The Leading

Wthe

Industry

MOTION PICTURE

DAILY

Alert, Intelligent

Faith fut'j i Service to'' the Industry in All Branches

VOL. 36. NO. 77

NEW YORK, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1934

TEN CENTS

MPTOA Fight On Duals to Be Continued

Kuykendall Predicts An Amendment to Code

A fight to the finish on double fea- turing by the M. P. T. O. A. if and when the code is rewritten is indi- cated in the latest bulletin of the or- ganization, issued Saturday.

Describing Code Authority's ruling that a theatre's clearance cannot be predicated on whether or not it em- ploys dual bills as "a short-sighted and regrettable one which has demor- alized exhibition in many cities and enables powerful buyers to 'hog the market' without overbuying," the M.

(Continued on page 3)

Kuykendall Expects Two or Three Units

Two or three new units are ex- pected to be annexed to the M. P. T. O. A., Ed Kuykendall, president, stated Saturday. He would not give the exact locations because the asso- ciations have not definitely committed themselves to joining. Kuykendall said he is going to confer with ex- hibitor leaders in these units shortly.

Discussing the M. P. T. O. A. stand on the music tax situation, Kuy- kendall declared that his organization will continue to organize exhibitors against the increased assessment by the society.

"We are not going to quit fighting," the M. P. T. O. A. head said. "We are

(Continued on page 3)

Broadway Takes Off Generally for Week

Broadway grosses generally were weak last week, the Capitol taking a nosedive with Jackie Cooper and Ed Sullivan on the stage with "Death on the Diamond" on the screen. Intake for the week was $37,640, which is just about average.

The initial week of "Chu Chin Chow" garnered $32,600 at the Roxy.

"Affairs of Cellini," winding up a third week at the Rivoli, took in $15,- 000. "The Richest Girl in the World" at the Music Hall got around $70,000 for the week.

N. C. Grosses Total $4,100,000 in 1933

Washington, Sept. 30. — Box-office receipts of 184 North Carolina the- atres last year totaled $4,100,000, ac- cording to the Census Bureau. Pay- (Continued on page 6)

Ban 7 Changes Weekly

Kansas City, Sept. 30. — Seven features weekly are too many for an exhibitor if his opposition is short of product, the local griev- ance board ruled in awarding J. E. Whitten, Gem Theatre, Neo- desha, Kan., 71 features from Glenn Klock of the Klock, same town.

Tesimony showed Klock had been running double and triple bills, plus shorts, in an attempt to fulfill his contracts with Fox, M-G-M, Vitagraph, Paramount, Universal, Columbia, Radio and some independents.

The board found that while Klock had been operating on this policy for some time and though his 1934-35 contracts had been signed prior to the time Whitten began operating the Gem, in all fairness to the complainant as well as to the distributors, Klock should confine his operations to five or six changes weekly.

Grosses Only Measure for Pay — Cantor

Real talent in the industry is rare and should be adequately rewarded, declares Eddie Cantor. Regardless of the basis of compensation, whether it is percentage, weekly salary or a flat figure per picture, it should be com- mensurate with the artist's ability, he insisted.

Cantor's remarks were made upon his arrival here yesterday from the coast with his family.

Commenting on the proposed royalty

(Continued on page 3)

Interfaith Group Will Review Work

The interfaith committee, formed several months ago during the crusade for clean films, is scheduled to meet shortly to discuss whether or not Will H. Hays, president of the M. P. P. D. A., has kept his pledge to reform the industry.

Right Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, vicar general of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of New York,

(Continued on page 6)

Sc & C. Dates Key to Local Product Deal

Springer & Cocalis now hold the key to the RKO-Loew-Fox-Columbia- Universal product situation locally.

Loew completed its negotiations with RKO about three weeks ago and left the matter of clearances of Fox prod- uct, which it is transferring to RKO, up to Skouras and Ranforce, two in- dependent circuits holding 10-year franchises.

The first move made by Skouras was to pool the Academy with RKO's

(Continued on page 6)

Selling Plans Up At 1st Div. Meet

Future sales policies, new produc- tion plans and exchange expansion highlighted talks by Harry H. Thomas, president; Nicholas Lud- ington, William M. L. Fiske, 3rd, Charles Rosenzweig, Al Friedlander and Julius Chapman at the First Di- vision convention held at the Park Central over the week-end.

Thomas assured the men that First

(Continued on page 2)

Russians to Make 80 for Next Season, Rapf States

Returning from a two months' sur- vey of film and theatre conditions in Russia, Maurice Rapf, son of Harry, who is an M-G-M executive producer, says Russia is far behind us but their picture business is on a sound basis,

more unified in control, and run by the Communist party which has a cen- tral committee to control policies of the various production units.

He says Russia plans 80 pictures for

(Continued on page 3)

Lease Clause May Be Taken From the Code

Campi Legal Committee In Favor of Move

A move has been started to with- draw from the code Article V, Section E, Part 6, dealing with interference with leases of theatres.

A recommendation for removal of the clause was made by Campi's legal committee at a hearing last Thursday and protracted arguments between dis- tributors and exhibitors followed.

Before a vote could be taken, mem- bers of the body decided to table the question until the next session, Oct. 11.

Independent exhibitors are under- stood to be strongly in favor of re- taining the clause since it is regarded as a protection from outside interests which may attempt to oust unaffiliated

(Continued on page 3)

Yamins' Analysis of Sales Pacts Held Up

Due to differences of opinion on Nathan Yamins' report analyzing standard contracts in force this season by major distributors, the legal com- mittee has decided to hold another meeting for discussion of the various points brought out by Yamins before submitting the analysis to Campi for action.

Code Authority has been receiving complaints that distributors are vio- lating the code by certain clauses in

(Continued on page 3)

Coast Group in for Campi Conferences

Ben Berinstein, Harry Hicks and five other California exhibitors ar- rived yesterday from the coast to confer with Ed Kuykendall and to attend the clearance and zoning hear- ing for this territory.

Jack Miller of Associated Exhibi- tors' Ass'n. of Chicago is expected in town within the next few days.

Sign Writers* Wage Talks Resume Today

Week-end conferences between sign contractors and circuit representatives on the 10 per cent wage increase de- manded by Local 230, N. Y. Sign Writers' Union, failed to effect a set- tlement and will be resumed today.

Sign writers are threatening a strike vote in the event their scale is not increased from $13.20 to $14.70 per day.

MOTION PICTURE

DAILY

Monday, October I, 1934

MOTION PICTURE

DAILY

(Registered U. S. Patent Office)

Vol. 36

October 1, 1934

No. 77

Martin Quigley Editor-in-Chief and Publisher MAURICE KANN

Editor JAMES A. CRON Advertising Manager

Published daily except Sunday and holi- days by Motion Picture Daily, Inc., sub- sidiary of Quigley Publications, Inc., Martin Quigley, President; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Treasurer.

Publication Office: 1790 Broadway. New York. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable ad- dress "Quigpubco, New York." All con- tents copyrighted 1934 by Motion Picture Daily, Inc. Address all correspondence to the New York Office. Other Quigley pub- icatiW MOTION PICTURE HERALD BETTER THEATRES, THE MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC and THE CHI CAGOAN. , „ ■ tt

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Entered as second class matter, January 4 1926, at the Post Office at New York City, N. Y., under Act of March 3, 1879.

Subscription rates per year; $6 in the Americas, except Canada $15 and foreign $12. Single copies: 10 cents.

Warner Will Start Four Big Specials

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — Upon his re- turn here Saturday, Jack L. Warner, vice-president in charge of production for Warner-First National, said the company would put four big specials into work immediately on a budget representing about $4,000,000 for the quartette.

The pictures will be: "Gold Dig- gers of 1935," "Sweet Music," with Rudy Vallee, "Casino de Paree," headed by Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler, and "Devil Dogs of the Air," teaming James Cagney and Pat O'Brien.

Audio Closes New Deal

Audio Prod., Inc., has completed a deal for distribution of a series of six films produced by the Cinelog Corp. under the supervision of Lorenzo Del Riccio, according to a joint statement of W. A. Bach, president of Audio, and Harry H. Thomas, president of First Division Exchanges. The six films will be known as the "Thrilling Journeys" series.

! ! ! BARG Al N ! ! !

1200 USED SQUAB SEATS

OPERA CHAIRS

5 ply inserted panel locks in excellent condition. Must sell for cash. SACRIFICE. P. F. Masucci, Para. Bldg., N.Y.C.

Trading Light on Big Board

Net

Columbia Pictures, vtc 35^6

Eastman Kodak 99J4

Eastman Kodak, pfd 141/

Fox Film "A" 12/

Loew's, Inc 29/

M-G-M, pfd 25

Paramount Publix, cts 4J^

Pathe Exchange 1%£

Pathe Exchange "A" 13/

RKO Warner Bros.

99% 141/ 12/ 28/ 25 454

13%

Close	Change	Sales
35^	— lA	500
9934		200
141/	—IV2	20
12A		300
29%.	+ H	1,200
25	+1	100
4/	- %	1,200
134		100
13/8	- %	200
2Vs		200
5%		2,900

Technicolor Off XA on Curb

Net

Technicolor

General Theatre Equipment 6s Loew's 6s '41, ww deb rights... Paramount Broadway 5/s '51..

Paramount F. L. 6s '47

Paramount Publix 5/s, '50

Pathe 7s '37 ww

Warner Bros. 6s '39 \vd

'40.

High	Low	Close	Change	Sales
. 12/	12'A	12/	- 54	100
2	2	2		100
y Bonds Off 1
			Net
High	Low	Close	Change	Sales
• 634	634	634	+ Vt	2
101j4	10134	10134		4
. 41/	41/	41/	—1	5
. 60	59/	5934		10
. 60J4	60	6034	+ Ya	28
. 98	98	98		1
. 61	6034	61	- /	18

Selling Plans Up At 1st Div. Meet

'Continued from page 1)

Division would be in every key cen- ter within the next few months. He also spoke on the type of product the reorganized company planned. Fried- lander talked on exploitation.

In addition, Budd Rogers, general sales manager for Liberty, which First Division is releasing in a number of territories, spoke on the 12 pictures his company is producing this season. Louis Hyman, executive of Sol Les- ser's company, talked on "Chandu."

Several Audio shorts were screened Saturday, including "Musical Moods," "Thrilling Journeys," "Mexican Idyll" and "Old Faithful Speaks." After the screening in Erpi's projec- tion room in the Fisk Building, Gar O'Neill, E. S. Gregg and W. A. Bach spoke to the men.

Features shown were "Schools for Girls," "Curtain Falls" and "Return of Chandu."

A dinner was held at the Casino de Paree Saturday night when "Hei Tiki" rings and bracelets were dis- tributed in conjunction with an ex- ploitation campaign on a special of that name being handled by First Division.

The convention adjourned yesterday after Thomas gave a final talk on the aims and ideals of the company. He stated four major pictures are slated for production by First Division with top-notch writers, casts and directors.

About 60 branch managers, sales- men, bookers and home office repre- sentatives attended the three-day ses- sion.

Churchill Does Script

London, Sept. 30. — Winston Church- ill, former chancellor of the ex- chequer, has written the scenario for Alexander Korda's forthcoming fea- ture, "The Reign of King George V." The film is to be released next year during King George's silver jubilee.

Cohan Gives a Party

George M. Cohan threw a surprise cocktail party at the Eastern Service Studios last Saturday for members of the "Gambling" unit.

Fox Renews on Fetchit

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — Fox has taken up its option on Stepin Fetchit's contract.

Stuart Takes New Post

Herschel Stuart takes over his new post as director of advertising, pub- licity and exploitation at Columbia today. George Brown, whom he suc- ceeds, has gone into an executive post at the Biow advertising agency. Brown will be guest of honor at a farewell luncheon in the M. P. Club tomorrow.

Charter Col. of India

Dover, Sept. 30. — Columbia Films of India, Ltd., was chartered here to deal in films, etc., listing capital of $10,000. The incorporators are Max Seligman, Richard Philpitt and Floyd Weber, Prentice-Hall, Inc., of Dela- ware, is the agent for the company.

< Purely Personal ►

JOHN BOLES, who recently com- pleted work in "The White Parade" for Fox, arrived in town Sat- urday with Mrs Boles, his first visit here in seven years. He will be here about four weeks.

Adolph Pollak, president of Show- craft Pictures, plans to leave for Hol- lywood next week. He recently re- turned from a quick trip to the coast.

Anna May Wong is in New York from Hollywood and will attend a showing of "Chu Chin Chow" at the Roxy tomorrow.

Ed Finney is in Providence for the opening of "Girl of the Limberlost" at the Strand.

Barney Rosenthal of the St. Louis Monogram exchange is in town con- ferring with W. Ray Johnston.

Steve Brodie of the Boston Mono- gram exchange is also in town.

Rene Robert, Fox fashion designer, sailed Saturday on the lie de France.

Pauline Lord has arrived from the

coast.

Colonel Levy in Town

Col. Fred Levy of Louisville is in town for a week. He arrived Satur- day to confer with Sol Lesser before the latter sailed for England.

Brandt in Newark House

Newark, Sept. 30. — Harry Brandt is understood to have closed a deal to take over the Shubert, now playing Italian films.

"A thousand pardons, officer, but there's Happiness Ahead9

Monday, October I, 1934

MOTION PICTURE

DAILY

Lease Clause May Be Taken From the Code

(Continued from page 1)

theatre owners from properties being operated by them.

The leasing clause has been one which has been regarded by some Campi members as full of grief. In many instances where cases have come up before appeal boards involving interference with peaceful operation of theatres Campi has played a hands-off policy and dismissed the complaints. This has happened in several instances with the result that court action has been taken by those involved.

If Campi passes the recommenda- tion by a majority vote, the NRA in Washington must first approve the resolution before it can be taken out of the code. This, it is held by some exhibitors, may be opposed.

Second Bank Night Is Banned in Omaha

Omaha, Sept. 30. — The second bank night case to be heard by the local grievance board has been adjudged a violation and a stop order has been issued against Gus ZafFries, manager of the West, Sioux City, Iowa. The complaint was filed by Nathan Dax, manager of the Hipp.

The board also found that P. E. Johnson of Stuart, Neb., had not com- pleted a transfer of his theatre in order to avoid a contract as charged by RKO Distributing Corp. It was disclosed that Johnson had merely made an agreement with the lessee allowing him 10 per cent of the gross for running the house. Under the board ruling Johnson must fulfill his RKO contract.

Distributors were warned by the grievance board to stop picture ser- vice to G. K. Werner, Fairfield, Neb., because he has ignored rulings of the board to stop reduced admissions. The order is effective next Friday.

Des Moines, Sept. 30. — Bank nights have been ruled unfair competition in two cases brought here. Lester F. Martin, executive secretary for Allied of Iowa and Nebraska, appeared for the respondents, as representative of Affiliated Distributors, Inc.

T. W. Thompson of the Rex, Fair- field, was complainant against Louis Gaines of the Orpheum at Fairfield, and C. W. Roskopf of the Casino, Marshalltown, was complainant against Don Thornberg, Strand, Marshall- town. Gaines says he will appeal to Campi.

Lichtman Third Man On Zone Committee

Because of his wide experience, Al Lichtman, vice-president and general sales manager of United Artists, has been unanimously appointed by Campi as a member of the clearance and zoning committee. He makes the third member, George J. Schaefer and Charles L. O'Reilly having previously been named to the committee.

In making the selection, Code Au- thority feels that Lichtman's advice on clearance and zoning problems is of great value. Lichtman has agreed to serve.

Russians to Make 80 for Next Season, Rapf States

Grosses Only Measure for Pay — Cantor

(Continued from page 1)

plan for studio talent, which has re- ceived intermittent discussion in pro- duction circles, Cantor said the method of compensation was not as important as the rate of compensation.

'After all," he declared, "the box- office draw should be the only measur- ing stick for talent. For instance, Goldwyn pays me a percentage of everything that comes in at the box- office.

"Who can arbitrarily estimate what a Mae West is worth, save by what she draws at the box-office? Some players are paid $800 weekly who should be paid $8,000, and the oppo- site is also true."

Asked about the reported possibility that Division Administrator Sol A. Rosenblatt may recommend a royalty plan, Cantor commented that anything he might say would be only one man's opinion.

May Confer With Rosenblatt

"Producers know what they are do- ing," he continued. "Talent is ruled by the old law of supply and demand. That's why they pay Fritz Kreisler so much — because there are so many Rubinoffs."

Cantor said that while he is in the east he may confer with Rosenblatt with whom he discussed the salary sit- uation for two days while Rosenblatt was on the coast the last time.

Cantor is to make personal appear- ances with "Kid Millions," scheduled to open at the Rivoli Nov. 6 or 7. He also will appear in Pittsburgh and Baltimore at the openings.

After completion of his coffee hour radio contract in two months he in- tends to take his family to London, where he will keep his promise to appear at benefits for London hos- pitals, and at another for German- Jewish relief. He will remain abroad for two months. When he returns he will broadcast on the Pebeco hour.

Yamins' Analysis of Sales Pacts Held Up

(Continued from page 1)

contracts. Yamins was delegated to make a study of the various pacts. The legal committee met last week at the M. P. Club, but disagreed on the re- port, which was to have been sub- mitted to Campi.

It is expected that the report will be ready by the Oct. 11 authority session.

Vallee on Coast Oct. 8

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — -Rudy Vallee and his band will report here at Warners Oct. 8 to begin work in "Sweet Music" at the Burbank studio. Alice White and Robert Arm- strong have been signed for the cast.

(Continued from page 1) the coming season and the heads of all studios are gathered by the central committee and assigned pictures. Where the committee feels one studio can make a certain type of picture bet- ter than another, this studio is given the script. There are six studios.

Rapf states each studio has a busi- ness manager whose principal worry is getting the money from the govern- ment for each picture. Unit managers line up directors, stars and writers.

Directors, scenarists and composers work on a royalty basis, he says. In addition to a small remuneration, each of the three principals gets three- quarters of one per cent of the gross on every picture. The life of a pic- ture runs from seven to eight years and these men continuously get royal- ties as the grosses are checked in.

Appear in Few Films

Stars, or players, get fabulous sal- aries because it is rare that a player is seen in more than one picture in two years. The Russians do not be- lieve in star power. Producers call upon the layman or studio help to por- tray characters in pictures if they are suited for the roles. Experience is not essential, Rapf says. Actors and act- resses are paid by the day.

Russia has to import its film, he avers, and most of it is from Germany and America. He added more Amer- ican stock is being bought now than ever before. Because film is scarce, producers must use one of every three feet of film shot.

Discussing new product, Rapf states the big hit of the year in Russia is a picture on the Chelyuskin Expedition in the Arctic. It's in eight reels and in chronological form, something on the type of the Byrd Antarctic film made by Paramount. "The Road to Life" is now in its fifth year and has about three more to go before it com- pletes the round of all Russian theatres.

Film on Lenin's Life

"Three Songs of Lenin" is the latest picture made. It is based on the life of the Russian leader. The producers are working on a new idea, Rapf says. They are making "Gulliver's Travels" with dolls as the cast. Only one human being is in the picture, which will be eight reels in length.

A new academy is being built which will house a school for training students interested in film and theatre work. The structure will also have a film laboratory. The site is on the Volga river. The new laboratory will solve a lot of film problems for Rus- sia, Rapf predicts.

"The Treachery of Marvin Blake," which is known in America as "Cabin in the Cotton," is the only American film being shown in Russia. It has been cut in half and subtitles are dubbed in.

Comedies are rare and are only put on when the feature is short. Film theatres, as well as legitimate houses, have intermissions.

All film houses have reserved seats.

He says most of the picture theatres are in poor condition and cannot be compared to the legitimate theatres.

MPTOA Fight On Duals to Be Continued

(Continued from page 1)

P. T. O. A. bulletin declares that the ruling will "eventually destroy many small exhibitors unless it is modified."

"When the code is rewritten," the bulletin continues, "this question (duals) will have to be threshed out or it will slowly strangle the business, as well as bring on another wave of indignation against the movies. It is unfortunate that some producers will let their greed for the immediate dol- lar wreck the business by thwarting efforts to curb the evil of this form of cut-throat competition," the bulletin states.

Legislative activity against the American Society of Composers, Au- thors and Publishers to prevent music tax assessments is urged upon ex- hibitors by M. P. T. O. A. as the most important step that can be taken individually. The bulletin points out that anti-trust suits against the music licensing organization have failed in the past because of inability to dem- onstrate that interstate commerce was involved, as these actions were tried in the silent picture era, Now, it states, neither the music nor the words can be reproduced without the positive print which circulates in interstate commerce.

Touches on A.S.C.A.P. Action

The bulletin observes that if the Federal suit pending against A. S. C. A. P. is unsuccessful a film suit can always be instituted against the so- ciety.

M. P. T. O. A. re-states its block booking policy, based on a straight 15 per cent cancellation privilege. The bulletin also warns exhibitors against relaxing efforts to maintain programs of discrimination and prudent public relations in the face of a decline hi publicity on the church campaign. It cites the probability of legislative and tax moves against the industry in com- ing sessions of legislative bodies and urges an organized exhibitor front to oppose them on their appearance.

The bulletin also touches upon loans to theatre owners through the Fed- eral Housing Administration, which, it sets forth, may be obtained in amounts up to $2,000 for repairs and improvements of a permanent nature. It is stated that no applications for loans are considered if taxes on the property are not paid, or, in most in- stances, if there are interest arrears on mortgages.

Kuykendall Expects Two or Three Units

(Continued from page 1)

willing to go along on a reasonable and fair basis, but the society won't even talk about it."

Kuykendall plans to leave for Mem- phis Thursday to attend the annual convention on Oct. 7-8 of the M. P. T. O. of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. He recently returned from Atlanta where he spoke at the G. F. T. A. Independent Theatre Owners' Ass'n session. Kuykendall stated busi- ness in the South is very good and exhibitors are optimistic. In other parts of the country, he said, business is spotty.

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HISTORY BOOKED

Direct/if Jifter Screening/

MOTION PICTURE

DAILY

Monday, October I, 1934

Hollywood Personals

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — Jack Fier, assistant to Nat Levine, is back from a month's tour of Mascot exchanges. . . . Columbia has decided not to change George Murphy's name after all. . . . Victor Jory will not have a stand-in that cannot play chess. . . . Frank Capra and Harry Langdon had a grand reunion on the Columbia lot the other day. Capra used to be a gag-man for Langdon. . . . Warners are testing Jetta Goudal for a role in "White Cockatoo." . . . Frank George has arrived from New York to design hats for Warner stars. . . . Charles Bickford will do some fisticuffs with Victor McLaglen in Fox's "East River." . . . Leo Carrillo grabs a featured role in "Backfield" at M-G-M. . . . Greta Garbo recovering from a brief illness in a local hospital. . . .

Mae West Film Holds Up In Second Chicago Week

New English Tax Plan Up For Decision

By BRUCE ALLAN

London, Sept. 30 (By Mail).— Plans for the new entertainment tax campaign are set for discussion soon by the C. E. A. general council. One proposal before them will be that the duty should in future take the form of a flat percentage of total receipts in- stead of a levy on individual seats. Whatever decision is reached on mat- ters of tactics, exhibitors approach this problem with the big encouragement that the chancellor of the exchequer has as good as promised relief in some form in the next budget. A lot still depends, nevertheless, on the general state of trade at the end of the finan- cial year.

* * *

"Quota quickies" are also very much on the agenda. In a few weeks the president of the Board of Trade is to receive the C. E. A. deputation on this question, and a great deal de- pends on the exact form of the recom- mendations which are made to him. If they offer a practicable method of compelling the production of quota films of a minimum entertainment value, it can be taken for granted that legislation will be introduced to give effect to them. On the other hand, there have been pretty broad official hints that a minimum cost clause is not regarded as completely filling the bill, while the "quality clause," im- plying the issue of a certificate of suit- ability for exhibition, is regarded as of even more doubtful workability. As between these two solutions proba- bility favors the first, but the prospect of an amendment to the Films Act to penalize the "just quota" producer would be heightened if the C. E. A. could produce a policy independent of trade influences and the possibility of trade intrigue.

* * *

Revision of the Cinematograph Act, the other measure by which the trade is governed, is also being sought. The National Ass'n. of Theatrical Em- ployes, which has so far failed to se- cure its wage claims through the Joint Conciliation Board, has now secured the powerful support of the Trade Union Congress, to its suggestion to seek the imposition of trade union conditions by Parliamentary action. This development was foreseen when negotiations faltered.

Stallman Promoted By Stanley-Warner

Philadelphia, Sept. 30. — J. Lester Stallman, manager of the Circle, key Stanley-Warner neighborhood house in the northeast section of the city, has been promoted to district manager for Warners for northern Philadelphia.

Stallman has been district manager for Warners in Atlantic City, Camden and Wilmington. Recently, George Keenan of Warners' publicity staff was appointed his aide at the Circle.

Peggy Wood Gets Role

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — Peggy Wood has been engaged by Warners to replace Genevieve Tobin in "Right to Live."

Chicago, Sept. 30. — "Belle of the Nineties" continued to pack 'em in in the second week at the Chicago, the take running up to $40,000, over aver- age by $5,400.

"The Personality Kid" also devel- oped surprising strength. The $22,000 gross was $7,000 up. "Embarrassing Moments," at the State-Lake, took a fine $16,000.

"Dames" and "Judge Priest" were still going strong in their second weeks at the Roosevelt and Apollo, respectively.

Total first run business was $138,- 500. Average is $131,600.

Estimated takings :

Week Ending Sept. 25:

"COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO" (U. A.)

UNITED ARTISTS — (1,700). 30c-40c-60c, 3rd week, 9 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average, $17,000)

Week Ending Sept. 27: "BELLE OF THE NINETIES" (Para.)

CHICAGO— (4,000), 35c-50c-68c, 2nd week, 7 days. B. & K. stage production. Gross: $40,000. (Average, $34,600) "THE PERSONALITY KID" (Warners)

ORIENTAL— (3,940), 25c-40c, 7 days. Mills Bros., Al Norman & Co. on stage. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $15,000)

"RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD" (Radio)

PALACE — (2,509), 25c-35c-50c, 7 days. Lillian Shade & J. Fred Coots, Stuart & Lash, 12 Aristocrats on stage. Gross: $22,- 000. (Average, $22,000)

Week Ending Sept. 28:

"CRIME WITHOUT PASSION" (Para.)

GARRICK— (900), 25c-35c-40c, 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $5,000) "DAMES" (Warners)

ROOSEVELT— (1,591), 25c-35c-50c, 3rd week, 4 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $11,- 000)

"JUDGE PRIEST" (Fox)

APOLLO— (1,400). 25c-35c-50c, 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $12,000)

Week Ending Sept. 29: "EMBARRASSING MOMENTS" (Univ.)

STATE-LAKE— (2,776), 20c-25c-35c, 7 days. Lina Basquette, Jay C. Flippen, Ross & Ayres, 5 Blue Eagles on stage. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $15,000)

N. C. Grosses Total $4,100,000 in 1933

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roll payments for 1933 aggregated $660,000.

Reporting on the most important cities, the bureau showed that four houses in Durham had a box-office take of $233,000 and payrolls of $34,- 000 ; five in Winston-Salem took in $331,000 and had a payroll of $48,000; five in Greensboro took $315,000 on a payroll of $42,000 ; and four in Char- lotte took in $346,000 and had a pay- | roll of $60,000.

"Belle" Is $8,500 Seattle Smash Hit

Seattle, Sept. 30. — This town went for "Belle of the Nineties" in a big way, piling up a take of $8,500 at the Fifth Avenue. This is $1,500 to the good.

This made it hard on other first runs. "The Last Gentleman" was the only one to get anywhere near average.

Total first run business was $30,800. Average is $31,000.

Estimated takings for the week end- ing Sept. 29:

"BRITISH AGENT" (Warners)

BLUE MOUSE— (950), 25c-40c-55c, 7 days. (Extended run from Music Hall.) Gross: $3,200. (Average, $4,000) "BELLE OF THE NINETIES" (Para.) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,450), 25c-40c-55c, 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average. $7,000) "CRIME OF HELEN STANLEY" (Col.) "WEST OF THE DIVIDE" (Monogram) LIBERTY— (1,800), 10c-15c-25c, 7 days. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $4,000)

"CASE OF THE HOWLING DOG" (Warners) "ADVENTURE GIRL" (Radio) MUSIC BOX— (950), 25c-35c-50c, 7 days. Gross: $3,300. (Average, $3,500) "THE LAST GENTLEMAN" (U. A.) MUSIC HALL— (2,275), 25c-40c-55c, 7 days. Gross: $6,400. (Average, $6,500) "THE HIDEOUT" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (3,050), 25c-35c, 7 days. Vaudeville headed by Fay Courtney. Gross: $5,600. (Average, $6,000)

National Screen to Retain M-G-M Work

National Screen Service will con- tinue to make trailers on all M-G-M subjects, it was stated Saturday. The company has been turning out advance announcements on Warner-First Na- tional pictures ever since Warners de- cided to make its own trailers.

M-G-M starts releasing its own trailers early in January, using actual scenes from films for the announce- ments. National Screen, which has been using stills and off-screen dia- logue on Warner trailers, will use the same idea on M-G-M pictures, it is understood.

"One Night" Heavy Draw on the Coast

Hollywood, Sept. 30. — "One Night of Love" is continuing to do record business on the coast. The picture is now in its fifth week at the Orpheum in San Francisco; in its fourth week at the Sierra in Stockton; in its fifth week at the Sierra in Sacramento; in its second week at the Spreckles in San Diego, and in its fourth week at the Criterion in Los Angeles.

S. & C. Dates Key to Local Product Deal

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Jefferson on product, each of the houses to be operated independently, but with the Academy getting first choice of the combined pictures. George Skouras is now working on a deal with RKO to pool the River- side, owned by William White and for which Skouras has a management deal, with RKO's 81st St., on a day- and-date product arrangement.

Skouras has Fox, while RKO has half of Paramount and Warner-First Xational, in addition to all of RKO. Before Skouras gives up any of the Fox bookings, he wants to get the same availabilities as RKO on Para- mount and Warner-First National.

Springer & Cocalis come into the picture with second run contracts for Paramount and Warners for the Sym- phony and Stoddard, after the 81st St. Skouras, in order to get first run bookings, must get the consent of Jack Springer and Sam Cocalis is to play ahead of the Symphony and Stod- dard. Negotiations to this end are under way and will probably be set- tled this week. Distributors are un- derstood willing to cooperate.

Randforce will take over the Utica, Brooklyn, from RKO, when the deal is concluded.

Discussions for half of Universal and Columbia product between distrib- utor representatives and RKO are expected to be completed today or to- morrow.

Interfaith Group Will Review Work

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who is chairman of the committee, has set Oct. 10 as the tentative date for the meeting in the rectory of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

According to reports, both Protes- tant and Catholic members of the com- mittee are pleased with the work of Joseph I. Breen, production code ad- ministrator, as head of the industry's new self-regulatory body. Fear is ex- pressed, however, lest Breen be re- moved from his present duties after the agitation for reform subsides.

Future of Mexican Trade Now in Doubt

Mexico City, Sept. 30. — Whether or not high taxation will compel American distributors to abandon Mexico is the question being studied by Joseph M. Schenck, president of United Artists, who arrived here re- cently with Douglas Fairbanks.

Every effort will be made by Ameri- can producers to supply Mexico with films in the future as they have in past, Schenck said. As an added difficulty, however, he cited the recent imposition of an additional 10 per cent tax on gross receipts.

In addition to Schenck and Fair- banks, Dolores del Rio, Ramon No- varro, Jose Mojica, Joan Marsh and Katherine de Mille were here for the opening of the recently completed Pal- ace of Fine Arts last night.