Boxoffice-August.22.1977

. 

The upbeai coimc ailventures 

of a neui Hmemran folk hero! 

AN NBS FILMS RELEASE* AN INTERKATIONAL HARMONY PROMOTION [pg| 

Hollywood General $tudio$/1040 N. Las P&lmas Ave./ Hollywood, CA 90038 

Contact: NORMAN B. SMITH (213) 463-2116 /PETE SHANABERG (213) 463-1191 

From The "TUNNEL VISION" Team. . 

;RE comes the independent smash hit for FALL77. 

OPENING DATES: 

September: THE CAROLINAS / ATUNTA / HOUSTON 

October: KANSAS CITY / CINCINNATI / DALLAS / FLORIDA Statewide

i^-m 

1917. 

The red-light district 

ofNew Orleans. 

The story of the women. 

The photographer. 

And the prostitute's daughter. 

LOUIS MALLES 

pyc^ D 

PARAMOUNT PKTITIRES PRESENTS "PRETrV BABY 

Starring KEITH C\RRADINE. SUSAN S/VR.\NDON and BROOKE SHIELDS 

.\ssociate Producer POLLY PLATT Screenplay by POLLY PLATT 

Storv' by IXDLLY PLATT and U)UIS ^LÛJl Music Supervision GERALD WEXLEP 

Produced and Directed by U)UIS NLUXE In a)lor A P/\RiVMOUNT PICTURE [^ 

FROM PARAMOUNT FOR FEBRUARY.

IE RHiiunHL riLin ncsivLi 

BEN SHLYEN 

îl^^: m-Chiel and Publisher 

1.PH M. DELMONT Manaping Editor 

WRRIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mor. 

(HY BURCH Equipment Editor 

».PH KAMINSKY ... Western Editor 

ication Offices; 825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

ias City, Mo. 64124. (81G) 241-7777 

tern Offices: 6425 Bollyuoud Blvd. 

ywood, Ca.. 90028 (213) 405-1186. 

ern Offices: 1270 Sixth Avenue, Siilti' 

3. Kockefeller Center. New T«k, N.T. 

20. (212) 265-6370.

Robert Meyers to Head Interriational 

Arm Created by Lorimar Productions 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

HOLLYWOOD — Lorimar 

Productions 

has created a new financing and distribution 

Merv Adelson 

Lee Rich 

unit. Lorimar Distribution 

International, 

to be headed by Robert 

Meyers as senior 

vice-president. The 

division will tap foreign 

investment funds 

for new projects as 

well 

as handling overseas 

releasing. 

Lorimar chairman 

Merv Adelson and 

Robert Meyers 

president Lee Rich 

said the financing division of LDI will seek 

out funds not only for its own projects but 

for those of other independent filmmakers. 

The sales division will distribute Lorimar 

product, films financed by the new subsidiary 

and product made by independent 

producers who sign distribution deals. 

Founded JAD Films 

Meyers relinquished his position as president 

of Jad Films International, which he 

had founded, to join Lorimar effective 

September L 

Asserting that Lorimar intends to "grow 

larger as a total financing, film production 

and foreign sales company," Adelson and 

Rich said the firm will be "wide open" with 

any variation of agreements for filmmakers 

and producers. 

"We want to be partners in the developing, 

financing, producing and arranging distribution 

of viable film product. We have 

new concepts to offer filmmakers that will 

free them from the established distribution 

methods with their expensive standard 

deals," they said. 

Expert in Foreign Field 

They stated that they are convinced 

Meyers is "the top expert" in the foreign 

field and added, "We have long been impressed 

by his knowledge of the world 

market and its financing potential." 

Meyers established Jad Films three and a 

half years ago. From 1969 to 1974, he was 

vice-president in charge of international 

distribution for National General Pictures, 

which at that time also supervised overseas 

distribution for the First Artists Corp. Prior 

to that, Meyers was with Columbia Pictures, 

serving as managing director for Belgium 

and later as European sales coordinator in 

Paris. 

Lorimar's recently completed '"The 

Choirboys" already has been sold in 36 of 

38 major world markets by Mark Damon 

for Airone, S. A., with Meyers supervising 

Lorimar interests. The film will be released 

this Christmas by Universal Pictures in the 

U. S. and Canada. 

Lorimar now has five more projects in 

production. "Someone Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe" is next in line for production 

in association with the Aldrich Co. 

Director Mark Robson will produce and 

direct "Avalanche Express" in February. 

Shooting will begin in May 1978 on "The 

Bi" Red 1," starring Lee Marvin in a story 

about the First Infantry Division. In developmental 

stages are a musical comedy, 

"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh," and 

"The Big Biazarro," a film about a highstakes 

World Series of poker. 

CSID Ncrnies MoUica NY 

Regional District Manager 

NEW YORK—Carl Mollica has been appointed 

New York regional district manager 

for Cinema Shares International Distribution 

Corp., it was announced by Mel Maron, 

president of the theatrical division of the 

independent production/ distribution firm. 

Previously CSID's New York sales supervisor 

and print coordinator, Mollica has 

been with the company almost since its inception 

in 1975. 

"Carl instituted many of the systems presently 

in use," commented Maron, adding: 

"Our ability to grow as rapidly as we have 

is in large measure attributable to his ability 

of keeping on top of a constantly expanding 

work flow. With our summer release schedule 

swelling to almost twice that of last year 

and the parameters of our company opening 

up to include production and a marked increase 

in distribution, we are counting heavily, 

as always, on Carl's knowledge of the 

industry, and its needs." 

A "reasonably youthful" veteran of the 

motion picture industry, Mollica previously 

has worked for (then) Embassy Pictures, 

Cinemation. 20th Century-Fox and Allied 

Artists. 

Deluxe Gives Night Rush 

Service to Fox's 'Fury' 

HOLLYWOOD — Deluxe 

Laboratories 

has been selected to handle all film processing 

for the new Frank Yablans production 

"The Fury." Initial shooting began July 28 

in Chicago. 

Dailies are processed overnight at Deluxe 

in Hollywood for screening in Chicago the 

following day utilizing the Deluxe Laboratories' 

priority express processing. 

Dick Kline is the cinematographer for 

"The Fury," which will be released by 20th 

Century-Fox. 

Brandeis U. to Salule ] 

Hirschfield, Benjamin 

NEW YORK—Alan J. 

Hirschfield, president 

and chief executive officer of Columbia 

Pictures Industries, and Robert S. Benjamin, 

chairman of the board of United Artists 

Corp., will be honored by Brandeis University 

at a dinner September 20 at the Waldorf 

Astoria in New York City. 

will be presented with the 

Hirschfield 

Brandeis University Distinguished Community 

Service Award, which is given to 

men and women across the country who 

have made outstanding contributions to 

their community and professions. Benjamin 

will be welcomed as the newly elected chairman 

of the board of trustees of the university. 

Hirschfield is a director of the Motion 

Picture Ass'n of America, International 

Foodservice Corp. and Diamond M Co. 

and he is a trustee of the Cancer Research 

Institute. From 1959 to 1967, he was associated 

with and served as vice-president of 

Allen & Co., investment bankers. He joined 

Warner Bros.-Seven Arts in 1967 and 

served there as vice-president and director 

until 1969. 

In 1970 Hirschfield became vice-president 

and director of American Diversified 

Enterprises, a private investment company. 

He was named president and chief executive 

officer of Columbia Pictures Industries in 

1973. 

Benjamin, long associated with Brandeis. 

is now chairman of the finance committee 

of United Artists. In 1951, he and his law 

partner Arthur Krim assumed leadership of 

UA succeeding Mary Pickford and Charlie 

Chaplin. As chairman of the board and 

president, respectively, Benjamin and Krim 

led the company to a position of strength 

by offering outstanding independent producers, 

directors and actors the opportunity 

to make their own films for UA release. 

Benjamin also is a senior partner in the 

law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim 

& Ballon, as well as a director of Transamerica 

Corp. He recently resigned as 

chairman of the board of the Corp. for 

Public Broadcasting, a post he had held 

since 1974; he was elected chairman emeritus. 

He became Brandeis board chairman July 

1 and has been a board member since 1967. 

Benjamin formerly served on the university's 

board of Fellows. 

Brandeis was founded in Waltham, Mass.. 

in 1948 as the nation's only Jewish-sponsored, 

nonsectarian university. Today it is 

considered to be among the top universities 

in America. It enrolls some 2.800 undergraduates 

and 650 graduate students, offering 

bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees 

in approximately 30 fields. 

Leo Jaffe. chairman of the board of Columbia 

Pictures Industries, and Steven J. 

Ross, president and chairman of the board 

of Warner Communications, will be cochairmen 

of the dinner honoring Hirschfield 

and Benjamin. 

BOXOFFICE :: August 1977

Weaver Is Named V-P, 

Para. Pictures Corp. 

NEW YORK—Goid.Mi R. Wjavjr. vicepresident 

of marketing lor the motion picture 

division of Paramount 

Pictures Corp.. 

has been named a 

vice-president of the 

parent company, it 

was announced by 

Michael D. Eisner, 

president and chief 

operating officer of 

the company. 

Weaver will have 

added responsibility 

Gordon R. Weaver 

for the overall image 

of Paramount through the public relations 

and advertising departments of all divisions 

of the company. In addition, he will continue 

to hold the position of vice-president, 

worldwide marketing, for the motion picture 

division. 

Eisner, in making the announcement, 

commented: "Paramount now will have one 

executive coordinating the publicity and advertising 

continuity for all divisions. Barry 

Diller and I ar; pleased to have someone 

with Weaver's qualifications 

assuming these 

responsibilities." 

Weaver joined Paramount in 1971 as national 

director of publicity. He began his 

film career with MGM in New York and 

subsequently handled its production publicity 

in Europe. He joined Cinema Center 

Films in New York shortly after that company 

was formed in 1968 as executive assistant 

to the vice-president in charge of 

worldwide publicity and was promoted to 

director of advertising and promotion. Subsequently, 

Weaver moved to National General 

Pictures as director of publicity and 

promotion. 

Allied Artists Announces 

Higher Net for Quarter 

NHW YORK— Allied Artists Industries 

Thursday (11) reported net income for the 

13 weeks ended July 1, 1977, of $1,551,800, 

equal to 22 cents per share on revenues of 

$18,097,900, compared with net income of 

$378,700, or five cents per share on revenues 

of $14,176,600 for the first quarter of 

the prior year. Results in both periods benefited 

from extraordinary credits attributable 

to tax-loss carryforwards which amounted 

to $744,900 in 1977 and $181,800 in 1976. 

The principal contributors to the firstquarter 

profit were Allied Artists Pictures, 

due mainly to network TV and TV syndication 

sales, and the company's Apollo Motor 

Homes subsidiary. 

'Kentucky Fried' Reports 

Hot First-Week Response 

14 Southern California houses. 

UAs James Velde Is 

Guest of Honor 

At Will Rogers Memorial Fund Fete 

By JOHN COCCHI 

NEW YORK—James R. Velde's retirement 

as senior vice-president of United 

Artists Corp. was celebrated by Will Rogers 

Memorial Fund, which also honored him as 

a vice-president and director of the Will 

years. 

Honorary chairmen of the event were 

fellow United Artists executives Arthur 

Krim. Robert Benjamin and Eric Pleskow. 

Dinner chairman was Salah Hassanein of 

United Artists Eastern Theatres, with Al 

Fitter and Bernard Myerson as co-chairmen. 

Members of the honorary committee constituted 

virtually every important name in 

the business, including Samuel Z. Arkoff, 

Ted Ashley. George Barrie. Leon Blender, 

Joseph Brenner, Harry Buxbaum, M. H. 

Chakeres, Sherrill C. Corwin, Walter DichI, 

Barry Diller, M. J. Frankovich, Marvin 

Goldman, Charles R. Hacker, Leo Jaffe, 

Joseph E. Levine, Henry H. "Hi" Martin, 

Charles B. Moss, Eugene D. Picker, Henry 

G. Plitt, Donald S. Rugoff, B. V. Sturdivant, 

Morton Sunshine, Jack Valenti, Roy B. 

White and Ben Shlyen. 

Governor Lauds Velde 

Following the National Anthem as played 

by Mark Towers and Orchestra, dinner 

chairman Hassanein introduced Father Patrick 

Sullivan, who had the guests sit and 

join hands as he recited a special invocation. 

Between courses, Hassanein discoursed 

on the rebirth of the Will Rogers Institute 

and paid tribute to Velde. New York Gov. 

Hugh Carey also gave his own blessings to 

Velde and to those who had helped re-establish 

the hospital at its present facilities in 

White Plains. N.Y. 

Will Rogers Trailer Shown 

Entertainment was provided by comic 

Mickey Marvin and singer Vonda Van 

Dyke, a former Miss America who did 

some ventriloquism with Mert Shapiro of 

Sameric Theatres as her "dummy." The 

Will Rogers Fund trailer, which features 

Lily Tomlin. was shown during the course 

of the evening. 

Martin, who is president of Will Rogers, 

thanked Carey for his assistance and referred 

to the official opening the following 

day of the new facilities at Burke Institute 

in White Plains. Martin remarked that the 

LOS ANGELES— The Kentucky 

opening had been scheduled for Aug. 5. 

Fried 1976, but finally was about to become a 

Movie" got off to a sizzling start in its premier 

Hassanein then presented Krim, who 

reality. 

New York and Los Angeles engage- 

reminisced over his 26-year association with 

ments. Five-day totals are $105,588 for nine Velde at United Artists and said that he 

New York area theatres and $120,995 for knew Velde even before then and couldn't 

recall one disct>rdant note in their rel.itiiMiship 

in all Ih.il time. It was announced thai 

Velde and his wife lof 43 years) Jan would 

have a pla-iue in their honor at Rogers Hospital 

and that UA would furnish and equip 

a Jim and Jan Velde Room. 

The honoree. Velde. took the pcdium to 

thank his associates— Krim. Benjamin, 

Pleskow, Al Fitter and Fred Goldbergthen 

introduced wife Jan, brother Donald 

Rogers Hospital, at a $150-a-plale dinner at 

the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here Wednesday 

evening (10). Dress was informal, although 

Velde and his close associates were in and wife Edith, brother Robert and wife 

tuxedos. A cocktail reception held before the Bella and daughter Leslie. Sons Peter and 

dinner was studded with standees featuring 

reproductions of stories about Velde in past 

Tom were unable to attend the dinner, he 

added. During his brief remarks, Velde said 

that Al and Bree Fitter were like his own 

lamily and ;hen he thanked everyone. 

Dedication Ceremonies Held 

Martin H. Newman. exe:utivc d'reclor of 

the Will Rogers Memorial Fund, invited the 

gathering to attend the dedication ceremonies 

the next day at Burke. 

The first contribution of the 1977 Will 

Rogers campaign, a check for $25,000, was 

presented to Velde by Hassanein, who also 

announced that United Artists Theatres was 

donating $100,000 to the fund in Velde's 

name. 

Thursday (11). the plaque honoring the 

Veldes was dedicated at Rogers, following 

which was a tour of the hospital and its 

research and health education facilities. 

After a luncheon, buses took the guests to 

a Jim Velde Invitational Golf Tournament, 

held at the Fairview Country Club in Fairview, 

Conn. The entire two-day program 

benefited the Will Rosers Institute. 

Gov't Funds Are Sought 

For Italy's Filmmakers 

ROME—A bill requesting direct subsidies 

for the motion picture industry, to be 

distributed over the next two years, has 

been presented to the Italian government 

for consideration. An investment of $27.- 

500.000 is sought to bail out the financially 

ailing Italian film business. 

At a weekly Cabinet meeting. Dario .^ntoiozzi, 

minister for tourism and entertainment, 

disclosed that boxoffice receipts fell 

14 per cent last year, as compared to results 

in 1975. The number of theatregoers, ,\ntoiozzi 

said, dropped 1 1 .5 per cent from the 

59,200.000 recorded in 1975. 

The minister emphasized that the downtrend 

continued during the first four months 

of 1977, with both grosses and attendance 

figures showing a decline of approximately 

20 per cent. 

Babb, Dimension Schedule 

Musical Comedy 'Giggling' 

HOLLYWOOD— Lawrence H. Woolner, 

president of Dimension Pictures, has announced 

the acquisition of "Giggling in the 

Dark" for 1978 release. 

The musical comedy will be a co-production 

of Dimension and producer Larry 

Babb. Ruth Avergon will direct. 

BOXOFFICE :: August 22, 1977

IRWIN ALLEN'S 

pnxluction oi 

starring 

MICHAEL CAINE 

KATHARINE ROSS 

RICHARD WIDMARK 

OLIVIA DE HAMLLAND 

BEN JOHNSON 

LEE GRANT 

PATTY DUKE ASTIN 

SLIM PICKENS 

BRADFORD DILLMAN 

HENRY FONDA as Dr Krim 

Screenplay by 

STIRLING SILLIPHANT 

Produced and Directed by 

IRWIN ALLEN 

Associate Producer: SIDNEY MARSHALL 

Special Effects: L.B. ABBOTT 

Cinematography: FRED J. KOENEKAMR A.S.C. 

Editor: HAROLD KRESS 

Music: JOHN WILLIAMS 

Photography began Mond^, 

August 22, 1977 

for release Fnd^, July 14, 1978. 

Q 

Warner Bros. 

A Warner Communications 

Company

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Shanoberg, Shapiro Ufilizing 

Rock 

Approach in Marl

Ron Leslie Announces 

Promotions at AMC 

KANSAS CITY—Jules Landticld ha 

been promoted to national advertising co 

Jules Landfield Bill Doeren 

oidinator for Ameriean 

Miilti Cinema, it 

was announced Monday 

(15) by Ron Les- 

^ he, vice-president of 

finance/ operations. 

Landfield will 

work to insure that 

the company's advertising 

dollars are 

spjnt as judiciously 

Chuck Goodsell 

as possible to obtain 

maximum benefit, 

Leslie said at AMC headquarters here. 

Landfield joined AMC in 1974 as director 

of operations. West Coast division, and 

his office will remain within the company's 

Western division headquarters in Beverly 

Hills, Calif. His 48 years' experience as a 

motion picture exhibitor and advertising 

executive, along with his enthusiasm and 

energy, has made him a valuable asset for 

AMC, Leslie commented. 

It also was announced that Bill Doeren 

moves from division operations manager/ 

northern California to division operations 

manager/ West division and assumes total 

operational responsibilities for the West division. 

Doeren started with AMC in 1973 

after receiving his M.B.A. in management 

from Memphis State University. 

Doeren will be assisted by Chuck Goodsell, 

who also was promoted to Southern 

California area manager. Goodsell will 

have management responsibilities for the 

Greater Los Angeles and San Diego theatres. 

He joined AMC in 1975 and has an 

M.B.A. in finance. 

'Betsy' Leaves Detroit 

For Five Weeks in LA 

NEW YORK. — -The Betsy," starring 

Laurence Olivier in the ninth film from a 

Harold Robbins best seller, completed filming 

in Detroit and moved to Los Angeles 

Monday (15) for five weeks' location shooting. 

The production company spent nine 

days in Detroit using various locations as 

backdrops for the story of intrigue. 

Distribution of "The Betsy" to domestic 

markets will be handled by Allied Artists, 

while United Artists will oversee foreign 

distribution. The Emanuel L. Wolf presentation 

is being produced by Robert R. Weston 

and directed by Daniel Petrie. 

Tom Patterson Emphasizes 

Need to Hike Film Output 

ATLANTA—Tom Patterson, president 

of the National Independent Theatre Exhibitors 

Ass'n, was the principal speaker at 

a special meeting of the Southeast Independent 

Theatre Exhibitors Ass'n held 

Tuesday O) at the Atlanta Eederal Stalesman's 

Club. 

Belore he started his talk. Patterson, a 

Jonesboro. Ga., exhibitor, distributed copies 

of the "Master Theatre Screening Agreement 

for Cinemavision" and then discussed 

this project in detail. 

Patterson told the SITE assemblage, 

headed by president Norman Barrett, that 

some 2,200 screens have signed the Cinemavision 

agreement so far and "if the goal 

of 5,000 screens is reached a $27,000,000- 

per-year income will be produced." 

The NITE president then led a discussion 

pertaining to criticism alleging that "NITE 

is moving away from its first objectives of 

trying to solve the exhibitors' problems by 

concentrating efforts on the Justice Department, 

Congress and lawsuits." 

Patterson indicated that no matter how 

successful NITE may be in efforts with 

its 

Congress and the Department of Justice, 

"the independent exhibitor still will have 

very serious problems" if there are not more 

films available on the market. 

"This is the reason that NITE is becoming 

so involved with film financing programs—the 

only real hope for the future 

success of independent theatre owners being 

more films, more prints being made 

and restrictions on TV and cablevision use," 

Patterson declared. 

Eastman Kodak Co. Elects 

Chas. Duncan a Director 

ROCHESTER. N.Y.—Charles T. Duncan, 

dean of the Howard University Law 

^^^^ 

School, was elected 

a director of East 

^^1^^^ 

^^1^^^ man Kodak Co. 

^.^^H Thursday (11) at a 

regular 

f^^^^K 

meeting of the 

^fyffg^F company's board of 

V""^^^B directors. 

y^^f^^^ 

Duncan previously 

^^^^^^^^^^ 

^^^H A^^^^l 

^^HjH^^^H assistant 

for 

served as the principal 

U.S. 

,„ . ,., ^ 

Charles I. Duuean 

Columba, the first 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

and corporation counsel for the District 

of Columbia. 

Duncan joined the New York City law 

firm of Rosenman, Gokimark. Colin & 

Kaye in 1950 having earned degrees from 

Dartmouth College and Harvard Law 

School. In 195.3. he entered private practice 

in Washington. D.C., and in 1961 he became 

the principal assistant U.S. attorney 

for the District of Columbia. 

In 1970, Duncan joined the Washington 

law firm of Epstein. Friedman. Duncan 

& Mcdalie. He became djan of the law 

school at Howard Universitv in 1974. 

Saturation Pays Off 

For Col/s 'Sinbad' 

BLRBANK — Ihe biggest Iwoking saturation 

ever undertaken by the Columbia 

Pictures Los Angeles sales branch office has 

resulted in outstanding business for "Sinbad 

and the Eye of the Tiger" in 93 theatres 

where it grossed $804,269 in its first week. 

The Charles Schneer production is holding 

over for a second week in every situation, 

with an additional nine theatres being added 

10 the original booking. 

"Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger," which 

stars Patrick Wayne, Jane Seymour and 

Taryn Power, was produced by Charles 

Schneer and Ray Harryhausen. Sam Wanamaker 

directed. 

'Snuff and 'Slasher' Now 

Offered as a Double Bill 

NEW YORK—After several successful 

test engagements, the violent action combination 

of "Snuff" and "Slasher" is now 

available throughout the country, according 

to Dick Horn of Monarch Releasing 

and Lew Mishkin of William Mishkin Motion 

Pictures. 

The notorious "Snuff" and the R-rated 

"Slasher" reportedly played without incident 

in Boston and San Antonio, as well as 

in Cleveland, where the show was launched 

with a Morrie Zryl campa'gn. The sales 

teams of both Monarch and Mishkin are 

handling the release. 

AIP's 'Rolling Thunder' 

Set for Nat'l Release 

BEVERLY HILLS— Linda Haynes, a star 

of American International's "Rolling Thunder," 

and Barry DeVorzon. who composed 

the score for the drama, have returned from 

personal appearances and interviews in San 

Antonio. 

"Rolling Thunder" opened Friday (12) in 

five theatres in the San Antonio area. It will 

go into full national release in early October. 

'Love of Anna' Retitled 

NEW YORK—"For Love of Anna," the 

Ra\mond R. Homer presentation starring 

Lynne Frederick and Mark Burns, has been 

rJtitled "Tomorrow. Tomorrow." The love 

drama is about a man who places his sweetheart 

in a slate of suspended animation until 

a cure can be found lor her terminal illness. 

Free Blackhawk 

Films Catalog 

Plus Vj price introductory 

offers on 

Laurel & Hardy 

S» W. C. Fields, 

and more. 

BOXOFFICE August 1977

Literary Agent Miller 

Turns Film Producer 

By JOHN COCCHI 

NEW YORK—From literary agent. 

young and successful Peter Miller is making 

the big step to film producer by first 

becoming a film importer. He has acquired 

U.S. and English-speaking Canadian rights 

to the French comedy "Blue Jeans" and is 

about to embark on an ambitious production 

schedule. Five projects are being readied 

for co-production in various parts of the 

world, all with an eye toward the international 

market. 

Bilingual Dialog Film 

"Blue Jeans," which has dialog in both 

French and English, is a comic and dramatic 

study of adolescents by Hugues Burin 

des Roziers. After screening the film in 

New York City, Atlanta. Tampa, Philadelphia, 

Atlantic City and Washington. D.C.. 

Miller reports an "incredible reaction" and 

much interest among subdistributors. He 

has just about decided to go with Howard 

Mahler as a distributor in a co-venture situation. 

By meeting the various distributors 

and evaluating the independent market. Miller 

feels he will be in a better position to 

produce features. He also sold distribution 

rights to films in the tax-shelter days. 

Of the five films on Miller's production 

slate, three have screenplays by Christopher 

Cook Gilmore, formerly Christopher Robin 

Gilmore, an author whom Miller considers 

the greatest writer with whom he has work- 

CLEARING HOUSE 

IGmm FIU^S. 

St. Inao Films, 

FIIMS FOR SALE 

a, 18504. 

16mm CLASSICS, Illustrated Catalog 

25c. Manbeck Pictures, 3621-B Walconda 

Drive, Des Moines. Iowa 50321. 

PRODUCER SELLDJG 35MM 'R' rated 

horror movie. Excellent grosses. $2000 

buys ov/nership ol print to play your theatre 

or distribution territory. Mr. Jackson 

(517) 265-5749. 

WANTED: Foreign and Domestic Distributors 

for 16mm Classics. Monbeck Pictures, 

3-.21-B Wakonda Drive. Des Moines, 

Iowa 50321. 

.ilers. S130.00 Mu 

pick up. (607) 655-1884. 

FILMS WANTED 

WILL RENT OR BUY— 16mm Films suitible 

for preschool children. Cartoons, 

omedies, animal subjects. GUESTRON, 

NC, Box 1026, Duncan, OK 73533. 

WANTED: 35mm TRAIL 

purchased. Leonard Br 

wood Blvd., Los Angela 

MARQUEES, SIGNS 

DESIGNED. ENGINEERED, BUILT. 

ERECTED, MAINTAINED on Lease or purchase 

plan. Bux Mont Electrical Advertising 

Systems, Horsham, Pa. (215) 675-1040. 

More Classified Listing 

On Inside Back Cover 

'Spy' Tops $10 Million 

During 26-Day Period 

New York—"The Spy Who Loved 

Me" has grossed $10,974,166 over a 

26-day period with some 520 prints 

working, it was announced by Al Fitter, 

United Artists' senior vice-president for 

domestic sales. The cumulative figure 

reflects totals as of Sunday (7). 

Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and 

directed by Lewis Gilbert from a 

screenplay by Christopher Wood and 

Richard Maibaum. the film stars Roger 

Moore as Ian Fleming's James Bond. 

United Artists also distributed the 

nine previous James Bond films. 

ed. Each of these three properties has been 

derived from short stories by Gilmore which 

were published in men's magazines. 

"Tiger Eye" by Gilmore will be a coventure. 

Miller hopes, with the Brazilian 

government and a Canadian organization. 

Set to begin photography in Brazil in November, 

it tells of a female karate expert 

who follows her writer-lover to Brazil and 

is forced to kill a would-be rapist. Executive 

producer will be Steven Rozenfeld of 

Teacher Films, while Jules Schwerim will 

direct. 

"The Monarch Butterfly" by Gilmore is 

an expose of tattooing combined with a tale 

of love and morality on the Riviera. It is 

erotic but not pornographic, according to 

Miller, and is scheduled for lensing in the 

spring of 1978. It may be co-produced with 

a German production company and Christine 

De Bell, star of the X-rated "Alice in 

Wonderland," is being sought to star, with 

des Roziers as director. 

Budget of $2.5 Million 

"Atlantic City Proof" by Gilmore is 

scheduled as a $2,500,000 blockbuster 

which will be both a feature for theatres 

and a TV mini-series. A co-production with 

Richard K. Rosenberg (producer of the 

forthcoming Allied Artists release "Communion"), 

it should begin filming in Atlantic 

City next summer. A major cast is 

slated for this story of rum-running in 1928. 

The mini-series, being set to shoot simultaneously 

with the feature, could be a five 

or six-week TV presentation. 

"Eclipse" by Dirk Whittenborn is scheduled 

to be published as a novel by Dodd 

Mead in October and will be a best seller, 

in Miller's estimation. An expose of recent 

art world scandals, it will be a major production, 

based on the expected success of 

the book. Miller will co-produce with his 

brother Robert, the director of an art gallery 

and an expert in the world of art. 

The fifth production is not ready yet for 

a definite announcement. 

Dana Elcar Co -Starring 

In Universal's 'Jaws 2' 

UNIVERSAL CITY — Dana Elcar has 

been signed by producers Richard D. Zanuck 

and David Brown to co-star in Universal's 

"Jaws 2." 

Rock Star Elvis Presley, 

42, Dies in Tennessee 

MEMPHIS— Elvis Presley. "King of Rock 

'n' Roll." died at Graceland. his mansion in 

this city, Tuesday afternoon (16) of an apparent 

heart attack believed by the county 

medical examiner to have been caused by a 

progressive cardiovascular disease. Presley, 

who was born in Tupelo, Miss., was 42 years 

of age. 

A onetime truck driver, Presley achieved 

national recognition in mid- 1954 after recording 

"Blue Moon of Kentucky" on the 

Sun label. Susequent recordings received enthusiasic 

approval and following an apf)earance 

on the Ed Sullivan TV show in 1956, 

telecast live. Presley's career skyrocketed. 

Forty-five of his recordings sold over 1.000,- 

000 copies each, these including such titles 

as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog." "Love 

Me Tender," "All Shook Up," "Jailhouse 

Rock," "Surrender" and "Viva Las Vegas." 

Among the dozens of motion pictures in 

which Presley starred were "Love Me Tender" 

(his debut film). "Blue Hawaii," "G.I. 

Blues," "Viva Las Vegas," "Paradise, Hawaiian 

Style," "Easy Come, Easy Go," 

"Change of Habit" "Elvis—That's the Way 

It Is" and "Elvis on Tour." 

The guitarist's live concerts were legendary 

for their drawing power, with tickets going 

for fantastic prices. Despite this, his fans 

often waited in line overnight to buy ducats 

at any price—at the boxoffice or from 

scalpers. While Presley's concert appearances 

had been less frequent during the past three 

years, he had remained a major bo.xoffice 

attraction. His last appearance in Kansas 

City, for instance, in June 1977 attracted 

18,000 screaming fans, an unusual turnout 

for the Midwestern location. 

Private funeral services were scheduled 

for 2 p.m. Thursday (18) at Graceland in 

Memphis, with entombment at Forest Hills 

Mausoleum, approximately two miles from 

the singer's mansion. 

Among survivors are Presley's daughter 

Lisa, 9: his father Vernon, and an uncle who 

served as .security chief, Vester Presley. 

'Bridge' Has Lofty Gross 

In NYC Area Multiple 

NEW YORK—Joseph E. Levine's "A 

Bridge Too Far" rang up a smash openingday 

gross of $71,294 at 54 Red Carpet theatres 

in the Greater New York area, it was 

announced by Al Fitter, United Artists senior 

vice-president for domestic sales. The 

film began its Red Carpet run in New York 

City, Nassau, Westchester and Suffolk 

counties and in northern New Jersey 

Wednesday (10). 

Newton-John Cover Story 

Promotes Para.'s 'Grease' 

NEW YORK—Olivia Newton-John, the 

popular singer who co-stars in the Robert 

Stigwood/ Allan Carr production of "Grease" 

for Paramount Pictures, is featured in the 

cover story of the Tuesday (23) issue of US 

Magazine. The six-page article includes 

three photographs from the film version 

of Broadway's longest-running musical. 

BOXOFFICE :: August

Cinerama Reports Higher 

Earnings for First Half 

LOS ANGELES— Cinerama, Inc., has 

released unaudited figures indicating consolidated 

operating results for the half-year 

ended July 2, 1977, Friday (22). Net earnings 

were listed as $667,000, equal to 2.^ 

cents per share. That figure includes an 

extraordinary gain of $.^16,000 (12 cents 

per share) relating to tax benefits resulting 

from the utilization of net operating losses 

carried forward. The 1976 figures for the 

same period listed net earnings of $379.- 

000. 

A gain of six cents per share from the 

sale of theatre properties also is included 

in the 1977 totals, as compared with 21 

cents per share from the same soluxc in 

the first half of 1976. 

Gordon-Aviner Nuptials 

LOS ANGELES—Susan Gordon, former 

child star, was married Sunday (14) at 

Sephardic Temple Israel to Avraham Aviner. 

She is the daughter of producer-director 

Bert I. Gordon (whose most recent film is 

AIP's "Empire of the Ants") and unit production 

manager Flora Gordon. Aviner. an 

Israeli, is director of the Jewish Community 

Center of Japan in Tokyo. His bride is an 

assistant account executive with Dentsu .Advertising. 

Ltd., in Tokyo. After honeymooning 

in Hawaii they will live in Tokyo until 

Aviner completes his assignment and then 

make their home in Israel. 

.SI I'lM N KXPER ri.SK — ( inima 

Concession & Supply Co., now in its 

second year, is helmed by John Bajon, 

left, who assisted technician Joe Beasley. 

right, with the first LI.S. installation 

of two new versions of the 

Hortson 16nini projectors with a horizontal 

lamphouse. The equipment was 

sold to Louisiana State University, 

Baton Rouge, along with a complete 

booth renovation. Rajon, born and 

reared in New Orleans, has been working 

in area motion pictures theatres 

since the age of 19, which was before 

he received his B.S. in finance from 

the University of Southwestern Louisiana. 

Bajon conceded that his company 

name might be misleading but assured 

that "we are a complete equipment 

company." Cinema Concession & Supply 

is a member of TEA and NAC. 

MGM. Ken Films Sign Pact 

On Films for Home Market 

NEW 

YORK.— Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

has entered into an agreement with Ken 

Films. Inc.. for worldwide distribution to 

the home entertainment market of 8mm excerpts 

from famous MGM movies of the 

past. lo be known as MGM Super Eight, 

the initial offering of condensed versions 

cif feature films in 8mm form includes the 

original "Mutiny on the Bounty," "Ben- 

Hiir." "Gigi," "North by Northwest," 

'S'nging in the Rain," "Cat on a Hot Tin 

Roof" and "A Night at the Opera." 

One of the leading 8mm distributors in 

the world. Ken Films also handles motion 

picture product for 20th Century-Fox, 

Paramount, United Artists, American International 

and Terrytoons. 

'Mack' Scores Lofty Gross 

In New Orleans Rerelease 

NEW ORLEANS -American International 

Pictures has rcrcleased Cinerama's 

"The Mack" here with a restyled advertising 

approach, scoring a smash hit at the Orpheum 

Theatre during the Friday (12) through 

Sunday (14) weekend. AIP said the gross for 

the first three days was nearly $6,000 above 

that achieved for the same period in the 

film's initial showing. 

"The Mack" stars Max Julien. Don Gordon. 

Richard Pryor and Carol Speed. The 

film was directed by Michael Campus. 

AANNUAL 

FESTIVAL OF 

THE AMERICAS 

THE VIRGIN 

ISLANDS 

INTERNATIONAL 

FILM FESTIVAL 

NOY.ll-2ai977 

ST.THOMAS 

U.S.VIRGIN ISLANDS 

It s our tenth anniversary call tor entries' Categories range from shorts to 

features documentaries lo experimental films TV commercials to TV specials 

super 8 to 70mm and a new category Women In Film This will be the most 

exciting VIFF yet A third theater has been added lor 18 hour a day screenings 

of shorts and experimental films The Great Directors Retrospective and 

Seminars will offer an unparalleled opportunity to probe the minds of some of 

the creative giants of film Plus the Film Market (with free listings in the 200 page 

Festival catalog) seminars in financing distribution and four wall three hour 

college credit for students and of course the Festival Club with its tradition of 

providing a quiet corner for conversation with such screen names as William 

Wyler, Carl Foreman Joshua Logan Otto Preminger and John Frankenheimer 

For more information send for your entry kit today' Then plan to celebrate 

November with us in the Virgins 

August 22. 1977

Victor Cup Division Sold 

To National Cup of Dover 

RICHMOND. VA—Vic Zinder of Vic 

tor Products Co. has announced the sale o 

the firm's Butterful Cup division lo the 

National Cup Co. of Dover. Del. effective 

Monday (1). 

"l was at a point in our cup business 

when I had to decide whether to expand into 

cold drink cups or sell the business to a 

company already in this field." Zinder said. 

He continued: "Courtland Bell, president 

of National Cup. has many years of experience 

in this operation. National Cup Co. is 

the orih independent cup manufacturer authorized 

to print and sell cups with the 

Coca-Cola logo on them. This privilege was 

granted because of the excellent-quality cup 

the company produces." 

Bell for the present will continue the 

Butterful Cup operation in Richmond and 

orders still may be placed through Victor 

Products by calling person-to-person, collect, 

until further notice. Invoice payments, 

however, should be made to National Cup 

Co.. Box 558. Dover. Del. 19901. 

Noting that many have combined orders 

of popcorn cups with other items from Victor 

Products, Zinder said this practice would 

be continued since the combination does 

permit lower freight rates. 

"The only change Bell is making now is 

to remove the weight discount from the 

85UFR (five-pound tubs)," Zinder stated. 

"We always have sold tubs below our cost. 

This change will help us get a little closer 

to a break-even point. I've been working on 

a major breakthrough that dramatically 

would increase the sale of popcorn in cups. 

Bell will continue the research on this project 

which, when completed, will be a boon 

to vour popcorn business." 

Future announcements concerning Butterful. 

Inc.. will be made by the president of 

National Cup Co. 

FAB Award of Excellence 

Presented to 'MacArthur' 

LOS ANGELES—Universal's "MacArthur." 

starring Gregory Peck in the title 

role, has bee^n voted the Film Advisory 

Board's Award of Excellence, it was announced 

by Elayne Blythe. president of the 

international organization. 

"MacArthur." currently playing at Radio 

Citv Music Hall in New York City and at 

leading theatres throughout the country, is 

a Richard D. Zanuck/David Brown production 

produced by Frank McCarthy and 

directed bv Joseph Sargent from a screenplay 

by Hal Barwood and Matthew Robbins. 

Henning Re Elected Prexy 

Canadian Film-TV Ass'n 

TORONTO—The Canadian Film & 

Television Ass'n recently re-elected Gunter 

12 

MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

The following feature-length motion pictures 

have been reviewed and rated by the 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

Program. 

Title Dialribulor Hating 

End of the World (Irwin Yablans Co.) PG 

The Gauntlet (WB) 

E 

Hitch Hike to Hell (Boxofficc Infl) 

[r] 

Julia (20th-Fox) 

PG 

Telefon (UA) 

PG 

Turning Point (20th-Fox) 

PG 

WB's 'Lightning' Grosses 

High With Big Crossover 

BURBANK—Warner Bros." "Greased 

Lightning," starring Richard Pryor, not only 

pulled in" fine grosses in its initial openings, 

but has registered crossover business in a 

substantiarpercentage of its playdates, accordins: 

to Terrv Semel, Warner Bros, executive 

vice-president and general sales manacer. 

Semel said the film could exceed 

$10,000,000 in domestic rentals. 

In the New York area, the picture grossed 

$773,980 in its first week at 62 theatres. 

In Los Angeles, a first-week gross of $585,- 

.389 was amassed at 46 theatres. 

The film's crossover power has been 

demonstrated already at many so-called 

"white" houses, where records have fallen. 

In the Atlanta territory, the picture set new 

marks at the Macon Mall Quad VI, Beachwood 

Cinema II and the Bankhead Drivein, 

all in predominantly white neighborhoods, 

as well as at the Ben Hill I, which 

is located in a traditionally black area. 

In the Washington, D. C, area, Semel 

reported that house records were broken 

at the Landover (in Maryland), the Center 

Theatre (Alexandria), the Norfolk Drive-In 

and the Timonium Drive-In (Baltimore) and 

the Hillside Drive-In (Hillside, Md.). 

In Los Angeles, Semel noted that grosses 

recorded in traditionally white houses in 

Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and other cities 

proved to be surpassing receipts in black 

houses by a four-to-one margin. 

Pryor and Warner Bros, recently signed 

a four-year pact, which will result in four 

feature-film productions. 

'Dr. Moreau' Showing Legs 

In Smaller Situations 

BEVERLY HILLS—American International 

Pictures' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." 

showing strong grosses in many large theatres, 

also is enjoying long runs and excellent 

business in smaller situations. 

"The Island of Dr. Moreau" had a total 

Delmer Daves Dead at 73; 

Film Producer, Director 

HOLLYWOOD — Delmer Lawrence 

Daves, retired film producer-director-writer, 

died Wednesday (17) in Scripps Hospital, 

La JoUa, Calif. He was 73 years old. 

Born in San Francisco, Daves worked as 

a draftsman, commercial artist, college instructor 

and illustrator before entering th: 

film industry as a property man for actor 

James Cruze. He then became a technical 

director at MGM. besides working as an 

actor and writer. 

Daves' motion picture credits include 

such outstanding features as "Flirtation 

Walk," "Stage Door Canteen," "You Were 

Never Lovelier." "Dark Passage." "Destination 

Tokyo," "A Summer Place," "Spencer's 

Mountain," "Broken Arrow" and "Youngblood 

Hawke." He collaborated on the 

screenplay for "An Affair to Remember." 

Early in his career. Daves co-starred w'th 

Joan Crawford in "The Duke Steps Out," a 

silent 

film. 

Richard W. Peffley Dies; 

Forty Years in Promotion 

LOS GATOS, CALIF. — Richard W. 

Peffley, veteran theatre promoter, died July 

28 at this home here at the age of 59. Beginning 

with the Sorg Theatre in Middletown, 

Ohio, in 1937, Peffley managed theatres 

throughout Ohio and Kentucky for 

Paramount until 1950. He then moved to 

Los Gatos as West Coast representative for 

Consolidated Movie Studios, serving the 13 

Western states. 

Peffley was a veteran of World War 11: 

member of the Islam Shrine of San Francisco; 

a 

Masonic Lodge of Fremont, Ohio; 

Scottish Rite Bodies of San Jose; Ohio chapter 

of Royal Arch Masons, and a charter 

member of the Los Gatos Elks Lodge. 

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth of 

Los Gatos; his mother, Mrs. Pearl Peffley 

of San Jose; a daughter; two sons; a brother, 

and six grandchildren. 

Phil Novak, Boxoffice 

Inti Executive, Dies 

HOLLYWOOD—Phil Novak, 48. controller 

for Boxoffice International Film Distributors, 

died Wednesday (17) after a 

lengthy illness. Services were held at Groman 

Mortuary, with interment at Beth 

Olam. 

He is survived by his wife Lynne; a son, 

P. J. Novak; daughters Debbie, Lorie and 

Jody; brothers Harry and Nat. and a 

sister. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requested 

contributions to the American Cance So- 

cietv. 

Login, Richardson to New 

Posts at Rank Film Labs 

LONDON—Rank Film Laboratories has 

promoted Roy Login to director of opera- 

Henning, president of Western Films in aross of $128,250 in the following playdates: 

Colorado Cinema 4. 300 seats. Dentions, 

from his previous position as con- 

Winnipeg, as its president. The association 

represents the Canadian film industry's ver. 28 days; Almeda. 360 seats, Houston, troller of operations. Len Richardson also 

|-)rivate sector. Findlay Quinn of Torontobased 

Quinn Laboratories was elected vice- 

28 days, and Mann 3, 210 seats. Pasadena. sponsibility for the laboratories' videotape 

27 days: Parkway 3, 330 seats. Las Vegas. has joined the board, assuming overall re- 

Calif., 28 days. 

and post-production facilities. 

president. 

BOXOFTICE :: August 22. 1977

M ^Jôlluwood IKeport m 

f 

Sixteen feature films began principal photography 

in Jiilv 1977. as compared with olds production is under way at the Golduig 

on the Lawrence Gordon/Burt Reyn- 

15 both in June •77 and July 1976. 

wyn Studios, with location work also 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

planned for Santa Barbara. Also in the 

The BtrsY. This Allied Artists/United 

Artists' Harold Robbins International feature 

based on Robbins' best-selling novel 

began production July 6 with location 

shooting planned in various parts of the 

U. S. The cast is headed by Sir Taurence 

Olivier and includes Robert Duvall. Katharine 

Ross, Tommy Lee Jones, Leslie-Anne 

Down, Joseph Wiseman, Jane Alexander, 

Ed Herrmann and Pitos Vanis. Robert R. 

Weston is producing and Daniel Petrie is 

directing. 

COLUMBIA 

Thank God It's Friday. The Commodores, 

Donna Summer and Ray Vitte are 

featured in this Motown-Casablanca Records 

and FilmWorks production, a contemporary 

comedy centered in a disco 

nightclub. Robert Klane is directing the 

screenplay he wrote with Barry Armyan 

Bernstein. Rob Cohen is the producer and 

Neil Bogart the executive producer. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Stingray. Mark Hamill, whose movie 

debut as the young space hero in "Star 

Wars" propelled him into instant fame, 

stars this comedy-drama about high 

in a 

school senior who customizes a Corvette 

sports car, becomes obsessed with it and 

dedicates himself to retrieving it when it is 

Filming began July 25 with shooting 

stolen. 

planned for Los Angeles and Las Vegas. 

.'Vnnie Potts and Eugene Roche are featured 

in the cast. Producer Hal Barwood and 

director Matthew Robbins also collaborated 

on the script. 

PARAMOUNT 

Heaven Can Wait. Warren Beatty is 

producing, co-directing and starring in this 

remake of the 1941 "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," 

which starred Robert Montgomery 

and Claude Rains. Buck Henry is co-director 

of the screenplay written by Elaine May. 

.Mso starring are Julie Christie, James Ma- 

cast are Sally Field, Joanne Woodward, 

David Steinberg, Dom DeLuise, Pat 

O'Brien, Myrna Loy and Strolher Martin. 

Lawrence Gordon is producing. Hank 

Moonjean is the executive producer and 

Jerry Belson wrote the screenplay. 

The Black Stallion. The film version 

of Walter Farley's classic novel about a 

boy's adventures with a wild black Arabian 

stallion began shooting July 4 in Toronto. 

Mickey Rooney heads the cast which includes 

Teri Garr as the mother of the 

youthful hero. Alec Ramsay. Also in the 

cast are Kelly Reno, Clarence Muse and 

Michael Higgins. Carroll Ballard is directing 

the screenplay by William Whitliffe. 

Fred Roos and Tom Sternberg are producers 

and Francis Ford Coppola is the executive 

producer. 

UNIVERSAL 

House Calls. Walter Matthau and Glenda 

Jackson star in this Jennings Lang production 

about a sexually naive widower 

who gets a second chance at romance. Art 

Carney and Richard Benjamin also star. 

Howard Zieff is directing the screenplay of 

Max Shulman and Julius J. Epstein. Alex 

Winitsky and Arlene Sellers are the producers 

and Jennings Lang is executive producer. 

Shooting began July 18 in Los Anaeles. 

The Moonbeam Rider. David Carradine 

and Brenda Vaccaro star in this story about 

a motorcycle race from St. Louis to San 

Francisco just after World War I. Filming 

got under way in Oklahoma July 6 with 

Roger Corman and Saul Krugman producing. 

Steve Carver is directing the script by 

Michael Gleason, Howard Friedlander and 

Ed Spielman. 

NuNZio. Filming began in New York 

Butler directing the script written by Joe 

McEveety, Arthur Alsbcrg and Don Nelson 

trom a story by Stephen R. Lang. Ron 

MiHlt ,uid Chris Hibler are producing. 

WARNER BROS. 

Big Wednesday. Shooting began in El 

Paso. Tex., July 1 1 for this view of the 

social and political turmoil of the '60s, starring 

Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt 

and Gary Busey. John Milius is directing 

the screenplay he wrote with Dennis Aaberg. 

Buzz Feitshans is producer of the .V 

Team Productions feature. Also cast are 

Palti D'Arbanville, Lee Purccll, Sam Melville 

and Darrell Petty. 

INDEPENDENTS 

Adcll Entertainment 

Mafia on the Bounty. Shooting started 

July 25 on this feature in which comedians 

Jackie Gayle and Jackie Vernon head a 

cast including Frank de Kova. Joe E. Ross, 

Sally Marr, Michael Perrotta. Stan Ross, 

Gerald Nelson, Richard Stuart, Janet Wood, 

Rudy Diaz and Lionel Decker. Robert Adell 

is 

is 

executive producer and Sidney H. Levine 

producer, with Joe Van Winkle directing. 

Clouds Productions 

CiouDS. Carol Kane, Lee Grant, Will 

Geer and James Olson head the cast and 

shooting began in Los Angeles July 11. 

Karen .A.rthur is executive producer and 

director, Diana Young is the producer and 

the screenplay was written by Don Chastain. 

Drusba Productions 

.^t The Movies. M. T. Oberholtzer is 

producing and directing his own screenplay 

and began lensing July 30 in Glcndale. 

Calif. In the cast are Linda White. Steve 

Cook, Michael Oberholtzer. Teri Oberholtzer. 

Brian Sterry. Cap Cook, Ken Gulekson. 

Penny Snider and Russell T. Locke. 

First American Films 

Starhops. Shooting was launched July 25 

in Los Angeles with Barbara Peters directing 

the screenplay of Stephanie Rothman. 

In the cast are Jillian Kesner, Sterling 

Frazier. Dorothy Bohrman, Peter Pispis, 

.^nthony Mannino and Paul Ryan. 

KBS Productions 

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Former 

City July 18 on this Jennings Lang production 

singing star Kathryn Grayson was before 

the cameras again July 26 in Ann Arbor. 

about a man in his late 20s who has 

Mich. Also in the cast are Rory Calhoun, 

the intellect of a 13-year-old and lives in 

a lower middle-class neighborhood in Peter Urkos. Jimniie Rogers and Bob Purvey. 

son, Jack Warden, Dyan Cannon, Charles Brooklyn. The large cast includes David 

Grodin and Buck Henry. Executive producers 

Proval, James Andronica. Vinnie Russo, William Martin is producing and dison, 

recting. 

are Charles H. Macuire and Howard Jamie Alba, Maria Smith. Theresa Saldana. Pinnacle Productions 

W. Koch jr. 

Joe Spinell, Tom Quinn, Glen Scarpello. Com-Tac 303. Billy Dee Williams is starring 

as Col. Turk Boston, commander of a 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

Salvatore Maneri. Bob DeRosa. Sam Goldrich. 

Lee Ciani, Pat Ignari. Sal LaPera and U. S. The Fury. Shooting began July 2.S in 

Air Force combat group of black 

Chicago on this psychic thriller in which a Rosemary DiAngelis. Jennings Lang is producer 

aviators who scored spectacular successes 

governmental agency tries to use the ESP 

and Paul Williams is directing the 

in the air over .Anzio during the Italian 

powers of two teenagers. Kirk Douglas 

by James Andronica. 

campaign of World War II. Filming, begim 

script 

heads the cast which includes Charles 

WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS 

July 25. will be in the Mojave Desert and 

Durning, Amy Irving, John Cassavetes and Bloodshy. Darren McGa\in and Jack in Italy. Also cast are Henry Fonda. Chad 

Carrie Snodgress. Brian De Palma is directing 

Elam head the cast of a comedy western Everett, Greg Morris, Bob Crane, Merle 

the screenplay by John Ferris. which also stars Jim Dale, Karen Valentine Haggard, Anson Williams. Pat Buttram. 

Frank Yablans is producer and Ronald and Don Knotts. McGavin plays the mayor Corinna Tsopei and Timmy Brown. William 

Preissman is executive producer. 

UNITED ARTISTS 

and Elam an old gunfighter in a depopulated 

cowtown named Blotidshy. Warren Vanders. 

D. Gordon and James Doherty arc producing 

their own screenplay with Joseph L. 

The End. Burt Reynolds is directing and 

Cranston and William A. Trowbridge as 

Richard Wright and Dave Cass play 

starring as a man who suddenly receives the the town's top troublemakers. Filming beiian 

executive producers. Rolicrl Totten is di- 

rectinc- 

jolting news that he is about to die. Film- 

July 5 near Bend. Ore., with 

Robert 

August 22, 1977 13

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

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

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

ore reported, ratings are added and overages revised. Computation is In terms of percentage in 

relation 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 mark. (Asterisk * denotes comblnotion bills.) 

i Aguirre, the Wrath of God (New Yorker)

— 

— 

— 

Inside Jennifer' 

Swells Lead in NY 

NEW YORK-Jcnnilcr was still on top 

as "Inside Jennifer Welles" displayed an 

improved 520 for the fourth World round. 

Jumping from fourth to second place was 

the Canadian winner. "Outrageous," a 440 

in the second Cinema II week. The latter 

is a Steinmann-Baxter release, through Cinema 

5, to clear up the confusion of last 

week's chart. "The Last Remake of Beau 

Geste." fifth week at the Sutton, went down 

a notch to third place with a 350 average. 

Also down one place was "In the Realm 

of the Senses," 320 in the fourth stanza at 

the Plaza. Constant in fifth place was the 

sexer "Barbara Broadcast," improved with 

305 in the fifth time at the Eastworld. Sixth 

place was a 240 tie for "I Never Promised 

You a Rose Garden" (sixth last week, fifth 

round at Cinema I) and "Black and White 

in Color" (didn't place last time, 1 4th week 

at the Paris). 

The Italian horror film "Suspiria" bowed 

at the Criterion with an excellent response 

for the first half week. Booking is an exclusive 

run, since the scheduled co-opening 

at 86th Street East was cancelled because 

of the power of "Orca" there. 

On showcase, "Star Wars" did an incredible 

$1,600,000 business for the week. ,Mso 

scoring highly were "A Bridge Too Far," 

"Greased Lightning," Disney's "Herbie 

Goes to Monle Carlo," AIP's "The Little 

Girl Who Lives Down the Lane," "The 

Other Side of Midnight." "Smokey and the 

Bandit." "The Spy wlio Loved Me." "Orca" 

and "The Kentucky Fried Movie." 

(Average Is 100) 

Baronel—Pardon Mon Aifaire (First Artists), 

8th wk 230 

Beekman La Grande Bourgeoise 

(Atlantic Releasing), 4th wk - -285 

Cinema Studio—Stroszek (New Yorker) 5ih v.-k 135 

Cinema I— I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 

(New World), 5th wk 240 

Cinema II— Oulrogeous (Steinmann-Baxter 

Cinema 5), 2nd wk 440 

Cinema 3—Cria! (Jason Allen), 4th wk .220 

Eastworld Barbara Broadcast (Catalyst Film = ), 

5th wk ...305 

Fine Arts—Sandakan 8 (PerDercorn-Wormser) .140 

Guild—For the Love of Benji (Mulberrv Square), 

8th wk -105 

New Yorker-Chac (L:b:a Films) 130 

Paramount La Grande Bourgeoise 

(Atlantic Releasing), 4th wk 125 

Paris—Blade and While in Color (AA), 14lh wk 240 

Plaaa In the Realm ofi the Senses (Argos Films), 

4th wk 320 

Pussycat East, Pussycat West—Dutch Treat 

(ASOM), 2nd wk 190 

Radio City Music Hall—MacArlhur i'Jm.! 

7th wk 120 

68th Street Playhouse—The First Nudie Musical 

(Northal), 3rd wk 180 

Sutton—The Last Remake oi Beau Geste 

(Univ), 5th wk 350 

World-Inside Jennifer Welles (Evart), 4th wk 520 

'Orca' Proves No 'lonah' 

For Baltimore's Exhibitors 

BALTIMORE— -Orca" proved to be no 

"Jonah" for local exhibitors who found that 

the whale-tale was no jinx, 

but rather registered 

a thumping 350 average at two local 

theatres. The number two slot was held 

down by (ho-hum) "Star Wars" which is 

.still a big draw as it chalked up a 250. "The 

Other Side of Midnight" also kept on the 

right side of the ledger with a sound 200. 

Good reports far outnumbered the bad from 

local motion picture palaces and it would 

appear that, next to the pennant-contending 

"Birds," ihe films are among this city" 

popular attractions. 

Sen-i Tho Dcop 'll Sth wk 

Super 1-70, V i!. The People That Time Forgot 

(AIP) 

Three theatres- Star Wars .1 :: !';.:) -th .• , 

Westview I—The Bad News Bears in Breaking 

Training (Paraj, .l.id v. k 

Westview III—The Other Side of Midnight 

(20th-Fox), 7ih wk 

Film Freaks and Phantoms 

Autumn Offerings at NYU 

NEW YORK—The art, technique, appeal, 

and hidden meanings of motion pictures 

dealing with the grotesque, satanic, 

fantastic, and futuristic are explored in 

"Cinema of the Fantastique," a course offered 

this fall by the New York University 

School of Continuing Education. 

The course examines the horror, science 

fiction, and fantasy films which have fascinated 

movie audiences for more than half a 

century. Sessions combine lectures, film 

screenings, and discussion by guest experts, 

including psychotherapist Bennett Roth, 

psychiatrist Dr. Harvey Greenberg, film 

historian Herbert Graff, and film lecturer 

Chris Steinbrunner. 

Topics and films (excerpts and occasional 

full features) include: "Manmade Monsters"—various 

"Frankenstein" films, the 

"Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The 

Phantom — of the Opera"; "Vampires and the 

Undead" "White Zombie" nad "Dracula's 

Daughter"; interplanetary Invaders" 

"Flash Gordon," "This Island Earth," and 

"It Came From — Outer Space"; "Creatures 

and Apes" "King Kong," "Them" and 

"Creature From the Black Lagoon"; — and 

"Witchcraft and Satanism" "Witchcraft 

Through the Ages" and "The Seventh Victim." 

In another cinema course, "The Filmmakers." 

New York Times cultural writer 

and drama critic Mel Gussow invites guests 

from the film world to discuss their works 

and current trends in film through interviews 

and class participation. The interviews 

are spontaneous, giving students insight 

into all aspects of motion pictures 

directing, producing, acting, screenwriting, 

cinematography, editing, and criticism. 

Guests in past sessions have included 

actors Robert Redford. Dustin Hoffman. 

Woody Allen; actresses Ellen Burstyn. Faye 

Dunaway. Candice Bergen, and Madeline 

Kahn; producers Robert Evans and David 

Brown; directors Peter Bogdanovich. Sidney 

Limiet and Otto Preminger; and movie critic 

Vincent Canby. 

For more information on these and other 

courses open to the public write: New York 

University, Division of Liberal Studies. 

.School of Continuing Education, 2 University 

Place, Room 21, New York, N.Y. 10003 

(212)598-2371. 

"The Cheap Detective," a Rastar production, 

is scheduled for release next spring by 

Columbia Pictures. 

James L. Whittle St.. 85, 

Dies in Baltimore Aug. 5 

BALTIMORE — Funeral services for 

Whittle Sr. 

I., "Jack" Whittle sr., retired execiiii\e 

secretary of 

\ MO of Md., Inc., 

were held Monday 

morning (8) at the 

Ascension Lutheran 

Church with interment 

at the Lorraine 

Park Cemetery. Whittle, 

who was 85, made 

his home at 106 La 

Paix Lane, Towson. 

His death, at St. Joseph 

Hospital Friday 

(5). was attributed to a heart attack. 

Whittle's 67-year career in the industry 

began in 1906 when he worked at a variety 

of jobs at the Paradise Theatre. Two years 

later he became a film inspector for Jack 

Warner (destined to win fame as a major 

Hollywood producer) in the lattcr's downtown 

office. In 1909 he leased, and opened, 

the Celtic Theatre and joined the Liibin 

circuit which innovated the twin cinemas in 

the U.S. During the next two decades he 

opened or managed a series of hardtops in 

the 

center city. 

In 1931, in addition to opening the Avenue 

Theatre, he teamed up with an associate 

who controlled the American rights to 

British International Pictures. Four years 

later he acquired a partnership in Gwynn 

Oak Park, a popular amusement center with 

which he was associated until 1941. 

The popular local showman was elected 

president of the Maryland local of the Allied 

Motion Picture Owners Ass'n. serving 

from 1956 to 1959. During this period, in 

1958, he also served as vice-president of the 

National Ass'n of Allied Motion Picture 

Owners. 

In 

1958 he sold the Avenue Theatre and. 

the same year, was named executive secretary 

of Allied Motion Picture Owners which 

became the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners 

of Md.. Inc. in 1965. He held this position 

until his retirement in 1973. 

His peers and fellow citizens honored the 

revered and beloved gentleman with a testimonial 

dinner at the Green Spring Inn. 

Some 100 industry leaders gathered to pay 

homage to the man and recount his many 

contributions to his community and his 

chosen career. He was given a token of the 

occasion in the form of a plaque citing his 

many years of service to the association and 

its membership. Baltimore joined in the salute 

as Mayor Donald Schaefer proclaimed 

a city-wide " "Jack' Whittle Day." 

During his busy and worthy lifetime he 

also found the time to serve as the Chief 

Barker of Variety Club Tent 19 in 1956, 

and in 1910 he opened the Queen Theatre, 

the city's first cinema for blacks. 

A native of this city, he is survived by 

his wife of 57 years. Viola; a daughter. 

Gloria Lee Bledsoe; a son. Colonel James 

L. Whittle jr. (USA-Ret); five grandchildren 

and two great-grandchildren. 

BOXOFFICE :: August 1977 E-1

B R O A D W Ay 

J^N ELVIS PRESLEY memorial show 

will take place at the Regency Theatre 

Tuesday (23) and Wednesday (24), when 

'•Jailhouse Rock" (1957) and "Elvis—That's 

the Way It Is" (1970) are shown. The unintentional 

tribute had been scheduled as part 

of the MGM Classics program at the theatre, 

which has been doing exceptional business. 

In "Jailhouse Rock." a black and white 

CinemaScope feature. Elvis stars as an exjailbird 

who becomes a singing star; the late 

Judy Tyler co-stars. "Elvis—That's The 

Way It Is." the late singer's next-to-last 

film, is a documentary on his recordbreaking 

app>earance at Las Vegas' International 

Hotel. 

This week's Regency schedule also includes: 

Thursday (25)-Saturday (27). "Seven 

Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954). Jane 

Powell and Howard Keel, and "The Harvey 

Girls" (1946), Judy Garland. John Hodiak 

and Ray Bolger. both color musicals, and 

Sunday (28)-Tuesday (30), two Gene Kelly 

delights, "It's Always Fair Weather" (1955). 

with Dan Dailey. Cyd Charisse and Michael 

Kidd. and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" 

(1949). Frank Sinatra and Esther Williams. 

• 

Elsewhere on the retrospective scene, the 

Museum of Modern Art is switching from 

silent to sound films in its current Universal 

Pictures series. Thursday evening (18) a 

William Wyler-directed bill was presented, 

the silent western "The Stolen Ranch" 

(1926), with Fred Humes, and "Tom Brown 

of Culver" (1932), with Tom Brown, Andy 

Devine and a young Tyrone Power. Thursday 

(25), early Humphrey Bogart and Bette 

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Davis can be seen in "Bad Sister" (1931. 

directed by Robert Henley), starring Conrad 

Nagel. Sidney Fox (in the title role; Davis 

is the good sister), Charles Winninger and 

ZaSu Pitts. This may be the film in which 

the Davis sex appeal was likened to that of 

comedian Slim Summerville, who's also in 

the cast. 

Saturday (27) is an all-day tribute to the 

count. Bela Lugosi may be seen in 

the original 

"Dracida" (1931), followed by its sequel, 

"Dracula's Daughter" (1936), without 

Lugosi but rather Marguerite Churchill. 

Otto Kruger, Irving Pichel and Gloria 

Holden, and by the Spanish version of 

"Dracida" (1931), with Carlos Villarias and 

Lupita Tovar (mother of Susan Kohner, the 

former actress). 

• 

The Independent Film Journal, 

formerly 

located at 1251 Sixth Ave., is moving to 

1600 Broadway this month. 

• 

Jan Haag, director of the American Film 

Institute's Women's Directors Workshop 

and the Independent Filmmaker Program, 

introduced a special screening of "In the 

Region of Ice" Wednesday morning (17) at 

the Trans-Lux East Theatre. The film, 

written 

and directed by Peter Werner for the 

AFI, won the Academy Award as the Best 

Live Action Short of 1976. 

• 

"Sharpies," action thriller starring David 

Broadnax and Stella Stevens, has finished 

location filming in Capetown and Johannesburg, 

South Africa, and will complete production 

here. Produced by Raymond R. 

Homer and written by Emmett Murphy, 

"Sharpies" began shooting here in June before 

the location work, under director 

Michael Moore, commenced. 

• 

Seating Corp. of New York has refurbished 

the World Theatre. The new decor includes 

400 red nylon chairs with a red 

lacquer frame finish, red carpet, wine-finished 

walls and a smoked ceiling. 

• 

In the magazines: Seventeen Magazine 

for September has chosen "New York, New 

York" (UA) as its "Movie of the Month." 

Also reviewed are "Outlaw Blues" (WB), 

"The Deep" (Col), "The People That Time 

Forgot" (AlP), "Sorcerer" (Para-Univ) and 

"MacArthur" (Univ). 

Films in Review for August-September 

offers three career articles for the price of 

two, Margaret Hamilton (by William S. 

Collins) and the husband and wife stars 

Rod LaRocque and Vilma Banky (by the 

ever-reliable DeWitt Bodeen). Also included 

is Rob Edelman's article, "What's Next for 

Black Movies!" 

• 

Showcase openings for Wednesday (17) 

included Columbia's "Sinbad and the Eye 

of the Tiger," Dimension Pictures' "Ruby," 

and Cinema Shares' "Fantastic Animation 

Festival." Friday (19), Paramounfs "The 

Bad News Bears in Breaking Training" and 

Warner's "One on One" opened. 

Visual Medium Courses 

Fall Offerings at NYU 

NEW YORK—Courses and workshops 

offering a comprehensive study of the techniques 

and practices in film and videotape 

production are scheduled to begin on September 

19 at New York University's School 

of Continuing Education. The courses may 

be taken individually or as part of a Film 

Production Certificate Program which includes 

200 hours of filmmaking under the 

guidance of a faculty of professional filmmakers. 

Among the offerings in the fall semester 

are an introductory course. "The Film Medium," 

which provides a comprehensive 

background for production work in film; 

"The Role of the Producer." a practical 

course for those interested in the business 

sides of film, television and theatre; advanced 

workshops in film editing and "TTie 

Production of Picture Elements"; and two 

lecture-demonstration courses in sound recording 

and lighting. 

In video, a practical workshop in the use 

of half-inch portable videotape familiarizes 

students with basic videotape equipment 

and production techniques. Guest experts 

lecture on the current and future use of 

videotape, sound, lighting and programming. 

For advanced work in color production, 

from broadcast to cassette, students 

design 

structional, 

their own programs—dramatic, 

experimental—in a studio 

in- 

TV 

workshop. 

Beginning and advanced students of photography 

may select from a variety of 

courses covering the practical and theoretical 

aspects of the medium including creative 

photography, color photography and workshops 

in portrait, studio and sports photography. 

In-person registration for the NYU 

School of Continuing Education fall semester 

begins on September 6. Men and women 

62 and over can enroll at half tuition cost. 

For further information about the film production 

program write: Raymond P. Zelazny. 

Division of Liberal Studies, New York 

University, School of Continuing Education, 

2 University Place, Room 21, New 

York, N.Y. 10003 or call (212) 598-2373. 

Donna Summer, popular recording artist, 

will make her film debut as special guest 

star in "Thank God It's Friday." 

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E-2 BOXOFFICE :: August 22

iV\K

. . . Charles 

WASHINGTON 

John Colloca, Sunn Classic Pictures' exchange 

manager here, returned from 

the company's Southern regional office in 

Dallas, Tex., where campaign details were 

outlined for the October 5 release of the 

film "The Lincoln Conspiracy." New evidence 

of historical impact uncovered is now 

available in Sunn's paperback book of the 

same title (it's currently on sale at bookstores 

everywhere). The reported new information 

seems to add dramatic importance 

to the motion picture. Post columnists Jack 

Anderson and Les Whitten wrote: "The 

FBI has quietly entered the investigation 

of another presidential assassination—this 

one the 112-year-old shooting of Abraham 

Lincoln while he watched a performance at 

Ford's Theatre here (which) may help to 

resolve such mysteries as: 'Was Lincoln the 

victim of a conspiracy reaching into his 

own Cabinet?' 'Did the assassin, John 

Wilkes Booth, actually escape and leave 

another man's body in his place!' " 

Joseph Lynch, a dealer-collector of 

Worthington, Mass., during an inventory 

and appraisal of papers belonging to the 

heirs of Lincoln's secretary of war, Edwin 

M. Stanton, discovered some 18 pages of 

handwriting which seemed to have been 

torn from^John Wilkes Booth's diary, according 

to the Post's Haynes Johnson 

(Lvnch conveyed this information over the 

TH/S 

phone to Johnson). Booth's diary is on display 

here in the Ford's Theatre Museum. 

Sunn Classic researcher David W. Balsiger, 

while in town researching material 

for the film, happened to hear about 

Lynch's discovery. After six weeks of enterprising 

search, Balsiger located Americana 

collector Lynch, who sold to Sunn a transcript 

of the alleged d'ary made from his 

tape-recorded descriptions. "With the historical 

discoveries we've made, our film will 

make Watergate look like kindergarten plotting." 

producer Charles E. Sellier jr. 

said. 

This area's 14 drive-ins, all peripherally 

situated, seem to be enduring the weather, 

which this summer is a phenomenon of historic 

proportions. Many film buffs prefer 

the privacy of their cars or, perhaps, enjoy 

the "drive-in-mystique." Horror films and/ 

or X-rated films, in addition to a good helping 

of Disney, dominate the screen fare. 

Two-car families, however, may work 

against the ozoner family trade. Couples 

mainly are the attendees weekends but single-occupancy 

cars largely make up the 

weeknight audience. Nevertheless, it may 

be, with shopping centers increasing, that 

in such a metropolitan area as the District 

of Columbia, airers could be on the decline. 

Harry Block, Columbia exchange manaaer, 

screened "March or Die" for exhibi- 

SUMMER'S 

HOT 

^ OFFICE nlTS 

V THAT WON'T COOL OFF 

' ^- THIS FALL OR WINTER! 

tors Thursday (II) at the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America headquarters. The feature 

opened at area theatres the following day 

Jordan, Warner Bros, exchange 

manager, is back at his office after a brief 

vacation. During his absence, salesman Joe 

Bello hosted a tradescreening of "The Pack" 


Barry London, Paramount's Eastern 

division manager, visited the home office 

in New York City Thursday and Friday 

(11, 12). Paramount's "The Bad News Bears 

in Breaking Training" has been doing excellent 

business since it opened in five area 

theatres July 29, according to head bookeroffice 

manager Jack Howe. Howe mentioned 

that all film prints had to be sent to 

Baltimore for screening by the Maryland 

Censor Board. 

Jerry Sandy, American International 

Pictures 

exchange manager, recently screened 

"Rolling Thu"nder" for the trade at the K-B 

screening room. Mike Hanainy, formerly 

salesman-booker for Gamma III, heads 

AIP's booking department. 

Kathleen Karr, the Circle theatres' general 

manager, is teaching three credit 

courses combining film and social history 

at Catholic University "Outrageous" 

had a posh unspooling in the redecorated 

Pedas brothers' West End Circle Theatre 


The Smithsonian Institution scheduled 

two fiim-and-lecture programs, offering 

Raymond Fielding, professor of communications 

at Temple University and author of 

•The American Newsreel 1911-1967." and 

producer-director Perry Millier Adato. 

Motion Picture Group Luncheon 

PHILADELPHIA — Board members of 

the Philadelphia Motion Picture Preview 

Group held a luncheon at the home of Mrs. 

Henry D. Simmons, treasurer. Tuesday (9). 

Mrs. Arthur Goldsmith, president, led the 

meeting which discussed future plans and 

films viewed over the summer. The next 

meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m.. October 

5. in the Bonwit Teller Community Room 

at 

17th and Chestnut. 

CALL 

PHIL GLAZER 

(301) 

385-0600 

CINDERELLA 

2000 

Washington, D.C. 

(5/11-5/17/77) 

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ASSOCIATED PICTURES CO. INC. 

19 W. Mt. Royal Avenue • Baltimore, Maryland 21201 

Grand Jury Hands Out Indictment 

FREEHOLD, N.J. — The Monmouth 

County Grand Jury indicted Eastern Theatres. 

Inc., and John Kosmidis, of New 

York City, on charges of showing an obscene 

motion picture in nearby Keyport, 

N.J. As owners and operators of the Strand 

Theatre they were charged with showing 

"Summer Sessions" at the theatre on July 

22. 1976. 

S IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 7 

E-4

. . Robert 

. . 

BUFFALO 

ghca's Buffalo Theatre programed a 

Children's August Film Festival that 

featured "Jack and the Beanstalk" on I'uesday 

(9). "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang" on 

Tuesday (16) and "Rumpelstilskin" on 

Tuesday (23). The series concludes Tuesday 

(30) with "Aladdin and His Magic l.amp." 

The shows, sponsored by the Buffalo Retail 

Merchants Ass'n and the Friends of the 

Buffalo, had two screenings for each film, 

one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. 

Carol Channing brought her smash stage 

show "Hello, Dolly!" to'lhe O'Keefe Center 

in Toronto the second week in August. The 

. 

musical replaced the previously scheduled 

Bing Crosby appearance scratched because 

of the recent mishap to "Der Bingle" . 

Helen Reddy is slated for a pair of shows at 

Kleinhans Music Hall Thursday (25) sponsored 

by Radio Station WGR and Festival 

East Goulet appeared at Hamilton 

Place, Hamilton, Ontario, Thursday 

(18). 

The Studio Arena Theatre with a S940,- 

000 federal grant signed, sealed and all-butdelivered, 

announced a mid-May 1978 target 

date for their move across the street to 

the old Palace Theatre building. "We want 

to open our seventh and final show of the 

1977-78 season in the new theatre." said 

SAT executive producer Neal DuBrock. 

Under the terms of the proposal the Studio 

Theatre will assume the mortgaae and pay 

the back taxes of the 12-year-old. one-time 

burlesque house. The Palace was built and 

owned by local showman Dewey Michaels. 

The grant will be used for extensive renovations 

including a building extension at 

the site of the former theatre's parking lot 

at Pearl and Tupper. 

Family entertainment prevailed on local 

screens the week of Wednesday (10) with 

Walt Disney's "The Rescuers" closing out 

a long engagement to be followed bv Disney's 

"Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" in 

four theatres. "For the Love of Benii" also 

graced the screens-of four cmemas as "The 

Bad News Bears in Breaking Training" 

matched the aforementioned two films with 

a four-house plav. "Smokev and the Bandit" 

was up on five screens and "Greased Lightning" 

was being seen at two theatres. 

'Padre Padrone' Scheduled 

For Festival Screening 

MONTREAL — "Padre Padrone," the 

Italian entry which won the grand prize at 

this year's Cannes Film Festival, will 

be one 

of the spotlighted motion pictures at the 

World Film Festival of Canada, to be held 

in Montreal Friday (19) through Sunday 

(28). 

Winner of the Golden Palm as best film 

in the Cannes competition, "Padre Padrone" 

will be one of several films given special 

presentation in Place des Nations at Man 

and His World, according to festival director 

Serge Losique. 

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BOXOmCE :: August 22, 1977 

E-5

. . . "Orca" 

. . . The 

. . Heading 

PITTSBURGH 

Qtephen Mackes is turning out just about 

the best critical film copy hereabouts. 

He does the cinema stuff for the New Sun 

... In issue 104 Bruce Steele exploits "New 

York. New York" via special material on 

Bill Tole jr., formerly of this city, who plays 

Tommy Dorsey in the film . . . Recently the 

oldie "God's Little Acre" repeated on TV 

so many times was identified in copy as "the 

first American Sleaze Film." 

A ten week course in filmmaking starts at 

Motion Picture Film Services here with the 

emphasis on the practical side from budgeting 

a production through the final answer 

print. A number of graduates of past courses 

have landed jobs in the industry . . . Fulton 

and Showcase are featuring "MacArthur" 

is in area release . . . Sheridan 

Square which recently showed "Escape 

from Devil's Island" and "Haunting Party" 

has a $1 admission policy ... 16 minutes 

have been barbered from "New York, New 

York" and cuts have been made on prints 

of "Exorcist II: 

the Heretic." 

ping Center. This will be a companion enterprise 

with Showcase Cinemas Four 

screens in Wilkins Township. 

Parts of another feature movie will be 

made here. Producer-director William 

Friedkin's Warner Bros', production will 

treat the December 1969 murder of United 

Mine Worker's Joseph A. "Jock" YablonlUORKS 

UIOnDERS 

in thBotre building 

TWINNING 

TRIPLEXING 

FOURPLEXING 

ujoodboy con/truction 

565 CHESTNUT STREET • CEDARHURST 

516569-1990 

• NEW YORK 11516 

ski. his wife and daughter. The Yablonskis 

were slaughtered during a struggle for power 

between the union's leaders. Several persons 

have been convicted and are serving 

life terms for the multiple slayings including 

Tony Boyle, ex-UMW chief. 

Forum and Encore are showing 'Fire 

Sale" . this way are "American 

Soap," "Communion," "Bare Knuckles," 

"Suspiria" and other motion pictures . . . 

CLO has not delivered a $9.50 show this 

season ... the Garden advertised "The 

Violation of Claudia" as a world premiere 

Penthouse used a $2 newspaper 

discount coupon. 

KQV now has a daily film-entertainment 

radio spot handled by P-G entertainment 

editor George Anderson. His taped comments 

are aired several times daily . . . 

In area release are "Desires Within Young 

Girls," "Ann and Eve," "Orca," "Lifeguard," 

"Smokey and the Bandit," "The 

Car," "New York, New York," "Stay Hungry," 

"The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington," 

"Linda Lovelace for President" 

Local wrifer-producer-director George 

Romero has "Martin" ready for release. His 

story of vampirism is coming out in paperback 

and "One on One." 

Mt. Lebanon Cable TV, with added pay 

TV via Home Box Office films, cut installation 

and he is starting a new film here . . . 

Initially approved by the planning board, 

charges in half. 

Robinson Township commissioners have 

given the greenlight to National Amusement 

Corp. of Boston for their five-theatre complex 

Vince 

friend and 

Barnetf, 

neighbor 

74, 

for 

veteran 

50 years, 

film actor, 

died in 

California, Wednesday (10). An accomp- 

on Route 60 at the Hightowner 

Shop- 

lished prankster as well as a versatile performer, 

he stole the scene from others so 

often that many were reluctant to appear 

on the screen with him. Our friendship endured 

over the years and. during his trips 

back home, he never missed an occasion 

to give me a hard time. Vince's dad Luke, 

of Edgewood, was a put-on artist nonpareil 

in his own right, yet the son stood alone in 

this field as he developed a talent for staging 

an act on the spot. Vince is survived by 

his wife. Kit; his sister, Mrs. F. C. Koenig 

and his brother. Dr. William C. Barnett. 

The state Department of Labor and Industry 

is waiting for the Avenue Theatre, 

DuBois, to comply with the safety codes. 

The theatre was closed by the local fire 

chief for violations of the safety code including 

repairing a condemned fire escape, 

installation of an emergency lighting system 

and repair of the exit doors which could 

not be opened. 

Bobby Vinton's third annual concert 

series in Heinz Hall was acclaimed as a 

huge success. He has already announced 

that his fourth yearly program of nine concerts 

will be held here June 19-25. He is 

the "King of the Boxoffice" in this town. 

Groton Theatre Has Hot Lino 

GROTON, CONN. — The Great Heat 

Wave of late July did not go unheeded in 

Unite(^ Artists' Groton Cinema 2 newspaper 

advertising. The copy asserted, "Beat The 

Heat! See A Movie In Air-Conditioned 

Comfort!" 

WSID Steps Up Promotion 

Of Black-Oriented Films 

BALTIMORE—WSID-AM. this city's 

very popular black station, recently has 

been involved in promoting new black-oriented 

films in Charm City. 

Pam Grier stopped by the station to appear 

on the Bob Greene show to discuss her 

new starrer. "Greased Lightning," in which 

she plays opposite Richard Pryor and the 

station gave away complimentary tickets to 

highlight the opening of the film at the 

Hippodrome and Timonium drive-ins. Ray 

Thompson & Associates coordinated Ms. 

Griefs promotional tour through Baltimore. 

WSID also has imdertaken a major promotional 

campaign with the AdVentures 

Agency to hypo Smokey Robinson's first 

film, "Big Time," Smokey is the executive 

producer, as well as the composer of the 

soundtrack music. "Big Time" stars Jayne 

Kennedy and Christopher Joy. who did an 

interview with WSID's morning personality 

Harry Boomer. 

Additionally, the station is giving away 

T-shirts and soundtrack albums to ballyhoo 

the film. Four of the lucky winners in a 

contest staged by WSID were slated to be 

chauffered in a limousine to join Harry, 

Smokey, Jayne and Christopher for dinner 

at the Chesapeake Restaurant. They also 

were to attend Robinson's live concert and 

the Baltimore premiere of "Big Time" at the 

Hippodrome Theatre Thursday (11). 

Popular Musician, Editor 

Louis Becker, 79, Dies 

BALTIMORE—Louis Becker. 79, collapsed 

and died at his Baltimore home Tuesday 

(2). 

For more than 30 years he covered the 

nightclub-entertainment beat for the News- 

Post under the byline Lou Calvert. 

During the early 20's he led a dance band 

that featured the Dorsey brothers, Jimmy 

and Tommy on the Keith Orpheum vaudeville 

circuit. Becker, an accomplished violinist, 

was a lifetime member of the American 

Federation of Musicians. 

A native son, he opened up a nightclub 

called The Penthouse after he left vaudeville 

and it became a popular hangout for 

the famous entertainers who appeared here. 

According to his son Gordon one of Becker's 

most prized possessions was an autographed 

copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic 

"Tender is the Night," given to him by 

the author to cover a rather substantial bill 

at 

the club. 

After the repeal of prohibition. Becker 

began his third career as a journalist. He 

reported the nightlife of the city until his 

retirement in 196.3. 

He is survived by his wife Rose, his sons 

Gordon and Lawrence and five grandchildren. 

Mrs. Becker, incidentally, established the 

Women of Variety Tent 19 in 1952 and 

served as its first president. 

"March or Die," a Columbia Pictures release, 

was produced by Dick Richards and 

Jerry Bruckheimer. 

E-6 BOXOFFICE :: August

PHILADELPHIA 

^îlliam Goldniuii Theatres, Inc., has now 

officially passed from the corporate 

slciio. Although long part of the Budco 

Liiciiit and its name not publicly used, an 

application was filed with the Pennsylvania 

Ocpartment of State for a Certificate of 

Withdrawal for the corporation. It once 

represented the largest independent theatre 

circuit in this area. 

A private screening of "Between the 

Lines" for a selective audience was arranged 

by Linda Goldenberg, Budco publicity 

and promotion chief, at the Top of 

the Fox Screening Room. 

Pre-Vitaphone films, starting with "Teddy 

at The Throttle." launch an Olde Time 

Film Festival at the Franklin Institute, with 

the museum admission charge covering admission 

to 

the film center. 

Actress Mercedes McCambridge was presented 

with an Americanism Award by the 

Lt. Charles Freedman Post and Ladies 

Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans here. 

Zero Mostel will star in "The Merchant." 

a new play based on three Shakespearean 

stories, opening its tryout run here at the 

Forrest Theatre on September 6 for three 

weeks. Sam Levene and John Clements costar 

in the new play by Arnold Weskcr. 

dents will subscribe to the service. 

Joseph Nettis, local professional filmmaker, 

will conduct a course of study on 

"How Films Are Made" at the Temple 

University Center City Campus this fall. 

The course will provide a behind-the-scene 

view of the filmmaking process. The uni- 

SALT Talks are Successful 

In Syracuse Negotiations 

SYRACUSE — A citizens group has 

agreed to purchase the downtown Loew's 

Theatre to save it from demolition. 

The non-profit group, Syracuse Area 

Landmark Theatre (SALT) will have 90 

days to raise the $65,000 purchase price. 

SALT wants to reopen and restore the 

downtown "picture palace," according to 

SALT president Joyce Schreiver. 

At the contract signing Friday (12) Mrs. 

Schriever said she is confident the $65,000 

can be raised by the deadline. She reported 

S.M.I has about $5,000 in membership 

pledges in hand and gave $1,000 of that as 

a down payment to the Sutton Real Estate 

Corp. 

Corporation vice-president Daniel Sutton, 

who signed for the film, described the 

possibility of reopening Loew's as a "much 

needed shot in the arm for downtown Syracuse." 

Peter Baum. SALT attorney, said Loew's 

will not be reopened as the first run house 

it used to be, but for "entertainment of all 

types." 

He noted that 

the 3,000-seat theatre built 

in 1928, is the largest entertainment area in 

the city outside of the War Memorial and 

that SALT already has received inquiries 

from agents anxious to book live shows into 

Loew's. 

He said the theatre could reopen in late 

September or October. 

City Councilor Armond Magnarelli. who 

is also a member of the State Council on the 

Arts, said that he felt it would be possible 

to cut taxes on the theatre since SALT is a 

non-profit group. 

The chairman of renovation and restoration 

committee is Harris Cooper, who owns 

a theatrical decoration business. 

Film Sessions to be Held 

On Temple's City Campus 

PHILADELPHIA — A variety of film 

programs will be provided five nights a 

week, from Septemljer 16 through December 

17, at the Temple University City Campus, 

sponsored by the university's Cinema- 

Although the Cherry Hill, N.J. Council 

gave approval for a cable franchise this 

week, Thomas Troehler, president of Cable 

Systems Inc. of Audubon, N.J,, which holds 

cable television franchises in about 15 other 

towns in the area, said it will take about IS 

theque—Film Archives department. 

The archive's program will run on Simday 

months before most of the residents can 

evenings for 12 consecutive weeks with 

expect service. Troehler said he expects that admission on a subscription basis. Featur- 

40 per cent of Cherry Hill's 65,000 resi- 

ing lost classics, the schedule includes "The 

River," "Sister Carrie," "Winterset," "The 

Red Tent," "Folies Bergere," "House of 

Rothschild," "A Free Soul," "Cluny 

Brown," "Cavalcade" and "Bird of Paradise." 

Each session will be introduced by 

David Grossman, director of the Cinematheque, 

who will 

the first time. 

On Friday and Saturday evenings the 

Cinematheque will be offering a variety of 

motion pictures from the U.S., England, 

France, Italy and Germany with two screen- 

Peep Show Proprietor In 

Plea Pictures Peekable 

BALIIMORE—A t.n.il of 1 I peep show 

films have been submitted to the cily circuit 

court by the slate attorney general after the 

state board of censors refused to license 

them on the grounds that they were obscene. 

The films were listed in a suit filed 

by the state against Anthony J. Varano of 

Diversified Investment Corp., Ltd. Monday 

(1). 

Under Maryland law, the court is required 

to set a hearing date and view the films 

promptly. If the court concurs with the censors' 

findings the peeps can be banned from 

exhibition in the coin-operated projectors 

usually found in adult bookstores. 

F. Todd Taylor jr., an assistant attorney 

general, staled in the suit that the board 

turned thumbs down on the pictures in an 

order dated July 29. The 200-foot-Iong 

films are usually shown in 25 cent segments. 

The state law has long required that 

all films shown commercially, including 

those viewed on coin-operated machines, 

must be screened and approved by the censor 

board prior to exhibition. 

In a board-approved film the explicit 

sexual activity associated with the peepers 

would have to be blacked out which might 

discourage potential peep show peckers. 

Operators face a fine, under this law. should 

they show films that do not have the approval 

of the state regulatory agency. 

Baltimore Radio Station 

Working Film Promotions 

BALTIMORE—Motion picture companies 

are flocking to WLPL-FM for its promotional 

assistance in publicizing their summer 

releases. 

American International Pictures' "The 

Island of Dr. Moreau" received a great shot 

in the arm by WLPL. The station promoted 

the appearance of the Humanimal at the 

Baltimore Zoo. A member of the Adventures 

Group Agency, dressed in the humanimal 

costume, was caged at the Zoo on a 

Sunday afternoon while Casey Jones. 

WLPL's midday radio personality, solicited 

donations for the Baltimore Zoo Animal 

Fund. Two-for-one admission passes were 

also lead post-showing discussions. 

versity's Communications and Theatre Division 

will also offer courses in "Film and Single admissions will prevail on other 

nights of the program. Monday and Tuesday 

Illusion," dealing with American and inter- 

also given away with Humanimal T-shirts 

evenings "The Japanese Cinema" will on WLPL's "Constant Contest." The station 

national theatrical films from 1895 to the 

present; and a course in "Film and Reality," be the theme. The series will concentrate on also staged a private screening of the film 

milestone films from the emerging Japenese the IF screening room. 

a historical siirvev of international factual 

at 

film industry during the post-World War II Ray Thompson & Associates gave 92FM 

period through the late '60s. Several of a chance to promote the new 007 feature. 

"The Spy Who Loved Me" via an on-air 

these films will be showing in this area for 

James Bond trivia contest. Audience response 

was phenomenal, as this contest ran 

two weeks. United Artists Records tied into 

the promotion by supplying soundtracks to 

be given away with complimentary passes to 

ings nightly. Scheduled for this segment of see the film for all winners. United Artists 

the program are "Yesterday, Today and was interested in promoting the new Carly 

Tomorrow," "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis," 

Simon single, which is the featured song 

"Every Man for Himself and God on the soundtrack. 

Against All," "Number Seventeen," "The The Robert Kriger Advertising Agency 

Firemen's Ball," "The Wrorg Arm of the has used WLPL's "Constant Contest" as a 

Law," "The Entertainer," "Unfaithfully means of promoting the Paramount releases 

Yours" and "The Miracle of Morgan's of "Sorcerer," "Bad News Bears in Breaking 

Creek." 

Training" and "Orca." 

BOXOFFICE :: August 2'. \911 E-7

. . 

. 

BALTIMORE 

TJelen Leonard, longtime secretary at 

Rappaport 

Theatres visited her son and his 

family in Denver early this month, returning 

to work Monday (15). During her visit, 

she managed to squeeze in a tour of the major 

cities in Colorado . . . April Silk recently 

joined the Rappaport Theatres staff as a 

clerk. She graduated from Western High 

School in 1976 and attended Towson State 

University prior to joining the organization. 

Richard Kir$h, regional manager of Ogden 

Foods, was reflecting upon Robert T. 

Marhenke's nostalgic article about his experiences 

in the July 25 issue of Boxoffice 

in the local theatre business: "The children 

are good for business ... for the theatres. 

They are the "guts" of our business," Kirsh 

stated emphatically. 

The Cluster Theatre, shuttered for four 

months, will reopen September 15 under 

the aegis of its new owner. Norman Katzen 

of Annapolis. Nathan and Sol Klein. Klein 

Bros. Realty, 1711 Eastern Ave. (21231) 

handled the transaction that marks Katzen's 

initial venture as an owner. The theatre 

had been leased to the Rome Theatres for 

the past ten years up until the contract expired 

April 1. 

Jack Levin, 

former owner of the Irvington 

Theatre, is home recuperating from an 

eye operation which was performed at the 

Maryland General Hospital last month . 

Sareba Maslow. "super-seccy" and trusted 

"right arm" to Irwin Cohen, the boss at 

R/C Theatres, was home Tuesday (9) with 

an "indisposition." Happily, the illness was 

short-lived . . . "MacArthur" made its bow 

at the Westview IV. Glen Burnie Mall and 

York Cinema Friday (5). 

John Shaier Joins Staff 

HOLLYWOOD — The appointment of 

John T. Shafer to the marketing department 

of Deluxe Laboratories was announced by 

Robert E. Klees, vice-president of marketing. 

Shafer joins Deluxe from Foto-Kem Industries 

where he was process supervisor. 

Bob Klingensmith Lauded 

For Historical Finding 

PITTSBURGH—R. F. "Bob" Klingensmith, 

Pittsburgh correspondent for Boxoffice 

(and soon entering his 50th year in 

this capacity), an officer of the Descendants 

of American Pioneers for 30 years, has been 

re-elected secretary via unanimous vote of 

family members from eight states who gathered 

at Bushy Run Battlefield July 16. 

This year, DAP honored the memory of 

Good Peter, a son of Bob's third-generation 

great-grandfather Philip Klingensmith. who 

founded Fort Klingensmith (now the city of 

Jeannette, Pa.) in 1769 and who was massacred 

there in July 1781. at which time 

the white boy was captured by renegade 

Senecas. The boy in later years became the 

chief of the Oneidas, a savage tribe which 

he turned into a good and useful nation. 

The Klingensmiths also feel honored, as 

a new U.S. 13-cent postage stamp is dedicated 

to the blacksmith (the clinging of the 

smith), a designated name given to the industrious 

family of bellmakers in Old Saxony 

in the 13th century. The designation 

makes all Klingensmiths cousins, although 

the name is spelled 40 different ways in 

German and English. 

Seven historians paid tribute to the film 

tradepaper representative for his lifetime 

effort in tracking down Good Peter. They 

stated that "the findings of Bob Klingensmith 

wrap up the only historical incident 

to be revealed in America's bicentennial 

year." 

Two more Klingensmith books are to be 

published before next year's reunion, dated 

for the third Saturday in July. 

Former Cinema Proprietor 

Charged with Tax Evasion 

WARREN, OHIO—Winston E. Willis 

has been charged by the city with tax evasion 

stemming from the operation of a film 

house here in 1972 and 1973. The theatre 

went out of business in 1973. 

He was to appear in court Tuesday (2) on 

seven charges of tax evasion for allegedly 

failing to deduct city income taxes from the 

wages of three employees. 

Start BOXOFFICE coming 

D 1 year $15.00 D 2 years $28 (Save $2) 

n PAYMENT ENCLOSED D SEND INVOICE 

. 

REFINED 

Gentleman 

ORhow 

NORBERTRiLLIEUX 

wastfê 

original 

SugarDaddj/: 

On August 26. 1842, 

Norbert Rillieux put a patent 

on a sweet idea. 

It was a way to refine sugar. 

To help the sugarcane 

juices evaporate more quickly, 

he enclosed condensation coils 

in a vacuum chamber. A 

process that's made things a 

lot sweeter ever since. 

You can make your future 

a little sweeter, too, by buying 

U.S. Savings Bonds through 

your Payroll Savings Plan. 

They're the dependable 

way to save for an education, 

vacation, or even retirement. 

Because they always pay off 

with interest. 

So buy U.S. Savings 

Bonds. 

And be a "sugar daddy" in 

your spare time. 

.Scries E Bonds pav 6% interest when held to 

maturity of 5 years (4'/2% the first year). Intensl 

These rates for U.S., Canada, fan American only. Ofher countries: $25 a year. 

THEATRE 

STREET ADDRESS 

TOWN STATE ZIP NO 

HAME 

POSITION 

Boxoffice -THE national film weekly 

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

E!a.; 

lake 

.stock 

in^yaierica. 

E-8 BOXOFFICE :: August 22. 1977

— 

ShoWesT 78 Readies 

For Mid-Feb. Confab 

lOS ANGELES—With an anticipated 

rcyistration of over 800, ShoWesT 78 is 

scheduled for San Diego's del Coronado 

Hotel Feb. 12-14, 1978.^Co-chairmen Robert 

W. Selig, Al Lapidus and Spero Konlos 

said the merged interests of exhibition, concessionaires 

and equipment people "have 

balanced the appeal so that everyone goes 

home with meaningful aids to his business." 

The gathering of exhibitors from the 13 

Western states observes its fourth year with 

a tradeshow of 100 booths already virtually 

sold out. Tradeshow chairman Jerry Ireland 

has confirmed that inquiries for booth space 

are exceeding the capacity of the exhibit 

area and he is urging a prompt response 

from those expecting to show their wares. 

Program-wise, ShoWesT '78 is promising 

several surprises, according to the co-chairmen. 

Dubbed the "Show Me" convention, 

audience participation and practical workshops 

already are in the early planning 

stages. "Name experts" in the fields of exhibition, 

production, distribution, snack-bar 

operations and equipment use and maintenance 

already are being confirmed, the 

committee reports. 

Ross Campbell of Sheridan, Wyo., chairman 

of Area West, is promoting widespread 

attendance from the 13 participating states. 

Committee co-chairmen from each state are 

being named for program participation. 

Ted Minsky, Nat Fellman and Art Silber 

head the sponsorship team and are developing 

innovative plans for breakfasts, luncheons, 

dinners and special events. Robert 

Hazzard of Seattle is joining the trio in rallying 

support and participation by the film 

companies. It is expected that the 50th anniversaries 

of the Academy Awards and of 

talking pictures both will be saluted with 

top star 

involvement. 

Ladies' activities, tmder Nora Marsh of 

San Diego, will depart from the usual to receive 

a two-day salute from the area and 

its activities, including nearby Mexico. 

ITC Earns Record Price 

For Feature Film Package 

LOS ANGELES—ITC Entertainment's 

first feature film package "Entertainment. 

Volume One," which consists of 15 outstanding 

motion pictures, was recently released 

tmder a new marketing plan and sold 

to KCOP-TV for the record "price of $100,- 

000 per picture for a total of $1,500,000. 

The architects of the new marketing plan, 

which led to the agreement, were Abe Mandell, 

president, and Pierre Weis, vice-president. 

Under the marketing plan's specifications 

every station in the area was invited to submit 

offers. Each station was informed that 

the highest offer would be accepted, that 

each offer would be kept confidential and, 

if no offers were satisfactory, the market 

t 

would be closed at that time for the package. 

Out of the seven commercial TV stations 

six made firm offers and the highest was 

KCOP-TV, an independent station owned 

b\ Chris Craft Industries. 

(he record price secured for 'Entertainnicnt, 

Volimie One' reflects the outstanding 

caliber of motion pictures and the great array 

of boxoffice stars in the group of motion 

pictures," Mandell said. 

The motion picture titles include: "The 

Return of the Pink Panther," "Voyage of 

the Damned," "The Count of Monte Cristo." 

"The Domino Principle," "Moses," 

"The Cassandra Crossing," "Vendetta for 

the Saint" and "The Eagle Has Landed." 

Some of the stars of th; films are: Faye 

Dunaway, Peter Sellers, Sophia Loren, 

Richard Burton, Burt Lancaster, Gene 

Hackman, Roger Moore, Michael Caine, 

Sarah Miles, O.J. Simpson. Donald Sutherland, 

Martin Sheen and Tony Curtis. 

"Entertainment, Volume One" will be released 

in other designated U.S. markets tmder 

the same ITC marketing plan. 

ITC Entertainment, which is now a major 

producer of high-budgeted theatrical films, 

has 27 major motion pictures 'n various 

stages of production, which will be produced 

within the next 18 months. 

Film Crew Digs a Grave 

At Dodgers Stadium 

LOS .ANGELES A grave was dug under 

the homeplate at Dodger Stadium Thursdas 

(4) for the Jennings Lang Production 

"House Calls." The Universal film, which 

is a romantic comedy about a sexually naive 

widower who tries to be a modern day Cassanova, 

stars Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, 

Art Carney and Richard Benjamin. 

Director Howard Zieff obtained permission 

from the Los Angeles Dodgers to film 

the tmusual scene, which calls for the ashes 

of a baseball club owner to be buried under 

homeplate with his players and friends in 

attendance. Dodger Stadium will represent 

an unnamed ballpark and the imiforms of 

the players will not be identified with a real 

club. Included in the scene will be Matthau, 

Carney, Benjamin and Candy Azarra, who 

plays the widow of the deceased club owner. 

Jennings Lang is executive producer. 

Alex Winitsky and Arlene Sellers are producing 

from a screenplay written by Max 

Shulman and Julius J. Epstein. 

Denver Public Library 

Gets Film Collection 

BOULDER, COLO.—The public 

library 

has received a gift in the form of a $7,000 

film collection that may delight old movie 

fans in the area. 

The collection, which is comprised of 48 

films, includes eight Charlie Chaplin films, 

four Buster Kcaton movies, two W. C. 

Fields films and two Laurel and Hardy 

films in addition to Russian. French and 

Italian film classics. 

The collection also includes: "Stagecoach," 

"The Birth of a Nation." "Nanook 

of the North" and "The Great Train Robbcrv." 

'Star Wars' Towers 

Over Denver List 

DENVER — -Slar Wars' continued to 

shine at the top of the list for a 12th week 

at the Cooper Theatre. "MacArthur" captured 

the second place slot during its second 

week at the Continental with grosses of 240 

while newcomer "Suspiria" hit the 200 

mark during its debut week at the Centre. 

(Average Is 

ICO) 

Century 21—Hollorcoasler (Univ). lOlh wlc 55 

Centre—Suspiria (20lh-Fox) - 200 

Cherry Creek, Villa Italia—The Other Side cl 

Midnight (20th-Fox), 9lh wk 135 

Colorado Four—The Last Remake oi Beau Geste 

(Univ). 5:h wk 150 

Continental—MacArthur (Univ). Ind v.-k 240 

Coop -Star Wars :Cth-Fox), 12tri v. k 500 

r:;a!ii :i Hcrbio Goes to Monte Carlo (BV). 

zr. i .-, , 185 

r.v]u: !,. r Race for Your Liie, Charlie 

Brownl ii ii .120 

Four theatres— Outlaw Blues (WB), 2nd wk 100 

Nine theatres—Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger 

(Col), 3rd wk 130 

Nine theatres—Smokey and the Bandit (Ur.iv), 

3rd wk .150 

Seven theolres-The Bad News Bears in Breoking 

Training (Para), 3-i v,k 125 

Seven theatres-The Spy Who Loved Me (UA) 

5th 

100 

Tamarac Six—New York, Ne 

(UA) 

7th wk 

Three theatres—Final Chapter—Walk: Tall 

(AIP) :>ot Available 

Three theatres—The Deep (Co;), 9lh wk ISO 

Three theatres—The Rescuers (BV), 6lh wk ICO 

University Hills Three. Flick—Jabberwocky (SR), 

3rd wk 135 

Eldorado Enterprises 

Building Fourplex 

SAN DIEGO— Eldorado Enterprises, 

operator of five drive-ins and the College 

Theatre, broke ground Thursday (4) for its 

new Mira Mesa cinemas, a four-theatre 

complex, according to Bill Russo. circuit 

president. 

The theatre, the first in the Mira Mesa 

neighborhood, was designed by George 

Kirkpatrick. AIA. The general contractor is 

Harold Anderson. 

General manager Cal Tvler said the Mira 

Mesa construction is the initial step in the 

company's plans for remodeling and expanding 

its San Diego operations. 

Lee Grant Signs to Star 

In Irwin Allen's 'Swarm' 

BURBANK — Producer-director Irwin 

•Allen has signed Lee Grant to a starring 

role in his production of "The Swarm" for 

Warner Bros. Also starring in the film are 

Michael Caine. Katharine Ross. Richard 

Widmark. Henry Fonda and Olivia De 

Havilland. 

Ms. Grant was an .Academy Award winner 

for her work in "Shampoo" and her 

latest film is "Clouds." She recently completed 

her first directing assignment for the 

American Film Institute, a half-hour adaptation 

of August Strindberg's "The Stronger." 

"The Swarm," based on Arthur Herzog's 

best-seller, will be produced and directed by 

Irwin Allen from a screenplay by Stirling 

Silliphant. The film is set to begin production 

Monda\' (22) on locations throughout 

the Southland and in Houston. Tex. 

BOXOFFICE :: August 22. 1977

Hollywood 

JJUNT DOWNS, unit publicist for numerous 

pictures made abroad, has moved 

his operations from Madrid to Hollywood 

and has affiliated with Charles A. Moses 

Co.. Beverly Hills advertising, publicity and 

marketing firm. Downs has been doing publicity 

since 1967. Prior to that, he was assistant 

editor of the Honolulu .Advertiser, a 

USIA correspondent in Europe and Southeast 

Asia and program supervisor for the 

American Forces Network in Europe. 

* 

Screenwriter Dale Wasserman has returned 

to Los Angeles after conducting a 

professional playwrights" laboratory at Nicolet 

College in Rhinelander, Wis., under the 

sponsorship of the University of Wiscon- 

John Daly, chairman of the Hemdale 

Film Group, returned to London from Hollywood 

where he had spent a month meetwith 

producers to discuss co-production 

deals and film acquisition. 

• 

Director Sydney Pollack will be saluted 

via the showing of five of his films at the 

September 4-11 European Festival of 

.'\merican Films in Deauville, France. Pollack's 

newest film. "Bobby Deerfield," 

which he directed and produced for Warner 

Bros.-Columbia, will top the retrospective. 

• 

Universal's "MacArthur," starring Gregory 

Peck in the title role, has been voted 

an Award of Excellence by the Film Advisory 

Board. The Richard D. Zanuck/David 

D. Zanuck/David Brown production opened 

nationally Friday (5). 

Ik- 

First Artists' "Pardon Mon Affaire." 

I COLOR 

French-language comedy, is scheduled to 

open in key situations across the country, 

following its impressive grosses at the Baronet 

Theatre in New York, where it is into 

its ninth week. The film had an excellent 

or Black and White j 

FOR 

INDOOR AND 

DRIVE-INS 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS • TRAILERETTES 


AND A BIG MONEY MAKER 


Filmaok -33- 

i^HVcAôT-ors 

Studios 

Happenings 

city an Italian-American 

family in the Bronx, working in the 

high-rise construction trade, completed 

photography of interior scenes Thursday 

(11) at the Burbank Studios following several 

first week after opening in the Clay Theatre 

weeks of location shooting in New York 

San Francisco. 

in 

• 

• 

City. 

Continental Film Distributors reports it 

has acquired Far East distribution rights to 

Films International, headed by Shel 

American International's "The Island of Dr. Haims, has obtained distribution rights to 

Moreau" and plans to premiere the picture "Smokey and the Smugglers" from the Boasberg-Ehrlich 

in five of the largest theatres in Hong Kong 

Organization. Haims also has 

during the Christmas holiday season. 

optioned distribution rights to a "Smokey 

• 

and the Smugglers" sequel, production of 

Advance guarantees of more than $1.5 which is set for early 1978 with a $1,200,- 

000 budget. 

Theatre Operators Inc. 

You a Rose Garden." 

• 

Make Managerial Changes 

"Suspiria," an International Classic, Inc., BOZEMAN, MONT. — Theatre Operators, 

film released by 20th Century-Fox will 

Inc. announced several managerial 

open in flagship theatres throughout the changes that are effective immediately. Darrell 

Southland Friday (26). Jessica Harper. Gabel succeeded Gordon Wilson as city 

Stefania Casini and Joan Bennett are among manager for TOI in Lander Wyo. Gabel, 

the stars in this story of black magic and occultism. 

who transferred from the Redwood Theatre 

in Logan, Utah, previously managed the- 

• 

atres in Billings. Miles City and Helena 

The Hollywood/ Los Angeles WOMPI 

before 

leaving TOI to go into private business. 

Club will hold its first program meeting of Gabel will be succeeded in Logan by Verl 

the new year Tuesday (23) in the Scuttlebutt Clark who will tackle his first assignment as 

Restaurant in Santa Paula with comedianmagician 

city manager. Clark started his theatre career 

Tony La Mar presenting the pro- 

in Lander, Wyo. and has subsequently man- 

gram. 

aged theatres in Billings, Butte, Helena and 

• 

Grants, N. M. 

Girls Friday of Show Business will hold 

Dirk Anderson, who has been managing 

their regular dinner-meeting Tuesday (15) 

the Sunset Drive-In in Helena under the direction 

at the Smoke House at Toluca Lake, with 

of city manager Fred Nicholls, has 

Philip Abbott, president of the Nelson Co., 

been transferred to the Sky-Hi Drive-In to 

as guest speaker. 

• 

succeed Mack Frost. Kevin Flanagan, a 

manager trainee, was named to manage the 

"Star Wars," 20th Century-Fox's recordgrossing 

Sunset Drive-In. 

film, will augment its release pat- 

tern Wednesday (17) in 15 flagship theatres Sam Schmerbach, a newcomer to the theatre 

business, has been named house man- 

throughout the Southland. The science-fiction 

sensation has grossed more than $80 ager of the World Theatre in Billings. Lanny 

million since its release May 25. 

Wagner is city manager of TOI operations 

• 

in the Billings area, and is assisted by Jim 

Laemmles' Westland II Twin Theatre will 

a manager of the World Theatre in 

Phillips, 

continue its Spanish film festival with the 

Billings. 

premier showing of "Cousin Angelica" 

opening Wednesday (17). 

• 

WOMPIs Select Delegates 

"Bloodbrothers," Warner Bros.' contem- For Annual Convention 

HOLLYWOOD— Members of the Los 

Angeles and Hollywood WOMPIs have 

named two delegates and two alternates to 

THEATRE PROJECTION BOOTH^ 

the annual International WOMPI Convention 

NEW EQUIPMENT from $7500 

September 15-18 in Memphis. Tenn. 

USED EQUIPMENT from $2000 Named as delegates were Vini White, 

president, and Romaine Goffman, both 

from 20th Century-Fox. Alternates will be 

Adelaide Guggenheim from Warner Bros. 

and Evelyn Gordon of 20th Century-Fox. 


Southland Debut for BCP 


'Final Chapter' Sept. 7 

HAWAII TOO. 

When 

HOLLYWOOD — "Final Chapter — 

you come to Waikiki, 

Walking Tall." a Bing Crosby production 

don't miss the famous 

(jl[j]g>Hjjji' 

starring Bo Svenson. will be released in the 

"îiAWAiiil 

Don Ho Show. . . at 

Southern California area September 7, according 

to James Whiteside, BCP's vice- 

""^î Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

REEF IN WAIKIKI; • REEF TOWERS EDGEWATER • president in charge of sales and marketing. 

million based on 100 nationwide bookings 

have been reported for Roger Gorman's New 

World Pictures' feature, "I Never Promised 

BOXOFFICE :: Augu.s.t 1977

Get in on the Frozen 

\bgurt 

Boom! 

\/ New source of income. 

\/ Proven performance. 

Freezer sales 

UP 56% 

Average per theater in UA test. 

Here's u/hat 

managers are saying: 

"Selling better than ice cream!' 

"Sold out initial order in two days!' 

"Selling like hot cakes!' 

"People really enjoy them!' 

"We doubled our order!' 

YOGURT BARS ARE 

FOR SUPER STARS" 

FREE Promo Kit with 

First Order Includes: 

•2" Lapel Buttons 

•2' Square Sign 

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THEATER OR COMPANY- 

OOR ICE CREAM IS DELIVERED BY 

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D Attached is full list 

of theaters to receive the same order for each theater. 

August 22. 1977 W-3

. . Dave 

. . 

DENVER 

fl merican Multi Cinema Corp. opened their 

new Westminster Six complex in the 

Westminster Mall Shopping Center. 88th 

and Sheridan Blvd. American Multi Cinema 

also operates the Buckingham Five in this 

area. 

Visiting the exchanges to schedule dates 

were: Ed Thorne of Cinema West Theatre. 

Wheatland. Wyo.: Neal Lloyd of Westland 

Theatres. Colorado Springs; Mr. and Mrs. 

Dominic Linza of Isis Theatre. Aspen and 

Dick Klein of K Theatres. Longmont . 

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stone traveled here 

from Kansas City to set dates for their theatres 

in Pueblo. 

Tom Pliilibin, district manager for American 

International Pictures, was in town 

to confer with branch manager Jerry Collins 

and call on the local circuits. 

Universal branch manager Jack Box vacationed 

in the South . Hudgens 

who was a Warner Bros.' representative 

here before moving to Oklahoma City to 

work in independent distribution recently 

was married to Carole Martin. The newlyweds 

returned to Oklahoma City. 

Entertainment Industries 

Surpass Campaign Goal 

HOLLYWOOD—The 1977 fund-raising 

campaign of the Paramount Charities Committee 

of the Entertainment Industries collected 

$52,172 over the campaign goal of 

$1.6 million, according to committee president 

Eugene Arnstein. 

Arnstein said that 21,328 persons had 

pledged or contributed $1,652,172 as of 

Uine 30 when the campaign books closed. 

Arnstein praised campaign chairman 

Donn Tatum for "outstanding achievement," 

and credited much of the success to "Donn's 

diligence and perseverance in getting increased 

gifts from top bracket personal 

donors as well as increased corporate gifts." 

The committee president also thanked 

PETERSON 

THEATRE 

455 Bearcat Drive 

Times Square Park 

SUPPLY 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

801-466-7642 

Stanley L. Spero of Golden West Broadcasters/ 

KMPC and the PCC Women's Aux 

iliary whose respective special events "Show 

of the World" and "Sunday Matinee" added 

$97,348 to the campaign kitty. 

"As we look back on the campaign," Arnstein 

said, "we must conclude that when 

you have good people working for a good 

cause success will surely result." 

The 1978 campaign with Howard W. 

Koch at the helm opened its books on 

July 1, although the official kick-off luncheon 

won't be held until Wednesday (31). 

The goal for the 1978 compaign has been 

set at $1.8 million. 

Hugh McCauley Manages 

Wometco Alaska Theatres 

LOS ANGELES—Hugh E. McCauley 

was appointed general manager of Wometco 

Lathrop Theatres in Alaska Monday (I), 

according to Donald K. Hill, president of 

W-metco Lathrop Co. 

Hill said that McCauley will be responsible 

for film buying, advertising, 

concessions 

and administration for the theatre chain. 

A native of Boston. McCauley joined 

Wometco in 1973 as district manager for 

the northern Florida theatres and was based 

n Orlando. For the past year he has served 

as 

director of management training and development 

for the theatre division at the 

roroorate headquarters in Miami. 

Before joining Wometco. McCauley had 

been associated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

in Boston. Loews Theatres in Boston and 

Wilmington. Del. and ABC Theatres in 

Westchester County, N.Y. 

McCiuley and his family will be relocating 

to 

th; Anchorage area. 

national 

theatre convention. 

Other activities included a family picnic 

on Sunday and a fun night on Monday 

which consisted of various outdoor events. 

Mornings were left free for "olfing. tennis, 

hiking, horseback riding and similar activities. 

Dan Klusman. local city manager, was the 

convention chairman who was assisted by 

Kelvin Plumb, manager of the Cinemas and 

Starlight Drive-in. 

Career as Stuntman 

Ends for Silverheels 

FAIRPLAY. COLO.—Hollywood stuntman 

John Silverheels has decided to give up 

his career and move his family to Coal 

Creek Canyon, according to an article by 

Rena Andrews, movie editor for the Denver 

Post. A benefit performance by Silverheels 

for the McNamara Hospital, his past career 

and his future plans are the subjects of 

Andrews' following article. 

In the tradition of western movies, this 

live performance includes everything that 

kept us glued to our seats and cheering with 

excitement when we were kids. There is the 

guy who rides into town to visit the saloon 

and do antics that will remind you of Lee 

Marvin in "Cat Ballou' as he climbs on the 

wrong side of the horse and wonders who 

stole the animal's head; a town floozie; a 

little kid who is kidnaped in a bank robbery; 

a courageous sheriff and his deputies; town 

folks; lots of slapstick, daring stunts falling 

off horses and buildings; men catching 'on 

fire' and even a happy ending. 

— 

"Silverheels put together the show—he 

wrote it. produced it, directed and acted in 

it as an old lady and as the town drunk 

with the help of fellow residents in the area. 

"The show's youngest star is Silverheels" 

seven-year-old daughter Tianya who was 

given her name by Indians in Montana when 

her father was doing stunts for the movie 

'Little Big Man.' 

"Tianya sticks her tongue out at the prospects 

of being a Hollywood actress. 'I want 

to be a stuntwoman,' she says, and demonstrates 

her enthusiasm by adding she has 

been talking her dad into teaching her horse 

falls and building falls since she was four. 

"Silverheels began his career as a stuntman 

in 1963—and quite by accident. He 

was 'discovered' by Hollywood while sleep- 

Theatre Operators Inc. 

Holds Annual Convention 

BOZEMAN. MONT.—The annual convenfon 

of Theatre Operators Inc. was held ing in his car in back of a New Mexico restaurant 

'during lean days— I hadn't eaten for 

at th? Chet Himtley Lodge at Big Sky from 

Sunday (7) to Tuesday (9). 

three days and my car was broken down.' 

Business sessions were held the first two "He answered positively when asked if 

afternoons and the annual awards banquet 

was featured on the last afternoon at which 

time the "TOI Showman of the Year" and 

"TOI Manager of the Year" were awarded 

trips for themselves and their wives to a 

he could ride a horse and his movie career 

was on. 

" 'I have broken every bone in my body,' 

he says, 'and right now I have a rib that 

Wh;n hurts. But I'm okay. you get banged 

up, you get another job and give benefits 

to 

help people.' 

"Silverheels says his wife Bonnie is none 

too pleased about her husband's stunting 

career. 'So. I guess I'm giving it up.' he says, 

'We bought a house up Coal Creek Canyon 

and I'm trying to get a job as a dump-truck 

driver.' " 

Myrna Loy will portray Burt Reynold; 

mother in United Artists' "The End." 

Solt Loke • Boston • Dollos • New York 

NIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY 

- HOME OFFICE - 

264 Eost 1st South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 

W-4 August 22, 1977

UPROARIOUS! 

—CUE Magazine 

u 55 

The whole sex gamut civilized!" 

—Archer Winston. N. Y. Post 

"A SEX ROMP! "»Rex Reed 

Sex farce, 

sensual 

and funny... 

it has been years 

since anybody 

beamed such 

delight on 

the screen!" 

—N.Y. Times 

. . . can 

. . 

SAN FRANCISCO 

Qolumbia branch manager Wayne Case 

left for Europe with plans to visit Italy 

and to take a cruise around the Greek 

. Islands United Artists staffer Mort 

. 

Dyksterhuis took off for Colorado to see his 

daughter Vicki receive her M. A. in education 

from the University of Northern Colorado. 

The graduation ceremonies were also 

attended by Vicki's mother Toni Dyksterhuis 

who was formerly with the local United 

Artists' branch and is now manager of the 

Milwaukee branch. 

Columbia booker Mike McCabe put together 

a "Three Stooges Festival," which 

consisted of seven two-reelers including two 

in 3-D. The package earned substantial 

grosses at 

the Avenue Theatre. 

Richard Keil, the seven-loot, two-inch 

actor who stars in United Artists" "The Spy 

Who Loved Me" toured the area recently. 

In order to conduct an interview with Keil. 

KGO-TVs Sam Van Zandt was forced to 

stand on a box to remain within the camera's 

range . . . Benji was also in town to 

help promote his latest effort "For the Love 

of Benji." 

Robert Lippert III was recently named 

head booker at United Artists. Robert previously 

managed both the Colorado 4 and 

the Brentwood 4 theatres in Denver before 

moving to this area to work as the advertising 

director for Affiliated Theatres . 

Shirley Stimmel. who formerly worked for 

Bryanston Distributing and American International 

Pictures, was named second 

booker. Shirley has been with UA since 

April . 

. . Joe Piexoto, who joined UA as 

head booker last April, was promoted to a 

salesman position in the New York office. 

Up-to-the-Minute Medical 

Supplies Loaned to 'Coma' 

CULVER CITY—Hospital and surgical 

equipment valued at nearly $250,000 has 

been loaned to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to 

help furnish sets for "Coma." the hospital 

suspense drama now before the cameras 

with Michael Crichton directing. 

Providing the studio with the latest in 

medical items are Amsco Corp., Johnson & 

Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Cedars-Sinai 

Hospital and North American Drager. 

Equipment includes extensive monitoring 

devices in surgery, post-operative and intensive 

care facilities. Director Crichton, 

who also holds a medical degree from Harvard, 

personally selected more than 150 different 

hospital appliances to appear prominently 

in the film. 

"Coma," based on the current best seller 

by Robin Cook, stars Genevieve Bujold, 

Michael Douglas, Elizabeth Ashley, Rip 

Torn and Richard Widmark. Crichton also 

wrote the screenplay. Martin Erlichman is 

producing. 

Marya Small and Jeff Goldblum have 

been cast in "Thank God It's Friday," a 

Motown-Casablance Record and FilmWorks 

production. 

PORTLAND 

^harles Funk, who recently resigned as 

general manager of the Tom Moyer circuit, 

which is a post he held for three years, 

hosted a party at his home in Vancouver, 

Wash. July 28 to mark his departure. Lu,\- 

ury Theatres personnel presented him with 

a grandfather clock, which was an expensive 

and beautiful present for a man held in high 

esteem. Funk's affable personality and congenial 

nature were evident at the standingroom-only 

party where guests were treated to 

an assortment of food and liquor worthy of 

a visiting dignitary. 

One of the last activities completed under 

Funk's supervision was restoration work on 

the Broadway Theatre. Funk said, "Manager 

Brian Devenny did a great job painting 

and restoring the theatre. It looks like it did 

many years ago." He said that business at 

the Broadway has been "great" this summer 

and that three films currently doing substantial 

business are: "Rollercoaster." "The Last 

Remake of Beau Geste" and "The Island of 

Dr. Moreau." 

Tom Moyer, who with his wife were 

among the guests at the party, confirmed reports 

that Luxury Theatre had purchased 

Portland's Mann Theatres—the Music Box, 

Hollywood and Fox. He said that the details 

of the purchase and the announcement of a 

successor for Funk would be made soon. 

Renovation work was recently completed 

on a new floor of offices for Luxury Theatres, 

which are located one floor above the 

current offices at the downtown site. 

^/(lE cZLErfanaE of JîafiE'iif . 

be within your budget! 

And the expert craftsmen at the Filbert Company 

can provide all the services: design, fabric selection, color 

coordination, stage rigging, and installation personnel. 

FiLBERC 

1100 Flower Street, Box 5085, Glendoie, Calif. 91201 - (213) 247-6550 

Rudi Fehr to Supervise 

Dubbing of 'Deerfield' 

BURBANK—Rudi Fehr has been contracted 

to supervise the foreign-language 

dubbing of "Bobby Deerfield," the Al Pacino/Marthe 

Keller film, a Warner Bros.- 

Columbia picture which Warner Bros, is 

distributing in 

the international territories. 

Fehr. formerly post-production executive 

for Warner Bros., leaves for Europe at the 

end of August where he will spend eight to 

ten weeks as the dubbing consultant in 

France, Germany, Spain and Italy. He performed 

the same fimction for Warner Bros, 

for the foreign versions of "A Star Is Born." 

"Bobby Deerfield" will be distributed in 

the U.S. and Canada by Columbia Pictures. 

"Bobby Deerfield" is a Sydney Pollack film 

produced and directed by Pollack from the 

screenplay by Alvin Sargent. 

Cooper Highland Theatres 

Builds Another Fourplex 

DENVER—Cooper Highland Theatres, 

which now operates 21 theatres in the area, 

is building a fourplex at 740 South Colorado 

Blvd. 

The theatres, which will be called the 

Galleria Four, will contain approximately 

295 seats each. Mel Glatz & Associates are 

designing the theatres, which are scheduled 

to open during the Christmas season. 

BOXOFFICE :: August

iVVlKE RIPPS RIDES 

\GAIM WITH 

AWINNER 

SO MAKE ROOM AT YOUR TRACK 

TRACK RECORD 

$338,085 FIRST 30 DAYS 

AVERAGE PER 7 DAY PLAY DATE: 

$6,147 

AND THE WINNERS SO FAR 

m 

^^K ^WHEN 

EMC 

^ DISTRIBUTES, 

JV EVERYONE MAKES 

MONEY! 

mm 

1/ _ 

SYRACUSE NY DEWITT D/l $14,556 

UTICA NY MARCE D/l 

ROCHESTER NY ROCHESTER D/l 

CINCINNATI OH OAKLEY D/l 

CINCINNATI OH DENT D/l 

CINCINNATI OH FLORENCE (KY)D/I 

AUGUSTA GA WEIS 

D/l 

LANCASTER PA COLUMBIA D/l 

YORK PA LINCOLN D/l 

SACO ME SACO 

D/l 

LOUISVILLE KY KENWOOD D/l 

NEW ALBANY D/l 

7,083 

9,583 

11,244 

9,528 

7,748 

7,539 

8,269 

7,981 

7,294 

13,543 

8,409 

IRVINGTON D/l 8,020 

McLENDON TR.D/I 10,005

'MacArthur' Heads 

Kansas City Lineup 

KANSAS Cn V—MacAnhur- led 

llic 

livi in this area with grosses of 450 in its 

i>|u-ning week at the Plaza Theatre. The 

second place slot was earned by "Smoke\ 

.iihI the Bandit," which reached the 335 

mark in its second week at eight theatres 

while "Greased Lightning" came in third 

uith a score of 290 at six theatres during 

iis 

debut week. 


Blue Ridge, Ranchman—A Bridge Too Far (UA), 

Variety Club Telethon Dates Set 

-Smokey and the Bandit (Uni^ 

Whil 

2nd K,: 

14 theatre:,- Smbad a 

be 

Tige 

165 

(Col) . 

Glenwood—The Deep iCo'.;, 8-h v.i: :'Sr: 

Mldland-Rollercoaster i!:::v' ..: v.-: n, 

Oak Park— The Happy Hooker Goes lo Washington 

(SR), 3rd wk 711 

Plaza—MacArthur lUniv) 450 

Plaza—One on One (WB), nth wk 135 

Seville—Annie Hall (UA), 15t:, '.v :: 150 

Six theatres— The Bad News Bears in Breaking 

Training (Para), L^nd -.vk 2':0 

Six theatres—Greased Lightning iV/B) 2S0 

Ten theatres—Herbie Goes lo Monte Carlo (BV) 

2nd wk 225 

Three theatres— The Other Side oi Midnight 

(20lh-Fox), 8th AK 175 

"Suspiria' Hits 550 Mark 

In First Chicago Week 

CHICAGO—Ihe first and second place 

slots were captured by newcomers "Suspiria," 

which grossed 550 in an exclusive 

showing at the State Lake, and "The Last 

Remake of Beau Geste," which averaged 

425 at five theatres. Despite the hefty competition 

from the newcomers, ail the holdovers 

earned above average grosses with 

"Star Wars" and "The Bad Ne^ws Bears in 

Breaking Training" both tying for the third 

place position with grosses of 350. 

Cmema—Black and White in Color (AA) 

7th wk , , 

275 

Five theatres—The Deep (Col), 8th wk 200 

Five thealres—Star Wars (20th-F-x), ll-h wk 350 

Five theatres—The Last Remake of Beau Geste 

2nd 

wk. 

-Smokey and the 

Bandit 

Seven thea 

(20th-Fox). ath wk 200 

Six theatres—The Bad News Bears in Breoliing 

Training (Para), 'Jnd wk 350 

State Lake—Suspiria (20th-Fox) 550 

Three theatres— Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo 

(BV), 2nd wk 300 

Yorktown 1— Outlaw Blues (WB), 3rd wk 150 

Blood Soaked Car Found 

After Theatre Holdup 

BROOKLYN. IND.—The 

gunman who 

rohhed the Center Brook Drive-In July 17 

ni.iv have been accidently wounded by his 

own gim, according to Richard Allen, Morgan 

County deputy sheriff, who recovered a 

blood-soaked stolen car a few moments after 

the event. About $600 was taken in the 

holdup. 

Mien Weems, drive-in cashier, said a car 

came out the exit and the driver then pointed 

a gun at him. After getting the money 

and driving off, the driver might have accidentally 

shot himself because Weems said he 

heard a gun blast from the ear, which was 

later abandoned with its motor nmnint;. 

Principals of the first Variety Club lent 8 telethon «ho met I uesday (2) are. 

standing, left to right: Stan Lenchner and Harry Kodin

. . The 

. . Pam 

CHICAGO 

n fter eight weeks of filming "A Wedding" 

in suburban Lake Forest, cast members 

left to pursue other commitments, most 

of them on the West Coast. But filming of 

scenes for "The Fury" continued. Mayor 

Bilandic and his wife Heather appeared in 

a walk-on performance as themselves in a 

sequence of this film known as "The Kirk 

Douglas Thriller." 

Harry Goldman, president of United 

Film Distribution Co., said. "We are on 

Cloud Nine. We've just learned that our 

film, 'Kentucky Fried Movie.' grossed in 

excess of $15,000 opening day in eight 

New "Vork City theatres." The movie also 

has opened in Los Angeles and it will start 

showing in Chicagoland movie houses in 

November. 

Judith Crist, who never goes overboard 

in behalf of any film, went all out for "Kentucky 

Fried Movie" . film, which 

comprises 22 spoof segments including TV 

commercials, karate and in fact any facets 

of public or consumer interest and entertainment, 

is likened to "The Groove Tube," 

which continued to be a hit in repeat performances. 

Jerry Bulger of Plitt Theatres is taking a 

week off to go fishing in Leach Lake, Minn. 

And Plitt Theatres' Lorraine Zaler returned 

from a holiday in Puerto Rico. 

Films, Inc., has just published a new edition 

of its classic American cinema catalog 

with 224 pages full of photos, articles and 

credits on more than 600 movies. The bookstore 

price is quoted at $6 but right now 

Gazette readers can purchase the catalog at 

$4. Those who apply for the catalog at the 

lower price must specify that they are taking 

advantage of the "Film Center Gazette 

discount," 

It was good news to hear that Truman 

Shrader of Marcus Theatres, Milwaukee, 

was able to leave Longladc Memorial Hospital. 

We have just learned that Mr. and Mrs. 

Tony Kerasotes became the parents of 

Adam May 26. 

appears that making quick foods, aside 

It 

from the usual-type snacks available to 

movie house patrons, is becoming a popular 

added service. One of the first exhibitors to 

provide fast-food service in the theatre 

lobby is Leo Freeburg. He has been trying 

this service out in his Tiffin Theatre and up 

to now it has taken three to five people to 

take care of customer demands. 

Hector Santos of Azteca Films will return 

from a vacation in Mexico around the 

early part of September. 

Meanwhile, Edward Edwards, head of 

the Azteca operations in the Midwest area, 

has arranged for early openings of "La 

Passion Segun Berenice" (The Passion According 

to Bernice) at the Atlantic Theatre. 

This film received nominations in all categories 

in Mexican film circles. And "Y La 

Mujer Hizo Al Hombre" (Woman Made 

Man) was booked at the Congress Theatre 

for a first showing here: also, the Villa, 

Placio and Marshall Square are bringing 

back "Dios Los Cria" (God Creates), a 

film which initially was presented at the 

Congress. 

This week, Jesus Sordo, Azteca's national 

sales manager, will be in town to discuss 

Azteca programs with the company's Midwest 

area manager. Sordo, who now headquarters 

in New York City, formerly was 

stationed in Puerto Rico. 

Edwards admits that he had never had 

occasion to spend any time in New York. 

When he made his first visit, he was sidetracked 

for a time because of the bomb 

scare. 

Dan Lange, son of Bill Lange, returned 

from a three-week holiday in Europe. 

Everyone was glad to greet Steve Johnston 

and Roger Schaffner of Sunn Classic 

Pictures at the WOMPI "Christmas in 

July" 

event. 

Universal Pictures was in line for salutes 

for the success of three new films in a row: 

"Smokey and the Bandit," "MacArthur," 

and "The Last Remake of Beau Geste." 

David Elliott has returned to the Daily 

News as movie critic. About "I Never 

Promised You A Rose Garden," Elliott 

says, 

"Rose Garden" is not terrific entertainment 

like 'One Flew Over the 

Cuckoo's Nest,' but on the other hand it 

does not patronize or mythify the mentally 

ill 1-ke that film d'd. Almost everyone in 

it seems an individual, rather than a type." 

Elliott succeeds Christine Nieland, who 

resigned after two years on the job to devote 

herself to finishing a stagcplay and a 

collection of short fiction. 

Elliott joined the Daily News staff in 

1969 as a feature writer and was movie 

critic for four years. He took a leave of 

absence in 1975 to work on a book and 

returned to the paper in 1976 as an editor 

and writer for Panorama Magazine, which 

devotes itself to arts and amusements. Miss 

Nieland will continue to write about movies 

for the Daily News from time to time. 

Welcome to Cecilia Garcia, Milwaukee 

cashier for Warner Bros., and Samara 

Avila, local biller at Warners. 

Herman Pomper, manager of Essaness' 

Breman theatres, returned from a Las Vegas 

vacation a winner. On his return he 

found that the Bremen 1 also was a winner 

with "The Spy Who Loved Me." "Fire 

Sale," a rousing comedy, scored high marks 

at the Bremen 2. 

More from Jack Clark, presideni of 

NATO of Illinois, on minimum wages. He 

reviews that the original Illinois Minimum 

Wage Bill offered to the legislature eliminated 

the extra five hours of overtime for 

theatres and also the broad definition of a 

student (stopping at age 18 rather than a 

student of any age). Clark says: "Throush 

the intercession of NATO of Illinois the 

original exemptions, including 45 hours and 

a student in the "broad' sense, were continued 

and included in the text of the current 

bill. However, due to technical and 

legal problems the bill did not pass the 

Senate and as a result everything remains 

status quo until October of this year, at 

which time it will be introduced again. 

"'As we advised earlier, there will be an 

increase in the hourly wages under the National 

Minimum Wage Act. There will be 

some form of compromise between labor's 

suggested $3 per hour and the present $2.50 

per hour." 

The WOMPI Club started a fire-disaster 

fund drive recently to aid a member whose 

family home was destroyed by five. The response 

has been very gratifying and 

WOMPIs extend sincere thanks. 

Rita Murray's friendly telephone greetings 

to Universal Pictures callers will resume 

in a couple of weeks, when she returns from 

a vacation in Ireland . Zientek of 

Universal is spending a holiday in Italy. 

Vicki Burns has joined Paramount Pictures 

as Milwaukee booker . . . "King Kong" 

was a popular film in its first showings. Now, 

this Paramount feature has returned for another 

go-around . . 

Daring the month of July 1977 the censor 

board reviewed 25 new films, one of which 

was rejected. In a group of six foreign movies, 

two were Italian, two Mexican and two 

Chinese . . . Aaron Shlesman's Allied Theatres 

Film Buying & Booking took over 

booking responsibilities for the Countryside 

1 and 2 theatres in Yorkville. Joe Smith is 

owner of the twin. 

Joyce Scolt of the Apache Film Co. staff 

returned from a vacation in Canada . . . "La 

Grande Bourgeoise." which is being set up 

for openings by Harry Goodman, head of 

Apache Films, was the subject of rave reviews 

by Gene Shalit on the "Today" show. 

Future Features has set up late September 

breaks of a spoof comedy titled "The Girl 

From Starship Venus." A brief description 

calls this "a comedy of sexploitation." 

Kaplan-Continental Pictures, headed by 

Sam Kaplan, has been arranging openings 

of two new shorts. "Pipelines." which relates 

to the Alaska pipeline project, and "Any 

Time Is Train Time." The latter pertains to 

a cross-country trip of a 250-ton diesel locomotive. 

It carries an important message: a 

warning for motorists to be cautious when 

crossing railroad tracks. The series of shorts, 

both entertaining and educational, was 

launched by Association Films through Kaplan. 

Columbia Pictures is setting up September 

openings of "You Light Up My Life." a 

107-minute film rated PG. Stars of this feature 

with a love story theme are Didi Conn 

and Joe Silver . . 

Wally Heim, Midwest supervisor of publicity 

and advertising for United Artists 

Corp., hosted a special showing of Albert 

Broccoli's "The Spy Who Loved Me" at 

the McClurg Court Theatre. It is called the 

most lavish James Bond film ever made and 

it is No. 10 in the series of Ian Fleming ad- 

C-2 

BOXOFTICE :: August 22 1977

. . Leon 

ventures. Roger Moore, who starred in "Live 

and Let Die" and "The Man With the 

Golden Gun," plays special agent 007 ol 

the British Secret Service. 

For (wo days, Wednesday (31) and September 

1, the Film Center at the Art Institute 

will host the first Windy City visit by 

German filmmaker Werner Herzog. His 

work was featured in retrospective here last 

winter. Film Center heads are anticipating 

that Herzog will bring word about his new 

films. Also, for two weeks beginning September 

6, the Film Center's annual film festival 

will show a host of films dealing with 

moviemaking and motion picture history. 

"Movies About Movies" will include the 

best of cinema's attempts over the years. 

With "I Never Promised You a Rose 

Garden" set for a first exclusive showing at 

the Plitt Water Tower theatres, a second 

opening on a wide area starts September 16. 

On these dates also. New World's "Rabid" 

begins a run on a saturation basis . . . New 

World Pictures of this city, headed by David 

Levy, has enjoyed a good summer with 

"Grand Theft Auto" and "Car Hop." 

Frank Mazzone, head of Gemini Management, 

was in California to attend the Adult 

Film Ass'n of America Erotic Awards presentations. 

Mazzone was one of the presenters 

.. . Accord'ng to advance word, Sidney 

Poitier will premiere his film, "A Piece of 

the Action," at the Chicago Theatre October 

7. Parts of the picture were filmed in 

Chicago . Vitali, assistant to Stanley 

Kubrick, was in town to make arrangements 

for Kubrick to kinescope auditions 

with 500 boys between the ages of five and 

seven for a role in his movie "The Shining." 

In an Hem by Aaron Gold, who writes 

"Tower Ticker" for the Tribune, the Monty 

Python organization wanted it made "perfectly 

clear" that the film "Jabberwocky," 

now playing in several theatres here, is not 

a Monty Python film, even though it's being 

advertised as such. Gold said that "if the 

Monty Python name isn't dropped from 

the ads, a legal battle probably will ensue." 

From September to May, on the second 

Monday of each month, the Hinsdale Theatre 

sponsors a special theatre organ concert 

scries. The concerts feature the top organists 

of the nation. Some of the artists played 

the instruments back in the 1920s when 

most theatres in America had an organ to 

provide background music. Jim Glass, a resident 

of Oak Park, conceived and produced 

the monthly concerts in an attempt to recreate 

the flavor of the old-time nickelodeons. 

He is rebuilding the huge theatre organs 

used to accompany the antics of the silent 

era. Glass gave up a lucrative job to become 

a full-time organ restorer. It would cost him 

$250,000 to buy just one of the two fully 

renovated organs he has rebuilt in the Hinsdale 

Theatre. 

The Mars Theatre in Marseilles clost-.l 

and it will be dismantled. While the growing 

number of shopping center theatres arc 

welcome additions to motion picture entcrtamment 

and most arc enjoying good business, 

it always is sad to hear that landmark 

movie houses in smaller towns must shutter 

because of lack of business. On the other 

side of the coin, Tom Loftus is allocating a 

sizable sum of money to refurbish the Du- 

Page Theatre. The remodeling effort is geared 

entirely to bringing the theatre back to 

its original state, including the costly goldleaf 

design. 

Welcome to .Shcryl Haake, who joined 

Universal Pictures' accounting department 

. . . Very good wishes to veteran Sam 

Tickes, who is retiring from American International 

Pictures, where he has served 

as shipper more than 50 years. 

According to late word from the filming 

site of "A Wedding" in Lake Forest, the 

world's press is now semi-banned from the 

location. "If we have to choose between gelting 

a picture done and the publicity, we're 

getting a picture done," said Robert Altman. 

director. The London Times spent a week at 

the filming site and France's Timestyle Le- 

Po'nt Magazine was there three days. It is 

noted that visits by TV crews from Japan, 

Germany, Holland and the BBC were prohibited. 

The Biograph Theatre staged an exclusive 

opening of "Allegro Non Troppo." Given 

high critical acclaim, "Allegro" is a collection 

of short pieces of animation illustrating 

an assortment of classical music. The first 

piece of illustrated music is Claude Debussy's 

"Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun." 

Other music includes Dvorak's "Slavic 

Dance No. 7," Ravel's "Bolero." Sibelius' 

"Valse Triste," Vivaldi's "Concerto in C- 

Minor" and Stravinsky's "The Firebird." 

Tribune movie critic Gene Siskel said, "It's 

a thoroughly entertaining film, entirely suitable 

for older children." 

Mannequin's 'Corpse' Kidnapped 

COLUMBIA, MO. — Commonwealth 

Theatres, Inc., promoted Columbia's rerelease 

of "Murder by Death" with T-shirts, 

window displays and a trivia-question contest 

at its Uptown Theatre in Columbia, Mo. 

A display at the theatre was built around a 

mannequin hung by the neck from the marquee 

with three knives in its back. Nicknamed 

"Edgar," the mannequin became a 

mystery of its own when it disappeared from 

the theatre. Manager Jeff Baker, who designed 

the campaign, cleverly turned Edgar's 

kidnapping into an asset by placing classified 

ads in the local papers offering a reward 

for Edgar's safe return to the Uptown. The 

ad concluded "Contact Hercule Poirot co 

the Uptown Theatre anytime after seven 

p.m." 



HAWAII TOO. 



Qim^ 

HAWAII! '-'°" ^° Show. at 

BOTos 

] 

fi 

Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

m WAIKIKI; R££F REH TOWERS EDGEWATEH 

VARIETY CLUB 

PROVIDES 

TRANSPORTATION — Pictured 

above is one of two new buses that 

were purchased by Variel) Club of Indianapolis 

Tent 10 to transport both 

retarded and senior citizens. In 1971 

Variety pledged to support the Marion 

County Ass'n for Retarded Citizens by 

raising funds to supplement and replace 

buses. Since that time Variety 

has donated a van in c(M>peration with 

the Teamsters Union and four buses, 

two of which are equipped with wheelchair 

lifts. The buses, which were purchased 

in cooperation with the Federal 

Urban Mass Transportation Act, represents 

in excess of $80,000 in transportation 

equipment during the past 

seven years. 

Orville Muntz Rites Held 

Aug. 10 in Rock Port. Mo. 

ROCK PORT, MO.— Sersiccs lor Orville 

Mimlz. 6S. who died of a heart attack, were 

held Wednesday (10) at the First Lutheran 

Church in Rock Port, Mo. 

Mimtz owned and operated the Paramoimt 

Theatre in Rock Port for 20 years, 

having become interested in the movie busi- 

the 40s while working as projectionist 

ness in 

at the Paramoimt, which was then owned 

by Commonwealth. 

Because of his great knowledge of the 

film industry, he was given the nickname 

"Muntz the Movie Man." His death will be 

deeply felt in this community. 

He leaves his wife Doris, his daughter 

Mrs. Frank Rash and three grandsons. 

COLOR or 

Black and White 

FOR 

INDOOR AND 

DRIVE-INS 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS • TRAILEREHES 


BOXOFFICE Angus 1977

. . . The 

ST. 

LOUIS 

The New World Pictures release "Rabid" 

currently is on 12 screens, including 

Washington in Granite City, 111. Mari- 

the 

lyn Chambers, the onetime Ivory Snow gal 

turned adult film actress, stars in her first 

straight dramatic role in the horror-suspense 

film. She plays the victim of a motorcycle 

crash who undergoes surgery in a 

Montreal hospital. Awakening from a 

coma, she has an appetite for human blood 

and gradually turns the metropolis into an 

urban jimgle as she and her victims spread 

the rabies-like disease. A number of Canadian 

players are featured, since the film 

was made in that country. 

Dawn Wells, star of "Return to Boggy 

Creek," was in town with producer-director 

Tom Moore of R'chardson. Tex., for press 

and radio promotions. Miss Wells, who was 

Mary Ann in the "Gilligan's Island" TV 

series, just finished an engagement at the 

Pheasant Run Playhouse in Chicago. 

The Des Peres and Mark Twain theatres, 

where "Star Wars" is playing in an augmented 

engagement, are outgrossing the 

Westport Cine where the outstanding hit 

originally opened. 

Marie Sweeney, secretary at 20th-Fox. 

and her husband Harold will be taking off 

Saturday (27) on a three-week trip which 

includes Yellowstone Park. Glacier National 

Park, Lake Louise and Banff and British 

Columbia. Marie's sister and brother-in-law 

will meet them in Lund, B.C. 

be heading 

Shiflett of the AIP staff will 

for the East Coast the same weekend and 

will b; gone imtil September 12. 

The Variety Club is holding its llth annual 

awards luncheon Wednesday (24) in 

the Tiara Room of the Chase-Park Plaza 

Hotel. The guest of honor is Carol Lawrence, 

who has been an outstand'ng performer 

and fund-raiser on local telethons 

sponsored by the club. Miss Lawrence will 

be starring at the Muny Opera in "Sweet 

Charity" Monday (22) throi-gh Sunday (2S) 

Municipal Opera Company will be 

presenting its final production of the season, 

"Chicago," the following week, Monday 

(29) through Simday, September 4. The 

Fred Ebb-John Kander-Bob Fosse team, 

which created the Broadway hit, long has 

been associated with film and stage presentations 

starring Liza Minnelli. 

Jack Jones, well-known singing star who 

recently completed an engagement at the 

Breckinridge Pavilion, announced that he 

has the starring role in a new movie, "The 

Comeback," to be produced in England. 

It's a suspense-thriller in which he has a 

heavy emotional role. He worked in films 

only once before, in "Juke Box Rhythm" 

(1959)—but prefers to forget that one. Jack 

attended the Principia School here in the 

1950s and his father Allan Jones was one 

of the all-time favorites at the Muny. He is 

still remembered for h's rendition of "Donkey 

Serenade." 

International Building 

Again Casa de Mexico 

SAN ANTONIO — The International 

Building, which will revert to its original 

name of Caja de Mexico, has been sold by 

theatre operator Maurice Braha to Texas 

National Theatres of Houston and Dallas, 

it was reported by Ed Castillo of the San 

Antonio Light. 

Al Zarzana, Houston, a spokesman for 

the new owners, said negotiations for purchase 

of the property, which includes the 

Alameda Theatre, were completed July 18. 

Roy S. Padilla Associates handled the 

jale of the 31-year-old landmark. 

Zarzana said Padilla, who has offices in 

the building, will take over as manager of 

the four-story structure which has approximately 

50 offices. Theatre management and 

personnel will remain the same. Zarzana 

added. 

The Alameda is the top San Antonio 

theatre featuring Spanish language films as 

well as stage shows with stars from Mexico 

periodically. 

Ringold 

Cinema 

Equipment Inc. 

8421 GroNois St. Louis, Mo. 63123 

ALL 

MAJOR 

LINES OF 

EQUIPMENT 

INTERIOR 

DECOR 

DRAPES 

CARPETING 

CHAIRS 

CONTACT 

Harry or John 

^ 

Phone (314) 352-2020 

Jim Sabo, former branch manager for 

Avco Embassy, now headquartered in Dallas 

where he continues to handle sales for 

this area, was a recent visitor to the White 

Building, where he told his old pals he feels 

right at home in Big D. 

The winner of the 1976 Academy Award 

for Best Foreign Language Film, "Black and 

White in Color" opened Wednesday (10) at 

M'd-America's Brentwood in an exclusive 

>;hnwing. The French comedy released by 

life Allied Artists depicts in a small serene 

settlement in 1915 Africa. When it is learned 

ihat France and Germany are at war. Army 

sergeant Jean Carmet is 

persuaded to attack 

a small German garrison across the river. 

Jet 

We have the brand 

names you trust! 

Spray

INDIANAPOLIS 

Y'ariety Club Tent 10 inspected and displayed 

six sunshine coaches that thc\ 

presented to the Marion County Ass'n lor 

Retarded Children Wednesday {?>). The 

coaches have a regular schedule foiu times 

a day each weekday. Without this transportation 

many children could not take advantage 

of the training and therapv otferod 

by the Ass'n. Efforts are also underw:iv to 

secure additional funds to provide another 

simshine coach. It is hoped that the annual 

golf tournament at the Countrv Cliih of 

Ind'anapolis .September S will provide the 

additional 

funds. 

Columbia's "March or Die." which is an 

action-adventure film starring Gene Hackman, 

Terence Hill, Catherine Deneuve and 

Max von Sydow, opened Friday (12) at the 

Georgetown and Carlvie theatres. 

Illinois NATO Prexy 

Comments on HB-2246 

CHICAGO—Jack Clark, president of the 

National Ass'n of Theatre Owners of Illinois, 

issued the following statement concerning 

the elimination of blind bidding in a 

bulletin dated July 20: 

"In our June 15 bulletin we were com- 

distributors, we are also in the process of 

taking our "case' to the office of the attorney 

general. From a layman's point of view 

there could be violation of the law under 

consumers fraud, restraint of trade, antitrust, 

etc. 

"Following our defeat before the Commerce 

Committee, the air was full of suggestions 

of how we should have handled the 

case and who we should have seen, etc. If 

any exhibitor would like to express himself 

further on how to defeat and curtail the 

imethical and unfair practices of distribution, 

now is the time. As an association, it is 

our sole goal to spearhead investigations and 

laws which are required to protect the very 

existence of exhibition." 

Ronee Blaklcy has been cast in the lead 

role for "She Came to the Valley." 

(E EQUIPMENT 

.^fi\ limit; h'l ihe llicm,' 

CAPITOL AVI., INDIANAPOLIS. 

CELEBRIIA GOLF COMMITTEE— It aputars Irom the happy looks on 

• he faces of the conimlttee members who have been working on the fifth annual 

Variety Club-kup Celebrity Golf I'ournanicnt and dinner that everything is ready. 

It's to be held September 19 at the Evanston Golf Club. (Jcneral cha^rnran Thomas 

M. Tully (center, dark suit) announced plans for the charily golf day and dinner 

show. Shown here, left to right, are coordinator Lcs Lear, golf chairman James L. 

O'Keefe, dinner chairman Charles I). Fegert, and tournament host Irv kupcinct, 

noted columnist for the Chicago-Sun Times. Proceeds from the tournament will go 

towards the construction of the Karyn kupcinet Center for Special Children at 

Little City. The facility will provide social recreational and physical therapy equipment 

for 2,000 mentally handicapped children (on an outpatient basis each week). 

Directors of 20th-Fox 

Gather in Windy City 

CHICAGO— Julia," which promises to 

be another winner for 20ih Century-Fox, 

was screened here in late July, This wasn't 

pelled to advise you that HB-2246 after 

having passed the House of Representatives just another or an ordinary screening; rather, 

was dumped in the Senate Commerce and it marked the gathering of the 20th-Fox 

Labor Committee on motion of Sen. Richard 

J. Daley. From that day to this George 

board in Chicago for the second consecutive 

year. 

Kerasotes, Rep. Dave Jones and I have done In the past several months, 20lh-Fox has 

everything possible to keep the bill alive. been replete with successes such as "Star 

We are still hopeful that the committee will Wars" and "The Other Side of Midnight," 

rehear the bill and permit the entire Senate so the meeting had a good atmosphere. 

to express itself. 

"Aside from the above attack on the film 

Three prominent Chicago businessmen are 

members of the 12-person board. Public interest, 

however, focuses on a gracious lady 

from Monaco, Princess Grace. 

Princess Grace attended last year's board 

meeting, which drew considerable attention. 

While it had been annoimced in advance 

that social activities were not to be on the 

agenda this year. Princess Grace smilingly 

joined the other board members at Arnie's 

for a dinner following thj "Julia" screening 

and the next day she boarded a chartered 

Greyhound bus with the group for a visit 

to Lake Forest to watch the filming of 

"A Wedding." While there, the princess and 

directors stood in line for a picnic-style 

limcheon of Beef Wellington and brook 

trout served by Mickey's Food Service, a 

caterer brought here from Los .\ngeles b> 

.Mtman to feed "A Wedding" cast members. 

.'\ftcr Altman was introduced to the directors 

by Dennis Stanfill, chairman of the 

board and 20th-Fox chief executive officer. 

Mtman expressed the opinion that he believes 

this film is the best motion picture in 

which he ever has been involved. But noting 

ihat both critics and patrons often are un- 

P'cdictable, Altman added in jest that his 

lilni will, no doubt, receive great reviews 

.i.id lh.:n la.k lor business when it opens. 

KC X-Rated Movie House 

Closes When Lease Ends 

KANSAS CITY—The Old Chelsea Theatre, 

which has offered X-rated movies for 

the last five years at 1228 Broadway, closed 

a week before its lease ran out July 23. The 

land is owned by the Grace and Holy Trinity 

Episcopal Cathedral whose spokesman 

said that the theatre's management did not 

ask for a lease extension and one was not 

offered. 

The Chelsea's companion business, the 

Chelsea Quay Theatre, which presents both 

200 West 4th St.. 

stage shows and movies at 

will continue to operate under the name Old 

Chelsea. 

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Chicago WOMPI Club 

Siaris New Project 

CHICAGO— It can be emphasized that 

every undertaking by the Chicago WOMPI 

Club is a success! Putting over an event can 

be attributed to the full membership push. 

This year's "Christmas in July" was no 

exception. In fact, attendance July 28 exceeded 

that of prior years. 

More recently, Chicago WOMPIs were 

faced with an unexpected challenge—trying 

to help re-establish home life for a club 

member and her family who lost everything 

when a fire burned their home. 

A drive is on to help these unfortunate 

people with funds and donations of dishes, 

kitchen utensils, bedding, towels, linens or 

any items which can be spared to aid in 

this dilemma. For obvious reasons, the name 

of the WOMPI member is not being disclosed. 

For those who wish to contribute to a 

fund, checks should be made payable to 

WOMPI of Chicago, with the notation "Donation-Fire 

Disaster." Household items may 

be dropped off at 20th Century-Fox, 35 East 

Wacker Drive, or at Warner Bros., 550 West 

Jackson Blvd. Lee Davidson and Doris 

Payne, in turn, will take the responsibility 

for delivering the donations. 

Political Era in Chicago 

Subject of New Film 

CHICAGO—The first feature length 

spoof of big-city politics to hit the screen 

in 25 years will take form this fall when 

the movie version of "The Election 

Chicago Style" is filmed in the Windy City 

for national distribution. 

Chicago Talking Pictures has acquired 

motion picture rights to the paperback of 

the same name written by a judge who took 

shelter under the alias of "Ward Heeler." 

The book has sold over 30,000 copies. 

The entire film will be shot in this area 

and a predominantly local cast with two 

stars will be used according to Alan Davis, 

who will serve as director, and Ray Saeger, 

company president. The production budget 

is $1,250,000. 

Chicago Talking Pictures previously concentrated 

on industrial and educational 

films. 

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C-G BOXOFFICE :: August

Totie Fields Tribute 

Scheduled by Tent 26 

CHICAGO— At last the time has come 

for the Variety Club of Illinois to set a 

definite date for the "Love-In Limcheon" 

tribute to Totie Fields. The event is scheduled 

for Thursday. September 8. at the 

Guildhall in the Ambassador West Hotel. 

Totie Fields will plav her postponed date 

at Mill Run in early September. 

Bene Stein, Tent 26 president, said just 

about every celebrity in town will attend 

the testimonial limcheon. Joining Totie on 

the dais will be Chicago Sun-Times columnist 

Irv Kupcinet; Wally Philips of WGN. 

Phil Donahue and singer Tommy Leonetti. 

Kup and Wally will serve as toastmasters. 

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit 

the new Variety Club Ann and Jack Sparberg 

Child Amputee Electro-Limb Bank at 

La Rabida Children's Hospital. 

Tickets at $20 a plate may be procured 

by calling the Variety Club offices at 338- 

4320. Contributions to the Variety Club 

Children's Limb Bank should be mailed to 

6345 North Rockwell, Chicago. III. 606.59. 

Famed Actor Buddy Rogers 

Pays Visit to Hometown 

KANSAS CITY—Buddy Rogers, remembered 

as the star of the first Academy 

Award-winning silent film, "Wings," returned 

to his hometown of Olathe, Kas. for 

the first time in a decade Friday (5). According 

to the Kansas C'ty Times. Rogers 

was here to attend a reunion of the Olathe 

Hiah School, from wh'ch he graduated in 

1923, and to attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies 

at the new Olathe Community Theatre, 

a converted church which will be 

named for Rogers' family. The 72-year-old 

former actor brought with him a print of 

"Wings" for a benefit showing on behalf of 

the 

theatre. 

Rogers left Olathe in 1924, dropping out 

of the University of Kansns when he learned 

that he was a winner of a Paramount casting 

contest. Having learned to fly during the 

making of "Wings," he became a Navy flier 

durng World War II, attaining the rank of 

commander. 

"I was in the ferry command," he said, 

"and would deliver planes aroimd the coimtry. 

I'd get lost quite often but 1 could always 

find Olathe. So I'd just land and visit 

my parents for a while." 

The husband of famed screen star Mary 

Pickford, Rogers spoke enthusiastically of 

a 90-minute retrospect ve of his wife's career 

he has just finished. He reports that it is under 

consideration by the major TV networks. 

'Stagecoach' Screened at Mcdford 

MEDFORD, MASS.— "Stagecoach," the 

1939 relea.sc starring John Wayne and directed 

by John Ford, was screened as a 

free 

attraction recentiv in the courtyard of 

the Medford High School. 

KANSAS CITY 

phe slate of Oklahoma arranged a speci.il 

Welcome for Bev and Mary-Margaret 

Miller, Mercury Film Co., when they visited 

there the weekend of Saturday (13). 

While driving on the Will Rogers Turnpike, 

they had the dubious distinction of being 

swept into the Sooner State by a small tornado 

that dumped torrents of rain on the 

extra-fare highway. When the downpour 

became so heavy that the Millers couldn't 

see 

the end of the car hood, they bowed to 

the whims of Mother Nature and pulled 

over for an emergency stop until the storm 

subsided. The overall damage of the atmospheric 

show wasn't too great—a few trees 

toppled, small buildings overturned and 

some hamlets flooded— but Bev said that 

the heat and humidity which followed made 

the Greater Kansas City area feel like a 

Canadian resort by comparison! 

The Millers spent the weekend at the 

Grand Lake of the Cherokees visiting with 

Joe Stark and his wife of Wichita. Kas.. 

who have a beautiful boat at the resort. Bev 

was pleased to note that Joe is recovering 

beautifully from his heart attack of several 

months ago. While Mary-Margaret and 

Mrs. Stark indulged in girl talk, the men 

walked together and compared cardiac and 

other notes, discovering that both are "twomile 

walkers" now. (Editor's note: Arise, 

flabby people of the world, and hit the 

trail—enough of that huffing and puffing 

just getting to and from the parking lot.) 

It's vacation time again and among those 

taking time off are Jerry Jones. Boxoffice 

correspondent, and his wife Susie. Jerry 

and Susie are backpacking in the Colorado 

wilderness and planned to visit such scenic 

areas as the Rocky Moimtain National 

Park, Mount Elbert and the Great Sand 

Dunes National Monument. Watch oui for 

porcupines. Jerry. 

Aloha to Loreiia Cocknian. cashier at 

National Screen Service. Lorena is following 

the sun to San Francisco and Hawaii 

for a two-week vacation—and hopefiilK 

didn't forget the Coppertone. 

Diane Simpson, intrepid "Girl Fridax" 

and novice gambler at Thomas & Shipp, 

leaves this week for a Las Vegas vacation. 

Bes'des taking her good-luck charms, Diane 

will be taking plenty of chances at the various 

gaming tables to try to increase her 

fortimes. Remember. Diane, roulette is almost 

as big a gamble as making films, so 

keep a return ticket to Kansas Cit\ sate in 

your pocket. 

Speaking of diamonds and clubs, Greg 

Ruikowski, Midwest division operations 

manager at American Multi Cinema, is 

headed for the major leagues in the Kansas 

City overhand fast-pitch soflball league. 

Greg plays center f'eld for a team sponsored 

by Farmland Industries and his team 

won its first game in the finals of the Kansas 

City tournament 4-0. Greg pla\ed baseball 

in' colleiie and says there are several 

pi.iveis in the league who coiiM ha\e been 

major league players. 

According to Virginia Kclley, publicity 

chairman for the WOMPIs, the August 

WOMPl meeting will be held Tuesday (23) 

at the home of Patti Poessiger, 8329 Broadmoor, 

Overland Park, Kas. The meeting is 

scheduled immediately after work and each 

member is urged to bring a "white elephant" 

for an upcoming auction. There will be no 

WOMPl board meeting this month. 

Debbie Richeson, accoimt execuiivj for 

National Screen Service, retirn-d last week 

from New York City where she met with 

executives from Paramount Pictures and 

National Screen Service. While in the Big 

Apple, Debbie walked a lot and saw such 

highlights of the citv as Fifth Avenue. Park 

ACenrie and Sardi's. How does it feel. Debbie, 

to be back in the Midwest'!' 

John .Shipp entertained the producer and 

director of the new hit movie. "Love and 

the Midnight Auto Supply," Beverley Johnson 

and James Polakof, respectively, who 

were in town last weekend. Besides having 

them as house guests, John took the couple 

around town to visit several auto supply 

shops to scout locations for an upcoming 

promotion . . . Thomas & Shipp, distributor 

of "Kid Terror of the West," screened 

the film at the Commonwealth screening 

room Tuesday (16), 

FINER PROJECTION-SUPER ECONOMY 

i 

EOXOFFICE :: August 22, 1977

Plitt Ouadplex Begun Near Chicago 

Aichitect's concept of Plitt Theatres" 1,500-scat quad now under construction 

n Vernon Hills. III., near Chicago. Finck, Stowell & Frolichstein of Chicago deilgncd 

the complex. 

CHICAGO— Inland Construction has begun 

construction of a 1,500-seat fourplex 

for Plitt Theatres in New Century Town, a 

planned community in Vernon Hills, III., 

near Chicago. The New Century Town 

Plitt complex features a joint lobby and 

concession area for the four auditoriums, 

each of which has its own distinctive decor 

and screens suited to film sizes from 35mm 

to the largest of scopes. The complex was 

designed by Finck, Stowell & Frolichstein 

'March or Die' To Open 

In California Theatres 

HOLLYWOOD — "March or Die," an 

epic action adventure drama about the 

French Foreign Legion, which stars Gene 

Hackman, Terence Hill, Catherine Deneuve 

and Max von Sydow, will open on Wednesday 

(10) in multiple engagements throughout 

the southern part of the state including 

the Vogue Theatre, Avco Center Cinema in 

Westwood, Fashion Center in the San Fernando 

Valley and the Cinedome in Orange 

County. 

The PG-rated movie, which was filmed 

in Europe, North Africa and the Sahara 

Desert, depicts the seething conflicts in 

Morocco at the close of World War I. The 

action begins when a detachment of legionnaires, 

under the command of an embittered 

American martinet played by Gene Hackman, 

is ordered to protect an archeological 

expedition to a priceless tomb, an excavation 

wh;ch unites fanatically religious and 

hostile Arab tribes in desert battle against 

the 

legion. 

Terence Hill is cast as a jewel thief who 

joins the legionnaires to escape the law and 

Catherine Deneuve is the French beauty for 

whom he and Hackman compete. Max von 

Sydow portrays the Louvre curator who 

leads the dangerous exped'tion. 

"March or Die," a Columbia Pictures release 

from ITC Entertainment, was produced 

by Dick Richards and Jerry Bruckheimer 

and directed by Richards from a 

screenplay by David Zelag Goodman. 

The music score is by the Oscar-winning 

composer Maurice larre. 

of Chicago. 

Ed Ippolito, project manager for the construction 

company, said that Inland has 

built seven motion picture complexes for 

the Plitt circuit in the last decade and is 

building another concurrently at Fox Valley 

Villages, a new planned community in 

Aurora, III. 

The New Century Town Plitt facility is 

expected to be completed in mid-November. 

Scriptwriting Contest 

Has October Deadline 

ATHENS, OHIO—October 3 is the dead- 

works, can be entered in the following categories: 

Screenplay, feature film or short 

siory f Im; TV drama, 60 or 90 minutes, and 

TV pilot, 30 or 60 minutes. 

The contest's entry procedures require 

that all scripts be typed on SVi x 11 inch 

white bond paper in master scene form for 

film and a similar format for TV writing. 

In addition, all scripts must be well bound 

so that there are no loose pages and they 

must have a t:tle page that lists the author's 

name and address and the title of the script. 

All scripts submitted will be judged by a 

panel selected by the festival management 

that will include: Steve Barker, associate 

professor of Cinema at Loyola University; 

John Block, screen and TV writer and instructor 

in screenwriting at the American 

Film Institute; Peter Bukalski, chairman of 

cinema and photography at Southern Illinois 

Film Festival Held 

At Indiana Museum 

FORT WAYNE, IND.—The Fort Wayne 

Museum of Art, which is located at 1202 

West Wayne St., began its first Summer 

Sugar Coated Art Film Festival July 27, 

according to a News-Sentinel article. 

The festival, which includes 37 films, is 

free and open to the public. The films will 

be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wedsesdays and Fridays 

and 1 p.m. on Saturdays through 

September 3. The festival was made possible 

through a grant from the National 

Endowment for the Arts and the Indiana 

Arts Commission via the Fort Wayne Fine 

Arts Foundation. 

The films are: 

Wednesday (17)—"The Captain from 

Koepenick," a 1956 film of a true story of 

a cobbler who poses as a captain to get his 

passport; "Anemic Cinema," a Marcel Duchamps 

visual pun; "L'Etoile de Mer," a 

Man Ray film, and "Les Mysteres du Chateau 

du De," another Man Ray film. 

Friday (19)—"The Red Shoes," the classic 

ballet film, and "From Renoir to Picasso," 

an introduction to modern art. 

Saturday (20)—"The Mummy," which 

stars Boris Karloff, and "Prehistoric 

Images," an exploration of the cave paintings 

found in France and Spain. 

Wednesday (24) "Me and the Colonel," 

which stars Danny K.aye and Curt Jurgens, 

and "Goya," which presents the full range 

of the painter's work. 

Friday (26) "Winterset," based on Max- 

line for the first annual scriptwriting contest 

sponsored by the Athens International Film ^gn Anderson's play and starring Burges 

• '^ ' " " " '^perienced 

' 

Meredith, and "War of Fools," a Karl Ze- 

Festival. All scripts from both new and ex- 

writers are eligible except those man film about the Thirty Years War. 

Saturday (27)—"Treasure Island," a Walt 

that have already been produced or are in 

the process of being produced for film or 

Disney film based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 

Rock 

TV. 

novel, and "Bonseki, the Art of The scripts, which must be of original 

and Sand Painting," an introduction to the 

material and not adaptations from published 

Japanese art form. 

Wednesday (31)—"The Pride of the 

Yankees," Lou Gehrig's story, and "Painting 

with Air," by Howard Kanovitz who is 

one of the most successful users of the 

camera as an aid to painting. 

September 2— "It's a Wonderful Life," a 

Frank Capra film starring James Stewart. 

Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, and 

"Artists Proof," in which six young English 

printmakers show how prints are made. 

September 3— "A Star Is Born," the 1954 

version with Judy Garland, and "Art Nouveau," 

a Czech film exploring the art form. 

Filmrow Distributors Has 

Two New Joint Owners 

SALT LAKE CITY—Kenny Lloyd, wht 

retired from 20th Century-Fox, and Frank 

University, and Richard M. Blumenberg, Larsen have jointly purchased the outstanding 

stock of Filmrow Distributors and have 

associate dean and professor at Southern Illinois 

University. 

taken over the entire operation of the company. 

Additional information can be obtained 

by writing to: Athens International Film The new address is 264 East 1st South, 

Festival, ^Scriptwriting Competition, Box suite 202, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. The 

388, Athens, Ohio 45701. 

phone number is 521-3952. 


— 

,^-.=. 

'Spy Who Loved Me' 

Leads Memphis List 

MEMPHIS— Newcomers 1 he Spy Who 

Loved Me," which captured the lead this 

report week with hefty grosses of 575 at 

three theatres, and "The Rescuers," which 

finished out the week with an average of 

525 at two theatres, managed to take some 

of the fire out of "Star Wars" and topple 

it from the No. I position that it held for 

four weeks to the third place slot with 

grosses of 495. Another newcomer, "Tentacles," 

was also able to hold on to a hefty 

share of patrons and finish its debut week 

with a mark of 300. 


Maico Quartet 1—Nasty Habits (ETR), 4th wk 170 

Memphian, Paramount 1—Star Wars (?nth-Foxl 

5th wk 495 

Plaza 2—Sorcerer (Pj:a Uriivl 5 ''i v. k 80 

Ridgeway Foui I- New York. New York A 

4th wk 210 

Ridgeway Four 3. Malco Quait-l ..—The Other 

Side ol Midnight (20th-Fox), 6th v. k 3;S 

Southbrook 2. Paramount 2—Exorcist II: the 

Heretic (WB), 6th wk aO 

Southbrook 4—Tentacles (AlP) 300 

Three theotres—The Spy Who Loved Me (UA) S'S 

150 

Three theatres—A Bridge Too Far (UA) 6t'-; .,): 

Three theatres—The Deep (Col) bth wk 110 

C:ne.-lla 1, Whitehaven R^lelah Springs I-The 

Rescuers (BV) 

TOBIE THEATRE STAFFERS—The Tobie Theatre, Senatobia, Miss., was 

recently selected by the local newspaper to be the subject of the weekly business 

feature. Theatre personnel pictured above are: Mickey Bailey, Skeeter Maxey. Keith 

Schexnayder, Norval Sykes, Mrs. C. I). Harpole, Eddie .Martin and CD. Harpole. 

Theatre personnel not pictured include Ricky Beech and Clyde Samielton. 

"MacArthur," 'The Spy Who Loved Me' 

Debut at New Orleans Theatres 

NEW ORLE.ANS — "The Bad News 

Bears in Breaking Training" slugged its ways 

to the top of the list with an average of 625 

at two theatres. Newcomer "The Spy' Who 

Loved Me" captured a hefty 525 mark at 

two theatres while fellow newcomer "Mac- 

Arthur" took command of two screens with 

an average of 350. 

loy, Robert E. Le. MacArthur (Univ) 350 

Lakeside, Plaza-The Spy Who Loved Me 

(UA) .525 

Lakeside—A Bridge Too Far (UA), 8!!i wk 100 

Lakeside, Plaza—The Bad News Bears in 

Breaking Training (Para), 2nd wk 625 

Plaza—The Deep (Col), 8th wk 150 

'Walking Tall' Grosses 

$1,148,873 in Atlanta 

ATLANTA — Bing Crosby Productions' 

"Final, Chapter—Walking Tall," which 

stars Bo Svenson. grossed $1,148,873 in 

the first three weeks in this area, according 

to James Whiteside, BCP's vice-president 

in charge of sales and marketing. 

The action film is being released by 

AIP. 

'March or Die' Trekking 

Across New York Screens 

NEW YORK—Columbia Picture's sweeping 

adventure of the brutal life of the 

French Foreign Legion, "March or Die," 

starring Gene Hackman, Terence Hill. Max 

von Sydow and Catherine Deneuve, opened 

Friday (5) at Loews' State IL Loews' Tower 

East, and Reade 34th Street East theatres 

in Manhattan and Columbia Premiere theatres 

throughout the metropolitan area. 

The Dick Richards film for ITC Entertainment 

was directed by Richards from a 

screenplay by David Zelag Goodman based 

on a story by Goodman and Dick Richards. 

'Walking Tall' Packs 

Louisiana Theatre 

LAKE CHARLES, LA.— -Final Chapter—Walking 

Tall" a Bing Crosby production 

starring Bo Svenson, chalked up excellent 

grosses in its first three weeks at the 

Lyric Theatre in Lake Charles, according 

to James Whiteside, BCP's vice-president 

in charge of sales and marketing. 

AIP is releasing the movie. 

Internship Participants 

Named by Film Institute 

BEVERLY HILLS—Christopher Welch 

and Larry Clark were chosen by the American 

Film Institute to participate in the 

academy internship program, whose purpose 

is to allow aspiring filmmakers to learn 

film techniques by observing a director at 

work on a film. The program is operated 

by the AFI and the Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences. 

Welch, a native of Spokane, Wash., with 

a degree in fine arts from Fort Wright College, 

Spokane, has experience as an actor 

and photographer in addition to his work 

as a filmmaker. He will be an intern on 

Delbert Mann's new films "Grandpa and 

Frank" and "The Year They Threw the 

Series." 

Clark, who was born in Cleveland and 

attended Miami University of Ohio and 

UCLA where he received a master of fine 

arts degree, worked as a photographer 

throughout college and earned several 

awards for his work. He will work with 

Michael Schultz on ".Sergeant Pepper and 

the Lonely Hearts Club Band." 

More than 80 interns, who are selected 

by the AFI and participating directors, have 

been assigned to observe feature films. 

Alfred Lunt's 1914 Visit 

Recalled by Correspondent 

PITTSBURGH— R. F. Klingensmith. 

veteran Bo.xoffice correspondent for Pittsburgh, 

included this story about Alfred Luni 

in his recent copy: 

"Alfred Luni, leading stage actor for 

many years who died Wednesday (3) at age 

84, came to public attention here at a banquet 

of the Exhibitors League of Pennsylvania 

in 1914. Appearing at the Nixon, he 

was invited as a guest of motion picture 

theatre owners to brJak bread with them at 

a special formal dinner in the Hotel Henry 

on Fifth Avenue. The affair was in honor 

of Vitagraph's big comedy star John Bunny. 

This was a combination: the lean and most 

perfect stage artist and the fat. lowly silent 

screen buster. 

"Your writer, a youngster representing 

his grandmother's theatres, met I.unt for the 

first time on that occasion and there were 

other meetings over a half-century. Later the 

legitimate actor was introduced to me by 

Noel Coward, with Lunt's wife and stage 

partner Lynn Fontanne also introduced. 

Noel, with the Lunts and this writer, viewed 

his "Cavalcade" in a screening room and 

this was the playwright's first viewing of the 

epic. The uncredited producer being Richard 

A. Rowland for whom I worked in my 

very young years. Coward, of course, knew 

every line of dialog, situations-story and he 

responded with tears and laughter. He cried 

when the film had ended and remained unmoving 

for many minutes. The Lunts, too, 

were very much moved by the experience 

of the film version of "Cavalcade." Half-anhour 

later Noel's happiness knew no bounds 

and he sang for me a number of his unpublished 

or unsung songs which were to become 

world famous. Fontanne at 90 survives." 

BOXOFFICE August 22. 1977 SE-1

I 

CHARLOTTE 

ÔMPI president Virginia Porter announced 

the names of the following 

committee chairmen for 1977-78. Finance, 

Jeanette Royster; program, Janet Honeycutt; 

membership, Sylvia Todd; industry 

service, Mary Ann Christian; publicity, 

Blanche Carr; social, Debbie Lockler; bylaws, 

Myrtle Parker; community service, 

Clarinda Craig; bulletin, Clara Finlayson; 

scholarship, Viola Wister; Will Rogers, 

Amalie Gantt; historian, Virginia Cardell; 

parliamentarian. Myrtle Parker; yearbook, 

Betty McQuay, and telephone, Irene Lauer. 

^^**~|00KIH6 SERVICES 

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

Fronk Lowry . . . Bill Cline 

Phone: (704) 377-9341 

Delegates and alternates were elected to 

represent the WOMPIs at the International 

Convention in Memphis, Tenn., September 

15-18. The delegates are Virginia Porter. 

Queen City Advertising, and Janet Honcycutt, 

Stewart Theatres; the alternates are 

Clarinda Craig, Stewart and Everett Theatres, 

and Blanche Carr, Boxoffice correspondent. 

Preparations for WOMPIs' "Operation 

Santa Claus" event are continuing on 

schedule. Under the direction of Amalie 

Gantt, the WOMPIs have knitted and cro- 

50 toboggan caps for the men- 

cheted over 1 

tally handicapped at Broughton Hospital, 

Morganton. 

Past WOMPI international president 

Amalie Gantt has been busy preparing for 

the wedding of her granddaughter Debra 

Gayle who married Ernest Thornton Mc- 

Laney on Saturday (20). 

New pictures on the marquees include: 

"MacArthur," Park Terrace; "Greased 

Lightning," Charlottetown Mall, Carolina 

and Viking and "King Kong," Regency, 

Visulite, Dilworth and Freedom Mall. 

The top grosses of the week were earned 

by "Star Wars." "MacArthur." "Greased 

Lightning" and "The Spy Who Loved Me" 

. . . American International's "Trapped" 

was screened at the Car-mel. 

Fairlane/ Litchfield Theatres, Easley, S. 

C, plans to twin the Crown Theatre, Lancaster, 

S.C, and to add an additional screen 

to the Cinema III, Lumberton. The expansion 

work is expected to be completed by 

Thanksgiving or Christmas, according to 

Fred Curtds. 

Don Watson of Scott Theatres, Spartanburg, 

S. C, announced plans for a triplex 

in Rock Hill, S. C. Scott Theatres now 

operates units in Spartanburg, Clemson and 

Orangeburg, S.C. 

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BOXOFFICE :: August 22. 1977

MEMPHIS 

ê WOMPIs' July meeting was held at the 

home of Katherine Keifer, United Artists' 

staffer. A patio party with a delicious 

home-cooked meal was followed by a yoga 

demonstration by Anita Nix, who is with 

the board of education. A rain shower drove 

the party inside for the business meeting 

that included the formulation of plans for 

the international convention to be held here 

in September. 

President Deltine Craig announced the 

following 1977-78 committee members. Program 

and membership: Katherine Keifer, 

chairman, Bonnie Steward and Pat Comella; 

finance: Frances Salmon, chairman. Diane 

Anderson, Mary Katherine Baker, Martha 

Reinert and Helen Van Vulpen; community 

service: Judy Trimeloni, chairman, Leone 

Cooper, Elizabeth Coleman, Fay Sheets and 

Marie Swindle. 

Industry service: Lurlene Carothers, 

chairman, Peggy Hogan and Genevieve Lovell; 

publicity: Earline Fans, chairman, 

Marianne Gordon and June Moody: bulletin: 

Fvelyn Rushing, chairman, Sue McCormack 

and Mildred Miller: by-laws: Lois 

Evans, chairman, Lois Boyd; sharing and 

caring: Lois Boyd, chairman, Betty Montague; 

Will Rogers: Juanita Hamblin, chairman. 

Sue Owings; yearbook: Helyn Guess, 

chairman, and flowers: Lurlene Carothers. 

Johnny Gannon of Southern Booking 

Service reported that he is doing the booking 

for the new Cinema 1 Theatre, Providence, 

Ky., which is owned by Bill Bucher. 

Sincerest sympathy to Lurlene Carothers 

of United Artists whose husband Herman 

died July 27. He is survived by two sisters, 

Mrs. Calvin Prince. Brownsville, Tenn., 

and Mrs. Lem Jones, Water Valley, Miss.; 

and two brothers. Earl and Clarence Carothers. 

both of Water Vallev. 


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BOXOFFICE ;: August SE-3

. . Lou 

. . Rachel 

. . . "Tentacles." 

. . Louise 

REEF 

ATLANTA 

getty Johnson, WOMPI treasurer who 

works for C. L. Aiitry at Dixie Films, 

and her husband John returned from a trip 

to Panama City, Fla. . . . Allied Artists 

booker Esther Osley and her husband Kelly 

and grandson Stephen chose Crystal River. 

Fla., for their vacation . Siegel. 

Allied Artists cashier and her husband Stanley 

selected Myrtle Beach. S. C. for their 

vacation . O'Neil. United Artists 

salesman and his wife Anne headed for 

Nags Head, N.C.. to try their luck at deep 

sea fishing. 

Trade and press screenings in 

the area included: 

"March or Die." Joel Poss Associates 

for Columbia Pictures; "Trapper." 

American International Pictures; "I Never 

Promised You a Rose Garden." New World 

Pictures; "Semi-Tough," United Artists; 

"To Love, Perhaps to Die," Film Gems International; 

"Challenge to Survival," "Blue 

Jeans" and "Shinbone Alley." International 

Picture Show, and "Heroes," a product reel 

unspooled for Universal Pictures branch 

manaser Weber Howell and his staff. 

Vickie Butler resigned from American 

International Pictures to join the Pacific International 

staff Monday (22) Bob Oda, 

. . . 

United Artists' public relations director in 

the Southeast, and his 

vacation to Ohio. 

wife returned from a 

New films on the marquees: "Sinbad and 

the Eye of the Tiger," Cobb Center, Greenbriar, 

Mableton Cinema. Northlake. Old 

Dixie. Parkaire, South DeKalb, Scott and 

Bankhead; "I Never Promised You a Rose 

Garden." Broadview; "Young Lady Chatterly. 

Loews' 12 Oaks; "Scott Joplin." Atlanta; 

"Orca." Stonemont 2; "MacArthur." 

"One on One." Tower Place 6 and Omni 6 

Village. Tower Place. Canton 

Corners, Suburban Plaza, Belmont. 

Jonesboro Twin and "Greased Lightning. " 

Cobb Center. 

Underground Atlanta received a last min 

ute rescue from bankruptcy when an Oklahoma 

investment firm assumed responsibility 

for some of the debts for the once 

prosperous entertainment project. Robert 

C. Poe, president of Frates Co., Tulsa, announced 

that his firm decided "at the last 

minute" to rescue the financially troubled 

Underground Atlanta, Inc.. the project's 

parent company. Frates is a major investor 

in Underground and owns more than 15 per 

cent of its stock. According to Poe, Frates 

agreed to pay an Augusta bank $225,000 

for two pieces of Underground property on 

which the bank foreclosed in July. In addition. 

Poe said his company has arranged 

with the bank to pay off the rest of the 

$418,000 Underground owes the bank. Atlanta 

Underground. Inc. will be given six 

months to buy the property back from 

Frates. 

WOMPI news: Esther Osley of Allied 

Artists was nominated for international 

president and Fentress Carr of the Jack 

Vaughan Film Co. was nominated for international 

corresponding secretary . . . Sandy 

Easley of 20th Century-Fox was elected to 

be a delegate at the 24th annual WOMPI 

International convention in Memphis September 

15-18. Terry Walker of Paramoimt 

Pictures and Betty Johnson were elected 

first and second alternates . . . Edith 

Ivey Johnson of Globetrotters. Inc. was the 

guest speaker at the August meeting. Next 

month's meeting will be sponsored by the 

girls at New World Pictures . . . Midge and 

Randy Brannon and their three children 

traveled to New York City and stayed with 

past president Mary Brannon's daughter 

Holley . Cathey. international 

finance chairman who is helping raise funds 

for WOMPI International, asked that each 

member buy a $2 ticket for a chance to win 

a diamond and sapphire ring . . . Members 

recently responded to a plea from WETV, 

the local public service station, and WABE 

Radio, which is operated by the board of 

education, to assist in a telethon that is held 

annually to raise money for the station's 

operations. 

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. . Holdovers 

. . "MacArthur" 

NEW ORLEANS 

phe American Film Institute and National 

Film Day held a champagne screening 

ol the Academy Award-winning film "In 

the Region of Ice" at the Sena Mall Theatre 

Thursday (4). Producers Andre Guttfrcund 

and Peter Werner were present to 

talk about the film. The screening was well 

attended by film industry personnel and 

their 

friends. 

Congratulations to Carole Roussell of 

Blue Ribbon Pictures and her husband Phil 

on their wedding anniversary July 25. 

Ted Solomon's wife Doris entered the 

hospital recently for a series of tests . . . 

Irene Me.\ic"s dalmatian "Candy is still 

winning awards. Candy's latest achievement 

was the first place award at a dog show at 

Kenner, La. 

"Star Wars" and "Smokey and the Bandit" 

are still producing excellent grosses this 

summer . in the area include: 

"The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training." 

"One on One" and "The Spy Who 

I.oved Me" . opened Friday 

(."5) at the Robert E. I.ee and Joy thea- 

Petc Fountain, a knockout on Johnny 

Carson's show in his two guest appearances, 

is closing his Bourbon Street Club and 

moving to the new Hilton Hotel on the 

riverfront. 

Congratulations to Ron I'abst of Blue 

Ribbon Pictures and his wife Chi on the 

arrival of Junior who was born Wednesday 

(10). 

Larry Gordon, a graduate of Tulane University, 

has become a success in Hollywood 

according to a column by Jill Jackson. Larry 

is presently working with Burt Reynolds 

on his new film "The End," which stars 

Myrna Loy, Pat O'Brien and Sally Field. 

Larry is also working on 20lh Century- 

Fox's "The Driver." 

McDennott Joins Wrather; 

Film Projects Planned 

HOLLYWOOD—Thomas J. 

McDermott. 

former president of MCA's SelectaVision 

videodisc system, has joined the Wrather 

Corp. where he will produce a slate of motion 

pictures and TV projects. 

First on the production schedule for Mc- 

Dermott will be a remake of "The Lone 

Ranger," which Jack Wrather had produced 

at Warner Bros, in 1955. Wrather also had 

produced the 1957 "The Lone Ranger and 

the Lost City of Gold" for United Artists. 

"Lone Ranger" rights have been owned by 

the Wrather Corp. since 1954 when it made 

the acquisition from George Trendle who 

originated "The Lone Ranger" radio show 

Jan. 30, 1933, over his WXYZ Radio in 

Detroit. 

Republic Studios made two motion picture 

serials, "The Lone Ranger" and "The 

Lone Ranger Rides Again" in 193H and 

1939. The story of the western hero and his 

sidekick Tonto was told in 2,596 radio 

shows, on the air continuously until September 

1954, and a total of 221 half-hour 

TV shows between 1949 and 1961. 

Don Barnes Presents 15th 

Annual Mid-July Festival 

VANCOUVHR— It has been 15 years 

since Don Barnes laimched his mid-July 

festival of specially selected international 

films of more than routine interest. This 

year's program was presented, as always, at 

the Varsity, running from July 15 through 

July 30, with two films screened each night. 

The exception was two Sundays when Andrzej 

Wajda's Polish epic, "The Land of 

Promise," was featured. The film was over 

three hours long, so there was only one 

showing starting at 7:30 p.m. 

Selected films ran the gamut from the 

lately completed local production "Skip 

Tracer" to three Australian pictures, chosen 

not because Barnes is himself an Aussie, but 

because that country is producing many 

commercial and artistic films as well as 

some outstanding short subjects and documentaries, 

a couple of which were scheduled 

for the festival program. Features included 

"Sunday Too Far Away," "Caddie" 

and "Between Wars," with Corin Redgrave. 

Three outstanding documentaries also 

were on the agenda. One was Barbet 

Schroeder's "Idi Amin Dada." "Yoga, a 

Road to Happiness" and "The California 

Reich," an Academy Award nominee telling 

about the rebirth of the Nazi movement, 

California style. 

Unique among the short subjects was the 

world premiere of "High Rigger," the story 

of the timber-topper who was vital in the 

rigging of the spar tree which held the gear 

necessary for snaking felled logs to the loading 

zone—or "cold deck"—in 

of the logging industry. 

the early days 

The best-received films will have encore 

engagements, which means they also will 

receive playing time in Victoria, Calgary 

and Edmonton. 

The complete schedule of feature film 

titles follows: "Allegro non Troppo." "The 

Story of Sin," "My Friends," "Le Magnifique," 

"The Land of Promise," "Sunday Too 

Far," "Caddie." "Idi Amin Dada," "The 

Beast," "Skip Tracer," "California Reich," 

"Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000," 

"Les Gaspards," "La Grande Bourgeoise" 

and "Between Wars." 

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. . 

WOMPI 

. 

I 

ACKSONVILLE 

gill Baskin, manager of the Kingsley Twins, 

reported the following story about his 

record-breaking showing of "Star Wars." 

A patron named Ken Horn. 24. came to 

the Kingsley II about as often as Bill's 

employees to view the space fantasy "Star 

Wars." He saw the film for a total of 20 

times in two weeks and paid the standard 

$3 ticket price each time. Ken's reason for 

his marathon attendance was: "I enjoyed 

the film. It's one of the few where the 

aood guys win." Unfortunately he allegedly 

saw the movie on some of his company's 

time, became unemployed and now lacks 

money for more "Star Wars" audience support. 

On a scale from 4 to 1 where 4 equals 

excellent, 3 equals good, 2 equals fair and 

1 equals poor, the Jacksonville Journal 

gave the following marks to current screen 

attractions. The marks were: "Star Wars" 

and "The Spy Who Loved Me," V/i: "The 

Rescuers." "Greased Lightning." "Orca" 

and "Smokey and the Bandit," 3: "Rollercoaster," 

"Sidewinder 1" and "The Bad 

News Bears in Breaking Training," IVi. 

and "March or Die" and "Grand Theft 

Auto," 2. 

Helen Wintenburg, WOMPI member and 

ABC FST staffer who is legally qualified to 

perform nuptial ceremonies, is to preside at 

the wedding of Stanley Davis. ABC FST 

home office manager, and his fiancee 

Johnie Livingston Saturday (27), 

Elvin Pratt, who is 84 and the oldest 

living dean of Florida's motion picture 

projectionists 

has moved from his Murray Hill 

home to Rosewood Haven, a suburban rest 

home. be:ause of failing eyesight. Prior to 

his 60 years of service in theatre booths. 

Pratt was a prominent professional pugilist 

who fought under the name Kid Vance. 

WOMPI members gave their foster daughter 

Sun Ok of Seoul, South Korea a generous 

cash gift for her birthday Saturday (6) 

to buy clothing and cover school expenses 

Marthy Murphy Scott, WOMPI president, 

and Julie Williams, WOMPI community 

service chairman, listed 39V'2 hours 

of service for July, which included parties 

License Threat Delayed 

By Error in Ordinance 

MILWAUKEE — The Princess Theatre. 

738 North 3rd St, faces further legal difficulties 

as Police Chief Harold A Breier 

seeks revocation of its license. Thirteen 

adult films have been seized at the theatre 

since April 1 and there have been six 

charges of disorderly conduct and one 

charge of second degree sexual assault involving 

a minor since January of this year. 

for senior citizens at the Florida Christian Complicating the issue is an apparent typocommunity 

service projects and the Will 

Health Center and handicapped youngsters graphical error in the existing ordinance per 

the Woodstock Center . 1\nen[ to theatre licensing 

(-jîef Breier requested the Milwaukee 

Rogers Memorial Hospital are receiving 

Common Council to consider revoking the 

cash donations through a butter popcorn ,roubled theatre's license but the council's 

promotion being staged by the managers of 

investigation led to a report from its utilities 

Kent Theatres. Directing the promotion is 

Joyce Malmborg. WOMPI leader in the 

Kent home office. 

Drive-ins were the subject of a full-page 

appraisal written by Nancy McAlister for 

the Journal. City editor Dick Bussard assigned 

the reporter to ferret out everything 

she could find— good or bad—about the ten 

drive-ins in this city that must compete 

with the 31 indoor theatres. In her final 

analysis, Nancy gave the okay sign to driveins 

as family entertainment centers. She 

judged them regarding: admission prices, 

quality and variety of concession items, the 

distances between car ramps, grounds 

maintenance, restrooms. safety, conduct of 

theatre personnel and the general amenities 

aimed at making patrons feel welcome. 

Nancy reported that drive-ins "are still a 

cheaper way for families to see the movies." 

and as for concessions, you know what they 

." 

say about food tasting better outdoors . 

Durwood Elected to First 

Nat'l Charter Corp. Board 

KANSAS CITY — Stanley Durwood, 

president of American Multi Cinema Corp.. 

has been elected to a two-year term on the 

board of directors of First National Charter 

Corp.. bank holding company. 

Under Frst National Charter Corp.'s new 

classified board concept. Class II directors' 

terms will expire at the 1979 annua! meet- 

nd licenses committee stating that action 

is blocked by "several technical deficiencies 

in the city's ordinance governing the operation 

of adult movie theatres." 

.As the ordinance presently stands, the 

committee discovered, the only way a theatre 

can keep its license is to be convicted 

of a crime every year. 

Assistant City Attorney Sandy Buffalo 

advised the committee that the Princess 

could not be closed on the basis of the disorderly 

conduct charges, although Alderman 

Betty Voss insisted that theatre operators 

must be held responsible for activity on the 

premises. Buffalo said the license might be 

revoked as the result of corporate obscenity 

convictions. James Shallow, attorney for the 

Princess Theatre, pointed out that films 

shown at the Princess are no worse than 

those shown at other showhouses throughout 

the country. 

Discovery of the apparent error in the ordinance 

has halted the battle temporarily. 

The utilities and licenses committee has 

voted to ask the city attorney's office to 

draft amendments correcting the error (s) 

and to determine what action, if any, the 

committee may take against the Princess. 

TWIN 

IT!! 





Free Estimates 

Theatre Construction Co. 

Foirfleld Drive-ln Theatre 

FolHicId, III. 62837 

Phone A/C 618-847-7634 

SE-6 

BOXOFFICE :: August

Committee Heads Named 

By Jacksonville WOMPIs 

PR Newswire Opens 

JACKSONVILLE — Martha Miirpln 

EnterNews Service 

NEW YORK—EnterNews, a 

Scott, WOMPI president and ABC Florida 

Stale Theatres staffer, recently announced 

new committee heads and members lor the 

1977-78 term. 

Mary Hart, an ABC FST retiree, will 

head the industry service committee while 

Julie Williams, who is retired from Universal, 

will head the community service 

committee and will be assisted by Kitty 

Dowell of American Multi Cinema and 

Joyce Malmborg of Kent Theatres. 

Eight additional committees, which have 

each month, according to Mrs. Scott. 

Marsha Weaver, finance leader, said that 

a new annual budget has been accepted by 

the membership, and that several new 

money-making projects have been scheduled 

for the late summer and autumn months. 

Fulton's Fifth Floor 

Five Alarm Furnace 

PITTSBURGH—A $250,000. 

five-alarm 

tire turned the fifth floor of the Fulton 

Building into a furnace on the afternoon 

of July 27. Fortunately no injuries were 

reported among the hundreds of persons 

m the building at the time. Nearly all film 

distributors have small offices there while 

for a couple of major film-related corporations, 

it is the headquarters. 

The majority of the people in the building 

escaped down the stairwells, with George 

Ball, veteran 20th Century-Fox sales manager, 

among the last to leave as smoke from 

the blaze was sucked up the elevator shafts 

from the fifth to the upper floors. Those 

who could not make it down the stairs were 

rescued from the roof and upper level windows 

by firefighters. 

Theatres on the building's ground floor. 

the Fulton. Fulton Mini and Gateway, were 

emptied in an orderly manner thanks to 

cool heads among the theatres' staffs and 

the patrons' cooperation. 

The fire, which began in a storage room 

of Firm Electronic Security Systems Inc., 

was discovered by electronic scanners which 

immediately touched off the alarm. Although 

there were no film outlets on the 

fifth floor, Perilman and Wheeler occupied 

space on the 

sixth. 

E. Louis Averbach, rental agent for the 

structure who also has his office there, said 

the entire floor was gutted and there was 

heavy smoke and water damage on the floor 

above. 

nationwide 

wire service for transmission of press releases 

and publicity information to entertainment 

and amusement editors of major 

news media, has been launched by PR Newswire. 

The new wire service transmits simultaneously 

to more than 150 leading daily newspapers, 

broadcasting outlets and national 

news agencies in most major U.S. markets, 

according to David Steinberg, president of 

PR Newswire, which pioneered electronic 

single leaders who are empowered to call 

for assistance from the general membership 

with the president's approval, are: programs, 

Mary Ellen Boyd of Paramount: 

bylaws, Kitty Dowell; finance, Marsha 

Weaver of Universal; publicity, Joyce ute over special teleprinters in the newsrooms 

Malmborg of Kent Theatres: Will Rogers 

of media in some 70 cities. 

Memorial Hospital, Kitty Dowell; Sunshine. Most major companies in the motion picture, 

broadcasting, music, publishing and 

Anne Dillon of NATO of Florida; yearbook. 

Frances Conner of Universal, and wider entertainment industry are among the 

membership, Thelma Claxton of Paramount. 

more than 5,000 news sources presently 

using PR Newswire circuits to issue time- 

An 11th committee with the responsibility 

WOMPI 

critical information to general news and fibulletin 

of publishing a monthly news nancial editors. Steinberg said Enter- 

is to be passed from office to office News responds to the need of these and 

other news sources for similar facilities to 

economically distribute less urgent feature 

material. He noted that the new service also 

press release distribution in 1954, 

EnterNews copy is flashed to the press 

over PRN's 10,000-mile private wire network 

and is received at 150 words per min- 

satisfies the preference of entertainment and 

amusement editors for timely, professionally 

processed copy in convenient wire format. 

EnterNews, he said, is a special file in PR 

Newswire's daily "Feature News Service," 

which is transmitted to the press at 9:00 

a.m. each morning. 

PR Newswire, headquartered in New 

York with offices in Los Angeles, San 

Francisco and Miami, also provides worldwide 

wire distribution and translation, which 

is available for EnterNews copy. Basic fee 

for U.S. press release distribution via PRN/ 

EnterNews is $40 for up to 300 words ($10 

for each additional 100 words). 

Tolk County Pot Plane' 

Opens in Atlanta Area 

ATLANTA—Jim West, a former legislator, 

real estate salesman and helicopter 

pilot, opened his Westco Production "Polk 

County Pot Plane," which he produced and 

directed, at 17 area theatres Friday (12). 

This venture into the movie industry, 

which West claims he tunneled $1,000,000 

into, is about a C-54 airplane that lands on 

a mountain top in Polk County. However, 

the movie bears little resemblance to the adventures 

of Robert Eby, a pilot who landed 

a C-54 on top of Treat Mountain in Polk 

County. Eby made aviation history by landing 

the plane on a 1,000-foot bulldozed runway 

illuminated by 100 watt electric light 

bulbs on August 4, 1975. 

West, who reserved the part of the pilot 

for himself, contracted the Clayton County 

sheriff to play the sheriff role in the film. 

West hired, almost without exception, all 

local 

residents for the cast. 

The Deep' Sets Record 

In Honolulu and Japan 

Hollywood— "The Deep" opened in 

Japan and llonolnin with phenomenal 

boxoffii-c business that set records for 

Columbia Pictures al both locations. 

Coitsolidatcd Amusement's WaikikI 

Tri-Cincma 'I'heaire and the Kani lli- 

Way Drive-In both did blockbuster 

business with total grosses of $97,910. 

Patrick M. Williamson, executive 

vice-president of Columbia Pictures Internaiionai, 

reported that openings in 

Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya grossed a 

three-day total of $476,929 to surpass 

all 

present records. 

The three-city opening preceded a 

nationwide release across Japan that 

started July 30. 

"The Deep," a Columbia/ EMI presentation, 

is the Casablance FilniUorks 

production of a Peter Yates film. It 

was produced by Peter Guber and directed 

by Yates from a screenplay by 

Peter Benchley and Tracy Kcenan 

Wynn from Benchley's best-selling novel. 

The film stars Robert Shaw, Jacqueline 

Bisset, Nick Nolte, Louis Gossctt 

and Eli Wallach. 

MetroCenter for Halifax 

HALIFAX—A new facility to replace the 

53-year-old Halifax Forum Complex is now 

under construction in the center of the city, 

with a projected opening in March 1978. 

The multi-purpose structure is to provide 

seating capacity in excess of 10,000 and exhibition 

space of 50,000 square feet. Metro- 

Center is to accommodate entertainment, 

sports events, conventions and exhibitions, 

according to Keith D. Lewis, general 

manager. 

mtlfill'^

Cash Flo\u 

In 1803, America found hersolt up the river 

The Mississippi, that is. 

Valuable goods were being produced in the 

Midwest, and the mighty Mississippi was our onl 

link to the sea. But the outlet in New Orleans 

belonged to France. 

So President Jefterson sent agents to Paris ti 

negotiate for the addition of New Orleans. 

Surprisingly, Napoleon offered to sell 

entire Louisiana Territory for only 

$15,000,000. 

Thanks to Americans taking 

stcKk in their new country by 

buying over $11,000,000 in 

go\-ernment securities, we made 

thi 

. Stock 

i^^^merica. 

the purchase. And doubled tiur size o\'ernight. 

Today, Americans still take stock in their 

country by buying U.S. Savings Bonds through 

the Payroll Savings Plan. 

They know there's no safer way to sa\'e for an 

education, \'acation or retirenient. And they know 

that while they're helping themseK'es, they're 

helping America, too. 

So buy U.S. Sax'ings Bonds. 

And help your cash flow into savings. 

E Bonds pay 6% interest when 

held to maturity of 5 years (41/2% the 

first year) . Interest is not suhject to state 

or local income taxes, and federal tax 

mav be deferred until redemption. 

SE-8 

BOXOFFICE ;: August 22. 1977

Rangers Lose a Star 

To 'Bad News Bears' 

DALLAS — "A Star is Born" has a more 

significant meaning for the Robert G. 

Thornton jr. family now than Barbra Streisand's 

popular motion picture ever did, as 

they witness a "star" emerge from the family 

circle, according to a Dallas News story 

which we quote, in part. 

Terrance "Scoody" Thornton, their youngest 

who has fascinated them with his unusual 

reading and theatrical talents since he 

was two years old. is bound for Hollywood 

to sign the contract that makes him a star. 

On Tuesday (23). the day he becomes 

si.x years old. Terrance will sign a multiyear 

contract with Paramount, with an option 

lo make pictures over a three-year 

period. 

He will be earning an astronomical salary 

for such a young guy. but he can only spend 

a portion of it. In the meantime, he will 

accumulate a "nest egg" for his future. 

Because of a stipulation in his contract 

a percentage of his salary must go into a 

trust, not to be touched until he is 25 years 

old. He will have to join Screen Actors 

Guild and will be the youngest member in 

Dalla-s County. 

Terrance's lifestyle will not change too 

abruptly with his new venture. He will be 

with kids his own age and his mother Inez 

and his two sisters will be with him during 

his si\-week stay in Hollywood. His mother 

lems, as he is "an exceptionally good ballplayer 

at school" observed his father. 

a good number 

to call - 

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Mrs. Thornton and the girls. Valeria and 

Regina, are "very e.\cited, counting the days 

lor our departure and for "Scoody' to 

begin 

his new career." 

She says her husband is very cool about 

it all but it hasn't dawned on him yet. 

" 'Scoody' is more excited about the plane 

ride, and keeping a knot that Tony Curtis 

tied in his shoestring than he is about the 

whole thing," his mother said. 

The entire family has been with the Peggy 

Taylor Talent Agency for several years. 

Each of them has made commercial ads and 

has done some modeling and acting. Regina's 

most recent commercial was for the 

Dallas Heart Association four months ago. 

Terrance's talents came to the attention 

of kindergarten teachers at the Amelia Earhart 

elementary school when he was two 

years old. He was reading from the blackboard 

and identifying the letters of the alphabet. 

The teachers suggested that he study 

at the Creative Learning Center. 

He progressed rapidly at the center, reading 

at an advanced grade level and was constantly 

promoted to higher grades. 

"He will have a personal tutor so that his 

learning process will not be interrupted 

while he is in pictures," Mrs. Thornton explained. 

A star is born in the Thornton family. 

B. Forrest White, Veteran 

On Dallas Film Scene, Dies 

DALLAS—Funeral services for B. Forest 

White were held in Dallas Wednesday 

will accompany him to Japan where the 

(10). He died Tuesday (9) when complications 

set in following his recent surgery. 

film will be made. 

The picture. "The Bad News Bears Go to 

White, owner and operator of Ind-Ex 

Japan." is about a little league baseball team 

Booking Service, is survived by his wife 

and stars Tony Curtis. "Scoody" plays the 

Juanita, his son Richard and daughter Linda, 

three sisters, two grandchildren and iwc 

role of "Rasula," a member of the "awkward, 

unpredictable and unorthodo.x" team. 

great-grandchildren. Mrs. White will con- 

His role should not present him any prob- 

tinue to operate the business which she and 

her late husband ran jointly since 1942. 

He was born in Marietta. Okla.. in 190.^ 

and graduated from high school there. He 

attended Oklahoma A & M for one year 

and worked concurrently as a projectionist 

in his hometown prior to moving to Dallas. 

The late Sody Williams, a film salesman 

at Fox Film Exchange, also owned a theatre 

in Arlington and he persuaded White to 

work for him at the cinema. In 192.'>. White 

married Juanita Harris and quit the Arlington 

job which required that he commute 

daily, to work fulltime in Dallas at A. C. 

January's .Sunset Theatre. During this period 

their son Richard was born. 

Juanita later went to work for MGM, 

rising become secretary to the late Leroy 

to 

Bickel, MGM branch manager. 

In 19.37 White went into business for 

himself and hired Gene Nelson to work for 

him. With the advent of World War II. 

Nelson entered the service in 1942 and 

Juanita quit her job to work with her husband. 

In 1946 the couple decided they 

wanted a little girl and adopted Linda. 

The industry and the community have 

been enriched through the contribution of 

B. Forrest White and his family. He will he 

missed. 

Top Scouting Honor 

To Kenneth Johnson 

DALLAS— Kenneth U. Johnson completed 

a sweep of the Boy Scouts of America's 

four highest awards when he attained 

the rank of Eagle .Scout Wednesday (10). 

Ken is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vcryl D. 

Johnson. The senior Johnson is the area 

sales representative for the Carbon Products 

Division of Union Carbide Corp. 

The youth has also earned the Golden 

Acorn for survival camping skills, is a member 

of the Order of the Arrow and was 

honored with the coveted God and Country 

award. Scouting officials report that less 

than one per cent of their membership 

garner all of the quartet of ultima'.e awards. 

Young Johnson was additionally honored 

recently, when he was named scout coordination 

chairman of the "Sunset Corners" 

scout project to improve recreational facilities 

in three northeast area Dallas parks. 

The project is supported by 18 troops numbering 

2,000 local scouts. 

The new Eagle Scout is an honor graduate 

of Lake Highlands High School where 

he belonged to the Latin and Key Clubs. 

He plans to attend Richland College. 

^ 

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EOXOFFICE :: August 22, 1977 SW-

I 

DALLAS 

Christopher King Is 

On Time Heir-Line 

HOUSTON— Betty King is the original 

on-time, heir-line. The wife of Dick King, 

lândy Petton, son of Buena Vista's Tonsi Immoral Three," to be available September 

warm Petton. is in the Medical City Hospital 20. Adding to the glow at Grimes is 

following surgery which was necessitated by the fact that Bennie will represent Ron 

an accident he had on July 29. He is doing Pabst of Blue Ribbon Films and distribute 

Dallas branch manager for Columbia Pictures, 

well although he will be there another week. sped from the "Big D" to the "Big 

the following films locally: "School Girls in 

We do wish him a complete and speedy Chains," "Love Butchers." "Abar," "Super 

H" Saturday (6), to assist her son and 

recovery. 

Swinging Playmates," "Black Superman" 

daughter-in-law. Rick and Jennifer King, 

this isn't enough, to 

Bennie Lynch, Dallas office manager 

who were "expecting" at any time. 

for frost the cuk; Apache Films and Spectrum 

Grimes Film Booking, was a veritable fountain 

of information on activities there was at the airport meeting Betty, Jennifer 

Films 

As things like this usually go, while Rick 

called to ask that the Grimes organization 

and "Sweater Girls." If 

. . . 

distribute a trio of their products 

the Dallas and Oklahoma She 

She. along with Jerry and Jim McCollom. 

found that her "expectations" were about 

Momma 

in territory. 

and LaVerne Smith, flew to Atlanta to 

to be realized. Rick and raced 

also noted that General Cinema is playing 

meet with NITE president Tom Patterson 

home, picked up Momma-to-be and, 38 

and screen their release "Where's Willie." 

later, debut. 

Railroad" and "Faces of Energy." 

The picture, filmed in Kerrville. has a G Finally, the most anticipated project of Mother and Christopher are doing well, 

minutes 

a pair of their short subjects, "Portrait of a 

Christopher made his 

rating and will make its world debut November 

all has been completed! After a two-month but Dad and Grandma are reportedly a 

17 with regular runs starting the delay due to a (do you believe this) brick wee bit pooped. 

following day. 

shortage. Claudia Elliot and company finally 

city 

Rick is the American Multi-Theatres 

She reports that they have obtained Doris 

manager, recently transferring from the 

moved into their new home on a three 

acre tract in Midlothian. 

same position in Dallas. 

Wishman's films, with one of them, "The 

I COLOR or Black and White j 

FOR 

INDOOR AND 

DRIVE-INS 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS • TRAIIERETTES 

i 



Filmdok 

Curtiss Ryan, Jiffy Franks Inc.. of Austin, 

was a business visitor here Monday (8). 

Season ticket orders for the Fort Worth 

Art Museum's film series are now being accepted 

at the Scott Theatre box office. The 

series begins Monday (29) with Greta Garbo's 

immortal "Camille." The price is $8.50 

for ten events ($7 for members) and you 

don't have to be an MIT math grad to 

realize that this is a bargain. This has been 

an SRO event in past years so don't delay. 

Also scheduled for showings are "The Magnific2nt 

Ambersons." "The Jazz Singer," 

"Easter Parade." "Little Women," "Things 

to Come" and "The Private Lives of Henry 

VIII." 

Pat Vasquez, Ken Claypool's right hand 

at Commonwealth Theatres, returned from 

a very pleasant vacation in Florida telling 

one and all how "super" it was and what a 

delightful time she spent at Disney World. 

WOMPI Prestidigitator's 

Great Aunt is Invisible 

DALLAS—Randall Stewart is a prestidigitator 

of great repute hereabouts and his 

performance at the WOMPI program meeting 

Thursday (18) enhanced his reputation. 

His feats of legerdemain captivated his audience 

as he again proved that his hand was 

quicker than their eyes. One item that he 

was not responsible for was the invisibility 

of his great aunt. Rosa Browning, WOMPI 

program chairman for this meeting. 

After doing all the hard preparatory work 

entailed in the meeting. Rosa generously 

passed this opportunity to enjoy her 

nephew's performance in order to stay with 

a nonagenarian relative so that other members 

of the family could have a vacation. 

NATrONAL 

Changeable 

Letters 

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AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR MANY MANUFACTURERS 

Ed Cernosek 

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Hard hake 

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spring hold 1 

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. . The 

Witness Threatened 

In Adult Store Case 

HOUSTON— Adult book stores and theatres 

will continue to operate until the end 

ol August when a federal judge says he will 

consider whether to permanently enjoin a 

city ordinance that would close most ot the 

businesses here that sell adult books, films 

and magazines, it was reported by Jorjanna 

Price of the Houston Post. 

U.S. District Judge Ross Sterling, Friday 

recessed a hearing until Tuesday (30) and 

extended an order which temporarily restrains 

the city from enacting an ordinance 

that forbids adult commercial establishments 

to operate within 2,000 feet of a 

church, school or other educational or 

charitable 

institution. 

City Attorney Otis King said the city 

would abide by a previous agreement to 

forestall action against any adult commercial 

establishment not protected by Sterling's 

order. 

A group of adult bookstore and theatre 

operators won postponement of the ordinance, 

due to go into effect last week, after 

filing suit in federal court in opposition to 

the antipornography law. 

At Friday's hearing, a Spring Branch 

woman, Nancy Brinsdon, testified that two 

female leaders in the move to close adult 

establishments warned her to leave town 

and destroy a tape recording of an antipornography 

rally that Brinsdon said she had 

been asked to play at the hearing. 

Brinsdon said she was threatened bv Beverly 

Heinrich and Geneva Kirk Brooks, 

outspoken opponents of adult bookstores 

and theatres. She said Heinrich told her to 

say she did not have the tape and to destroy 

it. Brooks suggested it would "be very convenient 

for me" to leave town. Brinsdon 

said. 

Heinrich. sitting in the back of the courtroom, 

shouted, "That's a lie." As she rose 

to leave. Sterling admonished her. 

Brinsdon said she also had received a 

telephone call from an Lmidentified man 

who said "I wouldn't make it to court with 

the tape." The hour-long tape, played over 

the objections of King, recorded the remarks 

of four city councilmen, state and local 

officials who spoke at a rally held by the 

Spring Branch Oaks Civic Center on June 

21. Clyde Woody, attorney for the bookstore 

and theatre owners, said he introduced 

Brinsdon's testimony to show harassment. 

Heinrich later denied she wanted the 

tape destroyed and charged that Brinsdon 

had committed perjury. 

San Antonio is Courting 

Filmmakers on Both Coasts 

SAN ANTONIO— Ihe North San Antonio 

Chamber of Commerce has formed a 

Commercial Film Industry Task Force to 

promote the city as a location for filming 

motion pictures and television commercials. 

Central Park Mall's Fred Daniels, task 

force chairman, said several contracts with 

New York and California producers already 

have been made. About half of a film's budget 

stays in the area where the film is made, 

he said. The chairman stated it is well worth 

the effort. 

Several site selection groups from Hollywood 

could be looking at San Antonio as a 

possible location within the ne,\t two 

months, according to member "Big John" 

Hamilton, who has just returned from California. 

Hamilton has appeared in a number 

of shows including several with John 

Wayne. Other committee members are W. 

V. Hartman, Ray Howell, Betty Kirkpatrick, 

Frank Leach, Jim Wills and Robert 

Gannett. Mike Morrow, chamber executive 

vice-president, will visit the New York City 

Film Commission in September to learn 

about that operation. 

FINER PROJECTION -SUPER ECONOMY 

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HURLEY SCREEN COMPANY, Inc. 

HOUSTON 

^he Jewish Comniunit.\ Center will screen 

"Captains Courageous." based on the 

Rudyard Kipling novel, starring Spencer 

Tracy and Freddie Bartholomew on Sunday 

Other films screened in the Kaplan 

. . . Theatre at the JCC included "The King 

and I" and "High Noon" . theme 

for the llth week of the annual summer 

film festival sponsored by the Alley Theatre 

was "Love in the Cinema." Films to be 

screened included "Rebecca" with Laurence 

Olivier and Joan Fontaine; the Houston premiere 

of Marcel Carne's "The Marvelous 

Visit" and Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon in 

"Harold and Maude." The Friday midnight 

Sleaze scries will present "Freaks." 

At the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's 

series presented "Three Caballeros" 

and "Saludos Amigos" on the same bill and 

"Frankenstein" in Brown Auditorium; the 

Rice Media Center presented "Smiles of a 

Summer Night," "I Walked With a Zombie," 

a short about punk rock, "Night 

Lunch" and "Kiss Me Deadly" and "Public 

Enemy" was the One Hundred Classics feature 

at the Town & Country VI midnight 

showing Friday and Saturday, 

Included among the new titles were "Stas 

and Nell." The story of two American children 

kidnaped and raised by an African 

tribe, at the Village; "Suspiria." another 

exercise in the cinema of carnage, at the 

Woodlakc: "The Spy Who Loved Me" for 

a multiple opening and "Tentacles" at multiple 

theatres. 

Maine Has 'Thrift Matinees' 

PORTLAND, ME.—The E. M. Loew's 

Fine Arts Twin Cinemas 2, one of Maine's 

major complexes, coined a new phrase. 

'Thrift Matinee," for reduced-price admission 

in effect until 2 p.m. 

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. . The 

. . 

. . The 

. 

SAN ANTONIO 

nandy Quiroz, assistant manager of the 

Woodlawn 1 and II Theatre, one of the 

Movie One Theatres of San Antonio operalions, 

is taking over the duties of Jesse 

Hernandez, manager of the theatre, during 

Hernandez" recuperation following an operation 

in . . . a local hospital Rick Sonnlag, 

motion picture producer and director 

for Ft. Sam Houston, was awarded his second 

Department of the Army film award. 

Sonntag won second place for his film. 

"Blackhorse, Sir," in the Keith L. Ware 

Award competition for 1976. 

Texas Military Institute alumni were 

commended by Hollywood actor Gregory 

Peck for their recent dinner honoring General 

of the Army Douglas MacArthur. In a 

taped message played at the event. Peck 

indicated that he had come to know a lot 

about TMI from his research preparing for 

the role of the general in the movie "Mac- 

Arthur," currently at the Century South Six 

and North Star Cinema. About 500 friends 

of the school from which MacArthur graduated 

in 1897 were on hand for the dinner 

and preview showing of the film at North 

Star Mall . Alameda Theatre, effective 

on Monday (15) began a new policy 

for children. All youngsters under 12 will 

be admitted free when accompanied by an 

adult. 

Bob Polunsky of the San Antonio Light 

attended the premiere showing of "Mac- 

Arthur" in Little Rock, Ark. He also interviewed 

the star of the picture, Gregory Peck, 

whose favorite film is "To Kill a Mockingbird"" 

for which he received an Oscar . 

Rolling Thunder" which was filmed last 

year in San Antonio starring William Devane, 

Tommy Lee Jones and Linda Haynes 

had its premiere showing at the Aztec 3, 

Cine Cinco, Movies 4. Fox Central Park 

and Judson 4 Drive-In. The first 25 patrons 

attending the showing received a free record 

of "Rolling Thunder"s"' theme song "San 

Antonio," 

Ernest Fernandez III was the winner of 

a sailboat in a contest sponsored by Santikos 

Theatres at the Century South 6 and 

Northwest Six. Presentation of the sailboat 

to the winner was made by Joe Hernandez, 

manager of the Northwest Six. The contest 

was conducted during the showing of "The 

Deep"' at the Northwest 6 and Cine Cinco 

... In addition to being seen in "Rolling 

Thunder"" at five theatres, star William Devane 

can be seen in "The Bad News Bears 

in Breaking Training"" at the Fox Central 

Park, United Artists Cine Cinco and Movies 

4 .. . Theatregoers 

were urged to register 

at any participating McDonalds in San 

.Antonio for free tickets to be given away 

for a special Ronald McDonald Kid Show 

to be held September 10 at the Northwest 

Six and Century South Six theatres. 

Midnijjht showings included "Silent Running 

" at the Olmos; at the Colonies North 

the radio station KISS-FM midnight show 

included "Flesh Gordon,"" repeated from 

week because of overflow crowds, and 

last 

Chapter Six of "Batman""; KITE radio 

sponsored a showing of "Annie Hall"' at 

Colonies North . San Antonio Fencing 

Society presented a fencing exhibition 

in front of the Olmos Theatre during the 

showing of the double bill of 'Robin Hood"" 

and "Captain Blood" both starring Errol 

Flynn. 

The new titles on local screens include 

Rolling Thunder"" at Cine Cinco, Aztec 3, 

Fox Central Park. UA Movies 4 and Judson 

4 Drive-In; "The Last Remake of Beau 

Geste"' at Northstar; "Tentacles" at San 

Pedro, Mission, Town Twin, Judson 4 and 

Capitan; 'Murder by Death" at Northwest 

Six, Century South, San Pedro and "Valley 

Hi: Naked Rider" at the Varsity, Trail 

Town Twin and Texas. 

Cinema West Duo in KCK 

Sold by Commonwealth 

KANSAS CITY. KAS.—With the sale of 

the Cinema West 1 and 2 theatres to Benjamin 

Johannes and Rex Hessley, the property 

once again is destined to become a 

bowling alley. 

The property was a bowling alley when 

Commonwealth Theatres purchased it in 

1969 and converted it into a twin complex, 

with 467 seats in each auditorium. The 

former manager of the theatres, Jess Spain, 

has now assumed a position at the district 

booking office. 

Commonwealth's acquisition of the Trail 

Ridge and Valley View theatres from Guy- 

Con caused several personnel changes including 

the transfer of Michael Holmes from 

the West Loup Theatre, Manhattan, Kas., 

to manage the Trail Ridge. Woodrow Longan 

succeeded Robert Hockensmith at the 

Valley View, while William Menke became 

the manager of the Ranch Mart 4 theatres. 

Thank God It's Friday" is being directed 

by Robert Klane on location in Hollywood. 

Citizens Challenge 

Local Underskyer 

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.—The legal confrontation 

between the suburban town of 

Southampton and the Red Rock Drive-ln 

over scheduling of R and X-rated product 

is heading for trial in Hampshire Superior 

Court; the underskyer, it is noted, has operated 

since October 1975 without a town 

permit. The town's Board of Selectmen has 

charged that a provision in said permit prohibited 

showing of R and X-rated motion 

pictures. 

The selectmen also contend that minors 

have been admitted to showings of R-rated 

films, that traffic off Rte. 10 has been impeded 

by drivers distracted by the films and 

that "coarse, foul, or indecent and obscene 

language" has been emanating from the 

theatre's 450 speakers. 

The upcoming court action is based in 

part on a petition signed by some 375 

Southampton residents complaining about 

the showing of R-rated motion pictures. 

The selectmen want the court to keep the 

theatre from operating in the manner now 

subject to criticism, and, in addition, want 

the theatre to pay the costs of prosecution 

in the two-year legal battle. 

The selectmen contend that films, visible 

for a 1,000-foot stretch along Rte. 10, show 

"sexually-suggestive poses, postures and actions, 

and scenes of gross cruelty and 

bestiality, tending to be harmful to minors 

and offensive to the community at large." 

Selectmen chairman Donald W. Madsen 

adds: "It's not our intention to put them 

(the drive-in management) out of business. 

We just want the theatre run in a respectable 

manner." 

Police Chief Robert E. Leville remarked 

that despite legal matters dating back two 

years, "I don't think the problem has ever 

been resolved." 

Atty. Richard Howland, representing the 

underskyer, asserts that the theatre's right 

to show motion pictures— including R-rated 

product— is protected by the First Amendment 

to the U.S. Constitution (the freedom 

of speech amendment). 

Start BOXOFFICE coming . 

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

August 22. 1977

Film to Help Raise 

Funds for Memorial 

MILWAUKEE—When Universal Pictures' 

"MacArthur" opened at the Northtown 

and Southtown Theatres on Friday 

(5). color guard from the U. S. Army 

a 

made a presentation of colors immediately 

preceding the screening at 7:15 p.m. at 

the south-side house. The army also displayed 

a large, lighted exhibit of various 

combat and non-combat aspects of the military 

in the theatre's lobby. Army recruiters 

were on hand to distribute copies of General 

of the Army Douglas MacArthur's 

moving farewell address that he had delivered 

to the cadets at West Point. 'Duly. 

Honor and Country." 

The Northtown Theatre also had an exhibit 

set up in its lobby devoted to medals 

and it contains every Army medal ever 

given from the Medal of Honor to campaign 

ribbons. 

A native of Milwaukee, MacArthur left 

his home here in 1898 to attend United 

States Military Academy. West Point. N.Y. 

Inasmuch as 1978 will mark the 80lh anniversary 

of his entry to West Point, the local 

War Memorial Corp. established a Mac- 

Arthur Memorial Committee which has announced 

plans to commemorate MacArthur 

in the following ways: to assemble a major 

MacArthur exhibit at the Milwaukee County 

Historical Society; to place a historical 

marker at MacArthur Square; to place a 

marker at the MacArthur family home site 

on Marshall Street: to prepare a booklet 

on the MacArthurs in Milwaukee; and to 

erect a statue of Gen. Douglas A. Mac- 

Arthur to be placed at MacArthur Square. 

The initial raising of funds for these 

memorials have been coordinated with the 

"MacArthur" film. A three foot-tall, bronze 

miniature of the MacArthur statue will be 

publicly displayed for the first time in the 

lobby of the Southtown Theatre throughout 

the exhibition of the film. The Marcus 

Theatres management has announced it 

.shares the War Memorial Committee's enthusiasm 

in commemorating Gen. Douglas 

MacArthur. To help support these projects, 

envelopes will be available at the 

Southtown Theatre explaining the project 

and requesting patrons to forward their 

contribution to the War Memorial Corpor- 

Parking Lot in Theatre's Spot 

DES MOINE,S— History in the form of 

the venerable Galaxy theatre, met destiny 

in the shape of a wrecking ball, fo make 

room for progress in the configuration of 

a parking lot. The 64-year-old former RKO 

house was the last of this city's grand old 

cinemas. It was closed by its owner last 

April because of low attendance and will 

reopen, 

according to the contractor, as a 

parking 

lot. 

ation. 

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the technical advisor 

for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," 

is featured in the .August issue of Playboy 

Magazine. 

INSPECTING SOUND S'\ S IKM—Checkiiif; out llie instulUilion of the new 

Dolby four-track optical stereo sound system at the Rosevillc 4 theatres, in the 

Greater Minneapolis area, are, left to right: Paul VVcnz, Cinema Systems; Rex 

Thompson, Roseville 4 manager, and George Finkhouscn, sales manager, Dolby 

Laboratories. This was the first Dolby installation in the state of Minnesota. 

Ihompson said audiences were enthusiastic about the high-fidelity stereo sound. 

Mice, Alligators. Evinrude 

Dragonfly and Hawkeye 

SIOUX CITY, lA.—Ron Clements would 

be slightly daft, you might expect, after living 

with talking mice, roguish alligators and a 

spunky little dragonfly named Evinrude 

for three years. He is totally captivated by 

the small creatures he helps bring to life as 

an animator for Walt Disney Studios and he 

is a former Sioux City native. 

Surrounded by samples of his work and 

brightly colored Disney brochures, as he 

sits cross-legged on the gold carpet, his 

initial shyness dissolves like magic when he 

talks about his work. He describes how he 

landed his job with Disney. He says he 

drew pictures all the time as a kid and 

began animating figures when he was 15 

and working part-time as an artist for 

KCAU-TV in Sioux City. He did a few 

animated commercials for the station and 

with the blessings of the station president 

and general manager he used the station's 

equipment to produce his own animated 

version of a Sherlock Holmes story which 

took him six 

months and was good enough 

to encourage Disney artists to hire him as 

an animator trainee. 

He tells that he was an unorthodox 

trainee because he had very little formal 

art training and a portfolio that was not 

very extensive, but he had his film and 

got the job. He also was judged on the 

basis of another 30-second animated film 

he was required to produce before being 

hired. There were no job openings at Disney 

for animators until a few years ago. 

The original artists hired by Walt Disney 

himself, "the nine old men," did the work. 

As these artists were getting older and closer 

to retirement the studio has been quietly 

looking for younger replacements for them 

Ron thinks it is fantastic to work with e\ 

pericnced Disney artists and learn from 

them. They are the ones who animaicJ 

"Captain Hook" and "Snow White and ili. 

.Seven Dwarfs." 

Ron has worked on the animation ol 

several characters in Disney's latest film 

'The Rescuers." In the Disney tradition, 

an artist is pigeon-holed with one character, 

each animator works with several characters, 

though, and often one artist will develop 

a real feeling for a specific character. 

Ron says animation is acting with a pencil. 

The characters develop, grow, sometimes 

change, as artists bring them slowly to life. 

He is responsible for the timing and feel 

of a character while he doesn't do finished 

art. After an animator sketches out a scene 

or sequence other artists clean up his work 

and .see that it is consistent with the rest 

of the series. 

Most of Ron's three-year career with Disney 

has been taken up almost entirely with 

"The Rescuers," which Disney spent four 

years developing and producing. He is now 

working on three new full-length animated 

films. "Pete's Dragon," a live-action musical 

film starring an animated dragon, will be 

released around Christmas. "Fox and the 

Hound" is in animation now, and "Black 

Caldron" is in the story-stage and will be 

released in the 1980's. "Black Caldron" and 

"Pete's Dragon" will be the first 

films to use 

the talents of the new animators exclusively. 

Ron saw "The Rescuers" for the first time 

in a theater while visiting his mother Trudy 

Clements in Sioux City recently. The drivein 

featuring the film put his name on the 

marquee, and he sF)ent one evening at the 

theater sketching characters for young theater-goers. 

He grins when he thinks of 

them putting his name up on the sign and 

says "That's Something." 

BOXOFFICE August 22, 1977 NC-1

: HEEf 

, SPECIAL 

LINCOLN 

ai Schulter, Stuart Theatre manager, visibly 

swells with pride when discussing 

the new sound system which is being installed 

in the house to "create the best 

sound in town." Already utilizing a new 

Dolbv sound system, installed for the "Star 

Wars" playdate, other equipment is being 

added within the next month which will 

make the Stuart capable of playing any type 

of 35mm studio film soundtrack from 

mono-optical to four-track Dolby Coded, 

as well as magnetic four-track. For "Star 

Wars." three ToO-watt amplifiers, in addition 

to the Stuarfs previous 100-watt amplifiers, 

were installed. Two Voice of the Theatre 

Altec speakers were placed behind the 

screen and Harry Scheldt of Brand X 

Speakers of this city added surround speakers 

throughout the auditorium. Accordmg 

to Schulter. magnetic soundheads and Simplex 

projectors will be in use in the theatre 

and still is climbing. "The Other Side of 

Midnight," into its tenth week, is still domg 

a fine business! 

A special 15-minute screening of the new 

Henry "Fonzie" Winkler-Sally Field film, 

"Heroes," was shown to an invited audience 

Thursday (4) at 10:30 a.m. at the Douglas 

1 Theatre. The Universal production costars 

Harrison Ford and was written by 

James Carabatsos. Directing the film is 

Jeremy Paul Kagan. According to David 

Livingston, vice-president of Douglas Theatre 

Corp., the product looked promising. 

Local offices of the Douglas Theatre 

Corp. are slightly hectic and hassled, as two 

of the company's key staffers currently are 

on vacation. Sandy Peters, advertising, and 

Helen Eckholt. head secretary, will return 

from their outings of sun and fun soon 

Douglas Theatre Corp. hosted a special 

presentation and press preview of the New 

World picture "I Never Promised You a 

Rose Garden" at the Q-Cinema 4 in Omaha 

Monday (15). Invited to the screening were 

. . 

within the month. The Stuart also will feature 

area critics and reviewers, media representatives 

and distributors of the book upon 

eight-track player for 

a quadraphonic 

intermission music. 

which the film based. is The film opens 

Into its seventh week here, "Star Wars." 

Wednesday (17) at the Cinema 1 and 2 theatres 

here. 

playing exclusively at the Stuart, has been 

seen by over 64.000 Lincolnites. Schulter 

The telephone was literally ringing off 

that at this rate the sci-fi epic is sure 

says 

teeth-gnashing "Jaws" from the 

at the Cooper-Highland 

the wall Friday (4) 

to topple 

Plaza 4 complex. All the hubbub was about 

book. In a comparative sixth 

local record 

frame. "Star Wars" was 28 per cent ahead the opening of Paramount's "The Bad News 

of "Jaws." Schulter is amazed with the fantastic 

Bears in Breaking Training." If the telephone 

inquiries are any gauge, the Plaza 

repeat traffic which the film is gen- 

and manager Dean Ziettlow have 

According 

some 

cites several cases of people returning 

13 and 14 times to see the movie. erating. He 

bang-up days headed their way . 

•This has produced the most massive public 

to Ziettlow. Cooper-Highland has locat- 

response to a film that I ever have seen," ed two local men who served under Gen. 

Schulter commented. "The only motion picture 

Douglas MacArthur during World War II 

product comparable was 'The Sound and both men have taped a news item-pro- 

of Music" hysteria in 1967." 

motion to publicize the opening of "Mac- 

Arthur" at the Cooper-Lincoln. In addition, 

Across the street from the Stuart at the 

veterans of World War II are being given 

Douglas Three, the latest James Bond film. 

a discount to see the Universal feature. 

"The Spy Who Loved Me," has opened big 

Los Angeles Art Festival 

Features Three AIP Films 

HOLLYWOOD—Displays from American 

International's "The Island of Dr. Moreau." 

"Tentacles" and "Empire of the 

Ants." were featured at the Hancock Park 

Festival of the Arts July 30-31 in coopera- 

DES MOINES 

rjentral States Notes: George Catanzano 

flew to San Francisco to spend a long 

weekend with his brother . . . 

That new 

employee hardly had her name on the payroll 

when she went and changed it. Kathy 

and Vern Pruitt (she's the "newby" and he 

self-employed in the construction business) 

were married Saturday (6) in 

is 

Omaha. 

Fridley Facts: Adda Mansfield took a ten 

day safari to Los Angeles. 

Universal Happenings: Evelyn James just 

purchased a new mobile home in the Glenwood 

Trailer Court and took three days off 

to get settled. Does that mean she came 

back to work to rest? 

20th Century-Fox Tales: Dave Gold reports 

that 20th-Fox has saturated "Thunder 

and Lightning" the Peter Fonda-Kate 

("Charlie's Angels") Jackson film, in most 

of the Iowa-Nebraska territory with very 

rewarding results. It opened in the "Hawkeye 

State" Wednesday (17). Gold is anticipating 

the Christmas release. "The 

World's Greatest Lover." with eagerness 

claiming it has the earmarks of another 

"Silver Streak." 

Columbia Quotes: Pete Renzo is off on a 

one-week vacation with all details classified 

"top secret." 

Mark IV Memo: Des Moines will he the 

location for the filming of Mark IV's "A 

Distant Thunder" beginning today (22). The 

production work here is expected to run 

through September and take place in the city 

and th; surrounding area. The motion picture 

is a sequel to the first film shot in 

town. "A Thief in the Night." 

Those of you who are interested in the 

outcome of that baseball game between the 

Dubinsky Showmen and the KIOA Heavy 

Hitters: I'm sorry to say the KIOA team 

won. In a scheduled rematch the KIOA 

Heavy Hitters again took the Dubinsky 

Showmen 17 to 13. 

COLOR or 


tion with Los Angeles County and the department 

of parks and recreation. 

A "humanimal" depicting the Sayer of 

the Law from the "The Island of Dr. Moreau" 

gave out posters inspired by the ilm. 

FOB 

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AugList 22. 1977

. . Franklin 

. . 

MILWAUKEE 

JJow to "Be a star in a Hollywood movie" 

was the attractive offer extended to 

young area males. 14 to 23 years old, in 

a contest sponsored by Gimbels Department 

30 year veteran in show business, "Colonel" 

Andrews has managed theatres for Standard 

in Green Bay, Sheboygan, and Oshkosh. 

With Marcus Theatres since 1957, he has 

managed theatres in Milwaukee, La Crosse. 

Oconomowoc, Appleton, and presently the 

Esquire in the state capital at Madison. 

A summer film series is again being sponsored 

by the Port Washington Park & Recreation 

Department in that city's P. R. Center, 

with the films being screened on Friday 

and Saturday evenings starting at 8 p.m. 

Admission is 75 cents. The city has a population 

of nearly 10,000 but has been without 

its own house for some years. The Rivali 

Theatre in Cedarburg is about 15 miles 

away and the distance to downtown Milwaukee 

is at least 30 miles. 

"Rollercoasler" which has been playing 

at the Capitol Court Cinema for several 

) 

Cleveland Columnist 

Looks at Independents 

CLEV[:LAND— rliL- quality aiul luilinc 

of products that independent film companies 

are now handling was the subject of 

an article by Donna Chernin. a columnist 

for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The article 

was based on an interview with Morrie 

Zryl. the branch manager of Selected Pictures, 

which is one of the more important 

companies handling independent films on 

the market now, according to Chernin. 

Chernin"s article began: "People frequently 

think that independent film companies 

handle only R-rated or X-rated pictures. 

But this is not true at all. according 

to Morrie Zryl. 

"Independent films are not just schlock, 

well-made movies that play in many 

but 

theatres.' Zryl said. "Our films average anywhere 

from G-rated to soft X. but I don"l 

handle hard pornography.' 

• 'Independent films represent SO per 

cent of the movies on the market, and what 

is more amazing is that quite a few of these 

bigger films, such as "The Farmer" and 

"White Line Fever" are released by major 

film companies.' 

"Zryl explained that Selected Pi:tures. 

which represents producers in the Cleveland 

and Pittsburgh territory, is actually 

called a sub-distributor. They represent independent 

motion picture film producers 

who want a closer, d'rect contact with the 

release pattern of the film. 

" 'Essentially, Selected Pictures is the 

name of the local company that represents 

the independent film distributors." Zryl explained. 

'We deal directly with the filmmaker 

from the beginning of the film process 

right to the end. and that's the major 

difference between us and the major film 

companies. If it weren't for the independents 

last year, the theatres would not have 

done nearly as well. Like I said, we represent 

SO per cent of the films available for 

market.' 

"Zryl maintains that most films, as many 

as 90 per cent, are sold on the basis of their 

titles and advertising campaigns. 

" 'Its unfortimate that people will buy a 

title and a campaign and miss a lot of good 

movies because the title will turn them off.' 

"Another matter on Zryl's mind is the 

reason for the recent delayed openings of 

mme movies in Cleveland. 

" 'Often pictures are released in certain 

Darts of the country where they can be tested 

and where they can prove themselves 

first. Take a film like 'Black Oak Conspiracy," 

which is similar to 'Macon County 

Line" and "Walking Tall.' It's about a man 

who goes back to his hometown in the 

Southwest and takes revenge against the 

corruption. This film will do better in the 

western states or down south than in Cleveland. 

Generally, movies are released in areas 

where we know they will do better first.' 

" "Contrary to public opinion. Cleveland 

is considered between the top 2'/2 and 3 

per cent of the country when it comes to 

grossing potential of a film. We are ahcail 

o\' Pittsburgh and neck and neck with Detroit. 

Cleveland is ahead of many areas 

around us, and we are an important market 

and we definitely are not being ignored.' 

"Zryl explained that ihe Cleveland territory 

just entered its saturation period during 

the middle and end of June. This means 

that wide breaks of major pictures occur 

in many theatres at the same time. This 

helps account for the rash of recent openings 

of such films as 'A Bridge Too Far." 

•Rollercoaster.' "The Deep,' "Exorcist II: 

the Heretic' and "The Other Side of Midnight.' 

"Other cities in different parts of the 

country may have had saturation periods 

in late February or March, but for Cleveland, 

the movie-opening time is considered 

more propitious when the weather turns 

warmer. Zryl stressed that most of the recent 

simimer openings (except for "Star 

Wars' whose phenomenal success nobody 

could have guessed) broke in Cleveland at 

the same time as they did in other parts of 

the 

coimtry. 

'" 

"The reason that a film like "Rocks' 

opened late here last winter was because 

"Silver Streak' started doing business like 

crazy, and you hate to pull out a movie 

to make way for another when it is still 

doing real well,' 

"' "I think that we're lucky to get some 

films a little bit later,' Zryl said. "Because 

that way, if the movies are successful wc 

get them for a longer period than most 

other cities. For example. "Rocky' has 

closed in several areas, but it still playing 

is 

here and is still going strona. Most films 

open in Cleveland on time; it's just maybe 

one in a dozen films that open late. And 

I think that sometimes the anticipation of 

a bigger film coming a little bit later is 

good." " 

500 Area Residents Cast 

In "The Deer Hunter" 

MINGO JUNCTION, OHIO—Approximately 

500 extras finished five days of filming 

of steel mill yard sequences in EMI 

Films' "The Deer Hunter," which stars Robert 

De Niro. 

Producer John Peverall enlisted a staff 

of four special 

assistants to aid extra casting 

chief Tony Gaznick, who is a California 

actor and atmosphere casting expert. Gaznick 

spent one week carefully selecting the 

players so that they would match the 1968 

setting of the steel mill portion of the film. 

"The Deer Hunter," which is being directed 

by Michael Cimino, will be distributed 

in the U.S. and Canada by Universal and 

throughout the rest of the world by EMI. 

'Ruby' Grosses $112,315 

At 13 Cleveland Screens 

CLEVELAND—Lawrence H. Woolner, 

president of Dimension Pictures, announced 

that ""Ruby," which stars Piper Laurie and 

Stuart Whitman, grossed $112,315 during 

its first week in 13 theatres here. 

The film was held over for a second 

stanza. 

The Rescuers' Earns 

800 in Cincinnati 

CINCINNAII—Despite lielly competition 

from the holdovers, three newcomers 

to the area this report week were greeted 

with booming boxoffice business. ""The 

Rescuers" swept into the area and took 

over control with top grosses of 800 at 

four theatres. "Jabberwocky" scored a substantial 

400 at two theatres while ""New 

York, New York" came in close behind 

with a mark of 375. 


rive theatres—The Deep (Col), 7ih wk 275 

Five theatres—The Island of Dr. Moreau 

(AIP), 2nd wk 250 

Five theatres—The Spy Who Loved Iê (U A 

3rd wk 450 

Four theatres—The Rescuers (B'\/) 800 

One theatre—Fire Sale (20th Fox) Jt;i /. f. 125 

One theatre— New York, New York A 375 

One theatre— Rocky "A . 

• 300 

One theatre—A Bridge Too Far 375 

" 

Three theatres- One on One .(50 

.'. 

Two thecties— Jabberwocky iJ:-; inn 

Cleveland Newcomers Must Settle 

For Second Place to 'Star Wars' 

CLEVELAND—Fans of James Bond. 

Burl Reynolds or Bruce Lee got the opportunity 

to see these stars in either "The Spy 

Who Loved Me." "Smokey and the Bandit" 

or "Bruce Lee: the Man the Myth," which 

all opened on area screens this report week. 

Despite the hefty competition from both 

newcomers and holdovers, "Star Wars" 

once again continued to orbit around the 

first its place f>osition to insure dominance 

of the area as it grossed 705 at five theatres. 

Five theatres— Smokey and the Bandit (Univ)

, SPECIAL 

, NO 

CLEVELAND 

Leonard Mishkind, president of General 

Theatres, and his wife recently returned 

from a ten day trip to the Boston 

area to visit their daughter Joan . . . 

Norm 

Barr traveled to Cambridge to visit the 

Cruise Drive-In and then departed for Zanesville 

to look at Bakers Motel . . . 

Frank 

Manente. manager of the Detroit Theatre, 

is beaming over the coming marriage of his 

daughter Andrea to Larry Webb. Both 

recently graduated from Ohio University 

Athens. 

Ken Russel's "The Devils." which stars 

Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, will be 

shown at the Center Cinema at Cleveland 

State University . . . "Hotel for Criminals." 

a musical about the underworld in Pans 

in 1902. premiered Friday (19) at Cain 

Park's Alma Theatre. 

The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival 

opened its production of "The Taming of 

the Shrew" at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium 

. . . After six weeks of touring Ohio, 

the Kent State University Light Opera 

Company is returning to the Porthouse Theatre 

for the production of Gilbert and Sullivan's 

"Princess Ida." 

Peter Bellamy, former entertainment editor 

for the Plain Dealer and critic-at-large. 

wrote: "The laughter of the Broadway hit 

•Vanities" will have to go far to equal the 

chuckles attendant upon its production in 

a Cleveland theatre this coming season. On 

July 17 it was announced by the Play House 

that it would present the comedy in its Euclid-77th 

Street Theatre on March 12 

through April 22. On Wednesday (10) the 

COLOR or Black and White 

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Center Repertory Theatre announced that it 

had the exclusive rights to present 'Vanities' 

for the eight weeks starting October 27. 

Tom Fulton, artistic director of Center Repertory, 

said that it was a natural for Center 

Repertory since he went to Southern Methodist 

University with the playwright Jack 

Heifner, the director Garland Wright and 

the set director John Arnone. Michael 

David, business manager of the Chelsea 

Theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., could not be 

reached for comment as to how or why the 

scheduling conflict of 'Vanities' developed 

between the Play House and Center Repertory." 

Herb Brown, Loews' district manager, 

recently returned from his vacation. Pat 

Akram recently retired from her job as a 

contract clerk for 20th-Fox for a good reason—she 

had a baby girl. 

Micky and Jack Kaufman of Cinepix 

celebrated the birth of their new granddaughter 

whose parents are Linda and Don 

Hirshber of Albany, N.Y. 

Larry Crowley of Sportservice Corp. was 

excited over the opening night grosses of 

Warner Bros.' "Greased Lightning." Larry 

anticipates that will break records at his 

Miles Drive-In. 

United Artists hosted a promotional 

screening of "New York. New York" at the 

Village Theatre. 

Columbus Ass'n Receives 

Grant for Ohio Theatre 

COLUMBUS, OHIO—A grant of $350,- 

000 to the Columbus Ass'n for the Performina 

Arts will be used to help restore and 

reUre the mortgage on the Ohio Theatre. 

Under the terms of the grant, the CAPA 

must raise $1,050 in matching funds within 

three years. The grant was awarded under 

the new challenge program of the National 

Endowment of the Arts. 

Over the last six years, CAPA has invested 

more than $925,000 to restore and 

renovate the Ohio Theatre. The latest improvements 

have been in the heating, ventilation 

and air-conditioning systems. CAPA 

has operated the old movie house since 1969. 

Larry Gardner to Manage 

Illinois Theatre Complex 

TOLEDO, OHIO—Larry Gardner, who 

formerly managed the Southwyck Eight 

Theatres which are operated by the American 

Multi Cinema Corp., was promoted to 

manager of the Ogden Six Theatres in Napierville 

111. Gardner recently was named 

"Showm'an of the Year" for this district by 

the company. 

James Bond will succeed Gardner as manager 

of the Southwyck Eight and Diane Edw°ards, 

who joined the Southwyck complex 

in 1973 at the age of 16, will follow Bond 

as 

the new assistant manager. 

NATO of Kentucky 

Holds Convention 

LOUISVILLE — The annual convention 

of NATO of Kentucky was held at the 

Hyatt Regency in Lexington Wednesday 

(3) and Thursday (4). Highlights of the 

convention included speeches by Marvin 

Goldman, president of NATO, and by state 

Sen. Tom Easterly. 

New officers who were installed included: 

Cliff Buechel of Louisville, president; 

Jack Kyler of Paducah, first vice-president; 

Foster Lane of Williamsburg, second 

vice-president; David Baker of Stanton, secretary; 

Jack Frazee of Frankfort, treasurer 

and chairman of the board, and Gene Lutes 

of Lexington, honorary chairman. 

At a luncheon meeting Bill Woosley of 

Nashville spoke about theatre screen advertising 

preceding Sen. Easterly's speech, 

whicli covered a series of subjects ranging 

from his admission that he is an "active 

movie buff" to a discussion of the relationship 

between the government and the movie 

industry. After the Beverly Hills country 

club disaster, he said, it is likely that state 

governments will tighten fire controls in all 

public places including theatres. The senator 

again went on record as being against unnecessary 

obscenity in family films. 

At the dinner meeting Marvin Goldman 

also spoke out concerning the excessive 

amount of obscenity in films that are released 

for the mass market, but he also 

defended the right of adult theatres to be 

in business. He also said that an excessive 

number of theatres coupled with a lack of 

quality product is itself conducive to higher 

film rentals and that reasonable men should 

be able to make fair business deals legally. 

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^ 

5

The only handicap to hiring us 

is not knowing where to find us. 

You won't find guys like us selling 

pencils on street corners. We're 

skilled, able-bodied workers. We're 

industrial designers. Salespeople. 

Secretaries. Managers. Accountants. 

Technicians. Blue collar and 

white collar. 

Unfortunately, though, too many 

of us are unemployed. 

And the irony of it is, it's not that 

men and women like yourself don't 

want to hire us. It's simply that you 

don't know how to go about it. 

Every state in this country has a 

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Its function is not only to 

evaluate a person's disabilities and 

to help him rehabilitate himself. 

But to help place him in a job that 

allows him to fulfill his capabilities. 

If you are interested in tapping 

your state's supply of hard-working, 

capable men and women, write to 

your State Director of Vocational 

Rehabilitation. His office is located 

in your state capital. 

Tell him what kind of business 

you're in. What job openings need 

to be filled. The background, experience 

and skills required. 

He'll be more than happy to put 

you in touch with the right people 

for your company or organization. 

People who will appreciate the opportunity 

to help your company 

grow. Who wfll work to their fullest 

potential. And help your company 

— and our nation — prosper. 

Write: Director, State Department 

of Vocational Rehabilitation at your 

state capitol. 

BOXOFnCE :: August 22, 1977

. . Gus 

. . "The 

COLUMBUS 

Universal's "MacArthur" opened its exclusive 

first run engagement at Glen Ackcrmans 

Raintree Cinema . Rocky 

Horror Picture Show" entered its 25th 

weekend at the Graceland. 

Academy Theatres' Camelot North is 

presenting a program of classic films at 

midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for 96 

cents. 

. 

Garry Berlin, Columbia representative 

from Cleveland, was a recent guest in the 

area Gustaferson, house manager 

at Sugarman Theatres' Westland Cinema, 

has returned from his vacation. 

Condolences to Paul Farbee. manager of 

GCC's University Flick, on the death of his 

father Sonny who for years handled the advertising 

for theatres in the Dispatch and 

Citizen-Journal. 

American International Pictures" "Final 

Chapter—Walking Tall" continues to pack 

theatres and drive-ins. 

Calgarians Attend BC Powwow 

CALGARY—Sid Sniderman of Prairie 

Allied Booking Ass'n and Vern May of Victoria 

Film Services here attended a meeting 

of the British Columbia Film Classification 

Board in Vancouver recently. The huddle. 

presided over by the director of the classification 

board, was held at the BCFCB. 

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. 

Sacco-Vanzetti Case 

Still Haunting Hub 

Boston— Ihi; ghosts ol Nicoki Sacco 

and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are still haunting 

the byways of Boston. Governor Michael 

Dukakis can take credit for the hubhub in 

the Hub with his "absoivo te" proelamalioii 

for the executed anarchists. 

Among the consequences of the current 

uproar was a reissue of an Italian-made 

production shot here which ran a week at 

the Sack's Charles II, entitled "The Sacco- 

Vanzetti Murder Case." It also focused 

interest on a new venture, "Mr. Sacco and 

Mr. Vanzetti," the first American theatrical 

feature to be developed on the case. 

Records thought to contain information 

about the case will remain sealed at Harvard 

University until December as the result 

of a ruling by Suffolk Superior Court 

judge David Nelson. The verdict was 

against Robert D'Attilio, research scholar, 

who filed an injunction against university 

officials as he sought permission to inspect 

the documents which, he felt, related to 

the trial. The papers originally belonged 

to former Harvard president A. Lawrence 

Lowell and were given to the Cambridge 

school with the stipulation that they were 

to remain sealed until December 9. 1977. 

David Rothauser, local actor and filmmaker, 

starting researching the case six 

years ago. He wrote a screenplay and produced 

a 30-minute pilot which was funded 

by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

The film will be available for theatrical and 

edLicational distribution and public TV. he 

said. Filming will begin this fall and will 

cover the original sites in Boston, Dedhain 

and Plymouth. Rothauser will direct and coproduce 

with Carl Schultz, (Cinematics 

Inc.), a former associate of Francis Ford 

Coppola. The Massachusetts Film Bureau 

will provide access to the desired locations 

and technical assistance. Actors and tecnnicians 

will be recruited primarily in thj 

Boston area. 

The case drew international attention and 

hundreds of thousands of feet of film were 

shot while the anarchists languished in jail 

for seven years. After their execution all but 

one 45-minute segment was ordered burned 

at once, Rothauser reported. He noted that 

a cloud of mystery hangs over the origin 

of the directive to destroy the film. 

The document issued by the governor 

has created a schism in Bay State legal and 

political circles and two senators have introduced 

a resolution condemning the governor 

for putting out a proclamation that 

declared the two men did not receive a fair 

trial. 

Gov. Dukakis' office reports that reaction 

to the affair is evenly divided. Midnight 

vigils by opposing groups have been 

scheduled for Tuesday (23), the .50th anniversary 

of the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti. 

After the 1927 execution 250,000 

marched the streets of Boston in silent protest 

and 150,000 fought with police n 

Paris as they demonstrated before the US. 

Lmbassy. In his last letter Vanzetti wrote 

". . . I'hat last moment belongs to us— th.ii 

agony is our triumph." 

In a small way that moment will be le 

lived for, in addition to the vigils, various 

theatrical performances and public readings 

will be held in the Hub's predominantly 

Italian North End. 

Maxwell Anderson's classic, "Wintersel," 

is based upon this case and was a stage 

play and later a film vehicle for Humphrey 

Bogart. The play and TV show, 

"The Advocate," was another work inspired 

by the Sacco-Vanzetti case, as was the 1961 

CBS TV production "The Sacco-Vanzetti 

Story" by Reginald Rose. "The Male Animal," 

1940, a play and later a motion picture, 

by James I'hurber and Elliot Nugent 

made indirect reference to the case and the 

"Sacco-Vanzetti Murder Case" was shot in 

Beantown in 1971. 

The latest addition to the impressive list 

of literary and film works based upon the 

story of the two anarchists, Rothauser's effort 

will run 117 minutes and cover the 

period from 1912 to 1927. 

So it would seem that history is repeating 

itself in this city so steeped in history. 

HARTFORD 

J^ny threat of a winnowing of pedestrian 

flow through Westfarms Shopping 

Mall (Connecticut's largest shopping center) 

on Simdays has been dissipated; half a 

dozen tenants (there are 110 in all, including 

United Artists Theatres, which operates 

the Westfarms Movies 3) insisted for a spell 

on staying closed Sundays. Mall manager 

Bob Phelps, however, "merely reminded" 

the stores involved of their lease commitments; 

stores, according to guidelines, must 

comply with minimum store hours specified 

by the three "anchor" stores (J.C. Penney. 

Sage-Allen and G. Fox & Co. department 

stores). 

Atty. James Shiilman, son of the late 

exhibitor pioneer Maurice W. Shulman, is 

interested in running on the Democratic 

ticket for the West Hartford Board of 

Education . Jeffrey A. Alperin. grandson 

. . 

of industry pioneer Mike Alperin, has 

been appointed manager of software programing 

in the corporate data processing 

and administrative services department at 

.Aetna Life & Casualty Insurance Co. He is 

a 1968 alumnus of Dartmouth College and 

joined Aetna in 1969. His dad. Alfred, at 

one point managed the Meadows Drive-In 

for General Cinema Corp. and is now in 

education. 

From the "Remember Back When?" column 

in the Norwich Bulletin: (Under the 

year 1924) "Television is predicted ... An 

American inventor predicts that in 20 years, 

television will be in common use. 

"Instead of seeing motion pictures sometime 

after they are made, we will be able 

to sit in a theatre and actually see, as if on 

the spot instead of many miles away, and at 

the same time hear . 

." 

Whale of a Welcome 

For 'Orca' in N.H. 

NEW HAVEN— RKO-Stanley Warner 

kicked off expansion of the Cinemart to a 

twin with the regional bow of Paramount's 

"Orca," sharing boxoffice strength of 200 

with the Bowl and Milford Drive-Ins (cofeatures 

at underskyers). Biggest news in 

town, predictably enough, was UA's "The 

Spy Who Loved Me," with a brisk 475 at 

Redstone Showcase I. Buena Vista's "Herbie 

Goes to Monte Carlo," at the Cine I, 

plus the General Cinema Corp. Milford 1 

and Summit Drive-In, zipped along at 250. 

Universal's "Smokey and the Bandit." Cine 

II and North Haven Drive-In, generated 

100 points less. Cinema 5's "Jabberwocky," 

Sampson & Spodick York Sq. Cinema, 

registered 200. 

Cine II, North Haven—Smokey and Iho Bandit 

(Univ) 

ISO 

Cinemart I. Millord 1—The Deep (Col), 8th wk 150 

Roger Sherman—Sinbad and The Eye of (he 

Tiger (Col), 2nd wk 125 

Showcase I—The Spy Who Loved Me (UA) 475 

Showcase II—Star Wars :3'hTox), Sth wk 450 

Snowcase III- The Other Side ol Midnight 

(2(]th-Fox), - .,: 150 

Showcase IV The Bad News Bears in Breaking 

Training {?-.''..• ,115 

Shov/case V-New York, New York :!."-.) 

5lh wk .170 

Three Iheal- Herbio Goes lo Monte Carlo 

(BV) 250 

Three theatres—Orca iiâ:::j .200 

York Square Cinema—Jabberwocky (SR) 200 

New Pictures are Scoring 

Well on Hartford Screens 

HARIFORD— It was 650 for fourth 

week, an unprecedented high figure for that 

many weeks after opening, for 80th Century-Fox" 

"Star Wars." New shows scored 

as follows: United Artists' "The Spy Who 

Loved Me" (500); Dimension Pictures' 

"Ruby" (multiple; double-bill), 250; Warner's 

"One on One," 175; Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit" (two theatres), 

150; statc's-rights "The Violation of 

Claudia" (double-bill). 145; Paramount's 

"Orca" (multiple, double-bill), 125. 

Art Cine.iia—The Violation of Claudia (SR). 

Exhibition (SR) 145 

Atheneum Cinema—Crial (SR), 2nd wk 75 

Cinema I, Cinema City II—Smokey and the 

150 

Bandit (Univ) 

Cinema City IV—The Island ol Dr. Moreau AIP). 

2nd wk 115 

Four lheat:es-Star Wars --thrxi !v; .-. 650 

Nine thea:res-Orca P^-. 125 

Showcase I—The Spy Who 500 

Loved Me 

Showcase II -New York, New York 

Sth wk. 160 

Showcase III—The Bad News Bears in Breaking 

Training (Para) 2;.d v.-s 115 

Showcase !V-The Rescuers i3V), It.-, v.): 150 

Showcase V—The Other Side of Midnight 

..;: l^ 

(20th-Fox), eih 

Three theatres—One on One I'.VB) .175 

Three theatres-The Deep Co:]. Sth ISO 

v/k 

Three theatre—Sinbad and The Eye ol the Tiger 

.-.,; (Col), 2nd 125 

Th:eo •h

BOSTON 

IJita Appell, NFB Film's publicity honcho. 

sent out a circular to :xhibitors plugging 

"Kingdom of the Spiders." Taped to 

the flyer was a pencil with the accompanying 

suggestion that they pencil in a date for 

the "Kingdom" which is slated for early 

September. 

John Oteri, ever young and active, was 

in from the Kaleidoscope in Clinton, touring 

the bookers along Filmrow to set up 

dates for the approaching fall season. John 

was as exuberant as always and with good 

reason. He told us that he is having a pretty 

good summer at the ticket window. 

Ben Camniack, Universal, was the host 

for a trade screening of "Heroes" starring 

Sally Field and Harrison Ford. The screening 

took place at the Parker Screening Room 

Thursday (4) at 10 a.m. Ford starred in 

"Star Wars." Cammack teamed up with 

Sack Theatres lor a same-day preview of 

"MacArthur" featuring Gregory Peck in the 

title role, at Cinema 57. The military epic 

opened there Friday (5) for an extended run. 

John Markle, publicity director for Columbia, 

had a busy week (and that's an 

understatement), Terence Hill, who co-stars 

with Gene Hackman in their new release 

"March or Die," arrived in Beantown and 

that launched a treadmill of activity. It began 

with a press luncheon followed by a 

critic screening of the production. Next on 

the agenda was a round of visits to local 

radio and TV stations. The New England 

premiere was held Friday (12) at the Sack 

Beacon Hill Cinema and shopping center 

today's headlines. 

The film documents the bitter controversy 

over the twin nuclear reactors planned for 

Seabrook, N. H. Photographers for the producers. 

Green Mountain Post Films, were 

on hand for all the demonstrations. It was 

screened from Sunday (7) through Tuesday 

(23) at their cinema. The product opens in 

35 locations nationwide with the schedule 

timed to fit in with worldwide activities 

commemorating the 32nd anniversary of 

the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and 

Nagasaki. 

Thorn Dakin, genera! manager of Film 

Transportation Co.. is proudly passing out 

cigars marking the arrival of his first child. 

Mother Madalyn and husky son Ross, who 

arrived July 31, are both doing very well. 

Tom Duffy's Littleton Theatres have 

undergone a complete facelift. The auditorium 

and lobby have been freshly painted 

and a new concessions stand features the 

latest in quick, efficient service and taste 

tempters including freshly popped corn at 

half-a-buck a serving. 

Mary Doherty, ever-pleasant booker for 

National Screen Service, is back from a 

14 day hiatus through the White Mountains 

of New Hampshire. Equally charming 

Nancy Gorham subbed for Mary combining 

her normal bookkeeping chores with the 

vacationer's booking duties. 

Variety Club's Bill Koster, who also serves 

as executive director of the Jimmy Fund, 

had the world by the tail this week. He announced 

that the Sidney Farber Cancer Institute 

has been awarded a $2.87 million 

federal grant for renovation and new 

equipment to be used in the Jimmy Fund 

building. 

Martha Pinson, Gates Theatres' 

publicity 

director, sent out elaborately designed invitations 

for the special opening day screening 

of "Le Sauvage." The filming was 

followed by a soiree at Autre Chose, 1 105 

Massachusetts Ave., and the wine and hors 

d'oeuvres were dispensed by Maurice Le- 

Duc, owner-chef. 

the 

loss. 

Connecticut Cinema Shuttered 

SUFFIELD, CONN.— Independent Connecticut 

exhibitor Murry Levine shut down 

the Jerry Lewis Cinema in the Suffield Village 

Shopping Center, with no indication of 

any reopening plans. He continues to operate 

the JLC, Canton, and the Queen Plaza 

Cinema, Southinsjton. 

Zoning Battles Continue 

In Hartford Legal Wars 

HARTFORD — Another group disgruntled 

with East Hartford zoning practices 

has gone back to Hartford County 

Court of Common Pleas. 

The owners of the Holiday Inn, off 

Robert Street, are seeking relief in approval 

by the East Hartford Planning and Zoning 

Commission for a restaurant development, 

despite Holiday Inns earlier argument that 

such a move would provoke increased 

traffic congestion and hazards. 

The latest court action is tied to the same 

reason why the town commission turned 

down a request some months ago by Sumner 

M. Redstone, Redstone Theatres, for expansion 

of the Showcase Cinemas 5 to a sixauditorium 

complex. The commission at the 

time cited potential traffic congestion with 

emergence of another auditorium at the 

Redstone location. 

Commission Ruling Capricious 

Atty. Irving A. Ribicoff (brother of 

Abraham A. Ribicoff, D-Conn.) is charging 

that the town commission's go-ahead for 

development of a restaurant on a 2.5-acre 

tract opposite the Holiday Inn is "arbitrary, 

capricious and an abuse of its discretion." 

Ribicoff represents the Poly Choke Co. of 

East Hartford and Hartford Motor Inns 

Inc., owners of the Holiday Inn. The commission 

approved establishment of a Coco's 

Plankhouse Restaurant, despite the plaintiffs" 

charges in the county court earlier this 

year that sufficient notice had not been 

given for the hearing on the Plankhouse 

Restaurant plans. 

For his part, Redstone has emphasized 

that addition of a sixth auditorium at the 

Showcase tract off Silver Lane, a few miles 

Maine Heeds Call; 

Billboards to Fall 

AUGUSTA. ME.—The Maine State Leg- 

NE-2 

turn, making recommendations to theatre 

managements, a situation currently challenged 

in the Massachusetts courts by the 

American Civil Liberties Union. (Alex 

Castoldi, Redstone general manager, has remarked 

that his circuit has had no trouble 

with the town police and is cooperating 

fully). 

Larry Buchanan will produce and direc 

"Blizzard—Ordeal at Donner Pass!"

' 

. . The 

. 

RHODE ISLAND 

Jack Givens of Alliance, Ohio, has been 

named managing director ol the Seekonk 

and Bay State drive-ins (under Thea- 

II c Management Services banner). He 

comes into exhibition from the fast food 

industry and quips, "Fast Food Ship to 

Cinema Ship is going to be exciting!" 

Givens succeeds Ray Gaudette, who resigned 

to go into the accounting field. 

Another tie to Rhode Island exhibition 

is gone. William Deitch, 85, foimder and 

co-owner of the Cranston Drive-In. died 

recently. He also owned and operated the 

Artie Theatre, Artie, later selling the property 

to the Ernahes interests. Deitch was 

one of the original investors with the 

Arthur K. Howard group that built the 

Braintree South Shore Twin Plaza Drive- 

In Theatre in 1960 with industry veteran 

Paul MacBeath as coordinator of construction 

and manager. The underskycr was 

sold to General Cinema Corp. in 1965. 

Deitch leaves his wife. Rose; two sons, a 

daughter, eight grandchildren and three 

great-grandchildren. Burial was in Lincoln 

Park Cemetery, Warwick. 

Rhode Island openings: Dimension Pictures' 

"Ruby," Paramount's "The Bad 

News Bears in Breaking Training." Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit," and Cinema 

5"s "Jabberwocky." The Columbus, Providence, 

brought back states rights "Misty 

Beethoven," winner of four major awards 

at the recent Adult Film Ass'n of America 

convention. Booking was advertised as, 

"Limited Return Engagement!" 

Film critic Michael Janusonis, writing in 

the Providence Journal-Bulletin said, in 

part: "One of our readers has written wondering 

why 'Star Wars' is not rated G 

for general audiences. 'Does the other rating 

sell more tickets?" she asks. 

"That's part of the reason, of course. 

Only the Disney Studio and Mulberry 

Square Productions make a conscious effort 

to get a G rating. Disney and Mulberry 

COLOR or 


signal parents, who often don't go to the 

movies with their children anyhow, that 

this is something they can safely ship the 

kids off to on a rainy afternoon. 

"G movies don't sell with grownups, 

particularly with the age of 16 to 30 group, 

the biggest number of ticket buyers. One 

of the finest movies playing the Rhode 

Island area right now is "The Rescuers," 

but it draws flies to evening performances 

because adults don't go—even though 

they'd enjoy it more than almost anything 

else. The people who clamor for better 

films stay home and stare at the slop on 

their TV sets, secure in the knowledge that 

only their intelligence is offended . 

The Redstone Showcase 5, Seekonk 

sneak-previewed United Artists" "The Spy 

Who Loved Me"" and Paramount"s "The 

Bad News Bears in Breaking Training"" . . . 

The Johnston Cinema, on an X-rated policy, 

is advertising, "Very, Very X,'" for new 

product, and, for good measure, incorporating 

these words in its logo: "Ample Free 

Lighted Parking"' . . . The Providence Journal-Bulletin 

remarked that in light of enormous 

audience response for 20th Century- 

Fox's "Star Wars," other major distribution 

companies are taking renewed interest in 

science-fiction. It is noted that Paramoimt 

is to reissue a double-feature, comprised of 

1953's 'War of the Worlds" and 1951's 

"When Worlds Collide," while Richard D. 

Zanuck and David Brown, the "Jaws" producers, 

are turning attention to a new version 

of "When Worlds Collide." Additionally, 

long-time producer George Pal is getting 

around to "Return of the Time Machine," 

a sequel to his 1960 attraction. 

New openings: Warner Bros.' "Outlaw 

Blues," AIP's "The Island of Dr. Moreau" 

. . . Redstone Showcase 5, Seekonk, had 

teaser ads for Universal's "Smokey and the 

Bandit" . Pawtucket Public Library 

is screening classic films free on Wednesdays 

at 6:45 p.m., the programs, in the 

Summer Street auditorium, including such 

titles as "The Private Life of Henry VIII' 

(Charles Laughton), "Casablanca"" (Hiunphrey 

Bogart, Ingrid Bergman), among 

others. 

." 

Hartford vs. the Russo's 

In Land War Part II 

HARTFORD— Ihc Rtisso brothers, once 

owners of the land on which the 2, lOO-car 

capacity Meadows Drivc-ln was situated in 

Hartford's North Meadows district, have 

filed suit for $5 million against the Hartford 

Redevelopment Agency in Hartford 

County Superior Court. 

Anthony and John Russo, who operate 

an excavating company, seek the return of 

the condemned 42.5-acrcs; when condemned 

in July, 1975, the city paid $1,243,- 

000. a price immediately contested in the 

same court by the Russo's. State referees 

Louis Shapiro, Abraham S. Borden and Joseph 

Klaii have since awarded the brothers 

$403,892 more from the city, but the Russos 

argue the land was worth more than 

$2.5 million. 

The Russos assert that although the redevelopment 

agency formed its final plan for 

the North Meadows Industrial Business 

Project in September, 1971, not until four 

years later was their land condemned. The 

delay, they continue, hindered continuing 

negotiations to sell, lease or develop the 

land. They add that at one point General 

Cinema Corp. was ready to convert the 

Meadows into a twin underskyer; this 

project, however, was blocked by the condemnation. 

The new suit claims that the redevelopment 

agency illegally condemned the property 

because the site did not fit the definition 

of a slum area and was not really necessary 

for the redevelopment project. 

The Russos, for their part, claim that the 

city needs only "two or three" acres of the 

property to relocate Weston Street. They say 

that about nine acres of the land is illegally 

leased by the redevelopment agency to 

World Jai Alai of Hartford for use as a 

parking lot, such use putting the redevelopment 

agency into improper competition with 

other parking lot 

renters. 

FOR 

INDOOR AND 

DRIVE-INS 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS • TRAILERETTES 




Filmacic 

^tud'ioi 

August 

The Harold Robbins Intl-Allied Artists 

production of Robbins" best-selling novel. 

"The Betsy,"" wrapped up a month-plus of 

Rhode Island location filming, at an estimated 

cost of $1.1 -million. Principal players 

include Lord Laurence Olivier. Katharine 

Ross, Paul Rudd and Robert Duvall. 

AA is said to be planning a February. 

1978, release. The State Department of Economic 

Development worked closely with the 

film"s production manager. Jack Grossberg. 

to find sites to fit the requirements of ihc 

screenplay. 

Leaving Rhode Islanil after location filming 

for "The Betsy,"" the cast and crew 

bought newspaper ad space to thank the 

Plantation Stale for "friendship, generosity 

•ind 

hosnitalilv." 

UIDRKS UIOnDERS 

in thBatrE building 

TWINNING 

TRIPLEXING 

FOURPLEXING 

uuoocboy con/tfuction 

555 CHESTNUT STREET 

516 

• CEDARHURST • NEW YORK 11516 

NE-

. . Ray 

Industry Expansion 

In the Nutmeg Stale 

By ALLEN WIDEM 

WATERFORD. CONN.—Completion of 

a four auditorium complex in the Waterford 

Square Shopping Center for Sampson & 

Spodick Theatres. New Haven, is expected 

to double the number of screens operated 

by the independent exhibitors in southeastern 

Connecticut. 

Sampson & Spodick presently operate the 

Groton Cinemas 2 and Norwich Cinemas 2. 

Construction is expected to be implemented 

later this year on the Waterford shopping 

mall, which is envisioned as the largest shopping 

center ever for the fast-expanding region. 

That the Waterford project is to become 

an actuality reflects the economic viability 

of southeastern Connecticut, heretofore regarded 

by exhibition and the general business 

community alike, as an area "folding its 

tents and departing in the night" once the 

last flush of summer has come and gone. 

While tourism has been expanding on a relatively 

low key. business itself is booming. 

The major industrial employer is the Electric 

Boat Division of General Dynamics 

Corp., with a work force thousands upon 

thousands more than what was accepted as 

large scale manufacturing interests in the 

area. 

Service Academies in Area 

The New London—Waterford—Groton 

is area also "home" for the U.S. Navy Atlantic 

Submarine Base, Coast Guard Academy 

(on a smaller scale to West Point and 

Colorado Springs, understandably, but still a 

major factor in training of future officers), 

plus major educational facilities. 

Downtown New London has seen a 

marked winnowing of film outlets. At last 

count only the RKO-Stanley Warner Garde, 

and this on an erratic schedule, was operational. 

Gone are the American Theatre 

Corp.'s Capitol and the independent Victory, 

among latter-day exhibition plants. But the 

number of theatres within the metropolitan 

region is at an all time high. E.M. Loew's 

Theatres. Inc., the independent circuit, expanded 

its Norwich-New London Drive-Tn, 

Montville, several years ago to a twin, one 

of the few such underskyer developments in 

Connecticut in 

recent times. 

Sampson & Spodick Keep Pace 

In advertising, the Sampson & Spodick 

forces have kept pace with the opposition, 

both in metropolitan New London and in 

their other situations in Connecticut. They 

have adhered assiduously to the time-tested 

theory that the theatre seeking to broaden 

its sights must persuade, promise (within 

the boundaries of good taste), and, for good 

measure, "dress up" advertising to the point 

where a company theatre's bought ad space 

is considered by audiences as distinctive. 

We like to make our theatres stand out 

on amusement pages." emphasizes Leonard 

Sampson. "We're nol to show off as much 

as we are to bolster our theatres' imagery and 

we've found that we can best accomplish 

the understandably touchy task by dressing 

up ad borders and using catchlines. Lowkey, 

but effective low-key. With a flair and 

a fancy package." 

The Sampson & Spodick Groton and 

Norwich situations (the company also operates 

the Lincoln, Crown and York Square 

Cinemas in New Havjn) stand out on 

amusement pages with distinctive border arrangements. 

Inclusion of starting times for 

attractions is a "must." Moreover, interiors 

are maintained with comfort, and staffs 

function with courtesy a paramount factor. 

"There's an audience out there," enthuses 

Leonard Sampson. "As exhibitors, whether 

c'Tcuit or independent, it's our task to seek 

them out and to hold on to them. Any other 

credo is counter-productive, profit-lessening." 

NEW HAVEN 

pilm producer Joseph E. Levine, whose 

New Haven exhibition ties date to the 

late 1930s and operation of the Lincoln 

Theatre (now part 

of Sampson & Spodick), 

has no intention of bowing out of the industry 

at age 72. If anything, he said in a New 

Haven Register interview, he has a plentitude 

of projects, both immediate and longrange. 

His next effort, an adaptation of 

William Goldman's book, "Magic" (with 

Goldman himself attending to the script), 

will go before the cameras October 4. The 

director, Levine said, will be Sir Richard 

Attenborough (who had like responsibilities 

for Levine's current United Artists' release. 

"A Bridge Too Far"). Levine's press remarks 

were tied to New Haven's playdate of "A 

Bridge Too Far." continuing briskly at the 

Redstone Showcase 5. 

The Edmond Town Hall Theatre, Newtown, 

as community-minded as any cinema 

in the New Haven territory, advertised a 

town Park & Recreation Department-sponsored 

"family film" (title not disclosed), with 

donation of 10 cents asked for the 7 p.m.. 

Thursday showing. 

A vintage Alfred Hitchcock drama, "Murder." 

starring the late Herbert Marshall and 

Nora Baring, was shown as a free attraction 

recently at the Yale Center for British 

Art. 

"Battle of Algiers" and "Cabaret" were 

screened on a recent Friday and Saturday, 

in Davies Auditorium. Yale's Becton Engineering 

Center, with 75 cents admission 

charged upon presentation of a Yale Summer 

Film Series membership card (latter 

available at the door). 

Phvl- 

Life Films. New York, was married to 

lis Miirrav McDowell. 

Auditorium two of the RKO-Stanlcy Warner 

Cincmart 2. Hamden Shopping 

Plaza, hosted Friday-Saturday midnight 

showings of "A History of The Beatles" . . . 

Richard O. Pollard, consultant for Time- 

New England Film Industry 

Folks Hold Fun Day Picnic 

BOSTON—The New England Motion 

Picture Club unwound with a fun day picnic 

at Harry Browning's estate on Mystic 

Lake. The event was the culmination of 

hard work by chairman Ben Cammack, 

Universal, aided by Wendy Hess, Rita Keegan 

and Richard Myerson. Festivities got 

underway at 1 p.m. under sunny skies. 

While the youngsters quaffed soft drinks 

(known as tonic in New England) their 

elders sipped somewhat sturdier stuff. The 

usual outdoor menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, 

cake, watermelon, etc.. was available 

to those who craved solid food. 

Evy Titleman. Gasper Urban, Jack Keegan 

and most of the small fry brought bathing 

suits and romped in the cool water while 

we less foresighted folks stood around and 

suffered. Evy also kept busy assisting the 

food service department, earning thanks 

from one and all. 

Even the flock of ducks patroling the 

lake got in on the act as a certain distributor 

(who shall remain nameless) threw two 

pieces of bread upon the waters. One duck, 

faster than the rest, outraced his feathered 

brethren and gobbled up both tidbits, reminding 

us of a certain exhibitor (who 

shall also remain nameless). 

Six of the more athletic types spent the 

entire day playing games— poker. At approximately 

five of the clock Ben, who had 

been on the go constantly, was forced to 

yield to a case of "the wearies" and Harry 

the host made several attempts to say farewell, 

some subtle and some otherwise, as 

he noted that he was due at his drive-in in 

Medford. 

When all was said and done, it was a relaxing 

and enjoyable outing and Ben, Harry 

and all who made it possible must be 

aware that their efforts were appreciated. 

Faces in the Fun 

Jim. Jeanne, John and Mark Engle with 

Jim in a "Star Wars" T-shirt . . . Joe, Helen 

and Kathy Leahy with Joe apologizing for 

not bringing Harold Levin along . . . Jerry 

Kravitz, Jay Sands in a "The Deep" T- 

shirt and telling everyone how he threw a 

frisbee about 100 yards into Joe Morana's 

lap (are the "Pats" still looking for a backup 

quarterback?) . . . Charlie Hoyt and 

Anita Magee brought the glad tidings that 

Tarsisio Fava, one of their bookers, was 

married recently in Joe's presence, in New 

York . . . George Abbot, Gasper Urban's 

wife Blanche, Henry Neveaii, Plainville 

Bob Rancatore and Bruce Quackenbush 

from Sunn Classic headquarters in Marblehead 

Swank. 16mm distributor 

from Braintree . . and th-th-that's all, 

folks. 

Everett Gets on the 'Bandwagon' 

EVERETT, MASS.—MGM's vintage 

musical, "Bandwagon," co-starring Fred 

Aslaire and Cyd Charisse, was shown as a 

NE-4 BOXOFFICE Augus 977 

free attraction at the Everett Public Library.

Approval for Late Show 

Given Wilbraham Ozoner 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

SPRINGFIELD—A major western 

Massachusetts 

drive-in has emerged the winner 

in a confrontation with a Springfield suburb's 

board of sekctmen over the right to 

screen its attractions after 11:30 p.m. at 

night. 

Harry Schwab, president of 2001 Enterprises 

Inc.. operating the Parlcway Drivein, 

Wilbraham. was unsuccessful in a late 

spring request before the board of selectmen 

for authority to show his films after 

that time, apparently not permitted under a 

Wilbraham town license restriction. The 

board rejected the request, with Schwab's 

legal coun.sel, Atty. Michael G. West of 

Springfield, subsequently informing the 

Wilbraham Town Counsel, Gordon H. 

Wentworth, that the state law allowing selectmen 

to restrict screening times had been 

declared unconstitutional in 1973 by three 

U.S. District Court judges. 

Wentworth then told the selectmen that 

they could not legally enforce license restrictions 

.set for the Parkway. 

Selectman John M. Lovejoy later said 

that he would ask the board to slate a 

meeting with residents in the Parkway's 

it general periphery; some residents, was 

noted, had charged that the drive-in property 

constituted a nuisance, citing noise and 

dust, plus scenes from X-rated films viewable 

from their back yard, coupled with the 

annoying habit of youngsters crossing private 

projjerty to leap over the Parkway's 

fence. 

The town counsel has remarked that the 

sole legal approach to handling such disturbances 

would be for residents involved 

to charge breach of the peace. 

Schwab's legal counsel said succinctly: 

"All we're interested in doing is showing 

three movies a night. And we can't do that 

with the restriction given by the town of 

Wilbraham ... I suppose that anybody 

who chooses to live near a drive-in theatre 

has to expect some additional noise and 

dust. I'm aware of some complaints by one 

individual, and my understanding is that he 

purchased his house after the theatre was 

built in the late 1940s." 

Lack of Amenities Causes Exodus 

HARTFORD—A regional conference of 

the National League of Cities was told by 

New Haven Mayor Frank Logue that a 

"lack of amenities" has contributed to the 

mass exodus of resident taxpayers from 

northeastern cities. He grouped theatres with 

libraries and museums among key amenities. 

"Although such amenities are the most 

expensive." he said, "they pay off." 


SHOW 

m 

BUSINESS IN 

HAWAII TOO. 


do"'t miss the famous 

^fS^SHi 

Don Ho fHAWAiil Show. . 

. 

at 

15»^ Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

: REEF 

. REET TOWERS • EDGEWATER 

SPRINGFIELD 

^êsteni Massachusetts openings: Paraniount's 

"Orca." Cinema 5's "Jabberwocky. 

" Dimension Pictures' "Ruby" (the 

E. M. Loew's Riverdalc Drive-In. West 

Springfield, captioned ads. "Don't Sit Alone 

During This Show!"). EMC Pictures' 

"Naked Rider." and Buena Vista's "Herbie 

Goes to Monte Carlo." 

Western Massachusetts exhibition has 

come up with innovative audience-building 

gimmickry over the years. More recently, 

the trend has been towards price-structuring 

(i.e., specified charge for carloads— regardless 

of number of passengers—at imderskyers. 

for a striking example). The Air- 

Line Drive-In, Chicopee, advertised a 

precedent-setting (for this region, anyway) 

"Two-for-One" Date Night, applicable 

Monday and Tuesday, with ads asserting, 

"Two For the Price of One, When You 

Bring a Date!" and "You and Your Date 

lor One Admission!" 

Legitimate theatre promotion tie-ups continue. 

Agway Inc., Westfield store, bought 

out the September 1 performance of Sandler 

& Young at Storrowton Theatre, West 

Springfield, and sold discount tickets to its 

customers. Anyone was able to purchase 

pine Tree state openings: Paramount's 

"Orca." Dimension Pictures' "Ruby." 

Paramount's "The Bad News Bears in 

Breaking Training." among other titles . 

. . 

The Maine Coast Cinemas 2 (auditorium 

one). Ellsworth, playing a reprise doublebill. 

United Artists' "The Return of the 

Pink Panther" and "The Pink Panther 

Strikes Again," advertised: "Bargain Matinee 

at 2 only when raining in Ellsworth 

at noon!" . . . Excellent holdover trade is 

reported for 20th Century-Fox' "Star 

Wars." 

The new "Movie Festival" policy, implemented 

in auditorium two at the E. M. 

Loew's Fine Arts Cinema 2. in-town Portland, 

has caught the public's fancy. Doublebill 

programs—something unusual for a 

first-run situation in Maine—are being 

screened, with $1 charged for matinees. $2 

for evenings. Significantly, in a state where 

week-day matinees are few and far between, 

thj auditorium has afternoon performances 

on a daily basis. 

The Warner Bros, vintage film. "A Midsummer 

Night's Dream." was shown as a 

tree attraction at the Portland Public Library 

. . . The Hancock County Auditorium. 

Ellsworth, as part of its continuing 

"Family Film Series." came up with .i 

show comprised of cartoons— "Bugs Bunnv." 

"Daffy Duck" and "Woody ^ Wood 

pecker." amony others. 

New England CATV Ass'n 

Is Addressed by Lawyer 

WENTWORTH-BY-THE-SEA. 

N.H.— 

The question of cable antenna television 

(CATV) functioning as distributor or programmer 

of entertainment is among the key 

issues in the rewriting of the federal communications 

act, the New England Cable 

Television Ass'n was told at its annual 

convention. 

Fred Finn. National Cable Television 

Ass'n legal counsel, told 200 CATV operators, 

industry leaders and public regulatory 

officials that the legislative process has been 

moving slowly. The Senate has conducted 

hearings with the House not to start fullscale 

committee work until October. 

Cinemart is Now a Twin 

NEW HAVEN—The RRO-Slanlcy Warner 

circuit, in its first upgrading in Connecticut 

in months, completed conversion of 

the first-run Cinemart. Hamden Shopping 

Plaza, to a twin. The opening of the second 

auditorium marked the first such addition 

to the circuit's Connecticut interests in 

some years. RKO-Stanley Warner, situated 

primarily in 

inner-city situations plagued by 

parking problems, bidding, and attendant 

urban exhibition deterrents, has shut down 

operations in a number of cities across 

Connecticut. 

the tickets for $7.50 instead of the prevailing 

$8.50 tab, with customers buying more 

than $50 worth of merchandise at the store P-Town Debut for "Outrageous' 

able to get two tickets free. 

BOSTON — The Metro Cinema announced 

MAINE 

it will hold the New England premiere 

of "Outrageous" starring Craig Russel. 

Russel is a popular entertainer in Provincetown 

where the hardtop is located. The 

Cinema V production recently opened at 

New York's Cinema II to great reviews. Rex 

Reed called it the "surprise of the year" and 

Andrew Sarris of the Village Voice dubbed 

it "the perfect summer entertainment." Russel. 

a well-liked female impersonator, appears 

daily at P-town's Back Room Cabaret. 

The show is loosely based upon his real 

life 

story. 

It's Comedy Night in Watertown 

WATERTOWN. MASS.—"Swiss Miss," 

Laurel & Hardy comedy classic, plus Buster 

Keaton and Three Stooges shorts, were 

shown at the Watertown Public Library as 

a free attraction program. 

TWIN 

IT!! 





Free Estimates 

BOXOFFICE :: Augus NE-5

. 

. 

Who reads Boxoffice? 

^ple you know... 

and want to reach 

Key people in Exhibition: 

1 1,778* theatre owners and managers, circuit 

executives, film buyers and bookers, and 

projectionists 

Key people in Distribution: 

1,151* distributors and sales executives, home office 

managers, bookers and publicity people 

Key people in Equipment: 

449* supply dealers, sales agents and executives 

Key people in Production: 

350* producers, directors, studio executives, 

cameramen, actors and v/riters 

Key People in the Media: 

193* newspaper, magazine editors and writers and 

radio-TV broadcasters 

Recognize your soles prospect? 

You should because more key 

people in the film industry rely on 

BOXOFFICE for its complete and 

accurate information than any other 

film industry publication with ABC 

audited circulation.* 

Take one small step today toward 

big sales tomorrow . . . deliver your 

advertising message to the BOX- 

OFFICE Reader: someone who is 

OXOfflCi 

integral to the film industry . . 

someone who makes the big 

^decisions . . 

)Omeone like 

you. 

Au.lil Hurfau of Circulalions 

Publisher's Statement for 6 mos. ending Dec. 31, 1975 

BOXOFFICE :: Augu&t

. . The 

. . The 

. . 

. . The 

—" 

NEW BRITAIN 

pile Perakos Palate, phi\ ing X-ratcd 'BiibNtace" 

on a double-bill with "French 

Heat," advertised "Low Price" Matinee, 

Saturday and Sunday, charging $2 admission 

to 5 p.m. . Watertown Drivein 

had a bicycle giveaway in conjunction 

with its playdate of Mulberry Square Productions' 

"For the Love of Benji." A Motocross 

Bike was prize in a drawing. And if 

that wasn't enough to draw patrons, the 

underskyer, for double-bill comprised of 

"Day of the Animals" and "Grizzly" ("The 

Dove" was co-feature with "Benji." incidentally), 

gave away a Super 3 Speed English 

Racing Bicycle on Friday and Saturday 

niahts. Ads asserted, "A Bike A Nite. Free! 

Frêe!" 

Area cinema advertising for Buena 

Vista's "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" was 

sizable, tied to the teaser line, "It's the 

newest and raciest comedy of the year!" . 

The Movies (formerly the Midtown), Norwich, 

had a "live" concert, featuring Melaena 

& The New Image, charging $4 admission 

. State, Jewett City, distributed 

free comic books for first 75 youngsters 

in line for Buena Vista's "The Littlest 

Horse Thieves" (on a double-bill with same 

distributor's "Winnie the Pooh." 

Sack's Home Office Moves 

To New Quarters in Hub 

BOSTON—Sack Theatre headquarters. 

here, is moving into posh new facilities with 

7,500 square feet of space in a new building 

at Tremont and Temple streets. The 

circuit's executive offices and accounting 

department, now in the Music Hall building, 

will be consolidated in the newly-leased 

quarters. 

William J. Moscarelli. corporate development 

director for Sack's negotiated the 

transaction with Robert Cunningham, vicepresident 

of Ryan. Elliott & Co., the brokers 

and Peter North of Carpenter and Co.. 

leasing coordinator for the building at 141 

Tremont St. 

Licensing Privileges 

Granted to Communities 

AUGU.STA. ME.—The Maine State 

Legislature has passed a measure leaving 

the granting of licenses for places of entertainment 

(including those places serving 

liquor) up to the local community rather 

than the state. The legislation includes 

licensing for topless places. 

The lawmakers, at the same time, approved 

two measures applicable to pornographic 

reading material. 

One requires that covers be concealed and 

a second prohibits the selling of pomoyr.iphic 

material to minors. 

The legislative Labor Committee used a 

recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to define 

what is 

obscene. 

Amy Stryker will make her film debut as 

the bride in Robert Altman's "A Wedding." 

A Sick. Rich Elite Backs 

Child Pornography Rings 

PORIIAND, ME.—The lucrative child 

pornographN' business is flourishing because 

of the backing of "well-known, wealthy 

people." an official of the National Coalition 

for Children's Justice told the annual meeting 

here of the National District Attorneys 

Ass'n. 

Kenneth Woodsen asserted: "There arc 

thousands of 8-mm. movie cameras grinding 

away across the country, shooting kids being 

raped and molested, and they're all making 

a lot of people very rich." 

He noted that se.xual abusers of children 

come from all social and economic classes, 

adding, "In 1972, the Dallas Police Department 

came across a list of 40,000 names of 

men wanting little boys. They have letters 

from well known, wealthy people from all 

over the country thanking this child prostitution 

ring for their weekends with little 

boys." 

Film Booking Has Free Film 

BO.STON—Sumner Myerson announced 

that Film Booking Service, 46 Church St.. 

has the complete list of Associated Films' 

free short subjects available for immediate 

booking. The majority of these pictures have 

won a variety of awards and played Radio 

City Music Hall, the major circuits plus 

many independent theatres across the country. 

The only guideline is that they cannot 

be shown with X-rated productions. A note 

to the Film Booking Service or a call to 

them at 842-9036 will get immediate results, 

as always. 

Mondev, City Still Deadlocked 

SPRINGFIELD. MASS —Prospects for 

an early start on the long-projected. $25- 

million downtown Springfield office-hotelretail 

complex (including at least one cinema) 

seemed dim at Boxoffice press-time. 

Peter Howlett. chief counsel for Mondev 

Ltd., said that the company still needed 

major financing. 

Watertown Library Twin Bill 

WATERTOWN. MASS. — "The Kid." 

starring Charlie Chaplin, and "Terror 

Trip." with W.C. Fields, were screened by 

the Watertown Public Library as free attractions 

on a recent Wednesday night at 

9:15 p.m. 

Citizens Mount Anti-Smut Attack 

CLAREMONT. N.H.—The display of 

pornographic material is under fire in this 

New Hampshire city. 500 persons signing a 

petition asking Mayor Charles Puskta to 

recommend that such material be displayed 

at least six feet from the floor with only the 

title of the publication visible. 

Somerville Sees 'Suspicion' 

SOMERVILLE, MASS.—The West 

Branch Library hosted a free Wednesday 

night showing of Alfred Hitchcock's 1941 

classic, "Suspicion," co-starring Cary Grant 

and Joan Fontaine. 

WORCESTER 

^Jid-Mussachusetts openings inckided Buena 

Vista's "The Rescuers" and Mulberry 

Square Productions' "For the Love of 

Benji" . West Boylston Drive-In. 

playing BV's "Freaky Friday" (on a twinbill 

with same distributor's "Gus"). had Lobo 

the Clown distributing free lollipops to 

young patrons. The underskyer. incidentally, 

advertised. "Disney Prices—No Passes 

Adults. $2; Children. 50-cents." Same admission 

scale was in effect for "The Rescuers" 

(on double feature with BV's "No Deposit. 

No Return"). Oxford screen. Oxford 

Twin Drive-In. Latter's Worcester screen 

had a rerun. Universal's "The Sting." on 

double bill with same distributor's "The 

Sentinel," charging $4-per-carload (regardless 

of number of passengers) . . . Four 

dollars-per-carload (also regardless of number 

of passengers) policy was in effect for 

Universal's "Airport '77" (doubled with 

"Swashbuckler"). Shrewsbury Drive-In; 

Twentieth Century-Fox' "Silver Streak" 

(paired with "The Vanishing Point"). Leicester 

Drive-In; United Artists' "Rocky" (in 

tandem with "Burnt Offerings"). Edgemere 

Drive-In; and 20th-Fox' "Young Frankenstein" 

(coupled with "Dirty Mary. Crazy 

Larrv"). Auburn Drive-In. 

Parent Company Shutters 

The New Britain Theatre 

BRISTOL. CONN.— RKO-Stanley Warner 

Theatres shut down another Connecticut 

theatre, this one the New Bristol, 

the Bristol 

Press remarking. "Mrs. (Viola) Plumb (the 

manager) says the closing comes as quite a 

surprise since, although the movie business 

in general has been down in attendance in 

recent years, the New Bristol has not been 

lower than usual." 

Mrs. Plumb has been in Bristol exhibition 

49 years, starting as a cashier with the late 

Dennis Rich at the old Cameo Theatre. 

Mrs. Plumb is quoted in the newspaper 

as saying that some of the blame for the 

closing could be tied to opening of a nearby 

drinking establishment a few years ago. She 

told the Press that loiterers have necessitated 

her calling the police as often as four 

or five times a day for surveillance. 

Midnight Shows Held in Brockton 

BROCKTON. MASS.—Midnight showings, 

a rarity in area four-wall situations, 

were scheduled over a recent Friday and 

Saturday at General Cinema Corp.'s Brockton 

Cinemas 5 for 20th-Fox' "Star Wars." 

"Masquerader' Returns to Screen 

BROOKLINE. MASS.—"Masquerader. 

1933 release co-starring Elissa Landi and 

Ronald Colman. was shown on a recent 

Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.. at the Brookline 

Public Library as a 

free public attraction. 

ITC Entertainment's "March or Die" was 

directed by Dick Richards from a screenplay 

by David Zelag Goodman based on a 

storv 

bv Goodman and Richards. 

BOXOFFICE :: August NE-7

VERMONT 

^^jteii Mountain state openings: Univcr- 

CALGARY Montreal's First Film Festival Is 

Appearing at the weeklong Reel Deer I .lir. 

which got ululcr way July 22. was 

entertainer Pat Boone. Whatever his magic 

formula, it is still working well! The 3.500- 

seat grandstand was sold out every night. 

The fair has been so successful that Canadian 

National Exhibition officials flew out 

from Toronto to see the event in an effort 

to find out the reasons for its continued 

popularity. According to Red Deer officials. 

they try for the "family show." since this has 

proven successful in the past. This approach 

is holding up extremely well—and why fight 

success? Along with Boone on the stage were 

the Bumpy Family, the All-American Boys' 

Chorus from California and Maurice Boyler. 

from the Tommy Hunter show. 

Dropping into the local United Artists 

office for a get-acquainted visit was Wolfgang 

Lamers of the 16mm department of the 

Toronto office. Wolfgang is enjoying his 

throughout the West and planned to go 

trip 

on to Vancouver before heading back to 

home base. 

Peter Campbell, exhibitor in Taber. is hospitalized 

in that city with a pinched nerve 

(a very agonizing ailment). Industryites wish 

him a speedy recovery. 

Former public relations man for Sound 

West Recording Studios here, Doug Wong, 

has left that company and is becoming established 

in his own business, named Mootown 

Records. He already has released two 

singles, "Denim and Lace," recorded by 

Stone of Camrose, and "A Promise Is 

Billy 

a Prison," written by Randy Tucker and 

sung by Judy Reimer, both of this city. 

Back from a short holiday is Judy Di- 

Leandro of United Artists Corp. Judy and 

son Darren took a circle tour from here to 

Spokane, with a weekend in Banff. 

Pioneers Slate Golf 

Tournament, Dinner 

MONTREAL—The Quebec Motion 

Picture 

Pioneers' annual golf tournament is 

scheduled to be held Tuesday (30) at the 

Lachutc Golf & Country Club. The tournament 

consists of three categories: Pioneers, 

industry representatives and guests, with 

eight trophies to be awarded in each category. 

Trophies and numerous door prizes are 

to be presented at a dinner the same evening, 

which is expected to draw over 250 

golfers and guests. 

Olympics Film to Be Shown 

EDMONTON—The National Film 

Board's production of "Games of the XXI 

Olympiad" will be screened by the NFB's 

film caravan tour Tuesday (16) through 

Thursday (18) at Borden Park, it was announced 

by Ron Jones, the board's information 

manager. 

Showing 190 Films From 40 Nations 

MONTREAL—Some 190 films— 112 

features and 75 shorts—from 40 countries 

are being spotlighted at the first World Film 

Festival which opened Friday (19) in Montreal. 

There are some 21 programs each day 

al five theatres, with the festival continuing 

through Sunday (28). 

In addition, some 60 international film 

personalities were set to attend the Montreal 

festival, including such stars as Ingrid 

Bergman. Fay Wray, Gloria Swanson, 

Lome Greene, and Eddie Constantine and 

well-known directors Howard Hawks, Arthur 

Hiller, Jean-Luc Godard, Tony Richardson, 

Ted Kotcheff and Yves Boisset. 

Approximately 80 of the feature films 

are having their Canadian premieres, with 

some of the features being shown for the 

first time outside their country of production. 

The American film "9-30-55" will 

have its world premiere. Serge Losique, director 

of the festival, announced at a news 

conference, where he outlined the complete 

program for the ten-day event. 

Losique also announced that two theatres 

in Montreal—Cine-Centre 1 and 2 on 

Bleury at St. Catherine Street—are in use 

in addition to three sites at Man and His 

World. He said this was done to accommodate 

a larger number of films and to provide 

easier access to the major films for 

the public. 

In the official selection, films are screened 

in the evenings at the Maison du Quebec 

at Man and His World and shown the following 

day at the Cine-Centre, along with 

other important films. Other sites at Man 

and His World are Place des Nations and 

the theme pavilion. 

Admission price for the 28 films in the 

"first come-first served" basis just prior to 

the 

show. 

Two major events during the festival are 

symposiums on the state of the film industry 

in Hollywood and in Canada. 

The symposium on Hollywood filmmaking 

will feature Mike Medavoy, vice-president 

in charge of programing at United 

Artists; Sherry Lansing, vice-president of 

creative development at MGM; Larry 

Marks, vice-president in charge of production 

at Columbia, and Frank Mancuso. 

vice-president in charge of distribution at 

Paramoimt. as well as Peter Saphier. vicepresident 

in charge of production at Universal. 

Harold Greenberg, president of the 

Canadian firm Astral Bellevue Palhc. will 

be moderator of the panel. 

Michael Spencer, executive director of 

the Canadian Film Development Corp.. will 

be moderator of the panel on the state of 

feature filmmaking in Canada. A number 

of persons involved in the Canadian film 

industry will participate. 

The festival has been divided into eight 

categories, plus a film market for professional 

buyers and sellers. There are 28 features 

in the official selection; 23 in the 

special tributes to Gloria Swanson. Howard 

Hawks. Sir Laurence Olivier. Federico Fellini 

and Henri Langlois. the late director 

of the Cinematheque Francaise; seven programs 

of films by independent filmmakers: 

nine films in the Canadian-Hollywood section; 

1 1 in the tribute to Japanese cinema. 

1976-77; nine films in the Canada 1977 

section, and 11 in the Perspective du Cinema 

Francais 1977. 

The festival is dedicated to the memory 

of the late Roberto Rosseliini. Honorary 

co-chairmen of the festival are French director 

Rene Clair and Norman Jewison. 

official selection category is $3. Ticket 

price for all other films is $2. There was no the Canadian who gained an international 

advance sale, with tickets available on a reputation in Hollywood. Ingrid Bergman 

Action and Mutual Renew 

Quebec Distribution Pact 

MONTREAL—The continuation of an 

lining Isabelle Huppert. and Yves Boisset's 

"Le Sheriff," starring Patrick Dewaere. 

In production for Action Films are Jean- 

Louis Bertucelli's "L'Imprecateur," "Repcrages," 

by Michel Soutter, which stars Jean- 

Louis Trintignant, Lea Massari and Delphine 

Seyrig. the new Jacques Deray film 

"Un Papillon sur L'Epaule (A Butterfly on 

My Shoulder)," starring Lino Ventura, and 

Francois Le Terrier's "Va Voir Papa, 

Maman Travaille" starring Marlene Jobcrt. 

officially opened the festival Friday evcnins 

(19). 

'Rituals' 

Applauded 

At World Premiere 

SAULT STE. MARIE. ONT—The mo- 

exclusive distribution agreement between 

the production company Action Films and 

distributor Mutual Films was announced tion picture "Rituals," $600,000 suspense 

here recently. Upcoming Action Films picture filmed north of here approximately 

product includes Alain Resnais' "Providence." 

a year ago. received an enthusiastic recepgud, 

starring Dirk Bogarde, John Gieltion 

from a capacity audience at its recent 

Ellen Burstyn and David Warner; "La world premiere in this city. "Rituals" is the 

story of five doctors who take their annual 

Dentelliere," a film by Claude Goretta top- 

vacations together. During their adventure in 

the wilderness, the men find themselves individually 

menaced by an unknown terror. 

American Hal Holbrook. who played the 

lead role in the film, attended the premiere. 

"Rituals" was produced by Larry Dane, 

with Peter Carter directing. The picture was 

financed by Astral-Bellevue-Pathe-Canart 

Films of Toronto, with additional funding 

provided by the Canadian Film Development 

Corp. and Famous Players. 

BOXOFFICE :: Augu.st 1977 K-1

i 

Qrten Mountain state openings: Univcisals 

Rollercoasler," United Artists' 

The Spy Who Loved Me." Dimension 

Pictures" "Ruby." among others . . . Chandler 

Mason, who acted in the play. "Double 

Doors" {he earned $12.50 a week) with 

then screen star Pauline Frederick in New 

England summer theatre 35 years ago. is 

now retired from the arts and living in 

Enosburg Falls. For the language purists. 

Mason muses that the expression, "straw hai 

circuit." emerged from a unique combination 

of circumstances. "The men in the 

audience." he recalls, "came wearing straw 

boaters or skimmers." 

The Burlington Free Press quoted Jerry 

Chase, manager of the SBC Cinemas 2. 

.South Burlington, playing 20th Century- 

Fox' "Star Wars." as saying: "A bit of a 

swashbuckler. The prime requisite for a 

blockbuster. It's pure escapist entertainment." 

The Midtown Theatre Is Renamed 

NORWICH. CONN. — The Midtown 

Theatre has been renamed the Movies. 

When it was built and opened some 25 

years ago, the theatre was called Loews Poll. 

Sam Wanamaker directed "Sinbad and 

the Eye of the Tiger" from a screenplay by 

Beverley Cross. 

VERMONT ^L"r" NARRACjANSETT. fr.?%tJ*"fî R.I.—a town coun- 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

cil authorized study on the possibility of 

improving available entertainment within 

the town limits for summer visitors is exploring 

the prosf)ects of a town supported 

cinema. Narragansett at present has no such 

facility. A report will be submitted to the 

town council by Sidney Kramer at its 

September 6 meeting. Thrust of the study 

is understood to be geared to halt continuing 

criticism of insufficient entertainment 

for Narragansett's many summer tourists. 

AFI Holds Thank You Party 

PHILADELPHIA—A "Thank You" party 

for the press, distributors and exhibitors 

was held at the Top of the Fox Screening 

Room on Thursday (11) by the American 

Film Institute in connection with the observance 

of National Film Day on Monday (22). 

A special screening of the recent Academy 

Award winning short subject, "In the Region 

of Ice," highlighted the gathering, which 

was hosted by the film's producer, Andre 

Guttfreund. Lee Starkey. public relations director 

for the Bortnick Advertising Agency. 

is handling the area promotion for National 

Film Day. 

Cinemas 2 Admission Is Now $1.25 

STONEHAM. MASS. — The General 

Cinema Corp., Stoneham Cinemas 2 are now 

charging $1.25 admission for all seats at 

all performances. 

WEEK 

Opportunity Knocks 

EVERY 

in 

^he new Granite state 

law against smoking 

in public buildings may not have the 

impact intended by its sponsors in the recent 

state legislative session. Jere Hoover. 

New Hampshire Lung Ass'n spokesman, 

said that the law may be unenforceable 

because it does not define public buildings, 

and, as a result. State Atty. Gen. David 

Souter and Secretary of State William 

Gardner are to be asked for an interpretation 

of the new law. It may take a court 

case. Hoover concedes, to end "smokefilled 

public rooms" in New Hampshire; 

the law. to his view, is vague because of 

amendments to the original legislation. The 

law. Hoover says, appears to make it more 

of a crime not to 

post "No Smoking" signs 

than to smoke in public places. 

State-wide newspaper advertising preceded 

New Hampshire premiere bookings of 

Paramount's "Orca." 

Orson Welles T-shirt Discount 

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — The Orson 

Welles Cinemas 3 designated Monday and 

Tuesday as "T-shirt Nights," admitting patrons 

wearing an Orson Welles T-shirt for 

$1. 

BOXOFFICE 

• CLEARING HOUSE for Classified Ads 

• SHDWMANDISER for Promotion Ideas 

Neil Simon's "The Cheap Detective" has 

completed production on schedule after ten 

wieks of shooting at the Burbank Studios. 

• FEATURE REVIEWS for Opinions on Current 

Films 

• REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis of Reviews 

Don't miss 

any issue. 

NE. 

August 22, l'»77

C ALG ARY Montreal's First Film Festival Is 

J^ppearing at the weeklong Red Deer I ,iir. 

which got under way July 22. was 

entertainer Pat Boone. Whatever his magic 

formula, it is still working well! The 3.500- 

seat grandstand was sold out every night. 

The fair has been so successful that Canadian 

National Exhibition officials flew out 

from Toronto to see the event in an effort 

to find out the reasons for its continued 

popularity. According to Red Deer officials, 

they try for the "family show." since this has 

proven successful in the past. This approach 

is holding up e.xtremely well—and why fight 

success? Along with Boone on the stage were 

the Bumpy Family, the All-.American Boys' 

Chorus from California and Maurice Boylcr. 

from the Tommy Hunter show. 

Dropping into the local United Artists 

office for a get-acquainted visit was Wolfgang 

Lamers of the 16mm department of the 

Toronto office. Wolfgang is enjoying his 

throughout the West and planned to go 

trip 

on to Vancouver before heading back to 

home base. 

Peter Campbell, exhibitor in Taber, is hospitalized 

in that city with a pinched nerve 

(a very agonizing ailment). Industryites wish 

him a speedy recovery. 

Former public relations man for Sound 

West Recording Studios here, Doug Wong, 

has left that company and is becoming established 

in his own business, named Mootown 

Records. He already has released two 

singles, "Denim and Lace," recorded by 

Stone of Camrose, and "A Promise Is 

Billy 

a Prison," written by Randy Tucker and 

sung by Judy Reimer, both of this city. 

Back from a short holiday is Judy Di- 

Leandro of United Artists Corp. Judy and 

son Darren took a circle tour from here to 

Spwkane. with a weekend in Banff. 

Pioneers Slate Golf 

Tournament, Dinner 

MONTREAL—The Quebec Motion 

Picture 

Pioneers' annual golf tournament is 

scheduled to be held Tuesday (30) at the 

Lachute Golf & Country Club. The tournament 

consists of three categories: Pioneers, 

industry representatives and guests, with 

eight trophies to be awarded in each category. 

Trophies and numerous door prizes are 

to be presented at a dinner the same evening, 

which is expected to draw over 250 

golfers and guests. 

Olympics Film to Be Shown 

EDMONTON—The National Film 

Board's production of "Games of the XXI 

Olympiad" will be screened by the NFB's 

film caravan tour Tuesday (16) through 

Thursday (18) at Borden Park, it was announced 

by Ron Jones, the board's information 

manager. 

Showing 190 Films From 40 Nations 

MONTREAL—Some 190 films— 112 

features and 75 shorts—from 40 countries 

are being spotlighted at the first World Film 

Festival which opened Friday (19) in Montreal. 

There are some 21 programs each day 

at five theatres, with the festival continuing 

through Sunday (28). 

In addition, some 60 international film 

personalities were set to attend the Montreal 

festival, including such stars as Ingrid 

Bergman. Fay Wray, Gloria Swanson, 

Lome Greene, and Eddie Constantine and 

well-known directors Howard Hawks, Arthur 

Hiller, Jean-Luc Godard, Tony Richardson, 

Ted Kotcheff and Yves Boisset. 

Approximately 80 of the feature films 

arc having their Canadian premieres, with 

some of the features being shown for the 

first time outside their country of production. 

The American film "9-30-55" will 

have its world premiere. Serge Losique, director 

of the festival, announced at a news 

conference, where he outlined the complete 

program for the ten-day event. 

Losique also announced that two theatres 

in Montreal—Cine-Centre 1 and 2 on 

Bleury at St. Catherine Street—are in use 

in addition to three sites at Man and His 

World. He said this was done to accommodate 

a larger number of films and to provide 

easier access to the major films for 

the public. 

In the official selection, films are screened 

in the evenings at the Maison du Quebec 

at Man and His World and shown the following 

day at the Cine-Centre, along with 

other important films. Other sites at Man 

and His World are Place des Nations and 

the theme pavilion. 

Admission price for the 28 films in the 

"first come-first served" basis just prior to 

the 

show. 

Two major events during the festival are 

symposiums on the state of the film industry 

in Hollywood and in Canada. 

The symposium on Hollywood filmmaking 

will feature Mike Medavoy. vice-president 

in charge of programing at United 

Artists; Sherry Lansing, vice-president of 

creative development at MGM; Larry 

Marks, vice-president in charge of production 

at Columbia, and Frank Mancuso. 

vice-president in charge of distribution at 

Paramount, as well as Peter Saphier. vicepresident 

in charge of production at Universal. 

Harold Greenberg, president of the 

Canadian firm Astral Bellevuc Pathe. will 

be moderator of the panel. 

Michael Spencer, executive director of 

the Canadian Film Development Corp.. will 

be moderator of the panel on the state of 

feature filmmaking in Canada. A number 

of persons involved in the Canadian film 

industry will participate. 

The festival has been divided into eight 

categories, plus a film market for professional 

buyers and sellers. There are 28 features 

in the official selection; 23 in the 

special tributes to Gloria Swanson. Howard 

Hawks, Sir Laurence Olivier. Federico Fcllini 

and Henri Langlois, the late director 

of the Cinematheque Francaise; seven programs 

of films by independent filmmakers: 

nine films in the Canadian-Hollywood section; 

1 1 in the tribute to Japanese cinema. 

1976-77; nine films in the Canada 1977 

section, and 1 1 in the Perspective du Cinema 

Francais 1977. 

The festival is dedicated to the memory 

of the late Roberto Rossellini. Honorary 

co-chairmen of the festival are French director 

Rene Clair and Norman Jewison. 

official selection category is $3. Ticket 

price for all other films is $2. There was no the Canadian who gained an international 

advance sale, with tickets available on a reputation in Hollywood. Ingrid Bergman 

Action and Mutual Renew 

Quebec Distribution Pact 

MONTREAL—The continuation of an 

exclusive distribution agreement between 

the production company Action Films and 

distributor Mutual Films was announced 

here recently. Upcoming Action Films 

product includes Alain Resnais' "Providence," 

starring Dirk Bogarde, John Gielgud, 

Ellen Burstyn and David Warner; "La 

Dentelliere," a film by Claude Goretta toplining 

Isabelle Huppert, and Yves Boisset's 

"Le Sheriff," starring Patrick Dewaere. 

In production for Action Films are Jean- 

Louis Bertucelli's "L'Imprecateur." "Reperages." 

by Michel Soutter, which stars Jean- 

Louis Trintignant, Lea Massari and Delphine 

Seyrig. the new Jacques Deray film 

"Un Papillon sur L'Epaule (A Butterfly on 

My Shoulder)," starring Lino Ventura, and 

Francois Le Terrier's "Va Voir Papa, 

Maman Travaille" starring Marlene Jobert. 

officially opened the festival Friday evenins; 

(19). 

'Rituals' 

Applauded 

At World Premiere 

SAULT STE. MARIE. ONT,—The motion 

picture "Rituals." $600,000 suspense 

picture filmed north of here approximately 

a year ago, received an enthusiastic reception 

from a capacity audience at its recent 

world premiere in this city. "Rituals" is the 

story of five doctors who take their annual 

vacations together. During their adventure in 

the wilderness, the men find themselves individually 

menaced by an unknown terror. 

American Hal Holbrook. who played the 

lead role in the film, attended the premiere. 

"Rituals" was produced by Larry Dane, 

with Peter Carter directing. The picture was 

financed by Astral-Bellevue-Pathe-Canart 

Films of Toronto, with additional funding 

provided by the Canadian Film Development 

Corp. and Famous Players. 

BOXOFFICE ;: August 1977 K-1

i 

Substantial Grosses Earned on All 

Toronto Marquees in 

TORONTO—The five new films that debuted 

in the area this report week were 

greeted by above-average boxoffice business. 

While "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The 

Spy Who Loved Me" earned "excellent" 

grosses "The Rescuers" and "Orca" earned 

a mark of "very good" and "Grand Theft 

Auto" finished out the week with "good" 

grosses. Although all holdovers earned substantial 

grosses, a position in the "excellent" 

category was earned by "The Other Side of 

Midnight." "Annie Hall" and "Star Wars." 

Fairlawn—Hollercoaster (Univ), 7th wk Good 

Four theatres—The Deep (Astral), 6th wk Good 

Four theatres—The Other Side oi Midnight 

(BVFD), 6:h wk Excellent 

Four theatres—Star Wots (BVFD). 5th wk Excellent 

Hollywood—The Hescuers (BVFD) Very Good 

Imperial—Grand Theft Auto (IFD) Good 

Imperial—The Spy Who Loved Me (UA) Excellent 

ial—Exorcist 11: the Heretic (WB), 

wk. 

..Good 

Pl

REAL— 

VANCOUVER 

The Caseades Drive-In, Burnaby. which h,is 

been having a spotty season, came up 

with a very good week playing the first-nin 

combo of "Slumber Party Girls" and "Love 

on Wheels." 

Stars and technical crew members for 

"The Other Side of the Mountain—Part U" 

arrived in town July 26 for three days of 

filming here and on Vancouver Island. The 

sequel to the highly successful Universal Pictures 

release again stars Marilyn Hassett, 

who played crippled Olympic skier Jill Kinmont 

in the original motion picture. Part II 

covers Ms. Kinmonfs later life, including 

her marriage to John Boothe, a role which 

will be played by Timothy Bottoms, no 

stranger to moviemaking in Canada. He did 

"The White Dawn" in Baffin Land and "The 

Paper Chase" in Toronto. Ms. Hassett's last 

working date in this city was opposite Jan- 

Michael Vincent in John Kemcny's "Shadow 

of the Hawk." Larry Peerce, son of famed 

operatic tenor Jan Peerce, is directing the 

film, most of which will consist of ski scenes 

to be done in Squaw Valley later this year. 

Shooting here was mainly on the British 

Columbia Ferry run to Swartz Bay and in 

the Butchart Gardens. The final day's photography 

was at beautiful Alouette Lake, in 

a Swiss alpine setting only 45 minutes from 

0..T downtown area. 

Mutual Set to Distribute 

First Artists' 'Speedtrap' 

MONTREAL—First Artists, the hitmaking 

production company founded by 

Sieve McQueen, Barbra Streisand, Sidney 

Poitier and Dustin Hoffman, has just given 

to Mutual Films the distribution rights to 

its new production "Speedtrap." The picture 

is directed by Earl Bellamy and features 

Joe Don Baker and Tyne Daly. 

Set in a big American city, "Speedtrap" 

is the story of an artful car thief who succeeds 

in stealing the most expensive cars in 

town by means of an electronic system 

which unlocks the doors and starts the motors 

from a distance. High-speed chases and 

outrageous stunts follow. The film will be 

released here in 1978 by Mutual Films. 

Rugoff's Ad Stresses Careers 

NEW YORK—New York-based Rugoff 

Theatres placed an unusually-worded ad on 

the New York Times amusements pages, 

emphasizing cinema work as the start of 

careers for "many famous writers, entertainers 

and executives." 



HAWAII TOO. 

When you come to Waikiki 


gi|j|g!jH(H' 

f^î^;;^! Don Ho Show. . . at 

l»?T5^ Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel, 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF . REEF TOWERS . EDCEWATER 

Odeon Circuit Sale 

Is Planned by Rank 

MON I 

Odeon Iheatres (Canada), 

wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank 

Organization of England, is for sale, it was 

announced by Lt. Col. Christopher R. B. 

Salmon, Odeon board chairman. 

Salmon said he believes Rank is selling 

because "it is becoming increasingly difficult 

for wholly owned subsidiaries to operate 

in the communications industry." Salmon 

also stated that the federal government 

wants the communications industry to be 

owned by Canadians and, if Rank sells, it 

likely will be to a Canadian group. 

The country's second-largest circuit of 

motion picture houses, Odeon includes approximately 

169 screens in 130 hardtops 

and drive-ins. The operation "has not been 

all that profitable lately," Salmon remarked. 

In 1976 the 369 cinemas in the province 

of Quebec admitted 17,700,000 spectators, 

according to the bureau of statistics. Films 

classified for 14 years or over attracted the 

most customers—6,107,240—with films for 

the entire filming running a close second 

w:;h 6,102,483. Films for those patrons 18 

years and over lured 5,500,000. 

The bureau of statistics claims that th,- 

theatre operators of Quebec took in approximately 

$49,000,000. It further claims that 

the Montreal region, with its 181 theatres, 

attracted the greater number of patrons, 

11,000,000. 

Fine Arts Theatre Opens 

With New Film Policy 

TORONTO—Renovation work has been 

completed at the Fine Arts Theatre, which 

formerly was known as the Capitol Fine 

Arts, Linda Beath of New Cinema and Bob 

Huber of the Revue leased the theatre with 

the promise to provide "outstanding examples 

of contemporary international cinema." 

One of the first attractions under the new 

policy was a new print of "Swing Time," 

which was the first of a series of '30s musicals 

starring Ginger Rogers and Fred 

Astaire. Scheduled future attractions are: 

"Top Hat," "The Gay Divorcee." "Follow 

the Fleet" and "Shall We Dance?" 

Another opening attraction was "Mother 

Kusters Goes to Heaven," a wry comedy 

made by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, the 

renowned West German writer and director. 

Later entries in the Fassbinder series will 

include: "Chinese Roulette," "Satan's Brew," 

"Whv Herr R. Ran Amok" and "Effie 

Briest." 

Other European directors whose recent 

work will be represented include: Herzog, 

Alain Tanner, Victor Ericc and Eric Roh- 

"Get More Out of Life' Says Ad 

NEW BRITAIN—The Herald, central 

Connecticut afternoon daily, uses the words, 

"Get more out of life ... get out to a 

movie," below the standing "Movie Time 

Table" logo on its amusement pages. 

TORONTO 

ffo less than nine major film projects, both 

theatrical and TV, currently are before 

the cameras in this area. This situation naturally 

is providing much employment in 

many fields related to film production. 

British director Peter Collinson has been 

in this city casting for three Canadian-financed 

feature films which he will make 

here during the next 12 months. The first 

of these will be "Tomorrow Never Comes," 

an antiviolence adventure to be made in 

Montreal starting Monday (22), with Susan 

George and possibly Burt Lancaster in the 

leading roles. "Tomorrow Never Comes" is 

a $2 million Anglo-Canadian co-production 

involving Classic Films of Montreal and 

British producer Michael Klinger. Also for 

this Classic-Klinger partnership, Collinson 

will d'rect "The Chilean Club," a comedy 

about retired British generals, and "The 

Limet," which will star Michael Caine and 

which will be filmed all across Canada. 

"I'm not interested in making anything but 

a commercial film," Collinson told the press 

here. "Every time I make a film, the principal 

thing to me 's that the backers get their 

money back and that audiences enjoy themselves." 

Most communities in Ontario mark the 

first Monday in August as Civic Holiday, 

now more widely known as Simcoe Day. 

In this area, most of the drive-ins booked 

four-feature "bonus" shows Sundav night. 

July 31. 

The Canadian Picture Pioneers will be 

holding their 26th annual golf tournament 

at theÂurora Highlands Golf Club Thursday 

(25). 

Halifax to Host Premiere 

Of 'Country' Anthology 

HALIFAX—The world premiere of 

"That's Country," produced by Henning 

Jacobsen for executive producer Doug Macdonald, 

will be September 15 at the Odeon 

Hyland Theatre in Halifax, N.S. Lome 

Greene will be in attendance, with country 

starlet Diane Jordon. 

The film is an anthology directed by 

Clarke Daprato and containing footage shot 

in Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House as 

early as 1954, mixed with new film of today's 

country stars. Included in the cast are 

Faron Young, Kitty Wells. Jim Reeves, 

Ferlin Husky. Ray Price, Marty Robbins, 

June Carter and the Carter Family, Chet 

Atkins, Grandpa Jones and many others. 

Fred Leavens of That's Country Marketing 

is arranging promotion and booking of 

the film, which opens in 45 situations across 

the Maritime Provinces September 16. 

"The largest advertising expenditure ever 

entailed for a motion picture launch in the 

Maritimes is being undertaken for the 

film," said Leavens. "I think the public is 

ready for two hours of fast-moving, wholesome 

entertainment and this picture has 50 

stars and 75 songs." 

BOXOFFICE :: August 22, 1^77

. . . The 

. . Without 

. . Borsos 

. . 

. . Kim 

. . ITC's 

. . Doug 

. 

Toronto's Fesfival of Festivals Vows OTT AW A 

Ten Days to Show the World' 

TORONTO—The second annual Festival 

oi Festivals, a presentation of the World 

Film Festival of Toronto. Inc., takes place 

in Toronto September 9-18 with a program 

designed to live up to its slogan "Ten Days 

to Show the World." 

Bill Marshall, director, and Henk Van 

dcr Kolk, producer for the Festival of Festivals, 

announced 100 screenings of major 

feature films from at least 17 countries, including 

ten "gala" screenings, ten conferences 

"on all aspects of the film business, 

four sessions on "Remaining Independent" 

and two receptions. Free weekend family 

screenings also are scheduled, as well as an 

international critics conference. Ten films 

a day will be screened at the Toronto Dominion 

Centre Cinema and the Sheraton 

Centre cinemas. 

Programs include: "Filmmaker's Choice." 

a selection by Agnes Varda; "Overlooked 

Int'l Film Festival Wins 

Public, Critics' Acclaim 

VANCOUVER—The 15th annual International 

Film Festival at the Odeon Varsity. 

once again under the guidance of manager 

Don Barnes, came to a successful conclusion 

Saturday. July 30. with the showing 

of Australia's "Between Two Wars." With 

the exception of a couple of minor incidents 

(an irate patron who felt he'd had enough 

of "Allegro Non Troppo" spilled his cup 

of coffee over Barnes' desk and ten pickets 

showed up to protest the showing of "California 

Reich"), the festival was an unqualified 

success, with more sellout performances 

than at any time in the past, in spite 

of the admission hike. 

Most gratifying, also, was the public's 

and the critics' faith in Barnes' ability to 

pick new, untried, made-in-Vancouver feature 

and short product. 

Of the action-packed dramatic thriller 

"Skip Tracer," Les Wedman said, "Unequivocally, 

'Skip Tracer' is the best Canadian 

movie yet made in British Columbia, which 

does not necessarily mean that Zale and 

l.aara Dalen are going to find it easy to 

make money with it. Hopefully, they can, 

because the audience response (at two soldout 

performances) and producer-d-rector 

initiative at the Varsity festival indicates 

the film deserves a wide audience, even 

though it lacks boxoffice names and only 

has excellence going for it at the moment. 

"In his first feature, director Dalen has 

shown a firm, yet flexible, skill. What he 

has succeeded in doing is making a film in 

Vancouver stamping it as a local effort . . . 

And that brings us to Ron Orieux, director 

of photography, who in every way . . . comes 

out of 'Skip Tracer' as the newest talent 

with the sharpest eye for what looks right 

on the big screen. 

"One who looks exceedingly right on the 

screen is actor David Peterson in the title 

role In his first film, Peterson, although 

and Underrated." a selection of films critic 

Martin Knelman thinks need a new showcase; 

20 features from Quebec chosen by 

Jean-Pierre Bastien of the Cinematheque 

Quebecoise: a Max Ophuls retrospective, 

compiled by film scholar Peter Harcourt: 

"Dino De Laurentiis' Peachy Films." selected 

by festival director Bill Marshall; 

"Update." a view of new European films 

by Paris critic David Overbey; film craft 

conferences organized in cooperation with 

the CCFM and piloted by film writer William 

Wolf, and five sessions on film financing 

and production organized by CAMPP 

president David Perlmutter. 

Announcement of specific dates, times 

and titles is forthcoming. Further information 

is available from Sandra Johnson, director 

of publicity 

for the Festival of Festivals, 

Toronto Hilton, 1 Harbor Square. 

Toronto. Ont. M5J 1A6. 

impressive in practically every scene, has a 

camera sense that suggests he can do much 

more than was demanded in 'Skip Tracer' 

same goes for all others in the film 

and here again Zale Dalen has achieved a 

miracle. He has made a movie without using 

a familiar, let alone an overly familiar face. 

With such unknowns around . . . who needs 

to look further? 

"Vet, in this remarkable achievement, 

the Dalens might have run into a snag. To 

return the $145,000 invested in 'Skip 

Tracer.' they have to get a commercial distribution 

in the domestic market (U.S. and 

Canada) a boxoffice name. 

. 

'Skip Tracer' could suffer. 

"It shouldn't, because Canadian Film Development 

Corp. money has never been 

better spent in the West, nor have private 

investors had less reason to be disappointed 

in their choice of good causes. If 'Skip 

Tracer' doesn't make it. Canadian filmmakers 

might just as well give up." 

Wedman also had kind things to say 

about the short "Outtakes." commenting as 

follows: "Barry Healey should take heart. 

He is the novice filmmaker who dreamed 

up and made 'Outtakes.' a short that preceded 

'Skip Tracer.' and got all the laughter 

and affectionate response expected . 

There isn't much profit in making them but 

Healey has made the brightest and best featurette 

since Phil Borsos' documentary on 

barrel-making. 'Cooperage' also 

. 

lately has completed another offbeat short, 

about the old timber-topping highriggers in 

the glamor days of logging when Paul Bunyan 

wasn't just folklore, which should pick 

up a few awards." 

Showcase Multiplex Approved 

PITTSBURGH—A five-theatre complex 

has been approved by the Robinson Township 

planning commission. The multiplex, 

proposed by Showcase Cinema of Boston, 

operators of a four-plex in Wilkins Township, 

involves 60 acres on route 60. 

H pair of special guests showed up at the 

Britannia 6 complex recently. Prime 

Minister Trudeau and his estranged wife 

Margaret arrived to catch a showing of the 

Canadian film "Why Shoot the Teacher?" 

Tlie Odeon St. Laurent had a promotion 

for the opening of Universal's "Smokey and 

the Bandit" in conjimction with CKBY Radio, 

country station. Winners at the special 

showing had a chance to win T-shirts, records 

and a CB radio . 

film about 

the French Foreign Legion. "March or 

Die," featuring Gene Hackman, was slated 

to open at the Elmdale Friday (12) . . 

Since "Star Wars" is rewriting the record 

books at the Somerset, the fate of a couple 

of pictures set to play there remains clouded. 

It is unlikely that "The Last Remake 

of Beau Geste" and "Sinbad and the Eye 

of the Tiger" will play as scheduled unless, 

of course, "Star Wars" moves over to St. 

Laurent and the above-mentioned films 

could then play at the downtown cinema. 

August seems to be the month that many 

of the local theatre managers decide to take 

vacations. Back from Toronto is Brian 

Jones of the Somerset, while Mike O'Neill 

just returned from two weeks of camping 

around Quebec City and Sharbot Lake (approximately 

70 miles from here) . . . 

Bert 

Brown of the Capitol Square returned Sunday 

(7) from three weeks of fishing. On his 

return, that cinema's assistant, Graham 

. 

Tench, departed for Toronto, Stratford and 

Windsor . 

Marleau of the Nelson 

also took two weeks off to visit family members 

Pinder was 

in Toronto 

slated to return from holidays Sunday (21). 

Among pictures set to open in this city 

were "Final Chapter—Walking Tall." "Fire 

Sale." "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo." 

"Orca" and the Peter Fonda starrer, "Outlaw 

Blues." 

While business at the Aladdin Drive-In 

has been good for showings of "Star Wars," 

it has not been spectacular. The airer is getting 

some of the overflow from its west-end 

sister—but on a couple of occasions has had 

trouble filling up. No such problem at the 

Auto-Sky. however. Lineups have started 

at 5:30 p.m. some days and the boxoffice 

has opened that early. While there aren't 

exactly any traffic jams, some impatient patrons 

are entering through the exits to join 

the waiting line, 

getting ahead of those poor 

souls who have been there for two or three 

hours longer. But it isn't all that serious and 

it should get better. The 720-car ozoner is 

doing more business than it has in recent 

memory. Concession sales, naturally, are 

several times higher than normal. 

For the holiday weekend, dusk-to-dawn 

programs were offered at the Aladdin, Airport 

and twin Britannias. "Asylum" and 

"House of Terror" were the extras for the 

Britannia, while Auto- Sky had "The Duchess 

and the Dirtwater Fox" and "Mr. Billion." 

K-4 

BOXOmCE :: August 977

Cm/ckuo&jfo • 8auu)M6*it • CoMmlatu • mutdettoMecTHE 

MODERN 

AUGUST 

22, 1977 

THEATRE 

featuring 

FOOD 

and 

REFRESHMENTS 

The concession area at Malco's Ridgeway / . 

;'hi\. Tenn., is designed in 

an island fashion. Equipped with four slaiions me attendant is able to take jour 

steps and easily serve any item in the concession

i correspondence 

AUGUST 22, 1977 

[©PIRM 

I 

o n i e n t 

^ 

|n this issue \ou'il find an interesting 

approach to profit-building in 

drive-in 

theatres. Pat Lipnicky. a Boxoffice editor, 

explains the "Swap and Shop" weekend flea 

market at the Heart Drive-In in Kansas 

City. This particular flea market has been in 

operation for the last 23 years and is reported 

to be the second oldest such operation 

in the country, so the information regarding 

the management and operation of 

the extraneous business is based on plenty 

of 

experience. 

• 

You'll also find a beautiful and unique 

Commonwealth theatre gracing our pages 

this month. The Coronado 4 Theatres, the 

first four-screen theatre in New Mexico, 

represents one of the more ambitious projects 

completed by Commonwealth to date. 

A beautiful exterior stands against the 

mountains in the background and inside, a 

huge, full-color ceramic-tile mosaic depicts 

the Coronado expedition. 

• 

Wesley Trout provides a basic understanding 

of theatre sound equipment and 

what procedures to use to keep that equipment 

in top-notch condition. 

* 

The 119th Technical Conference and 

Equipment Exhibit of the Society of Motion 

Picture and Television Engineers is shaping 

up nicely and. according to early indications, 

the meeting will be the largest the 

Society has ever had. You'll 

find an outline 

of the events .scheduled for the conference 

and information on fees and registration. 

* 

Also, the National Association of Concessionaires 

Convention. "Planning Real 

Opportunities for '78" is outlined and ihe 

convention promises to offer attendees 

unique and educational programing. 

• 

Ihc IV77 popcorn crop report is in and 

there may be a possibility that optimism 

resulting from early favorable growing conditions 

will be offset, due to reduced acreage 

and the threat of drought. Still, the 

USDA Crop Reporting Service forecasts an 

estimated 6..^ billion bushel crop, or slightly 

over 200 million bushels more than last 

year. 

Commonwealth Opens Coronado 4 Theatres in New Mexico 

Of special interest is a huge, ftill-cninr ceramic-tile mosaic 

depicting the Coronado expedition. 

Drive-In Weekend Flea Markets 6 

An extraneous and profitable 

venture explained by Pat Lipnicky. 

Servicing and Understanding Theatre Sound Equipment 8 

Wesley Trout explains how they work and how to keep them 

working. 

The 119th Technical Conference and Equipment Exhibit 

of the SMPTE 14 

According to early indications, the meeting will be the largest 

the SMPTE has ever had. 

NAC Convention 'PRO 78' 16 

Featuring unique and educational programing. 

The 1977 Popcorn Crop Estimate 

Drought conditions and reduced acreage may offset earlier 

favorable growing conditions. 

Record Second-Quarter Sales at Coca-Cola 

Dr Pepper Co. Posts Record Earnings 

^ 

DEPARTMENTS: 

Projection and Sound 8 New Products & Developments 22 

Refreshment Service 16 About People and Product .... 28 

This month's "New Equipment and Developments" 

section contains interesting 

and profitable items for the concession, and 

;..her remarkable new items. For example, 

Ca.'-bons introduces three new professional 

3 5m 10 portable movie projectors. 

GARY DURCH, Monaging Editor 

Q bound-in section published each month in BOXOFFICE. 

should be addressed to Associated PubliCQ- 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. Kansos Citv, Mo. 64124. Wesley Trout, Technical Edito.r; 

Eastern Representative: James Young, 1270 Sixth Ave., Rockefeller Center, New York, 

N. Y. 10020: Western Representative: Ralph Kominsky, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 

Colif 90028

341 West B7th Street, Los Angeles, California 90043 • (21 3) 750-1 1 51 • TWX 91 0-321 -3867 

BOXOFFICE .. August 22, 1977

Tufcold 

Reflectors 

I he hold, linear exterior of the Coronado 4 Theatres 

stands out as majestically ay the mountains in 

the distance. 

Commonwealth Circuit Opens New 

Coronado 4 Theatres in New Mexico 

Commonwealth Theatres, home-based in 

Kansas City, recently opened the new Coronado 

4 theatres in Albuquerque. 

The Coronado 4 theatres represents one 

of the more ambitious projects completed by 

Commonwealth to date. 

The building is free standing and located 

adjacent to the Coronado Shopping Center. 

The 20,000-sq. ft. building also houses the 

Western division offices of Commonwealth 

which had previously been located in the 

downtown area. 

The bold, linear exterior of the building 

stands out as majestically as the mountains 

in the near distance. Dcsiiin was bv Mel 

Glatz & Associates of Denver and Flatlow, 

Moore & Bryan of Albuquerque. The main 

sign and marquee were designed and installed 

by Proctor Distributing of Denver. 

All auditoriums have Technikote screens 

and are served from a central projection 

room using Drive-In Mfg.'s automated platter 

system and Century projectors with 

sound by Altec. 

Each auditorium features a different color 

scheme and the entire complex is carpeted 

in the gold and brown Commonwealth crest, 

custom designed by Alexander-Smith. The 

combined capacity of the four auditoriums 

IS l.^SO with scats furnished by American 

^L 

Aperture and lens heat reduced. First 

surface Dichroic Reflectors witfi two 

year coating guarantee, project more 

iigfit because it is reflected from ttie 

front surface, without passing through 

the glass. 

Strong also produces silvered reflectors 

for all makes of lamps and is 

able to supply reflectors for many 

discontinued lamp models. 

• 

STRONG ELECTRIC 

Phone (419) 248-3741 

11 City Park Avenue • Toledo, Ohio 43697 

A SUBSIDIARY OF CANRAD-HANOVIA

Seating ol Grand Rapids, Mich. Drapes and 

elaborate wall coverings were executed and 

installed by Allied Crafts of Kansas City. 

Of special interest is a huge, full-color 

ceramic-lilc mosaic in the lobby depicting 

the Coronado expedition, created by American 

Olean Tile Co. Several live plants add 

informality and warmth to the room while 

year-round climate control provides the 

right temperature in an\ season. 

The relreshmenl scr\icc is locited m the 

central lobby and tealures a C'relors popcorn 

machine, two Server Products popcorn 

warmers and beverage equipment from International 

Carbonic Refrigeration. 

The counter is approximately 40 feet long 

and covered in brilliantly colored Formica 

and tough, washable wallpaper complimented 

by glazed ceramic tiles. Decorative lights, 

by Electrical Products of Albuquerque, il- 

luminate the concessions and lobby area and 

are recessed into ceiling reflectors. 

The Coronado is New Mexico's first fourtheatre 

complex. Commonwealth previously 

had introduced the twin-theatre and triplex 

concept to the state. 

With the addition of the Coronado 4 

theatres. Commonwealth now operates 19 

screens in the Greater Albuquerque area. 

Joe Abousleman, transferred from the company's 

M-Plaza theatre, has been appointed 

manager of the Coronado 4, which will oper 

ate on a first-run-picture policy. 

Commonwealth's Western Division office, 

which is housed in the fourplex. is manned 

by Phil Blakey. senior division manager, 

and Webber Meredith, division manager. 

SEATING? 

We have it! 

CARPETING? 

All 

colors! 

Thi\ xiHicioii.s concession area, located adjacent to the mosaic in the lobby, je 

a Cretors popcorn machine. two-Server Products popcorn warmers and he 

equipment from International Carbonic Refrigeration. 

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Uses less electricity than a 100 watt light bulb. Place them anywhere, 

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Customers—and friendsall 

over the World. 

August 22, 1977

— 

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Potented Speaker Shutoff (when returned to post) 

availoble at slight extra cost 

patent No. 3,836,716 

HeoYier front and grill. Heavier bock. Unbreakable 

hanger. New method of anchoring cable 

cannot be pulled out of case. 

Reed Junction Heads have theft-resistant screws 

to prevent unauthorized removal of covers. Fits 

2-inch standard pipe post. Transformers to match 

your sound system requirements. Reed Junction 

Head metol covers may be used to replace some 

plastic covers, reducing breakage and vandal 

damage common with plastic covers. 

The Hummer 

Audio Signal Generator designed for 

testing drive-in theatre speakers. "The 

Hummer" is plugged into booth amplifier 

place of the usual tape player. 

in 

Unusual unci iinU/iic items an offered at the Heart's "Swap and Shop" weekend flea 

market. Customers barter ovt r a doll collection in this photo. 

The Drive-ln Weekend Flea Market— 

An Extraneous and Profitable Venture 

By PAT LIPNICKY 

While some drive-in proprietors have 

tried to increase their profits through sponsoring 

contests, arranging special cut-rate 

prices and offering other promotional activities, 

other proprietors have turned to a 

totally extraneous venture—the weekend flea 

market. 

Although the idea is certainly not new, 

:heir growing numbers are. One of the first 

theatres in the country to conduct a flea 

market was the Heart Drive-In in Kansas 

City, Mo., which is owned by Richard Wiles. 

This flea market, which the Heart advertises 

ard refers to as a "swap and shop," has been 

in operation every Simday from 9 a.m. to 

4 p.m. for the last 23 years. 

Mike Maturo, manager of the drive-in, 

said that Wiles saw a flea market operation 

at a drive-in in California many years ago. 

After considering its feasibility, he decided 

to try it at his drive-in in Kansas City, where 

it not only succeeded but became a permanent 

attraction. 

In order to get the operation initially 

established, Maturo said that heavy radio 

and newspa[>er advertising was used. However, 

the business became so established that 

relatively light commercial advertising and 

predominately word-of-mouth promotions 

became sufficient. 

The drive-in also listed a separate telephone 

number for the swap-and-shop operat 

on that provides a pre-recorded message 

specifying the location, hours, prices and 

Proper volume at speaker post is o smooth 

clean humming signal which should be the same 

at all posts. Defective speakers will rattle, distort 

or have low volume. Shorts in field wiring 

quickly located with "The Hummer." Constant 

sound level makes it easier to determine 

defects. Not recommended for sound systems 

having transistor output stage, unless system rs 

equipped with short circuit or over-load protection. 

"The Hutnmer" saves you 

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I he theatre operates a lari;e. injlatable trampoline, called "Moon Walk," located 

behind the concession stand. Ibis entertains children while parents do business. 


another number to call for addiiional inlormation. 

The recording is also part ot the 

operation's advertising plan as it 

begins with 

the following greeting. "Welcome to the 

home of Kansas City's original and still 

largest swap-and-shop ..." 

Although it may not be typical, Mature 

said that approximately 50 per cent of the 

Heart's patrons are regulars. "Three people 

that I know of haven't missed a day since it 

opened," he said. Although several other 

drive-ins in 

the Kansas City area have started 

flea markets including the 63rd Street, 

Boulevard and Riverside, Maturo said that 

he hasn't noticed a decline in his business. 

To the contrary, the Heart recently started 

operating the swap-and-shops on Saturdays. 

To promote the Saturday openings, he 

offered free admission to the buyers through 

to be closed momentarily by 1 1 a.m. because 

•-:^»r.>^ 

radio and newspaper advertising. 

Regular admission is 35 cents for all 

sho f) full the grounds looking for bargains. 

shoppers. Admission for sellers is as follows: 

cars, two dollars; station wagons and vans, 

Additional features provided by the drivein 

The only problem encountered, 

*""' 

Maturo 

for the shopper's convenience and entertainment 

said, is that some sellers do not haul away 

four dollars; pick-up trucks, five dollars; 

dual wheel 

trucks, 

trucks, ten dollars, and semitrailer 

are the concession stand facilities, all of their unsold merchandise when the 

which are open all day, and continuous swap-and-shop closes, which means the theatre 

fifteen dollars. 

music from a local rock radio station that is personnel are left with the job of hastily 

Summer Months Are Busy 

piped in through all the drive-in speakers. cleaning the lot before the drive-in opens 

Although the summer months are the The theatre also operates a large, 

for the evening. 

most busy and profitable, the Heart stays 

inflatable 

trampoline called "Moon Walk" to entertain 

A Profitable Venture 

open all year, including the sub-freezing children and sometimes shoppers, which is 

periods of the Midwest winters. Maturo located 

said. 

behind the concession stand. 

Although Maturo would not divulge any 

profit figures, he did say that both the overhead 

and maintenance costs are relatively 

"We closed down one weekend last winter 

because of a big snow 

Out-of-state Visitors 

storm and people 

low, and from both concession 

complained because of it. People come all Numerous out-of-state license plates from 

the profits the 

winter long with their shovels and just clear as far away as California, Texas and New 

a place out for their merchandise." 

Mexico can be spotted at the lot every Sunday 

worth" the time and effort of the operation. 

stands and admission fees are "well 

Business is so heavy during the summer 

months that the admission gates often have morning. Maturo said a significant por- 

tion of the sellers are retirees who visit swapand-shops 

throughout the country. The publication 

the lot fills to capacity, Maturo said. The 

"Swap Meet USA" lists most of the 

gates are re-opened as the buyers gradually flea markets in the country and helps draw 

leave. 

a lot of the out-of-state visitors. 

All types of merchandise self-perforating 

are offered for Maturo said it requires about a dozen 

people to run the entire operation, which frame-line tape 

sale. A large proportion of the sellers purchase 

a variety of miscellaneous merchandise 

consists of eight people at the concession 

stand and four at the boxoffice who also 

patrol the lot. 

AND TAPE 

at estate sales and then resell them at 

the swap-and-shops, according to Maturo. 

Concession stand employees are kepi busy all day lont; 

Free Brochure? f- 

6820 Romalne St., Hollywood 

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Calif. 90038. (213)466-3591 

EQUIPMEIMT CORPORATIOtVI 

BOXOFFICE :: August

Project ion and Sound 

7 hs On Servicing and Understanding 

Theatre Sound Amplifier Equipment 

By WESLEY TROUT 

H lyh qii;ilil\ sound and projec- 

.or\ important in the operation of 

a motion picture theatre. 

Moreover, periodic, 

regular servicing 

o! the sound equipment 

is strongly recommended. 

Keep in 

mind that no electromechanical 

equipment 

is completely immune 

to gradual deterioration 

of performance 

,,, , , 

Weslev Trout ,_ , 

ot how 

, 

high 

, •. 

a quality 

^ 

vi'ith time, regardless 

it may be. Regular monthly checkups are 

the best possible insurance against loss of 

show time, second to having high quality 

equipment. 

Many repairs and checking of the sound 

system can be made by a competent projectionist 

who has some audio experience 

and test equipment. In some cases the services 

of a qualified sound engineer may be 

needed to clear up major trouble in the 

sound system. 

nections and components, testing tubes (or 

transistors), carefully checking all adjustments 

and such periodic operation tests as 

frequency response, gain measurements. 

power output measurements, system noise 

level checks, and auditorium listening tests 

using a standard test reel or films of known 

good quality 

recording. 

E.xcessive distortion in the reproduced 

sound may be due to weak vacuum tubes 

or defective transistors, failure of some 

amplifier component (resistor or capacitor), 

a damaged loudspeaker unit, bad electrical 

connections, an improperly adjusted soundhead, 

a sound lens not correctly adjusted 

and many other causes. This list will generally 

cover most amplifier or speaker 

trouble. A dirty sound lens, weak tubes or 

low voltages can cause low volume and poor 

quality sound output. 

Set the Exciter Lamp 

Low signal-to-noise ratio may be due to 

an improperly set e.vciter lamp or a dirty 

or blackened bulb. Noise originating in the 

electrical circuits of the power unit, reproducers, 

or amplifier input stages may be 

checked by listening successively to the 

reproducers output at full amplifier and 

monitor gain with projectors at rest. This 

test is also useful in surfacing such things 

as bad connections, tubes with internal defects, 

noisy resistors or capacitors, etc. 

Know What to Service 

It is important to know what servicing Noise will be evident when 

is 

the faulty part 

necessary to keep sound is 

equipment tapped 

in firstclass 

condition in order to eliminate sudden such as a bakelite rod. 

or pushed with an insulating prod 

breakdowns. Servicing should include, as a If the system is quite at full gain with 

minimum, inspection of- all electrical con- 

the projector not running, check for excessive 

projector noise by reducing the amplifier 

gain to the normal operating point and 

operating the soundheads without film. The 

projector noise should be inaudible, or bare- 

If your screen tower is down 

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Richfield. Ohio 44285 

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

ly audible at the loudspeakers, and if it is 

not. the cause should be carefully investigated 

and corrected. 

If all these tests show the system to be 

quiet, and if observation indicates that the 

soundhead impedance roller (film guide 

roller) is properly adjusted to align the 

sound track with the light beam from lens 

tube, it is then reasonably safe to conclude 

that the poor signal-to-noise ratio is due to 

the film itself. 

Check the Tubes 

Abnormally high amplifier volume control 

settings (usually accompanied by low 

signal-to-noise ratio), in prints known to 

be of average volume level are frequently 

indications of an improperly adjusted exciter 

lamp current, deteriorated or defective 

exciter lamps, light losses in the soundhead 

optical system (resulting from dirt or oil 

on glass surfaces) or poor adjustments. 

Low amplifier gain, particularly in the 

input stages, may be due to weak tubes in a 

vacuum tube amplifier or defective transistors 

in a solid state amplifier. In order to 

service any make of sound equipment, you 

should know how each unit works and follow 

manufacturer's instructions for maximum 

performance. 

Amplifiers and soundheads are often 

sadly neglected by the projectionist. Keep 

your equipment clean and don't let dirt and 

dust accumulate inside of the case. Small 

amounts of carbon or dust in a switch contact, 

rheostat or on the prongs of a vacuum 

tube socket can create extremely disturbing 

noises in 

the loudspeakers of any theatre. 

Keep Equipment Clean 

The remedy is to keep all switch contacts, 

rheostats, volume controls and tube sockets 

scrupulously clean. Carbon tetrachloride is 

commonly used for this purpose and does 

a good job of removing dirt and oil. Always 

use clean rags when cleaning the amplifier 

and soundheads. Equipment should be 

cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. 

It will take only few minutes of your 

a 

time to keep your sound equipment clean 

and properly adjusted. 

Overheating 

We have discussed three of the chief 

categories of power amplifier trouble, bad 

tubes, defective transistors and dirt and oil. 

We can now turn to the fourth major cause 

of trouble: overheating. 

Improper ventilation inside the amplifier 

case will cause heating of parts and excessive 

line voltage. Overheating destroys the 

vulcanizing of rubber insulation and bakes 

the grease out of cotton insulation. These 

conditions may lead to the development of 

a short circuit. Also, overheating is likely 

to boil the insulating compound out of 

transformer or capacitor casings, leading 

to the ultimate breakdown of these parts. 

Prolonged heating will, in time, change the 

crystallization of copper wire and may 

cause the wire to break easily and cause 

short in the circuits. 

Therefore, the projection room should be 

Continued on page 10 

The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

" 

Joe Kelly bought 

five BAUERs-and then 

fourteen more.Why? 

Mr. Kelly has been in the 

equipment business for twenty-five years. 

His comments on BAUER: 

\\/e bought the first five 

T BAUER projectors because 

the booth we were equipping 

had a low ceiling!' says Mr. Kelly. 

"The BAUER U3 accepted 6,500 foot 

reels, and it was an inch over five 

feet high, with vertical reels!' 

Surprised 

"I'm a bug on image quality — 

and when I installed those five 

machines, I was surprised and impressed. 

Here's what happened: 

using the SMPTE target film as a 

guide. Standing inches from the 

screen that day, I could see a 

steady, highly-defined image! No 

weaving or breathing!' 

Showmanship 

"If a show is sequenced properly, 

the audience thinks more 

highly of that theater. Smooth intermission 

and show-start cycles — 

slow music fadeouts, the house 

lights fully dimmed before the picture 

hits the .screen!' 

Finesse 

"That takes finesse!' says Mr. 

Kelly. "There's no such thing as 

complete automation. But with the 

BAUER, we can streamline all the 

repetitive functions — which makes 

the theater look good!' 

Reliable 

"Those five original machines 

have been going fourteen hours a 

day for a year now — and we've had 

no complaints!' 

Inches Away 

"To cut the aperture masks 

precisely, I always tape the format 

dimensions right on the screen, 

Uncanny 

"The Bauer's degree of image 

registration and focus stability was 

uncanny]' says Mr. Kelly. "So we 

bought fourteen more of them, for 

other installations. High ceilings in 

those — so I wasn't buying the projector 

for its compactness any more!' 

Pre-packaged 

"The BAUER comes pre-packaged 

as a unit, which is a big help. 

We don't have to do as much surgery! 

And I find these machines 

easy to adapt to our own automation 

systems — which definitely enhances 

showmanship'.' 

Mr. Kelly is with United Artists 

Theaters in Great Neck, New York. 

The phone number: (212) 895-7100. 

® 

BAUER 

THEATER PROJECTOR SYSTEMS 

SINCE t9T7 

Division ot Arriflex Company of America. 

P.O. Box 1102C, Woodside. N.Y. 11377; 

(212) 932-3403. Or 1011 Chestnut Street, 

Burbank, California 91S06; (213) 845-7687.

. 

. 

your 

Projection and Sound- 

Continued from patê 8 

V.cp. {.iirly cool in order to avoid overheating 

and the amplifier case interior should 

have pknty of ventilation to the vents in 

the case. Mount the case far enough away 

from the wall to allow air to circulate. 

Theatre audio amplifiers in use today are 

known under various classifications determined 

by their function relative to the intensity 

of the signals passed through them. 

Of course, the form of coupling is important 

regarding the placement of an 

amplifier in a complete system, and many 

amplifiers consist of several amplifying 

units employing different forms of audio 

frequency coupled for high quality sound 

reproduction. 

Coupling Affects System 

The form of coupling, (the method of 

transferring energy in one amplifying tube 

or transistor to succeeding tubes, or transistors) 

does, in many cases, influence the 

position of the amplifier with respect to the 

entire system because of the special tubes 

or transistors used in conjunction with that 

form of coupling. Because of the influence 

of the coupling medium, amplifier circuits 

are referred to according to the name denoting 

the form of interstage coupling. No 

matter what form of coupling, it is not imperative 

that a complete amplifier make 

use of one particular arrangement. It is 

the 

source 

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possible to employ several forms of coupling 

in a single multi-tube system. Or, if 

desired by the designer of the amplifier, 

one form of coupling may prevail through 

the entire system. Some amplifiers use a 

combination of vacuum tubes and transistors 

and obtain excellent reproduction. 

Resistance Coupling 

There are several methods of coupling 

in audio amplifier designs. The simplest, 

yet effective method of audio frequency 

coupling or amplification is known as 

resistance coupling. This method of coupling 

produces good sound output and gain. On 

the output stage of an amplifier using tubes, 

be sure to match the tubes and thereby 

avoid poor sound reproduction. 

An uncommon but occasional cause of 

hum in sound output is a temporary defect 

in the power transformer or the choke coil. 

Now, the cores of these parts are not solid 

pieces of iron, but composed of a great 

many thin iron plates, called laminations. 

These laminations are rigidly held together 

by nuts and bolts or rivets, and if a bolt or 

rivet should loosen, they will vibrate in 

resonance with the frequency of the circuit. 

Such vibration increases the ripple in the 

rectifier output to a point where filters 

cannot remove it. Tightening the holding 

bolts or rivets will remove the hum. 

Be Careful 

Hasty repairs, in which wires are misplaced, 

can also result in amplifier hum. 

The wires of a sensitive sound circuit should 

never be placed in close relation to an AC 

line or to wires carrying the unfiltered output 

of a rectifier. Of course, amplifier wiring 

is always planned to prevent inductive 

hum. Make sure the system is properly 

grounded as recommended by manufacturer. 

In order to service sound equipment, the 

reader must study the drawings and schematics 

of his own equipment in light of 

the basic amplifier principles applied. 

Keep in mind that theatre amplifiers 


need a little special consideration because ol 

the intricacy of their circuits. Tubes are 

more prone to cause trouble and should 

be checked frequently for quality while 

iiansistors give longer and better service 

in modern types of theatre sound systems. 

Soundhead Functions 

Here is some interesting information on 

the soundhead and its function in a modern 

theatres sound system. Soundheads 

are mounted just below the projector mechanism 

because the sound for a scene is 

located 20 film frames (approximately 

14' J in.) in advance of that scene. 

So 

people are destructive? 

We 

give you 

protection! 

What's with these clown who 

HO to theatres these days? 

Don't they have any respect for a 

person's property? No! So, 

we're realistic. We send you 

extra fabric, free, with every 

chair order. Up to an extra 3% 

of seat covers and an extra 

P Irwin Seating 

Company 

H P.O. \n>\ 24>:) 

i^B Grand Rapids, 

m Michigan WMi 

l"o of back covers. Plus, we also 

pretest 

all the material, and post-test all 

the workmanship in every chair we 

make. So, even though you've 

Hot to seat those rowdies, we 

Hive you extra protection. For 

our full "protection" story, 

write. 

The sound for u scene is iisiially separated 

by about 20 film frames in advance 

of the scene. 

The soundheads" major function is to 

translate the soundtracks photographic 

record of the original sound into a varying 

electrical current. By means of the sound 

systems amplifier, this millivolt current is 

amplified to much stronger currents which 

are then converted into faithful copies of 

the original sound by the theatre sound system 

loudspeakers. 

Now, this sound producing function is 

accomplished by passing the soundtrack 

through a very thin beam of light produced 

by a small exciter lamp shining through a 

narrow slit and exactly focused on the 

soundtrack via the sound lens. The lens 

must be perfectly focused in order to obtain 

all the necessary frequencies for crisp, clear 

reproduction. 

Continued on next pai.

West 

NAC Accepts Thirty-two 

New Member Companies 

"îi:! :vo diverse companies were rej 

:,it:v accepted as new members of tlie 

Nflti.mal Association of Concessionaires 

iNAC), according to Mary McCreary. NAC 

membership chairman and head of concess 

ons and convention sales of the Lexington 

Center Corporation. Lexington, Ky. 

"We are presently undertaking a v gorous 

membership campaign which will stimulate 

additional interest in NAC and the many 

services the Association has to offer the 

concession industry," commented Mc- 

Creary. The latest additions to the NAC 

membership rolls are: 

Beasley Amusement Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont Can,: 

, 

George Bell Arena, Toronto, Ont., Can.; Canteen 

Co. of Omaha, Omaha, Neb.; Chain oi Rocks Fun 

fair Park, St. Louis, Mo.; The City of Edmonton, 

Edmonton, Alb., Can.; Robert E. Clark, Riverside, 

Calif.; Corp. of the Dist. of Powell River, Powell 

River, B.C., Can.; Edmonton Exhibition Assoc Ltd., 

Edmonton, Alb., Can.; Fantasy Farm Park, Middle- 

town, Ohio; Granite ^tafe Concessions, Inc., Franconia, 

N.H.; H & Q Enterprises, Inc Palm 

Beach, Fla.; Holiday Twin Rinks, Bulfalo. N.Y-; Ice 

Ariz.; Rink Concessions, Flcgstaff, Latayetle Park 

Dept., Lafayette, Ind.; George W. Long, Inc. (Sea 

Breeze Park), Rochester, N.Y,; Paciiic Nafl Exhibition, 

Vancouver, B.C., Can; Royal Vending, Los 

Angeles. Calif.; Santa's Village Ltd Bracebridge, 

Can.; Sea-Arama Marineworld, Galveslon, Tex.; 

Ont., 

Shor Side Fun Pork, East Norwalk, Conn.; Silver 

Inc., Springs, -Silver Springs, Fla.; Skate Center USA, 

St. Cloud Municipal Sports Cen 

St. Cloud, Minn.; Student Ice Arena, (Michigai 

Tech University), Houghton, Mich.; Superior Concessions, 

Lakewood, Ohio; Valley Fair, Shakopee, 

Minn.; Western Amusement Co., Inc., Idaho Falls, 

Idaho; Fox Cinema, Victoria, B.C., Can.; Double-D 

Foods, Inc., Industry, Calif.; Solo Cup Co., Highland 

Pork, III.; Carbonated Systems, A ComDonv 

of Tannelics, Inc., Fairlorest, S.C; L. Karp & Sons. 

Inc., Elk Grove Village, 111. 


Continued from page 11 

The original steady beam of light is 

varied in intensity by alternating light and 

dark areas comprising the soundtrack, and 

the resulting fluctuating beam of light is 

then passed on by means of the sound lens 

to a photoelectric cell. 

In most modern types of soundheads, 

this process may be observed by removing 

the cover from the photoelectric cell and 

watching the spot of light on its plate while 

film is passing through the soundhead. 

Further understanding of the process may 

be gained by watching the soundtrack as 

it passes the light beam while listening to 

the sound from the monitor loudspeaker. 

In this manner, it possible to observe 

is 

that the loudness of the reproduced sound 

depends upon the degree of contrast between 

the light and dark soundtrack areas. 

The pitch, or frequency of the sound depends 

upon the rate at which the track 

alternately hinders or permits light from 

the exciter lamp to pass on to the photocell. 

Light to Sound Conversion 

In effect, the moving soundtrack acts 

as a shutter which causes the beam of 

light to vary in a manner corresponding 

to the original sound waves. It is still 

SOUNDFOLD 

MIX & MATCH 

in our continual search for fresh ideas, we at Soundfold 

have uncovered a new way to display our established 

idea. The Soundfold idea of stretched fabric between 

brackets at the top and bottom of any wall is well-known. 

The new way takes the best features of plush and economy 

fabrics and combines them into what we call Mix 

and Match. Mix and Match takes plush fabrics mixed with 

economy fabric to give a rich wall surface that is 30% 

less than an entire theatre in plush fabric. Not only are 

the fabrics mixable; so are the brackets. Using a combination 

of economy and standard brackets Mix & Match 

saves fabric, saves time, and best of all, saves you money. 

If you want to know more about mixing our new ideas to 

match your budget call us collect. 1-513-228-3773 or 1- 

513-293-2671. Or drop the coupon in the mail. 

Tell me more about Mix & Match. 

Name. 

Company- 

Address— 

City .State. Zip_ 

Soundfold Inc., P.O. Box 2125, Dayton, Ohio 45429. 

necessary, however, to convert these light 

variations into electrical current variations 

and then, in turn, into sound waves through 

the loudspeaker. 

The first of these conversions is accomplished 

in the photoelectric cell of the 

soundhead. Photoelectric cells, as used in 

soundheads are electronic devices which 

change their internal resistance when exposed 

to light. The photocell may be thought 

of as a light-operated electric valve. If a 

lot of light falls on the cell, a lot of current 

flows through it. If little or no light falls on 

the cell, the current decreases. These current 

variations faithfully follow the variations 

in the amount of light reaching the 

cell. 

Rotary 

Stabilization 

Most modern soundheads are equipped 

with a rotating drum. The drum has no 

gears and is driven by the film itself. Its 

motion is stabilized by a flywheel coupled to 

the drum shaft through a film of oil. The 

drum consequently possesses remarkable 

rotation steadiness which controls the film 

motion at its most vital point, eliminating 

irregularities that would otherwise be heard 

as "flutter" or "wow." This arrangement 

is known as a rotary stabilizer. For perfect 

sound reproduction the soundtrack on the 

film must run smoothly and at correct 

speed past the light beam. 

In order to obtain sufficient volume, the 

exciter lamp focus must be set correctly. If 

the bulb becomes blackened or a filament 

sags it 

should immediately be replaced with 

a new one. Low volume is also caused by 

oil or dirt on the lens surfaces. Sound 

Continued on page 14 


OillAN 

IHEDf lONE 

ON lENON BULBS 

If you're in the dark when it comes to getting 

the most out of your theater xenon bulb, 

remember all bulbs are not created equal. 

To get long life and top performance, you have 

to start with a top-quality bulb. 

That's why Osram Theater Xenon Bulbs are 

handmade to exact tolerances. We only use 

the finest quality hand-blown quartz glass and 

purest refined tungsten. Our patented 

electrodes are designed so that the anode will 

dissipate heat generated by the arc and 

extend bulb life. Conversely, our cathode is 

designed with a patented heat retaining ring 

for reliable arc stability. 

Every ozone-free Osram bulb has a Ni-Chrome 

ignition wire for dependable starts. Various 

grades of quartz and glass used for seals 

insure a continuous bond of quartz to tungsten 

during operation. And finally all Osram bulbs 

are subjected to tough quality-control tests. 

However, even the best bulbs need proper 

care and maintenance to maximize life. At 

Osram, after the bulb passes the quality tests, 

it's handled with special care. We double pack 

it in cardboard and insulation for protection 

during shipping. Plus we recommend 

installation and maintenance techniques (like 

rotating the bulb 180° at warranty half-life) 

for prolonging the life of the bulb. 

Take a tip from us. If you want the most from 

your theater xenon bulb, let your light source 

be Osram. Osram makes over 20 different 

bulbs for almost every type of lamphouse. 

For the name of the dealer nearest you, 

call toll free: (800) 431-9980. 

MacbaUt 

Solas CorparaUon 

R.D.#3,Jeai 

Tel. (914) 564-6300. Out 

Toll Free: (800) 431-9980#i; ' i>jiMflK^ 


- -/^ 

I 

SMPTE Conference and Exhibit to Be 

'^%cduct^ Largest Ever in the Society s History 

THE 

SOURCE 

FOR 

3 Dimensional 

Plastic 

Letters 

6"to31" 

The first word in 

DURABILITY 

DELIVERY 

DESIGN 

Rapid Change 

Letter Co. 

Affiliated with Sign Products 

THE 

SOURCE 

FOR 

Acrylic 

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4 "to 17" 

Self-spacing panels that are 

EFFECTIVE 

ECONOMICAL 

EASY TO USE 

The 119th Technical Conference and 

Equipment Exhibit of the Society of Motion 

Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) is 

sel for the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles 

October 16-21. 1977. According to 

early indications, the meeting will be the largest 

the SMPTE has ever had. The equipment 

exhibit is already a record breaker with 

more booths than ever having been taken 

by the major manufacturers and suppliers 

of professional motion-picture and television 

equipment. 

The conference will feature, in addition 

lo the equipment exhibit, a full five-day 

technical program of sessions dealing with 

subjects of concern to the motion picture 

and television industries. The conference 

will also have a schedule of social events, 

a full week of activities for spouses and a 

coffee club. More than 5,000 film and television 

engineers, executives and production 

people are expected to attend. 

Conference Schedule 

The subjects to be covered by SMPTE 

technical 

sessions and their schedule of presentation 

during conference week are: 

Monday: Film-TV Interfaces; New Products 

in Television; New Equipment and 

Processes in Film. 

Tuesday: Laboratory Practices; Television 

the Corporate Uses of Motion Picture 

and Television Production. 

Friday: New Television Technology; General 

Television Subjects. 

As a special added attraction, there will 

be a "Hands-On" motion picture equipment 

demonstration with well-known filmmakers 

showing how movies are made. Film clips 

of famous movies will be screened after 

which demonstrations will be given on how 

the scenes were filmed. The session, tentatively 

scheduled for Simday morning October 

16 at the Fox Studios behind the hotel, 

is sponsored by the Professional Motion Picliue 

Equipment Association (PMPEA). 

The SMPTE Equipment Exhibit will feature 

a wide variety of professional television 

and motion picture equipment. Almost every 

imaginable type of film and video equipment 

will be on display. Film and video cameras, 

editing equipment for film and tape, laboratory 

equipment, lighting, sound, and projection 

equipment, lenses, VTRs and TBCs, 

microwave equipment for ENG, telecine 

Samples on request. For complete projectors and tripods are only a few of the 

many types of film and video equipment 

information, please call immediately. 

that will be shown. 

With more than 200 booths and over 1 10 

exhibitors, this will be the largest equipment 

213-747-6546 show where a substantial amount of both 

lilm 

15 19 West 12th Place Los Angeles, CA 90015 

and television equipment will be shown 

All who register for the conference will be 

admitted to the exhibit free. Passes for nonregistrants 

will be available gratis from 

SMPTE before the conference and at the 

door during conference week for $2.50 

In addition to the exhibit and technical 

sessions, there will be a full week of social 

events throughout conference week. Beginning 

Sunday, Oct. 16, there will be an evening 

social sponsored by Eastman Kodak Co. 

On Monday, the conference will feature a 

"Get-Together Luncheon" with guest speakers 

George Stevens jr., director of the American 

Film Institute, and film director William 

Friedkin. 

Awards to Be Presented 

Monday and weekly registrants will receive 

free lunch tickets, courtesy of Agfa- 

Gevaert. The luncheon will be highlighted 

by the presentation of SMPTE awards which 

recognize outstanding achievements in motion 

pictures and television and service to 

the SMPTE. Other social activities scheduled 

are a Tuesday evening open house at 

the plant of Cinema Products Corp. and the 

Wednesday evening SMPTE banquet. A 

complete program of activities for spouses 

is also scheduled. 

For persons wishing to register for the 

technical sessions, the rates are as follows: 

for SMPTE members, weekly; Post Production. 

$85, $30, 

Wednesday: Television Sound & Production; 

$100, $35, 

daily; for nonmembers, weekly; 

Film Sound & Production. 

daily. Student SMPTE members are admitted 

Thursday: Corporate Uses of Motion free. For nonmember students the charge is 

Picture and Television; Unconventional $10. Registration for the spouses program 

Imaging Systems; Panel Discussion on is $20 for the week. Tickets for the luncheon 

are $12 each and for the banquet $25 

each. 

Additional information on the conference 

and exhibit is available from SMPTE Conference 

Dept., 862 Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale. 

N.Y. 10583. 


Continued from page 12 

lenses are sealed in order to prevent oil 

from seeping inside of the len.s barrel. 

Lateral guide rollers must be carefully 

adjusted. If the film is laterally displaced 

so that the sprocket perforations pass 

through the light beam, it will be interrupted 

at the frequency with which sprocket 

holes pass through the point of focus. A 

loud hum or "motor-boating" in the sound 

output will result. This can be cured by 

adjusting the lateral guide roller assemble 

until the sound is no longer heard. A test 

film loop should be used to set the guide 

rollers 

correctly. 

When checking the sound system for 

trouble, voltages and current measurements 

afford a 

quick check on voltage supply circuits 

and power output supply, but they are 

usually of no use when a signal circuit 

defect exists. Use a high quality multimeter 

or voltmeter tor making current 

cheeks. 


meets SMPTE 

standards for 

screens up to 

18 feet wide. 

Power supply 

promotes 

maximum bulb 

life by decreasing 

current 

ripple to a 

minimum. 

Power input 

requirements 

ore 115 volts, 

60 hertz, 1 

phase for use 

with 500, 700 

artd 1000 watt 

horizontal 

mounted 

bulbs. 

August 2-

MAC Convention VRO 78' to Feature 

Unique and Educational Programing 

Unique programing will take place M 

the annual convention of the National Association 

of Concessionaires being held 

October 26-28, 1977. at the Fontainebleau 

Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. 

The convention program committee, 

which is chaired by Shelley Feldman, executive 

vice-president of Alco Foodservice 

Equipment Co.. Miami, Fla., has developed 

a business format which should attract the 

interest of all types of food-service concessionaires 

and make their attendance at this 

\ear's convention informative and produc- 

In line with this year's theme "Planning 

Real Opportunities '78 . . . PRO '78," top 

executives and authorities will be addressing 

delegates during the association's annual 

convention. 

What Will Happen? 

The opening business session, October 26, 

will follow an address by a keynote speaker 

at a joint meeting of NAC and the National 

Association of Theatre Owners. After the 

joint meeting, NAC convention program 

chairman, Shelley Feldman, will officially 

open the association's convention. The welcome 

address will be given by Paul Mezzy, 

NAC president, Pammco Food Service Co. 

Inc., Louisville, Ky. 

Moderator for the opening business session 

is Van Myers, NAC general convention 

chairman and senior vice-president of 

Wometco Enterprises, Inc., Miami, Fla. A 

"Panel of Presidents" will be speaking on 

planning real opportunities in franchising, 

general food service, vending and distribution. 

Each of the four chief executives will 

deliver talks in their respective areas, displaying 

their expertise and knowledge which 

has made them leaders in the concession 

industry. 

"Outstanding and authoritative speakers 

are now being lined up to take part in a 

well-balanced and highly informative program," 

said Feldman, "and as it begins to 

unfold, all 

details and particulars concerning 

it will be announced at frequent intervals to 

the 

trade." 

Subjects of Interest 

Feldman will serve as moderator during 

the business session on Thursday, October 

27. Subjects of interest to concessionaires 

will include training, tourism and food. 

NAC vice-president. Perry Lowe, Theater 

Management Services, Boston, Mass., will 

moderate the closing business session October 

28 with key topics to be covered: Government 

Relations of the Food Service Industry, 

Energy and Equipment. 

Van Myers, general convention chairman 

and his co-chairman, Bert Nathan, Courtesy 

Associates Ltd., Bayside, N.Y., report there 

has been increased interest in both the 1977 

NAC and Motion Picture Theatre Equipment 

& Concessions Industries Trade Show, 

based on the number of advance convention 

registrations and hotel reservations being 

received at NAC headquarters. 

Alex Castoldi, Northeast Theatre Corp., 

Boston, Mass., NAC exhibit chairman, anticipates 

the trade show will be a complete 

sell-out with less than ten booths currently 

remaining in the concession section of the 

trade show. He also reports that the theatre 

equipment section will be sold out prior 

to the trade show opening October 26. 

IMPROVE YOUR THEATRE 

AND YOU 

IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS


J977 Popcorn 

Crop Shows Early 

Favorable Growing Conditions 

The popcorn industry is 

keeping a vseather 

eye on drought conditions coupled with 

the 1977 reduced acreage. Growing conditions 

will have to be favorable between now 

and harvest, or the industry could find itself 

with popcorn supplies much shorter than anticipated. 

Encouragement came at the start of this 

growing season when all varieties of corn 

experienced early favorable growing conditions 

that indicated good yield-per-acre. This 

led to predictions of a large crop for field 

corn. In July, the USDA Crop Reporting 

JHEYm 

Service forecast an estimated 6.3 billion 

bushel crop, or slightly over 200 million 

bushels more than last year. 

The Popcorn Institute, a national trade 

association of popcorn processors, has been 

concerned with two successive years of declining 

popcorn acreage. The 1977 planted 

acreage is 27 per cent less than in 1976 and 

33 per cent less than the acreage planted in 

1975. 

The 1975 popcorn production was 543 

million pounds and 607 million pounds in 

1976. The early 1977 estimated popcorn 

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r OUBLE-D FOODS, INC. 

\ 

' ly owned subsidiary of Mianni Margarine Co. 

i 1^. 'C £ Don Julian Road, Industry. CA 91746, 2I3'968-822I 

production was forecast as slightly more 

than 400 million pounds. Severe lack of 

rainfall in some areas of the corn belt, 

along with extreme high temperatures, now 

indicate a decline in the anticipated yields 

per acre. This possibility and reduced planted 

acreage could create a shortage of popcorn. 

The USDA plans to issue a new corn crop 

estimate this month. This forecast will provide 

a more accurate barometer of conditions 

that the popcorn industry will have to 

cope with this year. 

Record 

2nd Quarter 

Sales at Coca-Cola 

Record second quarter and first half 1977 

sales and earnings for the Coca-Cola Co. 

were announced today by board chairman 

J. Paul Austin, following a meeting of the 

directors, 

Austin said net profit for the second quarter 

of 1977 was $95,927,997 or 79 centsper-share, 

as compared to $85,466,831 or 

70 cents-per-share in the second quarter of 

1976, a per share increase of 12.9 per cent. 

Net profit for the first half of 1977 was 

$161,603,440 or $1.32 per share, as compared 

to $144,483,141 or $1,18 per share 

for the first half of 1976, a per share increase 

of 11.9 per cent. 

As a result of the acquisition of Taylor 

Wine Co, in January 1977, figures for 

1976 have been restated to include operations 

of Taylor on a pooling-of-interests 

basis. Per share net profit figures also have 

been restated to reflect a two-for-one split 

in the company's stock, effective in May 

1977, 

Higher Unit Sales 

Austin said the dollar sales increases reflected 

higher unit sales of soft drinks and 

sharply higher prices in coffee and tea 

operations than in the prior year, partially 

offset by lower U.S. syrup prices due to the 

pass-through of lower sugar costs. He added 

that the coffee and tea operations account 

for only a small percentage of the consolidated 

income. 

Unit sales of soft drinks performed 

strongly during the second quarter and first 

six months, in line with management's projections. 

Austin reported that impressive 

imit volume gains were scored during the 

quarter in the U.S., Latin America, Africa 

and the Far East. Unit volume during the 

quarter was up only moderately in Western 

Europe, following very strong gains a year 

ago due to the very hot summer. 

With regard to the Food and Drug Administratfon's 

proposed ban on saccharin in 

the U.S., Austin said management endorses 

bills now before the Congress which would 

stay the ban in order to allow for a thorough 

review and evaluation of all scientific 

, 

evidence. He added that management is 

hopeful of the bills' passage. 

Austin said that management looked for 

gbod foreign and domestic volume gains as 

well as good growth in consolidated profits 

to continue throughout the year. 

18 


The Dr Pepper Co. 

Posts Record Earnings 

The Dr Pepper Co. posted record earnings 

for the second quarter ended June 30 

based on record sales of $59,893,000, Earnings 

of $5,442,000 reflected a 17 per cent 

increase over the same period in 1976 and 

lifted after-tax profits for the six months 

17 per cent to $9,808,000. 

Sales at 

the half-year were up 14 per cent 

versus 1976 from $91,459,000 to $104,- 

448,000. Per-share earnings for the quarter 

were up from 23 cents to 27 cents bringing 

th; six-month figure to a record high 49 

cents. 

"Looking back at a 43 per cent increase 

in earnings for the same quarter a year ago 

and a 66 per cent gain for the first six 

months of 1976, this quarter and the ycarto-date 

earnings picture looks extremely 

good." noted chairman and pres'dent W. W. 

Clements. 

"We are achieving record unit sales of 

syrups and concentrates to bottlers and national 

fountain accounts," he continued. 

Saccharin Concern Eased 

Mounting consumer and industry concern 

over the fate of saccharin for use in artificially 

sweetened beverages has been eased 

temporarily by recent U.S. Hou.sc and Senate 

committee votes to delay a proposed 

ban on the substance by the U.S. Food & 

Drug Administration. 

The House bill imposing an 18-month 

suspension of the FDA ban was endorsed 

July 11 by the Commerce Subcommittee. 

The measure requires the Institute of Medicine 

of the National Academy of Sciences 

to perform studies on saccharin and report 

its findings within a year. 

A similar bill delaying any ban on saccharin 

for 18 months was endorsed two days 

later by the Senate Human Resources Committee. 

"We are pleased with the vote of both 

House and Senate panels and feel the result 

bolsters our position of opposition to any 

kind of ban on saccharin." Clements said. 

"Dr Pepper remains confident that further 

scientific investigation will remove any 

doubt about the safety of saccharin as an 

artificial sweetener." 

Franchise Threat Removed 

Another positive note for the soft drink 

industry from Washington was registered 

recently when the U.S. Supreme Court overruled 

the so-called Schwinn decision thus removing 

a threat to the continuance of franchise 

agreements containing territorial restrictions. 

Dr Pepper Co. was one of seven soft 

drink franchise firms named in a Federal 

Trade Commission complaint. The 1971 

complaint contended that soft drink company 

franchise agreements providing protected 

territorial assignments were anticompetitive. 

An FTC administrative law judge subsequently 

ruled in favor of the franchise 

system and the complaint was referred to 

the full commission for action. 

Cretors Giant Popping 

Plant will nickel 

and dime you to 

$90 an hour. 

Hot Popcorn. 15C a box. What a great 

way to make $90 an hour. 

Cretors Giant Popping Plant with a 32 oz. 

kettle pops over 600 bags of delicious, piping hot popcorn every hour. 

Sell it for 15C a box and in just an hour you'll have over 

$90 in the cash register. And Cretors Giant is s 

durable, so well-built that you can expect that 

kind of output hour after hour, year after year. 

The Giant is equipped with an 

Automatic Seasoning Pump and heated 

stainless steel receiving tray with chute 

for easy filling 

% 

of containers. 

Cretors Giant Popping Plant 

GS 32 EP (electric) or GS 32 

GP (gas) Capacity; 32oz. Dimensions: 

75" long X 30" wide 

X 67" overall height. (Also available 

with 20-oz. electric kettle. 

(Gas operates with safety pilot.) 

Voltage: 115/208 or 115/230 

Cretors Giant is fast. It's efficient. And it belongs in large 

theatres or any other high-traffic, high-volume location. 

Cretors Giant Popper works continuously in your 

"back room" while you're out front making people happy. 

And taking in the money. 

Cretors is also your headquarters 

for Popcorn Warmers, Cotton Candy and 

Caramelcorn Machines and Accessories. 

Send for complete information about 

the Cretors line and the name and address 

of your nearby Cretors Distributor. 

CRETORS 

27 Popcorn Building 

Nashville, Tenn. 37202 

Factory: Chicago, Illinois 

Cretors is Popcorn 

(and has been since 1885.) 

BOXOFFICE August 1977

NSS Super Service has what

. . Posters, 

i 

ikes for you to make money 

#IE SHIRTS • MOVIE IRON-ON TRANSFERS • MOVIE POSTERS 

)nal Screen Service now offers you the opportunity to "nnake-a-buck" 

3lling today's hottest items in your theatre lobby . . . backed-up 

36 point-of-sale 35mnn promotional trailers. 

:for lots of other exciting Movie Shirts . 

too! 

ITACT YOUR LOCAL SUPER SALESMAN TODAY! 

Hss 

Make your theatre MOVIE SHIRT HEADQUARTERS!

. 

f-' 

^VED BUTTER CONCENTRATE 

FOR "BUTTERED POPCORN" 

ODELL'S 

ORIGINAL ANHYDROUS 

99.95% PURE 

BUTTERF/^ 

(THE REAL THING — NOT A SUBSTITUTE) 

NEW 

LB-9_B-B-B-tt.fl-g-flJULg-8-g-lLajt-lUlJ 

EQUIPMENT 

— and =: 

DEVELOPMENTS 

*

., „ 

. 

Victor Products Introduces 

New Waffle Maker 

Victor Products of Richmond. Va.. introduces 

Flaky Jatcc. a new version of the old 

rosette waffle. To make Flaky Jakes, you 

simply add water to the pre-mixed ingredients 

and form the waffle using an inexpensive 

iron mold, then fr\' them in yoiu' 

deep fat fryer. 

Liquid Popcorn Seasoning pops popcorn 

to a tempting golden color, with irresistible 

aroma and flavor. Available in one-gallon 

cans. 

Double-D Popcorn Seasoning is an economical, 

golden vegetable oil, specially 

blended for popping popcorn. It is formulated 

for maximum shelf life. 

For the finishing touch. Golden Popper 

Topper turns ordinary popcorn into a mouthwatering, 

top-profit item. Natural butterfat 

provides rich 

buttery aroma and flavor that 

builds repeat sales. This premium grade 

product enhances each serving with the 

same flavor and mouth feel of fresh creamery 

butter. Available in one-gallon plastic 

containers; no refrigeration required. 

Buttery-flavored Pop Top adds the look, 

smell and flavor of butter. 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Audia Visual E,uip„. 

'=°S!f^:;jS'"' 

Acoustical Wall Covering Concession Equipment 

and Carpeting 

jound Reinforcement 

Janitorial Supplies . . 

and 

Service 

Equipment 

and Repair 

In MT Next Month: 

Marquee, Lobby & Display 

The Aroma ol Popcorn is Pleasant. 

The Odor ot Cooking is Not. 

Top them with powdered sugar, cinnamon 

or chocolate and you've got a Flaky 

Jake which Victor estimates to have a wholesale 

cost of three to five cents. 

Victor is offering free display signs, a 

five pound bag of mix and a Flaky Jake 

iron moid as a starter kit, delivered prepaid 

anywhere in the U.S. for $10. 

Double-D Offers 

Snack Bar Oils 

A wide selection of top quality popcorn 

topping, popcorn seasoning and cooking oils 

especially for snack bar operators is now 

ible 

from Doiible-D Foods. 

The line provides specialized oils and 

toppings to prepare and serve delicious. 

profitable popcorn and other tasty snacks 

in theatre snack bars. Included are Reddi 

Pop Popcorn Seasoning, Popcorn Seasoning, 

Liquid Popcorn .Seasoning, Golden Popper 

Topper and Pop Top. Taco Fry and Coconut 

Oil round out the line. 

Premium quality Reddi Pop Popcorn 

Seasoning is a convenient, butter flavored 

and deeply colored product that pops delicious, 

golden popcorn every time. Available 

in 1/4 lb. sticks, 4 to the package. 

In the Manley Vista Pop exhaust goes 

directly through our electric filter.* 

All oil 

particles are removed, thus eliminating 

cooking odors from the kettle. 

The Vista Pop filter eliminates 90% of 

the filtration problems inherent in older 

popcorn machines. It prevents accumulation 

of oil bearing steam and smoke. 

This is especially important in hard to 

vent low ceiling areas where concession 

stands are sometimes located. 

Your customers smell the aroma of 

freshly popped corn from the warming 

pan. Best of all, they watch the popcorn 

popping in the Vista Pop Kettle-an 

irresistible sight. 

The Vista Pop's heat control eliminates 

operator inefficiency-it's automatic. 

There's no guesswork. The Vista 

Pop even meters seasoning to the kettle. 

Here in one machine-the Vista Popyoull 

find the perfect balance of operating 

efficiency, eye and taste appeal 

plus profitability. Write for complete 

details. 

"Available in Vista Pop Model Only. 

The answer is the 

^ , 

MANLEY 

* ^ VISTA POP 

^ il!IAMIiE%IMi:. 

^'' 

p. 0, Box 1006 . 1920 Wyandotte Street • Kansas City, Mo, 64141 • 816-421-6155 

BOXOFFICE August 22, 1977 23

Today's Real Value 

el 

QUALITY Famous 'Lorraine' copper 

coated and black stick cantons featuring 

both high intensity and 'star' coring for 

arc stability, brighter light. 

AVAILABILITY ah grades and sizes 

stocked coast-to-coast. Direct shipments 

to exhibitors at dealer's request. 

ScnVICt Nationwide tectinician service, 

at your request, to help you maintain 

optimum performance. 

rnlCc The best value for the money. 

There's no reason to pay more — ask your 

Carbons' dealer. Plus, all direct shipments 

of 100 - pounds are prepaid. 

When you want real value in carbons, ask 

for it twice . . . ask for Carbons' carbon. 

'Ask for 

Lorraine' 

Carbons Introduces 3 Professional 

35mm Portable Movie Projectors 

Availability of three new portable 35mm 

professional movie projectors was announced 

recently by the XeTRON Products 

Division of Carbons. New Jersey based manufacturer 

and importer of theatre equipnienl. 

In making the announcement, Phil Rafnson, 

national sales manager for Carbons, 

stated that the new Victoria 5P projectors 

have many of the same features as larger 

35mm equipment. "In addition to offering 

versatility at economical prices," Rafnson 

said, "this is the first time special purpose 

35mm projectors have been made available 

by a major equipment manufacturer." The 

V5P projectors are manufactured by Cinemeccanica. 

The V5P projectors are exceptionally 

easy to operate and are currently being used 

for on-location viewing of daily rushes and 

by screening rooms, television stations, advertising 

agencies, hospitals, schools, and 

universities on screens up to 18-ft. 

Depending on screen size, either a 400- 

watt quartz halogen or a 500-watt xenon 

light source is available. On the V5P-C and 

V5P-S quartz-halogen models, a C-55PT 

amplifier, the exciter lamp supply and the 

lamphouse power supply are built into the 

projector base. The V5P-C2 model features 

a separate unit for sound, power supply and 

control, and has two carrying cases to facilitate 

easy handling. When the xenon light 

source is used on any of the V5P projectors, 

a separate lamphouse power supply is required. 

Sound controls are included with all 

models. Additional features include convection 

cooling, two-lens manual turret, 

motorized rewind, optical sound reproducer, 

traniiiig kuiip. Cini.'niaScopc sprockets, two 

thrjc-aspcct ratio aperture plates and folding 

arms which accommodate 6.000-foot film 

reels with 5/16-in. shaft diameters. 

Options include forward/ reverse mode, 

double-band magnetic feature and a synchronous 

motor for use with television 

cameras. 

for information call toll free (800) 421-1256 

in California call collect (213) 321-5641 

14824 S. Main St., Gordena, Co. 90248 

Tinr 

miniSANn 

The MODERN THEATRE SECTION^

1 

The Victoria 5P-C portable 35nuii projector 

(left), shown with a 400-wati 

quartz-halogen lamphouse, features a 

wood carrying case that doubles as a 

pedestal base for the projector. 

k 

The Victoria 5P-C2 portable 3: 

projector (middle) features a separate 

sound/ supply/ control unit and has a 

wood carrying case that doubles as a 

pedestral base. A separate carrying case is used to transport the control unit. 

• 

The Victoria 5P-S portable 35inni projector (right), shown witli a ?()() wall .\cnon 

lamphouse. lias been designed primarily for in-liouse portability and features a 

sturdy leg stand. Optional roll-about casters are available for insertion into llie legs. 

* 

These V5P professional 35mm portable projectors are available through professional 

theater equipment dealers in the United States and Canada. More information 

about these projectors is available by filling out the postage-paid Readers' 

Service Bureau coupon on pages 27 and 28. 

The KNEISLEY Lamphouse to 

Remember when Equipping Your Theatre, 

^1XENEX n 

• It's moderately priced, ruggedly constructed. 

Clean styling. Complete rear Instrument panel. 

Access to interior through full hinged doors. 

Adjustable nose cone. Heavy duty igniter, 

• Horizontal lamp and 14 inch dichroic coated, 

glass reflector provide greater light pickup and 

excellent screen coveroge. Focusing and beam 

controls provided. 

• Accommodates 1000 through 4000 watt Xenon 

Lamps for indoor and outdoor screens up to 

125 feet wide. 

• Magnetic arc stabilization properly positions 

arc tail flame around anode, increasing lamp 

wall drapery system 

im M.omjKî wd 5 

CMAMSIEAIBILE IPn-EATDNG CdOlPS 

MODEL A. STANDARD PLEATING CLIP. 

MODEL B. COLUMN PLEATING CLIP: 

SOFT, CURVED PLEATING GIVES 

AUDITORIUM WALLS A FLOW- 

ING, ELEGANT LOOK. 

MODEL C. PYRAMID PLEATING CLIP: 

STRAIGHT LINE GIVES MODERN 

STREAMLINED LOOK. 

MODEL D. PILLAR PLEATING CLIP: 

LOOK OF FREE HANGING DRA- 

PERIES, PLUS EASE OF COLOR 

COORDINATION. 

WITH ECONO-PLEAT EACH AUDI- 

TORIUM HAS ITS OWN DISTINCTIVE 

LOOK, WHILE FULFILLING THE 

ACOUSTICAL NEEDS. 

PATENTED ECONO-PLEAT BRACKET 

AND PLEATING CLIPS ARE DE- 

SIGNED WITH THE FUTURE IN 

MIND, AS THE CLIPS ARE INTER- 

CHANGEABLE AND CAN BE MIXED 

OR REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT 

PATTERN WITHOUT REPLACING 

THE BRACKET. 

ECONO-PLEAT OFFERS YOU MORE! 

I 3765426 

—write for free details— 

life. 

• Blower Manual and monual 

coaled. ignition 

douser are standard. Automotic ignition optional. 

EASTWEST CARPET CO., INC. 

2664 S. LA CitNEGA 

LA., CALIF. 90034 (213) 871-1690 

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

©COPYHIGHT-EASTWEST CARPET CO.. INC. 1975 

August 22. 1977

jet Spray Corp. Introduces 

Choc-0-Jet Dispenser 

A hii;h-capacity liquid hot-chocolate dis- 

'cri>er is being introduced by Jet Spray 

Corp.. Waltham, Mass. The dispenser prepares 

individually-controlled portions of 

whipped hot chocolate from a syrup product 

quickly and efficiently. 

The large capacity CHOC-O-JET (model 

HCL3AX) brings the convenience of 

whipped hot chocolate to high volume operations. 

The dispenser has 3,200-watt, 230 

volt. 60 Hz power to deliver a six ounce 

drink of hot chocolate every 15 seconds 

indefinitely. It draws the syrup product directly 

from #2',i or #10 cans, eliminating 

waste, spoilage and flavor loss. In certain 

markets, where specially formulated canned 

High 

Carbon 

C0StS^VimrAf#//7|f|| 

Squeezing 

Your Profits? 

Marble Eases the Profit Squeeze Because 

Marble Double Eagle Carbons have NOT GONE 

UP IN PRICE. 

For the most economical, quality carbons call your 

theater supply dealer or Bill Alexander. 

Call Collect (81 5) 227-7772 

products are not available, a specially designed 

Jet Spray hopper may be used. 

This high capacity dispenser, a companion 

model to the CHOC-O-JET^t in-line regular 

capacity dispensers (models HC2 and 

HCL3A). is 8 1/6 in. wide by 26 3/4 in. 

deep by 21 3/4 in. high. 

The exclusive patented Jet Spray hot water 

tank minimizes maintenance costs and its 

unique take-apart design features a 

replaceable 

tank bottom heater element assembly. 

The entire tank is easily disassembled for 

servicing and removal of lime deposits. 

Easy-to-clean cabinet components of anodized 

aluminum and woodgrain vinyl require 

only casual cleaning. 

Tiffany Popcorn Machine 

New Product from Star 

Star Manufacturing Co.. St. Louis, Mo. 

announces its new Model 89T Tiffany 14 

oz. "Theme Machine" Popcorn Popper. 

This new popper, with its simulated leadedglass 

appearance, fits many decors. 

Features include an 1,800-watt cast aluminum 

kettle with a stainless steel shell that 

pops 375 oz. per hour, a colorful lighted 

front sign, heated stainless steel corn pan, 

removable plexiglass doors, 6 ft. lead-in 

cord, infra-red corn freshener lamp and 

Star's full year parts and labor warranty. 

THE/ÂAARBLE COAAPANY INC. 

P 0. Box 8218, Nashville, TN 37207 • Telex 554303 

SPECIALIST IN TWINNING, BUILDING 

or 

REMODELING THEATRES 

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

your existing theatre. Complete turnkey job, plans, engineering, 

construction and finishing. Call or write: 

Norman and Friddell. 94 Panorama Dr., Conroe. Tx. 77301 

A/C 713-856-5297 

The model 19PBT base is a colorful 

painted-enamel base that converts the Tiffany 

popper from a counter model to a 

floor model. The base comes complete with 

corn bin, storage shelves and casters. Total 

wattage 2,250. 120V AC only. 24 in. x 28 

in. X 33 '4 in. high, 66 in. high when 

mounted on 19PBT Base. UL and NSF approved. 


CONDENSED INDEX OF PRODUCTS 

ATTRACTION BOARDS, MARQUEES & 

LETTERS 

Poge 

Bevelite-Adler 24 

Sign Products (Rapid Change Letter 

Co.) 14 

Xetron Products Div., Carbons, Inc. 5 

AUTOMATION SYSTEMS 

Christie Electric Corp 3 

BOXOFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

Scandus Inc 11 

SCREEN TOWERS 

Selby Industries, Inc. 

SEATING 

Irwin Seating Co. 

SOUND SYSTEMS 


SPEAKER TESTING UNIT 

Reed Speaker Co 

Page 

THEATRE, CONCESSION CENTER 

DESIGN CONSULTANTS 

Norman & Friddell 26 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

Harry Melcher Enterprises 23 

Western Service & Supply, Inc 10 

Trans-World Theatre Supply Co., Inc. 5 

WALL COVERING-DECORATIVE & 

ACOUSTICAL 

Soundfold, Inc 12 

Econo Pleat 25 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

National Screen Service 20, 21 

CARBON ARC LAMPS, CARBONS, 

CARBON SAVERS 

The Marble Co., Inc 26 

Xetron Product Div., Carbons, Inc 24 

CONCESSION STANDS, EQUIPMENT, 

SUPPLIES & CONSULTANTS 

Blevins Popcorn Co. Inc 22 

Butterful, Inc 16 

Cretors & Co 19 

Double-D Foods, Inc 18 

Goetze's Candy Co., inc 17 

Greer Enterprises, Inc 16 

Jiffy Franks 18 

Monley, Inc 23 

Odell Concession Specialties Co., Inc. 22 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Reed Speaker Co 6 

FILM SPLICER 

Ciro Equipment Corp 7 

PROJECTOR BULBS, XENON LAMPS, 

LAMPHOUSES, POWER SUPPLIES, 

CONSOLES 

Conrad-Hanovia, Inc 10 


The Kneisley Electric Co 25 

Macbeth Soles Corp 13 

Strong Electric 15 

PROJECTOR SYSTEMS 

Bauer Theatre Projector Systems 

(Arriflex Co. of America) 9 


REFLECTORS 


BOXOmCE :: August 22. 1977 

Clip and Mail This Postage-Free Coupon Today 

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

This form is designed to help you get more information on products and services advertised in 

this issue of The Modern Theatre Section or described in the "New Equipment and Developments" and 

"Literature" and news poges. Check; The advertisements or the items on which you wont more information. 

Then: Fill in your name oddress, etc., in the space provided on the reverse side, fold as indicated. 

staple or tape clesed, and mail. No postage stamp needed. 

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF ADVERTISERS, Issue of August 22, 1977 

D Bauer Theatre Projector Systems 

(Arriflex Co. of Americo) 

Page 

NEW EQUIPMENT AND DEVELOPMENTS 

Poge 

Page 

D Macbeth Sales Corp 13 

D Manley, Inc 23 

n The Marble Co., Inc 26 

n Harry Melcher Enterprises 23 

D National Screen Service 20, 21 

n Norman & Friddell 26 

n Odell Concession Specialties Co., Inc 22 

D Reed Speoker Co 6 

D Scandus Inc 11 

D Selby Industries, Inc 8 

n Sign Products (Rapid Change Letter Co.) .... 14 

n Soundfold, Inc 12 

n Strong Electric 4, 15 

n Trons-World Theatre Supply Co., Inc 5 

D Western Service & Supply, Inc 10 

n Xetron Products Div., Carbons, Inc. 

(Cinemeccanica) 5, 24 

D Electronic Car Counter 22 D Double-D Foods, Oils and Toppings 23 

n CIRO Splicer Replocement Lever 22 D Carbons Portable 35mm Projectors 24, 25 

n Flaky Jake Rosette Waffle 23 D CHOC-O-JET® Dispenser 26 

Poge 

n Tiffany Popcorn Popper from Stor 26

ah&ui PEOPLE / and PRODUCT 

I 

Li>mrriagolf Tournamenl- 

Sloted for Sept. 16 

Lomma Enterprises. Inc. of Scranton, 

Pa., designer and manufacturer of Lomma 

Championship miniature golf courses, has 

finalized plans for its annual Lommagolf 

National Tournament contest, which will be 

held the weekend of September 16. 

The site of this year's festive event will be 

the Host Farm located in Lancaster. Pa. The 

course at the Host Farm is reputed to be 

one of the finest playing courses in the 

country and is located indoors at the convention 

center. 

R. J. Lomma. president of the golfing 

BOXOFFICE-MODERN THEATRE 

firm, stated that contestants from Lomma 

locations all over the world have been invited. 

All tournament entries will be quartered 

at the Host Town and Host Corral, 

sister resorts of the Host Farm. 

To be eligible for the National Tournament, 

an individual must compete and win 

his local putting tournament, which is now 

being staged at Lomma locations all over the 

world. 

J. C. Rogari, vice-president, marketing, 

went on to say that because of its rapid and 

successful growth in the indoor field, the 

Lomma organization is now planning an indoor 

tournament to be held late this year. 

Send me more information about the products and articles checked on 

the reverse side of this 

Name 

Theatre or 

Circuit 

Seating or Car Capacity 

Street 

Number 

coupon. 

Position.. 

City Stote Zip Code 

^ Fold along this 

line with eOXOFFICE address out. Stople or tope closed. 

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

1 year $15.00 D 2 years $28 (Save $2) 

D PAYMENT ENCLOSED 

THEATRE 

D SEND INVOICE 

TTiesc rates for U.S., Canada, Pan-American only. Other countries; $25 a year. 


TOWN STATE ZIP NO 

NAME 

POSITION 

BOXOFFICE-THE NATIONAL FILM 

^ 

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

WEEKLY 

Fold olong this line with BOXOFFICE address out. Staple or tape closed. 

BUSINESS REPLY ENVELOPE 

First Class Permit No. 874 - Section 34.9 PL&R - Konsas City, Mo. 

BOXOFFICE-MODERN THEATRE 

Peterson Theatre Supply 

Acquires Electro Sound 

Electro Sound's theatre equipment business 

was recently acquired by Peterson 

Theatre .Supply, it was announced by Carl 

E. Peterson. 

The entire line of award-winning Series 

8000 sound systems will be built at a manufacturing 

division which has been set up at 

455 Bearcat Dr.. Salt Lake City. Peterson 

said, adding that all replacement parts for 

existing Electro Sound film house equipment 

are available at Peterson Theatre Supply. 

Peterson also announced that Al Lewis, 

previously affiliated with Electro Sound, is 

now working with Peterson Theatre Supply 

and may be reached by calling (801) 466- 

7642. 

Peterson's first sound system recently 

was installed in Plitt's Century Plaza Theatre 

in Los Angeles, he noted. 

Ed Chishoim to New Post 

At Quod/Eight Cinema 

Ed Chishoim recently was appointed 

engineering manager for motion picture and 

cinema products at 

^JJPK Quad/ Eight Cinema. 

î " ^ it was announced by 

jm i Robert L. Bennett. 

, S *^T^ * ' 

president. 

Prior to joining 

_ Quad/ Eight, ChisjlMfc-- 

holm was senior electronics 

^^^1^^^ 

engineer of 

^^r|^k|^ WED Enterprises, di- 

IhmBi 'vJBIml 

Ed Chishoim 

rector of research and 

development at Century 

Projector Corp. 

and quality control manager of Cinerama. 

Chishoim holds several engineering degrees 

and is affiliated with a number of 

technical and professional engineering 

groups. 

Dixie/Marathon Appoints 

Gary B. Lyall to Post 

Gary B. 

Lyall has been named vice president, 

marketing and business management, 

at Dixie/Marathon, a division of American 

Can Co. Prior to this appointment, Lyall 

had been managing director of marketing 

and business management. Before joining 

American Can, Lyall was associated with 

General Mills as a marketing manager. 

Earlier he was affiliated with E. & J. Gallo 

Winery where he served as field marketing 

manager. 

Lyall graduated from Iowa State University 

and earned his MBA degree in marketing 

at the Wharton graduate division of 

the University of Pennsylvania. He is a 

member of the conference planning committee 

of the Institutional Foodservice 

Manufacturers Ass'n and the commercial 

institutional marketing committee of the 

Single Service Institute. 

• THIS SIDE OUT 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 64124 


BoxorriCE bookincuede 

An interpretive onalysifl oi lay an tradepreu reviews. Running time U in parentheses. The plus one 

minus signs indicate degree of : sril. Listings cover current reviews regularly. Symbol VJ denotei 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award; A films are in color except those indicated by (b«Sw) for black & white 

Motion Picture Assn (MPAA) rat gs: [g—Gon-ial Audiences; PC— All agos admitted (parental gui 

dance suggested); H—Hestricted, rith persons untder 17 not admitted unless ciccompanied Liy pcrcr 

or adult guardian; ®—Fe 

admitted. National C?;bolic Office 

(NCOMP) ratings: Al—Unobjectionable for General Patronage; A2— Unobjectionable for Adults Ado 

lescents; A3— Unobjectionttble for Adults; A4—Moi ally Unobjectionable for Adults, with Resi 

B— Objectionable in Part Jor All; C—Condemned. IJroadcosting and Film 

of Churches (BFC). For Usllngs by company, see FE;ITURE CHART. 

lîEVIEW DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

++ Vei7 Good; + Good; - Fair; - Poor; - Very Poor. the summary +* is rated 2 pluses, = as 2 

.£s 

Sli 

±

New 

4939 3 Women (125) D 20th-Fox 4-11-77 PG , 

-^ DIGEST 

kO kl.9Hh?FlKM INDEX ^ Very Good; + Good; ^ Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. " is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

-^.Ci :a oiande Bourgeoise 

:=> My-D Atlant 

8-15-77 

(43) Sex C ..ASOW Dislribuling 2-2g.77 -f 

4949 Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, 

The (94) Sus-0 AlP 5-23-77 PG C 

4933 Littlest Horse fliices. The 

49>^ Look'.-ig Up 

Love 

2 g I Isill |i'£-| Ef I 

+ + 

(105) C-D BV 3-14-77 l§lAl-H + + -H-f + 8+ 

(94) C-0 Levitt-Pickman 3- 7-77 PG A3 

Comes Quietly 

(103) Melo Libert 1- 3-77 

4952Uvers Like Us (100) R-C ....Atlas 5-30-77 PG 

4959 MacArthur (128) B-War . 

Man on the Roof 

. - . Univ 

(110) Cr-D Cinema 5 

4909 March or Die (106) Ac-Ad . 

Marching 

Mizzou 

. Col 

(11) Doc ...University of Missouri 

4960 Memory of Justice, The 

(270) Doc (h&w) Para 

Metamorphosis (60) F-D 

(O and b&w) Ivo Dvorak 

4946 Motiammad, Messenger of God 

(180) Hi-O-S ....Irwin Yablans 

Mondo Magic 

iiOO) Doc . 

Pepoercorn-Wormser 

4934 Mother Kusters Goes to Heaven 

+ ± 

6-27-77 PG A2 ++ H tt + 

6-13-77 E] A3 ff ++ ± 

8-15-77 PG + ± + 

7-11-77 + 

6-27-77 PG A4 H ++ tt ++ 

1- 3-77 + -h 

5- 9-77 PG + H ± 

1-24-77 * 

(108) D New Yorker 3-14-77 + ++ 

4931 Mr. Billion (93) C-Ad . . . .20tli-Fox 3- 7-77 PG A2 ± + + 

4+2- 

± 7-fl- 

2+ 

1+ 

3+2- 

7+2- 

1+ 

2+ 

4967 Rabid (91) Ho-Sus . World 8- 1-77 E 

4966 Race for Your Life. Charlie Brown! 

(75) An-C Para 7-25-77 m 

4934 Raogcdy Ann St Andy 

(85) A-i-CM 20th-Fox 3-14-77 El 

Rebellion in Patagonia 

illilliillliiy 

(109) D Tricontinental 6-13-77 A3 + -ft H- ++ ++7+ 

Reflections (81) Sex D ..Stu Scgall 8- 8-77 + ± 2+1- 

Rescuers. The (76) An-Ad BV 7- 4-77 fj- ++ 9+ 

4962 El Al ++ H + 

49-i5 Rollercoaster (119) Ac-Sus ..Univ 5- 9-77 PG A3 H H ± i: + 8+2- + 

4956 Ruby (85) Ho-D Dimension 6-13-77 U + — ± 2+2- 

496S Sensuil 

Thc (108) 

Sex D Pepien 

496S Sidewinder 1 (97) Ac-D 

4953 Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger 

-77 PG ± ± + 

+ ± + 3+1- 

+ + + ++5+ 

+ + + ± H + 7+1- 

(113) F-Ad Col 6- 6-77 jSj + ± H 4+1- 

4939 69 Minutes (75) C ..N.B. Releasing 4-U-77 |H + 

1+ 

4932 Slap Shot (122) C Univ 3- 7-77 H C + - ± ± H 6+4- 

4950 Smokey and the Bandit 

(97) C-Ad Uni. 5-23-77 PG A3 + + ± ± ± ± 6+4- 

4561 Sorcerer (121) Sus-Ad ...Para/Univ 7- 4-77 PG A3 H + H + 6+ 

4964 Spy Who Loved Me, The 

(125) Spy Ac-D UA 7-18-77 PG tt + tt 5+ 

4954 :.. Star Wars (125) 

SF-War 20th-Fox 6- 6-77 PG A2 ff ff || i || || 11+1- 

4931 Strange Shadows in an Empty Room 

(99) Ac-My AIP 3-7-77 + ± ± ± 4+3- 

4367 Submission (107) 

Sex D Joseph Brenner 8- 1-77 El + + + 3+ 

4940 SupcrVan (90) Ac-D Empire 4-11-77 PG + + + 3+ 

4963 Swedish Minx 

(99) Sex C Cambist 7-18-77 ± - 1+2- 

4950 Sweet Rcvenne (90) C-D ...MGM-UA 5-23-77 PG - ± + + + 4+2— 

My Childhood/My Ain Folks (103) 

D British Film Institute 5-23-77 + 

Mistress 

4930 My Husband, His 

and I (95) C-D ...Joseph Green 2-21-77 m + 

4948 Mysteries of the Gods 

(93) Doc .Hemisphere 5-16-77 

1+ 

# 11+1- 

5+1- 

1+1- 

Tanoe Sazen (95) Ac-C Shochiku 7-18-77 

4955 Tentacles (90) Sus-D AIP 6-13-77 PG 

4936 They're Coming to Get You! 

(88) Ho-D Indcpendent-lnfl 3-28-77 E 

4928 Thieves (92) C-D Para 2-14-77 PG 

4933 Nasty Habits (96) C Brut 3-14-77 PG A4 + ++ ++ =t ± ± 8+3- 

New School, The 

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Rel. Date 

-,.He FILMS 

-ir^n Tickler (7S) ..C..A 

Kllms piclure) 

-^.'inint of Gore (SO) ..Ho.. May 77 

The Best of Laurel & Hardy (90) 

ATHENA FILMS, LTD. 

toMoiracv (87) 

Belvtcen Heiiven and Hell (87) 

Virility (87) 

Impossible Love (90) 

JOSEPH 

BRENNER 

Rape Killer Oct 76 

The Cheaters Oct 76 

Autopsy Nov 76 

Cry of a Prostitute Nov 76 

The Winners D . 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Rel. 

Date 

The Booby Hatch (86) Jan 77 

Sh.iron Joy Miller. Rudy Itlccl 

The Groove Room (83) Feb 77 

OIlie Soltoft. Sue Longhurst 

The Fabulous Fanny (87) ...Feb 77 

.Man Spllz. Diane Summcrfield 

Crazy House (89) Mar 77 

Frankie Howerd, Ray Mllland 

Lucifer's Women (88) Mar 77 

Larry Hankin, Jane Bruncl-Cnhcn 

Night of the Howling Beast . . Mar 77 

Paul Naschy. Silvia Solar 

COUGAR PRODUCTIONS 

BEEHIVE PRODUCTIONS 

Assassin (82) 

The Raw Report (70) Sex C..Auj77 Ian nendry 

Tiger Bay (156) 

Curves Ahead! (81) . .Se» C. Oct 77 Jacdish Prem. Ka\1 Rhajikar 

(Mdir-llenr. W P. M.ireold 

The Sky Is Falling (91) 

Carnal's Culies (SO) Se« C. Dec 77 Richard Todd, Denni.s Hopper, 

Muffin Macintosh 

rarroll Baker 

Rumps ... Is There One in 

Shriek Out (90) 

Your Past? Sex C. Feb 78 Judd Hirsch 

My Brother Has Bad Onr.m/ 

Sisters of iatan (97/85) . . 

Paul Vicent/Xnne Heinvnnd 

Sana of Dracula/Vengeance of 

the Zombies (91/91) 

The Vampire Happeninns/The 

Swinging Monster (90/85) . 

Pia nesermark, T..nv Kend.all 

LjMA PRODUCTIONS 

MFI 

The 

(SO) 

DISTRIBUTORS 

Dicktator 

7 Sins on 6th Street . 

An Affair in Cannes . . 

The Abductor 

A Man of 

Convictions 

Fog 

Raices 

Sex 

. May 77 

.Aug 77 

.Oct 77 

77 

Cr..Dec77 

D..Feb7S 

D..Mar78 

MULBERRY SQUARE 

For the Love of Bcnji 

(85) C-Ad..June77 

r'atiiy Oarrctl. Cynthia Smith 

Lynne Predcrlck, .Inhn Laytr 

_ove AH Summer 

(95) C-D 

Rill nana, Martv Allen 

Wonder Who's killing Her 

(84) C 

Pnh niîhcy, Joanna Thames, 

Rill Dana 

Evil Eyes Sus-D . 

It's Not the Size That 

Counts Sex C. 

Pike Snmmcr. Vincent Price 

NMD FILM DISTRIBUTING 

Lady J Ac-Ad. 

Invasion of the Blood Farmers/ 

Naked Sacrifice Ad-D 

She Beast/The Embalmer 

GOLDSTONE FILMS 

(80/74/83) Ho Apr 77 

Curse of the 

The Carhops 

Devil 

(88) May 77 

BURBANK INT'L PICTURES Kung Fu 

The 

Brothers 

New Adventures of Snow 

Between the Covers 

Bruce Lee and 

White (76) May 77 

I 

Aug 76 

Secrets of Sweet Kung 

Sixteen Fu 

Na'inhty 

...Aug 76 

Master— School 

Bruce 

Girls/Teenage 

Lee' siylc' 

S"Pwk"illht Shanghai Connection 

Tramp/Teenage Hitchhikers 

Sept 76 

Journey Into ire 

the Beyond Beast Craves 

Jan 77 

Blood (86/80/74) May 77 

. . . . 

The Holes (Lcs Gaspards) 

the Yukon 

. . .Jan 77 

14 and Under Is Cops 

Feb 77 

2069. a Sex Odyssey May 77 

OMNI PICTURES 

Kiss of the Tarantula May 76 

JOSEPH GREEN 

Death Driver (90) . 

.Apr 77 

CAMBIST FILMS 

Frank Challenge— Manhunter 

Two 

Swedish 

Against 

Minx the Law 

(99) ..Cr-D.'Âug (88) Ac, Apr 77 

. 

By the Blood of 

M.irl.i l.ynn, nie 

Others . 

Warbin 

Sept 

The 

Girl on 

Slap 

Her Knees 

(104) D,-Scpt76 

My rhrls 

Husband. 

rhittcll. His Mistress 

J.icniie:ir 

and PACIFIC 

I 

Easy Come. Easy (50 „ 

'9S) CD. COAST FILMS 

Sept 76 

. 

Something My Wife the 

li.-mN. IVct,, 

Creeping 

Hooker (65) ...Feb in 

Heidi 

the 

77 

K:i 

Confessions of Linda 

." (90) 

Lovelace 

„ 

Sns, Sept 76 

Belmondo (72) 

Is the Swashbuckler 

Apr 77 

(100) 

Do You Wanna Be Loved 

Hi-C-D,,Sent76 

CANNON GROUP 

The Prophet (90) 

(85) Aug 

C-D..0ct7 

77 

The Jaws of Death ..flc.Sus. 

-Marcret. 

Please Please Me (75) Sept 77 

Sent 76 

Hanpy Housewives Sicili; 

Candy Stripers 

Sept 76 

Cr-D 

(SO) Oct 

Oct 76 

77 

Three Way Love Mar 77 

Cherry Hill High Apr 77 

Wbal Minht Have Been May 77 HEMISPHERE PICTURES, INC PEPPERCORN-WORMSER 

The Last Wilderness May Reflections From a 

Dream rity (96) , ,Dec 76 

The Hanny Hooker Goes 

Brass Bed 

Sex Mondo Magic (100) .Doc, Dec 76 

to Washington June Naughty 

Playmates 

Sex. 

Naughty Co-eds Sex 

Smarlie Pants Sex 

CENTRAL PARK FILM 

Hanky Panky Sex 

Christmas Massacre Willing 

, 

Aug 

Wives 

76 

Sex, 

Super Buo. Super Agent 

Terror From Under 

. 

Sent 

the 

76 

Andv Warhol's Young Dracula 

House 

SCOTIA 

Sus-D 

AMERICAN 

Christian the Lion . 

^ '105) .Ad-Doc Jan 

C-D..N0V76 

77 

RIII Travcrs, 

Superhug. Vlrelnia 

the Wild McKcnna 

One . 

Mar 77 

The Night They Robbed 

HOLLYWOOD INT'L 

Big Bertha's (88) C. 

Her Last Fling (75) Sex D , 

76 

CINEMA 5 

Ultimate Pleasure 

(BO) 

Harlan 

Sex D, .May 

County. 

77 

U.S A 

lungle Blue TAYLOR-LAUGHLIN 

< July 

„ "", CD, 

Sale 

June 77 

(84) ...Ac. 

2Ist CENTURY 

Vlllr.nr, (;,n.m;in. Nine 

Lo inn Cousins 

M:infr(ill 

(87) ....D, 

The Demon Lover Nov 76 

, 

Volcano Tl'e (100) O and hftw nnr 

Nauohtv Stc*ardesses/ 

PIa7ina Stewardesses 

C-D 76 

(102/85) Sex C. 

The Lonely Woman (81) .D. 

CINE-HI DISTRIBUTORS 

Horror of the 7omhies ..Ho, 

The Bclstone Fox (87) .0 

Girls' Hotel (93> D. 

Uncle Tom's Cabin (108) D, 

llcrberl I.nm. (lliie Mnnreflel 

Nurse Sherri (92) ... Hn,, 

CLAMIL PRODUCTIONS 

Game Show Models ..Sex 0, 

Magii. Legend of the Juggler 

Cinderella 2000 

Blood Freak (80) . . . . . 

(95) SFSex 

8»4roiim Magic (90) 

. Nov 76 ralharlne KrhardI 

fMiuoy 'SO) 

.Jan 77 

.Jan 77 

KEY INTERNATIONAL 

The Father Kino Story 

COH^TELI.ATrO.-i ?!LMS 

(115) Ac-D . Sept 77 

lilrhard 

Battle 

Kcan. lilcard.. 

Crnimand 

Mnnlnlhan VANGUARD (100) RELEASING, INC 

. J»r Run for 

frederlrt 

Blue (86) .W-Doc. .Sept 77 The Hills 

Stafford. Have Eyes 

Ven .'..hraon Hex Allen, Tanya Tucker 

(89) Ac-Sus..June77 

FEATURETTE FILM REVIEW 

A Tale of Two Critters IqI Wildlife Documentary 

Buena Vista (390) 48 Minutes Rel. July '77 

Paired with Disney's ammated featui-e "The Rescuers" 

is an entertaining tale of a raccoon and a 

bear cub who are thrown together in a series of adventui-es. 

Shot in Technicolor in the i-pagnificent 

Pacific Northwest, the 47V'2-niinute featurette will 

please the youngsters who come to see the main 

feature. As narrated by Mayf Nutter (a latter-day 

Rex Allen, previous narrator of many of the Disney 

semi-documentaries », the Buena Vista release covers 

some familiar ground but does so with a typically 

sunny approach. The two companions seek safety, 

then shelter and, when a reunion with their respective 

families appears futile, they manage to survive 

as they reach young adulthood. It was written and 

produced by Jack Speirs, with the help of a crew 

from Olympic Game Pami. Although it has a television 

flavor to it and the short running time would 

fit nicely into an horn- slot, "Critters" adapts to the 

big screen format in an acceptable fashion. Theme 

song, "Ti-avelin' On," is by Erika Borgeson and 

Buddy Baker. 

FOREIGN FILM REVIEWS 

^^"ai'ia" 

Outrageous Comedy-Drama 

\R\ 

Steinman-Baxter 96 Minutes Rel. Aug. '77 

Filmed in Toronto, one of the most venturesome 

attractions produced in Canada is this Richard 

Benner written-and-directed drama which should 

command considerable attention, particularly in 

more metropolitan areas and on college campuses. 

It focuses on an escapee from a mental hospital 

(compellingly delineated by Hollis McLaren) and 

a homosexual hairdresser < the part is captm-ed with 

shattering impact by Craig Russell). The script is 

based on a story from "Butterfly Ward," by Margaret 

Gibson. William Marshall and Hendrick J, 

Van Der Kolk produced the Herbert R. Steinman 

and Billy Baxter presentation. 

Craig Russell, Hollis McLaren, Richard Easley, 

Allan Moyle, David Mcllwraith, Jerry Salzberg. 

Sandakan No. 8 

^^- If.^/;"^-' 

Peppercom-Wormser 120 Minutes Rel. Aug. '77 

Writer-director Kei Kumai has fashioned a grim 

narrative about Japanese-style prostitution, centering 

on a former karayuki-san (the homeland 

appellation for those girls sold into prostitution 

early in the century). The hopelessness of her situation 

and the heartlessness manifested by her 

keepers is depicted quite well. Kumai has employed 

the flashback motif—Yoko Takashi as the young 

Osaki, Kinuyo Tanaka as the aging Osaki years 

The director teamed with Sakae Kirozawa on 

later. 

the shooting script, based on an original story by 

Tomoko Yamazaki. Production and acting values 

have both credibility and dramatic impact. 

Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoko Takashi, Komaki Kurihara. 

Allegro Non Troppo 

Italian Animated Comedy; 

English 

Titles 

Specialty Films 85 Minutes Rel. July '77 

Italian animator Brimo Bozetto has created a 

brilliant piece of work in this hilarious satire of 

Walt Disney's famed "Fantasia." As in "Fantasia," 

the work is divided into six sections with each different 

animated story fitted to classical music. But 

unlike Walt Disney's straight and respectful treatment, 

Bozetto treats the audience to irreverent and 

funny storylines set to great music conducted by 

such famed artists as Herbert von Karajan, Hans 

Stadlmair and Lorin Maazel. The film intersperses 

live actors and action between each of the symphonic 

pieces and uses English subtitles. The satiric tone 

is established at the beginning when an actor announces 

to the audience that he has a brilliant and 

"original" idea to set animated stories to great classical 

music. He is interrupted by a telephone call 

from Hollywood which informs him that the idea 

already has been done. In a comical fury, he goes 

ahead with his version. Each segment matches the 

Disney classic in story-telling and in the uses of 

animation technique. The musical selections are 

"Prelude of a Faun," by Debussy; "Slavonic Dance 

No. 7," by Dvorak; "Bolero," by Ravel; "Valse 

Tiiste," by Sibelius: "Concerto in C Minor," by Vivaldi 

and "The Firebird," by Stravinsky. 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide ;; August 22, 1977

• ADUNES * EXPLOmn 

• ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

• FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

• SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

• REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

THE GUIDE TO § BETT E R BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G 

Columbia s 

The Deep Benefits From Many Promotions 

Set Up for Its Playdate at the Odeon in Winnipeg 

Columbia Pictures' "The Deep" was promoted 

effectively to a selected group before 

its engagement started at the Odeon Theatre 

in Winnipeg, Man. Robert Pakuliah, assistant 

manager of the Odeon, invited Dick 

Robertson, president of the local scuba diving 

club, to an advance screening of the 

feature and thereby garnered a highly complimentary 

plug for the film in the group's 

publication, the Captain's Log. 

"The Deep" also was hypoed at the 

Odeon-Morton house through a tie-in with 

the Aqua-Terra Pet & Aquarium Center, 

which donated an aquarium for a give-away 

at the Odeon. Pakuliah set up a ballot box 

in the theatre lobby so that patrons attending 

a showing of "The Deep" could deposit 

their entries there for a subsequent drawing 

and a one-sheet also was displayed in the 

specialty 

store. 

Tie-in 

With Moby-lette 

Pakuliah was permitted to set up displays 

in the two Moby-lette dealerships in the city. 

At M&M Sports Center, a one-sheet ballyhooing 

the picture was displayed in the front 

window beside a printed card stating that 

the film was "now showing at the Odeon 

Theatre." At the Mo Ped Center, an exhibit 

included three Moby-lettes parked under a 

one-sheet, with a card telling where the picture 

was playing. 

Record Store Displays 

In conjunction with Quality Records regional 

manager Chuck Porter, Pakuliah 

arranged for one-sheets and album sleeves 

to be placed in five prominent music stores 

in the city: at Eaton's (two locations), the 

Country Music Center. Mother's Records 

and Opus 69. 

A cooperative deal was set up with Bantam 

Books, whose regional representative, 

Don Lawrence, helped arrange for the display 

of one-sheets and posters in eight 

bookstores—Eaton's, the Bay, four Woolco 

stores. Jack Andrews Pharmacy and Dominion 

News. 

Radio Station 

Freebies 

In addition, CKY Radio was approached 

to give away 25 "Deep" packages over the 

air opening weekend. The packages included 

a double pass to see "The Deep," a 

novel of "The Deep" and the soundtrack 

recording, with a total value of approxi- 

Display at Moby-lette dealership in Winnipeg. Man , featiiiecl three cvcle'; a snipped 

one-sheet and a printed card staling that "The Deep" nas being presented at the 

Odeon Theatre. Two dealers. M&M .Sports Center and Mo Ped Center participated 

in activities beating the tom-toms for the hit Columbia Pictures release. 

mately $17. CFRW Radio also donated 

considerable air time, giving away 25 

"Deep" packages which were identical with 

the CKY freebies, but with a "Deep" T- 

shirt added. CFRW publicized "The Deep" 

during the exciting Manisphere Parade, 

which was viewed by approximately 250,000 

spectators. Announcers promoted the station's 

own giveaway as well as the theatre 

playdate. 

Bantam Gives 'Deep' Bags 

Some 300 small bags with the "Deep" 

logo on them were received from Bantam 

Books and these were passed on to the Marlborough 

Hotel Gift Shop (located almost 

directly across the street from the Odeon) 

for use in packaging small purchases. 

Not only was the one-sheet for "The 

Deep" placed in the Odeon lobby four 

weeks prior to the first unspooling of the 

film, 

but the Kings Theatre also displayed a 

similar ad before the opening and continued 

to display it during the entire playdate. 

Cross-plug trailers were screened at the 

Garrick and Kings theatres as well as the 

Convention Centre Cinema. In the third 

week of the picture's engagement, six mobiles 

were donated by Chuck Porter of 

Quality Records and these were placed in the 

theatre 

lobby. 

Banner Boosts 'Bridge' 

The UA Movies 4 in Fresno, Calif., ballyhooed 

the Joseph E. Levine presentation 

"A Bridge Too Far," a United Artists release, 

with a long, highly visible banner 

stretched across the upper side of the theatre 

building where it 

could be seen from Blackstone 

Avenue, the city's main street. S. 

Strieker of the Movies 4 used a bridge 

graphic to highlight the beginning of the 

message, with the letter design for the film 

title taken from the movie poster. Incidentally, 

Strieker made full use of the recycling 

policy, since the banner was painted on the 

back of one once used for another film. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :; August 22, 1977 26

C:---^^'n Theatre Titillates Potential 

Hanons With Cool Trans Am Display 

Percy Osteen jr.. owner of the Osteen 

:.,.:itre, Anderson, S.C, arranged a pro- 

, iional display for the engagement of 

Patrons of the Osteen Theatre formed 

long lines to get a close-up look at the 

Trans Am displayed in front of the 

showhouse. The flashy car was a duplicate 

of the one driven in "Smokey and 

the Bandit" by star Burt Reynolds. 

Univers 

proved 

getter! 

"Smokey and the Bandit" which 

he an outstanding attention- 

After attending a tradescreening of the 

picture, the Osteen Theatre management immediately 

decided to capitalize on the "star 

quality" of the Trans Am automobile used 

by Burt Reynolds in "Smokey and the 

Bandit." Osteen and Mary O. Price, advertising 

director at the showhouse, contacted 

the local Pontiac dealer, who agreed to secure 

an exact duplicate of Reynolds' Trans 

Am and called throughout the state until a 

similar top-of-the-line model was obtained. 

He arranged for security guards to watch 

the vehicle, displayed on the sidewalk in 

front of the Osteen Theatre, which is located 

at one of the busiest intersections in town. 

Display Car Is Sold 

The Trans Am was on display seven days 

and generated enormous interest. In fact, it 

was sold after three days and several more 

requests were received from persons who 

wanted a vehicle just like it. 

The long lines of moviegoers who wanted 

to get a close look at the flashy Trans Am 

were indicative of the fact that this tie-in 

provided a very successful boost for what 

was destined to be one of the hottest motion 

pictures in the South this summer (if not 

the 

hottest)! 

Dealer Buys Ad Space 

The Pontiac dealer also cooperated by 

offering to pay for additional space in the 

theatre's opening-day newspaper ad so that 

an excellent picture of the Trans Am could 

be printed, along with the agency's name and 

business 

address. 

Further hoopla was achieved by passing 

out heralds, provided by Universal, in shopping 

centers and similar high-traffic areas. 

The handbills were imprinted with the theatre's 

name and the picture's opening date. 

Film 'Opened Big' 

Osteen observed that the engagement 

"opened big and continued big," with the 

hit film held over more than ten weeks at 

the Osteen Theatre. Other movie hou.ses in 

the trade territory also reported good runs. 

Clayton Courville, city manager. Gulf Slates' International Cinema. Laurel, Miss., 

acquired one of four min-vans purchased hy the circuit for a giveaway to promote 

the engagement of Crown International Pictures' "The Van" at the Rebel Drive-In. 

The vehicle was displayed one week prior to the playdate, along with details for the 

registration at the underskyer to achieve eligibility for winning the mini-van. Three 

'ny- before the film's opening, Couiville advertised on radio and in the local news- 

;-"/ ihat the drive-in would hold a "Van Night." when everyone arrriving at the 

-. a van would be admitted for SI. Concession employees and the boxoffice 

; :'.';n wore "Van" T-shirts to provide additional promotion for the picture. 

William Harrison, manager of the Tamtny 

Theatre in Slidetl, La., had a visit 

from Lynn Holley dressed to resemble 

"The Heretic." She whisked around to 

all the shopping centers attd newspaper 

offices in Slidell to cast spells on the 

crowds so that they would feet impelled 

to attend a showing of Warner Bros.' 

''Exorcist II: the Heretic" at the Tammy. 

According to Harrison, reaction to 

the gimmick was tremendous, with 

grosses noticeably boosted by the 

"sweeping" promotion! 

Airer Manager Boosts 

'Kong' Via 'PA Tour' 

When that prince of all simians, "King 

Kong," was booked for a subsequent-run 

playdate at Steven Lind's Eagle Outdoor 

Theatre in Eagle River, residents of the 

Wisconsin town received a generous helping 

of "Kong-sized" showmanship from the 

airer manager. 

Slipping into a gorilla suit that strongly 

resembled the famous film character, Lind 

maintained an extremely high profile 

throughout the community. With Gail 

Kurtz. 10. towing him on a leash, la Kong 

spent three days hitting high-traffic centers 

in Eagle River, which is a busy northern 

Wisconsin tourist spot. Besides capturing 

quite an audience of families and young 

pwople wherever he stopped. Lind also 

garnered free print publicity, including a 

large and striking photograph in the Vacation 

Week section of the local newspaper, 

the Vilas Coimty News-Review. 

Lind came across as such a convincing 

"King Kong" that one moppet asked the 

cashier at the drive-in if the towering ape 

would make an appearance at the theatre 

the night she was attending, since she had 

"brought him a bag of peanuts to eat." 

27- BOXOFFICE Showmandiser :: August 22, 1977

" 

lATES: SOc per word, minimum $5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions lor 

)f three. When using a Boxofiice No. figure 2 additional words and include SI. 00 additional, to 

.•over cost ol handling raphes. Display Classified, S38.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

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

o Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124. 

price 

HELP WANTED 

THEATRE MANAGER lor Alaska theatre. 

.lust have experience in theatre managng, 

promotion, concession sales and workng 

knowledge of operating projectors. 

Salary negotiable. Send resume. Indicate 

alary desired and include photograph. 

;end to BoxoHice, 3943. 

THEATRE MANAGER for Northwest Ciruit. 

Must be experienced in Multi-Screen 

nd promotion minded. Salary negotiable, 

end resume and current photo to Boxffice, 

3951. 

THEATRE SERVICE TECHNICIAN wanted 

or repair and routine maintenance. This 

)Osition requires experience with Xenon 

Platter .amps and Systems. Knowledge 

A Tube and Transistor Sound Systems 

jj-ould be helpful. We are an expanding 

hain located in the beautiful Pacific 

(orthwest. Please send complete resume 

Boxoifice. 3952. 

DELUXE NEW QUAD THEATRE, Weslhester 

County N. Y. needs Managing 

3r. Must have multiple theatre exce 

including advertising, publicity, 

tion etc. No film buying. Group 

nee and commissions part of com- 

.... tion. Send resume, photo and salary 

squired to: Hank Lightstone, 505 Park 

N. Y., N.Y. 10022. 

TWIN TERRACE DRIVE-IN needs projec 

onist. Send resume to 3818 Blossom Lane 

Idessa, Tx 79762 or call nights (915) 352- 

351. 

OUTDOOR THEATRE MANAGERS, Kencky 

and Ohio. Must be experienced, 

alary negotiable. Reply with complete 

in strict to ?sume confidence P. O. Box 

2151, Lexington, KY 40512. 

ASST. TO GENERAL MANAGER, small 

TCuit, expansion minded, benefits, Eastshore, 

Virginia, Maryland. Send 

le and salary requirements. Boxof- 

TOP MIDWEST CIRCUIT has excellent 

3enings for managers. Benefit program 

icludes liberal accident, health and life 

csurance, vacations, concession and ad 

ssions and much more. Salary comrate 

with experience. Send comlete 

resume with recent photo to Boxof- 

. 

MANAGER/TRAINEE for small Iowa 

for Immediate opening someone we 

train and advance to manager's posi- 

Call Fridley Theatres, Des Moines, 

:. (515) 282-9287. 

PHOJECTIONIST/MANAGEH and cleang 

for 

Evans Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa 

have experience on platters. Good 

for right person. Apply World Play- 

;:4 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, 

PI, Mr. Krueger or Mr. Metcalle. 

SERVICE AND INSTALLATION TECHNIlAN 

: Tied now by Southern California 

[eat:-:^ equipment dealer. Experienced in 

bnon, automation and all major booth 

Ruipment. Good position for apprentice 

pd/or experienced person. Send resume 

lid rhoto if possible with salary expec- 

::. :- :-•. >958. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Poster Profits 

make 

Popcorn Peanuts! 

The Big Seller! 

,nfB 

m less space than yo"^P°P^°^^r^^^,^''l?/!!;ttJred 

and in 4 the time it tai

Boxoffice-August.22.1977

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