe Monday (II) edition of Boxoi i u i 

erroneously reported American National Iii 

lerprises. Inc.'s audited net income for ihtyear 

ended May 31. 1978. 

The figure should have read $725. 167 

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f 

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Ki:!:!' • WAiKiKi it>w|':k I II' I ni i

.' 

, 

— 

— 

Schoors In; Grosses 

Down in Kansas City 

'Bread and Chocolate' Feeds 

Filmgoers' Hunger in Chicago 

CHICAGO—While "Bread and Chocolate" 

grossed 350 per cent in the opening 

week at the Carnegie Theatre, it was ""National 

Lampoon's Animal House" which 

once again took the lead with 500 per cent 

in the third week. '"Dear Inspector" grossed 

325 per cent in the sixth week at the Cinema, 

but all other films did business ranging 

from 150 to 225 per cent. It is worthy to 

mention that theatres which played a return 

engagement of ""The Sound of Music"" were 

happy with boxoffice results. 

Carnegie Bread and Chocolate (SR), 1st wk 350 

Cinema—Dear Inspector (SR), 6th wk 325 

Coronet—A Utile Night Music (Nev.- ',V--ld' 

2nd 

Esquire, Evffnston ::—The Buddy Holly Story 

(Col), 5th wk 150 

Roosevelt—Death Dimension Sr = h _ .-. 175 

3 theatres—Corvette Summer ).' r-N'-'.'.' 

2nd wk 1-5 

3 theatres—Who'll Stop the Rain A 

1"5 

3rd wk 

4 theatres—Revenge of the Pink Panther 

7th wk. 200 

. 

6 theatres—Heaven Con Wait ,p3:a:, 13;h ..,: 225 

7 theatres—Grease 'Pnj^ ..: v.-k 125 

7 theatres—Hooper ,V.'i: ^ 225 

7 theatres Eyes of Laura Mars ? 

9 theatres Foul Play (Pa-al 2 h A^ 

225 

9 theatres Autopsy (SR) U' ' a 

11 theatres—National Lampoon's Animal Hot 

(Univ), 3rd wk 

ST. 

LOUIS 

Qlly Oily Oxen Free." on the screens of 

KANSAS CITY—Grosses plummeted as 

several theatres, should benefit from 

the interest in balloon travel, since it concerns 

school openings drew a large patronage 

away from theatres this week. Only eight of 

a young lad played by Kevin Mcschool 

Kenzie whose aim in life is to float again 

the 19 first runs were able to muster an 

above-average percentage. ""Animal House." the balloon made famous by his late grandfather, 

still the high-grossing winner, sank to 385 

the Great Sandusky, With his pal 

from last week's 570. ""Grease"" came in Dennis Dimster he collects material from 

second with a 300. ""Foul Play" dropped to an old-maid junk dealer portrayed by Katharine 

250 and ""Hooper" to 240. Newcomers were 

Hepburn who. at first reluctant, be- 

"Death Force," ""Texas Detour" and a West comes fascinated with the plan and becomes 

German import, 'The Fruit Is Ripe." 

a heroine when the balloon inflates too soon 

and she makes a cross-country trek in her 

truck in an effort to catch up with it and 

first time in his career Gregory Peck plays 

the villain in this ITC Entertainment film 

released by 20th Century-Fox. Peck portrays 

Dr. Josef Mengele, Hitler's chief geneticist, 

who is out to flood the world with 

94 identical replicas of ""Der Fuehrer." 

Mengele is still alive in South America and 

is being sought for his evil practices at the 

Auschwitz concentration camp. Filmed in 

England. Austria. Portugal and Pennsylvania, 

the film boasts such cast members 

as Sir Laurence Olivier. Lili Palmer. James 

Mason and Uta Hagen. 

In another departure from the norm. 

Woody Allen, noted for his comedic genius, 

turns to drama in ""Interiors," having an 

e.xclusive run at the Brentwood starting 

Wednesday, October 4. Allen wrote and 

directed the film but does not appear in 

it. It concerns the ambitions and emotions 

of a family headed by Geraldine Page, 

whose character has a history of mental 

illness: her husband E. G. Marshall, who 

wants a divorce, and their daughters, involved 

in their own careers, portrayed by 

Oscar-winner Diane Keaton. Marybeth 

Hurt and Kristin Griffith. Maureen Stapleton 

is also featured as the widow Marshall 

plans to marry. 

Bill Williams, who operates theatres in 

Union and Owensville. is the proud owner 

of a five-foot stuffed pink panther won in 

United Artists recent playdate drive. 

The Covenant House Senior Center will 

present ""Beyond the Mirage." starring Lome 

Green, as its library hour presentation Saturday 

(30) at 3 p.m. 

The Tivoli Theatre in University City, 

apf>ealing to students and ethnic groups in 

the area, is presenting ""Murmur of the 

(Av 100) 

Heart." Tuesday (26), and "Padre Padrone," 

Boulevard, Fairyland Death Force (Key Ir.t!) 

.130 

1st wk. 

Empire—It's Alive 2 (WB), 3rd wk Wednesday (27)-Thursday (28). 

the boys. Adventures ensue and the trio 

.50 

wind up on the stage of the Hollywood 

Empire—Piranha (New World). 3rd v.-k 50 

Fine Arts 

Glenwood 

Midland 

Bowl during a concert of the "1812 Overture" 

as the balloon descends. 

Exhibitor Finds Drive-In 

Cat and Mouse IQ::'z—=f' 4th •.•.•> BO 

30^] 

Grease (Parai, I';--: 

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Club 

Hearts 

Band (Univ), 8th wk 

3 theatres—The Cat From Outer Space .- 

6th wk ^5 Transportation also figures in another Management a Stormy Job 

3 theatres—Eyes oi Laura Mars 7 110 multiple aimed at the younger set, "The OSAGE CITY, KAS. — Its understandable 

that Dave Ruch. owner and manager 

3 theatres Heaven Can Wait 

TO 

3 theatres National Lampoon's Animal House Young Cycle Girls." This time the action 

6th wk 

theatres—Beyond 

involves teenage sisters, played by Daphne 

(Univ), 385 

of the Hillcrest Drive-In here, grows a 

4 and Back .n:. C.j. 

Lawrence and Deborah Marcus, who, with apprehensive when the sky grows dark 

4th 60 

little 

4 theatres—The Buddy Holly Story C-: 

and the wind begins to blow. 

their pal Loraine Ferris, leave their Colorado 

hometown for an Easter vacation Ruch bought his theatre in May of 1977. 

break in California. Traveling on their motorcycles, 

they encounter a variety of char- 

four times by tornadoes and other storms, 

Since then the Hillcrest has been struck 

3rd wk. .. -U 

4 theatres—Foul Play ?::--- --.-. ..:: 250 

4 theatres—The Magic of Las?ie 

(Infl Picture She .v 4:h :.;: 90 

4 theatres—Revenge oi the Pink Panther (UA). 

8th wk 95 

theatres—Who'll 60 

causing the curtailment of the season this 

acters and unforeseen adventures as the 

4 Stop the Rain CJ.^;, 4th wk 

suspense drama unfolds. 

year and resulting in over $23,000 in damage. 

5 theatres—Hooper (WB), 6th wk 240 

7 theatres—Texas Detour (SR), ist wk 65 

The Fruit Is Ripe (G P Manage.'nenO 

10 theatres 

"The Boys From Brazil," adapted from 

1st wk 165 

Ira Levin's novel. of>ens Thursday. October "And I'm still smiling," he says. 

5. at Sunset Hills. Halls Ferry 1. Stadium Last year the wind walls gave way during 

1. St. Ann Cinema and in Illinois at Lincoln, 

a July onslaught. In June of this year 

Belleville and Alton Cinema, For the the roof of the snack bar blew off, while 

in July a tornado struck and snapped the 

poles supporting the screen. The insurance 

company had canceled the theatre's policy, 

effective July 15. but luckily, the tornado 

struck four days before. 

Then Wednesday (13), the winds of 

change blew again. During a storm, while 

the theatre was not in operation, highintensity 

winds once again ripped into the 

screen, causing another $5,000 damage. The 

Hillcrest cancelled the rest of its bookings 

to concentrate efforts on repairing the 20- 

year-old 

facility. 

""This must be a record."' Ruch commented, 

surprisingly lightheartedly. "Those 

tornadoes must follow me around." 

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BOXOFFICE :: September 25, 1973 C-1

DOLBY 

KANSAS CITY 

TVjug Findlay is the new branch manager 

of Bucna Vista. Doi'g. who began 

branch managerial duties la^t his Monday, 

was located in Kansas City about a year 

ago as a booker. He then went to Minneapolis, 

where he was a sales representative, 

and worked there until he returned to Kansas 

City last week. Prior to coming tc 

Kansas City as a booker. Doug had worked 

in the Disney home office. 

available." Girls, please form your line 

to the left. 

Joe Resnick and Ed Durwood. .•\mericun 

Multi Cinema film buyers, spent three days 

last week visiting their theatres in Indiana 

and Ohio. 

National Screen Service branch manager 

Jack Winningham vacationed last week, 

but he chose not to travel. Instead he 

busied himself with a multitude of chores 

around the old homestead. 

Cameron exhibitor Walter West is now 

making his weekly trek into Kansas City 

by himself, now that his wife Carol is 

mending a cracked leg bone and twisted 

ankle she suffered when she slipped in 

the yard at her home. Mrs. West is recuperating 

nicely, however, and should bs 

back in action soon to keep an eye on 

Walt during his weekly city sojourns. 

Not often do people lose anything, particularly 

money, and come away feeling 

happy about it. but Universal's Naoma 

Gudclsky is the exception. She returned 

last week from vacation in Las Vegas. 

a 

and although she lost a lew doll;irs ihcrc 

she thoroughly enjoyed the trip, reasoning 

that she had planned to spend the money 

anyway in one form or another. Reports 

are that she to returned work looking very 

peaceful. 

If the Kansas City Royals are en route 

to winning their third straight western 

division championship, absolutely no credit 

goes to Pam Dowd. American International 

secretary. Pam saw the Royals bow to 

the California Angels a week ago Saturday, 

the only loss the Royals incurred 

during that seven-day homestand. Worse. 

Pam has never gone to a Royals game that 

the Royals have won. and the team is now 

National Screen Service sales representative 

Gary Pulvcr celebrates his 23rd birthday 

Wednesday (27). and his one message during the remainder of the pennant drive. 

in its tenth year of existence. Fortunately, 

he would like to impart: He is "single and Pam has agreed to stay away from the 

ball park. Maybe she ought to take in a 

movie instead. 

Congratulations to Carmen Blake, for 

merly of National Screen Service, who 

gave birth Wednesday (20) to a baby boy. 

Universal's Alice Manning reports that 

she had a wonderful vacation early this 

month when she returned to her hometown 

of Minden. La., to visit her folks and 

reunite with some of her brothers and sisters. 

While in town she and her family 

returned to the old family church lor another 

reunion. It was a delightful six days, 

she said, especially seeing two of her s'sters 

after a long absence. 

Carol Hobbs, 20th Century-Fox. is now 

Carol Hobbled, thanks to an accident at 

her house last week. She fell down some 

steps, twisting her ankle and making walking 

difficult. "Hopalong Hobbs" reports 

she is in some pain, but that the injury 

is not serious. 

Looking for a best friend? How about 

a furry, cuddly American Eskimo female 

dog. about two years old? Debbie Richesson. 

National Screen Service, is forced to find 

CONGRATULATIONS 

TO 

EDDIE HANDLER 

ON YOUR RECENT PROMOTION 

TO VICE PRESIDENT OF 

PHIL BORACK S TRI-STATE 

FROM THE 

MANAGEMENT 

TEAM 

AT... 

THEATRE 

SERVICE 

amerioan ® 

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If you're interested contact Debbie at National 

Screen Service. 

CHICAGO 

T ake Shore Live" got off to a productive 

start at the Carnegie Theatre. This live 

Wednesday through Friday iunch-time program 

at the Near North movie house is the 

newest in Oscar Brotman's innovative moves 

to add interest to regular movie theatre fare. 

"Lake Shore Live" is soap opera satire and 

situation comedy entertainment presented 

at 12:15 in weekly episodes by a permanent 

company of actors. Each episode runs 

about 30 to 40 minutes and the program 

changes each week. Admission for each 

show is S2..'>0. but for an additional SI. 50 

customers can reserve and pick up in the 

lobby a box lunch which contains a sandwich 

with trimmings or a salad. In the first 

week, nearly all 600 seals in the theatre 

were occupied. Attendees agreed that the 

lunches and the show were good. 

The death of R. N. Atkinson was reported 

by Joseph E. Johnston, secretarytreasurer 

of Local 1 10. 

"Interiors" opened Friday (22) in an exclusive 

engagement at the Water Tower 

Theatre. The film has been breaking house 

records in New York and Los .Angeles. 

"Interiors" was written and directed by 

Woody .Mien, starring Diane Keaton. Geraldine 

Page and Maureen Stapleton. 

According to Chicago Tribune columnist 

Maggie Daly, the movie "Dummy" will be 

made in Chicago. It's a story about accused 

murderer Donald Lang. Daly reports that 

LeVar Burton will play Lang, who cannot 

read, write, speak or hear. She mentions 

that Lang has been in jail or mental institutions 

for 12 years and now is in the Cook 

County jail. Daly explains. "His case is 

unique because he has been found unfit to 

stand trial and yet not in need of confinement 

in a mental institution." 

.According to report.s, Rene and Henry 

Rabiela paid in excess of S5()0.(HK) to Plitt 

(CvMituiucd on p.i.ce C-4) 

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BOXOFFICE :: September 25, 1978 C-3

— 

— 

CHICAGO 

(Continued from page C 2) 

Theatres for the Uptown Theatre. The th.atre. 

which was opened by Balaban & Katz 

in August of 1925, has bronze chandeliers 

which cost S30.000 each. The building was 

illuminated by 17.000 light bulbs. The Rabielas 

plan stage shows with Spanish-language 

films. A Wurlitzer grand organ with 

10,000 pipes and top performers and bands 

represented a part of the Uptown programming 

in the late "205 and early '30s. 

There were fund-raising concerts at the 

Chicago Theatre Sunday (24). Sally Rand, 

who first appeared at the Chicago 3.'5 years 

ago, appeared for the special event, as did 

the Little Step brothers, Dennis Day, the 

Harmonicats and Frankie Masters' orchestra. 

Ron Rhode played the Grande organ. 

The stagL' show was produced by the Chicago 

Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, a taxexempt, 

non-profit Illinois corporation. It 

is this group which will reportedly benefit 

from the proceeds, although it is indicated 

that it is hoped to raise funds to .save thj 

Chicago Theatre from demolition. 

"Barracuda" begins a wide multiple show 

ing Friday (29) at the Plitt United Artists 

Theatre in the Loop. But Jack Dionne, head 

of United Intern;.tional Films, also has 

booked "Barracuda" into suburban and 

drive-in 

theatres as far as Elgin and Joliet. 

The Whiteway Sign family has for a long 

time been well known in the film industry. 

So it seems in order to mention the marriage 

of Tom Flannery to Joanne Dcvinc of 

Dingle, Ireland. 

Chicagoan Zev Brown is producer of 

"Freedom Road," filming for which is 

scheduled to start October 2 in Natchez, 

Miss. It is reported that Braun is going 

to try to sign Kris Kristofferson for a costarring 

role with Muhammad Ali. 

Some 250 guests assembled for a Koos 

van den Akker fashion show which was a 

fund-raiser for the Chicago International 

Film Festival. Founder/director Michael 

Kutza has been calling the festival Cinema/ 

Chicago. 

Buena Vista branch manager Carole Sutter 

said the much-publicized Mickey Mouse's 

50th birthday will be celebrated in theatres 

via special weekend matinees. The programming 

has been judiciously lined up according 

to states and by territories. For example, 

Illinois territory theatres are set for the anniversary 

showing October 7 and 8: Wisconsin, 

October 14 and 15, etc. Buena Vista 

is very pleased about the response to 

Mickey's birthday: full exhibitor support 

has been extended in lining up the theatre 

saturation. 

For Fall rerelease, "Escape to Witch 

Mountain" and "Return From Witch Mountain" 

arc returning to Chicagoland theatres. 

S-K Films has been selected by DeNero 

Productions to handle "Tiger's Revenge" in 

the Midwest. Screenings in the Chicago and 

Milwaukee areas will precede openings of 

this new film which stars Leo Fong, known 

as one of the rising stars of kung fu. 

Friday (29) marks the opening of "Jokes 

My Folks Never Told Me," one of the 

latest pictures in the New World Pictures 

fall 

lineup. 

Warner Bros, staffers are putting the finishing 

touches on two new films scheduled 

to open October 6, "Who Is Killing the 

Great Chefs of Europe?" and "Blood 

Brothers." And campaign plans are underway 

for new holiday features, "Every 

Which Way But Loose," with Clint Eastwood, 

and "Superman." 

"Death Dimension," which played top 

grosses at the Plitt Roosevelt Theatre in the 

Loop, is now set for a Chicago multiple 

starting Friday (29). Ellman Enterprises, 

who brought "Death Dimension" to the 

Roosevelt five weeks ago, assigned S-K 

Films to handle the current release and 

future bookings. 

Ellman Enterprises, through Sid Kaplan. 

S-K Films, will show a print of a new 

comedy film to Chicago and Milwaukee 

territory theatres. It's "The Toy," which 

has had its American premiere in .Seattle. 

Boxofficc figures from that first showing 

indicate that the film drew record-breaking 

attendance. 

Members o\ the »ii^'n;i VisUi oKicc staff 

gave a biidal shower for Carol Thricge, 

secretary to district manager John Pilmaier. 

Carol marries Jos. DiCarlo October 15. 

Some realistic promotion should attract 

crowds to "Count Dracula and His Vampire 

Brides." In setting up a campaign for 

the exclusive first showing at the Chicago 

Theatre, Jerry Bulger, advertising publicity 

director for Plitt Theatres, found an 

actor to play Dracula who. with an entourage 

of vampires, will be taken by 

hearse to a blood services laboratory where 

he will give a pint of blood rather than 

extract it in Dracula fashion. Through 

the courtesy of the Royal London Wax 

Museum, the Chicago Theatre lobby has 

been deioratcd to resemble a graveyard. 

Patrons can take a look at Dracula's coffin, 

tombstone and a variety of grisly looking 

bodies. Selecting the vampires was in itself 

an effective bit of promotion. Disco owners 

in the city were invited to select girls 

who might fit the vampire role. Opening 

takes place on a very appropriate date 

Friday, October 13. 

After many years at 32 West Randolph 

St., Chicago, M&R Amusement Co. will 

move to new quarters at 8707 Skokie Blvd., 

Skokie, III. 60077. New telephone number: 

(312) 673-5600. As Louis Marks puts it. 

"We will get away from commuting and 

the heavy Loop traffic." 

The filming of "Bog," a full-length feature, 

is about completed, according to reports. 

The movie stars Gloria DeHaven and 

Aldo Ray. It was filmed by Marshall Films 

(owned by Michelle and Jack Willoughby) 

in 90 days with a budget of $2,000,000. 

The movie was done completely in the Chicago 

area. 

INDIANAPOLIS 

Yhe Theatre Owners of Indian.i held the 

monthly meeting of directors Tuesday 

(12) at the Holiday Inn (Southeast). .\t that 

time plans were advanced for the 52nd 

annual convention to be held October 31 

and November 1 at the Marriott Inn in this 

city. A larger registration of members is 

expected, since managers ot theatres will 

have a portion of the program devoted to 

their needs and issues. 

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C-4 BOXOFFICE :: SepiemlKr IS. 1978

ATLANTA 

Qeorge and Michael Ellis, father and son 

operators of the Film Forum (formerly 

the Cinema Gallery), know a cinematic meal 

ticket when they see one. Their luck changed 

when they first saw an obscure British-made 

film, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." 

and decided to run it at their theatre. It is 

shown after midnight, but the fans gather 

at 11 p.m. As many as 100 are turned away 

regularly. These patrons not only are filmbuffs 

but they insist on participating in the 

goings-on. Because the regular fare of foreign 

and American pictures has not created 

a profitable boxoffice for the Forum, profits 

from the crowded weekend screenings of 

"Rocky Horror" have kept the theatre 

afloat. It recently observed the midnight 

screenings' first anniversary, which was 

something to behold. 

Marquee changes: "Game of the Dragon" 

and "Rape of the Sabine Women," Weis 

Atalnta; "Horror Hospital." Westgate and 

N. E. Expressway, South Expressway, South 

Starlight. Roosevelt and Bankhead drive-ins; 

"Black Caesar" and "Cleopatra Jones." Rialto; 

"The Turning Point" (all seats 99 cents), 

Noilh Springs and Toco Hill; "At Last, At 

Last," Georgia and North 85 drive-ins; 

"Shame of the Jungle." Atlanta. Cinema 75. 

Loews 12 Oaks. Mableton Triple and Thimderbird 

Drive-In; "Seniors." Cobb Center. 

Parkaire. South DeKalb. Suburban Plaza. 

Westgate and Lithia, North Starlight. Northeast 

Expressway, South Expressway, Thunderblrd 

and Marbro drive-ins; "Kentucky 

Fried Movie," Belvedere, Cobb Center, 

Emory Cinema, Tower Place, National Triple, 

Lakewood Twin and three drive-ins. 

Enigmatic Woody Allen gave star 

billing 

to Marybeth Hurt and Kristin Griffith in 

his new picture "Interiors," scheduled to 

open its run in this city October 6. Listed 

alphabetically, the two unknowns lead the 

credits ahead of such costars as Diane Keaton, 

Geraldine Page, Sam Waterston, Rich 

ard Jordan and E. G. Marshall. Miss Hurt is 

a Nev/ York stage actress who won a Tony 

nomination for "Trelawny of the Wells" 

and Miss Griffith appeared on Broadway in 

"A Texas Trilogy" and is a member of the 

Ensemble Studio Theatre. 

irs a Bird . . . It's a Plane ... Wo, It's 

Superman/ Flying Past Louisiana 

NEW ORLEANS—The article below is a 

follow-up by Richard Dodds to an article 

he wrote on the effect of anti-blind bidding 

laws which appeared in the Monday (18) 

edition of Boxoffice. The article contains 

expanded information on the hotly debated 

issue, and is worth quoting: 

In 1973, the major motion picture studios 

had 20 major films for fall and Christmas 

release. One studio executive called that 

year a "debacle. There was a mass of blockbusters 

that belted each other up." This 

year, there will be at least 30 feature films 

in contention for that almighty $3.50 a 

head. 

Let's take a look at an interesting wrinkle 

that has appeared on the local scene. While 

30 is the number of pictures being discussed 

for national release, that number 

will be somewhat lower in Louisiana because 

of a little-known law that recently 

took effect. 

Warner Bros.' "Superman" is one of the 

most eagerly awaited films on the upcoming 

schedule, and it's set to open nationally 

in 700 theatres December 15. Not one of 

those theatres will be in Louisiana, and 

officials at Warner Bros, are unable to give 

a definite answer as to when it might finally 

open. This delay is the direct result of 

Louisiana Senate Bill 446 which passed 

during the 1977 regular session, and took 

effect on July 1, 1978. Simply, this bill 

prohibits "blind bidding." the buying of a 

motion picture for a Louisiana theatre 

without the exhibitor first being afforded 

the opportunity to see it. This a "hot 

is 

blind bid legislation, and Louisiana was the 

first. But only Virginia and Louisiana are 

included in the "Superman" ban. That film, 

based on the famous comic strip, is not expected 

to be completed until November. 

According to Terry Semel. vice-president of 

executive sales at Warner Bros., the film 

was blind bidded upon in the other antiblind 

bid states before the legislation was 

passed. In Virginia. Warners was forbidden 

to sell the film because their law was in 

effect at bidding time. While Louisiana's 

law was on the books at the time of the 

bidding, it had not yet gone into effect. 

Warner Bros, nevertheless decided not to 

sell "Superman" here. 

One Louisiana exhibitor indicated that 

Warners might be punishing Louisiana for 

its anti-blind bid law. Semel. reached by 

telephone at his office in Burbank. had a 

different interpretation of Warner's Louisiana 

by-pass. 

"Our contention is that the law is unfair 

and destructive to our industry." explained 

.Semel. "While we were technically allowed 

to sell 'Superman' in Louisiana, we won't 

be allowed to sell subsequent films without 

first screening them. We wanted to give a 

taste of the law. to try it on for size. 

Perhaps exhibitors will realize that the law 

impractical." 

is 

According to Semel. important production 

work is still being done on "Superman." 

and a final cut probably won't be 

ready until November. Then it could be 

screened for Louisiana theatre owners, but 

most theatres will have their Christmas 

bookings already set. It would probably be 

January or February before suitable houses 

could be found for "Superman." This also 

applies to another Warner Bros. Christmas 

release, the new Clint Eastwood film. 

"Every Which Way But Loose." Semel 

says a final print won't be ready until 

October, again too late to make it into 

Louisiana theatres for Christmas, 

Semel acknowledges that Warner Bros.. 

issue" with theatre owners and studios currently, 

and the vehemence with which each 

side argues its case is remarkable. 

decision to by-pass Louisiana 

in making the 

At present, five states have passed anti- 

with "Superman," will be cutting into its 

own revenue. Summer and Christmas are 

the two peak filmgoing periods, and "Superman" 

can be expected to do less business 

in Louisiana by opening in January or 

February. But Semel hopes a larger point 

will 

be made by this delay. 


Harry Curl, president of NATO of .Mabama, 

is chairman of the 1979 convention 

of the Tristate (Alabama/ Tennessee/ Georgia) 

NATO to be held in Mobile May 7. 8 

and 9. President Curl has called a threestate 

meeting in Atlanta Wednesday (27) at 


CViFOXnA IS KV SHOW 

BUSLVESS L\ ll

ATLANTA 


Roadway Road 

movie? It's 'Bitch.' " Her ûrrcni iipus. 'The 

Inn on Lenox Stud," is a boxoffice hii in Kngland. 

liie in this 

city. Frank Brady, president of the Columbus. 

The officials of Tri-Star Pictures, Inc.. 

Ga.. Martin Theatre Co.. will speak 

newest motion picture company based here, 

and will conduct a clinic on the blind bidding 

campaign for the coming session of the 

were so elated to get their hands on the 

Georgia General .Assembly. Alabamans. 

script of their first production. "The Prizj 

who successfully won the passage of the bill 

Fighter." that they pitched a champagne 

party in honor of star Tim Conway at the 

how they 

in their state this year, will tell 

handled their campaign and give the Georgians 

Peachtree Plaza Hotel. On hand to congratulate 

him was Wanda Dell, associate producer 

tips to achieve success in 1979. 

of Tri-Star, who produced two other 

"Star Wars" was a $2,000,000 grosser in 

Atlanta, according to 20th Century-Fox. The 

Conway pictures. 

Conway will participate in a charity benefit 

space drama was withdrawn from national 

at the premiere of his new motion pic- 

ture. "They Went That-.A-Way and That- 

circulation Thursday (7) except for a single 

theatre in Portland which has a special con- 

A-Way." a product of Atlanta-based the 

tract. The company said there are no plans 

to reissue "Star Wars." In the United States 

and Canada, the film took in $230,000,000 

at theatre boxoffices. About $160,000,000 

of this sum made its way back to the company. 

The $2,000,000 figure in this city 

represented boxoffice receipts, rather than 

net. The first of a series of sequels goes into 

production early next year with the tentative 

title "Star Wars 2—The Empire Strikes 

Back." according to the Fox office. The second 

sequel is scheduled for release on May 

28. 1980. 

An Atlanta writt-r asked in l\pc; "Dare 

we print the tille l J(i;in Collins' next 

International Picture Show (TIPS) Thursday. 

October 5. at the Fox Theatre. Sponsored 

by the Atlanta Jaycees and the Atlanta 

Journal-Constitution, all proceeds will go 

to Jaycee Journal-Constitution Empty Stocking 

Fund. Jaycee Foundation and Scottish 

Rile Hospital for Crippled Children. 

Cable television service will be ava'lablc 

lo Rosvvell residents within a few months 

as a result of action taken last week by the 

city council of the neighboring municipality. 

The action came after a public hearing at 

which representatives of two cable companies 

told what they could offer. Friday 

(8) was the cutoff dav and the citv council 

set Monday (25) as a work session to consid:- 

applications and October 9 as a public 

heanng date for awarding a franchise. Representatives 

who told city officials about 

cab!.; television service were Mayes Kendrick 

of Roswell Cable Television and John 

Miles, representing Wometco Cable TV of 

Georgia. 

Wendy, Century Cinema Corp.'s Girl Friday, 

was apologetic last week when Boxoffice 

called to check on the tradepress 

screenings at that facility. The figure was 

down to one: Clark Releasing saved the 

week from a shutout by screening "No. 1 

of the Secret Service." 

Walter Walker, Buena Vistas Atlanta 

branch manager, reports that the company 

is releasing a special "Mickey Mouse Celebration 

Show" in November. For Thanksgiving 

release. BV is offering a combo of 

"Return to Witch Mountain" and "Escape 

From Witch Mountain." Looking further 

ahead, a special treat for the Christmas 

trade will be the rerelease of "Pinocchio." 

Roy Patterson, former press secretary to 

Mayor Maynard Jackson, director of communications 

for the City of Atlanta and 

an unsuccessful candidate for a Fulton (Atlanta) 

county commission seat, has joined 

Visual Persuasion as head of the local advertising 

firm's marketing and public relatione 

department. 

SE-2 HOXOITICi: S.i

CENTURY 

nowdoes it 

IMlin 







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Filnn alignment is automatic, right on the 



care ever. 



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b 




125 Higgins St. 

Greensboro, North Carolina 27420 

(919) 272-6165 

Joe Hornstein Inc. 

759 West Flagler St. 

Miami Florida 33130 

(305) 545-5842 


1529 St. Thomas 

New Orleans, La. 70150 

Phone: (504) 523-6863 

Trans-World Theatre Supply, Inc 

2711 Virginia Avenue 

Kenncr, La. 70062 

Phone: (504) 729-8433 

Capital City Supply Co. 

Tri-State 

Theatre Supply Co. 

Wil-Kin Theatre Supply, Inc. 

1624 V/. Independence Blvd. 

Charlotte, North Carolina 28208 

(704) 375-6008 

713 Sudekum Building 

Nashville, Tcnn. 37219 

Phone: (615) 256-0347 

151 Vance Avenue 

Memphis, Tenn. 38103 

Phone: (901) 525 8249 

800 Lambert Dr., N.E. 

Atlonto, Ga. 30324 

(404) 876-0347 

BOXOFFICE :: September 25. 1 

SE-3

JACKSONVILLE 

J)iane Ruhoy. WOMPI president, moved 

from the .MP branch office to become 

Harr> Clark's secretary at Clark Films, a 

major southeastern independent distribution 

firm . . . Harr> and his wife Esther, together 

with Paul and Connie -Simmons of 

Floyd Theatre Enterprises, flew to London 

Thursday (14). There they rented a car for 

a tour of England's lake country, to be followed 

by a channel crossing into France for 

viewing the sights of Gay Paree . . . Harrys 

younger brother Belton minded the 

Clark Films store while the bossman vacationed 

abroad. 

R. L. "Bob" Jones. ABC Florida State 

Theatres city manager, topped off a summer-long 

scries of Monday. Tuesday and 

Wednesday morning kid shows in the Regency 

I Theatre with four Saturday morning 

matinees also for children, with programs 

headed by "Living Free." "Superbug," 

"The Gentle Giant" and "The Yearling." 

The shows were restricted to kids 12 

and under, plus parents. A smash bargain, 

admission was 25 cents with a newspaper ad 

coupon, or 50 cents without. Concession 

sales soared high to bring healthy profits to 

the flat-rental programs. 

Charles Brock, entertainment editor of 

the Florida Times-Union, has been in Baptist 

Hospital with a severe illness. The hospital 

reported his condition on Saturday 

(16) as "fair." 

Limping back to work in the 20th Century-Fox 

office was WOMPI Mardene Cole. 

She suffered a foot injury from a bucking 

bronco of a lawn-edging machine while tidying 

up her yard. 

Viewing the autumnal grandeurs of New 

England countrysides and forests through 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, 

Maine and into southern Canada were Ernie 

Pelegrin. local Columbia salesman, his wife 

Sarah and their daughter Liz. The Pelegrins 

flew from here to Boston, rented a car, 

then 

took to the distant roads away from a long, 

hot Florida summer. 

Making the rounds of admiring local industry 

offices were the two major achievement 

awards (out of seven presented) 

brought back from the Dallas WOMPI international 

gathering. This city's small group of 

WOMPIs was judged best in voluntary humanitarian 

service activities to the winning 

community, the Lorraine Cass Service 

Award. This consisted mainly of help to 

indigent individuals referred to WOMPI by 

charitable agencies. Efforts included a yearlong 

series of monthly dance parties for 

physically and mentally handicapped teenagers, 

and bingo parties for elderly patients 

in the Florida Christian Health Center. Said 

Diane Ruhoy, local WOMPI president: 

"These community services didn't wear us 

out; they pepped us up and we're looking 

for more of the same ne.xt year." The second 

award was the Verlin Osborne Publicity 

Award for scoring the highest and 

best in the presentation of club activities 

through the news media—magazines, newspapers, 

radio and television. This is the 

fourth year in a row that the Jacksonville 

group has won this award. 

Mike Clark, Journal film writer, came 

through in his ".^t the Movies" column 

with a memorial feature which saluted the 

great industry career of the late Jack Warner. 

Hitting the top spots for this week in the 

Journal's movie ratings were six films: "National 

Lampoon's Animal House." "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther, " "Hooper. " "Heaven 

Can Wait," "The Turning Point" and "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind. " Only three 

films were scored at 2' 2. being "Corvette 

Summer." "The Cat From Outer Space" and 

"Grease. " Getting 2 ratings were "Eyes of 

Laura Mars." "Who'll Stop the Rain" and 

"Warlords of Atlantis." Judged close to the 

cellar with 1 '2 ratings were "Foul Play" and 

"Harper Valley PTA." 

The downtown and suburban branch libraries 

have scheduled free evening fall 

programs. 

.Ml films are of the vintage variety 

and many of them screen classics, including 

"The Rose Tattoo, "Of Human Bondage." 

" 

"The Fall of the House of Usher" (a French 

production), "Ball of Fire" and "W. C. 

Fields at 

His Best." 

Quick Screening 

For Driue-lns 

with trees that grow 5-8' per year! 

You can have effective, inexpensive screening in just 

2 or 3 years. Satisfy the new regulations wîth fastgrowing 

Hybrid Poplars, and have a better looking 

theatre in the bargain. Developed by the U.S. Forest 

Service for reforestation, they are resistant to ice, storm, 

insect and disease damage. These Hybrid Poplars are 

specially selected for fast, full screening, and are not to 

be confused with the short-lived Lombardy Poplars. 

Hardy in all U.S. climates. Note: srrên trp^^s are ht^st 

planted on 6 

——— 

to 9-foot centers. 

MILESW. 

RD 3 (Dcpt. BX 78091 

All trees are guaranteed 

We ship express collect

— 

1 

— 

— 

Joyce Malniborg of Kent Ihealics. who 

played the leading role in capturing the 

WOMPI International Verlin Osborne" Ptiblicity 

Award for a straight fourth year with 

her bang-up newspaper, radio and television 

coverage of WOMPI activities, peeled off 

from work for a week's vacation at her 

favorite leisure spot, Treasure Island Beach. 

Recent industry-related deaths in Jacksonville 

included Frank Meyers, a theatre 

maintenance supervisor who recently retired 

from 28 years of service with ABC Florida 

State Theatres. Surviving are his widow, a 

daughter and two sons . . . Also recently 

deceased was Mrs. Ida V. Starling, mother 

of Carlos O. Starling, projectionist at the 

ABC FST Edgewood Theatre. 

CHARLOTTE 

gobby Benefield (branch manager. Avco 

Embassy) and "Erv" Melton (Car-mel 

Productions) held a news conference Tuesday 

(19) at the Car-mel screening room in 

conjunction with the new Avco Embassy 

picture "Born Again." starring Dean Jones 

as Charles Colson. The film is based on the 

book by the same title written by Colson 

which depicts his prison life after the Watergate 

conviction. Colson attended the 

news conference and was interviewed by the 

news, radio, TV and circuit e.xploitation 

executives. The film will premiere in 

Charlotte November 3. 

Joe Cutrell (Paramount branch manager) 

screened "Death on the Nile" before a 

capacity audience at Car-mel. Several outof-town 

exhibitors attended: A. Foster Mc- 

Kissick and Fred Curdts (executives. Fairlane/ 

Litchfield Theatres). J. K. Whitley 

(Kannapolis). Sonny Baker (Gastonia), Bob 

(Mission Valley Theatres, Raleigh). 

Del Carty (WRAL-TV sales executive. 

Turnbull (Rock Hill), Jack Fuller jr. (Irvin- 

Fuller Co.. Columbia. S. C.) and Phil Nance 

Raleigh) was in town for a confab with 

Margie Thomas (Queen City Advertising 

and Amusement Co.), setting up fall saturations 

for the eastern part of the North 

Carolina. Del says he is starting to see 

"daylight" after their annual lavish party 

in Raleigh two weeks ago. 

New pictures on the marquees: "Gizmo" 

(Tryon Mall). "Land of No Return" (Capri), 

"Think Dirty" (Charlottetown Mall 

and Village), "All Screwed Up" (Visulite). 

It's September again! The momentum we 

have from the terrific summer might make 

this a Super September. The talk is prevalent 

that since school has started business 

will slacken, but with the right pictures, 

high gros.ses will be compiled as they were 

during the "Sizzlin' Summer." But don't ever 

forget that you have got to keep selling 

no matter if the picture is of high caliber. 

Here are some of the bright spots that 

will hypo our fall season: Opening Friday 

(29) is "Somebody Killed Her Husband" 

with Farrah Fawcett-Majors; "Up In 

Smoke," with superstar comedy team 

Cheech and Chong, and "Goin" Coconuts." 

with Donny & Marie Osmond, opening 

October 6. Also in some areas the same 

day is "They Went That-A-Way and That- 

A-Way" starring Tim Conway. 

Three of the hottest boxoffice attractions 

which already have proven more than their 

worth will be rereleased with extensive TV 

saturation campaigns: "Smokey and the 

Bandit." "Saturday Night Fever" and "Silver 

Streak," the picture of Christmas before 

last. So. brother exhibitors, get on the bandwagon 

for fall and get that bread into the 

coffers of the boxoffice. 

Frank Jones (Southern Booking), the 

bearded disciple, was in Dallas to attend 

the WOMPI convention—but the real secret 

is he was trying to get a charter for the 

MOMPI (Men of the Motion Picture Industry). 

Bob Haire, Crown-Hickory Theatre, is 

very proud of his showing of "Sgt. Pepper's 

Lonely Hearts Club Band" due to the 

quality of tone and projection. The secret 

is his installation of Dolby sound. 

Deepest sympathy to Joe Bishop jr. (Columbia 

Pictures) and his wife Carolyn on 

the death of her beloved dad Joseph Ivey 

Smith. 

Top grosses of the week: "Animal House" 

(Eastland Mall and South Park). "Grease" 

(Manor Theatre). "Heaven Can Wait" 

(Charlottetown Mall II). "Hooper" (Eastland 

Mall). 

Quin Morrison writes from Lumberton, 

N.C; perhaps the thoughts of the crop his 

father raises for a living prompted the following 

response from one theatre-going 

child: After seeing a performance of "Star 

Wars" at the Cinema I. Lumberton. N. C. 

the child was heard to exclaim, "Oh. I 

thought it was great . especially Luke 

. . 

Skywalker. the Princess, Han Solo and 

Chewy Tobacco!" 

ARTOE WATER COOLED' CONTACTS 

1243W. BELMONT 

Rung Fu Film Hits It 

Big in New Orleans 

NEW ORLEANS— ".Soul Brothers of 

Kung Fu" opened at the Orphcum at SOO 

to take the lead. "National Lampoon's Animal 

House" at three theatres continues to 

attract the theatre goers, checking in at 650. 

"Foul Play" moved to third slot with 6(X). 

;Av;>.-age Is I(XI) 

Lakeside—laws 2 (Univ), 12lh 

Lakeside—Avalanche (New V;-orld), 1st wk 

Orpheum Soul Brothers ol Kung Fu (SR) 

Robert E, Lee Heaven Can Wait 

10th wk 225 

Plaza—Hooper (WB), 6th v.-k 275 

Sena Mall—Foul Play (Para), ">r. .:- f. .600 

Westside, Lakeside—Revenge ol the Pink Panther 

(UA), 7th wk .125 

3 theatres National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 4th wk .550 

'Around the World' Next 

In 'Fabulous Fox' Series 

ATLANTA—The fabulous Fox continues 

its Family Film Festival Monday (25) with 

a spectacular romantic comedy shown in 

the magnificent 70mm process on the giant 

Fox screen with six-track stereophonic 

sound. 

"Around the World In 80 Days." winner 

of five Academy Awards and boasting 

a total of 44 stars, features David Niven. 

Shirley MacLaine. Frank Sinatra. Charles 

Boyer and Noel Coward, and will be shown 

one time only at 8 p.m. 

The film has never before been shown 

in this giant-screen, stereo process in Atlanta. 

With the doors opening at 7 p.m.. there 

will be a Pink Panther cartoon, an audience 

sing-along and musical favorites played on 

the mighty Fox organ by Bob Van Camp 

beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

Brian Dc Palnia will direct "Prince of 

the Citv." 

f-^S^ 

lOOKING SERVICE 

2^ 

230 S. Tryon St., Suite 362, Charlotte, N.C. 

Frank Lowry . . . Bill Cline 

Phone: (704) 377-9341

MIAMI 

gtorer Broadcasting Co. of Miami Beach 

has announced completion of its acquisition 

of cable television systems serving 

central Monmouth County. N.J.. and the 

city of Bloomington. Minn. 

Shirley Jones is a frequent visitor to Fort 

Lauderdale where her mother lives. Shirley 

often brings her son. teenage idol Shaun 

Cassidy, when she comes to 

the area. 

graphs and talk with guests at the benefit's 

reception. The actor is scheduled to be in 

Palm Beach in October to work on another 

movie. "The Pilot." 

Wometco Enterprises' concession "hot 

poppin' profits" contest has ended and first 

place (Sl.O.SO) winner was Yvonne Thomas 

of the Rio Theatre, with Hugh Smofsky of 

the Surf Theatre and Shahbaz Ahmed of 

the Palm Springs Theatre winning second 

($800) and th^rd" ($.5.50) places respectively. 

The John Denver Hunger Project film 

was shown recently at the Museum of Science 

in Miami and was free to the public. 

Owners of the Cinema Theatre at 1275 

Washington Ave.. Miami Beach, finally got 

a buiiding permit to convert the lobby of 

the Art Deco building to retail stores. 

The structure had been prized by local 

preservationists, who wanted it restored 

but left as it was. 

Robert Brandt, spokesman for the New 

York family, said work will be delayed lor 

a reasonable length of time during which 

he is prepared to negotiate for use of the 

entire lobby as a legimate theatre or movie- 

^ 

house. 

City .\ttorney Joseph Wanick. opponent 

to the destruction of the theatre's interior 

and who had worked with members of the 

Miami Design Preservation League to help 

save the Art Decor interior, said he had no 

alternative but to issue the permit. 

Brandt has said "it's all a question of 

economics as far as we're concerned." 

Some months ago Bill von Maurer, en 

tertainment editor of the Miami News, said 

commercial advertising in local theatres was 

beginning to be used. He says now the idea 

seems to be gradually going out. American 

Mulri Cinema pioneered the idea in its the- 

Several hundred or two were arriving on 

New 

Cliff Robertson, who won an Oscar for 

the hour every hour at the Orleans 

his starring lolc in "Charly." will be in town 

and Lakefront airports. Among those scheduled 

atres at Omni shopping mall. They introduced 

for a benefit 

here Friday. 

showing of 

October 27. 

two filmed commercials in all six of 

the 1968 movie 

in the Museum 

the Omni theatres. Audience reaction was to be in town were President Kenatres 

nedy's widow Jackie Onassis. Barbra Streisand. 

Mort Sahl. Lome Greene, star of 

of Science auditorium and a champagne 

so-so. it is claimed, and the commercials, 

Ed 

reception following the film. The occasion 

which were quite short, were pulled after "Battlcslar Galactica" and his cast. 

is sponsored by the Mental Health Society 

few weeks" trial. 

a 

of Dade County. Robertson will give auto- 

Von Maurer quotes Al Boos, assistant 

director of operations in Kansas City, as 

saying: "The commercials were pulled out 

because they didn't measure up to the standards 

that American Multi Cinema had set 

for the experiment, and that they were introduced 

on a test basis." Boos said AMC 

had committed itself to the test run before 

anyone had seen the trial balloons. 

Boos indicated they are still looking at 

commercial advertising because additional 

revenue will enable the company to keep 

admission costs down. Von Maurer points 

out that Wometco theatres also experimented 

a little with commercial advertising at 

the same time as Omni, but abandoned it. 

Two color films were recently shown at 

the Hialcah John F. Kennedy Library. They 

Jack 

ager, stated: 

Mitchell, 

"We 

Wometco 

have definitely 

general 

discarded 

man- 

wer'j "The Ocean Heritage," about Newfoundland 

any thoughts of using commercial adver- 

and Labrador, and "The land tising films in Wometco theatres," claiming 

of the Chief," about British Colombia. he was against it from the first. But Wometco 

has signed up for an advertising gimmick 

which will be installed in its theatre 

lobbies. The gadgets will flash commercials 

messages like the famous sign in Times 

Square which spells out the news in a series 

of changing lights. 

The computerized advertising devices 

are 

bein>> produced in Miami by Emni (Entertainment 

Media Marketing. Inc.). If they 

are successful, then Wometco will probably 

extend the campaign. 

Actor Doni DeLuise has beaun seven 

:M-^^£ MERCHANT 

weeks of shooting in the area on the movie 

"Hot Stuff" with Suzanne Pleshette. The 

film, which is based on a true police fencing 

operation, could employ some 350 local 

actors. 

NEW ORLEANS 

The .\li-.Spinks championship t ght. referred 

to as the "second battle of New 

Orleans" at the Supcrdome Friday (15), 

drew celebrities from all over into the city. 

Weinberger, producer of "Taxi," Jerry 

Lewis. Frank Sinatra. John Travolta. Delia 

Reese. Joan Fontaine. Sylvester Stallone of 

"Rocky," Liza Minnelli, Hugh O'Brien and 

Kris Krislofferson. President Carter's mother. 

Miss Lillian, arrived just before the 

main event accompanied by state troopers. 

The special screening of Sylvester Stallone's 

new feature "Paradise Alley" at the 

.Sena Mall Theatre had a full house and 

.Ann Milligan. manager, said the people 

responded very well to the screening. 

John Dobbs was given a farewell luncheon 

by his fellow employees at Gulf States 

Theatre. Dobbs is leaving for California . . . 

A retirement party was held for Marvin 

Brewton at Gulf States. Several of the 

theatre managers from the field came in 

town for the special occasion. 

Mort Sunshine, Variety Club executive. 

visited New Orleans to discuss the international 

convention in June 1979 with Tent 

45. 

Jay Cooper, manager of ihe Plaza Cinema 

4 here, was a guest on WTlX's "Let's 

Talk It Over" with Joe Colutta, a talk 

show with a big following. 

Ron Pabst, Blue Ribbon Pictures, visited 

with Ciulf States bookers to set up fall 

bookings . . . -Mso visiting ihe past week 

was Emmet Nicaud. New World Pictures, 

setting up special promotion for "Hanging 

on a Star," scheduled to open October 

22 city-wide. Don Schave met with Billy 

Briant and Lou Oubre, Soiuhern Films, 

uul Irene Mcxic of Star Advertising to set 

up promotion campaign on "Too Hot to 

H.indle." 

Candy, d,ilmatian owned by Irene .uul 

l>'c Mexic, became a champion ihe past 

vêek in Houston. Candy is retiring from 

h.r show cart"er for a while lo Ici her 


1327 South Wabash Avenue.Chicago.lllinois 60605 312-427-3395 

FLORIDA THEATRE 

EQUIPMENT 

& SUPPLY CO., INC. 

"EVERVTHINC YOU NEED EO« VOUU THEATRE" 

1966 N.E. 149th SI. • N. Miami, FU.. 33181 

Tel: (3051944^70 

SE-6 VpiemlHT 25. 1978

— 

friend Rolinets Ragtime Dandy begin her 

career in the dog show world. 

John Flores, Gulf States manager in 

Hattiesburg, Miss., visited the home office 

to discuss his fall schedule. 

Radiologist Leaves Career Behind 

To Pursue Hypnotic Lure of Films 

George Solomon, Gulf States, was surprised 

with a birthday cake by his fellow 

employees and a special singing telegram 

delivered by a singing postman. 

Irene Mexic's cousin Doris Rusk from 

Bunker Hill, 111., visited with Irene over 

the Labor Day Holiday. 

Antipornography Effort Is 

Nullified by Court Judge 

FAYETTEVILI.E—A district attorney's 

latest attempt to control pornography here 

was nullified Thursday (7) when a superior 

court judge ruled that his method violated 

an adult bookstore operator's constitutional 

rights. 

Judge D.B. Herring jr. ruled in Cumberland 

Superior Court that District Attorney 

Edward Grannis jr. could not file numerous 

separate lawsuits against individual pornographic 

items in an effort to put dealers out 

of business. 

In ruling the method unconstitutional. 

Herring said, "Grannis cannot pursue a 

book-by-book and film-by-film campaign by 

using separate civil lawsuits in each case." 

The ruling applies only in Herring's 

court. Only Supreme Court and appeals 

court judges can make constitutional rulings 

that are binding on other courts. 

Grannis had filed 14 separate lawsuits 

against Fo.x's Cinema under a public nuisance 

law amended by the 1977 General 

Assembly to include alleged obscenity. 

The law declared that adult bookstores 

were public nuisances if they dealt predominantly 

in the sale of lewd or obrcene materials. 

U.S. District Judge Franklin T. Dupree 

jr. ruled in January that the law could 

not be used by judges to shut down an 

entire 

establishment. 

After that ruling, Grannis filed civil 

court actions against individual publications 

and films to have each declared a public 

nuisance. 

'Fast Company' Is Filming 

On Location in Edmonton 

From Canadian Edition 

EDMONTON — The -Fast Company" 

cast is racing into production on Edmonton's 

International Speedway. 

The picture, produced by Michael Lebowitz, 

Peter O'Brian and Courtney Smith 

and directed by David Cronenberg, stars 

William Smith, John Saxon, Claudia Jennings, 

Don Francks, Robert Haley, Cedric 

Smith, Neil Dainard, Michael J. Reynolds 

and Chuck Chandler. 

Also appearing in "Fast Company," written 

by Phil Savath and Courtney Smith 

from an original story by Alan Treen, arc 

Judy Foster, George Buza, David Graham 

and Don Granberry. 

David Perlmutter is the executive producer 

of "Fast Company." 

CHARLOTTE—On a December night in 

1968, a Burlington, N. C, radiologist named 

Dr. H. Bennett decided to get in the lilm 

business as an exhibitor, believing the allure 

of the movies was hypnotic. 

He bought a piece of property in Greensboro, 

N. C. and commissioned a San Francisco 

architect to design an intimate twin 

theatre/ restaurant complex, and booked two 

films for opening night: a Swedish film, the 

lush, delicately-paced "Elvira Madigan" and 

"Yellow Submarine," an animated fantasy 

based on the Beatles song. 

The competition was stiff. He was competing 

against the Carolina's 1,000 seats 

with a pair of 214-seaters and with almost 

no experience with the intricacies of the 

business. 

"We had a pretty tough time of it these 

first few years," he says. "Right from the 

start, when I was trying to finance the 

first Janus twin theatre, I ran into difficulty 

getting credit from the banks. Doctors 

don't have a good track record in business 

ventures, much less one as chancy as opening 

a moviehouse, and especially with no 

experience." 

But 10 years have passed; the Carolina 

has converted its screen into a stage and 

Bennett (who stopped practicing radiology 

two years ago) sits talking to a visitor several 

hundred feet from the seventh theatre 

he has built, the Penthouse Screening 

Room, one of the few theatres in the country 

where viewers can drink beer or wine 

(served in the "Espresso Lounge") while the 

silver screen 

"I'd been 

flickers before then. 

interested in film—and many 

aspects of art—for a 

long time," he recalls. 

"It was back in the '60s, while I was still 

practicing medicine in Burlington. I helped 

organize the Cinema Guild." The group 

rented the Star Theatre ("It was a familyfare 

grind movie house in those days") and 

set up a subscription series which became 

part of the Greensboro United Arts Council. 

They showed sophisticated films like 

Renoir's "Grand Illusion" and the series 

sold out. 

Bennett has imported art shows for e\- 

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hibition in the Janus lobby, including a collection 

of Andy Warhol originals, and has 

done things like bringing in a group of 

actors who had performed with Buster 

Keaton in "The General" during a weeklong 

Kcaton Festival. He has traveled Europe 

extensively, always keeping his eyes 

peeled for art and curios. 

He believes blind bidding has some 

good aspects. Through this format he has 

already bid on and secured all of his Christmas 

films, many of them still in production. 

How does he make these precarious and 

expensive decisions, with only a written 

description of an unfinished film to bet on? 

"I lead the trade papers Boxoffice, Variety. 

Hollywood Reporter," he says. "In the 

case of "Star Wars,' I saw some early set 

designs at 20th Century-Fox and they were 

most impressive. Usually I keep in touch 

with people in Washington and New York, 

and of course the astute buyer and booker 

Steve Smith of Independent Theatres Booking 

Service, who has access to virtually all 

the current films on the market plus the 

advantage of attending screenings at Carmel. 

Dr. Bennett stated that although he paid 

an exhorbitant bid on "Star Wars." he recouped 

his cost in a week and a half, and 

from then on everything was gravy. "We do 

not feel the shortage of films as other more 

commercial theatres do." Bennett says. "We 

have more flexibility in using product, more 

variety because we use fewer commercial 

films as well. That's what I want this theatre 

to be," 

Out in the parking lot beside the marquee-covered 

building where Bennett and a 

visitor sat talking, a painted sign bearing a 

picture of the little god Janus is swinging 

in the wind. Those two bearded faces, which 

legend has it are peering into the past and 

future at once, must chuckle sometimes at 

the uncertanity of the movie business, which 

is the secret life of a nation played out in 

dreams and myths. Life is uncertain, he 

must know, and those who make their livelihood 

on dreams deserve its risks and rewards. 

'Kramer vs. Kramer' Under 

Way on Locations in NYC 

t'rom eastern Kdilion 

HOLLYWOOD—Principal 

photography 

on "Kramer vs. Kramer," a Stanley Jaffe 

production for Columbia Pictures release, 

starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep and 

Gail Strickland, started Wednesday (61. 

Robert Benton is directing from his .screenplay 

adapted from .-Xvery Gorman's novel. 

To be filmed in and around New York 

City, "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a contemporary 

film about a man deserted by his wife 

after seven years of marriage, who learns 

the true meaning of the word "father" 

when faced with laising his si\-\ ear-old son. 


SE-7

He 

It's a Bird . . . It's a Plane . . . No, It's Chrisiian Film House 

'Superman; Flying Past Louisiana 


"This is a law we could be living with 

for the next 50 years." Seme! said, discounting 

the importance of risking some 

revenue on one feature. 

As far as could be determined, only the 

Clint Eastwood film and "Superman" are 

titles on the fall-Christmas list that will 

be delayed in Louisiana. This is because 

other films were available for exhibitor 

screening or were bid upon before the July 

1 deadline. But it would seem inevitable 

that the "Superman" situation will be arising 

more and more often since many films 

are not completed when bidding starts, and 

the studios seem quite content to go ahead 

without Louisiana. 

An Unofficial 

Referee 

To understand the current controversy, a 

bit of history is needed. Until about a year 

and a half ago. the Justice Department 

served as an unofficial referee between the 

film distributors (Warner Bros.. 20ih Century-Fox. 

Paramount, etc.) and the film 

exhibitors (or theatre owners). There was 

an agreement that each studio would keep 

blind bid films to a maximum of three a 

year, and this arrangement was in effect 

for seven years. Then the Justice Department 

decided it no longer wanted to involve 

itself, and according to Semel. "Hslterskelter 

broke loose." 

Strong Lobbying Effort 

The National Association of Theatre 

Owners (NATO) began to push for antiblind 

bid legislation, and drafted a model 

bill. A simplified version of that bill was 

introduced in the Louisiana legislature and 

passed overwhelmingly. Since Louisiana 

passed its bill, similar legislation has been 

introduced in 17 other states, passing in 

only four (Virginia, Alabama. South Carolina 

and Ohio). The Motion Picture Association 

of America, representing the studios, 

is adamantly against the anti-blind bid legislation, 

and has lobbied strongly against it 

throughout the country. 

Charlie Bazzell, manager of the Paramount 

and Hart theatres in Baton Rouge, 

is one of the state's chief proponents of 

anti-blind bid legislation. Judy Friess, legislative 

council for the MPAA, has testified 

against anti-blind bill proposals in the 

South Carolina and Ohio legislatures. Both 

argue their respective positions intensely 

and persuasively. 

Bazzell helped to lobby in favor of the 

legislation when it was before Ihe siale legislature. 

'It's my personal opinion thai 

blind bidding is one of Ihe evils of Ihe 

industry." He accused Ihe MPAA of 

"blackmailing" the stale by claiming that 

film production within Louisiana might be 

curtailed if Ihe bill was passed. 

Willi the proliferation of screens and Ihe 

reiliieiioii 111 number of films produced each 

\ear. the industry has become a "seller's 

market." Bazzell says the theatre's owners 

want the basic right "to see the merchandise 

before we buy it." 

Ms. Friess counters that anti-blind bid 

legislation is "special interest legislation." 

and the exhibitors are trying "to insulate 

themselves from the realities of business." 

As for wanting to see the merchandise before 

they buy it, Ms. Fries.s says. "I've never 

heard an exhibitor complain about having 

to blind bid on "Star Wars.' " She goes on 

to point out that eight of the ten top-grossing 

films of 1977 were blind bid. 

Ms. Friess continues, "The practice of 

blind bidding is essential to the financial 

viability of this industry. The studios will 

give a producer millions of dollars without 

knowing how the product will turn out. and 

we put down our $3 before seeing the film." 

She explains that many films are aimed at 

either summer or Christmas release, and 

bookings and advertising must be arranged 

long before the release date arrives. Many 

films are not finished until just weeks before 

scheduled premieres. 

Bazzell says the anti-blind bid law will 

prevent future occurrences of the "Slap 

Shot" variety. "We were asked to blind 

bid on "Slap Shot." It looked like another 

'Butch Ca.ssidy' or 'The Sting' with George 

Roy Hill as director and Paul Newman as 

star. When the film was released some of 

the exhibitors in the smaller cities were 

reluctant to play it because of the strong 

language." 

Language a 'Red Herring' 

Ms. Friess says she has heard this "Slap 

Shot" argument "all across the country, it's 

a red herring argument. They fail to mention 

"Saturday Night Fever.' They didn't 

mind the language in that because it was a 

hit whereas 'Slap Shot' was not." 

Not all exhibitors in Louisiana were in 

favor of passage. Earl Perry, of Ogden- 

Perry Theatres, felt that Louisiana would 

be at a serious disadvantage if it was only 

one of a few states to adopt such legislation. 

He finally agreed not to oppose it when its 

effective date was pushed up to July 1. 

1978, believing many other stales would 

soon follow suit. Many have not, aiul Peri\ 

now has a "wait-and-see altitude." 

With only a few states adopting the l.iw, 

it becomes a case of the "tail wagging the 

dog," says Perry. But Bazzell thinks it's 

only a matter of time before Texas and 

Mississippi pass similar legislation, though 

Ms. Friess says the MP.AA plans to challenge 

Ihe conslitulionaliiy of Ohio's law. 

and may do so in Ihe other four slates will) 

anii-hlind bid legislation. 

Warner Bros. .S«.'mel acknowledges thai 

with the Justice Deparlmeni no longer 

serving as referee, there could abuses on 

be 

the pari of Ihe studios. "Jhere shoulil be a 

happy medium, but ihe answer is iioi ilie 

one the Louisiana legislature look 

' 

^!?!"l^''P",^"* 

MIA.Ml — I lie M..iiii.. Mowe House, 

which opened Friday (22) for a two-week 

experiment in the southwest section of town, 

features fare made up entirely of Christian 

films, classics and cartoons, and it 

will be free, according to Mrs. Sue Martin. 

Donations, however, will be welcome. 

Mrs. Martin has said she wants high 

school kids to be able to go to a show 

without violence and sex. She also wants 

to keep them out of bars and off the street 

and desires that they see family-style movies 

at less expense. 

Mrs. Martin and her husband are taking 

on the project as an aid to teenagers 

and young families. If it works it may 

become a permanent Friday and Saturday 

night event. 

The Martins have been considering this 

for many months, not for profit, but for 

the good of the community. The name 

of the theatre is derived from the food 

God provided his people in the wilderness. 

The Martins expect to use projectors from 

their church, the First Baptist church of 

South Miami, and films obtained through 

a friend, a doctor at South Miami Hospital 

who collects film classics. 

The first movie to be shown was "Beloved 

Enemy." about a space scientist. Also 

on that showing was Laurel and Hardy's 

"Oliver and the Ape." .Among other films 

planned to be shown are "Held lor Ransom" 

and Jerry Lewis's "Don't Raise the 

Bridge. Lower the River." 

There will be popcorn ser%'ed in the 

.300-seat auditorium, which some years ago 

was used as the sanctuary of the South 

Miami First Baptist Church. 

Filmmaking in Florida Is 

'Picking up All the Time' 

JA( kSOW 11 1 F— The possible upsurge 

in itio\ le-iiKikiiig iKnvn llorii.l.i w.i\ received 

some intensive study from Stan Franklin. 

local Florida Times-Union entertainment 

writer, as he questioned Ben Harris, administrator 

of the State of Florida's motion 

picture-television office in the stale Department 

of Commerce at Tallahassee, 

Harris pointed out to Stan; "In California 

it costs an arm and a leg to film a 

picture, h could cost S.SOO to S600 a day 

jiisi tor permission to shixit in a park 

ihere In l-lorida the cost is $2.^ a da> 

and ih.ii's often waived if the scene is 

beneficial to the state's park system." .\ 

"beneficial" scene is one which makes viewers 

want to come to 

Florida on vacation, 

Harris pointed with pride several piclures 

made or partially filnted in Florida 

during the past couple of years. His list 

included "Black Sunday." "Joe Panther." 

"The Norseman," "Jaws II," "Airport '77." 

" 

"Semi- lough" and "Ihe Champ added 

thai Florida's moviemaking business is 

picking up all the lime. 

"We are basically just lr\ing lo cut 

ihroiigli the red i.i|V on the sl.iie governmeiil 

level." said Harris. 

SE-8 BOXOFFICE VplenilxT 2";. 197S

Rice University Sets 

Extensive Film Slate 

HOUSTON—In what may be its most 

extensive film programming to date, Rice 

Media Center has put together a fall and 

winter schedule that is as varied as it is ample, 

it was reported by Eric Gerber, Post 

film 

writer. 

The center has reinstituted its policy of 

offering Saturday matinees, at 1:30 p.m., 

aimed at the younger film fans with the 

likes of "Old Yeller," "Around the World 

in 80 Days" and "Abbot and Costello Meet 

Frankenstein" on the bill. And, for the first 

time, the center will have a Friday midnight 

movie twice a month. 

Selections Are Good 

The selections are surprisingly good—for 

this sort of programming—avoiding the 

hoary standbys like "Woodstock" and "Performance." 

Instead, look for Ralph Bakshi's 

"Coonskin," a mixture of live action and 

animation from the fellow who gave us 

"Fritz the Cat," "Wizards" and the upcoming 

"Lord of the Rings;" two examples 

of Robert Downey's close-to-home insanity, 

"Greaser's Palace" in which a zoot-suited 

Christ figure appears in the Old West, and 

"Pound" set in a dog pound except people 

are in the cages; Roger Corman's "Bloody 

Mama" with Shelley Winters as Ma Barker 

and no less than Don Stroud, Robert De 

Niro and Bruce Dern as her bug-€yed clan; 

"Honeymoon Killers"; "Fists of Fury," 

and, in a local premiere, a punk rock feature, 

"Foreigner," with its title character 

Max Menace adrift in a city filled with 

boredom, violence and music by Ivan Krai 

of the Patti Smith Group. 

The folks over at the center also are get- 

All told, the center will be offering more 

than I want to count. Look at it this way: 

There are no films Mondays or Tuesdays. 

but with the matinee and midnight series 

thrown in, we're looking at a weekly average 

ol almost one new film each day. The 

series started August 30 and runs through 

December 17. In a word, whew! 

In addition to the more specialized offerings, 

there will 

be the historical selections 

(on Wednesdays mostly) like "Cabinet of 

Dr. Caligari" and "Potemkin," and warhorses 

such as John Ford's "Long Voyage 

Home" and Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil." 

Another curiosity: In the 1950s, there 

was a short film made called "Appleknockers 

and the Coke" which may—or may not 

—have been Marilyn Monroe's first appearance. 

Whoever this brunette actress is, 

(Continued on page SW-5) 


Joel McCrea Visits Oklahoma; Recalls 

Friendship With Beloved Will Rogers 

TULSA. OKLA.—Yes. Joel McCrea admits, 

he did play Greta Garbo in drag once 

way back when Will Rogers was alive, according 

to a report in the World which is 

reprinted below. 

That was a different time, 1929 to be 

precise, when westerns were still big. Mc- 

Crea, a $3.50-a-day extra, was drafted to 

play Garbo's double when a scene called for 

the star to gallop on horseback through a 

rainstorm. 

McCrea didn't object to the indignity— 

his paycheck jumped to $75 daily. 

McCrea chuckled as he reminisced at 

TLilsa's Continental Theatre recently. 

"All the clothes fit, except her shoes." 

But McCrea, cowboy actor in more than 

80 pictures during Hollywood's golden 

years, wanted to talk about Will Rogers. 

Nov. 4. 1979, will be Will's 100th birthday. 

Met Rogers in 1930 

"I met him in 1930. I was going to do a 

movie called 'Lightnin' for Fox studios. The 

man in charge told me Will wanted me to 

play the juvenile lead. That was the biggest 

break ever for me." 

McCrea was 24 at the time. He'd wanted 

to be a cowboy, but after learning real cowboys 

made only $30 a month, decided to 

settle for the celluloid kind. 

"After the first day of shooting 'Lightnin', 

I somehow missed the bus and was 

going to have to walk back in. Will saw me 

and told me to get in his LaSalle coupe, 

then asked me to have dinner with him. 

filming of the Keystone Cops 'Perils of 

Pauline.' " 

McCrea worked with Rogers for five 

years before the Point Barrow, \k.. crash 

that killed the Oologah native. 

Although McCrea appeared with Rogers 

play polo." 

McCrea is co-chairman of the commission 

to celebrate Roger's 100th birthday. 

"The postmaster general just notified us 

that a commemorative stamp will be issued 

in Will's honor." 

Thursday night, McCrea was the honored 

guest in a special screening of the 1962 

classic "Ride the High Country" in which 

he played the good guy opposite Randolph 

Scott. 

But McCrea's conversation stayed with 

Will Rogers: "He affected every part of my 

life. He was dynamic, tremendous. He set 

an example in his behavior that I just naturally 

had to cling onto. 

"He was just like a father to me." 

And in return, the 72-year-old McCrea 

—who makes it a point to note he's not 

retired—intends to see that Will's 100th 

birthday is observed properly. 

"He was the biggest star Fox had. And 

he was just like a father to me." 

Suit Brought Against 

GCM By Handicapped 

From New England Edition 

PORTLAND. ME.—In the first such development 

affecting Maine exhibition, a 

Westbrook paraplegic has brought suit in 

Cumberland County Superior Court against 

General Cinema of Maine, doing business 

as the Maine Mall Cinemas (suburban Portland). 

Charging that GCM has violated the 

Maine Human Rights Act by failing to provide 

proper access for handicapped persons, 

Margaret Harnois is seeking an injunction to 

order the cinema circuit to comply with the 

law. She also wants the court to give the 

matter a hearing "of first priority on the 

docket" and to award her the maximum 

$100 civil penalty. 

Attorney Gary W. Libby, formerly with 

ting their feet wet, it seems, in modestly It turned out we were eating with the president 

mixing a few of their own choices as "overlooked 

of Fox and a big philantropist." 

contemporary classics," as the stock Rogers had been impressed with McCrea 

phrase goes. For instance: "The Swimmer" in another picture, it seems—so impressed the State Human Rights Commission, is representing 

with Burt Lancaster in the Frank Perry version 

that the Oklahoma humorist told Fox exe- 

Ms. Harnois and quotes her as 

saying that she has no axe to grind and 

novel, "The Hills Have 

of Cheever's cutives. "I want that boy in all my pic- 

Eyes," Steven Spielberg's made for TV tures." 

would he happy to settle the matter if the 

"Duel" and last year's sleeper about an 

No Stranger to Movies 

cinema ple\ provided proper access. 

underground newspaper. "Between the 

The prevailing state law requires that all 

McCrea was no stranger to movies, having 

grown up in Los Angeles—even throw- 

Lines." 

places of public accomodation constructed 

1, since Sept. 1974, or which have undergone 

ing a paper route that included several stars' 

extensive remodeling in the interim, 

homes. 

must have a ground level entrance or a 

"As a kid, I saw fantastic things being 

ramp, which can be negotiated by persons 

saw 

I 

shot on location all the place. over 

wheelchairs, accessible doorways, nonslip 

in 

floors, elevators when necessary and restroom 

facilities accessible and usable to physically 

handicapped persons, including those 

in 

wheelchairs. 

Doug Driesen, manager of the GCM 

plex, said that there is a ramp leading to 

in only two movies, "Lightnin' " and "Business 

and Pleasure," he says that, "During 

an exit door of Cinema I and that patrons 

in wheelchairs may enter the theatre that 

those five years, I saw him practically every 

way if it is requested. Restroom facilities 

week. I roped with him at his ranch in 

also are acccssibk- to h.indicapped. hut there 

Santa Monica. I used to go and watch him 

entrance lobb\. he .aided. 

Worldwide Productions began sluxning 

June 14 in St. Louis on "Delirium." with 

Sunny Vest directing. 

SW-1

DALLAS 

Cantinflas Welcomed 

Qiilj retcnilv did wc learn that Mickic laboratory for their courses in motion picture 

To Parade, Feslivilies 

Lovelace is in Methodist Hospital recuperating 

exhibition and distribution. 

S.\.N .\NlU.MO— Some 40 >LMrv ago. a 

from surgery. Fortunately she is 

in 

little known Mexican comedian dressed 

doing nicely and the doctors are greatly 

Effective Friday (8) the Meadowbrook 

baggy trousers held up by a rope which he 

pleased with her progress. Mickie is the wife 

Drive-In in Ft. Worth changed ownership. 

used as a belt, a torn top from a set of longjohns 

and a perky Robin Hood-type hat, 

of Burl Lovelace of New World Films The announcement was made by .Albert H. 

. . . 

Robert Kennell also is in the hospital having 

gone in for appendix problems. Robert Meadowbrook Corp. The new owner is Ra- 

Reynolds, executive vice-president of the 

appeared in a motion picture titled "Ahi 

Esta el Datalle" ("There's the Catch") and 

is the son of Patricia Kennell of New World mon Medrano whose business address is at 

madj movie history, recollects Ed Castillo, 

the Arcadia Theatre. 2005 Greenville Ave.. 

Films. 

columnist for the Light here. 

Dallas 75206. 

The name of this actor who depicted the 

Sandy Hinkel of Universal is vacationing 

life of a bold little tramp from Mexico 

in Denver with her husband. 

City's poorest barrios was Mario Moreno. 

Jim McKenna Is Appointed 

He since has become known the world over 

Bennie Lynch of Grimes Film Booking 

Cineplex Executive V-P 

as "Cantinflas." 

has announced that the local opening date 

EX.— Jim .McKonna. Although many who have seen his more 

of "The World's Greatest Kicker" has been 

of Cineplex Corp.. has than 50 films have compared him to Charlie 

moved to October 27 and the picture will 

been appointed a Chaplin, he developed his own brand of 

play until at least November 2. The film 

vice-president of the comedy and double-talk that endeared him 

has a PG rating and the producer plans to 

corporation, it was to audiences throughout the Spanish-speaking 

ballyhoo the booking with tons of radio 

announced by Jimmy 

world. He later was to become better 

spots. "The World's Greatest Kicker" 

Duncan. 

breaks in Houston Friday (29) in multiple 

president. 

Cineplex known to audiences in this country through 

his performance in Mike Todd's unforgettable 

World 

situations which include the Windsor, Gaylynn. 

Southmore and 

McKenna will assume 

"Around the in 80 Days." 

who 

Shamrock, Festival, his new duties Cantinflas. last visited San Antonio 

Northwood 

immediately. 

theatres. 

in May for a charity show at the .Alameda 

The SMLI Cinematheque has announced 

Dimcan also announced 

that a man- 

in the annual Diez y Seis Parade Saturday 

Theatre, was here once again to participate 

the Dallas area premiere of "Roseland" 

has 

ager's meeting (16) as 

starrmg Geraldine Chaplin and Theresa 

grand marshal. 

Jim McKenna been scheduled in the 

Wright. The film is composed of three vignettes 

that explore the lives of people who 

the movie "Palrullero 777" ("Patrolman 

The comedian, who recently completed 

home ottice here to review the upcoming 

releases with came managers. 

fall all It is 

escape from life in the Roseland Ballroom 

777"), at the invitation of Mexico's 

hoped that the meeting will help to continue 

in New York. The picture was acclaimed 

Secretary of Tourism Guillermo Rosscll de 

company 

at the 1977 New York Film Festival with 

the upswing the experienced this 

la Lama, and Mexican Consul General 

summer. 

a seven-minute standing ovation. The SMU 

Raul Gonzalez Galarza. both personal 

Cinematheque will once again bring American 

and foreign films of distinction to the 

Now producing only one motion picture 

Also, construction of Cincplex's new friends of the veteran showman. 

four-screen theatre in Wixidlin. Tex., is 

metropolitan area for initial engagements. 

well under way and a Thanksgiving opening 

per year. Cantinflas is known throughout 

The films are shown at the Bob Hope Theatre 

Mexico for his charitable works. Today, an 

is anticipated. 

independently wealthy man. he owns elegant 

on the campus of Southern Methodist 

"Manhattan" began shooting in New 

mansions in Mexico City and .\capul- 

University. The film organization is operated 

entirely by broadcast and film students York August 7 with Woody Allen directing co. 

of SMU's Medows School of the Arts as a and starring. 

During 

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

^ 

his early years in comedy and 

while he was traveling with a circus 

throughout Mexico, he met a fellow performer 

of Russian descent. They fell in love 

.uid were married. The union lasted until 

4\ 

her death of few years ago. He has never 

^ SALES & SERVICE. INC. remarried. 

Co fAodtrm . . . Bquifmtnl, Sufflin & Strrkt' Moreno, as he prefers to be called, also 

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for the Performing 2200 YOUNG STREET DALLAS, TEXAS. 75201 TELEPHONE • • 747-3191 .Arts. 

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« 32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101 

Oklahoma Theatre Supply Co. 

628 West Sheridan Ave. 

Oklohomo City, Oklohoma 73102 

Modern Sales & Service, Inc. 

2200 Young Street 

Delias, Texas 75201 

Southwestern Theatre Equipment Co. 

1702 Rusk 


Phone: (713) 654-1461 

BOXOmCE :: September 25, 1978 SW-3

DOLBY 

HOUSTON 

"Uouston's Neiman-Marcus store was the 

scene of a 'totally Texas" event sponsored 

by the store and Rice University 

Saturday (23). Original Tom Mix and Gene 

Autry movies were shown along with such 

shorts as a Time-Life ncwsreel of Texas 

shot during the Texas Centennial in 1936. 

Ml films shown were themcd "Texas 

Past." "Texas Present" or "Texas Future" 

. . . Willie Nelson appeared Sunday (24) 

at the Airline Drive-In. In addition to regular 

ticket-selling locations, the tickets for 

the event sold at the Gaylynn. Memorial 

City and Windsor theatres. 

Eric Gerber. Houston Post film writer, 

reported that Canadian artist and filmmaker 

Joyce Wieland will appear at the Museum 

of Fine Arts to lecture and present 

her first feature length work. "The Far 

Shore." in Brown Auditorium. Known primarily 

for her paintings, drawings and 

avant-garde cinema shorts. Ms. Wieland 

has loosely based her first narrativ; film 

on the life of Canadian landscape artist 

Tom Thomson, who died in 1917. Structured 

as a romance. "The Far Shore" is the 

story of a beautiful young woman, her 

engineer husband and the painter who comJs 

between them. After making its Southwest 

premiere at the museum. "The Far Shore" 

will begin a regular engagement at the 

Greenway III. 

record albums. John Travolta posters and 

Briargrove T-shirts given away by KENR 

disc jockey Dr. Bruce Nelson. Free p^'pcorn 

and Cokes also were prov dcd. Op;ning 

attractions included "Saturday Night Fever." 

"The End" and a double-bill of "Enter 

the Dragon" and "The Gumball Rally." 

"The .Mystery of Kaspar Hauser: Every 

Man for Himself and God Aga'nst All." 

another of Werner Hcrzog's brilliant studies 

in the absurd, is a critic's choice of Eric 

Gerber. Post film writer. In the early 19th 

century, a young man who cant speak, and 

who barely knows how to walk or feed 

himself, mysteriously appears in a small 

German village. Having been raised in a 

dark cellar, completely removed from human 

contact. Kaspar Hauser is John Locke's 

tabula rasa personified. He is educated by 

the townsfolk and. in turn, educates them. 

Then, as mysteriously as he arrives. Herr 

H. departs, though not of his own choosing. 

Herzog's comment on the human condition? 

Bruno S.. whom Herzog used later 

in "Strozsck." plays the curious little man 

who confounds a professor of logic, but 

can't tie his own shoes. At the Rice Media 

Center. "Kaspar Hauser" is undoubtedly 

one of the most original films made, comments 

Gerber. 

Included among the new films appearing 

on local marquees and films returning for 

additional playing time are "Pretty Baby." 

"Enter the Dragon." "Saturday Night Fever." 

"The Gauntlet." "The .Sound of Music." 

"A Woman at Her Window." "Convention 

Girls" doubled with "Naked Rider." 

a triple horror bill of "Dracula's Dog." 

"Land of the Minotaur" and "The Crater 

Lake Monster." "Oily Oily Oxen Free." 

'The Terror of Godzilla." "And Now My 

Love." "Avalanche." "Romeo and Juliet" 

together with "Return of the Tall Blond 

Man With One Black Shoe." "Claire's Knee" 

Ads Tout Easy Access 

From Nfv.- 

England Edi-oi. 

HARTFORD— In a first" in recent years 

for a Rhode Island cinema, the Cinema 6 

Twin. Johnston, has been running newspaper 

advertising emphasizing easy accessibility. 

The ad includes a detailed highway map 

and estimated traveling time from nearby 

communities. 

Cemosco. Related Firms 

Announce Staff Shifts 

TORONTO—Cemasco Management recently 

sold to Prudential Assurance Co.. 

Ltd., all of its shares in its former wholly 

owned subsidiary. Constellation Life Assurance 

Co. of Canada and announces the 

following changes: David F. Eustace, formerly 

vice-chairman of the board and president, 

now is elected chairman of the board 

and president, and Mrs. Nancy Stewart, 

formerly executive assistant and public relations 

officer, is now vice-president. 

Cemasco's motion picture distribution 

company. Dabara Films, is headed by Ms. 

Sharon Singer. Formerly vice-president and 

general manager. Ms. Singer is now appointed 

president of Dabara Films. 

This two-year-old division has gained 

rapid growth through acquisition and successful 

distribution of both theatrical and 

nontheatrical film. Among the company's 

recent hit-i are the top-grossing "It's Alive." 

directed by Larrey Cohen, and "Madame 

Rosa." Academy Award winner for best 

foreign film, 

starring Simone Signoret. 

Eustace and Mrs. Stewart, in addition 

to heading Cemasco as president and vicepresident, 

are associated with Hazelton Motion 

Pictures, a new independent company 

producing Canadian feature films. Eustace 

has been elected president and Mrs. Stewart 

has been elected vice-president of Hazelton. 

Now in production by Hazelton is "Something's 

Rotten," an or'ginal screenplay by 

Norman Fox, directed by F. Harvey Frost. 

Plift Southern Theatres has opened the together with "Chloe in the Afternoon." a 

double-bill of "Follow the Fleet" and 

triple-screen Briargrovc in Briargrove Plaza 

In preproduction is "'The Dead Kid." an 

Shopping Center. During the opening day "Swingtimc" and the double bill of "The original screenplay which encompasses the 

ceremonies there were free prizes including Sons Remains the Same" and "Gimme Shel- Toronto scene, by Judith Doyle. 

Dabara Films will handle worldwide distribution 

of Hazelton's productions in addition 

to its regular acquisition of .American. 

British and foreign-language films. 

Current addresses and phone numbers 

are: Dabara Films. 55 Yonge St.. Toronto. 

Ont. M5E 1J6. (416) 362-7672: Hazelton 

Motion Pictures (executive offices). 9 Hazelton 

Ave., the Penthouse. Toronto, Ont. 

M5R 2E1, (416) 961-3212. and Cemasco 

Management, Ltd., Suite 1708, 2 Bloor St. 

West, Toronto. Ont., phone (416) 961-3212. 

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1702 Rusk Avenue 


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Rice University Sets 

Extensive Film Slate 

(Continued from pag; SW-I) 

there's more of her on view than anything 

else Monroe made later. It will be screened 

before "Seven Year Itch," "Bus Stop" and 

"The Misfits." 

Over at the MuscLim of Fine .Arts, the fall 

schedule, with films on Fridays and Saturdays 

at 8 p.m., emphasizes recent German 

cinema, four Dirk Bogarde films and four 

works by French veteran Rene Clair. 

The series begins with "Wedding in 

White," featuring one of doe-eyed Carol 

Kane's first appearances, and John Schlesinger's 

"Darling" with Julie Christie and 

Bogarde. 

If you're a fan of the suave British actor, 

you can see Bogarde again in Losey's "Accident," 

Visconti's "The Damned" and 

"Death in Venice." 

The German offerings include Fassbinder's 

"Effi Briest," Wim^Wender's "Goalie's 

Anxiety at the Penalty Kick" and Alexander 

Kluge's "Strongman Ferdinand." 

Also notable are Hitchcock's first talkie. 

"Blackmail," Louis Malle's "Zazie" (which 

should remind people that "Pretty Baby" 

first wasn't his film starring a precocious 

teeny-bopper) and Jean-Marie Straub's 

documentary. "Chronicle of Anna Magdalena 

Bach." 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

Jerry Brewslcr, retired United .-Xrlisls sales 

manager, is making a train tour of the 

Pacific Northwest, accompanied by his wife 

Mary. They also plan to go up into Canada. 

A postcard from the couple says they are 

having a grand time and are looking forward 

to the remainder of their trip. 

Roger Parrish, operator of the Thunderbird 

Twin in Miami, has a hobby shop next 

door to the theatre . . . Janet Kingsley of 

Oklahoma City Shipping is back from a vacation. 

She and her husband just bought a 

new car so they were able to put a few 

extra miles on it while traveling. 

Madge Whitfield sold her Scott Theatre 

in Waldron, Ark., to K.R. Hines. Madge, 

along with her late husband, was a veteran 

of the business. We hope she will be happy 

in retirement and we wish the new owner 

much success with his new venture. 

In to take care of film business were 

Jerry Northcutt of the Gemini Twin in 

Ada, Gene Banks of the Crystal Theatre 

and Jewel Drive-In in Okemah, John Hickman 

of the Wigwam Theatre in Coalgatc. 

Charles Townsend of the Allred Theatre 

and Pryor Drive-In in Pryor and Mrs. Roy 

Kendrick of the Perrv Theatre in Perry. 

Nev from Video Independent Theatres: 

Horace H. Clark. Video manager of Chickasha 

and a 48-year veteran with the company, 

has retired. The post has been filled 

by Billy Pope who transferred from New 

Braunfels, Tex. Mrs. Florie Busch. former 

employee at New Braunfels, has assumed 

temporary management of the operation 

there in Pope's absence. 

Bruce Westbrook, Sunday Oklahoman reviewer, 

commented that "this fall looks like 

a promising season." Usually at this time 

of year there are few worthwhile offerings, 

but this season may be different. He cited 

the following films as features of interest: 

"Death on the Nile," "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband," "Interiors," "Comes a 

Horseman," "Coin South." "The Big Fix." 

"A Wedding," "Midnight Express." "Girl 

Friend.s," "Magic," "Blood Brothers." "Paradise 

Alley," "The Wiz," "Lord of the 

Rings," "California Suite," "Oliver's 

Story." "Force 10 From Navaror.e." "Moment 

by Moment" and "Every Which Way 

But Loose." 

Russ Mayberry is directing "The Spaceman 

and King Arthur" from Don Tait's 

screenplay. 

Quick Screening 

For Oriue-lns 

with trees that grow 5-8' per year! 

You can have effective, inexpensive screening in just 

2 or 3 years. Satisfy tlie new regulations with fastgrowing 

Hybrid Poplars, and have a better looking 

theatre in the bargain. Developed by the U.S. Forest 

Service for reforestation, they are resistant to ice, storm, 

insect and disease damage. These Hybrid Poplars are 

specially selected for fast, full screening, and are not to 

be confused with the short-lived Lombardy Poplars. 

Hardy in all U.S. climates. Note: screen trees are best 

planted on 6 to 9-foot centers. 

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—— 

I 

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G Please send catalog w'lth complete details. 

2 years atter planting 

5-6' whips 

3 years after planting 10-12' trees 

BOXOFFICE :: September 25.

. at 

SAN ANTONIO 

n Miss Dicz > Seis pageant, part of the 

Mexican Independence Day celebration 

here, was held at 

the Alameda Theatre 

This vear marked the 1 68th anniversary of 

Mexico's independence from Spain. Mexican 

film star Mario Moreno, known as 

Cantinflas. was in the city to participate in 

activities held mark^rg the occasion ... 

Marty Feldman is being seen in two films. 

'Think Dirty" and "Try Sex With a Smile, 

at the San Pedro. Mission. Aztec 3 and 

Judson 4 ... The double bill of Steve 

Reeves starring in -Hercules" and "Hercules 

Unchained" was being shown at the Aztec 

3, Judson 4. Capitan. Trail. Century South 

Six, Woodlawn and Town Twin. 

This fall Alamo National Bank will sponsor 

showings of University of Texas foolball 

games at noon every Tuesday in Joske s 

downtown third floor Studio Room. Each 

film will be shown at no charge to the public 

and Linus Baer, 1967 Longhorn co-captain 

and now vice-president at Alamo National, 

will give a play-by-play account. 

Anyone wishing to have lunch before the 

game film is shown should be at the Studio 

Room by 11:30 a.m. The showings started 

Tuesday (19) . . . The Loop 13 Dnve-In 

took advantage of the appearance of Cantinflas 

in San Antonio by booking for showing 

the recently completed film which had 

its first showing earlier in the year here. 

•Patrullcro 777" ("Patrolman 777"). 

Westfall Branch Library will present the 

film "In Search of Ancient Mysteries" for 

an evening showing. This outstanding film 

from Xerox has won the CINE Golden 

Eagle award from Learning magazine and 

the Chris Bronze plaque at the Columbus 

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showings of "Viva Zapata" Thursday (21) 

at UTS'a. The movie was shown in the humanities-business 

building. "Viva Zapata 

is among several free movies that the SKA 

will sponsor on campus this semester as part 

of its fall film series Michael Regan, 

. . . 

who won a screen test in local competition 

and went to Hollywood for a role in 

••Grease"—which is in its 14th week at the 

Century South and North Star Cinema— is 

back in classes at Trinity University and 

plans to stay until he receives his degree 

before continuing his 

film career. 

Among the new film titles and titles of 

films returning for additional playing time 

are "Dear Inspector." "Oily Oily Oxen 

Free " "Avalanche." "The Hollywood Hillside 

"strangler," "The Betsy," ".All Things 

. 

Bright and Beautiful" and the double-bill of 

"A^Clockwork Orange" and "A Boy and 

His Dog" . . 

Special film showings will 

include "Alii Esta El Detalle," at Hemis- 

Fair Plaza with a 75-c;nts admission: "The 

Deep." at Trinity University Multi Purpose 

Room with a $1.50 admission for the general 

public or $1 with a Trinity ID, and 

"Funny Lady" at Incarnate Word College 

Marian Hall Ballroom with a $1 charge to 

the general public and free admission with 

a IWC ID card. 

Midnight shows over the weekend included 

Ihc double-bill of the Rolling Stones in 

'•Gimme Shelter" and "Flesh Gordon" at 

the Broadway on Friday and Saturday with 

a $2 all seats policy. The Northwest Six 

showed "The Rockv Horror Picture Show" 

in its 55th week, "Secrets." "20th Century 

Oz." "Up in Smoke" and "Piranha." .'M the 

Century South Six films included the doublebill 

of "Hercules" and "Hercules Uncham- 

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Fourth Biennial Film Fest 

In San Antonio Wraps Up 

S\N .ANTONIO—The Fourth Biennial 

International Film Festival-Symposium was 

held at the University of Texas Health 

Science Center with 24 films scheduled for 

showing Friday (15) through Sunday. The 

National Film Board of Canada, to which 

the festival was dedicated, was responsible 

for creating outstanding documentary films 

and for pioneering the mental health film. 

The film board, and the Canadian Broadcasting 

Corp., provided the documentancs 

and a"nimated films, many of which have 

won numerous awards in international competition. 

The 24 films were carefully selected and 

grouped into five sub-themes: the spirit of 

man, survival and courage, the conflict of 

cultures, arts and humanities, individuahty 

and the organization and nature of civilization. 

Among the speakers were Canadian filmmaker 

RWrt Anderson, who has collaborated 

on a score of mental health documentaries, 

and actor Lee Marvin. 

The Psyche award was presented to the 

National Film Board of Canada and the 

Psyche prize was to be presented to the 

best film of the festival, as determined b\ 

a panel of judges. Both prizes are paintings 

created by noted Texas artist Michael 

Frarv. 

, . , j 

Films shown during the festival included 

"City of Gold," "Accident." "Images of 

Canada- Spirit in a Landscape," "The People 

Beyond," "Hunger," "Would I Ever 

Like to Work." "Iron or the Conquest of 

Fire " "The Creation of the Birds," "Multiple 

Man." "The Street." "Cree Hunters ot 

Mistassini." "The Owl Who Married a 

Goose" and "Volcano, an Inquiry into the 

1 ite and Death of Malcolm l.owry." 

BC Government Assisting 

In Search for Mansion 

. . . 

Film Festival. This will be a repeat showing 

2," "Piranha." "Hooper" and 

"Jaws ed," 

of the film at Westfall Branch, and there 

"Piranha." which was "2()th Century Oz." 

is no charge 

filmed partly in nearby San Marcos and has 

From Canci.n.n ri/.^n 

a number of local persons in the cast as 

VICTORIA, B.C.—A press release issued 

extras, had a multiple opening at the Northwest 

Matinee Price Takes Dive 

by the office of Grace McCarthy, provincial 

Six, Century South Six, San Pedro, From N^w Lnjlani Edil.on 

secretary, disclosed that the government was 

Varsity, Mission. Town Twin. Aztec 3, Judson 

4 and Wcstwood Twin. 

East Twin Cinema played Buena Vistas 

BROCKTON, MASS.— Ihe Brockton 

looking for a "large, traditional mansion" 

which 'would be used by a private film producer. 

The house would be used for approx- 

"Hot Lead and Cold Feet," charging SI. 50 

The University of Texas at San Anionio 

for matinees to 5 p.m. 

imately four months to film a ghost-story 

representative assembly sponsored tree 

thriller. 

Bernard Atkins, director of tourism in 

British Columbia, said the script in question 

called for a vacant three-story home "with 

high ceilings and lots of windows." 

"According to Atkins, the rent would be 

paid by the' film producers and not by the 

provincial government. Officials were helping 

in the search. Atkins 

3 

said. 

WVSWVSS W HAWAII ltM» 

When vou ouiu- to Wnikikl 

lou't luissthe âIlu>ll^l>l'U 1 

Show Clniniimi's 

. 

.oi,..!!;Kri'r"Muitn^'?5^ 

SW-G 

BOXOFFICE :: VpkinlKi

" 

By the time we got through 

aiqjort security and on 

our uxiy to the gate, she 

ivas laughing and crying at 

the same time. 

^/\fesole Urodzie, Mama. 

(Happy birthday Mama.) 

bus was crowded, cramped and hot. 

TheI 

leaned down through a jumble of ellx)ws 

and shopping bags iuid S}X)ke to my mother 

"You're gonna love this birthday 

present. Mom!' 

She replied in Polish, not trusting her 

English in front of strangers. "So why are you 

dragging me on a bus clear across town?" 

"It's something sjxjcial. Mom. Something 

special'.' 

And special it was. I'd been saving for this 

for years. Ever since my first job, I'd been buying 

U.S. Savings Bonds so I could give my mom the 

best birthday ever. 

We stepped off the bus. I grabbed Mom 

and hurried her through the airjx)rt. By the time 

we got tlirough airport security and on our way 

to the gate, she was laughing and crying at the 

same time. 

"Now I know!" she said. "You're going to 

send me to Poland to visit Aunt Emilia'.' 

"No, Mom!' 

Her face fell, but she tried to liide hei 

emotions. 

"No, Mom. You're not going to Poland. 

Because I've brought Aunt Emilia over here! 

The l(xik on my mother's face when she 

saw her si.ster was worth eveiything I'd saved tor. 

But then, I guess that's what love is all about. 

"Happy birthday. Mama'.' 

('..S', S(irinu,s Hi,n

Tni> ifocc i-cuiiributc-d by the puNi Jicr as a publi 

John Wbyne, Kmcirarv Crusade Chairman. 

Maybe well core cancer 

without your help^ 

but dorft betyour life on it 

The way it stands today, one American out of four will someday have 

cancer. That means it will strike some member in two out of three 

American families. 

To change those statistics we have to bring the promise of research to 

everyday reality. And to expand our detection program and techniques. 

And that takes money. Lots of money. Money we won't ha\'c - unless 

you help us. 

The American Cancer Society will never give up the fight. Maybe we'll 

find the answers even without your help. But don't bet your life on it. 

American Cancer Society 5 

W'c waiu U) cuiv c.iiKcr in yoLir litcluni.'. 

BOXOmCE Scnlcmtur 25. 1978

. . Helen 

— 

'B' Westerns to Be Seen 

On Big Screens Again 

LINCOLN, NEB.—Keith Smith of Omaha's 

Modern Sound Pictures is hoping all 

the moviegoing cowpokes aren't too saddle 

weary to sit through another couple of sagebrush 

westerns, according to the Sunday 

Journal and Star. 

This fall Modern Sound will distribute 

35mm prints of "Trigger Pais," made in 

1939. and "Trailriders," first released in 

1943. 

"They're very well produced and stand 

up well today." Smith said. "They're black 

and white of course. Wc just thought they 

made a good combination. Clean westerns 

with a lot of action. 

"We thought they might be fairly successful 

just as nostalgia, where a father 

wants to take the family to show them what 

he saw when he was young." 

Smith's company isn't the only one in 

the country trafficking in old westerns. Record 

producer Snuff Garrett's Nostalgia 

Merchant offers individual collectors a mail 

order catalogue of almost 400 films. Ard 

Raquel Welch's former husband, Patrick 

Curtis, is reportedly planning a fall release 

of "Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch." It's a idea to tout "Good Guys Wear Black," Leonard Church, the manager of the 

collection of clips from more than 700 films Roosevelt Theatre in Kenosha, Wis., approached the local Mr. Yoo's Karate 

which Curtis calls "an homage to the B School. Four of the school's students were enlisted for a program on a recent 

western." 

Sunday at which they demonstrated various kicks and other physical maneuvers 

B westerns were the staple of Saturday 

in the lobby of the theatre. The climax of the 45-minute demonstration came 

afternoon matinees in the 1930s and 1940s. 

Usually shot on shoestring budgets, the Bs 

when Mr. Yoo himself broke a 3-inch piece of lumber with one slam of the hand. 

Pictured here are two karate students Toni (at left) and Annette Morrone. 

provided ritual theatre in their plot line. 

Heroes were virtuous, fought clean and 

ager, and Rick Sands, sales trainee, spent 

triumphed over evil. On rare occasions a 

the 

minor character might be torn between DfS MOINES 

day Thursday (14) in Omaha calling on 

Theatre Booking Service, 

good and evil but plot subtlety or moral paramount and KC14 Radio scheduled a 

ambiguity was generally frowned on, proba- 

"Nite Song," from Heartland Productions, 

free sneak preview radio promotion 

will premiere October 20 at the Wa- 

for the forthcoming "Up in Smoke." The 

bly viewed with equal disdain by audience, 

producer and actors alike. 

"Trigger Pals" features Art Jarrett. 

Lee Powell (he had the lead in the Lone 

Ranger serial) and popular western comic 

Al "Fuzzy" St. John. "Trail Riders" stars 

John King, David Sharpe and Max "Alibi" 

Terhune and his dummy. Elmer, who would 

often kibitz at poker games. 

Smith said a good deal of restoration 

work, done in Hollywood, was necessary on 

"Trigger Pals" and "Trail Riders" 

Ahhough Smith has been spending considerable 

time readying his B westerns for 

release, he says Modern Sound has been 

"very busy in nontheatrical" film distribution, 

its main business. 

Smith and his wife, Margaret, bought 

Modern Sound in 1943. The company does 

a nationwide business distributing 16mm 

of movies by major and independent 

prints 

film companies to churches, schools and 

other nontheatrical venues. 

^'ijHnHii 

/j_ 

IIV-I3'/r-14"o,AM 

16 "-16'/>" DIAMETER 

Let AIITOE 

ETEK $50.00 

$81.50 

HARD HITTING PROMO IDEA—Looking for an appropriate promotional 

new film is a hilarious comedy featuring 

the talents of Cheech and Chong. It has 

left them rolling in the aisles in playdates 

elsewhere. Free tickets were given away 

over the air to radio listeners for the Saturday 

(23) midnight showing at the Dubinsky 

Bros. Riviera Theatre. 

Robert Edwards, Universal regional accounting 

manager from Dallas, was in visiting 

the Universal exchange here the week 

of Monday (11) through Friday (15). 

Visiting from New York the same week 

was Carl Olson. United Artists division 

manager Long. UA contract 

. 

clerk, recently took two weeks off to, as 

she put it, "stay home and recuperate." 

Morrie Birnbaum, Columbia branch man- 

The merriest 

Christmas trailers 

of them all! 

PRODUCIION) 

konda Theatre here. The picture carries a 

religious message. 

Filmrow welcomed Bob Hutte who owns 

the Leon Theatre in Leon, Iowa. He lives in 

Big Springs, Tex. 

Noel Nosseck is directing "Dreamer" 

from a screenplay by James Proctor, Larry 

Bischof and William Witliff. 


NaUonol organization wonts to hire one good 

theatre supply management trainee for this 

orca—theatre supply soles, theatre management 

and/or tcchnicol experience in theatre 

operations o real plus for this position 

good starting salary—excellent bonus pold 

for outstanding performance—cor—trove! expenses— 

hospitalization and tine retirement 

plan. Coll collect, (212) 245-6900 or send 

resume to: Don Miller 

16( 

Ne 

P S lôu con also see me of the New Vor* 

NATO Convention. 


NC-1

. . . The 

I 

z-^ 

y 

1 

M I N N E A P O L I S 

Jennie Man!.k, cashier at the United Artists 

* 

branch here, now is Mrs. Jim Scrakos. 

Their wedding and reception—described by 

all as "beautiful"—was highlighted by a 

dinner-dance at the Calhoun Beach Club 

24 hours a dav. MTS Northwest says: "We 

arc now the finest full-staffed full-service 

theatre dealer in this area and also carry 

the largest 'on hand' parts and supply m- 

ritory saturation for the Robby Benson picture 

"One on One." with 60 prints working 

the Twin Cities, North Dakota, South Dnkota 

and Wisconsin. 

Denny Lutz, 20th Century-Fox branch, 

flew to a union in conclave Fort Lauderdale, 

Fla. . . . Meanwhile, Don Palmquist, 

20th Century-Fox branch office manager, 

and his wife Bee, and Jack Kelvie, Northwest 

Theatre Corp. buyer-booker and owner 

of Viking Films, and his wife Evie. scurried 

off to Milwaukee. Reason for the Labor 

Day weekend jaunt: Word that thiee 

new restaurants had opened in Suds City. 

The two couples ate their way through the 

trio of dining spots— Fisherman's Wharf, 

Pieces of Eight and Norbie Baker—and 

(between moulhfuls) pronounced ail of 

them "excellent." It was a triple-decked 

birthday party for the Palmquists. Their 

birth dates arc within three days of each 

other—and they celebrated at each stop. 

Walt Badger, United Artists 

branch bois. 

flew to Boston as pari of his vacation travels 

Variety Club fiolf Day here was 

a resounding success. There were 136 in attendance. 

jTm Ellis of the Carisch Theatre 

the top winner of the event, held 

circui; 

(8) at the Minnesota Valley Country 

Frida> 

Club.' 

answered 

Filnirow visitors: Bob Collins, Morris 

here. 

Theatre. Morris. Minn.; Bob Buckley, Falls, 

Minneapolis^ Theatre Supply and North 

Redwood Falls. Minn.: Gene Grengs. Hollywood, 

Eau Claire. Wis.; Larry DeMarce. 

west Sound Service have completed an expansion 

program designed to provide more 

DeMarce, Benson, Minn.; Leonard Novak, 

efficient service and a larger number of services 

to their customers. There now is a new 

Warren, Warren, Minn.; Ray (and son Mike) 

Vonderhaar, Tentilino Enterprises. Alexandria. 

Minn. 

corporate name—MTS Northwest. Inc.— 

and the mailing address is 51 Glenwood 

Ave.. Minneapolis, Minn. 55403. The telephone 

Lorna Hartnett, Paramount branch con- 

number— 612-335-1166— is 

tract clerk, returned from a week's vacation, 

part of which was spent here in Minneapolis-St. 

Paul and part of which was spent in 

her hometown of Howard Lake, Minn. . . . 

Grant Roseth. Rose Theatre, Underwood, 

N.D.. has joined the Northwest Theatre 

*^ . ., ' II \-M))[( iKJt; IMI'HOVl WITII>^ 

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ventory." 

Service buying-booking roster . . . Jack Ignatowicz. 

Columbia branch manager, has 

Dick Maiek, Warner Bros, branch manager, 

winged off to the West Coast Tuesday 

.set "Midnight Express" for an October 27 

(12) for a divisional sales meeting in Los 

break at the World. Southdale and Brookdale 

theatres here and at the Har-Mar Angeles . . . Meanwhile. Malek set a ter- 

Theatre, 

St. 

Paul. 

Ice Cream Parlor Featured 

In 'Harper Valley' a Hit 

rrom Mideaster.1 Edition 

LEBANON. OHIO—An old-fashioned 

ice cream parlor here can credit much ol 

its success to a cameo appearance in the 

film '"Harper Valley PTA," part of which 

was made in this city. The spot has become 

a symbol of civic pride and is the most 

successful project of a 150-member civic 

group known as Greater Lebanon. Inc. 

This group has tried several projects, including 

creating an industrial park, purchasing 

downtown offices and providing 

parking lots. The ice-cream parlor, decorated 

to reflect the charm of a turn-of-theccntury 

soda fountain, opened in 1969. 

when Greater Lebanon bought the building. 

By 1971, the civic leaders were ready to 

"throw in the sponge," as Marvin Young, 

president, said. However they rounded up 

some volunteers to work in the soda fountain 

and it continued in business. He said 

the parlor has been in the black the last two 

years, and the success is due to the tilni. 

""People come in and say they saw the 

soda fountain in the movie, and they wanted 

to see it in reality," Young said. Somelimes 

patrons get their sodas served by the 

Rev. Ronald Foulk. retired pharmacist Carl 

McKay or some other civic personage who 

is willing to help out when the regular paid 

employees arc not available. 

/,»fi/ ( lirialnitis I mil, 

SI KVK I.— IIHilUJl \I 1 

( (.lor—Tint— HAW 

-7.1 •] -7i^ J d I lt*< LHIL^T^ 

'"""agM^fs^sWîS"'-"' 

M'polis 

Sees Animals, 

'Heaven/ Bui That's II 

.VUNNhAPOl.lS— iKkei acl.oii coaiiiv 

ued moderate, a traditional status for this 

time of year. Three new arrivals received 

mixed welcomes. "Shame of the Jungle," 

an X-ratcd entry, came swinging mto 

the Skyway III Theatre with a 230. "Lets 

Make a Dirtv Movie" in three bows 

found a light 100. "Warlords of Atlantis" 

in an eight-screen spread was an in-andout 

70."^ ""National Lampoon's Animal 

House" remained robust with a 530 in a 

fifth lap. And "Heaven Can Wait" was an 

angelic 390 in an 11th week at the Park. 


Academy. Movies at Burnsville-ôming 

Attractions {Nat".-Amer:can). ^nd wk, ^ 

- 

Edina I Terrac—Revenge ol the Pink Ponthat 

(UA),' 8lh -.r. 

'« 

.. v 

Edina II—Cat and Mouse ..:• • - » 

Hopkins, Slcy v. . . : Foul Play .• _ 

:.. wc _ 155 

Mov.es at B-.:r 

•. r.^Who U Stop the 

" 

Rain (UA! ;,"t" 'i: oS 

Park—Heaven Con Wo.l . i). 11th wk 390 

SkÎl.^SHan,eo.,.e,ungU. 

__ 

t'^^rf;^". Lcuro Ma;sNS^f,;^^wk-::.ao 

3 theatres—Lets Make a Dirty Mot.. ^Group I). 

^^ 

.'.1- • 

4 theatres—Hooper wk ... -.._.-— ^^. j25 

4 Iheotres—The Inheritance S J. tofl). 2nd wk. -.110 

6 theatres—Go Tell the Spartans (Avco), 

^ 

8 ihcalTes—Warlords of Allontis (Col). Isii wit. ..-. 70 

Mall Merchants Show Free 

Films to Boost Business 

CiRAM) ISl AM). MB— Since luesday 

(5) Concstog.i \I.ill merchants here 

have been providing free films at 10 a.m. 

Tuesdays. The reason, they announced in a 

recent issue of the Heartland Advertiser. 

was to say "thank you" to their customers. 

Due to limited seating, the free films are 

available on a first-come, firstto 

400 .iduits. 

L'd 

basis 

200 Deaf Youngsters See 

Special 'Star Wars' Print 

OM.^HA— 1 wo hundred deal youngsters 

recentlv spent a day at a special showing of 

20th Cenlurv-Fox's "Star Wars"' here, it was 

reported in the Sund.i\ World-Herald Magazine. 

Officials at ihe film studio said th.-y cannot 

remember a previous film with an English 

soundtrack and English suhtilles. This 

film print is Ihe only one of its type in 

America, they said. 

old 

set 

can International has acquired Harbins' 

Dreams •• Die First" and has 

Ro 

Rol- 

M S. Nesion to produce. 

HAWAII 

f 

11N»^ 

Ki» r lowirs Hotel 

lirSl.\IXS» l.\ 

will 11 Muiioiiu- li' WiiiklUi 

(lou'l lilies till- ^lllll

CENTURY 

nowdoes it 

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care ever. 



time. 




-designed as 

-packaged and 

shipped as 

— or write: 


See your 


b 



Des Moines Theatre Supply Co. 

nOO High St. 

Des Moines, Iowa 50309 

Phone: (515) 243-6520 

Harry Mekher Enterprises 

3607-15 West Fond Du Loc Ave. 

P.O. Box 16528 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53216 

Phone: (414) 422-5020 

BOXOFTICE :: September 25, 1978 

Minneapolis Theatre Supply Co. 

51 Glenwood Ave. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 

Phone: (612) 335-1166 

Slipper Theatre Supply, Inc. 

1502 Davenport Street 

Omaha, Nebrasko 68102 

Phone: (402) 341-5715 

NC-3

WPCt THEATRE SUPPLY, INC. 

S/Cpp 

1502 Davenport Street • Omaha. Nebraska 68102 

Phone 402/341-5715 

D.V. SILVER SENSOR., INC., 

has selected SLIPPER THEATRE SUPPLY, INC.. to be their sole representative and/or distributor in the 

theatre iield, for distributing a new product: 

"SILVER SENSOR " 

The purpose of this product is to provide a more reliable, and easier way to apply means of cueing the 

film, for automated theatres. 

"SILVER SENSOR " 

is made from pure SILVER, which has very high electrical conductivity. 

SILVER SENSOR" 

will be available in 1/2 troy ounce bottles with an applicator brush in the cap. The product is used 

by brushing onto the film, wherever the old-fashioned sensing tape was previously used. 

"SILVER SENSOR" 

dries ready for use in 40 seconds; and, it can be removed in 15 seconds. The inventor of this product 

states that "it can be run over 2,000 times, on 35-16 and 8 MM projectors, without 'defecting,' and it outperforms 

sensing tape in all respects." 

SILVER SENSOR" 

orders are now being accepted for October first delivery. Dealer inquiries arc welcome. 

S£USOR

CLEVELAND 

Jûssell W'intner, a movie mogul in 

his own 

right, reports that National Drive-In 

Theatres has been changed to National 

Theatre Corp. Also that their Great Lakes 

Theatre is in the process of conversion to a 

five-plex from a twin and the Avon Lake 

from a single to a quad. 

Blair Mooney, Cooperative Theatres of 

Ohio, is recuperating from surgery. He is 

expected to return to his busy office routine 

any day. 

Earl and Nancy Weiss, Selected Theatres, 

are enjoying their beautiful new home 

and eagerly infanticipating! Earl opened 

"Shame of the Jungle" at multiple theatres 

Friday (22). The name has just been changed 

from "Tarzoon, Shame of the Jungle." 

A large and appreciative audience viewed 

Paramounfs "Death on the Nile" this week 

at the tradescreening. Your correspondent 

was a captive audience: she had been in 

Aswan, Egypt, during the filming and had 

met a few of the stars, including Simon 

MacCorkindale. The cameramen really captured 

the grandeur of Egypt with all of its 

majesty and history. 

Case Western University Film Society is 

again presenting a series of distinguished 

films, judging by its potpourri of selections. 

Many of the films are favorites which have 

played here successfully before, but included 

in the fall series also are seven movies 

having their Cleveland premieres. The first 

premiere Saturday (30) is of "Iphigenia" 

(Greece. 1977), subtitled, directed by 

Michael Cacovannis and starring Irene 

Papas. The second premiere will take place 

October 15 and is "Coup de Grace" (Germany, 

1977), subtitled, directed by Volker 

Schlondorff and starring Margarethe Von 

Trotta and Mathias Hablich. In addition 

to the Tuesday-Friday-Saturday series, there 

is a free Sunday afternoon program titled 

"Mirth of a Nation" which concentrates on 

the American comic cinema. 

Another You Are Cabaret actor. Jack 

Milo, recently has been awarded his Equity 

card and also the title role in the student 

performances of Great Lakes Shakespeare 

Festival's "In the Troublesome Reign of 

King John." Next spring he is going to 

New York for a part in the off-Broadway 

production of "Murder at the Last Resort." 

Ken Feit, "Itinerant Fool," was in residence 

at Oberlin College through Sunday 

(24). He offered lectures and demonstrations 

in mime, puppetry, clowning, sign 

language, storytelling and the traditions of 

the fool. Feit's Oberlin residency was 

sponsored by Forum Board, Assemblies 

Committee. Student Union Programming 

Committee, Campus Ministry and the Inter-Arts 

Program. 

WMMS-FM will be giving away tickets 

to an exclusive Tuesday (26) premiere of a 

new film starring Cheech and Chong called 

"Up in Smoke." 

Archie Rothman's "Sound Machine" on 

WHK Radio will feature a thriller aJid a 

comedy. The thriller will be Arch Obler's 

"The Cat Wife," a "Lights Out" chiller. 

The comedy will be Mel Brooks' "Archy 

and Mehitabel" by Don Marquis. 

Gene Murphy, secretary-treasurer of 

Operators Union Local 160, called to announce 

that Jim Riley, present business 

representative, was nominated and elected 

without any opposition as secretary-treasurer 

of lATSE. Jim will reside in New 

York in his new prestigious position. Dick 

Landis is president of Local 160 in Cleveland. 

Kaleyediscope is the name of an unusual 

company which hosted a media preview of 

its services this week. The company has 

combined three photographic talents—Janet 

Macoska, Stephanie Janis and Anastasia 

Pantsios—to provide rock music and photographic 

services to periodicals and the music 

industry. Their work has appeared in 

Rolling Stone and Billboard, the bibles of 

popular music. A display of Kaleyediscope 

photographs at the Gregorie Gallery was 

very well received. 

Jack Nitzsche will compose and arrange 

the music for "Hardcore." 

Premiere to Be Pari 

Of University Series 

AKRON, OHIO—A consortium of University 

of Akron and community groups is 

sponsoring a film scries of 33 movies, with 

an admission price of $1 a person for nearly 

all of the films. First offering was Friday 

(15) at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of "The 

Diary of Anne Frank," starring Shelley Winters, 

at the John S. Knight Auditorium of 

the University of Akron. Most of the other 

films will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays 

through May 25. This will include a world 

premiere the final night. 

Highlights of the scries 

include: "The Kid 

Brother," with Harold Lloyd, Friday (22); 

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail," October 

13; "The Seventh Seal," directed by 

Ingmar Bergman, October 27; "Hearts and 

Minds," a documentary on the Vietnam 

War, December 1; "To Kill a Mockingbird," 

starring Gregory Peck, December 15. 

Also, "The Best Years of Our Lives," 

January 12; "The Great Dictator," with 

Charlie Chaplin, March 2; "Singin' in the 

Rain," with Gene Kelly, March 9; "King of 

Hearts," with Alan Bates, March 23; "The 

Turning Point," with Anne Bancroft and 

Shirley MacLaine. April 13; "Limelight," 

with Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, 

April 20; "Catch-22," May 11, and "A 

Man and a Woman," a French film directed 

by Claude LeLouch, May 18. 

The world premiere is "Ohio: The Glory 

and the Dream," consisting of three films 

about Ohio's contributions during wars and 

expressions of concern by its citizens. This 

film was produced at the University of Akron 

under a grant to the Center for Peace 

Studies from the Ohio Program for the Humanities. 

There will be no admission charge 

for the premiere showing. 

'Caesar' Meets 'Cleopatra' 

From Southeastern Edition 

NEW ORLEANS — A double-bill 

AIP's "Black Caesar" and Warner Bros.' 

"Cleopatra Jones" is a hot item here, earning 

$30,825 its first two weeks of an exclusive 

run. The program is being held over. 

of 

*^ WATCH PROJECTION IMPROVE WITH 

>J 

^ V3 V 

^J, C3*tn^t^na^ 

COLOfi 

ond^ 

.'WERCHA^4T 

ThRalrp EquHimfnt Supply Decile 

TECHNIKOTEcoRP 

63 Seabr.ny St , Bcooklyn, N Y 11231 (2121624 6429 

FILMACR STUDIOS.I1NC 

is 60605 312-427-339J 

BOXOFFICE ;: September 25, 1978 

ME-1

— 

// Lawyers Are Frustrated Actors, 

Here's One Who May Get His Chance 

From Canadian Edition 

WINDSOR—Gar>' P. Deeb and his associates 

will be tickled pink if their new 

theatre project, bringing live stage shows 

to the Birmingham Theatre in Birmingham, 

Mich., can attract audiences from a wide 

area—including Canada, reports Harry Van 

Vugt, writing in the Windsor Star. He goes 

on to say: 

The drive from downtown Windsor is 23 

miles—the distance to their Birmingham 

Theatre, a 51 -year-old one-time vaudeville 

house that has been revived as a legitimate 

theatre with a S250.000 facelift. 

The partners find themselves in the show 

industry partly to protect their other real 

estate investments. Their theatre already has 

housed a cabaret-style series earlier this 

year. And in the offing are a "Broadway 

Comes to Birmingham" series and a dance 

package. 

Deeb, a partner in a real estate investment 

firm owning a sizeable chunk of land 

in Birmingham, including the theatre, says 

the Broadway package is budgeted at a 

little less than $500,000. 

Surprise in Store 

People in the business have told him to 

expect the venture to be in the red for 

between 18 and 36 months. He'd just love 

to mastermind a surprise for them. 

"I am working very diligently to fool all 

of the experts," says the 33-year-old Decb, 

who shifted into the theatre game from a 

career as a lawyer where he specialized in 

real estate law. 

A real estate transaction sparked the evolution 

of the Birmingham Theatre plans. 

Central Park Properties, in which Decb is 

involved (along with Ernest and Ted Fuller), 

consumatcd a deal last year that gave 

it about 50 per cent of Birmingham's business 

district. 

"When wc purchased the property, the 

Birmingham Theatre was a movie house," 

explains Decb. 

Controversy Over Sex 

The sex revue "Oh. Calcutta!" played at 

the theatre and created a controversy. Word 

was that skin flicks and live nude shows 

might follow 

Deeb says the story prompted their group 

into action to protect their real estate investment—and 

"the best interests of the City 

of Birmingham." 

Yes. the tenant would vacate but the 

group would have to buy the Bloomfield 

Theatre as part of the deal. 

"We woke up one morning and found in 

our possession two movie theatres." says 

Dceb. 

What to do? 

"It happened really unexpectedly. We 

strongly felt that there was a need for additional 

quality theatre in the area. Since 

wc had the facility and we are business 

people, it would be beneficial from a business 

standpoint for us." 

Besides, there's that saying about lawyers, 

that they're really frustrated actors in the 

first place. Decb is a realist. He knows he's 

in a field dominated locally by the Fisher 

Theatre, run by the powerful Ncdcrlandcr 

clan with legitimate stages across the U.S. 

But he figures another theatre in the area 

is going to give a boost to all operators, instead 

of disintegrating into a bidding war 

for shows and cut-throat competition for 

customers. 

Competition is Different 

"Theatres don't compete in the sense that 

other businesses might compete against each 

other," says Deeb confidently. And he anticipates 

nothing but amicable relations with 

the Nederlanders. 

"The opening of the Birmingham Theatre. 

I would hope, is with their blessing, 1 

do not feel that they view us with any 

negative reaction whatsoever. 

"I look forward to being able to work 

with them on a mutual basis toward achieving 

the same goal—that is, promoting theatre." 

Decb also knows Birmingham is considered 

an exclusive suburb and that he's going 

to have to knock down some of those 

psychological barriers to bring in customers 

to fill the 1.234-scat house. 

"People come to Birmingham from all 

over Michigan, and I'm sure from Canada. 

Ill shop. lo :ittciKl (.iilliiral events, to cat at 

the restaurants and just basically to walk up 

and down the streets. 

'Not a Snobbish Theatre' 

"We are not trving to make this a snobbish 

type of a theatre house. We are trying 

to make this a house that will be available 

to everyone and afforded by everyone." 

Deeb is offering a 15-per-cent reduction 

on Canadian orders for season tickets to 

sweeten the pot. 

The Broadway package has attracted 

2.000 subscribers, a figure Deeb finds encouraging 

for an initial campaign. (Each 

show will run for two weeks with eight 

performances a week.) 

The cabaret series showed him some 

people figure the drive to Birmingham is 

worth it. "We have found people from as 

far as Lansing. Toledo. Saginaw and parts 

of Canada. 

"We learn something new every day. 

We'll only make a mistake once in any 

given area." Deeb said. 

Ohio Refuses to Give 

Money for TV Special 

COl.LMBLS— Request that the state ot 

Ohio contribute 515.000 to help finance 

the nationally televised 50th anniversary 

celebration of the Ohio Theatre in downtown 

Columbus was turned down, with one 

member of the state controlling board. Sen. 

Harry Meshcl, Youngstown. calling the request 

"pure nonsense." He said he would 

prefer that the money help the poor or 

elderly, rather than "millionaire movie 

stars." 

The event is expected to cost SI. 200.000. 

with NBC and private producers to put up 

almost $1,100,000 for the special to be filmed 

from the stage of the Ohio, featuring 

Bob Hope and Elizabeth Taylor, according 

to Wayne I.awson. director of the Ohio 

.^^ts Council, who made the request. 

Officials of the theatre raised SI 05.000, 

but still need 515,000, Lawson said. The 

sp>eciars producers have stipulated that 

5120,000 must be contributed locally. Lawson 

said the committee will seek to raise 

the money from other sources, and the rejection 

will not delay the celebration, originally 

planned for earlier in 1978. 

The special will K- aired in l.ite November 

or early December. 

jSprOEN 

RiNGOLD THEAUtE 

Sales 

Stock 

Service 

Serving Michigan and Ohio 

EOVIPMENT CO. 

962 OtiBwa. N.W. . Gf«nd R apidt, Michigan 49503 • (616)454*852 

29625 FoffJ Road . Garden City, M.chnjon 48135 • 1313) 522 4650 


National organization wants to Wire one good 

tlicatrc supply monogcmcnt trainee tor this 

area—^thcotrc supply soles, theatre monogcment 

ond/or technical experience in theatre 

operations a real plus for this position 

good starting solary—excellent bonus poid 

tor outstanding performance—car^tra»cl expenses- 

hospitalization ond fine retirement 

plan Coil collect, (212) 245 6900 or send 

resume to Dan Miller 

1600 Broodwoy 


P S You oin aho se

CENTURY 

nowdoes it 

AUin 





as "1 ", In place as "1 ". An entirely 


ease. 






care ever. 



time. 




-designed as 

-packaged and 

shipped as 

— or write: 

-installed as C- 

See your 



* 


Ringold Theatre Equipment Co. 

952 Ottawa, N.W, 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 

Phone: (616) 454-8852 

29525 Ford Rood 

Garden City, Michigon 48135 

Phone: (313) 522-4650 


Hadden Theatre Supply Co. 

3709 Hughes Road 

Louisville, Kentucky 40205 

Phone: (502) 896-9578 

Moore Theatre Equipment Co 

213 Delaware Ave. (P.O. Box 782) 

Charleston, West Virginia 25323 

Phone: (304) 344-4413 

Ohio Theatre Supply Co. 

2108 Payne Avenue 

Clevelond, Ohio 44114 

Phone: (216) 771-6545 


11695 Chestcrdole Road 

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 

Phone: (513) 772-0189 

ME-3

1 

Josh Logan Doing Double 

Duty on Promotion Tour 

CLEVELAND— Producer Josh Log.iii 

was in town doing double dutv. Ho is here 

to publicize his new 

book. "More Stars. 

Real People and Mc." 

and he will be the 

speaker at the sixth 

annual luncheon for 

the Woodward Hospital, 

which treats 

psychiatric and alcoholic 

disorders. 

J Logan, who has 

- been the victim of this 

Josh Logan type of illness himself, 

states that he has been helped by 

lithium but he to hastens add he cannot 

recommend the medication for others. 

•That is a job for a doctor," he says. 

•There is no business like show business." 

Logan believes. •'! don't know about 

depressives. but half the people in it are 

manic. The great thing about the industry 

is that if you have something to offer. 

you are accepted." 

He started his career at the beginning of 

the Depression with the University Players 

in New York. '•! was sharing an apartment 

with James Stewart and Henry Fonda." 

he said. "We were all struggling for 

work." 

Logan has obtained the rights to a book 

set in Australia called "Careful. He Might 

Hear You" about two aunts bickering as 

YES 

*', 

There is another booking and 

/, buying agency in the Cleveland. 

/f Cincinnati, and Detroit exchanges. 

Jj 

I 

Jj 

»' 

Contact: 

Total Theatrical 

Services. Inc., 

1351/2 North Main Street 

'/ Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402 

'i (419) 352-1618 or 352-5195 

Two Kansas City Film 

Series Are Launched 

F.-oai C^n-.rci! EdiUC; 

KANSAS CITY—Two major film 

series 

were launched here last week, the Friends 

of Art Critics' Choice Film Series and the 

1978-79 Classic Film Series presented by 

the Nelson Gallery and Atkins Museuni. 

which is subtitled "Rediscovering American 

Cinema: Great Films. Great Stars, 

Great Directors." Both programs were 

planned by Dr. James K. Loutzenhiser. 

eminent Kansas City psychiatrist, nationally 

known author, film buff and president 

of the Kansas City Film Critics' Circle. 

The kickoff offering at the gallery Sunday 

(10) was a two-film — package of Katharine 

Hepburn starrers "•A Woman Rebels" 

(1936) and "Quality Street" (1937). 

The remainder of the program, presented 

Sunday afternoons at 2:10 p.m. in the At- 

ter Tears"; Tuesday (26). "Mother Kusters 

Goes to Heaven," and October 3. "The 

American Soldier." all directed by Raincr 

Werner Fassbidner. 

Chaplin Films Planned 

The remainder of the schedule follows: 

October 10, "Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the 

HADDEN Zrf 

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

Making Films Sound Belter 

nm DOLBY SYSTEM f^^y 

Noise Beducllon 

High Fidolily 

Year 2000," directed by Alain Tanner; 

October 17, "Four Nights of a Dreamer." 

directed by Robert Bresson; October 24, 

•Cousin Angelica," directed by Carlos 

Saura; October 31, "Charles—Dead or 

Alive. directed by Alain Tanner; November 

" 

7, ".Adalen 31," directed by Bo Widerberg; 

November 14. "The Great Dictator." 

directed by Charles Chaplin; November 

21, "City Lights." directed by Charles 

Chaplin, and November 28. ••Wings." directed 

by William Wellman. 

This series is screened at 7:30 p.m. in 

the Atkins Auditorium. Nelson Gallery 

(east entrance on Rockhill Road). Admission 

charge for members is S5 for a scries 

of four, or SI. 50 for a single showing. 

Prices for nonmembers arc S7 for a series 

of four, or single admissions at S2. Reservations 

must be made through the Friends 

of Art office. 4525 Oak. Kansas City. Mo. 

64111. 

Canton Film Society Sets 

Free 14-Picture Series 

CANTON. OHIO—The Canton Film So- 

kins Auditorium with no admission charge 

and open to the public, follows: 

DeMille, LeRoy Featured 

October 29. "Madame Satan" (1930). directed 

sponsored by the Stark County District 

ciety, 

scheduled 14 films 

DeMille; November 26. 

by Cecil B. 

Library, has free 

"The Women" (1939). directed by George 

months, shown at 7:30 p.m. 

Cukor; December 10. two films with Lorctta 

Young, "Employee's Entrance" (1923). 

in the ne.xt few 

on various weeknights in the North Branch 

was Thursday (14). 

library. First offering 

directed by Roy Del Ruth, and "Life Begins" 

by Elliott Jugent; 

when ••Wedding in White." directed by William 

(1932). directed Fruet. and the Canadian film "Sand 

January 14. •'Three on a Match." (1932). 

Castles." a prize-winning short, were 

directed by Mervyn LcRoy, and "Three 

shown. 

Men on a Horse" (1936). also directed by 

The other offerings scheduled are: "The 

LeRoy: February 18. "Kings Row" (1942). 

Young and the Innocent." directed by .Mfred 

Hitchcock. Thursday (21); "True Hcirt 

which of them should bring up a sixyear-old. 

to 

directed by Sam Wood; March 4. ''Bluebeard's 

"If can find the right actress. 

I 

Eighth Wife" (1938). directed by 

Griffith. Thurs- 

I'd like to produce it." he said. 

Susie." directed by D.W. 

Ernst Lubitsch. and "Devil and the Deep" 

At the luncheon. Logan was asked 

day (28); "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." 

to 

(1932). directed by Marion Gering; April 

sign a copy of his book for a young person 

October 16; "Day of Wrath," October 26. 

22, ••The Man Who Laughs" (1928). directed 

by Paul Lcni (silent, with musical 

and four short films by John Huston, Buster 

Keaton. Orson Welles and Satyajii Ray. 

considering the theatre as his career. •'This 

is what I usually write for people thinking 

soundtrack), and May 20. "Imitation of 

of going into the theatre." Logan said: " November 2. 

'If 

Life" (1934). directed by John M. Stahl. 

planned arc "Judge Priest" with 

anything tries to stop you from going into The Friends of Art series was launched 

" 

the theatre— let it!' 

Tuesday (12) with the Wim Wenders-dirccted 

.Also 

Will 

film 

Rogers 

"I Live 

November 

in Fear." 

16; 

November 

the Japanese 

30, and 

"The American Friend." Upcoming 

"Peter Rabbit and the Tales of Beatrix 

features include: Tuesday (19). "The Bit- 

Potter." a British version of the children's 

classic, December 18. 

Imagery Films has acquired rights to 

•Tizwin." scheduled for production late next 

winter. 

C L\EKA9IA IS WX SHdW 

HI'SL\ESK L\ ILtWAII T«M^ 

When yini conic lo Walklkl. 

ilun't luKs the famous 1 >«'n 1 

Shi)W...ut Clucniiua'^ 

Reef Towers Ilc.tcl. 

Ki:ivF • W.MKIKI 1« •« IK 1 11 II 1 1 H I 1 I 

f 

Jj 29001 Cedar Road #302, 

/J 

Lyndhurat, Ohio 44124 

i (21G) 461-7290 or 461-7974 

*', 

We're 2, We Try Harder 




KENTUCKY INDIANA AREA 

(502) 896-9578 


We can handle it! 

Alls.. ^^^^ MOORE THEATRI 

S'l'nd "^^ EQUIPMENT CO. 

lepolrj" 213 Dolawate Ave. 

P.O. Box 782 

Coll: ChatloHlon, W. Va. 

(304) 344-4413 25323 

ME-4 

BOXOFTICE: :: .Vplcinlx-t 25, l'>7

— 

SPRINGFIELD 

^êstcrn Massachusetts premieres included 

Columbia's "The Buddy Holly Story," 

plus a reprise of United Artists' "One Flew 

Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (backed by a 

large-scale cooperative ad campaign for 

playdates including Mahawic, Great Barrington; 

Toad Hall, Lenox: Academy. 

Northampton: Cinema X, Springfield, and 

Riverdale underskyer, West Springfield). 

Western Massachusetts entertainment bid 

farewell to the last survivor of the worldfamed 

Floradora Girls. Isabelle (Carroll) 

Coffman, 97, who appeared with the troupe 

for decades, died in a suburban Springfield 

nursing home. As a 19-year-old. she had 

joined the 75-member song and dance 

troupe on tours of the U.S.. Canada and 

Hawaii, and when the Floradora Girls 

ceased to exist, she married Joseph Coffman. 

They toured in vaudeville as Coffman 

& Carroll, providing comedy, song and 

dance. They ended their career in 1930 on 

the same bill with George Burns and Grade 

Allen, Milton Berle and Fred Allen. 

Continuing attractions in the region included 

the 20th-Fox reprise of "Star Wars," 

Universal's reprise of "Smokey and the 

Bandit," Buena Vista's "Hot Lead and Cold 

Feet," Paramount's "Foul Play" plus 

"Grease" plus "Heaven Can Wait," Columbia's 

"The Cheap Detective" plus "Eyes of 

Laura Mars," Warner Bros.' "Hooper," 

United Artists' "Revenge of the Pink Panther," 

Universal's "Jaws 2" plus "National 

Lampoon's Animal House" and others. 

Elisha Cook jr., now 74 and marking 

his 34th year in motion pictures, talked 

about his most famous role, as Wilmar 

Cook, the baby-faced gunsel with an itch 

to rub out Humphrey Bogart in Warner 

shutting down to rehearse the scene for a 

day and a half. 

"Jack Warner came down to the stage," 

Cook continued, "to say nobody was shutting 

down one of his pictures for a day 

and a half. Huston remained firm, and he 

shot the scene in one take of 950 feet. 

There were only 50 feet left in the magazine. 

That's ten minutes of film, more than 

three day's work." 

A typical Randolph Scott on-the-set story 

was remembered by actor Lee Marvin in a 

Washington Post News Service dispatch to 

the Springfield Newspapers: "There was a 

flaming stagecoach in one scene, racing 

along while the cameras rolled in the driver's 

seat. Holding the reins sat the stuntman 

while 20 yards away, sitting in a canvas 

chair, sat Scott, all dressed in his cowboy 

outfit, with legs crossed, reading the 

Wall Street Journal." 

Ernie Emerling Recalled as Paradigm 

Of Exhibition Promoters of Days Past 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

HARTFORD—A mid-wcck phone call 

from Ernie Emerling. retired vice-president 

of advertising and public relations for Loews 

Theatres in New York, evoked a flood of 

memories of a time and a tempo in exhibition 

promotion emulated but never fully 

duplicated in the 1970s. 

A lot of the national circuit promotion 

people of Emerling's era are gone from the 

scene—retired, into other fields, dead. Lm 

thinking in particular of Harry Goldberg, 

from Warner Bros. Theatres, and a flock of 

others whose Monday-through-Friday objective 

(and a passle of other time ruminations) 

was to put their circuit, its people 

and its product in the best possible light. 

Best 

Foot Was Forward 

But the national people—most especially 

Ernie Emerling—functioning at full throttle 

25 years ago reflected the best-foot-forward 

tenets of the business. Emerling's department, 

then on an upper floor on Broadway 

in New York, churned out one of the 

most-read, most-quoted services to entertainment 

editors in the country, "Movie 

Memo." It was a compilation of notes, 

quotes and anecdotes provided by newspaper 

folks. Indicative of the latter-day atmosphere 

of journalism, perhaps, Don Baker, 

Emerling's able and astute successor at 

Loews Theatres, tells me that insufficient 

contributions from the field triggered a 

winnowing down of publication times to 

the phase-out of "Movie Memo." 

What kind of a promoter was ihc energetic, 

ebullient Emerling? He could phone 

an editor in just about any Loews Theatres 

city and call him by his first name. He 

Bros.' "The Maltese Falcon," in an Associated 

Press dispatch appearing in the Morning 

Union: "That was John Huston's 

studied newspapers—not just entertainment 

pages, either—.seeking to determine a rationale 

first 

as far as providing suggestions to 

picture as a director," Cook recalled. "The 

scene I remember best was when we were 

all in the same room—Bogart, Mary Astor, 

aid an entertainment editor's daily groping 

for suitable material. If he saw an idea in 

layout in one newspaper, he would 

city's 

Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Lee Patrick 

and myself. Huston announced he was 

mail a tearsheet to a newspaper editor in 

another town. The thought was to be helpful, 

and not just to "sell" Loews Theatres. 

One thing the Emerlings, the Goldbergs 

and th; Brownings of more than a generation 

had going in their favor, of course, was 

the vast array of "name" personalities, available 

for key-city tours. This, most assuredly, 

was during a time of long-term contracts. 

.•\n MGM player for example, knew that 

there were so many years involved with 

lucrative work and, hence, pitched in willingly 

to help a film opening far from the 

so-called "Top Ten Cities." 

Edward Arnold showed up in Norwich. 

Conn., when Loews Poli-New England Theatres 

opened what was to be the last newly 

built circuit outlet in the New England 

states. 

Edward Arnold in Norwich? Not an unusual 

event in the annals of Ernie Emerling. 

Time and again, as the nation's press 

flew into New York for world premieres. 

hosted by varied and sundry film distribution 

interests. Emerling would appear at 

cocktail receptions and the like, not to flaunt 

the presence of one of the most prestigious 

theatre circuits in the country but, rather, to 

renew one-to-one acquaintances with newspaper 

men and women from Loews cities. 

I can remember going out to the Emerling 

house in Great Neck, Long Island, and 

hearing one of the Emerling daughters tell 

Dad that a Loews manager had called 

from Pittsburgh, from Kansas City, from 

St. Louis. And at nine or ten o'clock at 

night, hours after his work day had formally 

ended, there was Ernie Emerling talking 

by phone, advising, suggesting. 

What kind of loyalty did Ernie Emerling 

instill in the Loews Theatres promotion 

staff? I was part of an international press 

contingent assembled at then Idlewild International 

Airport in New York, bound for 

West Berlin and the world premiere of 

Stanley Kramer's "Judgement at Nuremberg" 

some years ago. Emerling's aide Don 

Baker, on vacation from his New York 

office, came through the terminal to say 

"Hi" to Loews Theatres-city newspapermen. 

Came From Ohio 

Emerling came out of Ohio to work for 

Oscar A. Doob at Loews Theatres and 

quickly moved up the executive ladder. This 

was in the day of Loew's. Inc.. with ownership-operation 

of both MGM and the theatre 

circuit under one roof. Howard Dietz 

was vice-president for advertising and publicity 

for the film company. The tandem 

promotion was reflected with impact and 

incisiveness. 

On occasion he trekked to the MGM Studios 

in Culver City, Calif., to screen new 

product and confab with studio promotion 

people. Years later, as Loews split. MGM 

becoming a separate entity, and the theatre 

combine assuming a new corporate identity, 

Ernie Emerling's interests encompassed the 

fast-expanding hotel developments. 

When the company opened a spanking 

new hotel, the Summit, on New York's Lexington 

Avenue, the redoubtable Emerling 

was there, greeting ir-town and out-of-town 

press. It was, in essence, a new ball game 

for a man trained in exhibition, but he accepted 

the formidable challenge with alacrity 

and aplomb. 

If any word can best characterize the 

promotion folks of the Emerling era it is 

stability—stability that deserves commendation. 

A visitor to Loews headquarters on 

Broadway in New York could sense the 

professionalism amid the quietude. Men like 

Joseph R. Vogcl. himself a Loews circuit 

man for many years, and Emerling had the 

utmost respect for the talents of their promotion 

people and accorded them the backing 

and the budgets necessary to indeed enhance 

and establish the thinking encompassed 

in the slogan, "Loews Iheatres 

Evervwhere!" 

BOXOFFICE :: .September 25, 1978 NE-1

! 

1 

. . Same 

RHODE ISLAND 

Thii has lo be the >car lor Bun Reynolds 

as well as John Travolta. Peter Sellers 

and Warren Beatly. Warner Bros." Hooper." 

in which Reynolds registers one of his 

strongest delineations in years, has been 

generating boxoffice trade well above fondest 

expectations. Travolta's "Saturday Night 

Fever" proved that young stalwarts audience 

appeal, and now "Grease." a second 

Paramount release, is churning up superlative 

grosses. United Artists" "Revenge of 

the the latest Sellers Pink Panther." romp 

Inspector Jacques Clouseau. and Beatty's 

as 

Paramount sIceFcr, "Heaven Can Wait." 

have done far beyond anticipated grosses. 

with still no discernible sign of attendance 

slacking off. 

Redslone Theatres' Showcase 5, Seekonk. 

hosted regional premiere of Lone Star Pictures 

International's "Secrets." which stars 

Jacqueline Bisset. Also new in the territory 

were April Fools Films' "Harper Valley 

PTA," Quartet Films' "Cat and Mouse." 

Buena Vista's "Hot Lead and Cold Feet." 

Univcrsal's "National Lampoon's Animal 

House." Carnaval-New Yorker Films' 

"Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands." plus 

the saturation reprise of United Artists' 

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." and 

a flock of state's rights. X-rated releases. 

Continuing titles in the region included 

the reprise of 20lh-Fox's "Star Wars." the 

reprise of Univcrsal's "Smokey and the 

Bandit." Warner Bros.' "The Swarm" plus 

"Hooper." Columbia's "Eyes of Laura 

Mars." Buena Vista's "Hot Lead and Cold 

Feet." MGM-UA's "Corvette Summer." 

Paramount's "Grease" plus "Heaven Can 

Wait" plus "Foul Play," Univcrsal's "Jaws 

2" and United Artists' "Revenge of the Pink 

Panther" plus "Coming Home." 

. 

The Seekonk Twin Drive-In, Seekonk. has 

remodeled its snack bar underskyer 

out-paced everybody else, scheduling 

no less than si,\ full-length features in a 

"Dusk to Dawn" program ("Smokey and 

the Bandit," "Eat My Dust," "Dirty Mary 

—Crazy Larry," "Savage Lady," "Dinosaurs" 

and ".Swedish Lessons in Love").

CENTURY 

nowdoes it 

AUin 







ease. 






care ever. 



time. 



See your 


CENTURY S PROJECTOR/ REPRODUCER 

-designed as 

-packaged and 

shipped as 

— or write: 

*• 

-installed asd 

b 



Major Theatre Equipment Corp. 

28 Piedmont Street 

Boston, Mass. 02116 

Phone: (617) 542-6797 

BOXOFFICE :; September 25, 1978 

NE-3

. . The 

. . The 

1 

MAINE 

fjev* 

fcngland-. largest slate is selling for 

a unique promotion. The Paris Cinema, 

in-lown Portland, has impi-mentcd a 

•Movie Club" plan, encompassing "Bonus 

Nights." door prizes, reduced admission, 

free film showings and even free member- 

Merchants are linked to the ongoing 

ship. 

promotion, providing gifts for club members. 

Nevk- ad caption reads: "Where you're 

ihj star!" Showing United Artists' "Coming 

Home." for example, the cinema charged 

SI. 50 "for club members only" on a Wed- 

Universal's "Jaws 2," on an exclusive 

underskyer booking at the Prides Corner. 

Wcstbrook. double-billed with same distributor's 

"Airport '77." is carrying a charge of 

S6-per-carload (regardless of number of passengers) 

and at the same time offered an 

alternative plan of S2.50-per-person. Fine 

Arts, with Columbia's "The Buddy Holly 

Story." tied-up with WCSH Radio for pass 

at the University of Maine's Presque Isle 

campus. 

New altradions across the slate ineliided 

Universal's "National Lampoon's Animal 

House," April Fools Films' "Harper Valley 

PTA," Cinema Shares International's "Texas 

Detour," plus X product from state's rights 

field, "The Love Slaves," "Peach Fuzz," 

".Sweet & .Sour," "Fulfillment," "Breaker 

Beauties," "Cherry Hustlers," "Little CJirls 

Blue," "Reflections," "Exploring 'Vour 

Girls" and "My X-Rated Wife." 

Statewide, holdovers included United 

Artists' "Revenge of the Pink Panther," 

Univjrsals "Jaws 2" plus "Sgt. Pepper's 

Lonely Hearts Club Band" plus reprises 

of "Smokcy and the Bandit," "House Calls," 

"Ihc Last Remake of Beau Goste'" and 

"Airport '77," Warner Bros." "Hooper," Columbia's 

"Eyes ol Laura Mars," Buena Visla's 

"'Hot Lead and Cold Feet." Paramount's 

"I'oul Play" plus "Grease" plus 

"Heaven (an Wait" and :()lh-l'Ox"s re 

prises ol "Star W.irs"' .iiul "Daniieii -Omeii 

II' 

I he liiiMKor (iiu-inii, B.ingor, showing 

Buena Visla"s "Hot Lead and Cold Feet 

charged SI. 50 for children all day . 

The Movies, in-town Portland, brought back 

Cinema 5"s "Providence" . . . The satura- 

tion rtprise playoff of United Artists" "'One 

Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" got hefty 

teaser advertising across the state . . 

That 

introductory ad line, "Just when you 

thought it was safe to go back to the 

movies." for UA's ""Revenge of the Pink 

Panther." has been continued in sub-runs. 

The Peter Sellers starrer has generated excellent 

business, proving anew that the 

series concept in film, a la the James Bond 

adventures, can indeed develop and sustain 

extended audience appeal. 

nesday. 

Marly Meltz. Maine Sunday Telegram 

Also on an economy-pitch, the E.M. film critic, pointed up some flaws in ""National 

Lampoon's Animal l.ocw's Fine Arts Twin Cinemas, in-town 

House" in his 

Portland, have been running "Thrift Matinees" 

review, but summed up: "But guess what. 

on a daily basis. Admission is $1.50 With all these demerits. it"s still a delight- 

many places. Gross, 

for all seats. 

fully hilarious film in 

vulgar, sloppy and even demented—but funny." 

He said that Columbia's ""The Buddy 

Holly Story" is ""one of the most engaging 

little movies to mount the silver screen in 

recent years." while he characterized "Sgt. 

Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as 

"strongarm entertainment, but without memorability." 

NEW HAVEN 

distribution tied to the Thursday 10 p.m. 

. 

The 

airing of a "Buddy Holly Hour" 

Hancock County Auditorium. Ellsworth, 

screened Paramount's 1956 release. "The The just-concluded regional summer theatre 

Rose Tatoo" (Burt Lancaster, Anna Magnani). 

season pointed up a continuing upward 

admissions trend. It was noted that East 

Haddam's Goodspeed Opera House a brief 

Brewer Cinema Center 3. Brewer, showing 

Paramount's "Heaven Can Wait," Uni- 

five years ago was charging an average of 

$5.50-per-ticket. while this past summer the 

versal's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

average was $8.12. This represented a 48 

Band" and Warner Bros.' "Hooper." ran 

per cent price hike. The boost was even 

"Bargain Matinees" on a recent Saturday 

higher at Ivoryton Playhouse. Ivoryton. The 

and Sunday . . . Warner Bros.' "A Clockwork 

Orange," 1971 release co-starring 

average ran S6.25 in 1973. while I978's average 

hit $10. representing a 60 per cent 

Malcolm McDowell and Patrick Magee and 

increase. 

directed by Stanley Kubrick, was shown 

The Hoffman Bros.' Capitol, Milford. 

with subsequent-run booking of Universal's 

Jaws 

2."" double-billed with the same distributors 

""Grey Lady Down." charged 

$1.65 admission, with the tab lowered to 

99 cents to 4 p.m. Sunday Fairmount. 

New Haven adult film outlet, is 

. 

running continuous shows from 12 noon, 

Mondays through Fridays, and from 2 

p.m.. weekends . 

New Haven Register's 

Bob Eimicke had his reservations 

about United Artists' ""Who'll Stop the 

Rain." his review remarking in part; ""Based 

on "Dog Solders." the award-winning novel 

bv Robert Stone (adapted by the author 

and Judith Rascoe). "Who'll Stop the Rain' 

is an obstinate attempt lo convey a vague 

post-Vietnam situation ethic inside the restrictive 

lines and conventions o! .i l'>4(is 

adventure drama." 

The Sting' Shown Twice 

Wl I I 1 SI I Y nil I S. MASS. Univers.ils 

Ihc StJiig." l'>7? release co starling 

P.uil Newman and Robert Rcdioid. pl.i\ed 

a s|vcial two-day engagement .it ilu- (oni 

miinily Playhouse. 

BOSTON 

a world premiere was scheduled at Willie 

Dewhurst's Tri-Ciiy Cinema in Dover, 

N.H., for Tuesday (19). The picture, made 

in the Dover area and starring Arnold 

Stang and numerous local residents, is titled 

'Here Today." 

In the headlines recently was the news 

that the Gary Theatre is to be torn down. 

Originally the Plymouth Theatre, a top legitimate 

house, it has been a film theatre 

operated by Sack Theatres since 1957. The 

entire area is being torn down to make 

way for a new 15-story transportation 

building. The razing of the theatre is part of 

the plan for complete renovation of the 

downtown area now known as the "combat 

zone." 

The Sack Cheri Cinema held a sneak 

preview of Paramount's "The Boys From 

Brazil" Friday (8). The film, scheduled for 

Christmas release, stars Gregory Peck and 

Laurence Olivier. Division manager Frank 

Osborn and branch manager Marty Berman 

were present to greet the patrons personally. 

It was reported that there were so 

many eager to preview 'The Boys" that a 

second showing had to be arranged lo quiet 

the mob. 

Filmrow friends of Ed Pollard, former 

exhibitor in the up Rumford-Mexico area 

of Maine and well-known in industry circles, 

were glad to hear that he is back in action 

after a session in the hospital down in Ft. 

Lauderdale. Fla.. where he and his charming 

wife Ve are now living. 

The newly opened Nickelodeon Cinema. 

formerly the Abbey Theatre, had l.ina 

Werimuiler's ""The End of the World in Our 

Usual Bed in a Nightful of Rain"" slotted 

for a long run. It is the New England pn:- 

miere of the Italian director's effort which 

stars Candice Bergen and Giancarlo Gian- 

Rcdstone Theatres publicity director Ed 

Knudson ran a strong plug for the opening 

of "Foul Play" 

complex. In 

at the 

cooperation with MQ Radio 

Redstone Worcester 

they ran 140 promos for a "Foul Play'" 

giveaway contest. Prizes consisting of 

soundtrack albums and paperback books 

were given out five times a day. I he grand 

prize was dinner for two. tickets to see the 

film at the Showcase Cinema uul disco 

dancing afterwards. 

Phil Scott's Partriot C'incmasi has moved 

its headquarters lo the Chase Building in 

downtown Hingh.ini. 

4 l.\'fJf.\.MA IS IX SHOW 

lll'SI.\'fr:SS IS HAWAII 

f 

11M», 

When you coiiu- to Wulklkl. 

don't iiilsfi tlu- liunoiis 1 )

. 

CALGARY Quebec Film Surveillance Bureau Is 

Jâlph Zelickson. branch manager, United 

Artists, reports that the Lux Theatre 

in Banff, located in world-renowned Banff 

National Park, set a new one-day house 

record with the opening of "Revenge of 

the Pink Panther" recently. As well, the 

picture set a new weekly house record, 

grossing more than the previous recordholder, 

"Grease." This conforms to the 

pattern developed across the country by 

the latest "Pink Panther" picture. 

Astral branch manager Andy Amelio is 

looking for a girl to succeed Myra Nicsic. 

who went to Vancouver for a long weekend—and 

didn't come backl Do you suppose 

that Vancouver has stronger attraction 

than our city? . . . The Pleiades Theatre 

here opened its fall and winter season Sunday 

(3) with a film presentation of "Snow 

White and the Three Stooges." 

. 

Donna Campbell of Universal Films and 

her husband took a holiday to enjoy the 

. . Perennial 

tropical breezes in Hawaii 

favorite Bill Cosby appeared at the Jubilee 

Auditorium here Thursday (7) in a special 

concert. Also on stage with Cosby was the 

Bill Henderson Quartette and several guest 

stars. The show was produced by Irving 

Granz and presented by White Rose Productions. 

After going through several days" strike 

by Air Canada employees and the resultant 

chaos to the traveling public, it seems of 

little note that the brewers" strike is completely 

over and beer-drinking has returned 

to normal. The newest reports of strikes 

now concern the mail carriers and school 

teachers. Should the carriers go out. it 

would affect every facet of our day-to-day 

life. (Editor"s note: And we"ll drink to 

that!) 

Brian Holberton has arrived here to take 

over the position of district supervisor for 

Famous Players. Brian has been with FP 

since 1970 and has worked in various local 

and Edmonton theatres. His latest stint was 

in the Londonderry Twin in Edmonton. 

Brian is married to an Edmonton girl and 

has two children, a son. 2. and a daughter 

who is nine months old. Brian has been 

commuting between our city and Edmon- 


Busiest in the World, Member Says 

MONTREAL— Jan 

Ravensbergen recently 

wrote a profile of Quebec film classifier 

Andre Guerin. The article, which appeared 

in the Montreal Gazette, offers a unique 

glimpse behind the scenes of censorship in 

the province. We quote from it below: 

Every movie brought into Quebec—from 

obscure Italian productions by the Taviani 

brothers to big-budget American products 

like 

September is another outstanding month 

"The Swarm"— is first screened by a 

select 

for film fans at the Plaza 

few in 

Theatre 

one of two viewing rooms in 

here, 

a 

which 

provincial government office building in 

included the following pictures on its 

program: "The Maltese Falcon" 

Old Montreal. 

(1941). 

"Slaughterhouse-Five" (1972), "The 

And every week the Bureau de Surveillance 

Hospital" 

(1971), "Citizen Kane" (1941), "The 

du Cinema (BSC) decides whether 

Harder They Come" (1972), "The Taming 

each of about 20 films, mainly foreign but 

of the Shrew" (1967). "The Three 

some homegrown, can be seen by those 18 

Sisters" 

years 

(1973). "Forbidden 

and over. 14 years and over, by everyone—or 

by no one at all. 

Planet" (1956). "El 

Topo" (1971). "Rebecca" (1940). "Where's 

Poppa?" (1970). "The Big Store" (1941) and 

Duty of Board 

"The Lion in Winter" (1968). Members will The board's duty, according to the letter 

be pleased to learn that "members only" of the law, is to view any film proposed 

specials will be resumed in October, with for viewing in the province "and to permit 

most Monday evenings set aside for the special 

events. 

is not prejudicial to public order or 

it to be shown if. in its opinion, its showing 

good 

morals." 

If a film is not granted one of the three 

Quebec classifications—for all. 14-and-over. 

and 18-and-over— it cannot legally be shown 

in 

this province. 

Andre Guerin has been president of the 

Cinema Supervisory Board since it was 

formed in 1967. Prior to that time, the 

board was known as the Board of Cinema 

Censors, which Guerin also headed since 

1963. 

Prior to the changes in the law. censors 

were chosen by political appointment, and 

most of them served on a part-time basis. 

Commissioners Are Civil Servants 

Now commissioners are civil servants, 

chosen through the province's Public Service 

Commission, and the BSC is an autonomous 

commission of the Quebec government. 

"We"re in a unique situation."" says Guerin. 

".Montreal is a place where not only almost 

all American films come in but also 

all the big European films as well.'" says 

Guerin. 

"We must be the busiest film surveillance 

people in the world." 

Gujrin is a thoughtful, youthful-looking 

30-year-old who leaves the impression that 

he takes his job very seriously. 

"A reasonable and truly democratic policy 

of film control must primarily be based 

on a very general philosophy of tolerance 

which fully respects the rights of the citizen 

while at the same lime protects society from 

possible abuses," he said a number of years 

back. 

And he says today his philosophy has noi 

changed. 

The phrase "democratic and pluralistic 

societv" recurs frequenth when he talks 

about how he views the role his organization 

plays. 

"We are convinced people must have a 

full range of choices about film, like they 

have a choice about which newspaper they 

read." he says. 

And now that "film has taken the place 

of the novel" in the way a society looks at 

itself. Guerin says that straddling the thin 

line between repression and absolute freedom 

is all the more important. 

"Is it ... so surprising if the cinema 

brings us visual impressions that troubk 

and upset us? 

"For the cinema is, after all, a mirror 

which reflects back to us the disorder and 

violence of our daily lives," he said after 

the BSC was formed in 1967. 

Guerin says there have been no forced 

cuts in anv film shown in Quebec since 

1963. 

'The Quiet Revolution' 

Guerin's years as president of the old 

Board of Cinema Censors were the most 

troubled, he reflects as "a certain minority 

of Quebeccrs couldn't keep up with the 

changes of the Quiet Revolution. 

"Certain ladies' organizations were really 

marked by the mentality of the Duplessis 

era." he recalls 

ruefully. 

"But that's changed now . 

"Old Quebec was a very paternalistic 

society ... but we've discovered that we 

live in a pluralistic and democratic society 

now." 

Gone are the days when provincial censors 

could make cuts in a film any way 

they pleased—and even order the ending 

of a film changed if they were displeased 

with the version submitted by the distributor. 

One of the 

." 

Most Liberal 

Nowadays Quebec is one of the most liberal 

of the provincial film surveillance 

bodies across the country. "Pretty Baby." a 

film about a young girl growing up in a 

brothel, was barred from Ontario but made 

its Canadian debut in Montreal. 

And ""Last Tango in Paris."" which included 

a controversial sodomy scene, made 

its North American premiere in Montreal. 

Every film sent to the board b\ a distributor 

is viewed by two of the BSC"s seven 

commissioners. 

If there is uncertainty about the classification, 

the film is rescreened, often with 

Guerin present as well, he says. 

And occasionally when a distributor appeals 

a classification, as in "about 2 or 3 

per cent of the films we see."' all the commissioners 

must attend a screening and decide 

how to classify it. 

"The job is sometimes not easy." sa\s 

Guerin. 

"We h.i\.' to rese.irch a film, read some 



K-1

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. 

Harper Valley PTA Is Socking If 

To Cinema Audiences in Calgary 

CAlGARY-"Harpcr Valley PTA" to the Very Good mark while •The Reschoolcd 

audiences heVe in the art of laugh- deemer" debuted at the same level. Among 

c-r "pumng a breezy Excellent in its first French-language p.cturcs. 

week at two locations. -Stingray- got stung, openings, all of which earned V: .r.d wk. Good 

champlain— De L Autre Cote de Minuit (BVFD), 

Market Ma.l 1— Inlemalional Velvet (UA), 

3rd wk Excellent 

4th wk, „ „ TmVi^n, Le Dauphin—La Chambie Verle (UA), ^ ^ 

Market Mall 2—Damien—Omen U (BVFD), 

2nd wk 

Go°d 

5th wk ,. V" , • ;^°!J Parisien—Le Convoi de la Peur (Para), 

, 

Market Mall 4—The End (UA), 13th wk Good 

'^^^'f'^^, 

Very Good 

Market Mall S—The Inheritance (IFD), 

Parisien—Le Crabe Tambour ( Para) 

2nd wk f°" 

.,. u, wk. Very Good 

Market Mall f^Corvelte Summer _ ,-. Parisien—Moi Fleur Bleue 'Ptt> 

,, „ ^ 

6th wk ^°" 

, ,^ 

Isl wk Very Good 

Marlboro Square ,Jri'y Sgt, Pepper s 

i 

Parisien—La Fument Vapeur „ 

^ j 

Lonely Hearts Club Band .-.^.-.i. (jood 

i-. wk Very Good 

Marlboro Square 3, Westbroot .,-Batlleslar 

Paristen—Quoi (PR), 3:d v. k Very Good 

GaJactica (Univ), 8th wk .^ -^ Good ransien w 

North Hill. Westbrook 3—Eyes of Lauio Mars 

, „ , , , r- j • - 

(Astral), 4th wk, -^.j. ^""^1^ Astral's "Thank God Its Fnday 

Patac"e-^lif.Ua3Ud'coiiFee."BV), " Mokes Ottawa's Weekend Happier 

'"'''"' 

Paiifsersquare 1-Grease (Por.), 

OTTAWA--Onc ncw film did as well as 

pJll:^rt.o,,.2-Hcoper(WB),5,hwkr::ixc:i!:nl 

«he .op holdovers, and that was "Th.nk 

Towne Red—National Lampoons Animal House God Ifs Friday, a dlSCO lllm I rom Astral, 

wisttV!-The Buddy Holly Story (A.tra.)'''""'"' which hit the Very Gocd level. Topping the 

wk. _ Fair 

4,h 

,he„re=^Foul Excellent 

3 PlayÔ^-^ -- v,v 

|j^( Qf holdovers were several: "Grease, 

^^^^^ ^^^^„ ^^^ -HeaVCn Can Wait." all 

Trio of New Toronto Offerings from Paramount; -Revenge of the Pink 

Fails to Reach Top of Charts Panther I rom U A. The Cat From Oule 

, , . Snace and •'Nationa Lampoons Animal 

TORONFO-A .no of newcomers burs^ JP^^^ 

^^. ,^, ^,„^,,,, ^^ ,.^,^,, 

on to the scene here, but none of them """^^ 

at the 

attained the highest level of response 

^^^^^^^j ^^^^^^ ^^.^ sky-Grease (Para), 

, 

i2th wk 

with boxoffice. "The Ascent" bowed in °°°'* 

Ai, . ,d^*"[ 

âpitol^Square 2, 3-Heaven Can Wa.t (Para), 

^_^^^ 

Fair, but "The Magic of Lassie" and 

, , 

Good 

- 

"Blackout" reached the Very Good level 

g-f-^'cLmaP^^^Z/^^^'.^^:' P^;,t '^^^^^^ 

"Hound of the Baskervillcs" got ott its tail (ua), 7th wk Very Good 

and rose to the Fair level, but "Up in L.t^tle Elgin, Aladdm-Foul Play (Para), 

^^^^ 

^^^^ 

Smoke" drifted to a Very' 

Good after a Nelson—The Cat From Outer Space (BV) 

2nd wk Very Good 

Strong opening last week. Piaca je viUe i—whou stop the Rain (UA). 

Hollywood—Grease (Potci), 11th wk Good 2nd wk. 

ViUe Hollywood- The Magic ol Lassie (PR). Place de 2—Hound oi the Bosltorvilles 

1st Is, wk (AFD), wk Very Good Good 

Imperial—Hooper (WB). f,th wk Very Good St, Laurent 1—Thank God Its Friday (Astral). 

Is, 1st Imperial—Blockoul (CP). wk Very Good wk. Very Good 

Sl, ImpeiiQl— Saturday Night Fever (Para). Lauren, lAstral). 

2—Eyes ol Laura Mars 

37th wk 5ih wk Good Good 

Imperial— Corvette Summer (UA), 4lh wk Good Somerset. Queensway— National Lampoon's 

The Ascent wk Foir Animal House (Univ), 2nd wk V-y (IFD). Good 

International- 1st 

PloM 1. 2—Heaven Can Wall (Para), 

9th wk Very Good 

Towns— Foul Ploy (pm), vih wk, ^ Very Good -ggj Pepper's Band' Only New 

University— Revenge ol the Pink Panther (UA), • 

^? , r-j . 

6th wk Excellent Film to Appear in Edmonton 

Uptown—Up to Smoke (P'ln). 2nr| wk Very Good ,,...,.., i < vm .. , i> , , .„• 1 „,..|v 

Uptown-Hound ol the Boskervillei (AFD), IDMONION .Sgl. IVpiVl s 0[lcl> 

1 

uXrAxh. End (UA), u,th Wk 

Hearts Club Band" was tiie only new picture 

Fall 

lo appear here, but it came on strong witn 

Montreal First Runs Form Solid an F;xcellent in its first week. Most hold- 

Front; No Gross Below 'Good' overs did quite well. "Hooper, •'Cirease. 

•"'-^^^•" 

MOMKI.M I, was an invigorating 

^'^'^ .^"[t;" 

week ... Ivvv ce grosses. No Fnglish '--' and C old Feet 

7^1.^;1 '''"y^ 

"Na lonal 

""^^^^ 

Lamlanguage 

lirst-run lilm fared lower than P^";,^"'"''" ^^Ti , r' .1 ?h,?n • 

Very Gotul; three of Ihem < -Nalional Lam- the Pink Panther all did Lxce Men. b isiness 

poon-s Animal House," "Grease" and "Rewhile 

"C orveile Summer attracted V.rs 

venge of ihe I'ink Panther") held on ,o, heir 

^^-^^^îî^^tUstar Gaiact.ca (Un.v), Bth wk Fo., 

Capllano— Eyes ol Laura Mars (Astral), 

Excellent levels. "C orveile Summer slipped 

wk ^ 

4th 

Capitol 1—WhoU Slop the Bain (UA), 

^ 

Capitol Square 2—Hooper (WB), 

5th wk „ - - 

Capitol Square 3 Westmount B—GrMsa 

-"rce 

CapitoT'square 4'—The End (UA)7 Mth wk. - 

^ 

G 

Gameau—Heaven Con Wail (Para). 

Londoiêrry A—Hot Uod ond Cold Feel 

(BV). 4th wk ^. 

Londonderry B— Inleroalional Velvet \ l.i. 

-»:• 

Meadowlark Oci. ;n !— Sgt. Pepper's Lanely 

Hearts Club Band -Jr.. Istwk Exc- 

Paramount—Corvette Summer (UA). 

41h wk Very 

. 

Plaza 1—SUthis (PHi. ^.a ws- —-- 

^-. 

Plaza 2. Rialto 1—Foul Play (Poro). 

2nd wk . • 

, v-Ef^- 

Towne Cinemo—NaUonal Lampoons Animal 

House (Univ), 4th wk -Exc, 

Varscona—Julia (BVFD), Bth wk 

Westmount A—Revenge ol Ihe Pink Panther 

(UA), 5th wk E»^- 

Winnipeg Business Is Bubbling; 

'International Velvet' Is a Hit 

WINMPhC. - •Inicrn-iuonal \ elvet" 

opened very strong, adding to the generally 

bouyant business maintained by several 

holdovers. Continuing Excellent were 

"Hooper," "Foul Play." -Grease" and 

"Heaven Can Wait." "Battlestar Galactica" 

was still above average, but •'Go Tell the 

Spartans" had an unsatisfactory opening. 

"The Driver" was just above average. 

(Para), Capitol-Grease !2,hwk p""!!!"! 

Colony—Hooper (WB). 6th wk Excellent 

Convention Centre—Battlestar Galactica (Univ). 

wk Good 

911, 

Downtown—Seven Into Snowy iP.H): Bed 

Spread - (PR) 1st wic Average 

Garden Citv— Hot Lead and Cold Feel (BV). 

' 

4,h wk Good 

Garrick I—Harper Valley PTA (PR). 

3rd wk Good 

Garrick li—Damien—Omen II (BVFD). 

4,h wk __-Averago 

Grant Park— National Lampoon's Animal HeuM 

(Univ), 5th wk Excellent 

Hyland—Go Tell the Sparlons (Astra.) . 

MitJo^hlan-^Foul Play (Pcra), Mh wk .Excellent 

Northstar I— Revenge ol the Pink Panther 

(UA) 7th wt Excellenl 

Northstar Inlemalional 11— Velvet (MGM-UA). 

-Excellent 

Isl wk 

Odeon—The Driver (BVFD), 1st wk Good 

Polo Park—Heaven Can Wail (Para). 

lOlh wk, Exwllenl 

Vancouver Rains Hurt Ozoners 

But Hardtops Come Out Ahead 

\ ANCOL A LR- r.ill ucuhcr ruined this 

last holiday weekend of summer for the 

outdoor theatres but was a boon to the 

hardtops. There were only two new entrants, 

but many long-run holdovers still 

hit top grosses. "Sgl. Pepper's Lonely Hearts 

Club Band" actually moved up to the Excellent 

level, while "Hooper" slid to the 

Very Good mark. 

Capitol G—Heaven Can Wail (Para). 

Lxcellen: 

7lh wk ... 

Capitol 6— Corvette Sununer (UA), 

3fd wk ——.—V«ry Good 

Capitol 6—Hooper (WB), 3rd wk. - V.ry Good 

^. 

Capitol e^The End (UA) 12th wk Good 

Capitol 6—Solurday Nighl Fever (Para). 

itih wk '

CENTURY 

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i\Uin 


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ease. 



Filnn alignment is automatic, right on the 



care ever. 



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CENTURY *S PROJECTOR/ REPRODUCER 

-designed as 

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m 32-02 QUEENS BOULEVARD, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y. 11101 

General Sound and Theatre Equipment, Ltd. 

7 Banigan Drive 

Toronto M4H 1G4, Ontario 

Phone (416) 425-1026 

Branches throughout Canada 

BOXOFTICE :: September 25. 1978

) 

— 

(Continued from page K- 1 

ton for several months but now is here 

permanently. A warm welcome home to 

the Holbertons and we hope they will 

our city. 

enjoy 

Anyone who says movies don't have an 

effect on young people will get a wellthought-out 

and intelligent answer from 

Peter Rennich of Edmonton. Five years 

ago. Peter. 17. joined Army Cadets as a 

direct result interest of an inspired by war 

movies. These films still arc his favorite 

form of entertainment. Peter plans to make 

the armed forces his career. 

Souihgale Library in Edmonton showed 

"Lend a Paw." "Nature's Wild Heart" and 

"Playing the Thing" as a free program for 

the whole family Friday (8). 

enter into a business that has been /i/.v life. 

William is well known throughout eastern 

Canada and father Blaine Covert is held in 

high esteem by his colleagues in Canada. 

But, many people here who have watched 

Blaine jr. grow up suddenly will realize that 

time must be catching up when he is now 

working with us. We all join in a warm 

welcome to Blaine jr. and hope that he will 

stay with us for many years to come. 

Should the King Tutankhamen exhibit 

come within your area, make every effort 

to sec it. Your reporter went to .Seattle 

over a long weekend to view the exhibit and 

there arc not enough superlatives to describe 

it. The Seattle exhibit is reported to be the 

best set up so far in ihe U.S. and it is excellent. 

Crowds were handled in an expert 

manner, there was absolutely no "hustling." 

you can stay as long as you wish in Ihe 

exhibit and everyone on Ihe staff was well 

informed, very polite and efficient. Souve 

nirs ranged from 2"> cents to SK.OOO, with 

many of them being made in Seattle, iin 

trance fee to the exhibit was SI (or adults. 

.SO cents for senior citizens and students and 

admission was Iree for children imder 12 

and for handicapped persons Audio guides 

were available for a S2 rental fee and were 

worth much, much more. The exhibit itselt 

is indescribable. It will come to eastern 

Canada in November 1979 and your reporter 

is planning to attend. It will be worth the 

horror of fhing there just to see it again! 

Museum Series Will Trace 

History of the Cinema 

( AI.CiAR'i'— .-\^ part ol its new special 

events programming. Glenbow Museum is 

presenting a series of lectures on the history 

of cinema. 

Each Thursday at 7 p.m.. from Thursday 

(10) until January 25. Charles Hofmann will 

provide historical background and his own 

musical scores for silent films prior to 1930. 

The opening lecture at the museum 

dealt with pre-cinema experiments such as 

optical toys, photography, peep-shows and 

magic lanterns. On subsequent Thursdays, 

cinema development will be followed 

through the films of Georges Melies. Edwin 

Porter. D.W, Griffith and Charles Chaplin. 

A survey of cinema's golden age in the 

1920s follows, with examples from prominent 

American filmmakers. 

Charles Hofmann, currently lecturing at 

Patricia Diane Michellree died here August 

29 at the age of .^2. .She is mourned by 

her husband Gordon, her parents Mr. and 

Mrs. Ralph Michcltrce. a sister and a 

all brother, of this city. Burial was in Union 

Cemetery. Her father spent most of his 

the Alberta College of Art. provided the 

working life with Famous Players in this 

musical scores for some of the original silent 

city, where he managed several theatres 

movies during his high school years. 

His background in music and folklore 

has taken him from his native Tallahassee, 

Distributors May Censor 

Own Prints in Ontario 

TORONTO—Faced with a treasury ministry 

edict to pare provincial expenditures, 

Larry Grossman, consumer and commercial 

relations minister, announced that Ontario 

film distributors probably will be required 

to censor their own motion pictures 

in the future. Cuts will be made in accordance 

with instructions to be provided by 

Ihe provincial censor board, Grossman 

stated. 

"II a liliii conies in lo be censored for 

distribution lo 40 theatres, we do the cutting 

for all (the film prints). If the distributors 

do their own cutting based on a model, 

we'd save money," Grossman pointed out. 

L\ IK IX Klln 

n\inie," said Ms Boisveil. .ulding thai il 

(Coneinued o\\ p.i.ue K d) 

K-4 BOXOFFICE Vplemlvi I97S

CENTURY 

nowdoes it 

Mlin 







ease. 






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time. 



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— or write: 


-designed as 

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Best Theatre Supply 

1590 Est Avenue 

Mont Royal 

Montreal, P.Q. H2J 1Z2 

Phone (514) 526-7719 


K-5

. . Husband 

Search for Gimmick Leads 

To Creation of 'Blackout' 

(Continued from page K-4) 

looks like a money-maker and is doing "surprisingly 

well in France where horror films 

aren't supposed to be popular." 

She is looking for the movie that will 

bring artistic her grand-scale and commercial 

success. 

But the 37-year-old producer won't rush 

things. She said she received several offers 

at the Cannes Film Festival because of the 

success of "Blackout." but she is unable to 

work on more than one picture at a time. 

"You sec, I really nurse a picture." she 

said. "Even if I take care of the executive 

producer's of job finding the money 

and putting the package together I would 

never put aside the line producer's job. 

•| will take three months talking only to 

lawyers and reading the fine print in contracts, 

but what's pleasant is to be on the 

movie set with the daily problems and joys." 

Her next project is another France-Canada 

coproduction based on Toronto journalist 

Tom Alderman's action thriller, "Hit 

and Run." 

"It will be an important picture for me," 

she said, "and I want to tak.- the time to do 

it 

right." 

She also owns the rights to a science fiction 

book entitled "Concrete Island" she 

hopes will go into production in 1980. 

"But it has to be 100 per cent perfect. I 

have to find three actors who will fall in 

love with it, or I won't make it. 

"The way you produce a movie reflects 

the way you live. If you live only for 

money, then you produce onls for money." 

The Quebec Censors Are 

'Busiest in the World' 

(Continued from page K-1) 

reviews and we have to try to respect what 

the filmmaker has tried to do. 

"It sometimes takes days to deciJe ihai. 

say, a film is for 14-and-over. 

"There are limits" to what the B.SC tolerates. 

In the case of hard-core pornogra 

phy, distributors will often submit a version 

of the film that they know will come within 

the BSC limits. 

"I have the impression that in Quebec 

we are a little more tolerant than Wm: b.\iril 

in Ontario," he notes. 

What exactly are the limits lo what can 

appear on screen with the BSC's approval? 

"There are really no precise rules," says 

Guerin. "We evaluate each film on its totality, 

the theme and the treatment of its subject 

matter. When we are classifying a film 

we have lo judge the impact of that film on 

Quebec society. It's obviously djiicate. Our 

main concern is that a film doesn't trauniii 

tize the young. 

"When we classify a film. say. loi li 

and over, we arc not saying thai 14-ye.ii 

olds should watch it. 

"We arc saying the lilm should not K 

dangerous for 14-year-oUls lo watch. And 

when we classify a I Mm 'lur all,' thai meall^ 

only thai wc pidge the lilili would iii.i 

Iraumali/e those under 14 

•Often people think that we should tell 

them what is good for children to watch. 

But it's not the role of the board to do that. 

That's the role of the parents." 

Guerin says the BSC returns about 18 

films a year, mostly dealing with very specialized 

eroticism or very heavy violence, 

to distributors without classifying them. 

"Wc give the film back to the distributor 

and he modifies it if he wishes. Sometimes 

he never even brings it back to us." 

Many of the films returned to dristributors 

are sent back because the BSC jidg.-s 

that their screening could violate sections 

of the criminal code. Guerin says. 

In 1975-76. 42 per cent of the films classified 

by the board were restricted to the 

18-und-over category. That figure dropped 

to 30 per cent the following year. 

While the board's 1977-78 report hasn't 

yet been completed. Guerin says he believes 

the trend is continuing, and more films are 

bein'' classified "for all." 

The for-all figure in 1975-76 was 35 per 

cent, and it increased to 57 per cent the 

next year. "Subjects which were considered 

exclusive to adults ten years ago are now 

taught in colleges and universities, Guerin 

notes. 

"We classify films for the Quebec audience. 

So, because those subjects are now 

debated, we have to take these changes into 

account." 

Guerin, BSC vice-president Pierre Saucier 

and commission secretary Jean Tellier 

serve as commissioners—screening the 

films 

—as well as administrators for the bureau. 

The ages of the present six commissioners 

vary from about 35 to 55, says Guerin. and 

right now the seventh spot is vacant. 

The requirements for the position are 

"very demanding," says Guerin. They must 

have a imiversity degree in the social sciences, 

and they must have been involved 

in some sort of social action or institution 

in Quebec society," he explains. "And above 

all we have to know Quebec society, since 

we have to reflect it in our judgements." 

Ihe vacancy will probably be filL-d by 

someone under 30. says Guerin. 

The BSC collected just over $184,000 

fees from film distributors in 1976-77. 

in 

The board's operations are not fully sustained 

by the fees," says Guerin. "The fees 

used to be enough, but not any more." 

Because the BSC uses many government 

services, the true cost of its annual operations 

would have to be studied carefully before 

he could give an accurate figure. Guerin 

says. 

In 1976-77, the hoard classilicd a total 

of 963 feature-length films. A majority. 51 

per cent, were English-language productions. 

French language films made up 46.2 per 

cent of the films classified, and the remaining 

percentage was foreign language productions. 

The board also classified 424 short films. 

Gucrins background is an interesting 

one. Although he never formally studied 

film, he says he's been a cinema buff all his 

life. He came to the board by way of the 

Universite de Montreal, where he studied 

political science; Harvard, where he took 

an MBA in public administration, and the 

Department of External Affairs in Ottawa. 

During the Lesage years he went over 

to the Office National du Film, where he 

assisted in the process of reform which set 

the stage for the BSC. 

He was offered the position of president 

and accepted only after he was assured he 

would have carte blanche, he recounts. "We 

had to have complete autonomy, and we 

got it." 

And although a new provincial film policy 

is in the works, Guerin says he has Cultural 

Affairs minister Louis O'Neill's assurance 

that the BSC will remain substantially 

the same. 

"There may be a few modifications and 

adjustments," he says, "but we will surely 

stay." 

And what of the Quebec film industry, 

which seems to be becoming weaker intead 

of stronger? 

"We've never succeeded in creating a real 

film industry here in Quebec." Guerin notes. 

"And we have to, so that directors like 

Jutras don't have to go to the CBC in Toronto 

to find work." 

In the early years the most intensive 

workload for the BSC came in the fall, but 

lately the workload has been fairly even— 

and heavy— all year round, says Guerin. 

And this summer, several premieres of bigbudget 

American pictures were delayed because 

they hadn't yet received classification 

from the BSC. 

"The distributors weren't taking our minimum 

ten-day classification period into accoim;," 

he says. "They were scheduling premieies 

without giving us the ten days to see 

the films and decide on them." but things 

hav.- since been straiahtened out, he says 

VANCOUVER 

JJoni 

Ross IS h.ick ,11 hor desk ,il C .ml ilms 

.liter spending the wettest holiday she 

has ever had . Theo is busily 

engaged in the drive for funds to defray the 

cost of the recent "Kon-Tiki in reven.e" 

vovage by his friend Gordie Tokar, who 

s.iiled replic.i a of a Haida war camv from 

\ .uKOuver lo Honolulu. One of Ihe first 

ooiiiribulors was Hi Seeley of the Yukon 

Willie Horse, lok.ir. ,i long time B C. resiili.ni. 

is now working on ,i documentary ol 

I Ik- vinage, using much footage shot enloiiie 

with CBC cameraman Doug McKay 

No one enjoyed himself moix; at Ihe re- 

,^ni Moniie.il lMiern,itional I'ilm Festival 

III. Ill \',uKoiiM.r Sun I nterlainmcnt editor 

K-6 

BOXOrriCE .VnlenilK-i 25. 1978

. . Another 

Les Wedman who sent back daily columns 

of the goings on. That late summer Montreal 

weather might not be conducive to 

Cannes "skin" footage but it evidently does 

permit much more attention to serious film 

viewing and in-depth seminars. 

A visitor in town of late was Roy Roberts, 

his wife and family of four from the 

Yukon who thoroughly enjoyed our mild 

and evergreen climate. Visiting with Theo 

Ross, Roy was discussing promotion and 

exhibition of current films, of which "Star 

Wars" of course leads the pack, but by 

only a small margin over "Smokey and 

the Bandit. A tie-up with a local radio 

outfit generated so much interest that the 

picture almost hit five figures at the boxoffice, 

and more CBs were sold by the 

store in a week than were sold in the 

preceding six months. 

Variety Women now boast the youngest 

and definitely one of the most active members 

in any tent. Colleen Wood, at 14 already 

a veteran not only of the telethon 

but of many other fund-raising events, is 

now a member. 

"Children of the Theatre," which had 

proven a surprise success at the Varsity 

International festival where it played a total 

of four showings, went into the suburban 

Park for a regular first run engagement. 

the second week's opening just as strong. 

The multiple embraces the Coronet. Vancouver. 

Varsity. Odeon Vuctoria. Westminster 

Drive-In and Odeon West Vancouver. 

BC Won't Invest in Film 

Business, Says Secretary 

VICTORIA—The provincial 

government 

has no intention of investing in the film 

business. Provincial Secretary Grace Mc- 

Carthy said Thursday. 

But she said the province is doing what 

it can to facilitate use of B.C. locations by 

majoi film companies. 

McCarthy was commenting on speculation 

the province might be thinking of investing 

in a film involving actor Donald 

Sutherland. 

"Our philosophy is that we will create 

the the climate but investments will have 

to come from the private sector," she said. 

McCarthy said the province's film coordinator 

will help film companies with such 

problems as border crossing of equipment 

r.r in dealing with local officials over such 

things as closing streets. 

McCarthy said that within the next six 

months the film coordinator will have assisted 

major companies with films whose 

budgets total $35 million. 

OTT AW A 

P^ 

retirement party w.is held lor the longtime 

manager of the dual Elgin theatres 

here. Ernie Warren, who has been at 

the Elgin for some 30 years, was "roasted" 

at the Holiday Inn. The function was attended 

by radio, TV and newspaper personalities, 

as well as theatre managers and 

close friends. Special out-of-town guests included 

J. Spierman, A. Bell and M. Simpson. 

Ernie received a lovely gold watch, a 

plaque and a set of gold pens in recognition 

of his many years of devoted service to 

show business. He also was interviewed by 

a local radio station and appeared on a 

local TV show. Best of luck upon your 

retirement and future endeavors. Ernie! 

picture might disrupt its good relationship 

with that country . film banned 

elsewhere was to be screened at the festival. 

This was "Power Play," starring Peter 

O'Toole, the Canadian-made feature film 

which was the only entry for this year's 

Canadian Film Awards co-production prize. 

It was shown Monday afternoon 8) at 

the Towne Cinema. 

The Ontario Censor Board ordered a 

cut 

of more than two minutes from "In Praise 

of Older Women." the Canadian feature 

film that was scheduled to launch the third 

annual Festival of Festivals. This action 

came Wednesday (6), immediately after 

news was released that Playboy magazine 

devoted three pages in its October issue to 

nude scenes from the film. Robert Lantos, 

producer, said that he refused to cut more 

than 30 seconds from the film and claimed 

John Moore, manager of the Odeon Som- 

that the festival would "defy the censors 

erset Theatre, recently returned from a and show the film anyway." Festival president 

two-week vacation in Florida. While there, 

he and his family visited Daytona Beach and founder Bill Marshall said that 

he had seen the picture and was prepared 

and spent a great deal of time at Disney to show it uncut. 

World. 

TORONTO 

pestival notes: Super-rock star and film 

The unusually soggy weather was a boon 

producer Robbie Robertson was slated 

to be a judge of the Canadian Film Awards, 

to the theatres, who have enjoyed two of 

held in conjunction with the third annual 

the most profitable weeks in memory. Most 

Festival of Festivals, held Thursday (14) 

gratified is Universal manager Bryan Rudston-Brown, 

whose "National Lampoon's 

through Thursday (21) here, according to 

Animal 

sal" appeal 

House" 

playing 

proved 

to 

to 

packed 

have "Univer- 

houses at 

festival co-directors Bill Marshall and 

Wayne Clarkson . . . Actresses Karen Black 

Susan Strasberg. co-stars of the 

such diverse locations as the Varsity in 

nadian-made "In Praise of Older Women." 

Vancouver and the Westminster Drive-In. 

and Ca- 

whereby it set an opening-day record with 

were to be here for the world premiere of 


the film at the Elgin. This was set as the 

festival's inaugural event and also scheduled 

to be in attendance were actresses 

Marilyn Lightstone. Helen Shaver and Alberta 

Watson, as well as director George 

Kaczender. 

Other celebrities scheduled to attend were 

director Martin Scorsese ("Alice Doesn't 

Live Here Anymore," "New York, New 

York." "The Last Waltz") and actor Tony 

LoBianco for the second evening's gala 

screening of "Bloodbrothers," which headlines 

LoBianco. 

Warner Bros, planned to use the world 

premiere of "Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe?" at the Town Cinema 

Saturday (16) as the occasion to bring in 

45 American critics and show business reporters—and 

as a bonus they were to arrive 

two days early to attend the festival's opening. 

George Segal, Jacqueline Bisset and 

Robert Morley co-star in this film and 

Warners expected that at least two of the 

three would attend the unspooling. 

Billy Hayes, the real-life central figure 

of "Midnight Express," also promised to 

attend. This film was a smash hit at this 

year's Cannes Film Festival, although it had 

been banned in Israel for being "unfavorable 

to a friendly nation." The storyline 

involved a student trying to smuggle hashish 

out of Turkey and Israel feared that the 

Allan King Presented 

Golden Reel Award 

TORONTO—Allan Winton King, producer 

of "Who Has Seen the Wind." winner 

of the Golden Reel Award for 1978, 

was honored Thursday (21) at the St. Lawrence 

Town Hall here by the Canadian 

Motion Picture Distributors Ass'n. 

The Golden Reel Award is presented 

to the producer of the Canadian feature 

film which has achieved the highest level 

of commercial acceptance and having the 

in broadest public appeal the Canadian 

market during the past year. 

Since Astral Films released the film Oct. 

20, 1977. "Who Has Seen the Wind" has, 

to date, grossed over $1,000,000 at the 

boxoffice. For this achievement the directors 

of the CMPDA were delighted to honor 

King, who also directed the film, at a 

champagne luncheon. 

George Heiber, president of the CMPDA. 

made the award presentation to King before 

an assemblage of 300 guests, 

who joined 

in congratulating the filmmaker and his 

associates. 

"Who Has Seen the Wind," which also 

won the Grand Prix at the 1977 Paris Film 

Festival, is the story of a young boy growing 

up in a small Saskatchewan town during 

the Great Depression. Based on W. O. 

Mitchell's classic novel, the film was shot 

on location in the southwestern region of 

the province of Saskatchewan in the tiny 

community of Areola. Brian Painchaud. 

Gordon Pinsent. Helen Shaver and Charniion 

King starred. 

Previous years' winners of the Ciolden 

Reel Award were Lawrence Hcrtzog, for 

"Why Shoot the Teachers'.'" (1977). and 

Harry Gulkin. for "Lies My Father Told 

Me" (1976). 

Donald Sutherland and Brooke .Adams 

star in ".A Man. a Woman and a Bank."

' 

New Financing Hypos 

Canadian Production 

B> J. \V. AG NEW 

TORONTO— Proposed federal government 

budget cms affecting the Canadian 

film industrv. announced just a short time 

ago. now seem unlikely to materialize. One 

such cut of S2. 900.000 to the Canadian 

Film Development Corp. (CFDC) would 

have shut down this operation entirely. 

However, after some brief lobbying and the 

personal persuasion of Secretary of State 

John Roberts, it seems unlikely that this 

particular cut will be made. 

"Something is now happening in the Canadian 

film industry that is a major step 

forward." stated CFDC executive director 

.Vlichael McCabe. "In thj works are a larg 

er range of bigger productions and one ot 

their key features is presales to American 

TV." 

Contracts With Networks 

This comment refers to a condition not 

previously deemed possible: contract with 

major American TV networks for Canadian 

feature films yet to be made. The fact that 

the CFDC is involved guarantees delivery 

and without it the risk would be too high. 

A case at hand is "City on Fire." the 

"Running." a $4,000,000 tenure lilni 

co-produced by Robert Cooper and Ronald 

Cohen, has a $2,250,000 preproduclion sale 

to ABC-1V in the works, along with a 

$1.(M)0.000 sale to Viacom, an AnuTican 

syndicate. 

David Niven K-alure 

Likewise, NBC-IV has invested $.1,000,- 

000 in a feature film and a TV miniseries 

based on William Stevenson's best seller. 

"A Man Called Intrepid." This project is 

being shot in England with Canadian financing, 

with David Niven in the leading 

role. The Canadian CIV Network has purchased 

the series for $500,000 and Japan 

has bt)ughi il for SMHUHM. 

In each ol these lour projects, the CFD( 

has invested what McC abe has termed 

"bridge (or interim) iinancing." In othei 

words, the (I- IX now will be "lending" 

producers lunds to carry them to the first 

day of shooting, rather than just being 

one of the final investors. 

On this interim basis, the CFDC h.i- 

$.100,000 in "City on Fire." $200,000 in 

"Hank." $500,000 in "Running" and $500.- 

000 in "Intrepid." As well, the CFDC has 

$175,000 interim interest in ".Agency." a 

$4,000,000 thriller slated to begin shooting 

in Montreal in November, with Robert 

Mitchum in the lead. 

"We're getting our money out fast when 

private investors enter the picture and we'll 

retain some equity in the final result." stated 

McCabe. "My purpose is to take the 

momy out and invest it in other pictures: 

that is. putting our emphasis en development. 

The presale deals to American TV 

mean that now there are a number of 

producers who would appear to be out to 

make a class of product, in terms of performance 

and script, that is considerably 

advanced over what we've made to date." 

'Two Solitudes' to Grace 

Canadian Screens Sept. 29 

MOM RIAL — Tw.-. SoliluJ the 

saiz.i ol two worlds in conflict, will reach 

the •-creen on Friday (29) as one of the major 

Canadian film events of the year. 

It is Canada's story, set during and after 

World War I, when a young country on the 

veroc of nationhood is growing with all the 

riches and potential to be grasped by those 

in power. It is also the story of two peoples 

caught up in the struggle for power: the 

Iil:iis Corp.. Ltd. 

'Spanky' Will Be Saluted 

At 'Our Gang' Film Fest 

MARION. INI). A special leslival of 

"Our (iang" and "Little Rascals" films 

will be shown in Marion Sunday, October 1, 

when the Marion Quarterback Club salutes 

George ".Spanky" McFarland, who played 

a beanie-topped urchin in 95 "Our Gang" 

comedies in the 1930s. 

Next April will be the tenth anniversary 

of Md'arland's annual celebrity golf tourii.niu'iil, 

wIikI. is alwaNs held in Maiion 

Capital 6 Theatres Robbed 

VANCOUVER- Iwo men armed with 

sawed-olf shotguns or rifles robbed the staff 

ol the Capitol 6 Famous Players cinem.i 

at S20 Granville recently. 

I he robbers made off with $1,497. 

Columbia Pictures' Fine 

Is Quadrupled to S5.000 

TORONTO—The fine imposed on Columbia 

Pictures last year for using its influence 

to raise the price of matinee movie 

tickets at an independently owned Scarborough 

theatre has been quadrupled. 

The Ontario Court of Appeal gave no 

reason for its decision this week to increase 

to S5.000 the $1,250 penalty levied last 

year by a judge of the Provincial Court. 

The Crown had launched its appeal 

against the initial sentence on the grounds 

that Provincial Court Judge C. J. Cannon 

"did not give sufficient consideration to the 

aspect of deterrence." 

Columbia Pictures Industries, one of 

Canada's major film distributors, pleaded 

guihy in June, 1977, to a charge of pricefixing 

under the federal Combines Investigation 

Act. 

'Jack and the Bcan>;lalk' 

In March. 1976. Bijou Cinemas, an independent 

movie house which normally did 

not show first-run films, obtained "Jack 

and the Beanstalk," a new release being distributed 

by Columbia to Odeon theatres in 

time for the spring school break. 

Federal prosecutor Roger Leclaire told 

the Provincial Court that the Bijou ticket 

prices were initially set at $3.25 for adults 

and $1 for children, but when sales were 

slow theatre management dropped the adult 

matiree price to $1. 

Odeon management then received a complaint 

from a patron for charging S3. 50 

admission to see a 

film that could be viewed 

at the unaffiliated Bijou Theatre in the 

Morningside Shopping Centre for only $1. 

the Crown counsel said. 

The complaint got back to Columbia and 

Harvey Harnick. the company's general 

manager, called Bijou's booking agent and 

told him "to rectify the situation so that 

he would not receive similar complaints." 

Harnick said that when independent theatres 

were showing the same first-run movies 

hein;; played at Odeon cinemas, "admission 

prices should be more uniform." the court 

was told. 

.\fter the booking agent spoke to Charles 

Knapp. the owner of the theatre, the matinee 

prices at the independent theatre (now 

closed) were raised back to the norm.il 

$3.25 from $1. 

riis>ure to tompK 

"Knapp fell ihal it he didn't complv he 

would no longer be supplied with films bv 

Columbia or would receive onl> second or 

third-run films." the Ciown l.iwyer said. 

A federal investigation into the case revealed 

a letter in Colimibia's files which 

llaiiwck had written to another company 

olhcial. deploring the "lack of cooperation" 

li.iin independent theatres that was "causing 

us nothing but untold grief." 

Harnick wrote: "I am not saying wh.n 

the price should be but ceituinly it should 

le si.mdardi/ed and anybody who diH-sn i 

\vai\i to tall into that categoiy can du>p out 

K-8 

BOXOFFICE Seplomber 25. r'7S

1 ages 

BOXOFFICE BOOKINCUiDE 

An interpretive analysis of lay and tradepress 

minus signs indicate degree of merit. Listing' 

Runn'mg 

s in parentheses. The plus and 

regularly. Symbol \J denotes 

l2iVIEW 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. All lilms are in color except those indico 

Assn PG— 

tod by (bSw) for black 4 white. 

admitted (parental gui- Motion Picture (MPAA) raUngs; S]—general audiences; al 

dance suggested); 

or adult guardian; 

iRj— restricted, with persons under 17 not admitted ui 

:^—persons under not admitted. National Catholic 17 OUice lor Motion 

(NCOMP) raimgs: A I—unobjectionable ior general patronage; A2— unobjectionable lor adults 

lescents; A3— unobjectionable ior adults; A4—morally unobjectionable lor adults, with tesi 

B—objectionable in part ior all; C—condemned. Broadcasting and Film Commission. National 

ol Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATURE CHART. 

HVer 

DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX

. 

5017 Wackiest W.igon Train m the \ 

. WB 

PW DIGEST 

tABETICAL INDEX ++ Vcry Good, ^ Good; ^ Fair; - Poor; = Very Po ated 2 pluses, — os 2 minuses. 

— . 

I Aaiirj Hold Your Hand 

1104) CM 

- s, 

i!|L 

5- 1-; PC A3 =: 

S032 l( Ertr I Stt You Again 

+ 

(105) R-D Col 5-29-78 PG A3 

S02S Incredible Melting Man. The 

(So) SF-Ho AlP 5- 8-78 H + 

5052 Interior, (99) D UA 8-14-78 PG A4 -f 

5046 International Velitt 

(126) MGM-UA 7-24-78 PG A2 -f 

5046 Iphigenia (129) Cinema 5 7-24-78 A3 ff 

5027 11 Lives Again (91) WB 5-15-78 B + 

Ho-D E 

5039 Jaws 2 (118) Sus-D Univ 6-26-78 PG A3 

5036Jennirer (90) Ho-D AlP 6-12-78 PG A3 

H + ± ± + 7+2 

1 -S 

5052 Piranha (95) 

Ho-Sus New World 8-14-78 H 

5018 Pretty Baby (109) D Para 4- 3-78 B C 

—R— 

5042 Replay (96) Quartet 7- 3-78 

5031 Restless (90) 

D Joseph Brenner 5-29-78 

5047 Revenge of the Panther 

Pink 

(99) C UA 7-31-78 PG A3 

Riddles of the Sphinx 

(99) Doc British Film Inst. 4-24-78 

Rubber Gun, The 

5020 

(86) C-D Schuman-Katzka 4-17-78 

Running Fence (58) Doc Maysles 6- 5-78 

i-S|l| ' 

1+ 

5+3- 

:t ± + - + + 5+3- 

Landscape After Battle 

(110) Hi-D New Yorker 3-27-78 A3 H 

Last Supper, The 

(110) Pol-D Tricontinertal 6-19-78 -f 

5059 Last Sur.ivor. The 

(90) Sus-Ho-Ad United Producers 9-18-7S R ± 

Last Waltz. The 

5023 

(115) M-Doc UA 5- 1-78 PG A3 + 

Late Great Planet Earth, The 

5015 

(90) Doc PIE 3-27-78 PG -f 

Leopard the 5024 in Snow 

(90) R-D New World 5- 1-78 PG ± 

Little Girls Blue 

(76) Sex C New Day 5-29-7S + 

5016 Little Nighl Music. A 

(124) R-CM New World 3-27-78 PG A3 + 

± -I- H 54 1 

H ++ ff (t i 10 + 1 

f - 24 1- 

n: 

± ± - 5 i 5 

—S— 

5023 Sea Gypsies. The 

(101) OD-Ad WB 5- 1-78 S Al 

Sebastiane (90) Hi-Sex-D Libra 4-17-78 QO 

Servant .ind Mistress 

(90) D New Line 6-19-78 C 

7 Into Snowy (80) 

Sex F Entertainment Ventures 4-24-78 

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 

5050 

(111) M-F Univ 8- 7-78 PG A3 

5024 Silver Bears 

(113) Ac-Sus-C Col 5- 1-78 PG B 

5955 Slae of Love. A 

(94) Hi-C-D Cinema 5 9- 4-78 A3 

5019 Slightly Pregnant Man, A 

(92) C S.J. Infl 4-17-78 PG 

5033 Specdtrap (101) AcD ..First Artists 6- 5-78 PG 

5044 Stingray (99) Ac-C Emb 7-17-78 PG B 

5017 Straight Time (107) D WB 4- 3-78 K B 

5048 Swarm, The (116) Ho-Sus-D 7-31-78 PG A2 

5+3- 

->- 7+ 

H 

f 6+4- 

141- 

1+ 

2+2- 

S+3- 

2+3- 

5014 Madame Rosa (105) D Atlantic 3-20-78 PG A3 

7-1- 

5P49 Magic of Lassie. The 

(100) C-DM Infl Picture Show g- 7-78 g) Al 

Main Actor, 

The 

4+3- 

(88) D Bioskop/WDR 6-19-78 

5021Malibu Beach (93) C Crown 4-24-78 Bl 

Take Off (103) Sex C .. Maturpix 5-29-78 m 

5009 Manitou, The (104) Ho-0 Emh 3- 6-78 PG B 

Teacher, The (113) 

5042 Matilda (103) C AlP 7- 3-78 A2 

Pol-Doc-D Tricontinental 7-10-78 

5054 Mailer of Lo>e. A 

5050 Team-Mates 

(88) Sex D ... William Mishkin 8-21-78 IB 

(84) C Independent-lnfl 8-7-78 11 

Maya Oeren Retrospective 

5040 Tempter, The (96) Ho-D Emb 6-26-78 C 

(90) DocD Grove Press 6-19-78 

5051 Texas Detour 

5034 Metamorphoses 

(92) Ac-D Cinema Shares 8-14-78 p] 

(87) An-M-F Sanrio 6- 5-78 PG 

5047 Midnight Express (120) D Col 7-31-78 m 

5030 Th.ink God It's Friday 

(105) CM Col 5-22-78 PG A3 

Mother and Daughter 

5055 Tintorera (91) 

(90) D , 

,. 

Pantheon 1 5-15-78 

Ac-D United 9- 4-78 Bl 

Torre Bela (115) Doc S.C.I. 6-5-78 

5043 National Lampoon's Animal House 

'IMJ C Univ 7-17-78 IB) C f + 

(101) Sex C Libra 821.78 { ± 

5053 Nu 

5056 Norseman, The 

AfAd AlP 9- 4-78 PG * ± 

5026 Nuniio (92) Uni/ 5- 8-78 Bl + ± 

CO A3 

5060 Up in Smoke (851 C 

.20th-Fox 4- 3-78 IK 

P.ir.i 9-18-78 ,R 

Cinem.i 5 7-17-78 

—WXYZ— 

5054 Oily Oily Oxen Free 

(89) CAd 

. 

Ona People: Life and Death in TIerra 

del Fuego, The (55) 

. Sanrio 8-21-78 loi 

Doc Ch«pnian/de Conialei 1-23-78 

5006 One and Only, The (98) C Pari 2.13-78 PG A ; 

5000 Opening Night (144) D . Faces 1- 9-78 A3 

5005 Other Side of the Mountain Part 2, The 

(100) Univ 2-13-78 PG A3 

5027 Our Winning Seaion (92) C-0 AlP 5-15-78 PG A3 

The (86) C 

(96) FAd 

Wedding. A (125) -059 C-l 

.UJ4 Who'll Slop the Rain 

(126) AcAd-D 

.CbDWlId Geeie. The (132) Ac-Ad 

an .11 

BOXOFHCE rooltinGuido :: Sonl. 2'

a^lil 

I g .= 

PI

5 s 

s el 

1 1 

I 

..C-D. 

William 

cnt. 

.Ad-Sus-D. 

Brolln. 

mes 

Waterst 

Sam 

Simpson. 

Savalas 

gas 

s" ""•§ 

AS 

^S 

=£ :_.g 

I- §" 

25) 

y 

J.

. 

Apr 

Sophia 

Sex 

. 

. .Ad 

. . 

Linda 

I 

Dino 

Hi-D 

. . 

MISCELLANEOUS 

APRIL FOOLS FILMS 

Hlrptt Vallty PTA 

(97) CMayTg 

CINEMA S 

Dtar Iniptctor 

(105) My-R.C Juni 

Annie Olrardot. I'hilippe Nolret 

Viva Iblia! (87) CJul] 

Vlttorlo Gassman, Cgo Topnazzl 

PRO INTERNATIONAL 

Yojng Lady Chatttrley (88) . 

3 1 Loitlacc lor President (95) 

Dong (90) 

! Mister Scarface (85) 

Anjels in Hell (94) 

Picnic at Hanging Rock 

Kacliel IW),rls 

La Jument Vapcur . . . 

('ar..lc lame 

78 

l»au[>hin 

D. June 78 

...Sept 78 

Oct 78 

COUGAR RELEASING, LTD. 

Adventures of Slarbird 

(90) Ad..Jan7g 

\. .Miirlinez. hall lljggerty 

Joe Panther (93) Ad.. Sept 78 

Brian Keith, Ricardo Montalban 

Legend of Sea Wolf 

(90) Ad.. Sept 78 

ihiiok Cfinni.r*. Barliarii Baoh 

Astral Factor (93) Sus. . Nov 78 

F.Ike S,.mm

— 

Opinions on Current Productions ÊATUPl R£VI£WS 

specifipd as black and white {b&w). For :.tory synops 

THE FAR SHORE 

°"'"^ 

Bauer International 104 Minutes Rel. Sept. '78 

Designed as a work of art about an artist, by an artist, 

this Canadian-made import is an exquisite offering which 

has been presented at film festivals the world over. Political 

artist-ecologist Joyce Wieland, who has been making 

experimental shorts since 1958, directed, co-produced with 

Judy Steed and wrote the original story, based on the 

Canadian artist Tom Thnmson, who died mysteriously in 

1919. Prank Moore won a Canadian film award for his 

performance, although his fine work is matched by that of 

Celine Lomez—a pop singer—as the love-starved and cultm-ed 

"foreigner" in her own country. The beauty of the 

Canadian Northwoods is matched by the total concentration 

on mood, sometimes at the expense of pacing. Amidst 

all the gentleness in the tale, which Bryan Barney adapted, 

are a few lusty scenes and at the end, one of the most 

erotic interludes in a regular release. The lovemaking between 

Lomez and Moore occurs in a river and the most 

exposm-e is a few glimpses of breast, yet it really impresses. 

Selling might revolve around this scene, which could give 

the wi'ong impression. Richard Leiterman's color photography 

is absolutely beautiful. It's a film which haunts the 

memory and deserves attention. Pierre Lamy was executive 

producer. 

Frank Moore, Celine Lomez, Lawrence Benedict, Sean 

McCann, Charlotte Blunt, Susan Petrie. 

ISO TIME FOR BREAKFAST 

Ssi, X' 

Daniel Bourla Film Enterprises 100 Min. Rel. Sept. '78 

The medical profession has always been a source of 

high di-ama and low comedy, not to mention true stories. 

Combining elements of each is an Annie Girardot starrer 

based on fact. There are a few lauglis, although it isn't 

the romantic comedy the title suggests. Rather, it focuses 

on highly skilled specialist Girardot and her personal 

crises with family, affairs and disease. Although she's 

able to comfort her patients, the doctor needs comforting 

herself when faced with the same ailment for which 

she successfully treats others. Gu-ardot, winner of the 

French Cesar (Oscar equivalent) for her perfoiTnance, 

carries the weight of the film and is always in command, 

whether reacting in a lighthearted or serious manner. 

Her name and those of Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Pierre 

Cassel are known to American audiences and should help 

considerably. Pi-ancois Perrier as the understanding husband 

is quite good, while Suzanne Plon is also excellent 

as a patient. Jean-Louis Bertucelli directed from his own 

screenplay with Andre G. Brunelin, as based on the booi; 

"Un Cri" by Noelle Loriot. Yves Gasser produced the 1976 

Action Films/ Pilmedis production. Daniel Bourla and Albert 

H. Socolov are presenting the film here. 

Annie Girardot. Jean-Pierre Cassel, Francois Perrier. 

Isabelle Huppert. William Coryn. Suzanne Flon. 

VIOLETTE 

EnShshirs^ 

Gaumont/New Yorker Films 123 Min. Rel. Oct. '78 

Based on a real affair which took place in Prance in 

1933 Claude Chabrol's latest is a showcase for the talents 

of fast-rising Isabelle Huppert. She received a Best Actress 

Award at Cannes for her role as a teenaged poisoner 

of her parents. Chabrol's dii-ection is slow and deliberate 

and the import may not have the impact of some of his 

past successes. Screenplay by Odile Barski. Herve Bromberger 

and Frederic Grendel, with adaptation and dialog 

by Barski, is based on the book by Jean-Mane Pitere. As 

the parents, Stephane Audi-an and Jean Carmet are excellent 

and Bernadette Lafont registers in a small part 

as Huppert's cellmate. Editing by Yves Langlois is a bit 

confused at times and it isn't fully explained how schoolgirl 

Huppert manages to spend so much time pui-suing 

her double life as a lady of easy vii-tue without arousing 

her parents' suspicions. Jean Rabier's Eastman Color 

lensing and Pierre Jansen's music help create the right 

Thu-ties atmosphere, as students embrace radical ideas 

and adopt a freer way of life, out of despair or frustration 

Eugene Lepicier and Etenis Heroux were executive 

producers of the Pranco-Canadienne Filmel/ iParisi, Cmevideo 

(Montreal' co-production, with Roger Moranci 

listed as director of production. 

Isabelle Huppert, Stephane Audran, Jean Carmet, 

Jean-Francois Garreaud, Bernadette Lafont. 

DEATH f>/V THE MLE 

**stei 

Paramount (1167) 140 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78 

Agatha Christie's books are quintessential mysteries 

LAI scads of suspects, copious clues and a rash of red herrings. 

B°- "Death on the Nile" transplants ChrLstie's stereotypical 

characters to the exotic waters of the pharaohs. Everyone 

in the cast seems to be having a jolly good time, especially 

Peter Ustinov as the fussy Belgian detective Hercule 

Poirot. He brings a touch more heft to the role than 

Albert Finney did in "Murder on the Orient Express," this 

film's stylistic predecessor, but Finney added a dash 

more energy and sparkle. Jack Cardiff's location photography, 

in Technicolor and filmed with Panavision 

equipment, is outstanding, especially a walk up the Great 

Pyramid filmed by the Steadicam. Director John Guillerman 

displays flair by exploiting Egyptian landmarks 

as mysterious, tension-building settings, and screenwi-iter 

Anthony Shaffer, whose "Sleuth" was a barbed but loving 

attack on such writers as Christie, has crafted a lean, 

fast-moving script. Nothing in this picture is meant to 

be taken too seriously, and should the viewer stumble 

upon the solution long before the filmmakers intended, 

he can relax and enjoy some fine performances. The John 

Braboume-Richavd Goodwin production is sure to be a 

hit. 

Peter Ustinov, Jane Birkin. Lois Chiles, Bette Davis, Mia 

Farrow, Jon Finch, Olivia Hussey, I.S. Johar. 

THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL m^ suspe, 

Fiction. 

20th Century-Fox (05355) 124 Minutes Rel. Nov. '78 

Cloning babies who will grow up into Hitlers is the 

fantastic theme of the Ira Levin novel upon which this 

Fox release is based. Set in present-day locations all over 

the world, it veers towards the sensational and the ludicrous 

at the same time. Gregory Peck is completely miscast 

as the genetici-st and fanatic follower of the Nazi 

way of life. He and Laurence Olivier are both saddled 

with impossible accents, although the latter has some 

funny lines to deliver. Co-stars James Mason and Lilli 

Palmer have little to do, but add dignity to the proceed- 

-pp.. ings with their restrained emoting, while Uta Hagen de- 

-7^ livers a fine cameo. Franklin J. Schaffner directed the 

:> screenplay by Heywood Gould and uncredited Kenneth 

Ross, which takes the view that the Nazi movement is 

still very fii-mly entrenched. A few good scenes and a 

number of bizarre elements help make the film endurable. 

The Sir Lew Grade presentation of a Producer Circle production, 

from ITC Entertainment, was produced by Martin 

Richards and Stanley O'Toole, with Robert Fryer as 

executive producer. It was filmed in DeLuxe Color, using 

Panavision equipment. Jerry Goldsmith composed the 

score. Jeremy Black is the pint-sized Hitler, appearing 

in four separate roles as a nasty youth. A hard sell. 

Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier. James Mason, Lilli 

Palmer, Ita Hagen. John Rubinstein. 

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lURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Programs 

liL jiTORY: "Death on the Nile" (Para) 

ix)is Chiles, a rich American heiress, sisals away Mia 

iToWs fiance, Simon MacCorkindale, and they leave 

ror a honeymoon in Egypt. Farrow, distraught with grief, jce i. 

ioUows them, det«i-mined to ruin their happiness. Aboard ^(90) 

the steamer Karnalc assembles a collection of characters. '" 

e.ich with a reason for wishing Cliiles dead: Angela Lansbury, 

the writer used because of her portrayal of the heije.ss 

in a trashy novel; Bette Davis, who wôrships Chiles' 

pearl necklace; George Kemiedy, an unscrupulous lawyer; 

Jon Finch, who despises her wealth; and doctor Jack 

Warden, who was publicly discredited by Chiles. Farrowturns 

up aboard the boat, and during an altercation she 

shoots MacCorkindale in the knee. Farrow, hysterical, 

is sedated and wat

Chicago, 

— 

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Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124. 

HELP WANTED 

TOP MIDEAST CIRCUIT Manager 

ith us. Salary commensurate wit 

irience. Benefit program includes 

42. 

BI-LINGUAL SPANISH speaking 

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY to manage 

id invest a new automated theatre 

in 

a Northern California college comjnity. 

Applicant should be experienced 

all phases of operation. Salary in adlion 

to equity position. Phone (916) 891- 

manag- 

! area theatres. Send resume and saly 

requirements to Boxoffice, 4141. 

TOP CIRCUIT has opening 

3nager to supervise thea'ti' 

icticut area. Liberal employ 

ith expenen 

Dmple 

Boxoffic 4142. 

SUPERB OPPORTUNITY for skilled pro- 

:tionist. Responsible for booth mainternce 

cmd operation of several fully autnated 

theatres. Excellent working conlions 

in progressive midwest community 

over 100,000. Send resume to Boxoffice. 

ALTERNATIVE formal theatres. Need 

m-buff managers nationwide. Must be 

:perienced, a promoter, and will: 

Send resume 4155. 

ex in the Midwest. Must be thoroughly 

:perienced in house management. An 

lusual opportunity for the right person 

ong with an unexcelled financial proam. 

Send your resume with photograph 

Boxoffice, 4154. 

MANAGER and/or Projectionist, 

iced, single or multiple in South 

liladelphia area. (609) 728-0527. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

EXPERIENCED The 

loses. Los Angeles 

railable. (213) 923-9; 

SHARP aggressive manager/operator 

rets new opportunity. Currently emoyed. 

Willing to relocate. Boxoffice, 

52 

VIDEO TAPES: Estate left me with $250,- 

worth of video equipment, can handle 

ly size order duplications or transfers, 

e are the best and fastest in the counf. 

Write: Progressive Industries, 2800 

iciid Ave., Room 230, Cleveland, Ohio 

115 or call (216) 621-7310. 

FILMS FOR RENT 

IBMM a 35MM hard XXX films for any 

area m the world. Call (216) 779-7136 

14 hours). "Our service made us the 

FILMS FOR SALE 

FILMS WANTED 

WTANTED: 35mm trailers 1930-1977, 

jan'ity. L. Brown, 6763 Hollywood B 

Dllywood, Calif. 90028 

WANTED 35mm entertainment feotur. 

for ms Canadian market. Rights pui 

lased or will distribute on a percentag 

isis. Send particulars to Boxoffice, 4139 

WANTED: 35mm feature films for Dals, 

Oklahoma, Memphis and New Orleans, 

e wish to distribute on a percentage 

isis. Send particulars to Bennie Lynch 

S. Ervov, Suite 603-B, Dallas, TX 

201. (214) 744-3165. 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE THEATRES FOR SALE 

reversed and regular, $200.00 pair. Futura 

II arc lamps (13-6), no rectifiers 

$400.00 pair. (816) 523-2699. 

IGMM KODAK Pageant with Ma 

imps. Like new with 

300 

iven reels. TECO, (704) 847-4455. 

TWO 35mm Cine 

350 American Stellc 

822-4098. 

(314) 

DRIVE-IN EQUIPMENT. Nice includes 

cedar poles/screen and Cretors President 

popper. Reasonable, will load; near Bozeman, 

Montana. (307) 856-6123, Dennis, or 

BUY equipment and supplies at \0°n 

lulacturers charge? If interested 

4151, Boxoffice Mogazine. 

Established de 

co-op. 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL: New factory 

fresh EPRAD DBL-MUT Automation pack- 

OUTSTANDING indoor manager needed 

Southwood Avenue, St. Louis, Missour: 

63105 (314) 863-5009 days. (314) 427-200C 

OXOmCE :: September 

ir, 

WORLD'S LARGEST THEATRE broke: 

TICKET MACHINES repaired. Fast service, 

reasonable rates. Your old ticket lOE lOSEPH, Box 31405, Dallas 75231 (214) 

machine worth money. We trade, buy and 363-2724, 

sell ticket machines. Try us first. Ask 

about our rebuilts. Save money. J.E.D. DRIVE-IN THEATRES in Lemmon, SD 

Service Co., 10 Woodside Dr., Grafton, and Bowman, ND Show good net Box 

189, Spearfish. SD (605) 642-4857 

Massachusetts. (617) 839-4058. 

XENON LAMPS, single Eprad 2000W with DRIVE-IN THEATRE. Schuylkill County, 

PA, Excellent location on busy Rt. 61. IP 

single phase rectifier, no bulb, $1,500-0C 

acre commercial property, newly refinished 

Pair Eprad 1600W lamps and rectifiers 

dual sound system, 56r 

screen, no bulbs, new, never used, $4,000 00 pair 

stand. speakers, concession Property Super Simplex projection heads, gooc 

excellent CM. Detweiler, 

condition, $495.00 pair. Simplex enclosec 

condition. Call 

Ask bases, $450.00 pair. Cinemascope lenses Inc. (717) 345-4475. for Bernie 

Bausch and Lomb, $350.00 pair; Hi-Lu> 

ted 

from 

3ths 

900 Walt Xenons and 

Power Supplie 2,995. Pair rebuilt super 

Tokiwa portable T-60 

Simplex $1,350. 

$1,995. Holmes portable $995. Norelco 

DeVry portable $1,450. 

portable $1,595 

soundheads, proji 

Lamps, 

BUY-SELL-TRADE, 

platters. 

iogue. International Cinen 

Co., 6750 N.E 4th Court, Mi 

(305) 756-0699. 

TWO SIMPLEX XL Projectors, and XL 

lundheads. Completely rebuilt, refinished, 

ce new. Plus picture changeovers. Boxfice, 

4153. 

762 EPRAD 750 walt/220 volt drive-in 

theatre heaters, complete Ampex magnetic 

4-channel sound system, Xetron 711-B automation 

and more, all bargain priced. 

Call Bud Rifkin. (617) 482-3410 

BURLAP WALL COVERING DRAPES. 

per yd., flame retardant. Quantity discounts. 

$1 

Nurse & Co., Millbury Rd., Ox- 

ford, Mass. 01540, Tel. (617) 832-4295. 

SUPER SIMPLEX heads, pair $500 00; 

RCA. 9030 Soundheads, pair $950 00; 

Bases, LL-3's and H.D. $450.00 pair. 

Wanted: one set 35/70 Crown Projectors 

tor parts Robert Dominic, 2529 Nordell 

Avenue, Castro Valley, Calif, 94546, (415) 

537-1887 

TO LEASE, theatres 600 seats or less 

COMPLETE theatre equipment: 2 Peerless 

Magnate lamps; 2 Simplex projectors; Henderson, 5115 Industrial Rd., No. 

area. Send full information to Gleni 

409 

2 Bausch & Lomb cinema lenses; Ballontyne 

Royal Soundmaster system; rewind 

equipment; splicer; reels and theatre seats. 

Tom Shambo. 522 Lewis St., Pierce, Nebraska 

68767. (402) 329-4969, 329-4533, 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

noney lor used equip- 

TOP CASH PAID for lamphouses, soundheads, 

projectors, lenses and portable projectors. 

What have you? Star Cinema 

21st Street, Supply, 217 West New York 

lOOll, Phone (2121 675-3515. 

MARQUEES, SIGNS 

DESIGNED. ENGINEERED. BUILT 

ERECTED, MAINTAINED on Lease or purchase 

plan Bux Mom Electrical Advertising 

Systecms. Horsham, Pa. (215) 675-1040 

CLfflRinGHOOSf 

ALBUQUERQUE. NM adult theatre, opportunity 

of a lifetime $12,500. (505) 265- 

8963. 

INDOOR 375 SEATS. Southern Sask 

Suite plus two other revenue areas 

Centre of large trading area. Boxoffice. 

4140 

RESORT AREA 1000 Islands, Clayton 

New York, Single Theatre Automated 

Terms Arranged. (315) 782-2050 

INDOOR SINGLE, 384 seats 

4 years old. Southern Indie 

lease. Good Gross. Land to 

office, 4149. 

booth, theatre newlv redecorated, c 

equipment and building in excelle 

Boxoffice, 4150 

INDOOR Motion Picture Theatre build 

ing and equipment, Strong Xenon lomphouse(2). 

Owner retiring. Small down 

payment, balance fifteen years at B7o interest. 

Phone (601) 628-5025, Calhoun 

City, Mississippi. 

INDOOR, 499 SEATS. Central Illinoi'^ 

small town with large drawing arecf, (217' 

482-5368. 

DRIVE-IN theatres for sale or lease 

excellent locations in Kansas, Missouri end 

Illinois. Ideal for family-type operation 

Good condition. Presently operating Boxoffice, 

4157. 

200 SEAT INDOOR THEATRE, operating 

brick building, equipment, owner retiring 

Kina City, Missouri. Call, wri'e Iv^ 

Schittel (816) 233-9292, 364-2364, GENERAL 

REALTY, St. Joseph, Mo. 64501 

THEATRES WANTED 

INDOOR THEATRES 

Las Vegas, Nev. 89118 

INDOOR ONLY. 600 seals or less, any 

area. Lease or buy. Send lull information 

to Les Baker, 1600 Broadway, New York 

NY. 10019 

WANTED BY PRIVATE PARTY: Drive-ir 

and,/or indoor, open or closed, TX, NM 

AZ CA, FL. F. Pavick, P,0. Box 11263 

Phoenix, AZ 85061, (602) 277-1610 

CHAIN is seeking Motion Picture The- 

;res for sale, lease or rent in major cities 

ease send information to Boxoffice, 4147 

WILL LEASE theatres, open or closed 

ANYWHERE in U,S, Downtown and neighborhood 

theatres our specially. Also smal 

towns and shopping center houses. Immediate 

reply to all " 

' 

Theatres, 

Tx. 78205. 

BOOKS 

THE MANUAL OF THEATRE MANAGE 

MENT. Professional hardcover edition 

$20 Ic 

Send your check or money order 

Ralph J, Erwin, Publisher, Box 1982, La 

redo, Texas 76040. 

THEATRE SEATING 

TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING upholstern^ 

anywhere— seat covers made to ordor 

?ell theatre chmra. Chicago Used Choir 

Mart, 2616 W, Grand Ave 

, 111 

50612. (312) 235-1111 

SPECIALISTS IN THEATRE SEATING, 

New and rebuilt theatre chairs lor sale 

We buy and sell old chairs. Travel from 

:oast to coast. Seating Corporation ol 

New York, 247 Water Street, Brooklyn, 

N Y. 11201. Tel. (212) 875-5433 (reverse 

charges) 

NEW-USED-REBUILT- 10,000 chairs in 

stock—seat covers— fabrics— floor bolts 

chair parts. Hayes Seating Co , 6600 Joy 

Rd., E. Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 432-1901. 

CARS FOR SALE 

FERRARI 

BOXER 

Red. 1975. Peiêct Condition 

Low mileoge, U,S. lego). 

S78,000 

Coll Eves (516) 221-4165 

.FERRARI DAYTONA, 

SPYDER 

Red/Block, Legal. Concours 

condition. Exotic. $95,000. 

Serious inquiries only 

Weekdays 9-5, (212) 759 6363 

More Classified Listings 

On Page 27 

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THEATRE 

STREET 

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AT CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE

Boxoffice-September.18.1978

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