Boxoffice-January.09.1978

JANUARY 9, 1978 

Read what the mtics are saying about 

JOAN RIVERS' 

An Immaculate Misconception 

"The.." 

— NEW YORK TIMES 

most hysterical and ir... 

— MEMPHIS PRESS SCIMATAR 

REVEREMT.« 

- CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR 

EXPERIENCE' 

- BOYS LIFE 

1 have had in a pubUc place.. 

- PLAYBOY 

"...SINCE THE EARLIEST DAYS..." 

—THE NEW YORK JOURNAL AMERICAN 

''...of the movies." 

- VARIETY 

"!luli9bnoV» 

- JEWISH DAILY FORWARD 

...And wait until you read wtiat ttie critics tiave to say 

about ^1?abblt TesT' after ttiey see ttw picture! 

^ 

Produced by EDGAR ROSENBERG Written by JOAN RIVERS and JAY REDACK 

Directed by JOAN RIVERS îm AVCO EMBASSY PICTURES

SEVEN DAYS OF BOXOFFICE MAGIC! 

MeSSegendSSim! 

^^^^ 

Sidney Ginsberg and Elliot S. Blair 

present theJjQ 

'f 

GIRIS,GIRLS,GIRIS 

(Stella Stevens) 

FUNiNACAPULCO 

(UrsalaAndress) 

KING CREOLE 

(Walter Matthau, 

Carolyn Jones, 

Dean dagger) .; 

ROUSTAROUT 

(Barbara Stanwyck) 

BLUE HAWAII 

(Angela Lansbury) 

G.I.BLUES 

(Juliet Prowse) 

PARADISE. 

HAWAIIAN SmE 

(Suzanna Leigh) 

SPEND AWEEKRîiMBERING ELVIS 

THE WAY YOU LOVE HIM 

THE WAY HE LOVED YOU 

^NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN ORIGINAL UNCUT ELVIS FILMS! 

ANEW'ELVIS'EVERYDAY ^^ 

NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN SONGS 

®Dob-CichrilnisInc. 

--'^r 

.•«*«««~««?M«»!(S

; 

NATIONAL 

. Manajing 

Kansas 

FILM WEEKLY 

blishtd In Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN SHLYEN 

ditor-in-Ch;el and Publisher 

. 

PH M DELMONT Editor 

RIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mjr. 

Y BURCH Equipment Editor 

PH KAMINSKY Western Editor 

ern Offices: 6425 Hollywood Blid. 

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ern Offices: 1270 Sixth .Avenue, Suite 

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HE MOllERN THEATRE Section Is 

jded in one Issue each month. 

inuerque: Chuck Mittlestadt, r.O. Boi 

87108. Tele. 

514 SUtlon C 265- 

578. 265-1791. ^ 

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jila- Cenevlete Camp. 166 Llndhergh 

ifive. N.E. 30305. 

imore: Kate Savage. 3607 Springdale. 

1216 

[on- Ernest Warren. 1 Colgate Road, 

leedham, Mass. 02192. Tele. (617) 

44-1657. 

(alu- Edward F. Meade, 760 Main St., 

4202 Tele. (716) 854-1555. 

MO- Frances B. Clow. 175 North 

enilworth. Oak I'ark. III. 60302. Tele. 

312) 383-8343. 

Innati: Hebra Helen. 3785 Fox Bun, 

io. 608, 45236. Tele. (513) 793- 

927 

rlotie: Blanche Carr, 912 E. Park 

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

'has. J. Leonard sr.. 319 Queens Rd.. 

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eland- Elaine Fried, 3255 Grenwas 

d 44122. Tele. (216) 991-3797. 

imbus JUn Pearce, 230 Gracelami 

llvd 43214. Tele. (614) 885-2610. 

las- Mable Gulnan, 5927 Wlnton. 

iver- Brace Marshall, 2881 S. Cherry 

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Moines; Cindy VIers, 4024 E. Maple, 

10317. Tele. 266-9811. 

roil Vera Phillips, 131 Eliot St. 

Vest Windsor, Ont. N9A 5V8. 

•tford- Allen M. Wldem, 30 Pioneer 

iriie. W. Hartford 06117, Tele. 232- 

iananolis: Robert V. Junes, 6385 N. 

'ark, 46220. Tele. (317) 253-1536: 

ksonrille: Robert Cornwall, 3233 Colege 

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

il44 

mnhis: Earllne Eans, 3849 Maid Marlin 

Lane, 38111. Tele, 452-4220. 

iml- Martha Lummus, 622 N.E. 98 St. 

waukee: Wally L. Meyer, 13637 N. 

3reen Bay Rd.. 52 West. Mequon, Wis. 

53092. Tele. (414) 242-0643. 

meapolls: Bill Dlehl. St. Paul Dispatch, 

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

,v Orleans: Mary Greenbaum, 2303 

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ahoma City: Mdle L. Greggs, 410 

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4746. 

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.\ve. Tele. (512) 734-5527. 

n Francisco: Cathy Meyer, Jan Zones 

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533. 94108 Tele. (415) 673-1950. 

atlle: Stu Goldman, Apt. 404, 101 N. 

46th St., 98103. Tele. 782-5833. 

cson: Gib Clark, 433 N. Grande, Apt. 

5, 85705. 

ishlnctnn: Virginia R. Collier, 5112 

Connecticut Ave., N-W. 20008. Tele. 

(202) 362-0892. 

IN CANADA 

ilgary: Ma.\me McBean, 420 40tb St., 

S.W., FSr IWl. Tele. (403) 249- 

6039. 

ontreal: Tom Cleary, Association des 

Proprletaires de Cinemas du Quebec, 

3720 Van Home, Suite 4-5, H3S 1R8. 

ironto: J. W. Agnev?, 274 St. John's 

Rd., M6P 1V5. 

uicouver: Jimmy Davie, 3245 W. 12, 

V6K 2R8. 

Innipeg: Robert Hucal. 500-232 Portage 

Ave., I13C OBI. 

Member Audit Bureau of Circulation 

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ubilcallon No. 062260 

ANUARY 9, 1978 

ol. 112 No. 14 

Guest Ediiorial 

Me TuUe eif "ine 

m&&&n. r

#1 

•^

ROGER MiSmi 

A^ head ofMGM Lahoiaturies. as 

cell as adminislrative VP n/AlGM 

nc. you are in a good [Position to provide 

some insigl-'ts into tlw fascinating 

'rea ofa lah's conliihiitions tu the 

inished product . 

What's the story hevnd 

K\GM Laboratories? 

"About nine vears aô. MGM 

Libonitorics was what was called a 

house lab'. Our output consisted 

solely of MGM's own product. 

iVIGM was releasing around 25 pic 

:ures a vear and producing some 

:ele\ision. But no laboraton' could 

air\ive with one customer since 

Jie amount of production from 

I'uch company was steadily becomni; 

smaller. A number of dis- 

:ributors widi in-house labs ,yot out 

.if die lab business. MGM. however, 

took a look at the sitiiadon 

ind decided we should tr\' to be 

:ome a commercial laboraton' in 

:ompedtion with other commercial 

abs. That's what we did." 

Ihnc has it worked out? 

"During die past ei^ht or nine 

/ears, we have acquired the business 

of three major producer- 

Jistributt)rs and we do a substanual 

imount of work with many indelendent 

producers and distributors. 

>o we now have over two hundred 

L'ustomers." 

What's the secret to a si/ccessj/d 

'iboratory operation? 

"In order to be able to nin a lab- 

Dratorv' properly, it's ôt to be a 

coordinated effort widi die customer's 

needs and plans. The lab 

has to remain totally fle.xible. because 

these plans can change, 

dirou^h no fault of anyone, on a 

weekly, if not a daily, basis." 

How doyou see the growth) pattern 

in tlx number ofscreens nianifesl 

itself in your evervdav operations? 

"hicrease in print orders. It used 

to be that a film that was an average 

commercial success would require 

from two to three hundred prints. 

Now we're^yetdny orders for four 

to fi\e hundred prints tor the same 

type of film. With a smash, however, 

the total order could run to 

900 prints. 

"But it isn't always diat neat. We 

once had an order for just two 

prints. The picaire was opening in 

just one theatre for a preview . It 

was an instant smash and we had to 

turn out hundreds of prints o\ernight. 

We can work as fast as any lab 

in the business: however, our reputadon 

is built on quality rather than 

speed. We have to deliver top-qiial 

ity work no matter what the dnie 

frame. And we do. lliat's why 

demanding and discriminadng producers, 

directors and cinematographers 

insist upon die MGM Lab." 

What happens when a large order 

comes along with technical problems? 

"That's where die Kodak technical 

people ha\e been in\aluable. We 

know diat no matter what die problem, 

Kodak can give us the answers 

we need. And fast. It isn't as though 

we call diem in especially. They li\e 

with us dav-to-day seeing to it that 

everything that goes dirough is top 

qualitv. 

"It's a permanent ongoing reladonship 

which we find very helpful 

ill e\ er\' phase ot our work. And it's 

a good feeling to know that Kodak 

is there." 

Kodak is tliere for you too in any 

iji/cstion you might have relating to 

Kodak film. The men and women in 

Kodak regional offices offer skill and 

expertise that can helpyou in both 

your everyday work as well as special 

problems. Don 't hesitate to call on 

lliem. For a free copy of this and other 

intervieu'S. ask to be placed on our 

Kodak Professional Forum mailing list. 

Write: Eastnum Kodak Company. 

Dept. 640C. Rochester N. Y. 1465U. 

i-:ast\un kodak < ompaw 

\n.\MA: 4(M ^SI-l.SIO 

( iir( A(.0: Ml {.s I Slim 

DAIl.AS: Jl 1 tSI 5.!JI 

HOI l\W()l>l> 1[\ 4(.t (>l U 

MAX >()Rk 21.! J

Rosenfield to Univ. as Marketing 

Consultant; 

Ad-Pub Restructuring 

Shooting Is Now Finished 

On Crown Int'l's 'Coach' 

BEVERLY HILLS— Producer Mark Tenser 

has announced the completion of principal 

photography for the Crown Internation- 

HOLLYWOOD—Jonas Rosenfield jr., 

former vice-president of worldwide adver- 

Charles Powell Jonas Rosenfield Jr. 

tising, publicity and promotion for 20th 

Century-Fox. has been signed as a special 

marketing consultant for Universal Pictures 

as part of a sweeping reorganization of that 

company's advertising and publicity department, 

designed to provide greater individual 

attention to each release. 

Rosenfield will assume his affiliation with 

the studio Monday (16), taking over an of- 

Universal, according to an announce- 

fice at 

ment made by Charles Powell, vice-president 

of advertising, promotion and publicity. 

Rosenfield left 20th-Fox in April 1977 after 

serving 15 years as that studio's head of 

worldwide advertising, publicity and promotion. 

May Accept Other Projects 

Rosenfield will work with Universal under 

an agreement which will permit him to 

accept other projects from other studios and 

producers. He will handle specific projects 

for Universal, the first of which will be 

"The Greek Tycoon." He also will be responsible 

for at least one other project during 

this year, in addition to being on call as 

a general market consultant. 

The agreement with Rosenfield comes on 

the heels of Powell's announcement that 

Universal will revamp its advertising and 

publicity department to create separate advertising-publicity 

units, each of which w

I 

As 

i 

HOLLYWOOD 

Cougar Slates 'Starbird' 

First 1978 Release 

— -Starbird and Sweet 

William" will open Cougar Releasing's 1978 

schedule with its premiere in Erie. Pa., according 

to Richard Nash, vice-president of 

the company. Nash also announced Cougar's 

plan to release at least one film per month 

this year, with contracts for product for the 

ne.xt two years recently completed. 

A. Martinez stars in "'Starbird and Sweet 

William" as a young American Indian torn 

between cultures and beleaguered by poachers 

who endanger his animal friends, including 

a grizzly bear cub named Sweet William. 

Don Haggarty and Skip Homeier appear 

in supporting roles in the family-oriented 

Dick Alexander production directed 

bv Jack B. Hivclv. 

'Dersu Uzala' West Coast 

Openings Fare Very Well 

HOLLYWOOD—New World Pictures' 

"Dersu Uzala." Akira Kurosawa's Oscarwinning 

film, reported excellent grosses in 

its premiere week at the Royal Theatre in 

Los Angeles, according to Bob Rehme. vicepresident 

and general sales manager. 

Rehme said the film also grossed well in 

its first week at San Francisco's Surf Theatre 

and at Berkeley's Elmwood Theatre. The 

film opened Christmas Day in Seattle and 

racked up a lofty three-day gross. 

"Dersu Uzala" will premiere in New 

York Friday (13) at the Baronet Theatre. 

Openings will follow in Boston. Washington 

and Baltimore later this month. 

'Alice, Sweet Alice' Is Set 

For Launching by Bantam 

NEW YORK—Bantam Books has published 

a paperback edition of "Alice, Sweet 

Alice" to coincide with the film's launching 

by Allied Artists. Under the title "Communion," 

which was the horror thriller's original 

name, the book sold 320,000 copies. Frank 

Lauria did the novelization of the screenplay 

by Alfred Sole and Rosemary Ritvo. 

"Alice, Sweet Alice." produced by Richard 

K. Rosenberg and directed by Sole, stars 

Linda Miller. Paula Sheppard. Brooke 

Shields. Mildred Clinton. Niles McMaster 

and Rudolph Willrich, with Lillian Roth 

and Louisa Horton. 

Producer Rosenberg and literary-film 

agent Peter Miller now are developing 

".'\tlantic City Proof" for production. 

Belgian Festival Shows 

'House That Joe Built' 

HOLLYWOOD—"Mustang, the House 

That Joe Built" was one of the films shown 

at the fifth annual Age D'Or Prize Film 

Festival in Belgium in which entries were 

judged throughout the month of December. 

".Mustang" was produced and directed 

by Robert Guralnick at the Mustang Ranch, 

a legal prostitution operation in Nevada. 

Manson International has exclusive foreign 

distribution rights to the RG Productions 

II 

feature. 

Louis 

Arkoff Emphasizes Necessity 

For 'Exploitable Element' in Films 

By 

RALPH KAMINSKY 

HOLLYWOOD— Louis S. 

Arkoff, executive 

in charge of production on two new 

American International features, sees the 

two projects—and others that will follow 

as major steps to blend "exploitable" elements 

in a story with a deeper examination 

of human relationships to create films that 

will have a broader appeal than the usual 

drive-in fare. 

He sees both features, "California Dreaming" 

and "Our Winning Season" as capable 

of "pulling in the hardtop audience"— his 

effort, he says, at trying to attract up to 50 

p>er cent of the moviegoing public, in contrast 

to the 15 per cent or so that might be 

characterized as fans of the hard-driving, 

simplistic exploitation films. 

Arkoff, the 27-year-old son of Samuel Z. 

Arkoff, AIP's president and chairman of the 

board, says he is applying to his filmmaking 

what he has learned over the years "at home 

from the best teacher in the world" and from 

his close association with the "corporate 

environment" of his father's business. 

Exploitable Elements Vital 

Evolving out of those experiences, he 

said, is his conviction that films should use 

"exploitable" elements that can serve as a 

framework or a background for a story as 

contrasted to "exploitation" of those elements 

as the main (and, sometimes, the 

only) attraction in a picture. 

In that sense, he points out. "California 

Dreaming" is set in a beach environment as 

the story background. The film, he said, 

combines the feeling of "American Grafitti." 

"Summer of "42" and "Ode to Billy 

Joe." with the characters going through 

their growing-up process with the beach 

serving mainly as the locale. 

"Our Winning Season." .Arkoff likens to 

"One on One," with sports playing its role 

in the background while the characters live 

out their experiences in the pain of youthful 

discovery, growing up and reacting to the 

Vietnam conflict. 

Hancock Directed 

'Dreaming' 

Ned Wynn wrote the scripts for both 

films and John Hancock, who directed the 

highly regarded "Bang the Drum Slowly,"' 

directed "California Dreaming." 

Arkoff's contribution to the filming, he 

said, consisted in "taking the creative brilliance 

of Ned's excellent script and the talent 

of Hancock as a director and guiding them 

along commercial lines" in keeping with his 

theory that human sensitivity and himian 

experiences should dominate the story, 

aided by a background of "exploitable" elements. 

Escalating production costs make it impossible 

to make a picture for less than 

$1,000,000 or $1,500,000, Arkoff points 

out. His objective will be to keep the budgets 

of films with which he is involved in the 

$3,000,000 range. AIP. he said, "alwavs is 

abb to make a picture for 25 to 30 per cent 

less than could be done at any studio" and 

he hopes to continue that tradition. 

"California Dreaming" was budgeted at 

$3,500,000 and "Our Winning Season" is 

expected to cost $3,000,000. "The pictures 

won't be low-budget any more." .Arkoff 

predicts, but they will continue to be made 

"with a sense of direction, with no self-indulgence 

by anyone." 

Record Number of Projects 

.'MP has 22 projects in various stages of 

development— "more than at any time in 

the history of the company." Arkoff says. 

They will be going into production over the 

next two or three years, 

with other projects 

being added as time passes. "They'll be 

made with good business sense and an eye 

on quality." he said. 

Among these films will be: "Summer 

Dreams." set in the Adirondack Mountains 

of New York in 1961. with the story dealing 

with two young men working as waiters 

at a resort and learning and growing up; 

a love story about two brothers and a girl, 

set on the streets of New York City; a 

remake of an old .-MP "monster picture." 

which Arkoff says will be "the scariest film 

to come out in years"; "Moneyball," a bigbudget 

film that will feature three major 

female stars as housewives who resort to 

thievery, and a feature that will run the 

gamut as an examination of American 

women, with emphasis on how women see 

men. 

"You'll hear language and see relationships 

that men never imagined exist," Arkoff 

said. The script will be written by 

a woman and Arkoff is hoping to sign a 

woman to direct it. 

'Fever' Grosses Approach 

$4 Million in Three Days 

NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures' "Saturday 

Night Fever" grossed $3,878,099 in 

the first three days of its premiere engagements 

in 504 theatres in the U. S. and 

Canada, it was announced by Frank Mancuso, 

vice-president for domestic distribution 

of the company. 

Playing in 80 theatres in the New York 

area, the film grossed $624,748 in its first 

three days. 

Produced by Robert Stigwood with Kevin 

McCormick as executive producer. "Saturda\' 

Night Fever" was directed by John 

Badham from a screenplay by Norman 

Wexler based on a story by Nik Cohn. 

MCA Acquires New Times 

NEW YORK—Sid Shcinberg, president 

and chief operating officer of MCA, Inc., 

and George A. Hirsch. president and publisher 

of New Times Magazine, disclosed 

that the previously announced acquisition 

of the magazine by MCA has been completed. 

BOXOFTICE :: January 9, 1978

l.l 

MATILDA 

SOMEBODY KILLED HER HUSBAND 

«.;l''l'«^' 

III 

THE STUNT MAN 

I 

THIRD WALKER CLOUD DANCER WOLF LAKE 

III 

I 

THE MANITOU RABBIT TEST THE CHICKEN CHRONICLES 

III 

I 

THIRD TIME LUCKY 

WHEN YOU COMIN BACK RED RYDER

We're Making Movies A Bigger Business 

/tCININ SIMON 

PRODUCTIONS. INC 

Announces the opening of 

their Los Angeles Offices 

260 South Beverly Drive 

Beverly Hills, Calif. 90212 

C213) 273-5450 

MILTON GOLDSTEIN 

Executive Vice President 

nnd Chief Operating Officer 

ROBERT E. RELYEA 

Vice President in Charge 

of World Wide Production

Cougar Computer Booking 

Operation Moves to West 

HOIXYVVOOD—Cougar Releasing has 

moved all booking operations to the headquarters 

here, according to Richard Nash, 

vice-president. John Burzichelli, vice-president 

of the Eastern region, moved in mid- 

December and other operations were scheduled 

to follow before the end of 1977. 

In the last two years Cougar has developed 

a computer-assisted central booking system 

thought to be the first of its kind in 

motion picture distribution. The system is 

designed to increase ready visibility of print 

location and movement, boxoffice receipts, 

accounts receivable and advertising expenditures. 

Cougar Releasing now is based at 62S5 

Sunset Blvd.. Hollywood 90028. 

Herman Cohen Acquires 

'Dragon Lives' Rights 

HOLLYWOOD — Herman Cohen has 

closed a deal with First Films of Hong 

Kong for the distribution rights to "The 

Dragon Lives" for the U.S., Canada and the 

United Kingdom. 

"The Dragon Lives" has just completed 

production and is based on the lite of Bruce 

Lee, with Bruce Li playing the leading role. 

The picture was shot in Los Angeles, San 

Francisco and Hong Kong and was produced 

by C. H. Wong and directed by Singloy 

Wang in CinemaScope and color. 

Cohen shortly will announce his distribution 

and exploitation plans for the picture. 

10 

Classic films at 

mail order prices. 

Blackhawk Films, the nation's leading dislnbutof 

ol home entertainment movies, is oflenng three 

ol lis most popular tllm classics in Super 8 

sound or silent at hall price tot a limited time 

only (Over 15 mm ea ) 

Reg. Now 

Buster Keaton's Silent r6-98 8 49 

COPS 

Sound 

14 99 

W.C. Fields' 

Silent 

9 99 

THE DENTIST Sound 3^-98 16 49 

Laurel & Hardy's Silent 

13 99 

TWO TARS Sound 

19 99 

Mail in your order today or write lor a free catalog 

Add '1 

50 tor postage, handling & insurance 

For (aster service call toll tree: 

800-553-1163 

(phone invalicJ in Iowa, Alaska & Hawan} 

Please mention order - 3791 

3791 Eastin Phelan Building 

Davenport. Iowa 52808 

Video casette catalog also available 

'New York' Scores Lofty 

Grosses in 

Mexico City 

New York — Ern.st Goldschmidt, 

United Artists senior vice-president and 

foreign manager, reports that Martin 

Scorsese's "New York, New York" has 

become a hit in Mexico City. 

A two-week total gross of $116,784 

was reported at the Diana, Imperial 70, 

Molina Del Ray, Jesus H. Abitia and 

Revolucion theatres, which have a 

combined seating capacity of 6,818. 

"New York, New York" was produced 

by Robert Chartoff and Irwin 

Winkler. 

Robert Shaw. Lee Marvin 

Are Set for Lorimar Film 

NEW YORK— Robert Shaw and Lee 

Marvin have signed to star in the Lorimar 

production "Avalanche Express," a contemporary 

suspense spy drama, for producer-director 

Mark Robson, it has been 

announced by Jerry Gershwin, Lorimar's 

vice-president in charge of motion picture 

production and development. Lorimar chairman 

Merv Adelson and president Lee Rich 

have finalized arrangements with the stars 

and production is scheduled to begin February 

27 in Munich, with locations also set 

throughout Germany and Italy. 

"Avalanche Express" is based on a screenplay 

by Abraham Polonsky, from the novel 

by Colin Forbes. In it, Shaw will portray 

a Russian secret service official, while Marvin 

is a military agent. The film is Lorimar's 

fourth theatrical feature, following the current 

"The Choirboys," released by Universal. 

Lorimar also made "Twilight's Last 

Gleaming" and "Someone Is Killing the 

Great Chefs of Europe," now being completed 

as an Aldrich Co. -Lorimar production. 

Following completion of his role, Marvin 

will star in another Lorimar film, .Samuel 

Fuller's "The Big Red One." 

'Ashanti' Marks Producing 

Debut of Swiss Exhibitor 

HOLLYWOOD — Georges-Alain 

Vuille 

has signed the first four stars for his multimillion-dollar 

feature "Ashanti," which will 

begin principal photography in April on 

locations in Africa and the Mideast. 

Signed for the all-star cast are Michael 

Caine. Omar Sharif. Peter Ustinov and 

Telly Savalas. Richard Sarafian will direct 

the adventure drama dealing with slavetrading 

in Africa and the Mideast, based on 

the novel by A. Vasquez-Figueroa. 

The story revolves around an English doctor, 

to be played by Caine. and his search 

for his kidnaped African-born wife, who 

also is a doctor and a member of the Ashanti 

tribe. Stephen Geller will write the screenplay. 

Vuille, 29 years old and the largest theatre 

owner in Switzerland, plans "Ashanti" 

as his entry into international film production. 

Kirtman Plans to Acquire 

Independent Film Rights 

NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.—Leonard 

Kirtman. president of International Film 

Industries here, announced that he will commence 

to acquire distribution rights on independent 

films, in an effort to become a major 

industry force. This is in addition to his 

ambitious program of producing eight to ten 

features a year. Now in 

the process of organizing 

the top representatives for each territory, 

Kirtman has selected Howard Mahler 

for the New York area and is negotiating in 

the Detroit, Texas, Washington and Florida 

territories. In the next few months, he intends 

to penetrate the rest of the country. 

There are two major reasons for going 

into distribution. Kirtman stated. First, he 

doesn't want to give up financial control of 

the film, "especially in situations where it 

might be possible to enhance boxoffice receipts 

through advertising support and public 

relations concepts." Second, he wants to 

keep his fingers on the pulse of the market 

through direct communication with agents 

and exhibitors. 

Kirtman has produced over 100 films, all 

of which were budgeted under $100,000 and 

all but two proved to be grossers for producer, 

distributor and exhibitor. He feels he 

can achieve a broader audience saturation 

with films made in the $250,000 to $500,- 

000 range and the additional benefit of ob- 

TV distribution. 

His next film, "Growin' Up Ain't Easy," 

taining 

will begin shooting in the Virgin Islands in 

March. Next, in April, is "The Young Heiress" 

and in June he begins "Herbie the Super 

Dog." children's picture with a Benjilike 

dog possessing James Bond talents. 

Scheduled for August is "Disco Madness." 

Benji Goes to Venezuela 

For Christmas Opening 

DALLAS—Mulberry Square Productions' 

canine star Benji recently returned from his 

trip to Caracas, Venezuela, where he spent 

four days making appearances on behalf of 

the Christmas opening of "For the Love of 

Benji." Empresa Cines Unidos, the largest 

theatre circuit in the South American country, 

arranged the promotion for the muchtraveled 

mutt, who was accompanied by 

trainer Frank Inn, his wife Juanita and the 

company's publicity director Bill Lyday. 

While in Caracas, Benji guested on the 

Venevision network's "Sabado Sensacional." 

the country's top-rated TV show, performed 

for over 1.000 crippled children at Hospital 

Ortopedico Infantil and attended a screening 

of his film at the Teatro Humboldt. 

Marc Pevers Named V-P 

Of 20th-Fox Licensing 

NEW YORK—Marc Pevers has been 

named vice-president of the 20th Century- 

Fox Licensing Corp., it was announced by 

Stephen Roberts, president of the film company's 

merchandising subsidiary. 

Pevers joined 20th-Fox in 1966 as an 

attorney in the New York legal department 

and since 1975 has been director of business 

affairs, international distribution. 

BOXOmCE January 9. 197S

Columbia in Distribution 

Deal With Mexican Firm 

NEW YORK—Carlos Barba. vice-president 

and general manager of the Columbia 

Pictures Spanish Theatrical Film Division, 

has announced acquisition of exclusive U.S.. 

Puerto Rican and Dominican Republic distribution 

rights to a group of new Mexican 

productions. 

The deal was negotiated with Roberto 

Rodriquez and Albert Vlasco. president and 

general manager, respectively, of Peliculas 

Latinoamericanas, S.A. The company will 

produce six feature films between January 

1978 and June 30, 1979. with an estimated 

total budget of approximately $1,500,000. 

"I am extremely pleased to announce this 

distribution arrangement." Barba stated, 

"because it represents a major step for the 

Columbia Pictures Spanish Theatrical Division 

in terms of distributing Mexican 

product." 

The first film in the series begins shooting 

Sunday (15). Entitled "La Venganza de Luciano 

Resendez (El Cara Cordada)." it stars 

Jorge Rivero, Mario Almada and Lucha 

Villa. 

Nachbaur Named President 

Of LPAA, UA Subsidiary 

NEW YORK—Jean Nachbaur, current 

production supervisor of les Productions 

Artistes Associes, a United Artists subsidiary, 

has been promoted to the position of 

president and managing director, effective 

Jan. 1, 1978, it was announced by Ernst 

Goldschmidt, United Artists senior vicepresident 

and foreign manager. 

Nachbaur has been with les Productions 

Artistes Associes ten years, beginning as advertising 

and publicity director for the European 

Continental division. In 1973 he became 

head of production for LPAA before 

assuming the role of production supervisor. 

He succeeds Frank Di Marco, who has 

retired. 

CPI Sells 711 Fifth Ave. 

Interest for $13,500,000 

NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures Industries 

announced the closing of the sale of 

its leasehold interest in 711 Fifth Ave. for 

an aggregate purchase price of appro.ximately 

$13,500,000, including the assumption 

of a mortgage of approximately $6,- 

400.000. Columbia will realize an after-tax 

gain of approximately $9,700,000 on the 

sale. 

The company maintains principal executive 

offices at 711 Fifth Ave. here and 

has entered into a long-term lease. 

Crest Film Distributors 

Has Moved to Los Angeles 

HOLLYWOOD—Crest Film Distributors, 

headed by Jerry and Gary Persell, is 

moving from the headquarters where the 

company has spent 20 years to its new 

home at 116 North Robertson Blvd., Los 

Angeles 90048. The new telephone number 

is (213) 652-8844. 

New World fo Spend $3,000,000 

To Promote First 5 Features of '78 

HOLLYWOOD— Roger Corman's New 

World Pictures has earmarked nearly 

$3,000,000 to ballyhoo the first five films 

the company will release this year, with 

heavy emphasis on newspaper and national 

TV advertising as the major thrust. 

Selective TV buying will be utilized to 

place the commercials with TV shows to 

reach a particular audience. For example. 

TV commercials for "A Hero Ain't Nothin' 

But a Sandwich" have been booked on time 

for the NBC-TV Movie, "King," about the 

late civil rights leader. Also, "Deathsport" 

TV spots will be placed with action and 

science-fiction programs. 

"Deathsport" has a $1,000,000 promo 

tional budget, the largest allocated among 

the five releases. The film will get much the 

same treatment accorded to "Deathsport 

2000," New World's successful release of a 

couple of years ago. All three major networks 

and selected independent stations will 

be used as part of the promotional plan. 

Overall, according to Bob Rehme. vicepresident 

and general sales manager, a variety 

of marketing approaches will be used, 

with newspapers, magazines, radio and TV 

utilized in keeping with the type of picture 

advertised and the target audiences. 

Exhibitor 

Huddles Planned 

In addition to the individual exploitation 

plans for each film. New World will give 

exhibitors a rundown on its releasing plans 

for the year at three exhibitor conclaves. 

Corman will host the closing luncheon of 

ShoWesT February 12 in Coronado, Calif., 

and will speak at the other two sessions; at 

TEXPO in Dallas Tuesday (31), and at 

Show-A-Rama in Kansas City March 13. 

Product reels and samples of advertisements 

will be featured at each session. 

New World has slated $750,000 for "A 

Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich." which 

will open February 3 in Los Angeles and 

New York; February 10 in Chicago, and 

February 17 in seven other selected cities. 

A heavy concentration of newspaper and 

local TV ads and a special ad in TV Guide 

are planned, in addition to the national 

NBC-TV schedule. 

Radio spots will place special emphasis 

on th; song "Send in the Clowns." the hit 

tune from "A Little Night Music." which 

will premiere in New York March 8 and 

will open by March 22 in Los Angeles. San 

Francisco. Boston, Chicago, Washington, 

D. C, and Philadelphia. The film is earmarked 

for $500,000 in promotion funds, 

with a big newspaper play and TV spots set 

in soap opera time on the agenda. 

Book Tie-In Set 

"Leopard in the Snow" will benefit from 

a special arrangement with Harlequin 

Books, which will issue 1,000,000 copies of 

the movie edition and will carry an ad for 

the picture in all Harlequin books published 

that month—6.000.000 copies plugging 

the picture. In addition. TV saturation 

is planned when the picture opens late in 

February in eight markets, extending to 

eight other selected cities for Easter break. 

All-Media Promotion 

TV. newspaper and radio also will be 

used heavily for "Jokes My Folks Never 

Told Me." to be backed by a $250,000 

campaign when it opens late in February in 

six cities and in six others in March. 

Residents Invest $25,000 

In Clarke's 'Chance' Film 

CHAMA, N. M.—Producer-star Christopher 

Clarke, shooting a $300,000 western 

titled "Chance" on location here, apparently 

made such a favorable impression on 

local residents that they approached him requesting 

an opportunity to invest in the Aupaloosa 

Productions release. A total of $25,- 

000 was contributed by townspeople, in 

amounts ranging from $250 to $10,000. 

Clarke credits the generosity of the residents 

to their being given "the opportunity 

for direct involvement by providing services, 

including catering, accommodations 

and transportation," during the 30 days of 

shooting. 

The executive producer of "Chance" was 

Fred Baker. Gerard V. Parker wrote the 

screenplay and directed. The New Mexico 

Film Commission provided full cooperation, 

to the extent that its director Larry Hamm 

personally arranged planes and helicopters. 

t'-i: !?! l^fSRLO OF' i^ 

Hosting the eighth annual 

New World Pictures sales 

meeting are, left to right. 

Bob Rehme. vice-president 

and general sales manager; 

Mrs. Bob Rehme; Barbara 

Boyle, executive vice-president; 

Lynn Hollowill; Roger 

Corman, president: Julie 

Gorman; Harvey Applebaum, 

Western division manager, 

and Joel Rapp, director of 

advertising. The theme of 

the meeting was "The Wid"; 

World of New World 1978." 

-^ 

BOXOFnCE :: January 9, 1 978 11

Josephs Is Appointed 

V-P at Crown Inl'l 

HOLLYWOOD—George M. Josephs. 

Ciown International Pictures general sales 

manager, has been appointed 

a vice-president 

of the company, 

it was annoLmced by 

Mark Tenser, president. 

Josephs has 

spent his entire busi- 

HMk V I ness career in the mo- 

^^H ^>- " tion picture industry. 

^^B ^^ sSbM 

Boi'n in London, 

j^H W '^Hj England, he came to 

George M. Josephs 

graduated 

the U.S. at an early 

^„^ ^^^ attended and 

from New York University on a 

business major. 

His first job while still in college was 

with Cokimbia Pictures where he spent 

most of his career in the indiistry, advancing 

to an executive sales post in the company. 

Josephs resigned in 1960 to enter the independent 

motion picture field as vicepresident, 

sales, for Astor Pictures and subsequently 

held top sales posts with other independents. 

In 1967 he joined Crown as 

assistant to Newton P. Jacobs and in 1968 

was appointed Eastern and Southern sales 

manager, then elevated to be Crown's general 

sales manager in 1971. 

In his new post as vice-president, general 

sales manager. Josephs will continue to supervise 

all sales for Crown International 

Pictures. 

AMC Film Man- 

New Subsidiary Announced 

By American Multi Cinema 

KAN.SAS CITY—American Multi Cinema, 

Inc., has a new wholly owned sLibsidiary, 

agement, Inc., and it 

is now responsible for 

all film buying for all 

American Multi Cinema 

theatres. 

Joel Resnick announced 

that the entire 

film buying team, 

including himself, has 

now become part of 

Joel Resnick 

the subsidiary group. 

The American Multi 

Cinema circuit, based in Kansas City and 

headed by president Stanley Durwood, plans 

to have 500 screens in operation coast to 

coast by year's end. 

'Smooth Velvet, Raw Silk' 

Set for February 1 Bow 

LOS ANGELES—Dimension Pictures 

has moved the national release date of 

"Smooth Velvet, Raw Silk" to February 1. 

Starring "The Emmanuelle Girls," Annie 

Belle and Laura Gemser, the feature was 

produced in Egypt. 

Dimension has 14 theatrical features 

scheduled for release in 1978. 

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. 

Tills Distributor Rating 

Cat and Mouse (Quartet Films) 

Duncan's World 

(Duncan's World Prdns) 

Galyon(*) (Ivan Tors) 

A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a 

Sandwich (New World) 

The Last Cannibal World 

(United Producers) 

PG 

d 

PG 

•Supersedes G rating listed in Bulletin Mo 345 unde' 

title The Forgotten Wilderness 

Mike Connors Will Star 

In 'Avalanche Express' 

NEW YORK—Mike Connors, famed 

star of the "Mannix" TV series, has been 

signed by producer-director Mark Robson 

to" star in the $12,000,000 Lorimar production 

of "Avalanche Express," in the pivotal 

role of a liaison officer between the President 

and a top military agent, portrayed by 

Lee Marvin. Also starring is Robert Shaw 

as a Russian secret service official, with 

other international stars to be announced 

shortly. Supervising production will be 

Lorimar chairman Merv Adelson and president 

Lee Rich. 

Robson departed for Mimich December 

27 with production manager Harry Caplan 

to prepare for the February 27 start of 

filming, to take place in Munich and Milan 

and throughout Italy. The screenplay is by 

Abraham Polonsky, from the novel by 

Colin Forbes. 

"Avalanche Express" marks Lorimar's 

fourth theatrical venture, the others being 

last year's "Twilight's Last Gleaming," the 

recently premiered "The Choirboys" and 

the just-completed "Someone Is Killing the 

Great Chefs of Europe." 

'Encounters' Highlighted 

By Rose Bowl Spectacle 

NEW YORK—It 

was "Close Encounters 

of the Third Kind" at the Rose Bowl Monday 

(2), when the University of Michigan 

Marching Band presented a half-time show 

based on the theme of the Columbia blockbuster, 

featuring the music from the film as 

composed by John Williams. 

The band formations were keyed to the 

film and the UFO phenomenon, with over 

100,000 fans in the stadium and millions of 

network TV viewers sharing in the spectacle. 

The Big Ten champion's band rehearsed 

the special musical arrangements 

for six weeks in Ann Arbor, spending additional 

weeks in drills on the formations depicting 

the film's theme. 

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind," a 

Columbia presentation in association with 

EMI, stars Richard Dreyfuss, Francois 

Truffaut. Tori Garr and Mclinda Dillon. 

S-A-R Committee Seeking 

Show-Woman of the Year 

KANSAS CITY—Who are the outstanding 

women of the motion picture industry? 

According to Show-A-Rama 21 ladies' chairwomen 

Mary Lightner and Sylvia Stone, 

they are to be found in all phases of the 

business. 

"More and more we learn of the fine 

accomplishments of women in production, 

distribution and exhibition. These are the 

caliber women we expect to hear about in 

our search for the third annual Show- 

Woman of the Year," the women added. 

The first recipient of the coveted award 

was Blanche Livingston, national director 

of advertising and publicity for RKO-Stanley 

Warner Theatres. Last year, Marjorie 

Snyder of Family Theatres, Tulsa, Okla., 

was accorded the honor. The winners in 

each case exemplified the highest standards 

of performance in areas of exacting responsibility. 

"The award is not given lightly," the 

chairwomen explained. "The third successful 

candidate must demonstrate these same 

high standards of performance." 

Nominating letters should include biographical 

sketches and a history of industry 

involvement and should be addressed to the 

ladies' Show-A-Rama committee, in care of 

the United Motion Picture Ass'n, 3612 

Karnes Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64111. Entries 

must be received no later than Feb. 15, 

1978. 

The winner will be honored during the 

annual ladies' Show-A-Rama luncheon to be 

held in Kansas City March 16. 

Fox Names Smithline V-P 

Global Business Affairs 

NEW YORK—Morton H. Smithline, a 

vice-president of 20th Century-Fox Pictures, 

has been promoted to vice-president of 

worldwide business affairs for the company, 

it was announced by Jay Kanter, 

senior vice-president of worldwide production. 

Smithline joined 20th-Fox in 1974 as 

director of business affairs, feature division, 

and was named vice-president in 1975. Previously, 

he was vice-president of Mirisch 

Productions. 

Smithline's expanded areas of responsibility 

will include supervision of all of the 

division's business affairs activities and personnel 

as well as supporting functions of 

the company's legal department. Lyman 

Gronemeyer, legal affairs vice-president, will 

retain his current duties and will report to 

Smithline as will a vice-president of business 

affairs and an additional business affairs 

executive, both to be designated. 

Nay Boneta Joins the Cast 

Of Band's 'Fairy Tales' 

LOS ANGELES—Nay Boneta has 

been 

cast in the role of Scheherazade in Charles 

Band's production "Fairy Tales," joining 

Sy Richardson and Professor Irwin Corey. 

The feature is being directed by Harry 

Tampa from a screenplay by Franne Schacht 

and Frank Ray Perilli. 

12 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978

MPAA Offers Amendments 

To Cable Copyright Rules 

WASHINGTON—In a statement before 

the Library of Congress, the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America supported regulations proposed 

by the Copyright Office relevant to 

the compulsory licensing of cable TV systems, 

offering only four amendments to 

the 

rules developed by the government agency. 

Section 111(d) of the Copyright Revision 

Act is addressed to the regulation of operations 

of cable systems, including rules pertinent 

to royalties on copyrighted material 

rebroadcast via cable. 

The MPAA requested the lollowing 

amendments: (1) to require cable systems to 

specify the time periods of the day during 

which each signal carried on a part-time 

basis is retransmitted: (2) to require a specification 

of the charge for each cable service 

offered and the number of subscribers to 

each service; (3) to make the definition of a 

cable system consistent with the Copyright 

Act's previous definition and invulnerable to 

alteration by the FCC. and (4) to require a 

$10 filing fee with each cable system's required 

semi-annual statement of account. 

The first three amendments are intended 

to facilitate copyright owners' determination 

of applicable royalties payable by cable systems. 

The fourth is intended to place the 

financial burden of administering the 

mandatory licensing procedure upon the 

cable systems which benefit from the license, 

rather than upon the Copyright Office and 

therefore the ta.xpayers. 

TWA Plugs Small-Package 

Shipping Service Kit 

NEW YORK—TWA now offers a survival 

kit to help emergency shippers through 

a small-package shipping crisis. 

The "TWA Small Package Crisis Survival 

Kit" highlights the unique TWA "Next 

Flight Out" Small Package E.xpress Service. 

The main feature of the kit is a brochure 

detailing TWA's "Next Flight Out" shipping 

procedures, maximum package weight 

and dimensions, pickup and delivery arrangements, 

ways to pay for the service and 

information on the "Next Flight Out," 100 

per cent moneyback guarantee on service 

as promised. 

Additional elements in the survival kit 

include TWA's "Next Flight Out" toll-free 

telephone number stickers, airport-to-airport 

rate guide and a postage-paid reply 

card that makes available to small package 

shippers a gold-imprinted 1978 e.xecutive 

monthly planner. 

Welch's New Marquee Int'l 

Reveals Production Plans 

LOS ANGELES—Marquee International 

Films producer Robin E. G. Welch. British 

entrepreneur who presently is assembling an 

extensive production company here, has 

announced a title change to "Simon" for 

his rock musical fantasy previously titled 

"Mama Death. Lady Sanity and the Fool." 

Marquee International expects to produce 

a number of youth-oriented feature films 

and musical projects. 

'Gauntlet' Japanese Bow 

Reports Lofty Grosses 

Burbank—Clint Eastwood in "The 

Gauntlet." starring Sondra Locke and 

directed by Eastwood, world-premiered 

December 17 in Japan and racked up 

a gross of $125.00(1 in the first two 

days at three Tokyo theatres, it was 

announced by Myron Karlin. executive 

vice-president, international operations. 

"The Gauntlet" is a Malpaso production 

for Warner Bros., which is releasing 

the picture globally. Robert 

Daley produced from a screenplay by 

Michael Butler and Dennis Shr>ack. 

"The Gauntlet" bowed across the 

U.S. December 21. 

MGM Engages Francis Lai 

To Score 'Int'l Velvet' 

NEW YORK— French 

composer Francis 

Lai has been signed by Metro-Goldwyn- 

Mayer to compose the music for "International 

Velvet." starring Tatum O'Neal and 

produced, directed and written by Bryan 

Forbes. United Artists will distribute the 

film, which completed shooting at Pinewood 

Studios, London, December 21. 

Best known for his music for "A Man and 

a Woman" and the 1970 Academy Awardwinning 

score for "Love Story," Lai already 

has checked in at Pinewood. 

"International Velvet" is the continuing 

story of MGM's 1944 classic "National 

Velvet." which catapulted Elizabeth Taylor 

to stardom in the role now undertaken by 

Ms. O'Neal. Also starred are Christopher 

Plummer. Anthony Hopkins and Nanette 

Newman. 

The film was shot at such British locales 

as Devon. Birmingham. Burghley Lincolnshire. 

Chorley Lancashire, Ascot and Windsor 

and at the Ledyard Farm Horse Trials in 

Massachusetts. 

Dividends Are Declared 

By Directors of WCI 

BURBANK—The board of directors of 

Warner Communications, Inc., Dec. 16, 

1977, declared the regular quarterly dividend 

of 20 cents per share on WCI common 

stock. 

In addition, the board declared regular 

quarterly dividends of $1.06)4 per share 

on the Series B convertible preferred stock 

and 3 1 1-4 cents on the Series D convertible 

preferred 

stock. 

All dividends are payable February 15 

to shareholders of record at the close of 

business Monday (16). 

Boy Scout Film Now Available 

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N. J. — The 

. . . Today" 

Charlton Heston-narrated and award-winning 

"Exploring Tomorrow 

has been released by the Exploring Division 

of the Boy Scouts of .America and is now 

available for general-audience viewinii and 

for TV. 

20th-Fox Captures Seven 

LA Film Critics Awards 

HOLLYWOOD—Twentieth 

Century-Fox 

captured seven awards out of the nine categories 

in which its pictures were eligible in 

the annual poll of the Los Angeles Film 

Critics Ass'n. including best-picture honors 

for "Star Wars." 

"Julia" was the biggest winner, taking 

three awards. "Star Wars" netted two and 

"3 Women" and "The Turning Point" each 

garnered one award. 

In addition to best picture, "Star Wars" 

won John Williams top honors for best 

musical score. "Julia" won Jason Robards 

and Vanessa Redgrave best supporting actor 

and best supporting actress awards, as well 

as best cinematography for Douglas Slocombe. 

Herbert Ross was named best director for 

"The Turning Point" and Shelley Duvall was 

tabbed best actress for "3 Women." Richard 

Dreyfuss was chosen as best actor for "The 

Goodbye Girl." 

Best screenplay honors went to Woody 

Allen and Marshall Brickman for "Annie 

Hall." Named best foreign film was "That 

Obscure Object of Desire," by Luis Bunuel. 

Gary Allison, who wrote and produced 

"Fraternity Row" as a student and subsequently 

saw the feature picked up by Paramount 

for distribution, was voted a special 

award for "setting a pattern for film students 

to work on a professional level." 

'78 NYU Mayer Fellowships 

Awarded to 8 Filmmakers 

NEW YORK— Eight New York University 

students from the School of the Arts' 

Institute of Film and TV recently were 

named 1978 NYU Louis B, Mayer Fellows 

under a program established last year by 

the Louis B. Mayer Foundation. Daniel 

Selznick, foundation trustee, awarded $1,000 

to each undergraduate and $2,000 to each 

graduate recipient of the fellowship, for use 

in completion of their in-progress films. 

The undergraduate students honored by 

the foundation are Joel Coen of Minneapolis: 

Edward Cullen of Flushing, N.Y.; 

Jamie Davis, New York City: Michael Dister. 

Bay Village, Ohio: Donald MacHale, 

Greenwich. Conn., and Alan Shapiro of 

Birmingham. Mich. The graduate Fellows 

are Arthur Chisholm. Mohegan, R.I. (also 

a 1977 Fellow), and James Jarmusch, Shaker 

Heights, Ohio. 

Ed Crane Named Publicity 

Manager, TV, at Lorimar 

NEW YORK—Ed Crane has been named 

publicity manager for Lorimar Productions, 

reporting to Murray Weissman, vicepresident 

of advertising and publicity. His 

primary responsibilities involve publicity 

and promotion for the company's TV 

product but he also will assist Weissman in 

similar capacities for theatrical films. 

Crane was associated until 1975 with 

MCA-Universal Studios and since then has 

been with the Mahoney/ Wasserman and 

Jay Bernstein public relations agencies. 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978 

13

Nai'I Endowment Will 

Promote Short Films 

By JOHN COCCHI 

NEW YORK—Short films may be coming 

back in a big way; the Short Film Showcase 

could see to that. This is a program of 

independently produced films of ten minutes 

or less, 

introduced at the recent NATO convention, 

which will be available to exhibitors 

as a package via major distributors. Alan 

Mitosky. veteran distributor and formerly 

head of his own Athena Films, is the project 

administrator here and works in close contact 

with Cathy Wyler, assistant director of 

media arts for film, radio and TV of the 

National Endowment for the Arts, which is 

funding the concept via the Foundation of 

Independent Video and Film. 

Will 

Aid Independents 

Ms. Wyler and Mitosky agree that the 

new Spielbergs and (George) Lucases could 

come from this program, which is designed 

to encourage independent filmmakers to 

make short films and then to offer theatrical 

outlets for them. It is emphasized that the 

filmmaker need not be a young beginner, 

but may be any independent who needs 

mass exposure for his or her work. The 

films may be made in 16mm but the filmmaker 

will supervise the process of blowing 

up the prints to 35mm at NEA's expense. 

No rental charge will be made for the 

films, which are designed to conform to 

exhibitors' demands of less than ten minutes 

and in many cases will be three to five minutes 

in length. The shorts will have the equivalent 

of a PG rating and so will not be 

booked with X or unrated material. 

First 

Federal Help 

Mitosky states that the program's function 

is to help the artists, as the U. S. film industry 

is well-equipped to take care of itself. 

He also believes that this is the first time 

the federal government has helped filmmakers 

on a wide basis. While not actually 

subsidizing the making of films, this program 

will encourage the making of more 

product. Many of the filmmakers work in 

the industry and produce their films with 

available money, some coming from established 

industryites. 

Selections 

by Panel 

An outside panel will select the shorts to 

be included. Among those on the first panel 

were Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola 

and Pauline Kael. who chose 12 shorts 

from the hundreds of films which were submitted 

after an announcement was made 

about the program. The NEA now is looking 

into other methods of selection and 

hopes to operate on a national basis in the 

future, with every region represented. 

Ms. Wyler, who has been in the business 

since the '60s, started as a production assistant 

and worked for Warner Bros, before 

joining the National Endowment. She and 

Mitosky are bringing their varied backgrounds 

into good use to ensure the success 

of the program. 

New World's 'Garden' Is 

High Grosser in 

Canada 

Hollywood— "I Never Promised 

You a Rose Garden" has become Nevf 

World Productions' highest grossing 

film ever released in the Canadian market, 

having scored more than $1,600,- 

000 since it opened in August, according 

to company president Roger Gorman. 

Grosses are expected to reach the 

$2,500,000 mark, according to predictions 

of Bob Rehnie, vice-president and 

general sales manager, who pointed out 

the film still is playing in every major 

Canadian city. The film stars Bibi Andersson, 

Kathleen Quinlan and Susan 

Tyrell. 

Terry Horsmon Is Special 

Projects Mgr., Columbia 

NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures vicepresident 

Stephen E. Memishian announced 

the appointment of Terry Horsmon as special 

projects manager for the executive staff 

of the company. Associated with Columbia 

since last July as special assistant to Memishian. 

Horsmon will continue to report 

to Memishian and to Norman Levy, executive 

vice-president of marketing. 

Formerly associated with Image Factory 

and Entertainment Consulting Associates, 

Horsmon also was in charge of coordinating 

the entertainment community with the 

1972 presidential campaign. In his new 

position he will "develop and implement 

management projects of significance to the 

feature film division." 

AFI Center for Advanced 

Studies Offers Courses 

WASHINGTON — The American Film 

Institute has set a March 1 deadline for 

applications to its Center for Advanced 

Film Studies. The curriculum combines 

classes, seminars with professionals, tutoring 

and practical work in a range of fields 

including directing, producing, screenwriting, 

cinematography and production design. 

Open to advanced filmmakers and to 

those with experience in related areas, the 

center offers a descriptive brochure available 

with application forms from AFI, Center 

Admissions Dept.. 501 Doheny Rd., Beverly 

Hills, Calif. 90210. 

Mae West's 'Sextette' Set 

For Mid-February Premiere 

HOLLYWOOD—Mae West's new film 

"Sextette" will premiere at Mann's Chinese 

Theatre in Hollywood in mid-February as 

a release by Briggs and Sullivan Productions. 

National distribution is scheduled for 

the Easter season. 

Daniel Briggs and Robert Sullivan produced 

the film directed by Ken Hughes, 

with Warner C. Toub as executive producer. 

Also starring are Timothy Dalton. Ringo 

Starr, George Hamilton and Tony Curtis. 

Mutual Set as New World 

Distributor in Quebec 

MONTREAL—Roger Corman, president 

of New World Pictures, and Pierre David, 

president of Mutual Films, jointly announced 

that Mutual Films will distribute 

all of New World's 1978 product in Quebec. 

The 20 feature slate, total budget of 

which is over $30 million, "firmly establishes 

New World as the world's largest 

independent and major supplier of motion 

pictures." Corman said. 

Heading the list of films are Robert 

Radnitz/ Mattel Productions' "A Hero Ain't 

Nothin' But a Sandwich," directed by 

Ralph Nelson and starring Cicely Tyson and 

Paul Winfield; "The Force Beyond," starring 

Richard Crenna; "Saint Jack," directed 

by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Ben 

Gazzara; "The Moviegoers," starring Karen 

Black and Sam Waterston, based on Walker 

Percy's award-winning novel: "Hard Time 

Aces," an action-adventure story; "Avalanche," 

a multimillion-dollar disaster film 

which Corman himself is producing; "The 

Horse Is Dead," an original comedy directed 

by Ernest Pintoff; "Deathsport," starring 

David Carradine and Claudia Jennings; 

"Claws," a million-dollar suspense-shocker; 

"The Bees," starring John Saxon, and 

"Piranha," a major terrifying story, to be 

co-produced with United Artists. 

Burlinson Is Named EPRAD 

V-P and General Manager 

TOLEDO—John J. Burlinson, formerly 

general operations manager of National 

Theatre Supply, a division of National 

Screen .Service Corp., has been named vicepresident 

and general manager of EPRAD, 

Inc., it was announced by Al Boudouris, 

president of the theatre equipment manufacturing 

firm. 

In charge of the NTS Simplex manufacturing 

operation from 1972 through 1975, 

Burlinson started in the theatrical film industry 

in 1964 as vice-president of the Quigley 

Publishing Co. and advertising manager 

for Motion Picture Daily and Better Theatres. 

Also active in industry trade groups, Burlinson 

served as executive director of the 

Theatre Equipment & Supply Manufacturers 

Ass'n in 1972 and in 1973 became vicepresident 

of the newly formed Theatre 

Equipment Ass'n. He was a board member 

of TEA and currently is TEA convention 

chairman. 

Camus' 'Bahia' Is Warmly 

Received in U.S. Premiere 

BOSTON—Marcel Camus' newest film, 

"Bahia." was enthusiastically received at its 

U. S. premiere at the Orson Welles Cinema 

in nearby Cambridge. Distributor Atlantic 

Releasing Corp. spokesperson June Cassidy 

described the response as "very gratifying." 

Camus previously directed the classic 

"Black Orpheus." He is expected to attend 

the New York opening of "Bahia" in late 

January. 

14 

BOXOmCE January 9, 1978

Jack Jordan Now Affiliated 

With Southern Booking Co. 

CHARLOTTE—Jack Jordan, associated 

with ABC Theatres since 1959 as advertising 

director for North Carolina. South 

Carolina and Virginia, moved over to 

Southern Booking Service Co. the first of 

this year. 

Jack broke into the theatre business as a 

teenager in Salisbury'. N.C., as a relief 

usher at the Capitol Theatre. He moved 

through the "ranks" and became assistant 

manager, transferring to the Palmetto in 

Columbia, S.C. in 1940. A year later he 

became the manager of the Strand there, 

then the Five Points, Ritz and Carolina. 

After attempting to enlist in the Army 

Air Corps in 1943. he requested and received 

a transfer from Columbia to Salisbury, 

N.C., in the fall. Later the same year 

he moved to the Ambassador in Raleigh. 

Both were managerial slots. 

He put in a brief stint as a sales trainee 

with the Schlitz Brewing Co. in 1945, returning 

to the theatre business as the manager 

of the Wilby-Kincey circuit's Broadhurst 

in High Point, N.C., the same year. 

During the next two years he served as 

a theatre manager in Burlington and Raleigh, 

receiving a promotion to city manager 

for the circuit's houses in Raleigh in 

1948. 

In 1951 he again switched from the film 

industry to the beer business, opening a 

beer distributorship. Eight years later, the 

late H. F. Kincey asked Jordan if he wished 

to return to his old organization in the position 

he held until his resignation. During 

this period Wilby-Kincey merged with 

ABC. 

Jordan was succeeded by Robert M. Corbit 

of Atlanta, a veteran of the theatre network 

who has worked throughout the Southeast. 

Southern, operated by Frank Jones. 

Allen Locke and Bill Vanderhorst, books in 

the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama. 

Tennessee and Florida. 

CALENDARofEVENTS 

JANUARY 

Quartet Films Is New 

National Distributor 

NEW YORK—Quartet Films, a new national 

distribution company formed here by 

Sandy Greenberg, Arthur Tolchin, Edward 

Schuman and Meyer Ackerman, has appointed 

Martin Grasgreen as vice-president 

in charge of sales and marketing. Grasgreen 

has had many years of experience in domestic 

distribution and world sales with Columbia, 

20th Century-Fox and his own Lanir 

International Corp, 

The first film released by Quartet, Joseph 

Losey's "Mr. Klein." starring Alain Delon, 

opened November 6 at the 68th Street Playhouse 

in New York to a house-record gross 

and unanimous rave reviews. Following 

"Mr. Klein" will be Claude Leiouch's romantic 

suspense drama "Cat and Mouse." 

starring Michele Morgan, Jean-Pierre Aumont 

and Serge Reggiani, the film having 

been enthusiastically received at the San 

Francisco Film Festival in October. 

Quartet shortly will announce the distribution 

of three additional major films.

. . . Veteran 

M ^Jôiiuu/ood iKeport M 

f p< 

'Same Time. Next Year' Will 

Topline Burstyn, Alan Alda 

The Mirisch Corp. production "Same 

Time, Next Year" will star Ellen Burstyn 

and Alan Alda under the direction of Rob- 

. . . 

ert Mulligan. Morton Gottlieb is co-producing 

with Walter Mirisch; Bernard Slade 

will adapt his own stage play and Academy 

Award-winner Robert Surtees is director 

of photography. Lensing of the Universal 

release will begin late this month 

Lorimar Productions will begin filming 

February 27 on "Avalanche Express." starring 

Robert Shaw, Lee Marvin and Mike 

Connors. The suspense spy drama will be 

shot on locations in Munich and throughout 

Germany and Italy. Mark Robson will 

Producers Edward 

produce and direct . . . 

Pressman and Michelle Rappaport will begin 

filming "Old Boyfriends'" in March, 

with Joan Tewkesbury directing the original 

script by Paul and Leonard Schrader. 

Talia Shire and Richard Jordan head a cast 

which also includes John Belushi, John 

Houseman, Lawrence Luckinbill and Keith 

Carradine . . . The Ben Efraim production 

"Search and Destroy" will begin shooting 

April 17 at Niagara Falls. The Jack Barry 

and Dan Enright feature, set in the aftermath 

of the Vietnam conflict, is about a 

veteran forced back to warfare when he is 

hunted by a Vietnamese assassin, Enright 

wrote the original screenplay . . . Paul 

Pampian Productions plans a March start 

on its $4,500,000 comedy "The George 

Washington Run," an original screenplay 

by Jim Moloney and Rudy Dochtermann. 

Filming is planned for locations in Dallas, 

Laredo and Mexico. 

Italian Production Features 

Janssen in 'Covert Action' 

"Covert Action," a story about a former 

CIA agent whose life is endangered after 

he writes an expose of the agency, has begun 

shooting in Rome with David Janssen 

and Arthur Kennedy in top roles. Milan 

industrialist Gibi Milesi is producing and 

Romolo Guerrieri is directing a cast featuring 

Corrine Clery, Maurizio Merli, Stefano 

Satta Flores and Ivan Rassimov . . . Gary 

Crosby will co-star with Richard Egan in 

the Radabaugh production "Garfield," being 

directed by George Edward Petrie from 

the script by David Alan , , . Larry Buchanan 

Productions will make "Second 

Coming," based on a screenplay Buchanan 

wrote with Lynn Shubert . . . William Peter 

Blatty's next film is "The Ninth Configuration," 

set to begin shooting in Hungary in 

February, with Blatty writing, directing and 

producing, Alejandro Rey has been signed 

for a key role . . . William Castleman Productions 

has acquired film rights to "Damon." 

a novel by C. Terry Cline . . . EMI 

Films plans to go into production late in 

the year on "The Chinese Bandit," based 

on Stephen Becker's novel set in China in 

1947. David Shaber will adapt the action 

adventure-drama for the screen. Mitchell 

Brower and Robert Lovenheim will produce 

. . . Nucleus Film Productions has 

scheduled a February start for "Jimmy 

Diamond: Top Secret," a youth-action picture 

set to film on location in Washington, 

D. C. and Texas. Gordon Haight will star 

as a teenaged secret agent. Greg H. Sims, 

president of Nucleus, will produce and direct. 

Watergate Operatives Cast 

For Munger's 'Born Again' 

Executive producer Robert L. Munger 

has named the following actors for key roles 

in his film version of Charles Colson's "Born 

Again": Harry Spillman will appear as former 

president Richard M. Nixon: Richard 

Caine as H. R. Haldeman; Robert Broyles 

as John Ehrlichman: Peter Jurasik as Henry 

Kissinger; George Brent as federal judge 

Gerhard Cesser, and Bill Zuckert will play 

. . . 

E. Howard Hunt. Dana Andrews has replaced 

Arthur Kennedy in the role of Thomas 

L. Phillips, Raytheon board chairman. 

As previously announced. Dean Jones will 

portray Colson , . , Tom McFadden has 

signed for a featured role in American International's 

"California Dreaming" 

. . , Frank Pesce has 

. . . Eddie Tagoe, 

Jose Feliciano and Alice Cooper have roles 

in Robert Stigwood's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely 

Hearts Club Band" 

been signed for a featured role in Sylvester 

Stallone's "Paradise Alley" 

son of Ghana chieftain Asafoatshe 

Ayah Tagoe and an actor in British TV, has 

a role in Lorimar Productions' recently 

completed "Someone Is Killing the Great 

Chefs of Europe," as does Madge Ryan 

character actor Arch Johnson 

has been signed by producer Fred Bauer for 

Winston Productions' "The Buddy Holly 

Story," shooting in Los Angeles . , Cast 

. 

additions to American International-Warner 

Bros.' "Meteor" include Katherine DeHetre. 

James Richardson. Roger Robinson and 

Gregory Gay as the Soviet premier . . 

. 

. . . 

. . Producer 

Billy Barty will play a door-to-door Bible 

salesman and Eugene Roche also has been 

added to the cast of Paramount's "Foul 

Play" Celebrity impressionist Will Jordan 

will portray Ed Sullivan in Universal's 

"I Want to Hold Your Hand" . 

Jon Peters has cast Raul Julia in a featured 

role in Columbia Pictures' "Eyes" . 

. . 

Karen Lamm has joined the cast of Rudy 

Durand's "Tilt," a Mel Simon/Koala production 

now lensing in Santa Cruz, Calif. . . . 

. . . Sylvia Sidney returns to the screen in 

20th-Fox's "Damien—the Omen II," portraying 

a dowager aunt. 

Composers, Lyricists Signed 

To Score Various Projects 

Norman Gimbel will write the lyrics to 

the theme song for First Artists' Dustin 

Hoffman starrer "Straight Time" . . . Charles 

Fox will compose the score for Paramount's 

"Foul Play" . . . Alberta Hunter has been 

signed to write and perform the music for 

"Remember My Name." Lions' Gate Films' 

contemporary drama about the blues , . . 

John Barry will write the score for the 

Allied Artists/ United Artists production 

"The Betsy" . . . Producer Howard W, 

Koch has signed John Cacavas to score 

"Mati" . . , Francis Lai will compose music 

for MGM's "International Velvet" , , . 

David Shire will score Universal's "The 

Promise." Shire also has been signed to 

write the music for "Old Boyfriends," starring 

his wife Talia , . . Pino Donnaggio will 

write the music for the western "China 9, 

Liberty 37," shooting in Rome; Art Gar- 

. . 

funkel will contribute the title song . . . 

Nelson Riddle has been signed by producer 

George Edwards to score and conduct the 

music for April Fools Productions' "Harper 

Valley PTA" . Fred Karlin will compose 

the score for AIP's "California Dreaming." 

, . . Gilbert 

AIP's "Meteor' Stunts Will Be 

Arranged by Roger Creed 

Producers Arnold Orgolini and Ted Parvin 

have signed Roger Creed to coordinate 

stunt activities for "Meteor" . , . Marquee 

International Films has hired two expatriate 

Russian filmmakers to work on "Simon," 

set for principal photography this month. 

Mikhail Suslov. with credits for more than 

20 films, will serve as director of photography, 

and Igor Diment, who has worked with 

Akira Kurosawa, will be consulting director 

for director Robit Hairman 

Moses has been signed by producers Gary 

Stromberg and David Dasher to direct Lorimar 

Productions' "The Fish That Saved 

Pittsburgh," with shooting set for March 6 

in PittstDurgh , . , Kool Lusby. associate 

producer on "The Goodtime Band," has 

been promoted to executive in charge of 

American International has 

production , . . 

signed Nancy Sackett to write the script for 

a sports film titled "Spike," from an original 

Producer Earl Owensby has contracted 

story . . . 

German art director Gunther For- 

ester to design the production of "Wolfman" 

set to begin shooting the last week of 

this month at Owensby's EO Studios in 

Shelby. N. C. 

Exec. Producer Spielberg Is 

Also Second Unit Director 

Steven Spielberg, executive producer of 

Universal's "I Want to Hold Your Hand," 

has taken on added chores as second unit 

director , . . Producer Deno Paoli has signed 

novelist Mark A, Lipschutz and actor Brad 

Stewart to write a novel tentatively titled 

"The MGM Tour," to be developed into a 

screenplay for production next year. The 

story will revolve around Stewart's experiences 

as a tour guide at the studio . , . 

Daniel Pearl will be the director of photography 

on Charles Band Productions' 

"Fairy Tales" , . . Production assignments 

on United Artists' "Revenge of the Pink 

Panther" include Derek Kavanagh, former 

production supervisor moving up to associate 

producer; Ken Wales also has been 

named associate producer, and John Compfor 

now is the production manager . . . 

Diane Hammond has been signed by the 

Production Circle Co. to adapt Oliver Hai- 

Icy's "Father's Day" to the screen. 

16 BOXOFTICE January 9, 1978

. . . Jason 

. . .Rosemary 

Twentieth Century-Fox's Julia' Cliosen 

November's Blue Ribbon Award Winner 

By 

DANIEL WILLIAMS 

^HE BIOGRAPHICAL DRAMA -Julia," adapted from Lillian Hcllman's memoir 

"Pentimento" and starring Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave, was big news in 

1977's overdue crop of new films about women from the day 20th Century-Fox 

announced its production. Members of the National Screen Coimcil have voted it the 

clear winner of the November Blue Ribbon Award, most of them adding comments 

especially praising the sensitive, dignified performances of the stars. "Julia" also won 

approval at the boxoffice, as indicated by its score of 428 per cent of average firstweek 

business reported in the Boxoffice Barometer. Fred Zinneman directed Alvin 

Sargent's screenplay, and the feature was rated PG by the MPAA and A2 by the NCO. 

"Julia" was reviewed in the October 31 minsky. Boxoffice. Hollywood ... A 

issue of Boxoffice, where it was stated 

in 

part: 

"As portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave. 

(Julia) was playwright Hellman's best 

friend and one for whom the author 

faced personal danger to help in the days 

before World War II. Jane Fonda is Hellman 

in the Richard Roth production for 

20th Century-Fox and gives one of her 

best performances in a film which has 

been universally acclaimed by the critics. 

Additionally. "Julia" qualifies as that rare 

production which relies on love for a 

friend rather than a sexual love as its 

story basis. As such, it provides Fonda 

with one of the choicest women's roles in 

years. Among the kudos, director Fred 

Zinneman has been applauded for making 

one of his most accomplished works 

Robards is excellent as Dashiell 

Hammett and the Panavision-Deluxe 

Color film has an air of Thirties elegance." 

Here are selected comments about 

"Julia" from the November ballots of the 

NSC members: 

Splendid . . . Stirring 

Only "Julia" is worth the honor. It's a 

splendid film, intense, beautiful and stirring 

in the way movies ought to be. The 

chemistry and enormous talent of Fonda 

and Redgrave are the real juice in "Julia." 

Their scenes together have an electrical 

warmth that pervades the picture.—Edward 

L. Blank. Pittsburgh Press ... A 

brilliant production, and great performances 

by the stars. Some of the photography 

is magnificent.—Fred Souttar, retired 

district manager. Kansas City . . . 

"Julia" is my choice. It portrays the beautiful 

lifelong friendship of two women 

who go through so much for each other. 

Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave are just 

splendid in their parts.—Mrs. Paul Gebhart. 

Cleveland WOMPI. 

By far the best of the lot.—Ralph Kabeautiful 

story of the continuing love and 

devotion of two girlfriends who are tested 

by the '30s in Germany. Director Fred 

Zinneman and film editor Walter Murch 

have skillfully told the story with flashbacks 

into the present and past. Enjoyed 

the film and the acting thoroughly.—Wilma 

Naimark. Detroit Motion Picture and 

Television Council . . . No contest. "Julia" 

is a triumph of acting, direction, cinematography 

and spirit.—Joyce Persico. Trenton 

(N.J.) Times. 

Who says Fred Zinneman can't make 

'em any more? A brilliant, haunting film. 

—James L. Limbacher, Henry Ford Centennial 

Library, Dearborn. Mich. . . . Well- 

. . . 

acted account of an unusual friendship; 

feminists will love it.—Earl J. Dias. New 

Bed'ord (R.I.) Standard-Times 

"Julia" is excellent. Based on a true story 

of friendship, a welcome change.—Mrs. 

C. M. Stewart. Soroptimist Int'l. Lincoln. 

Neb. 

The choice is easy this month. "Julia" 

. . . 

is a gripping and well-made film. All performances 

are excellent. It has value in 

enabling us to re-live the tragedy of Germany.—Robert 

Steele. Boston University 

The others don't even come close! 

Lynn Hinds. WTAE-TV. Pittsburgh . 

. . 

The only one worth consideration is 

"Julia." Finally a film with potential for 

actresses, and Fonda and Redgrave are 

excellent. — Yolanda Godfrey. Marin 

County MP&TV Council, San Rafael. 

Calif. 

A lovely movie with exhilirating performances.—Jacqueline 

Tully. Arizona 

Daily Star. Tucson ... A brilliant picture 

which engulfs the inners of one's soul.- 

Art Pinansky. teacher. Portland, Me. . . . 

Not only deserves this month's Blue Ribbon 

Award, but should win this year's 

Academy Award for best picture. Fonda, 

Redgrave and Robards are superb.—Kim 

Larsen. Billings (Mont.) Gazette. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMlli 

Lillian Hellman (feme Fonda) shares with Dashiell 

Hammett (Jason Robards) memories ol friend Julia. 

The wealthy Julia (Vanessa Redgrave) becomes 

aware of politics in her pre-war university years. 

Lillian accepts Julia's request to 

to endangered activists, despite 

deliver money 

personal risk. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 

The Cast 

. 

Lillian Helhnan Jane Fonda Johann 

Julia 

Vanessa Redgrave Dorothy Parker 

Dashiell Hammett 

Jason Robards Alan Campbell 

Produced by 

Richard Roth 

Directed by 

Fred Zinneman 

Screenplay by 

Alvin Sargent 

Production Staff 

Maximillian Schell 

Murphy 

Hal Holbrook 

From the Book by . . . .Lillian Hellman 

Filmed in 

Panavision 

Color bv 

DeLuxe 

This award is given each month by the National 

Screen Council on the basis of outstanding 

merit and suitability for family entertainment. 

Council membership comprises motion 

picture editors, radio and TV film commentators, 

representatives of better films councils, 

civic, educational and exhibitor oraanizations. 

BOXOmCE January 9, 1978 17

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

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

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

are reported, ratings are added and averages revised. Computation is in terms of percentage in 

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

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

York Acquires Houses 

For Cultural Center 

YORK. PA. — The city council approved 

paying half of the $100,000 cost for 

the purchase of the Strand and Capital 

theatres here. The two houses, situated on 

the same street corner will be purchased 

from the RKO-Stanley Warner Co. in New 

York City. The other half of the money 

will come from funds raised by the Junior 

League of York. The two theatres will be 

converted into a performing arts-cultural 

center. 

The move to buy the theatres was initiated 

by outgoing Mayor John D. Krout. The 

project also had the support of the new 

mayor. Earlier in the week, the city administration 

presented an official pewter 

plate to stage and screen star Donald 

O'Connor for his "enthusiastic support" for 

the purchase of the two hardtops. O'Connor 

had appeared in a vaudeville show on 

the stage of the Strand Theatre 40 years 

ago. 

In November 1976. during an appearance 

in York. O'Connor revisited the stage and 

dressing rooms at the Strand Theatre and 

while in town helped promote the campaign 

to retain the two units. O'Connor was 

here again recently for an appearance, 

when he was presented the pewter plate by 

Mayor Krout. The purchase by the city, 

with civic support, saves the two houses 

from being demolished or converted for 

other uses. 

Gilbert Katz Dead at 48; 

Owner of Adult Theatres 

PITTSBURGH—Gilbert -Gibby" Katz. 

48. well-known and colorful city showman 

and owner-manager of the Ritz-Mini and 

the Palace, both adult theatres, died December 

30. Services were held Sunday (1). 

with burial in Beth Abraham Cemetery. 

Prior to entering the theatre business. 

Katz was known as "Mr. Casey," operator 

of Casey Construction Co. At the theatres, 

he was active in management and often 

served as emcee, introducing stripping acts 

and girls, many of whom became known as 

Gibby Girls. The biggest names in burlesque 

came to Gibby's Palace and to the Ritz- 

Mini, with adult movies featured with the 

stageshows. 

Last spring. Katz leased the abandoned 

Sheridan Square Theatre in East Liberty. 

did some remodeling and renovation and 

started showing adult films. However, a new 

city ordinance prohibited the opening of a 

new theatre with adult movies or reopening 

a closed theatre and introducing such a 

policy. The municipal measure ended this 

endeavor. Katz tried second-run pictures and 

this policy resulted in a SI. 500 monthly 

loss. 

He leaves his mother Mrs. Sadye Katz; 

a son, Greg; sister, Mrs. Arnold (Audrey) 

Stern, and a brother, Martin Katz. 

Columbia's "The Farmer" was filmed on 

locations in Georgia. 

Temple University's Film 

Series Will Open Jan. 16 

PHILADELPHIA — A winter scries of 

repertory motion pictures, starting Monday 

(16) and running through May 27, will be 

offered by Temple University Center City 

Campus' Cinematheque and its Fihn Archives 

subscription program. All programs 

are open to the public at a $2 admission, 

with Archive members and full-time students 

coming in at $1.50 for the showings 

scheduled five nights weekly from Friday 

through Tuesday nights. Two shows are offered 

nightly. 

International Classics, with such titles as 

•Alfredo. Alfredo." "Oh! What a Lovely 

War," "Symphony Pastoral," "Two For the 

Road," "Hot Millions," "Anastasia," "The 

Women," "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," 

"School for Scoundrels" and others, will be 

offered on Friday and Saturday nights. 

The Classic Italian Cinema: 1942 though 

1965 will be featured on Monday and Tuesday 

nights. The schedule will include such 

Italian films as "The Miracle." "La Mandragola." 

"La Viaccia," "Variety Lights," 

"The Age of the Medici," "White Voices." 

"Bel Antonio" and "The Organizer." 

Film Archive programs will be seen on 

Sunday nights. The subscription series will 

include "The Citadel." Somerset Maugham's 

"Encore" and "Trio," "Vacation from Marriage," 

"Jamaica Inn," "Foolish Wives." 

"Arsene Lupin" and "The Thin Man." 

All the films are shown in the original 

language version and all foreign-language 

films have English subtitles. Whenever possible, 

short subjects from the world over are 

to be included in the programs. 

Membership in the Film Archives is 

$12.50 and membership includes five admissions 

to any Cinematheque or Archive 

program, in addition to paying the reduced 

$ 1 .50 rate for all screenings. 

TV Newscaster Dies 

BALTIMORE—Wiley Daniels jr.. 48, 

died at his home last month. Daniels had 

been a newscaster on WJZ-TV since 1965. 

He leaves his wife Ruth, his father and stepmother 

Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Daniels sr. of 

Los Angeles and a brother. Sherwood 

Daniels of Chicago. 

"Pete's 

Dragon' Give-A'way 

PHILADELPHIA—Instead of the usual 

free tickets to a screening, the Philadelphia 

Daily News offered readers a wide variety 

of prizes in a promotion arranged by Lee 

Starkey of the Bortnick Advertising Agency 

here for the holiday opening of "Pete's Dragon" 

at area theatres. Prizes selected in a 

random drawing among those sending in 

the newspaper coupons, were topped by a 

four-foot-high giant plush dragon. Five 40- 

pound crates of Sunkist oranges from California 

went to five second-prize winners. 

Third prize was 50 Capitol record albums 

of the original soundtrack. Thirty readers 

shared the fourth prize of 30 "Pete's Dragon" 

cotton T-shirts. For the fifth prize. 25 

readers received full-color original posters 

of "Pete's Dragon." 

New York WOMPIs 

Proud of Services 

NEW YORK—A recent memorandum 

from Gertrude Pierce, publicity chairman 

for the New York WOMPI's, reflected the 

ladies' obvious pride in their distinguished 

record of community service. In an era. and 

an area, where apathy and non-involvement 

have become symbolic, the WOMPI's must 

be recognized for successfully bucking the 

tide of the times. A special salute also 

should be accorded to the president. Alyce 

Locapo, United Artists, who has provided 

the leadership that motivated the organization. 

During the holidays the local chapter 

played a vital role in brightening what might 

otherwise have been dull and depressing 

days for many. They assisted the Salvation 

Army in gathering and distributing toys to 

children in orphanages and hospitals and 

who were members of needy families; half 

of the members volunteered to help at the 

Metropolitan Opera House Christmas bazaar 

and they worked at the annual Variety Club 

holiday party for crippled children at the 

Americana. 

Pierce also noted the success of the other 

projects which they support, pointing to the 

"pet project," the "Dimes from Dames for 

Will Rogers Hospital." They also work with 

memorial donations to the fund along with 

collecting and shipping paperback books 

to the hospital. Each month a group visits 

the College Point Nursing Home bringing 

used clothes and hosiery used in rugmaking 

and other crafts. They also bring good cheer 

as they always stay to conduct a sing-along 

with the residents. The Bookers Club Academy 

Award Sweepstakes also profits from 

their help as they assist in selling sweepstakes 

tickets for the Will Rogers Fund each 

year. 

The WOMPI's collect eyeglasses, cases, 

metal objects, old jewelry, silverware and 

the like, which are sent to those in need in 

New Jersey. The Brooklyn Ass'n of Mental 

Health also is the recipient of WOMPI 

largesse garnered from the collection of 

canceled postage stamps, costume jewelry 

and trading stamps, all of which are sold to 

raise funds for a variety of needs. And 

the animals forgotten by the service-oriented 

ladies who save cat and dog food coupons 

which are sold in order to purchase 

equipment for the Old Chatham Animal 

Hospital. It is no wonder, then, that the 

New York club is justifiably proud of 

the fact that they were awarded the Canada 

Trophy at the WOMPI International convention 

in Memphis last year and, based 

upon their "track record," must be considered 

strong favorites to successfully defend 

their laurels. 

Library Sponsors Free Showing 

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—MGM's "Meet 

Me in St. Louis," 1944 release, was screened 

as a free attraction on a 

recent Thursday at 

6 p.m.. Mount Auburn Public Branch Library, 

and Friday at 7:30 p.m.. Cambridge 

Public 

Library. 

BOXOFHCE :: January 9, 1978 E-1

BROADWAY 

JJEW YEAR'S GREETINGS to all 

of Boxoffice's 

friends from the New York 

staff. Here's fioping that 1978 tops 1977 

in all departments. 

• 

The films of Vincente MinneUi will lake 

center stage at the Carnegie Hall and Bleecker 

Street cinemas starting Tuesday (17) and 

will continue until March 9. Thirty-two 

films will be screened in the nearly complete 

retrospective of the director's work 

(which began in 1943 with "Cabin in the 

Sky"), including some of MGM's greatest 

musicals, comedies and dramas, through the 

recent "A Matter of Time" (A IP. 1976). 

with daughter Liza and Ingrid Bergman. 

The films will be shown Tuesdays and 

Wednesdays at the Carnegie Hall Cinema, 

with two of them repeated Thursdays at the 

Bleecker Street. For example, the first week 

will see "Cabin in the Sky" and "/ Dood It" 

(1943), with Red Skelton and Eleanor Powell. 

Tuesday (17). and "Meet Me in St. 

Louis" (1944) and "The Clock" (1945). both 

with Judy Garland. Wednesday (18). with 

the latter program repealed Thursday (19) 

at the Bleecker Street. The next week will 

see "Yolanda and the Thief" (1945) and 

"Ziegfeld Follies" (1946) Tuesday (24). 

"Undercurrent" (1946) and "The Pirate" 

(1948) Wednesday (25) and then "Ziegfeld 

Follies" and "The Pirate" Thursday (26) at 

the Bleecker Street. 

• 

B'nai B'rith Cinema Unit 6000's recent 

car raffle, held at the Warwick Hotel, resulted 

in these winners: first prize of a 1978 

Pontiac LeMans, to Sidney Finger, partner 

in Solomon & Finger, finance-accounting 

firm, and second prize of a $1,500 "Trip 

of Your Choice—Anywhere," to Louis M. 

Weber, retired from United Artists Theatre 

Circuit. 

Proceeds of the fund-raising raffle will 

benefit the various B'nai B'rith agencies, 

including the Anti-Defamation League, Hillel 

Foundations, B'nai B'rith Youth Organizations 

and other groups. 

• 

Local film buffs were saddened to hear 

of the death of one of its most colorful and 

faithful members, Bert Gray, at a Bronx 

hospital Thursday, December 29. Bert, a 

longtime friend of this reporter, was known 

affectionately as professor or Dr. Gray and 

he gave a well-received speech on the significance 

of rocks in westerns at the 1976 

CineCon here. Born with the name of Goldstein 

(he used Gray in a professional 

sense), he was a lifelong Bronx resident and 

served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. He 

worked for the department of welfare and 

contributed to many film societies and such 

publications as Films in Review. There were 

no immediate survivors. 

• 

New York's 42nd Street welcomed in the 

New Year with an unusual happening on its 

famed Filmrow. The Lyric Theatre offered 

black star Fred Williamson in person at 

noon Wednesday (4). Screen fare beginning 

that day was a double dose of Williamson, 

two starring films of the actor which also 

were produced and directed by him: the new 

"Mr, Mean," a Lone Star-Po' Boy release, 

and the second-run "Mean Johnny Barrows," 

an Atlas Films release. 

• 

"Show Boat" lived again Tuesday. December 

27, when the Museum of Modern 

Art and the Institute of the American Musical 

presented a resurrected print of the 

1929 Universal version of the classic on the 

50th anniversary of the opening of the original 

Broadway show. A silent print was 

shown but the lovely Jerome Kern-Oscar 

Hammerstein II score was heard in part 

through the piano wizardry of William Perry. 

Near the end of the film, he matched 

Laura La Plante's singing of "Can't Help 

Lovin' Dat Man" so well that the audience 

burst into applause. La Plante was Magnolia 

to Joseph Schildkraut's Ravenal. A sound 

excerpt of Aunt Jemima (actually a white 

woman. Tess Gardella) and a black chorus 

singing "Hey Feller" was all that was available 

from the film's prolog and it preceded 

the feature showing. 

Miles Kreuger. founder and head of the 

institute, introduced the program in a wellinformed 

but informal manner and fielded 

questions afterwards. The 1929 version was 

accompanied by the 1936 edition (Irene 

Dunne and Allan Jones for Universal) and 

the 1951 remake (Kathryn Grayson and 

Howard Keel for MGM) Tuesday. Dececmber 

29. with the two earlier films repeated 

December 29. Kreuger has just written a 

book on the many stage and screen versions 

of "Show Boat" for Oxford Press. 

• 

Showcase action for the first week of the 

year was at a standstill, since no new bills 

opened. Wednesday (4) saw these films continuing: 

"Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind," "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," Clint 

Eastwood's "The Gauntlet," the Universal 

bill of "Heroes" and "Airport '77," "Telefon," 

Gene Wilder as "The World's Greatest 

Lover," the invincible "Star Wars," "Saturday 

Night Fever," "Which Way Is Up?", 

"Short Eyes," Universal's recently opened 

"The Choirboys," "TTie Goodbye Girl" and 

on mini-mini-showcase, "The Turning 

Point," "That Obscure Object of Desire," 

"Equus" and "Semi-Tough." 

On the adult front, "Honey Buns" was 

playing around, while "Inside Jennifer 

Welles" continued, accompanied by the short 

"Box-Ball." 

Stanley Kramer Withdraws 

From ITC Film, Titanic' 

NEW YORK—Executive producer Martin 

Starger, on behalf of ITC, and Stanley 

Kramer jointly announced on Dec. 28 that 

Kramer has withdrawn as producer-director 

of ITC's production "Raise the Titanic." 

Kramer's decision to withdraw arose out 

of creative differences with respect to the 

picture and was agreed to by ITC in the 

interests of all concerned. 

Young Theatre Supply Co. 

Rated a 'Roaring' Success 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Roar 

Industries 

here was founded early in 1970 and. as it 

approaches birthday No. 7, owner-operators 

Robert and Fran Roth are pleased with their 

growth. The company specializes in theatre 

and general decorator supplies. 

The name of the company is derived from 

the name of its president, Robert Andrew 

Roth, according to vice-president and "Gal 

Friday," Fran (who somehow finds time to 

be a housewife and mother). 

Fran has a theatre background, since her 

father was Abe Dickstein, vice-president of 

sales for 20th Century-Fox in New York 

for almost 20 years. At one time his boss 

was Darryl Zanuck who is ranked by many 

among the pantheon of Hollywood deities. 

She noted that, while her dad worked in 

"The Big Apple," they lived in Teaneck, 

N.J. and that she worked for Fabian Theatres, 

leaving that circuit to work for Loew's 

hotel division where she met her husband. 

Roar is located at 3001 Veazey Terrace, 

Washington, D.C. 20008, and can be 

reached by telephone at (301) 652-7058. 

Italian Survey Discovers 

Disappointed Filmgoers 

MILAN, ITALY—One Italian spectator 

in four is disappointed with the motion pictures 

he sees, according to the findings of 

a poll by the Doxa organization. 

Twenty per cent of those polled said 

that the last film they had seen was not as 

good as press reviews and other information 

had led them to expect. 

Another 26 per cent remarked thai the 

film was better, and 48 per cent said it 

was "neither better nor worse." 

Significantly, Doxa noted that spectators 

polled 12 years ago had been, on the 

average, far more pleased with what they 

saw. 

Police Area Film Library 

Has Grown During Decade 

OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP, N. J. 

— 

Started in 1967 with 15 outdated black-andwhite 

films worth a total of about $1,000, 

the Central Jersey Police Film Library now 

has about 300 big screen film features. The 

police film library has increased its assets 

to a quarter of a million dollars in film 

and equipment, including a sophisticated 

film cleaning, editing and inspection machine 

worth $I1.0007 

The library offers films to police departments 

in Monmouth and Middlesex 

counties for showing to schools and at civic 

and community group meetings. At $500 

a year, the police departments in other communities 

have access to all the films and 

library equipment, something which no individual 

police department could afford to 

maintain on its own. 

Rather than Hollywood-style features, the 

police film subjects deal with teenage drug 

problems, rape, law enforcement, gangs, 

safe driving, alcohol use. bike and bus safety, 

vandalism prevention and home security for 

senior citizens and other issues. 

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WASHINGTON 

a Happy New Year countdown was observed 

at the area's newest fiveplex. the 

White Flint 5 Movies, where manager Robin 

(Miss, that is) Zander was circling grandly 

around anxious film viewers entering their 

choice of entertainment. The film fare included 

Buena Vista's "Pete's Dragon," 20th- 

Fox's "The World's Greatest Lover" and 

"The Turning Point," and Warners' "The 

Gauntlet." 

The comely manager came to this area a 

little over a year ago from Greensboro, 

N. C, where she served as projectionist at 

the Janus 7 theatres for owner Dr. Hammond 

Bennett. Zander said she learned theatre 

management under the District Theatres 

banner, and that she is "very happy with 

the holiday turnout." Her assistant is Robert 

Whitmore. The general manager of the 

White Flint 5 Movies and the Landover 6 

theatres is Al Allsbrook. Both are nearby 

Maryland complexes, the Landover managed 

by Martin Berman with assistant David 

Crockett. 

The Star's Tom Dowling, compiling his 

ten-best list for 1977, stated that to list the 

most brilliant U.S. Senators would be easier. 

Nevertheless, here is the critic's list, in the 

order of his ardor: "Rolling Thunder"; 

"Star Wars"; "A Bridge Too Far"; "The 

Goodbye Girl"; "Short Eyes"; "The Turning 

Point"; "Black Sunday"; "Annie Hall"; 

"Fun With Dick and Jane," and "Fellini's 

Casanova." 

Dick Daeey, local Allied Artists division 

manager, is setting playdates for Harold 

Robbins' "The Betsy," a February 10 release. 

One of the film's stars, Jane Alexander, 

currently is co-starring with Henry 

Fonda in "The First Monday in October" at 

the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theatre. 

Richard Coe wrote for the Post that the 

stars play their Supreme Court roles with 

"the esprit of skilled players." Robert E. 

Lee and Jerome Lawrence wrote the play 

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about a case involving a pornographic 

movie, of which Fonda says "No matter how 

terrible it is, it's covered by the First 

Amendment." 

Horses, always known as movie scene 

stealers, seem to be making a comeback in 

such films as UA's "Equus," Columbia's 

"Casey's Shadow," MGM's "International 

Velvet" and Francis Coppola's upcoming 

"The Black Stallion." Perhaps the viewing 

public will be seeing fewer sharks, apes and 

killer bees. 

Tab Hunter, '60s film star, has been living 

on a leased farm in Boyce, Va. Aside from 

farming. Hunter lately has been touring the 

dinner theatre circuit, designing and making 

needlepoint belts for friends, and appearing 

occasionally on TV. He recently completed 

a part in "Police Woman" and last summer 

played the revised George Hartman in "Forever 

Fernwood." Now 46, Hunter is returning 

to the West Coast to answer Hollywood's 

call. 

Bernardo Bertolucci's "1900," starring 

Burt Lancaster. Robert De Niro, Sterling 

Hayden, Donald Sutherland, et al.. is at the 

K-B Fine Arts. According to Tom Dowling. 

the film has "sumptuous photography." but 

"aimless, hollow acting ... Its total effect, 

despite its gargantuan length, is oddly truncated 

and uncertain. All the same, Bertolucci's 

talent is of such a stellar luster that 

any movie from him contains extended sequences 

superior to the heights attained by 

many good movies." 

Harry Howar, Buena Vista 

branch manager, 

has added Abigail Miller to his staff 

as assistant to Chris Webb, head booker . . 

Betsy Baker is the new staffer in Fritz Goldschmidt's 

Avco Embassy branch. 

Sid Seidenman Sr. Dies; 

Renowned Band Leader 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Sidney Seidenman 

sr., 83, died early last month in a 

Washington, D.C. nursing home. He led his 

orchestra in performances before the great 

and near-great at presidential inaugural 

balls and embassy soirees here. 

His career began simply enough as he 

played the violin in a Baltimore tearoom 

when he was 15 and led his own band accompanying 

silent films by the time he was 

20. He came to Washington, D.C. in 1919 

for an engagement at the old Wardham 

Park Hotel and later moved over to the 

Shoreham. In 1925 he began "a gig" at 

the Mayflower that was to last 41 years. At 

the time of his retirement in the late '60s, 

Sidney's Orchestras Inc., Seidenman's agency, 

had nine orchestras playing as many as 

800 engagements annually. 

He was a member of the Washington 

Hebrew Congregation and the Kiwanis 

Club. He is survived by his wife, two children, 

four sisters, two grandchildren and 

five great-grandchildren. 

"Gone With the Wind" carried off the 

1939 best picture Oscar. 

Italo-Americans Condemn 

Film-TV Stereotyping 

PHILADELPHIA—The communications 

media in general, and the motion picture 

and TV industries in particular, were called 

upon to eliminate the stereotyping of 

Americans of Italian descent in the "demeaning 

and debasing manner" in which 

they are now depicted. The call came from 

Joseph L. Monte, Grand Recording Secretary 

of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 

Order of Sons of Italy. He spoke on "The 

Image of the Italian in American Film and 

Television" at the Italian-American Symposium 

held at St. Joseph College here. 

He admitted that the Italian-American 

community has met with "only moderate 

success" in its efforts to curb the stereotyping. 

To that end, he added, the Order of 

Sons of Italy in America plans to create a 

separate and distinct organization whose 

sole purpose would be to combat defamation. 

He said membership in the proposed 

anti-defamation organization being set up 

will be open to all Americans regardless of 

their ethnic origin. 

Monte added that the Order of Sons of 

Italy had also adopted a resolution condemning 

the practice of the communications 

media for their group slander of Americans 

of Italian descent by their repetitive use of 

the words "Mafia" and "Cosa Nostra." As a 

consequence, the U.S. Attorney General and 

the State Attorney General have issued directives 

banning the use of these words, 

and the proposed organization will direct its 

efforts toward achieving a similar ban by 

the communications media. 

Panther's 'Felicity Fox' 

Ends Principal Lensing 

NEW YORK—"The Fortunes of Felicity 

Fox." action-adventure drama of the exploits 

of two con men and a beautiful meter 

maid, has completed principal photography, 

according to its New York-based producer. 

Panther Productions. Kathryn Dodd stars 

as Felicity, with Robert Bosco, Yuri Alexis 

and Steve Lincoln also starred. Shot in New 

York and Hong Kong, it was written by 

Barry Victor and produced and directed by 

Fereidun Jorjani. 

Executive producer was Richard Power, 

while Spencer Compton served as associate 

producer and production manager. 

Brooks' 'High Anxiety' Now 

In 2nd NYC Playdate 

NEW YORK — Mel Brooks' newest 

comedy for 20th Century-Fox, "High 

Anxiety," opened December 25 at the Cinema 

III here in addition to the playdate 

already set at the Sutton Theatre. 

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E-4 

BOXOFHCE :; January 9. 1978

. . Cinema 

. . The 

Most Wilmington Clerics 

Find 'Oh, God!' Acceptable 

WILMINGTON, DEL. — While some 

clergymen have been calhng on their consreaations 

to boycott the movie "Oh, 

God!"', the ministers and rabbis in this area 

are suggesting, from their pulpits, that people 

go see the film. 

Rev. Robert M. Smith, rector of Trinity 

Episcopal Church here, said he saw the 

show a month ago and found that it was "95 

per cent theologically sound, beautifully 

acted and full of good humor." 

Rabbi Kenneth Cohen of Congregation 

Beth Shalom said that while the portrayal 

of George Burns as God is a little hard to 

take, he told his congregants that the film 

speaks of the freedom God has granted us 

and plays up the responsibility that goes 

with that freedom. He called the film a 

"contemporary expression of faith" and said 

he recommended that his congregation see 

the film and even stated that high school 

students from Beth Shalom's religious 

school should attend the showing in a group. 

Another Episcopalian, Rev. Jack Mc- 

Kelvey, vicar of Old Swete's Church, said 

that people whose opinion he respects have 

told him "Oh, God!" is "tremendously 

funny" and that it was "not sacrilegious." 

He added that he intends to see it soon. 

The pastor of St. Andrew's Lutheran 

Church in nearby Dover, Del., the Rev. 

Raymond L. Best said that, while he has 

not seen the film, he recognizes it to be a 

"spoof on man's relationship with God" 

and has no strong feelings about it. Rev. 

Best, who also is dean of the Delaware 

District Lutherans, Lutheran Church in 

America, said that an earlier picture, 

"Green Pastures," also was a "tongue-incheek 

spoof" which he had found to be 

very effective. 

Clerical opposition has come from Rev. 

Lynn W. Moore of Georgetown, a 26-yearold 

farmer and construction worker who 

is also a evangelist. nondenominational He 

has attempted to have "Oh, God!" banned 

in Sussex County. Although he admits he 

has not seen it, he charged that when a 

man plays God, "it's blasphemy." 

Rev. Moore's only support has come from 

Rev. Alfred Allison, pastor of the Midway 

Assembly of God near Rehoboth Beach, 

who has not seen the show either but has 

watched its commercials on TV. He charges 

that even the title of the release takes "the 

name of God in vain. And George Burns 

playing God?" 

Twentieth Century-Fox was formed by 

the merger of 20th Century and Fox Film 

Corp. in 1935. 

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BOXOFnCE :; January 9, 1978 

PITTSBURGH 

Paul, Lisa and Caroline" was the New 

Year's week attraction at the Art Cinema 

following "The Abduction of Lorelei" 

and "Temptation." Coming to the Liberty 

.Avenue house are "Dirty Lily" and "The 

Hot One" . city again closed down 

massage parlors and again a state appeals 

court reversed a local court decision and 

reopened the rub businesses . . . Nine driveins 

were in operation as the New Year was 

born . Follies Club celebrated 

with champagne at midnight and with Linus 

Terri's Heat Wave Revue on stage. First 

film offering in 1978 was "Gemini" and 

soon to be featured on the CFC screen will 

be Linus Terri's "We'll Meet Again." 

Movie fans are busy in downtown theatre 

audiences. They stay for a second showing 

and record some of the dialog, which is 

heard later at pubs and at their residences. 

Playing of the tape parts believably wins 

new ticket purchasers and are hot conversation 

pieces these days. 

. . . 

The Allegheny County commissioners are 

seeking a five-cent gasoline tax hike 

Local film producer George Romero is pictured 

and received a writeup in the January 

Adult World Twin Cinema 

Gay Life . . . 

is a new entry at Charleston, W. Va., with 

new double-bill all-male features changing 

every Monday. Policy is "open daily 10 

a.m. to 3 a.m." 

Ed Blank, Press drama editor, named the 

worst films of 1977: "The Choirboys," "The 

Happy Hooker Goes to Washington," "Final 

Chapter—Walking Tall," "F for Fake," 

"The World's Greatest Lover," "First Love," 

"Fire Sale," "Exorcist II: the Heretic," 

"Damnation Alley" and "The White Buffalo" 

. . . Pittsburgh Opera performs "La 

Boheme" in Heinz Hall Thursday (19) and 

Saturday (21) and the hall also will be the 

scene of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production 

of "Swan Lake" February 2-5. 

Variety Tent 1 will stage an 18-hour 

telethon on WIIC-TV April 15-16. Jeffry 

A. Weiss is chief barker for 1978 . . . 

Abe Beter, in exhibition all of his adult life 

PERSONALIZED, 

plus most years while a youngster, "set the 

record straight" regarding remarks printed 

in the Mount Pleasant Journal by one John 

Oliver, who constantly writes to newspapers 

on his "know it all" on any-all subjects. 

Good friend Abe licenses all types of films, 

including X-rated movies, as he has to try 

to make a living; also, he exposed trade 

practices to readers and Penn Theatre patrons 

of all kinds of movies . . . Northeast 

Mayor Don Videtto vetoed CATV because 

he does not want people in his community 

to see R and X-rated movies. 

Gratifying are film "bests" awards: National 

Board of Review named "The Turning 

Point" as the best 1977 film and its 

director Herbert Ross as best in this field; 

best foreign-language movie is "That Obscure 

Object of Desire," and National Socity 

of Film Critics named Luis Bunuel as 

best director for "That Obscure Object of 

Desire" ... In 1978 this correspondent 

would like exhibitors to get back on the 

job and insist that audiences behave, with 

troublemakers tossed out; also we would 

insist that our copy be printed as submitted 

(our friends know those horrible mistakes 

were not from this typewriter)—and would 

you believe many of our best news items 

in 1977 never got into print? Less than onethird 

of copy submitted got into print. 

Charles Chaplin, who died at 88, in one 

of his first American appearances was a 

young member of the cast of a touring show, 

"A Night at an English Music Hall," which 

was featured onstage at the original William 

Moore Patch Theatre on the north side, this 

before the famous star cast his lot with moving 

pictures. This writer met him in later 

years with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks 

at the Shadyside residence of Edward 

V. Babcock; they were on a World War I 

bond-selling tour and were seen at a rally 

in Syria Mosque. It was at Babcock's, too, 

that this reporter spent an evening with 

Charles Lindbergh. 

A joint meeting of NATO of Western 

Pennsylvania and Tri-State Theatre Ass'n 

(Continued on page E-7) 

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E-5

'Deep Throat' Star Gives 

Lecture at Lehigh Univ. 

BETHLEHEM, PA.—With Jane Fonda 

lecturing several weeks ago at neighboring 

Lafayette College in Easton and Franklin 

& Marshall College in nearby Lancaster, 

Lehigh University here refused to be upstaged 

and brought in a movie star of a 

different sort December 8. 

The largest school in this eastern Pennsylvania 

area, with a student body of almost 

5,000 students, Lehigh's Student Activities 

Council raised a lot of academic eyebrows 

by bringing in Harry Reems for an 

evening lecture in the Packard Auditorium 

on campus, speaking on "Sex. Morality and 

the Law." To make it a real "shocker," the 

lecture was followed by the showing of the 

adult classic "Deep Throat" in the campus 

auditorium. 

While admission to the lecture was free, 

a donation of $1.50 was requested for the 

film shown at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. December 

9-10. Reems, who is facing up to five years 

in prison and a $10,000 fine for his part 

in the film, is reliably reported as receiving 

$1,000-$ 1,500 plus expenses for the free 

public lecture. Fonda, at Lafayette College, 

received $3,000 for her lecture on the 

the pictures. 

role of women in 

The Rev. Hubert Flesher, university 

chaplain, said some students voiced concern 

that the film and its actor were "inappropriate" 

for Lehigh University. He said 

he once viewed "Deep Throat" at a conference. 

While he said he was not getting 

"terribly upset" about it, he did register a 

complaint to imiversity officials about the 

film. 

Rev. Flesher runs the chaplain's film 

series on campus and has shown films that 

deal with sex. "I've had a film like 'Carnal 

Knowledge' in the series and considered getting 

"Last Tango in Paris'," said the chaplain, 

who explained these films had some value. 

"This one ('Deep Throat') is simply and 

purely raw sex. I would like to see them 

use something of more use to the students, 

even as entertainment. Lm not going on a 

crusade about it though. God only knows, 

1 can't see myself as a policeman." 

The student council's Lecture Chairman 

Robert Rosenthal said they thought it would 

be a good idea to get Reems as a speaker 

before showing the classic adult film. He 

said Reems was received well at the University 

of Pennsylvania and at Harvard, 

where they found him to be "articulate and 

intelligent." He added that the student's 

council, which voted unanimously to hire 

Reems, felt more people would be interested 

in a "controversial subject." 

Interestingly enough. "Deep Throat" was 

closed down by former Northampton County 

District Attorney Charles Spaziani the 

last time it was shown in this area in 1974. 

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Spaziani said he had "no feelings, one way 

or the other" about the film and Reems 

coming to Lehigh, He said he moved to 

have it closed at the State Theatre in Easton 

three years ago because it was "the only 

movie in town." 

Spaziani said it wasn't a question whether 

"Deep Throat" was pornographic or not. 

"But," he said, "there was nothing else the 

youth could see and it was closed down as 

a community service." The present district 

attorney. Jack Gallagher, said he has not 

had any complaints about "Deep Throat" at 

Lehigh but he is reviewing applicable 

statutes. 

Lakewood Theatre Owners 

Seek Concert Permission 

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — Mr. and Mrs. 

Weissman Horesh, the new owners of the 

Strand Theatre which is the only showhouse 

in this resort community, are asking approval 

from the Township Committee to 

lease the theatre for a series of 20 to 30 

concerts this year. John Tompkins of Eastern 

Enterprises is seeking to promote rock 

concerts and other live musical shows, including 

children's concerts, at the theatre. 

Permission must come from the city's 

inspection and police departments, as well 

as a clarification of a city ordinance which 

bans outdoor rock concerts. Mayor H. 

George Buckwald doesn't think it 

applies to 

indoor rock concerts but a ruling is needed. 

The 1,100-seat Strand Theatre, built 50 

years ago for stageshows complete with 

orchestra pit, was renovated and reopened 

by the Horeshes last April. Since then they 

have shown revived film classics and ethnic 

and foreign films. 

WLPL Selected as Outlet 

For Buena Vista Promo's 

BALTIMORE — The Robert Kriger 

Agency has selected WLPL 92FM for extensive 

winter promotion of the Buena Vista 

films,' "Fantasia" and "Pete's Dragon." 

WLPL nearly filled Bob Rappaport's 

Timonium Cinema on a November evening 

to see Walt Disney's "Fantasia" in new 

stereophonic sound. The station used the 

soundtrack and the voice of Mickey Mouse 

to invite its listeners to the sneak preview. 

Barbara Elder and Brock Abernathy, of the 

agency and the station respectively, were 

on hand to greet the guests of 92FM at the 

theatre. 

WLPL also helped build interest in Walt 

Disney's Christmas spectacular, "Pete's 

Dragon." The station used two unique promotional 

announcements to invite its listeners 

to a preview at the North Point Plaza 

Theatre. One promo featured songs by 

Helen Reddy and Mickey Rooney from the 

Capitol 

Records soundtrack. The other promo 

was a three-way conversation between 

Pete, Elliot the Dragon and WLPL morning 

air personality Robert C. Allen III. 

WLPL also gave away "Pete's Dragon" T- 

shirts and the Capitol Record soundtracks 

in its Constant Contest to stimulate excitement 

and awareness for the film. 

High Court Places CATV 

Rates Under Local Rule 

PHILADELPHIA — The state 

Supreme 

Court has ruled that Pennsylvania municipalities 

"have the legal authority to control 

the charges made by cable TV companies." 

In a 6-1 decision handed down December 

23, Justice Israel Packel wrote that 

the city of Scottdale in Westmoreland County 

was within its rights to prohibit National 

Cable Television Corp. from increasing its 

charges without first getting permission 

from the municipality. 

The state's highest court ruled that, unless 

control over cable TV rates is assumed 

by either the federal or state governments, 

such authority rests with local governments. 

The National Cable firm had sought three 

times since 1970 to increase its rates but 

each time the requests were denied by local 

authorities. 

The lower commonwealth court had 

issued an injunction restraining the company 

from raising charges without approval, 

and the state's highest court upheld that decision. 

The company had argued that the 

regulatory aspect of an ordinance adopted 

in Scottdale not only was unauthorized but 

also was unconstitutional. However, the 

court held that the ordinance provides rate 

protection for the benefit of the consumer, 

and that the company's constitutional 

arguement had no sound basis. 

Eric Twin, NJ, Recently 

Robbed of Over $2,500 

LAWRENCE, N.J.—Two armed bandits 

wearing ski masks made off with more than 

$2,500 in cash December 27 from the Eric 

Twin Theatres in the Lawrence Shopping 

Center here. According to police the theatre, 

linked with the Sameric circuit, 

based in Philadelphia, has been victimized 

several times in the past few months. 

The robbers hit when the boxoffice activity 

was at its peak. Both houses are attracting 

near-capacity crowds for the showings 

of "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters 

of the Third Kind." Theatre manager Dean 

M. Allen was alone in his office on the 

second floor at 10 p.m. counting the evening's 

receipts when the two armed men 

entered and demanded the money, he told 

police. 

A side door to the rear of the shopping 

center was found open by police who speculated 

the bandits left in that direction, since 

none of the employees or patrons reported 

seeing the robbers fleeing. Allen described 

the thieves as white males, approximately 

six feet tall, in their 20s to 30s, armed with 

small handguns and wearing ski mask. 

Robt. Warrick Appointed 

To Cougar Booking Post 

HOLLYWOOD — Cougar Releasing has 

added Robert J. Warrick to its staff as 

booker for the 13 Western states, according 

to vice-president Richard Nash. The 

position was created recently as a result of 

the company's expansion to a "major independent 

distributor." 

BOXOFHCE January 9, 1978

PITTSBURGH 

(Continued from page E-5) 

was held Wednesday (4) at the Allegheny 

Pittsburgh Playhouse Theatre 

Restaurant . . . 

Center opened its Film Critics' Film 

Festival in the Hamlet Street Theatre New 

Year's Eve and the 32-picture event ends 

Tuesday (31). Program coodinator Richard 

Rauh selected movies seen in this program. 

Mrs. Norma Graham of this city, who 

died December 29 after a short illness, was 

a daughter of George Tice. president of 

NATO of Western Pennsylvania. In addition 

to her father, she is survived by her husband, 

two sisters and one brother. Funeral 

services were Tuesday (3). 

Many of the Christmas films disappointed 

. . . New Year's movies seen hereabouts included 

"Eruption," "Midnight Hustle," 

"Bobby Deerfield," "Barbie's Fantasies," 

"Love-Wild West Style," "Pleasure Palace." 

"Golden Virgin." "Three Lovers" and "Oh. 

God!" 

Variety Tent 1 received a gift of $48,000, 

a bequest by the late Mrs. Helen M. Oberleiter 

in memory of her husband John, who 

died several years ago. The money was 

added to the handicapped children's fund. 

It isn't such an involved process to eliminate 

the 10 per cent tax on the city's movie 

theatres. If city council members want proof 

that the loss of theatres would ruin downtown, 

they could call their counterparts in 

Cleveland or Detroit, suggests Lenny Litman, 

who covers the area night spots for 

the Press. When nightclubs in this city were 

hurting four years ago, one owner complained 

to the mayor: "Not only are we paying 

higher rent than any place in the 

suburbs but we are paying double rent 

with 

that city tax." The mayor at that time got 

the council to figure the tax differently to 

take the burden off the clubs. It was done 

by ordinance and the tax on the clubs went 

to 

sleep. 

When CATV comes to this city— it surrounds 

the city in all directions with pay 

TV—the city treasurer will collect a fee of 

3 per cent of the gross. Proposal for the 

CATV plan emerged from committee, approved 

13-1, and now council will hold 

public hearings on the question of approving 

a franchise to a single corporation 

(groups had campaigned for having six or 

more districts within the city, with franchises 

bid for individually). Of those corporations 

seeking the franchise, the screening 

committee will recommend the top three 

bidders, with the full council then choosing 

the winner, council naming two political 

agencies to watch-dog the CATV operator 

and to represent the public; also a political 

office of cable communications would be 

created as well as a political advisory committee. 

Among specifications are that the 

city CATV offer at least 20-channel capacity 

plus a full range of FM radio signals, 

included in the channels being one for firstrun 

pay TV movies, etc. 

Philadelphia Mayor Rizzo 

To Co-Chair VCI Telethon 

PHILADELPHIA— Mayor Frank S. Rizzo 

and businessman Jack Pearson, president 

of the Chestnut Street Businessmen's Ass'n 

in center city, have been named co-chairmen 

of the Variety Club telethon, it was announced 

by Hank Milgram, president of the 

sponsoring Philadelphia Variety Club. The 

telethon will be broadcast live on station 

WPVI-TV from 9 p.m. Saturday, February 

4, continuing nonstop through 5 p.m. Sunday, 

February 5, from the Annenbcrg Center's 

Zellerback's Theatre on the University 

of Pennsylvania campus. 

"It is interesting to note." said Milgram. 

"that both Mayor Rizzo and Jack Pearson 

have graciously agreed to be working cochairmen, 

in contrast to only lending their 

names under the title of honorary co-chairmen. 

They have already formulated plans 

to host several planning sessions among key 

city personnel and business leaders." 

Mayor Rizzo and Jack Pearson jointly 

pointed out that "The Variety Club of Philadelphia 

is a philanthropic organization 

whose sole purpose is to aid handicapped 

children, and it is our sincere pleasure to 

accept the co-chairmanship of this most 

worthy fundraising endeavor." All proceeds 

of the Variety Club telethon will go to the 

Variety Club Camp for Handicapped Children, 

the Heart & Lung Institute for Children 

at Hahnemann Hospital, the Developmental 

Theraphy Unit at St. Christopher's 

Hospital and the Variety Club Heart Fund. 

FVI's Washington Branch 

Serving Philly Region 

WASHINGTON—Film Ventures International 

product for the Philadelphia exchange 

area now is being handled from the 

company's Washington, D.C.. branch, it was 

announced by Robert L. Conn, director of 

national sales. The change, which became 

effective Monday (2), is in line with the 

company's reorganization, which will make 

for a more efficient personal service. Conn 

said. 

The Washington office address is: Film 

Ventures Distributing Corp.. 818 18th St. 

N.W., Suite 1030, Washington, D.C. 20006, 

phone (202) 296-8353. Branch manager is 

Ms. Jessica Monat. 

Cleric Slams 'Oh, God!', 

Leads Theatre Picketing 

WATERTOWN, N.Y.—Members of a 

church in this upstate New York community 

have been picketing area showings 

of Warner Bros.' "Oh, God!" contending the 

George Burns-John Denver starrer "is blasphemous, 

sinful and a mockery." 

The Rev. Jerry Gregory of the House of 

Prayer Tabernacle predicted that the film 

would lead to other screen attractions depicting 

God "as a pervert and a revolutionist." 

"We have not seen the movie—we don't 

have to." he said. 

PHILADELPHIA 

Toe Ballake, film critic for the Philadelphia 

Daily News, also is hosting a weekly 

TV show on cable Channel E across the 

river in New Jersey, titled "What's Happening 

at the Movies." The busy writer also is 

finishing his second book. "The Films of 

Burt Reynolds." similar to his first book, 

"The Films of Jack Lemmon," published 

earlier this year by Citadel Press. 

The Museum of American Jewish History, 

Balch Institute and St. Joseph's College 

will sponsor a film/slide discussion of "The 

Images of Jews in American Film and Television" 

Tuesday (24). The discussion will be 

led by Dr. Stuart Samuels of the University 

of Pennsylvania here. 

Gene Wilder was in town taping the syndicated 

Mike Douglas show and plugging 

his new movie "The World's Greatest 

Lover." 

Hollywood screenwriter Bill Blaylock 

came to suburban Bryn Mawr to confer 

with Selma Bulkin about turning her 

still-untitled love novel into a movie. 

Nearby Lawnside, N.J., approved installation 

of a cable TV system in awarding a 

15-year franchise to Cable Systems, Inc.. of 

Audubon (N.J.). with a renewal option of 

ten years. Installation of the service is expected 

to be completed by next summer. 

Aaron Grossman, local independent filmmaker 

and film lecturer, screened and led 

a discussion on "Bye. Bye Braverman" at 

the Jewish Community Center in nearby 

Cherry Hill, N.J. He taught film at the 

Philadelphia College of Textiles and at Rutgers 

University on the Jersey side. 

Fred Williamson was in town to promote 

the opening of his "Mr. Mean" at Budco's 

Goldman 2 Theatre in center city, including 

a personal appearance at the theatre on 

opening day. 

Bernie Herman, for many years TV movie 

host on local stations, will be guest speaker 

at the Tuesday (10) meeting of the Temple 

Sinai Sisterhood at nearby Cinnaminson, 

N.J. 

PRISM, the locally based pay TV network 

featuring movies and sports events, has 

contract with Twin County Trans- 

signed a 

Video Inc.. which serves 55.000 cable TV 

subscribers in the Allentown-Bcthlehem area 

upstate, effective February 1. 

NJ Theatre Experiments 

BELLE MEAD, N.J. — To stimulate 

interest in its showing of foreign flims, the 

Montgomery Center Theatre on Route 26 

in suburban Rocky Hill will present for the 

first time a "request film festival" with 

works by Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman 

and Francios Trauffaut. With each film 

playing five days, the series opens with a 

double billing of "The Bride Wore Black" 

and "Mississippi Mermaid." 

BOXOFHCE :: January 9, 1978 E-7

NORTH JERSEY 

H fter having played numerous area houses, 

from exclusive engagements through 

subsequent-run bookings, from last summer 

through late November. "Star Wars" opened 

an exclusive North Jersey engagement in 

time for the recent holiday week at Cinema 

23 in Cedar Grove, operated by Roland 

Hassanein. and continues to report excellent 

grosses in its third week at the Cedar 

Grove house. Prior to opening "Star Wars," 

Hassanein installed the new Dolby sound 

system at Cinema 23 and also is presenting 

the inter-galactic adventure film in 70mm. 

Other exclusive engagements include "The 

Goodbye Girl," reporting strong grosses in 

its third week at UA's Bellevue in Upper 

Montclair as well as General Cinema's Menlo 

Park in Menlo Park: "Semi-Tough." 

now in the eighth week of an exclusive run 

at UA's Cinema 46 Triplex in Totowa; 

"Equus," held for a seventh week at Lenas' 

Willowbrook in Wayne, and "The Turning 

Point." entering its third week at the Stanley 

Warner Quad in Paramus. 

Paul Peterson's Cinema 100 in Succasunna, 

closed since the end of November, 

was reopened in time for Christmas as a 

twin operation, featuring "A Special Day" 

in Cinema 1 and "Heroes" in Cinema 2. 

The twin seats 600 in one house and 400 

in the other. The original theatre, opened 

in 1964. seated more than 1.000. 

RKO-SW"s Hollywood in East Orange 

closed shortly before Christmas week, with 

declining business being given as the reason 

for the shuttering. The 1.608-seat house 

had been closed approximately three months 

earlier this year but was reopened in time 

for the summer. At present, the future 

status of the Hollywood remains undisclosed. 

Joe Bolton, famous for many years as a 

variety show host on WPIX-TV in New 

York City, recently spent some time in this 

area visiting friends and relatives. While at 

WPIX, Joe also had been featured as an 

emcee for numerous stageshows at several 

Warner Theatres throughout North 

Stanley 

Jersey during the 1950s and '60s. Joe presently 

resides in Santa Monica. Calif. 

UA's Hyway in Fair Lawn is one of several 

of the circuit's houses in the Eastern 

division slated for twinning later this year. 

The Hyway. managed by Bill Leff. presently 

seats 1.000. 

Peter Firmino, who operated the Strand 

in Seaside Park, on the south Jersey shore, 

for the past two summer's, has sold the 500- 

seater to Tom Carr, it was disclosed recently. 

Carr also operates the Colonial in 

Seaside Park, as well as the Lavalettc in 

Lavalette and Algonquin in Manasquan. All 

are seasonal situations except for the Algonquin. 

RKO's Stanley Warner in Paramus recently 

became a quad with the addition of 

another 600-seat unit to 

the already existing 

1.800-seat triplex. Opening attractions for 

the new quad, which in recent years has 

become a noted showplace in the North 

Jersey area, were "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind," "Saturday Night Fever," "The 

World's Greatest Lover" and an exclusive 

showing of "The Turning Point." Dick 

Eininger, Bergen County district manager 

for RK.O-SW, reports that "Close Encounters," 

now in its fourth week at the quad, 

has set house records there for attendance 

and gross. Last year, "Star Wars" broke 

several records when it played an extensive 

exclusive engagement at the Paramus location. 

BUFFALO 

frank Guzzetta ended a 46-year career 

in the motion picture business December 

6 when he retired as the manager of 

Cinemette's Colvin Theatre. Ironically, the 

last show for Frank was "First Love." He 

began his career with his brother Jacob, 

since retired and living in Florida, as the 

operator of the Star Theatre in Tonawanda. 

This led him into the Dispon circuit which 

was purchased by Cinemette four years 

ago. "I learned from the bottom up; operator, 

manager, projectionist. You name it 

and I did it and enjoyed the business very 

much." said Guzzetta. We would like to put 

it into the record that the feeling is mutual 

and w; wish Frank the 

very best of everything. 

Three national educational film producers 

have appealed to the federal court for a 

preliminary injunction against the Erie 

County Board of Cooperative Educational 

Services. They wish to force the board to 

pay copyright licensing fees. The producers 

contend their films are being videotaped 

from TV and distributed to school districts 

without the payment of the fees. Carl B. 

Kustell, attorney for the defendants noted 

that the outcome of the case will have national 

significance since, he alleged, school 

systems throughout the country are doing 

the same thing. 

"Documentaries," a new film series about 

life in the 1970s, is intended to lift the 

"fog of apathy which has descended" upon 

this decade, said the sponsors. Media Study 

of Buffalo. Although some of the films may 

be considered classics in the next 20 years, 

they were mainly chosen because they represent 

the film form's vitality and because 

they are either new to the U.S. or to Buffalo. 

The 1 1 documentaries will run. on alternate 

Fridays, through April at the Waterfront 

Community Center, two blocks west 

of city hall. Admission is $1.50. 

British-bom soloist Ronald Curtis was 

presented by the Theatre Organ Society in 

concert and for the silent film and singalong 

at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda 

. . . Eighteen months of controversy 

ended when the common council voted 

unanimously to sell the Granada Theatre 

complex to Lawrence J. Mettar and Joseph 

P. Mosey, who plan to renovate and reopen 

the picture palace. The bid requirements 

barred the showing of any X-rated product 

... Joe Giallela, Transit Drive-In manager 

and projectionist, reports record attendance 

for "Star Wars" which ran for 13 weeks. 

Joe hopes to be open all winter and noted 

they are fully automated and now he is remodeling 

the projection booth-office. 

BALTIMORE 

The Howard "Boots" Wagonheims of 

Schwaber World Fare Cinemas returned 

from a holiday vacation in Florida Monday 

(2). 

Joyce Durant, booker at Phil Glazer's 

Associated Pictures office, earned the gratitude 

of area drive-in owners for her diligence 

in correcting the erroneous impression 

that "Willing Wives" was an X-rated 

feature which had played Hank Vogel's 

Bengies Drive-In. The feature is rated R, 

she pointed out. 

A 200-ton barge containing the $250,000 

facilities of Blue Seas recording studio was 

discovered partly submerged in the Inner 

Harbor the day after Christmas. Owner 

Steven Boone, 34, reportedly plans to sell 

any salvageable electronic equipment. 

Composer Robert Hall Lewis, director of 

music at Goucher College, has been honored 

with an Ascap award for the seventh 

consecutive year. Lewis also received a 

Koussevitsky Music Foundation grant from 

the Library of Congress this year, in recognition 

of "his valuable contribution to the 

music of our time." The composer's "Three 

Prayers of Jane Austen" recently was premiered 

here by the Gregg Smith Singers. 

Two talented young women joined the 

staff of the Ad-Venture Group advertising 

firm the first of the year. Deborah Ponder 

is a 1977 cum laude graduate of the University 

of Cincinnati with extensive experience 

in the film industry, and Lisa Whitford, 

a graduate of the Professional Institute 

of Commercial Art and the Maryland 

Institute, is an artist and photographer. 

George F. Eitel, regional manager of National 

Theatre Supply here, returned Monday 

(2) from Kearny, N. J., where he visited 

his ailing father. John George Eitel. 83, at 

the West Hudson Hospital. 

Leipzig Festival Awards 

To E. Germany, Bulgaria 

LEIPZIG—At the recent international 

film festival here (an annual event since 

1957) East Germany and Bulgaria took the 

top honors, called Golden Doves, after the 

festival's guiding aim of promoting world 

peace. A special award for animation went 

to the Canadian entry "Story in Pearls." 

Five Silver Doves all were awarded to 

Vietnamese and East German films 

Soviet. 

out of a total entry of 193 films from 72 

countries. 

E-8 

BOXOFHCE :: January 9, 1978

April 3 Oscar Show to End Academy s 

Celebration of Golden Anniversary 

VJflRi€Tv Club 

VARIETY GIFT—Murray Propper, 

right, president of Variety Club of 

Southern California Tent 25, presents 

a check in the amount of $20,000 to 

Steve Broidy, president of the Cedars 

Sinai Medical Center, for the Aniie 

Karen Cancer Fund. In addition to the 

check presentation. Broidy presented 

the Variety Club with a special plaque 

which will be displayed publicly at 

Cedars Sinai. The donation, which was 

made at a special breakfast honoring 

the Variety Club, helped bring the total 

amount of money donated by the club 

to charities in the Southern California 

area to the $250,000 mark. 

'Close Encounters' Loses 

Bid to Unseat 'Star Wars' 

PORTLAND — Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind" and "Star Wars" were 

the principals in a court battle that is becoming 

too repetitious in various cities 

across the nation. The loser in this case 

was the Columbia product which was forced 

to open at the Eastgate, December 14. 

it had been scheduled to make its debut 

at two Tom Moyer Luxury Theatres, the 

Westgate One and at the Eastgate. The 

stumbling block was the success that "Wars" 

is still enjoying at the former house. It 

was pointed out that the 20th Century-Fox 

smash cannot be moved until two weeks 

after its gross receipts fall below $6,150, 

as specified in its contract. Columbia was 

offered the Westgate Two and Three but 

held out for Theatre One. contending that 

the equipment and seating capacity were 

more suitable for the screening of "Encounters." 

The allegation was that the voiding of 

the Westgate contract nullified all con- 

'tracts in the city which would enable 

Columbia to accept a bid by Favorite Theatres 

to screen the sci-fier at the Rose Moyer 

Cinemas. It was this claim that was rejected 

by the court forcing the Eastgate 

showing. 

Library Shows "Inherit the Wind' 

NEW BEDFORD, M.\SS.—United 

.Artists" 

"Inherit the Wind," 1960 release costarring 

the late Spencer Tracy and Fredric 

March, was shown at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday 

and at 6:30 p.m. two days later, by the 

Center Library. Admission was free and 

open to the public for both performances. 

HOLLYWOOD — 1 he 50th annual 

awards presentation of the .\cademy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences will be held 

April 3. 1978. the gala star-studded affair 

climaxing the Academy's 50th anniversary 

celebration, a year-long series of activities 

and events commemorating the organization's 

half-century of service to the motion 

picture industry. 

The celebration officially was launched 

May 11. 1977. with a luncheon observing 

the founding of the Academy, held at the 

Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, site of the 

organization's first banquet May 11. 1927. 

Bob Hope was the master of ceremonies 

and among the more-than-300 guests were 

the Academy's board of governors, film industry 

leaders, members of the press. Los 

Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. Chip Carter 

(representing President Carter) and other 

civic and governmental figures. 

Peck Appears at 

Screening 

Another event in the year-long tribute to 

the Academy was staged by the Museum of 

Modern Art in New York which screened 

a series of Oscar-winning pictiues for its 

members. Gregory Peck, a former Academy 

president and current member of the board 

of governors, appeared at the final screening 

and discussed the Academy's work. Similarly, 

the American Film Institute, the Fine 

Arts Gallery of San Diego and other organizations 

have held—or are planning—salutes 

to Oscar. 

Black Film Collection 

Another activity instituted for the 50th 

anniversary is the establishment by the 

Academy of the first permanent collection 

of material related to blacks in American 

motion pictures. The initial acquisition in 

the Black American Film History Collection 

is material related to the life and career of 

actress Hattie McDaniel. first black to win 

an Academy Award, for her supporting performance 

in "Gone With the Wind." All 

this material will become part of the Academy"s 

Margaret Herrick Library. According 

to librarian Mildred Simpson. "Until recently, 

the entire genre of films produced by 

blacks for blacks has been overlooked by 

film historians and writers. With the establishment 

of the Black American Film History 

Collection, we hope to acquire materials 

that will fill this void in film histor\' 

and research."" 

First Published in '29 

This year the Academy also is cooperating 

in the reissuing of "Introduction to the 

Photoplay."' first published in 1929 by the 

University of Southern California and the 

Academy. The book was a compilation of 

15 lectures delivered by .Academy members 

at use by such early film notables as Irving 

Thalberg, William C. Menzies, Conrad 

Nagel, William DeMille and others. The 

current volume, with accompanying photographs 

from the Academy's Margaret Herrick 

Library, is being published by the National 

Film Society. 

An .Academy Awards book also will help 

ccmmemorate Oscar's golden anniversary. 

The Academy has authorized entertainment 

indiistr>' writer Robert Osborne, who has 

Oscars. 

written several previous books on the 

Awards, to compile the official 50-year history 

of the Academy and its 

The Academy is producing a short film 

on its history for distribution to theatres and 

presentation to civic and other groups. The 

20-minute film will feature clips from past 

Oscar shows, plus other scenes from the 

.Academy's archives. 

There also are many tributes planned by 

various organizations, such as the Publicists' 

Guild, which will present a special Award 

of Merit to the Academy at the 15th annual 

Publicists' Guild Awards luncheon in 

March. Still other national and international 

tributes and salutes will come in the form 

of TV shows and newspaper and magazine 

articles and editorials. 

All this activity will culminate April 3 

with the 50th annual Academy Awards 

presentation. More than 70.000.000 persons 

are expected to watch the festivities, to be 

broadcast live by ABC-TV. 

It's the longest birthday celebration on 

record—and nobody deserves it more than 

Oscar! 

Univ., Warner Bros. Bally 

Features Playing LA Area 

HOLLYWOOD—Universal and Warner 

Bros, hit the streets to ballyhoo Christmas 

attractions in the Los Angeles area with 

simulated police cars and a thoroughly 

perforated bus as the principal attentiongetters. 

Universal sent out a fleet of "police 

cars" driven by non-uniformed studio 

drivers to call attention to "The Choirboys." 

which opened December 23. All the cars 

had signs on top announcing the Lorimar 

Productions feature which deals with the 

off-duty adventures of policemen. 

Warners parked its huge Trailways bus 

in front of the Pacific Theatre on Hollywood 

Boulevard where "The Gauntlet" is playing. 

Completely riddled with bullet holes 

as the result of the climactic shootout in 

the Clint Eastwood starrer, the bus draws 

the eye of every passerby because of its 

dramatic appearance. 

A sign on the bus informs: "Clint Eastwod 

ran "The Gauntlet' in this bus." 

Sonja Henie Film Shown 

NEW BEDFORD. MASS.— Twentieth 

Century-Fox's "My Lucky Star." 1938 release 

with Sonja Henie and Richard Greene. 

was screened as a free attraction at the 

Casa de Saudade branch of the New Bedford 

Free Public Library on a recent Tuesday 

at 6:30 p.m. Children planning to attend 

were asked to be accompanied by 

an 

adult. 

BOXOmCE Januarv 9, 1978 W-1

Hollywood 

CTANLEY KRAMER has withdrawn as 

producer-director of ITC's "Raise the 

Titanic" because of "creative differences" 

in connection with the picture. Executive 

producer Martin Starger said principal photoaraphy 

will aet under way as scheduled. 

The Hollywood Canteen Foundation allocated 

nearly $80,000 to be divided among 

21 motion picture, TV and veteran-related 

charities, educational enterprises and other 

community service organizations during a 

board meeting presided over by foundation 

president Lew Wasserman. 

Michael Seligman will be associate producer 

of the 50th annual awards presentations 

of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences to be held April 3 al 

the Los Angeles Music Center. 

* 

David Karp of the Writers Guild of 

America has been elected chairman of the 

board of trustees of the Writers Guild 

Pension Plan, succeeding Marshall Wortman 

of 20th Century-Fox. Others elected were 

Donald S. Sanford of the WGA, vice-chairman 

to succeed Irving Novick of ABC; 

Eugene Arnstein, independent labor relations 

consultant, secretary, succeeding 

Karp, and Bernard J. Gehan, NBC. vicesecretary, 

succeeding Sanford. 

* 

Principal photography has been completed 

on "Matilda," starring Elliott Gould, 

Robert Mitchum and a six-foot kangaroo 

in the title role, produced by Albert S. 

Ruddy for the Melvin Simon/Film Finance 

Group with Daniel Mann directing and 

Richard St. Johns as executive producer, 

• 

Maxine Thomas of Maxine Thomas & 

Associates has been named publicity director 

for Women in Film for 1978 by 

president 

Barbara Boyle. 

• 

Happenings 

Louis Pastore. former vice-president at 

Paramount and an independent filmmaker, 

has joined Bakshi Productions as administrative 

executive of production. 

• 

"The Silent Flute," a Sandy Howard/ 

Richard St. Johns production has completed 

principal photography in Israel and 

cast and crew are due to return to Hollywood 

for post-production. David Carradine, 

Roddy McDowall, Jeff Cooper and Christopher 

Lee star in the feature directed by 

Richard Moor and produced by Paul Maslansky. 

William Shatner will be the host on the 

Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Film 

Awards show to be telecast by KTLA Saturday 

(21). 

« 


after 41 days of shooting on Universal's 

"I Want to Hold Your Hand," the 

story of the 1964 visit to America by the 

Beatles and the effect it had upon hysterical 

teenagers. 

• 

Tony LoBianco has been named by the 

Australian Film Commission to be a judge 

at the annual Sydney Film Festival starting 

Monday (16). 

• 

Sid Sheinberg, president and chief operating 

officer of MCA. Inc.. announced that 

the acquisition of New Times Magazine 

by 

MCA has been completed. 

• 

Principal photography in this country has 

been completed on "Damien—the Omen 

II," the 20th Century-Fox suspense thriller 

produced by Harvey Bernhard and directed 

by Don Taylor, who will begin location 

shooting for two weeks in Israel Tuesday 

(17). William Holden, Lee Grant and Jonathan 

Scott-Taylor star. 

• 

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers," a Solofilm 

production for United Artists release, 

has completed principal photography in San 

Francisco. 

• 

Mel Maron has returned to the New 

York offices of Cinema Shares International 

Distribution Corp. after spending time on 

the West Coast and talking to distributors 

about "Operation Thunderbolt." 

• 


on "The Lucifer Project," produced by 

Franklin Productions in association with 

This time do things right 

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1100 FLOWER STREEXBOX 5085 

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Marketing Film Productions of Germany. 

Manfred Mens is the producer and Harry 

Kerwin directed the film, shot on locations 

throughout Florida and the Bahamas. 

• 

Editing on "The Sweet Creek Country 

War" has been completed in Tucson and 

the film has been shipped to Hollywood for 

special effects and sound mixing. Producer 

Ken Brynes said the Sweet Creek Productions 

feature is set for February release. 

Luxury Circuit Announces 

Monagericd Assignments 

PORTLAND—Luxury Theatres assumed 

management of recently acquired Mann 

theatres in Oregon in late November, culminating 

weeks of negotiations between the 

two circuits. At the Hollywood, the transfer 

brought to an end many years of service by 

three persons who have been involved with 

the management of that house, the Music 

Box or the Fox—Martha Moll, manager; 

Darel Ford, assistant manager, and Carl 

Miller, who retired in 1975 but continued 

to offer advice and assistance to his friends. 

Miller's theatre employment dates back 

to 1930 when he worked at the Castle Theatre 

in Vancouver, Wash., as a doorman. He 

opened the Kiggins Theatre in 1936 and 

moved to the Hollywood in 1958 to supervise 

the presentation of Cinerama productions. 

He remained there as manager until 

his retirement. 

Miss Moll started her show business 

career at the Castle in 1951 as an usherette 

and moved to 

the Hollywood with Miller in 

1958, working as a bookkeeper in the evening. 

In 1969, she quit her full-time job as 

an accountant at the Nabisco Co. and devoted 

all her working hours to the Hollywood. 

In 1970, Miss Moll became manager 

of the Music Box; in 1972, manager of the 

Fox, and in 1975, manager of the Hollywood. 

Ford began his theatrical career at the 

Hollywood in 1962 as a doorman. He 

eventually became assistant manager, 

working under Miss Moll at the Music Box, 

Fox and Hollywood theatres. 

Ralph Osgood, Luxury Theatres general 

manager, has announced new management 

personnel for these situations, as well as 

new managers at other LT units, including: 

Gale Prout, Hollywood; William Dunwoody, 

Fox and Music Box, as well as 

supervising downtown LT houses; David 

Ewing, Westgate; Don Anderson. Broadway; 

Lenny Proctor, Valley; Norm Jacks, Southgate; 

Keith Brabham, Gresham; Dale Brugh. 

Lake; Vick VandeVenter, 9th Street Quad 

in Corvallis; Dave Hughes, McDonald, 

Eugene, and Brad Sergeant, National, Eugene. 

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Jack Young Hustles 

For His Film Dream 

TUCSON—Jacqiii Tiilly of the Arizona 

Daily Star, during a recent interview, 

told about film services impresario Jack 

Young and his aspirations. Former stuntman 

(until 1 1 horses fell on him during a 

shooting sequence), auto thrill show driver, 

originator of a chariot race in rodeos, 

executive production manager and assistant 

to Robert Shelton at Old Tucson, presentday 

operator of his own film services company—that 

capsules the career of Jack 

Young, owner of Young Film Production 

and Casting Service. 

The 53-year-old Young left Old Tucson 

in 1974 with, as he says, a capital of "like 

just a couple thousand or so" to form the 

fledgling company with his wife Glenda in 

a small room off the lobby of the Desert 

Inn on West Congress Street. 

"I was pretty much in charge of all motion 

picture business out there (Old Tucson) 

by then," explains Young. "I thought it was 

time to do it myself. I was scared to death." 

Today, Young may be "running scared" 

in a determined effort to establish film production 

as well as services, but he is far 

more at ease in spacious new quarters in 

the Desert Inn, a favorite among "homes 

away from Hollywood" for casts and crews 

on location in Tucson. 

Those early years found Young 'knocking, 

knocking, knocking on doors" in Hollywood 

boosting Tucson as a film location 

center. And he did a good selling job. Producers 

came and Young built a company 

providing equipment and services, surveying 

locations, hiring crews, taking care of 

payrolls, entertaining visiting picture people. 

The personable Virginian speaks proudly 

of the four-week shooting of "How the West 

Was Won" at Old Tucson. "Do you know 

how good that is for Tucson?" he asks, and 

answers his own question. "They spent about 

$40,000 a day for 25 days. About 40 per 

cent of all that is spent and stays in Tucson. 

That's $400,000 for the city. That's why 

movies are so great for the town." He is currently 

trying to land "Love and Bullets, 

tt 

Charlie" starring Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland 

and Rod Steiger, for the Tucson area. 

Young becomes the voluble Virginian when 

talking of his real love— "our own stuff. 

We own 16-2/3 per cent of a movie, 

'Grandpa Nathan and the Indian Chief,' 

written by Bill Russell in Los Angeles. The 

budget will be about $700,000. We need to 

make $3,500,000 to break even at the boxoffice, 

and we can sell it to TV, too. It's 95 

per cent on its way. 

"Producing movies means you can become 

wealthy overnight or broke overnight. 

Well. heck. I'm hustling and it's working." 

'Spy' Shatters Boxoffice 

Marks in Japanese Debut 

HOLLYWOOD—"The Spy 

Who Loved 

Me" has grossed a sensational $2,415,436 

over a nine-day period at 22 theatres operated 

by the Toho theatre circuit in the 

Tokyo/ Kansai area, it was announced by 

New York-based Ernst Goldschmidt, United 

Artists senior vice-president and foreign 

manager. Goldschmidt also pointed out that 

"The Spy Who Loved Me" is not only the 

highest-grossing film in the Toho circuit's 

history but also opened ahead of such previous 

blockbusters as "The Towering Inferno." 

"King Kong" and "The Godfather." 

Starring Roger Moore as Ian Fleming's 

agent James Bond. "The Spy Who Loved 

Me" was produced by Albert R. Broccoli 

and directed by Lewis Gilbert. Also starring 

are Barbara Bach, Curt Jurgens. Richard 

Kiel and Caroline Munro. The screenplay 

is by Christopher Wood and Richard Maibaum 

and music is by Marvin Hamlisch. 

Updated 'Body Snatchers' 

Completes Main Filming 

STUDIO CITY. CALIF.—"Invasion of 

the Body Snatchers." the Solofilm production 

for United Artists release, has completed 

principal photography under the direction 

of Phillip Kaufman. The late summer 

release stars Donald Sutherland. Leonard 

Nimoy. Brooke Adams. Jeff Goldblum 

and Veronica Cartwright. Robert H. Solo 

is the producer. 

Based on the 1956 Allied Artists release, 

the new version was written by W. D. 

Richter. 

THE SIGHTS i SOUNDS OF SUCCESS ^^ 

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Cooper-Highland Will 

Bui d Triplex in SD 

DENVER — Cooper-Highland Theatres, 

which headquarters in Denver, will build a 

triplex in Rapid City. S.D., with opening 

set for early summer. The facility will have 

a total of 1,000 seats in the three auditoriums. 

The complex will be located in the Rushmore 

Mall and the theatres will be named 

the Rushmore cinemas. 

Mel Glatz & Associates of Lakewood. 

Colo., is designing the theatre and reports 

contracts will be let soon for completion 

of the triple theatre. 

Cooper-Highland has theatres in Minnesota, 

Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah 

and Idaho. This will give the circuit approximately 

80 auditoriums. 

Moritz Chairing Tent 25 

8th Sweepstakes Dinner 

HOLLYWOOD—Milton Moritz, past 

president of Variety Club Tent 25 and now 

chairman of the 

board, has been named 

chairman of the 

eighth annual Variety 

Club sweepstakes dinner 

to be held Friday 

(13) at the Beverly 

Hilton Hotel. 

Moritz said more 

than $50,000 in prizes 

will be given away 

that night, with 60 

Milton I. Moritz 

winners certain for 

the event. This translates into one of every 

five couples attending certain to be winners. 

Ticket sales will be limited to 300 and a 

1978 Cadillac will be given away as the 

grand prize. 

Ernest Borgnine. star of "Marty." was an 

Oscar-winner as best actor of 1955. 

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HAWAII TOO. 

Wlien you come to Wail>. 1978

'Spy Who Loved' Sets 

New Manila Record 

HOLLYWOOD—"The Spy Who Loved 

Me" has become the biggest grossing foreign 

film ever released in Manila, the Philippines, 

with a ten-week gross of $681,026. 

it was announced by Ernst Goldschmidt. 

New York-based United Artists senior vicepresident 

and foreign manager. He pointed 

out that this tenth James Bond thriller has 

surpassed such previous boxoffice recordbreakers 

as "Star Wars," "Jaws," "King 

Kong," "The Towering Inferno" and 

"Earthquake" in the Manila market. 

"The Spy Who Loved Mc" opened day 

and date at 1 1 Manila theatres September 

28 and was still going strong in its tenth 

consecutive week at the 1,341 -seat Odeon 

Theatre. 

Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and directed 

by Lewis Gilbert. "The Spy Who 

Loved Me" also stars Barbara Bach. Curt 

Jurgens. Richard Kiel and Caroline Munro. 

Univ. Signs Will Jordan 

To Portray Ed Sullivan 

UNIVERSAL CITY—Celebrity impressionist 

Will Jordan has been signed to play 

Ed Sullivan in Universal's "I Want to Hold 

Your Hand." it was announced by producers 

Tamara Asseyev and Alex Rose. The assignment, 

which will be a direct characterization 

of Sullivan rather than an impression, marks 

Jordan's debut in motion pictures, although 

his voice was heard in the final scene of the 

Academy Award-winner "Marty." He has 

been imitating Sullivan since 1950 and made 

the first of 22 appearances on Sullivan's TV 

show in 1953. 

Robert Zemeckis is directing from a 

screenplay he wrote with Bob Gale. Steven 

Spielberg is e.xecutive producer. 

Joel Freeman Set to Head 

Producers Pension Plan 

HOLLYWOOD—Joel Freeman, representing 

the Producers Guild of America, 

has been elected president of the Producers 

Pension Plan, succeeding Alfred P. Chamie 

in the one-year position. Others elected 

were Barney Rosenzweig. PGA, vice-chairman: 

Phil Denzen. Universal, secretary, 

and William Beaudine jr. of Lassie Productions, 

assistant chairman. 

Roz Wyman. new executive chairperson 

of the PGA, was named to succeed 

Lou Greenspan on the board. Frances Brick, 

staff member of the PPP for five years, was 

named administrator, succeeding Stanley 

Kreger, who resigned. 

'Good Old Days' Admission 

In Effect at Old Tucson 

TUCSON—Old Tucson has adopted a 

"Good Old Days" admission price policy 

Ducats to the big moviemaking center and 

family fun park have been lowered to $1 

for adults and 50 cents for youngsters aged 

four to 11, these prices effective between 

9 and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. The 

regular admission price is $3.75 for adults 

and $1.25 for children. 

Other "Good Old Days" prices include 

the train ride for ten cents before 10 a.m. 

Lowered prices also apply to cactus ice 

cream, apple pie and sarsaparilla throughout 

the entire week. 

Special discount ticket books are issued 

containing $100 worth of admission coupons 

for $24.95, or a book with $50 worth 

of tickets for $12.95. Regular prices prevail 

on adult and children bonus ride books. 

AFI Film Cruise Guests 

Preview 'Crossed Swords' 

BURBANK—Charlton Heston. who stars 

as King Henry Vlll. hosted a special American 

Film Institute preview screening of 

"Crossed Swords." a Warner Bros, release 

of a Richard Fleisher film and an Alexander 

Salkind presentation, aboard the ship Pacific 

Princess Friday (6) prior to the AFI's 

first film cruise. 

Oliver Reed. Raquel Welch, George C. 

Scott. Mark Lester. Ernest Borgnine. Rex 

Harrison, David Hcmmings and Heston star 

in 

the feature. 

Pierre Spengler produced and Richard 

Fleisher directed, with a screenplay by 

Berta Dominguez D. and Spengler based on 

Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper." 

Final screenplay was by George MacDonaid 

Eraser. 

'Wilderness' Sequel Now 

Under Way in Colorado 

CRESTED BUTTE. COLO.—The sequel 

to the film "The Adventures of the Wilderness 

Family" is being filmed in the Rocky 

Mountains surrounding Crested Butte. The 

production company (from Oregon) has 

teamed with personnel from California and 

all 

are headquartering above Lake Irwin. 

The picture being Icnsed will be a sequel 

to the earlier film. A small log cabin has 

been built, with much of the shooting being 

done in the nearby mountains. About 25 

wild animals are being used in the film. 

They include bears, deer, wolves, cougars, 

raccoons, an owl, a hawk and a golden eagle. 

The principal photography will be completed 

in about three months. 

DENVER 

Qolumbia Pictures' "Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind," in its first week CDecember 

14-20), broke every record for this 

city. The new champion, in its second week 

(December 21-27), then topped its recordsetting 

first week and again established a 

new grossing " 

record for the Mile High 

City. 

Bruce Young, district manager for Commonwealth 

Theatres, and Jerry Collins, 

branch manager for American International 

Pictures, hosted a holiday party at the 

Punch Bowl on Old Filmrow. Members of 

the industry from all over the city attended 

the 

affair. 

. . . 

. . Paul 

Dick Fulhani, who retired from Commonwealth 

Theatres, was around the exchange 

offices renewing acquaintances 

Cohmibia screened "The Boys in Company 

C" at the Century screening room . 

Cory, Fox Theatre, Sterling, and Dennis 

DeNovellis, Fox Theatre, Sidney, Neb., 

were in town to set dates. 

Grosses were greatly affected December 

24 and Sunday (1) by the fact that the Broncos 

playoff games were being televised 

throughout the area. The entire Rocky 

Mountain region has adopted the surprising 

Super Bowl-bound Bronco team as "their 

own" and interest in the two telecasts left a 

mark on every type of business through the 

entire area. 

Pat Hines Appointed Topar 

Director of Advertising 

BEVERLY HILLS—Pat Hines has been 

appointed director of advertising and publicity 

for Topar Films, according to Tom 

Parker, president. 

Hines will supervise the campaigns for 

Topar's upcoming releases "Night of the 

.-Xskari." "SS Girls" and "Un Borghese 

Piccolo Piccolo." Her appointment is considered 

a step in the company's continuing 

expansion in production and distribution. 

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BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978 W-5

AlFROM S.J. 

INTERN 

YULBBYNNER. 

The second clu4>ter of the big city vigilante! 

BRONSON started it- BRYNNER finishes it! 

Have you 

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so outraged 

that you 

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to kill? 

starring 

Raymond R. Homer Presents "Death Rage' 

Yul Brynner* Martin Balsam • Barbara Bouchet 

ATLANTA/JACKSONVILLE 

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(904) 721-2112 

CHICAGO/MILWAUKEE/ 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Teitel Amusements 

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BOSTON/NEW HAVEN 

Ellis Gordon Films 

(G17) 734-0700 

CINCINNATI/INDIANAPOLIS 

Myco Films 

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BUFFALO/ALBANY 

Frontier Amusements 

(716) 854-6752 

CLEVELAND/PITTSBURGH 

Selected Pictures 

(216) 461-9770 

CHARLOTTE 

Tar Heel Films 

(704) 372-8317

ONAL FOR 1978rr 

To theirfather 

she was even^thing. 

But, all they meant 

to her was 

'The Inheritance". 

INHERITANCE 

; Winner 

Cannes Film Festival 

Best Actress—Dominique Sanda 

Executive Producer Raymond R. Homer Directed by Mauro Bolognini 

Color by Movielab From S. J. International Pictures Inc. A Durham Production 

S. J. International Pictures 

(212)688-3306 

515 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022, Suite 300 

DALLAS/OKLAHOMA CITY/ 

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PHILDELPHIA 

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DENVEH 

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DES MOINES/EANSAS CITY/ 

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Mid West Films 

(913) 381-2321 

SALT LAKE CITY 

Ed Brinn Distributing 

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DETROIT 

Levin Distributing 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Wheeler Films 

(202) 244-1500 

LOS ANGELES/ 

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PORTLAND/SEATTLE 

Seymour Borde Associate 

(213) 652-6785

WOMPI HONORS—Members of San Francisco's WOMPI Club honored AI 

Camillo of the West Side Valley Theatres as "Boss of the Year" at a recent luncheon. 

After he was presented with a gift, Camillo turned around and presented Ramona 

Wascher with her trophy as the 1977 "WOMPI of the Year." 

LA Area Kiddies Treated 

To 'Pete's Dragon' Party 

LOS ANGELES—FILMEX, in 

association 

with the city of Los Angeles and Walt 

Disney Productions, held the first in a weeklong 

series of "Pete's Dragon" holiday 

screenings for Los Angeles area underprivileged 

children Monday, December 29, at 

10 a.m. in the Plitt I and II theatres in 

Century City's ABC Entertainment Center. 

Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley appeared 

in person with Helen Reddy, star 

of "Pete's Dragon," to inaugurate the screenings. 

Both Mayor Bradley and Ms. Reddy 

greeted the more than 2.200 Los Angeles 

area children before the film was shown. 

It should be noted that more than 11,000 

yoimgsters attended the showings, which 

were held throughout the week. 

Each of the children, many of whom 

never before had seen a film, were given 

popcorn, apples, Coca-Cola and Christmas 

gifts. Life-size Disneyland characters met 

the kiddies in the ABC Entertainment Center 

forecourt prior to the unspooling. 

Coordinating the event were several 

members of the FILMEX benefit planning 

committee, including FILMEX Society 

president Wendy (Mrs. Leonard) Goldberg, 

Lynda (Mrs. Peter) Guber, Beverly (Mrs. 

Peter) Strauss, Kitty Hawks (Mrs. Ned) 

Tanen, Rona (Mrs. Leonard) Levy, Meredity 

(Mrs. Gary) Kurtz, Kiki (Mrs. Anthony 

C. M.) Kiser. Linda (Mrs. Richard) Goldberg, 

Ilene (Mrs. Terry) Kahn, Margaret 

Hartley, Roz (Mrs. Peter) Bonerz, Yolanda 

(Mrs. Leslie) Stevens, Susan Oliver, Judy 

Henning and Sandra Barton. 

The series was made possible by grants 

from Jeff and Helen Reddy Wold, Atlantic 

Richfield Co., the ABC Entertainment Center, 

Star Wars Corp.. the Los Angeles 

Angels, the Los Angeles Rams, Metropolitan 

Theatres and Lapidus Popcorn Co. 

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — "Applause," 

Paramount's 1929 release starring Helen 

Morgan, was shown at the Harvard Epworth 

Church on a recent Sunday (7:30 

p.m.). Admission was $1.

'Close Encounters' 

Sky-High in KC 

KANSAS CITY—Nine newcomers this 

week could not make a significant dent in 

the drawing power of Columbia's "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind," which rose 

to 1,250 in its second week at the Glenwood. 

"Which Way Is Up?" led Christmas 

week openers' grosses at 610, followed by 

"Semi-Tough" at 415. Several "oldies" got 

a-boost in attendance to equal or better the 

newcomers during the holiday week, notabh 

"Saturday Night Fever," "Star Wars" and 

"Pete's Dragon." 

(Aevarge Is 100) 

Embassy— Julia (20th-Fox), 9th wk 175 

Fine Arts—A Special Day (SR) 290 

F:ve theatres—The Gauntlet (WB) 255 

Five theatres—Saturday Night Fever 

(Para), 2nd wV. 540 

Four theatres—Semi-Tough (UA) 415 

Four theatres—Telefon (MGM-UA), 2nd wk 135 

Glenwood—Close Encounters oi the Third Kind 

(Col), 2nd wk 1.250 

Glenwood—Star Wars (20th-Fox), 31st wk 500 

Midland—Which Way Is Up? (Univ) 610 

Plaza—The Goodbye Girl (WB) 375 

Seven theatres— Groyeaglc (AlP) 130 

Six theatres—Pete's Dragon (BV). 2nd wk 360 

Three theatres—The Choirboys (Univ) 200 

Three theatres—Looking ior Mr. Goodbar 

(Para), 6th wk 145 

Three theatres—The Private Files oi J. Edgar 

Hoover (AIP) - 115 

Three theatres The World's Greatest Lover 

(20ih-Fox) 235 

'Close Encounters' Takes Lead 

Among Windy City First Runs 

CHICAGO—The tally of grosses for the 

week showed a dip in those for several 

strong openers and a variety of welcomes 

for the newcomers. "Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind" holds a rather slim lead 

(530) over "Which Way Is Up?" which 

remains up at 500 in its seventh week. 

The number three spot is occupied by 

"Saturday Night Fever" in its second week. 

All the other long-awaited holiday product 

ranged between 250 and 300; respectably 

above average business, but somehow not 

the skyscraping scores exhibitors here 

might have expected. 

Carnegie—The Turning Point (20th-Fox) 300 

Cinema— 1900 (Para), 2nd wk 275 

Eight theatres—The Goodbye Girl (WB) 265 

Eleven theatres—The Gauntlet (WB) 260 

Five theatres—The Choirboys (Univ) 200 

Nine theatres—Saturday Night Fever 

(Para), 2nd wk 485 

Nine theatres—The World's Greatest Lover 

(20th-Fox) .. 250 

Roosevelt—The Incredible Melting Man (AIP) ... 300 

Seven theatres— Pete's Dragon (BV) 300 

Seven theatres—Semi-Tough (UA), 2nd wk 220 

Six theatres—Teleion (MGM-UA) 200 

State Lake—Which Way Is Up? (Univ), 7th wk 500 

Ten theatres— Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind (Col), 2nd wk 530 

Water Tower 1—Julia (20th-Fox), 9th wk 350 

Plitt Theatres Opens Two 

Chicago Area Quadplexes 

CHICAGO— Plitt Theatres, Inc., closed 

the Lyric Theatre in mid-December but 

December 21 this expanding circuit opened 

Fox Valley 1-2-3-4. In addition, the 

Hawthorne 1-2-3-4 also opened as a new 

complex. 

For some weeks Jerry Bulger, advertising 

director for the Plitt organization, has been 

negotiating for promotions which might 

have the strongest patron appeal. As a 

result he came up with some good-sized 

deals, starting with two 1978 Datsun 510 

hatchbacks as grand-opening prizes at each 

complex. The cars will come from the 

Datsun Motor Co. and drawings will be 

handled by an independent accounting firm 

February 20. 

Opening day, WWMM-FM broadcast live 

from the lobby of the Hawthorne complex. 

Featured was the music from the film 

"Saturday Night Fever." And, at Bolingbrook, 

a recently opened Plitt property, 

there was a New Year's Eve "Saturday Night 

Disco Party" to place further attention on 

the Fox Valley unveiling. 

Bob Butler to Head Film 

News for KC Times-Star 

KANSAS CIT"V—The appointment of 

Robert W. Butler as edilor of arts and 

entertainment for the Kansas City Star 

and Kansas City Times was announced 

Sunday (1), making official reports which 

had been common knowledge in the film 

colony here for at least a month. Butler 

also will be responsible for supervising 

coverage of arts and entertainment events, 

including motion pictures, in the Kansas 

City metropolitan area for the daily newspapers, 

both of which formerly were employee 

owned but which were acquired last 

February by Capital Cities Communications. 

Butler, 29, who during the past several 

years has acquired a reputation in Kansas 

City as an outstanding film reviewer, succeeds 

Giles Fowler, longtime drama and 

motion picture critic for the Star and Times. 

Fowler is joining Star Magazine, a Sundays-only 

publication, as a staff writer. 

Melvin Weisberg Has 

Diverse Interests 

CHICAGO— Mclvin M. Weisberg, new 

Variety Club of Illinois Tent 26 president, 

Melvin 

Weisberg 

has many credits. He 

is an attorney specializing 

in representing 

financially troubled 

businesses which prefer 

recovery over 

bankruptcy. He has 

been appointed attorney/negotiator 

for the 

U.S. Olympic Committee, 

prior to and 

after the 1 9S0 Olymp- 

,^^ j^ r^,^^;,, ^^^ jê 

recently announced World Trade Center, a 

$150,000,000 project. 

He is president of Olympic Films, which 

specializes in importing foreign films to the 

U.S. and Canada. He is involved with Silver 

Screen, a motion picture commemorative 

society, which soon will be minting commemorative 

coins in solid silver, honoring 

the memory of legendary names in the motion 

picture industry. Members of the board 

of directors include Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli. 

Gene Kelly and Gregory Peck. 

Ohio Supreme Court Will 

Review Obscenity Cases 

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Supreme Court 

has agreed to review three cases that attack 

the constitutionality of the Ohio obscenity 

laws. All involve Cleveland men convicted 

of pandering obscenity in separate adulttype 

stores. 

Their arrests on pandering charges stem 

from the operation of peep shows in the 

stores where all three were clerks—but had 

nothing to do with the coin-operated and 

allegedly obscene films. 

In separate briefs, the three have filed 

numerous arguments about the state's obscenity 

laws and their constitutionality, arguing 

the laws violated the First Amendment 

and the 1 4th Amendment. 

Topar Names Karen Zito 

Ass't to John McLaurin 

CHICAGO—Karen Zito, former assistant 

at Capitol Records, has been named executive 

assistant to John McLaurin, who is director 

of marketing here for Topar Films. 

Ms. Zito started working for McLaurin 

at Topar's Chicago headquarters Tuesday 

(3) following a brief training period in Topar's 

Boston offices. 

"The Jazz Singer," with Al Jolson, was 

demonstrated as a part-talking picture in 

New York City Oct. 6, 1927. 

ESSANESS TRIO UNVEILED—Architect's rendition of tlie Foxfield theatres, 

triplex which the Essaness circuit opened in St. Charles, III., in late December. 

Steve Slotten has been named manager of the multitheatrc. which has a total seating 

capacity of 1,700. Inaugural attractions at the Foxfield were "Saturday Night Fever," 

"Pete's Dragon" and "The Gauntlet." 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 197S C-1

KANSAS CITY 

The holiday parties were flying thick and 

fast just before Christmas. One of the 

more elaborate extravaganzas was hosted by 

the folks at New World Pictures Friday. 

December 23. Featuring such satiable delights 

as smoked turkey, the fete attracted 

film folk from far and wide—notably Fredonia. 

Kas.. exhibitor and former New 

World booker Trent Stigall. "Liquid refreshment 

of all kinds was served." said 

New World branch manager Carole Alt. 

"and we partied on into the night, into the 

wee hours." 

Bill Lavelle, the man with Guggenheim & 

Associates who had handled several Filmrow 

accounts, departed last week for a new job 

in Los Angeles but friends here saw to it 

that he got off on the proper footing. The 

folks at Columbia treated him to a luncheon, 

then everyone joined in for a goingaway 

party at Sub"s Pub Friday. December 

30. 

' 

New World salesman 

Dennis Marsh and 

his wife Christy vacationed over the holidays 

in Memphis. Tenn.. where they visited 

Dennis's parents. 

Buena Vista secretary Connie Haesemeyer 

apparently wanted warm weather for the 

holidays, so she left for Florida December 

23 and didn't return until Wednesday (4). 

Connie rode down to the Sunsh'ne State 

with her boyfriend and his family, where 

they visited—what else?— Disney World. 

Talk about company loyalty! 

New World's Laurie Hansen and Carole 

Alt visited St. Louis exhibitors December 

20-21 delivering Christmas gifts. They also 

timed it right for getting in on St. Louis' 

Filmrow party. 

Where does the "in" crowd go to celebrate 

on New Year's Eve? Why. Golden 

City, of course. At least, that's where Columbia's 

Phleta Olsen traveled for the holiday. 

She and her boyfriend Marshall Rittermeyer 

attended a party held by some friends 

in Golden City. 

The first meeting of 1978 for the Kansas 

City WOMPIs will be Tuesday (24). The 

meeting, at Twin Oaks, will begin at 6:30 

p.m., preceded bv a board meeting at 5:30. 

Dickinson WOMPIs will be hostesses for 

the meeting. 

Ken Durbin, Universal booker, held a 

bash Monday (2) at his house for all of his 

co-workers. Apparently the format was 

simple but popular: lots of beer and football. 

The local chapter of the International 

EQUIPMENT 

THE5>i.srF?E 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

339 No. CAPITOL AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, 

Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees 

elected new officers for 1978 last month. 

Taking office Sunday (1) were Merna Roberts 

(Univ). president; Jim Thrasher (20th- 

Fox), vice-president; Charley Jarrett (20th- 

Fox), business agent; Joanne Weaver (WB), 

secretary, and Rose Cutting (Univ) sergeantat-arms. 

The union membership is composed 

primarily of front office personnel of 

the major film distributing companies. 

Dennis MeLallen is the new owner and 

operator of the Temple Theatre and Y-C 

Drive-In in Yates Center. Kas.. as of Monday 

(2). The theatres previously were owned 

by Charles Shahan. 

Screenings at Midwest: Wednesday (4). 

"The Redeemer" (Dimension), distributed 

by Mercury, and Thursday (5). "Star Pilots" 

(Monarch). "Fingers" (Brut) and "Death 

Games" (First American), all distributed by 

Thomas & Shipp. 

Roger Miller, Topar Films" Mideastern 

regional director, went to California last 

week to attend marketing sessions. 

Women of Variety Tent 8 held their annual 

Christmas party December 20 at the 

Gold Buffet, with approximately 30 guests 

in attendance. Entertainment was provided 

by Filmrow's own John Pocsik and Dave 

Shipp. who reportedly put on a sensational 

show. Kicking off the fun were recitations 

of original poems by the Pocsik-Shipp team 

—and these rapidly progressed to dramatic 

readings of short stories, these also the work 

of the duo. According to one of the girls 

present, the highlight of the show was the 

presentation of a Woody Allen-type play 

which brought down the house. In fact, the 

performance was so enthusiastically received 

that at least one Filmrowite suggests that 

other groups get on the waiting list to be 

entertained by a Pocsik-Shipp production. 

Traditional carols were sung (occasionally 

traditionally off-key) and gifts were exchanged, 

wrapping up a neat package of 

holiday cheer for the Women of Variety on 

the fifth day before Christmas! 

Effervescent party-giver Sharon Richeson 

was the hostess for the second annual bash 

thrown in honor of Sue Mullins of Atlanta. 

Ga. (that's the state from which the Carters 

also came, you know). A former popular 

local Filmrowite. Sue somehow manages to 

show up in Kansas City about party time 

every year—and the soiree in her honor 

was very well attended. Since no one ever 

has come up with a name for this event, 

which is becoming a tradition, after the 

third round of pimch, which Sharon made 

from an old medieval family recipe (the 

Atomic Energy Commission insists that the 

ingredients be kept secret), the group of 

revelers decided to dub the affair the second 

annual SNAFU party, which seems, at this 

point in time, to be a likely appellation for 

the affair. Sue, of course, had a marvelous 

time; Sharon thinks she did; one man who 

attended reported an instant brain timior 

the next morning and immediately left 

town, and most indubitably, flying to Atlanta 

without a plane can be an inspirational type 

of experience. In case you are invited to the 

third annual SNAFU party, please be advised 

that Sharon says it is going to be 

planned next year. Don't say you weren't 

forewarned! 

CHICAGO 

gill Kurtis, newscaster on Channel 2, 

WBBM-TV. and Ernie Banks will headline 

the 12th annual combined Variety Club 

of Illinois installation dinner to be held Wednesday 

(II) at 7 p.m. in the Guild Hall of 

the Ambassador West Hotel. Melvyn M. 

Weisberg will be installed as president; Bene 

Stein, who has served as president, becomes 

chairman of the board, and Maury Shorr. 

director of finance. Edythe Stein will head 

the women's sector of the Variety Club. 

High spot of the installation dinner will 

be the presentation of checks totaling $149,- 

500 to various children's charities: La Rabida 

Children's hospital. $83,000; Little 

City for Mentally Handicapped Children. 

$45,000; Medi-Check International, $4,- 

000, and WOMPI Children's Charities, 

$17,500. Variety Club Women also will 

make a sizable contribution to La Rabida. 

Tickets for the installation dinner are $15 

per person and those still without ducats 

may procure them by calling 338-4320. Vic 

Bernstein is chairman and Nat and Natalie 

Nathanson are co-chairpersons. 

A sad note at the close of 1977 was the 

death of Arthur Schoenstadt. He was 87. 

Schoenstadt headed the firm of H. Schoenstadt 

& Sons, Inc., until retirement in 1965. 

The company had owned and operated 33 

theatres in Chicagoland. In recent years the 

firm specialized in real estate. Schoenstadt 

is survived by a son, Arthur jr., and a 

daughter, Jean Anoff. and five grandchildren. 

The shrinking dollar and a lagging economy 

are blamed for a lower total in this year's 

Theatre Collection Drive. Bernie Mack, this 

year's chairman, reports the fiscal 

gross figure 

for 1977 as $57,991.71, compared lo 

$72,742.23 for 1976. Plitl Theatres' collections 

totaled $27,994.99. 

SOUND PROJECTION 

MAINTENANCE MANUAL 

"TROUTS SOUND AND PHOIECTION 

MANUAL." Simplified service data on 

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transport equipment (platter), motors, 

soundheads, speakers, etc. Schematics on 

sound equipment and drawings This helpful 

Service Manual endorsed by the industry. 

Authentic maintenance data tor 

the projectionist, the exhibitor. Simplified 

data. You should have this Manual and 

save on repair work ancf obtain better 

proj. and sound Send TODAY Special 

Price per copy, ONLY $8 50, prepaid Don't 

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(18,50). Over 200 pages 8V2 x l!" Loose- 

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35 years of Experience; 27 vears Technical 

Editor, the MODERN THEATRE (Remittance 

payable to: Weslev Trout. Cash, 

Check 01 MO.—No CODs) WESLEY 

TROUT, EDITOR, Box 575, Enid, Oklahoma 

717(j! 

C-2 BOXOmCE January 9, 197S


. 

GO WITH THE "WINNER // 

HERE COME THE TIGERS'. . .ri IS A WINNER 

f *', - Mel Allen 

CONTACT: 

IGER POWER, INC. 

t56 PARK AVENUE 

:RANST0N, R. I. 02910 

TELE: 401-781-0900 

JMPORTANT OFFER! 


"HERE COME THE TIGERS" 

fR££CARTOON TRAILER 

-ITS A RIOT-!

ST. 

LOUIS 

nil of the holiday fare on local screens is 

still 

alive and doing well and seemingly 

is destined for long runs. "First Love." the 

William Kalt and Susan Dey starrer, is back 

for a sub-run engagement at Airway Twin. 

North Twin. Central City. Webster Groves, 

South Twin and Avalon . . . "Crater Lake 

Monster" and "Land of the Minotaur" began 

a wide multiple Friday (6). 

Mark Thornton is the new manager at 

Wehrenberg's Shady Oak and Rick Jackoway 

is head usher. "The Turning Point" is 

playing an exclusive engagement at the suburban 

house. 

The Senior Center at Covenant House 

continues its film festival Tuesday (10) with 

"Emperor's Waltz" and "Symphony Sound." 

Tuesday (17) "Hassidim" and "Mexican- 

American Culture" will be the attractions. 

Showings are at 7 p.m. at the auditorium. 

10969 Schuetz Rd. 

Anastasia Zotos, widow of Chris Zotos 

who operated the Star Theatre on Market 

Street in the heyday ol the industry, died 

December 13 and was buried in St. Matthews 

Cemetery December 16 following 

services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox 

Church. She is survived by her sons William 

and Dr. Gregory Zotos, four sisters and six 

grandchildren. 

Kathlyn Knussniann, sister of Fan O'Neil, 

formerly secretary to Jerry Banta at MGM. 

died Christmas morning with interment in 

Mount Lebanon Cemetery December 27. 

Survivors in addition to Fan arc her husband 

Fred Knussmann sr. and son Fred jr., 

Maplewood. 

Eugene Beckerle, director of the Alfonso 

J. Cervantes Convention & Exhibition Center, 

has been appointed 1978 telethon chairman 

of the Muscular Dystrophy Ass'n for 

PERSONALIZED, 

the metropolitan area. He will assume the 

responsibility as chairman of the annual 

campaign to raise funds for neuro-muscular 

disorders and prepare for the Jerry Lewis 

Labor Day Telethon which originates in 

Las Vegas. Locally, the fund-raising drive 

will be held at the Convention Center and 

Northwest Plaza. The 1977 telethon raised 

$376,864 in this area. Beckerle, 34, is a 

graduate of the University of Missouri, 

where he majored in economics. He is a 

member of the board of directors, St. Louis 

Ambassadors, Inc., and the board of the 

University of Missouri Alumni. Before becoming 

director of the Convention Center, 

he was assistant general manager of the 

The January 

Missouri Arena Corp. . . . 

schedule for the center includes the Mississippi 

Valley Farm Dealers Ass'n Monday 

(16) through Saturday (21), with an expected 

attendance of 10,000. 

Bess Schulter, a pioneer in the film industry 

and former owner of five theatres, 

died December 18 at the Americana Nursing 

Home in Florissant after a long illness 

and was buried Tuesday, December 20, in 

B'nai Amoona Cemetery. Mrs. Schulter, 

who was 86 at the time of her death, had 

operated the Columbia, Avalon, Roxie, 

Powhattan and Whiteway theatres but left 

ihc movie business about 15 years ago. The 

former Cokmibia Theatre now houses the 

DiFrunco Racquetball Club and the Avalon 

is the only theatre still operating. Bess was 

active in the former Missouri-Illinois Theatre 

Owners Ass'n and was honored by the 

Variety Club and the Professional & Business 

Men of the Hill during the period when 

women were not admitted to membership. 

She also was an honorary member of the 

WOMPI Club until its dissolution in 1973. 

Her sister Mrs. Mildred Vitale of Hazelwood 

survives. 




kStudioS/ 

INC. 


(312) 427-3395 


MID-CONTINENT Theatre Supply Corp. 

1800 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

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

PROMPT • £ma£NT • COURTEOUS 

Realty Corp. Proposal Is 

Submitted to City Council 

HARTFORD— Arlen Realty has made a 

formal presentation for inclusion of a twin 

cinema in its projected 240-unit apartment 

building over the Church-Trumbull Streets 

city parking garage to the City Council's 

planning and development committee (see 

earlier Boxoffice stories). 

The two-auditorium theatre is intended 

I 

to be part of the "mix" of residential/commercial 

uses of the building, according to 

councilman Richard Suisman. The tract under 

development abuts the former site of the 

long-time Strand Theatre, operated for 

many years by Warner Bros. 

Ringold 

Cinema 

Equipment Inc. 

8421 Gra\ois St. Louis, Mo. 63123 

ALL 

MAJOR 

LINES OF 

EQUIPMENT 

INTERIOR 

DECOR 

DRAPES 

CARPETING 

CHAIRS 

CONTACT 

Harry or John 

Phone (314) 352-2020 

ASCTECHNICAL SERVICES 

CORPORATION 


SERVING THE NATIONS EXHIBITORS SINGE 1937 




Write or call collect 214-234.3270 

•STAR TREATMENT SERVIC: 



HAWAII TOO. 


r^^j^j;^ Don Ho Show. . . at 

[hotels 

I Cinerama's Reef Towei^ Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF . REEF TOWERS EDGEWATER 

C-4 BOXOmCE JiiniKirv 9, 147S

Turning Point' Top 

Film in New Orleans 

NEW ORLEANS—The Turning Points' 

arrival in Bayou country was indeed an 

event as it soared to 800 in its debut at 

the Lal

ST. JOHNS THEATRE TWINNED—Work has been completed on the St. 

Johns Rocking-Chair Theatre, one of the largest and most attractive movie houses 

in the Jacksonville area. A side-to-side division was made, according to J. Cleveland 

Kent, president of Kent Theatres. Each auditorium contains approximately 400 

seats and both will be served by one projection booth. The free parking lot has been 

expanded by 50 per cent. Twinning of the St. Johns brings the total number of 

screens for the Kent circuit in Florida to 33. Reopening attractions were "The 

Goodbye Girl" and "Telefon," with the unveiling receiving an enthusiastic reception 

from the nioviegoing public. 

Atlanta Picture Patrons 

Apathetic Over Film Ads 

ATLANTA—American Miilti Cinema's 

two sextuplets, Omni 6 and Tower Place 6, 

were among the 1,800 theatres participating 

in the first round of on-screen, theatre advertising 

in the U.S. Three minutes worth 

of commercials accompanied each show and 

theatre managers reported audiences were 

blase over the whole thing. Other local circuits 

may opt for the program this year. 

Bob Rich, spokesman for Screenvision. 

whose parent company is MediaVision of 

Paris, pointed out that film commercials 

have been shown on European screens for 

40 years. He also noted that research indicated 

that American audiences did not object 

to the inclusion of spots. 

Cinemavision of Nashville plans to enter 

the race this month, claiming entree into 

4,000 theatres. The company's spokesman. 

Bill Woolsey, said that some of the proceeds 

from the venture will go to a group of 5.000 

exhibitors to be used to produce films for 

BETTER HYBRID POPCORN 

DIRECT FROM THE GROWERS 

ALL POPCORN SUPPLIES 

Satisfaction Guoranteed 

STAR and GOLD MEDAL MACHINES 

Tel. 574. 1079 i.i j n 

,- SCOTTSBORO 

P.O. Box 787 Word Popcorn Co ala. 35768 

500 lbs. Prepoid • 500 Mile Ar«a 

800 Lambert Drive N.E. 

Atlanta, Go. 30324 

(404) 876-0347 

showing by plan members. 

Jone Ackerly. who books for 25 theatres 

in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, and 

is also the secretary of NITE, dueled Judith 

Crist, Redbook and TV Guide reviewer, on 

the Face-Off segment of "Good Morning. 

America," the ABC offering seen locally 

on WXIA-TV. Crist stressed the point of 

view that patrons shelling out $3.50 to $5 

for a theatre ticket should not have commercials 

shoved down their throat. Ackeriy's 

rebuttal was that the revenue from the 

commercials will be used to defray cinema 

owners' expenses or be channeled into film 

production. 

WIL 

J 

"everything for your theatre— except film' 

COIVIPLETE 

Û 

'Guale/ a Prize-Winning 

Film History of Georgia 

ATLANTA—The history, beauty and 

national resources of Georgia's coastline 

and coastal islands are the subjects of a 

new, 60-minute documentary, "Guale," 

which made its debut on PBS' WETV 

December 4. Produced by Savannah's husband 

and wife team of Albert and Marjorie 

Scardino in conjunction with the PBS outlet, 

the film combines excellent footage of 

today's wilderness with scenes from the days 

when logging operations used horse-drawn 

wagons to haul timber. 

"Guale" has earned an impressive list of 

awards. 

CAPITAL CITY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND CONCESSION SUPPLIES 

OUR 39th YtAR 

800 S. Groham St. 

Charlotte, N.C. 28202 

(704) 334-3616 

2124 Jackson Parkway. N.W. 713 Sudekum Bldg. 

Atlonla. Georgia 30318 Nashville. Tennessee 37219 

(404) 792-8424 (615) 256-0347 

Members of: Theatre Equipment Association 

National Association ol Concessionaires ©Q@ 

MEMPHIS 

Jâry Katherine Baker, member of the 

WOMPI Club, and her sister Alene 

Newcomb set the mood for Christmas with 

a party for club members. Their home was 

beautifully decorated with original handmade 

arrangements, which began at the 

doorway and extended into every room. 

Cocktails preceded the delicious dinner, 

which was prepared by the hostesses. The 

event was strictly "fun and games," with 

no business meeting, and each guest received 

a handmade gift. These two talented 

ladies furnish much joy with their creative 

contributions to various social functions 

and conventions connected with the motion 

picture industry—and their table decorations 

always are beautiful and original. 

A New Year's Eve party was held at 

the Variety Club, beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, 

December 31. After dancing, a midnight 

snack was served. The new year was 

ushered in by Variety members, all of whom 

were wearing party hats, ringing bells and 

making the most of the noisemakers provided. 

Another holiday party was enjoyed at the 

Variety Club December 30. Larry Vinson 

of Tri-State Booking Service and Betty 

Arendal! of Arendall Enterprises treated a 

crowd to a luncheon, much Christmas 

cheer and fellowship. 

Phony Policeman Reads 

Rights, Robs Filmgoers 

NASHVILLE, TENN. — A man posing 

as a plainclothes policeman held up the 

Ellwest Stereo Theatre, a pornographic cinema. 

He read 13 patrons and the manager 

their constitutional rights, then stole their 

wallets. 

The man, displaying a badge and a revolver, 

made several patrons sit on the floor 

at the rear of the theatre until three other 

men who were viewing films in private 

booths came out. He made the group stand 

against a wall while he took their wallets. 

'Vencietta' Is Continuing 

(Continued from page SE-1) 

According to the former exhibitor, April 

3, 1977, "someone or somebody threw rocks 

and shot high-pressure BB guns and broke 

all the marquee glass." This represented, he 

said, a $5,000 loss at the Melroy Theatre. 

Mcintosh stated that he rebuilt on the site 

of his former residence "and I boarded up 

all the windows on three sides to try to 

keep intruders away . . . July 23, 1977, they 

tried to knock the planks off , . . and still 

no arrests. They tried again August 13 

and no arrests." 

Mcintosh avers. "We have been calling 

the local law and after four years . 

. . they 

are still trying to kill me and my wife. We 

have holed up in the house with the walls 

all boarded up." The damaged Melroy Theatre 

remains closed, he said. 

SE-2 BOXOFHCE January 9, 1978


• • • 


// 

HERE COME THE TIGERS'. 

tIS A WINNER 

-Mel Allen 

CONTACT: 



RANSTON, R.I. 02910 

fELE: 401-781-0900 

imORUHT OFFER! 


HERE COME THE TIGERS 

fReeCARTOOH TRAILER 

-ITS A RIOT-!

. 

CHARLOTTE 

The Southern Booking Service Co., held a 

seminar at the Bijou 6 cinemas early 

last month. All facets of theatre operations 

were covered in panel discussions with 

A. Foster McKissick and Fred Curdts. 

Fairlane Theatres, Easley. S.C, were in tor 

the Southern Booking Yiilefest hosted by 

AUyn Loci^ and Frank Jones ... The "Erv" 

Meltons Car-Mel Studios, spent Christmas 

.n St. Augustine ... The Charlie Mincoys 

cf Ace Films entertained their family, up 

from Houston. 

emphasis on new promotional and advertis- 

^ 

ing formats. The meeting concluded for the 

^-s. r\ t f A h I C 

40 owners'operators in attendance with Ki C U/ 

Q Hi t A N b 

n-w film trailer screenings ... ABC ioutn- i « •- ww^ 

eastern Theatres Inc., opened the Cardinal 

II, Rocky Mount and the Tower 1 & -. 

Raleieh. both December 21. 

Allen Locke. Southern Booking Service, 

began handling the buying and booking for 

Charles Blanchard's Broadway Theatre, 

Fayetteville, last month ... The John Mc- 

Clure family entertained more than 100 

guests from Filmrow at a cocktail partysmorgasbord 

at their home . . . 

Harry Kerr 

and Johnny Martin, Dominant Pictures, 

celebrated the holidays with an open house 

at their office. 

Jimmy Murphy, Variety Pictures, is in 

Presbyterian Hospital where they are seeking 

alternatives to surgery for a ruptured 

disc in his back 

. . . Eddie Marks, Stewart 

and Everett Theatres, was the surprise 

honoree at a special luncheon last month 

in New York. Joseph Brenner presented 

him with a 35-pound plaque for his outstanding 

tubthumping in behalf of a Brenner 

release last year. 

Wedding bells rang for Raymond Williams, 

city manager for 3 screens in Lenoir 

and Melinda Ross of Monroe, as well as for 

John Tucker jr., manager of the Cinema 

Theatre, Aiken, S. C. and his bride Laura 

Dexter ... Bob Schrader and Charlie Leonard 

had birthdays early this month 

. 

. 

Leonard, Johnny Martin and John Reese returned 

bloody but unbowed from the Pitt 

Panthers' mauling of Clemson at the Gator 

Bowl. 

S^-^^KiKIHC SERVICES^ 

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

Fronk Lowry . . . Bill Cline 

Phone: (704) 377-9341 

^^ 

Hlleii Hellis, doorman at the Cinema 6 in 

Jackson, Miss., rummaged through his 

personal collection of film memorabilia and 

assembled a display entitled "Cinema 6 Presents 

Great Films—Past and Future. Manager 

Barry Leiberman set the display up in 

the theatre lobby where it draws attention 

and comments. 

Ogden-Perry Theatres hosted a cocktail 

party-dinner for the circuifs theatre managers 

on December 14 at the posh Plimsoll 

Club. Earl Perry, the president, gave Tony 

Bruguiere of the Santa Rosa in Ft. Walton, 

Fla.^ a large plaque and check emblematic 

of "the 1977 Showmanship Award. Guy 

Ooden then handed Dallas Gibson of Biloxi\ 

Edgcwater Plaza Cinema IV with the 

symbols of his Man of the Year Award. J. 

Ralph Osdeii then presented each manager 

w th his personal bonus and the bonuses to 

be presented to their respective staffers. 

John D. Flores jr., manager of Gull 

States Theatres- Highland Park Twin Cinema, 

and Tony Browning of WSWB Radio 

h ive a new show on the airwaves in Greenwood. 

Miss., entitled "The Magic of Movies 

'• The program is aired weekdays at 3:30 

pm. with morning deejay Eddie Galey as 

. . . 

the hostess There are two new grandfathers 

on Filmrow as Gulf States' Eddie 

Richards welcomed Patrick, and Charles 

has a problem. He won't get to 

Pabst of United Artists announced the arrival 

of James Alexander. Pabst. however, 

see the newest 

member of the family for a while since 

the younger Pabsts are in Antwerp, Belgium 

where Daddy is an oil company engineer. 

The WOMPIs held their Christmas party 

for Abbe residents December 17, offering 

_ 

homemade candy, cookies, cakes, sandwiches 

and punch, along with other goodies, 

as refreshments. After an hour of bingo, 

club member-donated Christmas gifts were 

distributed. The singing of Christmas carols, 

led by one of the patients who at one time 

was a music teacher, was enjoyed by all. 

Congratulations to Joe Sacco of 20th 

Century-Fox on winning the ceramic Christmas 

tree, which was a WOMPI Christmas 

project Club members realized a $198 profit 

from the raffle Get-well 

. . . 

wishes to 

WOMPI Marie Berglund. who entered Touro 

Infirmary to undergo surgery December 

""l The WOMPI Club Christmas 

party" was' held December 14 at the Beverly 

Dinner Playhouse. Forty-five members were 

present for the buffet dinner and the play, 

"Tunnel of Love." It was good to see Elizabeth 

Bacon there looking well after her 

recent retirement from United Artists. 

Irene Mexic, Star Advertising, worked on 

publicity for American International Pic- 

"Greyeagle," which bowed December 

tures' 

21. Irene set up a Seminole Indian display 

at the Plaza in the Lake Forest Shopping 

Center and it proved to be a real eye-catcher 

Matt Guidry, Lafayette, was a visitor 

at' Gulf States Theatres Billy Gay was 

. . . 

one of the many thousands who visited the 

Kins Tut exhibit Congratulations to 

. . . 

daughter of Lou Dwyer. Gulf States 

Kerri, 

bookina department, on her graduation 

from UNO. Kerri ranked in the top bracket 

of her accounting class. 

Larry Alterman, son of the vice-president 

of NATO, who is attending college in New 

Orleans, spent the Christmas holidays with 

his 

family. 

I 

PERSONALIZED, 




Filnnack st"i!«^' 

1327 S. WABASH AVE. CHICAGO, 

(312) 427-3395 

IL. 60605 

CITED—Tony Bruguiere of Ogden- 

Perry's Santa Rosa Cinema III, Fort 

Walton Beach, Fla., has won the circnifs 

prestigious "Showman of the 

Year" award. One of Ogden-Perry's 

most promotion-conscious managers, 

Bruguiere has won three circuit showmanship 

awards and one BOXOFFICE 

Citation of Honor (1977). 

SE-4 

BOXOFFICE :: January 9. 19';

TEXPO 78 Is Major 

Exhibitor Conclave 

DALLAS—TEXPO "78. the ihree-day 

conclave of industryites to be held here at 

the Fairmont Hotel, opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday 

(31) with the imiqiie Show-in-the- 

Round, a highly-acclaimed exhibition involving 

representatives of concession, projection, 

equipment, supply and service companies. 

According to Brandon Doak. NATO of 

Texas president and TEXPO 'TS co-chairman 

with Earl Murray, president of United 

Theatre Owners of Oklahoma, and Doug 

Lightner jr., president of the New Mexico 

Theatre Owners Ass'n, more than ten hours 

of the convention will be devoted to screenings 

and product seminars. "The format of 

showing a full array of trailers and product 

reels of coming attractions was so favorably 

received at TEXPO "77 that the convention 

committee voted to repeat it this year." 

Doak stated. 

Distributors 

Participating 

Film distributors committed to participation 

include Crown International. Universal. 

American International. Sunn Classic, Dimension. 

Inter Planetary. Hemisphere. Mc- 

Crary and Associates. Blackburn International. 

Joseph Brenner Associates and De- 

Berry 

Distributing. 

In addition to the upcoming product 

screenings and the appearance of film 

stars 

and VIP industryites, ten "food and fim 

events" are scheduled prior to the business 

session Thursday afternoon, February 2. 

Many special events arc being arranged 

for women attending the convention, including 

an elaborate celebration of Oscar's 

fiftieth birthday, the anniversary of the 

founding of the Academy Awards. 

The convention committee working with 

the triumvirate co-chairmen consists of 

Tom Bridge, Ken Claypool, Bill Cunningham, 

R. A. Noret. Boti O'Donnell. Marilyn 

Rabakukk. George Roscoe. John Rowley 

and John Treadwell. Kyle Rorex. NATO of 

Texas executive director, is the convention 

coordinator. 

Early Registration Urged 

Reservations for the annual TEXPO convention 

"have been flooding into the Dallas 

headquarters." according to Doak. who emphasized 

the importance of early registration 

due to the limits of accommodations at 

the convention facilities. The registration 

fee until Tuesday (24) is $60 for men, $50 

for women, payable to the NATO of Texas 

office, 1512 Commerce, Suite 208, Dallas 

75201. 

Quintet' Rolls in January 

MONTREAL—Director Robert Altman 

has announced that he will lens the $5,000,- 

000-budgeted motion picture "Quintet" here, 

with filming slated to get under way in mid- 

January. A ten-week shooting schedule has 

been set for the Paul Newman-Bibi Andersson 

starrer. 

First Annual Texas 

Film Fesl in March 

AUSTIN—The first annual Texas Film 

Festival is slated for the University of 

Texas' communications center, March 10- 

13. Dr. Thomas G. Schaltz is the executive 

coordinator, James S. Elliot is the AFVS 

coordinator and Tim O'Malley is Elliot's 

assistant. The sponsoring agencies are the 

imiversity's Radio-TV-Film department in 

conjunction with the Austin Film and Video 

Society. 

Collegiate and independent filmmakers 

from anywhere in the U.S. are invited to 

participate in the competition and will be 

afforded the opportunity to meet and familiarize 

themselves with the state's filmmakers 

and filmmaking. Texas-style. 

Beginning and advanced workshops will 

be offered in videotape recording, animation 

and special effects in cinematography. Seminars 

are planned in Super 8mm and 16mm 

film production. It was also noted that there 

will be a social program early in the festival 

to permit the entrants to meet and exchange 

ideas. All award winning films will be reviewed 

in Cinematics, the AFVS journal. 

Categories are broken down into more 

than 30 minutes; less than 30 minutes; live 

action which is subdivided into dramatic, 

documentary and experimental; animation, 

including brackets for cell and kinestasis; 

(Continued on page SW-4) 

cordially invites all 

ADULT RLM ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. 

to its 

exhibitors, bookers & distributors 

board of directors meeting: 

JAN. 21, 1978 — ALL DAY 

WARWICK HOTEL 

HOUSTON, TEXAS 

Meeting to be chaired by Ann Perry — presi(Jent of AFAA an(d will 

— A discussion of Current and Pending Laws 

— A Review of the Adult Motion Picture Industry 

— A Product and Trailer Screening of Explicit and Edited Adult Films 

— Luncheon and Cocktails 

inclu(de: 

Registration Fee: $25 Members — $50 Non-Members. For more information call meeting sponsors — 

Universal Amusement Distributors: Joe Spiegel, John Coles, Jim Ohmart, Judy McMillian [713] 529-6157 

BOXOFHCE :: January 9, 1978 SW-1

DALLAS 

HI Zarzana and Herb Hartstein, partners 

in Texas National Theatres with offices 

in Dallas and Houston, took over 

operation of the Village Theatre, Houston, 

December 23. The theatre was purchased 

from ABC Interstate. The two plan to operate 

the theatre on the "dollar night" policy 

which has proven so successful for them in 

their Garden Oaks. Granada and Santa 

Rosa theatres. 

The Village brings to a total of eight 

theatres those included in the partnership. 

Hartstein has si.\ other houses not 

included. 

Congratulations to Jeff Kaufman, who 

recently moved to the Universal film exchange 

as a salesman. He has worked in 

several Filmrow offices before, gaining 

more experience with each move. From all 

reports he is a very promising, enthusiastic 

and dependable employee with a good future 

in store. 

L. M. Weldon and Al Reynolds, both of 

Theatre Management Company, and their 

wives have been rimning high temperature 

and the aches and pains of the oldtime flu. 

They have been confined since December 

22. We wish for them a better 1978. 

PERSONALIZED, 

Linda White, daughter of Mrs. Forrest 

White of Ind-Ex Booking Service, entered 

Methodist Hospital Wednesday (4) for major 

surgery the next day. Cheer cards may 

be sent to her at 301 W. Colorado, Dallas 

7.';222. She will likely be hospitalized for 

ten days or two weeks, if not longer, but to 

you might use her home 

be on the safe side 

address for your return to save delay should 

she be dismissed earlier; that address is 805 

Shady Lane, Dallas 75208. 

Bob Curry Dies at 51 

DALLAS—Bob Curry, salesman for 

Modern Sales & Service, died of an apparent 

heart attack Dec. 7 in his room at the 

Circus Motel in Lubbock while making his 

West Texas sales trip. Curry would have 

been 52 Dec. 22. 

Curry had been with Modern Sales and 

Service 22 years. He was a disabled World 

War II veteran, injured in service in Okinawa. 

He is survived by his wife, two sons, two 

daughters and grandchildren. 

Air Quality in Stuttgart 

Is Subject of New Short 

NEW YORK—Association Films here is 

offering for free-loan nontheatrical screenings 

a half-hour film titled "Stuttgart 

Urban Development and Urban Climate," 

describing improvements in air quality made 

by the government of the city in West Germany. 

The film was made available to 

Association courtesy of the German Information 

Service. 




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SAN ANTONIO 

The Movie One Theatres here, operators of 

the Colonies North, Callaghan Twin, 

Perrin Twin, Texas and the Woodlawn I 

and II, all of which were closed early in 

December and scheduled to reopen Dec. 21 

after remodeling, made no formal annoimcement 

of the reason for their failure to do so. 

The circuit was operated by Don Gottlieb 

and Gene Silverman, with Don Shoemaker 

as city manager. 

The film that won Hollywood's first 

Best 

Picture Oscar, "Wings," which was filmed 

here many years ago, returned to the Olmos 

for a brief engagement paired with "Stalag 

17." 

Two blockbuster science-fiction films, 

"Star Wars" and "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind," are on the screens of the 

Century Sotith Six. "Star Wars" also is at 

the downtown Aztec 3. 

. . . 

The last midnight shows of the old year 

were "Semi-Tough" at the New Laurel, 

sponsored by KITY-FM, and the KTFM- 

FM sponsored showings (for the 16th week) 

of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"; also 

"The Gauntlet" at the Northwest Six, and 

"The Choirboys" and "The Gauntlet" at the 

Century South Six, with admission at $1.50 

Burt Reynolds is being seen at the 

Starlite Drive-In in "W. W. and the Dixie 

Dancekings." and at the Aztec 3 in "Semi- 

Tough," which also is at the New Laurel. 

The Loop 13 Drive-In has a $3-per-carload 

price Monday through Thursday, and 

S4 the other days for its triple feature program 

. . . The Starlite Drive-In has a $1 

admission, with children admitted free . . . 

The Witte Miiseimn "Civilization" series, 

based on the book "Civilisation" by Kenneth 

Clark, will present a series of films 

each Saturday and Sunday this month. The 

opening film was "The Frozen World" 

(7-8); upcoming are "The Great Thaw" 

(14-15); "Romance and Reality" (21-22); 

and the scries will close (28-29) with "Man, 

the Measure of All Things." 

Technicolor, Inc., stock first was listed 

on the New York Curb (later the American 

Stock Exchange) in 1922. 



HAWAII TOO. 


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OKLAHOMA CITY 

J)uring a trip around part of this trade territory, 

we found that many things have 

changed since we traveled regularly. The 

Starlite Drive-In, McAlester, and the Joy 

Theatre, Vian, have been dismantled. Phillip 

Zearley has moved his Tower Drive-In, 

Poteau, back up on the hill from the old 

location and now has it practically ready 

to go. When this is completed, he is going 

to build a new theatre where the ozoner 

formerly was located. We did enjoy talking 

with him and he really is enthusiastic about 

the theatre, which he expects to open in 

April. 

We also had lunch with the Perry Overstreets, 

Spiro. They are too tired to run their 

Sunset Drive-In any longer and will sell the 

equipment to anyone, with the provision 

that it be moved off the land. 

John Cooper, Kiamichi Drive-In, Antlers, 

missed getting his deer this year but more 

than made up for it by getting the limit on 

quail. His brother Jess jr., who formerly 

owned several theatres, has retired and is 

running a drug store in Talihina with wife 

Elaine . . . While in Talihina, we enjoyed 

coffee with Si and Mary Thompson of the 

Ritz Theatre, before taking off for Hugo, 

where Jack and Linda Boucher. Erie Theatre 

and Circus Drive-In. had to show us 

their family of Dobermans and English 

bulldogs. They have won many show prizes 

with their pets and also raise horses. 

In Wright City, Bill and Helen Crosby, 

Little River Drive-In, were our hosts and 

Bill took us for quite a trip in his plane. 

While there, we found L. D. Burns, who 

. . . 

for many years operated several theatres 

Driving 

in southwestern Oklahoma 

through Heavener, we noted that the Liberty 

Theatre is closed. 

Our last stop was in Sallisaw, where Anis 

Reynolds holds down the Sequoyah Theatre 

there while husband Jay is away taking care 

of his job with Southwestern Bell Telephone 

in Muskogee, with able assistance in the 

theatre by Leon Holder. 

Charles Hudgens, retired Universal branch 

manager, celebrated a birthday recently, 

very quietly, then beat us on the golf course. 

Richard Nail, Rogue Theatre, Wheeler, 

. . Roger Parrish. Thunderbird 

Tex., was in town to pick up film and supplies 

of all kinds . 

Twin, Miami, was in town 

with 

Charles Townsend of the Allred Theatre, 

Pryor, and attended the United Artists 

Christmas party. 

Fall River CATV Committee 

Endorses Local Business 

FALL RIVER, MASS.—Mayor Wilfred 

C. Driscoll's CATV advisory committee 

has recommended granting of a cable antenna 

TV (CATV) franchise for Fall River 

to Greater Fall River Cable TV, Inc. 

Greater Fall River, whose parent company 

is Colony Communications, Inc., a subsidiary 

of the Providence Journal Company, 

was one of four firms to bid for a CATV 

license. It plans to charge for 12 channels. 

Subscribers may rent a 40-channel converter 

for an additional $1 .75-per-month. 

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Texas Film Festival 

Scheduled for March 

(Continued from page SW-1) 

video entries may be dramatic, documentary, 

experimental or animation. 

In order to be eligible the product must 

have been completed within the past two 

years and all entries will be screened by a 

pre-selected committee of experts in the 

various areas of competition. All nominated 

films will be screened during the fest. There 

will be three award winners with Texas 

medallions presented in each class. Honorable 

mention recipients will be given certificates. 

The $5 attendance fee will cover 

the workshops, refreshments, final screening 

and awards presentation. 

Entries must be on standard SMPTE projection 

reels, no cores will be accepted, with 

the head out. Each reel and case must be 

marked with the film's title; the entrant's 

name and the order of projection, if more 

than one reel is submitted. Submissions 

must be sent postage pre-paid by the entrant. 

16mm sound or silent, optical or interlocking 

magnetic tracks and reel-to-reel are 

all permissible for competition but no cassettes 

may be used as sound sources. Films 

entered in the Super 8mm format will be 

acceptable with optical or magnetic sound, 

separate '/4-inch magnetic tape with picture 

and tape synchronization. All entries should I 

be accompanied by the following documents: 

an eight-inch by ten-inch still photograph 

from the film, if possible; a 100-word I 

synopsis of the work and pertinent screen < 

credits. 

The festival reserves the right to recategorize 

an entry if the jury feels that such 

reclassification is indicated. Finalists will be 

notified in writing, in advance, of their 

nomination for an award. 

Submissions must be in no later than February 

15 and should be sent to either Dr. 

Schatz or Mr. Elliot at the University of 

Texas at Austin. CM. A. 6.118, Austin, TX 

78712. Elliot may be contacted for further 

information at that address or by telephoning 

him at (512) 471-4071. 

Police Raiders Surprised 

PROVIDENCE — Police, raiding the : 

New Press Inc., a printing firm at 9 Ford I 

Street, in search for the source of counterfeit 

bank checks, found more than 100 ) 

reels of pornographic films. A police department 

spokesman indicated that a legal I 

opinion would be sought to determine 

whether the material is illegal. The company 

is owned by Barry Sarenson. 

Alvin Boretz wrote the script for "Spider- 

Man." 

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SW-4 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978

Minneapolis' First Difficulfies in Product Acquisition 

Runs Disappoinling 

Depress Downtown Milwaukee Houses 

MINNEAPOLIS— It was Giimsvillc lor 

~ 

most exhibitors as the Christmas week re- MILWAUKEE—The reopening on Detiirns 

revealed that whatever else Yiiletide comber 16 of United Artists' Cinema I and 

shoppers bought, they didn't buy the current H at 6th and Wisconsin (after being shuttercrop 

of films. Though the weather co- ed for a number of weeks) perhaps slightly 

operated and a heavy ad campaign was alleviated the rather dismal picture that has 

exploded for film fare, both in newspapers been surrounding the downtown theatre sitand 

on TV, the returns were disappointing. uation. The venerable Palace Theatre lo- 

"Laid a bomb," "it's a loser." "won't have cated on the opposite corner at 6th and Wisany 

legs," "it's in trouble" and "bad word- consin was closed permanently several years 

of-mouth" were the phrases heard over and ago and replaced by a parking facility. Next, 

over as the gross tally was assembled. Even the longtime popular Strand Theatre, also 

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind," bally- on the avenue, between 6th and 5th, went up 

hooed perhaps too much, skidded from an for sale and has remained inactive for more 

opening-week figure of 775 at three the- than two years, 

atres to a modest 465. Permanent Closing Possible 

Among newcomers, "Semi-Tough" was Now the Towne Theatre on 3rd Street, 

a strong 440 in a three-screen bow, but also near the avenue, has been closed since 

word-of-mouth was mixed. "The Gauntlet," around December I and, while a sign on the 

which audiences were hooting before its boxoffice window states the closing is "temend, 

found a 270 at the Skyway II and porary," Andrew Spheeris, president of the 

Southdale Theatres, but audience reaction company that owns it, suggests it may be 

is so negative to the gritty, clumsy Clint permanent. 

Eastwood item that it's expected to be The closing will be permanent, Spheeris 

legless. told a Journal reporter. "If the film dis- 

Then you have to look into the 100-level tributors do not change their policies reto 

find the rest of the fresh arrivals, and garding downtown theatres and if we can't 

exhibitors with hefty guarantees riding on get the quality product." He explained that 

these films and with commitments for film companies "will not release quality 

extended runs are horrified. Pictures that first-run films downtown. That is why my 

were expected to come in with 300 or 400 theatre has been forced to run low-quality 

readings were slightly above 100. As schools films these past recent months." he said, 

resume, they'll surely plunge into mere dou- Distributors Are Contested 

ble-digit readings. Spheeris revealed that the Ass'n of Com- 

(Average Is 100) mercc as Well as Mayor Maier's office had 

^'°"''^~'"^'''^ 

^'war'^t' VprTvmv)^'^''" 

110 Written letters to film distributors asking 

Cooper Cameo—Looking ior Mr. Goodbar that quality films be made available to the 

Edma'"!—AUeJ'ro Non Troppo iSR^'ZIZZZZ EG downtown showhouscs. Howcver, the prob- 

Edina II—A Special Day (SR) CO 

[ ^ ^Y\cu becomes that the distributors ex- 

Eight theatres—Grayeagle (AIP) P ' 

. 

, ^ 

Mann—Teiefon (UA), 2nd wk CO pect to get the same payment as they are 

'^ChoUboys^Tumv)''' ^°'^^°^Z^^ m getting in the suburbs, which is impossible 

Park—Star Wars {20th-Fox). 31st wk 120 at this Stage he said. He pointed out that 

Skyway 1—The Goodbye Girl (WB) IBO ., .^ " . . , 

„^„J^„, H,,.,t., ..r,H 

Skyway II, Southdale—The Gauntlet (WB) 270 the Towne IS an independent theatre and 

Skyway III—lulia (20th^Fox), 9th wk 'Oj 

Jq.^ „q( j^gyg ,i,g advantages that other 

Three theatres— Close Encounters ot the 

i i c 

Third Kind (Col), 2nd wk 465 downtown houses (which are parts of a cir- 

^'^^'^" 

'^''('parJK^2nd^^k°""'^'"' 

2^0 cuit) have, and that they are able to get 

Three theatres—Semi-Tough (UAJ i'.Q fjrst-run films. 

Three theatres—The World's Greatest Lover .j-.- . ," i in tt„Wo^ 

(20th-Fox) 125 In addition to Cinema I and II, United 

World—The Turning Point (2bth-Fox) Hi 

Artists Theatres of Wisconsin also owns 

and operates the Riverside Theatre located 

Richard Bowden will score the sound- at the eastern end of what was once Miltrack 

for "The Sweet Creek County War." . 

waukee's proud Filmrow. Standing at the 

westernmost end near 14th Street is the 

Varsity Theatre which was sold to Marquette 

University and closed more than a 

year ago. While a spokesman for UA described 

the Riverside as "doing fairly decently." 

it has been resorting more and 

more to rock bands for entertainment and 

Filmrow reports give it a cloudy future. 

Other remaining downtown movie houses 

include the Centre twins and the Esquire, 

owned and operated by Marcus Theatres 

Corp.. and the Princess Cinema, operated 

by the CT Corp. Systems in Madison. The 

latter shows only X-rated film fare and 

the city's Chief of Police Harold Breier 

is pressing to have it closed. 

Centre twins are described as "doing 

fine" by a Marcus official. Much of its 

film fare has especial appeal for the black 

viewer. The other house, the Esquire, is a 

smaller facility and, according to the Journal 

report, is said "to be in financial trouble." 

The Journal story on page one carried the 

headline: "Movies Downtown on Shaky 

Ground," while the subtitle over the story 

continued to an inside page stated; "First- 

Run Films Hard to Find." 

Midwest Retail Property 

Lures West Coast Money 

AMES. IOWA—California investors, ineluding 

entertainment "names" Steve Mc- 

Queen, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, 

Sammie Cahn and Sergio Franchi, have 

formed the Midwest Centers, an investment 

operation. 

The group purchased a half interest in 

the Lincoln Center here for $1,242,000 

and also bought a half interest in the building 

that houses the Target store in Cedar 

Rapids. The latter appraised in the neighborhood 

of $1,500,000. They also bought 

into shopping centers in Joplin, Mo., and 

Norman. Okla. The Ames realtor who manages 

the Lincoln Center for the owners revealed 

that Mace Rich Real Estate of Santa 

Monica, Calif., owns the other half of the 

two Iowa properties. 

FINER PROJECTION -SUPER ECONOMY 

i

REEF 

MILWAUKEE 

^âlt Blaney, manager of Marc 1 

and 2 in 

suburban Menomonee Falls, found it 

necessary to book three consecutive screenings 

for the "Big Timers' Movie Party" held 

recently. Big Timers are youngsters under 

the age of 12 who have savings accounts at 

the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Menomonee 

Falls, sponsor of the annual showing. 

Nearly 1.000 "little savers" enjoyed the feature 

film "Hugo the Hippo." As they left 

the theatre at the end of the screening, each 

child received a miniature bank and an allday 

sucker. 

Keeping up with Filmrow: Ed Gavin. 

retired American International Pictures 

branch manager, and his wife Peggy will 

be heading for Anaheim, Calif., this month 

to observe two celebrations, one at the home 

of their son. That occasion will be Ed's 

birthday Monday (16). The other is the baptism 

of a baby born to their eldest granddaughter 

Rhonda . . . Pat Halloran. retired 

Universal branch office manager and presently 

between film distributorship assignments, 

attended the 50th reunion of his high 

school class in South Dakota recently. He 

was the only one. he learned, who had made 

his career in the motion picture industry. 

Meanwhile, his daughter Susie is improving 

her singing career, which now has opened 

to include the making of film commercials 

and jingles. Before returning to her parents' 

home in Shorewood for a short stay during 

the holidays. Susie appeared in an Eastman 

Kodak commercial which will be released 

in January. 

Ted Kosoris was manager of the Sherman 

Theatre on the city's west side until it was 

closed, almost a year ago, because of a fire 

that destroyed the stage and screen. He 

helped manage the Fox Bay Theatre in 

Whitefish Bay for a time afterwards and 

currently is employed at the Hanel Corp., 

New Berlin, while hopefully awaiting a new 

assignment in show business. Ted is proud 

of having just helped his married son build 

a new home "from the bottom up and entirely 

by ourselves" in Genessee. He continues 

to live at 8827F North 9.';th St. here, 

zip code 53224. 

John Lauer, after 15 years of managing 

movie houses, including the last few at the 

Riverside Theatre downtown, currently is 

looking for a new assignment. Helping to 

book stageshows in recent years has added 

Dolby Stereo Optical 

Making Movies Sound Better 

6- câ 

to his experience with "hard" and "soft" 

ticket deals. John lives at 1017 South 120th 

St. in this city, zip code 53214. 

A local moviegoer has protested that when 

she went to see a certain motion picture at 

the Northtown Triplex, expecting to view 

a comedy, she found the film so "disgusting" 

that she and a companion left after a few 

minutes and immediately requested "a refund." 

The manager refused the refund, she 

reported in a letter to the local daily, but 

did give her four courtesy passes that could 

be used within a month on any motion picture. 

When she later attempted to use the 

passes to see "The Other Side of Midnight," 

she said she was informed the pass list had 

been suspended because the film was considered 

a "roadshow." To her inquiry— "What's 

a roadshow?"—Truman Schroeder of the 

Marcus Theatres Corp. replied that it is a 

"blockbuster" or "special attraction" and 

usually is designated as such in the distributor's 

contract with the exhibitor and in ads 

for the 

film. 

In commenting on this the editor of the 

department known as "Ask the Journal" 

said: "We would hardly call 'The Other 

Side of Midnight' a blockbuster, even if the 

distributor says so. The best way to tell may 

be to read the ads." Nonetheless, because 

of her "previous troubles." Michael Ogradowski 

of the Marcus Corp. sent the lady 

two certificates good for two pictures of 

her choice. 

Marlin Perkins, widely known naturalist 

who stars in the TV series "Wild Kingdom," 

spent several days recently, accompanied by 

two cameramen, at the Famed Horicon 

Marsh near Horicon. The trio is planning 

a film to be shown next summer and reported 

they expected to shoot 10,000 to 12.000 

feet of film for the 30-minute segment. 

However, cloudy-rainy-cold weather hampered 

their efforts to get into the marsh 

and temporarily canceled their plans for 

aerial photography. When they finally have 

completed their assignment here, they intend 

to move to the Hundson Bay nesting 

grounds of Canadian geese (in Canada) for 

further filmmaking there. 

Three new film series, to begin this 

month, are being offered moviegoers. One 

is a series of eight films based on the career 

of Alfred Hitchcock. It gets under way at 

the Performing Arts Center's Cinema Center 

5^»t«'^" 

^ttc- 

P.O. Box 16036 

Minneapolis, Minn. 

(612) 920-2910 

55416 

Tuesday (17). Among those titles included 

are "Notorious," with Ingrid Bergman and 

Cary Grant, and "The 39 Steps," with Robert 

Donat. "East Meets West" is the second 

series and it opens Saturday (21) with Kobo 

Abe's "Woman in the Dunes." Also featured 

are such classics of Japanese cinema 

as "Streets of Shame." by Kenji Mi.xoguchi, 

and "Rashomon," by Akira Kurosawa. 

Films in the third series feature newspaper 

work and reporters and include "The 

Front Page." by Ben Hecht and Charles 

MacArthur, along with "Too Hot to Handle," 

with Clark Gable, and others. Two 

films are to be shown each week starting 

at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and alternating Thursdays, 

as well as Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays. 

Admission is $1.50. 

Frank Osteroth, longtime manager of the 

Braumart Theatre in Iron Mountain, Mich., 

added a new item which has served to stimulate 

sales at his concession stand. "When 

a patron purchases several drinks and popcorn, 

for example," Frank told Boxoffice, 

"our concession attendant gives the patron 

a tray to make carrying the goodies easier. 

This has helped sales, you see. because with 

room remaining on his tray the customer 

then buys additional items." The cardboard 

throwaway tray can be purchased very 

reasonably from candy suppliers, Frank said. 

A wrestling novel, "Paradise Alley," by 

Sylvester Stallone, author and star of 

"Rocky," has been published by Putnam 

($8.95). Critic Bill Hibbard of a local daily 

has reviewed the book and reveals that it is 

being made into a film with the author playing 

the role of Cosmo Carboni. the two-bit 

promoter and con man. 

Because the first Monday in January was 

the "second New Year's Day," the Better 

Films & TV Council of Milwaukee Area 

moved its regular meeting date back one 

week from Monday (2) to Monday (9). 

Members and guests will meet at the Mayfair 

Theatre where, following a short business 

meeting, a first-run film will be 

screened. 

In Lodi, where the local movie house was 

shuttered a few years ago. there evidently 

still are a lot of would-be moviegoers. A 

Lodi High School group recently arranged 

a film program in the school's Little Theatre, 

presenting a Superman cartoon and 

a Mel Brooks feature film, "The Producers," 

starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. An 

ad in the Lodi newspaper stated: "If this 

initial program is successful, it will be continued 

on a 

regular basis." 

Muscoda Theatre in Muscoda called December 

17 "Santa Day" and invited area 

(Continued on page NC-4) 



HAWAII TOO. 

When you come to VVaikiki, 

^°"'* "^'^^ '^^ famous 

RlMnCl*' 

[hîW^ Don Ho Show. . 

[HOTELS 

) Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF . 

. at 

TOWERS - EOGEWAtER 

NC-2 BOXOFFICE January 9. 1978

AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY... 

GO WITH THE "WINNER // 

CONTACT: 




FELE: 401-781-0900 

mPORTANT OFFER! 



meCARTOOH TRAILER 

-ITS A RIOT-!

. . Joe 

. . Ginny 

. . Arthur 

. . Paramount: 

MILWAUKEE 

(Continued from page NC-2) 

kiddies "to come see Santa" while enjoying 

. . . That same day. the 

a free matinee consisting of Batman and cartoons. 

There were two showings— at 1 and 

Norwood 

at 3 p.m. 

Theatre in Phillips had a free special Christmas 

matinee at I p.m. Sponsored by the 

Phillips Chamber of Commerce, the film 

was "The Sword of AH Baba." 

The Gilnian Theatre in Oilman arranged 

a free show Saturday afternoon. December 

17. announcing that "Santa Will Be Here 

After the Show." Sponsor was the Community 

Betterment Ass'n. with its members 

sacking sweets and then assisting with the 

distribution to the tiny ones. 

In Ocononiowoc, ten local merchants 

sponsored "Merchants' Holiday Shows" at 

both Saturday and Sunday matinees in the 

LaBelle Theatre, with coupons being mads 

available at the stores which allowed patrons 

admission for only 50 cents. Feature films 

on successive weekends were "Planet of the 

Apes" and "Oh. God!" 

At the Palace Theatre in Spooner, 16 

local merchants tied in to offer "Kidnaped" 

at a Saturday matinee. All merchants cooperated 

in giving away free tickets . . 

"Our Christmas treat for children accompanied 

by their parents—a free ticket to a 

Sunday matinee" was offered by the management 

of the Tomahawk Theatre in Tomahawk. 

"Mustang Country." starring Joel 

McCrea, was the feature attraction at both 

the 1 and 3 p.m. matinees ... An annual 

"Children's Christmas Party" December 17 

was sponsored by the Adams Fire Department 

at the Adams Theatre in Adams . . 

"Fantastic Voyage" was the film attraction 

in a free Christmas show screened as a 

matinee at the Vilas Theatre in Eagle River. 

The Campus Theatre in Ripon, Wis., 

joined other local merchants in a "Double 

Your Money" promotion sponsored by 

Ripon Businessmen's Ass'n. a division of 

the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, by which 

those lucky holders of $5 and $10 bilN 

whose serial numbers matched those printed 

in the local weekly could redeem the bill 

for twice its value. The published list consisted 

of 30 serial numbers of $5 bills, 

and another 15 of $10 bills. .About three 

dozen merchants were in on this promotion 

which ran for several weeks. 

litis 

Radio WZUU of Milwaukee and John 

& Associates of Chicago cooperated in 

a tie-in with Southtown Cinemas for the 

promotion of Columbia Pictures' "Close 

Encounters of the Third Rind." The movie 

had its local invitational preview showing at 

the Southtown on December 8. WZUU's 

two week, on-air promotion included the 

awarding of fifty pairs of tickets to the 

preview. Listeners were invited to call the 

radio station whenever they heard the 

unique five-note music logo taken from the 

film's soundtrack. In addition, the station's 

popular disc jockey. "Larry The Legend." 

on his morning show, awarded listeners 50 

copies of the book, as well as 50 one-sheet 

posters and 250 "Close Encounters" ironon 

patches. 

The film opened for what could be a 

long run on December 14 at the Northridge 

(in two auditoriums) and the Southtown 

Cinemas. 

"Who will be the World's Greatest Lover?" 

is the query printed in one-inch high 

white letters on a black background in a 

half-page ad in the Simday Journal. December 

18. Only other information in the 

ad is a line at the bottom, "Find out on 

Friday." Also included is the 20th Century- 

Fo.x logo. However, readers are informed in 

the paper's "movie guide" in another part 

of the Sunday edition that "The World's 

Greatest Lover" starring Gene Wilder 

opened December 22 at Mill Road, Spring 

Mall, Brookfield Square, and Scotsland. 

Uptown Theatre on the city's west side, 

which occasionally preempts film fare with 

live stage entertainment, had a punk rock 

show featuring the Ramones cancelled out 

a few days before the scheduled appearance 

because of "lack of ticket sales." Landmark, 

the local booking agent, announced 

it was ready to make refunds. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

ghock and dismay ruled Filmrow as the 

Christmas holiday weekend grosses 

were compiled and showed that most of the 

so-called "key" releases had fallen far short 

of the mark. The figures were a jolt to many 

exhibitors, most of whom count heavily on 

this time of year to produce attractions that 

will sustain them through the lean period 

up to Easter. 

The puny figures in most cases this year 

contrast sharply with those of just a year 

ago: "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" doing 

285 in a second week; "The Last Tycoon" 

and "Small Change" both at 200 

in a second week; "A Star is Born" at 575 

in its bow; "King Kong" at 790 in its second; 

"The Enforcer" at 780 in its bow; 

"Silver Streak" with an initial 315. Those 

are the kinds of figures needed to stav 

afloat and this year didn't produce them. 

. 

Forrie Myers, delighted with the second 

week figures on "Saturday Night Fever" 

(280 across three screens), visited his son 

Michael and family in LaCrosse, Wis., for 

the Yuletide Rosen, Paramotmt 

branch salesman, grabbed a holiday period 

at-home vacation. 

At the Paramount branch they announced 

the following release slate for the 

coming months; "The One and Only" for 

February 3, starring Henry Winkler; "Goin' 

South," March 17, Jack Nicholson; 

"Grease," Jime 16, John Travolta and 

Olivia Newton-John; "Heaven Can Wait," 

June 16, Warren Beatty in a remake of 

"Here Comes Mr. Jordan," "The Bad News 

Bears in Japan." July 1; and "Foul Play," 

July 21, Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase. 

PES MOINES 

\A70MPIs had their Christmas party at 

Joyce Taylor's. They voted to make a 

cash donation to the Salvation Army and 

to the Mental Health Ass'n. 

Dubinsky Bros., Fridley Theatres, Thomas 

& Shipp and Sarby Advertising joined 

together for a Christmas party to which the 

film companies, the media and theatre 

managers were invited. In all about 75 to 

100 people attended the affair, which was 

held in the Fridley screening room at 1020 

Walnut. Everyone reportedly had a very 

merry time. According to Dubinsky sources, 

all employees showed up for work the next 

day, some on time and some were not! 

Dubinfky Bros.; Craig Collins, who is 

now the manager of the Capri Theatre in 

Des Moines, previously was at the Plantation 

DI as manager. Craig will be rimning 

the Capri imtil the Plantation re-opens in 

the Spring. Kathy Brokway was the manager 

at the Capri and is taking the assistant's 

position until such time as Craig goes back 

to the Drive-In. 

Fridley Theatres: "The Hazing" opened 

in Kansas City in five theatres to good business 

December 16 and will continue for 

three more weeks . Judy 

Wilson, the branch manager's secretary, 

took two days' vacation to move . . . Central 

States: Steve Blank and family went to 

Minnesota skiing over the Christmas holiday 

. Biggs flew to San Diego. 

California and spent the holidays with het 

parents . 

the holidays. 

Stein III was home for 

Oriental Landmark Offers 

MGM Classic Film Series 

MILWAUKEE—A series of 19 classic 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films, many in new 

35mm prints, was presented by the Oriental 

Landmark Theatre. Closing attractions were 

"Grand Hotel" and "Dinner at Eight" Sunday 

(1) through Tuesday (3) and "An 

American in Paris" and "Gigi" Wednesday 

and Thursday (4, 5). 

The classic motion pictures were used in 

double-feature format, with Wednesday 

matinees being presented for the benefit of 

senior 

citizens. 

Boxoffice Int'l Combo Is 

Set for Southland Sites 

HOLLYWOOD— Harry Novak, president 

of Boxoffice International Film Distributors, 

announced that the combo of "The 

Child" and "Axe" will open a wide Los 

Angeles-Southern California area multiple 

Wednesday (11). 

The action-suspense combination already 

has had very successful multiples in De- 

•roit. Philadelphia. Atlanta. Washington, 

Jacksonville, Cincinnati and Seattle, Novak 

said, adding, "Even though we have more 

prints on this show than on any other 

previous duo, they've all been busy since 

the initial release in September." 

NC-4 BOXOFHCE January 9, 197S

Motion Pictures 

Hold the Answers 

For New England Exhibition 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

HARTFORD — Twentieth Century- 

Fox's "Star Wars" was to New England 

exhibition in 1977 what MGM's "Gone 

With the Wind" was nearly 40 years ago. It 

was, by no stretch of the imagination, the 

biggest grosser of 1977 and, equally important, 

reflective of an encouraging, upward 

spiral as far as generating—and sustaining—audience 

appeal is concerned. 

Overall, the year's trade was brisk. 

FUTURISTIC USHER—Staff member 

at the American complex. South- 

Wars" long before it "took off" fell the 

To those exhibitors who slotted "Star 

field, Mich., is shown with a portion boxofficc bonanza that had been only 

of the theatre's outstanding lobby display 

devised to promote "Star Wars." months since Universal's "Jaws" zoomed 

sporadically successful in the intervening 

across the length and breadth of these 

storied New England states, in the process 

disproving, quite emphatically, that the 

WRO Plans January 24 

business of motion picture exhibition was 

in the permanent doldrums. 

Debut for Bay Cinema 

Openings Were Minimal 

NEW YORK—The Walter Reade Organization 

has signed a multi-year lease for "new" theatre construction projects, the 

While 1977 did not contain enormous 

the Kips Bay Theatre on Second Avenue year trotted into history with opening of an 

near 32nd Street here and will reopen it 

SBC Management Corp. quad in the Newington 

(N.H.) Mall. Closings per se were 

as the Bay Cinema Tuesday (24) with 

the world premiere of Columbia Pictures" minimal, this in itself reflective of a more 

"The Boys in Company C." The announcement 

was made by Sheldon Gunsberg, Some 100 businessmen and political fig- 

encouraging trend. 

Reade president, who said that special premiere 

activities are being arranged for a for a two-day conference at the University 

ures gathered in the waning weeks of 1977 

gala opening of the 540-seat theatre, which of Massachusetts' Amherst campus, sponsored 

by UMass, the Council for Northeast 

will be completely refurbished. 

The Bay Cinema will be the tenth Manhattan 

theatre operated by the Reade Organ- 

the Worcester Telegram-Gazette. UMass 

Economic Action, the Boston Globe and 

ization and one of the few in the middle president Robert C. Wood urged an end to 

seating-capacity range which is equipped what he labeled "the competitive concept of 

with 70mm stereo projection. Just as the geographic regions at war with each other." 

company's 34th Street East, at the corner He was alluding, understandably, to the recent 

pattern of the so-called "Sunbelt" states 

of Second Avenue and 34th Street, is a 

first-run house primarily serving the Kips (south, southwest) benefitting from federal 

Bay-Murray Hill area, so will be the Bay funds and corporate development. 

Cinema. 

Manufacturing Base Declines 

The lease was signed with George Mehlman 

Associates. 

First National Bank of Boston, commented 

James M. Howell, senior vice-president. 

that New England's manufacturing base has 

witnessed an eight per cent decline, with an 

Gerald Marks Is Named 

accompanying 36 per cent increase for the 

To Detroit Band Board 

"Sunbelt" states. 

NEW YORK—Gerald Marks, member Mayor Frank Logue of New Haven 

of the Ascap board of directors and noted 

composer of such standards as "Is It True 

What They Say About Dixie?" and "All of 

Me," has been named to the advisory board 

of the Detroit Concert Band, it was announced 

by Dr. Leonard B. Smith, musical 

director of the band and a noted composer 

and arranger of American music. The 

band has been widely recorded. 



HAWAII TOO. 


^°"'t "^'ss the famous 

filMSKM 

riJîfj Don Ho Show. . . at 

[HOTasj Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF REEF TOWEHS EDGEWATER . • 

Woes 

opined that New England will not sec "a 

grand relocation of business from other 

areas." Even in Connecticut, he continued, 

there is obvious competition among all 169 

cities and towns for the influx of companies 

to help pick up the tab for education 

and other urban services. At the same 

time. Logue asked state governments to "reimburse 

the cities for their poor citizens and 

their tax-exempt property." 

Can the six-state region expand its economic 

base, in turn providing inevitable 

spin-off business for exhibition? The Amherst 

conference heard both yeas and nays. 

Robert A. Charpie, president of the 

Cabot Corporation, was heard to say that 

"the best deep-water ports, the closest 

geographic point to foreign sources of raw 

materials and the large market of the eastern 

seaboard" pose strong advantages in the 

potential for economic expansion. 

On the minus side? The aforementioned 

James M. Howell remarked that both business 

costs and the very attitude applicable to 

business have undergone considerable suffering; 

he noted that property taxes in Boston 

have been running at $2-per-square foot, 

while New Hampshire's rate has been running 

22 cents (10 per cent the cost in downtown 

Boston). 

Inflation Effect "Variable 

Over and beyond the precarious task of 

scheduling product "with legs," the oft-repeated 

trade appellation for films capable 

of extended playing-time. New England exhibition 

to a man, and a woman, readily 

concedes that inflation has had varied and 

diverse effect on profit-and-loss statements. 

"It's not good enough," said one veteran cinema 

owner-operator who requested anonymity, 

"to predicate business on something 

that's booked six months from now. My expenses 

are going up and are continuing to 

go up, and unless I can get a sound deal 

from a cooperative distributor, my actual 

'take-home' pay is far from encouraging. If 

I had a flock of theatres, okay. I'd be in 

better shape to balance off operating costs. 

But I've got one theatre and I rely on it as 

my sole source of livelihood." 

(Continued on page ME-2)

E V E L A N D 

Carl and Nancy Stein, Selected Theatres, 

returned from a business-pleasure trip 

to Los Angeles. San Francisco and Lake 

Tahoe. The latter location was the pleasure 

part of the trek and the Steins said the 

skiing was great! 

Judd Spiegle. Cinepix. was recuperating 

at home following a heart attack, with 

plans to be back in the harness early in 

1978 

. Julia Selznick. Selected Theatres, 

. . 

. . Jonathan Bolt 

is infanticipating—and on duty at the front 

was 

desk until March . 

the director during the holiday season for 

the Play House's presentation of "Great 

Expectations," adapted from Charles Dickens' 

work. Bolt, who is an alumnus of the 

Play House and who has many directorial 

credits to his name as well as appearing 

in many theatrical presentations as an actor, 

will be seen in the feature film "The Greek 

Tycoon" as a secret service agent. 

Bill Lau, Avco Embassy branch manager 

in Cincinnati, formerly based here, was in 

town to visit exhibitors. 

Jack Kaufman, Cinepix, announced that 

the motion picture benefit for Variety Club 

charities will feature the unspooling of the 

Mel Brooks film "High Anxiety," a 20th 

Century-Fox release. The event will be held 

February 2 at the Richmond Theatre. 

Charities of Variety Club Tent 6 include 

PVA for Retarded Children and Adults. 

Ohio Boys Town, Variety Club Prosthesis 

Limb Bank and Sunshine Coaches. 

New officers 

of Variety Club Tent 6 are 

as follows: chief barker. Lawrence Plants; 

first assistant barker. Jack Moffitt: second 

barker. Myron Joseph; dough guy, 

assistant 

Leonard Mishkind; property master, Michael 

Mooney, and crew members Norman 

Barr, Russell Wintner, Jack Kaufman, Gary 

Helf, Bill Anderhalt and Tony Graydon. 

FINER PROJECTION -SUPER ECONOMY 

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EQUIPMENT CO. 

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Coll: 

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Charleston. W. Va. 

25323 

Clevelanders are doubly thrilled with 

"The Turning Point," 20th-Fox feature 

which opened here December 23 at World 

East and World West. Not only is it a 

beautiful film but Dennis Nahat. who plays 

the role of the choreographer, is the associate 

director of the Cleveland Ballet. According 

to Robert Noll, publicity director. 

Dennis also did the choreography for the 

stars but left the filming at an early date 

to take over his new position with the Cleveland 

Ballet. 

Nahat. a native of Detroit, is an internationally 

distinguished dancer and choreographer. 

He has performed all over the 

world as a leading dancer with the Jeffrey 

Ballet and American Ballet Theatre (which 

appeared in the motion picture). He choreographed 

the Tony Award-winning Broadway 

hit musical "Two Gentlemen of 

Verona" and the Seattle Opera production 

of "Tommy." with Bette Midler. His ballet 

"Some Times" was filmed in Munich for 

German TV. He is a most important cog 

in the cultural wheel of this city, which has 

just received a liberal grant from the National 

Endowment for the Arts. 

Odeon Theatres Salutes 

Ontario District Mgrs. 

OTTAWA—Canada's capital city was the 

site of the Odeon Theatres (Canada) Ontario 

district's recent two-day get-together 

held at the Holiday Inn City Centre. The 

assemblage was opened by J. C. Moore, 

general manager of Odeon Theatres. 

Along with Moore, many head office 

staffers were in attendance to discuss the 

various phases of theatre operations, these 

including C. Sweeney, E. McCormack and 

R. Myers. 

Workshop sessions were headed by G. 

Spratley, Ontario district manager, and L. 

Martyn, Ontario district supervisor. All the 

facets of theatre operation were covered, 

from theatre maintenance to newspaper advertising 

and promotion and confections. 

Although the planned screening of "Close 

Encounters of the Third Kind" had to be 

canceled, the managers viewed the upcoming 

Columbia Pictures release "Casey's 

Shadow." 

Local media turned out to sponsor luncheons, 

etc., including CFGO Radio. CJRC 

Radio and Revue Magazine. This local participation 

was greatly appreciated and enhanced 

a very enjoyable occasion. 

Ending the two-day huddle was the 

awards dinner, an annual event when presentations 

are made to the year's outstanding 

theatre managers. This year, winners were: 

B. E. Leigh (London). "Showman of the 

Year"; R. Bartlett (Hamilton). "Confections 

Man of the Year"; R. Campbell (Toronto), 

"Maintenance Man of the Year"; B. Brown 

(Sarnia), "Administration Man of the Year"; 

B. Jones (Ottawa). "Runner-Up Manager of 

the Year," and J. Strickland (Ottawa), 

"Manager of the Year." 

Motion Pictures Hold 

Answers for NE Woes 

(Continued from page ME-1) 

Construction-wise, what happens in 1978 

is tied precisely to the emergence of selective 

shopping malls across the region. Significantly, 

there are definite signs in early 

1978 of a "return" to downtown by both 

circuit and independent interests after years 

of "drift" to outlying portions of cities and 

into suburbia itself, a situation tied to attrition, 

urban renewal and the mid-century 

exodus of the population to small-town lifestyles. 

Expect New Auditorium 

A major development in 1978 is expected 

to be the multi-auditorium project backed 

by New Haven's Sampson & Spodick Theatres 

for the Waterford Shopping Center, 

on the Connecticut shoreline. "Multiples" 

have become a pronounced pattern for partners 

Leonard Sampson and Robert Spodick. 

Their projects in Groton and Norwich in 

recent years have encompassed two auditoriums. 

Construction, of course, follows 

growth trends. 

"Twinning" was more evident in 1977. 

The burgeoning Perakos Theatres Associates, 

New Britain (largest independent in 

Connecticut) split the Hi-Way, Stratford, 

and plan to do the same with the Elm, West 

Hartford. On a grander scale, Redstone 

Theatres disclosed plans for a sixth auditorium 

at the Showcase Cinemas 5, East 

Hartford. 

Price-structuring, enormously varied in 

the six states, has been responding with 

fair-to-middlin' boxoffice trade. Equally 

significant, there is an evident, increasing 

trend towards more generous pricing accorded 

both children and senior citizens throughout 

the week. 

Overall, how is New England exhibitor 

morale? Get inflation under control, assure 

the exhibitor of a continued flow of topquality 

product and he will probably turn 

attention to such problems as manpower 

recruitment and training, stepped-up public 

relations and community relations, two 

categories that understandably have been 

sidelined because of increased operating 

costs and the nightmarish topsyturvey atmosphere 

of screen source material. There 

is the traditional trade urging for a lessening 

of the so-called "orphan" periods, 

wherein few assured grossers are released, 

and a better distributor understanding of the 

thousand-and-one worries causing the postmidnight 

insomnia of the New England exhibition 

community and its peer groups 

across the country. The give-and-take of 

buying-booking with less friction. 

Filming Plans Scarce 

At this point in time, there's nary a promise 

of New England location filming by major 

Hollywood troupes, although such developments 

are, traditionally, liable to 

change within hours after this dispatch is 

out of the typewriter. A February 4 "invitational" 

preview of Allied Artists' "The 

Betsy" (Laurence Olivier, Katherine Ross) in 

Newport, R.I., precedes by six days the 

film's world premiere in 

Detroit. The adapt- 

(Continucd on page ME-4) 

ME-2 

BOXOmCE :; January 9, 197S


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STAR EVENT — Jayne 

Kennedy, 

who stars with James Ingleheart in 

the film "Death Force," attended the 

world premiere of the motion picture 

at Mid State Theatres' Valley Cinemas, 

Cincinnati. Shown here chatting 

with members of her family at the 

gala unspooling, Ms. Kennedy was 

reared in Wickliffe, Ohio, located east 

of Cleveland. The exciting screen personality 

won the Miss Ohio title in 1970 

and went on to become fifth finalist 

in the Miss Universe pageant. Her TV 

credits include appearances In "Police 

Woman," "Police Story" and "Wonder 

Woman." The Roger Bacon Band 

provided music for premiere festivities. 

Motion Pictures Hold 

Answers for NE Woes 

(Continued from page ME-2) 

ation of the Harold Robbins story was partially 

filmed in Rhode Island. 

Merchandise Makes Breaks 

But when all is said and done, the merchandise-on-the 

shelf, in exhibition's circumstances, 

of course, the screen product, 

has the capacity to make or break, earn or 

lose. Over and beyond "Star Wars," and this 

enormously successful sci-fi effort brought 

people back to theatres more than once, 

the region benefitted from Mulberry Sqtiare 

Productions' "For the Love of Benji," Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit," Buena 

Vista's "The Shaggy D.A." and "Freaky Friday" 

("Pete's Dragon" was just opening in 

the region in mid-December), Paramount's 

"King Kong," "Black Sunday," and "Looking 

for Mr. Goodbar," Columbia's "Fun 

With Dick & Jane," "You Light Up My 

Life" ("Close Encounters of the Third Kind" 

opened in mid-December), New World's "1 

Never Promised You a Rose Garden," 

20th-Fox's "Silver Streak" and "The Other 

Side of Midnight," UA's "The Pink Panther 

Strikes Again," "Annie Hall," "Network," 

"Rocky," and "The Spy Who Loved Me," 

Warner Bros.' "The Enforcer," "A Piece of 

the Action," "Oh, God!" ("The Gauntlet" 

opened last month). Representative, but 

certainly not all-inclusive. 

To be sure, there were disappointments 

at 

the boxoffice. Then there were significant 

"sleepers" a la "Smokey and the Bandit," 

"Annie Hall," and "Looking for Mr. Goodbar." 

Equally important was the strong audience 

appeal of product from the independent 

distribution community. The year 

proved that product, no more, no less, is the 

answer of the main, nagging problem of 

exhibition. 

Johnson Ad Agency Chosen 

For 7 New Markets by BV 

ST. LOUIS—The Robert E. Johnson Advertising 

Agency here has been selected by 

Buena Vista to handle all advertising and 

publicity for the distributor's Walt Disney 

Productions' films in seven markets in addition 

to the seven already covered by the 

agency. Arthur W. Johnson, agency vicepresident, 

made the announcement and personally 

will supervise the accounts, assisted 

by Myra Bradley and Collins LeMaster. 

The territories just added include Kansas 

City and Columbia/Jefferson City, Mo.; 

Joplin/ Pittsburgh, Kas.; St. Joseph and 

Springfield, Mo.; and Topeka and Wichita, 

Kas. 

Markets in which the Johnson agency already 

touts BV product include St. Louis 

and Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Harrisburg, 

Quincy, Springfield and Decatur, 111., and 

Paducah, Ky. 

SYRACUSE—The long battle to save 

Loews Theatre apparently has been won. 

Frederick L. Rath, state deputy commissioner 

for historic preservation, announced 

that the project had been awarded a $35,- 

000 grant by New York state. 

EVERY 

WEEK 

Opportunity 

Knocks 

BOXOFFICE 

• CLEARING HOUSE for Classified Ads 

• SHOWMANDISER for Promotion Ideas 

• FEATURE REVIEWS for Opinions on Current Films 

• REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis of Reviews 

Don't miss 

any issue. 

ME-4 BOXOFnCE January 9. 1978

Hub Holidays' Happy 

Historymaking High 

BOSTON—The biggest holiday grosses in 

the city's motion picture history were 

recorded here as "Close Encounters of the 

Third Kind" shattered "Star Wars" records. 

It scored a 1600 in its second week at the 

Sack Cinema 57 and a 600 for 14 days at 

the Chestnut Hill I for a blistering 1,100 

average. "Saturday Night Fever" also was 

in the record-setting chase with an 800 in 

week two at the Cinema 57 II and a 360 at 

the Circle Cinema III for an impressive 

580 average. Other torrid totals were credited 

to a number of entries; "The World's 

Greatest Lover," 360; "The Gauntlet," 250; 

"1900," 400; "The Turning Point," 320; 

"The Choirboys," 300; "Pete's Dragon." 

360; "Telefon," 360; "Star Wars," 240 and 

"Semi-Tough," 220. "A Special Day" hit 

380 and the lowest mark, "Outrageous!" 

120, is certainly no cause for embarrasment. 

If Beantown exhibitors are asked 

"Who loves ya, baby'?" they can honestly 

respond '"The people." 

{Average Is 100) 

Beacon Hill— 1900 (Para) 400 

Charles 1—Star Wars (20th-Fox), 32nd wk 240 

Cheri I, Chestnut Hill II The Turning Point 

(20lh-Fcx) -320 

Cheri II, Chestnut Hill II The Goodbye Girl 

(WB) 315 

Cheri III—Semi-Tough (UA), 7lh wk 220 

Chestnut Hill I, Cinema 57 I Close Encounters 

oMhe Third Kind (Col), 2nd wk 1,100 

Cinema 57 II, Circle Cinema III Saturday Night 

Fever (Para), 2nd wk 580 

Circle Cinema I. Pi Alley The World's Greatest 

Lover (20th-Fox) - 360 

Circle Cinema II, Gary—The Gauntlet (WB) 250 

Exeter A Special Day (SR), 2nd wk ..380 

Orson Welles I One Sings, the Other Doesn't 

(SR), 4th wk - 150 

Orson Welles II Let Joy Heign Supreme (SR), 

19lh wk 120 

Orson Welles HI Outrageous! (SR), 19th wk 120 

Savoy I—Pete's Dragon (BV), 2nd wk 360 

Savoy II—Telefon (UA), 2nd wk 360 

Saxon The Choirboys (Univ) 300 

Eight New Attractions 

Above Average in Hartford 

HARTFORD—Eight new attractions, al! 

well above the 100-average figure, boosted 

boxoffice trade to the highest level in 

months. Columbia's "Close Encounters of 

the Third Kind," second week, Perakos Elm 

and UA East 3 (auditorium one), hit 750. 

Arrivals: 20th Century-Fox's "The World's 

Greatest Lover," General Cinema Corporation's 

Cinemas 3 (auditorium one). UA 

Westfarms 3 (auditorium one) and UA East 

3 (auditorium three), 300; Warner Bros,' 

"The Gauntlet," Redstone Showcase 5 

(auditorium three), also 300; Warners' "The 

Goodbye Girl," same plex (auditorium 

five), 275; Universal's "The Choirboys," 

Menschell Vernon 2 (auditorium one); SBC 

Cinema City 4 (auditorium three), and GCC 

Cinemas 3 (auditorium three), 265; United 

Artists' "Semi-Tough," Redstone Showcase 

5 (auditorium one), 260; 20th-Fox's "The 

Turning Point," Cinema City 4 (auditorium 

one), and Westfarms 3 (auditorium three), 

250; Universal's "Which Way Is Up?" Cinema 

City 4 (auditorium four) and Perakos 

Mall, 200. Also, Cinema 5's "A Special 

Day," downtown Atheneum Cinema, 150. 

Art Cinema 2069: A Sex Odyssey (SR), Prisoners 

oi Love (SR), 2nd wk 175 

Atheneum Cinema—A Special Day (Cinema 5) .150 

Cinema City I. Westiarms 111 The Turning Point 

(20th-Fox) 250 

, 

Cinema City IV, Mall— Which Way Is Up? 

(Univ) 200 

Elm UA E',lst I Close Encounters oi the Third 


Showcase I— Semi-Tough (UA) 260 

Showcase II Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

2nd wk - 350 

Showcase III—The Gauntlet (WB) 300 

S'howcase IV Telefon (MGM), 2nd wk 

,165 

Showcase V The Goodbye Girl (WB) 

,275 

Three theatres The Choirboys (Univ) 

,265 

Three theatres The World's Greatest Lover 

(20th-Fox) 

Three theatres—Pete's Dragon (BV), 2nd wk. 

,300 

225 

Superlative Week Recorded 

By New Haven Cinema Owners 

NEW HA'VEN— It was a week of superlatives. 

Not only did Columbia's "Close Encounters 

of the Third Kind" follow predictions 

and "hold" well above the 500 figure 

for the second week (650), but newcomers, 

20th Century-Fox's "The World's Greatest 

Lover" (350); Warner Bros.' "The Gauntlet"" 

(325) and United Artist's "Semi-Tough" 

(315) all showed indications of long runs, 

Cinemart I, Mllford II The World's Greatest Lover 

(20th-Fox) 350 

Cinemart II, Miliord 1—Pete's Dragon (BV). 

2nd wk 275 

Showcase I—The Gauntlet (WB) 325 

Showcase II—Semi-Tough (UA) 315 

Showcase III Close Encounters of the Third 


Showcase IV Telefon (MGM), 2nd wk 165 

Showcase V Saturday Night Fever (Para), 

2nd wk 315 

Whalley—No Gold for a Dead Diver (SR), 

The 6 Day War (Battle of Sinai) (SR) 100 

York Square Cinema lulia (20th-Fox), 9th wk 125 

Theatre District Project Is 

Abandoned by Developer 

BOSTON—The proposed $150,000,000 

Park Plaza project which was to have revitalized 

the theatre district has been abandoned 

by its developer, Mortimer Zuckerman, 

chairman of Boston Properties, Inc, 

Mayor Kevin White stated he had received 

a letter from Zuckerman which 

alleged that delays by the city coimcil 

which cast a shadow across the public approval 

possibilities and a Chicago firm's 

proposal for a project costing approximately 

the same as the Park Plaza's figured 

in the pullout. The developer concluded, 

"Our position is irrevocable." 

The action clouded the possibility of 

future renewals which included plans for 

a $75,000,000 state office building, a 

hotel which also would house motion picture 

theatres, an apartment tower and a 

public plaza, 

A glimmer of light still shone as the 

state annoimced it was sticking to its $78,- 

000.000 commitment to urban development, 

David L. Flynn said that Gov. Michael 

Dukakis has asked the legislature to 

keep the $12,000,000 appropriation for the 

next phase of the state project in the pending 

capital outlay budget. The governor also 

inFends to ask for "$58,000,000 for the 

transportation building which the state 

would construct in the Park Plaza area, 

Flynn said. 

Zukerman claimed that his compiny h,td 

lost $1,700,000 while waiting for the project 

to become a reality. 

Ne'w Trade Name Filed 

GREENWICH. CONN.—A new trade 

naniL'. Abacuk Productions, 55 River St.. 

Greenwich 06830. was filed by Christopher 

and Vivian Fahey with the office of the 

Greenwich Town Clerk. 

High Court Approves 

Redstone Expansion 

HARTFORD — Redstone Theatres will 

be able to proceed with the addition of a 

sixth auditorium at its Showcase 5 in 

East Hartford, three years after the town's 

planning and zoning commission rejected 

a zone change appeal (see earlier Boxoffice 

stories). 

The Connecticut State Supreme Court 

has dismissed the town's appeal of a lower 

court ruling which would allow the construction. 

The high court's dismissal, in 

effect, leaves the Connecticut Common 

Pleas Court decision allowing the project 

in 

force. 

Last August, as reported in Boxoffice, 

Common Pleas Court Judge Frances Allen 

ruled in favor of Redstone, the latter circuit 

at the time contending that the PZC 

rejection was "illegal, arbitrary, capricious 

and in abuse of its discretion." 

The high court dismissed the appeal because 

Town Assistant Corporation Counsel 

William Roberto had failed to file the 

appeal papers within the specified period 

of time, according to Corporation Counsel 

F. Timothy McNamara. 

Roberto, who had a temporary illness 

during the appeal time, later argued that 

the court should have understood his failure 

to prepare the necessary paperwork. 

The state's high court, however, rejected 

the excuse and dismissed the town's appeal. 

The Showcase 5, presently largest multiauditorium 

unit in metropolitan Hatrford, 

will now become the largest such development 

in Connecticut. Redstone also operates 

the Showcase 5, downstate Orange. Both 

General Cinema Corp. and SBC Management 

Corp. operate four-auditorium units 

in Connecticut. Sampson & Spodick Theatres 

is developing plans for a similar project 

in the Waterford Square shopping mall, 

as reported in Boxoffice. 

Henry C. Miner Jr. Dies; 

Retired Century Officer 

GREENWICH. CONN. — Henry C, 

Miner jr., 77, who retired ten years ago 

as board chairman of Century Circuit Inc. 

New Hyde Park. N,Y. -headquartered theatre 

circuit, died recently at Greenwich 

Hospital, 

Miner, who previously had worked for 

the New York advertising agency of Batten, 

Barton, Durstine & Osborne, served 

in the Office of War Information (OWI) in 

Washington during World War II. He was 

a member of the class of 1923, Princeton 

University. 

Survivors include his wife Adelaide, sons 

William. Henry C. Ill ,ind Thomas and 

five grandchildren. 

"Clowns' on Hill Library Screen 

CAMBRIDGE. MASS.—"Clowns, 

" 

Fedcrico 

Fellini Italian import, was screened as 

a free attraction at 6 p.m. on a recent Tuesday 

night by the Hill Branch Library. 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978 NE-1

BOSTON 

Rill and Dorothv Kincaide, proprietors of 

the Kincaide Cinema in 

Winthrop, will 

celebrate their fifth anniversary in the business 

Monday (9) with attendant hoopla . . 

. 

Tony Di Santis. Cape Ann Cinemas, Gloucester, 

sponsored a "What is a Customer?" 

contest for all circuit employees. Paddy 

Doyle, concessions hostess at their Nu 

Pixie Cinema. Hyde Park, was the winner. 

Phil and Edie Scott, Patriot Cinemas. 

Hingham. held their annual Christmas party 

at Loring Hall December 19 . . . Dennis 

Markaverick. manager of the Town Hall 

Theatre. Wilton. N. H.. (population 2.700) 

returned "Star Wars" for a two week stand 

beginning December 21. He expects nationwide 

publicity, plus his July coup in setting 

a first run here, to boost attendance. He had 

publicity all over the area and a special 

promotion pushing tickets as an ideal Christmas 

present. The fact that Nashua and 

Milford have been running the picture for 

24 weeks hasn"t phased "Mark." 

Joe Rathgeb, local Paramount honcho, 

hosted a tradescreening of "The One and 

Only" for a full house at the Parker Screening 

Room. The film stars Henry Winkler 

and Kim Darby . . . Tom and Corinne 

Duffy hosted a Yule extravaganza for a 

large group of friends at Ken's Steak House, 

Framingham. 

Melvin R. Winterman, president of GCC 

Theatres, Inc.. a subsidiary of General Cinema 

Corp.. announced a series of promotions 

within the division. The staffers who got the 

added Christmas presents were: 

William D. Zellen. from treasurer-controller 

of General Cinema Corp.. to senior 

vice-president for finance; David N. Leavitt. 

from controller to vice-president-controller; 

and Armin Frankel from director of financial 

services to vice-president treasurer. All 

promotions were immediately effective. 

What better way to start off the New 

Year than to admit we made a boo-boo? 

Lotsa better ways, that's what! In the Boston 

column of the December 12 issue we 

referred to Dottie Lider's father as Nate 

Seigel. Since we only knew him for a couple 

of decades we are not guilty of knowing 

wi should have known that Nate Yamins 

was the Fall River Film Pharoah's name. 

We have had a ton of calls pointing out the 

error and duly apologize to all. As punishment 

we sentence ourselves to attend all the 

Boston Celtics' home basketball games. 

A. Alan Friedberg, Sack's executive, announced 

a special advance advertising campaign 

keyed to the release of "Stardust." 

Media staffers from all the local print and 

electronic media participating in the tubthumping 

were invited to a special showing 

of the film in advance of the launching of 

the campaign. Producer David Puttnam, 

along with stars David Essex and Keith 

Moon, will be in the Hub Friday (27) in 

connection with the premiere. The Dolby 

Mix feature, a special type of sound equipment, 

is being installed at the Cheri where 

the picture will be shown, to enhance the 

sound qualities of "Stardust." 

Norman and Leonard Miller, Eastern 

Cinema Supply, spent several days in Gardner 

supervising the installation of a two- 

. . . Over 

platter system in Cinema 28 and a full automation 

xenon system at the Gardner 

Cinemas in time for Christmas 

at Cates Theatres in Cambridge, the Roxy 

Studios shuttered for the holidays. 

C. E. Natalie Dead at 75; 

Former Theatre Musician 

BOSTON— Clifford E. Natalie. 75, died 

at his Revere home December 18 after a 

prolonged illness. He was the house band 

leader at the Frolic for 18 years. 

During the period from 1929 io 1937 

he made periodic appearances in New York 

where he played with the Meyer Davis 

Society Band. Paul Whiteman's orchestra. 

Tommy Dorsey's group and the Bunny 

Berigan aggregation. He also was the 

musical director for the Roxy Theatre there. 

A trumpet player and band leader, he 

fronted the old Metropolitan Theatre in 

vaudeville days as well as the Brown Derby 

on the first nationwide radio broadcast from 

the Hub. He was an honor member of the 

Boston Musicians' Union. Local 9 and the 

New York Musicians' Union, Local 802.


. 

GO WITH THE "WINNER n 

HERE COME THE TIGERS'. 

IS A WINNER 

-Mel Allen 

CONTACT: 

GER POWER, INC. 



ELE: 401-781-0900 

iflflPORT^T OFFER! 



miCARJOOH TRAILER 

-ITS A RIOT-!

. . "Shanghai 

. . . You 

. . For 

MAINE 

home. She recalled that while in her teens 

she played piano for the silent films a' the 

Star Theatre, Bar Harbor, part of a circuit 

operated by an uncle. "One of our regular 

JJew Maine attractions: Columbia's "Close 

clients," she recalled, "was a local alcoholic 

Encounters of the Third Kind," Midwest 

Films' "Between the Lines," Para- 

who always greeted me in her whiskey voice 

with a 'Hello, dear.' Anothei' old fellow ;-at 

mount's "Saturday Night Fever." Warner 

on the first row and invariably hummea the 

Bros.' "The Gauntlet," United Artists' "Teiefon," 

AIP's "Empire of the Ants" and "Ten- 

bass line in everything I played." 

tacles." states-rights' "Coming Attractions." What's in a Name? Department; Opera's 

"Mary! Mary!" "Night of Pleasure," Boris Goldovsky. interviewed by the 

"Singles Club." among others. 

Bangor Daily News, told of the time his 

The Paris Cinema. Portland, brought 

mother, violin virtuosa Lea Luboshutz, was 

back UA's "New York. New York." 

booked into 

charging 

SL.SO for all seats at all times . . . The 

Boston. A reporter, Goldovsky 

recalled, came to interview his mother, al 

Ellsworth Downtown Merchants sponsored 

one point in the conversation asking her 

children's film showings in the Hancock 

whether she liked Frank Sinatra. After a 

pause. 

County Auditorium . Express." 

Paramount 1932 

Mme. Luboshutz looked up and innocently 

said. "I must tell 

release co-starring 

you that I adore the 

Marlene Dietrich and Clive Brooks, was Franck sonata." 

shown in the Town Hall. Blue Hill, on a 

William Windom, passing through Maine 

recent Friday night at 8 p.m. 

with his one-man show based on the writings 

of James Thurber. got into the sensitive 

"Diary of a Country Priest." 1954 Gallic 

import, was screened in the student lounge. area of career choice when talking with the 

Bangor Community College, on a recent Pine Tree state press. "Let's face it." the 

Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.. followed by veteran actor admitted. "Television is minor 

a discussion and refreshments. The program league, movies major league—and the stage 

was free. 

is real acting. Once you've become a TV 

personality, there won't be any punishment 

"Belle of the Nineties," Paramount 1934 

if you go on the stage no matter how bad 

Mae West starrer, was another attraction 

you are since you'll attract all your adoring 

at the Town Hall. Blue Hill; this was shown fans." 

on another Friday at 8 p.m. . . . The Bangor 

City Council's finance committee has denied 

a rate hike request by the Maine Cable 

Television Ca.. and. for that matter, asked 

RHODE ISLAND 

the city manager and city attorney to study 

the franchise to see if several provisions in pilm openings: States-rights' "How Funny 

the document are enforceable. The increase Can Sex Be?" "The Love Couch," 

would have cost customers about $72.0()() "Babyface." "Dixie." "The Fury in Alice." 

more per year for the CATV service. "The Big Thing," "Men Between TTiemselves," 

"Five Hard Pieces," "Virgin 

Pine Tree state exhibitors with rural trade 

Dreams." "Underage." "The Untamed," 

got bad news; Glenn E. Manuel, director 

"China Girl." among others. 

of the Maine Potato Council, reported that 

35 per cent of the state's potato crop (major 

Burt Reynolds, talking with the Rhode 

component of the Maine economy) would 

Island press about United Artists" "Semibe 

lost as it was grading, making this the Tough." touched on career patterns; '"I 

worst blight in 20 years. The poor condition don't live in a loft in Greenwich Village. 

of the crop, he said, was due to the excess 

I don't sleep with people in Greenwich Village. 

So I can't be accepted as a serious 

water and blight conditions during both the 

growing season and harvest. 

dramatic actor. 

"If 

A possible exhibition tie-in? The Maine 

Al Pacino." Reynolds continued, 

Mothers Committee is searching for candidates 

for Maine Mother of the Year; Louise 

"went on "The Tonight Show' like I do and 

was funny, it wouldn't hurt his career at 

all. 

A. Blake, president, is urging 

But I 

organizations, 

do it and that's all people want 

religious or civic groups, to sponsor 

from me. And I don't get serious scripts. 

candidates. 

Applications may be obtained by con- 

I don't get scripts from directors like Sidney 

tacting her at 35 Allen Avenue 

Lumet or John Schlesinger the way Redford 

Extension. 

and Brando do . me to do Ibsen 

Falmouth. Me. 04105. 

after "The Tonight Show.' people wouldn't 

Hilda Emery Davis, 82. wife of the late want it. I just wouldn't be accepted as a 

bandleader Meyer Davis, was interviewed dramatic actor." 

by the Bangor Daily News at her Maine 

Marsha Mason, writer Neil Simon's wife, 

also interviewed by Plantation state media 

(for 


Warner Bros.' "The Goodbye Girl""), 

opined that "the fascinating thing about 


NciFs work is the rhythm of the speech 

HAWAII TOO. 

can tell when somebody doesn"t 

When you come to Waikiki 

understand that. It"s not that he or she is a 

h|[M»Ul>i|j 


bad actor, but that they don"t understand his 

[g^^ Don Ho Show. . . at 

rhythms. You learn that sometimes it's not 

i5l»i Cinerama's Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAnUKl REEF REEF TOWEKS EDGEUMTER necessarily what you say that is funny, but 

. . 

the way that you say it." 

NEW HAMPSHIRl 

Excellent public 

response was accorded tht 

newest cinema development in thi 

Granite state, the opening of the SBC Man 

agement Corporation's Newington Mai 

Quad in the Newington shopping mall 

Philip Armistage. with previous experienct 

in management of U.S. Air Force theatres 

is manager. Opening attractions were Unitec 

Artists' "Telefon,"" 20th Century-Fox"s "The 

World's Greatest Lover." Warner Bros. 

"The Goodbye Girl" and Buena Vista"? 

"Pete's Dragon." Circuit vice-presideni 

Richard J. Wilson drummed up considerabit 

pre-opening promotion. 

New Hampshire's enormously expanding 

economy has sparked concern among a, 

number of prominent residents who formed 

an organization to be known as the Forum 

of New Hampshire's Future. This is to become 

a ""neutral resource and education 

outlet to identify the principal changes occurring 

in 

the state and their potential on it^ 

citizens and the quality of their lives.' 

Spearheading the effort is former Republican 

Governor Hugh Gregg of Nashua, who 

commented that "Some towns in the southern 

have grown so 

part of the state . . . 

quickly and were so ill-prepared for the. 

growth, that they now face drastic problems 

with sewer systems, schools and town services. 

We want to provide information so 

that towns and cities can decide whether 

they can support all the problems which go 

with 

the glories of new industry." 

NEW BRITAIN 

The Perakos family, a pioneer name in 

Connecticut exhibition, may well have 

representation in film production one of 

these years soon. Peter Socrates Perakos. 

son of Peter G. Perakos jr., assistant general 

manager of the family owned-and-operated 

Perakos Theatres Associates, is now a 

junior at Middletown"s Wesleyan Universit> 

and, says his proud dad. increasingly interested 

in filmmaking. To date, several scholarly 

publications have printed some of his 

observations. If, as and when young Perakos 

"makes it," among those cheering him 

on will be Uncle Sperie, who is PTA president/chief 

executive officer. Sperie some 

years ago was involved in the screen adaptation 

by Norma Productions of "Antigone." 

HARTFORD 

Cimon Konover of the Konover exhibition 

family has been appointed to 

the board 

of trustees of the endowment fund of the 

Greater Hartford Jewish Federation. Simon 

continues on the boards of the Hartford 

Jewish Federation. Hartford Jewish Community 

Center and Hebrew Home and Hospital. 

He served as general campaign chairman 

for the Federation's 1976-77 fund 

campaign. 

NE-4 BOXOmCE :; January 9, 1978

decision 

Censor Policy Change 

[s Sought in Ontario 

TORONTO—The Toronto Metro Executive 

Committee, urging a ban on motion 

pictures which depict "sexual deviation and 

sadism," has asked the provincial government 

to review its criteria for censoring 

films shown theatrically. The committee action 

came after it had pondered the protests 

of Women Against Violence Against Women. 

Members of WAVAW had been appearing 

at city hall meetings for a week to decry 

the exhibition of the feature "Snuff at the 

Cinema 2000 on Yonge Street. 

"Snuff" purports to show the torture, mutilation 

and killing of a woman, although 

the female star of the film was located by a 

New York newspaper after a similar outcry 

in America many months ago. The actress 

who had been "killed" was interviewed by 

journalists and it was determined that she 

had been trying to "pick up some extra 

money" while pursuing a career on the legitimate 

stage. 

Metro executive committee members admitted 

they had not seen the motion picture 

but did request Paul Godfrey, committee 

chairman, to meet officials of the Crown 

attorney's office to determine whether or 

not criminal charges could be laid against 

the owners and operators of Cinema 2000. 

"We should chase such movies and the 

operators of Cinema 2000 right out of Metro," 

declared Etobicoke Controller Winfield 

Stockwell. Further, the spokeswoman for 

WAVAW said "Snuff" represents "woman 

as an eternal victim." 

David Crombie, mayor of Toronto, said 

the consequences of "Snuff" were related to 

rape, in the view of the women's organization. 

Crombie added that another current 

motion picture, "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," 

playing at the University Theatre, also 

"combines violence with sex." 

Said the mayor, "The last part of 'Mr. 

Goodbar' is 

as bad as 'Snuff.' " He described 

both features as "crummy movies." 

Don Watts Says Canadians 

Have Vetoed Commercials 

TORONTO—Famous Players 

advertising 

manager Don Watts recently told the press 

that he doesn't know about theatre patrons 

but movie house managements in Canada so 

far have resisted the concept of presenting 

advertising on motion picture screens. 

"The psople in our circuit just don't want 

it." Watts told the Toronto Globe and Mail. 

Their opposition, he added, is based on the 

assumption that one reason people go to the 

movies is to escape TV-type commercials. 

Watts acknowledged, however, that "today's 

generation, which has grown up on 

commercials, may take a different attitude 

toward them (the commercials) than I do." 

Screenvision, New York-based subsidiary 

of a French company, and an American 

firm, Nashville-based Cinemavision. both 

have made presentations to Canadian theatre 

circuits without success, the newspaper 

disclosed. 

Canadian Film Industry Confinues 

To Wait for a Government Policy 

VANCOUVER — "Buying Canadian just 

because it's Canadian is not good enough." 

a Liberal cabinet minister in Ottawa said 

about the same time Secretary of State John 

Roberts was on his feet in the House of 

Commons promising that more Canadian 

films will soon be shown in theatres across 

the country, according to Les Wedman's 

column in the Vancouver Sun. 

Wedman explained that Roberts was responding 

to opposition questions as to when 

annoimcement of a 

film policy might be expected 

and his answer "soon," a promise 

that has been made by three previous secretaries 

of state and by Roberts earlier, without 

anything ever having been delivered. 

"Even now, Roberts hasn't said how he 

plans to keep his promise," Wedman commented. 

Filmmakers Vetoed Idea 

The columnist continued: "Famous Players 

and Odeon Theatres, the country's two 

major exhibition circuits running more than 

600 movie houses between them, did enter 

into a 'voluntary' agreement with the government 

a couple of years ago to flash so 

many Canadian features onto their screens 

for so many weeks per year. Filmmakers 

and the whole industry said this wasn't going 

to work and it didn't. 

"A few months ago, Odeon and then 

Famous not only told Ottawa they no longer 

considered themselves bound by the deal 

but also would discontinue investing something 

like $500,000 per year in the production 

of Canadian films. Famous—American 

owned—and Odeon, British owned but now 

up for sale to the highest Canadian bidder, 

are mainly responsible for American films 

earning $200,000,00 per year in Canada, 

with profits continuing to flow to the U.S. 

rather than some remaining to support Canadian 

filmmakers. Domestic filmmakers 

not only complain they cannot get their 

films into theatres that show primarily foreign-made 

features but they also charge that 

film distributors in Canada also are dominated 

by U.S. companies. 

Policy 

Long Overdue 

"Roberts was expected to make an announcement 

of film policy last June. It was 

postponed to September and then he went 

on holiday. October 4 he went before cabinet 

colleagues to request at least another 

$1,000,000 for the Canadian Film Development 

Corp. and then it was to be another 

month or six weeks before he was ready to 

go public. There still is no word as to whether 

the other ministers, especially Treasury 

Board Chairman Robert .Andras, bought his 

story. 

"If and when he announces his policy, it 

has to include a tax of 5 to 10 per cent at 

the boxoffice that will be collected and 

skimmed off to go into a fund for the production 

of and protection of Canadian films. 

Ottawa cannot impose a quota system by 

law whereby Famous and Odeon once more 

would have to abide b\' an . to give 

Canadian films two to four weeks of screen 

time in each of their theatres. Quotas are 

in provincial jurisdiction and provinces 

have yet to be convinced they should act 

independently of or together with federal 

authorities. 

"There will be a sigh of relief from those 

within the film industry when Secretary of 

State Roberts does get around to his long 

overdue revelation of his long overdue film 

policy. As for the moviegoing public, it 

hasn't exactly been holding its breath." 

Famous Has Mixed Results 

On Reserved-Seat Policy 

TORONTO—Famous Players, 

which has 

been experimenting with a reserved-seat 

policy here, reports "mixed results." The 

Cinema at the Toronto-Dominion Centre 

has been charging $5 per seat for special 

previews of selected action pictures since 

September 19. The feature is shown once 

daily instead of the usual four or five times. 

Seats may be reserved more than a month 

in advance. This policy, it was hoped, would 

attract "the patron who wants people to 

know he saw the movie before anyone else," 

according to Michael Brugel, house manager. 

The first offering, "Portrait of the Artist 

as a Young Man," brought quite satisfactory 

results, with approximately 60 per cent 

of the theatre sold out through a one-month 

run. "Equus" has failed to attract similar 

response. 

Famous Players says it has no intention 

of extending the reserved-seat policy to 

other houses, even though it should prove 

to be successful in the long run. 

A spokesman for the circuit said: "At 

most, one house per city can support this 

kind of operation. To begin with, it's a 

small audience looking for this special treatment 

of a film. Also, it's tough to find the 

right kind of movie. We know it has to be 

artistic, something a bit above the mainstream 

intellectually." 

Canada Economy Hypoed 

By Film-Related Firms 

OTTAWA— Statistics Canada has reported 

that in 1976 there were 298 establishments 

in the private sector primarily 

engaged in the production of motion picture 

films or in motion picture laboratory 

operations, with gross revenues amounting 

to $79,100,000. 

Of that total figure. $53,700,000 was derived 

from motion picture production. 

Laboratory operations accounted for $19.- 

100,000 and the remaining $6,400,000 was 

from all other operations. 

Salaries and wages paid by these establishments 

to their 1,609 employees totaled 

$17,600,000. 

BOXOmCE :: January 9, 1978 K-1

Who 

I HAWA 

Very 

'Saturday Night Fever Climbs to Top 

Winnipeg Bow 

Of First-Run List in 

WINNIPEG—-Satiirday Night Fever" 

opened very strong the week before Christmas, 

matching the "cxcellenf rating of 

holdover "Looking for Mr. Goodbar." 

Otherwise, only "Oh, God!" showed any life 

as houses ran out their preholiday bookings. 

"Star Wars" still was above average in 

its 26th week and continuing in one location 

through the holidays, as was "Smokey and 

the Bandit." which also was strong enough 

to hold in a moveover situation. 

Colony Looking lor Mr. Goodbar (Para), 

5th wk Excellent 

Convention Centre Fantastic Animation Festival 

(PR), 2nd wk Average 

Downtown Helena's Erotic Four-Day Allair fPR); 

Wife's Playground (PR) Average 

Garnck I Smokey and the Bandit (Univ), 

22nd wk Good 

Garrick II—You Light Up My Liie (Astral), 

7th wk Good 

Grants Pcftk, Kings Star Wars (BVFD), 

26th wk Good 

Metropolitan Suspiria (BVFD), 3rd wk Good 

Northstar !—Oh, GodI (WB), Ulh wk Very Good 

Nonhstar II—Who Has Seen the Wind (Astral), 

7th wk -- Good 

Odeon Confessions of a Sununer Camp 

Counselor (Astral), 2nd wk Very Good 

Polo Park Saturday Night Fever (Para) ..., Excellent 

'Encounters,' 'Fever' Both Are 

'Excellent' in Vancouver Bows 

VANCOUVER—The Vogue took on a 

festive air that unmistakably reflected the 

results of Christmas releases after the opening 

of "Close Encounters of the Third 

Kind"—and this proved to be an encounter 

that slapped the "excellent" label on boxoffice 

results for the film's first week. The 

Capitol 6 also had a winner in "Saturday 

Night Fever," which captured an "excellent" 

in its first frame. Overall, picture performance 

was quite satisfactory everywhere 

during the opening days of the holiday season, 

with even the long-running "The Spy 

Who Loved Me" still registering a "fair" in 

its 23rd week. 

Capitol 6 Saturday Night Fever (Parcr) Excellent 

Capitol 6 Semi-Tough (UA), 

5th wk Above Average 

Capitol 6 Looking lor Mr. Goodbar (Para), 

9th wk - Average 

Capitol 6—Oh, God! (WB), 

9th wk Above Average 

Capitol 6—The Spy Who Loved Me (UA), 

23rd wk Fair 

Coronet Heroes (Univ), 7th wk Average 

Odeon Emanuelle in Bangkok (PR), 2nd wk Good 

Vancouver Centre Dirty Knight's Work (PR), 

2nd wk 

, Has Seen the Wind (Astral), 

7th wk Average 

Vogue Close Encounters of the Third Kind 

(Astral) 

Excellent 

Three Montreal Openers Have 

'Excellent' Boxoffice Scores 

MONTREAL—The jingling cash registers 

in Montreal boxoffices must have 

sounded like "Joyeux Noel" bells to exhibitors 

here, with three first-week films scoring 

"excellent" and one racking up a "very 

good!" As in most other situations, "Close 

Encounters ofthe Third Kind" titillated 

the cinematic appetites of film and UFO 

buffs and, of course, "Saturday Night 

Fever" proved to be one of those "bugs" 

that could get to almost anyone. The dubbed 

version of "L'Espion Qui M'Aimait" attracted 

lines to the Berri. as did the Frenchlanguage 

"Une Journee Particuliere" at the 

Parisien. Of the old-timers left in the city. 

"Oh, God!" proved to be the most durable, 

still rating a "very good" in the 1 1th week. 

Atwater Close Encounters of the Third Kind 

(Astral) 

Excellent 

Cinema Oh, God! (WB), Uth wk Very Good 

Claremont Looking for Mr Goodbar (Para), 

8th wk Very Good 

Loews Semi-Tough (UA), 5th wk Very Good 

Loews I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 

(Mut), lllh wk Good 

Loews Saturday Night Fever (Para) Excellent 

Palace Frightmare (Int) Good 

Place ViUe Mane Una Giornata Particolare 

(AFD) 

Very Good 

(French Films) 

Berri L'Espion Qui M'Aimait (UA) Excellent 

Champlain Lancer Frappe (Univ), 

7th wk- Very Good 

Cremazie Bilitis (Mut), 5th wk Good 

Parisien Affreux, Sales et Mechonts (Rag), 

lllh wk Good 

Parisien Un Autre Homme, Une Autre Chance 

(UA), 4th wk Good 

Parisian L'Animal (Mai), 8th wk Very Good 

Parisien Une Journee Particuliere 

(AFD) 

Very Good 

Edmontonians Prefer to View 

Well-Established Film Fare 

EDMONTON — Moviegoers in this 

metropolis were sticking by the pictures that 

had stood the test of time, with only the 

oldies registering in the "very good" or "excellent" 

categories during this report period. 

Continuing to show legs on local screens 

were "The Chicken Chronicles." "Oh, 

God!", "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," "Heroes," 

"Smokey and the Bandit" and, of 

course, the "must see" film, "Star Wars." 

Avenue You Light Up My Ijfe 

(Astral), 7th wk Fair 

Capitol Square 1 Sex With a Smile (Astral) Fair 

CoDitol Square 2 The Chicken Chronicles 

(Astral), 3rd wk Very Good 

Capitol Square 3—Oh. Godl (WB), 


Capitol Square 4 A Piece of the Action (WB), 

Uth wk - - Fair 

Garneau Looking for Mr. Goodbar (Para), 

4th wk -,.- Excellent 

Londonderry B Suspiria (BVFD), 2nd wk Fair 

Meadowlark, Odeon 2— Star Wars (BVFD), 

2nd wk Very Good 

Odeon 1 Heroes (Univ), 6th wk -.Excellent 

Plaza 1, Rialto 1 Confession of a Summer 

Camp Counselor (Astral), 2nd wk - Fair 

Plaza 2— It's AUve (PR), 4th wk Fair 

Rialto 2 Death Rage (IFD), 3rd wk Fair 

Roxy Outrageous! (PR), lOth wk Fair 

Strand Satan's Slaves ( Astro! ),- 

Fortune Dungeon (Astral) 

Fair 

T'owne Cinema Smokey and the 

(Univ), 18th wk 

Bandit 

Very Good 

Varsconc Bobby Deerheld (Astral), 9th wk. Fair 

Westmount A Who Has Seen the Wind (Astral), 

5th wk -— Fair 

Westmount B First Love (Para), 5th wk Fair 

Venerable Holdovers Dominate 

Theatrical Scene in Calgary 

CALGARY—Warneis' "Oh, God!" and 

Paramount's "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" 

continued to dominate the gross-report listing 

here just prior to the onslaught of holiday 

releases. Both venerable holdovers rated 

"excellent" with Calgarians. Canadian filmmakers 

should have been cheered considerably, 

however, since "Who Has Seen the 

Wind" climbed a notch from "good" to 

"very good." The bulk of theatrical film 

fare was doing just ho-hum business, very 

likely because many moviegoers in this 

prairie metropolis were preoccupied with 

Christmas shopping and arranging out-oftown 

excursions. 

Calgdry Place 2—Oh. God! (WB), 


Grand 1 You Light Up My Life (Astral), 

7th wk - - Fair 

Grand 2 Heroes (Univ), 6lh wk Very Good 

Market Mall 1—A Piece of the Action (WB), 

10th wk - Fair 

Market Mall 2—Why Shoot the Teacher? (AFD), 

24fh wk Fair 

Market Mall 5 The Kentucky Fried Movie 

(BVFD), 8th wk Fair 

Marlboro Square 1 Rocky (UA), 6th wk Fair 

Marlboro Square 2 The Spy Who Loved Me 

(UA), 5th wk Fair 

North Hill, Uptown 2— Star Wars (BVFD), 

25fh wk Good 

Odeon 1 I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 

(IFD), 3rd wk Fair 

Palace Satan's Slaves (Astral) Fair 

Palliser Square 1 Looking for Mr. Goodbar 

(Para), 4th wk Excellent 

Palliser Square 2 Who Has Seen the Wind 

(Astral), 5th wk , Good 

Towne Red Smokey and the Bandit (Univ), 

20th wk Good 

Uptown 1, Westbrook 1 Death Rage (IFD), 

2nd wk Fair 

Westbrook 2—Teenage Graffiti (IFD) Fair 

TORONTO 

Comerville House, Montreal-based production 

company, announced that 

filming 

has begun on "Blackout." French filmmaker 

Eddy Matalon is directing the $1,- 

200,000-budgeted suspense thriller on location 

in Montreal. Jim Mitchum. Robert Carradine, 

Belinda Montgomery, June Allyson, 

Jean-Pierre Aumont and Ray Milland are 

starring in the feature, which is based on a 

story by John C. W. Saxton, writer who 

lives in this city. 

Ontario beauty queen Cindy Girling, who 

grew up in Waterdown. near Hamilton, has 

won a role in the feature film "1 Miss You, 

Hugs and Kisses," based on the murder trial 

of Peter Dementer. Ms, Girling will receive 

star billing along with EIke Sommer and 

Donald Piion. The picture is being made 

here by local filmmaker Murray Markowitz. 

Gov't Aid for Theatres 

MONTREAL— Persons attending any of 

the 100 theatres that are members of the 

Ass'n of Canadian Theatres will, in the 

future, be given a postcard and requested 

to fill it in for mailing to the Canadian 

government. The direct-mail campaign is 

designed to secure larger grants and greater 

support for theatres which "contribute to 

Canadian culture, national unity and the theatre 

movement in general." 



HAWAII TOO. 


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fî^TVl Don Ho Show. . . at 

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^^ ..-k^-—. 

[Boirasl 

Cinerama s Reef Towers Hotel. 

IN WAIKIKI: REEF 

. REEF TOWERS 

- EDGEWATER 

K-2 BOXOFFICE Januars 0. I97S


• • • 


II 

CONTACT: 




FELE: 401-781-0900 

mpoRimr offer! 



fR£€CARTOON TRAILER 

-ITS A RIOT-!

. . . "Outrageous!", 

y ANCOUy ER 

r'iiiepix general manager Orval Fruitman 

spent several days in town visiting circuit 

booking and buying chiefs—and mainly 

discussing possible new first-run outlets 

in this city and Victoria, now that the Eve 

here and the Fox in Victoria are changing 

policy. 

Instant replay: It was old home week at 

St. Paul's Hospital, as no less than three 

show business veterans—Harry Howard, 

Margaret Davie and Joan Dalgleish 

checked into the same floor either for 

surgery or checkups. (Editor's note: Let 

Jimmy outta the dog house. Margaret, he 

spelled your name right. The boo-boo was 

in our composing room.) 

The new crew of Variety Club Tent 47. 

under the leadership of chief barker Ben 

Kopelow, is busily engaged in making arrangements 

for the 1978 telethon scheduled 

to be held in the Queen Elizabeth February 

11-12. The full crew consists of first assistant 

chief barker Sam Rosen, second assistant 

chief barker Jeff Barnett, property 

master Ian Eraser, dough guy Earl Essery, 

Junior Variety liaison Ron Merritt, and canvasmen 

Ron Marcoux, Roy Hennesy, Drew 

Burns, Max Schnier, Morris Charkow, Bob 

Simmons, Barry Law, Bobby Ackles. Harvey 

McDiarmid and George Pitman. 

The 12th annual Christmas party for retarded 

kiddies held in the Commodore December 

1 1 was a double-header, playing to 

over 900 youngsters. Some 700 attended 

the first show, for the younger element, at 

1 p.m. and 200 were present for a real 

swinging party for the older kids and adults, 

a 5 p.m. affair. Tying the whole thing together 

was Ben Kopelow. ably assisted in 

the entertainment by Rolf Harris, in town 

for a series of holiday gigs with the VSO, 

who did his time-honored bits along with 

bands, dancers and illusionists. Camelia 

Gauthier looked after seating, with Commodore 

manager Drew Burns supervising from 

the kichen. Barker Gary Haiipl handled the 

transportation, donated by the British Colimibia 

Hydro. Clowns from Junior Variety 

were led by Jeffrey Barnett and active as 

always in general duties were veteran Variety 

members Lionel and Lucille Courchine. 

There was no pre-Chrlstnias lull here 

during the season just past. New block- 

. . . Johnny 

busters bowed before the holiday and longrun 

champs moved into new locations. 

"Star Wars," after 26 weeks at the Vogue, 

moved across the street to the Coronet, 

where Larry Oya expected it to brighten 

the dawn of the new year 

Bernard prepared for another long run in 

the Vogue as he opened "Close Encoimters 

of the Third Kind," which also was dayand-date 

in the Odeon New Westminster 

well into its third month 

in the Coronet, moved to the suburban 

Dimbar . , . Famous Players broke "Saturday 

Night Fever" in the Capitol Six and 

. . . Giiildford Surrey The offbeat "Record 

City" was held for a second week in the 

Lougheed Mall, as was "Dirty Knight's 

Work" at Vancouver Centre. Also winning 

an encore at the Odeon was "Emanuelle 

in Bangkok" . . . Aided by media appearances 

of director Allan King, the amazing 

Canadian film "Who Has Seen the Wind" 

went into a further holdover at the Vancouver 

Centre . . . Profitably marking time 

for the next biggie was Warners' "A Clockwork 

Orange," which began a third frame 

in its reissue engagement in the Stanley. 

Jeffrey Barnett celebrated Hannukah 

1977 in a imique manner. He invited family 

and close friends to be his guests at an early 

dinner and. on its completion, had the whole 

party whisked off to the synagogue—where 

Jeffrey got married. The whole thing was a 

surprise to everyone, particularly his parents, 

who have become inured to their 

bachelor son's free-and-easy swinging existence. 

Even the media types invited were 

so bowled over they didn't learn the bride's 

name— and that was reported (honestly) 

over the air the next mornina. 

Resnais' 'Providence' Has 

Dec. 2 Bow in Montreal 

MONTREAL—"Providence." Alain Resnais' 

seventh feature film, a presentation of 

Mutual Films, debuted December 2 at the 

Place du Canada Theatre. Considered the 

"ultimate masterpiece" from the creative director 

of "Last Year at Marienbad" and 

"Muriel," "Providence" has received rave 

reviews from celebrated critics everywhere 

and was awarded the grand prize by the international 

press. 

"Providence" is Resnais' first motion picture 

in English and, for that reason, he acquired 

as collaborator British playwright 

David Mercer, responsible for such screenplays 

as "Morgan" and "Family Life," for 

the production of this film. Ricardo Aronovitch 

was cinematographer for the feature, 

which was lensed in color. 

Starring in "Providence" are Sir John 

Gielgud, Dirk Bogarde, David Warner and 

Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn. 

The story deals with the mind of an elderly 

novelist (Gielgud) who. on a sleepless 

night on the eve of his 78th birthday, is desperately 

trying to complete what he expects 

will be his last book. 

CALGARY 

^he recent holiday season was one of the 

quieter ones in the industry here. A 

number of people left town and many of 

ihose remaining planned family-type Christmas 

dinners. Undertaking the major task of 

a full-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings 

was Janet McCoy, our newest bride, 

who was entertaining family members. Several 

staff parties were held around town, 

with Victoria Shippers celebrating Friday 

afternoon, December 2.^. Ambassador, Astral 

and Universal combined forces for their 

festive affair, held December 22 after working 

hours. 

It was interes.t!ng to note that during the 

current reporting period the distributor with 

the smallest staff—Astral Films, with one 

office girl and a booker—supplied the most 

pictures for Edmonton and local screens . . . 

Sales of "Canadian Cornography," written 

by local author Mary Oman, are going very 

well in town and. according to reports from 

the publisher, the first printing is almost 

sold out . . . TTie Citadel Theatre film series 

. . . 

in Edmonton's Zeidler Hall continued with 

"The Shootist." followed by "Doctor Zhivago" 

and "Funny Girl" The National 

Film Theatre presented the Jimmy Stewart 

starrer, "It's a Wonderful Life" . . . Holiday 

features in the Provincial Museum were 

followed by "It Grows on Trees," 

"Fluffy." starring Tony Randall and Shirley 

Jones, 

with lr;ne Dunne and Dean Jagger . . . The 

Citadel offered the Chinese feature "The 

Warlord" December 17 (with subtitles). 

Joyce Roberts, who most recently had 

worked at Bellevue Films, moved to Ambassador 

to assume booking duties . . . Terry 

Walkey, assistant manager of Victoria Film 

. . . 

Services, went home to Toronto for the 

Christmas holiday Edmonton's Cinematheque 

16 closed for the holidays but 

reopened Sunday (8). 

Offices of most businesses associated with 

film distribution were closed December 23- 

28. creating a very pleasant and festive holiday 

period. 

Canadian Producer Urges 

Film Jobs for the Young 

TORONTO—Canadian film director Allan 

King, in an interview with the Canadian 

Press, asserted that the current boom in the 

Canadian filmmaking field "must be kept 

alive by giving more young people an opportunity 

to blossom and by selling more 

films on the international market." 

"We have a good corps of technicians now 

in Canada," King continued, "and many 

good actors available. Producers generally 

find the atmosphere here more enthusiastic 

than in either Los Angeles or London . . . 

This is partly due to the fact that there has 

been some deterioration of spirit in the U.S. 

because of the enormous amoimt of junk 

turned out there." 

Toronto Office Is Opened 

By La Revue des Cinemas 

TORONTO—La Revue des Cinemas, a 

magazine which began as a program for a 

repertory movie house, has opened an office 

in this city. Michel Roy of Michel Roy 

Advertising & Associates, representatives for 

the magazine, said La Revue des Cinemas 

is published monthly and distributed in 

Montreal, Shcrbrooke and Three Rivers. A 

recent demographic study prompted the 

opening of a Toronto office and a serious 

entry into the national market. 

K-4 BOXOFFICE January 9, 197S

BOXOFFiCE BOOKiNCUMDE 

An isterpretiTe analysis of lay and tradepress leviews. Running time Is in parentheses. The plus and 

minus signs indicate degiee o£ merit. Listings cover current reviews regularly. Symbol Ej denotes 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. AU iilms are in color except those indicated by (b&w) for black 6 white. 

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

suggested); [g]—restricted, with persons imder 17 not admitted imless accompanied by parent 

or adult guardian; ^—persons imder 17 not admitted. Notional Catholic Office ior Motion Pictures 

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

A3—unobjectionable for adults; A4—morally unobjectionable for adults, with reservations; 

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

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

îEVIEW DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

H Very Good; + Good; — Foir; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary ^ is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

I

. New 

REVIEW DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX ++ Very Good; + Good; * Foir; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary -H is rated 2 pluses, - as 2 minuses. 

a: £ s £ B £B S 

4965 Last Remake of Beau Geste, The 

(83) C-Ad (© and b&w) ..Univ 7-25-77 PG 

4972 Let Joy Reign Supreme 

(120) Hi C-D Specialty 9-5-77 

49S3 Lincoln Conspiracy, The 

(95) Hi-D Sunn Classic 10-31-77 ES 

49S6 Looking for Mr. Goodbar 

(135) D Para 11- 7-77 H 

4987 Love at First Sight 

(85) C-D Movietime 11-14-77 

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

a. .^ 

U 

Z 

o 

GO 

A3 ± 

B + 

A2 + 

C 

tt 

tt + 

11 

+ + + 

+ + 

-H -H- ± 

zo 

± ± 6+3- 

± + 5+1- 

— 2+2- 

++ 9+1- 

1+2- 

3+1- 

—M— 

4959yMacArthur (128) B-War D ..Univ 6-27-77 PG A2 ++ 

Man on the Roof 

(110) Cr-D Cinema 5 6-13-77 A3 ff 

4981 Maniac (90) 

Ac-Sus-D New World 10-24-77 PG ± 

4992 Mansion of the Doomed 

(85) Ho-D Group I 11-28-77 B ± 

4969 March or Die 

(106) Ac-Ad Col 8-15-77 PG A3 + 

Marching Mizzou 

(11) Doc ... University of Missouri 7-11-77 + 

4960 Memory of Justice, The 

(270) Doc (b&w) Para 6-27-77 PG A4 ff 

4975 Mouse and His Child, The 

(?3) An-F Sanrio 9-26-77 Qj + 

H 

New School, The 

—H— 

(90) Doc Tricontinental 7-25-77 ± 

4962 New York. New York 

(139) C-DM UA 7- 4-77 PG A3 H 

4987 Night Child (90) 

Sus-D Film Ventures U-14-77 IB + 

49821900 (241) Hi-D Para 10-24-77 H C ++ 

4976 9/30/55 (101) D Univ 9-26-77 PG A3 tt 

4979 îOh, God! (104) C WB 10-17-77 PG A3 + 

4974 On the Comet (75) SF Filmaco 9-19-77 + 

4957 One on One (98) R-D WB 6-20-77 PG B + 

4975 One Sings, the Other Doesn't 

(105) C-D Cinemas 9-26-77 B + 

4998 Operation Thunderbolt 

(125) Hi-Sus-D ..Cinema Shares 1-2-78 + 

4965 Orca (92) Ac-Ad Para 7-25-77 PG A3 ± 

Orders, The (Les Ordres) (107) 

Doc (© and biw) . Yorker 6-13-77 + 

4956 Other Side of Midnight, The 

(165) R-Sus-D 20th-Fox 6-13-77 EC ff 

4962 Outlaw Blues (100) C-DM WB 7- 4-77 PG A3 + 

4972 Outrageous! (100) C-D Cinema 5 9- 5-77 H A4 ff 

—PQ— 

Padre Padrone (114) B-D RAl 11-14-77 A4 ± 

Pafnucio Santo 

(98) F Conacine, S.A. 10-31-77 ± 

Pardon Mon Affaire 

(105) C First Artists 7-25-77 PG B + 

4959 People That Time Forgot, The 

(90) SF AlP 6-27-77 PG A2 + 

4988 Pete's Dragon 

(135) An-CM BV 11-14-77 |B] Al ff 

4981 Piece of the Action. A 

(135) C-D WB 10-24-77 PG A3 + 

—B— 

4967 Rabid (91) HoSus New World 8- 1-77 El C + 

4966 Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown! 

(75) An-C Para 7-25-77 83 Al + 

Rebellion in Patagonia 

(109) D Tricontinental 6-13-77 A3 + 

4995 Record City (96) C AlP 12-19-77 PG ± 

Reflections (81) Sex D ..Stu Segall 8- 8-77 + 

2

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Rel. 

Date 

APACHE FILMS 

The Best of Laurel & Hardy (90) . 

BEEHIVE PRODUCTIONS 

The Raw Report (70) Sex C. Aug 77 

Curves Ahead! (SI) ..Sex C. Oct 77 

Goldlc-Bear. W.F. Margold 

Carnal's Cuties (80) Sex C. Dec 77 

Muffin Macintosh 

Rumps ... Is There One in 

Your Past? Sex C. Fell 78 

JOSEPH BRENNER 

Naked Sacrifice 

.Ad-D 

CAMBIST FILMS 

Swedish Minx (99) C. June 77 

Maria Ljnn. Ble Warburg 

Girl on Her Knees D.. Aug 77 

rtirls fhlttell. Jacqueline t,aurent 

Easy Come. Easy Go C . . Nov 77 

Remus Peets, Heidi Kappler 

CANNON GROUP 

The Happy Hooker Goes 

to Washington June 77 

CENTRAL PARK FILM 

Superbug. Super Agent ..C. Sept 76 

Andy Warhol's Young Dracula 

(105) C-D..Nov76 

Superbug. the Wild One ..C. Mar 77 

New House on the 

Left 

Ho-Sus. .Nov77 

Charge of the Model Vs . . C . . Nov 77 

People Who Own the 

Bank Ho-Sus .. Nov 77 

Super Wheels C. Dec 77 

CINEMA 5 

We All Loved Each Other So 

Much (124) © and 

li&« 

C-D..June77 

Vlttorlo Oassman. Nino Manfredl 

Outrageous! (lOO) . . .C-D. .Aug 77 

TralB Russell, Hollls McLaren 

Volcano (100) © and biw ...Doc. 

COUGAR RELEASING 

Starbird and Sweet William 

(90) Ad..Nov77 

A. Maitinra. Dan Hacgerty 

Messiah of Evil (90) ... Ho. . Nov 77 

Michael Greer, Marlanna Hill 

Legend of Sea Wolf 

(90) Ad.. Nov 77 

rhuck Connors, Barbara Bach 

Poopsie (96) Dec 77 

Sophia Loren. Marcello Mastroiannl 

Loralie Legend (85) 

Tony Kendall 

...Ho.. Jan 78 

Escape From Angola 

(92) Ad.. Feb 78 

St.in Brock. Anne (Collins 

Dirty Pictures/Hassled Hooker 

(92/92) Sex.. 

Irene Papas/Terence Hill 

Sisters of Satan/Dr. Jekyll and 

the Werewolf 

Anne Heywood 

(85/91) Ho. 

Saga of Dracula/Vengeance of 

the Zombies (85/91) Ho.. 

Sexorcists (92) Sex.. 

Leigh Heine. Steve Vincent 

Till Death (89) Sus.. 

Keith Atkinson, Belinda Balaskl 

FIRST ARTISTS 

RELEASING 

Pardon Mon Affaire 

(107) C. .June 77 

Jean Rochefort, Victor Lanoux, 

Anny Duperey 

That Obscure Object of Desire 

(100) C-D.. Nov 77 

Fernando Rey. Carole Bouquet, 

Angela Molina 

Speedtrap (101) .. .Ac-Ad. .Apr 78 

Joe Don Baker, Tyne Daly 

FLORA RELEASING 

Wfacky Taxi (79) Auj 77 

Frank Sinatra jr., John Astln 

Mastermind (90) Aufl 77 

Zero Mostel. Bradford Dlllman 

Seeds of Evil (90) Sept 77 

Joe nallcsandr'i, Katharhe 

Houghton 

Keep My Grave Open (85) ..Oct 77 

Camilla Carr, Gene Ross 

No Way Back (91) Oct 77 

Fred Williamson. Charles Woolf 

MISCELLANEOUS 

GOLDSTONE FILMS 

Rel. 

Kunj Fu Master— Bruce Lee Style 

Shanghai Connection 

Vampire Beast Craves Blood 

Cops Is Coos 

Ten Fingers of Death 

Rung Fu Brothers 

Curse of the Devil 

HEMISPHERE PICTURES, 

INC. 

Date 

Hanky Panky Sex 

Willing Wives Sex. 

Terror From Under the 

House 

Sus-D 

HOLLYWOOD INT'L 

The New Erotic Adventures of 

Casanova (85) .. Sex-Ac .. Aug 77 

John Holmes, Susan Silver 

Fantastic Orgy (SO) . .Sex D . . Dec 77 

Iris Medina 

Jungle Blue (83) Sex C. Apr 78 

INDEPENDENT-INT'L 

Girls' Hotel/Nurses for Sale 

(93/S4) Sex-Ac. June 77 

Blood in the Streets 

(111) Ac-Sus..June 77 

Females for Hire/Hard Women 

(S9/S6) Sex-Ac. July 77 

The Chorus Girls C-D.. July 77 

Blazing Stewardesses/ 

Naughty Stewardesses 

(85/102) Sex.. Aug 77 

In Search of Dracula Ho-D..Aub77 

Horror of the Zombies ..Ho.. Aug 77 

Cinderella 2000 ...Sex C. Sept 77 

High School Girl ...Sex D. Sept 77 

Battle Command (100) .Ac. Sept 77 

House of Psychotic Women/ 

They're Coming to Get You 

(90/SS) Ho.. Oct 77 

The Lonely Woman 

(84) Sex D.Oct 77 

Gina Lollobrlglda 

Game Show Models 

(90) Sex D. Nov 77 

Itae Sperling 

Crazy House (87) C. Dec 77 

Frankie Howerd, Ray Milland 

The Groove Room 

(83) Sex C. Jan 78 

Sue Longhurst 

Uncle Tom's Cabin 

(lOS) 

Ac-D..Jan7S 

Night of the Howling Beast 

(S7) Ho. Jan 78 

Naschy 

Paul 

Nurse Sherri (86) Ho..Mar7S 

GeoiTrey Land 

Lucifer's Women 

(88) Sex-Ho..Mar78 

Larry Hanbin 

KEY INTERNATIONAL 

The Father Kino Story 

'nner, Henry Fonda 

Hollywood Stuntman C-Ad. 

Rurt Reynolds 

Bloodbrothers 0. 

Pairl Sorvino, Tony LoBlanco 

Straight Time 

Dustln Hoffman. Kathy Bates 

Big Wednesday 

Jan-Mlchael Vincent, Lee Purcell. 

Sam ^lelville, Barbara Hale 

The Swarm 

Michael Cfllne, Katharine Ross, 

Richard Wldnvark, Henry Fonda 

The Prince and the Pauper 

Oliver Reed. Raquel Welch, 

George C. Scott, Rex Harrison 

The Squeeze Su

I 

"Sleuth" 

Shaffer, 

while 

Opinions on Current Productions ÊATURE REVIEWS 

Symbol © denotes color; © CinemaScope; (g) Pcmavision; ® Technirama; (g) other anamorpbic processes. For story synopsis on each picture, see revere* aide. 

OPEMNG NIGHT 

Drama 

© 

Faces Distribution 144 Minutes Kel. Dec. '77 

John Cassavetes WTOte and dii-ected this examination 

of the feelings of an aging actress who is unable to come 

to grips with her role in a new play about aging. The film 

serves as a showcase for another brilliant performance 

by Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes' wife, as the actress who 

is almost destroyed by the inner conflicts brought on in 

the final days of rehearsals of the new play before it 

opens on Broadway. She is torn between the desire to do 

well in the stage role which requires facing up to growing 

old. and her own fear of letting go of her youth. Ben 

Gazzara is highly effective as the play dir-ector coping 

with a star performer who may fall apart before the play 

ever opens. Joan Blondell steals a great share of the 

acting honors as the playwTight, and Paul Stewart tm'ns 

in a controlled performance as the play's producer. Cassavetes 

plays the stage actor starring opposite Rowlands, 

with whom she has been having an affair. They are 

excellent in the opening night sequence when, after Rowlands 

shows up di-mik, Cassavetes abandons the script 

lines to probe their relationship. Peter Palk, Seymour- 

Cassel and Peter Bogdanovich tiun in sm-prise cameos. 

Al Ruban produced. Filmed in MetroColor. 

Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, John Cassavetes, Joan 

Blondell, Paul Stewart, Zohra Lampert. 

99?3. 

THE CHOIRBOYS 11 

Comedy^Dr.m, 

Universal (7801) 119 Minutes Rel. Dec. '77 

Director Robert Aldrich opted for a mix of raunchy 

.., comedy and drama in his interpretation of former policeman 

Joseph Wambaugh's novel. The story deals with a 

- - group of big-city cops and how they relieve themselves 

of the tensions and frustrations inherent in their jobs. 

Their version of "choir practice" is a wild drinking and 

sex party, usually held in a city park. Leader of the 

"choirboys" is Charles Darning, a veteran officer just 

months away from his retirement, who is in constant 

conflict with those in authority. His partner Perry King 

comes to a tragic end after one of his owti buddies raids 

a prostitute s apartment and finds King there as the customer. 

Each of the ten "choirboys" gets his tui-n at both 

party scenes and in separate on-duty episodes. Though 

not a member of the central group, Burt Young turns 

in a noteworthy—if slightly over-done—performance as 

an unshaven, raunchy vice-squad sergeant who surprisingly 

shows a touching compassion for a young arrested 

homosexual. Overall, the pictm-e may draw a mixed 

reaction because of its unrelieved view of policemen as 

bawdy, violent, sex-obsessed bigots who are not above 

blackmailing their own superiors. Merv Adelson and 

Lee Rich produced. In Technicolor. 

Charles Durning, Louis Gossett jr.. Perry King, Randy 

Quaid, Don Stroud, Burt Young, James Woods. 

THE PRIVATE FILES 

OF J. EDGAR HOOVER 

PG 

Historical Drama 

.American Infl (7719) 116 Minutes Rel. Jan. '78 

The controversial J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was 

head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1924 

until his death and served under eight presidents. Largely 

through his efforts, the FBI and later the CIA became 

respected and feared while individual rights were 

ignored. Using John M. Crewdson of the New York Times' 

Washington bm-eau as technical advisor, producer-director-writer 

Larry Cohen has attempted to cover the 

entire history of the FBI under Hoover and as much 

of his personal and private dealings as possible in a twohorn- 

film. Broderick Ci-awford does a credible job as i 

DK 

the strict and moralistic chief whose sense of duty out- ^ 

weighs any other consideration. Too much ground is 

covered and many incidents are barely touched upon, 

yet there are some good scenes and fine performances. 

Michael Parks scores as Flobert F. Kennedy. Dan Daily 

does likewise as Hoover's closest aide and there are neat 

cameos by Celeste Holm, the late Jack Cassidy, George 

Wallace and Lloyd Gough. Rip Torn is the narrator and 

co-star. The Larco production was shot in 'Washington 

and New York and on actual locales, utilizing some 

newsreel footage. 

Broderick Crawford, Jose Ferrer, Rip Torn, Dan Dailey, 

Michael Parks, Michael Sacks, Ronee Blakley. 

© 

THE WICKER MAN M 

"°-°^°-"= 

Abraxas Film Corp. 87 Minutes Rel. Oct. '77 

Considered to be a lost hoiTor classic, this British Lion 

production has had a history as bizarre as its plot. Made 

in Scotland in 1973, from a screenplay by Anthony 

1 the film acquired a reputation abroad 

after an initially sparse release. It was considered for 

distribution here by National General and New World 

before being released briefly by Warner Bros. Its original 

102 minutes have been cut to 87 minutes, although its 

current handler hopes to make the fuller version available. 

Co-star Chi-istopher Lee considers his part the best 

he's ever had. The film has a fascinating air of pagan 

ritualism and heavy sexual symbolism and there is a 

Tnt good amount of nudity iBritt Ekland does an extremely 

~^~ erotic nude dance 

i 

little in the way of gore is 

shown. The horror element works from the standpoint 

of ordinary people, adults as well as childi-en, participating 

in terrifying events. Edward Woodward is the 

virtuous and uncompromising police sergeant, a representative 

of Chi-istianity, and the three heroines, Diane 

Cilento, Ingi-id Pitt and Ekland, are in for more than 

decoration. Director Robin Hardy, from TV and commercials, 

makes an impressive debut with this cult 

feature. Produced by Peter Snell in Technicolor, with 

music by Paul Giovanni. 

Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Diane Cilento, 

Britt Ekland, Ingrid Pitt, Lindsey Kemp. 

THE BOYS I!\ COMPANY C 

S] War Drama 

^ ® © 

Columbia 

125 Minutes 

Rel. Jan. '78 

Vietnam will be scrutinized in several films this new 

year; first to tackle the subject is the Philippine-made 

Columbia release of Sidney J. Purie's comedy-dr-ama of 

five youths in a Marine unit. Purie directed from a script 

by him and Rick Natkin. Starting off as an all-toofamiliar 

mihtary tale, the film shifts gears once it gets 

down to action and the result is a memorable picture. 

Best early scene is between black actor Stan Shaw, a 

real comer, and Lee Ermey, a former Marine drill instructor 

who acts with a naturalness to be admired. An 

air of low comedy—much of it funny— is sustained 

throughout until a disastrous soccer game. Produced by 

Andre Morgan for Raymond Chow's Golden Harvest Productions, 

the pic could be noted in years to come for 

giving major opportunities to several possible stars. 

Among them are Shaw, Andi-ew 

i 

Stevens actress Stella's 

son) and James 'Whitmore jr., particularly effective as 

a tough and efficient lieutenant. Acceptance of "Boys" 

will depend mainly on current attitudes toward Vietnam. 

Many of the reported atrocities from that conflict are 

overlooked here, stupidity of the brass and corruption of 

the men being emphasized instead. In Panavision and 

Technicolor. 

Stan Shaw, Andrew Stevens, James Canning, Michael 

Lembeck, Craig: Wasson, Scott Hylands. 

MA 

Checkered Flag or Crash PG

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

THE STORY: "The Choirboys" (Univ) 

Charles Durning and his fellow police officers exchange 

insults with some of their 

superiors during a roll 

call. Durning is chastised for his insubordination and 

later frames the offender, George Di Cenzo, Tlie officers 

call a "choir practice" session at a city park and have rVterV 

one of their many wild drinking and sex revels. Job 

frustrations are mounting. Perry King commits suicide 

after being caught with a prostitute by one of his own 

friends, Don Stroud. At another "choir practice," Stroud's 

remorse over his buddy's death causes him to di'ink so 

heavily that he passes out. His di'unken mates dump him 

into the police drunk van. Stroud, hallucinating that 

he is trapped and suiTounded by enemies, pulls his gun 

and begins firing. By accident he shoots a young man. 

Dm-ning. with his retirement at stake, names all his 

buddies during the shooting investigation. But when he 

sees that the deputy chief has covered up the incident 

with falsified reports, he blackmails the man by threatening 

to expose the cover-up, forcing the deputy chief to 

cancel punishment of the officers. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

The popularity of the Joseph 'Wambaugh novel and the 

well-known cast should attract patrons. 

CATCHLINES: 

When the Choii-boys Start Their Choir Practice, Their 

Songs 'Will Cm-1 Your Hair! 

THE STORY: "Opening Night" (Faces) 

On stage dm'ing rehearsals of their Broadway-bound 

play, "Second Woman," Gena Rowlands admits to play 

director Ben Gazzara that she is unable to cope with her 

..... role as an aging woman because she is unable to face 

His her own loss of youth. Dui-ing the play's tryouts in Boston, 

Rowlands is besieged by fans and a young girl in 

the crowd is killed by a car. Rowlands sees the death as 

symbolic of the fact that her own youthfulness is dying. 

Paul Stewart, the play's producer, and playwright Joan 

Blondell try to straighten Rowlands out, but to no avail. 

Gazzara's wife (Zohi'a Lamperti must stand aside helplessly 

watching her husband getting more deeply involved 

with Rowlands. The actress shows up falling down drunk 

for the opening night performance on Broadway and 

Gazzara allows her to go on stage in a final, desperate 

hope that she will pull herself together and save the play. 

John Cassavetes, starring opposite Rowlands in the 

play, abondons the script in the final scene and leads 

Rowlands into a searching analysis of her own attitudes 

and their personal relationship. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Emphasize the Cassavetes-Rowlands team in prior pictm-es. 

CATCHLINES: 

Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes Will Once Again 

Remove the Masks—It's 'Opening Night.' 

THE STORY: "The Wicker Man" (Abraxas) 

Scottish police sergeant Edward Woodward, stern but 

deeply religious, is summoned to isolated Summerisle to 

find little Geraldine Cowper, who has disappeared. The 

local folk deny that she lived there and even the gii'l's 

mother Irene Sunters seems miconcerned. Woodward is 

shocked to find that teacher Diane Cilento conducts a 

course in the reproductive process to Geraldine's classmates. 

He is told by lord Christopher Lee, who runs 

the island, that the people observe pagan rites for the 

sake of their harvest (the island is noted for its apples). 

The authoritarian Woodward sunnises that Geraldine, 

who was Harvest Queen dui'ing last year's harvest 

will be sacrificed during the May Day celebration to 

insui-e that the new crop will not fail. Kemp's 

""• 

daughter 

Britt Ekland tempts Woodward with a sensuous dance sin"' 

in her adjoining room. Dming May Day, Woodward 

dresses in Kemp's fool's costume and rescues Geraldine. 

However, it all turns out to be a trap for Woodward 

a virgin who is bui'ned to death as a sacrifice for the 

new crop. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Cinefantastique, Volume 6, Number 3 is devoted to 

this remarkable film and tells the full story of its making. 

CATCHLINES: 

Now, the Masterpiece of the Occult Is Here to Shudder 

At ... A Cult Classic of Horror Designed to Destroy You. 

THE STORY: "Checkered Flag or Crash" (Univ) 

Fifty motorcycles and cars have entered the gruelling 

three-day, off-road Manila 1000-mile race. Champion Joe 

Don Baker is the favorite. He is forced to let reporter 

Susan Sarandon ride with hun, as she is covering the 

race for the Em-opean Press and her magazine paid for 

his car. She is determined to ride until she quits or he 

crashes. Baker has a tire problem the second day and 

loses the lead. When Sarandon gets out of the car against 

his orders, he drives off and leaves her. Diu-ing a rest 

period Baker and Alan Vint start to fight, but instead 

end up brawling with several intruders. Flash floods in 

a crucial area threaten to end the race, as the valley 

there is impassable. Promoter Larry Hagman offers double 

the amount to racers for risking their lives to take 

an alternate route on some rough roads under construction. 

Later, Baker actually fights with Vint and knocks 

him out. He finally regains the lead but his brakes give 

out, causing him to crash through the finish line He 

miraculously survives. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Tie in with local demolition derbies and stock-car racetracks. 

Display pictures of racing cars in the lobby. 

CATCHLINES: 

You Gotta Be Tough to Win and 

< 

Crazy to Try The 

First Movie About Off-Road Racing! 

s..Se, 

?cr, 

ndt 

THE STORY: "Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover" (AIP) 

After the death of FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover in 1972, 

discredited agent Rip Torn talks about Hoover's long 

career. In the early '20s, young Hoover iJames Wainwright) 

causes the arrests of many radicals. In 1924, 

Attorney Gen. Stone (Lloyd Nolan) appoints him as 

head of the corrupt Bureau of Investigation. Under 

Hoover (now played by Broderick Crawford), the Bureau 

becomes an efficient agency and is run in a strict way 

by a very moralistic man. Hoover's image is enhanced 

by the prose of columnist Walter Winchell (Lloyd Go ugh) 

and by the captm'e or killing of wanted criminals. 

During World War II, Hoover deals with FDR (Howard 

da Silva) and disloyal factions, leading to the McCarthy 

era and the founding of the CIA. Under Robert Kennedy 

(Michael Parks) as attorney general. Hoover receives 

real threats to his power. Martin Luther King jr. (Raymond 

St. Jacques) is Investigated and Torn is forced 

to resign. Wiretapping and Nixon (Richard M. Dixon) 

occupy Hoover's time before he dies at 77. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Any material on Hoover can be used for promotional 

pieces. The cast and events covered are useful pegs. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Files That Escaped the Shredder Have Become an 

Incredible Motion Pictm-e. From the Kennedys to Martin 

Luther King, From Cab Drivers to Congressmen, He Had 

Something on 58 Million People. 

THE STORY: 

"The Boys in Company C" (Col) 

In 1967, five youths are drafted into the Marines: 

James Canning, a quiet would-be writer from Emporia, 

Kas., whose diary foi-ms the narrative; black Stan Shaw, 

tough Chicago drug pusher; Andrew Stevens, athletic 

Galveston farm boy; Michael Lembeck, a conniving jock 

from Brooklyn; and Craig Wasson, long-haired Jesus 

freak and draft evader from Seattle. Sergeant Lee Ermey 

whips them into a fighting unit and convinces natural 

leader Shaw that teamwork is necessary to survive. The 

five are shipped to Vietnam and assigned to captain 

Scott Hylands' command. Latter, inept and hated, attempts 

to please the brass; tough but compassionate 

lieutenant James Whitmore jr. becomes the company's 

champion. Under fire. Canning is wounded. Stevens becomes 

an addict. Shaw rejects South Vietnamese Colonel 

Vic Diaz' offer to traffic in dope and talks Stevens into 

joining a soccer team so that the unit can avoid combat. 

When Hylands tells them they must lose in order to boost 

Vietnamese morale, the men decide to win whatever the 

consequences. The field is bombed; Hylands. Diaz, Wasson 

and Canning die. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Mention the new young talent in the cast; actor Craig 

Wasson sings his own composition, "Here I Am." 

CATCHLINES: 

You May Want To Forget The War. But You'll Never 

Forget 'The Boys in Company C 

BOXOFnCE BookinGuide Jan. 9, 197S

. 16mm 

ES: SOc per word, minimum $5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions ior price 

iree. When using a Boxoffice No. figure 2 additional words and include SI. 00 additional, to 

cost ol handling replies. Display Classified, S38.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

ir 

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

ox Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 84124. 

HELP WANTED 

INAGEKS: Midwest circuit has :mate 

opportunities for experienced m- 

and outdoor managers. Projection 

pledge helpful but not necessary. Paid 

insurance, hospitalization plus incenplon. 

Salary negotiable. Send reswith 

recent photo to Boxoflice, 4023 

eplies coTifide ntial. 

;LD service technician for Northmultiple 

theatre chain. South Jersey 

=. Extensive travel Engineering deor 

electro-mechanical skills required. 

r booth and HVAC background. $14,- 

to $16,500 plus car. Reply Boxoflice, 

INAGER—Rte. 35 Drive-In Theatre, 

Immediate N. opening. Must be 

et, 

rienced. 

I. 

All employee benefits. Send 

jlete resume to District Manager, Red- 

. Theatres, P.O. Box 64, Valley 

im, N Y, 11582, 

INAGEBS AND ASSISTANTS needed 

to expansion in Southeast Texcs. Exnt 

opportunities and benefits. (713) 

752. 

ry MANAGER—small town 70 miles 

Washington, D.C. Must be experid. 

Immediate opening. Good salary 

nding upon experience, Boxoffice 4027 

POSITIONS WANTED 

[PLOYED, District Manager level, large 

it. Los Angeles, Available Jen. 15. 

52, lamily. college. Boxoffice, 4022. 

FILMS 

FOR SALE 

am FILMS. Postcard brings bargalr 

Inm Films, P O, Box 143, Scranton 

18504, 

nm CLASSICS. Catalog 25c. Manbeck, 

B Wakonda Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 

sound. Collectors or revival 

es. SASE brings free list, Boxoflice. 

FILMS 

WANTED 

INTED: 35mm trailers, 1930-1977, any 

itity, L. Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd., 

'wood, Calif, 90028 

BOOKS 

E MANUAL OF THEATRE 

nm USED ADULT hardcore XXX films 

00 each. (505) 265-8963, 

EVIEWS ol coming attractions (1930- 

MANAGE- 

T. Twenty-four special chapters Buy- 

Franchise Theatre, Principles ot Air 

litioning Projection and Sound Equip- 

Building the Drive-In, Operating 

[Concession. Censorship, Employee Hens, 

Buying and Booking, The Circuit 

utive. Many more. For copy of our 

;ssional hardcover edition, send $20 

k or money order to Ralph J, Erwin, 

isher. Box 1982, Laredo, Texas 89040, 

BUSINESS 

STIMULATORS 

:EATRE GAMES. Bingo Banko $6,75 

cly. Novelty Games, R D, 2, Port Jer- 

N,Y. 12771, 

'ILD ATTENDANCE with real Hawaiorchids. 

Few cents each. Write Flowjf 

Hawaii, 570 S, Lafayette Place, Los 

!les, Calif. 90005, 

EATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS, weekrograms, 

heralds, bumper strips, daily 

iffice reports, time schedules, passes. 

Is, etc. Write for samples, prices, Dixie 

I, Box 882, Atlanta, Ga, 30301 

1500 com- 

!JGO CARDS DIE CUT: 1-75, 

tion $6,00 per thousand and in color 

«UM PRODUCTS. 339 West 44th St. 

York, NY, 10036 (212) 246-4972 

5VIE TRIVIA BOOKLETS, great give 

VS. $10/1000, Send check: United Speles 

PO Box 12189, Kansas City, Misiri 

64152, 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

XENON LAMPS, automation. Century 

booth, Boxoffice, 3975. 

TICKET MACHINE—Automaticket 3-bank 

electric with coin changer. Excellent condition, 

$650,00 (816) 523-2699, Boxoffice, 

4016. 

SIMPLEX E-7 projection booth. Simplex 

soundhead, enclosed bases, XL dual sound 

system. Strong arc lamps and rectifiers, 

all in excellent condition, ready for shipping, 

$2,500,00 (816) 523-2699, Boxoffice 

4019 

TICKET MACHINE SALE. 3 section machines 

completely rebuilt, 1 year guarantee, 

$500,00 up. Individual hand machine 

sections, $100,00 up. M6 individual sections 

$150-00 up. Cutter blades, $3,00 each. Ticket 

holders, $15.00 We buy old machines 

(617) 839-4058, 

8 EIKI EX1520. 16mm projectors, complete. 

Operate on 300 wcrtt ozone free 

Xenon lamp. Guaranteed 1000 hours. All 

projectors have been completely overhauled. 

Included with each projector: I 

extra cam tank, 1 extra amplifier, 1 Xenon 

bulb, $1,000,00 each. Inquire (702) 736-4952 

or write LVC Management, 5il5 Industrial 

Rd, 409, Las Vegas, Nev. 89118. 

2 EIKI EX5020 16mm projectors. Operate 

on 1000 watt Xenon bulb. Completely overhauled. 

Come with 1 extra amplifier, 4 

5000 ft reels, $2,000,00 each. Inquire (702) 

736-4952 or write LVC Management, 5115 

Industrial Rd,, 409, Las Vegas. Nev 89118 

TICKET MACHINE repair service— fast 

repairs, lower than factory prices. I.E.D 

Service Co. (617) 839-4058, 

MAGNARC LAMPS. 2 pair late model 

with 4-tube rectifiers and/or 3 phase, 70 

amp generator. Excellent operating condition 

when removed. $795,00 per set. Boxoffice, 

4024 

I PAIR BRENKERT BX-lOO mechanisms 

Also two Ashcraft Super-High lamphouses 

leff Logan, Mitchell, S,D, 57301- 

16mm SUPER international savings 

Tradeins welcome- Norelco FP 16 with 

Strong Lumex 1600 Walt lamphouse, like 

new, $7,500,00, Pair Kaldrt/Victor model 

1600 Xenon machines with 900 watt lamphouse, 

changeovers, etc, $4450,00 Eastman 

25 with 2500 watt Strong Xenon, 

$7,500 00, Kalarl 70-25MC3 Marc 300 comcomplete, 

demo, $1,395,00, Kodak Pageant 

AVI26TR, like new, $395,00, B&H 399 

$195,00. B&H 302 Opt/Mag Rec/Play, 

$475,00. Intemqtional Cinema Equipment 

Co-, 13843 NW 19th Avenue, Opa-Locka, 

Florida 33054- 

35mm THEATRE SPECIALS: Buy-Sell- 

Trade. Pair Strong X-25 Xenons complete 

$3,750,00 Pair Strong X-16 Xenons, $2,- 

995,00, Pair Simplex SHIOOO soundheads, 

rebuilt, $1,395.00, Pair RCA 9050 soundheads, 

rebuilt, $1,195,00, Pair Brenkert BX 

80's, $895. Pair Century, rebuilt, $$2,995 00 

Pair XL's, rebuilt, $3,400.00, Much, much 

more. What do you need? Free list. International 

Cinema Equipment Co,, 13843 

NW 19th Avenue, Opq-Locka, Florida 

33054, 

HOLMES 35mm portable projection system. 

Baby Strong llOV arc lamps, adjustable 

stands, amplifier. Ideal for home or 

screening room. Pair, $2,500 00 (816) 523- 

2699, Boxoffice, 4026 

TWO STRONGS lunior high intensity 

arclamps, new, $100,00 reflectors with rectifiers, 

excellent, $240,00 each. Worth 

$800-00 each- American General Supply, 

2300 1st Avenue, Seattle, Wash 98121- 

EQUiPMENT WANTED 

WE PAY good money tor used equipment, 

Texas Theatre Supply, 915 S, Alamo, 

San Antonio, Texas 78205 

WANTED: Century, Simplex, TECO, Box 

706, Matthews, NC 28105, 

WANTED—2 Motiograph projectors in 

good condition. Box 1107 Lusk, Wyoming 

82225. 

CUflRlilG HOUS( 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

WORLD'S LARGEST THEATRE broker, 

JOE JOSEPH, Box 31406, Dallas 75231. (214) 

363-2724. 

TOP CASH PAID for Xenon lamphouses, 

soundheads, projectors, lenses and portable 

projectors. What have you? STAR 

CINEMA SUPPLY, 217 West 21st Street, 

New York lOOlI, Phone (212) 675-3515- 

ALBUQUERQUE. NM— I6mm adult theatre. 

Opportunity of a lifetime. (505) 265- 

8963- 

THEATRE IN OPERATION— Star Theatre, 

Greensboro, N C 368 seats, parking lot, 2 

bedroom apartment 1 block from shopping 

center. Byerly Realty, Lexington, N C 

(704) 246-2579. 

DRIVE-IN. Blythe, CA, Semi-automated, 

370 speakers, room for 500, Tremendous 

potential. Financing available. Robinson 

Realtors, P. O Box 1257, Brawley, CA 

(714) 344-0920, 

INDOOR THEATRE in city of 15,0C0 Located 

in South Carolina, 375 seats in all, 

$7,000 cash needed. Terms, Includes building 

and real estate. Total price $50,000 

Call (803) 984-2188, 

PALESTINE, TEXAS, population 20,000 

Indoor, land and building. Capacity 760 

with balcony. Brick. Excellent condition, 

$36,500 00- Anita Gibson, P.O, Box 1307, 

Palestine, Texas 75801. (214) 723-1148, 

FOR SALE OR LEASE 

2 YEAH OLD drive-in theatre near Texarkana, 

250 cars. Excellent price, will deal. 

No X's, (214) 690-1937, 

THEATRE REMODELING 

ASCO Auditorium Services Company. 

Theatre refurbishing—designing—acoustical 

wcfU covering—seat refurbishing 

custom seat covers— screens, frames, main 

act curtains, black masking conversion 

systems. Materials and labor supplied. 

Call (617) 698-2030, One Adams Street, 

Milton, Massachusetts 02187 

DRIVMN THEATRE CONSTRUaiON 

SCREEN TOWERS INTERNATIONAL: Ter, 

Day Screen Insialiaiion, (ol7) 642-3591 

Drawer P Rogers, Texas 76569 

MISCELLANEOUS 

CASH for one-sheels, posters, lobby card 

sets, pressbooks, stills, trade magazines, 

coming attraction slides, trailers, etc. (anv 

quantity— older the better). Martinez, 70'''^ 

Lexingon Ave., Los Angeles, Ca. 90038 

(213) 462-5790 

MOVIE MEMORABILIA wanted 

firm price Boxoffice, 3910 

Stale 

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC in your theatre for 

less than 33c a day. (815) 397-9295. 

BACK AGAIN—buying used silver positive 

carbon contacts. Paying $9-13.00 per 

set. Postmark before March adds 15% 

Postage refunded. Ship insured or ior information: 

Contact Salvaging, POB 4634, 

Redding, California 96001. 

WANTED: New one-sheet movie posters 

m quantity. L. Brown, 6763 Hollywood 

Blvd., Hollywood, Calif. 90028. 

BETTER—US Message Service. (213) 464 

1274. Reasonable Rates. 24 hour service 

One month FREE Service, 

SERVICES 

COMPUTER CONSULTANTS specializing 

in theatre management information systems. 

Competent and qualified statf- 

Searcy Associates, Box 922, Acton, MA 

01720 (617) 263-5827- 

MARQUEES, SIGNS 

DESIGNED. ENGINEERED. BUILT, 

ERECTED. MAINTAINED on Lease or purchase 

plan, Bux Mont Electrical Advertising 

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

THEATRE SEATING 

TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING uphols-er. 

ing anywhere— seat covers made to order 

— finest materials— low prices— we buy and 

sell theatre chairs, Chicago Used Chair 

Mart, 2616 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 111 

60612. (312) 235-1111- 

UNIVERSAL SEATING & CONST. CO.. 

INC. Reconditioned used chairs On-location 

relurbishing. installation and staggering- 

Sewn seat covers, all makes We 

buy used seating anywhere- Entire 

theatre equipment available. Call (617) 

298-7070. 1157 Adams St., Boston, Mass 

02124- 

SPECIALISTS IN THEATRE SEATING 

New and rebuilt theatre chairs for sale 

We buy and sell old chairs Travel trom 

coast to coast Secrting Corporation ot 

New York, 247 Water Street, Brooklyr, 

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

charges) 

THEATRE CHAIRS New-rebuilt-used-rockers 

and late model chairs. Chair recovering. 

Seat covers and fabrics. New and 

used theatre equipment, Hayes Seating 

Co,, Inc, 6600 Joy Road, East Syracuse, 

N, Y- 13057- (315) 432-1901- 

THEATHE SEATS—500 thickly padded 

backs and bottoms, maroon velvet, need 

minor clean-up. Off floor, Rogers, Arkansas. 

$6,00 each or best offer. (816) 523- 

2699 Boxoffice. 4015, 

POPCORN MACHINES 

BRAND NEW COUNTER MODEL j:l 

ELECTRIC Display Poppers from $426 50 

each. Krispy Kom, 120 S Hoisted, Chicago 

60606. 

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFFICE: 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City, Mo. 64124 

Please enter my Bubacripfion to 

BOXOFFICE. 

D 

1 

D 

YEAR $15.00 

2 YEARS $28.00 

G Remittance Enclosed 

n Send Inyoice 

Outside U.S., Canada and Pan 

American Union, $25.00 Per Yeor. 

THEATRE 

STREET 

TOWN 

NAME 

ZIP 

CODE 

POSITION 

STATE.. 

corncE January 9, 1978

V^^ 

March 13-16, inc. 

Kansas City, Missouri 

of the Film 

Industr 

° • 

=Xf 

^

Boxoffice-January.09.1978

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