Boxoffice-October.30.1978

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EDWARD HERRMANN and KATHLEEN LLOYD ,n TAKE DOWN cosT..mH. LORENZO LAMAS 

V.TH MAUREEN Mccormick as Brooke 

Music by Merrill Jenson 

• 

Written by Kieth Merrill and Eric Hendershot Based on a story idea by Eric Hendershot 

Associate Producer Jack Reddish Executive Producer David B.Jotinston 

• 

Produced and Directed by Kieth Merrill 

Color by Deluxe" An American Film Consortium Release [pg!iPAIItKT/U. SUIDiWCt SUeSESTtO^S' 

A AMERICAN FILM CONSORTIUM, INC. ÔO N. Winchester Boulevard, Sulle 260, Sar^ Jose, CA 95126 (408) 247-8600

E 

NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

iblished h Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN SHLYEN 

iitor-in-Chiel 

PH M. DELMONT 

and Publisher

Alan Friedberg Takes NATO Reins 

As Awards Gala Closes Conclave 

By JOHN COCCHI 

NEW YORK—The highlight of any 

NATO convention is the awards ceremony 

and banquet, given the last night of the 

proceedings. This year, they were held 

Wednesday (18) at the Americana Hotel, 

with Burt Reynolds and Jane Fonda honored 

as "Male and Female Stars of the 

Year" and Warren Beatty being named both 

"Producer and Director of the Year." for 

his "Heaven Can Wait." 

"The Star Spangled Banner" was played 

by the Ben Lane Orchestra, which also provided 

dance music at the banquet. Convention 

committee co-chairmen Bernard Myerson 

and Salah Hassanein were masters of 

ceremony for the occasion. Hassanein paid 

tribute to T. Hal Gibson, former vice-president 

of Coca-Cola, sponsor of the President's 

Banquet for many years. Although 

Gibson had resigned from the company in 

May. his successor Herbert Arnold was in 

Europe and Gibson came to the festivities 

in his place. Myerson presented Gibson 

with a huge Big Apple made out of plastic 

and it was clear that NATO wanted the 

former Coke executive to come to future 

conventions. Myerson then thanked his wife 

Muriel Myerson for heading the women's 

committee during the convention. 

A 'First' for Beatty 

Scenes from "Shampoo" and "Heaven 

Can Wait" were screened as an introduction 

to Beatty. It was announced that this was 

the first time that the producer and director 

awards went to the same person, but this 

is true only in a technical sense. Francis 

Ford Coppola was given both honors in 

1975. but he was presented with just one 

award for both categories, whereas Beatty 

received two separate awards at once. Beat 

ty. as did his fellow winners that evening, 

spoke about blind-bidding, then he won applause 

by saying that he. as a producer, 

would like to eliminate the middle-man (the 

distributor) and deal directly with exhibitors. 

Noting that he had been chosen as 

NATO's "Male Star of the Year" in New 

Orleans in 1975 (also marking the first time 

a previous winner was later honored in 

another capacity). Beatty said that he would 

be happy to accept any awards in any other 

category that they could think up in the 

future. 

Solomon Presents 

Award 

Jane Fonda made her way to the awards 

platform after scenes from "Julia," "Coming 

Home," "California Suite," "Klute" and 

"Comes a Horseman" were shown. Aside 

from the just-released "Comes a Horseman" 

(UA), she has two films for Columbia upcoming. 

"California Suite" and "China Syndrome" 

(formerly "Power"), the latter, opposite 

Jack Lemmon and Michael Douglas. 

It also was mentioned that she would be 

doing "The Electric Horseman" opposite 

Robert Redford. For his last official act as 

NATO's chairman of the board. T. G. Solomon 

presented the actress with her award. 

At the press conference earlier. Miss 

Fonda admitted that she had been ready to 

face the possibility of giving up her career 

as a consequence of her political activities. 

However, the success of the comedy "Fun 

With Dick and Jane." followed by "Julia" 

and "Coming Home." changed that. When 

she said that she never expected to be honored 

by NATO for being the 

most successful 

actress at the boxoffice. she wasn't just 

being modest—she really thought that she'd 

never be accepted again. On the podium. 

Miss Fonda said she was "very honored 

and happy to win this award." She said 

she'd work hard with Bruce Gilbert, her 

partner in film production, to do good films 

which would have boxoffice power, then 

closed with remark about doing away 

a 

with blind-bidding. 

Film Clips 

Screened 

Following clips from "Deliverance." 

"Smokey and the Bandit." "Semi-Tough." 

"The End" and "Hooper." Reynolds came 

forth. The reissue of "Smokey." plus the 

take on the latter three films, have already 

reached $40,000,000. The actor-director 

kept his tongue in his cheek as he made his 

acceptance speech, "We have a common 

goal. Every Burt Reynolds picture should 

make millions. You make hundreds." He 

was thrilled to receive an award in company 

with Jane Fonda, whom he's always admired 

and with whom he's long wanted to 

work. At the press conference. Reynolds 

said that both he and Fonda felt they could 

appeal to each other's audiences; also, he 

and Clint Eastwood should do a film together. 

Reynolds kidded his friend Beatty 

for receiving the director award on a film 

he co-directed with Buck Henry: "After 

all. I did my first film this year as a director 

(The End') and I did it alone." 

Reynolds emphasized how much he hates 

blind-bidding: "If it weren't for that. 'At 

Long Last Love' (one of his lesser successes) 

wouldn't have gotten out." In closing, he 

said that he really did care about NATO 

and his audiences, then wondered aloud 

about the yellow liquid poured over the 

popcorn in movie theatres. "What is 

that— ?" 

Marvin Goldman, who was in his closing 

hours as NATO president, called to the 

podium Paul Mezzy. president of the National 

Ass'n of Concessionaires; Charles 

Wolk, president of Theatre Equipment 

Ass'n. and Solomon, to thank them for 

their help. Solomon, who retired as NATO's 

chairman of the board, received an award 

for his years of service. Incoming NATO 

president Alan Friedberg made a short 

speech, praising Goldman and pledging to 

bring his programs to fruition. In closing. 

Goldman referred to his wedding the next 

day and bid everyone goodbye until next 

year in Los Angeles. 

Emmi Lobby Ad Display 

Unit Unveiled in NYC 

NEW YORK—The 1978 NATO convention 

at the Americana Hotel in New York 

marked the official unveiling for Emmi. new 

Emmi advertising display unit, designed 

for theatre lobbies, on display at 

the recent NATO convention in New 

York City. 

advertising medium designed for theatre 

lobbies in U.S. metropolitan market areas. 

Emmi is a four-color electronic display 

unit which features each theatre's coming 

attractions, entertaining editorial features 

and. of course, advertising messages. From 

the latter will come the source of revenue, 

reportedly to be shared by the originators 

and investors. Entertainment Media Marketing, 

Inc.. and the theatre operators who will 

receive rental income for the wall space 

occupied by Emmi display units. 

The unit, 108-inches long and 30-inchcs 

high, is an illuminated display which the 

Emmi Corp. reports is a "computerized 

marvel of simplicity." Each local theatre 

display is programed from a computer 

which is centrally located in the U.S. The 

system is totally automated. Advertising 

messages and coming attractions displayed 

in each theatre lobby may be changed or 

alternated on command from the central 

computer. 

At the NATO convention, three Emmi 

displays were in operation at all times at 

various locations throughout the Americana. 

Emmi's first official screening for NATO 

members. Representatives were present to 

discuss and describe the Emmi theatre lobby 

coming attraction/advertising program. 

The concept was originated by Jack Gelinas 

of Miami, president of Entertainment 

Media Marketing. Inc. The corporation w.is 

established by Gelinas. along with two progressive 

business entrepreneurs in Miami, 

where the company is headquartered. The 

display unit is the product of American 

Sign & Indicator, a well-known display sign 

manufacturer located in Spokane. Wash. 

The advertising expertise which created 

the Emmi display medium came from a 

well-known advertising media professional 

from the New York industry. 

As an advertising medium. Emmi is organized 

and packaged for market coverage 

comparable to national advertisers' accepted 

techniques for promotion and sales measurement, 

a spokesman said.

AFC Ready to Release 

First Feature Film 

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—American Film 

Consortium which, lilce Lucas Film Works 

and American Zeotrope, has chosen the 

Bay Area as its operating base, is ready to 

release its first feature, "Take Down." Produced, 

directed and co-written by Keith 

Merrill, "Take Down" deals with winning 

and losing from the perspective of a hardpressed 

high school wrestling team and its 

Shakespeare scholar coach. Filled with humor 

and pathos, the film was produced on 

a $2,500,000 budget. 

Dave Johnston, president and general 

partner of American Film Consortium, has 

put the company together with a streamlined 

private placement program that has 

funded a production and distribution entity 

as well as several forthcoming productions. 

Johnston, who has headed up a few companies 

prior to AFC. sees a particular challenge 

in creating an "independent" that will 

remain viable and competitive in an unpredictable 

industry. 

Computers Simplify Work 

To make this task simpler, computers 

have been installed at the San Jose facility, 

according to vice-president and controller 

Sheldon Jew. Jew. who has handled computer 

programs, believes that computer data. 

when gathered in advance and administered 

properly, could alleviate at least some of 

the dilemma that burdens the entire film 

distribution establishment, the age old dilemma 

of "will it or will it not sell." At 

AFC. the computer also will be used for 

billing purposes and to facilitate immediate 

and precise communication between exhibitor 

and distributor. 

Will Whittle, vice-president of distribution 

and marketing, says that the company 

philosophy will be to produce high quality 

PG pictures aimed at the broadest segment 

of the moviegoing audience. At present. 

AFC will distribute on a regional basis 

using TV saturation with various modifications 

but will dip heavily into special 

promotions as well as inio other media. 

Merrill Producing, Directing 

Whittle believes that AFC has an advantage 

in that the company's product is 

being produced and directed by Merrill 

who won an Oscar for "The Great American 

Cowboy" and who has created an unusually 

sensitive and yet marketable product 

in "Take Down." 

Merrill gathered a talent-laden cast and 

shot the picture entirely on location in small 

towns along the Wasatch front of the Uinta 

Mountains. The cast includes Edward Herrmann 

("Franklin and Eleanor"). Kathleen 

Lloyd ("The Missouri Breaks"). Stephen 

Furst ("National Lampoon's Animal 

House"), Kevin Hooks ("Sounder"), Maureen 

McCormick ("The Brady Bunch") and 

Lorenzo Lamas, a young new talent who, it 

appears, is headed for stardom. 

The picture's test markets will open November 

15 in Idaho. Utah and Montana. 

BOXOFnCE :: October 30. 1978 

Stein Honored of Pioneers Fete 

At the annual "Pioneer of the Year" dinner of the Foundation of the Motion 

Picture Pioneers are, left to right: Jack Valenti, general chairman; Joseph Califano, 

Secretary of HEW; Danny Thomas, toastmaster; Dr. Stein; Diana Ross, and B. V. 

Sturdivant, president of the Pioneers. 

NEW YORK—Dr. Jules Stein, founder 

of MCA. Inc.. was honored Monday (16) as 

"Pioneer of the Year" at the 40th annual 

Motion Picture Pioneers dinner at the Waldorf 

Astoria. International star Diana Ross 

entertained the 1.000 guests and sang several 

selections from her upcoming release 

"The Wiz," while TV-stage-film personality 

Danny Thomas served as toastmaster. 

Principal speaker for the event was the 

Hon. Joseph Califano, secretary of health, 

education and welfare. Also on the program 

was general chairman Jack Valenti and B. 

V. Sturdivant, president of the Foundation 

of the Motion Picture Pioneers. 

Past Honorees Present 

In attendance when Stein received the 

coveted award were the top people in the 

motion picture industry including other 

"Pioneers of the Year" honorees Sherrill 

Corwin, Leo Jaffe, Carl Patrick, Milt Rackmil. 

William Forman, Hi Martin and Arthur 

Krim; and Marvin Goldman, Salah Hassanein, 

Bernard Myerson, Sumner Redstone 

Mel Wintman, Henry Plitt and Samuel Z 

Arkoff. Also present were Frank Rosenfelt 

Lew Wasserman, Sid Sheinberg, Eric Pie 

skow, Andy Albeck, Irving Ludwig, Jen 

nings Lang, Harry Buxbaum. Roy White 

Leonard Goldenson. Daniel Melnick ard 

Emanuel Wolf. 

Music for the evening was provided by 

Bob Crosby and the Bobcats. 

Directors Are Re-Elected 

Earlier in the day. the annual membership 

meeting of the Foundation of the Motion 

Picture Pioneers was held in the Regency 

Room of the Americana Hotel, chaired 

by B. V. Sturdivant. president of the 

organization. The membership elected the 

following directors to another two-year 

term: Leon Blender. Harry Buxbaum. Leopold 

Friedman. P. H. Garland. Norman 

E. Gluck. Jerry Gruenberg. Ben D. Marcus. 

Peter S. Myers. Henry G. Plitt. Charles M. 

Reagan. Burton E. Robbins. John H. Rowlev. 

Joseph M. Seider, Morton Sunshine. 

Richard F. Walsh and Roy B. White. 

Also elected for the first time were M. 

H. Chakeres, George Cukor. Michael Forman, 

Robert L. Friedman. M. J. Frankovich. 

Mervyn LeRoy and Carl L. Patrick. 

This group joins Charles Alicoate. John G. 

Broumas. Samuel H. Clark. Sherrill C. Corwin, 

Fredric A. Danz. Walter F. Diehl. Nat 

D. Fellman. Al Fitter. Salah M. Hassanein. 

Leo Jaffe. Eileen K. Ledford. Martin Levine. 

Morris E. Lefko. Irving H. Ludwig. 

Harry Mandel. H. H. Martin, Bernard Myerson, 

Martin H. Newman, Eugene Picker. 

Ralph W. Pries. T. G. Solomon. Ezra Stern. 

B. V. Sturdivant and James R. Velde— all 

of whom were elected at last year's annual 

membership for a two-year term. 

The board of directors re-elected Sturdivant 

president of the Foundation of the 

Motion Picture Pioneers. Also re-elected 

were Bernard Myerson. executive vice-president; 

vice-presidents Eugene Picker. Burton 

E. Robbins. Irving H. Ludwig. Ben D. 

Marcus and John Rowley: treasurer Martin 

H. Newman, and secretary Robert H. Sunshine. 

Univ.'s Leslie Stevens 

Scouts South Seas Area 

HOLLYWOOD—Leslie Stevens, executive 

producer at Universal Pictures, 

embarked upon an extensive tour of the 

South Seas area Sunday (29) to survey the 

potential of New Zealand and various islands 

for film and TV locations. 

His two-week trip will be made in cooperation 

with the New Zealand government, 

which also will receive his survey report 

that will include visits to Tahiti, the Society 

Islands and the island of Raratonga. 

His two-week trip is being made in coopfilming 

locations, but also to inspect potential 

movie and video facilities, such as laboratories, 

screening rooms, technical equipment 

and personnel in New Zealand and 

elsewhere in the South Seas. 

Calling the remote islands "the last unspoiled 

places in the world." Stevens said 

his survey will strive "to protect Raratonga 

and its sister islands from the negative aspects 

of commercial exploitation while capturing 

their beauty on film."

AyCO Embassy Executives Describe 

Firm's Return to Film Production 

NEW YORK—The final luncheon held 

at the NATO convention was sponsored by 

Avco Embassy Pictures Wednesday (18). 

"We're on the Go at Avco" was the theme 

as toastmistress Marijo Denson. an exhibitor 

from Newton. Miss., introduced the dais. 

Major personnel in attendance included 

president William Chaikin. senior vice-president 

and chief operating officer Robert 

Rehme. vice-president of advertising and 

publicity Herman Kass and vice-president 

and general sales manager Herb Robinson. 

The author of "Born .Again." now an Avco 

film. Charles Colson. also was there. 

First order of business after lunch was a 

raffle conducted by the Will Rogers Institute's 

e.xecutive director Martin Newman 

and associate director Lois Lewis. Helping 

to pick the winners of Panasonic portable 

radios and cassette recorders and 1979 Ford 

Fiestas were Chaikin. Colson. Denson. Robert 

Goldston (executive producer of Avco's 

film "The Bell Jar"). Dick Orear. Charles 

Trexler. Mike Chakeres. Harry Curl. B. V. 

Sturdivant and Dick Sloan. Winners of the 

cars were Richard Dacey, Edgewater. Md., 

and Joe Croluck. Santa Barbara. Calif. 

Newman thanked Avco for putting the Will 

Rogers health message on its films. 

Landmark Day for Avco 

Toastmistress Denson said that Avco has 

returned to film production and has added 

a young new executive. Rehme. The latter 

then introduced Chaikin. TTie company 

president said that this was really a landmark 

day for them. Six years ago, Avco's 

last production. Mike Nichols' "Day of the 

Dolphin." was completed. Since that time. 

Avco Embassy has released only independent 

pictures. With sales at an all-t'me 

high, the parent Avco Corp. has decided 

to refinance the production of films. Under 

the supervision of Paul Rosen, head of production. 

Avco can go far to reach its poten- 

Chaikin stated. 

tial. 

Rehme presented Robinson, who spoke 

briefly, after which the former introduced 

Rosen, Kass, director of marketing Len 

Shapiro and Goldston from the dais. The 

latter also was identified as co-producer of 

"Murder by Decree." Rehme itemized: in 

1977, Avco released six pictures; in 1978, 

ten, and, in 1979, they'll have 15. He mentioned 

some of the current and upcoming 

Avco features. 

he hoped that they wouldn't be indifferent 

Turnaways at Preview 

to the message of "Born Again" and that 

"A Dream of Passion," an October release, 

is Jules Dassin's film starring Melina The product reel featured all of the above 

they would book it. 

Mercouri and Ellen Burstyn, both of whom titles and "Circle of Iron," a January '79 

are expected to be Academy Award contenders. 

The animated feature for adults and fu actioner: "Murder by Decree," April, a 

release, starring David Carradine in a kung 

children, "Watership Down," is a Novem- 

Sherlock Holmes-Jack the Ripper adventure 

starring Christopher Plummer as Holmes 

ber release. Rehme revealed that an adverti.sed 

preview at a 600-seat Santa Barbara 

theatre resulted in 300 turnaways and a 98 

per cent favorable reaction on the preview 

cards (good to excellent). The same situation 

has taken place elsewhere and some 

theatres had to run the film a second time 

to accommodate overflow crowds. 

"The Bell Jar," to be released nationally 

in February, will open in Los Angeles in 

December to qualify for an Oscar nomination 

for star Marilyn Hassett. The film is 

based on the late Sylvia Plath's 6.000.000 

copy best seller. "In Praise of Older Women," 

a March release, is a controversial picture 

featured in Playboy Magazine and is 

one of Canada's highest-grossing locally 

produced films. "Goldengirl." for June, is 

being produced by Elliott Kastner and directed 

by Joseph Sargent with new star 

Susan Anton heading a cast including James 

Coburn. Leslie Caron, Curt Jurgens. Robert 

Culp and Harry Guardino. Although not a 

star of a TV series or movie, Anton has 

the fourth best-selling personality poster 

in the country and Rehme promises it will 

be No. 1 before Avco is through with its 

promotion. 

Announcement Was Premature 

Rehme referred to a deal pending with a 

national broadcasting company, about 

which he could say nothing more. The announcement 

that Avco Embassy has been 

designated the U. S. distributor of EX- 

PRODICO features is a bit premature, said 

Rehme, noting that the story appeared in 

a top tradepaper. Max Youngstein and Tom 

Moyer of EXPRODICO were on the dais, 

however. 

Colson Attends Premieres 

Former presidential aide Chuck Colson 

spoke about "Born Again," the film having 

a message which our country needs, said 

Rehme. Colson has attended premieres 

across the country, for the benefit of the 

Prison Fellowship Fund. The onetime Watergate 

conspirator, who served a prison 

term and found a new faith in Christ as a 

result of his experience, admitted that it 

was a gamble for Avco to take on the film. 

"It will succeed because we'll make it succeed," 

he stated, if only to help the 300,000 

inmates in this country. Touching upon his 

days with President Nixon and later in jail. 

Colson said that prison can't cure the real 

problem, a sickness of the heart. He said 

that we live in a moral vacuum. Apart from 

that, he pointed out that he was well aware 

that exhibitors arc interested in profits, but 

and James Mason as Dr. Watson, also with 

Donald Sutherland. Genevieve Bujold. David 

Hemmings, Susan Clark, John Gielgud 

and Anthony Quayle; "A Man, a Woman 

and a Bank," May, action-comedy with 

Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams and Paul 

Mazursky, and the puppet feature "Rudolph 

and Frosty's Christmas in July," July. To 

be produced are "Terry and the Pirates," 

based on the famed comic strip, and budgeted 

at $8,000,000, and "Winter Kills." 

Youngstein, executive director of EX- 

PRODICO. admitted that an agreement has 

not been reached with Avco, but said that 

the company held "a special spot in his 

heart and mind." He has worked with 

Avco's top personnel and he urged exhibitors 

to support the company. 

NAC Session Emphasizes 

Profit-Making Concepts 

NEW YORK—NATO convention 

business 

sessions Monday morning (16) ended 

with "Your Partner in Profit," given by National 

Ass'n of Concessionaire president 

Paul Mezzy of Louisville, Ky., and Philip 

M. "Perry" Lowe, treasurer of Cinema Centers 

Corp., Boston, and president-elect of 

NAC. as well as chairman of the 1978 

tradeshow here. 

Lowe's address, which pinpointed specifics 

relating to profitable operation of concession 

stands in the face of skyrocketing 

costs, will be reported in depth in the upcoming 

Modern Theatre section of Boxoffice. 

A film, "Circle of Profit," presented by 

Redstone Management of Boston and NAC. 

was shown. Redstone operates 140 hardtops 

and 60 drive-ins and owns and operates all 

of its concession stands, which it builds. 

Large lobbies for multiple cinemas demand 

a new type of concession design and 

Redstone advocates the circular format as 

the most desirable. Installation is handled 

from Boston with a local firm assisting in 

the building. 

The circular stand is shown to be the 

most convenient and profitable kind yet 

devised and its high installation cost is far 

outweighed by the even higher level of profit 

it 

generates. 

Lowe introduced a second film, which 

emphasized that NATO and NAC truly are 

"Partners in Profit." 

Yablans, Crichton, Fox 

Set Two-Picture Deal 

BEVERLY HILLS—Frank Yablans. 

Michael Crichton and 20th Century-Fo\ 

Pictures have entered into a two-picture 

deal with Crichton set to write two original 

screenplays for Frank Yablans Presentations 

under his current deal at 20th-Fox, it was 

announced by Gareth Wigan. vice-president, 

worldwide production. 20th-Fox. The first, 

set to go in spring 1979. will be a romantic 

comedy-thriller with Crichton directing from 

his own screenplay. 

The second project will be an adventure 

story .set in modern-day Africa. Crichton 

first will write the story as a novel to be 

published in hardcover by Knopf. He then 

will adapt the screenplay as well as direct. 

Yablans will produce both films with 

20th-Fox handling the worldwide distribution. 

BOXOmCE :: October 30. 1978

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BOXOFFICE :: October 30, 1978

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theatre resulted in 300 turnaways and a 98 Donald Sutherland, Genevieve Bujoid, Dav Yablans will produce both films with 

per cent favorable reaction on the preview d Hemmings, Susan Clark. .John Gielgud 20th-Fox handling the worldwide distribucards 

(good to excellent). The same situ- md Anthony Quayle; "A Man, a Woman tion. 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30, 197S

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for handling optical films 

)ecial surround effects plus rack 

ush mounts. 

lis system will playback Dolby 

ocessed and conventional 

Dnaural optical soundtracks. 

)lby processed stereo optical 

VA) soundtracks in 3-channel 

3reo. 

ereo optical films with special 

irround information recorded 

1 soundtrack. 

front stage speakers plus surund 

speakers and 4 power 

nplifiers required) 

cope 3 Multiple Channel 

o Theatre Package 

H 25301) 

system is identical to the 

ope 4 System, except the surchannel 

module is not included 

;oding surround channel effects. 

Jkers 3 power amplifiers required) 

Includes one Eprad noise reduction 

unit; one cinema equalizer unit; one 

power supply; one mother board and 

one mono cabinet with flush mount. 

• This system will playback Dolby 

processed and conventional 

monaural optical soundtracks. 

• Dolby processed stereo optical 

(SVA) soundtracks in hi-fidelity 

monaural. 

StarScopee 4 Channel 

Model 25305 

StarScope 6 6 Channel 

Model 25304 

These StarScope Magnetic Sound Systems 

are designed to work with 4, 5 and 

6-channel discrete sound system. Add 

Star Power 4 or 6 Amplifier for a 

superb, direct coupled power system 

with response from 5 cps to 20,000 cps. 

Includes six Eprad noise reduction 

units; six cinema equalizer units, one 

power supply board and one control 

module enclosed in a cabinet. Format 

is done by changing cards (for reliability 

and flexibility) to accommodate any 

system of today or the future. Dolby, 

DBX, Sound 360, Todd-AO, Colorteck, 

70mm six track and 70/35 mm optical. 

Pî G W 

4 Amplifier 

Four Power Amplifiers in one cabinet, 

with two power supplies. Designed for 

use with all StarScope stereo optical 

and 4-channel magnetic systems. 

Any One Channel 

100 watts 

Any Two Channels 

160 watts 

Any Three Channels 220 watts 

Any Four Channels 

360 watts 

X 1.4 for Peak Power at 4 ohms or a total 

of 840 peak watts. 

Star Power 6 Amplifier 

Six power amplifiers and two power 

supplies for StarScope Magnetic 6 

System. 



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BOXOFFICE :: October .^0. 1978

EPRAD STAR PLUG-IN 

REPLACEMENT MODULES 

25702 

25712 

25714 

25716 

25710 

25700 

25704 

25708 

25347 

25718 

Description 

Eprad Noise Reduction Unit* 

Cinema Equalizer Unit, 10 Channel* 



Power Supply Unit 

Stereo Format Unit 

Dual Optical Preamplifier 

Optical Surround Card 

Mother Board & Plug Gang Assembly 

Four or Six Channel Magnetic Card 

"Plug Compatible with Dolby Systems. 

Note: For information on prices and other replacement 

modules, ask your Eprad Dealer or get in touch with 

Eprad Incorporated, 123 W. Woodruff, Box 4712 

Toledo, Ohio 43620. 

SPLIT SOLAR CELLS AND MOUNTING 

BRACKETS AVAILABLE FROM EPRAD 

FOR SOUNDHEADS LISTED BELOW 

Soundhead

— 

Gulf & Western Has 

Record 4th Quarter 

NEW YORK—Gulf + Western Industries 

Wednesday (18) reported that net 

earnings for the fourth quarter of its fiscal 

year ended July 31 were the highest of any 

quarter in history and that net earnings for 

fourth quarter a year earlier. 

For fiscal '78, net earnings rose to $180,- 

500,000, compared with $150,300,000 for 

the prior fiscal year. Net earnings per share 

were $3.53 on a primary basis and $2.66 

per share fully diluted compared with $2.90 

primary and $2.21 fully diluted a year earlier. 

Sales for fiscal '78 were $4,310,000,- 

000. compared with $3,650,000,000 for fiscal 

'77. 

Results for both the fourth quarter and 

full year were higher than previously anticipated 

principally because of the unprecedented 

success of Gulf + Western's Paramount 

Pictures unit, Financial Services 

Group and strong fourth-quarter performance 

of its Manufacturing and Paper and 

Building Product Groups. 

The Leisure Time Group, which includes 

Paramount Pictures, had the largest increase 

in profitability of any G+W group in fiscal 

'78. Paramount's motion picture revenues 

rose to a new record of over $200,000,000, 

paced by a series of Iwxoffice successes including 

"Grease," "Saturday Night Fever," 

"Heaven Can Wait" and "Foul Play." 

"Grease" currently is the second highest 

grossing picture in Paramount's history and 

now appears destined to pass "The Godfather" 

to become the highest grossing picture 

in the history of Paramount. 

"Saturday Night Fever," which the company 

said is still enjoying exceptionally 

strong boxoffice success, is now the third 

highest grossing picture in Paramount's history. 

Robert Randies Is Chosen 

To Score 'Carroll Street' 

LOS ANGELES—Bluebird Films has announced 

a tentative agreement with Robert 

Randies to score and direct the music for 

"Carroll Street," a low-budget musical feature 

scheduled for production in March 

1979 in Los Angeles. Raina Barrett is casting. 

A director has not been chosen. 

"Carroll Street" is Bluebird's first film. 

Grady R. Daugherty is writer/ producer, 



MGM-UA Screen Condensed Version 

Of 'Champ During NATO Confab 

NEW YORK—MGM and United Artists 

offered an alternative to the blind-bidding 

problem during the NATO convention here 

by screening a condensed version of the 

forthcoming "The Champ" for the dele- 

the 1978 fiscal year were the second highest 

ever. Sales for both periods were at all-time gates. In lieu of seeing the entire film, exhibitors 

could get an excellent idea of the 

record highs and all eight operating groups 

were profitable for the year. 

film's content—and worth—by viewing 

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of these selected scenes, presented in sequence 

fiscal '78 were $57,600,000. compared with from almost the beginning to nearly the end 

$23,100,000 for the fiscal '77 fourth quarter. 

of the film. 

Net earnings per share were $1.14 on a To make it even more convenient, the 

primary basis and 84 cents per share fully 

primary 

companies arranged for a bus to transport 

diluted, compared with 43 cents the conventioneers from the Americana Hotel 

and 39 cents fully diluted for the previous 

year's fourth quarter. Sales for the 1978 to the Magno screening room in the lob- 

by of the MGM Building, only a few blocks 

fiscal fourth quarter were $1,210,000,000, away (with traffic here being what it norm.ally 

is, it was probably quicker to walk). 

compared with $922,000,000 for the fiscal 

Refreshments were served as a further inducement, 

as if anything more were necessary. 

No one could help but be impressed by 

the story of Jon Voight, Faye Dunaway and 

Ricky Schroder as a down-and-out boxer, 

his former wife and their young son, who 

has never known his mother, against a 

racing and boxing background. Franco Zeffirelli 

directed the MGM presentation and 

Dyson Lovell produced. The screenplay by 

Walter Newman was based on the story by 

Frances Marion, which was done in classic 

style in 1931 with Wallace Beery, Jackie 

ohsrt h#rts? 

Ask 

Cooper and Irene Rich and remade in a disguised 

version as "The Clown" 11953). with 

Red Skelton. As a result of other screenings, 

MGM has decided to release the new film 

via United Artists— in April, rather than 

holding it back until June of next year 

as planned. 

AA Acquires U. S. Rights 

To 'Things to Come' Film 

NEW YORK — Allied Artists has acquired 

U.S. distribution rights to H. G. 

Wells' "The Shape of Things to Come," 

based on the science-fiction classic by Wells, 

it was announced by Emanuel L. Wolf, president 

and chairman of the board. The film, 

starring Jack Palance, Carol Lynley, Barry 

Morse and John Ireland, will feature two 

young newcomers, actor Nicholas Campbell 

and actress Eddie Benton. The multimilliondollar 

production directed by George Mc- 

Cowan began principal photography Monday 

(23) in Toronto. 

Frank Wells, son of the author, will 

serve 

as scientific consultant and Wally Gentleman, 

who created the special effects for 

such films as Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A 

Space Odyssey," will be in charge of special 

effects. 

"The Shape of Things to Come" will be 

produced by William Davidson. 

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I 

Volenti Says Film Companies Must 

Use Caution in Home Video Field 

NEW YORK—Jack Valenti, president of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, addressing 

the home video programing seminar 

of the International Tape Ass"n at the 

St. Regis-Sheraton Hotel here Thursday 

morning (19). told the assemblage that motion 

picture production distribution companies 

would assume a cautious stance regarding 

the marketing of feature motion 

pictures on tapes or discs. The etiology of 

this attitude, he said, lies in the fact that 

"motion pictures currently are distributed 

in a sequential pattern over an extended 

period of time.'" 

Films are distributed first to theatres, he 

reminded. They then are released to pay 

TV. network TV and local TV. as well as 

to various nontheatrical outlets such as the 

armed forces, ships, airlines, hotels, colleges, 

etc., which are supplied at different 

points along the way. 

Residual Value a Factor 

This formula, Valenti asserted, has assured 

that a motion picture may continue 

to generate significant amounts of revenue 

20, 30 or even 40 years after it first was 

released in 

theatres. 

"All this leads to a question which the 

film companies must naturally ask: what 

effect will sales of prerecorded cassettes and 

discs have on the continued ability to license 

films over the long term? Part of the answer, 

of course, involves timing or "availability,' " 

Valenti said. "For example, do they enter 

the home video field before or after a film 

has played network TV? But another part 

of the question necessarily involves a more 

serious question: are the revenues which 

they can reasonably expect to derive from 

the home video field sufficient to risk the 

long-range earning potential of a film in 

other markets? I don't pretend to have the 

answers to these questions. All I can do is 

state the obvious: they will be very much 

on the minds of the film companies." 

The vast opportunities for pirating which 

will be opened up also are of great concern 

to the MPAA, Valenti emphasized, since the 

association has assembled a major policing 

task force to stamp out this practice wherever 

it may arise under present distribution 

systems. 

Estimates concerning VTR, he said, are 

that by 1985 there perhaps will be 8,000,- 

000-plus half-inch units in American homes. 

The same number of video disc players is 

forecast. However, he pointed out, "it is 

singularly difficult to forecast sales in a marketing 

tower of Babel. What are the equipment 

manufacturers going to do?" 

Since the systems are incompatible, the 

film industry will be facing a dilemma 

similar to that which caused confusion in 

the recording and color TV industries in 

the 

past, he explained. 

"The film companies, I believe, will make 

sufficient product available on a non-exclusive 

basis to both systems. The prime objective 

of the film companies is. in my judgment, 

to get a harness on the public mood 

and be receptive—swiftly— to whatever 

changes appear," Valenti stated. 

Dimension Schedules 'Tut' 

For Release in Aug. 1979 

LOS ANGELES—Lawrence H. Woolner, 

president of Dimension Pictures, has slated 

'"Revenge of King Tut" for national distribution 

in August 1979. 

The film, which is among 12 features on 

Dimension's 1979-80 schedule, was written 

by Lee Frost and produced by Mickey Zide 

and Larrv Woolner. 

Para. Appoints Mark V-P 

For Production Marketing 

HOLLYWOOD— Laurence M. Mark has 

been named vice-president, production marketing, 

for the motion picture division of 

Paramount Pictures, it was announced by 

Gordon R. Weaver, senior vice-president, 

woridwide marketing, for the division. Bob 

Goodfried, currently vice-president, West 

Coast publicity, will continue to be in 

charge of studio publicity. Both Mark and 

Goodfried will report directly to Weaver. 

Mark will be responsible for developing 

marketing concepts with filmmakers and for 

coordinating all advertising and publicity 

activities at the production level. In addition, 

he will continue to be closely involved 

with Paramount's New York marketing 

headquarters and be its liaison with filmmakers. 

He will be based at the studio and 

also will maintain his New York office. The 

appointment is effective November 1. 

Mark, 28, has been executive director of 

publicity for Paramount since May 1977 

and, prior to that, was marketing production 

liaison director for the division. He has 

served as the producer's assistant on various 

films and also has worked as a special publicist 

for United Artists. 

Screen Version of Porter 

Book Set for March Start 

BEVERLY HILLS — Personal 

manager 

George Edwards and Tony Crechales to develop 

a screenplay based on Darwin Porter's 

novel "Butterflies in Heat," scheduled to 

begin production March 5, 1979, in Key 

West as the initial feature of Wheeler's new 

production company. Edwards currently is 

represented by "Harper Valley PTA," which 

has grossed over $25,000,000 since its release 

earlier this year. 

Porter's book is considered to be an underground 

classic and has sold well over 

1.000.000 copies to date. The story involves 

a young hustler, a murder suspect on the 

run, who finds refuge with a wealthy and 

once-famous fashion designer. 

Cash Baxter has been set to direct and 

Gary Graver has been named director of 

photography. Also assigned are Fred T. 

Tuch as production designer, Christopher 

Pearce as production manager and Shelby 

Livingston as assistant to the producer. 

CITATION—Leo Jaffe. left, chairman of the board of Columbia Pictures 

Industries, was honored with a presidential citation from New York University at 

a cocktail reception Monday (9) at the Beverly Hills Hotel. With him are Francis 

T. Vincent jr., center, president and chief executive officer of Columbia, and 

Peter Guber, chairman of the board of Casablanca Records & FilmWorks, who is 

chairman of the West Coast Council of NYU's School of the Arts. Jaffe's citation 

for his role in the film indastry over 50 years was the first ever given by the university 

to an executive in the entertainment field. 

Dyan Cannon to Produce, | 

Direct Drama for Univ. I 

UNIVERSAL CITY—Dyan Cannon has 

| 

been signed to produce and direct "For the $j 

First Time," a drama based on her original 

idea, for Universal, it was announced by 

Ned Tanen, president of Universal theatrical 

motion pictures. She has signed Patricia 

Louisiana Knop to collaborate with her on 

the screenplay. 

Ms. Cannon is the only woman to have 

been nominated for an Oscar as both actress 

and as producer-director. She presently is 

working on a screenplay which she will . 

produce and direct as a feature film for 

20th Century-Fox. 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978

PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF 

NATO CONVENTION 

Paramounl reception and dinner held Tuesday (17) are (1. lo r.) Frank Mi 

vice-president, domestic distribution; A. Alan Friedberg, NATO president-elec 

>r vice-president, worldwide marketing. Paramount; Marvin Goldman, and Marl 

leit, co-chairman of NATO's 

ê, presents Warren Beatty two 

NATO awards, "Producer ol the Year" and "Director 

ol the Year." 

BOXOmCE :: October 30. 1978

WCI Has Record High 

Quarterly Earnings 

NEW YORK—Warner Communications, 

inc., has reported record third-quarter revenues, 

net income and earnings per share. 

Revenues and net income were the highest 

for any quarter in the company's history, 

a spokesmen said. Fully diluted earnings per 

share from continuing operations of $1.32 

were 20 per cent above those recorded in 

"77. Income from continuing operations of 

$19,802,000 was up 27 per cent from $15,- 

621,000 last vear. Revenues rose 16 per cent 

to $316,563,000 from $272,853,000 in the 

1977 third period. 

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 1978, 

fully diluted earnings per share from continuing 

operations of $3.77 were 12 per 

cent above last year's $3.36. Nine-month 

income from continuing operations of $55,- 

858,000 showed an increase of 16 per cent 

from the $47,973,000 earned last year. Revenues 

for the first nine months of 1978 were 

$904,427,000, 21 per cent above 1977's 

$745,893,000. These figures all are ninemonth 

records. 

The above figures do not include WCFs 

equity in the income of Garden State National 

Bank, which is carried as a discontinued 

operation because of WCFs previously 

announced agreement to sell its investment 

in the bank. Garden State contributed 

$1,359,000 in the third quarter (9 cents per 

fully diluted share), which compares to $1,- 

015,000 (7 cents per fully diluted share) 

last year. For the first nine months. Garden 

State contributed $3,721,000 (25 cents per 

fully diluted share), vs. $2,941,000 (20 

cents per fully diluted share) in 1977. 

Commenting on the third-quarter results, 

WCI chairman Steven J. Hoss said, "Operating 

gains by all five WCI divisions accounted 

for these results. Recorded music 

and music publishing showed a revenue gam 

of 15 per cent but operating income rose 

only slightly. The decline in profit margins 

stemmed primarily from an increase in promotional 

and advertising expenditures required 

to launch a wide variety of new artist.s. 

Operating income from filmed entertainment 

rose 19 per cent. These excellent 

results reflected particularly the successful 

theatrical release of 'Hooper.' Profits from 

TV activities continued at a high level." 

Forum on Energy Savings; 

Missing Plaques Awarded 

NEW YORK—The final morning of business 

sessions at the NATO convention began 

Wednesday (18) with a presentation of 

the Edison Institute on "Energy Conservation." 

Meeting chairman Bernard Goldberg, 

New York, president of the Independent 

Theatre Owners Ass'n, introduced speaker 

Richard Acari, director of commercial 

service for Consolidated Edison Co. of 

New York. Acari stated that we as a country 

had banded together during the energy 

crisis in 1973-74, but had returned to our 

usual practices afterwards despite efforts 

by the government to continue a conserva- 

lion program. President Carter has stressed 

the need for this constantly, he pointed out. 

Con Ed has urged conservation in New 

York City, said Acari, who then gave some 

tips to the theatre owners; e. g., don't test 

your spring air-conditioning equipment during 

the day but at night; lighting should be 

used only as necessary— fluorescents being 

the best kind—and cut down or eliminate 

decorative lighting. Remember the slogan, 

"When not in use. turn off the juice," he 

advocated. After saying that he would make 

himself available to delegates at the convention, 

he closed with the statement that energy 

conservation must be a continuing operation. 

Following this forum, outgoing NATO 

president Marvin Goldman presented 

plaques to the five NATO organizations that 

helped pass the antiblind-bidding bill in their 

respective states. Goldman explained that 

these plaques, as well as those designated 

for Newton P. Jacobs of Crown International 

and producer Melvin Simon, had been 

in a Corvette which was stolen and recovered 

within the past few days. He then gave 

the awards to the presidents of the regional 

organizations: Levere C. Montgomery sr., 

NATO of Louisiana; Ned C. Glazer, NATO 

of Virginia; Harry M. Curl. NATO of Alabama; 

Herman A. Stone, NATO of South 

Carolina, and Al Boudouris, NATO of Ohio. 

Bergamo Named President, 

MCA Distributing Corp. 

NEW YORK—Al Bergamo has been appointed 

president of MCA Distributing 

Corp., it was announced by Sid Sheinberg, 

president of MCA, Inc. 

MCA Distributing Corp. will continue to 

distribute the product of MCA Records, as 

well as the product of newly formed Infinity 

Records. 

In addition to the announcement concerning 

Bergamo, Sheinberg stated that Gene 

Froelich, assistant treasurer of MCA, Inc., 

has consented to be of special assistance to 

him in connection with the transition of 

MCA Distributing Corp. into an independent 

entity within the MCA Group of 

record activities. 

In announcing Bergamo's appointment, 

Sheinberg said. "After months of evaluating 

potential candidates. I am most pleased 

that we were able to secure as talented an 

executive as Al Bergamo for the presidency 

of our record distributing entity. Bergamo 

brings to the job 'hands on' experience in 

branch management, as well as his more 

recent experience as vice-president of marketing/West 

Coast for Epic/ Portrait Records 

and Associated Labels. I am convinced 

that Bergamo possesses not only the management 

skills required but also the desire 

to capitalize on the best aspects of our present 

distribution system and to make such 

improvements as are necessary to make 

MCA Distributing Corp. the most effective 

organization of its kind in the U.S." 

Sheinberg added. "I also am very pleased 

that Gene Froelich, who has a unique overview 

of our record operations, will be of 

assistance in connection with the implementation 

of our objectives." 

NATO Seminar Probes 

Marketing Problems 

NEW YORK—"Buyer and Seller Problems 

and Abuses" was the third presentation 

Wednesday morning (18) at the NATO 

convention, the meetings being held on this 

last day at the Americana Hotel. Chairman 

was A. Alan Friedberg. Boston, president 

of Sack Theatres and incoming president of 

NATO. The panel consisted of Ashley 

Boone, vice-president of domestic marketing 

and distribution for 20th Century-Fox; 

Eugene Tunick, general sales manager of 

American International Pictures, and Robert 

Rehme, senior vice-president of Avco 

Embassy. Friedberg touched upon some exhibitor 

abuses before each panelist addressed 

the gathering. Buena Vista's Charles 

E. Good was not able to attend as scheduled. 

Brandeis graduate Boone stated that he'd 

heard little of the positive side of the industry 

during the convention. "We are now 

almost at the crest of a big business cycle," 

he said, "and it isn't necessary to have a 

downturn." In the last 18 months, there 

has been a great deal of cooperation between 

exhibition and distribution, although 

problems still exist, he offered. Boone criticized 

inferior film presentations at theatres 

and inept advertising on both sides of the 

industry. 

Ex-exhibitor Tunick, whose association at 

AIP was only in its second month, admitted 

that his company did not enjoy a 

great year, but that a promising future was 

theirs. He touched upon some of the industry 

ills. 

Rehme also was in a new position, having 

joined Avco recently, and he referred to 

Boone's remark that the three men had once 

worked in different departments at United 

Artists at the same time some years ago. 

Avco has big plans, stated Rehme, and 

now has backing for co-productions. 

Friedberg asked the three men to define 

their companies' position on blind-bidding, 

to which Boone replied that 20th-Fox sells 

films the best way it can. We as individuals 

blind-bid for things every day of our lives, 

he said, and occasionally Fox has had to 

resort to blind-bidding for proper playoffs. 

The company now expects to complete films 

in advance in order to be screened for exhibitors. 

Open bidding has put them at a 

disadvantage, he admitted. He also voiced 

concern over TV movies using the themes 

of films which haven't been released yet. 

When Friedberg asked about the licensing 

of films in states where NATO's model 

bill on blind-bidding had been put into effect, 

both Tunick and Rehme agreed that 

their companies would abide by the law. 

Carolco Gets Worldwide 

Rights to 'Cabo Blanco' 

HOLLYWOOD—The Carolco film releasing 

organization will handle worldwide 

sales of "Cabo Blanco," the $10,000,000 

adventure feature starring Charles Bronson 

and Dominique Sanda. 

14 

BOXOmCE October 30, 1978

NATO Holds Seminar 

On 'Voice of the Law' 

NEW YORK^The ominous-sounding 

title, "The Voice of the Law," was the last 

also is chairman of NATO's legal affairs 

committee. NATO president Marvin Goldman 

introduced four antitrust experts 

Goldschlager: NATO counsel Peter M 

Fishbein, New York City; Harry Swerd 

low, Beverly Hills, and Joseph Aliotto, Bos 

ton. Atty. Gen. of the U.S. Griffin Bel 

also made a prepared speech. 

Model Bill Challenged 

Fishbein talked about the NATO model 

bill's being challenged by a court suit in 

Ohio, the suit having been brought against 

the governor and officials of the state. The 

MPAA's contention that the model bill is 

unconstitutional is not true, he said. The 

case of a Charlottesville, Va., exhibitor who 

is being sued for splitting, also involves a 

lawful practice, he said. The NATO legal 

affairs committee has reiterated during the 

convention that splits with the consent of 

the distributor are legal. The Justice Department 

is wrong in saying that splitting 

violates the Sherman Antitrust Act, Fishbein 

declared. 

Los Angeles attorney Swerdlow said that 

distributors have instituted lawsuits against 

exhibitors for splitting. Technology in processing 

prints can eliminate the practice of 

blind-bidding, but it's still being done, he 

observed. 

'A Sellers' Market' 

Ex-Mayor of San Francisco Aliotto stated 

that all exhibitors really are legal experts 

(by necessity). "It's a sellers' market and 

we can't depend on the Justice Department 

to rule favorably on the side of exhibition 

regarding blind-bidding," he said. Seven distribution 

organizations account for 85 per 

cent of the profits, he pointed out, while 

emphasizing that public court records prove, 

in his estimation, that distributors do collaborate 

on blind-bidding procedures. The 

1938 Paramount block-booking case was 

really a matter of blind-bidding, which was 

outlawed during the '40s but reinstated in 

1950. Everything now, for all practical purposes, 

is blind-bid, an atrocious practice in 

his mind. Splitting is not as great a problem, 

yet too much time is spent on it, he said. 

The lengthy applause attested to Aliotto's 

remarks being considered well-informed. 

His forceful manner and encouragement 

were regarded as a shot in the arm by the 

exhibitors. 

During the question-and answer period. 

Goldschlager said that both NATO and 

EXPRODICO are combating the sellers' 

market. This portion of the program was 

cut short by the arrival of the attorney 

general, who was introduced by Gen. John 

H. Stembler sr., Atlanta, to a standing ovation. 

The Georgia-born Bell played to a 

packed house that had been gathering all 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978 

morning. It was revealed that Stembler and 

Bell had been fellow delegates from Georgia 

to the 1960 Democratic National Convention. 

Bell stated that the Justice Department is 

run in an open manner to encourage the 

confidence of the American people. He, as 

presentation at the 1978 NATO business attorney general, already has been sued by 

sessions Wednesday (18). Chairman was 300 people in his two years of service, he 

Morris Goldschlager, New York City, who observed wryly. There are 55,000 employees 

of the Justice Department and morale is 

now up. He spoke of the federal court and 

said that a bill can pass both the House 

and the Senate, but not be made into law. 

Bell touched upon crime in this country 

and then referred to a 1924 Watergate-type 

scandal in the British government. He wanted 

the U. S. to understand that everyone 

receives equal treatment from the government. 

The attorney general affirmed his pride 

in 

the Justice Department and his good feeling 

about the country. He barely touched 

upon how exhibition would fare with his 

department. 

Gig Young Dead at 60; 

Oscar-Winning Actor 

NEW YORK—Academy Award-winning 

actor Gig Young, 60, was found shot to 

death Thursday (19) in his Manhattan apartment. 

His wife of three weeks, 31 -year-old 

Kim Schmidt, also was found dead in an 

adjoining room, apparently killed by a gunshot. 

A .38-caliber pistol was in Young's 

hand, according to police officers, who proceeded 

to launch an investigation into what 

they termed a "murder-suicide." 

Born in St. Cloud, Minn., Young's real 

name was Byron Barr. After graduating 

from high school, he moved to Hollywood 

after a brief stint as a used car salesman 

and got his first big break at the Pasadena 

Playhouse, where he worked in a few stock 

plays. 

Spotted by a Warner Bros, talent scout 

who signed him to a long-term contract, 

Young first won rave reviews for his acting 

in "The Gay Sisters," his first film. It was 

from this picture that he took the name 

Gig Young, the character he had portrayed 

in the movie. 

He won an Academy Award nomination 

for "Come Fill the Cup," with James Cagney, 

and later was nominated for his portrayal 

in "Teacher's Pet." Young won the 

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor 

in 1969 for his role in the picture "They 

Shoot Horses. Don't They?" Since that time 

he had appeared in "Lovers and Other 

Strangers," "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo 

Garcia," "The Hindenburg" and "The Killer 

Elite." 

Young also had appeared in a nimibcr 

of Broadway plays and on TV. 

Free Short 'About Cots' 

Available for Theatres 

NEW YORK—A 12-minute free short 

subject titled "About Cats." narrated by 

Tammy Grimes, is available through ModernCinema 

35, theatrical arm of Modern 

Talking Picture Service. 

Role of Gov't Is Defined 

For Conclave Delegates 

NEW YORK — NATO's Wednesday 

morning (18) business sessions continued 

with "A View From the Potomac," led off 

by a brief introduction by Paul Roih. Silver 

Spring, Md., chairman of NATO's governmental 

relations committee. He defined the 

basic duty of government as "to comfort the 

afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Then 

he presented the guest speaker, consultant 

Lester Jayson of Washington, D. C. A 

graduate of Harvard Law School, Jayson 

was an attorney with the Department of 

Justice for 18 years and was director of 

the Congressional Research Service of the 

Library of Congress for ten years. 

Spicing his remarks with jokes from the 

Henny Youngman file, Jayson spoke of 

problems facing Congress and the view that 

people expect congressmen to be experts 

on everything. There are over 65 committees 

in Congress and over 250 sub-committees, 

he said. 

The presentation was short, since Atty. 

Gen. Griffin Bell was scheduled to speak 

at the end of the morning's sessions and no 

one wanted to take away from Bell's allotted 

CLEARING HOUSE 

BUSIWESS STISÛLATORS 

BUIIJ) ATTENDANCE with real Hawai 

ian orchids. Few cents each. Write Flow 

ers of Hawaii. 670 S. Lafayette Place, Lo 

Angeles. Calif. 90005. 

THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS, week 

ly programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily 

weekly boxoffice reports, time schedules 

passes, labels, etc. Write for samples 

BINGO CARDS DIE CUT: 1-75, 1500 combinations 

m color. PREMIUM PRODUCTS, 

339 West 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10036 

(212) 246-4972 

ot 

INDOOR THEATRE MUSIC programming 

DT today's audiences, today's movies and 

Dday's theatres. CSC Music Service, 

815) 397-9295. 

INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS? Send us 

our tired, your noisy mtennittents. Call

UMPA Honoring 4 Pioneers 

Nov. 29 in Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—Members of the United 

Motion Picture Ass'n will take time out 

Wednesday, November 29, to honor four 

of its own! 

In an atmosphere of proper elegance at 

the Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club, 

91st and Nail. Prairie Village, Kas., the 

spotlight will be directed to the dais for the 

presentation of "Pioneer of the Year" 

awards to (in alphabetical order) Dale Danielson. 

Jim Lewis, Ben Marcus and Beverly 

Miller. 

"We didn't get where we are in this business 

overnight," notes Martin Stone, chairman 

of the event. "Today's bright young 

crop of film people have a strong heritage 

of sound showmanship to look back upon. 

And to those who were the true pioneers, 

who bought and sold film 'way back when, 

who opened the first drive-in theatres and 

created the early film promotions, we owe 

a lot. So. November 29. we shall take a few 

moments off and look back." 

Miller, a colorful personality on the Kansas 

City scene, opened his first theatre at 

the age of 17. Danielson is representative 

of the showman who resided and operated 

theatres away from the big city. His career 

successes, in fact, prove the spirit of showmanship 

is everywhere you find the true 

showman. Lewis retired only last year after 

a movie-business career spanning more than 

52 years. Marcus culminated a long association 

with Columbia Pictures as Kansas 

City branch manager by organizing his own 

independent distributorship. 

"They're from different phases of the 

industry." 

commented Lu Vaughan. president 

of UMPA. "and they're showmen all! 

We're proud to honor these four as our 

'Pioneers of the Year." " 

A cash bar at 6:30 will precede dinner 

beginning at 7:30 p.m. Reservations may 

be made by calling UMPA at (816) 931- 

2835 or Stone Enterprises. (913) 384-0025. 

Streisand-O'Neal Starrer 

Filming in Los Angeles 

LOS ANGELES—"Main Event," which 

reteams Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal, 

is now before the cameras in Los Angeles. 

A First Artists presentation for Warner 

Bros, release, "Main Event" is a Jon Peters 

production of a Barwood film, produced by 

Peters and directed by Howard Zieff from 

a screenplay by Gail Parent and Andrew 

Smith. Ms. Streisand is serving as executive 

producer, along with Rence Missel and 

Howard Rosenman. 

"Main Event" tells the story of a perfume 

manufacturer —portrayed by Streisand 

— left penniless after her accountant flees 

the country with virtually all her assets, 

leaving her with only a prizefighter who 

she decides to manage personally. The boxer 

is portrayed by O'Neal. 

"Main Event" is being filmed at Hollywood 

General Studios and on locations in 

and around Los Angeles, including Century 

City, the downtown Civic Center and Malibu, 

as well as at Lake Tahoc. 

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. 

Till* 

Alien 

Distributor 

Zone (Jupiter Pictures) 

Black Jack (SES Int'l) 

Bully (Emerson Films) 

California Dreamin' (AIP) 

The Long Shot (PRO Int'l) 

Run for the Roses (*) (Kodiak Films) 

Sensual Encounters of Every Kind 

(Film Makers Co.) 

Shock (Edward Montoro Ent.) 

Stevie (First Artists) 

The World's Greatest Kicker 

(Capital Films) 

() Supersedes rating listed in Bullel 

title "The Thoroughbreds." 

AIP Obtains Additional 

$10 Million in Credit 

HOLLYWOOD — Beverly 

Rating 

PG 

® 

IE 

PG 

PG 

443 under 

Hills-based 

American International Pictures reported 

Monday (23) that it has negotiated a $10.- 

000.000 increase in its secured revolving 

line of credit with Bank of America. This 

permits the company to borrow up to $25,- 

000,000 under the production credit and up 

to $35,000,000 under the television credit so 

long as aggregate loans do not exceed S35.- 

000.000. 

Under the agreement, the bank may examine 

the resulting entity in the event the 

recently announced merger agreement with 

Filmways is concluded successfully. In addition, 

the company agreed that it would not 

withdraw certain collateral if it should exercise 

its 

right to convert the revolving credit 

to a term loan June 30. 1980. 

Samuel Z. Arkoff, chairman of the board 

and president, announced that this additional 

line would facilitate the implementation 

of the "New American International" program 

which long has been in the planning 

stage and was announced at the luncheon 

sponsored by the company at the annual 

convention of the National Ass'n of Theatre 

Owners in New York City Monday (16). 

AIP's 'Amityville Horror' 

Begins Shooting in NJ 

TOMS RIVER. N.J.—American International's 

multimillion-dollar "The Amityville 

Horror." based on the true hardcover runaway 

best seller and Bantam Books paperback 

hit written by Jay Anson, started 

shooting here Monday (23). 

Stuart Rosenberg is directing the cast 

toplined by James Brolin. Margot Kidder. 

Rod Stciger. Don Stroud and Murray Hamilton, 

from a screenplay by Sandor Stern. 

Samuel Z. Arkoff is executive producer 

of the film produced by Roland Saland and 

Elliot Geisingcr of Professional Films. Inc. 

I.alo Schifrin will compose and conduct 

the score for "The Amityville Horror." 

Showman Raymond Willie 

Is Dead After Long Illness 

DALLAS — Raymond Willie, showman 

and former ABC Interstate Theatres executive, 

died here Friday (20) after a long illness. 

A veteran of more than 50 years in the 

motion picture industry, he was 77. 

Born in Fort Worth. Willie started his career 

there at 16 as an usher at the Hippodrome 

Theatre. He later managed theatres 

in Cleburne. Hillsboro and San Antonio. 

In 1921 he became assistant manager 

of the old Palace Theatre, one of this city's 

first luxury film houses. 

In the lobby of the Palace he met R.J. 

"Bob" O'Donnell. head of the Interstate 

circuit, who in 1924 appointed young Willie 

city manager of the circuit's theatres in San 

Antonio. He gradually worked his way up 

within the company, achieving the status of 

vice-president in 1959 and executive vicepresident 

in 

1967. He later was named assistant 

to the president. 

On the occasion of his retirement in 1971. 

representatives from major film companies 

and all segments of the film industry, along 

with barkers of Variety Tent 17. honored 

Willie at a testimonial dinner in the Grand 

Ballroom of the Statler Hilton Hotel. More 

than 400 persons attended the event which 

was emceed by comedian Bob Hope. 

Two years later Willie came out of retirement 

to take charge of all McLendon theatres 

in Texas. He retired again in 1975. 

He is survived by his wife LaVerne, a son 

Raymond jr., six grandchildren and one 

great-grandchild. 

John R. Bray, Animation 

Pioneer, Dies at Age 99 

BRIDGEPORT. CONN —John R. Bray, 

newspaper and magazine cartoonist credited 

with development of the animated cartoon 

process, died recently at his home here. 

He was 99. His long career as cartoonist, 

developer and motion picture producer 

spanned from 1901 to 1960. 

He started as a cartoonist with the Detroit 

Evening News, later contributed to the 

Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Life. Puck and Judge 

magazines and the McCure Syndicate. 

In 1910. he invented the animated cartoon 

process and two years later introduced 

the first animated cartoons—including "Out 

of the Inkwell"— to motion picture theatres 

across the U.S. 

By 1914 he had organized the Bray-Hurd 

Process Co.. which issued licenses for the 

three basic animation processes for which 

he held patents. Almost all of the early 

animators—including Walt Disney—used 

the Bray process. The Bray Studios, also 

established in 1914. produced animated cartoons. 

Prof. Keith Lucas of U.S. 

Is Named BFI Director 

LONDON—Succeeding Keith Lucas as 

director of the British Film Institute is 

American Prof. Edward S. Perry, dean of 

arts and humanities at Middlebury College, 

located in Vermont, U.S. Lucas is retiring. 

16 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30, 1978

. . Producer 

. . Hunt 

. . . Ray 

. . . Audrey 

. . Carey 

. . Mel 

. . Ruth 

>r ^Jôliuwood rCeport pX 

f 

Warner Bros, to Begin Lensing 

Comedy-Western 'No Knife' 

Warner Bros, will begin shooting Monday 

(30) on "No Knife," comedy-western starring 

Gene Wilder to be directed by Robert 

Aldrich. Mace Neiifeld will produce the 

screenplay by Michael Elias and Frank 

Shaw . . Paul Heller Productions and 

Raymond Chow's Golden Harvest Productions 

plan to begin shooting in May on 

"High Road to China," with a screenplay 

by S. Lee Pogostin, based on Jon Cleary's 

novel. Heller and Eva Monley will co-produce 

and Chow will be executive producer. 

Location filming is planned on various European 

Party," based on the novel by James Leasor, 

and has hired Reginald Rose to write the 

Production is under way 

and mid-Eastern sites . . . Principal screenplay . . . 

photography began Monday (2) on "Rocky in Montreal on Claude Pinoteau's suspense 

II—Redemption," written and directed by thriller, "Labyrinth," which United Artists 

will release in six European countries and 

Sylvester Stallone, who also stars in the title 

all of Latin America. Starring are Lino 

role, for United Artists. The entire cast of 

principals returns for the Robert Chartoff- Ventura and Angle Dickinson . . . "The 

Irwin Winkler sequel, including Talia Shire, Last Laugh," a Cine-Globe production starring 

Burt Young. Carl Weathers and Burgess 

Harrison Page, will begin shooting 

Meredith. Filming will be in Los Angeles later this month on locations in Baltimore 

and Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Ernest Willbrite will direct 

tions, newly formed by Bob Cawley and 

Allan Nadohl, will begin shooting November 

1 in Florida on "Rockenstein," starring 

from a 

Hickmar Productions will make "The Fifth 

Floor," based on a true story about a girl 

Johnny London Stromberg jr., held in a mental institution. Bo Hopkins, 

Stoddard Kerby and Peter Sellers will produce 

Dianne Hull, Patti D'Urbanville and Sharon 

"Chandu the Magician" for Orion Farcll are cast in starring roles. 

Backfire Productions Acquires 

Pictures, with production planned for 1979. 

Ian La Fienais and Richard Clement wrote 

the script, based on the 1930-40s radio series Rights to Bob Williams Story 

created by Harry A. Earnshaw and Vera Backfire Productions has acquired rights 

M. Oldham . Bill Hanna and to the story of Bob Williams, who was im- 

director Ron Joy will begin filming November 

21 on locations in Mexico and Texas 

on "Toy Soldiers," from David Fisher's 

original 

screenplay. 

United Artists' 'Rich Kids' 

Begins Shooting This Month 

"Rich Kids" will begin filming for United 

Artists later this month with Bob Young 

directing from Judith Ross' script. George 

George and Mike Hauseman will produce 

and Robert Altman will be executive producer 

. . . Sandy Howard's production of 

"Adrift and Beyond" will begin shooting 

overseas in January, with Adrian Hughes 

serving as associate producer . . . Filming 

will begin at the end of the month on "Sun- 

Mikhail Baryshnikov, who formed his own 

company to film the life of legendary dancer 

Vaslav Nijinsky, has signed with Orion Pictures 

for financing and worldwide distribution 

of the picture. 

November Film Start Planned 

For Paramount's 'Postcard' 

Shooting is set for November on Paramount's 

"French Postcard," to be directed 

by Willard Huyck from a script he wrote 

with Gloria Katz. Lynn Carlin has been 

signed for a role in the feature . . Euan 

. 

Lloyd is preparing to produce "Boarding 

prisoned for 20 years for a crime he did not 

commit, and proved his innocence with his 

own investigation after he was released. 

John Antowime will write the screenplay . . . 

The Carnival Group has acquired "Sideshow," 

an original screenplay by Michael 

Ross, Sparky Greene and Michael Kelly 

Neal Dobrofsky and Dennis Hackin, 

. . . 

who produced United Artists' "Wanda Nevada," 

have acquired "The Great Charlatan," 

an original screenplay by Thomas 

Schlessinger . . . Professional Films has 

taken an option on "Tout," Neil Frames' 

script about the peace efforts of Catholic 

and Protestant mothers in Northern Ireland 

of a rowdy cafe in a cameo appearance in 

ITC Entertainment's "The Muppet Movie" 

Bolger, Leon Ames, Carl Ballantinc 

and Keys Luke will make cameo appearances 

in Columbia's "Just You and 

Me, Kid," starring George Burns and 

Brooke Shields . Ferrer, Julie Adams, 

Bob Englund, Anthony James and John 

David Carson have starring roles in Hickmar 

Productions' "The Fifth Floor" . . . 

Barry Primus has the male lead in Roger 

Vadim's "Night Games," shooting in Manila 

Hepburn will play the lead 

female role in Paramount's "Bloodline," 

based on Sidney Sheldon's novel. Others in 

the cast are Ben Gazzara, James Mason, 

Giancarlo Giannini, Michelle Phillips, Maurice 

Ronet, Maximilian Schell, Romy Schneider, 

Beatrice Straight and Monica Vitti. 

Shooting began Monday (9) on the David 

Picker-Sidney Beckerman production . . . 

Paul Lawrence Smith has been cast in a 

co-starring role in "The In-Laws," which 

Warner Bros, began lensing Monday (16) 

in New York with Arthur Hiller directing 

. . . Di Ann Monaco has a co-starring role 

in producer Marilyn J. Tenser's "Van Nuys 

Blvd." for Crown International . . . Bill 

Baldwin, who played the ring announcer 

in "Rocky," has been signed to repeat the 

role in Chartoff-Winkler's "Rocky II: Redemption" 

Loftin. George E. 

Bclanger, Yougi Rogi and Adriana Para 

have been signed for roles in "Sunburn," 

a Hemdale Lisure Corp./ Bond Films feature 

. . . New York stage and TV actor 

William Hurt has been signed for a role in 

"Altered States" . . . Producer Marilyn 

Tenser has signed the cheerleaders of the 

Kansas City Kings pro basketball team to 

play themselves in a disco scene in "Van 

Nuys Blvd." . 

Cox, Jonathan Gries, 

Debi Richter and Dan Spector have signed 

for roles in "Swap Meet," which producer 

Steve Krantz is shooting in Los Angeles 

with Brice Mack directing. 

Henry Mancini Signed to Score 

Blake Edwards' Comedy '10' 

Henry Mancini will write the music for 

Blake Edwards' "10," romantic comedy 

which began principal photography in Los 

Angeles Monday (2) . . . Pino Donaggio 

has completed scoring Charles Band Productions' 

"Tourist Trap" which is being prepared 

for a spring release by Irwin Yablan's 

Compass International. Chuck Con- 

directed by Arthur Penn. . . . Jane Alexander 

nors stars in the fantasy-thriller directed by 

David Schmoeller from a script he wrote 

Film rights to William Diehl's novel, 

. . . 

"Sharky's Machine," have been acquired by 

Producer Robert 

with J. Larry Carroll . . . 

nyside," to be produced by Robert Schaffel Orion Pictures and negotiations are under Radnitz has signed Ron Rubin to rewrite 

and directed by Timothy Gelfas. Joey Travolta, 

way for Diehl to write the screenplay. The the script for "I'll Get There—It Better 

novel is a detective suspense thriller with Be Worth the Trip," set for shooting next 

brother of John, will make his film 

debut in the feature . . . "The Villain." a Atlanta. Ga.. and international backgrounds. 

Wendy Greene Bricmont will edit 

year . . . 

Rastar-Mort Engleberg production, began 

"On the Nickel," produced by Ralph Waite 

Chayefsky's 'Altered States' 

shooting Wednesday (18) in Arizona with 

who also stars in the feature shot on location 

in the Los Angeles area . . . Harold 

Kirk Douglas, Ann-Margret, Arnold Will Feature Blair Brown 

Schwarzenegger and Foster Brooks starring 

Becker has been signed to direct "The Onion 

Blair Brown has won the female lead 

Field" for producer Walter Coblenz. based 

Producers Thomas L. Miller and Edward 

in Columbia's "Altered States," an adaptation 

. . . 

K. Milkis and writer-director Colin 

. . . on Joseph Wambaugh's novel John 

of Paddy Chayefsky's novel to be 

Higgins will collaborate for the third time 

Dykstra's Apogee, Inc., has been signed to 

to make "The Man Who Lost Tuesday" for 

has replaced Gail Strickland in Co- 

do the special effects on the screen version 

Paramount. The comedy-thriller will be lumbia's "Kramer vs. Kramer" shooting of Paddy Chayefsky's novel, "Altered 

played against international backgrounds of 

States," which Arthur Penn will direct for 

in New York with Robert Benton directing 

.. . James Coburn will play the owner Columbia. 

Paris, Morocco and Ireland . . . Ballet star 

October 30, 1978 17

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER 

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

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

ore reported, ratings are odded and averages revised. Computation a in terms of percentage in 

relotion to average grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as average, 

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

- o - 5 s - i i 

I 

2 i i i ^ i i 

^ < 

i M i f 2 = ? i 

i I i i d i s I i 3 i i i i i I I 3 £1 

Almost Summer (Univ) 50 125 85 122 

Amuck' (Group 1)

'A Horseman' Is Set 

For NYC November 1 

NEW YORK—"Comes a Horseman," a 

post-World War II western action romance 

starring James Caan, Jane Fonda and Jason 

Robards, will open in the greater New York 

area Wednesday. November 1. at 17 selected 

theatres including the Criterion. 

Trans-Lux East and 86th Street East in 

Manhattan. 

A Robert Charioff-lrwin Winkler production 

of an Alan J. Pakula film. "Comes a 

Horseman" is being released by United 

ducers. Gordon C. Willis was the director 

of photography and the music was composed 

by Michael Small. 

The film serves as a showcase for the 

formidable talents of Caan. Fonda and 

Robards, with George Grizzard and Richard 

Farnsworth in key supporting roles. 

The setting is the Montana cattle range 

of 194.5 when the old frontier way of life 

was threatened by the encroachments of 

mid-20th century industrialization, symbolized 

by the drilling for oil. Caan and Fonda 

represent the small rancher fighting for 

survival not only against the onslaughts of 

big oil, but also against one of the last of 

the cattle barons, personified by Robards. 

The picture reunites Fonda and Robards 

following their acclaimed performances in 

"Julia," for which Robards won a second 

successive Oscar. He previously won an 

Academy Award for "All the President's 

Men." which also was directed by Pakula. 

"Comes a Horseman" also brings Fonda 

and Pakula together again for the first time 

since she won an Oscar for "Klute." which 

he directed. 

Cinematographjr Gordon Willis photographed 

both of the abovementioned pictures 

for Pakula. 

Public TV Station Slates 

A 'Murderthon' Film Fest 

PHILADELPHIA — While Halloween 

film programs still are being firmed up by 

area movie houses planning horror midnight 

shows for that night, public TV station 

WHYY here took the lead for an outreach 

to the film fans in announcing an 11 -film 

"Murderthon" to welcome the holiday celebration 

Saturday (28) and Sunday (29). 

There will be seven consecutive films directed 

by Alfred Hitchcock, followed by 

three hours of "Dracula" the second day. 

The Hitchcock festival starts Saturday 

evening at 8:35 with "The 39 Steps." followed 

by "The Lady Vanishes," "The Man 

Who Knew Too Much," "The Secret 

Agent," "Sabatoge" and "Murder," and concludes 

with England's first talkie, "Blackmail." 

At 1:5Q a.m. there will be a break 

until noon when the "Murderthon" continues 

with "Three Cases of Murder," "Seance 

on a West Afternoon" and "Dead of 

Night." 

Reversal of a Trend in Newark, Del,; 

Three New Screens Replace Dead One 

NEWARK. DEL.— In a complete re 

versal of current trends, three motion picture 

houses will take the place of the remaining 

one closing down. The closing down 

earlier this month of the independently 

operated State Theatre leaves downtown 

Newark for the time being without a movie 

house. However, a great deal of interest 

is now centered in the triple cinema planned 

for thj newly opened Christiana Mall. 

For consistent first-run features, the Newark 

residents, which include a large Uni- 

Artists. Written by Dennis Lynton Clark, 

the film was directed by Pakula. with Gene 

Kirkwood and Dan Paulson as producers versity of Delaware population, have to 

and Winkler and Chartoff as executive pro- 

drive out to the Cinema Center at nearby 

Wilmington, or all the way to the Eric Cinemas 

Three in the Tri-State Mall and the 

Eric Twin theatres in Concordville. 

The lease for the planned triplex in the 

new multi-million dollar Christiana Mall 

has been taken by General Cinema Corp., 

which operates a number of multiplex theatres 

in bordering Pennsylvania and New 

Jersey. However, this will be the theatre 

circuit's first venture into the state of Dela- 

Area Demand Is High 

The high density of the area, located 

below Wilmington, matched by the low 

number of first-run theatres in the Wilmington-Newark 

market, was said to be a major 

force in attracting GCC to the state. 

A spokesman for GCC said the triplex 

was still under construction and is not expected 

to be ready for any holiday trade. 

Seating capacity for each of the three theatres 

has not been determined as yet. Since 

the circuit started to work so late, plus the 

fact that the mall itself was delayed in construction 

and not able to open until earlier 

this month, the triplex won't be ready for 

operation until next year. 

General Cinema Corp.. said the three 

theatres will be exclusively first-run with 

many of the runs being exclusive showings 

for the entire Wilmington-Newark area. 

While the three new theatres will mean that 

more new films will be coming into the 

area, it will not mean more product for 

Wilmington, whose movie fans will have to 

drive out to Christiana Mall. 

The closed-down State Theatre, which 

was operated under a lease by Stanley Kositsky, 

of Philadelphia, waged a losing battle 

for years against the theatre circuits in 

feature bidding. Kositsky's lease was not 

renewed by owner Dorothy Goberman. He 

even lost a court battle in an attempt to 

hold on to his lease. 

Mrs. Goberman said that the previous 

lease holder had been "unsatisfactory" and 

that the State Theatre would be continued 

as a movie house. She said the theatre 

would reopen when new management could 

be arranged. 

The large school and resident Newark 

population is not completely "movie-less" 

until the Christiana Mall triplex is opened. 

Music Makers Theatres operates a twin 

King Theatre and Queen Theatre in the 

suburban Castle Mall where a $1 admission 

policy prevails. Sameric Theatres operates 

a Newark Drive-In where double-feauired 

continued runs are interspersed with X- 

rated film programs. And it's a continuous 

run of X-rated product at the Cinema 273 

located in 

the University Plaza. 

Philly Wanamaker's 

Spotlights 'The Wiz' 

PHILADELPHIA—A "Wiz Week" at 

the 

John Wanamaker department store highlighted 

the promotion campaign marking 

the opening of "The Wiz" at the Midtown 

Theatre. Following an invitational preview 

screening at the theatre hosted by Universal's 

Fredell Pogodin, the spotlight was entirely 

on "The Wiz" all week at the department 

store—a store event highly promoted 

and extensively advertised to focus 

added attention on the new release from 

Universal. 

All the John Wanamaker stores in the 

areas—seven area mall stores in addition to 

the parent center-city store—featured a 

"truly wizard collection" of clothes for disco, 

dining and dancing set off by "wiz-red" 

fabrics. In the Grand Court of the centercity 

store, Mable King, the screen's Wicked 

Witch, came in for a personal appearance. 

Later in the week, famed fashion models 

Pat Cleveland and Sterling St. Jacques, who 

appeared in the Land of Oz scene, came to 

the Grand Court. In the store's Junior 

Aisle, a fashion show featured ten costumes 

from the Emerald City scene in the film. 

Throughout the week, a makeup artist 

demonstrated the glitter disco makeup by 

Halston which was highlighted in the movie. 

Bill Blass, one of the designers who created 

the special costumes for the Emerald City 

set, also came in for personal appearances 

in 

the store. 

Pogodin, Universal's publicity and promotion 

representative, didn't confine all 

"Wiz" activities to the John Wanamaker 

store. A flatbed truck decorated with "Wiz" 

displays, both audio and visual, covered 

the main center-city streets during the peak 

shopping hours between 1 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Three models wearing original costumes 

from "The Wiz" were stationed on the 

truck which started rolling the day before 

the public opening Friday (27). 

Also working from the flatbed truck 

were WFIL Radio "Wiz" women handing 

out fliers on the film and "Wiz" Treasure 

Chest keys for the station's promotional 

contest tie-in. The Treasure Chest of prizes 

was stationed outside the Midtown Theatre 

on opening day as thousands came to try 

opening the chest with their key. To give 

the opening public screening a festive air. 

1,000 yellow "Wiz" balloons were released 

outside the theatre at I p m. to coincide 

with the opening of the film. 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978 E-1

— 

— 

— 

BRO AD\N Af 

PRINCESS GRACE OF MONACO attended 

the Charles Lindbergh Fund 

"All That Jazz" and has more features 

film 

upcoming. At the convention, she and a 

dancer friend were pushing, among other 

things, the novelty item AT/.s.v In A Box. from 

the Lonijhope Corp.. of Virginia Beach. 

Va. 

• 

Elliot Geisinger and Ronald Saland currently 

are producing "The Amityville Horror" 

in Toms River. N.J. They have joined 

with Howard Smith, Steven Burn and Harold 

Thau to purchase the film rights to 

"Cabal." an adventure-thriller dealing with 

international intrigue and treachery, by 

Norman Garbo. "Cabal" is being published 

by W. W. Norton and is scheduled for 

hardcover release January 22. It also will 

be a future selection of the Book of the 

Month Club. 

• 

The New York City Marathon, held Sunday 

(22), attracted over 11.000 runners 

through the five boroughs. Film industry 

participants included Variety reporter 

Frank Segers, who managed to finish while 

wearing a T-shirt with the old Variety headline 

"Sticks Nix Hicks Fix" written across 

it. On the staff of the marathon committee 

was Bonnie Fisher, formerly with NATO's 

home staff here and ttow at liberty. 

• 

In the magazines: Seventeen for November 

names Paramount's exceptionally beautiful 

"Days of Heaven." a film by Terrence 

Malick, as movie of the month. Also reviewed 

are "Interiors," "Autumn Sonata." 

"Midnight Express," "Watership Down" 

and "Bloodbrothers," which stars Richard 

Gere, also in "Heaven." 

• 

Book reviews: "The Golden Age of 'B' 

Movies" (Charter House Publishers. Nashville) 

by Doug McClelland is a look at 50 

favorite Forties films of this accomplished 

writer. With a lengthy introduction by Evelyn 

Ankers, the "Queen of the Bs," the 

lively book examines such cla.ssics as "Detour" 

(1945), "The Face Behind the Mask" 

(1941) and "The Seventh Victim" (1943). 

running alphabetically from "Among the 

Living" (1941) to "The Wolf Man" (1941). 

Lest the reader think it's all horror and 

melodrama, there are such items as "Mexican 

Spitfire's Llephant" (1942). "Reveille 

With Beverly" (1943) and -Give Out. Sisters" 

(1942) to savor. Complete cast and 

benefit dinner at the Pierre Hotel the other 

night. She greeted three men who have credits accompany each entry, which examines 

followed Lindbergh's exploits: Larry Newman. 

what made these films memorable. 

Ben Abruzzo and Ma.xie Anderson. For a change, the book is written by someone 

the first balloonists to fly over the Atlantic 

who has actually seen all the films and 

Ocean, this past summer. 

who knows what he's talking about. 

"TV Movies" (Signet), edited by Leonard 

• 

Maltin. is the revised 1979-80 edition 

which falls into the same category. Although 

you may disagree with some of the evalua- 

Marii Mak, an actress and model, was 

shocked to learn of her reported suicide between 

her duties as a hostess at the NA TO 

convention here. It developed that Raqiiel tions, you have the feeling that the reviewers 

Ferrari, also an actress and model, had been actually ,sa>v most of the films and are writing 

using Marii's name and was living in her 

former apartment at the time of her death. with a great deal of authority. Helping 

to make the 800-page volume a success are 

The 25-year-old Raquel had a small role contributors including Alvin H. Marill, Mike 

in 

"Mahogany." the Diana Ross film. Marii. Clark and Alice Tlusty Maltin, wife of the 

meanwhile, has just appeared in Bob Fosse's editor and associate editor extraordinary. 

• 

Showcases for Wednesday (25) were 

"Midnight Express," "Heaven Can Wait," 

"No Time For Breakfast," Marty Feldman 

in both "Think Dirty" and "Sex With a 

Smile" on a double-bill, "A Wedding," 

"Grease," "The Big Fix," "National Lampoon's 

Animal House," "Tommy," "Who'll 

Stop the Rain," "Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefts of Europe?" and "Foul Play." 

On mini-showcase were "The Wiz" (a 

wow). "Candy Stripers" (rated X), "Girl 

Friends," "Goin' South." "The Boys From 

Brazil," "Death on the Nile," "Up in 

Smoke," "Sex World" (rated X) and "The 

Black Pearl." 

Opening Friday (27). in time for Halloween, 

was "Halloween." a horror drama 

from Compass International Pictures, directed 

by John Carpenter and starring Donald 

Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis. 

John Goddell Will Begin 

Lensing at Atlantic City 

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—Film director 

John Goddell began filming scenes this 

week at the resort here for his forthcoming 

feature "Jackpot." He said the scenes for 

the story of an Iowa grocer who can't lose 

at the gaming tables will be filmed in the 

Resorts International Hotel Casino, the resort's 

only casino gambling hotel now in 

operation, and in Reese Palley's art shop, 

one of the most expensive in the nation. 

The filming includes a chase scene beginning 

in Palley's store in which the grocer, 

played by John Lawless, knocks over about 

20 ceramic "Boehm" birds which normally 

cost about $7,000 each. Plaster casts were 

used. The gambling scenes in the hotel casino 

were filmed in the morning when the 

casino clo.sed to the public. 

Both Goddell and cameraman Tom Kohout 

will be on the sets during the three 

days of shooting. Bernie Wayne, who wrote 

the theme song for the resort's Miss America 

Pageant, will do the musical score for 

the picture. Goddell, remembered for his 

documentary, "Always in the Beginning," 

which won an Oscar nomination several 

years ago, hopes to release "Jackpot" b*y 

next April or May. 

'Sonata' Harvests Big 

Crowds in Big Apple 

NEW YORK—"Autumn Sonata," the 

Bergman-Bergman-Uilmann film, was still 

on top, a melodious 445 in the second stanza 

at the Baronet. Again .second was "The 

Boys From Brazil," a 290 in the third Ziegfeld 

week. Third again came "Violette." 

scoring a 235 in the second outing at the 

Paris. 

"Days of Heaven." repeating in fourth 

place, earned 230 in its sixth round at Cinema 

I. Back on the list, in fifth place, came 

"Bread and Chocolate," a tasty 190 in the 

13th week at the Little Carnegie. 

Showcase had these as the top grossers: 

"National Lampoon's Animal House," "Foul 

Play," "The Big Fix," "Up in Smoke.' 

"Midnight Express," "Who Is Killing ih..- 

Great Chefs of Europe?" and "Interiors " 

Baronet—Autu 

2nd wk 

Little Carnegie Bread and Chocolate 

(World Northal), 13th wk 

Pans—Violelte (Gaumont-New Yorker), 

2nd wk 

68th Street Playhouse No Time For Brcakit 

(Daniel Bourla), 6th wk 

Victoria Count Dracula and His Vampire 

Bride (Howard Mahler). 1st wk 

Ziegteld The Boys From BrazU (20th-Fox). 

3rd 

'Madame Rosa' Continues 

As Top B'more Attraction 

BALTIMORE—"Madame Rosa" continued 

to lead the first-run field here with 

a solid 250 in its second week at the Playhouse. 

Robert Altman's "A Wedding" placed 

second with a 175, down from its first 

week, followed by Paramount's "Up in 

Smoke" and 20th Century-Fox's "The Boys 

From Brazil," both garnering 140s. 

The only new film was "Go Tell the Spartans," 

a stark, serious story of the Vietnam 

war from Avco Embassy. Despite a fine 

performance by Burt Lancaster and a capable 

supporting cast, no one was interested 

in how and why the U.S. became involved 

in the devastating Southeast Asian conflict. 

The picture bowed to poor audiences. 

Mini Flick I, Senator—A Wedding (2Cth Fox), 

2nd wk

TLA Cinema in Philly 

Offers Large Program 

PHILADELPHIA—TLA Cinema, the 

city's leading commercial repertory motion 

picture theatre, located on bohemian-tlavored 

South Street close to center-city, again 

has scheduled a wide variety of film series 

for the new season. Major interest is centered 

on the French Film Festival being 

shown Wednesdays and Thursdays through 

next May 24. In addition, the theatre will 

also present previews of several French 

films throughout the season which have 

never been seen in this city. The previews 

are scheduled for Sunday afternoons. 

'Jules and Jim' Op«ns 

Opening with "Jules and Jim" with the 

following night "The Testament of Dr. 

Cordelier." a double-feature for both nights, 

the festival concludes with "The Little Theatre 

of Jean Renoir" and "Bed and Board" 

May 23-24. 

Highlights of the French Film Festival 

will be Marcel Pagnol's "Marseilles Trilogy" 

including "Marius," "Fanny" and 

"Cesar," to be shown on successive weeks. 

Also, Francois Truffaut's four films in his 

autobiographical "Adventures of Antoine 

Doinel," starring Jean-Piere Leaud. Also 

shown on successive weeks, the four films 

include "Stolen Kisses," "Bed and Board," 

"The 400 Blows" and "Antoine and Colette." 

Admission Is Discounted 

The festival is being offered on a discount 

basis of $15 for any ten admissions. Single 

admissions are $2.50, students at $1.50 and 

children and senior citizens at $1. 

The film classics ranging from "Lacombe, 

Lucien" and "The Late Show" to "Short 

Eyes" and "War of the Worlds," are doublefeatured 

for Mondays and Tuesdays, with 

another pairing for Fridays, Saturdays and 

Sundays. Special Sunday afternoon features 

will offer such theatre stage classics as 

"The Medium." "The Golden Age of Second 

Avenue" and "Arthur Rubinstein Love 

of Life." 

Special Halloween Program 

Other special program features include a 

"Horrific Halloween Minithon Tuesday 

(31) with "The Pit and the Pendulum," 

"Night of the Living Dead," "Dr. Phibes" 

and "Count Yorga, Vampire" and a special 

holiday attraction for December 22-26 and 

December 29-January 2 of "The Children 

of Theatre Street." The film, narrated by 

Princess Grace of Monaco, will be shown 

both afternoon and evening and will take 

an increased admission price of $3, reduced 

to $2 for weekday matinees only. 

There is also "Movies for the Kiddies" 

Saturday afternoons at 3 p.m.. with features 

running the gamut from "The Wizard of 

Oz" and "Zebra in the Kitchen" to "Bugsy 

Malone" and "Captain Nemo and the Underwater 

City." Continuing are the long-run 

Friday and Saturday midnight shows, plus 

Sundays at 1 1 p.m., for "The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show." 

NORTH JERSEY 

T ouise Brengaard, head secretary at 

United 

Artists' Theatres division office in Bergenfield 

for the past 1 1 years, recently resigned 

her post there, and moved to Scottsdale, 

Ariz., where she will be residing near 

her son and daughter-in-law. Succeeding 

her at the Bergenfield office is Margaret 

Conti. A resident of Dumont for many 

Louise's expertise and genuine friendship 

years, 

will be sorely missed by her 

many 

friends and associates. 

"Paradise Alley," the latest Sylvester 

Stallone starrer, will open an exclusive area 

engagement November 10 at UA's Rialto 

Triplex in Westfield. it was announced 

recently. 

"Superman," the long-awaited film version 

of the adventures of the famous comic 

book hero, will open at selected theatres 

throughout North Jersey December 15. in 

time for Christmas and New Year's. 

Nine area UA theatres are offering special 

family matinees Saturdays and Sundays, 

each week through December 17. The film 

series, for which all seats are priced at $1, 

began Saturday (7) and includes "The Adventures 

of Tom Sawyer," "The Bad News 

Bears," "Hansel and Gretel," "Pippi on the 

Run" and others. Theatres featuring the 

special matinees include the Colony in Livingston, 

Palace in Bergenfield, Wayne in 

Wayne and Linwood in Fort Lee. 

Jack Smith, North Jersey and Rockland 

County (N.Y.) division manager for UA 

Theatres, recently returned from a two week 

vacation spent in Virginia and New Hampshire 

. . . Also back from vacation is Gerry 

Hazell. manager of UA's Bellevue in Upper 

Montclair, who spent a week visiting parts 

of New England, 

In a recent edition of the Jersey Journal. 

Jersey City's only daily newspaper, columnist 

Ray Martignoni notes that certain "prophets" 

in the country predict that motion 

picture theatres are "on the way out," that 

they will be "killed off by cable TV and 

other technological advances." But Martignoni 

differs with these analysts and offers 

some of the reasons he believes that "the 

motion picture theatre will be around for as 

long as movies are made." For most of us, 

says Martignoni. "going to the movies, even 

with ticket inflation, is still the most economical 

night out." "Can you imagine," he 

continues, "getting dressed and going to 

your living room, then afterwards to your 

kitchen, for coffee, pizza, or a drink?" 

Martignoni opines that cable TV "just can't 

compete socially and romantically with theatres." 

He offers some examples. "Recently, my 

wife and I were invited to a friends home 

to watch 'Rocky' on cable. We had cocktails, 

dinner, and then settled down to watch 

the movie. All in all. it was an enjoyable 

evening, but during the film I felt uneasy. 

It struck me that there was something 

wrong. I decided it was the screen . . . 

maybe I missed the larger-than-life quality 

we associate with the movies. The next day, 

during a conversation with a friend, the 

obvious hit me. He said that when he saw 

•Rocky' the audience in the theatre was up 

on its feet cheering for the underdog. 

"I recalled laughing so hard during 

'What's Up Doc?' that my wife threatened 

to leave the theatre, and not laughing at all 

when I saw it on TV. 

"Movies on cable, like most technological 

advances, limit human involvement, 

and without that even a emotion-charged 

film like 'Rocky' becomes flat. The only 

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the movies. Cable is convenient, but not 

much else." 

Here is a service that can benefit every theatre ovmer or manager, drivein 

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the voice is straight that gives out the information. But—instead of 

your straight voice answering your phone—what if it was—the voice 

of a star??? Not the real star, of course, but an authentic-sounding 

impression of John Wayne, Walter Brerman, Jimmy Stewart, Boris Karloff, 

Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable etc. These voices answering your phone! 

Personalized for your theatre, giving the times your films will start! 

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Denver, Colorado 80226 

October 30, 1978 E-3

' 

WASHINGTON 

Jôuis Johnson, choreographer for Universal's 

"The Wiz." which premiered Friday 

(27) at the Pedas brothers' Embassy 

Circle and four area situations, told the 

media he had spent a year on the new film 

with 300 dancers, including skateboarders. 

In the all-black updated musical adaptation 

of L. Frank Baum's children's classic, the 

Louis Johnson Dance Theatre appear as gyrating, 

swirling figures. "It's a whole range 

of styles—semiclassical. jazz, disco." Johnson 

explained. He described director Sidney 

Lumet as "terrific." and considers "The 

Wiz" a "mind-blower of a film." 

The American Film Institute Theatre 

programs from Thursday (26) through December 

16 include a survey of Italian cinema, 

illustrating one of the foremost periods 

of world cinema, which presentation was 

devised by Michael Webb, AFI director of 

national film programing. The AFI Theatre 

also has scheduled for the same period a 

Clark Gable retrospective, which spans a 

30-year career from his 1931 debut in "The 

Painted Desert" through "The Misfits." 

United Artists' "Comes a Horseman." 

starring Jane Fonda. James Caan and Jason 

Robards, opened Wednesday (25) at the 

K/B Cerberus and area theatres. The Western 

melodrama was directed by Alan J. 

Pakula from a screenplay by Dennis Layton 

Clark. 

National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" 

will have cartoonist Gaha.i Wilson 

speaking on the noncommercial network's 

215 member stations coast-to-coast Halloween 

at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Occupying a 

unique place in popular American culture. 

Gahan Wilson has been noted for combining 

elements of Woody Allen. Charles Addams 

and Mark Twain. 

The Hirshhom Museum has been showing 

experimental films, admission free, with 

filmmaker Warren Bass, currently a visiting 

artist at Temple University in Philadelphia, 

discussing them after the screening. Star 

film critic Tom Dowling confessed that his 

previewing visit to the Hirshhorn film program 

seemed to have gotten him "no closer 

to the confident mastery of the singular 

esthetic jargon demanded to describe experimental 

films. In a vague sort of way," 

he explained, "I grasped what a minimalist 

movie, or a structuralist perception is." 

Gordon Parks's status as a filmmaker 

brought him here Thursday (19) to speak 

before the University of the District of 

Columbia's Black Film Institute following 

the showing of "Leadbelly," which has become 

a campus cult film since he directed it 

for Paramount release. Parks believes his 

"Shaft" for MGM caused the wave of black 

films to surface. He currently is directing 

Dina Merrill in a film based upon a screenplay 

which he himself adapted. "Roses and 

Thorns" is the title of Parks's next book. 

Marty Zeidman is Columbia'^ new exchange 

manager, having been transferred 

from his post as branch manager at Buffalo, 

effective Monday (23) . . . Columbia's 

"Midnight Express" was sneaked in an auditorium 

of the K/B Serberus and five area 

theatres Saturday (21), where it premiered 

the following Friday (27). 

Marty Kutner, Paramount general sales 

manager, will be down from the home office 

to attend the local film industry's 

luncheon honoring Paramount's Jack Howe 

who will be retiring November 3. George 

Kelly, Howe's former branch manager now 

retired and living in Florida, will be here, 

according to branch manager Larry St. 

John. St. John, Eastern division manager Ed 

Bader and the home office want their loyal 

veteran of 36 years' service to continue. 

However, at 69, Howe has decided to retire. 

St. John, as chairman of the retirement 

luncheon at Stouffer's in Crystal City, 

Va., said that everyone is welcome and then 

exclaimed, "I'm going to miss Jack." 

Donn Tatum, chairman of the board of 

Walt Disney Productions, was here from the 

West Coast Saturday (12) with Mrs. Tatum 

to attend an UNESCO concert at the Kennedy 

Center. They had as their guests, at 

the concert and at dinner following, Harry 

Howar, Buena Vista branch manager and 

his wife. Howar tradescreened "Love Bug." 

which is being rereleased, at the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America Tuesday (24). 

Elkmon Advertising Agency 

Appointed by Buena Vista 

PHILADELPHIA— Buena Vista Distribution 

Co., the film distribution arm of 

Walt Disney Productions, has appointed 

Elkman Advertising, based in suburban 

Bala Cynwyd, to handle its publicity, promotion 

and advertising in this area. The account 

will be handled by Lee Starkey, public 

relations account executive with Elkman. 

For many years. Buena Vista was handled 

in this area by the Harry Bortnick Advertising 

Agency, which has been handling 

many independent motion picture accoimts 

over the years. 

Working with the Buena Vista branch 

office in suburban Cherry Hill, N.J.. the 

Elkman agency will service the Phihidelphia- 

Southern New Jersey-Wilmington, Del. area 

along with the Harrisburg-Lancastcr market 

in east-central Pennsylvania, and the 

Wilkes Barre-Scranton market in iiorihcasl 

Pennsylvania. 

Starkey, who came to Philadelphia from 

Detroit in 1970, has been account executive 

for Buena Vista for the past two years while 

with the Bortnick agency. Previously, he 

handled the public relations for the Annenberg 

Theatre here for two years and the 

Temple University Music Festival for three 

seasons. 

First assignment will be in promoting the 

visit of Pinnoch'o and troupe at the nearby 

Cherry Hill (N.J.) Mall for two free shows 

November 7. he stop here is part of the 

troupe's 2()-city promotional tour in connection 

with the Christmas release. 

Children's Programs 

Revived in Delaware 

WILMINGTON. DEL.—The void created 

in film entertainment for younger children, 

with most theatres having dropped 

their traditional children's matinees on Saturdays 

and Sundays and most TV stations 

in the area dropping its Saturday morning 

children's programing, finds the area museums 

and libraries prepared to fill the demand. 

There is no diminishing the demand for 

children's movie programs. Moreover, museum 

and library directors cherish the idea 

because it means that when the parents 

bring in the children they are exposed to the 

cultural features of the institution. 

Many agree that were it not for the children's 

films, which draw even better than 

the children story hours, many of the parents 

would never see the inside of a museum 

or even the library. The fact that the movies 

are shown free or take a minimal admission 

charge also heightens the attractiveness of 

the programs. 

The Delaware Art Museum here h.is 

slated a Children's Film Festival Saturday 

mornings for children from three to 12 

years. Under the supervision of Bonnie 

Bevinson. the museum's interpretation specialist, 

the films range from "Ghosts and 

Ghoulies" to animal adventures like "The 

Golden Fish" and "The Bear and the 

Mouse." The film programs are free to 

members and to children younger than 12. 

all others paying a fee of 50 cents. 

In the adjoining states, a variety of free 

films for children as well as adults are 

being widely offered. Typical are the Dauphin 

County library system branches 

throughout Harrisburg, Pa., where "Kidflicks" 

are presented during morning and 

early evening hours. A "Kidflicks" program 

'. 

will take in three "Mole" movies. "Morris i 

and the Bulldozer" and "Free Ride." It's 

Fridays at 4 p.m. for the Children's Series 

at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill. 

N.J. 

In Readington. N.J., it's the Three 

i 

Bridges Fire Co., and Auxiliary that shows 

series of Saturday afternoon children' 

are admitted if accompanied by an adult. 

Adult supervision is provided and popcorn 

is 

sold. 

George Schwartz Circuit 

Plans Ocean City Sixplex 

DOVER, MD.—Muriel and Reba 

Schwartz of the locally based George M. 

Schwartz Theatres circuit have announced 

plans to expand their Ocean City, Md., 

quad to a sixplex. This would make six 

screens under the Schwartz banner in Ocean 

City. 

Already in operation is the Sun and Surf 

quad. 

The Schwartz circuit operates 1 8 conventional 

and drive-in screens in Delaware and 

Maryland, all booked by Milgram Theatres 

from the Washington. D.C.. and Philadelphia 

exchange territories. 

£-4 BOXOmCE :; October 30. 1978 

- 1

. 

BALTIMORE 

a plane from Baltimore and Washington. 

Motion picture stars and International president 

Eric Morley are expected to attend. 

^îlliam Pacy, former booking executive 

of F.H. Durkee Enterprises, has been 

on the board of directors of the Provident 

Savings Bank here for seven years and a 

director of Adventures in Learning for one 

year. In a few months he hopes to be connected 

with a new business. 

Local industtyites who attended the 

NATO convention in New York recently 

were Leon B. Back, general manager of 

Rome Theatres; Irwin R. Cohen, head of 

R/C Theatres; Mike Hession, R/C vicepresident 

and general manager; Wayne Anderson, 

R/C district manager; Frank H. 

Durkee III and Fred Schmuff, F. H. Durkee 

Enterprises; Robert Rappaport, Rappaport 

Theatres; Howard Wagonheim, 

Schwaber World Fare Cinemas, and Muriel 

and Reba Schwartz of George Schwartz 

Theatres in Dover, Del. 

Having grown rapidly within the past 

four months, the membership of Women of 

Variety Tent 19 now totals 160. The organization 

plans a telethon in April 1979 to 

benefit the Johns Hopkins Hospital pediatric 

oncology department. "It is a $2.5 

million undertaking. Tent 19 is hoping to 

contribute to it substantially," according to 

president Barbara Goldberg. Other future 

Variety and Variety Women activities include 

a "Day at the Races'" in late April and 

a Variety Clubs International convention in 

New Orleans. The groups hope to charter 

November 8 the Women of Variety will 

hold their regular, second Wednesday of the 

month luncheon at Stewart's Reisterstown 

Plaza. Cost to guests is $3.50. 

The RaiidalLstown branch of the Baltimore 

County Library is showing "The Revenge 

of Frankenstein" Monday (30) as a 

special event for children ten years and 

older. They have advertised it as "a hunchback, 

a guillotine, a body snatching and the 

monster, all brought to you in livid color." 

Free tickets have been available for a week. 

The F.H. Durkee Liberty I was completely 

remodeled recently. Says manager David 

Muhl: "We took down old draperies on the 

side walls, as well as the speakers in the 

same area and wall lights. They were replaced 

with new drapery and new ceiling 

lights. We reupholstered the seats. And in 

the near future we will be repainting the 

bases and backs of all the chairs" . . . Muhl 

also is extremely pleased about the success 

of "National Lampoon's Animal House." 

He has extended the playdate to December 

5 because of the response to the film, now 

in its 14th week. Together with the Ad- 

Venture Group agency, the Liberty has run 

a highly profitable Sunday night promotion 

for several weeks. In conjunction with the 

theme of the film, patrons wearing togas to 

the last performance on Sundays are ad 

mitted free. About 75 per cent of the audience 

participates, Muhl reveals. 

SKATING INTO OUR HEARTS— 

Lynn-Holly Johnson, 19-year-old ^tar 

of "Ice Castles," made her first pnhlic 

appearance Tuesday (10) in New York 

City to inaugurate the official opening 

of the Rockefeller Center ice rink. A 

highlight of the morning was the presentation 

of a bouquet of roses to Ms. 

Johnson by Kristin Behrmanu, area 

Easter Seals child. 

Mr. Exhibitor . . 

FREE SHORT SUBJECTS FOR YOUR THEATRE 

For your convenience we maintain national distribution with established 

booking offices and prints in all 32 key exchange cities to serve your 

theatres promptly and efficiently. 

NAME. 

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET THE BEST IN FREE SHORTS 

FILL IN COUPON. 

TITLE _ 

THEATRE OR CHAIN 

ADDRESS 

PHONE 

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STATE 

ZIP 

FILMEOW 

RHR Filmedia, 

Inc. 

1212-Ave. of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10036 (212) 869-9540 

Richard H. 

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President 

Sy Perry, Vice President, Theatre Division 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978

. . . The 

. . . You 

J 

BUFFALO 

J^ndrew J. Silverman has been appointed 

new Warner Bros, branch manager for 

the Cleveland-Buffalo territory, with headquarters 

in 

the former city. 

Media Study/ Buffalo has announced the 

appointment of David Shapiro as director. 

He is founder and current editor of Milwaukee 

Film Journal and has produced a major 

funded analysis of American newsrecls that 

resulted in a proposal by which the newsreels 

could be preserved and made available 

to the public. 

Canadian Film Awards coming from the 

Toronto "Festival of Festivals," which 

claims to be the largest and most popular 

film festival in North America, included 

best feature film and five other awards for 

"The Silent Partner," best actress to Helen 

Shaver, best supporting actress to Marilyn 

Lightstone, two awards for "In Praise of 

Older Women." best actor to Richard Gabourie 

and two other awards for "Three 

Card Monte." 

The Festival of Women's Films, sponsored 

by the Buffalo chapter of NOW, started 

Wednesday (25) with "Growing Up Female" 

and "The Girl With the Incredible Feeling," 

written and produced by Buffalonians Liz 

Swados and Linda Fefernian. Subsequent 

double-bills will be November 8. "Moonagc 

Dreams of Charlene Stardust" and "The 

Amazing Equal Pay Show"; November 29. 

"The Women's Happy Time Commune" 

and "Sweet Bananas." and December 6. 

"Woman to Woman" and "Taking Our 

Bodies Back." All showings will be in the 

Unitarian-Universalist Church. Elmwood 

Avenue at West Ferry Street. 

Tom Chomont presented 1 1 of his films 

made during the past ten years Friday (13) 

in the Media Study/ Buffalo screening room. 

Chomont's style is described as highly personal, 

recalling the psychedelic "60s in the 

free-flowing superimposition of images. 

Another film festival at 

the Century Theatre 

Saturday (14) included Bob Dylan in 

"Pat Garret and Billy the Kid." Stanley 

Kubrick's "Clockwork Orange" and Mick 

Jagger in "Performance" . . . "Cavalcade," 

Frank Lloyd's 1933 Academy Awardwinning 

version of Noel Coward's play, was 

shown Saturday (14) by Media Study/ Buffalo 

at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical 

Society. 

"Bread and Chocolate" was scheduled to 

open Wednesday (18) at the Amherst Theatre. 

"Almost Summer." about high school 

intrigues, started Friday (20) at the Como 

Mall Cinema. "The Tiger's Revenge." a 

kung fu movie, started Friday (20) at Loews 

Teck. "Glass House" was presented Sunday 

(\5) and "Oklahoma!" Wednesday (18) at 

Buffalo State College. 

University of Buffalo series: Sunday (15). 

Bertolucci's "1900" (1975); Monday (16). 

Altman's "The Long Goodbye" (1973), 

Dovshenko's "Arsenal," "Magical Mystery 

Tour" and "Cream"; Tuesday (17). Welles' 

•Lady From Shanghai" (1948), "Listen to 

Britain" and "Fires We Started"; Wednesday 

(18), Vertov's "Man With a Movie 

Camera" and "New French Cinema"; 

Thursday (19). "To the Shores of I wo 

Jima." "The Battle of San Pietro," "Farrebique." 

Moullet's "Anatomy of a Relationship" 

(1976) and Van der Kenken's "La 

Jungle Platte." and Friday (20) "The Boys 

in Company C," Duras' "The Truck and La 

Cecilia" and Moyle's "Rubber Gun." 

"Skateboarding to Safety" headed the film 

fare Monday (16) in the Martin L. King 

branch library. Other films were "Alphabet" 

and "Who's On First." "Gulliver's Travels" 

was shown in the Northwest Branch library 

at 271 Grant St. 

The idea to merge Shea's Buffalo on Main 

Street with Lewiston's Artpark was rapped 

Saturday (14) by John Cullen. chairman of 

the board of directors of the Friends of the 

Buffalo Theatre. He called it "shortsighted 

tinkering by someone who is totally unfamiliar 

with the situation." The Friends of 

the Buffalo Theatre currently operates 

Shea's Buffalo under a lease from the city. 

The merger plan was the brainchild of 

Francis S. Faust, executive director of the 

Greater Buffalo Development Foundation. 

Sidney J. Cohen, president of NATO of 

New York State, was not present at the mid- 

October annual meeting of NATO in New 

York City, for the first time in many years. 

Sid is at home recuperating from a lengthy 

hospital stay and is well on the road to 

recovery. 

A busy week was had by the Mighty 

Wurlitzer theatre organ in North Tonawanda's 

Riviera Theatre. Australian organist 

Tony Fenelon came in Wednesday (18) for 

a show that included a silent film. On Sunday 

(22) there was Radio City Music Hall's 

Tom Gnaster in a tribute to Hollywood 

Jazz Age series of films at the 

Historical Society presented "Platinum 

Blonde" with Jean Harlow (1931) and Barbara 

Stanwyck in "The Bitter Tea of General 

Yen" (1933) Friday (20). 

"Watership Down" from Avco Embassy 

was sneak-previewed Saturday (21) at the 

Como 8 Theatre ... A major Hollywood 

sneak preview of "Midnight E.xpress" was 

held Saturday (21) at the Boulevard Mall. 

Thruway Mall and Seneca Mall theatres. 

The Thruway Mall Cinema inaugurated a 

special new low matinee price starting Friday 

(20). with all scats $1.25 until 6 p.m. 

daily. 

Evenings For New Film, the scries sponsored 

by Media Study/ Buffalo and the Albright-Knox 

Gallery, opened its season 

Thursday (26) with the four latest films of 

Bruce Conner, who is called "the foremost 

collage artist working in cinema." Conner 

was on hand lo present "Crossroad" (1976), 

"Take the 5:10 to Dreamland" (1976), 

"Mongoloid" (1978) and "Valse Triste" 

(1978). A selection of his earlier work also 

was screened. 

The children's department at the Buffalo 

and Erie County Central Library has scheduled 

a series of films on Saturdays. November 

4, "The Erie Canal" and "Free to Be 

and Me"; November 11, "Ugly 

Duckling" and "Movie Stuntman"; November 

18, "Gulliver's Travels," and November 

25 "Land Paw" and "The Street of 

Flower Boxes." 

The Four O'Clock Film Series at 

Buffalo 

State College is devoting its fall offerings 

to the subject of sex roles. Upcoming films, 

all on Wednesdays in Butler Library, include 

"Dance, Girl. Dance" with Lucille 

Ball Wednesday (25); "Woman's Place." 

"Fable of He and She" and "Rape Culture" 

November 1; "Union Maids" and "Salt of 

the Earth" November 8; "Johnny Guitar" 

with Joan Crawford and Ernest Borgnine 

November 15; "Rachel. Rachel" with Joanne 

Woodward November 29; "Carnal 

Knowledge" with Jack Nicholson December 

6. and "Klute" with Jane Fonda December 

; 

13. 

"The Independent Film Community" is 

the title of a 97-page study of films being 

made outside the usual commercial channels. 

It is subtitled "A Report on the Statue 

of Independent Films in the United Slates" 

and is now in its second printing in less 

than a year. Copies are available for $1 

each from Film Art Fund. 80 Wooster St., 

New York, N.Y. 10012. 

Al Wright has closed his East and West 

Twin and the Buffalo Three Screen drive- 

for the season. The Lakewood Drive-In, 

ins 

Jamestown, also has shuttered. The Star 

Drive-In. Blasdell and 1-290 Drive-In. Tonawanda, 

likewse have closed. 

Buffalo's East Side this fall is getting two 

refurbished neighborhood theatres, according 

to businessman Len Rico. The Bailey 

Theatre will receive $50,000 in renovations 

and the old Nickelodeon on Broadway 

re-opened under its former name, the Lincoln 

Theatre. The latter recently was redecorated 

by its current owner. Stanley Bleck, 

and is "ready to go." Opening date for the 

Lincoln was Wednesday (18). 

Woody Allen Returns to NJ 

For 'Manhattan' Shooting 

ENGLEWOOD. N.J. — Woody Allen 

filmed key "comedy-stunt" sequences here 

recently for his latest feature film "Manhattan." 

it was announced by Joseph Friedman, 

executive director of the New Jersey 

Motion Picture and Televison Development 

Commission. 

The film, which is lo be released h\ 

United Artists early in 1979. stars Diane 

Keaton and Michael Murphy besides Allen, 

who also directed ard wrote the screcnpl.n 

with Marshall Brickman. 

Friedman noted that Woody Allen is ilie 

first filmmaker lo return lo New Jerse\ a 

second time to make a film. He previousK 

shot a portion of his Academy Award-winning 

"Annie Hall" in Englewood. 

E-6 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30, )1S

. . Jacques 

. . 

. . Bank 

. . The 

. . Variety 

'Midnight Express' a Hit 

At Two Houses in 

NYC 

New York— "Midnight Express," a 

Columbia Pictures release, grossed 

$198,596 in the first ten days of its engagements 

here at Loew's State I and 

the Gemini I and II theatres. 

The film has become New York's 

newest boxoffiee hit, and it opened 

throughout the U.S. and Canada Friday 

(27). 

The motion picture was produced 

by Alan Marshall and David Puttnian 

and directed by English award-winning 

filmmaker, Alan Parker, from a screenplay 

by Oliver Stone. The cast is headed 

by Brad Davis, Randy Quaid, Bo 

Hopkins, John Hurt, Paul Smith, Norbert 

Weisser and Irene Miracle. Peter 

Guber was executive producer. 

Twenty-Ton Theatre Organ 

Finds New Home in School 

PHII.ADKl.PHIA—The 20-ton. 2,500- 

pipe theatre organ originally at the Boyd 

Theatre here and one of the few theatre 

organs remaining from the days of silent 

films and grand old movie houses, came to 

life again recently in the auditorium of the 

John Dickinson High School in nearby 

Stanton, Del. Theatre organ aficionadoes 

came from as far away as California to 

pay tribute to the Boyd Theatre organ on 

its 50th anniversary. 

Was 'The Sweetest' 

Buddy Bonds, a famous local organist 

and one of the few artists left who actually 

played the organ at the Boyd, now the Sam- 

Eric Theatre, described the instrument as 

"a real sweetheart." Other than the organ 

at the Mastbaum Theatre, rated the best 

theatre organ but long since dismantled. 

Bonds said the Boyd organ was "the sweetest 

one that I played." Its present location 

in the Dickinson school auditorium, he 

added, "has made it even more magnificent." 

The Boyd organ never got the chance to 

accompany a silent film as the midtown 

theatre was opened on Christmas Day 50 

years ago with Paramount's first all-talking 

picture, "Interference." In the late 1950s, 

the Boyd became the first theatre in Philadelphia 

to introduce widescreen Cinerama. 

The Boyd orchestra pit was covered and 

carpeted over, leaving the organ encased 

in 14 feet of scaffolding. It remained entombed 

there until 1968, when the RKO 

Stanley-Warner Corp., which then owned 

the Boyd, decided to give away 37 theatre 

organs to various charities for a tax writeoff. 

Bob Dilworth, a teacher at Dickinson 

High and a theatre organ buff, acquired 

the one from the Boyd Theatre here. With 

the help of some of his students, he moved 

the organ piece by piece to the state of 

Delaware. The transfer took five months. 

As a result, the 50th anniversary concert is 

of as much interest to the students as for 

the theatre organ buffs. 

BOXOmCE :: October 30, 1978 

PITTSBURGH 

J^ttending the NATO-NAC-TEA convention 

in New York City recently were 

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Manos, Mr. and Mrs. 

Joe Bugala, Mr. and Mrs. George Tice, 

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rodnok. Mr. and Mrs. 

David Silverman, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest 

Stern. Mr. and Mrs. Nick Mulone, Mr. 

and Mrs. Paul Simendinger, Ray Omo, 

Ed Cooke, John Pentura and Helen Louise 

Trautman, among others. 

More about that George Tice testimonial: 

Those several dozen cakes with sparklers 

which were on each table were baked by 

George Monezis, owner of the Rainbow 

Theatre at White Oaks . 

Kahn 

did an excellent job as emcee . . . Jerome 

Gordon of Newport News, Va., special 

assistant to former NATO president Marvin 

Goldman, spoke on behalf of the Washington, 

D.C., showman who was NATO's 

most active leader in 

years. 

The Cheswick Quad (North, East, South 

and West) now fully equipped for uninterrupted 

programing via modern platter installations 

. . . WEEP Radio broadcast its 

"final tribute to Elvis Presley," a 13-hour 

show which was featured for two consecutive 

days. 

Cable TV, coming to this city within the 

next two years or so (after a 30 year delay), 

is very political. Bids for franchises 

are not out at this time, let alone any line 

construction. Mayor Richard Caliguiri named 

Richard Emenecker, a Catholic diocese 

communications director, superintendent of 

the bureau of cable communications, a new 

job paying nearly $20,000 a year. 

Beth Ann Thomas and Barry Martin 

Borza were married Saturday (21) at the 

East Main United Presbyterian Church in 

Grove City. The bride is the second daughter 

of F. J. "Bud" and Helen Thomas. 

Among the hundreds in attendance were 

Lou Hanana and Vera Maurice. Al and 

June Sipple, Mary Jane Weber, Nick and 

Sandy Mulone (just back from the NATO 

convention), Robert F. Klingensmith, Robert 

Morris and Karen Klingensmith, Mrs. 

Morris Klingensmith, Jay Mark Thomas. 

Terry and Natalie Thomas and Lila Dale 

Thomas with fiance Tom Riley. 

The Liberty showed "Winter of 1849" 

and "Linda Cheri" . . . "Let's Play Doctor" 

was the Garden's top feature . . . The Art 

Cinema presented "Angels," with "CB 

Mamas" to follow . . . Dozens of theatres 

had first-runs of "Almost Summer" . 

"Paradise Alley" comes to the Warner and 

Showcase Cinemas November 10. 

"A Wedding" was a special feature al 

the Squirrel Hill . . . "Mr. Superinvisible" 

was a weekend matinee offering at a dozen 

city theatres . . . Fiesta previewed "Midnight 

Express" with heavy advertising . . . 

Other offerings at area theatres: "Teenage 

Surfer Girls," "Health Spa," "How Funny 

Can Sex Be?". "Disco Lady," "Hard Soap," 

"Secrets," "The Big Fix," "Slumber Party," 

"Tender Loving Care," "Untamed." "Confessions," 

"Hot Honey," "Newcomers." 

"Madame." "Hooper," "Fellini's Casanova," 

"Overnight Sensation." "Together" and 

"The Specialist." 

"Women in Love," which returned recently 

to the Guild screen, "is one of the 

half-dozen most meticulously made movies 

ever." according to Press film reviewer 

Ed Blank . Market Square tabloid 

now publishes theatre ads for Showcase 

Cinemas, Heinz Hall, the Follies, Penthouse 

Burlesk and Palace Burlesk. 

National Entertainment Ass'n is handling 

Republic Pictures' "Barracuda" for Pittsburgh 

and Philadelphia . barkers 

are selling tickets for the International Circus 

to be featured at the Civic Arena November 

16-19. Variety Tent I's returns will 

be added to its fund for handicapped children. 

"The Sound of Music" comes to the 

Heinz Hall stage November 27-29 with 

Sally Ann Howes, Earl Wrighton and Lois 

Hunt. The famous film version recently 

was reissued here but did not bring in the 

business . Cinemas cooperated with 

the Fall Golden Triangle sales for four days 

offering two admissions for the price of one 

... A jungle movie was the Follies feature 

and the management gave away fifty Ozark 

monkeys. 

iimiiinn i 

RELAX 

MR. EXHIBITOR! 

in i iiiiiiiii 

No more running through airports 

for your accessories. 

UTA (jelivers them on time. 

Ask any theatre about 

UTA's accessory service 

1658 Cordova street LosAnqeies L'a"l 90iJ(' 

Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN 

213-734-0510

. . Movie 

PHILADELPHIA 

Qob Arnold, publicity and advertising director 

for Budco Theatres, hails the 

arrival of a baby boy in the Arnold household. 

Arnold formerly was with Sameric 

Theatres and American International Pictures 

here. 

Variety Club Women are planning an 

evening of horse racing fun at the Liberty 

Bell Park. Mrs. Bert Kushneat is chairperson 

for the outing cameraman 

. 

Willard Van Dyke checks in at the Walnut 

Street Theatre Film Center to screen his 

Glassies "The River." "Valley Town" and 

"The Plow That Broke the Pains." 

As part of the Neighborhood Film Projecfs 

Real-to-Recl series, award-winning Canadian 

filmmaker Michal Rubbo presented 

two of his films and discussed his work at 

the University of Pennsylvania's Christian 

Ass'n. Admission was $1. 

"A Clockwork Orange" and "Monty Python 

and the Holy Grail" launch the film 

series presented by Barnett Lipman at the 

Morris Stage Cinema in Morristown. N.J. 

Filming of the Philadelphia scenes for 

. . 

"Rocky II." originally scheduled to begin 

this week, has been delayed until late November. 

The location shooting here is now 

tentatively set to start November 27. 

The entertainment weekly, the Drummer, 

conducted a newspaper contest in connection 

with the showing of "The Big Fix" at 

Budco's Regency Theatre. Free "Big Fix" 

T-shirts go to readers who can identify the 

names of the characters Richard Dreyfuss 

played in a half-dozen earlier movies. 

A Family Festival of Foreign Films highlights 

the Harrisburg International Fair 

in staged the downtown district. Designed 

all for age groups, the films ranged from 

"The Superlative Horse," a Chinese film, 

to "The Maya," a Mexican feature. 

With little fanfare, the city council in 

Moorestown, N.J., approved a measure that 

gives Audubon Electronics, Inc., the right to 

establish a cable TV system in the township. 

The firm promised that the service, 

including Horn; Box Office and PRISM 

sports and movies subscription TV, should 

be ready for subscribers by next summer. 

The Deptford Cinemas, in the Deptford, 

N.J., Mall across the river, has added "The 

Rocky Horror Picture Show" for midnight 

showings on Fridays and Saturdays. 

CnVERAMA IS m SHOW 

BITSUVESS MX HAWAII TOO, 

WTicn you come to Walkikl, 

don't miss the famous Don Ho 

Show ... at Cinerama's 

Reef Towers Hotel. 

KI-EF • WAIKIKI TOWT-R OFTllE REEF ,,lZ!ii 

KEEFTOWliRS»EIXiEWATER I""'# 

Joe Baltake, the Daily News movie critic 

popularly known as the "Passionate Moviegoer." 

disavows his by-lined cover story on 

Burt Reynolds that appears in the current 

issue of US magazine. Baltake says he's 

talking to his lawyer about possible court 

action because the magazine's editors "perverted" 

the article he originally wrote about 

the film star. 

The Walnut Street Theatre Film Center 

launched its "Meet the Filmmaker" series 

with Jill Godmilow personally presenting 

her two latest films, "The Popvich Brothers 

of South Chicago" and "Louise Nevel-;on 

in 

Progress." 

The Philadelphia Bulletin staged a Music 

Madness" celebration for its readers in 

a tie-up with "Coin' Coconuts." In a random 

drawing. 25 souvenir grab bags which 

include the .sotmdtrack album, a pair of 

Baskin-Robbins gift certificates, a gift cert.ficate 

for the forthcoming paperback edition 

of the screen story and a Hawaiianstyled 

lei, were given out. 

At Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., 

"The Magic Flute" kicks off the annual 

series of "Films for Discussion" sponsored 

by the office of university chaplain Hubert 

L. Flesher, Admission to the screenings is 

$1 and the film discussions are held by Lehigh 

faculty members. 

Film critics 

Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel 

in Harrisburg, Pa., host a "Sneak Previews" 

show on Thursday nights on WITF-TV, a 

public broadcasting station, featuring extended 

clips from new films and advice on 

what films to see and what to miss. 

RCA distributors throughout the area are 

promoting a Selectavision Film Festival to 

increase the sale of video cassette recorders 

and wide-screen TV. Purchases of the new 

RCA Selectavision set get a choice of two 

first-run movie cassettes free from a list of 

50 film titles, and a coupon worth 20 per 

cent off on five movie purchases. 

'Unmarried Woman' Will 

Be Seen at NY Showcases 

NEW YORK-— Paul Mazursky's highly 

acclaimed film, "An Unmarried Woman," 

arrived at metropolitan area Showcase Theatres 

Wednesday (18). 

Starring in the sensitive study of the disintegration 

of a marriage is Jill Clayburgh, 

named best actress at the Cannes Film 

Festival. 

Co-starred with Clayburgh are Alan Bates 

and Michael Murphy. Cliff Gorman costars. 

The 20th Century-Fox relea,se was 

written and directed by Mazursky and produced 

by Mazursky and Tony Ray. Music 

was composed by 

^ 

Bill Conti. 

'The Wiz' Premieres in NY 

With Diana Ross Attending 

NHW YORK—Thj lavish world premiere 

of Universal/ Motown's multi-million dollar 

musical "The Wiz," starring Diana Ross as 

Dorothy, will took place Tuesday (24) at 

7:00 p.m. at Loew's Astor Plaza Theatre on 

Broadway and 45th Street. Continuous 

showings of the film began the following 

day at the Astor Plaza, Loew's Orpheum, 

the Murray Hill and Plaza theatres in Manhattan. 

Attending the premiere were Diana Ross 

and other stars of the film: Michael Jackson, 

Ted Ross, Lena Home, Mabel King 

and Thelma Carpenter. Director Sidney Lumet 

and producer Rob Cohen also were on 

hand. 

The mayor of New York, Edward Koch, 

launched festivities for "The Wiz," which 

was filmed entirely in New York City on 

32 separate locations in four boroughs and 

with 20 sets built at the Astoria Studios in 

Queens. 

Following the premiere, there was a spectacular 

supper celebration at the Windowson-the-World 

Restaurant at the World 

Trade Center. A special "Wiz Express" subway 

train transported guests downtown, 

where they "eased on down" a yellow brick 

road to the entrance of the World Trade 

Center. 

The picture, which also stars Nipsey Russell 

and Richard Pryor as "the Wiz," was 

filmed in Technicolor and Dolby stereo. 

Screenplay was written by Joel Schumacher. 

Ken Harper was executive producer. 

West Virginia NATO Meets 

To Discuss Blind Bidding 

WHEELING, W.VA.—Mountain State 

NATO directors, meeting at the Holiday 

Inn in Parkersburg recently, named a com 

mittee to study the possibility of the West 

Virginia legislature passing an anti-blind 

bidding bill in the upcoming session. 

Members of the committee are chairman 

David Joseph, NATO of West Virginia 

president John B. Gardner, Eileen Ledford. 

George Gannon, Donald Moore and Jack 

Hyman. 

Other NATO directors present included 

Vern Powell, Eurgene Warden, Alex De- 

Fobio, James Boyd, Donald Arron and Mr. 

and Mrs. James Hanna. Also under discussion 

at the confab were forthcoming releases, 

theatre innovations and Gardner's 

recent attendance at exhibition meetings at 

Chicago, Myrtle Beach and Hot Springs. 

Jim Thorpe, Pa. Film Site 

JIM THORPE, PA.—With hopes ranging 

from some quick money to making the 

big time, about 800 people from throughout 

the entire northeastern Pennsylvania 

area jammed the local employment agency 

seeking bit parts in a planned Columbia 

Broadcasting System made-for-TV movie. 

Called "You Can't Go Home Again," the 

film will be filmed in part in Jim Thorpe. 

Somewhere between 30 and 150 people will 

be picked for parts as extras by CBS casting 

director Ellen Wolins. 

E-15 

BOXOmCE :: October 30, 1978

Speech Blasts CoselL 

Editing of TV Films 

DENVER — Walter •Dusty"" Saunders, 

veteran department head and editor of the 

TV Dial section of the 

Rocky Mountain 

News, was the featured 

speaker at the 

recent RMMPA 

luncheon Tuesday 

(17). His subject was 

"The new TV Season 

Without Reason" but 

it could have been 

"Howard C s e 1 1 o 

should get out of the 

Dusty Saunde,^ 

kitchen!" 

The day before his speach, "Dusty" had 

attended a luncheon at the Brown Palace 

Hotel where Howard Cosell had spoken. 

That evening the Denver Broncos played 

Chicago on national television and it was 

"Orange Monday" in Denver. But Cosell 

got mixed up on his colors, according to 

Saunders. "The color was more like lemonyellow—as 

in sour," 

Mood Was Pro-Broncos 

"The mood definitely was 'Go. Broncos. 

go." " said Saunders. "Meredith introduced 

Cosell, who had left the luncheon earlier 

and had returned to the back of the room. 

Cosell. upon arrival at the microphone, was 

asked by Meredith if he was excited to be 

in Denver. 

"Cosell's response was 'No.' The evergenial 

Meredith tried again, asking Cosell 

if he had looked forward to returning to 

Denver. Again a terse 'No.' 

"Then Cosell talked for five minutes 

about the negative aspects of Broncomania. 

telling his audience they should get a 'sense 

of where you"re at." He pointed out how 

happy he was to see the urban renewal projects 

and the growth in downtown Denver, 

reminding his audience of the importance 

of saving the inner city. 

"In many ways CoselKs address had a 

familiar ring. He took on the press in general 

and sportswriters in particular, while 

pointing out the hypocrisy in athletics and 

in the television industry. 

Aimed at Denver 

"But Cosell's remarks definitely were directed 

at the city of Denver. It was obvious 

that any love Cosell formerly had for Denver 

(he praised the city and its fans in his 

first book, 'Cosell') has turned sour by last 

season's brick-throwing incidents at Sweetwater, 

a club Cosell called 'a fleabag joint." 

"The brick-throwing ritual gained national 

media attention and was featured in both 

Time and People magazines. Now a Chicago 

club has taken up the same hobby, and 

the national press is responding. 

"Cosell ended his lecture by telling his 

audience. 'Get your wits about you. What 

you should be about is not related to your 

Broncomania.' 

"CoselTs talk was disturbing because it 

was laced with bitterness," continued Dusty 

Saunders. "Howard is too intelligent to be 

consumed by bitterness. I'd like to refer Cosell 

to a very logical phrase from Harry S 

Truman that deals with heat in the kitchen." 

Back on his subject. Dusty concluded that 

"television is ruining many movies by cut- 

;ing and gutting for sake of scheduling and 

censoring." He gave as one example the 

showing of "Midnight Cowboy" and now 

wondered what would remain of the forthcoming 

showing of "Shampoo." 

It was in 1968 that Universal made the 

first story directly for television, "The Name 

of the Game." "Movies are booked on TV 

in ever increasing numbers to gain an audience," 

stated Saunders, "but if you want 

to see the real movie in its true content you 

have to so to a theatre." 

Hard Work Turns Temple 

Theatre to Arts Palace 

TUCSON—Can Steve Hutchison do for 

Tucson what he did for Bisbee? Hutchison, 

who was described by a Tucson Citizen 

writer as having ". the demeanor that 

intimidates the billy-hell out of most people." 

took over Bisbee's Copper Queen 

Hotel and gave the town a bit of historical 

hope to hang on to. 

The exquisitely Spanish-style Temple Theatre, 

in downtown Tucson, somewhat parallels 

the life of the Copper Queen. But the 

Temple never seemed quite to fulfill its 

destiny. It eventually languished, first as a 

Spanish-language theatre, then was later 

purchased with great expectations for revivification; 

both efforts failed. 

But Hutchison, an artistic man whose 

hands are wrinkled from hammering and 

sawing, pitched in and prepared the 

Temple for the opening Wednesday (25). 

The celebration featured John Denver in a 

benefit concert for U.S. Congressman Mo 

Udall for reelection to the House. 

Hutchison promises that "the Temple of 

Music and Art will someday rock to the 

sound of music, thrill to the classic dialogue 

of the great films of antiquity. The 

seductive smells of fresh morning coffee 

will waft from the kitchen. The sidewalk 

cafe will become the pseudo-intellectual 

capital of the Southwest." 

And Hutchison, with the fierce build of 

a Sumo wrestler, makes one believe it. 

Like Leaves, the First 

Runs Fall in Denver 

DENVER—"The Boys From Brazil" 

himg onto a substantial 300 in its third 

week. "Bread and Chocolate," at the 200 

level, took second place. Other first runs 

fell to depressingly low levels, including 

"Remember My Name," 50, "Interiors," 

115, and '"Girl Friends," 95. 

(Average Is 100) 

Century 21—The Boys From Brazil 

3rd wk 

Cherry Creek V.lin Iliih^—Who 

(20th-Fox)

Hollywood 

ÎLLIAM E. CHAIKIN. president of 

Avco Embassy Pictures, has been elected 

to the board of directors of Growth 

Realty Investors, a Beverly Hills real estate 

business trust listed on the New York Stock 

Exchange. 

* 

MCA Development Co.. a division of 

MCA, Inc., has named the Royce Co. as 

exclusive agents to lease and market office 

space in the new $12 million four-story 

office building now under construction at 

70 Universal City Plaza. The new building 

is a continuation of MCA's master-planned 

development of Universal City and is a part 

of the Universal Studios complex. 

• 

Compass Intern ntional Pictures will release 

"Halloween." a suspense-thriller starring 

Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis, 

in 75 Flagship theatres in the New York 

City area Friday (27). John Carpenter directed 

and co-wrote the script with producer 

president Irwin Yablans. 

• 

Members of the International Animated 

Film Society honored five recipients of the 

annual Annie Awards at their annual banquet. 

Receiving Annies for outstanding 

achievement in all phases of animated filmmaking 

were Ub Iwerks, research director 

for Walt Disney Productions and the first 

artist to draw Mickey Mouse; Jay Ward, 

producer of "The Bullwinkle Show"; Richard 

Huemer. screenwriter for "Dumbo"; 

Hans Conreid, voice of Captain Hook, and 

Carl Stalling, musical director for Warner 

Bros, cartoons. 

• 

Paramount Pictures has promoted Michael 

T. Cassady to director of marketing 

accounting, reporting to Patrick B. Purcell, 

vice-president-corporate controller. He will 

work closely with the marketing group of 

the motion pictur; division. Cassady moves 

up from senior internal auditor for Paramount. 

He previously had been with the 

Gulf & Western internal audit staff. 

* 

John Chambers, president of the Society 

of Makeup Artists, has been selected as the 

Happenings 

lirst motion picture inaKe-up artist to be 

honored with a star in the Hollywood Walk 

of Fame. 

• 

Producer-director Jerome Hellman has 

baen presented with the VA administrator's 

award for his production of "Coming 

Home," a film which Administrator for Veterans 

Affairs Max Cleland said gives the 

"first compassionate and sensitive perspective 

of the Vietnam era veteran." The film 

stars Jane Fonda, Jon Voight and Bnice 

Darn. The presentation was made on location 

in East Los Angeles where Hellman is 

shooting "Promises in the Dark." 

• 

Shooting was completed Friday (13) on 

"ChopstiX," a New Day Film production 

starring Barbara Harold, Dorothy Hyde, 

Alice Blake and Robert C. Benson. Producer 

William Dancer is aiming for exhibition 

to be ready within 90 days. 

• 

Borson Productions has completed production 

on "Summer Camp," set for a 

Christmas release by Seymour Borde & Associates. 

Parks Leads Black Film 

Workshop at Institute 

LOS ANGELES—Gordon Parks, noted 

director, writer, photographer and composer, 

will travelled to the University of the 

District of Columbia's Black Film Institute 

Thursday (19) as part of the Visiting Artists 

Program of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences and the Academy 

Foundation. 

Parks conducted a workshop with the 

institute'e students, focusing on technical 

filmmaking concerns, and screened his latest 

film. "Leadbelly." The picture depicts 

the life of the legendary blues singer-composer 

Hubie Ledbetler. Parks also introduced 

the film at a public screening at the 

Black Film Institute later in the day. 

Parks has directed a number of films, 

including "Shaft," "Shaft's Big Score." "The 

Super Cops" and "The Learning Tree." He 

has also authored several books, such as 

"A Point of Weapons." "Whispers of Intimate 

Things," "In Love." "Bom Black" 

and "Moments Without Proper Names." 

The Academy's Visiting Artists Program 

a.ssists colleges and universities nationwide 

in sponsoring visits to their campuses by 

leading film professionals. The artists interact 

directly with film students in seminars, 

lectures, workshops and discussion settings. 

Reopening of Capitol 

Features Ballet West 

SALT LAKE CITY—After months of 

anticipation, the newly renovated Capitol 

Theatre opened to the public Wednesday 

evening (18) with a glowing performance 

by Ballet West. 

Although the theatre had been readied for 

a preview ribbon-cutting and performance 

Tuesday night. Wednesday was billed as 

the official opening, and search lights made 

:iote 

of the event. 

The ribbon was cut once again, and Governor 

Scott Malheson and William Dunn, 

Salt Lake County Commssion chairman, 

paid tribute to those who had worked on 

the project from beginning to end. 

Then the grand curtain went up on the 

magnificent stage and Ballet West was the 

star. 

The highlight of the evening was the Salt 

Lake City premiere of "Graduation Ball" 

(the production was underwritten by Edith 

H. Bamberger in memory of her late husband 

Julian M. Bamberger), a delightful 

ballet choreographed years ago by Da\id 

Lichine and staged for Ballet West by Ten;, 

Orr of American Ballet Theatre. 

It was a definite audience favorite, perhaps 

because its spirit and light-heartedncs\ 

is reminiscent of William Christensen's "The 

Nutcracker." The ballet speaks to all ayes 

with its humor, mime, storyline and ga ei\ 

The music of Johann Strauss jr. sci the 

pace for merrymaking, mischievous fun 

and youthful antics. The company was 

bursting with energy, crisp in movement 

and clean in 

technique. 

Another highlight of the evening was ih. 

performance by Staccy Swaner and Mark 

Lanham of the pas de deux from "Le Cor 

saide." 

The first-night 

audience responded warmly 

with several curtain calls to Ballet West's 

performance, but it was the appearance of 

William F. Christensen, considered the father 

of ballet in Utah, which brought the 

audience to its feet. It was an appropriate 

way for Ballet West to begin its career in 

its new home. 

Variety Acquires Rights 

LOS ANGELE.S— Deno Paoli. president 

of Variety International Pictures, announced 

that the company had acquired "The 

River Horse," a novel by John Clark, for 

production next summer. Paoli will be executive 

producer and will write the screenplay. 

W-2 BOXOFFICE October 30. 197^

— 

DENVER 

ênnis Fraker has purchased the Empirc 

Theatrc. Livingston. Mont., from Dan 

Grudziadz. Buying and booking for the Empire 

is handled by Warner Marketing Associates 

of Bozeman. 

Among those who attended the NATO 

meeting in New York City were Frank Mc- 

Laughlin of De Lux Theatres, John Roberts 

of Wolfberg Theatres and Marvin Goldfarb 

of Commonwealth-Highland Theatres. Dick 

Klein of K Theatres, Longmont. Colo., and 

Paul Cory of Fox Theatre. Sterling, Colo., 

also attended. From the Montana area Steve 

Moser of Theatre Operators, Inc., and Tim 

Warner of Warner Marketing in Bozeman 

attended the meeting. 

Christine Craig is building a new theatre 

in Wintsrpark. Colo. The 215-seat facility 

to be known as the Silver Screen Theatre 

is expected to open about December 15 

in time for the ski season. Buying and booking 

for the new house will be handled by 

Hallberg Theatre Services in Denver. 

Mary Herbandez, branch manager's secretary 

at Columbia, traveled to Mexico 

while on her vacation and Columbia's Salt 

Lake City booker Gene Bowles traveled to 

Las Vegas . . . Division manager Sheilah 

DeLoach was in town conferring with 

branch manager Ken Newbert. 

Theatre Operators, Inc.. of Bozeman have 

announced that their World Theatre located 

in downtown Billings will be dismantled. 

The World was the first theatre acquisition 

of Theatre Operators at the time that they 

originated. The World will be replaced by 

a new twin facility to be known as the 

World West and the theatre will be located 

in the Rimrock Mall area in the western 

section of the city where Theatre Operators, 

Inc., also operated the Rimrock Mall, a fourplex 

theatre in the same shopping center. 

Theatre Operators will have nine screens 

in the city of Billings and a total of 33 

screens located in Montana, Wyoming. 

Utah and New Mexico. 

A fire believed set by an arsonist did 

heavy damage to the Paramount Theatre 

which is located in downtown Denver and 

operated by Wolfberg Theatres. Fire was 

apparently started in the stage area end of 

the theatre and then traveled toward the 

auditorium and booth area and did extensive 

damage. 

screenwriters have played hell with history! 

"Among the pits is a movie made right 

here in Tucson, 'The Great Sioux Massacre,' 

" snorts Smith. His anger is caused 

by the appearance in the film of giant saguaro 

cacti. The saguaro is nonexistent in 

the Little Big Horn part of the Dakotas. 

Surrounded by the nostalgic authentic 

gear of the 1880s cavalry in his antique 

shop 'Fiddler's Green," Smith asserts that 

"Hollywood had to adopt the Winchester, 

or how else could a single cavalry squad 

wipe out thousands of Indians?" 

Other movie manglings of authenticity 

cited by Smith are "the historical maiming 

of uniform and gear. The army never 

issued yellow scarves or white hats. The 

trooper would use whatever scarf he had 

available, even if it were polka-dotted." 

Hollywood's errors were debunked during 

last year's Tucson Festival. First the 

tinseltown version was given, showing Indians 

gaudily outfitted with feather headdresses 

and multihued warpaint attacking 

a group of miners. Of course the cavalry 

arrived "in the nick of time." 

"That was a crock." explained Smith to 

the disillusioned crowd as it then watched 

the real thing: loin cloth-covered Apaches 

stealthily creeping, followed by the silent 

death of the miners. "The cavalry arrived 

too late, which is the usual way the Indians 

liked to work," said Smith. 

Regiment cavalry members and 4th Artillery. 

Battery A appeared at the Fort Lowell 

Living History Day event. 

'A Dream of Passion' Hits 

Big in San Francisco, LA 

LOS ANGELES — Critically hailed as 

Jules Dassin's "triumph" and "masterpiece," 

Avco Embassy's release "A Dream 

of Passion" opened powerfully in its exclusive 

engagements at the Castro Theatre in 

San Francisco Wednesday (18) with a gross 

of $2,638 for opening night. The picture 

grossed $3,240 on its opening night in the 

Los Angeles area where it is playing exclusively 

at Laemmle's Music Hall on Wilshire 

Boulevard in Beverly Hills. 

Producer-director-writer Dassin was present 

with actress Ellen Burstyn for the Beverly 

Hills opening after the pair had appeared 

in San Francisco at the 22nd Annual 

San Francisco Film Festival where the picture 

played to a capacity crowd at the Palace 

of Fine Arts Theatre. 

In addition to Mercouri and Burstyn, the 

intense and powerful drama of two women, 

set against the background of the Greek 

tragedy "Medea." stars Andreas Voutsinas. 

The Bren Film production is an Aries Enterprises 

presentation. 

Sporting Event Musicians 

Earn Honors From BMI 

SAN FRANCISCO— Musicians who provide 

background and mood music for Bay 

Area sporting events were honored by 

Broadcast Music. Inc., at a special luncheon 

Tuesday (24) at the Fairmont Hotel in San 

Francisco. 

They are; Don Anderson, organist for the 

Oakland Athletics; Dr. Arthur Barnes, director 

of bands at Stanford; Robert O. 

Briggs. director of the concert and marching 

bands at the University of California 

at Berkeley; .Sal Carson, head of the San 

Francisco 49'ers Big Band; George Cerruti, 

organist at Candlestick Park; A\ Del 

Simone, leader of the band for the Oakland 

Raiders, and Bill McCoy, organist for the 

Golden Gaters, Shamrocks and thj Warriors. 

Master of ceremonies for the event will 

be Roy Steele, announcer for the Oakland 

A's. 

BMI has made similar awards over the 

past five years to musicians in sports in 

New York, Chicago. Los Angeles, Boston 

and Atlanta as part of a program to encourage 

the growth and expansion of American 

music. It is the world's largest performing-rights 

licensing body, representing 

more than 55,000 affiliated writers and publishers. 

Richard Sarafian is directins "Sunburn. 

TTtttl!t!n!!Timi!lllll! 

RELAX 

MR. EXHIBITOR! 

Hollywood Inaccuracies 

A 'Massacre of History' 

TUCSON— "It's a massacre of history." 

derisively declares the president and platoon 

commander of Tucson's 5th Cavalry 

Memorial Regiment, Bruce Smith, who 

adds, "Hordes of Hollywood directors and 

PETERSON 

THEATRE 

455 Bearcat Drive 

Times Square Park 

SUPPLY 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

801-466-7642 

No more running through airports 

for your accessories. 

UTA delivers them on time. 

Ask any theatre about 

UTAs accessory service. 

1658 Cordova street Los Angeles Calif 9000/ 

Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN 

213-734-0510 

TTTTtTtniimimniMiif 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978 W-3

Dale Tooley Will Address 

RMMPA Luncheon Nov. 21 

DENVER—Dale Tooky. Denver's fighting 

district attorney, will be the featured 

speaker at the 

RMMPA luncheon 

November 

Tuesday, 

21. at the Continental 

Broker. His subject 

will be ""Soviet Union 

Justice: Hocus. Pocus. 

Nyet!" The DA has 

just returned along 

with 1 1 other district 

attorneys from a sojourn 

in Russia. 

Dale Tooley 

j^^ ^^^^^-^^ -^ 3,3^ 

the annual ""Turkey Shoot" whereby some 

lucky RMMPA members will secure their 

Thanksgiving meals. 

TUCSON 

ân Dailey's death was of special significance 

to Tucsonans. It was Dailey who 

portrayed pioneer Tucsonan Mose Drachman 

in "Chicken Every Sunday." Screenplay 

was adapted from the book written 

after World War I by Mose's daughter 

Rosemarie Drachman Taylor. The film was 

about the Drachman family in the early 

1900s and life in a boarding house run by 

Mose's mother, Ethel Edmunds Drachman. 

Still standing at 33 E. 3rd Ave., the old 

house serves as a memorial to Dan Dailey. 

actor and dancer. 

Cantinflas has Latins rolling with laughter 

in the aisles at Cine Plaza, in "El Patrullero 

777." a Rioma Films. S.A.. production. 

Mary McDonald, Erin in 'The Waltons," 

came from California to ride a bike in Pima 

County's American Cancer Society unit, 

wheeling out from the U of A campus Saturday 

(21). 

Your reporter is 

taking a short sabbatical 

leave ... a hiatus . . . hang it, he's going 

to the hospital for minor surgery. The talkin' 

Tucsonan will be back with y'all soon's 

he can tear himself away from hospital 

CLVERi%91A IS L\ SHOW 

BITSUVESS Vi HAWAII TOO, 

WTien you come to Walklki, 



Reef Towers Hotel. f 

food—really, it's not all that bad. (Editor's 

note: Just keep telling yourself that, Gib!) 

SAN FRANCISCO 

£|ric Kleinhandler is the new booker at 

Paramount. He was previously the 

Strand Theatre's assistant manager. 

The mass media course at San Francisco 

State featured guest lecturer Harper Paul 

Williams of Pacific Film Enterprises Thursday 

(12). His topic was film distribution, 

of course. 

Seymour Borde of Beverly Hills was on 

Filmrow Tuesday (17), confirming playdates 

for November 1 and media promotion 

for the reissue of '"The Groove Tube." 

Warner Bros, salesman Ralph Ferguson 

and his wife Denise are the proud parents 

of a son Ki Salin. born Friday (6). 

Maureen Devine is the new WOMPI publicity 

chairwoman. Other new members are 

Liana Figone and Martha Neal. All three 

are at UATC. A very successful garage sale 

was held Saturday (28) in San Mateo. 

"The Toy," a Richard Ellman release, 

was sneak previewed at the Bridge Theatre 

Friday (20). 

The annual WOMPI "Meet and Greet' 

party is slated for November (12) at 152 

Garnelian Way, San Francisco. Cathy Fitzgerald, 

Profit-by-Air, is chairing the event. 

Eileen Snodgrass, head cashier at Pacific 

Film Enterprises, has rettirned from a week 

vacation in Mexico. 

Willbraham Drive-In Flap 

Continues; Police to Act 

Fro.n 

New England Edition 

WILBRAHAM, MASS.—Board of selectmen 

chairman John M. Lovejoy indicated 

at BoxoFFicE presstime that the board 

had advised Wilbraham's police department 

to take action again the Wilbraham Parkway 

Drive-In Theatre over alleged town 

by-law violations. 

Lovejoy said that the police had been 

developing cases against the Harry L. 

Schwab-operated underskyer since last July 

when neighborhood residents complained 

of post-2 a.m. operations. 

"We have a duty to uphold the by-laws 

which were legally established by town 

vote." Lovejoy said. "We tried to reach an 

agreement with the owners through their 

attorney, Michael West, and it was fruitless." 

Lovejoy said that action would be forthcoming 

in Palmer District Court. Town bylaws, 

he noted, require a 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. 

close-down for all businesses. 

In Multiple Playdates 

'Older Women' Scores 

From Canadian Edition 

.MONTREAL—In a seven-theatre multiple 

in Montreal and Toronto, "In Praise of 

Older Women" in the first three days of its 

engagement grossed S70.000 at the boxoffice. 

according to publicist David Novek, 

who said "it has to be a record for a Canadian 

film." 

""In Praise of Older Women." film adaptation 

of novelist Stephen Vizinczey's modern 

classic, caused considerable controversy 

when its producers. Astral Films of Toronto, 

protested an Ontario Board of Censors 

ruling that 38 seconds had to be cut from 

the print before it was shown at the Festival 

of Festivals. Quebec, on the other hand, approved 

the complete motion picture for 

viewers over 14 years of age. 

According to Novek, ""In Praise of Older 

Women" was expected to gross $100,000 in 

its first week at the two Montreal and five 

Toronto houses. 

"'Deux Femmes en Or" is the biggestgrossing 

Canadian film to date. The Quebec 

production, in the erotic genre, had boxoffice 

receipts of $2,500,000. "The Apprenticeship 

of Duddy Kravitz" topped $2,000.- 

000. 

Writer Sues Sunn Classic 

For 'Beyond' Royalties 

SALT LAKE CITY—A Virginia man 

has claimed in federal court that Sunn 

Second Classic Pictures violated a copyright 

he held when it made a 1977 film. 

George Gordon Ritchie. Wightstone. 'Va., 

filed the action in U.S. District Court of 

Utah. He claims he is the author of "Return 

From Tomorrow" and that Sunn infringed 

his copyright by writing, producing, 

distributing and exhibiting the motion 

picture "Beyond and Back." which was 

largely copied from his story. 

Ritchie's suit claims all the profits from 

the film as damages, or whatever else the 

courts think proper. 

Paramount Business V-P 

Billie Gold Will Resign 

HOLLYWOOD— Billic Gold announced 

that she was leaving her position as vicepresident-business 

affairs of Paramount Pictures 

Corp. to embark on other activities 

in the TV and motion picture areas. 

Prior to her present position, Gold had 

functioned in essentially the same capacity 

for Lorimar Productions and Quinn Martin 

Productions. 

Paramount and Gold emphasized that the 

separation was amicable and basically was 

motivated by Gold's career plans. 

Salt Lake • Boston • Dallos • New York 

NIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY 

- HOME OFFICE - 

264 East 1st South, Salt Lake City, Utah 841 

W-4 BOXOFnCE :: October 30, 1978

— 

— 

Grosses Down; 'Smoke' 

Holds Lead in Kaycee 

KANSAS CITY—"Up in Smoke," which 

slipped to 250 from last week's 315, nevertheless 

remained the leading attraction here 

in its third week. "The Big Fix" and "National 

Lampoon's Animal House" tied for 

second place at 210, and one of last week's 

new favorites, "The Boys From Brazil," 

stored 160. Newcomer "Girl Friends" 

grossed 145 in its Fine Arts Theatre debut, 

not a bad performance considering the 

movie slump which saw half of the first run 

films doing less than average business this 

week. 


Blue Ridge, Metro North—Hooper (WB), 

Chouteau, Ranchman— Foul Play (Para), 

13th wk 

Chouteau, Ranchrr,art—Heaven Can Wait (Para), 

16th wk 

Fine Arts-Girl Friends (WB), 1st wk 

Glenwood Grease (Para), 18th wk 

Midland—Blind Rage (SR), 2nd wk 

Midland Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 

(Umv), 13th wk 

3 theatres—Almost Summer (Umv), 4th wk 

3 theatr. The Big Fix (Umv), 2nd wk 

3 theatr. Death on the Nile (Para), 2nd wk 

3 theatr( 

(UA), 2nd wk 

3 theatr! -National Lampoon': Animal House 

-The Boys From Bra 

Somebody Killed H 

3rd 

4 theatres Who Is Killinc 

Europe? (WB), 2iid wk 

5 theatres— Goin' South ( 

5 theatres Up in Smoke 

6 theatres Goin' Coconut: 

9 theatres Count Dracula 

(SR), 1st wk 

9 theatres French Quarte 

His Vampire Bride 

(SR) wk 55 

'Count Dracula' Legentd Still 

Alive With 450 in Chicago 

CHICAGO—"Count Dracula and His 

Vampire Bride" took the lead with 450 per 

Promo Film Shot at Plitt 

Theatre Made by Filmack 

CHICAGO— Filmack Studios here re- 

:ently produced a promotional film featuring 

Larry Lujack of WLS Musicradio. The 

film was shot on location at the Plitt Theatre 

in Water Tower Place and will be shown 

It all Plitt Theatres in the greater Chicago 

irea. Roman Polys directed the spot. 

Mary-Margaret Miller's Monaco Vow 

Benefits Variety Club Women of KC 

KANSAS CITY—One of Kansas City's 

happiest stories began in Monte Carlo in 

Mary-Margaret 

Miller 

1977 ^hile the Beverly Millers and Glen 

Dickinsons, et al, were attending the annual 

convention of Variety Clubs International. 

After participating in the women's sessions 

held during the conclave, Mary-Margaret 

Miller became so impressed with the 

fund-raising activities of this international 

charitable organization, as well as with the 

functions of the various Variety Club Wom- 

so today the total membership stands at 

]35- an increase of almost 700 per cent! 

Who are these new members? Mostly 

THEWTRE EQUIPMENT 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

No CAPITOL AVE., INDIANAPOLIS. 

wives of men who belong to Varieiy Club 

lent 8—but also other ladies and doctors 

and bankers, women active in some of the 

children's groups (charitable) which are supported 

by Variety, such as the Crippled 

Children's Nursey, Crittenden Home and 

the Ozanam Home, as well as other women 

with "humanitarian hearts." 

As membership chairman, Mrs. Miller 

would like to continue to invite new members 

to join this most worthwhile organizalion. 

Dues are only $10; the by-laws require 

attendance at a minimum of only three meetings 

per year; the group's function is fund 

raising and giving assistance to Tent 8 

in its projects, including the annual telethon, 

and Variety Club Women wants its members 

to help in whatever ways they feel they 

can. without too heavy an obligation. In this 

show business organization dedicated to 

helping handicapped and underprivileged 

children, it is well known that there is 

"strength in numbers," so even just a "duespaying 

membership" helps. 

Anyone who wants to join Variety Club 

Women of Kansas City, or who can advise 

of a prospective member, should contact 

Mrs. Miller at (913) 888-5422, or just send 

their $10 check made payable to Variety 

Club Women to her at 9683 Wedd Drive. 

Overland Park, Kas. 66212. 

Avco Embassy Closes 

en's groups, that she felt compelled, inwardly, 

cent in its first e.xclusive showing at the 

to "try to do something about" the Variety 

Club Women of Kansas City of which 

Plitt Chicago Theatre in the Loop. "Days 

of Heaven" again grossed 400 per cent in she is a member. 

Its St. Louis Ofiice 

the second week at the Near North Carnegie. 

"A Wedding" scored with 325 per in Monaco, while chatting with Glen Dick- 

During one of those enchanting evenings 

cent in the second week and 300 was the inson—at that time chief barker of Variety as of Friday (27). The company will be handling 

both St, Louis and Kansas City terri- 

gross for "Death on the Nile," in the third Club Tent 8—she promised, in response to 

week, "National Lampoon's Animal House" his wish that "something could be done," tories from its office in Kansas City, 

In the eighth week and "Interiors" in the that "before the end of 1978 I personally In a letter sent to all branches, the company 

announced the departure of Jeannine 

fourth week. 

will recruit at least 100 new members!" Mrs. 

Biograph Girl Friends (WB), 3rd 

Miller knew this was a monumental undertaking, 

but insists she made the vow while 

^ 

bassy in St. Louis for iVi years and who 

Wieczorek, who has represented Avco Em- 

Bolhngbrook 2, Roosevelt The Tempter (Emb), 

1st wk 

CatTiegie Days of Heaven (Para), 2nd wk. 

"not under the influence of even a drink 

Golf Mill Heaven Can 

has chosen to leave the industry. The letter 

Wait 1 

(Para), 

15!h wk or two." 

, 

expressed the company's wishes for "the 

;olf : 

2—Fou 

Mercury, 

At that point in time, the Variety 

Orland 

WB), 

Club very best in all her future endeavors." 

2nd wk 

Women of Kansas City had only 18 members. 

As of press time, however, Mary-Mar- 

Water Tower 2— Interiors A. Ur.'^y. 

5 theatres Goin' South iPa:j), ^.nd wk 

5 theatres—A Wedding (20;h-Fox), 2nd wk 

1,'arel has more than reached her goal by 

3 theatres— The Boys From Brazil (20th-Fox), 

2nd wk 

personally adding 103 new members to the 

3 theatres Go Tell the Spartans (Emb) 

rosier. Hence, she has kept her promise to 

3 theatres—Up in Smoke (Parî, 3rd wk 

Dickinson! 

3 theatres Who Is KilUng the Great Chefs of 

Europe? (WB), 2nd wk 

Others in Variety Club Women of Kansas 

City also have obtained new 

10 theatres Notional Lampoon's Animal House 

members, 

ST. LOUIS—Avco Embassy has announced 

that it has closed its office here 

MADDEN 

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

Making Films Sound Belter 

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nm DOLBY SYSTEM ll^^ 

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THE ONLY DEALER 

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24 HOUR MAINTENANCE IN THE 

KENTUCKY/ INDIANA AREA 

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3709 HUGHES ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40207 

IGXOFTICE :: October 30. 1978 C-1

CHICAGO 

Jîdwest exchange staffers have been involved 

deeply in getting the hang of 

new computerization procedures, but they 

have also been taking statistics which prove 

that Chicaao area theatres are leading in 

the U.S. with -Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe?" 

There was also another diversion; it occurred 

when Sam Rosenfeld's son Adam 

paid Warner Bros, a visit. Though only 

slightly more than five. Adam seemed to 

have a lot of answers as he held the attention 

of the staff for a half-hour. 

It was pleasant to hear from Pete Smith. 

now director of film operations for Air Express 

International. On behalf of AEI. Pete 

hosted a reception for members of the film 

community. He said. "It was our way of 

expressing our thanks for the year-round 

support our friends give us!" 

We happily report that Mrs. Bobbe Brethour. 

wife of Warner Bros, district manager 

Floyd Brcthour. is doing well in home 

recovery following a difficult stay in the 

hospital. 

After attending the NATO convention, 

Charles Wolk paid visits to Wolk Co. customers 

in the Eastern territory. As president 

of TEA. Wolk also arranged some meetings 

relating to the organization's problems and 

procedures. 

During the upcoming months we will be 

hearing much more about Randolph Film 

Distributors. Milt Levins, head of the operations 

in this area, has just returned from the 

East, where he negotiated for the distribution 

of a number of new features. As a starter, 

there will be "High Rolling in a Hot 

Corvette." Star of this film is Joseph Bottoms. 

Virgil Jones, who recently took over as 

head of International Picture Show Co. in 

this area, was in Atlanta to share in discussions 

relating to "The Magic of Lassie." 

This film fo'r full family entertainment is 

not, however, due in Chicago until Easter. 

United Artists publicist Ellen Davis has 

a full program involving screenings and 

openings, which began with "Comes a Horseman" 

Friday (27) at the McClurg Court, 

Edens and Golf Mill theatres. Jane Fonda. 

Jason Robards and James Caan have top 

roles in this film. Invitational screenings 

are being scheduled for "Lord of the Rings," 

which is due to open November 11 at the 

McClurg Court, Edens, Orgland Square and 

UA Cinema. And November 17 is the opening 

date for "Slow Dancing in the Big City," 

wilh Paul Sorvino and Anne Ditchburn. 

This is Ditchburn's first film role and the 

Plitt Water Tower has scheduled the first 

exclusive showing. 

M&R Amusement theatres will be among 

the first to present "Magic" and "Midnight 

Express." Anthony Hopkins, star of "Magic," 

told Tribune columnist Maggie Daly, 

•Tn 'Magic" I was acting the part of a very 

lonely and frightened man. I was acting part 

of my own life without great preparation. 

1 was an only child and a loner ... I functioned 

better being a clown, and that's why 

I went into acting." Hopkins was born in the 

same town in Wales where Richard Burton 

was born. Joseph Levine told Daly that he 

first saw Hopkins on PBS in "The Areata 

Promise," and he added, "If I had ever seen 

him before, I would have hired him." Hopkins 

next movie, he reported here, will be 

"Gandhi," with Richard Attenborough dilecting. 

Attenborough also directed "Mag- 

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Denver, Colorado 

"Midnight Express," as has been mentioned, 

the true story of the imprisonment 

is of Billy Hayes. Comments from two top 

critics: Rona Barrett — "It's impossible toi 

imagine a more exciting film. You are 

grasped right from the beginning and the 

suspense never lets up. I am certain it's going 

to be one of the most talked about 

movies of the year, and — an Oscar contender." 

From Rex Reed "A stupendous 

achievement . . . riveting, powerful, suspenseful 

... a colossal motion picture." 

Herb Gillis, division manager for Paramount 

Pictures; branch manager Jeff Blake, 

and Mike Schechter, Indianapolis/ Milwaukee 

branch manager, attended company 

meetings in New York. 

Members of the Chicago Advertising 

Club heard a great deal about promotion 

techniques from Gordon Weaver, international 

vice-president of marketing for Para- I 

mount Pictures. Weaver's talk centered on 

such films as "Grease," "Heaven Can Wait" 

and "Saturday Night Fever." 

Mildred Collins, costumes coordinator, 

was instrumental in adding to the exposure 

for "Death on the Nile" by setting up an 

exhibit of the costumes used in the film. 

The exhibit was presented at Marshall Field 

& Co.. Chicago's largest retail store. 

Carole Sutter, Buena Vista branch manager, 

said exhibitors are joining BV in applauding 

the Mickey Mouse celebration. 

Grosses resulting from the Saturday, Sunday 

and Monday matinees are reported to 

be "fantastic and far above expectations " 

Chris Lindholm, who has served as sec-i 

letary to Columbia's Indianapolis branch! 

manager Bob Capps, resigned to become ai 

stewardess for Ozark Airlines. 

The awaited arrival of Robert Carl Johnson 

occurred Friday (13) at 1:17 p.m. Mother 

Linnea is fine, and her co-workers al 

Warner Bros, are already setting dates foi 

her return to work. 

"Shame of the Jungle," a new Mid-Amer 

ica Releasing Co. film, is in its first showinc 

in this area. It's a parody of Edgar Rici. 

Burrough's classic jungle tale. 

It is noted that advertising for "Superman" 

has begun in a current automobile TV 

ad which features Lois Lane. Jimmy Olson 

and Clark Kent with his cape sticking ouv 

from under his suit. Inside theatres, "Super-; 

man" coming attraction ads have begur 

with the cast's names appearing across tlu 

screen as if they were space ships in "Siai 

Wars." The film opens in this area Decern 

ber 14. 

CUVERA91A IS Wi SHOW 

BUSUVESS Vi HAWAII TOO, 

When you come to Waikikl, 




REEF • WAIKIKI TOWEK OF THE REEF Ib,„,„1 

REEFTOWTiRS • ElXiEWATER l"'^f 

BOXOFHCE ;: October 30. 197:

Where your wildest dreams become 

Network at play 

@. 

Jnhn C. Holm.', 

Lmirien l}„mmi,i„.- 

U,h,r Hum 

X 

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Just when you fhought it was safe to 

go into the hospital, along comes the 

two-fisted action of Candy Stripers! 

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FILMS 

PRESENTS 

YOUR R 

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Aiîâ Obsessed 

CONSTANCE MONE 

ANNETTE HAVEN 

, 

JOHN LESLIE 

Starring AMBER HUNT 

MONTANA 

SHARON THORPE 

PAULTHOMAS 

Distributed through the entire Midwest by 

CHICAGO FIX BOOKING SERVICE CORP. 

32 West Randolph • Suite 1306 • Chicago, III. 60601 • (312) 782-6424 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30. 1978 C-3

. . 

. . 

KANSAS CITY 

and Mrs. Bev Miller, 

Jj(Jr. 

Mercury Film 

Co.. traveled southward for a long 

weekend, departing Thursday (19). Their 

destination was Bella Vista. Ark., de luxe 

retirement complex which reposes like a 

sparkling jewel amongst the hills and valleys 

of northern .Arkansas a 

short distance south 

of the Missouri state line. As might be expected. 

Bev and Mary-Margaret were treated 

to a spectacular show in living color produced 

by Mother Nature in association with 

the chill winds of autumn. The hillsides were 

crowned with blazing red leaves, the tints 

softening now and then to light browns and 

brilliant yellows. Nothing anywhere in the 

world can quite match the riot of hues 

which is on view annually in what might be 

termed "The Ozark Leaf-A-Rama" and we"ll 

just bet that Bev and Mary-Margaret both 

were snapping photos left and right, a hobby 

that is more than a hobby with the Millers 

—and we'll tell you more about that another 

time. 

Mary-Margaret reports that they tried to 

contact Mrs. Howard Thomas while at Bella 

Vista, but with no luck. Veteran Filmrowite-in-exile 

Don Walker (who won national 

fame for his work as publicist during the 

shooting of the classic 20th Century-Fox 

film "Jesse James," which starred Tyrone 

Power, Linda Darnell and Henry Fonda, in 

the late '30s). couldn't be found in Pineville. 

where he now resides. Seems Don was 

doing Joplin that weekend . . . Incidentally, 

if anyone thinks they could get any rest by 

retiring at beautiful Bella Vista, forget it. 

Unless the memory is playing tricks on us, 

we believe there are three golf courses there, 

plus plenty of other leisure-time diversions. 

Dale Danielson, Dream Theatre, Russell, 

Kas., advises that the western Kansas exhibitors 

will hold their annual get-together 

November 8 in Russell. Details can be obtained 

by contacting Dale at (913) 483- 

2211, or by writing to him in care of the 

Dream Theatre, P.O. Box 591, Russell, Kas. 

67665. 

Techhikoye 

^ * SCREENS 

^ 

g 

O XRL ©XR-171 

LENTICULAR PEARLESCENT 

50 HILUX O MATTE !$ METALLIC WHITE § 

surf isn't as good here and it's harder to get 

a suntan at this time of year. Nevertheless, 

Ruby said she was glad to get home . 

Also returning from vacation was Wilma 

Smith of Warner Bros. . . . Connie Hoesenmeyer 

of Buena Vista stayed in town during 

her week's vacation and entertained her 

brother, who visited her from Alaska . 

Welcome to the film industry to Vicki Jacobs, 

who succeeded Teri Dunn as biller. 

Teri has left the industry for greener pastures. 

Are there any bowlers in the crowd? No, 

not the kind you wear on your head but the 

kind that roll black balls down an alley. 

Filmrow is forming a summer bowling 

league and will roll Monday evenings at 6:15 

p.m. at King Louie West. Interested persons 

should contact Barbara Stewart or Diane 

Rice at 20th Century-Fox. 

Is Filmrow becoming computerized? Tom 

Hazard and Bud Truog of United Artists 

may think so. They have returned from Dallas, 

where they learned to operate a View- 

Set, which will be used to compute grosses. 

According to Bud. the View-Set will be installed 

in his home and will transmit the 

grosses from there to UA's home 

New York. Funny—we didn't 

office 

know 

in 

Bud 

was playing any big-grossing movies at his 

house. 

Some more new faces on the Row: At 

Universal. Janice Morgan started work and 

will be getting grosses, while Russ Landreth 

will be learning the business as a student 

booker from the old pros there . . . Ranae 

Voungblood began at Columbia this week 

as the St. Louis cashier. She succeeded 

Carol Newman, who left to work for General 

Motors. 

Jerry Jones is recuperating at home from 

his knee operation. Jerry has a full-length 

cast on his leg and will try to master walking 

on crutches during the three-month recuperation 

period. Always the optimist, 

Jones has offered to dye both his cast and 

crutches Halloween orange and scare neighborhood 

children with his disguise as Moby 

Pumpkin. 

sees somebody with a lot of special lights 

and a sore tooth, please pjport him to 

Gene. 

If you see a familiar face on Filmrow. it 

might be a theatre manager from the hinterlands. 

Crown Cinema Corp. is having a 

two-day meeting this week for its managers 

and Commonwealth has assembled its district 

managers for a strategy session . . . 

While in town, the managers could avail 

themselves of the new films that are opening. 

A tale of a carniverous vegetable salad, 

"The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes," from 

John Shipp, opened at several houses. After 

seeing this picture, a salad bar may never 

look the same. For those more comfortable 

in a saddle, there is United Artists' "Comes 

a Horseman," a western with Jane Fonda 

and James Caan. 

Screenings at Commonwealth: Wednesday 

(25), "Dierke" (Royal Oak Films) and 

Thursday (26), "The Champ" (MGM-UA) 

Screenings at Midwest: 

product reel . . . 

Tuesday (24), Wednesday (25) and Thursday 

(26), "Midnight Express" (Col). 

SI. 

LOUIS 

Latest addition to the office staff at 20th 

Century-Fox Christine Goetz. A newcomer 

to the industry, she has assumed the 

duties 

of booker's clerk. 

Recent trade showing at the Des Peres 

Screening Room was Universal's "Caravans" 

based on James A. Michener's best seller. 

Anthony Quinn stars as the leader of a nomadic 

tribe with Jennifer O'Neill appearing 

as the headstrong daughter of a U.S. senator. 

Washington University Filmboard presentations 

are "In Like Flint." Monday (30) 

and Tuesday (31); "The Conformist." November 

1-2; "The Goodbye Girl," November 

3-4 with a midnight performance of 

"Slaughterhouse 5" the same nights. It will 

also be shown November 5 at 8 p.m. 

Original drawings of the world's favorite 

mouse, Mickey, will be included in the Circle 

Gallery exhibit at 8113 Maryland Ave. 

beginning November 14. The collection 

of hand-inked and painted eels was created 

for Mickey Mouse's 50th birthday by Walt 

Ruby Shultz of Commonwealth Theatres 

almost Halloween and the annual Variety 

Haunted House 

Disney Studios. In the collection are "Steamboat 

It's 

Willie" (1928); "Mickey's Birthday 

Club is playing to 

just returned from a delightful vacation in 

Hawaii and. on her way. attended a Sweet 

Party" (1941), and his last theatrical cartoon, 

capacity crowds again this year. However, 

"The Simplest Things" (1952). Adelines convention in Los Angeles. The several goblins took the Halloween call for 

The 

mischief a bit too seriously. According to the 

studio owns every negative of every Disney 

Haunted House's chief spook and monster 

cartoon and none has been sold to televiof 

ceremonies Gene Krull. some people 

^

— 

— 

New 'Wedding' Rings 

Bells in New Orleans 

NEW ORLEANS—"A Wedding" opened 

strong at the Lakeside with 600. "National 

LamfKJon's Animal House" is in its tenth 

week at three theatres and is still doing exceptionally 

well with 475 to place second. 

"Interiors" in its second week checked in 

at 400 for third spot. 


Lakeside Goin' Coconuts (SR), 2nd wk 100 

Lakeside—Interiors (UA), 2nd wk 400 

Lakeside—A Wedding (20th-Fox), Isl wk 600 

Orpheum The Executioner (SR), 2nd wk 300 

Plaza, Sena Mall— Coin' South (Para), 2nd wk .250 

Plaza, - - - - - 

- 

- 

Robert E Lee Death - 

3rd 

CHARLOTTE 

Jack Jordan of Southern Booking, Rudy 

Howell of Howell Theatres and your 

correspondent embarked for Rome Thursday 

(26) for eight days. They will tour Italy 

Vicki Benefield was pleasantly surprised 

by her co-workers at Tar Heel Films on her 

birthday Wednesday (18). They had a special 

cake made for the occasion. The cake 

was emblazoned with a figure of a blonde 

holding a peach, designating a "Georgia 

Peach." Friends dropped in during the day 

to wish her many happy returns. 

Bobby Benefield, Avco Embassy, is really 

busy these days opening "Go Tell the 

Spartans" Friday (20) with 85 prints, and 

then on November 3, using 100 prints of 

"Bom Again." 

Deepest sympathy to Bill and Jackie 

Simpson of Simpson's Distributing Co. on 

the death of their six-year-old nephew. 

Charlie Hunsuck and his wife Doris, 

United Artists Corp., are away on a week's 

vacation in their new trailer van to parts 

unknown and are incommunicado. 

Carolyn Helton, secretary to Charlie 

Mincey of Ace Films, is on a week's vacation 

with her husband and daughter at Hilton 

Islands Beach, Hilton Island, S. C. 

Howard Stephens of Fairlane/Litchfield 

Theatres. Lumberton. N.C., has lined up 

five special school shows for "Jacob Two- 

Two Meets the Hooded Fang." Paul Cook 

of the Bijou Cinemas VI, Greenville, S.C. 

has lined up his school shows for winter 

and spring, and so has the "Lumberton 

Flash," Howard Stephens. 

Don Watson, the "boy wonder of Spartanburg 

(Camelot Drive-In and Royal Twin 

" 

I and II), has acquired the Winston and 

Thunderbird drive-ins, Winston-Salem. N. C, 

Congratulations Don, on your new ventures, 

and continued success. 

New pictures on the marquees: "Death 

Dimension" (Carolina Theatre). "Deathsport" 

(Charlottetown Mall III), "Seniors" 

(Tryon Mall II), "A Wedding" (South Park 

II). 

Julia Schnibben of the Carpri 1 and II, 

Crown. Julia I, II, 111, IV, Crown 1, II, III 

& IV theatres, Florence, with her capable 

managers Jim Clark and Bob Haire worked 

out a deal with Winn-Dixie, grocery chain, 

on a fabulous tie-up on "The Magic of 

Lassie." 

Top grosses of the week: "Up in Smoke" 

(Eastland Mall 111), "A Wedding" (South- 

Park 11), "The Boys From Brazil" (Eastland 

Mall II), "National Lampoon's Animal 

House" (Eastland Mall I). 

Jimmy Murphy of Variety Films was on 

a business trip to Washington and New 

really has paid off! 

MEMPHIS 

JÎP gave a birthday party recently for 

Genieve Lovell and Maggie Gains with 

all employees there having a great time. 

Lonnie and Faye Sheets (Faye is a secretary 

with AlP) have returned from a weekend 

in New Orleans just recently where 

they just rela.xed and enjoyed seeing all the 

sights. 

WOMPI Lurlene Carruthers of United 

just returned from Nashville where they 

attended the wedding of Peggy's niece Beth 

Adams Marshall. 

WOMPI Lurllenne Carruthers of United 

Artist Corp, has returned from a vacation. 

Also Earline Eans of AIP has returned to 

work after a vacation of just good old relaxing 

at home. 

Billy South, shipper for AIP, and his wife 

Frances have returned from vacationing in 

Charlotte. 

'Remember My Name' 

Premieres in Memphis 

MEMPHIS—This city played host to the 

world premiere of the latest film produced 

by Robert Altman, "Remember My Name." 

The premiere was held at the Orpheum 

Theatre which is situated on Main and 

Beale Street. Proceeds from the screening 

will benefit the Memphis Development 

Foundation for the preservation of the Orpheum. 

Over 3,000 people attended the 

event with tickets selling from $3 to $10 

per person. 

On hand for the festivities were the film's 

producer Robert Altman, writer-director 

Alan Rudolph, stars Geraldinc Chaplin, Anthony 

Hopkins and his wife Bonnie, who 

makes her acting debut in "Remember My 

Name" and Moses Gunn. Alberta Hunter, 

who wrote and composed the musical score 

for the picture, also was on hand and received 

a standing ovation from the enthusiastic 

York, and attended the NATO convention. 

crowd. 

Mayor Wyeth Chandler and county Mayor 

including the Bay of Naples. Pompeii, Sorrento, 

John Travolta is still red hot merchandise 

Bill Farris presented keys to the city 

and proclaimed Friday (6) as Alberta Hunter 

in the Carolinas. due to bookings on Capri, Florence and Venice. 

Ed McLaughlin, Columbia Pictures, 

New 

Day in Memphis. 

"Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," confirmed 

by Lee Collins of Charlotte The- 

After the champagne premiere a special 

returned 

$50 per plate dinner and party was held 

after a business trip to Orleans atrical Printing Company. ABC, Stewart and was pleasantly surprised and pleased and Everett Theatres and Southern Booking 

to 

at one of Memphis's newest restaurants, 

& Advertising Co., have ordered or the Number One Beale. Alberta Hunter en- 

find his new office all settled thanks to his 

efficient gal Friday Karen Grandin. Columbia 

used up to 100,000 printed stills of John tertained all the guests at the restaurant with 

had moved its office over the week- 

end, while Ed was away. 

Travolta promoting both pictures and presented 

her own style and flair of jazz composition. 

to their clicntel free of charge. 

It 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30, 1978 

704 - 333-9651 L^kanotte Uneatre Jû 

CIS 

Full Line Theatre Supply House 

Carolina Theatre Will Be 

Renamed and Renovated 

WlNSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The N.C. 

School of the Arts' soon-to-be-renovated 

Carolina Theatre will be renamed the Roger 

L. Stevens Center, after the Broadway 

producer and chairman of the Kennedy 

Center in Washington. 

The 49-year-old building and former 

cinema palace was bought by a publishing 

company last year and offered to the 

School of the Arts as a gift, provided the 

school would pay for renovations. 

The cost of reconstruction has been estimated 

at between $4,750,000 and $6,250,- 

000 which will come mainly from federal 

and private sources. 

Stevens is a former resident of Winston- 

Salem. 

lOOKING SERVICE^^ 

230 S. Tryon St., Suite 362, Chorlofte, N.C. 

Frank Lowry . . , Bill Cline 

Phone: (704) 377-9341 

229 S. Church 

• 

Street P. O. Box 

• 

1973 Charlotte, N.C. 28201

PALM BEACH 

parker Playhoushe, Fort Lauderdale, has 

announced its seven plays for the season. 

An impressive list of film and stage 

stars is scheduled for the 1978-79 series. A 

gala premiere is set for November 28 when 

Tony .^ward-winner Jessica Tandy and her 

husband, film and stage star Hume Cronyn, 

recreate their original Broadway roles in 

Donald Coburn's Pulitzer Prize play "The 

Gin Game." Hollywood's Deborah Kerr will 

arrive December 18. enroute from John F. 

Kennedy Center, to spend the holiday season 

at Parker appearing in "The Last of 

Mrs. Cheyney." Ms. Kerr is best remembered 

for her role as the alcoholic nyphomaniac 

in the motion picture "From Here 

to Eternity"; the magnificent Anna in "The 

King and I," and the sensitive portrayal of 

the housemaster's wife in the Broadway 

production of "Tea and Sympathy." which 

role she later recreated on film. 

Broadway star Frank Langella as the infamous 

Count Dracula will open in the 

Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston 

adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" January 

9. 

Howard Keel and Jane Powell will 

recreate 

their original motion picture roles in the 

new stage version of the celebrated film 

musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" 

February 6. Taking more than fifty years 

to arrive on stage. "Seven Brides for Seven 

Brothers" began its famed success as a short 

story by Stephen Vincent Benet entitled 

"The Sobbin' Women" in the May. 1928 

issue of Country Gentlemen magazine. A 

scramble for the stage rights resulted in 

director-producer Josh Logan securing them 

in 1949. Allowing his option to drop after 

five years because of other committments, 

MGM seized the opportunity, putting together 

the team of Johnny Mercer. Gene 

DePaul and Michael Kidd to handle the 

A revival of Rogers and Hammerstein's 

classic "Oklahoma" will open March 6. It 

will be followed by "Chapter Two." Neil 

Simon's comedy based on his courtship of 

and marriage to actress Marsha Mason, 

March 26. The final May production is yet 

to be scheduled. 

A wedding ceremony was performed before 

an audience and before the feature 

presentation at the United Artists' Mall Cinema 

Monday (16). The popcorn was on the 

house. Rhonda Newell and Jeff Esham became 

man and wife while WJNO Radio 

picked up the tab. The station was promoting 

20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding" 

and decided on something more than the 

usual ticket giveaways. Cinema executives 

decided to give away a wedding. Jeff. 19. 

and Rhonda. 16, were chosen from among 

17 couples. The Eshams received rings. 

$100 worth of food, a weekend at a Singer 

Island motel, a wedding night in a West 

Palm Beach motel, invitations, wedding 

cake, tuxedo rental, luggage, gifts, flowers 

and organ music. The couple met at a roller 

skating rink two years ago. Following the 

wedding, attended by 100 witnesses who 

won invitations in the radio contest, a 

limousine swept the couple away. They 

missed the film, but there's no need to worry 

as they will return. They now have passes 

for the theatre for one year. 

STAR ^ PHONE 

Morris L. West, Australian-born story 

teller and author of fifteen novels, recently 

was in the city relaxing following the com- 

Here is a service that can benefit every theatre owner or manager, drivein 















STAR^PHONE 



pletion of proofs for his latest book, "Protest," 

to be published in the spring. West 

has produced a string of critically 

acclaimed 

novels, some best sellers, some adapted to 

lyrics, music and choreography. Jane Powell 

the screen. Among his greats are: "The 

and Howard Keel were chosen as the stars 

Crooked Road." "Backlash," "The Devil's 

and in July 1954 the motion picture opened 

Advocate." "The Ambassador" and "The 

at Radio City Music Hall. Eight new songs 

Shoes of the Fisherman." West warned. 

have been added to the stage version by 

"We should not look to our aids and props 

two-time Academy Award winners Al 

to absolve us. Tranquilizers will make you 

Kasha and Joel Hirschorn. 

leel better, as if feeling good were the endull 

of living. The fact that you don't feel 

good is often an impulse to action." West 

recalled a boyhood schoolmaster who would 

admonish his students who excused poor 

performance by saying they felt poorly. 

"Half the world's work is done by those 

who don't feel good," West stated. 

Dorotliy Lamour is starring in Neil Simon's 

"Barefoot in the Park" at the Showboat 

Dinner Theatre, St. Petersburg, for a 

four-week engagement which began Tuesday 

(24). 

Theatre majors at Florida State University 

viewed the films "Deliverance" and 

"The End." Burt Reynolds, the star and 

former FSU football player of the '50s. led 

a private seminar for 100 theatre students 

there the afternoon of Friday (13) and a 

special program for FSU Theatre patrons 

in 

the evening. Richard Fallon, dean of the 

school of theatre, said "Burt is interested 

in teaching film techniques to provide students 

with basics." During the seminar Re>nolds 

also discussed acting and directing 

skills. According to Fallon, the actor approached 

him "a few months ago" with a 

plan to pursue a bachelor of arts degree at 

the school during the next three years. 

Reynolds 

earned the equivalent of 96.75 hoiir^ 

of credit toward a degree. An additional 90 

hours is required for a degree in theatre. 

The actor reportedly does not plan to enroll 

at FSU this quarter. 

Former governor Ronald Reagan was in 

town Thursday (19) staying at the Breakers 

to help campaign for local Republican candidates. 

That morning Reagan was a gue^t 

of honor at a brunch at the home of Pecav 

Pray. 

British actor Alec McCowen, who starred 

on Broadway in "Hadrian VII," is coming 

to Vero Beach in a one-man show November 

26 and 27. The 633-seat theatre w.is 

almost sold out only a few days after the 

announcement. Following the Florida engagement 

McCowen plans to return to I ondon 

where he will perform through Christmas 

at Westminster Abbey. His performance 

is the reading of St. Mark's gospel. 

According to the actor, "St. Marks is the 

greatest story ever told. That is why it has 

succeeded on film, because it is filled with 

action," McCowen said. 

Barrymore as 'Don Juan' 

From New England Edition 

QUINCY, MASS.—"Don Juan." Warner 

Bros. 1926 silent with the great John Barrymore, 

was screened at the North Quincy 

Branch Library. 

SE-2 BOXOFnCE :: October 30. 1978

MIAMI 

Actress Sheree North has been in town lor 

the shooting of the film "Women in 

White" at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. Susan 

Fiannery, Kathy Herrold, Patty Duke 

Astin, Robert Chip. Scott Brady and 

Stewart Whitman are others in Universal's 

two-hour made-for-TV movie. 

Also expected in Florida in January is 

director Robert Altman. the maker of 

"M*A*S*H" and other films, to direct 

"Health," based on the health-food craze. 

John Huddy, columnist for the Miami 

Herald, has announced that the forthcoming 

international film festival has had another 

setback with the withdrawal of Burger King 

support. But Avis Rent-A-Car has just 

joined the festival as a corporate sponsor for 

the November 10-19 event. The tie-in gives 

all festival visitors a special 20 per cent 

discount. In addition, all VIP cars for celebrities 

are being provided by Avis, as well 

as operations and film transport vehicles. 

Producer Joseph E. Levine, whose latest 

film "Magic," starting Anthony Hopkins 

and Ann-Margret, is currently in the area. 

"Magic" is scheduled to open here December 

15. A picture of Levine with the ventriloquesfs 

dummy from the film and an 

interview with the famed producer by Bill 

von Maurer appeared recently in the News. 

Another celebrity who was in town recently 

en route to the Bahamas was Flip 

Mary Martin visited recently 

Wilson . . . 

for appearances at Burdine's department 

stores to promote her "My Favorite Things" 

line 

of bed linens for Fieldcrest. 

Former film star Ronald Reagan is due 

November 14 to be present at a dinner at 

Omni to address the Hall of Fame banquet 

of the Junior Achievement of Greater Miami. 

NEW ORLEANS 

^ÔMPI members attended an enjoyable 

meeting at Bruning's Restaurant overlooking 

Lake Pontchartain Tuesday (24) at 

6 p.m., and thereafter were entertained with 

a home interior party. All proceeds made 

from the sale of items sold will be given 

into the club's treasury. 

Membership in WOMPI is beginning to 

build and those submitted for approval were 

Wendy Ecker with Universal Film Exchange 

and Gwen Dusang with New World Pictures. 

Candy has been ordered by the finance 

FLORIDA THEATRE 

EQUIPMENT 

& SUPPLY CO., INC. 

"EVIRVTHINC rOU NEID FOR YOUR THIATRI" 

1%6 N.E. 149th St. • N. Mumi, Fla., 33181 

Tel: f305) 944^70 

department and is now on sale from any of 

the WOMPI. Call any of the girls for your 

allotment now. 

November 10 is the Night at the Races 

and tickets are going fast. Call Linda Johnson 

for yours now! 

Many thanks to Gcrrie Gaudei. Karen 

Nicoll, Yvette Cardinalle, Eileen Dalier, 

Anna Power, Sandy Staub and Anna Clare 

Leggitt for assisting the Ladies of Variety 

in their recent Las Vegas Night. 

WOMPI visited the Abbe nursing home 

for their annual Halloween party for the 

residents. 

Ladies of Variety wish to thank all their 

members and friends who made their recent 

Las Vegas Night a success. Evelyn deWailly, 

a LOV member, was the happy winner 

of the fur coat and Elbert Lozes, a Variety 

barker, won the Las Vegas trip. Wednesday 

(25) was the date set for the regular monthly 

bingo and luncheon at the Vista Shores 

Club. 

Natchez, Miss., has been receiving its 

share of celebrities. Muhammad Ali and 

Kris Kristofferson are there making the 

film "Freedom Road" and John Travolta 

zipped into town in one of his private jets 

to watch the filming and spend some time 

with Ali with whom he developed a 

friendship 

when he flew into New Orleans for 

the Ali-Spinks bout. 

The Prytania Theatre has the New Orleans 

premiere engagement of this year's 

Oscar winner for best foreign film, "Madame 

Rosa" starring Simone Signoret. 

Stan Waterman, an ace at underwater 

photography, will conduct a Stan Waterman 

show at Loyola University. He will 

offer a show-and-tell session and as background 

material, two of his films, "The 

beep" and "Blue Water, White Death," will 

be shown prior to the lecture. Waterman 

served as director of underwater photography 

for "Sharks," a TV special. "Polynesia," 

a National Geographic special, "Chambers 

of the Sea" and "The Treasure Hunter." 

During the lecture, he will show filmed interviews 

with Peter Benchley, author of 

"Jaws" and "The Deep," and Teddy Tucker, 

a treasure hunter who is said to be the 

model for the character Treece in "The 

Deep." 

Hemdale and Bond Films began shooting 

September 1 1 on "Sunburn," a comedyadventure 

starring Farrah Fawcett-Majors, 

Charles Grodin, Art Carney and Joan Col- 

Merchanl Christmas Trailers 

FAST SERVICE—HIGH QUALITY 

Color—Tint—B&W. 

PARROT FILMS, INC. 

P.O. BOX 541 DES MOINES, IOWA • 50302 

PHONE 15151 288-1122 

North Carolina NATO May 

Challenge Blind Bidding 

RALEIGH, N.C.—A theatre owners' 

group may ask the North Carolina General 

Assembly next year to challenge a practice 

requiring the owners to bid on movies without 

screening them in advance. No definite 

decision has been made, however, whether 

to introduce a bill to ban blind bidding in 

the next session of the legislature, Sandy 

Jordan, chairman of the public relations 

committee of the state National Ass'n of 

Theatre Owners, said last week. 

"We're working on this thing," he said. 

"But we haven't had a meeting about it in 

a couple of months." 

Theatre owners must bid for films without 

seeing the films five or six months in 

advance, according to Philip N. Nance, who 

operates Imperial Cinema IV Theatres and 

Mission Valley Cinemas I and II. 

"Simply, we bid on films before being 

able to see the films," he said. "We feel 

we should see a film before we put a bid 

on it." 

Theatre owners rarely get to see a film 

before bidding on it. Nance said. "Most of 

the films available we can't bid on." he 

said. 

"All of the major distributors—Paramount, 

United Artists, 20th Century-Fox, 

blind 

Universal. Avco Embassy— practice 

bidding." he said. 

Distributors are guaranteed a percentage 

of the boxoffice receipts (usually begining 

at 90 per cent) and a certain running time, 

such as six weeks. 

Theatre owners say bidding for unseen 

films forces them to risk losing thousands 

of dollars on movies that flop. 

Some states have outlawed blind bidding, 

Nance said, and he mentioned South Carolina, 

Alabama, Ohio and Virginia. 

Distributors dispute criticism of blind 

bidding, saying making and showing films 

is risky for all. They say that among blindbid 

films last year were eight of the top ten 

moneymakers, including "Star Wars," the 

top grossing picture at nearly $200 million. 

A spokesman said the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America has challenged the constitutionality 

of the Ohio law against blind 

bidding, which was passed this 

year. 

^^ WATC H PROJECTION IMPROVE WITH Vj 

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TECHNIKOTE CORP 

63 Seabfinq St 

BOXOmCE :: October .^0. 1978 SE-3

•THEY VVFNT THAT-A-WAY" PREMIERE—Fans thronged to catch a 

glimpse of Tim Conway and Chuck McCann at the Fox Theatre, where the stars' 

new comedy "They Went That-A-Way and That-A-Way" premiered recently. Outside 

the theatre was a float which depicted the prison setting of the film. Conway 

and McCann engaged in some light banter before joining the crowd inside for the 

screening. (Right) Conway has trouble keeping a straight face as he shakes hands 

with Lloyd Adams, executive producer of "That-A-Way" and chairman of Atlantabased 

the International Picture Show, producers and distributors of the film. 

ATLANTA 

pilmways, Inc., a diversified publishing and 

entertainment company, has agreed to 

acquire American International Pictures, in 

a merger worth "at least" $30,000,000. The 

California-based firms said last week that 

they have agreed in principal to a merger 

in which AIP would be acquired through 

an exchange of Filmways stocks or debentures. 

Filmways said AIP would be operated 

as a corporate division and would maintain 

our total production costs for the first 15 

years combined. In just two films, "Force 

10 From Navarone" and "Meteor," the 

production schedule is $27,000,000 ... We 

feel that our 1979 lineup is a mixture of 

entertainment and a gamut from high adventure 

to high comedy." Set to be released 

for holiday moviegoers starting December 

22 is the $11,000,000 epic" adventure, 

"Force 10 From Navarone." 

its current top management. Holders of a 

majority of AIP stock have agreed to the The local chapter National Academy of 

Television and offer, the companies said. Filmways, which 

Arts Sciences presented the 

has interests in insurance, publishing, Fall 

television, 

Program Forum with WAGA-TV. Jim 

Ferguson, program director: WETV-TV, 

motion picture production and re- 

cording studios previously had reported net 

Bill Scott, program director: WSB-TV, A.R. 

earnings of $3,600,000. or 86 cents a share, 

in the months. 

VanCantfort, program director: WTCG-TV, 

first six Sid Pike, station manager, and WXIA-TV, 

American International is preparing to 

Jack Lease, operations manager. The affair 

took place September 28 with an overflow 

celebrate its 25th birthday in 1979. Founded 

audience. 

by James H. Nicholson, a film distribu- 

Fuqua Industries, which owns and operatetor 

and exhibitor, and Samuel Arkoff. 

an attorney, AIP has released more than the Columbus (Ga.) based Martin Theatre 

500 feature films. Arkoff, now board chairman 

Co.. which has 300 screens with the- 

and president of the Beverly Hillsbased 

atres in ten Dixie states, has announced it 

company, said: "The production will not extend the maturity of National 

schedule for 1979 probably is more than Industries warrants expiring Tuesday (31). 

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Jurow's Newest Film 

Will Be Shot in Dallas 

DALLAS— Martin Jurow has finalized 

plans for his first personal production since 

"The Great Race" in 1965, according to 

Philip Wuntch, film critic for the News. 

Wuntch's report is reprinted here in part. 

College Sports Theme 

The film, "The All-Americans." will be 

shot completely in Dallas early in 1979. 

Dealing with a college sports theme, the 

movie will be filmed in close cooperation 

with Southern Methodist University, utilizing 

many of the college facilities. 

"The All-Americans" will star Lorenzo 

Lamas, currently seen as the high school 

jock who sidetracks Olivia Newton-John in 

"Grease." 

"He's the son of Fernando Lamas and 

Arlene Dahl, but grew up with his father 

and Esther Williams," Jurow said. "The 

other leading roles include a javelin thrower 

and a girl swimmer." 

The production is budgeted at over $2 

million, of which more than $1 million 

will be spent in Dallas. The investment 

brokerage firm of Jensen, McLain and 

Nocera has arranged the financing. 

Based on True Story 

Jurow, whose personal productions include 

"Breakfast at Tiffany's," "The Pink 

Panther," "The Hanging Tree" and "The 

Fugitive Kind," is aware that at least two 

recent films dealing with youth and sports, 

"Our Winning Season" and "Almost Summer," 

were boxoffice disasters. 

"They made the mistake of not stressing 

the individual," said Jurow, who feels sports 

are definitely a boxoffice magnet. 

The story was inspired by the experiences 

of George Jenson, former ail-American 

track athlete, now of the Jensen, McLain 

certain parts, according to the producer. 

Recently Jurow held a seminar in which he 

interviewed 60 Screen Actors Guild members. 

Following three years in England as head 

of European production for Warner Bros., 

Jurow moved to Dallas and resumed his law 

career. A graduate of William and Mary 

College and Harvard Law School, he served 

as assisant to the district attorney as well 

as assistant district attorney to Henry Wade 

until resigning those posts to become president 

of Management West. 

SAN ANTONIO 

j^cNay Art Institute held its annual October 

film series Sunday (22) and Sunday 

(29). The series, titled "Masters of Modern 

Sculpture," focused on the principal accomplishments 

of 20th century sculpture. 

The three films are the newest additions to 

an extensive documentation of contemporary 

art by Michael Blackwood. They were 

filmed in many parts across the world. The 

films were open to the public, and a $2 

donation was requested. 

Gordon McRae, who has appeared in a 

number of musical films, is scheduled to 

appear with the San Antonio Symphony 

Orchestra in a concert in the Convention 

Center banquet hall November 10 to perform 

the most popular ballads in his repertoire, 

including some beloved Rodgers and 

Hammerstein songs. 

The local National Organization for 

Women chapter sponsored the premiere 

showing of Robert Altman's "A Wedding," 

beginning with a champagne reception at 

7:30 p.m. Thursday (26) at the Olmos Theatre. 

Altman has pledged to donate the first 

$2 million in profits from the film to a fund 

in 

support of the Equal Rights Amendment. 

Three films have been scheduled to be 

shown during the month of November by 

the San Antonio Film Society. They are 

"The Best Way." November 7; "F for 

Fake." November 14. and "Heart of 

Glass," November 21. 

Peggy Ann Finneran became the bride 

Douglas C. Wilmer Thursday (5). The 

of 

couple met when Ms. Wilmer hired her 

future husband, in June 1976. to manage 

the Westwood Twin when it was operated 

by Cinemas Southwest and she was the 

circuit's city manager. Both came from the- 

and Nocera firm. For a director, Jurow is atre families. Ms. Wilmer's father. Joseph 

P. Finneran. and her uncle. Truman T. 

"leaning toward" Harvey Hart, a Canadian 

filmmaker who directed Karen Black in Rembusch. operated the Indiana-based Syndicate 

"The Py.x" and Cliff Robertson in "Shoot." 

Theatres together for a number of 

The film will have a heavy emphasis on years. Doug's father. M.D. Wilmer, operated 

the Tar Theatre in Tarboro. N.C. Ms. 

music, with its soundtrack a fusion of rock, 

country and gospel. 

Dallas Production Thrust 

"The filming is part of what I hope will 

be a continuing thrust of production in 

Wilmer is to continue to manage and book 

the Gallaghan Twin Theatre. Doug also has 

worked for Maurice Braha at the Judson 4 

Drive-In. He was assistant manager there in 

charge of the concession stand from the 

Texas and specifically Dallas," he said. time it first opened. He currently is using 

"Not only is there an availability of equipment 

his GI benefits to finish college. 

here, but we also have extremely cap- 

able crews." 

Bob Polunsky, film columnist for the 

The production will use local actors in Light, was seen recently interviewing Jacqueline 

Bisset on CBS-TV's "People." Polunsky 

was in New York City to obtain 

first-hand material for his Light columns 

and his TV shows, and found himself amid 

about two dozen other critics from all over 

the country, all on the same quest. Polunsky 

interviewed a galaxy of stars, including 

Gregory Peck, James Mason and Richard 

Dreyfuss. It was reported in Action Line 

that the movie moguls were so impressed 

with Bob's technique, they requested and 

received his permission to film the interview 

with Ms. Bisset, and then aired it on nationwide 

TV. The film under discussion was 

"Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" 

which currently is being shown at 

UA Movies 4 and the North Star Cinema. 

New films and those returning for additional 

playing time included "Midnight 

Express," "Comes a Horseman." Walt Disney's 

"Fantasia." "Beyond the Door II." 

"They Went That-A-Way and That-A-Way." 

"A Wedding." "Revenge of the Pink Panther," 

"Hard Candy." "Wildcat Women." 

"The Playmates" and "Wild Cat Women." 

"Devils, Monsters and Dragon." a Halloween 

special aimed at young people, showing 

demonic art images as used by different 

cultures to ward off harm and destruction, 

was screened at the Institute of Texan Cultures 

at HemisFair Plaza Tuesday (24) 

through Sunday (29) twice daily, with no 

Tiffany Billiards presented 

admission fee . . . 

free showings of "Smokey and 

the 

Bandit," starring Burt Reynolds, recently. 

Special film showings recently included 

"The River Niger" at Incarnate Word College's 

Marian Hall Ballroom. "The Apple 

War" in the Trinity University Chapman 

Auditorium, "Frankenstein" and "Spirit of 

the Beehive" in the Moody Learning Room 

at San Antonio College . following 

films will be shown in the Multi-Purpose 

Room of Coates Center at Trinity University: 

"Lolita." "2001: A Space Odyssey," 

"A Clockwork Orange" and "The Reincarnation 

of Peter Proud." 

Police Must Return 75-100 

Videotapes Taken in Raid 

HOUSTON—The government must return 

videotaping equipment and from 75 to 

100 videotapes which were seized at Televideo 

Corp., here September 21 in a film 

piracy investigation, a federal judge ruled 

Thursday (5). The search warrant was not 

specific enough about which equipment and 

which tapes were to be seized, said U. S. 

District Judge Ross N. Sterling. 

The raid at the plant followed a companion 

seizure of 1.320 master videotapes on a 

rental truck headed out of town on the Katy 

Freeway, investigators said. Sterling's order 

will not affect that seizure. 

All of the tapes originated at Televido. 

the FBI alleged. No one was charged or 

arrested. 

Sterling's order followed the government's 

voluntary return of 70 videotapes which 

were properly licensed by the copyright 

owner. The FBI alleged that the videotapes 

to be seized were made in violation of copyright 

laws. 

A federal grand jury is investigating film 

piracy in Houston, which has been called 

a key distribution point for smuggled 

movies. 

Prosecutors will study the judge's ruling 

before deciding whether to appeal, said Dan 

T. Kamin, assistant U. S. attorney. 

BOXOFFICE ;: October 30, 1978 SW-1

. . Barbara 

. . 

HOUSTON 

film 

J^ 

crew is here shooting an ABC television 

movie "Girls in the Office" 

which explores the lives of women who 

are into identity struggles for jobs usually 

held by men. Barry Oringer is the producer 

with Ted Post directing the film that has a 

$1.8 million budget. Stars of the film are 

David Wayne. Tony Roberts. Barbara Eden 

and Susan Saint James. Michael Gallant 

is the production manager of the film which 

will run for two hours and will be seen in 

February. Scenes were shot at the Simonton 

Brazos Valley Ranch, the Rice Hotel 

lobby and at the Galleria . Mcintosh, 

Post reporter, was in New York for 

an interview with film star Richard Dreyfuss 

on his latest hit film. "The Big Fix." 

William Albright, also a Post reporter, 

was in New York covering "Who Is Killing 

the Great Chefs of Europe?", interviewing 

Jacqueline Bisset. Robert Morley. actors, 

and Ted Kotcheff, director of the film. 

"Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" 

is playing here at the Almeda 9 East, 

Northoaks 6, Northwest 4, Shamrock 6. 

Southway 6 and Town & Country 6 . 

Ms. Bisset also is seen in "Secrets" at the 

Almeda 9 West, Northoaks 6, Northwest 

4. Southway 6 and Town & Country 6. 

"The Duellists" has opened at the Greenway 

III as a regular feature after a one-day 

premiere at the Rice Media Center last 

month. Eric Gerber of the Post said the 

film is adapted from a Joseph Conrad short 

story about two early 19th century hussars 

fighting a half-dozen duels over a 16-year 

span. Gerber says, in reviewing the film, 

that it is refreshingly sincere in its handling 

of the period and its conventions. Where 

someone like Richard Lester has stepped 

back and openly giggled at the mock heroic 

of such "costumers" in his "Three Mus 

keteers" and "Robin Hood," director 

Ridle; 

Scott's response is more like open-mouthet 

awe and apprehsnsion. Two yoimg Ameri 

can actors, Harvey Keitel and Keith Carra 

dine, play the leads in this otherwise de 

cidedly British production. 

New titles of films appearing on loca 

marquees and titles of films returning fo 

additional playing time were "Take All o 

Me," "They Went That-A-Way and That 

A-Way," "A Wedding," "Chess Players," 

"The Goodbye Girl," "Up in Smoke," tht 

double-bill of "Play It Again, Sam" ant 

"The Odd Couple," "Murmur of th« 

Heart," the double-bill of "Woman Unde 

the Influence" and "Killing of a Chines< 

Bookie" and the double-bill of "The Las 

Waltz" and "Let It Be." 

The Miller Fall Festival showings includ 

ed "Freaky Friday" and Pink Panther car 

toons, "2001; A Space Odyssey," "All thi 

President's Men," "Benji" and the double 

bill of "Rock Around the Clock" 

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Charlton Heston to Appear 

At USA Festival in Dallas 

DALLAS—The USA Film Festival wi 

present its third "Great Actor's Retrospec 

tive." this time honoring Charlton Heston 

The event will take place Friday and Sat 

urday, November 3 and 4 at the Bob Hop* 

Theatre on the Southern Methodist Uni 

versity campus. 

Heston, whose autobiography "The Ac 

tor's Life: 1956-1976" is soon to be 

leased, will appear on stage each night ti 

discuss his career in the motion picture in 

dustry and to comment on the three feature 

films which will be screened. 

Friday, November 3 "Will Penny." per. 

haps Heston's favorite film, will be showr 

at 8 p.m., followed by discussion. 

At 7:30 Saturday evening, November 4 

"Khartoum," the Hollywood spectacula 

which co-stars Laurence Olivier, will bi 

screened, followed at 9:45 by "Soylen 

Green," a science-fiction film effort whici 

co-stars Edward G. Robinson. Heston wil 

be on stage between the screenings for dis 

cussion. 

Reserved seat tickets are priced at $5. 

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Pat O'Brien Remains 

An Irish Institution 

DALLAS — Any establishment Pat 

O'Brien enters automatically becomes an 

Irish pub, reports John Neville, drama editor 

of the News here. Neville's appreciation 

of O'Brien is quoted, in part, below. 

When O'Brien and his wife, Eloise, walked 

into a Dallas restaurant recently, he, 

carrying a cane and wearing a jaunty tweed 

cap, the North Dallas continental establishment 

seemed to have been transferred to 

Dublin. 

The illusion was reinforced by the famous 

O'Brien brogue carefully nurtured through 

the years. But, interestingly enough, he also 

has the character actor's knack of doing 

other dialects—notably British and Italian. 

TTie O'Briens currently are appearing in 

the comedy "The Second Time Around" at 

the Country Dinner Playhouse. But 

O'Brien's career has encompassed every 

phase of show business and, after more than 

50 years in the spotlight, he has no intention 

of quitting. 

"I tried to retire about a year-and-a-half 

ago— it lasted about an hour-and-a-half. 

My friend Jimmy Cagney did. successfully. 

He has so many interests, he paints and 

raises prize horses. He's in great shape and 

we talk to each other every week. But, my 

name has been on the marquee since 1926 

and never off. I intend to keep it that way. 

"I love performing and the love of the 

people who watch me—and I've watched 

them all my life. It's been a wonderful e,\- 

perience. I've gotten friendship and memories 

out of my career and you can't put a 

price tag on that." 

O'Brien has appeared in well over 100 

movies—his first, in 1931, was the Howard 

Hughes production of "The Front Page" 

but he is most closely associated in the 

minds of the public with his priest and 

policeman roles. 

"I'm completely identified with them, but 

I played only three cops in 43 years— 

guess the role is some kind of a common 

denominator. 

"My favorite role is still Knute Rockne. 

It has context. And the locker room "Gipper' 

speech still stands up. I was on the 

Merv Griffin Show with Joe Namath and 

George Blanda— they asked me to do it and 

both of them cried. One evening Knute jr. 

came to visit us with his kids and they 

identified me with their grandfather." 

The actor is also a published author and 

record maker. His first book, "The Wind at 

My Back," was almost titled "Potatos 

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O'Brien" by his publishers, but "I'd have 

none of that." Currently he's working on 

"Leprechauns I Have Known," and, chances 

are. that includes a large number of the 

fabulous Irish wee folk. His last recording, 

"Proudly Wear the Green." is a collection 

of Irish folk tales, poetry and music. 

Among his other accomplishments, 

O'Brien, an avid baseball fan, can name all 

the .400 hitters since 1900—and often wins 

money doing it. 

But, his real forte is being Pat O'Brien, 

the Irishman from Milwaukee, who will 

unabashedly give you the ancient Gaelic 

blessing when he says goodbye: "May the 

road rise up to meet you and the wind be 

always at your back." He says it in English, 

but evokes the spirit of St. Patrick. 

Actress Coleen Gray 

Will Re-Shoot Scenes 

HOUSTON—Actress Coleen Gray wili 

be reporting back to Houston to reshoot 

some scenes of "Forgotten Lady," a 

feature 

film written, produced and directed for Miss 

Gray by 21 -year-old Brian Pinette. 

Gray recently completed "Mother" for 

Pinette. which co-stars former silent film 

star Patsy Ruth Miller. "Mother" will be 

released first, and now is in the process of 

being edited. 

The actress is scheduled to star in at least 

19 more films for Pinette which will be 

written especially 

for her. 

THE ADVENTURES OF JODY SHANAN 

WORLD PREMIERE 

Northwest 6. San Antonio 11/2/78 

OF THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE I I 

by the Film Advisory Board 

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Contact Miss Bennie Lynch 

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UA Cinco, San Antonio 

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Northwest 6, San Antonio 

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Cinema, San Marcos 

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Plaza, Beevile 11/3-9 

Cinema, New Braunfels 

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Salem, Victoria 11/3-9 

Rita, Del Rio 11/3-9 

Cove, Copperas Cove 

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Palace, Seguin 

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Aztec, Eagle Pass 

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Baker, Lockhart 11/9-11 

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Cozy, Schuienburg 

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Arcadia, Kerrville 

11/10-13 

Rialto, Aransas Pass 

11/10-14 

Rialto, Alice 11/10-16 

Village 2, 

Austin 

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Palace, Fredericksburg 

11/16-18 

Eltex, Elgin 11/16-18 

Cine Tres, Pearsall 

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Texas, Bronte 11/17-18 

Yellow Jacket, Menard 

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Oscar, Burnet 11/19-21 

Tower, Bastrop 11/19-21 

BOXOFTICE ;: October 30. 1978

. . Reba 

DALLAS 

yi/ith so many industrvites out of town for 

the NATO convention in New York 

the week of Monday (16), there was very 

little happening here . Fox was 

back at her desk at Universal after being 

out for several weeks due to surgery . . • 

Bob Bowers. Universal regional sales manager, 

was in New York attending a sales 

meeting, while Marguerite Carrie was visiting 

her brother in Portland. Ore. 

Avco Embassy held tradescreenings 

Thursday (19) here and in Houston for the 

forthcoming release "Watership Down." Jim 

Sabo was in Houston for the event. 

Howard Smith, producer of "Gizmo," 

was in town for a wjek visiting the Dal Art 

office here. Dal Art will handle the release. 

Smith also filmed a TV spot for the Bobbie 

Wygast show. 

Laura and I.W. "Rusty" Rust recently 

returned from an enjoyable trip which took 

them to Boston. New Hampshire and 

Dallas 752.^5. She is well known throughj"" 

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.vlaine. Thjy spent a week touring the beautiful 

New England countryside, stopping at 

points of historical interest Margie 

Seely. 20th Century-Fo.x office manager, 

was called from the WOMPI luncheon 

Thursday (19) to attend her mother who 

had had an accident. 

I.W. Speckles and his wife, owners of 

the Coty Theatre in Schulenburg for the 

past 55 years, will appear on the "Eyes of 

Texas" TV program within the next two 

weeks . . Larry Jamison returned to 

desk at 20th-Fox this week following 

his 

a trip which took him to Las Vegas. Hollywood 

and Disneyland. 

Several new films opened here Friday 

(20). Included were "Gizmo." "Substitute 

Teacher." "Buckstone County Prison" and 

"Barracuda." 

Maudie Vencille, retired film booker, is 

in St. PauPs Hospital at 6909 Harry Hines. 

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October .10. 1978

Ten-Year-Old Dreams 

Of Career in Pictures 

DES MOINES—It may be just another 

:en-year-oId"s dream, but Eric Biihr wants 

o be an actor and is off to a running start, 

rhe boy won the Christian Oscar award 

'or the best performance of 1977 for his 

performance as a crippled youngster in 

'Sammy." a Heartland Productions film. 

Chosen Over Adults 

The Pleasant Hill youngster was chosen 

)ver two adults, including Grant Goodeve 

n "All the King's Horses." a Mark IV proiuction. 

Goodeve plays one of the older 

;ons on the TV series "Eight Is Enough." 

Meanwhile, Eric is enjoying his fame and 

vants to continue acting. 

Asked if it was difficult acting he said: 

The first scene, when I was getting used 

o it, was hard, but none of the rest gave 

ne trouble and I really don't have any 

)pinion at all of how I did." He noted that 

)ne would have to ask someone who saw 

he film how he did. 

Doughten Directed, Produced 

One such observer is Russell Doughten. 

)resident of Heartland and Mark IV proiuctions, 

both based here. Doughten proiuced 

and directed "Sammy" and said the 

'outh was "ideal" for the part. He said 

;ric always knew his lines perfectly, was 

;ager to work and did not require a great 

leal of coaching or explanation. "He had a 

eal comprehension of what the role was 

ight from the start," said the producer-diector. 

The real difficulty, continued 

Doughten, was finding the right actor. 

Heartland held tryouts for several days, 

fwo hundred youngsters were seen, but no 

me met Doughten's expectations. He had 

)een to Hollywood and talked to several 

hild actors, but said he wanted to cast a 

ocal boy in the starring role. Then, 15 

ninutes before tryouts were to close, he 

eceived a call from Maureen Buhr, Eric's 

nother. 

A Lucky 'Mishap' 

She was having car trouble and wanted 

o know if Doughten would wait for Eric 

o come in. The boy arrived after all the 

ither candidates were gone. He read for the 

)art all alone. He was cast that night. 

Mrs. Buhr said it was just a "crazy idea" 

he had had. Since then, Eric has received a 

ot of attention from groups throughout 

owa, generally church groups, who have 

creened the film. 

The boy's mother said he bought a biycle 

with part of his earnings and has 

aved the rest. 

Even though Eric Buhr enjoys acting 

nd wants to do more, he says he really 

I'ould rather be a cameraman. His mother 

dds, laughing, that there aren't many chil- 

Iren's roles except on either the East or 

Vest Coasts and she doesn't want to move. 

'O. she concludes, Eric will have to be 

ontent with being a "has been" at 

iOXOFnCE :: October 30. 1978 

age ten. 

Gimbals in Milwaukee Is Hollywood 

For a Week of Stars, 

ganzas. On Saturday afternoon her appearance 

at the Mayfair Mall was preceded by 

a fashion show which featured costumes 

from "Death on the Nile," Paramount's 

newly released film in which Miss Davis 

stars. It opened Friday (20) at Brookfield 

Square, Spring Mall, Northtown, Southgate 

and UA Cinema 1. 

Audience Loves Bette Davis 

Bruce Bennet, WISN-TV movie editor, 

emceed the hour-long show and when Miss 

Davis was introduced the audience went 

"bananas." Her every utterance was greeted 

with approval or applause and it was plain 

that the crowd, made up of all ages, was 

thrilled to see and hear her. 

"Hey, she looks nice," a woman said 

aloud as the perky star, dressed in a black 

outfit and a Dutch boy cap, drew laughter 

with her wit as she floored questions and 

comments. She spoke for 30 minutes. Impersonators, 

for years, have done the Bette 

Davis bit: taking a cigaret in the right 

hand and swinging it in a circulatory gesture 

before inhaling. So here the real Miss Davis 

closed her stint with the famed gesture, the 

one her audience is so familiar with—and 

now the crowd shouted its approval. 

Sunday, the star was interviewed at her 

hotel by representatives from the local press 

including one reporter who asked: "Why 

do they go from there?" she questioned. 

"Another thing in our favor was that we 

had great cameramen in the black and white 

era. None of us were beautiful women but 

the cameramen made the fans drool over 

us." she added. 

She told another reporter that while she 

had made three movies in 1977. it was "too 

much. One picture a year is enough," she 

said. Would she like to carry on as an 

actress until her 90th birthday as did Dame 

Whitney? she was asked by another writer. 

"Oh, no, 1 hope not," was her reply. "Not 

for me." 

Sunday evening she was the star of a reception 

held in her honor at the Performing 

Arts Center which was attended by 200 

local civic and business leaders. She pre- 

Extravaganzas 

By WALLY L. MEYER 

sented the Gimbels Midwest Scholarship in 

MILWAUKEE—For one grand and glorious 

Filmmaking given in her name to Dr. Lee 

week, Gimbels downtown store became R. McMurrin. superintendent of the Mil- 

a giant movie palace—with Hollywood waukee Public Schools. 

hoopla evident in nearly every inch and foot 

of it. Never has Filmland had a finer hour 

This scholarship is to go to a senior high 

school student, to further his college studies 

Beertown. 

in motion pictures. The student will be selected 

in 

Making a rare personal appearance, film 

was weekend by school teachers who are in the film 

field, and will be named during the spring 

star Bette Davis here for the 

of 1979. 

of Saturday and Sunday to help 

(7) (8) 

launch a week-long tribute to film extrava- 

Three other Hollywood stars were to participate 

in the film extravaganza which lasted 

from Monday (9) to Saturday (14). Making 

their personal appearances in the theatre 

setting on the fifth floor of Gimbels 

downtown store were Sylvia Sidney, Martha 

Scott and Maureen O'Sullivan. 

Miss Sidney, whose career spans 50 years, 

appeared Tuesday afternoon. Fans told of 

having seen her in recent years in "Damien 

—Omen 11" and "I Never Promised You a 

Rose Garden." However, when someone 

talked of the old Sylvia Sidney films, she 

said she never watches them. "No, never, 

never!" she said emphatically. 

Martha Scott appeared Thursday afternoon. 

She was most recently seen here in 

"Airport '75" for Universal. Then Maureen 

O'Sullivan came on Friday and discovered 

many fans who still remembered her as Jane 

in the Tarzan movies which starred Johnny 

Weismuller. Altogether, she starred in 80 or 

more films. 

Extensive Promo Campaign 

For several weeks before the screen stars 

came here, Gimbels had carried on an intensive 

advertising campaign promoting its 

salute to the film industry with a series of 

varied events. Display ads labeled it all: 

"Oh, Those Fabulous Flicks." 

A special elevator dubbed the "Hollywood 

Express" and operated by a costumed 

employee, whisked moviegoers to the fifth 

floor theatre. Free tickets were for the asking 

but needed to be picked up at the street 

don't we have stars like Bette Davis anymore?" 

Miss Davis replied that the "women's 

star system" which prevailed years ago, 

floor ticket booth. Films screened throughout 

the week included some from Para- 

no longer exists. "It used to take 15 or more 

years to develop stars in the early days, and 

mount, experimental films from independent 

we had to carry our own films," she said. 

filmmakers provided by Great Lakes Film 

These days they just cast films and young Festival Corp.. an Agatha Christie festival 

actors are starred right away and "where 

and silent movies and cartoons. 

Filmgoers were invited to bring their own 

"brown bag" lunch, or buy one from the 

store's deli section, for the noon showings. 

Free coffee was available. And, of course, 

popcorn was sold at all times. 

Elsewhere throughout the downtown store 

were other evidences of filmland themes, 

such as the displays of costumes, props and 

posters. Among the props were the chariot 

and an ivory chaise lounge from "The Ten 

Commandments," the royal coach from 

"Monsieur Beaucaire." the baby carriage 

from "Rosemary's Baby." a giant gorilla 

seen in many jungles films on the street 

floor and the bad bear on the second floor 

which often has been sighted in westerns. 

(Continued on following page)

. . Don 

—— 

— —— 

— 

MINNEAPOLIS 

TJiehard H. Orear. the chairman of the 

board of Commonwealth Theatres, and 

(he corporation's president. Douglas J- 

Lightner. visited the circuit's theatres here, 

the Cooper and the Cooper Cameo. Joel 

Thorn is the managing director of each. 

Orear and Lightner inspected the two posh 

show houses and then toured the metropolitan 

area to "acquaint themselves with th.- 

area and to check the competition." They 

were reported to be "very pleased with wh.it 

they saw." 

The Glen Theatre, Glenwood. Wis., owned 

and operated by William H. Vann. has 

gone dark Dalrymple. who heads 

. 

up the buying and booking service that bears 

his name, returned from a ten-day vacation 

jaunt that carried him to Washington, D. C. 

and the state of Virginia. 

Filmrow visitors: Carl Brownfield, Elk 

Theatre. Elk River. Minn.; C. Ivan Bcsse. 

Strand, Britton, S.D., and Norm Olson, 

Park, Park Rapids, Minn. . . . Don Palmquist, 

office manager at the 20th Century- 

Fox branch here, left on a two-week vacation 

trip to Denver and California . . . 

Frank Zanotti, Universal branch manager, 

grabbed some vacation time, which he spent 

at home. 

Ellen Davis, United Artists publicist based 

in Chicago, was here Monday (16) to 

promote both "Lord of the Rings" and 

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers." "Lord 

of the Rings" bows November 15 at the 

Edina Theatre here and at the Grandview 

in St. Paul. Invitational preview showings 

are set for November 14 at each theatre. 

"Body Snatchers" opens December 20 dayand-date 

at the Cooper Theatre here and at 

the Rosevilie in St. Paul. 

"The Blue Flash" can bo seen early in 

the morning in downtown Minneapolis. But 

he's not a rival for Spider Man or Superman 

or any of that crowd. Instead, he's Denny 

Lutz—20th Century-Fox branch salesman 

—attired in his jogging outfit and huffing 

and puffing his way around the Loop here. 

Following his jogging. Lutz grabs a shower 

in a downtown building and then, like a 

tiger, comes prowling to his desk. 

Walt Badger, United Artists branch chief, 

was looking for quick bookings for "Message 

From Space," set to open November 1, 

Heywood-Wakefield Theatre Chairs- 

The Best Seat in the House! 

c iê^ct 

LAMPHOUSE IN NEBRASKA — 

Gene Mueller, owner of the West 

Theatre in West Point, Neb., recently 

installed a xenon system there. Pictured 

with the new system is Mueller fleft) 

and Marvin Ehlers, West projectionist. 

The xenon system is an ORG XH-i68. 

and had set "Uncle Joe Shannon" for a 

February 7 bow at the Shelard Park, 

Northtown and Studio theatres here, and 

at the Cina and the Movies at Maplewood 

in St. Paul. Burt Young of "Rocky" fame 

stars. 

Dick Maiek, Warner Bros, branch manager, 

has available for next summer "Main 

Event," starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan 

O'Neal. It will be available in early June. 

Malek also has "The In-Laws," starring 

Alan Arkin and Peter Falk, for mid-June. 

Frank Zanotti, Universal branch boss, set 

"Paradise Alley" for a November 10 opening 

at the Hopkins, Northtown and the 

Movies at Burnsville here, and at the Rosevilie 

4 and the Movies at Maplewood in 

St. Paul. Zanotti also will spread "Heroes" 

across 36 territory screens in a November 

wave. And out for offers for a Twin Cities 

February opening is "Same Time Next 

Year." 

Columbia Branch manager Jack Ignatowicz 

set "Midnight Express" at the World, 

Southdale and Brookdale theatres here and 

at the Har-Mar in St. Paul. The movie 

deals with the imprisonment of American 

Billy Hayes in a dreadful Turkish prison 

on a drug charge. Advance showings were 

arranged for the media, drug counselors and 

prison experts and those similarly interested. 

5f Xe^^' ^vtc- 

P.O. Box 16036 

Minneapolis, Minn. 55416 

(612) 920-2910 

Mill City Sees 'Tales' 

'Forbidden Dreams' 

MINNEAPOLIS—Grosses drifted downward 

as a lack of exciting fresh product and 

pleasant autumn weather combined to create 

a one-two punch. "Forbidden Dreams," 

actually a far-from-fresh Roman Polanski 

comedy, was touted in TV ads as something 

truly spicy from the moviemaker. 

Dismayed customers found afresh the meaning 

of "let the buyer beware." In a trio of 

openings, it came up with a 100. 


Apache Chiel, Hopkins—The Boys From Brazil 

(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 170 

Brookdale. Souihdale—Who Is Killing the Great 

•.-.k Chefs ol Europe? (V/B), 2nd 120 

Campus, Wor.d Fairy Tales (Ccmfass) 

1st wk 90 

Cooper Interiors (UA), 4th wk, 

Edma II—Girl Friends (WB), 3rd wk 

100 

140 

at Burnsville, SVielard 

Hopkins—Foul Play (Para), 12th wk 

Movies Park— Somebody 

110 

Killed Her Husband (Col), 3rd wk 75 

Northtown, Southdale The Big Fix (Univ), 

2nd _ 

Park Heaven Can Wait (Para), I6th w 

Shelard Park Hooper (WB), 12th wk 

Skyway I, Souihtown Death on the Nil 

(Para), 3rd wk 

Skyway II—National Lampoon's Animal Hou 

(Univ), 10th wk 

Skyway III—A Wedding (20thTox), 3rd v. 

3 theatres Forbidden Dreams (IMG) 

1st wk, . 

3 theatres—Goin- South (Para), 2nd wk 

3 theatres—Up in Smoke (Para), 3rd wk 

5 theatres—The Billion Dollar Hobo 

(Infl Picture Show), 2nd wk 

8 theatres—Count Dracula and His Vampii 

Elide (AlP), 1st wk 

Milwaukee's Gimbels Was 

Hollywood for One Week 

(Continued from preceding page) 

The eighth floor Forum Restaurant was 

nicknamed "the commissary" and featured a 

different star's favorite luncheon each day. 

On the fourth floor, cooking demonstrations^ 

of various stars' favorite recipes were held 

daily with recipe handouts. Continuous 

newsreels could be viewed in the street floor 

men's department. Model rooms in the fifth 

floor furniture department, as well as all 

display windows, reflected film and movie' 

star 

themes. 

Private screen tests were a popular feature 

on the street floor daily from 10 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. The test combined film with sound 

and would-be film stars could improvise or 

read a prepared script with instant playback 

provided. 

Another feature included three authentic 

Oscars on display on the second floor, with 

an accompanying panel story depicting the 

history of Oscar-winning pictures and stars. 

Archives and experimental films were 

screened at noon and Monday and Thursday 

nights, while the Agatha Christie Film Festival 

was daily at 3 p.m. Each feature film 

was preceded by a short. 

CINERAMA IS IS SHOW 

BUSINESS IX HAWAII TOO^ 

WTicn you conic to Waikiki, 



Reef Towers HoteL f 

NC-2 

BOXOFFICE :; October .30, l^TS

Mill City Newspaper Calls 

For State Film Commission 

ST. PAUL. MINN.—With iwo major 

motion pictures being filmed on location in 

and around the St. Paul-Minneapolis area, 

the Dispatch noted a growing Hollywood 

interest in Minnesota as a moviemaking 

locale and—calling the state "the Hollywood 

of the North"—suggested it might 

be high time the state leaders consider the 

establishment of a Minnesota Film Commission. 

Noting that many other states have such 

commissions which aggressively seek out 

location filming, the newspaper said that 

"just bumbling along on its own and aided 

by local well-wishers, the Gopher State has 

managed to snare several key movie productions." 

It also was observed that during the past 

decade, Minnesota has received more majorfilm 

attention than in all of its prior history. 

"Airport," the first in that series of films, 

was shot in part at the Minneapolis-St. Paul 

International Airport. Over the intervening 

"Foolin" .'Kround," starring such personalities 

as Eddie Albert, Cloris Leachman, Tony 

Randall and Gary Busey, was filming on locations 

in both St. Paul and Minneapolis, 

an independent production with a majorstudio 

release anticipated. And a made-for- 

TV movie, "The Melodeon," starring Jason 

Robards, Eva Marie Saint and (in a cameo 

role) Joanne Woodward, was on location on 

a farm near Rush City, Minn., about 65 

miles north of the Twin Cities. It will be 

presented on CBS as a two-hour Christmas 

special. 

The Dispatch noted that Minnesota 

abounds in lakes, streams, forests and farms, 

and experiences each season to its utmost. 

Whafs more, the article noted, all moviemakers 

who have locationed here have expressed 

delight with the cooperation of the 

state's officials and citizenry and with the 

fact that such diversified conditions are to 

be foimd so close to a major metropolitan 

area with an international airport. 

Concluded the newspaper: "Such a move 

could prove to be a major money-making 

factor for Minnesota and boost even further 

our vital tourist economy. A Minnesota Motion 

Picture Commision seems long overdue." 

MILWAUKEE 

^liff Sager, cameraman, film editor, director 

and producer, took his audience at 

the Ozaukee Art Center in Cedarburg with 

him for a look behind the scenes in making 

motion pictures Wednesday evening (18). 

Sager, who "retired" to Cedar Grove, Wis., 

in 1970, is now president of Village Publi- 

got excellent results." Baskin-Robbins Ice 

Cream Stores supplied coloring books which 

were passed out to each child, as well as 

four birthday cakes that were given away 

at 

a drawing before each show. As they entered 

the theatre, each child received a 

"Mickey's 50th fan card." Other prizes 

were record albums and passes. States 

Michael: "All in all it was a fun matinee 

weekend" . . . Sowinski also reported: 

"Good crowds of UW-Green Bay students 

were coming to see 'Up in Smoke' in its 

years, several major productions for both 

theatres and TV have locationed in Minnesota. 

fourth week, while sellout crowds for 'Animal 

House' have really kept our evenings 

This past March, Columbia Pictures did 

principal photography for its forthcoming busy—now in our 11th week." 

production, "Ice Castles," In October, two 

major pictures were shooting in Minnesota. Toni Dyksterhuis, branch manager here 

for United Artists, hosted a special tradeshowing 

of "Comes a Horseman" at the 

Centre Screening Room Thursday (19) after 

finding it necessary to reschedule it from 

Wednesday when the projectionist failed to 

show. Starring James Caan, Jane Fonda 

and Jason Robards, the PG-rater was slated 

to open nationally Wednesday (25), biit no 

local houses had been designated at this 

writing. 

A display ad in the Journal Friday (20) 

announced a "major Hollywood sneak preview 

tomorrow night of 'the most important 

film of the decade.' " No film title was 

mentioned. However, each of the four 

movie houses included in the ad. Movies 

Northridge, Point Triplex, Prospect Mall 

Cinemas and Southtown Cinemas, in their 

own ads revealed the film to be the R-ratcd 

"Midnight Express." 

cations, Inc. 

Stan Waterman, an award-winning maker 

Michael J. Sowinski, manager of the Marc of documentary films about the world of 

1 & 2 theatres in Green Bay, tells Boxof- the sea, was in town to give a lecture at 

FiCE, "with the help of promotions, our the Milwaukee Public Museum Wedncsda\ 

matinees for 'Mickey's Birthday Party Show" (18). He spoke on "A Mind in the Sea" 

and showed footage from two documentaries 

that were awarded the Golden Eagle 

at the U.S. Cine Festival in Washington. 

Films he has produced, edited or been 

credited as director of underwater photography 

include Columbia's "The Deep," 

Cinema Center Films' "The .Sea People" and 

"Blue Water. White Death." 

During Mosinee Sidewalk Days, a threeday 

combination of city-wide merchants' 

specials in Mosinee, Wis., the Mosinee Theatre 

had kiddie matinees each day at 1:30 

featuring the film "Kidnapped." 

The filmmaking Mankiewicz brothers, 

Herman and Joseph, are the subjects of two 

recently published biographies: "Mank" by 

Richard Meryman (Morrow) and "Pictures 

Will Talk" by Kenneth L. Geist (Scribner's). 

Both were reviewed by Journal book editor 

Robert Wells this month. 

The Northridge sixplex and Southridge 

triplex, both UA houses, are open at 10 

a.m. Mondays through Saturday with adults 

being admitted for $1.50 until 1:30 p.m. 

The tickets must be used by 1:30. Other 

UA houses had midnight shows Friday (20) 

with "Wizards" at Southgate and "Celebration 

at 

Big Sur" at Mayfair. 

STAR^PHONE 








impression of John Wayne, Walter Breiman, Jimmy Stewart, Boris Karloff, 





fare, only $25.00 a month! Less if fewer tapas required. Nothing else like 



STAR •PHONE 


Denver, Colorado 80226 

BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978 NC-3

. . . Glen 

, 

the 

DES MOINES 

fhe annual Central States Theatres fall 

managers" meeting was held Wednesday 

(4) and Thursday (5) at the Hilton Inn 

here. Over 50 managers attended ... A 

film stolen from the Oskaloosa Drive-In 

some weeks ago gradually is being recovered. 

Some pieces of it have been found 

in a nearby field, some at the county fairgrounds. 

Eventually they may get it all 

back. 

Frank Rube! was hospitalized after suffering 

a coronary. He now is out of intensive 

care and would appreciate any cards 

or letters. His address is Mercy Hospital, 

Sixth and University, Des Moines 50314 

. . . Mrs. Larry Day was in the hospital 

recently for treatment. 

The Cinema in Iowa City recently had 

a Mickey Mouse birthday party. Manager 

Ken Clow offered a free piece of birthday 

cake to those attending. The cake was 

courtesy of a local bakery. 

Norfolk had a group sale recently. Dorothy 

Korn sold 180 tickets to Affiliated 

Foods which was conventioning in that 

town. Dorothy, incidentally, spent four days 

in 

the hospital recently. 

Central States' Carol Stern, hardtop booking, 

is off on vacation. She traveled west to 

Denver and to California for two weeks 

Nargang went to Dubuque for 

the installation of new radio sound which 

ought to be ready for 1979. 

Drive-ins closing this week include the 

New Starlite, Ames, Charles City, Fairfield. 

Oelwein, Oskaloosa and York. Already 

closed were the Hillcrest. Cedar Falls, Dubuque, 

Algona, Grinnell, Skyvue and Collins 

Road. After all. there are only eight 

weeks till Christmas. 

Don DeMonbrun, former distribution 

manager for Heartland Productions and currently 

distribution consultant for Mark IV 

Pictures, has resigned to take the position 

of business administrator for a large and 

growing church here. 

was Fred Mey- 

Visiting Filmrow recently 

er from Humboldt. 

Milwaukee Film, TV 

Council Holds Confab 

turned out to hear a talk by Wade Mosby, 

TV critic and Journal Green Sheet editor. 

Stating that TV has changed or at least 

affected our lives in one way or another. 

Mosby cited national statistics which hold 

that 97 per cent of all homes contain a TV 

set, and that 47 per cent have more than 

one set. As of 1977, he said, there were 

996 operating TV stations in the country. 

His listeners gasped when the speaker 

told of the high cost of commercials on 

prime time. With an estimated audience of 

75,000,000 watching the Super Bowl, he 

cited the cost of $288,000 for one commercial. 

With reference to Nielsen ratings 

which are so closely watched by TV people 

and advertisers, he said Nielsen's job "is 

simply to count the boxoffice." 

There were the usual comments and complaints 

from the listeners regarding violence 

and sex on TV shows, as well as the engineering 

practice of upping the sound during 

commercials. Write to the people in charge 

of the television stations, particularly the 

station manager, Mosby told them. Direct 

action will get best results, and "tell him 

what you specifically object to," the speaker 

advised. 

Eunice Thessin officiated at her first 

meeting as the new president of the council, 

which met at the Wauwatosa Civic Center. 

She called upon the various committee 

chairmen to stand and be recognized. There 

were the usual committee reports. 

Twice during the month of September, 

the council had received invitations to 

watch the preview showings of two new motion 

pictures: "The Billion Dollar Hobo" 

and "Girl Friends." These were at the Centre 

Screening Room on Wisconsin Avenue. 

In each case, a large number of members 

attended who voted "Billion Dollar Hobo" 

as "excellent for the family," and "Girl 

Friends'" as "good for adults." 

Fran Schmidtknecht, ex-president and 

now chairman of the preview committee, 

introduced all 27 members and invited 

others present to join the committee in its 

work. 

The death of a former council president, 

Mrs. Rose Rosenkranz who served from 

1954-56, was announced. It was also announced 

that hereafter, as the result of a 

new policy, whenever a present or past offi- 

MILWAUKEE—At the first fall meeting 

of the Better Films and TV Council of the 

Milwaukee Area Monday (2), nearly 150 cer dies a donation of $5 will be made to 

the deceased's favorite charity. The sum of 

$5 was sent to cancer research in behalf of 

Mrs. Rosenkranz. 

The council will be observing its 50th 

anniversary in 1980. Mrs. Evelyn Hunholz, 

who served as president from 1968 to 1972, 

is chairman of the committees which are to 

prepare a special series of programs. 

The latest film evaluation guide was 

passed out to members at the meeting which 

listed "The Cat From Outer Space," "Hot 

Lead and Cold Feet," "In Search of the 

Castaways'" and "International Velvet" as 

"very good" for family watching. Other 

listings are given below. 

Adults and Young People: "Bread and 

Chocolate," "Foul Play," "Grease," "Harper 

Valley PTA," "Heaven Can Wait," 

"Jaws 2" and "The Last Waltz" were rated 

"very good"; "Hooper," "Revenge of the 

Pink Panther," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts 

Club Band," "Silent Movie," "The Cheap 

Detective," "The Norseman," "Our Winning 

Season" and "Sinbad and the Eye of 

the Tiger" were rated "good." "The 

Swarm" was listed as "fair." 

Adults and Mature Young People: 

"Madame Rosa" received an "excellent"; 

"Avalanche," "Dear Inspector" and "Good 

Guys Wear Black" received a "very good"; 

"A Different Story," "'Big Wednesday," 

"Convoy," "Corvette Summer," "Eyes of 

Laura Mars," "High Ballin'," "National 

Lampoon's Animal House," "Piranha" and 

"The Wild Geese" were rated "good." A 

rating of "fair" went to "Deathsport," "The 

Legend of Nigger Charley," "The Driver" 

and "Who'll Stop the Rain." 

Adults: "Fair" ratings were given to 

"Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands," "The 

End of the World in Our Usual Bed in a 

Night Full of Rain," "Restless," "Secrets" 

and "Seniors." "Tender Flesh" was given a 

"poor."" 

The next preview committee meeting was 

scheduled for Monday (23) at Capitol Court 

at 10 a.m. 

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. 

— 

— 

— 

— 

'A Wedding' Courts 

Cincinnati Film Fans 

CINCINNATI—"Up in Smoke" continued 

to pace Queen City first runs during a 

week which saw only one opening. "Smoke" 

pulled a 650 in its third week at two Showcase 

cinemas, while "A Wedding" gathered 

550 in its first week at the Carousel and 

Studio cinemas. Most films showed modest 

declines; however, "The Big Fix" in the 

second week at four theatres rose to a 400 

(from an opening of 300) and "Hooper" in 

the 13th week at three theatres posted an 

increase to 250 from last week's 200. 


Carouse!, Studio A Wedding (20th-Fox), 

1st wk. 

Four Theatres Born Again ( Avco-Embassy) 

2nd wk 

Four Theatres The Big Fix (Univ), 2nd wk 

Four Theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefs 

oi Europe? (WB), 2nd wk 

Kenwood Interiors (UA), 3rd wk 

Northgate Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club 

Band (Univ), 13lh wk 

3—Up in Smoke (Pai 

Showcase Ci t— Death on the Nile 

3rd wk 

Showcase Cinema 5 The Boys From Brazil 

(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 

Showcase Cinema 6 National Lampoon's 

Animal House (Univ), 12th wk 

Three Theatres—Hooper (WB), 13th wk 

Times, Tri-Countv—Foul Play (Para), 13th wk 

World Series, HoUdays Cut Into 

First Run Business in Cleveland 

CLEVELAND— Exhibitors here felt 

550 

300 

that 

the World Series captured the entertainment 

audience during the week. The Jewish 

holidays also took their toll on business. 

Neither event seemed to affect "National 

Lampoon's Animal House" grosses to any 

great extent. It was in first position again, 

followed by "Up in Smoke." 

2 theatres—Fingers (SR), 1st wk 130 

2 theatres Heaven Can Wait (Para). 15th wk 145 

5 theatres-The Big Fbc (Univ), 1st wk 185 

5 theatres—Death on the Nile (Para), 2nd wk .235 

5 theatres Goin' South (Para), 1st wk 230 

5 theatres—Up in Smoke (Para), 2ni ::,: LPS 

5 theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of 

Europe? (WB), 1st -A-k 170 

6 theatres Somebody Killed Her Husband 

(Col), 2nd wk 50 

Only Xenia, Ohio Theatre 

Reopens After 14 Months 

XENIA. OHIO—Nearly 14 months after 

a fire destroyed this city's only theatre and 

three other nearby businesses, the theatre 

reopened Saturday (14) as the Xenia Twin 

Cinema. The theatre is the last of the four 

destroyed businesses to resume operations. 

The original theatre was gutted in August 

of 1977, when the fire swept through a twostory 

building on Greene Street downtown. 

Dewey Vanscoy, manager, said the 14- 

month delay in reopening the theatre was 

the result of a disagreement between the 

owner of the building and the operator, 

which leases the space, over who should 

be responsible for what. Once the area of 

financial responsibility was decided, work 

moved swiftly. 

The twin houses feature a new 300-seal 

auditorium alongside the original 500-scat 

house. The twin houses have a common 

lobby featuring red flocked wallpaper, white 

and gold paneling, crystal chandeliers and a 

French provincial decor. 

BOXOmCE :: October 30. 1978 

ICE CREAM BREAK—Staff members 

at Ashland, Ohio's Mid Town cinemas, 

dressed to fit the mood of the 

hit musieal "Grease," which was playing 

in one of the theatre's two auditoriums. 

Here some of the staff enjoy 

ice cream cones at a nearby Baskin- 

Robblns. 

Redford Starrer Set 

For Filming in Ohio 

COLUMBUS—A spokesman for the Ohio 

Film Bureau has announced that arrangements 

have been completed for the filming 

of a motion picture starring Robert Redford 

beginning in February on a former state 

prison farm near Junction City in Perry 

County. The film, entitled "Brubaker," will 

be shot on the farm, which is now privately 

owned. 

The film will be directed by Bob Rafelson, 

who said up to 1.000 local residents 

would be hired as extras. Most of them will 

be men to appear in prison scenes. The 

150-member cast and crew will stay in local 

hotels and a large percentage of the film's 

projected $7 million budget will be spent 

in central Ohio for goods and services, according 

to state officials. 

'Music in the Movies' Is 

Theme of Columbus Series 

COLUMBUS—The City Cinema Film 

Series has scheduled monthly showings "Music 

in the Movies" offerings, while in the 

spring a weekly series. "Roles of Women 

in Film," will be unveiled. 

Among the "Music in the Movies" features 

are "Naughty Marietta," starring 

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, 

which was shown Wednesday (18): "42nd 

Street," featuring Dick Powell and Ruby 

Keeler. scheduled November 15; "The Seahawk" 

with Errol Flynn and Brenda Marshall, 

slated December 20: "The Old Man 

and the Sea." starring Spencer Tracy, January 

17: short subjects "Elmer Bernstein on 

Film Music," "The River" and "Pacific 

231" are scheduled February 21: Laurel 

and Hardy's musical comedy sequences will 

be shown March 21 and finally, April 18 

"The Red Balloon," "Moods of Surfing" 

and "Fiddle Dee Dee," three short films 

especially for young adults and children, 

will be screened. 

Sponsored by the Upper Arlington Cultural 

Arts Commission, the films are shown 

free to the public at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays 

in the Municipal Services Center. 

Ohio Theatre's 50th 

Anniversary Honored 

COLUMBUS—The golden anniversary of 

the March 17, 1928, opening of the Ohio 

Theatre in downtown Columbus was celebrated 

Saturday (21) with an audience of 

almost 3,000 and NBC cameras taping the 

show starring Bob Hope for airing December 

3. Among the celebrities and stars appearing 

at the event were Ginger Rogers. 

Lillian Gish. Robert Merrill of the Metropolitan 

Opera, and former president Gerald 

Ford and his wife Betty. Ticket costs ranged 

from $10 to $1,000. 

The Hope show was being produced by 

Bob Banner and Associates, with an 8:30 

p.m. seating mandatory. A black-tie dress 

code was enforced because the audience 

was to be filmed along with the show. The 

budget for the special was reported at more 

than $1 million, with local subsidizing totalling 

$200,000. The subsidization was necessary, 

according to officials, to ensure the 

staging of the show at the Ohio. The figure 

represents the difference between staging 

the special in Burbank, Calif., and in Columbus. 

Lon Stucky, lighting director for the 

show, flew in the proper lights from the 

West Coast, involving nearly 40 1,000- 

watt lamps placed in the six opera bo.xes. 

ten additional bulbs in the boxes bordering 

the lower orchestra section, as well as other 

spots, more than doubling the lighting capacity 

inside the house. Six TV cameras 

were used. 

After the performance, the guests crossed 

the street for a jubilee ball in the statehousc 

rotunda. Cliff David, the gala's "party planner." 

said he doubted a similar project could 

occur again in the Midwest. The cost of the 

show has quadrupled since its conception 

(Continued on next page) 

URGENT!!! 

It is imperative that you contact: 

Total Theatrical 

Service, Inc. 

Fred C. Lentz, President 

135'/2 

North Main Street 

Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402 

(419) 352-1618 or 352-5195 

or 

29001 Cedar Road ^302, 

Lynhurst, Ohio 44124 

(216) 461-7290 or 461-7974 

in order to provide yourself with the 

finest in booking and bu'ying services, 

lowest prices in concession supplies and 

tfie most original advertising assistance. 

aâoooooooc-Booooqo-a-3ii 

ME-1

CLEVELAND 

fhe Cedar-Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd.. 

Cleveland Heights, has been purchased 

by the Cleveland Cinema Guild from the 

Community Theatre Circuit for an undisclosed 

sum. according to Jonathan Forman. 

guild president. Forman said that the recent 

leasing of the Berea. Village. Richmond. 

Riverside and Show Place theatres left the 

Cedar-Lee as the only Community Theatre 

left in Circuit theatre Greater Cleveland. 

Until recently the Cedar Lee had been 

rented by the Cleveland International Film 

Festival of which Forman is director and 

the Cinema Guild the sponsor. 

"We will strive to make the Cedar Lee 

Greater Cleveland's outstanding art film 

house." Forman said. "Our new ticket books 

are available for $25 for each ten-ticket 

book, or $2.50 per ticket, a saving of 50 

cents over our regular admission price. 

These general admission tickets will be 

valid at all regular Cleveland Cinema Guild 

screenings. They will 

not be valid for special 

reserved admission screenings like the Cleveland 

Annual International Film Festival. 

Jonathan Forman is screening Claude 

Lelouche's "Cat and Mouse" with Michelle 

Morgan at Cleveland's downtown screening 

room, located at Motion Picture Sound. This 

will be the next attraction for the Cedar 

Lee. 

Archie Rothnian's Time Machine on 

WMMS will devote a program to Star 

Trek's William Shatner. The first-run show 

includes exclusive new information about 

the upcoming "Star Trek" feature film. 

The Cinema Westgate at West 210th 

Street and Center Ridge Road in Westgate 

Mall. Fairview Park, is running a fall film 

festival through November 9. This year's 

noted selections include the Cleveland premiere 

of "Padre Padrone." "Iphegenia." 

"Pardon Mon Affaire" and "We All Loved 

Each Other So Much." Each film will be 

presented for one week only. 

"Padre Padrone" (My Father, My Master) 

was the festival's opening show. It is 

the first film to win both the Golden Palm 

and the International Critic's Awards. "Iphigenia," 

starring Irene Papas, followed Friday 

(20). This tragic version of the Greek 

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myth was nominated for an Academy 

Award as the best foreign film of 1977. 

Next on the Festival's agenda was "Pardon 

Mon Affaire." which began Friday (27). 

This film, done in the tradition of "Cousin. 

Cousine." is a charming French farce directed 

by Yves Robert, who also directed 

"The Tall Blond Man With One Black 

Shoe." 

The final week of the Festival begins 

November 3 and features "We All Loved 

Each Other So Much" starring Vittorio 

Gassman. According to Newsweek, it is "a 

movie that is like a strong and loving embrace. 

A warm and wise film." 

Halle's and the National Academy of 

Television Arts and Sciences co-sponsored 

Charisma, a luncheon and fall/winter fashion 

preview featuring TV celebrities Friday 

(20) at the Cleveland Plaza Ballroom. Proceeds 

went to benefit the scholarship and 

workshop funds for students interested in 

the television industry. 

Bruce Stern, local publicist for Warner 

in Bros., reports that plans are the making 

with the Growth Ass'n to bring Joe Shuster 

and Jerry Siegel to town in connection with 

Warners' blockbuster "Superman" opening 

here December 15, Shuster and Siegel created 

the comic strip hero when they were 

students at Glenville High School in the 

1930s. They later sold their rights to the 

the theatre and the owners 

character. Stern said the two men. who 

who wanted to 

live 

raze it. 

in California, will be honored at a Growth 

Volunteers recall the time buyers waited 

Ass'n-sponsored luncheon or dinner in mid- 

December, but plans have not been made outside the theatre for a public sale of fixtures 

and equipment while members of the 

final as yet. The superman behind the en- 

Columbus Ass'n for the Performing Arts 

j 

tire idea is adman Irv Horowitz, a classmate 

of Shuster and Siegel. 

The Case Western Reserve University's 

Film Society will open its November schedule 

with "Smokey and the Bandit," "Black 

and White in Color" and "P;ilm Beach 

Story." all in the first week. 

"Eugene V. Debs" had its Cleveland 

showing. This new film is produced by 

Cambridge Documentary Films for the 

Debs Foundation and was shown at the 

Workmen's Center. 

TV Gala Salutes 

Ohio's 50th Year 

(Continued from page ME-1) 

two years ago, David said, because of inflation, 

union contracts and "the price of show 

business." 

The day before the performance, a parade 

at which Hope served as grand marshall 

was sponsored by the homecoming committee 

of Ohio State University. 

The Ohio Theatre, designed by Thomas 

W. Lamb, opened with a Greta Garbo film 

and a concert on the Robert Morton theatre 

pipe organ in 1928. Lamb reportedly spent 

$865,000 on the theatre, a project that 

would cost an estimated $20 million today. 

First-run films and live entertainment w 

offered until World War IL but after the 

war the crowds dwindled, and by 1969. the 

operation became too much for the Loews 

Corp. 

Joe Worman. 46. present stage manager, 

has been with the Ohio Theatre for 24 

years. He said that from 1959 to 1969. "it 

was really sad. You might open up the 

house with eight to ten people at 1 1 a.m.. 

when the films would start, and go right 

through the day. picking up to about 50 

people in the daytime, then close with six 

or eight, or maybe even two people." 

The Ohio was sold in 1969 to a private 

development firm, and it was a close call 

between the volunteers who wanted to save 

Mall Cinema Is Planned 

From New England Edi'.ion 

WILLIMANTIC, 

CONN.—Construction 

plans for a cinema to be included in a shopping 

center at Jackson and Valley streets 

have been upgraded, with S & H Realty, 

West Hartford, disclosing intent for a twoscreen 

facility in an 8,000-square-foot 

space. 

negotiated for an option to buy them. With 

' 

the help of large grants from the National 

Endowment for the Arts and several local 

groups and many smaller contributions, the 

association was able to prevent the theatre's 

destruction. It is now a national histonc 

landmark and has become a performing arts 

theatre that is used an average of 250 nights 

a year for symphony, ballet, legitimate theatre, 

rock concerts, lectures and a highly 

successful summer film season for family 

viewing. 

Film Photographer at SMU 

From Southweslern Edilion 

S.\N MARCOS, TEX.—Stan Waterman, 

director of underwater photography for 

"The Deep," explained underwater photography 

to a group of Southwest Texas State 

University students. Waterman also showed 

the students some of the equipment he used 

to achieve the startling effects in the film. 

When you plan to install your Dolby system, 

call the service connpany with the nnost 

Dolby system experience. 

TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION 

P.O. Box 5150 • Richardson, Texas 75080 • 214-234-3270 

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ME-2 BOXOFFICE ;: October .^0. 1978

. . Gold 

CINCINNATI 

Uoldovers and subruns are continuing to 

dominate Cincinnati, as "A Wedding" 

at the Carousel and Studio is the only new 

film to open this week. However, four Mid 

States houses—Florence, Kenwood Mall, 

Northgate and Skywalk—scheduled a sneak 

preview of Columbia's "Midnight Express" 

Saturday (21). Also, that same circuit's Skywalk 

unveiled a "midnight special" the same 

night at the Skywalk of "The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show." Meanwhile. Warners' 

reissue of "The Exorcist" sustained significant 

viewer acceptance, meriting a second 

week at five Mid States theatres. 

Chuck Dunn of Redstone's Showcase watch it. 

to 

cinemas reported that toga parties, fashioned 

This is not true of all bad movies, but it 

after the one in "National Lampoon's 

is true often enough to discourage people 

Animal House," are occurring all over the from making more good ones. 

Queen City. Dunn also said Universal's 

When you come to think of it, much the 

"The Wiz" featuring Diana Ross, Richard 

same can be said of entertainment in general. 

Pryor, Lena Home and Michael Jackson 

Mass entertainment today draws more 

will be opening 3. 

November 

people than at any time since the Romans 

The Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut, fea- 

enjoyed watching people being eaten by 

tured Gaylord Carter at the pipe organ 

Saturday (21) and Sunday (22), scoring the 

silent screen artistry of Mary Pickford in 

"My Best Girl." 

Alpha Fine Arts screened Bob Dylan's 

75-'76 tour epic "Renaldo and Clara" . . . 

Mt. Adams, which now is specializing in 

international art films, played "Iphigenia" 

for a week Circle and Western 

Woods have been screening "Harper Valley 

PTA." 

Harry Blackstone jr. and his wife-andassistant 

Gay bring the spectacular Blackstone 

Magic Show to the newly revitalized 

Palace Theatre for a six-day, nine-show extravaganza 

December 19-24. 

Jeff Alexander, former Boxoffice reporter 

for this city, was married to Sharon Ann 

Wentzel Sunday afternoon (29) at the 

Northern Hills Synagogue. Industry friends 

send best wishes for much happiness to 

Sharon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert 

Paul Wentzel, and to Jeff, son of Mr. and 

Mrs. Carl Alexander. 

Ohioons for Decency Call 

For Crackdown on Pom 

COLUMBUS—The state-wide group calling 

itself Ohioans for Decency hoped to 

hand Ohio Atty. Gen. William J. Brown 

petitions containing 30,000 signatures by 

Thursday (26), calling for a crackdown on 

pornography. Jean Kidwell. Columbus, president, 

said her group wants Brown to launch 

"an immediate crackdown on organized 

crime and pornography." She said organized 

crime figures are directly tied to the growth 

in pornography. 

Her group is concerned about the increasing 

number of adult movie theatres, adult 

bookstores and topless nightclubs operating 

throughout the state. The petitions have 

been in circulation throughout the state over 

the past 

18 months. 

Film-Watching Is on Its Way Toward 

Becoming an Art Form, Critic 

CLEVELAND— Emerson Batdortt. entertainment 

writer for the Plain Dealer, 

commented recently on an optimistic development 

in the world of filmgoing, and 

presented his views in the following article: 

The word that the Mayfield Repertory 

C:nema has been restructured as a nonprofit 

organization and can seek, and probably 

get, money from foundations is welcome. 

Movie watching has pursued a peculiar 

course the last few years. The worse a 

movie is, by and large, the more people tend 

lions. 

What today is presented that attracts the 

big crowds? Noise, accompanied by orgiastic 

gyrations, together with laser beams and 

rotating stages and occasional puffs of 

smoke; that is what attracts crowds today. 

In the face of such competition, the movie 

theatre has had tough going, particularly 

if it shows movies of interest or substance. 

Sheldon Wigod found this out during three 

years of operating the New Mayfield Repertory 

Cinema, a place devoted to old movies 

of considerable attraction in their day and 

of more than merely historical interest today. 

In its new configuration the Mayfield 

takes on the aspect of the other arts like 

statuary, music writing and poetry. 

In other words, it not only won't make 

a profit, they plan it that way. 

Wigod remains as artistic director, a post 

that he should fill comfortably. He is knowledgable 

about movies and enjoys them. A 

great many people who are knowledgablc 

about movies must be avoided like dandruff 

for they can bore you to tears by dealing 

entirely with information of interest only 

to other movie buffs. 

Wigod is not like that. It has been his 

custom during the last three years to arise 

from his seat in the auditorium before each 

performance and say a few, interesting 

words about what is to be shown. Never 

has he driven a prospective patron out of 

the theatre in a fit of boredom. 

His comments are perceptive and never 

patronizing, as most movie buffs are when 

speaking to the great unwashed. With his 

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nimbus o\ gray hair shining like a Brillo 

pad, he is distinguished in aspect, an impression 

he counteracts by casual dress. 

He stands in an aisle, gives his often twinkling 

comments and promptly subsides. 

Then the film starts. 

He probably will continue doing this beginning 

November 1 when the new Old 

Mayfield opens under the direction of a 

board of trustees with applications probably 

already into several foundations. 

has not been made clear why the place 

It 

had to shut down for a month to pursue 

what, at least on the face of it, appears to 

be the same policy it pursued for the last 

three years. But closed it is. 

When the new Old Mayfield reopens with 

an eight-week festival of comedians, the first 

three weeks will be devoted to silent comedians: 

Buster Keaton. Harold Lloyd, Chaplin 

and Harry Langdon. 

"Do you know, I've never seen Keaton!" 

Wigod said the other day, somewhat in 

awe at this shortcoming of his. 

No, I hadn't known that. But people who 

haven't seen Keaton are, in a minor way, 

more blessed than those who have, for they 

have the experience to look forward to: 

those who have seen him can only refresh 

their memories. To me Keaton was funnier 

than Chaplin, who was funny enough, to 

be sure. Harry Langdon is unknown to most 

peopl- today, although his sad, pasty face 

loomed large on the screens of my childhood. 

Harold Lloyd was somewhat overrated 

in my judgment, although often funny. 

Now that film watching is on its way to 

becoming an art form. I hope they get 

enough money together to have a Fatty Arbuckle 

festival. Hollywood did him dirt and 

so did the public, after he was aquitted of 

some nasty charges half a century or so ago. 

A festival is the least we can do for him. 

Buddy Holly Records Earn 

Discount in Mich. Theatre 

MARQUETTE, MICH.—A special 

promotion 

for "The Buddy Holly Story" at the 

Marquette Mall Cinema recently resulted 

in 

a successful run for the Columbia release 

about the innovative '50s rock 'n roll star. 

Anyone bringing an original Buddy Holly 

recording to the boxoffice for the film's 

opening night was admitted for half price. 

Marquette manager Paul Plorencc was unsure 

how many Holly fans were left in ihe 

area, but recalled that fan clubs were numerous 

two decades ago. 

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BOXOFHCE :: October 30. 1978 ME-3

' 

Birmingham Educational 

Fest Set for March 7-14 

BIRMINGHAM. ALA. — The 

seventh 

Birmingham International Educational Film 

Festival will be held March 7-14, 1979, at 

the campus of the University of Alabama 

here. 

Six persons have been added this year 

to the festival's advisors. They are Heinz 

Gelles, president. Phoenix Films. New 

York: Dr. Richard Gilkey. director. Department 

of Educational Media. Portland Public 

Schools. Portland; Mrs. Jane Head, chairman. 

Festival of Arts. Birmingham; Dr. 

Paul Hubbert. executive secretary-treasurer. 

Alabama Education Association. Montgomery; 

Mrs. Ruby Murchison. consultant for 

the gifted and talented. South Central Region 

Educational Center, Carthage, N.C.. 

and Dr. Joseph F. Volksr. chancellor. University 

of Alabama System, Tuscaloosa. 

All films will be prescreened by volunteer 

committees of teachers, media and subject 

specialists and students. Films selected for 

final screening will be submitted to a distinguished 

panel of judges for top awards. 

Judges for the 1979 festival are: Robert 

Allen, director of Audio Visual Services, 

Pennsylvania State University, University 

Park, Pa.; Mrs. Elaine Barbour, 1978 National 

Teacher of the Year, Coal Creek 

Elementary School. Montrose. Colo.; Ms. 

Leila Grace Cooper, director. Audiovisual 

Library, South Carolina Department of Education, 

Columbia, S.C; Ms. Helene Kosloski. 

curriculum supervisor, Springfield 

Public Schools, Springfield, N.J.; Dr. ^Phillip 

Lewis, president. Instructional Dynamics 

instructor in educational media, chairman 

of the Education Committee of the Chicago 

Association of Commerce and Industry, educator, 

author, lecturer and businessman, 

Chicago; Prof. Frank McLaughlin, associate 

professor. College of Education, Fairleigh 

Dickinson University, editorial director 

of Media & Methods magazine, and 

editorial advisor to Children's World magazine, 

Teaneck. N.J., and Prof. John W. 

Young, chairman. Theatre Arts department, 

UCLA, 

Inquiries about the festival should be 

made to: Birmingham International Educational 

Film Festival, c/o Alabama Power 

Company, P. O. Box 2641, Birmingham 

.35291. 

Admissions Tax Protested 

By Suburban Theatregoers 

FAIRIAWN. OHIO—This suburban 

community of Akron has had a 5 per cent 

admissions tax for more than two years, but 

now film fans are being asked to sign petitions 

protesting the tax. Theatre managers 

here say the tax is unfair because most of 

their patrons do not live in the community 

and do not benefit from the parks supported 

by the admissions tax revenue. 

Steve Sabitsch, manager of the Village 

Theatre on North Miller Road, and the 

Fairlawn Cinema in Fairlawn Plaza, said 

about 90 per cent of his patrons live outside 

the city. 

Sabitsch said about 200 local voters have 

signed petitions against the tax at his two 

houses during ihe past two weeks. At the 

Summit Mall Theatre on West Market 

Street. Dolores Aloi. manager, reported 

about 400 Fairlawn residents signed similar 

petitions during a one-week period. 

Meanwhile. Ted Bare, head of the company 

that owned the Village Theatr; and 

Fairlawn Cinema, said the three theatres 

have retained an attorney and are considering 

filing a suit against the city. The three 

charge S3. 50 for adults, and $1.50 for children 

under 12. but the tax is beginning to 

cut into profits. Bare said the average distribution 

fee is about 50 per cent of ticket 

sales. 

Law director Robert Maxson said the tax 

has raised about $78,000 since it became 

effective in October, 1976. Council decided 

to adopt the tax because of the crowds attracted 

to the Firestone Tournament of 

Champions pro bowling contest held here 

the past 13 years. The tax is levied on all 

events held for a profit and charging admission. 

Video Festival Features 

Guest Appearances, Talks 

ATHENS. OHIO — In response to the 

needs of a rapidly growing art and communications 

medium, the Athens Video Festival 

presented two days of screenings and 

discussions Friday (20)-Saturday (21). 

Festival guests included some of the major 

talent and thinkers in the field of video. 

Gene Youngblood, author of Expanded 

Cinema (1970) and media theoiisl, set the 

tone for the event with his illustrated presentation 

"Mass Media and the Future of 

Desire." Youngblood spoke at 8 p.m. Friday 

(20) at Seigfred Auditorium. 

Ed Emshwiller, artist-in-residence at the 

Television Laboratory WNET/13 in New 

York, showed and discussed his recent video 

works, including a piece entitled "Dubs" at 

7 p.m. Saturday (21). 

Also included was a program on video as 

a tool for social reform, presented by Walter 

Dale, an independent videomaker, 

founder and director of the Documentary 

Media Center. 

Another highlight of the festival was a 

panel discussion on the problems and potentials 

of community-oriented video. Panelists 

include Gene Edwards of Nelsonville Cable 

TV; Fred Andrle, a Columbus community 

video producer, and Dana Kadison of the 

Warner Cable Qube. 

Screenings of composition entries by independent 

videomakers were held at various 

times over the two days. Winning competition 

entries were seen during "The Best of 

the Festival" Saturday (21) at 9:30 p.m. 

Most of the above programs took place at 

the Video Loft. 12'/2 North Court St. in 

Athens. The Video Loft is an environment 

created specially for the festival events. 

Producer MyrI A. .Schreibman has begun 

shooting "Clonus" on Southern California 

locations with Peter Graves starring as a 

presidential 

candidate. 

Court Orders New Trial 

In Ohio Obscenity Case 

CINCINNATI—The 6th U.S. Circuit 

Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for 

a man convicted of interstate transportation 

of obscene material. 

Judges Paul Weick. Albert Engel and Gi 

bert Merritt reversed the conviction on 

grounds that some of the testimony at the 

trial of Stanley Marks was improperly admitted 

and may have wrongly influenced the 

jury. 

However, the same judicial body upheld 

the findings of the federal court jury in 

determining that "Deep Throat" and "Swing 

High" were obscene. 

At the same time the judges noted for 

the benefit of fellow judges that viewing 

the films in question is not an "invariable 

requirement" in all appeals. They suggested 

that written affidavits about the films could 

suffice. 

Perhaps, though, it should be noted that 

in this particular instance the justices di 

view the films in question before making 

their ruling, which concluded "that a jury 

would be well within the discretion entrusted 

to it in finding that both films were 

obscene." 

They also noted that the appellant did not 

list any virtues of the films which might 

place them in any category other than hardcore 

pornography. 

Marks had been earlier convicted in connection 

with the shipment of the films from 

Michigan to Newport, Ky.'s Cinema X The 

atre. 

Mixed Bag of New Films, 

Classics, Imports in Ky. 

LEXINGTON, KY.—An impressive 

list, 

of nostalgic classics, foreign and current 

titles are included on the latest program 

calendar for Lexington's Kentucky Theatre. 

Among the classics of yesteryear are 

"Hound of the Baskervilles." with Basil 

Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. "The Thin 

Man." featuring William Powell and Myrna 

Loy, George Cukor's "Little Women," with 

Katharine Hepburn and Joan Bennett, and 

Howard Hawks "The Big Sleep," starring 

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. 

Foreign offerings include Ingmar Bergman's 

"Wild Strawberries." "The Magician" 

and "Devil's Eye." as well as Canada's 

"Outrageous!", Great Britain's "Siddhartha" 

and Japan's "Dersu Uzala." 

Additionally, the Kentucky will be unspooling 

subruns of "Islands in the Stream,' 

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," 

"Shampoo" and "The Boys in the Band." 

A minimum of two different films are. 

screened daily with as many as five 

separate titles Saturday and Sunday. Admission 

is $1.49 per film. 

While the theatre is not as large as the 

ornate movie palaces, such as the now demolished 

Albce in Cincinnati, the Kentucky 

is a spacious, medium-sized theatre with a 

, 

large screen and a pleasant decor which 

quickly assists in putting one in the proper 

mood for observing vintage film product. 

ME-4 BOXOFFICE :: October 30. 1978

— 

— 

— 

. . Bob 

. . . Jerry 

— 

'Take All of Me' Hits 

Heights in New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—Group I's 

"Take All of 

Me" had a major circuit day-and-date premiere 

with a brisk 235. Uniquely enough, 

the R-rated release was the sole new attraction 

in the first-run block. 

Warner Bros." "Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe?", in its second week, generated 

200. 20th Century-Fox's "The Boys 

From Brazil" hit 185; United Artists" "Interiors." 

175, and Paramount's "Goin' 

South," 150, all in their second week. 20th- 

Fox's "A Wedding," in its second week, 

continued its 200 opening-week figure. 


Cinemarl I, Millord II—Who U Killing the 

Great Chefs of Europe? (WB), 2nd wk 200 

Cinemarl II. Millord I—Take All of Me 

(Group I), 1st wk 235 

Showcase I The Boys From Brazil 

(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 185 

Showcase II Goin' South (Para), 2nd wk 150 

Showcase III—Death on the Nile (Para), 

3rd wk 175 

Showcase IV Interiors (UA), 2nd wk 175 

Showcase V National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 9lh wk 115 

York Square Cinema—A Wedding (2Qth-Fox), 

2nd wk 200 

'A Wedding' Takes a 275 

At Four Hartford Houses 

HARTFORD—20th Century-Fox's "A 

Wedding" zipped along to a strong 275 in 

its area bow at four houses. The only other 

opening was the state's rights X product 

"Slave of Pleasure" which earned a 200. 

Holdover-wise, United Artists' "Interiors," 

20th-Fox's "The Boys From Brazil," Universal's 

"TTie Big Fi,\" and Warner Bros.' "Who 

Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" reflected 

the brisker boxoffice patterns. 

Art Cinema—Slave of Pleasure (SR), 1st wk 200 

Atheneum Cmema Cat and Mouse (Quartel). 

2nd wk 

Elm—Go Tell the Spartans (F,:r.b), 2nd wk 

150 

115 

Showcase I Death on the Nile (Para), 

3rd wk 140 

Showcase II The Boys From Brazil 

(20th-Fox), 2nd wk 175 

Showcase III—The Big Fix (Univ), 2nd wk 165 

Showcase Up in Smoke (Para), 3rd wk. 

V—Interiors (UA), 2nd wk 

135 

200 

IV 

Showcase 

Showcase VI— Goin' South (Para), 2nd wk 150 

3 theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of 

(WB), 2nd wk Europe? 190 

theatres National Lampoon's Animal House 

3 

(Univ), Ilth wk 100 

4 theatres—A Wedding 275 

(20th-Fox), Isl wk 

Town Policeman Cites UA 

Cinemas 2 for Fire Hazard 

NEW LONDON, CONN.—The Day, 

marriage of two transvestites. "Then," the 

newspaper said, "the audience lights candles 

and cigaret lighters." 

The Day continued: "Burdick said the 

practice is in violation of fire regulations. 

He declined to comment further on the 

situation saying he has not been able to 

contact theatre owners." 

BOSTON 

gack Theatres' Gary Cinema screened its 

last picture Wednesday (11). The film 

house will be torn down to make way for 

the new State Transportation Building, the 

first step in the Park Plaza Building plan. 

The theatre, originally the Plymouth, opened 

in 1911 featuring legitimate stage shows 

and converted to motion picture exhibition 

in 1957. 

Harry Germaine, Association Films distributor, 

took a few days off and attended 

the NATO convention in New York City. 

Harry said that his free shorts are showing 

regularly in many theatres in Connecticut, 

running ahead of such features as "Interiors" 

and "Death on the Nile." 

Harvey Appell and Bob Rancatore at 

NFB Films seem to be perpetually occupied 

with programs. Right now, they have made 

up circulars covering a total of 25 pictures 

that they are making available for showing 

throughout New England. 

Lawyers for several X-rated film houses 

in Providence and North Smilhficld have 

filed suit in U.S. District Court to overturn 

the state's obscenity laws. The attorneys. 

Milton Stanzler and Lynnerre Labinger, also 

have asked the court to block future raids 

on the Columbus Theatre in Providence and 

the Rustic Drive-In in North Smithficld. 

The Columbus is suing the local police department 

and the Rustic is suing the .state 

police. 

Bob Malcolmson, sales manager at Ellis 

Gordon Films, says that the new season 

has gotten off to a good start with his 

pictures. Currently Ellis Gordon is smothered 

with requests for dates for eight of 

their top releases including "Disco Fever" 

with Fabian and "The Psychic" starring 

largest newspaper in southeastern Connecticut, 

reported that Groton town patrolman Jennifer O'Neal. 

Joseph Holmes had filed a fire hazard 

Ned Eisner, one of our most popular 

complaint against United Artists Theatres 

and respected exhibitors, was in town from 

of Groton, which would be investigated by 

Fire Marshal Robert Burdick. 

Uxbridge, conferring with Sam Feinstein 

The newspaper quoted Holmes as saying 

that the UA Cinemas 2 screened "The 

on bookings for the coming holiday season 

. Malcomson, Frost .Seating 

Co. manager, went to South Carolina with 

Rocky Horror Picture Show" which. 

Holmes said, involved the audience throwing 

his wife 

which 

Shirley for a week's 

they stopped in 

vacation. 

New York 

After 

for the 

toilet paper and rice after the 

NATO convention. 

simulated 

Pike Productions has opened an office in 

Watertown, according to James Pike, company 

president. The Pike's first release "A 

Strange Role," a film by Paul Sander and 

prize winner at the Berlin Film Festival. 

opened Wednesday (11) at the new Nickelodeon 

Cinema in the Back Bay. New England 

bookings are being handled by Judd 

Parker Films. 

The United Artists office staff gave a 

hearty "welcome and hello" to Mark K. 

Rosenblat as he joined the publicity department. 

Mark is a native of New Jersey and 

previously was associated with CBS Television 

and the Ringling Bros. Barnum and 

Bailey Circus. He is a graduate of the University 

of Maryland and holds a graduate 

degree at New York University. He majored 

in publicity and promotion. He is beginning 

to feel at home now in this his first association 

with the film industry. 

The ever-smiling Joe Rossi, National .Service 

manager, flew to the West Coast with 

The Brattle Theatre in Cambridge finally his wife Anne. They planned to tour the 

has been granted a license to run midnight studios in Los Angeles and take a side trip 

shows Friday and Saturday by the Cambridge 

to San Francisco to visit Fisherman's Wharf 

Kravitz was away from his 

Board of License Commissioners. 

The Brattle, represented by Boston attorney desk for a trip to Philadelphia. Word is 

John J. Campbell, asked the board for "the that he was planning to attend a wedding. 

same consideration as that was given the It also was said that he was to be one of 

Orson Welles Cinema, the Harvard Square the two leading participants in the ceremony. 

Theatre and the Off-The-Wall Theatre," 

all of which have shown films at midnight 

on weekends for years. 

A 'Rocky Horror' Audience 

Surprised by Lone Cyclist 

GLOUCE.STER, MASS.— Lucia DeSantis 

thought she had seen it all at the midnight 

showing of the cult film. "The Rocky 

Horror Picture Show," reported the Daily 

Times. The story is quoted below. 

Through the summer, the daughter of 

Cape Ann Cinema owner Anthony DeSantis 

had joined in the hilarity twice weekly 

as crowds masqueraded in monster outfits, 

fired squirt guns and threw rice in the air 

in the zaniest audience-participation film 

ever. 

But that was until a recent Saturday 

advertised as the final showing of the 

picture. 

Lucia, costumed as a vampire, was checking 

the receipts in the front office midway 

through the film, when she heard a rumbling 

outside. 

On the screen, Meatloaf was wailing 

through a song and ready to drive his 

motorcycle through the wall of Frank 'N 

Furter's medieval castle. 

As Meatloaf crashed through the stone 

wall, the doors to the cinema swung open 

and a motorcyclist dressed in a black leather 

jacket powered through the lobby and into 

the theatre. 

"Nobody knew what was going on," said 

Lucia. "We've encouraged people to play 

along with the film, like, throw rice during 

the wedding scene, or provide their own 

rain—when it's raining on screen. But this 

was the craziest." 

Revving his cycle until the song concluded, 

the intruder circled the theatre then 

drove back out. He caused no damage at 

all. 

And he hasn't been heard from since. 

The theatre has decided to hold over the 

film for more Friday and Saturday midnight 

showings through the fall. 

BOXOFHCE October 30. 1978 NE-1

. . The 

. . Warner 

. . MGM's 

SPRINGFIELD 

The Big D carpet firm, situated in downtown 

Springfield, is expanding with 

acquisition of the long-shuttered Mann 

Theatres' Fox Cinema at 1340 Boston Rd.. 

for a branch outlet . . . Bette Davis, in 

news wire-service remarks, commented, 

•'I've been in the business for 49 years. 

That's awesome to me. I have no idea 

why I'm still alive. It's an incredible feeling 

to be alive. I guess I owe my health 

to that healthy, cold Eastern weather!" 

times . . . 

The Grand Theatre, Indian Orchard, 

brought back 20th-Fox's "An Unmarried 

Woman." charging SI admission for all 

Harry L. Schwab, 

seats at 

with a 

all 

"Grease" playdate at his Parkway 

Drivc-In. North Wilbraham. briskly advertised: 

"Parkway Drive-In is the place! 

is . . . 

'Grease' the Word!" Richard Freedman, 

Newhouse News Service, called "The 

Boys From Brazil" mildly entertaining but 

deeply exploitative. The critic said that 

Gregory Peck, throughout his career cast 

as a poker-faced all-American boy. "is sadly 

miscast as an unrepentent Nazi. For 

some reason he was gotten up to look like 

the late Warner Oland as Charlie Chan." 

John Morrison is revising his mailing 

lists for the Pleasant Street Theatre. 

Northampton, monthly information sheet 

by asking recipients to mail in a postagepaid 

card indicating whether he or she 

wishes to continue to receive the sheets. 

Morrison brought back the Harold Lloyd 

comedy classic. "The Freshman." a silent 

released initially in 1925, for his continuing 

"Silents Please!" Sunday afternoon programs. 

A.T. Purseglove. who provides the 

musical accompaniment, is cited by the film 

critic of the Valley Advocate: "It's your 

opportunity to hear the best damn silent 

picture organist in these United States. The 

movies are not bad, either." The same newspaper, 

incidentally, singled out "The Gentleman 

Tramp," the Richard Patterson written-directed 

biography of Charles Chaplin, 

as "fluid and logical, beautifully organized 

and presented—certainly worthy of the 

great talent it celebrates." Narration is by 

Walter Matthau. Laurence Olivier and lack 

Lemmon. 

^^^, k 

The Sundown Drive-In, Westfield. triplebilled 

Universal's "Smokey and the Bandit," 

"Gray Lady Down" and "Checkered 

Flag," charging $5 per carload—regardless 

of number of passengers . 

original 

"King Kong" (RKO. 1933) and "Three 

Faces of Eve" f20th-Fox. 1957) were shown 

as free attractions by the Springfield Public 

Library . . . King International Corp.. 

of Beverly Hills. Calif., with longtime ties 

to film production, is negotiating for hotelcasino 

sites in Massachusetts. 

The Springfield Plaza Twin Cinemas and 

Agawam Twin Cinemas, in a joint ad. claim: 

"See the best for less in comfort!" 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Tfecent statewide premieres included Avco 

Embassy's "Go Tell the Spartans." 

United Artists' "Three Warriors" (playing 

weekend matinees only) and the reprise 

scheduling of a UA double-bill: "Convoy" 

and "Semi-Tough." 

Continuing attractions were Paramount's 

"Heaven Can Wait" and Universal's "National 

Lampoon's Animal House." The SBC 

Cines 4. Newington Mall, brought back 

Columbia's "Thank God It's Friday," while 

the E.M. Loew's Civic. Portsmouth, doublebilled 

recent Universal releases, "Sgt. Pepper's 

Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "The 

Last Remake of Beau Geste." 

Commercial TV stations serving New 

Hampshire are battling a change in federal 

regulations which station spokesmen contend 

could hurt their business. The newly implemented 

Federal Communications Commission 

rule change releases local CATV companies 

from protecting the commercial stations 

in small TV markets. Before the 

change, for instance, cable TV companies 

had to protect WMUR-TV in Manchester. 

New Hampshire's largest city, by not broadcasting 

identical programs on competing 

stations. The same situation existed with 

CATV firms airing in cities where a new 

commercial station has become operational. 

Richard J. Wilson, SBC vice-president, 

accorded the state bow of United Artists' 

"Interiors," the new Woody Allen film, 

sizable teaser advertising prior to opening. 

^^0^, MERCHANT 

F/LM ADS 

^/ fALOG A,\,j^ 

PECIAL ANNOUNCFiur ^^^^ REQUEST 

-_... ^'" = NT Fli Mc . ^ 

TRAILERETTES 

DATE • STRI 

NO SMOKING houdayF'l-MS HEADERS 

FILMACR STUDIOS, INC. 

HARTFORD 

Lauren Bacall was in town the other Friday 

night to break a champagne bottle 

as part of the dedication ceremonies of the 

newly built 900-seat Lincoln Theatre on the 

University of Hartford campus. She attended 

in her role as the parent of a U of H 

undergraduate. Stephen Humphrey Bogart, 

son of Humphrey Bogart and Ms. Bacall. 

He is a senior in the U of H's mass communications 

program. 

20th Century-Fox's "The Rocky Horror 

Picture Show." which has rapidly assumed 

cult status among the young filmgoing 

crowd of central Connecticut, played a 

repeat booking, again weekend midnight 

showings, at the United Artists Eastern 

Theatres" Manchester Parkade East 3. The 

first 25 persons in costume were admitted 

free. On an earlier evening, there was a 

reduced charge in effect for persons in costume. 

The Leonard L. Paul-operated Central 

Theatre, West Hartford, on a 99-cents admission 

policy since reopening some months 

back, jumped to $2 for showings of Camaval/New 

Yorker Films' "Dona Flor and 

Her Two Husbands." The week's booking 

marked the first foreign attraction since 

Paul leased the theatre. 

A wire service dispatch in the local press 

quoted longtime Hollywood columnist Jim 

Bacon as yearning "for the good old days 

when the studios called the shots . . . 

The stars just aren't accessible like they 

were in the old days. I mean (Clark) Gable 

and (Errol) Flynn always were available. I 

had more access to Howard Hughes than 

I do to Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro." 

The Italian import "Padre Padrone was 

" 

shown, followed by a discussion. "Sociology 

of the Italian Family," at Saint Joseph College 

as part of an Italian festival in conjunction 

with the Connecticut Italian-Amcr- ^ 

ican Cultural Ass'n. Admission was $2. 

Hartford Courant film critic Malcolm L. 

Johnson found Paramount's "Death on the 

Nile" uneven entertainment, saying, in part: 

"It is, of course, inspired by the runaway 

success of the star-laden 'Murder on the 

Orient Express,' Sidney Lumet's elegant excursion 

into one of Agatha Christie's Hercule 

Poirot mysteries. There is also an elegance 

to 'Death on the Nile.' as directed by 

| 

John Guillermin, although this new challenge 

to a stouter and more amusing Poirot 

is somewhat burdened by an inconsistency 

of style." 

Campus cinema: "Yojimbo," Japanese 

import, was shown as a free attraction 

the University of Hartford. Admission was 

open to the public, but seating preference 

went to the student body . 

"Camille" 

(1936. Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor) 

was seen free at the Greater Hartford Community 

College Bros.' "Footlight 

Parade," release, was screened 

1933 

at the University of Connecticut by the U 

Conn Film Societv. Admission was $1.50. 

NE-2 BOXOmCE :: October 30, 1978

Tony 

. . . ITNE 

MAINE 

pine Tree State premieres: New World Pictures' 

"Blackout," Avco Embassy's 

"Go Tell the Spartans," Universal's "The 

Big Fix," Warner Bros.' "Who Is Killing 

the Great Chefs of Europe?", United Artists' 

"Three Warriors" (weekend matinees only 

for this attraction), SJ International's "The 

Inheritance," plus a flock of X-rated releases, 

among them "Afternoon Delight," 

"Escort Girls," "Soft Places," "French Postcard 

Girl," "Teenage Sorority Girls," 

"Sweet Wet Lips," "Barbie's Hospital Affair" 

and "Love's Slave." 

The holdover bloc was considerable, too: 

United Artists' "Interiors" plus "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther," Universal's "National 

Lampoon's Animal House," Columbia's 

"Somebody Killed Her Husband," Paramount's 

"Foul Play" plus "Grease" plus 

"Heaven Can Wait" plus "Goin' South" 

plus "Up in Smoke." 

The state's drive-in theatres have been 

shutting down for the colder months. The 

Ellsworth-Trenton Drive-In bowed out for 

1978 with state's rights' "Breaker Beauties" 

plus "Jenny" on a double-bill. Many an 

underskyer across the state can be found 

open weekends only. 

E.M. Loew's Fine Arts Twin, in-town 

The Brewer Cinema Center 4, suburban 

Bangor, ran "special late-late shows" (11:30 

p.m.) on a recent Saturday, titles the same 

as continuing attractions: "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband," "Grease," "Up in Smoke" 

and "National Lampoon's Animal House." 

It has been regional custom of late to screen 

a separate film at late-shows. 

brothers comedy, released by Paramount 

in 1933; "Semi-Tough," United Artists Burl 

Reynolds starrer, and "Camelot," Warner 

Bros. 1967 release co-starring Richard Har- 

ris and 'Vanessa Redgrave, University ol 

Maine Presque Isle campus 

mount's 1970 Italian import, "The Conris 

formist," co-starring Jean-Louis Trintingant 

and Stefania Sandrelli, U Maine Augusta 

campus . . . "Richard III," Lopert 1956 

release co-starring Laurence Olivier and 

John Gielgud, Bangor Community College. 

United Artists' 1952 release, "High 

Noon," with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly 

was shown in the Hancock County Auditorium, 

Ellsworth. 

CAPE COD 

^nited Artists' "Three Warriors," G-rated 

release, had an unusual Cape Cod premiere: 

matinee showings only over a recent 

weekend at Interstate Theatres of New England's 

Cinema Centre 3, in the enclosed 

Hyannis Cape Cod Mall, and the same independent 

circuit's Orleans Cinemas 2. Conventional 

openings were accorded United 

Artists' "Interiors," Paramount's "Goin' 

South," Avco Embassy's "Go Tell the Spartans" 

and Universal's "The Big Fix." 

Continuing attractions included Paramount's 

"Heaven Can Wait" plus "Up in 

Smoke," Universal's "National Lampoon's 

Animal House," Columbia's "Somebody 

Killed Her Husband," Warner Bros.' "Hooper" 

and the UA reprise of "Semi-Tough" 

had advance teaser advertising 

for the European import "We All Loved 

Each Other So Much." 

NEW BEDFORD 

gj International Pictures slotted the southeastern 

Massachusetts premiere of "The 

Inheritance" into the State Cinema. The 

same theatre ran a "Special Family Program" 

for a recent Saturday matinee, charging 

$1 admission for all seats for the 1 

p.m. program featuring Paramount's "Orca 

the Killer Whale." Uniquely enough, free 

popcorn was served and, for good measure, 

free ice cream discount coupons were distributed. 

Other openings: Universal's "The Big 

Fix" and state's rights X product including 

"Afternoon Delight," "Foursome" and ".Sensual 

Encounters of Every Kind." United 

Artists' "Three Warriors," new G-rated release, 

played matinees only over a recent 

weekend. 

Among the holdovers were Paramount's 

"Up in Smoke" plus "Death on the Nile," 

Universal's "National Lampoon's Animal 

House" and Columbia's "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband." 

Lockwood & Friedman had teaser advertising 

for 20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding" 

. . . Earl J. Dias. the Standard-Times 

film critic, said that Agatha Christie's 

"Death on the Nile" was better in book 

form than on the screen. "Christie's chief 

Portland, brought back American International 

20th-Fox's "An Unmarried Woman" re- 

Pictures' "Empire of the Ants" for turned for an extended stay at ITNE's Or- 

talent," the critic commented, "was her 

waste no words, 

1:30 p.m. showings over a recent weekend. leans Cinemas 2. 

ability to be concise, to 

Admission was $1 for all seats both of 

to keep her plots moving and to pepper 

afternoons. 

them with surprises and unexpected twists. 

By contrast, the film goes on far too long, 

has a tendency to repeat itself, and, despite 

its elegance, makes one wish that it h;id 

been much better." 

Warner Bros.' "Moby Dick." 1956 Gregory 

Peck starrer, was screened free at the 

New Bedford Free Public Library. 

Shirley Jones, who summered in Maine 

in 1955 while starring in 20th-Fox's "Carousel," 

was back, this time to work in television 

commercials for the IGA Maine supermarket 

chain. She said she is looking for 

more dramatic roles, in an effort to move 

away from comedy similar to that she has 

played on the home screen in recent years. 

"I select my roles on the basis of the 

scripts," she said. "But I'm looking for 

parts in drama, different kinds of roles 

than the musicals and comedies I've already 

done. Heavy stuff." 

Northern Maine got a brand new entertainment 

and sports facility. The newly built 

Bangor Civic Center had its formal opening 

.. . Orlando is booked into the 

Augusta Civic Center for November 17, 

with tickets scaled at $7 and $8 . . . More 

vandalism was reported at the Portland 

Spring Street Parking Garage during a 

Cumberland County Civic Center rock concert. 

Despite police patrol, the garage suffered 

an estimated $400 damage, including 

broken windows and trashing. 

Campus cinema: "Duck Soup," Marx 

STAR^ PHONE 





the voice is straight that gives out the information. But— instead of 











STAR^ PHONE 


Denver, Colorado 8022G 

BOXOFnCE :: October 30. 1978

ni 

. . SBC 

. . The 

. . The 

city's sole remaining cinema, the Merrill 

G. Jarvis owned-and-operated Flynn Theatre, 

is situated, has been promoting the 

"shop Burlington" theme with ongoing Burlington 

Boosters advertising. Jarvis is among 

the more active BB members. 

New attractions across Vermont included 

United Artists' "Interiors," Paramount's 

"Up in Smoke," Universal's "The Big Fi.\," 

Columbia's "The Buddy Holly .Story" plus 

state's rights X product "Naked Afternoon" 

and "Visions of Clair." The holdover bloc 

encompassed Universal's "National Lampoon's 

Animal House," Columbia's "Somebody 

Killed Her Husband." United Artists' 

"Revenge of the Pink Panther," Paramount's 

"Grease" plus "Foul Play" and 

Cinema 5's "Outrageous!" 

Richard J. Wilson, SBC Management, 

had teaser ads for weekend midnight showings 

of 20th Century-Fox reprise, "The 

Rocky Horror Picture Show," at the Burlington 

Plaza 2 . . . Free "Grease" posters 

were distributed to matinee patrons at the 

Merrill G. Jarvis Merrill's Showcase 3. 

South Burlington ... The Welden Theatre, 

St. Albans, opened an art exhibit by 

Rhonda Wilson Ervin. 

"Lolita," MGM 1962 release co-starring 

James Mason and Shelley Winters and directed 

by Stanley Kubrick, was screened 

the other Friday night by the Johnson State 

College . . . United Artists opted for 

matinee weekend showings only of a new 

e, the G-rated "Three Warriors," for 

DOLBY STEREO 

SYSTEMS 

Making Films Sound Better 

DOLBY SYSTEM 

croLun 

AUDIOVISUAL) 

ENGINEERING 

LINCOLN R.I, 401-751-1223 

Vermont premiere. Ongoing 

VERMONT 

advertising, 

significantly, emphasized the film was brand 

new . Burlington Plaza 2 had an 

11:30 p.m. Saturday showing of "The Big 

What wouid have emerged as the largest 

Fix." 

shopping mall in Vermont, equal to all 

of the shopping space in downtown Burlington 

(the state's largest municipality), has 

been rejected. The three-member District 4 RHODE ISLAND 

(Chittenden County) Environmental Commission 

has rejected plans by the Pyramid 

an 82-store mall in Williston, 

Teaser advertising, an exhibition approach 

Cos., to build 

used to considerable extent some years 

a Burlington suburb. The project's impact 

ago, was revived in conjunction with Plantation 

State bow of Paramount's "Goin' 

on the local economy and traffic networks 

were cited as determining factors for District 

4. Downtown Burlington, in which the 

South." The ads carried a photo of actordirector 

Jack Nicholson, the film title, Nicholson's 

identity, the Paramount logo, the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America rating 

(PG) and the line, "Comin' Soon." 

Continuing attractions across the state included 

20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding," 

United Artists reprise double-bill of "Semi- 

Tough" and "Convoy," UA's new release, 

"Interiors," Paramount's "Death on the 

Nile" plus "Heaven Can Wait" plus 

"Grease," Columbia's "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband" plus "The Buddy Holly 

International's "The Inheritance," 

Story." SJ 

Universal's "National Lampoon's Animal 

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

Feet" and the umpteenth rerun of Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit." 

The Palace Cinema, West Warwick, is 

now on a Monday-through-Wednesday 

schedule, programs comprised of live bur- 

. 

lesque dancers and one X-rated motion picture 

The Cable Car Cinema, in-town 

. . . Providence, brought back 20th-Fox's "The 

Turning Point" Midland Mall. 

Warwick, which contains the Midland Mall 

Cinema, published a multi-color, 16-page 

tabloid supplement in the Providence newspapers 

heralding the shopping center's 11th 

anniversary. In addition to the cinema, the 

mall contains 78 stores. 

On the drive-in scene: The Seekonk Twin 

Drive-In, playing Avco Embassy's new release 

"Go Tell the Spartans" as co-feature, 

brought back Paramount's "Lipstick," 1976 

release starring Margaux Hemingway on 

screen one, while state's rights X product, 

"Afternoon Delight" and "Foursome." 

played screen two. There was a charge ot 

$6 per carload, regardless of number of 

passengers, for both screens Cran- 

. 

ston Drive-In, Cranston, triple-billed Paramount's 

"Foul Play," "The One and Only" 

and state's rights' "The Clones." all rated 

PG. and also charged $6 per carload, regardless 

of number of passengers . 

The 

. . 

Bay State Drive-In, Seekonk. with sub-run 

booking of Universal's "Jaws 2," slotted 

same distributor's recent Charlton Heston 

starrer, "Gray Lady Down," as companion 

Campus cinema: Universal's "The Last 

Remake of Beau Geste." 1977. release costarring 

Marty Feldman and Ann-Margret. 

and Columbia's "Godspell," 1973 release 

loplining Victor Garber and David Haskell. 

were screened at the University of Rhode 

Island. 

NEW HAVEN 

phe Spodick College Street, Whalley and 

Whitney cinemas have adopted "Bargain 

Nights" with 99-cents admission Mondays 

and Tuesdays. A similar policy continues 

in effect at a number of suburban 

situations, with the Sam Hadelman Chesir;. 

Chesire, charging 99 cents Sundays through 

Thursdays . . . William S. Coley jr., vicepresident 

and director of operations. Howard 

Johnson Motor Lodges in Stamford, 

East Lyme and Mystic, has been elected 

president of the Connecticut Hotel-Motel 

Ass'n. 

Joan Fontaine, in town to autograph 

copies of her nL'wIy published autobiography, 

"No Bed of Roses," at the Yale Co-op 

(next door to the Sampson & Spodick York 

Square Cinema), over lunch spoke of the 

power directors hold over actors. "I love 

Edmund Goulding," she said. "But then he 

was in theatre before Hollywood." 

Still on the subject of directors, Richard 

Dreyfuss, in press interview comments on 

his latest film. Universalis "The Big Fix." 

said he looked for earlobes. "Earlobes." he 

said. "Long earlobes—good director. Short 

earlobes—^bad director. Seriously. I look for 

relaxation, creativity and love. I don't like 

directors who yell. I worked for a yeller 

once and before we began I went up to him 

and 1 said, 'Hi, don't yell at me. You yell 

. . at me . and I don't work well under 

those circumstances.' And he didn't. He 

yelled at everyone else!" 

Newburyport, Mass. Will 

Get Its New Mini-Cinema 

NEWBURYPORT, 

MASS.— Downtown 

Newburyport is to get a "mini" cinema, 

with the board of appeals authorizing establishment 

of an 88-seat theatre in a portion 

of 1-3 Harris St. 

The board's written decision held, in 

part, "that the addition of a cinema theatre 

to the downtown district would be unique 

and appealing and would greatly contribute 

to 

the ongoing development of the city." 

Joseph Maietta Dead at 68 

MERIDEN, CONN.—Joseph Maiclt.i 

68, retired owner and operator of the Menden 

Amusement Co.. died at Meriden-W al 

lingford Hospital after a lengthy illness. Sur 

vivors include his wife, three daughters 

three sons, six grandchildren and one grc.r 

grandchild. 

CLVERAJnA IS Vi SHOW 

BrsLVESS m Hawaii too, 

When you come to Waikiki, 

don't miss the famous Don IIo 



October 30. 1978

'Agency' Funding May 

uncompleted Canadian 

REEFTOW-ERS • EDGEW.MTiR 

President Geo, Destounis Outlines 

Be Canadian 'First' 

Plans for Famous Players Circuit 

MONTREAL—The spy thrillei featuring 

Robert Mitchum, titled "Agency," could be VANCOUVER—The movie theatre admission 

"Destounis feels Secretary of Slate John 

price hike won't hit every filmgoer, Roberts, Ih; man on the Ottawa hill who 

the first motion picture in Canada to be 

financed through a public offering or securities 

according to Vancouver Sun columnist Les threatens a protective film policy, is giving 

Wedman. Writing in a recent column, Wedman 

sold through a registered dealer, with a 

prospectus cleared by the Quebec Securities 

stated: "There will be no near-future 

the industry a year to police itself and to 

improve beyond what it feels has to be done. 

Commission, according to Estelle Dorais' across-the-board ticket price increase to $4, Famous, Destounis thinks, is doing its share. 

ton Journal. 

article published in the Monday (2) Edmon- 

Famous Players' president George Destounis 

said at the company's national biennial convention 

But he's willing to do more. 

"If the Western Express lottery officials 

Ms. Dorais continued: "Producer Stephen 

at the Hotel Vancouver . . . That, trom British Columbia to Manitoba want 

Roth and broker Paul Pommier could name he added, is because nobody inside the industry 

to give losers a chance to save money on 

Canadian filmgoing. Famous is willing to 

wants it and audiences certainly 

only one other film, made for under $1,- 

000.000 in the U.S., financed by the same don't." 

enter into the same deal as with Wintario. 

method. 

Wedman continued: "After the most 

The Wintario setup, says Destounis, has 

given a half-back offer to bookbuyers for 

profitable year in Famous Players' history 

'Agency' Investments Solicited 

the past six months and has been successful. 

and, even though there has been no price 

Four tickets, originally costing $1 each, can 

"Moviecorp III, Inc., the company set up boost in three years, Destounis acknowledges 

knock $2 off the price of a Canadian book. 

to produce and market 'Agency.' is offering a charge of $4 for special films in Montreal, 

Soon, he says, it will be extended to Canadian 

an issue of participations in the project at Toronto and Vancouver only. And he flies 

$5,000 each to a maximum of 810 individual 

recordings, too. 

a trial balloon for a Sunday or weekend 

charge of $4 as an inducement to have 

Imax Attraction Planned 

participations. Roth said in recent interview. 

a 

people stay away from movie houses then. "Famous Players also is building a $3,- 

500,000 auditorium in Niagara Falls to 

"Should fewer than 610 participations be "Weekends, according to Destounis, are 

house a 27-minute movie called 'I Fly.' It 

sold by Friday (27) subscribers get their big crowd catchers but the rest of the week, 

money back. Shooting of the movie is scheduled 

especially in some centers, is hardly a break- 

is to be a tourist attraction, the president 

to begin here in November. 

even situation unless three is an outstanding 

said. The theatre is Imax and will use the 

big-screen scope developed by the Czechs 

"Moviecorp expects to raise up to $3,- attraction on the screen. The idea of charging 

for Expo '67 improved 

$4 during the full-house weekend time, 

580,000 and at least $2,670,000 after dealers' 

commission and expenses are paid. he explained, is to encourage people to go 

nada. And 

and 

Vancouver will 

on since 

have 

in 

its 

Ca- 

first 

four-screen drive-in by 1980, Destounis announced. 

Famous is building four of these 

to the 

"Pommier, vice-president of the brokerage 

house of Levesque Beaubien, 

movies through Thursday 

v/hen they could see films at less than $4. 

Inc., said 

circular movie houses, one in the East and 

Monday 

the preliminary prospectus has been filed 

three West. 

in the 

Projectionists' Strike Hurt 

with the country's securties commissions for 

"Each will have room for 2,000 cars. Pacomments 

and that final clearances will "The strike of projectionists for three Irons will drive to a computerized boxoffice 

come 'by mid-October at the latest.' The weeks in British Columbia 'hurt us,' Destounis 

from underground entrances and then 

will level 

conceded, after sitting at the same proceed whatever on which 

participations are labeled speculative be- 

to 

luncheon table with the business agent and 

cause, the prospectus says, 'there is no guarantee 

their film is playing. When the computer 

of revenue from "Agency," nor of members of the union. 'I told them a good automatically closes admissions to an audi- 

recoupment of the participant's initial investment.' 

Now that the strike is over, business at the choosing another movie or driving back to 

marriage always has squabbles in it,' he said. torium at 700, drivers have a choice of 

boxoffice is extraordinary. 

the street. 

100 Per Cent Write-Off 

"That adjective applies to moviegoing at "No site has been located here yet. he 

"The 810 participations are just like common 

Famous theatres all across the country and revealed, but Western vice-president Doug 

stock. Pommier said, but are called Destounis forecasts another record year for Gow is searching. 'I hope he finds one soon,' 

participations because subscribers buy a his circuit. He has entered into an arrangement 

said Destounis, adding that each drive-in. 

piece of film for tax purposes and not a 

in Toronto that will allow moviegoers with covered restaurant and other facilities, 

piece of the company producing the film. to see Canadian feature films for less money requires 40 acres of land. 

Only companies may issue stock. The tax than they have to pay to see American or "Showmanship awards presented , . . went 

purposes result from the Canadian government's 

other foreign pictures. Starting in February to Jack Tomik, now British Columbia ad- 

subsidy of the film industry through people can take four losing Wintario lottery vertising manager for Famous Players, who 

received $2,500: Jack Boddam of Mississuaga, 

permitting a 100 per cent asset write-off tickets to Famous theatres and they'll be 

for a Canadian film. 

worth $2 toward the purchase of admission 

Ont., $1,500; Maurice Bilovus of 

"Up to now, securities commissions have 

Denman Place Cinema here, $1,000, and 

been granting movie production companies 

for whatever Canadian film happens to be 

playing there. 

Georges Vallee, St. Hyacinthe, $500. In 

exemptions from submitting a prospectus 

management, awards went to Earl Mortimore 

and from using a registered dealer for the 

Seven Canadian Productions 

of North Bay; Elise Laid of Prince 

financing of films. But requests for exemptions 

became so numerous after the govern- 

Rupert; T. Murray Lynch of Windsor; Bert 

"And there will be Canadian films playing, 

Wilber of Edmonton; Jon Xinos of Montrealment's 

Destounis said, at least seven next year, 

decision to subsidize the industry 

and Greg MacNeil of Halifax." 

starting with 'Death by Decree.' a new Sherlock 

Holmes drama. Famous Players that the commissions have been refusing 

has 

exemptions except for cases where financing money in it, as it does in 'City on Fire' and 

is too small to make the expense of a prospectus 

worthwhile. 

treal, and in Ivan Reitman's 'Summer Camp' BITSLVESS L\ 

'Labyrinth,' both currently shooting in Mon- 

CUVERAMA IS IX SHOW 

f 

lli%lV.\II TCM)i 

"Pommier said his firm only began to and Fil Eraser's 'Back to Beulah.' The 

Wlicn you conic to WuikikI, 

theatre 

circuit is putting $900,000 

look at films six months ago. 'We were beginning 

to be approached,' he recalled. Canadian Show ... 

don't miss 

into Englishthe 

famous Don H 

films this year, $200,000 

at Cinerama's 

into 

There were more and more requests. The French-language films and $300,000 Reef Towers 

in the 

Hotel. 

investment community, the delaers, are all 

form of advance dollars to completed or REEF* WAIKIKI TOW'ER OFTIIE REEF 

features. 

BOXOFHCE :: October 30, 1978 K-1

— 

— ——— 

— 

— 

——— 

—— 

— 

— 

—— 

I 

PR 

— 

'Soys From Brazil' 

and 'The Big Fix 

Are Welcome Newcomers in 

OTTAWA—Newcomers "The Boys From 

Brazil" and "The Big Fix" jumped into the 

big leagues here with Excellent ratings, to 

tie with "Death on the Nile" and "Up in 

Smoke" as Ottawa's most popular film attractions. 

"Who Is Killing the Great Chefs 

of Europe?" bowed in with a Good, while 

"Goin" South" opened with Very Good. 

Farrah Fawcett-Majors' first feature. 

"Somebody Killed Her Husband." which 

has run into trouble in its first run engagements, 

opened with a Fair at two theatres. 

Capitol Square 1—Grease (Para), 

17th ...- - wk. - Very Good 

(Para), 

Capitol Square 2 Heaven Can Wait 

Good 

15th wk - 

Cinema 6 Hooper (WB), 8th wk Good 

Cinema 6—The Lacemaker (PR), 3rd wk Good 

Queensway Somebody Killed Her 

Elmdale, 

Husband (Col), 1st wk Fair 

Utile Elgin—Foul Play (Para), 

12th wk - Good 

Nelson—Goin' South (Para), 

Very 

1st wk - _ Very Good 

Place de Ville 1- Death on Nile (Para), 

the 

2nd wk Excellent 

Who Is Killing the 

Great Chefs of Europe? .'. 1st wk Good 

Ricleau, Auto Sky Up in Smoke (Para), 


St. Laurent (BVFD), 

1—The Boys From Brazil 

1st wk Excellent 

St. Laurent 2 The Big Fix f'Jnivl 


Somerset Notional Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 7th wk. Good 

'Nile' Is Excellent; "Smoke' 

Captures a Good in Toronto 

TORONTO — "Death on the Nileopened 

to Excellent response, while "Up in 

Smoke" only captured a Good in its first 

week. Other holdovers remained constant, 

with "Interiors" slipping to Good and "Two 

Solitudes" falling to Fair. "A Wedding" was 

Excellent in its second week. 

Eglinton Days of Heaven (Para), 2nd wk Good 

Hollywood, Uptown In Praise ol Older Women 

(Astral), 2nd wk Very Good 

Imperial Hooper (WB), 11th wk Fair 

Imperial—Up in Smoke (Para), 1st wk Good 

Imperial Blood and Guts (AFDI), 3rd wk Fair 

Ottawa 

ImFenaJ Grease (Para), !6'h wk 

Imperial—Three Card Monte (AFD), 2nd wk 

Imperial I Love You. Hugs and Kisses (A 

International Two Solitudes (PR), 2nd wk. Fair 

Plaza Heaven Can Wait (Para), 14lh wk Good 

Town^—A Wedding (BVFD), 2nd wk Excellent 

University Death on the Nile (Para), 


Uptown Interiors (UA), 2nd wk ..Good 

Uptown Girl Friends (WB). 3rd wk Fair 

'Death on the Nile' Outpaces 

Its Competition in Edmonton 

EDMONTON— "Death on the Nile" 

managed to win favor here, debuting with 

Excellent at the Garneau, but the other new 

films fared poorly. "The Last Survivor" and 

"Scalpel" occupied the cellar in their first 

weeks. "Hound of the Baskervilles" and 

"Under the Doctor" slipped to Fair, but 

"Hooper." "Up in Smoke" and "Revenge 

of the Pink Panther" retained their Excellent 

marks. 

Capitol Square, Westmount 

(Para), 

10th wk 

_ 

Very Good 

Capitol Squ 

(WB),10th wk Excellent 

Capitol Square 4 Hound of the Baskervilles 

(AFD), 4th wk Fair 

Garneau Death on the Nile (Para), 

2nd 

Plaza 1—The Last Survivor (C-P), 1st wk. 

Plaza 2, Rialto 1—Foul Play (Para), 7th w 

Rialto 2 Scalpel (Astral), 1st wk 

Roxy Under the Doctor (SR), 2nd wk 

Towne Cinema National Lampoon's Animo 

House (Univ), 6lh wk 

Westmount A—Revenge of the Pink Ponthe 

New Releases in Calgary Fail 

To Arouse Much Enthusiasm 

Poor 

Good 

Poor 

CALGARY—"Tintorera" hit off only a 

Fair in its first week at the Grand 1, but 

"The Duelists" fared worse, scoring a 

Poor in its debut. "Buckstone County Prison" 

reached Good in its first outing, whereas 

"Mr. Houlot's Holiday" drew only Fair 

STAR^PHONE 
















STARii^ PHONE 

Box 2G132 Belmar Station 

Denver, Colorado 8022G 

response. Holdovers retained the • 

scores as last week. 

i 

Brentwood Harper Valley PTA I 

6th wk 

Calgary Place 1 The Cat From Outer Space 

(BV), 5th wk 

Calgary Place 2 Revenge of the Pink Panther 

(UA), Uth wk. Very 

Chmook Heaven Can Wait (Para), 

14th wk Exc 

Grand 1 Tintorero (PR), 1st wk 

Market Mall 2—The DueUsts (Para), Isl wk 

Market Mall 3—Hot Lead and Cold Feet (BV), 

8th 

Market Mai! 4—Who'll Stop the Rain (UA) 

7th wk 

Market Mall 5, 6—Grease (Para) 

Marlboro Square 23, Westbrook 1 Buckstone 

County Prison (AFD), 1st wk 

Odeon 1 Mr. Houlot's HoUday (PR), 

ser bquore 2, ; Market Mc 

^B), 10th w 

ne Red National Lampoo 

Uptown 2, Westbrook 2—The Evil (PR), 

2nd wk Very 

3 theatres—Foul Play (Para), 11th wk Ex 

Ten New Films Send Boxoffice 

Grosses in Winnipeg Hopping 

WINNIPEG—The arrival of strong new 

product, coupled with the Canadian Thanksgiving 

weekend, sent grosses hustling. No 

fewer than ten new pictures vied for audiences, 

including "The Big Fix," "A Wedding" 

and "Goin' South," all of which drew 

Excellent crowds, "Interiors," "TTie Cat 

From Outer Space" and "Madame Rosa," 

all Very Good, "Who Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe?" and "Somebody Killed 

Her Husband." Good, "Born Again" and 

the Downtown's double sexploitation bill. 

"Death on the Nile," "Heaven Can Wait" 

and "National Lampoon's Animal House" 

retained their Excellent ratings, rounding 

out an excellent week at Winnipeg boxoffices. 

Capitol Death on the Nile (Para), 


Colony—Interiors (UA), 1st wk Very Good 

Convention Centre ^Born Again (Astral), 

1st wk Fair 

Downtown—Sex O'Clock USA (PR), 

Everything Goes (PR), 1st wk Average 

Garden City The Cat From Outer Space 

(BV), 1st wk Very Good 

Garnck 1—The Big Fix (Umv), 1st wk Excellent 

Garrick 11—A Wedding (BVFD), 1st wk .. Excellent 

Grant Park National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 10th wk Excellent 

Metropolitan— Foul Play (Para) 

10th wk. Very Good ^ 

' 

Northstar Goin' South (Para), 

1st wk Excellent. 

Northstar II Who Is Killing the Great Chefa 

of Europe? (WB), 1st wk Good; 

Odeon—Somebody Killed Her Husband (Co!), 

1st wk Good 

Park Madame Rosa (SR), 1st wk . 

Very Good 

Polo Park Heaven Can Wait (Pa 

15th 

..Excellent 

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O MATTE 

WHITE § 

NY 11231 I 

BOXOFHCE :: October .^0. I'>7S

. . Recent 

CALGARy 

^he ladies who participated in the special 

program arranged for them at the 

convention of the Motion Picture Theatre 

Ass"n of Alberta in Jasper reported "a 

wonderful day." The entire affair was hosted 

and sponsored by Ad-Ventures Advertising 

of this city, generously arranged by 

Wanda Siegel, president of the company. 

Hostesses for the ladies were Sharon Kellin 

and Sandy Way. A chartered bus left the 

lodge at 9:45 a.m. for a scenic tour of Maligne 

Lak;, after which the ladies enjoyed 

a boat tour of the lake. Although it was a 

cloudy day. the boat was heated and everyone 

delighted in the majestic scenery. 

A hot buffet luncheon was served at the 

Maligne Lake Chalet, after which the bus 

took the guests back to Jasper to attend the 

screening of Warner Bros.' "Who Is Killing 

the Great Chefs of Europe?" at the Chaba 

Theatre. After the showing, the ladies were 

returned to the lodge in ample time for 

cocktails and the buffet supper. They were 

warm in their praise of those responsible 

for the lovely day and for the services of 

Sharon and Sandy. While it is not possible 

to name everyone who participated in the 

arrangements, we understand that much of 

the work was done by Sid Snidcrman, Lloyd 

Fedor, Terry Yushchyshyn and Bob Corlcss. 

with a big "thank you" due Wanda Siegel 

for 

her generous participation. 

Screened in the Provincial Museum of Alberta 

in Edmonton Sunday (8) was the 

thriller "House of Usher" (1960), starring 

Vincent Price and Mark Damon. Wednesday 

(11) the film was "The Lost Weekend" 

(1945), with Ray Milland and Jane Wyman. 

Both programs were free to the general 

public. 

During the month of September, the Saskatchewan 

Film Classification Services in 

Regina looked at a total of 41 features, 

which were placed in the following categories: 

two, general; 14, adult; 13, restricted 

adult, and 12, special X. Twenty films must 

carry warnings. 

Wednesday (11) saw the initial offering 

of the Edmonton Film Society in its special 

series "The Clowns" in the Tory Lecture 

Theatre on the University of Alberta campus. 

The classic Charlie Chaplin feature 

"The Circus," produced in 1928, was on the 

screen, A silent with music, this was a rare 

treat for film buffs. There are five more 

pictures in this series. 

The Bay downtown has set up its teen 

shop as an Annie Hall boutique, displaying 

several blown-up posters that attract the attention 

of passersby. Two youthful models 

stand in front of the Palace Theatre (across 

the mall from the Bay) with the following 

message emblazoned on the marquee: "Annie 

Hall Fashions Available Now at the 

Bay." 

The German Film Fest at Edmontons 

Centennial Library was concluded Monday 

(9) with the presentation of "Die Verrohung 

des Franz Blum" (The Brutalization of 

Franz Blum). This movie was produced in 

1974 under the direction of Reinhard Hauff. 

Admission to the series was free. 

Cinematheque 16 in Edmonton screened 

four outstanding films, with showings only 

Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday 

afternoons. The fare included "The Tliree 

Penny Opera" (Die Dreigroschenoper), produced 

in Germany in 1931; "Network," 

made in the U.S. in 1976 and winner of 

several Academy Awards; "Stolen Kisses" 

(Baisers Voles), a 1968 French production, 

and "Black Orpheus," a 1958 creation of 

France. Italy and Brazil. 

TORONTO 

demonstrations were held outside two 

Yonge Street theatres, the Imperial Six 

and the Hollywood, Saturday (7) protesting 

the showing of "The Boys From Brazil." 

These demonstrations were staged by members 

of the Concerned Parents of German 

Descent and they also planned to protest 

at theatres in Hamilton and Oshawa. 

George Belcher, vice-chairman of the Ontario 

Censor Board, retires in late November 

after 49 years of service with the 

board. The five-year term of chief censor 

Don Sims expires next spring and is to be 

extended for at least one additional year. 

The film production company headed by 

former finance minister John Turner is to 

begin lensing H. G. Well's "The Shape of 

Things to Come" at the Kleinburg Studios 

here commencing Tuesday (31). The budget 

has been set at $3,200,000 and the cast is to 

include Jack Palance, Carol Lynley, Barry 

Morse. John Ireland, Nicholas Campbell 

and Koo Stark. The director is to be George 

McCowan and Allied Artists is to be the 

distributor in 

the U.S. 

Universal held a special preview of "The 

Wiz" Friday evening (13) at the York here, 

replacing the usual press screening. 

Variety Club notes: Singer Tony Bennett 

was inducted as a member of the Variety 

Club of Ontario Tent 28 at a special nomi- 

nations luncheon held Wednesday (25) at 

the Hotel Toronto here nominees 

for regular membership in Tent 28 include 

William Bannon, Peter Bone, Rocco 

Cappuccitti, Warren Cosford, Bill Danychuk, 

Tony DeBruyn, Stan Ford, Marvin 

Greenberg, Terry B. James, Patrick Loubert, 

Beverly Martin, John Maxwell, J. Lyman 

Potts, Marvin Starr, G. Wasnick and 

Robert Wood. Nominees for associate membership 

include Conrad Buffo, Allan B, Collis, 

Henry J. Godsell, Regan M. Hutton, 

William Livingston, Shelly Luftspring, 

James F. O'Donnell. John J. O'Hara, P. 

Tinianov and Ted Valleau. 

Filming began Monday (16) at the Kleinburg 

Studios near here on "Old Fish Hawk," 

a family adventure feature starring Will 

Sampson, who portrayed the crazed Indian 

in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." 

The producer is Jon Slan of this city and 

the budget has been set at $2,500,000. Don 

Shebib is the director. In the cast are Chris 

Wiggins, Mary Pirie, Don Francks, Geoffrey 

Bowes and nine-year-old American 

Charles Fields. The scriptwriter is Blanche 

Hanalls. responsible for the very successful 

"Little House on the Prairie" TV series. 

The project has interim Canadian Film Development 

Corp. financing and a prefilming 

$1,500,000 TV presale to the CBS-TV 

Network. 

Cinepix Is Releasing 

New Alan Davey Film 

TORONTO—The Anglo-Spanish co-production 

"For the Love of Anna" has been 

lb 

Alan Davey 

acquired by Cinepix, 

Inc., from Alan Davey 

Films of Paris. 

France, for Canadian 

distribution, it was announced 

jointly by 

Andre Link, Cinepix 

manager. 

The French version 

of the feature, titled 

"Au Dela de 

L' Amour," recently 

was released to four 

United theatres in Montreal, including the 

circuit's flagship Le Parisien, where it met 

with an enthusiastic reception and garnered 

strong grosses at the boxoffice. The film 

now has been released throughout Quebec 

Province and it is enjoying comparable success 

in all situations. 

"Au Dela de L'Amour" (Beyond Love) is 

a present-day love drama involving a newlywed 

couple. Lynn Frederick (in real life 

the wife of Peter Sellers) 

displays great emotional 

depth in the role of an attractive girl 

who suddenly is struck by ill fate and then 

meets quick death from leukemia. Mark 

Burns as the desperate young husband who 

is deprived of happiness performs in a sensitive 

way. 

Director Peter Lazaga's direction, in 

straightforward and profound style, is enhanced 

by a moving musical score. 

The picture was photographed mainly on 

location in Venice and Palma de Mallorca. 

Mike Feheley Appointed 

By Schulz Productions 

TORONTO— Bob Schulz, president of 

Bob Schidz Productions, announced the appointment 

of Mike Feheley as executive 

producer for the company. 

Bob Schulz Productions is one of Canada's 

major production houses, specializing 

in TV advertising, documentaries, business 

films and international feature films. 

Feheley, who comes from a family long 

affiliated with the communications industry, 

has had a distinguished career in advertising. 

Charles Bronson has been signed to star 

in "Caboblanco." set by producers Lance 

Hool and Paul Joseph to begin shooting in 

South .America in November. 

BOXOmCE :: October 30. 1978 

K-3

Many Albertans Are Working in Films 

Performing Stunts, 

CALGARY—Moviegoers in Alberta 

shouldn't be surprised if they see the faces 

of friends in first-run motion pictures. For 

instance, if they watch carefully, they will 

see author W. O. Mitchell (as a snarling 

driver) in a picture scheduled for March 

1979 release. The star is Linda Blair—but 

in many scenes there will be shots of Albertans. 

some of whom film buffs will recognize. 

A Full-Time Career 

It was pointed out by Calgary Herald 

staff writer Joy-Ann Cohen in a recent 

article: "For some Albertans. like wrangler 

John Scott, participating in movies filmed 

in 

the west has become a full-time and profitable 

career. Scott owns a 1.200-acre ranch 

west of High River at Longview but spends 

so much time on movie sets that he's seldom 

there. 

"In 1976. he participated in four films 

back-to-back—stocking animals for "Why 

Shoot the Teacher?', serving as transportation 

captain on 'Silver Streak.' putting together 

rodeo sequences for "Golden Rod" 

and performing stunts on the newly released 

film 'Days of Heaven.' I've done wrangling 

or some other work with animals on every 

major picture filmed in this part of the 

country,' Scott said. 

Snakes, Peacocks and Raccoons 

"The animals arc not always horses. He 

supplied buffalo, snakes, peacocks and raccoons 

for a film about a Texas farm catching 

on fire and forcing all the animals to 

flee. Scott arranged the bulldogging of a 

buffalo for the movie 'Buffalo Bill and the 

Indians' and says that was the first time the 

stunt has been captured on film. He set up 

the "Mustang County' shot of a declawed 

cougar jumping onto the back of a horse. 

Right now, he's commuting between Nevada 

and southern Alberta on Canadian 

producer Bill Marshall's latest film. 

""Marshall and stars Linda Blair, Helen 

Hughes, Al Waxman and Richard Crenna 

departed recently for Nevada from a shooting 

site in Dinosaur Provincial Park, 30 

miles northeast of Brooks. The $2,800,000 

film presents Blair, of 'Exorcist' fame, as a 

university student who saves 30 wild horses 

from ranchers seeking to kill them for meat. 

The film as yet untitled, will be released 

next spring and if its quality is similar to 

Marshall's recent film 'Outrageous!' it 

should be a huge success. 

"Most of the people in bit parts—including 

Bill Mitchell, whose car is stalled in 

traffic while Blair leads the horses across 

the highway—went back to their homes in 

southern Alberta. They take part in the 

films to keep contacts in the industry and 

increase their income. For extras, 

the shooting 

can be slow; Dennis Corrie of Calgary 

played a — Montana highway patrolman with 

one line 'What's your problem, sir?' 

"Corrie's problem, it seems, was lack of 

work. 'You have to stay on the set all the 

Filling Bit Roles 

time in 

case they need you for a scene. You 

learn to play backgammon, read a lot of 

books and write a lot of letters. The highway 

patrolmen occupied themselves by 

drawing guns, directing traffic and flashing 

car 

lights.' 

""Corrie stayed on the set two days and 

left when his part was over. Some crew 

members, like Scott, are still with the production. 

""Scott gathered the animals for the film, 

buying them from friends who had untamed 

horses running on their property. He 

hired the eight people who performed stunts, 

including a woman who doubles for Blair 

for a swim across a river. His stunt crew is 

usually from Alberta, because he was born 

and raised in Calgary and knows wranglers 

in the area. He worked as a rancher and 

rodeo rider until an acquaintance became 

the prime stuntman for 'Little Big Man' 

(filmed in 1970) and recruited Scott to 

join him. Scott says his participation in 

films 

has been financially rewarding but declined 

to say how much money he makes. 

""The difficulties are never-ending. In the 

latest film with Linda Blair, he had problems 

persuading horses to swim across the 

river but that was minor in comparison with 

other incidents. Last spring, he took part 

in the filming of 'Louis Riel' in Toronto. A 

scene called for one of the stuntmen, Joe 

Dodds of Ponoka. to be thrown into a horsedrawn 

sled and chased. Dodds is an experienced 

stuntman—a champion bulldogger 

at 

the Calgary Stampede—and normally the 

scene would not have caused trouble. But 

when Scott threw him into the sleigh Dodds 

was drowsy and the horse was raring to go. 

"The horse got loose and started running 

across the field. Dodds was so tired he 

wasn't even worried. He was sitting in the 

sleigh giggling away. 

" "I started chasing the horse and he ran 

faster and faster. It was a race horse and I 

couldn't catch it. Finally, it threw Dodds 

into a pond as it turned a corner. Everything 

would have been all right then, except 

that Dodds was wearing a buffalo-skin coat. 

It sure soaked up a lot of water. He could 

hardly stand. He could have drowned.' 

""Scott finds that funny. To a wrangler, 

rodeo rider and stuntman, only a real 

drowning is trouble." 

National Film Board Is 

Honored at Harvard U. 

MONTREAL—The National Film Board 

of Canada and its founder John Grierson 

are being saluted by Harvard University in 

Cambridge, Mass. 

Andre Lamy. government film commissioner 

of Canada. Friday (20) introduced a 

two-weekend program of NFB films entitled 

""John Grierson and the National Film 

Board of Canada." 

The event was organized in collaboration 

with the Canadian Consulate General in 

Boston and it forms a part of Center Screen, 

a one-month project of the University Film 

Study Center. Harvard. 

The program includes: ""The Grierson 

Years" and those NFB documentaries produced 

during World War II: "The Grierson 

Legacy" featuring NFB documentaries 

at the '70s. including the American premiere 

of Donald Brittain's recent film on 

Pierre Trudeau and Rene Levesque. "The 

Champions"; Brittain's "Henry Ford's 

America"; "Los Canadienses," directed by 

Albert Kish; Michael Rubbo's "Sad Song 

of Yellow Skin," and "Healing," directed 

by Pierre Lasry. 

Eustace, Stewart Named 

To Helm Hazelton Firm 

TORONTO—David F. Eustace has been 

elected president and director of Hazelton 

Motion Pictures, new Canadian compan\ 

producing feature films for theatrical release. 

Mrs. Nancy E. Stewart has been elected 

vice-president and director of Hazelton. 

Eustace and Mrs. Stewart are. additionally, 

president and vice-president, respectively, 

of Cemasco Management, Ltd. 

Historic Theatre Marquees 

Evade Local Ordinances 

From Central Edition 

LOMBARD, ILL.—As residents of Illinois 

have discovered, there are ways to have 

an ordinance restricting signs and still preserve 

signs of historical value which violate 

the ordinance. 

The owners of the DuPage Theatre here 

prefer to call its marquee a ""waterfall" sign 

rather than merely a flashing sign. 

DuPage Theatre opened July 26, 1927, 

with the film ""The Yellow Lily," starring 

Billie Dove and Clive Brook. The present 

marquee was installed during the theatre 

restoration in 19.50. The marquee was found 

, 

in violation of the village's four-year-old 

sign ordinance when theatre ownership 

changed hands last summer. 

The only flashing signs allowed in the 

village are those conveying time, temperature 

and other noncommercial messages 

The theatre is in the process of being restored 

and the flashing sign was considered 

to be a part of its original character. 

After failing to have it exempted from 

the ordinance, theatre representatives turned 

to the Lombard Historical Commission, 

which unanimously proclaimed the theatre 

a historic landmark and therefore exempt 

from the sign ordinance. 

K-4 BOXOFTICE :: October 30, 1978

.Univ 

.WB 

. New 

BOXOFFiCE BOOKMNCUIBE 

An inlerprelive analysis ol lay and tradepresa reviews. Running time is in parentheses. The plus and 

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

BOXCFFICE Blue Pibbon Award. All iilms are in color except those indicated by (b

. . Emb 

REVIEW DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX ^ Very Good, + Good; ± Fail Very Po the summary ++ is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

1 -S 

I 

I If It ti o 

5024 I 

Wanna Hold Your 

(104) CM 

Hand 

5032 If Ever I See You Again 

(105) R-D 

5- 1-7S PG A3 

5-29-78 PG A3 

5025 Incredible Melting Man. The 

(86) SF-Ho AlP 5- 8-78 m 

5052 Interiors (99) D UA 8-14-78 PG A4 

5046 International Velvet 

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

5046 Iphigenia (129) D Cinema 5 7-24-78 A3 

5027 11 Lives Again (91) Ho-D WB 5-15-78 El B 

- 7+3- 

— 4+4- 

± 8+3- 

7+ 

4+4- 

.Univ 6-26-78 PG A3 + 

.AlP 6-12-78 PG A3 + 

+ 

Landscape AHer Battle 

(110) Hi-D New Yorker 3-27-78 A3 

Last Supper. The 

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

Ust Survivor, The 

5059 

(90) Sus-Ho-Ad United Producers 9-18-78 (B 

Last WaltJ, The 

5023 

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

Last Wave, The 

5065 

(106) My-D World Northal 10- 9-7S 

Leopard the Snow 

5024 in 

(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 

2+ 

H 5+1- 

1+2- 

H H ± 10+1- 

2+1- 

1+1- 

1+ 

± ± - 5+5- 

5049 Magic of Lassie, The 

(100) C-DM ..Int'l Picture Show 8- 7-78 m Al 

Main Actor, 

The 

(88) D Bioskop/WDR 6-19-78 

SOZlMalibu Beach (93) C Crown 4-24-78 E) 

5009 Manitou, The (104) Ho-D 3- 6-78 PG B 

5042 Matilda (103) C AlP 7-3-78 A2 El 

5054 Matter of Love, A 

(88) Sex D William Mishkin 8-21-78 E 

Maya Dcren 

Retrospectne 

(90) DocD Grove Press 6-19-78 

5034 Metamorphoses 

(87) An-M-F Sanrio 6- 5-78 PG 

5047 Midnight Express (120) D Col 7-31-78 m 

Mother and 

Daughter 

(90) D Pantheon 1 5-15-78 

+ ± ± 5+3- 

2+1- 

fr+3- 

5+5- 

1+ 

1+ 

3+ 

4+1- 

1+1- 

5043 National Lampoon's Animal House 

(109) C Univ 7-17-78 B C 

Nca (101) Sex C Libra 8-21-78 C 

5053 

5062 No Time for Breakfast (100) 

Daniel Bouria 9-25-78 

5056 Norseman, The 

Ac-Ad AlP 9- 4-78 PG 

5026Nun2io (92) C-0 Univ 5- 8-78 E A3 

5054 Oily Oily Oxen Free 

(89) C-Ad Sanrio 8-21-78 B) 

5027 Our Winning Season (92) C-D ..AlP 5-15-78 PG A3 

5018 Pretty Baby (109) 

2

•ON 

•|'B 

Sis 

t;li 

M 

Jill

ON 

laa 

ad

. May 

. May 

. Mar 

. Hi-D. 

. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

(97) 

Barbara Ekleii. lionoy Cox, 

Nanette Fabray, Susan Swift 

Rel. 

Date 

-lEMA S 

Dear Inspector 

(105) My-R-C. JuneTS 

Annie Girardot, rhilippe Noiret 

Viva Italia! (S7) C. July 78 

Vlltorio Gassman. Ugo Tognazzi 

PRO INTERNATIONAL 

Young Lady Chatterley (88) 

Rel. 

Date 

Linda Lovelace for President (95) . 

Ding Dong (90) 

Mister Scarface (85) 

Angels in Hell (94) 

ATLANTIC RELEASING 

Madame Rosa (105) D.. Apr 78 

Simone Signoict, nailcio Haiiphii 

Bonjour Amour (90) ...D.Juni 

Max Havelaar Sept 78 

Peter Faber 

Picnic at Hanoinj RocV Oct 78 

Itachel Itoheits 

La Jumenl Vapeur 

Tarolc Laiire 

BACKSTREET-BEEHIVE 

Lust Flight 2000 

(77) . Sex C-C 

Vlcki Ullck. Pat Mannlnc 

BEEHIVE PRODUCTIONS 

Cun.es Ahead! (78) ..Sex C- Dec 78 

Goldle Urar, Yale Rnrney 

The Lady Wants a 

Tramp Sex C ...Mar 79 

Michelle St Bernard, Robert Terrier 

JOSEPH BRENNER 

The Devil's Rain/The Virgin Witch 

(90/90) Mar- 

Ernest norRnlne. Ekldle Albert/ 

Ann Michelle. Patricia Ilairics 

Autopsy/Carrie (UA) 

(85/98) Mar 78 

Mimsy Farmer. Ray Lovelock/ 

Sissy Spacek, John Travolta 

It's Not the Size That Counts 

(86) May7S 

Kike Sommer. Vincent Price 

Super Jocks (90) May 78 

Madeleine I'sher 

Restless (90) D. May 78 

Raqnel Welch. l.'Irhard .lolinsnn 

Eyeball (93) May 78 

.Inhn niohan!5on. Marline Rrocliard 

Almost Human (90) June 78 

Henry Sllva. Tomas Mlllan 

The Naked Woman (91) , . . .Ju 

David Ilermnlncs. .\n(l rn Knii 

Submission (90) Jui 

Franco Nero. Lisa Gaslmil 

Free Spirit (88) R-D .June78 

Rachel Roberts. Kric Porler 

.Mar 78 

Cami-ron Mitchdl, Pamela Feril 

Wesley Bura 

Sunset Cove (87) Ac. Apr 78 

Jay B. Urson, Karen Frederick 

Goodbye Franklin High 

(93) D . 78 

Lane C.aurtell, Ann Dusenbcrry 

I 

78 

CAPRICAN THREE, INC. 

Death Force (96) Ac. Apr 78 

James Ijlehait, Jayne Kennedy 

Vampire Hookers 

(83) Sex C-D..July78 

Jnlm Carradlne, Bruce Falrhalm 

CARIBBEAN FILMS WEST 

Straioht on Till Morning Ho 

Fear in the Night Siis-D, 

Tis a Pity D 

Charlotte RampllOE 

Because of the Cats Ac-Sus 

Sylvia Krystel 

Made 

D 

Carol Wbltc 

Up the Chastity Belt C 

Earths KItt 

Our Miss Fred C 

Danny LaRue 

So Sad About Gloria Ac-Sus 

Dean .laeger. Lorl Saunders 

Teenage Pony Girls Sex 

Moonshine Girls Sex 

Gail Palmer's Hot Summer in the 

City 

Sex 

Redneck County Ac-C . 78 

Alex Karras 

Gall Palmer's New Erotic 

Adventures of 

Candy (85) Sex C. May 78 

Carol Connors. Ccomlna Spclvl: 

Gail Palmer's Candy Goes to 

Hollywood Sex C. Dec 78 

Carol Connors. John Leslie 

COUGAR RELEASING, LTD. QUARTET FILMS 

(Adventures of Starbird 

Blue Country (105) C. . Feb 7^ 

(90) Ad..Jan7S Brlgitte Fossey. Jacques Series 

Joe Panther (93) Ad.. Sept 78 Think Dirty (94) C. May 78 

Brian Keith. Ricardo Montalb.in Marty Feldman, Shelley Berman 

Legend of Sea Wolf 

Cat 

(90) Ad.. Sept 78 

Chuck Connors, Barbara Bach 

Astral Factor (93) Sus. . Nov 78 

rate Sommer, Robert Foxworth 

Poopsie (95) C.DecTS 

Sophia Loren. JIarcello MaistrolannI 

EMC PRODUCTIONS 

Naked Rider (93) ..Sex D , 78 

Convention Girls 

(92) Sex C-D..Apr78 

At Last, At Last 

(103) Stx C-D..May78 

Edvvlge Fenech, Carroll Baker 

Heads or Tails (90) Sex C. Aug 78 

Hajl. Fian Carêntlno 

The Wonderful Wizard of 

n Feb 79 

FIRST ARTISTS RELEASING 

Stevie (102) B-D..Sept78 

(jlenda Jackson, Mona Washboui 

FLORA RELEASING 

Keep My Grave Open (S5) ..Jan 78 

The Demon Lover (80) May 78 

ChrMman Robblns, Val Mayerlk 

The Bandits (57) May 78 

Robert Conrad, Jan-Mlehael Vincent 

INT'L PICTURE SHOW CO. 

The Billion Dollar Hobo 

(96) C. Sept 78 

Tim Con«ay. Will Geer 

Land of No Return 

(85) Ad.. Sept 78 

Mel Torme, William Sbatncr 

Where Time Began 

(90) SF..Sept7S 

Kenneth More 

They Went That-a-Way, and 

That-a-Way C. Oct 78 

Tim Conway. Chuck McCann 

The Magic of Lassie 

(100) DM..0ct7S 

James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, 

Pernell Roberts, Stephanie Zlniballst 

LIMA PRODUCTIONS 

otic Adventures of Pinocchio 

(75) Sex C. Mar 78 

Teenage Seductress 

(87) Sex D.. Mar 78 

Little Miss Innocence 

MONARCH RELEASING 

Emanuelle in 

Bangkok Sex Melo. Apr 78 

l.iina Gcmser 

MUSTANG-BEEHIVE 

Carnal Encounters of the Barest 

Kind (88) Sex-SF . . Sept 78 

Angeliniie McMeyers, Diamond 

Luster, William Margold 

NATIONAL AMERICAN 

Coming Attractions C. Sept 78 

Bill Murray, Buddy Hackett 

.Mivtv Rowe. Howard 

NMD FILM DISTRIBUTING CO. 

Naughty School Girls (84) ..May 78 

Rebecca Brooke. Sandra Gartner 

The Carhops (88) June 

Kitty Karl. Lisa Farrlngcr 

The New Adventures of Snow Whiti 

(76) July 78 

Marie Liljcdahl, Ingrld Van Be 

ROCHELLE FILMS, INC. 

Drive-In Massacre 

(88) D.. June 78 

Jake Barnes, Adam Lawrence 

CB Hustlers (85) C. June 78 

Tiffany Jones, John Alderman 

Fiona (98) C-D..July78 

Fiona Richmond, Anthony Steele, 

Victor Splnettl 

Thirsty Dead (96) Sept 78 

Rock Fever (98) Oct 78 

Dr. Jackyll's Dungeon of 

Death (91) Nov 78 

SANRIO FILM DISTRIBUTION 

Metamorphoses (87) .An-F..May7S 

Oily Oily Oxen Free 

(89) C-Ad..Aug78 

Katharine Hepburn 

Where the Northern Fox Goes 

(90) OD-Doc..0ct78 

Nutcracker Suite 

(100) An-M..Dec78 

S.J. INTERNATIONAL 

The Inheritance 

(115) R-D.. Mar 78 

Death Rage (90) Ac. Mar 78 

Catherine & Co. (87) ...C. Mar 78 

Sex and the Call Girl 

(90) Sex D .Apr 78 

24 Hours of Terror— Kidnap 

Syndicate (90) Ac. Apr 78 

James Mason 

Come Home and Meet My Wife 

(90) Sex C. .Apr 78 

A Slightly Pregnant Man C. Apr 78 

Marcello Mastrolanni, Catherine 

Deneuve 

The Girl Who Came From 

Tomorrow (90) . . .R-SF. .May 78 

Rachel's Man (105) 

. May 78 

Leonard Whiting, Rita Tushlngham 

Lunatics and Lovers C . . May 78 

Slarcello Mastrolanni. Claudia Mori 

The Bananas Boat C. May 78 

Hayley Mflls, Done McCIure 

Eagles Attack at Dawn Ac. June 78 

Rick , 

Mimsy 

Farmer

- 

Opinions on Current Productions ÊATUm RSVIEWS 

All films reviowed he olor, unless otherwise speciiied as black and white (b&w). For story synops 

COMES A HORSEMAN VC Weste „ D.a„a 

United Artists (78071) 118 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78 

Set in 1945, "Comes a Horseman" deals with the con- A 

flict between those who love and respect the land and 

those who would rape it for the money that can be 

squeezed out of it. On the evil side is a powerful oil man 

(George Grizzardi who sees an increasing demand for 

energy and a cruel rancher (.Jason Robardsi who wants 

to own the whole valley. These powerful enemies try to 

force a hard-working cattle rancher (Jane Fonda 

i 

from her rightful territory. Although a timely film, the 

Dennis Lynton Clark story is an old-fashioned one. The 

Robert Chartoff-Irwin Winkler production is lushly, lovingly 

photographed by Gordon Willis in deep greens and 

cobalt blues, overwhelming the eye with broad vistas and 

endless skies filled with steel-gray clouds. But the pace 

is so slow that the plot limps along like a cow with a 

broken leg. Action is rare, and tension is reduced to a 

few stare-downs between the main actors. The talent and 

energy of Caan. Fonda and Robards is unexploited, 

dwarfed by Alan Pakula's careful, plodding direction and 

the magnificent outdoor photography. Richard Parnsworth 

as an old cowhand is the one truly fresh breeze 

that blows through the film. Gene Kirkwood and Dan 

Paulson produced. 

James Caan. Jane Fonda, Jason Robards. George 

Grizzard, Richard Famsworth, Jim Davis. 

They Went That-a-Way PG ^'"'"" 

and That-a-Way 

Int'l Picture Show 100 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78 

Comedian Tim Conway has followed his successful "Billion 

Dollar Hobo" with another congenial comedy. Featured 

in many Disney films and on the Carol Burnett TV 

show, he has come into his own as a star comedian. Now 

he has also branched out into the writing department 

and has done the screenplay for this Lloyd N. Adams jr. 

production. It's loaded with laughable dialog, sight gags, 

comic situations and stunts, the latter coordinated by 

Charles Picerno. Conway and Chuck McCann play bungling 

cops who go to prison incognito to become friends 

with an old inmate, convicted of robbery, who knows 

where the loot is hidden but isn't telling. Dub Taylor and 

Reni Santoni play the inept warden and his assistant. 

The wild finale featui-es a melee at the governor's mansion. 

An earlier bit of clever comedy has Conway and 

McCann disguised as a Japanese interpreter and his wife. 

This film is pure slapstick, aimed at the small fry and 

their parents, and it will please its intended audience. 

Stuart E. McGowan and Edward Montagne co-directed 

the action. Lang Elliott produced and Eric Weston and 

Wanda Dell were associate producers. Music was by Michael 

Leonard. In DeLuxe Color and Panavision. 

Tim Conway, Chuck McCann, Reni Santoni, Timothy 

Blake, Richard Kiel. Lenny Montana, Dub Taylor. 

"°"°' 

Count Dravnla [1] 

and His Vampire Bride 

Dynamite Entertainment 87 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78 

Bram Stoker wrote "Di-acula" cii'ca 1897. F. W. Mui-- 

nau directed the first screen version of the book in Germany 

in 1922. It was called "Nosferatu" and starred Max 

Schreck. The best known Dracula was Bela Lugosi, who 

fiist did the role for director Tod Browning in 1931, in 

which Edward Van Sloan was Dracula's arch-enemy. 

Professor Van Helsing. Christopher Lee and Peter Gushing 

fii-st played the roles of Dracula and Van Helsing 

in "Horror of Dracula" in 1958, and have continued 

them many times for Hammer Productions. The production 

quality of Hammer has been consistently good. 

Gothic sets and intelligent scripts have been their trademark, 

in addition to good perfoniiances. This current 

film, produced by Roy Skeggs for Hammer, is no exception. 

It has all the ubiquitous ingredients of a vampire 

film, has a modern day setting and throws in some 

Satanic aspects. The Christian cross repels the Pi-ince 

of Darkness, and good triumphs over evil—which has 

been the universal theme of all these films. It is always 

a pleasure to see Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee 

perfoi-m together. Alan Gibson directed "Count Diacula" 

from Don Houghton's script. 

Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Michael Coles, William 

Franklyn, Freddie Jones. Joanna Lumley. 

GOIl\' 

COCONUTS 

Inter Planetary 93 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78 

TV favorites Donny and Marie Osmond bring their 

popular brother-sister act to the screen in this engaging 

comedy, their film debut, which nicely balances songs 

with humorous crooked shenanigans. While the film is 

geared toward younger audiences, it will also prove entertaining 

to parents. Donny and Marie play themselves, 

TV stars, who fly to Honolulu to perform at the Royal 

Hawaiian. They accidentally get involved with some 

underworld characters who turn out to be bunglers and 

whose antics add to the fun. There are enough sight 

gags to keep everyone chuckling. Howard Morris directed 

the Osmond production with a light hand. The screenplay 

by William Marc Daniels and Raymond Harvey is 

simple and pleasant. Songs are by the Osmond Brothers 

and other music is by Nelson Riddle. Kenneth Mars, 

who will be remembered for "Young Frankenstein," plays 

the "professor," a comic crook. John Cutts produceii the 

DeLuxe Color film. The musical numbers are enjoyable 

and Donny and Marie project then- wholesome image. 

It all adds up to an ideal family flick. There is already 

a soundtrack album available on Kolob/Polydor Records 

and Tapes, as well as a Dell paperback. 

Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Kenneth Mars, Ted 

Cassidy, Herbert Edelman. Marc Lawrence. 

EVERY WEEK 

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The reviews on these pages may be filed for future reference in ony of the following ways: (1) in any standard three-ring 

loose-leaf binder; (2) individuolly, by company. In any standord 3x5 card index file; or (3) in the BOXOFFICE PICTURE 

GUIDE three-ring, pocket-size binder. The latter, including a year's supply of booking and doily record sheets, may be 

obloined from Associated Publications, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124 for $3.50. 

5070 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Oct. 30. 1978 5069

1 Chi-istopher 

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Program 

THE STORY: "Count Dracula ." . . (Dynamite) 

A dying man tells British seciu-ity agents tliat Black 

Mass rituals in which young girls are used are being . 

^ 

performed m a country mansion. Scotland Yard enlists * t^ 

Professor Van HeLsing i i 

Peter Gushing to investigate. '^' 

A Chinese lady. Barbara Yu Ling, is in charge of the 

mansion. Young girls are chained in coffins in the dank 

basement. Gushing knows that the ritual demands human 

blood for glorification and as the elixu- of youth. 

He discovers that fom- prominent scientists are visitors 

to the mansion. He wonders if they are drugged or hypnotized 

into participation. One. a Nobel Prize winner, 

was forced into helping manufacture the lethal plague 

bacillus. Gushing finally learns that Gount Dracula 

Lee' is behind everything and plans his 

ultimate revenge. Lee has chosen Cushing's granddaughter, 

Joanna Lumley. to be his vampii-e bride. Water is 

fatal to vampires and kills the captive girls in the basement. 

Lee tries to escape but is trapped by hawthorne 

which made Christ's Grown of Thorns). Then 

trees i 

Gushing drives a wooden stake through his heart. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

The Dracula theme plus the names of Lee and Gushing 

should sell this one. Use TV and radio spot ads. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Masters of Menace, CHRISTOPHER LEE 

PETER GUSHING. They're Dead but They're Alive. 

and

: Robert 

ATES: 50c per word, mmimum $5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions for price 

I three. When using a Boxoifice No. figure 2 additional words and include $1.00 additional, to 

aver cost of handling replies. Display Classified. $38.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

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

I Box Numbers to BOXOFTICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124. 

GL£e{llll6 HOUSE 

KELP WANTED 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

ONE PAIR STRONG Mogul carbon ai- 

THEATRE SEATING 

DISTRICT SUPERVISOR. Growing Mic 

est circuit has opening for top-flight ma 

(perienced in indoor/outdoor operation; 

alary commensurate with experience an 

surance/hospitalization paid 100%. Ir 

for mtive progratn go-getters. Send fu 

sume with recent photo to Boxoffic 

62. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR Top-grossing 

irst Run Quad Theatre in siiburbon Westlester 

County, New York. Prior multi- 

:reen experience a must. Excellent saly, 

commission and benefits. Sendrsume, 

recent photo and salary history 

Jordan, B.S. Moss Enterprises. 

15 Park Avenue, New York, New York. 

11 replies confidential. 

WANT TO LEARN more about theatre 

isiness? At AEI you con have cm active 

)ice in theatre management. You can 

in 3ve a port decisions involving him 

jying, booking and concessions. Posi- 

>n now open for a manager or excellent 

jsistont to operate a single or 4-plex 

itomated theatre. Projection experience 

Dm miscellaneous revenue and 3 1/2% 

immission weekly on concessions. Paid 

)spitalization and profit sharing plan, 

photo to 

ren. President, American Ente; 

I, 18209, Incorporated, P. O. Box Wich 

Kansas 67218 All replies conlidential 

SOUND SERVICE, 

Eas Was 

gton" Ca'll (509) 754-3932. 

TOP CIRCUIT has opening for District 

cmager to supervise theatres in Connecti 

It area. Liberal employee benefits 

ilary commensurate with experience 

nd complete resume to Boxoffice, 4175 

POSITIONS WANTED 

MANAGER and/or Projectionist, 

iCed, single or multiple in South 

Liladelphia area. (609) 728-0527. 

AMBITIOUS, SHARP theatre owner/man- 

-'lonist, age 41. Extensive in- 

.n advertising, promotion and 

TICKET MACHOJES repaired Fast 

vice, reasonable rates. Your old t: 

machine worth money. We trade, buy and 

sell hcket machines. Try us first- Ask 

about our rebuilts. Save money. J.E.D 

Service Co., 10 Woodside Dr., Grafton 

Massachusetts. (617) 839-4058. 

IGMM KODAK Pageant with Mo 

Lamps. Like new with 6000 ft. 

driven reels. TECO, (704) 847-4455. 

300 

RADIO SOUND lor DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

includes transmitter and backup u 

$1,995 00. Available from manufactu 

Call (904) 378-2477 lor further informati 

COMPLETE automated booth with 

2000W Strong Xenon (bulb included) 

Century projection head, film delivery 

system, amp, lens, rewind and soundhead 

unit, $6,500.00 (904) 

Comolele working 

376-5011. 

POWERS 6B projectors, soundheads, 

bases, magazines. $450 00 each. (816) 

523-2699. Boxollice, 4163 

HOLMES 35mm sound, constant speed 

projector. Baby Strong arc Ictoip and rectifier, 

stand and magazines, $350.00. (816) 

523-2699. Boxoifice. 4164. 

TWO PAIR RCA 9030 Soundheads, pai 

RCA bases. Drive-In sound system, pai 

Brenkert 60 projector heads, Scotsmen Ic. 

Flaker; Leon Pugh, (316) 429-2000. Colum 

COMPLETE 35MM Projection booth, m 

eluding new Christie autowind, (3) GE 

Rectifiers, (2) Peerless Magnarcs lamps 

(2) super Simplex projectors. RCA Soundheads, 

Cinemascope lenses, Bogen sound 

system. Altec speaker plus 450 American 

seats and miscellaneous equipment. (702) 

293-1283. 

lEMM PROJECTION, Zeiss-Ikon. 5' component 

10.000 watt Xenon. 2 Strong 150 

amp Drive-ln lamp houses with water 

c.rculctor Call Richard at (212) 222-3355. 

SOUNDHEADS Ballantyne model 6 excellent 

clean condition. $35000 pair. (815) 

523-2699, Boxoffice, 4166. 

TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING upholster 

mg anywhere— seat covers made to order 

— finest 

EQUSPMENT WANTED 

materials— low prices— we buy one 

sell theatre chairs Chicago Used Chat- 

Mart. 2616 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, m 

WE PAY good 

60612. (312) 235-1111. 

SPECIALISTS IN THEATRE SEATING. 

"^î 

New and rebuilt theatre chaira for sole. 

We buy and sell old chairs. Travel from 

coast to coast. Seating Corporation ol 

New York, 247 Water Street. Brooklyn 

TOP CASH PAID lor Icmphouses. soundheads, 

projectors, lenses and portable pro- 

N Y. 11201 Tel (212) 875-5433 (reverse 

jectors What have you? STAR CINEMA 

SUPPLY. 217 West 21st Street, New York NEW-USED-REBUILT- 1 0.OOC 

10011 Phone (212) 675-3515. 

Pee 

MANAGING DIRECTOR of Multi Screen 

"'": 

:, desires new opportunity with 

oT.c^ o: advancement. Will relocate 

^ply Boxoffice, 4174 

FILMS WANTED 

WANTED: 35mm trailers. 1930-1977, any 

laniity. L. Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd., 

)llywood, Calif. 90028. 

WANTED 35mm entertainment feoturi 

ms lor Canadian market. Rights pur 

ased or will distribute on percentagt 

a 

isis. Send particulars to Boxoffice, 4139 

FILMS FOR SALE 

SOUNDHEADS Monograph Mirrowpho 

with drive chains Excellent conditi' 

ic 

$400 00 pair. (816) 523-2699. Boxoffic 

416B. 

PROJECTOR Mechanisms Motiograph AA 

good condition, complete $300.00 pair. 

Boxoffice, 4169. (816) 523-2699. 

SIMPLEX standard projector mechanisms, 

tood condition, complete $200 00 pair, 

ioxollice, 4170. (816) 523-2699. 

NORELCO 35/70min projectors and Simlex 

6-channel sound system. No lamps 

r speakers. $8,500.00 (816) 523-2699. Box- 

COMPLETE BOOTH for automcrted 

I'-es P;:itters. Xenon, sound, projec 

I.-:-d v-ry liltle. Call for quote, li 

i3ti-.ni: Cinema (305) 756-0699. 

RIVE-IN 

THEATRE CONSTRUaiON 

BOOKS 

rHE MANUAL OF THEATRE MANAGE- 

;NT. Send your $20 check or money 

ier to Ralph I. Erwin, Publisher, Box 

2, Laredo, Texas 78040. 

POPCORN MAOIINES 

:CTRIC Display Poppers from $426.50 

:h. Knspy Korn, 120 S Hoisted. Chi- 

:305) 756-C 

GREAT INTERNATIONAL SAVINGS Mim 

Thectre Spectacular, Eiki Ex 5020 900 watt 

Xenon, Pedestal, power supply, 5500 ft 

reel capacity, Opt/Mag Sound like new 

$3,450.00. International Cinema, (305) 756- 

06S9 

BUDGET BUYS Simplex and E7's, Bren- 

.'..- -!3-fn ^0 and lOO's, RCA 1050. 9030 

i.m :'n50 , Simplex SH 1000 XL and Motiograph 

7S00s 100 projection booths in 

stock. Prices from $2,995.00. Free list 

International Cinema Equipment Compcny, 

6750 NE 4th Ct.. Miami, Florida. 

TWO 35MM R.C.A. Brenkert projectors 

v.econditioned) with Magnetic and Optical 

Sound 2000 and 6000 ft. magazines, reels 

100 Amp. Ashcraft rectifiers and arc. Zippers, 

bases. Set up for inspection. Must 

be seen, $3.300.00 (414) 639-2363. 

I ZEISS ICON (Xenon) lamphouse powered 

by lovy-Lightsteuer 6.5 KVA rectifier. 

Used only 6 months. $2,500.00 (4!4) 

639-2353.

BOXOFFICE LEADS THE FIELD 

with more exhibitor subscribers 

because it publishes . . . 

MORE 

Local and National News 

MORE Booking 

Information 

MORE Showmandising Ideas 

MORE Projection 

Information 

MORE Equipment and Concession Tips 

MORE Convention Coverage 

MORE on all counts that count most 

m—read 

and relied on by MORE Theatremen 

than any other film trade paper in the world 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY - WITH THE LOCAL TOUCH!

Boxoffice-October.30.1978

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