FILMS .6 RADIO • VIDEO - MUSIC STAGE Published Weekly at 154 West 46th Street, New York 36. N. Y„ by Variety. Inc.. Annual, subscription $10, Single copies. 35 cents, entered as second class apatter December 22. 1903. at the Post Office at New York, N. Y,. ; under the act of March 3. 1879. COPYRIGHT. 1934. 'BY VARIETY. INC.,' ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VOL. 196 No. 13 NEW YORE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1954 PRICE 25 CENTS HAS ‘CULTURE’ Las Vegas, Nov. 30. . A The talent agencies are again scouting for ideas for Las Vegas hotels, Agencies are mulling girl shows, btg production ideas and even the possibility of intimate shows in order to make the lounges of the various Nevada inns attrac- tive to the gambling gentry. Revival of thinking along lines of new formats is sparked by the fact that they must keep on good te"rms with all the hotels in that area. With more hostels going up, they know that there won’t Jre enough names to go around for all. Many Of the top acts who are ac- customed to playirig—at one spot will not move to rival hotels, and there aren’t enough newcomers in the super-salaried brackets to get them to play the newer and spots still to be established; Fact tpat the LV inns, won’t be easy marks much longer is indi- cated by the Jact. that the Dunes Hotel will specialize in production. The inn originally wanted Billy Rose to be in charge of floorshows, but he declined and recommended the producer they did hire, Robert Nesbitt, a Briton. The Riviera has been angling for a N.. Y. cafeman. (Continued on page 66) What Price Censorship; Actor ‘Reads’ Deletion As Boff Curtain Line Boston, Noy. 30. Vincent Price "drafted” the Bos- ton censor as 'a comedy scripter last week. As star of "Black-Eyed Susan,” playing a tryout , engage- ment at the Plymouth, the ' actor took advantage of a deleted curtain line to get a howl from the audi- ence, Censor ordered the second-act line pencilled of the second night’s performance. Price felt the dialog was harmless, but since he was under official orders, he paused When he came to the. bowdlerized spot and said, "I have a line here, but the Boston censor won’t let me. use it.” It brought the curtain down on a boffola, so it was. retained for the balance of the run. Whatever the censor may have thought of the situation, he didn’t attempt to censor the ad lib or oiler public commefit. TO DIRECT A FILM Hollywood, Nov. 30. Russell Birdwell, who was a di- rector before becoming a publicist tn 1935, is returning to megging 9h "Closeup of Julie,” Anne Bax- ter starrer. Film will mark teeoff next year ^ new indie company formed by Baxter and Birdwell.’ ‘Billing’ Jolson and Cantor find them- selves billed vicariously at a Long island and a Yonkers, N; Y., nitery, both spots play- ing only , weekend dates. "The new A1 Jolson” is su- per-billed over Norman Brooks at the Casa Seville, Franklin Square;. L. I., and Bobby Breen’s booking at the Crystal Coronet, in Yonkers, is her- alded as "Eddie Cantor’s great discovery.” One way to put more money in the bank and build up“a life’s equity is to have a rival company hot for one’s services and then have them both compete to the point where "Operation Pyramid” sets in. It’s a good idea to have a going property tied up with the person — a showcase so valuable that the network just can’t afford (Continued on page 50) Hotel ‘Expenses’ Nixed Where an Actor’s Home Is Always ‘ Washington, Nov. 30. U. S. Tax Court recently handed, down an interesting decision affect- ing performers who have no fixed place of residence but carry their homes with them in the course of filling engagements. Case before the tribunal was that of Wilson J. Fisher, a pianist who works in such spots as hotel dining rooms and cocktail lounges. He and. his fam- ily went together from place to place wherever he had bookings. Fistter, whose total income was $21,000, deducted expenses of $14,- 000 but the Government disallowed $11,000 of the expenses. Among deductions claimed by the pianist and refused by the Government were those for "travel.” Tax Court held that these disbursements should riot have been listed sihee he Was never away from home— his domicile moved with him. Insofar as other expenses Were Concerned Fisher was permitted by the court to deduct expensed for miisic arrangements, office sup- plies, Christmas cards, piano re- pairs, union dues and publicity. In addition, lie was also allowed for the cost and upkeep of formal clothes and accessories which he. used only when working. By FRED HIFT Does "Culture”- — with a capital “C” — have a draw at the film box- office? New York showmen, with an eye (1) . towards the (to many) surpris- ing success of the' Italian opera film? “Aida,” in N.Y. and (2) to- wards. theatre-tv’s apparent yen for highbrow events such as the Metropolitan Opera premiere per- formance, are beginning to. wonder. Specifically, they think the "cul- ture” pitch could be shaped into a valuable addendum to the current drive to broaden film theatre at- tendance. Suspicion has lingered for a long time among the companies that “culture,” if properly handled, can pay off. "Hamlet” and "Henry. V” were examples of that, just how large is that intellectually-in- clined sector of the film audience? No one really knows, but it’s sus- pected that, counting more than just the hard-core of what’s jocu- larity been ‘called the “eggheads,” the number of patrons that might be attracted by offbeat presenta- tions is fairly large; certainly (Continued on page 20) Berlins Legiter Eddie Fisher rnakes his legit de- but in an Irving Berlin musical which the songsmith is fashioning expressly for the RCA Victor disk- er. It. will be called "East Side.” It is primed for next season and will not be the long heralded Music Box Revue which Berlin hopes yet to? do. Nor will it ,be "the Irving Berlin story,” although. " there will be analogies in the script to suggest (Continued on page 74) America Dances Los Angeles,. Nov. 30, Sheree North’s dancing in some “home movie” films, made before she became a 20th-Fox conti’actee, .was de- clared legal by Federal Judge Ernest A. Tolin although hiz- zoner criticized the modern terpsichorean art. Films, dis- tributed by Joe Bonica, had been barred from the mails by acting postmaster Otto K. Ole- sen, Court ordered Olesen to resume mail service. "The movements of the sub- ject,” Judge Tolin said, "are not particularly different from those of the popular dances of the day. The postoffice has la- beled those movements ‘sexu- ally suggestive.' To so conclude would be to classify the great bulk of modern dancing as such.” Ham on Rye Day after Milton Belie col- lapsed at Lindy’S from over- work, ari unemployed comic cracked; "I fainted last week at the Stage Delicatessen. Under- work.” Wkly at NX’s LQ Mae West has frequently bragged that she. Was instrumental in Para- mount’s ’ paying off the mortgage two decades ago, when virtually everyone in the U.S., was repeating her taglipe "Come up and see hie sometime.” There’s no . visible mortgage at the Latin Quarter, N.Y., where Miss West concluded a six-week stand on Saturday night (27), but it's reasonable to assume, she could have paid off the encum- brance. During this run, Miss West aver- aged $92,000 weekly, a healthy fig- ure for a spot that normally seals under 60.0. The minimum .tab .eV- n for weekhights was elevated by $1 (Continued on page 20) DeMille’s ‘Commandments’ May Rent 5D Theatres Paramount appears plotting the acquisition of up t L. Dannett and Frank. R. Rachel, both obvi- ously danceophiles, have edited a compelling picture story book that displays the urge to terp from the days of the Romans to the rhumba. But the book gets really into high, and fortunately this comprises the more generous portions, wheh it reflects the dancing moods from the riraxixe to the nrambo. In between are an assortment of sometimes forgotten variations of the theme which were variously called the. grizzly bear and the bunny hug, the hesitation waltz and collegiate, the . Big Apple and the Charleston, the Varsity Drag and the Black Bottom.; From the Castle Walk to'the Valentino glide, from Joan Crawford and George |. Raft’s Charlestoning ,era to . Astaire & Rogers', from Zelma O’Neil and Gilda Gray to Katherine & Arthur Murray; the book is loaded with a well-organized display of the terps (Continued on page 68) No Passport for Robeson Washington, Nov. 30. State Department . disclosed last .weekend that it had refused to is- sue a passport to Paul Robeson to attend the Congress of Soviet Writers in Moscow next month. Robeson has-; been turned down couple of times in: recent years when he sought a passport to go abroad. Valuable Insight to Story Values Cited by Holly- wood Producer Who Bought Gilroy’s ‘Last Notch* ■ — — - — — — • . SIN OVER SKIN Evangelist Draws Bigger Crowds Than Striptease Minneapolis, Nov. 30. The gospel has proved a stronger attractions than strippers at the local Alyin Theatre which a. year ago was converted from a bur- lesque house into a tabernacle. Rev. Russell Hi Olson outbid Charles Fox, burlesque ‘ impresario, for the theatre;. His- nightly attendance Of. 300' to 600 and Sunday audiences of up to 1*200 Is “far larger,” than the audiences which attended burr lesque in the same house the past several preceding seasons'. “Dealing with sift instead of skin,” as he expresses it, has been a profitable, operation for the Rev. Olson Who is extending his lease. This is a.! disappointment to Fox who had hoped to recover the the- atre and put hack burlesque. v. <1 • ’IsaKi By one of those strange coinci- dences, the two. tv “live” comics Who only recently put themselves on record that they were “going film” next season to ease the. strain, were simultaneously floored by ill- ness brought on by fatigue and overwork. First it was MiltOn Berle, who collapsed the same night he came off his Tuesday night show a cquple weeks back and still wasn’t up to guesting on Martha Raye’s show last week, necessitating a last-min- ute switch* (Iii fact; Miss Raye also came hear not making it because of a rundown condition.) On top of that, Red Buttons was! ordered to the hospital last week while he was rehearsing the show scheduled for last Friday night. Throat symptoms aggravated; by fatigue and overwork set in the week prior when Buttons spent his entire Hollywood visit in bed, with a recurrence when he’ returned to N. Y. to work on his tv stanza. By WHITNEY WILLIAMS Hollywood, Nov. 30. Television is now looming up as A source for motion picture mate- rial alongside Broadway plays and literary bestsellers. This is the opinion.of indie producer Clarence Greene, who with his partner, Rus- sell Rouse, has ju,st purchased, film rights to ABC’s last season’s U. S. Steel Hour program, “The Last Notch,” fOr early filming. Subject is the first full-hour vid- show to find its way to the screen as a feature, although Warners and Jack Webb took latter’ half-hour “Dragnet” idea and title and devel- oped, them into a feature. Differ- ence here, though, lies in Greene- Rouse buying a finished teleplay, rather than playing with an idea, to build, their motion picture. “It’s plain common sense,? Greene points out, “to jscout tele- vision for possible feature material. It’s a question of either wasting it, taking advantage of it.” Dramatics involved, the tense situations and possible characteri- zations, were recognized • the Steel Hour show by the two pro- ducers, who could see their possi- bilities actually unfold before their eyes rather than visualizing what was possible in a feature. “We felt it was a tryout, without expense, arid had the advantage of no initial gamble, as in-the usual manner of buying stories*" Greene pointed out, in explaining the value of a tv show to film pro- ducers. Further, he stressed, there, are the additional facets of fresh direction* writing and acting which may be brOtight to the (Continued on page 50) Johnston Calls Soviet’s THE CUT THAT HURTS Esther Williams, George Murphy Deleted From Metro’s ‘Heart’ . Hollywood, Nov. 30. Esther Williams arid George Murphy land on the cutting room floor in final editing' of Metro’s “Deep In My Heart.” They were teamed for “American Beauty” se- quence which has been deleted., , Howard Keel and his . “My. Mary- land” sequence is out of pic for Radio City Music Hall engagement since Hall has two hour limit on pix. His 12-minute sequence goes back ini for general release; As Jegsel Sees It . The N. Y. Times P. 1 arid P. 2 stories oii the seething Germanic v ultranationalism, and manifestations anew of extremists' apti-Semitic mani- festations at a last week’s po- litical: rally in Berlin, reminds George Jessel of his conver- sation with Darryl Zanuck some time ago. . Latter had been impressed with the Ger- mans’ rehabilitation job, and Jessel, then a 20th-Fox pro- ducer, cracked: “ Y es, all that building is fine, but when they get one as high as the 14th floor they’ll still throw my Uncle Max off the roof!” Sydney, Nov. 23., Here on an. inspection, tour and riieetirigs with top government and film executives, Eric 'Johnston, Mo- tion Picture Assn; of America prexy, dubbed the Soviet policy as strictly 3-D. He said: “As a film man, I think of the Soviet policy as a ‘3-D’ one— di- vide, discredit and. destroy^’ He also said that “free exchange of goods and services are the things which enable us to raise the stand- ards of living.” Johnston has been hosted by many groups, being honor guest- of the -Motion Picture Distributor Assn, dinner at the plush Glen Ascham last week when guests in- cluded State Premier Cahill, mem- bers of his government, the Lord Mayor and Consular corps. He leaves for Manila this week. Bob Hope Envisions Global TV Networks As Aid to Understanding Hollywood, Nov; 30. Back from a six-week trek to Europe, Bob Hope said here he be- lieves global tv networks within 10 years will pave trie way for pro- motion of mutual understanding between the world’s peoples. There is “no question” but what tv is mushrooming as a “world lan- guage” and will assume that stat- ure in the next decade, said the comedian. Hope said he foresees such global webs linked by under- ocean cables over which shows will be beamed to tv audiences through;- out the world. “Entertainment will continue to be the corrimOn denominator for expressing mutual comprehension among the world’s peoples. There’s only one world for entertainment,” he declared. Hope’s NBC-TV show to be seen. Dec. 7 was filmed in Europe. The comic said rie foresees a trend toward educational expan- sion among American tele audi- ences, adding “the tv public is suf- fering from custard pie poisoning and is now demanding something, better than slapstick. Viewers in the States are shopping today. They are out to get top quality. They know what they want.” Hope checked into . Paramount for final editing of his latest “The Seven Little Foys.” The hazards of embarrassments to guests on tv’s pariel “guess- ing games” were once again brought to the forefront on last week’s edition of “Masquerade Party” on ABC-TV when ; Edgar Bergen (who was in New York for ari Origination of his CBS Radio show) happened to be the party under panel scrutiny. Panel members Trad pinned the guest's identity down to a Ven- triloquist. “Then it must be Paul Winchell,” One parielite. con- cluded; Bergen’s obvious embarrassment was intensified when another pariel member chimed in; “Then if it isn’t Winchell it can only be Burr TillstromV* Only a few weeks back on the same show a panelite Confessed out loud that he had never heard of Willie Mays, much to the chagrin of the. ball star (who was guesting on the stanza). Previ- ously Phil Rizzuto had been subjected to the same kind of naivete on another panel show. Not long back Universal-International, putting its best foot forward to earn a plug for one of its stars doing a Gotham p.ai., placed him on a panel stanza. They were trying to identify his studio and the guessers kicked around a half dozen, culminating in a 1 panelite’s observation: “Then , if it isn’t Warners, Metro, 20.th- FOx, Paramount Or Columbia, h* can’t be in pictures. They're the only big companies around,** UT hasn’t gone near the show ^ , r Wednesday, December 1, 1954 PICTURES Move by Columbia to Increase to 2,000,000, up from 1,000,000, its authorized common stock shares has touched off a flurry of specu- lation -concerning a two-for-one stock split. 9blid condition of Col’s - balance sheet and the fancy (Compared- with recent years) price of the stock ($30, or near, on the N; Y. Stock Exchange) are other factors leading to the suspicion in finaiic'.al circles that the outfit .is headed for the tworfor-one distri- bution. Of the 1,000,000 shares now authorized; Col will have 797,446 shares outstanding on Dec. 7 when a recently-voted 5T stock dividend is paid out. New authorization will be sub- mitted to a stockholder vote at the company’s annual meeting in N. Y, Dec, 17. To be voted along with this will be a. proposal to change the status of the stock from no par value to $5 -par value, a switch which, says the company, will have tax-saving advantages; Other matters on the agenda: election of directors, with all nine incumbent being candidates lor reelection; endorsement of a five- year extension of president Harry Cohn’s employment contract, and a minority . stockholder proposal, which is opposed by management, looking to introduce the cumu- lative system, of Voting in board members. Cohn’s present p4ct provides him with a : weekly salary of $3,500 and expense allowance of $600 per Week. This will remain unchanged in the projected new deal, which will run to Feb. 10, 1960. Watery Premiere Hollywood, Nov, 30. In keeping With its title, RKO’s “Underwater” will be world-preemed under water. Assertedly first submarine showing, of a motion picture wjll take place .‘late in January* at Silver Springs, Fla; Audiente Will sit in chairs iO feet below the surface of the water, wearing aqualungs, worn by the players during the film’s underwater sequences. Latin America is. coming in for more and more exec attention as it continues growing as 4n important part of the foreign market for Yankee films. One homeoffice rep- tliis Week said Uruguay alone has now reached the point where it’s yielding nearly $1,000,000 annually to the American companies. Latest to go off on the swing of L. A. capitals is George Weltner, president of Paramount Inter- national, He. and A. L. Pratchett, Par's L. A. division manager, left N. Y. Monday (29) for a plane tour of the key areas for huddles with the company’s reps and to look in on “White Christmas” preem arrangements. A feature length film, designed to demonstrate to producers how to get the most value put of Ci - emaScope, is being produced at 20th-Fox, Darryl /FV Zanuck, 20th production topper disclosed in N.Y. yesterday (Tiies.). He said the tech- nical pic, which is. half finished, will cost $250,000 and will be of- fered to filmmakers, both here and abroad, as. a practical 'lesson in C’Scope techniques. Only between. 20 and 25 prints of the experimen- tal film will be made. Enthusiastic over the results racked up by C.'Scope pictures in Great Britain and on the Continent, Zanuck, just back from abroad* in- dicated that European producers were catching the C’Scope bug and commented: “We have many more requests for camera lenses than we. can possibly fill.” He said some 56 C’Scope productions* not including 20th’s. own, were planned. •Zanuck at first refused to be pinned down on the exact number of C’Scopes his Studio intended, to make next year, declaring “We will- make as many as we can effective- ly. We will , not go into mass pro- duction. If we can make as many- as we have in mind, we’ll do so. If not, we won’t.” He stressed that 20th would “not turn out films just to keep down the overhead,” but (Continued on page -20) Regional ^distribution companies, some . of them known as • states rights organisations, look to be on thei^way to a major status in the •picture business. That is, if an as- sortnfent of rece’nt developments assume the dimensions of a full- scale trend/ The states righters have been active in past with reissues and lowercase product out * of Holly- wood, a limited number of imports and, in a few instances, pix which local distrib and exhib interests have made on their own. The territorial releasing compa- nies/ in the recent past, moved in on fancy money product. Louis de Rochemont’s “Martin Luther” was a striking example, with distribt> tion gross indicated at $3,000,000 for the domestic market; This was followed by a flock, of outstanding reissues provided by Samuel Gold- wyn. and David O. Selznick. Employee Relations Hollywood, Nov. 30. Universal’s, prop department had to modernize 20 buck/ board wagons used for. a se- quence in “Tacey” by coating their seats with foam rubber. : Reason— femme eitras raised a howl because they were get- ting splinters in. their own seats. Buena Vista Example Buena Vista, Disney distri- bution subsidiary, has taken on the job of producer’s repre- sentative in the selling of Jerome Cappi’s “The Immortal pity,” feature in. color focus- ing on the Vatican. Ijilrii is to be licensed through regional releasing out- fits, such as Favorite- Films of California, which has the rights in the L. A.-, San Fran-r cisco, Portland and Seattle ex- change territories; But are the states righters ready to climb to the bigtime? Some in this branch of distribution think yes . but; naturally, with a couple of “if’s” to be considered; Depends largely, bn Exhibitors /Film Finan- cial Group and Distributors Corp. of America. EFFG is the new indie pic financing setup being fostered by Theatre Owners of America. There’s to be no major company distribution of product bankrolled by EFFG. Herman M. Levy, TOA counsel, has pointed out that many indie distribs in various areas (Continued on page 24) Hollywood, Nov. 30. Jack Benny and George Burns ;are going into the film financing business, bankrolling a picture titled “The Jack of Spades,” star- ring Jackie Gleason. Filming ‘ is slated to start in Hollywood about July 1, shortly after Gleason winds up his tv season. Deal calls for Benny and Burns to own one third of the picture. Ohe third will he owned by Glea- son and the remaining third by Norman Krasna, who wrote the screenplay and. will direct. It’s a comedy dealing with spies. ♦ .American indie producers* en- thusiasm for .foreign location shoot- ing, particularly in Italy; is waning fast. Cost of lensing abroad, has now risen to the point where it’# barely profitable to shift the bas* of operations from Hollywood. Probleih isn’t the same every- where, Rising costs; particularly of talent, loom large in Italy and France. They're still said to b» fairly reasonable in places lik« Spain, Sweden and Germany— and, prospectively, Portugal. The Yu- goslavs, too, .are angling for Amer- ican producers to come in and make pix. ~ One indie producer who had planned to make a film In France^ said last week that he’d changed his mind and probably would do the same story in N. Y. or Holly- wood. Last week, Ilya Lopert, producer of. “One Summertime,” made in Venice in its entirely, reported that (Continued ort page 24) Columbia’s ’Flame-Out,’ But Not Mowbray’s Hollywood, Nov. 30. Columbia’s 1955 service picture will be “Flame-Out,” a story of jet pilots from novel by Joe Lam don. Arthur Gardner and Jules Leby will produce with cooperation of U. S. Air Force. No connection exists with play by Alan Mowbray of same title, which Air Force presented at bases around world and which was tried out briefly as commercial legiter. JAP FILM DRAWS 14 FOREIGN AMBASSADORS Washington, Nov- 30, U, S, Government brass and a large slice of the foreign diplo- matic. corps attended the D. C. preem ... of the prize-winning Nip film, “Ugetsu” at Lopert’s Dupont Theatre last week. Among those in the audience were Sherman Adams, the. Assist- ant to the President; Ambassadors from 14 nations including the Jap- anese Ambassador, Iguchi, our far- mer Ambassador to Japan, Joseph C. Grew; Secretary of the Army Robert Stevens,, and several sub- Cabinet officials, U. $. generals and ides from the Embassies, MARK STEVENS ON OWN Partners With Gross and Krasne For Two a Yeaj Hollywood, Nov. 30. Mark Stevens, Jack Gross and Philip Krasne formed a new indie unit,:. Mark Stevens ^Productions, to make two theatrical films a year, starting April 14. First production will be “Twisted Sireet,” based on a story written by Stevens. He will also produce, direct and star in it. C. Bruce Newbery has quietly severed all connections with Re- public after a 10-year association in various exec posts. It's believed he’s joining producer Carl Dudley in a new indie production setup. Newbery variously had been supervisor of the Near; Middle and Far East and England and the Continent for Rep. Last year he switched from head of the com- pany in Great Britain to v.p. in charge of sales in the U. S. His appointment to the latter- post by Rep president Herbert J. Yates was regarded as curious, in the trade since Newbery hadn’t been acquainted with the domestic mar- ket previously. Earlier this year he relinquished this job and was placed in charge of pic sales to television* Before becoming a producer, Dudley was a writer on the Warner and Metro lots. MPAA Tags 3 Yank Pix For Uruguay Festival Columbi “The Caine Mutiny,” Paramount’s “Sabrina” and Walt Disney’s “Living Desert” have been selected for showing at the Uru- guay Film Festival, Jan. 15-31 in Puiita del Este. Special committee of the Motion Picture Assn, of America chose the pix. Shorts named are Par’s “Vista- Vision Visits Norway,” Disney’s “Ben and Me” and Col’s “Gauchos Down Uruguay.” Thanksgiving Ups Biz; ‘Xmas’ Again Champ, ‘Desiree’ 2d, ‘Paris’ 3d, ‘Cinerama,’ ‘Carmen’ Next Thanksgiving Day and school holidays supplying an assist are giving key cities grosses a hefty boost this session. Fair weather over the country is an added asset. Result is that the top four biggest grossing pix will boast a total of $1,543,000 gross business currently. : “White Christmas” (Par) is h ^ill. be to finance capable Hope as possible. and responsible producers~not to It may well be that if Pete Mar- produce pictures itself. This We tin had written about, rather than do not know how to do, arty more cost $2,766,606, ended up with a Parampunt’s : VistaVisiori in the in- Hope as possible. and responsible producefsi-^not to domestic take of $5,666,660. “Qeri- dustry’s now - developing major It may well be that if Pete Mar- produce pictures itself. This We tlemen Prefer Blondes,” brought battle' pf the widescreen • tin had written about, rather than do not know how to do, arty more in at' $2,766,066, netted . $4, 8.60, 606 C ! Scope, first to market, is way Bob Hope a better book than a producer knows how to Tun’ at. home alone. “Pickup on South out ahead, for every pic in this would have resulted. The one-two a theatre.” He stressed that the Street,” a gleeper that cost only anamorphic process has been & gag rhythm of Bob Hope’s platform pictures “will be distributed . $866,666, racked up $2,666,066 in commercial click so far. ... manner is not ideal for an extend- through outlets friendly to exhibi- domestic rentals. Par’s “White Christmas” is the text of 368 pages, since too tion.” Every one of the 20th- Cinema- first in V’Vision and it is in only many aspects of his career, which He said the financial group would Scope pix that have been in release limited circulation at this point, would be fascinating if seriously not be controlled by TOA although for ariy period of time has recouped But the b.o. showing has been so treated, emerge as no more than it is sponsoring the company and its negative cost. However, depend- remarkable that it already looks additional patter, This may or advancing organizational, money. Ing on that latter factor, anywhere sure to be among the top money may not seem a carping criticism Martin said TOA wanted all ex- frem 56% to 166%. must be added pix of the year. Even in areas of a vvork intended for “fans” and. hibitors to participate, “regardless dri . before a production, begins to where musicals are usually so-so first published, in excerpts, as Sat- of affiliation or organization.” He make mpndy; “Christmas” has been an outstand- evepost copy. Title in the weekly said that it was unfortunate that ing contender. was “This Is On Me.” the former “so-called affiliate cir- Non-partisan .execs in the east ^ great deal, of factual informa- cuits” could not join, are of. the opinion that regardless t ion la convey ed. And the text He said that if sufficient funds of . how. strong Christmas in... its makes clear.' that Bob Horie ; was were not obtained from exhibitors, full playoff proves itself, and how ™ a d Kt £ a sharo inteiigence The “we will go to others within the well future V’Vision entries hold troop entertainment stuff is the Industry, excepting distribution, up, the_Par system Is not hlcely to mos t human, But when it is all W* to the Public.” have C. Scope on the run., But over> the bodk has not said too Martin declared that he had, ded- there jS) too, much con jecttiire thst rnnoh th2t esn he tAken - seriotislv ic&ted his &dmiiiistir&tion to .three n n Ol Y’yision • , m iS h f welftake some of ““ul Bob Hope* thf man The major -objectives: (1). unification of 52.17 |0]f 'kirfi gaggy approach constantly *r*. '25.^ In other words, it’s felt, V’Vision ygnts that could progress to the point where _ t . ’ it will be side by side with C’Scope Tl1 ^ P®°* The book runs on the rails of the Still showing spectacular gains, i tenns of industry prominence -co^entional commercial idea that 26th-Fox earnings for the 39 weeks. the autobiography of a comic must ended last Sebt 25 soared * to $5 - and public Acceptance." Naturally, ^ if «H exhibitors. “Our problems are 732 063 eaual P to $217 ner share v ’ vision ha s much to . go to catch b e a joke^book. Fine as far as it no different from theirs— only the lutSJaina up. For one thing, the mere name ^oes. There are plenty of quips, approach to solVe them> ” he de- rnh i h $ l of. the 26th filmmaking method has Wltty asl , des „ and considerable cl PP ed ■ « It i s hoped that this ob- This compares with $1,433,037, oi w . . , . iK1 ., amusement. “When an actor lays i*\ bitration; (3) increase in produc- tion. He said discussions are planned with Allied States Assn, to unite all exhibitors. “Our problems are no different from theirs — only the approach to solve them.” he de- This compares with $i, 433,037, or rv’- ■ . ; . 52c per sharl on 2,769;486 shares an egg in Brooklyn, it has three outstanding, for the corresponding pu ^ “ c r p {^. yolks.” period of 1953. to all newsreels as Pathe and all Hope Is generous to many, in- Third quarter of the current color D^xTs Techniemof C’ScoS deed most, of his contemporaries year brought a net profit of $ 2 -: is^ widescreen pic^^^^ sho^vine and especially admiring of the un- 635,518, representing a ; jump.pf ** J^° wmg ’ fortunate Richie Craig Jr. Ill and more than 100% oyer the $1,274,- ma W norntradesters believe. 728 earned in the same quarter , maior eonclusion that m A major conclusion ttiat niay be coiiicu 1U b.. c aaiuct drawn at. this earlv date ronrerns sack doin ^ hls first performance last year - nSftev Tf t w in a long time. “They didn’t get Rentals for the new 39-week ^ him an d one fellow became to period were listed at $78,010,386, heckle him brutally.” Craig came against $75,540,617 the year P re - P f«ri back -with his hammer blow; VioUS; Significantly, amorti za tion dispelled. Outfit is so full of "They took a fellow to the » ••Chr» SKt mn^appears hos^Tf SjftXf & yoa^ comparod with. $5i,242;797 in : ^^^^ts^presont ^ * 1953 ; iorm, inus remaining xr Also on the upbeat was dividend ou i ; amon S all majors, action taken by the 20th board in N. Y. yesterday (Tues,). A regular quarterly . divvy of 40c was de- clared on the common stock, plus an extra of 10c. Hecht-Lancaster Into WORLD PEACE COUNCIL 0 -‘ j I safe to sav Par wi 1 never try a "They took a fellow to the of film costs was earned at $44,- f®*® .} P- say , ..' w “ l - ever ny a hncnifnl in this town last 187 140 for the 39 weeks of this Christmas” cheer it now appears hospital tn this town last Also on the upbeat w.as dividend 6ut among all majors. examined it and 1; while his Also on ine upoedi was auiaena brain was out he jumped otit the window. They found hint , later in d theatre heckling the actors.’* WORM) PFAfF rnilNni That the fans will be satisfied If V1VLU IL./U/E. LUUHUL With ^Have Tux, WiU Travel” is U A ♦ > ♦ » ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦+ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦444 ♦ 4 4 ♦444H > »♦»♦♦♦ ♦ f ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ + ♦♦ 4 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ »»+♦♦♦♦»♦<+ Milton E, .Pickman will hold, the production reins on films financed by Distributors Corp. of America. He joined the organization over the; past week as exec in charge of production and as.such Will have various approval rights, including scripts and talent, involved in DCA-.aligned indie pix. Pickman, now on the Coast, has been assigned to “Finian's Rain- bow,” feature cartoon adaptation of the Broadway musical,, which is now being co-produced by Maurice Binder and DCA. Exec also al- ready is bn the prowl for studio. . space and production facilities jplus business Offices. * Pickman recently .terminated a two-year contract with Columbia Where he was a production exec and previously was y.p. and gen- eral manager of the^Wald-Krasna indie unit at RKO. He negotiated Col’s purchase of Jerry Wald’s and Norman Krasna’s stock interest in this company, and this led to Wald’s and Pickman’s association with Col. Wald continues as exec producer. DCA’s riCW production topkiek also had a key. role in agenting the deal by which Cecil B. DeMille made “Greatest Show Ori Earth” in a tieup with the Ring-ling Bros. Barnrim & Bailey Circus. Italy Pulls Q.T. Tax Switch on Yanks '■}. ♦NEW YORK DISTRIBS ALARMED AT SCHEME TO START BITE WHEN EACH L\S. :: I NEGATIVE GATHERS <12,000 IN RENTALS— RUSH TAX COMMITTEE TO ROME • ♦ ♦ tf t ♦ » ♦ , »,♦♦♦ . , ,> , , f ,, ♦ VhV ■ ^ two-man Motion Picture Export Assn, tax Committee is currently in Rpme in an attempt to stave Off van Italian move to drastically alter the base on which the American film companies there compute their tax payments. Italy's tax system till now has been somewhat flexible, with all taxpayers on what’s called “analytical” .basis. That involves a tax of approxi- mately 30% on the net income as far as the U* S. outfits are concerned. ' y Italians have now revived a 1951 law which, if enforced, would, ^work great hardship on the American companies in that it, would radically alter the concept of where a motion picture starts to show a taxable profit. Proposal sets the negative Cost of any American import at an arbitrary 8,000,000 (about $12,000). Anything above that Would be considered/ taxable income. MPEA has protested this scheme as un- fair and is plugging for proper allocation of nega- tive costs to arrive at an equitable tax base. American protests have resulted in delays, and there have been no assessments as yet against any of the film companies ori the new basis. However, the Italians have ^ made it. clear that faxes since 1951 have been paid on a provisional basis and that implementation of the law would automatically in- volve retroactive assessments,; Spokesmen for the companies Say that such a: move would be virtually prohibitive. Pointing to a prior example in France, where the French at- tempted to impose an 8V6%. “turnover” .tax on both the N. Y. share and the local take, the Ameri- can execs maintain that the Italo example, should it set a> pattern, would make it difficult to do busi- ness in Europe. The two-man MPEA delegation, consists of Albert Fisher (Loew’s) and Thomas O’Sullivan (WB). William Roberts, the MPEA's. tax expert, returned from Rome recently where, he obtained a post- ponement of the tax imposition to allow negotiations; Enigmatic Justice Dept. National for Bankroll Hollywood, Nov, 30. Edmund Grainger has decided riot to wait on the Dept, of Justice for its approval of a plan whereby National Theatres would put up financing for some four features Grainger plans to shoot. The late Charles Skouras made the deal, National’s board okayed it, but the Dept, of Justice is not to be speeded. Uncle Sam’s sanction was a necessity, since National circuit is under consent decree. Grainger now expects backing from non-banking sources in New York. His first will be “Treasure of Pancho Villa.”*"' Germans Excel Yanks In One Area: Documentaries Hollywood* Nov. 30. Hollywood pictures still over- shadow native German product in quality but German producers are now turning out documentaries which rival the best of all other countries, according to Prof. Hein- rich Rodenstein, director of Teach- ers Training College, Brunswick, Germany. Visiting here as the guest of the Assn, of Motion Picture Producers, he said Germany makes widespread use of films for teaching. .Roden- stein added that transportation dif- ficulties prevent natives from see- ing as many Hollywood pix as they’d like but often they see the sairie filrii three or four times. in Memphis, Nov. 30. Motion. Picture Theatre OWners if Arkansas, Tennessee and Mis- ;issippi .will hold its 45th annual iowwow at the Gayoso Hotel here Dec. 6-8. Some 600 delegates are ixpected. Event will be skippered >y James Carberry of Little Rock, Dther. officers are Leon; Rountree, lolly Springs, Miss., board chair- nan; with Alton Sims of Memphis lerying as the convention’s general ihairman and Nona White of Little lock, /Little Rock, vice-chairman. Delegates Will discuss high film ■entals; shortage of product and ixhibitor encouragement of indie iroductions during the three-day session. National TOA convention flans will also 'be kicked around, dong with session Of “how to use v to the advantage, of the motion flcture theatres.” Conversion Of drive-ins to Ci - maScope has been “disappointing” this season but the ozoners are ex- pected to climb on the widescreen bandwagon in much larger num- bers in 1955. Equipment dealers, -for whom 1954 has been the most profitable year since the industry’s conver- sion to sound, say the fiutdoorers this year were ! still hesitant to make the switch. According to 20th-Fox figures, some 1,300 drive- ins did install the wide screens. That still leaves almost 3,000 to enlarge their screens. Indoor exhibs, going for Wide screens and the anamorphic lenses, are also, still buying stereophonic sound which has been considerably reduced in price. And aome ozon- ers are going for magnetic hrixers as a means - of improving sound quality. According to National Theatre Supply, stereo sound for a small house Can now be had for as little as $2,800. Price doesn’t include in- stallation,. nor does it take in the sidespeakers. NTS execs say ex- hibs are hesitant to lay out the money for those speakers since they feel that the studios aren’t putting enough stress on the fourth, or “surround,” track. GIRL WATCHERS’ KIT It’s For Male Film Crix But Terrell Loves Distaffers Latching, on to a recentlyrpub- lished Harper & Brothers book called “ T h e G irl ;Wa t ch er ’ s Guide,” by Don Sauers, Metro has issued a. promotional kit termed a “pictorial supplement” to the Guide. The original is a takeoff on bird watching, substituting the observa- tion of the human female! After some preliminary comments on girl watching, Sauers makes some con- crete suggestions for beginners,, in- cluding an exercise to raise per- sonal standards of beauty, so the watcher does not waste time watch- ing inferior subjects, The author suggests the watcher obtain “from every source at your disposal” as many pictures as possible of peo- ple like Cyd Charisse, Greta Garbo, Gina Lollobrigida, Pier Angeli, etc. That’s where Metro steps i . pro- viding the pictures (of M.-G stars, Of course) for the girl watcher to study so “they will eventually have some effect on your powers of se- lectivity.” The kit, being sent to film editors! is the brainchild of Metro publicity manager Dan Ter- rell who has provided some addi- tional text, the- most 'important from Metro’s point of view are: v . . “You may want to share them with fellow girl watchers in your community. If so, the easiest way is to print one or more in any pub- lication in which you happen to have influence.” In an editor’s note, . Terrell states: "This booklet was made with the malri movie editor in mind. A1 Lichtman, 20th-Fox director of distribution, Wants exhibitor complaints about 20th’s sales .policy stated specifically and he guaran- tees “prompt 1 action” ori them. But don’t talk “in terms Of generali- ties.” Lichtman thus expressed himself in answer to beefs that some less- er-heeled theatremen were unable to buy Cinemascope films on flat rental although the distrib exec had declared this as his company’s policy, E, D. Martin, president of The- atre Owners of America, was quoted in last week’s Variety as saying he found exhibs in. a few key areas Who claimed they were refused such non-percentage deals, Martin further urged that Licht- man send a directive to his field personnel advising them of the policy, the point being that Licht- man .apparently hadn’t already done this, Lichtmari’s reply was in a letter to Martin, He branded as “ridicu- lous on the face of it” the sugges- tion that his salesmen weren’t kept posted on policy. Hb added: . “Let me state that this (refusal of flat rental deals) may be pos- sible because there are no halos (Continued on page It) OUT The Of Forms Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office LONDON, W. C. 2 8 St. Martin’s Place Trafalgar Square. NEW YORK 36 154 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 6311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avs. . Floyd Odium, president of At- las Corp., thinks RKO is Worth! more to. Howard Hughes, within the latter’s own network of varied enterprises, than to priyone else. 1 What’s more, he told this to Hughes arid Hughes agrees with him. . Comments to this effect were made by Odium yesterday (Tries.) at the annual; meeting of Atlas stockhiNders in :N.: Y; Odium re- lated that about last June he “thought” he and Hughes had ari agreement on a buyout of the pic- ture company, but the new tax law,, upon study, was. found to require a different approach to terms. There’s still a possibility of an accprd On acquisition of the prop- erty but Odium/ frankly stated he can’t see it. “Pbrhaps Mr. Hughes and I will find a common meeting point as to the economics and values of this, particular unit, al- though I am inclined to doubt it, particularly as long as others keep making proposals that seem to be based on lack of knowledge of all the facts.’’ (It’s no trade secret that numerous individuals arid groups have been angling for deal with Hughes, all without suc- cess), '' Regarding other - Hughes hold- ings,. Odium told the Atlas share- 1 holders .that the two sides , “dis- cussed never negotiated” a take- over of. Hughes Tool Co. Oral agreement had been reached, he. added, for Atlas’ acquisition of Hughes Aircraft “but we never could get that meeting of the minds into definitive form.” This leaves RKO Pictures Corp. to be dealt With; A holding com- pany, whose only asset is the cash (Continued on page 20) With ‘Vera Cruz,’ UA Is First to Market Film In Although RKO has been the one company lending its studio facili- ties arid otherwise supporting the development of Superscope., United Artists will be the first to market with a picture that's been 'treated in that process. Developed by the Tushjpsky Brothers, S’soope is a method of making anamorphic prints of regularly-lensed pix for widescreen presentation. RKO’s first Superscoper, “Un- derwater,” jane Russell starrer, is to be sold In January., UA’s re- lease of “Vera Cruz,” Gary Cooper- Burt Lancaster costarrer, is set for unveiling at 19 regional premieres around the Christmas holiday. Hecht - Lancaster Productions, producer of “Cruz*’ decided on S’cope handling when the Tushin- skys recently progressed to the point where any pic in that system could be used with Cinemascope projection equipment. S’scope.films project at a two-to-one ratio. Louis Kaufman Won’t Control 244, Walsh Told Louis. Kaufman, former business agent of IATSE Operators 3 Local 244, Newark, N. J., has witri’drawn as a candidate for that ..post, the local has notified; International prexy Richard P. Walsh. This followed Walsh’s calling attention to the fact that one of eight stipu- lations agreed to in 1951, , when the international restored auton- omy to the. Newark Ideal; was that Kaufman should not hold any of- fice for a period of five years, Kaufman had sought to tegain the post he had held for .20 years before he was convicted in 1945 in Federal Court on the charge of extorting money from film com- panies. He served three! of his seven-year sentence in a Federal prison before he was paroled. Af- ter his conviction, the I A declared a state of emergency and assumed control of the local’s affairs. The IA restored the local’s autonomy in 1951. FUJI! REVIEWS Wednetda^ * * * f ' » , t v - | , Vf-. [December I, 1954 Tfce Country- Girl (SONGS) An absorbing adaptation of the Clifford Qdeta ptay with Bing Crosby, Grace Belly and Wiriam Holden. Strong box- office/ “ Deep liiMj Heart; (musical— color) v Guest atar-fiudded cast, Slgr mund Bon»berc’s muaie for chief value* In tintuner with generally okay b.o. prospects. Hollywood, Nov. 30. Tucker. The art direction and set- 1 the cast they’re not strong enough tings are excellent, as are special to cany the picture on their mar- effects and other technical con- quee pull/ tributions, .Eugene Loring’s chore- writer Herman w hn «*ui +« ography is gopd. JBrog. The White Orehld (COLOR) Routine Jungle adventure, lensed in Mexico* for the gen- eral market. Metro r«i«.w ot «t.«er Ednw moduc JtouUhe linvle adventure. front Bon; oSm 'rr.**a!oiSS , ''«2 w Vifflr' ‘waitS 1«»“« M>. Mewco. for the *en- whose Mi Seaton. Screenplay, Seaton, adapted from S,' ^ 1 Pii!i eJ H<»nrp1a 'Vrfmara Touma- eral market, netism ha „ _ . , _ the play by Clifford Octets; camera. John £?■/,: pa.ti^^Vvvor^T/ohel Klsom ■■ ■ . of the Pebble theV -iee a nnscihlp Crawford, Margaret Rutherford. Directed & Warren; editor, Ellsworth Hdagland; Jftvid- bX 2E ^Mtois/with ’ a j£3E" • United Artists, release ot Reginald Le- f ea der in^MMVhff^th^bODUlSS to S? v a,ph ;ThomaV Sweenplay, Peter gajearvi* STS45 fg. koou !«««« » time, 104 MINS. tJ ,j oJn Weldort. Directed by Stanley ton; editor, Jose W. Bustos; music. An- association With the 12 . disciples, time, 90MINS. Frank Elgln Bing Crosby nonen. Screenplay, Leonard Spigelgass; tonioDiazConde; song, "Femme Fatale," His forgiveness of the Penitent Miranda V Georgie ’ Elgin Grace Kelly f rom the book by Elliott Arnold; camera by Chuy Hernandez, sung in English by j„i„_ _ ori j ttj* Caroline! • Bernie Dodd William Holden (ffiman Colors George Folsey: editor, Uuraht. -Previewed Nov. 24. '54, Run- Mary Magdalene and Hl4 betrayal. Barbara Anne Crawford Phil Cook i... . ;v < • < . . . •■ Anthony R055 Adrienne F&zan; music, supervised and ivn£ time, 81 MINS*' by JllddS IsCdriot sre • StDOn^ the Jeff ... , .....Donald Sinden Larry Gene Reynolds conducted by Adolph Deutsch; orchestra- Robert Burton William Lundlgfln many Scenes unreeled prior to the Nurse . Cary ........ .Margaret Rutherford Singer-Actress Jacqueline^ Fontaine tions, Hugo Friedhofer, Alexander Cou* Kathryn Williams Peggie Castle trial before Pontius Pilate and the ®' ere 1 I U? arla ..., . ... .... .. .. J)ora Bryan £ d , ,r • • ..... . . Eddle Ryder rage; choral . arrangements, Robert Juan Cervantes Armando Silvestre triaL pCiore rOnilUS riiaie ana Ine Barclay icbolas Phipps PdiiI TTnffAP . RhhAi’t KPllt * .Tn : ■ * - _ i_— T ahImU t V • «> nrnmfiviAn ’'TnA . Tlov nf TwnmnVi** Rnnold. n*x_i.. Mad AUeut Mea . (BRrnSB-cu^oR) Writer Sonnanr who is said to j SeqUe* Ui ^Mirwidk” with have based his screenplay upon GiynU John* again as mer- the scriptures and contemporary maid; spotty returns- forecast sources,” recounts the story of an on either side of Atlantic. Israelite group known as the Ze^- ■ - lots who strive to free the Jews «*» from Roman bondage. In Jesus, Pllm ; on ’ whose wisdom, hud. personal mag- netism have fired the imagination Stars Glynla John*. Donald Sinden, Anne _ 4 11. 1; ' ;'-.i ' . II. ' ■ _l ' 1 M.l _• fVkwfArd. HffitlMAnal .Diu 4 L aW 4. m J «M. « the Cause! steward; editor, .Oerald Thomas; music, T,oenc.i uiA^i, it,.. _ AK _ tx{'_ Benjamin Ertuilttf, At Leicester Square Jesus Work among the pOor, HlS Theatre., London, Nov.' 16, -54. 'Running - association with the 12 . disciples, time, 9«r mins. His forgiveness of the penitent 5f ira P, d *A Mary Magdalene and Hi* betrayal- BarSm 1 . ,, . A „h. fcr.w»ri Vw: Tuckeri Choreography. Eugene Lorlng. Lupita . , Roflerida Mohterbs crucifixion. “The • Day of Triumph?’ R^naW;. • w.> Larry •. •. • • . ... ..... ; • •. • Gene Reynolds conducted by Adolph Deu 1 Singer-Actress Jacqueline^ Fontaine ti ons. Hugo Friedhofer, a , ¥T Eddie Ryder rage; choriil arrangen Paul Unger • • • • ■ ; ■ • Tucker; choreography. I Henry Johnson. John Uf. Reynolds p revieW ed Nov. 24, * 1st Woman Ida Moore 130 MINS. ■ Bartender Frank Scanell C5lrt _ llrt4l - 2nd Woman ; Ruth Rickaby Sigmund Romberg .... ... . 1st Actor . . .......... Hal, K: Dawson Dorothy DonnftUy Actor ....... r . . . .. . . . . Howard Joslin ? ? ’ r ‘ ’ 3rd Actor . ... ... . .. . . ... Richard Keene LilllanPomberg , . . , . ... . ^ 2nd Actor .............. Jack Kenney J- *L Shu^ert , Photographer Charles Tannen Florenz Ziegfeld . . . Actor ^Lbs -Clark ‘ * * 4 * ^ Tam ‘ Jimmie Jonathan Provost Mrs. Harris Expressman . . . i ........... Max Wagner 2*" nl ^ u S& r flteid ‘ i Bellboy Dob Aldgn Sf55i„ d ^ ‘ * 1 Ralph (Dresser) Chester ^ones •Reirison ^ v.v . a Photographer . John FJono (Aspect TO, tiO. J Man Jack Roberts ~ , ■■ Running time, Arturo. ... Jorge Trevino when Christ rose from the dead, vil“ Miguel ........ Alejandro de Montenegro nf omircp nrnviHoc thn fiflp of thie vi„u- orster .... Jose Ferrer Pedro Miguel A. Gallardo Ppurse, proviaes ine title. 01 U11S Viola . . . . . . . . . Merle Oberon ; Century, Films production. Madame Blanche ... Helen Traubei (Aspect, ratios 1.85-1) Under fine direction of the late Dr. n Fergus .. . . . mtury. Films production. Madame Blanche Under fine direction of the late Dr. n Fergus Avcdbn i/iopcui. iuhuo uuuui. uuq uuctuuu ui tnc iatc XJr.xergU5 *,*.i. ’./waiter pfdgeon This search for a 16st civiliza- Irving Pichel, and co-director John Editor ........ . Paul* H#nrplH 4 -i’om ilooW «■% -T Y*V»irln/ f V ia oncf n kltr via.bpaofne rilWIlDrOKcr. » «« 1 4 icholas Phipps . : Peter MBrtyn NoeL Purcell .. . Joan Hickson Judith Furse Irene Hand! . David Hurst .. Martin Miller .. Deryck . Guyler Anthony Oliver Hai'ry Welchman St^^er'::/::/:/ch^ %^ SSS'Sel 1 ;! 1 * 14 •••^imirT^umahov! tion deep^ln the ; :jungles of; Mexico T. Coyle' the cast ably. -re-creates .tor ^Les Clark GabyDesiyi ^mara^Toumanova Jg brought off in r o Ut ine fashion the atmosphere of Biblical times, mhie ” ’ * ' ' * ' Jonathan Provost Mrs! Harrbf/. V. ihObelElsom but Will serve its purpose as an Lpe J. Cobb is forceful and ShrCwd , ... ■pressman ’. ! ! » ; .^.^Don mfnnirfg RAh r H??dcon‘ ‘ ? * / ^jt,n < * backus attraction for the more general as Zadok, the Zealot leader; S jt ' pressman Mex Wagner 2 |” o1 h Bi, t tor f ieid‘ ”” V Douglas Fowiey situations. The backgrounds, Joanne Dru contributes a touching *sh comedy, Miranda, filmed a ipif^Dresser) / .* ! I ! ! ! .' Chester Jones Berriso^ Ji ; . . . ; ■ Rufs Tambiyn filmed in Eastman Color, provide performance as Mary, Magdelene, ^yeaTS back, this, has not strong olbgrapher John Fjorio (Aspect ratio: .1.75-1) more interest than the stock Story the reformed prostitute, whose hopes . of repeating the boxoffice >n Jack Roberts development. tears- Washed the -feet of Christ the .original. Pespite an. . . The musical career Of Sigmund William Lundigan and Peggie and James Griffith is bitingly re- impressive local cast it limps An exceptionally well performed R omK er ^ a rom anticLt Castle are the only familiar names alistic as the sly and traitorous along rather uneasily and can only say_ort an., alcoholic song man, in the SsL .Dlavi^-.SSoPlpStt- Judas. expect spotty returns. Not a strong Cinfby tSe 'one clrrying s^ead -oyer .two hou^ ahd 10 min^ in the cast playing -an archeologist Judas o/ h a Bl bottfe° S roniance, e "Couutry JSSi Particularly well done is Robert , enttir for tbe U.S. market. you see Crosby (the conversations __ • -i- j. -4. i.\ ’w 1L a *V t^Aiiomotif will dilUdUUUa. (lUilUMBll tile idiliiiy .MV* «'UV11 wvc iiyau/ j,ui» uuwuu ujiiuuic as ruuuuo Liidic, • . ' P • T , and movement. . appeal of its music and entertaih- Castle and; in the end, SilVestre I Anthony Wapde as Barabbas, the -|J* e ‘ on ' 1;a »4 In -her -place.- As Adapted^ ^ from the Clifford. Due* 5 ment values should see it through sacrifices himself so Lundigan and thief, and Ralph Freud as a high the title suggests, the mermaid is play of the same title, William ^the smaller bookings. the girl can make It back to safety, priest of Israel. mad about men, and indulges in a Perlberg’s production comes face J s Fe re _ -nnearinc as Rom- Better development of the two Producer James K Friedrich succession of amorous adventures, to face with some harsh situations be S-® nd SaVin^hhn we 11 has ?n- male characters in script and di- who’s turned out a number of S b ht paves the way for a real ro- ■;&f e9n h r Slm n ttE’ iSd SmSeX S enSigh demands action would have kept things on iig io us films in the paS; provided ^ schoolmarm FnfA^vino^n^fnfni^ ^omphark " is on versatility to satisfy any actor. fv, m ° re be l) eva ble plane. As it is “Triumph” with a wealth of physi- u A , i He sings, he dances, he clowns, he the . performances are just ade- C al values that would do credit . JJ?ere are broad comedy pos- Slip nf r ?nirit«j Romances as he brings the Rom- }£ * dem ands, -with. ^Silvestre to a major company. Both sets Mhilities, and .-these have been fully Jicrcf?r?r!o r /ho>h ararfp ^ W berg character to the screen in doing the jnost_to impress. and costumes are on par with color fu d c . 0n wJl tl0 ” all y i e ? p lu lte i i but resistance for the character and. as .■•pener style. Concerned with the Hepnaid LeBorg produced and plates out of the. Bible and are there is little sparkle to the dialog lpP ^ private life of a. man Who gave the directed^ as welLassharmg script- especially enhanced by the excel- Too obvious references tp such film, this is fitting. public many" operettas And numer- |ng ^chores with David Duncan, lent Eastman Color camerawork of things as tins is. fishy and whale Rarely does a film have such 0 us songs that still have impact to- He functions best on the produc- Ray June. Print, incidentally, is ° f a goodpime, illustrate the pe- striking thesp work. Grace Kelly day are co-stars Merle Oberon, b °n end, obtaining a good round by Pathe Laboratories. Thomas destnan style in scripting, is resolute to the hilt; conveying a 4 g raC ji ous as Dorothy. Donnelly; S1 8ht values that are pointed up Neff’s editing and music of Ralph Thomas has done a hearty certain feminine strength and Helen Traubei, warm, and friendly by Gilbert. Warrenton’s camera Daniele Amfitheatrof are assets to job of direction and secured spir- epurage that enable; her to endure as Anna Mueller, and Doe Avedon, work. There s good interest in the venkire as are other technical ited performances, from Miss the hardships -of being the boozer’s a pp ea ii n g Lillian Harris, the some fiesta sequences in the early credits. Gilb. Johns, Donald Sinden, Anne Craw- wife. Bill Holden registers in sock giri who became Mrs. Romberg, footage and they add considerable — ford, Margaret Rutherford and style as the legit director deter- adding good . featured support to color to the film, as do some shots. JLe RoilffC ct 1© ]VoilT other principalsi Ernest Steward mined that Crosby can stand up. to. these portions are Paul Stewart, as ancient ruins. A tuneful, back- ■ (xhi* Red &. Blank ) handles the Technicolor cameras the demands of the starring role Bert Townsend; Isobel Elsom, as ground has been provided by An- (vp 4 wrn TTAi 1 a N- rni OR) confidently. Benjamin Frankel’s in new play. Ope scene of un- Mrs. Harris; Jim Backus* as Ben tonio Diaz Conde, and there is a Parto' Nov 1 Q music is a plus credit.. Myro. common vividness has Holden no judson, and Douglas Fowiey, as song, “Femme Fay le ” which is G aumont release of Francd-London.. loneer take m by Crosby s lies, Harold Butterfield effectively sung in English by Don Documento production, stars Gerard . . _ he ’ 5 ' love Th« span of Rombei^’s life •••V.'SSfS’jMS *»«»»•««’ Scrylce lvith Miss K611y. tempted and. the outpouring of mu- j. ■ by Ale- nein, Qaipetrci Anna-Maria Sandri. Di*. (Service Entrance) Crosby pulls a masterly switch, sic j n the period presented hefty Jandro de Montenegro and Miguel rected by Claude ^ Autapt-Lara Screen- (FRENCH) for It Is t^^haraeter of lbe story problems, to Roger Edens, Hece ^““oolv tfemm/hLrni. novel by Stendhal- camera (Eastman^ Parish Nov. 30. that he projects; it is .not the making -His' ^ solo, producer^ ^bow, but Sin Gaumont production and release. Stan crooner in another shallow dis-. irt most instances his guidance is invet At g M&x^pkrii. m & • f^RiciSd W Iife D L?rtSreu^ guise. He immerses .himself into entirely acceptable. The same silv e -st^ W k -’ s ‘ g1 ^ wl? Sro 0 M,N ^ !®e. the part with full effect, inspiring problems were faced by Stanley ° v stre> orog. juii en sprei v Gerard^Phihpe written and .directed by carlo Rim. .Cam- audience revulsion with his deceit Dnnpn and nvprnrimp '.liife'f ac wpll — Louise, Renal .. . ..... Danielle; Darreux era, Robert. Juillard; editor, Robert Isnar-. ahd sottiness and' yet engendering i n the’ direction of the wealth of of Trlulnph Marqufs 6 De Mole . . . . /. Ant J ean Mercure TOO ^ aris * bunning time, just enough sympathy to make his material that required spotlighting (COLOR) Renal . Jean Martineiii Marifi . Lou ............ ika choureau ..final- triumph over the bottle a simple songs and story scenes -- --- . . ^J. e P‘ rard •• v* ^Anna-Mari! sandri Pushkoff. Mischa Auer welcome development. along with the big production Religious film with good gross- ‘ • ‘ ! :v^Jnghe a DSteu.x- For. marquee purposes, the trio numbers that are used to introduce lng potential. ■ . ■ , . Diplomat’ . Jacques Morel of names is important to the film’s sonie of the operettas. - This is the third turn around,. on Wife . Sophie Desmaretr rnmmprrp of prinrqp Adrt thp : Tho v*. George J. Schaefer release of Century film, of the. great French classic, Jeah Richard conimeice, oi course. Aqa me The screenplay by Leonard Films (James k; Friedrich) production. QtpnHhal't; “T p Rnuee Et T,p Noir” Mother Jume Astor acting, sharp and forceful dir.ee- Spigelgass, from the book by Elli-. Directed by Irving Pichei. ?k”f ^Pm-- i B fflfiH aur iiin&Thwt tiOn by George Seaton Of substan- ott Arnold ablv backstons for the J °h n T * Coyle; screenplay/ Arthur t. I The Req &. The Black ;. Lui Leopold Jean-Marc Thibault tial ctnrv mhtprial and thp <5iim • ^pu • f ' Herman; Camera (Eastman Color), Ray rent* version serves as the most im- Benevuto Marc Cassot tiai stoiy mateuai and the sum musical kaleidoscope. The script June; editor, Thomas Neff; music, DO rtant and ^ definitive in its name - total augurs an unmistakable boxr has its moments of well-developed Daniele Amfitheatrof. Previewed n.y., « , •«. ^ , t . . office click. humor and the tune portions are N °v- 28, '54. Running time, 110 mins, value, close, transcription, size and Carlo Rim has collected some ‘•Girl” nrndl.PPd nn Rrnad worked iri^ ^neatlv^ Of thp 1R ' hum ^ Za <*ok . . f . . ............ Lee J. Cobb; technical and -,thespic glow. A Star names to play small roles in produced on Broad- woiKea in neatly, ut the lb num- The . Christ Robert Wilson filmic condensation of a story Of a this sketchv film deDictinc the a*d- way m 1950 by the late Dwight bers, including song and produc- Caiaphas Ralph Freud iqth-pentnrv nbnnrtnnist who re-^ ^ nnoJA 5 Deere Wiman with Paul Kellv in tion. offered there’s something that Peter Tyler McVey i»tn-century opportunist wno is re- ventures of a maid. Uneven qual- fi® ^ ^ hpld hwr-rnchv y, iind will SSSeaf to 'evlrvi^P Amnno Andrew Touch Connors deemed by love, registers as epi- ity of the pic, with dragged in rem* lilG Spot nOw iiOlCi Dy- v/roSPy, -^nCl appeal XO. everyone. Ainon^ 0l03S . Toni*.G6ri*y^ cnrlip fimpc fitir? thnnah iittpvph imVnAnono j : j i r uta Hagen as his wife. It’s effec- the probable highlights are Ferrer Mary Magdalene .....i..... Joanne DrU: Onntnnr anrl /«mnhncit: g nnccp«! and “Crossed: Swords” (UA), $15,500. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, New Fox (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 965: $1-$1. 25)— “Track of Cat” (WP) and “Shanghai Story” (Rep). Stout $31,000. Last Week, with Iris, with- out New Fox, “Drum Beat” (WB) and "Bounty Hunter” (WB) (2d wk). $14,000. Globe, Vogue (FWC) (782; 885;, 60-$l. 10)— “Jesse James’ Women” (UA) and. “Hollywood Thrill- Makers” (Lip). Sad $3,000. Last, week, with Uptown, “Karampja” (Indie) and “Half-Way to Hell” (Indie) l2d wk),. $11,000. Four Star (UATC) (900; $1-$1.25) — “Trouble In Glen” (Rep). Slow $3,000. Last week, with unit. Chinese (FWC) (1,905; $1-$L75) —“Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Fine $21,000. Last week, $26,700. State, Hollywood ^Paramount (UATC-F&M) (2,404; 1,430; $1- $1.50) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d Wk). Good $21,000. Last week, $30,600. > Wilshire, Los Angeles (FWC) (2,296; 2,097; $1-$1.5Q)— ‘Carmen Jories” (2Qth) (4th wk). Finished fourth week With smart $17,500 after $18,500 in third. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75) — r 4 ‘Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). Steady $9,500. Last week, $9 700 El Rey (FWC) (861; 70-$1.10)— “High and Dry” (U) (4th wk). Light $1,900. Last week, ditto. Warner Beverly, Downtown Par- amount (SW-ABPT) (1,612; 3,200; 90-$1.50) — “White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Nice $29,000, way ahead of last week’s $22,000. Pantages (RKO) (2,812; $l-$2.25) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (9th wk). Up to nifty $14,000. Last week, $ 11 , 200 . Warner Hollywood (SW) (1,364; $1 ,20-$2.65) . — “Cinerama” (Indie) (83d Wk). Into current week Sun- day (28) after fat $27,700 last week. Canon (ABC; $1.10)— “Bread, Love, Dreams” (Indie) (4th . wk). Nice $3,200. Last week, $3,900. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week .. . . .$688,700 (Based on 22 theatres.) Last Year . . $624,700 (Based on 24 theatres.) San, Francisco, Nov. 30. Clear weather .and big holiday crowds in town will spell a boom session at first-runs here this round. “Last Time I Saw Pans at Warfield and “Phffft” at Para- mount are running close race for top laurels among the new entries, both being great, “Track of Cat” is rated okay at Golden Gate. “Barefoot Contessa” looms fine in third United Artists round. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1) — “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Sins of Rome” (RKO). Okay $15,- 000. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB) and “Champagne Safari” (Indie) (2d wk), $10,400. . Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1-$1'50) -- “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Solid $19,000 or over. Last week, $26,500. Warfield .(Loew’s) (2,656;, 90-$l) — “Last Time Saw Paris”. (M-G). Sock $21,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,000. Paramount. (Par) (2,646; 90 u $U— “Phffft” (Col) and. “Black Dakotas” (Col). Great $20,000 or better. Last week, . “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk), $12,500 in 6 days. St. Francis (Par). (1,400; $1-$1.25) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk). Okay $10,000. Last week, $13,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1,458; $1.75-$2.65)— “Cine- rama” (Indie) (48th wk). Fat $24,- 000, Last week, $18,000. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207; 90-$1.25) — . “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (3d wk). Fine $9,000. Last week, $12,500. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1,25)— “Dr. Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde” and “Woman’s Face” (reissues). Okay $3,200. Last wfeek, “Little Kidnap- pers” (UA) (5th wk), $3,000. Larkin (Rosener) (400; $1) — “Bread, Love and Dreams” (IFE) (4th wk). Oke $2,800. Last week, $3,100. - Vogue (S, F. Theaters) (377; $1) — "Ugetsu” (Indie) (2d wk). Hot $5,000. Last week, $5,200. . Bridge (Schwartz - Reade) (399; $1-$1.‘20) “High and Dry” (U) (4th. wk),. Current round finishing Wednesday (1) looks like big $2,- 700 after $3,000 in third. Stays on. ‘Christmas’ Wham 42G, Monti; ‘Luce’ Big 25G Montreal, Nov. 30. Paramount’s “White Christmas” is boominK here this week, with huge take . ..at Loew'-s. “Broken Lance” is big at. palace. /“Rogue Cop” shapes strong at the Princess; Estimates for This Week Palace (CT.) (2,625; 60-$l) — Lance’* (20th). Big $25,000. iast week, “Egyptian” (20th) (3d wk), $14,000. Capitol (C.T.) (2,422; 45-75)— “Betrayed” (M-G) (2d wk). Okay $15,000 following $22,000 opener. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 40-65)— “Rogue Cop” (M-G). Fancy $15r 000. ■ Last week, “3 Hours to Kill (Col), $9,000, Loe#s (C.T,) (2,847; 60-$l) — “White Christmas” (Par). Terrific $42,000 or near. Last week, “Gar- den of Evil” (20th) (2d wk), $14,000. Orpheuin (C.T,) (1,048; 40-65)— “Golden Mistress” (UA) arid “Shield for. Murder” (UA). Fair $7,000. Last week, “Rocket Man” (20th) and “Queen of Sheba” (20th), $5,000. Estimated Total Gross This Week ...... $3,279,100 < Based on 25 . cities, and 232 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N* Y.) Total. Gross Stipe Week Last Year $3,232,300 ( Based oh 24 cities and 227 theatres .) Detroit, Nov, 30. Downtowners are doing (swell biz this week with credit going to strong product and heavy iriflux of early Christmas shoppers: “Car- men Jones” is flashy at the Fox, “Drum Beat” is smash at the Palms. “Barefoot Contessa” looks sturdy at the Michigan. “LastTime I SaW Paris” is rated good at Adams. “Desiree” in second round at the United Artists looms strong. “Private Hell 36” shapes 'bright at Broadway-Capitol. . Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5,000; . $1- $1.25). — “Carmen Jones” (20th). Big $40,000. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) and “Fast and Furi- ous” (A AO (3d wk), $18,000. Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 80-$l)— “Barefoot Contessa” (UA). Socko $27,000. • Last week, “White- Christmas” (Par) (4th wk), $20,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$D— “Drum Beat” (WB) ahd “Ricochet Romance” (U). Terrific $30,000. Last week, “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) arid “Khybef Patrol” (Coll, $16,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; $1.25-$1.50) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (9th wk). Strong $10,000. Last week, $9,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3,500; 80-$l)-VPrivate Hell 36” (FM) and “Deadly Game” (AA). Bright $14,- 000; Last week, “Golden Mistress” (UA) and “Target Earth” (AA), su.ae; United Artists (UA) (1,938; ($1- $1.25) — •‘“Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Solid $20,000. Last week, $27,000. Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 80-$D— “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G). Good $12,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G), $6,000. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1,194; $1.40-$2.65) — "Cine- rama” (Indie) (89th wk). Oke $14,- 000. Last week, $17,800. Pitt; ‘Xmas’ 35G, 2d Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. Biggest holiday weekend here in years, with shopping crowds bulg- ing the walls of the Golden Triangle following end of 12-month department store strike, sending firstriin figures soaring, “White I Christmas” in second week at Penn is almost as smash as first round, arid stays on. Both new pix, “Phffft” at Harris and “Drum Heat” at Stanley, are doing well, especially the former which hold. Second stanza of “Desiree” holding up strongly at Fulton while “Little Kidnappers” is big at Squirrel Hill in third week. Stays on. Estimates fair This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$1.10)— “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Thanks- giving helped, with great, $11,500 likely. Stays on. Last week, $13,- 500. Desiree Fine 13G, K.C., ‘Carmen 12G. ’Drum’ Bis 15G, 'Xmas’ IS ‘STAR’ SOCKO ST. L; ‘CON CONTESSA’ 19G St. Louis, Nov. 30. With Xmas spending splurge un- derway, biz at boxoffice so far is good in downtown sector. “Star Is Born” is proving heftiest draw with sock session at the St. Louis. “Barefoot Contessa” is getting a solid total at Loew’s. “Cinerama” tossed in three extra shows at Am- bassador last week to roll up best gross in several months; . Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie' (44th (Continued on page 22) Kansas City, Nov. 30. 1 Turkey Day and weekend are boosting trade at most wickets, with strong films in most situa- tions. Big money looms for “Last Time I Saw Paris” at the Midland, “Drum Beat” at the Missouri and “Ricochet Romance” in three Fox Midwest houses. “Desiree” playing daydate in two competing houses, is getting fancy play in both, “White Christmas” shapes sock at the Paramount third week. “Carmen Jones” is rated fast at the Orpheum, arid due to hold. Estimates for This Week Fairway (Fox Midwest) (700; 65- 85 v — “Desiree” (20th). Good $6,- 000, and holds. Also at Roxy. Last week, house coupled with Tower, Uptown and Granada. Gieri (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l) — “High and Dry.” (U) (4th \vk). Okay $1,500, may hold. Last week, $1,800. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l) — • “Julius Caesar” (M-G). Return date looks oke $2,000. Last week, “Man with Million” (UA) (5th wk), $ 1 , 200 . Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 50-75) — “Last Time I Saw Paris” (MtG) and “Diamond Wizard” (UA). Hep $12,- 000. Stays. Last week, “Black Knight” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col), $8,000. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 65-90)— “Drum Beat” (WB) and “Sins of Rome” (RKO). Sock $15,000. Holds over. Last week, “The Thing” (RKO) and “Enchanted Cottage” (RKO) (reissues), $5;000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1,913; 75-$l)_- “Carmen Jones” (20th). Nifty $12,000. Staying , ori. Last week, “Woman’s World” (20th) (6th wk), $4,500. Par, amount (United Par) (1,900; 75-$l) — “White Christmas’* (Par) (3d wk). Huge $19,000 to break all records here. Holds. Last week, giant $16,000. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 70-90)— “Desiree” (20th). Fast $10,000. Holds over. Last week, “Beau Brummeli” (M-G), $3,000. Tower Uptown, Granada. (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 1,217; 65- 85)— 'Ricochet Romance” (U) and “Yellow Mountain” (U). Good $12,000. Last week, hookup includ- ed Fairway, “Shanghai Story” (Rep) % and “Fast and Furious” (Lip), six days, $10i000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-$l) — '“Murder On Broadway’* (Indie) (2d vk), Triiri $1,300. Last week, $ 2 , 000 . Harris (Harris) (2,165; 65-$l) — “Phffft” (Col). Embraceable. notices helping; smash $14,0Q0 looms. Holds, Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk), $7,000. Penn (UA) (3,300; 75-$1.25) — “White Christmas” (Par) (2d. wk). Doing nearly as well as first week with terrific $35,000 or better. Last week, $36,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900; 65-85)-- “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (3d wk). One of best at this nabe arter all year; holiday . assures it another h.o., $3,000. Second week was $3 100 Stanley (SW) (3,800; 65-$l) — “Drum Beat” (WB). Good $14,000 in 8 days. Lhst week, “Star Is Born” (WB) (6th wk), to $5,500 in. 6 days to give pic around $92,000 on run. . Warner (SW) (1,365; $1.25- $2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (52d wk). Celebrates first aftni Dec! 8 with big civic doings. Pushing to big $11/000. Last week, $9,000. ‘Contessa’ Wow $38,009, Hub; ‘Desiree’ Trim 30G, ‘Xmas’ Great 26G, 5th . Boston, Nov. 30. Biz is bullish this stanza with most downtown firstruns ‘ the chips. Newcomers, “Desiree” at the Met, and “Barefoot Contessa” at the Orpheum and State, are very strong. “Cattle Queen of Mon- tana,” at the Memorial, is. fairish. “White Christmas” in fifth week at Paramount and Fenway con- tinues ..solid. “Last Time I Saw Paris’* in second frame at the Astor is smash. Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) <1,500; 70-$1.10)— “Last Time I Sav/ Paris”, (M-G) (2d wk). Very nice $19,500 follow- ing $24,500 opener. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; 50-$l) — “Hobson’s Choice” (UA) and “Bad Sister’* (Indie), latter added this week (5th wk). Steady at $6,000 following $6,500 in fourth. Boston (Cinerama Productioris) (1,354; $1.20-$2.85) “Cinerama” (Indie) (48th wk). Neat $17,000. Hypoed, by holiday in previous week to $19,000. Copley 5 (Devlin-Dugan) (1,000; 50-$l. 50)— “Spell of Ireland” (In- die) (3d wk). Okay $4,500. Last Week, $6,500. , Exeter. (Indie) (1,300) 60-$l)— - “Inspector Calls’* (Rank). Opened Sunday (28). Last week, “High rind Dry” (U) (6th wk), fair $3,500* Fenway (NET) (1,373; 70-$1.25) — “White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Good $6,500 after $6,000 in fourth. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 50-$l) — “Cattle Queen Montana’* (RKO) and “Monster From Ocean Floor” (Lip). Okay $14,500. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) and “Cham- ( Continued ori page 22) Cincinnati, Nov., 30. Two new bills, “Desiree,” big at Albee, .and “Drum Beat,’^ looming at Palace, are standout Thanksgiv- ing trimmingsJthis session. “White Christinas’* snapes to go ahead of last wee)c ; iu its fifth frame at 1 Keith’s, where, still.smash and near top coin in town. Holiday helped “Cinerama” in 23d week at the Capitol. “Sabrina’* continues potent in fourth downtown stanza. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90)-^ “Desiree” (20th). Tall $19,500. .Last week, “Suddenly” (UA), $9,000 at Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,- 376; $1.20-$2.65)— “Cinerama” (In- die) (23d wk). Big $23,000 outlook although a dip from Thanksgiving $25,300 bulge. : Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-90)^ “Sabrina” (Par) (m.o.) (2d wk). Plumpish $6,500 after $7,500 third downtriwn session. Keith’s (Shbr) (1,500; 75-$1.25)— “White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Holiday a boost to get socko $16,- 000 rind a climb over fourth frame’s $12,500. Palace (RKO) (2 ( 600; 75-90)^ “Drum Beat” (WB). Hefty $14,000. Last week, “Hajji Baba” (20th), "$3,000 at 50c-90c scale. fans’ Rousing $18,000, Toronto; ‘Contessa’ 13G In 2d, ‘Xmas’ 17G, 4th Toronto, Nov. 30. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is socko at Loew’s and is the only major newcomer currently. How- ever, biz generally .is hep at the holdovers. Crowding for; town’s top returns is ‘‘White Christmas,” smash in fourth frame at the. Im- perial. “Barefoot Contessa,” now in second round at Odeori, still is nice, “Black Widow” shapes neat in third frame, playing two spots. Estimates for. This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarbord, State (Taylor) (1|059; 955; 698; 694; . 40-70) — “Gambler Natchez” (20th) and “Silent Raiders” (Rep). Good $14,000. Lrist week, “Taza” (U) and “Roogie’s Bump” (U), $12,000. Eglinton, Umversity (FP) (1,080; 1,558; 60-$l) — “Black Widow” (20th) (3d Wk). Neat $9,000. Last week, $11,500. Hyland (Rank) (1.354;. 60-80) — “Father Brown, Detective” (Col) (2d wk). Still big at $7,000. Last Week, $8^000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l) ■ “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk), Fancy $17,000. Last week, $20,000, Loew-s (Loew) (2,090; 60-$l) r- “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G). Wham $18,000. Last week, “Sud- denly” (UA), $10,000. ;Odeoii (Rank) (2,380; 75-$l) — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk). Nice $13,000. Last week, $18,000. Shea’s (FP) (2,386; 75-$l) .— “Rear Window” (Par) (4th wk). Okay $7,500. Last week. $10,000. Tivoli (FP) (1,436; 60-80)— “We Want a Child’* (IFD). Neat $7,000. This week, $5,000. Towne (Taylor) (693; 50-8()) — “Modern Times” (UA) (reissue) (93d wk). Oke $4,500. Last week, $5,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,745; 60-80) — “Beau Brummeli” (M-G) (2d wk). Good $7,500. Last week, $10,500. ‘BABA’ BRIGHT $8,000, OMAHA* ‘DESIREE’ 15G C . Omaha. Nov. 30. /Anticipated pickup arrived dur- ing Thanksgiving week rind all first-run houses are . up this session . “Last Time Saw Paris” is sock at “Last Time Saw 1 Paris” is terrific at State, and' near house high, “Desiree” at the . Orpheum arid “Hajji- Baba” at tire Omaha both are livelv Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,100; 65-85)— "Track of Cat” (WB) and “Kis- enga” (Rank). Good $5,500. Last week,. “Mristerspn of Krinsas” (Col) and “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (Col), $4,000 at 75c top. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) - “Roogie’s Bump” (Rep). Excellent 1 $8,000 or near. Last week, “Sud- I denly” (UA) and“Killer Leopard” (AA), $7,000. - ) Orpheuin (Tristates) (2,890; 70- i 90)— “Desiree” (20th). Fancy n $15,000. Last week, “White Christmas’* (Par) (2d wk), $16,500 ) at 75-$l scale. ) State (Goldberg) (875; 60-85)— ” “Last Time Saw . Paris” (M-G). t, Giant $12,000. Last week, “Black l- Widow” (20th) (2d wk) and “Girl for Joe” (WB), $3,800 at 80c top. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 PICTURE GROSSES Chi Climbs; Desiree* Mo $45,(00, Chicago, Nov. 30. The deluxerst are spotlighting their ; strongest fare in months, and a general biz upbeat reflects the potency of fiye newcomers. Hold- overs ate still- mostly strong, too, Biggest noise among the new bills is being , made by ''Desiree'' at thfr Oriental; with a great $45,- 000, Woods is eyeing a tall $41,000 for “Last Time I Saw Paris" while “Phffft” looks sizzling $30,-000 at McVickers. “Drum Beat" is thump- ing a smash $23,000 the Grand while “This Is My Love” shapes modest $6,500 at. Monroe. “Carmen Jones’* still is lush in second round at United Artists. “Suddenly” and “Yellow Moun- tai ” continue - fast at ‘Roosevelt, also in second “She- Wolf” is nice in third at the Loop. In fourth session, “White* Christ- mas” is still terrific at the Stated Lake. “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” is tidy at Surf In the fifth. “Star Is Born” is starting to falter In sev- enth at Chicago. “Cinerama” looks great in 70th week at the Palace; , Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95) — “Flamenco” (Indie) (3d wk). Big. $4,000. Last week, $4,500. Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 98-$1.50) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (7th wk). Slipping to fair $28,000; Last week, $38,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98- $1 .25)— “Drum Beat” (WB). Socko J $23,000. Last week, “Naked Alibi- (U) and “4 Guns to Border” (U) (2d wk), $8,500. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— “She-Wolf” (Rep) (3d wk). Nice $8,000. Last week, $12,000. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)— “Phffft” (Col). Sock $30,- 000. Last "week, “Black Widow” (20th) (3d wk), $14,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 65-87) — > “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO). Modest $6,500. Last week, “Twist of Pate” (UA) (2d wk), $4,500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) —“Desiree” (20th). Great $45,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G) (2d wk), $20,000. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) —“Cinerama” (Indie) (70th wk). Hotsy $35,000. Last Week, $29,000. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98)— “Suddenly” (UA) and “Yellow Mountain” (U) (2d wk). Hefty $20,000 after $27,000 last week. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 9&- $1.50) — “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Terrific $50,000. Last week, $48,000. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 95) — “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (5th wk). Fancy. $4,900. Last week* $5,200. . United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 98- $1 .25)— “Carmen Jones” (20th) (2d wk). Socko $32,000. Last week, $35,000. V Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25) — “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G). Lofty $41,000. Last week, “On Waterfront” (Col) (8th wk). $15,000. 4 Solid $12,500, Ratio; ’Paris’ Fast I3G, ’Xmas’ Potent 16G, 4th Baltimore; Nov. 30. Many holdovers plus a rainy weekend nicked holiday grosses here this week, “Last Time I Saw Paris” is pleasing at the Century.' _“Phffft” is stout at "the' Town. “Drum Beat” is dull at the Stan- ley. “White Christmas” continues potent in fourth week at Keith’s. Estimates for This Week . Century (Loew’s-UA) (3.000; 25- 80) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G), Brisk $13,000. Last Week, “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA), $7,000. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-$l) —‘‘Madame De” (indie) (2d wk). Okay $3,000 after $3,300 opener.- Film Centre (Rappaport) (960; 50-$l)— “Sabrina” (Par) (8th wk). Profitable $3,800. Last week, $3,500. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,100; 50-$l)— “On Waterfront” . (Col) (6th wk>. Holding at nice $6,500 after $6,000 in fifth. Keith’s (Fruchtman) (2,400; 30- $1) — “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Hefty $16,000. Last week, $15'000. Little (Rappaport). (310; 50-$l)— “Gilbert* And Sullivan” (U). Nice $3,600. Last week, “B'ank Dick” (U) (reissue), $3,300. , Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— ‘Cattle Queen Montana” . (RKO). (Continued on page 22) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- Us key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax, Distrib- utors, share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- comer-' The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, .include the U. S, amusement tax. $31,000, D. C. Washington, Nov, 3Q. A’ welcome flurry of newcomers, plus heftiest Thanksgiving week- end biz since the plush war years, is giving the first-run b.o. a rosy hue. Friday’s (26) amazing downtown shopping binge helped boost , biz at first runs, with activity carrying over for several days. Topping this boom is “Desiree”, smash at Loew’s Palace. ... “Ugetsu”, prize- winning Jap pic, is solid at Lop- ert’s Dupont after fancy preem hosted by > the Ambassador from Japan. Holdovers also were hy- poed, with top honors in class go- ing to “White Christmas;” now in its fifth session at Keith’s. That its fifth session at Keith’s. “Drum Beat” is fancy in two spots, Estimateis for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1.400; 60-80) —“Track, of Cat” (WB). Good $7,000. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk), $4,000. Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 70-95)— “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (3d wk). -Pleasant $16,000 for final 9 days. Last week, $19,000. Columbia (Loew’s) (1,174; 60-80) —“Sitting Buir (UA). Fast $11; : 000. Stays; Last week. “Hajji Baba” (20th) (2d Wk), $5,000. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l) — “Ugetsu” (Indie). Big $6,000 for this Japanese language noveltyV Holdihg. Last Week, “Hobson’s Choice” (UA) (4th wk), $3,500. JCeith’s (RKO) (1,939; 75-$1.25)— “White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk); Up again to bright $17,000 after $16,000 last week. Stays. Metropolitan (SW) (1,200; 60-80) —“Track of Cat” (WB). Fancy $10,500. Last, week, “Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk), $7,500. Palace (Loew’s) (2,370; 75-$l)— “Desiree” (20th). Smash $31,00Q, practically all the traffic will bear, with scale upped 5c at each level. Holds. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk), $12,000. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 55-$l) “Rear Window” (Par) (13th wk). Big $5,000 after $4,500 last week. Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (56th wk). Back, to average $13,000 after $16,- 500 last week, which embraced Thanksgiving Day. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 70-$l) — “On Waterfront” (Col) (11th wk). Pushing to nice $4,500 after $4,000 in 10th week. Port; ’Desiree’ Big 16G Portland, Ore., Nov. 30. Both “Desiree’^ at the Fox and “Last Time I Saw Paris” at the Broadway shape standout as new- comers currently. “White Xmas” is pushing. ahead to a terrific third round at the . Paramount to top the second week. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 75-$l) — -“Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) and “Dawn at Socorro” (U). Hotsy $15,000. Last week, “Sabrina” (Par) (3d wk),. $6,700.- . Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.25) —“Desiree” (20th). Wow >$16,000. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) and “Shanghai Story” (Rep) (2d wk), $6,600. Guild (Indie) (400; $l)^“Malta Story” (UA) and “Beauties In Night” (UA) (2d wk). Fine $3,000. Last week, $3,600. Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) —“Shield For Murder” (UA) and “The Yellow Tomahawk”. (UA)*, Oke $7,000. Last week, “Human' Jungle” (AA); and -‘Weak and Wicked” (Indie). $9,200. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; $1- $1.25)— “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Miss Robinson Crusoe” (20th) (2d wk). Neat $6,000. Last .week, $7,400. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; $1- $1.25)— “White Xmas” (Par) (3d wk). Upped to smash $18,000. Last ' week, $16*000; ‘Drum’ Bangup $18,OO0, Buff.; ‘Phffft’ Hot 'ISG Buffalo, Nov, 30. “Last Time I Saw Paris” at the Buffalo and “Drum Beat” at the Center shape standout here ; cur- rently. Both are great. “Phffft” is rated lively at Lafayette. Estimates for This Week. . .. Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,000;. 50-80) — - “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G). Smash $18,000 or better. Last week, “Barefoot Contessa’’ (UA) (2d wk), $11,000, Paramount (Par) (3,000; 50-80)— “Athena” . (M-G) and “Sleeping Tiger” (Indie). Good $12,000. Last week, “White ; Christmas” (Par) (4th wk), $15,000 at $1 top. Center;. IPar) (2,000; 50-80) — “Drum Beat” (WB). Great $15,000. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk), $10,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)-- “Phffft” (Cpl) 'and “Cannibal At- tack” (Col): Lively. $15,000. Last week, “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col), $10,000. Century (Biihawk) (3,000; 60-85) —“Desiree" (20th) (2d wk). Dull $7,500. Last week, : $12,300. Philadelphia, Noy. 30. Thanksgiving holiday was big here. With ' Penn-Cornell plus Army-Navy football games here over the holiday weekend, the in- flux of visitors naturally upped .midtown takes. All but two first- runs stood pat. Holdovers took up slack in most cases, climbing above previous week’s takes. Judy Holli- day’s personal kicked off “Phffft,” to make it the ’ outstanding new pic; Another hew entry, “Track of Cat” shapes drab at Mastbaum. “White Christmas” is one of standout extended-runs,', with smash total at the Randolph in fifth week, being way away of fourth round. “Carmen Jones” also is big In second frame at Stanley. “Barefoot Contessa” looms good in fifth session at the Midtown. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 8 4»+444 fr 444 44 4 4 ♦ 4 4 44444444 4 4 44444 ♦ 4 44 ♦ 4444444*4 4* 4 4 ♦ 4 44 4 Included on Metro’s 1955 schedule Is a musical spectacle based on “Juiribo," which in its day was a two-way flash on Broadway, a radio, show, sponsored by Texaco, about a stage show then playing the N.Y. Hippodrome. It was but plenty expensive, that “Jumbo,”; as produced by Billy Rose and starring Jimmy: Durante, Paul Whiteman and Donald Novis . . . Metro’s version will be produced by Rodgers Edens and directed by Stanley Dorien from a screenplay of Leonard Spigelgass . , . One of the many units of the farflung Ford Foundation is digging for the “definitive study” of the whole blacklisting history in Hollywood, New York, films and other amusements . . . may take years. : Cecil B. DelVliHe dropped 21 pounds lensing “Ten Commandments” in Egypt . ., Zenith (Phonevision) is circulating reproductions of an interview with Sir Alexander Korda in Britain’s Picture Post. Mag quotes the producer as being strictly in favor of home subscription television. He’d like to see this first, then wider Screens and then color as the major steps i developing ip England . . Author William Gibson has left for the Coast to work with producer John Houseman arid director Vincente Minelli on script revisions for Gibson’s novel, “The .Cobweb;’’ which went before, the cameras at M-G-M this week. Amalgamated Productions either gets off the ground with a film- making program within a few weeks or does a fold* All depends on the outcoirie of current negotiations to set up financing. Outfit’s formation was announced idst May wjith William F* Rodgers, Cliff Work, Sam Dembow and Jack Skirball as partners, Nothing has happened: since because of the money snarl . .. . Myer P, (Mike) Beck, indie press rep, leaves N.Y. for the Coast tomorrow (Thurs.) for a week’s huddles, with producer Stanley Kramer re the “Not As A Stranger? campaign. Film* is Kramer’s first under a new tieup with- United Artists’ , . , Cor- respondence from 'Down Under ‘reports Eric A. Johnston party doing a nifty job of ambassadorial goodwilling both within and beyond the picture business.. Johnston group left Sydney for Manila and Tokyo last Wednesday (24). Hy Daab, vet ad-pub specialist, anhled Hal R. Makelim Productions after , a brief association. Producer meanwhile is. continuing on the prowl for exhibitor contracts in advance of the actual lensing of hjs pix. Signe Hasso planing to Stockholm this week to arrange financing for a series of English-language features to be made in Sweden, One would be a romantic comedy drama starring Miss Hasso . . , Pakistani mag, “Bull’s Eye,” in & n editorial in the Nov. 21 issue, went on a rampage against George Cukor, director of Metro’s “Bhowani Junction.” Urging that Cukor and his crew be given the heave-ho, the ;mag ob- served that it was the Americans’ “Sole aim to make money by pandering to the superiority complex of the White Man by deriding and ridiculing an Oriental nation.” Mag maintained the film would vilify India . Hugh M. . Flick, the N.Y. censor; persuading film companies to let him scissor excessive violence out of pix . . . Actors Fund expected to get behind. 20th-Fox’s “No. Business Like Showbusiness” in a big way. Tickets to the film’s charity preem, which benefits the Fund, Will be blank, with donations left up to individual “buyersi” Western Hemisphere as “The War- riors” because it sounds too much like. Columbia’s “The Black •Knight" . . . Robert Rossen talk- ing a deal with Jack Palance to co- star with Richard Burton in Alexander the Great,” to be pro- duced for United Artists release . , , Warners signed Eliri Kazan to direct an unspecified number of pictures on a rion-exclusive basis . . . William Slack gets the heavy role in Cy Roth’s indie, "Stone Dragon” . . Betsy Blair will co- star with Jean Gabin in “At the Green Devil,” to be filmed in Paris next year. U assigned Richard Quine to di- rect “So This Is Rio” with Tony Curtis, Gene Nelson and Paul Gil- bert as : topliners . . , Columbia bought Harriet Arnow’s best-seller, “The Doll Maker,” for filming as one of 1955’s top productions . . . arrters signed Janies Webb to screenplay the Frank P, Rosenberg production, “So Shall I Live” . . . Queenie Smith returning to the screen to portray Jack Lemmon’s secretary in Columbia’s “My Sister Eileen” . ... , Gregory Walcott joined the cast of “The McConnell Story” at Warners .. . , U signed Harry Mendoza, Vera Frances a&d John Close for roles in “Tacey” . . . Belinda Lee snagged a part in Columbia’s “Deadlock.” Edward G. Robinson and George Raft will co-star in “Canada’s Great Man Hunt,” Sam Bishoff’s indie for UA release . ... Marty Melcher’s Arwin Company is readying “Rhythm and Blues” to star Doris Day . . . Milton Sperling registered “The Court Martial of General Mitchell” at the Johnston office . . Hecht - Lancaster - will produce “Trapeze” in England and “Until They Sail” in Ney/ Zealand . •. . Mark.Robson^ purchased “Fire iri the East,” a novel by Roland Crane Greene dealing with the first treaty between the U.S. and Japan . . . Joseph Kaufman bought “Medicine Whip,” a western yarn, for production in Australia . Robert Dix plays a featured foie in Metro’s “Love Me or Leave Me” . . . Margherita Pasquero makes her film bow as a grandmother in S al Wallis’ “The Rose Tattoo” . . . ushy Callahan staging the box- ing sequences i “The McConnell Story” at Warners. Walter Hampden will portray the King of France in “The Vaga- bond King” at Paramount . . . Barry Curtis drew a role in U’s “Tacey” . King Bros, signed Irving Rapper to direct “The Boy. and the Bull” in Spain . . . Peter Miller joined the “Blackboard Jungle” cast at Metro . . . Ray Teal shagged a role in Paramount’s “The Desperate Hours” French ‘Dedee Cleveland, Nov. 30. Booted around by police and cen- sors, a private film club called Group 16 rail into a blockbuster, when two of Its directors were ar- rested for publicly showing a film not approved by the Ohio Board of Censors. Latter signed the warrants under which Victor Salupo .and Anthony Dennison were pinched by state agents after they had viewed part of “Dedee,” French film, at the Moreland. Nabe house was leased by Group 1.6 sponsors after they had been kicked out of Manger Hotel’s ballroorii and also denied right to use Masonic Hall recently. Nathan Botwin, attorney who ar- ranged bond for both arrested men, said the group has for a long time conducted private showings of foreign films banned by state censors. Police and state agents, he claimed, started gunning for it as soon as organization bought newspaper ads to ballyhoo “Dedee” and its new headquarters of More- land. Arrests were carried off so quietly that 300 persons seeing the picture were not disturbed. Case to be heard in municipal court is expected to expose the controver- sial authority of Ohio’s board of censors to an acid test. Ed Fahey to Pittsburgh In Shea Manpower Shifts In personnel changes at James- town Amusement (Shea Circuit), Ed Fahey has., been switched from : manager of Shea’s Theatre, Man- chester, N. H., to manager of the Fulton, Pittsburgh, effective Jan. 4. He succeeds Bernie Hickey, who has moved to the N. Y. homeoffice - in charge of coordinating exploita- tion and promotion with film buy- ing and booking. . Fenton Scribner goes to the Man- chester location from the Shea Theatre, Nashua, N. H., and new manager of the latter house is Ar- mand Pepin, ti'ansf erring from the Park Theatre, Westfield, Mass. Wednesday, December I y 1954 PICTURES 11 Hollywood, Nov/ 30'. . Screen Directors^ Guild apd the Assn, of Motion Picture ^Pro- ducers signed a hew*' working agreement calling for a pension' plan in addition to substantial salary increases. Contract goes into ef- fect Jan. 2 and extends through March 12^ 1958. Minimum pay for ’ directors under the new pact will be increased from $550 to $600 a week; for freelance first assistant directors, $300 to $335] for second assistant directors, $170 to $190. Flight pay. for assistants while photographing is upped to $36.59 per flight, with a maximum of $73.15 per day. Underwater pay is $22 per dive, with maximum of $44 per day for assistants wear- ing diving gear/ Negotiations for the directors were carried out by George Sidney, Fred Zinneman, George Stevens, Rouben Mamoulian, H. C. Potter, Willis Goldbeck, John Ford, George Marshall, King Vidor, Emmett Emerson, Delmar Daves, Dick Moder, Frank Bauer; Mark Sandrich Jr., Mabel Walker Willebrandt, Morrie Abrams and Joe Youngerman. Representing the producers were Charles Boren, Y. Frank Free- man. E. L. DePattie, Ben Kahane, E. J. Maiinix, Howard McDonell, Fred S/ Meyer^ C. J, Tevlin, Morris Weiner, At Chamle, Maurice Benjamin, L. K, Sidney and Mendel Silberberg. Arthur Loew Guesses Raps Come From People At Cocktail Parties— Mari in Street Loves IJ.S. Films By HY HOLI4NGER Complaints on the content of American Films, particularly oyer- stressing of violence, are not com- ing from the man in the street in foreign countries, according to Arthur M. Loew, president of Loew’s International; Just : back from .five weeks in Europe, Loew. charged the beefs stem '‘from" people Who never see a film.” “They originate at cocktail par- ties, he declared. “IPs the work, of people commonly known as snobs. It's a popular pastime to rap something and American films seem to be a target. The man in the street finds nothing wrong with our pictures.” The iron curtain countries, Loew reported, are still trying to move in with their pictures. “They’re getting their pictures shown,” he said, “but* they’re not popular. They contain tOo much obvious propaganda.” . As a. contrast, he noted that although U. S. produc- ers do not make films for propa- ganda purposes, there’s plenty in them for America.” Overseas biz for Loew’s this year according to the international chief, will run about 15% ahead of 1953. Unlike U. S. exhibs, for- eign theatremeri are not experi- encing a product shortage, Loew noted. “They have their own na- tional output to draw on as well as the product of other foi'eign. countries. American pictures are still the most popular except per-- haps ‘ one or two extremely chauvinistic countries. And then there’s always the desire of some governments to sponsor their own product in order to maintain a favorable dollar exchange.” * No Chill Problems Commenting on the problem of getting coin out of /foreign coun- tries, Loew said he was “never pessimistic about the unfreezing of money. Eventually we’ll get it out. As the economy and dollar position gets better in various countries, there’li be less restric- tions.” Loew’s International, which runs 42 theatres in different foreign countries, faces the same problems as. distributors in getting coin oiit from theater operations.. The accumulation of frozen money 1 In Argentina .prompted Loew’s to build a. new theatre in Buenos Aires. “After all,’’ the interna- tional topper asked, “what can we do with the pesos now?” Although there’s to chance of obtaining any of the profits from the operation at this time,: Loew is hopeful the ituation will change ih the future. Loew’s International, which has been the prime mover behind the introduction of the Perspecta stereophonic sound, system, < a pnrtly-pwned.project, has succeed- ed in Obtaining about i;206 instal- ls’ lions abroad, according to Loew. This"* is in contrast to only 300 Perspecta situations in the U. S. “Since this was a Loew’s Interna- tional project,” Loew said, “we grabbed all the integrators and sent them overseas.” In addition, he pointed out that many domestic situations had already installed magnetic stereophonic sound and weren't anxious to make additions at this time, He said he was hold- ing talks with production compa- nies to. convince them to use Perspecta optical soundtracks on their films; At the moment, it’s being used by Paramount, Metro; and Warner Bros, Mutual’s Feature Continued from page 7 tional support the producers will give the "picture. It’ll be backed by a saturation radio-tv campaign under the direction of Terry Tur- ner, GT’s specialist in the promo- tion of pictures via- radio^tv satu- rations. Turner developed this method while 'RKO’s exploitation chief, clicking most, successfully With the reissue of “King Kong.” In. addition to O’Neil and Tur- ner, the Boston trek was made by John Begley and Bob Mannby, both of the film division; Herb Rice, programming v.p., and Fred Zuzu- lo, publicity chief. The picture was screened at the luncheon meet- ing. Warner Bros/ recent Success with “Dragnet” prompted GT to undertake the “Gangbusters“ proj- ect. Its future release plans for the picture depend on the outcome of the New England bookings. If the picture* clicks, the company may follow with a series of “Gang- buster”' features. It is also plan- ning a vidpix series, but Won’t re- lease the films until the initial the- atrical booking “is completed; All-Industry S5555 - Continued, from page 7 a and. Cutting down the ^amount of litigation. However, Allied States Assn, has beien the bottleneck, re-, fusing to participate in an arbitra- tion system : that did not include film rentals. Meanwhile, it became increas- ingly evident that, the industry round-table- parley will not in- clude the company presidents, al- though one or two of them who headquarter .in . New York may be present, as window dressing. The sales managers will carry the load for the distribution side. Indica- tions are^4rhat the discussions will be general. When it comes to the question of terms for pictures, a big exhib beef, it v appears theatre- men will have to meet withr'Each individual sales manager sepa- rately. It’s, almost certain that the subject of film rentals will only be discussed , broadly, if at all, Dis- tribs have long maintained*-' that the price for pictures is solely a matter between the film company end each individual customer. / Film employees, not covered by pension arid welfare plans, are be- ginning a drive to -obtain these benefits. The pension or retirement fund, an Important development in American industry in recent years, I has made slow headway -in the film industry. Only tfiree companies — Loew’s, 20th-Fox, and RKO-^main- tain retirement plans for. their em- ployees. However, many film unions; have pushed the idea of a retire- ment fund and have succeeded ih_ getting them on the books. The current Campaign is being waged by unions whose members are not entitled to pension benefits. In upcoming negotiations between certain film unions and the film companies, the pension, plan will be high on the list of union de- mands and, in some cases, will, overshadow demands for increased wages. Spark for pension rights by employees not covered was touched off by the Coast, agreement which went into effect Oct. 24 and involves more than 40 unions and guilds and 200 employers. This pension scheme covers some 1,800 employees in the Hollywood motion picture industry. Agreement specifi- cally includes, member companies of the Assn, of Motion Picture Pro- ducers, the Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, the In- dependent Motion Picture 'Produ- cers Assn., and the Alliance* of Tel- evision Film Producers; 1st Payment In 1960 Under the deal, both 'manage- ment and labor Will contribute alike to the pension fund, each paying in two cents ; for every “straight time” hour worked. The employers’ contributions are retro- active to Oct. 26, 1953, date the. negotiations began. - First pqssible payment under the plan would be Jan, 1, I960, to allow sufficient time for an adequate, fund to be established. The. payment would be. $20 per month. Before being eligible for collection, an employee must be 65 years old and have worked '20 “qualified” years in the industry. A “qualified” year is one in which the employee has worked, at least 400 straight time hours. Employees eligible for individu- al company retirement plans of Loew’s, 20th, and RKO may choose between the company and industry, pensions but. cannot benefit from both. Extent to which the pension idea, is gaining in various segments . of the industry was sharply pointed up last week when the Screen Di- rectors Guild reached an agree- ment with the major and indie film, companies, for a health and welfare fund and for a pension fund. Latter, similar to the general industry pian, is optional for di- rectors whose studios have their own pension fdhds. With, more and more Coast em- ployees receiving pension benefits, homeoffice and exchange staffers are spearheading moves for en- largement of the coverage. The subject has already come up in the current negotiations for. a new paet for exchange employees. The pension plans of Loew’s, *20th, and RKO are All non -con- tributory, with the film companies paying the entire. cost of, the plans through periodic payments to the (Continued on page 24) 20ih-Fox't . Ad-Pub Charles Einfeld details some of the now historic background of his CinemaScopo Selling (ob in a piece titled Mi in Among the Anamorphs one of the rngny editorial features in Hie 49th Anniversary Number of P'SsaETY DUE SOON to PIMSTEIN-RKO SETTLE •! Fiduciary Charge Dismissed by - Judge Under Stipulation * ‘ • * v RKO Pictures’ suit against Harry Pimstein, former executive of ..the company, charging breach of fiduciary trust has been dls- ; missed in Federal District Court. The complaint was dismissed by I stipulation following an agreement, “on an amicable . basis” between Pimstein and RKO. The original, complaint charged that- Pimstein, while an employee of RKO, had given Albert A. List, now RKO Theatres board chair- man, confidential, information con- cerning the 1 theatre stock of Howard Hughes. List acquired the Hughes holdings, then being held in trust, and subsequently gained control of RKO Theatres. RKO Pictures filed suit against Pimstei after the latter, had started an action against List for reneging’ on payment for services rendered in connection with the stock purchase. This suit is still on the Federal Court calendar; Italo-Yank Pact asai Continued from page 3 from remittances due the MPEA member companies, for the five months ended Aug.. 31 ,1954. The new Italian film pact went into effect in August and the re- mittance “ceiling” doesn’t apply other than Under the basic formula whiclf allows transfer of 40% of the American earnings, the rest going into a special cinemato- graphic account where it’s avail: able for compensation deals. Under the original 1951 agree- ment, which last year was extended to Aug. 1954, only 37%% of the N. Y. share was available for re- mittance ’At . the official rate. After that deal had been signed, a “secret” letter, written by Giulio. Andreofti, . then Under Secretary of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, came to light. It limited transfers under the 37 %% to a maximum sum paid into the cinematographic accounts of the American companies for a three-year period preceding 1951. This, in effect, established a, ceil- ing on the basis of 1950 earnings. However, the Italians never did rpove to implement the ARdreotti letter until the last quarter* in the 1952- 53 agreement when they with- held $392,548, this representing the “excess” American earnings under the 37%% formula. Later on, the Italians agreed to free that coin, but warned it would be de- ducted before the close of the 1953- 54 extension of the pact. Negotiations were then initiated to seek a way of transferring the overage and -the Italians first as- sented to. 50% and then agreed to waiVe 60% of their claim. ' “For the first nine months of the 1953- 54 extension of the agree- ment; the .Americans applied for — and remitted —7 approximately $4,000,000. They have now applied for full transfer of their 37%% for the remaining five months of the period. However, the Italians will deduct at least $400,000 from that total, this representing 40% of their claim for* the entire agree- ment period back to 1951. American companies feel they aren’t really losing by this ar- rangement in that the $400,000 will be. available for compensation deals and thus are not lost to Hol- lywood. Adjustment will also finalize pay- ments to the Italians under the pact provision which, in 1953-54, gave the Italo industry 10% of the Americans N. Y. share as a subsidy- Latter has been discon- tinued under the new agreement which went into effect Sept/ 1, 1954- Buffalo, Nov. 301 Schine Theatres has requested' permission of U. S, District Court to dispose of 11 theatres; But this motion is vigorously opposed by the Dept, of Justice. . Houses are among those covered by the 1949 antitrust decree direct- ing Schine to dispose of 42 thea- tres. Criminal and civil contempt charges are now; pending here be- cause of Schine ’s failure to comply with the provisions of the deci'ee. Trial' of the charges has been post- poned from day to day because of counsel’s engagements ini another court. Attorneys for Schine told Federal Judge John Knight that the 11. theatres had been closed for two years and were to be sold for non-theatrical use and never again could be operated for theatre pur- poses. He accused the government of knowledge of these facts and said that squads of FBI meii had been combing the country looking them over. Counsel for the government re- torted that he would show in the , contempt case; that a sale of the properties for theatrical purposes had been prevented as a result of the Schine group’s “own wrongful conduct” and declared, that they had frustrated past efforts of per- sons who wanted to buy the the- atres for theatrical . purposes. Asked by the judge Why the thea- tres had not been Sold before the contempt proceedings were started and how it was that the present of- fers developed: so suddenly, Schine counsel stated that the lack of of- fers and protracted negotiations with the Dept, of Justice had - slowed up the disposition and that Sbhine was now prepared to get rid of the houses “at a Very; sub- stantial loss — either by private sale or by public auction.” Later— Judge Knight has re- fused. Schine Theatres permission to sell two. theatres ' for nontheat- rical purposes but. has approved sale of a third house in Van Wert, .Ohio. Pinanski Gets a Watch Boston, Nov. 30- More than 100 New England pic industry execs attended a testi- , nrionial luncheon to Samuel Pinan- ski at the Hotel Statler last week. A “Surprise” affair, the luncheon was "in grateful appreciation of his unselfish and untiring efforts on behalf of the. industry, particular- ly for devoting his time and energy in the successful fight to repeal the admission tax.” Pinanski was presented with a wrist, watch. Lichtman . Continued from page 5 around you r" members or exhibitors generally who try to buy pictures fiat rental for less than we can afford ta sell them. “It is quite possible some of our men have refused the sums offered as flat rentals in some situations. ‘■I would like you to let me know specifically which of your members have been refused by any of our men a deal where the flat rental terms were fair or reasonably fair. “I was under the impression you liad some respect for; our integrity and efficiency, and would know that if I made a statement publicly to the entire trade, that we would be willing to sell small towns flat rental, that we would certainly no- tify the men who are delegated to make such deals. “I am sure that you appreciate, E. D,, that talking in terms of gen- eralities gets no results for anyone and if you have any specific, com- plaints from* any of your members [ I will guarantee to give you prompt i action on such complaints.” 12 IXTEBXATIONAE, 'VARIiTY'r LONDON OSIHCI I tt. Martin's Olac«, Trafaliar Square Paris, Nov. 30. . As seven new legit presentations opened during the last two weeks, . five look set for good to excellent runs on the fine cfix and word-of- mouth to follow. Two shape to be around for only a short time. Play- wrights "scoring are, Moliere -and Corneille, and George Bernard Shaw, Federico Garcia Lorda and Ugo Betti all fairly recently, de- iunct. The Theatre National Populaire has given a rugged resurrection to Corneille’s declamatory- “Cinna” about love, politics and plotting in ancient Rome; Though primarily heavy and Wordy in its dramatics; it benefits from . hearty perfbri anfces by Jean Vilar as , the world- v'eary Augustus and Silvia Monfort as the revengeful Emilie. It is easy to see why this has never been adapted to the. Anglo-Saxon stage, but in France it is classic and has had unanimous salutations from the crix; Another rep company; the Jean- Louis Barrault-Madeleine Renaud troupe, has brought back Moliere’s “Le Misanthrope” to the Marigny for excellent results; This dramatic comedy benefits from ringing per- formances and a full measure of the subtlety and delicacy of verse,. It looks like another SRO addition to the healthy rep of . the company this season, with Jean Giraudoux’s “Pour Lucrece” and Anton Tche- kov’s “The Cherry Orchard,” also of hit proportions. Barrault-Renaud company has another feather in its legit cap with the first Paris rep of the . late Ugo Betti's “Irene Inriocente,” In a fine; adaptation by Maurice Clav- el,. this fascinating tale of love and innocence makes for interesting offbeat theatre. It plumbs the in- ner depths of desire, love, and hate with excellent writing, brilliant staging and fine thesping. This is now at the Petit Marigny, the small experimental, theatre set up by the company last year, which really comes into its proper function and aegis with this offering. Another little theatre, the Hu- chette, also scores a personal tri- umph with Federico Garcia Lorca’s drama ot sterility, “Yerma,” via a faithful adaptation by Jean Camp. Director Guy Shares has performed a veritable tour-de-force in staging this fresco drama on a two-by-four stage. Crix have done handsprings over this, and it restores the little theatre name which sunk of late With the shuttering of its foremost exponent, the Theatre Babylone. Theatre Gramont has a piquant version of. George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (Le Hero Et Le Soldat) which makes for nice entertainment even if if doesn't completely catch the spirit of the original. Rene Dupuy has thesped and directed this with style and wit. It is in for a nice Welcome by legit-goers here. ‘Pampanilla’ Looks Strong New additions, “Ce Cher Abel” (That Dear Abel) by P. Tiglio and E. Morel, and a new operetta; “Pampanilla,” at the municipally, bankrolled Gaite-Lyrique, by Paul Nivoix, Andre Hornez and Jacques- Henry Rys, are of ordinary boule- vard calibre. They look set for fair to moderate runs. “Abel,” at the Monceau, has the telegraphed, fa- miliar situation bit about a joke- stef millionaire who has clauses in his will .stipulating that his three ex-ex-mistresses will have to marry men entirely unsuited to them. All turns out well with the practical joker wittingly bringing happiness in the van of. the carryings-on caused by his testament. This looksrio hold this boulevard house for awhile with its usual clientele ;Who only want some diversion. Piece has not even been presented ■to .the crix here, and this would not have helped it much: “Pampahilla” snapes as the usual Operetta-type spec, still liked by the French in spite of its vintage tint, but which would be anathema for U. S. patrons Who have seen a great evolution in musicals since the turn-of-the-cehtury. This has all the oldhat bits about a mythical South American country, the hero being mistaken for the dictator and the various ^complications before hero and heroine combine, for the happy ending. This is produced d la the Folies-Bergere, and Mayishness puts .this in, .the class ©f.pEobably being popular among- visiting: prov- incials' and ordinary ^theatregoers.- *■ 4 - * — — — - BOT Prexy Won't Name Defaulters of Quota Londori, Nov,. 23. Insisting that information re- ceived. was: confidential, the Board bt Trade prez refused in the House of Commons last week, to divulge the names of picture theatres Which had failed to fulfill tlieir re- quirements. Peter Thorneycroft ex- plained that, on one ..occasion he named 23 out of 770 cinemas which had not reached their first picture commitments. But he considered that was a wrong thing to do an s d lie did not propose to repeat it.. It had never been the practice of the BOT, he added; under this or the previous government to is- sue such a list because failure to achieve the quota did not neces- sarily involve any offense. London, Nov. 23. The lineup of seasonal Christ- mas entertainment is now: taking positive shape: First to open will be the blades panto at the Empress Hall, “Cinderella on Ice;” which preems Dec. 2, With Tommy Trin- der and Sonya Kaye. There will be a second ice panto at Wembley. For the second year running, the only West End pantomime will be Val Parnell's production at the Palladium'. This year he’s staging “Mother Goose,” starring Max By- graves, Richard Hearne and Peter Sellers. Both’ Bertram Mills and Tom Arnold have their annual circuses at Olympia and Harringay, respec- tively. Other seasonal productions include “Peter Pan” at the Scala Theatre, the Shakespearean Me- morial Theatre production of “Toad: of Toad Hall’’ at the Princes, and “Noddy in Toyland” at the Stoll. ■'•: Preem of the latter is being spon- sored by the London tent of the Variety Club and the . management is donating the house to under- pVivileged children. Vera. Lynn is to appear as a guest star in the new Lew & Les- lie Grade pantomime, “Babes in the Wood,” starring Sally Barnes and Hal Monty, set to play three weeks here at Granada Theatres commencing on Boxing Day. Miss Lynn, who has been resting for some months after her U. S. trip and long run i the musical, “Lon- don Laughs,” is to play 12 weeks’ vaude next year.. During Decem- ber she will play a few dates in Holland and Denmark; COL PIX SPENDING ON BRITISH PROD. HEAVY London, Nov. 30. Max Thorpe, managing director of Columbia Pictures in Britain, who returned here from N. Y. last week, reported that a considerable slice of the. Col’s $10,000,000 allo- cated to. finance independent pro- duction will be spent in this coup; try. Apart from releasing all War- wick Productions pix latest, "A Prize of Gold,” is due for . 1955 re- lease), Columbia will also distrib- ute Dayid .il. Rose’s Coronado pro- duction,. “End of the Affair.” . In production are two 1 other pix for Columbia release, One is “The Prisoner,” starring Alec Guinness, and the other, “Deadlock,” a Mike Frankovich production. Two more Warwick pix for Columbia, are scheduled for next year. Both Will be in C’Scope and Technicolor. They are “Safari! Story,” and Cockleshell Heroes." TV Brit’s No. 1‘Enemy'? Glasgow, Nov. 23. Dr. William. Boyd, vet educa- tionist and former lecturer in edu- cation . at Glasgow u:, said here that tv is “enemy No. 1 of the ! social life of the British people.’’ •He- described . it as • a * “devil^ which had got -hold of most people and kept* them “gaping at -a screen • instead of < ^meeting -their .. fellows and enjoying social, life.? * Liquor Plugs Banned From Mex Newsreels Mexico City, Nov. 23. All liquor publicity is totally banned from newsreels with the enactment of the new federal sani- tary code. This ban is about the same as that which applies to ra- dio-tv. However; with the latter rum may be ballyhooed on the air. between 10 p. m. and 6; a. m. be- cause the code considers that youngsters don’t get air shows dur- Commercials in newsreels are irig that time; But it feels that the moppets see newsreels all the time, also limited, but not more than i5% of. a reel’s running, time. None can be °n the screen for. longer than 20 seconds. Franco-Italo Confab Keeps Co-Frod. Pacts In Force Till March Paris, Nov. 23. .The ninth Franco-Italo parley on film accords ended after a four day confab between Jacques Flaiid, head of the Centre National De La Cinematographic here, and Eitel Monaco and Nicolas De Pirro, repping the Italo govern- ment and film industry. Meeting decided on a suspension of any. agreement until after the Italian government votes its new Film Aid Laws. Thus, the accords on coproduction have been kept in foi’ce until next: March and the regular film; agreements until Dec. 31, 1955. Uncertainty about coproduction has come about because of changes in the Italian attitude towards the treatment of this type of pic. The Vatican has openly questioned the content of these films, and Italo thesps are beginning to balk at the great number of French actors be- ing used. Some French producers think the aim of the setup, which was primarily to take advantage of double backing and aid for pro- ducing prestige films, has not worked put so well. Too much hy- brid. arid mediocre production is blamed. The coming changes in the Italo Film Aid Laws, still un- known, has kept the accords in abeyance. Meanwhile, doubt prevails with many production companies here as to the outcome of numerous pro- posed .films i the accords are stalemated, Franco-Italo films are still the basis of the big specs, now* enjoying public favor here. Six out of the top 13 .Gallic gross- ers last year were coproductions. So it looks as if the setup would not be curtailed. Restrictions are on the way, however, and there ikely will be an industry self- regulating censorship committee n Italy as has recently been ‘ormed: here by the Syndicat Des Producteurs. Certain difficulties, such as Franco-Italo pix, produced in Italy, getting sheared before they are sent here for dubbing, are also be- ing looked into. Exchange of films, including coproductions, is usually about 50 for each country with Italy in for about 7% of . the French gross on its straight pix and France tapping about 12% of the Italo market. Also discussed, according to Flaud, was the .setup, of IFE as a Gallic distrib outlet in the U. $, This will be the .forerunner of more intense foreign distrib; coopera- tion with each country helping the other in spots where they have the strongest setups; This may go into effect in N. Y. Rossellini Starts On Second Opera in Rome Rome, Nov. 23. Roberto Rossellini began re- hearsals last \veek on his new operatic stint, direction of. Ilde- brando Piszetti’s “La Figlia Di Iorio,” based on a play by Gabriele P’Annurizio. Opera preems Dec. 4 at the Naples’ San Carlo Opera House, Where Rossellini’s previous operatic effort, “Joan at the -Stake, with irigrid Bergman, also opened ate last year. M^ss. Bergman joins her husband from London, Where both have pre- sented “Joan.” . Immediately fol- lowing the Naples preem, the Ros- sellinis embark for Barcelona where .a series of- performances of “Joan’* -are skedded; tlien move on to Sweden and ‘later to Belgium, returning to Rome next April. Lat- est Bergman-Rossellibi pic, “Fear,” is -already being -released in Ger- many .where- it .was made. Brit. Trades Council Asks Less Sex in Pix Stockton-on-Tees, Eng., Nov. 23, The British Trades Union Con- gress will be asked to approach the large cinema circuits with an appeal for more restraint on films of sex, crime and violence. A meet- ing of Trades Council officials and local bodies passed resolution condemning films of sex, crime and violence as “having a degrading.ef- fect on the character of those who see them.” T. A. Westwater, council chair- man; said it was now a more topi- cal issue because of the nationa agitation against horror comics'’ “There is no question thalt these films have an effect on children’s minds,” he said. “We think that when so much money is Spent to try to educate people to a decent standard, others ought hot to bfe allowed to upset that standard.” .Frankfurt, Nov. 23. Warner Bros, in ‘Germany has just setup Warner Bros. GmbH, a German company whose business it will be to prodiice German films and! import films from Italy and France for Warner release in Ger- many. With the limitation set bn the number of U. S. films each major company .can 1 " release ^an- nually, in Germany, Warners has from 20 to 24 of its own pictures set Tor release here on its 1954-55 schedule. . This number can , be considerably increased via new German company, not restricted solely to WB California product. Move emulates Columbia, which has had a success in Germany due to producing German, pix arid im- porting other foreign films for German release.. This is called Columbia GmbH. It has worked out beneficially in relations with the Gennan exhibitors to offer home-made features as Well as those brought in from California. Columbia is planning a 60-40 split on its 1955 schedule of Hollywood and European films, in Germany. VARIETY TENT BACKS- ‘STAR’ LONDON PREEM London, Nov. 23. Ah attempt to emulate the Holly- wood spectacular style preem is to be made next year by the Londori tent of the Variety Club, When it sponsors the first night of Warner Bros.’ “A Star Is Born,” to aid the Actors’ Orphanage. Every available star is being re- cruited for mass personals, A the scene inside arid outside the thea- tre will be described by a; corps of expert commentators, and there will be the familiar showmanship trimmings of searchlights, etc. The premiere is skedded for the end of February or early March at the Warner Theatre. Meantime, James Carreras, Chief Barker of the tent; has accepted art invitation to serve in that ca- pacity in 1955, subject to confirma- tion by the new crew to be chosen at the election night dinner next Wednesday (1). About 20 members of the tent allowed their names tp go forward as potential crew merif- bers at the nomination lunch; in- cluding Ben Henry, Max Thorpe, Kenneth Hargreaves, Tom O’Brien, M.P., and Nat Cohen. ♦ Glasgow, Nov. 23. Two American musicals and the usual routine crop of pantomimes make up the 1954 yearend festival season in Auld Lang Syne theatres. The U, -S’, musicals are “South Pacific,” With Patricia Hartley arid Nevil Whiting, at the Empire The- atre, Edinburgh, and “Guys and Dolls,” which will play both Glas- gow and. Edinburgh- . The one British musical is “Love from Judy,” iri which. Jean Carson, now in the U. S. for Max Liebman ty dates, will star at the. Lyceum, Edinburgh; opening Dec. 14. Empire Theatre, Glasgow; re- turns to revue policy, presenting “Wonderful Time,’’ a twice-nightly show with Dickie Valentine and Bonar Colleano. Supporting vaude acts; will be changed fortnightly. Howard & Wyndhpm, Ariglo- Scottish theatrical group bossed by Stewart Cruikshank, holds almost a monopoly in the pantomime field, with traditional juve shows at Edin- burgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and elsewhere. H: & W. have also signed up majority of the Scot- comedians, linking them in pairs [ and some unusual teamirigs. For instance, Jimmy Logan, young comedian (nephew of Ella), is shar- ing the lead with Durican Macrae, legit comedy actor, at the Alham- bra, Glasgow, and Alec Finlay makes his debut as a pantomime [ Dame alongside Stanley Baxter at 1 Theatre Royal here. Two senior comedians, Harry Gordon and Jack Radcliffe, are coupled iri “Dick Whittington” at the King's Theatre, Edinburgh, while Dave Willis, bankrupt come- dian making comeback to gai coin, makes his bow as a panto- mime Dame at His Majesty’s The- atre, Aberdeen, where he will share top with Jack Anthoriy, Scot come- dian currently on an Arrierican- Cariadian tour. Robert Wilson, tenor (and also iri U. S. curyeritly), tops at the Tivoli Theatre,- Aber- deen, Where a revue will be staged Oyer Christmas arid New Year, with Johnny Victory as comedian. Fraser Neal, designer-impresario, is putting in . a Christmas panto- mime with Irish corriedian ; Billy Stutt at Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, and another with Glasgow comedian Pete Martin at. Her Majesty’s; Car- lisle. Fred Collins Productions Will stage a pantomime With Denny. Willis arid Don Arrol at the Pavilion, Glasgow. Resident; shows aire set for sirialler theatres, includ- ing, an all-Scotch production at the . Metropole here. Perth Theatre Co. will revive the Brandon Thomas farce, “Charley’s Aunt.” First, arena-style pantomirne on ice in Scotland is set to open at Murray field Rink, Edinburgh, Dec. 17. It is “Humpty Dumpty on Ice,” presented by Holiday On Ice. (Gt. Britain) Ltd. Rattigan Plays to Aussie London^ Nov, 23. An Australian tour of two Ter- ence Rattigan plays, “The -Sleep- ing Prince” and “Separate Ta- bles,?' has been set via a deal closed last week between Garnet Carroll and H. . M. Tennent. The tour opens April 9 With Ralph Richardson an^ Meriel Forbes playing the Olivier-Leigh roles in Prince” and the ' Portman^Leigh- ton parts in “Tables.!’ i-. / .. \ Sybil Thorndike arid Lewlt-Cas* son, Who are already in. Australia, will, join .the . company. HOnS’ NET $710,176 FOR LAST FISCAL YEAR Sydney, 'Nov. 23. Major, pix chain, Hoyts, has turned iri an increased, profit for the year ended last June 30. Net adds up to $710,176. Trading profit rose by $44,877 to $897,440, before depreciation. Common shares re- ceive the biggest slice of the profit or $322,875. Accumulated profits of previous years provide a further $225,000. Biggest common shareholding in the Hoyts circuit is reputed 40 be 20th-Fox; ' Wilson Barrett Rep Co. Mulls Canadian Tour Edinburgh, Nov. 23. The Wilsori Barrett Co., stock group, is iriullirig a tour to Canada. Wilsori Barrett, actor-manager and head of company, said he Avill Jly to Canada Dec. 10! “I am taking a holiday but will also look aroiind for theatres,” he told Variety. The Barrett group has run sea- sons of repertory at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen legit the- atres for the last decade. Com- pany has been -a “nursery” for many thespers who have since made names in films and bit thf ■stage. Barrett in a grandson, of -the noted thesper- of -the 'saine name 1 , •creator of “The Silver King” ' and > 9 Most Ambitious Mex Pic to Cost $342,000 . Mexico City, Nov. 23. The most ambitious pic made in Mexico by ..Mexicans is planned by Rodriguez Bros., top prodricing firm here. Pic will be. widescreen and in Pathecolor, with versions in English and Spanish. Film will cost $342,000; new high for a Mexican pic. Rodriguez in- tends, to start rolling Jan. 3. It is . titled, “Monster of Crooked Moun- tain.” Isriiaei Rodriguez is script- ing with Carlos Orellana. Rodrigue? Will direct. Rome, Nov. 23. IFE has resumed its local dub- bing operations following a Work stoppage of several Weeks because of a strike of English-speaking dub- bing personnel. ’Strike, called by members* of, ELDA, local associa- tion of English-language actor-dub-, hers, has long held up Work on English versions of a batch of Italian pix bought for American tele distribution. Dubbing opera- tion; although not strictly an IFE one, was nevertheless supervised by that outfit, which beats respon- sibility for delivery and quality of copies shipped to U. S. Faced with the need , to meet a deadline on delivery, IFE recently shifted its dubbing operations to Paris where four pix are currently undergoing the lingual treatment for the Italian Outfit. IFE claims it previQ.usly had made several new offers to ELDA, all of which were tuxnedjiown. Counterclaims proved unacceptable to IFE, which then interrupted negotiations. Current work resumption was made possible by using members of a new dubbing group, made up in large part of dissident members of ELDA, willing J;o accept the IFE terms. Currently undergoing trans- lation is ‘‘La Fiairimata.” IFE plans to process four other features in the next few Weeks, thus bring- ing it back on schedule, Also it is planned to service Paris with one Italian pic at a time after the cur- rent four are dubbed. SEEK 5 % DUTY ON PIX ENTERING W. GERMANY Berlin; Nov. 23. A film plan brought forward by the SPD (Social Democratic Party Of Germany) has y stirred up a has- sle here. Party has suggested that every foreign film (with the ex- ception of international prize-win; ning films and pictures ' which merely shown in original form here) be subject to art import-duty of 5% of its production costs. This means U. S. film costing $1,000,000 can only b.e screened here if its company paid $50,000 in this . tax. Excuse for the levy is that it Is needed to protect the local film industry. Some , have held that if such a law was passed, the consequences would chiefly he negative for Ger- many. In the first place, there are Comparatively very few. films Which have been "awarded With in- ternational prizes, and: secondly, such a law would contradict the free enterprise. Moreover, it would probably hurt Germany’s reputa- tion badly, Another plan of the SPD to have the best . German pix of the year awarded special money prizes amounting to much more than the present Federal Film Awards. It also would give coin to domestic films winning distinction at J he. various film festivals. This proposition of the SPD has stirred much controversy here. At the Berlin Film Festival, for in- stance, the public would be asked to vote by coupons oil its favorite pix. Therefore, film of everi in- ferior artistic quality ’ but with nevertheless public appeal has the chance of a high rating : Loudon, Nov. ’23; Firstruns in the West End con- tinue to maintain their lively .pace,, with healthy biz. reported at most theatres. The Royal Command choice, “Beau Brummel,” despite, a critical .panning, finished its opening round, at the Empire with a nice $11,500^ “Garden of Evil’’ looks smash $11,000 "at Odeon, Marble Arch; “Magnificent; Obsession” looks to . finish its opening frame with neat $8,000 at the Leicester Square The- atre. “White Christmas” at the Plaza is terrific around $10,500 in third session after $11,600 for second, “Modern Times” strong at London Pavilion in seventh round. The Odeon, Leicester Square, with “The Barefoot Contessa,” is solid $10,500 in third week. - British-made “Divided Heart” disappointed in opening, week at the Gaumont but is holding Well in second With all-round press raves seeming to help, Estimates for Last Week Carlton (20th) (1,128; 55-$1.70)— “Broken Lance.” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $5,500 or better'. Opening round was $7,400. “Long John Silver” (20th) preems Dec. 17. Casino (Indie) . (1.337; 70-$2.l5) -—“Cinerama” (Robin) (7th wk). Still holding near recent level at $12,000. Rated good for size of house On seventh session. Stays on. Empire (M-G) (3,099; SS-Sl.^OJ— “Beau Brummel” (M-G). Reliable $11,500, but beloW hopes for Com- mand Film pic. Gaumont (CMA) (1,500; 55-70)— “Divided Heart”. (GFD) (2d wk). Around $4,000 or less. Opening week, lean $4,300. “Sea Shall Not Have Them” (Eros) opens Dec. 2. Leicester Square. Theatre (CMA) (1,753; 50-$1.70)— “Magnificent Ob- session” (GFD). Heading for nifty $8,000, In for usual three-week run. London Pavilion (UA) (1,217; 50- $i:70)— “Modern Times” (UA) (7th wk). Strong $5,500 looms after $6,100 in sixth week. Odeon, Leicester Square (CMA) (2,200; 50-$ 1 .70)-^“Barefoot Con- tessa” (UA) (3d wk). Solid $10,500. Second week was $11,800. “Sign of Pagan” (GFD) Starts Nov. 25. Odeon, Marble ' Arch (20th) (2;200; 5fl-$1.70)— “Garden of Evil” ‘ (20th).' Heading for sock $11,000 or better. Continues pn. Plaza (Par) (1,092; .70-$1.70)— “White Christmas” (Par) (3d wk).; Holding firmly near smash $10,500 after $11,600 in second. Ritz (M-G) (432; , 50-$1.70)— “Rogue Cop” (M-G). Only average $ 2 , 200 . •Studio (APT) (600; 30-$l,20)— "Living Desert”. (Disney) (27th wk). Over $2,700, excellent for length, of run. Warner (WB) (1,735; 50-$1.70)— “Ring of Fear” (WB); Fair $8,500 or near. “Carrington, V, C.” (IFD) :preems Dec, 9. Brit. Film Earnings In England $1,250,000 Over '53 in Third Quarter London, Nov. 30. Earnings of British pix in the domestic market during the three months ended last Oct. 30 soared to over $5,600,000, more than $1,250,000 above the corresponding period last year. ... Figures are re- leased by -the. British Film Produc- tion Fund; the company Which op- erates the Eady levy. It reported that for that quarter there Will be a bonus distribution equalling 23% Of the gross. Up to last Oct. 23, when a lower rate of Eady contribution was levied on ixlrri theatres, the income to the frind equalled $1,596,000. A higher rate came into operation Oct. 24 tinder the recent industry settlement. ‘ In previous years, with a higher levy and a lower overall gross, th distribution to . producers has ranged from 30-40%. This subsidy IS also 'collected by British quota pix made arid financed by Amer- ican companies. ^Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Wednesday, December % 9 1954 P'Sstmff is 16 PICTURES PfiniEfY Wedneiday, December 1, 1954 Favor Incentive for Execs Hollywood, Nov. 30. 4 A four-point program to build boxoffice, paced by a $500,000 ad- vertising research fund was out- lined by Elmer C Rhoden, neW prexy of National Theatres, at coi - pany first divisional convention 1952. Rhoden told 89 dele- gates assembled in circuit's home office he wants the fund to carry ut research work in field of pro- rotion, advertising and direct sell- j ,ing of pi Other three points outlined in speech were; f Organization of a traveling caval- - cade to be brought to all key cities, to draihatizie development of in- dustry in its 50-year history, cavalcade to be staged through, co- operation all Hollywood studios as well as local theatre owners; Creation of incentive plan: for theatre managers, district man- agers and department heads. This ni st be approved by stockholders and .would supersede former , peri- odic drive . bonuses. Rhoden de- clared he--- favors Sears Roebuck plan whereby employes are given ; chance to invest in company; ' Compliance with consent decree by Jan. 1 by which time company would be in position to request Dept, of Justice approval for ac- quisition of additional theatres. Purchases have been held in' abeyance because of Government freeze, Rhoden explained that research program would determine relative values of presently-used advertis- ing media.; value of premiums; rec- reational habits of ^potential cus- tomers, proper. admission prices, j Other speaker^ included Fox j West Coast prexy John B. Bertero; , merchandising chief Andy Krappr i man, and film buying head Bert! Pirosh who said forthcoming prod- j uct is five-lo-one better than last j year. Zenith Seeks Speed Washington, Nov. 30. Zenith Radio $oi Chicago moved, yesterday (Mom), to force a decision on toll televi- sion from the Federal Commu- nications Commission which has been putting this off for same years. The new Zenith petition supersedes one filed in 1952. A considerable portion of the latest : Zenith brief argues' the-^behefit's*' to the video i diTstry that would flow from, an FCC go-ahead. V«r«C0it Prmdvft ► r Samuel Goldwyn detail* hi* vtawt on • Quality Ptx Product Cashing in on TV 9 Quantity- H uckstering ai) lnftrcttlnqV aditor ial footura lir»ha~ rs 49th Anniversary Number of' ’ Dm SOON New system of marketing pic- tures in Latin America has been established by Warner Bros, inter- national ‘department. At a recent sales confab in Mexico City attend- ed by all Warner managers from South and Central America, W£ international prexy Wolfe Cohen told sales staffers to sell each pic- ture individually on its merits after it has been screened locally in each territory. This is a de- parture *from the block-booking method formerly employed where- by a group of. pictures or an en- tire season’s lineup was sold at one time. According to WR, the new policy will enable both the sales force and exhibitors “to properly evalu- ate each release and, determine its fullest possibilities as to best, the- atre; playdates, admission prices, arid type of promotion campaign.*' Cohen declared that “in the fu- ture we shall not ask any exhibitor to buy any picture before, it is available for. screening.” • The new, policy will be instituted With, pic- tures recently delivered to the ter rltory. Cleveland Houses Sold -Cleveland, Nov;: 30, Loe’w's Park and Granada,, two of largest neighborhoods in. Cleve- land, were , sold by the chain last week in transactions totaling $850.- 000. Built in. 1922, the 3,200-seatcd Park was acquired for $250,000 by the Park Amusement, Inc., headed by Meyer £., Fine, chief of. Asso- ciated Theatres, Inc. Fine also represented the newly -formed Granada Amusement, Inc, which leased the 2, 200-capacity Granada for 20 years and a tota rental of $600,000.. Proponerits of subscription-tv are launching on campaigns designed to create a favorable atmosphere for toll-tv when the Federal Com- munications Commission gets around to holding hearings on pay-, as-ydu-see. Latest p.r. pitch comes from Zenith, which has circularized the broadcasters with' a three-page let- ter pointing out the advantages of fee-tv arid the fallacy of the ex- hibs’ arguments against it. Earlier, Telemeter's Carl Leser- man said he. would contact all the exhibs he could to convince them that they could work with Tele- meter or should at least let some- one else work with it. Theatremen have banded to- gether ' to fight toll-tv. Group of Allied and. Theatre Owners of America officials has engaged, in sharp exchanges with Zenith prexy ~ ugene McDonald. Exhibs have einerged as champions of free tele; vision and dan be expected to urge the FCC to stick to its traditional policy of “the free air’” McDon- ald has ridiculed the exhibs’ posh lion, pointing out that, they pre- viously and vigorously fought reg- ular commercial tv all dovvn the No one knows for sure just when he FCC will get around to calling the toll-tv hearings. However, ob- servers are noting the divergence of views between Matthew Fox’s petition before the FCC arid the petition filed Monday (29) by Ze- nith. Whereas the latter wants ’im- mediate-authorization of , the serv- ice for all stations, Fox’s bid is based on the plight of the ultra high frequency broadcasters. Fox asked : that, for the first three years f at least, toll-tv be restricted' to the uhf outlets only. It’s hot known what position Telemeter will take at the hearings. Attitude of the; film companies before the FCC hasn’t jelled, even though the experience of Tele meter at .Palm Springs is seen as a straw-imthe-vvind. According to Louis ' N. Ridenour, Telemeter aoard chairman, the system had tq call off*/its test run due to its in- ability • to get first-run features 1'rom the studios. He blamed this attitude on exhib resistance, There is, every indication that, whereas indie .producers may be pnsiderabiy interested in the toll- potential, the major studios -.ren’t eager to show their hand. Y1 Libhtman, 20th director of sales, mly last \yCek told Variety that his company wouldn’t make avail- able films for fee-tv “unless rfe breed to.” ^ Companies’ attitude is very much tinged by a doubt that pay- is-you-see can be made to work ‘conomically. There is, however, considerably more interest in the . dea among distrib execs than they will let on in the face of such de- ermined exhibitor opposition. (N.Y. Stock Exchange} For Week Ending Tuesday (SO) 1954 High' Low 2214 14%' 85 41% 85% 41% 33% 19% 18% 9% 68%' 46% 19% 13% 10 % 6 % ,36% 26% 39% 28 38% 22% Weekly Vol. Weekly Weekly In 106s Am Br-Par Th 433 7 8% 5% 2 % 4% 3 13% 10% 20 11 % 29% 18%. 32% 18% 81 63% High 22 % CBS, "A” 27 84% CBS, “B” 6 84% Col. Pix. 18 31% Decca ... ... 267 17% Eastman Kflk. 92 >72 Loew’s ...... 196 < 18% Nat. Thea, 120. 9 'Paramount 90 36 Philco . . . : , , 132 39% RCA........ 278 38% RKOPicts... 53 6% RKOThea. 128 9% Republic 65 . 5% Rep., pfd. ... 6 13% Stanley War. 85 19% 20th-Fox 254 29% Univ. Pix. 25 32% Univ.; pfd. *70 80 Low 20 % 79% 81% 29% 16 : 68 % 17% 8% 35% 38 37% 6 % 9% 5 12 % 19 28% 30% 76% Tuea. Close 21%. 79% tm 16% 89% 17% 8% 35% 38 37% 6 % 9% . 5% 12 % 19% 28% 30% 80 Net Change for week +1 • —5% —334 4- % —1% — 3/4 ~ % % — %, — 34 +. % % ; % 4 1 Chief Barker George . Hoover on the road currently for talks in Mil- waukee arid Minneapolis, thence back to Washington, Toronto, Nov. 30, Scathing attacks on film dis- tributors’ alleged current practices [involving too many high %"and/or ^roadshow films, this, necessitating advanced adriiission prices, key- noted the annual, meetings 'here , of coast-to-coast Canadian exhibitors Smalltown operators were particu- larly vehement, claiming that, On top of expensive', widescreen equip- ment expenditure, upped- admish prices A would drive them, out of business andi there -would be no hope of eyen getting back that “lost audience*’ exhibitors are so anxious to recover. Several delegates to the ^n.eet- ing of the Motion. Picture Exhibi- tors Assn, of Canada presented bitter protest and criticism, this incorporated in a resolution to the Motion Picture Council of Canada for immediate action,: including an appeal to the Federal government.; Exhibitors ' will also strenuously fight the proposed move of the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association of Canada to raise its niusic fees for 1955^56 and Will carry the battle to the Copyright Appeal Board to prevent the up- ping of a tariff that has remained unchanged for |the past . three years. Delegates appointed N. A. Taylor to consolidate the exhibitors* fight against the music performance pool with Taylor promised ade- quate financial support in the as-. sembling of a. top legal battery. The GAP AC claims should become an obligation of the producers and riot be levied on the exhibitors, it was the general feeling of the meeting. (Present annual CAFAC fee is lOc.per seat for 499 and under; 12c for 500 to 799; 15c for 800 to 1,599; 20c for 1,000 seats and over.) 1 To • obviate The. present pressing" possibility that many of the smaller exhibitors will be forced to shutter -—and deprive their communities pf film entertainment— delegates ap- proved the formation of an indus- try group to. establish a new pub- lic relations program, with its cost per theatre coming up for immedi- ate future discussion. Arch Jolley, secretary-manager, reported that a request to have cost of premiums deducted from ad- missions when computing . the 12%% tax was made to the Gov- ernment’s Treasury Dept, but re- fused. The Assn, also took up with publishers of . Canadian city dailies, the matter of non-theatrical advertisements appearing on theat- rical pages and asked that in fu- ture, such ads be kept off the amusement pages. (The Toronto Telegram, Canada’s second-largest afternoon paper, Today (30) com- menced a. nc\v. daily." consolidated two-page amusement, section.) - ConcOrniiig; failure of some small town and lesser ■ city exhibs to dress up a performance, Morris Stein, veep of MPT AO, pointed out to delegates that old-fashioned methods, won’t do arid that the small screen is out. He said ; * "If you don’t run size, you are not a showman and defeating an invest- ment. Put in a big screen and fill it . with pictures. This sense of show manship must guide you." On subject of a public, relations plan, Dick Mai smalltown chain exhibitor, . endorsed the MPTAO “For the cost of a ticket or two a week, these Main Street theatres rmist be maintained. They must be kept in business and the big op- erators must take less profit, The big houses in the major cities can gross some $30,000 a week but what about the smaller theatre grosses of $5,000 or less? The high- 21%. 13% Warner Bros.. 21 !9% 18% 19 4 % 9.6 63 V Zenith 126 96 86 % 863/4 — 2 % American Stock Exchange 6 3% Allied Artists 46 4% 4% 4% r4 % 10 % 10 Ail’d Art,, pfd. 9 10 % 10 % 10 % 15%. 9% DuMont 210 15% 14% 14% — -■ 15 1I%- Technicolor 139 15% 14 \ 14% .— % 3% 23/ Trans-Lux 9 3% 3% 3% — ■ Over-the-counter Securities Bid Ask Capitol Records. . . .... ..... > « # • • • / 13% 14 Chesapeake Industries 3% 4 — Cinerama Inc. ; ... . , , ; ... ...... 1 % 1 % — Cinerama Prod. 4% . , 4% Polaroid 49%. 51%, , 42 % Skiatron 2 % 3 — - O, Ai Theatres 143/4 16 41% Walt Disney 21 % 23 41 3 / ( Quotations furnished, by Dreyfus A Co. r * Actual volume. Musical Director, Film Critic and Film Exhibitor Get Plaques in Toronto By ROBERT A. McSTAY Toronto, Nov. 30. Named, by The Canadian Picture! Pioneers as the film industry’s 7 “Man of the Year” in this country, Jack Arthur, who has been in every branch of show business for the past, half-century (he is currently producer of the annual Canadian National Exhibition 24,000-seater. grandstand §how, plus his weekly trans-Canada* tv senes, “Mr. Show- business”) was tendered a banquet and heard glowing tributes paid his activities from the last of the showboat and minstrel days up through his years in the film in- dustry as musical director and pro- ducer of stage presentations for Famous Players (Canadian). Also 'honored at the banquet in the King Edward Hotel .ballroom here, with some 600 members of the film industry preseht from coast-to-coast, were Will McLaugh- lin, film critic and amusements edi- tor of. The Ottawa Journal;, and Charles Stephenson? pioneer show- man, who Was managing the Bijou Theatre, Toronto, in 1897, N. A. Taylor, president, Cana- dian Picture Pioneers, ’chose J. J. Fitzgibbons, president, Famous Players (Canadian), to present the statuette to Jack Arthur, this prior to further tribute from Attorney- General Dana Porter. Said Fitz- gibboiis; “The honor you are re- civing tonight represents the ap- plause of the entire Canadian en- ter tainriient industry for a job well done in the most famous phase in Canadian show business. Present was Mrs. Jack Arthur (formerly Margaret “Midge” pressure" salesmen will have to be told to take it. easy if they them- selves intend to stay in business.” The same angle was pursued by MPTAO luncheon speaker Arthur L. Mayer, who said, “The distribu- tors have lost their heads. Their indifference is callous in their lack of regard for the fate of a large number of small businessmen in the film exhibitor industry. It will be a bad day for the industry when the lights begin to go out from Broadway to Vine street. It used to be that distributors’ sales de- partments were interested in com- mon sense and fair business re- turns; but we see no continued vestige of this in the New York head offices.” Cousins of Washington, who was a dancer with Publix units when she Was introduced to Arthur by Lester Alien, who stayed to do the Ohore- ography and dance direction of a Junior ^League revue that Arthur was producing in Toronto and mar- ried the . guy) ; their three sons; and Arthur’s daughter, Mrs. Helen Mc- Clintock, who was secretly brought , up from New York by the Picture Pioneers- to surprise him at the head table. Re other two who got plaques; (1) Charles Stephenson, dates from 1911 imported to Canada and ex- ploited such early pictures as “The Whip” and Mabel Nofmand’s “Mickey’;; (2) Will McLaughlin be. came Canada’s first film critic, i 1916 with The Ottawa Journal. His award marked the first time Cana- dian Picture Pioneers have singled out a newspaperman for citation. World’s Largest Drive-In In Hartford— 2,010 Cars Hartford, Nov. 30. Hartford’s City Council will not officially protest construction of the world’s largest drive-in theatre in the North Meadows section. Efforts were defeated, by a vote of six to three, to have the Coun- cil membership oppose an applica- tion by A. J. (Jack) Bronstei president of MeadoWs Drive -i Theatre Corp., now pending be- fore State Police Comi issioner John C. Kelly. Both, the Council majority and former Mayor Thomas J.;Spellacy’s Committee on Development of the North and South- Meadows, pressed the belief that the eity was powerless to halt the outdoor ven- ture in favor 'of preserving the acreage for more tax-productive industrial development. Bronsteiri, who also heads the East Hartford Family Driye-In Theatre Cofp., South Windsor, Conn., is planning an. expenditure pf $500,000 on a 2, 01 0-car. capacity drive-in. Features unduplicated in' the Connecticut drive-in field will include children’s Wading pools and two children’s playgrounds, Sal Adorno Jr., building 850-car drive-in south of Middletown, Conn., for 1955 opening.’ Son of. Sal Adorno Sr., gm. of M&D The- atres, was formerly associated with the local theatre circuit. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 17 t OTTO PREMINGER presents OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN’S •tarrinf i fW BMUf - OIM JAMES • ME AMMS Produced end Directed by Books end Lyrics by OTTO PREMINGER OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, 2nd Screen Play by HARRY KLEINER Color by DE LUXE from 20th Century-Fox “It’s a pleasure to do business with 20tk!” 18 PICTURES Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Shut Out in ARTHUR WILLI'S NEW JOB Will Expand Martin Goodman Into Motion Pictures (and Legit). Elimination of restrictions ‘ bar- ring the importation of Cinema- scope equipment into South Africa leaves only a single country— Indo- n^si— without any showcases for the widescreen process. Although the Indonesian prob- lem, is tagged, an economic one, it’s felt at 20th-Fox that the continued nixing of import permits has politi- cal implications as well. Cinemascope is expected to bow in South Africa; within an- other week", or two, “The Robe.” starting off the parade of C’Scope releases. According to Murray Silverstone, j20th-Fox International topper,- the . only condition im- posed by the South African gov- ernment in lifting the import ban was that the equipment would be licensed to anyone 1 who wanted it. 20tli has its own chain of theatres in South Africa. . Current CinemaScope installa- tions abroad run to about 2,000 with a good many more on order. Silverstone said that 1954 would be a : record year, for 20th abroad “despite the drubbing we are tak- ing in Britain.” It s pointed out that, despite 20th’s falling .out with the J; Arthur Rank Organization and its subsequent swing to the inde- pendents, the ' 20th earriings in- Britain are running fairly close to last year’s figures. Ironic aspect of this situation is that the first 75 Cinemascope , equipments into Britain were shipped by 20th from the U. S. and went straight to the. Rank circuits. Latter aren’t mak- ing any extensive use of it at the loment. Had the 75 units gone to the inr dies at the start, 20th’s position in the British market would be a lot stronger today, company exes obsejve. Differences between -20th nd Rank arose -over the question of extended playing time for the CinemaSeopers, with Rank execs sticking to their formula of yank- ing every .film after a weekis riin regardless of its b.o. 20th can’t' see the sense of such a policy and is now permanently committed to* the indie routing. OLDSTERS GET BREAK Over-65s • With Carte d’Identite Saye Two Bits Boston, Nov. 30. Stanley Sumner, manager of the University Theafre, in neighboring Cambridge, has arranged with the city’s Community Services Com- mittee for the elderly, to admit “senior citizens” (over 65) to' the theatre at a 25c' reduction on all tickets. (House is scaled at 40 to 65c.) In order to take advantage of the plan oldsters must register with either the, city’s Recreation Department pr the Community Services and obtain an identifica- tion eatdi Plan, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, is set-up to allow oldsters, retired or living on reduced or fixed incomes tiie opportunity to attend the pix occasionally. The Cambridge Chronicle edi- torially applauded Sumner for his thoughtfulness (and showmanship) tabbing him the “statesman of show business/’ Sports in Theatres Robert A. Hall, former chair- . man of Jhe National Collegi- ate Athletic Assn, tv commit- tee, reemphasized his organ- ization’s deep interest in the- atre video via a televised air- ing of his views on ABC-TV last Monday night (29). There was a “but — .” He said that the committee repeatedly encouraged use of theatre tv in college football, but hp felt that since the viewer is more comfortable at home and won't' go to the sta- dium, “then he -.won't go to the ' theatre either.” JUMP WITH ‘XMAS’ Atlanta, Nov. 30; Paramount’s “White Christmas” chalked up $9,553 at the Fox Thea- tre here last Thursday, Thanksgiv- ing, establishing a new single-day’s liigh for the house. Film was 'un- usually strong at various other spots in the south upon opening the. same dpy, some of the grosses being: Tennessee Theatre, Knox- ville, $4,550; Tivoli, Chattanooga, $4,225; Paramount’, . Nashville, $4V- 70Q; Alabama Theatre, Birming- ham, $4,850, and the Lucas Thea- tre, Savannah, $2,650. ; Big one at the Roxy, Atlanta, ; is 20th-Fox’s “Carmen,”- which scored $3,400: on opening day. It’s a di- vided house for the all-Negro cast film; Roxy is setting aside its two 'balconies (840 seats) for Negro ticket buyers only and the remain- ing 1,240 orchestra seats are held for whites. .. Annual. Thanksgiving Day foot- ball game . between the Georgia Tech and U. of Georgia freshmen tfeams, at Grant Field here, drew $30,000 at $2.50 top. Contest Was a benefit for the Scottish Rite Hos- pital for Crippled Children. Fine Arts Gets Rathvoh’s German ‘No Way Back’ American distribution rights for N. Peter Rathvon’s "No Way Back” have been acquired by Fine Arts Films, N. Y. Pic was made in Germany and is available in two. versions— titled and dubbed. Deal with. Fine Arts was made by John G. McCarthy, Rathvon’s U. S. rep. Loretta Young may devote one of her filmed telecasts to the work of Variety International respecting childx'en. ; Marc Wolfe of Indian- apolis is handling negotiations. Arthur Willi; who for years was RKO’s eastern production rep and recently was associated with Co - Uimbiq.as N. Y. talent ager f , has joined Martin Goodman Produc- tions as head of the motion picture and legit departments. Both divisions will; be expanded under* Willi. Goodman’s is a per- sonal management and packaging, outfit whibh heretofore has oper- ated ’largely in the tadio-tv fields. ON ‘NEW MEXICO’ FILM Los Angeles, Nov. 30. What started ‘ out as a suit filed by the General Aniline & Film Co. to collect $3,000 from Irving Allen Enterprises and Joseph Just- man wound up as a counter-suit for $330,000 in Superior Court. In the original action General Aniline claimed it could not col- lect on a note countersigned by Justman. Allen and Justman re- taliated with a charge that. -plaintiff had failed to secure release prints for the film, “New Mexico,” there- by causing heavy loss. league’ Hits 65 Walt -Disney’s ”20*000 Leagues Under the Sea” is set for holiday runs at 65 key theatres across the country j’. First will be the Astor, N. Y., where the film bows Dec. 2$. All other openings are to be on Christmas Day, Distribution, via Buena Vista; Disney’s own. subsidiary operation, is now the subject of a N. Y. meet- ing of the. company’s Coast, Gotham and London execs. They’re talking general sales policy for “Leagues” and appraising the re- sults of Buena Vista’s previous two entries, “Living Desert” and “Van- ishing Prairie.” “Leagues” is tp be screened for the London visi- tors this week’ Roy Disney and Card Walker aie joining in the sessions with, sales chief Leo F. Samuels and ad-pub director Charles Levy. Participants from Britain, are Cyril Edgar, .head of Disney pistributing Co- Ltd.; Cyril Jaimes, treasurer, and Art Al- lerghen, ad-pub head in England. Clyde Joy Houck, five-year-old son of Joy Houck, owner of the Panorama Theatre, New Orleans’ and head of Joy Theatres, Inc., which operates in Louisiana, Mis- sissippi, Arkansas and Texas, will make his screen debut in “Kehr tucky Rifle.” Film is now being made in Hollywood by Howco Pro- ductions, owned by Houck and | Francis White of Charlotte, N,G. While general enthusiasm has been expressed for Theatre pWners of America’s proposed film financing plan, there is a 1 hardv iSost .' of pessimists who doubt the willirfguess of exhibitors "to kick in'* for such a fund. This pessimism extends into the high echelon of TOA. ; An influential TOA leader, who asked that his name hot he men- tioned; termed his feeling of the fund-raising plan as , “guatdedly optimistic.” He based his observation on thp lack of exhibitor support of the National Exhibitors Finance Committ^^. proposed; by Ted-Gaipbie, Sam Pihanski, and Si Fabian about six years ago. This grohp ha4 as its purpose the establishment of an exlflbitoripfoiluctidh.^hgncin^ fund similar to the one now proposed by TQA/ M Perhapsttiie ; ' need was not as great then,” the TOA leader said/ “At any rate^S&fcjbitorS showed no enthusiasm for the idea, especially when it Oartie to th point of putting up the money.” The inf ormant ; also doubted, that such butfits as United Paramount Theatres, Stanley Warper,, knd National Theatres,, all of which' come under consent decrdej/ijulbs,, would receive the greenlight from the . Dept, of Justice to paftiolpate,' !T*h sure they’re all for the plan,!* he said, “but I doh’t khoxv how they can take part at the moment/* Theatre Owner# xif AmeticaV adamant nix of appealing to the Gov 2 * ernment for help against distributor trade practices is . looked upon by the rival Allied.- States Assn, as speaking out ‘ of both sides, of the mouth at once. Especially, since TOA will seek Dept, of Justice ap- proval to enter , production* via a specially organized film finance unit “If that’s not going to the Government, I 4dn’t know .what is,” de- clared an Allied leader.. ' , ' . ' / Point made by AiHedite,an influential eastern member of the unit. Is that any discussion/with the , Federate would require a thdrough re- view of current exhib^distrib relationships, including the price of ;film, the shortage of pictures and prints, and an analysis of the charge that the major distribs are deliberately curtailing their production activi- ties. The Allied leader stressed ' that the ' Dept. i of Justice -will want to know all aspects of distrih-exhib deals before it allows the former theatre affiliates of the*** defendants in the U. S, vs'. Paramount case to p V duce and distribute pictures. -The Honduras Embassy in Chile' threw* the book at the Benedict Bogeaus pic, “Appointment, in Honduras” - (RKO), now playiffg* at the Santa Lucia Theatre in Santiago. In a press release, the Embassy declared: “Since last night an American-made picture entitled ’Ap- pointment in Honduras’ is being shown at ai local theatre. Tbis piptufe was not filmed in Honduran territory where there is no'pprt .called ’Puerto Honduras’, and where a large part of the., fauna photographed for the purpose of lending interest to* the film; can only appear to be Honduran fauna as a result of the ignorance or irresponsibility of some ' Hollywood picture director to whom it as of little import if they include scenes- taken in • some part of the globe and place them; in another geographical area. For the development -pf the -run-of-the- mill story of this picture, it wasn’t necessary to use the -name of s country or stamp it with a ridiculous and unreal political episode.” In “The Two Lives of Jonas Applegarth," MacLean’s’ . magazine's Robert Collins tells the story of a Hollywood- character actor from a Cree reserve near Calgary, Alta., who spends most of his time there oat-f arming. Applegarth, who may have to give up mbvie /billing as Wildhorse/by tribal decree, started' as an extra witfe. Alan Ladd in “Saskatchewan” (which was shot in Alberta.) ... . , Director; Raoul Walsh later wired him to hit the trail for Holly- wood to play Shining Lightower, a Navajo in the U. S. Marines, i “Battle Cry” with. Van • Heflin — who, Applegarth says, “treated me like his brother.” His role was built up and he wa%, raised from $110 to $250 a week. He now makes $350, but to his. agent Vernon Jacob-, son’s despair returns home after each stint and recently turned down one part because it would interfere with his^fall plowing. He’s been in another Alan Ladder, “Drumbeat.” ~ Buy, Don’t Build Continued from, jpage 7. film entertainment via new drive- ins, Berk maintains that. many areas can use conventional the- atre. He noted that the builders of the new Cross County Shopping. Center; in the Westchester ayea of. New York attempted to . obtain financing for a. hardtop but were turned down. Berk said there was a “terrific” call for drive-ins and also a scramble for locations where ozoners licenses could be obtained. The demand for drive-ini proper- ties, he said, was country-wide. Except for closed-down theatres in run-do\y neighborhoods and those converted for other uses, Berks feels that “many theatres, that are closed will be reopened eventually.” AS an example of the demand for theatre leases, he pointed, to Harry Brandt’s takeover of three .former Loew r s houses 1 and the acquisition by other chains of theatres formerly operated by the major circuits. Latter, under con- sent decree .. stipulations, had to divest certain of their houses. Increasing: boxoffice uncertain- ties with foreign features has operators of the sureseaters doing a burn over the high guarantees currently being asked by the indie distribs. Complaint is that the arties are asked to put up tall coin not only on selected top releases with a high earring potential, but also on the less solid product. As the ex* hibs see! it, the sortage of foreign b.o. fare frequently puts the squeeze on them. “The way things work out now, we no longer have any assurance that, with a big grosser, we can make up for the. loss suffered by a poor one,” commented one artie op. “They're now asking high terms for everything.” The distribs’ reply to this is that it’s largely question of supply and demand and that they them- selves are being forced to fork out large: — and in their view unreason- ably high— advances to European producers. “The fewer top pictures there are around; the more money these films will bring. There’s nothing unusual about that,” said one dis- trib. He added that, in many in- stances, it was a case, of the ex- hibitors bidding against one an- other and driving up the price. Several of the indies make the point that while it's true that the major attractions command sizable theatre guarantees, it’s frequently a battle 'to get the exhibs to book, the run-of-the-mill product. Stress on tjie part of both the distribs and the theatres is on the uncertainties surrounding the foreign film biz. One distrib put it this way: “The producer abroad always thinks he has a top film and, in any case, he has an exaggerated notion of the U; : S. market potential. He asks very high guarantees. The dis- tributor, who doesn't want to be left holding the bag, has to get a good deal from the theatre. Then the picture opens and gets critical raves, in which case its chances are at least good, or it’s panned by one or two of the leading critics and everyone stands to lose a lot of money.” •• It’s generally acknowledged that, on the whole, i954 has been a poor year in terms of quality for for- eign films. That is. why films like the French “Wages of Fear” have reportedly been getting disttib bids for up to $100,000 in guaran- tees. ; George Lourau, who pro- duced “Wages of Fear,” is cur- rently in the U; S. and is expected to set distribution for the pic. It’s reported going to Italian Films Ex- port.. First motion picture ever Shown in the. monastery of .San Francisco ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦* Philly Names. Coffman Philadelphia. Louis J. Goffman, attorney, was elected Chief Barker of the Vari- ety Club, Tent 13; Other officers named were Maxwell Gillis, .first assistant; Harry Romain, second second assistant; George T. Beattie, ■doughguy, and Meyer Lewis, prop- erty master. Board members named included Roger W. Clipp, Sylvan , M; Cohen, Michael ' Felt, Jack Greenberg, Leo posel and Lester Wurtele. Ehrlich D. C. Chief Barker Washington. Alvin Q. Ehrlich is new /Chief Barker of Washington’s Tent 11, Variety Clubs International. He is veepee of Kal,v Ehrlich & Merrick ad agency here. Other new officers are Phil Isaacs, Paramount ex- change manager, first assistant barker; Orville Crouch, Easter* Division manager of Loew’s Thea- tres, second assistant barker; Frank M. Boucher, property master; and Sam Galanty, Columbia Pix mid- eastern division . manager, dough- guy. . .. . New officers were all named to the board were J. E. Fontaine, United Artists; Marvirf Goldman, K-B Theatres; Nathan D. Golden, head of film division, Commerce Dept.; George A. Crouch, zone manager Stanley-Warner;. and Hirsh de la Viez, head . of Hirsh Coin Machines Co. Following for- mer Tent 11 prexies are board holdovers: Jack Fruchtma*, Victor J. Orsinger, Morton Gerber, Wade Pearson arid Jake Flax. Be on Celluloid Within 5 Years Zaniick’s, School ■ V s Continued from page 3 5 = Tent 17 Names Kendall. Way Dallas. . KehdalL Way, Interstate Thea- tres’ exec, named Chief Barker at the Variety . Club’s Tent 17 annual elections recently. He’ll succeed incumbent Albert H. Reynolds, who refused a second term. Others named' were. Charles E. Darden, first assistant barker; Don Douglas, second , assistant barker; Meyer Rachofsky, doughguy, and Joe S. Caffo, property master. Silverthorne Named' in Cleve, . Cleveland. Jack Silverthorrie, general man- ager of Hippodrome, was again made Chief Barker of Variety Club Tent No. 6 here for second term at the annual elections. Thomas McCleaster, 20th - Fox division manager here, was elected first assistant barker, and Dari Rosen- thal, United Artists branch man- ager, become second barker; I; J. Schmertz, 20th-Fox branch man- ager, doughguy; Nat Barach, manager of National Screen Serv- ice Corp., as property master. expressed his awareness of 20th’s responsibility to make enough pic- 1 tures to help exhibitors keep their theatres open. Later, the 20th studio topper; in- dicated he’d like to make "not less than 20 pictures" next year. "You might say that’s our aim," he stat- ed: "But. I’m not sure We’ll be able to fulfill it." With outside pix 20th is likely to take on, that would bring the company’s 1955 releases to anywhere, between 24 and 30; Zanuck said that the 20th pro- gram would continue to accent “larger subjects," i.e., pix that are fullblown With many starring parts. "We’ll concentrate on every type subject,"' he stressed, pointing out that his company owned the rights to four but of the 10 top bestsell- ers. . ’ / He said 20th was doing every- thing possible to overcoipe the sev- ere print shortage In Britain. The company is currently experiment- ing with making . quality dupes of its negatives and is. also consider- ing cutting second negatives of films for shipments abroad where prints could be struek off them; Regarding the test film, Zanuck saicFhe expected it to be of great value both to 20th end to the other- producers with whose C’Scope out^ put he is not altogether happy. He said the picture would help them and 20th avoid mistakes made in the past. Bout Sets Record Albany. • An attendance for amateur box- ing bouts here was established Sat- urday night (27) when 1,800 passed through the gate of Mid-City Arena attending the Variety Club’s second IriterrCity Championships. Tent No. 9 expected to receive almost $5, 000 for its Camp That- cher fund from the ticket sales and a souvenir booklet. Miami Tent (33) has new amend- ment: no event may be sponsored unless ail proceeds go to Tent's own Children’s Hospital. Maurey Ashman is new barker. Other of- ficers: Hal Kopplin, Louis Beren- son, S. K. Bronstein, Stanley Stern. Illinois Tent (26) is supplying funds to research rheumatic heart fever, big killer of kids and short- ener of adult spans. Dr. Morris Fjshbein has been lecturing there op the disease. Los Angeles, Nov. 30. United Artists has filed suit in Federal Court against James Nas- ser and pther defendants, charging infringement of copyright arid breach of contract involving tele- vision release of four indie films. Double-barreled action stems from the bankruptcy proceedings under Which the Nasser Brothers were granted approval of , such releases. One action covers three films, "Cover Up," "Without Honor" and "A Kiss for Jorliss" and the de- fendants* in addition to Nasser, are Strand Productions, Quality Films, Charles Weintraub, George T. Gog- gin, live Does and five Doe corpo- rations. Second action substitutes Ressan Films for Strand and in- volves the picture, "Don’t Trust Your Husband." Plaintiff contends the defendants have collected more than $100,000 from . television sjiowings of the four films, and asks an accounting and Judg- ment. , Yellow Cruise," travel film classic of the 1930 Citroen-Haardt Expedition following Marco Polo’s route from Beirut to Peking, will be shown by Cinema 16 on Dec^ 14 and 15 at the Central Needle Trades High School, N.Y. and at the Beck- man Theatre, N.Y: Sunday morri- j ings Dec. 5, 12, arid 19. Through With Rank London, Nov. 30. A b.o. record . for amateur box- breach with the J. Arthur Rank Organization was permanent as far as their Cinemascope policy was concerned, Darryl F; Zanuck, here last week estimated that by next March the company’s earnings in Britain would outstrip the best pe- riod in history* He felt that by sell- ing to independents 20th-Fox had done a service for the whole Brit- ish picture industry, particularly benefitting . other 1 producers and creative workers. Zanuck came .here to investigate British receipts of C’Scope pix making compari- sons with take of 2-D films arid to analyze the viewpoint ’ of British producers towards filming C'Scopei On the first score Zanuck said his survey , indicated that nowhere had grosses 'risen by around 50%. The figures ; were based on com- parative periods of weeks in the previous year. He admitted that their earnings this year would be slightly down compared with past years, but emphasized that, they Were -playing in far fewer houses and had only half-a-dozen or so pictures in release. His estimate for next March, however, not only concerned actual earnings but also attendance.. Reviewing the Increasing inter- est in anamorphic production in Europe, Zanuck intimated 20th-Fox had had inquiries for 22 produc- tions to be lensed in West Ger- Richard Suey, a Chilean magician, many, 11 in Italy and seven in France. In Britain about 18 Were already in circulatipn. In. view of this new trend, there was no need for 20th-Fox to of- fer incentives to British producers although in . certain instances • it would be willing to participate fi- nancially and also offer distribu- tion facilities. He believed that Within three to four months there would be important developments in British anamorphic production as a sequel to his meeting here. ■Xmas’ Quits Hall though B.O. Pace Rates Extension : Paramount’s "White Chirtsmas" will be yanked from ,N. Y.’s Radio City Music -Hall at the end of its eighth Week although the Current boxoffice pace, under normal cir- cumstances, would warrant .a still longer engagement. Seventh week ends tonight (Wed.) with around $150,000, fancy. In booking the pic, Par agreed to the eight-week maximum .to avoid possible conflict with the Hall’s policy of bringing in its year-end holiday show a few weeks before Christmas. Metro’s "Deep in My Heart" bows Dec. 8. Washington, Nov. 30. The joint project of ‘.the Library of Congress, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts arid Sciences has transferred to film’ about 200 titles! thus far of those iriotion pic- tures which are available only as paper prints in the Library’s copy- right division. The project has been under way about a year. By the time, the job is completed filmed copies will be available of more than 3,00(1 early motion pictures jm- the library. These run from "The Sneeze," copyrighted from Jan. 7, 1894, to 1912, when- the copyright laws were changed. The law originally made no provision for copyright- ing motion pictures as such, al- though it did permit the copyright- ing of still pictures. Thomas A. Edison conceived the idea of mak- ing paper prints, frame by frame, of motion pictures to. protect hi films from being pirated. This practice was followed until 1912 When Congress permitted motion picture film to be copyrighted. HoWeyer, the 3,000 paper prints in the library do not represent all films produced In that early era since many were never copy- righted, Col. Willard Webb, in charge of the motion picture section at the Library of Congress, says, the Li- brary has no money for the job. The Motion Picture Acaderiiy does all the copying on the West Coast and foots the bulk qf the bill. Some payment is received from those commercial firms,: which pur- chase copies of the films. Hi-Brow Payoff l — J Continued from page 1 [ simSmm -large enough to . make quite a dif- ference at the b.o. While feature films for the most part can’t afford to address them- selves to any one group in the audi- ence, theatre-tv can be— arid has been — more selective; The Metro- politan Opera preem was a hit and, together with the strong' showing of "Aida," is expected to have in- fluence. Projected theatre televis- ing of the "Anth Album” show next February will continue the pattern. On the theory that one good operatic turn deserves another and another and another, Italian film- makers are following through on the successful "Aida” with three more cinematic workouts in this lofty art form. "Rigoletto" is being readied for 1955 release in the U. S. by Diva Films. "Madame. Butterfly” is now being produced jointly by Italo and Japanese interests at the Cine- citta Studio, Rome. Lux Films is preparing for production of Um- berto Giordano’s "Andre Chenier.’* All three films will be in color. . S. Hurok, who’s presenting "Aida" in the U. S. plans to visit Italy next spring to investigate the possibilty of personally produc- ing an opera pic, perhaps "Barber of Seville.” It’s considered significant that, in discussing 20th-Fox’s Eidophor color theatre-tv system, Spyros P. Skouras has repeatedly referred to future theatre-tv presentations of opera, legit shows, concerts, re- citals, etc. Skouras apparently be- lieves that there is an untapped audience 'for such attractions both In the keys and the sticks, Primary purpose of exhibs is to revive their houses as the focal point of community and entertgin- ment activity, a : status which they once attained but which Was weak- ened by the: onset of television. Theatre tv is considered one im- portant means of accomplishing that end. An increasing' number of houses also . are experimenting with the showing of foreign films. In plug- ging for such a policy, Edward L. ■Hyman of United Paramount Thea- tres not long ago pointed out that it has the potential of . attracting patrons that ordinarily don’t : at- tend; The audience in these situa- tions is apt to be less selective than in the keys’ artie outlets. It’s felt that, while, the campaign to widen the general audienee must necessarily, be laid out along conventional lines, the introduction of "cultural”- subjects on the screen-^-whether via film or tv— is likely to bring back tb'' "intelli- gentsia" which broke with Holly- wood after t^e War and has never returned in strength to the b.o, Wednesday, Decejnber 1, 1954 '?') sty DONS DAY :-j H v wv:-.w/AA " S'Z*i4& w- «*■> FRANK SINATRA voted “The Favorite Male Singing Star of the Year*’/ And Warner Bros. have them both \ \ « /i? m *V' * v • 4 fr .■r n £ik' ' 1 *s§f. It s all -young, all -heart and r# for Xmas and New Years... a' in WARNERCOLOR ALSO STARRING with ROBERT KEITH r ELISABETH FRASER - ALAN HALE, JR. PRINT ^Technicolor screen fur SY JULIUS J. EPSTEIN and LENORE COFFEE (PjjjS MttwNritooueTKM . rwouctoiv HENRY BLANKE • oirccteo by GORDON DOUGLAS • mama) it WARNER BROS. W 22 PICTURES TVdneecIay, UecymlKfr I, 1$S4 Clips From Film Row » 4 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 44 4 + 4-4 4+4444444 LOS ANGELES Allan Dowling’s '' “Hunters of Deep” will be distributed in Great Britain by Monarch, Ltd,, and in the U S. and Cahada- by Distrib- utors Gorp. of America; Two film houses were added to . Sherill Corwin’s Metropolitan cir- cuit,, through a. deal with their owner, Earl Calvert. Theatres are 650-seat Lompoc and 750-seat La Mesa, both in Lompoc. They will be operated by Paul Quigley, who resigned as manager of the Wash- ington in Pasadena; Russell Banks . succeeded Quigley at the Washing- ton. Terry O’Neill, appointed. -Ameri- can and Canadian rep of Associ- ated British-Pathe, will make his; headquarters in Allied Artists N.Y. office. V George J. Schaefer, pioneer dis- tributor, Setting up a special or- ganization to release “Day of Triumph,” the bible feature recent- ly produced, by James K. Friedrich- Century Films for theatrical release. . Paul Scherer, of Fox West Coast’s film buying department, moved over to. Natfonal Theatres as assistant to treasurer Alan May; Frank Prince upped to assistant to Jess Elliott, head of ’ real estate department. PHILADELPHIA Stonehurst Theatre, 1, 200-seat-. Or, sold to A. M. Ellis chain for $115,000. “Utopia,’' Laurel and Hardy starrer. originally “Robinson Cru- soeland” to be released nationally by EPI, according to Jack , Harris, general sales manager of Exploita- tion Productions Inc. Cooking schools are the new matinee magnet in several houses of the A. M. Ellis chain as well as Stanley Warners nabes. Motion Picture Associates elected Sam Diamond, 20th-Fox branch manager, as pi'exy; Mort Magill,. UA brajnch mariager, veepee; Shep Bloom, 20th-.Fox sales manager here, treasurer, and' Eugene Ganz, BKO salesman, secretary. Robert Adleman, local ad man, named director of publicity for In- ternational Variety Clubs, to co- ordinate the publicity work of ; 45 Variety Tents : with the office of International Press Guy Ben Goff- stein in Las Vegas, William I., Greenfield chai ? opened the redecorated Riviera Theatre in Manayunk. Joe Levine, of Embassy Pictures, Boston, and Jack H. Harris, of Ex- ploitation Productions, Inc., inked deal naming Levine, EPI rep in New England. Embassy will dis- tribute the Technicolor ~Boy : Scout pic, “Jamboree” and .aiso “Laurel and Hardy in* Utopia,” first new L&H feature in 10 years. Isadore (Speed) Sley, owner of. the Viking Theatre, recuperating after operation. Mort Magill, branch manager of United Artists, resigning to be- come division „ sales manager* for Buena Vista Productions, Walt Disney company, covering the Philadelphia, .. Washington and Pittsburgh territories, Leonard Mints remains as local UA branch, manager. Inspection of books and records of the Park Theatre over a six-year period ordered by U. S. District Judge John W. Lord, Jr,, on mo- tions filed by eight distribs against I. Edward Kapner and • others operating the Park since Jan.- 1,. 1948. DALLAS Roy Farrar changed name of the" Strand at Talco, which he wns and operates, to the Star. Carl Benefiels installed C’Scope at Victory Theatre, Amarillo, and at the Bronco, Clayton, New. Mexico.' A1 Burks, Warner Bros., exploi- teer, assigned here to cover Dallas, Oklahoma City; and Memphis, Vera-Ellen here to bally “White Christmas” .which opened at the Palace. Bob Reeves Jr., converting a building at Franklin into a theatre which is expected to-be completed by December. Rqwley United Theatres pur- chased Cameron and Milan Thea- tres at Cameron from Stanley H. Swift who had operated the two houses for 25 years.; Dean White, who has been manager of the two houses since 1933, will continue on. Dan Hulse Jr., named new booker at Metro exchange, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Murphee reonened the Parkway at Iowa Park. IFE Releasing Corp., will stage a "Salute to Texas” with a 20-city saturation of “Thodora, Slave Empress;” its American language Pathecolor spectacle. Sid . . Meslbov \vill- supervise campaign; * Lee Hobbs- named manager of the Twin Sheppard Drive-In- at Wichita Falls.. MILWAUKEE . Cinema Inc., operators of Fox Bay Theatre, Whitefish Bay, took over operation of ’the Varsity, Downer and the Sherman. Ben Marcus, general manager of Marcus Theatre Management Co., bid $95,000 for shuttered, defunct Century Theatre* and won over the house. The Century shuttered last Aug. 8. .The Zenith sold to Rev. A. C. Valdez Jr., who fronts the Mil- waukee Evangelistic Centre. CALGARY, ALTA. • Famous Players Canadian Corp. will build a 1, 000-seat theatre in Red Deer, Alta i with construction to get under way this fall. : » The 36th ozoner in Saskatchewan is the Blue Moon 1 at Foam Lake, Sask. Blue Moon Theatre Co., headed by Theo Hakyk and S. K.A. Kays, is affiliated with the Paragon Theatre Co:, Winnipeg. Latest theatre at Blaine Lake, Sask., is the Empress, owned and operated by M. Szurydky. New drive-in at Edmonton, the Belmont, boasts the only all-steel Cinemascope screen in Alberta. A. W. Shackleford, theatre oper- ator, re-elected. to a sixth term as mayor of Lethbridge, Alta.. He has served as mayor from 1943 to 1946 and agai since 1952. BOSTON George Roberts, Rifkin Circuit exec and head of Sentry Lodge, B’nai B’rith, and exhibitor Michael Redstone, trustee of the Lodge, were presented citati by the Paralyzed Vets of America in re- cognition for the many kindnesses each has accorded the group. Presentation was made by Sy Rosenthal, former Red Sox base- ball player, who has been confined to a wheelchair several years.. Celtic Films. Corp. relighted the Copley Theatre for month’s en- gagement of “Spell of Ireland.” SEATTLE Frank H. Newman, who recently sold his interests in Evergreen Theatres (Washington and Oregon), sails shortly with Mrs. Newman on world cruise. ' Will Connor, veepee of Hamrick Theatres, back from N. Y. and Chicago- expressed approval of plan for exhibitor financing of more producers to obtain addi- tional pix. ALBANY The uptown Colonial, last used • for stock in 1952-53, being re- opened as a pic theatre by Dr. Samuel Brown, who runs theatres and sells pictures under the name of Brown Associates. Henry (Dutch) Harris, who has worked backstage at Albany thea- tres since baci£ in 1902, pull*; ropes for the last time at the Stanley Warner Strand Nov. 26. He is re- tiring from show biz to live in Dade City, Fla.. Prexy and busi- ness agent of Local 14, Theatrical Stage Workers Union, IATSE* for years, Harris started as- an appren- tice at the old Leland. Troy Theatre building in ..Troy, N.Y., sold to a Glens Falls man, but Stanley Warner Corporation will continue to occupy it on lease. Sid Summers manages the Troy, - — MINNEAPOLIS For. first time an Allied Artists’ release, “Tonight’s the Night,” makes the Minneapolis Radio City, Paramount’s flagship house, and gets day date booking with St. Paul Par. Minneapolis Colosseum, union of film . salesmen, elected Chet Levoir, Universal, president; Ed- die Stoller, UA, veepee; Mort Eich- enberg, UA, secretary - treasurer; Don Halloran, Universal, entertain- ment committee chairman, and last-named and Paul Weiss, Colum- bia, delegates, to annuril conven- tion, This area’s C’Scope installations now number more than 300 Out of 800 potentialities, North Central Allied again put approval stamp, on holiday theatre collections for Northwest Variety club’s heart hosiptal and asked all exhibitors to participate. ‘Contessa’ Crisp 12G, Indpls.; ‘Xmas* 17G, 4th Indianapolis, NbYi 30r “White Christmas,” .playing jts ; fourth Week at the Circle, still is' city’s top grosser. However, it’s a good stanza* at most spots. "De^ siree” at Indiana and “Barefoot. Contessa” at Loew’s both are run- ning- .strong. Brfsk Thanksgiving* Doy biz helped everybody. Estimates for This Week Circle (C-D) (2,800; 75-$l> — “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). : Sock $17,000. .Lafcjf week, $14,000. Total for run approximates $71,000. and fifth week is likely. Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-85)^ “Desiree” (20th). Hefty $13,000. Last week, ‘‘Hajji Baba” (20th)., $8,500. Keith’s (C-D) (1,300; 50-80)— “Adventures Robinson Crusoe” (UA). Fair $5,000. Last week, sub- sequent-run. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2.427; .50-86)— “Barefoot Contessa” (U A). Big $12,- 000. Last week, “Last Time Saw Paris” '(M-G) (2d wk), $8,000. : Lyric. (C-D) (1,600; 35-70)— “Tar- get Earth” (AA). and “Deadly Gamb” (Lippert). Modest $5,500. with Little Jimmy' Dickens and stage Show -replacing. second pic at $1.25 Sunday only. Last week, “Steel Cage” (UA), $5,000, same setup. Golden November iss Continued from pace 7 = “Cinerama” (Indie) moved up tq fourth as compared to fifth spot in October. “Sabrina” (Par), third-position winner in October, showed its staminai by taking fifth money last month. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA), a newcomer the latter part of the month, displayed enough to cap? ture sixth spot. “On the Waterfront” (Col), which was fourth in October, con- tinued in the chips to land seventh place. “Drum Beat” (WB), a rtew- comeiv did enough in two stanzas to finish eighth, while “Suddenly” (UA). took ninth spot. “Bengal Brigade” (U), out only two weeks to any extent, copped iOth position. “Rear Window” (Par), high on the list for two months in a row (it was seventh in October) continued displaying strength to lead the runner-up pix last month; . “Brigadoon” (M-G) and “Hajji Baba’’ (20th)- were the other two runner-up films. “Desiree” (20th), which finished second the final week of Novem- ber, looms as one of the brighter newcomers. "Last Time I Saw Paris” (Jl-Cf) also shapes poten- tially strong, based on the first three, playdates. , “Carmen Jones” (20th), also new, looks to be a contender among the fresh entries. "Christmas,” - “Contessa” and “Star” likewise are likely to be heard from considerably in forth- coming weeks. Another new vehicle, - “Phfff t” (Col ) looms promising, based on initial two playdates. _ “Human Jungle” (AA), which Was in 12th place week, also looks to be heard from some more. “She- ;Wolf” Feeling some letup at wicket due from heavy pre-Christmas . spending in stores. Good at $12,000. Last week, “Naked Alibi” (U) and “4 Guns. to Border” (U), $1.1,000. State (United Artists) (3,000; 50-75) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G). Fine $15,000. Last week, “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk), $ 6 , 000 . BALTIMORE (Continued from prige 9), Mild $3,500. . Last week, “Passion” (RKO), $2,800. ' New (Fruchtman) (f,800; 35-75- $1.25)— “Barefoot Contessa” . (UA) (3d wk). Still drawing at oke $8,000 aifter. $10,000 second. . Playhouse (Schwaber) (420; 50- $1) — “Rear Window” (Par) (6th. wk). Okay $3,800 after $4,000 i fifth. Stanley (WB)" (3,200; 30-$l)— “Drum Beat” (WB). Mild $11,000. Last week, “Track Of Cat” (WB), $6,500. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-80) — “Phffft” (Col), . Stout $12,500. Last week. “Black Widow” (20th) (4th wk), $5,000. ST. LOUIS (Continued from page 8) wk). Fine $17,000 after $19,500 last W60k. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)— “Track of Cat” (WB). Opened today (Tries.). Last week, “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) arid “Saint’s Girl Friday” (RKO). firm $15,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75)— “Barefoot Contessa” (UA). Swell $18,000 or near. Last week, “Wa- terfront” (Col) (3d wk), $14,000. - Orpheum (Loew) (1,500; 50-75) -r-“ Waterfront” (Col) (m o ). Nifty $10,000. Last week, "Caine, Mutiriy ” (Col) (2d wk), $6,000. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000;. 82)-* “Little Kidnappers” (UA). Good $3,000. Last, week, “Scotch on Rocks” (Indie), $2,000. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82) — "Man oil Tightrope” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $2,000 after $2,500 opening frame. St. Louis (S. L. Amus:) (4,000; 75-90)— -“Star Is Born” (WB). Sock $25,000. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th) (3d wki, $7*5Q0. * Shady Oak (St. L. Amus:). (800; 82) — “Vanishing Prairie”. (Disney) (2d wk). Big $3,000 following $3,- 500 first stanza. Tans’ Torrid $14,000, Mpls.; ‘Desire’ Hefty 15fi ‘Karamoja 8G, 2d Minneapolis;-; Nov. 30. Thanksgiving. . ' and -w e e k e n d school holiday .proved *a - boxofiice stimulant and biz shows it. A snow* storm' hit grosses later, Two such newcomers as “Desiree”! arid “Last Time I Saw Paris” ; helped con- siderably ' to . bring • the crowds dowritown. Both are- headed for big figures. Another entry, "Cattle Queen of Montana,” is a magnet for small fry and action fans. Otherwise, it’s the 33d week for “Cinerama,” . the fourth for "Van- ishing Prairie” and second for “Karamoja” and “Black Widow.” Estimates for This Week \ Century (S-W)\ (1,140; $1.75- $2.65) ^ “Cinerama” (Indie) ( 33d wk). Stout $18,000. Last week, $ 20 , 000 . Gopher (Berger) (1,600; 65-85)— “Karamoja” (Indie) and “Halfway to . Hell” (Indie) (2d wk). Tall $8,000. Last week, $9,800. Radio Ciiy (Par) (4,100; 85-$l )— “Desiree” (20th). Big campaign paying off. Hefty $15,000: Holds. Last week, “Black Widow” (20th), ; $12,500., K^O-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 65- 85) — “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO). Hefty $8,000. Last week, .“Human Desire” (Col), $5,000. State (Par) (2,300; 65-85) -~ "Last Time I Saw Paris” • e • ' Hm trv»—f or Ql mu ras owtv 2c a oar flurtn fa Increase. .ofrona^e' „ S^rlr Dealer for T *»°" MODEL 50MBW— Double wall curved stool ond stan- dards, soljd stool contor standards. Self-Raising coil spring cushion. ' Fully uphol- stered. Hardwood ar MODEL 7 1BW— Double wall stool ond standards, solid stool contor Standards. Coll spring ipn seat. Hardwood arm rests. Aluminum band on back optional at slight extra cost. MODEL 30MBW— Double wall straight ond. standards; solid stool contor standards. Fully upholstered. Self-raising coil spring cushion seat. Hard- wood arm rests. •MODEL 12A— Single wall steel end standards, solid steel center standards.. Hardwood plywood back and seaV Hardwood arm rests. THEATRE EQUIPMENT RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA ENGINEERING PRODUCTS DIVISION CAMDEN, N, J. Ask your Independent RCA Theatre Supply Dealer to show you all the advantages of Griggs Theatre Chairs 24 PICTURES 1 i Wednesday, December 1, 19S4 Boston, NoV. 30. Arguing in favor of a prelimin- ary injunction to force Massachu- setts officials to license RKO’s “The French Line,” attorney "Jo- seph N. Welch declared in Federal court la.st week, “Massachusetts has motion picture censorship in its most exquisite! and painful; form.” Contending that the statute, under which municipal officials ban films is unconstitutional, Welch pointed out that only a Whisper by officials in command is needed to ban a feature ^claiming that, “the .word goes, out to the theatres, ‘Look out or we’ll sus- pend your license.’ As I see it, they are getting ayay With murder ! .here.’’ j Welch further asserted that while the plaintiff, RKO Pictures Inc., has lost several hundred thou- sands of dollars due to the ban, he would., not push for the compensa- tory damages but would be con- tent to get %n injunction., . Asst. Atty. Gen. John. H. Elcock, Jr., urged the court to dismiss suit; on. the grounds that the plaintiff has not exhausted his remedies in the state courts explaining that Commissioner of Public Safety Otis Whitney had barred Sunday showings of "French .Line” when the distrib refused to delete Jane Bussell’s dance sequence; Whitney (initial) acti on barring Sun- day showings resulted in pic be- ing banned on weekdays also. Chief Judge Calvert Magruder, of the three-judge court, advised the contending parties to present a stipulation, as to the . facts in the case, indicating another court ses- sion would be held. Mullaney Claims Price Slash at Boxoffice ' As ‘Conspiracy’ Basis St. Louis, Nov. 30, Monopoly and unfair competi- tion . is charged in. a suit for $125,000 dafnages filed in the Coles County Circuit Court at Charles- ton, 111, , against'the. Frisina Amuse- ment. Co., that operates a string of houses in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa by Walter F. Mullaney, in- dividually and as administrator of ' the estate of his brother, John W., Who was killed in action in Korea. The petition recites that the brothers jointly operated the Rickey, a 360-seater in Mattoon, 111., until John was killed at Which time Walter succeeded to the title of the business and was named ad- ministrator of John’s estate. It’s charged that the amusement company, whose headquarters are in Springfield, 111., by its competi- tive methods, namely, lowering the admission Of its three houses in Mattoon, drive the Mullaney broth- ers out of business and into bank- ruptcy. The petition also asserts that the Frisina company then raised its prices and used undue pressure to prevent the brothers from obtaining- firstrun films in Mattoon. Frisina operates the , Clark, a 700-seater; the Mattoon, ’ 1,150-seater, and; the Time a : 550- eeater: Eileen BARTON Latest Coral Release HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING B/w WITHOUT LOVE P)rj William Motrin Agency CHURCH FHH IGNORES OHIO'S CENSORSHIP Columbus, Nov* 30. : “Souls in Conflict,” the religioso feature starring Billy Graham and Coleen ToWnserid, has so far played in the Cleveland and Toledo area and yet hasn’t been through the Ohio censor mill. The picture has. been well advertised and shown publicly With an offering taken up during an intermission. : Roiut is, any public showing is illegal unless ah Ohio censorial seal is displayed. Ohio’s Censor Board thus is put in embarrassing position of baying down the road after a religious film. San Francisco, Nov; 30. The two exchange unions here -r-Local B-17, representing back- room workers, and Local F-17, rep- ping wh»:te. collarites — hive with- drawn petitions to the National Labor Relations Board seeking dis- affiliation from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em- ployees. As a result, the NLRB hearing on the matter scheduled for today (Tues.) has been called . off. * John Jensen, president-elect of Local B-17, met last night (Mon.) with John Ford, IATSE- northern California representative, and IA. lawyers Michael Luddy and Harold Spivak. , Following the session. Ford said the confab was imma- terial to the withdrawal situation. Jensen declared that Local B-17 Will mark, time until after the na-. tional contract is signed and then decide what to do. However, he said; “We dp want local autonomy. That’s what we are after.” Ford termed the report that the IA col- larites would move over the AFL office workers union after, the new contract is signed “scuttlebut.” There had been rumors of deal whereby the collarites would change affiliation later if the AFL office workers union stepped out of the situation now. There was also denial of pressure on the part of AFL prexy George Meany and I A chief Richard F. Walsh. U Declares 25c Divvy Universal board yesterday (Tues.) declared the 25c regular plus a 25c extra dividend for the final quarter, of the company’s fiscal year, bring- ing total divvies for the year to $1.25. New payment is set for Dec. 22 to stockholders of record on Dec. 10/ Last year’s total was the same, in the form of two half-year div- vies of 50c each and one extra' of 25c. jl Continued from page 3 Italian production costs had quad- rupled since 1949. His. own film Went over the allotted budget by some $150,000. lie said it took 100 days, to make. “In Hollywood it could have been made in half that time,” he . added. Expierience of Lopert and others has been that there is a tendency on the part of some in Europe to throw the book- at the visiting Americans who are automatically charged double, for every service. Assumption appears to.be that they can afford it. Producers say one way out is coproduction with local interests which, apart from other advan- tages, assures better cooperation on the location. There are other factors favoring the continued exo- dus of lensers to the foreign field. Need for authenticity on the wide screen Is one, the accumulation of frozen coin abroad another. Yet Stagehand Retires, Lessee Won’t Take Sab, Picket Grand, Albany Albany, Nov. 30. The first serious labor trouble at an Albany theatre in recent years erupted Saturday (27) when a strike and/or lockout of the- stage crew at the Grand .occurred, Local 14, IATSE, Immediately started to picket the 1,500-seater, leased on Sept. 1 by Paul V. Wallen .from Fabian. Members, working in two-hour shifts, carried signs proclaiming “Do Not Patronize This Theatre — Lockout.” Identification of the’ un- ion was followed by the words “Af- filiated with A. F. of L.” One picket Was on the line most of the time, in front of the house's not-tob-wide front. The projection- ists, also affiliated With IATSE but belonging to a different local, con- tinued to work Saturday and Sun- day (27-8). Whether they Would eventually honor the picket string remained a question. The trouble, which had apparent- ly been simmering since ' Wallen, former manager, took a 10-year lease on the 42-year-old house— as part of the consent decree under which Fabian ^as Required to relin- quish one theatre in Albany, and Stanley Warner one in Troy— boiled over in the scheduled shift of stage workers. This came after Henry ( Dutch ) Harris, oldest ac- tive member of the local, retired Thursday (25). Harris quit the Strand, preparatory to moving to Dade City, Fla. James Foley inoved from the Ritz, also a Stanley ^Varner spot, to replace . Harris. George Pow- ers was slated to move from the Grand to the Ritz as Foley’s suc- cessor, and Leo Swarz, e swing man,, to take over the Grand job. Wallen reportedly refused- to ac- cept the replacement, saying he was not on the ‘ payroll and was not needed. > Toronto Tele’s Expansion Of Amusement Section Toronto, Nov. 30. Taking over as film critic of The Toronto Telegram today (30) v in . that afternoon paper’s expanded daily amusement section is Clyde Gilmour* former cinema critic of The! Vancouver Sun, also film com- mentator of the Canadian Broad- casting Corp. . Ken Johnson, former Telegram film critic steps up as general amusement editor. New Union Slogan 5 S 5 '. Continued frojn page 11 sSS55. ; funds. Loew’s plan went into effect March 1, 1944. The normal retire- ment date of an . employee is the nearest March 1 nearest his 65th birthday (60th if a woman) or the 10th anni of his becoming a mem- ber of the plan, whichever is later. To become : eligible for the Loew’s plan one must be in the employ of the company for at least five years. The annual amount of re- tirement income payable is 15% of the employee’s average basic earnings plus 10% of that portion of the employee’s basic earnings which is in excess of $3,000. In no event can an employee receive more than $49,700 per annum in the case of an employee whose eligibility is based upon employ- ment commenced before Dec. 17, 1952, or $25,000 In the case of any other member of the plan. The plan at 20th started in Jan- uary, 1946. The normal retirement age is 65, but retirement with the. approval of the company can be requested any time after the age of 55. At 20th an employee be- comes a member of the plan as of the date of employment. RKO’s plan went into effect in 1943- To become eligible, employ- ees must have three years, of serv- ice and have reached their 30th birthday. It also provides for a life insurance' benefit. In case of death before eligible for benefits, the em- ployee’s beneficiary receives the equivalent of one year’s salary, With a maximum of $20,000. The normal retirement age Is 65, but a staffer may elect to retire at 60. Universal for many years has been weighing the establishment of a pension plan, but no definite scheme has been proposed as yet. In the east, Local 306, IATSE pro* jectioiiists union, is about the only film labor outfit whose members are entitled to welfare and pension benefits. London* Nov. 30. A survey of the growing screen advertising field in Britain was published by the Financial Times, the London equivalent; of the Wall Street Journal.' It shows how the industry has grown from a turnover of $1,700,000 in 1938 to over $6,100,000 in 1947. The major campaigns are estimated to cost about $7,000 a time and these are restricted mainly to the large scale manufacturers who, in 1952, were estimated to have spent approximately $6,- 500,000. Retailers spent only $700,000. Advertising expenditure placed by screen contractors in 1952 was estimated at $4,200,000 and the figures for 1953-54 are even higher. .In 1$35 it was only $700,000. EZRA E. STONE (ATTY> HEADS L A TENT 25 Los Angeles; Nov. 30. Variety Club Tent 25 elected Ezra E. Stone, film roW attorney, to succeed W.- H. ’“BUd” Lollier as chief barker. Latter declined to run again. Other , new officers are: O. N. “Bill” Srere, first assistant chief barker; Lloyd Owenbey, second as- sistant; M. J. E. McCarthy, prop- erty master; ,A1 Hanson, . dough guy, and Steve Broidy, Fred Stein, Mort Scott, Darryl Johnson, Dick Dickson and Edwiii F. Zabel* can- vasmen. Ameripan features during the five-months period between * May and September, 1954, gained at the Italian boxoffice whereas Italian releases fell back. British pictures improved their take in -relation to the overall b.p., gross in three months and lost ground in tWo. These figures were supplied by ANIC A, the Italian industry organ- ization. Improvement of the American position is significant in that the Italians have one of the most active local industries and, for a while, forged ahead .sharply, in popularity. With their own audi- ences. Over the five-months period, the American gain in gross earnings at -key city firstruns averaged out to approximately 5% whereas the Italian -.loss averaged 6%. The French share was generally less in the 1954 period than in 1953. Again, this is noteworthy due to the considerable number of Franco- Italian coproductions reaching the . market. The best month for the U. S. companies was July, when_ their films took in 83.79% of the gross b.o.i compared with 74.99% in July of 1953. In September, ’54, the American share rose to 69.02% from 61.76% in ’53, whereas the Italians’ cut diminished from 30.13% in. 1953, to 22% in ’54. July of this year was the only_ month when the Italian take showed any improvement* rising from 7.80% to 8.62%. T0A Production Detroit, Nov. 30. Approval of a zoning ordinance amendment by Common Council has virtually barred construction of any more drive-ins in Detroit. The amendment empowers Coun- cil to approve or disapprove such theatres. Members, are on record that they don’t want any more built. Under the old law, drive-ins were permitted in any area zoned for heavy, industry. The amend-, ment resulted from objections of a; neighborhood group to plans of the Evergreen Drive-in Theatre Co. to erect 1 an ozoner near their homes. Arguing for ttye theatre, Frank J*. Winton charged that Council acted, illegally when it ordered holding up of the firm’s building permit. That case is now in Circuit Court. Winton said the firm has contract- ed to spend $60,000 to move a transit cement plant on the prop- erty to ‘give access to the theatre area.. 4 Anthfiny A. Vetmeulen, attorney for the residents, charged the drive-in would be . a general nuis- ance and reduce surrounding prop- erty values as much as 35%. Councilman pel' A. Smith got cheers- from about . 400 residents who jammed Council chambers for the debate when he said: “Drive- ins should be banned everywhere within the city. They do not belong in the city. They ‘belong in the outskirts away from homes.” The greatest majority of drive- ins in this area are in suburban communities. The few within the city-limits did not appear to be .iii jeopardy as Smith’s colleagues gave him no support. ' ' v ^States Rights Conti from page 3 around the country could’ fake oh the job, . It remains now for EFFG to get off the 1 ground with actual produc- tion and channeling >of same through the states righters. On the second count, plans al- ready have - been blueprinted for establishing a network of local dis- tribs to sell DC A films to sub-run theatres, DCA is skedded to. swing its first pic, “Long John Silver,” into circulation in .February. How it’s to Work out for both DCA and the tegionals remains to be seen, of course. There are big possibilities in such tieups, according to a couple of market analysts. Discussing the subject in N. Y. over the past week they underlined that any new dis- tribution system that can lop off present costs without cutting down on the market potential obviously would be welcome. If the. methods evolved by EFFG and DCA show a good payoff, doubtless they’ll be copied, it’s added. . Continued from page 4 Stacie can be surmounted and ex- hibition can stand united.” . He stated that TOA will con- tinue to work for a system of in- dustry arbitration. “There is no reason,” he said, “why our industry should not have a system through which internal differences can be settled short of the courts and government control.” The current sellers’ market, Mar- tin said, can be balanced by getting more good pictures on the market. He Urged exhibitors to support and encourage “the so-called independ- ent or small producers who are willing and anxious to make good pictures if exhibitors will give them fair terms and playing time.” He told exhibs to give them a fair deal. “Let us not take out our wrath, built up from dealing with the majors, on these producers who are trying to help us,” he warned. -RIOIO CITY MUSIC N1LI_ Rockefeller Center ... wvikc WHIN’S "WHITE CHRISTMAS'’ in VlstaVlsion starring BING CROSBY v DANNY KAYE ROSEMARY CLOONEY • VERA ELLEN Color by TeehnI lor • A Paramount Picture . and OTtllCIUI mtHIUtNUTIW W^Wauncm Bros. •««* . ■ ■ ■*'•**•' (Robert Mitchum-teresa wriohti -WILLIAM A WELLMAN'S ' PARAMOUNT Wednesday, December 1* 1954 p smvn RAMO-TELEVISION . 2S SPEC NO LONGER BAD Hollywood, Nqv. 30. “Colgate Comedy Hour,?' almost went without guestar Debra Paget- Sunday (28). After watching her do a dance number in a pre-show rundown, Austin- Peterson, veepee of .Ted Bates agency, producing the. show* leaped on stage, demanded she change costume and tone down gyrations. Miss Paget was all for taking a walk, con- sulted with Bill Smith, her studio (20th) radio-video liaison, who argued with Peterson about the propriety of her dance and cos- tume. but to no avail. . Peterson issued orders to NBC engineers to fade if she per- sisted Jn the bumps and grinds. She and Smith finally agreed to the J change. Objection to costume was a slit skirt. She made one change but Peterson was still, not satisfied. He: requested she wear a flaring skirt. He briefed the camera director to be alert for every .move, so camera pulled away in longshots. The bumps and grinds were, only faintly visible. Peterson was heard to mutter something about “not going to have one of those Sheree North incidents on this show, certainly not on Sunday, certainly not for Colgate.’* Johnson’s Wax, Pet Milk’ll Buy Skelton, Dump ‘Father’ If Shifts Are Made Chicago, Nov, 30. Under the prodding of the un- happy “Life With Father’* clients, CBS-TV is mulling a stem-to-stem revamping of its Tuesday night lineup, oho of the tenderest spots in the Columbia armor. “Father" bankrollers, Johnson’s Wax and Pet Milk, want out and have agreed to take on Red Skelton . as a re- placement, but with some provisos. Negotiations center on the ad- vertisers’ desires to vacate their present 9 o’clock (CST) period and to lodge the Skelton show in the preceding half-hour. That’s the 8:39 slot currently occupied by “Danger," alternately sponsored by Nash-Kelvinator and Block Drugs. Reasoning of Needham, Louis & Brorby agency for the wax works and Gardner for the milk outfit is that the comedian would parlay better with the preceding “Meet Millie" situation .stanza. If the “Danger’? tenants re- fuse to shift into the later period, the Skelton deal may well fall through with Johnson and Pet sticking with “Father" the. remainder of the season. It’s known that . the parties involved have been slightly less restive with the Leon Ames-starrer since it has been converted to celluloid. CBS, meanwhile, is propping a Phil Silvers package to throw into the breach opposite the first half of Milton Berle’s NBC-TV bulwark, where Skelton presently holds forth .sustaining. Although his contract with CBS has expired, Sid Lumet, who has achieved an enviable status in • tv as one of its more youthful direc- tors, has np intention of negotiat- ing a new deal, preferring to free- lance and -take a stab at legit as well. As result, he’s already com- mitted to one stage show, having been inked to direct a revival of Bernard Shaw’s “Doptor’s Dilem- ma’’ at the Phoenix Theatre in downtown N. Y., with Geraldine Fitzgerald in the lead and with likelihood of Leo G. Carroll also going into the; play. Meanwhile, Lumet also plans shooting a bull- fighting pic. Although not contractually bound, Lumet’s CBS-TV agenda remains jampacked. While he’s checked off the "You Are There” show (prior to that he did “Dan- ger”), he’s Winding- up the first six installments of “You Are There” as a filmed entry. Cellu- loid version preerris on Jan. 2. He’s also committed to three *'B ■‘St Of Broadway" shows for the no.. including “Philadelphia Story,” next one up; and “The Show Off" with Jackie Gleason. Third one hasn’t been decided yet. Lumet also directed Sophocles’ “Antigone” for Omnibus last week. Libby Likes DiiM ’Baby’ Chicago, Nov. 30. DuMont’s “infant” daytime op- eration grew up another notch last week as Libby Baby Foods bought the quarter-hour “All About Baby’’ Thursdays on a lineup of eight outlets. The diaper tidbit with Ruth Crowley in charge , also goes out Fridays on 10 stations for Swift’s Meats for Babies. Show, packaged by Jules Pow- ers, rides locally on WGN-TV the other three days at 1 p. m. ~ American Federation of TV-Ra- dio Artists has chilled a project Whereby the Friars Club would put a benefit show on “Colgate Comedy Hour,” ' declaring such an affair would be In violation of union regulations. , Claude McCue, AFTRA exec sec- retary, said today (Tues.) “We hope they abandon the idea. Their plan was for the Friars to do a show on ‘Comedy Hour,* with the money re- ceived to go to club’s charities. We (Continued on page 50) By GEORGE ROSEN It’s fib longer considered in bad taste to mention the Word “spec." In fact, a .whole new "climate" ap- pears to have set In in regard to the costly 90-minute big-big-big shows. Yesterday the connotation was clear: “We gotta take the speculation put of the specs.*? To- day, amid a new semblance of re- spectability, NBC says: “The specs are no longer ‘on spec."* Whether or not it’s true it reflects a chang- ing temper arid regard for: the am- bitious productions,, both from within and without the organiza- tion. What has happened spanning the initial Betty Hutton show up to and Liebman Status Max Liebman, major spec impresario at NBC, has yet to commit himself on next sea- son’s plans, since his present contract, at his own behest, does not extend beyand, the ’54- ’55 semester. But it’s figured a safe bet at the network that when the ^greatest color shows, on earth" roll around next season Liebman will still be commander-in-chief. However, the network’s ma- jor concern is how to resolve a roster that will work less of a hardship on the producer. He’s doing 20 this season (on a two-a-month average) and considering that Liebman identifies— himself with each and every facet of the spec operation, it’s the opinion of the web’s top echelon that it’s too backbreaking an assign-, ment. iqcluding this week is fairly indica- tive not only of the specs but of the sweeping and amazing impact of television itself, so monumental has been either the stain or the glory resulting from a single appearance. A chain reaction set in after the intiai Hutton venture which created no small measure of personal un- happiness when the first full impact of the tv specs was gleaned. Talent that had been champing at the bit waiting for the opportunity to make, the spec plunge suddenly wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole and backed out. It was figured that if La Hutton couldn’t make it, whd could! Few were the stars willing (Continued on page 50) Rizzuto, Norbert Weiner Signed for ‘Down You Go’ Phil Rizzuto and Norbert Weiner, latter theh MIT scientist-educator, have been signed as permanent panelists for “Down You Gq;“ which moves from Chi to N. Y. un- der Western Union sponsorship auspices. (Only -moderator Bergen Evans shifts east with the show.) . New femme members of panel have yet to be chosen. Kraft Foods will end its unique- in-teie vision two-play s-weekly op- eration after Jan. 6 by cancelling its Thursday night dramas on ABC-TV. Cutback represents a savings of about $3,000,000 a year to Kraft, and also represents a lbss of $1,500,000 annually in time billings to ABC. Kraft, is continu- ing with its Highly successful Wed- nesday night series on NBC-TV, of course. Cancellation represents the end of a* year-long era during which the. j. Walter Thompson creative staff has been turning out two one- hour plays a week, a total of 104 a year, a feat yet unequalled in television annals. Unquestion- ably the switch by the agency of Stanley Quinn to the Coast as pro- duction factotum on the flounder- ing “Lux Video Theatre" Is a fac- tor in the axing, since Quinn, a producer on “Kraft” for the past six years, was one of the prime creative factors in the two-platoon setup. More important, however, was Kraft’s purchase of “Space Cadet" on NBC-TV, marking its entrance into the kiddie market, along with the failure of ABC to deliver rat- ings comparable to the NBC ver- sion of “Kraft Theatre.” Onslaught on the children necessarily 'meant a cutback in the firm’s $8,000,000 tele budget, arid with the NBC ver- sion of the dramas delivering an (Continued on page 50) The Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety off ice 'kiMiii m m m m Afl* AM aaa ■ a 0+ «a > AMMAkl . %A£ ^ NEW YORK 36 154 W, ?6»h St. HOLLYWOOD 28 6311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigaa Ava. LONDON, W. C. 2 8 St. Martin's Place Trafalgar Square Probably the biggest "captive audence" in televison merchan- dising annals will get the “Norby" treatment— and whether they like it or not. In orie of moist unique promotional - merchandising cam- paigns ever to pre-herald the ar-' rival of a video series, Eastman Kodak will blanket practically the entire U, S. . with the facts of “Norby," the half-hou color film series starring David Waynri which the company is sponsoring in th^ Wednesday T p. m. slot on NBC- TV starting in January. Every EK client— and that i eludes 10,000,000 camera owner , representing the company’, mail-, ing list-will be bombarded with colorful literature as a buildup for the show. In fact, if you own a camera, which automatically means that somewhere along the line you gotta ; do business with Eastman Kodak, , there won’t be any escaping the “Norby” promotion hoopla. For every person sending his film to. Rochester, either, direct or through a dealer, or for that matter any- body who buys filqi at any store Lotig, Long Trailer Probably, the longest and most ambitious trailer in tv annals designed to pre-herald a new series is being under- taken by Eastman Kodak on behalf of its upcoming “Nor- by” half-hour tint vidpix series, ^which bows in the Wednesday at 7 time on NBC-TV. Full hotir ipolor film, incor- porating not only, promotional- merchandising values but fea- turing highlights of the filmed series, has been prepared spe- cifically for viewing at EK sales confabs. They’ll be shown simultaneously at 60 sales meetings throughout the country this week and next week. outlet will also get the whole pro- motion kaboodle. It’s probably tha first time on record that a pro-guar- anteed audience of 10,000.000 has been assured on a personal solici- tation basis. g To top it off, EK will grab itself another “captive audience” — at one of the busiest spots in the world— Grand Central Station in New York— where its giant-sized colorama will be converted into a “Norby” display during Christmas Week, immediately prior *o th show’s proem. Partially ‘inspiring the need for the double-barreled promotion- merchandising on “Norby” is the fact that the series, which carries a $3,000,000 time-and-talent cost budget for 39 half-hour install- ments, has been obliged to ■ settle for a 7 p m. station time clear- ance on NBC due to the “sellout" status of the network. Kraft Foods has inked for nearly two and a half hours weekly of riewcast time via Mutual. Setup; demanding five five-minute seg- ments daily on weekdays, is said to bring nearly. $1,000 j00Q a year into network coffers. Pact was made, through Need- ham, Louis & Brorby, An interest- ing sidelight is that it is also the agency for Johnson’s Wax bank- roller of a. similar day time news- cast deal with Mutual. This has kicked off some speculation as to whether that means the Kraft biz is replacing a soori-to-ankle John- son’s Wax. Other Mutual biz pencilled this week includes a Xmas one-shotter bankrolled by Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Assn, of Omaha. That firm, for fifth year 1 straight, doing a 45-minute oVi r»rf«rflt>n cfan73 26 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday December 1," 1954 Last week, the fate of network radio was reduced to the simple question, “Who will he the last to abandon it?” Thus a curious nega- tive race was on to see who would be the first to throw in -the towel rather than Who; if anyone, would, come forth positively with a formu- la to maintain network status, com- mercial or otherwise. This switch in thinking, with its unhidden competttive touches, had an NBC-RCA front in board chair? man David Sarnoff’s. letter to N.Y. Daily News radio-tv editor Ben Gross in answer to the latter’s Monday f 22). ' column theme,. “Is Network Radio Doomed?” particu- larly. to this statement : ..“The: only question on Broadcasting Boule- vard is . which web will be. coura- geous enough to face the realities first and abandon network radio. No ohe seems to know the answer, but this .column will venture a guess. Brig. Gen. David. Sarnoff of RCA, which controls NBC, is an exceptionally, farsighted leader. And the president of NBC, Sylves- ter L. Weaver, is also a fellow of daring. So it would not be surpris- ing if this-^-our first network— led the procession ' taking the plunge.” Gen. Sarnoff’s reply was in the form of a “Dear Ben” general press release last Friday (26) with a facsimile of the Gross column attached. 'Said Sarnoff : “I believe that you may have selected NBC for this role (abandonment of net- work radio) because we have been aufficiehtly farsighted to have -rec- ognized, well in advance, the symp? toms of growing economic dangers for network radio; and because NBC as the nations first radio net- ( Continued on page 42) Barry Wood, special events chief of NBC, is using the “suggestion box” gimmick to supply a backlog of ty specials for his department. Intention is to build a larder for the next few months and to execute the cream of ’em over a twelve- month, although > events with a time element attached will be worken on pronto should they shape Up in the visual values. Over 100 letters have gone out. to the. web’s affiliates seeking, area events that wottld have, national stature, for Video purposes.. Within a week after the bulletins went out, over a dozen suggestions were re- ceived. Wood said it doesn't matter how “crazy” or “odd” a given event sounds; he’ll give every contribu- tion attention. Some of the specials will be analyzed for color possibili- ties. On the tint phase, incidentally, the network (Wood doubles as exec producer on the hues) was to de- cide momentarily whether to give the rainbow treatment to the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses in Pasadena. Burbank studio will not be ready until a few days after Jan. 1, but idea would be to send out the mobile unit. Latter would not be needed in New York for Max. Liebiriaii’s Sunday spectacular on Jan. 2 since the tintery will em- anate from the Colonial Theatre in Manhattan instead of the web’s Brooklyn studio. Staff as WMGM Hyp* Art Tolchin, boss of N; Y, radio indie WMGM, is building his sales department. In the past few days he’ added four account execs to the recently rather limited staff, and he intends adding others to sales as soon as possible. Outlet has eight pitchmen at present, in- cluding Tolchin and sales. manager Sam Faust. Without counting Tol- chin or Faust, the. WMGM sales staff until these additions was at two men. Earlier this month Bert Lebhar 3d ankled the station. His father was boss before Tolchin. Tolchin also, established; a sales promotion department, the first, he says, in the last six years at the station. Hired as promotion boss was Patricia Young, formerly^ of WCAU, Philly, and Dobin Acker? * f N. Y. T’AiriH Cricket Indie stations have per- fected another headache for time buyers. Many stations will f biiy ■ rating service coveting a restricted geo; graphic area-r-usually where the signal strongest or where .previous surveys have shown the most listener- viewer allegiance— but ‘ re- porting the results .to agen- cies, the rating Will mislead- ingly be projected as a city- wide sample. . . The rating services always list the areas surveyed, but the station 1 will either omit names of specific areas or de- pend on time buyers skipping such info in order to get at the figures themselves faster. Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. Both Pittsburgh tv stations, Du- Mont owned and operated WDTV, VHF. channel 2, and WENS, UHF channel 16, well as the. appli- cants for the two remaining VHFers here, 4 and 11, pre- paring to fight tooth and nail ef- forts of CBS to put WSTV-TV, channel 9, in Steubenville on prac- tically a local basis. Last week network asked FCC approval to take Over indie-owned Channel 9, but .application cov- ered several contingencies, and “if’s.” CBS wants to buy the SteubepVille Station and Will; only, however, if the FCC . okays, among Other things, these items: - Relocation of the Channel 9 tower to Troy Hill, within a mile of the WDTV and WENS antennas here; relocation of its studios from Steubenville to Florence, in Wash- ington County, about 15 miles nearer, and a branch studio in downtown Pittsburgh. If permis- sion is granted, CBS would move the WSTV-T.V transmitter to the site now occupied by Pittsburgh radio station WPIT. Local tv operators are up in arms at efforts of CBS to move into Pittsburgh proper with a sta- tion that was originally licensed for the Steubenville-Wheeling, W. Va., area, and an FCC decision permitting such a relocation would set a precedent. WSTV-TV’s sig- nal now reaches Pittsburgh but only a small percentage of set- owners, those on the fringe areas or in high places, can get it. Emerson Pacts ’Chance’ Emerson Drug Co.’s (for Bromo Seltzer) , alternate-week sponsor- ship of DuMont’s “Chanbe of a Lifetime” is official now, with the new pactee picking up on Dec. 10 where Old Gold leaves off. Ank- linfi of OG and the start of Bromo Seltzer were both handled through Lennen & Newell; Lentheric, the alternate spon- sor has inked a renewal as of the Dec. 17 Show. Gross-Baer Skiffle .. r .i Gross-Baer packaging outfit hit undergone several exec shuffles with Arnold Peyser being upped to exec-producer of all the company's shows and with Sandy Sheldpn, un- til now producing “Junior Cham- pions” , and “Maggi McNeills Show,” made production manager. Other ‘ shift involves Allen Stan- ley, jacked.; from spot sales boss to general sales manager. New. addi- tions include Bob Claver, replac- ing Peyser with the Morey Amster- dam, outing, and Gladys Berger as production assistant: Having set its Saturday morning house in order with a threesome of kid stanzas and a fourth soming up to anchor at the noontime mark, NBC-TV is now 'intent on the segueing hour. The moppet line- up Was launched week ago Sat- urday with 90 minutes of such back-to-backings as the Happy Fel- ton Gang, Paul Winchell arid his wooden partners, and the: Ralph Edwards package, “Funny Boners,” with “Space Cadets” upcoming. Now the web is intent on the noon to 1 p m. fill-’er-up with a blue print on the way that has the earmarks of a “kidult” catch-all; meaning a switch on kid-appeal shows in that, whereas many, an adult finds interest in the stanzas slanted for the moppet mob, like- wise many a youngster is a viewer potential for. programs angled toward the older element, notably parents. NBS’s latest “kidult” spectacu- lar is in the “how to” class-— latching on to the latest “do it yourself” big trend that’s sweep- ing the country and creating ail altogether new and dynamic in- dustry. That the web is not join- ing the Handy Andymen parade with a mere hope and a prayer is indicated in the talent components. It’s figuring on such reliables as. Wally (“Mister Peepers”) Cox and Dave (“Mister Everything”) Gar- roway with which to stock the show. And that they’re both tink- ers supplies the realistic fillip. ’Darkness at Noon’ Okay for ‘Omnibus’ Despite Previous Nix It looks now like “Omnibus’- Will get a crack at the “Darkness At Noon” ex-legit vehicle as a CBS- TV Sunday afternoon entry this season, despite the fact that it was suddenly nixed a couple of weeks back, resulting in the last-minute substitution of Sophocles’ “Anti- gone.” Director Sidney Lumet was just about going into rehearsal with “Darkness” (with Claude Rains reprising his legit role) when au- thor Arthur Koestler’s agents wired from London that, because of a pending film deal, it was im- possible to turn over the tv rights. As result, it left Lumet with only eight days to : whip “Antigone” into shape. Last week “Omnibus” received assurance theft, despite, the pre- vious nix, it would probably be okay to do “Darkness” later in the season. In addition to Rains, Mai Zetterling may be co-starred, With Lumet ejecting; Indianapolis, Nov. 30. Sarkas Tarzian, who parlayed a smalltown , (Bloomington, Ind.) tv station into a bigtime financial bonanza (through the simple expedient of getting. in first with the only VHF for miles around* and then knowing what tq do with it), has now shot off into another “first time” tangent that may well write soine kind bf tv history for this, “one-man industry.” It’s no secret that Tarzian as the manufacturer of selenium rectifiers and, now tuners has had almost as fabulous a career as a; station operator. This year Tarzian Will gross estimated $3,000,000 in station billings, which for a property having its roots id a toWn normally * populated by less than 25,000, Is something to shout about. But the real snapper is the fact that WTTV is becoming the basic and exclusive affiliate of NBC-TV in Indianapolis despite the fact that it is headquartered 50 miles from Indiana’s key city and in the face of two other established Indianapolis VHF’s, with still another on the Way. Tarzian’s new transmitter. (35 miles from Indianapolis) now gives WTTV a tri-area identity practically blanketing Indianapolis, Terre Haute and Bloomington (and for those sections thab fail to get the desired , signal Tarzian has had all available ty repair ■men working at breakneck speed over the past six months installing auxiliary rooftop antennas for set owners at practically cost. Now conies Tarzian with his newest— a tuner capable of 82-channel pickup designed for mass sale at lower cost than any- one else’s (thus far 600,000 have been sold). Tarzian is so convinced that some day practically every manufacturer will embrace his Compact $10 tuner (because, he says, all its U features are com- parable to V in quality) that he’s ordered full speed ahead on production. .. Brewenes Pressured to Get Off Advertest ran a survey among about 1,000. New Yorkers during Oct. 11 to 18 re new fall tv shows With the following results: Although rankihg second and fifth respectively among the stanzas most seen since preeming, NBC’s “Caesar's Hour” arid the “Imogene Coca: Show’’ were the two that: viewers decided they dislike the most among the new ones. Yet the show they’d niost like to see back is “Show of Shows’^the ex-Coca-Caesar eritry. WOR-TV’s “Million Dollar Movie,” was, the show most viewed since beginning this past fall (based on 16 weekly exposures). “Medic” and “Tonight,” also NRC, rounded out the top five among the season’s new entries; CBS didn’t place until the ninth spot With “Father Knows Best,” but ABC managed a sixth place with “Stop the Music.” Another confusing twist is that the Advertest survey gave “The Web” (once sponsored in the same time by the same bankroller as the reasonably popular “Father’’ casing), second choice for the show most desired again. Dorsey Bros, were in the three spot among programs now off but 'again wanted. Batorters return for “limited engagement” (two weeks) while Jackie Gleason takes a hiatus in January. -4\ Pressure from civic, government and industry groups is finally cut- ting away the last strands of active New. York. Editor, Variety: Your reporter did a good- job of reporting my talk at the recent American Assn, of Advertising Agencies in New York, hut perhaps he did not see my release from which I read with care the 12 points which I hoped might help the future of radio. Point One should have been; “Media should make a real cost study of networks and stations.” Your story said “buyers”/ should make that study. It is. riot their job to do this — they have enough to study on their side without do- ing one. for media. 1 did say that those who do not believe in the future of radio broadcaisting should get. out of it. I am sure, however, that I did ijot use the phrase “get the . . . out of it.” I try to follow the Broad- casters’ Code of standards for the air in my own . public statements. That box entitled “Candor,” re- ferring to my station in Thomson, Ga., was good reporting. Yes, our station is doing well and so Is our weekly newspaper. Edgar Kobak. Maurice Evans, appearing on Ed Murrow’s “Person to Person” Fri- day (26) night on CBS-TV, disclosed during the interview that he holds the tv rights to Bernard Shaw’s “Man and Superman” and “Devil’s Disciple.” Evans further revealed that he would do “Man and Superman” as a two-hour show next: March, with "Disciple” scheduled for the in- definite future. Whether pr not “Superman” would be done as a “Hallmark Hall of Fame” special (such as the Evans-Judith. Ander- son two-hour “Macbeth” last Sun- day) was riot stated. TV rights were acquired by Evans from Shaw’S estate. During his lifetime the Irish playwright wouldn’t countenance ariy such ac- tion, to* which Shaw testified in a letter written to Evans and which the latter read on the “Person” stanza. BAUER & BLACK'S 'TNT 1 BUY Chicago, Nov. 30. Latest grab by the NBC-TV “TNT” sales net is a bundle of nine participations for Bauer & Black * the “Today-Home-To- night” trilogy.! B&B splurge occurs In Febru- ary, resistance on the part of the brew-, eries to eliminating (1) the “ca- lorib kick” and (2) the/showing of drinking of the product on tv. Beer makers, for the most part, feel they are in no position to stir up. a foam, but they passively re- gret “not being able:' to show our product in the best light,” The Bryson Bill has made itself felt on the NARTB, according to one report, which in turn, as far as the drinking-on-tv-commercials sit- uation is involved, has now asked member video outlets to play down such advertising. Directly attribu- table to the station support of the NARTB view is the fact that within the next few weeks Ballantine, han- dled through J. Walter Thompson, will eliminate all drinking scenes from commercials. Others have done same or will shortly follow suit. The unique angle is the switch from the “caloric kick” because of gripes expressed largely by inde- pendent viewers. Ballantine isn’t completely getting off the stay-thin spiel, but the brewery is modifying cojpy. Drinkers can still stay thin by drinking-BaUantine but it’s not clear how. That brewery, as well as others, is forced to clam up on the number of calories less one al- legedly has against another. Carry; ing it one step further, Piel’s states very Clearly now that “all beers have about 150 calories” per 12- ounce bottle, but “Piel's is light and dry.” A rival agency took a swipe *at Piel’s Young & Rubicam for “less non-fermented sugar** statements. It was said that no beer has .a measurable amount of sugar. It was. further declared that Piel’s was responsible, “through implication,” for starting the weight-consciousness of brewery copy writers. I A hassle between ,radi station WLIB, N. Y., and performer Bill Edmundson sprouted during the past few days over his axing, thus kicking off the second furor in as many months in N. Y.’s specialized radio field. A Negro newspaper feeding most of Harlem reported that Edmundson ended up calling a station exec a “liar, and a crook” after station chief Harry Novik suggested that the ex-gabber meet with the station spokesman to clean up difficulties. Edmundson, 23 years a member of the Southernaires, was hired by. Novik some months ago to replace Larry Fuller as . emcee of “The Gospel Train” show, Fuller had left to take up as Sporti Life in the travelling “Porgy and Bess.” (Continued on page 50^ Wednesday, December 1» 1954 RADIO -TE LE VISIOX 27 IT’S FUN TO BE A CONSULTANT Sylvania’s annual tv awards were announced last night. (Tues.) at a dinner in New York's Hotel Pierre with composer Deems Taylor as.- chairman of trife- judges’ committee. Accolades to : Walt Disney’s ABO “Disneyland” — series for children of all ages; ‘‘Little Schoolhouse,” KTTY, Los Angeles (Mrs. Helen Hempel) —local children’s show; “The Search,” CBS (Irving Gitlin, . producer )— educational series; George Gobel, NBC— comedian of the year; “Three-Two-One . . Zero,” NBC (Henry Salomon Jr., pro- ducer and co-writer)— documentary program; Ed Sullivan’s “Toast Of the Town,” CBS— showmanship variety entertainment; “Our Beautiful Potomac,” WRC-TV, Washington (Stuart Fin- ley, producef-narratpr) — local public service; “Twelve Angry’ Men/' by Reginald Rose, CBS-“Studio One” (Franklin Schaffner, director; Ted Miller, technical director) — mera direction; “Open Hearing,” ABC (John Daly, producer ) —public informa- tion service* Philco-Goodyear ■‘Television Playhouse,” NBC (Fred Coe, Gor- don Duff, producers)— dramatic series; ~ “Man On Mountain Top,” NBC (Robert Alan Aurthur, writer; Arthur Penn, director) — finest original teleplay of the year: Steven Hill and Eva Marie Saint — dramatic actor and actress of the year; , . . E. G. Marshall and Eileen Heckart— character actor and actress of the year; Jackie Qleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, CBS— outstand- ing comedy team; ’ “Telepix News,” WPIX, N. Y. (John Tillman, reporter ) —local news coverage; < “Father Knows Rest,” CBS (Robert Young, Jane Wyatt) — Wholesome family entertainment; “Medic,” NBC (James E. Moser, creator-writer, grancl award; Worthington Miner, exec producer) — the most outstanding pro- gram. ‘Game of Pay* Shift Seen Under Consideration to Bolster Billings Hoping to bolster biz, Mutual, it’s understood, is considering a plan to run some of the upcoming baseball “Game of the Day” broad- casts at night. Hopes are that the setup wbuld help build practically non-existent after -dark network billings. Tradesters see a move by Mu- tual to nighttime broadcasts of ma- jor league baseball as a logical one, because, as the clubs more and more enter arc light games, addb tional tv stations probably will have to restrict the baseball sked rather than cut into healthy nighttime bill- ings from other programs, thus giving radio a chance to become valuable. The matter, it’s said, is being approached most cautiously for fear of incurring the wrath of the minor league .ball teams, al- ready angry because of other al- leged broadcast-telecast infringe- ments. The minors are doing most of their playing at night these days, and even radio coverage of a major league game is felt to be a touchy subject. Incidentally, the minor league meetings are now un- der way, and this, it is felt, is ad- ditional cause for caution on the (Continued on page 50) Swayze’s ‘Glad We Could Get Together’— With Hogs John Cameron Swayze, whose tagline on his NBC-TV’s “Camel News” crpssboarder is “glad we could get together,” got together with hogs yesterday (Tues.). He emceed the hog- judging contest held in connection with the Inter- national Livestock Show telecast out of Chi in a 12 :15 p. m. quarter originating from.no less a plushery than the Normandy Room of the Coni ; ad Hilton Hotel and with. 27 participants flown in to. take a crack at the booty. Swayze’s chores included inter- viewing several of the : finalists arid John E. McKeen, prexy of the sponsoring Charles Pfizer Co. Shortage of topflight fcomedy writers .in television, one of the ma- jor banes “of the funnymen and the chief reason why many of them fail to register too frequently as funny, has sparked a brand new trend for the medium — the consultancy scripter. Thus writers who are al- ready cornmitted to comedy shows are, for a. fancy fee, contributing an. auxiliary assist in serving as a pul- motor for less favorable, stanzas, and already the list is a fairly im- pressive one. Last week’s negotiations whereby Young & Rubicam radio-tv veepee Nat Wolf hired Mel'Shavelson and Jack Rose as consultants on Y & R comedy shows when they're not "on call” at Paramount Studios (where they just completed the writing, production amTdirection of Bob .Hope’s “Seven Little Foys”) highlights a situation that’s been growing increasingly acute in the tv comedy sweepstakes. Even before the Shavelson-Rose- Y & R get-together, the comedy writing corisultaricy biz was flour- ishing pn several fronts as SOS calls went out in a bid to hypo floundering, properties. For exam- ple, Ed Simmons arid Norman Lear, who regularly are engaged as the writers on the Martha Raye Tues- day night show on NBC -TV, were brought in in an advisory capac- ity bn the CBS-TV Celeste Holm show when it looked like the lat- ter vehicle was in serious trouble. Similarly, Hal Goldman and A1 Gordon, who have, been added as regulars this season to the Jack Benny radio-tv writing staff, were called in to do a job on the Jack Carson one-a^month NBC-TV‘ series for Pontiac, when the first show (Continued. on page 50) Mickey Ross Vice' Morgan As Sid Caesar Director Mickey Ross, who until a shor^ time ago was partnered with Ber- nie West in a vaude and nitery turn, has been- named director , for the Sid Caesar show. Ross has been getting his production experi- ence during the summer at Green Mansions, Warrensburg, N. Y. He succeeded Ernest Glucksman at that spot. Glucksman is now an NBC producer. Show is being produced by Leo Morgan who reiriai in that capacity As ‘Hallmark’ Host Edward Arnold succeeds the late Lionel Barrymore as. host On CBS Radio’s “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and. did his first narrating- chore on Sunday (28). Arnold was one of a number of stars who me- morialized Barryriiore on “Fame” the previous Sunday. Barrymore’s longtime Scrooge characterization in “Christmas Carol” will be aired on the show Dec. 19; As . an addenda to the growing awareness that tv has to “get out of town” to thus get out of its N. Y.-L. A. origination rut, it’s now revealed that NBC has some ambi- tious plans on tap for next sum- mer. This will involve originating the one-a-month color spectaculars from various cities around the country using both NBC-TV mobile equipment arid facilities, of affiliate stations (many of which are now equipped to transmit in color). Specific cities for the emanations have not designed as yet, but plans f Or the summertime series are now under discussion. As a still further step in spread- ing itself, NBC is also taking the . cross-the-board “Home” show on tour starting Jan. 3, at which time it will begin a four-day origina- tion out of Chi. On Jan. 3 the “Hoi ”, unit will riiove into Mil- waukee and from Jan. 10 to 14 will come out of San Francisco. Idea is designed not only as a stunt but as a serious attempt to. transmit to the rest of. the coun- try the local flavor (its architec- ture, etc.) of the various cities. Both “Tonight” and “Today” will be Florida-bound in January, each for week of Miami Beach origi- nations. ♦ American Federation of Labor this week dealt a $1,250,000 an- nual body blow to the Mutual net- work by pulling its cross-the-board "AFL Views the News” strip from the web and placing it with rival ABC. AFL will place the show on ABC with Edward P, Morgan as com- mentator. Morgan is resigning hi post as news director of CBS Radi to “return to the broadcasting side of the business.” He’ll replace Harry Flannery, who’s been filling the post since last summer when Frank Edwarcjs exited in a policy hassle with, the union. Show starts on ABC the first of the year, on an expanded lineup, in the 10- 10:15 slot, same as it occupied on Mutual, Business, which was brought over by consultant Morris Novik, gives ABC some $3,000,000 in union bililngs, since it’s already got. a parallel strip with the CIO featuring John W; Vandercook. Switch was made, according to Novik, to expand the lineup from 150 to 175 stations, and also to overcome a delayed broadcast sit Ur ation on the .Coast. Another factor was the fact that 30 key Mutual outlets carried it only, three times a week. Finally; Novik said ABG’s new rate structure was more favor- able. But.talk had it.that the AmerU can Federation of Musicians, which this summer struck Mutual’s WOR, N.Y.„ put pressure on the AFL to make the switch, arid this too Was a vital factor. , Morgan was named CBS news chief a few. months ago in the cor- porate merger of radio and tv news and public affairs which; saw Sig Mickelson emerge, as Veepee in charge of the combination, with Irving Gitlin tapped as public af- fairs head. Speculation centered on Morgan’s successor in his return to active broadcasting via the AFL post, and it’s assumed the job. will go to someone under the Coluinbia roof. The berth may remain open for a week dr two to allow a thor- ough study of the available timber. Operating Under the news umbrella is a “juni ” echelon any one of whom presumed to fit the specifications . 1 They are Robert A. Skedgell, James Burke arid David Zellmer, embracing raido, tv and the assignment desk, the top sub-jobs in the department. Business is bustling at ABC Radio. Web last week brought in two new pieces of business, one of them the fat American Federation of Labor strip (see separate story), the other a quarter-hour participa- tion on “Breakfast Club,” and signed five renewals. New “Break- fast” client is the Olson Rug Co., which picked up the M on< lay 9-9:15 segment, starting Jan. 10. Arid one of the renewals, Rockwood Can- dy’s, was also for the 9-9:15 seg- ment of “Breakfast;” for two days, Wednesday and Friday. Other renewals were Goodyear for “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” Assemblies of- God for “Re- vival T-ii ,” and Aero-Mayflower Transit Co. for its 12 -a- week pack-' age of five-minute evening news- casts. Final deal, “The Christian Science Monitor Views the News,” involved an extension of the sta- tion lineup from 28 to 350, includ- five territorial outlets in Alaska and Hawaii. By STUDS TERKEL Chicago, Nov. 30. Alice had nothing on us. Out here, in the Gem of the Prairies, we find the ways of the east “curiouser and curiouser.” Consider the case of “Down You Go.” . It has been removed from this Land of. Pottawotamies to the Citadel of Culture, Manhattan. Sponsor’s reason:; The commercials are technically complicated. Engi- neers cannot be flown to. Chicago weekly. So — the whole snebang is Aieihg carted to N. Y. With the exception of moderator Bergen Evans, all the panelists will be new. Mind you, there was no beef in re the caliber of the Chi- cago contingent. It’s just that en- gineers can’t be flown. Obviously, airsickness is a rnalaise peculiar to these boys; and you can’t blame a sponsor for wet-nursing and hus- banding his technological talent. Nonetheless, my mid western, naivete impels me to ask a silly question: Why couldn’t the sh0w : remain here and the commercials done in N. Y.? I’ve been told it’s inechanically possible. What with the engineers having been spared the ordeal of a N. Y.-to-Chicago flight, their nerves calm, their wits nimble, they might just be able to turn this revolutionary trick. Okay. One less Chicago origi - tion. What we have left are in the nature of country cousin handouts. It’s now official; we are America’s. Number One Spectator City, By virtue of audience clout alone,, we’re entitled to some bleachers comment. Truism: All N. Y. panelists kre bright. If it comes from N. Y. it’s got to be bright, sparkling, cute. As any fool can plainly see. Just about every night in the week. But they’re all bright in the same way. Who’s in What’s Line? As a casual viewer, I've a rough time telling: one panelist from the other. Is it Jayne Meadows who guesses the secret or is it Arlene Francis. Is it Johri Daly Who guides the Face-Placers or is it Bill Cullen? I. know that one has a crew-cut and the other a hell of a- charming smile. But I’ll be damned if I know, at this moment, who’s in what line. Arid it makes for: dissension in the hinterlands. My sister-in-law is her neighbor- hood’s leading tv authority. But when someone brought up the sub- ject of panel shows the other night, my brother’s house was all con- fusion. An elderly lady challenged my sister-in-law’s pronunejamerito that Dorothy Kilgallen worked on a week night show, as well as Sun- day, She said it was Steve Allen, not Kilgallen. Voices were strid- ent. My wife, who is fairly bright iri a Chicago sort of way, inter- jected that JBob Merriam might make a good mayor, don’t they think so? We finally agreed that Paul Richards gave the Yanks the ’55 pennant. Sure, we all had a , drink. But the bourbon did not extinguish the inflamed feelirigs. No more talk of . panel shows. The prime victims of these pro- grams are the panelists. I’m sur6 they are, under more salutary cir- cumstances, intelligent, witty peo- ple, capable of good conversation. A number have distinguished . themselves in other fields. What strange process of perverse alche- my is it that transforms these unique humans into maedchen and bubchcn in uniform? Robbed of their individuality by a formula. On Bert Parks, it’d look good; on Bennett Cerf it’s not becoming. I get the blues When I see Henry Morgan, labor self-conSciously and come up with the retort vacuous. Sic transit gloria wit! The Formula is producing a new breed of Father Williams, 1 who stand incessantly on their heads, balance eels on their noses and make young men wonder what, makes them so awfully clever. Their cuteness is the cuteness of (Continued pn page 42) in Sun. Chicago, Nov. 30, NBC-TV is due to notch another* Sabbath afternoon sale this week, with Helene Curtis readying signa- tures for a reprise, of the Hume Cronyn-Jessica Tandy “Marriage” into the 4:30 (CST) slot currently berthing “Background.” With Cur- tis aboard as of the . first of the year, plus Geritol’s pickup of “Ju- veriile Jury” for the 3 O’clock slot and an unidentified client hot for the open Week on Quaker Oats* “Zoo Parade,” TtTl be.a clean Sun- day sweep for the web from 3 to 10 p. One of the details, to be ironed out is whether “Marriage” will play every week or only three, out of four. That will depend on Hail- mark’s decision on whether , it’ll continue with its monthly “Hall of Fame” hour specials or revert to a straight weekly half hour after Jan. 1. * * ‘ , , Earle Ludgin agency handles the Helene Curtis billings. FAIRBANKS NEW ABC NATIONAL SALES CHIEF Bill Fairbanks, eastern sale* manager of ABC Radio, has been named to the hew post of national sales manager of the web. He’ll be replaced in the eastern division by Neman Cash,, who joined the . web a year ago; as Fairbanks* j assistant. i AWARD ■» ■ ■ ■ /("CREATIVE TELEVISION” The Sylvania Television Grand Award for 1954~has been presented to "Medic/* NBC-TV’s gripping series of true* life dramas in the compassionate world of medicine* Five other Sylvania television awards for 1954 Were won by NBC-TVY This total of six awards was not matched by any other network. A distinguished group of judges, headed by Deems Taylor, selected the winners for- Sylvania Electric Products, Inc* These were the honors they awarded NBC-TV i GRAND AWARD "to that program which in their opinion has made the greatest contributions to creative television techniques, including its social responsibilities*” •MEDIC" Outstanding comedian GEORGE GO BEL Best Documentary « T HR EE -TWO - ON E-ZERO'* Outstanding Television play • "MAN ON THE M OU NTAI NTO P* by Bobert Alan Aurthur, an NBC Television Playhouse presentation Outstanding dramatic series PH I LCO-GOODYEAR TELEVISION PLAYHOUSE Outstanding Local Public Service WRC-TV* WASHINGTON (NBC Owned and Operated) for "Beautiful Potomac’* '4 In four years, the Sylvania. Award judges have found only two programs worthy of their Grand Award. "Medic” is one; NBC's " Victory at Sea” was the other. No network but r • fiBC-TV has ever won a Sylvania Television Grand Award, NBC wishes to thank Sylvania Electric Products, Inc., its board of judges and the Los Angeles County Medical Association, whose direct cooperation gives "Medic" its ■ 1 immediacy and authenticity; NBC also thanks all those associated with the six award-winners, Who have con- tributed their talents and enthusiasm to bring these out- standing hours of enlightenment and entertainment into America’s households. They are an important reason why NBC maintains program leadership and national audience leadership which consistently deliver more homes than the average evening program on any other network. * 30 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Norfolk-, Nov. 30. ♦ Station WVEC-TV, the UHF sta- tion in the Norfplk-Hampton area Which has been watched by UHF operators all over the Ration be- bf its competitive battle against a VHF station, has. been using every gimmick in the book Including showmanship, good pro- gramming, public service, mer-. chandising and promotion to prove that a ' hep UHF operation can turn the trick. The doughty young group of ex- ecutives (their average age is 3.2), have fought one. of . the toughest fights since the higher frequencies came, into^being and -after slightly more than a s year of operation are going strong. . Headed by 3Pre?cy Tom Chisnian, 32-year-old na-tiv; son, the WVEC- TV setup during; the. past six months has made strides in grammihg, sale9 and above all, con- version of . tv sets that should, in. the next year, put them on an equal level with their VHF com- petition. Following a. major pro- motional campaign that kicked off the' opening of the station, when NBC combined with the local execs to build an audience, the rate of conversions has increased at a steady ration over the last 12 months and retailers and distribu- tors. feel that the rise will continue until saturation is achieved. Major factor in the conversion picture Is the service the station has offered to owners Of all con- verted sets. Special educational forums have been set up to keep the public informed and even the salesmen, when out on calls, have doubled as tv servicemen when necessary. One of the gimmicks that has helped the conversion pic- ture has been Chisman's successful search for reasonably priced converter: Problem was solved to (Continued on page 42) Sunbeam May Retain ‘Ethel,’ If Time Although the axe has fallen on. “Ethel and Albert?’ in the 7:30 p, m. Saturday slot, Perrin Pans, agency -for the Sunbeam, client, .is. now understood interested in hav- ing the; Peg-Uynch-Alan Bunce se- ries continued. Fate of show now hinges on whether NBC-TV can come up with a better time' and. if necessary, another day. In another development that would separate “Ethel-Albert” from Sunbeam, the ad- agency is huddling with NBC on, sharing sponsorship of . Martha Ray e?s Tues- day nigh ter with Hazel Bishop. Sunbeam was spotted on the come- dienne’s stanza last week as a pre- Yule one-shot, and on . that basis picked up negotiations for addi- tional 'backing. ‘Town Meeting’ to Sun.; Jimmy Nelson Dropped “Town Meeting of the Air,” after some 15 years in its Tuesday-at-9 position on ABC, is switching to Sundays come Jan. 2. Despite the show’s lack of co-op sponsors; ABC renewed it for another, year, and. is shifting it into the Sunday-at-8 slot in the hopes of stirring up some new local client interest. At the same time, the network is dropping Jimmy Nelson, who came on with a disk show at the . beginning of the summer and as of now i$ airing two hours on Sun- day nights. Sammy Kaye’s “Sun- day Serenade” is being moved up from -early afternoon to. fill the 9:30 slot vacated by Nelson, while the 7:30 replacement hasn’t been decided, For Nelson,, incidentally, the cancellation means a Complete exit from ABC, since the ventrilo- quist’s tv show will be dropped, by the web next week; ‘Freedom of Tribunal’ Washington, Nov. 30. The Television Code. Review Board of the National Association, of Radio and Television Broadcast,, ers will consider complaints voiced recently before the U. S. Senate Subcommittee oil Juvenile Delin- quency when it huddles here to- morrow (1) and Thursday. The Board Will also review the film pre- sented at the Senate Subcommittee hearings. This was a. collection of clips showing violence.. arid cruelty, all taken from motion picture films played over tv in Washington* Harold E. Fellows. NARTB pirexy, who testified before the Senate Subcommittee,' will sit in on the sessions. The Subcommittee staff is preparing a report on its findings about the effects of video, on juvenile delinquency, to be pre- sented to the Senate in the new ;84th Congress. One : strong possi- bility is that a Senate committee will go more deeply into the sub- ject in the next year Or two. John E. Fetzer, of Station WKZO- TV, of Kalamazoo, chairman of the Code Review Board, has also. invit- ed top reps of the. American . Asso- ciation, of Advertising Agencies to sit down with the board and discuss their common objectives in. Self- regulation. ; NARTB’s Television Information Committee, which collects, devel- ops and. distributes' information on the social, cultural and economic benefits of video (a soft of opposite number' of the Code. Review Board), meets, at: fh Waldorf- Astori New. York Friday ( 3). At Its Old Stand Again OklahomqkCity, Nov. 30. WKY-TV is at it again. Already known for its aggressive tactics in Courtroom telecasting, last week The P. A, Sugg-managed station grabbed unrestricted coverage of a District Court trial hinged on tor- ture and robbery. Judge Clarence Mills permitted WKY-TV’s news- nien the “freedom of the tribunal” in picturizing the proceedings, with this comment: “The Constitution and laws, since our nation began, provide that the people’s courts should, at all times, be open to. the public as a necessity of 'due process’. Modern means of tv coverage, such as tv, have made possible a more adequate extension of this great constitutional right. The court must keep in step with such means. The coverage of this trial, by WKY-TV and other newsmen; a very important one for this city, county and state, has been accu- rately and carefully and consider- ately done by these fine, courte- ous, newsmen; We, as citizeqs, are indebted to • them,” The station’s entering wedge on courtroom^ vidcasting was accom- plished at" a murder trial in Dis- trict Court here, last December, Via a. specially constructed booth i courtroom’s fear, newsmen made sound coverage of the swear- ing i of the jury, the judge’s, charge, the verdict and the sen- tencing. Summary of testimony was presented behind silent film, with both sides being equally rep- resented,. visually and aurally, by the narration. In last week’s in- stance, there were no special physical arrangements made for the unlimited soundi-on-film and silent camera coverage. By using highspqpd films, necessity . for : special lighting was eliminated. Guy Lombardo show, running on WRCA-TV, N.Y., for well past a year, looks to be headed for can- cellation. It’s a top budgeted once- a-weeker (Friday at 7 p.m.), with Lincolri-Mercury client forced to pull in its horns after going for a considerably upped outlay for next season on its CBS-TV “Toast of the Town.” Client and Kenyon & Eckhardt agency are; to huddle today (Wed.) on a decision, and the 7 o’clock time may be .field to slot a lower budgeted sho.w; perhaps -film package. KFO’s Unusual Two-Way St. Louis Exposure Via KSD and WTVI Split “Kukla, Fran & Ollie” Was the unusual distinction of getting its ABCrTV weekday exposure, from two stations in the same market. Show, a co-op offering, has been booked into St. Louis under an arrangement Whereby KSD-TV will carry it' on Tuesdays and Thurs- days, while WTVI, the UHF. outlet in suburban Belleville, will have the Monday, Wednesday and Friday segments. Each will find its .own sponsors,. Situation came about when ABC offered the show to KSD-TV, which said it couldn’t find time to carry it. Web then offered it to WTVI, which said it could only carry three days a week. Then KSD-TV came back saying it had cleared the time and could it have the show. Web then got the two stations together and the show-sharing arrangement was worked out. KSD-TV starts Sept. 9, WTVI Dec. 13. in RETURN TO FILL IN FOR GLEASON Tommy and Jinimy Dorsey, have made good. Of elf. duo filled in last summer for Jackie Gleason’s CBS-; TV stanza, dubbed “Stagd Show” for the hot weather sweepstakes. With the comic’s winter vacation coming up in the Jan. 1 and. 8 cluster, . the Dorseys will, again bridge the gap. Of course, it’s a Jackie Gleason Productions pack- SUGAR BOWL SWEETENS ABC-TV GRID COFFERS Top Pop Products, which makes a new wrapped-in-aluminum pop- corn package that, the housewife merely slip in the. oven . intact and bring it out finished and ready to serve, has made its first network television and radio purchase, . a one-third simulcast slice of the New Year’s. Day Sugar Bowl game from New Orleans on ABC. Firm, has had some local spots and has received some network plugs on “Mr. Peepers" because its pack- age employs Reynolds aluminum, buf otherwise is new to the net- work advertising ranks. Purchase gives. ABC a sellout on. the simulcast, with the web hav- ing pacted Swanson & Sons, the frozen food outfit, purchased a third last week, while American Chicle had picked up the initial third, a couple of weeks ago. Situa- tion on the Sugar Bowl this year is in marked contrast to last, when | web unloaded the simulcast in a last-minute deal with R. J. Reyn- olds. Decisive factor in the Top Pop buy was Navy’s win this week- end over Army and its subsequent WFIL-TV’S TELETHON COPS RECORD 361 G Philadelphia, Nov. 30. WFIL-TV’s Cerebral Palsy Tele- thon garnered a record total of $361,795 in 18 hours of telecasting from Convention Hall. Program, sponsored by . the Philadelphia In- quirer Charities, was the . longest staged in station’s four years’ pro- motion of the telethons, beginning at 10 p.m. Saturday evening and continuing until 4 p.m. Sunday. More than 1,000 volunteers took part in the telethon, portions of which' were broadcast by radio sta- tion. WFlL and by television sta- tions in Easton and 'Wilkes-Barre, Pa., .and Atlantic City, N. J, Taking part in the program were the entire staff of. WFIL stations headed by Tom Moorehead, as mas- ter of ceremonies. Show business personalities who aided in taking the telephoned pledges included Gabby Hayes, Warren Hull, Vir- ginia Graham, Nancy Kenyon and Maria Riva. Entertainers who ap- peared on the show included Ray Malone, Sally. Starr, Commander Buz Corey and Cadet Happy of the Space Patrol, Frail Allison, Don Cornell, Georgia Gibbs, Georgie Shaw -and Juanita Hall. .age, as well. Signed for the New Year's Night j acceptance of a bid to £lay in the Show as guestar is Johnnie Ray. | bowl; Seattle— Keith Jackson, former ly at KLEE,. Lewiston, Ida:, is now sports; editor for KOMO-TV here, replacing John Jarstad, who has gone to KTVW. a Secret Radio-tv brass hats, not unlike their counterparts in the world of business-industry-finance, have always been concerned with ‘Teaks” to the press! There has never been a time before or since the Winchell “keyhole gang” era that one scribbler or another didn’t beat the “shutout" rap— -as often as not “legitimately.” After all, it’s never been considered unethical to accept , and print information when there’s no connection with the nation’s security (even Senator Joe McCarthy’s., “acceptance” of . topr secret /data from “unauthorized” sources has not been; pinned down by any court of . law as “criminal” although, subsequent juridical history may resolve this particular point). ■Most “leaks” are resented or deplored for reasons of vanity. The very intra-mural existence of a news-value item to which only the elite are presumed, to be privy suggests that there’s no ultra special reason for sheltering it from the. generaL or trade public. When the news is ^tipped” by one of the inner sanctum- ites; a member of the latter or multiples of the £ame. is bound to take, the traditional umbrage, because, let us say, of his own good friends of the press was not exclusively supplied with , the juicy item. So, too, perhaps, with .those who preside over the : press domain, where the contacts, with the fourth, estate are of a more direct and professional order. B;C. or A.D., : no one has ever found, a sure way to plug a leak, To take the pure definition,, a secret is not a secret .when more than one person knows it. Back in the early days of radio, when network press sectors were not so populous and a secret had that much less chance to “get out,” there was one publicity topper who spent a good part of his day plugging holes to make certain (so he hoped) that no news would get out before its time!. He kept so many “secrets” within close confines that it became his. own Frankenstein. As this little tale coines down to the wire, it becomes familiar in the. payoff theme. It was this same, “pnvy publicist’’ who leaked more stories than anyone on his staff. One moral here is that, often as not, the man. who screams the loudest about “betraying the house” is the one Who^ does the betraying. Soapers; Zitz Heads Chi Agency Chicago, Nov.; 30. Martin Zitz is the new prexy of the Henri, Hurst & McDonald ad agency, succeeding W. B. Henri, who becomes chairman of the exec . committee. New prexy, only ,38 years old, joined HH&M five years ago. In another reshuffling, E- F. Hascall moved up from the exec veepee slot to become vice chair- man of the board of directors. Pitt Variety Club’s ‘Mr. TV of ’54’ Plaque Goes to Walt Framer Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. Walt Framer, local boy and pr - ducer of “Strike It Rich” and “Big Payoff,” was awarded a. plaque naming him,' “Mr. Television of 1954” . by Variety Club at its 27th annual banquet. Framer originally joined showmen’s Organization here while he was in radio before moving on to New' York. He brought along, two of his stars, Warren Hull and Bess Myerson, who staged a giveaway for the more* than 600 guests at the affair. | Tent No. 1 also adopted its 16th child since- the founding, Catharine Variety Sheridan VI, a one-year-old Negro child, and presented its sixth Heart Award posthumously to Richard S.Rauh, longtime civic leader and one of the founders of the Pittsburgh. Symphony Orches- tra and the Pittsburgh PlayhousO. It was accepted in his memory by his widow, Helen Wayne Rauh, tv and Playhouse actress. George Jessel was the toastmas- ter at banquet, first one in Tent No. l’s history to which women were admitted.. WCBS GOING ON 4-HR. SAT. DISK JOCKEY KICK W.CBS, the New York radio flag- ship of CBS, has succumbed to the disk , jockey kick and blueprinted a four-hour Saturday, session. Plat- ter-spinning operation will tee off Dec. 4 in the 2 to 6 p. m. slot to be cut up on a participating basis* Taking charge of the turntable, will be Bill Randle, one of the highly prized deejays whose rep has been made in Cleveland over the last five years or so. WCBS drafted him from WERE there. The web relinquishes the time that’s been \ devoted seasonally to "Football Roundup,” a news cap- sule, and “Saturday at the Chase.” Randle’s the second Clevelander to go Gotham disk doodler. Some weeks back WINS brought . in “Moondog” (Alan Freed) from the Ohio city. By BOB McSTAY Toronto, Nov. 3.0. Soap operas are disliked by 95% of Ontario’s farm wives; they have an acute distate for giveaway pro- grams and singing commercials; the majority prefer symphony and Opera concerts to hit parade re- cordings for the teenage- members of their families; and top • much tii ’ being given via radio and television . to sports coverage. These are the opinions garnered in a poll of the 145,000 farm wives who are members of The Women’s Institute, this comprising 1,500 community groups, . sponsored by the Department of Agriculture of the Ontario Government for the betterment of social and economic conditions in rural Ontario homes. The tabulation of this • extensive poll was reported to some 600 delegates to the annual convention; at the Royal York Hotel here by Mrs. D, S. McNaughton, chair- man Of the radio** council of Women’s Institutes of Ontario. Of the 85% return on question- naires, this obviously a cross-sec- tion of rural opinion in' Ontario, the findings show an overwhelm- ing taste for “better entertain- ment’ —and considerable concer (Continued on page 50) Chicago, Nov, 30. Columnist Ed Sullivan will be popping in and out of Gotham about six times a month with a vaude package for promotion dates, mostly in the midwest, under the banner of ‘his CBS-TV staple, “Toast of the Town.” Bookings are being handled by Art Goldsmith of Paramount At- tractions in Chicago, and the “Toast” unit— which heretofore has. played in-person dates only for Lincoln-Mercury ballyhoos will appear at universities, public audi- toriums, and in various civic pro-, motions. Sullivan, assembles . the units himself from acts who have made appearances on his tv show. . First date was played two week- ends ago at Purdue U., where mor than 24,000 tickets were .sold, to four performances in two days, representing a complete sellout. Lineup had Richard Hearne, An^ di'ea Dancers, Mary Small, Vic Miz- zi, Rufe Davis, and . the Rudells — none of them big names, indicating Sullivan can pull entirely on his own. Same type vaude format will play Wichita, Sioux Falls, and Sioux City on Dec. 8-9-10, with more midwestern dates on tap after the first of the year. Wednesday^ December 1, 1^54 RADIO-TELEVISION 31 Those apparent wide differences in the rating reports of different research services aren’t actually so great if all services are report- ing the same : week. Comparison of Nielsen’s top 10 for its first October report with American Research Bureau’s ratings of the same shows indicates a maximum difference of and •minimum divergence of only .1 points, comparison which follows, covering the week oi little differences between the two. Rank Program 1. I Love Lufcy '2. Bob Hope , . . . . . , . .. 3. Toast of the Town . ... 4. Gavilan-Saxton Fight 5. Milton Berle > 6. Jackie Gleason 7. ' Dragnet ..... v. . . . . . . 8. Groucho Marx .... . . ; ... 9. Tonight at 8:30 (Spec) . ... 10. ‘Sunday in* Town (Spec) . . . . -7 Not carried during^ ARB week. Nielsen’s Top 10 listing covers a two-week period, So that these programs weren’t covered by ARBi. However, in all. cases where both ratings are shown, those ratings are for the week of Oct. 7-13. . 5,9 rating points Fact is that the Oct. 7-13, reveals Nielsen Rating ARB 52.0 52.1 50.6 47.7 50.3 52.3 49.8- 45.6 43.9 41.0 41:1 44,0 40.5 46.4 38,9 .I — . . 38.8 . '20 Plan’ 1 Chicago, Nov; 30. Latest to get on the radio “package o' spots’’ bandwagon is NBC’s WMAQ which has introed a weekend “20 Plan.” Station has opened up four Saturday and Sunday periods for spot insertions uhder a special rate of $500 *for the bundle of 20 one- minute blurbs. Every Monday ight WATV,-.-* Newark, beams«its signal into the stratosphere where- the. eggheads dwell. And without making a sin- gle concession to commercialism (unless it’s doing esoteric themes in 13-week cycles) that particular electronic beam, which is no more complicated than some of the, pro-, grams it carries, draws in return enough mail to be considered, the envy 'of:' many of its commercial brethren.. 1 j The 'Rutgers U, , part of WATV’s Monday ight highbrow block, drew a total; of, 5,747 letters since the end of ’5$ when a 13- week cycle called the “Weber Series” began# That pile of epis- tles totals nearly as much as some local, giveaways on tv. (Giveaways, incidentally, is the Rutgers angle too: a pamphlet containing some kind of selective info to ; induce writeins). Partially a low budget arid what appears to be an indomitable stand, against concessions tb lesser minds, the Rutgers stanza sits a pe- dagogic prof or other academician in front of a blackboard and facing a camera, and has him talk. The only graphic element (besides a few Chalk marks) might be what the. lecturer conjures, up In. the minds/of his evidently large; but select Audience; Take for instance the first, of the 13-Week' cycles— the “Weber Ser- ies’’., (like all the others j named after the professor in charge) re the world of art. Things Were slow,, then probably because it was the first ^series on the 13-vveek ycle concept. Returns were ‘fair,” with only 526 letters for all that time, (Intelligenstia were away Fire Islanding it for the sum- mer.) Use of the “commercial cycle” steadily increased mail through the second series, w'ith hangover appeal drawing literates back .week after week. ' That Was. the' “Fender Series” on mathema- tics, teal Einstein fodder. . There were near 1,500 letters for that one, coming as they all do from N.Y., New Jersey and Connecticut. There was a falloff in mail during the third of the 13-week cycles, but things picked tip sharply for the most recent two. The “Schmitt.. Series” on “insect: Friend or Foe” picked 'up slightly over 1,700 pieces of mail, and the most recent one on Italo com- munities has in its third week al- ready topped the lot with- an ex- cess of 1,80 letters. Westinghouse Electric has or- dered the closed circuit facilities: of CBS-TV for a Xmas Week hoop- la involving its distribs, dealers, etc. It’s for . an hour at 6 p.m. on Dec. 29. That’S a Wednesday, When it’ll be Pabst Beer’s three- for-one '.turn on the 10 p.m. slot earmarked for Westinghouse on an every-fourth-week basis: (In the schedule, Westinghouse would be due on Dec, 8 and Jan. 5, thus shut out of a Yule show except for its “Studio One,” but could go out of turn on the 29th with a nod from Pabst.) Viewing rooms, plus monitors, technicians, etc-, will be supplied by the sponsor. D.C. Good Music Station Washington, Nov. 30, W.GMS, Washington’s . Good Mu- sic Station, is expanding into the field of direct instruction via >‘The University of the Air” series. A. cooperative effort of station and George Washington and George- town U. ? , educational broadcast courses, which tee off next Satur- day (4) will be under production direction - of Mrs. Imogene Putnam, » ho formerly produced a similar series for WCFM. Scheduled every Saturday after- noon for eight weeks, the hour show will be in two segments,, with, each of the participating colleges giving separate 30-minute courses. Station has worked closely with both schools on various music pro- grams. Expansion into general educational fields came as a result of public interest in the courses, Chis B cast Adv. Chicago, Nov. 30. After a delayed start, Chi’s new Broadcast Advertising Council, formed by the merger of the Broadcast Executives Club arid Chicago Television Council, is due to get formally under way iri Janu- ary.- Main business of the initial meeting Jan. 19 will be approval of a slate of officers, nominated by the directors of the. merged out- fits. Nominated roster includes: Peter Cayallo Jr., J. Walter Thompson, prexy; Jack Simpson, Foote, Cone & Belding, James Stirton, MCA, and William McGuineas, WGN veepees; Gladys Blair, Young & Rubicam, secretary; Lois Thomp- son, Robt. Meeker, treasurer, and Alton. Farber, J. Walter Thompson, publicity. . , Directors are: John A. Cory, FrCe & Peters; Arthur Harre, WLS; Lou Nelson, Geoffrey Wade; Leon- ard Matthews, Leo Burnett; Arnold Johnson, Needham, Louis & Bror- by ; Sterling Quinlan, W B K B; Charles Zeller, Guenther Bradford; Cy Wagner, NBC, arid John Moser, Moser & Compere. 25G ‘KUKLA’ XMAS PACKAGE AS 1-SHOT Chicago, Nov. 30. ABC-TV is pitching a special hour-long Xmas day package fea- turing Burr Tillstrom’s “Kukla, Fran & Ollie” company in a puppet treatment of James Thurberis “Many Moons” > kiddie novelette. Show, which will go on only if sold, is slated for lush wrappings with Tillstrom personally design- ing the. sets and scenery as well as creating new puppet characters for the fantasy. /, The. film , companies are single- handedly doing a hangup job to perpetuate bigtime local radio bill- ings: If they had their way about it they’d pour virtually all their coin into morning and night. AM spots on a local level in preference to tv. : The pix companies say they’re getting niuch better results, from exploitation. ' radio than from tv spots. For. one thing, it’s hard to grab good local tv spot time. And for even less than it costs to get a 20-second video spot they can get three and four-minute plug ride, in radio. It’s not only, applicable to New York, where re- sults are best, they report* but such cities as Memphis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and De- troit are “hot centres” for radio exploitation of new pix. product. A. recent contest via radio spots on behalf of a film brought in 5,000 answers in Detroit,, the same num- ber in New. York arid 3,500 in Philly; That was about par on a lO-rity check: Same contest de- livered but a few hundred answers via tv. Dramas Don’t Die’ — Reprised in Books, Etc. I New York. , Editor, Variety': Was interested . your article about Reginald Rose’s scripts pn “Studio One” attracting “institu- tional attention.” As additional proof that good scripts do riot die after one live' performance, I thought , you would be ; interested in some of the reaction to scripts sold by rne during the past couple of seasons. I might add that the following is merely some of the information that comes into this office. I know a greater number of requests and reactions come to the networks arid agencies. Just to toot the horn for my writers a bit: James Truex has had' his short, play, “She Walks . in Beauty,” which was presented on the Kate Smith Show starring Sir Cedric Hard Wicke, printed in two antholo- gies of tv plays, The first pub- lished by A. A. Wyn Co. and the second to be, published this year by the Globe Book; Co., educa- tional publishers, ; Permission was recently requested and granted for the^ performance of this script by the - Speech Dept, of the University of Omaha, and was televised over WOW-TV there. Also, Mr.. Truex has granted permission to the Book; Committee of the Society of Friends in Philadelphi to print the script, “Young William Penn.” which was presented on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” April 4, Joseph Cochran’s "The;: Queen’s English,” performed on “LuX Video Theatre” last season, was. requested for perforihance by the Parent-Teachers Assn, of Adams, High School, South Bend, Irtd:, as well as by inbef of other PTA’s. Rod Scrling’s “U/ F. O., pre- sented on “Westinghouse Sumirier Theatre” this.- past summer, will -also be published in the ..Globe Book Co.’s f orlhcom ing* anthology , and George Lowther’s “Will- power/’ also performed on Lux last year, was presented in May; 11954, by the Fort Hill Players of Scarsdale, N. Y. This-is just proof, as. I said be- fore, that audience reaction is very exciting when a good . script is tele- cast^-.which is certainly wonder- ful for Mr. Rose as well as for many other writers. Blanche Cairtes. A Casualty in Frisco San Francisco, Nov. 30. Red Blanchard, KCBS’ highly publicized zany . personality whose show grabbed spreads in Life and Time/ has proven d disappointment sales wise and the station lopped show last week. . Blanchard, who is still under con- tract to KCBS, remains at the sta- tion on staff and will have another show. This time, however, program director ‘ Pede Worth/ declares Blanchard’s program will be aimed at a broader segment of the audi- ence. As a result of the demise of the Red Blanchard Show, two long time KCBS writers and produc- ers, Dick Brill and Ralph DiSalle; have been axed. ♦ CBS-TV was in a $-sign pitch on two fronts last- week, with UHF taking part of the spotlight. First/ the web broke out with a new rate card effective today (^ed.) with these major changes: The Basic Group, minimum re- quirement for all new business, is increased to 46 stations; minimum required ..station lineup for prime night periods increased to 60; with- out .altering established discount scale, a new category, “Over-All Discount,” has been introduced; advertisers maintaining Volume- of 6100,000 or more* weekly gross bill- ing for station time in consecutive 52-week period will, get straight de- duction of 25% as substitution for combo weekly station-hour and an- nual discounts; number of changes production section relating to First “magazine concept” entry for ABC-TV Will be a orie-hour- weekly segment employing ' the “how-to-do-it” theme. Show, titled “Your Better Horne,” is slated for Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to. ,12:30 starting Jan. 8. Web has al- ready. signed one participating sponsor, A power tool company, and reportedly is getting good station acceptance for the, show. . Segment, which is being pro- duced by Alton Alexander and David Lown, will star actor Neil Hamilton with Helen Lewis as hi$ assistarit. Hamilton’s hdbby : is carpentering, and the feeling at the web is that a trained actor can put "across the show better than a teacher or professional; fix-it ex- pert., There are no magazine tie- ins (despite the “Better Home” tag), but it’s understood that a couple are contemplated for mer- chandising and promotion 'pur- poses, CHI ‘5rSTAR FINAL - GETS AN OVERHAUL Chicago, Nov. 3.0: ( . WNBQ’s pioneering “Five Star/ Final” block of strip shows in the 10 to II p.m, band, which down through the . years rated as one of tv’s best local money makers, is bowing to the trend of the times and is to undergo a revamping the first of the year. The weather, household hints/ news and sports layout is to be telescoped into the first half-hour to leave the 10:30 period open for vidpix berthing and possibly a live sports remote or two. Although the last half has- been doing okay saleswise, the ratings have tailed off against the compe- tition of WGN-TV’s feature films and WBKB’s telepix, so it’s, fig- ured that it’ll be easier to keep the period humming via the Vidpix route. Also believed a factor is that Eastman Kodak is seeking a Wednesday night station time slot for its upcoming “Norby film. Remaining intact will be Clint Youle’s 10 p.m. 10-minute weather show and. Dorsey Connors’ follow- ing five-minute hint squib. Jack Angell’s 10:15 rtewscase wiTl be cut to 10 minutes with the remaining five taken over by Norm Barry’s sports /roundup, presently occupy- ing;. the 10:30 to- 10:45 period. Herbie Miritz’s final' quarter of keyboarding and show, biz chit chat will be dropped. i> CAR ‘ ELECT NEW SLATE Greensboro, NL C./ Nov. 30: William S. Page of WELS. Kin- ston, was elected president of the North Carolina Assn. of Broadcast- ers at Southern Pines. Other officers named included Allen Wahnainaker, WBIG, Greens=_| boro, vice president; Cecil Hoskins, •WW-NC, Asheville, secretary-treas- urer, and Earle Gl.Uck, WSOC, Charlotte; E. Z; Jones, WBBB, Bur- lington, and. T. H. Patterson , WRRF/ Washington, directors. facilities, the first increases in two. years (live studio rehearsal, $450 gross per hour for' full facilities; $225 for studio with audio only; $150 for, studio without facilities; for fill -facilities used with live rehearsal/ reduced from $150 to $100 per hour; if only one pro- jector used; for network commer- cial programs primarily on film, base charge of $250 gross per quar- ter-hour, a fee that ad agencies ar,e currently studying, with the us*ial gripes anticipated.) More important for tv’s future: is the web’s “Extended Market. Plan” aimed: at encompassing small outlets and giving “CBS affiliate” more of a ring of reality, Mini- mum rate pattern is eliminated and instead, the network will link up with the smallest markets “as long as station rate is consistent with the actual circulation delivered.” But since, as CBS notes, this will involve many cases where web’s share of payment. from sponsor. will be “far less” than the cost to net- work of servicing such a plan, EM P provides two alternatives to sta- tions: that do not create “serioii overlap’’ with existing network fa- cilities: 1. Station has choice either of taking web programs on recorded basis of $5 per prograrn, or 2. To take these . programs live and pay cable, local connection and transmission charges. From either CBS’ / other view- points, notably the Federal Gov- ernement, EMP is figured to help operation of the U’s in the smaller markets, since these will now hav opportunity to latch on to the ma- jor shows „to build audiences, Atlanta Baptists Up In Arms Over Radio-TV to Atlanta, Nov. 30. Baptists of Atlanta, apparently asleep at the switch, ai-e bestirring themselves . in a belated, effort to prevent removal of the Southern Baptist Riadio and. Television Cen- ter from here to Fort Worth. Bids for the center came from Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Dallas and Tulsa as well as Atlanta and Fort. Worth, The Rev. Paul S; Stevens, direc- tor of the. Baptist radio & tv com- mission said . Texas’ famed COw- town was selected in the following points: An offer by WRAP (radio & tv) of free, . indefinite Class A time each Sunday on its 50,000 wait clear channel station for. “The Bap- tist Hour.” An offer by the station of 30 minutes free, televised, time each week and use of its facilities for expeirimental purposes! . Assurance, of a headquarters, building tor the center and built. to the ccmmission-s specifications. . The Rev. Mr, Stevens said: “At- lanta, lost out because no positive 'offers- 'were made to meet any of o.ur needs, Their bid was strictly a negative approach,” . Pittsburgh— Disk jockey popula- tion Ideally continues to grow by leaps and bounds and the newest one is Joe Mann, of tv, who re- turns to KQV, where he got. liis [“Start as a radio announcer, on a weekly basis. With the end of the football season; Mann has been signed by the local CBS Outlet for a rambling, off-the-cuff platter ses- 1 si On- every Saturday afternoon for 1 four hours beginning this week <4>. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 33 B U YIM G To break established patterns and create a bold new style is one thing ; to -win acceptance in the market-place is another. NBC-TV Color Spectaculars were daring departures from conventional television programming. Now the first sizable block of figures is in. Of the first five of these 90-minute super-shows to be rated by Nielsen, four have won top-ten-size audiences. The fifth missed by a whisker. Each of the five has been seen in more than 10,000,000 homes. “Tonight at 8 :30” and ‘‘Sunday in Town” are both in the top ten in the latest Nielsen ratings, each reaching over 10,700,000 homes. In earlier ratings, “Lady in the Dark” was in fourth place with 11,347,000 homes. “Satins and Spurs, according to a Special Nielsen Tabulation, was also seen in more than 11,000,000 homes, and “The Follies of Suzy,” another NBC Spectacular, was enjoyed in 10,249,600 homes. But ratings are only one part of the picture. NBC Color Spectaculars have achieved nation-wide impact. People talk about them, read about them. They’re big, exciting, newsworthy. Last week’s Judy Holliday cover on LIFE is an example of the constant attention they attract. Equally impressive is their merchandising magic. Dealers are more than enthusiastic about the response at point-of-sale. And perhaps most important, these Spectaculars have provided vital impetus to the greatest selling medium yet devised .,. . color television; Creation of the Color Spectacular is only one aspect of NBC’s dynamic program leadership in Television — leadership that brings more families to the average evening program on NBC-TV than any other network. TELEVISION <£ Service of 34 TELEVISION REVIEWS PTeRitifY Wednesday, December X, 1954 Tele vision ♦ f ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦♦♦ + * t ♦♦ ♦ > y obviously bandied was another of “Omnibus’" musical lessons. Util- izing the talents of the BervBros. and. their French horns, the stanza stumbled through several minutes with brass that went rib place. In that period Cooke got. another of his personal instrument lessons, and. it was. a shade’ on the “too cute” side.. The most offish aspect of last week’s “Omnibus”, was a short (but still overlong) segment with Orson • Bean up. Comedian was used to plug one of the show's four bank- rollers,; Norcross, and the audience was misused. Allegedly: the., scene was about Xmas wrapping (which Norcross makes), and, though his Writers may have. thought it funny. Bean’s repeated references to thp bankroller name just provoked. There were too many, elements 1 soprano Roberta Peters,: was one wpi-pn’t controlled in 1he , of the. fastest sessions on record. 2 T 22 ! ,1 Borge- made the time-bf-night pass NBC-TV Home show pH’scnta- ra pidiy. His first half consisted of tion of the Macy Thanksgiving Day having the audience, call in re-; parade , froi blew York, >ilh the quests, and then obliging. His demerits’- including Some irascible wordage is on the entertaining; side tlcments including some nasume and he shows tremendous artistry adults. ’ Femcee 'Arlene Francis. . at the. piano; He . can weave . yari^ toward the conclusion of the hour- ^ous tunes together with Skill. His' long pre- ,‘ said the show ; musical adlibs, if such they be, are WnnirT ivfve'heen more annreei U'd i furm y* The musical patterns - he. n ou)d luve bcen more appi eci u a j sets . up the gg ^ake good musi-’ in color. v That, it s felt, ical sense with tremendous listen- apology; riot for the lack of coior-r- ability. . The, first, half Of the show. which \\ as certainly Sorely missed passed- almost before the audience —but lor the number of nts i, wa jj. e 'Y are *°f it* ... , . Final segment found him paired .preceding that weren t in the spn Miss Peters, She sang the. of Thanksgiving , and tor the cori- < “Laughing- Song” from . “Die Fled-, fusion of the. remote production, ! er maus” arid with , Borge clowning It was one. of those.: days vviien the } al the piano did Romberg’s- “One program should have stayed ; Kiss;” The coloratura lent her- “Home’ with, the hausfrau. instead •: self amiably to the clowning. Vo- of Out on the streets with the kids. J caily, she’s among the tops. Latest: theme, of the parade, an- 1 Jose. n. . ••• T' i_ -j i .^t Tf l- riiialiy sponsored by the N.Y. de-. partmenl store, was “For, the Joy ,of Children Everywhere;” Judg- ing by what little could be clear iy taken from, the home screen, the Macy planners held up their end of. the bargai , perhaps not as well a other ' years but /well, enough. However, NBC found out tli at time and a Macy Thanksgiv- ing Day parade wait for no one, riot even floor managers. The in- ability to Coordinate cameras with floats and giant balloons passing, in review; the uhfariiiliarity. with .w | The NCAA , grid games over Judg- 1 ABC-TV, capped by the Army- Navy classic, climaxed an ‘ almost constant poor job • of telecamera work and inability not only to fol- low the plays but also inability to: set up the booth lenses for be$t results, An elementary insurance against camera eclipse Was lacking in the Municipal Stadium pickup from Philadelphia when, at the most crucial times, some charac- ter’s wide-brimmed skimmer got sinack-dab in front of the camera, handling a raft of juves in. the re- 1 Why the. lens sweep couldn’t be served scats and thousands of [set up in advance to insure against spectators who were. more anxious j. this sort of amateurish interfer- tO see the parade “live” Ilian ac- | erice is/but. another of the season’s co mod ate the stars and cameras of ' ineffectualities. And those multiple NBC, Tir.st tired Miss Francis; and ! Zenith arid Amana. commercials! some of her aides, then ‘confused 'Not to mention the season’s habit them. Video viewers, didn’t iriiss a j of the referees getting . iri the Way step in the progression of hu'jnan . ' of some of the plays;' at certain frailties but did miss lots of the ' Stages it was almost . like r a 12-man parade. J ’ Refugee children (Russian, Greek; German were some mentioned! were the mai on-camera specta--. tors. Cameras picked up the pa- ad e long after its' start from Way up on Manhattan’s 77th St. There were, giant rubber .balloons— -a- gob- bler, a daschund; a fish arid, among others, an outsized repre- sentation of Mighty Mouse, which Miss Francis arid the juves mistook- for Mickey Mouse, now solely iri the possession of ABC-TV and col- laborator Walt Disney; It was probably the only accidental show- biz plug all. morning, but there were many others; Many of them V'.ere interesting. Sid Caesar, flashed . by with' His offspring on one float; Clarabell, Chief Thun- der bird, et. al, lhafched by; Jackie I • f"’ r\ A ftn rv n . T ! ■ TJf >*. --.1- i — J : . . ! team,, so close bri the plays were some of the umps. Speaking of “baker's dozen”-type griaders/: does anybody care about those 12-men Canadian teams? ' Abel. Last Sunday 128) afternoon, while NBC-TV was 'concerned with the corpses , of Shakespeare’s i “Macbeth,” the CBS-TV “OmnL bus” version bf Jean Giraudoux’s “The Virtubns Island” was loaded with “live ones.” Latter, an adap- tation by Maurice./ Valency and bearing a “first time U.S'.A“ Stamp, was a slick farce: about Eng- lishmen and Polynesians, It was a bright comedic spot in . an otherr wise ordinary hour-and-a-half showcase. About frustrated. Englishwomen,, righteous arid 'dense .Englishmen, Ed Sullivan’s .“Toast of the Town” roamed far afield on CBS- TV last Sunday night (28), yet eny tertainment value • of... the' stanza remained very high. Potpourfi of Acts included selections from tbe “Fanny” .legiter, scenes from the pic, “Moby Dick;” currently in ’pro- duction: abfoa faction on the audio. -"She '..found' “When a woman dances t,he:Vic herself talking about, one thing :.sb dances the Vicora so a i hard-bargaining agent. After sev- eral nifty parries over salary, over course, Benny hires the agent to play the part. A telegraphed punch, but; good; , Some okay bits were supplied by Mel Blanc gnd . Joe Besser and The Sportsmen were- again socko on ■'the Lucky Strike commercial. Pro- duction and trappings Were tiptop. ; ' Gros: ' There Js a suspicion among; ex- man j hibitors that loiv quality tv. shows while another was on. the monildr- ' uiay see exactly what he has re- ( have killed- off. their “B” pictiifri Tl HO “1 Ionic" show hart all lv/Vct I ilised . y> Hnnihr lhi'nn>hhiif Wnc nf ! . • * •. vu. vuv MIIMUIUI ; ; h not iiV. ii.cio A T no ‘1 Ionic- show had all the best ! ilised/ , HunVor throughout vvas of Jri ten tion*?-. but it was. unfrirtunaic ‘ same stuff, peeking lightly- at hu- that^ it fell far short of the mark, man nature. ; Ar(. . . When Ritchard arid . Miss Gam ., IWWUWI.U uuvf . mioo viani. .• AwuiTfvug nuuuuiut viniucu j. lie finally did get. together they were After Hous.e” wasted some capable .trade. “Climax," over CBS-TV last week (25), lent considerable weight to . that argument. Hour-long whodunit entitled “The ■ o v y. vw^vvuyi viil j cic Red Buttons having : been taken busted apart by Hermione Gingold ill,. Victor Borge was pressed into as the pedaril's frau. Miss Gingold, .service for the comic’s Fright night ; in turn,, tangled with the virility of NBC-TV show. It permitted vuTu- ;-the,. chief’s $on, (Darren McGaven) ally no rehearsal and, certain l.v no i afl’d his prediliction for babies; special writing. Fortunatelv.'.the ; Theiv tete a fete was full of pre- selection of Borge. made ‘ these | (lical ri e rils that suitably fit Girau- .ltems virtually unnecessary. On doux’. pungent scribbing. I uuurjr nan uav^ivgi uuuucu U 1 I d ms own. Borge. can hold an ari-“. ‘.Oinnibiis’’ began with a film and tramp freighter plying the . Red. (hence lor considerable periods, lecture on capturing Canada’s wild China trade. When the tough, dope- In fact, his one-man sho\v at the \ ^usk. ox. Aim of explorer John J. smueeline oantain wa«' miivripwri Golden Theatre, N.Y„ which has -l’^t was to domesticate the first been running more than a. year; * 1 animal in 10,000 years, perhaps for ample evidence that lie’s a standup use in a later Arctic civilization, It comedian of considerable abilities, i AVas mildly educational but short The half-hour with Borge, aided al entertainment. Less inter- [ 11* I Cf rillfl tN A tlf-l MM- ' L.t > T ^ J » Aohi'M rl- 1 Ann n/lll'ylAl.'Aax.! nu >1 ..4. if. A iA actors' on a ridiculous story that lacked logic, CQnyiction arid: the. most basic ingredierits of a thriller. In fact, for the most part, it shaprid up as an outright bore with not even the Saving grace of good dialog. Stbry was backgrounded on a VUUltt V4. IT iivu un; LVUgUj UVRC" smuggling captain was murdered, viewers were 1 faced with the ques- tion Of who committed the foul deed. The captain’s “wife," who was actually his prisoner, or the new . second mate, who. won’t touch nmruuui wnu ameu ( «i ciuci iiuHUHjm.: mier- new.secona mate, who. won i ioucn during one portion by Metop esting, less educational and rather alcohol. The fact that it was neither presumably served to justify the. show’s “Climax" tag. Steve Cochran as the second mate, determined to skip the bot- tle and to stay out of trouble, turned in an okay performance in a routine part. He was effective by underplaying the ..role; Patricia Medina was clearly handicapped by the inane script Which: didn’t give her much leeway. Writer Gil Doud', who adapted the show from a yarn by Mary Roberts Rinehart, never bothered to explain how she came to be on board iri the first place Minor Watson as the father of a boy driven to suicide by the . cap- tain had a couple of good, sceries. ’ Barton MacLane as the skipper Was properly hateful. Chrysler-sponspred show, origi-. natirig . frOm the Coast, was pro- duced by Bretaigne Wiridust and .directed by Allen Reisner, none of whom, maria'ged to solidify the flimsy material on hand. For a show that started off with such"' a great 'promise, “Climax’^ certainly fell flat last week; Bift To celebrate the .50,000,000th car to roll .off its assembly line, Gen- eral Motors preempted a quart’er- hour from the Camel News Cara- van last Tuesday evening (23) and added to the Dinah Shore show for a 30-minute Song cavalcade that was .handsoiriely produced and ex- cellently -* warbled. GM also brought iri an imposing guest lineup to assist Miss Shore iri the fete. On hand for thrushirig were Peggy Lee, Kitty Kalleri and. Patrice MUnsel and for the come- dies, although he didn’t have too much to do, was George. GobeL The songfest was interrupted briefly midway for An institutional plug from Flint, Mich., with John Cameron Swayze, the Camel news- caster, interviewing such GM brass, as Thomas J. Keating, Chevvy general manager, and GM prez Harlow . Curtice,. FrQm force of habit, SwayzO managed to squeeze in a few headline notes before signing off. The songs, however, the thing, and the canaries, solo and 'ensemble, dished ’em joyfully. Each tune,' representative of an era, was backdropped by a GM auto of that day and . was done iri period costume. The femmes were eye-catching throughout. Iri all, it was a slick exhibit of .musical Americana beginning with “Ballin’ the Jack" arid closing with “Hey Thefe." Sandwiched were such nifties as “They Didn’t Believe Me,” “Look Me Over Once" (out of “Die Fledermaus”), and “I May Bp Wrong.” For the 1930s, the femmes, went through a round of fave melodies, that brought back memories of the* Mer- man-Martin caper for Ford.Grds. Hy Gardner has a good road company “persori to person” show Sundays at 6:30 over WPIX, N. Y; } which errs perhaps on being a bit too breathless. Why not extend it to a half-hour? He certainly -packs plerity. His “get such-and-such name on the “phone” is a good .device, and whether Or not even the veriest laity knows that the "phottees” are party to a somewhat telephoney device— since they’re ail obviously in the studio for the split-screen interviews — it probab- ly doesn't matter. The N. Y. Herald Tribune columnist gets a lot of meat into his allotted time, and the problem eolries to mind pronto wha’ hoppens if he latches on to an opriri-end commercial sponsor, which he rates; Either , cut out an; interviewee or go from 15 minutes to a half-hour, -As a top Syndicated Columnist Gardner obviously has ready call on as good a cross-section of per- sonalities, as any. scrivener would want. More important, howeyer* is that Gardner’s keeri news sense interprets the Values both ways. A couplfe of .weeks ago, for ex- ariiple, the Q. & A. on Jack Demp- sey’s biopic was obviously a good trailer for something the ch mp yens— -and by the way, why riot? Flashing Serge Rubinstein as "the must hated man iri America” called for a certain amount . of courage on the part of the' 1 draft-dodger This past-. Sunday’s Robert K Christenberry interview . spot- lighted a Variety editorial, by the undersigned, to which the Hotel Sheraton Astor prexy and N. Y. State Boxing. Commissioner took exception. Christenberry expressed himself “surprised that -Abel , has Domed the anvil chorus,” referring to the editorial on “keep the phoney fights off tv.” Incidentally, Gardner doubled that . night with his debut on a new Goodsori-Tod- man panel show, and withal he (the columnist) is doing a good trailer for his just published “Champagne Before Breakfast,” which incidentally • has just gone into a third edition. Like Fred Allen’s AM-TV plugging, Gardner, too, “has book,' .will travel,” T Abel of Oschner Radio and television networks which derive millions of dollars in annual revenues from cigaret ad- vertising,; and their clients, the tobacco companies, are weighing the impact of the newest heavy, artillery in the war against the spuds. This • is the little book (Julius Messner, Inc., $2) Written/ by Dr. Alton Oschner of New Orleans, It’s ('Smoking arid Can- cer." Oschner copies complete, with the most imposing Credentials arid .cannot be disriiissed. He’s chairman of the Dept, of Surgery at Tulane U. He’s been president of both the Artiericajri College of Surgeons and the . American Cancer Society. Medically he’s an aristocrat whose statements are awesome in thieir respectability. 1 Huckster brethren in Manhattan only hope the grim nature of thie 86-page indictment will cause people tp not want to read the disturbing things the an- gry, surgeon has to say. “Tobacco loaded, often lethal weapon and time pulls the trigger,” writes Oschner. If the chain smoker does not succumb to . lung cancer he may die of heart disease, or a circulatory ailment, or cerebral hemorrhage. Oschner traces cigaret .smoke’s influence in the medical -histories of these diseases. He even asserts “there are even indications that if you are a man you fnay become impotent; if a Woman, sterile. This ' the smoker’s choice." Goyt. Regulations Here is Where the financial nerve is. rubbed raw by OsChher; He advocates Government regula- tion in general, Specific outlawing of all tobacco testimonial advertis- ing, an end to product demonstra- tion (dramatized pleasure in smok- ing) on television. He also would halt by law the widespread instal- lat h? n of cigaret vending machines; while the Oschner book could hardly go further arid say anything worse, this is not all. The Seventh Day Adventist Church is taking up the issue in a big way and has fi- nanced and is now distributing a documentary film attacking cig- afots, ■ ■W.hat- can the tobacco industry, and. the broadcasters, do to mini- mize such attacks? Until now, very' little. The committees, the pro- posed'. studies (Oschner says the proof on one hand is already “mas- sive ’) and the general prayer for a petering out of the reformer zeal, sum up the emharVassment around Manhattan. Nor are the cigaret interests lacking in con- science. Some of the executives are alarmed, themselves lrightened by the criticism of their product. The end is not in sight put some observers believe that, the war of. the spuds will rage for several years,, possibly culminating m disclosure of the data in the diary ’ survey now being conduct- ed by members of the American Cancer Society, Land. L&M Cigs Coin Again L&M Cigarets, which dropped its entire sked with WCBSrTV in New York at the start of the season to go with WOR-TV’s ‘‘Million Dol-. lar Movie,” is back in th CBS flagship’s family with another large chunk of time., after a Nov. 14-Dec. 11 shorttermer. There’s ho cutback. on the part of Liggett & Myers, however, since it still rides with “Movie.” Cig outfit’s latest breakout, via Cunningham & Walsh, will be launched Dec. 12 arid run iiito next November with 20-secoridefs, ID’s, minute spots, etc., inclusive of program latch-ons. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 VKri&Ty CELEBRITY PARADE With Pat O'Brien, Constance Ben- nett, Helen O'Connell, Johnny Desmond, Sam Cowling, Fred Kelly, Steve Kovacs, Don Mayer, Maureen Cannon, others Producer: Jim Hibbins Director: Lloyd Balcom 16 Hrs.: Sat. (27), 9 p.m. MINNESOTA UNITED CERE- BRAL PALSY WMIN-TV and WTCN-TV, Min- neapolis 'The second annual telethon here again proved, successful in raising a substantial sum for Cerebral { >alsy .victims.. Like the ‘initial such Ocal: program over WCCO-TV last year, it brought via-Channel 11 on l this occasion an array of tOpdrawer 4 talent whose pitches for the : wor- thy cause and. performances merited kudOes and ‘the purstrings loosen ings which they elicited; Staged at the WTCN-TV hotel studio here and the St. Paul Para* mount theatre, the show found Pat O’Brien, Constance Bennett, Helen O'Cpnnell and the other stars who. trekked frdm Hollywood, New York, Chicago apd, other centers going: all but. Their efforts were supplemented by those of lumi- naries like Maureen Cannon and other from Twin Cities’ night clubs and local .performers, O’Brien and Miss w , Bennett shared the emcee chores in the ex- pected skillful fashion. The for- mer hit the bull’s eye, too, with his songs, dramatic recitations and his Knute Rockne portrayal: Miss Bennett also was on the ball with bits of drama and. Miss O’Connell’s songs, as usual, were boff as were those Of Johnny Desmond. The “Space Patrol," “Wrangler Steve,” “Captain 11" and “Casey Jones" gangs had a sock session for the youngsters. There were heart tugs :as the small fry .disease jsufferers appeared before the camera, to em- phasize. the need for vie we™’ generosity. All in . all, a commendable job that was very well done. Rees. UNCLE JOHNNY COONS . With Bruce Roberts, announcer Director: Jim Green Writer; Ray Chan ■ 30 Mins.; Sat. 1:30 p.m. LEVER BROS. ^ KJBS-TV, from Chicago ( McCann-Ericks.oji ) The strength of a kiddie stint is the ability of the emcee' to project himself along with the strength of the comics. In the half-hour Sat- urday stanza that Johnny Coons puts out from Chicago, he projects warm personality with enough bounce and effervescence to not only keep the kiddies watching, but to keep them geared to his line of, chatter/ The films shown. (27) included an old Mack Sennett Soujth Sea Island whimsie, and, for the occasion', Coons was able to utilize a harpoon tie-in to sell an extra Commercial touch. In fact, his handling of commercials, Pep- sodent, Lifebuoy and Good Luck Margarine, was pleasant and not too taxing on the youngsters. Com: mercial spiels come at the opening, two between film clips, and at the close. Neatly lettered cards help carry the message to the kiddies. Trading-card giveaway announce- ments are made early enough in the stanza* to permit kiddies , to have paper and pencil ready. Also on the asset side are organ : music background and sound ef-: fects. Strongest point, though, is- Coons* pleasant personality and happy disposition. Should ; the em- cee— even more than he . did — use opportunities to spell 0Ut*fc6nstruc- tive suggestive bints, siftih as good eating habits "(the spaghetti eating sequence in first comic strip of- fered an opportunity) he’ll endear himself, too, to the parents. Mark . TONIGHT IN PHILADELPHIA With Mike Ellis Producer: Ellis. Director: Dennis Kane 10 Mins.; Mon;, 11:50 p.m. Tues- Fri., 11:20 p.m. Participating WPTZ, Philadelphia . Mike Ellis, Broadway and straw- hat impresario (Bucks County Playhouse) currently at liberty is filling in ‘ the off-seas6n with his own show biz session, featuring re- views and interviews; Ellis provides a socko 10 minutes raising the WPTZ interview and guest show rating several notches. ; Show is a curtain raiser to Steve -Allen’s “Tonight," and Ellis has geared his offering so tjiat the transition from the local program to the import is not too marked. Being an actOr, Ellis easily adapts himself to the casual style of Steve Allen and he shows none of the , stress that might be expected of a man . who has just rushed to the studio from a premiere. His the- atrical savvy, both as a producer and a performer, gives him expert qualifications for the subject matter. Comments are show-wise and delivered for the playgoing public rather than the livingroom trade His summary of “House of Flow- ers" (program caught) seemed over-enthusiastic, but guest Betty Furness appeared to concur. Due to the rush on theatrical nights, he works off the cuff with only an occasional glance at annotations on program. With four legit openings last week in Philly, Ellis got ih a lot Of reviewing. Remaining night he of- fered filmed interview of Judy Holliday, in town for film personal. Program will no doubt furnish an other happy outlet for the nitery press agents, during the weeks when the legit wanes. Gagh . SANTA'S MERRYMAKERS With Boyd Bennett's Southlanders, Little Teri, Foster .Brooks, an nouncer Producer-director; Bob Frank. 30 Mins:, 5 p.m." BILL'S AUTO STORES WAVE-TV, Louisville Christmas program, presented in a Santa Claus toyshop set depends upon Bbyd Bennett and His Southlanders, local Dixieland combo which plays local high spots and occasional tv stints, for musical novelties and vocals, to give the kids, a preview package of Yuletide fun, which is father ambitious for local .origination. While the half-hour has no story line, combo of vocalist, trumpet, guitar, steel guitar and bass gives out with the . usual standards* “Winter . Wonderland,” “White Christmas," “Rudolph, Red-Nosed Reindeer," as well as “Big Brown Bear," “Bimbo,” and “If I Ever Needed You," standbys from the Southlanders repertoire. Guys are costumed as Santa Claus, clown, monkey, elk, and other animals, but show evidently doesn’t depend EXPLORING MINDS Producer; Pierre Normanidin . . 30 Mins., Sun., 6 p.m. Sustaining;. CBC-TV, from Ottawa This stanza .on psychological testing for vocational counselling, one of a network series from, vari- ous cities, started out unpromis- ingly. but improved a lot. Dr. Maurice Chagnon, asst, director of the U. of Ottawa’s Institute of Psychology and the show’s expert, was nervous and somewhat atonal though not speaking in French, his natural tongue. Dr. Emmett O’Grady, who ques- tioned him, vyas just the right type— a burly, matter-of-fact Irish- man who’s an English prof at the same university. He kept bringing the psychologist, who tended to talk in abstract terms, ; down to earth — until it turned out that the latter had . some downrto-earth ideas himself, like suddenly pro,- during a large kitchen thermometer and explaining a point in' terms familiar to housewives. From then on he was. much more at ease. One weakness in presentation was that both men remained chair- bound in the same positions throughout; and- there were too few closeups to establish them as personalities. A strength was the frequent use of c.u.’s of exotic symbols, charts astrological and phrenological (in the “predictions." buildup) and a good piece of film showing a youngster unconscious- ly displaying aptitudes through his play with blocks and puzzles. Also two later stretches in the. psycholo- gy dept, lab, where several . men were taking tests like drawing while looking in a mirror, picking up tiny nails and tweezers and placing them, etc. These were . clearly delated to aptitudes for certain jobs, and flashing back and forth from liv- ing room to lab was handled so as to avoid monotony rather than cause confusion — for which, in general, Dr. ' Chagnon candidly admitted that psychologists are to quite an extent responsible. “How- ever," he added, “there’s a lot of competition in that field today!” Technical effects were good on the whole, and the program rep- resented a pretty fair achievement for producer Pierre Normandin in a city where very few tv shows originate. Card. LONGINGS - WITTNAUER THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL With Symphonette and Choraliers; Corps de . Ballet; Walter Hamp- den, guest; Frank Knight, an- nouncer Producer-Director: Alan R. Car- toun Co-Director: Ted Estabrook Writers: Harrison J. Cowan, James H. Frankenberry 60 Mins.; Thurs. (25) . 5 p.m. LONGINES-WITTNAUER CBS-TV, from N.Y. (Victor A. Bennett) Apparently the specs hold no terror for. the Longines-Wittnauef production boys, for their 60-min- Ute hpliday festivities on CBS-TV on Thanksgiving Day was tasteful and rewarding; an ambitious enter- prise that settled for some imagi- native, touches instead of excessive trappings. It was a skillful blend- ing of voices, ballet and .Sym- phonette, all keyed to the broadest possible appeal; It made for a pleasurable holiday hour of after- noon viewing. The final half-hour was devoted to a presentation of “Sleeping Beauty," with Walter Hapnpden- as the narrator. While geared; prin- cipally for kid appeal; it was .endowed with some fine adult in- yehtiye . touches^ . notably in - the designing of ,the : presentation, with the. lighting and the finely-etched backgrounds and castle props be- ing singularly effective, The one jarring note in the .fantasy and escape (into . the Never-Never-Land was the departure from the Tchai- kowgky score and the substitution of such items (as the Prince dis- covers the sleeping . castle) as Vic- tor Herbert’s “Sweet Mystery vof Life." It was an unfortunate in- trusion upon an otherwise faithful capturing Of the classic. " The first half featured a succes- sion Of, delightful vignettes in which the Symphopette, . Choraliers and Ballet de Corps shared equal honors^ An: Erie Canal Thanksgiv-; ing dance episode ' (circa 1825); “Dances Aroiirid the World" (spdt- lighting U.S. -Europe - Israel-Wdst Indies choreography), a Mississippi River showboat minstFel frolic and a fantasy built around caged “femme birds ■ (the latter unusual in its execution) all contributed i toward making this sixth annual L-W Thanksgiving Festival its best one yet. Rose upon a script. And tooters carry on their limited dialog with well- worn chestnuts.. Cute touch is a femme moppet* 'Little Teri, who is already a tv vet, and who demon- strates some of the riding toys with corhplete naturalness. Commercials are lengthy and frequent, coming between practi- cally every number; Kid watchers might get a mild kickffrom seeing the toy display, but the South- landers fail to register with their animal . costumes and routine of musical numbers. Big Mo, hefty trumpet player, wears the Santa costume, but confines Wis appear- ances to trumpet) licks with the combo. Show is on once a week, and may get into the* Xmas spirit as the group settles into & kid pleasing format. Wied. Winnie’s ‘Finest Hour’ Cut to 30 Mins, on TV, Blit Radio Shoots Works Yesterday (Tues.) was Winston Churchill’s 80th, birthday, so on Sunday and Monday (28-29) Amer- ican broadcasters paid up . part of the world debt to the British Prime Minister with “their fines't hours.” But as far as tv was concerned, it was merely a “finest half-hour” with only NBC providing the vis : ual aspect in the Sunday-at-2 “Churchill At 80," to usher in the salutes. The Ted Mills production was a cracker jack work of film editing, despite occasional jumpi- ness in , celluloid continuity, and Ed Newman, NBC correspondent in London, was a matter-of-fact, down-the-middle reporter-ringmas- ter. (also co-writer) brought into N. Y. for his chore. A couple of the montages seemed a bit strained, but the yidbiog recap was general- ly good. ’ A few global personalities gave the stanza a lift, notably the Amer- ican-born Lady Astor, with an ex- terior this time not as crusty as she is painted, even when she was quoting Sir Winston on why he resented dames in the House of Commons .( “he felt as if a woman had entered his bathroom"); also, “he enjoyed the war— that’s why he did it so well." And Emanuel Shinwell, the PM’s politictil oppo- nent, who could not contain his ad: miration for the man amid his dis agreements with the politician statesman. And, of course, Sir Anthony Eden, the Foreign Sec- retary, whose kudos for the man of whose office he is the heir-in- waiting were urbane, kindly, and a bit wonderful to hear. Lotsa ex derpts from Churchill speeches with those w.k. phrases . oozing •their classic, pungent and meaning- ful structure, and finally, the PM’s train receding slowly from the sta lion in Ottawa with the band strik ing up Beethoven^ Fifth. It’s only by reflection the tv gala to “the most popular ‘American’ in the World" seemed like a standard Opening act as set against the -sec- ond paean, NBC Radio’s stirring full hour that evening (starting at 7), doubly tagged “The Tumult and the Shouting" and “His Finest (Continued oh page- 38) TELEVISION REVIEWS 35 t " . WHAT'S GOING ON? With , Lee Bowman, emcee; Kitty Carlisle, Hy Gardner, Jayne Meadows, Cliff Norton, Susan Oakland, Gene Raymond; Jimmy Blaine, announcer Producer;. Allan ; Sherman Director: Jerome Schnqr 30 Mins.; Sun., 9:30 p.m. REVLON ABC-TV, from New York, . (SSC&B, Weintraub ) Goodson &' Todman have come up with a new bag of electronic tricks in their latest tv parlor game entry, .“What’s Going On?" And although this 'panel segment repre- sents the fanciest G-T entry yet, from point of view of conception and budget, it turns out to be one Of their least inspired efforts. All of which proves that money is no suWftitute- for ..imagination. . “What’s Going On?" employs remotes as the basis of its guessing game. Six-smah panel is divided in half* with three ’members outside the studio, each performing some activity at w.k. place. Remote crew pipes in their picture on a large screen in back of the three in-studio panelists, who without seeing the picture have to guess where each is and what he’s dpihg by asking him questions. One of the three remotes, incidentally, is via film, with the participant on. hand to answer questions in per- son. All of which presents a challenge in ingenuity, to producer Allan Sherman, which he didn’t quite meet on the preem. He had. Cliff Norton taking iceskating lessons from Dick Button in the Rockefel- ler Plaza rink in .N.Y'.,' Gene Ray- mond playing Santa Claus at Maey’s to a group of N.Y. Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fuqd children, and Susan Oakland (on film) kissing a West Point cadet under the “kissing rock" at the Academy. Of the three, Norton’s, harried pratfalls provided the only real entertainment. As it now stands, the program is neither amusing (except in situa- tions Where Norton’s comic talents can be exploited), educational (un- less you can call M;iss Oakland’s West Point experience educational) nor particularly interesting. The remote cameras proved a living- room backdoor to nothing — mean- ing that a Macy’s pickup Or any other should have something to recommend it besides the fact that it’s from Macy’s. And the panelists —Kitty Carlisle, Hy Gardner and Jayne Meadows (subbing on the preem for sister Audrey) — showed little in. the way of wit or charm. Gardner seemed the most relaxed and spontaneous. v Of the outsiders, Norton was best. Miss Oakland merely . pretty and Raymond rather stifled by his Santa outfit. Lee Bowman is new to the impromptu requirements of moderating a panel show, but ought to be able, to handle the chore nicely after a few shakedown weeks. . One other feature of the preem was. an exhibition by Button, in which the ABC camerawork, was far superior to that displayed on “Omnibus” in the sjame thing - a few weeks . ago, Revlon’s commercials were intrusive and poorly spaced. Chan. THAT WONDERFUL AGE With Howard Miller, Hollis Burke, Morrison Sisters, Joseph Gallic- chio Orch Producer: George Heinemann Director: Phil Bodwell Writer: Marvin David 30 Mins.; Mop.-thru-Fri.; 1:30 p.m. Sustaining WNBQ, Chicago In one of its few daytime periods left open for local fill, NBC-TV’s WNBQ has berthed this early afternoon half-hour strip catering to the oldsters in the tele audi- ence. It’s, hardly up to Channel 5’s usual standards with practically every audience participation fish- hook, extant tossed in in an obvious attempt to make the project “com- mercial.” It’s too bad too, because there may well be a market for a show designed specifically for the elder set without the condescend- ing overtones. , Part of the fault lies with its host, deejay Howard Miller, whose non sequitur abilities aren’t: top well suited for this Sort of thing. He’s obviously much more at home pitching the latest, disk click to the teenagers. Apparently it’s ail supposed to add up to a salute to the bifocal clientele with Miller chinning with the grandmas and grandpops in the studio audience. There’s a “This Is Your Life” in- terview bit for those who happened to be the age featured on a give day. It was obvious on the session watched (23) that the interviewees hadn’t been very well screened in advance for interest content. MACBETH (Hallmark Hall of Fame) With Maurice Evans, Judith An* derson, House Jameson, Staats Cotsworth, Jane Rose, Frieda Altman, Maud Scheerer, Richard Waring, Robert Hamilton, Peter Fernandes, Ford Rainey, Michael Kane* Edward Jerome, Pat O'Malley, John Reese, Guy Sorel, William Woodson, George Ebel- ing, Robert Carricut, others; Lehman. Engel, musical director Director: George Schaefer NBC-TV Producer-Director: Hud- son Faussett TV Adaptation: Maurice Evans Set Designs: Otis Riggs Costumes: Noel Taylor 120 Mins., Sun. (28), A p.m. HALLMARK NBC-TV, from New York (color) (Foote, Cone & Belding ) The “Macbeth" which “Hallmark Hall of Fame!’ presented on NBC- TV on Sunday and which reunited Maurice Evans and Judith' Ander- son in their former Broadway roles was One of the major tv triumphs of the year. It was not only a worthy companion piece to Hall- mark’s two previous, excursions into Shakespeare (“Hamlet” and “Richard II," . both ^f which also starred Evans) but if*hny thing, was even a greater artistic triumph. It isn't often that tv can woo the muses and emerge with such stun- ning success. The American public owes the Hallmark sponsors its gratitude for underwriting such ambitious programming, for in its wh ole collective approach toward the medium, which not only en- compasses the annual Bard fest but also brings “Amahl arid the Night Visitors" to fresh reality at least once a year. Hallmark has been set- ting a standard that brings distinc- tion to tv. Television, by now long wise in the ways of executing difficult, and ambitious . dramatic productions, outdid itself in thi§ “Macbeth” pres- entation. The story of the crudest of the. Scot monarehs has had re- peated performances Oyer the past, decade, in radio, tv, film and legit, (and eyen recordings), and it’s to the credit of tv and all concerned in Sunday's two-hour spectacle that this production can take its place with the best of them. Here, indeed, was one produc- tion that received such added val- ues in color that it must, perforce, •be reviewed as such, regardless of its merit as a black-and-white pres- entation. It wasn't only the splen- dor and the costuming that natur- ally. Embellished the play, Jaut through the. two acts and 21 scenes, the addition of the colori dimension, extended the scope and the mood of the tragedy. The moors and the woods were more ominous; Duns- inane Castle was more palatial; the corridors and banquet room more regal as the marble . and* the drap- eries, the trees and the shrubbery gained immeasurably by the color and tonal . qualities. (The only dis- sent can be found in the too-real- i'stic blood-letting). After. ‘‘Mac- beth" one can only hope for a swift color upsurge and an early delivery of sets to the general pub- lic. One of the minor tragedies of this "Macbeth” was that so few saw it tinted up. Under the directorial helm of George Schaeffer, whose associa- tion with Evans dates back to his “GI Hamlet” wartime days in Ha- waii (and who was subsequently identified with Evans on Broadway and in tv), the production achieved a fluidity seldom found. Use of the cameras, with their imagina- tive focus and dramatic closeups, was creative and always forceful. The Evans; interpretation of “Macbeth," with its stylized, melli- fluous rendition, has long had its pro; and con' debaters. Since the past decade has shown that Shakes- peare needn’t necessarily be de- livered ih the classical tradition as a- poetic recitative* but that the language lends itself to everyday vocalization and that the beautiful verbiage can be spoken and not de- claimed, it can -be argued that the Evans performance tended to play for the “privileged few” and as such hindered recent progress to- ward Achieving simpler interpreta- = tiort of the . Bard for the many, '.. As the stage’s First Lady of Tragedy, Miss Anderson has the grandiloquence and majesty that may overpower some’ roles, but most of the time seemed right for Lady Macbeth. She reached her height in the sleepwalking scene which was a gem of dramatic pro- jection. House Jameson as Dun- can, Staats Cotsworth as Banquo, Richard Waring as Macduff (nota- bly in the duel scene) and Jane Rose, Frieda Altman and Maud Sheerer as the witches stood out in fine performances, with, real under- standing of their characters. Whereas the entire balance of the supporting cast was adequate, it was not . necessarily distinguished. Also worthy of special com- mendation is Otis Riggs for his realistic and. artistic set designs. Rose. Present britfly are Hollis Burke who hands out the boodle, the Morrison Sisters, vocal trio still learning its trade, and the Chi NBC staff orch batoned by Joseph Gallicchio. Dave . 1 Wednesday, December 1, 1954 PfitelETY 38 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Churchill Continued front page . 35 • » t 1 44 t ♦»♦■»♦ » ♦ >* »♦ » ♦»»♦»♦»»♦♦ 4t»t44»44444 4 4f» M 4‘ « 4 4 44 4 444444444«4444- > 44444444»44»44 i 44444 4 4 MM4 44 NBC-TV’s “Lux Video Theatre” continues to wield the brushoff on prime creative credits and Original sources.. Most recent case was Hour,” sponsored by Allis-ChaK “The Gioconda Smile ” with its former (short-lived) legit status not' m ers With Ben Grauer plugging. indicated on any information sheet. It’s figured nothing much was Hera was a tour de force symbolic it\t tvtUW VftRK C1TV lost by that kind , of skirting. But there’s apparently a mox^ rigid 0 f what the aural medium is capa- i V 11 1 legal angle covering “Craig’s Wife,” coming up tomorrow (Thurs.) b le 0 f acocmplishing as a one-shot - Mike Boscia of CBS Press Info out of Memorial Hospital after major _ . — * C <3 /*'a1i1TViV> 1 O 'PmtllViOC* tirfinPPrlPS . ( ntlTPl* IS - ^ 'll. . A«< ft 1 And . OM J Aftni *4 M «i L*m Twpfr ^ ho p tlOlTlC' PPrlCillS^ same web (CBS), "with same , . . . . _ _ .... _ ., _. _ i Payne) . . Second issue pf tliere^s an overall publicity line referring to Lux’s use* of "original out Was. a penetrating biog-in-high- Bill Leonard’s book, “This Is New York” {titled from his WCBShow), screen plays as well as films made from successful stage •plays. ^ The light, supported by some of the off the presses in time for Xmas-gifting . ,. , Singer,Lanny Ross heads tv adaptors are credited, however, Sanford Barnett *°£ ^aig and greatest past and present handlers • talent at Sales Execs’ Club Yule party Dec. 17 at Waldorf . . . WRCA Richard McDonagh for “Retirement.” of the English language* aside from program . mgr. Steve White blueprinting new stanzas currently very — — ■■ nit. Sir Winston's own excerpted prpse. hush-hush . Joseph Given and living Hammerman into sales jobs Video one-shots are in the upbeat groove again. As far as Ralph For instance, Sir Laurence Olivier at Italo language indie WO V during the past few days . ’ Jan Bart, Kelson is concerned) it’s a matter of faith; Nelson has quit as pro- in a moving passage, segueing into ‘‘American- Jewish Caravan of Sjtars” (WMGM) tenor, recently back ducer of NBG-TV’s “Armstrong Circle Theatre” packaged by Talent Marshall's recap of the dark hour from Aussie concert tour, hits Sidney and Melbourne again within a. Associates: to form his own “wrap-’em-up” outfit using four _ Circle . ^ Dunkirk; President Roosevelt few months , Larry Blenheim, WMGM gabber, is chairman of the shows he brought in as nuclei for series. Properties are ‘ Beautiful and Atlantic Charter compact board of deacons of the West Center Congregational Church, Brorix- Wife,” "Sketch Book” (with Fred Allen), "Joe and Mabel (with at ^ w ith Churchill's inspiring ville', . . Cathleen Cordell added to cast of "Helen Trent” . Michael Larry Blydon) and "Jody and Me.” Nelson continues as director of one-liner, "saving the world from Ingram and Margaretta Warwick new to "Lorenzo Jones.” CBS-TV’s "Mama.” .. , V . ■ measureless degradation”; the PM NBC, incidentally, has not forgotten its Fred Allen kidding the aga j at a joint session of Con- wiyj f'fllf' AC ft hews” project, with special events chief. Barry Wood Working on a gress> arid, a Christmas Eve decla- | 4T. format. ration about children that Will be Albert Behrens, ex-Coty ad director, 'Signed on with Dancer- , , v. „ t, .. „ ........ v oc . w enshrined io literature along with .Fitzgerald-Sampie as Lady Esther account exec John Van Zant, . .Consolidated Television. & Radio Broadca^ers, Jnc. has^ grossed a wor ij S> J. Walter Thompson public relations .director, recuperating at home healthy amount of "coin from sale of 160,000 shades of common_put Last half incepted an array of aR emergency appendectomy . , WGN airing five shows daily* on the stock market yesterday (Tu e s.). ... A group of ^ybdicated^mv st- tributes to Churchill and the JBrM;- ^ the International Live Stock Exposition with the stations’ per- dll do his WASC and his ABC network shows from the heroes involved with Churchill in RftQT'ftlV he’ll emcee the show for the kiddies too. He’s making a victory, men such as General . for toys for the PAL members who ? ll attend, and - he’s Eisenhower, General Marshall, Several staff anr TV, Indianapolis; ^nd W OOD-TV ! , Grand Rapids; ^^^^French wartime premier; Sir An- T i me v for another year on ABC . . .' j WLS National Barn Dance stars and WEOA, Evansville. There are said to .be some/ 600)00p ?hares of thony Eden, in art expansionrof the Grace Wilson and Red Blanchard doubling into Tv on “Downstate common In all for the company., \vith existing class B common shares text; Random House publisher j am boree” via WTVP, Decatur . . . Thursday segment of Leri O’Connors* being converted into common. ^ u - _ Bennett Cerf, with some anecdotal AvMAQ “News On the Spot” bankrolled by South Shore Lincoln id Serene Saphar 'new Gal Fridays u(i the Pierobon, ex-N. W. Ayer, now with Need- i assistant account exCc. . . Paul Barnes, somewhere around $16 per share but only gradually increased to bus .» conferencier and his others Theatre’s production of "The Girl On the Via Flaminia.” nearly twice that figure. , ’ go to ghost writers ; — Churchill . * ; ~ — ~r , , v , . j v* rolls his own; Sir Winston him- fiy CJA7 FRANflSrO John B. Kelly arid members of his family. Including hi? daughter, self in the “i r0 n . Curtain” inven- ux ' ^ lace r!5, elly u tlie S v. ar ’ - e<3l r’ eS ^ 6d ♦ FC uo,n U i? rnn tio*r ’'at Fulton^Mo., th e n . g< ^ r ' Television Diablo, Iric., which operates KOVR, has reorganized with shares of Seaboard Radio Corp. to Paul F. Hai on f geous quip on Sir Stafford Cnpps owner Les Hoffman becoming chairman of the board; A. E. Joscelyn $300,009. , , ... ,. flTirn barbing him for. words like quan- mov j n g from executive v,p.*to president, and Terry H. Lee, formerly Deal would giye^Harronmajontyownerslnp ofstock in the rm tify” and then off into a treatise on assistant . manager of WFAA-TV, Dallas, becoming general manager Winch operates, stations WIBG and WIGB-FM in GJ^ide,, phi^ d. I* the use of words (like why not an< j executive veepee . ... Falstaff Brewing Co. has signed for a new plna .suburb. ^Operations, also owns ^4% of Daily News Television Co. ‘‘ scarc e” instead of short sup- tv news program, Falstaff Reporter, on KPIX, 10:30rl0:45 p,m. with which has a CP for Channel 32 in Philly. ply” and, his $iews on words in p a t Herndon . “Pat” Weaver, NBC president, addresses the S.F. ; .“77“ ... A Ar- a - nr* general— short words are best and Advettising: Club today (Wed.) ... Stanley Johnson, for the past year Disk jockey Martin. Block together w^^^BC, the AB£ Radio t he old words the best of all, a national sales rep and merchandising director of KCBS, has been flagship in N. Y„ have combined With etIC Q ^ ■ . handy manual for every steward of made a sales account exec J ; Gjon Mili in town last week, finished W'iwr® L-« u Chnstmas party-and-show StaUonand the language), (How come both sh0oting a tv filrn of D ave Brubeck for "Omnibus.” the. PAL have booked Manhattan Center for the afternoon of Dec. 20, shows missed the obvious— the war • and Block will ' ■ • — ■ — ' ^ ‘ “ ; stage, where daily appeal ror toys ipr^-ine wb mmup wuu.u ^u« * Eisenliower, General Marsnau,- Several staff announcer changes at WBZ ..involve Bob McKay, who also lining up talent ior the show. Already set are Les Elgart and the Field Marshal Montgomery* et al. ) resigned to enter the insurance biz; Bud Markle, slated to join a real Gaylords, who called Block after be -announced plans for the party ABC slotted the hext hpur ■ (fi i to estate company, and Ken Mayer, station’s news director who is joining Monday (29), PAL will bring m outstanding athletes for the party, 9) for the self-descriptive Win- .. philly’s WCAU . Monseigneur Carroll has banned all deejays who . T , .. . . . • . • . . . - ston ChurchiU’s Speeches Through feature r&b platters on their airshows from appearing at any CYO- AN. Y. radio .station .is going foreign language on-an allrmght basis; the Years,” edited and assembled and Cat holic school recotd hops in this area . , . WHDH deejay Bob WWRL. withiiv the next few months will increase broadcasting from by Yale Newman, the web s Lon- ciayton has inaugurated a nightly platter show in which the entire 19 horn's: -to 24. hours daily, with the one to six -ayern period being do ^ correspondent. Stanza _^as . program '-is chosen by a listener , . Stan Richards, WORL platter devoted t® .Latino gab and niqsic, . .. -•,ir. w b- T ' P f « s c nte 4 in- co-pp- .with the_BBG. spinner, set to handle an hour long tv-deejay stint from the Totem Currently 47V6 hours weekly are devoted to Spanish. WWRL has The Edward R. Murrow-Fred W. p 0 i e ballroom via WBZ-TV Dec 18 been slow'ly increasing the nbrnber of hours deyoted to that tongue Friendly production forces brought since 1940 when it had an hour a week. Last spring, the outlet added up the rear (that’s only a figure of jmr t'f WVFT JNrk an hour strip in the morning. The last post-midnight stanza the sta- speech) bn the tributes over CBS lion hadin a foreign tongue wasa German show done shortly after the Radio Santa Claus stanzas back on video with Glenn Rowell and Lawson station began in 1926, Sr 'm.^. S vi*anteinr^he filled in on Demine teaming up on WNBK on Saturdays, while John Saunders \ , , . . . , .. i. ,. .... it: riphiirf>hi11 Fra ” this was it. does a 15-minute^ -5 p.m. WXEL Monday-thru-Friday stanza , . WERE’s First complete national rating on Disneyland -other than the d efliy Slled extra^ Walt Henficb hospitalized Glen Bowman, WGAR announcer, has weekly nineicity Tre^ndex saniplmgs puts the show and short^- from the PM’s most joined McCanri-ErieksOri NBC General Manager Lloyd Yoder nationally with « 35.5 average. Rat lhg * Ibat ^of the Aniencan Re- s ig n iH ca0 (; speeches of the lafet hypoing color tv With mailings of new four-cent Lincoln stamp . . . search Bureau s November report, based on the Nov.. 10 segment Of g liar t er century. It was a wallop WGAR’s Jack Perkins stringirig Sheppard trial accounts to down-state *b' © ABC-tv er. . ^ but of the bag of Ed & Fred, broad- papers ... Bruce Charles rounds out first year as Bass Chevrolet film . competitive situatipn, the ARB breakdown shews the second casUng ’ S jja. 1 news-and^ditonal disker on WEWS 11 p.m. Friday stint . . . AFTRA and NBC in friendly ‘ - 0 a IDisneyland ' outpulling; Arthur Godfrey, 36.1 to 30,5. I partnership; .. . solution lor new twotyear contract. Mamed Joan,” on NBC, comes iri last with a 23.7. Apparently they had monitored ■ - - - i the previous programs because rjv Pit IT PWf A Mitch Miller agreed several weeks ago to a speaking engagement they worked in a number of fa- 'f-v x m/i • • • before the Pittsburgh Radio and Television Club last Wednesday (24). mous phrases not tackled by some In the meantime, . he was also paged for an appearance that same’ of the other (although ABC had night on the Arthur Godfrey tv program. Miller didn t Want to^dis- -Q* Lvuri'^to^hi^nolnt? 4 ' What drew plenty beefs for running film "Topper” on three successive Sat- % a'hig'wheel fn"the Radio and Television Club: And helped to uiake^ this.* “ih-ing” ^“vaclidf “"S Codfrev^ airran^edd k to^have C lii^ n< iMva?e^>ilot and^DRuie'^fl^ 1 Miller Murrow n narrative, with itsVillful , new pilot ot WIP's "Dawn Patrol," all-night disk show, has revived’ J bridges and lead-ups. One with, a Jan Peerce’s "Bluebird of Happiness,” program , fave in the eai’ly PittsbuigA at iioon toi' the lqncheon dale^and a tben bacl^ .tq New York p ^ sh fof phraseology could not forties ... WIBG trying (o help curb juve delinquericy by spinning apm in time foi the leheaisal. Miller made both bookings with help but f ind a certain fascination Clark Dennis’ "Ten Commandments” at regular intervals . . . WHYY, plenty to spaie. in- rebalUng^such Philadelphia’s new edugational FM station, is skedded to begin broad- t. • e woif** v nt - "-nvi-f T.T fK« as J on ‘H. itlei !)=. ‘^t bloodthirsty casting early i December. Station, now broadcasting experimentally, Piof. Walter E. Bezarison of Rutgers U., wilting as piexy of the guttersnipe , this wicked man ^ji use FM tower and facilities- of WestirkChouse chain radio outlet Melville Society and "as a Citizen and viewer,” kudosed the six-part .. . thiff monstrous product of for- kyw tower, ana tacinties o.t westmgnouse cnain iaaio outlet, "Moby Dick” series on “Camera Three" of WCBS-TV, N. Y., based on mer wrongs and shame”; or, on II iv . TT - . Il.ill. _ 1 _ P .1 1 1 1_ ‘ A 1- _ TTT1_ '■ 1 _ _■ . _ A . * _ ' ■*-v’ J.I. _ 4 n t Preston Foster, star of filmed “Waterfrorit” series, in to visit mother and also guested on WCAU -TV. which carries vidpic . . WCAU-TV a boat on Dale Young’s “Pirate Pete” show on ‘sES^ii^t^r^ irs«ri?ed to TVR the final h^ne^^ifomi^d Anything but WJBK-TV drew 30,985 entry letters Avith a five-ye^bld boy lvinniiTg ?f«P thJ arianged to TVR the final toil and sweat - ; a $3,000 boat for the best letter , Joe Gentile featured on his WJBK larnei ioi tne Meivme ancionaaos. ; « SQ much owed by so many to so radio show an exhibition tournament for the benefit ,6f the . Blind few” . . . and that striking four- Bowlers League with a quartet of players, from the Detroit LionSf vvorder, “the swords of justieg,” National Football League champs, competing .against five blind bo\vlers Here was stage-setter Miurrow in , ; . William Balogh, One of two senior members of ttbe Aviation Writers a reprise demonstration on Church- Assn., to be guest commentator oil WJKB-TV!s public service “Air ill the statesman-orator, • the Force Reporting TV Show” Which features the production, writing ELECT SLAVICK PREXY Memphis, Nov. 30. Henry (Hank) Slavick, general manager of WMC, WMCF and WMCT, NRC outlets here, has been elected prexy of the ; Tennessee As- sociation of Broadcasters. The an- nual session was held at Chattan- ooga Yvith some 150 state broadcast- ers and telecasters attending. Hoyt Wooten,, owner and opera- tor of WREC, CBS Yveb here, was elected secy. -treasurer.; Other TAB officers include Frank Corbett, Maryville, veepee; Earl Winger, Chattanooga, F. C. Sowell, Nash- ville, and .John Hart, Knoxville, named board members. s Cleve.*Post Cleveland, Nov. 30; Mel drum & Fewsmi.th advertis- ing agency, which headquarters in I f^’the piatform^theV^ r’ 1 Alt A 1am J U A A J' A. M Attf a! a ■ I ^ . . .a' ■ ’ m M * prophet, the phraseur and theatii- i and acting'' talents of Michigan U.S. Air Force recruiting personnel. 1 Show’s riioderator is Major Dale Hornnng, who was known as Dale Cleveland, has appointed a new di- England” g 1 ° T W s ’ rector of its radio-television dept a hd all other lands of the free and McIntyre to bis former WJR radio audience. He is Bruce Staudermann, formerly enslaved world, in war and in . ir/ ^ a New York City script Writer but peace. A CBS touche, with voiced Ii\ for the past three years employed credits to Joseph Wershba, J. G. . . ■ . . .. . locally as a producer-director at Gude arid the: BBC. T rail. Duncan Miller, ex of radio station WWDC-MBS, has been named WXEL-TV here. ' . r- — -— r- .publicity and promotion director of WTTG-DuMont, replacing George Staudermann Avas scripter on the Memphis — Charlie Sullivan, Flax, who is taking over as Washington-Baltiiriore regional director , “Captain Video” series wbcii it was -w.k. midsouth .Sports and special of TV Program Week, new Curtis Circulation Co. fan weekly Woduced bv oiea»Druee at Benton 1 events spieler here,, has resigned George Henning and Robert Cobblns have been upped from time & Bowles in Manhattan. his post with WMC, NBC outlet. to salesmen to account execs at .indie radio station WARL , . Prank 'loin the Joe Bankhead. *f! e ncy. Blair, news edltor of NBC-TVV “Today,” returns to his former 1 home ** . . . Sullivan has also teamed up with during his tenure as WRC-NBC staff announcer to make * speech Greensbero, N. Co-Jack, KneUiMBill Killebrew, before the D.C. Chapter of the Society for the- Advancement of^ Man- Charlotte, has 'been named .director' rated '-'KartOou TTme” three^times ^ ^ ' j * j" ■ \ ffb of news for WBT and WBTV. weekly over WHBQ-TV, (Continued on page 42 ) Wednesday, * December I , 1954 BILLY O'CONNOR SHOW With Billy O’Connor and Trio, Juliet Producer; Charles Wright 30 Mins., Fri. (19), 9:30 p.m. CBC Trans-Canada, front. Ottawa Spotted jn the 9:30 p.m. slot (19) to fit the program of the 26th an- nual Ottawa Press Club Ball where it was top-billed. the Billy O’Con- nor Show held to a fast, pace and smooth movement through its half- hour on the Canadian Broadcast- ing Corp.'s major radio web: W. k. fpr its 15-minute television stanza (Sat., 11:10 p.m.) ;fbr Waterman Pen and former tv sustainer “The Late Show’’ the O’Connor group maintained its reputatibn for clicko informality' with gab and chant. Session -mingled, instru- mental Vfork by ; guitar, accordion and bass and featured piping by O’Connor and Juliet; Charles Wright’s production kept the' pace moving without let- down and in spite of room’s' big-: ness the audio was okay on both gab and music! Airing originated on the floor of the Chateau Lau- rier ballroojn. During the session, a message to newspaper readers and other Can. press clubs was spoken by James Nelson, president Of the Ottawa club , and local staffer of British United Press. Gorm. Radio Followup Fred. Allen was, as to be pected, an extraordinary guest on the Tex & Jinx WRCA, N.Y., radio show last Wednesday (24), and the fact that his sharp wit may have been wasted on a segment of the' hausfr^u audience was refuted by the apparently surprisingly large number of phone callers. They at least more than got the idea about sponsors, network veepees, and the , like. The McCrarys handled him forthrightly without any concern about their own network veepees, but at the^same time kept the caustic comedian on even keel. It’s all part of Allen’s shill for his new book, “Treadmill to Obliv- ion,” personal memoirs of his green (and sometimes bitter! yeai’s in radio. His summation is that all a comedian has left are “the echoes of forgotten laughter and some Treasury Dept, receipts” — the lat- ter interjected as an afterthought. He, recapped his phoney feud with Jack Benny, apparently ha§ high professional regard for a . number of professional funnymen, expres- sing Jiimself being unable to focus on any one “best” as Miss Falken- burg urged; and withal it was easily one of the best interviews on anybody’s AM, p.m,, or a.m. Incidentally, Alien is another who proves “have book, will travel.” Like other stars, from all media, if you’re plugging 'a book or a play or a picture; it’s one thing to. do a cuffo guester; if it’s just for a sponsor then the fee taikes on dif- ferent values. Abel. at the Piano • Organ * Celeste KRAFT TV THEATRE (TONIQHT) * Radio;. Registry * BUSINESS TALENT FOR SALS' • Thli young mon— 21 yetri old, mtrrUd r and ••Ilea* •tfueattd, It looking an attractivo op- portunity In any hranoh at tho oritortalament Induitry. Hi nai booh ■ In advorttolng tali* far tho gait 5 yaara and > gpiMiMi * natural flair, far ihiwmanihlp. Ha bat tho ability fa think fait and gat thlnil dona. . Ha la Imapl- natlvarhaa a areatlva mind glut found bull- nata Judgmant. A daflnlta awSt far your orianliatlon. Moot him and baa far youriilf. Wrlta Bax VR32I, VARIETY, 134 W. 46t(i 8traat New York •VIRYDAY ON EVIRY CHANNIl BROOKS COStTMES * W o « i • a W«»t ll.tff., N.Y.C.-T«I. PI. f-MOO HONOLULU SYMPHONY 120 Mins., Frh (12), 7:30 p.m. HAWAnAN ELECTRIC CO. KHOK Honolulu Semi-pro Honolulu Symphony Is neither the nation’s best nor worst orchestra. Matter of fact, it’s a competent outfit that never ceases to amaze even the most sophis- ticated visitors Who can’t help but marvel at its harmonious .multi- racial makeup. Group has made impressive strides under maestro . George Barati and reviewers do everything but gush as they toss superlatives after each concert. But somebody slipped on this parents-children presentation, that was neither a’ “children’s concert” nor a bona- fide pops concert, in addition to a rambling choice of fare, broadcast stumbled be- cause Barati, who figuratively wields iron baton, insisted . on spieling program comments before each number. His “explanations” sounded either condescending or elementary to the casual listener. Ironically, Jim Wahl, one of the town’s top vomers,* was there to handle the signon and signoff, plus midway station, break. Beverly Kaanapu, 'home town guest artist, -scored nicely iri her two numbers, one of them sung in Hawaiian. Family audience in big Civic Auditorium responded nicely but broadcast wasn’t one of the sym- phony’s best; Sponsor , would do well to, insist that : a pro narrator or annotator handle that special- ized chore and let .conductor, con- centrate on batoping. Walt *•* »• PARTY WITH MARTY With Marty Ross lid Mins.; Mon.-thru-Ffi., 2:05 p.m. Participating WABY, Albany Program, deejayed by Marty Ross, originally a teenage musical commentator on old WBCA in Schenectady, differs from many hereabouts in that the choice of tunes is strictly his own. It is not the Hid Parade type, although Ross does include some of the current populars, Operating on the assump- tion listeners will like his selec- tion taste, Ross plays numerous rhythm and blues records, folk tunes and others not too often heard. He spins a few new num- bers, to . balance the old ones, speaks, at times, of platters from al “personal collection.” A guess might be that the col- lege bunch would most con- sistently like Ross’ show, but its listenability is not confined to them. He knows music; possesses a good speaking voice. One interview heard was with screen stiar . Jan. Sterling, the content being serious. Ross handles spot announcements Well; also does the. five^minute news roundup in competent fash- ion. He is back on the air after Army, service. Jaco. ’ SONGS FOR A NEW MORNING With Bill Myers Producer: Mendel Kohansky 15 Mins. Distributed by the National Com- mittee for Labor Israel (trans- scriptioh) Attempting to further the feme of Israel’s Histadrut (sole labor union), the National Committee for Labor Israel in the U.S. has cut the s first. couple of a series of 15- minute stanzas built on Israeli folk music. It’s a neatly done job, utiliz- ing recorded music, and, consider- ing the limitations of a tunalog so obviously with Oriental flavor, it should be worthy of at least occa- sional playing in most urban mar- kets, Further, it should- do excep- tionally well via outlets catering particularly to cosmo tastes. Best that the quarter-hour tran- scription be used in Its entirety, since there are records available of the same music it features. Besides, narrator Bill Myers adds knowl- edgeable, semi-poetic word bridges that add a decidedly pleasant touch. The two stanzas heard were based on separate facets of the Histadrut. One was based on the union’s med- ical .program. The other o.o/d the agricultural setup, and to : maintain the theme, a songalog re “Mayim” (“water”), “At Adama” . (“New Soil”), “Lech Lamidbor” • (“Go to the Desert”), etc., was played. Surprising is the breadth of music, folk and otherwise, that is identified how with Israel. Much of it Is native to the country, yet there is a host of other numbers that've been borrowed from other lands. An example of the latter— and a- tune that might readily come Up on one of the future. “Songs for a New Morning” — is a folksy piece brought by the. Charkassians from the Russian Steppes and ,no\y symr boliiing part of the Israeli exist- ence.*’ Art. WSftl^TY RADIO REVIEWS 39 — P— — — — — — ■ ^ — ■— — - . . j. ■ 1 ■■ 1 1 — — mmmmmm -A—— — . . . . that a local television station can present news with special flavor and meaning for its community above and beyond regular coverage. WPlX-11 is more than just proud to have -its Telepix News receive the only 1954 Sylvania Award for a television news program... WPIX-11 considers this coveted award confirmation of the idea of “on-the-spot” and “eye witness news reporting for specific local interest. Winner of the only 1954 Sylvania Award for television news “on-the-spot” “eye witness” reporting 4 * “For outstanding contribution to creative television technique ” “Telepix News” with John Tillman Sponsored by Con Edison 7:15 PM Monday through Friday 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday 6:45 PM Sunday New York PShilETt • > Wednesday, December 1, 1954 A NEW TV SHOW TH A thrilling, new, half-hour musical film series . . . featuring America’s great all-time singing favorite, EDDY ARNOLD . . . supported by a clever, talented Musical Notes on EDDY' ARNOLD i Perhaps no one singer has done more to bridge the gap between Country and Popular music than Eddy Arnold. Since his first Victor release was issued in 1945, not one his single records has sold less than 250,000 copies, and all together they have reached the stunning total of over 30 million ! His radio programs are heard daily over more than 1,000 stations in the United States and Canada, and. he has starred in his own TV series on both CBS and 'NBC. Eddy Arnold’s trademark is a warmth and neighborly homespun quality that ingratiates him with every type of an audience. For this reason, whether he is * performing at a Smoky Mountain hoedown or in a sophisticated Las Vegas supper club, Eddy has received enthusiastic acclaim. His new TV film series will be awaited by an eager, receptive public numbering in the millions. % " it jjtt...,.,,. ■/ • . " - /• ' <-*/■>% i y - \ tt',. ' %y„. % * ./ »• / v.'.-.v. / / . r» Wednesday, December 1, 1954 * cast, and given smart, expert production. This show • is commercial ! It’s as close as you can come to knowing you have a sure-fire TV success in advance. Produced and Directed by Ben Park; Executive Producer — Joseph Csida “Regulars” in the Eddy Arnold Gang BETTY JOHNSON sang her way , into the Eddy Arnold Gang from Manhattan’s Copacabana and Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. She’s one gal who can sing a pop song, a folk tune, and a hymn with equal facility. HANK GARLAND and ROY WIGGINS, a sensational guitar team that heads up the musical department. Nothing but musical joy from^Hank and Roy! THE GORDONAIRES, an exceptional quartet who have been featured on NBC’s Grand Ole Opry and a variety of radio and TV 'shows. An outstanding group on ‘‘heart songs” of yesterday and today. WE’VE GOT ’EM— Prices, brochures, audition prints, order blanks! 26 half hours now in production, ready for a January first release. Let’s hear from you! ., 75 East Waeker Drive, Chicago 1, III, FRanklin 2-4392 New York Office: Ted Beil, 16 E. 41st St . • LExington 2-1791 42 RADIO-TELEVISION Variety New York Frank Campanula oil NBC “TV playhouse’' (5) in “Last Boat to Messina” . Renee Taylor tapped for DuMont’s “The Stranger” (3) Edward Andrews cast for ABC's “U. S„ Steel ..Hour” (7) in “One for the Road” . Jack Diftn- ninger upped from eastern sales chief of Blair-TV reps to veepee post . WATV, the Brooklyn Eagle and the Brooklyn Red Cross teaming up in corpuscle drive. Brooklyn campaign is called “Gift of Life,” and, incidentally, it~ is noted that on of the buildings along Madison Ave. r housing sta- tion reps, a tv filrriery: and other radio-tv outfits, is pushing a large blood drive of its own . . Don Morrow, into Sammy KayC's ABC- TV casing. Morrow’s also just inked a longterm pact with Pepto Bismol for the. CBS-TV “Sunday News Special” . . Paul G. O’Friel is DuMont web’s first director of labor relations. Jack Sterling, ringmaster of CBS-TV’s “Big Top,” planing to' Birmingham after this week’s sh \v to be guest of: honor at the “Toy Bowl” game, a grid fray for kids. He’ll also be toastmaster at ban- quet following the contest. Leonard Levin, with Benton & Bowles for the past 20 years, has joined Jack Finck of United Talent Associates, booking agents and rtists reps,. a partner ; Ed- win Duerr exits his. post, as execu- tive producer for television and radio at Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample Dec. 1 . . . Fred L, Gordon named to newly-created post of advertis- ing production manager for CBS- Columbia, the CBS setmakirig ai;m. Bill Britten filling in on WABC- TV’s “Jolly Gene and His Fun Machine” for Chuck Luchsinger, who’s in New York Hospital with a slipped disk in his back . \. . Billy Nalle set in tonight’s (Wed.) Kraft production of “Camille” as the pianist in the story. He just finished composing and playing the music for a Muscular. Distrophy ..Fund radio show, starring Ethel & Albert (Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce) . It’s Ellen Parker — not Eleanor — bn Sid Caesar Show for four more weeks, Got deal after a one-shot . Ilona Massey among those lending glamor to. Front TEXACO STAR THEATRE SATURDAY NIGHT— N.B.C. Mgt.j William Morris Agency Page dinner-dance sponsored by N. Y. Newspaperwomen’s Club for. benefit of educational fund Dec; 3, at Plaza. Marilyn Cantor replaced Hope Lang as singer on Gene Rayburn’s WRCA-TV “Sky’s the Limit” as of Monday (29) . . Borden’s Instant, Coffee steps aside for sister prod- uct Instant Starlac. on Garry Moore’s CBS-TV stanza, reason be- ing Starlac just going into national distribution. Herbert Evers marks return . to tv acting in CBS’ “Lamp Unto M.Y Feet” Sunday . (5) , . . NBC’s Ed Herlihy to speechify Friday (3) at Conference of Public Utility Execs at St. Moritz . Beverly Lunsford into “Robt. Montgomery Presents” Monday (6.) . . Barbara Joyce, cur- rent. in “Stone for Danny Fisher, downtown legiter, to double in tv via NBC’s “Modern Romances” across the Dec. 6 board . . ! Evelyn Ellis, who appeared on initial CBS- TV “Best of B’way” .. stanza in “Royal Family,” back from Coast' after seven, weeks before the cam- eras in Metro’s “Interrupted Mel- ody,” the Marjorie Lawrence bio- pic ! CdproduCer Jesse Zousmer and tech director Bob Sammort of CBS’ “Person to Person,” to H'worid today (Wed.), to handle Bing Crosby remote on Friday (3). Other guest is Mary Margaret Mc- Bride, the NBC’er. ”4- Chicago Leslie Urbach has stdfiped in as exec director of DuMont’s “They Stand Accussed” produced for the web by Jay Faraghan’s WGN-TV program department . Don Her- bert off next month on his four- week Winter hiatus with repeat kines being used on his NBC-TV “Mr. Wizard” Weekender . , . Jack •Drees given the nod as playCaller on CBS-TV’s Big 10 basketball beamings . . Vet lenser Robert Sable added to Kling Studios cameraman stable . . J tiles Pow- ers tv packaging firm setting up production branches in Detroit, St. Louis and New Haven ; . Toni Arties packaging and moderating new. Wednesday afternoon fei me- angled discussion program on WBKB for the 'Alco-Deree Co. . . Pilot of a comedy series featuring Hal Block and Jean Carroll being shot at Kling Studios . . . WNBQ off. the hook with its midnight fea- ture films as Avenue Packard took over Mondaj'S, Tuesdays and Thurs- days.. Sarnoff Conti ued from page 26 work, with a, n established position of leadership in the field, bore the first and heaviest brunt of the de- cline that started in the medium several years ago.” But this does not mean, Sarnoff declared, abandonment of effort and resolve to cope affirmatively Covert a vast, prosperous territory— a rich target for your advertising dollar Steinman Station Clair McCollough, President Prccit -V d c ■ 1 M E E K E R > 1- 1 n c . 1 N £ . , ^ aS t cng*g eVtt pear A»“ a: _ duti»g ^ ve ne ver g° eS lifiht eseoiW"®' v0 tt C« ei0r ' ° Ur Le that the co«* ^ ^ people? ^ ^ ooly go w ? 0 »Ay «l« arr nVt o, * m rS ^ U concert, ^ engaged Pfldega^® an . ng the l» 8t elg ttt in a g°° fl»«' .» V er»«» i.1nA lo - c^nliAn ^ iineg-* - . .« tne „ U 1 in a g° ' level r* tre * a n Vernon fletnd0n, < . 1 ^ l «tifc ** g °° d * ^ere 1 «ord <« r “ palmer 3 ®'**’ >lanag<* oi ' ie ny S ^c« e ^ l ° ° ?en ^ ‘ e *«* ** ** ££-- ** ^ S° , nC ces9 ano v ri v ■yow* 8 ’ for conW»» ed stt Cor^ a ^J_— frank A. V»g et TA»66 Tier? Sos® nko ^orkCUy See Pages 61 and 80. v t • . A 4 t i M V 9 44 TV-FILMS P'Sisitf f Wednesday, December 1, 1954 ARB City-By-City Syndicated and National Spot Film Chart VARIETY’S weekly chart of city-by-city ratings of syndicated and na- tional spot film covers 40 to 60 cities reportedly American Research Bureau 6n a monthly basis. Cities will be rotated eachweeh, with the 10 top-rated film shows listed in each case , and their competition shown opposite . All ratings are furnished by ARB, based on the latest reports . This VARIETY chart represents a gathering of. all pertinent informa- tion about film in .each market, which can be used by distributors , agencies , stations and clients as an aid in determining the effectiveness of a filmed show in the specific market. Attention should be paid to time-— day and time factors, since sets-in-use and audience comoosition vary according to . time slot, i.e., a Saturday afternoon children 9 s show, with a low rating, may have a large share and an audience composed largely ; of children, with cor*, responding results for the sponsor aiming at the children 9 $ market. Abbre- viations and symbols are .as follows.: (Adv.), adventure ; (Ch ), children 9 s; (Co), comedy, (Dr), drama ; (Doc), documentary; (Mus), musical; (My st) , mystery; (Q ) , - quiz; ( Sp), . sports ; (W ), western ; ( W dm), women’s. Numbered symbols next to- station call letters represent the sta- tion’s channel ; all channels above 13 are VHF, Those ad agencies listed as distributors rep the national spot sponsor for whom the film is aired. TOP 10 PROGRAMS AND TYPE STATION DISTkiB. DAY AND TIME OCTOBER RATING SHARE (%) SETS IN I USE f TOP COMPETING PROGRAM PROGRAM STA. " RATING NEV YORK Appr ox. Set Count— 4,175,000 o, .. ' WCBS (2), WRCA (4), WABD (5). WABC (7), Stations W(JiR WPIX (11), WATV (13) 1. Superman (Adv) . WRCA. Flamingo . . .Mon. 6:00-6:30 53.. . . ..... 30.2 6 G’Clock Report. .... WCBS 5.4 Early Show. .......... W^BS 7.5 2. D. Fairbanks Presents (Dr) WRCA . . . Interstate. ..... . .Wed; 10:30-11:00 . ... . . . 13* . . . . 51.6 Best of Broadway WCBS . . 3?.2 3. Rangre ttider (W) .WRCA. . . CBS. , .Sat. 6:30-7:00 . . . . . ,13.0. . . . . 19.1 Saturday Show-Dern, WCBS 3.0 ' Dem; Rain or Shi WCBS m z:t 4. Annie Oakley (W) . .WABD. . . . CBS . . .Sat. 7:30-8:00 .... .11:3.... 21..., 54.3 Beat the Clock ........ . WCBS .... 5, Abbott & Costello (Co - ) WRCA. ...... MCA ;. Sat. 6:00-6:30 ... 1 Co . . , , • * k * ^ 40 »■ » * • ..... 24.2 6 O’clock Report .. , : ....... WCBS 3.6 Saturday Show •* WCBS 3.3 6. Janet Dean (Dr) .WRCA. MPTV .Tues. 7:00-7:30 9.2 , . , 32. .. . . .. .. 28.7 Show, Pol.— -Javits . . WCBS .. . , . . .. 8 4 .6 — * Pol.; Rain or Shine. ........ WCBS 4.5 ' 1 I Led Thr^e Lives (Dr) WABC ; . . Ziv Fri. 10:00-10:30 9.0 .... 4 • • » • >18'| 4 f • . . . . . 49.3 Line-Up WCBS . ; : . . . .16 8 8. Amos ’n’ Andy (Com) . .WCBS...... ., . .CBS. Sat. 5:30-6:00 87 45 . . . . 19.5 Junior Frolics . . . . . . . ; . . WATV 4.8 8. Badge 714 (Myst) WOR ... . .;. . V:NBC. . . . ; Wed^SuOO«9r:30 8.7 . . . * 13. . , . 66.0 Kraft TV Theatre. ......... WRCA. . . 24.5 10. Racket Squad (Adv) . WABC: : ABC . . . , Thurs. 10:30-11:00 8.6,.. 20 43.5 Lux Video Theatr WRCA . 17.9 BUFFALO Appr ox- Set Count — -410,000 Stations — WGR (2), WBEN (4), WBUF (17) L I Led Three Lives; (Dr). . WBEN. . . .Ziv. Mon. 9:30-10:00 . ... .41.5. . .. ..... 62.. . 66.7 Robt. Montgomery Presents. WGR . . . .. . . 20:8 2, Foreign; Intrigue (Adv) WGR, . . . .Sheldon Reynolds. Tues. 10:30-11:00 36.6 . . 75... ..... 49.1 See It Now... WBEN 8.1 3. Liberace (Mus) . . .. . WGR. . . ;• .Guild. . .Sun. 6:30-7:00. . . 32.2.... 73... . . . . . . 43A Let’s Play Charades; ... WBEN . . . . . . . 11.7 4. Boston Blackie (Myst). WGR Ziv . Fri. 7:00-7:30 . 29.8 .. ... 78... ...... -38.1 Playhouse 15. ........ .WBEN .... . , . 7.3 5. Superman (Adv) .WBEN... . Flamingo . . Wed. 7:00-7:30 . . , . .24 9. ; .. • 61 . . . .... . 40.8 Waterfront , WGR , . . 15.6 6. Ellery Queen (Myst) •WBEN.:.-. . . . . TPA Thurs. 10:30-11:00 . . . . .23.4 ... . § , • * • 45 * .» < 52.2 Liix Video Theatre . . . . ... . . WGR . . .28 8 7. Florian Zabach (Mus) ....... WGR . . ; . .Guild, . Sun. 6:00-6:30 22.9 ..... 75... 30.5 Omnibus .... . ; ; . . WBEN 6.1 8. Annie Oakley (W) . WGR . . . .CBS. Sun. 1:00-1:30 .20.0. . . . . . . . . "93.. . « 21.5 Science Review. WBEN 1.5 8. Badge 714 (Myst) . . WGR.;.... .NBC. .Mon. 10:30-11:00 .20.0 . . ; . 36... 56.1 Studio One. . WBEN . , . , . . .28,8 8. Amos ’n’ Andy (Coin). WGR: CBS Thuts. 7:00-7:30 . ,2o:o . 50. : . 39.8 Cisco Kid. WBEN .. ,. .19.0 DALLAS-FT. WORTH Approx, Set Count — 390,000 Stations-— KRLD (4), WRAP (5), WFAA (8) 1. I Led Three Lives (Dr) . KRLD . . .Ziv Tues. 8:30-9:00 27.6 . . . 47.:. 59.4 Circle Theatre ....... WBAP . 17.3 2. Waterfront (Adv) WFAA UTP . .Wed. 9:30-10:00 . 27.3 . ..... $ 54 . • « 50.9 Best of Broadway .... KRLD 3. Favorite Story (Dr) . KRLD . . . . . . . . . . Ziv . . ; . .Fri. 9:30-10:00. . . ; .26.7 66... ...... 40.4 Cavalcade of Sports WFAA 9.1 • Big Playback. WFAA 6.1 4. Superman (Adv) WBAP . .. . .Flatningo. Tues, 6:30-7:00 , . 21.5.. . . ..... 67... Dinah Shore WFAA 5.5 • Jo Stafford... ....KRLD 8.7 5. Wild Bill Hickok (W) WBAP .Flamingo. ....... . Mon,. 6:30-7:00 .20.0 . . . . . . . . .. ", 38.7 CBS-NeWs— fD, Edwards . . . . KRLD 7.3 ( Perry Como . * ...... KRLD .... . . . 16.4 6. Badge 714' (Myst) ,, WBAP NBc. ....;. . Wed. 8:30-9:00 .. .18.8.. . . 30... ...... 63.6 Pve Got a Secret . . . ; . , ... KRLD Wtr- ITm Kraft TV Theatre: ....... WFAA ■ESI 7, Cisco Rid (W) WBAP ZiV , . .Thurs. 6:00-6:30 . .17.4 , . . . ..... 74... 23.1 Evening Edition- . WFAA 4.2 • Newsr— John Daly. ...... WFAA 5.5 7. Ramar of the Jungle < WFAA TPA Sun. 5:00-5:30 17.0 . . . . . . . . .: 56 . 30.4 Flash Gordon . , . . . ; . . KRLQ 7.9 9. Death Valley Days (W) WBAP McCahn-Eriekson . . Fri. 9:00-9:'30 16.7 35..,. 47.0 Line-Up ....KRLD .18.8 9. City. Detective (Myst) WFAA. . MCA. . .Thurs. 9:30-10:00 16.7 29! . . . 57.3 Lux Video Theatre WBAP .. COLUMBUS Appr ox. Set Count — -340,000 Stations— WLW-C (4), WTVN (6), WBNS (10) 1. Liberace (Mus) . . WBNS . . Guild. . .Wed. 7:00-7:30 . .36.5 . . . . ..... 81... 4 D.2 It’s a Great Life . . . WLW-C 5:5 2. Amos ’n’ Andy (Com) . . . WTVN. CBS . .Mon. 7:30-8:00 ., .2b\b 64 . . ...... 41.5 CBS. News— D. Edwards ... . WBNS . . .19.6 Political ..WBNS.... . . .10.4 3. I Led Three Lives (Dr) . .WBNS ... . .Ziv . , ; :Tues. 9:30-10:00 . 26.1 . . . . ..... 49 . . ; ...... 53.9 Circle Theatre WLW-C . . . 4. Badge 714 (Myst) .WLW-C NBC. .... Sun. 7:00-7:30 .. 21.9 48... 45.4 Lassie WBNS . : . . . . .12.8 5. Superman (Adv) . WBNS.. . .Flamingo. Wed. 6:00-6:30 ....;. .21.5. .,. 80. . ; ...... 26.7 Dick Tracy . . WLW-C 3.0 6. Florian Zabach (Mus) . WBNS. Guild. Mon. 7:00-7:30 .......21.0.... 84... 25.1 Early Home Theatr WTVN 4.1' News; Donaldson; Weather WTVN > 4.1 7, Mr. District Attorney (Myst) WLW-C. Ziv . Wed. 10:30-11:00 ... .18.5. ... 45 . . . ...... 41.0 Best of Broadway ...... WBNS . 7. Foreign Intrigue (Adv). WBNS . . , .Sheldon R~j nolrls , .Sun. 9:30-10:00. 18.5 41... Television Playhouse . ...... WLW-C . . > . . .15.9 9. Racket Squad (Adv) ; WLW-C . ABC." Tues. 10:30-11:00 . ... . .18.3 . . 58. . . 31.3 See It Now ......WBNS .. 8.7 10. Hopalong Cassidy (W) WTVN NBC . Fri. 7:30-8:30 17.3 . 33.. . . 52.7 Coke Time . . . . . ? ; WLW-C . .15.6 Perry Como . . WBNS . . .23.3 Mama WBNS .23.1 OMAHA Approx, Set Count — 'Stations — -KMTV (3), WOW, (6) 1. I Led Three Lives (^ r) wow Ziv ; . Tues. 9:30-10:00 .. . . 39.5 , > . 71. .. 55.* See It Now : . .... + . . . KMTV . . . . ,..,16.2 2. Cisco Kid (W). wow. f . Ziv Thurs. 7:30-8:00 . . . . 34.6 . . 62 . . . 56.0 Climax ... . . ..... KMTV , .21.3 3. Badge 714 (Myst) . .KMTV NBC , Tues. 8:00-8:30 33.8. , , 57..... 58.9 Fireside Theatre . . . .....WOW , . ,24.6 4. Wild Bill Hickok (IV) Wow Flamingo. . . Sun. 5:30-6:00 4 . . . ! . ' . 31.b , . 33.5 Elmer Carlsoh Salutes . . . . . KMTV 1:9 5. Superman (Adv) . . KMTV Flamingo . . Fri. 7:00-7:30 . . . . . .31.3 , ; .. ..... 69... ...... 45.4 Red Buttons. WOW ..... . , ,14.1 6; Range Rider (\V) . Wow , CBS . Sun. 5:00-5:30 ; . . . 27.S . . , . 95... 29.4 Big Picture . ....... KMTV . . , , , .. . 1:6 7. Liberace (Mils) .KMTV. . . .. Guild. Tues. 7:30-8:00 , ; .26.2. . . . 48... 54.6 Milton Rsrle. , . WOW.,... 8. Mr. District Attorney (Myst) ..WOW. ... Ziv Wed. 9:30-10:00 23.5. . . . 35. . . 67:3: Blue Ribbon Bouts KMTV ; , . 43.7 9. Death Valley Days (W) . KMTV McCann-Ericlcson Fri. 10:30-11:00 ,21;4. . 8frr. . ...... 24.1 World Report— C, Roberts. . WOW 38 TV Handyman WOW ..... 1.6 10. Racket Squad (Adv) . WOW ABC Fri. 7:30-8:00 .21.1 39 . . . 54:6 Topper ... KMTV , . . 33.5 FRESNO ' Approx, Set Count — -90,000 Stations - —KERO (47) 1. Hopalong Cassidy (>V) ; . . . . KM J . . NBC Mon. 6:30-7:00 .44.6 ; . 81. 55.4 Herb’s Trading Post . . . , KERO 7.3 Bob Kennedy. ........ KVVG 4.5 2, Badge 714 (Myst) . . . KM J .... ...... NBC. . Fri. 10:00-10:30 . 44.5 , 8i ..... . . .. 57.3 Follow That Man, ....KJEO .. 8.2 3. Waterfront (Adv) . . . KM J . . UTP.. Fri. 8:30-9:00 .41.8.,. ...... 69. . . ... 60.9 Ray Bolger, : . . .KJEO . . 18.2 4.. Cisco Kid (W) . ; . . . KMJ. . . Ziv . . . . .Wed. 6:30-7:00 .32.7 65 . . 50.4 Dave Stogner... ....KJEO .. 91 5. Superman (Adv) . , . . . KMJ/ , . Flamingo Tues. 7:00-7:30 .29.6. .. . . 52: . . 57.3 Meet Carliss Archer .../KJEO .. . . ,. .19.6 i,f 6. 1 Led Three Lives (Dr) . . . ; KMJ. . Ziv . . Sun, 9:00-9:30 .29.1 47 61.8 Mr. District Attorney . ....KJEO — »M[il 7. Star and the Story (Dr) . . . . . ;KMJ, . . . Official.. Sat. 10:00-10:30 .2~7.3 75...... . ; 36.4 Jamboree Time. .... KVVG 5.5 8, The Whistler (Adv) .... KMJ... CBS Fri. 10:30-11:00 .26.4 65... . . . . . 40.5 Boston Blackie ... ....KJEO MIKTiin 9. Kit Carson (W) . . . KJEO. . . ..... . MC A .25.5. 41 .. 62.7 Max Liebman Presents. ....KMJ .... HH0X3 10 . Life of Riley (Com) . . . . • 24*5 • « # » • f • i • 45 •«•••» ... 54.9 Hayry Owens ... a KMJ ■ . > . .,...23.6 Wednesday* December 1,1954 TV-FILMS 43 POWER PLAY BY CANDLELIGHT -T-+ ABC-TV may be. the first net- - « work to telecast its soap operas v on film. Web is mulling a part- nership arrangement with its tele- film syndication Subsidiary, ABG Film Syndication, Wider which the web and subsid would share cost on production of the filmed soaps and the subsid would get syndica- tion rights in non-network markets and rerun sales. Arrangement would allow the network to offer the soaps to sponsors at a price competitive to live soapers on NBC and CBS. Web is researching the question right now, and as soon as it breaks down production; costs and feels out client'reaction to the syndica- tion phase, will , make a decision on Whether to go ahead with the project. • Program department has been looking over properties , for the past six months with an eye toward expanding the daytime net- work service'* with soaps which, would gJ into 'the 10 to 10:30 a.iri. time following “Breakfast Club." What with the cramped studio sit- uation at ABC, hdWever, the net- work felt that film would be pref- erable provided some means, could be worked out to keep the program price cdinpetitive. Syndication pro- vides the answer— -if the strips can be properly produced at moderate cost arid if sponsor reaction is positive, Series would have to be brought In at about $12,000 a week (for five quarter-hours), so that the Web could offer it nationally at , $8-9,000, a price which' compares to the current live strips on other webs. ABC Syndication prexy George Shupert Is currently talk- ing to several Coast producers on their estimates, and if' he can come to terms - bn cost, he vvpuld then Work out with network officials what part of the cost he would bear and, exactly what sales rights he would get. Meanwhile, network ^ program chief Bob Lewine is work- ing on possible properties for the two series. Series would be so constructed as to tell a complete story in one week (five quarter-hours), and the syndication outlet Would thereby be enabled to sell it in quarter- hour strip form, or in half-hour or full-hour dramatic;, form by com- bining the individual segments. It would thereby sell in non-network markets as a strip, arid sell re- runs in network markets in one of the other forms. Problem is whether a national bankroller would require exclusivity on -the property, in which case the syndi- cation subsid would be out of the picture and the entire film project would fold. Lewine believes that' $12,000-a- week budget can be attained be- cause of the one-story-a- week for- mat. Geo. George F. Foley , has joined the TeeVee Co.^as its New York repre- sentative, Foley,. whose original ABC-TV live production of “Tales of Tomorrow” is being syndicated in kinescoped form by TeeVee, will also operate on the production end, exploring and developing' new properties for the outfit. Firm is planning new properties for next year, but hasn’t signed any yet. Policy will be one of turning out properties without ex- cess “production values and ele- ments which, do not produce any tangible resuits,” according, to gem era! manager Marc Frederic. Tee- Vee, is exploring further use of syndication of kinescopes, but in new production will finance its own pictures. TeeVee has the “Tales” kinnies set in over 60 markets. Well Film ’Em Ourselves if We Hollywood, Nov. 30. “If we can’t buy better than We can. make we’ll .get into telefilm production on pur own for the projected expansion of the Mu- tual tv network; So declared. Thomas O’Neil, prexy of General Teleradio and the Mutual network, who passed the week here in rneet- ings with Wille.t Brown, prez of Dori Lee Broadcasting System, which operates KHJ-TV and KHJ, flagship of the 44 : station Don Lee skein, world’s. . largest regional. O’Neil isn’t . thinking in terms of an interconnected, film network of v stations across the country. “That’s not our field,” he declared, ‘but rather an assembly of tv sites to service advertisers arid stations with films.”. O’Neii believes the bottom of the barrel for old films has been scraped since the availability and sale of more than 3,000 feature pic tiires to tv. He isn’t very hopeful of any of the major studios dump- ing their backlog into the open rriarket despite his belief that the time factor is Working against them. “Color will -obsolete old films and if any of the studios are planning to unload their backlog they had better start right now. The defeatist attitude in some quarters of radio is not shared by either O’Neil or BroWn. They point to 1953 as Mutual’s best year and if some of the anticipated or- ders come through the year ahead will be a profitable one. Last year the Don Lee-Mutual network was the only web to show an increase in billings. O’Nen returned east over the weekend. Bobby Nicholson, who plays “Clarabell” on “Howdy Doody” and has been taking Bob Smith’s radio-tv chores on NBC since Smith pad. his heart attack, has formed Robin Productions, a vid- film outfit which will devote itself exclusively to production of quar ter-hour children’s Shows. He’s partnered in the venture with Jack Fatten, who produces the Smith shows on NBC. Nicholsori and Farren have com pleted a deal with Educational Comics Inc. for the use* of their his- torical comic book treatments for a series on characters and events in history. Series, as yet untitled, would be done with puppets arid live actors, and Nicholson would handle most of the puppets , and do the voices. In addition, he’s plan ning a series in which he’d, teach the juves to play piano, etc. (he’s an orchestra leader too). Series would go into production at The beginning of January at the Olm sted Sound Studios in N. Y. Most successful show in syndic cation history will be Withdrawn from local and regional, sale next fall. Guild Films is withdrawing ‘Liberace" from syndication to put it up for national sale for airing on the 60-station Vitapix filmed network- Series, once sold national- ly, would, then be reopened for local and regional sale or restored to riginal stations and sponsors in. non-Vitapix markets. Guild, is now preparing a sales push, on the property, With the . actual campaign likely to get un- derway as Soon as Vitapix has lined up the full skein of 60 outlets. There are 35 stations in the setup right now, With many more . on what’s described as a waiting list. Sale to a national bankroller would be for Sept. 1, 1955, airing. Guild also intends to offer up others of its currently-syndicated properties, SUch as “Florian Zabach Show,” “Frankie Lame” and possibly “Life With Elizabeth,” for national sale, but the decision’s impact comes With the “Liberace” move. Mechanics: of the changeover from local . sponsorship to national haven’t been worked out yet, hut • Whatever they are, they’re bound to create some hard feelings. Se- ries, Which by itself has attracted mere attention to the . Syndication business than any other factor, is currently in about 220 markets, more than Tfiiy other show, Al- though national sale is tenta- tively hinged a 60-market deal, a big bankroller would likely Want more markets than 6Q, which means that in 60-plus major-rrial’ket situations,. Guild will have to dis- place the present licensees of the. show, be they stations or sponsors. Some bankrollers will have . been riding with the show for as long as two years, and they’re not going to take the move lightly. More- over, the switch of the show to the Vitapix setup means that the series will be moving in many cases from one station in a major market to. a competitive outlet. All of these factors are likely to get Guild in hot water with spon- sor and station clients of long standing. But Guild has unques- tionably examined all df these com siderations, arid its decision points up the high stakes to which it’s committed itself. Firm’s thinking Is now national, from the. viewpoint Of sales, prografris and other oper- ations. fl’he Guild-Vitapix combine has passed th6 point ef the mere creation of riew properties for pos- sible national sale. Guild is appar- ently playing the national film game for keeps. Big Play for Cartoons New York, channels 13 and 2, On the top and bottom numbers of the tuner, have purchased car- toons from the Corist vaults in the amount of 335. WATV (Ch. 13 Newark, with Gotham transmitter), grabbed 156 of Columbia Pictures’ one-reelers, With . Hygo TV dis- tributing/ WCBS-T V, Ch. 2 flag- ship of CBS, has a two-year pact for 179 Walter Lantz cartoons out of Universal - International, for spreading On its various* kidvids and as inserts on general stanzas. Each deal is the biggest local turnover of its kind in both coin involved and number of properties. Hollywood, NoV, 30. Bank of America has taken a n increased interest in financing tele- films, and is currently looking for vidpix projects to bankroll, accord-: ing Thomas C. Deane, veepee, manager of the Los Angeles main office, in charge of all motion .pic- ture-tv loans, .. “W0 have this increased interest in television because of increased volume in the industry,” he said. “We are already doing much fi- nancing along these lines.” He wouldn’t divulge, .name^s Of the se- ries the bank is now financing but declared “when we approach such, a project we try to find ways of fi- nancing, Some are brought to us by people who have an established success with ..one series; We keep i mind potential value’' Of Series on rerun market.” It took some time for the bank’s pattern to evolve since "we had to Creep before we would walk,” but npw that the pattern is set "we are eager to finance in television.” SG’S SEVEN-PRONGED Ballantine Beer is ending its .three-year-old “Foreign Intrigue” identity come March. . Brewery will drop, the Sheldon Reynolds series, which it bankrolls in 25 major mar- kets, and will replace it with Ziv’s “Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre” in those same markets. Cantor series has been set for a March 30 start in N. Y. on WABC-TV, the ABC * flagship, under a 52-week deal. Aside .from the big boost th deal gives to Ziv’s “high price! for high quality” philosophy on the Cantor show, the Ballantine switch Conies as a shocker for Reynolds. That Ballantine 25-statiori lineup has been the backbone of the show, from a production viewpoint; Coin; has enabled Reynolds to . produce the series without worrying about where the rest of his production coin is coming from. In fact, up to this year, the series was wholly financed by Ballantine, which had exclusive rights and got its coin back by sub-licensing it to other sponsors ‘ non-competing mar- kets.' This year, Reynolds got back the rights under a new deal, and has been selling, himself in non- Ballantine markets and^n all re- run situations. Decision for the switch came .out of the J. Walter Thompson agency, which has the Ballantine ’s account. Meanwhile, the agency lias got- ten out of a thorny situation with “Intrigue” in New York, caused by the ousting of the. series from its longtime Thursday-.at-10:30 slot on WRCA-TV- by JtfBC-TV’s sched- uling of “Lux Video Theatre.” ‘‘In- trigue” will switch from its present Thursday-at-7 slot on WRCA-TV to a new Wednesdayrat-9 : 30 position on WABC-TV. Show moves over Dec. 29. Part of the reasoning be- hind the move is that "Intrigue” its new position stands to capture some holdover audience from the 7:30-8:30 “Disneyland” show. Can- tor show will follow in the same time slot after the “Intrigue”'- can- cellation becomes effective. ROLLS IN NASHVILLE Nashville, Nov. 30. Flamingo Films last Week started |*shootirig the first filnr in the new tinted “Grand, Ole Opry” series at Ryriian Auditorium; where the Opry airs its regular Saturday night radio series via WSM. Hoi-, lywood crew headed by producer A1 Gannaway moved in shortly after WSM’s .annual visitation of. riiore than 1,000 country and west- ern disk jockeys returned to their stations after a three-day junket to the station. Flamingo will begin selling the series as Soon as the first films are in the can. Firm has*b tenta- tive national deal with A’ major tobacco firm, but has also gotten regional offers from anumber of major breweries which In the ag- gregate, would coyer about half the country. Series has a Feb, l'air date tagged on it. m Others Winding Series Paris, Nov. 23. With the TMP “Captain Gallant” series arid Andre Hakim’s “Paris Precinct” winding production here, Sheldon Reynolds Productions is the only group still turning out vidpix here for the time being. The: idea that Paris is the happy hunt- ing ground for cheap film produc- tion has waned in the last few. years as expectant producers have left the field strewn with 1 unusable pilot films. It boils down to a mat- ter of overall production control, Reynolds, under the firm hand of exec producer Nicole Milinaire, has taken, over a complete ^tudio here at Epinay, comprising three sets, lab, editing room and" a regu- lar crew. With 35 “Sherlock Holmes” films in the can, the first three series will soori be ready; “Foreign Intrigues” will fill in until the next “Holriies” group is ready to roll. Proximity of English actors and exteriors is also a plus iri mak- ing the series here. Director Seve Previn, a new- comer to the directorial ranks, is credited with doing a fine job. Edi- tor is George Gale arid most of. tjfe writers are . also Aftnerican. Pix are brought in at an averagp $25,000 apiece. Following signing of additional Salesmen to bring its syndicated sales force up to a total of 16, Screen Gems has realigned its Syn- dication operation with a break- down of the country into seven sales areas and has upped several staffers to the posts of regional managers. New setup has Bob Brahm as eastern sales chief, operating out of Detroit; midwestern ' division, out of Chicago, is headed by John Nilson; western division, headquar- tered in San Francisco, has Rich- ard Dinsmore in charge; south- western is managed by John Wil- son out of: Dallas; southeastern is headed by Henry Gillespie 1 in At- lanta, and Andrew P. Jaeger heads up the N. Y. area out of the home- office. Rapf to Produce ‘Sing’ Hollywood, Nov. 30; - Former Metro producer Matthew Rapf has been signed by NBC v.p. Fred Wile to produce the new sit- uation comedy series, “My Man Sing,” toplining Pat Crowley. Elsa Schreiber will direct series which roils Jan. 3 under the ban ner of Dynasty Productions. N. Y. telescripter Tod Lean has been set to pen the first three scripts. SCHRIELER TO INTERSTATE Latest addition to Interstate Televisioni’s sales setup is William Schrieler. Added a few days af- ter George Gilbert was made east- ern Sales manager, Schrieler will head up operations for the middle Atlantic states area, , Official Films this week set a largescale Canadian ddal for its Star and the Story” and is in the process of finalizing another large regional for the far west. Cana- dian deal is with Sweet Gaporal cigarets, which ' already sponsors Official’s “My Hero” there, for the full CBC web of 13 stations. Deal was set via Cockfield, Brown & Co. Meari while, an 11-market deal iri the West is all but set with Heidel- herg Brewery. Heidelberg would take 11 markets op the Coast not already picked up by Rheingold under its original deal with Don Sharpe, who packaged the show (Official has nothing to do with the Rheingold deal, but can’t sell those markets, of course). While Heidel- berg is a Coast brewery, deal is being wrapped- up in Chicago this week by Official sales; veep Herb Jaffe and the sudser's agency. While in Chi, incidentally, Jaffe is setting up a Mirineapolis office for Official. He’s moving Art Breecher, who together With Al Morey headed Official’s Chi office, into the Twin Cities as office man- ager. Following the wrapup of Chicago business, Jaffe heads for St. Louis, Detroit and then the Coast, during which trip he’ll add a total of eight more men to the ex v panding Official sales staff. MCA-UTP Deal Near Deal for MCA to take United Television Programs is in the final stages of negotiations on the Coast, with papers expected to be signed around mid-December. Sales execs of both UTP and MCA are en ropte to the Coast for discussions On staff realign- ment and product treatment. 46 P^SrHSTy Wednesday, December Xjj 1954 ALREADY SPENT FOR ‘THE STAR AND THE STORY 1 Jfc PROGRAM ONLY- DOES NOT INCLUDE TIME In 120 days, astute local If yS tg| ***** ,INY and regional a^itertisers have snapped up this opportunity * of a TV-lifetime. There's still time for YOUI 0«* A. C *4|* ] ;0‘ O* 1 t G* c* V PACKER 0t* a*] & v *\ SJ: /■- / ■*>, Jl 13 good reasons why this new, top prestige show Is paying off immediately! S A X f -- JP A' \\„ 'V \v' WW- V' n' * ,>s ' •VAV.V.'>.*i*Vt s*:& — •« * t T 5 .'.s’.w.'.v.v.v Tfv \ypv T 0* t 3fr' ; ? & s 0*vf f' •« ■>x»6v DAVID NIVEN ANGELA LANSBURY EDMUND GWENN vwuuu . v •^•v.-y.y TERESA WRIGHT EDMOND O'BRIEN JAN STERLING THOMAS MITCHELL JUDITH ANDERSON %>■ ' £<*< * > w*' .w.'.s , . , . , . , !y.v. * i 4 it ; * 4 % ' i ■ J*:.. .Xt.. vfc. S. & n* ■X- I¥ SI TV-WISE, BLUE CHIP SPONSORS FIRST AVAILABLE ARB RATINGS LOS ANGELES' In this tough / station market THE STAR AND THE STORY is TOPS "attracting many more viewers than the closest competition — big budget, network, Saturday Night: Revue. SAN FR ANCISCO - THE STAR AND THE STORY is FIRST with a whopping 23.9 (59% share of audience.) 39 FIRST RUN V 2 HOUR FILMS FOR TV Each story, selected and introduced by its own star (39 top names), -from the works of celebrated writers (including 13 by Somerset Maugham), is sculptured into magnificent entertainment by the producers of 4 STAR PLAYHOUSE, Oon W. Sharpe, Executive Producer Warren Lewis, Producer FRANK LOVEJOY A •*, ' For full defails on the prestige, profit show of the year, WHITE, WIRE, CALL OFFICIAL FI LMS mc 25 WEST 45th ST NEW YORK 36, N.Y • PL 7-0100 !vx*: x-x‘v:\:X::v.; ■ .• vttYxvx.vX Yx*7;- V : : : x-. :-x; ;7x : ' ; v.vv..v. ;• xx; :* •••■.. • * •• • : . y . .■ ; Atlanta "Baltimore Beverly Hrtls Boston, Chicago Dallas' Detroit St. Louis AMERICA S LEADING DISTRIBUTOR OF QUALITY TV FILMS cotoNFt March of Scotland yard my hero terry and the pirates TOWN AND COUNTRY TIME SECRET FUE U.S.A. TUNE- O < 1 . .1 ;> 48 TV-MUMS P'BltlETf The telefilm, syndication busi- ness is rapidly assuming an inter- national character with the growth of video operations abroad and the tightening, domestic market that more and more implies that; for-: igh sales will one day be the only way distributors can whip up profits on their pix. Just as the domestic gross on motion pictures merely, writes off costs with the black ink coming from foreign bookings, so syndicators see an in- ternational market as the potential source, of the bulk of .their profits. Thus, while foreign sales at present cannot even cover the cost' of overseas operations— dubbing alone nearly accounts for any over- seas revenues — top distributors al- ready have irons in the interna- tional fire. Several syndicators are already, in the Latin American field, virtually every one of them is in Canada,. a couple are in Japan and the Far East and at least one has begun operations in Europe,. Moreover,, several are involved in coproduction deals with overseas interests that- imply dual language production for native sales. Finally, vidpix producers and distribs are coming to realize possibilities of overseas theatrical release for their made-for-tv films. ' Presently, the foreign sources of revenue lie: mostly in Latiri Amer- ica, with Mexico,- Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela as the on-the- air outlets, ..and with Colombia, [Brazil and* Argentine as scon-to-be^ added markets. In the Far* East, there have been dealings on a linor scale with Japan and Siam, with Australia considered to be a big future factor, fn Europe, Great Britain has been a minor source of filmbuying via the BBC, but the impending advent of. commercial tv will make it a major market in the future. Television is al- ready, in operation in Fiance,. Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and The Netherlands, and at least one firm, Ziv Television Programs, has set a saies-and-dubbing opera- tion into motion for those areas. Latin American Upbeat For the Latin American market, Ziv already has its dubbing opera- ti in effect 'in . Mexico City and now blankets its shows over most of Latin American ty. ABC Syndi- cati is experimenting in dub- bing via Spanish version, of "Racket Squad” dubbed iti Madrid, with a fullscale effort set once it plants its feet in the foreign field • with a Latin American sale. Screen Gems has set a dubbing scheme in motion in Mexico City; with “Ford Theatre” likely to be the first to make the Spanish switch. Freman-. tie Overseas Radio & TV, which is pioneering sales to the Far East, also has a dubbing arrimgement in Cuba, and other firms have sold (Continued on page 50) < 4 : . ■■■ : — — * ’ FEAfURE PIX 'SOAPERS' AVRCA-TV's ‘Big Matinee’ Pattern Cross-the-Board New York's WRC A-TV is coming up with a soapopera treatment for its 2 to 2:30 p.m., “Big Matinee” crossboarder, but instead of the. orthodox, problem dramas done live, series will be on film. They'll: be theatrical pix, to start next Mon- day (7),. and the . running time will be played out over a given number of the. half-hour slots. Say a film takes three days to -carry out; other two diiys vvil^be f illed with ^regular telepix such as the reruns of "Ford Theatr ” ' Reprise of previous action, a la weeper style, will be done as a daily intro. Even a pic like “Ele- phant Boy,” the probable teeoffer, would lend itself to such recapped narrative. . Most of *he: properties will be " the adventure-thriller class. Coin on 2d Round Hollywood, Nov. 30. Screen Actors Guild no longer will permit sefcqnd -f uns of tv films to be telecast without .'rerun coin to the. actors -involved, producers will be told when'negptiatipns'for a new pact begin. Present contract expires July 20. Financial conditions in the video industry have improved “greatly” since the current pact was nego- tiated, and SAG will base its de- mands on that point. At present, rerun coin begins on third-run. * •* \* ‘Jimmy Valentine’ Telepix Hollywood, Nov. 30. A new series of vidfilms based on the O. Henry stoi\ , “Alias Jimmy Vaierftine,” will be launched early next year by Gross-Krasne Produc- tions ; Donald Hyde will produce, but no star has been set. . G-K also has set the “6. Henry Television Playhouse” for a Jan- uary start with Edward Sutherland producing and directing. BADER'S V. P. STRIPES David A. Bader, who joined At- lantic Television a few. weeks back as- general sales manager re- placing Jacques • Kopfstein; has been made a v.p. of the . firm. He’ll continue to operate on the sales end of the firm, domestically and overseas. Couple of foreign deals for two of Atlantic's feature packages are currently in the works. T AVIA .I V J iviuyivx Jfivvv Still in Throes Of 3-Yr. Distrib Fight For the first and probably the only time such a thing happened in yid’fiim annals,: two companies in 1951 decided to contest each, other’s right to distribute a certain package of films, the end. result be- ing that: today, three years later, both distributors MPTV and Mas- terpiece are still fighting and both are still distributing the pictures.. The real sufferers, however, are seen to be tele station operators who have recently been caught up in the middle of the legal hassle via suits against them for using the 1 pictures company instead of the other. It’s mostly question of which distrib got there first in making a station decide where to buy the 25 pix, which originally came from United Artists, with many of them being Walter Wanger productions. In. a really screwy deal to the casual observer, UA finally gave ! its. tv support to MPTV by indem-. nifying all stations and sponsors buying from, that distributor. MPTV's rival in the matter’ Mas- terpiece, has on the other hand brought suits recently in Los An- geles and Boston MPTV buyers, in what was declared an attempt to test the legality of the UA ii^dem^ nification. A Masterpiece lawyer said he^ doubts the validity of the ^guarantee. The chief legal issue— proper right to distribute exclusively — -is, however, still pending before the . Southern District Court in N. Y. The legal history, of tv distrib rights is extremely complicated, but briefly the old UA management is supposed to have turned rights over to a firm which later sold out those rights to Masterpiece. After several claims and counterclaims UA gave tv distrib rights to MPTV m *52, on grounds that Masterpiece was given the pix for “tv rights in motion picture houses.” Master- piece contests: “Who ever heard of giving tv rights in theatres on mo- tion pictures?” And MPTV an- svveis that w'hen the, original deal Was negotiated, UA was of the be- lief that , the theatre projection booth would be done away with when tv got really strong. The Masterpiece suit demands $2;000,000 for coin allegedly lost in tv distribution since MPTV entered the pic.ture. . National Biscuit Co,, which en- tered the kidpix field this season via [its ABC^-TV buy of Screen Gems' “Rin Tin Tin,” is extending the scope of its “for-the-kiddies” operation via the spotting of “Sky King” in 25 markets. “Sky King” buy is. an unusual one, since it in- . volves. the purchase of rights to the property from another, though not. competitive, food manufac turer. Nabisco bought one-year rights to the films from Derby Foods Which owns the series outright. Derby had been airing the series on ABC-TV till this season, when its . 'purchase of “Disneyland” put a crimp in its budget and it dropped the show from the web. Although the series was produced by Jack .Chertok, it was owned by Derby and the firm had the job of getting some - of its coin out by sublicens ing. Deal with Nabisco was the result. It was set through McCann- Erickson; which reps Nabisco and since this fall has also agented Derby, which moved over from Needham, Louis & Brorby, Series consists of 19 half-hour films, so that Nabisco will use a repeat pat- tern for their spot placements. By ART WOODSTONE Riccardo Pontremoli is an ex- A dr miral in the Italian navy and a past executive in an overseas firm in- terested in American fertilizer who turned his attention to the produc- tion of telefilm. In this country to close a distribution pact With Official Films on the half-hour “Three Musketeers” skein, the boss of Thetis, a large Italo filmery launched in '50, painted a wide screen view of future productions. Admiral Pontreftioli is mulling other costume pieces for American video and the list reads like a cel- luloid extension of Plutarch’s j Lives, the Holinshed Chronicles or marching Through . History / with J, Wesley Smith. Mostly for the. romantic touch and probably be- cause he himself is Italian he flipped off historical heroes like Machiavelli, Benvenuto Cellini, Ce- sare Borgia, Casanova, et al. “That Casanova gotta watch; he’s a ‘sexy’,” Pontremoli volunteered, Since the 53-year-pld exec, dressed after the fashion of a Yale man, best communicates to an English-, language interviewer Via "his 1 ! smile, a rep from Italian Films Ex- port, outfit acting as go-between in all Thetis-U.S. deals, interrupted to question Pontremoli briefly, in Italian before turning to clarity:. “Gasanova would be difficult to adapt to television in the U. S.” The costume telepix that Pontre- moli suggested differed from the original venture, “Three Ms,” in that they all concern actual beings. All, however, have been sufficient- ly idealized to make okay fodder for 26 or 39 half-hours. The The- tis treatment, if any, of such sub- jects would probably" take dashing, lightly romantic lines. Pontre- moli, half of hi$ own Anglo hook and half through, his -IFE sidekick, for-exampled a proposed “Captain Hornblower” series of a [few months back. “Not good subject for tv. Is miore the study of . . (another discussion in Italian) a character of a mam” The Ameri- can opined there wouldn’t be enough ihdterial for a full series of 39.: , Thetis, which already did “In- ternational Police” and “Orient Express” for the U. S., won’t do any more detective dramas, Pon- tremoli explained. The filmery uses European and Italian loca- tions, knows the romantic kick well, so why, explained the The- tisite, riot leave the American spe- cialty to the Americans. The IFE guy said “Production in Europe can be readily justified on cos- tume shows just so long as Ameri- cans continue to like them,” Pontremoli said, as something of Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Mitzi Green Replaces Cass Daley in ‘H’woed’ Hollywood, Nov. 30, Mitzi Green was signed by pro- ducer-writer Edmund Beloin to re- place Cass Daley for the QUeenie role in “This is Hollywood,” half- hour tv series starting Jan. 1 over the NBC network. Miss Daley was released from* her contract after a difference of opinion over the format for the series. . “ For the first time a government has become officially involved^ in bankrolling a commercial vidfilm series. The deal has other unique [aspects as well. The telepix-pro- ducing nation is Portugal and the r properties are being designed specifically for Use oil IT; S. video. There are to be 39 half-hours in a series re international police files, . with production' slated for a January start. Portugal; will supply, studio facilties in Lisbon paying all belowAthe-line costs— with some of the pix set to be shot on lo- cation : elsewhere in Europe, While, financial arrangements call for . Portugal to pay for or supply facilities, an American out- fit, Edward: Levin’s Mid-City Pic- ture Corp., will supply actors, di- rectors and other personnel and take care of other costs. Setup be- tween Levin and thb Portugese was arranged by American Production Group in Portugal, an outfit topped . by Los Angeles lawyer Al- bert J. Amateau, Amateau’s (he also owns an . L. A. dubbing set- up) firm is getting an undisclosed amount -for arranging the deal,. Cost on each pic is one of the lowest on record for a half hour vidfilm. They are expected to average out at about $12,000 each. One of the stipulations of the Por- tuga 1-Levin deal is that the for- eign governmeht be returned its costs before a profit divvy. Devin is now in [Europe giving the once-over to the production setup; Scripts for the 39 telefilms were bought from Bob Musal. As- sociated pjL'ess. coiVesporiderit in London. They will be shot in English. ‘Trial’ Vidpix Series Hollywood, Nov. 30, Filmakers, Inc., enters [the tele- firm production field next year with “The Trial,” a series of court- room dramas based on actual tran- scripts of famous cases. Collier Young-Ida Lupino indie unit has set Larry Marcus to develop the. series and the pilot, “Human Jet- tison,” based on a trial which took place in 1850, will be ready in January. Miss Lupino will direct. Vidpix Kick 'an afterthought to his ideas on swordplay, that Thetis is also cqn- templating “an African series in Somaliland, next year perhaps.” The outfit missed a start this De- cember, when the weather would be right for filming, so next year will have to do if the idea goes through. ^ > “Actually, production on another Thetis tv series should begin early next year. The Admiral said a final decision had not been made. There will be four new pilots on two new series in- the Uo S. by next April, Pontremoli said. Inci- dentally, it’s riot known yet wheth- er Thetis will stop: at 26 or go .on to 39 in “Three Ms.” Pontremoli, who had command- ed a flotilla of destroyers for Italy until ’45, after 30 years duty took over as director of the Rome branch of a Genoese firm that han- dled U. S. Steel and International Chemical-Mineral Corp. of Chi- cago. In ’50, he and another navy , officer, AlfonsO Gulleani (Thetis prexy, but handling mostly the" gavel at board meets), joined with several others in starting Thetis, Pontremoli, who is managing direc- tor of Thetis, which; it. was ex- plained, is the Italo equivalent of exec veepee, tpld that the filmery (which is predisposed to making American vidpix) started with about $400,000 American coin. TO open the covers of the. finan- cial arrangements between distrib- utor Jules Weill and Italian Films - Export would provide the vidfilm industry with a key to the success or failure of dubbing. People deal- ing in celluloid-for-tv are currently holding up large investments, in foreign product, fearing they’ll never make enough in American distribution to recapture the crush- ing cost involved in buying and converting a pic to fit U. S. viewer needs. Weill’s Fortune. Pictures claims success , iri the sale of the first 30 Italo features that IFE arranged for the distrib to handle here. But the trade is vitally interested in finding out Whether Weill had to make much of an investment of his own. It’s been said that be could never have made a profit on the 30 films in the short period of a year ujcdess he managed to get. the pix from the Italian producers on a spec deal whereby . they only get coin after dubbing and distri- bution costs are covered. However, IFE said that Weill paid a substan- tial:. nut for each of the pictures. (It was added that a second pic arrangement ^between Weill and IFE for 52 features was “basically the same,” with a few contractual changes.) Weili can’t be paying too much for film rights in the U. S.," trade-, sters with experience in dubbing, say. They poijit out that dubbing, for any kind of a reasonable job, totals somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000 per feature. Assuming then that Weill pays $3,000 more 'for rights and processing of prints, it’s said he’d have a mighty tough /job recapturing his costs; it’s bad 'enough with the cost of dubbing alone. In tracing the success and failure of dubbed pix in the U. S., it was reported that a surprising, number of gripes had come from East Coast station execs, that they weren’t clearly led [to understand they were purchasing dubbed prod- uct. A great resistance is under- stood to exist in the midwest, but that’s, to be expected. Dubbing ac- ceptance, it’s believed,, "is highest on the West Coast and chiefly among ‘lesser stations’.” No one’s ever denied that a “great dubbing job” still means something less than perfection in lip sync, and the crux of the matter is that there aren't believed enough tv markets where that's sync imperfection okay, narrowing, therefore chances for profit in distribution. Right now the future of a pack- age of 26 Gallic features is pend- ing while the owners puzzle out whether it would pay to dub them. Firm, Hamilton Productions (be- longing to stock brokerage of Os- terman & Hutrier), has already tried out “Beauty and the Beast” with English titles via WPIX, N.Y. Success of the exposure can at best be termed moderate. Hamil- ton hais contracted with Peter Reit- hoff of American Dubbing to han- dle a brace of the features for language change. Les Osterrnan hopes that through these two pix he can get an indication of how well Or poorly dubbing will be accepted. Moreover, he currently proposes thaf the pix get a show- ing in N. Y. Observers feel that this “experiment” is entirely un- realistic sirice the ' metropolitan area is not the place to test dub- bing acceptance siijori it’s generally more tolerant of such things. Unlike Osterman & Hutrier, there are other investors who have withdrawn at thejast minute front deals Jkhat would involve importa- tion of foreign pix for tv. ‘Ben Blue Panto Theatre’ Set as Vidpix Series Hollywood, Nov. 30. • “Ben Blue’s Pantomime Theatre” will be produced by newly-formed telefilm company, Rayben Produc- tions; [headed by Blue and Ray Ryan. Half-hour vidpix series goes into production next month. Blue is prexy; Sam Norton, v.p.; Sidney Fields, secretary-treasurer. LeRoy Prinz will produce and di- rect* •c- Wx- v-IASK::; J R fSSWS Hi - mt ill- *«SK | g$$ m t! HI :, s« |® 5 $: * \ ^wv^'Xw M&Zit -Mm 388 flip $W»frK s-m:-- *1 &&££$ >:❖¥❖. >*w$ WlwlwX'X *&*>>$ §& 1$8| jggjf pif$l|, P,,f WM. kk:W:$ yXxXxX !$$$ >.v.\v.v.\ .* *.v«y,v.% * •:•:*:<•*•* :*x*x*:< <•' . •. * v ' .V.* • ■.V.Vi' v>.vi*. *w s '#*' ft , y s •■ •• s ' " ; <-o: " *~\y *>''"** & mMi !v!£!v> , vJ'Xy.V •pPi=*:P * *.'.y,v * Mmm KpSiSK 'w&'WS %mm $mm - f* t /■ % -pS pIa. <% i mm ■4m 4m VMM '■■&&■■#,' wM wm& 'wm mm MMM ■4mm, ^l||k 404>. m ffimk v/Mm, ifSlf >I*X»A»AVi |#8 Pil Mf till >>A*.V.V»V.V.% w; ; made it possi- t” for television. OTHER OUTSTANDING TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCED BY SCREEN GEMS ★ Ford Theatre ★ Adventures of Rin Tin Tin ★ Captain Midnight ★ Big Playback Gems, Inc. Corp. • 233 W. 49th St., N.Y.19, N.Y. • Circle 5-5044 , commercials and syndicated programs. 50 TV»riLMS Wednesday,' December 1, 1954 Script Tryout Continued from page S suddenly found themselves, despite previous recognition, catapulted into international acclaim, but in a bigger way than they thought con- FOUR STAR PLAYHOUSE. (My Own Dear Dragon) A sophisticated drama, about a w,k. playwright and his much younger wife, “My Own Dear Dragon" is filled with exceptionally bright dialog by scripter Clock Dailey. It’s a perfect vehicle for Charles Boyer, who gloveVfits the role of the caustic, worldly writer , Motivation cleverly woven throughout is fear of Boyer he will lose his wife because of the. differ- ence in their ages, while the spouse has a fear she will' lose him be- cause she can’t match his brilliance. Consequently she writes a play, but Boyer won’t tell her what he thinks of it. Instead, he suddenly an- nounces his retirement. A witchy femme columnist gets hold of the play, publicly terms it lousy.. De- velops Boyer didn’t want to hurt his bride’s feelings,, was going- to ' quit to get his gal. away from the lure of showbiz. Of course, it’s a happy ending as the spouse under- stands all when she hears Boyer denounce the femme hatchet- wqman in a dramatic finale. Boyer’s competent performance receives top assists from Vera Miles, as his wfe; Mabel Albertson, the. columnist, and Alex Gerry, a friend. Robert Florey directs well, giving it the necessary polished • flourish; Dalai, PEPSI COLA PLAYHOUSE (The Colonel and His Son) It used to be that “border inci- dents’’ generally involved national boundaries but the chalk line between east and west Berlin has found many takers of late from the literati set. ;Here we have another swatch of fiction on 'the borderline but with enough ^sus- pense and dramatic flareups to keep the knob from getting turned; Walter Coy, an Army colonel, finds that he can push fob hard in. the performance of his duties and to the neglect of his own son, who’s practically on his own since his mother died. The kid is abducted and spirited to the commie side, to be used as a pawn for the surrender of a scientist and his secrets. When the- doctor dies of a stroke, Coy loses his bargaining power and decided to take things into his own hands. He and a corporal, armed to the. teeth, .set a trap for the Russ abductors and shoot their way , out and flee with the kid unharmed. Coy gives the piece its spirit and movement with intelligent acting, Supporting roles are well dis- charged. by Sam Gilman, Harvey Stephens and Kim Charney. Direc- tion of Phil Ford is gripping,- Polly B.ergSn deqls out the Pepsi pitch pleasantly but none of her successors seems to have the bounce of Arlene Dahl to tie in with the cola’s slogan. Helm. potential powderkeg than the local I talent, boys with the guns. Robert Arm- screen, always In need of new I /^vable* Global Vidpix ssa Continued from pate 48 English-language versions of their suitable shows— ^mostly sports and It was not just a case 'of register- musicals— to the Latino markets. Greene sees no danger involved ing a personal click, but the whole In Europe, the ball is only start- strong delivers as the sheriff whose the fact that the hour show was spec machinery (unprecedented ing to roll; Ziv ds first in with, son-in-law fc the fugitive, and publicity - promotion - exploitation, dubbing plans calling for French, An# nwfnmannao OT , 0 vislonscreens. Despite its wide au- \ Woe - .Italian and German versions of its othei fine performances are. given dience, subject was only shoym ^ f „ shows, but other outfit^ although by John Bryant/ the suspect, and once and he thinks there’s more to contributory factor, not to mention not ge ^ P n fop dubbing And sales Maxine Cooper, his wife. Daku. be gained than lfcst— more people S® L*™ have established intimate contacts heard about it than saw it. AddL specs' jre fltftuftato »^bnmum via product i on d»™Cife returns, Whi ^ h Am e r f can s are involved, deal. cnaracier # wmie a leaiui 1 4c covered morning and evening Thcatricallv licf was- that • International aspect works in re- 9.3U slot, series wouia oe House theSft pla y S Wef condensed iuced, by Herb Brodkin, who - ^ turns out the “Elgin Hour” on a P la ^ e t 5 e - same topher Fry, the. belief was that produced b^^lrb brodkin who theSe plays tdo condensed, verse, too. ‘With .the paucity of turns out tVe ^Elein B Hom”’ on h a and t?ie lines t0 ° hurried because American features .available to turns _ out the EigimHoui on a ^ radio time restrictions and home tv several distribs have gone ties— and b the -web^epoitedW has that inevitable split-second finale. f 0 the foreign market for feature some hot ^prospects P — Brodkin . “ The Craig Family,’’ which has imports. Use of British features When Edmundson was fired station wnhiH PvnflnH his ciivrpnt staff and been carried by the Canadian is commonplace,^ but now Italian,;. vi n I .. . ... ..... n^oadcasting Corp. as a five-a- French, Spanish and German films ek daily sustainer for the past are showing their presence. Jules Ions, told Variety that Edmund- Three^Vull-hOur dram^ ^ 'two five years was the unanimous fa- Weill’s Fortune Features pioneered son was “neVer an announcer or weeks vorite as a picture of farm life— the field with the 'dubbing-intq- emplqyee of a radio station as such.. He performed in other things and we gave hint a. chance to go ; com- mercial.” He had 12 weeks to make good.” These remarks, were to clarify those Novik purportedly Spec Ns Bad Word Continued from page 25 but the use of poor English gram- English of Italian films for Ameri- mar and Sentence construction was can telq.. Now Eliot Hyman’s Asso- deplored by the answerers of the ciated Artists Productions has questionnaire, their argument ' be- bought Spanish and German, pix ing that farm folk don’t talk that for Yank conversion, and Hamilton ungrammatical way, 'with the ma- Productions is dubbing at least tvv jority of opinions pointing out the Gallic imports. SCIILITZ PL AYHO USE (The Long Trail) Anthony Quinn’s excellent por- trayal of a Texas Ranger who tracks ’ down a fugitive is a stand- out of this expertly executed, sus- penseful tale. George Bruce has penned a story pinpointing emo- tions, rather than action, and Jus Addiss’ direction makes the basic- ally good ingredients of the story mesh together smoothly for a max- imum of entertainment. “Long Trail,’’ localed in the old west, in 1861, sees. Quinn* arrive in Oregon to nail his man. But the hiurder suspect has become a high- ly respected' citizen in his three years in Oregon, and the towns- people don’t want him' taken away from his family, to Texas. They feel he’s earned his chance at a new life. Despite the,, wife's plea and threats of some of the towns- people, the Ranger is going to bring his. . man : back, As they’re about to take off on the trail back to Texas, word comes that Texas has seceded and joined the Con- federacy. Thus the fugitive is free. ! since Oregon and Texas now be - 1 long to different nations, so to speak. Buildup makes the ending plausible, whereas slightest mis- handling would have made it con- trived', Quinn effectively underplays Iris role, and while he doesn’t once draw his gun, he emerges, more the made earlier saying that Edmund- to risk it. Major personalities will- of opinions pointing out the son ‘‘wasn’t very strong as a pitch- ing to take the plunge- commanded ; . J^POftafice x»f. good- . English being man - sky high prices— as much as $ 75,000 incorporated In farm, life broad- The Harlem paper, the Amster- per one-shot— as a price war set in. casts- by actors and script writers, dam News, said that plans for a They had no trouble getting it, for a . r c ^ 00 ma V y , sob stones m- mass protest on the firing of Ed- the stars had the upper hand Be- ■. fj; ea r v ap ? y plots, :th Ontancr . mundson had begun. The per- cause of the prevailing sentiment ^ arm wiv es believe On too.-long to let go of the^ person, for fear that former said that his coming to that they, were bailing NBC oiii, of drawn put sob stuff, the Ontario, the -Show will take the'. same -route. 1-wrv Y-n ■ , ' .. ■ . r- .• Tflvnv UflDOO rill'Dlf ’*0 Aflut oin tin 1 An CkT*\r oimnlfi An/? oil 1^- AAffr ■ m Sullivan Continued from; page 1 WLIB was treated coolly by man- a tough spot agement, with no publicitysupport. Market Changes. Last month WWRL ousted Mario The personal glory redounding to lo r many years. Dp Lara from newscasting chores stars in subsequent weeks, as the .On music, The Women’s Instl- over alleged misinterpretation 0 f ^ Bc i m P r esarios began more and tiite poll congratulated the Cana- wire copy. That deal was of deen • more to capture the foel and the dian Broadcasting Corp. on its • • 1 ... r Xl K*rA«t A.f. U . _ _ _ _ - . - aVi A1 A A' aA n MArTMn M 4m ' * ooa.op farm wives cited “a certain Helen Very simple and all it costs is Trent,” who has been 35 years old money, but that’s how Ed Sullivan and his “Toast of the Town” man- aged to remai With' CBS-TV, thus also, automatically assuring unin- terrupted Lincoln-Mercury largess* interest" to the Y** Latino* arnfu ' flavor of the Spec concept, has now choice of programs to everyone’s to the web under. Sullivan’s ^20-year ence. ' brought about a change in the mar- choice, specifically naming “The. P ac ^,, Columbia. For some ket. Some • top Hollywood names Leslie Bell Singers” -(all-girl choir), months, there had been a r that had dwindled to fringe popu- ‘London Music Hall,” “The Happy ab le expectancy that the “Toast”- Memphis — Bill Gilliand, former iarity suddenly found themselves Gang” and ..“The Harmony nmster would go ^NBC, via a pitch WMCT news spieler, has left , the acclaimed all over again. Among Harbor” male singers from Hali- l rom Music Cprp. of America’s Memphis NBC outlet, to move over the imports from abroad, Jean- to WHBQ-TV, CBS Web here. maire, Jacques Tati, Jeanne Carson Olmsted Sound Studios, the new recording and filmed-commercial production setup headed by Henry Olmsted, moves into its new quar- tois off Fifth; Ave., in New - York tomorfovv ( Thurs. ) . Princeton Film Center, whose Pcexy, Gordon Knox, . is partnered With Olmsted In, other Ventures, will shoot most of its commercials in the new studio, and is supplying .most of the camera equipment. Studio however, will contract to do other eommercials too. Olmsted rnu-inor h'l-aca >nr) is throwing press and industry reception quarters Dec/ 16. the new WANTED T.Y. AND COMMERCIAL SHORT FILMS BRITISH NEWS-REELS, LIMITED *47 Wardour St., London, Cnq. Guild Films is beginning to ldoK like a disk distributor. Outfit has just set a deal with Columbia Records for low-cost Frankie Laine records to be sold to sponsors of Laine’s telepix series as self-liquidat- ing, premiums or giveaways/ .Laine’s the third Guild artist to be thus represented, on giveaway disks. Guild has a deal with Decca for Flonan Zabach disks, and the original deal with Columbia for Liberace records has resulted in total pressings of more than 300,000 records. Private, rights of Al Ettore, former heavyweight boxer, were hot ' infringed Upon in the telecast of films of his fight with Joe Louis, ' Sept. 22, 1936, according to the ruling of U.S. District Judge Albert L. Watson m Phila. (23 )‘. ■ ,. Ett ° re .bad sued Pliilco TV Broadcasting Corp. and the Chesebrough Manufactui ing Co,, sponsors of “Greatest Fights of the Century ” for damages claiming rerun of film on television had held him up to . ridicule, Ettore alleged he had not given permission for showing the ! film and the thiyd "round, his best, was deleted from the picture. > Louis knocked out Ettore in the /fifth round. ^ fax, Nova Scotia! The farm wives Sonn y Werblin, repping Sullivan, also want less emphasis on mod- ari .d matters came to a .head last erri music and more devotion to wee k. It was up to CBS to match symphony and the Metropolitan ^'hat its rival had offered. It did. Opera. and perhaps Went beyond the NBC bid in some particulars. The.new setup becomes effective 'next September and is noncaricel- TV Consullanls .Continued from page 2 1 lable, another Way of saying that Sullivan won’t necessarily have to sing for his supper. (Walter Win- failed to get off the ground. (Sec- ond edition, with the Goldman- a / wors V if he re- Gordon assist, hit the jackpot by St ' ^ ns V hcilthi .n® 11 . collect his .Qiinimum Srwt fK« * 4 j t. , $1,000 a week.) His estate would be 1 ?1 haS evei J receive $500,000 at his death and spread to radio, as in the case of the contract Would become void. Ben Joelson, who writes tlm Robert Sullivan’s new deal ups his week- fv da j tl - rPe !y stipend from $4,000 to an amount v 1 S i^ W 1 pn 'A C ^?’ an d whq is doing Hgured to run all. the way up to LfofTbTBi?ofe $8 ’ 20 ^ pa ^ of it understood to Wmpmat v ° Wn d ° Sh 9 come from the terms of his pact ... with the web. The coin factor Apparently the bicycle routine finds its parallel in the billing, with is also spilling, oyer into the pro- show’s tag to be altered to read, ducer ranks. Bill Morrow* pro- “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Everv- ducer of the Bing Crosby show body call it that anyway, but this - — , A1 - ~ AV W11VV tu VU VC • YVU1H1 zBl' piuger, who produces so much sans the columnist' pro- Peter Lind Hayes’ CBS Radio ducer, emcee, global traveler and show is doing , a consultancy job No. 1 Lincojn-Mercvry drummer, on the “Name That Tune” tv Show’s budget will be hiked stanza. $10,000, up, frorti the $40,000 class. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 NOW.. .all the loose ends tied-up in a single TIME AND PROGRAM PACKAGE NATIONAL SPOT TV COVERAGE... TOP PROGRAMS TEN HOURS PER WEEK OF FILM PROGRAMMING PRODUCED EXPRESSLY FOR NATIONAL SPOT SPONSORSHIP- GUILD'S 1955 schedule provides five hours of prime night-time programming, made-up of ten all-star half hour shows , . . and five hours of lively day-time programming, made up of twenty quarter- hour segments, designed for across-the-board showing. Here are some of the program titles ... Many available immediately . . ; and others to be announced soon. • Paul Coates' CONFIDENTIAL FILE L'berace e THE GOLDBERGS, starring Gertrude Berg • THE NEW LIBERACE SHOW • THE FRANKIE LAINE REVUE • A DATE WITH FLORIAN ZABACH • LIFE WITH ELIZABETH, starring Betty White • BRIDE AND GROOM • ITS FUN TO REDUCE • DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE • CONNIE HAINES SINGS Betty White Gertrude Berg Frankie Lalne florian ZaBach Connie Haines Dr. Peale Margaret Firth Paul Coates what you gets 1. Desirable time periods in all markets selected. 2. Programs of proved viewer impact. 8. Stations with proved audience leadership. 4. Single billing. . . single proof of performance. 5. Complete program and time research facilities. 6. Program promotion and publicity services on both national and local level. 7. Integrated commercials by Guild stars, specially keyed to best suit the advertiser's needs. what it means: This new coordinated plan saves you time, saves your client money... and provides greater flexibil- ity than ever before offered. You save timebecaus© GUILD and VITAPIX handle station clearance for you, providing single billing and single liaison. Your client saves money because there are no hidden "extras' 1 . . .you select only the markets you require. To see how this combination ofVITAPIXand GUILD cooTdi- nated services can serve you •• .contact GUILD FILMS today. G U L D F L M TOP STATIONS 420 MADISON AVE. NEW YORK 1 7 , N . Y. MURRAY HILL 8-5365 •4 * NEW YORK • CHICAGO CLEVELAND DETROIT * KANSAS CITY D A L'L AS • HOLLYWOOD * PORTLAND, ORE. leading stations are VITAPIX stations KGNC Amarillo WSB Atlanta WMAR Baltimor© WABT Birmingham WGR WBTV WBNS WHIO KLZ WWJ WFBC KPRC WKZO KCMO KOLN KTLA KSTP WDSU WHY WOW KPHO WPTZ WGAN KOIN WJAR WHAM WHBF KSL WOAI KRON KING WHEN KWFT Buffalo Charlotte Columbus Dayton Denver Detroit Greenville Houston Kalamazoo Kansas City Lincoln, Neb. Los Angeles Minneapolis New Orleans Oklahoma City Omaha Phoenix Philadelphia Portland* Me. Portland, Ore. Providence Rochester Rock Island Salt Lake City Son Antonia San Francisco Seattle Syracuse Wichita Falls . , . plus other coverage throughout the country the \ VITAPIX: stations 52 MVJSKC i Wednesday, December 1, By MIKE GROSS Denise Lor; "Our . Future Has Only Begun”-“Fronl Nine To Five’/ (Mercury). This is Denise Lor’s first, slice for Mercury after crash-' ing.into the bigtime on the indie Ma.jar label with “If I Give. My Heart To You,” and it. looms as an- other winner. Standout etching is “Our Future Has Only Bfegun. ’’ It’s a class ballad which she belts with distinction, a natural for jock and .juke spins. Reverse is a secretary's .lament for her boss' love. The rendition will in the plays for the tune. . Eydie Gorme: “I've Gbtta Crow”- “M a k e Yourself " Comfortable!' (Coral). Thrush ha| been on the brink of a breakaway item for a long time and "I've Gotta Crow” looks like it could finally bring her excellent material for Tony Mar- tin’s romantic crooning; It’ll find plenty of fans but its step-out po- tential is moot. "Vera Cruz,” which Martin also warbles in the pic of the same name, is a cumbersome ballad. Dean Parker can’t get much out of it either On the MGM label. Frank Weir: "The Cuckoo Cries”- “Starlight Souvenirs” .(London). Frank Weir's sax work is enough to get any biscuit of his a good hearing. On "Cuckoo Cries” he’s piussed by. a rousing melody and an effective choral background. It ail adds up to solid background. It light Souvenirs” is easy oh the ear but lacks the . punch necessary to win- deejay attention. Kirk Douglas: "The Moon Grew Brighter and Brighter”-" A Whale Best Bets DENISE LOR OUR? FUTURE HAS ONLY BEGUN ( Mercury ) .From Nine to Five EYDTE GORME . . I’VE GOTTA CROW (Coral) .Make Yourself Comfortable to the top. -Tune, out Of the legit musical "Peter Pan,” is a breezy umber with a cute sound gim- mick that will appeal to the. spin- ners. Her vocal style adds to the lilt. Sh teams with Steve Law- rence for a cute workover of "Make Yourself Comfortable” on the flip side. Fr:uik Sorrell Trio: "Cinderella Walt/.’’- "Blue Shuffle” (Audiyox). The Frank Sorell Trio is new to the disk market but "Cinderella Waltz” gives the group a solid footing in the disclick sweepstakes. It’s a haunting theme and the-boys whi it out in tiptop form. Could come, out of left field for a big score. The nifty shuffle beat on the reverse rates spins, too. Vicki Young: "Hearts Of Stone”- “Tweedle Dee” (Capitbl). "Hearts of Stone” is. breaking big in the rhythm & blues field and the pop. diskers. are rushing in to lap up some of the gravy. Vicki Young is a forceful singer) and she gives it. an ear-arresting ride. A good bet for jock and juke play. Coral Rec- ords has covered it with The Goofers and they, too, project the kind of vocal drive that wins spins. Miss Young gives "Tweedle Dee,” on the flip, more enthusiasm - than ii’s worth. Dc John Sisters: “No More”- “Theresa” (Epic). The rhythm . & blues influence on pop 'groups is overtly displayed in this new De John Sisters coupling. “No More”, is fast and furious and. will prob- ably make a lot of noise for the femmes, especially ‘ the. coin boxes. “Theresa” is completely overshadowed, by its mate. Tony Martin: "All Of You”- ‘Vera Cruz” (Victor). "AH of You” is Cole Porter in a tpp rhyming and melodic form and it serves as of a Tkle” (Decca). As a crooner, Kirk Douglas emerges as a Burl Ives’ disciple. He’s got a pleasant, folksy style but it won't mean much in the market. "Moon Grew Brighter” is in the country groove and he, delivers appropriately. "Whale of a Tale,” out of the Dis- ney pic, "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea,” will nab its play because of the tieup. Elia, Mae Morse: . "Bring" Back My Baby To Me”- "Lov^y Dovey” (Capitol). The beat that Ella Mae Morse brings to "Bring Back My Baby To Me” makes it okay juke fodder. It’s the kind of tune that’s •tailormade for. her vocal talents arid will eat up plenty of coins. "Lovey Dovey” is in a similar groove and will share the play. Arthur Godfrey: "Old Pappy Time”-‘‘Somebody Bigger Than You and 1” (Columbia). The God- frey fans have a good buy in this coupling. "Old Pappy Time” shows their boy off in a gay hillbilly mood and "Somebody Bigger Than You arid . I” svyitches him to a reverent mood. Godfrey handles both styles effectively. Margaret Whiting: "My Own True Love’V'My Son, My Son” (Capitol). Margaret Whiting is fol- lowing Johnny Desmond (Coral) on "My Own True Love,” but it’s a standout rendition and v will take some of the spins away from him. Tune is adapted from; "Tara’s Theme” from the background mu- sic to "Gone With The Wind.’’ Gor- don Jenkins and a chorus give the i same song a rich and colorful' in- ' terpretation for Decca, Miss Whit- ing is covering Vera Lyrtn (Lon- don) on "My Son, My Son” and it,, too. will demand attention. The Revelaires: "Somebody Big- ger Than You And I”-"Slumber” LAWRENCE WELK and his CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 168th. Conaecutivo .Week, Aragon Ballroom, ' 'Santa Monica,. Calif* Excl iisively on Coral : Records THERE’S A SMALL HOTEL arid SAW YOUR EYES (Burgundy), The Revelaires are a firstrate vocal ensemble featuring a lead tenor .who’s akin to Bill Kenny. In “Somebody Bigger,” the group has a superb religioso tune which this group rides with a rousing revivalist spirit. "Slum- ber” is a fair tune in a conven- tional pattern. Christmas Platters The moppet trade .will go for. "The Little Stowaway on Santa’s Sleigh” with Anne Lloyd, Mike Stewart, The Sandpipers and Mit- chell MillOr’s orch on the Golden label . . . Ralph Marterie’s "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus” for Mer- cury is a jumping side but some will find it in questionable taste. The cool, set will go for "Be-Bop Santa Claus,” a hepster’s version of "The Night Before Christmas,”. Babs Gonzales is the hep narrator on the Bruce label. Albums of interest fori the Yule season: “Songs of Christmas by the Macy Singers” (Benidah Slick choral workovers of. eight seasonal standards on a 10-inch LP. ... “A Cool Yuletide” (Label X). Urbie Green and his all-stars whip out some interesting progressive rhythms to “Jingle Bells,” "White Christmas,” etc. on a 10- inch LP . "Christmas At Liberace’s” Co- lumbia). This has to be one of the big money packages of the season. On this 12-inch LP; Liberace plays, sings and recites a flock of holiday goodies. The recitation is “ ’Twas The Night Before. Christmas,” natch. Muzak Names Rock Gerald P. Rock has been named New. York sales manager of Muzak Corp., succeeding Curt H. Pfen- ninger/ who resigned. Rock joined Muzak last year after being a sales exec with Stand- ard Packaging Corp. ISRriety 1. MISTER SANDMAN (3) 2. I NEED YOU NOW (13) IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU (12) 4. HOLD MY HAND (9) 5. PAPA LOVES MAMBO (8) 6. TEACH ME TONIGHT (4) 7. NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE 8. SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL (7) 9. THIS OLE HOUSE (14) 10. LET ME GO, LOVER (1) on « • < # [ Chordettes ■{ Four Aces [Lancers Eddie Fisher Doris Day Denise Lor , .. . . Conned. Boswell l Dinah Shore Don Cornell Perry Como [De Castro Sisters . . ) Jo Stafford ] Ames Brothers l Archie Bl'eyer Bill. Haley's Comets Rosemary Clooney . Joan Weber .. . Cadence . . /Decca . . . , .Coral ; Victor .Columbia . . .Majar . , . . . . Decca ..Victor . Coral Victor . . . . Abbott . Columbi Victor , . . Cadence . Decca .Columbi .Columbia,. \ Four Aces Decca , I Ray Anthony . . .... , . . , Capitol . J Wilder Bros. . .Label X j Charm . . . ^ . . . . DeLuxe ‘ * ’ * t Fontane Sister S , . . ... Dot ( Rosemary Clooney .... C oliimbia { Sammy Davis, Jr. ........ Decca. £ Rosemary Clooney .Columbia Don, Dick & Jimmy . . . . Crown ^ Eddie Fisher ..... . . ,i . .Victor ( Nat '(Ring.) Cole ........ Capitol V” ‘ \ Sunny *Gale~.. . Victor MUSKRAT RAMBLE .. . . (MeGiiire Sisters ........ .Coral f . .■ w ' ...* . v ' * ( Maiys Brothers. . . . . .-. . . Essex £ WHITHER THOU GOEST . . . . . '. Les Paut-Mary Ford .Capitol J ‘Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 1 01 M ♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦ M ♦♦♦ M ♦♦♦ 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ 4 ♦ » .♦> ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦ 4 ♦ IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD DOWN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE WELL J HEARTS OF STONE ....... . . HEY THERE MAMBO ITALIANO THAT’S WHAT I LIKE count Your blessings SMILE Spillane’* Smooth Switch From Whodunit to Disk Mickey Spillane has mads the switch from the novel tar the long4 play disk without dropping a cliche. 111. a new LP platter, Is- sued under a Columbia VL label, Spillane has turned actor; to recre- ate the Mike Hammer character of his innumerable books, • Oil one side of this disk, Spillane has written a short story, "Tonight, My Love,” which is actually a basic diagram for most any toughguy private-eye novel. The yarn isn’t much, but it has all the familiar ingredients of violence and sudden- death that have made Spillane a bestselling author. Whether he can also do it on disks is another mat- tery The dialog: somehow sounds more hollow on wax,, despite the authentic performance of Spillane in the Hammer role, with an as- sist from Betty Ackerman as the gangster’s moil whom he .rescues. A major factor in this package is thd music, which was written and conducted by Stan Purdy. Purdy supplies the background, to the Spillane yarn on one side of the 10-inch platter , and; on the other, composed a suite inspired by Spiliane’s novels, The move- ments are titled "Velda,” “Oh, Mike,” "The Woman” and “The Mike Hammer Theme” and indi- cate that Purdy has a grasp on all the techniques for atmospheric musical effects. Herm.. After an absence of four years from the N. Y. concert stage, Burl Ives will appear at Town Hall Dec. 11. Discord has developed in the high fidelity field over the prob- lem of trade shows. The annual shows of the equipment manufac- turers, which, have been organized arid run by Harry N. Reizes iii ,N. Y. for the past several years under the name, of The Audio Fair, has been one of the most important media of publicizing and promot- ing the hi-fi industry, but some fric- tion developed between Reizes and a group of manufacturers. Latter have now organized under the name of the Institute - of High Fidelity Manufacturers, an outfit that was spearheaded by George Silberi of Rek-o-Kut, and Sam Bar- af, of United Transformer, Latter have tied . up with midwest arid Coast equipment manufacturers to give a national basis to the new trade association. The Institute is being financed for initial $250 advances by char- ter members, who enjoy favored positions . at forthepming audio shows to be sponsored by the out- fit. Membership’ in the trade asso- ciation, however; will not limit par- ticipation in other, shows run by private individuals, such, as Reizes. Friction between Reizes and some of the equipment manufac- turers became apparent at the last Audio Fair at the Hotel New York- er in October. At that time a group- pf manufacturers got together to set up the trade association which, in effect, would take over the func- tion of staging the annual trade showing. The top 30 songs of week (more in case of ties), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research, Inc.. Dr. John Gray Peatman, Director, Alphabetically listed. * Legit musical.': t Film. Survey Week of Novfeiriber 19-25, 1954 Cara Mia,.... ., Count Your Blessings— 1“ White Christmas” Fanny— ♦"Fanny” ... . . . . Hajji 3aba-^-+‘‘Adventures Of Hajji Baba”. . . ; Hey There — ♦"JPajama Game” .... . High And The Mighty— f "High And The Mighty’ Hold Me In Your Arms ........ Hold My 'Hand — t"Susan. Slept Here” Home For The •Holidays I Need You Now’ I Want You All To Myself If I Give My Heart To You Tt WftrriA , , . ... My First Promise V; \ .... . . ... Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Old Pappy Time .. / . . ... Papa . Loves Mambo Point Of View Song . . . . . ..... . . (, Sisters— t" White Christmas” Smile Teach Me Tonight This Ole House Toy Or Treasure Whither Thou Goest Young At Heart— t"Young At Heart” * • • p • • •. t il ; , . . . . Leeds Joy *v; • • Feist Berlin Simon . . . . . Kahl . .... Frank . . . . . Raphael . . . . . Roncom , . . . . Miller Harman ... Shapiro-B . . , . Miller . . . . Robbi . .. . i Mills . Morri . . . . . Mills . , . .-.Simon , . , . . Bloom . . .Chappell , . . , . Paxton . . .Hamblen Shapiro-B Frank ...... Berlin . , . . : : Bourne . ... .Hub-L . > . , . Hamblen . . . Reis-M Kavelin , .Sunbeam’ ¥eJnwday» December I, 1954, MUSIC 53 DISKERS ON TV TRAIL ‘Smooth’ Spice The Worst Now that the naughty lyrics thing has been brought out in the open, particularly by the Variety editorials, the music men concede thdt “Worse than the out-and-out tough stuff usually lound on the r&b labels, they're even worse when they're ‘‘smooth' lyrics.” That's the Brill Bldg, billing for slick spicy wordage— ‘smooth.” And whether it’s those yesteryear naughty-, rabut-nice. (now considered) standards like “Paradise” or Cole Porter's “Love For Sale,” or the out-and-out “pool table papa” and “rock me with a. steady roll” or "the clock struck one (two, three, etc;),” they're of the same ilk. It's an open trade acceptance that the disk biz prosperity de- pends on “the kids” (so-called). Only difference is that today’s brand of “kid” ain't what they used to be, as statistics on reefers and juvenile delinquency, circa ppst-midcentury, fully attest. These' “kids,” for all their unsophisticated hero worship of this ior that disk idol, are plenty hip on the s/a. department,' and it’s just out-and-out wrong to further pander to that phase with wordage that should be beyond their years. The r&b (rhythm & blues) releases were called “race” or “Har- lem” records in another unself-conscious era,, blit whether r&b or “race, their raciness is no lohger limited to Harlemani The “smooth” wordage has gotten more daring and it’s just not worth it for a “fast buck” to further project such untoward ideas about “teach me tonight,” “make yourself comfortable,” and the like. The government-controlled British Broadcasting Gorp., with complete awareness of its vast impact because of die f arflung. electronic projection into the intimacies of the home or the cluB/ the campus rooms and the fraternal environs, has been quick to control this brand of lyric, no matter how “smooth.” . ** •* ■ •* Whether it’s the rendition or the basic material, there is a great obligation from, within the music business to curb these effusions. True, they are sporadic and occasional, but the trend appears markedly inching forward, and before there is needless hue and cry from PTA’s and kindred civic and church groups, or even before it reaches the stage where the broadcasters, net<- work or indie, deem it politic to place a tabu, the music men on all fronts should take stock pronto. It just ain’t worth it! What’s more, it’s wrong and a disservice tp all concerned, especially with a recognition that the whole world is experiencing a moral retrogression 'which already has been linked to postwar de- terioration. Abel The “equal radio time” appeal -f* has spread to Tin Pan Alley. De- mand was touched off by Mitch Miller’s allegations on his WNEW (N. Y, ) platter show Sunday (28) that rival diskers had “copied” the arrangement for Joan Weber’s Co- lumbia etching of “Let Me Go, Lover.” Bob Thiele, Coral’s art- ists & repertoire' chief; ‘and Jack Rael, Patti Page’s manager, imme- diately asked for “equail time” to- answer Miller. , Station - has agreed to air Thiele’s comments today (Wed.), while Rael will be given airtime the following day. WNEW also has set a roundtable gabfest for Miller, Thiele and Rael on Miller’s regu- lar Sunday afternoon show, “The Money Record.” Although Teresa Brewer (Coral), Patti Page (Mercury), Sunny Gale (RCA Victor) and Peggy Lee ( Decca ) . cov^ cd Col’s “Let Me Go, Lover” si I Miller took only the Coral am« Mercury plat- ters to task. After hinting at “shady” distribution deals and “murky” practices, he slapped the Brewer 4 and Page versions as di- rect copies. He even tacked on the comment that Miss Page makes a habit of copying. Both Rael and Thiele pointed out that Miller has two Songs “riding” for him now that can be called copies. These are Doris Day’s “If I Give My Heart to You,” from both Denise Ldr’s Majar cut and Corinee Boswell’s Decca slice, and Rosemary Clooney’s “This Old House,” . from Stuart Ham- blen’s RCA Victor cut. Meantime, each faction is claim- ing that undue pressure is being put on . the deejays to get spins for their side. Col claims that the Joan Weber slice already is in 700,000 homes, while the other companies are. all claiming hefty sales. Capitol and MGM are sitting this battle out. CAP EXEC RESHUFFLE; Capitol Records reshuffled its admi istrative setup this week, creating a new post of general con- troller. Walter H. Theiss has been named to take oyer the; g.c. spot. In another move, Cap’s veepee in charge of finance, Daniel C. Bon- bright, takes over as company treasurer, replacing Victor O. Ber- quist, who ankled effective yester- day (Tues.). By MIKE GROSS The shortest route i;o a recording pact these days is Via the tv lanes. All a singer need now is a perma- nent slot on a tv show and. a disk deal is virtually assured. Video’s impact on the music biz has become increasingly potent and was evidenced again last week by the sales spurt of “Let Me Go, Lover,” after the Joan Weber Co- lumbia disking was showcased on CBS-TV’s “Studio One.” Now the disk company artists & repertoire men are scrambling for artists who can showcase their newly-etched tunes on their regular video out- lets. Heretofore, the performer and the disk company had to hunt up guest shots to get that im- portant video plug. The a&r men figure that artists on a regular tv stanza can riot only kick the tune off properly but can lay on it the first few weeks of the disk’s release: Importance of this plugging outlet has touched both major and indie record companies and everyone is out on a signirig st ee. Springboards The Garry Moore show (CBS-TV) has springboarded Denise Lor and Ken Carson to the shellac field. Miss Lor was launched on the indie Majar label, but recently switched to Mercury while, Carson Was tapped by Dave Miller’s Essex firm. Robert Q. Lewis’ stanza (CBS-TV) sent Jaye P. Morgan and Jan Arden into deals with RCA Victor. Russell Arms, a “Hit Parade” regular, was tagged by Epic Records, and Steve Lawrence, of the Steve Allen (NBC-TV) show, moved to Coral. Betty Clooney, who’s showcased on the Jack Paar stanza (CBS-TV), was picked up by Label X, while Betty Ann Grove, of CBS-TV’s “The Big Payoff,” currently is being dickered by two major labels.: The current disk company yen for tv singers follows along the same lines as last year’s splurge for Video comics. During that binge Red Buttons and Art Carney were tapped by Columbia and Wally Cox recorded for Victor. ASGAP Up* Devany John Devany, field rep for ASCAP, has been . appointed to the Society’s radio-television station relations division, Devany will headquarter in Philadelphia and will service radio- tv outlets along the southeast coast. Pregnant Possibilities Hollywood, Nov, 3()' Naturally, it's not recom- mended indiscriminately, but the Coast artists and reper- toire department of Columbia Records feels It has discovered a new factor in hit diskirigs. Motherhood. ,The best examples at hand are Jo Stafford and Rosemary Clooney: Miss Stafford became pregnant and had three hits in succession: “You ; Belong To Me,” “Keep It A Secret” arid • “Jambalaya.” Miss Clooney, now enciente, has had “Hey, There,” “This Ole House” and “Mambo Italiano” * quick, succession. Steve Carlin, head of RCA Vic- tor’s children’s disk operation for the past six years, is joining the radio-tv packaging agency, Louis Cowan, Inc., as vice-prexy and exec producer Jan. 1, While at RCA Vic- tor, Carlin had also been an active: producer of several video shows, notably “Rootle Kazootie,” as well as acting as consultant to the Caples Co., a Chicago ad agency. Carlin exits Victob on completely amicable terms and has been asked to Work on future kidisk packages on a consultation basis. Victor v.p, and general manager Manie Sacks even suggested that Carlin keep his office in the Victor headquarters so that he could more easily switch between the two jobs. Victor, at any rate, is riot naming a replace- ment for Carlin at this time. Be- sides the kidisks, Carlin worked on special projects, notably the “Show Biz” album, a 1953-54 sell- er, which is being reissued for the Xmas ’54 trade. In his new spot in the. Cowan agency, Carlin will, take over the exec production reins on such shows as “Stop the Music,” “Down You Go” and “Conversation.” Car- lin has also been working with Cowan on a variety of program ideas. White Joint Regent Vet plugger Elmore White >. has. joined Regent - Music as profession- al manager. White previously had been associated with Joe Diamond's Forrest Music firm: ■vRegent is headed by Gene Good- maid^ The Of Major disk company execs are getting worried over the heavy ac- cent now being put on the physical packaging of longplay platters. What’s in the groove, they fear, is being subordinated to how attrac- tive the album covers can be made. While no one is opposed to bet- ter packaging, the disk execs are troubled by the steep rise> in costs necessitated by the fancy outer wrappings. Multiple color jack- ets, boxed sets, leatherbound al- bums with numerous photographs, are now becoming the rule rather than the exceptional packaging idea/ Now that the more pqpular works in the longhair repertory have beeri cut in multiple versions by all the major companies, th only competitive pitch still open in the de luxe packaging. ) The. in- die companies, moreover, are not being left behind in this selling phase and numerous ultra-fancy in- die longhair packages are now on the shelves. An exec of one major compariy said his compariy would issue de luxe “loss leaders” from time to time iri order to boost- the whole catalog. He stated, however, that most fancy album packages in the" future would be marked up in price to cover the upped produc- tion costs. Originally, the diskers produced faricy packages for multiple-platter albums. Currently, however, the trend has spread to single platter LPs, many of which are being sold in boxes rather than the more con- ventional jackets. Moondog Wins Air Suit; Would Rather Be Disk Jock Than Press Claim Moondog, the blind street m cian, would rather program Allan Freed’s (WINS, N.Y.) dee jay show than press his suit for $100,000 damages. In N.Y. Supreme Court last week, th . musician came out on top in his; appeal to restrai Freed from using the “Moondog” tag. Referring to the $100,000 suit. Justice Carroll G. Walter stated that the musician might have referee decide what damages he had- suffered “if he thinks it worthwhile!” According to Moon- dog’s attorney, Abner Greenberg, the blind musician is more inter- ested ip selecting platters for the Freed show than in seeking a coin settlement. . Suit was brought to court by Moondog, nom-de-street of Thomas Louis Hardin, agaipst Freed, who had been referring to himself on the air as “King of the Moondog- gers,” his show as “The Moonaog Show” and his audience as “Moon- doggers.” Freed will now drop, all reference to the “Moondog” mon- iker. . Freed, who came to New York a few months ago from WJW, Cleve- land, revealed that the Cleveland station was still operating a “Moon- dog” show. Greenberg currently is pressing to restrain the station from using the tag. Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may. beseint to any Variety office NIW YORK 34 1*4 w. 4** ir. HOLLYWOOD. It 431 1 Vk<« C f. CHIC ADO 11 411 Ili4licklf«« - Av«. LONDON. W. C. 1 8 St.MertlaVHece TreM «er H«ere =c-l= FOR GERMANY, AUSTRIA E. B. Marks Music expanded its. global affiliations last week, ink- ing a longterm pact for exclusive representation in Germany and Austria with Ralph Siegel’s Musik Verlag. Tieup marks an addition to the already existing list of Marks’ foreign reps in Italy, Spain, Holland, Australia, Brazil, Japan and all the Scandinavian countries. Top individual music companies handling the firm’s catalog in Eng- land and France will continue’ ‘ their present status. . v Siegel; one of the leading •Ger- man publishers/ also is a song- writer, He - recently' .penned * the German lyric for “Malaguena.' The German firm - also will* rap Marks* * serious v music 'catalog. Siegel returns to his home base later this week. ‘ f£HL&jL Wednesday* December 1,1954 OR = a4 >H & I pBMBH — JNVX— J *l B »K Xuiajr I w I ; N w ■el • ameas-^DNIX— 4 -iush 119 AID a^e r I lies— > l r lVX— *P°D ag^»AV sb§ 3A sei — max— SSOH **®7 s&uuds uiiBd— qvJX— -»»P«« X »1V 8 ubii«4o[ « puerteo— MOHX— u!I*03 wnx saiaguy soqvr-aAJX— I®iu«fls>ltt l JK 3 ousaji-aajH-«IMf 4p««S J 00 'IS—'ilM — ubuhom V n, ii>| N ■■? 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A >Q r— I . rt O C O U ™ +J p +J o -O •<-! i-t —i y. o ft >3 ft ta >; I ^ ^ iw ^ fe 9 fa . v S ft), gs IS w tf w* u. o ft) ft, ft, o « S u Q p y y y > •v . , ■■»■ ‘ ..• -* • « . •■ . • » • h • • » .■ » "5 < q, . v; •.. . • ’ &U 5^a - * ** » ^ ft) ■ C- "• • >> C i ■ ■*. c ;o s. •. u © ’g ’. be 5- » • e K u • • a ^ K ’ ?? W ,J lt« « 1 e eo a, , fi © £ © 5 ^ w n © o o « at y © ... . .ft) »3 . c 5 ^ © a s TO. ft t) eft « .3 y y > e • t '•** © •« 2 P © < 3: a rfWJ >, 5 O ? 3 £ £ Cft O ^ 2 'If: - £ a- * • H- * ■ © •' ; « 3 Jc a ^ rt: © 4) i3 p p s .J3 be * © « * t d Hi c/). r. ^ bA S3 8 3 & .s a < a I « »-■ ■ v S © 3 w at •*» C O © O « 3 fe y 2; ^ h x: ■< y w K © « a % « PA /*\ I kJ 1 lA O W N 09 H N P) M ^ O ft< O H * '. * • ’ ' w «■ : : K |! m eft ^ ? e 4) CJ 4) © g C) £3 5 y p kJ S y t • dv£ i : S g .It, fill I S f n rs »g ^ « y >< ■ d ra £ E Sf 48 ft o .5 .2 Slfi Wednesday, December 1, 1954 MUSIC 55 on To Loews Pitch; ‘Hurts Copyright’ (Question, of whether writers should he consulted by their pub- lishers before latter assigns use of their copyrights flared up last week. Vet tunesmith L. Wolfe Gil- bert hit New York from the Coast to find his “Waiting For The Rob- ert E. Lee’* altered into a pitch for Loe w -s theatre circuit, Loew’s got the okay from Peer Interna^ tional (tune is published by Peer subsid LaSalle Music) to switch the lyric to “Take Your Family To Loew’s.” Gilbert's beef is based on his be- lief that the parody is hurting the value of the song’s copyright. . He also claims that his contract with Peer stipulates that he would be informed on any use of the tune. Gilbert, who’s in Gotham for a couple of . weeks, currently is squawking to the Peer office as well as to Harry Fox, publishers’ agent. Loew's* however, paid an undisclosed sum for the 1 use as a commercial pitch and the parody is still being aired over eight lo- cal stations; Gilbert cited as an example of publisher-writer consultation be- fore assigning use, Metro’s request a couple of years for “Ramona” as a song for Virginia O’Brien in a filmusical. Gilbert and his coh laborator Mabel ’Vlfayne nixed the sale, because they; felt that Miss. O'Brien’s Comedy singing style would hurt the song. VICTOR SHIFTING ITS N.Y. HQ NEXT SUMMER RCA Victor is getting set to shift Its headquarters from the present location in the International Bldg, of Rockefeller Center, N. Y., to its building on -East 24th Street. Switch has been mulled by Victor execs for the past few years, but will likely take place next summer. . Move is being made to consoli- date tjj te whole Victor operation under one roof. At the present time; Victor’s staff is still split between New York and Camden, N. J., due to lack of office space in the uptown locale. Several execs moved up to N. Y. from Camden a couple of years ago, but the files and research department still, are situated in New Jersey. . The move to 24th St. will likely be completed next summer, be- cause Victor’s lease in the Inter- national Bldg. runs out then. The 24th St, building now houses some recording studios - as well as the office and exec staff of Label X, the RCA subsid disk operation. What’s the Schnoz’s Rush? Tune Is Only 30 Yrs. Old Hollywood, Nov. 30. If the tune “One in a Million” reaches hit stature, it will simply be further proof that the most im- portant thing in the music business is patience. The tune was written by Jimmy Durante almost 30 years ago. He’s had three or four lyricists take a crack at it at various times — but all approached the project with the Schnofc in mind. Finally, Durante turned it over to Harry Harris, who gave it a ballad: treatment. Then Durante handed it to Liberace for the latter’s appearance on the Du- rante tv show. Pianist liked it and after the program recorded it for inclusion in his next Columbia album; With this as a Wedge, Jimmy Du- ra nte Publishing Co. is working on other labels and a number of re- cordings probably will be made be- fore the end of the year. Hines Taking to Road With Globetrotters Ottawa, Nov. 30. Earl (Fatha) Hines, who shut- tered a four-week run on the Chaudiere Club’s bandstand last Wednesday (24), takes a 10-piece band., on the road with the Harlem Globetrotters. Deal, which tees in Chicago Dec. 6, is for eight weeks with option; . Hines used eight sidemen with a canary for the Chaudiere booking, played for dancing, showbacking and worked the shows. Decca’s N.Y. Powwow Decca Records will open its semiannual powwow of' division managers and assistant managers in New York tomorrow (Thurs.) to discuss merchandise and promo- tion plans for the coming year.. Sales chief Sid Goldberg will preside at the meet, which will also be addressed by heads of the various departments. Meeting will wind up Saturday (4). Epic Records, Columbia subsid, currently is digging into the vaults for an: upcoming series of jazz re- leases, Diskery’s reissue program will kick oft in February and will be culled from masters previously released under the Okeh, Vocalion and Brunswick banners. Some of the jazz names* set for the Epic splurge are Count Basie, Lester Young, Bunny Berrigan, Jack Teagarden and Johnny Hodges. The masters go as far back as 1936. More Alberghetti Pops Hollywood, Nov. 30. Encouraged by the success of her initial pop side, “Kiss, Kiss, Kiss,” c Mercury Records is plan- ning more pop tune biscuits for Anna Maria Alberghetti. Thrush is scheduled to record another four sides of popular ma- terial on Dec.20. Her Initial Mer- cury album,, which includes long- hair stuff,, will be on the market about a week earlier. BLOCK VS. THE PROF ON ‘MAMBO ITALIANO’ Question of whether the. Italian words in the Bob Merrill tune, “Mambo Italiano,” are objection- able, has now been thrown into the hands of philological experts. Martin Block intially raised the question when he banned the tune on his ABC disk jockey stanza be- cause he claimed that listeners of Italian extraction had complained against the lyrics. Rylan Music, the tune’s pub- lisher, is countering the Block as- sertion with a statement from Dr. Robert J. Clements, professor of Romance Languages at New York U. Professor, in a letter to ABC, said,. “I take this occasion to state unequivocally that the Sicilian ver- nacular words of this song are amusing and homespun and: could "not possibly be construed, espe- cially in this lighthearted context; as offensive to anyone.” No Mambo Waltz ? The mambo vogue has com- pleted the circle. Set for disk release this month by sev- eral labels is the “I Don’t Wanna Do The Mambo Polka.” Tune was penned by Milton DeLugg and Allan Roberts. Herb Reis is publishing. Masters, With ’Doodle’ Harry Meyerson,. MGM Records pop artists & repertoire chief, moved in fast last week to pick up the Sam Ulano master of the Yule novelty, “Santa and the Doodle-Li- Boop,” from the ifidie A-Bell Rec- ords. Three other Ulano masters came in the package, “Story of Santa,” “Three Bears” and “Little Red Rhumba Hood.” MGM’s plant currently is rush- pressing the coupling of “Doodle- Li-Boop”. and the “Story ©f Santa” and expects to have idee jay copies and its distribs set by. end of the week. Columbia already has cov- ered “Doodle-Li-Boop” with Art Carney. OF TOP TALENT AND TUNES Compiled from Statistical Reports of Distribution Encojnpassing the Three Major Outlets Coin Machines Retail Disks Retail Sheet Music as Published in the Current Issue NOTE : The current comparative sales strength of the ' Artists and Tunes listed hereunder is arrived at under q statistical system comprising each of the three major sales outlets enu- merated above. These findings are correlated with data from wider sources , which are exclusive with Variety. The positions resulting from these, findings denote the OVERALL IMPACT de- veloped from the ratio of points Scored, two ways in the case of talent ( coin machines , retail disks) and three ways in the case of tunes (coin machines, retail disks and retail sheet music). TALENT POSITIONS This Last Week Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 •7 8 9 10 1 3 2 5 ARTIST AND LABEL ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) CHORDETTES (Cadence) 8 6 7 TUNE This Ole House ■{Hey There Mambo Italiano Mister Sandman IT Need You Now EDDIE FISHER (Victor) .{Count Your Blessings [Fanny PERRY. COMO (Victor) L r V nvi M ? I n >0 * ' ' / Things I Didn’t Do JOAN WEBER ■ (Columbia) . . Let Me Go, Lover (Shake, Rattle and Roll BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) ....... .{Dim, Dim the Lights [Rock Around the Clock De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) Teach Me Tonight DON CORNELL (Coral) Hold My Hand If I Give My Heart to You (Mister Sandman | It’s a Woman’s World DORIS DAY (Columbia) .... . FOUR ACES (Decca) . . , . . , POSITIONS This Last Week Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 / 9 10 1 2 4 3 6 8 5 TUNES (♦ASCAP. |BMI) tune ♦MISTER SANDMAN. , .... . . .. . . .... . ♦I NEED YOU NOW. . . . {THIS OLE HOUSE. . .... ♦IF l GIVE MY HEART TO YOU ♦PAPA LbVES MAMBO ♦TEACH ME TONIGHT. ...... ♦HOED MY HAND...... ... ..... fLET ME GO, LOVER. ... ... . . . ♦NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE, . ..... ♦HEY THERE PUBLISHER ., .-. . .Morris . Miller . . ; . . . ....... .Hamblen Miller Shapiro-Bernstein Hub -Leeds . . . . Raphael Hill & Range Paxton Frank Indie disk labels are opening their vaults to the tape Industry. Mushrooming of the . pre-recorded tape library as . a new consumer hi-fi product, and the upbeat in the sales of tape machines, have sparked the indie invasion of the comparatively young field. Livingston Electronics, New Jersey tape outfit, is spearheading the indie movein. During the past couple of weeks, Livingston has been lining up indie lines for con- version into tape. Livingston will market the tapes for the indies. Joining the swing to tape is At- lantic Records, Label is convert- ing waxings by Erroll Garner, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Yan- cey, Barbara Carroll; Sylvia Syms, Mabel Mercer and Mae Barnes: among others for tape merchandis- ing. Livingston will tape the. etchings on dual-track reels, pre- dominately five-inch, with the ex- ception of binaural tapes, which will be supplied on seven-inch reels. Also from the Atlantic line will be a complete recording of “Romeo and Juliet,” with Eva Le Gallienne, Dennis King and Rich- ard Waring. Empirical Recording, label spe- cializing in dixieland waxings; also hopped on the tape bandwagon. Among the other indies jumping in . are Esoteric Records and Oceanic Record. An offbeat entry into the tape field is Riverside Records. Disk- ery’s accent is not on hi-fi, but on the desirability ot preserving its . line on a permanent medium. In the Riverside catalog are such sets as “Jazz of the Roaring *20s; r ” "Re- discovered Fats Waller Solos,” Bix Beiderbecke, and other collector’s items. REMINGTON DISK SUIT A $400 settlement was awarded M. Witmark & Sons by the N.Y. Supreme Court last week in its action against Remington Records. Action stemmed from, a licensing contract issued in 1951 which inad- vertantly stated that the publisher was to receive a royalty payment of 2c per record instead of 2c per song. Platter in question was a Remington longplay release of “Victor Herbert Highlights.” Settlement also cancelled the li- censing agreement between the publisher and the diskery. Decision was handed down by Justice Sam- uel Gold. Remington also, dropped a deci- sion in Appellate Division, of the N; Y. Supreme Court last week when the court ruled, that music publishers had the right to check the diskery’s books./- Harry Fox, , publishers’ agent and trustee, Sued Remington for non-payment of- royalties on some 150 tunes and was granted the right to check the company’s books. Remington lost its appeal on this decision. Sid- ney Wattenberg .(& Wattenberg) is legal rep for Fox in this action. Manie Sacks Enters ital for Checkup Manie Sacks, RCA V.p. and gen- eral manager of the Victor disk division, entered the Albert' Eim- stein Medical Centre in Philadel- phia last weekend for a complete checkup. Sacks has been ill with the grippe and exhaustion for the past two weeks. While in the Philly hospital, Sacks has. been denied access to any phone in order to. give him some rest. Philadelphia is Sacks* home town. Kennedy-Simon Songs "Picked Up By Chappell Chappell Music has picked up the copyrights of the three tunes recently reassigned to writers Jimmy Kennedy and. Nat Simon. In an out-of-Oourt settlement, the tunesmiths picked up $7,5Q0 as well as the copyright reassignment from A1 Gallico Music on their' Claim of nob-payment of royalties. The three tunes involved are “Down The Trail of Achin’ Hearts,” “Poor Whip-Poor-Will,” and (“I Want My Kisses) From Your Lips Only.” Chappell is putting the tunes into its Mutual Music subsid; 56 MUSIC Wednesday, December 1, 1954 £ Cite ‘Hit Parade To FTC on Beef Re Tune Brushoff j The NBC-TV “Hit Parade" show, j which has been the target of numerous publisher squawks, has now become the subject for a J complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. Attorney L* Arnold Weissberger, repping songwriter Jack Lawrence, who wrote the tune, “Hold My Hand/' with Rich- ard Myers, has asked the FTC to investigate the “Hit Parade” be- cause it is allegedly “engaging in false representations." Latest stew stems from the pro- gram's alleged brashoff of the number, “Hold My Hand,” from the film, “Susan Slept Here,” and published by Fred Raphael Music. In his complaint to the FTC, Weissberger stated that' the tune j “has been for several months among^the top seven songs in na- tionwide popularity, according to almost every trade journal rat- ing.” Weissberger charged that after the publisher made a ve- hement protest, the tune was spotted on the show about three weeks ago, but has hot been on since, despite the fact that it climbed on the charts.. Weissberger's basis of com- plaint to the FTC Was as follows: “Inasmuch as the ‘Lucky Strike Hit Parade’ represents to the pub- lic that its choice of songs is based on a fair and accurate sur- vey of the leading songs of the country, and inasmuch of the se- lection made by the ‘Lucky Strike i Hit Parade’ makes arbitrary se- lections of its songs and does not in actuality perform the function Which it claims to perform, it would appear clear that the ‘Lucky Strike Hit Parade' is en- gaging in false representations that should, be promptly investi- gated by the Federal Trade Com- mission.” VICTOR PREPS 10-INCH POP LP; AS JOCK AID Chicago, Nov, 30. RCA Victor is propping a 10- inch LP disk With eight of its cur- rent pop issue to convenience disk jockey programming. Capitol Rec- ords, at request of Chi deejay Stan Dale, made a^.. special platter for the jocks a month ago, and it’s understood that Mercury too is mulling the idea. Joe Carlton, artists & repertory head for Victor, informed Dale that his company’s disk was forthcom- ing this week. From the station and deejay’s standpoint, the rec- ords will be easier to store and program than 45s, whether they play the disks straight through or treat, them as eight separate sides. Diskery benefits by slipping in some weaker entries which it wants BET AIL DISK BEST SELLEHS 8 >» 8 S w p$ T a— (Super Enterprise) o O u A C % a ft o £ o 6 6 c a a 0 6 A e-H < 1 i o K a M 3 £ w •o • z •St I a 3 & 9 o O KA niETY Survey of retail disk best sellers based on reports ob- tained from leading stores in 22 cities and shouting com- parative sales rating for this and last week. ... Boston — (Mosher Music Co. - d 3 x <3 a 3 c <0 at 3 * 0 Si o T m —(Record Mart) 0 43 W 3 o % « U 1 •> 0 8, 1 s •« £ •fi A > | U) p £ C/1 d o w ■S u fe & 0 T3 3 £ 0 •+J St Hudson Ross) 0 - •AS m 9 £ k •< 1 s § l r — (Katz Drug Cl * a £ % « 1 l *•5 % O •o a a 3 & 0 4> -M O 0 •a d X 1 1 £ I ■a 8 a J a 1 4) X I s a (J) T O T A L p National Rating. This Last wk. wk. Artist, Label, Title u O tH . * 4> fc l a * ** I e a 42 3 •s — 4) u a a > jt i 1 £ CO w i s m •m X ft) J 1 I s £ £ i ** n Q a a n < 9 Cfi i .a o § ! 1 1 a s a srJ Kansas Cit. 35 I a 1 a 4) I 5 o 9 £ 9 w H i d s jr 0 1 N T S 1 1 CHORDETTES (Cadence) “Mister Sandman”., 1 2, 1 2 i 5 2 3 8 » • 1 1 • a 2 5 1 • • 1 5 4 1 152 2 14 JOAN WEBER (Columbia) “Let Me Go, Lover” . 5 • ■ 3 1 • • 1 3 1 5 7 .. 8 1 i « • • « • • 2 « • • • 2 • • 103 3 3 ROSEMARY CLOONEY “This Ole House” ... (Col.) • • « • 4 2 2 10 • 3 3 5 • • 3 7 7 2 * • 5 • 3 1 9 99 4 2 EDDIE FISHER (Victor) “I Need You Now” .. 8 7 10 5 4 1 .. 6 5 2 # « 10 5 .. 7 3 8 1 8 4 93 5 4 PERRY COMO (Victor) “Papa Loves Mambo” . . . 3 5 9 4 5 * »' 9 4 3 • » 4 4 • • 4 * # 7 0 4 • 0 88 6 8 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col.) “Hey There” 2 3 8 • »■ • 9 2 7 * • 2.; •* • • • 1 « » 4 9 « 2 72 7 6 HALEY'S COMETS (Decca) “Shake, Rattle and Roll” ..... 9 1 6 7 8 7 • • 4 • * 8 • • 9 6 8 3 • • 9 * • 0 • • 3 71 8 7 De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) “Teach Me Tonight” 4 5 2 3 3 6 .. • » • * 9 • • ft ft .. 10 0 2 • » • • 7 • 7 62 9 5 DON CORNELL (Coral) “Hold My Hand" 10 7 6 * » 3 8 - • • 8 4 2 8 • « « • 10 8 9 » 49 104 9 DORIS DAY (Columbia) “If I Give My Heart To You”. 8 9 ... • • 4 .. .. 6 6 • * • • 9 5 8 .. 6 • « 2 • 47 10B* 12 FOUR. ACES (Decca) w Mister Sandman” . . . .. 1 1 .. .. 2 .. .. 1 3 47 12 18 AMES BROTHERS (Victor) “Naughty Lady of Shady Lane” 4 10 4 10 9 .. .. • ** .. 7 1 • ft 10 4 6 45 13 10 EDDIE FISHER (Victor) “Count Your Blessings” 7 9 7 .. .. 6 3 • • • « • « 7 27 14 25 SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) “Make Yourself Comfortable”. • « 6 8 • • 4 .. .. 4 • • • • 22 15 JAYE P. MORGAN (Victor) “That’s All I Want From You”. 7 .. .. » 6 3 • • • .. « • 17 16A ARCHIE BLEYER (Cadence) “Naughty Lady of Shady Lane”. 5 4 10 • ... 9 * • • • • 16 16B 11 McGUIRE SISTERS (Coral) “Muskrat Ramble” 6 5 .. 7 « « • • • 10 u* • « • • » » . » • 16 18 PAUL-FORD (Capitol) “Whither Thou Goest”. 8 io « • • • « « • • 4 • • • • • • • 9 13 19A 13 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col.) “Mambo Italiano” . . 6 8 7 « ft • » • • * * • • • • « ' 12 19B 17 HALEY'S COMETS (Decca) “Dim, Dim the Lights” » » 2 • • • • » # • # • • 8 • m • • • • • 12 21 H. WINTERHALTER (Victor) “Barefoot Contessa” 9 • « * • # • •. • #. .. 5 0 • • • • • • ft ft 11 22 FOUR ACES (Decca) “It’s m Woman’s World” * « • • • a • • 9 • » a 0 • • • • .. 10 • • • • • 0 23 16 NAT (KING) COLE (Capitol) “Hajji Baba” 10 o 10 ft » • • • • » « • 10 « • • ft ft • « • «- 8 8 24 18 THREE CHUCKLES (Label X) “Runaround” • • • • • 7 -ft • • • • • » • • * 8 • .• • • ♦ » « ft ft • • • • * • 7 25 NAT (KING) COLE (Capitol) “Smile” * » • ♦ • * • • 9 • • • • • • • • • • • • » « • • • • • • .. 10 • • 10 • • 4 1 2 3 4 8 4 SIX TOP MUSIC, MARTINIS STUDENT PRINCI A STAR IS BORN GLENN MILLER WHITE CHRISTMAS BRIGADOON AND MEMORIES Mario Lanza Judy Garland LIMITED EDITION, II Croiby-Kayft-Ltft Hollywood Coil ALBUMS Jackift Gledion Columbia GUnn MilUr Decca Capitol ' Victor BL 1201 Victor DL 8083 MGM W 509 LM 1837 BA 1201 LPT 0701 ED 819 E 3139 EAP 1, 2, 3, 4—509 ERB 1837 ' BM 1201 EPOT 6701 A 956 X 263 to push into a package with the big hits. Pitt Local to Oust Tooter On Narcotics Charge membership in Local 60 two years ago, Davis said, and as for Clayton Gerlach, a California dance bafid musician formerly of this city, Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. Expulsion from Pittsburgh Local 60 of the Musicians Union faces one of the alleged members .of a drug ring broken up here last week by city detectives. Referring to Frank LaMarca, 28, Hal C. Davis, president of Local 60, said: “After my recommendation to the execu- tive board, I'm sure he’ll no longer have any membership in the AFM." One of six persons arrested in the investigation, LaMarca was held for court on narcotics charges. Irvin. Ludin, another man in- volved in the case, dropped his “We are as bitterly opposed to the use of narcotics as anyone could be,” Davis said. “We have done our utmost to stamp out their use and we will continue that policy.” Decca’s 171c Divvy Decca Records’ board of direc- tors 'yesterday (Tues.) declared a regular quarterly dividend of IV/zc per share. Melon is payable Dec. 29 to stockholders of record as of Dec. 14. British Revue 88’er Takes Time fwLonghair Stint London, Nov. 30. Pianist Winifred Atweli, whose boogie piano-disks are among the' biggest-selling platters here, played Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall Sunday (28). ‘ She also played the “Rhapsody in Blue” on the bill. A headliner in variety, Miss At- well has been bashing the keys nightly at the Prince of Wales The- atre, in London, in the revue, “Par- don My French,” for the past year. When the show finishes, she leaves on Dec. 29 for a sixmonth tour of Australia, followed by some radio and tv appearances in the State* on the way home, JUST REUEi Leroy Anderson's sandpaper HAl.Ill * ^ Dku #29)1* MILLS MUSIC, Inc. vm£ll aJ&imjA , (/id... WINTER WONDERLAND (wd. o - - - tS/urti q/mt hJUxrhdmacLf BREGMAN, VOCCO and CONN, INC. - NEW V0RK * CHICAGO* HOLLVPVP0P N y Wednesday, December 1; 1954 tty i* » Anotl mm |§gg ne-T 1 K wAf v .-y ■ <, ' %v ••s jM |#f 'SV$ ■'V^M MUisi from RCA Victor g®ff ONE— Stu Hamblen tSfll famous for his Hi “This -Ole House”, hits again with “Goodnight Mrs. Jones” - K TWO— Vaughn Monroe follows up “They Were Doin’ the Mambo” with a knock-out vocal on “Goodnight Mrs. Jones” vmmmwm K' s-v* ^ j*', < x. < ■& ■f-v -'-V ,,'VV . .N-?:vW. .x< 'A S £ •/-# ' , , ■* ' V >x'- ' S * : * i i&U#, V <.y/ .A.'X- gty ^t•> /■■■ y '£z3$vtoS&!fAl<' ' "t '' v"y ' S$ 'S'V ' <' '•'' •• ' ' - • . : . : . . f' ■ssvky. r f.v.v.v/.<*:*>.«:< / ?>* i* ># 55 X\^^ •j... •*...'■ : pv> - <>.. W"* Ij VAUGHN MONROE GOODNIGHT MRS. JONES BUTTERSCOTCH MOP i «.•'«-«.« t \ 20/47-6943 Vic A “New Orthophonic ,, High Fidelity Recording 1&S3JJ2JL Survey of retail sheet music best sellers based, on reports Obtained from leading stores in 13 cities arid showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. * ASCAP t Mil National Ratine This Last wk. wk. Levant’s Last-Minute Fade in D.C. Concert; Same Sub on 2d Time & Washington, Nov. 30. Illness caused Oscar Levant to do a virtually last-minute baqkout from a concert he was to perform with the National Symphony Or-' chestra on Saturday night (27). Earl Wild flew down from New York to All the gap as solo pianist in a Gershwin program.. Levapt, who was to play the “Rhapsody in Blue” and Concerto in F, was rehearsing /with the or- : chestra Saturday afternoon when suddenly he stopped and advised Howard Mitchell, the National Symphony conductor, that he was unable to continue. A physician was. summoned. After examining Levant he warned that the pianist and humorist might suffer a recurr rence of the heart attack he had. several months ago on the Coast ; if he tried to go ahead with the j performance. It'- was during the ! end of his convalescence from the first attack last year that Levant was forced to cancel another book- ing as soloist for the orchestra’s annual all-Gershwin program. Since it was to late to notify ; ticket holders of Levant's illness, j Mitchell telephoned to Wild, in| New York: Young pianist, who had | rescued the performance a year ago, did it again Saturday, He flew to Washington, arriving too late to rehearse with the orches- NEW I D HI DEI CET 17AD tra. His performance, however, Ll uxiOHL ULii si/ IV rom^e g ra 1 t ^ S ic^rcs kudoes DEPT. STORE MARKETING Upsurge of fhe album package biz around the country has sparked the launching of a new longplay Hialprt f Amir ^taurart lin(? under the Grand Award Eec * I/IdlvLl LUnilL t/lcWdll ord banner. Label will be market- Hollywood Nov 30 ed primarily through top national . «'•* mt. "■"> »*•”• fit:: 1 ”*! SS*. RETAIL SHEET BEST SELLERS W L 1. I 2 fa ~ & H I 1 B i S £ •d ■ ■ P | • £ f S i« I 1 3 Title and Publisher ♦Count Blessings (Berlin) . ... ♦If I Give My Heart (Miller) . ♦Mister Sandman (Morris) . . *1 Need You NOW (Miller). This Ole House (Hamblen) . . ♦Papa LoVes Mambo (S-B) ... ♦Hold My Hand /(Raphael) ♦Teach Me Tonight (Hub-L). :. ♦Hey. There (Frank) . ♦Naughty Lady (Paxton)...,. ♦Woman’s World (Robbins). . Whither Thou Goest (Kavelin) Shake, Rattle & Roll (Prog.). fThlngs I Didn’t Do (H&R) , . ♦Man That Get Away (Harwin) U 0D n 2 « hi i t n ill o SIS tn 5 6 6 8 . , 1 9 . . 8 6 . .. : 10 ,... Wednesday, December 1 , 1,954 Wide Exploitation Area Seen Opened Up in New Disk Pressing Method Hollywood, Nov. ^0. A whole new field of disk ex- ploitation has Been opened with the development of a new record invention by Jess Oppenheimer, producer and headwriter on the “1 Love Lucy” series, and his brother-in-law, Jack Brown of Rainbo Records: Device is a new method of pressing disks bin micro- thin acetate. First development as a result of the process is a deal with General Mills under which the new type disk is incorporated as one side of a Wheaties box. Kids can cut off that side, trim the edges and play the record on a regular record player; Inventors claim the new disk is permanent and hi-fi quality. General Mills deal, Brown re- ported, is for an. initial order of 10,000,000 With another 40,000,000 expected. Tieups now are being arranged with book companies, postcard companies,, dress, manu- facturers and theatre chains as well as with other diskeries interested in the new platter-package, setup. Dialect Comic Stewart Hollywood, Nov. 30. ’Hit Parade’ Lineup (On Nov. 27 NBC-TV Show) .1. Mister Sandman . .Morris 2. Papa LoVes Mambo , . S-B 3. I Need You Now . . . .Miller 4. If I Give My Heart . . Miller 5. Count Blessings . . . Berlin 6. This Ole House . .Hamblen 7. Teach Me Tonight. . . .Hub debut next week at John Wa ha- maker, Philadelphia, and Jordan has two more C C^ristma/ y sidls W out de ^ dt next week at John Waha- SibcIiUS Dufi to Get 0 S thfs week™ ^^Canftnf ; maker, Philadelphia, and Jordan U1UC1IU5 UUC 10 UC1 U. 0. t^tal W of Y iiIa ^ * Marsh, Boston. The albums will f * Affor ACf AD ice ? f 949 eig New ohes aYe-I ' Give * “ced at a special test price 1010 Alter AM/Af tight ? .What. Is It” and “Be Kind to of 98> Winding up a case that has been e Street Corner Santa Claus ” Already lined up for Grand pending since the end of World In the last five vears Stewart Award etchings are Eugene Con- War. II, Jan Sibelius, 89-year-old __ Oiewart I Molnnsno tonnr * Winifrorl Vinnich pnm nncor 11HTI ennn hectin imi il eight ^ dKr Yuli tunei Boston The albums will since 1949. New ones are “I Give ** * sp?cial test pnc ® Up What Is It” and “Be Kind to of 98, the Street Corner Santa Claus ” Already lined up for Grand has cut six Christmas tunes in a ley * Metopera tenor; Winifred Finnish composer, will soon begin Swedish dialect and two with a Heidt, N, Y„ City Opera Co., so- to collect royalties on perform- Jaoanese accent For the prano; American Artists Symph, ances of his works in the U. S. he P works under the name°Y™5 Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Ra- Sibelius’ coin was put in escrow Yorgesson and for the latter Ha?rt dio Vienna . Grand Symphony, here by the Alien Property Custo- xorgesson ana ior me latter, narry nnVk „ Hian hpoanw rnanv nf hie earlier Kari. from the 20th Century-Pox CtntmaScopc Production "DESIREE" THE SONG FROM DlSIREE WE MEET AGAIN MILLER MUSK CORPORATION It's Music by Bobby Byrne’s orch, and such jazz dian because many of his earlier names as Eddie Safranski, Cliff works were published! while he Leemaii, Peanuts Hucko, Pee Wee was a member of the German per- Irwin and Billy Maxted. Contracts forming rights society, GEMA. with the European orchs were con- ASCAP execs, headed by general summated several months ago. counsel Herman Finkelstein, were Label’s general manager is instrumental in getting the Custo- Enoch Light, who’ll also act as art- dian to release the money, to Sibe- Ists & repertoire director. JESSE GREER Program Today Yoitarday'n FLAPPERETTE MILLS MUSIC, INC, (1419 Broodway, Now Yarik) lius. Two years ago, ,on Sibelius’ 87th i birthday. ASCAP sent the com- Epic's Promotional Bally poser $5,000 as a gesture of the o ri • 4. “high regard in which Sibelius was Un o current Ivoieascs held by his composer Colleagues Epic Records has earmarked in America.” In 1945, Sibelius three current releases for a big joined the Finnish performing promotional bally. Disks being rights society, .TEOST0, and since geared for the hefty, exploitation that time, ASCAP lias been able to campaign are the De John Sisters’ forward him money through its “No More,” “Four Coins,” “I Love agreement with the Finnish sb- Yoji Madly” and “Roy Hamilton’s ciety. “Hurt.” — — — Columbia Records’ sales and pro- i ^ . , T ». motional forces will pitch in on Bethlehem Sets Up Its Western Distrib Outlets the one-year-old subsid of Colum- " vuucw hia. Murray Singer, Bethlehem Rec- — _ % ords sales manager, returned from D LL . f n r ii a Coast trek this week after setting Kobbins Llecca r ollowup U p distribution outlets for the la- Hollywobd, Nov, 30. bel in the west and launching its . In a sp.eedy followup to the ini- own sales .outlet in Los Angeles, tial release. Lion Records has cut Bethlehem’s o.&o. branch in another LP package of rhumba and L.A. will also handle other jazz samba music by Tico Robbins. Robbins’ first album has been on the market only a few weeks but cued such immediate reaction that the label decided on the followup. lines as well.- Awtter BMI ‘Pi, (/»' m, Wc JjYANlifl SEE SANTA DO THE MAMBO TERRY FEU. by • • • • •• • *'X" ;"• ••• Groov, Nyti ,* < ♦ A Dytt • • o A Groov# Best British Sheet Sellers (Week ending Nov. 20) London, Nov. 23. Hold My Hand . . . . . . . . Wood I Give My Heart . .... . Robbins My Son , . . , , . . . . . . Kassner This 016 House ...... Duchess Smile . . . : . . . . . . .. . Bourne Must Be Reason; . . .Connelly My Friend ....... ... . Chappell Santo Natale . Spier Sky Blue Shirt Wright Things Mean a Lot.. .Robbins Happy Wanderer : . . .Bosworth Story of Tina. . . .Macmelodiej Second 12 Coins in Fountain. ..... .Feist I Love Paris . Chappell High-Mighty . Harms-Connelly Can’t Tell Waltz ...... Reino No One But You ..... Robbins Sway . .Latin American Wait For Me .... . Lafleur I Need You ........ Feldman Veni Vidi Viol.., . , . . . .Dash Count Your Blessings . . Berlin Gilly Ossenfeffer ....... Spier Sh-Boom ......... . Aberbach Des Moines, Nov, 30. Remodeling and enclosing the Val-Air ballroom, to convert it into a. year-around dancing spot, are under way. Remodeling includes a new bandstand, foyer, checkroom and lounges, plus enlarged floor. There will be 200 booths and 200 tables on terraces . on two sides of the floor. -The remodeling, costing $100,- 000, will make the ballroom the second largest in Iowa, according to T. H. Archer, president of Ar- cher Ballroom Co. The company operates ballrooms in Cedar Rap- ids, Sioux City and Sioux Falls, S. D. Des Moines School Sued On Astaire Dance Steps Des Moines, Nov. 30. Paul Rose and Richard Walker, operators of the Fred Astaire School of Dancing here, were sued in County District Court last week for $10,000 damages by Mrs. Mar- vel Daniels, operator of the Mar- vel Daniels Dance Studio, Des Moines. Mrs. Daniels alleges Rose and Walker converted to, their Own use dance routines that were, her prop- erty and said her routines were “taught to the dance team cur- rently going under the name of the Astairettes” in the Daniels studio. The Astairettes danced this rou- tine, Mrs. Daniels’ petition stated, in a television program Oct. 31 on KGTV, Des Moines, when it was declared that “tfie Astairettes learned to dance as they did from the Fred Astaire School of Danc- ing.” Texas Indie Buys Up Sacred Music Label Word. Records has bought out the catalog of the Key label, New York firm specializing in choral and organ platters of sacred music. Word, which operates out of Waco, Tex., plans to release two of the newly-purchased disks this month and the remaining four a three-month period. Meantime, Word has added Jack Holcomb, sacred music artist, to its roster. Deal also included the purchase of the masters previously cut by Holcomb while wider con- tract to Sacred Records of Los Angeles. Possession of the masters had been retained by Holcomb. Cap’s Eastern Brass To Head for Coast Huddles Capitol Records’ eastern brass heads out on its annual end-of-the- year 'trek to the diskery’s Coast headquarters next week. Cap execs will 11 huddle with label’s district managers on upcoming releases for January and February. In the east-west junket will be acting general manager Bill Fowler* sales manager Hal Cook and east era publicity manager Dick Linke. ‘House’ Tops Glasgow Glasgow, Nov. 23. English chirper Billy Anthony’s recording of “This 'Ole House,” on the Columbia label, tops the cur- rent list qf bestselling disks here. Don Cornell’s rendition of “Hold My Hand,” on Vogue, holds second slotting, with . Eddie Fisher’s “I Need You Now” (HMV) in third place. Dean Martin’s Capitol recording of “How Do You Speak to an Angel?” is in fourth position. Jo.XDO. \ c RECORDS "The finest sound on record WILL OSBORNE AND HIS ORCH. Now 37tfi Wook Ntw Gold## Hot#l ( R#no Mgt.t MILTON DKUTSCH America's Fastest r Selling Records! , i'; Wednesday, December 1, 1954 In the Nov. 17 Variety rundown of disk jockey, opinion on Bing Crosby's Lbok mag article on the music biz, the views of’ Bill Silbert, o't WMGM, N. Y., were paraphrased, too briefly and sharply. Silbert said: “I hardly believe that Bing could be speaking from first hand information. I have never met Bing Crosby and I’ve been a disk jock- ey in a major city for over 12 years. So therefore if Bing is under the impression that too many ^isk jockeys are making comments about music ; without having any factual background,' he obviously is not talking about me or others like me who have devoted a big share of their lives to learning our craft the same as you would any other . . ; With all due respect to The Groaner, who Has' been and probably always .will be my No; 1 or 2 ajiltime favorite. At his graying age,, may he best sit down and write a personal note to each and every disk jockey that he knows has been of assistance to him and his career these, many years, thanking these gentlemen for their kind comments and many spins. I'm sure that Bing is not the ungrateful kind and that his comments probably were of a general kind and meant to infer that the business of getting a hit record has changed from the days when Bing merely sang his latest record four, or five times a week on bis own radio program and, 'after that, nature took its course.” Inflationary note* When Jenny Lou Carson’s “Let Me Go, Lover!’' was first published in 1953 the title page carried a 40c tag when it was first called “Let Me Go, Devil!” With the special A1 Hill lyric* the one that Joan Weber oil Columbjf, et. al., have “covered” on the platters, the same titlepage carries a 50c price. Otherwise it’s the j same decor, excepting for one other little change that’s noted. Hill & 1 Bange Songs, Iric. with its trademarked pseudo-western mesa scene, ' including a Hopalong Cassidy character in silhouette, is now indicated as being a registered U. S. trademark. It’s one of the few such manifestations in the music business. One memorable one is “Mary Earl,” a Shapiro-Bernstein “house” byline, which the publisher similarly protected as a registered trademark. It came into being first as a nom-de-plume for Robert (Bob.) A- King (nee Keiser; he changed it in World War I) as the byline on S-B’s now standard “Beautiful Ohio,” waltz hit. Despite intense opposition from about 50% of their listening audi- ence, disk jockeys still occasionally use the gimmick of giving con- centrated repeat plays to a side. Bob Ancell, of WDOK, Cleveland, recently gave 31 spins to Kitty Kallen’s new Christmas tune, “Baby Brother;” on one* of his shows and received 860 calls to stop playing the number. Over 900 listeners, however, asked him to keep on spinning the record. Al (Jazzbo) Collins pulled a similar stunt a few weeks ago on The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman.” At that time, some listeners offered to pay Collins to stop spinning that number: Something new in record promotion is being tried in Pittsburgh by the Mercury people there. They’re taking their platters straight to the teenagers, hiring a sound truck to. go to all of the area highschools, playing Patti Page’s new release of "Let Me Go, Lover.” To give the stunt a local flavor, the disk carries a taped introduction by Joy Michael, popular deejay in Pitt at WCAE. • 1 The city of Mobile, Alabama, is prepping an all-out celebration f6r Julius LaRosa this weekend (5-6) honoring, his Cadence waxing, of “Mobile.” Crooner will be feted by the town’s Chamber of Com- merce. Tune is published by Ardmore Music. Mike Gould; Ardmore topper, set the lest with the C of C. As. a special disk jockey package, Decca Records has assembled four of Bing Crosby’s alltime Christmas tune bestsellers into a single EP for cuffo distribution to stations. Set contains “White. Christmas,” “Silent Night,’’ "Jingle Bells" and “Silver Bells.” The EP is not being made available to retailers, Although Walter Slezak missed the recording session for the original cast album of the legit musical. “Fanny,” on Nov. 21, he cut his part of the set the following day. Victor engineers pieced the two sessions together in doublequick time and the album started coming off the presses last weekend. For the first time in their recording careers, Peggy Lee and. the Mills Bros, are teaming up on wax for a Decca coupling. Combo will do two numbers cleffed by Miss Lee, “Straight Ahead” and “It Must Be So.” A WONDERFUL SEASONAL SONG $ 1 , -■> end Corn's ‘It! IT SHOW!" ~UT If SHOW!" "UT IT SHOW!" CAHN MUSIC COMPANY 4— —T— T . ■ . , Infant Daughter of The Les Pauls Dies Four-day old daughter of the re- cording team of Les Paul and Mary Ford died yesterday (Tues.) in New York. She was named Col- leen Doyle. Infant, an eight-month child, was born Thursday (25) In Ridge- wood, N. J., and failed to survive an operation to correct a respira- tory condition. She weighed five pounds. Paul has two sons, ine and 11, from a previous marriage; this was their first child. DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS WORLD FAMOUS ORCHESTRA BASIN STREET, New York Nov. 30 for FIVE WEEKS CAPITOL RECORDS ASSOCIATED BOOKING CORPORATION ■'OE GLASER Pros. N v .■« : - « j C h i c a q o j H o i 1 y *v j a cl ' ; ~ ;> •• .. j w 3 bj-,- I . (As Reported by; MDS) 1. White Christmas . .Berlin 2. Winter Wond’land ..BVC 3. Silver Bells . . . , . .Famous 4. Rudolph* . , . .St, Nicholas 5. I Saw Mpmmy .... Regent 6. Santa Is Coming . . Feist 7. Frosty , . H & R 8. Here Conies Santa.Western CHICAGO JAZZ BENEFIT BASHES FOR TEENAGERS Chicago; Nov, 30. Industrialist Arnold Maremont is underwriting a new series of bene- fit jazz concerts here, 'the proceeds -of which will be handed to the Midwest Music Foundation. Name stars of the jazz orbit .will be brought in every two weeks to per- form one concert at Orchestra Hall and another at some Windy City highschool; Purpose of the con- certs, aside from the benefit value, is to avail jazz to teenagers who aren’t able to consume it in cabarets; Gene Krupa and Cozy Cole kick off the series called “Jamini ’ in Jazz,” on Dec. 13 and 14. Prices are gauged to suit the teenage purse; a. flat $1.50 for the high- school performances and a scale from 75c to $2 at Orchestra Hall. Japs Disk Pop Tunes To Tokyo, Nov. 23. Four Japanese recording com- panies will place, on sale at the end of this month popular songs 1 dealing with the recent Hokkaido ferry disaster, in which more than 1,500 persons last their lives, and the overturning of a cruise boat on Lake Sagami which was overloaded , by four times its capacity, when 22 youths drowned. Columbia will release “Alas, Aomori-Hokodate Ferry.” Victor’s will he “Alas, Toy a Maru.” Teichiku will 'wax “The Ferry Boat Which* Failed to Return.” Mer- cury is producing “Lake Sagami Elegy.” In addition, Toei Studios will produce a film called “Alas, Toya Maru,” using the Victor song as a theme. In view of the public criticism against commercialization of the two disasters, the recording com- panies have announced the songs will avoid light treatment (sic ) . Coslow to Score Brit. Tin Pan Alley Film London, Nov. 30. Sam Coslow is to write the music for a new film to be produced by Raymond . Stross, based on the novel, “An Alligator Named Daisy.” Tin Pan Alley will be the locale of the picture, .for which the names of Diana DorsfKenneth Moore and even Patti Page are being talked about for the leading roles. Stross recently finished the J. Arthur Rank pid, “As Long As They’re Happy,” for which Coslow also wrote the score. Bozo Hits Road Again Bozo, the Capitol Records clown, is hitting the road again. On the heels of a ., European junket, Bozo is heading out for Canada for a show today (Wed.) at a children’s hospital in London, Ont. During the three-day stay, Bozo also will - tour hospitals in Canada and work with Capitol personnel in that territory. On Dec. 26, the clown planes down to Bermuda for appearances at the Kindley Air Force Base there. The promotion junkets ..are for the diskery’s Bozo platter series. Cap’s “Bozo At'The, Circus” already has the 1,000,000 album “sales mark. NAME BANDS PRO TEM Plainville, Conn., Nov. 30. Owner-manager George Navickas has resumed name band policy at 350-capacity Wrights’ Steak House, Tex Beneke aggregation teeing off schedule Monday and Tuesday (29- 30), to be followed by Sammy Kaye (Dec. 6-7).- Russ Ames officiates balance of week. Ralph Smttman has joined the contactman staff of Harry Von Til- ; zer Music. He’ll headquarter in j New York, MUSIC 59 New York Dick Gersh set up an indie pub- licity office , . . Jackie Lee, pianist on Coral Records, currently at Sci- olla’s, Philadelphia Thrush Greta McRae made her profession- al debut last week with the Her* man Chiitison Trio at the Hotel Earle’s Waverly Lounge . . . The Gaylords play a special two-day engagement Friday-SatiP'day (3^4) I at, the Rustic Cabin, Englewood. N. J. . . , Ames Bros, set for Ed j Sullivan’s -’Toast of the Town” stanza on CBS-TV Sunday (5) . . ! George Shearing Into Birdland Dec. 16 . . Tunesmith Dick Sher- man, now in the U. S. Army, fur- loughing in town with five tunes set for major release. He’s the son of songwjritcr Al Sherman . . Royer Boys, Coral Records* vocal combo, pacted to General Artists Gdrp. Group is slotted for one week at the Copa, Pittsburgh, be- ginning Dec. 13 . . . Billy Eckstine kicks off an Australian tour Dec.. 10 . . Lew Bonn Go. has taken over the distribution of Epic and Okeh Records in the Minneapolis territory . . Bebo Valdes, new Decca pactee, has penned a history of the mambo for the Morro Music folio of iano solos, “It's Mambo Time.” London Arrangers, composers and copy- ists section of the Musicians Union held a meeting in London yester- day (Tues.), to discuss salary rates and employment conditions in the so-far unregulated music-publish- ing . Tommy Hudson, from Keith Prowse, has joined the ex- ploitation department of Feld- man’s . Norman Granz, in Lon- don on a flying visit, says hris “Jazz; at the Philharmonic” will be visit- ing Europe again next year, com- mencing its tour around February . . . . Trumpet-player Eddie Calvert smashed up his Jaguar coming from a charity show at Brighton. He was uninjured, but had to miss a couple of broadcasts through shock . . . Pat Reilly* West End bassist, who has been with Harry Roy’s orch, emigrated to the States Sund*ay (28) . , , Jack Simpson, . xylophonist-bandleader - composer I sailed on the United States to work in the States. He is already booked for the Ed. Wynn tv show and Edgar Bergen radio show Chicago ChaYlie Ventura with Mary Ann McCall set for : Blue . Note two- framer on Dec. 8, with Woody Her- man following for two on Dec. 22 . . Dan Belloc orch signed Eddie Allen as vocalist . . Spike Jones opens Lake Club; Springfield, this week through Dec.' 4, with Eddy. Howard takipg over, on Jan. 7 for nine days . .. Red Sanders still in- definite at Club De Lisa after three years. Pittsburgh With closing of the Casino for a month, "Red French, drummer in the burlesque theatre’s pit orch, has joined the Tommy Carlyn band . . . Vogue-Terrace picked up op- tion of Stan Conrad, organist, for another six months . . . Bobby Car- dillo underwent a kidney stone op- eration at Columbia Hospital,, and until he recovers, Don McGovern replaces him with Reid Jaynes at the Carlton House’s twin pianos and Johnny Costa, takes over as leader of the trio Which backs | “Lullaby in. Rhythm” on Channel 2 every Thursday night . . . Adam' DeGasperi, bass man with Joey Sims outfit; and his: wife celebrated their 21st Wedding anni-. Honey Boy and his Buzzin’ Bees tagged for an indefinite stay at Duffy’s Tavern downtown Billy Taylor Trio opened two-week stay Mon- day (29) at Midway Lounge Scotland Harry Gold and his Pieces of' Eight, plus Ronnie Scott orch, to St. Andrew’s Hall, Glasgow, for a one-night stand . . . Dr. Crock and his Crackpots orch into Playhouse, Glasgow . I Jimmy Young, Eng- lish disk singer, vaude headliner at Edinburgh Empire following re- . cent attack of appendicitis . ... / David Whitfield to Dumfries to boost sales of his records Rob- ert Wilson’s “Here’s To The Gor- dons” at top of native bestsellers THE VOICES THREE Sure-Fire One of My Dreams Is Missing MGMT1842 78 RPM KM 882 45 RPM M G M RECORDS H r- G rc c - NAME , N E N ' E r> ' - \ M E \ T H r - G R E A ~ E : ’ NAME ' N E N E P ~ L r 7Q' SEVENTH A V E NEW Y O R “ It N y VAtnDEVlIAE in Montreal, Nov. 30. The recently-concluded war be- tween the American Guild of Va- riety Artists and American Feder- ation of Musicians has left what may be a few permanent scars. Several spots jn this area have < begun to realise that if they; can’t get . top names, then it would be better to coast along on inexpen- sive trade and depend on -what, natural traffic there is. The first casualty to talent was the Mt. Royal Hotel, which cut out •floorshows ‘ favor of musical units. It now appears to be a permanent policy in that spot. However, the major casualty i$ expected to be the Chez Paree. This spot is reported readying to shutte* Dec. . 19 for a. three-month overhaul. The line of girls will be eliminated, and the likelihood is that the lower-priced acts will pre- vail at that spot.. The traffic in talent has dimin- ished considerably since the war between the unions; There has been some pickup in the use of musical units, but the overall en-, tertainment budgets are far less than they used to be. There is some fcr'ing here that interest in cafes, has dwindled considerably; bf course,, this, is the off-season in Montreal, where there is likely to. be some diminution of talent ex- penditures, but business drop has been greater than it has been in former years. . . The .real test on the effects of the inter-union hassle will crime in the spring, if the operators fail to restore budgets to their former opulence. That cannot be deter- mined at this point. However, one item is certain, according to one school of thought. Failure to main- , tain a flow of glamor through high- priced names will cause an ulti- mate lessening of interest in cafes —then every nitery in Montreal dll be. hit. LAMPE COMES BACK AS SCH1NE HOTELS BOOKER Gus Lampe, who resigned as booker for the Schine hotels about a year ago, is back at this post. He left for the Coast last week to study the talent requirements for the Ambassador Hotel, Los An- geles. Item that sparked Lampe's re- turn is believed to be the Bill Mil- ler incident. Miller, talent buyer for the Sahara Hotel, Las; Vegas, had been retained by the Ambas- sador to line up performers. How- ever, this arrangement lasted less than a month. Lampe will book other Schine hotels as well, Includ- ing the Florida operations of that firm. Lewis Quits as Flamingo Booker With Siegel Tiein Las Vegas, Nbv. 30. Sammy Lewis resigned as enter- tainment director arid talent book- er of the Flamingo Hotel in a move that came as no surprise to friends. Although his resignation was re- gretfully accepted by president A1 Parvin and his associates operating the Flamingo, the move was antici- pated, inasmuch as one of the new hotel partners is Dave Siegel, co- producer with. Ken Murray of the successful '‘Blackouts*’ several years ago. “The inclusion of Siegel as a partner in the • n.ew ownership of the Flamirigo,” said Lewis, “Would give, the hotel two producers If I were to remain. My four months producing shows for Gus Green- ba tun were stimulating. My parting with Parvin and the new group is amicable, so much so, that I hope I may soon present him with some nitery package shows which I plan to assemble shortly.” Copa’s Palsy Pitch Receipts of the Copacabana, N. Y., next Monday night (6) will be turned over to the United Cere- bral Palsy fund, Boniface Jules Podell will meet all. expenses con- nected with the evening, Including food and liquor. Waiters* tips will also be assumed by Podell. Copa has been giving one night annually to this fund for the past six years. Podell has raised more than $300,000 for this charity. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Aussie Chain’s Suit Vs. 4 . Allan Jones Settled Sydney, Nov. 23. Suit brought by Celebrity Cir- cuit against U. - S. singer Allan Jones has been settled, out of court by Jones, paying costs of the action and substantial damages. Settle- ment was effected by the singer ap- proaching Celebrity direct. Hgrry Wren, head man of the outfit which operates Sydney Palladium vaude and - revue house, would not dis-. close the actual figure of the set- tlement, but said the payoff by the singer " into several thousand dollars. Jones was billed to . appear in Sydney at the Palladium, but switched to the Tivoli on arrival. Palladium management also hauled visiting English radio comic, Rich- ard Murdoch;, into court earlier this year and won .an order re- straining him from appearing else- where. Wren also has been doing a slow burn over, certain other U. S. name players who haven’t, he claims, lived up to contractual agree- . merits. Folies Femme Decides In Chile She’s Abused, Gets ‘Starvation Wages’ Santiago, Nov. 23., “Folies.. Bergere,” touring com- pany which gave local tabloids a nudie field day when it opened .here three Weeks ago, again hit the front pages when Xenia Monty, star of show, walked out on the production. She. charged Jules 3or- kon, company manager, with “ex- ploiting” her and the cast by pay- ing starvation wages. Appearing in front of the Vic- toria Theatre, she bared her com- plaints to a crowd that quickly gathered. Next day she held a press conference and didn’t show up for that night’s performance. Monday she went to the police witlf her allegations but apparently didn’t get far. Borkori said he was going to file suit against her for slander and breaking her contract. Another performer, Dilette Marti , backed up Miss Monty by interrupting the Sunday night performance to com- plain to the audience about Bor- kon. Show goes on with Colette Fleu- riot subbing for Miss Moiity while latter and Borkon fight their bat- tle. in the newspapers. Local em- presario, Sergio Venturino, report- edly Is trying to restore peace be-, tween them so Miss Monty will return to the cast. Peter Lind Hayes harks both to his Brown Derby Commando days with • rcmlnUcuitca of Battle Fatigue in a Doughnut Factory • O bright byline piece In this 49th Anniversary JS umber of V&RIETY DUE SOON 9 : Hollywood, Nov. 3t. Frank Sinatra has been set for first - trip to Australia, and leaves Jan. 14 after completing his N. Y. Copacabana stand starting Dec. 23.\ He opens in- Sydney Jan. 17 for one Week; then Melbourne for one, week, playing twice-night.ly con- certs, probably at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. He ? S taking with him four key musicians, as well as longtime., factotum Hank Sanicola. Aussie promoters are paying all expenses, as well as salaries of mu- sicians, with Sinatra understood to be netting around $40,000 for the stint. KITTY KALLEN LATEST BRIT. VAUDE ‘INVADER’ London, Nav. 30. U. S. invasion by recording per- sonalities continues. Following news that Billy Eckstine, Don Cor- nell, Frankie Laine and Eddie Fisher have been booked for 4ours of British variety in 1955, comes the. first femigrant. She’s Kitty Kallen, whose disk of “Little Things Mean A Lot” has been very big here, and Lew & Leslie Grade Is setting her for a short vaude tour, about, the end of next April. Tour of the Four Aces is now finalized. They debut at the Glas- gow Empire March 28, playing subsequent weeks at Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds. MCA la fixing further dates for them. Reverse traffic news is that A1 Martino flies back_to the States Dec. 13, at the completion of seven months in variety on this side. Sebastian Sets Solo Concert Debut in N. Y. Harmonicist John Sebastian, bet- ter known in cafes alnd niteries (solo and with dancer Dorothy Jar- nac), will make his N, Y; concert debut Saturday (4) at Town Hall. Pianist. Albert Malver and a string quintet^wlth Claus Adam conduct- ing, will accomp. Sebastian has appeared at Town Hall before, but as assisting artist. Current date is classe/i as a solo concert debut. Sebastian will in- clude the world preem of Alaq Hovhaness* Concerto for Har- monica and String Orch in his pro- gram. He’s toured through America and abroad as a concert artist, re- cently visiting ' Germany under | State Dept, auspices. In Kansas City, Omaha By GLENN TRUMP Omaha, Nov. 30. Kansas City and Omaha are the two big nitery showcasers between St. Louis arid Vegas. But the manner in which they go about ac- quiring the buck differs so greatly that they might as well- be at the opposite poles. In Kansas City, for example, the NO. 1 spot, Eddys\ uses a cover of $1 to pad its income. Yet . in Omaha, when Angelo DiGiacomo tried the same gimmick at his ill- fated Angelo’s, the payees’ screams could be heard for miles* — even though Angelo’s talent budget would give Eddy’s a good race. The eight-piece orch of Tony DiPardo and a two-act policy keeps Eddys’ entertainment output ipt a high level. But., Ella Fitzgerald, George Shearing, etc., didn’t come cheap for Angelo — and the cover generally was blamed for the spot’s shuttering, despite the fact that the Omaha place was much more in- tifnate and entertainers did more table visiting. Other top Kaycee spots such as the Cafe Picardy of the Muehle-r bach Hotel, featuring the Joe Vera orch, alternating with Zig and Vivian Baker, skips the cover to push food— practically an unheard- of item at Omaha niteries. j Waitresses, at Don Hammond’s Seven Seas, the top plunge here, have never handled any edibles other than the olives in the mar- tinis. And the Colony Club, a plush downtown spot, went so far as to partition its eatery from the bar and entertainment sector. Entertainment, not names, is the most important ingredient in nitery shows, according to Hal Braudis, entertainment director of the Th underbird Hotel, Las Vegas, currently in New York on a talent- buying expedition. Braudis gave up competition for names a couple of years ago, he. said. Not wanting to involve either himself or the inn in astronomical expenditures, he’s gone in, he said, for shows that attempt to entertain rather than to dazzle. Braudis declared that this pol- icy has paid off. Within 10 min- utes after the curtain on the open- ing 'show, the whole town knows whether it's good or bad. That goes for name layouts as well. Bad shows*, even if capped by expensive performers, fail to lure the spend- V ers and gaining gentry, according to Braudis. Therefore, he said, the primary aim should be enter- tainment! With a total of six new estab- lishments ready tq start by next April, Las Vegas talent-buying will take a terrific spurt. Spots that will be preemlng are the Royal Nevada, Dunes, Stardust, Spa, Mou- lin .Rouge and the* Riviera. Brau- dis said that hotels will be in com- petition even for ordinary acts un- der this new setup, arid he predict- ed that the average run for an act would increase considerably. At the present .time, bills change ap- proximately every three weeks. Clubs not wanting to raise salaries terrifically will be guaranteeing longer engagements to acts so that actual earnings will be increased. Braudis is in New York confer- ring with his Gotham reps Baum & Newborn, He feels that the point is being reached where even Las Vegas won’t be able to afford cer- tain acts. $15,000,000 DALLAS INN GETS NEW HILTON NAME Dallas, Nov. 30. New 19-story Statler Hotel, un- der construction here, will open. Oct. 1, 1955, with a new name— The Conrad Hilton. Hilton him- self made the name change here last week while inspecting th $15,000,000 luxury inn, now 40% complete. Hospice, which the hotel exec bought with his- Statler chain deal, will be larger than Houston’s Shamrock, which Hilton also took over last week on his Texas trip. The. Conrad Hilton will have a sec- ond-floor ballroom, 94x134 feet, with no centre columns. Hilton started his hotel empire in Texas. His newest here faces the first hostel he built, now the White-Plaza Hotel, one block away. OUT SOON! The 49th Ahniversary Number oi Forms Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 36 154 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD. 28 6311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avo. LONDON, W. C. 2 8 St, .Mortis’* fleet Trafalgar Square Gannon’s ‘Follies’ Mark: 16 Years Without Miss . Pittsgurgh, Nov. 30. Paul Gannon, Pittsburgh singer and a veteran of the Shipstads Sc Johnson “Ice Follies,” has either established already or is fast ap- proaching a modern run record for show business. In the nearly 16 years since Gannon first went with the rink revue — he joined it. on Jan. 13, 1939 — he hasn’t missed one performance, Gannori came close once— -in New Haven, when the worst bliz- zard in that city’s history tied up all transportation facilities arid Gannon had to walk all the way to the arena. He made it at intermis- sion time to keep his attendance mark intact. ^Gannon was a radio singer in Pittsburgh when he. got ari offer early in ’39 to join the “Ice Fol- lies” for “the remainder of the sea-. sqn“ He’s been with the Shipstads & Johnson ever since. His family, wife and daughter, still live here. 26G ‘Lights On’ Benefit “Lights On,” annual benefit for the National Council to Combat Blindness, grossed $26,000 in the one-riighter held Nov. 20 at Car- negie Hall, N. Y. Joey Adams emceed the show which was to have been conferen ciered by Milton Berle, who was taken ill. This show is one of . Berle’s annual chores. Wednesday, 1 December 1, ' 1954 ^yfWU* ■M \6, c n sevvk° tr^ s r , T)eat - _* o1 i oi ,rt : ., s “ se t ****%&*>?* to^' 1 "'"""' 1 Jo.’' W< "‘ """ , a-*-*”* W ,» ? - W* sio cereAy, re gatd*’ d 8 VAliilEVIIJ.K Wednesday,; December 1, 1954 Latin Quarter, Boston routine includes several songs by ■ ^ n ne i ftn oo composer-husband Norman Mar- Nut ( King) Cple M>.' accompanfc. on the Hnh tCr rnnrnd DaS Such novelties as ■'Blame It on Bob Conrad Dancers (8), C ruy u nh ;ui. nrtd » **a Man RK'oreidA Hotel. HViio gler, Bela Kremo, who works with Bob < HiversMie iioie . on i y three itJan5 &x a time- Best Gu'frv T , rr „ oRfiSn ! Rii'pr- bit is with three cigar boxes which (10), nw a rLiHnrd Orch he rearranges in midair in time i mum. ide Starlets, Bill Cujjotu .. .» a isurbrisinc interest- featuring. Betty Joyce; ?2 „„ m . u^h^music. A surpnsine, mieiesi ^ mum. . George Moro unveils an extra- crowd Man gler, Bela Kremo, who works with Bob Conrad Dancers (8), Guy Hc ^ v ch Udhood- and "A Man only three items at a time- Best Gu^rino, Harry DeAngeh v Orch j^fever Likes What He Gets for bit is with three cigar boxes which (10), Zarde Bros. Trio ; $4 min- S® » flr.* the sophisticated “Calypos Blues” City: Martin Girls ’(6), Joe Fra- beforf showtime. ,An : original Uarvey Stone: ish in nature; Mark, Black Orcliid. Clil Chicago, Nov. 23. • Jiowtime ' ’ An Knal „ . , ... e , with bongo accompaniment and ‘a se ud> s Orch <10 ) ; $3.50 minimum. or^The'r -Williams arS Terry Haven bit of “reminiscing” via “Nature ' booking^ of Esther W . d - g l loitfy . Ernie Held), Janet Brace, Boy.” Guy handles all types of • ...... , fo^eAheimer- when he was abte *udy Kerpays Duo; $4 minimum : songs with plenty of 'authority . ^ f t Sgs with plenty of «au&ity. A1 B e y. P? ved,a fortunate hich, hypoed* by his casual deliy- M to contract Miss Horne, and. also , 7* . ^ chafe nabs with; -a heavily-hooked schedule -Of When he found Miss Williams This two-framer .brings _ Harvey reaction 1 resulting in a dinner parties and a drought of swim tank was too large for the Stone, back to the Windy City ^eef of M hi? Entire name talent due to the sudden can- stage. Then , about a week befpre nitery scene, after a two-year ab- theoaucitv of his ’88in- cellation of the George White the Horne .opening.^ Weitheim^r M^wLh he^ Package ; -Nice to See You,” A fre- quent visitor to the room, Bernie ** ‘ 1. _ J »- • _ . .1. _ A . 1 . 'i._ ' ' _ * ' Trie nurilc UUCUUlg, IT wivu vi * m . v ‘ fuwi " V*. Ui, UOU ovnnu- I ,, • .. 1 * L- !,• « was advised that Miss Williams up joke-telling this intimery has in ^ ^ which hes a top and Gage would be. ‘on hand-as .been .unaccustomed .tn until Henny not ^ h P^S^r ftAV . r a i fpr and Gage would be on nana— as oeen unaccustomed to untii^iienny Tn^v Tarter clicks rearranged his schedule to come in tbe he “ s ^i^Hhf Kl “mdd ^ hic^itK^ * «q“est of bwners Dave ! proach and unloads some ;iuiw Comic has .a. varied style and , With the possibility of two head- Dushoff and Dallas Gerson. Comic has a varied style and _ * _.l_ • _ • j'j ■ . * _ « . j _ ^ _ i _ • ' . ' Ce \v^^' a th(i»^osslbflitv oT'two head-- ;S 1 • bw iast visit here, no lqng^r vg ags rnixedf'-aii with •tongue-in-.chee'k- enough material never to let any «SS^rdi y fiad the-- hibst i: e y i Rg f v he impreshes of Jimmy Cagney, Hum-, of his routines run thin. His. l incl L^ S S1 ^? a toked in stai ted show biz with. What be. phrey Bogbft, Burl Ives- and a-ri.dic gubrious manner -with^ the kid expensive show gve _ b _ . tenns his peace act. amounts to nec ital of an evening in a German stuff goes over socko with the din- Reno— -$50*000. A , no* ad- a bai T age , of . fi ^ gs ° n conventional nitery. It’s zany stuff and lands ner family trade and he adds jiist ning to.give ;t^absou y _ y.ockster topics such as Las Vegas, nift y y 0C k s . Phil & Mitzi Law- enough bluing to the gags to make S iorfk ^Bdv CHristmas Seals* ui^uuons-but Til lucres'll ‘ he bill .5 ith ..V ic . e . t ^ p : ' D? e .'. n .; i !j!?!'? s,in « . ‘?. r set to read “Biiy. Christmas Seals.’ And in fact, early deadlines in tw< local - publications read just tha way in Riverside ads, — - The gorgeous' Miss Horne woun ; tnouiauons— mu ail witn lresn ing. Youngsters score with a series . guests. 'Because of an impression- twists. He. gets a hellylaugh early 0 j tapping,: song and dance rou- | ist on the same program, Berrtie and rules .em with his sharp tim- tines, winding with fast jitterbug > holds down his talents in this di- l ^ rtf r A M U fl v* M far a a . 1% '^v «• a a ftt> a aa' . *1 « ■. . a* a a .* a ...a 6 alu SI1C CHamiS j * AHama ic havinp Sonny Howard has an excellent ear and his focal takeoffs of such crew cuts, a slick show. The ^..'•i-de people as Louis Armstrong, Tony Bros, fills in the lulls. Eh Martin. Nat (King) Cole, Billy Da- . 1 niels, Frankie Laine and the Ink Colony* Lon lion Spots comes over stronger than the London* 'faov. 18. physical mimicries. Sonny has a . Trude Adams, with Norman Mar - hokey, but solid getoff in. his corn- tin; Felix King & Bon Carlos bo impresh of Ted Lewis and Orchs; $5 minimum . Durante. — The dance team of Jose & Made- Having been schooled in some of line Linder sells sex, comedy and f°ggy quality. Her offbeat rep is j^ ew York’s more intimate rooms, dance- all at once, whicji is a tall mood and feeling of the number J™ a J“ y PJ^g; v :Trude=Adams is haying td vary her order. The gentleman- is obviofisly as she nears the mike. When it’s a unbilled^ drummer Inaments technique in her current stint at more agile, than his partner. Jack blues lament, the approach is slow rhldh^i behiid hir ’ this Berkeley Sq cafe. The room, Curtis, emcees, and belts, across an and emotional. And when the beat rfty ; nR ? s Pe" 1 " 41 P« r - . although not unduly large, is con- elfective ballad and the Guy Mar- revs up she moves with It. “I Lovr Held ^over from ^previous show, siderably bigger than many of the tin girls dress up the production, to Love ” has another set of cute, Terry Haven continues to bowl spo t s where the Broadway chirp Joe Frasetto backs up the show in meaningful lyrics which she rel- em oyer w/tk her plastic face and has worked In the past, and this his customary assured manner, ishes. A fine medley of “Jump For gift for caricature. Act is smoother involves more careful personality Gagh. Jov” songs shifts gait and style add more compact than when first projection. She hasn't yet com- _ _ 4 — ~ v easily. caught and is a tough bombshell p let ; e iy mastered the required Purple Onion, I\. Y. Arranger-conductor Lennie Hay- 4? r an y P er rormer to follow. Miss technique but is well on the way Jorie Remes, Jackie Cain & Roy ton, her husband, creates some fine P iano l> y to doing so. . Krai, Ted Browne, Keith Rock- piano backgrounds. Songstress ner arran g® r » Arnie neio. Chanteuse has an excellent vo- we n $2-$3 ’minimum, also has her own bass man and Benny Dunn emcees with low cal range, is a very personable drummer. Hayton has no trouble pressure, and Rudy Kerpays on young lady With a natural charm, p r# , v ioii«;1v tagged the Plavgoer’s leading Bill Clifford’s orch through keys and Dave Poskqnka^oh ; bm and Is eleganay^attired and c ^ b> this l s y 0 \ has undergone sev- the P ac !!l k __ 4.,- b k 1 ShQW p tly * P r H? 1 u 0 . pl ® aS f!u.«v e D A^ a ^^i , . managerial changes since Latin Quarter, IV. Y. (FOLLOWUP) The Latin Quarter, following* the exit of Mae West after six weeks of overflow business, has apparent- ly settled down to normal busjness, which for this time of year, pr ior that matter, any time of year, is very good at this spot. The new display has as its toppers Pete Marshall & Tommy Farrell. Holger & Dolores and Toba Stevens (latter, two New Acts). It’s recalled that Marshall, who used to be teamed with Tommy Noonan, is. no stranger to this room. With his former mate he played a long term at this stand, having come in at ( a point when the tandem was just starting to find itself, and by the end of the. term, had emerged as a pair of : ex- cellent performersl, The present pairing... with Farrell comes into the Latin Quarter at a comparable period in their, careers, They have their bearings, know what they are doing and get a consistent quota of laughs; A stand of ny. proportion at this spot will iron out whatever rough spots remain, and they’ll be hitting laughs with blocklike preci- sion. Some of their present bits are familiar, such as the rural ra- dio show, but they’ve collected a lot of new material which reaps big rewards. Incidentally. Mar- shall’s former partnei\ who has been a. film comic, essays a nitery comeback With, a new mate today Craddocks (3), Les Mains Joly (4),. Inda & Ani- bal Navarro, Trempo-Tempo, Chie- sas, All, Norman & Ladd (3), Myr & Myroska, French Cancan (8 ), Cover Girls' (8 ), Sylvain David Orch ( 12 ) , Charles earlier Orch (9) ; $1 cover, $2 minim m . This 1,800-seater goes on being a pop house here due to prices and packed vaiide show, but cementing production terp numbers have been around too many years and are beginning to look it. With Pierre-Louis Guerin getting con- trolling interest of the spot from Georges France, this segment will be dressed up by Rene Fi'aday and the regular policy, of big name topliners every two weeks, with supporting vaude bill, will go on as before. This round features the return of chantoosy Leo Mfarjarie to the Paris scene after a four-year absence. Gallic belter depends on a finely controlled and timbred voice for effects, but remains primarily cold and direct, in de-> livery, Throb and power of voice make her fine for the Gallic street and romantico ballads, and she scores in a medley of tunes she introed here years ago. It is easy to see why she is a disk fave. Second are The Craddocks (3), Who have achieved an act of slapstick purity and brilliance that they can keep doing until they collapse. Mayhem of their kriock- abouts and pratfalls make this barnlike structure ring with yocks. Trempo-Tempo (2) is a passable trampoline act, but bounds and comic aspects never hit the un- usual. This is an okay filler. Irida & Anibal Navarro are Cuban terp duo who essay a pseudo primitive sex ritual , that puts grinds and bumps to shame. All, Norman & Ladd (3) are a cornball Eriglish musical trio whose deadpan come-: dies score big here. They ale under New Acts. The Chiesas (3) are a group of jugglers Who move fast but never pass the border into uniqueness, Good for that juggling fillin, but not topflight enough. Les Mains Joly (4) do their W.k. umbrella routine in which a series of um- brellas act out a drama of love and redemption moved by unseen hands, Charm and perfection, rally in this to riiake this a sock eritry. Myr & Myroska do a solid mind reading bit as. male goes into the crowd and . has femme, blind- folded, answeririg all questions from aud, and then picking out a table by describing a couple present and preceding to read their mihds. Mosk. Shamrock, lloiiNion ’ Houston, Nov. 25. Carl Rapazza, Dick LaSalle's Orch ; $2.50 cover. Crooner Carl Ravazza' opened the Shamrock Hotel's Shamrock Room to a small but spirited audience mostly composed of' followers he won here on two previous ap- pearances. He has a brand-new repertoire ready for his third tiriie at bat, but the regulars badgered him continually, for familiars like “Pancho,” “Calypso ^06” arid ‘‘it’s The Same.” New numbers on the singer’s format were “Carinen,” a tangy lyric called “Begin the Begat,” and “Over The Waves,” the best of the night. Ravazza’s excellent timing and deft showmanship keeps even the sometimes noisy Texas audiences at mfnimum upheaval, perhaps one of the reasons why he has per- formed a trick few other enter- tainers have achieved: won a third time at the Shamrock in less than two years, this time for a three- week booking. Dick LaSalle’s orchestra offers competent backing for the. show, and excellent dance music before and after. Rob. 01 instr all’s, Boston Boston, Nov. 15. Patti Page (4), Hibbard Bird with Esko LaRue, SrrietonaS (2), Trixie, Johnson & Madili, Michael Gaylord Orch (14), Lou Weir; $2.50 minimum. . This is Patti Page’s fourth annual visit to this mammoth bistro, and as on previous appear- ances, she’s packing ’em in. The blonde thrush has slimmed down considerably since her initialer here, thereby losing that cornfed look, and her vocalizing 1 , in the pop groove, is still top-bracket. As Usual, she has a hit platter work- ing. This time, it’s "Mama Doll Song,” with the customers not content until she warbles it. Warm and gracious, she scores from her walkon with an abundant potpourri of new and old songs, many of which have long been associated with her* all tied together with (Continued qp page 86) COMEDY MATERIA! AH Branches of Theatricals FUN-MASTER THE ORIGINAL SHOW-BIZ GAG flit (The Service of the STARS) ■First 13 File* $7.00— All 35 issues $25 Singly; $1,05 per script. • 3 Bks. PARODIES, per book . .$10 • O MINSTREL BUDGET ...... .$29 I • 4 BLACKOUT BKS., es. bk.. .$25 o • BLUE BOOK (Gags for Stags} $50 • HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES .. $340 SL A i?T CLASSIFI ED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GAGS, $300. Worth over a thousand No C.O.D.'s BILLY GLASON 200 W. 54th St„ New York 19— Dept. V Circle 7-1130 THE Currently LATIN CASINO Philadelphia Dir: WILLIAM MORRIS Ag«ncy Mgt: WYNN LASSNER, A**oc., Inc. n aw CLUB COPA YOUNGSTOWN .: JIMMIE HUSSON AGENCY 119 W. 57th Si., New York CAB CALLOWAY fSTTSTE (Nov * 24) “Having oxltad the r X cast of 'Porgv ahd Bass' aftoi more than two yaars. In a 29 minute song session, Calloway leavas no doubt that ha's a top parformor. His suave appearance, polished delivery and grace- ful gait add up to sock ontortalnmant." Jest, Mgt. BILL MITTLER, 1619 Broadway, Now York Wednesday, December 1, 1954 f'SulETf is o '<1 3rd Solid Season ELMWOOD CASINO Windsor* Ontario SOUP FOUND# n BOXOFFICE SHOWMANS i iiy ' '/■% vp/A i “AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOST TALENTED DANCING ENSEMBLES” LINDSAY LOVELIES ( under the exclusive direction of CECILE LINDSAY ) JIMMIE HUSSON THEATRICAL AGENCY, 119 West 57th Street, New York 19, N. Y. Telephone > Circle 4-2433-4 66 VAUDEVILLE pfyfsmfr m . Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Gotham's LaM % Operators of La Martinqufc, N.Y., C 9 ulidn ? t revive the glamor this spot possessed in a former era, when it was one of the name cafes in the area. Spot* after two months’ operation, will run weekend shows only.. Weekdays it will attempt to remain open with Pupi: Campo’s band. Spot blamed its woes on the fact that the talent agencies failed to help it by shuttling attractions in : its direction. At the same time, the bonifaces declared that whatever acts were submitted to. them, were at inflated prices. Booking of Cab Calloway on the last bill was an at- tempt to cash in on the jazz trade. Nitery is fronted by Mike Rainey, who Will host at Cafe Soci- ety Downtown, -N. Y. Latter , cafe is set to repoen as soon as altera- tions are completed: It was orig- inally slated for a September preem, but contractors failed to finish by that date. A new contrac- tor recently took Over. TALENT AUDITIONS SET BY USO-CAMP Casino Shutters Again Pittsburgh, . Nov. 30. Casino, local burlesque house which, - reopened recently after 5 a shutdown, of nearly a year, () is still finding the going pretty fough and has shuttered again— for a month this time, the management says. Theatre closed' Thanksgiving Night (25) and said it would relight on Christmas Day. That’s the intention, anyway, but the last time the Casino darkened* in February, they, said the spot would swing back 'into action at Easter time. It didn’t, however, and the shuttering extended over a period of nine months. IJSO-Camp Shows will hold mass talent and auditions in four cities starting tomorrow (Thurs.i. Bert : Wishnewv production manager, and Charles Burgess, music director, have, emplaned for Seattle to hold the first mass audition there. They’ll follow on Dec. 7 at Dallas, go to New Qrleans the following day, and will close with a two-day stand in Miami Dec. 9 and 10. The auditions are being set up With the cooperation of the Ameri- can. 'Guild of Variety Artists and the American Federation of Musi- cians, who will supply the halls. James Sauter, US O-Camp Shows j prexy, and Lawrence Phillips, exec veepee, go out to the Coast next week to put the final okay on the holiday shows that will tour over- seas bases. FOR LA VIE EN SHELTON Monte Proser’s La Vie (he is dropping the “En.Rose” from the Title), will be housed in the Hotel Shelton, N. Y., under an 18-year lease which the hostelry’s new" management has consummated. The Shelton ownership changed hands in the midst of Proser’s orig- inal negotiations, but the new con- trol has gone even beyond the bon- iface’s preliminary negotiations, because it. will ballyhoo La Vie as part of the. hotel’s appeal to out-of- town guests. Since Proser vacated his East 54th St, (N. Y.) spot, because the Gilmore’s Steakhouse ownership wanted it for an "uptown.” branch, the .showman has been concentrat- ing .on his Bucks County Inn, ad- joining the Playhouse in Doyles- town, Pa., and clicking with his Polynesian food policy Which will be transplanted to La Vie. Per usual, the spot will play names. Proser’s showcasing of Lillian Roth last spring! was largely in- strumental; for her signal “come- back.” Jerry Lester Clicks With Aussie Patrons Sydney, Nov. 23, Yank comic Jerry Lester is clicking with Aussie audiences nicely after having taken about a week to get a grip on the "Down Under.” idiom. Lester is expected to stay at the Tivoli, until Xmas, when the management will bring in French-type revue starring Jean Sablon, after a season at the Mel- bourne Princess, .where the show, ,] "La Vie Parisienne,” opened Nov 20 . . Diavid N. Martin, impresario of j the Tivoli Circuit, due here from a talent-scouting trip to England, the Continent and U< S. early in December. He’s signed Winifred Atwell, Ja- maican pianist,, to open in Mel- bourne at the Tiv about Feb. 4. Cornell to Spearhead U. S. Scottish Vaude Trek Glasgow, Nov. 30. Don Cornell will spearhead the U. S. vaude trek to Scotland next spring, He’s. set for the Empire, leading vaudery, week of March 21. It will be his British bow, Disk singer will play vaude and concert dates in England from March to May. Cornell's waxing of "Hold My Hand” from the film, “Susan Slept Here,” is currently topping the bestselling disk list here. It’s ahead of Vera Lynn’s. "My Son, My Son,” in second slotting; and Eddie Fish- er’s "My Friend” in third position. STRIPPER Contact: DICK HENRY 1733 B'way, N.Y. JU. 2-0014 St. Louis Area Club Near 111. Racetracks St. Louis, Nov., 30. John Connors and Gregory Moore have relighted their Club Prevue near the Fairmount Park Jockey Club, across the Mississippi from here, and the Illinois spot is providing entertainment for guests at. hotels in downtown St. Louis who are sans such amusement since the Hotel Jeff ersom (Hilton), discon- tinued floorshows. Club Prevue dimmed its lights when running races started at the Fairmount and continued at Caho- kia Downs, which inaugurated its activities when Fairmount closed. Races continued at Cahokia until mid-OcJ.ober. Each track has been Okayed for a 60-day meet next year, with Fairmount opening and Caho- kia closing. It. is likely, that the Club Prevue will close during the : racing session. New York Billy Daniels pacted for the Casablanca* Miami Beach, Dec. 21 ...Janik & Arnaut down for an April ..date at the Flamingo, Las Vegas. ..Ryan &■ McDonald start at the Ambassador, , Los Angeles, today ,( Wed.) . . Carmen McRae joins the show at the Rodeo Club, Chicago, Dec, 8 Don Cornell goes into the Monte Carlo, Palm Beach, Feb. 8 Jackie' Bright starts, at Steuben’s, Boston, Dec. 9 for tw weeks. Chicago Frankie Rapp, Pearl Eddy and Leslie & Whitehouse into relighted Preview in Collinsville, 111. Dec. 2 for two weeks . . Ginny Scott playing Park Lane, Denver, Nov. 27 through Dec. 15 ... Kaye Bal- lard opening MUehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, for two weeks begin- ning Dec. 17 . . . Bill Kenny, cur- rent at Vogue Terrace, in McKees? port, signed to personal manage- ment as a single with . Howard Christensen . Taylor Four inked for Eddys’, Kjqisas City, on Feb. 4 for fortnight, their first time out of Denver: 10G SETTLEMENT FOR Reno, Nov. 30. Settlement between the River- side Hotel, here, and Esther Wil- liams was reached prior to the scheduled opening of the show last Thursday (25). Operator Mert Wertheimer shelled out $9,000 plus $1,000 attorney fees to Miss . Wil- liams and her husband, Ben Gage, Who were to have Appeared at that inn for two weeks. ' Originally, Miss.. Williams was [.booked for the date, but Wer- theimgr, getting an opportunity to bring in Lena Horne, made a sec- ond deal. He was unable to post- pone the date of either performer, and would have had to play both on a single bill or pay Miss Wil- liams her contracted salary for .two weeks. Glaser, Coward Head For Coast Huddles Joe Glasser, head of Associated Booking Corp., together with Noel Coward, take off for Hollywood to- day (Wed.) to work out some film, tele and Las Vegas: cafe deals.. Coward arrived in the U. S. last Joe Glaser, head of a Associated week. Glaser .brought* him the $37,500 Vegas bid to London a fortnight ago. Heat’s on Again Alon£ Chi Strippers’ Row Chicago, Nov. 30! . Heat is on again along the strip- per’s row on South State St. here. Police raided the Staite-Harrison hurley theatre last Sunday (28) and arrested tljree peelers. More than 200 pati’ons were chased from the theatre and. their money refunded at the boxoffice. THE VILLAGE : VANGUARD * 7th Aye. at 1 1th St. CH. 2-9355 “20 Yedrs Is A Long lime” 20th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, December 5th Present Show: ROBERT CLARY - RUTH PRICE • Coming — December 14th: STAN FREEMAN SYLVIA SYMS Clarence Williams Trio Saranac Lake By Happy Ben way Saranac Lakey -Nr Y-. Nov. 30. Joe McCoy, manager of Loew’s i Victoria, Brooklyn, registered in as a new guest here; he was transr fered from a Kings County Hos- pital, Brooklyn, to the Will Rogers via ambulance. His wife Catherine and his brother James accompan- ied him on the long auto trip.v Technicians front RCA and other radio and tele companies finally have made it possible for the patients here to enjoy tv. pro- grams mostly from one channel. William Hartnett, staffer with Faipous Players Canadian Picture circuit, took six months to def- initely beat the rap; rated an all- clear to go. home. His ; father, Wm: Hartnett is business agent for the Ottawa Canada IATSE local. Camp Intermission flooded with messages and cards of congratula- tions to Mrs. William "Mother” Morris on her 81st birthday. Grady Graham, the Abemale, N. C. Drive-In manager, back at the Will Rogers resuming the cure after a 10-day furlough at home to Salute the arrival of a new baby daughter. Write to those wjio are ill. Molly O’Day, former head of the Molly O’Day Booking Agency in Oklahoma City, has joined the Chic Scoggin office, Dallas. She will specialize in Club dates and convention shows. Night Club Reviews mSmSSSSSS Continued from page 64 ssss Biinstmb’s, Boston cordial qhichat, resulting in a pleasant, satisfying, sesh. Surrounding lineup is excep- tionally strongy even for this spot, which consistently books topnotch sight acts. BiH tees off with John- son & Madill, ' a couple of male terpsters, who give out with fast routines atop a couple of drums and whip through some very fancy stepping, winding with a series of backflips. The guys work hard and score handily. In the- second slot, .Trixie, a diminutive blonde, un- corks some nifty juggling, skips rope while bouncing a ball on her forehead, and displays .. socko adeptness at tossing and catching several strawhats, rubber balls and dinner plate-sized mats. The Smetonas, admixed duo, nab terrific reaction with a perch act, the gal performing tricks atop a pole balanced on her male part- ner’s head. For a clincher, the . pair does a head-to-head while climbing up and down a 20-foot ladder. In the warmup spot ahead of Miss Page, Esko LaRue, with Hibbard & Bird* garner yocks with a zany ballroom . terp turn. LaRue, essay- ing the role of a tipsy ringsider, wanders onstage to inten;upt ..the pair’s dance routines, The guy does such a convincing job as a lush that it. takes some time before the. customers tumble to the gag. Michael Gaylord and his aug- mented crew cut a slick show With Miss Page’s foursome sitting 'in during her stint. Lou Weir purveys rhythms via the Hammond organ between sets. Elie. Sans Soucl, Miami B’cli Miami Beach, Nov.. 26. Arthur Blake, Ann Herman' Dancers, Sacasas Orch; $2.50 bev. minimum. Back to ; play his semi-annual date in the Blue Sails Room, Arthur Blake comes up with a tightened, ’ streamlined version of his series of lampoons on stage, screen and public figures. There’s still enough material contained, however, for him to divide the carbon-capers into a three-night session with a few requested re? peats. Blake has discarded the back-, grpundscrim Utilized heretofore, depending instead on sharply- timed lighting effects to help pro- ject the illusions he Creates while essaying “his satirizations on not- ables. What makes his staging high- ly effective is the manner in which, he applies the persons paraded to characters put of history, and With it, purveying a smart assemblage of specially-written lines to bring out the satirical or dramatic, values inherent in the portrayals. On for almost an hour, he winds into a begoff with his standard takeoff on Mrs, Roosevelt -addressing a lecture group. Ann Herman and her dancers tee off matters in zingy fashion with exhibitions of mambo and samba patterns. Lary. Bellevue Casino, Monf 9 1 Montreal, Nov. 19. Miller & Gibson, Lucienne & Ashour, Sons of Morocco (6), Roger D oucet, Nina & Valdez, Tadeo Gosden, Dorothy Moreau , Bill Degan, Casino Lovelies (10), Bix Belair Orch (11) , Buddy Clay- ton Quartet with Shirley Sheldoh; staged and produced by Mme. Komarova , music by George Ko- maroff; $1 admission. . Current layout at the Bellevue Casino is still another in a long list of socko offerings by bon if ace Harry Holmok and biz is steady with capacity houses on weekends, Outstanding in the present revue and new to Montrealers is the hafping-hoofing duo of Olivette Miller and Bert Gibson: . With the handsome Miss Miller at the harp, Gibson highlights all sequences with his socko terping. Act has polish and slickness combined with solid talent and this 'sepia duo could’ve worked another” five min- utes, judging from reception on night caught. Femme’s costurnes are vivid and theatrical and her fingering is out of the strumming groove. Finale with male barbed in' wig and identical gown aping femme’s movements is the- only doubtful hit In the routine. •: The six animated Sons of Mo- rocco impress with sheer volume and speed. All. males and all about the same height, their rapid-fire tumbling . and general acrobatics make them a cinch in this room.. Lucienne & Ashour, old faves around, this saloon, still pick up a Ifine reception for their Apache sessions, which get rougher and more legit looking with every visit. Vocal corner with Roger Doucet as headliner is adequate and tenor is backed by the chirping of Tadea Gosden and Dorothy Moreau nice- ly. The ballroomology of Nina & Valdez continues to score as they spark all the lavish production numbers. Bill Deegan, in - the emcee slot, keeps the show moving for a gpod 60 minutes. House orch is under the baton of Bix Belair for all performances and he splits customer dansapa- tion moments with the Clayton combo handily. Newt. ' Agencies Mull ; Continued from page .1 55553. There have been ’ bids for pro- ducers such as Qeorgie Hale. In addition;, the Vegas hoteliers as well as the agencies are inulling such ideas as fashion shows. Oleg Cassini has already been proposed to one spot to hold weekly couture sessions to entice femme trade and Hollywood lammisters. Of course, production shows aren’t new iii that area. Hotels there periodically play, big units sans names, such as the "Latin Quarter Revue,” and have goite in for a pair of British units. A couple of years ago they went in for tab musicals. Agency thinking isn’t along- these lines at the mo- ment. Rather, they are. seeking to concentrate on name producers and gimmicks outside of show busi- ness. Hal Braudis, entertainment di- rector of the Thunderbird,*’has in- stalled a mambo layout. He’s also planning a« one-week concert dur- ing Christmas week by the Winged Victory chorus! One idea has been rejected— that of getting athletes of all kinds to give exhibitions there. The idea has worked out in the Catskill belt but, so. far* isn’t felt feasible for Vegas. In the Catskills, it’s pointed out, the idea is not only to draw people, but to keep them interested in the various attrac- tions. In Vegas, the attractions, whatever they be, are primarily to attract trade and keep the cus- tomers interested for short periods only. Then the idea is to whisk them off to the tables. Athletic demonstrations are much' too long to meet the Vegas requirements. WHEN IN BOSTON It's the r The Home of Shew Folk Avery I Washington Sts. When In laffalo Stop at thn ROANOKE APARTMENT HOTEL An Apartment for tho prlco of a Room . CompItttCooking facililiet M, Unchner, Mgr., 206 So. Elmwood Av. * ‘ • . . ‘ ‘ V . . | "that distinctive song due " herb and betty warner held over le rnfoan lileu now york management: BERNIE ILSON Wednesday, December 1, 1954 REVIEWS 67 Palace, N. Y. Cathalos (2), Pat Hill & Larry Delma, Wyse & Mann, Olga Sim- mons, , Estelle & Alphonsp, Johnny Morgan, Gautier’s Tally-Ho (2); "The Human ..Jungle” (AA) viewed in Variety Sept. 15, ’54. The holiday bill at the Palace is Well-designed to accommodate the kid trade that predominated at the matinees until school resumed on Monday (29). This session is of eight-days’ duration, having started Thanksgiving Day (25), r one day ahead of the normal Friday open- ing.. It’s a talent collection worthy of the. extra running time, since comedy is its major commodity. All the comedy is readily under- stood by the youngsters. Major item is Johnny Morgan, a vet at this house, who does a good bit of laughmaking with his reliables. His gab has ~been around perhaps longer than he has, but it’s still serviceable and he makes out well. Ross Wyse & June Mann are alsbl in a comedy vein. They do well with their antic aero arid terps. One bit that they’ve been doing for years should have been left off the show, especially, this week, in deference to the moppet trade. Other comedy note is injected by Pat Hill & Larry Delma, a pair of puppeters. . Their humor isn’t strong, but it’s sufficient for the occasion. They should remember that there are sometimes adults in the house. Their opening bit is too sugary for grownups. They try to compensate by doing a strip. At show caught, the. backstage crew ruined them completely by failing to light up the stage or giving them a spot «f or their walkpff. Whatever hand they would have gotten was ruined completely. Also for youngster consumption Is Gautier’s Tally-Ho, a combina- tion of dogs, horses and monkeys that has done well before all audi- ences. They repeat their good brand of entertainment at this stand. Dance turn this week are Estelle & Alphonso, Latino terpers. Lad, for the greater part of the turn, accomps his partner on the conga and bongo drums for at- mosphere and beat- The femme doesn’t rate all this accompani- ment* since there are long stretches of her routine that need some brightening. The heavy background seems to point up the lightweight numbers- However, she’s fine at , occasional aero work. Under new acts are The Gathalos and Olga Simmons. Jo Lombardi batons sharply. Jose. utilizing only culinary objects. Cutlery and plates and' saucers fill the bill with a good ending in put- ting a tray, atop his head and add- ing a trio of saucers, cups, teapots and plates, and a pig’s head top- ping it off. This is in for good applause. Mumford Puppets (2) trot out a group of Stringed performers which registers .nicely, A bullfight, a Japanese beauty singing “Butter- fly’’ and a red hot mama make these puppets a different entry ap- preciated by. the crowd. The hot singer is put into the aud for a natural in effect. The Lane Bros. (2) U. S. act formerly at the Lido', do their brilliant aero rou- tine! Jumping rope lying on their backs and then with One on the other’s back ends this in a gale of palming. New f emcee, Monique Leroy, ; has the gams and gambits that make the crowd purr with her. Mosk. Itobiuo, 4*aris Paris, NoV; 30. Line Renaud, Garcons De La lie (3), Lane Bros. (2), The 3 Hake/, Tux , Miimford Puppets (2), Maurice Merane:- Tres Arroyo, 3 Ahdreu, Ker Ben Ly (2) , Mau- rice Boulais Orch (9) ; Monique Leroy; top $1.25. House goes on unearthing neat offbeat acts and'headli ing toppers to ; make this new show a high- calibred offering. Line Renaud, in her, first riiusic hall apearance af ter. her success at the 'Moulin- Rouge nitery arid her stinting with Bob Hope, emerges as ope of the surest song talents here. Her dy- namism, control, song rep and thesp underlining make- hers a completely satisfying act. Taking the whole second half of this pro- gram, she rates as a star. Other song aspects have Maurice Merane, Los Tres Arroyo; 3 Mexi- can trio, and Garcons De La Riie (3), Merane is a personable youhg maii doing a series of self-cieffed .tunes. Though' essaying the pleas^- ant and poetic, he never achieves the complete individuality needed for this and remains an encaging filler, He still lacks the distinc- tiveness and depth for the bigtime Songs are simple iri melodics arid not lingering or catchy. . Mex trio is a refreshing bit with the trilling, shouting and bombast seeping into the house for good audience reac- tion, Garcons De La Rue are still an excellent mime-song act with tlieir street apparel of bowlers and basque shirts a good backing for their interpretative street ballads/ this' is a begoff. There is also a good dose of acrobatic and juggling with Ker Ben Ly (2) and The 3 Hakef, bright enough for inclusion under New Acts,. The 3 Andreu are two girls and a boy who do a combo tap dance-acro number for okay re- sults. Mainstay is a girl who does some fine somersaults but, on thd Whole, this is primarily an opener or filler number. Tux is a jug- gler who adds some originality by Roma, Santiago Santiago, Chile, Nov, 20. Antohita Colome,, Alonso Trio, Chita Morales, Georges Dancers, Yolanda Montes ( Tongolele ), Dalva de ; Oliveira,. Roberto Inglez, Maria Godoy , . Kika , Orlando Cas- tillo, Pancho Huerta, Manuel Con- tardo Orch. L’Qlympia, Paris Paris, Nov. 30. Lionel Hampton Orch (21), Philippe Clay, Trio Florida, Line. Andres, Domenechs . (2), Great Felixio, . Dick & Deck, Yvonne Soldi; $1.25. top.. In the first appearance of a U S. jazz orch at a pop music 'hall here, the JLionel Hampton orch (21) wows them. . Filling the . second half of the program the Orch starts fine, buf then has a few slow interludes, with a sudden upsurge of jazz beat and Hamp frenzy that has the aud clapping time, dancing in the aisles and keeping him on until after midnight. This is a phenom here, for most crowds 10 aye to Catch that last subway, but they missed wholesale on opening night. Olympia is definitely established as the young house here and the Hampton success will probably open the way for U.S, jazz outfits into the pop field without being restricted to the one-night concert routine. Band rocks with all the standards in the book. When they come out with • “Flying Home’’ in their “meet the aud” bit, if S pan- demonium. Singers Beatrice Read- ing, Sonny Parker and A1 Taylor also score, but it’s the indefatig-. able Hamp who’s the star of this rumpus. Surrounding show is good but repeat acts again behoove a-rieed for roaming and booking oi new, unusual acts. Second lead belongs to Philippe Clay, orie. of the top offbeat singers here today. Lanky, craggy* youth delivers a solid song- alog of the unusual, interpretative rep and has all the attributes of a topliner with, distinctive voice, un- usual body and terp prowess and solid backing. He is in for big palms arid shapes ready for an as- sault on the U.S! Gallic singer route. Another singer; Line Andres, is also on the bill. Girl has fine plas- tic proportions but emerges more chirper than chantdosy. Replete with a pseudo dramatico rep she doesn’t get the most from her lyr- ics and shapes mainly as a good orch singer With not enough Class or presence for the distinctive ranks. Howeyer, looks and timbre put her in line for secondary bill- ing in most situations. Aero bits are nicely filled by the Trio Fprida, The pomenee'hs (2) |*and The Great Felixio. Trio Forida is an ammusing contorto act with a man and Woman twisting a masked dummy into incredible shapes. It is a fine cast and good for specialized spotting for U. S. chances. Pomeriechs do a good acro-balance stint and enhance things by doing it to a curious- rhythm, with Felixio balancing on a high platform on the tfdges of bottles and chairs for good effect. An English music hall trio, All, Norman & Ladd, clicked at the Moulin Rouge here arid were rung in as van added .attraction. This zany low comedy affair of three .forlorn musicos is a veritable yock fest and goes over big. Another added bit is a memory act which is a tour-de-force but appears lost in this big house. It is more for niteries and more limited areas. Mosk; Buddy Day and Gustavo Cam- pana had the Roma for a few months but their revue didn’t click and'they bowed. out, to be. succeed- ed by the Ra-Ta-Plan Co. ,set up by Florencio Contreras. New- lineup is straight vaude, tagged “Taxi to the Roma.” Chances of this enterprise suc- ceeding are good .if customers will cross the tracks to ogle the top acts in Santiago today. It’s a prob- lem to get audiences who’ve been u§ed to seeking their amusement in- showcases north of the Alameda to change their habits and trek three, blocks south of Santiago’s main stem: Promoters have snagged such proven nitery draws as .Yolanda Montes (Tongolele) and Roberto Inglez/ British pianist and orch leader, to head the bill. Georges Dancers, a troupe of young, good- looking terpers, female and male, liven up proceedings with their routines and colorful costuming, but group needs a healthy round of contracts to smooth out their numbers. Comedy 1 blackouts han- dled by Chito Morales, Orlando Castillo, Maria Godoy, Pancho Huerta and, Kika are based on weak material arid few get boffs except the takeoff on the current Folies Bergere flareup between the Folies’ star, Xenia Monty, and Ju- lian Borkori, Folies’ manager. Alon- so Trio score with their Spanish terping of De Falla's Fire Dance and earn a big hand. . Orch in general is weak, until Roberto Inglez* who disbanded his ^local band to work niteries, comes along to inspire it with his tingling piano and flare for a hot beat. In- glez is popular in these parts through his recordings . and boite work: He’s tops at the keys. He arid Dalia de Oliveira, Brazilian chanteuse, attempt to get a cominu- nity Warble with ‘‘Volta para o Estoril” (“Return to Estoril”), a new pop number locally. La Oliv- eira, decked out iri clinging bare- shouldered white evening gown, walks through the audience, with a mike and garners laughs from her efforts to get men -to. sing. Antonita Colome, , Spanish ac- tress, does a typical Espanol rou- tine of flamenco chanting and casta- riets. She’s a looker and. comes off well. Tongolele, Who is also ap- pearing at a local night club, closes the bill with her deadpan shake- and-shiver routine. She’s huge draw. In general, staging leaves much to be desired and a good m.-c. could make it a lot more, presentable and step up the pace. Eade. HOLGER & DOLORES Dance 8 Mins. Latin Quarter, NY. Holger & Dolores, a European import, have a flashy and precise dance act. that provides a continual aura of excitement. The duo are more skilled at acrobatics than at terping, but possess enough, savvy at the latter to provide fairly en- tertaining interludes between the trick, holds and wild leaps. Male is A big,. Nprdic-lookirig chap who seems to have enough strength to give stability to his holds. . On one of / them, he bal- ances his partner with one . hand on her head. ...In , this position, /the; femme takes off on a leap which Winds up in a split. They do some trick twists which are made pos- sible by the apparently prodigious strength of the blonde behemoth. Miss Dolores is also on the tall side and h * Sufficient grace arid lithe- ness to take the, king-sized leaps in manrier that makes it look -easy, t’.s an arduous turn, but none the ess exciting and/ worthy of all sight situations, ‘ Jose. MAGIC VIOLINS nstrumental 23 Mins. Pacifico, Santiago, Chile , Combo of seven violinists, and pianist headed by David Sailon, described by batonist as “each an artist and each a soloist,” pleases in smart presentation of classical rnusic. Group consists of naturalized Argentines whose original nationalities include a Pole, Greek, Hurigarian, Czech, etc. Sailon announces the numbers which could be pepped up and some of stiffness removed by in ore solo work, on part Of individual members. The . brigade is decked out in full dress with fiddlers Wearing black masks. Full advan- tage of lighting effects could vital- ize presentation but apparently theater, a new house , isn ’t prepared for stage acts. But as .it is, . the performers look good and draw generous applause. Act is doubling in .radio appear- ances and. is being offered to night clubs. Eadie. Eni(iIro, Edinburgh Edinburgh, Nov. 25. Jimmy Young, (with Jack Mar- tin at piano), Jimmy James & Co. (2), Radio Revellers (4), Margo Henderson & Sam, Kemp, Bob & Marion Konyot, Raf Tivoli; (W) Warner \ NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (I) 2 Jacqueline' Langee Edward Ruhl Les Marcellia Gloria Ware Chet Clark Rocketles Corps de Ballet, gym Ore Palace ( Regala Texans' Watson Sis . Mambo Aces Pitchmen. R Romalne & Claira Lew Parker 1 to fill AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE . Princess CD Jean Sablon Chris Cross . Gu.ss Brox & Myrna Ron ..Parry 3 Hallos Irving. & Gird wood Eddie Lynn •• Dale Gower Shoty Girls . Dancing Boys: Tivoli ( ? oy Barbour Fontane St K Vaughn Margaret Brown Julian Somers Nina Cooke Eddi Edwards. Dayi Eadle John . Bluthal Lloyd Martin Vocal Octette Male Dancers PERTH His Ma|«stys (T) 29 Michael Bentine.. W Latona & Sparks Buck & Chic Dagenham G Pipers O’Hagan & H Stead 2 Myrons- Francis Van Dyk ■Seyler Heylen • Max . Blake Irene Bevans Ballet Girls SYDNEY Tivoli (T) 29 Jerry Lester Howell St Radcliffe Harry Jacohson 2 Chadells Atele & Latu G Dawn Sc F Cleary Singers’ Dancing Boys. Ballet Girls BRITAIN ASTOH Hippodrome “I) B iSc A Pearson 2 Nadias Cal McCord Marvi Sis M Woodward Billy Natcliett Lucille Gaye Hengler Bros . BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (M) 29 David Whitfield Morgan & Gray. Jack. Jackson Terry Scott 8 Rubies Lorrae Desmond E Arnlcy Sc Gloria liuli'iksohs BLACKPOOL Palace 111 29 Gerry Breretbn Harry Bailey Robert Harbin . M Henderson Co Billy Scott NordjcS Williams Sc Shahd BOSCOMBE Hippodrome (I) 29 Sonny Roy Ginger Chilton G St B Joy BRIGHTON Hippodrome (M) 29 Frankie Vaughn Tommy Cooper Gold Si. Cordell Kelroys . Jlmm.v Wheeler Kcndor- Bros Ifa.rolcl Bcrcns Joan & Ernest Billy Baxter BRISTOL Hippodrome ( 29 Guy. Mitchell Vera Cody Tlylda Baker 'Waller Niblb 2 Arviiigs Rio Ron & Rita BRIXTON Empress (I) 49 Lita Roza Freddie Sales" Dargie 5 Arthur Haynes R Llngana &. Diane Airdoliis Potter. Sc Carole C Roberts 3 CHISWICK Empire (S) 29 Billy Cotton Bd Krceso & Stephens Bill . Waddington Eddie Gordon Sc N Austral Kcii St Alexis 2 Kexanos EAST HAM Metropolitan (I) .29 Issy Bonn Penny Nicholls Peter Cavanagh Eddie Vitch Copa Cousins Manning Sc Lee Lorraine Noberti Mayfairs FINSBURY PARK Empire (M) 29 Ray. Ellington 4 Rex & Bessie Marvels. Eve Boswell Les Marthys Morecambe Sc Wise Norman Vaughn Tommy Locky GLASGOW , Empire .(M) 29 .Vic Oliver' Les TraVcrSos Gaston Palmer Sylvia Campbell Margcrltc Sc- Charles Bobbie. Kiinber Victor Sea forth GRIMSBY 29 Palace Jimmy Mac' Ragoldl Bros Jan Harding. Miss. Blandish .. . J Raymond Girls Burke Sc Kovac Accordionalres A1 Shaw LEEDS Empire (M) Josef Locke Kazan Sc Katz Rolf Hansen N St N Grant Dave King 2 Maxwells Joe King P Sc S Sherry MANCHESTER Hippodrome (SI Tony Brent G Morgan Co Eddie Arnold S & P Kaye Brian Andro Trinidad Steel Rusty Bobby Collins NEWCASTLE Empire (M) 29 Anne Shelton K Sis Sc Eddie Radio Revellers Cardew Robinson Skylons Dickie Henderson. Konyots Gordon Sc Colville NORTHAMPTON New (1) 29 Phyllis Dlxe.v Varga Models Jack Tracy D Reid St M DU Mater Sc Denser RAJ Penn 3 Reedings NORWICH. Hippodrome (1) 29 M Fraser Harm Bd Tanner Sis Bery Brooks Davis Sc Lee J Jeff Sc June ... 4 Balmorals NOTTINGHAM Empire (M) 29 Carroll Levis Co Violet Pretty Teen Agers Levanda & Van PORTSMOUTH Royal (M) 29 Max Miller Reid Twins . Srtveen Winters^ & Fi Lotus Sc Josi Joan Mann Roy Stevens Maurice & May SOUTHAMPTON Grand (I) 29 Terry Cantor Ken Barnes Sc J Noble Sc Denester. Joy Harris Janette Fox Lake Jc Rolls Nudes SWANSEA Empire (M) 29 Dorothy Squires Kay \Sc . Katrina Hal Monty Pat Hatton St. Radio Ramblers 2 Mazurs WOLVERHAMPTON Hippodrome (I) 29 Stevano D Sc S Stevens .Terry O'Neil St J Sam Linficld Curzon .3 Billy Russell YORK Empire (I) Ken Platt Miles Twins Les Bryant : George. & Lydia Scott St Foster. Cox Twins Helena Bliss Bob Downey Harold Fortvllle Hazel Webster Belmont Plaza Joan Bishop A1 Castellano J'ohh Barney Hotel Ambassador Quintero Ore Sarkozi Ore .• Hotel . Pierre Manuel Capetillo Rapael Ruiz Conchita Carlos Montoya Stanley Melba' Otc Hotef Plaza ' Kay Thompson Paul Methuen • Ted Straeter Oro Mark Monte Ore Hotel Pk Sheraton Irving Fields Eddie Layton Motel Roosevelt . . Guy Lombardo Ore . Hotel St Regis Fernanda Montel Milt Slvaw Ore Ray Bgvi Hotel Statler. . S Finegan Qrc Hotel Taft Vincent Lopez Ore . Latin Quarter. Marshall Sc Farrell •Holger . & Dolores Ashtons Deb.onaivs Jet Sharon Ralph Young Piroska Art Waner Oro B Harlow* Ore L9 Ruban Bleu Julius Monk Norman Paris ' Irwin Corey Dorothy Louden Melita Marshall Izen Two Guitars Kostya Poliansky Misha Usdanoff Lubov Hamshay Aliya Uiio Versailles “Bon Voyage” Paul Gray Louise Hoff. Tommy Wander Margaret Banks Rosemary O’Reilly Carl Conway Betty .Colby Ann- Andre Rain Winslow Danny Carroll.. Daiiiiy Desmond Don Dellair Jim Sisco- Salvatore Gioe Ore Pa.nchito Ore Viennese ' Lantern Helene Aimce Dolqres Perry Bela Bizony ' Ernest Schoen Paul Mann Charles Albert Village Barn Hal Granahl Senna & Gyle Jack Wallace Givens Sc Ferris. Mary Ellen Trio Lai’ry McMahan Piute Pate Waldorf-Astoria Patachou Nat Brandwynne Mlscha Borr Village Vanguar Robert Clary Riith Price C Williams Trio ‘ 1 i B * Billy Falbo Riverside Lena Horne Bela Kremo | Starlets 1 Batty ’ Jbyc# ., B Clifford Of e HAVANA . Monlmartra Novollos Lago Sisters Romero & Chicuelo Salvador Levy • Nancy St Rblando C Playa Orq Fajardo Orq Tropicapa Tex Mex D‘Ruff Quartet Tropicana Ballet S de Espana Qrq A Romeu Orq S Suarez. Orq mg CHICAGO Black Orchid Harvey Stone Janet Brace Terry Haven Rudy Kerpays Duo Blue Angel "Calypso Festival” Duke of Iron Mary Ann Trinidad Joe Calvin Harigah Victor* Manuel' D'Lacy Ore Angela San Juan Blue Note Blue Note All Stars Johnny Hodges Ore Chez Paree Treniers. Georgie TappS • Taylor Maids Brian Farnon Ore : .. Cloister Inn Dinah Kaye ' Ralph Sharon Ace Harris Dick Marx Johnny Frigo Conrad Hilton ’Skating Stars' Margie Lee Cathy de Blair Shirley Linde Weldemanns Polo Perky Twins Jimmy Caesar Eileen Carroll Ray McIntosh B Dears Sc Dons Frankie Masters Ore Palmer House. - Hildegarde & Jack , - Whiting Howard Senton Gene Bone Robert Nbrris Empire Eight Charlie Fisk Ore iOS ANGELES Ambassador Hotel Joyce'. Bryant Ryan 1 ' Sc- McDonald Harry James Ore Band Box Billy Gray . Leo Diamond Dorothy Claire Nicco - & Barba Larry Green Trio Bar of Music. . Doodles & Skeeter Jaqueline Aires C Callinicos Eddie Oliver Ore Blltmore Hotel Romo. Vincent Tippy Sc Cobina . Norton - Sc .Patricia Hal Derwin Ofc Clro's Sonny Ho war Clark BrOs..( Carlsons (2) Tina Louise Dick- Stabile Ore Bobby Ramos Oro- Charley Foy'» Dave Apollon Abbey Browne * Crescendo Mel Torme Moca mho Lillian Roth Paul Herbert Oro Moulin Rbuge Frank Llbuse Margot Brander Szonys (2) Charlivels (3) ■ Miss Malta & Co Doubledaters (4) Mine .Ardelty Jery LaZarre Ffolliot Charlton Tony Gentry Gaby Wooldridge Luis Urbina Eileen Christy Bob Snyder . Ore Statler Hotel Xavier Cugat Ore Abbe l^gne MIAMI-MIAMI BEACH NEW YORK CITY Bon Spit .Tony Sc Eddie Marion Colby Jimmy Daniels Three Flames ; Blue Angel Dwight Fiske Mort Sahl Susan Johnson Geo Lafaye ' Bart Howard Jimmy Lyons Trio Chateau Madrid Alonso Dancers Ralph Font Oro Maya Ofc Copacabahe Kean -Sis . Myron Cohen Lancers Bob Sweeney Peter Conlow Jean Stevens M Durao (no Frank Marti Oro. Gale’s Alan . Gale Jackie ■ Heller Warner Sc McGuire Larry Foster Teddy King Ore No* 1 Fifth AVe Clover cruh Kalantan Luis ToiTen Betty Ford Tony Lopez Ore Selma Marlowe Line Woody Woodbury Leon & Eddie’s Lois De Fee Lynn Star Rose Ann Rita Marlow Charlotte Watere . Nautilus Hotel Alan Dean . Antone & Ina Sid Stanley Ore Black Orchid Jo Thompson Richard Cannon Count Smith. Sans Souci Hotel Arthur . Blake Sacasas Ore Ann Herman Deri Anne Barnett . Saxony Hotel George DeWItt Barbara Ashly The. Ilaydocks Taqo. Jt Dce NitVa .Frcday CJalo Ore Johnny Silvers Ore .Bombay Hotel Phil Brito Nelicfa Peter Mack Sandra Barton JohninS Hotel B S Pully Sam Bari Harry Rogers Ore ‘Bobbie Lynn DILIdo Hotel Bea Kalmus Martin & Maio Fausto Curbelo Ore Vanity Fair Chlco-Chico Havana Cuban Boys Sue Como 3 Tones Judy Foster Club 22 Joe Mooney Three Peppers ,. Club Echo Jayne .- Manners Bobby Byrdn Satin Dolls . Grade: Scott Mlkki- Mars Ray Sindino .Trio Bar ot Music Bill Jordan Hal Fisher Beth Challijs, Harvey Boll Fred Thompson Five O’clock Bell Barth Hal Winters Don Ostro Ore IAS VEGAS, NEVADA Flamingo 3 Ritz Bros Silver Slipper Sally Rand Buddy Baer Kalantan Hank Henry Desert Inn L Walters’ L Q Rev Sahara Marlene' Dietrich Last Frontier Ed Wynn Step Bros Dagenham Pipers . El Cprtez Rowan Sc Martin Vicki Young Golden Nugget Gas Lights Sf Pink Tights Sands. Frank Siiiatra Harmonica Rascals Clarke Bros El Ranchb Vegas Billy . Daniels Showboat Minsky** Follies 1955 Thutiderblr Ella Logan Don Tannen Catron Bros ot Belgian Fair ■ ■ fnnttnued from page Z m =55 tries. Performance of each com- pany will be : accompanied by ap- parel and jewelry fashion shows, all with the accent on “elegance.” The heron reported tentative plans are being mapped to stage a film festival, an aquashow (there never has been one of th.e latter on the. Continent) and a Cinerama exhibit. ' . * A second hall Will be.: given to the cinema, said de Fernig, All countries, including those in the Russian orbit, will, receive' bids to send entries in the festival but there has yet to be a decision on what type of prizes, if any, Will be awarded. The Belgian stated he hopes to have a Cinerama pic exclusively lensfid for the Fair and already has had “encouraging”, talks with Lowell Thomas about making such a film. He said he promised gov- ernment cooperation to Thomas in the latter’s plan to shoot some ma- terial in the Belgian Congo for a current Cinerama production, Rea- son Brussels wants a specially pro- dhced subject in this process Is that Paris, which is only 40 miles away, Will have shown all the regu- lar Cinerama releases. ■* First Postwar Fair Brussels .event is to be. the first post- World War II World’s Fair and. de Fernig hopes to develop the impact and scope of the one held in N, Y. in 1939 and 1940. He expressed it this way: “In striving to truly represent the state of human knowledge and progress throughout the world, \ve have set ourselves an enormous, but, we are sure, gratifying task. “In order to carry out this task, it may be said that we are. mobiliz- ing our entire country. This is a necessary mobilization.. "We are ex- pecting approximately 120, QO0 visitors each day, and on some days as many as 250,000. In the six months that the World’s Fair will be open, from approximately April 15, 1958 until Oct. 15, 1958, between 20,000,000 and 25,000,000 visitors are expected! These iigures are based on attendance at the last World’s Fairs held oh the Conti- nent.” Baron de Fernig said the Belgian government alone is putting up $200,000,000 to cover costs,, and added to this will be heavy sums invested by Belgian’s private in- dustry and foreign exhibitors. Fair grounds Will, cover about 450 acrCs, excluding another 120 acres for parking areas. - All to be located four and a half miles from the centre of the city. Iron Curtain nations are being invited because Belgium maintains diplomatic relations with them. Further, there’s a desire to follow the pattern of the N. Y. exposition at which Russia was among the major exhibitors. Total of 56 countries and the Vatican have been asked to join in. The Papal .State already has accepted, this to be the first such participation. Countries in addi- tion to the U. S. which have ac- cepted are the Netherlands, Lux- embourg and Norway. of TV Continued from page l ‘Voice’ Hoopla ; Continued from page 2 ; RENO Map«s Skyroom Buddy Lester Continentals D Arden Skylets E Fitzpatrick Ore New Golden Day, Dawn St Dusk Sue Scott Dante Varela Trio Will Osborne Ore of the programs beamed behind the Iron and . Bamboo Curtains. .! Oper- ation his 14 studios here. Thedore C. Streibert, director o| USIA and former president of Mu- tual Network, will head up the opening ceremonies tomorrow and then will conduct the brass on a tour of the operation. Entire cost of the move from New York was $2,600,000. Popular tours are being planned through the “Voice” studios:. “We want the people of America to see and; hear for themselves exactly how. we carry their message of peace and goodwill to less fortu- nate people imprisoned in the Soviet orbit,” explained Jack R. ^oppele, assistant director of USIA, who heads “Voice.” “They will not only be. able to see the multi-lingual broadcasters at Work,” he continued, "but to turn on . loud speakers to listen to the foreign language programs.” another, he points, out, the exhi- bitors never: spend any money ad- vertising or promoting his films, and as long as he’s got to do the promotion, he feels he’s got the right to go into tv as a logical de velopment of his belief that the medium is good for motion pic tures. Video . is Surefire as a pro- motion medium “Ed .Sullivan proved that;” Proof of the pudding is always in the pocketbook, and Disney, who says of: tv that “I Wouldn't have gone into it if I didn’t think it would help us iii the long run, anticipates losing money on tbe, ty series. In one particular, instance, the three “Davy* Crockett” pier tures he’s just wrapped up for Disneyland,” he’s taking a loss of $500,000 Which he hopes to make up in foreign sales of a feature combining the trio. Program price of “Disneyland” is $65,000, Which means that Disney was paid $200,000 for the. three “Crockett” episodes. They cost him $700,000 to shoot. He won’t be able to. esti- mate exactly how much of a loss he’ll take for the first^year’s pro- duction until it’s all in the can; but he’s mapped ‘other new pro- duction that’s bound to exceed the budget. He’ll make . some of the difference , up in more inexpensive shows Which utilize some of his cut-down theatrical releases and in foreign sales of the made-for-ty pix, but just how much he’ll sal- vage he doesn’t know. Point he makers, however, is that for him, television, while, an ex- citing and stimulating medium, is still secondary to . theatrical mo- tion picture production. Emphas- izing that he’s got five major pro- ductions slated for release Within the next 10 months, he reaffirms his viewpoint that ‘'what does busi- ness for us also does business for the exhibitor,” that “Disney is in business to do business and that Disney Productions expects to make, money from motion pictures and not from television. Gets Sylvanla Award Currently in New York to ac- cept a Sylvania Award for “Dis- rteyland,” he’s slated to return to the Coast to start production roll- ing on several new projects for the show, among which is another “Frontierland” series on Big; Bill Williams, the legendary cowboy who explored the Santa Fe trail. Unlike “Davy Crockett,” this, atong with another in the works on the exploits of the early Mississippi keelboater, Mike Fink, will be in two parts, which will mean, a smaller expenditure and more ease in editing for foreign sales. “Wil- liams” rolls in March* the Fink production schedule isn’t set yet although a script has been written. Others in the works are “The Story of: the Atom” and a spacetrip to the moon and Mars for “Tomor- rowland” and excerpts from some 30 theatrical “True ’ Life Adven- tures” now shooting in various parts of the globe. Television production is inex- tricably tied to his theatrical pro- duction, Disney explains. There are some cases where he’s produc- ing exclusively for tv, as in the "Frontierland” series. But ex- cerpts from his theatrical features will provide 1 a good part of the “Disneyland” content, not only old features but upcoming produc- tions. Example is tonight’s (Wed.) clips from the upcoming Cinema- Scope cartoon, “Lady and the Tramp,” and next week’s (8) “Op- eration Underseas,” which shows how the Disney cameramen got their underwater shots for “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” shot near Nassau in the CaribBean. Fuller use of some of his older films, like “Alice in Wonderland;,” which comprised the entire second show of the tv series, won’t hurt their theatrical re-release chances, he believes, but will help by giving the audience., a taste of the charac-^ ter and story treatment: As for the Disneyland park out- side Los. Angeles, Disney sees, it as not Only an amusement park where people can see. the “real thing” in the way of the cartoon characters they’ve watched over the' years, but also ag a ''permanent set” for the tv series. He expects to do a great deal of shooting there--the various series. He expects to do a great deal of shooting there — the various sections of the park coin- cide with the phases of the tv show l^-and it’s : also anticipated that some ABC-TV live V programming will originate there* since a live studio is being built. Park opens in July,- and ABC expects to have the first “Disneyland” segment shot there on the air the week of Labor Day. Continued from page 2;. over the years from the pre- World War I “lobster palaces” through the Roseland, hotcha, svelte ball- roomology, -foxtrot, swing, Lindy- hop, strut, conga,, rhumba; samba, mambo variations, not forgetting the imported-from-London Lam- beth Walk, the boomps-a-daisy, sliag, boogie-woogie, Argentine tango and all the other Latin- Amerioan importations aqd im- provisations/. Interspliced is the story of the rise and decline of the band craze, and its influence on the nation’s dancing styles, not to mention the reversal to form with the revival of the square dances. It’s fun reading, being an easy picture story, with well edited pix and captions, and a remarkable re- fresher course.. Qne doesn't be- lieve so much variation of the. hoofing theme could hanmm in so short a span. And with each new nuance, of course; the farflurig. Arthur Murray Studios . start all over, again. No wonder the Mur* ray Foundation is so fast with the loot for its video show, in itself another noteworthy footnote to our times. Katherine & Arthur Murray and Sherman Billingsley with his Stork Club show are the lone two institutions who have been regu- larly on television, bankrolled (wholly or in part) by other com- modities and at the same time revitalizing interest in their own basic institutions. Nice work if you can get it* ‘Commandments’ Continued from page 1 the Department plus formal en- dorsement from the Federal Court in N. Y. Thought at . Par is that such Special consideration might be given “Commandments.” It’s shap- ing as the most expensive film in the company’s history plus the fact it’s regarded as particularly suit- able for the special type of Yista- Vision projection that only a rela- tively- few large houses can ac- commodate. As distinguished from standard V’Vsion, this process pro- vides fbr the projection of. two frames of film at the same; time, horizontally fed thorugh the pro- jector. All resulting, in king-sized screen images. * Since the first antitrust decrees against the various companies were entered in 1946, no producer- distributor has sought to take' on any theatres, As a means of set- ting the precedent, Par-might also argue that the presentation in mind for “Commandments” repre- sents a new kind of film show business, akin to the “Cinerama’* exhibition and the initial road- showing planned for Todd-AG's “Oklahoma." ill Eat Continued -from option and had intention of participating in a Hemingway pic. McCarthy shot back with the assertion that he has photostats of correspondence between Heming- way and Lowe, plus a contract, all of which has the author obliged to appear in* write and narrate / a projected film to be made on safari in Africa. i Now back to Rice. He versions - that some time ago Lowe suggested to Hemingway the latter write a pic about an African junket. IT smingway' expressed himself in a letter that “it would be a nice thing to do some day,” according’ to Rice. The lawyer insists that while this was not a legal docu- ment of any consequence he still thought it best to have it disaf- firmed and this was done by both Hemingway and . Lowe, However, Lowe in the interim came in con- tact with McCarthy, showed him the letter and, sez Rice, McCarthy made photostats of it. Wednesday, December I* 1954 LEGITIMATE 69 Richard Watts Jr., came up with what could be a sensible Suggestion last week as a footnote to his pan of "One Eye Closed." Critic of the N. Y. Post concluded his review of the flop with the following kidding aside, "Note to Variety, in lieu of a play- meter: This is riot intended as a favorable or 'inconclusive’ notice.” It was presumably a reference to Variety’s tabulation in last week's issue of Watts' "Wedding Breakfast”' review "incon- clusive.” Considering the prevalence of on-lhe-fence, yes-and-no, incon- clusive and other variations of no-opinion-olearly-expressed notices by N. Y. first-stringers so far this season, ’ some such ’clarifying footnotes shorild be a real reader service. By JESSE GRQSS 4 Only a drastic theatre^hortage Is curbing an unprecedented off- Broadway production boom this season. Demand for off-the-Stem houses is greater . than . ever, but with oniy a handful of spots avail- able, numerous would-be producers and groups are just standing around scripts-in-hand. Bidding for non-Broadway tnea- tres has been so urgent for soma time that various outfits have been using not too^ suitable places, in some cases involving inadequate stage facilities and/or cramped seating capacity. Situation has re- cently grown so /severe,, however, that it's become a problem for theatrical realty firms. Shortage of houses is not only stifling the spread of production activity, but has caused the prema- ture ; closing of ; soine off-Stem shows. Although realtors have in- tensified 'efforts to locate possible new legit quarters,, they have, had little success and the list of avail- able theatres has remained pretty much static. Factor in the situation is that several off-Broadway spots : re . under lease to permanent groups and thus do not become available when shows close. Shows that were forced to fold because of the lack of suitable ( Continued on page 74) Davis & Bolton Scripting Burley Backstage Tuner With the Kean Sisters set to star in "Ankles A weigh,” librettists Eddie Davis arid Guy Bolton are at work . on another book musical, "Dis Muz Be Der Plaze,” with; a burlesque backstage locale. It’s primed for a name comic. ! M e a n t i m e ; . Davis - Bolton’s “Ankles”. now will have Fred Fink- lehoffe as coproducer with legit agent Howard Hoyt,' husband of Betty Keari df. the starring sister team. .Tim Herbert and Jack^E. Leonard are other Casting possi- bilities,. John C. Wilson will stage, with rehearsals slated for February, Anthony B. Farrell ’ lajor backer. Davis’ current "Laugh Yourself Well” (Fell Pub.) will be followed by the author’s autobibgv "The Gag- man,” on which Herb Hartig will collaborate. U.S. Shows Still Big On British Isle Tqur, As Well as West End Edinburgh, Nov. 30. American musicals are showing no sign of letup in their hold 'over the British Isles. “South Pacific/’ which played a four-weeks’ stint at the King’s Theatre here last March, will return to the Empire for a month’s engagement starting Dec. 20. The show is estimated to have played to 1,500,000 customers in the United Kingdom. Part of Nellie Forbush, created by Mary Martin, is played by Pa- tricia Hartley, young English sing- er, and Nevil Whiting'' as Emil de Becque. Other principals are Ed- die Leslie, Carole Sopel, Roy Lees and Helen Landis. Augmented orch, will be conducted by Charles W. Prentice, who was musical director at Drury Lane, London, from 1932 until 1939. Prices for "Pacific” at the Em- pire will be upped from the normal vaude scal*>of 70c top to a $1.30 high. Prince Littler, by arrangement with William Music Ltd., is pre- senting "Guys and Dolls” at the King’s, Glasgow, for seven-weeks beginning Dec. 14. Principals in- clude Jacqueline James, Edward, Devereaux, Edwin Richfield, Den- ise Walker, William Thorburn and Laurie Webb. Top will be $1.30. The oldie U.S. musical, "Desert Song,” is also touring the prov- inces, while the straight comedy, "Moon Is Blue” continues on the road in the UK. And, of course, London has such continuing Yank shows as “Bell, Bock and Candle,” "Can-Can/’ "I Am a Camera,” "King, and I” "Matchmaker,” "Sa- brina Fair” and "Teahouse of Au- gust Moon.” It’s a quick goodbye for "Hello Paree.” Revue will fold next Satur- day (4), at the Parsons, Hartford, at the end of its second tryout week. A scheduled week’s stand, in Boston beginning next Monday (6) has been cancelled. Show was slated to open Dec. 14 on Broad- way, but no theatre had been booked. Production has been in multiple difficulties, including the failure of Charles Trenet to join the show as star. Producer William L. Taub says he plans to- reopen the revue with another name French singer, but that would presurnably involve considerable added cost and thus extra financing. "Paree” drew poor reviews and slim business in last week’s Wil- mington breakin. Windemere Barn Moving Windemere Summer Theatre will operate next summer in Bar Harbor, Me. . Producer* Bryan Turner and Edward Oc risen, who operated the barn last* summer at Seal Harbor, Me., have taken over the BarHarbor Theatre. Strawhatter will continue its policy of a resident company and "kiddie matinees on Saturdays, with . the regular stock offerings. To Remodel Denver Aud.; Reduce Legit Capacity Denver, Nov. 30. Denver plans to spend about $833,000 to remodel the theatre half of the city Auditorium, The present seating capacity of 3,000 will be cut to about 2,000 by the elimination of the gallery and low- ering of the. ceiling. Modernized layout will have a washed air-con- ditioning system, a new stage, cur- tains, dressing rooms and stage equipriient. This is the first of a three-step program for. the block-long build- ing. Next will be to face-lift the structure at a cost of about $500,- 000, and the third will include the reconstruction of the rest of the building into a multi-story struc- ture suitable for Conventions. A fire wall will be built between the two sections. Previously the two could be thrown together for cir- cuses and such to provide a seating for about 12,000. This will require the Denver Symphony orchestra and local managers to find new locations for their bookings for a year or so. Indie manager Hazel M. Ober- felder has made arrangements for another location, but the syrnph, needing rehearsal space as well, is still looking. ‘Merchant; The millenium has arrived’ for Broadway actors. A new type of work light has been developed to supersede the traditiorial 1,000- watt, bare-bulb i 11 urn i nation for r e- hearisal. After years of agitation on the subject, the improved' light, de- veloped by Duwico and costing no more than the: old glaring, ineffi- cient hanging bulb setup, is being installed in all independently run New York theatres and will hence- ! forth be used for rehearsal ses- sions. Change is largely the result of work by a joint committee of Actors Equity and the League of N. Y. Theatres, New device, suspended from the theatre ceiling somewhat similarly to the old setup, has reflectors at each end of a long shade. Catch to the situation, at the moment, is that the Shuberts; . who are no longer members of the League, are not yet installing the. modernized light in their 19 theatres. That is a riiatter. Equity is prepared to take up later, however. For the present, actors, directors and production aides at rehearsals in non-Shubert houses will be able to read their scripts without get- ting eye-strain in the process. Equity never expected to: see the day. 55G Hatful of Rain’ Michael Gazzo’s "A Hatful of Rain,” which Jay I. Juliep plans to produce on Broadway, is budgeted at $55,000. Of that amount $11,000 will go for bonds and theatre guarantee and another $15,000 is to be set aside as reserve.. There’ll be no provision for over- call arid it’fc figured that the show will be able to break even at a $12,000 weekly gross. Ben Gazzara is set for one of the. leading roles. Joan Fontai , star of the Broad- way production of "Tea arid Sym- pathy,” has notified the Play- wrights Co, that she. will leave the show at the expiration of her con- tract next March 1. Actress plans to return to the Coast for a film assignment. The management had hoped Miss Fontaine would continue in the Robert Anderson drama for. a series of Coast engagements,., prob- ably opening March 15 at the Huntington Hartford Theatre, Hol- lywood, then playing the Alcazar (United Nations), San Francisco, and winding up with dates in Seat- tle, Portland and other northwest towns; Miss Fontaine, who succeeded Deborah Kerr as star of the show last May 31, will go to New-Hamp- shire fpr a vacation With her hus- band, film producer Collier Young, while "Tea and Sympathy” lays off the week of Dec. 20-25. Meanwhile, Miss Kerr, after taking last sum- mer off to star in a British filmiza- tion of Graham Green’s “The End of the Affair.” is playing her origi- nal role in the touring edition: of "Tea and Sympathy,” currently at the Shubejrt, Detroit. The troupe goes to Chicago soon for an in- definite run, but the topr Isn’t, booked for the Coast, The original' "Tea” production is currently in its 62d week at the Barrymore, N. Y. at Cincinnati, Nov. 30. .New production of "The Temp- est,” staged by Basil Langtori, will be presented by the Cincinnati Symphony Orch at the Music Hall here next Friday-Saturday (3-4). It will use the full Sibelius musical score. Antioch Area Theatre is sponsor- ing the offering. OUT SOON! The Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copyand space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NIW YORK It 114 W. 44ffc Sfc HOLLYWOOD 28 till Sr. CHICADO 11 411 N. Mlthlfee Ave. LONDON. W. C. X I St. Piece Trefetfer Sqeere . Toronto, Nov. JO,. Choice of 4> The Merchant of Ven-; ice” for production next summer at the. Stratford (Ont.j Shake- spearean Festival tfais brought im- mediate protest. Thus far, how- ever, it appears likely that Festi- val officials will* go through with plans for the revival. In the face of. criticism fronv fche Canadian Jewish Congress, direc- tor Tyrone Guthrie declared that the character of Shylock, contro- versial focus of the tragedy, will be ■played . "sympathetically” arid "with ' absolutely no possibility, of anti-Semitic interpretation of our production.” But as spokesman for local Jew- ish community leaders, Rabbi Sio- niri explains, "We find ourselves in a dilemi . We do not want to curb artistic expression, in any way. But, on the other hand, the charac- ter,, of Shylock is one .that cannot be completely understood. Guth- rie says that Shylock can be played, in a sympathetic manner, but we’ll have to wait and see,” Guthrie asserts, "I don’t see how anyone could be offended over our plans. The actor who will play Shylock is Czech-born Frederick Valk, who has suffered for his faith. He is such a noble, great- hearted. fellow that I don’t see how anyone could object to his por- trayar’of Shylock.” Playing Portia in the revival/will be Canadian actress Frances Hy- land. The other Shakespeare, pro- duction during the season will be "Julius Caesaf,” with Canadian ac- tor Lome. Greeri as Brutus, British- born Douglas Campbell as Casca, arid Donald Davis as Antony, A ( Continued page 74) Musicals Americanizing Lack little Adventure’ London,. Nov, 30. Great Britain is "unfortunately” becoming Americanized through entertainment. The process, ac- cording to Eric Maschwitz, who describes himself as the only liv- ing specimen of a British musical playwright; is resulting from the domination of U. S. musicals in England. He aired the. view in a talk at the Southport. Theatre Club last week,. In making the comirient, Masch- witz emphasized that he does not question the great' quality of American entertainment. T h e British musical has. yet to grow up, he explained, but added that it’s a mistake to assume that every Nrw York musical play is . success- ful. .British audiences see only the cream, he asserted! Pointing out that the Drury Lane Theatre had been put back on the. map, half reconstructed, decorated and improved by a management that played safe by importing great American shows, Maschwitz de- clared that it’s sad to think the British .jcould not do the same thing. “I don’t think we lack writers, choreographers, producers or the talent to put on plays of quality.” he said, "We do lack the oppor- tunity — and a little adventure.” The librettist suggested that a fusion of ideas between choreog- raphers and dancers of Sadlers Wells and the musical playwrights might lead to the creation of a new kind of musical show in Britain. He conceded that they would always be up against the fact that it would be an expensive and dif- ficult experiment. Chanman Joins Gawky Set, Taking Tourists Abroad John Chapman, drama critic of the N.Y. News, has not only fig- ured out a way to underwrite a European tour next summer, but also to audition any lecture spiels of the material. . Gimmick is mat the legit re- viewer will conduct a tour of Eng- land and the Continent *hext sum- mer for the Thomas S'. Duffy Trav- el Service, of Syracuse. He’ll head a'feroup limited to, 25 tourists, cov- ering theatrical events in Great Britain, France, Germany, Switz- erland, Italy and i France. It remains to be seen how he’ll handle , gawker customers who question his critical judgments. 9 70 LEGITIMATE The Jolly Fiddler . Glasgow, Nov. 12. Linnlt 8t Punfee Ptd, production of comedy- In three acts, by Rex. Frost; Stars' Gordon Harker. Marjorie Fielding. Di- rected ' by John Counsell; scenery. Hal Henshaw. At Kings Theatre, Glasgow, : Nov. 12. '54; $1.20 top. Spencer Crouch ...... J..1 P.IIIah Gladys Spiller Albert Alan Pryor. . . . . , Sheila Pryor Mr. Finch Mrs: Samson-Box Effie Rigler Mrs. Gamriion Caroline Malle tt . . . . Peter Rosser . . , Jpan Harrison . . Gordon Ilarker , . . Sydney King Rosemary Scott , Anthony Sharp Marjorie Fielding . Olive McFarland ladys Henson ...... Diana King Modest new comedy is about a hotel waiter. Though well acted, it adds up to little more than average entertainment, with a certain de- gree of. charm. It is a pleasant vehi- cle for thesping talents of Gordon Harker, vet English film-legit actor, as the elderly, shuffling waiter. Story, localed in dining-rObm of The Jolly Fiddler, a small country hotel near London, is about the ef- forts of management to replace the old with a fast and perky femme more in keeping with modern con- ditions, The local manager is» against the move, but a bumptious area supervisor keeps intruding to impose his wishes, and the old waiter philosophically prepares .to bow out, though not before show- ing he is still a past-master at un- obtrusive plotting. Author Bex Frost, himself in the catering trade, says he wrote the piece as a tribute to the conscien- tious old retainer, the type of ser- vant who knows everybody's busi- ness, but understandiiigly keeps himself to himself. It is a charming Characterization; aided consider- ably by Harker’s mellow matured acting. ,, Other roles are mainly stock caricatures, with Marjorie Fielding doing a capable job as the prim- ahd-proper oldest resident in the hotel and a skillful meddler. Syd- ney King is adequate as the hotel manager, and Rosemary Scott, as his wife, gives a first-rate perform- fcnee. Gladys Henson, established ac- tress of English pix, has a minor part as the copk. and dues her usual sound job. Diana King also clicks as the rather objectionable new maid. Gord, An Evening Willi Beall rice Lillie London, Nov. 26. H. M. Tennant Ltd. production of revue In two acts (nine scenes). Stars Beatrice Lillie; features Leslie Bricusse, Constance Carpenter,- John Philip. Frances Clare, Eadie and Rack, Gwen Plumb. Settings by Rolf. Gerard. At Globe Theatre, Lon r don, Nov, 25, ’54.. In broad ’essentials, “An Evening with Beatrice Lillie” follows the format of the layout which proved such a smash hit on Broadway two seasons back, but apart from the piano accompaniment of Eadie and Rack, the rest of the cast was re- cruited locally. The revue is ad- vertised for a limited season and the star's potent b.o. lure should make it a sellout, possibly en- couraging the management to ex- tend the run. To put it bluntly, some of the revue sketches in the first half are a. letdown. All too often the humor is labored, and a few of the items are unnecessarily protracted Even so, Miss Lillie succeeds in infusing a boisterous vitality into most of the material. In the first act she repeats a cou- ple of the items originally done on Broadway, “The Star’s First Night” and “References.” and adds a new sketch Called “Kabuki Lil,” in- spired by her recent, visit to Tokyo. For audiences without some back- ground knowledge of the Japanese theatre this may be obscure. It is in the second half of the layout that Miss Lillie comes into her stride. This is the nostalgia half-hour., ith a reprise of many of the specialty songs she has made famous over the years, plus a few numbers new to local audiences. With faves like “Lesson With a Fan.” “My First Affair.” “Maude” and “Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden,” she cannot miss. And for . good measure there is extra weight in comedy tunes like “Wind Around My Heart,” “Nanette” and a charming piece about a zither; Acting as emcee and filling a couple of major solo spots is Leslie Bricusse; one of the outstanders of the recent Cambridge U. Footlights revue which reached London last mmer, He is a natural comedian with unmistakeable talent poten- tialities; His guide to Britain, as delivered by an American, is funny stuff for local consumption. Constance Carpenter, is an ad- mirable foil to Miss Lillie when the latter invades the staiPsT dressing room and John Philip and Frances Clare brightly fill the other parts. Myro. The Night of the Ball Edinburgh, Nov. 23. * , Stephen Mitchell (in association- with Ethel Reiner) production of .drama in three acts, by Michael Burn. Stars Gladys Cooper, Wendy Hiller, Directed by Joseph Lospy; : scenery and costumes; Loudon Sainthill. At. King’s Theatre, Edinburgh; $1.20 top. Electrician Barry Foster Preston .... Gordon PhiUott Helen Eliot ; ... Jill Bennett Tom Skeffington Tom Macaulay Nell Skeffington . . . . . . ..... Gladys Boot Lady Yarmouth ..... V . ; . ; Gladys Cooper Toby Carter Brian Oultbn Margaret Tolleniache , ... . .-Wendy Hiller. Sir Richard Alleyri Robert Harris Julian Lovell Tony Britton Venetia YVonne Savage Anne. .. . * . : . . ... . . . . . . -. Thelma Holt Peter Terence Brook Sidney Willis Edward Mulhare Mirko . ' Manfred Felix Other Guests . ..... ... ... Margaret Fry, Richard' Negus New play by Michael Burn; a newcomer, is generously served by toprate cast and . a splendor of cos- tumes and setting rarely seen on the United Kingdom stage, But it all ‘adds up to a negative piece, static and. pointless. Locale is a private balcony, room overlooking the dancefloor of a country estate near London. Off- stage, there is an almost continu- ous recorded sound of dancers shuffling and ah orch flaying Wal.tzr es and foxtrots, with occasional- silences : between dances. Atmos- phere of lazy luxury is well cap- tured. But the play has little action, arid is mainly a Conversation piece as the guests emerge arid re- emerge on the balcony to discourse on life, Communism, society, peo- ple and love. The talkie-talkie is vaguely clever as it reveals that the host, played by Robert Harris, is keen to marry a lovely widow, en- acted by Wendy Hiller. However, she meets a young idealist, por- trayed by Tony Britton, who turns out to have been her wartime lover and . father of her .. child. \ Gladys Copper is charming in a side role and Brian Oulton Is a humorous blueblood. The settings and costumes are the real stars of the show; But Miss Hiller and, Britton are skillful in difficult parts and Jill Bennett is good as lovelorn girl. Gord. Sabrina Vienna, Nov. 17. Josefstadt Theatre production of Sam- uel Taylor’s comedy in three acts (four scenes), translated by Elizabeth Gilbert. Stars Hannelore Schroth; features Anton Edthofer,. John van Dreelen, Hans Ziegler. Directed by Peter Preses; scenery, Inge Fiedler; costumes, Herbert . Schill. At Kammersplele Theatre, Vienna, Nov. 17, '34. Linus Larrabee ...... Maude ....... . , ... , , . Linus Jr, David Tom Fairchild . , . . . . Sabrina Julia War Gretchen Margaret , Anton Edthofer Adrienne Gessner John van Dreelen ... . . Peter Week . .\ Hans Ziegler Hannelore Schroth Elizabeth Markus ...... Greta Putz Ljdmulla Hell Those who enjoy Comedies of rrianners, as such plays are styled o here, should have a whale of a time in.the Kammerspiele. For the Aus- trian capital proper, it will have a limited audience, with a run of perhaps four weeks. Samuel Taylor’s “Sabrina” (the preem of the Paramount picture is Skedded for New Year’s) was “translated” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Seemingly no one thought it worth- while to “adapt” the play, so the references to U.S. names, situa- tions, etc., generally mean little here. Direction by Peter Preses'lhim- self an American) presents the play in the style of a Paris Boule- vard theatre. Family quarrels, mar- ital bickering, dollar aristocracy, psychoanalysis, etc., do not suffice to make the story of the poor-rich girl marrying the unsympathetic young suitor understandable or believable. Hannelore £chroth has, difficulty with the title role, and the comedy also suffers from the playing, of John van Dreelen as* Linus Jr. Hans Ziegler is good, as the chauf- feur, Anton Edthofer aind Adrienne Gessner are effective as the Lar- rabee riai'erits; Elizabeth. Markus as the sardonic friend is also skillful. Settings by Inge Fiedler are prosaic and the costumes by Her- bert Schill are frankly ugly. Maas. Leiicndia Zurich, Oct,-3d, .Schauspiolhaus production of ' comedy in five scones, by Jean. Anouilh; German adaptation, Tlelma . Flessa. Directed by Werner Kraut; sets, Pierre Monnerat:. incidental music, Francis Poulenc; chore- ography, Herts Bamert; technical direc- tion, Ferdinand Lange; lighting, Walter' Gross. At Schausplelhaus, Zurich, Oct; 30, '54. Amanda Orna Porat Prince , . ... . . ..... .... Alfons Hpcckmann Duchess i>. . Johanna Terwln-Moissl Baron Hector Herman Wlach Headwaitcr flelmUth Ebbs Taxi Driver .... Sigfrlt Steiner Ice Cream . Arinin Schwcizer Cafeteer ans-Helmuth Dickow Butler .............. Hanns Krassnitzer Gun-Charger .... . . . , . Friedrich Carlmayr First local presentation of a lesser-khown Jean Anouilh comedy was chosen as vehicle for the comeback of the pre-war German- Austrian actress, Johanna Terwin- Moissi, widow of Alexander Moissi, considered the German - lan- guage Hamlet of his time. Mme Terwin, who has been in retire- ment in Switzerland for years, is now celebrating her 70th. birthday along with her 50th anniversary ori the stage. On Broadway, “Leocadia” would probably Share no happier fate than the same author’s short-lived “Mademoiselle Colpmbe.” It is . among Anouilh’s poorer efforts, -with a thin story arid trivial, but might be adapted as a . musical. Comedy involves a modern prince who. was in love With a beautiful singer. After her acci- dental death his aunt, an eccentric- duchess, hires a Parisian girl who looks like the late sweetheart, and the young, couple fall in love, ..With Anouilh the author,: this hackneyed yarn naturally has* subtlety and passages of poetic beauty. But on the whole it is tqo insignificant to interest a discrim- inating audience. Even a good per- formance, with colorful, dainty sets by Pierre Monnerat on the revolv- ing stage, cannot save itr The slightly heavy un-Parisian direc- tion. may also hurt. But French composer Francis Poulenc’s inci- dental music is charming and fits the play’s half -romantic, half- ironic mood. Mme. Terwin offers an amusing portrayal of the Duchess, . although the faulty play mars her comeback. As the Parisian girl Orna Porat, a talented young actress from Israel’s Habim^h Theatre,, also reg- isters'as an interesting personality; Alfons Hoeckmann is adequate in the stock, colorless role of the Prince. Mezo. Zarewllseli Vienna, Nov. 8. Rudolf Marik production of Franz Lehar's operetta . in three acts. Stars Jan Kiepura- and Maria Eggerth: features Josef Menschlk, Anny Stift. Directed by Alexander Pichier. Book by Bela Jenbach and Heinz Reichert;- dances. Dia Luca; scenery. Ferry. Windberger; costumes, Gcrdago; musical direction, Leopold Weninger. At Ralmund Theatre, Vienna, Zarewltsch • ................ Jan Kiepura His Uncle -Kurt Wittels. Minister Milan Kamare Sonja ..... ... ... ........ Marta Eggerth Servant . . ... . . ; . . .'1 Hans ^ichta : Iwan Josef Menschlk Mascha Anny Stift Combo of Jan Kiepura high notes and Marta Eggerth charm plus clever staging of one of Franz Lehar’s less successful operettas results in a noteworthy theatrical occasion. The plot (the Zarewitsch, prefer- ring men’s company, is taught love by a girl from the lower ranks) remains complete melodrama and 19th Century ‘ spirit although Kiepura himself .gave it in some parts a new look. It did not help much, as the prolific authors, Bela Jenbach (“Czardas Princess,” etc.) arid Heinz Reichert, failed to make this story gripping. Kiepura’s Zare- witsch may he more sympathetic ; now. than the original one (which Lehar never himself ‘ liked J; and Miss Eggerth may be more be- lievable, but a bad story remains, a bad one. t The buffo duo, Josef Menschik and Anny Stift, is miscast. Since this operetta (Lehar wanted to make it an opera and asked Gia- como Puccini for his advice) suf- fers for lack of humor, the theatre should have hired funmakers. As it is, these two hardly cause enough laughter. Remainder of the cast has only to say “The Czar Ordered” and similar lines. Lehar's familiar songs, “Bank of the Volga,” “Why Is There Only One May in Spring” (one of his very few English waltzes), “Trust Me,” “When Love Wants It,” “Stars Stand Still” and “Tonight I Shall Come to You” get several encores, Leopold Weriinger’s di- rection of the enlarged orchestra is good, overcoming the question- able, acoustics of the ho.use. Laurels go to the Dia Luca bal- let’s dancing, of the “Eva” waltz (taken from one of Lehar’s more successful operettas). Soloists. Hedi Richter and Hubert Hendrik rate special credit. Sets by Alexander Pichier and Ferry Windberger amply encase the play arid create a solid atmos- phere of the Klemlin. Costumes by Gerdago. are also laudable. Direc- tion by Rudolf Marik is okay. Maas. Chi Bits , Chicago, Nov. 30. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Ham- merstein 2d were in town last Week for the Opening of “King and I” at the Shubert , . . Gertrude Brom- herg will pressagent the touring edition of “Teahouse of the August Moon,” with Mary Ward taking over as.p.a; for the remainder of the Old Vic’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” tour* * Wednesday, December 1, 1954 “King of Hearts,”" which closed last Saturday ight (27) at the National, N. Y., may be sent on tour next spring or possibly the fqllowing fall, depending on available names for the Donald* Cook and Jackie Cooper parts. Elaine Perry’s production of the Jean Kerr- Eleanor . Brooke comedy will be on Theatre. Guild-American Theatre Society subscription on the road. , Two principal factors nixed a tour at. this time. One was that with “King and I” and “Oh Men, Oh Women” aheady set for subscription engagements iri Chicago in the next few’ weeks, the scheduling of “King of Hearts” would have meant tripling subscription shows there simultaneously. . The tour Skedded for Miss Perry’s production in* eluded a Chicago booking concurrently with the Rbdgers-Hammer- . stein and the Cheryl Crawford shows, and other dates couldn’t be; arranged. Also, Cooper, was riot available for the road and a suitable, replacement had not been found. Since the cancellation of the tour. Cook has signed for another Broadway show, Gayle Stine’s production of the Leslie Stevens coinedy, “The Champagne Complex.” Bapkers of the Paul Vroom-Herbert B. Swope Jrt production, “Fragile Fox/’ which folded at the B.elasco Theatre, N.Y., last Saturday (27); include William P. Nolan, head of the Nolan Scenic Studios, $2,100; Norman Brooks, the- play’s author, $1,400; • playwright arid radio-tv scripter Elaine Carrington,- $1,400; composer-producer Richard Rodgers, $1,400; producef Barnard S. Straus, $1,400;. Nathan Straus, head of radio station WMC A, N.Y., $1;400; Howard Dietz, lyricist and Metro veepee in charge of advertising and publicity, -$700; strawhat producer Gail Hillson, $700; legit director Marshall Jamison, $700; John Shubert; of the Shubert office, $700; co-producer Vroom, $350; actor Donald Woods, $350; R. H. Fleischman, publisher of the New Yorker niag, $5,600, and literary agent Sylvia Hahlo, $1,400. Production w r as fin* anCed at $70,000, with no bvercall provision. • “Dedication” of the ANTA Playhouse, N. Y.* announced for Dee, 20, preceding a preview performance of “Portrait of a Lady,” will actually be ‘‘revival” ceremony, or at least a “rededication,” The American National Theatre. & Academy already “dedicated” the house April 24, 1951, Feature of the ceremohy was the reading by Helen Hayes, then president of the organization, of a statement Written for the occasion by Maxwell Anderson. v Nancy Coleman will be co-starred with. Karl Malden in the Howard Ersklrie- Joseph Hayes production of “Desperate Hours’-' Albert Lewis and I. B. Joselow have added Rachel Crotkers* “We Happy Few” to their production roster, which, includes Harry Segall’s “Remem- ber Me” . . r Gloria DbHaven will make her legit debut as star of the musical version of “Seventh Heaven” which Gant Gaither and ;William A. Bacher plari bringing to Broadway next spring. Bernard Simon has exited as “Fifth Season” pressagent after two years with the; show on Broad- way and during the initial phases of its current road tour. He’s been replaced by Danny Newman, who recently Wound Up an assignment for Chicago’s Lyric Opera, George Zorn is company manager for the, touting “Season” . . Sammy Schwartz, Who played Nathan De- troit in the touring company Of “Guys and Dolls,” leaves shortly for the Coast to make his film debut in Par’s “Vagabond. King.” Richard Charlton has optioned Jerome Weidman’s “Skylight” for Broadway production next spring, with John O’Shaiughnessy set to direct . . . Cancellation of “Mister Roberts” as .an item of the winter drama season at the N. Y. City Center was at the- request of Leland HayWard, whose film, edi- tion of the Joshua Logan-Thomas Heggen play is due for Warner release next spring. As a substi- tute, the City Center will offer William Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” the fortnight starting Jan, 5, with Franchot Tone as star. Fred Finklehoffe will partner with Howard Hoyt in the produc- tion bf “Ankles A weigh,” so he has had to drop “The Man With the Golden Arm,” Jack Kirkland's: dramatization of the Nelson Algren novel, and Gant Gaither and George Brandt are in line to make the presentation . . John Latouche has Withdrawn as lyricist of “Can- dide” to concentrate with Sain Locke and James Mundy on “De- lilah” as a vehicle for Carol Chan- ging. So Leonard Bernstein and Lillian Heilman Will get someone else to supply the lyrics for the musicalization of the Voltaire satire. Maureen Stapleton and Anthony Ross will costar in “27 Wagons Full of Cotton,” to be presented by James S. Elliott as the first half of a twin-bill, of, Tennessee Wil- liams playlets,, opening Jan. 17 un- der New Orleans Opera Guild spo nsorship at Tula he U . . . For- mer producer James Russo will be production manager for Chandler Cowles- production of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Saint of Bleecker Street.” Dallas Bits Designer Jed Mace sailed Nov. 20, for Paris, to costume the new mu- sical, “Blues Opera,” for producers Blevins Davis & Robert Breen-. Baruch Lumet, who authored “Once Upon A Tailor,” has Written a new three-act satirical cqmedy, “Auitumn Fever/' which, may have a Dallas tryout . . . “Anna Liicas* ta” .was staged* last week by Dallas’ Negro, Roundup Theatre . . * Betty Blanchard’s Courtyard The- atre, Will stage “My 3 Angels,'* Dec. 8-18, with Robert Glenn di- recting. Show on Broadway One Eye Closed ". Haila. Stoddard production of farce in three acts (five scenes) by Justin Sturm. Features Tom Helmore, . Haila Stoddard, John Baragrey, George -Mathews, Parker McCormick, Iggie Wolflngton^ Staged by Romney Brent; scenery and lighting, Eldon Elder; Castumes, Virginia Volland. At Bijou. N.Y., Nov. 24, '54; $5:75-$4.60 top ($6.90 opChing). Gordon Cameron .......... Tom Helmore Denia Cameron Haila Stoddard Mary Benson Marjorie Eaton Frenchy Mulligan ......... Harry Ellerbe Trizie Tyson Moultrie Patten Cy Milton .John Fiedler Sheriff Meyers . . Iggie Wolf ingtort Elsa Kinney ......... Parker McCormick Lowell Markey. John Baragrey Cokey Mulqueem George Mathews State Police Sgt. . Charles Beilin State . Policeman ichard Everhart Indian ... . . .......... .> Hal Thompson It would be easy to ridicule a show like “One Eye Closed” ~ too easy. Even, to the title, it’s a sitting duck.. But those, associated with the production have, done creditable things before and doubt- less will again. So just put this Justin Sturm farce down as one of those periodic, minor mishaps of Broadway and, as soon as possi- ble, forget it. The antic, tried out on the barn circuit last summer under the title “Reunion ’54,” is about an impov- erished. writer and his Wiffc living in Connecticut, in a converted stable. Well, partly ‘converted — a horse liVes with them, at least during the first act, standing- with its head: poking through the set, placidly munching oats. Any- way, three former Yale classmates drop on their way to a college re- union. Recruiting the writer, they all don , convicts’ uniforms, which causes the expected complications when a Sing Sing escapee (a Har- vard man and thef wife’s ex-sweet- heart, no less) also drops in. Admit that there are a half- dozen or so isolated, . modestly amusing lines, and that’s about everything there is to say.. It’s all incredible, faintly silly and seem- ingly endless, although the playing time is actually rather short. It Was announced from the stage just before opening-night curtai that featured femme lead Con- stance Ford was ill, so producer- actress Haila Stoddard, who played the role in the strawhat tryout, went on as the Wife. She. and the other martyrs onstage somehow managed not to look as if they didn't believe a word - of the whole thing. That’s saying a good deal. The cast and other credits are printed above, Let it go at that. Hobe, , (Closed last Thursday night (25) after three performances ,) Wednesday, December 1, 1954 LEGITIMATE 71 Show Finances DEAR CHARLES (As of Oct. 30. ’54) • • • % • .« « r • » 4 k,» • • I. Investment Production cost . . . . Tryout gross (two weeks) Tryout loss ■*/. Summer tour royalties, Total cost to open in N.Y. Gross, first seven weeks in N.Y. Operating profit, same period Amount still to be recouped Investment Arepaid thus far " — Weekly Operating Expense Theatre’s share of gross ....... . . Cast payroll (approx.) including 15% to Miss Bankhead Company crew Extra stagehands .... ... Wardrobe and dressers Stage managers Company manager Pressagents ...... / . Author royalties (sliding scale, average on $29,000 gross) Director . . • -v. ; .... • . "... . Designer i • '• Advertising (approximate) . ... v ........ Departmental bills (approximate)’ Rentals (approximate) Office expense Auditing . . .... . . . ... . ... .... Payroll taxes (approximate) Star and other insurance Extra boxofface staff . ; . . — ... ; i:. ... ... Gross needed to break even (approximate) .......... Weekl^pperating profit at $29,800 capacity (approximate) (NoteT’-Tfie Richard Aldrich-Richard Myers production in its 11th ‘week at the Morosco, N.Y.). .$ 75,000 , 60,225 8;770 23,373 2,297 81,201 199,735 34,856 46,445 25,000 ... ... 30% 7,600 496 193 225 250 250 275 3.500 ... .Fiat $150 50 850 60 228 300 50 235 275 108 18,000 5.500 is currently Saiidhog T. Edward Hambleton-Norris Houghton S reservation of a Rachel . Productions toward Da Silva-Arnold Perl) ballad in three acts, by Earl. Robinson and Waldo Salt. Features David Brooks* Jack :£ as- sid, Alice Ghostley, Betty Oakes. Directed by Da Silva; choreography, Sophie Mas- low; scenery, Howard. Bay; orchestrations, Hershey Kay; musical conductor, Ben .Steinberg. At Phoenix, N.Y., Nov. 23, *54; 94.60 top. KIDS: , Sandy ■ . David winters. Small Fry Eliot. Petri Girl With a Ball......... Betty Ageloff Ring Deader . .... I . Yurlko Red . ... ....... Muriel Mailings. Air Lock Foreman .... John Garter Night Shift Foreman David. Hooks. Sam on the Stick Leon Bibb Henderson ......... . , Mor^tecai Bauman Policeman Robert De Cormier Bill- Cayton . Douglas Collins Johnny O’Sullivan ... Jack Cassidy Fred Burger .............. "Paul XJkena Joe Novak ....... Michael Kermoyan Andy Cayton . : Rodester Timmons Tim Cavanaugh David Brooks Katie O’Sullivan ... ... ....... Betty Oakes . Sharkey Gordon Dilworth Sheela Cavanaugh'. .... • . . . Alice Ghostley Mary Novak . . Mary Kane Giriny. Cayton Mareda Gaither .. Sandhogs, Sandhogs' Wives; Stephanie Scourby. Mitzl Wilson, Doree Simmons, Peter Maravell, Elliot Freeman. The Phoenix Theatre need not be ashamed of its second try at a musical. It lacks the verve, variety and popularity ingredients of “Golden Apple” and is. unlikely to fire any campaign for* an uptown extended run. Add that the gen- eral sembreness of the subject- matter, a certain monotony in the situation, and slowness in. the un- foldment rob: “Sandhog” of the excitement and dramatic wallop necessary to put folklore across in a big boxoffice way. Still, nobody has fallen on his face. The whole thing is realized with taste and artistry. There are moments and scenes and songs of authentic tenderness and theatrical clever- ness. Derived from a Theodore Dreiser short story, “St. Columbia and the River,” this ballad in three acts, as it is termed, has been Carefully staged by Howard Da Silva and is expertly played tby competent singer-performers. ' The; time is New York City of" the 1880’s. The setting is Hell’s Kitchen, the tone is immigrant* proletarian and tragic. The show is very nearly stolen by a small band of Children with a novel series of , sidewalk frolics involving ropes, hoops, pyramid- building and general horseplay. Thi contribution sheds lustre on the choreography of Sophie Maslow. . Earl Robinson, whose “Ballads for Americans” and other contribu- tions in the . idiom of Walt Whit- man's glorification of the common people will be recalled, has teamed with the former Hollywood screen writer, Waldo Salt, in fashionihg this visit to the hillbillies of the North River in the days of Harri- gan and Hart and Rosie O’ Grady. There is a lullaby to sweat and a chant to the “bends.” There is an , amusing discourse by a Tammany- minded saloonkeeper of 1885 vintage anent the number of Republicans .who are Generals and the number of Generals who are Republicans. The second act ends w ,- th the burying alive of some 19 workers trapped below an escape hatch whose door has jammed. This bitter introduction to the night- mare of entombment is hardly relieved by the happy ending of the third act, another tunnel mishap, when the herb, play e "* by Jack Cassidy, after being sucked into the muck is miraculously saved when the river botton “ex- plodes” him to the. surface and a ferryboat picks him up. In addition to Miss Maslow’s young dancers, David Winters, Eliot Feld, Betty Ageloff, Yuriko;’ and Muriel Manings, standout audience attention goes to the four featured players. Cassidy plays with Miss Oakes, Gordon Dilworth with Miss Ghostley. “Sandhog." should prove a valuable showcas- ing to the profession for all of the principals; including Paul Ukena, Douglas Collins, Michael* Ker- moyari and Mordecai Bauman. Howard Bay had a tough assign- ment in designing a single set that could be street, tunnel, park, shanty, saloon and decompression: shaft. The shaft is ingenious enabling the sandhogs to climb down from up high and climb up from the stage. Score of “Sandhog” Is narrative, Interspersed with recititive. It is not stuff to whistle but, at a guess, conductor Ben Steinberg and or- chestratbr Hershey Kay have made it as close to ‘‘commercial” as anything basically folksy and arty can be. . That’s about the verdict bn the whole enterprise. Land. The Importance of Being Earnest (PROVINCETOWN PLAYHOUSE, N.Y.) Billing its production as “the original play from which the movie was made,”, the Provincetown Rep- ertory is reviving “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Province- town Playhouse. There is a value to this inversion which might have amused Wilde, particularly in ref- erence to the. play which best dem- onstrates his flair for this brand of humor. The performers in this revival speak the Wildean epigrams clearly and with knowledge of the inher- ent wit. Their' confidence .stands them in good stead, as .-most of the company is less than comfortable in 'the period and style required. The irrepressible Oscar is not easily defeated, however, so that the production boasts moments of elegance and good humor. The' ladies; have the ' best of it, Carmel Moss and Jane Altman playing Gwendolyn and Cecily re- spectively with hauteur and pun- gency. Mimi Randolph’s Lady Bracknell is vigorously Outspoken, if not as brittle as the lines indi- cate. As Miss Prism, Anne Tilden unfortunately tends toward carica- ture. The two young men of fashion are ° played by Donald Shurnway and John Francis. Although they attack their parts with elan, their artifice seems adopted rather, than innate. David Weinhouse’s fum- bling Dr. Chasuble has a touch of satire that the production could have used in larger doses. Director John F. Grahame seems to have felt that the Wildeah drol- leries need no embellishment. Off- Broadway competition being keen these days, the prognosis, for “Earnest” would not appear to be rosy, Gcor. Lem Ayers to Produce ‘Saturday Night’ Tuner “Saturday Night,” musical, with book by JuliUs arid (the late) Philip Epstein, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, has been op- tioned by Lemuel Ayers. Producer acquired the property during a recent Coast visit and is contem- plating a Broadway presentation next spring. Ayers returned from the Coast last Thursday (25). Prod, in Black Sale of the picture rights to “Rainmaker” put the show in the black last week, its fifth on Broad- way. Property was sold to Hal Wallis and Joseph Hazen, indie film producers; for $350,000. Deal involves an - immediate $i00,000 down, payment, with the balance to be paid out at the rate of $62,500 a year for the next four years., , On. the basis of the customary split of 60% to the authors and 40% to the manager and backers, production’s take from the initial; $100,000. payment (less negotiatiof 3V6 % fee) is $38, ’600. Production’s share of future installments will be $24,250 yearly. Operating profit for the N. Richard Nash play dur- ing its first, five weeks at. the Cort Theatre, N. Y. t ending last Satur- day (27), was approximately $(11,000, The EtbfelLinder Reiner produc- tion was financed . at $75,000 and cost nearly $40,900 to bring to Broadway. There’s been no return to backers, as yet, but at least two- thirds of the investment is ex- pected to be paid in about three weeks. Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn have been mentioned as possible leads in the film. Latter would undertake Geraldine Page’s starring assignment In the play, while former would appear as the title ’character, originated by Darren McGavin. Sidelight to the picture buy is that “Rainmaker” is believed to be the first property to have origi- nated on tv, been adapted for legit and then picked up for a film. “Dial M for Murder” was written originally as play, but when a production could not be obtained, author Frederick Knott allowed BBC to televise it, after which the film rights were sold and then a London legit production Was ranged. Plan Another Outdoor Theatre in N. Carolina Greensboro, N. C„ Nov. 30. North Carolina will get still an- other outdoor theatre for summer presentation of historical drama. It will be constructed on the Lum- ber River, at Lumberton, by the recently - incorporated Lumbee Theatres, according to the firm’s manager, James N. Lowry. The corporation was organized for the construction of the theatre and for the production of a play to be called* “Oh the Banks of the Lumbee.” The management is connected with the operation of the successful “Unto These Hills,” produced in the western part of the state. Lowry is the; author of the proppsed pageant. The show will deal, with the his- tory of the Lumbee Indians and the story of Virgi ‘ Dare, first white child born in America. Plans also Call f6r Recreation park, lai^e fishing fake and camp. legit Playwright Philip Dunning has a few words of caution to all creative writers Public Domain Is a Naughty Word In the 49th Anniversary Number of PSSSIETY OUT SOON right Allen. Boretz cautions that If you’ro In show jpfs Don’t You Ever Dare Mention It one v of the many byline pieces in the 49th Anniversary Number of PfiftlETY OUT SOON Paris, Nov. 30.. Spurred by the success of dra- matic readings in the U. S,, a simL- lar project is planned by Paris; publicist Denise Tual. Among the names lined up to appear in the lecture-style performances ' are Pierre Fresnay,. Francois Perier, Fernand Gravey, Jeanne Moreau, Edwige Feuillere, Jeart-Louis Bar- rault, Simone Simon, Jean Mer* cure, Madeleine Renaud, Gerard Philipe, -Jean Vilar, Jean Marais and Jean-Pierre Aumont. First performance is set for Feb- ruary at the Bouffes-Parisiens. In itial program will be repeated, on subsequent Tuesdays during Feb- ruary, and a new bill will be of-. fered : the first Tuesday in March. Most houses are dark and actors, are generally at liberty Tuesday evenings. Plays will be “reading versions” of literary classics* and the first will be based on Marcel Proust’s eight-volume novel, “Remembrance of Things Past.” Andre Fraigneau has received permission from Proust’s niece, find literary, execu- tor, Suzy* Mante, to make this first stage adaptation of Proust’s work. “Remembrance” has not been cast, but the program to follow it, Supervielle’s arrangement of Vol- taire’s “Candide,” will have Perier and Mile. Simone in lead roles, with playwright Andre Roussin as commentator. Other planned programs are “Til Eulenspiegel,” with Gerard Phil- ipe; Flaubert’s “Sentimental Edu- cation” and at the end. of the sea- son, in May or June, Alec Guinness and Ralph Richardson are v sought for an English reading of Samuel Becket’s play, “Waiting for Godot.” Scheduled N.Y. Openings (Theatre indicated if set) BROADWAY Mrs. Patterson, National (12-1). Hit the Trail, Hell’ger. (12-2). Bad Seed,. 46th St. (12-8). ^.Black-Eyed Susan* Playh’se (12- Lunatlcs & Lovers* Br’dhurst (12-13). Witness For Prosecution (12-1.6). Portrait of a Lady* Anta Play- house (12-20). Anastasia (12-21). What Even’ Woman Knows, City Center .(12-22). House of Flowers, Alvin (12-23). St. Bleecker St, B’way . (12-27). Flowering Peach, Belasco (12-28). Silk Stockings, Imperial (12-30) Purple Dust, Bijou (1-4); Time of Life; City Cent. (1-5). Festival (1-12). Grand Prize (1-13). Put AH Together (wk., 1-17). Fourposter, City Center (1 J 19). Plain & Fancy (1-20). Running Mate (1-20). Painted Days, (wk., 1-24). Desnerate Hours (1-27). Tonight in Samarcand (1-31). Wisteria Trees. City Center (2-2). OFF-B’WAY w Dr/s Dilemma, Phoenix (1-1 1). High Named Today, de Lys ( 12 - 10 ). (Nov. 29-Dec. 11) Take a Giant Step— Lenox Hill Playhouse, N.Y, (1-5). London, Nov; 30. Because its public performance was banned by the Lord Chainber- lai , forcing its presentation in a private'' club theatre, “The Im- moraiist”. has kicked up more stir in London than it did last -season, on Broadway. The drama about homosexuality is current t at the Arts Club Theatre here. The press has . been, in general, rather critical of the, play. There have been notable exceptions; but the prevailing opinion is that the drama * disappointing and offers; insufficient grounds for challeng- ing the official censor’s ban . How- ever, Kenneth Tynan, in the Ob- server, gives “The Iinmoralist” un- usually respectful treatment and attacks the Lord Chamberlain’s authority to forbid it. The well- known playwright, N. C. Hunter, is even more critical in a piece i the London New Statesman and Nation. Tynan opens his long and pro- vocative notice .with the. assertion that it doesn’t matter whether the adaptation differs 'from the origi- nal hovel, but the important ques- tion's whether it resembles a good playl “Michel, Gide’s . hero, de- stroys himself and his wife, Marce- line,” he Writers, “by trying to reconcile two kinds of morality, his own and the world’s. “Ruth ahd Augustus Goetz have, made a : fine play out of emphasiz- ing the fact of Michel’s homo- » sexuality,” the critic continues in part.” Their single error is more apparent than real. Instead of letting Marceline die, they send her home pregnant to Normandy, whither Michel fellows her; but (Continued on page 74) Philadelphia, Nov. 30.. Strawhat operator and former Broadway producer, Michael Ellis has gone over to the enemy. He’s become a drama critic. As part of his new five-weekly television comment series, “To- night in Philly,” over WPTZ, local NBC outlet, he reviews the legit openings there. His sched- ule last week, included first- night Critical reactions on “Luna- tics and Lovers,” the new Mask & Wig "Club show, “House of Flow- ers” arid “Silk Stockings,” and he started off this week with a review Monday night (29) of “Black-Eyed Susan/’ It’s expected that Ellis’ wife, legit-tv actress Neva Patterson, will make occasional guest appear- ances on his weeknightly stint, but not on a regular basis. The couple will spend five nights a week in Philly and weekend in New York, with Miss Patterson remaining here, whenever she has commercial tele assignments. She recently withdrew from a. featured role in the original production of “Seven Year Itch,” at the Fulton, N. Y. Ellis, who took over last sum- mer as operator of the Bucks. Coun- ty Playhouse, New Hope, Pa., got the video offer when a Philly sta- tion exec was in the audience and heard him give one of his nightly between-acts spiels for the follow- ing week’s stock bill. The tele series is on for 10 minutes locally, just prior to the Steve Allen pro- gram on NBC-TV. Ellis devotes most of his" comment to show biz. Rochester Arena Slated To Reopen in Midwinter Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 30. The Arena Theatre, which closed its regular Winter season prema-. tureiy Nov. 20, is slated to reopen late in January or early February for its regular 15-week spring -line- up of six productions. Meanwhile, a subscription campaign is being started. Spot folded after disappointing business for its revival of “Hasty Heart” and with slim prospects for its pending production of. “Tha Lady’s Not for Burning.” Although the reopening; bill' isn’t set, it’ll probably be selected from among “Sabrina Fair,” Shaw and Shakes- peare. LEGITIMATE Wednesday, December 1, 1954 silk Stocking* Philadelphia, Nov. 26. , Feuer £ Martin production of ^muslcai ssaravpfe mm' ^NSohE"*' ».Sr I«M Stars Hlldetjarde Neff and Qon Arneche; features ^Yvonne Adair, Norman AtWns Lwn Beiasco. Henry Lascoe. Clarence Hoffman, Philip Sterhnfi- StaRed^y Kauf man 1 scenery and lighting, JO mieizurc*. former Lucinda Pallard; danee. and musical numbers staged by " u * e J*£ ing; mus^l direction and vocal arTange- mfnts Herbert Greene: . orchertratlons. Don Walker: dance music _ arrangements, Genevieve PUot. Atthe Sbubert. Phila- delphia. Nov, 2(», *54: $5,40 top, Here’s still another musical comedy with a book that really arao 'ats to ^something; ^t^^faslv- loned from the film hit of the 30s, “Ninotchka,” “Silk Stockings” demonstrates a number of things. For .instance, that Don Arneche has a rich bari- tone “voice and might have tried footlight acting long ago. Also, Hildegarde Neff, German-born film actress, has been hiding her light under a bushel of ® rl ^f^ 1 xr an j* Hollywood pictures. George Kauf- man also proves not to have lpst his master’s touch, either as libret- tist or director. He and his wife, actress-play- wright Leueen McGrath, have collaborated on the “Stockings, book, retaining some characters intact, altering Others, keeping the basic idea hut adding a lot ofnew touches and going along with the ribbing of Commy principles, at the same time bringing the . story up to date; It’S a shrewd satire on life behind the Iron Curtain, re- minding one, in spirit and outline, of a switch on “Of Thee I Sing. The first act moves along with such precision and contains so much super quality that it’s per- haps inevitable that the latter half ot the show doesn’t match. The break comes about 20 minutes in the second act, in a number called “Josephine.” It’s a good enough Cole Porter tune and Sherry O’Neil, understudy subbing. for the ailing Yvonne Adair, puts it across neatly; but then a dance routine drags the idea out to exhaustion. After that, it takes about a half- hour for “Silk Stockings” to re- cover pace in a Russian jitterbug number called “The Red Blues;” That and the abrupt, conventional ending shouldn’t be too hard to fix. The Porter score is a good one, though hot exceptional. It is one of the noisiest and brassiest the composer has had since his early days. Tops, are “All of You,” “As On Through the Seasons /We Sail,” “Pads Loves Lovers.” “Satins and Silks” and probably ‘‘Without Love.” though the latter isn’t vocalized as it might be. There’s also a rousing chorus number, “Hail Bikini.” and some good comedy numbers on the" production side. The lyrics are typically a highlight. Arneche sings “AH of You” and the show’s title number as solos arid duets with Miss Neff in “Paris Loves Lovers” and “Through the Seasons.” Their scenes together are unusually sympathetic and unhackneyed, but although Miss Neff’s acting is excellent, her sing- ing disappoints. Miss O’Neil clicks as Miss Adair's understudy, with plenty of saucy sex in her impersonation of an. American screen celeb making a picture in Paris. Genuinely amusing, though with some mate- rial that should.be trimmed or cut, are Clarence Hoffman, Leon Be- iasco and Henry Lascoe as Commy comrades who fall under the spell of Paris i ust as surely as Ninotchka herself does, Norman Atkins is also funny as a Commissar who finally succumbs to bribery, helps the lovers to escape and then skips with a ballet queen. Philin Sterling plays, a CommS' composer who itums to lowbrow hot music, Jo Mielziner has caught both the beauty and. elegance of Paris and the grimness in the scenery. There are no formal ballet . numbers, blit plenty of fast-stepping In . “Jose- phine” and “The Red Blues.” House of Flowers Philadelphia, Nov. 25. Saint Subbar 1 production of musical in two acts, with book by Truman Capote, music by Harold Arlen; lyric* by Capote and Arlen, Feature* Pearl Bmley. Dja- hann CarroU, Juanita. Hall, Josephine Premice, Dlno PiLuca, RaWn- Spearman, Jacques' Aubuchon. Geoffrey Holder; Ada Moore, Enid Mosier, Frederick O Neal, Directed by Peter Brook; scenery and costumes, ' Oliver Messel; choreography, George Balanchine; lighting, Jean Rosen- thal; musical director. Jerry Arlen; or- chestrations;'' Ted Royal. ' At Erlanger, Phila., Nov. 25, '34; $0.00 top. ^ Tulip. .V. ......... . Josephine . premice Gladlola ............ ... ...... Ada Moore Pansy . .. .; ., Enid Mosier Do .... . . ... Winston George Henriques ily have bogged down. With Pearl Bailey almost always on hand, the Capote-Arlen collaboration makes for an exciting .theatrical evening. Waters.. Don't Ottilie, alias Mine .' Fleur M. Jamison .. > , Mlile. Tango , . Mile. . Honolulu Sisters MerlrigUe ... , > . : Mile. Ibo-Lele , Mile. Cigarette . . Watermelon ..... Royal. .......... Champion Mother ...... Chief of Police ... Capt. JonaS ...... Houngon ■ Barrel-Head Band . . . Solomon. Earl Green. .Diahann Carroll Pearl Bailey. Dlno DiLuca Juanlta^HaiU. 1 v ..... ■ Mary Mon Toy • • .«* vi _ . .Leu Coniacho, Margot SmaU Pearl Reynolds , . Glory Van Scott ... Philip IlepbUrn . . Rawn Spearman .. Geoffrey Holder . , . Miriam Burton Don Redman Jacques Aubuchon . Frederick O'Neal Michael Alexander,. Roderick Clavery, Alphonso Marshall Townspeople.- Dolores Harper, Mary Louise. Joseph Comadora, Hubert. Du- worth, Louis Johnson; Arthur MltcheU, Walter Nicks. Here's another musical with an offbeat format: “House of -Flowers” is as unconventional as ''‘Fanny,” if hot more so. Truman Capote read- ers may not be surprised, but to those unacquainted with the au- thor’s tricky writing style and sen- suous subject matter, this big new musical must have come as some-- thing Df a shock. Apparently, -it may be a pleasant one because the first-night: audience was the rriost demonstrative attending a tuner breakin here in recent seasons. It is not only in the matter of libretto, but also in regard to score, that *“House of Flowers” orthodox. Harold Arlen’s music is top-drawer, yet there is virtually nothing for audiences to go out humming, Most of the songs are woven craftily -into the action and. they catch the full flavor of Ca- pote’s alternately languorous and fiery story; Granted that Capote and Arlen have become a collaborating team to be reckoned with and rate praise, hut it must , be added that the evening might be unsatisfac- tory were it not for Peart Bailey as femme lead. She scores a bigger personal triumph than any seen here in years, , ■ As a handsome (and incidentally, she’s never looked better), madam of a .bordello in a seaport town in ‘an . island of the West Indies group” Miss Bailey has a part that’s a natural, and in addition she has a batch of Arlen numbers with which she scores repeatedly. “One Man,” “What’s a Friend For” and “Has I Let You Down?” are going places themselves and also add new laurels for the singer. She also gives a soUnd and many- faceted dramatic performance and she adds salty comedy touches. Capote’s plot — what there is of it— concerns the rivalry between the madam and her competitor, played by Juanita Hall, and it is not a bedtime yarn for children. Woven into it is a romance between a country girl adopted by one mad- am, and a poor boy, also from the hill country. The madam has am- bitious plans for her “protege” that include an attachment with a Witness for tho Prosecntlon New Haven, Nov. 25. Gilbert Miller ft Peter Saunders produc- tion ol drama in three act* (four scenes), by Agatha Christie. Features Francis L. SuUiyan, Patricia Jewel, Ernest Clark, Gene Lyons, Un* O'Connor, Robin Craven, Horace Braham. Directed by Robert Lewis; scenery; Raymond Soveyi cos- tumes, Kathryn MUler. At Shubert, New Haven, Nov. 25, '54; $4.50 .top. . Carter ... Gordon Nelson Grtta Mary Barclay Sir Wilfred Robart*. .FrartCi* L. SuUivan Mr. Mayhew ... Robin Craven Leonard Vol* Gene_Lyoris Inspector Hearpe Detective Romaine .... . . . . . . 3d JUror 2d Juror ........ Jury Foreman , . Court Usher Court Clerk Mr. Myera • *•«••••• a.e 4 Claude Horton Ralph Leonard Patricia Jessel Dolores Rashid Andrew George . . Jack Bittner Arthur Oshlag Ronald Dawson Ernest Clark Mr. Justice Wain wright. Horace Braham Alderman .............. R • Cobden-SmUn Judge's Clerk . . . , Harold. Webster Court Stenographer .... v .. W. H. Thomas. Warder ... ..... Ralph Roberts Barristers. . . ; . .Henry Craig Neslo, Brace Conning. Ruth GreCne, Albert Richards. Frankly n Monroe, Sam Kramer Policeman Bryan Herbert Dr. Wyatt.. ^W,..Spaull Janet Mackenzie ...... .Una. D Connor Mr, Clegg . • Michael McAloney Other Woman , . . . . Dawn Steinkamp In importing the London mystery hit, “Witness for the Prosecution,” it looks, like Gilbert Miller and Peter Saunders have a nest egg. The play should catch on jin the U S., as it offers a telling combi j- turn of good writing, staging and acting. “Witness” is consistently absorb- ing, at times suspenseful and, in the case of its denouement, very clever. It comes in the brain- teaser, rather than the bloody shock treatment, category. While it has certain standard- ized elements of a routine who- dunit (such as the dialogrolling of opposing counsel, the . typical housekeeper being willed out of a legacy, thus making her a suspect, and similar tangents), the overall originality of conception and pres- entation outweighs the pedestrian content. The writing ; and staging avoid such stock devices, as the durnb- flatfoot - for - laughs, absurd, story threads for contrived efforts . and scenery - chewing for dramatic punch. An impression of. complete authenticity is conveyed in this meller of a murder trial In Lon- don’s Old Bailey. Expert cast provides virtually flawless Interpretations. Francis L; Sullivan lends portly dignity, and a flair for. good thesping, to the role of defense counsel. Ern- est Clark offers a stellar contribu- tion as his legal vis-a-vis, the pros- ecutor, As a wife testifying in a case in-, volving her husband on trial for inurder. Patricia Jessel does a re- markable job. Her transitions are brilliantly handled. - Gene Lyons makes emotional capital of a per- sonable drifter who finds himself on trial for his life. Excellent secondary support Is added by Una O’Connor as the housekeeper, Robin Craven as an associate attorney and Horace Braham as court justice. Balance of. the unusually large cast does capably. Production Is simply, hut effec- tively, designed on a rollaway basis that permits quick shifting of split segments. Reproduction of Old wealthy shipping agent, and she [Bailey is especially good. tries to have the youth shanghaied and eventually thrown to the sharks. But the plot falls through ; and the madam almost loses out to her rival. Two newcomers, Diahann Car- roll and Rawn Spearman give sock performances as the young) criuple. Miss CarrPll has three lovely num- bers in “A Sleepiri’ Bee,” “Can I Leave~Off Wearin’ My Shoes” and “1 Never Has Seen Snow” and Spearman does a hangup job with “House of Flowers” and “The Tur- tle Song.” Miss Hall doesn't have too much material but she clicks sharply in “Madai Tango’s Tango.” And Josephine Premice, Ada Moore and Enid Mosier are standouts, as three bordello girls. Their . song, “Don’t Like Goodbyes” with. Miss Carroll, is a delight. The only prominent white performers, in the ' Hollywood could do things with this script via scene insertions hot available to stage version. Bone. Dark Is Light Enough Buffalo, Nov. 24. Katharine Cornell & Roger L. Stevens (by arrangement with H. . M, Tennent, Ltd.) production of drama by Christopher Fry. Stars Katharine . Cornell, Tyrone Power; features Arnold Moss, John Wil- liams. Directed by Guthrie McClihtic; scenery and costumes, Oliver Messel. At Erlanger, Buffalo. Nov. 24, *54; $3.85 top. Current Stock Bill (Nov. 29-Dec. ll) Stalag 17 — Paper Mill bouse, Millburn* N. j. (30-11). This was a thanksgiving bird for Wilmington. “Hello, Paree” turns out to be a disorganized, passe vaudeville show, rather than an intimate French revue as hilled. No Broadway prospects here. .> However, in fairness to the cast, the show opened with two strikes against .it, Charles Trenet, the star, failed to appear after a contrac- tual dispute with producer Wil- liam. L. Taub. French singer had been scheduled to take over the second act; as. a one-man show, so the first act had to be revised and expanded to cover the entire run- ning time. ~ French singer Michel Allard was rushed here to replace Trenet, but found the going rough, Most, of his songs have French lyrics, leaving many in the audience baffled as to what it. was all about. In fact, “Hello Paree” is Woeful- ly lacking in practically every de- partment, The dancing is just average, the music uninspired, the backgrounds limited to a series of curtains, and as for comedy, there just wasn’t any. Two plus factors are the bright costumes and light- ing. ; June Richmond, hefty colored singer, does yeoman work in hold- ing show together. She isn’t bn until the close of the first act, but makes every scene count; winning the audience with her robust sing- ing apd clowning. making a performer, appears . .. stunning gowns, sing? turing the flavor arid spirit of the Given the traditionally superla- ing duets with Paul Leader. Sta- Capote; book. Balanchine’s chore- . tive Cornell treatrrient, this pro- tuesque Juliana Larson also reg- ography is also ace-high,- especially dgetion seems likely to please isters as a singer* especially, in the in the wild and impassioned voo- everyone except the* general pub? ! “Oh; No” number, the best tune in doo numbers of the second act. lie, It has stunning settings, is ' the show. Boy singer Bruce Weil Play- “House of Flowers” has. a new brilliantly lighted; colored and puts across a ballad, “Petite i and tricky pattern that might eas- , costumed, offers several bravura . Mama.” KZep* Jakob Belinann . , i . .... . ; . . . Kassel Stefan Bella ; Willi . Gelda Richard Gettner Donald Harron , . John Williams William POdmore . . Paul Roebllng , : . .Eva Condon Charles Macaulay Marian Wlnte Tyrone Powi -I-. . _ t i — j • i. . * . uiuimiiLuv n kvi&viiuuio' ui mu Eugene Coring staged them and j - s h 0W are -Dino Diluca : as the they both need sharp trimnung, ! w ea llhy shipping man. and Jacques .LUcinda Ballar(Ls costumes, both Aubuchon as the rascally, sea cap- the gorgeous Parisian .creations 1 - - and the drab Russian, students’ togs help a lot. “Silk Stockings” has plenty on the ball right now and that dead spot in the Second act, shouldn’t be too hard to correct. Waters. Countess Rosmarin Qstenburg Katharine Cornell CoL Janik ./ Arnold Moss Count Peter Zichy. .Christopher Pluinmer Beppy , . Ted Gunther Rusti ................. Philip Kenneally 3d Soldier ....... ..... . Jerome Garditio 4th Soldier .......... 1 Dario. Barrl { lerformances, and has lofty ideal- sm in conception that, frequently shines through the coarser texture : of its technique. It falls short, however, because of the failure of its meaning, to break through the symbolic murk of its rhetoric. When the protago- nist cries out in the second act; “I don’t know what the hell you are talking about," he’s speaking for many put front. Although alert and intelligent direction arid the playing of a superlative cast at times clears up the obscurity of the script, the dark of the dra- matic passage Is not light enough for the play .. tor attai its destina- tion. The title is from a passage in Fabre referring, to .the tortured flight of the butterfly through storm and darkness still suffici- ently light for it to reach its goal unharmed. The locale is a coun- try house: in the AuStriah-Hun- garian empire during the revolu- tion of 1848-49. The central figure is a countess Who tries' to save her hated son- in-law, a member of the rebel army, who is chronically rebellious against all existing forms of thought andt* authority. She is a sort of human catalyst, whose proximity overcomes and enables all with Whom she comes in con- tact. After the first act, the story becomes almost static, dealing mostly with the interchange of ab- stractions. The role of the countess is cal- culated to iriake an. actress' head spin arid mouth water; Miss Cor- nell’s - portrayal is regal arid com- passionate. The subleties of the role of Gettner, the young revolutionary, seem to elude Tyrone Power. While he lends a physical attractiveness arid virility to the role, his vocal limitations are at times apparent. Arnold Moss’ dignified and au- thoratative portrayal of the colonel in victory and defeat; John Wil- liams’ delineation of the tart coun- sellor to the Countess, supplying practically the sole comedy relief, and Marian Winters’ intelligent and intelligible countess’ daughter aH add to the stature of the pres? entation. Also, Christopher ^Plummer as a Hungarian in the Austrian govern- ment and also the manly second son-in-law; Paul Roeblirig as the irnpetuous son and William Pod- inore and Donald Harron as the family physician and the intracta- ble member of the Countess’ re- tinue respectively, are also notable. The production is scheduled for a 10 key-city tour before opening Feb. 9 on Broadway. It needs and will undoubtedly receive sharpen- ing arid clarification^of the shining points as yet hidden in this overly intellectual poetic haystack, n Burton. Tempest in a Teapot .Philadelphia, Nov. 24. Mask Sr. Wig Club (U. of Pennsylvania) production of a musical show in two acts. Prbdaced by Robert Wicker sham; dl- jected by .Chester Cooper; dance* and musical numbers staged by Walter Keenan; Scenery, Robert Patterson; cos- tumes, Helen Stevenson West; orchestral arrangements and incidental music, A1 Boss. Book by William Link and Richard Levinson, based on scenario by E. C. and S. Wertlmer; music and lyrics, Donn Bruce, - Sydney Fisher, Allison Fleita*. Richard Levinson, Willtam Link, Donald Lowden, Henning Ludlow, James McHugh, Thomas Scotea, Philip Struthers. Orches- tra. conducted- . by Frank Juele.. Locust Street, PhUadelphia, Nov. 22, *34. Hello, Pareo Wilmington, Nov, 24. William L. Taub production of revue In two acts (21 scenes). Features June Rich- mond. Michel AUard; Hope Hampton. Julians Larson, Bruce Weu. Music and lyrics. Alex Alstone, Michel. Emer and Mel. Martin;, directed by Mervyn Nelson; choreography, Tommy Wonder; orchestra- tions, Bernie Thall: decor, Nikki Eastman; costum es^George Drew; musical director, Otto Frohlich; At the Playhouse, Wilming- ton, Nov. 24, '54: $5.50 top. The U. of Pennsylvania’s Mask Se Wig., Club, when combing -history for . backgrounds for musicals, usually comes up with an episode having a 'local (Philly) slant, This year’s show, hriwever, moves the locale to Boston and deals with the famous pre-Revolutionary War ieft- party. That’s about as far as the show and history keep company. As in the case of all the Wlggers* offer- ings this one introduces strictly up- to-the-minute news items' and trends, into the historical back- ground. In general the book, while containing the usual Mask & Wig; allotment of outrageous piins, is better than usual.; As always, however, this is a dancing show and the Wiggers' chorus line has never looked bet- ter. With the emphasis on stepping, the glee ensemble doesn’t have the chances it has had in a few of this Wiggers’ more recent shows but what there is is competently vo- calized. There are a number of. catchy airs, including “Morality,” “Where There’s a Will,” “Wonder- ful You” and “Brazilian Rhapsody.” As “femme” lead, Alfred Toigo is one of the best the Wiggers have had in some time, arid Lemuel Schofield clicks as a double-talking COmic. The show has been hand- somely staged, but falls below pro- fessional standards in its lighting,. “Tempest in a Teapot” played three dates before opening here and has 12 spots to play after the local booking, including Boston arid as far west as Cleveland. Waters. Campus Thunder ’55 Bridgeport, Nov. 19. U. of Bridgeport Campps Productions and Knights of Thunder production of musical in two acts (15. scenes). Book by Albert Dickason; music and lyrics, Sim« Neary, Steve Martin and Harry Ahlberg, Sam Anderson, William J. Jjura. Daniel Leeson. Staged by ^Dickason: dances, Zita Carrano; lighting. Charles KeUogg; stage manager, John Reed; technical director, Fred MUls Jr;; costumes, Mrs. Sime Neary. Marguerite Scott; musical director, Gus Meyers Jr. At Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport, Nov. 19-22, '54; $3.60 top, Katharine Cornell returned to hometown Buffalo with am opulent tain. Both contribute telling char- production of Christopher Fry’s acterizations. [ poetic drama “The Dark Is Light Peter Brook has done a capital [ Enough.” Written ’ .frequently directorial, job, although there is i soaring blank verse arid dubbed plenty of work still td /be done, es- ' rather enigmatically as a “winter pecially in the first; act. The stag- ' comedy,” the play is. a current hit i Hope Hampton, ing, with Oliver Messel’s . truly in London with Edith Evans as 'comeback as a perfi breath-taking sets combine in cap- femme star. . * , jin a series of stunnii tTio flftvftr cWirl'f:- hf fho ^ Givon .Hia ft-Q/UtirtViolliF o- ■! in cr 'DquI Eighth edition of “Campus Thun- der,” the U. of Bridgeport’s annual extravaganza, ranks with the upper echelon . college shows and merits the outside-Bridgeport exposure it is getting this^year at Hartford. “Thunder” has been duly re- garded as the baby of Albert Dick- ason, UB’s drama head. The nevr edition demonstrates the writer- stager’s skill with undergraduate entertainment. Physically the show is of professional standard. “Thunder ? 55” represents a sat- isfying musical comedy, plus an ef- fective framework for the special- ties which have comp; to be asso- ciated with this show. Among the latter are the Thunderettes, the traditional male “show-girl” group, that scores in four numbers. Sam Anderson, New York pian- ist-tunesmith who occasionally collaborates with Dickason, regis- ters particularly with "One Way Ticket to Love,” *Why Couldn’t I” and “Let’s Discuss.” Notable, too, are William Pjuras “Let’s Go to the Carnivale,” the Steve Martiri- Harry Ahlberg team’s “Don’t Stick Your Neck Out,” Sime Neary’s “Hurrieanie Baby” and “Trolley Car Ride” and Dan Leesori’s lyri- cally sinart “Grown Up for You.” Dickason’s book, pegged on ambitious journalistic job-hunter’s adventures with a mother arid her marriage-bent daughters, provides adequate cue for comedy and movement. Among the principals who im- press are Pauline Scinto as the gal who gets, her story; Lenore Bifield, a lively looker, as a matchmaker; Geraldine Bennett, a loose-limbed comedienne; Alex Zavadsky as the romantic newspaper editor; Do- lores Ludka as a South Seas maid who falls in love with a Yank, and Gary Singer as a sailor. - The sets, topped by a trolley ride with moving rear projection, and the costumery help put o’ ’he show. Eleni . Keraiit Bloomgarden’s produc- tion of “The Diary of a Young Girl” is budgeted at $75,000. , Albert and Frances have dram- ; atized the Anne Frank posthumous [account life in Nazi-occupied Hol- 1 land. Wednesday, December 1’, 1954 < * 1 if ' Philadelphia, Nov. 30. . With four openings last week and all live theatres lighted, the city welcomed the Army-Navy ancl Penn - Cornell football weekend crowds with a full complement of legit fare. Tryouts included “Silk Stockings,” “House of Flowers” and “Lunatic's and Lovers.” Other two offerings were the holdover “South Pacific” and the U. of P. Mask & Wig Club’s “Tempest in a Teapot.” . Estimates for Last Week South Pacific, Forrest, (MD) (9th wk) ($4,80; 1,760) (Iva Withers, Alan Gerrard). Rodgers and Hammerstein tuner slid to $23,700; continues through Jan. 1. Tempest in a Teapot, Locust (M) (1st wk) ($4.20; 1,580). Mask & Wig Club of the U. of Pennsyl- vania’s annual musical cavort drew $25,000. . House of Flowers, Erlanger (M) (1st wk) ($5.40; $1,880). Truman Capote-Harold Arlen musical off to good Start thanks to strong bally-, hoo theatre’s location hurts, how- ; ever; fine $29,000 for first six per- formances; good reviews. Silk Stockings, Shubert (MD) (Opened Friday) ($6;. 1,870) (Don Ameche , Hildegarde . N ef f ) . Magic of cast and production, names sold out this tryout even before, the opening; smash $21,800 for first three performances; fine reviews. Lunatics and Lovers, Walnut, (C) (1st wk) ($4.20; 1,340) (Dennis King). Sidney. Kingsley farce re- ceived mixed press, but. Theatre Guild subscription and word of imouth helped; moderate, $14,000, Washington, Nov. 30. Although Walloped by the town's reviewers, “Portrait of a Lady” drew a nice $22,800 at the National Theatre last week, for the initial half of its two-week engagement, with the opening last Tuesday night (30) instead of Monday. Busi- ness is credited to the strong draw of film star Jennifer Jones and the Theatre, Guild subscription. Slim $7,600 was all the business done last Week by the new Clifford Odets play, “Flowering Peach” at the Shubert Theatre, although it had the better press of the two Broadway-bound plays, “Peach” also continues for a second week. BELLAMY OKAY $20,500, ‘MOON’ 146, DETROIT Detroit, Nov, 30. “Oh Men, Oh Women,” starring Ralph Bellamy, grossed $20,500 in the final week of a forthight’s stay at the 1, 482-seat Cass. Top was $3.85. Current is “Seven Year Itch” at a $3.85 top. “Moon Is Blue” ended a two- week run at the 2,050-seat Shubert with a weak $14,000. Twofer top. was $3.85. Current is Deborah Kerr In “Tea and . Sympathy” in for a fortnight at $4.40 top. 'Ginger’ Modest $13,000, Eva $12,000 in Foggy L.A. - Los Angeles, Nov. 30.* Four ights of severe fog cut sharply into local business last week as vehicular traffic was re- duced to a minimum, Biltmore Theatre, located downtown Where visibility averaged about two feet, was hardest hit. . Estimates for Last Week Sailor’s Delight, Huntington Hart- ford (C). (1st wk) ($3.85; 1,036) (Eva Gabor). So-so $12,000; about break- even, but belOw hopes.. Time Out for Ginger, BiltmOre (C); (1st wk) ($3:85; 1,636) (Melvyn Douglas). Fog eliminated window sale, but Theatre Guild, subscrip- tions gave it a mild. $13,000. Re- views were favorable. W in 2m Split Columbus, Nov. 30. “Oklahoma” On its seventh time around and during the holiday weekend; racked up fair $12,800: at tbe. Hartman here in four perform- ances last Thursday-Saiurday (25- 27) at $3.45 top,. Four other per- formances for the musical split be- tween Jamestown and Akron, brought the total take for the week to almost $23,500. “letting Gertie's Garter” is cur-, rc.u at the Hartman this week on twofers. ■ 4* For Portland-Seatde Portland, 'Nov. 30. Helen Hayes in “What Every Woman KnoWs’’ grabbed a sizzling $ 29,000 In three bights arid one matinee at the Civic Auditorium here last Tuesday-Thursday (23- 25). Tne 3,400-seat house Was scaled at $4.80. Revival added another hot $14,- 000 in three performances last Fri- day-Saturday (26-27) at the 1,500- seat Metropolitan,. Seattle, with Theatre Guild subscription holding down receipts. It continues there through next Saturday (4), aftei which Miss Hayes and several principals go east for a i Christmas holiday fortnight stand at the N.Y. City Center. - Boston, Nov. 30. Legit activity took a breather here, last week with only two. the- atres alight. “Black Eyed Susan,” in its finale, at the Plymouth, spurted ahead of the previous, frame, but “On With the Show,” ! in its third turieup week at the Shubert; was staggering. Three newcomers bhwed in last night (Mqri.). They were “Witness For the Prosecution,” Plymouth for two weeks; ; “Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” Colonial, one week, and Jose Greco, Shubert, one week. Estimates for Last Week Black-Eyed Susan, Plymouth . (2d wk) ($3.85; • 1,200) (Vincent Price). Wound second week with nice $20,400, left town to continue try- out,. On With The Show, Shubert (3d wk) ($4.40 -$5.50; i;7Q0) (Irra Petina). Ended third tryout . week with a laggard $17,500; revue exited for New York, where it’ll preem this week as “Hit the" Trial.” ‘WITNESS’ GOOD 13|G (4) IN NEW HAVEN BREAKIN New Haven, Nov. 30. From a virtually non-existent ad- vance, preem of .“.Witness for the Prosecution” built on word-of- mouth to a healthy $13,500 on four performances at $4.50 top at the Shubert last Thursday-Saturday (25-27). American preem of “Anastasia” plays , the house this Thursday-Sat- urday 12-4) and other bookings in- clude 'Plain arid Fancy,” Dec. 11 arid 13-18; “Southwest Corner,” Dec. 23-25,. and “Put Them All Together,” Dec. 30- Jan. 1. ‘Gertie’ $8,700, Toronto; Cornell-Power Current Toronto, Nov. 30. Despite the competition of the Grey Cup final, Canada’s top rug- by championship playoff, plus the Mardi Gras festival, “Getting Gertie’s Garter” grossed a fair ,$8,700 last week. This saw the 1,525-seat: Royal Alexandra scaled at $3.50 top with tax, but 80% of the sale on twofers. The Jack York and Max GerideL opus has a good production, plus a looker cast in the femme bracket. On the current engagement of Katherine Cornell arid Tyrone Power in Christopher Fry’s “Dark Is Light Enough,” the advance was $23,000, with opening night sold out and 75% of the house gone on. for the rest of the Week, at $4 top with tax. Dublin Players $11,000 For First Week, Frisco San Francisco, Nov. 30. The fall legit season dwindled to one house last week. The Dublin Players bowed for two weeks of repertory at the Geary and got a good reception from the local pressl but slim b.o. pickings. With both “Saint Joan” and “Sailor’s Delight” cancelling,, fu- ture bookings are Somewhat slim. “Time Out for Ginger” opens next Monday (6) at the Curran for four weeks, on subscription. Estimates for Last Week Dublin Players, Geary t$3.85; 1,550). Opened 1 to good reviews* but only hit $11,000; final week is current. UECrCUIATB 7» ‘Ptree’Sad&306for5 In Wilmington Breakin Wilmington, Nov. 30. “Hello, Paree,” drew only $5,300 in a five-performance tryout last , Wednesday-Saturday (24-27) at the ; 1, £33-seat Playhouse- here.. Revue ; was severely panned and drew un- favorable audience reaction. (It’s folding in Hartford this week). Playhouse bookings for the re- mainder of the- year include next Thursday (2), “Madame Butterfly,” opera in English; Saturday (4), Mask and Wig Club musical, “Tem- pest in a Teapot”;, week of Dec. 6, “Wonderful Town.” ‘Season 20G, Chi Chicago, Nov. 30. Holiday weekend helped Loop biz last week. "King and 1” opened strong on Guild subscription and “Fifth Season” is apparently build- ing on word of mouth. “Mrs. Patterson” departed. Sat- urday night (27) for Broadway and “Panama Tops’’ arrived Sunday (28) for a four-week twofer stay. “Oh Men, Oh. Women” comes in next Monday. (6) on subscription. Estimates for Last Week Fifth Season, Erlanger, (2d wk) ($4; 1,300) (Chester Morris, Joseph Buldff), Over $20,000 and building (previous week, $15,500). King arid I* Shuhert, (1st wk) ($5; 2,100) (Yul Brynner, Patricia Morison). Almost $42,600 for first seven performances. Opened last Tuesday (23). to two affirmative n 0 t'ipe s (Harris, Daily News; Kogan,. Sun-Times), two pans (Cassidy, Tribune; Dettmer, Ameri- can); lively window sale since the opening. Midsummer Night’s Dream, Civic Opera (1st wk) ($5.50; 3,600) (Robert Helpmann, Moira Shearer, Stanley Holloway). Topped $ <, 6 P n .Q for first four performances. Open- ed Thursday (25) to pans, from ail four . critics* Mrs* Patterson, Harris (8th wk) ($5; 1,000) (Eartha Kitt). Almost $16,000 for seven performances, after cancelling Wednesday, mati- nee (24) due to star’s illness (pre- vious week, $19,900); exited Satur- day (27) for New York.. OPENING THIS WEEK Pajama Tops, Blackstone ($4.40; 1.358) (Diana fearrymore). Opened Sunday night (28) for four weeks on twofers; drew unanimous pahs; show drew $16,200 the previous week in Cincinnati, hut: Was Under- quoted. ‘SEED’ SPROUTS $14,800 FIRST WEEK IN BALT0 Baltimore, Nov. 30. “Bad Seed” grossed a fair $14,- 800 at Ford’s here last week for the first of a two-week stand. Ini- tial stanza was on Guild- ATS sub- scription for the. Maxwell Anderson tryout, with current second round a rarity in this solo-week town. Jennifer Jones in “Portrait of a Lady,” due Dec. 7, is also in for a fortnight., Deborah Smash $32,700, Near-Record in Cleve, Cleveland, Nov/ 30. A near-record gross for straight plays at the Hanna was set by De- borah Kerr in the touring “Tea and Sympathy” last week, Take was $32,700 for eight performances at , $4.75 top. Dark this week, Hanna relights next Monday (6) with Jose Greco’s Biz on Broadway continued to slide last week. Receipts were off during the early part of the frame, but picked up with the holiday weekend. The annual pre-Christ- mas slump is now bn. There were four closings last week, with two more slated to follow next Saturday (4). Shutter- ings were “By the Beautiful Sea,” “Fragile Fox,” “King of Hearts” arid. “One Eye Closed.” Latter preemed Wednesday (24) and threw m the towel the following night (Thurs- day) after three performances. Upcoming closings .are: “Living Room” and “On Your Toes.” Besides “Eye,” ithe only new entry last: week was “Sandhog” at the off-Broadway Phoenix Theatre. This week’s openings are “Mrs: Patterson” tonight (Wed.) and “Hit the Trail” tomorrow night (Thurs.). Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD ( Comedy -Dravta ) , R (Revile), MC (Musical-Cotiieuy), MD (Musi- cal-Drama), O (Opera ) > OP (Op- eretta). Other parenthetic designations refer; respectively, to weeks played, number of performances through last . Saturday, top prices/ number, of seats, capacity gross and stars. Price • includes 10% Federal and- 5% City tax, but grosses are net’, i.e., exclusive of tax. Abie’s Irish Rose, Holiday . (C). (2d wk; 12; $5.75-$4.60; 900; $28,000). Around $6,0.00 (previous week, $2,500 for first four per- formances). Anniversary Waltz, Broadhurst ■(C) (34th wk; .267; $4.60; 998; $28,000)** (Macdonald Carey, Kitty Carlisle). Just under $21,100 (pre- vious week, $22,000); ^moves next Monday (6) to the Booth. Boy Friend, . Royale (MC) (9th wk; 68; $6.90; 1,172; $38,200). Had empty seats, but standees took the gross over capacity again, $38,300. By the Beautiful Sea, Imperial (MC) (34th Wk; 268; $6.90; 1,400; $50,000) (Shirley Booth). Over $23,900 (previous week. $19,700); closed last Saturday (27) at a loss of approximately $175,000 on a $500,000 investment. Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Plymouth (U) (45th wk; 356; $5:75- $4.60; $33,331) (Lloyd Nolan, John Hbdiak, Barry Sullivan). Almost. $27,100 (previous week. $27,500). Can-Can, Shubert (MC) (82d wk; 652; $6.90; 1,361; $50,160). Nearly $46,000 (previous week, $48,500). Dear Charles, Morosco (C) (11th wk; 85; $6.90-$5.75r$4.60; $29,850) (Tallulah Bankhead); Over $22,700 /previous week, $25,600). Fanny, Majestic (MD) (4th wk; 28; $7.50; . 1,510; $65,300) (Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak). Capacity agaih, over $65,900 (previous week, $65,900 not ; $69,000 as erratumed). Fragile Fox, Belasco (D) (7th wk; 55; $5.75-$4.60; 1,077; $28,300) (Dane Clark,. Don Taylor). Over $7,000 (previous week, $11,000);, closed last Saturday (27) at a loss’ of approximately $60,000, on a $70,- 000 investment. King of Hearts, National (C) (35th wk; 274; $5.75-$4.60; 1,172; $31,300) (Donald Cook, Jackie Cooper). Almost $15,100 on two-, fers (previous week, $12,200 on twofers); closed last Saturday (27) at a loss of approximately $30,000 on a $60,000 investment. Kismet, Ziegfeld (OP) (52d wk; 412; $6.90; 1,528; $57,908) (Alfred Drake); Nearly $51,100 (previous week, $53,900). Living Room, Miller (D) (2d wk; 14; $5.75-$4.60; 920; $23,248) (Bar- bara Bel Geddes); Almost $14,000 (previous week, $12,000 for first six performances); closes next Satur r day (4). On Your Toes, 46th St. (MC) (7th Wk; 56; $8.05-$6.90; 1,319; $4«;547) (Vera Zorina, Bobby. Van). Over $29,800 (previous, week, $26,800); closes next Saturday ^ (4). One Eye Closed, Bijou (C) (1st wk; 3; $5.75-$4.60; 603; $16,979). Opened last Wednesday (24) to * unanimous pans/* grossed under $3,200 for three performances; closed last Thursday (25) at a loss of approximately $40,000 on a $50,- 000. investment. ' Pajama Game, St. James (MC) (29th wk; 228; $6.90; 1,571; $51,- 717) (John Raitt, Janis Paige, Eddie Foy Jr.). Capacity again, over $52,100. Peter Pan, Winter Garden (MD) (6th wk; 45; $6.90; 1,510; $57,500) (Mary Martin). Over $53/00 (pre- vious week, $53,300). Quadrille, Coronet (C) (4th wk; 30; $6.90-$5.75-$4.60; 1,027; $30,- 000) (Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne, Edna Best, Brian Aherne). Capac- ity at over $29,600 (previous week, $33,100 for nine performances). Rainmaker, Cort (C) (5th wk; 36; $5.75j$4.60; .1,056; $29,000) (Ger- aldine Page). Over $19,100 (pre- vious week, $17,700), Reclining Figure, Lyceui (C) (8th wk;‘ 60; $5.75-$4.60; 995; $23,- 389). Almost $15,000 (previous week, $16,600).. Seven Year Itch, Fulton (C) (106th wk; 845; $5.75-$4.60; 1,063; $24,000) (Elliott Nugent). Almost $19,200 (previous week, $19,700). Solid Gold Cadillac, Music Box (C) (56th wk; 445; $5.75-$4.60; 1,077; $27,811). Just under $18,600 (previous week* $19,500). Tea arid Sympathy, Barrymore (D) (61st wk; 485; $5.75-$4;60.j 1,214; $28,300 (Joan Fontaineh Nearly $19,200 (previous" week, $19,500). Teahouse of the August Moon, Beck (C) (59th wk; 476; $6.22-$4.60; 1,214; $33,608) (Burgess Meredith, Scott McKay). Capacity again, over $34,000; David Wayne and John Forsythe returned as. stars last Monday (29) after a 10-weck vacation, with Meredith and. Mc- Kay exiting to head the upcoming touring edition. ... Tender Trap, Longacre (C) (7th Wk; 53; $5.75-$4.60; 1,048; $26,317) (Robert Preston, Kim Hunter,. Ronny. Graham). Nearly $21,500 (previous week, $23,400). Wedding Breakfast, 48th St;*(D) (2d wk; 9; $5:75-$4:60; 925; $23,- 720). Almost $13,200 (previous week,. $2,5op for one performance). Miscellaneous Sandhog, Phoenix (M) (1st wk; 8; $4.60-$3.45; 1,150; $24,067). Opened last Tuesday (24) to one favorable review (Atkinson, Times), five neg- ative opinions (Chapman, News; Coleman, Mirror; H’awkins, World- Telegram ; McClain, Journal- Amer- ican; Watts, Post) and one yes-no (Kerr, Herald Tribune); grossed over $19,400 for first eight per- formances and three previews. Opening This Week, Mrs, Patterson, National (D) ($6.9Q-$5:75; 1.172; $37,000) Eartha Kitt), Play with music by' Charles Sebree and Greer Johnson, pre- sented by Leonard Sillman; pro- duction financed at $75,000, cost about $54,000 to bring in, includ- ing approximately $500 tryout profit, but excluding bo rii* and can break even at around $15,500 gross; opens tonight (Wed.). Hit the Trail, Hellinger (M) $6.90; 1,527; $55,916) (Irra Petina). . Musical, formerly titled “On With the Show,” with book by Frank O’Neill; music by Frederico .Valr I erLo, lyrics by Elizabeth Miele, pre- ; sented by Miss Miele; production financed' at $225,000, cost about ,$220,000 to bring in, including ap- proximately $40,000 tryout loss,. ; but. excluding bonds, and can break even at around $30,000 gross; opens tomorrow (Thurs.) night, OFF BROADWAY SHOWS (Figures denote opening dates) Doll's House, ‘Finch Coll. (11-12). Dybbuk, 4th St. (10-26-54). Importance Being Earnest, Prov- incetown (11-9). In Splendid Error; Greenwich News (10-26-54). Sands of the Negev, President (10-25-54). Slight. Delinquent, Blackfriar (10-25-54). Stone For Danny Fisher, Dow town National (10-21-54). Twelfth Night, Jan Hus (11-9-54). Way of the World, Cherry Lane (9-29-54). CLOSED LAST WEEK : I Feel Wonderful, de Lys (10- 18-541. dance, company. 1 Following are the comparative figures based on Variety’s, box- office reports for last week (the 26th week of the season) and the corresponding week of last, season: the corresponding week of last, season: BROADWAY This 1953-54 Season Season Nupiber of shows current 26 28 Total weeks played so far by nil shows . 477 447 Total. gross for all shows last week: . , . $683,200 $719,500 Season’s total gross so far. . $13,100,900 $12,548,300 Number of new productions.. 21 25 ROAD Excluding stock Number of current shows reported. . 29 16 Total weeks played so far by all shows . 384 341 Total gross for all shows last week. , . . $550,900 $328,700 Season’s total gross so far> ......... . $9,507,400 $7,847,400 74 lboitkmatv \Vednesday, December 1, 1954 British Ban Continued from page 11 their ending, with the couple fac- ing' a dour, blackmail-dogged future, is hot a happy one. If any- thing, it is truer and less wishful than Gide’s. . ‘Moral Agoraphobia’ V ‘The Immoralist* is the frank- est, most detached play about homosexuality our theatre has yet seen, as free from sentimentality as it is from sensationalism. Its attitude is . that Menalque in the ' book, who says that ‘the most odious cowardice’ is ‘moral agora- phobia.’ The pattern of. despera-' tion, indispensable to good drama, is traced as Michel is forced to acknowledge his abnormality. “Plays like this are always ac- cused of naivete; we scoff nervous- ly, forgetting that Censorship hafe so brusquely retarded the theatri- cal treatment of sex' that it is still, to our shame; in its infancy. ‘The Immoralist’ ' stumble towards maturity. “In America ‘The Immoralist’ ran for 96 performances; here the ex-Governor of Bombay has cele- brated his second anniversary as. Lord Chamberlain by refusing it a licence. The rules governing his curious office lay down the follow- ing reasons for suppressing’ a play: profanity, improper language, in- decency of dress, offensive repre- sentation of living persons, and y thing likely to provoke a riot. “Nothing. in ‘The Immoralist’. comes under any of these headings. As when ‘Oedipus’ was banned 45 years ago, the. Lord. Chamberlain seems to „.have overstepped, his brief.” ‘Truly Liberal Narrow-mindedness’ Hunter’s comment on the bail- ing contained the sarcastic sug- gestion that by forcing the play into a private club theatre instead of a regular. West End house, the Lord Chamberlain had protected it from “grosser. Grundyism” and that censorship had thus acted with “truly liberal narrow-minded- ness.” The writer, author of the hit plays, “Waters of the Moon” and the current “A Day by the Sea,” continues. “We know that in a large section of the public . and the press the word ‘homosexual’ Induces froth- ing at the mouth. It is not. difficult to imagine the kind of outcry that would be likely to follow the pub- lic presentation of this play and the less letters to the press signed ‘disgusted,’ the hightoned articles, and questions in Parliament. “I suspect,” he adds; “that the refusal to grant this play a licence has. enabled a .number of people interested in it, to see arid judge it under nojmal conditions. Had it been licensed, would any manager, threatened with the ugly Cry, ‘making money out of dirt,’ have dared to present it in the West End?” Comeli-Power $19$600 For 5 In Buffalo Bow Buffalo, Nov, 30. “Dark Is Light Enough,” costar- ring Katharine Cornell and, Tyrone Power, grossed around $19,600 for five performances in its initial try- put stand at the Erlanger Theatre here last week. Play preemed last Wednesday 124) arid ran through Saturday (27). Production, which will make an extensive tour of 10 key cities, is current at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto. Current Road Shows (Last season's Broadway produc- tion by Billy Rose drew mixed re- views, includiyig a thoughtful and approving 1 one. from Brooks Atkin- son, of the N. Y. Times. In gen- eral, the notices agreed that the play was d; serious study of abnor- mality, withoiit. trace of sensation- alism. John Chapman, of the Daily News, confessed to being “embar- rassed,” and. there mere a few other- expressions ' of disapproval and even shock, notably from Jinx Falkenburg. on her tv series with husband' Tex McCrary. There were no overt attempts at • censorship. Off-Bway Shortage Continued from page 69 COMMOtriTOCK The Company will employ its funds in diversified entertainment enter- ' prises connected with television, motion pictures and the theatre. Price 50f a thorp l Dept. V? 1 I I HOLLYWOOD ANGELS, INC. • 29 Wi«M5th St„ N.Y. 23, N. Y. I TRafilgir 4-1815 J Solid Free Offering Circular without cost. I ■■■■•■ j I City , Tori* I i; i i — . i 1 fhone J Young man, excellent theatrical train- ing, wide experience in all phases theatrical production, also experience a* secretary and office manager, seek* work oii theatrical producer'* etaff or in television at producer'* assistant, stage manager, or assistant stag* manager. Box V-ll 2954, VARIETY, 154 W, 46th St., New York 36. theatres include “Glandestine Mar- riage” and ‘‘Threepenny Opera.” Former production shuttered re- cently when it had to exit the Provincetown Playhouse'* during a click run. Theatre had been com- i itted to another production outr fit, and “Glandestine” producers weren’t able to find a moyedver spot. Last season “Threepenny” threw in the towel when it vacated the Theatre, de Lys following the man- agement's disagreement with the owners of the house. A quest for another showcase proved futile. Also caught in the theatre shortage Iflast season was “Girl on the Via Flaminia,” which was doing good biz at the Circle In the Square when house was shuttered ,by the Fire Department. Producers were unable to find another off-the- Stem location and moved the show to Broadway, where it flopped. Only major new off-Broadway theatre this season is the down- town National, Formerly a. show- case for Yiddish productions, the house shifted to English-language presentations with the current run of “A Stone for Danny Fisher.” It's located on Second Avenue, one of several off-Broadway* outlets in that area; Others include the Phoe- nix Theatre, ‘Royal Playhouse and 4th Street Theatre. Better known Greenwich Village sites include the de Lys, Province- town, Cherry Lane Theatre, Origi nals Only Playhouse and the Greenwich Mews Playhouse. In the Times Square area, there’s the President Theatre and further up town, on the eastside, the Jan Hus House. ONLY at the New York Academy of Dance Special Classes for Actors and Singers MODERN BALLET JAZZ Iso Beginners. Carnegie Hsli CO 5-5)19 ‘Town’ NSG $19,600, Pitt; Pittsburgh,. Nov. 30. First stanza of “Wonderful Town” at the Nixon drew a disap- pointing $19,600 last week. Musical got favorable reviews. But even at the moderate $4.80 top, attendance was light, so the balance of the scheduled tour may be in jeopardy. Current week’s, local finale may provide better indications as to the show’s future. Berlin-Fisher Continued from page 1 MAPLEWOOD, NEW HAMPSHIRE "In the Heart of the .White Mountdi NoW available for summer rentals. The Maplewood playhouse seats 600. The Playhoukp Is on the grounds of the Maplewood Hotel, and its famous 18 hole golf course is surrounded by hundreds of hotels in . the. general area. Living quarters can be made available . , • playhouse and facilities open for inspection. Contact: SAM KAMENS, Owner Piccadilly Hdtol, 227 W, 45thStreet, New IPork City JUdson 6-0637 . 29- Dec 1 TV Anastasia (Viveca Lihdfqrs, Eu genie Leontovitch) (tryout)— Shu-, bert* New Haven (2-4); Walnut St., Phiily (6-11). Bad Seed (Nancy Kelly) (tryout) —Ford’s, Balto (29-4) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov, ,17,. ’54). Black-Eyed Susan (Vinceht Price) (tryout)— Locust SL, Phiily (29-11) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 17 ,; ’54); Caine Mutiny Court Martial (Paul Douglas, Wendell Corey,. Steve Brodie) — Colonial, Boston (29-4); State Aud;, Harrisburg (6 7 7); Ra- jah, Reading (8); Acad. Music, Philiy (9-11). .. \ Dark Is Light Enough (Katharine Cornell, Tyrone Power) (tryout) — Royal Alexandria, Toronto (29-4); Cass, Detroit (6-11) (Reviewed in Variety this week). 1 Fifth Season: (Chester; Morris, Joseph Buloff)-— -Erlanger, Chi (29- 11 ). ' : . Flowering Peach (Menasha Skul- nik). (tryout)— Shubert, Wash. (29r 4); Colonial, Boston (6-11) Reviewed in Variety, Nov, 17, ’54). Getting Gertie’s Garter— Hart- man, Columbus (29?4); Shubert, Wash. (.6-11). : Hello Paree (tryout) —Parsons, Hartford (29-4). (Reviewed in Variety this week). . ’... House of Flowers (Pearl Bailey) (tryout) — Erlanger, Phiily (29.-11) Reviewed in Variety this week). King and I (Yul BrynnCr, Pa- tricia Morison)— Shubert,. Chi (29- 11 ). Lunatics and Lovers (Dennis King) (tryout)— -Walnut, Phiily (29- 4.) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 24, ’5.4). Midsummer Night’s DrOam (Rob- ert Helpmann, Moira Shearer, Stanley Holloway) — : Civic Opera House, Chi (29-5); College Aud., E. Lansing (7-8); Masonic Temple, Detroit (9-11). Moon Is Blue (Jerome Cowan) — Lyceum, Minneapolis (29-4); Pabst, Milwaukee (6-11). Mrs. Patterson (Eartha Kitt) (tryout)-i-HaTris, Chi (29-4) (Re- viewed in Variety, Sept. 29, ’54). Naughty Natalie — -Lyric, Indian- apolis (29-1); Nixon, Pitt (6-11 1 . . Oh Men, Oh Women (Ralph Bel- lamy). — Cox, Cincy (29-4); Harris, Chi (6-11). - Oklahoma — Aud., Canton. (29-1); Jaffa Mosque, Altoona, Pr. (2-4); Marshall College, Huntington, W. Va. (6-7); Victory, Dayton (8-9); Shubert, Detroit (10-11 ). Pajama Tops' (Diana Barrymore) — Blackstone, Chi (29-11) (Re- viewed in Variety, Nov. 17, ’54). Plain and. Fancy (tryout) — Shu- bert, New Haven (6-11). Portrait of a Lady (Jennifer Jones) (tryout) — National, Wash. (29-4); Ford’s, Balto (6-11) Re- viewed in Variety, Nov. 17, ’54). Sailor’s Delight (Eva Gabor) (tryout) — ■ Hartford, L.A. (29-11) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 24, ’54), School for Brides — Strand; Syra- cuse (29-1); Kiel Aud., Bridge- port (2-4). Seven Year Itch (Eddie Bracken) —Cass, Detroit (29-4); Keith, Grand Rapids (6-8); Palace, South Bend (9); Paramount, Toledo (10- 11). ' Silk Stockings (Hidegarde Neff, Don Ameche) • (tryout) — Shubert, Philiy (29-11) (Reviewed in. V ariety this week). South Pacific (Iva Withers, Alan Gerrard) — -Forrest, Phiily (29-11). Tea and Sympathy (Deborah Kerr) — Shubert, Detroit (29-11). Three for Tonight (Marge add Gower Champion, Harry Belafonte) (tryout)— -American, St. L. (29-4); Center, Norfolk, Va. (6-7); Muni. Aud., Charleston, W. Va. (8>; Orpheum, Spartanburg, S.C- (9); U. Theatre, Chapel Hill, N.C.. (10-. 11) (Reviewed in Vaude section of Variety, Nov, 3, ’54). Time Out for Ginger (Melvyh Douglas) Biltmore, L.A. (29-4); Curran, S.F. (6-11). What Every Woman Knows (Helen Hayes) — Metropolitan, Se- attle (29-4) (Reviewed in Variety, Sept: 29, ’54). Witness for the Prosecution (try- out) • — Plymouth, Boston (29-4); Plymouth, Cleveland (6-11) (Re- viewed in Variety this week). Wonderful Town (Carol Chan- ning)— Nixon, Pitt (29-4); Play- house, Wilmington (6-11). that. To deviate from the parallel, the. Iiish femme will , be a livery stable owner's daughter; although in the era of the musical— the 1890s up to 1911,, when the cap- ping climax is Fisher's headlining at Hammer stein’s Victoria Theatre, N.. Y.— a stable ovwob?, was con- sidered a “rich” man. The . locale and the situations, however, will authentically parall- el Berlin’s own youth on the lower east side of New York.,, The Irish femme lead, naturally, will inspire analogies and parallelisms to the. Irving Berlln-Eliin Mackay romance, but the book will veer away from any “Abie’s Irish Rose” or kindred suggestions. As a sing- ing personality, Fisher's role, might be just, as suggestive of the Al. Jol- son career. It will be completely new score, differing from Berlin’s re- cent filmusical “packages” of old and .hew. -tunes', viz,* “White Christ- mas,” “No Business Like .Show Business,” etc. The- east - side locale was in an era when the streets were flanked on one side by tenements and on the oth by ; “brownstones,” the; latter occupied usually by the more well-to-do livery stable entrepre- neurs and the like.; “East Side” will probably also mark Fisher’s Hollywood debut in the ensuing film version, since the venture is primed on a dual stage and pile basis, with a capital gain objective. No producer has been set. Berlin already has completed some songs which Fisher beard and okayed. Protest ‘Merchant’ Continued from page 69 sss few . performances of “Oedipus Rex” will also be presented; BEA SCORES IN LONDON; ‘SIMON & LAURA’ EVEN London, Nov. 30. “Simon and Laura,” comedy by Alan Melville* which was present- ed by H* M. Tennent at the Strand Theatre last Thursday (25), is a threeracter starring Coral Browne, Roland Culver, Dora Bryan, fan Carmichael and Ernest Thesiriger. Directed by Murray MacDonald, it’s an amusing skit about a Video marital series. A lightweight at- traction, it will depend 6$ its cast names for draw, although it was well received. Its chances re even. “An Evening with Beatrice Lillie,” which H. M. Tbnnent is presenting at the Globe, is a slight variation of the original revue pre- sented . on Broadway two years back. It preemed last Wednesday (24), and gn enthusiastic reception, together with general favorable press,, indicates r a capacity run for its. limited season. Although the star’s personal lure provides the complete and obvious , selling angle, she receives valuable - assistance from a West End new- comer* Leslie Bricusse, whose only previous appearance was in a Cam- bridge U. revue. (AlthoiLgh- “ Merchant of Venice" Has been produced several 'times without reported incident in Eng- land in recent years, a revival ,af the . N, Y. City Center two seasons ago drew some adverse comment. In that edition, Luther Adler’s “ sympathetic ” . portrayal of (Shy- lock was generally panned as tack- ing vitality. It was argued that despite the softened characterization of Shy- lock, the play's courtroom scene, reflecting, the prevailing ignorance of Jews arid the. intense anti- Send- tisrn in England in Shakespeare’s time, tends to aggravate re ligious bigotry and the perpetuation of a stereotype. The question isn’t a matter, of .the personality or. good- will. of the actor playing the role or even, the motivation of the pro- duction, it was Claimed. The point is that the character of Shylock represents a false idea of a "typi- cal Jew'L and the widespread ac- ceptance of this stereotype: is pfali naiit.) - ‘Caine $6,800 (1), Troy Troy, Nov. 30. “Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” grossed almost $6*800 at the R.P.I. Field House here last Tuesday night (23). Top was $3.50 for the single per- formance. Bracken’s itch’ $12,500, ‘Murder’ $9,500 in St. L* St. Louis, Nov. 30. It still remains to be seen wheth- er. St. Louis can support touring show for three weeks. Second semester of “Seven Year Itch,” with Eddie Bracken as star; drew a modest $12,500 at $3.92 top at the. American, Previous week’s take was $16,7.00. Finale is current,’ theiv “Three for Tonight” arrives next week. .After getting $9,500 for the. first stanza, “Dial M for Murder” wound up its two- week stock stand at the Empress theatre Sunday (28) with a gross of approximately $9,000. “My 3 s Angels,” with George To- bias, featured, opens t o n i g h t (Tues.) for a fortnight. ‘Brides’ 8G, Folds j Mont’I Montreal, Nov. 30; “Schools for Brides” drew only $8,000 on two-forrones at Her Ma- jesty’s here last Week. That did it, and the brief tour folded here. House is dark this week! Current London Shows London, Nov. 30. (Figures denote premiere dates) After the Ball, Globe (6-10-54). Airs Shoestring, Royal Ct. (4-22-53). All, For Mary, Duke York (9-9-54). Beatrice Lillie, Globe (11-24-54). . Bell, Book, Candle, Phoenix (10-5-54); Book of Month, Cambridge (10-21-54). Both Ends Meet, Apollo <6-9-54). Boy Friend, Wyndham’a (12-1-53), Can-Can, Coliseum (10-14-54). D'Oyly Carte Opera, Savoy . (9-13-54), Dry Rot, Whitehall (8-31-54). Folios, Bern* re, Pr. Wales (9-24-53). Hedda Gabler, Westm’ster (11-29-54). Hippo . Dancing, Lyric (4-7-54). I Am a Camera, New: (3-12-54). Immoralist, Arts (11-3-54). Intimacy At 8:30, Criterion (4-29-54), Joyce Grenfell, St. Mart. (6-2-54). King end I, Drury Lane (10-8-53) . Manor of Northstead, Duchess (4-28-54). Matchmaksir, Haymarkot (11-4-54). Mousetrap; Ambas. (11-25-52). Off The Record, Vic. Pal. (11-2-54). Old Vic Rep, Old Vic (9-9-54). Party Spirit, Piccadilly (9-23-54). People Wonderful? Embassy (11-18*54). Relations Apart, Garrick (8 t 3-54). Sabrina Fair, Palace (8-4-54). Salad Days, Vaudeville (8-5-54). Separate Tables, St, James's (9-22-54). Simon A kauri. Strand (11-24-54), Talk Of Town, Adelphi (11-17-54). Teahouse Aug. Moon* Her Maj. (4-22-54). Wedding In Paris, Hlpp. (4-3-54). Witness Prosecution, ^yv. Gard. (10-28-53). SCHEDULED OPENINGS Accounting Love, Savillc (12-1-54). Glass Clock, Aldwych (1-3-54). CLOSED. LAST WEEK Dark Light Enough, Aldwych (4-30-54). Katp In Cool Place, Savillc (8-1C-54). Never Too Late, Strand (8-3-54). ADVANCE AGENTS l COMPANY MANAGERS I iW* Have bsan serving tbeatrlcel shows for Over 42 years. Ours is the oldest, moit reliabl* and ex- perienced .transfer company ori the West Coast 1 • Railroad privilege* for handling •how i and theatrical luggage, f Complete warehouse faciliti • Authorized in Calif orni Equipped to transfer and haul anywhere in S.l ' .• RATES ON REQUEST I Atlantic Transfer Company GEORGE CON ANT 1100 East 5th Street Los AngeleS 13, Calif. MUtual 8121 or OXford f-4764 APPLICATIONS TAKEN NOW! MUSIC THEATRE POSITIONS For Summer 1955 idwest outdoor, i-profes- sional, music thealfe, starling - 6th season, taking applications now for stage, music and dance directors; refer appli*. . . cants 'with combination of tal- ents. Season consists of shows. Starting about June . 1 : thru August 31. Jobe offer wonderful opportunity to gai additional experience in musi- cal comedy-operetta field. Send detailed outline of background, referenced, photo and- state salary expected. ^ Deadline an applicati , 1955 Box V-7146-B, c/o Variety, 154 W. 46th St., New York H SALE OR RENT New Modem Summer Theatre IB Pocono Mountains Resort Arad Seats 500 — For Particulars Writ# Harold Auten, Bushkill, Penna., Phone Bushkill 51. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 P'SrHZTy 75 HOPE HAMPTON Scores a HIT in revue . . © “HELLO PAREE" PAriety "Hope Hampton was strikingly gowned, song beautifully and was re- ived enthusiastically." Klep, WILMINGTON MORNING NEWS carried the role of the Paris visitor with grace, bewitchingly gowned." C. LOUISE JACKSON JOURNAL EVERY EVENING Wilmington, Del. "Miss Hampton wasn't given enough to do but sang very well and was most attractively gowned." PHILIP F. CROSLAND HARTFORD TIMES "Hope Hampton beautifully dressed and bejeweled gives the production a good measure of professional gaiety and dash." A. M. W. Currently NEW PARSONS Theatre Hartford, Exclusive Personal Management: WILLIAM L. TAUB 445 Park Avo., New York City PL 5-5703 76 CONCERT-OPERA , P^SfilEfY Wednesday; December 1, 1954 Plans for an International MusiO & Theatre Festival in Greece next fall are simmering, with a decision on budget, scope and schedule to be made at Xmas time. Dino Yan- nopoulos, Met Opera stage director who has been asked by the Greek government to head the project, as artistic director, is busy With his opera chores in N. Y, - “Manon,” bowing for the sea- son at the Met next Friday (3), will mark the fourth production Yari- nopoulos has staged there in the three weeks since spot opened. Oth- ers Were “Meistersinger” and “Andre Chenier,” both of which got hit notices, . and “Aida.”, Di- rector. 'ill put on 10 Met operas In all this season (out of 26 ; skedded), more than any other stager, for his: busiest sked there so far. Athens-born director, who put on straight plays before and dur- ing the last war in Greece, is also angling to stage a Broadway musi- cal next spring, for. his first, fling in U. S; legit. He’d prefer doing a straight play. Legit staging gives him more opportunities than operai, he says. The Greek fest, which Yart- nopoulos broached to the Ministry of Education on his recent visit to Athens, will take place next Sep- tember for. a month in three am cieiit outdoor theatres, at Delphi, Athens and Epidarus. Mi istry okayed it as a tourist attraction? as well as a showcase and boost for Greek • talent, both overseas and at home. Local talent would get a lift, performing for international tourists. Three-City Rotation Project, according to Yannopou- los; will embrace three operas, two Greek tragedies,, one Shakespear-. ean play, symphonic and chamber music concerts. The events will ro- tate at the three theatres involved. Gluck’s “Orfeo” and Mozart’s “Cosi fan Tutte” -are two of the probable operas. Director has been authorized to line up Greek talent abroad for the project, to assist local organiza- tions, There are a great many Greek singers, for instance, work- ing in Italy and Germany. There are several names in the U. S., such as the N. Y. .Philharmonic maestro, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Met opera singers Elena Nikolaidi, Nicolo Moscona and Vilma Gior- giou. All are expected to partici-; pate. 'Such local groups as the Katina. Paxinou-Alexis Minoitis drama trbupe will be utilized: Yannopoulos was in Athens last September due to a government bid to become director of the Greek National Opera. He turned the offer down because of his Met commitments and his desire -to stay in N. Y. with his wife and son. Wife is legit actress Meg Mundy, daughter of John Mundy, Met Opera orch manager. Yannopoulos has been with the Met nine sea- sons. Jean Erdman Set For Dance Tour of Orient Jean Erdman, modern dancer, has been set for a tour of the Orient. She leaves after an ap- pearance Dec. 18 in Frisco. . She'll dance Dec.: 29 in her native: Hono- lulu under sponsorship of the Com- munity Theatre, Other dates fol- low in Tokyo and other Jap cities and in New Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta. Miss Erdman will be back in N. Y. in the spring, resuming her post as head of the dance depart- |* merit of Bard College, Annandale- on-Hudson; N. Y. ‘ARCHY’ LITTLE OPERA SET FOR N.Y. BOW DEC. 6 Thomas Scherman arid the Little Orchestra Society will present the preem of George Kleinsinger and. Joe Darion’s little opera, “Archy and Mehitabel,” based on stories of Don Marquis, at Town Hall; N. Y-. next Monday (6). Archy will be sung by Jonathan Anderson, tenor; Mehitabel by Mignon Dunn, soprano; Bill by Richard Sharretts, baritone,, arid the Back-Alley Chorus . by tlie Four Heathertones, Bix Brent, Mari-, anne McCormick, Nancy Swain Overtone and Jean Swain. Klein- singer will act as narrator. The opera will be directed by Max Lea- vitt; . Same program will present Ibert’s Concertino de Camera for alto saxophone arid 11 instruments, ‘ with Vincent Abato as sax soloist, and Reger’s Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 132. Kirsten Back at Met After a. season’s absence, due to the death Of her husband, Dorothy Kirsten returns to the Metropolitan Opera tonight (Wed.) to sing the title role In ‘‘.Madame Butterfly.’’ It’s a sudden booking, Miss Kirsten appearing in place of Lisa . Della Casa, who is ill* Ballets, Espagnols: wound up a four-week run at the Mark Hell- inger, N. Y-, Sunday night (28), and set off, promptly for its first U. S. tour. Troupe, in its N. Y. bow, garnered $14,600 its first week; $14,000 the next, $15,000 the third, arid $18,500 in. its final stanza, for ari overall $62,100 take. For its appearances oh Ed Sulli- van’s “Toast of the Town” tv’er Nov. 21,. troupe garnered $6,000 more. With weekly nut around $19,000, Espagnols left N. Y; ith a loss. Boxoffice was a little sur- prising, in view of universally sock notices it got, but the troupe Was corhpletely Unknown to N. Y. and -perhaps stayed a week too long. However, it’s due back next , sea- son. * Under the management of Jules Borkon and Michaux Moody, with David Libidi booking, troupe opened a four-month tour in Philly Monday with two night dates. Trek, Which ends March 12, includes a week in Boston, opening Dec. 13, Xmas week in Toronto, a full week in St. Louis and three Weeks in Chicago. Libidins is also dicker- ing with Las Vegas niteries .fbr a late-March date there. On Sunday (5), troupe is being flown from N. Y. to D. C,, after a Plainfield, N, J., date, to perform at the Spanish Embassy for a dip- lomatic corps reception given by the new Spanish Ambassador to the U. S., Comte de Motrico. Em- bassy will then fly the group to Cincy on Mpnday for its date there. Schang Defends CAM In Its Community Dealings; French Has New Setup Annual conference of Commu- nity Concerts field staffers . opened in N; Y, Monday (28), with the air still filled with late detonations from the Ward French squabble. French and Robert Ferguson were ousted recently as prez and veepee, respectively; of Community, by other directors of the Columbia Artists Mgt: subsid, in i policy split Over whether Community should divorce itself completely from Columbia. Frerich pitched for divorcement to offset any Gov- ernment antitrust action. Frederick C. Scharig Jr., CAM prez and Community board chair- man, defended management at the Conference against newspaper charges by French that CAM had been using Community, for* selfish ends as outlet for CAM artists, pointing out that Community could always buy artists anywhere. Schang also did the unusual thing of quoting from an article he had written for the. Anniversary Issue of Variety Jan. 5, 1949, to disavow other French claims by showing that CAM management had always been on record as appreciative of and interested in Community. . Schang also reminded the con- ference that Community was estab- lished by CAM, 26 years ago,: in 1928, and that French had not joined till 1931. Regarding Gov- ernment antitrust action, Schang said : "If we are in any predica- ment regarding, the antitrust divi- sion, such predicament is based largely on a file of letters between French and his former western manager, the late Arthur Wisrier, who before his deaith turned over to the Government his confiden- tial correspondence With his su- perior: Neither the Community nor Columbia boards of directors, nor its counsel,. fiave knowledge of what this, correspondence might contain,” Schang also claimed that French and; Ferguson, while working for Community the past year, were al- ready mapping a new business set- up of their own. This reference is to the International Concert Service, which French and Fergu- son set up last week in N. Y. Meantime, 70 artists under CAM management, including top names like Lily Pons, Rise Stevens and Rudolf Serkin, sent a wire to local heads in the 900 cities in the Com- munity fold, reaffirming -tlieir faith in CAM and Community. . French and Ferguson disclosed over the weekend their intentions to sue Community for monies due them On balance of their contracts, which had three years to go. Beethoven: Quartets, Op. 18 (An- gel). The six early quartets of opus 18, rich, tunefuL and eloquent de- j spite their youth, played here by a superior group in the Hungarian Quartet. Fine balances and facile musicianship are marked, as in the lovely tone of the first violin. Franck: Symphony in . D Minor & Le Chasseur Maudit (Westmin- ster). . Little-known symphonic nar- rative poem (Chasseur) is along similar rugged melodic lines of the w.k. symphony, and both get virile readings from the Vienna State Opera orch under Rodzinski. . Beethoven: Symphonies No. 4 & 8 (Vox). Vienna State Philhar- monia, under Perlea, is at times a little deliberately-paced for the light , No. 4, but otherwise fine. The NO. 8 is better-paced, in a sprightly reading, lyrical and sus- tained. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 (Columbia). Recently - preemed symph holds up on rehearing ini disk form. Sprawling, diffuse work is strong, at times, dubious at others, but generally engaging arid moving. Excellent recording by the N. Y. Philharmonic under Mit- ropoulos. Tchaikovsky: Violin , Concerto (Decca), Russ fiddler David Ois- trakh in a firstrate job here, with tremendous technique arid a rich, lustrous tone, though latter is sometimes ov.ersentirnental. Third riiovement, too, is top deliberately- paced. Otherwise, a satisfying ver- sion, Saxon State orch under KOn- witschny assists well. Virtuosi Di Roma (RCA Victor). Gifted string ertseinhle in three, very appealing early Italian Works, especially a tuneful, spacious Sym- phony in D by dementi. The Vi- valdi Concerto in F is warmly mel- odic and the Corelli Concerto Grosso in D is also choice, Stravinsky: Rite of Spring (RCA Victor). Expressive, colorful read- ing, of the surging, rhythmic work by the Philharmonia under Marke- vitch. Artistic as well as bouncy performance. Brahms: Violin Concerto (Angel). Johanna Martzy, young Hungarian fiddler, brings a sure, sweet tone, ample technique and sensitive mu- sicianship to the familiar work. The Philharmpnia under Kletzki helps in a lyric interpretation. Bar.tok: Two Portraits & Diver- timento for Strings (Decca). The Divertimento, surprisingly conven- tional In pattern and tunes, ' a gay, bubbling affair., and one of Bartok’s most ingratiating works. The Portraits, one . placid, the other brisk and dancelike, are also attrac- tive. Both are well played by the RIAS Symph under Fricsay. Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Fiat & Harpsichord Concerto in D (Vanguard). Trumpeter George Eskdale shines in the first, a dra- matic brilliant work of symphonic quality. Erna Heiller is gifted so-, loist in the second, a gay, lively though elaborate Opus. Vienna State Opera orch under Litschauer supports in both. Fine disk. c Verdi: Arias (Capitol). Robert Weede shows to excellent advan- tage" in these arias from a half- dozen staple Verdi operas. A rich, high, clear baritone, devoid of Italianate vocal mannerisms, ap- peals^ifl variety of airs. Espe- cially choice are the,“Eri tu” from “Masked: Bal’ ” and “Di Provenza il Mar” from ‘Traviata.” Broil. Five N. Y. City Ballet dancers are choreographing their first bal- lets for the company. They are Jacques D'Amboise, Francisco Mon- cion,-* Herbert Bliss, Barbara Milberg and Sean O’Brian. Ruth Sobotka, formerly with the company, and Joseph Francis Varchesia, a member of the -School of American Ballet, are also trying their hand at new works. Works will be offered at the N. Y. City Center during the February season, if satisfactory. Toscanini May Launch ‘Little Scala’ Season . Milan, Nov. 23. Although riot been officially, an- nounced, it's probable that Maestro Arturo Toscani ‘ currently rest- ing the summer on his lake-island home, will inaugurate the “Little Scala,” smaller-scaled annex to the Milan Opera Showcase. This is currently being readied for an early spring opening. “Falstaff” is the probable opening selection at the “Little Scala,” with the staging in the hands of Luchino Visconti. The Scala meanwhile has called Maestro .Victor De Sabata to head the artistic direction of the. thea- tre.. . De Sabata has accepted, and. is due to arrive in Milan shortly to take over; Chicago,. Nov.. 30. Although ending up With the tra- ditional longhair deficit, the initial season of the' newiy-formed Chi- cago Lyric Theatre was generally rated a strong critical and financial success. Opera cornpany’s just- completed schedule^of 16 perform- ances at the Civic Opera House grossed $217,500 out of a maximum potential of $260,000. Exact amouiit of the deficit has yet to be. tallied, but it’s figured to be relatively small,, and re- sponse to the first program has set the group to laying plans for a longer Season next year. A five- Week local season is planned in ’55- First order of business, mean- while, for Carol Fox, founder and prexy-general manager, and Law- rence V. Kelly, managing director, will be a fund drive to raise $250,-: 000 as a basis for permanent capi- ta lizatiori: Lyric Theatre garnered nation- wide publicity, with big spreads in the . weekly mags, mainly through the sock, impression mad6 by Maria Callas, Brooklyn-born‘ , but Italian-trained soprano, who made her U. S. debut here, Critics came from N. Y. and iqore distant spots to see and hear her “Norma,” and weren't disappointed. The N. Y. Met had the singer signed for '52- ,’53, at a $600-per-performance fee, but domestic problems prevented her coming. She’s reported to have received over $2,000 per perform- ance for. her Chicago appearances,' a figure the Met (with its $1,000 top) can’t pay. v» - -- ; i — - . - . Asks for Benefit Shows To Aid Symphony of Air New York. Editor. Variety: I want the entertainment world to give benefit shows to keep the Symphony of the Air (former NBC Symphony) going. The worst mistake the Radio Corp, pf America ever made was to drop the NBC Symphony. The retirement of Arturo Toscanini was no excuse. It should have been f he cause for its continuance. These musicians supremely affirmed the human -spirit. They .gave life, in a world of death, with their power of perfect art. Because of this fact I want the theatre, to keep the Symphony of the Air going. There was a kind of statesmanship in the program it gave recently in the General As- sembly hall of the United Nations., The thiatre may justly glory in this brand of statesmanship, its own. In this way, some day, all blinds on both sides of the Iron. Curtain will be pulled up, to open the door to brotherhood and peace. Frank Colapinto. t- , Andre Kostelanetz picked up where he left off . last season— when he introduced his series of special Saturday night symphonic concerts aimed at younger audL erices— by playing, with the N. Y. Philharmonic to. another sellout house at Carnegie Hall, N. Y., last Saturday night (27). First of - this season’s three-concert series drew an overflow of. 100 standees (the hall’s limit) arid a. $6, 200-plus b.o. take. Concert again provided the un- usual ionghair scene of a sym- phonic audience consisting mainly of people in their* teens and 20’s— an excited, exciting crowd avid for good music, a young, non-Philhar- monic-type group that Kosty is as- suredly wooing to the classics, (Un- like. regular concert audiences, too, many of them came late). What they heard was a fine . pro* gram carefully planned, excellent- . ly played — and enthusiastically re- ceived. Reception brought another symph innovation, encores. Not one, but five of them,, all worthy of. hearing. Regular program offered as chief dish a resplendent presen- tation of the lush Rimsky -Korsakov “Scheherazade” (not done by the Philharmonic in 22 years ) , the catchy Khachaturian “Masquerade” Suite, tlie flavorsome “Mississippi” Suite of Fei’de Grofe, Beethoven’s “Prometheus.” Overture and the first N. Y. performance of Toch’s “Circus” Overture, ari amusing; noisy trifle described by its title. Kosty. led a firstclass' band of musicians in sprightly though — * sharply sensitive readings of this pie int melange, showing an authoritative yet unobtrusive hand. Composer Grofe was present in a box to take several bows after his suite was played, and enthusiasm for the whole evening was so marked that a couple of ladies in the adjoining box leaned over boldly to kiss him. Bron. SEVERANCE PAY TO MET SOLOISTS FOR 1ST TIME Principal singers, stage directors and stage managers are covered for severance pay, for .the first time, in the new Met Opera con- tract with the American Guild of Musical Artists. Two*year pact gives solo artists with 13 years’ service a severance pay pf $200 a year. If a soloist has 20. years’ service and reaches retirement age (45 for femmes, 50 for men), he can collect severance in monthly installments. New pact also calls for payment on pre-season rehearsals; increased minimums for corps de ballet dancers ($82 weekly; $15 on a per performance basis); higher pay for choristers doing principal roles ($30 instead of $26); $65 rehearsal Week salary for chorus, and in- crease in number of artists receiv- ing $10-a-day allowance while com- pany is on tour. Contract provides for principals, ballet and chorus to work on open- ing night vidcasts (presumably closed circuit tv) in ’54-’55 and ’55-’56 . without extra payment above regular perfoTmarice fee. Chi Symph’s Reiner To Baton at Vienna Opera Fritz Reiner, musical director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will conduct the first performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger” to be given in the newly-restored Vienna Opera House next season. The. house, "destroyed during the war, has been completely rebuilt and is scheduled to be opened next November. Reiner is the only American con- ductor whb will take part in the. gala opening week. His cast will include Irmgard Seefried, Paul Schoeffler, Wolfgang Wiridgassen and Erich Kunz. Wednesday, December ly 1054 PfaiRmfY LITERATI 17 . * Look’s $1,800,900 Issue . * Look’s publisher, Vernon C. My- ers, made it a festive occasion with 'a split of vintage grape and a champagne glass from Plummer’s (5th Ave. fancy crockery establish- ment) to celebrate “the biggest ad revenue ($1*800, 000) in Look’s hisr tory.” This is the 168-page (plus covers) Dec; 14 issue, which splits the cover billing between the Rev, Norman Vincent Peale and. Bishop Sheen. The prime cover story is cap i oned “Religion’s Best Sellers." Gleason’s NEA Moppet Stint Jackie; Gleason, on behalf of NEA news syndicate, will present first - place award . to the winner of NEA’s “Little Peo- ple” coloring contest for children. Presentation will be part of a cir- culation promotion for NEA and will 'take place On GleasOn’s Dec. .18 show. “Little People’’ Is one of NEA’s top comic strips. The winner*, who will be chosen from a national competition in- volving about 125 newspapers sub- scribing to the NEA service, will be flown to New York apd be the guest of Gleason for the Dec£* 18 Weekend. Musical ’Bedside Esquire* “The Private Lives of Great Composers.’’ an Omnibus volume containing 1,000 stories and anec- dotes about composers, conductors and musical, artists, is being pub- lished in London by Rider & Co.,, next Monday (6). Authored by- Bernard Grun, com- poser and musicologist, the book surveys four centuries of musical evolution from Palestrina to Cole Porter. It’s described abroad as a musical “Bedside Esquire.’ ’ • Chi Chez Paree Mag* Chez Paree, in Chicago, is Ven- turing into the publishing biz with a new entertainment mag called Fanfare. While the 10 or 12-pager will have current Chez attractions oh its covers and be distributed per the nitery’s mailing list, it's not being conceived as a house brgan- Book will sell space to adver- tisers and will contain local tv listings and guest articles by per- sonalities. Editor is Larry Teeman, and first issue is being prepped for January. Fla. Press Gives ‘Oscar’ Florida Press Assn., at its an- nual meeting in Silver Springs, awarded Marie Natvig its editorial “Oscar” for “The Blackest Week In The Redlands,” written, when ahe was on the staff of the Home- stead Weekly News last March, and which attracted national at- tention at the time. ' Subject was the discrimination against white Puerto Ricans im- ported as laborers by tofhato and citrus growers in the area. Time magazine reprinted che editorial In an April Issue. Mrs. Natvig was recently in the news when she testified before the Federal Com- munications Commission in the Ed- ward Lamb case; she claimed she had seen Lamb at three state Communist meetings in Columbus, O., adding that on one occasion •he was l\is guest at a* hotel. Mrs. Natvig is currently a resident of Miami Beach. Shulman’s PR for PM According to the Benjamin Son- nenberg PR office, author -play- wright - scenarist Max Shulman (“Tender Trap,” “Barefoot Boy > With Cheek,” etc.) is “pouring his heart -out these days doing an off- beat campus column for Philip Morris.” Column is titled “On Campus With Max Shulman” un- der latter V copyright. In an Intro rote to college eds, Shulman: said re the ad schedule (175 lines or 1214-inch depth by two-column width), “Turn to. such-and-such a S age, snap open a pack of Philip [orris and light up while you read my first stimulating column . . . It’s got to be a Philip Morris be- cause’ they’re paying the freight bo you Can read this vintage prose. Besides, what other cigaret; offers you just the. right . amount of sun- shine and rain?” PM is hot only worked into the .pillar but there’s art italic tagline reading,.. “This column is brought to you by the makers of Philip Morris who think you should enjoy their cigaret.” Rebirth of Marie-Claire Marie-Claire was one of the big- gest femme mags before the war. With over a 1,000,000 circulation in France, A Weekly, it was a main- stay female thinking and fash- ion until the Liberation. It was es- timated that with multiple readers the glossy weekly reached over 8,000,000 women. Mag was the brainchild of Marcel Auclair arid publisher Jean Prouvost.„ Prouvost- turned to the pic mag, Paris-Match, after this arid latter is now one of the top weeklies. He then decided to return to Marie- Claire, whose name is still a potent factor. After two numbers, though now a: monthly arid, different in format, it looks like another pub- lishing success. Style is .strongly influenced by UIS. femme inags. Make-Ready FOr Big Week - ^ Part of the extensive work that goes into promotion of the observ- ance of Brotherhood 'Week (Feb. 20-27) is reflected in a magazine kit sent out this week by. Claire , Glass of Parent Institute, who is chair- man for magazines. Kit contains numerous articles by-lined by out- standing names in the literary, show business, political, etc;, fields. There’s; also a collection of filler quotes and cartoons. All for planting in behalf of the National Conference of Christians and Jews’ Brotherhood campaign, in which show business takes part. A. S. Kany’s Wife Killed Arthur S. Kariy, Dayton: Jour- nal Herald amusement editor for more than 25 years, is recovering from an automobile accident in which his wife was killed^^ Kany suffered' severe shock arid a possible back Injury at a Dayton intersection. ... Saturday, Nov;: 20, when another car ran a red light and struck the Kany car broadside. The driver is charged With second degree manslaughter, Mrs. Kany, the “constant com- panion” mentioned in many of her husband’s columns, was killed al- most instantly. The couple had been married 43 years. She was 70. Kany, after 30 years as a Jour- nal Herald reporter, is the dean of working newspaper reporters in Dayton. J Barrault-Renaud Books practice of the Jean Louis Bar- rault-Madeleine Renaud Co. of publishing a 130-page souvenir book with each new Presentation, or on various facets of their activi- ties as a leading private repertory company, has become a theatrical publishing staple in Paris. These are paperbound books sold along with programs at each performance for 50c, and go into the back- ground of the play, the authors and interpreters. Feature was started last season with presentation of Paul Claudel’s “Christoph Colomb” arid will ap- pear at least four times per year. Section is run. by Andre Frank and is published by the Editions Rene Juillard. “Colomb” had articles by Claudel and Barrault on the play arid on background of various aspects of the life of Columbus, Second volume is on Jean. Girau- doux’s “Pour Lucrece.” One is on Anton Chekhov and “The Cherry Orchard,” another is on . the voy- ages of the troupe, and another on the little theatre movement. All are well compiled and written and worth further taking up by other rep companies or regular theatres. Mosk. On Revealing News Sources The Quebec , Labor Relations Board last, week ignored a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada by upholding the right of a reporter to refuse to divulge the source of his information. Labor Board’s decision came about in a hearing on Communisrii in unions. Frank Kennedy of the Montreal Herald was called to identify^ a story in which he had quoted a Vhjgh union official” as saying that a number of Communists Were temporary officers of: a plumbers union. .Board upheld Kennedy’s stand that he couldn’t name the union official. Supreme Court ruled recently that under certain circumstances, reporters must reveal the identity of their sources. . accumulated at .the, U. of Iowa, (Iowa was at the heart' of the Chautauqua movement). The author touches upon the riiannei* in which local literary societies and town forums became part of nationwide Lyceum wheels. He discusses > several early, lecturers and entertainers, devoting consid- erable space to the greatest tent attraction of .them all — William Jennings Bryan. Horner’s style Is easy-going, almost chatty. He may not supply the definitive history of Chautau- qua, but his book has value as the personal narrative of one who participated in the social and cultural phenomenon that reached its peak in 1922, /only te vanish half a dozen years later because Of relaxed platform standards, a plethora of attractions; and due to the Onslaught of radio and talking films. " Down. Joey Adariis’ Dual Feature . Comic Joey Adams is fighting time to deliver two book manu- scripts to Frederick Fell; marking his fourth and fifth books, by Jan. T. Both are slated for successive publication but the deadline is the year's end. One is “Cindy arid I,” referring to his wife; Cindy Heller; book is said to have a “The Egg arid 1” parallel. The other book is “Strictly for Laughs," a hqmor. anthology but differing from his last “Joey Adams’ Joke Book.’’ , First two were “Gags to Riches,” autobiographical, and “The Cur- tain Never- Falls,”. 1st Int’l N. Y. Press Ball New York’s first International Press Ball, slated for the Waldorf- Astoria, for Dec. 23, under Foreign Press Assn, auspices, will be a $50-per-plate benefit, with funds going to the United Nations Chil- dren’s Fund, the N. Y. Herald- Tribune Fresh Air Fund, the N. Y. Journal- American’s Christmas Vet- erans’ Fund and the Free Milk Fund for Babies. Entertainment will consist of an international variety, show headed by Victor Borge arid dancing to four bands. Banquet will consist of culinary^ specialties and wines from five continents. Okinawa Daily Bows Initial issue of the Okinawa Morning Star rolled from presses last, week (23). New daily is the only English-language paper pub- lished on the island. Publisher is Ed Kennedy, former Philadelphia and Tokyo newspaperman. Editor, and managing director is Bob Vermillion, for 18 years a staffer with UP who was last as- sistant chief of UP’s Toyko Bu- reau. Bob Prosser,: former AP man in Tokyo, is news ed. Story of Chautauqua “Strike the Tents”. by Charles F. Horner. (Dortance; $2.50), is sub- titled “The Stdry of Chautauqua,” yet the volume does not offer full treatment on a subject that is probably too. vast, for a single tome. In its heyday, Chautauqua units played to 40,000,000 Americans in nearly 10,000. towns. Horner, who. entered Chautauqua after teaching school in Nebraska, properly cred- its Hugh Orchard (author of “50 Years of Chautauqua,” published in 1923) as a more thorough his- torian of the great Redpath-Vawter days of the under-canvas Lyceum circuits. Horner also states that he writes from his own experiences, without recourse to the mass of material on Chautauqua that has been CHATTER Dial Press prexy George Joel’s daughter, Susan Barbara, married Barrie Beere, N. Y. stockbroker. Murray Garrett and Gene How- ard are new Hollywood f epreserita- tives for the London Week-End Mail. Ramsden Greig, show scribe of Glasgow Evening Citizen, switch- ing to Evening Standard, London, as tv columnist. Gordon Irving,. Variety’s Scot- tish mugg, penned profile of Morey Amsterdam in English theatre weekly, The Stage. The Nation inadvertently omitted its 333 6th Ave., N. Y. City ad- dress, from that paper’s advertise- ment in Variety last Week. N.Y, Times music critic Harold C. Schonberg has .article, “Music and Modern Ballet in America,” in the December Dance News. Alan Curthoys, Liverpool (Eng.) scribe, having new adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “Oliver Twist” preemed at David Lewis Theatre, Liverpool. Frank Owen, London scribe, in Scotland to boost sales of his book on Lloyd. George; English politi- cian, currently being serialized in Sunday Express, London. Roger Angell, associate editor on Holiday mag, upped to senior editor, in charge of the: N, Y. Office. Other Holiday senior eds are Harry Sioris and Loring Dowstr Little, Brown is following up its “Circus Doctor” (by Henderson & Taplinger) with another circus l SCULLY’S SCRAPBOOK : By Frank Scully ; : Palm Springs. if I were an up-and-coming young writer, I believe I would drop putting words together that enjoy a splendid isolation by themselves, and fashion a new kind of bomb instead. It would be a Boomerang Bomb and it would be put in. the hands of old and disgruntled writers to throw at editors, and blow them both up. , That way the road would be cleared for young Writers, and since I have all my Own hair and teeth, ifo pot, arid am brown as a berry, I believe I could pass as ari up-and-coming young writer. Scarcely . a week passes but what some publication crowds out young -writers by regurgitating the contributions of old hacks in an anniversary number. Some, like /the Readers Digest, attain the permanency of book-binding, sewn with a cross-stitch called “The Best.” These are published presumably because nostalgia is a sign of blooming health instead of a disease of old editors and older, writers. Some of the stuff is dreadfully dated, museum pieces really. Some of course retain their vitality as living literature. But in the main, reprints jam the conveyer belt arid keep young writers from moving up as, say, cadets move up from West Point to the. General Staff In the Pentagon. Now and then, of course, a young writer breaks through, climbs over sleeping seniors on the jahuried con- veyer belt and gets on top before editors have realized what hap- pened. But this is about as rare, or rarer, than a day In June. When The Old. Republic Was New The latest of these anthologies is the 40th anniversay number of the New Republic. Anything in this world for 40 years might in all, fairness to the English language be called the Old Republic, but ther it is— the New Republic. Tlie droppings and rimne-droppings ran all the way from Sherwood Anderson to. William Butler Yeats. Hey wood Broun, Elmer Davis, John Dewey, Theodore Dreiser, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, D. H. Lawrence, Waiter Lippinan, H. L. Mencken, Edna St’ Vincent Millay,' George Orwell John . Reed, James Harvey Robinson; Bertrand Russell, Carl Sandburg, George Santayana, Bernard Shaw,. Lincoln Steffens; Janies Thurber. H. G. Wells, William. Allen White, Edmund Wilson and Virginia Woolf wer among those enjoying big type on . the cover. Faulkner was, in there only for a sonnet and his Was not as good as Dorothy Parker’s. George S. Kaufman and Eleanor Wylie made th book as compleat letter-writers, both of them taking belts, at Edmund Wilson, : Miss Wylie wished the then Ne\V Republic would, make it clear to the magazine’s readers that “E.W.” was not Eleanor Wyii she all ways signed her full name. Kaufman had a better beef. Wilson wrote a long indictment of Hollywood arid its writers but singled out only Kaufman and Mater-' linck, which should have mollified George with a feeling of gilt-by-as- sociation, but didn’t. George S. Kaufman Answers a Critic “In my entire life,” Kaiif protested, “I have spent something like three moriths working for the movies, I didn’t write *A Day ^At The Races,’ with which Mr. Wilson so gleefully credits me, and it is" untrue that I ‘went back for more’ after ‘Once In a Lifetime’ because up to that time I had never seen the place and neither had Moss Hart, And I see no reason why I should blandly remain silent because Mr. Wil- son is too lazy or too. indifferent to look up his facts.” ' That was on Aug. 7, 1937. In the light of history it would have been possibly better fer George if he never went back. He should of stood in bed. His own, that is. Others whose works stood out on Broadway but were not featured in the New Rep’s Arini were Clarence Day, Francis Hackett (one of the original New Rep writers), Stephen Vincent Beri.et and John Gals- worthy. Ring Lardner never seems to have written a piece for it Worthy of reprinting, but he is /remembered in a two-page obit, by F.. Scott Fitzgerald which had a macabre fascination for me, because it was written in 1933 and I was writing a similar obit of Fitzgerald 1 1941; .. . Never having seen Scott’s obit of Ring until this reprint,. I felt' relieved that no one to date had charged me not to use vain repeti- tions, for there Was a similarity of treatment and a melancholy too deep for tears. Both of them got over wanting to drink themselves to death. Scott took his depressing destiny like a man and surrendered to the au- thorities in Hollywood, where he was assigned to doctoring scripts on what turned out to be a life sentence. He Was dead by the time he was 44. By then, he was. practically drowned in obscurity anyway. Parallels Can Be So Deadly He knew Lardnei* vastly better than I did, though my acquaintance ran back as far. as 1916. They were drinking companions in the early ’20s arid Fitzgerald thought Ring at that time had a quiet vitality that would outlast his contemporaries; Many a night they talked over a case of Canadian ale until dawn, when Ring would rise and yawn, “Well, I guess the children have left for school by this time, so I. might as well go home.” He wrote letters that ran 1,000 to 2,000 words, theatrical gossip, literary shop talk, seemingly saying little of the best for his work. But the last 10 years of his life were not urilike Fitzgerald’s. He . re- viewed radio from bed. started a crusade in The New Yorker against pornographic sprigs and made small forays against big evils. Fitzgerald regretted that Ring had not written down a larger por- tion of what was in his mind and heart. The Same, of course, could be said of any great humorist and was often said' of Mark Twain. Ring’s son and namesake tried to fill that gap and it landed, him in jail. . It would not have, done so for Ring because the climate, was freer between wars, as a reading of a piece by Walter Lippmann called ‘The Legendary John Reed” will easily prove, Reed was a radical whose roots seemed Watered by each passing cloud rather than the good earth. He, too, burned himself out very young and is now buried he- rb ind the Kremlin wall, but Lippmann retreated to much more ground. Heywood Brouri's piece, “How I Became a Red,” had an analgesique effect not matched, by anything else in these twicertold tales. Tri Speaker arid the. Boston Red $ox. did it. They played, the kind of ball book ^ “Elephant Tramp ” by* wanted to see on the political level. Today that stuff couldn’t be George (Slim) . Lewis, in collabora- > written even in fun. tion with Byrori Fish, for February publication. December Issue of Coronet mag is heavy on show biz personalities, with articles on Liberace, Patrice Munsel, John Wayne, Arthur . God- frey arid Helen Hayes and contri- buted pieces by Dave Garroway, Ray Bolger and, Betty White. December Cosmopolitan , load- ed With show biz stuff, including Joe McCarthy’s cover story on. Imogene Coca; John K6 bier’s col- orful closeup on the Hotel Excel- sior, Rome; and Richard G. Hub- Ier’s pieee on “Liberace and His Women.” First annual . Ohio Valley Writ- ers’ Conference will be sponsored Menck’s exaggeration, humor and style that might still prove enigmati to Abilene, Kans. Michael Straight, the current editor, has a piece in the issue too, but readers Would do better to read his “Trial By Television,” (Beacon Press, Boston; $3.50). It showed better than anything else what has happened to liberty of expression between 1914 and 1954. by Marietta (O.) College Aug. 28- Sept. 3, 1955. Anne Chamb.erlairi Brown; whose first novel, “The Tall, Dark Man,” Will be published early in 1955, will serve as confer- ence director. "Art For The Family,” a hoW- to-do book for children and grown- ups, will be published by the Museum of Modern Art;" N. Y., Dec; 10, It’s written by Victor D’Amico, director of the Museum’s Dept, of Education, with two teachers; Moreen Maser and Frances Wilson. Simon & Schuster is distributing. 78 CHATTER Broadway Produce Howard Erskine en- gaged to marry actress Lucy Pren- tis next February. Arthur Askey, British comedian, returned to Br/ain Saturday (27) on the Queen Elizabeth after a brief U; S. stay. . . Concert manager-booker David Libidins back in circulation after burning a blood vessel in his throat a week ago. Ida (Mrs. Eddie) Cantor east, to visit her daughters. Comedian still taking it easy, at their Palm Springs retreat in between his vid- pix series for Ziv syndication; Marlon Brando, NBC-Ty writer- producer : Henry Salomon Jr., and the vaude turn of Dick & Dot Remy back from Europe on the S.S. United States last week; George Martin, Continental story editor, for 20th-Fox, with headquar- ters in Paris, , on his first tnp to the studio in three years. Will main on the Coast until January. Artur Rubinstein in frpm Paris last Friday (26) on the lie de Prance, Pianist begins his loth concert tour under management of S. Hurok with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dec. 9. Joe E.. Lewis, having done his “Christmas flopping early,'* checks out of Harkness Pavilion tomorrow (Thurs.) and hies himself direct- ly to Miami Beach to sun-and-gin rununv with pal Danny Arnstein. Nate Blumberg, Universal. Pic- tures board chairman, doing so Well at Doctor's Hospital, follow- ing his heart attack, that it now appears • unlikely that his wife, Vera, Will have to conie on front the Coast. Harold Bowden, general manager of J. C. Williamson Theatres of Australia, backi’n N.Y; after, a visit to London, and leaves for home in about 10 days He’s recUping from an attack of food poisoning while ‘ i England. ' * . . The George M. Cohan heirs have . consulted O'Brien, Driscoll & Raf- tery, attorneys for the estate, in connection with a Marianne C6h an,-, (currently’ in the niteries, publiciz- ing herself as a granddaughter of ’ the showman - playwright - song - writer; . . ,, Metropolitan chapter of Third Marine Division Assn. Was organ- ized at “21” With Alvin M. Josephy Jr. as prexy, Milburn McCarty •ec-treas., and exec committee con- sisting of Paul C. Smith, Robert ;I. Kriendler, Ralph Horgan, Ray- mond Henri,'. Robert M* Simpson, Edward A. Galaskis, who'll rep the group at. division’s national con- vention in Washington, D. C.,' next June. By-Hazel Guild (24 Rheinstrasse; 76751) Real-Film started shooting on “The Devil’s General,’’ at Ham- burg. Ursula Thiess expected to spend part of December at her hometown of Hamburg. Pallas Films set “Obsession,” Michele Morgan-Raf VallOne star- rer, in Germany next month. Columbia plans to release Mau- rice Chevalier color pic, ‘‘Seven Daughters,” in Germany early next year.. * .. Kurt Neumann in Gottingen di- recting ‘‘Three From Variety,” which he co-scripted from the Fe- lix Hollander book, “The Oath of * Stefan Huller.” .Robert Siodmek., arrives in Ger- many in January to direct “The Rats,” which he co-scripted with Jochen Huth. CCC Films is pro- ducing; Gerhart Hauptmann will star. Herbert Wilcox and Wife Anna Neagle are in Germany looking for locations for “Kings “Rhapsody,” which Wilcox will direct. Shooting begins, in February, with Patrice Wymore, Errol Flynn and Miss Neagle playing leads. Scotland By Gordon Irvine: (Glasgow; Kelvin 1590) i Bea Lillie drawing .brisk biz to King's Theatre, Glasgow; “White Christmas” (Par), set to open at Odeon, Glasgow, Jan. 3. Gordon Harker to Glasgow in hew comedy “The Jolly Fiddler.”, Denny Willis, comedian, made tv bow in St; Andrews. Day pro- gram Nov. 30. y “Robinson Crusoe” pantoriiime. opens at Gaiety, Aye, Dec. 20, with Billy Stutt as comedian. Jack Anthony to co-star in pan- tomime with Dave Willis at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, “it's All Yours ” former Scot ra- dio program, being revived for one { ight’s airing late in December. Lord Inverclyde laid foundation Stone of new Lyric Theatre, Glas- gow, destroyed by fire in May, 1953. | Babette & Raoul, Scot adagio pair, sailing for three-month eaba- t'Es&lEf? _ Wednesday, December 1, 1954 i . . i l | i ■■ ' i ■■■■■■■■ • - I ,' • i ii i | | j - ■ , ■ ■ "I 1 1 ■ ' ■ ■ ■■ ret stint at Palace Hotel, Karachi, and Spencer’s Hotel, Calcutta. Brisk booking for “Guys and Dolls,” Christmas production at King’s, Glasgow, with most seats sold except for matinees and bal- cony locations. By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Odeon 49-44) Marge Llergo replacing Cather- ine. Sauvage at Le Carroll’s nitery.. Empire- Theatre wants .the; new Sugar Ray Robinson package show next season. Madp Robin in from the U. S. to start rehearsal, for “The Magic Flute” opera. Pat Rainey, songstress of Ring- side nitery. here, to London for top stint at Stork Club. Sacha Guitry winds his big spec* “Napoleon,” this week after a five- month shooting sked. . \ . Nick Pery, Columbia Conti- nental. manager, nominated veepee by Joseph McConville. Robert Cohn taking over here as head of Columbia Pix foreign pro- duction and distribution activity. Alexandre Calder, U. S. artists, tagged by Dave Stein of . MCA to do sets for forthcoming musical here. Annabella due to . make her screen comeback in Anatole Lit- vak’s next C’Scope pic to be made here, “Deep Blue Sea” (20th). ' Claude Autant Lara’s pic ver- sion of Stendhal’s “Le Rouge Et Le Noir” (Red And The Black) may become, top b.o. pic this year. Maurice Chevalier now regrets that he^tlidn’t put on his present one-man show himself With b.o. hitting a steady $3,000 nightly. Borrah Mirievitch says he booked his Harmonica Rascals into the new Lido show so. he could sec them again for awhile. Mixing biz with pleasure. Otto Preminger due here to make sure there are no infringe- ments on the Bizet music score of his ‘‘Carmen . Jones” (20th); and facilitate early distrib overseas; Charles Boyer Winding “Nanai” here and will do an adaptation of Andre . Roussin’s legiter, “Les Oeufs D’Autruche” (The Ostrich’s Eggs), on Broadway late this sea- son. . Thierry Maulnier’s adaptation of Andre Malafaux’s novel, “La Cond- tion Humaine” (The Human Condi- tion), emerges; as a legiter with 29 scenes which will be. done with projected backdrops*' Preems Dec; 10; Fernand Ledoux can now act on Paris stage again with a special dispensation from his home com- pany, the Comedie-Francaise. He will do “VolponeV with the Jean Louis Barrault-Madeleine Renaud Co. this season.. Portland, Ore. Mills Bros, at Amato’s Supper Club for two weeks. The Dublin Players inked for Benson Auditorium Dec, 7. Duke Roslyn has taken over the. band dept, at the Earl Mossman agency. Oregonian drama editor Herb Larsen still off duty, recovering at home from a recurring illness. Helen Hayes and her “What Every Woman Knows” set new opening night record for legit plays here when she grabbed $7,- 100 at the Civic Auditorium. Oscar Nyberg, Evergreen’s man- ager of the New Fox, has 150 school kids visit his theatre each week with; their teachers and lec- tures on the house Operation. Solid public relations. India government .amending Cin- ematograph Act as to bring all rules in various states on uniform level. Pakistan government to allow 10 more Indian pictures to be ^im- ported from those held, by customs authorities;; . India government has reduced the duty by 'half on films sent abroad by Indian producers for color processing., Madras government turned down Madras Corp; proposal that latter body . collect entertainment tax from theatres and charge the gov- ernment ZVz% . collection fee against lO^f presently charged. * Paramount demonstration of YistaVision at Bombay’s Eros Theatre made real impression on the . pic,, trade here. First Vista- Vision pic. “White Christmas” slated for. release in Bombay, Cal- cutta, Delhi and here Dec. 24. Director George Cukor in India in Connection with the Metro pic, “Bhowani Junction.” Anglo-Indian Community assured that film would portray them in true colors; also that Indian Actor Premnatli would get featured role in production. London Georgia Brown heading cabaret at the Albany Club. Bethe Douglas opening a cabaret ■season at the May Fair Hotel Dec. 13. Peter Dimmock named head of BBC-TV outside broadcasts depart- ment. Princess Margaret paid her sec- ond visit to the Casino last week to. see “Cinerama.” London tent of the Variety Club holding . its election dinner at the Savoy tonight (Wed.), ... Anthony Darnborough reported- ly ending his association as a Rank producer at the end of 1954. Sam Butchart exited his post as general secretary of the Society of Cinema Managers as an econ- omy measure. Queen Mother Elizabeth opens the new Royal Academy of Dra matic . Art Theatre tomorrp (Thurs.). Belinda Lee. turned down a long termer from the J. Arthur Rank Organization; sighed, with Mike Frankovich for five years. Charles Boyer, Stubby Kaye and lyric writer H. J. G. Newman among show biz folks who spiled to N. Y. the Queen Mary Fri- day (26). Musicomedy star Evelyn Laye opened a new Keith Pro wse show- case in Bond Street last week. Ceremony coincided with the coin- pany’s 170th anni. Madrid 1 By Ramsay Ames ( Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Joaquin Calvo-Sotelo’s “La Mu- ralla” (The Wall) just, reached its 100th performance at Teatro de “Los Peces Rojos” (The Red; Fish), shelved since summer, is on the production list again. It will be directed by Nieves Conde. Miguel Delgado will direct “Ar- riba el Telon” (Curtain Going Up) which stars Mexico’s Mario . Mo- reno, better known ps “Caritin- flas’V Dr . Renato GUalino , prez of Italy’s Lux-Film, here tor a few days for final negotiations on Spanish- Italian .coproductions, “Carousel Espanol” and “Roldan Paladin”., Jose Luis Saenz . de Heredia, Spanish .. co-producer of “That Lady,” busy' preparing the Span- ish version of that picture, and at the sapie time readying his next production, “Tres Historips de Radio”. Producer Mike Frankoyitch here to prepare his -’Tormenta”, start- ing date of which has been pushed back to December because Frank- ovitch’s picture in London, which will co-star Jean . Simmons and Stewart Granger, is ’ still in the setting-upstage. ; Juan de Orduna, who directed “Locura de Amor”, (the story of Queen Juana la Loca) five years ago, and who was named Spain’s first director by Triunfo this year, will direct and prqduce an adapta- tion of Bartolme Soler’s„ novel, “Marcos Villari”. Title role goes to Jorge Mistral. Robert Ruark tossed a cocktail party last week to celebrate the (completion Of his new book, Among the guests — U.P.’ Ralph Forte and Mr. and Mrs. (World Commerce) Ricardo Sicre, who are on their, way to Cuba. The Ruarks have since gone to N.Y. where they plan to stay until February. Photographer Juan Gyenes, whose book, “Ballet Espanol" (a collection of his photographs of all of Spain’s most famous dancers), a bestseller herb, has another due in January* titled “Don Juan y pi Teatro en Espana”. ' It's the larg- est illustrated edition about Span- ish theatre ever to be published. It contains Gynes’ illustrations of the 30 biggest Theatrical successes played in Spain during the last seven years, including Salvador Dali’s famous decorations for “Don Juim Tenorio” . By Hal V. Cohen Al Morgan n signed to top the New Year’s week bill at the Copa. Esquires return to : Bali Kea following their “Chance of a Life- time” clicks. Marti Stevens ahd Chandra- Kaly Dancers topping new show at the Ankara. John H. Harris Jr. , quit LaSalle U. to volunteer for. draft but won’t go until Feb.>l. Mimi Benzell and Joey Adams will head Bonds for Israel show at MosqUe Dec. 12. Nat Nazarro, Jr., head of AG VA here, changed his mind about leav- ing the organization. t Harry Davies in; town beating the drums for^Deborah Kerr in “Tea and Sympathy.” i Donald -Steinfirst, Post-Gazette music tritic, and his wife flew to San Francisco for 10 days; George Arnold back from Europe, and has taken a new ice revue into the Twin Coaches. Phil Doyle, biz agent .for stage- hands union, back on the job at Warner after undergoing ah op- eration. ° Johnny Harris says next, season will definitely be the last for his wife, Donna Atwood, in “Ice Still-running “My Three Angels” has broken all' records at Play- house, topping previous high of “Peg O’ My Heart,” First ^anniversary of “This Is Cinerama” at the Warner Dec. 8 is taking on the aspects of a civic celebration. Luncheon, scroll, speeches and Kathy Darlyn, Cy- rvess Gardens aquabelle, all part f Arthur Manson’s whoopla. Omaha By Glenn Trump Susan Wayne, 'Coast tv actress, visited her family here. Rink Wright again named to pro- duce. ahnual Shrine Circus here. Joe Lukesh orch pacted for Os- car’s Palladium at Sargent for Thanksgiving and Christmas nights. Harry Fowler started publicity for “Hollywood Ice Revue,” booked for his Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum Dec. 7-14. Next meeting of Nebraska AUto-< matic Phonograph Operators’ Assn, Will be Dec, 11-12 at Madison Ho- tel in Norfolk* “Detective Story” has opened a two- Week run at Omaha . Commu- nity Playhouse. Jack Reilly, re- cently of “Mr. Roberts” traveling, company, is featured. Unit composed of Owen. Hester, dancer;. John Ellis; magic; Jeanne Jaimes, acros; R&y Riggs, harmoni-: ca;, and Pat Tregellas, accordion, p»layirig one-night theatre dates fori farm equipment concerns In state. By Georg:® Mezoefl . Reissue of . Charles Chaplin's “Modern Times” (UA) smash at Corso Theatre. Theatre am , Central preparing. Zurich preem of Andre Roussin’s comedy “The Little Hut” for De- cember. SchaUspielhaus. announced re- vival of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV,” drama’s first performance here since 1941. U. S. jazz package featuring Sara Vaughan,. Coleman Hawkins and Illinois Jacqiiet guest-toured several Swiss cities. Because of. flops by several 3-D pix in recent months, “Dial M for Murder” (WB) .is being released at Apollo in flat version. Praesens Film currently shoot- ing indoors at Rosenhof Studios for its sequel to “Heidi,” first Swiss full-length tinter; Dallas By Bill Barker Frances Langford and The Fel- las in Hotel Adolphus’ Century Room. Gloria DeHaven and Joe Reich- man orch topping Baker Hotel’s Murial Room show. Dallas Symphony launched its 55th year, with conductor Walter Hendl in for fifth straight season. Sophie Tucker handed plaque: by R. J. O’Donnell on behalf of Va- riety Club Tent 17 for her dona- tions to' Boys’ Ranch near here. ' Linda Darnell stopped over for hometown visit en'vroute to Texas Tech, Lubbock, where she attended opening of its,' art museum; she had posed for Peter Hurd murals there. ^ By Les Rees Edyth Bush Little Theatre pre- senting “Holiday.” “Bell, Book and Candle” on tap at Theatre-in-Round. Maureen Cannon into Hotel Radisson Flame Room for. second tinie. “Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo” scheduled for Northrop Auditori- um, Dec. 4-5. Minnesota U. Theatre chalked up alltime boxoffice record with “Mister Roberts.” - Previously announced for Lyce- um, Jail. 10, two-for-one “Models In Season” changed its route and cancelled. First Piano Quartet Appeared' with Minneapolis Symphony Or- chestra in benefit concert for orch’# security fund, Despite excellent crix notices, "Hollywood ice Revile,” first time here, finished 13- performance Arena engagement to poorest busi- ness in show’s history. Joseph Kaufman left for Lon- don. * Norman Moray in town for con- fabs with Jqck L* Warner. Cecil B, DeMMle and Charlton Heston returned from Egypt. Charles J. Feldman in town for. Universal sales conferences. Edward L. Alperson and Norman Siegel planed to Mexico . City. Paramount hosted T. Asao and M. Qhno, Japanese film executives. Harry Colin back at Cqlumbi hontieoffice after huddles ijn N, Y. Tess and Bill Bendix feted her parents on their. 50th wedding an- niversary, Jerry Davis and Marilyn Max- well to "Acapulco for two-week honeymoon. Bandleader - songsmith R a y Noble back from an extended stay in native England. Paramount hosted John Davis, managing director for J. Arthur Rank Organization. Audie Murphy to New Orleans to welcome the Third Infantry Di- vision back from Korea. Tony Curtis won the George Washington Carver Memorial In- stitute's annual Award of Merit. Grace, and George Brown have taken a capital-gain profit on their Hotel La Serena, Palm Springs, after four , years’ operation. The former Paramount studio ad-pub. head, Who also was president of the desert resort’s hotel associa- tion, is looking around for a. com- parable inn, but With greater num- ber of cottages. La Serena’s 11 units were inadequate in season for the Browns’ following. • r Bill De Witt now baritoning at the Opera: Club; Carmen McRae currently thrush- ing at. the Streamliner. Laurig Allyn and Ace Harri currently a:t Cloister Inn< . Evelyn West appearing' at FOlies Bergere in Calumet City. Ethel Ayler, Opera Club sopra- no, leaving Chi for role in Parli company of “Porgy and Bess.” Alan Mowbray being honored this week by the 52-Assn, for hi service to hospitalized war vets. Jac Worth prepping new cabaret tour to Palmer House, Honolulu Harry’s, and Blue Angel .on Dec. 16. - Fiftieth anni of Ochestra Hall being celebrated with special con- cert Dec. 11 by Fritz Reiner and Chicago Symphony. Miami Beach By Lary Solloway Isle De Capri is latest hotel to join those presenting shows. Opens Dee. 1 with Charlie Farrell and supporting acts. Alan Dean set for one week at the Nautilus before heading for the Caribe-Hilton in Puerto Rico and a five-week date. Vic Damone added to Christmas show which will reopen the Beach- comber. It’s headed by Martha Raye and includes Jack Carter and the Novelties. ; Sea Isle Hotel sold to group of investors for $4,000,000, dispelling reports that Walter (Lord 'Tarle- ton) Jacobs Was dickering for th® mid-beach hostelry. New manage- ment will present shows twic® weekly, Sid Jlarris agency booking. Houston By Bill . Roberts Shaw’s “Pygmalidn” iir its third week at the Playhouse Thomas Mitchell flew in to p.a. with the debut of his “Mayor of the Town” over KTRH-TV. Gary Cooper bagged a deer near Uvalde, celebrated the event, in the Shamrock’s Cork Club with Noah Dietrich and Pat di Cicco. Leo Carrillo helped false $100,- 000 for mentally retarded children via a Thanksgiving Day telethon over KGUL-TV, Galveston. Jimmy, Demaret, Jackie Burk® and Cary Middlekauf shooting sev- eral stanzas of Demaret’s new filmed teevee show at Westwood Country Club; Franchot Tone, Betsy Von FurS- tenberg and Biff JM(?Guire packed for New York after closing “King of Hearts” Thursday (25) at the Music Hall. The show had > a three- day run here. . English novelist J. B. Priestly put one foot in his mouth when he was locally quoted, “Texas men are bores,” blit neatly extracted same the next edition when he mai tained he was misquoted. James Melton emceed the Music Hall debut of KTRK-TV, Channel 13, w^hen Peter Donald’s plane was fogbound in New York; Marguerite Piazza, Kyle MacDonhell, Mary Raye & Naldi, Senor Wences and the Houston Symphony under th® baton of Ferenc Fricsay. headlined the show. Wednesday, December 1, 1954 p i 1 1 1 - ■■ ■ •• * 1 * * 1 ' ■ 1 1 " ■ WILHELM FURTWAENGLER Wilhelm Furtwaengler, 68, con- sidered one of the world's top con- ductors, died Nov. 30 in Baden* Baden, Germany,. He was sched- uled to begin a U, S. tour next March with the Berlin Philhar- monic under sponsorship of Colum- bia Artists .Management. A controversial figure, .Furt- waengler had been attached as be- ing a Nazi *fdr accepting . the post of general music director of the Berlin State Opera under Hitler’s personal appointment. He was de- fended on this count by friends who claimed he protected Jewish musicians in his orch and insisted on the right to play music by Jew- ish composers. ' Among those Who came to Furt- Waengler’s defense, was Jewish violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who also performed With him since the end of the war. A four power de- nazification commission cleared the was knighted early this year by Queen Elizabeth II. His stage Career began almost accidently in 1891, when he volun- teered to be a "stooge” for a hyp* nhlist. arid while in a '‘trance'’ sang comic songs. He won SO many laughs that he soon outgrew the act and became a comedy star, drawing up to $3,750 a week for. many years. His. act, performed in baggy black clerical dress; Shallow derby . hat, and a little cane, featured comedy sketches and songs, many of them becoming music hall classics. A few of his most famous numbers were . "If You Were the Only Girl ip the World” and "An- other Little .Brink Won’t Do Us Aiiy Harm.” During the war Sir George gave many charity performances and raised large sums for British and French .organizations. In 1935, he made his Shakespearean debut as IN. MEMORY JOSEPH BURSTYN First President , • INDEPENDENT MOTION PICTURE DISTRI ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA maestro of charges , of actively col- laborating with the Hitler regime. " Born near Berlin, Furtwaengler was a child prodigy and at the age pf eight went to Munich to study music. His conducting career be- gan at the age of 20 when lie be- came director of the . Dresden Opera orch. .In 1920 he succeeded Richard Strauss as. director of the Berlin Opera orch and two years later, following the death of Ar-> thur; NikisCh, was appointed chief conductor of the Berlin Philhar- monic. . Furtwaengler appeared In the U. S. several "times and in .1925-26. led the New York Philharmonic. Besides conducting, he also was a composer and turned out four sym- phonies, a piano concerto and two sonatas for violin and piano. He was rated as the greatest inter- preter of Beethoven's symphonies Falstaff in “Henry IV.” He also appeared in "Don Quixote,” in films; radio and television, ROY RENE Harry van der Sluice, 63, noted Australian comedian , known pro- fessionally as Roy Rene, died of a heart attack Nov, 22 in Sydney. Also known to theatregoers and radio listeners as "Mo,” he was re- garded one of the most cele- brated comics that the Aussie stage has produced in the last half cem j tury, ' I Rene, whose stock in trade was a lascivious leer,, had an earthy com- . mand /of the Australian idiom. In the eyes of many lie was a clown on par with Charies Chaplin. He teamed in Vaude with the late Nat Phillips in 1914 and the *pair trouped together for some 15 JOSEPH BURSTYN « Movetnbtr 30, 1954 and in recent years divided his time between the Philharmonic or- chestras of Berlin and Vienna and the annual Salzburg Festival. ROBERT EDMOND JONES Robert Edmond Jones, 67, legit designer, died Nov, 26, in . Milton! N. H., at the home of his sisters, the Misses Elizabeth and Alice Varney Jones. Ill for the past year after undergoing an operation,, he ..was rated as one df the leading stage designers* Following his graduation from Harvard in 1910, he remained at the institution for two years in the Fine Arts Dept. In 1913, after working as cos- tume designer for Comstock & Gest in New. York, Jones headed for Europe where he spent a year years. They were billed as Stiffy & Mo. Surviving are his wife, who ap- peared on the stage as Sadie Gale; a son and a daughter. BORIS HAMBOURG Boris Hambourg, 69, noted cellist and composer, died of a heart at- tack Nov. 25 in Toronto. Founder of the Hambourg Conservatory of Music there arid the Hambourg Trio with his two brothers, Mark, pianist, arid Jan, violinist, Boris Hambourg was currently complet- ing preparations for a North Amer- ican tour to start in January. Born in Moscow, Hambourg made his London debut in 1904. His Hambourg Trio saw annual fours of Britain and the Continent, In Fond Remembrance WILLIAM FREDERICK PETERS (December 1st, 1938) He could read music — he could write music. He could orchestrate, and was a wonderful conductor. His Devoted Wife, MRS. WILLIAM FREDERICK PITERS. at Max Reinhardt’s Deutsche The- atre. His initial set designing job in New York was for; Anatole -France’s "The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife,” presented in 1915. That same year, he was engaged -’h#-' Arthur Hopkins arid for the. following five years designed sets for the- producer’s offerings. . Jones began an association with Eugene 4 O'Neill in ,.1921, and did the/'designs for. a ritimber of the; playwright’s works, including "The Hairy Ape,” "Anna Christie,” "De- sire Under the Elms,” "Mourning Becomes Electra,” "Ah Wilder- ness” and "The ice Man Cometh.” His most recent production was. a 1,951 revival of "Green Pastures.” Surviving, besides his sisters, are two brothers. SIR GEORGE ROBEY Sir George Robey, 85, one of. Britain’s top music hall eomediaris, known as "The Prime Minister of Mirth,” died Nov, 29, in Saltdeari, Sussex, England. Sir George, who was born George Edward Wade, Australia and South Africa. On in- ternational tours, he was also cellist, with the Hart House String Quartet. . .Surviving, are. his wife, two brothers , and a sister. * charBie mack Augustus McCarthy, 64, known professionally as Charlie Mack, a pioneer vaude booker in the mid- west, died Nov. 26 In Miami, where lie had been in retirement two years. In the 1900s Mack was a member of a singing trio, and in the ’20$ he headed |he Michigan Vaudeville Managers^ Assn., larg- est booking operation in that state at. the time. ; He was later associ- ated with the old Carrell circuit in Chicago and subsequently main- tained an independent office in both Detroit and Chi. Wife survives. SAMUEL ABEND Samuel Abend, 59, died in Kan- sas City Nov. 26 of a heart attack. Vice-president arid secretary of the Exhibitors* KLM Delivery & Serv- ice Co. Inc., he was $lso partner in the circuit operating indoor and drive-in theatres in the Metiopoli- tan area. Born in Poland, he ar- rived in Kansas City at 14, and began the film delivery service in 1915; forming^ a partnership with E. E. Jameson, now presiefent of the .company, in 1926* Leading Jewish, layman, he was a director, of the Motion Picture Assn, of Kan- sas City. Surviving are a daughter, Iris; mother aria a sister. IDA R. KOVERMAN Ida Rarious Koverman, 79, di- rector. of public relations for Metro, died of a heart attack Nov.. 24 lii Holly wood.. She entered the film, industry as: executive secretary to Louis B. Mayer in 1928 after suc- cessful careers business, and politics. , Mrs. Koverman was exec secre- tary for. the Calvin CoolidgO presi- dential. campaign in 1924 arid for the Hoover campaign in 1928. It was during this period that she riiet Mayer. When he left Metro she was appointed: to the public rela- tions post. \ Aside from Her other duties at ] •Metro* Mrs* Koverman often func- tioned as a talent scout arid acted as counsellor to many of the young players. JOHN T. DuROSS John T. DuRoss/ 68, died in New York, No v. 14 following an Opera- tion after being hospitalized a short , time. A veteran Vaudeville performer for 30 years, he played at the N.Y. Palace more than' six times.. r DuRoss, with his brother, An- drew, and his wife, Helen Gorham DuRoss, farmed the team of Three Aces of Variety. Later the act was known as Francis, Ross and Du- Ross. . It toured the RKO house; the Fox chai , Loew’s and the Orpheum circuits, throughout the country. DuRoss stayed in vaude until it began to fade away, arid then retired, W. L. DAVIS ,W. L, Davis. 56. president of ra- dio station CHAB’ Moose Jaw, Sask., died in Prince Albert, Sask,, Nov. 20 after a lengthy illness. ; He had been associated with CHAB since 1947. entering a partnership with J. E. Slaight, now of Toronto. He later took over Slaight’s inter- est; A longtime publisher of the Prince Albert Daily Herald, , he sold out about four years ago to Roy H. Thomson and had been publishing the Flin Elori, Man., Miner. Surviving re his wife, a son. four brothers and two sisters. One brother is T. C. Davis, Canadian ambassador to Japan, arid another is C, S. Davis, a Queen’s bench court judge in Regina* GILBERT CROCKER Gilbert Crocker. 54, operator cif the theatre at Lyndon, Kan$;, died. Nov. 18 at. his home there, one day after the film industry and citizens of the community held, a benefit in his honor, Mr, andMrS* Crocker once adopted four children, of the same family, three of them still in school iri Lyndon. The benefit was promoted by Robert Ringler, RKO salesman out of the Kansas City exchange,, and through him many theatrenten in Kansas had bought contributory tickets for the affair. The event was a special showing at the Lyn- don Theatre. GRIFFITH MITCHELL Griffith Mitchell, 70, pioneer In Canada’s film industry, died Nov, 25 in Rochester. N.Y. He was man- ager of the early Strand Theatre, Toronto,, and later the Regent which ..became the flagship of Fa- mous Players (Canadian) when the late N. L. Nathan$on formed FPC iri 1916. At the time of his retirement Mitchell Was manager of ; the Rurinymede, Toronto. In his youth, he served a three year hitch with, the then North-West Mounted Po- lice ill the Yukon. Survived by his Wife and a son, Major H. Mitchell, currently with the Canadian Army in Germany% HERBERT WHITTAKER Herbert ArthUr. Whittaker, 80, w.k., producer, died Nov. 22 at Scarborough, Eng: As pioneer showman, he toured Britain with bands, troupes of pygmies and. mb-, tion pictures*, Half-a-century ago he built a . rollerskating rink arid later turned it into a cinema. In 1913 he bought the Londes- borough Theatre, Scarborough, arid was also owner of a chair factory which made : 80.000 chairs a year for theatres and cinemas, JACK CARPENTER Jack Carpenter, 43, vocalist and musical arranger, died Nov, 16 in Sydney in a> gas filled apartment, presumably a suicide. He came 79 to Australia in 1937 with a troupe known as the Ameri-Canadians. As a vdcalist Carpenter had ap- peared. on. radio as well as with several hands. At one time he was musical arranger for the Col- gate-Palmolive show in Aussie. ARTHUR C. CLOETINGH Arthur C. Cloetingh, 64, director of dramatics at Pennsylvania State U. for 35 years, died Nov. 26 in State College, Pa* He. was appointed to the university’s faculty in 1919. and. was one of the founders ' the Penn State players. Last year he. w med a di- rector of. the American National Theatre and Academy. . Surviving are . his wife and two children. . 24 years at the old Lyceum, now the Embassy Theatre, that city. Joseph Trenholm Treeri; 39. op- erator of the Trelyn Theatre, Kiri- istinp, Sask., died iri a hunting ac- cident Nov. 8. Survived by his wife, a daught and a son. Kayriiond E, Kerliri, 61, person- nel interviewer for RCA Victor, died Nov. 21 in Philadelphia. He is survived by his son, two sisters and a brother. JOHN John M. South Hills M. ALDERDICE Alderdice, realtor lp section of Pittsburgh and operator of the first, mbtion picture theatre in that neighbor- hood, died Nov, 16 in that city. Born in Ireland, he spent most of hi$ adult years in Pittsburgh. In 191 (T he moved to the South Hills and six years later opened a film house. : He leaves hws . wife, two sons^.a brother arid two grandsons. DONALD L. W. HOOD Donald L. W. Hood, 48, owner of the Lux Theatre in Hudson Bay, {Sask., arid a director of the Sas- katchew Motion Picture Exhibi- tors’ Assn., was killed Nov. 20 when his private plane crashed near Regina; Also killed in the crash was Lloyd. Carr, a theatre projectionist, arid pilot of the plane. ., , Hood is survived by his wife and three children; FRANK N. FIG GINS Frank N. Figgins; 57, engineer- ing. supervisor at NBC for 21 years, died of a • bleart attack Nov. 20 in Los . Angeles, Prior to joining NBC he had been with KFAC and KFVD. His Wife arid two children sur- vive. ' JANE KERR Jane Kerr, 83, character actress on screen and tv,, died Nov. 19 in Compton, Gal. " She appeared in “Garden of Allah” arid" "Les Mis- erables” two decades ago ancf more recently on television. A granddaughter survives. Wife oY Arthur S. Kany, vet film-drama editor of the Dayton Journal-Herald, was killed in an auto accident Nov. 20 in that city. Kany was. hospitalized with serious injuries. ' A son, Howard Kariy, is With the CBS News Bureau in New York. Albert Edward'Coxen, 70, screen actor.; died- Nov. 21 in Hollywood. He was in legit before moving to Hollywood more than 30 yearsago. His wife' 'and sister survive. Glenn Martin Gross, 39, concert singer and voice teacher at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, known professionally as Glenn Martin died Nov. 26 in. Norwalk, Conn. Surviving are his wife, a son, his brother and two brothers. Mrs. Helen K, Eidridge, widow of the late "Uncle Dave” Eldridge,. : theatre, manager for the Shubeils for more than 40 years, died Nov. 24 in Utica;' N.Y. MARRIAGES Gloria McMillan to Gilbert W. Allen, Los Angeles, Nov, 23* Bride is an actress. Judith Mayer Goetz to Richard A. Shepherd, New York, Nov. 25. Bride’s a .daughter of Williarii Goetz,, indie film producer, and granddaughter of Louis B. .Mayor; he’s an agent with MCA: Jean F. . Butterworth to Georae E. Grad.v, Denver, Nov. 24. Briae is daughter of Rod Butterworth, music publisher, Elinor .Hadden to Louis Miehe- Renard, Copenhagen, Nov. 22. Bride is. stage dancer from Edi burgh; he's \v*k; Danish film actor. Elayne Terker to pick' Rubin, New York, Nov. 25. He’s an; MGA Veepee. Lucille Fouillet Keane, New York, ^iS a designer with and Cardin; he’s technical director of Screen Gems; Columbi Pic- tures' telefih subsidiary. . . Pier Angeii to Vic Damone, Hollywood, Nov; 24. Bride’s a screen actress; he’s a singer. Eleanor Parker to Paul Clemens, Hollywood, Nov. 25. Bride’s a film star; he’s a portrait painter. Sarah Anri Slussek to Jerry Smith, Dayton, O., Nov/ 25. He’/ with Loew’s in Dayton and was former asst, mgr, of Ritz in Pitts burgh. Claire Boyle tp Robert W. Cox, Pittsbupgh, Nov. 27. Bride's with Par exchange .in Pitt. Shirley Cameron to David Pala's- tanga, Halifax, Erig., Nov. 11. Both are thespers. to M. Peter Nov. 25. Bi’ide Christian Dior BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Don Coleman, New York, Nov. 24, Mother is lissa Hayden, lead ballerina son, Me- wl tli Charles Wirlh, 67,. writer on out- door amusements for Billboard, show biz tradepaper, died Nov., 27. of a heart ailment ill Cincinnati. Oldest employee in point of serv- ice, lie joined the paper in 1903. Elbridge Nichols, 59, production staffer on radio's Hallmark Hall of Fame, died Nov. 22 in Holly- wood following a heart attack. His wife, two daughters and a son sur- vive. Simo Parviairien, head of Parvis- filmi, died recently in Helsinki, Finland. For years he handled dis- tribution of J.. Arthur Rank prod- uct in Finland, and also acted as agent for G. B.-Kalee arid 0/ B. Equipment Michael A. Vitale, 64, once busi- ness manager of an orchestra con- ducted by. his late brother. Angelo Vitale, died. Nciv. .2.4 in Cleveland. His maestro-brother died two years ago. . Father of, A1 Heifer, 'network sportscaster. died iri Monoagahela Pa hPSr Pltfchiirtfh nn NOV.. Pa., near Pittsburgh, on after a brief illness. He. was tired locomotive engineer. Frederick A. Miller, 86, dent of South Bend, Ind.. and television stations WSBT WSBT-TV, and] president editor of the South Bend Ti died. Nov. 29, iri that city, wife survives. John Thomas Beaumont, 72. cin- ema 'owner j. arid for many years prexy of Huddersfield Assn., died at Nov. 15. Ballet Theatre; father is a stage manager. Mr* and Mrs. Arthur S. Abeles Jr., daughter, London, Nox. 23. Father is managing director for Warner Eros, in the United King- dom. Mr* and Mrs. .Louis B. Hess, son, Chicago, Nov. 2. Father , is Chi manager for Clasa Mohme film's/ Mr. and Mrs. Robert Quinlim, daughter, Los Angeles, Nov; 19. Father ’ executive producer at KNXT. Mr. and Mrs. George Fishei/ daughter, Santa Monica,. Cal., Nov* 27. Father is a radio commentator. Mr. and Mrs. Burt Stylei;, son, ^Hollywood, Nov. 25, Mother is ac- tress Adele Dane; father is a tv writer. Mr. and Mrs*. Herman Silverman, daughter, Miami, Nov. 24. Father is a Wometco Theatres exec. Mr. and. Mrs. Bob Smith, son, Honolulu, Nov. 20; Father is a Singer-guitarist with KGME and KGMB-TV in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. John- son Jr,( son, Pittsburgh, Nov. 24. Mother’s the daughter of Don lo- set, manager of WPIT in Pitt. ■ Mr, and Mrs. Herbert Osgood, son, Pittsburgh, Nov. 19/ Father, arid mother, Ruth Behringer, , rnusicians. Mr. and. Mrs; Edward. Reith, twin daughters. Pittsburgh, Nov* 14. Father’s with A;cme Distribut- ing Go. in Pitt* Mr, and Mrs; Joe Parnello, .son, Chicago,. Nov. -25. Father : is pianist at Black Orchid in Chi; • Mr, and Mrs. Young WilMioite- III, daughter, Los Angeles. Nov. 22. Mother is the former Sand)’ Burns*, daughter of George Burns, arid Grade Allen; father is an executive with MacCadden Pi'odiic- lions. - 6 Mr. and Mrs. Harry' Verfallie, His ( daughter, Woodbury, N.J., Nciy; 23. /Mother is Jpan Weber, disk Singer. Mr. , and Mr, Samuel Grad, daughter, Bropklyn, Nov, 25. Fa- 20 rc- presj- radio. and ther is son pf. "Maurice' Grad, Col- jders'field Cinemas ; umb'ia Pictures’ short subject sales Huddersfield, Eng., ! manager. . Mr. and Mr.. Hermit Kclgley, daughter, No.v* 26, N.Y*. Father is Stage manager of the Broadway musical, "Fanny”;..' niother is act- ress-singer Betty Eai’ly. Joseph L. Sbepheard, 84. vet* eran theatre drummer, at New Britain, Conn* Played drums for : T&'tJjf* Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Dear Room, palmer . in the E«'P‘ rc — * «****“ , tk»»- Thev «' ' ,0 “ aerf “ 1 ' . a ndbox«i fiee ' c \ u b» k „ too, to N S< P STAGE RADIO FILMS MUSIC VIDEO Published Weekly at 134 West 46th Street. New York 36. N. Y.. by Variety. Ine. Annual subscription S10. Single copies. 35 cents. Entered as second class matter December 22. 1905. at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act el March 3. 1373. COPYRIGHT. 1954. BY VARIETY. INC.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VOL. 197 No. 1 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1954 PRICE 25 CENTS Quebec’s AO-Powerful Censors Put |||J[ [)(HIB PUCK Charge Mob Influence in Nevada’s Their Stamp on Actresses Bosoms $100,000,000 Gambling Resort Biz Montreal, Dec. 7. The Quebec Board of Censors, which snips everything from films to lobby display material, is un- intentionally displaying a sense of humor. Much to the public’s amusement, the stamp of approval on 24-sheets and billboard signs is always inked on the bosom of the better-endowed femme fea- tured in the display. Marilyn Mon- roe et al. means a field day for the stampers. Scissor-happy for many years, the QBC has been taking great chunks out of films without any thought of continuity. The board’s decision is final, although organi- zations can make suggestions and petition on the advisability of showing certain pix. Both exhibi- tors and the public accept the board’s decision in a matter-of-fact manner, and rarely are there or- ganized protests. Censoring, how- ever, has had little or no effect on general b.o. grosses since the Que- becites are faithful film fans. The QBC is a 25-man board headed by Alex Gagnon. A special sub-committee of nine, all French Canadian, passes on every film whether 35m or 16m. Another sub-group handles the display ma- terial. The board also does its own policing. Several members are constantly making spot checks In theatres to see if the official tag . ( Continued on page 63) U.S. TV Respects Family Aud, Sez Jesuit Priest; Raps BBC ’Coarseness’ Omaha, Dec. 7. “American television has, in general respected its family audi- ence,’’ Rev. R. C. Williams, S.J., director of communication arts and coordinator of tv at Creighton C. here, last week told a local meeting of Te Deum. He said he gained that impression while at- tending a 12-nation program study course in London. However, Father Williams was critical of liberties taken by the BBC in its operation. The priest cited the telecast of a drama which lie witnessed in England. The fact that it was a classic, he said, did Lot justify leaving in “coarse and obscene language.” The U. S. sponsor often may 'mly be trying to avoid offending his customers, Father Williams commented. “But our commer- cial system nonetheless usually safeguards the family from direct assaults on fundamental decen- cies." tie quoted Pope Pius XII as stating: “Television can be a con- siderable influence for good in the postering of a wholesome family h*e." The Pope, he added, be- lieves tv can be valuable in enter- taining the family “far from the dangers of unhealthy companions mid places.” ^ Revives Best Seller Can a film make a best- seller? In the case of “The Egyp- tian,” it was certainly proven that a b.o. success can return a novel to the best-seller lists, Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox production topper, held last week. “It was put back there by the movie-goers,” he declared. “Of course, you never know. They may be going back to the book to see what I left out of it.” G’wich Village Jumps With Java Espresso Spots New York’s Greenwich Village is switching from daquiris to demi- tasse. Long noted for its switches of all kinds, the latest changeover seems to be a last-ditch fight to maintain the picturesqueness and respectability of that famed hang- out for the artistically inclined. Aside from one thoroughfare (W. 3d Street), where the stripperies have become an important indus- try, a latterday development in the area is the upbeat of the coffee- houses. These spots, selling demi- tasses of cafe espresso at 15c up, seem to have taken over as the rendezvous for those who still have hopes that the Village will rise to its former preeminence as a centre of the arts. The oldsters and" the serious kids bemoan the fact that the Whitney Museum has moved uptown. New York University has torn down buildings along Wash- ington Square that were a pictur- esque and colorful part of this seg- ment of the city. The students, who (Continued on page 50) JOAN WEBER DlSCLICK LEADS TO CAFE DATES Joan Weber, who hit the bigtime via the “Studio One” (CBS-TV) plug of her Columbia waxing, “Let Me Go, Lover,” is being groomed for the “live” circuit via nitery date's in five key cities. Already lined up for her are Boston, Pitts- burgh, Washington, Cleveland and Philadelphia. She’ll hit the nitery circuit in mid-January. Thrush also is set for the Ed Sullivan show (CBS-TV) Dec. 26 and the Perry Como show (CBS- TV) Dec. 29. An 18-year-old un- known — she had first baby last week — the smash disk has cata- pulted her into quasi-’n^me” value. j j r f , . For an industry that has grown alternately fat and thin on crises, crossroads and economic revolu- tions, Hollywood is now showing a fascination for the status quo. The major producers have come as close as they think possible to a success formula, i.e , a payoff via fewer negatives with more accent on posi- tive production values. They like it fine this way and appear de- termined to resist steadily mount- ing exhibitor pressure for more films. The new approach to film biz economics, which was evolved by the studios with the advent of the wide screen and particularly of Cinemascope, is being maintained in the face of exhib outcries against a product shortage and, in the instance of at least one com- pany. despite the protestations of its distribution execs in the east. Producer reply to critics who point to the studios’ responsibility for keeping the theatres open and running is two-fold: Nothing but quality films stand a real chance at the b.o. these days. There is no real shortage and, anyway, the key situations are enjoying much longer runs than before. Position of the filmmakers was stated succinctly in N. Y. last week by 20th-Fox production topper, Darryl F. Zanuck. “I don’t be- lieve,” he said, “that we serve either the exhibitors or the public by making pictures by number.” 20th, he maintained, would try to turn out in 1955 his goal of 20 CinemaScopers. If this couldn’t (Continued on page 63) Even Railroads Pick B’way Hits New Haven, Dec. 7. Now even the railroads are be- coming Broadway show dopesters. The New Haven, at least, in laying out a show train schedule through next summer, is going in for long- range prognosticating of the stay- ing power of New York amuse- ments. The company has been running show trains for several years, but has previously confined its excursion announcements to one or two shows, a couple of months in advance. However, a lineup juSt offered to itinerant en- tertainment seekers runs through next summer. Schedule of amusements and dates for the railroad’s show train patrons includes Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas show, Dec 17 (sold out); "Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” Jan. 21; Victor Borge s one-man “Comedy in Music," Feb. 25; “Boy Friend,” March 25; Radio City Music Hall’s Easter show, April 15; “Kismet,” May 20; “Silk Stockings,” June 24, and the Aquashow, July 29. By MARK CURTIS Pathe for History Warner Pathe News is com- bining its film library, thought to be the most complete in the world, for a series of shorts which it hopes will develop into a history of the United States from 1895 to the pres- ent as seen via the motion picture medium. First of these shorts, "I Re- member When,” consisted of a 10-minute reel covern\g the American scene from 1895 to 1915. Longterm Vegas Deals for Names Creating Famine Growing practice of Las Vegas spots of tiej.ij up performers for several years i a time is threat- ening the talent supply of many spots in the country. With many acts assured of a term in Las Vegas, a week in Reno, several in New York, and perhaps Miami Beach and the Coast, many names in the top financial brackets are getting to the point where they will not work other cities. In longterm contract sweep- stakes, the Las Vegas Desert Inn grabbed off a double. Hostelry, which previously set Johnnie Ray to a three-year deal, has now signed Frankie Laine for four weeks annually for three years, and Patti Page for four weeks for two years. Laine is getting $17,500 per frame. General Artists Corp., which booked, also set a two-year pact at the El Rancho Vegas for Morty Gunty, who never played Vegas before. Basic reason for the curtailment (Continued on page 51) TOO MUCH PUBLICITY SO PEELER LOSES JOB Los Angeles, Dec. 7. In probably the first such case in show biz history, stripper Loretta Miller got her name all over the front pages and wound up losing her job. She and the New Follies Theatre, local hurley house, had a disagreement over her ap- pearance on a television news show and she departed. Miss Miller is the peeler over whom ex-GI Roger Wing Whittier committed suicide in a weird gun duel with cops on the stage of the Follies. In a final message, Whit- tier said he hoped the publicity t from his flamboyant suicide would , aid Miss Miller’s career. 1 Reno, Dec. 7. Charges that gangster elements are fighting for control of Nevada's $100,000,000 gambling and enter- tainment business have been made by a Chicago crime expert, Virgil Peterson. The director of the Chi- cago Crime Commission made his charges in Berkeley, Cal. He said that the Capone mob of Chicago had taken over several clubs in Las Vegas. Local businessmen and the di- rectors of the Reno and Sparks Chambers of Commerce said an im- mediate investigation was in order. The Nevada Tax Commission, which licenses and polices the state’s legalized gambling, pointed out that it has long been aware of the efforts of the underworld syn- dicates to control Nevada gam- bling. At a meeting of the Tax Com- mission which heard the Peterson charges, the group had already asked the Thunderbird Hotel, one of the Las Vegas strip’s most lux- urious, to show cause why its li- cense should not be revoked or suspended. The hotel’s operators had been accused by the Las Vegas Sun, shortly before the general election, of permitting underworld figures Jake and Meyer Lansky to be secret partners. The Tax Commission wai al- (Continued on page 51) Drama Critics ‘Hostile’ To Hollywood Locale; Play Picks Detroit Hollywood, Dec. 7. Stephen Longstreet’s novel, ‘‘The Beach House,” is undergoing a tremendous house-moving job — all the way from Hollywood to Detroit — in the course of its transforma- tion into a legit play. Reason for the change of locale, according to playwright Ralph Rose, is the “ha- bitual hostility” of N. Y. critics to- ward plays with Hollywood back- grounds. Along with the change of scen- ery, the chief character in the play will be an indie auto manufacturer competing with big motor compa- nies instead of an indie film pro- ducer bucking the majors. Yates Bros. Monopolize Ex-GIs-Torned-Femmes Hollywood, Dec. 7. Irving Yates is now repping Tamara Rees, who wa» “christ- ined” in an operation /performed in Holland somo time ago. Former paratrooper-turned-femme is oe- ing submitted by Yates for thea- tre and nitery dates. Oddly enough, Christine Jorgen- sen is represented by Irving’s brother, Charles V. Yates. MISCELLANY Collins, Trinder Take Main Roles At London Water Rats Annual Ball By HARRY REGENSBERG London, Dec. 7. The Water Rats, mainly show hiz people who specialize in run- ning charity functions a *aw times a year, have one annual function which is the most important. This Is its annual ball, generally held at one of the top hotels in the West End. This year it was held at the Dorchester Nov. 28. Several months before the func- tion there Is generally a line of patrons anxious to be present de- spite $7.50 price per ticket, big money these days in London. Committee’s job is to sort out ap- plications and decide on ‘'who is who." Despite the scrutiny, there were well over 700 present. There were the usual speeches and a rather censored comedy be- cause most of the Ratlings (the femme section of the Water Rats) were present. The “Rats Toast” was proposed by Norman Collins, former exec of the BBC who resigned sometime (Continued on page 16) See, {(ear (In English) System at Paris Legit May Boost Business Paris, Nov. 30. The 250-sent Comedie Wagram has introduced English translation via an earphones’ system which may well revise Paris playgoing for U. S.-British visitors whose French is shaky or non-existent. With the bi lingual novelty a cus- tomer (paying an extra 50c) is given a scat fitted with transmit- ting device which enables him to get in English the French dialog of the play. It was first installed at the same house on an experi- mental basis two seasons ago in conjunction with comedy hit, “Zoe ” Experiment proved tourist draw and Wagram now has 30 seats equipped for the novelty. Another Paris theatre, Comedie des Champs-Elysees, since has installed a similar English-translation sys- ( Continued on page 12) Using ‘Male’ Mags Putting the accent on “male appeal,” Universal is blanket- ing the men’s mag field in an ad campaign for “Six Bridges to Cross.” Total of 11 publications with a predominantly male reader- ship are being used by U to sell' the pic which is based on the $2,500,000 Boston robbery. Film is also being plugged in ads being placed in general readership mags. As to ‘War and Peace,’ Selznick Doesn’t Doubt Todd Has Read Book Apparently more amused than riled at the disclosure of Mike Todd’s plans to Todd-AO “War and Peace” in Yugoslavia, David O. Selznick — who had announced the Tolstoy project some consider- able time ago — penned the follow- ing statement last week: “I’m amused by the discovery in unexpected quarters of Tolstoy, since my initial announcement con- cerning ‘War and Peace.’ The un- knowing might be led to believe that a deluge of productions of this classic is imminent. I person- ally have no fear of this happen- ing. "I, too, have been contacted bv the Yugoslavian government; how- ever, I doubt that Tito's troops are uniformed and equipped in the manner of the armies of Bonaparte and Alexander in 1812 (which, however, would be valuable in- formation, if true); and to supply 50,000 of them would take an I awful bite out of anybody’s budget. ! I’d be afraid to make pictures on ; that scale. “Mike Todd is quite a showman, , and I don’t question his quaint i boast that he’s read the book ” 12/8 Gilt Subscription Enclosed find check or m.o. for $ Send Variety for one year two years NAME ADDRESS CITY ZONE.... STATE. Indicate if gift card desired □ NAME ....... ADDRESS CITY ZONE.... STATE One Year— $10.00 Two Years— $18.00 Canada and Foreign— $1 Additional per Year VARIETY Inc. 154 West 46th Street New York 36, N. Y. HORACE HEIDT For Swift & Co. Starting Jan. 8th Offices — J. Walter Thompson, Chicago W. German Board’s ‘Waterfront’ Nix Riles Pic Trade Frankfurt. Dec. 7. “On the Waterfront” (Colum- bia), which came to West Germany as a winner of awards (Venice Film Fest. Italian Journalists, etc.) was rejected by the German Film Classification Board, who termed it “a typical Hollywood cliche.” Resulting uproar has brought pro- tests from the newspapers, maga- zines. radio and television through- out W-Germany. Board’s decision meant that the film is ineligible for the 3 % re- duction of amusement tax in the nine German states allowed for films the board considers “worthy.” The national press here has been quick to show that the treatment given “Waterfront” is an example of the board’s injustices and oft- times capricious decisions, and that they’re a composite of men who don't know the film business. Since the Board’s rejection, “Waterfront” has received several of the top German awards. The Catholic Film Commission of Ger- many sent a letter to its European headquarters in Brussels stating that the film is “outstanding,” and the German Catholic Film League picked it. along with another Co- lumbia film, “Father Brown,” as the two best pictures for Novem- ber. The Protestant Church Guild of Germany picked it as the top pic for December, giving it preference over the usual Decem- ber pic, choice of a film theme for Christmas. “Der Spiegel,” the Time-like magazine of West Germany, wrote a two-page pan at the Board’s un- fair findings, and the local news- papers and film trade papers have been playing the story high, press- IContinued on page 61) Moore-Gaxton Retie for Cafes Hollywood, Dec. 7. Billy Gaxton and Victor Moore, oldtime Broadway comedy team, are getting together again. This time, they’re planning an invasion of top niteries as a probable prelude to a return to Broadway in a new show. Pair starred in such Broadway hits as “Leave It To Me,” “Let ’Em Eat Cake,” “Of Thee I Sing,” "Any- thing Goes” and “Louisiana Pur- chase.” They haven’t worked to- gether since the short-lived “Nelly Bly” in 1947. Team has signed a personal man- agement deal with Lee Kerry, who initiated the reunion. MCA will handle bookings. Nitery act now being built will be a package which covers highlights of their careers in shows written bv such names as George S. Kaufman, Morrie Rys- kind, Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse and composed by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. Deals now are being nego- tiated for Las Vegas, Miami and London dates. Wednesday, December 8,' 1954 Sweeping Attack on All Amusements Catholic Paper Quotes ‘Teach Me Tonight’ Song Lyrics As Depth of Ed Sullivan to Coast Ed Sullivan left N. Y. for the Coast this week with his agenda including a visit on the set of Stanley Kramer’s “Not As a Stranger.” Sullivan plans a filmed account of his studio onceover Tor inclu- sion on his “Toast of the Town” tv show Dec. 19. Johnston Feted But His Tbkyo Theme Not Liked; Speech Goes Unreported By RICHARD LARSH Tokyo, Dec. 3. Eric A. Johnston, MPEA presi- dent, will leave Tokyo this Sun- day (5) for the U. S. on the last leg of his swing around Asia and Australia. His week stay in Japan has been highlighted by an audi- ence with Emperor Hirohito and appearances at many luncheons, dinners and receptions. Most out- standing was a luncheon sponsored jointly by the U. S. Chamber af Commerce in Japan and the Ame* ican-Japan Society at which the honored guests included U. S. Am- bassador John M. Allison, FEC and UN Commander General John E. Hull and members of the Japanese cabinet. At the luncheon Johnston de- livered a speech which did not sit well with the Japanese vernacular press in that he called the Japa- nese belief that trade with Red 'China would solve their economic problems "as mythical as the rain- bow’s pot of gold.” Two of the nation’s top newspapers completely ignored the speech before their top financial and governmental leaders and the third simply re- ported that Johnston delivered an address the topic of which was "Challenge of the Future.” Eng- lish language press, including two run by the Japanese language papers which ignored the speech, reported the story faithfully, how- ever. At a press conference held dur- ing the week, Johnston said he hoped that the Japanese govern- ment would relax its hold on some of the yen accumulated by the U. S. film distributors in Japan. He said he had no concrete sug- gestions as to how the yen would be used if unfrozen but that it should be utilized to aid Japan’s economy. One suggestion was of- fered that the money could be used to build ships in Japan which could be resold for dollars to other nations. Meanwhile, specific plans for the use of the frozen yen have been advanced to the Japanese Finance Ministry by the Foreign Film Im- porters Association. The FFIA suggests that the money be divided into two sums, the first to include the $5,833,000 to be accumulated during fiscal year 1954 plus ap- proximately $3,000,000 to be ac- cumulated during and after the 1955 fiscal year by importers whose take of receipts !s less than 50%. The second group of de- posits would include the yen ac- cumulated in\ 1953 fiscal year, about $2,800,00(1 plus an equal sum to be made by importers for whom the share to th/e foreign party is more than 50%. This second fund, the FFIA pro- poses, would be strictly frozen for ten years except in the case of studio construction for co-produc- tions between Japanese and for- eign companies and other business on an internationally cooperative iscale. The first sum, according to the FFIA proposal could, with approval of the Japanese government, be used for expenses of the depositors in Japan; location expenses here; donation, loan and investment in the Japanese film industry; pur- chase of ships and other items designated by the Japanese govern- ment and not including those which would obstruct the development of Japan’s economy; purchase and operation of hotels to encourage the tourist industry in Japan, and temporary investment in Japanese public bonds and other securities. Current Corruption Chicago, Dec. 7. A general boycott of all show biz until it cleans out its “evil shows” is being urged by the New World, Catholic newspaper which reaches 170,000 families in Chicago and Joliet. This is a newspaper to be reckoned with; all summer long it had blasted the local film industry and press into submitting to its clean-up campaign. Now it’s ramifying to the whole show — legi- timate stage, pix, cabarets, radio, tv, and what it calls “an irre- sponsible, soulless, avaricio.us daily press.” A lengthy frontpage editorial charges all means of communica- tion with aiding and abetting the spread of evil, either for economic reasons or from “sheer craven perversity.” It accuses the en- tertainment industry of prostitut- ing all art and culture and calls the daily press “their willing slaves.” Legit and vaude are dealt a slap for their preoccupation with profanity, adultery, and violence; pictures for these same reasons and for rape, marital infidelity, suicide and divorce as well; televi- sion for many of the same rea- sons. The New World attack this time, however, aims mostly at the mu- sic industry, which it denounces with a vengeance because of its proximity to teenagers. “Here is what you are letting evil men sell your imaginative, emotional and impressionable teenagers,” the editorial reads, and it quotes passages like these from tunes riding high on the record lists; “Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me baby, that’s what I like. Hold me, hug me, pet me baby, that’s what I like.” “Starting with the ABC of it, right down to the XYZ of it. Help me solve the mystery of it. Teach me tonight . . . One thing isn’t very clear, my love, should the teacher stand so near, my love? Graduation’s almost here, my love, teach me tonight.” Songs such as these, the New World declares, are profiting from the temptations of youth and are poisoning the teenage mind. To combat the alleged degener- acy in the amusement industry, the New World proposes a cold shoulder by the vast Catholic population in this area until the producers yield up “morally fine entertainment.” Television and radio producers will be responsive to pleas for cleaner shows, the newspaper points out, and it urges its readership to put on the pressure. With such strategy, the NW forsees the stoppage of all spicy advertising in newspapers and on marquees, and the exalta- tion of the “feminine body to the position of honor Christianity en- dowed it with.” D.J.’S ANTI-McCARTHY PLACARD STIRS STORM Boston, Dec. 7. Sherm Feller, WVDA disk jockey here who is normally expected to chatter about flatters, has stirred up a storm by criticizing Sen. Joe McCarthy on his airshow. Feller got involved in the McCarthy dis- pute when a “Citizens for Mc- Carthy” sign was hung nearby his studio. The jockey countered by hanging a “Citizens Against Mc- Carthy” placard on the door. Drew Pearson, nationally syndi- cated columnist, spotlighted the Feller action in a recent piece on McCarthy supporters. Feller, inci- dentally, is also a songwriter and a graduate of Suffolk Univ. Law School. Sammy Davis Jr. Resumes Work at Ciro s in H’wood Sammy Davis Jr. will resume work at Ciro’s, Hollywood, Dec. 11. Entertainer, mainstay of the Will Mastin Trio, will pick up the schedule from that point on. Davis lost an eye recently as a result of an auto accidept. Last week, he filed a $150, 060 damage suit against the driver of the car which collided with his while he was on his way from Las Vegas to Hollywood to keep a recording date. Wednesday* December 8* 1954 PICTURES INDIE CIRCUIiS SIGN DC A Admish Tax Cut Kicked in Of Industry’s 1954 ‘Prosperity’, Sindlinger Informs Exhibitors Oklahoma City, Dec. 7. The 10% cut in the Federal film ticket tax, not the “fewer but bet- ter pictures policy," made more money for the industry in 1954, a business analyst told Theatre Own- ers of Oklahoma convention here. Albert E. Sindlinger, president of his own consultancy at Ridley Park, Pa., said the good fortunes of the flickers pointed out by pro- ducers are not based upon attend- ance they are based on dollars. He said production is receiving $ 72 , 000,000 more this year and the- atres’ take is up $126,000,000 — a total of $198,000,000. But the cut of the federal ticket tax from 20 to 10% meant “Unjle Sam gave up $1 14 . 000 , 000 — better than 60%. " Sindlinger quoted Samuel Gold- wyn's arguments supporting “qual- ity instead of quantity in enter- tainment” to outline what produc- ers “actually believe.” He added: “Important Hollywood personali- ties actually believe that today’s so-called good fortunes actually have come about because* of fewer but more important pictures.” But . . . “You and I know what the good fortunes they are talking about have not come to you yet.. Your attendance with fewer and better pictures is behind last year.” Average attendance is increas- ing, Sindlinger said, as are admis- sion prices. The average person now spends $8.91 a year at the pix boxoffice instead of last year’s $8.52. ' Knock Out 1913 Ohio Censorship Columbus, Dec. 7. Ohio’s 41 -year-old film censor- ship law was 'knocked deader than a doornail by a 5-2 vote of the State Supreme Court last Wednes- day (1). But film censorship itself is not a dead issue, since it is ap- parent strong moves will be made in the next Legislature to write a court-proof film scissoring statute. The Supreme Court declared the 1913 law “unreasonable and unlaw- ful.” It would have been declared unconstitutional if there had been one more vote against it, six # votes being required for the Ohio Su- preme Court to declare any law unconstitutional. The effect is, however, the same and even C. William O’Neill, Ohio’s attorney general, advised it would be use- less to appeal the Ohio decision to the U S. Supreme Court. • Fan Mag’s Share Hollywood, Dec. 7. Prosperity in the motion pic- ture industry means prosperity in the fan mag business, pub- lisher George Delacorte, Jr., told the Studio Publicity Direc- tors Committee at a luncheon here. “When people are interested in movies,” he said, “they buy- movie magazines. Our movie magazine sales are up approxi- mately 15% over this time last year.” Boxoffice Stars Hard to Sign In Europe, Too E STOCK UDINE The operators of 35 independent circuits have bought up Distributor Corp. of America’s entire $1,000,- 000 stock issue, Fred J. Schwartz, president, disclosed in N. Y. this week. He provided a full list, showing the investors to be many of the key theatremen of the country. Excluded are those aligned with the five major chains who are under court restraint from investing in production. The exhib participants own a total of 1,005 theatres seating over 1,000,000, Schwartz underlined. The offering subscribed was 10,- 000 shares of cumulative preferred stock at a par value of $100 per share. Minimum investment was $5,000. " The preferred stock issue was accompanied by a common stock allocation as well, the common i also amounting to 10,000 shares. • Of these, 6 000 w ere given to the preferred stock buyers in a five to thre ratio, that is, 30 shares of common for every 50 shares of pre- ferred. The balance of 4,000 common shares were divided among Cen- tury Theatres, which is headed by Schwartz, and Charles Boasberg American Film Comeback Induces Envy in Foreign Industries, Hence A New Outpour of Sour Taxes La Gish Returns Hollywood, Dec. 7. It was “long time no see” when Lillian Gish checked in at Metro to get ready for her role in “Cobweb.” In fact, it was 26 years since her last ap- pearance on the Culver City lot where she once reigned as a top star. Her last picture there was “The Wind.” By WHITNEY WILLIAMS Hollywood, Dec. 7. The current bottleneck of star availabilities isn’t confined to Hol- lywood but is international in scope, according to director Robert W r ise,*who last week returned from a yeaf^s stay in Italy where he filmed Warners’ “Helen of Troy.” While production companies here are delaying starting sched- ules, shelving pictures and confin- ing their release schedules because of the shortage of “name” players, Wise reports that the same condi- tion prevails in Europe and the problem there is almost as acute. American producers who use the platitude, “Let’s hire a French or Italian or EngFsh star,” director says, have a surprise coming to them when they sound out the possibilities of acquiring important Continental players. Current rages in Europe are for the most part booked up for many months to come. Among these are such names as Gina Lollobrigida Rossana Podesta, Dany Robin, Fernandel, Oskar Werner, and the British stars Ralph Richardson, Laurence Olivier, John Mills, Derek Bogarde, Margaret Lock- wood. “One American producer who attempted to sign the English actor, Jack Hawkins, for a picture, (Continued on page 17) Zanuck Reveals Possible C’Scope Camera Change Work on a new form of Cinema- Scope, described as an “extremely and Irving Wormser. Latter two I * S b< \‘. n8 omi are DCA’s top sales execs and re- i rie( l °n at the 20th-I‘ ox studio, *-0th ceived the stock participation as production topper Darryl F. Zan- an employment incentive. Cen tury’s stock block was in acknow- ( Continued on page 20) Sidney Franklin Resumes Old Status As Director Hollywood, Dec. 7. After 10 years as one of Holly- wood’s top producers, Sidney Franklin is returning to his old job as director, with Metro’s high- budget remake of “Ben Hur” as his next assignment. Recently Franklin has been on a long leave of absence for rest and recreation but returns this week for conferences with Sam Zimbalist who will produce the picture. “Ben Hur,” like the silent version, will be filmed largely in Rome. Cod* Administrator Geoffrey M. Shurlock (V.P. Mot on Picture Att'n of America) reiterates The Values of the ‘ Breen ’ Principle * * * one of the many editorial features in the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of PSkIeTy out soon uck disclosed in N. Y. last week. He stressed that, whatever the new technique, which involves changes at the camera, it would not affect the current method of projection C’Scope and would re- tain the 35m frame of the print going to the theatres. Zanuck said the new development, still in the experimental stages, would be un- veiled in 1955 and would prove “a great asset to Cinemascope.” The 20th studio head said he Pride and common sense are waging a see-saw battle in the minds of industry execs these days as they beam over the improved grosses of the past couple of months. While, on one hand, they’d like to shout Hollywood’s “comeback” from the rooftops, on the other they’re conscious of the reaction, both foreign and domes- tic. Abroad, the economic success of the industry is a matter of much envy, particularly since very few of the foreign industries manage to make their own markets cover the cost of local productions. Their execs, therefore, tend to pick up and exaggerate an oft-sounded note: That the American industry is doing well because it drains such a large quantity of dollars from its overseas markets. They therefore take careful not« of statements such as the one by trie Johnston two months ago on the Coast, that the industry’s ratio of foreign to domestic income rises (Continued on page 20) Allied Alibis Its Pow-In-Kisser Minneapolis, Dec. 7. Hitting out, apparently, at cer- tain local and other important ex- hibitors who have been deploring its “belligerency” and taking steps to effect the formation of a rival , , , . , , . Theatre Owners of America unit, knew' of no plans to make a P |C * , North Central Allied in its current ture on <0m widegauge film. Pnoi fo u iietin throws down the gauntlet to the advent of C Scope. 20th had j ( 0 jj s cr jtj cs and declares em- revived experiments with an old phatically it’ll continue to be “a system of widegauge filming, but | fighting outfit. that this had been dropped when C’Scope came along. In N. Y. this week, 20th engin- eers indicated that the idea of pre- senting a picture on wide film was by no means dead; that experi- ments w'ith it were continuing in (Continued on page 61) While barbs arc aimed mainly at exhibs who disagree with its war- ring on distributors, including the (Continued on page 63) National Boxoffice Survey Pre-Xmas Bops Trade; ‘Christmas’ No. 1 for 6th Time; ‘Desiree’ 2d, ‘Paris’ 3d, ‘Carmen’ 4th Schenck, Moskowitz West Hollywood, Dec. 7. Loew’s prexy Nicholas M. Schenck and v.p. and treasurer Charles C. Moskowitz are due here over the weekend from New York. 1 his is a periodic trip for the pair for screenings of new product and for talks with production chief Lore Schary on upcoming produc- tions. Schenck and Moskowitz were proceeded by pub-ad v.p. Howard Dietz and publicity manager Dan 3 ( 'rrell who arrived early this week to map promotion plans for tlie new productions. Frank McCarthy Displays Photostat of Dickering Letter Fromflemingway The row' continues over the ques- tion of whether Ernest Heming- way has committed himself to write and appear in a film to be produced by William Lowe and Frank McCarthy. As quoted in Variety last week, Alfred Rice, at- torney for Hemingway, stated there’s no such commitment. He added that a letter written to Lowe by Hemingway concerning a pic project had been “disaffirmed ’ by both Lowe and Hemingway. McCarthy, who’s a producer on the 20th-Fox lot, now takes his turn at bat. Ha otters a photo- static copy of the letter as purport- ing to show that Hemingway en- tered the agreement. It’s ad- dressed to Lowe, signed by Hem- ingway and refers to McCarthy in two instances. Lowe’s signature also is affixed to the document signifying his agreement with the text. The Hemingway letter states in part: “This is my agreement to participate in the production of a motion picture, which you and I have discussed here (meaning Cuba) during the past few days, provided that you can secure and (Continued on page 22) Early Xmas shopping in many key cities and usual letdown after a holiday week are taking a box- office toll this round. In addition, many keys had to contend with severe cold weather and snow. Most exhibitors are going along with their current product even when on overly extended longruns, awaitihg the arrival of better days later in DecMitor.J , i ji For the sikrh Vafnza In succes- sion, “White Christmas” (Par* is pacing the field and again by a healthy margin. Ih some cities, it is the only pic to be doing con- sistently strong trade. Showing again is almost 100% from hold- over engagements and extended- run dates. “Desiree” (20th) continues in second place, the same as in the previous two weeks. Third spot is going to “Last Time I Saw Paris” . again making it the second time it has finished there. “Carmen Jones” (20th) con- tinues to climb, moving to fourth position as compared with sixth a week ago. “Cinerama” (Indie) again is fifth. “Phfff” (Col) is pushing up into sixth place. It was eighth last ses- sion. “Star Is Born” (WB) also is climbing to take seventh money. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) is winding in eighth position while “Drum Beat” (WB) rounds out the Big Nine list currently. “Track of Cat” (WB), although very spotty and mostly disappointing, and “Sa- brina” (Par) are the two runner-up pix. Latter has finished most- of I its principal playdates in the big- ger key cities. Few' new pix naturally are being : launched at the present time. ! “They Rode West” (Col) proved i good on its preem in Providence. “This Is My Love” (RKO) ranges from so-so to light currently. ’^Trouble in Glen” (Rep), too, is 4>otty on two initial dates. “Reap Wild Wind” (Pari, out on reissue, is proving big in Chi. * “On Waterfront” (Col), only in three keys covered by Variety this session, is fine in N.Y., good in Balto and okay in Washington. “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) is rated brisk in Chi. “Rear Window” (Par), okay in Balto and good in Seattle, shapes fine in Washington. “Dragnet” (WB) looms solid in Montreal. “She-Wolf” (Rep), good in Seat- tle, shapes nicely in L A. “Sitting Bull” looks okay in N.Y. and Washington. “High and Dry” (U>, good in K.C., is oke in N.Y. and Frisco. “Karamoja” (Indie) shapes socko in Minneapolis. “4 Guns to Bord- er" is okay in Frisco. “Crest of Wave” (M-G) looks slight in Philly. “Ugetsu” (Indie), good in Washi- ngton, is fine in Frisco. “Beau Brummell” (M-G) looms mild in Omaha and Portland. I Complete Boxoffice Reports on Pages 8-9) Trada Mark Registered FOUNDED BY SIME SILVERMAN Published Weekly by VARIETY. INC Harold Erichs, President 134 West 46th St New York 36. N Y JUdson 2-2700 Hollywood 21 6311 Yucca Street Hollywood 9-1141 Washington 4 1292 National Press Building STerllng 3-5445 Chicago II 612 No Michigan Ave. DEIaware 7-4984 London WC2 8 St Martin's PI Trafalgar Sq. Temple Bar 5041 SUBSCRIPTION Annual $10 Foreign $11 Single Copies 25 Cents ABEL GREEN. Editor Vol. 197 No. 1 INDEX Bills 54 Chatter 62 Concert-Opera 60 Film Reviews 6 House Reviews 54 Inside Legit 56 Inside Radio-TV 34 International 12 Legitimate 55 Literati 61 Music 41 New Acts .- 49 Night Club Reviews 52 Obituaries 63 Pictures 3 Radio-Television 24 Radio Reviews 34 Record Reviews 42 Television Review s .... 30 TV-Films 39 Unit Review 54 Vaudeville 49 Wall Street 16 DAILY VARIETY (Published in Hollywood by Daily Variety, Ltd.) $15 a Year $20 Foreign 4 PICT1WES - « Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Showmen s Imaginations Rocking; What Goes (Down Drain) If Big Features Don’t Do Sock Business? As film budgets continue to4 spiral into the stratosphere, ob- servers are beginning to show more than passing concern over the realism of the industry’s new "high, wide and handsome” look. There’s no denying that even the big features earn costs back— if they’re successful at home and abroad. But the risks involved in possible failure to „do anything short of sock business are grow- ing along with the upswing in budgets. The answer, as these tradesters see it, is a combination of road- show and harder selling if these high-budgeters are to be put over the tpp. It also implies a greater concentration on the key money- making houses. Darryl F. Zanuck. 20th-Fox pro- duction head, told Variety in N. Y. last week that production costs on the new 20th features had risen 60% over the pre-Cinema- Scope era. "There’s No Business Like Show Business,” as an ex- ample, cost in excess of $3,000,- 000. Adding to this the print cost, which runs to about $600,000, dis- tribution fee, $1,000,000 in ad-pub expenditures, etc., the picture will have to take in $8,500,000 before it begins to show a profit. But “Show Business” is compara- tively small potatoes. “A Star Is Born” has a nut of some $8,000,000 to overcome. "The Ten Command- ments,” the upcoming Cecil B. DeMille epic, will cost around $8,- 000,000. The projected “War and Peace,” which Mike Todd plans to make, has a budget estimate of $7,500,000; the “Birth of a Nation” remake, with $750,000 reportedly spent on book and title alone, is sure to run into many millions, etc. Some industry execs feel there’s a definite limit in the present mar- ket on how much a picture can earn, and they hold that the per- centage of hits and misses, while somewhat changed due to the new systems, still favors the misses. They warn that someone may eventually get badly hurt in over- estimating what the global b.o. traffic can bear. Quibble Over Kinescopes Balks Columbia Buy Of Hemingway ‘Trees’ Novel Columbia has a deal on to buy the screen rights to Ernest Hem- ingway’s “Across the River and Into the Trees.” Basis bf the ac- quisition is a guarantee of $100,- 000 against a percentage of the gross. However, a part of the contract is developing into a controversy, reportedly over the specific mean- ing of “motion picture rights.” Col is said to be insisting that kine- scopes of any live television show based on the property are “motion pictures” and as such should come under Col’s control. Hemingway’s reps take the op- posite stand, contending that tv in any form is separate and apart j from pic production. « Outcome of the differences on this one point is not expected to upset the deal for Col's purchase of the story. KING BROS. DECLARES 5c DIVVY, ITS FIRST Hollywood, Dec. 7. For the first time in its history King Bros. Productions, Inc., has declared a dividend. It amounts to five cents a share, payable Jan. 10, 1955, to stockholders of record Dec. 22, 1954. Frank King, head of the com- pany, stated that its financial posi- tion is solid, with cash and re- ceivables amounting to $285,857, compared with $42,984 a year ago. He also disclosed that gross film rentals for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31 amounted to $1,920,917 as against $548,253 for the previous fiscal year. HUGHES CASE DRAGS ON Judge Won’t Dismiss — Reich Wins His Point NY Harold Tribuna Syndicated Column’it Hy Gardner in his excellent bestseller, "Champagne Before Breakfast" has a humorous chapter on What's an Actor ? * * * a bright byline piece in the » , . forthcoming 49th Annivermry Number of P^ifilETY die sooy 4 U.S. Distribs Jointly Erecting Brazil Exchange As part of a plan to reduce for- eign distribution costs, four U. S distributors have joined iq a proj- ect to build a joint film exchange building in Brazil. That’s the second such venture to be undertaken by the companies. The first is in Indonesia, where the distribs are obligated under their agreement with the Indone- sian government to erect exchange facilities. Country is very short on housing facilities. The Brazil project involves Uni- versal, Columbia, Warner Bros, and 20th-Fox. It’s expected to cost in excess of $200,000. However, the companies seem to feel that it’s a sound investment of their blocked cruzeiros. Operational savings also are expected to result from this merger of facilities. Each outfit will continue to work as a strictly separate entity. Some other dis- tribs were invited to join, but re- fused. Proposal to combine shipping facilities, particularly in the small- er territories, has come up from time to time over the past few years, particularly in answer to the threat of rising distribution costs. Metro and 20th-Fox have gone some ways towards solving the problem by handling one another’s product in certain territories. How- ever, on the whole, the companies have shied away from mergers. Short Story Writer Sues, Charges ‘Little Fugitive’ Lift From Magazines "Little Fugitive,” an offbeat film about a child lost at Coney Island, was lifted from, two of his magazine stories, writer Seymour Gomberg charged Monday (10) in a $800,000 infringement suit filed in N. Y. Federal Court. Named de- fendants in the action are Joseph Burst . mi Inc., distributor of the picture; Little Fugitive Inc., pro- ducers Morris Engel and Ray Ashley as well as co-director Ruth Orkin. Ashley is credited with wriling the screenplay. Gomberg, who also wants an accounting plus damages of not less than $250 for each alleged in- fringement, asserts that "Fugitive” was pirated from his 1947 Collier’s mag yarn, “The Shrimp.” and an- other piece of his, “The Rest Cure,” which ran in Cosmopolitan the same year. Defendants, accord- ing to the complaint, converted the stories for their own use a»d plagiarized a “substantial portion” from them. Picture, incidentally, was first shown in the U. S. in 1953. PAGNOL’S ‘WINDMILL’ READIED FOR U. S. Marcel Pagnol’s “Letters from My Windmill,” edited with a spe- cial view towards release in the U. S., has been acquired by Tohan Pictures, headed up by Herbert Steinmann. The film, based on the Alphonse Daudet novel, has been cut to 130 minutes for its American release from the original 180 minutes. Preston Sturges is currently in Paris supervising the making of the foreign version which is due in N. Y. next week. English titles for the pic were prepared joiutly by Pagnol and Sturges. Los Angeles, Dec. 7. The U. S. Circuit Court of Ap- peals for the ninth district has de- nied a motion to dismiss the mi- nority stockholder suit filed by Eli and Marion Castleman and Louis Feuerman against Howard Hughes and RKO. Ruling indicates more litigation in the long battle of stockholders. Attorneys for the Castlemans and Feuerman had asked the ap- pellate division to dismiss an ap- peal taken by Beverly Hills attor- ney Bernard Reich from dismissal of the suit by Federal Judge Har- rison on Sept. 27. It was contended that Reich had been discharged by thq defendants and had no author- ity to file such an appearance. Court agreed with Reich's claim that he represents all the stock- holders and that his primary re- sponsibility was to expose alleged fraud and collusion. Lawyer Leppert Readies His Spanish Feature New Orleans, Dec. 7. George Leppert, law r yer-prexy of newly-formed indie film outfit | here, Draw Poker Films, Inc., left Saturday (4) fir Pasadena, to negotiate contracts with vet char- acter actors Oliver Prickett and Morris Ankrum, who will be fea- tured in firm’s initial production to be filmed in Spain this spring. Leppert will also confer with Ed Ainsworth, hu scripter, in Hollywood. He leaves for Madrid Jan. 1 to complete plans with technicians in Spain. Oscar Stalks Shorts Hollywood, Dec. 7. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences mailed out entry blanks to producers of short sub- jects for consideration as Oscar candidates. Deadline is Jan. 3. Major and indie producers were urged to deliver their films promptly for preliminary screen- ing. 20-Year Tax Moratorium Durango (Mex) Comeon For a Picture Studio Hollywood, Dec. 7. As an incentive to American film makers, Gov. Enrique Torres Sanches has offered a 20-year tax moratorium to any producer who will build a motion picture studio in Durango. Mexico. Offer was made through Joel Rosas, director of tourist traffic in Durango. A studio there would not only attract tourists but would pro- vide jobs for workmen. Trans-Lux 15c Divvy Ei ard of directors of Trans-Lux Corp. declared a 15c per share dividend on the company’s stock last week. Coin is payable Dec. 20 to all stockholders of *recocd Dec. 13. N. Y. to Europe George Black Geraldine Brooks John Byram Jeannie Carson Betty Comden John Davis Bernard Delfont John Ford Edward P. Morgan Elliott Nugent Brian Roxbury Muriel Smith Vaughn Williams Europe to N.Y. Sonia Arova Wilson Barrett Guido Cantelli Robert Clark Stubby Kaye Moura Lympany H. J. G. Newman Alexander Paal Otto Preminger George Simenon David Whitfield Disney a Name-Dropper And the Names Are Those Of His Theatre Releases By GENE ARNEEL Five shows in the Disneyland tv series on ABC have made it clear in the picture business that Walt Disney is a name dropper, the names being the titles of his theat- rical films. The producer plugs away for exhibition of his pix via pictorial analyses on how they’re actually lensed plus straight com- mercials. At this point the series ’ well established as a unique merger of tv and pictures for the mutual ad- vantage of both. The ratings re- flect the wide penetration which the programs have achieved. Pic tradesters opine it would be a toughie to measure the boxoffice impact inherent in the spotlighting of the new product for theatres. That there is a hefty payoff, though, seems for sure, they add. Outside of one or two straight plugs, Disney’s attention to his theatrical wares is not obvious “sell.” The behind-the-scenes ma- terial on how the cameramen op- erate, for example, make for straight entertainment. Yet, of course, it can’t fail to stir interest in the finished product in its en- tirety. As for the unadulterated puff stuff, here’s an example of a plug set for airing on tonight’s (Wed.) edition: "Walt Disney’s production of Jules Verne’s fabulous adven- ture story *20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ — in Cinemascope — will open Christmas week in 60 leading cities.” The cast names are there- upon listed and the title and open- ing week repeated. HAROLD ROME MAY . CLEF LITVAK FILM Deal is in the works for Harold Rome, composer-lyricist of the Broadway hit, "Fanny,” to perform the same duties for the first of the three pictures which Anatole Lit- vak will deliver to United Artists. This will be Rome's first excursion into films. Rome has been associated with such Broadway tuners as "Wish You Were Here,” “Call Me Mister,” "Pins and Needles,” and others. Under the arrangement for the film, Rome would work much in the manner as he does for a Broad- way show. He’ll be closely asso- ciated with the scripter, as yet un- selected, and provide the tunes to fit the story line instead of writ- ing a series of unrelated songs. Picture will be filmed abroad, either in Paris or Rome. COLDER ALL WAYS Disney’s Deal in France Hints Odium Chill On Proof positive that the deal for Floyd Odium to take over RKO from Howard Hughes is now stone cold was seen last week with the assignment of two Disney pix to George Lourau, leading French producer-distrib. Lourau, who is currently In N. Y., acquired the films, $20,000 Leagues Below the Sea” and “The Vanishing Prairie,” for dis- tribution in France and Belgium. Releases are being handled in the U. S. by Disney’s Bueno Vista Dis- tributing Corp. Reasoning is that. W'ere there still a chance for Odium to get RKO, Disney wouldn’t have made the Lourau deal. Odium is a major shareholder in the Disney org. Therefore, it’s figured, if Odium did get RKO, the chances are good that the Disney outfit would return to the RKO fold which then would handle the pix worldwide. N. Y. to L. A. Charles Boyer • Howard Dietz Roy O. Disney Judith Evelyn Eddie Fisher Charlton Heston Cyril James Jack Mills Paula Morgan Carol Ohmart Johnnie Ray Pete Robeck Leon Roth Ed Sullivan Dan Terrell E. C. Walker Who’d Get What Tax Benefits From Odlum-RKO Buy? Suggestion has been made within the film business that RKO Pictures Corp., whose control is being angled for by Floyd Odium, may not have vast tax-saving ad- vantages after all; RKO Radio, which is the production-distribu- tion company owned 100% by Howard Hughes, actually has all these benefits. Odium, who’s head of Atlas Corp., an investment trust, has stated he’s out to take over RKO Pictures, in part because of a capital loss carry forward of $20,- 000,000. In other words, the hefty deficit sustained in recent years could be used to offset whatever profits are earned in the near future, for tax purposes. To ac- complish this, Odium must obtain control and place the corporation into some kind of business en- deavor, since all of it now is a corporate entity with cash, about $15,000,000, as its only asset. Atlas owns 1,200,000 shares of RKO Pictures, Hughes holds about 1.262,000 shares, and the balance of under 500,000 shares is held by the public. Hughes so far has re- fused to okay Odium’s takeover and at the same time has refrained from cashing in his stock, as has been his privilege, at $6 per share. At an Atlas stockholders’ meeting in N.Y. last week, Odium said he believed Hughes would agree to Odium’s management control by Dec. 1. Some N. Y. pic execs who have known RKO from the inside through the years say the fiscalis- tics are plenty tricky. No doubt about that. And they pose the heretofore unheard of theory that Hughes is holding the trump cards, curred the $20,000,000 in losses ary. It was RKO Radio that in- company; RKO Radio the subsidi- RKO Pictures was the holding and reported them up to RKO Pictures. Now, both are separate entities. So which of the two has the privilege of balancing future profits against the big losses of the past to take advantage of the loss carry forward section of the tax laws? It has been assumed right along that the holding company fell heir to such benefit. And because of this, Odium has paid over $6 per share in acquiring his stock block although the stock, if it were to be redeemed, would return him $6 flat. Say the film men who allegedly are in the know; RKO Radio is the company that had the losses and, since it’s still in business, is the one with the tax saving privi- leges. There’s a rub. The company must rack up some profits before there can be any tax saving. And the Hughes operation is continu- ing in the red. L. A. to N. Y. Jess Barker Paul Birch Daniel J. Bloomgarden Roy M. Brewer Hoagy Carmichael Gary Cooper Percy Faith Jose Ferrer Robert Francis Reginald Gardiner Bernard Girard Barbara Lawrence Francis Lederer A1 Lichtman Art Linkletter Joshua Logan William Lundigan Tony Martin Kenneth MacKenna Carmen Miranda William J. Moclair Sam Nathanson Paul Newman George Nichols Cathy O’Donnell Jean Peters Roger Pryor Louis de Rochemont Eva Marie Saint Joe Shribman Louis Smith Rod Steiger Mary Ellen Terry Lew Wasserman Franz Waxman Robert Wells May Wynn Ben Yost f T " * Wednesday D«c«mber 8, 1934 PfiBiTFr pittrtttfes UA GROOMS YOUNG PRODUCERS Levy-Schimel Finalizing 'Wide Areas Of Agreement’ on Arbitration Plan SEES BIG FUTURE FOR TYRO TALENT What’s With Hal Malelim Plan? 3d Sales Boss Now Moves In Many changes in the plans and personnel of the Hal R. Makelim organization has theatrenien won- The exhibitor-distributor sub- ♦ — [ 1 * — ■ - ■ 1 • — ♦ Many changes in the plans and committee on arbitration is ready cv._ i_ n r „J Dn r , iw»ncSnw United Artists is taking an in- »•„ v u_ _i_* „ f ;„ Allrk personnel of the Hal R. Makelim to study a draft *“on the wide rrMIK rSraCien dFCUSinjf creasingly active role in the devel- MOCIftir S UOOking LlIlPUp organization has theatrenien won- areas of agreement.” Following a Martin-Lewis’ Next Pic °P ment of producers to the extent For ROXV New York Citv (,eiin 8 whether the producer will meeting in New York on Monday , n „ „ . i that newcomers without actual pro- ... .. , OAl , ,, ,, lever get off the ground with his < (5 > , the committee authorized nlf 6 !',,.! ,m S * r Zii .° r ‘ ,uction experience are being Nevv l ineup °f 20 th ’ 1, | so-called exhibitor guarantee plan. Herman M. Levy, Theatre Owners R in 8|»ng Bros. Bainum & Bailey, handed full financial backing plus p u cop f 1 h f s Vv^n- 4 14 V The P ,an - officially backed by of America general counsel, and ’„ S f n a distribution deal. Policy calls tbe Boxy 1 hea il„' jfj. 111 , ’ ! Allied States Assn., was first pro- Adolph Schimel, Universal’s gen- on * oanout. H° s going to j the abecedarians to turn out M° (lair > managing dmctoi ot mulgated last April 6. It provided icumpii ijnuuiv., " urnrk on ihp namnaipn fnr “Thrpp .. . . . hmicn rpnnrtpH nnnn rolin-n 1o .. . . * .. j A 1 11 1)11 l) 11 1 1 1 1 1 Cl 1 CllllTViOUi 0 AVii I , * • g* . , l Ul IIIV U V. v UU1 1 1 1 1 l IV# llllll UU1 , . , , iuviip,Mivu »mu|i #»!»••• w. — - A oral counsel, to reduce to "final p? r p!?5» ca ^ a ^ a « 7 ”,ff r _ J j ree product "at a price,” that is. at ^Ported U, 1 0I \ 1 n e . lu f , , , 1 h (1 ! 1 ° j for exhibitors to sign in advance writing” the subjects on which .^ lng 9* tU r\’ y al Bs produc- un elaborate cost levels. Aimed Gotham trom the National llua- for a lota i 0 f 12 pictures which agreement had been reached. Pair t lf) ” . VVlt n.P ean , Martin an d J^’ry j f or are commensurately modest tr ?L? on /? re J? ce J n L,A ; , .. C i, • i Makelim said he would deliver at were also instructed to submit a Other c^cus flacks will be pro fjt s while the tyros are being There s No Business Like Shi u tbe rate 0 f one a month. There conciliation plan. hiied foi field piomotion, accord- , g r0 omed for the bigtime. In part. Business is the holiday pic, to hi were to be 2,500 charter members Both the arbitration draft and lng . . . . it's UA’s way of building important * o1 Bowed by The Bacers, Un- W , 1Q would receive the Makelim the conciliation plan will be sub- . B X aden „ r . tbc ^ special promotion i{ pro ducer alignments for the future. j j' Ma . n / S., 1 .,,’ pix at flat rentals and then would mitted to the full exhib-distrib * 01 H, on Greatest Show on Earth , Company wants to maintain a Daddy Long Legs a,u * 1 10 share in the profits from additional conciliation plan. Both the arbitration draft and the conciliation plan will be sub- mitted to the full exhib-distrib subcommittee on Jan. 17 for ap- proval. The original purpose of Monday’s meeting was to iron out differences on the subject of damages. However, the official handout, via the Motion Picture Assn, of America, made no men- tion of any decision on this matter. The wording of “wide areas of agreement” leads to the supposi- tion that there’s still not complete harmony on all arbitrable topics. "Both sides expressed satisfaction with the great progress made” at the meeting, according to the MPA A. ■ from such established operators as I ■ I 1 J J Stanley Kramer. Ilecht-Lancaster, I QfpV lYir llffPri Robert Rossen. Joseph Mankiewicz, l^lllvA IllvlUl|vU} Anatole Litvak, etc. This is the major- program. The producer- O ■ 1 III talent development is an aside to it. XfOTlIpi/ W Q If tip If It was under this company policy UlUlllLJ TV CM 11C1 that Samuel Goldwyn Jr. was signed by UA last week. During M ■ (M HHtl 1AA a Coast visit. UA v.p. Max E. Young- IiJPiQ \ I / /II 1 1 |l I stein was advised of young Gold- ilvlO vlyl I vjJLvl/ wyn’s desire to segue into indie ; production, after a number of Stanley Warner Corp. racked up months in the telepix field. Young- Although a Makelim associate 11 $ I\ • ■ recently stated that the producer p |||f Afip C 1 flfll had all the money necessary to LlUl UJIL 011 1111 make the first three pictures, it is known that Makelim approached HI fl • {Allied leaders Trueman Rembusch \llA|f|0(Tp KPUMT and Horace Adams to invest in his kJHUl lU^v LH/I112£ company. Speculation is that i Makelim is employing the signed 11 ■ 1 AAil contracts to obtain bank financing KpOr hy /Ltn for the pictures, but that the banks ULCll Uj uvlll are not going for the idea as ex- 1 pected. Feeling is they’re not in- installation of magnetic striping terested in playdates, but what a net profit of $1,770,100 for the stein was convinced that Goldwyn | and recording equipment in dub- first money is available. fiscal year ended Aug. 28, 1954. had a few story properties of ap- j bing studios abroad along with the , Allied has thoroughly investl- Attending the confab were S. fiscal year ended Aug. 28, 1954. had a tew story properties ot ap- j bing studios abroad along wnn me , Allied has thoroughly investi- H i Si > Fabian, Mitchell Wolfson, Total was determined after the de- parently worthwhile potential and addition of a striping machine at gated Makelim and has found his Max Cohen Leo Brecher and duction of $3,476,400 for deprecia- (Continued on page 16) the DeLuxe Laboratories, N. Y.. reputation and integrity of high 1 * * I A. S -1 - A • _ A. * BAc AAA i i ' til tiff 1 « m • • It • t Levy from exhibition; and Abe Uon and amortization, $1,725,000 Montague. Charles Reagan. Wil- for Federal income taxes, and liam Gehring, Robert Perkins. $100,000 for contingencies. The Austin C. Keough, ifnd Schimel P rofi t »s equivalent to 80c per from distribution. share on the 2,218,520 shares of common stock outstanding. In- cluded in the overall profit is a Milestone’s ‘The Widow’ fst.s o£ $74 000 ,rom sales o£ fixod rn j • j. I Since this is the company’s first uut ot runas in Italy: I full fiscal year of operation since Hyman Breathes Hard for RKO are seen qs important steps in calibre. "He had a failure,” said breaking 20th-Fox print bottle- an Allied leader, “but he paid all neck abroad. his debts.” Makelim’s failure to Milestone’s ‘The Widow’ S, o£ $7400 ° £rom sales of fixod tlarfl I Of KMJ {£ Ai /P J • lil Since this is the company’s first , ,,, .. A . work had to be done there. Uut Ot funds in Italy: full fiscal year of operation since Ell0t Hyman, tv film distributor striping and recording equip , , .j 1 it took over the theatre assets of anc ^ partner in Moulin Produc- rnenl is now in French and Gcr- hnishpfl Ha f-Ffllted Warner Bros, on March 1. 1953, no tion s, continues in pursuit of RKO man studios and will be installed * comparison is made with the profit Radio but now there s been a soon in Italy, too. This will en- Faced with a lack of funds, the 0 f the previous year when the double-pronged switch. Howard able 20th to send "silent” prints Italo-American coproduction "The company was operated by WB. Hughes appears to be showing in- to these countries. Dubbed-in One of the main difficulties to I start production is not causing date has been the limited avail- undue concern among Alliedites. ability of striping and sound-trans- Many members of the exhib org fer machinery, with 20th’s Coast did not favor the plan and only studio carrying the brunt of the gave it "lip service” to go along work since all the foreign print with the organization's leaders, work had to be done there. ! As one dissident put it: "Even if it Striping and recording equip flops, it will have served a useful Widow." completed and half-cut. However, the annual report to terest in selling out and the First sound will be added there, has been temporarily abandoned, stockholders notes that the com- National Bank of Boston is in the j n N. Y. last week, Darryl F. Gene Milford, film editor, reported pany’s first accounting period, the picture. Zanuck. 20th v. p. in charge of in N Y. Monday (6i on his return 26-week stanza ended Aug. 29, What was described as a meet- production, reported a “severe" from Rome. i loss should a rnn«nHHatPd loss i ing of major importance on the nrint shortage in Britain. He said Pic stars Patricia Roc. Akim 1953. showed a consolidated loss . ing of major importance on the I pr int shortage in Britain. He said of $970,000 of which $649,800 was matter took place in N. Y. this 1 20th and Eastman Kodak were ~ . ..... . tit. a 1 ..4 a 1 i.i 1 1 1 . ! „ a _ 1 . . Tamirofr, Anna Maria Ferraro and due to the sale of theatres and week with the participants, along working hard to arrive at a solu Maxaifio Serrata. It was directed other properties. with Hyman, including Serge Se- tion. One of the possibilities, he corporaVion bu^stVll Is "not" tioning by Lewis Milestone. Producer was j n the report, SW prexy S. H. menecko. as First of Boston s rep. said, was the manufacture of a on whether he - d liko to take a d il John Nasht. with Venturini the (Si Fabian pointed up the com- and Greg Bautzer. Coast attorney perfect dupe negative which could ! rect hand in Co j. s afTairs In NY Italian partner who went bankrupt, pany’s "sound financial position.” who sat in in Hughes’ behalf. then be sent to the British Tech- this week M artin queried as to Milford said the production team noting current assets (as of Aug. 28. If there’s to be a firm deal, basis nicolor plant for processing. whether he’s aiming for a scat on had a commitment for two with -54) 0 f $25,835,300 and current lia- of it would be a payoff of $24,000,- It’s understood that, even though the board of directors u trr j ed lh ll . RKO. one of wtiich— "Cartouche” bilities of $11,846,400. The cash 000 to Hughes, presumably on a work on this project is well ad- suc . h a s t hasn - t been offered to — had been delivered. The second, amounted to $12,206,100 which long-term basis. vanced, it may well take another titled “The Sinners,” has been de- Fabian stressed "was in excess of Hyman’s aim is to nab the RKO year before a quality dupe nega- Lale last week the Court f A layed by lack of funds. It was due a n current liabilities.” All proper- library for tv licensing and the tive can be achieved. Meanwhile. , s in Albany upheld N Y State for location lensijig in Egypt. ties, Fabian said, were free of company’s new product for theat- Zanuck is also toying with the idea SuDreme Court and A DDel’late Divi Trouble with Italo production is (Continued on page 20) rical release. (Continued on page 6) si() ‘ n rulin ,, s giving Martin the (Continued on page 20) Lester Martin Scores; Enigmatic on His Goal Within Col Management Lester Martin, minority Colum- bia stockholder, scored another round in his court bout with the by Lew is Milestone. Producer was j j n the report, SW prexy S. II. Trouble with Italo production is the haphazard way in which films • are being shot, with no one worry- ing about dialog synchronization, Milford, who cut “On the Water- front.” opined. He said Italian di- rectors were sloppy in running their show, with actors throwing out careless lines which later have to be rectified via dubbing. "It’s never very satisfactory,’ he added. At the same time, Milford noted great enthusiasm among Italian film folk. "The atmosphere some- what resembles Hollywood in the early and middle thirties,” he found. LOUIS WOLFSON’S STAKE IN ‘LONG JOHN SILVER’ Louis Wolfson, Florida theatre- owner and transit financier who’s been engaging in the Montgomery Ward stock battle, has a stake in “Long John Silver,” which Joseph Kaufman produced for Distribu- tors Corp. of America. Kaufman, 20th-Fox and DCA are other fiscal participants. Film’s “first" money, amounting to $250,000, was put up by 20th. Company has Eastern Hemisphere rights and will recoup from the distribution coin abroad. Wolfson and DCA contributed $235,000 each and Kaufman ante’d $50,000. It slacks up as unusual pic fi- nancing in that no banking sources were tapped for any part of the production fund. The $770,000 Loin Wolfson. 20th. 3CA and | Kaufman represents tt» negative j cost. 1 (Continued on page 6) OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 36 1 54 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 6311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avt. LONDON, W. C. 2 • St. Martin's Placa Trafalgar Squar* sion rulings giving Martin the right to inspect Coi’s books. The dissident’s action was based on the allegation that Col management wasn’t doing right by the stock- holders. Martin said he now controls 60,- 000 shares, a sizable block since Col's total outstanding shares as of (Continued on ^age 16) TURNER SHELTON VICE ANDY SMITH WITH USA Washington. Dec. 7. Andrew W. Smith Jr. has bowed out as chief of the Motion Picture Service of the U. S. Information Agency, having completed his one- year term in office. Formerly sales v.p. of 20th-Fox, the exec in- tends to segue back to private en- terprise, perhaps the picture busi- ness again. New head of the film division Is Turner B. Shelton, heretofore as- sistant to Smith. Jack S. Connolly continues as chief of domestic pro- duction, including newsreels and special events. Shelton at one time was aide to the late Carter Barron, Loews Theatres division manager and Metro’s liaison with official Wash- ington. He has been an associate director of the Treasury Dept., produced shorts in California, and was a production advisor to the* State Dept. Named assistant to Shelton is Anthony Guraco. formerly chief administration officer of the Office of War lnformaton. 6 FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, December 8, 19S4 There's \o Husiness Like Show Basinomi (MUSICAL-COLOR-C’SCOPE) Irving Berlin’s ode to show biz done up in fancy C’Scope trimmings. A guaranteed b.o. smash. lin's viewpoint, they’re all a song- plugger’s delight. “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” gets done up In super-spectrums and in UN man- ner, with a variety of nationalistic reprises, from Tyrolean to Scotch to French to concert grand piano treatment. It’s successively staged, with all the trimmings, first by Miss Merman and Dailey; then the oompah-oompah treatment with glockenspiel and Swiss bellringers; O’Connor’s clever hoot-mon ver- sion; Miss Gaynor’s clicko Gallic treatment; and Johnnie Huy at the ivories. Even up to this point the pseudo-, vaude staging is so slick that the. first audience reaction may be wha’ hoppened? — why isn’t vaude still The Atomic Kid Weak Mickey Rooney comedy for the duals. 20th Fox release of Darryl F. Zanuck’s SIunai ana Vti Harry Chick chan ’’er satue Miss Gaynor and O Connor ! Dance Director Henry Slate they stage “Lazy.” Miss Monroe’s Geoffrley ° P 7. c5S n r,Sln sa - treatment of her vocal Chores Katy iAge 4) Mimi Giii: m must be seen to be appreciated. Katy < Age 8> L >nda It's n °t going to chase ’em away sieve .7.7." 7 7777 Jimmy Baird 'I’om the b.o. On the other hand, as \ Steve i Age io) ... William (Billy) Chao n a song salesgirl, per se, she’ll never j !** 1 ! 2! liave to worry Miss Merman. She’s, more competitive to Mae West in her delineating. Ethel Merman is boffo. She’s a ! Republic release of Mickey Rooney (Maurice Duke) production. Stars Rooney; features Robert Strauss. Elaine Davis. Directed by Leslie H. Martinson. Screenplay. Benedict Freedman and John Fenton Murray from story by Blake Ed- wards; camera. John L. Russell Jr.t mu- sic. Van Alexander. At Palace Theatre. N. Y., week of Dec. 3, ’54. Running time, 84 MINS. Blix Watei berry ., Stan Cooper ... Audrey Nclsqn . , . Dr. Rode!! Dr. Pangborn ... M.f*. in Hospital . Kay ; . . . Bill General Lawler .. Wildcat Hopper .. Mr. Reynolds « j . ' 7 - > 4 ...Mickey Rooney ... Robert Strauss Elaine Davis . . . . . Bill Goodwin .... Whit Bissell ....Joey Forman .... Hal March ....Peter Leeds Fay Roope Stanley Adams Robert E. Keane ( Aspect Ratio: 1.85-1) Tim (Age 6) Donald Gamble This is a one-two smash for Irv lng Berlin, both in the same 1954- ...... - „ 55 season; first. Paramount's i * ® f . “White Christmas” and now 20lh’s I d I “There’s No Business Like Show | J* Wm-fd w«5 I irfffm I Business.” Both are star-loaded P™ nfnolLpc pmcpfniiv , m tii ' and both are socko b.o. filmusicals | thc world Wai . u period. Dailey, I The late Lamar Trotti s original. as vis-a-vis, is an effective actor from which the Ephrons fashioned ] and interprets the vaudeville hoof- this screenplay, is palpably a script i cr and father with polish and con- primed to point up the “heart” of viction showfolk. It gets across with tfu- O'Connor, Miss Gaynor and Ray, thority and not a little skill despite as (| ie talented offspring of a the long arm of coincidence w hich ! raised-in-the-tradition vaudeville comes at the finale, and by that | impress all the way. It’s not time is warmly accepted in light all born-in-the-trunk stuff either.] of the wealth of eye-filling and ! The Donahues board their brood in compelling splash, dash and flashi-! a parochial school, but the under- ness of virtually every bit and standing headmaster recognizes the number. |call G f the resin-board in their The captious, of course, will ob- , campus behaviorism and thus the serve that if this was a sample of | segue back to the Donahues’ troup- vaudeville in its heyday then how ling, en masse, is plausible. Just as realistic is the fresh young son of a hard-working vaude come it became extinct? It’s as super-stupendous in its lavishness and prodigious expenditure of pro-! team being young beyond his years duction values as that “little nitery | in his ways with the femmes "in floorshow” in the Miami (Florida* j the profesh,” and O’Connor plays sequences. The very nature of the it just right. Hollywood brand of filmusicals. I “Remember?” is a good bridge however, has so conditioned the j musical theme, as the ouarter- public to expect the ultimate in ; of-a-century closeup of this show’ super values that this is an infra- biz family uprfolds. “Midnight show biz detail which only tile Choochoo Leaves For Alabam,” most carping might advance. i “Simple Melody,” “You'd Be Sur- The story line is solid albeit of ; Prised” ‘‘Pretty Girl Is Like A Mel- familiar pattern. But could well he °dy are interspheed for the basic born of real-life show biz families vaude two-act. . . .. . like the Sam & Kitty Morton fam- ! out a modern spiritual, iiy, Jere Cohan and his brood. ! If \ou Believe, ,n a Eddie Foy and his flock, the three ' sweet-sad farewell party in the generations of the Pat Rooneys, j Donahues Jersey home, before he et enters the monastery. The prop nr j m rv :i . church “billing” heralds the fact ^ ^ti W' V' (that “religion, too, has been booked aie capital as the vaudeville Dona- ^ 0 j and h as had a i ong rU n,” an d hues v\ ho bring out first one. t-ion Ray - S inner calling to priesthood t A° then three of their offspring. h isn’t a ^ ra gj c as the be- for that extra bow with a running I ;, ilde ^ d parenls t ho U ght at first . aS t, n l rt e ♦ Vai «K C ar l Puru 1,1 o! j The cas ting is authoritative all th!. d a • nH n fina nn tvfo ^ ,he way although the six costars Jhe 4 and finally the 5 Donahues. dom j na te everything. Hugh O’Brian v? iPP fi( r< fTi S ' impresses as a good “new” face in closing snectacle, for benefit -oftho , h j s 10 mantic bit opposite Miss Gay- Actors Fund of America f of the duals. The Benedict Freedman- John Fenton Murray screenplay, as fashioned from a story by Blake Edwards, is on the comic book level for the yarn’s situations and gen- eral atmosphere are far fetched and forced. There’s an occasional laugh as Rooney, a survivor of an atom bomb blast, cavorts through the footage. However, the levity appears to be primed for the Sat- urday matinee trade and most adult patrons will be bored. > With fellow prospector Robert Strauss, Rooney is searching for uranium in a remote part of Ne- vada. Trapped in a test area where the Army is detonating an A-bomb, Strauss escapes and Rooney mir- aculously lives although in the very center of the blast. This sets up some scenes in a hospital where he falls for nurse Elaine Davis. For good measure the scripters toss in some foreign spies who are dealt with by Rooney, Strauss & Co. In this melange of slapstick Rooney romps happily. He’s at his best when nonchalantly munch- ing a peanut butter sandwich, sec- onds befpre the A-bomb goes off. Robert Strauss, a fugitive from “Stalag 17,” also makes with the mirth as Rooney’s man Friday but his material is thin and the fun- making fails to come off on the scale of his meaty comedy role in "Stalag.” Also involved in this 1 Republic release are Elaine Davis (Mrs. Roo- ney in private life), who’s pert and pulchitudinous as the nurse; Bill Goodwin, an Army doctor; Whit Bissell, another Army medico, and Joey Forman as an efficient M. P. While director Leslie H. Martin- son handled some of the sequences to advantage, the banal script was too much of a hazard for him to cope with. Production values reflect a mod- est budget. Camerawork of John L. Russell Jr. nicely caDtures the action and physical settings. Art direction of Frank Hotaling is good ' as is the score of Van Alexander. Maurice Duke functioned as asso- ciate producer. Gilb. Roxy, N. Y., premiere this week’, i once again reuniting the 5 Dona- 1 hues. Only this time Johnnie Ray j is an Armv chaplain; the errant 1 Donald O’Connor in gob’s garb: i and Mitzi Gaynor, sentimentally suggesting young motherhood, arc Robin Raymond, Lyle Talbot, George Melford, Chick Chandler, Henry Slate are almost wasted in bits but make them stand up in what little they do. Zanuck gave "Show Business” the works in every respect. The orchestral-vocal treatments of the it - . i . j. I ui viivouni vv/vai u vmiiiiviho v* 5,1! A^ ere . * or j? a P py ending, j p cr iin standards are so richly en- 1 ha M S „ v y her f e fi ctl0nal lon Hdowed as to give them constantly aim gets strained. ! fresh values. Even* Walter Wtn- Marilyn Monroe, the sixth eo- shell's offscreen voice was enlisted starring marquee name, is the i for a Broadway montage show. The femme interest to the somewhat ; DeLuxe color and the Leon Sham- booze-fighting O’Connor. } roy Cinemascope lensing are just The conflict revolves around j that, not forgetting the lush or- Miss Monroe, starting first with the chestral and vocal contributions by “Heat Wave” number which, ad- the Newman freres, Ken Darby et mittedly, is perhaps even more im- ! d 1 . “Show Business” has everything portant to her nitery routine than ! for wide customer appeal. It’ll mop to the successful Donahues. O’Con- , up. Abel, nor is influential in deferring to Print Shortage i Continued from page 5 ; Miss Monroe, the ambitious ex- coatroom checker who has been i nursing show biz ambitions, and j when the prototype of the Zieg- ' feld-White-Carroll character (Ricli-j ard Eastham) decides to star Miss 0 f producing a second negative on S ^ C pp bl e i5 se ~ 0 ik‘ Re .s by ,,.,(.1, cinemaScoper. He indicated an<1 that this would be extremely ex- giving O Connor and Mitzi Gaynor ; ,„, nc i vo important possibilities in the Broadway musical, sans their par- ents. Incidentally, Eastham im- Donlry (SONGS— COLOR) Good remake of twice-filmed western, this time with Audie Murphy; should click in out> door market. Hollywood. Dec. 2. Universal release of Stanley Rubin pro- duction. Stars Audie Murphy. Mari Blanch- ard; co-stars Lyle BettRer, Thomas Mitchell; features Edgar Duchanan, Lori Nelson. Wallace Ford. Directed by George Marshall. Screenplay. Edmund II. North, D. D. Beauchamp: from a story by Felix Jackson; . suggested by Max Brand’s ’’Destry Bides Again”; earners (Techni- color). George Robinson; editor. Ted J. Kent: music supervluon. Joseph Gersh- enson; songs. Frederick Herbert, Arnold Hughes. Previewed Dec. I. '54. Running tt unlike Wall Street on a Sunday afternoon. Desefted, that is. . . . A. W. Schwalberg, president of Par Distributing Corp., is presiding °ver sales and Jerry Pickman, ad-pub v.p.. is chairing a session of field exploitation men and promotion reps from a few overseas spots ... A press agent at United Artists unashamedly relates that Gilda Cray has been signed as “sex appeal consultant” on the Mickey Spil- lane pic, “Kiss Me Deadly.” She’s to “impart her priceless knowledge” to lour new actresses in the film, said the tooter. Bruce Newbery, newly appointed exec v.p. of Dudley Pictures, left for London last week to set up the outfit’s first film. Working out of London, it'll be partly lensed on location in North Africa. Pic rolls in March . . . IFE caught short on color stills for its “Maggio Verde” expedition films. May have to shoot some off the screen . . . Italy’s first two CincmaScope shorts produced by Astra Cinematografica. They’re pail of a series of 14 which 20th-Fox will handle worldwide . . . Arthur Rank’s John Davis, who had a “busy” signal up during his stay N.Y. last week, writing “sorry” notes to the press. Stanley Warner exiting the Warner Bros. bldg, on West 44th St. nn Dec. 20 and moves to the completely refurbished Warner (formerly strand » Theatre bldg, at 1587 Broadway. Shift completely removes h* theatre chain from its former production-distribution affiliate, p * a bian may also shift his Fabian Enterprises offices from the j .0 amount bldg, to the new SW headquarters to avoid bicycling be- ! firms • • • Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, authors of the roadway stage musical, “Kismet,” have reported to the Metro studios J 1 -i art work on the screenplay with producer Arthur Freed. Romeo’ in Charity Start . ‘ Homeo and Juliet,” J. Arthur Rank entry distributed by United AnisK opens at N.Y.’s Sutton The- atic Dec. 21 via a benefit preem 101 the March of Dimes. lu kots are priced at $10, $25 and $.)0 each. Blaustein Exits 20th Hollywood, Dec. 7. Julian Blaustein and 20th Cen- tury-Fox have terminated his pro- ducer’s contract by mutual con- sent. He began on lot in April, 1949. Just completed “Racers,” Blau- stein also produced “Desiree” now in general release. F II HOT POTITQ Projected remake of David W. Griffith’s 1915 feature. “The Birth of a Nation” by a Hollywood syn- dicate headed by financier Ted Thai has been greeted in New York film circles with plenty of surprise and considerable conster- nation. Proposed deal ties the original Thomas Dixon novel, “The Clansman.” and the title and rights to “Birth,” now’ owned by Harry E. Aitken, into one package. What causes New York film men to shake their heads is fear of the social and political consequences to the motion picture industry inherent in a revival of an old controversial classic in which hatred and preju- dice against Negroes was as open as was admiration and approval of the Ku Klux Klan. Script Problem? New York curiosity centers on Dudley Nichols’ ideas. He is the man who is mentioned to make the 1955 shooting script. How does he propose to handle the obsessive theme of Negro-raping-white-girl which Dixon and Griffith repeated- ly stressed? The Coast syndicate’s showman- in-charge is Phil L. Ryan. He has revealed that $750,000 was put up to acquire the rights from ’Aiken, president of the old Epoch Corp., and inclusive of the book which is owned by the Dixon estate. D. W. Griffith actually drew upon another Dixon yarn, “The Leop- ard’s Spots” as well as his (Grif- fith’s) own ideas as a Kentuckian. The proposed remake is projected for either Todd-AO or Cinema- Scope. Big Money-Maker “Birth,” which drew’ both cheers and brickbats on its first release in 1915, and has been playing almost continuously ever since, with Aitken personally doing the ped- dling. It’s probably a top-earner in industry annals with a gross of around $40,000,000. Its showing have frequently been picketed by minority groups. Point made by opponents of any remake fear that, if “Birth” shapes as anything approximating the open prejudice against Negroes ex- Ryan’s Comment Hollywood, Dec. 7. Recent denunciation by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peo- ple of the proposed remake of “The Birth of a Nation” was called “premature” by Phil L. Ryan, a member of the syn- dicate holding screen rights to the story. Declaring that the film un- doubtedly would be made, Ryan added, “we have no quarrel with colored people or any organization for their advance- ment. or with their right to protest. However, until they know the subject material to be presented, hQw can they question without knowing the grounds?” . hibited in the original, It would be ideal grist for the anti-Yankee propaganda mill abroad. They em- phasize that, in color and on the wide screen, the white supremacy j “message” would come across even more forcefully than in the orig- inal. Slandered Whole Race First official reaction to the’ re- make came from the National Assn, for the Advancement of Col- ored People in N. Y. In a wire to Thai, Roy Wilkins. NAACP admin- istrator, * stated that his org was "as uncompromisingly opposed to this film today as it was when, the picture was first released in 1916.” He said the announcement of a new version was “of deep concern” to the group and others “who know of the great damage the original version did in slandering the entire Negro American population through its naked incitement to racial hatred and violence. “The revival of the unashamed I (Continued on page 61) Vat Film Showman Arthur L. Mayer has some sag* observation* on Our Rosy Daze ( Exbib- Distrib Rotations Call for a Littla Mora Common-Sons# ) * * * an ontortaining byline piece in the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of Z'finiEfr out sooy British Need Own Houses In U.S.: Bernstein By FRED HIFT J. Arthur Rank’s idea of acquir- ing U. S. theaties is sound and may be the only way in which British films will ever get firmly established in this market, says Sidney L. Bernstein of Britain’s Granada Theatres. Bernstein, who* arrived in N. Y. Sunday (5). indicated he planned to meet with Alfred Hitchcock with whom he and his brother, Cecil, are associated in Transat- lantic Pictures Corp. He wouldn’t say whether the outfit, inactive since “I Confess,” would be re- activated. Trouble with British films in the U. S.. Bernstein believes, is that there’s no continuity to their ex- hibition. "You can’t expect the public to go for • a British film that’s sandwiched between the release of four or five typically American pictures,” he said. “What is needed are a hundred or so modern, well-appointed showcases that will keep the British product before the public and allow it lengthy runs. Obviously, such the- atres could also play other foreign or American films that fit in with the general tone of entertainment. It’s unrealistic to expect the (Continued on page 16) The exploitation men of the film industry have done more to destroy public confidence in endorsement advertising than any other similar J trade group, Jules Alberti, prexy of Endorsements Inc., firm special- izing in testimonial advertising, charged last week. “Thanks to their own greediness for grabbing as much space in any form they can,” Alberti said, “the film ex- ploitation men now have come to the conclusion that the public has become skeptical of the very works uttered by their very own stars in testimonials.” Alberti made his remarks before a class in business news reporting at New York University. The basis of his comments was a re- cent article in Variety headlined “Endorsements by Stars Lose Charm” and which said, in effect, that tie-up advertising was on the decline lor a number of reasons, “not the least being the feeling that endorsements have been over- done and the public is growing skeptical that the stars actually use the products advertised.” Alberti declared that the situa- tion was caused by the film pub- ad men. by "their indiscriminate use of anybody and everybody, re- gardless of the need, so long as it adds additional free spac£ to sell a picture.” He said he could cite “numerous instances of testimonial abuses” by this group. He said that since his firm was established in 1945 “wherein the ratio of film stars against all other celebrities combined w as 80-20, the last few years has completely re- versed the ratio so that the inter- est in film celebrities is now less than 20% of our total business.” To further point up “the fallacy of the film men’s ideas,” he noted that his company’s business, “the (Continued on page 16) N. Y. Guests Preview Jap Voice Track for Tokyo Version of Cinerama With a narration in Japanese to replace the * voice of Lowell Thomas, the version of “This Is Cinerama” that will be shown shortly in Japan was unveiled to an invited audience of Japanese diplo- mats, commercial officials and resident reps of the Nippon press. Showing took place Friday”. 13)' at the Warner Theatre, N.Y. Robin International, which holds the foreign exhibition rights to the medium, will present Cinerama at the Imperial Theatre, Tokyo, Jan. 1, aqd at the Os Theatre, Osaka Jan. 22. The Osaka house was specially built for Cinerama after the original theatre in which the medium was to be installed was completely destroyed by fire. Shuku Imafuku, of the Daiai Films of Japan, was brought to the U.S. to do the commentary. In sev- eral scenes in which Lowell Thomas is seen on the screen, Ima- fuku’s voice has been dubbed in. Universal Sets 32 (Up From 28) X Hollywood, Dec. 7. Continuing its accent on a steady flow of top product, Universal in 1955 has skedded 32 pix for release compared to 28 in 1954, Charles J. Feldman, U v.p. and general sales manager, said here yesterday (6). Total of 75% of the 1955 output will be in color. Feldman made his announce- ment to the opening session of U’s week-long sales powwow which is being attended by pro- duction, distribution and ad-pub execs of the company. “Our responsibility to our ex- hibitor customers is to continue to deliver a flow of quality product having the same reliability of en- tertainment values which have pleased American movie-goers in ever increasing numbers to the benefit of our company and our exhibitor friends,” Feldman dec- lared. Others addressing the session ' were Milton R. Rackmil, U prexy; Alfred E. Daff, exec v.p.; Edward ; Muhl, v.p. in charge of production, j and David A. Lipton, v.p. With 28 ! pix in release. 1954 is expected to be U’s record year in both the domestic and foreign markets. Muhl said yesterday (Tues.) that 13 novels would he included in the ’55 program. Upix will use the new j camera processes as they fit to the various films and their back- grounds Mort Magill With Buena Mort Magill has been named Buena Vista sales supervisor for the Philadelphia, Washington and Pittsburgh exchange areas, to headquarter in Philly. He resigned as United Artists branch manager in Philly to take the job. Sullivan Faces 3 Years On Income Tax Fraud Washington, Dec. 7. U. S. Supreme Court yesterday (6) upheld the income tax evasion • conviction of Odom F. Sullivan, of ' Wichita, president of the Central Theatre Co. there. | Sullivan was fined $13,000 and given a three-year prison sentence for evading taxes on his 1945-46 1 taxes. PICTURE CROSSES i Wednesday, December 8 , 1934 Pre-Xmas Clips L. A.; ‘Shc-Wolf OK $6,080, ‘Xmas’ Robust $19,500 in 6th; ‘Desiree’ Nice 14G, ‘Paris’ 16G, 3d Los Angeles, Dec. 7. ♦ Pre-Christmas slack is setting in early here this year among first- runs, with total take this week down sharply from the previous frame. It also is under the same week a year ago. Lack of new pix and the large number of extended- runs also is hurting. Of the two new bills this round, “She-Wolf” is shaping okay at $ 6 ,- 000 or near at United Artists but “Earrings of Madame De” is only fair at small El Rey. Holdovers are mostly light al- though “White Christmas” still is in the chips with $19,500 in two theatres for sixth round as is fifth week of "Barefoot Contessa,” with a neat $7,000 at the small Fine Arts. Third week of “Desiree” is rated fine $14,000 in third session Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $379,20$ ( Based on 22 theatres. ) Last Year $512,300 ( Based on 23 theatres. ) Paris’ Plump 17G, St. L; ‘Star’ 14G, 2d St. Louis, Dec. 7. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is the ‘Track’ Sluggish lli, Buff.; ‘Cattle’ Mild 8 G Buffalo, Dec. 7. It’s a dull week at most houses here currently, with too many h.o.s and few. new, strong pix to help. "Track of Cat” is rated fairly good at Paramount. Second week of "Last Time I Saw Paris” is only fair at the Buffalo, as is “4 Guns To Border” at Lafayette. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew’s) (3,000; 50-80) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk — 9 days). .Fair $15,000 or over. Last week, $19,000. Paramount (Par) (3,000; 50-80) — "Track of Cat” (WB). Fairly good $11,500. Last week, “Athena” (M-G) and “Sleeping Tiger” (Indie), $13,- 000 . Center IPar) <2,0001 50-80)— "Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk). Fine $8,000. Last week, $17,000. • Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80) — “4 Guns To Border” (U) and “Rico- chet Romance” (U). Fair $8,000. Last week, “Phffft” (Col) and "Cannibal Attack” (Col), okay $15,000 in 10 days. Century (Buhawk) (3,000; 50-80) Cold, Snow, H.Oi Slough Mpis. Biz; ‘Phffft’ Oke $m Track’ Tall 7G rated fine $14,000 in third session "Last Time l haw Paris" is tne rr^ .7, J r'\.’ . ,, at Chinese but $16,000 for third of boxoffice leader this session, with e Montana _ — .... . . ..... .. ft U Wffll mm #1 11 A f xt/tn A /ti'Aniii “Last Time I Saw Paris” is medi- a solid take at Loew’s. “Track of um. “Star Is Born” looms pleasing Cat” just wound up a mild round $10,000 in 10th Pantagcs week. at the huge Fox, with "Desiree” Estimates for This Week opening today (Tues.). “Star Is United Artists (UATC) (2.100; Born” continues socko at the St. 70-$1.10> — "She-Wolf” (Rep). Okay Louis. “Cinerama” continues very $6,000 or near. Last week, sub-run. good in 45th session at the Ambas- E1 Rey (FWC) (861; 70-$1.10) — sador. “Vanishing Prairie” still is a solid take at Loew’s. "Track of Adventure Cat” just wound up a mild round 0 00 after $13,600 “Sabrina (Par) <2d wk). Moderate i as t week. $10,000. Last week, $17,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75) — Guns’ Okay 11G, Frisco; ‘Paris’ 13G San Francisco, Dec. 7. Wet weather and generally bad Christmas displays, biz at firstruns trons. Smash $6,500. Last week, is per usual offish. Carmen jg 500 Jones” at the Memorial is fairly l *. . n nnn . v good, but below hopes. “Drum .JL* k 1 * £ Cat” (WB^Mitchum a Beat” at the Paramount and Fen- * rack “Vr 1 *?! a wav shaoos okav Balance of town but mixed opinions on film s TJ LKK ? ' Baunce 01 lown merits. Stiff scale also is deterrent, is noiaing over. nnn t Estimates for This Week Astor (B&Q) (1.500; 70-$1.10)— “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d Stout $7,000. Last week. "Black Widow” (20th) (2d wk>. $4 <800. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 85-$l)— “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Hasn’t wk). Trim $12,000 following $16,- reached advance b.o. expectations. , 000 in second week. l8C p JSf ’ o Loy oi , 5 siree” (20th) and “Princess of Nile” Wet weather and generally bad Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; fioun 0 w„5: (20th). Opened today (Tues.). Last weather most of week is slough- 50-$l)— "Hobson’s Choice” (UA) 80 ’^ 1 bl) week ’ “ Track of Cat " ‘ WB >, mild in 8 biz here currently. The fact , 6 th wk). Neat $4,000 after $6,000 ‘20th) and Deadly Game (Lip) $ 12 , 500. that there are some 10 holdovers (2d wk). Okay $18,000 $ 22 , 000 . Hillstreet, Egyptia (RKO-UATC-FWC) (2 1,715; 60-$1.10) — “B1 (Col) and “Cannibal / (2d wk). Slow $14,000, $ 22 , 000 . line $12,500. that there are some 10 holdovers Last week, Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75) — or extended-runs also is proving a 000 in second weeK. Mild $ 7 , 000 . Last week, $14,000. Beacon Hill (Beacon Hill) (800; RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2.800; 65- 50-$D— “Hobson’s Choice” (UA) 35 ) _ -phffft” (Col). Well-liked ( 6 th wk). Neat $4,000 after $6,000 comedy, but title apparently is no in fifth. asset. Fairish $8,500. Last week, Boston (Cinerama Productions) "Cattle Queen of Montana” (RKO), 7 .’,’ „ , $6,500. Last week, "Waterfront” Warner Downtown, Witter, New ( Col) $10 500 ix (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 965; Pareant (1st. L. Amus.) (1.000; 82) /Lvov; z, 3 m; »oo; Pageant < St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 82) Contessa” looms good in fourth U-$L25)- — Track of Cat (WB) — "Little Kidnappers” (UA) <2d United Artists session, and ‘Shanghai Story (Rep) (2d wk) Fine $2,500 after $3,000 ini- Estimates for This Week wk). Fair $16,000. Last week. t ia! stanza. Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; $30, 000 Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 80-$l)— ”4 Guns to Border” (U) Four H* 1 -? 5 * 82) — “Cyrano de Bergerac” (UA). and "Yellow Mountain” (U). Okay —"Trouble In Glen ’ (Rep) (2d wk». Good $3,000. Last week, "Man on $11,000. Last week, “Track of Shm $ 2 . 00() . Last week. $3,000. Tightrope” (20th) (2d wk), $2,000. Cat” (WB) and "Sins of Rome” Chinese (FWC) (1.905; $1-$1.75) st. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; (RKO), $15,000. —"Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Fine 75-90)— "Star Is Born” (WB) (2d Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1-$1.50)— $14,000. Last week, $21,000. wk>. stout $14,000 or near after “Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Off ‘Track Cat” (WB) ek, “Waterfront” “Phffft” at Paramount are both oke in second stanzas. “Barefoot Amus.) (1,000; 82) Contessa” looms good in fourth >pers” (UA) (2d United Artists session, after $3,000 ini- Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; L. Amus.) (400; 80-$l) — “4 Guns to Border” u,uw. rrcvious wer» was »u,ouu. "Three Hours to Kill” (Col) and Copley (Devlin-Dugan) (1,000; 50- “Kisenga” (Indie). Light $4,500. $1.50) — "Spell of Ireland” (Indie) Last week, “Fire Over Africa” (4th wk). Nice $3,000 after $4,600 (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col), Good $3,000. Last week, "Man on $11,000. Last week, “Track of Tightrope" (20th) (2d wk). $2,000. Cat” (WB) and "Sins of Rome” third. $4,000. Exeter (Indie) (1.300; 60-$l)— State ( p 8 r) (2.300; 65-85)— “Last “Inspector Calls” (Rank) (2d wk>. Time Saw Pans (M-G) (2d wk). Trim $6,000 following $7,300 in Su t - 1 ? g g 00 u d play £ or ? first week. Christmas shoppers, Porte $8,500. Fenway ' (NET) (1 .373: 75-$ 11- ^rid^lManiMioO; 65-$ 1 .25)- D ': u .' n ' « B ™„ nd , L h .® —it "Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) (5tll — "Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). $14,000. Last week, $21,000. State, Hollywood (UATC-F&M) (2,404; 1 , 430 ; $ 1 - shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; week, $26,500. $1.50)— “Last Time Saw Paris 82)— “Vanishing Prairie” (Disney) Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 90-$l) (M-G) (3d wk). Medium $16,000. (2d wk'. Lusty $3,000 after $6,000 —"Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) Paramount $24,000 teeoff session. 1,430; $1- Saw Paris” (RKO), $15,000. «4 KAn Fox (FWC) (4,651; $1-$1.50)— ^ “Desiree” (20th l (3d wk). Oft M '' mona . 1 (RKO) <3 000; 50-$ l'— sharply lo slow $12,500. Last Ca . rme " J ®"« ,20 ‘ h ' an< * «"'• uppiT ‘inn laws Daughter (20th). Below Warfield (Loew’s) (2,656; 90-$l) ho P£ s a , t . r , fas ^ 5 2 J - 000 Holds. Last -“Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) "jgL Cattle Queen Montana (Continued on page 20) f K ? ) , ! i" ( L rt Monster ° cean Floor (Lip), $14,000. Metropolitan (NET) (4.367; 50-$l) — "Desiree” <20th) and “Bowery to Bagdad” (Indie) (2d wk). Good $16,000 following $29,000 in first. Orphenm (Loew’s) (3,000; 65-$l) — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk). Fair $14,000 after $20,500 for opener. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 75-$l) . — . — v •• ^ — “Drum Beat” (WB) and “The Film business is definitely off Raid” (20th). Good $12,500. Last along the mainstem following week, “White Christmas” (Par) (5th recent terrific Thanksgiving week- wk, $15 000 end biz. However, “Last Time I pilgrim (ATC) (1.800: 65-95)— Last week, $20,500. Fox Wilshire, Los Angeles (FWC) (2.296;- 2.097; $1-$1.50)— "Carmen Jones” (20th) (5th wk). Finished fifth frame (5) with okay $12,600 after $17,500 previous week. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75> •—"Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (5th wk). Neat $7,000. Last week. $7,600. Warner Beverly, Downtown Para- mount (SW-ABPT) (1,612; 3,200; 90-$ 1.50) — “White Christmas” (Par) ( 6 th wk). Good $19,000. Last week. $27,700. Pantages (RKO) (2.812; $l-$2 .25) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (10th wk). Pleasing $10,000. Last week, $13,- 500. Warner Hollywood (SW) (1.364; opening frame. (Continued on page 20) Paris’ Lush $25,000 in Slow D, t ; ‘Desiree’ Big 21G, 2d, ‘Xmas’ 9G, 6th Track’ Fine 8G For Seattle 2d; ‘Wolf’ 4G Seattle, Dec. 7. rieasing »iu,uuu. i^asc ween, * 10 ,- Seattle Dec 7 Saw Paris” looks boff among new- D ii j , cur , £ . , ’ * . comers and holds. “Desiree” is " 0, y ," Ood S ' VI /M® 4 '. .. A11 fir ,? t ru ? s d “,'‘ nt0 , v ; n except best of numerous holdovers. Almost Cmc, ' am ? the small-seater Blue Mouse are everything else is way off, with (84th wk). Into current week <5> holding over, with boxoffice conse- most hmispc hnldinv nn tn niHipe , nA ,l V _ _ A. AAn T . _ V (tlllolll 1 1 K 1 I ail IV tia/liUlV f / UK* Pi kay * L * L* e i k : wk) - Coming to end fine run. Good el^KAn 6 Christmas ek, White Christmas (Par) (5th Orpheum are sharply off from last c, $15, 000. week. Best newcomer is “Troubie PHgrim (A rC)( 1,800; 65-95)— i n Glen” at three Fox Midwest 3 iM tre ¥ e T t f , a ? d first-runs but only fairish. “Kyhber Patrol” (UA) after oke $19,600 last week. Canon (ABC) (533; $1.10) — “Bread, Love, Dreams” (IFE) 1 5th wk). Steady $2,800. Last week. $3,000. ‘Carmen’ Crisp $17,000, Prov.; ‘Rode West’ 82 G, * ‘Desiree’ Big 9G in 2d "Kyhber Patrol” (UA) (2d wk). Oke $7,000 following $12,600 in first. State (Loew’s) (3.500; 65-$l)— “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk). quently badly dent^ "She-Woir t m0st , h( Ji! ses h u ldin , g to ° ld ‘ es stat « < Loew’s) (3.500; 65-$l) SS y n!l! 2 mer imi eood at Blue t0 h . em through the “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) < 2 d wl Mouse. ' Track ot cat-Tooms nice f^KUr ^mild in two F “ ir $7 ’ 5 °°' ^ WeCk ’ $13 ’ 500 ' in second at Coliseum as is Estimates for This Week ' Desiree at the Fifth Avenue. Ambassador (SW) (1,400; 60-80) The Orphedm is good with Rear .. Three Hours to Kiir (Col) Wmdow in fourth stanza Music Mi]d $4 000 ^ week .. Track of Box Sabrina in fifth is rated big. $5 800 Estimates for This Week . Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 70-95) — Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 90- “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G). $1.25) — “She-Wolf” (Rep) and s 2 ck $25,000, and holds. Last week. ‘DRUMS’ LUSTY $10,500, OMAHA; ‘PARIS’ 6 G, 2D Providence, Dec. 7. Women” (Indie) and "Man of Con- RKO Albee is doing the host this flict” (AA), $3,400. ;^ k t^! h : Ca A me ?i Jo r’; pa L k ‘ coliseum (Evei ing them in. On the steady side «i.«i 2 S) “Tne are holdovers of "Last Time I Saw c "Murder Will Out” . Good “ Ba !: efoot Contessa” (UA) (3d wk), $4,000. Last W’eek. "Desperate $‘4,000 in 9 days, below hopes. «i r •• ... «• i i • PaIiumKI® IT a/.m.’oI /I i a . nn o/\\ intt iKom i A .. Coliseum (Evergreen' (1.829; hifdStyi?.' ?"t th ? ^• Cady I c de $1-$1.25) — “Track of Cat” (WB) ar *£? Id ?™’ s « f . Last Time I. Saw and -jungle Gents” « AA> (2d wk). 6 i a " d , Des,re f. Nice $ 8 , 000 . Last week, $13,000. at Majestic. Strand is okay with w \ _ Omaha, Dec. 7. Usual December slump has set in this week, with Xmas shopping $14,000 in 9 days, below hopes ' However P “Last y Time^aw^arUT ;' Diamond Wizard" (UA) (2d wk). Columbia (LoeWs) (1.174; 60-80) “ getting good coin at the Stale in Li?ht $7 00 °- Last week ' * 12 000 - —“Sitting Bull” (UA) (2d wk). Oke its second session Alan Ladd Missouri (RKO) (2.650; 65-90)— $6,000 after $11,000 opening stanza, name, always surefire here is “Drum Beat” (WB) and “Sins of Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l) — ■ boosting “Drum Beat” to a neat Rome (RKO) (2d wk). Nice $7,500. “Ugetsu" (Indie) (2d wk). Good flgure at the oFpheum "Beau Last week. $15,000. Estimates for This Week Fairway (Fox Midwest) (700; 65* 85)— “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Okay $4,000. Last week, $6,000. Glen (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l)r- “High and Dry” (U) (5th wk). Good $1,300. Will hold. Last week, $1,500. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$D— “Julius Caesar” (M-G) (2d wk). Return date continues oke at $1.- 800. Stays on. Last week. $2,000. Midland (Loew’s) (3.500; 60-80)— “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) and “Diamond Wizard” (UA) (2d wk). Light $7,000. Last week, $12,000. Missouri (RKO) (2.650; 65-90)— ’They Rode West.” Estimaes for This Week Albee (RKO) (2.200; 65-85 >— 'Carmen Jones” (20(h) and "Out- Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) 500; $1-$1.25)— "Desiree” (Col) (2d wk>. Good $8,500. Last week. $11,700. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 90- i a \v Territory” (Indie. Socko $1.25 .-"sThrina” (Par) (5th wk) Tv 17 .’. 1 ? 00 .,.,. 1 ’ 351 w P ek * , .l‘ Ti : ack °f Big $6,000. Last week. $7,100. Cat" (WB> and “Weak and Music Wicked” (Indie), $ 10 , 000 . $1.25' Majestic (Fay) <2.200: 70-90)— ' 2 d wk) “Desiree" (20th) (2d wk). Big $11,300. $9,000 after $18,000 in first. Orpin Music Hall (Hamrick* (2.300; 90- $1.251— “Last Time Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Fair $6,500. Last week, A i ton u-k) “ u * ctsu ” 1 Indie) (2d wk). Good f 41 ? nnn $3,700 and holds again. Last week, c, $I. 4 ,UUU. $ d< ooo. Wen) (2,-y Keith’s (RKO) (1.939; 75-S1.25)— e» (Colt (2d, -“White Christmas” (Par), < 6 th wk). Last week, Nice $9,000 after $15,000 last week. , Metropolitan (SW) (1.200; 60-80) :) <850; 90- —"Three Hours to Kill” (Col). Fair * J:? t jL* vvk) ‘ 56.000. Last week, “Track of Cat” . $7,100. (WB>. $9,300. > <2.300; 90- Palace (Loew’s (2,370; 75-$l) — iris" (M-G) “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Powerful Last week, $21,000. Stays. Last week. $30,000. Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 55-$ 1 ) — (2,700; 90- "Rear Window” (Par). Very nice Brummell” at Omaha and "Fire Over Africa” at Brandeis are mild. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1.100; 50-75)— “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “Silent Raiders” (Lip). Mild $3,500. Last week, “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Kisenga” (Indie), $4,500 at cnoln Omaha (Tristates) (2.000; 50-75) Orphenm (Fox Midwest) (1.91 3; 75-$l) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) ( 2 d wk). Dropped to $7,000. okay. Will hold. Last week. $10,500. Paramount (United Par) (1.900: 75-$l) — “White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Still big at $10,000. Last week, giant $19,000. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 70-90) — “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Good —"Beau Brummell” (M-G* and $6,000. Holds. Last w’cek. $10,000. "Her 12 Men” (M-G>. Modest Tower, Uptown, Granada (Fox $6,000. Last week, “Hajji Baba” Midwest) (2,100; 2,043; 1.217; 65* (20th' and “Roogie's Bump” (Rep), 85)— “Trouble In Glen” (Rep) t and $7,500. . a * VaMmh IU )00 after $18,000 in first. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2.700; 90- “Rear Window” (Par). Very n ee SottD and" ” rooS 5 Bumu” “Ren) State .Loews) <3.200; 50-75)— $1.25— "Rear Window* (Par) and $4,000 in 14th week Holds Last $7 500 Boogies Bump (Rep), w 1 ^ 1 Vm e v Coor$6 S 0 0 (!o CO, in°’ fi v ( e U, d. ,4th f k \ o' $ O^heum (Tristates) (2,890; 70- $11,000. week $16000 $10 ’ 500 ‘ Pirst ^”® d m five da > s - Last W ( a *; ner ,sw , <1.300; $1.20-$240) 90)— "Drum Beat” . Fine Romance” (U) and “Yellow Moun* StrJd iS?iverman) ,2.200; SO- " ’paramount .Evergreen) ,3.039; ilg jnS'tter'jlo'^'fa’rtwee'k' ?20 0 .h?°»11 OOo‘ rtW 7S*!> - ’- They Rode West" , Col) and $l-S1.25)-"Blaek Widow" ,20thi Tr\ni-Lu« .T-L) (600; 7o‘$“f - State Goldberg) ,875- 60-85)- "pTckwiek^.n^r," fl^diei MedT Js^ 0 ^*;, w«k "Whie Christ d wk d R I1„ U ™ isS, Se La« •week o?" »*>*»«“ «&» •»« wk). "L.S' TtaT M um^OO ^S. ^st week, .as" (Par)', 4th wic). n«t%W,SSo. $8 700. * ' ' ? k w*. ‘ St Week ' week SToo * 6,000 ° r ° V ' r ' L “ St Monda5 ''‘ ,Indi '' ,2, ‘ ( 2 . 200 ; 75)— “They Rode West” (Col) and $1-$1. 25)— “Black Widow” (20th) rire Over Africa” (2d wk'. $21,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 98- $ 1 50 ' — 'White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk». Still smash at $36,000. Last week, $46,000. Surf i H&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (6th wk*. Bright $3,700. Last week. $4,900. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98- 51- 25* — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk*. Fast $26,000. Last week.*$31.- 500. Woods (Essaness) (1.206; 98- 51-25) — "Last Time I Saw Paris"* LM-G) 1 2d wk). Tall $33,000. Last week, S4 1.000. World * Indie) (697; 98)— “Bread Love. Dreams” (IFE) (4th wk) heat $3,500. Last week, $4,000. ‘PHFFFT’ POTENT 9G, BALTO; ‘XMAS’ 8G, 5TH Baltimore, Dec. 7. irinr'* 1 ’ l ‘ ie curren t list virtually 100 c holdover, grosses are on dull side here this week. “White Christ mas still is out front in its fifty jound at Keith’s. “Phffft” is healthy in second stanza at the town. ’Last Time I Saw Paris” coins mild in second week at the ventury while “Drum Beat” is dull hi second at the Stanley. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s UA) (3.000; 25- fo r~ ‘La.st Time Saw Paris” (M-G) Ld wk)-. Mild $7,500 after $12,500 opener. Cinema (Sehwaber) (466; 50-$l> of destiny” (Indie). rip" 1 Last week, “Madanie Be * Indie) (2d wk), $2,500. Centre (Rappaport) (960; Ok?i m - n!L brina ” (980; 20-70)— (Wed i t fIte P’- Starts tomorrow Yr U ). ahead, “Cattle Queen 'VorPmued on page 20) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. Carmen’ Bright * % I, Denver Denver, Dec. 7. “Carmen Jones” is easily cap- turing top coin here currently, with a sock take, and may stay for three weeks at the Denver. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is doing fine in second round at Paramount. “Desiree” is trim in third stanza at Centre, and stays again. “White Christmas” is still fancy in sev- enth session at Denham, and could stay longer except for backlog of films at house. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 75-$D— “Aida” (IFE* (2d wk>. Fine $3,500. Last week, $4,000. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$D— “Desiree” (20th) i3d wk). Fast $12,000. Stays. Last week. $15,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1.750; 70- $1.25)— “White Christmas” (Par) (7th wk). Fancy $11,000. Last week, $15,000. Denver (2,525; 60-$D— “Carmen Jones” (20th). Very big $25,000. Holds. Last week. “Phftll” (CoD and “Law Vs. Billy Kid” (Col), $18,000. Esquire (Fox) (742; 50-85)— “Lit- tle Kidnappers” (UA) (2d wk). Poor $1,500. Last week, $3,500. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Kisenga” (Indie). Fair $8,000 or less. Last week, “Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Turn Key Softly” (Indie), $10,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 60-$l ) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $14,000. Stays on. Last week, $21,000. ‘Phffft’ Rousing $9,000, Port.; ‘Xmas’ 10th, 4th Portland, Ore., Dec. 7. First-run biz is definitely slug- gish this round with bad weather and upped tabs blamed. “White Christmas,” however, still is smash and setting a new playing time mark for the last 7 years for the Paramount. First three weeks were tremendous and fourth is still big. “Desiree” is rated good in second inning at Fox. “Phffft” looms tall for best new entry at Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 75-$l) —“Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure” (RKO*. Okay $7,000 or near. Last -week. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) and “Dawn Socorro” (Ui, $15,000. Fox (Evergreen) (1.536; $1-$1 ,25> — “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Good $7,500 or less. Last week, $16,200. Guild (Indie) (400; $1) — “Always A Bride’’ (U). Mild $2,000. Last week, “Malta Story” (UA) and “Beauties In Night” (UA) (2d wk), $2 900 Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) — “Beau Brummel” (M-G) and i "Black Glove” (Lip). NSH $7,500. Last week, “Shield For Murder” (UA) and “Yellow Tomahawk” (UA), $7,200. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1.600; 75- ;$1)— “Phffft” (Col) and “Black Da- kotas” (Col). Tall $99,000. Last iweek, “Track of Cat” (WB) and | "Miss Robinson Crusoe” (20th) (2d wk), $6,200. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; $1- $1.25) — "White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Hefty $10,000. Last week. $17,900. This was ahead of second frame and bigger than anything else downtown. Second week was $16,000. Xmas Shopping, H.0.s Clip B’way; Track’ Light 31G, Paris’ Fancy 34G, ‘Christmas’-Stage 125G, 8th ‘Track’ NG at $10,000, Pitt; ‘Xmas’ Great 19G, ‘Desiree’ 8TG, Both 3d Pittsburgh, Dec. 7. Stanley has the only new pic- i lure in Golden Triangle this week. | but that isn’t helping “Track of the Cat.” which is only modest. Big winner continues to be “White Christmas” in third stanza at Penn. Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye starrer will probably stay again, and a fourth week looms, too. for “De- siree” at Fulton. Second stanza of “Phffft” at the Harris is fair enough. Pre-holiday slump setting in on “Cinerama” but first anni hoopla is helping to check the slide. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1.700; 65-$l .10) — “Desiree” i20tli> (3d wk). Hold- ing up fairly well at around $8,500. Rates another h.o. Last week, $ 11 , 000 . Harris (Harris) (2.165; 65-$l) — “Phffft” (Col) (2d wk). Not off too much on holdover; okay $8,000. Last w eek, $13,000. Penn (3.300; 75-$l .25) — i “White Christmas” (Par) ‘3d wk>. Starting to show age but still great, considering what house has been doing lately, at $19,000. Probably stays again. Last week, $33,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) <900; 65-85)— “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (4th wk). Dipping to $2,000, but it’s been a fine run. Coming qut for pop-price run of “Julius Caesar” (M-G). Last week, $3,000. Stanley (SW) <3.800; 65-$l)— “Track of Cal" (WB). Lone new entry. Modest $10,000. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB), $13,000. Warner (SW) (1.365; |1.25-$2.65> — “Cinerama" (Indie) (53d wk). Hypoed a little by extensive bally- hoo for first annl, but doesn’t look for any real Improvement until after holidavs. Modest $8,500. Last week. $8,000. eoPCMd Cfl5 ‘Carmen’ Hot 19G, Philly; ‘Xmas’ 18G Philadelphia, Dec. 7. Christmas buying sloughed first- runs with about the only biz com- ing on the weekend. Cold spell also was no help. Most houses are hold- ing current fare and marking time until the year-end holidays. “Crest of Wave” is getting no place at the huge Mastbaum. Dual bill topped by "Fire Over Africa” is dull at Stanton. Key nabes ran strong profiting from the midtown loss. Biggest coin total is going to “Carmen Jones,” solid in third Stanley week. However, greatest showing is being made by "White Christmas.” still big in sixth round at the Randolph. Estimates for This Week Arcadia (S&S) (625; 80-$1.35)— “Rear Window” (Par) (15th wk). Mild $4,500. Last week. $5,200. Boyd (SW) (1.430; $1.25-$2.60)— “Cinerama” (Indie) (61st wk). New low for run at $8,700. Last week, $11 700 Fox <20th> (2.250; 90-$1.40)— “Desiree” (20th) (3d wk. Fair $16,- 000. Last week. $27,000. Goldman (Goldman) (1,200; 65- $1 .30) — “Phffft” (CoD (2d wk). Nice $11,000. Last week. $19,000. Mastbaum (SW) (4,370; 75-$1.30) — “Crest of Wave” . Com- plete washout $11,500. Last week, “Track of Cat” (WB), $12,000. Midtown (Goldman) (1,000; 74- $ 1 . 49 ) — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (Continued on page 20) ‘Dragnet’ Dandy $18,000, Mont’l; ‘Xmas’ Wow36G Montreal. Dec. 7. Paramount's "White Christmas” continues standout here this ses- j sion with a smash second week at t I Loew’s. It is running far ahead of * its nearest rival. “Dragnet” shapes : j solid at the Capitol while “Broken I 1 Lance” still is okay in second frame at Palace. ■! Estimates for This Week Palace (C.T.) (2.625; 60-$D— ! “Broken Lance” (20th) (2d wk*. Okay $13,000 following $20,000 opener. Capitol (C.T.) (2.422; 45-75)— j “Dragnet” (WB). Solid $18,000. ; Last week. “Betrayed” (M-G) (2d | wk), $15,000. I Princess (C.T.) (2.131; 40-65)— “Rogue Cop” (M-G) (2d wk*. Okay $8,000 after good first week at $15,000. Loew’s (C.T.) (2.847; 60-$l>— “White Christmas” (Par) (2d wk>. Sockeroo $36,000 following i^harn $41,000 first round. Orpheum (C.T.) (1.048; 40-65) — “Suez ’ (20th* and “Halls of Mon- tezuma” (20th) (reissues). Average $6,000. Last week. “Golden Mis- tress” (UA) and “Shield for Mur- der (UA), $7,000. Broadway film business Ls on the skids this stanza, the pre-Xnias slump being unusually early. Cold- est weather of the present winter Monday and yesterday (Tues.) put a further dent in trade. Majority of Rust-run houses are just coast- ing this session with holdover fare and awaiting until near the year- end holidays to launch new prod- uct. “Track of Cat.” a newcomer, shapes mild $31,000 at the Para- mount. "Atomic Kid” with vaude- ville is heading for a good $24,000 at the Palace. Elsewhere hold- I overs or extended-runs prevail. The Music Hall still is garner- ing the most coin although cur- rently in the eighth and final week with “White Christmas" and stage- show*. The Hall looks to hold at big $125,000 in the closing session ending today. “Deep in My Heart” and the annual Christmas stage- show opens tomorrow (Thurs.). “Star Is Born” is holding in amazing fashion at the Victoria, with a smash $30,600 in eighth week ended last Sunday (5). It stays on. “Last Time I Saw Paris” continues solid with $34,000 likely in present (3d) stanza at the Capi- tol. “Sitting Bull” still is okay with $15,000 in second round ending to- day (Wed.) at the Mayfair. Oldie combo of "Battleground” and “Asphalt Jungle” likewise is satis- factory with a nice $9,000 probable for initial holdover frame at the Globe. “Desiree” is dipping to an okay $44,000 in third Roxy session. It stays a fourth, with “No Business Like Show Business” preeming Dec. 16. “Phffft” did an okay $13.- 000 in fourth round at the State. “Carmen Jones” Ls heading for a good $19,500 in sixth stanza at the Rivoli. “Sabrina” continued with good $12,000 in 11th week at the Criterion where “Country Girl” preems Dec. 15. “On Waterfront” still was nice with $14,000 in 19th round at the Astor, and stays on until Dec. 19 when “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” opens. “Cinerama” held at stout $35,000 in 78th week at the War- ner, and continues on. Estimates for This Wek Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 50-$1.75> — "On Waterfront” (Col) <20th wk). Still doing nicely with $14,000 for 19th session concluded last night (Tues.). The 18th week was $18,- 000. "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (Disney) opens Dec. 19. Little Carnegie (Indie) (528; $1.25-$2.20) — “Aida” (IFE) (4th wk*. This round ending today (Wed.) looks like good $11,000 after $16,000 for third week. Stays. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) — “Notorious” (Indie) Ireissue) (2d wk). Current frame winding to- morrow (Thurs.) shapes to get fast $4,200 after $4,000 for first week. "Game of Love” (Indie) opens Dec. 14. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 85-$2.20) — "Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk). Present stanza ending to- morrow (Thurs.) appears likely to get solid $34,000 after $45,000 for second week. Stays. I Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-$1.85) — “Sabrina” (Par) (12th wk). The 11th frame jended last night (Tues.) was still in chips with good $12,000 after $16,000 for 10th week. “Coun- try Girl” (Par) opens Dec. 15, with regular run starting Dec. 16. Fine Arta (Davis) <468; 90-$1.80) — "The Detective” (Col) (6Ui wk). The fifth stanza ended Sunday ‘5) was good $8,300 after $11,800 for fourth week. Stays on indef. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50* — ‘Battleground” (M-G) and “As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues) (2d wk*. Looks to hold with nice $9- 000 in initial holdover week end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) after $11,- 000 opening week. Guild (Guild) <450; $1-$1.80>— - “Lavender Hill Mob” (U ) and' “Tight Little Island” — “Atomic Kid” (Rep) with vaude- 1 ville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) likely will get good $24,- 000 or near. In ahead. “Human Jungle” (AA) and vaude. $26,500. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 85- $1.75)— “Track of Cat” (WB) (2d wk). First stanza ended last night (Tues.) was mild $31,000 or close. In ahead. “Drum Beat” (WB) w’ith Jackie Gleason and his tv show on- stage (2d wk), whopping $116,000 to top opening week. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80) — “Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE) (12th wk). The 11th session ended Sunday (5) held with fairly good $8,000 after $9,500 in 10th week. Holds on. Rivoli (UAT) (2.092; 85-$2)— “Carmen Jones” (20th) (6th wk). Present round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) probably will hold around $19,500, good. Fifth week was $26,000, slightly below hopes. Con- tinues on. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) ($6,200; 95-$2.75)— “White C/hristmas”* (Par) and stageshow (8th-final wk). Present session end- ing today looks like nice $125,000 to wind up longrun after $158,500 for seventh week. Annual Xmas stageshow and “Deep in My Heart” (M-G) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). "Christmas” wound up eight-week run with $1,202,500, one of great grossers to play Hall. Roxy (Nat'l. Th.) (5.717; 65-$2.40) —“Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Cur- rent stanza ending today (Wed.) is heading for just okay $44,000 after $68,500 in seeond week. Stays on until “No Business Like Show Business” (20th) opens Dec. 16 with benefit preem that night for Actors Fund of America. Regular run starts Doo IT State (Loew's) (3,450; 78-$1.75) — “Phfftt” (Col) (5th wk). Fourth round ended last night (Tues.) was okay $13,000 or close after $17,500 for third week. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50>— “High and Dry” (U> (15th wk). The 14th round ended Monday (6) held around okay $5,000 after $6,000 in 13th week. “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) opens Dec. 21. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453; $1-$1.50) — “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (15th-finai wkl. The 14th frame ended last night (Tues.) was okay $3,600 after $4,800 in 13th week. “Hunters of Deep” (DCA) opens Dec. 16. Trans-Lux 52d St. (T-L) (540; $1-$J.50)— “Lili” (M-G) (92d wk). The 9lst round ended Monday (6) held with good $3,900 after $4,200 in 90th week. Now planned to bring in “Tonight’s the Night” (AA) about Dec. 23. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; $l-$2) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (9th wk). Still very big with big $30,600 in eighth session ended Sunday (5). The seventh week was $39,500. Stays on indef. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (79th wk). The 78th stanza ended Saturday <5) continued very sturdy with $35,000. The 77th week, aided by holidays, was $40,000. Track’ NSH $11,000 in Cincy; ‘Xmas’ Loud 8£G, 6th, ‘Desiree’ 10?G, 2d Cincinnati, Dec. 7. Yule shopping is clipping trade at all downtown houses this week. Only new bill, “Track of Cat,” shapes moderately at the Palace. “Desiree” and “Drum Beat” are in second weeks at so-so rate. “White Christmas” in sixth stanza at Keith’s warrants continuation un- til Xmas. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90)— “Desiree” (20th) (2d wk). Favor- able $10. §00 after $16,500 preem. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1.376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (24th wk). Lofty $21,000 after $22,500 last week. Grand (RKO) (1.400; 75-90)— “Drum Beat” (WB) (ni.o.). Fairish $6,000. Last week. “Sabrina” (Par) — "White Christmas” (Par) (6th wk). Still jingling loudly at $8,500 fol- lowing $15,000 in fifth stanza. Warrants holding until nearly Xmas. Palace (RKO) (2.600; 75-90*— "Track of Cat” (RKO*. Moderate $11,000. Last week, "Drum Beat” l WB*, $13,500. 10 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Beginning December 13th coast-to-coast for two consecutive through December 24th, "The Big .V. weeks at 3:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, is conducting a Payoff,” over the CBS-TV network, ^/letter-writing contest for its mil- lions of viewers, entitled "I STAY * YOUNG AT HEART BY The contest ties in directly with o # the C hristmas - New Year release of "YOUNG AT HEART,” with im- portant credit mentions each day. The winner of the contest and RANDY MERRIMAN AND BESS MYERSON, stars of tho Colgate-Palmolive TV SKoWj “THE BIG PAYOFF’ displaying “Yeung at Heart" poster before CBS-TV cameras. > . i V* , husband (or wife) will receive a B ermuda tr ip as the first prize. The winner also will be brought to New York to appear on "The Big Payoff,” with a chance to win a mink co at. In addition to the grand prize, therej will be five runner-up prizes, EVERY WEEK-DAY FOR 2 WEEKS OVER 79 TOP T City Station City Station City Station AMES, IA WOI-TV CHARLOTTE, N.C FRESNO. CALIF KMJ-TV ATLANTA, OA WAOA-TV CHARLESTON, W.VA. WCHS-TV GALVESTON, TEXAS.. KGUL-TV AUSTIN, . TEXAS KTBC-TV CHICAGO, ILL GREEN BAY, WISC. ... WBAY-TV BALTIMORE, MD. .. WMAR-TV CINCINNATI, OHIO . WKRC-TV GREENSBORO, N.C. .. WFMY-TV BINGHAMTON, N Y. WNBF-TV CLEVELAND, OHIO... WEWS HUTCHINSON, KANS. . KTVH BIRMINGHAM, ALA. WABT-TV COLUMBUS, OHIO. . . . WBNS-TV INDIANAPOLIS, IND. . WFBM-TV BOSTON, MASS. ... WNAC-TV DALLAS, TEXAS KRLD-TV JACKSONVILLE, FLA. . WMBR-TV BUFFALO, N.Y WBEN-TV DAYTON, OHIO WHIO-TV JOHNSTOWN, PA WJAC-TV CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. . WMT-TV DENVER, COLO KIZ-TV KALAMAZOO. MICH. . WKZO-TV CHAMPAIGN, ILL. .. WCIA-TV DETROIT, MICH KANSAS CITY, MO. . . . City KNOXVIUE, TENN. . LANCASTER, PA LANSING, MICH. ... LOS ANGELES, CALIF. LOUISVILLE, KY LYNCHBURG, VA. ... MACON, GA. MEMPHIS, TENN MIAMI, FLA. MILWAUKEE, WISC. . Station . WTSK-TV WGAl-TV . WJIM-TV ....KNXI WHAS-TV WLVA-TV WMAZ-TV , . . . WMCt ....WTV WCAN-TV AND HERE’S THE SPECIAL Full contest details are provided PAYOFF FOR THE MANAGERS J in the trailer. OF THE 1st RUN THEATRES - The promotion department of PLAYING “YOUNG AT HEART”rf^ "The Big Payoff” in New York is If any of the winners come from your town, you will automatically receive a duplicate prize. This means that it is possible for you also to win a free trip to Bermuda and a mink coat, or any of the runner-up prizes. alerting all CBS stations which carry the show to cooperate locally with this contest. They are ready and eager to work out all mutually beneficial tie-ups. Cash in! A NATION-WIDE PRE-RELEASE BUILD-UP TIMED TO Since your first-run theatre will be playing "YOUNG AT HEART," it will be to your interest to see that as many letters as possible come from your town. A special free screen trailer has been sent to your theatre. It briefly explains the tie-up between "The Big Payoff" and this picture. PERFECTION FOR THE PERFECT XMAS^NEW YEARS ATTRACTION! SCREEN MRKTE 98 Y STATIONS WITH 40 MILLION PEOPLE WATCHING! i ' * Station SHSJlKUl MINN WCCO-TV NIWM»iL T tt M WSIX-TV NSW mYI?l5 0NH WNHC-TV HtZ ?'i EANS ' I* WDSU-TV MV. 1 "’ N ' Y WCM-TV 0*lI2n K ' V ! • WT All-TV OAAHA NI?”’ 0KlA ICWTV MOM* 111 * City Station PHOENIX. ARII KPHO-TV PINE BLUFF. ARK KATV PITTSBURGH, PA WDTV PORTLAND. ORE KOIN-TV PROVIDENCE, R.l WJAR-TV QUINCY, llt.-HANNIiAL.MO.KHQA-TV READING, PA WHUM-TV ROANOKE, VA ROCHESTER, N.Y WHlt-TV ROCKFORD, III WREX-TV City Station ROCK ISLAND, ILL WHBF-TV SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH KSl-TV SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS KEYl SAN DIEGO, CALIF KFMB-TV SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF KPIX SCHENECTADY, N.Y WRGB SCRANTON, PA WOBI-TV SOUTH BEND, IND WSBT SPOKANE, WASH KXLY-TV ST. LOUIS, MO KSD-TV City Station ST. PETERSBURG, FLA WSUN-TV SYRACUSE, N.Y WHEN-TV TACOMA, WASH KTTK-TV TOLEDO, OHIO WSPD-TV TEXARKANA, ARK.-TEX AS . . . K CMC -TV TULSA OKLA KOTV UTICA, N. Y. WKTV WASHINGTON, D.C WTOP-TV YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO WKBN-TV 12 INTERNATIONAL •VARIITV'r LONDON OPPICI I >t. ymin'i flaw, Trililiir Huif Tories-Labor Wind Up Debate; British Due for Corn! TV Neext Fall London, Nov. 30. < Tlie Labor opposition has had its say, the Tory government has stood firmly by its policy and there now Is no practical obstacle to the in- troduction of commercial tele in Britaiil next fall. Only a Socialist victory in a general election could upset thd calculations, but Con- servative ministers in last week’s House of fommuns debate inti- mated they would be happy to fight an election on this issue in view of the fact that more than a million multi-channel receivers* will have been sold by next year. A Labor motion requesting the government to amend or repeal the recently adopted Television Act was defeated by 300 votes to 268, after David Gammans. the Assis- tant Postmaster-General had de- scribed it as an attempt to fight the battle of the act over again. Main spokesman for the opposi- tion was Herbert Morrison, deputy leader of the Labor Party, who challenged the inclusion of press lords among the first batch of pro- gram contractors, and felt that this might restrict objective criticism. He also argued that formation of the new network was leading to an unholy scramble between the BBC and others for artists and staffs. After assuring the House that Lord Rothermere and Lord Kern sley 'two of the press barons) would no more be able to influence their programs to the right than Sidney Bernstein, who was a fully paid-up member of the Labor Party, would be able to influence his programs to the ldft, the As- sistant PMG charged Morrison with assuming the role of Sir Gala- had with a mission to save the Brit- ish people from a fate worse than death. Harrv Crookshank. Lord Privy Seal, winding the debate for the government, outlined the plans for l lie news service of the commercial web. it was likely, he said, that there would be a news company, a federation of the four program contractors, and the Independent Television Authority would be re- sponsible for the objectivity and Impartiality of the service. MEX FILM BIZ SEEKS PLAYDATES IN CUBA Mexico City, Nov. 3(k. Cuba is the newest intensified foreign market target for Mexican pix which the trade’s bank. Banco National Cinematografico. has cho- sen. The bank launched the Cuban drive with an investment of $550.- 000 '$300,000 to establish an ex- change in Uavana and $250,000 for a long-lease on four cinemas). Lat- ter will be showcases in the Cuban capital for Mexican pix. Bank hopes to erase friction which some Mexican pix provoked in Cuba, particularly Havana, through the exchange there and channelling only true Cuban-taste films there. Aussie Singer Preems In ‘Whittington’ Role. Manchester, Nov. 30. Tom Arnold is presenting Joy Nichols, Australian singer, in the title role of ‘ Dick Whittington” j at the Palace Theatre, here. Son- j nie Hale is playing Dame and Brian Reece Idle Jack. Arnold, a leading British showman, has five major provincial pantomimes op- j erating. Vic Oliver is his ‘‘Old King Cole” at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, and A1 Read, north-of-Eng- lind comedian, is Buttons in "Cinderella” at the Empire, Liver- pool. At the Theatre Royal, Birming- ham, Arnold has joined forces wiih Emile Littler to present "Puss In Boots,” with Jewel & Warriss as comedians. He is fea- ; luring Norman Evans and Betty ! Jumcl in “Humpty Dumpty” at , the Theatre Royal, Nottingham. j For first time in years. Tom Arn- • old has not put a pantomime into Scotland. East-West Reich Renew Pic Trade Bonn, Nov. 30. The Bonn government has given its official sanction to the Interna- 1 tional Film Handling Corp. of Bonn to deal in films between East Germany and West Germany. It has asked all West German pro- ducers and distributors to work through this organization in mak- ing arrangements for showings in East Germany. The government has specifically told the West Ger- man companies not to work direct- ly with the Red agencies DEFA and Sovexport. It is presently illegal to deal with the Easterners without a permit from Bonn, which has kept the | crossover of pix down to a mini- mum. But in view of the increased interest of people in East Germany to see the products from the other side, the government has decided to change its method of operation. I FHC is permitted both to do ex- change deals for films and to buy films outright for showing to East Germany since there is a far greater demand there for West pix than there is in West Germany for the Iron Curtained products. NUMBER OF MEX PIX IN PROD. UP SHARPLY Mexico City, Dec. 7. Marked volume comeback in film production in Mexic* by Mexi- cans and foreigners, latter mostly ! Nathan D. Golden (Director of the Motion Picture Division of the U.5. Oepf. of Commerce) recaps tho film bis abroad in a comprehensive pitco U . S. Overseas Pix Earning s Set New Mark * * * an tditorial feature in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of P'fcfllETY * * . - British Equity Would Launch Rep Companies To Solve Unemployment London, Nov. 30. A plan to regulate entry into the profession, with the main ob- jective of solving unemployment among actors, was debated at a special session of British Actors Equity. It was decided to make a start with repertory < stock > com- panies. A motion to this effect was adopted by 163 votes to 102. At the same meeting. Equity launched its campaign for stand- ard contract for television, includ- ing live performances and tele- films. An instruction would go out to members to refuse engagements starting March 1 unless satisfactory terms had been negotiated in the meantime. The special Equity session, con- vened primarily to consider the unemployment situation, was told that statistics showed 1.300 union members were claiming the dole each week. On average, an actor worked 33 weeks each year and one-third of the members earned an average of less than $14 a week. The union, it was reported, was now negotiating a series of im- ported wage scales including a London minimum of $28 a week, a touring minimum of $14 and $19.60 in repertory. Increased rates are demanded for twice-nightly pro- ductions. MAGICO KALANAG SET FOR ’55 EUROPE TOUR Edinburgh, Nov. 30. Kalanag (Charles Kwald», cur- rently at the Empire Theatre here with his musical-magico show, has a European tour lined up for 1955. After a Christmas season at Shrewsbury. Eng., he has dates at Lyons, Paris and Marseilles, and will then take his production to Vienna. He is set to open a new vaude house, the Torgoot, in Is- tanbul, Turkey. In 1956 Kalanag plans to visit Australia after a re- turn trek to South Africa. He carries a 35-strong company of various nationalities, plus 20 tons of equipment in four contain- er-vans. His leading lady is Gloria de Vos, a Swedish actress. Italo Film Weeks Now Expand Into Far East Rome, Dec. 7. Unitalia Film, local organization for the promotion of Italian pix abroad, is following* up its recent successful film week in London with a series of film weeks in the Far East. Promotional weeks, with cultural ticins and aid from Italian embassies for prestige purposes, are scheduled for Djakarta i March 1-7 1 . Sydney. Australia (March 15- 21'. Manila 'March 27-30>, with a gala event winding up the tour in Tokyo. April 8-14. A delegation of stars, directors, and producers will attend the last- named. which fits into the Italian industry’s new Nippo-Italian co- production setup. Hollywood pix. looms for 1954, with the film btz now figuring that the year’s total will be 110. This | is good but below the 126 turned out in 1951. However, rnojit of the '51 crop were boxoflice duds here and abroad. i Trade estimate is based upon the completion of 103 up to Nov. 24, of which Americans made seven. The Mexican productions include 15 ‘ quickies,” mostly made in two weeks. Brit. Singer’s Aussie Tour London, Nov. 30. David Hughes, young British singer, planes to Australia Dec. 20 to top the vaude at the Tivoli. Syd- ney. opening Dec. 26. He lias signed a five-week contract with David N. Martin. Hughes goes on to America early next year. He is mulling cabaret and tv dates in California and Las Vegas. To make the Aussie trip he has had to bow’ out of the current ‘‘Forces Show” on the BBC. 3 Mex City Cinemas Fold Mexico City, Dec. 7. High costs and increasingly low J grosses forced the shuttering of three local subsequent-run cine- mas — the Cines Bravo and Diaz do Leon, owned by Miguel Bravo Mata, and the Condesa. which Edu- ( ardo Chavez Garcia owns. They explained that wages to unionists, members of the National Cinema- tographic Industry Workers Union • STIC), and low admittance prices that the local city amusements su- pervision department ceilinged late in 1952 made it impossible for ; them io stay in business. j Shutterings were decided upon when STIC demanded revision of labor contracts, featuring another lj>ay hike. See-Hear System Continued from page 2 tern. Idea may spread now to all straight-play houses. Desmond Clements-Finncrty is pioneer in this new field and does both adaptation and readings. The device, known as the Sono- phone, is the creation of the So- ciete Industrielle d’Acoustique. Present guinea-pig Sonophone is Claude Accursi-Jean Ferry comedy- farce, "La Machine a Coudre” (The Sewing Machine). Play is neatly acted by Maxime- Fabert, Dominique Page and Yves Massard. While dialog is often bright, some rate the broadcast adaptation as better than actual original text. This should be of great use to many U. S. and Brit- ish producers who come to the city to see plays. Finnerty is now at work on the Comedie-Francaise show. Another legit experiment was the opening of the P. Tiglio-E. Morel comedy, "Ce Cher Abel” (That Dear Abel), which opened without ! inviting critics. Plan is to see if , the play can gain patronage with- joul any reviews. British Film Biz Mulls New Plan For Picking Future Royal Films . U. S. Vande Names Set For ’55 Scot Teeoffs Glasgow', Dec. 7. Glasgow will be the teeing-oflf point for most of the 1955 crop of American disk singers and vaude stars. The Empire Theatre is regarded as a good showcase to test patron and crix’ reaction. The Four Aces are set to open here March 28 for one week, later visit- ing Edinburgh, Birmingham, New- castle, Liverpool and Leeds. They will follow Don Cornell, who is due at the Empire, Glas- gow', for the week' of March 21. Kitty Kallen is pacted for a vaude week here in late April. She will make a four-week tour of key Brit- ish vauderies. Sports TV Hurts’ B.O., Say Exhibs London, Nov. 30. British exhibitors are becoming increasingly concerned at the ef- ! feet on the boxoffice of telecasts of major sporting events. Twice within a fortnight the b.o. took a countrywide dive when live trans- missions of international football matches between Russian and English t^ams were featured on the BBC-TV night programs. In each case, tele cameras cov- ered the second-half of the game only for direct transmissions, but made a complete film record for ; airing -■ night later. It was the simultaneous program that took its toll of the boxoffice. Extent to which film theatres suffered varied in different parts of the country. ! Some exhibs said biz was down by i as much as 70 r c. Theatre owners are concerned at the increasing tendency to televise international matches. Tomorrow’ afternoon (Wed.). BBC-TV will be covering the England-tv Berlin match. As an experiment, the transmission is being picked up by eight theatres. A week later (7) the inter-varsity contest between Oxford and Cambridge will be cov- ered by a live telecast. Paal Returns to U. S. to Set Distrib-Prod. Deals London, Dec. 7. Alexander Paal, who recently arrived from Hamburg to set a I deal for United Kingdom release of his "Columbus Discovers Krah- j winkel,” returns to the U S. to- morrow' tWed.) on the Queen Elizabeth. He produced and di- rected the film in Germany. While in New York, Paal will also arrange a U. S. distribution deal for "Columbus.” Then he heads for the Coast to ready his next venture, "The Garden of Love.” A biopic on painter Rubens, it will star Jose Ferrer, who'll also direct. FRIENDLY WARNINGS Washington Dailies Chide Film Men for Recent ‘Art’ Washington, Dec. 7. Midtown exhibitors have re- 1 ceived warnings from city’s two largest dailies — Evening Star and Post-Times-Herald — to clean ufr their film ads. Both papers sent reps to explain to the theatre men ! about reader complaints on art in recent display advertising. Though no films were specifically i mentioned, it is understood prin- cipal offenders were "Barefoot Contessa ’ and the Gina Lolio- brigida import. "Bread. Love and Dreams.” Large opening display copy is generally provided by the distributors. Warning here was entirely on a j friendly basis with no advertising dropped and no changes demanded in copy already accepted by the papers. Exhibitors expressed will- ingness to cooperate and said they would notify main offices. Last time such warnings were dropped by the papers was about l.tjiree years ago. , ^ . ’ London, Dec. 7. A special session of the execu- tive committee of the Cinemato- graph Trade Benevolent Fund has been called for this week to de- cide what steps should be taken to counter the outcry against the selection of "Beau Brummell” for this year’s Royal film gala. The confab is expected to be more than a mere inquest; it will map a new oolicy to be tried out next year. Reports that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have protested against the choice of “Brummell” have added to the concern within the industry, and have given a sense of urgency to this week's meeting. Leading industry executives are convinced that radical changes in the method of selection will be in- troduced next year and that either a representative of the Lord Cham- berlain’s office or an official of Buckingham Palace will be invited to join the panel to insure that the chosen film is suitable for a royal occasion. # A proposal on these lines already has been advocated by Sir Alex- andre Korda, who also suggested the inclusion of the chairman of the Critics Circle on the selection committee. Tom O’Brien, M.P., calling for the resignation of the selection committee, has suggested that the "delicate function” of picking the royal film should be left to a small body of members of the Queen’s Household. ‘LOVE’ LOOKS LEAN FOR LONDON; AABEL CLICKS London. Dec. 7. Margaret Hew’es made her bow in local management (in associa- tion with S. T. P. (Theatres) Ltd.), with the presentation of Account- ing For Love,” adapted from the French by her son. Henry Hewes, at the Saville Theatre Dec. 1. Production is notable for intro- ducing the star of the Oslo Nation- al Theatre, Per Aabel, who scored a major personal triumph. The farcical plot, however, is too dated for present-day tastes and has slender hopes of survival. John Clements Plays Ltd. pre- sented "The Little Glass Clock ’ by Hugh Mills at the Aldwych last Saturday <3) after a provincial tryout. Witty, sexy 18th Century comedy, starring John Clements and Kay Hammond, may succeed on the stars’ popularity. Directed by John Clements, this artistic production glamorizes a thin story. U. S. Cartoons Get Tax Break in W. Germany Frankfurt, Nov. 30. Hollywood cartoons, which for- merly were not allowable for re- ductions in the German amuse- ment tax when shown with a film here, have just been included in for tax reduction, according to a the group eligible to be classified new German ruling. Minister Erhart Maurher. speaking for all West German Ministers of Culture, announced that the new minimum length for shorts eligible for "spe- cial sanction” (a reduction in the amusement tax from 20 % to 25 r o of theatre ticket price ) has been lowered from 250 meters to 150 meters. Shorts of a minimum 150 meters, instead of the former 250,' are seen by a special German board which classifies them according to value for the viewers. • Those deemed worthy can be shown with I a reduced amusement tax. Hoyts Rallying Anni Of C’Scope in Aussie Sydney, Nov. 30. Hoyts loop will stage first birth- day of CinemaScope here next month. "The Robe” initially lifted the drapes C’Scope at the Sydney Regent last Dec. 9. Hoyts, with its partner, 20th- Fox, will spend freely to bally the birthday theme, and has lined up some strong pix. The 20th-Fox pix already selected for Sydney are “Three Coins in Fountain” at the Regent, "Long John Silver” at the Plaza, "Woman’s World” ft i the Mayfair and "Hajji Baba” play- ing the Esquire. . 'VARIITY'S' LONDON OPFICI • St. Martin's Placr, Trafalgar Square l\TKH\ATIOXAI. 13 No Bids on Bankrupt Studio Tips Serious State of Arg. Fix Finance Buenos Aires, Nov. 30. Highly symtomatic of the pre- carious state of film production finances in Argentina was the lack of a solitary bid when the main properties of the bankrupt Emelco studios were put up at public auc tion. Base price was roughly $50,- 000. Generous terms of payment included only 30% cash, the bal- ance payable on mortgage over five years. The Industrial Credit (State) Bank, as Emelco’s main creditor, was left holding the bag although a large crowd was at- tended the auction. A condition of the sale which may have stymied matters for pro- ducers was that no one already owing the bank coin could benefit by the credit terms. As all local producers are heavily in debt to it. this was a stumbling block. Emelco was driven into bank- ruptcy in 1952. American industrial- ists have shown occasional interest in the property for use as factory buildings, but the price stymied any deal. Another idea mulled over was conversion of Emelco into tele studios but the location is somewhat inaccessible. Now that public auction has failed, some enterprising group may step in to secure a bargain. A factor which may have further impeded any bids from the local film industry was that the Credit Bank has suddenly cut all loans to producers, and it’s reported there will be a revision of the State’s policy of all-out aide to the pix biz. This stems from discussion of a notorious racket developed from this generosity. Simce 1952, the bank has loaned producers 70% of their production budgets, at two- year payment terms at the low (for these times) interest of 5% per year. Certain types of pro- ducers or pseudo-producers would then inflate their budgets way above normal, and having obtained the coin from the bank, re-loaned it at a much higher interest. In- flated budgets in some cases went 100% above the value of the film made. In other cases only a feint was made at actual production, and after preliminary stages the pic- ture was abandoned. At a recent Motion Picture Council Meeting, the Bank nixed ?3 out of 24 credit applications. The only grant went to Enrique Faustin, who is to produce “El Ul- timo Perro” (The Last Hound), from Guillermo House’s best-sell- ing novel. The film industry is reputed to owe the bank around $5,000,000. Probably in future producers will have to rely for finance on funds accruing from the 20 centavo tax recently assigned to them on every film theatre stub sold. Hire Foreign Directors If (he lack of bids for the Emelco property was symptomatic of bank- rupt finances, continuous an- nouncements of hiring foreign di- rectors and stars seem indicative of failure by native talent to gain an international market. There is continuous talk of co-production deals, but right now it’s difficult to see how these will prove the local industry is making good. Hugo del Carril is postponing work on “Pancho Ramirez’’ until next March. By then he will know how his “La Quintrala," which preemed last week, does at the boxotfice. The Mentasti Bros, of Argentina Sono Film has dis- carded all idea of making “Car- navalito” with French femme Vivi- anne Romance, teamed with Portu- guese actor Antonio Vilar. The combined salary demands of the European put a halt to plans. Mexican director Emilio Fer- nandez is due this week to direct “La Tierra del Fuego se Apaga” (Land of Fire Burns Out) in which Ana Maria Lynch (Mrs. del Carril) and Raf Vallone are to co-star. German City's Film Biz Up Frankfurt, Nov. 30. Business in the Frankfurt film houses for the first six months of shows a definite increase over the same period in 1953 by about 212,000 more people. City’s 64 the- atres, with 31,371-seat capacity, played to 6,435,000 people the first six months. Biggest month in the first half ot the year was March, which hit Post-war high. Increased box- ‘ lte ,s . ' n line with the country's recovering economy. Wilcox Goes Back To Brit. Lion for Distrib London, Nov. 30. Herbert Wilcox has terminated his contract with Republic Pictures and reverts to independent pro- duction, with distribution through British Lion. Last picture under the deal was “Lilacs in the Spring” starring Anna Neagle, Errol Flynn and David Farrar which preems Christmas Eve at the London Pa- vilion. It opens simultaneously in Australia, South Africa and Can- ada. By returning to the British Lion banner, Wilcox resumes a long association with that company. "Lilacs,” which gets British re- lease through Republic, is being distributed in the Western Hemis- phere by United Artists. It is a film- ization of “The Glorious Days,” a musical cavalcade, covering three centuries in which Anna Neagle starred on the West End stage last year. It also marks Flynn’s debut in a song and dance role. 20th-Fox, Hoyts, GUT Into Tele Sydney, Nov. 30. 20th-Fox and rival pix theatre loops, Hoyts and Greater Union (via a major JARO interest) are represented in a company to be formed in Melbourne (with a capi- tal of $2,250,000) and to seek a commercial tv license. 20th has a controlling interest in Hoyts, which in turn has a stake in Mel- bourne broadcasting station 3XY. Other participants are the legit firm, J. C. Williamson Ltd.; twa Melbourne newspapers; two more broadcasting stations and an elec- trical manufacturer; and Cinesound Productions, a GU subsid. Hoyts chief, Ernest Turnbull, states that facilities of Fox Movie- tone News and Commonwealth Filmcraft Laboratories will be made available to the group. The Aussie broadcasting control board early next year will hold public hearings on applications for two commercial tv licenses each in Sydney and Melbourne. A Sydney group recently announced its in- tention to apply for a license. The government’s plan for be- ginning tv is to have a national (state-owned station in Sydney, and one in Melbourne. The Aus- tralian Broadcasting Commission, which provides a national radio service, has invited a Canadian tv expert to Australia. He is Al- phonse Ouimet, general manager of CBC, who is due here next month. 750,000 YANKS MAKE MEX TREKS THIS YEAR Mexico City, Dec. 7. Yankee tourist trade will set a new high of around 750.000 visi- tors by the end of this year, which will help Mexico greatly with ur- gently needed dollars. That’s the forecast of Congressman Carlos Diaz Pumarino, chairman of the ■ congressional tourist committee. More Americans than ever are coming down here, he said, be- cause of general improvements in accommodations, travel and serv- ices, plus intensive publicity and the 8c peso. Cheaper peso makes “doing” Mexico somewhat less ex- pensive than seeing America. Bumper figure is predicated on the fact that some 600,000 Ameri- cans visited from January to Oc- tober. Scot Fest’s Russ Bid Edinburgh, Nov. 30. Officials of the International Fes- tival here have sent an invitation to the U. of Moscow asking them to be officially represented at the 1955 arts junket. Aim is to stimu- late international interest and friendship. More than 60 world universities are being invited to send delegates. The Edinburgh Festival is sked- ded for August, 1955. * ‘ BBC-TV Expands Into Northeast Scotland London, Dec. 7. An expansion of the BBC-TV net- work, which will bring television to Northeast Scotland for the first time, is to be inaugurated next week. A new transmitter near Aberdeen swings into activity on Tuesday (14), and to mark the occasion two programs are to be beamed from the city. The programs, which will go out over the entire BBC web, will in- clude a play and children's feature. Gordine Asks Damages of French Govt. Agency; Blames It for Losses Predict Italian Film Law Will Be Extended, Likely for Full Year Rome, Nov. 30. It now appears highly probable that the protective Italian Film Law, scheduled to expire Dec. 31, will be extended, probably for a full year, thus insuring continua- tion of production plans and a whole interknit tax rebate system which characterized the Italo film legislation. The official extension proposal has been submitted to the ministries concerned by Presiden- tial Undersecretary Scalfaro. If approved, the extension Would be valid until such a time as the long-preparing new film law could be submitted and passed. Anxiety had recently been voiced by many local industry people, indicating ANICA boss Eitel Monaco, over failure on the part of the govern- mental bodies concerned to take up the film law question. If the law is not extended, or a new one passed by Dec. 31, the intricate protective system would be pai- alyzed, with serious effects on local production. In addition, several international agreements which de- pend on the stability of the pro- tective legislation would automati- cally become invalid. The current move has somewhat calmed indus- try nerves, and Monaco is now confident that an extension will be granted in time. One of the international agree- ments directly affected by the Italian Film Law is the Franco- Italian co-production and film exchange deal.- This was extended last week in Paris by a joint indus- try committee, pending approval and extension of the present Italian protective clauses. If and when this extension is granted, or the new law passed, France and Italy would immediately meet to revise their current temporary extension agree- ment into a permanent one. Crosby’s Life in Films On BBC’s Tele, Dec. 18 London, Dec. 7. An hour-long compilation film featuring Bing Crosby, including excerpts from many of his musi- cals from “The Big Broadcast of 1932” to “White Christmas,” is to be screened by BBC-TV on Satur- day (18). Tms will be the third in the BBC series on Hollywood personalities, the others having spotlighted Rita Hayworth and Doris Day. The film, which is designed to tell Crosby’s screen story, will fea- ture many top personalities who have partnered him through the years, including Bob Hope. Doro- thy Lamour, Fred Astaire, Andrews Sisters, Jane Wyman and Jack Tea- garden. 3 Networks in STURGES HELPING ON FRENCH PIC FOR U.S. Paris, Nov. 30. Thomas Brandon, of Brandon Films, wound negotiations with Marcel Pagnol for the U. S. rights to his lastest three-hour film, “Lettres De Mon Moulin” (Letters From My Mill). As a first, the pic will be re-edited and subtitled here for the U. S. Preston Sturges, an old friend of Pagnol, is doing the supervision and the titles. Brandon believes that the art films and arty theatres are on the wane in the U. S. both because of the way films are handled and be- cause of the increasing European tendency to make “scrubbed films” — that is pix either dubbed or so imitative of U. S. product as to be robbed of their inherent national characteristics. He feels that the taste and desire for seeing art pix has to be rebuilt. Arg. Realigned Buenos Aires, Nov 30. The last weeks have seen an acute state of agitation in local ra- dio circles as a result of a reorgani- zation stemming from reallocation of concessions to operate the three major networks. Officially, reor- ganization means that network ap- eration returns to private commer- cial interests. But in actual fact, the State control continues as close as ever since new holders of the concessions are closely linked to the party in power, both financially and politically. Two of the networks were trans- ferred to new financial groups. These were Radio Belgrano (includ- ing the one tele transmitter) and Radio Splendid. Belgrano was originally founded and operated as a one-man Empire by the late Jaime Yankelevich. After the death three years ago, ostensibly the web was operated by Pedro Gallardo, an official of the Tele- communications Ministry, who has now returned to that office. The Belgrano empire has been awarded to the APT (Asociacion Promotora de Teleradiodifusion) for $0,000,- 000. Capital of the APT is said to have been put up by automobile tycoon Jorge Antoni. The govern- ing board of this new concern in- cludes no names hitherto known in radio. The new board axed some 176 at Belgrano. Some 30 staff members were also fired on the Splendid web, v*hich is now to be run. by a group which operates the evening news- paper, La Razon. There were also staff dismissals on Radios Mitre, Rivadavia, Excelsior, Argentina, Portena and Antartida, which will be absorbed by the major webs. The only web on which there were no changes was the Mundo, which already had a definite operating concession, but gained Radios Mitre and Antartida from the real- location. Belgrano got Pueblo, Rivadavia and Argentina while Splendid will have Portena and Excelsior. CHURCH RAPS MINISTER Scot Clergyman Criticized For Praising ‘Martin Luther’ Edinburgh, Nov. 30. A church minister has been criticized here for recommending the film, “Martin Luther." Rev. Professor Roderick Finlay- son, editor of the Free Church of Scotland's Monthly Record, praised the pic in his editorial columns and urged “young and old to see it." It was the first time he had anything good to say of a commer- cial picture. Members of his church hit back at the professor for lauding the pic. “Religious plays and films have been the ruin of many who might have been saved," said one. Another alleged that, in the past, ministers received gifts to recom- mend religious films. * Toscanini Set For Little Scala Opening Milan, Nov. 30. In announcing its winter season schedule, the Scala Theatre today confirmed recent reports that Ar- turo Toscanini would take up the baton once more to direct the open- ing program at the Little Scala, recently completed annex to the operatic showcase. Date was un- specified but will probably be next spring. Toscanini will direct “Falstaff.” Also booked for the season, and for the first time at the Scala, is George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess" which recently had its suc- cessful Italian preem at Venice’s Fall Musical Festival. The Every- man Co. is staging. Leonard Bern- stein has been signed by the Scala to conduct a series of concerts. The program also features a Euro- pean preem of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Saint of Bleecker Street” and a world preview of Darius Mil- haud’s “David." " Paris, Dec. 7. Sacha Gordine. who was one of the top film producers here before going bankrupt three years ago. if suing the governmental Centre Na- tional Du Cinema for actions against him. He charges that these moves jeopardized his filmmaking, creating heavy losses and prevent- ing him from reentering production because of arbitrary measures by the CNC. Gordine is asking $1,140,000 damages. Gordine, who was responsible for some of the big Gallic pres- tige pix since the war, including “La Ronde,” “L’ldiot," “La Maria Du Port” and Juliette." makes three points in his suit. He claims that a film project, “Six Crimes Sans Assassins,” with financing al- ready set. was nixed for a produc- tion seal by the CNC, and that he suffered a loss in reimbursing his investors. Gordine also charges that the CNC illegally prevented him from making two versions of the film. “Les Miracles N’Che Lieu Qu’Une Fois” (Miracles Only Hap- pen Once), a Franco-It»lo produc- tion. which normally allows, under the law, two complete versions. Gordine says the CNC only sanc- tioned one. plus a dubbed version, and he lost the benefits of a native version. He claims that the CNC nixed his coproduction affiliation with an Italian company on the film version of Pirandello’s “Vetir Ceux Qui Sont Nue” (Dress Those Who Are Naked) and gave the right to another producer. Although Gordine admits he had financial troubles he feels that other producers, also with financial difficulties, have obtained CNC help and guidance. Certain pro- gressive cinema elements here, notably directors who have had trouble with the CNC, are reported behind Gordine in this affair. On its side the CNC says that, although Gordine showed talent and originality in his production work, the leaving of too many un- paid bills, with resulting com- plaints, behooved them to make the decision to refuse his produc- tion license. CNC adds that part of their new Film Aid Law ruling stipulates that the producer must he able to show complete fluidity in his affairs and be responsible for 20% of the funds of any of his pix. CEA Prexy, Fined As Quota Violator; Claim Some Brit. Pix ’Rubbish’ Leeds, Eng., Nov. 30. Certain British films were de- scribed by an agent as “mere rub- bish” when C. H. Whincup, prexy Cinematograph Ex- was fined $15 and $30 cost for failing required quota of British pix. Instead 30% and 25%. it was alleged of the British hibitors Assn., ordered to pay to exhibit his first-featured of 30% and 25%, that the percentages of English films shown were respectively 17.6 and 18.1. Whincup claimed that to fulfill the quota was a commercial im- practicability. He was under re- striction regarding General Film Distributors’ product and was un- able to get pix except under cer- tain conditions consisting of the booking films even before they were tradeshown. The same thing, he said, applied to Associated British-Rathe prod- uct, except that it was not limited to British films and he had to take American films. Referring to a list of English pix available to Whincup, his agent said: “Some were three years old. If he had shown this rubbish, he might have complied with the quota but he might also have shown a financial loss.” 'Spirit' Solid in Scotland Glasgow, Nov. 30. Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” is doing solid biz/at King’s Theatre here. Comedy had record run of 1997 performances on its original production in London and became the marathon “Chu Chin Chow” of the last world w'ar. In the latest production Kay Kendall, English film actress, who starred in “Genevieve,” plays the ghost wife Elvira. y^RIETY Wednesday, December 8, 1954 IN STEP WITH THE FORWARD MARCH OF OUR INDUSTRY! FORWARD IN *55! M-G-M announces a great nationwide event that will bring business to your box-office and prestige to your theatre. For the first time a huge industry-promotion is dedicated to the glorifica-r . i tion of the motion picture theatre and its place in the community. Capitalize on M-G-M’s far-reaching publicity and advertising campaign that emphasizes the slogan: "THERE’S MORE FUN AT THE MOVIES.” Join in with your own gala local Celebration. Many fine M-G-M entertainments ( some listed on next page) are available, with FREE showmanship -accessories to ballyhoo them! This Celebration is a salute to you, Mr. Exhibitor, and a wonderful way to start the New Year rolling to bigger profits in ’55. — /THE \_ MOTION PICTURE THEATRE Wednesday, December 8, 1954 The Greatest Star of Them All! ' j * # AMONG THE BIG ONES FOR THE CELEBRATION I JANUARY 'BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK" {CinemaScope— Color) starring Spencer Tracy • Robert Ryan • co- starring Anne Francis* Dean Jagger •Walter Brennan • John Ericson • Ernest Borgnine Lee Marvin • Russell Collins JANUARY "GREEN FIRE" {Cinemascope— Color) starring Stewart Granger • Grace Kelly • Paul Douglas • co-starring John Ericson • with Murvyn Vye FEBRUARY "MANY RIVERS TO CROSS" {CinemaScope— Color) starring Robert Taylor • Eleanor Parker with Victor McLaglen • Russ Tamblyn • Jeff Richards • James Arness FEBRUARY "JUPITER’S DARLING" ( CinemaScope — Color) starring Esther Williams • Howard Keel Marge and Gower Champion •George Sanders with Richard Haydn . William Demarest MARCH "HIT THE DECK" {CinemaScope — Color) starring Jane Powell • Tony Martin • Debbie Reynolds • - Walter Pidgeon • Vic Damone Gene Raymond • Ann Miller • Russ Tamblyn with Kay Armen . J. Carrol Naish . Richard Anderson . Jane Darwell MARCH "INTERRUPTED MELODY” {CinemaScope — Color) starring Glenn Ford • Eleanor Parker • with Roger Moore • Cecil Kellaway APRIL "THE GLASS SLIPPER” (Color) starring Leslie Caron -Michael Wilding* with Keenan Wynn . Estelle Winwood • Elsa Lanchester • Barry Jones APRIL BED E VI LLE D * * {CinemaScope — Color ) starring Anne Baxter • Steve Forrest • with Simone Renant • Maurice Teynac • Robert ..xuistopher • Joseph Tomelty and Victor Francen 1955 -THE YEAR OF M-G-M’s "THE PRODIGAL” ask YOUR M-G-M BRANCH! WATCH THE TRADE PRESS! 16 lPICTURDS W ednesday, December 8, 1954 McGee: Distribs’ Brag on Finances Proves Exhib-Made Pix Unwelcome Oklahoma City, Dec. 7. - Pat McGee, head of Denver’s Cooper Foundation theatres, told the Theatre Owners of Oklahoma convention here that producers are “falling victim to the policy of which they have made exhibitors the victim.” McGee said in his convention keynote speech that the present product scarcity results from lack of new talent development by pro- ducers in recent years. "As the stars get older and re- tire. the salaries of those who re- main are naturally forced up by spirited bidding,” he said. "You see the results in the fewer but bigger picture policy, all of which costs cause higher film rentals.” He said that policy would lead to "still fewer pictures to be shown to fewer people in a smaller and ever smaller number of theatres.” He said he believed the short- age “can he traced back to an in- tent to control the market." After the Chicago TOA conven- tion. and official announcement of a plan to have pictures made with exhib'tor funds, McGee said p"es- ent producers announced a total of $45,000,000 was-^Vailable to inde- pend( nt producers. “It is pretty plain that they mean exhibitor financing is not welcome,” he said. ATHENA, FOREVER Hartford Seeks Its Most Perfect Male — And Female Hartford, Dec. 7. Lou Cohen and Norm Levinson of Loew’s Poll gave MGM’s "Athena” a send-off via the search for Metropolitan Hartford’s "Most Perfect Male and Female.” Duo tfed-up with The Herald, with news releases proclaiming: “Female charm and male muscle are featured aplenty in the film. To vie for the ’most perfect’ titles, all you do is submit a photo, pref- erably an 8 x 10, or a 5 x 7, to .Loew’s Poli Theatre. Pictures of the winners will be 'screened' in The Herald’s Dec. 12 editions. “Winners and their companions will be dined by Jimmy Teris at his Empire Restaurant, after which they’ll be the guests of the Poli, to see ‘Athena,’ of course.” Bootbmen Work Sans Contract UA Grooms Continued from paga U a tieup was arrange for Inrludcs UA has a the Aubrey comho that agreed upon. UA will lGOCo of the financing. Schenck-Koch, Too three-picture deal with Schenck-Howard Koch also fits in with its de- velopment plans. First under the pact, now completed, is "Shield for Murder,” Edmond O’Brien starrer. Previously the production unit turned out a couple of pix under single-pic contracts with UA. in- cluding "War Paint.” This looks to play upward to 14.000 engage- ments, which indicates its success within a certain market groove. Koch , and Schenck hadn’t been in indie production prior to the UA teamup. Likelihood is that their deal with UA will he ex- tended on a long-term basis upon completion of the two remaining films under the present contract. These are “Rebel in Town.” to start in January, and an adaptation of the book, “Punitive Action.” Title will be changed, the script already has been approved and it probably will roll in May or June. UA is now talking a deal with Grant Leenhouls, who doesn’t have a feature production credit to his name. Leenhouts was a second unit director before World War II, did pictorial work in the Navy and made a group of Academy of Arts & Sciences shorts in later years. He now has a script for a feature and UA will set up the money if the agreement that’s now in the talking stage works out. Company also is discussing a pro- duction from Frank Selt/.er. lie’s no newcomer, of course, having made the successful “711 Ocean Drive” but has been more or Wss inactive since. Arnold Laven and Jules Levey got off to a strong start with UA’s backing. Their "Vice Squad” racked up $1,000,000 in domestic distribution coin. Laven and Levey are now with Columbia but a re- turn 1o the indie ranks at UA is anticipated. Another newcomer is Robert Jacks, who’s Darryl F. Zanuek's son-in-law. He’s been engaged in picture-making at various levels short of producer in past. He’s now coproducer with Robert Gold- stein on "Kiss Before Dying” and "Killer Is Loose.” Minneapolis, Dec. 7. Although their contract expired Nov. 30 and no agreement has been reached yet or apparently is in the early prospect on terms for a new pact, AFL projectionists continue on the job at local independent neighborhood and loop theatres. The union failed to file a strike notice which it had drawn up and which would have closed the showhouses after 10 days. It’s the frst time in 25 years or longer that the both operators have been working without any contract or any agreement regarding retro- active pay in accord with any new agreement. Industry leaders here feel that the development constitutes a recognition on the union’s part that neighborhood exhibitors here are preponderently “in a bad way,” and cannot shoulder any additional operating costs and. in fact, may have to shutter unless relief is forthcoming from a number of quarters. Projectionists have been de- manding a 10% pay boost the first year and 5% additional each of two ensuing years along with other concessions. The North Central Allied committee representing the exhibitors have countered with a demand for a 25% pay scale re- duction. AMUSEMENT SHARES UNEVEN LAST WEEK By MIKE WEAR Wall Street ran into heavy sell- ing on two days last week, a move that perhaps was tipped by the fact that amusement shares seven or eight days earlier had looked tired and unable to get far on the upside. However, what, has come to be known as a boiling market soon took hold and shares con- tinued their advance on the final two days of the past week. Net result was that the amusement group only boasts two new highs — • ABC-Paramount Theatres and Zen- ith Radio. Despite the rather spotty ap- pearance of the group as a whole, there were some strong spots. And many film shares held near their 1954 peak prices. Decca and Uni- versal perhaps were standout in this regard. The former resumed its bullish trend to. get to 16 3 A at the windup. Universal went above 31 where it was only a point below the year’s best price. General Pre- cision Equipment also was a good (.performer, holding almost even in view of selling ex-dividend at the close of the week. GPE recently hit a new high of 52%. ABC-Par registered a new high of 23% at the final bell, for a gain of 1 3 4 on the week. Some felt that the sale of WDTV by DuMont to Westinghouse paved the way for ABC to move into the DuMont sit- uation subsequently. Also theatre earnings continued very high for the Paramount Theatres chain. Zenith soared to 96, the climb being predicated on the belief that a stock splitup was in the offing. When the company failed to vote this, the shares tumbled from the new' peak. sellofT forcing the shares down some eight points. Loss at the close was 2%. New activity was noted in Co- lumbia Pix issues, stock climbing to 3 1% as against a ’54 high of 33%. Renewed buying in Para- mount Pictures managed to keep this stock on an even keel at 36. Reports began kicking around the Street that something was stirring in Par. RCA closed unchanged on the week at 38%, only %ths from the year’s highest price. Unusual firm- ness continued in Radio Corp. of America shares although some voiced disappointment at only 35c. extra divvy in addition to the us- ual 25c quarterly. Technicolor held near the year’s best quotation to finish the week at 1474. Strength appears predicated on the belief that Techni might cut a small extra melon. Both RKO Pix and RKO Theatres firmed up on the final trading day, latter be- ing only an eighth below the ’54 peak of 9%, RKO pix went up fractionally to 6% as compared with the year’s high of 7. Elevate Smakwitz Charles A. Smakwitz, Albany zone manager for Stanley Warner Theatres, has been upped to the post of zone chief for the com- pany’s New Jersey houses. He succeeds Frank Damis who re- cently resigned. The enlarged theatre operation which Smakwitz takes over is the highlight of his industry career, lie started as a page boy at the Strand Theatre on Broadway, sub- sequently bioving up the ladder to his present post. $1,202,500 FOR ‘XMAS’ NEAR HALL’S BIGGEST “White Christmas' (Par) first VistaVision production, is winding up its eight-week run at the Radio City Music Hall today (Wed.) as one of the all-time grossers at the Hall, although not breaking any record. It looks to finish its eighth week today with a total of $1,202,- 500 as compared with the Halls all- time high of $1,391,000. registered by “Great Caruso” (M-G) in a 10- week run back in 1951. "Caruso” had the advantage of some of the choice summer weeks since con- cluding its run the middle of July "Christmas” held steadily above $165,000 per week the first three stanzas and managed to hit above $148,000 five w'eeks out of the eight. Opening session was $ 1 75.- 000. Sixth and also the final week were the only ones to show signs of tapering, the former dipping to $120,000 and final round heading for $125,000. "Xmas” showing compared with $1,352,000 done by “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” also a Metro pic, hung up eight weeks ending i last September. I Music Hall brings in its annual Christmas stageshow with “Deep in My Heart” (M-G) tomorrow (Thurs.). Advance sale for reserved ducats for this Xmas show started coming into the Hall last July. Just how tight the ticket situation is that some of the reserved-seat purchasers for the current (final) week of “White Christmas,” who cancelled on learning it was not the annual Xmas stageshow and pic, have been unable to obtain later seats until next year. British Need Continued from page 7 ____ broad American public to accept films that are made with a British approach and *that are about a people totally different from those in the U. S., he added. “The trouble, too. is that our films needed special handling by the exhibitors. We don’t get that now where our production go into the regular commercial houses. We would get it if we had our own showcases.” Plans for an were announced in London by Davis. Rank org he said there mentation of American circuit some months ago Rank and John topper. However, would be no imple- the project until Britain decreed full convertibility of the pound. This now seems farther off than ever. Edward L. Alperson’s Cinema- Scoper “New Faces.” handled in Britain by British Lion, has been a "smash hit” in London, according to Bernstein. He explained it was the type of intimate revue British audiences liked and he attributed the grosses in part to the populari- ty of Eartha Kitt. In the U. S., where “New Faces” was a 20th- Fox release, pic did mediocre busi- ness. • PROMOTE NAT FELLMAN Nat D. Fellnian has been pro- moted to executive assistant to Harry M. Kalmine, v.p. and gen- eral manager of Stanley Warner Corp. He’ll also continue his duties as film buyer for the thea- tre chain. * Fellman began his film indus- try career as an office boy for Warner Bros. Pictures in 1928. Amusement Stock Quotations (IS.Y. Stock Exchange) For Week Ending Tuesday (7) • Net 1954 Weekly Vol. Weekly Weekly Tues. Change High Low In 100s High Low Close for week 2374 141/2 Am Br-Par Th 759 2374 2174 237/s *f 2% 85 41% CBS, "A” ... 24 80% 78 . 78% —1% 85 Vi 41% CBS, “B” ... 21 80 78% 78% —3 333/4 19% Col. Pix 159 32 30% 3074 — % 18% 91/4 Decca 209 16% 1534 16% 4- % 697/g 463/ 4 Eastman Kdk. 114 697/s 68 V 4 69 — % 19% 13 Vi Loew*a 243 18Vi 17% 18% + 34 10*4 6 % Nat. Thea. .. 337 9% 8 % 9% -f Vi 3674 26% Paramount .. 125 36% 35% 36% 4- 7 4 39% 28 Philco 173 39% 37% 39 ■+- 1 387/s 22% RCA 604 3874 37 38% 4 - % 7 27 k RKO Piets. . . 245 6% 6% 6% + % 9 % 4% RKO Thea. . . 280 93/4 9% 9% 4 - 1 4 57/8 3 Republic .... 301 5% 5 5% + % 14 10% Rep., pfd. ... 28 14 12% 14 + 1 % 20 11% Stanley War 119 19% 1874 19% + % 29% 18% 20th-Fox 299 29 Vi 28 28% — % 32 Vi 18% Univ. Pix. ... 16 31% • 30 31% + % 81 63% Univ., pfd. . . *3 80% 79 80 — 21% 13% Warner Bros.. 59 1934 1874 19% + % 96 637a Zenith 82 91% 86 Vi 91% + 4 % American Stock Exchange 6 3% Allied Artists 71 4% 4% 43i + Vi 10% 10 Ail’d Art., pfd. 8 10 93/4 10 — % 16% 9% Du Mont . , . . 647 16% 1474 16 + 1% 15 11% Technicolor . 165 1474 14% 1434 — % 3% 2% Trans-Lux . . 14 3% 3% 3% 4- Over-the-counter Securities Bid Ask Capitol Records 13V8 14 — Chesapeake Industries 3% 374 — Vs Cinerama Inc ’. 1% 174 — Cinerama Prod 414 434 — % Official Films 1 13/16 2 3/16 — Polaroid . . 52 54 4-2% Skiatron 2% 3% 4- % U. A Theatres 18% 1934 + 3% Walt Disney 24 25 4-2% ( Quotations furnished b y Dreyfus & Co.) * Actual volume. London Water Rats Ball Continued from page 2 ago. He ribbed everybody, from Ian Jacobs, Ronnie Waldman to Maurice Winniek. Toast was cou- pled with Fred Russell, one of the founders of the WR and father of Val Parnell, who was absent due to illness. Parnell also was not present because of his pending de- parture for the U S. Ben Warriss, playing the King Rat role, in the absence of George Elrick, away in America and Canada on business, responded with several funny in- terruptions from Tommy Trinder. The Ladies and Guests were proposed by Trinder and re- sponded by Dilys Powell, film critic of the Sunday Times. Trin- der was at his best. He called this an audition for Collins, and then told how Collins wrote a book titled, “London Belongs To Me,” and was immediately given Birm- ingham by the BBC. He explained the absence of the Crazy Gang and Jack Hylton, their boss, because they were too occupied with their new show’s rehearsals. He scoffed at the Gang relating how in for- mer days they put a new show on in 10 days and that now they take six weeks. He closed by mention- ing that if he is a success in "Cin- derella On Ice” at the Empress Hall, he will next do “Bless the Bride.” Miss Powell’s reply flat followed Trinder’s fortissimo. The press was toasted by Georgie Wood who told them of the many occasions they came to WR func- tions. Percy Cudlipp, the colum- nist, responded in reminiscent mood, with mention of his former bosses Beaverbrook and South- wood, and his former associate, Swaffer. The cabaret which followed was top flight. W’ith the exception of one act, the acts were booked by Lew & Leslie Grade. Full Cabaret Lineup The 16 Sherman Fisher gals, the openers in two numbers, had the London Palladium class about them. They played there for sev- eral seasons. The Three Mon- archs, harmonica players, currently in the Parnell-Delfont Palladium show, proved an excellent trio. Michel and Partner, currently at the Savoy Hotel, in juggling and balancing, were ideal for this sort of show. Allen Bros, and June start as straight adagioists and then turned suddenly into comedy. They stopped the show. Bob Williams, currently one of the hits at the Palladium, was given permission by Parnell to double here. He proved just as big a hit on a cabaret floor as at the Palladium. Sydney Jerome orch played for the dancing and show. The affair was used by the WR Committee to announce that after big competition, necessitating a re- count, Tommy Trinder was elected King Water Rat for the ensuing year, with Trinder already making his presence felt. He has ar- ranged for all the oldtime acts in London to be brought to the Em- press Hall for the Royal Perform- ance of “Cinderella On Ice” on Dec. 16. They will be looked after by the Lady Ratlings. Trinder’s idea is to give the oldsters a glimpse of a new type of enter- tainment. Exploiteers _____ Continued from page 7 obtaining of endorsements and tes- timonials,” has grown over 6,000% since 1945. ‘Whipping Boy’ He said that endorsements are frequently made • the "whipping boy” of the advertising business. “Certainly there is a lot of bad testimonial advertising — a lot of it phoney — and some of it just pain- fully inept,” he said. “But there is also a good deal of good testi- monial advertising, although many advertising people will never ad- mit it until something drastic is done to the bad that also penal- izes the good.” He said that many advertising agencies which spend thousands of dollars on research and statistics are “totally unedu- cated to the hows, whys, wheres and whens of testimonial adver- tising.” L. Marlin Scores , Continued from page S last Sept. 30 was 757,843. His beef, he states, is that Col deflated the value of the stock by issuing to a few execs stock options for 50,000 shares at a little over $10 per share. Martin further claims that when the stock was selling at $10.50 per share he urged management to buy up 200,000 shares, his feeling at that time being that the stock would rise. He alleges manage- ment w'as not so optimistic and re- fused. Col stock is now selling at around $30. Col’s annual meeting is set for Dec. 17 and all incumbent directors are candidates for reelection. Wednesday, Deeember 8, 1954 PICTURES Hollywood Production Pulse COLUMBIA Starts, This Year 30 This Date, Last Year. . . 35 "MY SISTER EILEEN" I'rod. — Fred Kohlmar Dir —Richard Quine Janet Leigh. Betty Garrett. Jack Lemon. Kurt Kazsnar (Started Sept. 10) "FIVE AGAINST THE HOUSE" prod. — Sterling Silliphant. John Barn- well Dir.— Phil Karlaon Guy Madison. Kim Novak. Brian Keith. Kerwin Mathews. Alvy Moore. Kath- ryn Grant. Adel Auhust. Jana Mason. Tom Greenway (Started Nov. 4) "DEADLOCK" Ex Prod. — Mike Frankovich Prod. — Maxwell Seton Dir. — Arthur Lubin Stewart Granger. Jean Simmons. Finlay Currie. William Hartnell (Started Nov. 16) METRO Starts, This Year 77 This Date, Last Year. . . 24 "INTERRUPTED MELODY" Prod. — Jack Cummings Dir. — Curtis Bernhardt Glenn Ford, Eleanor Parker. Roger Moore, Cecil Kellaway. Ann Codee (Started Sept. 16) 'KT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER" Prod.— Arthur Freed Dir. — Gene Kelly. Stanley Donen Gene Kelly. Cyd Charisse, Dan Dailey, Michael Kidd. Dolores Gray (Started Oct. 13) "SCARLET COAT" Prod. — Nicholas Nayfack Dir. — John Sturges Cornel Wilde. Michael Wilding. Anne Francis. Bobby Driscoll, Robert Doug- las. John McIntyre, Robert Dix (Started Oct. 25) "BLACKBOARD JUNGLE" Prod. — Pandro Berman Dir. — Richard Brooks Glenn Ford. Anne Francis. Louis Cal- hern. Margaret Hayes (Started Nov. 15) PARAMOUNT Starts, This Year 17 This Date, Last Year. . . 75 "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS" Prod. -Dir. — Cecil B. DeMille Asst. — Henry Wilcoxon Charlton Heston. Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Yvonne De Carlo. Debra Paget. Nina Foch. Edward G. Robin- son, Cedric Hardwicke. Vincent Price, John Carradine, John Derek, Olive Deering "YOU'RE NEVER TOO YOUNG" Prod. — Paul Jones Dir. — Norman Taurog Dean Martin. Jerry Lewis. Diana Lynn. Raymond Burr, Nina Foch. Mitzi Mc- Call. Veda Ann Borg, Hans Conried. Romo Vincent, Donna Percy. Whitey Haupt (Started Oct. 18) "THE GIRL RUSH" Prod. — Frederick Brisson Dir. — Robert Pirosh Rosalind Russell, Fernando Lamas. Ed- die Albert, Gloria De Haven. Jiminy Gleason. Marion Lome, Robert Fortier (Started Dec. 6) "THE DESPERATE HOURS" Prod. -Dir.— William Wyler Humphrey Bogart. Fredric March, Martha Scott. Arthur Kennedy. Dewey Martin. Gig Young. Mary Murnhy, Robert Middleton, Richard Eyer. Whit Bissell, Beverly Garland. Walter Baldwin. Bert Freed (Started Oct. 19) •the ROSE TATTOO" Prod — Hal Wallis Dir. — Daniel Mann ) Burt Lancaster. Anna Magnani, Marisa Pavan, Virginia Grey. Ben Cooper. Jo Van Fleet. Florence Sundstrom. Dor- rit Kelton, Rosa Rey, Georgia Sim- mons. George Humbert. Mimi Aguglia, Sandro Giglio, Natalia Murray _ (Started Nov. 3) •THE COURT JESTER" Prod-Dir. — Norman Panama, Melvin Frank Danny Kaye, Glynis Johns. Angela Lans- bur.v, Basil Rathbone. Cecil Parker. Mildred Natwick. Edward Ashley. Mi- chael Pate. Allan Napier, Patrick Aherne. Lewis Martin, Noel Drayton (Started Nov. 22) REPUBLIC Starts, This Year 8 This Date, Last Year.... 17 "MAGIC FIRE" Prod-Dir — William Dieterle Yvonne De Carlo, Carlos Thompson, i, , , Gam * Valentina Cortesa, Alan Badel (Started Oct. 2) Clark Gable. Susan Hayward. Michael Rennie. Alex D’Arcy. Gene Barry, Jack Kruschen, Frank Tang (Started Nov. 22) METRO’S SHOWMANSHIP DRIVE ACCENTS THEATRE’S PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY’ UNIVERSAL Starts, This Year 30 This Date, Last Year 26 20th CENTURY-FOX Starts, This Year 72 This Date, Last Year.... 17 A MAN CALLED PETER" I rod.— Samuel G. Engel Dir— Henry Koster Richard Todd, Jean Peters. Marjorie Hambeau, Jill Esmond, Les Tremayne, Robert Burton, Gladys Hurlbut, Rich- ard Garrick. Gloria Gordon. Billy ( hapin. Mimi Hutson. Boltaire Per- kins. Sally Corner (Started Sept. 24) DADDY LONG LEGS" Prod.— Sam D. Engel ior — Jean Negulesco * , m < 1 Astaire > Leslie Caron. Terry Moore, Thelma Ritter. Fred Clark. ( hariotte Austin. Ray Anthony & Or- Brown*’ Kalt, erine Givney. Kelly "e«! a IIi d Nov - 13) SOLDIER OF FORTUNE" (Shooting in Hong Kong) n° d V?“ddy Adler Dir.— Edward Dmytryk "THIRD GIRL FROM THE RIGHT" Prod. — Sam Marx Dir. — Eddie Buzzell Rory Calhoun. Piper Laurie. Jack Car- son. Mamie Van Doren. Reginald Gar- diner, Barbara Britton. Dani Crayne, Harris Brown (Started Oct. 28) "KISS OF FIRE" Prod. — Sam Marx Dir. — Joe Newman Jack Palance, Barbara Rush, Rex Rea- son. Martha Hyer, Alan Reed. Leslie Bradley, Henry Rowland, Larry Dob- kin (Started Nov. 8) , "TACEY" Prod. — Ross Hunter Dir. — Jerry Hopper Anne Baxter, Rock Hudson. Julie Ad- ams. Natalie Wood. William Hopper, Barry Curtis, Betty Garde, Fay Morley (Started Nov. 19) WARNER BROS. Starts, This Year 16 This Date, Last Year 20 'STRANGE LADY IN TOWN" Prod. -Dir. — Mervyn Le Roy Greer Garson. Dana Andrews. Cameron Mitchell, Lois Smith. Walter Hamp- den, Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales, Jose Torvay, Russell Johnson (Starts Aug. 16) 'THE SEA CHASE" Dir. — John Farrow John Wayne. Lana Turner. Tab Hunter, Lyle Bettger. Richard Davalos, James Arness, Alan Hale, Jr. (Started Aug. 16) Youngstein and Robert Q. Aid Asthmatic Moppets Max E. Youn&stetin, United Art- ists v.p., has been named enter- tainment committee chairman for the National Home for Asthmatic Children, in Denver. . He and Robert Q. Lewis, honor- ary chairman of the Home’s regional board of directors, are now to set the stage for a "Parade of Stars" show at N. Y.’s Town Hall Jan. 8 as a benefit for the institution. INDEPENDENT "MOBY DICK" (Moulin Productions) (Shooting Overseas) Prod. -Dir. — John Huston Gregory Peck. Leo Genn, Richard Base- hart. (Started July 15) "GENTLEMEN MARRY BRUNETTES" (Russ-Field-Voyager Prods.) (Shooting in Paris) Exec. Prod. — Robert Bassler Co-Prod. — Richard Sale, Robert Water Reid Dir. — Richard Sale Jane Russell. Jeanne Crain. Scott Brady, Alan Young. Rudy Vallee. (Started Sept. 13) "NOT AS A STRANGER" (Stanley Kramer Production) (U. A. Release) Prod. -Dir. — Stanley Kramer Olivia de Havilland, Robert Mitchum. Frank Sinatra. Gloria Grahame. Brod- erick Crawford. Charles Bickford, My- ron McCormick, Lon Chaney. Jesse White. Lee Marvin. Whit Bissell, Har- ry Morgan. Jerry Paris. Virginia Chris- tine. Mae Clarke, John, Dierkes, Jack Rain. (Started Sept. 28) "MARTY" (Hecht-Lancaster Prods.) (Shooting at Goldwyn Studios) Prod. — Harold Hecht Dir. — Delbert Mann Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair (Started Nov. 1) "NO PLACE TO HIDE" (Josef Shaftel Productions) (Shooting in Manila) Prod. -Dir. — Josef Shaftel David Brian, Marsha Hunt. Hugh Corco- ran (Started Nov. 4) "ROBBERS ROOST" (Goldstein-Jacks Productions) (Shooting in Durango. Mexico) Prod. — Robert Goldstein Dir. — Sidney Salkow George Montgomery, Richard Boone, Sylvia Findley, Bruce Bennett, Peter Graves, Warren Stevens. Tony Ro- mano. William Hopper, Leo Gordon. Stanley Clements. Joe Bassett, Leon- ard Geer, A1 Wyatt, Boyd Morgan (Started Nov. 8) "MAGNIFICENT MATADOR" (National Pictures Corp.) (20th-Fox Release) (Shooting in Mexico City) Exec. Prod. — Edward L. Alperson Prod. — Carroll Case Dir. — Budd Boetticher Maureen O’Hara. Anthony Quinn. Rich- ard Denning, Lola Albright. Thomas Gomez. Manuel Rojas, Eduardo Norie- ga. William Ching (Started Nov. 8) MCA Agenting Whitney Hollywood. Dec. 7. Music Corp. of America has been commissioned to negotiate a dis- tribution deal for "The Searchers." first film to be made by the newly- formed C. V. Whitney Pictures. John Ford is to direct. Whitney stated here the tieup represents the first time an outside agency is repping a company in his control. Southern Exhibs Focus Meet on 5 Vital’ Problems By' MATTY BRESCIA Memphis, Dec. 7. The "Big Five" was given as the theme of the annual Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Ar- kansas, Mississippi and Tennessee convention which opened here yes- terday (Mon.) and runs through Wednesday at the Gayoso Hotel. The five vital subjects put before come 300 members include: (1) Open forum on film problems: (2) Print shortages; (3) Wide screens for Drive-In theatres; (4) Conces- sions and (5) Financing of inde- pendent production. Alton Sims, local branch man- ager for Arkansas theatres for the Rowley-United chain, is general manager of the MPTO for the tri- state area. Main address will be by national TOA prexy E. D. Mar- tin tomorrow (Wed). John H. Rowley, exec veep of Rowley- United theatres, will also speak on same program. Both Rowley and Martin will plane in together from earlier TOA session at Oklahoma City. Norrell J. Brickell, prexy of Brickell Institute of Leadership Training, associated witfiADale Carnegie course, will speak td the- atre conventioneers on (ij on "relations between distributor and exhibitor." Balance of program in- cludes Mayor Frank Tobey of Memphis, at luncheon in Variety Club today (Tues.) which also will be sparked with a fashion show for women MPTO members. M. A. Lightman, Sr., is skedded for a talk on the Variety Club Tent No. 20 project Home for convalescent children which was dedicated here several weeks ago. Film Transit will loss a chuck wagon supper for MPTO members tonight (Tues.) at Claridge Hotel with Pres. M. H. Brandon, picking up the tab. Mike Simons, from Metro In New’ York, and George Gaughan, national TOA field rep of New York, are botty expected to ad- dress the grOupduring the three day session. Following banquet at Gayoso on Wednesday night (8), members will move to Variety Club for dance and show which will wrap up the three-day conclave. Jim Carberrv, of Arkansas The- atre, Little Rock, is incumbent prexy of MPTO tri-state area. Perspecta Vs. Stereo War Marks European Rivalry, * . Three Against 20th-Fox A competitive battle between Perspecta optical directional sound and magnetic stereophonic sound is raging abroad. Basically, the camp is divided with Loew’s, War- ner Bros., and Paramount on the Perspecta side and 20th-Fox as the advocate of magnetic sound. Twentieth is running an aggres- sive campaign to convince exhib- itors and the public that only mag- netic sound can present Cinema- Scope at its best and is so stating in advertisements in various for- eign countries. This has aroused the reps of the Perspecta com- panies to such an extent that they’re appealing to their home- offices to devise a catchy slogan to sell the Perspecta-type audio. Perspecta sound, while barely catching on in the U. S., is making considerably headway abroad. This is largely due to the efforts of Arthur M. Loew, prexy of Loew’s International. The International topper is responsible for introduc- ing the medium to the company and played a leading role in get- ting Loew’s to acquire a half in- terest in the technique. There are presently about 1.200 Perspecta installations abroad as compared to 300 in the U. S. Since 20th had a head start in introducing the magnetic system in the U. S , it dominates the do- mestic market. Exhibitors em- ploying the magnetic method are reluctant to make additional in- vestments. However* in foreign countries, the market was still wide open and both systems are vying for recognition. Boxoffice Stars Continued from page 3 ♦ To maintain the momentum of the film biz’s recovery in 1954, Metro is launching a nationwide showmanship drive designed as a salute to exhibitors of the United States and Canada. The campaign’s aim was outlined yesterday (Tues.) by M-G sales chief Charles M. Reagan at a press luncheon at the Sheraton Astor Hotel, N. Y. This is the first press confab held by Reagan since he took over the gen- eral sales manager reins about two years ago. “Our plans focus on the local community and theatre, not on the glorification of Hollywood,” said Reagan. “We ht>pe to launch 1955 on an upsurge of showmanship.’* Tabbed as “Forwafd ill ’55” cam- paign and named “fr-G-M’s 1955 Motion Picture Theatre Celebra- tion," the salute will have as its slogan "There’s More Fun at the Movies.” The promotion by Metro is planned from Jan. 1, 1955 through April 30, but it is hoped that the momentum will be main- tained indefinitely, Reagan’s pitch stressed that the renewed interest in pictures can only be maintained by aggressive showmanship. "I believe there is every indication that 1955 will be a great movie year," he said, "and that the upswing started in '54 will continue and will be accelerated. We are convinced that this busi- ness is now’ firmly established on the road to recovery of much of the patronage that has been lacking in postwar years. We believe that the rate of recovery can be speeded by better product, and by better selling of this product to the public.” All Product Better On the subject of belter pictures, he declared most of the Hollywood product "is far ahead of the aver- age of the past few years. Thus, for every exhibitor there is ample reason to be optimistic on this ! point.” Turning to the selling of product, he declared that the “fires of enthusiasm must be rekindled periodically. Imagination is re- quired to give us a new slant, from . , . . , . . . time to time, on selling screen en- found his salair quoted at $100,000 tertainme nt. Our methods are per picture, plus script appioval, j rare ]y ncw 0 f themselves, but they Wise comments. Although Haw’- nius t regularly be given a new kins has relatively small boxofhee j coa tjng of tinsel to charm the peo- value in America, his European p | e t be j»i am0 r and romance following appeared sufficient to Q f t be mov ies which make them merit the terms." , buy tickets.” Director said he estimated that : Metro, Reagan said, will en- more than half of the planned pro- ! courage thcatremen to utilize the ductions in Europe never go before ‘‘Celebration" “to accent his thea- the cameras, mainly because of the j re ‘ s pi ace in the community.” He lack of stars. Stars in Europe, he j revealed that pub-ad chief Howard declared, appear to be the best Dj c tz and eastern publicity mana- collateral for financing haying g er j) an Terrell were currently on more value than story properties. | t be Coast conferring with produc- The European problem parallels that in the U. S. more every day. Wise pointed out. Few new stars are being developed for the screen. tion topper Dore Schary and studio publicity chief Howard Strickling on the production of a short “to publicize the celebration to the and contract players are almost public.” He also noted that ad- non-existent, due to fact that in vertising manager Si Seadler is Italy especially there are few' big j preparing a series of ads for the companies. Proven old-time fa- ! trade press, magazines, and news- vorites seem to get the nod when papers. Oscar Doob will coordi- it comes to a casting choice, as na te the Metro campaign, much to get financial backing as to Reagan declared that he ex- please the public. j pC cted 15,000 theatres to partici- Unknowns N. G. p a t e j n the drive. In a tribute to the European film-goers and exhibi- ration’s theatres, he said none of tors are creatures of habit, he said, the new era developments "could prefer to see pictures only with be employed to make better established stars. Unknowns, for movies if the motion picture thca- this reason, have even a more dif- ties were not equipped to bring ficult time of rising to the top than ... greater productions to their do those in Hollywood, where an audiences. In short, the theatre outstanding performance frequent- j s the place that makes great prod- ly leads to studio recognition. Because the majority of Euro- uct possible.’ Metro's aim. he said, was "to Feldkamp’s Indie Co. Fred Feldkamp formed FF Pro- ductions in N. Y. city, for the in- dependent production of feature pictures for theatrical release. Two original properties are currently scheduled for production in 1955. Fcldkgmp is producer of the re- cent United Artists’ release "Op- eration Manhunt,” based on the life in hiding in Canada of Igor Gouzenko. Previously, Feldkamp adapted General Eisenhower’s "Crusade in Europe" to tv. Author-Comedian Joey Adams hat an exhaustive humorous piece on ISo Straight Men Left * * * one of the many byline pieces in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of t'fifZIETY DUE SiWrt pean pictures are turned out by initiate a great, nationwide wave indies, profit participation is a of appreciation on the part of the common practice. Wise notes. Stars public for the motion picture thea- on the Continent are organizing tre in every town or neighbor- their own companies, too, just as hood." they do in Hollywood. Restrictions To carry out the program, of financing also cause the short- Reagan said Metro would provide age of stars, since both private and at no cost advertising material for governmental sources must know lobbies and screens, news releases which players will carry the "draw and special stories for the press, quotient" of a picture before the and radio and television presenla- advance of a single lira, franc or i tions “to bring the theatre and its shilling. attractions to the attention of the Production costs abroad have public." risen considerably during the past This is the second showmanship year, Wise noted, in touching on , gimmick Metro has launched in the phase of American producers . recent months. It is currently con- going to Europe for a picture. If | ducting a series of "Ticket Selling the picture is well planned in ad- Workshops ” which are designed to vance, and can proceed according ; give exhibs ideas on promotion ana to plan, then American producers may be able to save upwards of 25% on what the same picture would cost here. Should this ad- vance planning fail, then the cost will be on a level of that hefe. advertising. These workshops are staged in various exchange zones, some in conjunction with exhib conventions, and feature panels of experts in various phases of pro- motion and advertising. 18 yfiRlETr Wwlncwlay, December 8, lO.vi BING (/ Proudly Announ \ Of The Motion All Through 1Q| WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15th Criterion Theatre, New York TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21st Beverly Hills Theatre, Los Angeles pS) t ]W Produced by William Perlberg Written for the Screen and Directed by George Seaton • From the Play by Clifford Odets • A Paramount Picture A Perlberg-Seaton Production W 'MS S l ill .iHiUiiii WILLIAM HOLDEN Wednesday, Deeeniber 8, 10 >4 P'finiETY Paramount ces The World Premiere • V^*'" V. *V' i * ft • vf • ^ vVy> v -; &£<>• ' . \ ” ements Picture That Will Be Talked About 55 And For Many Vears To Come . . . Three Superlative Acting Performances From Three Brilliant Boxoffice Stars Illuminate “The Country Girl”, Described By Look Magazine As “The Dramatic Thunderbolt Of The Year” I 20 PICTURES t^GSUfy Wednesday, December 8, 1954 ■ ■ . . . ■ - " — Picture Cresses Stockholders in DCA For the purpose of increasing the supply of product, the oper- ators of 35 circuits have invested varying amounts (minimum of $5,000) in Distributors Corp. of America. Starting out with a capitalization of $ 1 , 000 , 000 , the outfit has as its purpose the financing of indie pictures and the distribution of same on a competitive basis, that is, with the exhibitor stockholders not given any pre-emptive rights to the DCA lineup. These are the DCA owners: N. Y. — Harry Brandt, Leo Brecher, Harold Eskin, Fred J. Schwartz, Solomon M. Strausberg, Joseph Seider, Samuel Rinzler, Walter Reade Jr., Herman Becker, Spyros S. Skouras, Joseph Springer, Percival E. Furber. Also Sam Pi- nanski and Arthur Lockwood, both Boston; Frank Walker-J. J. O’Leary (both Comerford-Publix), Scranton; Jay Emanuel, Phila- delphia. Also, Morry Miller, Passaic, N. J.; Charles Moses, Staten Island; J. Myer Schine, Gloversville; Paul Engler, Birmingham; D. Irving Long, Louisville; M. A. Lightman, Memphis; E. D. Martin, Atlanta; Morton Thalhimer, Richmond; Max Baum, Montgomery; Arthur Steele, Jacksonville; Alfred and Milton Starr, Nashville; Mitchell Wolfson, Miami. Also, Harry Arthur, St. Louis; Myron Blank, Des Moines; Julius Gordon, Beaumont, Tex.; George Kerasotes, Springfield, 111.; Joseph Rosenfield, Spokane; Will Conner, Seattle, and L. A. Starsmore, Colorado Springs. Theatres represented by the foregoing are located in nearly all 48 states. The stockholders will meet shortly after Jan. 1 to name a DCA board of directors. BALTIMORE (Continued from page 9) Montana” (RKO) (2d wk), dull $2,500. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-75- $1 .25) — “Barefoot Contessa” (2d wk). Drab $6,600 after $11,500 opener. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-80) — “Phffft” (Col) (2d wk). Potent $ 9,000 following $ 12,000 opener. ‘Duel’ Hep 14G, Toronto; ‘Xmas’ Fancy 14JG, 5th Toronto,' Dec. 7. "Duel in Jungle” looks top new- comer. Neither “Ring of Fear” and "This Is My Love,” are doing w'ell. "Glenn Miller Story” back at pop prices looks okay. Hefty holdovers are “Last Time I Saw Paris” in second stanza and "White Christ- mas” in fifth, latter being best grosser in city. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1,059; 955; 698: 694; 40-70)— “Duel in Jungle” (WB) and “Two Guns and Badge” (AA). Neat $14,000. Last week. "Gambler Natchez” (20th) and "Silent Raid- ers” (Hep), $14 500. Ellington, University (FP) (1,080; 1.558; 60-$ 1 ) — "This Is Love” (RKO). Light $8,000. Last week, "Black Widow” (20th) (3d wk). same. Hyland (Rank) (1,354; 00-80)— "Father Brown. Detective” (Col) (3d wk). Okay $5,500. Last week, $7,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l) — "White Christmas” (Par) (5th wk). Still fancy at $14,000. Last week. $17,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2.090; 60-$l) — "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Hotsy $Hj,000. Last week, $17,000. Odeon (Rank) (2.380; 75-$ 1 ) — "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (3d wk). lien $10,000. Last week, $12,000. Shea’s (FP) (2.386; 75-SI ) — "Ring of Fear” ( V V B * . Sad $9,000. Last week. "Rear Window” (Par) (4th wk). $8,000. Uptown (Loew) (2.745; 60-80) — "Glenn Miller Story” (U) (reissue). Oke $ 10 , 000 , first time at pop prices. Last week. "Beau Brum- mell” (M-G) (2d wk), $7,000. SAN FRANCISCO (Continued from page 8 ) (2d wk). Okay $13,000 or near. Last week, $21,000. Paramount (Par) <2.646; 90-SI) —“Phffft” (Col) and "Black Da- kotas” (Col) (2d wk). Oke $12,000. Last week, $20,000. St. Francis (Par) (1.400; $1- $1.25) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). So-so $8,500. Last week. $9,000. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) <1.458; $1.75-$2.65)— “Cine- rama” (Indie) (49th wk'. Fine $17.- 000 or close. Last week, $24,000. United Artists (No. Coast) (1,207: 90-$ 1.25 1 — "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). Good $8 000, and staying. Last week. $8,400. Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25) — "Dr. JekyU, Mr. Hyde” and "Woman’s Face” (reissues' (2d wk). Good $3,000. Last week. $3,000. Larkin (Rosener) (400: $ 1 '— "Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE' ( 5 th wk». Okay $2,800. Last week, $3 000. Bridge (Schwartz - Reade) (399; $1-$1.20)— "High and Dry” . This week ending todav (Wed.) looks oke $2,500. Fourth was $2,800. "Trouble in Glen” (Rep) in next. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1)— “Mo- ment of Truth” tlhdie). Good $4,000. Last week, “Hollv and Ivy” (Indie) (4th wk', $2,000. Vogue a complete quota of acceptable contracts is reached.” He said he needed a total of $5,117,200 in guaranteed rentals before the first picture could roll. The pacts at that time, he said, totaled a little more than $3,000,000. His goal of $5,117,200 is based on a production cost of $426,600 for each of the 12 pictures. Late in August, Makelim re- ported that Dept, of Justice ap- proval had been received for the former theatre affiliates of the divorced companies to participate in the plans. He was now aiming for 4,000 to 5,000 theatres. In September, Wolfberg said 2,000 theatres had signed and Makelim was setting his sights olf 3,000. He said he expected active production to begin in six weeks. Late in September, Wolfberg upped the total to 2,600 theatres. In October, stating that he had reached $3,000,000 of the $5,119,- 200 required, Makelim said he ex- pected to reach his goal in a month or six weeks. In the same month, it was reported that 2,700 theatres had signed for total pledges of $4,600,000. In November, the con- tracts totaled $324,650 per picture and Makelim expected to reach the $426,600 average completion neg- ative cost by the year’s end. At this point, he expected to be in production by Jan. 15. Circuits Sign Continued f: >m page 3 I ledgment of the role played by Schwartz in the DCA formation. With the financial structure thus set and a production program well underway, DCA has become the first importantly-sized film company in the industry’s modern history to be owned by a group of outstanding exhibitors. May Widen Base DCA already is contemplating a capitalization increase beyond the initial $ 1 , 000,000 "to meet increas- ing interest of exhibitors anxious to participate,” said Schwartz. He declined to break down the amounts put up by the present in- vestors. Total coin earmarked for pro- duction and distribution amounts to $12,000,000, Schwartz said. He figures it on this basis: $ 1 , 000,000 in equity; $3,000,000 from Eu- ropean co-producers (five to six DCA-backed indie pix are to be made jointly with others abroad); $4,000,000 in bank financing, banks being listed as the source of 50% of the American production coin; $ 1 , 000,000 in deferments taken by production talent; $ 2 , 000,000 via rotation of funds in individual pic- tures, and $ 1 , 000,000 in additional equity interests. That last item refers to investments in individual films by outsiders, such as Louis Wolfson, who has a $235,000 stake in “Long John Silver.” Schwartz conceded that banks usually limit production loans to films set for major company dis- tribution. But bank money will be forthcoming to DCA because of the scope of its structure, he added. DCA will license directly to a few thousand of the larger theatres which account for 75% of domestic revenue. Balance will be handled by states righters. DCA has a program of nine films lined up, tw'o of which are com- pleted, two are in production, two are now casting and three are in ! preparation. SW’s $1,770,100 _____ Continued from page 5 mortgage indebtedness except for one theatre on which there was a longterm mortgage of $1,334,000. The earnings of International Latex Corp., from the date of ac- quisition on April 30, 1954, have been included in SW’s consolidated earnings. Company, bought as part of SW’s diversification program, was acquired for $14,930,000 and financed by a six-year bank loan at 334% interest per annum. SW divested 19 theatres during the fiscal year under terms of the Government’s consent decree, leaving six additional theatres to be divested. It also notes that the company has reduced its outstanding stock by 10 % via buyups of its shares on the Stock Exchange at an aver- age cost of $14.43 per share. Dur- ing the fiscal year, the company acquired 255,800 shares of /common stock at the total cost of $3,672,000. Subsequent to the close of the fis- cal year.it bought 5,000 shares at a cost of $102,000. The book value of the common stock is $31.14 per share. The company said it would acquire additional shares of its own common stock from time to time via purchases on the Ex- change. Wednesday, December 8, 1934 'iV&tJiii 22 PICTURES W r eian, head of Fabian Theatres, said Cow- en never arrived. Shortly thereafter, the Fabian or- ganization replaced him at its Troy house with Richard C. Murphy, transferred from the Plaza, Sche- nectady. Announcement wasrmade' that Cowen had been given “an in- definite leave of absence, du» to illness.” He had not been in good health for several years. The only clue to the whereabouts of Cowen. well known in New York motion picture industry and naval circles, police officials stated, has been checks cashed by him, on a local bank, in Vergennes, Vt.; Rut- land, Vt.; New York City, and Tor- renton. Conn. The last one was dated Nov. 15. Troy detectives also reported a clue from Northampton, Mass. Pioneer Credit Corp. of Troy is attempting to locate Cowen’s car for repossession. He took it with him. “Day of Triumph,” religioso pic being distributed by George J. Schaefer, was backed by a group ol Texans outside the picture business, according to Schaefer. He adds that the negative costs and print charges will total over $1,000,000. James K. Friedrich, of Century Films,, produced the fea- ture for the investors. "Triumph” is being peddled by Schaefer on the basis of a 70-30 split — the 30 to the exhibitor. Latter also is given guarantee of 10% of the gross as profit Exec is figuring on a “special treat- ment” playoff, that is, with each opening preceded by a local ex- ploitation camgaign including the recruitment of clergy. Advanced admission prices will prevail. In large measure sale of the film will he patterned after the licensing of "Martin Luther.” but whether states rights deals will be set up for mass circulation hasn’t yet been decided. “Triumph,” which focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, was the last film directed by Irving Pichel. He completed the job just prior to his death in Hollywood last July 13. Film premieres Dec. 17 at the Tyler Theatre, Tyler, Tex., which is the home of the backers. Schae- fer has an agreement set with In- terstate Theatres for a number of openings throughout Texas. First key city roadshow run is set for the Kirby Theatre, Houston, Dec. 24. Frank McCarthy Continued from page 3 Professors, Editors, Public Relations and Booksellers 9 w ' *v Invited to Centre for International Studies BAZAARS AND RAFFLES If y.'o of Town Petition, Issue Must Be Voted - H W "Problems of achieving an ade- quate overseas U. S. Information program” is the subject of a one- day conference being held Dec. 17 at the Center for International Studies at the Mass. Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Purpose is to help the U. S. Information Agency, which has been under criticism as to the effectiveness of its "propaganda” and which has not gotten the kind of appropria- tions it wants from Congress. Although much of the criticism of the Agency has been focused upon its motion picture production and policies, not a single film per- sonage has been invited to the con- ference in Cambridge. Full list of | participants is as follows: U. S. Information Agency Theodore C. Streibert Abbott Washburn Burnett Anderson Massachusetts Instituto Dr. Ithicl de Sola Pool Havmond Hauer Harold Isaacs Walt Kostuw Jerotn* Wtesner, Prof, of Electrical Engineering Harvard Jerome S. Bruner, Prof, of Psychology Carl J. Friedrich, Prof, of Government Paul Herzog, Associate Dean # Committee for An Adequate Overseas U. S. Information Program Edward L. Bernays. Chairman Jack Cominsky, Saturday Review Fleur Cowles. Look Magazine C. B. Larrabee, Printers’ Ink Louis M. Lyons, Curator, Nieman Foun- dation for Journalism Jean Wade Rindlaub, Vico President. BBDO E. S. Whitman. Director of Public Re- lations, United Fruit Others Ralph Bedell. South Pacific Commission Douglrs W. Bryant, American Library Association Erwin D. Canham, Christian Science Monitor Dr. Lawrence K. Frank, social phi- losopher Dan Lacy* American Book Publishers Council James Laughlin, Intercultural Publi- cations Joseph Mark. Doubleday A- Co. Dr. Mark A. May, Yale University Porter McKeever. Ford Foundation Dr. Saul K. Padover. Dean, School ol Politics, The New School Sol Stein. American Committee for Cul- tural Freedom Warren Sullivan. American Textbook Pub lishers Institute Hartford, Dec. 7. Connecticut State Legislature’s 1955 session will hear a proposal to legalize bazaars and raffles. Two Plainfield Democrats, Reps. Mop- sik and Demuth, have already filed their measure with the Secretary of State’s office. The bill calls for local option on bazaars and raffles, and stipulates that if five % of the voters of a town sign a petition for legalizing bazaars and raffles in their towns, then the legislative body of that town must vote on such a proposal within 14 days. Gov. John Lodge vetoed a simi- lar measure in the 1951 legislative session. 20th*s Stevens, Johnson Hollywood, Dec. 7. Darryl Zanuck has signed George Stevens to produce and direct two features on non-exclusive basis. Zanuck has also inked Nunnally Johnson to a new seven-year pact as writer-producer-director, be- ginning with “How to Be Very, Very Popular.” Latter is Marilyn Monroe star- rer, which starts in January. formalize in a final contract finan-' cial terms satisfactory to me. "You may use this letter on a confidential basis in connection with the planning, preparation and financing of the film.” Hemingway describes the film as one focusing on an African safari. He would be seen in the pic, would write the narrative and read it for use on the sound track. The author added: “This agree- ment and the contract that may replace it is with you personally and with your associate and/or partner Frank McCarthy.” Hem- ingway stated further that he would receive a flat sum in ad- vance of production and profits would be shared "on the basis of 50% for me and 50% to be divided ' between you and your associate Frank McCarthy as producers.” McCarthy’s announcement of the film project was followed by Rice’s denial of a deal. Lowe, a former editor of Look, as part of the Rice denial, was quoted as saying he held no option on a Hemingway pic. McCarthy now takes the position that the Rice statement makes it look as though he were trying to perpetrate a hoax upon the public and his 20th employers, Darryl F. Zanuck and Spyros P. Skouras. He says: “Upon written assurances from both Hemingway and Lowe I presented the project to my com- pany for a financing and release deal. Not only have I not pervert- ed the truth in any instance or de- tail but neither am I stupid enough to have cooked up such a hoax as Rice and Lowe have ascribed to me.” _ _ RADIO CITY MUSIC NALL _ Rockefeller Center “DEEP IN MY HEART" k Ofa rfem COLOR darrinq lose Mine HELEN FERRER • 0BER0N • TRAUBEL Aa A SM Picture Ml in Mufc Kars Brest CfcrfrliiK Stai* Slow KiM^UM Teresa WrighiI .WILLIAM A. WBI MAN’S ' T. I ClN PARAMOUNT •WarmbwCocom r»»» *t •M IT WHILE THEY’RE SITTING! There they are. . .row upon row of patrons with their eyes glued to the screen . . . ready to give their 100% attention to whatever pitch you want to make. It’s your “captive audience”. . . an opportunity you can’t afford to overlook ... an advantage offered by no other advertising medium. So sell everything you’ve got... your shows • • • contests • • • special events and merchant tie-ins ... in advance . • . from your screen. • .with trailers that gel the most out of your “captive audience” ... trailers from National Screen! 24 RADIO-TELEVISION V7l kiETy O&O’s Riding Along on Web 'Gifts’; ‘Better You Sell ’Em-We Can’t’ As WCBS (F’rinstance) Goes ‘Service’ CBS Radio’s dropping of a house 4 package and Carter Products’ can- cellation of a show on the web are figured to bear some future rela- tionship to a “creeping paralysis” trend that ultimately will find numerous network slots being re- captured by local stations, with accent on the owned-and-operated. Web shelves the Peter Lind Hayes-Mary Healy Saturday show after this week (11). although cur- rent thinking looks toward pro- gram’s return in late February as a Saturday night airer. The Hayes- Healy stanza is in the 1:35 to 2 p.m. berth, with a rebroadcast on WCBS, N. Y., at 9:30 during the football season. Hayes himself continues as a CBS pactee under which he’s committed to fill in for Arthur Godfrey on the latter’s morning show when occasion de- mands. Carter has axed “City Hospital,” but the web will sustain the 1 to 1:25 show. Interesting point is that the sponsor had a six-month con- trol -of “Hospital’' after cancella- tion, but waived its rights. CBS then made a deal with Julian Flint to supply the scripts, with John Dietz producing and directing. Of immediate importance on the web-to-local front is a realignment of the WCBS schedule. This, with and without inheritance of network time, is based on the oft-expounded theory that local stations, of what- ever stature, must put most of their eggs in the “service programs” basket if they hope to live beside and survive the “television era.” Thus music, news and weather be- come the strategic threesome in aural operations, with recapturing of “offish” slots that the web can- not peddle except at the risk of giving away its transmitter — and even then there's no certainty. Leonard-llaymes Reshuffle At the moment, the reshuffle re- volves around Bill Leonard and Bob Haymes. Leonard’s “This Is New York” takes a new time period of 11:30 to midnight Monday through Saturday, kicking off next week il3). Singer Haymes’ morn- ing variety show, currently 45 min- utes, expands to 75, and hence sneaks into a 9:30 anchor in his six-a-weeker. Since Haymes con- tinues with his “Melody in the Night” cross-the-board half-hour to 11 o’clock, his own contribution to the local pot will be 10 hours a week. Leonard currently holds the 9-9:30 a.m. berth (and kept that going for nine years), with the night slotting giving him opportu- nity to report on N. Y. happenings, theatre openings, etc., the same evening. Haymes will pick up Leonard’s evaluations on the fol- lowing morning, for a two-way •’package.” (Couple of late-night changes at WRCA, too. Tex & Jinx McCrary, ex-1 1:30 to midnight, extended 30 minutes to 12:30, originating from Waldorf’s Peacock Alley. Getting started correspondingly later is Fleetwood's “Music Through the Night,” with Riggio Tobacco latch- ing on for Regent Cigs.) Outside of co-ops and partici- J pations, there’s very little sold by any of the four networks on a pro- gram basis after 10 p.m. If things keep up as they have, the web an- chor may be 9 o’clock generally before the next season blossoms. Real Hot Kidkinnie California’s moppet set has been taken into the reckoning by NBC-TV in itl slotting starting this Saturday til) of Kraft’s “Space Cadet” at 11:30 a. m., as part of the w-eb’s two- hour skein of kid shows (Hap- py Felton, Paul Winchell and “Funny Boners” are the oth- ers.) “Space” will be raced to the Coast via hot kine for five outlets. Berle Side Claims ‘Act Of God’ Gilbert Backed Out on Return Issue The Milton Berle-Ruth Gilbert hassle almost came to a quiet end last week when lawyers for both sides were to decide on the comedi- enne’s return to work for the re- mainder of the ’54-’55 season as soon as she felt physically able after having her child. However, the issue flared up again at a pre- viously agreed-upon American Ar- bitration Assn, session on Friday (3), with neither side now being any closer to an agreement than when the “Act of God” poser first cropped up weeks ago. At the pre-AAA session between Berle’s and Miss Gilbert’s lawyers, it was decided, Berle’s camp main- tains, that an agreement was reached and that all that remained was to put signatures to paper. Miss Gilbert’s reps say, however, that they hadn’t actually committed themselves, particularly since their client wasn’t in on the close of the meet at which it was decided that she’d settle for returning to the NBC-TV show, “when ready.” Irving Gray, Berle’s manager, declared that after the "agreement was reached” both sides decided to go through the “formality” of appearing before the previously scheduled meeting of the arbitra- tion group, and the actual signing would take place there. It was agreed to, Gray said, because "Miss Gilbert felt it would add weight to the agreement. Gray charged that Miss Gilbert “backed out” before the arbitra- tors, catching the Berle lawyers by surprise and forcing them to ask for a postponement in nego- tiations. Her reps said that she didn’t feel that simply being al- lowed to return to the show for the rest of the season was enough; that she wants now — and this is the item holding up the settlement — to be paid for the time she is incapacitated. Names for Madonna Four quarter-hour Xmtfs disks featuring Lloyd Nolan, Elaine Stritch, Eddie Foy Jr., James Mee- han and Sammy Kaye were pro- duced by the Madonna Guild Ra- dio Rosary and etched by Master- piece Recording for current distri- bution. Stanzas deal with the “meaning of Xmas” and were overseered by Leona MUen of Madonna Guild. Radio Scripters Rap D. of Mich, s ‘Contest' Angle Detroit, Dec. 7. Radio writers in this area are doing a burn over a new method of accepting scripts set into opera- tion recently by WUOM, the U. of Michigan’s educational station. Price for the scripts is acceptable, but what’s griping the writers is the rigid method of submission, which amounts to an actual com- petition rather than the ordinary routine of assignment and confer- ences on improvement. Situation came about through a new series titled “Heroes ’Round the World.” The way the “con- test,” as one writer puts it, oper- ates is that the WUOM office will inform scripters of a specific hero, the setting and the statement of heroic qualities to be emphasized in the script. Material is to be submitted without any identifica- tion of the writer on the actual script itself — they will identify themselves on a separate sheet of paper which will be keyed to the script number. Unidentified scripts will then be submitted to an “edi- torial review board,” which will select one work from all the en- tries. Criteria will be “contest and accuracy,” “conformity to general requirements,” “dramatic impact ! of the story” and “technical perfec- tion.” Professional writers who have done work for the station before were “shocked” that such a routine should come from an educational station, where the absence of re- strictions on the writer should be recognized as vital. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of professional methods, they didn’t like the idea of competing among themselves. As a snapper, they pointed out that they’d be working on “spec” instead of assignment, and while the flat rate of $200 for the half- hour script was okay, only one of the many pros would be paid for each subject submitted. 40 Clauses in ‘Today* Pact NBC-TV has latched on to 40 Santa Clauses to appear on its “Today” show today (Wed). The- men in red rep Volunteers of America. Scots Prep Comm’l TV Glasgow, Nov. 30. Scotland’s first commercial tv station may be run by a group con- sisting of a Conservative party newspaper proprietor and business- men with Labor sympathies. Roy Thomson, Canadian owner of The Scotsman, Edinburgh, and 1 of tv stations in Canada, has ap- I plied for a commercial tv license. ; He declined to name the Labor j Party supporters with whom he has i been discussing his plans. Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Move Over Bulova — It’s ‘Turnstone’ A $200,000-per-annum deal brings the Lewis-Howe Co. into the “time by tv” picture, but first as a longterm “test” in the coun- try’s foremost market. For starting next Monday (13), the St. Louis family-held outfit will pitch its “Tumstime” 10-second identifications on a 26-a-weck basis over WCBS-TV, N.Y., in a “creative programming” exposure bearing unusual facets. The all- over-the-clock schedule stemmed from a three-way foundation em- bracing the St. Loo office of Ruthrauff & Ryan, the Chi office of CBS Spot Sales, and the CBS flagship in N.Y. Aside from the anticipated results (the way the station figures it, Turns will latch on to $9,000,000 impressions per week, based on the program adjacencies), the $4.000-a-week pact represents a foray by the R&R agency into tv outlays earmarked by Lewis- Howe for Turns. R&R reps the client in radio, with Dancer-Fitz- gerald-Sample the tv parallel (via the Imogene Coca Show on NBC-TV). Should Turns go for eight or 10 other key markets dur- ing or after the Gotham “wet run,” the spot billings could well go over the $1,000,000 market, to give “Tumstime” a near-network aura. It’s the first use of spot announcements by the “for your tummy” product (as distinct from participations, syndicated telepix, etc.). There’ll be a change of copy to fit the spottings, and the buy itself is unique in that it finds a non-timepiece sponsor going heavy on time service plugs, with one of the tablets, incidentally, so de- signed as to give the appearance of a clock as it races to the viewer. WTRI Protests Thomas’ WROW Buy; Claims CBS ‘Tiein’ Was Withheld Teenage Texas Jock Baytown, Tex., Dec. 7. Jimmie Lee Durgen, 17-year-old highschool student in Houston, has made his bow here in a disk jockey show each Saturday afternoon starting at 5 p. m. It’s an all-re- quest show on KCRT. Durgen also is featured on KCRT with his band, known as the Drifters. He was with the “Grand Ole Opry” unit on its recent tour through East Texas. CBS Makes U. S. Fightin’ Picture Complete With $-Tagged ‘Air Conquest’ CBS-TV has the “for sale” sign on a documentary that looks like the U. S. Air Force’s answer to NBC's “Victory At Sea.” The film skein, comprising 26 half-hours, is slated to take off next Septem- ber on a Sunday afternoon. Labeled “Conquest of the Air,” show bears official sanction of Air Secretary Harold E. Talbott. Stanzas will be chosen from about 150,000,000 feet of celluloid from USAF achives and elsewhere and will be produced by CBS public affairs helmed by Sig Mickelson. Going beyond coverage of air warfare alone, some 50,000,000 feet of the film stockpile will come from Government agencies (includ- ing the Library of Congress), pri- vate producers, airline lirms and aircraft makers as well as from other nations. Even the Navy and the Army will be tapped for ma- terial. CBS is to send scribblers to dig out preliminary reports on USAF both in the U. S. and abroad. This CBS program move takes USAF out of its “up in the air” video status and rounds out the military picture, there already be- ing, in addition to “Victory At Sea,” the Army’s Big Picture” and plans by General Teleradio for a documentary re the Marines. SURPRISE FETE MARKS MORENCY’S 25TH ANNI Hartford, Dec. 7. A lot of nostalgia drifted over the head table at Paul W. Morency's surprise 25th annivers- ary dinner party at the Hartford Club last Thursday night (2). Vice-president and general man- ager of WTIC, NBC’s 50.000-watt Hartford affiliate, wasn't aware of any anniversary arrangements un- til he was led into the main lobby of the downtown club. Posted prominently was a Hartford Times window bulletin, dated Dec. 2. 1929, announcing appointment of Morency to the top spot at the Travelers Insurance Co.’s, radio station. Some 150 guests were on hand. Recorded messages from indus- try friends everywhere were played over the p.a. system, Edgar Bergen ’s Format For a Diplomat 9 + Albany, Dec. 7. WTRI-TV filed a protest Friday (3) with the Federal Conftnunica- tions Commission' against the transfer of majority control of the Hudson Valley Broadcasting Co. (operating WROW and W ROW- TV) from a group of local stock- holders to a unit headed by Lowell Thomas and his business manager, Frank M. Smith. It did so on the ground that “Thomas has received a commitment from the Columbia Broadcasting System to affiliate WROW-TV with CBS before the purchase of the station w as made.” WTRI, In which Stanley Warner Theatre Corp. holds a 50% interest, alleged that as a result of the transfer application, WROW-TV “would be controlled by an import- ant and valued member of the CBS organization; the transferees failed to reveal this fact, together with certain secret understandings with CBg concerning network affil- iation for WROW-TV. Furthermore, the petition charged, “The Commission’s ac- tion granting the application will result In the elimination of com- petition for the network affiliation to the same degree as if CBS were itself the licensee and a loss to WTRI of such CBS programs which by diligent efforts it has been able to secure.” The FCC was asked to “imme- diately” stay the effectiveness of its recent action approving the transfer and to designate the trans- fer application for hearing. WTRI stated that the majority control of WROW and WROW-TV exercised by Thomas et al. is 52%. WTRI has a contract with CBS for limited alternative telecasting — WRGB, Schenectady, VHF out- let, is the main area choice — run- ning to Feb. 1. WROW-TV and WROW are ABC affiliates. That UHF station has been on the air since October, 1953; WTRI, since last February. Troy Broadcasting Co., which owns the other half interest in WTRI, operates WTRY, CBS radio affiliate. There have been uncon- firmed reports that WROW ipigM eventually land the Columiba asso- ciation. Edgar Bergen has come face to face with the international protocol fraternity after a series of frus- trations on the home front. It could be that his disappointments stemmed from a matter of poor timing that he could not anticipate and over which he had no control as a “mere” performer. It’s a story with a Washington (that’s D. C.) background. When Bergen launched his hourlong Kraft-sponsored series on CBS Ra- dio a couple of months ago, it was after a study of a format that would originate in the capital to provide top Government officials as guests. Going by precedent, he was led to believe that Congress- men, Senators, et al., would leap at the opportunity to get the fresh air of the Bergen show after countless hours spent in the sometimes be- draggled atmosphere of the legisla- tive halls, cloakrooms, bureau cor- ridors and the like. You know, “play like a human being” via Ber- gen & Co. But Bergen’s seasonal kickoff was during a period when both houses of Congress were wrestling with a multitude of global and do- mestic hot potatoes, including the elections and the internecine “l’af- faire Joe McCarthy,” so the polit- icos and appointees based in D. C. did not exactly beat a path to Ber- gen’s “comedian - turned - deejay- I commentator” door. Maybe they lost their sense of humor, or had visions of being turned into dum- mies. Procedure Reversed Whatever the reason, Bergen forthwith altered the pattern by the simple expedient of reversing the procedure: if the bigwigs wouldn’t come to him, he’d go to them — and why not include per- formers? He shifted one stanza to the Coast, where Dick Powell, Jack Benny and Amos ’n’ Andy guested on his 9 to 10 p.m. Sunday airer. Last week he originated the show- in New York, inviting and getting acceptances from Governor-elect Averell Harriman, Chief Magistrate John Murtagh, Eartha Kitt (latter preeming in the “Mrs. Patterson” legiter) and Columbia waxworks exec Mitch Miller. Upcoming (19) is an emanation from Williamsburg, Va., the colonial convertee. Thus the “new” Bergen show with its Kraft auspices is able to grab exploitation along the route not possible with a stationary for- mat. And as a result, the quondam ventriloquist is taking still another step via pickups from the various embassies in Washington. The first of these — a preem of its kind — was an origination from the Spanish Embassy, with Ambassador Count de Motrico as featured guest. Last Sunday (5), Bergen was at the Swedish Embassy with headman Eric Boheman the guestar and next Sunday (12) his live airer will come from the Japanese "residence.” In other words, Bergen has gone from parttime disk jockey to near- ! ly fulltime protocol pusher. ZENITH PUSHING FCC FOR TOLL-TV DECISH Washington, Dec. 7. Federal Communications Com- mission may act on the new peti- tion of Zenith Radio Corp. that it expedite consideration of subscrip- tions. While some FCC commis- sioners prefer to let the matter mark time, others are pressing for immediate action on the issue. Zenith petition of a week ago contends that the FCC may. midcr its present rules, approve subsmfte tioii television for existing tv sta- tions, without any hearings. Ze- nith urges that such permission be given forthwith, so that the sub- scription systems can be set up with a minimum of delay. What the Commission is likely to decide this week or next is wheth- er it should give immediate con- sideration to subscription televi- sion or whether to set down argu- ments for the future. Belief here is that the majority of the Com- mission' will favor delay, probably * by a 4-3 vote. Wednesday, December 8, 1954 -TELEVISION 25 LOTSA SLOTS FOR BON MOTS CBS-TV Laughs Last Hollywood, Dec. 7. Laughs to order, from a tiny titter to a crescendo of howls. It's that easy for CBS-TV comedy shows that use the “laugh machine” invented by Charlie Douglas, of net’s engineering staff at Television City here. Newest advance in canned laughter has i)i»en utilized by many comedy programs, live and film, but identi- ties are a guarded secret. Engineer on show using machine has c hoice of six control levers to eitlfer ride gain or taper off hysterics, depending on inherent laugh potential of spoken line or prop pag. By pressing all six levers at once, raising the volume, laughs can drown out every sound in the building. Maybe even bring whitecoated attendants with butterfly nets. Recorded sound fed into amplifier has been used to supplement laughter of live audience if reception isn’t raucous enough. Saving is affected on filmed shows, obviating necessity of showing picture to live audience just for recorded laughtrack. Producer of show and engineer generally get an idea of where big laughs belong at pre-show runthrough, but sync requires skilled timing lest jocks get out of hand and spill over to next laughter or titter. Douglas holds patent to laugh machine and now has two out on lease. He owns all rights outside its use at Television City and is now negotiating for manufacture and general marketing. Machine will cost around $1,000. Peak Price for Pitt Outlet A Bargain’ To Wliouse in DuM’s ‘Need for Cash’ IN & OUT OFTHE There’s far more to that $9,750.-4 000 that DuMont got from West-’ inghouse for WDTV, Pittsburgh, than meets the eye DuMont appears to have unloaded for a lot less than the VHFer was worth, reportedly to offset financial difficulties fac- ing DuMont Labs. While the WDTV selling price is the highest ever paid for any sta- tion. it is considered almost in re- verse ratio to normal selling pro- cedures; most station transactions are for two to three times the an- DuMont Survey* Itself Latest in the DuMont “to be or not to be” tele network pic- ture Ls that the Price-Water- house, N.Y. accountancy firm has been brought in to survey the web’s status. Meantime, the word is out that by virtue of the WDTV, Pittsburgh, sale DuMont already has written it- self off as a network. Conten- tion is that bankrollers only got into the DuMont lineup be- cause of the cushy Pittsburgh in a. ket. The Price - Waterhouse as- signment was stimulated in part bv Paramount Pictures (owning the entire line of B stock in .the DuMont Lab set- up) which is out to find out whether it pays to hold on. Stockton Helffrich who is NBC-JV Ump In Charge of Censorial Matters details how he Calls ’Em as He Sees ’Em * * * one of the many byline pieces in the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of WSriety OVT SOOn nual billings. And this year, un- der DuMont, WDTV will gross about $6,700,000 with a profit not too far from $4,000,000 expected by the year-end accounting. Fully aware of these conditions, DuMont began the Weslinghouse negoti- ations six weeks ago and was then asking the more equitable figure of $ 14 , 000 , 000 . But, since it seemed beset with more immediate finan- cial problems, the web finally set- tled for over $4,000,000 less in order to get ready cash. DuMont Labs ran up net profit 'Continued on page 37) Godson-Todman Signs Heller; Fates as Veepee Franklin Heller has joined Good- son-Todman Productions as an exec producer. Heller will function primarily in an administrative capacity, serving as supervisor on “What’s Going On,” “Beat the Clock” and “The Name’s The Same.” Gil Fates will continue as exec director of programs, and effective Jan. 1, will become a veepee for Goodson-Todman of “What’s My Line” Inc. and “Two for the Money” Inc. By LEONARD TRAUBE Vfdeo ’54 may well go down in history as the year in which comics and comedy-gaited shows couldn’t make the grade or stand the gaff, with George Gobel the outstanding exception to the rule as of this Yule. The CBS camp is overwhelm- ingly in the forefront of properties whose props have been and con- tinue to be shot from under them, and within the last couple of weeks, with “on notice” option time due. the serious state of the laughland situation has come to a head. In all the travail, it cannot be said that the gallant Columbians are not gentlemen, since they dis- creetly arranged it so that the “everyone loves” Celeste Holm would be permitted the unique po- sition as a performer of cancelling out on her show. “Honestly Ce- leste.” The 9:30 Sunday nighter preemed a couple of months ago under less than formidable circum- stances, was loudly pounced upon by the scribes and has hardly got past the barrier since. Under this arrangement it left the sponsor. Bristol-Myers, stranded on the bases, although B-M went along with the “cancellation in reverse" for the benefit of the public rela- tions values. Interim Fill With the “Celeste” stanza vacat- ed as of Sunday (5>. CBS hurriedly went to work on an interim fill to play out the cycle. It grabbed off four of the “Authors Playhouse” vidpix series, shot on the Coast by Gross-Krasne for United Television Programs but now under the Music Corp. of America banner in latter’s UTP buyout. First of the skein will showcase Ethel Waters. Another CBS "comedy” invalid was put officially out to graze in the costly “Life With Father." mid- stream of its second season, its first in the 10 p.m. Tuesday spot it had inherited from “Danger,” which drew the 9:30 berthing. Now "Dan- ger” gets reinstated to 10 o’clock and Red Skelton finally is caused to scram his opposite-Berle-Hope- Raye exposure at 8-8:30 to take the position vacated by “Danger.” That resolved, CBS will pit the new Phil Silvers telepix series, “You’ll Never Get Rich,” against the Tuesday-at-8 triumvirate — ironic in a personal sort of way since Silvers and Berle are pals in private life (but chances are they’ll still exchange pleasantries (Continued on page 30) BBD&Q to Webs: If Radio s Bigger n All of Us, Let Have the Cold Facts’; Agency’s Tailor-Made ‘Assignments’ Humorist Sam Levenson has tom* iatarastiag doiMpi on Family Portraits * * * a bright bylina piaca in tha forthcoming 49 ill Anniversary Number of J^rieTy ovt soon ABC Won’t Give Up on ‘Breakfast’ Video Version Chicago, Dec. 7. In the wake of Philco’s decision to pull out, ABC is mulling new sales approaches for the tv ver- sion of simulcast “Breakfast Club.” Despite the fact that the Phileo bowout, as of Dec. 24, leaves but two quarter-hours sponsored weekly on the hour crossboarder, web execs aren’t ready to give up on the video portion, and still have hopes it will duplicate some on the lengthy success of the radio side. ABC would like to be able to anchor some blueprinted tv day- time projects to the early morn- ing “BC” strip and is reluctant to give up on the property, al- though It’s not paying its way. It’s understood the show . may be opened up for participation sell- ing rather than sticking with the more rigid time-period offerings. Although dropping its Monday, Wednesday and Friday tv identity, Philcp is staying with the AM side. Lone tv bankroller is Quaker Oats with the Tuesday and Thursday counterpoint to the Phileo slot. DuM’s 3 Sponsors For Pro Griddery DuMont has inked three bank- rolun s on coverage of the National football League championships to )0 played either at the end of De- cember or on Jan. 2. Buick has ooiight the second half of the game, "'tn lirst half going to Atlantic Kenning in 31 northeastern mar- cts and to Miller Brewing (a sponsor since ’51) in the rest of * ne country. Incidentally, this ™ y bo . DuMont’s last pro grid since lack °* sponsor suc- s s this year has helped veto an- chor season of the same. Bunk’ via Kudner, ordered a h eln a lon ,ineu P. with 111 having vrmV < a . r °d at * ast report. Mathis- • inked for the brewery and N. Ayer for Atlantic. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 3$ HOLLYWOOD 21 ~«H|CAGO 11 LONDON. W. C. 2 154 w. 44th $t. 4311 Yacca St. 412 N. Michigan Ava. I St. Martin's Piaca Trafalgar Sqaara The four radio networks were put in an unprecedented position last week when BBD&O called them in to make a joint presents-^ tion on radio to the ad agency’s account execs. Few authoritative industryites have questioned the future of radio generally (with net- work radio something else again), but BBD&O “limited” the nets to pushing a “radio only” cause by asking them to avoid raising com- petitive angles with each other, with national spot or local radio, or even with television. The agency, in what it considers the first move of this kind along Madison Ave., called salesmen and sales development execs from each of the four radio nets, giving each web an “assignment” in an “at- tempt to clear away a lot of nebu- lous thinking on what is still a vital medium so that we may be in a better position to discuss the matter with our clients should oc- casion arise.” BBD&O told CBS to show up with a “nose count” (Politz > on ystenership; NBC to dis- cuss radio’s use as a basic medium and as a supplementary medium to tv and print: Mutual to present “relevant positions” via the recent J. A. Ward survey on where peo- ple listen and what they listen to, and ABC to give a previously un- published report on media impact showing the respective impact of visual and aural messages. BBD&O carefully explained that the unusual meeting, held a week ago for its account execs, did i ot constitute an endorsement of radio. The agency angle, instead, w;urthat since there's still considerable radio coin kicking about, house accounts should be supplied with the “pros & cons” data in making buying decisions. Since there’s been considerable talk about other agencies coming out strongly against radio at intramural meets, some of the webs are mulling the idea of taking the joint, hourlong lecture to other camps besides BBD&O. It’s understood another agency is aiming to follow up on the idea. KFO Shoots For Co-op on ‘Moons’ First major holiday show to be offered on a co-op basis will be the “Kukla, Fran & Ollie” version of James Thurber’s “Many Moons” on ABC-TV Christmas Day. It’s also likely to be the largest single co-op lineup ever offered by a web, with a total of 111 stations having re- ceived notice that it will be avail- able for local sale. Show was first plotted as an of- fering for national sponsorship, with word that if no bankroller could be found, the project would be d opped. However, KFO’s cur- rent cross-the-board show is aired on a co-op basis in 36 markets, and it was figured that some of show’s regular local sponsors might want to take on the one-shot. Final fac- tor in the decision to co-op it was Gordon Baking's decision to pick up the holiday special in its three markets, New York, Chicago and Detroit. Hour special is based on Thurber children’s story about an Indian princess who wanted the moon to play with. Burr Tillstrom is doing the vidaptation. Show, which will air on a coast-to-coast basis, is slot- ted at 6 p.m. ‘3 Steps’ to Heaven “Three Steps to Heaven,” NBC morning telesoaper, is being dropped. Web is figuring on replacing the 10:45 crossboarder with Sheilah Graham's gossipcast out of Holly- wood, as a better lead-in to tha “Home” show. 26 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday, December 8, 1954 NCAA’s Olive Branch’ on Grid Policy; Fear of Big 10, Coast Schism Factor Chicago, Dec. 7. <• The tv committee of the National Collegiate Athletic Assn, has left the door slightly ajar for some changes in its football policy next year. While framing a recommen- dation for next January’s national NCAA convention calling for the continuation of national control of gridcasts, the tele group at its meeting here last week let it be known that next year’s plan won’t ■necessarily he limited to the single “game of the week” program that has prevailed the past three sea- sons. The open-end nature of the com- mittee's resolution, wtih only, the principle of national jurisdiction spelled out. reflects the conflicting crosscurrents wiithin the NCAA over the proper handling of the tv “problem.” If the Big 10 and pacific Coast conferences carry their avowed regional control am- bitions into the national conclave in New York, the collegiate “trade association” would have a real fight on its hands. Just after the com- mittee meet here, Arch Ward, powerful sports editor of the Chi- cago Tribune and long a bitter foe of the NCAA tv controls, sug- gested, in effect, a rump organiza- tion be set up. Real Villain Other sports observers, however, argue that since the midwest and far west conferences are such king- pin leagues within the NCAA family, there’s little likelihood the parent organization would risk a Big 10 or Coast bolt over the tv issue. This school of thought sees Notre Dame as the real villain of the piece as far as the NCAA is concerned. While the Big 10 and the Coast league have “leaked” some en- dorsements of the principle of regional control, it’s been Notre Dame, from its highest brass on down, that has been blasting the NCAA program on every available platform. If video rights were thrown up for grabs, it's considered axiomatic that Notre Dame, with its national schedules and cross-coun- try fandom, would be the No. 1 school as far as an individual tv package is concerned. In short, (Continued on page 34) Dorseys Climb Way Up on Poll What seemed like an innocuous, almost postscript mention in a sur- vey of program likes and dislikes, has boosted Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey to the point where several sponsors along with telepix syndi- cators are interested in the veteran batonists. A sampling by Adver- test of 1,000 New Yorkers, pub- lished last week, showed among other values that the freres rated No. 3 among program “most de- sired” that are now off the screens. Interesting in the choice is that the Dorsey Bros. “Stage Show” was a CBS-TV summer replacement for Jackie Gleason, under the latter's own packaging. Thus it turns out that a brief return by the Dorseys will actually function as a “repeat audition” of the show. The musicians-conduc- tors will relieve Gleason again, this time w'hen the Saturday come- dian takes a two-week vacation, Jan. 1 and 8. The New Year’s show will guestar singer Johnnie Ray. ‘LUCY' RERUNS TO TAKE WINDUP OF ‘OMNI’ SLOT Reruns of “I Love Lucy” will be a late-season Sunday starter on CBS-TV. Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz telepix situationer was originally earmarked for 4:30 to 5, with a late January kickoff. Date has been set back to April 17 and the slot also pushed back, to 6 o’clock. This would be the last half-hour of “Omnibus,” whose sixmonth con- tract would then be expired. Should “Omnibus” return the following season via renewal from the Ford Foundation, “Lucy” time would be shifted. V.P. in Chara • of Bloopoft Jo Ranson hat compiled another 1954 Anthology of TV and Radio Fluffs of 1954 * * * a humorous byline piece in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of VSr TETy ODE SOON NBC Nixes Texas Replay Of 5-Year-Old Gridcast Despite Bill Stern Okay Dallas, Dec. 7. Gordon McLendon, prez and gen- eral manager of KLIF, cancelled a skedded Saturday (4) rebroadcast of the last half of the Notre Dame- Southern Methodist U. football game, played in the Cotton Bowl here Dec. 3, 1949, because of Na- tional Broadcasting Co.’s protest. Five-year-old thriller, which saw Notre Dame come from behind to edge SMU, 27-20, was originally play-by-played via NBC by Bill Stern when he was that web’s sports director. KLIF had heavily spot-plugged the revival for a 12:30 p.m. Satur- day (4) airing, preceding the ABC- TV telecast of the second local ND-SMU tangle at 2 p.m. in the Cotton Bowl. McLendon, in a 11:40 a.m. KLIF news bulletin, told lis- teners that for the skedded replay he had an okay from Bill Stern, now American Broadcasting Co.’s sports announcer, here for the NCAA game of the week telecast. Transcription was owned, he said, by a late sportsman, Connell R. Miller, once an exec of the Dallas Texans’ pro football team, and the rebroadcast was to be “a dedication and tribute” to Miller, who was killed in his sports car here last week. However, McLen- don repeated, “NBC has wired us this morning, threatening legal ac- tion if KLIF goes through with our scheduled rebroadcast of an SMU football game which aroused so much interest, and we must regret- fully cancel the transcribed plAy- by-play program. “We never dreamed the Nation- al Broadcasting Co. would protest the replay of a five-year-old game, or we would have requested that network’s permission in advance for the broadcast.” McLendon re- peated his statements every five minutes, interrupting skedded plat- ter shows until 1p.m. WPAT Sold to Exec The Passaic Daily News has sold Paterson (N. J.) radio indie WPAT to a group headed by the outlet’s present exfcc veep and general manager. D. J. Wright. A 5,000-watter, WPAT has been operating since ’41. From .’49 through ’50. when it folded, the Daily New's operated WPAT-FM. Consolidated Checks Out On DuMont ‘Accused’ Hour Consolidated Cosmetics has can- celled the Thursday “They Stand Accused” 60-minuter on DuMont. The web said, however, that an- other pitch to the br.nkroller to "reconsider’’ has been made, with an answer rapected by tomorrow (Thurs.). Account is handled through Frank Duggan agency, Chi, with show concluding its first • cycle. Stanza had been on the DuMont lineup a few years ago. U. of Minn. Defies NCAA on Vidgrid; Frames Own Plan Minneapolis, Dec. 7. U. otf Minnesota’s Board of Re- gents, the institution’s governing board, has been aroused to action in a fight to bring about the tele- vising of the school’s football games. Public clamor against the NCAA plan of restricted tv on Saturday college football contests, and a widespread demand joined by some state legislature members, impelled the regents to speak out. In a public statement which, in effect, contains an apology for inability to televise the games, the regents announced that they have instructed their administrative of- ficers to work for controlled re- gional tv of midwest schools’ foot- ball contests, to replace the NCAA plan. Making clear that they favor con- trolled regional tv, the regents at the same time pointed out that the U. of Minnesota cannot “go it alone” in defiance of the NCAA, which has the power to forbid members to play violators of its regulations. The NCAA also can declare athletes in violating schools ineligible to participate in national sports championships, the statement said. It called attention, too. to the fact that even U. of Minnesota efforts to obtain per- mission to televise its three home soldout games failed. Ike Armstrdng, Minnesota ath- letic director, has taken much abuse from state legislators and the public because he hasn’t been able to effect televising of the games. However, several moves in the state legislature to force the school to break loose from the NCAA failed. During the past season, U. of Minnesota was fourth in the na- tion in football attendance with a total of 351,966 for its six home games. Three were complete sell- outs of more than 65,000 payees and the average was 58,661 per contest with the entire stadium scaled at $3.25 and no reduction on season tickets. ‘PERSON’ DELIVERS KO TO GILLETTE FIGHTS Trendex gave ‘“Person to Per- son” a clean decision over the Gil- lette fights last Friday (3). From 10:30 p.m. on, when the two stanzas were competing, the CBS-TV show grabbed 29.3 while the Frankie Riff-Orlando Zulueta match on NBC settled for 11.8. the fight .out more deeply into the first “P to P” guest, Bing Crosby, than into second, Mary Mar- garet McBride, because the pugs checked out at 10:52. Bouts start at 10 o’clock. Better Living Through Radio’ They say that a tv announcer has to believe in the product he pitches. Well, there’s one such pitchman who undoubtedly believes what he’s saying when he tells New York audiences that there’s Better Living Through Television. Announcer is Bob Bryar, and BLTT is the firm for which he works. It’s New York’s largest tv telephone and mail order house which sells, through Bryar and m crew of other announcers, everything from storm windows to sewing machines. No question but that Bryar now takes that BLTT tag literally. Together with ex-agency owner Harold Kaye, Bryar plunked dow’n $94,000 last week and purchased radio station WORC in Worcester, Mass. Deal, set via broker Howard E. Stark, was an outright purchase from George Taylor and Robert T. Engels, who will henceforth devote full time to their indie in Providence, WHIM. To prove that "living can be better through television,” Bryar is removing the pitchman garb to take over WORC as prexy, with Kaye as v.p. I From the Production Centres ii US 1SEW YORK CITY . . . John Porter named manager of NBC advertising and promotion with Edwin Vane tapped as manager of national sales promotion, Porter s erstwhile berth . . . WCBSingers Martha Wright and Lanny Ross to appear at Xmas party (Dec. 17) of Sales Execs Club at Waldorf . . . WRCA director -Draper Lewis, planed to Dallas to cover Notre Dame- Southern Methodist griddery at Cotton Bowl, then off for a three- week Florida vacation . . . WCBS merchandising chief Howard Laily to install officers of Pioneer Foods Merchants group at Statler . . . Julie Andrews, of legit musiclick “Boy Friend," guest of Bill Leonard’s WCBS “This Is N.Y.” tomorrow iThurs.) . . . Joe Bernstein, ex-Phil Alampi staffer, now directing Sydney Smith’s “Byline” on WRCA, with ex-stager John Fengler joining production gang of tv sister station . . . Erstwhile Life photog-critic (etc.) Gene Cook exhibiting his stills at N.Y. Camera Club until Dec. 18 . . . Don Walsh, ex-Steve Hannagan, Boston news row and Variety, joined Phil Dean’s p.r. office . . . Caro- line Burke, NBC producer, principal speaker at Orange (N.J.) Women’s Club Thursday (10) to discuss differences in daytime radio and tv “serialities” . . . CBS v.p. Merle S. Jones, is chairman of radio-tv divi- sion of N.Y. Visiting Nurse Service. Allen Dulles, CIA chief, to guest on WMCA’s “The Challenge” tonight (Wed.) . . . Bob Leder on two-week jaunt to Bermuda, first respite since joining WINS early in year . . . First concert at UN in behalf of Human Rights Day will be aired via WQXR Sunday (12). It’ll be the Boston Symph with Charles Munch batoning and soprano Irmgard Seefried soloing . . . Latest “Best Radio Salesmen of the Month,” via BAB, are Jack deMello, KROW, Oakland; Joe Winkler, WCAU, Philly, and Tom E. Beal, KLWN, Lawrence, Kan. . . . Daitch Dairy Stores riding WAAT, Newark, with 10 one-minute spots per week . . . Mike Ellis to preem in one-a-weeker, “Along the Ski Trails” on WINS to- morrow (Thurs.) at 10:30 p.m. . . . WMGM pitching for Xmas gifts for hospitalized servicemen and vets . . . Harry Green, attorney for sus- pended and reinstated Fort Monmouth scientists, discussed anti-Semi- tism charges Sunday (5) on WLIB’s “For the Record” stanza. Bill Strosahl, v.p. and art director at William Esty agency, having an exhibition of his watercolors Dec. 8-20 at Grand Central Art Gal- leries . . , Burry Biscuit Corp. to co-part icipate in the Tex Sc Jinx afternoon crossboard, “New York Close-Up” on WRCA for 13 weeks starting Jan. 6. Melody Miller feted the entire cast of “Helen Trent at the Hotel Trent” at the Hotel Delmonico Friday (3) . . . Grace Valentine, Alfred Shirley, James Meighan and Irene Hubbard added to the “Our Gal Sunday” cast . . . Jim Boles new*to “Stella Dallas.” Milton Allison, CBS Radio spot sales eastern boss and account exec Warren Jennings to Coast for a week of powwows . . . Into WMGM’s “American-Jewish Caravan of Stars” on Sunday (19), Harry Hershfield . . . Jose Ferrer into spouse Rosemary Clooney’s CBSer tomorrow (Thurs.) . . . Elizabeth Robinson to WQXR as merchandising factotum . . . 88er Teddy Wilson into regular Saturday showcase via CBS . . . Jack Curtis and Glenn Riggs into “ABC Weekend News” for A. C. Gilbert toys . . . WMGM fetes Dr. Jonah B. Wise’s 50 years as a clergy- man with a special stanza on Friday (17) . . . Sherril Taylor, CBS spot sales promotion manager, back after week on Coast. Beverly Chase, talent broker, taking a fortnight holiday in Florida . . . Eleanor Frank of Dan Edelman office, handling publicity for Henry C. Brown . . . Steve Carlin, who becomes executive producer-in-chief Jan. 1 for Lou Cowan. Inc., broke into broadcasting originally at WMCA, where he worked for Walter Craig, then the program director. Later Carlin was script editor for the NBC Thesaurus division, before the heyday of transcriptions. George Q. Lewis, who was talent coordinator for telethons for United Cerebral Palsy the past two years, leaves that organization Friday (10) to concentrate on radio-tv in the fund-raising field on a freelance basis . . . John LaFarge has resigned from Grey Advertising as copy group head to join Ruthrauff & Ryan in the same capacity . . . Beverly N. Hoflfer has just been appointed director of station relations at WPAW, Pawtucket, R. I. US CHICAGO . . . Newell Schwin, who as exqc assistant to Chi CBS veep H. Leslie Atlass did muOh of the groundwork in preparing the web’s case in the battle with Zenith Radio over Chi’s Channel 2, shifted to New York, where he’s now manager of CBS Radio Spot Sales development arm . . . George Heinemann, program manager of NBC’s WNBQ-WM \Q, vacationing in Arizona . . . Bob Byars checked out of his assistant ad manager post at Standard Oil to join D’Arcy Advertising, which han- dles Standard’s billings. Clare R. Wolf moved into the homeoffice berth . . . WGN chief Frank Schreiber popped for a “farewell” lunch last week for Dave Parsons, the station’s lawyer, whose switching from bachleorhood to matrimony . . . WBBM gabber Paul Gibson, off on a three-week European junket, with Lee Adams coming in from the Coast to pinchhit . . . With tv banned this year for attendance reasons from the Mayor’s annual Bowl game pitting the city’s top Catholic and public highschool football teams, WIND aired the game Saturday (4) as a pubservice for the Park District’s youth programs and Arthritic Foundation. Robert Elston called the plays . . . Needham, Louis & Brorby radio-tv director Jim Cominos and assistant Scotty Keck in New York last week on agency biz . . . WJJD deejay Stan Dale, invited back into the Army via the draft route . . . Everett Mitchell, 59-year-old Chi NBC farm commentator, passing out stogies on the arrival of a son. IN SAN FRANCISCO . . . Bay Area educational tv station KQED began live programming Dec. 2 with a kiddie program, “Buckskin Bob” . , . KGO-TV screening California and Stanford home basketball games with Tidewater Asso- ciated Oil picking up the tab . . . KROW's lineup of disk jockies, Bruce Sedley, Bob Holly, Pat Henry, A1 Levitt and Russ Coglin, pitching their audiences for mail for Sammy Davis Jr. to cheer him over his recent accident . . . KGO FM outlet began fulltime broadcasting of the regular KGO AM signal Dec. 1 . . . Don Sherwood’s KSFO show origi- nating from Mannings Market St. coffee shop from 4-6 p.m., starting Dec. 6 . . . KSAN-TV, UHFer, reports 10% penetration of homes in the Northern California area with a total of 125,000 UHF sets . . . John O’Rourke Advertising, Inc., has opened a film department under the direction of Cornelia Hanel. IN MINNEAPOLIS . . . Eighteen-hour cerebral palsy telethon, staged jointly by WTCN-TV and WMIN-TV, netted $121,000. Imported performers included Pat O’Brien, Constance Bennett, Helen O’Connell, Johnny Desmond, Sam Cowling, Fred Kelly, Steve Kovacs and Don Mayer . . . Dick Nesbitt, former college and professional football star, quitting WJJD, Chicago, to come here as KSTP tv and radio sports director. He succeeds Jack Horner, who resigned to take a similar post with KEYD-TV here*. . . WCCO here and WNAX, Yankton, S.D., received awards from National Safety Council for their services in furthering farm safety. WCCO was singled out for conducting a 4-H club safe highway contest and WNAX i (Continued on page 40) • * * ( 1 1 c »*» i . i* i / u ; * ■ v i .. * ■ «>» , *>, . * • . 4 < Wednesday, December 8, 1934 RADIO-TFI.F YISIOX 27 TV’S ‘SCHIZOPHRENIC’ SHOWS Sequential Color Goes to ‘War CBS “private” sequential color tv system was used last Saturday (4) at an Army proving ground at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., as a mili- tary weapon. Involving a CBS camera, which preceded the com- patible color setup now used commercially, it was used for observ- ing a mock enemy force in action and how it was cut down by some of the Army’s most advanced weapons. At Huachuca, headquarters for the new Army electronic proving ground, the sequential camera got its first important tryout. Advancing troops in the simulated raid on the fort, artillery ex- plosions plus other battle details going on as much as 15 miles away were visible to observers before 10-inch tint monitors. Incidentally, there was a four-by-six-foot color set used along- side the smaller receivers. However, it’s still an Army hush-hush development. The military side-by-sided black-and-white and tint sets for the sake of comparison. Subsequently, during warfare scenes, Army officers Indicated the effectiveness of multichrome in relation to black-white. In color, observers, it was said, could see in great detail — even on 10-inch sets — a flowing stream 15 miles off and an enemy signal man in a tree, who, recognized by the color of his uniform, was “gunned down.” There was a secret demonstration on the Thursday before the Saturday showing, but it was for military brass. Several electronic devices were withdrawn from a repeat Saturday performance for security reasons. The CBS sequential color camera is only one of the Army’s new communications and reconnaissance machines. Last summer, the military threw a demonstration for the press and others at Fort Meade, Md., at which RCA’s portable vidicon camera was used. /'x Code Board Wants Sayso Over Old Pix; Warns Trade on TV Kidshow Cleanup Washington, Dec. 7. ♦ Television stations were advised last week to watch their step more closely on the type of filmed fare offered during the viewing hours of children, with particular empha- sis on the western, mystery and ad- venture categories. Some of these pictures are violating the Televi- sion Code even though approved by review boards for theatrical showings, said the Televison Code Review Board of the National As- sociation of Radio & Television Broadcasters. The Code Board said it will rec- ommend to the NARTB Television Board, which meets in January, that affiliation under the TV Code be extended “to others allied with the television industry whose prod- uct comprises now a large share of the programming viewed in the American home.” Idea of this would be to bring under the Code those who supply old motion pic- tures for video. The Code Board indirectly ad- mitted the age of much of the film shown on television by announcing that it "has notified all Code sub- scribers that special attention should be given to clearance be- fore acceptance of all film produc- tions manufactured before the first television station went on the air.” The Code Review Board met in Washington last Wednesday (1) and Thursday and, at the request of the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency, reviewed five films which had been shown on the four Washington video sta- (Continued on page 34) Vif Chi AM-TV Scripttr Alan M. Fishburn waxes whimsical More Stars in Heaven — Let's Do a 6 Spec 9 * * * a bright byline piece in the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of Variety DUE SOOIS Post-Haste Staff On 'Space Return Rockhill Productions had to col- lect a staff from the “four corners” of the industry when the revival otTom Corbett. Space Cadet” (NBC-TV, Saturdays) was assured. Ralph Ward is leaving ABC-TV to oirect the show. Dr. Willy Ley, }vho recently contracted with Walt Disney, will plane east at least once every three weeks to handle the casing’s science angles. Muriel ? aron ankles the Imogene Coca low- to rejoin Rockhill as assistant Producer. And Albert Aley has * J-J 1 “P video scripting assign- , s to replace as producer the bin ^ an who didn’t return. Al- Docovny (now with D’Arcy agency). TW th * actin * side . Frankie GHm. ’ ,„ A i Markim and Jack thiini WiU ** back * with the only lin exce P tl °n being Jan Mer- Lor^H, 0 S v now doIn * the vidfilmed Coac! U ?° un * stanza from the ftBC^affii C ^ et ” Wl11 t0 67 affils, 42 being live. Hot Pace On TV Set Production But Color Lags Washington, Dec. 7. Television set production is mov- ing at a very high rate, with UHF tuners in approximately 20% of the output. However, the manufacture of color sets remains picayune. During the first 10 months of 1954, tv set production hit 5.654.- 791, compared with 6,204,803 for the same period of 1953. But in the four-week October reporting pe- riod, the output was 921,476, which was almost 250,000 better than October, 1953, and was an alltime high for a four-week reporting month. Highest set production was reported in September, 1953. It was 947,796, but this was a five- week, reporting month. For the first 10 months of 1954, sets with UHF tuners reached a peak of 1,085,742. In the same 10 months, according to the Radio- Electronics-Television Manufactur- ers Assn., only 17,445 color receiv- ers were produced and there is no acceleration of the rate of pro- duction. Omaha’s 2d All-Niter Omaha, Dec. 7. Radio outlet WOW here Sunday (5) began all-night operations, fol- lowing the pattern set by «KFAB two years ago. KFAB this fall switched from cowboy tunes to hour tape-recorded sessions by four d.j.’s and found plenty of sponsors. WOW broadcasts from midnight to 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Fri- day will originate from new stu- dios at the transmitter site, man- ager Frank Fogarty announced. ‘DOUBLE UPE' OF Television’s major hour and hcqur- and-a-half nighttime shows are leading a double life as far as their ratings are concerned. But the dual personality kick is often in the best interests of "free choice’Nvideo. A breakdown in 30-minute seg- ! ments for the period Nov. 7-12, for instance (via reports of the Ameri- can Research Bureau), shows sub- stantial viewer gaps between the first and second halves (more in the case of some 90-minute pro- grams. notably the ABC and Du- Mont boxing bouts ». But of the 18 full-hour showcases of widely vari- egated formats, 11 of them go into a rise on the rating scoreboard after the midway point, with seven declining in varying degrees and for tradition reasons. Of the four 90-minule stanzas during the meas- ured span (two of them the out- size fisticuff operas), a pair of them dipped in the second cluster of 30 (IHnutes and all went down the scale in the third half, with the prize fights at the peak in the mid- dle of the fray. In general, the half-hour live and vidpix programs are faring well against the "extended play” opera- tions, but it isn’t necessarily the qualitative level that produces the nod in favor of the “quickies” as set against the respective budgets. What happens fairly regularly is that, in the case of the hours and the halfers that start off in the same slot, viewcs apparently go reasonably well for the 30-minute shows and then switch to the last half of the full-hour berthings to get a 50% deal out of it, anyway. (Of course, multitudes black out on the half-hour programs before the finish, not to mention those who vice-versa the deal by scramming the full-lengthers shortly after they’ve tuned in, so that there’s a “continuous performance" as far as turnouts are concerned.) Fixed Habits Fixed habits seem to be the gauge in several respects. The 90- minute “Omnibus” cuts across “Meet the Press” at 6 o’clock, and when there’s a "big name” politico billed on the latter, the Lawrence Spivak property gets a respectable rating with very little help from the preceding show on the web General Electric’s “new format” Sunday series has been giving “TV Playhouse” quite a tussle, with presumed inheritance from “Toast of the Town.” of course, but with GE followed by "Honestly Celeste” (now dropped after failing to get off the ground since its premiere a few weeks ago), “Playhouse” ap- pears to be going better during its final fling to the 10 o’clock mark. (The quality of competition now de- pends on what replaces “Celeste.”) Probably the biggest irritant fac- tor for tv’s “drama lovers" is the half-hour overlap of “Robert Mont- gomery Presents” with "Studio One.” The latter climbs a bit at Sudden FCC Stay on Tex„ Fla. Permits Seen Stirring Up Political Rumpus Hollywood Scriptor Sol Saks details why You Got to Have Warmth * * * another bright byline piece in the 49th Anniversary Number ef DVE SOON See Free-For-All On TV ‘Satellites’ Without a Home \ Washington, Dec. 7. The Federal Communications Commission is expected to an- nounce a decision soon that will throw open all unclaimed video channels for use as satellite sta- tions. Object, informed sources say, is solely to open all markets to television as quickly as possible. Move would create a “grab bag”, status for several hundred unused tv channels, regardless of whether they are UHF or VHF, commercial or educational. Assumption also is that large existing stations will be in position to own several satellites over a w ide area — simply in order to facilitate broad video saturation and as quickly as possible. Already some observers feel that by allow- ing existing tv operators to “gobble up” unused channels a monopo- listic situation will be created whereby (he “little guy” with aspirations to be an owner is locked out. Any such FCC action, they say, will encourage several small “networks” fed by a key station. Precedent for this satellite move was set in part two weeks ago when WTRE-TV, a VHF’er in Lufkin. Tex., and 124 miles from Houston, was given FCC permis- sion to become a satellite for established KPRC-TV in the latter market. The action was a surprise to many since the only previous indication by the Commission was that UHF channels only might be permitted to act as satellites for existing V’s, yet the first step was to give a V to a V. At the time of this decision, Comr. Frieda Hennock made a strong dissent. 10:30, when Montgomery leaves the arena. (There’s a canard in the trade that the customers always come in in the middle of the “Studio pic- ture). In another overlap of more recent launching, “Dismeyland” has been showing its heels to Arthur (Continued on page 36) Pennsy’t 1,000,000- Wat ter WBRE-TV, Wilkes-Barre. Pa., on Friday (JO) dedicates the nation’s first 1.000,000-watt tv transmitter, with RCA’s Gen. David $arfioff skedded to do the honors. A UHF station, WBRE-TV is owned and operated by Louis G. Baltimore. Washington, Dec. 7. In a surprise action which has Washington trying to figure the po- litical implications, the Federal Communications Commission last week ordered a stay and new oral arguments on two television con- struction permits previously granted. The order halted the Aug. 6 grant of Channel 6, in Beaumont, Tex., to the Beaumont Broadcast- ing Co., and the Sept. 3 grant of Channel 13 in Tampa, Fla., to Tampa Television Co. There is considerable belief here that, no matter what decisions re- sult from the new hearings, the cases will be appealed through the Federal courts, and that the Senate Intestate Commerce Committee may look into the situation. The vote for stay and rehearing is understood to have been forced by Gfcorge C. McConnaughey, new FCC chairman, whose confirmation was held at the recent special ses- sion of the Senate. When the Sen- ate Commerce Committee takes up his appointment once more, early in the new 84th Congress, it is expected that he will be quizzed on these cases. The stay order handed down last Friday followed a heated executive session of the FCC and a 4-3 spla on the decision, with Commission- ers Edward M. Webster, Frieda Hennock and Robert T, Bartley strongly dissenting. Principal points which the two cases have in common is that the FCC overrode the recommenda- tions of the hearing examiners in both, and refused grants which would have had the strongest con- centration of informational power. In Beaumont, the three appli- cants were The Enterprise Co., publisher of the Beaumont News- papers; Beaumont Broadcasting Corp., which also operates radio-tv stations at Wichita Falls, 365 miles (Continued on page 34) NBC-TV Brings ‘Home’ MG Tuna NBC - TV’s “Today” - “Home” - "Tonight” threesome of oversized participation skeins has made its biggest money coup to date, with Star-Kist Tuna plunking down a gross of $900,000 for a longternjer to be ushered in during the first week in January. Not only is it the No. 1 sale «o far for the "T-H-T” festoon, but it’s interesting to note that tha California fishery outfit formerly pitched on Arthur Godfrey’s CBS- TV show opposite “Home.” "Home” is currently 78% sold, with fourth quarter headed for $1,900,000 in time and program billings. Total 1954 billings for the show (it started in March) will go over the $3,200,000 mark, with like amount incepting the new year. Fingers in the Pie More than one eyebrow — including the hirsute adornment of many a commercially-minded Madison Ave., N.V., practitioner with, however, a sense of the fitness of things — was raised last week when the name of Mrs. Earl Warren was linked to a spon- sored radio-tv program. The wife of the Chief Justice of the United States (along with Arthur Godfrey) was drawn into the act via her participation in presenting the top prizes to winners of Pillsbury’s Grand National Baking Contest. Bake-off Awards luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y., is skedded for “Art Link- letter’s House Party” next Tuesday (14) on CBS-TV at 2:30 to 3 p.m. (CBS Radio, 3:15 to 3:45). On an even less “sensitive” front last week, N.Y. Timesman Jack Gould. In a review of Goodsoif & Todman’s latest quiz, “What's Going On?” on ABC-TV, said that “authorities at West Point could profitably exercise closer supervision over the stunt in which cadets are permitted to participate. The kissing sequence was a tasteless affair and hardly one to come from the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy.” ‘Merry Widow’ Tinier, Stars for Xmas ‘Omni’ “Omnibus” will tint up Franz Ldhar’s “The Merry Widow” as a 90-minute holiday-week offering on the CBS-TV Dec. 26 segment. Colorcast will have Patrice Munsel in the title role, with Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra maestro, conducting the perform- ance. Operetta will be staged by actor C> ril Ritchard, who directed “Barber of Seville” for Metopera last season and who appeared on “Omnibus" a couple of weeks ago in “Virtuous Island.” In support as Prince Danilo will be Theodor Uppman, and a cast bf 30 perform- ers including separate dancing and singing choruses will be used. As an offbeat color experiment, each of the three sets used will be painted in one of the three primary colors. Alistair Cooke, of course, . will be on hand as narrator. Z^kTeTt Wwlnewlay, DeoeinWr 8, 1 9.11 Wednesday, Defemher 8 , 19.>4 t^niEfy •xa'i.V m A'*-’ £ ” T '/ 7 i trt n / N / \ V si y 1 r »w '. « ? ?i • , .. . N. A / i\v \ r i >4 \ _^k t < 7 \ m i y* +*■ . V *-- / ✓r / V ✓ / y s' / 7 W-'~- 7 m V / Ovo A A y'< ■*** / .i ■ i KL. * ■«*# w * / ■•c 4 : V‘hi r.4 . * • \ •/ \ / \ / • x \ / V V’ and 137,834 of them take quill in hand It took TONIGHT to round night-owls up in a handy, populous pack to give advertisers something to hoot about. Here’s a recent example of TONIGHT’S influence on the nocturnal set: Friday, NOV. 19. At 10 minutes past midnight (EST) Steve Allen delivers a single minute commercial for Broil-quik. Fellow night-owls, he states, are invited to send post cards with name and address, to get in on drawing for five free Broil-quik Super Chef Rotisseries. This offer is never thereafter repeated. Monday, nov. 22 . NBC inundated by 37,000 post cards! Flood signals raised. TUESDAY, NOV. 23. Cards up to 64,000! Mail-counting reserves rushed in. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24. Cards up to 98,000! No end in sight. Head of mail-room given hourly first aid. Thursday, nov. 25. National Holiday. Time out. Friday, NOV. 26 . Cards up to a torrential 123,146! Monday, NOV. 29. 135,907! Effects of the single minute commercial, delivered ten days ago at 10 minutes past midnight (EST), still being felt in flood-tide fashion. Broil-quik very pleased. Hicks and Greist ad agency very pleased. Steve Allen ecstatic-in his owlish way. • 0 (Late bulletin : By Wednesday, December 1, post card count still rising-up to. 137, 834!) The late-night audience is biff, with a heavy t- " ‘ . -CfcvS ' ■ *' concentration of adult male viewers. It’s also responsive * * • ' and profitable-when your sales message is carried on TONIGHT. At Class C rates, too. Ask your NBC representative for details. * television a service of i 30 TELEVISION REVIEWS Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Leave It to Geo. (Gobel); ‘Old’ Julius Tannen Looks Like ‘Comedy Find of ’54’ Julius Tannen certainly proved that old pros never die with his socko stint on George Gobel’s Sat- urday NBC-TVer. The vet vaude- ville monologist turned in as au- thoritative a stint as anybody in The Lambs or the Masquers would want. He played his bit to the hilt, and there was an electric do-or- die something about that perform- ance which not only the intra-trade show-wise bunch got, but others must have also. This was a gallant salute from perhaps the newest tv star in the video diadem to a yesteryear vaude- ville great, and Tannen, long in re- tirement — and it would be no di- vulgcnce of any great state secret, also in need of work — delivered like Uncle Sam delivers the mail. He was biting, electric and com- manding in his stint as the testy interior decorator who, with facile change of pace, waxed Brooklynese and admitted that for 40 bucks he could also do a good facelift job on the Gobel manse. And that signoff was another star in the long and sentimental journey of any- body who has been touched by Miner’s Makeup No. 2 or a Max Fac- tor pancake — it was Tannen’s in- cisive thank-you from a once-great oldster to a great newcomer — sin- cere, warm, grateful. Gobel knew he was the winner on that deal. The Brown Derby huckster belt un- doubtedly will all of a sudden “dis- cover" Tannen as a line-reader and character player of rare skill — and should. Pronto. Tannen has been permitted to hibernate in the sun, unsung and unrecognized, too long. Abel. BREADTIME STORIES With Bud Mason Director: Hal Grene 15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 5:15 p.m. FREIIIOFER BAKING CO WRGB-TV, Schenectady (Goldman & Walter) Simply-planned, shrewdly-mer- chandised program for four to seven-year viewers rolls along in its fifth or sixth year of continuous presentation, with little change in format but with a new artist-nar- rator in Bud Mason. He draws (some of it pre-blocked) and yarns the adventures of Freddie Frei- hofer and other characters in the animal-human fantasy world that always delights small children. Well-dressed groups of the lat- ter, wearing baker’s hats, sit on studio bleachers as Mason unfolds the thin story line. Four of them walk or are lifted to the drawing board (alongside reproduction of sponsor’s truck) for a “squiggle," from which Mason rather skillfully draws figures. A “spelling" test provides leadin to a plug for the next day’s product special. Cookies and cakes are distributed, before youngsters celebrating birthdays lineup back of their two tiers. Cameras shift from Mason to the kids, occasionally remaining a bit too long on the latter. Bespectacled, with a crewcut and a pullover sweater covering an open-neck shirt, the youthful Mason does the narration and ipieling competently. Now and then he presses too hard in eagerness to hold the tots’ attention. All- pervasive nature of advertising, visual and vocal (including a fore- and-aft singing commercial) is in- escapable. Whether little folks should be so strongly integrated may be open to debate. Program Is spotted between Dave Cameron’s "Friendly Fireman" (local) and "Howdy Doody’’ (network). Jaco. Rumors Fly On KRON-TV Status in Weaver Visit San Francisco, Dec. 7. Speculation concerning the fu- ture of NBC’s tv outlet here. KRON-TV, owned by the San Fran- cisco Chronicle, broke out anew following the appearance here last week of Sylvester (Pat) Weaver, NBC president. Weaver told news- men that NBC was considering every possibility in the local situa- tion, just as in other areas where there’s a possible NBC switch up- coming. Possible moves mentioned by Weaver (and continuance of the present NBC-KRON-TV affiliation Is one of them) include purchase of KRON-TV. an NBC UHF appli- cation, affiliation or purchase of KOVR, Stockton stat ion beaming a good picture into the Frisco area. Tele Follow-Up Comment Jackie Gleason took a sabbatical from comedy on Monday’s (6) edi- tion of “Studio One” on CBS-TV with his depiction of the central character in a meller, “Short Cut,” a thinly disguised story of a Phonix City (Ala.) setup. The comic proved that he can be equally at home in serious roles. He’s got a competent and authoritative style- that’s more than a surface charac- terization. True, his role of Sam Wheeler was reminiscent of the style he essays almost weekly in “The Honeymooners.” He gave an excel- lent demonstration that the line between comedy and drama can be exceedingly narrow. Wheeler might have been a Ralph Cranulen. But a ruthless, driving and con- suming ambition removed him from the category of a nice, harm- less guy. Gleason’s Wheeler was a man who will do anything, and make any alliance to achieve his political ends. He was "strongman” cast in a minor political role in a corrupt and venal town. He achieved the first step with his election as state senator who is assigned the job of cleaning up the town. One item signifying that he means to go higher was a brief but significant sequence in which he tried the governor’s chair for size. However, support from ele- ments of the “outs” seeking to reinstate their hooks into the gravy train, led to his assassination. Priscilla Gillette, who majors in longhair singing, did well as the backstreet fiancee and secretary of Gleason, while Lin McCarthy, Larry Gates and Florenz Ames .offered strong support in other roles. Musical background, with Bobby Hackett providing a trumpet solo, imaginative but utilitarian sets and other production accoutre- ments came off well. Originally, this Carey Wilbur story was titled “Peacock City,” but it seemed too close to the Phenix label and thus the work w-as retitled. This was Gleason’s second try on “Studio One,” other effort being in comedy vein, “The Laughmaker.” Considering that Gleason has been pretty well occu- pied between his own Saturday night show, and having woflTrd^up a grueling two weeks at the Para*, mount Theatre, N.Y., where he was doing as many as six shows daily, Gleason did quite a job of under- standing his character and mem- orizing the role. Jose. Last Sunday’s <5) “Toast of the Town” was as good an example as any in the series of why Ed Sullivan and coproducer Mario Lewis copped a Sylvania Award last week for the “best in variety” category. It Was a routine “Toast,” in the sense that it was the regu- lar studio origination without any of the remote or special events trappings, but it comprised an hour of solid entertainment values that typify the longrunner. Hard to pick out a headliner, but Eartha Kitt was back, fresh from her straight-acting “Mrs. Patterson” triumph: Kirk Douglas, in from the Coast, displayed a new facet via a musical production number; the Ames Bros, showed that knack for comedy that broad- ens their acceptance considerably; and Carol Haney turned in .a num- ber that legitimatizes the mambo. Jackie Miles, though staying with familiar material, can’t be dis- missed lightly, and the “Toast” rush-’em-through closer, in this case the Wassan troupe, provided as spectacular an acrotumbling rou- tine as has been seen on the show in some time. Backing all this up were the usual Sullivan “take-a-bow” fea- tures, with Mitzi Gaynor .serving as the peg for a clip of 20th’s up- coming "No Business Like Show Business,” Sullivan introing the teenage winner of the International Livestock prize, complete with the winning steer and family, plus a house plug for the two winning teams (both drove Lincolns) in the Mexican-Pan American Road Race. “Show Biz” clip was a poor se- lection, a long shot of the finale of the pic that crowded the screen so that little of it could be made out. Along with this was something of a faux pas by Sullivan, who said that the pic would bust all bo. records just a Lew minutes after having introed Douglas with a plug for “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (Sullivan partly atoned by later correcting himself and saying b.o. records for a musical). Miss Kitt shone with “Please, Jacques,” a good ballad, and her new Victor release, “I Want You . • . • Around,” a rhythm number adorn- ed with some of here looselimbed strutting - and - stretching. Ames Bros., a ter opening with “Naughty Lady irom Shady Lane,” went into a highly amusing routine of impressions of top pop singers with both good vocal carbons and effec- tive slapstick. Douglas, singing “Whale of a Tale,” which he does in “20,000 Leagues,” more than compensated for vocal deficiencies with some high-voltage vitality that made the production number something special. Miss Haney’s mamboing (with an excellent un- billed male) combined topflight execution with an imaginative choreographic approach. Miles’ stint about films (in dialect) is still a big laugh-getter. And the Wassan’s tumbling made a fast- and-flashy closer against NBC’s specola lineup. Chan. “Kraft Television’Theatre” would have been wiser to lay off the Dumas name-dropping and the an- cient “Camille” which has served as the distaff cough-a-thon Hamlet for numerous Hollywood emoters of the old, old silents circa 1917; add a hotshot talker (Gable & Garbo) 20 years after that. The Wednesday (1) NBC’er should be a wiser man today after an abortive try in which the chance to give the vintage vehicle even more creaki- ness than it deserved was turned into a sureshot at the hands of a drama series that is never less certain than when it climbs aboard “classics.” This, with the next day’s “Kitty Foyle" on ABC-TV, was supposed to represent an upped pre-Yule budget in the cheese outfit’s one-two punch (or “1-2,” if the December dates ap- ply to the reference). Additionally, “Camille” was skedded as a kind of showcase for Jacques Bergerac in the Duval role, with Signe Hasso in the famed “name” part. Under the dispirited production with its ten- twent’-thirt’ tent-rep-tab approach (though okay mountings), neither one of the stars could get going against the script; and the over- dosage of French accent added an- other assault on the enjoyment po- tential. “Kitty Foyle,” Christopher Mor- le.v’s bestseller novel of 15 years, didn’t fare too well in its video stress. It emerged as an indiffer- ent, episodic exposure and al- together too telegraphic in its punches even to those unfamiliar with the book (with word from one reader that many liberties were taken with the text, but perhaps because of the limited time). Nevertheless, Cloris Leachman found this a serviceable piece for her playing of the title role, with Ed Begley outstanding as her father and George Roy Hill squar- ing the interpretation of the “old school tie” Philly Main Liner ro- mantically mixed up the white collar gal. Trau. Ed Murrow has had pros before on "Person to Person” but more than one froze up like a Frigidaire in an igloo when it came to humanizing themselves in their quarter-hour voluntary exposes of their pseudo-private lives. Some erred the other way, being so gay- ly abandoned as to dissipate the intime values that “P^to-P” sug- gests. But Murrow hit the jack- pot this past Friday night (3), over CBS-TV, with ‘Bing Crosby and Mary Margaret McBride in a man- ner that should average him out well for some time to come so far as the “right” standard of values goes. The best answer is that the pub- lic wished neither ended. It has been the other way in quife a few other instances when comedians or other show' biz personalities “re- laxing at home” were anything but. Along with it, they bored their dialer-inners. With Crosby this was a com- pelling Cook's tour of his Holly- wood manse, .and Miss McBride perhaps had a shade the better of it with her personal gallery and galaxy from her Central Park South (N.Y.) duplex. If Crosby were any more relaxed he’d col- lapse, but that didn’t impair the efficiency of his guideposts to a variety of items, from the 19 Decca “gold” platters to the late Dixie Crosby’s Copenhagen China collec- tion. He hummed “This Ole House” in tongue-in-cheek man- ner, and interlarded a dash of “Count Your Blessings” in a cas- ual style which bespoke innate showmanship — he even had the right "theme” songs for the occa- sion. He got in the right degree of plugging for his upcoming "Country Girl” (Par), saluted his late gagman Barney Dean, spot- lighted his "real” friends, spqke about the boys — Lindsay was the only one present — and even got in a fast dash of his case against “Oop! Shoop!” and “Sh-Boom,” which his four "toughest critics” — his sons — apparently hold in high- er esteem than does the Groaner. He admitted that bringing up the four boys was his toughest job. Miss McBride’s penchant for food and books was in ample evi- dence and while the newspaper columnist-broadcaster (she’s off the air for a spell) appears thin- ner, she was warm and frank and forthright in her approach to the interview. She spoke of mike deadlines; grimly humorous inci- dents like the time ‘T was caught in my zipper,” or racing with Mrs. FDR to get on-mike in time; her leaning towards explorers and peo- ple to write books; her “screen of friendship”; her collection of dolls; her veteran staff, with her 20-27 years. Withal, perhaps the best “Person to Person” Murrow has ever done. He was almost a stooge, so articulate and sponta- neously vocal were his vis-a-vis. Abel. Lot$a Slots — ^ Continued from pace 25 and jokes — maybe for the outings that Berle doesn’t undertake in the Hope-Raye rotation). At the mo- ment, the Jan. 4-11-18 slots are un- filled, with Skelton ankling 8 p.m. after Dec. 28 and Silvers not sked- ded to be launched until Jan. 25. Chopped Down Chopped dowm some weeks ago was Eddie Mayehoff’s "That’s My Boy” laugh situationer. Plymouth sticks fast to the 10 p.m. Saturday time, however, opposite NBC’s George Gobel (who, incidentally, is being pitched for a quarter-hour radio strip by the web via tapings- from-tv). Silvers’ alternating under- writer will be CBS-Columbia, with other bankroller not set. (Silvers show is looking ahead by booking ahead; Paul Ford is signed for a featured part, and Harvey Lembeck has begun work on the series; Karl Lukas is pacted for the Kadowski role in the Gl-slanted showcaser for the ex-“Top Banana” man.) NBC, with no major casualties, is not entirely out_ of the woods, however. There’s no particular se- cret about the web’s dissatisfaction with the up-and-downs of the Jmo- gene Coca Saturday nighter, nor has Sid Caesar’s Monday hour been setting viewers on fire thus far in the premiering season, although it may be said in his behalf that he’ll continue to play with his format and talent components until he finds the key. The ailing Red Buttons has had two firemen for his Friday night show (Victor Borge and the pilot of Willard Waterman’s “Great Gil- dersleeve” situationer), but is ex- pected back this week. As for the Mickey Rooney telefilmer, it’s been cut up from the start by the CBS Jackie Gleason stanza, and chances are if the Rooney series were live, it would have been ousted long since, considering that pacts on cel- luloiders are usually longtermers. Reentering the vidpix sweep- stakes is Robert Cummings, with R. J. Reynolds (for Winston Cigs) underwriting the series, starting Jan. 2 (Sunday) in the 10:30 p.m. slot. Situationer is Cummings’ sec- ond, first being “My Hero,” origi- nally for Philip Morris Cigs. Skelton and ‘Understudy’ Hurt Hollywood, Dec. 7. Red Skelton jarred a couple of ribs while playing with his kids Sunday (5), so director Jack Don- ahue subbed for him at rehearsal yesterday (Mon.). While Donahue was doing Skelton’s role, the stair- case collapsed and he fell several feet, suffering bruises. Gueststar Abbe Lane stepped off just before the staircase gave way. KANG-TV Stays on Air Waco, Tex., Dec. 7. KANG-TV will definitely remain on the air here following its sale by Clyde Weatherby to the Texas Broadcasting Corp., of Austin. J. C f Kellam, veepee and gen- eral manager of Texas, stated that application has been filed with the FCC for purchase of the local outlet for $115,000 and assumption of obligations. SPEAKING OF FAMILIES With Stuart Lindman, others Producer-director: Lloyd Balcom 25 Mins.; Mon., 3:30 p.m. Sustaining WMIN-TV, Minneapolis A local version of the NBC net- work’s “It’s a Problem” and with the latter’s permission, this panel show supervised by the Twin Cit- ies’ four Family and Children’s service agencies brings into homes Monday afternoons experts’ discus- sions of current vital problems affecting practically everybody. Judging by the series’ initial an- swer to “What Is a Good Mar- riage?,” the program may be set down as a worthy WMIN-TV public service for family life. Successful preem indicates that the show should achieve its avowed purpose of leading tuners-in to a happier, better life. The first con- tribution was calculated to enlist a particularly wide feminine audi- ence as it provided interesting, helpful domestic information and enlightenment. Views were stated by Mrs. Eleanor Lucky. U. of Min- nesota Dept, of Family Life in- structor; Dr. Allan Challan, psychi- atrist, and Dr. C. Willson Ander- son, Minneapolis Family and Chil- dren’s Service director. Sitting around a bench and fac- ing the camera, the panelists were skillfully interrogated and chan- neled into various arresting phases of the topic by the personable moderator, Stuart Lindman. He whipped up occasional sharp argu- mentation and controversy and preventing the gabbing from laps- ing into anything dull. Next discussion subject will be teenagers’ problems and coming up are such topics as old age difficul- ties and housewife as drudge or duchess. Rees. ‘Face’ Slotting Mulled By NBC for Big Hoopla On Look Mag TV Awards NBC-TV is working on a major slotting for hoopla on Look maga- zine’s annual video awards, with the Saturday night “Place the Face” currently ahead in the run- ning for the Dec. 18 preemption. The web naturally looks with favor on “Face” as its time choice, since it will act as a lead-in to the Max Liebman spec that night. Toni, which sponsors “Face,” will ride along with the tab. Mag board chairman Gardner Cowles has alerted his staff to as- semble as many of the awardees as geographically possible for bows-apperances, along with other components to round out a half- hour. Awards will be announced in Look’s Dec. 28 issue, distrib- uted on the 14th. Ceremonies have been on top shows in the past, often with rival network toppers participating. NBC had first thought of putting the show in the Sid Caesar Mon- day time, but this was before a determination as to the list of winners. Report is that Caesar is not cited by Look this year. Marines in Tor Duration’ Of WABC 17-Hr. Telethon Unusual facet of the second an- nual “Stars Through the Night” telethon on behalf of the Arthritis & Rheumatism Foundation, slated for this Saturday night (11) on WABC-TV, N. Y., will be the pres- ence of a group of 75 marines un- der orders to act as a “security force” for "the duration” (17 hours). Leathernecks, members of the Marine Corps Recruiting Service from the Third Naval District, will act as traffic cops for the telethon, with their job to facilitate the flow of traffic of performers in and out of the Ritz Theatre origination site. Telethon’s being produced bv Mogle - Sheldon Associates and WABC-TV program chief Ardien Rodner. Ayer V.P.’s McDermott Thomas J. McDermott, head of radio-tv at N. W. Ayer agency’s New York offices, has been handed v.p. stripes. McDermott, who joined the agency in 1933 and has been with the radio-tv department since, operated most recently in charge of radio-tv plans. Agency’s current tv activity is confined to the Plymouth “That’s My Boy” on CBS-TV (axed but sponsor holding the time), regional pickups by Atlantic Refining of the pro football games on ABC-TV and DuMont, and alternate sponsor- ship of CBS-TV’s “You Are There” by the Electric Light Be Power Cos. i WVdneftday, December 8, 1954 SI Early 'Inventory’ on Cancer By ROBERT J. LANDRY Ever made a tour of a cancer factory? Specifically the Sloan- Kettering cancek factory in Manhattan? It is grimly fascinating, with the quiet, unsmiling staff dealing in cautiously worded state- ment only. The camera plays on mice with tumors that have been transplanted in the lab. Eggs are punctured for the injection of cancerous virus. Patients drink water which is radioactive. A child is enjoying a “remission” but the attendants regard her temporary gain with the eye of disenchantment. A doctor has invented a machine which smokes a thousand cigarets, chain style. The burn- ing vapors and tars are collected in tubes and, when injected into rabbits, the cigaret smoke induces cancer. All of the foregoing is a partial report of NBC-TVs “American Inventory” presented Sunday (5) at 12:30 p.m. EST. The time is of interest, for this is within the period of family relaxation in the parlor to read the funnies and tune in “Hopalong Cassidy.” Space salesmen for Sunday newspaper magazine supplements call these “the golden hours” (for the advertiser to impact the whole family group at one time.) How many stayed tuned in? A nice question. Cancer is the ob- sessive dread of this generation. The very word is frequently avoided, even in the obituary notice. Of course, really small tots might have been amused at the “cute” little animations, the little game of good little cells, and their benevolent appetites, and the bad little cells, and their gluttony. Animation (via the John Suther- land studio, and well done) was perhaps the only way that the anatomy of tumorous tissue could be visualized for the general public, but there is necessarily some feeling in the adult viewer of frivolous technique used to illustrate a pitiless scourge. The telecast on Sunday was composed partly of an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation-financed film. “Horizons of Hope,” prints of which will be offered, free, to all tv stations and, at cost, to any interested organization. The remainder of the material consisted of comments by or interviews with a variety of doctors on the staff of the Sloan-Kettering Hospital. What emerged was an inventory of the main lines of scientific research — experiments with virus, with antibiotics, with hormones, with various chemical compounds, with radium. (Nothing was said about surgery, the most common and most dreadful side of a cancer hospital. How much can the family circle absorb of a Sunday noontime?) The viewer is impressed with the complexity of. the effort to “understand” the disease which kills one of every four people who die. "We’re penetrating the darkness,” said one doctor. He implies that an enormous lore of knowledge has been accumulated. Only trouble -is, it has no payoff yet. On the point of bringing the -grim truth (but not all of it) to the general public via a homefolksy medium like video, there well may be a division of opinion. The psychologists are not entirely enchanted with the “publicity” for cancer. No* effect of sharing the ghastly bafflement of science with laymen is an enormous in- crease in neurotic hypochrondria — thousands of people with a secret conviction that they have cancer, when they don’t. Interest- ingly NBC’s "Medic” series on Monday (6) dealt with a girl on the eve of her marriage discovering she has cancer of the breast. Let nobody charge that nothing “realistic” gets on the air! MEDICALLY SPEAKING With I)rs. John F. Filipinine, Garth Johnson, Ralph D. Alley, Janies II. Flynn, Harold C. Wiggers, others 30 Mins.; Wed. 10:30 a m. Sustaining WRGB-TV, Schenectady Program, presented by Albany Medical College to acquaint view- ers with the broad aspects of diagnosis. training, techniques, therapeutics and progress in the many fields of medicine, mad# a rather rough start on its opener hut hit a surer,' smoother pace as it unfolded. Considering the diffi- culties of preparation, time factor and newness of the venture for an old but not large school, the series is a creditable one. The potentials of television for public health are great, but they will be more completely realized when developed regionally as well as nationally, and when a very substantial number of doctors are included. The latter phase is one to which the sponsoring college lias obviously given attention. In fact, several originations suffered video-wise, because of too many participants and. consequently, too much unevenness. Tighter coordi- nation is indicated. % Among the most interesting seg- ments viewed were those dealing with heart surgery (the heart area was explored on several pickups); gynecology and obstetrics; the stu- dent doctor in the home, with a followup panel on the use of com- munity resources, plus emphasis on the preventive and art sides of medical practice. The heart sur- gery block, featuring a sharply photographed film, taken in Albany Hospital, was climaxed by a post- operative checkup in which Dr. Ralph D. Alley registered flaw- lessly as he talked with the patient. Young Women from Union U. School of Nursing have played “patients” in a number of se- quences. Clearer identification of participants should be made. Jnco. Seattle’s Educ’l TV Seattle. Dec. 7. New' educational television sta- tion here. KCTS. on Channel 0, Is set for its first broadcast tonight (Tues.) at 7 p. m. Loren Stone, station manager, said it will televise two programs a week until Jan. 5, when it will begin carrying three 30 minute pe- riods dally.’ ’ * ’ * - NATIONAL FARM & HOME HOUR With Everett Mitchell. Mai Hansen, Milt Bliss, others Producer: Don Meier Directors: Meier. Paul Robinson 60 Mins.: Tues.. 2:30 p.m. ALLIS CHALMERS NBC-TV, from Chicago (Gittins) For the seventh year, Allis Chalmers has showcased a special tele version of its "National Farm And Home Hour” built around the annual International Live Stock Exposition. This year’s tv visit, Nov. 30, was strictly a blue-ribbon affair that rates as a fine prototype in the institutional pub-service idiom. This was no slapdash one-shot, but a well-conceived look at the farm * trade’s yearly Windy City spectacular. The hour even had a terrific human-interest kicker in the climax of the Exposition itself, as a 16-vear-old lass got the Grand Championship nod for her Black Angus steer. General excitement surrounding the animal sweep- stakes and the gal’s reactions were one of those little slices of history that make for “ain’t tv wonderful” word-of-mouth. This year more of the full scope Df the week-long Exposition was captured with a nice live and film parley, using celluloid footage shot by Marshall Head. The live portions were a two-way spread with Everett Mitchell, as the over- all host, handling the studio inter- views, and Milt Bites and Mai Hansen, farm director of Omaha’s WOW. working the pickups from the International Amphitheatre. The gabbers’ hep patter helped catch the flavor of the big show. An effective point of reference for the city folks was a studio sequence on how to carve and prepare cuts of meal that tied in naturally with the livestock dis- play. Producer-director Don Meier, assisted by Paul Robinson, and the Chi NBC-TV crews can rack up another job well done for the Allis Chalmers firm, who dressed the hour further with some slick film blurbs for their farm eouip- ment. Dave. Hartford — Frank Atwood, WTIC farm director, lias been elected prev.v of the National Assn, o! Television & Farm Directors. Ik* has served as secretary-treasurer and veepee or the group. He's been WTIC farm director sihcd‘1916. JUVENILE JURY With Jack Barry, •then; Leo Du- rocher, guest Producers; Barry, Enright & Friendly Director: Craig Allen 30 Mins., Sun., 4 p.m. PHARMACEUTICALS. INC. NBC-TV. from New York (Edward Klctter) “Juvenile Jury” was a mixture of its old naive charm and “re- hearsed precocity” in its return to video last Sunday (5>, this time on NBC. Best “out 6f the mouths of babes” comedies occurred when the kids were being natural, but some- times the overeager hand of par- ents could be felt in the lines and actions of the tots, and such times were embarrassingly offkey. Perhaps the fault lay partly in miscasting. Emcee and coproducer Jack Barry missed by continued use of a 10-vear-old boy, Ronnie fast approaching the Joe Miller jokebook stage after losing the un- witting laugh line. He and a sLx- year-old Ruth, who was stagey in mannerism, seemed always to be playing for the audience. Pro- fessionally cute juves weren’t any fun, but other three “panelists” fared much better generally and through them the show picked up the pace it sought. In addition to the usual posers on the “kidull” stanza, there were several minutes with guest Leo Duroeher. Some of them were hilarious. The Giant manager, whose speech (like some of the kids) was addicted to over profes- sionalism, was cut down sharply and most humorously by a seven- year-old. When asked how much he earns in his baseball job. he hedged instead of flatly answering that he was in no position to say. After several minutes of double- talk, he asked the kid quizzer, "Does that answer your question?” — to which the simple reply was: “No.” Biggest yock of the after- noon came when the youngest pan- elist explained that “Pop sits in his underwear” to watch baseball on tv. The program shaped as though it will sell many more bottles of Geritol. once it found enough kids who weren't of the opinion that you gotta he smartaleck. Art. NBC OPERA THEATRE (Sister Angelica) With Elaine Malbin, Shannon Bo- lin, Mary Kreste, Ruth Kobart, Joan Moynagh. Irene Antal, Rose Gerringer. Also Jean Maretta, Joyce Gill, Alice Fraser, Carole O’Hara, Frances Paige, Dorothy Gandee, Tamara Ber- ing, Jean Ray, Libora Geraci, Margaret Tynes, Sarah Dubin, Helen Rice. Ethel Greene, Rose Virga, Joan Carroll Producer: Samuel Chotzinoff Conductor and Artistic Director: Peter Herman Adler Director: Kirk Browning 60 Mins.; Sun. (5), 3 p.m. NBC-TV, from New York For its second presentation this season, the NBC Opera Theatre last Sunday (5) did a repeat of Puc- cini’s “Sister Angelica.” one of the composer’s three one-acters. Pre- sented on the same show two years ago. the opera is hardly one to de- light the Puccini traditionalists for it lacks both the exuberance and the extrovert quality of other of the composer’s works. However, there were compensations, and the Opera Theatre bestowed on this sombre offering its usual mark of skill, good taste and great artistry. “Sister Angelica” is unusual in at least one respect — it doesn’t contain a single male part. It is an emotional opera, even though — for Puccini — a mighty restrained one. Highly unorthodox theme on nuns, brooding and sad, is re- flected in the quality of the music which, during the second half, rises to great dramatic heights. On Sunday’s show, thanks to top- notch performances and intelligent musical conception, “Angelica” was calculated to please the opera lovers. It was hardly the type work to excite the lay listener. It’s probably fair to say that this isn’t an ideal opera for airing in the first place. With the excep- tion of the moving climax — in this instance beautifully acted and sung by Elaine Malbin in the name part — the music isn’t of the kind that stays with the ear and there are passages t hat are outright mono- tone in quality. There are. how- ever, solo arias that rise suddenly and excitingly above the general musical level. Fact that it’s a one- act or makes it. of course, an ideal vehicle for a one-hour slot on tv. Evry voice was excellent. Miss Malbin. who had the same role two years ago. is a singer of great ap- peal and combines vocal and his- trionic talent . Her Angelica, at t lie end, was deeply moving and her dying .scene had dramatic impact. Slfaiihofi Bolin as the- told and RADIO-TEIJZ VISION MR. SHOWBUSINESS With Jack Arthur, Paul Klinnan, Joyce Sullivan, Alan & Blanche Lund, Johnny Moreland. Libby Morris, A1 McNamara, Don Gil- lies, A1 Pearce, Howard Cable Orch (18), Chorus (8), Dancers (8); Elwood Glover, announcer Producer: Peter Macfarlane Writers: Len McCaul. Ray de Boer Musical Director: Howard Cable 30 Mins., Mon., 9:30 p.m. BORDENS (CANADA) LTD. C$C-TV. from Toronto (Young Rubicam) In historical and dramatic form, the story of Sime Silverman and his founding of Variety, with all its earlier publishing vicissitudes, was presented in Jack Arthur’s "Mr. Showbusiness,” his current 36-week TV series. Program went to 19 coast-to-coast stations over the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. tv chain for a wham reminiscent chronicle of the founder, editor and publisher of Variety. Paul Kligman was a convincing Simp, comolete with ancient rolltop desk, oldstyle typewriter and tele- phone. plus chats about the paper’s history and show business person- alities. Atmospheric musical opening had Howard Cable’s orch, with mixed chorus off camera, on for a rousing “Broadway Rhythm” be- fore an abstract Times Sq. with dancers on in white dinner jackets or cocktail-length dresses. The lead into Arthur’s, first meet'”g with Simp in the ’20s, with dis- solve to the otherwise deserted editorial room, with Simp's desk on the second level, and At Scarce as Freddy Shraeder, a Variety mugp. doing Ihe introducing. Over Simp’s last-minute typing came Arthur’s tribute to Simp's out- spoken editorials in Variety when he took the part of performers against anyone who might try to exploit them unfairly: and “no performer, no matter how hi" ever got a good review' if Simp felt Ik* didn’t deserve it.” Followed the history of tiic founding of Variety in 1905 and then the turning hack of the pages ♦‘or the impressions of personali- ties. these successively stepping out of a picture frame after tableau. Though most of the kids never saw such stars in the kil- ters’ heyday, Arthur’s memory and directorial acurne* produced satis- factory performances, with Joyce Sulliran. in picture hat and semiin gown, on for a Lillian Russell in her singing of “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland”; Tom Hamilton doing a TIarrv Lauder in “I Love a Las- sie”: Don Gillies in “Smiles” for a Charlie Chaplin: Johnny More- land for a hand-clapping, dancing session as Eddie Cantor in “Susie.” and Len Gibson, colored tapster in top hat, tails and cane, for a Bill Robinson (but no stair dance.) Arthur, in narration, pointed out that Sime, besides covering estab- lished performers, spent a lot of time encouraging kids coming up. and also instituted a department given to New Acts. This intro- duced such young hopefuls as Alan and Blanche Lund, and it W'as in Variety that the Canadian young- sters saw a review of their New' York debut at The Plaza. (For the record, this notice was reallv writ- ten by Editor Abel Green.) Scenes showed a tryout In an agent’s of- fice, and then into appearance at The Plaza for a hallet-tap with lifts to “From This Moment On.” Later, Sime and Arthur did the town with some of the Variety staffers at “The Stage Door.” This brought on Joyce Sullivan as Helen Morgan atop piano for “My Bill’’; and then accompany round- up with Libby Morris singing “Lose That Long Face.” this in a Paris street scene sotting, with dancers on as American tourists, and mixed choir again off camera. Stanza ended with tribute 1o Sime’s complete honesty and the cardinal credo: “If you tell the truth, even the people who don’t like it must respect you.” McStay. cruel Princess gave a first-rate ac- count of herself, as did Mary Kreste in role of abbess. In the smaller parts, Ruth Kobart, Joan Moynagh, Irene Antal and Rose Gerringer all contributed greatly. Much of the credit for the suc- cess of “Angelica” goes to Peter Herman Adler, the musical" and artistic director who also conducted members of Symphony of the Air. Kirk Browning’s direction, parti- cularly in the final scene, was flu- ent. Much of the opera was Jensed in low key, taking advantage of the severely simple nuns’ habits and the convent courtyard scene designed by William Molyneux. “Sister Angelica” may not he Puc- cini’s best work, hid producer Samuel, GhoV.inoff. Adler & Co. gave it all they had. Hilt. SPOTLIGHT With Jimmy Durante, Sonja Henie, Jack Buchanan. Jeannie Carson, Pat Carroll, Paul Andre, Rudy Richards, Charles Sanford Orch Producer-director: Max Liebman Writers: William Friedbcrg, Fred Saldy, Neal Simon. Will Glick- man, William Jacobson 90 Mins.; Sun., 7:30 p.m. REYNOLDS ALUMINUM NBC-TV, from New York (Color) (Clinton Frank > Sunday night’s (5) edition of the NBC specs indicated an attempt to be “terrific” on a smaller scale than that which has prevailed dur- ing the series. Producer Max Liebman is trying to get an inti- mate tone into the proceedings, and seems to be relying more on individual talents than on outsized production numbers. Liebman assigned a compara- tively small cast to carry out this task. The principals were Jimmy Durante, Jack Buchanan, Jeannie Carson and Pat Carroll, with a special insert by Sonja Henie. The net result was mi»d and pleasant with a few explosions by the Schnozzola. The numbers were .selected with taste although the routining at times needed more imagination. For example, Buchanan did an old- time English nuisichall number which was followed by a sequence in which Miss Carson essayed a Harry Lauder medley. Both were in the 'same mood, and a long stretch of this style variety bor- dered dangerously on the monot- onous. Durante picked up the proceed- ings with his occasional appear- ances. llis rambunctious quality thrown against the rather quiet Britons (Buchanan and Miss Car- son) provided excellent contrast, llis work with Miss Carson in a takeoff “Brief Encounter” lifted the level of this inherently tedious sequence. Probably the best of the session was a burlesque of the Apache dances with the bulk of the company beating each other in the manner of the Paris under- world denizens. Rita Dimitri pro- vided a vocal prelude to this num- ber. Both Miss Carson and Buchanan are pleasant and authoritative per- formers. They are fine comedy aides and can handle song and dance work. Bui all that restraint on one show is rather a lot for a 90- minute layout. Miss Carroll through her work on this series so far. seems to he a lost soul. Slotted in secondary situations, she hasn’t been given much, material with which to assert herself. Sonja Henie gawe a good ac- count of herself. Her skating, as always, is strong and commercial. Working from the Brooklyn NBC studios. Miss Henie glided grace- fully around the frappe for fine re- sults. One of the strongest parts of this seouence was the comedy work of Paul Andre. He hit a maximum response with his trick footwork. Another assist was by Rudy Richards who worked with Miss Henie in the finale. Both boys were bicycled in from Toledo three times during the week in or- der to partake in this sequence. They’re appearing in “Holiday on Icc ” At any rate, Liebman seems to be shifting reliance on personali- ties rather than tremendous pro- duction. Whether it will pay off in the long run is difficult to assess at this point. II could be tremendously more exoensivc, as witness 1 he fact that Miss Henie pot $25,000 for her work on this .show*. lose. CIVIC. ELECTION CXMPAIGN With Robin McNeil, others Producer: John Howe 30 Mins., Fri. (3), 7 p.m. Sustaining CBOT. from Ottawa This year, for tin* first time, can- didates for a municipal office got their campaigns on -television, lo- cal Canadian Broadcasting Corp. outlet CBOT turning over a half- hour to candidates for mayor <3) and Board of Control « 7 •. Session was dull and static, only interest being in Ihe first video appearance of w.k. local politicians. Camera work was unimaginative and gab- bers’ preparations were evidently ail hut nil. Except for the present mayoralty incumbent. Dr. Char- lotte Whitlon. who left her script and got off in a fiery ad lib session during her stint, the speakers were dull, and read every word from script, a couple losing their places and stumbling embarrassingly. ' The show was « strong argument against non-professionals occupy- ing gab stanzas on video, except in panels a n d press conferences. Stronger rehearsal preparation and a dry run or two might have upped the pace somewhat, plus more cam- era action. On the other hand, a different format could have bright- ened the Session. Conn. 32 Wednesday, rWemlx*r 8, 1954 RALPH BELLAMY — famous star of stage, screen, an. In 1941 — while hospitalized for eye treatments that failed to restore her sight — “Melody” was first attracted to the radio voice of Miss Stevens and became an avid fan of hers down through the years. “Background.” the NBC-TV “news-in-depth” segment, will devote next Sunday’s (12) show to a study of the John Paton Davies dismissal, thus demonstrating a rare bit of unanimity with its CBS confreres. Big Senate debate between Sen. Herbert H. Lehman (D., N.Y.) and Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R., Wis.) raged a couple of w r eeks ago when Sen. Lehman asked to have the text of a broadcast on the Davies dismissal inserted in the Congressional Record and Sen. McCarthy at first re- fused. then allowed it to be inserted. Broadcast was (hat of CBS Washington news topper Eric Sevareid, who attacked the dismissal. “Background” study, which will include a filmed interview with Davies and his wife, is also expected to shed new light on the ex-diplomat. CBS-TV programming veep Hubbell Robinson Jr., puts up a spirited defense of today's television in the January issue of Esquire. Piece, titled “Television Faces Life — Distilling Hope and Happiness into the Cathode Tube,” hits out at the "damners and deriders” of video and covers the gamut of production, programming, sponsorship aad criti- cism. and concludes with the observation that television has “done pretty well, but obviously, pretty well is not good enough.’’ He ex- presses the belief that the industry has the “resolution” to make American television “a sight to delight the American eye and heart and mind.” Couple of Interesting trade sidelights to the piece. For one thing, Robinson isn’t identified, either in the captions or in the story, as the programs overseer at CBS. For another, he gives due credit for NBC programs, though the larder of listings is slightly weighted toward the CBS side. » Mutual’s Nov. in Seesaw; Essocast Vice Manville, Kraft in for Johnson It’s been a seesaw November for Mutual, with three major clients ankling the radio web and two other big ones signing to come on shortly. It’s understood that the latest pactee Is Esso, to replace Johns-Manville on the 9 p.m. cap- sule strip. Plus losing J-M, Mutual had Johnson Wax slip away on a total of 25 five-minute news pro- grams weekly. However, Kraft, handled by the same agency, Need- ham, Louis & Brorby, has signed to replace the waxery. The only loss that hasn’t been recouped was the $1,250,000 annually that the AFL is shortly moving to ABC. With the Manville loss, com- mentator Bill Henry’s future is in question. It’s said he’s considering retiring from radio and tv entirely, in which case a new voice will have to be inked for the five-minute Essocast. Mutual has added other business in the past several weeks. First National Biscuit inked for “Rin Tin Tin” in a Sabbath half hour. On the religioso side, Billy Graham and “Herald of Healing” were pact- ed as weekly half-hour casings. American Home Products signed for three days of the Gabriel Heat- ter quarter-hour strip. Latter biz replaced some lost a few weeks earlier. Incidentally, Mutual's 14-man af- filiate committee will powow to- morrow iThurs.) and Friday with net execs at Boca Raton. TEXACO STAR THEATRE SATURDAY NIGHT— N.B.C. Mgt.i William Morris Agency TOMMY LYMAN HELD OVER at the Fashionable 5th flVE. HOTEL 24 Fifth Avenu* Special Material by MILT FRANCIS SPECIAL WEEKLY FROM $19.00 TRANSIENT ROOMS ALSO AVAILABLE HOTEL A KNOTT MOTEL Ralph Hamrick, Mgr. • New York City Wednesday, Deeeml»er 8, 1954 award goes to PERRIN-PAUS COMPANY for excellence in production of lire commercials in color PEGGY MURDOCH, lh* Sunbeam Girl, known to millions of TV viewers Advertising Age Eye and Ear Man picks Sunbeam as one of the best live commercials of the year. Written, produced and directed by Elliot Saunders and Tye Robinson of Perrin-Paus Co., New York Offices. Acknowledgment of valued cooperation is given Video Vittles, Mike Case and the entire N.B.C. staff for their specialized contributions. To TV Sponsors interested in more effective commercial treatments and techniques that sell more merchandise, we offer services of a staff who have pioneered in this highly specialized medium. Simply phone PLaza 7-6120 in New York, or RAndolph 6-7923 in Chicago, no obligation. PERRIN-PAUS COMPANY A Complete Advertising Service 730 Fifth Ave., New York 8 So. Michigan Ave, Chicago Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Ratings of 60-minute and 90-minute major nighttime shows as given in the reports of American Re- search Euroau for the Nov. 7-12 period, in half-hour segments, compared with their opposition to show the diffe entials every 30 minutes: SUNDAY SuperCircus Hall Fame ABC v NBC ( 5:00 10.8 \ 12.5 9.4 Backgr’d 4.3 Meet Press 9.8 Pespi Plhse. ABC 7.5 New York Add tv-to-lcgil trend: Robert Schultz has client-optioned lfa«kel Frankel’s “The Perfect Wife." first seen on CBS-TV’s “The Web" in October. 1953. for Broadway pro- duction. Producers will be Her- bert llirschman and Eugene Burr, respective producer and story edi- tor of the ex-Sunday nighter . . . Sue Oakland, exploited in the cur- rent Look mag. is the femme who won the “Junior Jinx” title on WRCA-TV last summer. She’s now Jinx Falkenburg’s Girl Friday, do- ing guesterviews and covering openings . . . Add Alfred Drake as costar with Patrice Munsel for Max Liebman’s Jan. 15 specula. “Naughty Marietta" . . . WCBS-TV publicity chief Bob Fuller spear- headed petition-drive to persuade the N. Y. Central’s West Shore di- vision to continue its choochoos for t he commuting fraternity, of which he's leading Tappan, N.Y. < Hickory Hill > citizen. Campaign has produced numerous Page 1 and other stories . . . James Truex’s "With One Heart and One Mind" teleplay on NBC-TV “Hall of Fame" i5> and Rod Serling’s “Knife in the Dark" adaptation on CBS-TV “Danger" (7*. Leslie Nielsen and Jack Livesy on “Robert Montgomery Presents" Dec. 13 . . . Paul llenreid guests on Steve Allen's “Tonight” Dec. 14 . . . Beverly Whitney into femme lead on tomorrow’s < Thurs.) Kraft production of “The Consul" on ABC . . . Norman Brokenshire guesting on WRCA-TV’s “Senti- mental You” Friday <10) . . . Harry Townes plays the lead on Fridv’s (10) “Big Story" . . . Lee Richard- son and Nina Talbot return to “Omnibus" Sunday G2> for an- other repertory play, "Contrast" . . . George Koudolf of the “U.S. Steel Hour” production staff, speaks at Flora Ilheta Schreiber’s workshop on radio and film writ- ing at New School for Social Re- search tomorrow (Thurs.). Dale Garrick to Alec Alexander agency to head up talent dept. . . . Norman S. Brett in switch from DuMont promotion to the Tootsie Roll account at Moselle & Eisen . . . Imogene Coca, Zsa Zsa and Jolie Gabor did guest stints on Ily Gardner’s WPIX show <5>. Francis Lcderer planed in from the Coast Inst weekend to prepare for his appearance Dee. 14 on the “Elgin Hour" . . . Svea Grunfeld in “The Hunter" this Sunday (12) on NBC-TV . . . ABC-TV’s Jack Gregson. who flew out to Spokane for the funeral of his mother, was back in New York yesterday (Tues.) . . . Alan Haines will appear on “Kraft Theatre" over ABC-TV to- morrow (Thurs.) in “The Consul” . . . Edward Andrews will again appear on “The Robert Montgom- ery Show" in “End Of A Mission’’ Dec. 13. Robert Wright, baritone lead op- posite Irra Petina in the new Broadway musical, “Hit the Trail.” has been siened for a third season by “You Are There," CBS-TV show. Wright handles the com- No DuMont Service Omnibus CBS ♦Alternates with Jack Benny Priv. Sec,* CBS v 29.9 . . . . Tst, Town ( 48.5 t 48.9 GE Thea. . . 22 9 Celeste .. 15.3 * ‘Every Fourth Sunday Rocky King (DuM) 10.3 Life At 80 9.9 Winchell-M. Wright , .11.4 4.7 (9:15). . . Soldier Parade . 6.0 Burns-Alien CBS . . 33.9 A. Godfrey 37.9 y_ Boxing-ABC • • | • u •••••••• No other Network Service Sid Caesar NBC Boxing DuM . . f 3.1 Dec. Bride 28.9 Studio One 1 22.5 I 23.9 Robt. Montgom ery NBC TUESDAY Steve Allen NBC* Red Skelton 17.0 . Halls Ivy 18.4 . Bish. Sheen-DuM 18.7 Studio 57 11.6 •Substitute for Bob Hope Show Chicago George Kapel. ex-manager of KOMU-TV, U. of Missouri edu- cational station in Columbia, has joined Ted Weber’s WGN-TV sal-s stalT . . . Burr Tillstrom's “Kukln. Fran A- Ollie" now riding on 36 ABC-TV stations as a web program service sold locally by the indivi- dual outlets . . . ABC-TV’s “Crea- tive Cookery," meanwhile, added WIXT. Fort Wayne, as its ninth co-op outlet . . . WTTW. Chi’s edu- cational station, signed a three- year lease for studio space in the Museum of Science & Industry . . . “Ding Dong School’s” Dr. Frances Horwich guests Sunday (12* on NBC-TV’s “Zoo Parade” . . . Dick (Two-Ton) Baker recuperating in Arizona for two weeks after being conked with a virus. Kenny Bow- ers and Art Hern are subbing on his daily WBKB “Tip Top Lunch Hour” . . . Latest Electric Assn, survey shows 32.835 tv sets were installed in the Chi area during October, bringing the total to 1.740,205 . . . John Beebe moved over from national spot sales to the WBKB local selling crews. Danger Circle Thea. -NBC ... 13.2 20.2 Life Father Truth-Conseq, ...13.4 22.1 •Alternates with Elgin Hour U. S. Steel ABC* WEDNES DAY Disney- land ABC News-CBS-Perry Como . .. 11.3 19.1 (7:45). A. Godf rey . . 1 30.5 Coke Time-NBC-Camel News 20.2 17.1 (7:45) Married Joan 23.7 Margie StuErwin-ABC 30.5 13.4 Masque Pty-ABC 22.4 Kraft Thea. NBC This Your Life-NBC 38.5 Big Town 18.2 •Ethel Merman in Panama Hattie (every fourth Wednesday) THURS- DAY They Stand Accused DuM GiOueho Marx- NBC 48.9 ... Justice 24 3 ... Dragnet. 44.7 ... McNulty-CBS 16.2 Climax ( 27.5 Handle Care-ABC 3.0 T-Men 12.9 Lead A Band 5.1 Can. Stations Boost Power Ottawa, Dec. 7. Canadian Broadcasting Corp. will boost power on five of its radio stations, all on standard bands. First contract went to Canadian Marconi Co. to up Ottawa’s CBO outlet to 5.000 watts from 1,000. CBN at St. John’s in Newfound- land will go to 10.000 watts, while CBY, Corner Brook. Nfld.; CBI, Sydney, N. S., and CBV, Quebec City, go to 5,000. Ford Thea. 32.1 J . Lux Video** .. \ 23.9 4-Star 26.4 Pub. Def. . . 21.1 ame Tune . . . 112 Kraft Thea. ABC* •One Sunday Afternoon ••Five Star Final FRIDAY Chance Lifetime-DuM 10.9 Lineup-CBS . . 21.2 Person-Person 24.2 . . .. •Runs to conclusion, followed by Greatest Moments in Sports (8.5 at this airing) Gillette i 10:00 Boxing NBC* / 10:30 In filmed commercials , Live TV, Save time and money Be error free. SAT’DAY Jackie Gleason CBS Mick. Rooney-NBC 12.1 . . . . Place Face 13.7 AH IMPORTANT QUESTION TO PERFORMERS ANB WRITERS! (SOW MUSH IS A TOP GAG WORTH? SSa Continued from page 27 Godfrey’s “Friends." but the race is tight. Both shows assume different personalities in segmentation. The November “Best of Broad- way” (Ethel Merman in “Panama I Hattie”) gained a peg midway, while “Big Town," opposing it in the last half, dropped some 20 points as compared to “This Is Your Life,” with which it’s back- to-back — a condition that appears to favor not only the one-a-month Westinghouse series but the reg- ular Pabst bouts (especially if the card has marquee values). The major go as between sports and the more formal show biz com- ponents is between the Gillette bouts on Fridays and Ed Murrow’s ‘Terson to Person.” Some of the rights are over, of course, this side of 10:30, but the Murrow stanza pulls a substantial audience either way (big championship fights might be the exception). (For figures on outsized shows i vs. their competition, s^e pljarjts.) What are you paying far your material? Would you pay $5.00 for that cne top sock gag? You probably would pay a lot more and have paid a lot more! In offering you the PERSONAL GAG FILE OF EDDIE DAVIS we are certain that in over 500 pages chock full o? the select gags of EDDIE DAVIS who for years has written for EDDIE CANTOR. MILTON BERLE, JACKIE GLEASON. JIMMY DURANTE, DANNY THOMAS, MARTHA RAYE, RITZ BROS, and many ethers, you will be able to find at least 10 top gags (we are sure you will find a lot more). If you find 10 top gags, at the price of S5.00 a gag you can see the value of this private gag file that took over 25 years to compile. Get Your Copy Now! A Million Dollars Worth of Comedy Material OVER 500 PAGES ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED AND INDEXED TO COVER EVERY POPULAR SUB- JECT, PRINTED BY MIMEOGRAPH, IN A DELUXE BINDER FOR LASTING STRENGTH AND EASY REFERENCE, PRICED AT ONLY $50.00, including postage. Send check or money order to CAR -CAR ASSOCIATES v j ■ , , , . W W. 4M,y., }<•*, fork, N, Y. Suite »o»-v NEW YORK 300 West 43rd St. Phono: JUdson 2-3800 CHICAGO RAYMOND HAGEN 177 North State St. LOS ANGELES GEORGE KANE 61 SI Santa Monica Blvd. WASHINGTON FRED BARTON * 1346 Connecticut Ave. TORONTO S W. CALDWELL, LTD. 447 Jarvis St. | — And all other Principal Chios In the U.S. | Weilnewlay, Defender ^ 1954 What Cost-Per-Thousand DTa Read? \ielseo did a report on all sponsored radio and tv shows as I ,vt spring. It’d have been an ordinary report but for the com- 1 , v s inclusion of "an unusual twist”: Report compared the stanzas !!f Nielsen subscribers with all other programs. u 'I I, e result? Those shows representing Nielsen agency or adver- tiser subscribers cost less per-thousand listeners or viewers than . n non-Nielsen” programs cost on the same basis. ‘ l in >hort, Nielsen subscribers collectively averaged higher ratings t heir shows than the sum of non-Nielsen program interests. RADIO-TELEVISION 37 NBC’s New Act Hitz, McFadden & Shea; Web’s Veep List Upped to 31 MK' handed out veepee stripes to * three of its veteran execs last veek. bringing up the total num- | H . r of veeps at the web to 31. brass are Edward M. Hitz, central division sales chief; Thom- as B McFadden, spot sales top- per and Hamilton Shea, general manager of WRCA and WRCA-TV, tin* web's flagships in New York. Trio now bear the title "v.p. in charge" of their respective depart- ments. Hitz is the oldest of the trio from point of service, having joined the web in 1928 as a sales- man. since then having operated in Philadelphia. New York and Chicago. McFadden is another 20- vear man. having begun as a Radio Citv guide in 1934. moving up the ranks to the general managership ()1 \VK( A 'then WNBC) in 1946 and KHCA. Los Angeles v«lf» | ly t'uixpcj tf (timing * MMX- t |* ’ ani) tv thorlt. tut-iMtwn; $100 ■ •nth High volt*** hookup. it»*«. but M «i»m,„,. Wrt1f B#i v.10654. Variety, 154 ” 4Mb Street, Nrw Verb 36. N. Y. — » * v t lav ABC-TV Manhandles ‘Care’; ‘Soldier Parade’ to Sub ABC-TV has given the axe to "Handle With Care.” the Bernard Prockter package about postal in- spectors currently occupying the Thursday at 8 spot. Show, to which ABC was committed for 13 weeks but which the web couldn’t get off the sustaining roster, bows out after the Dec. 30 show. Replacing it will be the semi- sustaining “Soldier Parade.” the Arlene Francis starrer which of late has been serving as a utility segment. “Parade” is currently in the Monday at 8 slot, serving as a fill-in between the cancelled “Come Closer” and the "Reader s .Digest” telepix series which starts Jan. 17. "Parade” stays on Mon- days until Jan. 10, Dallas — Michael Bushel], former INSer, takes over nighttime news- i casting cht)W*B at KC7BC, Galveston. 69.3% with S3.890.802 and 65.2' r for the first 10 months with $26,584,163. In radio. ABC continues to show the most comfortable position, its October billings of $2,502,439 be- ing down only 0.63% from last year and its 10-month total of S24.199.694 up by 0.1% over last year. Mutual was the biggest Oc- tober loser, its SI, 570 952 being 28.1% down from last October. CBS’ S4. 131.628 is dow n 24.6% from last year, while its 10-month total of S45.567.675 declined 11.4%. NBC. though showing j only a 21.7% drop in October with S2. 735.080 — less than CBS and Mu- tual decreases — is still the biggest loser in the 10-month returns, its $28. 106.616 representing a 26.3' c drop from the first 10 months of 1953. Total four-networks billings in tv are up 35.2% for the month, to a total of S31.657.772. while the 10- month total of S254.425.834 is even higher, a 41. 9' c increase. In radio, it’s the reverse, with the October | total of S10.940.099 down 20.9% i from last year and the 10-month ; SI 15.015.098 dow n an average of 13.3%. Jan Murray Joins TV’s ‘Comedy Is No Fun’ List As Hosnital Casualty Strain of television comedy, which hospitalized Milton Berle and Red Buttons a couple of weeks ago, has also put Jan Murray in the hands of the medics. Star of "Dollar a Second” collapsed at his home last week <2*. a day before the ABC-TV quizzer was due on the air, and was rushed to a New' York hospital for what the web described as "complete physical ex- haustion.” Bud Collyer subbed for Murray on the show, and there was no in- dication whether Murray would be back in time for this week’s seg- ment. Both Berle and Buttons had indicated before they were hospi- talized that the strain of doing a live show had decided them on switching to film next season. There’s little likelihood, though, that Murray can do the same. Apart from the fact that he doesn’t have a property interest in "Dol- lar” that Berle and Buttons have in their shows, there’s the question of the spontaneity that would be lost by filming the audience partic- ipation quizzer. RCA’s Double Divvy RCA declared an extra dividend of 25c per share as well as a quar- terly dividend of 25c per share on common stock, with both payments ready as of Jan. 24 to holders of record as of Dec. 17. Along with this, it was disclosed that future quarterly dividends will be paid by RCA on April. July, October and January, meaning that payments will be coming a month earlier than before. The RCA board also set a divvy of 7^c per share on the firm's first preferred stock for the period Jan. 1 through March 31, '55. Pay- ments will be made in April to holders of record on March 14. Pittsburgh. Dec. 7. With sale of WDTV here by DuMont to Westinghouse for $9,750,000, insiders expect a mer- ger deal to be consummated any day now between WWSW and WJAS on their application for channel 11. one of the two remain- ' ing V's allotted to Pittsburgh. KDKA and Westinghouse also had' applied for the channel, and of course their acquisition of chan- nel 2 eliminates them from the 11 picture. If the merger goes through, and according to information available it seems likely, Pitt will get an- other V station far in advance of expectations. Before the DuMont- Westinghouse deal, it looked as if WDTV *the call letters are to be changed to KDKA-TV) might be the only operation locally for at least another two years. WWSW is owned by the Post- Gazette. morning daily, and WJAS by H. K. Brennen. A deal for a tv merger would mean that one of those two radio stations would have to be disposed of, and on basis of speculative calculations, it’s figured that the "For Sale” sign will go up on WJAS when and if the two remaining applicants for channel 11 get together. On the DuMont-Westinghouse front, Harold C. Lund will remain as general manager «f KDKA-TV, Chris J. Wittting announced with news of the sale. NTED: OUNT EXECUTIVE We’re a long-established, prosperous advertising agency in New York City, with an important list of clients. A We’re looking for a “hep” TV man with current TV billing. If you fill the bill , we'll make it irresistibly interesting to you financially. Here is an unusual opportunity to increase your Income and work with congenial, competent associates in an agency known for its stability and integrity. Your reply will be held in the strictest confidence. Our staff has seen this ad. Address: BOX 2496 VARIETY 154 West 46th St., New York, N. Y. 38 TV-FILMS Wednesday, December 8, 1934 THRIFTY - ARB City-By-City Syndicated and National Spot Film Chart ; \ r * O fl * ■ ? , 1 , , 4l|jj ! f\ jh; ' , v VARIE1Y*S weekly chfirl of "city -by-city ratings of syndicated and na- tional spot film coders 40 if 60 cities reported by American Research Bureaif , , on a monthly fratlA Cities will be rotated 'Jach wetle, -with the 10 top-rated film shows listed in each case, and their competition shown opposite. All ratings are furnished by ARB , based on the latest reports. This VARIETY chart represents o' gathering of all pertinent informa- tion about film in each market , which can be used by distributors , agencies , stations and clients as an aid in determining the effectiveness of a filmed show in the specific market. Attention should be paid to time — day and * » time factors , since sets-in-use and audience comoositinn vary according to time slot , i.e., a Saturday afternoon children's show , with a low rating , may have a large share and an audience composed largely of children , with cor • responding results for the sponsor aiming at the children's market . Abbre- viations and symbols are as follows: ( Adv .), adventure; (Ch), children's; (Co), comedy; (Dr), drama; (Doc), documentary; ( Mus ), musical; (Myst), mystery; (Q), quiz; (Sp), sports; (W ), western; (Worn), women's. Numbered symbols next to station call letters represent the sta- tion's channel; all channels above 13 are VHF. Those ad agencies listed as distributors rep the national spot sponsor for whom the film is aired . TOP 10 PROGRAMS AND TYPE STATION DISTRIB. DAY AND TIME OCTOBER RATING SHARE (%) SETS IN USB I TOP COMPETING PROGRAM PROGRAM STA. RATING MILWAUKEE Approx. Set Count — 700,000 Stations — WTMJ (4), WOKY (19), WCAN (25) 1. Liberate (Mus) 4. Lone Wolf (Adv) 7. Ellery Queen (Myst) WTMJ Guild Fri 8:00-8:30 40 0 . 67 . . . 59.4 Life of Riley WCAN . . . . . .17.1 WTMJ Official Mon. 9:30-10:00 . . . 30 4 61 ... 50.2 Studio One WCAN . . . . . .14 4 WTMJ . . Flamingo. . . . Sat. 5:30-6:00 ...28.5 88 ... . 32.3 Play Regal WCAN . . . ... 2.1 V/TMJ UTP Sat. 11:00-11:30 . . .26.9 89 30.2 Real Estate Movie WOKY . . ... 1.9 WTMJ MCA . . . . .... Sat. 5:00-5:30 ... . . .26.2 91 ... 29.0 Play Regal WCAN . . ... 1.5 WTMJ Ziv Thurs. 10:30-11:00 .. . . .23.1 84 . . . 27.4 Million Dollar Movie WOKY . . ... 3.5 V/TMJ . . TPA Fri. 10:30-11:00 . . .21.5 74. .. . 29.0 Million Dollar Movie WOKY .. . . . . 5.2 WTMJ . ABC Wed. 10:30-11:00 .... . . .21.2 75 ... . 28.5 Million Dollar Movie WOKY .. WCAN Ziv Sat. 6:00-6:30 . . . 14.2 48 . . . 29 8 Weather, Sorts Picture, News WTMJ . . . . . .13 2 WTMJ . . . Flamingo. . . . Sat. 12:00-12:30 .... .. .12.5 94 . . . 133 Magic Lantern WCAN . . . ALBANY-SCHEN’T’Y-TROY Approx. Set Count — 310,000 Stations— W RGB (6), WTRI (35), WROW (41) 1. Favorite Story (Dr) WRGB . Ziv 3. Superman (Adv) WRGB Flamingo 4. Kitran’s Kaleidoscope (Misc) . WRGB ABC 5. City Detective (Myst) WRGB MCA 6. Invitation Playhouse (Dr) WRGB Tee Vee 7. Foreign Intrigue (Dr) WRGB Sheldon-Reynolds 8. Sports Spotlight (Spts) WRGB MCA •8. Greatest Drama (Doc) WRGB General Teleradio 10. Crown Theatre (Dr) WTRI CBS 10. Amos 'n' Andy (Com) WTRI CBS . . Wed. 8:30-9:00 Thurs. 7:00-7:30 . . . 43.1 39.5 .. 83 . . 93 ... 52.3 . . . 42.6 Wed. 7:00-7:30 .. 91 . . . 39.6 Sun. 7:15-7:30 : 30.6 . . 85 ... 36.7 Tues. 10:30-11:00 .. 30.0 . . 84 . . . 35.7 Tues. 7:30-7:45 23.3 . . 89 . . . 26.2 Sun. 1:00-1:30 22.8 . . 100 . . . 22.8 Sun. 6:45-7:00 17.2 . . 74 . . . 23.4 Mon. 7:30-7:45 17.2 . . 70 . . . 24.5 Mon. 8:30-9:00 .... 10.0 . . 20 ... 50.3 Mon. 9:00-9:30 10.0 .. 19 ... 53.4 Ringside With Rasslers WTRI 6.1 Curtain w Time WTRI 1.7 Kukla, Fran. Ollie WROW 2.2 News— John Daly WROW 1.7 The Ruggles WTRI 4.4 Stop the Music WROW 3.6 CBS News— D. Edwards WTRI 1.7 Sunday Star Theatre. WTRI 5 0 Name’s the Same WROW 5.0 Voice of Firestone WRGB 40.0 Mama WRGB 41 j MEMPHIS Approx. Set Count — 285,000 Stations — WMCT (5), WHBQ (13) 1. Favorite Story (Dr) . WMCT. . . Ziv Wed. 7:30-8:00 . . .40.6 ... 67 . .. 60 6 2. Cisco Kid (W) . : WMCT. . Ziv Wed. 7:00-7:30 . . .39.7 ... 66 . . . 60.0 3. Racket Squad (Adv) . WMCT . . . ABC Tues 8:30-9:00 . . .30.9 ... 59 . . . 52.0 4. Mr. District Attorney (Myst) . WMCT. . . . . . Ziv Wed. 9:30-10:00 .... . . .29.5 ... 59 ... 50.1 5. City Detective (Myst) ..WMCT. . . MCA Sat. 10:00-10:30 .... ...26 3 ... 64 ... 41.2 6 . Ramar of the Jungle (W). . . . . WHBQ . . TPA Sat. 6:00-6:30 . . .24.9 ... 62 ... 40.0 7. Liberace (Mus) .WHBQ. .. Guild Mon. 8:30-9:00 .. .23.7 ... 37 ... 64.6 8 . The Falcon (Adv) . WMCT. . . NBC Tues. 9:30-10.00 . . .22.9 ... 56 ... 41.2 9. Inner Sanctum (Myst) ..WHBQ... NBC Wed. 8:00-8:30 . . .22.3 ... 37 ... 60.6 10. Hopalong Cassidy (W) . . WMCT. . . NBC ... .21.7 ... 72 . . . 30.0 Godfrey & Friends Godfrey & Friends U.S. Steel Hour Blue Ribbon Bouts Bouts, Do You Know W'hy. Wrestling Meet Corliss Archer Robt. Montgomery Presents. Make Room for Daddy Kraft TV Theatre j. Omnibus WHBQ 20.0 WHBQ 20.3 WHBQ 21.1 WHBQ 26.3 WHBQ 14 9 WHBQ 14 8 WMCT 15.1 WMCT 40.8 WHBQ 18.3 WMCT 38 3 WHBQ 8 3 SAN DIEGO, CAL. Approx. Set Count — 250,000 Stations— KmT (2) ’ KRCA < 4 >* KTLA < 5 >* ouuiuns XEXV (6) KFMB (8) KpsD (1Q) i. mr, uisinci Attorney uuys w . .vr. i v .... • • • • i *0 ••••••••• . ... 04.1 reopie in me iNews Local Newsreel KFMB . . . ....KFMB ... 17.6 12.7 2. Superman (Adv) . . . KPMB Mon. 7:00-7:30 . . .22 9 40 ... 57.7 Studio One . . . . KNXT ... ....13,7 3. Ramar of the Jungle (W). . . XETV .... TPA . . . 21.8 35 ... 61.9 Liberace KFMB ... 20.2 4. Liberace (Mus) . ..KFMB . . . . Guild . . .20.3 33 ... 61.9 Ramar of the Jungle. . . . . . . . XETU ... 21.8 5. Waterfront (Adv) . . . KFSD UTP Fri. 8:30-9:00 . . .15.1 21 ... 71.5 Topper KFMR 24 9 6. Wild Bill Hlckok (W) . . KFMB Tues. 8:00-8:30 .. .14.1 21 ... 66 8 Red Skelton KNXT . . . • . . . •• . 9 17.1 7. Cisco Kid (W) KFMB Ziv Tues. 7:00-7:30 . . .13.5 25 ... 53 5 Life With Father KNXT 117 7. Amos ’n* Andy (Com) . . . KFMB CBS . . .13.5 21 ... 64.5 Cavalcade of Sports ... • • • • 1\11 A • • • . . . . KFSD . . . • • • .11.1 18 0 8. Favorite Story (Dr) . . .KFMB Fri. 9:00-9:30 . . .11.7 18 . . . 66.9 Big Story KFSD . . . 17 6 9. Honalonr Cassldv (W) . . XETV NBC Fri. 7:00-7:30 . . .11.5 18 fill rtf Qnrtrtc tr vert it n PORTLAND, ORE. Approx. Set Count — 180,000 Stations — KOIN (6), KPTV (27) Mon. 8:30-9:00 41 4 0 0 0 • • * • 0 0 • 0 0000 74.. Thurs. 8:30-9:00 . . . . .... 37.6 58 . . Tues. 8:00-8:30 ... 37 4 58.. Mon. 7:00-7:30 35.7 64.. Tues. 9:00-9:30 • 00* 33*3 000000*00 63.. 55.9 Thurs. 7:00-7:30 30 8 62. . Wed. 10:30-11:00 30.2 85 . . Tues. 7:00-7:30 30 2 52. . Tues. 7:00-7:30 27.6 48. . Thurs. 6:00-7:00 .... 24.9 67 . . 0 # 0 0 0 0 « 37 #0 —170,000 Stations - Thurs. 8:30-9:00 . . . .... 24.7 38.. . Wed. 7:00-7:30 . . . .22.4 63. . as 5 . Sun. 8:00-8:30 • 0 • 20.4 00*00*«, a 29.. Mon. 8:30-9:00 .... t * 0 . 18.9 0000 00000 28. . .Sun. 8:30-9:00 .... 17.8 27.. .Wed. 9:30-10:00 .... .... 16.0 24.. Sat. 9:30-10:00 16.0 27.. # 0 0 # 0 0 0 56.4 .Tues. 8:30-9:00 1' ** 24 . 62 6 .Sun. 6:30-700 0*0* .14.3 00000*00 38. .Tues. 9:00-9:30 .... 0 0 0 * 0*0000000 20.. 1. 2 . 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7. 9. 10 . Favorite Story (Dr) KOIN. Waterfront (Adv) KPTV Amos V Andy (Com) KOIN. Badge 714 (Myst) KPTV I Led Three Lives (Dr) KOIN City Detective (Myst) KPTV CBS Range Rider (W) KOIN Liberace Ho pa long (Mus) Cassidy CBS KPTV Guild. Monochrome Theatre KPTV 14 7 Climax KOIN Milton Berle KPTV Studio One KOIN D. Fairbanks Presents KPTV Cisco Kid KOIN Oregon Football KOIN 7.3 .27.5 .26.7 .20.2 .20.6 .19 2 Political KOIN Liberace KPTV Range Rider KOIN Art Llnkletter KOIN Jane Froman KOIN . 3 3 .27.6 .30.2 10.6 .13.5 HARRISBURG WHUM (61), WTPA (71) 1. Foreign Intrigue (Adv) 2. Liberace (Mus) WGAL Guild 3. 4. 5. 6 . 6 . 8 . ». 10 . Amos V Andy (Com) WHIP CBS Janet Dean (Dr) WHP MPTV Crown Theatre (Dr) WHP CBS Mr. District Attorney (Adv)... WTPA Ziv Waterfront (Adv) WHIP UTP Favorite Story (Dr) WTPA Ziv Death Valley Days (W’) WGAL McCann-Ericlcson . Meet Corliss Archer (Com) . . WTPA Ziv Climax WHP 24 9 Kukla, Fran, Ollie WTPA 5.3 News — John Daly WTPA 4.9 Comedy Hour — Milton Berle. WGAL 24 6 Godfrey's Talent Scouts WGAL 35.8 Comedy Hour WGAL 26.2 Kraft TV Theatre WGAL 25.1 Texaco Star Theatre WGAL 22.4 Milton Berle WGAL 34.9 You Are There WHP 11.5 Fireside Theatre WGAL 31.1 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 TV-FILMS 39 TAKING THE KIDS OUT OF KIDPIX •f Onward & Upward With ‘Vidpix Webs’ Consummation of the deal whereby Westinghouse acquires WDTV in Pittsburgh from DuMont, may have the effect of bringing the outlet into the Guild Films-Vitapix vidpix network lineup. That was one of the prime topics oi discussion a couple of weeks ago between Guild prexy Reub Kaufman and DuMont topper Ted Bcrgmann, but no conclusions were reached at those huddles. However, Westinghouse is one of the avid Vitapix members, with Westinghouse v.p. Joseph Baudino also Vitapix’s v.p. Group’s WBZ-TV in Boston is a Vitapix outlet and so is WPTZ in Phila- delphia. Also, with the WDTV negotiations out of the way. DuMont will be in a better position to dicker a deal for WABD in New York and WTTG in Washington to join the Vitapix lineup. Chances of this happening are also increased since the Pittsburgh sale undoubtedly will reduce the selling power of the DuMont network, thereby leaving the two stations more friendly to overtures of a film net affiliation. Republic Puts 27 Features, Produced For $20,080,000, Into Video Release Hollywood, Dec. 7. ♦ Republic’s “Diamond Group,” a block of 27 of the highest-budgeted films ever turned out by the valley studio, will be released to tele- vision next year. They represent a production outlay of more than $ 20 , 000 , 000 . Pix, all made betw’een 1940 and 1948. carried budgets ranging from SOOO.OOO to $1,250,000. Earl Col- lins, prexy of Rep’s tv subsid, Hol- lywood Television Service, will liandle sales after the first of the year and hopes to peddle them on a regional basis. Only one of the 27 pictures is not in the Diamond group. “Bill and Coo.” bird picture made by Ken Murray at a cost of $475,000. was originally sold as a “sparkler.” Most of the studio’s top product included in the block buy have had reissues. Among stars appearing in the pictures to be sold to tv are Susan Hayward, Alan Ladd, Vera Ral- ston, Eve Arden, Dennis Day, Joe E. Brown, Judy Canova, Eddie Al- bert, Mona Freeman, James Dunne, Richard Arlen, Edward Everett Horton, Tito Guizar, Vir- ginia Bruce, Victor McLaglen. Ann Jeffreys and Freddy Martin. Among the pictures they appear in are “Change of Heart” (former- ly “Hit Parade”), “Brazil.” “In Old Wyoming,” “Earl Carroll Sketch Book,” "In Old Sacramen- to” and “Rendezvous With Annie.” Rep’s old releases have been shown on 275 tv stations. CBS’ Loud Blow On 'Whistler Coin CBS Television Film Sales this week landed three key regional deals on “The Whistler” that projects the series into 11 new- major markets. Deals were set with Hamm Brewing Co.., House- hold Finance Corp. and Block Drugs, the latter directly with the firm. Hamm bought the series in Den- ver, Salt Lake City and Albu- querque. HFC picked it up in Kansas City, Milwaukee, Detroit and Cleveland. Block Drug deal (firm has assigned the Grey agency to the account, incidentally) is for Cincinnati, San Diego, Syracuse and Providence. Meanwhile, the initial pactees for the show. Standard Oil of Cali- fornia and Lipton’s Tea, have set their alternate week sponsorship of the segment in seven Coast markets. Series goes into Los An- geles. Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Fresno and Bakersfield. Guild’s 10c Divvy Guild Films this week declared a 10c dividend on its common >hares. Divvy is payable Jan. 3 to stockholders of record as of Dec. 20 . It’s the first such dividend Guild has paid, coming only little more than two months after Guild be- came a public corporation by float- ing its 250, 000-share over-the- counter issue. NELS0N-C0HAN A DUO ON SANDRA VIDPIX CO. Jimipy Nelson and his personal manager, Louis W. Cohan, have formed Sandra TV Film Produc- ! tions to lens a new variety series J starring the ventriloquist. Series will be titled "Jimmy Nelson Show” and will go into production in New York in January. Studio , hasn't been set yet. Series will first be offered for national sale, then for syndication if no national deal pans, with syn- dication to be through an estab- lished distrib. Cohan is prez of and Nelson v.p. of Sandra's Ventrilo- quist’s ABC-TV panel show, “Come i Closer,” goes off next Monday (13). 'Authors Playh’se’ Nabs 4 CBS Rides “Authors Playhouse,” the Brew- ster Morgan-Eugene Solow’ tele- film series based on works of American writers, will get a tem- porary network showcasing via CBS-TV starting this weekend. Web has signed for four of the films as an interim replacement for “Honestly Celeste" in Bristol- Myers’ Sunday at 9:30 slot. “Playhouse” sale, incidentally, is a tipoff to the fact that the merger between Music Corp. of America and United Television Programs has been firmed even though papers haven’t actually been* signed. Sale to CBS-TV was made by MCA, but the property, which is shooting on the Gross-Krasne California Studios lot, has been repped up till now by UTP. Lat- ter has been showing it to agen- cies for a national sale, and has also been mulling syndication. Fact that representation on the series was turned over to MCA is the first substantial indication that the merger deal has gone through. First of the group of four, which starts Sunday (12), is “Leave It to Hannah,” with Ethel Waters star- ring. ‘China Smith’ Now Off SAG’s ‘Unfair’ List Hollywood, Dec. 7. Following agreement reached re r garding rerun coin due actois who worked in the first batch of "China Smith” telefilms. Screen Actors Guild has removed pro- ducer Bernard Tabakin and his "Smith” series from its “unfair” list. Consequently, actors were notified they are now free to work for Tabakin. Meanwhile, the Guild placed Coleman Motion Pictures and Reynolds & How-e Film Associates of Cleveland on its “unfair list and removed a Cleveland ad agency. Griswold-Eshleman Co., from the list after it signed a Guild pact. By BOB CHANDLER Telefilm syndicators and produc- ers are coming to the realization that there’s a strong untapped adult audience in the early eve- ning hours, a time period tradi- tionally blocked out for the juve- nile audience. With prime evening hours becoming increasingly diffi- cult to clear in the major markets, distribs are now pitching that 6 o’clock exposure for shows they previously considered "adult only,” and they’re convincing sponsors and agencies who in the past wouldn't venture into pre-7:30 time that there’s an audience of adults to be had at dinnertime. Meanwhile, the shift to early evening, necessitated by the night- time clearance problem, has cued some new thinking on the part of producers. If their “adult” series are to be sold in early evening time, some drastic budget revamp- ing is necessary because of the lower price range. While telepix syndicators have no pat formula for market-by-market pricing of their product and there’s no direct ratio between price and station rates, the fact that a series is sold for Class B or Class C time does bring the price down. Producers of high-budgeted kidshows have found this to be true, much to their sorrow when they started re- estimating their market break-even point. Trend to early evening will activate new production analysis on how to .reduce costs on the shows. Syndicators, though in the past pitching the early evening hours for westerns and other juvenile product, have long suspected the presence of an actual viewing adult audience but hadn’t researched it to the point where they could ac- tually make a pitch on the basis of audience composition. Now’, how- ever, CBS Television Film Sales, along with other distribs, have col- lated rating and composition stud- ies and find, for example, that the 6 to 7 p.m. weeknight audience consists of more adults than chil- dren, while the weekend audience for the same period is even greater in proportion of adults. Breakdown CBS study, taken from Tele- Pulse ratings for the period cover- ing January to June this year, show that the weeknight audience for 6-7 p.m. in multiple station markets consists of 26.8% men, 29.1% women, 9.7% teens and 34.4% children. Totals come to 55.9% adults as compared with 44.1% children. In one- and tw’o- station markets, the composition is 27.7% men, 28.6% women, 9.8% teens and 33.9% children, which totals to 56.3% adults compared with 43.7% teens and children. Weekend figures for multiple sta- tion markets are 30.4% men, 34.0% women, 9.2% teens and 26.4% children, or totals of 64.4% adults and 35.6% teens and chil- dren. In one- and tw’o-station mar- kets, it’s 31.5% men, 35.6% wom- en, 8.5% teens and 24.4%„ chil-_ dren, totalling to 67.1% adults and 32.9% teens and children. Same TelePulse period also shows sets-in-use during the 6-7 hours at levels from 25% to 35%, as compared with 35% to 60% from the 8 to 10 period. While this sets-in-use comparison would make the early evening circulation suffer by comparison with the prime eve- ning hours, the lower Class B and C ratecard in terms of time costs along with program price would compensate in terms of cost-per- thousand viewers. And with the disclosures on audience composi- tion in those hours, it’s likely that more and more advertisers will take advantage of them. Schenectady — Earle Jerris, form- er member of the Charlie Spivak and Art Mooney bands, began a half-hour song and piano program 1 on WRGB-TV here Monday (6>. Jerris, who has also toured night ! clubs as a single, is telecasting : thrice weekly. He joined the WRGB and WGY announcing staffs | last June. Coast Vidpix Production So Busy, Have to Use Holidays for Shooting Katz to Guild Films Aaron Katz Is exiting Ted Ash- ley Associates, where he’s been active in the financing phase of %• and film production, to join Guild Films as treasurer. Katz moves in later this week, taking over the financial end of the Guild opera- tion, with John Mahon, who’s been controller for several months, mov- ing into second-in-command. Up to now, Jane Kaye, wife of prexy Reub Kaufman, has been acting as treasurer of the corpora- tion. With the firm’s expansion and its tie-in with Vitapix, how- ever, it was felt necessary to have a specialist in the post. Brisson to Sing For 'Supper Pix Carl Brisson this week signed a five-year, $1,000,000 deal for a vid- pix series to be produced by North American Television Productions. Skein will go into production next month for release in the spring. Show will employ a musical for- mat with a supper club back- ground. Guest artists will be used in the half-hour films, along with fashion features and interviews. Filming will be done initially in black-and-white, but North Amer- ican prexy E. M. Glucksman said that color pilot films would be shot with the aim of going into tint as soon as it’s ready. Series will be shot at company’s New York stu- dios. While North American will pro- duce, it hasn’t yet been decided whether the firm will also dis- tribute. NA’s other productions include “Tenth of a Nation” and “American Newsreel,” and while active in production, it’s turned its properties over to distrib compa- nies for sale. Singer-personality Brisson had been talking a deal with Guild FilnW before signing with North American, and while it’s not known whether any dis- cussions have taken place since, it's conceivable tfeat Guild might take the property over for distri- bution. Vidpix Chatter New York Calvin Co. of Kansas City has produced a 20-minute color film on highway safety for the Caterpillar Tractor Co., available to tv stations on a public service basis via local Caterpillar dealers ... J. Milton Salzburg's Award Productions lo- cationed in Houston last week shooting additional episodes in color of the Jimmy Demaret show, quarter-hour golf - and - celebrities series . . . George A. Ottins, previ- ■misly supervisor of tv spots at I Transfilm, upped to manager of the |N.Y. production outfit’s animation j department . . . CBS Television’s film service dept, moved from its W. 54th St. site into web’s 57th St. Production Center. . Frank Baxter inked by Fuller & Smith & Ross for Alcoa’s “See It Now” commer- cial .. .Official Films v.p. Herman Rush back at homeoffice after four-week sales and supervisory jaunt. . .Betty White in from Coast last week for huddles with Guild Films prexy Reub Kaufman and program chief Larry Menkin on future formats on her “Life With Elizabeth” series . . . Construction got underway last week on NBC’s new film exchange in Englewood Cliffs, N. J. Harry S. Goodman inked Ten- ney-King Productions of Denver as Rocky Mountain sales rep. largely to handle line of part stock, part i “made to order” film commercials ..Thetis, Italo telefilmery, was launched with strictly Italian funds, equalling about $400,000 in American coin . Richard H. Rog- ers to Sterling sales, covering [southeast. Hollywood, Dec. 7. Usual year-end slump in theatri- cal film production will be offset this month by steady, continued telefilm production, with employ- ment expected to remain high dur- ing the Christmas holidays as a result. Most of the telefilmeries are planning to shoot straight through ^ the holiday season, taking only a couple of days off for Christmas and New Year’s. This is' in sharp contrast with the past pix pattern of slowing down for three weeks or more during the holiday season. At the Hal Roach Studios, for ex- ample, there’s a full tv sked straight through this month, with the lot near capacity, and employ- ment at a peak. A survey reveals pretty much the same story holds true at other vidfllmeries, such as Motion Picture Centre, American National Studios, General Service • and California studios. As an example of the current situation, highest employment in its history has been chalked up by IATSE film editors Local 776. with 92% of its 1,200 members working, business agent John Lehners said. Lehners estimated that 50% of cutters now employed are with the major filmeries; 40% in tele- film companies, and 10% w’ith in- dies. He stressed that vidpix have hypoed the union’s employment situation considerably, and said the overall scene looks very good. “As fast as a man finishes a pic- ture, he goes right to work on an- other assignment,” he added. IA Local 44, propmen’s union, had a 100% employment figure a few weeks ago, but a temporary **-, j lull in pix production has cut that to 85%, according to B. C. (“Cap- py”) DuVal, business agent. Union has 2.800 members. Makeup Local 706 business agent Fred Phillips reports all the 370 makeup members were employed three weeks ago, but since Nov. 22 the percentage is down to about 83%. Generally, makeup union employment is the best it’s been since the lush war years, with the work evenly divided between pix and telepix, says Phillips. Dig ’Em in Rome For Archeo Pix New’ series based on archeologi- cal discoveries is being produced by the newly-formed Uca Produc- tions, firm headed by Dr. Paul Ilton, who’s a digger and a film consultant as well as a lecturer and author. Dr. Ilton’s already shot two half-hours, has scripts on eight more and synopses on the remain- ing 29. He’s currently dickering a distribution deal on the series, which is titled “It Came to Pass.” First two pix, shot in Rome, are “The Reflection,” a murder story set in Egypt 6,000 years ago which traces the origin of cosmetics, and “The Inquiry.” a story on gambling in the Roman Empire in 30 A. D. and the first “Kefauver” commit- tee. Films, shot on location in Rome, star John Sostini, an American actor there. Westbrook Van Voorhees narrates the pix. Dr. Ilton, who while in Rome wound the scriping of Titanus Studios’ production of “Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah” (tentatively slated for United Artists release here), said production on the series would resume in January in New York. Ginsburg’s Ad-Sales Post at Studio Films Norman S. Ginsburg. who exited DuMont and WABD, N. Y., a few weeks ago after a couple of years as advertising-promotion chief at the web. has joined Studio Films as director of advertising and sales promotion. Studio’s current cata- log consists of the three-minute musical telescriptions and the up- coming all-Negro musical series. 40 TV-FILMS Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Screen Gems on Comm’l Tint Spurt; Sets Agency Units, Mulls Canada Setup Screen Gems, whose commer-^ rials activity has been steadily on the upbeat, is currently on a color blurb kick, with eight tinted spots in the works Hong with two in- dustrial color films. Mass of the commercial work is for film manu- facturers, with five 90-second spots in production for Eastman Kodak for use in its “Norbv” tint series, and two more in production for the competitive Ansco. On the industrial front, the Co- lumbia Pictures telefilm subsid is turning out a quarter-hour pic, tracing the his'ory of color tv, for RCA. which will use it on televi- sion and in non-theatrical release, ^ther industrial is a 30-minute job on growth of tobaceo and cigaret Ivy’ Story Pairing Set For Consec Playdates Hollywood, Dec. 7. “The Halls of Ivy” producer Wil- liam Frye is tying together a pair of “Ivy” telepix storywise, to be shown on consecutive playdates. First of the two rolled last week at Motion Picture Centre, with Ronald and Benita Colman star- j ring. William Cameron Menzies George Shu perl (Pritidnnt of ABC Syndication) hat tom* latorostinq viowt oa The Path of Syndicated Film * * * an intornstinq oditorial foatur* In th« upcoming 49th Annivenary Number of VARIETY OUT SOON From the Production Centres Continued from page 2t CBS-TV ‘Morning’ Course The Jack Paar - ringmastered ring. William Cameron menzies : _ . n > n * r megging the first, and Norman Z. I fjjr S fOUF lOF MacLeod the second. “Faculty Follies” is name of the yarn. Frank Jenks, Arthur Q. Bryan. Herbert Butterfield, Mary manufacture for Lucky S'rike. SG > wickes, Paul Smith. Rex Evans and : "Morning Show” on CBS-TV has i*. also turning out a one-minute Frctl Grimes round out cast of | lurec j a quartet of new bankrolled, tinted spot for Luckies featuring "Follies.” which concerns a fund- ; , n . d f .. three Dar _ Dorothy Collins. 1 rais i n g affair sponsored by faculty. 1 Rexa " Drug 18 d ?" n f0, J hr f ? , Meanwhile, firm has laid out a . plan for what it calls “personal- _ . T ized” service for agency accounts | ‘Arch lipon 10 Large and is also engaged in setting up a Canadian commercial production subsid in association with Canadian interests. Ralph Cohn, v.p.-general manager, along with Ben Beren Pix Product Audience Chicago. Dec. 7. Strong argument that there's still a huge audience for fresh feature berg, eastern exec producer, and I fi i m pro duct was registered last M. Peter Keane, technical director, are in Montreal this w r eek laying out the details on 'such a Canadian setup, while sales v.p. John Mitch- ell is in Toronto conferring with CBC officials on the project. Firm’s program series are dis- sipations on full web starting Feb. 15. (Order takes in “Pano- rama Pacific,” Coast version of program.) Eastco, for Clearasil, inked two-a-week starting last Thursday (2>. Campbell Cereal is in for a weekly alternating pair on midwest portion, over a seven-week span. Western Union is also down t ribbed in Canada, and its deemed Q enera i Teleradio distributed Bank desirable to have a commercial month on WGN-TV’s Sunday night showcasing of “Arch of Triumph Charles Boyer-Ingrid Bergman f 0 r two and includes “Panorama,” starrer score a 34.6 ARB tally to j ^ 23-24 lead the pack of -locally-sponsored v ' ' , , . ... entries 1 I It was reported last week that Arch" is one of the bundle of j ‘he commercial screening wing of one of the web’s owned-and- production service there as well. “Personalized” service involves the assignment of one producer to each agency using the firm for commercials. Berenberg will head up the unit producing for BBD&O. while Sonny Chalif will boss the Kenyon & Eckhardt unit. Two new producers have joined the firm in connection with the ex- pansion involved, with Ben Blake and Lee Goodman added, the lat- t . as an associate producer on the BBD&O unit. James Kelly has been added to the commercials sales staff. of America pix. being underwritten on WGN-TV by car dealer Jim Moran. Roland Reed’s N. Y. Arm Sets Howard as Head Roland Reed Productions has ac- quired a New York office, with Hampton W. (Hamp) Howard re- signing as Gotham rep for Gross- Krasne Productions to head the new setup. Howard will concen- trate on sales of commercials and industrial pix (of which the Reed unit has produced some 600 in the past). He’s also exploring possi- bility of setting up an eastern production unit for commercials and the public relations films. Pro- gram representation will stay status quo. with a number of out- fits handling sales of the Reed properties. Howard joined Gross - Krasne about a year ago after several years as head of his own firm, Spe- cial Purpose Films. Prior to that, he was officer in charge of the Army's Overseas Motion Picture Service. Before the war, he was a publicist for Paramount. It’s not known whether Gross- Krasne will replace Howard in N. Y., in view' of the takeover of its United Television Programs by Music Corp of America and the corollary production deals in- volved. Libby-McNeill’s 30 Pix General Teleradio pacted with j Libby, McNeill & Libby for sole sponsorship of the 30 features in ! the Bank of America package in all Canadian markets. It’s the first time in tv history that any spon- sor has bought sole identification with feature films, and it’s under- stood GT is seeking to bind similar deals on a regional basis within the U. S. Libby already has picked up air time in 14 Canadian markets, with operated stations had tentatively nixed the Eastco Clearsil order. Product is a skin ailment “van- isher.” Question may arise as to the practical meaning of owned-&- operated autonomy in the case of a “not acceptable” commercial. New Telepix Shows THE WHISTLER With Howard Duff, Martha Vick- ers, others [Producer: Joel Malone Director: William H. Claxton Writers: Malone, Adrian Gendot, others 39 half-hours time expected on the several other Distrib: CBS-TV Film Sales stations in due course. Penchant of syndicators for who- dunits has resulted in an oversup- ply of the crime shows in that mar- ket, along with a tendency of each show to resemble the next. It’s be- come a sort of stereotype, with the McDonald to Direct 26 Hollywood, Dec. 7. Frank McDonald has inked a 'station filmbuyer or the agency tv deal with Italian Films Export to director now able to blindfold him- direct 26 “The Three Musketeers” | self, reach into the grabbag and vidfilms in Rome, with production ; up one as equally sat- due to begin in mid-January. ^factory as the next. One can t pin _ “ .... the blame on the syndicators too Jeffrey Stone stars in the series, ! much since the thriller-diller has . j - l_ l _ _ r» . . i l , ■ I * . produced by Ralph Serbe, and to be distributed by Official Films, Mc- been a radio-tv staple, but the ex- isting situation is still one of their Donald, who is winding his pact own making with William F. Broidy, leaves j C BS Television Film Sales has a Dec. 18 for N. Y. and Rome to couple of advantages over the rest prep the telefilms. Deal was set | 0 f the field in “The Whistler.” Sc- by Norman Brokaw of the William j ries has a long track record as a Morris agency. Pacey to Sonnenberg Jack Pacey former publicity and Telepix Followup PEPSI-COLA PLAYHOUSE (Desert Reckoning) Retribution is an old-saw theme. i radio property, for one thing. For another, CBS has extracted the best of the long string of radio scripts for conversion into tele. And finally, it’s being produced as a medium-budgeter, which allows Film Sales to price it a notch be- low the average. As result. Film Sales should do Iivviiuuuuu in tin Uiu-auw uivun., , - . . _ , . . . , but here it's been developed well | ^ allly , 1 lhe through to give the viewer a fair ] a j reac *y has been J; h f, ^oast shake for his dialing. Paul Landres’ ^ ,a , Lip t°n^ Tea. Combmation ^ of direction builds the Fenton W., go °^ scripts, better-than-avei age Earnshaw-Sid Swirsky teleplay to] production values attained with a a logical climax, and the three pro-i» ar ge proportion of loca ion shoot tagonists give meaning to their t in 8- and the use of medium names ro f es b ** as stars should project the series Action unravels when a plane, en ‘ as a " acceptable mystery vehicle route to the States from Mexico, j lo t cal stations ^ and ^sponsor^ develops engine trouble and sets , "i., UC*ViUi>5 t'liKUlC 1IUUW1C UIIU SUS _ ... ... T_„| »,T .. down in the desert In the Diane : sensitive areas— producer Joel Ma- uown in me aesen. in inc piane | . . /-rc . nainct^kinuiv for Television Bureau of Advertis- ing on a temporary basis, with pos- sibility of bringing that account into the house. ; network. for year around farm safety promotion ... Jim McGovern, former WDGY radio news director and announcer, and recently with KGTV, Des Moines, and WISN, Milwaukee, named news director of KEYD tv and radio here . . . Minneapolis Ad Club to have Bob DeHaven, WCCO personality, at mike for Christmas party for 10th consecutive year He’ll also emcee U.S. Veterans’ hospital Xmas party and com- mentate Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet” for Minneapolis and Duluth Symphony orchestras for second straight year . . . Jeanne Arland Peter- son, WCCO thrush, visited by stork. It was a girl. Dad is Willie Peter- son, WCCO pianist . . . Matthew J. Culligan, NBC-TV national sales manager, addressed Minneapolis Sales Executives Club’s Midwest Con- ference here. At same meeting Sylvester C. (Pat) Weaver, NBC presi- dent, was seen and heard over closed circuit tv from New York. Both painted a glowing picture of tv’s increasing advertising potential. fiV BOSTON . . . John McNulty, Northeastern Airlines flight superintendent killed in crash at Berlin, N.H. last week, formerly handled a deejay show at indie WJDA . . . Richard F. Hartnett, ex-sales rep for Eastern Airlines, has joined the WEEI sales staff . . . Ben Gross, New York News radio editor, was slated as guest speaker at joint meeting of the Radio-TV- Advertising Execs Club and Advertising Club at the Hotel Statler yesterday (Tues.) , . . Joe Tobin has ankled the sales staff of WCOP and plans to enter the tv field. Tobin and his wife. Eileen. Bell, con- ducted a husband-and-wife chatter show over WCOP for several months . . . Francis W. Hatch, BBD&O veepee, has been named chairman of next year’s Greater Boston Red Feather Campaign. IN PITTSBURGH . . . pulls a gun on his partner, dc- _ „ .. manding the payment check, but sors among the audience. the other, tipped off by femme not Segment caught, “Letters from to trust the pilot, has taken the j Aaron Burr,” stars Howard Duff as rotor out of the engine, which an ex-con who stumbles onto a Pacey left ABC in the web’s makes the takeoff impossible. Vio- racket involving the sale of forged mass personnel lop off in Septem- lent conflict ends when pilot breaks I manuscripts and cuts himself in. ber after several years with the his leg after deciding to hike back Yarn by Malone and Adrian Cen- to civilization, and is left to his dot unravels at a leisurely but not fate as a rescue plane appears I dull pace, and the final ironic twist Whitfield Connor, as pilot, and at the end is a good one. Duff does Ross Ford, who can’t fly but knows nicely as tbe ex-con, and Martha enough about an engine to remove i Vickers is attractive as the runner a vital part, are satisfactory in j °f the racket. Supporting cast is their respective characters, and Rood, and ditto William H. Clax- Jaclynne Greene makes the most lion’s direction. MOTION PICTURE H.IDUCER 10 y*art‘ experience, in The United States end Surope, in the production of feature films, government films, film programs for lo**v\- » . -rl vision commercials. Have c nsiderable writing and cutting ro:m e per.en.*. Will submit resuma. Writ# Box V. ?«0. Variety, 1S4 W. 44th St., N. Y. C. Automobile sponsor of 8-8:15 segment of Rege Cordic’s show on KDKA, has renewed for another 26 weeks . . . Infant son born to Moe and Norma Woolsey, lived only two days. Woolsey was a director here at WDTV before he left to join a tv station in Bay City, Mich. ... Ed Schaughency, of KDKA. will m.c. first anniversary party of Circus Saints & Sinners in William Penn Hotel Friday (10) when Jimmy Finks, quarterback of pro Pittsburgh Steelers, is “the fall guy” . . . Jim Thompson now doing hour-long hillbilly record program on KQV Saturday afternoons at 2 preceding the new Joe Mann wax session from 3 to 6 . . . Kenny Walborn started his 19th year on the KDKA engineering staff . . . Pat O’Connell, featured on Katharine Copeland’s “Be My Guest” Thursday afternoons on Channel 2. is also p.a. for Western Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind . . . Margaret Firth and Marlene Gornall begin shooting “It’s Fun to Reduce” telepix for Guild Films in New York on Dec. 17 ... Jay Michael, WCAF, deejay. pre- sented Jonl James with a plaque as being the vocalist whose platters are most requested on his program. He gave it to her when she was in town last week plugging her new MGM waxing, “When You Come of Age.” IN ALBANYSCHENECTADY . . . Staff additions and changes at WTRI-TV include: announcer Hank Maloy, doubling from WTRY, to handle “Late News” nightly; Frank Allen and Tom Gibson, for the production crew; Ray Gilbard, promoted from floor manager to staff director; Sue Schuster, for the publicity department, and Margo Benjamin, receptionist . . . George Miller is again play-by-playing the RP1 hockey games over WPTR, while Steve Davis is doing the commentary to highlights of filmed half-hours (de- layed) over WTRI-TV . . . “Ski Report,” by WTRI sports director Steve Davis, is a new Thursday evening program on WRGB-TV . . . John Eaton and Leo McDevitt are new r announcers at WPTR. Eaton is a graduate of the Syracuse U. Radio Workshop. iN CLEVELAND . . . Two new flacks named are George Franklin Way 4th to WTAM- WMNK, succeeding Bob Horan, who becomes news editor, and Pete Lee, named publicity-promotion head at WJW . . . Sohio’s radio voice. Bill Tompkins, deer-hunting in Pennsylvania, with Robert Waldrop taking over the WTAM stint . . . Waldrop also named as weekend WGAR announcer along with Bud Wendell . . . NBC’s assistant general man- ager Bill Davidson back from Florida hiatus . . . Louise Winslow doing woman’s show on WICA . . . WTAM disker Joe Mulvihill selected by Heart Assn, as member of “12 Team National D.J. Committee” . . . Bill Mayer will take over emcee chores on WTAM Bandwagon stint when Johnny and Betti Andrews vacation in New York . . . WGAR’s Reg Merridew and Lloyd Wingard off sick list . . . Ex-WHK announcer Alan Jenkins, has joined Northeast Airlines . . . WERE added Joyce King and Leonard Adams to sales . . . Mel Horace, ex-WXEL news cameraman, setting up tv news, special events film unit at Produc- tions on Films IN DALLAS ... Janet King, 16, is new staff vocalist for WFAA “Early Bird” break- fast show. Highschool junior was selected from over 100 auditioners . . . KGKO will carry all Southern Methodist U. basketball games play- by-play ... . KRLD-TV staffers honored by Kiwanis Club with plaque for raising over $5,000 via a tv auction for the Pilot Institute for Deaf Children . . . Rosemary Johnson new femcee of “Ladies First,” WFAA ayem across-the-board show . . . Barry Wood, NBC special events direc- tor, slated for Jan. 27 address to Dallas Salesmanship Club . . . Deejay Bob Mitchell switched from KGKO to KLIF . . . KRLD bowed “Top Twenty,” new nightly platter show with Ed Whitis spinning . . . Variety Broadcastirfg Co.. (KIXL and KIXL-FM*, declared a 10 % annual divi- dend. Stockholders include Greer Garson, Tyrone Power, Robert Taylor, William Holden, Tony Martin, Lee Segall and local businessmen. IN OMAHA . . . Dick Chapin, manager of KFOR, Lincoln, and Jack McBride of U. of Nebraska’s new' outlet, KUON-TV, addressed Nebraska Council for Better Education last week . . . Singer Betty Cox, who now has a new east coast tv morning show, “Look Up and Live,” in town between planes . . . KVTV, Sioux City, bringing in Ed Sullivan and his “Toast of the Town” Thursday (9) to City Aud there. Profits will go to Wood- bury County Society for Crippled Children building fund . . . Lyle Richardson handling play-by-play of Creighton, Omaha U., and local highschool basketball games for KBON . . . Dick Nesbitt, former Drake and Chicago Bears football player, named sports director of KSTP, Minneapolis, succeeding Jack Horner, effective Dec. 13 . . . Bud Makinster, announcer at KGFW, Kearney, suffered a torn knee carti- lage and w ill be hospitalized two weeks . . . Denver bowling proprietors have launched a new tv competition series over KOA-TV Sundays at 1 p.m. of her role. Polly Bergen gets all i Show can be slotted in just about dressed up for her three soiels any time, from early evening kid- about the merits of Pepsi-Col . [pix slots to the late-night hours. H*. Whit. I Chan. Cincinnati — Ruth Lyons, WLW- TV personality, is conducting her eighth annual pitch for hospital- ized children in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Funds raised by her appeals in previous years totaled more than $375,000. They supply toys throughout the jear. Des Moines — Donna DeCamp, former film supervisor for WOI- TV, Ames, Iowa, has been named television director of the Cary-Hill advertising agency, Des Moines. She'll be in charge of tele pro- grams, spot announcements and film activities. Wednesday, December 8, 1954 MUSIC 41 PREP KAYO OF 78 SPEED IN ’55 SPA, MPPA Joining Legal Appeal To Get Royalties on Pre-1909 Tunes Importance of the Marks Musics appeal against the N. Y. Federal ‘ Court ruling that mechanical royal- ties are not payable on pre-1909 copyrights is cuing both the Song- writers Protective Assn, and the Music Publishers Protective Assn, to enter the case on Marks’ side as amicus curiae or friends of the court. Marks dropped the origi- nal decision earlier this year in its action against Remington Records to collect royalties on the oldie, “In the Good Old Summertime.” Both the MPPA and SPA, in their petitions to enter the case as amicus curiae, declare they are not involved in the specifics of the Marks vs. Remington suit, but want to discuss the general ideas underlying the case. MPPA, through its attorney Sidney Wm. Wattenberg, and SPA, through its attorney John Schulman, jointly applied to the Federal Appellate division for the right to present briefs in the case. Both the SPA and MPPA will seek to establish that mechanical royalties should be paid on tunes written before the Copyright Act of 1909. Basic contention of pub- lishers in such situations is that, even if the song itself is in the public domain as far as mechani- cals are concerned, the later ar- rangements are entitled to full pro- tection of the copyright statute. The original court’s ruling af- fects royalty payments on all tunes written ‘ between 1898 and 1909 when the two 28-year terms of copyright protection were es- tablished. All tunes written be- fore 1898 are already in the public domain. Dmh of Sr if cun's Tin fan Alloy Lawrence Wright MM Pop Music as the Best Anglo-U.S. 6 Diplomat 9 * . * * of tho many bylina pieces in Hie forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of JETr due soon Capitol Aims For lover’ Carbon In Gleason on TV ASCAP Distributes Special $1,090,000 * t IS FINAL BLOW Melon Earned on O’seas Performances The oldstyle 78 rpm disks, W’hich have been steadily declining in the single field in favor of the 45 rpm platters, will probably be knocked J out of the box completely next year due to a now-considered in- ! evitable change in the industry’s pricing setup. In line with current thnking of some major company : execs, it’s expected that the price of the 78s will go up from 89c to about $1 sometime in 1955. While the 78s are going up, the j 45s will hold the line at 89c. Thus, | ; the slow speed platters will not | only have the convenience of un- ! breakability, portability and easy i storage, but will also be cheaper. 1 At the present time, the 45s are forging ahead of 78s in the single j J field and with the price differential operating, it’s expected that the 45s will quickly assume an over- whelming dominance to the pont where some companies may sus- pend the manufacture of 78s al- together. Major factor in the projected price increase on the 78s by some companies is the increased cost of production. As the 78s decline in importance, their unit cost of pro- duction rises and will continue to rise until their final demise. Industry execs Will not be sorry to see the end of the 78s and the establishment of a two-speed basis in the wax market. With 45s domi- Capitol Records is banking on lightning striking twice on tv. Label will try to duplicate the impact of the video plug on Joan j nant in the pop field for singles Weber’s Columbia etching of “Let ! and albums via the EP sets and Me Go, Lover” over CBS-TV’s • the 33 rpm LPs firmly entrenched Songsmhh Pat Ballard hat hit own Umi of How Not to Be A Songwriter * * * an interesting bylina place in tha 49th Anniversary Number af Fred Rose, 'Berlin Of Country Music,’ Dies In Nashville at 57 Fred Rose, who died last week (1) in Nashville at 57, was one of the most successful publisher- writers in the hillbilly music field. Often referred to as “the Irving Berlin of country music.” Rose be- gan his career as an ASCAP w'riter, but in the past decade his major publishing activities were under the BMI banner. His firm, Acuff-Rose, launched in 3942 with hillbilly singer Roy Aeuff. has racked up more than 10.000,000 sheet copy sales w'ith 1.300,000 sales credited to “Ten- nessee Waltz.” His son, Wesley, J will continue operation of the firm, as well as Milene Music (ASCAP* and Hickory Records, which w'as formed last year. A tunesmith in his own right, Rose also was noted as a song- doctor. It’s understood that he nur- tured a flock of tyro writers, fixing up their songs and taking no (Continued on page 46) Rosa Ponselle Comeback Via New Victor Platter Rosa Ponselle, onetime leading Met Opera soprano who retired about 20 years ago at the height of her career, is making a comeback via wax. RCA Victor is issuing an LP platter of songs which she re- cently recorded in her home in Baltimore under the diskery’s supervision. Decision to make a new com- mercial disk follows Miss Pon- selle’s recent success with a pri- vate set she made in behalf of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra fund campaign. over “Studio One’’ a couple of weeks ago with its Bob Manning slice of “My Love Song To You” on Jackie Gleason’s show (CBS-TV) Satur- day (11). Tune, which was especially writ- ten for the program by Roy Alfred and A1 Frisch, will be an integral part of the show (Gleason and Art Carney will play the writers of the song), and it will wind up with the airing of the Manning etching. Diskery is going on the hook for lots of coin on the platter. It was cut last Friday (3) and 200,000 rec- ords are being pressed and shipped around the country so they’ll be in the retailers’ hands when they open for business the Monday fol- lowing the tv plug. Cap also is prepping a heavy exploitation campaign to push the platter’s tv preem. “If it doesn’t happen,” one Cap exec said, “we’ll just have to eat those 200,000 disks.” Tune, incidentally, is being pub- lished by Songsmiths, Gleason’s publishing operation. in the longhair market, dealer in ventory problems will be enor- mously eased. Boost in the 78 rpm price, if and when it’s executed, will also en- courage the sale of new phono- graph equipment. It’s expected that customers, who are still stick- ing to the 78s, wll switch to the new speeds to cash in on the sav- ings. CECIL THE SERPENT READIED FOR WAXING Hollywood, Dec. 7. Cecil the Seasick Serpent and his pals are finally going to be available on wax. Decca set a deal over the week- end for a long term kidisk pact with Bob Clampett, originator of the local television show, “Time for Beany.” Layout is one of the highest-rated moppet video pro- grams on the air and deals cur- rently are in the works for national distribution of the program. Henri Rene Going Back to Coast As RCA A&R Head Henri Rene. RCA Victor musical director who has been stationed in New York for the past two years, will return to Hollywood early next year to take over the post of Vic- tor’s artists and repertoire chief on the Coast. Rene replaces Harry Geller, who exits the company to direct a series of tv films to be made by the Ames Bros. Rene, in effect, will be resum- ing the functions he gave up when he came east in 1952. He will be Coast a&r chief of all Victor de- partments, from pop through hill- billy. He will report to Joe Carl- ton. Victor’s overall pop a&r head, in N. Y. In addition to his a&r duties, Rene will also continue to record with his studio orchestra. An im- portant segment of Victor artists, such as Dinah Shore, Tony Martin and Phil Harris, work on the Coast and will cut under Rene’s direction. Geller was brought into the company by Carlton, who worked with him while Carlton was a&r chief of Mercury Records. Rene went to the Coast over the weekend for conferences with Carlton there and will remain there for several days. He will probably return to N. Y. the end of this week to begin clearing his desk. MGM Inks Longhairs MGM Records bolstered its long- hair roster last week with the pact- ing of pianist Lenore Engdahl and maestro Arthur Winograd. Miss Engdahl’s initial release, a collection of modern piano pieces, ls se t for release early in Febru- ary. Winograd already has cut a series of chamber orchestral "orks. Latter package is due late in January. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 154 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 4311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON. W. C. 2 8 St. Martin’s Placa Trafalgar Squara Writer and publisher members of the American Society of Com- posers, Authors & Publishers re- ceived a big year^end windfall last week with a special distribution of foreign income. Dividend amounted to about $1,000,000 and will be followed shortly by ASCAP’s usual fourth-quarter payoff, which i& expected to top $4,000,000. Foreign money covers the 1951- 53 period from England, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Portu- gal, Switzerland and several South American countries. This coin is collected lay the foreign perform- ing rights societies and is then re- mitted to ASCAP. Most of the coin comes from the exhibition of U S. pictures abroad. Splitup of the foreign coin, be- tween ASCAP writers and pub- lishers is highly complex, with each writer and publisher being paid off on actual performances abroad. In addition, some U.S. publishers have deals with foreign firms or affiliates to collect the perform- ance money, so that they would not share in the current ASCAP distribution. In any case, the $1,000,000 melon is understood to be largest foreign dividend ever distributed by ASCAP. ASCAP’s domestic revenue Is split evenly down the middle for allocation to writers and publishers under their own payoff systems. •i < Andrews Sis May Stay As Duo Depending On , Aussie Aud Reaction Hollywood, Dec. 7. The future of the Andrews Sis- ters may be determined during a current 11-day trek in Australia. Maxene and LaVerne Andrews are working Down Under as a duo, sharing billing with Billy Daniels in a unit set up to play dates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. They’re getting a flat $25,000 for the tour. Sisters have a tentative deal wdth British singer Dorothy Squires to join the act next year, replacing Patti Andrews who has gone out as a single. However, the deal has not been finalized and will not be finalized until Maxene and La- Verne return from Australia. Meanwhile, sisters are paying careful attention to Aussie audi- ence reaction in an effort to de- termine whether they have a strong potential as a dup. If the reaction is good, the deal with Miss Squires probably will not be finalized and the Andrews Sisters will hence- forth work as a pair. Sacks Better, Attends Atlantic City RCA Meet Atlantic City, Dec. 7. Manie Sacks, RCA vice-prexy and general manager of the disk division, exited the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia last weekend in time to attend the RCA meetings in Atlantic City this week. Meetings of all the RCA consumer products division convened yesterday (6) and will run to Friday (10). Robert Seidel, exec vice-prexy over consumer products, will pre- side at several of the sessions of the field staffers. It’s the first time that the disk staffers are meeting joinlly with other RCA depart- ments, such as radio-tv, phono equipment, airconditioners, ranges, etc. Shaw’s European 0.0. Arnold Shaw, veep of Hill & Range Songs, is flying to Europe with his wife this Friday (10) lor a month’s holiday. “Of course I won’t shut off my ears," says the music man, "and if we hear anything worthwhile for America in Madrid, Home, , Paris and London, naturally we ll i act pronto.” J 42 MUSIC Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Jocks , Jukes and Disks -By HERM FCHOENFELD. “Two Ladies In Banana Tree”- The Four Lads: De Shade Of De “Dance Calinda” (Columbia). “Ba- nana Tree,” from the legit produc- tion of “House Of Flowers,” is one of the cleverest numbers of the year and should stir plenty of attention via its catchy melody and smart lyrics. Four Lads give it an appropriately humorous workover with a harpsichord back- ground. Reverse is a good tune with a voodoo theme. Richard Maltby Orcti: “Star Dust Mambo” - "Strictly Instrumental (Label X>. Richard Maltby found the payotT formula on his previous “St. Louis Mambo” slice and fol- lows up with a mambofied version of “Star Dust” that could even be a bigger entry. Maltby works with polite, danceable arrangements pbtent commercial bracket. The tune jumps in a biend of r&b and Latin beats and the lyric is catch- ing, especially as Miss Young belts it. “Hearts Of Stone” is a solid hillbilly-type number on which Miss Young again demonstrates a standout attack. McGuire Sisters: “Sincerely”- “No More” (Coral). McGuire Sis- ters, the only sister team with any impact on wax currently, continue to churn out consistently good sides. “Sincerely” is a slow ballad with a torch lyric that gets a sensitive reading by the trio. “No More" is in a brighter tempo, also with strong possibilities. Gloria De Haven: “So This Is Paris”-“The Two Of Us” (Decca). Gloria De Haven is another fine songstress who has yet to come up with a big one on disks. In Best Bets LAWRENCE WELK and hia CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 169th Consecutive Week, Aragon Ballroom, Santa Monica, Calif. Exclusively on Coral Records THERE’S A SMALL HOTEL a«4 SAW YOUR EYES FOUR LADS TWO LADIES IN DE SHADE OF DE BANANA TREE ( Columbia ) Dance Calinda RICHARD MALTBY ORCH STAR DUST MAMBO ( Label X) Strictly Instrumental British Pop Reviews that are highly pleasing and com- mercial. Flip is another neat in- strumental side in smooth swing tempo. Richard Dayman: “Vera Cruz”- “Winter Wonderland” (Mercury!. Richard Dayman gives the title tune from the UA pic, “Vera Cruz,” his most effective rendition since “Ruby.” It’s a lush instru- mental version with Dayman’s ex- pressive harmonica in front. On the flip, Dayman has -cut a highly at- tractive version of the seasonal standard. C'owboy Church Sunday School: “The Lord Is Counting On You”- “Open Up Your Heart” (Decca). Two more tunes by the prolific western tunesmith, Stuart Hamb- lf/i, which are bound to hit big in the pop religioso market. The juve choir on this coupling pro- duces a charming sound, full of enthusiasm and naivete. "Lord Is Counting On You” has the more attractive beat, but the other side could be equally big. Les Baxter A The Bombers: “Earth Angel”-“Happy Baby” (Capitol). “Earth Angel” was launched on an indie rhythm A blues label and doesn’t stray far from the typical r&b format. It’s an interesting entry. for the genre and Les Baxter, who customarily does lusher sides, batons the rhythm section and saxes authen- tically. Vocals are supplied by an okay vocal ensemble, The Bomb- ers. Vickie Young: “Tweedle Dee”- " Hearts of Stone” (Capitol). Vickie doling delivers a virtuoso blues performance on “Tweedle Dee,” which could lift this side into the this coupling, she does two num- bers from the Universal film, "So This Is Paris.” Title tune runs over familiar ground in its basic ideas, lfi.it it has a lilting melody and some literate lyrics for Miss De Haven to work effectively. “The Two of Us" is a classy ballad which could develop into a strong entry. Rosa Linda: “Peanut Vendor Tarantella” - “Limehouse Blues” (Coral). Rosa Linda is a fancy keyboard artist who gets some original effects out of the piano. Particularly on the “Peanut Ven- dor Tarantella,” she gets a “sound” out of her speeded-up finger work that should give this version some spinning impetus. On "Limehouse Blues,” she gives another intricate reading with her distinctive flour- ishes. Michael Raine: “Do You Recall”- “Christmas Is The Time For Love” (Pacific). Just to make it confus- ing, Michael Raine is the monicker of a femme songstress from the Coast. She’s a firstrate stylist who’s due to break through with a big one sooner or later. “Do You Re- call” is an excellent ballad that she renders poignantly. The flip side is a fair seasonal tune which doesn’t particularly suit Miss Raine’s style. Marine Joint Bell Crooner Joe Marine has been tagged by Arthur Shimkin for the Bell and New Disc labels. Marine formerly crooned with the Fred Waring orch. He’s being booked by Mercury Artists Corp. London. Frank Chacksfleld Orch: "Lonely Nightingalo”-“Sur Le Pave” (Dec- ca.* So now dem boids is night- ingales! Chacksfleld, having scored with seagulls in “Ebb Tide,” moves on among his featured friends and plays his lush melodic stuff against a nightingale working overtime. Playing is faultless, as usual, as is also the performance of “Sur Le Pave.” but neither side has the melodic appeal to put it in the big- seller class. Billie Anthony: “This Ole House”-“What A Dream” (Colum- bia*. This young lady is Scottish, but she sings “House” more American than the Americans. Re- sult is artificial. Eric Jupp orch. provide a swingy accompaniment, and there’s a deep-voiced stranger who puts in a few bars here and there very nicely. The “Dream” side is also topheavily transatlantic. Dennis Lotis - Ted Heath Orch. “Honey Love” - “Manhattan Mam- bo” (Decca), “Honey Love” disk has been banned by the BBC though Lotis may broadcast the song live. Difficult to see why on hearing the record, which if enthusiastic seems inoffensive enough. "Manhattan Mambo” is a bit staid and respectable for the American market; it generates little excitement. Janet Gordon “Cross of Gold” (Polygon). New British songstress Janet Gordon only gets one side of a disk for her first waxing, and even then is almost swamped by a chorus. “Cross of Gold” is a semi- religioso opus from the pen of writer Billy Reid, and may appeal to Americans. “Peppito,” which would never have been waxed If Reid himself hadn’t written it. < ► o 4 > 2. I NEED YOU NOW (14) < ► < ► 3. LET ME GO, LOVER (2) < « < ► •< ► 4. TEACH ME TONIGHT (5) < ► < » 1 ► 5. HOLD MY HAND (10) L 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines i. ( Chordettes Cadence J Four Aces Decca \ Lancers Coral Eddie Fisher Victor 9. 10 . ( Teresa Brewer Coral .( DeCastro Sisters Abbott l Jo Stafford .Columbia Don Cornell Coral Doris Day Columbia Denise Lor Major Connee Boswell Decca Dinah Shore ...' Victor PAPA LOVES MAMBO (9) Perry Como Victor NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE (?) i Ames Brothers Victor l Archie Bleyer Cadence SHAKE. RATTLE AND ROLL (K) Bill Haley's Comets Decca THIS OLE HOUSE (15) Rosemary Clooney ... Columbia 6. IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU (13) 7. 8 . Second Croup HEARTS OF STONE ( Charms DeLnxe ( Fontane Sisters Dot MAMBO ITALIANO Rosemary Clooney ...Columbia COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Eddie Fisher Victor (Rosemary Clooney ...Columbia r. o DOWN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE WELI Wilder Brothers Label X 1 IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD \ Four Aces Decca (Rail Anthony Capitol HAJ.1I BABA Nat ( King) Cole Capitol | THAT’S WHAT I LIKE Do,,. Dick A Jimmy ....Owh HEY THERE ( Rosemary Clooney .... Columbia ) Sammy Davis, Jr Decca SMILE \ Nat ( King ) Cole. Capitol ) Sunny Gale Victor WHITHER THOU GOEST Lw Paui-Mary Ford ....Capitol 1 Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks tong has been in the Top 10] i******** ******** ♦»♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦»»»♦ ♦"♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ M ♦»♦♦♦♦ ♦ + ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦+> + +>+4. “Deep In My Heart” (MGM) This soundtrack album from the Metro biopic of Sigmund Romberg is a natural. It’s a collection of great Romberg standards delivered by a varied cast of topflight names, some from rival labels. From Helen Traubel’s “Softly, In the Morning Sunrise” to Vic Damone’s “A Road To Paradise,” this is a superlative package of songs. Sides include Tony Martin’s “Lover Come Back To Me”; Miss Trau- bel’s “You Will Remember Vienna,” “Stout Hearted Men” and “Auf Wiedersehn”; duets by Jane Powell and Damone on "Will You Remem- ber,” Miss Traubel and Jose Ferrer on “Leg Of Mutton,” Rosemary Clooney and Ferrer on “Mr. & Mrs.”; Gene A Fred Kelly on “I Love To Go Swimmin’ With Wim- men”; Howard Keel’s stirring “Your Land And My Land,” Ann Miller's “It” and William Olvis’ “Serenade.” Ferrer, who plays the part of Romberg in the Metro pic, also solos “When I Grow Too Old To Dream” touchingly, with some introductory dialog. Adolph Deutsch batons the studio orch au- thoritatively. Stuart Foster: “Today’s Hits” (Camden). RCA’s subsid label, Camden, has a bargain package in this set of four current hits in an EP set retailing at 69c. The price alone should be a big factor in this set’s sales, but Stuart Fos- ter handles the numbers with pro- fessional class typical of higher- priced wax. Tunes are “Papa Loves i Mambo,” “I Need You Now,” "Teach Me Tonight” and “Count Your Blessings.” “Sonny Berman Jam Session — 1946” (Esoteric). This jazz set was cut, for the most part, back in 1946, with the rhythm section dubbed in more recently. The technical blending has been done flawlessly and the sound comes through as thoroughly integrated. There are several firstrate passages in this loosely flowing jam session, which had the late Sonny Berman and Marky Markowitz on trumpets; A1 Cohn on tenor; Serge Chaloff on baritone sax; Earl Swope on trombone, Ralph Burns on piano and Don Lamond on snare drum. Lamond and Eddie Safranski later supplied the bass drum and cym- bals via dubbing. George Feyer: “More Echoes of Paris” (Vox). Although the cream was taken off last fall by the first album of “Echoes," this one has some charming Parisian tunes, played in pianist George Feyer’s appealing, skilled and original style. Offenbach. Debussy and such pic tunes as "Moulin Rouge’* are included, for a fresh, unhack- neyed selection. There’s rhythm accomp to some. Franck Pourcol A Orch: “Paris by Night” (Westminster). Album offers thick, schmaltzy, intriguing versions of cocktail hour or din- ner music, with t he lush violin tone of Franck Pourcol predomi- nant. Set of eight tunes are cur- rent French faves, romantic and sentimental, in smooth, soothing rhythms. Herm. Songs With Largest Radio Audience The top 30 songs of week (more in case of ties'), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John Gray Peatman t Director. Alphabetically listed. * Legit musical. t Film. Survey Week of Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 1954 All Of You — ►“Silk Stockings” Chappell Count Your Blessings — (“‘White Christmas” Berlin* Don’t Let The Kiddygeddin Sherw'in Fanny — ►“Fanny” Chappell Hajji Baba — t“Adventures Of Hajji Baba” Remick Hey There — ♦“Pajama Game” Frank Hold Me In Your Arms Artists Hold My Hand — (“Susan Slept Here” Raphael Home For The Holidays Roncoin I Need You Now Miller If I Give My Heart To You Miller It’s A Woman’s W'orld — (“Woman’s World” Robbins Let Me Go. Lover H A R Love, You Didn’t Do Right — ( “White Christmas” . . Berlin . Mambo Italiano Rylan > Mister Sandman Morris My Owrn True Love — " “Gone With The Wind” Remick Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Paxton Papa Loves Mambo - Shapiro-B Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer St. Nicholas Silk Stockings — *“Silk Stockings” Chappell Silver Bells Paramount Sleigh Ride Mills Smile Bourne Teach Me Tonight Hub-L That’s All I Want From You W A B This Ole House Hamblen Where Can You Be Manor Whither Thou Goest Kavelin Wooden Shoes And Happy Hearts Marks r Top 30 Songs on TV ( More In Case of Ties ) All I Want Is All There Is And Then Some Frank All Of You — ’►“Silk Stockings” Chappell Be Kind To Your Parents — ♦“Silk Stockings” Chappell Best Things Happen — (“White Christmas” Berlin Christmas Alphabet Budd Count Your Blessings— (“White Christmas” . Berlin Fanny — *“ Funny” Chapuell Hernando’s Hideaway— ►“Pajama Game” Frank Hold My Hand— (“Susan Slept Here” Raphael I Need You Now . . Miller If I Give My Heart To You . . . . Miller It’s A Woman’s World— f’Woman’s World” Robbins Let Me Go. Lover H A R Mambo Italiano !!,.!. Rvlan Man That Got Away— (“A Star Is Born” . . . . 1 1 . . Harwin Mister Sandman . Morris My Sweetie Went Away ..Laurel Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Paxton Papa Loves Mambo Shapiro-B Santa Claus Is Cornin’ To Town Feist Sh-Boom ‘[h A R Silk Stockings— ►“Silk Stockings" Chappell • Sisters — ' “White Christmas” Berlin Skidlee Gumbo Eastbrook Sleigh Ride **P1s Bourne Teach Me Tonight Hub-L There’s A Small Hotel— *“On Your Toes” Chappell l,M is *i le House Hamblen Why Be Afraid To Dance— ►“Silk Stockings” Chappell Wednesday, December 8, 1934 music Indie Longhair Labels Getting Hot w^'d^ With Jazz Catalogs; Angel Latest SfS£S ^ *5 ,n fi °n his own in a Coronet Rec- Upsurge in the jazz album mar- label;’ for light music from the ° rds LP album ’ % kit is spearheading a move-in by Continent. Rlzo is a top pianist and con- 1 ,,, in flip longhair labels The in- The J azz disks will not be re- ductor ‘ n his own right, apart from tiie mil g leased under a regular time sehed- V s wo,k with Araaz and his occa- dies are finding the addition of a u j e only»as new material be- s ! ona l appearances in local in- jazz line a simple operational pro- comes available. Initial sets in- tirre ! ries - Cast year he was guest cedure and in most cases a profit- clud e Svend Asmussen & His L'n- - sol ‘ )ist with the Mexican Symphony | Melancholy Hanes, Italian Jazz and g “ est conductor of the Havana able one. I Stars, Irvside Jazz Dow n Under and Symphony * The longhairs haven t changed ^e Jazz Hot j their marketing tactics in the segue Ano _ , , 1 CAMDEN INTO PACKAGES »^ a a a nd u ^ 5 Van,uar d - Eso - WITH POPS, LONGHAIR & "'e,s c t o bi ;S LSS n, 4‘ Xei e Situationer Set '~<5 e ^“"oSd 5 S pai.it ne.y low costs of cutting jazz den label subsid will release cur- packages is another feature attract- T Alltlinnv ! rent pop *" package sets, ing the longhairs 1 UI fllUIlOny Camden is planning a series of • La ‘ s i 1! ! dl l n 0 « , | 1 p Arm- 1 !? / 01 . Hollywood, Dec. 7. EPs framed around the hits and jazz tiade is Angel R&coids. Label if a Cuban bandleader mart** thn the first one. sliced hv Stuart Arn BiiHnV r wah own r Disk Ballroom Ops Aim at Fomenting’ Hollywood, Dec. 7. Marco Rizo, longtime keyboard- 1\ /I ■ P IV) 1 IW* r‘: New Dance Iraze to Mark Band Biz t tJ nlk. V. *3 * . . - , . K Tele Situationer Set For Batoneer Anthony WITH POPS, LONGHAIR For the first time since it’s been launched, RCA’s low-priced Cam- den label subsid will release cur- rent pop tunes in package sets. Camden is planning a series of EPs framed around the hits and • La L 1 c An/oi t k i Hollywood, Dec. 7. EPs framed around the hits and jazz tiade is Angel R&coids. Label if a Cuban bandleader made the ! the first one, sliced by Stuart Fos- •will launch its jazz series in mid- grade as a tv personality, why not ler - reached the stands last week. January with sets drawn from Den- a top danceband maestro? i Camden’s EPs sell lor 69c. — - 1,1 ♦ Chicago, Dec. 7. Louvre in the Groove « taS RCA \ ictor has come up summer's convention. National with an unusual twist in Ballroom Operators Assn, held an “mood music albums in a all-industry board meeting here forthcoming package titled | a st week to set stage for its Famous Paintings Set lo attack. Adopting theme that Music. Music composed and there ’ s nothing wrong with our conducted by Henri Rene, was business that a little showmanship inspired by a group ot master couldn’t cure." group decided that paintings ranging from Botti- ballrooms, bands, and bookers all celli to Picasso. must focus their publicity in a 1 he album cover will be . s j nc ie direction to hypo public in- bordered by small prints of Merest in dancing, the paintings. • . " ... . i Accordingly, the committee out- lined a program which future sub- Kpnfnn Irkc Ollintat committees will try to execute: ncmuil lino yuimci (1) To serv i ce ballroom opera- Fnr Io7 TV I okal Rncfor tt)rs U ‘ ,b adverlisin £’matS that seI1 rOl jazzy LdDcl nOSlvi I dancing primarily, and bands see- Hollywood, Dec. 7. j ondariiy. First talent signed by Stan Ken a Capitol rec Disl erv’s ti’eun with EMI (Electric i J ^ a ! a p pears to be the thinking In the longhair field. Camden is ton in his recently launched na- tions. via outside agencies, to as- * Musical Industries) of Eurone L 1 d » the p ™. ject bcin 8 put to- propping a major packaging pro- tionwide hunt for new jazz names certain whether or not they are Will Svf ts uncomini sets an in- ? X* * y f s u cnpt ? r Jean Holloway gram. The label is putting all of is the A1 Belletto Quintet. Ken- being kept up as desirable places ici-national flavor The iazz Droied e .^” t , h ® n 4 ¥ anagement Corp - Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies in ton heard of the outfit in Buffalo, for patronage and whether or not *,iii ho imHpr th*» J w r Ull i* w Inch is the corporate setup one box with specially-written traced them to Calumet City, 111., they are promoting themselves suf- ,. be ."" d ?£ .*?? . ot W ' for batoneer Ray Anthony. Miss notes. The six 12. n, hers will ™ and sinned them for his Stan Ken- neienllv. SicJl output 8 «T"u -blue ‘ &l anS 10 Wm “ Pil0t lhC near A. collection of op^atiV He R oes to Chicago .his week to i,„ d '7^,,', foment __ u e ’ platters will be Similarly packaged, record quintet for first time. dance craze; being kept up as desirable places for patronage and whether or not they are promoting themselves suf- ficiently. • 3) To work out a program for the popularization of dance tunes and if possible to foment a new RETAIL DISK BEST SEI.I.EBS a o _ JC m C/i Survey of retail disk best sellers based on reports ob tained from leading stores in 22 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. National Ratine This Last wk. wk. & u i/1 C J c 1 O 3 3 ^ ui Qj 1 1 n. i *•*» ff (U I 5 o I 1 1 I ! s' i Artist, Label, Title 3 A 3 10 A 12 AMES BROTHERS ^Vict "Naughty Lady of Shady 10 10 17A 16 17B 19 21 A 24 21 B 23 24 21 " 1 25 22 " CHORDETTES (Cadence) "Mister Sandman’’ 1331151 2981 12 2.. JOAN WEBER (Columbia) "Let Me Go, Lover” 211 2.. 151122... 1 11 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col.) “This Ole House” 10 4 7 2 3 .. .. 3 3.3.. . . 6 EDDIE FISHER (Victor) "I Need You Now” 3 10.. .. 3 3 2 4.. 5 6 2., .. 5 DeCASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) "Teach Me Tonight” 5 2 3 2 .. ., 3 .. .. 8 5 .. 6 .. PERRY COMO (Victor) "Papa Loves Mambo” 4 6 .. . . 6 7 7 5.. 6 5 6.. .. 4 HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) "Shake Rattle and Roll” 2 8 .. 4 .. .. 7 .. 7 .. 1 0 .. 8 T_ EDDIE FISHER (Victor) "Count Yo ur Blessings’*... 6 5 5.. 6.. .. 9.. 9 6 7 . . DON CORNELL (Cor/l) "Hold My Hand” J 5 8 .. 8 .. 4 .. 9 . . ■ ■ 7 7 5 4 . , AMES BROTHJSRS > < V ictor > "Naughty Lady of Shady Lane” 6 7 5 10 ■■ 8 10 10 .. ■■ 9 10 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col.) "Hey There" 4 9 6.. .. 4 8 FOUR ACES (Decca) "Mister Sandman” 1 2 DORIS DAY (Columbia) "If I Give My Heart to You”. . . . 4 4 3 ■ • SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) "Make Yourself Comfortable”. 8 .. 4 10 • » 8 •• 3 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col) "Mambo Italiano” 7 8 7 FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) "Hearts of Stone” 10 ♦ • g • • 3 9 McGUIRE SISTERS (Coral) "Muakrat Ramble” 8 _ HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) "Dim, Dim the Lights” * PAUL-FORD (Capitol) "Whither Thou Goest” 9 *) CHARMS (DeLuxe) "Hearts of Stone” 9 10 •• 4 .. .. ^ ^ 11 _ THREE CHUCKLES (Label X) "Runaround” l_l_ NAT (KING) COLE (Capitol) "HaJJi Baba” i: U — l: 1: — Ll_ JAYE P. MORAN (Victor) Q Q "That’s All I Want” 8 ‘ LJ — ^ — - — H- H. WINTERHALTER (Victor) "Barefoot Contessa” 9 9 .. .. - - — - — - — n — n — Ll — FOUR ACES (Decca) "It’s a Woman’s World” 10 1 170 6 149 9 10 6 10 8 73 10 69 4 63 9 40 SIX TOP ALBUMS STUDENT PRINCE Mario Lama Victor LM 1837 ERB 1837 MUSIC, MARTINIS AND MEMORIES Jackia GUaton Capitol W 509 EAP 1, 2, 3, 4—5091 WHITE CHRISTMAS Cro»by-Kay«-Uo Decca DL 8083 ED 819 A 956 A STAR IS BORN Judy Garland Columbia BL 1201 BA 1201 BM 1201 GLENN MILLER LIMITED EDITION, II GUnn Miller Victor LPT 6701 EPOT 6701 BRIGADOON Hollywood Cot* MGM E 3135 X 263 <4> To hypo dance instruction. 1 5) And to seek more exposure of bands and bandleaders on tele- vision. Hopping bandleaders at the meeting, Les Brown planed in from Dallas. Bookers were spoken for by Howard Sinnot of General Artists Corp. in the New York, and James Breyley of Music Corp. of America in Chi. NBOA prexy Tom Archer, secretary Otto Weber, Ed Schott of Coney Island Ballroom in Cincinnati, and Joe Barry, old- 1 time operator of Bridgeport, dan- ' eery, represented the ballrooms. Fred Benson, manager of Hay An- : fhony, is also on the committee but | eould not attend the meeting. In coming weeks. NBOA sub- committees will be formed which are to include trade newspapermen, deejays, and other connected with the music or ballroom biz. MAREK, STOKY TO FACE MUSIC CRIX ON ‘DIGEST’ George R. Marek, RCA Victor artists & repertoire manager, is going to have it out face-to-face with his N. Y. daily newspaper critics who severely rapped Vic- tor’s condensation of lo.ighair classics in. its "Listener’s Digest” package. Marek, together with Leopold Stokowski, who wrote the preface to the "Digest,” a Victor paetee, will debate the issue with Harold C. Schonberg, of the N. Y. Times, and Paul Henry Lang, of the N. Y. Herald-Tribune, at the Juilliard School of Music in N. Y., Dec. 14. William Schuman, juil- liard prexy and composer, will moderate. Marek devised the "Listener’s Digest” as a way of introducing the musical masterworks to the masses in easy stages. The “Digest” comprised some 10 basic composi- tions, most of which were edited down to short selections. Burley Blackouts On Next Jubilee Album Next laugh album under the Ju- bilee imprint will be a burlesque package of famous blackouts. Al- bum already is in the works and Jerry Blaine, prexy of Jubilee, which brought out the "Blooper” albums, is rushing completion of the package. Most of the actual recording has been completed and a good portion of the material has been edited. Blaine expects to wind up with such oldtime burley names as Smith & Dale and Bozo Snyder represented — if only through material. Queens Disk Pact Okayed Los Angeles, Dec. 7. Disk contract between The Queens, voeal trio, and Flair Records, was approved here by Superior Judge Arnold Prager. Contract calls for eight sides dur- ing the ensuing year, with the girls to receive of 90% of the 1 gross on the disks. J Trio consists of Shirley Gunter, ■ 20; Blondean Taylor, 18, and Lulu I B. Keney, 17. 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O © £ 1 « 1 O S5 | j Q ^ M co co ^ 'co I *- 1 jt* rr * mYdJ A A .MtSrt H'fdnfidaT, December 8, 1954 Soitgsawfh-DttJter Frank Luther boa Mi owl coacapt* of Children's Songs Variety’s recent special issue on ASCAP’s 40th anni was virtually turned into a radio script and set to music for the NBC' salute to ASCAP on its “Best of All” show Monday night <6). John Golden, one of the Society’s founding fathers, retold the yam about how he was elected the first treasurer back in 19J4 while he was out of the room. Otto A. Harbach and Richard Rodgers reminisced about their early years in the music biz, with Rodgers giving a strong salute to both Jerome Kern and Harbach for teaching him the fundamentals of the showtune craft. ASCAP prexy Stanley Adams reiterated the Society’s basic aim of protecting the creators of the nation’s music and extending our musical culture. At the windup, Irving Berlin again stressed that without ASCAP, he could not function as a writer and publisher. [Berlin will be saluted on this hour stanza the following Monday (13). 1 Skitch Henderson’s studio orch. Shirley Harmer and the Textor Singers, with an assist on one tune from Eddie Fisher, capably handled the A$CAP musical interpolations. New York London Records cocktailing David Whitfield at the Hotel War- wick today . . .Crooner is set for a shot on Ed Sullivan’s CBS- TV Sunday (12 j. . .Les Paul-Mary Ford profiled by Hyman Goldberg in January issue of Cosmopolitan... Andy Griffith guest-starred at spe- cial Christmas party yesterday (Tues.) thrown by Capitol’s Denver distributor. Cecil Boyd, for local dealers and deejays Dick Linke, Capitol s eastern promotion mana- ger, will visit deejays in the north- west when Cap’s annual meet w inds at the end of this week . Gene Weiss, in charge of Columbia’s pop sales and promotion, takes over coin operators and one-stop sales and promotion George Hayes named merchandise manager of Columbia's kidisk division . The Manhattan College Glee Club and orch under the direction of Robert Garv, of Fred Waring’s troupe, presents its annual Christmas show Saturday < 1 1 > in its Smith Aud .. Nick Noble, Mercury Records new young crooner, on a d j. hop plug- ging his etching of “Don’t Break My Heart” . Milt Okun paeted by- Stinson Records for another long- play album of folk songs.. Earl ito«tic into the Makreez Club, Low- ell. Mass.. Dec 14 for five days. He then takes a five-week hiatus. Milt Ilerth returns to the Roney Plaza’s Bamboo Room, Miami Beach, Dec. 15 for an indefinite stav . . . Crooner Harvey Grant inked to a Benida Records pact Terri Stevens on a midwest deejav junket plugging her AA etching of “Unsuspecting Heart Thrush Lubov llamshay head- lining the sixth anni show at the Two Guitars . . . Xavier Cugat pen- ned an original tune, “One At A Time.” for the upcoming Colum- bia pic, “Chicago Syndicate." : Hotel Saturday (11) . . . Rover Boys have been booked for the Copa next week Bobby Cardillo oper- ated on at the Columbia Hospital and Don McGovern is filling in for him with Reid Jaynes at the Carl- ton House’s twin pianos and Johnny Costa has taken over the Cardillo Trio on WDTV’s “Lullaby in Rhythm” Thursday nights . . . Jerry Fielding appointed musical director of the new Royal Nevada Hotel in Las Vegas . . . Buddy- Baron joined A1 Marell’s combo and plans to settle down in Pitts- burgh . . . Lennie Martin orch booked for Pitt’s APHA fraternity dance at the Schenley Hotel Dec. 16. or* of Hw oioay editorial foatoroi 49ih Anniversary Number Two brothers who hadn’t seen each other in more than four years, were reunited as a result of a single line in Variety’s nitery column, “Vaude-Cafe Dates.” A couple of weeks ago. Sam Raskin asked the help of Variety in locating his brother, Jules (Buddy i Raymon who had stopped writing and had virtually disappeared from the normal performer routes. Raskin had been particularly worried since his brother had been ailing. Following the insertion, a reader reported that he had spoken to Raymon in Dallas, where he had been working in a nitery. A wire to the spot and telephone call to Dallas resulted in the first conversation between the pair in years. London Publicist Les Perrin returned to London from a six-week business trip to the United States . . . Singer David Hughes leaves England on Dec. 20 for a five weeks season at the Tivoli Theatre, Sydney . . . Norman Granz came back to Eng- land last week after leaving Lon- don a few days before for Paris en route to New York . . . Singer Eve Boswell will be part of the package show with the Jack Parnell orch that is to leave Britain for South Africa next March, for a six weeks tour. Joining other organized seg- ments of the music biz, the Music Publishers Protective Assn, yester- day (Tues.) passed a resolution condemning dirty songs. MPPA, representing most of the major pop publishing firms, was cued to rap the dirty songs in view of their recent spread and the concomitant criticism of the music biz by civic groups interested in preventing juvenile delinquency. Resolution noted that MPPA has on several prior occasions severely- condemned the publication or ex- ploitation of tunes containing “sug- gestive lyrics or lyrics with double meanings.” MPPA board also noted that there is a growing prac- tice among certain firms to publish musical compositions of this type. The MPPA resolution raps the dirty songs “as showing bad taste and a disregard for recognized moral standards and conventions and as detrimental to the music publishing industry.’’ Several weeks ago, the Songwriters Protec- tive Assn, passed a similar resolu- tion. asking for industrywide coop- eration to block the smut. Multiple Sclerosis Society will get half of the proceeds from both the .sheet music and the initial disking of John Hawley’s new tune “Raindrops.” Ditty is the first published effort by Hawley, an MS victim, who formerly was a classified ad salesman for the Los Angeles Mirror and a part time commercial photographer. Hawley is the only one connected with the tune who has the disease but everyone else has volunteered to cut MS in on the proceeds. Tune was recorded by Kay Brown on Crown and the label is earmarking a share for MS as is Malabar Music, which is publishing. Tune was first heard on MS telethon here last August. Chicago Count Basie playing Scaler’s in Milwaukee Dec. 3 for 10 days... Billy Taylor Trio set for Blue Note fortnighter Jan. 5, followed by- Dave Bruberk Quartet on Jan. 19 . . Louis Armstrong tapped per- centages in 10 dates of midwestern tour just completed .. .Ken Grifiin begins indefinite stand at Old Heidelberg on Jan. 5 . Ben Arden set for eight weeks at Jefferson Hotel. St. Louis, beginning Dec. 31 . . Eddy Howard headlining Na- tional Boat Show at Amphitheatre. Chi, Feb. 4 through 13, with Peg- Leg Bates also on bill. Sarah Vaughan’s first hit disk in years, “Make Yourself Comfortable, Baby” — “Idle Gossip” (Mercury ), is sparking a flood of booking offers into the Gale office. Currently winding a three-week stand at Bird- land. N.Y., thrush is set for an 11-day run at Boston’s Storyville for $9,000 as well as a special three-day sting for the Automotive Show in Washington beginning Jan. 11 for $3,500. She’s tentatively skedded for a week at the Apollo, N.Y., starting Jan. 14 to be followed by three weeks at the Chicago Theatre, Chi. On Feb. 11, she heads out with the Birdland Concert package until March 6. You can’t tell where the future Norman Granzes of the jazz world are going to come from. Latest jazz concert impresarios are a soda- jerk from Walgreen’s Drug Store in Times Square and a bookkeeper for the Dining Room Employees Union. Earl Wing (soda-jerk) and Glory McCulley (bookkeeper) have teamed up to produce a concert at Town Hall, N.Y., Dec. 17. Featured in the bash are Billy Taylor, Eddie Bert, Jimmy Raney and Gil Melle. The tyro producers have tagged the concert, “Interpretations of New- York Contemporary Music.” Pittsburgh Morry Allen’s band goes back to the Vogue Terrace Monday G3). following the Dorsey Bros, current engagement, through Jan. 1 . . . Whitey Scharbo celebrating silver anni as a professional musician here. He started as a trumpet man with Etzi Covato at the old Plaza Cafe and now has the orch playing for Friday and Saturday night dancing at Park-Schenley retaurant . . . Sally Brenner, who was in sum- mer opera company chorus last season, is singing with Baron Elliott's outfit . . . Red Barr plays for Pittsburgh Model Club’s Poin- sietta Ball at the William Penn Omaha Paul Moorhead orch stays at the Pax Room of the Paxton Hotel . . . Verne Byers orch paeted for Terry- town Arena at Scottsbluff on both Christmas Night and New Year’s Eve . . . Joe Lukesh orch set for Oscar’s Palladium at Sargent Xmas nite. with Bobby Mills following on Tuesday (28) . . . Walter Eisen- berg is the new conductor of the Colorado Springs. Colo., symphony . . . Marvin Price combo in at the Reno Bar. Schirmer Sues Alamo On Tune Infringement Alamo Music was named de- fendant in a copyright infringe- ment suit filed by G. Schirmer in New York Federal Court last week. Other defendants named in the action were Kay Twomey, Fred Wise and Ben Weisman. The suit charges that the de- fendants infringed on the plain- tiff’s 1944 copyrighted tune. “Go Way From My Window,” by pub- lishing “Mother Nature and Father Time,” which was allegedly copied from plaintiff’s copyright. The Schirmer tune was penned by John Jacob Niles. Action seeks an in- junction, damages sustained and an accounting of profits. A four-month old baby has taken a sheet music title page cover away from Tony Martin. Baby is Gregory Deutsch, son of Marjorie Goetschius (Mrs. Emery Deutsch) writer of “My Bambino” with Al Hoffman. Usual publisher practice is to give the title page cover to the disker who cuts the tune, but since the infant is said to be the inspiration for the song, he got the cover preference. Martin cut the song for RCA Victor. Ben Bloom is publishing. Fred Rose Scotland Don Cornell’s “Hold My Hand.” on the Vogue label, topping best- sellers. with Doris Day in second slotting with “If I Give My Heart to You” on Philips. Frankie Laine in fourth position with “There Must Be a Reason” . . . George Sumner taking over as orch leader at Palais, Edinburgh, in succession to Ivor Kirchins . . . Neville Tay- lor. colored Glasgow singer, to Germany to sing in U.S. zone, with Swedish cabaret dates in the offing. — — Continued from page 41 ^ writer-credit. He was instrumental *n launching the late Hank Wil- liams’ career. Rose made a prac- tice of giving financial aid to down- and-out tunesmiths in both the hill- billy and pop fields. He became an ASCAP writer in 1928 and among his writing credits are “Roly Poly,” “Honest and Truly,” “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.” “Be Honest With Me.” "Tears on My Pillow” and "Twee- dle-O-Twill.” Under the Acuff-Rose banner, he published such hits as “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Half As Much.” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Jambalaya,” “Bonaparte’s Re- tieat,” “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” and “Too Old to Cut the Mustard,” among others. Born in Evansville. Ind., Rose be- gan his career in Chicago as a pi- anist-writer-singer. He had one of the first radio shows out of Chica- go in 1922. He came to Nashville in 1934 and worked for WSM there for seven years. He returned there in 1942, after a stay in New York, to form Acuff-Rose. In addition to his son, Wesley, two other sons, Lester and Gene, his wife and three daughters sur- vive. “I look at myself... and I flip!” Frankie’s success puzzles him as much as the music critics. What’s the real story behind his rise from $3-a- week crooner to $300,000-a- year recording star? How did he get his singing style from a famous trumpet player, his first break from a famous song writer? Why does he agree with the people who pan him? This week’s Saturday EveningPost solves The Case of the Scream** Trou- badour. Get your copy today! B Recorded by Jg NAT "KIN6” COLE Capitol #2949 ’REMJCK MUSIC CORF., New York, NT-* Sues Perez Prado For Refund Qn Deposits San Antonio, Dec. 7. Perez Prado was named defend- ant in a $2,875 damage suit in district court here while in town last weekend for a one-night stand at the Municipal Auditorium. Plaintiff is Raoul A. Cortez, presi- dent of KCOR. Prado was listed by his real name of Damaso P. Prado. ^ Cortez alleged that in 1953 he agreed to sponsor several appear- ances in the state by Prado and his band, placing a deposit with Prado or his agent for each appearance. They amount to the sum Cortez now seeks to recover in court. Cor- tez said that Prado failed to ap- pear for three performances, and that he didn't get his deposits back. Ireland Pete Roxborough combo paeted for Germati terpery tour next spring . . . Irish date for Duke Ellington being mulled by pro- moter Harry Davidson and Bill Puller . . . Earl Gill orch into Palin Court. Dublin . . . Eddie Downey bow’ed out of Dublin Roseiand to open new neighbourhood terpery at Dundrum. N..d commercial, unpublished song* for rodio and T.V. show. Your song may b. on. of tho lucky 39 tvn.s to d.but on SEARCH for a SONG All rights to your mat.rial remain yours. We charge no fee. If se- lected, we'll preview your sang the way you want it presented! Write for release no wl C. & S. Productions P.O. Sox 3923, N. Hollywood, Cal. CURRENTLY BASIN STREET, NEW YORK New $50,000 Ballroom Skedded for Toledo Toledo, Dec. 7. Hippodrome Enterprises Inc., has been organized to operate a new' $50,000 ballroom to be built on the site of the Coliseum Roller Rink here. Part of the rink collapsed earlier this year. When remodel- ling is completed, the ballroom will have more than 12,000 square feet of floor space, a balcony for spec- tators and a snack bar. Donald F. Hipp is president of the new corporation, with R. K. Price vice-president. Top Christmas Sellers (As Reported by MDS ) 1. White Christmas . . Berlin 2. Silver Bells Famous 3. Rudolph St. Nicholas 4. Winter Wond’land . . BVC 5. Home Holidays ...Roncom 6. Mom Mambo Regent 7. Frosty H & R 8. Mom Kissing Santa Regent 9. Santa Is Coming .... Feist 10. Blue Christmas ....Choice The finest sound on record M G M RECORDS Inesday, December 8, 1954 MUSIC Survey of retail sheet music best sellers based on reports obtained from leading stores in 12 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. • ASCAP t BMI British bandleader Mantovani has been signed for hi-*? first U. S. tour by the Cdfjpficutf; Sehang & Brown division of Columbia Artists Mgt. Maestro, whose lush, schmaltzy arrangements have made him one of the top disk sellers here as well as abroad, will do five U. S. weeks next fall. A sixth week will be add- ed in Canada under management of Nicholas Koudriavtzeff. Mantovani will do about 30 U. S. dates under personal management of Frederick C. Schane. With hi* program halfway between sym- phony and Jazz, comprising selec- tions from Strauss. Romberg, Her- bert, Friral, Rodgers. Gould, etc., maestro wants to plav concert halls only, as a concert rather, than pop event. He will be sold only on per- centage, Schang figuring he can do $180,000 at the b.o. Mantovani made his first North American ap- pearance this fall in Canada, draw- ing 8.800 persons in the Montreal Arena (including 940 standees} and 10.500 at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gar- dens. By special arrangement with American Federation of Musicians prez James C. Petrillo, the band- leader is coming with three key tooters. Balance of 45 orchsters will be American. ivnnriiver on legit score sneei cop- jo Chappell Music and tunesmith jlVrold Rome have devised a spe- 9 7 8 ‘Teach Me Tonight Hold My Hand 'Raphael' Let Me Go, Lover II&Ri Naughty Lady 'Paxton) *White Christmas 'Beilin) Hey There 'Frank' 13 11 ‘'Woman’s World 'Robbins' ''.Muskrat Ramble 'Simon' Shake, Rattle & Roll 'Progressive Larry Adler, Hampton Cop Top Awards In French Disk ‘Oscars’ Paris, Dec. 7. The Academie Du Disque Fran- cais (The French Record Academy), set up to kudos the outstanding disks each year in longhair, shorthair and offbeat categories, gave out its prizes for 1954 last week. For the first time an Ameri- can won the variety instrument category with Larry Adler getting it for his Columbia waxing of Jean Wiemer's "Grisbi Blues,” which figured as background music for the Gallic gangster pic "Touchez Pas Au Grisbi” ("Don’t Touch the Swag”). Second U. S. winner was Lionel Hampton and his Paris All Stars on a Vogue longplaying pressing. Both were considered Gallic since both were made here and used French musicians. Twelve sides got awards with only four in the pop field. For French songs, femme winner was Odette Laure for her "Je Suis Nerveuses,” and male award was to cleffer Leo Ferre for his own recording of his "Le Piano Du Pauvre.” Other winners were Charles Muench and the Boston Symphony for their "Romeo and Juliet” on Pathe, Walter Gieseking for his Columbia Debussy record, and folklore prizes to Ducretet-Thom- son for their “Cante Flamenco.” Adler discovered "Grisbi” dur- ing his recent stint at the Olympia Music Hall here and recorded it at the behest of cleffer Wiemer. It was an immediate hit here, and Adler flew in from London to get his prize, which was an ancient book on the history of money. Hampton is now at the Olympia and also came down for his prize. Minister Edgar Faure presented the Legion of Honor to composer Arthur Honegger who left a sick bed to attend. Hollywood. Dec. 7. History of folk songs from Eliza- bethan times to the present will be traced by Sam Hinton, in a Decca 12-inch LP to be cut this week. Hinton, who has heretofore done some kidisk stuff for the label, will accompany himself on the guitar. In addition to recording the ma- terial and supplying the factual material for the liner notes. Hinton will do the cover design. His full- time occupation, however, has nothing to do with any of the fore- going pursuits. He’s a professor of oceanography at the Scripps Insti- tute in La Jolla, Cal. Kansas City, Dec. 7. Cardinal Records, subsid of Blasco Music, Inc., apparently has hit the jackpot in its original “Card-N-Play,” a Christmas card including a recording of four tunes by The Mulcays, electro-harmonica team. Record and card combo is being sold not only over music counters, but in greeting card shops, department stores and the- atres, opening up some untapped markets to the record biz. Four tunes are included on single 45 rpm EP, at $1.47 retail, or on a 78 rpm disk at $1.69. Cardinal has national distribu- tion on the item, and locally is reaping big sales from greeting card counters. It is also being of- fered at concession stands by a string of 15 theatres in the sur- rounding area, who plug the item with screen trailers. Blasco said he already has had offers from other houses for use of the idea on other seasonal promotion items, for Val- entines Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc. Coast Arrangers Form Commercial Jingle Firm Hollywood, Dec. 7. Two of the town’s best known arrangers have joined forces to form a commercial jingle firm. Partners are Keith Williams, former arranger for Walter Lantz cartoons, and Jack Matthias, who was with Harry James for several years. Firm’s first assignment was to turn out a singing commercial for Albert Sheetz, local restaurateur and candy manufacturer. ‘Walking’ Infringe Suit Settled for About $5,000 Harry G. Atwood and Louis Herscher. owners of Keynote Music, have settled their infringe- ment suit against Peter Maurice Music of London and Leeds Music here on the hit tune, "I’m Walking Behind You.” It’s understand that the Maurice firm, which had the original copyright on the British tune, paid about $5,000 to the com- plainants. Plaintiffs alleged that their tune, “I Can’t Forget You,” written by Paul Mellein and Herscher, was assigned to Maurice Music in 1951. They alleged that "I’m Walking Behind You” was largely copied from their tune. Brit. Tooters’ Extra Pay For Disked Air Repeats London, Nov. 30. Under a pact negotiated by the BBC with the Musicians Union, tooters are to get extra pay for re- corded repeats of broadcasts, rang- ing from $4-$6 a time. W’hen tran- scriptions are sold to overseas broadcasting organizations, the ex- tra fee rises to $8-$ll. The new pact is an answer to an MU threat earlier this year that it would ban recorded programs at the end of the year unless special terms were agreed. Can. Distrib for ‘Blooper’ Kermit Schafer has pacted with Quality Records for the distribu- tion of his album, "Pardon My Blooper,” in Canada. Jerry Blaine's Jubilee label dis- tributes the package in the U. S Vox Preps 2d Feyer Set; Gitlis Signed by Hurok Vox Productions is following up its successful 1953 Xmas boxed album of three George Feyer "Echoes” (Paris, Vienna and Italy) with another for the current holi- day trade. This one contains Fey- er’s "Echoes of Broadway,” "Echoes o# Latin America” and "Echoes of Paris” Vol. 2. New Vox artist, Ivry Gitlis, young Israeli concert violinist, has just been signed by Sol Hurok and will make his first American tour under the impresario’s management next season. DAVID ROSE Best British Sheet SeDers (Week ending Nov. 27) London, Nov. 30. Hold My Hand Wood I Give My Heart Robbins My Son Kassner This Ole House Duchess Must Be Reason .... Connelly Smile Bourae Santo Natale Spier My Friend Chappell Can’t Tell Waltz Reine Sky Blue Shirt Wright Things. Mean a Lot ... Robbins Happy Wanderer ...Bosworth Second 12 Story of Tina. . . .Macmelodies I Love Paris Chappell Veni Vidi Vici Dash High-Mighty Harms-Connelly Sway Latin American Wait For Me Lafleur No One But You Robbins Mama Doll Leeds Cara Mia Robbins Coins in Foijntain Feist I Need You Feldman Sh-Boom Aberbach anfl His Orchestra MGM30S45— 78* RPM K30845— 45 RPM New Crooner Join* Cap Hollywood, Dec. 7. Capitol's newest male vocalist, Bobby Milano, checks in this week to go over material for his initial etching session which will be held some time before Christmas. Mila- no, an 18-year-old baritone, will work with artists & repertoire exec Dave Dexter. Buffalo native is a protege of Frankie Laine and is managed by Laine's accompanist, A1 Lerner. 48 MUSIC Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Reeled Manuti Local 802 Prez; Iucci Now Out A1 Manuti, president pf Local 802, N. Y. wing of the American Federation of Musicians, w'a? re- elected as topper of the largest AFM local in a complete rout of opposing parties. When the bal- lots were counted last week, Ma- nuti received 6,351 votes against 1,971 votes for the leader of the opposing Blue ticket, Charles R. Iucci. It was the biggest margin In recent years. Manuti also swept all candidates for his Musicians Ticket in with him. The new exec board com- prises Max Arons, Irving Bloom, Sherman Brande, Robert Effros, Patsy Fasanella, A1 Gentile, Joe Lindwurm, Tiny Walters and Harry Kantor. A1 Knopf was renamed as vice-prexy; Aldo Ricci as secre- tary, and Hy Jaffe as treasurer. The current sweep of Manuti contrasted to his initial victory two years ago, when he was elected by. a relatively close margin as prexy and discovered that the majority of the exec board were adherents of the opposing Blue Ticket. Many of the Blue Ticket supporters on the exec board, however, soon switched to Manuti. With his defeat in his bid for the prexy post, Iucci now leaves the post of secretary which he has held for many years. Iucci has been a longtime administrative exec for the local and, for the past two years, was head of the Blue Ticket. Also defeated with him were two former Local 802 prexies, Dick McCann and Sam Suber, both of whom ran for the exec board. There were no clearcut differ- ences in programs between the opposing groups this year, so union insiders ascribe Manuti’s sweep to his personal popularity. Manuti’s major problem has been and re- mains the chronic unemployment situation among the 30,000 AFM members in N. Y. “DIXIE DANNY” Recorded by The Matys Brothers Sound #106 A Published by SOUND MUSIC CO. Soiling Agent Moonlight Music, Inc. 1733 BROADWAY, NEW YORK A WONDERFUL SEASONAL SONG St r end Cahn'j 'LET IT SHOW!" UT IT SHOW!" LTTITSNOW!" CAHN MUSIC COMPANY ZARIEfY Scoreboard OF TOP TALENT AND TUNES Compiled from Statistical Reports of Distribution Encompassing the Three Major Outlets Coin Machines Retail Disks Retail Sheet Music as Published in the Current Issue NOTE : The current comparative sales strength of the Artists and Tunes listed hereunder is arrived at under a statistical system comprising each of the three major sales outlets enu- merated above. These findings are correlated with data from wider sources, which are exclusive with Variety. The positions resulting from these findings denote the OVERALL IMPACT de- veloped from the ratio of points scored, two ways in the case of talent ( coin machines, retail disks) and three ways in the case of tunes (coin machines, retail disks and retail sheet music). POSITIONS This Last Week Week TALENT / ARTIST AND LABEL TUNE CHORDETTES (Cadence) Mister Sandman fl Need You Now EDDIE FISHER (Victor) i Count Your Blessings Fanny This Ole House 4 5 5 7 .6 8 9 10 8 10 POSITIONS This Last Week Week ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) <{Hey There (Mambo Italiano JOAN WEBER (Columbia) Let Me Go, Lover De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) Teach Me Tonight fShake, Rattle and Roll BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) 4 Dim, Dim the Lights [Rock Around the Clock PERRY COMO (Victor) J£f? a L ° v ® s , Man l bo /Things I Didn t Do DON CORNELL (Coral) Hold My Hand PAITD \ (Mister Sandman FOUR ACES (Decca) / lt’ s a Woman’s World AMES BROTHERS (Victor) Naughty Lady of Shady Lane TUNES (♦ASCAP. fBMI) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 8 2 3 > • 6 5 4 7 9 TUNE ♦MISTER SANDMAN PUBLISHER Morris fLET ME GO, LOVER : Hill & Range ♦I NEED YOU NOW • T Miller fTHIS OLE HOUSE Hamblen ♦COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Berlin ♦TEACH ME TONIGHT Hub-Leeds ♦PAPA LOVES MAMBO Shapiro-Bernstein ♦IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU Miller ♦HOLD MY HAND..! Raphael ♦NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE . Paxton Jack Rael Counters Miller’s ‘Copy’ Charge; ‘It’s Only Competition’ The “great music business de- bate” sparked by Mitch Miller’s allegations that rival diskers had “copied” the arrangement for Joan Weber’s Columbia etching of “Let Me Go, Lover” faded last week into just a quarter-hour retort over WNEW, N. Y. indie, by Jack Rael, Patti Page’s manager. - ; Miller, Col’s a&r chief, started the brawl on his regular WNEW. N. Y. show,' ‘‘The Money Record,” Another BMI *pj n Up" Hit THIS YEAR’S SANTA BABY eartha kitt ** corded b r & JETHRO Victor E UG GUMS . Victor Pf PEP, *ORCH Sooco (Non-exciusivfiy „ c#(ls#d — • • Rainbow Published by trinity MUSIC, INC. i*p I E4 1 irr XT I when he slapped the Coral (Teresa Brewer) and Mercury (Patti Page) versions as “copies” of the Col cut. Rael and Coral’s a&r chief Bob Thiele immediately demanded ‘‘equal time” to answer Miller and the station slotted them both for a 15-minute shot each during the I week as well as for a special roundtable with Miller on his Sun- day <5) show. Thiele, however, didn’t show and Rael came on last Wednesda'y <1> for his return vol- ley. Everything was dropped after that. In his turn at bat, Rael stressed the importance of competition to the record industry. “There’s no reason.” he said, “why the public should be forced to buy only one version.” If the song is a big enough hit, he added, everybody should have a piece of it. He men- tioned that it's become a common practice for major labels to cover the indies and none has raised any squaks. He cited Mille-’s following Denise Lor’s “If I Give My Heart To You” on Majar with a Doris Day slice that had the same basic idea. It’s not copying per se, he wound up. it’s competition, and it’s good for the record industry. ‘Hit Parade’ Lineup (On Dec. 4 NBC-TV Show) 1. Mister Sandman ...Morris 2. Count Blessings ....Berlin 3. If I Give My Heart . .Miller 4. This Ole House . Hamblen 5. Teach Me Tonight ... Hub 6. Papa Loves Mambo . S-B 7. I Need You Now ...Miller ‘Hit & Run’ Hit With 150G Infringe Suit Los Angeles, Dec. 7. Charges of unfair competition and wrongful appropriation, involv- ing his tune, “Blessing in Dis- guise,” were filed in Jack Watson’s $150,000 suit in Superior Court. Named as defendants are Lou Levy’s Duchess Music, Don Rose- land, Roy Cormier, Mel Van and 10 John Does. Plaintiff declares the first 14 bars of the song, “Hit and Run Affair,” are the same as those in his “Blessing.” He demands an ac- counting of all profits in addition to damages. Tune was etched by Perry Como for RCA Victor. DELANEY BICYCLING AGAIN Joe Delaney, RCA’s Label X sales chief, heads westwards again this week on a cross-country tour of distribs. He recently returned from a similar checkup. Decca, 20th Team For Big Push On ‘Business’ Album Decca Records and 20th-Fox are teaming on a major promotional campaign for the soundtrack album, less the voice of Marilyn Monroe, on “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Diskery is kicking off its drive next week with spe- cial screening for disk jockeys and retailers in all the major cities. Decca branches are setting up the screenings in conjunction with 20th’s staff. Irving Berlin, who did the score for the pic, has taped interviews for circulation among the jockeys and will, by remote control, do the same kind of plugging job he did for the Paramount pic and Decca album of “White Christmas.” Ber- lin’s music publishing staff is also hitting the road to plug the film and album. With Miss Monroe out of the Decca set due to her RCA Victor deal, Decca has wrapped up the rest of the top players, includ- ing Ethel Merman, Donald O’Con- nor, Dan Dailey, Johnnie Ray (courtesy of Columbia Records) and Mitzi Gaynor. Georgie Auld to Slice Jazz Oldies for Coral Hollywood, Dec. 7. Coral is completing a new 12- inch LP album of jazz classics featuring Georgie Auld. Initial four sides were cut last week and the remainder will be recorded this week to wind up the package which will be released early next year. Album shies* away from “wild” jazz to provide a special treatment of the classics. Auld is backed by Jud Conlon’s Rythmaires and side- men who include vibist Terry Gibbs. Latest DECCA Release STARS NEVER CRY b/w NOT TOO YOUNG TO HAVE MEMORIES CHARLIE APPLEWHITE P«r. Mgt. Direction WYNN LASSNER WM. MORRIS AGENCY from the 20th Century Pox CinemaSt ipf Production WOMAN S WOP. I D” IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD ROBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION It's Music by JESSE GREER Program Today Y os tor day's FLAPPERETTE MILLS MUSIC, INC. (1419 Broadway, Now York) America's- Fastest ^Selling -Records! Wednesday, December 8, 1954 VAUDEVILLE 49 Competitive Ice Shows in Indpls. Touches Off Wait* Billing War Tex. State Fair Netted 350G, Less Than in ’53 Dallas, Dec. 7. The State Fair of Texas, in its 16-day run, Oct. 9-24, made an es- timated net profit of $300,000, expo pi'ez R, L. Thornton revealed to the 48-man directors’ board last week. In 1953 the net was $350,439. Rec- c'd b.o. was 1949’s sock $513,133. However, this year’s fair broke all attendance records with 2,506,463. Kxec committee voted two more payments of principal and one of interest on Cotton Bowl bonds, pre- paying the debt to Jan. 1, 1963. Bowl bonds still outstanding total $685,000. Indianapolis, Dec. 7. 4 A battle between showmen, rem- iniscent of the oldtime circus wars «lu-n billposters would cover up ' „ other’s paper, hit Indianapolis last week. Arthur Wirtz, who has lone been the major iceshow en- trepreneur here, has been accused of flooding the town with circulars oleine prospective customers to stav away from the Coliseum, whi'rc ’Holiday on Ice” started an engagement yesterday (Mon.). Folder asked the customers to wait for the original show, “Holly- wood Ice Revue,” which Wirtz al- ways produced, and not to be misled bv similarly named produc- tions It’s believed that Wirtz will plav the city in the Spring at But- ler' Field House. “Holiday” spokes- men claimed an advance of about $85 000 for this stand and indicate that it will be a big engagement for them. “Holiday” countered with ads in the papers saying “There is only one Holiday on Ice’” and urged immediate attendance. Wirtz, in former years, held a lease on the Coliseum and thus was able to tie up that house for his own show which he played dur- ing the fall or winter season. He didn’t bid on a renewal of the lease this year. PIAF SET FOR THEATRE TOUR IN U. S. IN SPRING Edith Piaf will start 10 weeks of theatre dates in the U.S. to be played in 11. French chantoosey will play a string of houses starting March 7 in San Francisco. Gale Agency set up the stands. Following the two-week Frisco deal. Miss Piaf continues in Den- ver for March 21; St. Louis, March 28. She lays off Holy Week and start afresh with the Great North- ern Theatre, Chicago, starting April 11: Detroit, April 25; Toronto, May 5. and Montreal for two weeks starting April 9. Miss Piaf was originally slated to make a long stand at the Ver- sailles. N.Y., but operator Nick Prounis agreed to the tour on the proviso that she steer clear of New York and vicinity. Gordon Irving details that while TV is growing in the Highlands Vaude in Scotland Still Packs a Wallop Chile Launches First Stage-Pix Combo Policy Santiago, Nov. 30. Chile’s first combination pic and stage policy has been inaugurated at the Pacific Theatre here with the playing of the Gina Lollo- brigida starrer, “La Insatisfecha” < The Unsatisfied), with the Argen- others. Violins ensemble was booked by the newly-organized Conciertos y Espectaculos Limitada set up by Donato Roman Heitman, local rep of Southern Music, and Lolo Aehondo, radio announcer. Heit- man and Aehondo booked the vio- lin act into the Pacific for three weeks together with three perform- ances weekly for three weeks over Radio Corporation, to be followed by appearances at the gambling casino in Vina del Mar. Aehondo and Heitman are nego- tiating to bring the French D’Arcy Ballet from Buenos Aires to the Pa- cific Theatre next. The Magic Vio- lins is an act consisting of seven violins and a pianist. They also m e trying to book Frankie Laine, | Duke Ellington and Lucienne Boyer for next year. ana of tho many editorial feature* in tha 49th Anniversary Number of P’fiftlETY OUT SOON Sauter, Phillips to L. A. For Holiday USO Shows For Overseas Troops USO-Camp Shows president James Sauter and exec veepee Lawrence Phillips leave for the Coast today (Wed.) to put the final touches on the holiday troupes to be sent to all parts of the world where U. S. troops are stationed. This is the fourth successive year that these holiday shows will be going out. This year, five special mission Air Force and Navy planes will leave Burbank Dec. 17 for various parts of the world. At present, it’s estimated that 86 performers will take off. Thirty performers will be as- signed to entertain in the Atlantic theatres. One troupe will go to France, Germany and England, and the other to Navy bases in North Africa. On the return flight, the latter group will perform in Ber- muda and Puerto Rico. Other group will work the Northeast Air Command, visiting isolated base in Thule. Greenland, Baffinland, New- foundland and Labrador. Performers flying westward will stop at Eniwetok. One half will be flown to Guam, Phillipines and Okinawa. Balance of the group will split into two units on arrival in Tokyo for entertainment in Korea. Fields-Seeley Club Date Benny Fields & Blossom Seeley will play their first nitery date in some time at the Beverly Hills Country Club, Newport, Ky., start- ing Dec. 17. Duo had been heading an air show on WMGM, N.Y., until a few weeks ago. Parnell’s Africa Dates; Anzacs Wooing Heath London, Dec. 7. Jack Parnell, British drummer- leader is flying to South Africa for a long theatre tour next March. He will take with him his full orch, plus his two singers, and they will all be part of a package show fea- turing British ar'ists. At the same time, Ted Heath has received an offer to tour Aus- tralia and New Zealand next spring. The project calls for a series of concerts extending over four weeks. Hilton-Statler Merger Cues New Talent Setup: Abbott May Take Over jp -X i ■ Outlying Clubs Sign Names For Weekends Only’ The outlying clubs in the New York area are starting to tie up performers for successive week- ends only. Not willing to spend tall coin for the portions of the week when many shouldn’t even be open, the operators are willing to spend important coin in order to maintain top-level business over the weekends. A slump during that portion of the week puts them in the losing column. One of the longer-range book- ings was made last week when Ben Maksik’s Town & Country Club, Brooklyn, signed Jackie Miles for four successive three-day week- ends^ starting Friday <10). Joni James recently played the Boule- vard for two successive weekends, and operators are shopping around for any name that can lure them in during these vital periods. BILL LOEB TO BOOK FOR BIMBO’S IN FRISCO San Francisco, Dec. 7. Bill Loeb, Hollywood personal manager and agent, has been signed as house booker for Bimbo’s 365 Club. This is the first time the spot has had a regular booker since Sam Rosey departed early last summer. The new move is expected to change somewhat the nature of the talent playing the club with an in- creased emphasis on record names and a bigger pitch to the younger customers. It is understood that the spot has dropped off in its week by week business consider- ably in recent months and the bringing in of Loeb, who manages Mel Torme and Margaret Whiting among others, is aimed at hypoing business. Loeb formerly was with MCA in San Francisco and is hip to the local scene. Chairman at tha AGVA Walfara T ruat Fund Nat Abramson detail* tha whyfora of Insurance for Performers , A Modern-Day Necessity * * * an interesting editorial featnre in the upcoming 49th Anniversary N timber of PfiniEfY OUT SOON Joe Bonds, Dallas Chib Owner, Gets 8-Year Rap On Morals’ Conviction Dallas, Dec. 7. Joe Bonds, 44. former nitery and tavern operator, drew an eight- year prison sentence on a morals charge here last week from a jury in Judge William McCraw’s crim- inal court here. Bonds said he would appeal the decision. Ex-nitery owner disclosed he was born Joseph Locurto and changed his name to Joe Bonds here in 1947 when he and his wife, singer Dale Belmont, bought the Sky Club while the vocalist was booked there. Last year Bonds opened the midtown Blue Lady lounge and was ready to open a similar spot, the Blue Isle, when three morals charges were filed against him by teenage girl em- ployees. Two plaintiffs disap- peared, and he was convicted on testimony of a 15-year-old former waitress. Earlier, the Texas Liquor Con- trol Board had revoked his Blue Lady beer license for sales after the midnight curfew in Texas; he w r as refused a license for his new midtown Blue Isle, and County Judge Lew’ Sterrett refused to re- new the license for Bonds’ huge Sky Club ballroom. Consolidation of talent buying in the Hilton Hotels is about to be set. Presently, Merriel Abbott has been acting as entertainment pur- chaser for the Hilton Hotels, while John Grande has been holding a similar post for the Statler chain, recently taken over by Hilton. It’s reported that Grande is about to leave the post and Miss Abbott will take over. Chicago will serve as the buying center for the entire operation. A Hilton rep has been in resi- dence at the Statler Hotel in New York for the past two months studying the operation, and his recommendations are about to be put into effect. One of the items is the consolidation of talent pur- chases. The N. Y. Statler has been serving as the centre of the Statler talent boys. However, there are some rum- bles as to the permanency of the Hilton merger with the Statler Hotels. The step has been con- demned in financial circles as a union which had no economic base. The American Management Assn., which had given the Statler chain an award as one of the better-run corporations, has taken away that award because of the merger. It’s also reported that Sen. Langer (R.-S.D. ) wants a Congressional investigation into the matter. Texas Prairie Spot Dallas, Dec. 7. Bea Hoffman has opened the Sadie Hawkins Club between Dal- las and Grand Prairie. Miss Hoff- man is a former model now turned nitery operator. At present jukebox music will be used, wijth name bands to be brought in on occasion. The spot boasts the largest dance floor in Texas. OUT SOON The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 36 154 W. 46Hi St. HOLLYWOOD 28 631 1 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avt. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martin’s Place Trafalgar Square LIBERACE TO GET 50G WKLY. IN L.V. HOTEL BOW Las Vegas, Dec. 7. Initial attraction at the Riviera Hotel, slated to open its doors early in April, will be Liberace at $50,000 per week. It’s a record peak in the Las Vegas sweepstakes. Jack Goldman, operator of Miami’s Clover Club and enter- tainment director for the nine- story hostelry here, closed a three- week deal for the pianist, his brother George, and the 22-piece orchestra that backs Liberace on his Columbia recordings. Liberace also will have final approval on one additional act to be booked to round out the show. Joan Crawford will hostess tfie opening night cocktail party for $10,000 plus a free week’s vaca- tion. Comic Fiddler Yonely To Do a Victor Borge Chicago, Dec. 7. Comic violinist Yonely is getting his first concert showcasing, a la Victor Borge, in 10 midwestern cities this winter via Jay Lurye’s “Winter Theatre” series. Rouma- nian trick fiddler’s solo stint will be part of a string promoted by Lurye which also includes “Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” and con- certs by Fred Waring, First Piano Quartet, and Hildegarde & Jack Whiting. Two-hour concert format consti- tutes a big raise in stature for the performer, who heretofore has ap- peared as a brief vaude or cabaret act. Yonely had made a clicko im- pression in the territory last sea- son. His tour in the series be- gins in latter part of February, through cities like Green Bay, Wis., and . Duluth am) Hibbing, Minn. Top admish for the concerts is to be $3.60. Shore’s Widow Sues For $60,000 in Fatal Crash Chicago, Dec. 7. Anita Shore Brown, widow of late comedian Willie Shore, has filed a $60,000 suil against owners of the Luke Club in Springfield, 111., from which engagement Shore was returning when he was killed in a highway auto wreck on Oct. 12, 1953 Suit charges bonifaces Hugo Giovagnoli and Harold Henderson with selling or giving liquor to Shore causing him to become in- toxicated before the accident. Mrs. Brown, who remarried, is asking $15,000 each for herself and three minor children. Joanne Wheatley, who winds up at Eddys’, Kansas City, Dec. 9, Inf- lows with a stand at the Mapes, Reno. Dec. 16. 50 VAVORVILLB XJllf.VMjl Wednesday, December 8 , 19S4 PAT MORGAN Songs 25 Mins. Gatineau Club, Ottawa Pat Morgan’s been singing pro- fessionally for some years but his recent hypoing via winning an award on Canadian Broadcasting Corp.’s television show. “Pick The Stars.” not only made him w.k. to Canadian audiences but seemed to cue considerable improvement in his stage savvy. Morgan has socko personality that moves easily across footlights and floors to garner big audience acceptance. Equipped with pipes that rate high in quali- ty, lad handles them with more ease and ability now’ and that, combined with selection of tunes to fit, sets him in a top chant posi- tion. Morgan has topped some expert talent in the preliminaries and semi-finals of the CBC video slow ventional mufti. Even the “Street Singer” had to come in off the rues ; when a radio sponsor beckoned. Incidentally, speaking of flexible 1 showmanship, ex-hoofer Billy Reed ! is a good sampling of maturity ! that comes with experience and j an eager awareness of public stand- i ards. He now makes with the I cuisine like Escoffier, even unto a : dinrer-of-thc-month gimmick in , varying nationalistic idioms, along ! with an elastic concept that where once he tpund it sufficient to see the Little Club as a guys-and-dolls haunt, since then he has fortified it with solid groceries. There are such little but savvy bonifaceing tidbits like Faconi’s svelte fiddling. With Jules Kati’s assistance, and j Rudy Timfleld tickling the ivories from dinner on. Reed’s prime problem some nights is his limited | capacity. Abel. HAPPY BURROWS Dance, Impressions 12 Mins. Club Savannah, N. Y. Harry Burrows is a good colored performer who can sing fairly well, do a good job of emceeing, tap out a routine, and top it all off with impressions. All of them are fairly well done. As a matter of fact, he seems to dissipate a lot of his tal- ents by failure to stay in any one bracket long enough to register a degree of excellence. Burrows’ most promising mo- ments are in the tap vein. His two numbers in that category indicate that his cleats are fast and clean and he seems to be on the verge of an individualistic style. How- ever, in his second tap number he reverts to something more or less surefire by miming Bill Robinson. He does a vocal impression of The Ink Spots’ Bill Kenny. Toning down of his exaggerated garb would aid his cause. Jose. MARGOT & MALLIE Dance 5 Mins. Club Savannah, N. Y. Margot & Mallie seem to be refugees from a classical troupe who have gone in for commercial routines. Negro couple have blue- printed an Afro-Cuban item with sexy overtones to fill the require- ments of this spot. Male is one of the speedier danc- ers around. He has ability to do some amazing leaps and some diz- zying spins. At times, he seems to slow up in order to permit his partner to keep pace with him» However, it doesn’t mean that the girl is a slowpoke, but it would be an extraordinary femme to possess the speed of Mallie. Their single number is well received, but rou- tine as displayed here would have to have large portions of it scrapped for work in tonier soots. Jose. RICH IARDI JR. Magic .30 Mins. Olympia, Paris Though surrounded by six help- ers. this Peruvian magician bills himself single-o. At a carioca tempo he runs through all the w.k. tricks but performs them with a nonchalance that makes them in- triguing again. Things disappear and return at will, pretty girls vanish from chairs to end up in trunks brought out by two fey aids, and so it goes. Piece de resistance are two levitation bits that look real and enticing at closest scrutiny. It Vs fun to be fooled with this young, bouncy prestidigitator, and this sort of act is always a welcome interlude on any vauder, nitcry or tv show. It has distinct U. S. pos- sibilities. Mosk. RAY ROMAINE & CLAIRE Acrobatics 7 Mins. Palace, N. Y. Ray Romainc & Claire, who have worked theatres and niteries on the Coast prior to coming east, dis- play varied routines of tumbling, acrobatics and hand-to-hand bal- ancing. Male, an unassuming lad. is dressed in sport coat and slacks while his femme partner is more appropriately clad in a white leo- tard. Well executed, their feats excite visual interest and the duo appears to be good tv material in addition to the vaude and nitery media. A sequence, in which the femme kid- dingly holds up a sign with the legend, “No Applause.” while her partner is performing, is ignored by the customers who applaud any- way. Gilb. COMEDY MATERIAL for All Branch,* of Theatrical s FUN-MASTER THE ORIGINAL SHOW-BIZ GAG FILE (The Service of the STARS) First 13 File* $7 00-All 35 issues $25 Singly; SI. 05 per script. • 3 Bks. PARODIES. per book $10 • • MINSTREL BUDGET $35 • • 4 BLACKOUT BKS., oe. bk. $35 • • BLUE BOOK (Gags for Stags) $50 * HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES $3.00 GIANT CLASSIFIED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GAGS. $300. Worth ovor a thousand No C.O.D.'s BILLY GLASON 300 W. 54th St., Now York 19— Dept. V Circle 7-1130 TIIE ORFATIS (3) Aero 10 Mins. Olympia, Paris Garbed in flowing parodies of Arabian Nights costumes, this bouncy trio docs a scries of bal- ancing and easy manipulating in the aero' category to make this a fine opener or filler. Looks like a nice bet for U. S. nitery or vaude spotting. Mosk. FRAN GREGORY Songs 12 Mins. Charley Foy’s, Sherman Oaks, Cal. Fran Gregory is a singer who could happen. She has all the nec- essary equipment, including a well- trained voice, looks and figure. On the basis of her stint here, she’s a welcome addition to any nitery show and a possibility for records and tv. Sole drawback at the moment Is a tendency to oversell. The arm and torso waving need to be toned down because they detract from the overall effect. Other than that, however, she makes a good im- pression and earns plenty or re- sponse. in addition to warbling such standards as "Will You Still Be Mine?” and “The Thrill Is Gone,” she goes in for vocal carbonings of Lena Home, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Froman and Marlene Diet- rich. The Horne is excellent and t he Monroe better than average, particularly on "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Knp. (Beauty and fhe Least) A mw not* In Glamor Comady 8ta*«d by Msrvyn Neljon Currently (to Jan. I) PALUMBO’S Philadelphia LOU ELLIOTT Songs 10 Mins. Club Savannah, N. Y. Lou Elliott, who lias graduated from the ranks of band vocalists, is an interesting singer. Although hip in the manner of modern day singers, this songstress brings in some of the characteristics of her Negro forbears. There’s a touch of spirituals in some of her tunes. It’s a highly interesting style that en- tices attention. ?»Iiss Elliott is an attractive look- er and well-gowned. Her tunes are standards that are easily assimi- lated hut her offbeat treatment makes her an item for attention of the uptowncrics. Jose. WHEN IN BOSTON If s the The Home of Show Folk Avery & Washington Sts. TRUDIE MASON Songs. Dance 17 Mins. NCO Club. Omaha Trudie Mason is a vivacious red- head looker with stage moxie who may be headed for big things. She has personality, a Betty Huttonish energy, and a style of comedy not too unlike Martha Raye. There aren’t many dull moments when she’s on. Miss Mason opens in a baggy sailor suit for “South Pacific,” winding up with an okay tap ses- sion. Then she strips the uniform, revealing her in a low-cut formal that displays a trim figure. After a brief gal) session, she socks over a Jolson impression to w ind up way ahead. Act could stand some reroutin-, PATRICIA LORDIER "Just Returned from the land of Manana “ Currently Appearing CHEZ AMI, Buffalo Thank You, MAX luOVELLE and NOEL SHERMAN tag and tightening to make even more use of Miss Mason’s talent. But it’s still a solid offering. Red- head is a good bet for any medium, especially musical comedy. Trump, BOBBIE K1MBER Ventriloquism 8 Mins. Empire, Glasgow Experienced English vent act has potential for the U.S. vaude mar- ket if pace of act could be speeded and sharper finish evolved. With lengthy hair and a puffed- up feminine face, male performer, with aid of makeup, could easily pass for a genuine distaffer. He’d be a wow if he would finish act by discarding feminine trappings and revealing himself a man, as he did at this vaudery on a previous trip. Ventriloquial talent is high. At show’ caught, he sat between two suitcases, with dummy on each, and contrived to create effect of one doll being the vent, the other his dummy. Act tends to become slowpaced in spots, and gags could be fresher, but overall results are good. Winds by creating dummy “Jen- ny” from hand and fingers with aid of lipstick and greasepaint. Cord. MARGUERITE & CHARLES Comedy Acrobatics 5 Mins. Empire, Glasgow Mixed duo are pleasant aero workers with strong element of comedy. Male throws his distaff partner into air. catches her, then engages in ballroom-style dancing with her while she treads around on hands. Lifts and graceful posi* tionings also merit applause. Male also circles the femme round and round in rotating man- ner by holding hand under hei armpit. He is garbed in lounge suit and soft felt hat; she's shapely young blohde. Possibility for U.S vaude. * Cord. Java Spots — ^ Continued from page 1 could live there on modest means, no longer can afford the prices now prevalent. Perhaps, these conditions have brought on the coffee houses. Like Bohemianism, it’s a development brought over from the Continent. With liquor prices being what they are, and many having been taken over by peculiar kinds of delin- quents, these seem be the last refuge of the Villagers w’ho still cling to the vestigal Bohemianism in the sector. The atmosphere is pleasant, the prices fairly reasonable consider- ing that the customers linger over the coffee cups interminably, and the beverage and the conversation stimulating. Indeed the Village trend can be seen during the weekday nights when the nearby NYU lets out. The scholars bypass the strip joints despite the doormen-barkers, they steer clear of the saloons and go into the coffee joynts. The matriculants have been transformed from steweds to studes. The coffee houses, with wide as- sortment of Italian pastries, can be expensive too. Some types of cof- fee go to 50c per cup but that’s for the carriage trade. It is a fact that the coffee houses hit the upbeat as rougher elements took over in the Village. The girls with muscles and the soprano boys- have retired to new haunts, with one exception, a spot that mixes the breeds. The espresso coffee house vogue has spread into the *50s. At one of them, the after-theatre crowds line up waiting for space. Indeed should the development become more widespread, it’s possible that a temperance form of cocktail lounge will be on its way. It’s not unreasonable to assume that they will install strolling players as competition becomes keen. As a matter of fact, Wiere’s a strolling group in the Village that makes the round of the coffee houses. After a set they pass the hat. So a start in that direction has been made. 1LE DE FRANCE BOOKS BILL FOR CRUISE PREEM The lie de France, which be- comes a cruise ship for the winter season, will make its first trip of the season Dec. 23 with a full com- plement of acts aboard. Among those signed to entertain on the boat are Don Tannen, Paul Duke, Gregory & Strong, Sid Gary, Sylvia Karlton and The Renards. James J. Grady books the tal- Myles Bell Inked For London Palladium Myles Bell has been signed for two weeks at the Palladium, Lon- don, starting March 17. Comic had been working with Christine Jorgensen, but split the act about a month ago, to resume solo work. Bell played one week in England with Miss Jorgensen, several months ago, and while there played three weeks of vaude stands as a single. Pair split when the duo returned to the U. S. Lee Wyler has re- placed Bell in Christine’s act. Christine and Bell are both repped by Charles V. Yates. Omaha Union Council To Promote Aud Show Omaha, Dec. 7. First signing of a club date for a union in this part of the coun- try was completed last week when William J. Mattey of the Carpen- ter’s Council Union inked Don Romeo of local Paul Moorhead Agency to produce a show for his outfit at the city aud next month. Romeo will bring in the Eddy Haddad, Skeets Mahoney and Lam- bert Bartak orch’s, eight-gal line, the Darling Debutantes, plus Helen Boyce, Karl Wayne and the Two Checkers. Miss NAOMI STEVENS "Chants With a Chuckle " Currently: ESQUIRE RED ROOM DAYTON, OHIO Dir.: JIMMIE HUSSON 119 W. 57th St., Nnw York SHE'S DYNAMITE! KAY MARTIN KIRBY STONE FOUR Currently LATIN CASINO Philadelphia Dir.: Mat.: WILLIAM MORRIS WYNN LASSNER Agtney Aiscc., Ine. "Cab Calloway proves at every . . . turn that he is one of the great song stylists and showmen of all time." HY GARDNER in Herald Tribune, Nov. 29 Mgt. BILL MITTLER, U19 Broadway. New York ■ Wednesday, December 8, 1954 VAUDEVILLE New York — i, i /if n BORGE GROSSES 19 G Vaude, late Dates on his night off Victor Borge scored a huge $19,- ■ ““ 600 in his one-niter at the Arena, N#»w York son spel,s Gobel in Tulsa, Dec. 9. Philadelphia, for the Philadelphia new and Fort Worth( Dec . io . . . Jon Inquirer charities, Sunday (5). Carl Brisson starts a stand to- & Sondra Steel set for Cipango Affair ... Qc 0 e „,, * , . . night (Wed.) at the Detroit Ath- C lub, Dec. 10-19 . . . Baker Hotel i flfl h f ^ and had Sue Club . . . Betty & Jane Kean gets Bill Norvas and Dee Arden, b f e " plugged for a long period nacted for the Latin Quarter, Dec. 13-25; Maureen Cannon, Dec. by tbe pa P. er - Comedian has been Miami Beach . . . Francis Renault 27-Jan. 1; Joanne Gilbert, Jan. working his one-man show at the his entered the New York Hospi- 14.27 a nd Julius LaRosa, Feb. Golden Theatre, N. Y. Sunday is t il tor surgery . . . Manuel Cape- 18-26. Dick Barlow orch replaces bis night off. tijio, current at the Pierre Hotel, j oe Keichman on Dec. 27 . . . Ernie has been re-inked for an April Rudy crew one-nighting at Lou- stand at this hotel. He goes into ann’s . . . Mai Fitch, pianist, held Wirfy Sl?ftt what with the regu i ar Sun . self are not shocked so much at TOf For The Bes+.Deal On A FORD or FORD THUNDERBIRD Call me a': TED ROWLAND, Inc .)• V > N t I' < I • I L • » ' • ’ ' ‘ ' LYnbroolt 9-0600 BUD AND CECE ROBINSON NOW ON TOUR IN TEXAS Management: MCA HARBERS NOW Thundcrbird Hotel LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DALE trv hasn’t been able to eet the ColQny Restaurant in Berkeley influence, however, is not the li- an appearance Sunday night, Nov. talent with the freauenev it used Square, sails via the Caronia Dec. censing of underworld figures, but 21, to play a one-nighter. They rShpr tnir. \nrh a* Philariel- 4 and arrive* in New York a fort- the use of such undesirables as pit claim it cost them more than that nhia and Boston cannot relv on a night after visiting Bermuda, Nas- bosses and the like. It appears in refunds when Kenny pulled a steadv flow of toD names! The Town sau and Jamaica. He will be on Rkely that the Tax Commission’s non-show. Casino Buffalo, has been able to i th c lookout for talent to play his P® w ® r will increase to a screening j Ic bad becn working' downtown hold onto its quota of names, but ca { e ln ’ 55 - of a11 gambllng empl °y ees - Copa here that week and after how long it will be able to do so Last week. Morris closed a deal Nevadans themselves are prob- closing there Saturday night stayed will be up to the willingness of op- with Anita E | ,is to headline at the ably more concerned with the over Sunday to do the annual Va- erators Harry Altman and Harry Colony, starting Dec. 13. She is problem than people outside the riety Club banquet and after that Wallens to meet ever-increasing currentl y London dubbing for state. They are particularly in- the Charleroi date. However, when salaries Jeanne Crain in the vocals of terested in keeping the Nevada Variety affair ran late and Kenny The failure of many toppers to " Gentlem en Marry Brunettes.” state’s economy rests, in great didn’t go on until two hours later co into tafes has left the field wide She did a s * mi,ar chore for Rita gambling house clean since the than he expected, singer figured he open for record names Latter cate- Ha y wort b in “Miss Sadie Thomp- part, on the great tourist trade was too tardy for the VFW book- BEST COMEDY BITS 5 different nett. Over 20 mlnutee •» . iwift-mevini material. All far fS. A. GUY VISK m. U1 Writing Enttrprittfl „ r '*• M "l ® treat Trey. N. Y. Creator* of Special Comedy Material" gory can virtually name their own j son price in many situations. Operators would like to get lures for the more mature audiences as well, but there haven’t been too many of the lat- ter of late. The agencies cannot argue against the accountants except to counter with the fact that they’ll find that th«y will one day wear out. their welcome in some of the spots they play regularly, and then other spots may hesitate to use them. The agencies have long argued that they need to work more Spots than they do if only in order to develop a backlog of cjubs. At the same time the agency men want them to play a wider circle of spots if only to make it easier for some niteries to stay open. El Rancho Vegas Inks Kent to Three-Yr. Deal Las Vegas, Dec. 7. Latest long-term talent deal Inked here is between comic Lenny Kent and El Rancho Vegas. Hos- telry signed Kent to a three-year pact for «ight weeks annually. Kent, recently teamed with Rose Marie, Is returning to the cafe circuit as a single. Ethel Waters’ Tour Ethel Waters, who appeared on Broadway two seasons ago in a program of songs under the title. “At Home with Ethel Waters,” will tour shortly in a similar show. Offering is being booked on a one-nighter concert basis. brought in by .legalized gaming. ing and bowed out. GAS LIGHTS and PINK TIGHTS 15th WEEK in LAS VEGAS < at the Golden Nugget Comedy — Songs and Dances — Variety Acts Lavish Costuming — Exciting Production Numbers * - A .MARQUEE PRODUCTION - Produced by the Famous "DRUNKARD" — 22nd Year in Hollywood For Available Dates on "Gas Lights and Pink Tights" Contact Marquee Productions, 600 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, Calif., Normandy 2-1121 52 REVIEWS Wednesday, December 8, 1954 St. Itogis. Xfw York Rosalind sCourtright, Milt Shau: Orch, Ray Bari Ensemble; $1.50- $2 50 couvert. crew. “Caledonia” turns the whole thing into a jam session. Nanci Crompton remains to spin in ballet fashion to rate salvos The Antonio Morelli orch pro- HlinslrubVi* Boston Boston. Nov. 30. Johnnie Ray, Orioles <2>, Ar- expected delivery and some meta- phorical non-sequiturs that make Sahl a real comedy find. Winters, by way of contrast, is * ’ ' The Antonio Morelli orch pro- . . . ., . . vides good backing to Damone and This is a sixth engagement at the tbe pa j r 0 j heldover production Maisonette for Rosalind Court- featuring vocalist Chuck nauts ‘ 3 » , Rolando. McCaffrey & a comp i e tely different type of co- median. a story-teller rather than Basin Street. X. Y. Duke Ellington Orch (15) tcith Jimmy Grissom; Alec Templeton , Don Shirley Duo; $3 minimum. a monologist. He displays three i! cc £!u * h-in nf^Lp 6 ^ 3 ^ j tnis sesh. The trio of 88-ers (Duke good sketches, first of » h “>M Ellington. Alec Templeton. Don II lit b k r- Nelson; Bob. * Despite the fact this is Johnnie Ray’s second appearance here in “Marine Diary,” sounds as Shirley) are slick craftsman, but Susanne, Michael Gaylord Orch (12*. Lou Weir, organist; $2.50 minimum I n i i ni rui r* m « no i % i ri n n rnnoiiwr i n>wir light, which makes her an estab- lished commodity of proven ciura- {he , Ambassador llo.rf. I- \. sazM.y over a Year and heVno. ; STwS il= 9 SSr£ W2 ,*^5 needs of this sort of fane) rain- Los Angeles. Dec 1. currently tiding a h.t record. situation and physical humor is his f;™'"S. a f h d , s n “ p *° d t °° ™ u h ch m “‘ skeller. That is to say sne is smart ; Jforry Jan*l Orch <16>, Joyce S»y continues to lure sizable auds ; sketch of a gaso i ine station attend- same tmng - g00d as eact> may without doing it as a radio show, doing a half-dozen voices and even more c d up h . are in a con- straining the atlen- Bryant, Peggy Ryan & Ray McDon - *nto this outsized bistro Although ant seX rvi c i n g a new woman driver. ,ii clientele, which is aid; $2 cover. he hasp t lost any of the frenetic Last two turns, one on a British sty.e that zoomed him into promt- explorer and the other an old lady. over tion of the posh _ usually not the ideal audience for anv talent. Invariably there are Offbeat booking of Alec Temple- ton is the onI >' departure for the ... „ — The Ambassador aims at the nence several years ago. he has j ay t be stress on characterization l*/ 2 . ro ? m Both Ellington and tables at the Maisonette more las- younger set with this four-week cut the wailing down considerably. and the best. Shirley have been here before and • I t . ■ in i l . . t t t . nniv racnHino t n it ti-hon mctAin. » . ... , , « . « . each knows the requirements of cinated by their own private wit layout headlined by Harry James only resorting to it when custom- than bv the performer’s lyrics. It’s and the odds are the booking will ers voicerferously , demand his 1 help overcome some of the Decern- trademarks. “Cry” and “Little be- doldrums.. Hour-long show White Cloud.” could be trimmed to better effect ! Giving out a tossup whether a deb with one eye covered by a long pageboy bob is more detractive than an o’der femme fatale from down Old West- bury way. who has been swimming in champagne. Either sort do all they can. within the scope of their phonev refinement, to keep the men in their party from giving ex- clusive concentration to tUe female at the mike trying to make a living. Miss Courtright holds the floor 25 minutes and evokes about the average tribute rendered in this cellar. It would be a truism to say she is as good as her material, which could be better. Actually it is perhaps accurate to report she’s better than her material. She works with authority and charm and rides over and largely dominates the wandering attention of those | giddv biddies who would be shocked at any hint that they were not well bred — they have money, don’t they? One song. “My Career.” which Lafaye unit’s only drawback is the shortness of their turn. Illu- sions created by the foursome the room and its clientele. Tem- pleton. who’s no stranger to cafe moving their lighted props in a c i, r 5 u _ it *. fel * gr ? ov ? easily unstintingly, Ray blackout setup are striking and and ga\ e a completely winning per- * f /"\ !■ fYl o A /~\ A A 1 n fl H 1 f T r \ T I lvi t and some of the participants purveys a mixed songalog that in- their routines funny. Best of the *° rmanc f °P en i n f nig j t : . * or should adhere more closely to their eludes, along with his standards, three is the “John i Marsha” re- I . minutes, he delivered his classic own stuff, but the elements are on “Papa Loves Mambo." kidding deft hand. And budgetwise, it’s a Rood around with the “ughs.” practically Cocoanut Grove buy for this period flipping with "Oh. Such a Night.” of year. „ and inserting a bit of seriousness James’ crew works somewhat with a revivalist number. A bit under wraps for most of the eve- of byplay, via bussing several ning and gets an all too brief show- ’ femme ringsiders, nabs squeals; casing in the floorshow with James handling “Brave Bulls” and “Trumpet Blues.” while Gordon Polk is spotlighted on a vocal of cording set to action with a top 5™“' a .„ hat and an elongated ostrich D l ume way. Basin Street engagement Miss Johnson, who opens the » penap "f“„ n play “ g v ‘ s 'f* K51I a _ ~ a L| An J •% ct r\s\rl tOV *11111. XCnipICtOfl SCOTCQ With ^ a his jazz fingering of Haydn s “Sur- ratafn/ rff U cnrfhi ct nd if P rise Symphony.” a Gershwin med- le >\ a vocal on “John Peel” and his l tn^ e S if« n that n ffc" trademarked Bach interpretations. ! turn, it s th3t it s too polished Hp optc a npat rhvthm the Blin- j she appears so well in control of vi.wek.n ik.eci matters that “Funny That Way.” The trumpet ensemble work behind James is up to the peak expected of this aggregation and the overall result is a foot-tapping stanza that isn't found too often in hotel rooms. Peggy Ryan & Ray McDonald open with a song and dance turn that has some highspots. but is weakened by some bad comedy patter that produces, at best, sim- the net result is a solid showmanly stint. Balance of lineup is in me uuu-isne appears so weu in ruin, i ui ui f - wpnHpll Marshall «ha««) and strub tradition. McCaffrey & \ matters that the sense of spon- Bdi?Sn t dims) both out of Susanne. a terp team, set a nifty j taneity and the spark of enthusi- k Ellington lineup' For a closer pace terping to -St. Louia Blues ! asm seem to be lacking. Jimmy T em o eton woriS ^'with the fuli Mambo." following with a couple : Lyons Trio and Bart Howard pro- dieting with Ellington and of pleasing routines. Rolando, j vide pleasant entr'acte arrange- j ^MSgX boys^ fn Xme. W. feel and flavor of the old two-a-day I high swinging crossbars. undertakes to tell in patter the ups pers instead of smiles. On foot, the and downs of Miss Courtright in I team is topnotch: they have the show business, is a very promising idea that can stand embellishing with additional angles. Her simu- lation rather than mimickry) of Ethel Merman roused spontaneous appreciation and is in a vein of song humor that Miss Courtright can manage very well. In general, the patter stuff puts her over, and who plays this spot frequently, j ments. continues to astonish with his hand balancing stunts atop a lamp- post. The Arnauts. also w.k. here, score in the yock department with their zany fiddling and bird talk ^ routines. The Orioles, a boy and Combo (4); $2 cover. gal trapeze team, round out the bill with standout tricks on the; A breath of Paris in his rendi an attractive bit of rhythmic fun. Ellington continues as before. His work remains inventive and highly polished. Dishing out a flock Mocambn. Hollywood Hollywood, Dec. 3. Andre _ Philippe, ^ Paul Hebert of°melodies. old and new. the long * Latin session is tantamount to a concert. There’ll be no squawks about a musical shortage while Ellington’s {around. As usual, he gives top dis- Orch (5*. Joe Castro's " J r u,t 7 '"V 1 ; 0 ’ , ll1 ^. u , UM J “ < “ 5 ' , , I tion and selection of songs is D i av to his sidemen ~\t one' time a .!!i C H a : Ie T St .°_ n I u w t au !^f"!!? i offered by Andre Philippe, billed Sr another thev aU Ret a chance stuff is excellent with the Lan- 1 band showbacks capably splitting cashire clog (look. ma. no heels) customer terp assignments with commanding peak interest. More organist Lou Weir. Elie. gamwork and less gab is indicated, i Joyce Bryant has too much change of pace to register at her best in this layout. Miss Bryant is best on the stuff with a beat and she pounds over material like “Running Wild.” but she doesn’t fare too well with the slow treat- ment of “I've Got a Crush on You.” she could use more of it. Her voice with George Rhodes accompanying, is a competent vaude-type instru- - ~ *** * ‘ ment. but the songs that are just songs remain a bit too conspicuous- ly •filler” for all that a trouper requires change of pace; St. Regis, per usual, provides al- most uninterrupted dancing via Milt Shaw and Ray Bari units They maintain a steady beat, and the floor is invariably crowded. The kitchen and service remain excel- lent.. The manners of the staff are impeccable. Only manners of the guests 'some of ’em) could be criticized. Land. Statler. Hartford Hartford. Dec. 1. The Dronan Bros. <2>. The De- Marios (2); Stet^e Kisley Orch, i ivith Dee Drummond; $1 cocer, $1.50 weekends. iu Current layout in the Terrace v. cimiinvt., • . . . . .. . Rcom is strong on the boards, but fo Jimmv M.Hnih* * ! ha5 liule marquee value here The L.cil-t £ y h J oS. ^ u g K 'Dronan Bros and the DeMarlos rancrLln^nf avooi en I e tv.^ n ^ Krlt ^"'are both unknown here. Add this r a n gemen t r evea Isa th in v l hr a to^ factor t the pre . X mas dropoff and'caise. Next on tap will be Freddie • cute .. . _ . - . or another, they all get a chance as the ‘American Baritone from t a te over for some fancy toot- Paris, ’ in his Coast bow at this Rng. Vocalist Jimmy Grissom Sunset Strip spot. A personable CO mes through w ith treatments of young chap with a load of person- ' "September Song.” “Do Nothing ality. his relaxed style provides Till You Hear From Me" and “I pleasant listening for those who Love You Madlv " drop in. An intime touch is given turn by Philippe as he opens in rear There have been quite a number of young pianists hitting the jazz and wends h?s way « the !«« '« and I h", Sh i r : 1 .ey rates as one of the best. He works with a bass accompanist. tables on tap Martin, returning to his familiar haunts on Dec. 29. Kap. to mike, warbling “Some- here in the Night.” “I Could Write a Book” is a novelty affair, and the French touch is ingrati- , . .. . .. .. atingly delivered in “Les Amants sl ^ uatlons de Paris.” again in “Chanson Fran- latter his sock number, and projecting a beat that’s imaginative and appealing. He's a socko bet for Gros. I the failure of the hotel to advance [ ^ ute as he fingers a tiger kitten publicize the divertissement and dummy. “When I Was Young” also Edriytt*. K. C. Kansas City. Dec. 3. Joanne "Wheatley < irith Hal Sands. Izas Vegas Las Vegas, Dec 1. Vic Damone, Louis Jordan A the rates big hand, closing for good Kanner), Landre & Verna. Tony effect with “Pigalle.” DiPardo Orch (8>; $1 cover. Paul Hebert s orch backs his 25 minutes onstage, alternating with • Since her former days with the there’s a good reason why , .1 room isn't drawing this sesh. rnirmnnt. San Franeiseo The DeMarlos open with skill- San Francisco. Nov. 30. fully executed terpsichorean rou- T _ ^ , - - . „ - . „ . . .. . Mary Knye Trio (5‘. Ernie tines and maintain same at a fast Joe Castro s Latin combo for ^ dance 0 r? anizatian - *^ oan 7u Heckscher Orch <12>; $2.50 cover, pace. Their patter efforts fail be- P at rons. Whit. “ v ' « cc«mo ah cause pair are breathless from a One of the strongest acts to hit prior dance. Number would have this Nob Hill nightspot in some been more effective if done in His Tympany Five (6), Nanci , time, the Mary Kaye Trio, opened panto. Cromptbn, Chuck Nelson. Copa ‘ to a sceptical house but by the sec- Girls <12). Antonio Morelli Orch J ond number had them wrapped up El Ranrho. I*as Yogas Las Vegas. Dec. 1. Sherry Britton. A l Bernie, Wheatley has blossomed out with a new versatility. With an espe- I cially able assist from husband Hal I Kanner on piano and on vocals, she has an act of real entertainment (12); no cover or minimum. Vic Damone and the Louis Jor- dan Tympany Five spotlight a sparkling fortnighter that should snag whatever biz is around right now. The stage of the Copa Room may be an odd place to spend a honey- moon. but. with Damone’s young spouse somewhere in the audience, it's not a lost cause altogether. At least, that's what his bank man- ager probably would say. With the aid of pianist-conductor Ian Bernard and drummer Sid Bulkin. Damone exhibits feeling and timing to present a program of vocals that bring forth a steady palm-slapping reaction. Thirty min- utes with Damone shows he’s ma- tured in voice and style to occupy a niterv niche all his own. “April In Portugal.” and “Dream Your Troubles Away.” are solid vocals. “Just the Nearness of You.” is mood-music at its best as the head- liner comes through with charm and poise. “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” not unlike the Prank Sinatra version, nevertheless completely and by the end of the 50 minute show (including en- cores'. the audience was loath to let them go. Strong point of the act is its clever mixture of gags and songs. I The Dronans. vets of the hotel Barry Sisters. Louis Dance Trio, » * cop ® . that , rates * C i! asS r i^°i^i ‘ei Rancho Girl. (10i. Bob Ei:u f om )» ned ,? er ' W1 ‘ h ' he P 0 , 1 ' 511 ^ Orch till; no cover or minimum. danclng °' '- andre * ^ erna - the 40 circuit, take over the latter seg- ment of the show. Pair, in song and patter, sell effectively. Their harmony work is excellent. The pair indulge in some aud partici- pation stunts to effective results. The Steve Kisley orch plays A lean show greeted by lean audiences tries to hang on in a pre- holiday three-framer. The talent is composed of Sherry Britton. A1 They are a miniature musical com- ^adequately for dansapation before Bernie and the Barry Sisters. Indi- edy. Mary Kaye, leader and and after, in r.’dition to backing vidually. Bernie and the sister act * A. _ • i ! c I « ■ " - * » • • • • . . guitarist in the group, has a de- the turns. Th/jsh Dee Drummond lightfullv warm personality, a well- out at sesh caught with a cold. developed voice and natural grace on the stage. While her voice is the kind that is going to get plenty of raves from the jazz fans, she utilizes it as a vehicle for emotion and combines it with such a solid sell ’that whether she’s singing “My Funny Valen- tine” or “My Yiddshe Momma.” she gets across to all age brack- ets. She and Norman Kaye team for a number of ballads, fre Eck. Illuo Angel. Y. Jonathan Winters, George Lafaye & Co. (4). Mort Sahl, $tisan John- son, Jimmy Lyon Trio, Bart How- ard; $5 niintmum. are good. It’s the sum total of the 65 minute offering that leaves much to be desired. Miss Britton, show-closer, pre- sents the bare facts in orthodox minutes stacks up as one of the best shows seen here recently. Ballroom work of Landre & Verna specializes in aerial twirling of his partner by Landre. Through four intricate and compact num* bers their work has the utmost finesse, enabling them to bow off to a lively hand. For her share of the bill Miss Wheatley has a wide variety of songs, all slickly arranged. She opens with a spirited “My Song.* Semi-holdover bill at the Blue Angel puts the accent on comedy this time around, with the two an art. her divestment is accom- plished in such a flash, the art is forgotten as the dancer resorts to typical burlesque gestures. This act might hold up better in the open- ing rather than the closing spot. VUV » vivt isViliK, UOCTU Cl 3 O j • i t A I Bernie is a clever comic who background to the other. When i HI _ : 1 _ a J ls »i. _ «®”athan^ \\ !mers^ h^as emerges well w ith the same mate Frank Ro«s. whose main accent is on comedv, joins them for numbers stripteuse fashion. Although aivis- : - , .... . . „ , . , ing the sparse gathering that she a !l d *° d f ep i? a ad e will show how undressing can be Dancing in tne Dark. Second fluently one v-oice being used as a newcomers to the lineup both co- voice. that of Kanner from his mike at the piano, creeps in first time here for duo interludes, and this follows throughout her turn to give a distinctively different flavor. Carrying on her varied repertoire. Miss Wheatlv socks over “Hey There.” “Row. Row. Rolling Along,” “Been So In Love.” “Be- cause of the Mountain.” “Lover played the room before but Mort , ria , he - s presented on the Strip Sahl. a newcomer from the Coast. | before The deoerd^hlp vpt mn like “Mad About the Bov,” the'ef- is 7. aW . ng hi ? Gotham bow here perk up an audie P nc e b y chiding its ! G? m e Back to Me” and “Hymn de feet is electric. and *?e looks to be a steady attrac- ; letharev H is wife-driving-th^-car L amour ’ in trench to close. Bow- singer. Norman tlon '■ nitery H n< U v cir_ ; 3nd other domestic jokes are nice off ls t0 resounding applause. . A solid ballad Norman llon in ine x * n 't er y Kaye handles solos, such as “The Holding over are the George j ril>tickiers and he ^is a pleasing Gal that Got Away.” with ease and Lafaye unit, whose i. usions are bleater with special lyrics to pop , appeal. However, his best spots I topnotch. and Susan Johnson with mne«. Impressions are okay and his has its ov n merits to stand on as i n the show are comedy. As a Li- a sophisticated song turn. As good emulation of a psychotic comedian, delivered by Damone. “September | bera re imitator, he is socko and an entertainment buy as can be the character he does best, is a Song.” feelingly rendered, seems 0 n a little out of place in view of the youth of the belter. The special stuff in “I’ve Got Two Left Feet” is a sprightly laugh-inducer. A standout rhythm number is “Let There Be Love.” while by no means his best is “Sorrento.” With the voice of Robert Merrill so recently remembered in the same room in the same melody, Damone is better advised to resort to his other famil- iar tunes. The Louis Jordan Tympany Five — they are actually six musicians and Jordan makes the seventh — clicks solidly. By turns, every num- ber proves a rouser. The group’sfave “Nobody Here But Us Chickens” and “I Need You Now” are tops. “If I Give My Heart to You” is a nice ballad. “I’ll Die Happy." finds the leader in happy bv-play with diners and members of his Beguine. the Beguine.” where : found in town. | winner. Sahl is an unusual comic whos The Barry Sisters have come a bound to attract plenty of atten- long wav since last appearing in tion in his first New York date. He Vegas, the pair of dark-haired combines an offbeat style of de- lookers are singing with polish and livery with some highly literate entertain with song-chatter in con- material in a manner that’s going - - to make him one of those love- the device is for him to keep changing keys every couple of bars, he carries off a difficult com- edy assignment and makes it a standout funniest musical bit. Ross, the other member of the trio, doubles on accordion, drums and conga drum for added musical him-or-hate-him personalities, but backgrounds and is continually in | he’s sure to make a name for him- action mugging and cracking a fast I self in the process. His delivery- line of patter. Working together i reminds of the street-comer on the Liberaee bit and the “Be- j boogie who’s just discovered books guine. the Beguine” routine, they pack a solid wallop. The presentation of the group is and wants to tell the world about them — virtually stuns the audience at first, but rapidly proceeds to top rank. They have complete j panic the ringsiders. He heightens control of their voices, use dynam- ' the sense of the offbeat by using ics cleverly, and switch from senti- the inflection of a semi-literate ment to comedy deftly. It takes a and the vocabulary of a Ph D., and lot of class to joke With a serious ' to this he applies some topical ballad and be successful musi- cally as well as humorously. > . Rafe. humor on a variety of such touchy fident style. They duet a novel ar- rangement of “Make Love to Me” for plenty of palm-slapping. “What’s the Good of All Our Money Blues’* is a happy character analysis and the personable team scores with Yiddish and Italian lyrics to “Dark Town Strutters Ball.” Their version of “I Believe” is a snug repertoire fit while the sound off” song-sketch called “Up Ilotol Raditixon. Mpls. Minneapolis, Nov. 27. Maureen Cannon. Don McGranf Orch (8); $2.50 minimum. Maureen Cannon proves for a second time that she’s the proper entertainment dish for a tony supper club like this. Her vocaliz- ing fits in well with her plush surroundings, and she’s good t« look at. Miss Cannon’s melodic session leans toward the lively. Singer vigorously belts over such rousing perennials as “Red Hot Mama” and “Bill Bailey,” giving them original, distinctive twists. However, there’s no lack of diversity of pace as sh« also demonstrates a way with the Lazy River,” is the sprightliest i ballads like “Look to the Rainbow” item on the whole bill. I or comes through neatly with a The Louis Dance Trio is a de- Harry Lauder impression, pendable holdover act. fronting the ! Don McGrane and his orchestra line, and performing a pleasing 1 lend their usual flawless support subjects as McCarthy, widescreens ' ballet to the efficient backing of and help patrons to hit the hoofing and Godfrey.. Completely un-iBob Ellis and- his orch. Bob. i jackpot. Reea. *3? TlYp rtted manner. Undoubtedly. lure many into the spot. T y are excellently costumed and itedly routined by Clarence Lobinson who has been named i” oducer of a new Las \egas hotel, t . Moulin Rouge, and who has V, , n associated as producer of the : _* ::ne Negro cafes of a former A ide from the line, the spirit c the joint is in itself an attrac- t; , n Blueprinted primarily for an evening out. it’s a spot where the p. • nonage is primarily male, and t e femmes accompanying them a: t in the mood to take most any- th .ng within reason. So. there’s a t >uple of exotiques, a comic and a pair of singers included in the batch of talent. The featured spot goes to Lou F. lutt New Acts*, a singer who ! vocalized with several Negro name bands. Another singer on the program. Julie Steel gets by r. el v with a trio of tunes. One of the divesting divas, has an ntriguipgly named Venus La I), ,11: other is Betty Brisbane. Both v . : k in similar styles, with some re-traint and a degree of taste. T e> wear minimal garb at the c nclusion of their turn. The bluest segment in the sjjow b\ a gal with a name similar to tn.at* of a telecomic who conducts a kid show. Pinky Lee. The ver- 1 used isn’t for kids and some- t.mes not even for certaiq catego- ry of adults, like Aunt Ophelia ( . other maiden aunts. She brings on howls with her elemerftary and 'ometimes allimentary humor. She's a big girl dressed in horizon- tal 'tripes to accent her corpulence a:, i r.e of the Four Wanderers, a vocal group, was felled by illness. ' three-quarters of the act per- f rmed. They impress as serious- * .r.ded citizens anxious to make - od solely through the process of - "d singing. A torrid terp team. Margot & M illie, and emcee Happy Burrows th New Acts* round out the ses- Lueille Dixon's sbowband k.ik well. Smiling Lou Taylor. ' e former performer, presides at the tape. Jose, James Cagney and .Arthur Ken- nedy from an old WB picture. ’’City for Conquest.” that’s dra- matic and effective. They shouldn’t do it indiscriminately, however: it would be more practical only for certain rooms and types of audi- ences. * Morry Allen’s band backs the show okay and they’re also easy to dance to. with Stan Conrad, a ver- satile organist, filling in from the big stage during the lulls. Cohen . FlaMlig*. laa Vega* Las Vegas. Dec 2. Kay Starr, Alan King. Jones Boys <4*. Ron Fletcher Dancers < 12 1 . Teddy Phillips Orch tl5>; no cover or minimum. Sundown. Phoenix Phoenix, Nov. 29. Bill SuNiran, Bob & Irene Cop- fer, Saphire Trio ; no cover or min- imum. The Sundow n Club, w hich closed three years ago after once flourish- ing as the town’s leading nitery under the aegis of Joe Gaddis, has been reopened by Ray Sherlock, former Erie. Pa., restaurateur, as a supper club with a spot enter- tainment policy. Club has been given a facelifting and some added physical embellishments to show- case its entertainment attributes, which proved a strong draw open- ing week and may land the spot in the winner’s circle. Bill Sullivan, from the Pitts- burgh nitery' circuit, impresses here with his baritone song styling He's equally at home in the ballad and jump genre and belts across a packet of numbers that run the scale from “If I Give My Heart to You” to ‘ Zing Vfent the Strings of My Heart.” He’s on 12 minutes and sells all the way. Bob & Irene Copfer. husband and wife vocal duet, are an effec- tive team. Utilizing arrangements that cover sundry- pops as well as musicomedy specialties, they do 14 numbers over a 24-minute stretch with strong aud response. Best of the vocal groupings are the excerpts from "Oklahoma” and a boff blackface specialty, but crowd reacts strongest to an audi- ence participation sesh that lets them sound off with "You Are My Sweetheart.” "I Had a Dream. Dear.” and others. Jona. Kay Starr is back for a month’s ' stay in her familiar haunt with her special brand of vocalistics that will find a king-sized coterie of willing listeners in the big supper J , room. ^ In 30 minutes of familiar song patterns. Miss Starr is in good voice, belting with gusto and top range trills. "Comes Along A- Love” is the perennial opener. Other faves are somberly resonant ’’Talk Of the Town.” "Mama Goes Where PaDa Goes,” Good Man To Have Around.” the poignant “Three Letters.” "One Hundred Years From Today.” and "Side By Side” and "Wheel Of Fortune.” Accolades are deservedly earned by thrush. Alan King, sans Tony Martin, is slimmed down and looks younger even as the comic socks his older stuff The delivery is fresh and his single turn is plenty okay ex- cept when the talented comedian essays the lengthy "Soliloquy” i "Carousel.” Pruning it down con- siderably should make it more pa- latable. and lessen the long show- time as well. His new-owners- jokes garner laughs even from the new owners. The Jones Boys are a singing quartet that opens the show and otherw ise back Miss Starr in some of her offerings. Their harmonies ' lean nicely to the basso singer and they deliver spirituals with fine sensitivity. The Ron Fletcher dancers rate the big hand for "Sabrina.” a mood production that finds the chorines bedecked in striking gowns and hats to convey an excellent illu- sion in terps. The Teddy Phil- lips orch cuts a good show and Harold Mooney is the able oiano accomper for Sliss Starr. Bob. Sahara. Las Yogas Las Vegas. Nov. 30. Vagabonds '4*. Maria Xeglia. DunhilLs <3>. .Martha Ann Bentley, Cee Davidson Orch ill*; no cover or minimum. Vogue Terrace. Pitt Pittsburgh. Dec. 2. Ho- Larks. Letris & Phillips, C / Monet. Stan Conrad, Morry A '<•> Orch i 8 >; SI cover. There may not be too much t one value in the current Vogue ” trace layout, but there's a load < : entertainment. The Mello-Larks. 1 : < e boys and a girl, is one of the I '-t vocal groups around these < <>'. loaded down with smart ar- - naements. crackerjack material anci.'howry production stuff. \'i T h the Mello-Larks. a song ‘ 1 merely a song, but a complete * ' 'Omething they’ve worked dili- }- ntly on. not only vocally but also i" presentation. What the foursome •’ ' come up with then is some- 1 ng smart, original and fresh. * : ci they tackle it with excellent ' 'tees and a great deal of enthu- ‘' m : The high spots are Steve A. lens "Gideon’s Bible.” a clever \ Hernando's Hideaway,” leading mto a corking medley and a sym- j Num of coffee songs neatly tied * -ether. The femme adds a lot of j and flash to the turn, and the ‘ are all young, personable and tvremely ingratiating. >how opens with some exciting, e: i beat dancing by a striking bru- Gaby Monet, who had the terp 1 -d in Shirley Booth’s recent Broadway musical, "By the Beauti- 1 -i Sea. ’ Miss Monet is a combo of t odern, interpretive, ballet ana > on Phillips handies the m.c. job engagingly and then teams up '' db nis partner. Buddy Lew ls. for y ‘ ight easy-going session of light i Highs and major impressions. Both them are okay imitators, and ey work them in smartly. For a l msh, with an intro of "I Believe.” Lcv\is and Phillips do a sketch oi The Vagabonds show is plugging the two-week booking gap and, considering the offbeat season, should do well enough at the turn- stiles. They were here only three months ago and return with the same cast and material. The melodic clowns are enter- tainment vets. Dom and A1 on guitars. Pete on bass and Tillio. the silent deadpan accordion wizard, emerging in socko reprise. The daffy swing quartet bounces vocal harmonies off ears of re- ceptive diners. "Bill Bailey.” "Salt Song" and "How You Gonna Keep I ’em Down On the Farm After They’ve Seen TV” are fave stand- outs. Pete is hilarious in a takeoff on Hawaiian dancers. Violinist Maria Neglia. with impish eyes, plays the gamin and scores with artistic comedies. The speedy tap-dancing of the Dunhills makes the act a crow d-pleaser. with r the challenge dancing and softshoe turns proving an added fillip. Martha Ann Bentley is an ex- cellent pacesetter, opening show with lightning-fast ballet terps. featuring spins and whirls. The George Moro Saharem Dancers are good in a pair of production num- bers. Most vivid in the routines are the four tallest chorines, all dance vets, who foreground intri- cate dance patterns to a nice hand. Frank Linale is okay conducting the Cee Davidson orch for the Vagabonds and their hired hands. Bob. she softly strings away at "Avant de Meurir.” Show finishes with an exuber- ant husband and wife, yodelling, guitaring. and singing, called Duo Wohlmuth. Bavarian-style mate- rial is at its best with their render- ing of "O Pepita.” a melodious rhythm song which is a continuous repetition of the title words. _ Haze. ( hez Paref, till Chicago. Dec. 5. Cross A Dunn, Tommy Leonetti (with Dwk Marx). Ernie Richman A Mannequins >3*. Harrest .Moon Festival Winners « 8 >, Brian Far- r:on Orch » 8 '; $150 cover, $3.75 minimum. Rifs (arlton. .Montreal Montreal. Nov. 29. Mary Meade 'with Ted Grouya >, Johnny Gallant, Joe Settano Trio: $1.50-2 cover. Unfortunate illness marred first few days of Mary Meade’s Ritz date this time around but this handsome thrush made a quick re- covery and once again is clicking nicely in the fashionable boite. Teeing off with her usual breezy intro number that establishes an okay relationship between per- former and r.ngs.der. Miss Meade reprises some of the faves from other appearances and updates with several new items. Best of nine numbers on show reviewed was her impresh set ca.led "1 Just Want to be Me." Working some very good material around such chantootsies as Dorothy Shay. Dinah Shore. Hildegarde. et al. she never goes overboard with the obvious ahd. used in the windup spot, it gets her off to plaudits. About midway through stint, she introduces her husband-composer Ted Grouya and offers a few of his better know tunes highlighted with "Flamingo." Grouya. at the piano, is given a boost in current layout by house 88 'er Johnny Gal- lant as they team up on two pianos to back Miss Meade's piping. As usual ehanteuse is elegantly turned out from every angle and overall sophistication of act is ideal for this type of cafe. .Wirt. Beverly Hi IK. \euporl Newport Ky.. Dec. 4. Paul Gilbert. Blackburn Twins A Genie Stone. Earl Lindsay Dancers <10*. Dick Hyde. Gardner Benedict Orch 10 • ; $3 minimum, S4 Saturdays. Bine \ole. ( hi Chicago, Nov. 25. Blue Xote All Stars '6*. Johnny Hodges Orch <7>; S3 minimum. Sixty minutes of class entertain- ment removes the pre-Yu!e blues from this lineup in Greater Cincy’s top nitery. Headliner Paul Gilbert and sup- porting Blackburn Twins & Genie Stone are clicko for their full routes. A new line of Lindsay stepping lookers and holdover Dick Hyde, dapper singing emcee. suDply wholesome extra topping. Back for his fourth time, Gilbert makes further visits welcome with his standard and exclusive brand of comedy. Has them rollicking for most of 25 minutes of expertly delivered nifty monolog and take- offs of a drunk, concluding with his medico clincher and a bit of high note trumpeting. The clever song and dance look- alike Blackburn twins have an able femme assistant in Genie Stone, blonde beaut who displays a lot of her physical charms. The person- able lads score as usual with their w.k. mirror specialty. Koll. Kxplanade. Frankfurt Frankfurt. Dec. 5. Heinz Gudelius. Rica Corell. Mario Greco. Violette & May, Duo Wohlmuth. Peer. Erwin Moretti Orch 'll*; 50c cover. Seven Sraw. Omaha Omaha. Dec. 2 i .41 Morgan; no cover or mini- mum. Although his name isn’t as well- known here as it is in Chicago. Al Morgan's gifted piano work is cer- tain to build biz at Don Hammond’s Seven Seas. As always. Morgan’s flying hands serve as his trademark and bring roars from the payees. And the 88 ers‘ vocals and gabbing are just as effective Another plus for Morgan Ls the expert manner in which he brushes off drunks. At show caught. Morgan spent more than half the time playing re- quests — and his library is so well- stocked no one was turned down. Then into Hoagy Carmichael im- preshes. a clowning “Clair de Lune,” and serious memories fmy first song on a job: "Heavenly Thing ’ and my first song on the air: "Once In Awhile”). A big windup with his w.k. "Jealous Heart” sends him off to an ovation. i i . i i Trump. The Esplanade, which before the war was the Cafe Esplanade in the old Hotel Imperial, has been re- built from the bombed-out ruins into a posh modern club, just opened to catch the Christmas holidayers. The $75,000 free- formed decor, with seating for 300. gives Frankfurt its only abstract- inspired club among the three- dozen-odd contenders for local biz. Though none of the acts is head- lined. best performance of the eve is turned oi^t in the 20 -minute dynamite-paced delivery of a new- comer. a tall, scrawny, whimsy- faced lad billed as Peer. With no instruments other than a well- packed set of vocal chords, he does impressions of a little German band playing “Tiger Rag.” of Harry James' instrumental solo- ings of "I’m in the Mood for Love,” and. as a real s^ndout. winds with a German sports an- nouncer at the Avus auto races, including all the roars and sounds from the track. Rica Cornell, a plump German songstress, chants translations of U. S. hits, and vocalist Mario Greco gets his greatest reaction from "Granada.” with okay back- ing from the quartet. A Danish duo has Violette play- ing straight-violin to the comic- piano antics of her partner May. He ends act with slow-paced hand- stands «n tht broken-up piano as Frank Holzfeind’s jazz emporium Ls spotlighting a lineup of top- drawer names in the progresssive idiom this fortnighter and. as ex- pected. they’re bringing in goodly crowds. Three mainstays of ' Jazz at the Philharmonic.” trumpeter Roy Eldridge. trombonist Bill Harris, and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, have plucked three solid Chicago sidemen and assembled a potent 'all star” group that has adopted the name for this show- case. The boys, each a champion of his instrument, whomp up some hot sets that infect the aficionados, who don’t spare the palm-pound- ing for individual solo rides. They jam on "Lullaby of Birdland.” take a low-rolling on ”1 Can't Get Started With You.” and wind up lustily with "Just You. Just Me.” Happily, it's all music, very good to listen to indeed, with none of the "JATP” theatrics or blasting hysterics. Pianist Lou Levy, one of the Windy City sidemen who comprise the rhythms, practically eats up the keyboard everytime he’s set loose and rates as proper company for Eldridge* Harris and Webster. Alternating sets, the Johnny Hodges outfit by contrast is unin- spired and does itself no credit on lacklustre and loosely-woven ar- rangements of "Take the A Train.” “Tenderly.” or C-Jam Blues.” Lcs. Longtime vaude team of Cross & Dunn returns to the boards after a iayoff of almost four years with streamlined versions of their ven- erab e routines. Opening night <51, ihe house was packed with older folks who remembered and a younger element which came to s r e what oldtime vaude was like. Nostalgia sold wholesale. Greeted back with an ovation, the dapper duo h.gh'ights its long show b:z career in a smart “This Is Our Lives” opener before iauncmng its light satirical artil- lery. The pop songs are modem, the spec. ally lyrics sprinkled with up-to-date allusions, and the only thing old about this act is the reputation of Cross & Dunn. An affable spoof on lawyers hits home warmly, and a takeoff on “Her- nando's Hideaway ’ is a capital bit of blue-shaded material. Between numbers there’s some low-pressure joshing, with Dunn foiling to Cross' rejoinders. Act shifts into high gear with reminiscences of yesterday's vaude- villians. and the pair alternate a string of carbons on John McCor- mack. Sir Harry Lauder. Jack Smith. Bert Williams, and Gallagh- er and Sheehan, among others. A surefire palm-getter and heart- wringer. this sends them off in a terrific salute. 1 By striking contrast. Tommy Leonetti is a performer of the new fashion. Youth has suavity and good looks, ingratiating reserve, and a voice that is loaded with romantic nuances. Capitol Records chanter essa\s a brace of ballads and a couple fine medleys, one of which gives him departure to use the futl scope of the stage. Songs all have good impact, but there’s a need for an uptune some- where in the course for change of pace. leonetti is backed on this show by pianist-arranger Dick Marx. Ernie Richman and the three shapely femmes who comprise his Mannequins contribute sock terp . productions that are handsomely staged. "Shoppin’ Around” is a cleverly conceived vehicle for extravagant costuming. Richman’s high k.cks. and interplay between the dancers. Soft shoe is brought into play on “Tea for Two.” and dance to "Love Is a Simple Thing” is properly a lighthearted caper. Getaway to a torrid mambo brings down a terrific mitt. Dance teams which won the re- cent Harvest Moon Festival here are brought on by Sun-Times columnist Irv Kupcinet and are each given one number in which to demonstrate their stuff. They’ll appear in the opening slot of this two week show, with pairs dancing in waltz, jitterbug, mambo. and tree-style modes. Stanley Kay & Beverly Falk, the free-sty!e win- ners. shape as the best prospect. Brian Farnon orch backs the show smoothly and splits dance sets with Jack Rodriguez Rhumba Band. Lcs. r !•«**«•«■ ndo, II wily wood Hollywood. Nov. 30. Mel Torme, accompanied by Al Pellegrini; Bob Keene Orch «6*; cover, SI. 50. Ballneau. Odawa Ottawa. Dec. 4. Pat Morgan, Wallace Bros. t2>. Dorothy Kramer Dancers < 4 1 with Jimmy Kirby, Harry Pozy Orch ( 8 *; $1 admission. Making his second appearance in the Gatineau Club’s Carnival Room this fall. Pat Morgan's chant ses- sion shows definite improvement both in pipe handling and staging savvy. Morgan uses a wiser tunc selection, gets more audience im- pact and makes socko use of his capable tenoring. On first as em- cee. he leads with a fast arrange- ment of "Hi. Neighbor” to big mitting. Solo stanza has Morgan in a standout seasonal medley of "Let It Snow.” "Winter Wonder- land.” "White Christmas’ and others. Morgan also garners mitt- ing with "Basin St. Blues.” a self- accompanicd guitar oater arrange- ment of "This Old House.” and ef- fective chanting of "Bluebird of Happiness.” Clicko session of cab. chant and tap is presented by Wallace Bros., colored pair who intersperse stand- out tap terping with gags that are strictly from the cornfield, but draw healthy chuckles from the tablesitterv Act ends with solid challenge bit. Boys work to beg- offs. , , . i Gorm. No predictions on Los Angeles’ smog, but it looks like the Velvet Fog has disappeared. Probably for good. The onetime fog man. Mel Tonne, is debuting a new type of act with this stand at the Cre- scendo and the indications are that he is closer to Finding his proper niche than ever before. The ac- cent this time is more on enter- taining and less on song — and the vocal style has undergone some- what of a change. Torme has fashioned a new act for this stint, one in which he has blended some humor, an easy man- ner and a more exuberant style of singing. There are still traces of the torrr.er "fog” and he's by no means a belter, but he's more of a standup singer than before, par- ticularly with tunes like "Enter- tainment.” which serves as a good opener: "Pretty Eyed Baby.” "Any- thing Can Happen Mambo” and "Birth of the Blues.” In between is some easy and genuinely humor- ous patter. He’s got Al Pellegrini as conductor-arranger to provide backing and he sits down for a slinging session at the Slingerlands for a finale re-ereation of Benny Goodman's "Sing. Sing. Sing” disk. It’s a solid half hour of en- tertainment and the ringsiders i whistle him back for more. I . . . . . Kop. 54 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 I'ahiiMS N# Y. Mac & Lorraine, Ray Romaine & Claire, The Regals (5), The Pitchmen (2>, Fanny & Kitty Wat- son, Mambo Aces ( 2 ). Lew Parker & Jayne Heller, The Texans 12), Jo Lombardi , House Orch; “The Atomic Kid” l Rep reviewed in current issue. If the current bill at the Palace is any criterion there’s a dearth of talent for theatres offering vaude on a modest budget. For the new layout at this Broadway house boasts only one act which has never played the site in the past. Lew Parker & Jayne Heller, spotted in rext-to-closing, reprise Parker's “Bickersons" routine which »s familiar to most tv view- ers. Ensconced in twin beds on stage, the bickering couple gets off some spirited lines good for chuckles. Mac & Lorraine, youthful terp team, onen the s^sh with conven- tional steoping. Femme gets in a solo bit. the better to disolay her shapely perns, then joins her part- ner in softshoe prancing orior to a fast w Loew; (M) Moss; (P> Paramount; (It) RKO; <*> Stoll; Tivoli; (W) Warner NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (l> 9 Shirlee Emmons George Sawtelie William Upshaw Edward Powell ‘lellie Farrell Eric Hutson nusons Famous Bears Ramses Rockettes Corps de Ballet Sym Ore Palace (R) 19 Prof Keller Church Sc Hale Wally Dean 5 to iill AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE Princess (T) 4 Jean Sablon Chris Cross Guss Brox Si Myuta Ron Parry 3 Hellos Irving Sc Girdwood Eddie Lynn Dale Gower Show Girls Dancing Boys Tivoli (T) 4 Roy Barbour T Fontana Sc K Vaughn Margaret Brown Julian Somers Nina Cooke Eddie Edwards David Eadle John Bluthal Lloyd Martin Vocal Octette Male Dancers PERTH His Maiestys (T) 4 Michael Bentine W Latona A Sparks Buck Sc Chic Dagenham G Pipers O'Hagan A H Stead 2 Myrons Francis Van Dyk Seyler Heylen Max Blake Irene Bevans Ballet Girls SYDNEY Tivoli (T> 4 Jerry Lester Howell Sc Radcliffe Harry Jacobson 2 Chadells Atele A l.atu G Dawn 4c F Cleary Singers Dancing Boys Ballet Girls BRITAIN Empire. Glasgow Glasgow, Dec. 2. Vic Oliver, with Ivey Collins, Hilda Barry, Vanda Vale; Gaston Palmer, Sylvia Campbell, Bobbie Kimber, Victor Seaforth, Margue- rite & Charles. Les Traversos (2), Jack. Walker Orch. Vic Oliver, longtime vaude and radio comedian in Britain, at- tempts an innovation for modern vaude by acting in the Noel Cow- ard one-acter "Fumed Oak.” Play- | let is sandwiched between acts in the second half of layout, and proves an amusingly successful ex- periment. There’s novelty in see- ing the balding Vienna-born come- dian in a grey wig and bushy moustache, portraying the seedy English husband Henry Gow who turns on his wife, child and mother-in-law. Oliver’s own personality comes through the character at times, but he fulfills the thesping chore with success, and is supported by Ivey Collins as his wife, Hilda Barry as his mother-in-law, and Vanda Vale as the simpering child. In rest of the program Oliver makes two appearances, the first with his piano and a speedy line in patter. Many of his gags have been heard from him on previous appearances, but they still garner lails from a large section of stub- Scotch scenes are always color- ful on the vaude stage, and local impresario Alec Frutin has inject- ed plenty of the Auld Lang Syne element into this annual festive season layout. Comedy portion is vigorously led by Billy Rusk. Scot funster who cashes in on a lisping style of speech and is best when miming the tough industrial working man of Clydeside. He has an amusing Three Charladies sketch in com- pany with Jimmy Neil and Cliff Stetson, and is also good as a lounge bar “wolf.” Jimmy Neil, sandy-haired pleas- ant patter comedian, offers a skit on commercial tv announcements. Would improve act if he slowed down his rate of gabbing, in which he also tends to slur his words. Jenny Hogarth, amply-built femme, aids as comedy stooge in sketches. Two animal acts, both under same producer (Derek Rosaire>, take a big trick with the out- fronters. Tony, the “TV Wonder Horse,” does topdrawer obedience tricks on stage, and can even simu- late lip movements to give effect of gabbing. Act is clicko with juves in audience. Other animal turn is a cute cluster of Pekinese dogs which skip, dance and roll. One opens and shuts a gate, another rides a scooter across stage, and group are a standout as they leap over hurdles, one steadfastly refusing to jump and garnering many laffs for his naughtiness. Dogs wind by whirling round on flying-saucer joywheel. Billy Cameron 8c Irene Camp- bell, dressed in stylish Scot kilt, provide a polished Highland danc- ing act, and John & Betty Royl6 are a sound vocal twosome, the distaff half being a slimly-built at- tractive type with nice eye appeal. Renee Sherry 8c Kenral Bros. (2) are a n.s.g. musical trio. Hillington Girls’ Choir, 23 teen-J age girls, offer a “Sing With] Lauder” spot, incorporating many] lesser-known and attractive Harry Lauder melodies, and score solid- ly. The Moxon Ladies are a well- drilled line of chorines, and the Aitkenhead Pipe Band, w’ith bag- pipes shrill, give a roistering finish ■n a “Tramping Thru’ the Heather” finale. Gord. MeH Mr. Kalanag (EMPIRE, EDINBURGH) Edinburgh, Dec. 3. • Kalanag production of Wonder & Magic Revue; starring Kalanag, Gloria de Vos. Musical director, E. F. Fienbork; songs and costume designs, Gloria de Vos; music, W. E. Muller; choreography, Rob by Gay; decor, Z. L. Mayor. Ice Show Review finderella on Ire London, Dec. 2. Claude Langdon presentation of an ice pantomime in two acts ( 12 scenes ). Stars Tommy Trinder, with Sonya Kaye, William Hinchy, Jo, Jac & Joni, The Half Bros. (2), Brita, Basil Cudlipp-Green, Jack Harris, Joe McGuirk, Joy As- ton. Joan Connell, Leonard Morris Orch. Book by Basil Thomas and Pauline Grant; directed by Paul- ine Grant. At Empress Hall, Lon- don, Dec. 2, ’54. Top $1.50. Kalanag. Swiss-born magician, is here with his international magico revue, which adds up to entertain- ing fodder for most types of stub- holders. He ranges through an ex- tensive repertoire of tricks and illusions, and show is aided glamorwise by an attractive line of chorines and song scenes. Main virtue of production, presented at this vaudery in two-hours’ twice- nightly shape, is the speed and briskness of presentation. Kalanag himself is frequently on-stage, making appearance after appear- ance in different-colored suits and jackets, and scenes are rapidly presented. While stooges are obviously used in certain items, outfronters are also invited on to stage in many scenes, and customers are completely baffled by many illu- sions. This is specially so in a lounge bar sequence, where Kal- anag transforms jugs of ordinary water into any drink asked for, from real sherry to port, whisky, champagne, hot coffee, anything, in fact, “from ink to milk." Gloria de Vos, from Sweden, is the distaff attraction, being glam- orously gowned and showing con- siderable s.a. She sings nicely such tunes as “I’m in Love With Love.” and has an attractively husky voice. Among Kalanag's main tricks is his Dr. Kalanag sketch in which, garbed in white medicowise, he cuts a woman into three parts in full view of audience. Top spot is the scene where he causes a Hill- man Minx automobile to disappear from view in full eyesight of the customers. A memory - reading chore is performed soundly by Miss de Vos, who hands out tele- phone directories to the audience and claims to have memorized 40,- 000 telephone numbers from New York, London, and European capi- tals. Local touch is added by in- clusion of well-known local num- bers. such as police, fire brigades, railroad stations and newspaper offices. Production carries 20 tons of equipment. Dresses are colorful and lavish. Kalanag brings a charming sense of fun to his em- ceeing. which suggests you don’t need to takfeit all too seriously. Gord. Claude Langdon. operator of the EmprefY Hell-arena, has developed San Antonio Nitery Gets Yen for Privacy San Antonio, Dec. 7. The old Tropic, local nite spot, is being converted into a new pri- vate club and it will cost about $30,000 for the conversion. When reopened it will be known as the Dragon Lady. Vee Jowdy will -be manager of spot.- ASTON Hippodrome (I) 4 Dexter A Dale Freddie Carlisle Gerland A Roberts Ann Rooney Katrina Jimmy Lee V Valentine Girls BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (M) 4 5 Smith Bros Mills A Melita Sally Barnes J Laycock A M Harry Bailey Joan Rhodes Winters A Fielding BLACKPOOL Raise# (I) 4 Sembrini Turner Sis Freddie Frinton Brooks A Lane Louise Pets Irving Kaye 3 Indriksons 3 Judys BRIGHTON Hippodrome (M) 4 Vic Oliver J & J Bentley Gaston Palmer Raker & Douglas Marguerite & Charles Clifford Stanton Sylvia Campbell CARDIFF New (S) 4 Al Martino Bill Waddington 2 Arvings Reginald Depomte Anton A Janette 2 Angelos Chow Ding Co FINSBURY PARK Empire (M) 4 Dorothy Squires Riki Lingana A D Lane & Truzzi J Whiteley Girls Arnold Berens Morris A Cowley 4 Jones Boys GLASGOW Empire (M) 4 Anne Shelton Dunn A Grant Nitwits Alexander Dog Rev Freddie Sales PAS Sherry GRIMSBY Palace (I) 4 Phillys Dixey Varga Models Jack Tracey DuMarte A Denier D Reid A Mack Revel A Field# RAJ Penn HACKNEY Empire (S) 4 Dickie Arnold Mickle Warren Merl A Eiger Derek Nixon Cortez A Pam Martians Margo Scott Judy Lambert Plcddllly Pin-ups LIRDS Empire (M) 4 Joan Regan Tommy Cooper Rex A Bessie CanAeld Smith Les Dounos E Arnley A O Tommy Locky Cynthia A Gladys MANCHESTER Hippodrome (S) 4 Diana Decker Kirk Stevens Sam Costa Dolores Venture Mundy A Earle Jimmy Edmundson Len Marten Nelson Bros Krandon A Kama NORTHAMPTON New 4 Jimmy Mac Ragoldi Bros Jan Harding Miss Blandish J Raymond Girls Burke A Kovac Accordianaires Al Shaw NORWICH Hippodrome 4 Dawn White Co Miles Twins Brazilianos Bert Brooks Cox Twins Victor Seaforth Joe King 2 Michales SUNDERLAND Empire 4 Carroll Levis Co Violet Pretty Teen Agers Alaine Diagora SWANSEA Empire 4 Tony Brent Lee Youngsters Eddie Arnold Rusty Billie Anthony Brian Andro Iris Sadler Russmar 2 Bobby Collins WOLVERHAMPTON Hippodrome (l> 4 BAA Pearson Nordias Hengler Bros Bunty St Clair Milton Woodward 3 Readings Susie Archie Glen WOOD GREEN Empire (Si 4 Billy Cotton Bd Breeze A Stephens Desmond Lane Fe Jover Billy Maxim Vera Cody Frances Duncan NAN Grant Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY Ben Selr Tony A Eddie Jimmy Danielt Three Flames Blue Angel Pat Carroll Mort Sahl Susan Johnson Geo La f aye Bart Howard Jimmy Lyons Trio Chateau Madrid Ralph Font Ore Ma.va Ore Balmont Plata Joan Blahop Al Castellano John Barney Hotel Ambassador Quintero Ore Sarkozi Ore Hotel Plorr# Manuel Capetillo Rapael Ruiz Conchlta Carlos Montoya Stanley Melba Ore Cep-cabana Vagabonds Maria Neglla Martha Bentley Bob Sweeney Peter Conlow Jean Stevens M Durao o»e Frank Marti Ore Gale's Alan Gale Jackie Heller Warner A McGuire Larry Foster Teddy King Ore **•- J Fifth Ave Bob Downey Harold Fon villa Haul Webster Hotel Plaza Kay Thompson Paul Methuen Ted Straeter Ore Mark Monte Ore Hotel Roosevelt Guy I*ombardo Ore Hotel St Regis Rosalind Courtright Milt Shaw Ore Ray Bart * • Hotal Statier S Finegan Ore Hotel Taft Vincent Loper Ore Latin Quarter Marshal] A Farrell Ilolger A Dolores Ashtons Debonairs Jet Sharon Ralph Young Piroska Art Waner Ore B Harlowe Ore Le Ruban Blau Julius Monk Irwin Corey Turtlenecks Norman Paris 3 Dorothy Louden Melita Little Club L’Apache Faconi Jules Kuti Rudy Timfield Two Guitars Kostya Poliansky Misha Usdanoff Lubov Hamshay Aliya Uno Versailles "Bon Voyage” Paul Gray Louise Hoff Tommy Wander Margaret Banks Rosemary O'Reilly Carl Conway Betty Colby Ann Andre Rain Winslow Danny Carroll Danny Desmond Don Dellair Jim Sisco Salvatore Gioe Ore Panchito Ore Viennese Lantern Helene Aimee Dolores Perry Bela Bizony Ernest Schoen Paul Mann Charles Albert Village Barn Hal Graham Senna A Gyle Jack Wallace Givens A Ferris Mary Ellen Trio Larry McMahan Piute Pete Waldorf-Asterla Patachou Nat Brandwynne Mischa Borr Village Vanguard Stan Freeman C Williams Trio CHICAGO Black Orchid Budy Baer Cooper A Rogers One Act to Fill Rudy Kerpays Duo Blue Angel "Calypso Jamboree” Phyllis Branch Count Daville I.ady Tina Joc-a bodi Dcrs Al D’Lacy Quintet Blue Note C Ventura Ore Mary Ann McCall Chez Pare# Cross A Dunn Tommy Leonetti Richman A Mannequins Brian Farnon Ore Cloister Inn Laurie Ailyn Ralph Shagon tos ANGELES Ace Harris Dick Marx Johnny Frigo Conrad Hilton 'Skating Stars' Margie Lee Cathy A Blair Shirley Linde Weidemanns Polo Perky Twins Jimmy Caesar Eileen Carroll Ray McIntosh B Dears A Dons Frankie Masters Ore Palmer House HUdegarde A Jack Whiting Howard Senton Gene Bone Robert Norris Empire Eight Charlie Fisk Ore Ambassador Hotel Joyce Bryant Ryan A McDonald Harry James Ore Band Box Billy Gray Leo Diamond Dorothy Claire Nicco A Barba Larry Green Trio Bar of Music Happy Jesters (3) Jacqueline Aires C Callinicos Freddie Katz Eddie Oliver Ore Blltmore Hotel Romo Vincent Tippy A Cobina Norton A Patricia Hal Derwin Ore Clro's Sonny Howard Clark Bros (2) Carlsons (2) Tina Louise Dick Stabile Ore Bobby Ramos Ore Charley Foy's Gil Lamb Fran Gregory Tommy Dugan Charley Foy Mary Foy Abbey Browne Ore Crescendo Mel Torme Mocambo Andre Philippe Paul Herbert Ore Joe Castro Four Moulin Rouge Frank Libuse Margot Brauder Szonys (2) Miss Malta A Co Doubiedaters <4; Mme Ardelty Jery La/.arre Ffolliot Charlton Tony Gentry Gaby Wooldridge Luis Urbina Eileen Christy Bob Snyder Ore Statier Hotel Xavier Cugat Ore Abbe Lane MIAMI-MIAMI BEACH Clover evub Kalantan Luis Torrens Betty Ford Tony Lopez Ore Selma Marlowe Line Woody Woodbury Leon 4 Eddie's Lois De Fee Toni Rave Rose Ann Rita Marlow Charlotte Water# Nautilus Hotel Alan Dean Antone A Ina Sid Stanley Ore Black Orchid Jo Thompson Richard Cannon Count Smith Sens Souc* Mote* Lenny Maxwell Sacasas Ore Ann Herman Dcrs Anne Barnett Saxony Hotel Lou Seller Eric Thoreen The Haydocks (2) Tano A Dee Nina Freddy Calo Ore Johnny Silvers Ore Bombay Hotel Phil Brito Nelida Peter Mack Sandra Barton . Johnlna Hotel B S Pully Sam Bari Harry Rogers Ore Bobbie Lynn DlLldo Hotel Bea Kalmus Martin A Maio Fausto Curbelo Ore Vanity Pair Chico-Chico Havana Cuban Boys 3 Tones Judy Foster Club 22 Joe Mooney Three Peppers Club Echo Jayne Manners Bobby Byron Satin Dolla Grade Scott Mtkkl Mars Ray Slndino Trio Bar of Music Bill Jordan Hal Fisher Beth Challis Harvey Bell Fred Thompson Five O'clock Bell Barth Hal Winters Don Ostro Ore Isle De Caorl Charlie Farrell Holly Warren Eleanor I.uckejr Charlie Carlisle Caprician Trio Wally Hankln Ore IAS VEGAS. NEVADA Flamingo Kay Star Alan King Silver Slipper Sally Rand Buddy Baer Kalantan Hank Henry Desort inn L Walters' L Q Rev Sahara Marlene Dietrich Lest Frontier Dorothy Shay Shecky Greene Bt Cortot Rowan A Martin Vicki Young Ooldon Nuggot Gas Light* A Pink Tights Sands Vic Damone Louis Jordan El Ranch* Vogas Sherry Britton Al Bernle Barry Sisters Thunderbird Locuona Boys Choir Sahara Mae West RENO Mapos Sky room Buddy Lester Continentals Don Arden Skylets E Fitzpatrick Ore New Golden Day Dawn Dusk Billy Falbo Sue Scott Will Osborne Ore Riverside Bernard Bros Vlvianne A Tasse Starlets Bill Clifford Ore Montmartr* Novellos Lago Sisters Romero A Chlcuelo Salvador Levy Nancy A Rolando C Playa Orq Fajardo Orq HAVANA Troplcans Tex Mex D'Ruff Quartet Troplcans Ballet S do Espana Orq A Romeu Orq S Suarez Orq Wednesday, December 8, 1954 LEGITIMATE 55 Hello, Paree’ Says Goodbye In Hartford Fiasco $40,000 Foldo Hartford, Dec. 7. 4 “Hello, Paree” beat a Hartford retreat that turned into a rout here last week. In the face of lethal re- views and slim and dwindling busi- ness. the William L. Taub revue folded Saturday .night (4) amid a welter of unpaid bills, salary claims and bitter argument. The producer left town with the announcement that he will put the intimate musical back into rehear- sal in a few days in New York and reopen it on Broadway without further tryout. Since the cast, stagehands and others were paid out of union bonds after the show’s fund were exhausted, considerable new financing would presumably be required to revive the ill-starred project. As was reportedly the case with Taub’s last legit venture, the flop “People Like Us,” which also folded during a tryout tour in 1949. the closing here was marked by the producer the target of wholesale claims and charges, with threats of lawsuits and counter- suits. It’s estimated that “Paree” re- presents a loss of about $40,000. The relatively small amount is based on the skimpy physical pro- duction and the castT payroll. Ac- cording to a member of the show’s staff, it will probably take several weeks to iron out the various di- ( Continued on page 58) 8 B’way Folds in 2 Wks. Involve $693,000 Loss; 2 Road Flops Add 90G After having unusually few quick flops for the early part of the sea- son, Broadway has finally run into a rash of folderoos in the last fort- night. Last week, especially, the roof fell in, with additional clos- ings on the road. Tally for the fortnight was eight Broadway shutterings, for cumula- tive loss of approximately $693,000. There were four fadeouts each week, with “By the Beautiful Sea,” “Fragile Fox,” “King of Hearts” and “One Eye Closed” the initial quar- tet. Of those four, “Sea” and “Hearts” were holdovers from last season. Last week’s Broadway flopolas were “Abie’s Irish Rose,” “Hit the Trail,” “Living Room” and “On Your Toes.” The brace of out-of- town folds added around $90,000 to the loss total. These were “Hello Paree,” which cut short a pre- Broadway tuneup at the Parsons Theatre, Hartford, and "School For Brides,” a touring twofer produc- tion. which wound up at the Klein Auditorium, Bridgeport. Approximate losses on individual shows were “Sea,” $175,000; “Fox,” $60,000; “Hearts,” $30,000; “Eye,” $40. 000; “Abie’s,” $60,000; “Trail,” $170,000; “Room,” $28,000; “Toes,” $130,000; “Paree,” $50,000 and “Brides,” $40,000. Despite the wholesale casualties, however, business both on Broad- way and the road continues to be above normal for most shows. There is a full quota of sellouts and near-sellouts in New York, in- cluding both current-season entries and holdovers, and gross totals are consistently topping last season. Vmt Publicist Edward L. Bernays harks back to tho days whon ho was On Tour With Caruso an intarasting bylino pioco in tho forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of UfiRlETY OUT SOON The Ultimate A truism of legit, which the trade never tires of discussing, is how circumstances always seems loaded with trouble for a flop show, while everything invariably falls into place fur a hit. As producer Walter Fried remarked last week. “When we were in Philadelphia for the tryout of Death of a Salesman.’ even the drinking water tasted good.” Mgt., Equity Tiff Over Salaries Due On Folded 'Joan’; Dispute Sick Claim Vallee May Debut In ‘Adele’ Tuner Bob Wells, who authored the book and lyrics for Paul Gregory’s “Three for Tonight” production, arrived east over the weekend to complete his collaboration with composer-producer Albert Selden on the songs for “Amazing Adele,” which Selden and Morton Gottlieb have scheduled for production in February. Anita Loos has adapted the book from a French comedy. Rudy Vallee is a likely male lead in the show. It will be his legit musical debut, although he played several stock engagements last summer in a revival of Jean Kerr’s comedy, “Jenny Kissed Me.” He is currently in Europe, but is due back soon. “Adele” is budgeted at $250,000. Broken English As B’way Career 1 I Foreign - accent coaching is be- 1 coming a career on Broadway. It's a switch from the traditional pear- J shaped-tone tutoring and, thus far, the exclusive domain of a onetime language instructor at Columbia U. and dialog director in Hollywood. Managements of two of this sea- son’s Broadway shows have em- ployed the accent expert, Dr. | Simon Mitchncck, as “speech con- sultant.” They are musical "Fanny,” which has a Marseilles waterfront locale, and the incoming "Anastasia,” in which the princi- . pal characters are Russian emi- °^- Returns from the recent film Louis Lusco who bills him to If aw unfrockad alamaas of Hia “Daffy’s Tavorn” stablo, has wrlMoa a humorous vodka aad not-so-Volga satiro oa Tennessee W illiams } s. Odessa Blurp * * * an amusing bylino pioco in tho forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of P'fcfUE’TY OVT SOON Liberty’ Payoff On Screen Sale “Miss Liberty” has finally paid grees living in Germany. Two sea- sons ago, Mitchneck had a similar stint with “Time of the Cuckoo,” which had a Venetian setting. The instructor has a knowledge of 20 languages, 14 of which he speaks fluently. Slevens Maps Producer Bow With B’way ’Below’ Hollywood, Dec. 7. Film-legit actor Mark Stevens plans to make his Broadway pro- ducer bow next season with a mu- sical, “Look Out Below',” with Lew Upton as librettist, and Sammy Stept composer-lyricist. He in- tends to star in the show. Currently starring in the “Big ” own” vidpix series, Stevens made his legit actor debut two seasons ago as costar with Geraldine Page in “Midsummer.” ‘SAILOR’ IN N. Y. IN JAN., IF THERE’S A THEATRE Hollywood, Dec. 7. “Sailor’s Delight,” which ends a four week tryout Dec. 18 at the Hartford Theatre here, is tenta- tively slated for Broadway in mid- January, subject to the availability of a theatre. Eva Gabor is star- ring in the Peter Blackmore com- edy. The production, locally spon- sored by Huntington Hartford and Richard Skinner, in partnership with Aldrich & Myers, who will make the presentation on Broad- way. will layoff pre-Christmas week, then jump to the Lyceum. Minneapolis, opening Dec. 27. It’s booked the following week at the Hanna, Cleveland, but with Broad- w'ay in the worst theatre shortage in memory, plans after that are un- certain. Shumlin Try at ‘Living’ Takeover Fails When Bel Geddes Bows Out Attempt by Herman Shumlin to take over “The Living Room” and continue its Broadway run failed last week and the Graham Greene drama folded Saturday night (4) at the Henry Miller, N. Y., after 22 performances. Gilbert Miller, who financed the show per- sonally, according to his regular practice, lost an estimated $28,000 on the venture. Shumlin, who admired the play in its original London production and its U. S. edition, had the neces- sary financing for the operation, and had booked the Holiday Thea- tre for it. Deal was apparently set, but a hitch arose over mini- mum salaries for the alien cast members, so the project was dropped. Shumlin had just completed the staging of “Wedding Breakfast,” which preemed Nov. 20, and is due to start shortly with the direction of “Tonight in Samarcand.” He sought to sandwich the “Living Room” takeover between the two assignments. sale have recouped the remaining $55,000 deficit on the $200,000 investment and left a $17,500 profit. The musical was produced on Broadw’ay during the 1949-50 season, and had a 308-performance f-run. Irving Berlin, who wrote the songs for the show and co-produced it with librettist Robert E. Sher- wood and stager Moss Hart, recent- ly acquired full screen rights for $187,000. He split 60 % of that with collaborator Sherwood and the $72,500 balance went to the show. The composer-producer report- edly intends to hold the picture rights on the property until some future time. Recent closing of the revival of “Saint Joan” in Chicago has pre- cipitated a dispute between the show’s producers, Robert White- head and Roger L. Stevens, and Actors Equity. Management’s claim that the shuttering of the revival was due to the illness of Jean Arthur, the star, has been turned down by the union. At issue is approximately $1,700, which Equity says is due cast members, with the exception of Miss Arthur, of the Producers The- atre venture. This amount is the difference between contractual and minimum salaries for the actors for the week of cancelled per- formances when the star notified the management that she could not appear. The producers paid the union minimum for the week, but Equity is demanding full salaries. Under Equity rules, perform- ances cancelled because of a star’s illness are subject to only mini- mum salary. Although the man- agement has submitted written statements from Miss Arthur’s physician that she was ill, Equity is insisting on substantiation. Un- less the matter is compromised, it will have to go to arbiiration. According to a union representa- tive, Miss Arthur’s illness was a matter of definition. The Equity council, in considering the case, has taken the attitude that the actress was apparently suffering primarily from pre-opening jitters. Although her fellow-actors among the union leaders express sym- pathy for that predicament, they (Continued on page 58) GOTTLIEB BETTER AFTER HOSP BOUT; SKED BUSY Producer Morton Gottlieb, who has been in Midtown Hospital, N. Y., for the last week w'ith pneu- monia, is due for discharge today, but will probably have to take a couple of weeks more to recuper- ate. He w T as ill for several days at home, but was removed to the hos- pital last Tuesday (30) with a tern- bj-ea^ perature of 104. Gottlieb, in partnership with Albert Selden, produced “His and Hers” last season, and has several shows slated for this season, in- cluding a musical, “Amazing Adele,” with book adapted from the French by Anita Loos, and songs by Selden and Bob Wells, and the John Hess comedy, “Facts of Life.” Mary Porter'* New Post Mrs. Mary Porter, who was man- ager of the Empire Theatre, N.Y., until its demolition two years ago, has been appointed managing director of Theatre-Goers, Inc. Latter is a ticket subscription organization and also operates a central boxoffice for Broadway shows. ► > »«'*)• e t OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 36 154 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 6311 Yacca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avo. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martin’s Placo Trafalgar Sqiiara » • ( 1 4 1 New British Producers Seek Pre-B’way Tryouts For London Nabe House London, Dec. 7. Wolf Mankowitz, novelist, play- wright and scripter, is off to the U. S. early in January in search of properties suitable for produc- tion at the Embassy Theatre, Swiss Cottage, which he is leasing in partnership with Oscar Lewen- stein. Pair start operation at this nabe theatre with an importation of “The World of Sholom Alei- chem,” opening Jan. 11 for a scheduled run of three months. As a new London management, Mankowitz & Lewenstein intend to from the traditional Em- bassy policy of frequent program changes and to keep their plays running as long as business justi- fies. The theatre has a capacity of over 600 seats and a potential weekly intake of $4,000-$5.000. Apart from his prowl for plays, Mankowitz is aiming to establish liaison with American manage- ments interested in taking advant- age of the reduced production costs in London and use the Em- bassy for pre-Broadway tryouts. Although future productions at the Embassy are still being nego- tiated, M Sc L have set a deal for the production of “The Money- makers” by Ted Allan at the Arts Theatre Club. The play, dealing with the un-American investiga- tions in Hollywood, will have a tryout at Cambridge, then play the Arts for a month and, if merited, subsequently transfer to the Em? bassy. Bernard Braden is to direct the production. The new Embassy management is operating in association with Marjorie Hawtrey, widow of An- thony Hawtrey, who ran the house until his death a few weeks ago. They’ll continue the theatre club, which permits Sunday night pres- entations. 200G ‘PICNIC’ BONANZA ON $90,000 GRUBSTAKE Total profit on “Picnic” was $205,887, of which $200,000 has been distributed. On the basis of the standard 50-50 split between management and backers, that gives the latter a 111% profit on their $90,000 investment. The Theatre-Guild Joshua Lo- gan production was capitalized at $75,000, plus 20% overcall, and had a production cost of $66,833. The William Inge drama played 485 performances on Broadway and then toured until last Oct., when Ralph Meeker left tho cast 1 be l cpus»e ( of a fi^m cojmnitinept. , ; . 56 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, Deceml>er 8, 1954 1 Tryouts Switch Matinee Skeds, But Boston Critic Opposes Test In a bid to hypo attendance and thereby reduce tryout losses, the managements of two new Broadway productions have juggled per- lormance schedules to eliminate regular matinees during upcoming out-of-town breakin dates. Move is being opposed by tradition-minded loealites in one case, however. In both instances, the matinee time is being moved back. In the case of “Festival.” ulaying a Bos- ton tryout Dec. 25 through Jan. 8. producer Walter Fried eliminated all afternoon performances in favor of double shows — 6:30 and 9:30 p in. — Fridays and Saturdays. He’s already being urged to revert to the conventional schedule of Wednesday and Saturday matinees. In the other case, producer John Huntington has slat°d a late ma- tinee — ringing ud at 4:45 p.m. — for Christmas Day for John Cecil Holm’s “Southwest Corner” at the Shubert, New Haven Theory is that the delayed start will give patrons time to attend Christmas church services, have dinner and still gel to the theatre for the ma- tinee. That night’s ner f ormance is slated for the usual 8:?0 start. The show opens i f s four-oerformance shakedown engagement Dec. 23. Idea of the unorthodox sched- ules is believed to be new for pre- Broadwav tryouts, but ere familiar for touring productions, particu- larly in the midwest. Notable ex- ample is "Moon Is Blue,” currently playing the road on a two-for-one basis and playing “twinivht” per- formances Friday and Saturday nights, with no matinees. Dissenting Vote Boston, Dec. 7. Announcement that Hub the- atregoers were in for an “innova- tion" in the form of 6:30 p.m. “twilight performances” Fridays and Saturdays during the tryout run of Walter Fried’s production of Sam and Bella Spewack’s com- edy. “Festival” drew an immediate dissenting vote from Boston Herald drama critic Elinor Hughes. foK lowed up by a letter to the pro- ducers. Comedy is slated to open a fortnight stand Dec. 25 at the Colonial. Miss Hughes agreed in her let- ter that “Wednesday matinees without Guild subscription are not good,” she argued, however, that Saturday matinees always do well here, and I think you would meet with great resistance if you omitted them.” Asserting that the only shows H' * have played Boston on the night” schedule have been “ovofers,” Miss Hughes expressed the belief that “prospective ticket buyers would automatically as- sume that ‘Festival’ is a cut-rate production, which would be dis- astrously misleading.” • The critic continued, “This is a city of fairly fixed theatregoing habits, with theatre^o''’- pre- dominately in the middle-age brackets. These oeople do not like to go to the theatre at night, especially in winter, and I suspect them also of having quite settled dinner habits, 7 p.m. or there- abouts.” Noting that she has “no axe to grind” and sincerely wishes the new production the best fortune, Miss Hughes suggseted that Fried “consult other producers and Hub theatre people whose judg- ment he respects before making an irrevocable decision, rather than jeopardize the chances of a pro- duction that promises to be so en- tertaining.” HAYWARD HAS ‘RETURN’ PIX RIGHTS FOR 100G Screen rights to “Point of No Return,” Paul Osborn’s dramatiza- tion of the J. P. Marquand novel, have been purchased by Leland Hayward for $100,000. Although final details of the detail haven’t been set, the coin will be in stag- gered payments. Hayward, who produced the play on Broadway during the 1951-52 season, with Henry Fonda as star, will make the picture for Warner Bros, release. His indie productions of “Mister Roberts,” just about completed, and the up- coming “Spirit of St. Louis” and “Old Man and the Sea,” will be released by the same company. Absolutely A recent paragraph in Variety noted that several Broadw'ay managements have dropped the word “The" from before the titles of their shows in order to get priority in the alphabetical ad listings in the New’ York dailies. After read- ing it. Bella Spewack got to brooding about “Festival,” which she co-authored with Sam Spewack. and which is be- ing produced by Walter Fried. Some time in the wee hours of the night she roused her sleeping husband. “Sam,” she said. “Sam, listen. Let’s call our play ‘Arts and Crafts.’ ” Equity Referendum On Amendments to Change Contract, Vote Setups Two proposed amendments to the Actors Equity constitution, due for referendum vote at the quar- terly membership meeting Dec. 17 at the City Center Casino, N. Y., are stirring intense discussion in the union. It’s expected that the council, which has not yet issued a formal statement on the measures, will come out strongly against both. One of the proposed amend- ments, in particular, is the subject of bitter criticism. This would change the constitution to require that all contracts and agreements involving terms of employment or working conditions for actors be ratified by two-thirds of the se- nior members present at a meeting specifically called to pass on such matters. The other proposed amendment would scrap the present electoral system involving the election of a nominating committee to select a regular ticket oW officer and coun- cil candidates. Instead, it would provide for nomination of individ- ual officer and council candidates by petition of 20 senior members in good standing. Three Main Grounds Opposition to the first proposed amendment is based on three main grounds. It’s argued that such a setup would hamstring any nego- tiating committee to such a degree that it would be virtually power- less, since it would leave the nego- tiators without authorization to represent the unon. It’s also claimed that the requirement of ratification by a two-third majority present at a meeting would permit a minority veto of any union agree- ment. Finally, it’s pointed out, the wording of the measure would re- quire a special meeting for ratifica- tion of every individual actor con- tract for a show since the proposal would apply to contracts and agree- 1 ments "negotiated by council, its appointed committees or em- ployees.” In the case of the proposed change in the election procedure, there’s more evenly divided senti- ment. One side claims that the suggested setup would be more j democratic, since it would presum- ably prevent a minority faction from packing the quarterly meet- ing to capture control of the nine- man nominating committee by ! electing the six membership rep- resentatives. Others argue that under the pro- posed change it would still be pos- sible for an organized minority to capture the election by arranging for numerous nominations-by-peti- tion and then concentrating its votes for a few selected candidates. 3d L’ville Show Train ; 1st Opera Jaunt Back Louisville, Dec. 7. Third theatre train from here, organized largely through the ef- forts of Courier-Journal drama editor Boyd Martin, left Sunday (5> for a round of plays and enter- tainment in New York. About 450 are making the trip. Another group has just returned from the first opera-train parent to New York, arranged locally by Courier - Journal music critic Dwight Anderson. Legit Bits Muriel Smith in New York until Dec. 11 on vacation from the Lon- don production of “The King and I” . Rehearsals for Kenneth Banghart’s contemplated produc- tion of William McCleery’s “Run- ning Mate," originally skedded to begin last Monday (6), have been indefinitely postponed . . . George Jenkins, scenic designer of “The Bad Seed,” has resigned as art di- rector in charge of color of CBS- TV, to concentrate on legit. Howard Whitfield is production manager, William Weaver is stage manager and Lowell Harris is as- sistant stage manager for “Desper- ate Hours . . . Paul Gregory’s musi- cal, “Three For Tonight.” cur- rently tryout-touring, is skedded for Broadway late in March . . . Comedie Francaisc. famous Paris group, will make its initial U.S. appearance next fall under the snonsorship of S. Hurok and Pierre Danzelot. director general of the French Ministry of Educa- tion . . . “Pleasure Express,” revue with sketches and lyrics by Alex- ander Wilde and music by Ted Royal, will be produced by Wilde for a road tour next Spring. Director Jose Quintero and ac- tor-production Ted Mann, two of the founders of the Circle in the Square, N.Y., contemplate reacti- vating the off-Broadway group next spring if a suitable theatre can be found. Greenwich Village operation was disbanded last sea- son when the outfit’s theatre was shuttered by the fire department . . . Wynard Brown’s “The Holly and the Ivy,” will be presented by the Pilgrim Players at the Broad- way Tabernacle Church. N.Y., for four days beginning today (Wed.). “The Perfect Wife,” adapted by Haskell Frankel from his own tv script on the “Web” series, is an- nounced for Broadway production by Herbert Hirschman and Gene Burr, respective producer-director and story editor of the tele stanza . . . Theatrical accountant Jack Seidman (& Seidman) will talk on legit investing at a luncheon next Tuesday (14) at the Harvard Club, N. Y. . . . Joshua Logan planed back Monday (6) from the Coast, where he saw rushes of Leland Hayward’s film production of “Mister Roberts.” Pittsburgh Playhouse tossed a party last week for Fred Burleigh on the occasion of the 100th pro- duction he has staged for the group . . . Producers Theatre (Rob- ert Whitehead and Roger L. Stevens) plan a late February opening on Broadway for William Inge’s new drama, “Bus Stop” . . . Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, who split as collaborators after “Best Foot Forward” in 1941, have resumed partnership on the songs for a collegiate musical, “Three Tigers,” for which Cy Gomberg and Jack Sher are supplying the book, with Herman Levin and Alan J. Lerner slated to produce. Tom Ewell returns Dec. 27 as star of the Broadway company of “Seven Year Itch.” Meanwhile, George Keane is playing the lead in the comedy, succeeding Elliott Nugent, who was subbing while Ewell made the film version. Nugent planed to England last week to confer with Paul Vincent Carroll on the casting of “The Wayward Saint,” which he’ll direct for Courtney Burr and John Byram . . . Sol Jacobson will press- agent “Tonight in Samarcand.” Thelma Chandler will be general stage manager of the touring edition of “Teahouse of the Au- gust Moon,” with Joseph Doodley and Conrad Hamanaka as assist- ants . . . Hermione Gingold, Alice Ghostley, Jimmy Komack, Portia Nelson, Bib Osterwald, Charlotte Rae, Susan Reid, Elliott Reid and Richard Silvera will be among the performers at the Equity Library Theatre’s third annual Cocktail Revue next Sunday (12) at the Piccadilly Hotel, N. Y. Trudy Goth handling American office (in N.Y.) for the Italian The- atre Syndicate of Rome, whose di- rectors are Paola Ojetti and B. Randone. They’re seeking U. S. scripts for production in Italy. Miss Goth, former head of Chore- ographers’ Workshop, N.Y., writes dance columns for tradepapers here and abroad. Donald E. Ames points out that “The Flowering Peach” was not the first Broadway-bound tryout since “Doctor Social” in 1947, as reported in a story from Baltimore in Variety two weeks ago. Other pre-Broadway tryouts there in the interim included “Mister Roberts,” “Red Gloves” and “Anne of the Thousand Days.” Staff for the Howard Erskine- Joseph Hayes production. “Des- perateJIours,” includes S. M. Han- Inside Stuff-Legit Backers of the Kermit Bloomgarden production, “Wedding Break- fast,” currently in its third week at the 48th Street Theatre, N.Y., include the producer, $350; Paul Beisman, manager of the American Theatre. St. Louis. $700; Herman Bernstein, general manager for producers Leland Hayward, Richard Halliday and Howard Lindsay & Russell Crouse, $700; Raymond A. Broeder, of City Playhouses, Inc., $700; John J. Celia, president of the American Theatre, St. Louis, $700; souvenir program agent Arthur Klar, $700; author-playwright Arthur Kober, $700; attorney Morris M. Schrier, repping Music Corp. of America, $700; film-legit actor Van Heflin, $1,400; United Artists prexy Arthur B. Krim, $1,400; John Shubert, of the Shubert office, $1,400; Eugene W. Walton, of the Walton Transfer Co., $1,400; ad agency exec William H. Weintraub, $1,400; Mrs. Edward Kook, wife of the president of Century Lighting Co., $1,750; Irwin D. Wolf, president of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, $2,100; Robert E. Dow- ling, producer and head of City Investing Co., $2,800; film actor Kirk Douglas, $4,200; Metro lawyer William Melniker, $350, and Anthony B. Serlin, son of producer Oscar Serlin, $700. Production is financed at $70,000, with no overcall provision. Backers of the Ethel Linder Reiner production, “Rainmaker,” cur- rently in its sixth week at the Cort Theatre, N.Y., include producer- theatre owner Huntington Hartford, $6,000; Thomas Hammond, the show’s general manager, $4,000; L. Arnold Weisberger, attorney for the production, $3,000; ad agency exec William H. Weintraub. $3,000; bandleader and orch contractor, Meyer Davis, $1,500; producer Mary K. Frank, $1,500; author-playwright Arthur Kober, $1,500; Irwin D. Wolfe, president of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. $1,500; tv pack- ager Muriel Campbell, $750; CBS-TV researcher Oscar Katz, $750; Lawrence Langner, associate director of the Theatre Guild, $750; Alfred Levy, of Talent Associates, tv production outfit, $750; Mrs. Edward Kook, wife of the president of Century lighting, $750; actress Ruth McDevitt, $500; Ruth Green, of the League of N.Y. Theatres, $375, and producer Gerard R. George, $375. Production is financed at $75,000, with no overcall provision. “The Champagne Complex,” which Gayle Stine has scheduled for Broadway production around Feb. 1, has been drastically revised by author Leslie Stevens since Alexander H. Cohen tried it out last sum- mer at New Hope, Pa. The comedy’s three character emphasis on psychiatry has reportedly been modified and the heroine, instead of merely getting blotto, now has a compulsion to take her clothes off when she’s been drinking. Latter plot twist is said to provide the curtain for one act. Another major change is that instead of the young psychiatrist, the older of the two suitors, to be played by Donald Cook, now gets the girl. Alfred de Liagre Jr. is mentioned as likely stager of the play. Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera issued last week a list of 14 musical titles from which its schedule of next summer’s eight productions will be chosen. Optional slate includes “South Pacific,” “Count of Luxemburg,” “Me and Juliet,” "Waltz Dream,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Best Foot Forward,” “Sweethearts” and “Cyrano de Bergerac,” none of which has ever been done here in summer, and “Song of Norway,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Carousel,” “Brigadoon,” “New Moon” and “Rosalinda,” as potential repeats. During an intermission of last week’s “Mrs. Patterson” opening, Tex McCrary, Jinx Falkenburg and Bill Leonard discussed the show loudly enough across an intervening row of seats’ to give nearby play- goers a free audition of the unfavorable opinions to be aired on their respective tv programs next day. McCrary, the toughest of the three, disliked Eartha Kitt’s performance as star and thought the show “a waste of time.” David Brooks, one of the four singing-acting leads in “Sandhog” at the Phoenix. N.Y., went without credit in the Variety review last week through a confusion of identification with Gordon Dilworth. It happens, too. that cast also includes David Hooks. delsman, general manager; Clayre Ribner, production manager; How- ard Whitfield, stage manager, and Marian Byram & Phyllis Perlman. pressagents . . . Pat Campbell will do the sets and lighting and Vir- ginia Volland will be costume de- signer for Shepard Traube’s pro- duction of “Grand Prize.” George Brandt, who last week expressed doubt as to the boxoffice potential of “Moulin Rouge,” Pierre La Mure’s dramatization of his own novel, has partnered with M. Allen Lewis and Clifford Hay- man to produce it for a road tour . . . “Lawrence of Arabia,” drama by John Huntington and Erskine F. Gilbert based on the career of the British soldier of fortune of World War I, is being presented tonight (Wed.) through next Sat- urday (ID at Ithaca (N. Y.) College. Legit-film actress Edna Thomas, recuperating in Brooklyn Hospi- tal from a heart attack, is now’ permitted visitors . . . Rodney Mill- ington, managing director of the British casting directory, Spot- light, is due Dec. 17, from London, for his annual Broadway show- catching visit . . . Peter Davis, Theatre Guild business manager, vacationing at Ft. Lauderdale. London Bits London, Nov. 30. Actress Olga Lindo has optioned “All Done with Mirrors,” comedy thriller by John Clevedon . . . Keneth Kent is going into manage- ment with “From Crime to Crime,” adapted from the French by Philip Weathers . . . Bernard Grun col- laborating with Eric Maschwitz on a new English version of “Three Waltzes,” by Oscar Strauss, to in- corporate the same composer’s “La Ronde” waltz. Jack Hylton is paging Richard Attenborough for the lead in “Ring for Catty” by Patrick Cargill. Play is set for spring production with Richard Bird directing ... As there are too many distractions in Lon- don “for one bent on playwriting.” Hugh Hastings, author of "Seagulls Over Sorrento,” is vacationing in Mentone before returning to his native Australia. Scot Bits Glasgow, Dec. 7. “Blithe Spirit,” with Kay Ken- dall, Dennis Price, Margot Gra- hame and Irene Handl, touring Scotland prior to a West End re- vival in early Spring . , , Gateway Theatre, Edinburgh. withdrew "Rope,” Patrick Hamilton thriller, because of poor biz . . . Hazel Pen- warden, young Cornish actress, tak- ing the lead in a new comedy- melodrama “Diana,” at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow . . . Sonia Dres- del starring in “Queen of Calabash Island” at Empire Theatre, Inver- ness. Scheduled N.Y. Openings ( Theatre indicated if set ) BROADWAY Bad Seed, 46th St. (12-8). Lunatics & Lovers, Br’dhurst (12-13). Witness For Prosecution (12-16). Portrait of a Lady, Anta Play- house (12-20). What Every Woman Knows. City Center (12-22). House of Flowers, Alvin (12-23). Black-Eyed Susan, Playh’se (12- 25). St. Bleecker St., B’way (12-27). Flowering Peach, Belasco (12-28). Anastasia (1-4), Purple Dust, Bijou (1-4). Time of Life, City Cent. (1-5). Festival (1-12). Grand Prize, Lyceum (1-13). Put All Together (wk., 1-17). Fourposter, City Center (1-19). Plain Sc Fancy (1-20). Silk Stockings, Imperial (1-21). Painted Days, (wk., 1-24). Desperate Hours (1-27), Tonight in Samarcand (wk., 1-31). Wisteria Trees, City Center (2-2). OFF-B’WAY Dr.’s Dilemma, Phoenix (1-11). High Named Today, do . Lys ( 12 - 10 ). Troublemakers, President (wk.. 12-27). Wednesday, December 8, 1954 hilly Ajam; "Stockings "Flowers 33G, ‘Lovers’ 19G, ‘Susan 9G Philadelphia, Dec. 7. Philly is still hitting on all five theatrical cylinders, with every lo- cal marquee lighted for the third straight week. “Silk Stockings’’ continues to run away from the pack and has extended its run an extra week through Jan. 1. It then goes to Boston to continue pre- Broadway doctoring. With every legit house tenanted, the Academy of Music is offering “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial’’ next Thursday-Saturday (9-11) for three performances and Agnes Moorehead in another Paul Greg- ory production, “The Fabulous Redhead” tonight (Tues.). “Anas- tasia.” fourth play in the Guild- American Theatre Society sub- scription series, arrived last night (Mon.), replacing “Lunatics and Lovers” at the Walnut. Estimates for Last Week House of Flowers, Erlanger, (M) (2d wk) ($5.40; 1,880) (Pearl Bailey) Truman Capote-Harold Aden mu- sical getting big newspaper and radio campaign; about $33,000 on the holdover. South Pacific, Forrest, (MD) (10th wk) ($4.80; 1,760) (Iva With- ers, Allen Gerrard). Sagged under $17,000; continues through Jan. 1. Black-Eyed Susan, Locust , repeating the previous frame’s casualty figure. Folds “Abie’s Irish Rose.” “Living Room,” “On Your Toes’’ and “Hit j t he Trail.” Latter show and “Mrs. Patterson” were the week’s open- ; ers. Sole newcomer this week is “Bad jSeed,” bowing tonight (Wed.). Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedy Drama), R ( Revue), MC (Musical-Comedy), MD ( Musi- cal-Drama ), O (Opera), OP (Op- ‘TOWN’ BRUTAL $17,300 ON HOLDOVER IN PITT. Pittsburgh, Dec. 7. “Wonderful Town” took a fur- ther slugging in its second and final chapter at the Nixon last week with a dire $17,300 gross, a drop of more than $2,000 from the costly opening stanza. Top was $4.80. Show lost an estimated $25,000 on the fortnight. Nixon is currently dark, but re- lights next Monday (13) with Deb- orah Kerr in “Tea and Sympathy,” which should challenge the strike- plagued town's boxoffice blight. The theatre’s other scheduled bookings are a two-week stand of Eddie Bracken in “Seven Year Itch,” starting Dec. 27, and Katha- rine Cornell and Tyrone Power in "Dark Is Light Enough,” due Jan. 10. ?ar«e’ $3,900, Hartford; It Takes French leave Hartford. Dec. 7. “Hello. Paree” grossed a starva- tion $3,900 last week at the Par- sons Theatre. It was a record low for a musical here. William L. Taub revue tryout folded here. It j drew a miserable $5,300 in a five'] performance breakin at Wilming- ton the week before. Parsons will be dark until Dec. 23 when it relights for a three-day tryout of Ronald Alexander’s com- edy, “Grand Prize,” with June Lockhart, John Ncwland and Betsy Palmer featured. Fifth Season” appears to be set- tling down for a run. "Oh Men. Oh Women”opened last night (Mon.) at the Harris. Estimates for Last Week Fifth Season, Erlanger (3d wk) ($4; 1.300) (Chester Morris, Joseph Buloff). Topped $19,600 (previous week, $19,900). Other parenthetic designations j refer, respectively, to weeks played, number of performances through last Saturday, top prices, number of seats, capacity gross and stars. Price includes 10% Federal and 5% City tax, but grosses arc net: i.e., exclusive of tax. Abie’s Irish Rose, Holiday (C) King and I, Shubert (2d wk> ($5; ! ( 3d wk; 20; $5.75-$4.60; 900; $28,- 2,100) (57th wk; 453; $5.75-$4.60; 1,077; $27,811). Almost $20,100 (previous week, $18,600). Tea and Sympathy, Barrymore (D) (62d wk; 493; $5.75-$4.60; 1,214; $28,300) (Joan Fontaine). Nearly $17,900 (previous week, $19,200),. Teahouse of the August Moon, Beck (12th wk; 93; $6.90-$5.75-$4.60; $29,850) (Tallulah Bankhead). Over $23,800 (previous week, $22,700). Fanny, Majestic (MD) (5th wk;36; $7.50; 1,510; $65,300) (Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak). Over capacity again, topped $65,900. Hit the Trail, Hellinger (MC) (1st wk; 4; $6,090; 1,527; $55,916) (lrra Petlna). Opened last Thurs- day (2) to unanimous pans, gross- ing $7,100 for first four perform- ances; closed last Saturday (4) at a loss of around $170,000 on a $225,000 investment. Kismet, Ziegfeld (OP) (53d wk; 420; $6.90; 1,528; $57,908) (Allred Drake). Over $53,000 (previous week, $51,100). Living Room, Miller (D) (3d wk; 22; $5.75-$4.60; 920; $23,248) (Bar- bara Bel Geddes). Almost $21,500 (previous week, $14,000); closed last Saturday (4) at an approximate S28.000 loss, with producer Gilbert Miller footing the entire bill. Mrs. Patterson, National J — »- I I Addn H_ I I I City -Zone. I C - - . J Stoto, .Phone No., SUMMER RENTAL MAPLEWOOD PLAYHOUSE Maplewood, N. H. Seat* 600 — Open for Inspection Phone: JUdton 6-0637 or Write 227 W. 45th St., New York City back the star in a stronger and more suitable production. The play was first written shortly after the turu of the century under the title ‘‘Le Belle Aventure.” An English version was produced in New York in 1914, and the current version has been adapted by Henry Hewes, Saturday Review drama columnist-reviewer, who spotted Aabel during a Scandinavian tom- last year. Apart from the limitations of the dated farce, the production suffers from inadequate casting and from the star’s own direction, which re- veals a lack of appreciation of the pace required in the London thea- tre. The plot, without surprise or twist, involves a runaway bride who arrives with her lover at her grandmother’s country home. The dear old lady, unaware of the esca- pade, arranges for the elopers to share the nuptial couch. Without the star there would be no play. His performance as the little groom who fusses over the minutest details is vastly diverting. He has a light touch, perfect tim- ing and fine clowning qualities, seemingly getting laughs where they don’t exist. The rest of the cast is mainly uninspired, however. Mary Clare disappoints as the grandmother. Leslie Phillips is painfully out of his element as the other man. and Dorothy Gordon never comes up to expectations as the runaway bride. Linda Gray i.s just about adequate as the bride’s aunt who also hap- pens to be the other boy’s mother. Myro. .Simon and Laura London, Nov. 27. H. M. Tennent Ltd. production of com- edy in three acts, by Alan Melville. Stars Roland Culver. Coral Browne. Directed by Murray Macdonald. At Strand Theatre. London. Nov. 25. ‘54; $2.25 top. Simon Foster Roland Culver Laura Foster Coral Browne Wilson- Ernest Thesiger Jessie Emma Cannon Janet Honeyman Dora Bryan David Prentice Ian Carmichael Mr. Wolfstein Ronald Hadd Timothy Michael .Candio Barney’ David Morrell ,?oe Kenneth MacLeod Bert Thomas Elliott The familiar theme of the fa- mous stage couple who show a harmonious facade to their public, while eternally bickering in pri- vate, gets a novel twist in “Simon and Laura.” This is one of those amiable but innocuous comedies that should go over during the hol- iday season, but is unlikely for the U.S. Novel twist to this version of the yarn is that the squabbling coupie is signed to do one of those cozy husband-and-wife chit-chat series on television. Roland Culver wears a lugubrious expression to score as the jiusband, and Cora Browne is an accomplished foil as the temperamental actress who thrives on domestic discord. Ernest Thesiger registers neatly as an old pro tiirned butler. Dora Bryan makes the most of her limited opportunities as the script- girl who almost becomes “the other woman,” and Ian Carmichael gives a gem of a performance in a lightly etched caricature of a BBC producer. Michael Caridia exhibits all the confidence of the seasoned juvenile he portrays. Play is slickly directed by Mur- ray Macdonald. Clem, Convict-Authored Play Bows in London Church London, Dec. 7. A nativity play, "The Three Kings,” written by Dr. A. G. Hall while serving a sentence at Dart- moor prison, is to be presented publicly next week at St. Thomas Church, Regent Street. A fellow ex-prisoner has designed the decor and three other ex-convicts are as- sociated with the production. The drama, originally presented in the Dartmoor jail last Christ- mas. is being produced and direct- ed by Hall, who will also play a feature role. The professional cast will include Dorothy Green and Teresa Jewel, plus seven recent graduates of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. The play opens Dec. 14 for a short engagement, with the pro- ceeds being donated to prisoners’ charities. Part of the funds will be allocated towards building a theatre inside Dartmoor. ‘Joan’ Dispute Continued from pace 55 ‘Moon’ Rises to $10,200 In Repeat Stand, Mpls. Minneapolis, Dec. 7. “Moon Is Blue,” starring Jerome Cowan, pulled a good $10,200 last week for eight performances at $3.30 top at the 1,860-seat Lyceum. There were two performances each Friday and Saturday nights, at 7 and 9 p.m„ in lieu of matinees. Cast won reviewers’ approval. This was the play’s second time here and only the third show 4o play the house so far this season. Scheduled is “Sailor’s Delight,” with Eva Gabor, the week of Dec. 27, as the second of seven promised Theatre Guild subscription items. ‘Hello, Parse’ Fold Continued from pace 55 Operating Statements KING OF HEARTS (As of Oct. 30. ’54) Gross, last 4 weeks, $62,343. Operating profit for period, $5,296. Unrecouped costs to date, $34,840. Cash available. $5,660. Other assets, $29,500. PAJAMA GAME (As of Oct. 30, ’54) Gross, last 5 weeks, $259,755. Profit for period. $35,749. Total net profit to date, $92,251. Capital returned to backers, $250,000. Distributed profit, $50,000. Balance, $42,251. TEA AND SYMPATHY (As of Oct. 3, ’54) Gross, last 4 weeks, $91,515. Profit, same period, $17,156. Total net profit to date. $272,437. Dividend of above dale, $20,000. Total distributed profit to date, $205,000. Cash balance available, $17,797. ANNIVERSARY WALTZ (As of Oct. 30, ’54) Gross, last four weeks, $85,000. Profit, same period, $12,257. Total net profit to date, $20,934. Repaid to investors. $58,250. Available for distribution, $25,- 824. sputes and mixups over union rules. Most of the troupe got expense money back to New- York out of union bonds. That applied tq the east, except for two performers, Brucie Weil and Diana Lind, who somehow never were required to join Actors Equity. In the case of the stagehands, they were given empty pay envelopes on which their names, social security num- bers, money due, etc., was listed, and were instructed to collect from their union. Less fortunate w r ere the musi- cians. Unpaid by Saturday after- noon, they threatened not to play that night’s performance, but were finally persuaded by the house management and local tooters to go into the pit. Some had trouble settling hotel bills and getting out of town. Understood thet*e was in- sufficient bond with Local 802 in New York to cover rehearsal and doubling money due them. “Paree” is said to have been financed as a corporation rather than under the usual limited part- nership setup. Taub declined to identify any of his backers, but Hope Hampton, featured in the show’, denied being an investoh. However. George Hearts, husband of comedienne Collette Lyons, is understood to have a $10,000 stake. It was reported that the trucker who unloaded the show' here threatened to serve a warrant on Taub before being paid, and that the father of moppet singer Weil made a similar threat to obtain his son’s salary. Some of the French acts with the show' were parti- cularly hard hit. since they had to pay $108 initiation fee and 5 r b dues to Equity out of their slim salaries. Parsons Theatre lost an esti- mated $6,000 on the engagement. House had considered cancelling the show’ after getting reports from the previous week’s b’rcakin stand in Wilmington. Manage- ment decided to go through with the presentation, however, rather than disappoint its show-hungry local public. Although Charles Trenct, origi- nally announced to star in the re- vue, was not in the cast in Wil- mington and the newspapers re- ported him in difficulties with Im- migration officials at Montreal, the Parsons was not notified of the French singer’s unavailability here until the last minute. Mean- while, *Taub and Trenet have filed i counter-damage suits in the Cana- dian city, but the singer’s arrest on the producer’s breach-of-con- I tract charge was declared “illegal, 1 null and void” in Montreal Supe* 1 rior Court. feel that if all stars succumbed jto such attacks of nerves there’d be few successful shows and practi- cally no actor employment. In this connection. Equity repre- sentatives note that Miss Arthur withdrew from the starring role several years ago during the tryout tour of “Born Yesterday,” thereby jeopardizing the show until Judy Holliday, then a virtual unknown, took over the part to score a per- sonal click and putting over the comedy as a longrun smash. Also, it’s recalled, in Miss Arthur’s only other legit appear- ance in recent years, as star of the 1949-50 revival of “Peter Pan" (of which Producers Theatre partner Stevens was co-producer), her ab- sence from the east because of a mysterious illness threatened to close the show and was credited with shortening its run. Three Courses Open It’s figured that in the face of Equity’s refusal to accept Miss Arthur’s claim of illness as justi- fication of the closing of “Saint Joan,” there are three alternative courses open to Producers Theatre. It >an attempt to prove the illness, presumably with further testimony by Miss Arthur's doctor. Or it can pay the additional $1,700 in actor salaries for the disputed week and thereafter drop the matter. Or, as a final move, it can pay the $1,700 and then file charges with Equity against Miss Arthur for failing to carry out her con- tract as “Saint Joan” star. In such a situation, it would be up to the actress to convince the council, in the face of its present refusal to accept her claim of illness, that she really was too sick to con- tinue with the show. Agitation by local super-patriots, on the ground of alleged leftist backgrounds of other members of the “Joan” company, was not a factor in the present dispute. Equity officials incline to the be- lief that it was incidental to Miss Arthur’s emotional-physical state, but would not have been justifica- tion for her failure to fulfill her contract as star, in any case. As a result of Miss Arthur’s claim of illness, the originally scheduled Chicago opening, Nov. 8, was postponed a week. That is the period for which Equity demands full salary for the cast. Late in the same week, the management posted a provisional closing notice for Saturday, Nov. 11, and when the star again reported sick, that became the final closing date. Since notice has been posted, pay- ment of minimum salary for the second- week (following closing) was permissable under union rules, and is not in dispute. Collapse of “Joan” during its pre-Broadway tour is estimated to have involved a loss of about $200,000. Anantacila New Haven, Dec. 2. Elaine Perry production of drama in three acta, adapted by Guy Bolton from original French of Marcelle Maurette. Stars Viveca Lindfors, Eugenia Leonto- vich; features Joseph Anthony. David J. Stewart. Boris Tumarin. Michael Strong, Hurd Hatfield. Directed by Alan Schnei- der; scenery and costumes. Ben Edwards. At Shubert, New Haven, Dec. 2, ‘54; $4.00 top. Counsellor Drivinitz Carl Low Varya Sefton Darr Charnov Boris Tumarin Petrovin David J. Stewart Prince Bounine Joseph Anthony Anna Viveca Lindfors Sergeie William Callan Charwoman Vivian Nathan Sleigh Driver Stuart Germain Dr. Serensky Michael Strong Dowager Empress Eugenie Leonlovich Baroness Livenbaum Dorothy Patten Prince Paul .... Hurd Hatfield Current Stock Bills (Dec. 6-19) Fourposter — Playhouse, Houston (8-18>. My 3 Angels (Albert Dekker) — Alley Theatre, Houston (16-19*. Stalag 17— Paper Mill Play- house, Millburn, N. J. (8-18). Current London Shows London, Dec. 7. (Figures denote premiere dates) Accounting Love, Saville (12-1 54). Airs Shoostring, Royal Ct. (4-22-53). All For Mary, Duke York (9-9-54). Beatrice Lillie, Globe (11-24-54). Bell, Book, Candle, Phoenix (10-5-54). Book of Month, Cambridge (10-21-54). Both Ends Meet, ApoRo C6-9-54). Boy Friend, Wyndham’s (12-1-53). Can-Can, Coliseum (10 14-54). D'Oyly Carte Opera, Savoy (9-13-54). Dry Rot, Whitehall (8-31-54). Folios Bergere, Pr. Wales (9-24-53) Hedda Oabler, Westm’ster (11-29 54). Hippo Dancing, Lyric (4-7-54). I Am a Camara, New (3-12-54). Intimacy At 1:30, Criterion (4 29-54). Joyce Grenfell, St. Mart. (6-2-54). King and I, Drury Lane (10-8-53) Manor of Northstaad, Duchess (4-28 54). Matchmaker, Haymarket (11-4-54). Mousetrap, Ambas. (11-25-52). Off The Record, Vic. Pal. (11 2 54). Old Vic Rap, Old Vic (9-9 54). Party Spirit, Piccadilly (9-23 54). Relations Apart, Garrick (8-3-54). Sabrina Fair, Palace (8-4-34). Salad Days, Vaudeville (8-5-54). Separata Tables, St. Jamfs’s (9 22-54). Simon A Laura, Strand (11-24-54). Talk of Town, Adelphi (11-17-54). Teahouse Aug. Moon, Wedding in Parts, HI Witness Prosecution ■ we e wwiif nucipiii Teahouse Aug. Moon, Her Mai. (4 22 34) ~ Hlpp. (4-3-54). i, W. Gard. (10 28 53) SCHEDULED OPENINGS Spider's Web, Savoy <12 14-54). Crazy Gang, Vic. Pal. <12 10 34). Glass Clock, Aldwych (1-3-55). CLOSED LAST WEEK After the Ball, Globe (6-10-54). Immoralist, Arts (11-3-54). People Wonderful? Embassy (11-16-34) Words cascade in this verbose adaptation by Guy Bolton of the Marcelle Maurette original, pro- duced last season in London. They are words of widely varying mood and import, however, adding up to interesting theatre. “Anastasia” is not for the be-bop trade, but there should be enough discriminating showgoers around to keep it on the boards for a while. It’s a strong femme show, and it carries an exploitation angle in the possibility of something more sub- stantial than mere rumor in its background. Despite the talkiness (some 15-20 minutes overboard at the preem) and the lack of counter- balancing action, however, the dia- log is absorbing, and at times distinctly moving. The drama is based on the quasi- legend that when the Bolsheviks killed off the royal Romanoffs, they overlooked the youthful Princess Anastasia. Years later a trio of White Russian sharpie's try to pre- sent as the long-lost princess a shabby character they have found contemplating suicide. The pur- pose of the scheme is to obtain a huge fund believed on deposit in the Bank of England to the Ro- manoff credit. Viveca Lindfors has an elastic assignment in extending her char- acterization from the dazed, slov- enly woman to the regal bearing of the long-lost princess, and she makes the change in noteworthy manner. Eugenie Leontovich, as the dowager empress, is nicely cast and gives the role dignity. Joseph Anthony’s version of the w'ily leader of the schemers is top- flight acting, and there is able assistance from David J. Stewart and Boris Tumarin as co-conspira- tors. Hurd Hatfield has some good moments as a prince seeking the royal hand of the princess, and Michael Strong Is personable as the commoner who ultimately wins it. Emotionally effective bits are contributed by Vivian Nathan as a charwoman and Stuart Germain as a sleigh driver, and effective minor support is offered by Dorothy Pat- ten as a lady-in-w'aiting. William Callan as a valet, Sefton Darr as a maid and Carl Low' as a counsellor. Single setting of a room on the outskirts of Berlin skillfully re- flects the changing fortunes of the schemers, and the 1926 vintage costumes are attractive. Staging has caught the spirit of the opus and evokes several individual tell- ing scenes. “Anastasia” offers an exciting prospect for Hollywood. Bone. SUMMER THEATRE Avialable on Lease: Equipped with air conditioning unit. Seating over 900 . Connec- ticet area.' Contact BOX V-1 13054 Variety, 154 W. 46th St. Naw York 36 PRODUCER Need person with buiimu aeumon for year-round art thoatro in midwost to arrange tour* in and out of city; also lummrr Shakospoaro festival. No investment needed. Great po- tential. Write P. O. Box 7012, Chicago, III. ONLY at the NEW YORK ACADEMY of DANCE Speciel desses for singers — ectors with HERBIE HARPER noted choreographer Routines creeted end steged CAPNEGIE HALL COlumbus 5-3319 Wednesday, December#, 1954 LEGITIMATE 59 Show Finances THE BOV FRIEND (As of Oct. 30. '54) Original investment $140,000 Production cost 118.258 Operating profit, first 4>/2 weeks 46.959 J Cost still to be recouped 71.299 ! Ponds and deposits 5.873 Weekly Operating Budget Theatre share of gross (approx.) 22% Cast payroll (approx.) 5,100 Musicians (company) 2.768 Conductor and contractor 433 Stagehands (company) 900 Staff and general manager 813 Author, director royalties (including l 1 2 % to producers).... IV. 2 % Advertising salaries 260 Advertising (approx.) 1.600 Wardrobe salaries (approx.) 440 Wardrobe expense (approx.) 200 Electrical and sound rental, expense 200 | Office expense 350 BoxofTice expense (approx.) ’. . . . 215 Total company expense (approx.) 19,000 Cross needed to break even (approx.) 24.000 Weekly operating profit at $38,200 capacity (approx.) 10,700 (Note: At its present over-capacity pace, the Cy Feuer-Ernest H. Martin production, currently in its 11th week at the Royale, N.Y., is due to recoup the balance of its cost by next week.) GETTING GERTIES GARTER (As of Nov. 20. ’54) Original investment $11,500 Production cost 7,582 j Gross, first 10 weeks (approximate) 94.000 \ Operating profit, same period 2,920 Amount still to be recouped 4.662 i Weekly Operating Budget Cast payroll 1.550 Company crew 525 Pressagent (co-producer Max Gendel) 250 Company manager (co-producer John Yorke) 250 Extra musicians 378 Author royalties 6% Director 50 Advertising (approximate) 2.000 Departmental bills (approximate) 200 Rentals 105 Approximate break-even gross (standing still) 10,000 1 (Note: The revival is touring on two-for-ones.) 2 ^ j Off-Broadway Shows Tuelfth Xljgh I (JAN HUS AUDITORIUM, N.Y.) The upper eastside Jan Hus Auditorium is developing into a firstrate Shakespearean showcase. Last season the Shakespeare Guild Festival made its New York debut there with a click presentation of “Othello.” Now another group, The Shakespearewrights, has taken over t he spot with an inaugural produc- tion of “Twelfth Night.” As was the case with “Othello." this lighter product has been given top- notch treatment. Donald H. Goldman, who did the settings, costumes and lighting for the ..Festival outfit, produced and designed the current offering. Pro- duction’s risible values are given full play under Norman Peck’s broad direction. It’s to the group’s credit that the basic plot confusion isn’t furthered by the lack of scene switches. Except for an occasional prop, the elongated stage is bare throughout. Cast shows up well, with Laurie Vendig as the shipwrecked Olivia, who assumes male guise. Robert Raines handles the role of the Duke with finesse, while Inga Swenson is an eyeful as the countess. Of the more comic characters, Thomas Barbour has some standout mo- ments as the Malvolio, while Ar- lene Hatch, Robert Cass and Philip Lawrence also help get laughs. Charles Forsythe, as the ship- wrecked twin, and Pemell Roberts as the tough sea captain, are good. Donald Mork is a credible jester, and the incidental music by Ellen Bower is okay. Jess. From Mark Twain to Lynn Rlggfi (ROYAL PLAYHOUSE, N. Y.) A pleasant mixture of folk bal- lads and folk tales is being offered °« Fri< ^ a y-Sunday basis at the oft - Broadway Royal Playhouse in Greenwich Village. Presented by Folksay Theatre, the program has an informal quali- ty that registers effectively. Ballads and sketches are nicely integrated and ably executed by a five-man fast. Sketches are mostly in a light, humorous vein, with initial j°f ^e two-part offering de- voted to excerpts from the works of Mark Twain. Will Geer gives an authontative characterization of the American humorist, and his monologues are all firstrate. Some the extracts are acted, with Hellerman, Don Marye, Fred Miller and Jimmy Gavin giving an okay assist. Represented in ,the second half of the program are such authors as E. P. Conkle, Erskinc Caldwell and Lynn Riggs. Conkle’s “Mule I ail Prime” has solid comic values. while Caldwell’s “The Crack” is also good for laughs. However. Riggs “Hunger I Got” is heavy with social implications. Balladeering throughout the two segments is handled mostly by Hellerman, with Gavin also pitch- ing in on the guitar-vocal work- overs. Former has a few solo spots in which he shows up well. Tunes include “Raise a Ruckus Tonight,’ “The Devil and the Farmer,” “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine,” “When The Saints Come Marching In.” “S-A-V-E-D” and “Green Grow the Lilacs.” The central-staging production involves noticeable defects. Ad- mission is on a contribution basis. Jess. A Doll's House (FINCH PLAYHOUSE, N. Y.) Club Theatre is having trouble with “A Doll’s House,” its revival at the Finch College Playhouse being only the shell of a great play. Miss Iza Itkin’s direction is badly off-focus, each actor being allowed to walk through the play in his own private world. The resulting lack of cohesion even the super- craftsman Ibsen cannot survive. As Nora, whose door slam was heard around the world, Lesley Woods is lithe and eager, her per- formance lending the production what little form it possesses. Danc- er Daniel Nagrin makes his acting debut as Krogstad, the bank clerk who is the unwitting instrument of Nora’s emancipation. His tor- tured reticence is correct in con- cept, but lacking in technical finesse. Karl Swenson and Roland Von Weber are among the also-rans. Geor. Cleve. Barn Seeks New Lessees for Next Year Cleveland, Nov. 30. Lease which strawhat producers William Van Sleet and Paul Marlin had on the Chagrin Falls Theatre here for two more seasons was cancelled last week by the subur- ban house’s board of directors. Latter group is seeking a respon- sible, experienced producer to or- ganize an Equity company for next summer. The 360-seat theatre was used by the Van Sleet-Marlin team for three seasons, but the arrange- ment blew up last September when Marlin was arrested n a mrals charge. Both the 26-year-old pro- ducer-actor and Richard Spears, of Chagrin Falls, O., were indicted in early October and the case is ex- pected to come to court this month. DEBORAH BOFF $27,500, ‘ITCH’ $16,000, DETROIT Detroit, Dec. 7. “Tea and Sympathy,” starring Deborah Kerr, drew a smashing first-week gross of $27,500 at the 2,050-seat Shubert last week. Play is certain to top that figure on the current week finale of the local stand, at $4.40 top. “Seven Year Itch,” starring Eddie Bracken, did a mild $16,000 in six days at the 1,482-seat Cass at $3.85 top. Current is “The Dark Is Light Enough,” starring Katha- rine Cornell and Tyronne Power, for two weeks at $4.40 top. Current Road Shows (Dec. 6-18) Shows on Broadway Mm. Pallerion Leonard Sillman production of drama in three acts by Charles Sebree and Greer Johnson, with incidental souks by Janies Shelton. Stars Eartha Kitt: features Enid Marker. Hulk Attawa>. Estelle Hemsley. Vianie Burrows. Mary Ann Hox- worth. Terry Carter, Avon Lone. Helen Dowdy. Joan Morgan. Mary Harmon. Emory Hichardson. Staged by Guthrie McClintic; scemry and costumes. Raoul l’ene duBois: orchestrations. George Si- ravo; musical director. Abba Kokin. At National. N Y.. Dec. 1. '54; $6.90 $5.75 top <$8.65 opening). Anna flicks Kuth Attaway Selma Mae Vinnio Burrows Theodora Hicks Eartha Kitt Willie B. Brayboy Terry Carter Aunt Matt Crossy Estelle Hemsley ]\j r D. Avon Long Bessie Bolt Helen Dowdy Svlvanus Emory Richardson Mrs. Patterson Enid Markey June Einbrcc Mary Ann Hoxworth Rose Embree Mary Harmon Fern Embree Joan Morgan Anastasia (Viveca Lindfors, F.u genie Leonlovitch) (tryout) — Wal- ! nut St., Philly *6-18) Reviewed in Variety this week). Black-Eyed Susan (Vincent Price) (tryout) — Locust St.. Philly (6-18) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 17. 54). Caine Mutiny Court Martial (Paul Douglas, Wendell Corey, Steve Brodie* — State Aud., Harris- burg (6-7); Rajah. Reading ( 8 >; Acad. Music. Philly (9-11); Wan Memorial Aud., Trenton (13>; Mos- que, Richmond (14); Univ. Aud., Charlottesville, Va. (15); Muny Aud., Norfolk (16-18). Dark Is Light Enough (Katha- rine Cornell, Tyrone Power) (try- out) — Cass. Detroit (6-18) (Re- ] viewed in Variety, Dee. 1, ’54). Fifth Season (Chester Morris, Joseph Buioffi — Erlanger, Chi <6- 18). Flowering Peach (Menasha Skul- nik) (tryout) — Colonial, Boston (G- 18) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 17. ’54). Getting Gertie’s Garter — Shu- bert, Wash (6-18). House of Flowers (Pearl Bailey) (tryout) — Erlanger. Philly (6-13) (Reviewed in Variety, Dee. 1. ’54). King and I (Yul Brynner, Patri- cia Morison) — Shubert. Chi (6-18). Midsummer Night’s Dream . Teahouse of the August Moon (Burgess Meredith, Scott McKay) — Hartman, Columbus (12-18). Three for Tonight (Marge and Gower Champion, Harry Belafonte) (tryout) — Center. Norfolk (6-7); Muny Aud., Charleston, W. Va. (8); Orpheum, Spartanburg, S. C. (9); U. Theatre, Chapel Hill. N. C. <10- 11); Muny Aud., Shreveport (12); Muny Aud., Beaumont, Texas (13); Texas A & M Gym, College Station (14); Aud., Austin (15); Aud., San Antonio (16); Aud., Corpus Christi (17); Music Hall, Houston (18) (Reviewed in Vaude section of Variety, Nov. 3, ’54). Time Out for Ginger (Melvyn Douglas)— Curran, S. F. (6-18). Witness for the Prosecution (try- out) — Plymouth, Cleveland (6-11); Plymouth, Boston (13-18) (Re- viewed in Variety, Dec. 1, ’54). Wonderful Town (Carol Chan- ning) — Playhouse, Wilmington t6- 11); National, Wash. (13-18). Playbroker Eric Glass is agent- ing a new script by St. John Ervine, titled "Esperanza” . . . Philip King’s perennial farce, “See How They Run.” is being filmed at Southall Studios, with Ronald Shiner as lead. The taut, kinetic personality that took Eartha Kitt to stardom as a nitery. musical comedy and recording singer is evident hut less effective on the dramatic stage. In “Mrs. Patterson,” a play about adolescence suggestive of "Member of the Wedding.” the star is a magnetic but unevenly convinc- ing actress. The show is presented by Leonard Sillman, whose “New Faces of 1952” established Miss Kitt as a name. “Mrs, Patterson” is a play that hints at more than it succeeds in saying. Allowing for the limita- tions of the script, the Charles Sebree-Greer Johnson work might be more clearly intelligible and affecting with a more experienced, expressive leading player. But al- though Miss Kitt has undeniable personal magnetism, she is enig- matic as an actress. Partly for that reason, "Mrs. Patterson” seems un- resolved as drama and unsatisfy- ing as entertainment. It must therefore be rated as doubtful box- office, and it is negligible as film material. There is the suggestion of a provocative play in "Mrs. Patter- son.” It is an implicit but moving plea for racial equality, for one thing. But in a more general sense, it offers a scene near the end, between the restless, unquenchable girl and her quietly patient mother, a scene that glows with poignant life. Although the effect is quickly lost in a patently concocted finale, it leaves the impression that some- where between original conception and firstnight performance, the real theme was distorted and the emotional impact dissipated. From its colorful beginning, the story proceeds with the girl’s char- acter undergoing little change un- til the poorly-motivated finale. But the mother, subdued and resigned, is presently revealed as indomit- able and, despite her humble and illiterate background, a wise wom- an. To an unfortunate extent (since she is a subordinate character) she becomes the focus of sympathy and interest. This is apparently inherent in the writing, to a considerable ex- tent, but it also evolves in the performance. For despite Miss fcitt’s gifts as a personality singer, she is severely limited as an aet- ress. She vividly projects the rest- lessness, the occasional scorn and to some extent the timidity of the adolescent, and she moves with admirably feline grace. But her emotional range is mine- scule and her metallic voice tends to become expressionless. On the other hand. Ruth Attaway’s un- obtrusively honest performance as the mother is progressively com- pelling and, in her final scene with her daughter, genuinely touching. “Mrs. Patterson” is the story of a 15-year-old Negro girl, no longer a child and not yet quite a woman. To escape her drab life in a Ken- tucky shanty, she daydreams a glamorous existence (“when I grow up I want to be a white lady”) like that of Mrs. Patterson, the snobbish dowager she has never seen, but for whom her mother slaves as a day-servant. Not only Mrs. Patterson, but the Devil (Mr. D.), a Chicago honky-tonk singer and a flashy sporting man come to satirical life in the daydream scenes. Miss Kitt sings four incidental songs. “Mrs. Patterson,” “If I Was a Boy,” “Tea in Chicago” and “My Daddy Is a Dandy,” written by James Shelton. All are doubtlessly effective on their own but rather extraneous to the play. The star also does a part-reprise of "I Wish I Was a Bumble Bee” (music by Shelton, lyrics by Sebree and Johnson), first sung from a tree- hollow by Helen Dowdy as the depraved blues shouter. Also, as a curtain call, Miss Kitt offers "Be Good, Be Good, Be Good,” w’hich was deleted from the regular show during the 10-week tryout tour. Aside from Miss Kitt and Miss Attaway, the indivdual perform- ances are generally good within the limitations of the script and Guthrie McClintlc’c relaxed direc- tion. In the title role, appearing as a stereotype daydream concep- tion, Enid Markey gives an amus- ing, skillfully exaggerated portrail of a 4 southern dialect belle. Estelle Hemsley provides dimension to the role of a petty-thleving. evil- tongued old salvation-spouter. and Avon Long is curiously dispirited as the satanic Mr. D. Terry Carter is believable as the heroine’s intense, slightly more wordly eompanion-in-adolescense; Vinnic Burrows is properly ener- getic as a pre-adolescent busybody; Miss Dowdy is credibly blase as the blues singer doomed to life in a tree trunk for having defied Old Nick, and Mary Ann Hox- worth, Mary Harmon and Joan Morgan are briefly diverting as imaginary deep South maidens. Raoul Pone duBois has designed a realistically ramshackle house and yard, and the surprisingly un- imaginative costumes. Hobe. Hit I ho Trail Kli/abrth Miele production of musical cornedv in two acts (13 scene*), with book b.v Frank O'Neill, music by Fredcrico Valerio, lyrics by Miss Miele. Stars Irra Polina; features Robert Wright. Paul Valentine, Diana Drake. Donn Driver, Toby Deane, Fred Lightner. Charles Cl. Martin. Directed by Charles W. Christen- berry Jr. and Byrle Cass; dances and musical numbers. Gene Bayliss; sets and lighting- Leo Kerr; costumes, Michl; orchestrations, Don Walker; musical di- rector and vocal arranger. Arthur Nor- ris. At Mark Hellincer, N.Y., Dec. 2 . '54; $6.90 top ($8.40 opening). Jerry . ...» Donn Driver Joan Diana Drake Willie Fred Lightner Clayton Harrison Paul Valentine Lucy Vernay Irra Petlna Murph Kobert Wright Aggie July Toby Deane Miller Charles G. Martin Waiters Jack Pursell, Rene Miville Dancers: Jeanne Belkin. Lola Bewley. Sandy Bozokl. Diane Consoer; Patty Fitziminons. Nancy Hackenberg; Robert Bakanic, Paul Gannon, Jack- Purcell, Alton Ruff. Buff Shurr. Fred Zoeter. Singers; Josephine Annunciate, Irene Carroll, Peggy Kinard. Dolores Miche- line. Michelle Reiner, Martha Rich. Iris Sinding, Flavine Valentine. Lola Van Pelt, Paul Brown, Michael King. Rene Miville, Robert Price, James Schlader. Elizabeth Miele, produced of “Hit the Trail,” went back to the 19th century for the locale of this mu- sical, and also for its other appur- tenances. A cornier mishmash of old plot devices, tired routines and hoary gags and lines hasn’t tried Broadway legit’s patience this se- mester. By all counts, “Hit The Trail” leads to no Broadway lode. All of the passe techniques and cliches of a pre-"Blossom Time” era are here. Everything is bor- rowed and familiar — the story of the stranded opera troupe in the mining town, the gambling saloon and dance hall, the scalawag im- presario. imperious primadonna, gallant liberal local banker. The songs and dances are de- rivative and familiar, In the rhymes, rhythms, terp formations and weavings. Not only is there little that is original (except Leo Kerz’s attractive, impressionistic sets), but there is, if anything, less that has taste or style, wit or dis- tinction. Or, for that matter, any other marks of professionalism. Known during its out-of-town tryout as “On With the Show,” this affair weaves a confused story path about the stranded opera troupe trying to keep alive by dancing in a Nevada saloon, while the primadonna runs a beauty par- lor for the locals. There’s little continuity to the sequences, as the plot breaks off every now and then without logic, to permit some du- bious specialty to Intrude. Miss Miele doubles as lyricist, contributing some trite verse to the music of Frederico Valerio. A couple of songs do have some mer- it, in “Mr. Right,” a romantic bal- lad which Irra Petlna sings, and "Remember the Night,” another ballad which Paul Valentine croons. The rest is tapioca. The dancing staged by Gene Bayliss is unin- spired. with the cancans borrowed and the hoedowns fitful. Overall staging has that old-fashioned look. Miss Petlna sings “Mr. Right” af-., feelingly, and shows in the other undistinguished numbers that she can still put over a song. Her man- nerisms and exaggerations spoil some of the effects, though. Valen- tine puts “Remember”* over sur- prisingly well, and on opening night stopped the show with his breezy, acrobatic rendering of “My Fatal Charm.” He lends the stage some professional air. Robert Wright is manly as the local banker and sings well, but hams it up. Diana Drake and Donn River are an attractive young pair and try hard, especially in “Just a Wonderful Time.” Toby Deane is a brash young lass, given an inane song to sing in “Men Are a 1 Pain in the Neck.” Dancing chorus has some talent, especially among the men. , .Bron. (Closed Saturday night (4) after four performances.) 60 rONttMTS-APEHA Wwliwfxlay, December 8, 1954 N.Y. City Opera Winds Biggest Tour To 215G Take; 8 New Towns in Trek The N. Y. City Opera Co. wound ♦ up the most extensive tour in its history last Tuesday <3Qi, with a 4 ' 2 -week junket in which 32 per- formances of 12 operas were given in 11 eastern and midwest cities, for about a $215,000 b.o. take. Some were percentage dates, others flat guarantee, other four-wall, and al- j though all bills aren't in yet. man- j agement claims it came out in the black. Last year’s fall tour, some j what shorter, garnered $37,000 profit. This year’s won’t be as 1 much, due to last-minute bookings and extra railroading hopping around. Troupe lost its Chicago stopover due to a new local company on the j scene 'Chicago Lyric Theatre', and booked Boston instead. Most of the ; tour was exploratory, troupe ap- pearing in eight of the 11 cities for the first time. Boston, one of the new towns, “is definitely the city for us. financially speaking.” said John S. White, company’s as- sistant general director. Troupe took in $48,000 there in seven shows. In Detroit, fifth visit there for the group, it did $97,000 for nine performances, or a $3,000 gain per performance over previous sea- j sons. “In artistic achievement,” added White, “it was our best tour.” Troupe got notices everywhere that ran from good to sock, and in each place was invited back. Now. says White, the manage- ment is hoping sometime to add a spring tour, after its N. Y. winter season. Climactic conditions, and competition from the Met Opera’s spring tour, present the chief prob- lems. Opera company has also been eyeing the Coast for December showings, following its fall tours, but fares are the problem. They would need a big guarantee. Growing, Young Audiences White feels the opera troupe can tour profitably, there being no cost of new productions (as in N. Y.>. and no special rehearsals out of town with strange musicians. For the first time the group took its own orch on tour this fall. White gained some interesting Impressions from this tour. Certain smaller cities ha\e only a limited audience for opera. Turnouts in Hershey. Pa., and Grand Rapids. Mich., for instance, where one- night stands were made, proved dis- appointing. Small touring troupes in previous years have taken the edge off. said White, and done the cause of opera harm. But in the bigger cities, he add- ed, interest in opera is tremendous, and audiences are growing. Local symphonies help Where radio-tv inroads have hurt opera in N.. Y. they’ve aided it out of town. People want to see live opera when oppor- 1 tunity comes. And there are lots of young people in the audiences, as in N. Y. A company can’t go to most towns with an offbeat repertory like “Love of Three Oranges” or “Cenerentola,” White found. Even in big cities like Detroit, the stand- ard repertoire is best. They may be oldhat to cognoscenti, but young- sters who’ve heard about “Bo- heme,” “Traviata" or “Butterfly.” said White, should be allowed to hear them. “Besides,” he added, “an opera lover is intense. He wants to hear an opera over and over again to enjoy it deeper.” Concert Mgrs. Meet Seventh annuat convention of the National Assn, of Concert Mana- gers will be held in New York next Monday and Tuesday (13-14) at the St. Moritz Hotel. Org represents local sponsors and buyers of music, dance and theatrical attractions in the U. S., and Canada. President is William K. Huff, director of the Philadel- phia Forum. About 50 members are expected at the convention. Half of them are music and special events chairmen at universities. Fort Wayne Judge As French Backer With the Ward French ousting from Community Concerts still the chief topic of conversation in the longhair trade, name of the chief backer of French's new Inter- national Concert Service has come to light, lie’s James R. Fleming, retired judge and newspaper publisher of Fort Wayne, and board member of Fort Wayne Community Concerts, who re- portedly invested $60,000 in the setup. Fleming, who also has a daughter, a soprano, now studying in Europe for a concert career, has shifted to N. Y. to handle the biz details for International. Thomas P. Dwyer, Wall Street lawyer, is handling legal matters for Fleming and International. French, former prez of Com- munity Concerts, subsidiary of Co- lumbia Artists Mgt., took 19 staf- fers from CAM with him, in addi- tion to his veepee, Robert Fergu- son, when he left the org. These were nine fulltime field reps, seven parttimers and three N. Y. office staffers. French, over the week- end, appointed six people to In- ternational’s executive committee, in Flora Walker, Virginia Hender- son, Vivian Taylor, Harold Welch, Ben Lobdill and Norma Olson. International's aim is to line up for its own org as many towns as possible from the present Com- munity setup. Writing to such towns (and others' over the week- end, French advised them he’d have available all Sol Hurok and National Concert & Artists Corp. artists, as well as those under other indie managers. Archy Stars As Lead In Boff Back-Alley Jazz ' Opera By Kleinsinger By ARTHUR BRONSON Don Marquis’ lovelorn cockroach, archy, who typed out lowercase love poems to his fickle ladylove, mehitabel the cat. is now the cen- tre (along with his amoral feline) of a back-alley jazz opera, which had its concert premiere at Town Hall, N. Y., Monday night (6'. Based on the late newspaper col- umnist’s stories of the abused but philosophical insect and his per- snickety puss, with faithful, bright libretto by Joe Darion and tricky, inviting score by George Klein- singer, this short hepcat opera buffa is a boffola. Certainly, “archy and mehitabel” had an SRO audience purring its delight Monday night. Opus is straight lowbrow', with no hifalutin angora airs. But it fitted perfectly into the concert atmosphere, and into the otherwise straight longhair program of Ibert and Reger which the Little Orches- tra Society under Thomas Scher- man presented. For it’s a witty, amusing half-hour operissima, with a steadily entertaining score com- prising blues, ballads, waltzes and solid, honest jazz. The special orch Scherman used for the occasion was a 15-piece combo, mJinly brass and winds with a rhythm section. Opera calls for three principals (third being a bullying tomcat named bill), a chorus of four back-alley cats and a narrator. Work has already been recorded by Columbia, and now shapes as a dandy curtain-raiser ftor both concert and stage presen- tation. A competent cast carried the op- era off beautifully Monday night. Composer Kleinsinger was the affable narrator, setting the back- ground, but letting archy, and the others, tell most of the story in song. This Jonathan Anderson did skillfully, both vocally and thespi- cally, in a convincing portrait of the timid, lovesick insect. Max Leavitt gave the work some clever skeleton staging, with singers help- ing the story by acting it out. Mignon Dunn was an impressive mehitabel, lush to look at, feline in action, and a sterling singer to boot. Richard Sharretts was a stur- dy baritone tomcat, and the Four Heatherstones (Bix Brent, Mari- anne McCormick, Nancy Swain Overtone and Jean Swain) were in- valuable assists as back-alley cat chorus. Scherman and his crew nobly backgrounded, although orch at times was too loud, drwoning out singers or narrator. Classical Disk Reviews N. Y. CITY BALLET SET FOR 4TH O’SEAS TOUR The N. Y. City Ballet has been set for a three-month European tour next spring by Paris impre- sario Leonid Leonidoff. Tour, the troupe’s fourth overseas trek, will open- April 3, probably in Monte Carlo, and end on July 2. Dates will include a number of festivals, among them the Florence Maggio Musieale. and fests in Lausanne, Zurich, Wiesbaden and in Holland. Troupe also will dance in Rome, Milan. Paris, Lisbon and in Ger- many and Scandinavia. Leonidoff has given the NYCB guarantees on all its dates, and is trying to get one of the festival country governments to pay one- way overseas passage for the troupe. Otherwise, the NYCB has to furnish the ocean transporta- tion, which runs to $40,000 round- trip. Donizetti: L’Elisir d’Amore (RCA Victor). Exhilarating, cohesive per- formance «f the tuneful, light comic opera. Margherita Carosio’s sure. light but clear coloratura and Nicola Monti’s pleasant, unclut- tered tenor blend neatly in the leads, and Tito Gobbi is an impres- sive baritone in chief support. Kalian chorus and orch under Gabriele Santini help in the charming aura. Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Nos. 8-13 (Vox). Volume two in this series has some unfamiliar but quite ingratiating selections, all played expertly as well as delight- fully by pianist Alexander Bo- rovsky. Rossini: La Boutique Fantasque (Bluebird'. Sprightly version of the witty, melodious ballet score by the Philharmonia under Robert Irving. Some short encores are added for extra fillip. Brahms: Songs (Capitol). Nell Rankin, gifted young Met Opera contralto, shows artistry as well as impressive voice in a varied group of Brahms songs. The expressive “Gestillte Sehnsucht” and “Geist- liches Wiegenlied” have violist Carlton Cooley’s fine assist. The lovely “In Stiller Nacht” is par- ticularly standout. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1 &, Golden Age (Westminster). The early Shosty symph, terse, angular and inviting, gets a rhythmic, forceful reading by the National Symphony under Howard Mitchell. "Golden Age” ballet suite, thin and uneven, contains the familiar Polka and Russian Dance. Hanson: Symphony No. 1 & Sieg- me'ster: Ozark Set (MGM). Han- son's "Nordic” symph is bardic, romantic and lyrical. Siegmeister’s suite is folksy, jazzy evocative and flavorsome. Contrasted works make a fine coupling, both handled well by the Philharmonia under Hans Walther. Caballero: Giants & Bigheads (Angel). This is a very appealing novelty, a pleasant, rhythmic zarzuela or Spanish operetta, heard first in 1898. Story is based on the Spanish-American war, with some very spirited jotas among its neat Iberian tunes. Dashing, authentic performance by a fine group of Spanish singers and orch under Rafael Ferrer. Tchaikovsky: Queen of Spades & Gershwin: Porgy & Bess (Colum- bia). Andre Kostelanetz and N. Y. Philharmonic bring sweep and drive to the lovely dramatic score of the Tchaikovsky opera. The Gershwin suite on the reverse is equally vivid in performance. Irmgaard Seefried (Decca). Lead- ing Viennese soprano in deft, ar- tistic presentations of six Brahms lieder and 22 songs of Wolf. Latter, with theatrical, impassioned love lyrics, get the right sophisticated approach. Ravel: Bolero, La Valse, Alborado del Gracioso, Pavane Pour Infanie (Westminster). Fine readings of varied, popular Ravel scores by the Champs-Elysees Orch under Pedro Branco. Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 (RCA Victor). Leopold Stokowski and NBC Symphony members occasionally show' improper bal- j ances, in overall group tone as well as in choirs. But on the whole, for Stoky, this “Pastorale” version is a restrained, conventional and at times quite moving rendition. I Bron. Inside Stuff— Concerts Rudolf Bing, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, may be sabotaging his own desire to hold down the opera debit. This is the view privately circulated in musician and singer circles. It is based on Bing’s alleged “European condescension” in dealing with his em- ployees. That Bing is a capable administrator and a progressive opera showman is cot^ceded. It’s generally agreed, too, that vocally the Met now leads the world, the myth of European superiority dying slowly, but surely. What riles union leaders, in particular, is that Bing has not yet understood, and certainly not yet accepted, the American way of conducting collective bargaining. The opinion is widespread that Bing by temperament will make “gracious gestures” to employees, but won’t tolerate "equality.” His advance offer of a wage raise to musicians had the practical effect of denying to the union leadership any claim to their membership of having secured them an advantage. “It isn’t done that way in the United States,” runs the comment heard around Manhattan. “Management lets the union save face, and the union lets management save face. Lord of the manor gestures are poison.” In short, if Bing offers one wage boost, the union is almost automatically inclined to demand more, and get it. B. H. Haggin, vet music critic for the Nation mag, belatedly paid an unysual tribute in the current issue to Virgil Thomson, composer who quit last spring as music reviewer for the N. Y. Herald Tribune after 14 years. “Since an enlightened public is as important in music as in politics,” wrote Haggin, “Thomson’s departure from the Tribune is a disaster. He could be irresponsible, he could be nonsensical; in recent years he was increasingly bored and wrote more than ever about what he imagined rather than what he heard. But he had the equipment of critical preception that is the one essesntial in criticism, and when it was allowed to operate on what was before him it produced the only newspaper criticism of music worth reading. For he was the only one with this equipment; and now there is no one.” Jean Sibelius, who is 89 years o:d today (Wed.), is getting an un- usual birthday present. Office of Alien Property has notified the Finn- ish composer that he will be receiving about $10,000 from the U.S. by Xmas. This is for royalties on his music played here since start of the last World War, and held up by technicalities of German and Russ copyright. Hope to Keep Berlin Orch’s U.S. Dates As Turtwangler Memorial Tour’ *♦ Despite the sudden death of con- ductor Wilhelm Furtwangler in Germany last week. Andre Mertens, Columbia Artists Mgt. veepee, is still going ahead with plans for the skedded Berlin Philharmonic Or- chestra tour early next year. Tour, the orchestra’s first in America, was originally set for five weeks, starting in February, '55. with the famed 68-year-old maestro plan- ning to conduct all 26 concerts on the trek. Mertens has been burning up the cables the past week, trying to hold both the Berlin symph and U. S. local managers in line, pend- ing selection of a different con- ductor for the orch. Berliners, he reported, still want to come. He may fly to Europe this week to finalize the deal. Furtwangler was so long identi- fied with the Berlin orchihat Mer- tens now proposes to arrange the junket as a “Furtwangler Memorial Tour.” Tour is still planned to start in D. C. on Feb. 27, ending with the third of three Carnegie Hall, N. Y., concerts April 1. First Carnegie date would be March 1 and second on March 30. Curiously enough, a skedded U. S.* tour of the Vienna Philhar- monic last year, with Furtwangler and Clemens Krauss sharing podium chores, was stymied when Krauss died. Now the Berlin trip is jeopardized by Furtwanglei ’i passing. The two maestros had something else in common; both have stirred up controversy in the U. S. for political reasons. DOULENS NAMED V.P. OF COLUMBIA ARTISTS MGT. Humphrey Doulens has been elected vice-president and member of the board of directors of Co- lumbia Artists Mgt., top concert bureau. Doulens, with Columbia since 1938, is with the Coppicus Schang & Brown division. Now director of television and radio at Columbia, Doulens will continue in that capacity. He joined the Norwalk (Conn.) Hour in 1924 and was on the staff of the South Norwalk Sentinel. Bridge- port Post and Newsweek magazine, before going into the concert biz. Schuman Mss. to Library Washington, Dec. 7. Large number of autographed scores of William Schuman, New York composer, have been pre- sented to the Library of Congress. Schuman, president of the Juil- Hard School of Music, has given the Library such items as his “Cir- cus Overture” for a Billy Rose re- vue, two ballets composed l<>r Martha Graham. “American Festi- val Overture,” etc. 2 Opera Groups' Merge; Philly Grants $25,000 Philadelphia, Dec. 7. This city’s two rival opera com- panies. the Philadelphia LaScala and the Civic Grand, have linked forces at last. The event was promptly marked by a grant of $25,000 from City Council’s Recre- ation Committee to insure continu- ance of local opera. Humbert -A. Pelosi, manager of the LaScala, and Anthony Terrac- ciano, manager of the Civic Grand, will be co-managers under the new setup. Guiseppe Bambosehek, vet- eran opera maestro, will continue as musical director and conductor. Dr. Chevalier Jackson, president of Civic Grand, heads the new or- ganization, which will be known as the Philadelphia Grand Opera Co. The LaScala was temporarily inactive and Civic Grand's remain- ing four performances of the sea- son will be played under new re- gime. There is the possibility of sev- eral extra dates, Dr. Jackson said, and these will be sold as separate events. Under separate regimes the two opera companies went in the red for approximately $30,000 last season. L’ville Orch Airs Nightly Till Dawn Via Diskings Louisville, Dec. 7. Victor A. Sholis, of WHAS here, and Charles P. Farnsley, chairman of the Commissioning Project of the Louisville Orchestra, * have completed arrangements to keep the 50,000 watt clear channel sta- tion on all night to air the orch’s recordings Monday through Friday from midnight to 5 a.m. All music to be heard during the five-hour stanza will be recordings of the Louisville Orchestra, conducted by Robert Whitney, has made of the compositions it has commissioned leading composers throughout the world to write. Project is another effort by the Louisville orch to obtain a wide hearing for contemporary music, and help promote the sale of its recordings. It will supplement audiences derived from weekly half-hour network airings of the orch over CBS, Saturdays, 10:30-11 p.m., and the Saturday matinee series of concerts in Louisville. Orchestra is now offering a 12" LP record a month to its record plan subscribers. First 12 record- ings will contain 32 symphonic works and two operas commis- sioned and recorded by the Louis- ville Orchestra. Wednesday, December 8, 1954 LITERATI 61 Literati Loss of $1,000,000 Printing Bill Reader s Digest will not renew its $ 1 , 000,000 printing contract vith Rumford Press in Concord, H according to J. Richard Jackman, president of the firm, but he said the action would have no immediate effect on Rumford’s payroll or volume of business. The magazine’s new policy of earning advertising will be largely responsible for terminating the contract, because Rumford is not equipped to handle this phase of the work. Jackman said. Rumford has been printing 50% of the domestic issue of the Digest, the remainder being handled by the McCall plant in Dayton, Ohio. Although the Digest is still Rum- ford’s largest single printing order, it represents only one-seventh of the firm’s total volume of business. The current contract expires in June. Double Life for ‘Omnibus’ CBS-TV’s “Omnibus,” Sunday 90-minuter of the TV-Radio Work- shop of the Ford Foundation, hung up some sort of record in Life When that mag ran two layouts of the show within three weeks. First one in late November was of com- poser-batonist Leonard Bernstein in a podium lecture on Beethoven’s Fifth Symph. Second (current) treats the Jean Girardoux satire, “The Virtuous Island.” The 1-2 punch reportedly stemmed from individualized team- work. with “Omnibus” press rep Jack Perlis handling the Bernstein end and the web on the picket line for “Island.” Garroway’s Toy Pitch Combining a worthwhile charity drive with the general functions of public relations reps, the New York p.r. outfit of Barkas & Shalit has come up with “Operation Santa Claus,” a nationwide toy drive to be sponsored by 'the Loyal Order of the Moose and headed up by Dave Garroway, who incidentally, is a B&S client. Campaign aims at collecting new and undamaged used toys for distribution to under- privileged children on or before Christmas day. Moose, with some 1,700 male lodges and 1,300 femme chapters, comprising a total membership of 1.200,000, will conduct the cam- paign on a local level, using posters ol Garroway at all collection points. Moose will also plug Gar- roway in their magazine (circula- tion 875,000). Garroway in return will plug the drive on his NBC-TV “Today” show and his radio “Fri- day With Garroway” segment. Meanwhile, campaign has resulted in two stories in Coronet, one in the November issue announcing the drive, and a second this month, a byline piece by Garroway about his favorite Christmas story, with full credits to NBC and his shows. Everybody happy? planter, shepherd, a porter, an office boy, a tramp, a jack-of-all- trades and a singer. Of the novels, over three-quarters of them are laid in France, and half have a very pronounced autobiographical flavor. Also, 26% of the heros are writers and 26% of the books take place in the author’s own part of France. Of the publishers the two big- gies, Gallimard and Juillard, pub- lish about 100 of the books be- tween them. Usual printing of a novel of a young author is about 3,000 and average hardly sells over 1,000, but a hit touches 200,000, and one bonanza can make up for the other lags. The various liter- ary prizes handed out every year are counted on by the pubs to make that big one. General con- sensus among French crix is that the novel is in an artistic decline, since quantity has taken prece- dence over quality, and the mass production necessary has clouded the more reserved judgment of most pubs. Prizes also swell out- put and in many cases crown un- deserving works. articles and opinions by the fore- most ‘practitioners today. After a historical survey of the pop song, it goes into names of j present-day cleffers and singers, and has valuable interviews with Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, Charles Trenet and Catherine Sauvage on their methods of work and song choices. It also encompasses the song in literature and poetry and has a fine glossary of leading chant- ers here. It makes a good addition for the libraries of all music biz people and is profusely illustrated. This series also contains an in- formative survey on films. VI osk. Bookmen On A Binge Sixth annual presentation of the National Book Awards is to be held Jan. 25 at the Commodore Hotel in New York with Sen. William Fulbright (Dem., Ark.), sponsor of the Fulbright scholarships, as speaker, and Clifton Fadiman as emcee. Committee of five judges for each of the three categories — fiction, non-fiction and poetry — are scheduled to meet early in January to make their selections. Book Award Committee, arrang- ing the event, has scheduled other meetings to give out-of-town visi- tors a change to get more out of their trip. Publishers Ad-Club will hold a panel session on Jan. 24, with a cocktail party to follow, and the Awards winners will be feted by their publishers with a dinner party on Jan. 25. Next day, the American Institute of Graphic Arts holds a luncheon on book design, and an informal party by the Na- tional Book Award committee the night of the 26th tops things off. Lou Ruppel’s Philly Post Louis Ruppel. former managing editor of the Chicago Times and one-time editor of Collier’s mag. has been named editor of the Phila- delphia Daily News. Ruppel, wRo “retired” in 1952, to become publisher of a country weekly, the Mill Valley Record. Calif., is disposing of that property to join the News. A native New Yorker, Ruppel also served as pub- licity director for the Columbia Broadcasting System. Wolfe Kaufman's Paris Detour Longtime boulevardier Wolfe Kaufman is back to the Paris scenes of his youth, when he was on the late Erskine Gwynne’s now defunct The Boulevardier and the Paris edition of the N. Y. Herald Tribune. Kaufman plans a long- time residence abroad “just to write.” Another Show Biz Book “My Life in Show Business” by Ida Adelaide Windisch (Vantage; $2) is a warm-hearted recollection by a smalltown girl who married her “daring young man on the fly- ing trapeze.” Written without literary pretensions, the slender volume illuminates an era when it was possible for two sisters to en- ter show biz by applying for chorus jobs at the Elite Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. ''The Famous Windisch Family” (C harles, Ida, Sonny and “Dainty Idamae, the Darling of the Air”) held stellar billing at midwestern county fairs and on smalltime va- riety stages for many years. Now, Charles and Ida live in retirement in Moline, 111. Sonny, a veteran of world War II, has abandoned the flying rings, and Idamae married out of the profession. This book will appeal to show- xolk not only for the memories it evokes of the “grouchbag circuit,” but also because it depicts a thor- oughly engaging American family able to carry on a career in the limelight while sending down per- manent roots in a typical American home town.” Down. French Year of Novels Among the 10 top Parisian book Publishers, *50 novels were pub- V<»o ed this y. ear - Of this number, , , 'vere either first or second works by beginners. Further sta- tisti cs show that 15% are women, jo o are between the ages of 25 to ZT' and 5% are under 25. Of the ovelists, 41% are professionals 3 ma Je their living at it, 16% are profess^, 1Q% lavvyerS( c vu service workers, 5% en- gineers and 2% doctors, other offbeat writers are a mer- iant of heating pads, a banana Nix 25VfeG Audubon Bid An offer of $25,500 for a rare set of books, Audubon’s “Birds of America,” has been nixed by the Paisley (Scotland) Library Com- mittee. Offer was made by Wil- liam H. Robinson Ltd., of London, on behalf of a client. Four-volume set was presented to the library in 1872 by Sir Peter Coats. Offer was rejected because it was felt so valuable a work should be retained in Scotland. Robinson recently paid $21,000 for another set sold at auction. Esther Tufty’s Dutch Treat Esther V. Tufty, Washington newswoman and Capitol corre- spondent for “Today,” NBC-TV show, said Friday (3) that she was going to The Netherlands as one of the permanent judges for "William the Silent” journalism awards. She will not telecast again until the New Year. An audience with Queen Juliana is on the schedule. Silliphant’s Novel Sterling Silliphant, ex-20th-Fox publicist, now independently pro- ducing “5 Against the House” (Guy Madison-Kim Novak) for Columbia Pictures, will have his first novel, “Maracaibo,” published next Feb- ruary by Farrar, Straus & Young. As the title indicates it has a Venezuela offshore oil - drilling background and will be Silliphant’s next indie film production. Joseph’s Travel Ed Aide Franklin Siriith, travel editor of the Miami News, will take out the initial lap of Richard Joseph's “third world tour,” starting Feb. 16. and the travel editor of Esquire will join up a month or so later. This is the three-month, conducted globetrot ($5,995 per head) which Joseph formerly handled solo. His Doubleday deadline writing commitments necessitate an extra month’s leeway, hence the idea of getting another travel editor to assist on the early stages of the junket. The Magic 13 “Magic from M-U-M,” Milboume Christopher’s 13th textbook of J trickery, will be published Dec. 15* The book describes 26 feats culled from M-U-M, the magazine of the Society of American Magicians, which Christopher edits. French Songs & Singers Editions Du Seuil of Paris has a neat new show biz edition in their series, Collection Peuple Et Cul- ture, which comes under the gen- eral heading of Regards Neufs Sur ...(New Look At...). This one is called La Chanson (The Song) and serves as a meaty handbook and guide to the pop song in France to- day. Edited by Pierre Balatier and Chris Marker, this 300-page soft- covered book sells for $2 and has a fund of background material on the origin of the song in France, attitudes towards the chant, andi CHATTER Irish Censorship Board has banned circulation of British fan mag, Picturegoer. Author James Hilton reported In serious condition at Seaside Hos- pital, Long Beach, Cal. New York Today Inc. chartered to conduct a printing and pub- lishing business in N. Y. City. Bob White has opened a writing and publicity office in Hollywood under name of Bob White & As- sociates. Jack House profiling vet cinema millionaire A. E. Pickard in Eve- ning News, Glasgow, series, “They Struck It Rich.” Houghton Mifflin’s Dale Warren sailed Monday (6) on the SS Cristoforo Colombo for a Medi- terranean holiday. Lester A. Walker, publisher of the Fremont (Neb.) Guide & Trib- une, last week purchased land there to build a new plant. A Christmas play by mag writer Richard G. Hubler, “The Hallowed Time,” will be put on by Ojai Art Center in Ojai, Cal. Dec. 22-23. Dublin Variety rep Maxwell Sweeney planed back from London after recording radio feature on Ealing Studios for Radio Eireann. Current (Dec. 11) issue of the Saturday Evening Post profiles Frankie Laine in “The Case of the Screaming Troubadour,” by Dean Jennings. The newspaper bunch, like the N. Y. Journal-American’s Louis Sobol, wondering about Arthur Murray’s usage of “Down Memory Lane” as the title of the dance impresario’s new book. Sobol pe- riodically does syndicated columns bearing that title. Goodwill trip by Mrs. America 1954 (Mrs. Wanda Jennings) floun- dered last week in Vienna after her manager, Bert Nevins, clashed with Vienna newsmen. Reporters claimed a standup when Mrs. Jen- nings didn’t show at a press con- ference, and resented Nevins’ sub- bing. Author-Raeenttur Bennett Cerf t««s much room for humor Who’s Complaining? There’s Plenty to Laugh at These Days * * * a bright byline piece in the forthcoming 49th Annivernary Number of PfcRlETY out soon Ku Klux Remake Worries Biz Continued from pace 7 and undisguised racial animosities of that era in the middle of the twentieth century following two world wars and unparalleled prog- ress in race relations can do little except to inflame the still unin- formed... The new film versions of this inflammatory novel cannot escape being regarded as an effort on the part of some group or groups to encourage the 1876 rather than the 1955 view of Negroes as American citizens and as a roadblock to the orderly and just attainment of rights.” Reflecting a more or less general opinion, Alfred Starr, largest op- erator of Negro theatres in the country, opined Monday (6) that, while “Birth” was a great picture, a remake along Griffith’s lines would be “obnoxious” to Negro pa- trons and to many whites alike. Seen reflecting Griffith’s own prejudices — he was born a South- erner — “Birth” has been described as “a passionate and persuasive avowal of the incurable inferiority of the Negro.” Every device in the picture is aimed at stressing obnoxious qualities of the Negro and at rousing audiences against colored people. Example is the scene where Lynch, the mulatto, Script Angle Vague Hollywood, Dec. 7. Dudley Nichols is not defi- nitely signed to adapt remake of “Birth of a Nation” for the Thal-Ryan syndicate. He thinks he’ll accept but has given no thought to date on how to han- dle the racial and social sensi- tivities implicit in the Dixon yarn. Ted Thai is sole owner of Thalco, largest manufacturer of fibre glass and plastics in the far west. It is believed here he is probably at or near the 92% tax bite and that this situation influenced his inter- est in financing a motion pic- ture for possible capital gains. That group do not think of story as stirring up bad feel- ing. Although nobody has thought it through or made explicit denial, it is likely that the night rider stuff and the anti-Negro angles of the origi- nal D. W. Griffith version will be dropped. pursues the white Elsie Stoneman with his marriage proposal. Else- where in the film, a white girl throws herself over a cliff to escape the advances of a colored man. One title editorialized that the South had to be made “safe” for whites. Rise of the Klan, an organization by now thoroughly discredited, wa6 fully justified by Griffith. ^ An Early ‘Epic’ “Birth” was Griffith’s first “epic” and is today considered a milestone in the advancement of the cinematographic art. It was origfhally called “The Clansman.” Story goes that the title was changed at the suggestion of Dixon when he attended the first eastern screening of the production which, incidentally, ran 10 reels and was the longest American film turned out by that date. Prolonged and bitter protests from virtually all elements of so- ciety greeted release of the pic- ture in 1915. At least six cities at- tempted to ban it, and so did the state of Qhio. Elsewhere it was cut until it was virtually unintel- ligible. ‘‘The Crisis,” official organ of the NAACP, in 1915 denounced Dixon for falsifying history and for representing the Negro “either as an ignorant fool, a vicious rapist, a venal and unscrupulous politi- cian or a faithful but doddering idiot.” Rabbi Stephen S. Wise objected to the film as “a crime against two races.” The Rev. Dr. Crothers called it “a deliberate and skillful bit of treachery.” George Foster Peabody, in a public letter, main- tained it was “unfair to the Negro and to the white equally.” Presi- dent Eliot of Harvard deplored the pic’s “dangerously false doctrine . . that the Ku Klux Klan was on the whole a righteous and neces- sary society for the defense of Southern white men against black legislatures led by Northern white men.” Despite all these denunciations — the picture stirred up race riots I in Boston and several other cities — “Birth” ran up some astounding grosses. Griffith, stung by the criticism, issued a pamphlet, “The Rise and Fall of Free Speech in America,” in which he defended his right to make and show the film which he had made at his own expense and at a cost unheard of in those days. If “Birth” was widely shown over the years, this was due large- ly to the exhibitors who brought suits and obtained injunctions against the censoring authorities. In Pittsburgh, Atlantic City, Gary, Ind., etc., the bans stuck. In Chi- cago it was lifted via legal action. In N. Y., "Birth” was revived on several occasions, the last one about two years ago. It played at the Beverly Theatre in 1950 for a six week run. In 1951 it was brought back but died at the b.o. and was pulled after one week. Zanuck Reveals Continued from page 3 the east and that they w'ould be intensified when the necessary equipment becomes available. On the other hand, the home of- fice expressed surprise at the Zan- uck disclosure of new work being done on Cinemascope. The only phase of this known in the east is the delivery of new and better lenses by Bausch & Loinb. Zanuck also made mention of the new prisms. He added that “dozens of projects” were cooking in the 20th Coast lab. It’s believed in N. Y. that the C’Scope improvement 20th has un- der wraps may be a combination of the squeeze lens and VistaVision, with two frames being exposed and “squeezed” at the camera at one time. This could lead to much greater depth and definition, it’s held. In reference to the technical fea- ture-length demonstration film which he is turning out and which is half-finished, Zanuck said most of the interiors had been done. “It’ll show us where we’ve gone wrong and it should prove a valu- able guide to other producers,” he maintained. Meant strictly for the technical side of the industry, the pic re- peats different scenes, each shot from different angles and under different lighting conditions. Asked why 20th was going to the expense of producing the test reels, Zan- uck observed that, having started CinemaScope, it was now up to 20th to make periodic contribu- tions to it. He further reported “good prog- ress” in 20lh’s drive to sign up foreign talent. Asked whether 20th was considering a talent school on the Coast, a la Univer- sal, Zanuck replied in the negative, pointing out that the studio has had success in developing new faces without such a device. ‘Waterfront’ Nix Continued from page 2 ing for an examination of the board’s members and a public an- nouncement as to the basis used for judging films. Another Col film, “Double Des- tiny” (Michel Auclair and Simone Simon) was also recently re- jected by the board, while other pictures that the film critics con- sider less socially signficant and internationally important, such as a pair of German films, “The Birdseller” and “Confession of Ina Kahr,” were recently given the board’s okay. In the light of this strong sup- port from the film industry, Co- lumbia has been granted a reshow- ing of the picture before the Board on Dec. 13. Two additional impartial judges will also sit with the group. Favorable reports of members of the Bonn government who saw the film, and the list of awards given it, will also be shown the Board. Despite the lack of approval and the resultant slightly higher tax charge on tickets, “Waterfront” is a hit in Germany. It opened Nov. 5 at Cologne and Munich and has been held over for four weeks at the key theatres there. 62 CHATTER Wednesday, December 8, 1954 • Broadway Geraldine Brooks, Bernard Del- font and the George Blacks re- turned to Britain last week on the Queen Mary. Charles Boyer back from a Paris film chore and off to the Coast this week for a role in Metro’s upcoming “The Cobweb.” Ted Ashley Associates has changed its name to Ashley- Steiner Corp. Ira Steiner is tak- ing charge of an expanded Coast office. Lillian Jenkins, publicity direc- tor, Madison Square Garden, off to Milwaukee to o.o. The Hollywood Ice Revue before its N.Y. opening In January. The Arthur (20th-Fox) Silver- stones’ daughter, Sandra Esta, a Vassar senior, engaged to marry Robert Lowell Stern of Montreal next June. Kenneth MacKenna. Metro’s studio story chief, in for his pe- riodic o.o. of the Broadway shows and for talks with editors and book publishers. Vincent Sardi Jr. compiling a list of names of ex-Marines in show biz and allied fields, like eateries, and wants all ex-Leather- necks to contact him. Until Sol Hurok imports the Comedic Francaise, the Waldorf’s Claude C. Philippe is commuting by air to Paris to spend New Year’s with his bride, Mony Dalmes, of the CF. Judith Evelyn planed to the Coast over the weekend to play the second femme lead in “Female on the Beach,” starring Joan Craw- ford. She’s due back in about three weeks. Rene Black's Waldorf-Astoria colleagues farewell-dinnered him Monday night (6) before the vet maitre d’hotel assumes his new post at the new Fontainebleau, Miami Beach. Biow agency v.p. Henry White, whose twin daughter^ were chris- tened Sunday (5), had “Fanny” star Walter Slezak and NBC’s Dave Garroway on hand as the young- sters’ godfathers. Rouben Mamoulian lecturing N. Y. U. students this afternoon (Wed.) on “Art and the Motion Picture.” His address is part of a course in motion pictures con- ducted by Robert Gessner. Composer Richard Rodgers; Carleton Sprague Smith, chief of music division, N.Y. Public Li- brary, and banker Gerald F. Beal elected to board of directors of N.Y. Philharmonic - Symphony. Jose Ferrer due in from the Coast today (Wed.) for round of bally activities for Metro’s “Deep in My Heart.” Ferrer and Helen Traubel will attend pic’s preem tomorrow (Thurs.) at Radio City Music Hall. Hernando Courtright, managing director of the BevHills Hotel, to Nassau for 10 days’ fishing with Dick O’Connor (Magnavox) and Jack McGuire. RCA prexy Frank M. Folsom had to bow out at the last minute because of business pressure. Guy Bolton’s previous Theatre Guild committment will see Eddie Davis soloing on the book of “This Must Be The Plaze” (burlesque background). Davis’ bestseller, “Laugh Yourself Well” (Fell), has resulted in a sequel, “Laugh and Live Longer.” Australia By Norm Louden (P.O. Box 4457; tel XL3200) English ballet dancers, Walter Gore and wife Paula Hinton, may return here to settle; had a suc- cessful Aussie tour in 1952. Tom Dole, Columbia Pictures’ former ad-publicity topper, is back on deck after enforced layoff be- cause of illness. Dole slated for switch to post of special sales and promotion. Sydney radio and film actor Rodney Taylor set for special test by Paramount in Hollywood. Tay- lor was recommended to Hal Wallis by Byron Haskin, who di- rected “Long John Silver” here. Arthur Gillespie, who stepped out of Metro where he supervised the company’s theatre loop, to go into private biz, will take over the lease of the Hoyts’ house at Neu- tral Bay, Sydney neighborhood operation. San Francisco By Ralph J. Gleason Joe Loco has signed with E. B. Marks to publish his mambo spe- cials. Wood Soanes, Oakland Tribune drama ed, to Mediterranean on cruise. Harry James booked for one- nighter at the Bay Meadows race track clubhouse, Jan. 21. Lou Williams, formerly witti Fox West Coast, made new resident manager at Orpheum, replacing Charles Marquart, resigned. Wood Soanes, Oakland Tribune drama ed, touring the Mediterran- ean with a stopover planning for Majorca to visit flack Tony Buttita. The Interplayers, Frisco Little Theatre group, circulating a peti- tion among its members to the San Francisco Chronicle expressing ap- preciation of tye “excellent cov- erage of the local non-commercial theatre groups” by Luther Nichols, deploring his departure from the paper and expressing hope that coverage of these groups will con- tinue. Paris By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Odeon 49-44) First French Film Week in Rus- sia will unroll next March in Mos- cow. * Francoise Arnoul to play oppo- site Fernandel in remake of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Maurice Carrere opening his nitery addition on first floor of Maxim’s, called The Imperial. Franco-Italo pic, “Secrets D’Al- cove,” censored in Italy because of too much undress of star Martine Carol in one of sketches. Wilva Breen and Lee Gershwin to North Africa to looksee next stops and theatre facilities for tour- ing “Porgy and Bess” company. Reprise of the Georges Feydeau legit comedy, "Le Main Passe” (The Roving Hand), preems at Theatre Antoine this week at a gala benefit. Steve Previn finishing his 50th vidpic here this week in dividing chores between Sheldon Reynold’s two series, “Sherlock Holmes” and “Foreign Intrigue.” Zappy Max,. radio fave here, tries his first stage stint in new operetta, “Une Nuit Aux Baleares” (A Night in the Balearics) which preems this week at Etoile Theatre. George Ulmer playing stage- show at the Alhambra along with opening of his first straight acting role in Franco-Spanish pic, “Un Balle Suffit” (One Bullet Is Enough). Arthur Miller’s “Crucible” opens here this week in an adaption by Marcel Ayme at the Sarah Bern- hardt Theatre. It is called “Les Sorcieres De Salem” (The Witches of Salem). Leo Marjane to play Belgium and French hinterlands after her current stint at Moulin Rouge. Then she heads for the U S. to take over the old La Rue as a per- sonal club. Minneapolis By Les Rees Tom Powers back with “Moon Is Blue” at Lyceum. St. Paul Flame has Ella Fitz- gerald as show topper. Met Opera star Jan Peerce gave concert for Defense of Israel bene- fit. Ken Senn of Old Log strawhat- ter featured in Star Playhouse production of “Stalag 17.” Comic Dick Curtis finished 10- week date at Starlight club where comedienne Jeannie Karin now tops floorshow. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo back for first time in two years, giving three performances at Northrop Auditorium. Allen Dazell here ahead of “Sailor’s Delight," Theatre Guild’s second subscription season offer- ing at Lyceum, advanced to week of Dec. 27 as show moves into N.Y. sooner than expected. Don McGrane, going into third year at Hotel Radisson Flame Room with his orch, bought home in local suburb and will make his home here, moving from N.Y. MCA originally booked him into room for one month. Vienna First Juke Box installed in Old Vienna Bar. Brazilian pianist Jacques Kleind appeared in Musikverein Hall. Prof. Franz Sirowy elected pres- ident of Austrian Musicians Union. Karl Etti directed the 2,000th performance of the Wiener Maen- ner Gesang Verein. State Burg Theatre actor Ewald Balser inked for role of Oberst Redl in spy picture, “Opera Ball.” Franz Antel started shooting comedy, “We Live Again Happily,” with Christl Mardayn in Sievering Studios. Josefstadt in correspondence with Robert Anderson for possible production of “Tea.” Already translated by H. H. Carwin. Austria to be represented at the Lima, Peru, religious picture festi- val, with “One Is Mightier.” pro- duced by Catholic film guild. Americans are sending blank checks to management of State Opera for opening night in Novem- ber next year asking it to “fill in the amount.” . London Anita Ellis opens at the Colony next Monday (13). Jean Carson returned from N. Y. yesterday (Tues.) after her two tv spot appearances. Helen Traubel inked for cabaret appearance at the Cafe de Paris for the New Year. L. F. Rider named 20th-Fox tech- nical manager, succeeding A. G. K. Faija, who retires after 30 years service. W. P. (Bill) Lipscombe in Athens readying a script of “Seven Won- ders of the World” to be filmed by Cinerama. Henry Lombroso, Republic top- per in Italy, here for confabs with Reginald Armour on the 1955 re- lease program. BBC-TV producer Henry Cald- well off to Amsterdam, Hamburg and Berlin on a quickie in connec- tion with a telepix deal. A plaque to the memory of Car- roll Gibbons on the piano at which he played for so many years at the Savoy Hotel dedicated last Mon- day (6). Sir Louis Sterling last week gave away over $550,000 to charities in celebration of his 75th birthday, bringing his total up to almost $3,000,000. Vida Hope planed back from a Spanish vacation last weekend and is now prepping her stage version of “Henry VIII” in association with Sandy Wilson. Suzanne Warner, head of local public relations agency which han- dles top American talent, back at her desk after being hospitalized with pneumonia. Herbert Wilcox and Anna Neagle to Yugoslavia to scout locations for their upcoming production of "King’s Rhapsody,” which will co- star Errol Flynn. Henry Hewes, drama critic of the Saturday Review, who au- thored the English adaptation of “Accounting For Love,” checked out for Paris two days after the opening at the Saville last Wednes- day (1), and returning to N. Y. this week. Santiago By F.dythe Ziffren ( Corbalan Nelgarejo 21-A; 31645) Xiomara Alfaro, Cuban warbler, signed by King’s Club nitery. “Picaresque,” burlesque unit, closed by Santiago’s femme mayor; also banned in Valparaiso. Sussy Montrey, I^ina Celi, Marion Christie, Carlos Manuel and Janet D’Acosta heading up Tap Room’s floor show. Leguia-Cordoba stock company staging “Mi Marido va al Folies” (My Husband’s Going to the Fol- lies) at the Satch. Malu Gatica and Emilio Gaete to tour provinces with Angela Morel’s “Matrimonio de Amor — Sin Amor” (Love Marriage — With- out Love). Jose E. Cavero, president of Na- tional Broadcasters Assn, of Peru, here to plug Interamerican Broad- casting Assn, congress skedded for Lima next April. Carlos Melo Cruz won job of ar- tistic director of Municipal Thea- tre, succeeding Juan Casanova Vi- cuna, named Chilean ambassador to Venezuela. Madrid Bv Ramsay Ames (Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Jane Powell and new husband, Pat Nemey, honeymooning at Castellana-Hilton. Spanish version of “South Pa- cific,” directed by Jose Tamayo, al- most ready for opening at Teatro Zarzuela. Sloan Simpson here to interview Robert Rossen and Ambassador Angier Biddle — Duke, on tape, for the Tex and Jinx show. Arnold Picker, United Artists veepee and foreign sales topper, and Charles Smadja, continental European director, arrived from Paris for more huddles on “Alex- ander the Great.” Pic is sched- uled to roll Feb. 15. A wide search is under way for “most beautiful girl in Spain” to play the role of Stateira. Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen Harmonicaires booked into the Ankara for three weeks beginning Jan. 3. William Leech, director of Play- house, in Southside Hospital for observation. Ruth Vernon Pivorotto gets title role in Playhouse’s New Year’s show, “Sabrina Fair.” Wally Gingers’ band will record a tune by Father Gianni, a priest in nearby Connellsville. Joni James here for a day to get deejays to plug her new MGM re- lease, “When You Come of Age.” Dancer Gaby Monet staying over after her Vogue Terrace booking to work the Horizon Room next week. Allvn McLerie in from N. Y. to spend a week with her husband, George Gaynes, of “Wonderful Town.” Lenny Litman and his wife planed to Hollywood for Andre Philippe’s opening at the Mo- cambo. Emil Cohen topping show at an- nual Jewish Home for Babies dance at Hotel Schenley tomorrow (Thurs.). Mary K. Frank tossing supper party for Deborah Kerr after per- formance of “Tea and Sympathy” next Thursday night (13). Miami Beach By Larry Solloway Jonathan Dwight new owner- producer of the Biltmore Play- house. Sea Isle Hotel will be setting for mid-January broadcasts of NBC’s “Today” and “Tonight” shows for one week. Ralph Snider, owner of the Bradford (Bradford Roof) Hotel in Boston, partnered in new owner- ship of Sea Isle. Walter Jacobs, “retired” for this season, looking over new locations, north and south of Miami for his next Lord Tarleton hotel. Newlyweds Barron Polan and Julie Wilson joined the group flown in for opening of swank new La Coquille in Palm Beach. Jacques Renard, Eddie Cantor’s radio musical director in the 30’s, settled here and is taking out a local union card; he plans to or- ganize a string unit. Kay Thompson being paged to fill two-week date at the new Bal- moral Hotel in January to replace Genvieve who can’t make the stand until later in season. Cleveland By Glenn C. Pullen Dolores Hawkins at Vogue Room for two weeks. “Ice Follies” skating into Arena Jan. 18 to play 13-day date. Tommy Purcell orch replaced George Duffy band at Hotel Hol- lenden. Dorothy Donegan back at The- atrical Grill, and staying througn Yule holidays. Hans Reiss, manager and pianist at Willie Rich’s club, awarded naturalization papers. Kaye Ballard awarded official key to city on return to her home- town and Vogue Room. Bob Ancell, Hipp’s assistant manager, quit to join Fred Strauss booking agency but continuing to hold disk-jockey job. Al Russ, bandmaster-composer, and James Kovacs, formerly an RCA recording engineer, opened their new Audio Recording Studios. Nick Pinardo reopened his re- modeled nitery, formerly the El Bolero, renaming it Whisper Room with policy of intimate musical acts. Cleveland’s getting heavy dose of balletmania, with Teresa and Luisillo in Ballets Esrpagnols at Public Music Hall Dec. 3 and Jose Greco’s troupe coming to the Hanna Monday (6) for full week. Rome By Robert F. Hawkins ( Archimede 145; 800211) Italy holding another Italian Film Week in Cairo soon. Harry James and Betty Grable to tour Italian key cities after the holidays. Elia Kazan reported to have turned down local offer to direct “War and Peace.” Otto Preminger here briefly be- fore flying on to India to look into Ghandi biopic chances. Rhonda Fleming expected to go to Switzerland when she completes work on her local stint, “Semi- ramis.” Vittorio DeSica touring again with Sophia Loren in “Sign of Venus,” comedy which starts shoot- ing soon at Titanus Studios. Mar- cello Girosi is producer. Jim Carhartt and Nicky Winter started a new column in Rome Daily American called “Lend Us Your Ears”; replaces that paper’s regular “Seen and Heard.” F. Hugh Herbert in Rome to see Eduardo De Filippo, author of “Filumena Marturano,” which Her- bert is adapting for Broadway. Shirley Booth is a possible star. Portland, Ore. By Ray Feves Louis Armstrong set for a one- nighter concert at the Auditorium, Dec. 14. Mills Bros, and Danii & Genii Prior held for second week at Amato’s Supper Club. Konnie G. Worth has highest rating in town for any woman’s show. She has only been on Station KGW a few months. Hollywood Josh Logan planed in from N.Y. Fred Astaire laid up with laryn- gitis. Henry Borsage recovering after surgery. Zasu Pitts recovering after ma- jor surgery. Clifton Webb hosted a dinner for Noel Coward. Trixie Friganza celebrated her 83rd birthday. Bob Hope and Gordon MacRae returned from Dallas. Lester Sansome left the hospital to recuperate at home. James Stewart to Indiana, Pa* for his father’s wedding. Willard Josephy upped to veepee of the Kurt Frings agency. Ted Ashley Associates changed name to Ashley-Steiner Corp. George Marton in from Paris for confabs with Darryl F. Zanuck. George Pal invited to attend the International Exposition in Rotter- dam. British Field Marshal Mont- gomery guested with Samuel Gold- wyn. Virginia Grey sustained two broken ribs in a scene for “The Rose Tattoo.” Joe Newman celebrated his 37th anni in films by directing UI’s “Kiss of Fire.” Charles Simonelli in from N.Y. for huddles with Dayid A. Lipton, Universal ad-publicity chief. Entire estate of the late Lionel Barrymore was left to Florence Rozella Wheeler, his nurse for 20 years. Jack Benny, Danny Kaye and Barbara Stanwyck recording Christ- mas greetings for Veterans’ Ad- ministration. Chicago Yma Sumac here in concert at Orchestra Hall Friday (10). Frank J. (Tweet) Hogan made March of Dimes chairman for Chi show biz. Al Borde to Coast and Las Vegas to look over western branch book- ing office. Dick Marcus, former band vocal- ist, joined MCA acts department here this week. Club Moderne near Oak Park staging oddball auctions as Wednes- day night biz hypo. Art Talmadge, Mercury Records veepee, out of hospital and recov- ering from slipped disk at home. Hoagy Carmichael due here next week as guest of honor at annual Indiana Society of Chicago banquet at Conrad Hilton Hotel. Dardanelle bringing jazz to the Opera Cluh, sharing keyboard with longhair pianist Aaron Leifer; Esther DeNicola joined linkup as singer. Police Censor Board here last month nixed one pic and tagged two for adults out of a sheaf of 82 films. Of the number, 21 pic- tures were foreign, six of them Mexican, five German, three Rus- sian, two Italian, two Greek, one French, one Swedish, and one Japanese. Barcelona By Joaquina C. Viral-Gomis ( Angli . 43; 24-00-18) Armando Orefiche Cuban orch at the Rigat. Rio nitery has The Buddy Bradlely show. Anne Sandry. French chanteuse, at Emporium nitery, with Bruno Stella orch. Juan Manuel, who came here with Xavier Cugat and stayed over, a hit at Bolero nifbry. Marco Ferreri, Italian producer, in city with intention of producing a pic in Spain with director Fede- rico Fellini. Liceo Opera House has “Rigo- letto,” with Aldo Protti, Antonietta Pastori and Gianni Poggi, Italians; and Rosario Gomez, Luis Corbella, both Spaniards. Maestro Angelo Questa conducted. American pix on Barcelona screens recently: “Demetrius and Gladiators” (20th), “On Water- front” (Col), “Phantom of Rue Morgue” and “The Fountainhead.” both WB; “Apache” (UA), “Har- riet Craig” (Col), “Bad and Beauti- ful” (M-G). Philadelphia By Jerry Gaghan Victor Borge at Arena, Dec. 5, under sponsorship of Philadel- phia Inquirer Charities. Pep’s Musical Bar, musical name showcase, switched policy bringing in comedian Slappy White. Dave Dushoff, co-owner of Latin Casino, planed to the Coast to visit Sammy Davis Jr., who launched the club’s fall season. Bellson family is represented on three local marquees — Pearl Bailey, at Erlanger in “House of Flowers,” and in Stanley pic, “Carmen Jones,” and husband Louis Bellson, topper at Rendez- vous Cafe. Wednesday, December 8, 1954 63 BfTUARIES FRED ROSE Fred Rose, 57, hillbilly song- writer publisher, died in Nashville, D Details in Music S ection. KURT WIDMANN Kurt Widmann, 48, top Berlin Viandleader died Nov. 27 in that eS rom apoplexy. After amputa- on of his right leg in May, he had been in bad shape but never- theless returned to the bandstand us one week ago (20) for a tri- umphant comeback performance. Latter was done against his doc tors’ advice. . . . Widmann started his career in Berlin, in 1927 as • d"™™* »■£ formed his first band in 1933. He soon became one of Berlin’s most popular bandleaders. From 1933 to 1943 he, his trombone and his orch were the main attractions at Berlin’s noted Cafe Imperator, which was bombed out during the "^lis popularity was mainly based on the fact that he was one of the few bandleaders who, against Nazi regulations, continued playing jazz tunes. Later, when American jazz practically was forbidden in Germany, he even managed to “smuggle” Anglo-American songs into his repertoire. After the war, Widmann made numerous appearances at Berlin GI clubs and became known among Americans as the “German Tommy Dorsey.” He was perhaps Berlin’s busiest bandleader until his break- down in May. His wife and a 12-year-old daughter survive. Jackson, in 1929, died Nov. 30, in Malvern, Eng. He began in the- atrical management in 1911 and after war service and a spell in business, he inaugurated the Festi- val with Jackson. From 1938, Limbert assumed sole control of the Festival. He presented many important pro- ductions including G. B. Shaw’s “Geneva” and a revival of “St. Joan” with Elisabeth Bergner. He was also associated^ with a number of West End plays, among them being “Black Chiffon” and “Buoy- ant Billions.” Lane Agency which has offices in London, Manchester and Halifax, and booked many top stars in vaude and the band field. Albert A. Knecht, 70, musician and head of his own musical in- strument firm, died Dec,- 4. jin Philadelphia. He toured with many organizations, including the Buf- falo Bill Wild West Show and the John Philip Sousa band. JOHN C. QUINLAN John C. Quinlan, 62, voice teach- er and former musical comedy actor, died Dec. 1, in White Plains, N. Y., after a three month illness. A native of New Zealand, he came to this country in the ’20’s and appeared in "Madam Pompadour,” “Sky High” and “The Passing Show.” Quinlan maintained a voice stu- dio in New York, and coached such singers as Frank Sinatra, Vic Da- mone, Alan Dale and Eileen Bar- ton. With Sinatra, he wrote a book entitled, "Tips on Popular Sing- ing.” Nathan K. Thon, 52, a theatre manager at Coon Rapids, Iowa, was fatally injured in an auto accident Nov. 29, when his car struck a barricade and overturned. He died in a Carroll, Iowa, hospital a few hours later. Mother, 65, of Paul Schreibman, former operator of Las Palmas Theatre, Hollywood, died in Holly- wood Dec. 3 after a long illness. Other survivors include another son, Morey, head of Cinema Arts. Jerry K. Crocker, 29. first pro- f ;ram director and former disk ockey of WCUE, Akron, O.. died Nov. 30 in Albuquerque, N. M., after a two-month illness. BENJAMIN BURKE Benjamin Burke, 82, a Pitts burgh district exhibitor since the nickelodeon days, died Nov. 20, in CHARLES ROONER Ernest R. Pruster, 53, actor and director who had worked in Mexican films for some 20 years, died of a heart attack Nov. 22 in Mexico City. Known professionally as Charles Rooner, he was stricken while at work in a studio. A native of Vienna, he came to Mexico after appearing on the stage and screen in Aystria and Germany. His wife survives. George F. Roster, 84, lo under of men ^ with his studio of the need j^dio station WQAO, N.Y., died concen trate on pix with Iniilt- Dec. 5 in New \ork. Suiviving a e . jj.o. appeal that had a maximum two daughters. WILLIAM H. HEINZ William H. Heinz, 72, former Swissvale, a Pitt suburb. He was ' manager of radio station WHO, IN MEMORY OF DAMON RUNYON MRS. PAUL SMALL the original partner of James B. Clark and Richard A. Rowland, pioneers in the film house field. The Rowland and Clark chain later formed the backbone of the Warner circuit. Born in Riga, in 1872, Burke opened his first theatre in Colum- bus, O., in 1905, later moved to Pittsburgh and launched the Won- derland there in 1911. He then built, in succession, the Family, the Crystal and the Capitol in Braddock. For years, his brother, Joe Burke, was also in the thea- tre business, last at Batavia, 111. Mrs. Burke, the former Mae Grif- fith, survives. Des Moines, died of a heart attack Nov. 25, at Hermosa Beach, Cal. He was manager of the station from 1924, when it was founded by» the Bankers Life Co. of Des Moines, until 1929, when he re- signed to move to California. Surviving are his wife, a son and a daughter. CORTINI Cortini (Paul Korth), German Il- lusionist and conjurer, died in Copenhagen, Nov. 14. He col- lapsed after performing his final tnck at a matinee performance at the National Scala, Copenhagen, and was carried off the stage by S'* A native of Hamburg, he had been in show biz for over 45 years. Cortini presented fullstage il- lusions and sleight of hand. He nnH nown t*® 8 * as “the man with 30.000 dollars.” This fullstage mass coin production act was per- formed on his English debut at the Alhambra, London, in April, 1927. J-ast August he launched a new hiagic show at the Chat Noir, Oslo. WILLIAM DE GROUCHY William de Grouchy, 65, former magazine editor and quthor, died J ov - 29 at Drexel Hill, Pa. He was ar t editor at Curtis Publishing i°m 1913 to 1932 and an editor afui rCe * ^ Smith until five years While 8t Street & Smith he was sponsible for bringing to promi- onee "The Shadow” mystery ‘ r eri f s and he also revived the Nick e r stories. He was active in ,‘ e theatre groups and was the n l *' n ° r of numerous short stories S a book ’ “Jungle Gold.” His iu°\v. two sons and a daughter survive. JULIUS L. KARTY Julius Lee Karty, 53, for 10 years assistant manager of the Henry W. Kiel (Municipal) auditorium in St. Louis until 1944, died of a brain hemorrtiage Nov. 29 in that city. At one time he was backstage man ager of the Municipal Opera Assn. | and manager of the old Shubert Theatre in St. Louis. His wife and three sons survive. „ ROY LIMBERT \i!i limbert, 60, founder of the * alvern Festival with Sir Barry ART LLOYD Art Lloyd, 57, retired film cam- eraman. died of a heart attack Nov. 25 in Hollywood. He was known for his work with Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy and the "Our Gang” comedies. His wife and son survive. Mother of George E. Burgess Jr., eastern sales rep of Screen Gems, Columbia Pictures telefilm subsidiary, died Dec. 1 in New Bedford, Mass., of a heart attack. thing to say on the matter of keep- ing down production volume for the sake of quality. The indie pro- ducer wrote in the Screen Produc- ers Guild journal that It was “a miracle” to him that Hollywood hadn’t realized earlier that "the only way to -recaptut?, tJi#, public (is) by. giving it. quality instead of quantity in entertainment.” He expressed concern over , a possible softening in Hollywood’s attitude, partly as a result of exhib demands. "It is not surprising that some shortsighted exhibitors will rend the heavens with their demands for more and more pic- tures, because of their basic ap- proach that the greater the supply the cheaper they will be able lo buy,” he wrote. "But it is most surprising that any producer . . . who has been ‘through the wars’ and who has seen the near-tragic results brought | about by attempting to make pic- tures on an assembly line basis should for a moment be fooled into thinking that any good can be | accomplished by returning to the practices that nearly ruined us once before.” Top distribution exec of one of the majors in N. Y. last week held that his company, anyway, was well aware of the pitfalls of volume production. For this reason, he said, he was in complete agree- Allied Alibis Continued from page 3 recent picketing of the Columbia exchange here, and its tjhrtats to seek legislation to bring reliefs the occasidn is also taken defiant jy to assail the film companies aj Latter are accused of "brutal and slugging” business treatment and of forcing “lousy” playdates. In effect, the current outburst constitutes an admission that seeds of dissension are being sown in this territory’s independent exhibitor ranks, that there’s rift and NCA’s conduct isn’t getting full approval from theatreowners. But the claim is made that Allied’s battling alone has averted wholesale de- struction of independent ex- hibitors. Mother, 83, of Ray Heindorf, head ment after a long illness. I in iLi.vf. ..ppeal ! coin potential. With remarkable frankness, he of 'Warners’ music depart- admitted that this was hurting the died Nov. 29 in Hollywood “little man” in exhibition. "Let’s a lone illness 'face it.” he said. "The trend of ! our industry is against him. No Dulcie Day, 43, singer and bit one is deliberately going out to player, died Dec. 1 at the Motion Picture Country Hospital in Cali- fornia. Her mother survives. Edward F. Foley, dean of Al- bany doormen and long at the Strand Theatre, was found dead in bed Dec. 1. Wife survives. hurt him, but I don’t see how we caq, help him. The way this busi- ness is going, and the way it's going to go. the small operator is going to have an increasingly rough time.” Observers feel that, for the com- ing year at least, there will be a Fleanor Winchester wife of Ted continuing tendency on the part Winchester, RKO cameraman, died I oi distribs to bolster their studios Nov. 28 in Hollywood after a long 1 own output with ou side re eases, illness i Good example is 20th which con- Father of Chick Ludavici, of new singing quartet in Pittsburgh. The Four Larks, died in that city Nov. 28. tinues on the prowl lor quality 2-D fare to service the approximately 4.000 potential U. S. customers who, by the end of this year, still won’t have Cinemascope installed. Since 20th doesn’t make its Walter C. Zengerle, 71, for ' C’Scope pix available in standard many years a violinist with the version — Universal, on the other Cleveland Orchestra, died Dec. 3 in that city. G. W. Wortley, vice-chairman of Glasgow’ Film Society from 1937 to 1949, died, recently at Falkirk, Scotland. Emmett O’Donnell, 58, manager of Paradise Theatre in Chicago for 35 vears, died Nov. 26 in that city Wife, daughter and four sons sur- vive. Eugen Marchand, 94, a tenor who had sung at the Met Opera for 10 years, died Nov. 22 in Duisburg, Germany. Jimmy Gordon, an original di- rector of Lome Cinema, Glasgow, and w.k. football player, died in Glasgow recently. Marvin Briggs, 43, radio time salesman, died Nov. 21 in Holly- wood, following a heart attack. His wife survives. hand, does — it’s missing out on those accounts. There is significance in the fact that the 2-D pix which 20th has handled in 1954 haven't been very successful. That includes its owm Panoramic productions. This lends added weight to the argument that the day si the small-budgeter is gone. It also causes companies like 20th to raise doubts over the economic potential of exhib-backed small and medium-budgeters such as the ones proposed by Hal R. Makclim. Quebec Censors Continued from pace 1 Dr. Kenneth McPherson Bradley, 82, founder and president for 25 years of the Bush Conservatory in Chicago, died Dec. 3 in Los An- geles, where he had lived since his retirement 20 years ago. In 1925 and 1926 he was educational di- rector of the Juilliard Musical Foundation in New York. Alfons C. Storch, 76. violinist with the N. Y. Metropolitan Opera House orchestra for 46 years, died Nov. 31, in Bethesda, Md., after a long illness. He retired last year after a lengthy career with the Philadelphia Symphony and the Met. Carol Grauer, 57, owner of the Maisonette Carol in Montreal, died in that city Dec. 4 after a long ill- ness. Born in Rumania, he emi- grated to Canada in 1928 and acted as manager of the Samovar in Montreal until opening his own spot in 1950. Harry Newton Lane. 67, English agent, died at Manchester. Eng., Nov. 8. He headed the Brand- John Sillars, 67, broadcaster and author, died Nov. 21 on Isle of Arran, Scotland. Agnes Hallet, 74, character ac- tress, died Nov. 19 in Hollywood after a long illness. Lawrence Cellini, 59, proprietor of Rex Cinema, Hindley, Lan- cashire, Eng., died there recently. Father of Betty George, nitery and tv singer, died Nov. 23 in New York. Mother, 69, of Herman Goldfarb, theatrical manager-attorney, died in New York Nov. 24. H’wood ‘Counts’ Continued from pane 1 be done, it wouldn’t be ’done, he stressed, adding — significantly — that “we won’t make pictures just to keep down the overhead.” At one point the 20th overhead was as high as 50%. Zanuck con- firmed that it had been brought down via production economies to a much lower figure, but wouldn’t disclose what it was. By contrast, he said 20th’s cost of actual pro- duction, i.e., pic budgets, had gone up 6Q% over prior years. Samuel Goldwyn, too, had some- is on every reel of film. Since all the members of the board are French, occasional English films get buy with phrases that would never pass a group of En#lish scissors wielders. According to exhibitors here, the board has shown signs of relaxing in recent months, but there’s no hope of re- laxation to the point of censors in other Canadian provinces. The QBC put the clamp on drive- ins a long time ago, basing its de- cision on moral grounds. There’s been one attempt to defy this ac- tion, but it ended in failure. A group decided to defy the board by building on an Indian reserva- tion near Montreal. Since this was Federal property, it thought the provincial laws would not apply. However, the QBC got word out that firms dealing with the ozoner would face difficulty in working with other Quebec theatres. Hint proved effective and the bare screen skeleton is standing, al- most as a reminder to others with similar ideas. The board remains all-powerful and because exhibitors respect this condition, it makes certain conces- sions, allowing children to see re- ligious pictures such as “Fabiola” and "Joan of Arc” or special Walt Disney pix. Under Quebec law, no one under 16 is allowed in any film house. Censor policies change with the times and many that are vetoed one year will be resubmitted months later and sometimes ap- proved. MARRIAGES Sandra Warfield to James McCracken, New York. Nov. 27. Bride and groom are singers with the Metropolitan Opera Co. Marion Hutton to Victor Schocn, Santa Monica. Cal. Dec. 4 Bride’s a singer; he's a musician and mu- sic director. Virginia Morley to Fred Waring, Indianapolis, Dec. 2. Bride is a pianist with the groom’s orchestra. Lynn Marks to Paul B, Alper, New York, Dec. 5. Bride is a pub- licity assistant at Screen Gems, the Columbia Pictures telefilm sub- sid. Barbara Riefcr to Cpl. Robert J. Lypc, Pittsburgh, Dec. 1. lie's the son of Alma L.vpe, of Stanley Warner Theatres in Pitt. Shan Jukes to Whit Bissel, Brentwood, Cal., Dec. 5. He’s an actor. Sibil Kamban to Abner Biber- man, Las Vegas, Nov. 27. Bride’s a film editor; he’s a screen direc- tor. Beryl Johnstone to Colin Camp- bell. Stranraer, Scotland. Nov. 23. Both are thespers with Scottish Arts Theatre company. Larue Fallow to Lennie Kats- man, Las Vegas, Nov. 27. Bride’s an actress; he’s an assistant direc- tor at Columbia. Maria V. Torino to Carl VV. Rob- inson, White River Junction. Vt., Nov. 21. Bride is cashier at Lyric Theatre there. Marie Windsor to Jack Hupp. Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 30. Bride’s an actress. Dorothy Lou Jolliffe to Eric G. Ensign, Haverstraw, N. Y., Dec. 4. Bride is an actress; he’s an exec with the Ted Bates agency. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Everett Mitchell, son. Chicago, Dec. 1. Father is NBC’s Chi farm commentator. Mr. and Mrs. Dave Barnheiser, son, Chicago, Dec. 1. Father is a director at NBC-TV, Chicago. Mr. and Mrs, William J. Daley Jr., daughter. Buffalo,- Nov. 25. Fa- ther is president of Daley & Kim- berly Associates, Buffalo public re- lations outfit. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Greene, daughter, Santa Monica. Cal., Dec. 2. Father is a film editor. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wiggins, daughter, San Antonio, recently. Father is sportscaster on KENS, San Antonio. Mr. and Mrs, Stephen McNally, daughter, Los Angeles, Dec. 3. Father is a screen actor. Mr. and Mrs. Nat Stoller, son, Hollywood, Dec. 3. Father is Bev- erly Hills tax consultant; mother is a former William Morris sec- retary. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Day, daugh- ter, Hollywood, Dec. 3. Father is the radio-tv-disk singer. Mr. and Mrs. Garry Stevens, laughter, Schenectady, N. Y., re- cently. Father Is a singer-emcee on WRGB-TV. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Henley, son, New York, Dec. 2. Father is pro- ducer of CBS Radio’s "Make Up Your Mind” series. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Briller, son, Dec. 5. in New York. Father is I manager of the ABC-TV sales de- velopment department and a for- mer Variety mugg;. mother is as- jsistant article editor of the Wom- an's Home Companion, i Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hayes, son, Nov. 28. Sharon. Conn. Father is the author of the novel and the upcoming film and Broadway play, "The Desperate Hours.” Mother is authoress - playwright Marijane | Hayes. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Donovan, son, New York, Dec. 4. Father is doorman at CBS’ Madison Avenue headquarters. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Penn, son, Cleveland, Nov. 21. Mother’s an ex-Metro flack. WeVSV.’.1WA . RECORDINGS BY Mercury Records PERSONAL MANAGEMENT • wmm- Fred Strauss 1008 Hippodrome Bldg. Cleveland, Ohio lii M yXv.vXv.v.v. Press Relations: VIRGINIA WICKS l Wv; . y.v.'.v/. w//. 1 . A SMVV/ .VVir.WV.* .•!v/.v.'v!*/. , XvXv!v>/.vX , X, ■1 I IvNa-my.va Published Weekly at 154 West 46th Street. New York 36. N. Y.. by Variety. Inc. Annual fubscriptlon $10. Single copies. 25 cants. . Entered as second class matter December 22. 1903. at the Post Office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3. 1879. COPYRIGHT. 1954, BY VARIETY. INC.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VOL 197 No.2 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 15, 1954 PRICE 25 CENTS DANGER-TV COMICS AT WORK $1,300,000 in Berlins ‘Xmas’ Stocking; Plus ‘No Business Like’ $6001 Hollywood. Dec. 14. Irving Berlin, who is responsible for 1954’s biggest musical parlay. “White Christmas,” for Paramount release, and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” for 20th-Fox release, will benefit most from “Christmas.” Under his deal he collects a 30% interest in the net profits on top of the $300,000 down 1 yment by which Paramount se- cured his services. This picture was brought in for $3,800,000 but its grossing capacity is now esti- mated. worldwide, at $12,000,0000. If that works out, Berlin’s share will amount to $1,000,000, or S1.300.0U0 in all out of the one re- lease. i Berlin did “Holiday Inn” for Paramount in 1942, thmj got 10% of the gross, which meant he took out about $1,000,000 within a year or so on “Inn’s” total take of around $10,000,000.) With respect to “White Christ- mas.” Bing Crosby also shares in profits to the ^tent of 30% while Danny Kaye gets another 10%. Par- amount. the producing organiza- tion. has 30% of the final net profit. ‘ There's No Business Like -Show Business” is 100% owned by 20th- Fox Studio paid Berlin a flat $600,000 for his services and brought the negative home for $4,000,000. Kravetz Suit Discloses Chaplin s 25 % of UA Now Vested in Oona O’Neill Charles Chaplin, now in self- exile in Switzerland, has signed over his 25% ownership in United Artists to his wife, Oona O’Neill. Chaplin reportedly has divested all of his other U. S. properties. Switch on the UA participation C“ me to light over the past week in tnal of a N. Y. Supreme Court suit in which Mrs. Max Kravetz is the plaintiff. She, in ettect, is carrying on a case in- stituted by her late husband. Kra- > tZ t! ad complained that the deal o> which the present UA manage- Imk 1 ° p | rators < Arthur B. Krim, nmt? 1 ! S - , Ben -i am in, etc.) took le-eH h V w ated h ‘ S FightS aS a, ‘ f mfr ,r° der of options on the With ° r ' ng stock in agreement i Chaplm and Mary Picktord. Mew*® 1 ' * 1 ” suCceeded the Paul regime in management. f J f l 311 worked out that Miss Pick- n v and Chaplin each retained I* 1 iJj* company and the bal- Partnere 5 °Th We i? t <0 Krim and his o ,J he Kravetz estate aims 0 upset this entire stock setup. VIDEO BREEDING R° a( l Just Like Old Times- Almost; STRANGE SPECIE Compares With Best Postwar Years Nickelodeon as ‘Shrine To Picture Industry’ Philadelphia, Dec. 14. Leaders of the film industry will take part in the dedication of the Nickelodeon in Franklin Institute, 1 Jan. 18. with ceremonies jointly sponsored by Motion Picture As- sociates and the Institute. MPA will also hold its $25-a- plate dinner the same night in the Bellevue-Stratford honoring pio- neers of the industry. Proceeds of ; the dinner will go to MPA’s wel- j fare committee. William Goldman. ! donor of the Nickelodeon, is gen- i eral chairman of the dinner com- mittee. Planned as a “shrine to the in- dustry." the Nickelodeon is a rep- lica of the turn-of-the-century movie houses, forerunners of to- . day’s giant film theatres. Phenix City Asks CBS Apologize For Studio One’ Show Phenix City, Dec. 14. Hugh Bentley, head of the Rus- sell County Betterment Assn, here, thinks the “Studio One” play, I “Short Cut,” which starred Jackie Gleason as a crusading legislator ! Monday (6>, was too close a paral- ( lei to the vice cleanup here and has wired Westinghou.se and CBS asking for a retraction on the air. Bentley termed the original by i Carey Wilbur, originally entitled “Peacock City.” is libelous to Bent- ley and his association.^ ~ — — ^ After seeing, the show. Bentley consulted with his attorneys, Lt. Gov. James Allen, padsden, & Roberts Brown, speaker of the Ala- (Continued on page 44) —4 — Murrow’s ‘Person* Has A Date YVith Truman Edward R. Murrow and copro- ’ ducer Jesse Zousmer of the CBS- TV “Person to Person” had a date with Harry S. Truman in Philadel- phia on Monday <13 ). Murrow has long sought to “P to P” the j former President at his Independ- j ence home. HST some time back had agreed to the remote, but was ! looking toward the day when his j Missouri homestead would be re- decorated and include the project- ed Truman Library. The latter 1 got its biggest push in Philly on Monday via a lunchon that launched a fund-raising drive. When Murrow televisits Inde- , pendence, Mr. Truman’s cast will j include wife Bess and daughter : I Margaret. By GEORGE ROSEN These are worrisome days for major agencies and sponsors who have investments of millions of dollars in television comics, par- ticularly those doing live shows. It all stems from the pressures and tensions resulting from the “show biz in a hurry” — a situation that, in the last few months, has brought such personalities as Milton Berle, Jackie Gleason. Bob Hope and Red Buttons, among others, into head- line prominence. Not that they're deliberately act- ing up or making like prima don- nas. But if they require kid-glove treatment and supersensitive han- dling and care, it's because of the toll being exacted by the most demanding of all entertainment media. The recent incidents of Gleason threatening to walk out of rehear- sals turned out to he something of a public relations nightmare. Fact that the comic has been under considerable strain through doub- ling into major guest shot ven- tures (not to mention his two-week stand at the Paramount, W.Y.) hasn’t contributed toward alleviat- ing the situation. Berle had no sooner recovered from the Ruthie Gilbert impasse and his collapse from overwork than a whole new chain reaction set in when his sponsor (Buick> and agency (Kudneri let it be known that they had a Gleason gleam in their eye for next season (see separate story). At the mo- ] ment the Berle hour is one of the (Continued on page 43) Heirs Authorize FDR Film Story Hollywood, Dee. 14. Probability is that a biopic* of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt will be made some time next year, only 10 years after his death. William Morris office is of- fering rights to the story of FDR’s life to the film companies fol- lowing completion of arrangements this week with Mrs. Eleanor Roose- velt and Robert H. Nolan, who will act as coordinator of the project. Roosevelt family previously felt that the time wasn't right for such a biopic because it would have been too soon after FDR's death. Heirs are now in agreement that the biopic can be made, following talks with Morris’ Abe Lastfogel. Producer Stanley Kramer formerly had an option on the property while at Columbia, but when his deal with the studio went sour, this among other properties was abandoned. It was then that the heirs decided to let the Morris agency handle iL Mont’l Pianist’s 21 -Hour Marathon for Comeback Montreal, Dec. 14. Andre M a t h i e u , 25-year-old Montreal pianist, claimed a world pianothon record when he wound up last Wednesday <8> at 10:16 p m. after playing continuously for 21 hours. Mathieu, a former child prodigy who disappeared from public view several years ago as a concert whiz, planned the marathon for straight publicity purposes as part of his*comeback routine. Some 25.000 persons paid 50c each in the Show Mart to hear Mathieu range through 73 of his own com- positions and many other classics as he established this record. In the 21 hours, he drank 20 glasses of orange juice, three bot- tles of vichy water, meat extract equivalent to 12 steaks and vitamin pills. Gandhi Biopic To Be Made With Nehru’s Advice Film on Mahatma Gandhi, which Otto Preminger is prepping, will roll in India at the end of 1955 when weather conditions are the most favorable, the producer dis- closed in N. Y. last week. Preminger, who recently re- turned from India where he dis- ' cussed his project with Prime Min- ister Nehru, said his idea had been received with enthusiasm by In- j dian officials and that Nehru had promised to read the script and possibly make suggestions to give it added historic realism) Neither financing nor a release deal have been set by Preminger who goes to the Coast this week He said the film would be made in India, but with London as base of operations. An Indian is ex pected to be cast in the part of (Continued on page 62) WB Spurns Sinatra’s 50% Of Net for ‘Sierra’ Remake Hollywood. Dec. 14. Warner Bros., planning a remake of “High Sierra.” has nixed terms of Frank Sinatra, wanted by the. Burbank studio to play the lead, enacted in original 1941 version by Humphrey Bogart. It’s understood Sinatra asked 50% of net. Consequently War- ners is now seeking Jack Palance on straight salary deal. W R. Burnett, who wrote original story years ago, is penning a new screen- ( play. ♦ By JESSE GROSS The road is making a comeback. After reaching an all-time low last season, touring biz is generally jumping. Odd factor in the upbeat I is the relative dearth of touring editions of last season’s Broadway hits. Since mid-August, receipts have been progressively bettering the ’53-’54 stanza. Gross for the first 27 weeks of the current season, ending Dec. 4. was $1,864,500 ahead of the corresponding period I last year. * Total of $10,108,400 was on a par with the figures for the cor- responding period during the last five years. However, the take was a long way from the $11,674,500 c'-'dlked up for the same span dur- ing the boom 1948-49 season. Only five of last season’s Broad- way shows have gone out so far this semester. Two of those are second companies and the other three are the original productions, in some cases with revised leads. Latter category includes “Wonderful Town.” “Fifth Season” and “Oh Men, Oh Women,” while former i duo comprises “Caine Mutiny Court Martial” and "Tea and Sym- pathy.” Road holdovers from the previ- ous season still running as of Dec. 4 included “King and I,” “Seven Year Itch,” “South Pacific” and “Time Out for Ginger.” Other holdovers were “Picnic” and “Porgy and Bess,” the former a subsequent folderoo and the latter going overseas. Another road closer was the twofer "Twin Beds.” Biggest out-of-town grossers this season have been "King," "Caine Mutiny,” "Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Peter Pan.” Latter had an extended Coast tryout prior to coming to Broadway. Another New York entry which had a lengthy out-of-town tuneup Is “Mrs. Patterson.” A flock of twofers have been in- (Continued on page 62) Communist Influence 100% Eliminated; Coast Can Be Proud— Brewer “The power and influence Com- munism once had in Hollywood has been completely destroyed, but it’s , still necessary to remain on the alert.” That’s the opinion of Roy M. Brewer, former Hollywood rep of the IATSE and one of the in- dustry’s most vigorous opponents of Communism. Now an exec with Allied Artists, Brewer said in New York this week that Hollywood should be proud of the job it’s done in elim- inating the menace. “Few people have been hurt,” he added, “and those who have cleared themselvej are our allies now.” MISCELLANY Phony Promise To Produce Kellys For Telethon Cost Kates CPA Job Pittsburgh, Dec. 14. ♦ A lot of innocent people were caught in the middle of a bizarre series of circumstances in connec- tion with a local charity television show last week, and the resultant headaches extended from one coast, to the other and cost at least one figure in the center of it all his job. He was Jerome B. Kates, who was dismissed by the Cerebral Palsy Association, for which he has been staging telethons over the country for the last several years. The incident came down on many heads, among them Gene Kelly and his brother, Fred Kelly; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; the Pitts- burgh Y.M.C.A.; the Dubin and Feldman advertising agency of Pittsburgh and, indirectly but only within inside circles and not to the public, the CPA, all of whom were completely blameless. Whole thing happened this way; Y.M.C.A. is out to raise $5,000,- 000 for a building fund, and when WDTV agreed to preempt a Sun- day night spectacular to give the “Y” that valuable hour to make a pitch, Joe Feldman, with WB in (Continued on page 20) Ann Sothern, Girl Producer Hollywood, Dec. 14. Ann Sothern has upped herself from “Private Secretary”. to film producer, with the formation of her own Vincent Productions. Pro- gram calls for at least two indie films. Miss Sothern will also star in the pictures, first of which will be lensed next summer when she has completed her current line-up of tv films. British Theatre Chain % In United States Okayed, But Where’s the Capital? London, Dec. 14. During his latest visit to the United States, the operating head of the J. Arthur Rank Organization, John Davis, secured approval of the U. S. Government to go ahead with the erection or purchase of a chain of film houses in America. There remains the question of Brit- ish Government unfreezing of the necessary capital. Davis holds to the view that only through consistent showcasing in downtown areas of American cities can an audience and taste for Brit- ish films be created among Yanks. So long as British films get step- child treatment from American theatre operators, the B itish prod- uct will never “catch on” and ob- tain the share of dollars Davis in- sists is proper. U. S., Finland Still Deep In Struggle Over Rights To '52 Olympics Films Although the Olympics, held once every four years in a differ- ent nation, were begun as much to cement international goodwill as to demonstrate physical prowess, there have been squabbles during (and because of) the big event that have only left international hard feelings. Latest to take place is the year-old (but unpublicized) hassle between the Finnish Olym- pic organizing committee and the U. S. Olympic Committee over film rights to the ’52 Olympics.- As a matter of fact, the problem was finally almost straightened out last month, but something happened to make both groups start “muscling” each other anew. The U. S., though few realize it, has never been treated to an official film version of the ’52 Olympics. That celluloid edition is two hours long and, according to J. Lyman Bingham of the U. S. Olympic Committee, covers nearly every event that took place in the Helsinki, Finland, games. Only film seen here has been what Bing- ham described as a shorter “boot- leg” reel by the Army. As is the case with each Olym- pics setup, the nation in which the games are held has exclusive rights for a period of one year following the event, Bingham explained. Where the ’52 Olympics are con- ( Continued on page 62) HORACE HEIDT For Swift & Co. Starting Jan. 8th Offices — J. Walter Thompson, Chicago Picture Payoff In Dividends Topping 1953 Washington, Dec. 14. Film business, as reflected by in- dustry dividends, continues on the upbeat. For the fir$t 11 months of this year dividends totaled $22,- 747,000, compared with only $18,- 519,000 for the same period of 1953. The November take for in- dustry stockholders, as reported by the U. S. Dept, of Commerce, was a fat $2,533,000. more than twice the $1,018,000 for November, 1953. The November difference is re- flected in the melons cut by three companies. Columbia Pictures, which distributed $237,000 in No- vember, 1953, upped it to $787,000 this November. National Theatres, which distributed nothing in No- vember, 1953, made it $346,000 this time; and Stanley-Warner circuit paid out $619,000 this year as against a zero a year earlier. Warner Bros, paid the same $742,000 to stockholders in both years, and Loew’s Boston theatres disbursed $39,000 each year. Com- merce Dept, stresses that these publicly-reported dividends amount to only 60 or 65% of all paid out in any industry. German Producer . Snoots U.S. Money Unlike other European produc- ers who are beefing about their limited market in the U. S. and are looking for ways and means to expand it, some of the German distribs are taking a cut-off-my- nose-to-spite-my-face approach to the problem. After appraising the potential in- come from German language the- atres in the U. S., and finding it inadequate, they’re refusing to do business with U. S. importers. First such instance came to light recently when an indie made a bid for a series of German produc- tions. Along with it he submitted estimates to show that a German feature could gross approximately $14,000 in the 10 leading German- language showcases in this coun- try. It was estimated that this (Continued on page 71) American Humorist Arthur Kober has written a tiptop Tribute to Maurice (‘Splash' ) Evans and George (‘Brudder’ ) Raft * * * a bright byline piece In the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of Z'SkIety OCT SOON Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Farewell to a Theatre ( Curtain speech by Helen Hayes at the final performance of “What Every Woman Knows” at the Metropolitan Theatre, St'at- tie, Dec. 4 . The following day, workmen began demolishing the building, which is to be replaced by a new entrance to the Olym- pic Hotel. Hereafter, touring shoios will play the Moore Theatre in Seattle.) “Dear wonderful audience: It has seemed to us all evening that there was a special emotion and feeling in response to our efforts. I believe we were not mistaken in that because, after all, for you as well as for us this is no ordinary performance — and no ordinary closing performance. “This is a very special performance, and it cannot help being a sad occasion, because this is the last time you people in Seattle wilj be able to walk into this theatre to see a play. The dying of a theatre is a very sad thing, because I suppose there is no build- ing in a community, excepting a church, in which so many people can share so many hours of such spiritual uplift . . '. "After the matinee today, I had a call from New York from an ex-citizen of Seattle — Mr. Guthrie McClintic, a great producer and the director of all Katharine Cornell's plays, and incidentally and unimportantly to that phase of their lives, her husband. Guthrie said that when he was a highschool kid "he used to stand outside the alley door — just as kids do today — and dream of some time getting through that door and getting to the center of the> stage. He asked me to kiss the center of the stage where he never stood, and so I am planting a kiss on the stage center.” ✓ ( Miss Hayes thereupon kissed the palm of her hand and placed it on the staQe at dead center. Then she called the entire cast from the wings and had the bagpiper with the show play " Old Lang Syne ” as the audience filed out of the theatre.) BEST TV FILM DIRECTOR Five Nominees: Asher, Florey, Kellino, Post, Webb Hollywood, Dec. 14. Screen Directors Guild has picked five nominees for its second annual Television Film Directorial Achievement Award: William Asher, Robert Florey, Roy Kellino, Ted Post and Jack Webb. - Nominees will submit what they consider their best half-hour tv films of the year, after which the entire membership will pick the winner. Last year the award was won by Robert Florey, for “Last Voyage.” Negro-White Theme Into Ohio as State Censorship Law Is Knocked Out z Cleveland, Dec. 14. Emanuel J. Stutz, manager of the Circle Theatre here, wired Ohio newspapers he was opening "Without Pity,” an Italian picture rejected by Ohio censors four times, as “a celebration of a truly historic victory for all of Ohio” — the end of film censorship by court decree. Stutz hailed his booking as “the first picture to play in Cleveland without a censor seal since the re- cent Ohio State Supreme Court ruling against the censor law.” “Without Pity,” directed by Al- berto Lattuada, is a bilingual film dealing with the devotion of an American Negro GI (John Kitz- miller) for an Italian girl (Carla del Poggio) who saved his life. BOTKIN’S CITY SUCKER STUFF OK ANTHOLOGY By JO RANSON The absorbing folklore of the metropolis is herring-packed in B. A. Botkin’s “Sidewalks of America: Folklore, Legends, Sagas, Traditions, Customs, Songs, Stories and Sayings of Cityfolk” (Bobbs- Merrill; $5 95). Here the city asphalt aficionado will have him- self a glorious romp sampling some of the more notable essays and other writings of urban be- havior. Botkin, one of the country’s top students of folklore and the edi- tor of a flock of books, among them “A Treasury of American Folklore,” contends that the city is as rich as the country in tra- ditions, oollective symbols, myths, folkways and folk:say, and sets out to prove it in admirable style. The result is one of the few complete word pictures of city life to come off the presses in a long time. Moreover, “Sidewalks of America” contains a king-size assortment of show biz anecdota, articles, songs and appropriate illustrations. Divided into 16 sections, Botkin has researched virtually every ma- jor magazine and book. Each sec- tion carries a thoughtfully-penned introduction by the editor and from show biz literati he has chosen sections of Harry Reichen- ' bach's “Phantom Fame,” Douglas | (Continued on page 62) N. Y. Talent Reps To Actor Guilds: Toast Ain’t AH’ In addition to an agreement recently signed with the Screen Actors Guild, a group of East Coast talent agents (so far 50 out of N. Y.’s 87) plan talks with AFTRA and Actors Equity. Moves are prompted by a feeling that the unions have been doing all their gabbing with reps on the West Coast, “and although they may be acting in perfectly good faith, agents on the Coast have quite different problems from ours.” An- other factor in organizing an agent group in the East is to "insure dis- ciplinary action for refusal to fol- (Continued on page 62) Beef Brings Promise To Catch Vallee Act Again; Critic May Even Clap London, Dec. 14. Arthur Ilelliwell, columnist on the People, a London Sunday sheet, whose comment on Rudy Vallee at the Cafe de Paris, “Vallee flops,” has reportedly been picked up by the American press, has accepted a challenge from tHfe artist to catch the act a second time. In a letter to Helliwell, from which the columnist quoted last week, Vallee wrote: “Now you have completely demolished me both here and in the United-JStates, I think it only fair that you come in and catch my act again, just to see that without a mean head-cold I croak less badly and that my pres- ent selection of numbers might be more to your taste. I never pre- tended to a rich singing voice. It was only because my vocal at- tempts were fc so different that in one year I became the toast of New York.” Vallee concluded by opining that if the columnist “was really fair” he would change his mind about his reception. Helliwell com- mented: “I’ll even clap myself if you are as good as you think you are.” < Merman’s N.Y. Quickie For Pic Preem, TV Huddle Back in Denver for a brief rest after the third of her tv outings (on the “Panama Hattie” specola), Ethel Merman planed out of her home base in Colorado on Satur- day (11) for New York. She and husband Robert Six, airline topper and oil company exec, will put up at the Ritz Tower Hotel until the 19th. They’ll attend the Roxy pre- miere of “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” in which Miss Merman costars, tomorrow (Thurs. ). While in N. Y., Miss Merman will huddle with CBS-Chrysler Corp. on her Jan. 20 appearance on “Shower of Stars.” She’ll return to Denver for the holidays and fly back to Gotham early in January for rehearsals on “Shower.” .1. v. j i' > i WolnMKlay. December 15, 1954 PICTURES KAZAN: STUDIOS STILL IN RUT Saluting The Exhibitor Metro’s pitch to make 1955 a “salute to the theatre and the exhibitor” might well become an all-industry, alltime credo. And perhaps the best New Year’s resolution for the picture business as a whole. It’s about time. Probably no other business indulges in as many tiffs as the wholesalers and retailers in the film industry. One is dependent upon the other, and recognition of mutual problems has been traditional with the picture business from its shoestring and storeshow days to the affluent era of Hollywood. As vet indie exhibitor Sam Rinzler once cracked, “One more Governmental assistance to ‘improve’ our lot and we’ll be im- proved right out of business.” He was referring to the realiza- tion that block booking wasn’t the big bad bogey of the industry as so many other exhibitors alleged. Result is that, in the quest for "quality” product, the film selling has become a seller’s market. » Metros spearheading of its next year’s showmanship and salesmanship borders on statemanship at a time when it’s most badly needed to cement relations and improve the bonds between the Hollywood production-distribution line and the exhibitors, the middlemen. • The exhibitor is not the congenital freeloader always. He must get it up to meet technological progress and its demands for new media of projection and exhibition — new sound, new screens, costlier equipment. Of course the best way to “salute” the exhibitor is to give him good pictures. The Metro move, in all events, is not only an in- stitutional pitch by one major outfit but a good formula for all. Abel Eastman Kodak New Color Film Due in Spring Eastman Kodak has set next spring as the target date for pro- duction of its new color film which is expected to bring down the price of the EK tint rawstock at least slightly. The new print material is sim- pler to make and has been in the developmental stages for many months. Instead of the seven lay- ers of which the current material is made up, the new base will have only four layers and will therefore be easier to handle. Work being done by EK on the new positive was disclosed in Variety over a year ago. It was strenuously (and sarcastically) de- nied at that time not only by East- man, but also by the Technicolor rep in N.Y. Just what difference the new film base will make to producers, whose print supply cost has sky- rocketed since the advent of Cinemascope and the extensive use of Eastman color in preference to Technicolor’s imbibition process, isn't certain. It’s expected that the drop will be slight, at least at the . start. As volume production gets under way, it may become more significant. It's the current price of the Eastman tint rawstock — 4.15c per foot which, the labs say, is keep- ing print costs up. Eastman color positive is being turned out at about 6.25c per foot, which com- pares with Techni’s 5.25c for im- ♦ i' , ^ P rin ts. It’s understood t iat Eastman cannot reduce the P 1 ice of the rawstock currently in Use since, from the very start, it "as computed on the basis of vol- ume turnout. BOSTON PAIR PRODUCING Use Scollay Sq. Theatre as Studio For ‘A Clerical Error’ Boston, Dec. 14. Bryant Halliday and Cy Harvey, operators of the Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, who recently formed Janus Films, to distribute foreign films, are now set to enter the pro- duction biz, with plans to produce a short based on James Gould Cos- zens Pulitzer Prize winning novel of some years ago, “A Clerical Er- ror.” Pic will be directed by Miles Morgan and co-star Martin Kos- leck and Ward Costello. The Scollay Square Theatre, which is slated to be torn down to make room for a parking space, will be used as a studio. Pic, aimed at art house circuit, is expected to be ready for distribution in Feb- ruary. Allied Artists Recruits 8 Actors as Core’of Its First Stock Company Hollywood, Dec. 14. • n a move to develop young play- eis ll) fit in with the company’s expansion plans, Allied Artists will ■« a " ,ze it* firs * stock company, an . !1F ln Januar y* As a starter, '<01 ding to executive producer "alter Mirisch, eight thesps will u<> siqncd and more added Jater is taking 10th. “Phffft” (Col), “Passion” (RKO), “Bengal Brigade” , out on reissue, is rated good in Toronto. “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA). good in Cleveland, shapes lively in Washington, D. C. ( Complete Boxoffice Reports on By FRED HIFT Far from being discouraged by his bitter-sweet taste of Hollywood via the making of, “Marty,” the HechULancaster production, tv writer Paddy Chayefsky is now en- tering upon a course of pic biz apprenticeship which, he hopes, will eventually land him in a pro- ducer’s chair on Ihe Coast. First of the tv scribes to make the transition from livingroom to theatre screen, Chayefsky gets both screen writer credits — he adapted “Marty” from one of his own tv shows — and associate producer credits in the film. And while he’s still a writer at heart he feels that the only way he’ll ever make a go of it in Hollywood is by turning out his own pix. “I can’t understand a writer do- ing a script and then just leaving it alone for someone else to tamper with,” he said in N. Y. last week. "That’s why I wouldn’t agree to sell some of my scripts, although I've had very good offers for them. And of course I’m aware of the (Continued on page 20) Opera Into Its Own Via Stereo, Says Bimbaum Music department at 20th-Fox is making every effort to fill the fourth or “surround” soundtrack on its CinemaScope pictures, ac- cording to Leon Birnbaum, head music film editor at 20th. In N. Y. to help plug “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” on which he worked, Birnbaum (Continued on page 24) \ Trad* Mark Registered FOUNDED BY 8IME SILVERMAN Publish** W**kly by VARIKTY, INC Harold Erichs, President 134 Wast 46th St New York 36. N.Y JUdson 2-2700 Hollywood 21 6311 Yucca Street HOUywood 9-1141 Washington 4 1292 National Press Building STerling 3-5443 Chicago II 612 No. Michigan Av*. DEiaware 7-4984 London WC2 8 St. Martin’a Pi., Trafalgar Sq. Temple Bar 5041 SUBSCRIPTION Annual gio Foreign gll Single Copies 25 Cents ABEL GREEN, Editor Vol. 197 120 No. 2 Pages 8 9) INDEX Bills 62 Chatter 70 Concert-Opera 68 Film Reviews 6 House Reviews 60 Ice Show Review 58 Inside Legit 64 Inside Pics 24 Inside Radio-TV 39 International 12 Legitimate 63 Literati 69 Music / 48 New Acts 60 Night Club Reviews 60 Obituaries 71 Pictures .... 3 Radio-Television 31 Radio Reviews 38 Record Reviews 48 Frank Scully 69 Television Reviews 34 TV-Films ; 45 Unit Reviews 62 Vaudeville 56 Wall Street 21 DAILY VARIETY (Published in Hollywood by Dally Variety. Ltd ) 815 a Year 820 Foreign 4 *' PICTURES '■ i 1 Global Remittances in 1954 Held Own Sans Windfalls; Johnston Clarifies Picture Although Eric Johnston, Motion* Picture Export Assn, prexy,, said in N.Y. last week (10) that the theoretical net foreign revenue of the American film cotnpanies in 1954 was about $210,000,000— same as in 1953 — the figure actually is deceptive in that it implies a gain of between 10% and 15% in actual earnings abroad during the past year. Conceding that, in the absence of statistical data, he was “guess- ing,” Johnston said the theoretical N.Y. share from abroad, ineluding Canada, was $210,000,000 and ac- tual N.Y. remittances ran to be- tween $170,000,000 and $175,000,- 000. The $210,000,000 figure constitutes coin available after ex- penses. Some of it was indirectly remitted via investment in produc- tion etc. On the basis of actual earnings, including fixed remittances and period compensation deals, the ] MPEA companies in 1953 ran up a N.Y. share of about $188,000,000 including Canada. The difference between that figure and the $210,- 000,000 quoted by Johnston was made up for by a series of "wind- fall” remittances, constituting earnings blocked over a period of years. Windfalls of 1953 In all, the 1953 “windfalls” amounted fo approximately $28,- 000,000, including some $12,000,- 000 from Brazil. $5,000,000 from France, $10,000,000 from Japan, (Continued on page 20) Western Nations’ Staffers Get Regular Bids To U.S. Films in Moscow Claremont, N. H., Dec. 14. Americans see motion pictures in Moscow more often than out- siders from other western nations, according to Staff Sgt. Frank E. Echols, who has been visiting his home here after spending nearly a year in the Soviet capital as a security guard at the United States Embassy. He reported that American ' House, near the Embassy, has films, \ a bar and dance hall, with nightly 1 film shows for Americans and thrice weekly programs for other westerners. Echols said Moscow theatres show no American prod- uct and that Russian television shows are dull, usually featuring operas and concerts, plus Red i propaganda. Arthur Shutters St. Louis House, Blaines ‘Shortage’ JOth-fou Story Editor Henry Klinger it *f Hm opinio* that no mattor Hto yoar or goor, The Story’s Always The Thing (Crrdit: Shakrtprare) • * * another editorial featuro in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of . l^-RIETY OUT SOOX Foreign Data Skimpy, Johnston Concedes, And Improvement Dubious Eric Johnston, Motion Picture Export Assn, prexy, sees a great need for more statistical data on the industry. However, he believes present prospects for obtaining them are dim. Asked in N.Y. last week for facts and figures on the foreign and do- mestic earnings picture, the MPEA topper acknowledged that, like everyone else, he was in the dark. Such figures as he had, he said, were “wild guesses.” Johnston agreed that, in seeking the pertinent information, MPEA was blocked by the twin problem of legal complications and the companies’ own hesitancy to di- vulge income data. The Motion Picture Assn, of America at one Now ‘Cyclotrons’ Joins Parade Of Innovations Cyclotrona joins the list of new widescreen film processes this week. It’s a new photographic and projection technique providing a camera range of more than 146 de- grees and using a single camera with standard 35m film. New proc- ess is the invention of Frank Cald- well, independent producer and director. Caldwell is currently in New York to set up the business struc- ture for the exploitation of the new process. The company will be known as Cyclotrona, Inc. Involved with Caldwell in the project is Fred D. Gearhart Jr., a Wall St. broker who was connected with the financing and organization of Cinerama Inc. System, according to a spokes- man, allow-s for three frames of standard 35m film to run horizon- tally through a single camera. The exposed area is 75m in length, or 16 perforations of standard 35m film. It’s said that the new process would be suitable for any theatre following '‘minor” changes in the theatre architecture and the seat- ing arrangement. Cost factors have not been determined yet and equipment won’t be ready for an- other year. Rathvon’s German-Made Feature to Columbia Columbia Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights for the N. Peter Rathvon pic, “Special Delivery” (formerly “Embassy Baby”). Film, in which Col has a cut, stars Joseph Cotten and is lensing in Germany. Scribe Producing Hope St. Louis. Dec. 14. Blaming a shortage of new films, Fanchon & Marco last week- shut- tered its 3.500 seater Missouri, in midtown, for an indefinite period. Edward B. Arthur, gen. mgr. of F&M, said the house will be made available on a rental basis to or- ganizations and groups for meet- ings and programs and to touring attractions. Arthur said that with fewer films being produced it has been found impossible to obtain suf- ficient production for the three large theatres in the same neigh- borhood. The other houses are the St. Louis, a 4,000 seater and the Fox, with 5.000 seats and the largest seating capacity of any flicker houses in the burg. Both are operated by F&M and the St. Louis Amusement Co., a F&M sub- sidiary. The Missouri has been operating on a split week policy for the past several months with many of the films being revived. Screening War Films For Fear of Jap Sensitivities Motion Picture Export Assn, has a committee all ready to screen Hollywood war pix exports to Japan, but there haven't been any films for it to review. Five-man group, made up en- tirely of MPEA staffers, was set up in the face of State Dfcpt. and in- dustry concern over the possible negative effects of American war films being sent to Japan. It had originally been planned to include in the review team a number of unbiased outsiders. However, that idea was abandoned. Issue of Japanese reaction vs. war pix arose when Warner Bros, preemed “Task Force” in Tokyo. A Japanese producer, visiting in N. Y. recently, said Japanese audi- ences appeared to like the Ameri- can war films and seemed to show no resentment whatever about them. Harry Mersay, 20th-Fox print department manager, marking his 27th anni with the company. i . time had a research bureau under Robert Chambers which did a thorough nosecount of U.S. thea- tres. The office was later dissolved. In citing his estimates of the in- dustry’s foreign income, Johnston said it was difficult to establish without company cooperation. Fig- ures he cited, for instance, were based on official remittance rates. “We rarely get those,” he quipped. SIX DISNEY CARTOONS FOR RKO IN C’SCOPE Six Walt Disney cartoons on the RKO releasing lineup for 1955 will be in Cinemascope. However, sub- sequent to the playoff of the C’Scop version, the animated shorts will be made available in standard format. First of the six is “No Hunting,” Donald Duck entry, which has a Jan. 14 release date. Disney is continuing to distrib- ute cartoon shorts through RKO although his features are now go- ing through Buena Vista. TAUROG ON KID KICK Picks Nine-Year-Old Boy and a Story To Match Him Hollywood, Dec. 14. Norman Taurog, whose direction of “Skippy” won him an Oscar, thinks now is the time to develop child stars and start a new cycle of kid pictures. With that end in view, he is negotiating for a book about a small boy and his father, and has picked out the boy, nine- year-old Richard Eyer, currently in “The Desperate Hours” at Para- mount. “Basically,” Taurog explained, “there is no change between now and 20 years ago as far as family- type entertainment is concerned. There is always room for family pix, and what is better for mass family appeal than kid pix? Today there’s a brand new generation of kids, both for the screen and the boxoffice.” Hollyw’ood. Dec. 14. Scribe Productions, headed by Jack Rose and Melville Shavelson, closed a deal with Hope Enter- prises to produce three Bob Hope starrers for Paramount release during the next five years. This is the same sort of deal under which the two companies co- produced Hope’s “The Seven Little Foys” in association with Para- mount. In the three future films Rose and Shavelson will write, di- rect and produce. Calls On Japanese Emperor While visiting in Tokyo last week, Eric Johnston had an hour’s audience with Emperor Hirohito, the first American film man to come to the Palace. Johnston presented the Emperor with two documentaries on marine life and with a rare jelly-fish encased in clear plastic. Hirohito is greatly interested in these subjects. The Motion Picture Export Assn, prez told in N.Y. last week how he was the only visitor to see the Emperor without the tradi- tional striped-pants and cutaway outfit. “1 just didn’t have any along,” he explained. Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Skouras Dossiers Theatre-TV Events Twentieth-Fox is keeping close tab on developments in the closed- circuit theatre tv field. Company’s interest, of course, is prompted by its investment in Eidophor, the Swiss-developed large screen color tv unit. Prexy Spyros Skouras had pushed Eidophor two years ago, but shelved it temporarily in favor of Cinemascope. Latter was seen as a more immediate need to resurrect interest in filmgoing. Skouras has longrange plans for Eidophor. The 20th topper feels that when another lull threatens the picture business, large screen color tv may be the thing to arouse the b.o. As a result, 20th is receiving detailed reports of just what’s happening in the theatre tv field, from programming to equipment. Every time there’s a closed-circuit entertainment event, local 20th branch managers clock the theatres and report fully to the home office on the general reaction to the presentation. When the time comes to advance, Skouras will have the experience of others at his fingertips and have a good idea how to move into the closed- circuit field. 20th has never officially stated whether its interest will be merely in providing the large screen color equipment or if it will include the production of special programs as well. Yanks Scent ‘Cartel’ in Italy’s Scheme for European Film Pool Todd Sets British Plans, Promises Early Showing Of His System in London London, Dec. 14. Plans for the launching of two major productions in the Todd A-O process were being developed in London last week by Michael Todd and Phil Reisman. They are due to return to New* York tonight (Tues.) but will come back here early in the New Year for an ex- tended stay. Two projects are an adaptation of Jules Verne’s “Around The World In 80 Days,” which starts location lensing next March with Carol Reed as director, to be fol- lowed later in the year by a filmiza- tion of “War & Peace.” The first project is budgeted at around $3,500,000 and the Tolstoy classic is likely to involve an investment of about $7,500,000. Before leaving on a quickie for Rome and Belgrade last week, Todd told Variety that they in- tended to establish a full-scale or- ganization in Britain in the New Year and appointments would be made as quickly as possible. He was already on the prowl for suit- able town offices and was also negotiating for studio facilities. He hoped to be able to arrange an early demonstration for the British industry and press of the Todd A-O process and was also planning for “Oklahoma” to be brought to London as soon as possible after its Broadway open- ing. He anticipated it would preem in New York towards the end of March and w’ould be brought to London a few weeks later. As an immediate target he envisaged that about 15 theatres would be re- tooled to show “Oklahoma” in the Todd A-O system, as against the 50 theatres planned in America. Similar arrangements were also being made for the continent. N. Y. to Europe Mitchell Benson Sidney Bernstein Stanley Goldsmith Gaston Hakim Henry Henigson Alfred Hitchcock Herbert Jacoby Elkan Kaufman Arthur Lesser George Lourou William Primrose Peter Riethof Ciro Rimac Robert C. Schnitzer David Whitfield Europe to N.Y. Sonia Arova John Byram Paul Vincent Carroll Alfred Crown Merriman Holtz Jr. Edward Kook Paul N. Lazarus Jr. Irvin Marks A1 Martino Rodney Millington Guy Mitchell Elliot Nugent Ethel Linder Reiner Joseph Szigeti Mai Zetterling ♦ Proposal for the formation of a European Film Pool, originating with ANICA, the Italian industry organization, was noted with con- cern by film industry execs in N. Y. last week. It was recalled that last time this idea came up it was within the framework of the International Federation of Film Producers Assns. The Americans at that time threatened to ankle the outfit if the project went through. Observers in N. Y. now feel that the pool idea has been revived outside the scope of the Federa- tion so as to circumvent American criticism. Motion Picture Export Assn, prexy Eric Johnston has taken the position that any such pool, at least as originally pro- posed, constituted a cartel arrange- ment and that, under American law, the MPEA could and would not be part of it. Additionally, Johnston, a firm supporter of freely competitive trading, feels that any pool setup was bound to involve restrictive features. In springing the sur- prise new's of the pool study dur- ing an American Chamber of Com- merce speech in Rome, Eitel Mo- naco, ANICA prexy, went out of his way to stress that this was not an anti-Yank move. He said the arrangement would allow for continued coproduction. However, he noted — and this didn’t get much Italian press attention — that there had been comparatively little coproduction on the part of the major U. S. companies. Agreement to establish a coordl- (Continued on page 20) L. A. to N. Y. Dana Andrews Cleveland Amory Myer P. Beck Sid Blumenstock Walter Campbell Burt Champion Harry Cohn Dan Dailey Olivia De Havilland Sidney Deneau Howard Dietz Nina Foch Joe Glaser Dolores Gray James Lipton Virginia Mayo Myron McCormick Norman Moray Sam Nathanson E. K. O’Shea Frank Sinatra Jerry Pickman Milton Pickman Irving Rapper Johnnie Ray Victor Saville Aubrey Schenck A. W. Schwalberg George P. Skouras Herb Steinberg Dan Terrell N. Y. to L. A. Steve Brodie Wendell Corey Yvonne DeCarlo Alan Dexter Paul Douglas Vernon Duke Eddie Elkort Jose Ferrer Bob Hope Mike O’Shea Jules C. Stern Les Thomas George Wolf We«lne», declared a divi- dend of 30c per share on com- mon stock. Slice is payable Feb. 5 to stockholders of record Jan. 14. Metros Own Print Output Speeded Stepping up its own print out- put. Metro is now in a position to process 2,800,000 feet of color foot- age a week at its cwn Coast lab. Company is handling the prints for its entire CinemaScope output, which is lensed in Eastman Color. Installation of a new machine is upping the capacity of the M-G lab to 2,800,000 ft. from a former 1,300,000 ft. a week. About 100,000 (Continued on page 21) Hotels Grab Sales Meeting Rentals From Theatres Scramble of hotels to get into closed-circuit tv is placing theatres in a secondary role as far as busi- ness meetings are concerned. Thea- tres, with large-screen theatre tv installations, have eyed the com- mercial rentals, side-money possi- bilities during off hours. However, the companies sponsoring the closed-circuit meetings favor more orthodox and convenient hours and. as a result, have been shifting their business to the hotels. This new trend does not mean that theatres are completely shut out of the conventions, sales and other business meetings. They’ll still be used when the sponsoring orgs require large seating capaci- ties. The more intime sessions, featuring heart-to-heart talks from company toppers rather than musi- cal revue type go-get-’em sales pitches, are seen as more suitable for the hotel ballroom or parlors. The entry of hotels into the closed-circuit business is paving (Continued on page 20) Warner Bros., continuing its pol- icy of financing independent pro- ducers, advanced a total of $18,536,733 for indie production during the 1954 fiscal year. This is a considerable jump over the sum shelled out for this purpose in 1953 when the company’s outlay was $8,536,954. Breakdown of the amount advanced as of Aug. 31, 1954, end of the fiscal year, in- cluded $3,636,519 for released pro- ductions, less estimated amounts unrecoverable; $5,090,698 for com- pleted productions not released, and $9,809,556 for productions in process. Company, according to financial report covering the fiscal year, chalked up a net profit of $3,976.- 000. This is equivalent to $1.60 per share on the 2, ,474.329 shares outstanding. Comparison figures, combining the operations of War- ner Bros, for the firsf six months of 1953 and those of the prior- divorcement company (excluding theatre operations) for the six months ending Feb., 1953, shows a net profit of $2,908,000 for the pre- vious fiscal stanza. For the six- month period, following the Stanley Warner Corp.’s takeover ! of the theatre assets, the net profit, ending Aug., 1953, was $1,575,000, * equivalent to 63c per share on the '2.474,414 shares outstanding at that time. Domestic film rentals declined (Continued on page 30) George Jessel for Philly George Jessel will be toastmas- ter at the annual dinner of Phila- delphia’s Motion Picture Associates at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel. Philly, Jan. 18. Proceeds from the $25-a-plate affair will go to MPA’s Welfare Committee. Howard Minsky, Paramount di- vision manager, and theatre opera- tor Harold Seidenberg are co-chair- men of the entertainment com- mittee. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 1 54 W: 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 21 4311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON, W. C. 2 I St. Martin’s Place Trafalgar Sgnara Yank Film Lag In India Draws MPEA Spotlight Motion Picture Export Assn, is still concerned with finding ways and means of expanding the Indian market for U. S. pix which are earning but a fraction of the b o. share there. Eric Johnston, MPEA prexy, acknowledging concern with Hol- lywood’s position in India, said in N. Y. last week that he expected to go to India next year to survey the situation and conduct an on- the-spot investigation. Last year the American film take from India ran to all of $600,000. Problem is primarily one of mak- ing Indian audiences accept tha Hollywood fare. Many regional lan- ! guages also loom large plus In- j dian censorship, among the tough- ; est in the world. MPEA recently ; appointed its own rep in India, and Johnston said he was hopeful that | some of the current and most pressing problems would be un- raveled by the time he got to j India personally. In Japan, meanwhile, MPEA is ! still looking for a permanent field ; rep and a Japanese adviser. John- ston said Irving Maas, the MPEA’s Far Eastern supervisor, would con- 1 tinue to work out of the N. Y. homeoffice. Maas arrived in N. Y. from Tokyo Monday (13) and is ex- pected to return there after the i holidays. He will spend consider- able time in Japan pending con- clusion of current negotiations and the appointment of a new field rep. Technicolor’s 2 Divvys Technicolor board In N. Y. last week declared a 25c. a share divi- dend on the $1 par common stock and a 50c. per share divvy on the old no-par common stock not exchange. In addition a special 10c. per share yearend dividend was de- clared on the new stock and 20c. on the old no-par common stock. Divvies are payable Dec. 30, 1954, to stockholders of record Dec. 17, 1954. 6 FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, December 15, 1954 20*000 League* Under the Sea (COLOR — C’SCOPE) A special event for any man’s theatre. Buena Vista release of Walt Disney production. Stars Kirk Douglas. Janies Mason. Paul Lukas, Peter Lorre; sup- ported by Robert J. Wilke. Carleton Young. Percy Helton, Ted de Corsia, J. M. Kerrigan. Ted Cooper. Directed by Richard Fleischer. Screenplay, Earl Fen- ton; from the classic by Jules Verne: camera (Technicolor), Frani Planer; spe cial effects photography, Ralph Ham- meras; underwater photography. Till Cutbbani: special processes, Ub lwerk*' special effects, John Hench and Josh Meador; editor. Elmo Williams; music. Paul Smith; song. "A Whale of a Tale.” by A1 Hoffman and Norman Gimbel. Pre- viewed Beckman Theatre, N.Y., Dec. 9. '54. Running time, HO MINS. Ned Land Kirk Douglas Captain Nemo James Mason Professor Aronnax , - s . Paul Lukas Conscil Peter Lorre Mate on ’•Nautilus’*,... Robert J. Wilke John Howard Carleton Young Captain Farragut Ted de Corsia Diver Percy Helton Mate on "Lihcoln” Ted Cooper Shipping Agent Edward Marc Casey Moore Fred Graham Btlly J. M. Kerrigan (Aspect ratio: 2.55-1) the men of the Nautilus In close- quarter combat with a giant squid. Earl Fenton’s screenplay looks to be a combination of the best in the Verne original and new material to suit the screen form. It’s a fine job of writing stimulating pic fare. Technical credits — underline the underwater photography — are ex- cellent. Of the supporting players, Robert J. Wilke is the most promi- nent. doing a competent job as Mason's mate. Gene. Young at Heart (SONGS-COLOR) Topflight romantic drama with songs, Doris Day, Frank Sinat- ra and prosperous b.o. pros- pects. Hollywood, Dec. 21. Warner Bros, releaae of Henry Blanke (Arwin) production. Stare Doris Day. Frank Sinatra. Gig Young, Ethel Barry- more. Dorothy Malone;' features Robert Keith. Elisabeth Fraser, Alan Hale Jr., Lonny Chapman. Frank Ferguson. Di- rected by Gordon Douglas. Screenplay. Julius J. Epstein. Lenore Coffee; adapta- tion. Liam O’Brien; from a story by Fannie Hurst; camera tWarnerColor), Ted McCord; editor. William Ziegler; new ... u o ( *ongs, Paul Francis Webster and Sammy \\ itlt Disney is at hand With a , Cam. Ray Heindorf, Charles Henderson now cinema wonder. and Don Pippin, Floyd Huddleston and Hi* nrnrlnrtinn nf ”20 000 T pnpnp<; ■ A1 Rinker. Mack Gordon and James Van rr a P ,w a ..iivua H«u«n. Previewed Dec. 7. '54. Running Under the Sea is very special kind time, lit MINS. Of picture making, combining pho- Laurie Tuttla Doris Day togiaphic ingenuity, imaginative Barney Sloan Fra ") t Sinatra story telling and fiscal daring. That ilfnt Ethel Bi?rymo'?f last, conversely, might also be \ Fran Tuttle Dorothy Malone termed confidence in the business. Disney went for a bundle tsay $5,000,000 in negative costs) in fashioning the Jules Verne classic. But it's the end result that Price Waterhouse wants to know about and this can be kingsized up in glamorous* terms: Ultra high box- office around the world. • A mean man with a crystal ball. Verne penned “Leagues” in the Gregory Tuttle Robert Keith Amy Tuttle . . : Elisabeth Fraser Robert Neary Alan Hale Jr. Ernest Nichols Lonny Chapman Bartell Frank Ferguson Mrs. Ridgefield Marjorie Bennett (Aspect ratio: 1.65-1) Romance in drama and song is effectively sold by Doris Day and Frank Sinatra in this slickly framed Warner Bros, offering. It . .. i looks headed for prosperous box- nf it* office, particularly in view of its "'kIT' .k?! appeal to the family «nd younger wondrous submersible ship and the awesome powers of the universe. To truly capture this great adven- ture in a film meant an undertak- ing of rare dimensions; there were few precedents to be guided by. The project has been a success. For Disney and his army of col- laborators have packaged a grand assortment of exciting entertain- ment values. The story of the “monster” ship Nautilus, astound- ing as it may be, is so astutely de- veloped that the audience imme- diately accepts its part on the ex- cursion through Captain Nemo’s underseas realm and partakes of its thrills and terrors. There’s no quibbling about plausibility. James Mason is the Captain, a genius who has fashioned and sets among the ticket buyers, who should take to the good new songs and the sock old ones, as well as the sentimental romantics that make up the story. For both Miss Day and Sinatra, ”Y«ung At Heart” is a topflight credit. They give the songs the vocal touch that makes them solid listening, and score just as strong- ly on the dramatics, seemingly complementing each other in their scenes together to make the dra- matic heart tugs all the more effec- tive. She Is first heard on “ ’Til My Love Comes Back To Me,” with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster to Felix Mendelssohn’s “On Wings Of Songs," and follow's it with guides the out-of-this-wond craa. | Kirk Douglas is a free-wheeling. I Huddleston and A1 Rinker, roguish harpoon artist. Paul Lukas is a kind and gentle man of sci- ence and Peter Lorre is Lukas’ "Hold Me In Your Arms,” by Ray Heindorf. Charles Henderson and Don Pippin; and “There’s A Rising fretting apprentice. They have the JlJ 0 ? 11 , *\ or falling Star, by major roles and are on camera .V eb «!. e , I V? n ^c>, a 7!.T y t :inol n '«h Be ^Ji n ir 90 ' o of the time, each registering J be Cle ^4f Sinatia sings the title asset to the east and Keith makes his father spot a real winnig job. Ted McCord’s cameras are used to advantage on the footage and players and the other technical contributions are good. Brog . Bad Day at Black Kock (COLOR— C’SCOPE) Tight suspense drama with western setting but no oater. Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan to help prospects generally. Hollywood, Dec. 14. Metro release of Dore Schary produc- tion. Stars Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan; co-atais Anne Francis. Dean Jagger, Wal- ter Brennan. John Ericson. Ernest Borg- nine. Lee Marvin. Russell Collins. Walter Sande. Directed by John Sturges. Screen- play, MiUard Kaufman; adaptation. Don McGuire; based on a story by Howard Breslin; camera (Eastman Color), William C. MeUor; editor. NeweU P. Kimlin; music. Asdre Previn. Previewed Dec. 8, '54. Running time, II MINS. John J. Macreedy Spencer Tracy Reno Smith Robert Ryan Liz Wirth Anne Francis Tim Horn . . Dean Jagger Doc Velie Walter Brennan Pete Wirth John Ericson Coley Trimble Ernest Borgnine Hector David . Lee Marvin Mr. Hastings Russell Collins Sam Walter Sande with conviction. But it is the production itself that is the star. Technical skill was lavished in fashioning the fabulous Nautilus with its exquisitely ap- pointed interior. The underwater iensing is remarkable on a num- ber of counts, among them being tune, following up later with "Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Just One of Those Things” and “One For My Baby.” Miss Day and Sinatra pair on the finale “You My Love,” by Mack Gordon and James Van Heusen. The Henry Blanke production wi \ wum.1, UIIIV11K I1ILIII UVIlik | * , # . . , the vivid Technicolor tinting and bas been smoothly fashioned so special designing of aqualungs and j j bere 1S ,f* ot *° 0 a r * sem- other equipment to match Verne’s 1 L en< -f to the f ° uf Daughters ' pro- own illustrations , duction on which it was based. Story opens in San Francisco . The ^ls *n that 1938 release have w here maritime men have been ! be< : n , c duced to three, W arner- terrorized by reports of a mon- ! ^°* or ,' ias bcen , added for gloss strous. denizen of the seas which , an ”- course, the songs are new- hns been sinking their ships. An comers to the plot. Script credit armed frigate sets out in pursuit fp r t*)is ve c slon Soes to Julius J. and is itself destroyed, with Lukas, i Epstein and Lenore Coffee, who Douglas and Lorre the survivors. They’re picked up by the Nautilus did the first from a story by Fannie Hurst, and Liam O’Brien did the w hich, they learn, is the nemesis i adaptation. The writing for this of the sea merchants, an uncan- nily devised vessel used by Mason to satisfy his hate of warring na- tions and men. TV Bally as Alien Salvation Spotting of foreign film stars on national television shows in the United States may serve as the “open sesame” for the general acceptance of pictures from afcroad in the American market. The exposure of the foreign personalities on tv, It’s felt, will build nationw ide recognition tor such stars. And once they become know n via the video medium, it’s maintained, the public would be willing to buy foreign pictures in which these personalities appear Up to now, the films from abroad, while critically accepted for their artistic and entertainment content, have languished in art houses. Few have received circuit or general bookings and then only as secondary features. version is firstrate, being well- diaioged and plotted. Gordon Douglas’ direction give the picture responsible guidance. Thus the audience is introduced He mak es every use of the tale’s to the wonders of Captain Nemo’s ! sentiment, but never lets a scene and his men’s life below the sur face of the water. There are some light moments. get sticky, and the able cast re sponds to his handling with ex- cellent work. Story details how including a frolicsome chantv bary- romance comes to each of the toned amusingly by Douglas. Hu- th ree Tuttle sisters, played by Miss morous bit has Mason hosting a Day, Dorothy Malone and Elisa- dinner that’s enjoyed by Douglas beth Eraser. The trio lives with and Lorre until they learn the del- 1 tbe father, Robert Keith, and the k-acies of the table are sea snake, aunt - Ethel Barrymore, octupus, etc. i The different angles the romanc- “Leagues” and Cinemascope , in 8 lakes as the various males prove Highly compatible. Wide- oomes into the girls’ lives color screening was a must in this wide- 1 the footage, but the main concen- screcn era for the story and back- t ration is on Miss Day and Sinatra, grounding are of vast scope and a the latter a moody, frustrated mu- limited cone of vision would have sician called in by Gig Young to meant loss of some of the pictorial Considerable excitement is whipped up in this suspense drama, and fans who go for tight action will find it entirely satisfactory. With the names of Spencer Tracy and Robert Ryan bellwethering the marquee values, it looks likely to give a good account of itself in the overall release if well-sold. While the story spins off in a western setting, it is not of the oater school, being a gripping drama in modern dress with a 1945 dateline for the action. Besides telling a yarn of tense suspense, the picture is concerned with a social message on civic com- placency, whether in a whistlestop or city. Fortunately for entertain- ment purposes, the makers have wisely underplayed this social angle so it seldom gets out of hand except in those few sequences that are inclined to be overtalky. The fact that it’s there isn’t likely to bother those who wouldn’t receive the message anyw’ay since they’ll be pretty well wrapped up in the good plotting to be found in Mil- lard Kaufman’s script, in the taut- ness of John Sturges’ direction that makes for exciting expectancy, and in the really sock performances turned in by the entire cast. Basis for the smoothly valued Dore Schary production is a story by Howard Breslin, adapted by Don McGuire. To the tiny town of Black Rock, one hot summer day in 1945, conies Spencer Tracy, w r ar veteran with a crippled left arm. He wants to find a Japanese farmer and give to him the medal won by his son in an action that left the latter dead and Tracy crippled. Instead of help in his mission, Tracy is greeted with an odd hos- tility and before the bad day is over his own life is endangered when he puts together the reason for the cold, menacing treatment. At the height of anti-Jap feeling after Pearl Harbor, the farmer had been killed by Robert Ryan, rancher, in a mob scene in which the other townsmen had partici- pated. Film is paced to draw suspense tight and keep expectancy mount- ing as the plot crosses the point where Tracy could have left with- out personal danger and plunges him into deadly menace when he becomes the hunted. Windup, how- ever, finds the killer dead and the participants in the mob on their way to justice. There’s not a bad performance from any member of the cast, each socking their characters for full value. In addition to Tracy and Ryan, credit goes to Anne Francis, Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan, John Ericson Ernest Borgnine. Lee Marvin, Russell Collins and Walter Sande. Scene in which the one- armed Tracy beats to a bleeding pulp the gross, bullying Borgnine is one of several real tough action sequences. The Cinemascope photography in Eastman Color by William C. Mellor is standout for showing the stark, magnificent beauties of the desert location with its mountain backdrop. Andre Previn’s score is good, although overemphasized on occasion. Editing and other techni- cal assists are expert. Brog. THIn 1m Your Armv (COLOR; DOCUMENTARY) the part of the Army, it rates more attention than the usual Govern- ment handout simply because it’s got an interesting story to tell and it tells it well. “This Is Your Army” deals with the latest in weapons and person- nel. It’s a post-Korean War study of the service and explores every avenue of offense and defense, from the “sky-sweeper” radar-con- trolled anti-aircraft guns to the new atomic cannon. The 55-minute film shows the training and devel- opments in every branch of the service from infantry on up to the Rangers. There’s much that’s new' in it to the American public, and much that is comforting. Topping off the content is an outstanding production job by Fox Movietone. Color footage, shot by Movietone cameramen Jack Painter and William Storz, is right in the middle of the action, and the color is excellent. Editing by Bill Kosh and John Hughes crams a maxi- mum of information into the 55- minute running time. The James Altieri-Joseph Kenas script, though besplattered by the usual cliches, is tightly written, and Joe King’s narration is excellent. Jack Shaindlin’s score rides well with the footage. COMPO can take a bow' for its participation too. Chan. Jack Kelly, King Donovan, Dick Jones, Pepe Hern and Leo Gordon, among the prisoners, and Richard Loo and Keye Luke, chief North Korean officers, contribute cap- ably to the makebelieve. Bryan Foy’s production super- vision gives the picture all it needs to carry it in its market and the t^'-hnical assists are expertly han- dled. , Brog. D(*vir» Harbor The Bamboo Prison P.O.W. melodrama located in North Korea. Good actioner for the programmer market. Hollywood. Dec. 14. Columbia release of Hryan Foy produc- tion. Stars Robert Francis. Dianne Foster, Brian Keith; features Jerome Courtland. E. G. Marshall. Earle Hyman. Jack Kelly, Richard Loo. Keye Luke, Murray Mathe- son. King Donovan. Dick Jones. Pepe Hern, Leo Gordon. Weaver Levy. Directed by Lewis Seiler. Screenplay. Edwin Blum, Jack DeWitt; story by DeWitt; camera, Burnett Guffey; editor. Henry Batista. Previewed Dec. 2, '4. Running time, 79 MINS. Sgt. Bill Rand Robert Francis Tanya Clayton Dianne Foster Corporal Brady Brian Keith Arkansas Jerome Courtland Father Francis Dolan E G. Marshall “Doc” Jackson Earle Hyman Slade Jack Kelly Hsai Tung Richard Loo Li Chung Keye Luke Clayton Murray Matheson Pop King Donovan Jackie Dick Jones Ramirez Pepe Hern Pike Leo Gordon Meatball Weaver Levy Metaxas George Keymns Cockney Denis Martin (Aspect ratio: 1.85-1) excitement. Some of the filming ob- viously was done under difficult conditions, yet all of the finished arrange a musical comedy the latter is writing. Miss Day and Young are engaged, but she and Sinatra elope. With no faith in product comes through with excel- himself, he can never believe she lent clarity. The sterophonic really loves him and it is only sound is a plus, too, adding to the ! alter a near-fatal, planned auto onlooker’s sense of participation, accident that almost costs his life, Richard Fleischer's direction does he come to recognize the keeps the Disney epic moving at a truth. smart clip, picking up interest ; The Misses Malone and Fraser right from the start and deftly de- come over strongly as the sisters, veloping each of the many tense | as do Gig Young, Alan Hale Jr., moments. Unusual’y well staged is and I >nny Chapman, assorted a pulse-quickening scene show ing j suitors. Miss Barry more is a big Movietone News production in coopera- tion with the United Stales Army spon- sored by Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations. Produced by Edmund Keck. Associate producer. John J. Gordon: nar- rator, Joe King; script, James Altieri. Joseph Kenas; editors. Bill Kosh, John Hughes: cameras (Technicolor). Jack Painter, William Storz; music. Jack Shaindiin. Previewed in New York, Dec. 8, '54. Running time, 5S MINS. This Technicolor documentary on today’s army, which will be exhibited as a public service, is more than satisfactory theatre fare. Although it’s obviously a studied public relations effort on A timely topic gives this pris- oner-of-war action melodrama a good chance as an entry for the general program market. It does an entertaining job that is up to all release intentions, as well as showcasing the newer talents of Robert Francis, Dianne Foster and Brian Keith, w ho form a starring j trio that comes off acceptably in putting over the film. While time of the action is laid during the peace treaty negotia- tions at Panmunjon. plot projects the thought that some of the seem- ing collaborators among the Reds’ American prisoners are actually intelligence men carrying on dan- gerous assignments even now. Erancis plays one of these, a man scorned by his fellow prisoners be- cause he has succumbed to Com- munism as a means of getting in- formation useful to the peace nego- tiations. Windup has him still stay- ing with the Reds to continue his dangerous mission, even though it means he has to give up Miss Foster, a Russian who had aided him. The usual prison camp antics, although with less stress on bru- tality, are shown during the film- ing under Lewis Seiler’s direction. He moves the show along at a good pace, mixing the values in the script by Edwin Blum and Jack DeWitt with a practiced hand and getting easy performances from his cast. There are several twists to the story, such as having a priest a prisoner along with the soldiers, and then revealing him as a fraud hiding behind a dead father’s garb to spy on the P.O.W. ’s. Working with Francis in the deadly spying job is Keith and both do w-ell, as does Miss Foster, wife of an American traitor now propagandizing for the Russians. Murray Matheson does the traitor and E. G. Marshall appears as the phony priest. They along W'ith ] Jerome Courtland, Earle Hyman, Mediocre British-lensed metier ' for lesser bookings. Hollywood. Dec. 14. 20th-Fox release of Charles Deane pro- duction. Stars Richard Arlen. Greta Gynt, Donald Houston. Mary Germakie; fea- ttures Elspet Gray. Vincent Ball. Howard Lang, Anthony Vicars, Edwin Richfield. Directed by Montgomery Tully. Screen- play, Charles Deane; camera. Geoffrey Faithful; editor. Peter Seabourne. Pre- viewed Dec. 10. '54. Running time, 70 MINS. John Richard Arlen Peggy Greta Gynt Mallard Donald Houston Margaret Marv Germaine Mrs. Mallord Elspet Gray Williams t. .-. Vincent Ball Marne ... Howard Lang Inspector Hunt Anthony Vicars Daller Edwin Richfield Bennett Michael Balfour Mark Arnold Adrian Enson Sidney Bromley Ryan Stuart Saunders Fat Patricia Salonika Susie Doreen Holliday Sam Peter Bernard ( Aspect ratio: 1.33-1) The melodramatics in this Brit- ish-made thriller that 20th-Fox is distributing come off poorly and it is best suited for fill-in bookings in the lesser situations. Only famil- iar name is that of Richard Arlen, balance of cast being Britishers. Charles Deane both produced and scripted a story that tells of how Arlen. operator of a Thames River freight boat, accidentally breaks up a gang that has been stealing medicine and drugs. Arlen stops a dock fight one night and comes into possession of a mysteri- ous package. Efforts of the gang to get it back eventually lead to the denouement. The basic plot idea furnished a good enough spring- board for a program meller, but it falls apart in the script develop- ment, giving the players little to work with. Montgomery Tullv’s di- rection Is no help, either, so there’s no plausibility to the action. The technical contributions are substandard. Brog. The Other Woman Hugo Haas low-budget sex thriller, again starring Haas and Cleo Moore. Looms as moderate grosser but can be circused. 20th-Fox release of Hugo Haas produc- tion. Stars Hugo Haas and Cleo Moore. Directed and written by Haas. Camera, Eddie Fitzgerald; editor, Robert S. F.isen: music. Ernest Gold. Tradeshown in N.Y., Dec. 10. '54. Running time, 81 MINS. Harman Hugo Haas n err . y Cleo Moore Ronnie I.ance Fuller Mrs. Darman Lucille Barkley Lester Tack Ma ( y £ a P.? sha John Qualen Collins .I an Arvnn Marion Carolce Kelly First asst, director Steve Mitchell Second assistant Mark Lowell Actress Melinda Mar key This is about the seventh Hugo Haas screen production to come from this independent producer who, as in this one, generally stars, directs and produces besides script- ing. Most recently, Cleo Moore has been co-starred, which is all to the good. “The Other Woman” sug- gests that Haas, perhaps should not try to star, write and direst but delegate some of these tasks to others. Because this might have been much better If he had not tried to do it all by himself. De- spite this criticism, this pic should suffice, has enough sex and drama for lesser situations. Haas is a foreign director-pro- ducer, who has insured himself a job with an American film com- pany by marrying the daughter of the producing company proxy. Ac- tion revolves around Miss Moore’s efforts as an extra to get even with Haas because he rejected her work in a bit role. She gets him into what appears to be a com- promising situation, and then de- mands $50,000 to hush up the so- called affair, A tricky strangling scene and efforts by the police to land Miss Moore’s slayer., behind (Continued on page 28) December IS, 1954 A®/fTr PICTURES 7 ‘U. S. RULE WOULD BE MURDER’ Universal Shooting the Bankroll Flexible Policy on Print* — Open Valve* for Picture- By-Picture Ballyhoo This is going to be “up the budg- et" year at Universal. Company’s production, sales and ad pub execs, at a Coast sales con- fab last week, heard U toppers out- line plans to make 1955 the biggest vear yet for the outfit which in *1954 has set new earnings records both at home and abroad. Bigger pictures, supported by U pped preselling budgets to mer- chandise the product, are the 1955 keynote for U whose execs reaf- firmed their determination to serv- ice the largest number of custom- ers with the widest variety of qual- ity product. “We believe in all systems. We will produce in any system the ex- hibitor and the public demand,” declared Alfred E. Daff, U exec v.p. “But, basically, we believe in giving the public the best we can in subject matter, performance and production value because- we believe the motion picture audi- ence buys its entertainment on the basis of three vital factors. They want entertaining stories, they want outstanding performances by personalities, and they want good production values which embrace directing and producing talent . . . We believe we are getting more dollars on the screen today, and we will continue to maintain the overall improvement in the qual- ity and boxoffice value of our product.” In line with U's “bigger and bet- ter'’ theme, Milton R. Rackmil told the sales session that the company had allocated the highest produc- tion budget in its history to the 1955 product. And David A. Lip- ton. v.p., stressed the extent to which U would go in exploring every publicity and advertising me- dium in plugging its pix. Feldman's Sales Drive Kicking off the new year for U will be a 17-week “Charles J. Feld- man Annual Drive,” which starts Jan. 3, 1955, and runs through April 30. According to Feldman, U v.p. and general sales manager, the first four months of 1955, cov- ering the drive period, will see the release of 13 top pix, three in CinemaScope and all but three in Technicolor. Two of the releases will be J. Arthur Rank productions considered to be of wide commer- cial appeal. Feldman, stressing the flexibil- ity of U’s releasing policy, said that the three CinemaScopers would be made available with both magnetic and optical tracks and could be booked also in regular standard widescreen form. Promotional activities Dy U on behalf of its release lineup in ’55 are expected to reach a new peak, according to Lipton. “In addi- tion to the normal pre-selling channels, we also are reaching into more specialized magazine, televi- sion and promotion fields "with both publicity and advertising in order to create a real impact on the infrequent as well as the fre- quent moviegoers,” he stated. Part of its promotional blue- PJint is a stepped up campaign to utilize tv both in the key and the sub-key situations. Acceleration of the company’s national merchan- dising tieups also is in the works. rust step in an intensified use ® r .tv came Sunday (12) when the Colgate Comedy Hour on NBC de- • c entire time to plugging bo This Is Paris,” the latest U musical from U. Stars of the film Curtis, Gloria de Haven u Gene Nelson — appeared on the show, and so did Jeff Chandler, , ! ' vai 'bled a tune he had re- oided lor Decca. Similar “teaser” : ' 0 , ws ' amounting in effect to an elaborate trailer for new pix, will v„n^ nanged in the futur e and "ont necessarily be restricted to Mml? 3 S '( U eXeCS S3id in N * Y * u !h day j 3) they were flighted t ! excited over the impact of YZ Colgate program which, in p ^ n opinion, demonstrated the *v >o n ' t h fi L c r go in uslng Author-Actor Bill Halligan Recalls Some Great News - jHtpermen I Have Known — and How! * * * a bright byline place in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of USnlETf DI E SOON SCHOEPPEL RAPS By HERMAN A. LOWE Washington, Dec. 14. Opposition to Government regu- lation of motion pictures or any subsidy for exhibitors has been de- clared by Sen. Andrew F. Schoep- pel ( R., Kan.), chairman of the Monopoly Subcommittee of the Senate Small Business Committee. Schoeppel made his points in re- ply to a letter from Albert Hanson, chairman of the trade relations committee of the Southern Califor- nia Theatre Owners Assn. Schoeppel. obviously angry, ac- cused Hanson of writing “misstate- ments of fact.” “half-truths,” “com- U Sales Policy Keeps Smallies In Foreground Hollywood. Dec. 14. Universal will continue its policy of selling standard widescreen prints simultaneously with the re- lease of anamorphic prints on all CinemaScope productions in the future, Charles J. Feldman, sales veepee, disclosed at the conclusion of sales session held at the studio. Company started practice with its first C’Scoper, “The Black Shield of Falworth.” so that exhibs not equipped for C’Scope films wouldn't be obliged to wait for C'Scope showings to exhaust them- selves before having a crack at the pictures. Service, it’s felt, will be on particular value to small town exhibs and operators of smaller theatres in cities. Coming under the sales policy will be such upcoming pix as “Sign of the Fagan.” “Captain Light- foot,” “Chief Crazy Horse” and “To Hell and Back,” all filmed in the 2.55-1 medium. Company is placing more and more importance on the small the- atres, according to Feldman. One of the reasons why studio upped its production schedule next year to 32 films was to help out such exhibs, he said. Big key theatres don’t require so many releases, he indicated, be- cause they get longer runs on their bookings, but the smaller operator | is in need of as many good pic- tures as he can get. To reach audiences for the small theatre, UI has started taking ads in the Family Weekly, a small town supplement, as a means of advising them of what’s coming up. Feldman reported. Studio like- wise plans to send players to small towns on personal appearances, in conjunction with big-city tours. “We believe that as the exhibitor has success so will we have suc- cess,” Feldman stated. the the a dis- the fa- plete falsehood.” “insults to Senate” and of seeking to use Monopoly Subcommittee as “catspaw” to pressure the film tributors. The senator reasserted that Small Business Committee vored industry arbitration but saw no fairness in arbitrating film rental prices. He declared that, despite Hanson's charges, there was no proof a monopoly in mo- tion picture production was re- sponsible for a product shortage. “You suggest as one of three so- lutions for the problems of the in- dustry,” wrote Schoeppel, “regu- lation by the Government. If I were an exhibitor, I would think a long time before I would urge Government regulation of my busi- ness. Government regulation is no one-way street. “I would not want the Govern- ment telling me what price I could charge at the boxoffice, what re- turn I could get on my investment, and having bureaucrats drawing up schedules telling me what pictures. I could play, for how long, and when. Nor do 1 see how’ Govern- ment regulations would cure the product shortage, unless you also expect the Government to enter into, or subsidize, picture produc- tion. Analyzes Problem “If I follow your argument cor- rectly, it boils down to the conten- tion that small motion picture houses cannot afford to pay the rentals paid by larger houses, and that some arrangements must be made to insure smaller houses getting pictures for lesser sums. If the exhibitor is to be guaran- teed against losses, some kind of subsidy is entailed. I don't .know whether motion picture producers and distributors would favor a sub- support one.” sidy, or in fact whether they can Schoeppel agrees an effective arbitration system would be the industry's best solution but adds that the Government cannot “prop- erly dictate the terms of an arbi- tration formula.” He reminds that “the Committee on Small Business felt that film rentals are not prop- erly a matter of arbitration for the very simple reason that a seller cannot be expected to do busi- ( Continued on page 21) DAFF TO AUSTRALIA $36,000 in Prizes For Universal Sales Staff During 17-Week Drive Hollywood. Dec. 14. Total of 13 pictures will be re- leased by Universal during its “Charles J. Feldman Annual Drive.” starting Jan. 3 and ex- tending 17 weeks. Releases will be backed by one of the com- pany’s strongest ad-promotion cam- paigns. according to Alfred E. Daff, executive veepee, during the sales conclave at the studio. Program for the Feldman drive calls for the disbursal of more than $36,000 in prizes to U’s domestic division, district, branch and office managers, salesmen and bookers for the best selling results. Universal Worried About Lag In C’Scope Installations With one CinemaScope picture already in release and »t least one other completed. Universal is now- pushing the Australian chain book- ing its pix to install the wide- screen medium. Alfred E. DafT. U exec v.p., left for Australia from the Coast last week (11>, part of his mission be- ing to discuss such installations with Greater Union Theatres, the J. Arthur Rank chain, which plays the U films 'in Australia. Other U. S. outfit concerned is Columbia. 20lh-Fo$ and Warner Bros, go through Hoyts which, being 20th owned, is fully geared for C’Scope. U is facing similar problems in New Zealand and also on the Rank circuits in Britain. Latter, how- ever, are expected to have 400 the- atres equipped for C’Scope by the end of ’54. Rank houses in Canada have C’Scope and theatres in Sin- gapore, in which Rank owns a mi- nority interest, also are' equipped. PR’s Same Song, New Words Film Industry Clings to Traditional Picture-by«, Picture Selling — Neglects Broad Public Relations Indepondont Thoatro Manager John A. Goodno voices Hie indie exhibitor’s prayer: Good Pictures at Fair Terms * * * one of the many editorial foatnres ie the upcoaiieg 49th Anniversary Number of Pfc&iEfr DUE SOON Military to Run Films Fortnight Behind Theatres? • Washington. Dec. 14. Although Pentagon officials have not made any official decisions, In- dications are that they’ll agree to a plan whereby theatres on mili- tary posts will play new pictures two weeks after competitive local first-run houses. Present agree- ments with the film industry gives | the military situations three-weeks’ clearance over the first runs in | their local areas. Exhibitors have I beefed that this cuts in on their ! trade unfairly, particularly since admission prices are relatively low at Army, Air Force and Navy bases. Reps of both distribution and exhibition already have had two meetings with D. Walter Swan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of De- fense for Public Affairs. Pic indus- try is now trying to work out a map showing which of the Army and Air Force posts are so close to commercial theatres that the present three - week clearance should be abandoned. Presence is seen for the Defense Dept, relaxation of the clearance advantage. Not long ago the Pen- tagon abolished low prices of goods in many post exchangQs when mer- chants in nearby towns complain- ed. Denver Telecast Cost $1,500 Theatre Rentals, Eagle Asserts in Suit Los Angeles, Dec. 14. Eagle Lion Classics has filed suit for $51,500 in Superior Court, con- tending that television showings of “My Outlaw Brother” ruined its theatrical bookings in Denver. De- fendants are Benedict Bogeaus Productions, Quality Films, Bo- j geaus and Charles Weintraub. Plaintiff claims that Bogeaus, al- : though under contract to Eagle j j Lion, gave prints of the picture | : to Quality and one of them was shown over KFEL-TV. Denver, j causing a loss of $1,500 in can- i celled bookings. In addition to the $1,500, another $50,000 is asked for depreciated value of the film. The film industry, w'hile the most active user of bally methods to exploit pictures, are still ne- glectful In selling the industry as a whole, experts in the public re- lations field point out. All efforts, it’s no^ed, are pointed toward the exploitation of an individual pic- ture and no comprehensive plan has been established to bring about a favorable reception of the industry. The advertising series of the Council of Motion Picture Organizations in Editor & Publish- er to explain the industry to news- paper publishers and editors is considered a step in the right di- rection, but is regarded as merely scratching the surface. Metro’s announcement this week that it will spearhead a drive "to sell” the local theatre as a force in the community is also rated on the plus side. However, it’s main- tained, that the industry rarely takes advantage of its own special annis as a teeoff point “to sell” the industry as whole. There are many of these milestones which, properly exploited on an industry- wide basis, could benefit all seg- ments of the industry. These annis, as listed in Leonard Spinrad’s Day & Date Service, in- clude many historical dates which the industry can latch on to. For example, Feb. 11. the birthday of Thomas A. Edison; April 3, the birthday of the Pony Express, a date can be used for a nationwide celebration of western films; April 14, the anniversary of films, being date of the opening of the first Edison Kinetoscope parlor; July 6, anni of first all-talking picture (preem of “Lights of New York” on Broadway; July 12. birthday of George Eastman, 1954 being his lOOtti anni. (Eastman’s invention of flexible film made possible films as we know them today.) In addition, there was the cele- bration during the year of “Lights Diamond Jubilee,” which was marked on tv by the nation’s elec- tric companies but had no film in- dustry connection. Since electric light is a basic essential of films, it’s felt that the pix business could have entered the celebration in some manner. Coming up in 1955 will be the 75th anni of the New York’s Great White Way. This, it’s felt, should serve Broadway houses as a jump- ing off point to promote the down- town theatres. The first electric lamps were lighted on Broadway, from 14th to 26th streets, on Dec. 20, 1880. Christmas Shutdowns Oklahoma City, Dec. 14. Two downtown theatres closed here last week until Christmas be- j cause of lack of new pix. Harber Theatre will reopen Christmas day. The Warner will resume Dec. 22. Eddie Thorne, Cooper Founda- tion theatres’ general manager here, said the Harber’s doors were definitely closed because of “the shortage of pictures. No one is releasing any in December.'’ SUE BRYAN FOY ON PRC CONTRACT ANGLE Hollywood, Dec. 14. Chesapeake Industries and Con- temporary Productions have filed a $25,000 breach of contract suit in Superior Court here against Bryan Foy seeking to recover coin al- legedly owed because his last two PRC features failed to make money. Complaint recites that Foy in 1946 was PRC producer at $1,500 per week when he got chance to switch to Warners. To escape his contract, he signed agreement that he’d make “Trapped.” and “Port of New York,” for PRC with un- derstanding that any unrecouped coin by time these films were in release. Eighteen months could be recovered by PRC from Foy’s 15 r o of net profit on his first two Warner features, which were “Great Jewel Robbery,” and “Highway 301.” Former made no coin but latter made net of $117,614 as of last year-end, and more since, so that Foy’s share is $25,000. Plaintiffs who took over PRC setup say un- recouped coin on “Trapped" as of Aug. 31, 1954, was $196,124; on “Port,” same date, $265,059. 8 PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Only Extended-Runs Stout in LA; ‘Wave $15,000, ‘Queen 13G, ‘Cry’ 11G, All Lean; Christmas Solid 16G, 7th Los Angeles, Dec. 14. Other than a few well-extended longrun bills still showing some •stamina, first-run grosses are drag- ging this week, being well under the same frame a year ago as Yule shopping takes over here. Indicative of the status of biz Is the slow $15,000 shaping for "Crest of Wave" in two theatres, the thin $13,000 for "Cattle Queen of Montana,” also in two sites, and the light $11,000 expected for "Cry Vengeance” and "This Is Your Army,” playing in three spots. Among the holdovers, the sev- enth frame of "White Christmas, in two houses, is standout with a solid $16,000. Also good is the $10,000 seen for fourth week of "Desiree” and the $6,000 for the sixth session of "Barefoot Con- tessa” at the Fine Arts. Elsewhere, Xmas shopping is hurting. Estimates for This Week State, Egyptian (UATC) <2,404; 1,536; 70-$1.10> — ' “Crest of Wave” (M-G) and "Atomic Kid” (Rep). Slow $15,000. Last week, with dif- ferent units. Hillstreet, Hawaii (RKO-G&S) <2,752; 1,106; 60-$1.10) — "Cattle Queen Montana” (RKO) and "She Wore Yellow Ribbon”- (RKO) (re- issue). Thin $13,000. Last week, Hillstreet with Egyptian, Uptown, "Black Knight” (Col) anJ "Canni- bal Attack” (Col) <2d wk), $11,300. Warner Downtown, Wiltern, New Fox (SW-FWC) (1,757; 2,344; 965; 70-$1.10) — "Cry Vengeance” (AA) and "This Is Your Army” (20th). Light $11,000. Last week, "Track of Cat” — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) <6th wk). Neat $6,000. Last week, $7,000. Warner Beverly, Downtown Par- amount (SW-ABPT) (1.612; 3,200; 90-$l. 50)— "White Christmas” (Par) < 7th wk). Okay $16,000. Last week, $19,600. Pantages (RKO) <2JU2; $l-$2.25) — “Star Is Born” (WB) (11th wk). Previews upping this to okay $9,- 000. Last week. $8,000. Warner Hollywood (SW) <1.364; $1.20-$2.65) — "Cinerama” (Indie) (85th wk). Into current fram Dec. 12 after medium $19,200 last week. Canon . Fair $14,000. Last week, "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (2d wk, $12,500. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 75-$l) —“Drum Beat” (WB) and “The Raid” (20th) (2d wk). Fine $10,000 following $13,500 in first. * Pilgrim (ATC> (1.800; 65-95)— "Fire Over Africa” (Coll and “They Rode West” (Col). Trim $9,000. Last week, "Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA) and “Khyber Patrol’ (UA) (2d wk), $7,000. State Loew’s) <3,500; 65-$l) — “Sitting Bull” (UA) and "Captain John Smith and Poehahontas” (In- die). Mild $8,000. Last week, "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) <2d wk), $7,000. Pre-Noel Nips Cincy But ‘Paris’ Lush 1234G; ‘Fire’ 6G, ‘Xmas’ 7G, 7 th Key City Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $1,898,100 (Based on 23 cities, and 213 theatres, chiefly first runs, in- cluding N. Y.) Total Gross Same Week Last Year $2,136,200 (Based on 23 cities and 222 theatres.) ‘Athena’ Fat 14G, Cleve.; ‘Xmas’ 10G Cleveland, Dec. 14. Mild and mushy is how first-run biz shapes this stanza. "Track of Cat” at trie Allen looms standout wdth a nice total. "Athena” at State and "Down Three Dark Streets” at the Hipp shape fairly good. "White Christmas” in seventh Stillman week still is sturdy. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 60-$l) — "Track of Cat” (WB). Nice $10.- 500. Stays. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB), <2d wk), $9,500. Hipp (Telem’t) (3,700; 60-90) — "Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA). Fairly good $12,500. Last week, "Phffft” (Col), $14,000. Lower Mall (Community) (585; 60-90) — “Marihuana Story” (Indie) and "Cowboys” tlndie/. Mild $2,000. Last week, ''Movement of Truth” (Indie), $2,200. Ohio (Loew’s) (1,200; 60-90) — "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (m.o.). Oke $6,000. Last week, “Barefoot Contessa” (UA), $5,000. Palace (RKO) (3,287; 60-90) — "Yellow Mountain” (U) and "Ric- ochet Romance” (U). Droopy $7,000. Last week "Carmen Jones” (20th) (2d wk), $9,000. State (Loew’s) (3,500; 60-90) — "Athena” (M-G). Fairly good $14,- 000. Last week, "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk), $8,000. Stillman (Loew’s) <2,700; 60-$l) — "White Christmas” (Par) (7th wk). Winding up run with solid $10,000. Last week, $11,500. Pitt Also Slipping But ‘Paris’ Fair at $11,000; ‘Bengal’ 7G, ‘Athena’ 8G Pittsburgh, Dec. 14. Pre-Xmas slump is beginning to blanket the Golden Triangle and nobody expects anything now until after the holidays. "Last Time I Saw Paris” looks like tops at the Penn but even it’s sagging after the three smash stanzas with "White Christmas.” "Athena” is very dull at the Stanley but "Ben- gal Brigade” at Harris shapes mod- est. "Desiree” is skidding to rock- bottom in final (4th) stanza at Ful- ton. “Cinerama” is up slightly at Warner on first anni ballyhoo. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$1.10) — "Desiree” (20th) (4th wk). Doubt- ful if it’ll go much over $3,500 on windup. Run has been rather dis- appointing. Last week, nice $6,500. Harris (Harris) (2.165; 65-85)— "Bengal Brigade” (U). Will have to settle for modest $7,000 or less. Last week, "Phffft” (Col) (2d wk), helped by sneak preview, okay $8,500. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-$l)— "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G). No help from the crix but title and mar- quee names are giving it some lift. Looks fair $11,000. or over. Last week, “White Christmas” (Par) (3d wk). solid $20,000, and only a prod- uct jam eased it out at such an im- posing figure. Squirrel Hill (SW) (900; 65-85) — “Julius Caesar” (M-G). Popscale run, with special cut-rate ducats for students, paying off at nice $2,500. Last week, “Little Kidnap- pers” (UA) (4th wk», $2,000. Stanley wk). Holding to bright $7,000 after sixth stanza,” $8,500. Palace (RKO) (2,600; 50-84) — "Athena” (M-G). Okay $8,500. Last week, "Track of Cat” (RKO), $9,500. H. O.’s Blunt Balto Biz ‘Knight’ Fairish $8,500, ‘Xmas’ Rousing 8G, 6th Baltimore, Dec. 14. Start of pre-holiday recession is evident in firstrun film grosses here this week. Holdovers are prevalent with many exhibs mark- ing time, with new product not due until Xmas. "Athena” is mild at the Century. "The Black Knight” shapes fairish at the Town. "On Waterfront” shapes okay at the Hipp in eighth round. "White Christmas” is holding strongly in sixth week at Keith’s. Estimates for This Week Century (Loew’s-UA) (3,000; 25- 80)— "Athena" (M-G). Mild $8,000. Last week, "Last Time Saw Paris’* (M-G) (2d wk), $7,000. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-$ 1) — “Daughters of Destiny” (Indie) (2d wk). Weak $2,500 after $2,800 opener. Film Centre (Rappaport) (960; 50-$l) — "Sabrina” (Par) (10th wk). Fine $3,500. Last week, $3,800. Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.100; 50-$l) — "On Waterfront” (Col) <8th-final wk). Okay $5,500 after $5,800 last week. Keith’s (Fruchtman) (2.400; 50- $1) — "White Christmas” (Par) (6th wk). Holding staunchly at $8,000 or over, after $9,000 in fifth. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 20-70)— "Yellow Mountain” (U). Starts to- morrow (Wed.). In ahead, "She- Wolf” (Rep), modest $3,000. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-75- $1.25) — "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (5th wk). Trim $6,000. Last week, $6,500. Playhouse (Scftwaber) (420; 50- $1) — "Rear Window” (Par) (8th wk). Okay $3,000. Last week, $3,300. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 30-$l)— "Private Hell 36” . Dull $5,000. Last week, "Drum Beat” (WB) (2d wk), $4,800. Town (Rappaport) (1.600; 35-80) —"Black Knight” (Col).’ Fairish $8,500. Last week, "Phffft” (Col) (2d wk), $8,000. ‘ROGUE’ LIVELY 1 1G, ST. L; ‘GLEN’ HOT 5G St. Louis, Dec. 14. St. Louis is doing a switch, with invasion of Xmas shoppers in downtown sector, credited with helping first-run film biz currently instead of slough pix trade as usual. However, there are few new entries currently, exhibs ap- parently figuring it smart to coast with product they have running. "Rogue Cop,” now in second week of moveover date at Orpheum, is credited with boosting biz at house to best level in months, being now paired with "Captain Kidd and Slave Girl.” Lone newcomer, "Trouble in Glen,” looms hep in two arty houses. "Last Time I Saw Pads,” “Desiree” and "Star Is Born” are all strong on holdover or extended-run. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) <1,400; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) <46th (Continued on page 26) Wednesday, December 15, 1954 PICTURE GROSSES 9 Cold Snap, Xmas Shopping Bop Chi; ‘Dr, JekyD’-‘Faee’ Fine at $10,000, Paris’ 25G, 3d, ‘Xmas’ Hot 29G, 6th Chicago. Dec. 14. There's nothing new along the Main Stem this round except the fust bite of winter. This, coupled Sitli seasonal competish from de- nartment stores, is cooling off the- jSe hi/ sharply. Pre-Christmas fopofl has hit all situations but some are feeling it worse than others. Sole starter this week is a pair of reissues, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Ttvde" and “Woman's Face, going for a fine $10,000 at Monroe An- other reissues, “Reap the Wild u iiul ’ looks bright in second V eek at the Loop while “Track of Jin d “Bob Mathias Story” shapes fancy at Roosevelt. -Last Time I Saw Paris" is brisk in third frame at Woods as is •1'hlltf at McVickers. “Desiree* looks fair at Oriental in third, while “Drum Beat" is tidy at the Grand in fourth. “Caamen Jones’ is stout at United Artists • White Christmas" is having a smash sixth frame at the State- Lake while “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday' registers par in the seventh at the ^Chicago is yielding “Star Is Bern'' after an unimpressive ninth round. At the Palace. “Cinerama" continues bulky in the 72d session. Estimates for This Week Carnegie (Telem’t) (480; 95)— “Intimate Relations" (Indie) (2d wk>. Trim $3,000. Last week, $3.- 700. Chicago (B&K) (3.900; 98-$1.50) — "Star Is Born" (WBt (9th wk». Winding at dull $16,500. Last week. S22.000. Grand tNomikos) (1.200; 98- $1.25-— “Drum Beat" (3d wk'. Neat $9,500. Last week. $11,- 700. Loop (Telem’t) (606; 90-$1.25)— '•Reap Wild Wind" (Par) (reissue) (2d wk). Brisk $7,300 after last week’s $12,300. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1 .25- — “Phffft” (Col) (3d wk). Solid $18,000 after $23,500 last week. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 65-87) — “Dr. .lekyll and Mr. Hyde" (M-G> and “Woman’s Face" (M-G) (reis- sues'. Shaping fine $10,000. Last week. "This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Africa Adventure" (RKO) (2d wk-. $4,500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25i — Desiree” (20th) (3d wk). Tidy $18,500. Last week. $26,000. Palace (Eitel) (1.484; $1.25-$3.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (72d wk). Good $25,000. Last week. $33,500. Roosevelt (B&K) (1,400; 65-98) — “Track of Cat" (WB) and “Bob Mathias Story” (AA) (2d wk). Fast $14,000 after $18,000 last week. State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 98- $150' — “White Christmas" (Pan (6th wk). Bright $29,000. Last Week. $34,500. Surf (H&E Balaban) (685; 95)— “Mr. Hulot's Holiday" (GBD) <7th vk-. Okay $3,000, Last week, $3,700. United Artists (B&K) (1,700: 98- 25) — “Carmen Jones” P20th) wk). Plump $18,000. Last week. $26,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- S1 25'— " Last Time I Saw Paris" LM-G) (3d wk). Staunch $25,000. Last week. $33,000. World (Ihdie) (697; 98)— “Bread. Love and Dreams" (IFE) (5th wk). Oke $2,700. Last week. $3,500. ‘Athena’ Staunch $8,000, Port.; ‘Phffft’ Loud 7G Portland, Ore., Dec. 14. Downtown biz has taken a pre- holiday nosedive. Most first-runs are just marking time awaiting the mnval of the year-end holidays, i wo holdovers should fare best. i,r ! e „ being good in third inn- • n ‘'i 11 . Phffft" neat second week, J n „ Sun” at Paramount .napes dull. “Athena" looms just ukay at Broadway. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1.890; 65-90) Athena” (M-G) and "Return Jrom Sea" (AA). Okay $8,000. 'y£ e J t ™“ Cattle Q ueen Mon ‘ and “Africa Adven- ture (RKO), $6,200. f ox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1.25) $ 5 nno S r ? e \ (20th) (3d wk) - Good Last week. $7,000. u . Gu,,d (Indie) (400; $1)— “Young j 1 ale” (indie) and “Laughter n Parad^e-M indie). So-so $1,500. si 900 k * A ways * Bride ’’ (U), Liberty (Hamrick) (1,875; 65-90) (Continued on page 26) 81 (4th 4 Estimate* Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement , tax. D. C. Droops But ‘Paris’ Plush 15G Washington, Dec. 14. Main stem biz is settling into i the annual pre-Yule doldrums, with biz generally off. “Down Three Dark Streets" at Loew’s Co- lumbia is surprisingly sturdy. “Last Time I Saw Paris" shapes pleasing in second session at Loew’s Capitol. “Desiree," in third stanza at Palace, looks so-so. Most other spots are in lower b.o. registers. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW> (1.400; 60-80) —“Black Knight" (Col) and “This Is Your Army" (20lh). Slow $4,000 in 8 days. Last week, “Three Hours to Kill” (Col), same. Capitol (Loew’s) (3.434; 70-95)— “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Cheerful $15,000 after some- what disappointing, but still solid $23,000 opener. Stays. Columbia (Loew s' ( 1.174; 60-80) — “Down 3 Dark Streets" (UA». Very lively $9,500. Holds. Last „week. “Sitting Bull" (UA) (2d wk), $5,000. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l) — “Ugetsu" (Indie) (3d wk). Slim $3,000 after $3,500 last week. Goes another round. Keith’s (RKO) (1.939: 75-$l .25) — “White Christmas" (Par) (7th wk). Fast $8,000 after $10,000 in sixth. Stays on. Metropolitan (SW) (1.200; 60-80) — “Black Knight" (Col) and “This Is Your Army" (Indie). Fair $6,000 in 8 days. Last week, “3 Hours to Kill" (Col), ditto. Palace tLoew’s) (2.370; 75-$D— “Desiree" (20th) (3d wk). So-so $11,000 after $16,000 last week. St ays Playhouse (Lopert) (435; 55-$l) — “Rear Window" (Par) (15th wk). So-so $3,500 for second consecu- tive week, with house on a “night only" basis during installation of Cinemascope. Stays. Warner (SW) (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (58lh wk). Slim $9,000 for second consecutive week, but solid advance sale for Christmas week bolstering hopes. Staying on. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 70-$l)— "On Waterfront" (Col) (13th wk). Mild $3,800 after $4,000 last week. Stays. ‘BENGAL’ BRISK 11G, DENVER; ‘CARMEN’ 14G Denver, Dec. 14. Pre-Christmas activity here has put a crimp in biz, and has dropped the usual seven and eight first-runs to four in current session. Other houses, are using reissues and not getting too far. Top newcomer is “Bengal Brigade," which looms good at Paramount. “Carmen Jones" is fine in second week at the Denver, and continues on. “De- siree" looms fine in fourth stanza at the Centre, and holds again. "Private Hell 36” shapes fair at Orpheum. Estimates for This Week Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$l ^“De- siree" (20th) (4th wk). Good $9,000, and holding. Last week, $12,000. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 60-$l)— “Carmen Jones" (20th i (2d wk). Fine $14,000. Stays over. Last week, $23,000. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85)— “Private Hell 36" (FM) and “Race for Life" (Lip). Fair WH)00. Last week, "This Is My Love’’ (RKO) and “Kisenga" (Indie) $7,500. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,200; 60- $1) — "Bengal Brigade" (U) and "Crest of Wave" (M-G), Good $11,- 000. Last week, “Last Time Saw Paris’’ (M-G) (2d wk), $14,000. , Track’ Oke $8,500 in Indpls; ’Jungle’ 6G Indianapolis, Dec. 4. Cold weather and Christmas shopping have sent first-run biz here into a seasonal tailspin this stanza. "Track of Cat" is boxoffice leader, with moderate figure at Olrcl* “Black Knight'” at Loew’s and "Human Jungle,” at Indiana are sluggish. Estimates for This Week Circle (Cock#ill-Dolle) (2.800; 50- 80 ) — “Track of Cat" (WB) and “Atomic Kid” (Rep). Just okay $8,500. Last week, "White Christ- mas" (Par) (5th wk). Solid $11,000, total of $85,000 on run at $1 top. Indiana (C-D) (3,200; 50-85 1— "Human Jungle" (AA) and "Port of Hell” (Indie*. Slow $6,000. Last week, “Carmen Jones" (20th), $13,000. Loew’s (Loe\v*s> (2.4E7; 50-80) — “Black Knight” (Col) and "Gog" (UA). Modest $7,000. Last week. “Athena.” (M-C,) and “Crest of | Wave” (M-G), $7,500. Lyric (C-D) (1,600; 35-70)— “Sar- . atoga Trunk*’ (WB) and “Big Sleep" (WB» (reissues). Dim $4,- 000. Cowboy Copas stage show re- placing second feature Sunday only at $1.25. Last week, “Jesse James’ Women" (UA) and “Big Chase" (Lip), $5,500, same setup with Pee Wee King onstage Sunday. ‘Athena* Mid 8G In Sluggish K.C. Kansas City, Dec. 14. Lighter entries on tap here as Christmas shopping becomes the main draw. Holdovers and reissues hold forth at most fronts. New’ entries are “Athena” at the Mid- land and “Shield for Murder" at the Missouri, both doing only fair. “Reap Wild Wind" at the Para- mount and “Farmer’s Daughter" with “Notorious" at Fox Midwest first-run trio are just mild even for oldies. Latter pair at three Fox Midwest houses is very light. Estimates for This Week Fairway (Fox Midwest) (700; 65- 85) — “Desiree" (20th) (3d wk). May go 10 days, and only $3,000 on long haul. Last week, oke $4,000. Glen- (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l) — “High and Dry” (U) (6th wk) and “The Promoter" (U) (2d run). Light $1,200. Holds. Last week, $1,300 for “High" alone. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l) — “Julius Caesar” (M-G) (3d wk). Barely okay $1,300. Last week, $1,500. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 60-80) — “Athena" (M-G) and J’Masterson off Kansas” . Moderate $8,000. Last week, “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) and “Diamond Wizard” (UA) (2d wk). $7,000. Missouri (RKO) <2.650; 50-80)— “Shield for Murder” (UA) and “Scarlet Spear" (Indie). Lean $6,000. Last w’eek, “Drum Beat" (WB) and “Sins of Rome" (RKO) (2d wk), at 65-90c scale, $8,000. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) (1.913; 75-$l) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk). Fair $6,000, and house likely will close for one week fol- lowing this. Last week, $6,000. Paramount (United Par) (1.900; 60-80)— “Reap Wild Wind" (Par) (reissue). Fair $6,000. Last week, “White Christmas" (Par) (4th wk). fancy $10,000, to wind one of best I runs ever at this house. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 70-90) — (Desiree" (20th) (3d wk). Fairish $4,000; may hold. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Tower, Uptown, Granada (Fox Midwest) (2.100; 2.043; 1.217; 65- 85) — "Farmer’s Daughter" (RK) and (Notorious" (RKO) (reissues). Blah $6,000. Last week. “Trouble in Glen" (Rep) and “Hell’s Out- post" (Rep), $10,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-$l) — “Pickwick Papers" (Indie) (2d wk). Moderate $1,500. Last week, $1,600. ‘She-Wolf’ Smooth 5G, Omaha; ‘Athena’ 10G Omaha, Dec. 14. Pre-Xmas slack, first snow of the year and icy streets all are de- livering body blows to first-run takes this session. “She-Wolf" is above average at the Brandeis, however, for a good total. “Athena” is okay at the Orpheum. “4 Guns To Border" is okay at the Omaha. “Last Time I Saw Paris" is wind- ing at the State after three weeks. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO) (1,700; 55-75)— “She-Wolf" (Rep) and "Tobor the Great" (Rep). Flashy campaign helping this to good $5,000 or near, excellent for season of year. Last (Continued on page 26) B way Slow But ‘Heart’ Fast 172G, . ‘Star Firm 27G 9th, ‘Paris’ 27G 4th, ‘Passion’-Vaude 22G, ‘Gate’ Opens Big Broadway film business is swing- ing low this session, with Xmas shopping and a plethora of ex- tended-runs blamed for the down- beat. Most first-run theatres are holding their current product until they are ready to open their Christmas week bills. As a conse- quence. few houses are displaying much boxoffice stamina. Outstanding exception to the downbeat, of course, is the Music Hall with its Christmas stageshow and “Deep In My Heart.’’ Opening a week later than has been the custom in recent years, the Hall was swamped last Saturday with a $35,000 gross on the day, one of the peak Saturdays in the history of the house. It is heading for a wow $172,000, one of the great opening rounds for the Hall’s Christmas show. Long lines both Saturday and Sunday helped nearby theatres since they got the overflow. Sold- out situation last Saturday, when an extra early morning show was given, was complicated by the fact that special bus loads of out-of- towners arrived in the city with the visitors intent on seeing the Hall’s show. Even all reserved seats for the early Saturday morn- ing show were sold out before the house opened that day. “Star Is Born” continues very staunch with $27,000 racked up in the ninth stanza at the Victoria. It continues, with end of run not in sight until after the holidays. “Last Time I Saw Paris" is holding well, with a solid $27,000 or near likely in the current (4th) session at the Capitol. Despite t-he all-day rain yester- day (Tues.), the Japanese import. "Gate of Hell” opened with long lines at the Guild. "Passion” with-] vaudeville is heading for a nice $22,000 or close at the Palace. Elsewhere, biz is sagging for the most part. “Track of Cat" looks only mild $26,000 in second round at the Paramount. “Desiree’’ like- wise shapes only fair at $36,000 in fourth frame at the Roxy, with “No Business Like Show Business” preeming tomorrow (Thurs.) night. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 50-$1.75) — “On Waterfront” (Col) (21st- final wk>. Held with good $13,000 in 20th stanza ended last night (Tpes.). The 19th week was $14.- 000. Holds only 5 days of current week, with “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (Disney) opening Dec. 19. Little Carnegie (Indie) <528; $1.25-$2.20) — “Aida" (IFE) (5th wk). This session winding today (Wed.) shapes to get nice $9,500 after $11,400, over hopes, in fourth week. Stays on. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) — “Game of Love" (Indie). Opened yesterday (Tues.). In ahead, “No- torious” (Indie) (reissue) (3d wk-4 days), was good $2,500 after $4,200 in second full week. This pic did the best of any film here for some time. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 85-$2.20) — “Last Time Saw Paris" (M-G) (4th wk). Current round winding tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to get solid $27,000 after $33,000 for third week. “Vera Cruz” (UA), a Technicolor Superscope produc- tions. opens Dec. 25. Criterion (Moss) (1,700; 50-11.85) — “Country Girl” (Par). Opens to- night (Wed.) with a benefit preem for U. S. Olympic Fund; regular run starts Dec. 16. In ahead, “Sa- brina” (Par) (12th wk), was good $10,000 after $11,000 in 11th week, to make an unusually strong long- run here. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$ 1.80) —“The Detective" (Col) (7th wk). The sixth round ended Sunday <12) continued solidly with $7,200 after $8,300 for fifth week. Continues on. Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-S1.50) —“This Is Your Army" (20th). Opened yesterday (Tues.). In ahead, “Battleground" (M-G) and "Asphalt Jungle" (M-G) (reissues) (3d wk-4 days), okay $5,000 after $8,500 for second full week. Guild (Guild) (450; $1-$1.80) — “Gate of Hell" (Indie). Opened Monday (13). In ahead, “Lavender Hill Mob" (U> and "Tight Little Island" (U) (reissues) (3d wk-5 days), oke $2,700 after solid $3,800 in second full week. Had long lines yesterday (Tues.) after paid pre- view Monday. Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736; 79- $1.80)— "Sitting Bull" (UA) (3d wk). Current stanza ending today (Wed), looks to reach fair $11,000 after $14,500 for second week. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80) — “Heart of Matter" (Indie) (4th-final wk). Present stanza fin- ishing tomorrow’ (Thurs.) is head- ing for okay $3,500 after $3,300 in third week. “Big Day” (Indie) opens Friday (17>. Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$1.60)— “Passion" (RKO) and vaudeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to land nice $22,000. Last week, "Atomic Kid" (Rep) and vaude. $24,000. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3.664; 85- $1.75) — “Track of Cat" (WB) (3d wk). Second stanza ended last night (Tues.) was mild $26,000 after $31,000 opening week. “Sil- ver Chalice" (WB) opens Christ- mas week. Paris (Pathe Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80) — “Bread, Love, Dreams" (IFE) (13th wk). The 12th frame ended Sunday (12) was okay $6,500 after $8,000 in 11th week. Stays on, with “Animal Farm" (Indie) due in next, probably right after Xmas day. Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 85-$2)— "Carmen Jones" (20th) (7th wk). Current frame ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for good $12.- 500 after $19,000 in sixth week. “Prince of Players" (20th) set to come in as Christmas pic. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6.200; 95-$2.75)— "Deep In My Heart" (M-G) with annual Christmas stageshow. Soaring to wow $172,000 in first session end- ing today (Wed.). Holding, natch! Had biggest opening day of any Christmas show while Saturday, which hit $35,000, was near peak for non-holiday Saturday. In ahead, “White Christmas" (Par) and stageshow’ (8th wk), $122,500. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) — “Desiree" (20th) (4th-final wk). This round concluding today (Wed.) looks like fair $36,000 after $40,- 000 for third week. Helped over weekend by overflow from Hall. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75) —“Phffft” (Col) (6th wk). Fift^h stanza ended last night (Tues:) Was mildish $11,000 after $13,500 for fourth week. “3-Ring Circus" (Par) opens Dec. 24. Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50)^- “High and Dry" (1,140; $1.75- $2.65) — “Cinerama" (Indie) (35th wk). Holding to remarkably fine pace. Apparently not too much hurt by pre-holiday and weather. Tall $16,000. Last week, $17,500. Gopher (Berger) (1,600; 65-85) — (Continued on page 26) 10 Wednesday, December 15, 1934 pictiuks ISSraEfr IN U. S. FRENCHMEN GO IT ALONE; MONEY DOESN’T JUSTIFY COOPERATION The individualistidally • minded f fj k French producers cannot see the point of undertaking an industry- wide effort to push French fea- tures in the U. S. and instead pre- fer going their separate ways, sup- porting only those films that show definite commercial appeal. It is this attitude, along with the realization that funds available are insufficient to meet the require- ments of exploitation in the Amer- ican market, which has ruled out any possibility of establishing a French industry office in N. Y., ac- cording to George Lourau, leading French producer-distrib and presi- dent of Unifrance. Latter is the org set up by the French to pro- mote their pix in markets abroad. Unifrance is expanding outside the U. S. New offices will be es- tablished in London and Madrid in January, Lourau said. As for the U. S.: “We just don’t have enough money to do a job here. There’s no use spending just a small amount. It’d just be lost,” he commented. Asked whether he didn’t think that the job done by Italian Films Export in publicizing Italo star names in this country was of value at the b.o., Lourau agreed, but countered with another question: “Do you think IFE has been a suc- cess?” Answer, which Lourau failed to supply, is that — finan- cially — the Italo agency has been running- in the red, partly due to a lack of top attractions during the first half of 1954 and partly due to overhead. Significantly, Lourau has been talking a deal for his “Wages of Fear” with IFE, indications being that the Italians are hot after the property on which bidding has been heavy. Lourau, who’s repped in the U. S. by John G. McCarthy, said he wasn’t talking either for any of his other pix or for films from other French producers. Play Up ’Big’ Ones He said he believed basically in the ability of the indies to release French films in the American mar- ket, but occasional “big” pic- tures would come along which needed different handling. Lourau said the French government would not allow French producers to ac- cept lira guarantees from IFE for French films that might be taken on by IFE in N. Y. There was con- cern among the indies that, were such deals allowed, the Italians could easily outbid any American indie. McCarthy explained reports that he would become IFE prexy, say- ing that he and the Italians had been discussing theoretical devel- opments, should IFE take on “Wages of Fear.” “I’d want to be in a position to supervise distri- bution of the picture, and for that I would have to be close to the organization,” he stated. Lourau is one producer who be- lieves firmly that the French should continue making their films primarily for their own domestic audiences and not with a view to their potential in the U. S. mar- ket. He said 40%> of the French industry’s revenue now comes from abroad — it used to be 25% — and that of the 40%, only 10% maximum is derived from the American market. With the ex- ception of making films that also happen to appeal to U. S. audi- ences, there is little the French industry can do to better its Amer- ican take, he felt. McCarthy added that one of the problems of the foreign producer was that the U. S. is “self-con- tained.” Unlike exhibs elsewhere, American theatremen can get along without imports, he opined. “So the best we can do is just nibble around the edges of the market and hope to get as nug-h of it as possible,” he added. C'Scope-Slanted Lourau’s production program via his Filmsonor outfit is being slanted towards Cinemascope, a tendency common to other Euro- pean producers. “More and more theatres are equipping for Cinema- Scope, and they need the product,” he observed. He thought that, with the proper subjects, the C ’Scope tag might aid French im- ports in grabbing off a more siz- able slice of business in the Amer- ican commercial houses. Slated for C'Scope treatment by Lourau next year is a story based on the Lido show in Paris, a musi- cal revue which will be done in color; and a new Rene Clair film, “Les Grandes Maneuvres,” which rolls next April. A comedy-drama played against the background of a small French cavalry garrison town in 1912, it’ll star Gerard Philipe. Lpurau is also coproducer of thr Sacha Guitry film, “Napoleon,” which is due for completion at the end of January. It was shot for the wide screen but not in Cinema- Scope. Asked whether he was con- cerned about American censor ac- tivity, the French producer an- swered in the negative. “We pro- duce for Europe,” he said. “We don’t care particularly about what the censors do here.” He said tha.t, in France, films occasionally drew criticism from the Catholic Church, but that such condemna- tion didn’t carry the same b. o. weight as it might in the U. S. Re: Festivals On the question of the Cannes and Venice film festivals, Lourau said that, privately, he wasn’t sure that one such event a year wasn’t sufficient. However, he added, “I am a good citizen,” pointing out that both the French and the Ital- ian governments had declared that the festivals would continue to- gether. As president of Unifrapce, Lourau said he would support both festivals every year. The In- ternational Federation of Film Producers Assns. at its last meet in Madrid decided that, starting in 1956, it would only support one competitive international film fest a year. It urged Cannes and Ven- ice authorities to agree on an ar- rangement under which they’d go on alternate years. Heart Clinic By Circuit A special closed-circuit session for doctors over a coast-to-coast network is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Telecast, presented by the American Medical Assn., will con- cern heart disease. The “videoclinic” will be trans- mitted by coaxial cable and micro- wave relay by the Tele-Sessions division of Theatre Television Net- work to hotels and auditoriums in about 50 cities. At locations where the TNT telecast is scheduled for showing, local county medical so- cieties will serve as hosts. More than 18,000 doctors are expected to witness the telecast. Skipping any distribution tieup with Italian Films Export for the present at least, International Af- filiates will handle the N.Y. first- run bow of George Lourau’s "Wages of Fear.” French pic is due to open at the Paris Theatre around next February. Decision to go it alone for the opener was taken by Lourau and John G. McCarthy, International Affiliates topper and Lourau’s U.S. rep, prior to the French producer’s departure for Paris Monday (13). Failure of IFE and Lourau to agree on a deal is attributed to IFE’s reluctance to allow McCarthy to assume the kind of control in the Italo agency which Lourau be- lieves is necessary to insure proper handling of his pic or pix, as the case may be. Discussions while Lourau was in N.Y. centered on the possibility of McCarthy moving in as IFE prexy. In such a case, it’s reasoned, the entire Lourau lineup would likely have gone into the IFE fold which, though now bolstered by some strong product, could stand more b.o. films. It’s understood that IFE also wasn’t exactly happy about a proposition under which it would take over “Wages of Fear” follow- ing the firstrun engagement in N.Y. It did agree to such an ar- rangement on two prior occasions, one in the case of “The Little Crock Mag Inltrvitwtr Maurice Zolotow hat kit own Ideas of The Quiet Ones (Inlarviawt Thai It) * * * one of Hio many byline piece* in the upcoming 49 th Anniversary IS umber of I'SniE ty DUE SOON Cooper Producing Third Cinerama for Thomas; Wages to Whitney Corp. Hollywood, Dec. 14. Merian C. Cooper, who recently inked a straight five year deal as production veepee of new C. V. Whitney Pictures, Inc., with per- mission by Whitney for extra du- ties, has closed verbal agreement with Low'ell Thomas to co-produce “Seven Wonders of the World," which will be Cinerama’s third re- lease. Cooper explains that whatever salary he receives from Cinerama will go to Whitney company. Cooper and Thomas had worked on "Wonders” idea earlier. Thomas recently resigned presidency of Cinerama to set up Lowell Thomas Productions under whose banner "Wonders” will now be made. Cooper has already completed story line. Over weekend he sent Andrew Marton to Athens to re- place Ted Tetzlaff, who became hospitalized while directing camera unit. Paul Mantz, who previously had headed camera unit in other parts of world, also was dispatched to Far East with another unit. Max Steiner will compose, Lou Forbes directs music score. Milburn McCarty Associates, Inc., has been chartered to conduct a motion picture, advertising and publishing business in New York, with capital stock of $10,000, $1 par value. Directors are: Milburn McCarty and Eleanor White Mc- Carty and Millard L. Midonick. Polier & Midonick were filing attorneys. without a middleman. World of Don Camillo” and the other — in modified form — with “Bread, Love and Dreams.” In both instances IFE did handle the publicity end of the runs. For a producer to handle the N.Y. firstrun himself is a policy that entails a certain risk. If the pic clicks, he’s in a position to ask tall coin from a distrib. If it doesn’t — and this was the case with "Don Camillo” — it doesn’t bring any price. On the other hand, there are obvious economic advan- tages in milking the N.Y. release Ix-'Varitly' Reporter Claude Binyon ho* written hit own private viewpoints on 1954 — More or Less * * * a humorous byline piece in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of Z'SkIETy DDE SOON ‘Wages’ Into Paris, N. Y., on Own; Lourau-Italian Deal Snags New York Sound Track Senn Lawler from Kansas City (Fox) writes Variety as follows: “Coincidental announcements by Mike Todd and David Selznick that they (each or both) intended to make "War and Peace” prompts one to wonder if the millions of people who never progressed beyond Page 10 in the book should be regarded as a potential audience for the picture.” One of the oldest and most celebrated props on the Universal lot | is no more. The 60-by-40-foot rug, purchased about 30 years ago for $8,500 by the late Carl Laemmle when he saw it in the foyer of the La Scala Opera House in Milan, has come to an ignominious end. Reason was a hurry-up call for 150 carpet b^gs to be carried by travelers in a St. Louis railroad station for a sequence in “Tacey,” a st^y dealing with a period when carpet bags were common. So they cut the rug . . . Cecil B. •DeMille taking liberties in lensing "Ten Commandments.” He’s substituting camels, presumably because they’re more picturesque, for the oxen that were used in the period . . . Asso- ciated Motion Picture Advertisers holds its 38th annual Christmas party Dec. 21 at the Piccadilly Hotel . . . Loew’s prexy Nicholas M. Schenck and veepee and treasurer Charles Moskowitz, postponed their trip to the Coast because of the illness of production chief Dore Schary. . Alan Stone named assistant account ♦xec under Fred Golden in the- atrical department of Blaine-Thompson ad agency . . . Praesens Films of Zurich, Switzerland, headed by Lazar Wechsler, has signed licensing agreement to produce all forthcoming pix in Perspecta stereophonic sound . . . Frances Langford signed for Universal’s “The Benny Good- man Story.” It’s the thrush’s second role In a film biog of an orch leader, first being “The Glenn Miller Story,” also for U. . . . A. P. Waxman to handle publicity-exploitation of “Princess Cinderella” for Carroll Pictures. , Tyrone Power said at a press luncheon in Toronfo last week (while there in “The Dark Is Light Enough”) that he has really liked only four of his 40 Hollywood films — “Blood and Sand,” "Razor’s Edge,” “Nightmare Alley” and “The Long Grey Line,” his new one for John Ford. William A. Harper named associate producer by Fred Feldkamp’s newly formed FF Productions, independent company which has sched- uled two untitled features for 1955. Harper headed the Marine Corps Photographic Dept, on the staff of the Commandant during ( lie Korean war, more recently in tv and commercial film production in N.Y. Actor Alan Dexter, the Hollywood version of the Alan Dreeben known to Broadway legit, in town last week to see the plays . . .Despite Cecil B. DeMille’s offer to pay half of the $25,000 needed to save the old DeMille home place in Washington, N. C., townspeople failed to get up their half. Schine Trial Opens With Federal Request Witnesses Be Excluded; Allege Tricky Legal Devices FILM MEN RAISE FUNDS Mulvey, Depinet, Schwartz Spark N. Y. Charities Trio of film industry execs in N.Y. is taking an active hand in fund raising. James A. Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, is film division chairman for the N. Y. Visiting Nurse Service’s campaign, which has a quota of $425,000. Ned E. Depinet, RKO consultant, is seeking contributions for the Young Women's Christian Assn. Sol A. Schwartz, president of RKO Theatres, is working in be- half of the Arthritis and Rheuma- tism Foundation. Sclnvartz, incidentally, manned a telephone on the ABC telethon benefit for the ARF Saturday (11). Among the contributions he ac- knowledged was one for $1,000 from Albert A. List, RKO Theatres board chairman. RKO audience collections provided over $3,000 for the same cause. ‘NICKLEODEON’ BANQUET HONORS FOUR VETS Philadelphia, Dec. 14. Four film pioneers, veterans of the nickelodeon era, will be hon- ored by Motion Picture Associates of Philadelphia at a dinner in the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Jan. 18. They are William C. Hunt, oper- ator of a chain of theatres in the Jersey resort area; Abe Sablosky, who began in Norristowm, Pa., and later became a v.p. of the Stanley Co. of America; Benjamin Amster- dam, who began as a distrib and later formed Atlantic Theatres, South Jersey chain, and Albert R. Boyd, indie exhib who also became a Stanley Co. v.p. and for whom the Boyd Theatre here was named. The diwner will be held in con- junction with the dedication of the "Nickelodeon,” replica of an early type of film house which has been set up in the Franklin Institute, under the sponsorship of William Goldman, indie exhib and produ- cer. Nickeloden is planned by Gold- man as a shrine' to the industry. George Jessel will be the toast- master at the MPA dinner. Buffalo, Dec. 14. Trial of Schine Theatres Inc. and associated defendants in Fed- eral Court here on charges of criminal and civil contempt opened last week before Judge John Knight. The Government attorney, John G. McDowell, immediately requested the judge to order the courtroom cleared of witnesses because he feared there was “dan- ger of recollections being altered if witnesses hear each other.” The judge granted this request. Prior to the trial Judge Knight had denied a motion by Schine counsel which would have required the Government to produce cer- tain documents and reports claimed to be germane to the case. In opening the proceeding Mc- Dowell charged the defendants had used “schemes and subterfuges” in many separated parts of the United States in a further conspiracy to conceal their interest in and op- eration of the theatres of which they had been ordered to divest themselves in Federal Court in 1949. The use of dummy corporate organizations such as Hildamart, Darnell and Elmart corporations were cited as being the means by which the subterfuge was carried on. In Wooster, O., the Justice Department attorneys stated, cer- tain theatres were supposed to have been turned over to one Joseph Cohen whom the Govern- ment alleges never operated any theatre there and thpt the claimed sales to him were fictitious opera- tions defeating the Government requirement that Schine dispose of the theatres. Fostoria, O., was also cited by McDowell as a situation in which Schine interests had made os- tensible disposition of the theatre to a Schine-owned subsidiary, on the strength of which, Schine chain was permitted to keep a theatre in Tiffin, O., in consideration for giving up Fostoria. Schine counsel claimed a three- year limitation on matters of con- tempt barred proof of acts alleged lo have occurred before March 1-951, MV<1ne» i ^ before its next meeting. Louil d meetS ln Februar y at St. Grainger Names 12 Due Via RKO Hollywood, Dec. 14. James R. Grainger, RKO presi- dent, declares that the company is in the “strongest, most mobile po- sition” that it has enjoyed since Howard Hughes took control, with six independent producers ready to turn out a minimum of 12 quality pictures in 1955. Lineup includes Edmund Grain- ger Productions with “The Treas- ure of Pancho Villa” and “Oh, Promised Land”; Benedict Bo- geaus. with “Escape to Burma” just completed and an untitled Barbara Stanwyck starrer starting in Feb- ruary; David Butler with “Miracle at Santa Anita”; King Bros, with “The Boy and the Bull” and “The Two-Headed Spy”; Nat Holt with “Seven Bad Men” finished and a second film starting in six weeks, and Sol Lesser with Tarzan’s "Hid- den Treasure” completed and an- other feature to follow. After nearly fight years of meet- ings, agitation and pressuring for and against, a system of arbitra- tion of film industry disputes ap- pears near (or almost) at hand. One of the key points agreed to by film companies and a group of theatremen is that complainant exhib parties to any proceeding will be entitled to collect, as a maximum, the equivalent of double their actual adjudged damages for the period of two years prior to their filing the arbitration com- plaint. Accord on this and various other issues has been reached among negotiators for the Motion Picture Assn, of America and’ Theatre Own- ers of America. Although TOA so far has been the only theatre or- ganization to participate in the huddled with MPAA, all theatre- men will be privileged to avail themselves of the arbitration machinery as it is established. Agreement so far has been in broad, oral form. It’s now the job of reps of both MPAA (meaning all the principal film companies) and TOA to reduce this to writing. While all parties to any arbi- trated matter will pay specified fees, actually the distributors will underwrite the expense of the setup. This provides for the or- ganization of arbiter panels in each area comprised of one repre- sentative each from exhibition, distribution and a so-called neutral source. The physical facilities of the American Arbitration Assn, will be used but AAA itself will not be a part of the arbitration function. Arbitrable Issues Arbitrable matters reportedly agreed to include all questions of runs, clearances and pre-releascs. Importantly among these is whether a theatreman is entitled to bargain for films on a first-run basis in his area. Significantly ex- cluded is how' much the distributor charges for film. Allied States (Continued on page 24* Pursuing Anew That Elusive Unity, But Where’s the Boat Big Enough To Hold AD Exhibs— Myers, Too? SIMFF Ffxy Ellis Arnall details why and how The Seven Lean Years Are Over * * * an interesting editorial feature in tlin forthcoming 49th Anniversary ISumber of DUE SOON 1 + Can the Utopia of exhibitor unity, and in a larger sense any true industry unity ever be truly achieved? The pessimists, and there are quite a few habitual ones in the business, are of course denying any such goal— even the compara- tively limited one of exhib solidar- ity — is unattainable for reasons both practical and imagined. But, without there being any sign of definitive action on an ex- hib get together, indications are multiplying that industry crises are bringing theatremen closer to- gether than ever. And there have, of late, been more calls for a unit- ed exhibition stand than ever be- fore. One of the outstanding facts, as men with their fingers close to exhibition pulse see it, is the basic change taking place in the busi- ness, a change which started with larger screens and is ending up with fewer but bigger pictures. “The product shortage," widely decried by exhibitors; the basic concern about the continued flow of the stuff that makes the b.o. tick is making many exhibition leaders realize the futility of the split in exhibition ranks. There have been two recent ex- been taken as yet to organize such a session. The sales managers of the com- panies affiliated with the Motion Picture Assn, of America met two weeks ago to discuss the machinery for setting up the session. Aim of the proposed meet was to thrash out the many trade differences that is resulting in the current (Continued on page 26) Economical Toll-TV Needs Wavelengths USE OF LINES AS IN THEATRE— TV TOO COSTLY — ADVOCATES AND OPPONENTS TAKING THEIR ARGUMENTS TO PUBLIC— MEANWHILE FCC STILL STALLS Friends and foes of toll-tv, still without knowl- edge as to the exact time or method of a Federal Communications Commission move to handle the hot subscription video issue, are taking their battle out into the open and to the public. Exhibition’s Joint Committee on toll-tv in N. Y. last week reiterated its position re pay-as-you-see and also promised a drive to “inform the public of the true facts” about the new proposed medium. Zenith Radio Corp. spokesmen on the other hand were busy looking for support among both the pub- lic and industry. Millard C. Faught, Zenith’s east- ern economic consultant and perennial toll-tv praiser, spoke before the Ad Club in Hartford, and legit theatre interests were told of the benefits tee-tv might have in store - for them. Coincidentally, Ralph Bellamy, Actors Equity prez, spoke his piece — favoring toll-tv — in an article in Theatre Arts Magazine which has since been reproduced as paid ads in the trade press. Exhibition’s position, as voiced by Trueman Rembusch of Allied, one of the cochairmen of the toll-tv committee, boiled down to this: Theatremen are concerned lest the pay-as-you-see broadcasters establish themselves in a preferred economic posi- tion which, they maintain, may be tantamount to a monopoly in communications. Therefore, exhibs will fight to see that, should toll-tv be authorized, this be done “on the same economic basis as the- atre-tv.” No Special Franchise! By this they mean that the FCC should not au- thorize use of “free” air channels for anything but telecasts on the present commercial basis. “This committee has no objections to toll-tv” as long as it’s being done the same way as theatre-tv, i.e., via lines to each individual set, Rembusch maintained. Argument that the expenses involved would make any such system uneconomic is being shrugged off by the theatremen as they continue their battle to preserve freedom of the airwaves. Rembusch and Theatre Owners of America coun- sel Herman Levy revealed that the committee had retained the law firm of Marks Sc Cohn as its coun- sel in Washington to prepare a protest to the FCC on the question of authorizing pay-as-you-see on the That AD-Problem Confab Got Lost Theatre Owners of America will attempt to hold talks w'ith the dis- tribution companies on an indi- vidual basis if the proposed all-industry confab fails to ma- terialize. The idea for an all- industry meet, proposed recently by 20th-Fox sales chief A1 Licht- man, received enthusiastic backing from all segments of the industry. However, no concrete steps have j pressions along those lines. One came from S. H. Fabian. In a speech in Oklahoma City he as- serted that one big exhibitor or- ganization would move the indus- try five years' ahead in its thinking on the basis of only six months of concentrated effort. Were a refer- endum taken today, “our theatre owners would be overwhelmingly in favor of one central organiza- tion.” In Memphis, Tenn., last week, E. D. Martin, president of Theatre Owners of America, stated: “There is no reason why exhibitors should not unite and present a solid front for we all have the same prob- lems.” He called for “an end to the civil war that is sapping our strength and join together if we are to be effective.” That exhibs can. and will, work together harmoniously once con- vinced of the urgency of the cause has been demonstrated on various occasions. They pulled together in the fight to reduce the Federal in- come tax; and they now slcwrd to- gether. without division, on the is- sue of subscription-tv as witnessed by the press conference held at TOA headquarters in N. Y. last week by Allied’s Trueman Rem- busch. one of the cochairmen of exhibition’s Committee on Toll-Tv. While there are few exhibitor leaders who will not give lip serv- ice to the principles of theatre harmony, it r s felt in certain quar- ters that there are two prime ele- ments standing in the way of unity. One is the simple but honest dif- ference between “the little fellow” and “the big guy.” “They just don’t have the same interests when it comes to the everyday running of the business.” one exhibition leader commented. “No more so than the owner of a shoe factory has anything much more than shoes in common with the little shoemaker store around the corner.” The other big factor standing in the way of exhibitor unity is a human and not easily definable one. Impression is gained that, in Allied at least, even if the mem- bership were to favor unification of exhibition under one roof, the org’s leadership — and more specif- ically Allied counsel and board chairman, Abram F. Myers, wouldn’t allow It. Such comment comes not only from men in the rival camp, but also from observ- ers who might be called objective in every way. present proposed basis. Meanwhile, the committee has asked the Commission to delay any decision re the Zenith application which asked for immediate authorization of its Phonevision system, without a hearing. It was pointed out by Rembusch and others on the exhib committee that, should subscription-tv be operated on a closed-circuit basis, same as theatre- tv, it could go into operation immediately without the need for FCC okay. I Exhibs Raise Battle Fund ! The exhib toll-tv group is going to raise funds to carry on its fight and will invite advertising agen- cies and other interested parties to work along with it. Theatres plan to bring the issue to the public’s attention “as best we know.” It was admitted that this might well include use of theatre screens. Exhibs particularly resent toll-tv’s claim that it can remain a supplementary service, pointing out that, in one-station markets, use of the air for fee-tv would automatically deprive viewers who don’t want to pay off their chance to tune in on “free" shows. It’s pointed out further that the Zenith reference to its Chicago test is misleading since the outfit since then has switched to other “over-the- air” systems. | Bring Product To Audience In his Hartford speech, Faught maintained that toll-tv would provide “an instantaneous economical electronic distribution system" and that such a modern service was “acutely needed” since the present obsolete merchandising methods of most “cultural commodities” requiring a boxoflice fee are dependent on moving the audience to the prod- uct instead of delivering the product to the audi- ence. He stressed, too, that the new subscription service would be an addition, not a substitute to regular sponsored tv and would double the number of tv stations economically supportable in the U. S. Exhibition’s toll-tv committee is centering i' . fire primarily on the Zenith application due to its time aspect. Once the FCC has made It clear just what it has in mind, th ; application filed by Matthew Fox for Skiatron-TV also will undergo exhib scrutiny. 12 INTERNATIONAL 'VANITY'S' LONDON OPPICI • St. Martin's Placa, Trafalgar Sauara West End Still Bright; Shall Not’ Fine $8,400, ‘Pagan’ Smash 11G, 2d, ‘Lagoon Lively 8G, Xmas’ 8%, 4th London, Dec. 14. ♦ Tlie brisk pace of ftrstrun busi- ness, which has been a feature of West End theatpas through most of the year, continues without let- up. Strong newcomers in the last session included “Sign of the Pagan," which did a sock $11,000 in the second week at the Odeon, Leicester Square, after a smash initial round; "A Lion Is in the Streets," with a surprise $10,000 or over likely opening weak at the Warner, and the British made "Sea Shall Not Have Them," which is heading for a fine $8,400 in preesn atarza at the Oaumont. Also unusually stout is "Crea- ture from Black LagooiK” at Lon- don Pavilion. It looks to get $8,000 opening week. Holdover biz also is sturdy with "Garden of Evil," okay $7,000 in its third session at the Odeon, Marble Arch. Standout is "White Christ- mas" with a big $8,500 in its fourth Piaza round. Estimates for Last Week Carlton <20th) (1.128; 55-$1.70) "Broken Lance" (20th) 4th wk). Fair $4,500. Previous round was $4,900. "Long John Silver” (20th) preems Dec. 17. Casino (Indie) (1,337; 70-$2.15)— "Cinerama” (Robin) (5th wk) Get- ting okay $11,000. Empire (M-G) (3,099; 55-$1.70)— "Beau Brummell" (M-G) (4th wk). Fair $11,000. "Under Caribbean" (BL) and "Make Me An Offer" (BL) opens Dec. 9. Ganmont (CM A) <1.500; 50-$1.70) —"Sea Shall Not Have Them" (Erros). Set to do solid $8,400. "Svengali" )Renown) opens Dec. 18. Leicester Square Theatre 4CMA) (1,53; 50-$1.70) — "Magnificent Ob- session" (GFD) (3d wk). Finishing run at good $8,000 after $6,500 last week. "Phffft" (Col) preems Dec. 9. London Pavilion (UA) (1,217; 50- $1.70)— "Black Lagoon" (GFD). Heading for fine $8,000 or near. Stays. Odeon, Leicester Square (CMA) $2,200; 50-$1.70)— "Sign of Pagan (GFD) (2d wk). October $11,000 looms, sock. Smash $12,000 in open- ing week was $12,000. "One Good Turn (GFD) bows in Dec, 16. Odeon, Marble Arch (20th) , (2,200; 50-$1.70) "Garden of Evil" (20th) (3d wk). Dipping to okay $7,000 or near. Previous week $8,900. "Long John Silver" (20th) opens day date with the Carlton Dec. 17. Plasa (Par) (1,092 ; 70-$1.70)— "White Christmas" (Par) (4th wk) Still big at about $8,500. Con- tinues. Rialto ,20th) (992; . 50-$1.30)— "The Egyptian" (20th). Hitting average $3,000 or more. Stays. Rltu 4M-G) ($432; 50-$1.70)— "Barefoot Contessa" (UA) (3d wk) Nice $3,200. Continues. Warner (WB) (1,735; 50-$1.70)— "Lion in Streets" (WB>. Likely to top okay $10,000 in first and only week. "Carrington, VC" (IFD) opens Doc. 9. Sir Henry L* French (D’r«c>*r Gtnmrai »f Brkith Hlmt Pr*Ww««ra Amu.) kos kit ewa Ideo of o progroM of Films for Children Only * • * on iotorosHof kytlao piece la the apceailaf 49th Annivertary Number of OUT SOON More West German Fix Nearly Doubles Biz At East Germany's Cinemas Berlin, Dec. 7. According to statistics hero, there "has been a strong increase of film theatre attendance figures within the last three years in Soviet-occupied Germany. There were 260,000,000 patrons this year as against 210.000,000 in 1953 and 140,000,000 patrons in 1952. West German observers say the reason for this upbeat lies in the fact that there are more and more films from West Germany and other western countries being shown in East Germany. Some of the foreign pix cur- rently running in this part of Ger- many include "Clochemerle,” "La Respecteuse Prostitute," "Les Va- cances de M. Hulot," "Monsieur Taxi," all French pix; Italy’s "Vul- cano" and "A Penny Worth of Hope"; England’s "Pickwick Pa- pers" and "Moulin Rouge"; the Swedish films, "One Summer of Happiness" and "Ardent Loves of My Youth." The number of West German films shown in East Ger- many is particularly big. Other statistics reveal that 1,133 export orders for Gertaan films were fulfilled during the distribu- tion year 1953-54. Leading fcere Skouras, In London For CScope Anni, Sees Eidophor As Cinema B.O. Aid Ernest Turnbull Mmnm fine t>irtf»r mf NmyTt T kit ft IN. mmd Chmirmmn •# 20th C •*- fury-fox FUm$ (AvttrmHm) details the hew end whyfere ef CinemaSco pe — Australia's Anchor Against TV e * * a bylina piece la the fertkcemlaf 49th Annivertary Number ef * PGSTETy DUE SOON (45), United States 44), Italy (18), England (17), Middle apd South American countries (42), Canada Irish Censorshqi .Getting Tougher Dublin, Dec. 7. Distributors 'here are complain- ng that censorship under Martin Brennan, who took office from Richard Hayes on the letter’s re- _ tirement earlier this year, is get- Turkey (26)’, Portugal (24), Norway ting tougher. Recently, "Barefoot Finland 16». Contessa" (UA) has run into a hassle over last reel scenes re cently while "The Young Lovers’ (GFD) was scissored to shorten kissing scenes and take out some dialog. The Kinematograph Renters’ So- ciety here has protested to the censor on his severity. One mem ber says that increased severity is shown by the increase in number of appeals going before Appeals Board — not over rejections but be- cause of censor’s demands for scissoring. Current Appeal Board schedule shows five appeals in two weeks. Leggy dance sequences are in- clined to arouse censor’s ire in musicals and he has been cracking down on so-called "excessive bru- tality." Publicity on pix al6o has been coming in for some heavy bluepencll work. The film trade does not seem to have much public sympathy on their protests. The general view current i6 that the censorship is “not too bad” and "some pictures have been asking for scissoring/' CScope in 2, 1 European Houses Paris, Dec. 14, First annl of C’Scope in France the German-speaking countries — i s this month, and figures show a Austria (182), the Saar (165), Swit- steady growth in boxoffice ingtalla- zerland (120), Luxembourg (106), tlons all over France and the Con- Holland ( 86 ►, Belgium (53), France tinent. As of now, there are 401 C’Scope houses in France, with 2,089 throughout Europe. About 123 houses are now being outfitted (41), Sweden^ <32), Denmark (28), | for CScope.' Most of them have stereophonic sound, but Perspecta has also made inroads, 55 houses using it. Most films have been from 20th- Fox but Warners has had two and Metro is preparing an Xmas Issue of "Knights of the Round Table." Top grosser with 104 bookings was "The Robe’’ (20th) with $1,473,000. Next was "How to Marry a Million- aire" (20th), in 80 spots, for $399,- $$$, "Khyber Rifles” (20th), $384, 000 for 41 runs, ‘Twelve Mile Reef" (20th), 61 spots, $342,000. Others have since come out, in eluding "Garden of Evil" (20th), "The Command" (WB) and "Rich ard the Lion Hearted" (WB). A Gallic anamorphoscope proc ess already haa been used for L’Or Des Pharoans" ("Gold of the Pharoahs." It is called Cine- panoramic. This also will be the process on "Hunchback of Notre Dame." Two pix are rolling in CScope, with 20th-Fox to disfrib, the Franco-German "Oasis" and Gallic "Fortune Carre" See Higher Brit Film Earnings Hurting U. S. London, Dec. 14. At a Savoy luncheon to celebrate the first anni of Cinemascope in Great Britain, Spyros P. Skouras, the 20th-Fox topper, gave details of the progress being made with Eidophor, the theatrical television process which he acquired in Swit- zerland some time ago. Full scale demonstrations of the process were promised within the next few months. Skouras forecast that the devel- opment of this process would stim- ulate an even greater return to the theatre than had been accom- plished by C’Scope in the course of a year. He anticipated it would lead to a new enthusiasm on the part of the picturegoing public. In a brief resume of the develop- ment of C'Scope, the 20th-Fox chief pointed out that when "The Robe" was screened in September last year, only one theatre in the U. S. had been retooled with the anamorphic system. The total had mounted and by last Nov. 27, 9,771 theatres had befcn equipped throughout America. Not only were they making all their prod- uct in that medium, but every ma- jor producer, with the exception of Paramount, also was filming some pix in Cinemascope. And to meet the quota requirements of British exhibitors there would be eight to 10 British-made anamor- phic films each year. Skouras also confirmed that his studios were now developing a new wideangle anamorphic lens which would have a radius of 80 degrees against the present 65 to 70 de- grees. The aim was to continue developing until 20th-Fox had achieved an angle of at least 120 degrees, which would enhance the visual appeal of every CScope pro- duction. London, Dec. 7. The peak earnings being racked up by British pix in the domes- tic market, which are .currently running approximately 25% ahead of the same period last year, are hurting the bexofilce take of for- eign imports and mainly at the ex- pense of Hollywood product. This is the Informed trade opin- ion based on returns and an anal- ysis prepared by the British Film I the I Mex Hotelmen Agree To Give 4 % of Gross Biz To Plug Tourist Trade Mexico City, Dec. 7. Hotelmen in Mexico made his- tory at their annual convention in Acapulco when they voted to con- tribute 4% of their gross take to help the goveVnmant finance an intensified tourist trade publicity drive. The government recently allowed hotels to hike their tariffs 15%. This is the first time in Mex- ican history that hotelmen have backed tourism with their coin as a unit. The 4% donation was formally accepted for the government by Gustavo Ortiz Hernan, chief of the administration’s tourist depart- ment. The hotelmen figure the 4% contribution will amount to about $16,000,000 annually. Hernan revealed that the drive m ill use radio-tv as well as litera- ture in newspapers and mags, all aimed primarily at attracting the U. S. tourist, but with attention to Canada, Europe and Latin-Amer- lea. Uruguay Feie Prize To Pic Best for S. America London, Dec. 7. An innovation is to be intro- duced at next 'month’s Film Festi- val at Punta Del Este in Uruguay, ^ which will Operate for all future fetes in §outh America. There is to be a prize for the most suit- able film for the South American market. The Festival runs from Jan. 14 to Jan. 31. The • British Film Producers Assn., which has been invited to nominate three pix for screening at the Festival, have named John Sutro as its official delegate. It also has been urged by the Uru- guayan ambassador in London to send a strong star contingent. Brit. Lion Studio Co. Passes Common Divvy London, Dec. 14. With a drop in profits from $187, 600 in 1953 to $44,300 for the year ended last March 31, the British Lion Studio Co., which operates the Shepperton Studios, is passing paymeat of their common stock dividend. Last year dividend dis- tribution cost the company around $32,000. The company is a subsidiary of British Lion Film Corp., which has been in the hands of a receiver and manager since the National Film Finance Corp. foreclosed earlier in the year. The board re- ports that confab is proceeding with the NFFC in regard to related debts and to insure the continu ance of the company’a studios. Production Fund, the company re- sponsible for distributing the coin paid by exhibitors into the Eady pool. It is emphasized, however, that the British pic receipts in elude the earnings of films made in this country by the American majors, and some of these have been top grossers during the past year. Total cumulative rentals earned (Squared Fortune). Fodor’s ’Chimney’ Opens In Edinburgh Jan. 31 Edinburgh, Dec. 7. Joan Greenwood and D^vld Knight are aet for leading roles ^ in "The Moon and the Chimney," by British films for the year ended new play by Hungarian playwright July 31 last were slightly in ex- Ladislaus Fodor, which will have cess of $20,600,000, and that figure Ra world preem at the Lyceum was roughly $550,000 better than here Jan. 31. Miss Greenwood is in the previous year. recently back from Hollywood, In the first quarter of the new where she filmed w’ith Stewart Eady accounting year, Aug. 1 Granger and George Sanders in th * total soared to over “Moonfleet” for Metro. Knight is $5,745,000 is against $4,603,000 the young Boston, Mass., thesper for the same quarter in 1953. w h 0 starred in the new British Of the total rentals accruing to fl i m “The Young Lovers." British & ± r th * lait «“ ar , ter ’ Another new play for Edinburgh over $5,300,000 was earned by fea- will be the Edwardian comedy, "A tures and the remainder by shorts. K ind of Folly," starring Flora In the previous year, future film Robson and Jean Kent. It opens ^ n ^ 8 ^ m ° unted t0 ju8t 0V * r at the Lyceum Feb. 7, also under * .. » . . , the Sherek banner. Author is Owen Partly as a result of the higher Holder earnings, but mainly because of the lower Eady levy in operation .. ~ at that period, the payoff to pro- British Mfty LCIlSOr ducers from that fund has been sliced to 23%, whereas the average for the whole of 1953 topped 36%, and In 1954 was 34%. Stross, British ludie, Plans $700,000 Musical London, Dec. 14. Independent film producer Ray- mond Stross, who has been mak- ing "As Long As They’re Happy,” with Jack Buchanan, Jean Carson, Jerry Wayne and Diana Dors,- is planning a $700,000 musical pic for next year. Stross is flying to Hollywood in a few weeks to open negotiations with Donald O’Connor for the male lead. Jean Carson and Diana Dors are to play main feature roles. Sam Coslow is wilting the music. Dirty Film Posters London, Dec. 7. A warning to the picture indus- try that censorship may be ex- tended to film posters if the Indus try’s pledge to clean them up is not observed was made by Arthur T. L. Watkins, secretary of the British Board of Film Censors, when addressing the British Kine- matograph Society in London. Watkins charged a number of industryites with trying to cash in on the "X” certificate (adults only), and exploit the fact that "X" stands for sex and advertise "for adults only" In letters six feet high. Although he emphasized that the BBFC did not want to censor ad vertising, it w'ould have to consider entering this field if misleading advertising continued. ’White Christmas,’ ’Star,’ ’Waterfront’ Top Films Opening in Berlin Xmas Berlin, Dec. 7. Beginning of the Christmas sea- son sees Hollywood films playing a top role in the Kurfuerstendamm (preem house) theatres. Seven out of 12 first-runs are currently show- ing American pix, as against three Teutonic films, one British feature and one Franco-Italian product. A number of topflight U. S. pic- tures will still be preemed this month, such as Warner’s "Star Is Born,’’ due to have its European first performance Dec. 21 at Film- buehne Wien, "On the Waterfront" (Col) at Delphi, Dec. 30, and likely Paramount’s first YlstaVision film, "White Christmas" at FUmfheatre Berlin. Current Yank pix here include "Executive Suite," "Gone With Wind,” "All Brothers Were Val- iant," "Escape From Fort Bravo" (all Metro), "Living Desert" (RKO), "Hasty Heart" (WB) and "Phan- tom of Rue Morge," Warner pic in 3-D. Of the new crop, local scribes liked "Heart" best Also "Execu- tive Suite" found above-average appraisal. "Wild" and "Living Des- ert,” both on an extended run here, now as before are luring big crowds. Both the public and crix liked "Hobson’s Choice," a British film starring Charles Laughton, which wag preemed at the Astor. The most discussed German film here is still "08/15," now in Its fifth week at the Gloria Palast. Film, #hich depicts German prewar Army barrack life, is becoming a "must-see" item with the public. Marmorhaus preepied "Tanz in der Sonne" ("Dance in the Sun’’), Ger- man musical starring France’s Cec- ile Aubry. After seeing it. a ma- jority of crix had to admit again that there’s nothing to beat Holly- wood musicals. 202 U.S. Pix Exhibited In Mexico This Year Mexico City, Dec. 7. It won’t be any photo finish for Hollywood pix winning again in Mexico this year. Up to Nov. 30, of the 333 pix exhibited down here, 202 were American films. Mex pix, with 76, were second best on playdates. France was third with 28, Italy, 27; Spain, 13: 4 Wednesday, December 15, 1954 reaffirms its highly popular policy of delivering % ALL types of pictures ... for ALL types of theatres ... for •' S * * ALL types of screens! ...and reaffirms its conviction from years of YOUR experience that BIG Pictures are those that can make BIG Profits! For the CHARLES J. FELDMAN ANNUAL DRIVE we have selected with Special Care a powerful program of pictures... * ' < a Gdkl “BAKER’S DOZEN”... with that Universal appeal... all of them m Pre-Sold...all with “BUILT-IN” Exploitation * values in the best box-office tradition of Universal’s successful Showmanship. We cordially invite Exhibitors everywhere to again profitably participate as in the past. \\ I M-Zk r y y i ■ m&Jm »v+ y — »>r AS co pe A GREAT NOVEL 1 >em scrun O/rected by OOUGUS LYNDON by albert j. cohfn l^RIETY ednesday, December 15, 1954 JANUARY 3rd APRIL 30th ■ •:; ■ :•: »SS T ; sss* 11 rttS&.vy*-. Wednesday, December 15, 1954 IsKrIFty t: mmmm 5: ':■ • ■ • 7 .< ;< •: ■•: ms srcwrn RUTH ROMAN CORINNE CALVET WALTER BRENNAN u cchq# B y • ■ jpNflRP m $r ~~v { - tHk-- r i ; M« m < Jm mr * ' ,™« P~J U c„ 'P ,reC,0r -- ;'w.w kester e r 7 “h|*« >■»- ‘he River” anri«TL Bend of M) "er Story % ow h , eG,enn ...a/I t/, e , a " br,n e you of ‘he Yukon p^ 85 ' 003 ,n ‘he days of th tlCr Klondike Gold Rush! From the roaring raucous, rowdy pages of the best-loved legend of the West! Suggested by WAX BRAND S novel. DESTRY RIDES AGAIN ’* Directed by GEORGE MARSHALL Screenplay by EDMUND H. NORTH and D. D. BEAUCHAMP Produced by STANLEY RUBIN H - ' Wp^ESTRY”. . . the peace-loving stranger ftUD IE MURPHY BRANDY . . . the dance hall * entertainer ‘ * r AARl BLANCHARD "DECKER”. . . the crooked gambler *** LYLE BETTGER MARTHA”. .. the I* trusting ^JT sweetheart rr \ LORI NELSON V j ■ "BARN ABY”. . . the bottle-loving \2r sheriff THOMAS MITCHELL &W3&. wm* J f-Vt.-.-'.ijUj ’-Xvl-X /. //* • ■' • ■ ■ t : *rgai n • „ fight it 11 get hurt!” 4 W«lnfi(l«y, Dfcemlier 15, 1954 I i liil bringing stand! GfMLD ORAVSON LFOnaro GOIDSTEIN Wednesday, December 13, 1954 I'SkIUTy 17 Actually filmed rapids of the Colorado River! JANUARY 3rd sgpi :vYvX-- ; i :>: PmHHPMH v* * v . «...: •>' - SWK sa x : •» •» «0RGf f. SUV/N >, HomolZT Wcm< * IS PfcftlETY Wednesday, December 15, 1954 nil mmm JANUARY 3rd eaung studios preseni starrm ANTHONY STEEL A MICHAEL BALCON Production and Direction by CT.’AV. V X;> r & ^ ( r L ' WWI ^25 A irlM BE UiSi i v V i n ’T*\ n K A U ^rj: fss9s ftlvi ( Li *MT y. "ncov r "'e Ih n ' or *« r, °v e /f He' A: At// *?/(-/ / they conquered 1 A SAVAGE WORLD ] ...TIMELESS AND ,X TERR» blE! Actually litmed in ■Bl « New Zealand! lnet*dav, December IS, 1954 ORGANIZATION ARTHUR * fAYA'RAKI N I N wW- |, ' oduceer 15, 1954 Clips From Film Row 7 + + +++ ♦♦♦+♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ + + + NEW YORK Louise Leonard, manager of Loew s Lexington Theatre, recov- ering from an operation. A1 Gutterman. manager of Loew’s Coney Island Theatre, con- valescing at home after hospitaliza- tion for a back injury. Altec Service Corp. inked a pact with Stepamclau Inc., a Brandt Theatres subsid, covering sound equipment in 14 New Jersey houses. Deal was negotiated by Martv Wolf. Altec assistant sales manager, and Arthur Sommer, who repped Brandt. William Moclair, Roxy Tlieatie N. Y.. managing director, bedded by virus attack, but hopes to be back on the job this week. CHICAGO Package show of four short subjects produced by George K. Arthur opening at Carnegie foi Xmas. . .. Oriental Theatre painting in- terior for first time since it opened in 1926; also mulling the “flying C'Seope screen for possible stage shows. Variety Club of Illinois present- ed additional checks amounting to $75,000 to La Rabida Sanitarium, partly from work done by women s group of the local tent. Chicago Theatre held nearly a five-hour show last week in pre- viewing 98-minute “So ’1 his Is Paris” and uncut version of “Star Is Born.” . Bill Carroll, Chicago American amusement editor, starting new midweek feature to bally the best films currently playing here as picked by critic Ann Marsters. John Balaban. B&K topper, back from his resort in La Quinta, Calif. LOS ANGELES Herh Kaufman, former manager for Hal R. Makelim enterprises in the midwest, upped to veopee of company, succeeding John Wolf- berg. resigned. Dave Bovd assigned as manager of Fox West Coast s Culver City merchandising warehouse follow- ing the retirement of Murray L. Mosby. George Bagnall & Associates. Inc., signed George Green as sales rep covering 11 western states, with headquarters here. He for- merly was with KGO-TV, San Francisco. William B. Hughes, with Ansco for 14 years, upped to manager of company’s L. A. sales district, cov- ering California, Nevada and Arizona. M. Spencer Leve aDpointed su- pervisor of southern California di- vision of Fox West Coast. He for- merly was supervisor of circuit’s northern California division and more recently assistant to Edwin F. Zabel. FWC’s general manager. $25-a-plate dinner to benefit MPA welfare fund. Merton Shapiro, co-owner of the Arcadia, Merben and Mayfair, suf- fered broken leg in an auto acci- dent, in which his wife also was injured. Don Battles, manager of the RDA Club, one of the midtown’s larger private clubs, played host to the entire Vine Street film colony at a pre-holidays cocktail party. Jack Beresin named to handle Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Maryland and D.C. territory for amusement division of National Conference of Christians and Jews. Jay Emanuel, trade publisher, will serve as city chairman for Beresin. Gene Tuniek named local branch manager for United Artists, suc- ceeding Mort Magill, who resigned to become division sales manager for Walt Disney’s Buena Vista. Tuniek formerly was Eagle-Lion branch manager in Indianapolis and N. Y. Opera Aid ^ Continued from pas* 3 — also opined that audiences are now ready for more good music on the screen. Via Cinemascope and ste- reo sound, opera may well come into its own in film theatres, he thought, adding there was no rea- son why someone couldn’t take the CinemaScope cameras into the Metropolitan Opera and film a show directly off the boards for excellent musical and visual ef- fects. Birnbaum, who works under Al- fred Newman, the studio's music director, said three days had been spent at the studio to record mu- sical effects for the sidewall speak- ers. “However,” he commented, “there has to be a purpose to it. If we used that track indiscrimi- nately, we’d get complaints. Exhibs have held that the studios are wast- ing the fourth track and that there was no purpose in investing in the necessary speakers for it. With the studio since 1938, Birn- baum said a definite attempt was being made now to get mow music into pix and that orchestration and content was more important than ever in view of the big screen. Too many composers, he thought, have a tendency to let their music domi- nate a scene. At 20th, he said, New- man was careful not to let the mu- sic intrude on the dramatic quali- ties of a scene. EXHIB OVER THE LINE City Orders PodolofT to Move Theatre Back Five Inches MANCHESTER, N. H. Mt. Mansfield Co., operator of the skiing area in Stowe, Vt., produced a new film, “Stove Flur- ries.” Ted Powers of Station WDEV in Waterbury is narrator for hour-long color pic showing skiing activities in this area. Edward II. i Pooch) Pucci, former Washington Redskins football star and film actor, is new athletic of- ficer with rank of second lieu- tenant at Ethan Allen Air Force Base here. He appeared as a gridiron star in four football pix. Gerald Shea, prexy of the chain, said Arinand Pepin will be trans- ferred from Westfield, Mass., to replace Scribner in Nashua. Albert W. Foley, who has been manager of the Strand, operated here by the Jamestown Amus. Co., promoted to manager of company’s Lawler Theatre, Greenfield, Mass. Louis Masson, assistant at the chain’s local theatres, temporarily took over management of the Am- herst, in Amherst, Mass. PHILADELPHIA Wendy Theatre. Darby, Pa., pur- chased by Art Silber, Abel and Silber Theatrical Enterprises. Jean Ferguson, former “Miss Pennsylvania,” signed for role in “Girl Rush.” Ed Karpcn changed name of Edgmont Theatre to Bridesburg. also acquired the Broadway, in Palmyra, N.J. Mickey Gfc'enwald resigned as Republic booker to join Jack Har- ris’ Exploitation Pictures. Lew Fortunato. formerly with Para- mount. replaces her. William Goldman, indie exhib and producer, named general Chairman of the Motion Picture Associates dinner committee. In- dustry pioneers will be honored at Minneapolis, Dec. 14. Joe PodolofT, owner of the local neighborhood Vogue theatre, has a headache. It’s caused by an order from the city council to move back his showhouse five inches, the cost of which w’ould be $5,000 an inch or a total of $25,000. The order was issued after a re- cent city street widening project revealed that the theatre encroach- es on city property to the extent mentioned. PodolofT now is frying to per- suade the council to permit him to try to work out some other solution of the problem. ‘Calico Pony’ for Col Hollywood, Dec. 14. “Calico Pony,” originally to have been one of late Leonard Gold- stein’s 10 pix for United Artists, lias been purchased by Copa Pro- ductions. It will be that indie’s initialer for Columbia release. Ted Rich- mond will produce. George Sher- man direct, Van Heflin star. • • Champion's 'Me, Too' Hollywood, Dec. 14. John Champion, indie producer, has issued a statement that he agrees with the. Screen Actors Guild in its recent request to the U. S. Immigration Department to restrict secondary foreign play- ers who fill roles that American thesps are capable of playing. As a result he has dropped nego- tiations for two European actresses to appear in two of his pictures, "Laredo" and "Gambler’s Lady.” America Oughta Get Into International Festival Act, Thinks A. W. Smith Washington, Dec. 14. An International Film Festival to be held in the U. S. was urged as “a wonderful thing” last week by Andrew W. Smith Jr., just re- signed as head of the motion pic- ture service of the U. S. Informa- tion Agency tp return to private business. The veteran film industry exec recommended such a festival for “Hollywood or some other Ameri- can city,” asserting it could do a lot toward improving international relations. Smith also recommend- ed that American studios continue to exhibit at foreign film festivals and to send only their best, despite such troubles as occurred last summer at the Venice Film Fes- tival. Smith said there was great sur- prise when J. Arthur Rank’s “Ro- meo and Juliet” took top honors away from “On the Waterfront,” and also expressed regret that Frank Capra turned down the in- vitation to serve on the Venice award jury. This, he explained, left this country without a man to observe the closed sessions at which decisions were made. Sol Siegel Continued from page 3 think there’s going to be much dif- ference between the two in the long run.” East to plug “Showbuslness,” Siegel said he thought the future of the industry might well rest with the independents and he ap- plauded the move towards produc- tion decentralization. “It gives a producer much more time to con- centrate on one or two pictures at hand, and it also provides him with a great deal more freedom,” he opined. * Siegel said that, like most other producers in Hollywood, he was concerned over the industry’s fail- ure to build a sufficient reservoir of star names. Development of marquee talent was extremely important, he held, but tempered this by stating that the casting of big names alone was no longer enough. “Under present conditions, the talent insurance policy has been torn up,” he observed. "If you have a star in a good picture, it helps tremendously. If the film is no good, no big name is going to save it.” Siegel plans to sign up a limited number of contract players for his own forthcoming films. Shortage of leading stars was re- sponsible for “top-heavy” talent deals, he observed. Siegel agreed that the moral standards of the audience had changed a good deal within the last two decades but opined that Hollywood was right in staying away from controversial themes. “We know by now that they don’t want to see politics in movies,” he said. “They may agree 100% wit'll what we are saying, but they just don’t think it’s entertainment. So what do you have left that’s really controversial? Occasionally you come across exciting plays on Broadw'ay. From a personal point of view, I’d probably be eager to make films out of them. But as a realist I wouldn’t do it. It’s easy enough to conjure up a ‘phony’ controversy, but making a quick buck isn’t a way of insuring audi- ence acceptance of such themes.” Feeling in general today is that grcateY pictures are being made, Siegel thought. “There’s more in- dependence all around and gradu- ally the area of tolerance on the part of both public and industry is growing.” Siegel admitted he had given up any idea of “educating” the pub- lic to an appreciation of the func- tions of a producer, but said he wished some of the leading crit- ics would develop a better under- standing of the activities and re- sponsibilities of producers. "They have a tendency to forget that a producer is ‘creative,’ too,” he said. “He has to be. He has to be able to ‘collaborate’ in a very real sense with a lot of people, from his director to his actors.” His departure from 20th was “very friendly," Siegel said, relat* ing that Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th production topper, had helped him to obtain a release from his con- tract which still had four years to run. Inside Stuff-Pictures Hollywood datelined piece by Victor Riesel in the N.Y. Mirror Dec. 13 headlined “Soviet Uses Movies To Stir Hatred Against Us” was promptly branded by Eugene W. Castle as “part of the campaign to get more funds for the United States Information Agency.” Riesel story hit four days before the opening of a seminar on the USIA at the Center for International Studies at Cambridge, called by PR counsel Edward L. Bemays. Criticizing a statement of Riesel with respect to India’s propaganda films, Castle declared, “He forgot to say that Indian exhibitors are obliged to purchase these films, but they do not show them because they are distasteful to their patrons.” Long critical of the whole concept of propaganda-angled films, Castle argues that no country, not even Russia itself, will willingly accept ideological “sell.” He argues that most of the costly cellulcrfd made by the Government is never seen by the people it is supposed to influence. “Americans would resent and resist films plainly designed to indoctrinate them with a foreign point of view’, and the citizens of all lands react in the same way. The fact (hat propaganda is made in the U.S.A. gives it no special appeal. Propaganda is poison anywhere and anytime. America needs none." Exhibitors came to the defense of Warner Bros, last w'eek following some sharp comments by N.Y. Times critic Bosley Crovvther on the cutting of “A Star Is Born.” Most N.Y. exhibitors consider the cuts justified from a theatreman’s viewpoint as the picture is overlong at three hours. However, they agreed with Crowther in that the picture should have been trimmed before being shown at all. Lengthy pic- tures disrupt the regular program and particularly upset schedules in double feature territories. They feel that many of the current films could benefit by judicious cutting. Metro, for example, has tightened its Sigmund Romberg biopic, “Deep in My Heart,” to 212 minutes for general release by eliminating an Esther Williams-George Murphy sequence. For the N.Y. Music Hall run, starting last Thursday <9), it has trimmed an additional 12 minutes siece the Hall won’t play a film longer than 200 minutes. More than 400 employees of the National Film Board will move into the new Montreal headquarters building early in 1956, according to A. W. Trueman, govt, film commissioner and NFB chief. Wet weather in the summer held up construction of the building on Mon- treal’s Cote de Liesse Road, but Trueman said he expected equipment and personnel would begin moving late in 1955 with the major switch coming In 1956’s winter. From Ottawa to Montreal will go production, technical, distribution and administrative staffs where, for the first time in the board’s 16-year history, they will all be housed under one roof. Facilities will include the first studio the Canadian govt, film- producing organization has ever owned. RKO’s Chi publicist Ralph Banghart has set a “Hansel and Gretel” children’s coloring contest with the Chicago Tribune to promote the pic before it opens the Loop Theatre on Dec. 22. Similar contest was staged earlier this year by United Artists for “Heidi.” Present contest runs three weeks, up to Christmas day, and is expected to build antici- pation among the moppets for the film. Over 2,500 prizes are involved, with firstprize winner getting trip to California, accommodations at Sheraton-Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, and airline passage by TWA. Revere Camera was tied in for two cameras and two projectors as prizes. Saranac Lake, N.Y., won the premiere of the picture, “The Silver Chalice,” that will be held at the local Schine Pontiac theatre Dec. 17. The little health city rated first in a contest that was national for the sales of Christmas Seals. It rated a per-capita of 84.92 in contribu- tions, with McCormick, So. Car. and Zanesville, Ohio, following. Vir- ginia Mayo, Pier Angeli, Jack Palance and Paul Newman all are skedded to appear at Saranac premiere. Town is agog oxer the coming event. Nothing like it since the late William Morris brought a show in at the Pontiac theatre with Sir Harry Lauder, A1 Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Belle Baker and other standard acts. One advantage accruing to motion picture companies which operate television film subsidiaries is that the picture execs can be kept well informed on video developments. At least that’s the Idea at Screen Gems, the Columbia subsid, which is turning out a weekly newsletter for “Columbia executives.” It’s a weekly wrapup, compiled largely from the trades, of tv developments of interest to the picture fraternity. Newsletter’s being turned out by Screen Gems publicist Frank Young. French and Belgian distribution rights to two Walt Disney films have been assigned to George Lourau, French producer-distrib. Pix are “The Vanishing Prairie” and "20.000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Duo is being released in the U.S. via Buena Vista Distributing Corp. Lourau is currently handling "The Living Desert” in those markets under an earlier deal. The Disney product used to be handled do- mestically and abroad by RKO. Distributors Corp. of America is taking 25% of the gross as its dis- tribution fee for handling indie films. Customary distribution charge for indies outside DCA has been around 30%. Fred J. Schwartz, DCA president, incidentally, refers to Paramount, Metro, etc., as the “older companies,” this in preference to the “majors.” Duke Clark to Dallas * Duke Clark, who has been active in the picture business since 1907, has joined United Artists as branch manager in Dallas. He suc- ceeds W. C. Hames, who resigned to form his own business. Clark held various distribution posts at Paramount in a 30-year as- f sociation that ended in 1952. More recently he was a field rep for the Council of Motion Picture Organ- j izations and distribution consultant for producer Jerome Cappi. Mitzi Gaynor Old Home Week Detroit, Dec. 14. Proudest papa hereabouts last week was Henry W. Gerber, 72. whose daughter, film star Mitzi Gaynor, came back home to intro- duce her husband of two weeks. Jack Bean. Papa Gerber, an amateur chef of renown in goulash circles, busied himself preparing Miss Gaynor’s favorite dishes. She, meanwhile, J toured the old neighborhood where she had grown up. went back to the old school, etc. — all of which was dutifully reported, with pics, in the local press for a ; boll publicity achievement. Arbitration Continued from pane 11 Assn., according to its officials, ! derpurred from taking part in the ; arbitration meetings of late be- cause rentals were ruled inar- bitrable by the distributors. Underlined by various sources as important in the new setup is ; conciliation. This means that the- j atre owners, prior to embarking on an arbitration expedition, must explore all possibilities of settling differences with the distributors in informal fashion. Implementing this will be the organization of special conciliation approaches. As outlined, the plan provides for means whereby the exhib can con- tact branch, district, division and general sales managers, up the line, in pursuit of an adjustment of his beef. If he’s not satisfied with the end result, he’s free to •give the arbitration tribunals a whirl. Theatremen electing to arbitrate their squabble, under the plan, must abide by the decisions for a minimum one-year period. That is, excepting instances where appeals are taken and adjudication of these appeals require “reasonable” time j over the one-year minimum. Wednesday, Deeeml»er 1 j, 1954 U&rIETy 25 The Giants Clash In The Biggest ♦Vo, . v. * / • Wm < wV« . ““ SGARY COOPER • BUK I LAINUAo I LK „ VtKA UKU£ o-starring DENISE DARCEL • CESAR ROMERO with GEORGE MACREADY • ERNEST BORGNINE and introducing SARITA MONTIEL Screenplay by ROLAND KIBBEE and JAMES R. WEBB • Story by BORDEN CHASE • Produced by JAMES HILL • Directed by ROBERT ALDRICH A HECHT-IANCASTER PRODUCTION 26 PICTURES Wednesday, December 15, 1954 h •A . > I ' Classy Suburbs Vs. ‘Rundown’ Rialto Volk Bros. Action in Minneapolis Brings Out Many Invidious Comparisons Minneapolis, Dec. 14. It’s claimed that the entire local clearance structure and loop first- run theatres’ very existence are in Jeopardy in Federal district court here where Judge G. H. Nordbye is trying the Volk Bros.’ suit against all major distributors, the Minne- sota Amusement Co. rUnited Para- mount Theatres) and RKO The- atres. Along with $1,500,000 in dam- ages allegedly suffered in conse- quence of clearance discrimination against their $500,000 suburban Terrace, newest and one of the most prosperous theatres here, the Volks are seeking an injunctive de- cree to compel distributors' to make all pictures available for the out- lying house one day after conclu- sion of initial runs at the first local loop houses played. This would be instead of the Terrace’s present 28-day clearance, the earliest available and enjoyed by a number of other subsequent run theatres similarly classified and In other parts of the city. In ef- fect, it would make the Terrace a moveover house, the first such out- lying one in local industry history. If the injunctive decree is grant- ed, other of the present 28-day nabe houses also would demand and have to receive the same con- cession, it was predicted by John Branton, MAC buyer-booker man- ager, first of the witnesses. He also told the court that this would up» get the whole clearance applecart and that downtown theatres prob- ably would be unable to continue to operate profitably. Claims Terrace ‘Superior* On the other hand, Lee Loe- venger, the Volks’ counsel, sought to show by his questioning of Bran- ton that the Terrace is superior physically to other Minneapolis theatres enjoying a clearance ad- vantage over it or the same clear- ance, it gives patrons more and better service and it frequently outgrosses the present two loop moveover houses as well as being the city’s newest and finest show- house. Therefore, the Terrace is en- titled to have its pictures available on the same day as the downtown moveover houses on extended runs or one day following the end of the first run if there’s no moveover and before other outlying theatres. Loe- venger tried to get Branton to agree. In his opening statement, Loe- venger charged that "this clear- ance discrimination is a continua- tion of a conspiracy started in 1932 and its purpose is to protect and afford an advantage to ‘rundown’ downtown MAC and RKO thea- tres.’’ Replying to questions. Branton testified, among other things, to the belief that the Terrace’s higher construction cost and superior ap- pointments in comparison with other 28-day outlying houses and its higher grosses don't entitle the Volks’ theatre to a clearance ad- vantage over the others. Loevenger elicited from Branton that firstrun loop theatres don’t provide the free parking available in front or otherwise available for Terrace patrons and other distinc- tive features and services, such as free coffee, and that it’s the city’s newest showhouse. Branton insist- ed, however, that the loop Radio City, State and RKO Orpheum were at least its equal, if not su- perior, in appointments. 1st Runs Need 'Protection* Branton also told the court that he would not buy for MAC any pictures firstrun if he knew they were to be played immediately after the downtown engagement at the Terrace or any other neighbor- hood house, unless required by a court ruling to do so. Under re-direct examination he maintained that loop firstrun houses are entitled to and must have at least 28-day protection be- cause of their larger seating capac- ity and greater grossing potential, compared to .the Terrace and all other nabe theatres. He said these loop theatres’ and distributors’ rev- enues would be considerably les- acned if the Volks and other out- lying exhibs could play pictures on a single day’s clearance. capacity in most instances, their central location that pulls people from all parts of the city and the fact that many more folks are drawn into the loop than into any one outlying section because of the. downtown presence of large department stores, leading restau- rants and other attractions. He cited the matinee and tran- sient patronage which the Terrace and other outlying houses lack. Also, he testified, the 28-day pro- tection is essential because of the larger film rentals paid, the con- siderably greater expenditures for advertising and exploitation and the higher operating costs gener- ally. (Loevenger last year was counsel for Martin Lebedoff, a local nabe exhibitor, and won a $135,000 judg- ment for the latter in a conspiracy suit against the major distributors and MAC.) Mac Benoff hat written another kwnoroM exposition on Hollywood Etiquette (Real Estate Division) * * * an amasing byline piece in the forthcoming 49lh Anniversary Number of P&RIETY DUE SOON General Public to View ‘Par Presents VistaVision’ Hollywood, Dec. 14. Total of 500 prints of "Para- mount Presents VistaVision,’’ a 20- minute featurette, will be released in January. This was revealed by A. W. Schwalberg, head of the Paramount Film Distributing Corp. at last week’s sales meeting. It was originally planned to show the ^lm to the sales force but after one screening it was decided to release it to theatres. Film shows scenes from 10 pic- tures. all lensed in VistaVision. Prominent among them is location footage shot in Egypt for Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Ten Command- ments,” showing Moses receiving the Commandments on Mt. Sinai and the Egyptian army pursuing the children of Israel into the Red Sea. Picture Grosses 6 Houses Reopen In Mpls. Region Minneapolis, Dec. 14. Reopening of six shuttered theatres in this territory during recent weeks, despite comparative- ly unfavorable weather, is regarded in local industry circles as .a sign of optimism over exhibition’s fu- ture. In the instance of Deadw’ood, S. D., population 4,000, there’ll now be a film theatre there for the first time since Jan., 1953, as a result of the rebuilding of the Isis, which was destroyed by fire at that time. Other theatre reopenings are oc- curring at Aurora, Minn.; Ells- worth, Wis.; Emery and Irene, S. D., and Aurora, Minn. Also indicative of improved ex- hibitor feeling is the manner in which C’Scope installations are moving along in the territory’s smaller situations. Territory’s total now has climbed to 350 out of what’s regarded as a 500 potential. Along with this is the fact that many of the ozoners are planning such Installations. TORONTO (Continued from page 8) (WB) and "2 Guns and Badge” (AA), $14,000. tin ton. University (FP) (1,080; 1,558; 50-80) — "Passion” (RKO). So-so $7,000. Last week, ‘‘This Is Love” (RKO), $5,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$l) — "White Christmas” (Par) (6th wk). Fancy $12,000. Last week, $14,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2,090; 60-$l) — "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk). Holding well at trim $10,000. Last week, $14,500. Odeon (Rank) (2,380; 75-$l) — “Barefoot Contessa” Loew’s (C.T.) (2,847; 60-$D— "White Christmas” (Par) <3d wk). Sock $27,000 after $36,000 last w'eek. Orpheum (C.T.) (1.049; 40-65)— "Wicked Woman” (UA) and "Dia- mond Wizard” (UA). Dull $6,000. Last week, "Suez” (20th) and "Halls of Montezuma” (20th) (re- issues), same. Kendall Way Dallas Barker Dallas. Kendall Way has been elected Chief Barker of the Dallas Variety Club, Tent 17, succeeding Albert Reynolds. Other officers named here include, Charles Darden, first assistant barker; Don Douglas, second assistant barker; Meyer Rachofsky, dough guy, and Joe S. Caffo, property master. Gol Lost Continued from pace 11 w hour, although water continued to Branton pointed out that the be P° ure(l <>n for sometime, downtown theatres’ greater gross- { A three-alarm fire occurred at lng potential is due to their larger j the Colonial in March, 1946. name-calling betw-een exhibitors and distributors. It was suggested that several of the company presi- dents would take part in the talks. However, at the sales managers palaver, the subject of the all- industry meet was completely side- tracked and the subject of arbitra- tion was introduced. Meanwhile, arbitration has been making head- way, but no one seems to know anything about the suggested con- ference. MPAA prexy Eric Johns- ton, at his press confab last week, said he had just returned from abroad and was not apprised of the progress being made toward set- ting up the meeting. He ques- tioned several of his N.Y. aides, but they reported "nothing new.” Fact that TOA may'try it alone if there’s no roundtable session was disclosed by prexy E. D. Mar- tin in the exhib org’s most recent bulletin. If the all-industry meet isn’t possible, said Martin, "then TOA will begin talks individually with distributors covering all as- pects of our relationship with them. This is in the interest of creating a more harmonious I relationship.” SAN FRANCISCO (Continued from page 8) (Col) and "Black Dakotas” (Col), $12,500. St. Francis (Par) (1.400 $1-$1 .25) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). Trim $6,500. Last week, $8,500. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre, Calif.) (1,458; $l.75-$2.65)— "Cine- rama” (Indie) (50th wk). Fine $15,500. Last week, $16,500. United Artists (No. Coast (1,207; 90-$1.25) — "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (5th wk). Fair $6,500. Last week, $8,700. Bridge (Schwartz-Reade) (399; $1-$1.20)— "High and Dry” (U) <6th-final wk). Oke $2,300 after $2,500 last week. "Father Brown Detective” (Col), opens Dec. 16. Clay (Rosener) (400; $1) — "Mo- ment of Truth" (Indie) »2d wk). Mild $2,200. Last week, $2,700. Vogue (S. F. Theatres) (377; $1) — "Ugetsu” (Indie) (4th wk). Fine $2,800. Last week, $4,000, Prov. OK; ‘Widow’ Trim $11,000, ‘Knight’ Hep 8G, ‘Carmen’ Hotsy 9G, 2d Providence, Dec. 14. Although most downtowners seem to have their minds on Christmas shopping, enough are left over to keep the first-runs here on a fairly even keeL The biggest new entry is the Majestic’S "Black Widow,” solid opening round. "The Black Knight” is nice at Strand. State is only fair with “Athena.” Second round for "Carmen Jones” is big at RKO Al- bee. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (2,200; 65-85)— "Carmen Jones’* (20th) and "Out- law Territory” (Indie) (2d wk). Big $9,000. First week, $15,000. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 70-90)— "Black Widow” (20th) and "Royal Tour” (20th). Solid $11,000. Last week, "Desiree” (20th) (2d wk), $9,000. State (Loew) (3,200; 50-75)— "Athena” (M-G) and "Khyber Patrol” (UA). Fair $9,000. Last week, "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk), $10,500. Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 50-75) — "Black Knight” (Col) and "Massacre Canyon” (Col). Nice $8,000. Last week, "They Rode West” (Col and "Fire Over Africa” (Col, $8,500. ST. LOUIS (Continued from page 8) wk). Nice $12,000. Last week, $13,000. Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)— “Prin- cess of the Nile” (20th) (2d wk) and "This Is Your Army” (20th). Fancy, $14,000 after $18,000 initial stanza. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk). Lusty $13,000 or near after $17,500 opener. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,500; 50-75) — "Captain Kidd, Salve Girl” and "Rogue Cop” (M-G) (m.o.) (2d wk). Hep $11,000. Last week, "Barefoot Contessa” (UA) and "Rogue Cop” (M-G) $7,500. Pageant (S. L. Amus.) (1,000; 82) — "Trouble in Glen” (Rep). Hep $3,000. Last week. "Little Kidnap- pers” (UA) 2d wk), $2,500. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82) — "Trouble in Glen” (Rep). Good $2,000. Last week. "Cyrano de Bergerac” (UA), $3,000. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) <4,000; 75-90) — "Star Is Born” (WB) (3d wk). Fine $11,000. Last week, $13,000. MINNEAPOLIS (Continued from page 9) "Karamoja” (Indie) and "Halfway to Hell”) (Indie) (4th wk). Still goaling them. More big, effective advertising is helping. Good at $4,000. Last week, $6,300. Lyric (Par) (1,000; 85-$D— "Track of Cat” (WB) (2d wk). In face of mixed opinions, has given a fairly good account of itself. Okay $4,000. Last week, $6,500. Radio City (Par) (4,100; 65-85)— "Tonight’s the Night” (AA). Well- liked and has had benefit of one of biggest and best bally and ad cam- paigns of any recent picture. Yvonne DeCarlo here most of week plugging it, and appeared at open- ing day at the theatre. Good $9.- 000. Last week, "Desiree” (20th) (2d wk), $7,500 at 85c-$l scale. RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 65- 85) — "Bengal Brigade” (U). Rock Hudson a lure, but only fair $7.- 000 looms. Last week, "Phffft” (Col), $8,500. RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 65-85)— “Phffft” (Col) (m.o.). Modest $4.- 000. Last week, “3 Hours To Kill” (Col) and "Kisenga” (U), $4,500, at 50c-75c scale. State (Par) (2,300; 65-85)— "Hu- man Jungle” (AA). Well-liked de- tective story hurt by adverse fac- tors. Modest $6,000. Last week, "Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk.), $8,000. World (Mann) (400; 65-$1.25)— "Illicit Interlude” (Indie). Swedish picture tabbed for "adults only.” Okay $3,300. Last week. "Vanish- ing Prairie” (Disney) (5th wk), $2,300. PORTLAND, ORE. (Continued from page 9) — "Golden Mistress” (UA) and "Crossed Swords” (UA). Fairly good $6,500. Last week, "Beau Brummell” (M-G) and "Black Glove” (Lip), $7,300. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1,600; 75- $1) — "Phffft” (Col) and "Black Dakotas” (Col) (2d wk). Neat $7-000. Last week, $9,000. Paramount (Port-Par) (3,400; 75- $1) — “Duel in Sun” (SRO) (reissue) and "The Unholy Four” (Lip). Dull $6,000. Last week, "White Christ- mas” (Par) (4th wk), $10,000 after three torrid innings. OMAHA (Continued from page 9) week, "Fire Over Africa” (Col) and "Silent Raiders” (Lip), $4,0C0. Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) — "4 Guns to Border” (U) and “Hell’s Half Acre” (Rep). Okay $6,000. Last week, "Beau Brum- mell” (M-G) and "Her Twelva Men” (M-G), ditto. Orpheum (Tristates) (2.890; 70- 90)— "Athena” (M-G). Passable $10,000. Last week, "Drum Beat” (WB), $10,500. State (Goldberg) (875; 60-85)— "Last Time Saw Paris” '3d wk). Neat $4,000. Last week, $ 6 , 100 . TKVdneBday, December 15 t 1954 HEADLINES! “M-G-M Salute to Theatres box- office stimulant!” -M. P. DAILY “M-G-M’s promotion at community level to stimulate ticket sale!” — FILM DAILY \ “Metro’s showmanship drive accents ‘theatre’s place in the community’!” -VARItTY “Metro’s ticket selling workshop a success ! ’ ’ —indfffndfnt film journal « “Workshops draw blueprint for in- creased patronage! ’ ’ -*t. r: hcralo “M-G-M workshop fills hotel’s ball- room!” — SHOWMEN'S TRADt RfVIlW “Exhibitors laud M-G-M workshop!” — M. F. tXHIIITOR “Showmen call workshop ‘Tonic’!” - FILM lUlltTIN FLYING , START! ^ MOTION PICTURE THEATRE / i \ n i i ' / \ / w \ \ \ THERE'S MORE FUN AT THE MOVIES!" INDUSTRY! M-G-M does it again! Great response from theatres and Trade Press to M-G-M's 1955 MOTION PICTURE THEATRE CELE- BRATION. Thanks! Forward in ’55! M-G-M’s nation wide promotion is perfectly timed to accelerate the box-office upbeat. Tie-in your theatre with a local Celebration to stimulate your business. Watch for M-G-M Press Book, soon available with FREE accessories. You asked for ACTION, Mr. Showman ! This campaign is for you. Join now! JUST A FEW OF M-G-M’s CELEBRATION RELEASES! Ask your Branch for other fine films available! “BAD DAY. AT BLACK ROCK” (January) (CinemaScope —Color) • starring Spencer Tracy • Robert Ryan co-starring Anne Francis • Dean Jagger . Walter Brennan • John Ericson • Ernest Borgnine • Lee Marvin • Russell Collins “GREEN FIRE” (January) (CinemaScope— Color) • starring Stewart Granger • Grace Kelly Paul Douglas • co-starring John Ericson • with Murvyn Vye "MANY RIVERS TO CROSS” (February) (CinemaScope— Color) • starring Robert Taylor . Eleanor Parker with Victor McLaglen • Russ Tamblyn • Jeff Richards .James Arness “JUPITER’S DARLING” (February) (CinemaScope— Color) • starring Esther Williams • Howard Keel Marge and Gower Champion • George Sanders • with Richard Haydn • William Demarest “HIT THE DECK” (March) (CinemaScope— Color) • starring Jane Powell • Tony* Martin Debbie Reynolds • Walter Pidgeon • Vic Damone • Gene Raymond Ann Miller • Russ Tamblyn • with Kay Armen • J. Carrol Naish Richard Anderson • Jane Harwell “INTERRUPTED MELODY” (March) (CinemaScope— Color) • starring Glenn Ford •• Eleanor Parker with Roger Moore • Cecil Kellaway “THE GLASS SLIPPER" (April) (Color) • starring Leslie Caron • Michael Wilding • with Keenan Wynn • Estelle Winwood • Elsa Lanchester • Barry Jones "BEDEVILLED” (April) (CinemaScope— Color) starring Anne Baxter. Steve Forrest, with Simone Recant* Maurice Teynac * Robert Christopher • Joseph Tomelty and Victor Francen WOW! Sensational Preview of M-G-M’s "BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK” Market Research Service survey is one of the highest reports in dramatic field. The first public showing last week of M-G-M’s first Celebration release held the audience spellbound at Loew’s 72nd St. Theatre, N. Y. It’s just the beginning! 1955-The year of M-G-M's 'THE PRODIGAL 2 a PICTURES Tfdnpwlay, December 13, 1934 Film Reviews S Continued from page 4 s Tl»«» OfSior Woman the bars bring action in the final reels. Haas is told by his father-in- law, the vet producer, that a suc- cessful picture is made up of a dash of sex, some action of thrills, comedy relief and a happy ending. Haas tells his audience he has tried to get all of these into “The Other Woman,” but that he has slipped up on the happy ending since he is shown behind bars. Pic actually has these ingredients, best of which is the femme lure of Miss Moore. Haas is good as the foreign di- rector-producer but deserves a bet- ter story than he wrote for him- aelf. Miss Moore, who is curvae- ©us, appears to be learning how to act and is satisfactory as the un-. successful, scheming extra. Lucille Barkley as Haas’ wife, hints enough promise to justify bigger roles, fiance Fuller, as Miss Moore’s boy- friend, does well enough in the part of a teenage gangster. John Quaien is submerged in a lesser role but handles in his usual capa- ble manner. Jack Macy, as the father-in-law'; and Jan Arvan, as the detective, head the support. Haas’ directing is far ahead of : his scripting. Robert S. Eisen has edited skillfully while the lensing Of Eddie Fitzgerald is firstrate. Wear. Carrington V.C. (BRITISH) Sensitive court-martial melo- drama, strong for local audi- ences, with David Niven’s marquee value as mala selling factor for U.S. London, Dec. 9. Independent Klim Distributor* (in as«<> elation with British Lion' release of Ratmia production. Stars David Niven. Margaret I.elfthton. Noelle Middleton. Directed by Anthony Asquith. Screenplay by John Hunter from a play by Dorothy R nd Campbell Christie; editor. Ralph >ftmlen: camera. Desmond Dickinson. At Warner Theatre. London. Dec. S. ’84. Run nine time, 101 MINS. Major Carrington, VjC. ... David Niven Valerie Carrington . Margaret Leighton Capt. AlUon Graham . Noelle Middleton Major Canton Laurence Naismith I.t. Col. Huxford Clive Morton The Prosecutor Mark Dignam Lt. Col. Hennlker Allan Cuthbertson ftgt. Owen Victor Maddern E\an» John Clyn-Jones Major Mitchell Raymond Francis Judge Advocate Newton Blick Adjutant Rawlinson John Chandos The President Geo/frev Keen I.t.Col. Reeve ...... Maurice Denham Major Broke-Smith Michael Bates' Capt. Koljambe Robert Bishop Sgt. Crane Stuart Saunders As a legit production last season, “Carrington, V.C.,” by Dorothy and Campbell Christie, made a definite impact on the West End scene as a subject of dramatic in- tensity. In its translation to the screen, the drama ha* lost none of its basic qualities, but the very nature of the subject, the court- martial of a British Army officer, must limit its appeal outside the United Kingdom. It should do sturdy business in the home mar- ket while David Niven may pro- vide a measure of marquee value to help in its overseas selling al- though its prospects may be re- stricted. The story is an ideal vehicle for the sensitive directorial touch for which Anthony Asquith is noted. He extracts the essential values of the plot, knows when and how to introduce a touch of comedy relief, but never allows the production to be bogged down by too obvious touches of cockney military humpr. John Hunter’s screenplay is basi- cally a carbon copy of the original, taking advantage of fhe broader canvas of the screen but keeping the main action within the con- fines of the barracks, and centered on the courtmartial room. This induoes a static effect which is more acceptable on the stage than in pictures. The plot fochsses on the title character, a wartime hero who has the routine job of commanding an artillery battery in peacetime. It’s no secret that he is constantly feuding with his regimental com- mander, is in serious financial dif- ficulties and is harassed by a wife who fs desperately clamoring lor money. The army authorities owe him a substantial sum on his ex- pense account, but partly through the lack of support from his c.o I this cash is not forthcoming. And in a moment of crisis, he helps himself to army funds “to adver- tise a grievance.” His commander orders a courtmartial and the main incident of the pic is concerned with this trial. By keeping strictly lo procedure, there is little opporlunitv for the- atrical dramatization. The drama has to he an inherent quality o' the xtorv unfolded in the court- room. There are the familiar side Issues — the woman officer who tries to cover up and eventually I admits an affair with the accused; and the hard, unsympathetic wife who deliberately falsifies her evi- dence when she learns of her hus- band’s infidelity. Although there is a guilty verdict, the story ends on a confident note. David Niven gives one of his best performances in recent times as tiie accused V.C. Some of his courtroom exchanges with prosecu- tion witnesses, notably with his superior officer, are dramatic high- spots of the plot. Margaret Leigh- ton appears a bit ili-at-ease as the unsympathetic wife. Noelle Mid- dleton. a newcomer recruited from tele, displays bright promise as the other woman. Mark Dignam turns in a smooth portrayal as the prosecuting attorney while there is a neat comedy gem from Victor Maddern. Stuart Saunders, play- ing court orderly, is a little larger than life as an army NCO who is a stickler for the drillbook. Allan Cuthbertson is a too obvious heavy as the regimental commander. Desmond Dickinson has done s sterling job with the cameras while Wilfred Shingleton's barrack settings have a genuine look. Two military advisers have steered the director and scripter alone ortho- dox lines. Myro. 00/15 (GERMAN) Berlin, Nov. 30. Gloria rsltaw of Dlvina production. Feature* Huns Christian Bl*ch. Eva Insc- borir bebop and WTlfrled Seyferth. 1)1- rerled by Paul May. Screenplay, Ernst von Salomon, adaptad from novel by H. H. Kiret: camera. Main* Hoelscher; music, Rolf Wilhelm; sets. Peter Scharf. At Gloria Palast, Berlin. Running time, 110 MINS. Lore Kchuli Helen Vita KlUaheth Ereitag... Eva Ingeborg Scholz Ingrid Asrh Gundula Korte Vlerbein Paul Boeslger Asch Joachim Kuchsberger Kowalski Peter Caraten Unteroiiizier Lindenberg Relnhard Glemnits Unternffi/.ler Wunderlich Dietrich Thoms Unteroffizler Bumpier Rudolf Rhomberg Wuchlmeister Werktreu Hans Elwenspoek W'achtmelster Platiek liuns Christian Blech llauptwachmeister Schulz Emmerich Schrenk This German film might be com- pared with “From Here to Eter- nity,” although lt doesn’t quite reach the high standard of the latter. With particular regard to acting, photography and other technical contributions, “08/15” shapes as one of Germany’s best postwar pix. It’s a terrific money- maker here, being the most talked- about German film currently. Pic may also appeal to the U. S. mar- ket although a number of scenes, particularly some love scenes, may have trouble with the censors. This was adapted from the same- titled German bestseller by H. H. Kir.st. The title refers to the num- ber of a German army pistol. Pic deals with German postwar army barrack life in 1939 and comes to a close shortly before the outbreak of the Last world war. Mostly the film concentrates on soldier Vier- bein (Paul Boesigei*). the man who just doesn't Tegiment easily, and who finds himself often at odds with his superiors. Unlike ’^Eternity” with its dramatic climax, this German pro- duction has a happy ending, even if untrue in real life. The soldier who started a private mutiny would, in the German army, cer- tainly have ended up in stockade and not, as depicted in this pic, have been promoted to corporal. To make it even more untrue, the various ill-treaters get their pun- ishments via transfers, while the weak soldier Boesiger finally de- cides to become an officer. Story obviously attempts at a message but this is not quite clear. It's actually neither pro nor con. Most of German crix and those who dislike German militarism would have preferred a clear anti- militaristic attitude. But the film- makers apparently attempted to shock no one, particularly not those who are in favor of a new Wchrmacht. While the pic’s first half is thor- oughly realistic, it slides more into a military farce in the second part. Nothing but praise goes to the actors most of whom are either newcomers or unknown in films. Although it is chiefly an ensemble achievement, some deserve special mention. Such as Hans Christian Blech. Emmerich Schrenk and the late Wilfried Seyferth. Paul May directed with much spirit and im- agination. Topnotch camera work is con- tributed by Heinz Hoelscher. Also other technical jobs are way above the German average. Incidentally, “08 15” will soon have a sequel (“08/15” At War” which has al- ready been published) with much the same cast. Hans. Feuerwork (Fireworks) (GERMAN— COLOR) Berlin, Nov. 30. Schorcht release of NDE production. Stars LiUi Palmer. Karl Schoanboeck. Di- rected by Kurt Hoffmann. Screenplay, Herbert Witt, Felix I.uetikendorf and Guenther Neumann, after musical comedy of same name by Eric ChareU and Juerg Amstein; camera (Eastmencolor). Guen- ther Andera; music, Paul Burkhard; lyrics. Juerg Amxtein and Robert Gilbert; sets, Werner Sehlichting; costumes. Al- fred Buecken. At Klkl. Berlin. Running time. H MINI. Iduna I. mi Palmer Obolski Karl Srhoenboeck Anna Homy Schneider Robert Claus Blederstaedt Albert Oberholzer Werner Minx Uncle Gustav Rudolf Vogel Kathle Margarete Haagen Uncle Wllhelnt Ernst Waldow Aunt Bertha Lleal Karlstadt Karollne Kaethe llaack Aunt Paula Lina Carstens Here is a Teutonic film which has strong possibilities of luring the non-German public to the box- office. The Lilli Palmer name and the qualities of enjoyable film fare will help. Biggest ballyhoo pegs, however, are tills film’s songs, notably “Oh, My Papa” and the Pony-song, which have become popular in many parts of the world. “Fireworks” is West German filmaking at its current best mak- ing this one of Germany’s best postwar musical comedies. A well done screenplay after the same-titled stage hit by Eric Charell and Juerg Amstein de- picts the household of a middle- class family with father celebrating his 50th birthday. All his relatives show'up. As a surprise to everyone, the bad brother who ran away 20 years ago returns as a top circus director. Film’s climax sees the 18-year-old niece insisting on leav- ing her family to become a mem- ber of her uncle’s circus. There is a romance neatly woven in, some circus numbers, jealousy, slapstick and a satisfying ending. Production offers a nice, partly witty contrast between the circus world and the middleclass folks. Its biggest plus factor is Miss Palmer. As the wile of the circus director, she turns in a charming performance. Her broken German, genuine sentiment and, in particu- lar, her “Oh, My Papa” numbers are a rare treat. Local crix opined that no Local top performer would have registered a like success. Werner Ilinz is excellent ax the provincial-minded father as is Karl Schoenboeek as his brother (the circus director). Able supporting S layers include Rudolf Vogel, rnst Waldow and Claus Bieder- staedt. Kurt Hoffmann directed with a sure hand, being nicely helped by the well-balanced script which has enough satirical dialog to go along with the comedy situations. Guen- ther Anders’ camera work is fine. A weakness of this production is the color c thought that it will make a good followup on the Dec. 1 story. lie story on Dec. 1 made refer- ,1( e to a comparison of the Janu- -• !954, and the October, 1954, (Continued on page 41) TV Producer Ted Mills an axponaiit of tha Loop vidao circuits is of tha opinion that The Chicago School Carries On — Far From Chicago * * * on# of tha many aditorlal faaturas in tha 49 th Anniversary Number of OUT SOON Hooper, Nielsen In New TV Tack; To Rate Conunls With characteristic competitive- ness, two of the rating services have jumped into the broadcasting- telecasting pond with the same kind of new bait. Last week C. E. Hooper announced its new kick — a breakdown (on its own hook) of tv commercials, including plans for their audience rating and share. This week, A. C. Nielsen announced that he’s taken an option to buy Broadcast Advertisers Reports, Inc., the outfit that’s been doing to some degree for two years what Hooper proposed to do now. To make sure that nobody’d get the idea Nielsen was playing “copycat,” it was carefully stated in Nielsen’s declaration that an agreement was reached as a result of “negotiations dating back to February, 1954.” The BAR reports, which by no means have been purchased yet by Nielsen, have been going on in N. Y., Chi., Pittsburgh, Philadel- phia and Washington. Info is se- cured by means of continuous and simultaneous tape-recordings at “leading stations in each market for a full week” at about six times a year. The report makes no at- tempt so far to measure visual aspects of commercial (as Hooper promises to do) nor has Nielsen (Continued on page 42) Cy Howard to NBC Cy Howard returns to NBC after a 15-year gap during which he was linked with CBS and built several click shows thereunder, and has been assigned to work up a com- edy series. He was tapped for the chore by Fred Wile Jr., program v.p., for the web on the Coast. Howard’s prime radio-tv credits were “My Friend Irma” and “Life With Luigi.” By BOB CHANDLER The face of commercial night- time network radio, plagued with its own unique problems, has changed considerably over the past couple of years. The com- mercial hour-long program has vir- tually disappeared and the new phenomenon (new for the prime 8-11 p.m. hours) of the five-min- ute strip has gained momentum. The half-hour unit, once kingpin of nighttime radio, has been re- duced to a minor status, and the quarter-hour reig.is supreme. Need for new selling approaches has brought on the quarter-hour and five-minute units to the point where they dominate radio think- ing. Sold on package arrange- ments for strip or saturation grouping, they are designed for their cumulative effect and are planned on a low cost-per-thou- sand impressions. Furthermore, they fall into the service or music categories that are not likely to conflict with tv. Similarly, the participating sponsorship program, though not as strongly entrenched as a year ago, is still a major fac- tor in nighttime radio, and the philosophy behind it remains flhe same — lower cost-per-thousand on a cumulative basis. So much has the complexion of nighttime radio changed that a glance at the accompanying chart, based on current information sup- plied by the nets, reveals that only four hour shows remain on the air (two are musical, one dramatic and one sports) between the hours of 8-11 p.m. weeknights and 5-11 weekends. These four account for 240 commercial minutes out of a total of 2,185, or only 10.9%. In the half-hour situation, there are a total of 35 shows out of 126, and six of these (Mutual’s) are par- ticipating. The half-hour units comprise 1,050 commercial minutes out of the total of 2,185, or 48%, but if the participating shows are eliminated, commercial minutes account for 43.7% of the total of non-participating commercial min- utes. On the quarter-hour side, par- ticipations also play an important role, via NBC’s two late-hour strips. Overall totals, including participating shows, give quarter- hours a total of 46 program units out of the 126 total, or 36.5% of total units. In terms of commer- cial minqtes, quarter-hours take up 31.6% of the total. It’s slightly less when participating shows are eliminated, the commercial minutes then accounting for 29.1% of the total. 41 Five-Minute Shows But the most surprising gain is for the five-minute shows, in all cases newscasts, which now ac- count for 41 programs out of the nighttime total of 126, or 31.8% of total program units. In terms of commercial minutes, the five-min- uters have to suffer by camparison, but they account for 9.3%, by no means a negligible proportion. If the five-minute shows, which in- clude no participation arrange- ments, are applied against the total non-participating shows, their com- mercial minutes then account for 11% of the total. Taken together, the five -minute and quarter-hour strips completely dominate the face of commercial (Continued on page 38) Vt( Scripttr Alan Lipscott finds that tha batehar, tha baker, ate. aftaa call on him Above and Beyond the Call of Duty * a * ana of tha many bylina places in tha forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of ySRiETr OUT SOON Mutual Wielding * a Axe on 9 Co-ops; Billings Blamed After some extra-heavy year’s end thinking. Mutual is axing nine of its cooperative stanzas. Though early maneuverings in the co-op de- partment seemed to indicate that the radio web was casting out what was once so important a part of its daily sked and so important a means of filling affiliates’ cof- fers, web execs deny that revamp- ing constitutes the end of co op shows. Instead, they say only the chaff has been eliminated for which replacements are now be- ing mulled. Even keeping the web plans in mind, it’s common knowledge that co-op shows are way off in ability to draw local advertisers for each Mutual station. Shows cut com- pletely include Sam Levine, “Mu- tual Newsreel” and Allen Pres- cott’s “Wife Saver.” There were other casings, dropped from the co-op lists and put on sustaining: Edward Arnold, Ruby Mercer, Ted Steele, “Luncheon at Sardi’s,” “Rod and Gun Club” and “Merry Mailman.” In most of these cases, only four or five of Mu- tual’s over 500 affils carried each of the shows. Although the 1 hetwork will not confirm it, it is reliably under- stood that the entire co-op setup is off in billings. The key co-op shows remaining are all of the news variety and they are way off from former years in billing. That would include the top few, mean- ing Fulton Lewis Jr. and perhaps Cecil Brown and Cedric Foster. In all, there are only 11 co-op stanzas (Continued on page 42) TV’s ‘New Acts’ NBC-TV’s Overseas Press Club “Dateline” spectacular on Monday (13) had at least three rather un- usual dressing room pairings “forced” by limited backstage fa- cilities at the web’s studio. Fol- lowing were the “accidentally on purpose’ ’mismatches: Henry Ford 2d with Bob Hope, Marian Anderson with Martha Raye, and Lawrence Spivak with Sid Caesar. Sugg’s Ugh! P. A. Sugg, president of WKY-TV, Oklahoma City, last week addressed the following letter to H. Austin Petersori, veepee of Ted Bates agency, with a copy of the letter also going to Colgate prexy, Joseph H. McConnell: “It was indeed refreshing to read in the Dec. 1 issue of Variety that you interceded in behalf of the viewers, the television sta- tions and, of course, Colgate, in insisting that Debra Paget change her routine for “Colgate Comedy Hour.” Many of the woes of the stations could be greatly reduced if other sponsor representa- tives would insist on the same degree of morality that you did during the Colgate rehearsal. “I sincerely trust that other stations will take time to commend you for your actions, and speaking for WKY-TV we heartily sup- port your position.” Tele performer who isn’t willing to personally do the commercials on his show ought to “find an In- stitutional advertiser for his spon- sor or look around for another business,” opines Art Linkletter, who handles all the pitches on his multiple radio-tv exposures. Rea- son the sponsor has bought tele- vision and the particular star is to “sell goods,” and if the show and the star don’t sell, then the busi- ness as a whole is harmed, says Linkletter. Performer “owes it to the spon- sor” to do the pitches, in the light of the kind of coin the bankrollers put up in television, Linkletter be- lieves. Most people buy certain products because of suggestions or comments from their friends, and when viewers tune in to a per- sonality, they do so because they feel the personality is also a friend. That being the case, it’s up to the personality to deliver the blurbs, because they are the most effective means of moving the goods. When a star refuses to do this, the spon- sor isn’t getting his money’s worth,, according to Linkletter. Tele is different from the early days of radio in this respect. When the top stars in the mid-’30’s re- fused to touch commercials, the announcers became highly impor- tant, so much so that they soon as- sumed stature as personalities and they became the audience's "friends.” Subsequently, they be- came integral personalities on the show, as straightmen as well as announcers, and their commercials were integrated into the scripts. On television, this is difficult to do (although there are exceptions like Don Wilson on the Jack Benny show and Harry Von Zell on Burns & Allen). Consequently, says Link- letter, it’s up to the star to deliver. Linkletter himself admits that (Continued on page 42) NBC’s ‘Gotta Find Fred Allen Slot’ Fred Allen’s status for ’55 is one of the still-to-be-resolved items on the NBC agenda. The comedian is in good health and apparently is rarin’ to go with his own show again (he’s lacked a regular slot since the cancellation of his Old Gold-sponsored Tuesday night en- try last season). Presently Allen is doing occa- sional pinch-hitting as a panelite on the CBS-TV “What’s My Line” show and it’s conceded that he’s been registering with greater im- pact on this stanza than on any previous program. But Allen is under exclusive contract to NBC and he’s appearing on “What’s My Line” only by the grace of NBC’s okay, since there is no serious rivalry contention in the Sunday night 10:30 to 11 spot. Allen is all for throwing in his lot on a new Goodson & Todman quiz package (a variation on the Groucho Marx stanza), but until it’s sold and a time slot found, all talk is just academic. Meanwhile, he’s just biding his time and doing guest shots. BLOCK DRUG SCRAMS AS ‘DANGER’ SPONSOR CBS-TV’s . Tuesday night com- mercial pattern received a Jolt in Block Drug Co.’s shelving of the longtime “Danger.” Show has had multiple changing of the produc- tion and direction guard in its nearly five seasons, and only a week or so ago was earmarked to go back to its old 10 p. m. slot (from 9:30 current) with the drop- ping of “Life With Father,” latter to ride at 8 o’clock for a while (with Red Skelton ousted from there to go at 9:30). Apparently undisturbed, how- ever, is the alternating sponsor- ship of “Danger” by Nash-Kelvina- tor. 84 TELEVISION REVIEWS Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Television Followup Comment elements such a smooth runoff at a fast tempo that never faltered. Naturally the main draw were such high potency personalities as Gordon McRae, whose emceeing national attention. But even lesser script from his atelier compels attention, for this is a craftsman singularly endowed when it comes to translating his thoughts into terms best fitting Paddy Chayefsky makes a habit Maurice Chevalier, and the pres- of writing for television .s U h. ex „ ||ent show invented the medium. Returning for Q enera i Foods, his sponsor, to the video wars on Sunday (12) His opening remarks kidding Bri- After a term on the Coast helping tain, American relations with that and singing is the show’s real core; 7 * „ ronaration of his tv-born country and some topical refer- Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson, Jeff a r t-La nc a s ter Produc- ences put a bright opening to the chandler, Gloria De Haven, Mara Marty Hec t gave ^ layout, and some good sketches Corday, Gene Nelson and Paul Gil- \RC-Phnco -”Tlevis!on Playhouse" helped put the show across on most bert . Xo ad d diversification to the the bVneftt of what should be counts The aud.ence laughter in- ^ of ulent there was Terry known— if it isn’t already— as the dicated J ba * ** op ^ s kl ^/ ng Brennan, Notre Dame’s youngest "Chavefsky touch.” Not that taken with good ^race. Of course, football coach, who seemed as "Catch My Boy on Sunday” was U° pe no stranger to much at ease in his running chat- the playwright's greatest work on having been bom^there a ^ ter^M bis questioner on items of * * But even a For U-I's forthcoming release, he was entertaining Britons, nis •>c n This T« Paris " it was a lighted fllmed efforts were no less effective b f®™» ^ P^iiion, “f hoES! on the viewers. Curtis, Nelson. Miss De Haven and Chevalier really didn t hit his Gilbert appeared in film clips and g..wus..ao - - peak until ]* e don ” ed . the „ s if a ^ on stage live with catchy songs the most intimate of public com- skimmer and sang Louise. That and dance steps from the filmu- munications. v as * he Chevalier that ™,_ any r if“ deal. 11 als0 8 ave the show a stron 8 rhavefskv doesn’t go in for member fondly. Until then, he ope ning to hold its audience waste motion in establishing what seemed to be working against the against the competing "Toast of he is trying to say. In Sunday’s Jj de - The sketch he performed with the Town.” Bobbysoxers must have stanza he took a fairly universal hope had an ancient plot and the g^bed off many ducats for their suWect thepsychotic wife-mother, bit he essayed on languages as * creams were piercing when Cur- 10 war's or so married, and traced s ° un lively and tuneful. Morrow failure, pitying herself because she show were ballerina Liane Dayde and R ay Buffum turned up a believes herself to be unloved by who did a fine bit of toeterping, sp ijgbtly script. Jim Jordan’s di- husband, sisters and friends, and and the Cologne Choir, a group of rec ^ on was signed and the music ever aware that he r late father German businessmen who sing for Carmen Dragon was top grade looked upon her as the black sheep relaxation. Work is too unbending “ <- armen dragon w w of his brood. The situation is, of for inclusion on a comedy show. course, a cliche, but a generally Quality of the film wasn’t too jimmy Durante may very well acceptable and serviceable one in good. Entire session had a grainy be the padrone of the longhairs. the hands of a Chayefsky. (Shake- character that made it look like Tt w „_ bi<» showcasing that made speare and O'Neill, et al.. were one of the early movies still being Helen Traubel a popular artist and full of cliches, but while there is shown on tele. Jose. i aunc hed her on a profitable cafe nothing new under the sun, there career. Lauritz Melchior, who has are a multitude of ways of ex- Sophie Tucker’s highly personal- already hit the pop trade since he Story was built around the youngster’s disappearance from le action taking place flashbacks seen home, with the in the form of through the eyes of people who had seen the boy during the day and who had been called upon or information by the police. There was an element of high humor here via the recollection of the same scene through different eyes. A schoolroom scene, as re- called by Bruce Marshall, who played the boy’s friend with humor and intelligence, had the attractive young teacher as a vulgar and merciless tyrant, while the scene was the teacher herself, played by Virginia Maddock, was of course entirely different. Or a short hospital emergency w'ard sequence, as recalled by the doctor, had the medic as a pleasant and under- standing gent, while the nurse pictured him as somewhat grouchy and tired. Supporting cast, Charles Aidman as comprising the doctor, Connie Lembcke as the nurse, Zamah Cunningham as a neighbor and Joseph Sweeney as the janitor, was excellent. Chan. ♦ • • • 44 *« scenes, such as the one at a hotel infested with suspicious charac- ters, that just didn’t ring true and could easily have been modified. Supporting cast was good throughout. Melville Cooper, un- expectedly serious — and handed some unlikely lines — in the part of the French inspector, gave the official a curiously impersonal quality that was just right. Norma Varden was fine and so were Rob- ert F. Simon, Ivan Triesault and Nicholas Joy. Climax, with Robinson roping in his spy, could have been handled with a deal more persuasion and imagination, and maybe someone could, if they tried, have thought up a punchier punchline for the fadeout. Last commercial, show- ing host Bill Lundigan at the Chrysler plant, carried a wallop. However, the middle-of-the-show pitch, involving interviews with fashion and other designers about the new Chrysler line, bordered on the inane. Hift. plaining and updating the old and j ze( j sermonettes have proved out departed from the Met where he ever-present problems.) as fillip material in the bigleague W as a leading Wagnerian tenor. To no one’s surprise, Sylvia nitery loops, but one of her "up- showed anew that he can clown as Sidney as the troubled wife and lift” recitations seemed a bit odd we n as chirp on his NBC-TV Satur- mastermind of her little genius, as an entertainment payoff on Ed dav stanza (11). socked over in the overwrought, Sullivan’s CBS “Toast of the Town” Melchior lent himself admirably emotional role, giving it the under- last Sunday (12). She was her old to the comedy. A hairline plot had playing where it was most needed, Sophie self — as she would be — in him trying to crash the Club but sticking so fast to the un- that cheerful opener, "I Don’t Durant with a singing act. He sympathetic rigging as to bring to Wanna Get Thin,” a Jack Yellen w i n ds up by cavorting in the it the very sympathy that Chayef- special, and ditto on the finishing Durante & Jackson tradition with sky intended since it would not "Some of These Days.” But the big a f un ny bit of strutting and kick- be difficult for even the "con- number (MacMaurada material) j ng a j a Eddie Jackson. tented” housewife to find here a in the middle of her turn was over- Durante didn’t neglect his own whelmed by cliche passages and contributions. He did a winning yarn centered around William Red was clearly out of key on a tv on a cu te song, "Pupalina,” field, about to leap from a bridge, variety show. In addition. Miss a i Q ng with his excitable comedies, with suicide attempt frustrated by Tucker is too big a figure in show The Honey Bros. (3) provided a cajolery mated to police action. He business to have to stoop to giving f ajd t urn a t acrobatics. was, of course, incarcerated on the her dressmaker a plug, which inci- h seems that Durante can turn attempt rap with, however, his case dentally came out of the outfield. tj,e Met into a shambles. He can studied psychiatrically for a deter- Eyen so, a Tucker is always an elec- take any artist on that roster, give mination of cause. Tracing the trie personality; if only she would him a showcasing and with Las man’s background, the medico got put some of those "inspirational Vegas salaries being what they are, a hint from Peggy Ann Garner, the recitations on the shelf for a while. h e can ma k e a lot of trouble for inmate’s wife, that suggested an personal identification. In Martin Rudy, as her dentist-husband, quiet, subjective, nearly afraid of his shadow, loving his family but not demonstrative and not deep down a weakling. Miss Sidney had a vis-a-vis who fell right into place, and Luchino Solito de Solis, their thesping offspring in his tv debut, played it like the over- worked automaton he was supposed to be. One supporting role, that of the school principal of Anne Ives, was nearly photographic in its pungent realism; the schoolteacher of Joanna Vischer was another solid portrait, but here Chayefsky un- doubtedly went overboard in giving her lines that are usually reserved for professional consultants and sociologists, perhaps even psychi- atrists, particularly since the boy’s school is set in the Bronx, with an enrollment of some 3,000 and some classes of 50 students. Every New Yorker, at least, will know that this was one scene which did not add up, but apparently the playwright refused to entertain the idea of having Miss Sidney take the MD’s couch route, under the quite justifiable notion that this would really be gilding the cliche. Other skillful work was by Nan Sutherland as the sister. Peg Hillias as Miss Sidney’s long lost friend (whom she encountered in the subway in a cleverly done scene) and Neil McKenzie as the tv director. The final come uppance, wherein Miss Sidney plunged herself upon the bed to sob in the arms of her husband, will be one of the most- talked-about. One school will say that she has come of age; another that she’s still trying to "be some body”; still another that that was a fit of the moment. Chayefsky rarely tries to find solutions, merely pointing the way. No pat hands for him. Gordon Duff produced, Arthur Penn directed. Trau "Justice” has been doing well by NBC and Borden’s — certainly bet- ter than expected, and a sleeper of its type — since being thrust into the fray in one of the most kicked- around slots of the video sweep- stakes. To call a spade a shovel, the Talent Associates-John Rust quasi-documentary package based on material from files of Legal Aid, is in the middle of an 8 to 9:30 Thursday night trinity qf which the bread components mak- ing up the sandwich consist of the powerful Groucho Marx "Bet Your Life” and . the Jack-Webb-led "Dragnet.” On the other hand, it must contend with the high- budgeted CBS-Chrysler’s hourlong "Climax” going three-for-four with "Shower of Stars” in the rivalry starting at 8:30; not to mention ABC’s "T-Men,” which formerly held the "Justice” berth for NBC Couple of months ago, with its score continuing to hold up, "Jus- tice” got a Borden’s nod on upped coin, permitting, for one, the addi- tion of a name host-actor in the alert and clever Gary Merrill, func- tioning as a parttime Legal Aid attorney. Last week’s (9) George Beliak "Life Begins at 80,” the Barry, Enright & Friendly package beamed Sundays via the DuMont net, wouldn’t be a bad show if the almost interminable commercials could be dished out in moderation. There were at least a half-dozen plugs on the Sunday evening <12) edition in behalf of Geritol, an iron tonic ("Feel Stronger . . . Fast!”); Geritol Jr. for children, Serutan ("For Daily Regularity”) and a spot announcement fore and aft pro- claiming the merits of RDX, a re- ducing pill. Betwixt the puffs emcee Jack Barry sneaked in guestars Adolphe Menjou and Vaughn Monroe to augment the stanza’s usual panel of oldsters. Menjou, who was a matinee idol in the ’20s, was on hand to answer a query “did the fact that men wore moustaches years ago make them more attrac- tive to women?” Since he wears one himself, the actor obviously took the affirmative. Some mild badinage followed and a relieved Menjou made his exit. - Monroe’s guesting fell within the category of "Footlight Favorite of the Week.” After disposing of some innocuous questions from the panel he crooned three pop tunes to piano accompaniment. It was a so-so stint primarily due to the wrong showcasing for his particu- lar talent. On the warbler’s bowoff Barry conveniently reminded tview- ers that Monroe opens shortly at Miami’s new Fontainebleau Hotel. But for "Life Begins” next week it’s not "East Lynne” but Bill’s Gay 90’s. GUb. Otherwise, it was a smooth | Rudolf Bing "Toast” progression. Sam Levenson was in rare form, this time with | Reginald Jose. name old injury which thus led to brain surgery that returned him to the sane” groove. In the playout, there was per- haps overlong accent on the thrill- suspense aspects of the would-be Bob Hope’s filmed show emanat Ing from England proved that it’s not true what they say about British audiences. They do so laugh, and on time and in the right P laces. At least when Hope’s on [ope during his recent trip on the Continent filmed a show with truly international flavor and one distinguished by the telebow of Sh-Boom” (Mercury) which they belted out to square the citation, and wound up with "Crazy About You, Baby” for a gQod score in the rhythm session. David Whitfield, the British ver- sion of Mario Lanza (but tall and slender), pitched way up thataway in a brace of separated tunes, "Cara Mia” (with a choral back- ground apparently recorded) and at windup with "Merry Christmas to You.” There is no doubt about the Englishman’s vocal reach, rem- iniscent at times of the old Allan Jones in the upper ozone, but more disciplined — maybe on example of the w.k. British restraint in this regard. He appears headed for a buildup here as a belting tenor. Channing Pollock followed in suave magico. Socko in every particular were the Rudells, consisting of straight, clown and femme niftying on the trampoline. The ropeskipping and double spin through a hoop were the highlight capers in a tiptop bouncing session. Virginia Mayo, as pretty as she is on celluloid, was on for what amounted to little more than a bow, fronting for a couple of clips from “The Silver Chalice” (WB) starring her and Jack Palance. Trau. Rose, whose rib-tickling, updated nostalgia on popped up as a television writer gift-giving when he was a lad. The 0 f distinction with his "Studio One” Canuck Crew Cuts (4) opened the season opener, “12 Angry Men,” layout with "Mr. Snowman,” then and who reinforced his growing taping,” with’ correspon'dingly less Sullivan handed them a gold disk reputation with "An Almanac of study g i ven t0 the more important for their 1,000,000 mark sale of Liberty” a few weeks back, \0an pS y C ho values. But it was skillfully ..ou »> .. ,»* ...u.L .1 now claim a permanent seat among portrayed and staged, sustained at- television’s consistently outstand- tention as a story, and compelled ing dramatists by virtue of his reflection on the whys and ways of third "Studio One” entry of the su icidees. Trau. season, "12:32 A.M.” A taut but ?"«I5 Un i!? n g .,. S .V ud ^i?°!.2‘AM^ A slightly Involved but on the 1 d coH y whole suspenseful story by Eric possessed the allover qual t es Ambler gave Edward G. Robinson L ensi ° n *£?* d fcfJhTram/ a good vehicle for his talents last h }*™° r iuu T ™ pndTnv week (9) when "Climax!” over CBS-TV presented "Epitaph for a that the entire pl ‘ y log c a , Spy." Show, while lacking in some' P No small factor in Rose’s success ’^fts had a good deal of ten- were, as in "12 Angry Men,” the slo J? mfhfn i a performances of the leads and the f 9 a fi/v 0 Hac^v b i n fManc?avJlin Hi/ direction of Franklin Schaffner. In ° f , J ° s * ^ Ih* io oo ” if was Van Dvke Parks placed person on a holiday on the who walked away with Th e e [[how French Riviera and suspected of Youngster, speaking no more than f nc f P nppc W nf 20 lines throughout the hour-long Jiff 1 nr a^ai? 8 55^? play, gave one of the most ex- 3 Ki^ r ,/ 0r ^ pressive performances ever deliv- cned, bumbling and yet full of a ered by a juvenile, or for that sor ^ °J desperate courage, Robin- matter an adult. His portrayal of * on w bro i ug ^ t . 0 human a sensitive 10-year-old who sees *° bls performance, his father slap his mother and e ^ er fi*i n determines — in a flight of ado- fJ eat Vl dea » V lt « f J ^ f J\ d lescent fancy — to kill the father, the show benefited from it. Adapt- was a study in facial pantomime ed Donald S. Sanford with a that was near-perfect. Schaffner’s g ° od . ey ^ ,*£ r i V d * bnller Potential, fine hand was evident here. "Epitaph” had Robinson at first ar- As the near-hysterical mother of f® st !L d as a sp y and forced by the boy, Katherine Bard delivered French police to act as bait for a consistently high-powered per- the real villain. .... formance that provided a rude Allen Reisner directed the pro- contrast to the mute single-mind- duction with good pace, wisely edness of the boy. As the hot- taking enough time out to estab- tempered father, Don Gibson was important characteriza- outstanding, first as a sort of heavy, tions. Working jyith fairly elabo- and in the final scene, as a tender rate sets, and using his camera in and understanding parent who expert fashion, he infused goings- with a comradely smile wipes away on with a good deal of excitement the boy’s fantasies. In the other and left viewers in doubt as to the key role, Walter Brooke was im- real identity of the spy till the pressive as a sympathetic detective, very end. There were a few If name power is what it takes to pile up rating points, Sunday night’s “Colgate Comedy Hour” should come close to its season’s high mark. It had not only "in per- son” billing but every one of them performed in some manner or other. To producer Bill Morrow goes main credit for giving the hour show with so many diverse PICK THE STARS With Ernest Rawley, Midge Ar- thur, Herman Geiger - Tore!, Samuel Hersenhoren Orch, Dick McDougall, emcee Director: Drew Crossan Musical director: Sam Hersenhoren 30 Mins.; Tues., 9 p.ra. CANADA PACKERS LTD. CBC-TV, from Toronto ( Cockfield-Broum; Baker ) This is a 39 weeks’ series, run- ning into June, whereby the Ca- nadian Broadcasting Corp. is na- tionally showcasing a weekly seg- ment of professional Canadian tal- ent, following last summer’s coast- to-coast auditioning by Drew Crossan and Geoffrey Waddington in Canada’s principal cities. In this search for new professional talent, series gives the artists a na- tional showing, plus professional production. Chosen artists from across Can- ada have their travelling and hotel expenses paid by the CBC and get the vaude scale existing in Toronto. On every sixth show, the winning artists of the previous five get scale, transportation, living ex- penses, etc.; and an additional $500. In the final elimination judging, the winner will get an ad- ditional grand. Permanent panel of judges on the 39 weekly stanzas includes Herman Geiger-Torel of the Royal Conservatory of Music and direc- tor of the Opera Festival Co. of Toronto; Margaret (Midge) Arthur, line choreographer of the Ca- nadian National Exhibition’s 24- 000-seater grandstand show; and Ernest Rawley, manager of Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto; the latter an unusual switch m that Rawley runs the town’s only legit house or to paraphrase tne axiom — if you can’t lick the new competition, join ’em. Stanza caught opened with a dog act, Ian Gordon’s Society Pets, foi somersaults and hoop work, pra> pushing, and a monkey doing mp- ( Continued on page 40) y-JniHMUv. December 15, 1954 TELEVISION REVIEWS S3 tom CORBETT. SPACE CADET 25J! Frankie Thomas, A1 Markim, jack Grime*. Ed Bryce. C.rter P Xer-wr,tcr: AJbert A.ey Director: Ralph Wartf 30 Mins.; Sat., H M * jn - Jjnp TV r from New York NBC ',j’ Walter Thompson) Kraft Foods Is waiting until T n i for “Tom Corbett, Space to clear its rocket tubes for flar that even though Its better than half-vear anchorage (after fin- ishing at DuMont) was spent in Imti-oxidation balls ^ entirely! ^ 00 ° .Sponsor didn’t want to join the cadets at the Space Academy until the start of a new (commercial) semester that being after the New Year. As far as the former is concerned the bank- ritiiiT needn’t have feared.. The veteran video vehicle (which. Inci- dentally. is making Its tour.1 > tv'a fourth solar system, NBC-TV, after having soared through the other three in its lifetime) was in i^ea- sonably good condition at its launching (11). The kid stanza, anchoring the new NBC-TV Saturday morning two-hcur juve block, made perhaps a counle too many trial turns on the preem before opening its rockets full and heading for ad- venture in outer space. After a long scene in which roles were es- tablished and dissension was cre- ated. Tom Corbett and his fellow cadets were sent on a cruise to learn teamwork. New crewman- supposed to be a brain but played like a lesser Hell’s Kitchen thug by Jack Grimes — made one of his practical jokes, causing real trou- ble. but after showing he meant no harm, was saved by Frankie Thomas’ bright ’n’ brave Tom Cor- bett. Following what seems to be Rockhill’s code, producer-scribbler Albert Aley (vice Allen Ducovny, presently of D’Arcy agency) as- serted dramatic elements without once getting gory. In the NBC preem. “Space Cadet” had no darklv evil antagonist to the forces of good, but instead exaggerated (some times too much) failings of “our side” to motivate action. The other three 10-to-noon half- hour shows blasted off on Nov. 20, with Happy Felton leading, fol- lowed by Paul Winchell’s stanza and then by Jimmy Weldon’s “Funny Boners.” As with grown- ups, kids aren’t going to appreci ate all elements of such a varied tv block. But since all the shows are on the plus side, viewership should be okay for each, although the same audience won’t follow NBC throughout the morning. Art. LIGHTS, CAMERA, QUESTIONS With Max Mink, Jack Sllverthorne, Frank Murphy, Dick Wright, John Fitzgerald, Gloria Gale, Louise Baker, Howie Mather Director: Charles Ranallo 30 Mins. Saturday, 7 p.m. FIRST RUN THEATRE GROUP W’XEL, Cleveland Three years ago downtown first- run theatre managers wisely decided that if you couldn't beat tv, then you joined the enemy by using its avenue to hypo “Movies Are Better Than Ever.” The wis- dom of that move is reflected in “Lights, Camera, Question,” the half-hour Saturday night stanza now in its third year of showcas- ing firstrun movies as tops in en- tertainment. Format of the pro- gram has changed but slightly; there's the usual questions solicited from the audience anck theatre- goers, answered by the panel, with prizes either in ducats or electrical appliances to best queries re- ceived. Use of musical inquiries permits eye-appealer Gloria Gale to war- ble with Howie Mather at the piano. Duo makes nice music. Louise Baker is other eyeful who participates in giving queries ad- ditional lustre. Panel of show managers including Max Mink, RKO Palace; Jack Silverthorne, Telem’nt’s Hipp; Frank Murphy, Loew’s, and Dick Wright, Warner, compose quartet of erudite mana gcrs who also — because of long years with the flickers— demon strate a know-how of camera ease and personality in spouting an- swers to questions. Stanza caught included opening P , 1 on one question dealing with oack ground of downtown houses. Mink kicked off first of series with rise of Palace Theatre and HORIZONS With Dr. Louis H. Bauer, Dr. H. McLeod Rigginl, Don Gardiner, Audra* Lindley, Herb Nelson, Judy Parrish Producer: Charles Dubin Director: Matt Harlib Writer: George Beliak 15 Mins., Sun., 9:15 p.m. CIBA PHARMACEUTICAL ABC-TV, from New York ( Kiesewetter , Baker, Hagedorn A Smith) Ciba Pharmaceutical Products, the American subsid of a Swiss chemical concern, deserves a word of praise for an attempt at intel- ligently-channeled institutional ad- vertising via “Horizons,” a docu- mentary on advances in medicine through drugs. But while the at- tempt is laudable, the execution on the premiere segment was nothing short of horrendous. All parties to the mess must take the rap, from Ciba on down to the agency, to packagers Harshall Hester, pro- ducer Charles Dubin and the ABC program department for letting the show go on in the first place. When an “entertainment” show is bad, it’s just one of those things. But when a documentary, backed by a sponsor’s knowhow in a spe- cialized field and endowed with so imposing a moderator as Dr. Louis H. Bauer, is childish and disorgan- ized, there’s something fundamen- tally wrong in the program-pro- duction setup. Where “Horizons” needs a complete revamp is in ap- proach and format, which is tanta- mount to saying that the packagers and network are going to have to start from scratch on this one. Format is simple enough. Each week. Dr. Bauer, who is a past- president of the American Medical Assn., takes up a different medical topic. A short dramatic vignette shows progress through the years in combatting the disease. Dr. Bauer then interviews an expert who explains the ‘progress in de- tail. And for a final wrapup, Dr. Bauer shows a few newsreel clips on medicine in the week’s news. Topic for the preem was Juber- culosis, and the treatment was pitiful. Dramatic segment, with Herb Nelson, Audra Lindley and Judy Parrish, quickly told the story of a man who gets TB, goes to a sanitorium, and by rest and treat- ment, recovers. As far as provid- ing any knowledge on the topic, the vignette was completely un- necessary — every schoolchild in the U.S. has at one time or another 'seen a film on TB that covers that ground more than adequately. Oversimplified to the extreme, the vignette served no useful purpose. Nor did Dr. Bauer do much better with his interview with Dr. H. McLeod Riggins, TB specialist on the faculty of Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. But here the trouble was the reverse — it was too complex for the layman. Ques- tions on progress in drug treat- ment were okay, but when Dr. Rig- gins began to explain new tech- niques in surgery with the aid of some mystifying diagrams, the dis- cussion got way over the head of the average viewer. What might be done here is to eliminate the vignette, use the interview as a starting point and then illustrate the new surgical techniques via film. Closing newsreels were far too short and sketchy to have any impact. Dr. Bauer, who presently is Sec- retary General of the World Medi- cal Assn., and chairman of the United Medical Service, showed poise and authority, although his interviewing was somewhat un- even. Don Gardiner’s off-camera narration was good, as were the acting efforts in the sketch. Film quality was also good, and Ciba’s commercial was excellent from the information-visual viewpoint. Show is in on a 13-week deal in the post- Walter Winchell slot as a replace- ment for Martha Wright, but it’s going to have to undergo a thor- ough revamp to stay another cycle. Chan. the 1 x uvuit c aiiu in rough use of old pictures got across an interesting spiel of growth of Palace along with city expansion. It made for attentive community-historical pitch. As commercials, managers neatly tie Mailers, and showcards. John gera ^ usual pleasant ncee and entire production is ap- w. lng , early Sat - t0 get the tamily to the movie. * Mark. FUN WITH FRENCH With Mrs. Raymond Slack, others Producer: Angela McDermott 30 Mins.; Mon., 9:30 a.m, WRGB-TV, Schenectady Program, now in its fifth 13-week cycle, has been hailed in educa- tion circles as an outstanding ex- ample of language instruction via television. Its chief asset is Mrs. Raymond Slack, a French woman of striking appearance, married to a former serviceman. She is not only one of the most photogenic professional teachers in video, but she has a background in her native tongue and an accent that bear the unmistakable mark of authenticity. Mrs. Slack is also skilled in in- structional technique and in guid- ing small children. Program this year is divided into two parts: 15 minutes for a class with four third-graders (two girls aod two boys) from a Schenectady public school, a quarter-hour solo, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (Best of Broadway) With Dorothy McGuire, John Payne, Richard Carlson, Herbert Marshall, Mary Astor, Charles Winninrer, Dlek Foran, Neva Patterson, Jane Sutherland Producer: Martin Manulis Director: Sidney Lumet Writer: Philip Barry Jr. 60 Mins., Wed., 10 p.m. WESTINGHOUSE CBS-TV, from N, Y. (color) . ( McCann-Ericksoti ) Television’s attempts to recreate some of Broadway’s great comedy hits via “Best of Broadway” and other hour-long segments thus far have never really come off. Is it because of the vehicles themselves — are they too crochety, too splen- didly conceived to be harnessed to' the intimacy of the tv screen, or is it because standards of comedy values have changed and what once was funny is so no longer? To judge by “The Philadelphia Story,” the “Best of Broadway’” presentation last week, the answer to all these points is in the nega- tives and Since “Philadelphia” is fairly representative of all the vid- efforts thus far, its tv weaknesses provide a key to past failures. Since the faults didn’t lie ip the work themselves — it’s still a sprightly play, its lines still spar- kle, its drawing-room setting is a tv natural — the television treat- ment must be at fault. And in this case, the blame rests in three quarters, the overall conception of the treatment by producer Martin Manulis and adaptor Philip Barry Jr., the direction of Sidney Lumet and most telling, the performances of the principals, in this case Doro- thy McGuire. John Payne and Her- bert Marshall. Fact is that the teleplay never got moving until the last 10 min- utes; the actors wandered through their characterizations and stepped all over their key lines until those last 10 minutes, and the direction lagged and meandered again until those last 10 minutes. It was only then that the actors began to feel their parts, that the direction In- folded the denouement at a fast and merry pace, that the play took on the sparkle and delight that it had on Broadway and in its picture version. Until that point, it was a sorry mess. Whose fault? Mainly, it lay in the acting. What television com- edy seems to lack most is the all- important sense of timing, and in the case of the Philip Barry origi- nal, sprinkled throughout with bon mots, the neglect of timing alone is enough to throw the entire tone of a scene off. A muffed line, while excusable in a straight drama, is murder in a fast-paced comedy, and there were muffs aplenty. It boils down to getting the lines down pat, not only for the sake of preserving pace but for establishing character, and with a month between shows, there seems to be no excuse. In the adaptation and overall treatment, that perennial boiling- down-to-an-hour treatment came along, and Barry, the playwright’s son, faced the problem by simply eliminating chunks of action and developing the character of Tracy Lord through the speeches of the characters in the play. Device didn’t prove entirely effective, es- pecially since the delivery of those segments weren’t very well pre- sented. And finally, Lumet’s direc- tion allowed the entire play to ramble aimlessly until the finale, which almost, but not quite, over- came the lapses of the first 50 minutes. Miss McGuire showed she could have been a fine replacement for Kathrine Hepburn in that last act. but until then she was unsure of the part as well as the lines. Payne, though fairly consistent, lacked the casualness and flipness that gave the character of the ex- husband life. Dick Foran delivered the best overall performance, with the stuffed-shirt quality showing immediately and continuing throughout the play. Mary Astor and Neva Patterson had little to do; Charles Winninger was good in his brief appearances; Richard Carlson’s performance was neutral; Marshall stumbled several times; and Jane Sutherland got across her lines effectively. A mixed per- formance if there ever was one. Difficult to see the purpose of tinting up this play, what with the drawing-room sets and little else. On the black-and-white screen, everything took on dullish gray look which was a little depressing at times. Chan. NBC Plays Benefit in 90-Minute Tribute to Overseas Press Club By GEORGE ROSEN NBC played a benefit Monday night (13) when, through the good auspices of RCA and Ford sponsor- ship coin, the television network turned over its choice 90-minute “Producers Showcase” spectacular to aid the Overseas Press Club in the official launching of its new Memorial Press Center in N.Y. NBC “covered” the official open- ing in the best way it knetf how — by corralling a large portion of tv’s most gifted performers, but when all was said and done, it still added up to a benefit that could hardly be described as scintillating. The sentiment was there; but the show biz exposition was lacking. Considering the entertainment \ components assembled, which in- cluded Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Mar- tha Raye, Eddie Fisher, Perry Como, Marian Anderson, Richard Rodgers, Carl Sandburg, Carl Reiner, John Daly, among others, and considering, too, the produc- tion auspices, this OPC salute, tabbed “Dateline,” should have translated itself into a memorable occasion. But unfortunately, as the 90 minutes progressed, it became at times a trying experience for the viewer. NBC-RCA dressed it up in its best prismatic tones (with the exception of a cut-in for Eddie Fisher from Hollywood and a filmed tribute by President Eisenhower), •but this was one occasion when black-and-white would have suf- DATELINE With Marian Anderson, Sid Caesar, Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, Bob Hope, Martha Raye, Carl Reiner, Richard Rodgers, Carl Sandburg, Bob Considlne, John Daly, Elsa Maxwell, Lawrence Spivak, Hal Boyle, H. V. Kaltenborn, Fleur Cowles, Ray Walston, Milton Canlff, others; Harry Sosnlk orch Producer: Fred Coe Executive Producer: Jack Rayel Director: Alan Handley Writers: Robert E. Sherwood, Carl Sandburg, Mel Tolkin, others 90 Mins., Mon., 8 p.m. FORD- RCA NBC-TV, from New York (color) (Kenyon & Eckhardt) for advanced pupils, teachers, par- ents and other adult viewers. First segment is perhaps better, sounder television. The intelligent, alert eager youngsters make an appeal- ing, convincing picture as they re- peat, with teacher, French words, articulafe greetings, form sen- tences and carry on brief two-way conversations. Jaco. ficed. Tint neither added nor de- tracted from what essentially was a noble but not too rewarding effort. For one thing it was too talky, with most of the last half-hour (and that, mind you, opposite "Lucy”), devoted to speechifying, with even the sequencing of the talks occasioning some mild sur- prise. Particularly at a benefit, the finale is generally reserved for the piece de resistance; the assumption being that the President would oc- cupy the niche. But the nod went to Henry Ford 2d for his paean to peace and plenty in ’55. Carl Sand- burg, reciting his own dedicatory message, occupied the next-to-clos- ng spot. Thus President Eisenhower, in a message extolling the bravery and virtues of the overseas correspond- ents in wartime, and spotted even ahead of Sandburg, enjoyed the status of an “also ran” participant. But it was the bracketing of all three into the closing portion that weighed heavily on the show and marred the pacing. The 90 minutes was short on comedy, with the principal burden falling on Sid Caesar. A travesty on “Meet the Press” (“Beat the Press”), with Carl Reiner in the moderator seat and Lawrence Spivak, H. V. Kaltenborn and the N.Y. Times’ Emanuel Freedman as the “press,” slotted Caesar as the guest dignitary, in the role of an archeologist. It was Caesar at his funniest; a throwback to one of his best char- acterizations on the ex-“Show of Shows.” Too, the show had a hilar ious opening, cued to the “Date- line” motif of the format; a suc- cession of “interview vignettes” showing Kaltenborn getting statement from Napolean (Caesar); Ben Grauer dittoing with Delilah (Martha Raye); Elsa Maxwell inter- viewing Leif Erickson and Bob Considine probing for Bob Hope’s reaction to Churchill on the lat- ter’s 80th birthday. It set a tempo that unfortunately wasn’t sustained. Hope went into his standup com- edies, which were par for the course. Thanks to Eddie Fisher (“salut- ing” his still-in-uniform brother Alvin, just out of the Army, with a medley); Perry Como, Martha Raye and Marian Anderson (latter giving a magnificent rendition of ”He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”), the show had its strong- est moments in the vocal depart- ment. One major production num- ber, "Steve Canyon Ballet,” was based on the Milt Caniff comic strip. As a ballet insert it was okay, but if it was intended as a parody it was neither broad nor subtle enough to achieve real hu- mor. Richard Rodgers' participation in the war-tempoed dedication inevi- tably resulted in his musical recap of “Victory At Sea” (backgrounded by some, of the film sequences). A Robert E. Sherwoodscripted dramatiaztion of an Ernie Pyle epi- sode (with Ray Walston giving a fine portrayal) was at best a sen- timental tribute to the late war correspondent killed in the Pacific. John Daly emceed the program and was dignified! terse and complete- ly at ease. Harry Sosnik orch back- grounded the musical portions and the maestro did his usual effective job. DOWN YOU GO With Dr. Bergen Evans, Eliza- beth Montgomery, Prof. Norbert Wiener, Walt Kelly, Phil Rizzuto Exec Producer: Steve Carlin Producer: Roger Gerry Director: Dick Sandwick 30 Mins.; Wed., 10 p.m. WESTERN UNION (alternate weeks) DuMont, from New York ( Albert Frank-Guenther Law) After several high riding sea- sons in Chicago, “Down You Go” has packed its bags for a fling at a New York origination. In -its preem last week (8) it looked as though it would make good in the Big Town, too. It’s got some hefty opposition on the rival webs, which may hold its rating down, but it’s bound to build a steady following. It’s a bright quiz show with a clever gimmick, an erudite emcee and a variegated panel that’s selected with care. That’s more than half the battle for any quiz- zer. Format is pegged on the panel’s attempt to guess a catch phrase by filling in letters of the blank words shown on a blackboard. The view- ers, of course, know the word in advance but watching the panel at work, in thought or guesswork, makes it a delightful half-hour. Much of the credit for the stanza’s smooth pace belongs to host Dr. Bergen Evans. He’s being imported from Chi for the chore and the way he shows up as head- master makes the trip seem worth- while. On the preem stanza, panelists were Walt Kelly, Phil Rizzuto, Dr. Norbert Wiener and Elizabeth Montgomery. Rizzuto had the best RBI .replies batted in) average and displayed the kind of charm that’ll nail him as a perennial panelist. Series will have a staff of rotat- ing panelists to keep the board alert at all times. Among those slated to sit in on upcoming shows are Boris Karloff, Laura Hobson and Leonora Corbett. The Western Union spiel is ably delivered by Dick Stark. Gros. SANTA CLAUS With John Saunders, Pat Oliver Producer: John Saunders Director: Harry Black 15 Mins: Mon.-thru-Fri. 5 p.m. KRESGE WXEL, Cleveland l McManus, John & Adams ) If you ever wondered how com- mercial you can make Santa, take a squint at the 13-minute cross-the- board Kresge stanza. Here’s toy- land with a huge Kresge sign in the background, and right behind Santa. Kiddies are invited to write in with the best writers picked to appear. Winners are given gifts — and nice ones at that — but as the gift is handed to the moppet, a dol- lar-and-cent super virtually blots out the gift but no doubt impress- es the youngster at home that shopping values are best at Kresge. Oh yes, if he wants to write a let- ajter, he has to get his entry blank at any one of the Kresge stores. It’s too bad that John Saunders, playing Santa for the seventh year must ride kiddie lanes with such a vehicle. His Santa playing is otherwise good. He is assisted by Jingles, played by Pat Oliver. Too bad the role was written on a con* descending level in that she plays down to a lower case juvenile role. On stanza caught poor production made it impossible to catch off- voice remarks of "Twinkletoes, Santa’s helper who, in effect. '* Saunders’ voice on speed-up ais*. Mark. Wednesday, December 15, 1954 •' djft | -» ' 'n & rtM0 * ' *, -S* >v ••< f \ w s v 5 ? , V* Swg: ip ii: ■Pplf Pm b :■ v ». * > - > . •♦:W^ .* .C^vVr- - t* , * - Ui:- x . x ; ♦ .. ’ ®‘ •*'* ’4»! «► if w w w JL ”• X T V V * K* % -t • ^ t -«a **£& S*Et > *® * „ to ?5& * coSo^jgf tffKi 1 we ® ver vc V.i^ -viye* , vo^ ?P«& °^ e , s YliS^a tlo® ^ ttetrV e c om^6 ' Gt»^ e ttjjw Sa* 8 " Va^ a Press Relations: MIKE HALL Major Robinson GALE 48 West 48th St ftw?< '4 itetttjkrtlr* JiweJWitlwr-i IKWi i&* 7 ZU 6 9 mm*} iilKi YOURS! *f COMfORTABUI .. ' iiea,-iui»tris|:i / ft. % VAUGHAN J/i V> wi* Hth* .^'Ar ;AfMt His ijTjBW co»m«»°»!gar \(> ( liiri>ilav, PfffintxT 15, 1954 RECORDS Record Promotion: JIM McCARTHY t concluded 4 SMASH WEEKS playing to capacity audiences Personal Management: GEORGE TREADWELL 88 RADIO REVIEWS Wednesday, December 15, 1954 AL COLLINS SHOW 1954 CHRISTMAS CAVALCADE I THY KINGDOM COME 55 Mins.; Mon. thru Frl., 12:05 p.m. With Howard Reif . Gene Hamil- 1 With Ray Middleton, Participating ton. Bill Hanrahan, Arthur Gray, WRCA N Y. Phil Alampi, Sydney Smith Al Collins, the hip jock with the Producer: Steve White hot rod who has come to the NBC Director- Writer; Draper Lewis flagship station after a long roost 2 Hours, 55 Mina., Sat. (II), at WNEW, is set for a lot of work 2:05* p.m. in his new spot. In addition to an oustainiiy: hour cross-the-board noontime slot, WRCA, N. Y. Collins will also pilot a three-hour swing on the kilocycles, WRCA came up with a full-course serving of Yuletide music and stories on a three-hour disk show Saturday afternoon (11). Divided into half- Collins pushes a product, he never h 0Ur segments, each stanza was indulges in rlifiaaina has the keyed to a different theme and lung power had a surface brilliance the co . ntr ^y. his plugging has the mood ranging from pops to hymns about it, but somehow Hubble same fresh *J l P ^Mjner that makes and appealing, at one point or an- occasionally got so wrapped up in his general gab distinct . other, to all age brackets. cleffing exercises that he ignored Collins’ middle name is Jazzbo, The s h 0w wa s handled by var- observing that Salvation Army but WRCA is aPP^tly keeping ious sUff announcers and disk like brass can often sound corny that facet under wraps on this . . ., . . . when combined with hushed voices, daily hour show. The selections jockeys who. for this special get- Q r0U p d j d religioso themes, segue- on the preem stanza (13) were up, subordinated their chatter j n g from some more famous pieces strictly for squares with lush in- completely to the platters. Bill like “Holy, Holy” into less w.k strumentals predominating. 7 he Hanrahan teed off the Xmas caval- but more spirited themes, regular Jazzbo Jans * cade with a rundown of the pop Between musical numbers, Ray numbeMike ***♦-«’ ” ho , lid ay hits over the past decade. Middleton, sounding like a spiritual m — Saturday morning show and an- other cross-the-board segment in the evening starting early next year. Collins can do it. He works easily and wears well. Even when Harriss Hubble Brass and Voice Choir Director: John Dunn 30 Mins., Sat., 6:30 p.m. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES NBC, from N. Y. “Thy Kingdom Come” was pleas- ant and showmanly on NBC Satur- With the holiday season in full | ^Vhurehes. ‘ WhXHhe^iSw desired it or not, however, religion took a back seat to entertainment. The Harriss Hubble Brass and Voice choir skimmed through always intricate, often pleasing, religioso musical themes. The con- stant interplay of instrument and spinning such sides as Jimmy Gregory Peck, rendered selections but he did and not in a cool v r- Boyd’s “I Saw Mommy Kissing from the Scriptures. Singer (but sion either. But Collins carried it Santa Claus” and the alltime fave, no t for this one) and thesp Middle- off niftily and his repertory was Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” ton read clearly if a shade too tastefully planned within tne The secpnd slot> Posted by How- grandiloquently. Producers didn’t mood music genre. ard B eig, presented “Peter And bother injecting any announce- Locale for the show is a mythi- The Wolf,” “The Juggler of Our ments during body of the 30-min- cal penthouse atop of the RCA Lady,” narrated by Sydney Smith, uter what with the segued tunalog Building from which Collins can and other familiar stories with mu- and the unintroduced change-of- pick up the city’s sights and sounds s [ c pieces. Gene Hamilton followed pace to the Scriptures via a “musical telescope.” This is up a session of traditional songs Choir was sharp, with solo voices okay for an occasional song intro, delivered by the Robert Shaw of highly professional calibre. In- but Collins tended fo overwork chorale. Phil Alampi. the station’s cidentally, the show, though spon- this angle on his kickoff show and f arm and garden editor, offered sored by the National Council of almost became cute at times. That tips on Christmas trees. Churches as a whole, receives its may have been opening day jitters Another segment was devoted to coin from the Presbyterian Church selections from legit and film pro , , ductions having holiday .settings Variety of plugs on the show yv h i 1 e Fleetwood presented a were handled by Collins himself “p 0ps ’' concert featuring the Leroy Anderson orch, the Trapp Family Choir and Arthur Fiedler conduct- ing the Boston Pops. Bing Crosby closed the show with a narration of a religious story. Herrn. Art. From the Production Centres and transcribed jingle inserts. Herm. FOR THE LADIES With Konnie G. Worth 30 Min.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 1130 a.m Participating KGW, Portland, Ore. IN NEW YORK CITY . . . Eugene Burr, a Goodson-Todman exitee, to take over as radio-tv supervisor of Dancer-Fltxgerald-Sample agency . . . Producer Jerry Franken (Lester Lewis office) due back In harness about Jan. 1 after recent surgery . . . Shirley Downs, teenage holder of WRCA’s “Favorite Farmer’s Daughter crown, made whirlwind personal appearance and press rounds last week, also distributing baskets of vegetables to editors . . . WCBSinger Bob Haymes accepted as member of Explorers Club, coincident with okay on his pilot’s license . . . Ole Morby named mgr. of station relations of CBS . . . WCBS program chief Sam Slate in Athen, Ga., as rep of Radio-TV Executives Society, while sales boss Henry Untermeyer is back at his desk after a Palm Beach vacation . . . Ham Shea, newly named v.p. of NBC, who’s general manager of web’s N.Y. stations, saw his promotion publicly recognized last week when a workman on the huge Xmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza held aloft a sign reading, “Everything okay, Ham?” Mildred Dunnock doing guest stint on WMCA stanza, “Young Book Reviewers,” Sat. (18) when film “Hansel and Gretel” will get o.o. . . . St. Patrick’s Bishop Joseph F. Flannelly to conduct Midnight Mass on Xmas Eve, with Charles Courbin at organ and Mons. Edwin B. Broderick preaching sermon via WMGM . . . Also in Xmas vein, WHLI’s (Hempstead) 21 special Yule stanzas, starting Sunday (19) . . . WMCA’s “New World A’Coming” dramatic skein returned for 11th year last night (Tues.) . . . Large batch of local and out-of-town deejays on hand last week in N.Y. hotel room taking turns taping interviews with London Record's David Whitfield. James McMenemy, ex-director and producer of the Bobby Benson stanzas, to tv staff of SSC&B . . . Art Henley’s CBS “Make Up Your Mind” pulling Xmas festival all next week covering “the psychology of Christmas giving-and-getting.” with guests including Eartha Kitt, Vincent Price, Journal-American’s Jack O’Brian, Gov. Robert B. Meyner of N.J. and Elsa Maxwell . . . Oscar Brand, director of folk music of N.Y. City (WNYC), establishing a free Americana information service for anyone in search* of folk tunes and all problems relating to the same. Brand airs “Folksong Festival” Sundays at 6 p.m. ... As of Jan. 3, WHOM is gonna expand its Latino programming (sixth time in 15 months) to 10 hours a day and for first time offer a “wake-up” Spanish stanza (six to eight ayem) with Mario DeLara emceeing . . . Mutual organist-vocalist Harvey Harding opened at Hotel Berkshire’s Barbary Room . . . Bob Sullivan, WOR and WOR-TV ad-promotion exec, engaged to Mary Jane McDougall, press editor for same outlets . WLIB’ll hold fifth annual Harlem Xmas fest Sat. (18) at the Savoy Ballroom, with Jackie Robinson hosting Jack Gregson has been on the air for ABC radio since last May, first in a five-a-weeker, then in a IJV CHICAGO four-a-weeker. and now, indirectly through the offices of General Mot- With Coca-Cola, General Finance and Sinclair Oil aboard as bank- ors which ankled the Henry J. Tay- rollers for the 1955 season, Bert Wilson kicks off his 15th year as , "show designed to ^entertain and 15 Mins. Mon.-thru-Fri.. 5:45 p.m. lor # I to 8:15 p.m. Monday news- WIND’S play caller of the Chi Cubs baseball games on the curtain inform the lady of the house. Soft. ParPcipating J" 1 ' i Ve j!H S a . g / m T™* ralSer April 12 ’ ’ ’ ABC “ mm entator Paul Harvey next month starts clear-voiced Konnie Worth- has WEEI. Boston throueh-Fri with a Monday 8-to- easily become a top drawer, per- A newcomer to WEEI’s live pro- 8:25 se8men j bei the lat J addi . A DATE WITH ST. CLAIRE., KGW - hit the airwaves here with I With Bill St. Claire sonaiity. She has had plenty of gramming, this cross-the-board 15- t -“ n ^ ith all th ° L the Gregson ^ iw tiw, *ivoo*nr ie I minute sesh features the vocalizing shatter show hasn’t changed much of Bill St. Claire, a local baritone Onl v ^ w“h_a Pleaslng_set t of_pipe s ._He ofaguest on™he prevail background in the theater which is used to the hilt in making this 30 minutes a “must.” In addition to giving a variety of recipes and household hints to her listening audience, she interviews people of interest other than celebrity cal- ibre.. Between times are used for playing disks that appeal to the ladies. She spins about three plat- ters daily using femme approach to selection of disks. “Miss KGW” also works hard and gives her sponsors ample coverage. Each afternoon, she appears at a different sponsor store for two hours with a couple of real door busting specials during her visit. Miss Worth’s personality, know- how of show biz, and “makes ya wanna listen" style combine to make this one of the best programs of its type in this sector. Fe re. penning a thrice-weekly column syndicated by General Features . . . Vocalist Cela Roter and Jimmy Lee awarded 13-week staff pacts at WBBM as winners of the CBS station’s talent hunt . . . Mutual sales veepee Ade Hult in for Chi conferences last, week . . . Eileen Mack, ailing herself in Passavant Hospital, is masterminding a Xmas show for the Veterans Research Hospital here Friday (17) which will be has an easy approach to his songs X f Yh \fn ndVv k non fern p*n t" c t I taped for distribution along the VA Hospital network . . . Gettelman tying in the introing of his forth- Eric W ilde whose 88 rendition of Brewing bought “I Was a Communist for FBI” for WGN airing starting coming number via casual gab with Ghopin’s “Waltz in E Minor” was J an * 7 . . . Jean Morehead new member of the Chi ABC publicity- announcer. Using "We in contras t to the pop melodies by promotion staff . . .Richard Thorne has written and directed a 26-week Could Make Such Beautiful Music talented vocalist Peggy Anne Ellis dramatized health show being distributed as a public service by the together ior a tneme, a typical and clever batoner Bobby Hackett American Osteopathic Assn. . . . Metropolitan Life has renewed its FaU in C Lov!” and “Z?ng Went the and crew ’ longstanding identity on Norm Barry’s 8:45 WMAQ morning newscast Strings of My Heart,” plus a pop Emcee Gregson intoned his for another year. ballad, each handled with taste and Pointless, time consuming stories pn iwnor/i authority. In addition, the guy. a " d was once again pleasant uut f J\ SAIS FRANCISCO . . . does a fairly competent job of ac- r g a u y S p ha £ge n U p nighttinfe^efwork Weldon Kees, former film critic of Time, conducting a series, “Behind radio. the Movie Camera” on KPFA, Berkeley non-commercial FM station . , , The Gregson Mondaycast is part Salzburg Marionettes debut Wednesday (15) on KQED, Bay Area edu- of the net’s forthcoming “Music cational tv station . . . Del Courtney pitching for blood donations for Monday,” with other shows to be the Northern California chapter of the Hemophilia Foundation on his added around “Voice of Firestone.” KPIX show ... A mammoth “Toys for Tots” show featuring almost companying himself on the 88. A staff announcer handles the plugs in standard fashion. Elie. BREAKFAST WITH THE VALEN- TINES With Dan and Elaine Valentine 120 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 7 a.m. Participating KDYL, Salt Lake City This two-hour cross the board session is proof that non-profes sionals can whip together an en- tertaining program and hold their own with pros. Don Valentine, col- umnist for the Salt Lake Tribune, has been on the air from time to time. His wife, Elaine, hit tills show cold. You’d never know it from the results. Mixing an assortment of disks, gags, comments and com mercials, they keep things running smoothly and briskly for a pleas- ant eye opener. Valentine’s forte in his column is humor, with occasional good natured cracks at one thing or an- other. He hangs on to this style on the air and Elaine lends a Cheer- ful air to the proceedings without falling into the trap of being one of those “gee it’s great to be alive’ optimists. Music is pretty much on the straight commercial side without any particular attempt to grab af- ficianados of one school. All in all a lively session, with everyone get- ting a good shake out of the time spent. Bert WINS UPS TWO WINS. N. Y. radio indie belong ing to the Elroy McCaw-led Goth am Broadcasting, has upped two of its execs. Robert Smith becomes adminis trative assistant to general man ager Robert Leder and Jacques Biraben assumes the directorship of sales. Network Radio Art, all the talent in the Bay Area last weekend, was produced on KPIX Saturday (11) to gather Christmas toys for underprivileged children Tidewater Associated Oil Co. has bought 28 basketball games on FiinVilflmA J* mu I blAUI 011111 VI LUC 1/CV1Q1 OllV&l I KR0W. Buchanan & Co. is the agency . . . Metropolitan Life has , r ?« ^ „™ e „ y „ a f ™ I Of Human Rights last Sunday (12) | renewed Clarence Leisure's 7:15 s.tn. newscast on KNBC lor a year. Continued from pas* 33 Boston Symphony Orch saluted I the sixth anni of the Declaration on 4 l _ toe moo uuuuoj \ a / i cucwcu uii9ui c s i.id a.m* iiuwaiddi vii j fir h nr fi 2 RW°TS fitai MnrS with a melodic and relaxing 90- The company has sponsored the program singe 1946. the air, or 68.3% of the total. More minute concert. Program, aired important, they account to- 0V cr the NBC net and broadcast niTTIJ/lfT gether for 895, or 40.9%, of the from the General Assembly Hall of 111 171,1 11,7,1 • • • _ Assembly total of 2,185 commercial night- the United Nations in New York, time minutes. Figure assumes im- was directed by orch’s conductor, portance when viewed in light of Charles Munch, and spotlighted the fact that there are only 35 com- Viennese soprano Irmgard Seefried mercial half-hour programs on the a $ soloist. air out of a four-network total of Occasion was marked by a brief Ross Mulholland, WWJ disk jockey broadcasting from the Ford Ro- tunda during Christmas season, has~devised a way to eavesdrop on conversations between Santa and kids and listeners are avalanching him with letters of praise for the “cute” chitchat . . . Lyn Osborn, of “Space Patrol,” spent two days last week with his family in sub- urban Lincoln Park . . . WJR gets greenlight from FCC to build tv , j 1 • , , _ ~ ma muii uiiivvu a a win • • • »» wi* 51 vvuugin iiv/m 1 vv/ 11/ muiiu v w 216 half-hour units available dur- speech delivered by U.N. Secre- station in Flint when petitions for reconsideration filed by Trebit Corp. ing those nighttime hours. tar; r'u n j‘ ra - . Hamma r s kJ° ld » and W. S. Butterfield Theatres, Inc., were turned down . . . WXYZ-TV ABC is leading the five-minute „ r h ° id Jnf Gpnprfli n A«PmKlv installin 8 new color transmitter, requiring diminishing studio space thcTair'during'the 1 hourf amounted ^ical portion of the broadcast ini the air during the hours accounted cludpd the -water Music Suite” by for (webs saturation news plans Ha ndel as arranged by Sir Ham- mclude daytime too). CBS is well iiton Harty, several vocal rendi- represented with 10, Mutual with tions of Richartj Strauss works by five. And though NBC hasn’t sold Miss Seefried and movements from any yet, the five-minute idea has Hector Berlioz’s “Fantastic Sym- been the subject of an advertising phony. campaign by the network to back up its strong pitch. NBC is strong est in quarter-hours with 11 com- mercial and 10 participating (and well sold at the moment). Mutual has 11 commercial, ABC 10 (in- cludiqg the AFL business which moves over soon) and CBS is last with four. In half-hours and hours. ABC and Mutual are weak- est, the former having only four half-hours (one of them a simul- cast and three religiosos) and Mutual only one commercial and six participating. Neither have any hour shows, but it’s worth- while pointing out that CBS’ two hour shows are Edgar Bergen’s deejay stint for Kraft and the “Stop the Music” segment, while NBC’s are “Lux Video Theatre" and the Gillette fights. Three out of these four are represented on tv. Concert had to be cut short as it was running into overtime. Jess. 316 kilowatts . . . “Traffic Court,” WWJ-TV’s award-winning program which emphasizes traffic safety by reenacting actual Detroit Traffic Court cases before Judge John D. Watts, returned to the air Tuesday (14) and with a sponsor for the first time — Chevrolet • Dealers of De- troit . . . Milky, the magic clown, will celebrate the beginning of his fifth y«ar on WJBK-TV with a three hour show Sunday (18) . . . Marv Welch, the Wixie of WXYZ-TV’s “Wixie Wonderland,” and crew, will fly to the Oscoda Air Force Base in upper Michigan Dec. 18 to do a show for base personnel as guests of the Air Force. IN PHILADELPHIA . . . Council of Reform Synagogues of Greater Philadelphia presented citation to Roger W. Clipp, general manager of WFIL stations in con- junction with 20th anni of “Message of Israel” on WFIL and ABC net . . . The Philadelphia Kellys — Mr. and Mrs. John B., Mr. and Mrs. Jack, Jr., and Grace Kelly, will guest on Steve Allen’s “Tonight,” Dec. 15 . . . Bill Banks, president of WHAT, is back on the job after 10 days illness . . . WPTZ’s “How’s Your Social IQ?” off the air due to the illness of program conductor, Gertrude Novokovsky, is skedded to resume after holidays . . . Kenneth Mayer, former Boston newscaster. According to Harold Essex, ex- 1 has taken over three morning news programs at WCAU . . . Joseph T. Connolly, v.p. in charge of radio at WCAU, off on a three-day Navy cruise out of Pensacola, Fla. . . . Mike Ellis, WPTZ commentator, is preparing an offbeat tv dramatic treatment of the Salem (Mass.) witch hunt . . . Growing problem of juvenile delinquency will be discussed in a three-times-weekly forum on Creighton Stewart’s “For Women achieved, will enable” WSJS-Tele- Only,” on WCAU radio. Stewart’s program represents first continuous vision to serve an area equaling in radio study of problem. size that covered by any station Mrs. Zara Bishop, of WCAU, has been named chairman of program now operating in the southeast (Continued on page 42) Essex Big Stick Bid Winston-Salem, Dec. 14. Tn an application filed with the FCC, WSJS-Television proposes maximum power of 316,000 watts from a mountain-top antenna, 2,000 feet above average terrain, 3,071 feet above sea level. ecutive v.p. and general manager of the station, permission to move the transmitter site to Sauratown mountain, where maximum allow- able antenna height can be Wednesday, December 15, 1954 RADIO-TELEVISION 39 Inside Stuff— Radio-TV t nok Magazine tv awards, to be announced in its Dec. 28 issue, will he partly on film when it takes NBC-TV’s "Place the Face” Saturday i hi slot with Toni underwriting. Inserts will include Jack Webb (best director), George Gobel (best comedian) and Groucho Marx (best quiz or panel’ program). Barry Wood, web’s special events director, super- vised the filming on the Coast. The other winners: Fred Coe, as produccer; Garry Moore, as emcee; “Omnibus,” as educationaler; "U.S. Steel Hour,” as dramatics; John Cameron Swayze, as news show; "Toast of the Town,” variety; "Caval- cade of Sports,” sports; "Ding Dong School,” children’s show; Bishop Fulton Sheen, religious program, and "See It Now,” public affairs. Breakdown gives NBC seven citations, CBS four, and ABC and DuMont one each. Steve Allen, who, according to reports, would rather be caught dead than doing anything "straight and orthodox,” starts off a letter to Variety with quotation marks. And then: "Just want to present you, with my compliments, a free set of quotation marks. Actually they are yours anyway because you put them around a phrase ‘just hap- pened’ in your article concerning my reference to Hy Gardner’s book, •Champagne Before Breakfast.' Believe it or not, I did just happen to mention the phone number on the front cover (of the book) and I wanted to restore your faith in the honesty of television.” Reference is to a recent piece in the Literati section. Allen’s men- tion of the phone number on his "Tonight” show over NBC-TV drew a flood of calls to Gardner, holed up at the Sheraton-Astor Hotel. The number, of course, was that of the hotel. Variety is glad to accept the Allen version of his aversion to the superfluous quotation marks. • NBC and Macy’s, the New York emporium, have entered into an unusual tieup re the web’s "Babes in Toyland” tv spectacular this Saturday (18). The store will adopt the show’s title, with full program credits and plugs, for its toy department and will break with double- truck ads in the dailies. It’s the first of such tieups for a specola and rare for shows in general. New York chapter of the American Women in Radio and Television has worked out a Christmas project involving presentation of 2,000 gifts to some 610 children in 133 N.Y. families. AWRT plan is to have the gifts presented to parents, who in turn will give them to the children as if they came from themselves. Plan was originated by AWRT Gotham prexy Nancy Craig, and details were worked out by AWRT’s Duncan MacDonald together with Rachel B. Stephenson, co- ordinator of the Service to Families and Children, and was done under the auspices of the N.Y. Dept, of Welfare and Youth Board. Gifts were assembled at the AWRT Christmas party Monday (13) at the Warwick and will be distributed by the Welfare Dept, in time for Christmas. Chapter hopes to make the drive an annual event. "Horizons of Hope,” the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation-financed film about cancer research, which formed part of NBC’s “American Inven- tory” telecast on^)ec. 5, is available without charge of any kind to any institution or organization This is in addition to the film’s avail- ability to any interested tv station, as made clear in Variety’s review. Address Teleprograms, Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, N.Y. Launching tomorrow (Thurs.) of 20th’s "There’s No Business Like Show Business” from N.Y.’s Roxy will be the first one to be sponsored by any but the pic distrib. WPIX will air the stanza locally, with Nash Motors picking up the tab. Deal was set by the station boss, Fred Thrower, and by 20th’s pub-ad veep, Charles Einfeld. "U.S. Steel Hour” director Alex Segal has been tapped for an un- usual distinction. His camera direction on the ABC-TV show has been used as the basis of a layout in Modern Photography mag to instruct amateur home moviemakers on a number of techniques to improve their indoor shots. Spread in January issue shows how Segal uses four camera techniques — a wide angle lens, shooting through a "trap,” background objects and high camera angles — all of which can be used with equal success by the indoor amateur. In addition, the mag is presenting Segal with its second award for "excellent tv photography” on Dec. 21. First such award went to CBS-TV’s "Danger” three years ago. Television will probably argue the pros-and cons of just how diffi- cult it is for a newcomer to place a script, but for a writing actress it may be different. She’s Lisa Osten, who’s just sold a short story, “Two Little Minks,” to CBS-TV’s "Studio One.” Michael Dyne is adapting it for Dec. 20. Miss Osten’s one disappointment is that she can’t appear in the show. Up to now, she’s only done bits and walkons on tele, but in this case, the real handicap is that she’s got a foreign accent. Since the story is set in New England, there’s just no spot for her in her own script. CBS Radio’s Longines Symphonette is claimant to the tiara of "longest tours of any radio-tv orch in the country.” Contingent re- turned last week from a fall safari under conductor Mishel Piastro spreading over 24 towns in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Ala- bama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Iowa. Unusual aspect of the trek was a concert at an Indian reservation in Arkansas where none of the members had ever seen or heard a full symphony orch. (If "radio goes wherever you go,” how come no receivers in teepees?) Froneh Author-Tublithor Maurice Bessy Spoilt France 9 8 Special T elevision Problems an lnter«tri*9 editorial feature in Hie fortkcomiitq 49th Anniversary Number ef JsSrIETy DUE SOON A special Pulse on radio in Negro areas gave WOV constant lead among all N.Y. stations from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. WWRL copped the No. 2 spot in most of the nighttime segments measured. Pulse was for week of Oct. 18 through 25. WOV has been doing nighttime Negro broadcasting for nearly five years. Guy Lombardo will handle the New Year’s Eve festivities on eight New York radio stations for the third year in a row. It’s to be done via a taped show for Liebmann Breweries (Rheingold Beer) which will air from 11:30 to 12:30 New Year’s Eve on WRCA, WABC, WINS, VVMgm and WOR; 11:35-12:30 on WNEW: 11:30-12:05 on WMCA and 11:30-11:59 on WCBS. Show is being handled by the Foote, Cone & Bolding agency, with Tom McDonnell producing-directing-writing and David Ross narrating. W BRE-TV in Wilkes Barre, Pa., is the first tele station to use 1.000,000 tVatts, making it more than two times stronger than any I’thcr UHF outlet in the country. Formal installation ceremonies were hold there last week, with RCA’s chief, Gen. David Sarnoff as a guest. The Louis G. Baltimore-owned WBRE-TV has heretofore been op- m ating on 225,000 watts, but, according to an RCA engineer, the new equipment will strengthen transmission in fringe areas. Junior League Magazine, via a think-piece of its radio-tv consultant, Cuella Hoskins, advises local chapters of that organization not to scratch I ;' fli0 as a medium of community action. She argues that under present < ‘i cumstances the local radio station depends increasingly on local u>.it erials for its programming and will welcome overtures from the unior League, as is particularly true in Stamford, Conn.; Mobile, Ala.; t nver, Portland, Ore., and New Orleans. Stays on Grants May Haunt FCC; Trebit’s ‘Me, Too’ Washington, Dec. 14. Recent action of the Federal Communications Commission in or- dering a stay and new oral argu- ments on two television station grants brought an almost imme- diate demand in a similar case that the same step be taken. Trebit Corp., of Flint, Mich., an unsuccessful applicant for Ch. 12 there, asked the Commission to be consistent and reopen its grant of the channel to Radio Station WJR, of Detroit. Belief here is that the Commis- sion has set a precedent which will return to haunt it many times. Commission had made tv chan- nel grants in Beaumont, Texas, and Tampa, Florida. In each instance the FCC reversed the recommenda- tions of its trial examiners. Then, at the beginning of this month, Commission went into a secret hud- dle and emerged with an order to stay the grants and permit new arguments. Action is understood to have been forced by George C. McConnaughey, new FCC chair- man, who wasn’t appointed to the Commission until after the grants had been made. McConnaughey re- portedly told the FCC he wanted the cases reopened so that he could sit in on them and vote. Similar situation exists in the Flint grant to WJR. In this case the FCC overturned the recom- mendation of its trial examiner that the channel go to Trebit Corp. Matter was decided before McCon- naughey became a member of FCC. Still another applicant for the channel was the Butterfield Thea- tres chain of Michigan. Trebit and Butterfield appealed the grant and were turned down last Tuesday (7). Trebit immediate- ly filed a new request for recon- sideration, citing the Beaumont and Tampa actions. It asserted that further argu- ments should be held since not one, but two, new Commissioners have been appointed to FCC since the grant was made last May. Tre- bit wants them to vote. If FCC should refuse, said Trebit, it would be "inconsistent” and Trebit will appeal the decision to the Federal courts. IMOGENE SET FOR SPEC Imogene Coca has been signed to do the lead in "Happy Birth- day,” the February NBC-TV spec which will be staged by Max Lieb- man. Miss Coca did this play this summer on the silo circuit. CBS Commentator Charles Collingwood bos or ormulnq clomp or My Life and Times With Univac or# of tho many editorial foatoroi In tbo 49th Anniversary Number of OUT SOON The Art of Shaving on TV By MANNIE MANHEUV^ Hollywood, Dec. 14. Each year at this time we ex- amine certain phases of television advertising and our findings are recorded in this almanac. Our re- search is financed by our own Foundation and our primary aim is to supply the television industry with IG’s (Idea Germs) that may ultimately reduce the tension and strain of those who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of the tube, compatible or otherwise. Last year our IG’s were derived from the tobacco people — and our struggle to tear the cigaret paper from the Lucky Strike. But as time passes, we progress — and we find ourselves now discussing the art of shaving as done on televi- sion, whether on the face or upon a clingstone peach. We shall consider the operation of two electric razors — one that is shown on television as the proper instrument to shave a given human face; the other to shave a given garden-variety peach. Razor A (the human clipper) was discovered by our staff on a program that features a portly gen- tleman whose Ire Is aroused be- cause of the apparent lack of grati- tude by his television wife. The portly gentleman does not demon- strate the power-driven razor — he is identified only as the person who appears between the commercials, ire up. Razor A (the human-face instru- ment) is exhibited for all to see on Saturday nights. Razor B (the clingstone peach shaver) may be seen on Sunday nights. The Satur- day night exhibition of the human- face razor shares its commercial time with a potless coffee and a dipless fountain pen. The Sunday night fruit-razor alternates its commercial moments with a sweet smelling body spray for sweaty folks. Our staff gathered about the television receiving set to consider Razor A. We carefully watched a gentleman who was introduced as one who had just a few moments ago shaven with a soap and blade razor. The shavee as we shall call him was asked by the first gentle- man to power-steer the motorized razor about his human face. The shavee consented to attempt the experiment — same being to de- termine just how much human hair was uncut by the horse-and-car- riage razor, so to speak. The shavee, upon finishing the experi- ment, handed the electric shaver to the first gentleman who then un- locked the hair chamber of the mechanized instrument and emptied its contents upon a sheet of firm tissue — and we, the audi- ence, were allowed to examine these human shavings through a convex magnifying glass. Not Dubious, But — At this point of the experiment, one of our female staffers ob- served that the powdery little mound of ground hair appeared to be similar to a small hill of dog food that we had witnessed on a preceding program. This observa- tion is offered only as a sidelight to deviate for a moment from the highly technical aspect of the re- search. For the purposes of the record, our staff was favorably impressed with the gentleman who was the shavee. He appeared to be forth- right, honest, trustworthy and al- most all other adjectives generally found in a To Whom It May Con- cern letter. He was certainly clean- cut which isn’t intended to incur mirth — as during the few previous moments the shavee had shaved by soap and by power, thereby mak- ing him cleancut. The shavee’s veracity was not questioned — as it was obvious to the viewer that he came to the experiment with hair on his face, although not visible to our naked eyes. To confirm the findings of Razor A’s experiment, 7 we underwent the test ourselves and the result is worthy of mention and we feel that we have made a fine contribution to the shaving world. We followed the same procedure as the shavee on television — first with soap and blade — and without a nick upon our nationally known smooth skin. We paused five min- utes and then shaved our national- ly known smooth skin once again — but this time with an earlv edi- tion of Razor A — an electrically driven, valve in head, 130-horse- power instrument. And we can tell \ ou here and now that if you shave twice within five minutes your face is going to get good and sore and red and rough. No MagnifyinV Glass Not having a convex magnifying glass, we were unable to determine what quantity of ground hair was locked in the old hair compart- ment — but there was some — and that confirms the experiment made on the portly gentleman’s show by the Razor A people. The only puz- zlement of our test showed that the ground hair was of titian hue— Aiide our hair is on the blueish side. So there’s something wrong theie all right. Now we come to Razor B and its sales message. The makers of Razor B and its advertising agency are to be commended for their in- genuity and originality of approach in demonstrating their little power razor. If we may appear presump- tuous, and we do very often, it could be stated without fear of any booing that Razor B’s advertising campaign is a real knee-slapper. Unlike Razor A which was shown mowing human hair on a human face, Razor B combats this appar- ently obvious pitch by producing a gentleman who enters the scene with a peach in hand — and by golly, he proceeds to shave it. Darndest thing you ever saw. Peach-Casting — Not the Type Our next step was to repeat the peach shaving experiment so that this paper would constitute what Barrett operates the Strand is commonly known as an impartial survey. We hurried to the nearest fruit market, operated by Mr. B. Ternhue and situated on the fringe of the village of Pacific Palisades. We practically surrounded Mr. Ternhue as we stormed into his little store. "What do you kids want?”, he mumbled. One of us said we would like some peaches. “What do you want ’em for — canning or eating?”, Mr. Ternhue asked. “We want to shave ’em,” one of our staff replied. "Lot of folks buying shavin* peaches since they been shavin* ’em on the television. How many you want?” We thought a bushel would be just right. Then the question arose as to what quality of peach was test for shaving. Mr. Ternhue’s sage counsel helped us consider- ably. “Going to tell you kids a secret,” Mr. Ternhue said. “Those fellas on I he television are using the wrong kind of peaches for shaving fuzz. I see him the other night and the fella was trying to shave a Golden- east — now any kid knows a Golden- east is a juicy peach — and once you touch one of those electric razors to it, the thing’s going to squirt peach juice right in your eye — just like what happened to the fel- low on the television the other night. “Gotta have a firm fleshed free- stone like a Hiley — Freestones bet- ter’n clingstones for shavin’.” One of our staff asked Mr. Tern- hue what the difference was. “Freestone’s flesh separates from the stone — and the clingstone sticks to the stone — take my advice and buy a Hiley or a Babcock — lots of fuzz on them.” We had Mr. Ternhue mix up a bushel of various types of peaches — and we found that practically every peach, we shaved failed to respond to the gentle touch of Razor B. Then we tried Razor B to our human face and it worked perfectly — and then Razor A was used on the peaches — and much to our utter amazement Razor A shaved the Elberta, a yellow fleshed freestone, much faster and juicier than Razor B. And anyone who’s in the racket will tell you that an Elberta is a tough peach to shave. Sugar Bowl Fore Slot Lures Tobacco Coin ABC has sold the 10-minute seg- ment preceding the Sugar Bowl game between Navy and Missis- sippi to R. J. Reynolds for radio and tv. Deal, set via the Esty agency, leaves only the aft seg- ment to be sold. Reynolds, which last year bank- rolled the entire game on ABC radio and tv, this year cosponsored the fore and aft segments of the NCAA college football games on the web. 40 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday, December 15, 1954 January HOLIDAY MAGAZINE 0 presents ARTHUR MILLER’S AMERICAN THEATER The playwright who won a Pu- litzer prize for his "Death of a Salesman" hrings you one of the most eloquent and com- prehensive close-ups ever pub- lished on the American theater. He takes you behind the foot- lights and grease paint — from the endless rehearsals and re- writing to the magic of opening night. Meet the stars, angels, producers, directors, actors— as they really are! Many col- orful photos! Hollywood by Budd Schulberg A famous author recalls the exciting, rowdy days in the early movie colony. Here is a writer who grew up in Hollywood in the naughty 20's and nostalgic 30's. The back lot of the studio was his playground and sneak previews were every-week af- fairs. By the way, he drops a few names that will be of interest to you: Fairbanks, Sennett, Chaplin, Valentino, Goldwyn, Pickford, Griffith, etc.l HOLIDAY PRESENTS EUROPE 1955 EUROPEAN CALENDAR , OP EVENTS 100 FINE EUROPEAN RESTAURANTS THE HEART OP ENGLAND by Joyce Cary YOU CAN STUDY ABROAD NORW/fr, LAND OP THE VIKINGS HOW TO BUY A DIOR ORIGINAL BONN. GERMANY PARIS POST OFFICE WINDOWS ON THE PAST Now at Your Newsstand ! HOLIDAY — the magazine of People , Places and Pleasure A CURTIS MAGAZINE . 1 . j — ■■■'. ns Television Reviews far from flattering. The other vocal efforts suffered from an obvious straining for effect. In fact one imitation of Ted Lewis by McCall came off very badly. Continued I ups to the running dogs’ backs. Followed Mary Gynn. Winnipeg, in her singing of “Hello, Young Lovers"; Hal and Ginger Willis, Montreal, boy on guitar and girl on accordeon, for a hot “Elijah,” with yodelling finish; Norma Der- rick, Ottawa, for singing of “If You Love Me." Closer had the in- strumental Gino Sylvy Quartet for a pop musical medley, with Sylvy on tenor sax; Clare Kennedy, trombone; Elliot Van Evera, trum- pet; Pat Riccio, clarinet. This group got the judges’ nod of ap- proval as winner of current frame, with none of the acts particularly outstanding; and whole sesh rather dull and sadly lacking in projec- tion — except the dogs. Dick McDougall ambled in and out as an urbane and understand- ing emcee, with Samuel Hersen- horen and his orch lending able backgrounding to all. (On CBC package deal, with Canada Packers paying the 39- weeks’ series shot, deal is split be- tween two agencies; Cockfield- Brown handling commercials on the sponsor’s meats and shorten- ing; Baker Advertising doing Maple Leaf soap and detergents.) McStay. MUSICAL FUND CONCERTS Producer: Richard Levy Director: Walter Wagenhurst 30 Mins.; Sun. 10:30 p.m. WFIL-TV, Philadelphia The Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, the world’s oldest musical organization (135 years on Feb. 20), has linked forces with WFIL-TV to bring good music to the video audience. First of four chamber music concerts to be pre- sented by the Society offered the Arco-Arts Simfonietta, an ensem- ble of 18 virtuoso members from the Philadelphia Orchestra. This intimate form is especially suit- able for the medium and should lead to an end of tv’s long neglect of the sophisticated musical viewer. The 10:30 Sunday night time segment is just right and the Mu- sical Fund Society was fortunate in enlisting the services of pro- ducer Richard Levy and Director Walter Wagenhurst, both of whom have some acquaintance with and a feeling for music. The setting was tasteful, lending spaciousness as well as dignity. The three came- ras were employed effectively, and caught a solosit or an instrument section just as they came in, in- dicating that either Levy or Wag- enhurst can follow a score. Norman Black, former conductor of the WFIL orchestra now a mem- ber of the Philly orch, maestroed the tv performance. Black is an assured batoneer, with no disturb- ing mannerisms. His long studio experience should have taught him to keep one eye on the clock. In the enthusiasm of occasion the concert ran about a bar and a half overtime, making the ending too abrupt. The audio by Frank Kern, employing five mikes, was remarkably well balanced. The program was melodic and listenable, even for people who wouldn’t be caught at a chamber music concert, and included Jo- hann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto in A Minor, based on themes of Vi- valdi; Mozart’s Rondo in G Major, with Jacob Krachmalnick, the or- chestra's concertmaster, as soloist and the Serenade, by Dag Wiren, contemporary Swedish composer. A speaker for the Musical Fund Society, explained it was founded in 1820 “to cultivate and diffuse a musical taste” and that he thought sponsoring the chamber series on television was an appropriate way to celebrate the organization’s 135th birthday. Gagh. PRESCRIPTION FOR LIVING With Warren Guthrie, Doctor Rob- erth Bartunek, Tony Stebley, Marion Yezbak, Robley Evans, Jimmy Kane Writers: Fred Lipp, Lee Temple- ton Producer: Stuart Buchanan Director: Harry Black 30 Mins.; Sunday 4:30 p.m. SOIIIO WXEL, Cleveland to Ohio Network ( McCann-Erickson ) An institutional pitch by Stand- ard Oil of Ohio, in conjunction with the Academy of Medicine and the Cleveland Health Museum, has given an Ohio network of seven stations a salubrious Sunday half- hour. Embracing the field of popu- lar medicine, “Prescription For Living” was perhaps the first of the tv stanzas to utilize the screen to bring health hints directly into the home each week. Warren Guthrie, moderator, interviews a member of the medical profession —-in stanza caught it was Dr. Rob- ert Bartunek discussing diet — and rom page 34 through use of charts, short skits and his own ability to pace the show, Guthrie stimulated the pres- entation into a forceful, dynamic, and eas^-to-take living-room en- tertainment. Whereas moderator-interviewee stint usually is dull and deadly, “Prescription" is not, thanks to full use of visual illustrations. Skits on wrong eating habits, bad cook- ing, etc., were carefully woven into script by writers Fred Lipp and Leo Templeton, and performers Tony Stebley Marion Yezbak, and Jimmy Kane who play respective- ly Mr. and Mrs. George Hampton, and son Freddie, with capable as- sist by Robley Evans as Uncle Bob, do excellent bit of dramatics. Mark. EARLE JERRIS SHOW 30 Mins.; Mon., Wed. & Fri., 1 p.m. Participating WRGB-TV, Schenectady WRGB has in Earle Jerris, pi- anist-vocalist, a potential New York, and possibly network, tele- caster — on the basis of two pro- grams viewed in his initial week of local originations. The sharpest dressed and most photogenic male artist unveiled here in sometime, he is also one of the most talented. As soon as the Juilliard School grad- uate overcomes a slight nervous- ness and masters the technique of projection in the intimate medium of video, he should be on the road to bigger things. With Jerris’ dance band (Spivak and Mooney) background, and night club experi- ence, it is hard to see how he can miss. The General Electric Company station, which spent plenty of kopeks in six months of payrolling him, as WRGB-WGY announcer, to meet musician-union requirements, probably will lose the Kingston 26- year old. Femmes, incidentally, should react strongly to the long, wavy hair. Jerris’ forte is the key- board, although he sings reason- ably well. “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" was the piece de resist- ance of the premiere; a Gershwin medley, the second program. Jer- ris also did a clever, amusing adap- tation of mambo tempo to popular numbers — after referring to a Variety story. The guess is that he will stroke the ivories even more skillfully, once the thrice- weekly appearances groove. It seemed unwise and unprofessional, on the opener, to stress circulatory difficulty in the left arm, after playing “Slaughter." Jerris warbled a variety of tunes, to his own accompaniment; prom- ised to fill requests, starting the second week. One or tw’O numbers sounded like specials. His singing, too, should gain in smoothness. Commercial spots are being sold for program. Jaco. ALI BABA SHOW With Kenny McCall’s orch, Ricar- do, Carol Francis, others Director: Jim Akins 30 Mins., Fri., 11 p.m. SECURITY SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSN. KPIX, San Francisco Kenny McCall is a young Bay Area band leader with a bit of previous experience on tv as part of a Freddy Martin Band of To- morrow promotion several years ago. Now the leader of his own band at the Ali Baba ballroom in Oakland, he is being presented in the first local tv show to ^manate from a ballroom. The McCall band musically is a blend of the proven dance styles of Lombardo, Kaye, Martin and others. That it provides good dance music is evidenced by the occa- sional shots of the patrons spin- ning on the floor. However, visually it leaves something to be desired. On opening show (7), camera frequently failed to catch the high- lights of what little action went on the bandstand. The problem is a difficult one as one band is pretty much like another — lines of men in uniform with instru- ments — and the variety of effects possible is limited. However in this case, the only break in the monot- ony of the musicians merely blow- ing their instruments was the ap- pearance of the featured congo dummer and marimba player, Ri- cardo, and even in his bits, too little attention was paid to the photographic possibilities inherent. The band ran through a variety of musical selections from a mam- ber, featuring Ricardo, through in- strumentals featuring a banjo player to vocals. The latter were divided between Ricardo, McCall and his girl vocalist Carol Francis, and a vocal group. Whatever appeal Miss Francis may have as a singer was aptly concealed in the opening show by lighting her in a fashion that was High spots of the show were the occasional glimpses of the crowd. The entire program could be given more vitality and make for much better entertainment by utilizing this potential. Depending on the men on the bandstand for all the visuality throws away the best part of the show. As an added hypo for viewer interest, contests and other gimmicks getting the ballroom crowd into the act can brighten the show. Ogden Niles, who handled the commercial plugs, did an excellent job and the plugs themselves were designed neatly. Rafe. MINNESOTA U. S. A. With John Gallos, others Producer: Paul Rusten Director: George Anderson Writer: Rusten 15 Mins.; Sun., 10:45 a.m. Sustaining WCCO-TV, Minneapolis Firstrate scripting and topdraw r direction mark this once-a-weex praiseworthy public service scries saluting Minnesota industry. View- ers visit factories and receive en- lightenment regarding such plants statistically and otherwise via film and live presentation. What these industries do to keep the wheels of many businesses rolling and their importance em- ploymentwise are strikingly made clear. The Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce undoubtedly im- proves its public relations by join- ing WCCO-TV in staging programs which also redound to the station’s credit. Show caught was devoted to the American Crystal* Co., which op- erates four Minnesota plants. Stressing the industry’s ramifica- tions, it provided entertainment as well as information. A filming of a factory in operation revealed the various steps in the production of beet sugar and proved interesting- ly instructive. Live interviews reflect im- pressively the industry’s scope and magnitude and the direct and in- direct employment and trade bene- fits accruing from it. Dialers also were taken to a sugar beet raising farm and met the owner and his family for additional human in- terest. Film also traced the beet sugar dollar’s route into numerous commercial channels. WCCO staffer John Gallos skil- fully handles the interviews and commentary. Net result, among the other things, is a good enoug# story to bring setowners back en- suing weeks. Rees. FASHIONS ON PARADE With Elaine Drooz, others 15 Mins.; Sun., 7 p.m. Director: Grant Van Patten M. SOLOMON WRGB-TV, Schenectady ( Goldman & Walter) Informative fashion show is marching in its sixth year on WRGB, with a new group of par- ticipants. Fljiine Drooz handles the off-screen commentary and some of the advertising, while three Tri- City Models show the latest in milady’s clothes. Format has not materially changed since the pre- miere, probably because the spon- sor is well satisfied with the results and because tradition holds firm in this field. Substantial total of togs, in a wide range of prices, is shown on each telecast. This undoubtedly pleases women viewers, although it makes for a certain hurriedness on the part of the models. Statuesque Marion Maul, also a WRGB singer, displayed the most poise and grace on two shots caught. The other gals will improve with camera experi- ence. Miss Drooz, seen only at signoff, reads the narrative de- scription in clear tone and with measured pace. Jaco. Shakespeare Continued from page 33 ss; with Orson Bean as star-host, Bud Collyer as emcee, and such performers as Tommy Furtado, Betty Cox, the Honeydreamers, Bud & Cece Robinson, Teddy Wil- son’s piano, and Alfred Antonini’s 24-piece crew for the showbacking. Bern Bennett will announce and Bob Trout will handle news and color via two remotes from Times Square directed by Charles Hinds. Overall director will be Ned Cra- mer, with Hough producing and Dan Gallagher as chief aide. An “extra added" is Stan Rubin and his Tiger Town Five from Prince- ton (group has seven men despite the title. Another precedent: A live audi ence, the station’s first. that’s the WABC-TY (Home of The) N.Y. Telethons) Racks Up Still Another, OK Gross WABC-TV is getting to be known around New York as “the home of the telethon." A couple of months ago the station turned over its time and cameras to the Cerebral Palsy Fund and last weekend (11- 12) the Arthritis & Rheumatism Foundation got its turn at bat. In the 17-hour marathon, which kicked off at 10:30 Saturday night and ran through 3:30 the next afternoon, close to $225,000 was pledged by viewers. A pretty good rackup considering the tight money dur- ing this Christmas shopping season. This year the Foundation en- listed sportscaster Mel Allen as exec emcee. He was a tiptop pitch- man. Without hitting the viewer over the head, he got the message across with warmth and sincerity. He’s bound to get many bids from producers for similar chores on telethons to come. For the viewer, the telethon re- mains a long free show, if he’s willing to stand up under the con- tinual barrage of phone numbers and the incessant rundown of the coin that’s coming in: In between, of course, is the talent. This is the lure and it’s usually worth- while. They kept coming up through the night and the follow- ing day. yocking it up, singing, etc. It all added up to a mammoth pro- duction and the longer you stayed with it, the more you got. The long show ran smoothly throughout which is a credit to pro- ducers William Mogle (Mogle- Sheldon Associates) and Ardien Rodner (WABC-TV program man- ager) assisted by Bill Balaban. Gros. Liberty, Tex. — Jim Robinson and Elmer Griffin, partners of Morgan City, La., have completed arrange- ments to start a new standard broadcast outlet here.. Outlet is ex- pected to be on the air by Feb. 15. The FCC has granted the duo a permit to operate on 1,050 kilo- cycles. Call letters will be KLBC. GROUP WLW Radio WLW-A Atlanta WLW C Columbus WLW I) Dayton WLW-T Cincinnati Sales Offices: New York, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Atlanta, Chicago Wednesday, December IS, 1954 RADIO-TELEVISION CBS Radio Standing Pat (3 Years) on Patsy Campbell Longterm Pact Producers’ indemnity, or “cast insurance,” as it's known, may again become widely available to live television, legit and vaude presentations after a period of sev- eral years during which it was vir- tually impossible to procure. Such insurance protects the producer of the show against loss due to extra expense or total cancellation of the show because of the incapacitation of any cast member due to acci- dent, illness or death. Break is forecast by insurance broker Bernard M. Levmore, who negotiated such a policy for Jackie Gleason covering the comic’s two- week stand at the Paramount, N.Y. recently. Levmore, who says such policies have been rare in recent years, said the policy was made through Lloyd’s of London, and that indications are that Lloyd’s will extend such policies hence- forth to reputable producers. Cost of Gleason’s Paramount stint was about $100,000, and of that nearly $25,000 was in non-cancellable con- tracts. He got a policy for that $25,000 at a premium of under $ 2 , 000 . Continued from page 33 supremacy is claimed by the UHF station, in actuality this is not the case. However, it might be inter- esting also to note that the 5:30-6 p.m. period is devoted entirely to educational and public service pro- grams on WTAR-TV opposite Howdy Doody on WVEC-TV. In view of the first story, we suggest that the above should make excellent material (or a followup. Campbell Arnoux. President, WTAR. ARB ratings for this market, indi- cating great strides had been made by WVEC, whereas in actuality a careful comparison of the two sur- veys, even to our own amazement in some instances, shows relatively little progress. As Am example, in the January ARB “Toast of the Town” on WTAR-TV received a 63.9 rating as compared to a 12 0 rating for “Colgate Comedy Hour” on WVEC-TV. In the October ARB “Toast of the Towp” received a 67.3 rating as compared to a 2.3 for “Max Liebman Presents” on WVEC-TV. Likewise, in the Janu- ary survey, “Dragnet” on WVEC- TV received a 14.3 as compared to our 47.3 for “Lux Video Theater.” In October "Dragnet” received only an 8.1 as compared to 48.1 for “Climax.” There are many, many such in- stances. However the true picture after 15 months of UHF-VHF op- eration is most clegrly shown in the attached average rating com- parison of the October 1954 ARB, wherein even with 46% of all tele- vision homes converted to UHF in the metropolitan area, according to the ARB report, and with the full NBC schedule on the UHF station, the comparative ratings are somewhat astonishing. In the 5-6 p.m. period wherein It’s a cineh that* CBS doesn’t anticipate shutting down radio net- work operations at an early date. Web has just set Patsy Campbell for three years (“156 weeks solid” as they used to call it when there used to be vaude) in the "Second Mrs. Burton” s o a p e r . It’s her eighth year in the title part. Miss Campbell’s and show’s pre- vious commitment was backed by General Foods via Young & Rubi- cam, but that sponsor was replaced in the fall by Armour without a hiatus on the coin. She started the Terry Burton role on Sept. 29, 1947, two years after its preem. Actress’ longtime hold on the suds opera has had the effect of making her a “name” magazine contributor or interviewee, and she takes an occasional tv contract. Philadelphia, Dec. 14. coies reached an alltime high in October at WPTZ, local Westing- house tv outlet, with the station topping all existing sales records, previous high, set in November, 1953, was topped by a 5.3 /o in- creaSe . Alexander W. Dannenbaum Jr. said sales for the first 10 months of 1954 ran 20% higher than the same period last year, with sub- De Gray Exits CBS Resignation of Edward De Gray as CBS Radio director of station relations ends a 17-year associa- tion with the web, largely on sta- tion administration assignments. For some years before that he was a staffer at WBT, Charlotte, N. C. He was due back from an out-of- town trip today (Wed.) to make an announcement of his future plans. CBS has created the new post of manager of the department, with Ole Morby taking over under v.p. William A. Schudt Jr. Morby has been in various CBS posts since 1942. Chicago, Dec. 14. WFJL, non commercial FM sta- tion operated by the Catholic Youth Organization, is closing up shop at the end of the month. Foldup is part of a general re- vamping of the CYO following the resignation of Bishop Bernard J. Sheil, its founder. Seattle — Margaret Bernard, in the publicity and promotion de- partment of KING here the past two years, has left to take a job with tne radio department of the Seattle Public School system. Give him t he world this Christmas PODELL, WATV TEAM ON ’MEET ME AT COPA’ N. Y.’s first multi-weekly video stanza with a major nitery as ema- nation point is on the selling block. Copacabana, N. Y., boniface, Jules Podell, is collabbing with Adver- tisers Assoc, of America in a Thurs. -through-Sun. half-hour pro- gram planned for WATV, Newark. WNEW deejay Bill Williams is reportedly up for the emcee chores, and Podell will take the Copa floorshow (sans headliners) and put them on the video show along with three or four outside turns throughout every week. A 10:30 p. m. time slot is tentatively set for the variety-type program, but the outlet is understood to have made no final commitments without definite signing of a spon- sor. To be called “Meet Me at the Copa,” the showcasing will be lensed at the Copa lounge, former- ly the homebase for some radio gab sessions. Give him a Zenith Super Deluxe TRANS-OCEAN 1C, the world’s finest shortwave portable Radio! With this latest version of the world’s only 13-year- proved shortwave portable he may hear many different countries. It’s powerized to tune in the world. Its list of owners reads like an international ’’who’s who.’! Radiorgan* Tone Control gives you choice of 16 different tone combinations. Receives both shortwave and standard broadcast. Tropically treated against high humidity. Works on AC, DC, or long-life batteries. Only $139.95*. In handsome genuine top-grain cowhide, $159.95*. Herb Swope Jr. is on loanout to CBS-TV to bring in “Arsenic and Old Lace” for Westinghouse’s “Best of Broadway” series on Jan. 5. Swope is an NBC pactee. "Arsenic” cast will be headed by Helen Hayes, Billie Burke, Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Edward Everett Horton. Karloff will pre- cede his “Arsenic” chore tomor- row (Thurs.) with role as psychia- trist in “The White Carnations” on “Climax.” ^Manufacturer's suggested retail price, not including batteries. Slightly higher in far West ana South. Prices and specifications subject to change uUhoul notice. .<♦<»» In a reshuffle stemming from its cancellation, CBS-TV’s “Life With lather,” current in the Tuesday at 10 p. in. slot, will continue in an- other Tuesday time for three weeks in Janygry. In its third spot within less than two seasons, “Father” will take over the 8 o’clock berth for Jan. 4, 11 and 18, following Red Skelton’s Dec. 28 finale against the opposite-Berle- Hope-Raye NBC array. Skelton is pushed down to the 9:30 niche Vacated by “Danger,” which moves back to its old 10 o’clock wharfing in the “Father” moveout. Fliil Silvers’ GI vidpix scries "ill take the 8 to 8:30 Tuesday tune as of Jan. 25. Super Deluxe TRANS-OCEANIC Radio Barked t>y 36 years of Experience in Radionics Exclusively ALSO MAKEI.S OF FINE HEARINC AIDS • Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago 39, Illinois com. im« Memphis — Charles Wingate, for- tiHT general manager of WPLI. Jackson, Tenn., has moved in here *<> lake over commercial manager P".; of WCBR, Memphis daytime indie. 42 RADIO-TKrEVISION Wednesday, December 15, 1954 New York Ted Nathanson upped to exec producer-director at WRCA-TV... Lee LeBlang, asst, ad-sales promo- tion mgr. of WCBS-TV, leaves to open a combo investment-insur- ance office on Fifth Ave. . . . John Fengler new producer of WRCA’s Herb Sheldon show and “Modern Farmey” . . . Ben Grauer com- pleted filming of plugs for ’55 American Cancer Society cam- paign . . . WCBS-TV will again slot 1:30-1:45 p.m. on New Year’s Day (preceding CBS tv coverage of Orange Bowl game) as “Bowl Day Preview” with Jim McKay pun- dit ing . . . Cab Calloway tapped for Dec. 26 “Toast of the Town” . . . N. Y. Telephone Co. repeats on sponsorship of WCBS-TV's “Spirit of Christmas” on Dec. 19 at 2-2:30 p.m., presenting “The Nativity From the Holy Bible.” Clement Moore’s “Night Before Christmas” and featuring Mabel Beaton pup- pets. Mrs. Philip LaFollette, spouse of Wisconsin’s ex-Governor, gabs with Lee Graham on latter’s WARD alternooner tomorrow (Thurs.t . . Craig Stevens, Jean Byron and Madge Kennedy thesp in “Studio 57” via DuMont on Tues. <2?) . . . Radio-TV Exec So- ciety raffle for Welfare Fund to- i day (Wed.) at noon in Hotel Roosp- veit . . . Herb Wo’fe, “Masquerade Party” producer, planning a jaunt 1 to Europe in late. January to set a French tv version of the show, which would be tilled “Bal Masque” . . . Interview portions of “Operation Success," the Quentin Reynolds - emceed film -and -live documentaries on WRCA-TV, will emanate from tie Hotel New Yorker . . . Edward G. Hamilton, for the past five years eastern di- 1 vision television engineer at ABC, 1 named chief eneineer of the web’s j flagship, WABC-TV . . . Bob Smith, former sports producer and com- mentator at WARD, supervising a special Christmas promotion for Klauber Games Inc. . . . Producer Peter Arnell will return to the U. of Michigan, his alma mater, to de- liver three lectures before radio-tv students during the spring semes- ter . . . Nelson Case, announcer on radio version of “Road of Life.” goes into the tv version which started on CBS-TV Monday (13), but as an integral cast member via a narrator role . . . Michael Hig- gins playing title role in “Alexan- der the Great” being Aimed for “You Are There.” Joe Silver, the ex-Red Buttons actor, to replace Stan Sawyer in i the “Space Funnies” series on [ WCBS-TV as or\unday (19) in the 11 to noon slot . . . Eight-year-old! Beverly Lunsford on NBC-TV’s “World of Mr. Sweeney” today (Wed.) . . . Alfred Hopson cast for 1 CBS-TV’s “Danger” next Tuesday i (21) . . . Pamela (Patti) O’Neill do- 1 ing a sequence on “Secret Storm’’ . . . Bunny Lewbel into “Big Story” Friday (17). Chicago Chi NBC o&o topper Jules Herbuveaux tossed a coektailery at the Ambassador East’s Bath last week for Dorsey Connors who ha« j notched five years as WNBQj femme commentator and Clint j Youle who next month starts his | seventh year, as the station’s; weatherman . . WGN-TV sports-, caster Jack Brickhouse doubling , on a p.a. junket along the wres- tling circuit as a tie-in with the Saturday night DuMont bouts . . J The Morgan Sisters were wrongly ! identified as the Morrison Sisters as the vocal group on V/NBQ’s' “It’s a Wonderful Age” . . . Pee Wee King has been signed by WBBM-TV to host station’s 90- minute Saturday hoe-down start- 1 ing Saturday (13) for National Credit Clothing . . . Ned Locke has! replaced Tom Mercein as host of NBC-TV’s “Capt. Hartz and His Pets’’ . . . Rufe Davis now a WBKB paetee whose first assignment will be a late afternoon kids show built around the “Our Gang” comedies . . . Illinois Bell is dropping “It’s a Curious Thing” pander at month’s end for “Sherlock Holmes” vidpix series . . . Bill Fisher, freelance actor-narrator, joined Academy Film Productions. thinking. ' Introduced relatively few months ago was the Madeleine Carroll morning (10:35 to 11) strip open for sale via “m-m.” That show, never sold to any na- tional participating bankrolled is being dropped from the lineup (unless a bankroller shortly comes upon the scene) to be replaced by Johnny Olsen who’ll be pushed forward on the ayem sked. Night- time “m-m” currently remains un- affected. Incidentally, Burt Hauser, veep in charge of Mutual’s co-op pro- gramming department, had in re- cent months another job to han- dle. At baseball time the net placed in his hands a merchandis- ing scheme, which seemed for the present only to flower in the sale of a baseball booklet. In denying the end of co-op pro- gramming, a web spokesman pointed out that the co-opped “Game of the Day” was sold on well over 100 stations this year. The figure was described as being “fabulously high.” He said too that top co-op show, Fulton Lewis, was still doing better than any co-op show on any of the three other radio webs. From the Production Centres Continued from pace 38 Hooper, Nielsen Continued from page 33 Mutual Axes Co-ops Continued from page 33 remaining, plus another five that are given stations on a swap basis for carrying Mutual’s nighttime "multi-message.” Mention of “multi-message” brings up another facet of the radio notwork’s intensive program Pi k Conic one/ come oil, both large and sm&ll. To this great Christinas Shop ,. . . A never ending galaxy. Of gifts to make you stop. There’s something here for everyone. From little Tots to Mother, Not forgetting husky son. Or Father, Sister, Brother. Write or Telephone "Gift Counsellor for gift certificates for business or personal giving Clrch 6 0770 O PIN [VERY EVENING UNTIL 10 t. M. 1637 Broadway at 50th St., Now York THE SHOP ACCOMMODATING— MIN S, WOMEN'S. CHILDREN S, AND GIFT 0FPTS. said anything yet rg tying these re- ports with ratings on commercials (as has Hooper). Hooper detailed his idea re hav- ing people monitor the pitch from signon to signoff, including length, category, origination — on every station in local markets covered. He intends coupling this with his regular local ratings to find the number of viewers for each sep- arate commercial. In a complex presentation, Hooper describes his tv plugola reports as covering nine points in all: info on products advertised; identified announcer; starting time of plug; approximate length; whether comprising audio and video, audio alone or video alone; whether via network or local; rat- ing and share; “area homes” watch- ing; and composition of audience. Reports will appear quarterly, with N. Y. and Philly the only cities to be covered in the first report in February. In the ensu- ing April report, Hooper will add Chi to the list. Elsewhere among the rating services, Pulse broke with its “cumulative Pulse audience” data for radio, to be delivered semi- annually at the outset. Dr. Syd- ney Roslow, Pulse Topper, ex- plained that it will “show the per- centage of families listening to each station in the market on the average day and throughout the week.” Weekly aud will be broken down into daytime, nighttime and post-midnight; for the one-day re- ports, the lineup will read: morn- ing, afternoon, evening and post- midnight audience breakdown. / I committee for Philadelphia Chapter, American Women in Radio and Television . . . Kenneth Mayer, former WBZ, Boston, newscaster, has joined staff of WCAU Radio and takes over three morning news shows. An RCAF vet, Mayer worked with the British Broadcasting Co. for a year after his discharge . . . Enid R. Love, assistant head of school broadcasting department of BBC, London, on visit here, courtesy of the Inter-American Center of the Board of Trade . . . Sid Rothstein is producing pitcher Bobby Shantz’ new television show on WPTZ . . . Joe Behar, WPTZ director of daily serial, "The Greatest Gift,” is on Nassau vacation. Ben Squires substitutes for him . . . Albert Mathis, chef at Gulph Mills Country Club, is featured on AVCAU-TV, as “Chef Albert,” daily 7:25 to 7:30 p.m. . . . Joseph L. Tinney, v.p. and assistant general manager of WCAU, heads local drive of Arthritis Foundation. Tinney is chairman of Eastern Penna. Chapter. IN CLEVELAND .... Ted Malone ankled “Today’s Top Story” five-minute cross-the-board 11:10 p.m. stint when National City Bank didn’t renew two-year pact on WXF2L. Malone returned to ABC stint in New York, and Ken Armstrong took over air time with weather strip . . . “Old Dutch Tavern” with Jack Clifton emcee, rounded out four years with hbur-long Mon- day 11 p.m. WEWS show feed to four other Ohio stations . . . WSRS starting “Best Christmas Card Contest” . . . WTAM Bandwagon saluted Cleveland Rotary’s Jubilee >(8) with Hotel ballroom show-broadcast . . . WGAR’s Bob Forker back from New York sales confab . . . Floyd E. Weidman has been named general executive and John Foley sales manager at WEWS . . . John D. Meyer and Glenn Baumann added to McCann-Erlckson office . . . WSRS’s newest disker is Sam Sanson . . . WJW’s Jack Kelly and WXEL’s Franklin Snyder to Miami for Storer confab. ZJV MINNEAPOLIS . . . Conversations on between WTCN-TV and WMIN-TV for one to buy out other, but no deal agreement yet. Although they share Channel 11, stations are bitter rivals . . . After informing staff that purchase of substantial interest in WCCO tv and radio for $3,950,000 should not be allowed to alter its policy of giving all Twin Cities’ stations an equal shake, Minneapolis Morning Tribune played up at top of a column on Page 1 story that new KEYD-TV, starting operations Jan. 1, will carry Minneapolis-St. Paul A. A. home game telecasts next sum- mer. Contests were televised by WCCO-TV last season. KEYD-TV contract calls for 44 telecasts, 12 more than hitherto, and a payment of $2,000 per game by station so that ball clubs will receive $88,000. Jack Horner, who resigned as KSTP-TV sports director to join KEYD- TV in similar capacity, will handle play-by-play. Sponsors haven’t been signed yet . . . It’s an eight-pound baby girl at the Jim Bormann’s, making a total of seven children, six of them gals. He’s WCCO radio news and publicity director . . . Larry Hacg, WCCO radio general manager, appointed campaign director for the 1955 March of Dimes drive in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area Jan. 3-31 ... U. of Minnesota basketball games with Illinois and Michigan Feb. 12 and 19, respectively, scheduled for televising on NBA national hookup. Illini contest will be played here. Negotiations also are under way for national network televising of Big 10 Conference track meet here. IN PITTSBVRCH . . . Janet Ross just celebrated her 20th anni as director of the daily KDKA “Shopping Circle” program. She joined the station as a secre- tary in 1932 and got her own show two years later . . . Nick Cenci has returned to his old job in the WCAE record library after spending two years in the service . . . Mary and Bea House, singing instrumental- ists from Louisville, have joined the Wilkens Co. EZC Ranch Girls program on WDTV . . . Dick Fortune, publicity director for Channel 2 and former newspaperman, has dropped 83 pounds in the last two years . . . Cal T. Mara, p.a. for WJAS, is back on the job again after being laid up for two months with injuries suffered in an auto crackup . . . Don Ioset, of WPIT, and his wife flew to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for a two-week vacation + Linkletter Continued from page 33 he’s in an advantageous position in his own case, in that he’ll re- fuse to sell products he finds dis- tasteful, those he doesn’t believe in and copy which he finds untruthful or ridiculous. But those considera- tions aside, it’s up to the performed to deliver, he declares. In his own case, he can turn down clients be- cause of an SRO on his “House Party” radio-tv shows, also be- cause he’s in a financial condition to be able to afford to turn down bankrollers. But he strongly main- tains that within the limits of good taste and conscience, the per- former has a duty to pitch the goods. Philadelphia — Bill Rodstein, owner of the Latimer Club, has pacted for sponsorship of “After Hours.” 2 to 6 a.m. WPEN show emceed by Bob London, Mon.- thru-Sat. Show biz interviews fea- ture first two hours, with record- ings last two hours. ATLANTA’S 4TH TVER TO BOW ON SAT. (18) Atlanta, Dec. 14. Switch will be thrown Saturday (18) at 6 p. m. with appropriate ceremonies putting WQXI-TV, At- lanta’s fourth tv station, on the air. New tv mill, a UHFer operating on Channel 36, represents an out- lay of some $500,000 and is latest adjunct to radio and tv operations of W. R. Rounsaville, who has owned and operated WQXI-AM, Mutual outlet here, since 1948, Rounsaville, himself, will man- age station and double as advertis- ing director. Pat Kelly is assist- ant manager. Bob Corley, long associated with Rounsaville, will to program director. Production manager is Bob Craver, formerly with WLW-A, Atlanta. Elton B. Chick is chief engineer. Cambridge, O. — WILE here, originally owned by a corporation of five businessmen has been pur- chased by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Donahoe, along with complete con- trol of WTRL, Bradenton, Fla. Al- bert G. Engel remains as WILE manager and no personnel change is anticipated. Deal is subject to FCC approval. at the Piano 9 Organ 9 Celeste I REMEMBER MAMA • Radio Registry * ■ IVIRY OAY ON IVIRY CHANNIl BROOKS COSTUMES ) W»»l «M *»., N.Y.C. n. r-SMO PROF. GEORGE J. KELLER'S JUNGLE KILLERS Demonstrating the UNARMED Subjugation of African Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Pumas, Jaguar, Cheetah and Black Panthers Animals Available for Television, Motion Pictures and Theatres Currently Playing RKO PALACE, New York WINTER QUARTERS BLOOMSBURG, PA. KVJnfMlay, December 15, 1954 RADIO-TELE VISION 43 Hartford Nixed On No-VHF Bid WGTII, Britain; WWLP, together Hartford, Dec. 14. A lt empt of four Connecticut Val- iev UHF operators to exclude vilF from this area has been blocked by the Federal Communi- cations Commission. Contending that a commercial VHP station in this area would be unfairly competitive, tv stations 1 ‘ Hartford; WKNB, New WHYN, Springfield, and Springfield, had banded and asked the FCC to svitch the VIIF’r, Channel 3. to educational use and making UHF Channel 24 i1ne»rk, which reps PAG on the Jhow, said it was unaware of Wis- hai k resignation, and added that " an<1 PAG w’ere merely doing a 'car-end looksee at the show’, a *>uline consideration on all phases the segment. Wisbar’s pact is U P lor renewal in March. Morey Exits OF Chicago, Dec. 14. A1 Morey has turned in his resig- nation as head of the Chi office of Official Films. Morey Joins Kling Films Jan. 3 in a creative sales capacity, work- ing out of the Chi homeoflice. Freemantle Sets Global Distrib On Davis Cup Telepix \ * Fremantle Overseas Radio and Television has distributed films of the Aussie Davis Cup tennis match- es before, but this year the setup is on a truly international basis. In addition to flying celluloid on the important games to NBC-TV in the U. S., FORTV has pacted with BBC, in England, and CBS, in Can- ada. Latin American countries (where FORTV has recently made several strides in vidpix distribu- tion) will also get the matches. Paul Talbot, FORTV prexy, says matches for the Davis Cup will be played In Australia on Dec. 27 through 29, with the first games arriving on "hot film" in England, Canada, and the U. S. by about Dec. 29. Distribution will be han- dled through several different geo- graphic routes. Talbot describes the arrangement as a "dry run” for world-wide tv film coverage of the 195(5 Olympics, to be held in Australia. Talbot says that anybody can film the Olympics. However, infor- mation from the U. S. Olympic Committee suggests a different set- up. Latter discloses that the Olym- pic organizing committee (com- prised of sports braintrusters from the country in which they are held) has the exclusive right, within a year from the date of the event, to han- dle or to appoint others to handle the official film. Nevertheless, this does not preclude FORTV from vidpix coverage of the ’56 Olym- pics. It rather auggests that the firm has a good chance of getting exclusive tv coverage rights out- side Australia since it has demon- strated in the past extremely close ties with powerful Anzac interests. VICTOR MOORE VIDFILM DEBUT Hollyw’ood, Dec. 14. Victor Moore will make his tele- film debut in "So This Is Holly- wood," series which producer Ed- mund Beloin has created for Toni sponsorship on NBC-TV, beginning Jan. 1. Moore will play an early day film star in "A Friend in Need," episode scripted by George O’Hanlon and Dean Rlsener. Regulars in the series are Mitzi Green, Virginia Gibson, Gordon Jones and Jimmy Lydon. CLEARANCE TOP VIDPIX HEADACHE More-than-casual interest shown by telepix syndicators toward day- time properties, while a natural evolution of the business, is more immediately a reflection of the pressing problem of time clearance in the major markets. More and more, the problem of selling syn- dicated shows Is becoming not so much a question of selling the cli- ent and agency on a show as guar- anteeing « them a good time slot, or for that matter, any time slot In some situations. One particular result of this sit- uation, aside from the projected expansion into the less competitive and less tight • day time area, is an upbeat in "raiding tactics." That J. Walter Thompson and Ballan- tine, for example, dropped "For- eign Intrigue” in their '21 markets and picked up Ziv’s "Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre" instead was no accident, but the result of a strong pitch by Ziv. Nor was dropping "Intrigue” Instead of supplement- ing it with the Cantor show so much a budgetary problem as one of clearance. Facing time diffi- culties even with its four-year-old "Intrigue" franchise, Ballantine’S only course of action, once com- mitted to the Cantor show, was to install it into the "Intrigue" time slots rather than seeking addi- tional time. Same situation applies on less spectacular levels, even in single- market purchases. In a sense, the situation is comparable to the NBC and CBS network SRO’s, where the agencies are on a constant lookout for potential cancellations so that they can slip a client into the spot, and where packagers are constantly pitching shows at agen- j cies to replace one which is slip- ping. The pressures in syndica- tion are even heavier, since even 1 such strong entries as "Intrigue," with proven track records, are sub- ject to axings. What makes the older, well-en- trenched shows the target of raid- ing sorties is the remarkably good time slots they hold by virtue of their early entry in the syndicated marts. Clearance studies on "In- trigue," on "I Led Three Lives” for Phillips Petroleum and "City Detective” for Falstaff Beer reveal strong positions that make them targets for other syndicators. A 17-market study of "Intrigue” shows that it had nighttime posi- tions in 100% of the markets, was on network stations (all NBC or CBS affiliates) in 100% of the mar- kets, was on a VHF outlet In 82% and was in single or tw’o-station markets in 53% of the cases. "Three Lives,” a Ziv entry, occu- pied nighttime slots in every one of its 21 markets, was on a net- work station in every case (92% of them NBC or CBS affils), w’as on VHF in 96% of the markets and were in a one or two- station market in 50% of their markets. In "City Detective’s” (MCA) 34 markets, all time slots were nighttime, all stations were network affiliates (88% of them NBC or CBS), 91% of them were V’s and 59% were located in one or two-station markets. There’s a considerable difference today, what with NBC and CBS (Continued on page 47) Wallace Worsley Jr. who mode 'mi oh both sides of Hie blf pood, Imm come to the conclusion tfcet Producing TV Abroad Is Optimism Born Of Ignorance o o * on Interesting byline piece In tbe forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of P'RrIETy DUE SOON TV Unfairly’ Taking Rap In Bid To Protect Kids, Sez Webb Shuttle Shooting Guild Films will pull the production switch of all time by shooting its new quarter- hour daytlmer, "It’s Fun to Reduce," entirely on week- ends. Schedule calls for Sat- urday and Sunday shooting only, no weekdays. Reason for the weekend set- up is that Margaret Firth and Marlene Cornall, who do the show live via WDTV in Pitts- burgh, will have to plane be- tween Pitt and New York* where the show will be shot. Since the show is on the air in Pittsburgh on weekdays, only time the gals can get to N. Y. for any length of time is on weekends. Guild Rolls With Two New Series For Vitapix Roster Guild Films goes into production this week on both coasts with two of the new shows it plans to put up for national sponsorship via the Vitapix station lineup. Paul Coates’ "Confidential File” W’ent before the cameras Monday (13) on the Coast, w’hile "It’s Fun to Reduce" is scheduled to shoot its first five segments in New York Saturday (18). "File,” which is slated for airing in February, will be shot mostly on location, with Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco, New Orleans, Tennessee and the Mexican border already set as loca- tion sites for the initial show’s. First four segments in the initial 39 half- hours doemuentaries will deal with comic books, phony music publish- ing rackets, juvenile gangs and Hollywood starlets. Other topics up for coverage will include the nar- cotics racket, aftermath of punch- drunk fighters and the old age problem. Series, which airs live-and-film in Los Angeles, will be produced by newsman Jack Peck, who’s pro- duced the live version, and nar- rated and directed by Coates, who incidentally is a columnist o,f the L;A. Daily Mirror; Irvin Klrschner will be film director and super- visor, with Irwin Moskowitz as In- vestigator and reporter. Meanwhile, Guild set a rental deal on the Biltmore Studios In downtown Manhattan, near Green- wich Village, for production of "Fun to Reduce,” slated as a five- a-week daytlmer for spring deliv- ery. Guild is flying in Duke Gold- stone, who directs "Liberace,” "Florian Zabach Show” and the Frankie Laine segments on the Coast, to meg the initial five films. Local director, as yet unselected, will take over after Goldstone com- pletes the quintet. LESTER CUTLER JOINS STROTZ YIDFILMERY Pittsburgh, Dec. 14. Lester Cutler, former investment broker here and onetime indie pic- ture producer on the Coast, has joined the new tv produeing-pack- aging firm recently organized here by Sidney Strotz, ex-network big- gie and now- head of Coca Cola in Western Pennsylvania, and Harry Kodinsky, who operates a public relations agency in Pittsburgh. Cutler will make his headquarters in Hollywood supervising produc- tion of a number of the late Ful- ton Oursler properties, which Strotz and Kodinsky recently ac- quired for tv. Picture Cutler did that's best re- membered around here is "The Yanks Are Coming" By DAVE KAUFMAN Hollywood, Dec. 14. Television is dangerously close to having shows just for kids, ss the result of all those seeking cen- sorship to protect juveniles, Jack Webb declares, adding tv is un- fairly taking the rap from those over-zeal . KCMO CBS Sun. 5:00-5:30 17.1 68 . 25.1 Range Rider WDAF .. 6 1 5. Death Valley Days (W) . WDAF Thurs. 10:00-10:30 . . . . .16.9 . . . . 57 . 29.7 Inspector Mark Saber KCMO . 9 4 6. C’sco Kid (W) WDAF Sun. 5:30-6:00 .... . . .16.3 57 . 28.4 Ramar of the Jungle KCMO . . . . .10.5 7. Life of Riley (Com) . WDAF. NBC . r Tues. 10:00-10:30 . . . . . .14.8 40 . 37.1 Mr. District Attorney KCMO . . . . . .17.9 8. Racket Squad (Adv) KCMO. ABC Wed. 8:30-9:00 13.3 21 . 62.7 I’ve Got a Secret KMBC .. . . . .28 7 9. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv). . . . KCMO TPA Sun. 5:30-6:00 . . .10.5 .... 37 . 28.4 Cisco Kid WDAF .. 16.3 10. WOd Bill Hickok (W) . WDAF Flamingo Wed. 5:00-5:30 ....100.... 50 . 20.0 Early Show KCMO . .... 7.2 OKLAHOMA CITY Approx. Set Count —285,000 % Stations - -WKY (4), KWTV (9), KMPT (19), KTQV (25) 1. Mr. District Attorney (Myst). WKY . . Ziv Thurs. 7:30-8:00 ... . . . .44.9 .... 74 . 60 4 Climax ». KWTV . . . . . . 14 9 2. City Detective (Myst) WKY . MCA Sat. 7:30-8:00 . . . . 34.9 .... 68 . 51.5 Jackie Gleason KWTV . . ... 14 9 3. Badge 714 (Myst) WKY . NBC Fri. 7:00-7:30 32.9 . . . . 57 . 58.4 Ramar of the Jungle KWTV . . 21.4 4. Favorite Story (Dr) . WKY. . Ziv Fri. 7:30-8:00 . . . .31.5 53 . 59.5 Topper KWTV .. 23.7 K I.iherare (Mus) . WKY . Guild Wed. 9:30-10:00 28.9 61 . 47.8 Blue Ribbon Bouts KWTV .. 19 4 Bouts; Sports Clips KWTV . . 16.0 6. Cisco Kid (W) . WKY . Ziv Sun. 5:30-6:00 26.3 75 . 35.2 You Are There KWTV .. 7.7 8. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv) . KWTV . TPA Fri. 7:00-7:30 ....21.4 .... 37 . 58.4 Badge 714 WKY ... 32.9 9 l.ifp nf Riley (Cnm) . WKY . NBC Mon. 9:30-10:00 20.6 43 . 48.1 Studio One KWTV . . 23 2 10. Abbott & Costello (Com) . . . . KWTV CBS Sat. 10:30-11:00 . . . .14.9 57 . 26.1 Super Circus WKY ... 11.2 JACKSONVILLE Approx. Set Count —265,000 Stations — WMBR (4) , WJHP (36) 1. Cisco Kid (W) . WMBR Ziv , Tues. 6:30-7:00 ...37 4... • • • • 100 . 374 Youth Forum WJHP . . 0.9 2. Superman (Adv) . WMBR Mon. 6:30-7:00 36.1 . . . • • • • • 98 . 37.0 Time for Beany WJHP .. 0 9 3. Kit Carson (W) . . . . WMBR MCA Wed. 6:30-7:00 . . . 35.3 . . . • • • • • 98 . 36.2 Caught in the Act WJHP .. 0.9 4. Annie Aokley (W) WMBR CBS . Fri. 6:30-7:00 ... 286 ... • • • • • 77 . 37.1 Hopalong Cassidy WJHP .. 8 4 5. Racket Squad (Myst) . WMBR ABC .Sat. 6:30-7:00 ....27 0... • • • • • 84 . 32.1 Double Feature WJHP . . 4.2 6. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv). . . . WMBR TPA Sun. 1:00-1:30 26.6 . . . • • • • • 97 . 27.5 Youth Wants to Know WJHP .. 0.9 7. Wild Bill llickok (W) . WMBR Sun. 12:30-1:00 .... 25.7 . . . • • • • 100 . 25.7 Church of Christ WJHP .. 0.9 8. Captain Midnight (Adv) . WMBR Sat. 11:00-11:30 ....23 7... • • • • 100 . 23.7 9. Abbott Sc Costello (Com) . . . . WMBR CBS Sat. 11:30-12:00 ....220 ... • a • • 100 . 22.0 10. Mr. District Attorney (Adv).. . WMBR Thurs. 10:30-11:00 .. 18.3 . . . • • • • • 72 . 25.3 Lux Video Theatre WJHP .. 8.0 BIRMINGHAM Approx . Set Count —225,000 Stations — WBRC (6), WABT (13) 1. I Led Three Lives (Dr) . WABT . Ziv Tues. 9:30-10:00 . . . .34.9 . . . 65 '... . 53.5 Mr. District Attorney WBRC .. 19.1 2. Lone Wolf (Adv) . WABT. UTP .Thurs. 7:30-8:00 33.2 . . . 59 . bb.< Climax WBRC . . 23. i 3. Superman (Adv) .WABT. Wed. 6:00-6:30 32.4 . . . 72 . 45.3 My Hero WBRC . . 12.9 4. Badge 714 (Myst) .WBRC NBC Fri. 9:30-10:00 . . . . 32.4 . . . 68 . 47.4 Cavalcade of Sports WABT .. 15.9 Big Playback .WABT .. 14.1 5. Range Rider (W) . WABT. CBS Mon. 6:00-6:30 . . . .25.9 . . . 65 . 39.7 Presidential Cabinet WBRC .. 13.8 6. I Am the Law (Myst) . WBRC MCA Fri. 10.00-10:30 .... 24.7 . . . • • • • • 86 . 28.8 Football Predictions WABT . . 4.1 7. City Detective (Myst) . WABT MCA Mon. 9:30-10:00 ....21.2 ... 43 . 49.4 Studio One . yS. WBRC . . 8. Life of Riley (Com) . WABT. NBC Fri. 7:30-8:00 20.6 . . . 37 . 55.3 Topper WBRC . . 34 7 9. Meet Corliss Aircher (Com) . WBRC Ziv .Tues. 7:00-7:30 20.0 . . . 35 . 57.1 Martha Raye WABT . . 37.1 9. Death Valley Days (W) . WABT . Sat. 10:00-10:30 . . . .20.0 . . . 78 . 25:6 Terry and the Pirates .WBRC .. 5.6 PHOENIX Approx. Set Count —100,000 Stations — KPHO (5), KOOL (10) KVAR (12) 1. Liberace (Mus) . KPHO Guild . Tues. 7:30-8:00 .... V . . 34 0 . . 52 . . 65.1 Circle Theatre . KVAR . . 21.2 2. Superman (Adv) . t . KPHO Wed. 7:00-7:30 31.2 ... • •tit 56 . 56.3 Kraft -TV Theatre .KVAR .. 23.1 3. City Detective (Myst) . KPHO. MCA Sat. 10:00-10:30 .... . . . .31.0 . . . • a • a • 69 . 45.0 Wrestling KVAR . . 11.2 4. Waterfront (Dr) . KPHO UTP .Thurs. 8:30-9:00 .... . . . .30.7 .. . • • t • • 51 . 60.5 Lux Video Theatre KVAR . . 24.2 5. Range Rider (W) . KPHO CBS . Mon. 6:00-6:30 . . . .29.3 . . . • • • • • 67 . 43.8 Caesar’s Hour .KVAR .. 12.8 6. I Led Three Lives (Dr) . KVAR Ziv . Sat. 9:00-9:30 ... 270 ... t • • • • 42 . 63.8 Jackie Gleason KPHO . . 31.7 7. Badge 714 (Myst) . . .' . KVAR. NBC Wed. 9:30-10:00 .... 26.8 . . . • a • • • 47 . 57.5 Godfrey St Friends . KPHO . . 20.7 8. Annie Oakley (W) . KOOL CBS .Mon. 7:30-8:00 26 0 . . . t t t t | 37 . 70.0 December Bride KPHO . . 30.7 9. Wild Bill llickok (W) . KPHO Fri. 7:00-7:30 ....24 7 ... # • • • • 50 . 49.1 Big Story .KVAR .. 20.7 10. Times Square Playhouse (Dr) . KVAR Ziv .Fri. 10:00-10:30 .... .... 23.5 . . . t t t t t 56 . 41.6 Dollar a Second .KOOL .. 11.9 WICHITA Approx. Set Count Stations — KAKE (10), KTVH (12), KEDD (16) 1. Badge 714 (Myst) . KEDD . NBC . Thurs. 7:30-8:00 42. y 72.; 59.1 Climax . KTVH 16.2 2. Life With Riley (Com) . KEDD . NBC . .Thurs. 8:00-8:30 38.2 66 57.5 Climax . KTVH 19.3 3. Racket Squad (Adv) .KTVH . ABC .Fri. 7:00-7:30 .. 30.2 58 51.6 49 3 Red Buttons . KEDD 214 4. Lone Wolf (Adv) KTVH . UTP Sun. 9:30-10:00 . ....... .24.3 49 The Huntpr .... . . . . KEDD 24.3 5. Dangerous Assignment (Adv). . KEDD . NBC . Sat. 8:30-9:00 .. 23.7 41 58.0 My Favorite Husband . KTVH 343 6. The Star and the Story (Dr) . . KEDD . Official . Sat. 10:00-10:30 20.7 53 38 9 News Weather SDorts . KTVH 214 7. Death Valley Days (W) KTVH . McCann-Erickson . . Fri. 8:30-9:00 . . .20.5 38 546 Inner Sanctum Ozzie Si Harriet . KTVH . KEDD 15 0 34 1 8. 9. Abbott Sic Costello (Com) Liberace (Mus) . KTVH KTVH ..CBS . Guild . Sat. 10:30-11:00 Sun. 6:00-6:30 .. 20.3 • ••••••a 19i8 ••••••••• 100 38 20.3 52.3 People Are Funny . KEDD 32 5 Dangerous Assignment (Adv). * m - 0-4 U •«<»((< roar* « . . KEDD <«»«■«•• ei | i i t «.* ..NBC .*•». W 1 i * * «,* . .Wed. 8:00-8:30 . 28 70.5 Strike It Rich . KTVH 29.1 tt^ilnfxlayi December 1S» 1954 TV-FILMS Inside Stuff — Telepix » . * « % nf telepix for non commercial showings by private and civic Ls c fnr their various public service campaigns is illustrated by the gl0U Imre's screenings of a "Mr. District Attorney" film at three of iTwU Bases are running a safe-driving campaign, and the Air «■ “ reauested permission lrom Ziv to show the "D.A.” episode y 1 :., - N vith a hit-and-run case. Another example of non-commercial dea teienix was the recent request of municipal authorities for the USt , f several "Racket Squad" films from ABC Syndication to combat public apathy to confidence rackets in their locales. American Bakeries, which last week purchased "The Star and the QimV’ from Official Films for airing in Minneapolis via WCCO-TV, u trving an interesting experiment which other local sponsors or sta- tions could profitably imitate. Baking outfit has signed Cedric Adams, Minneapolis Star & Tribune columnist and radio-tv personality, to host jY 4,1m series. Adams will do his hosting series live, cutting in and , xv here the star of the film usually appears. It simply remains for otheu stations to sign top personalities in their cities for similar chores vith other shows. Interesting sidelight is the fact that American Bakeries previously bankrolled “Cowboy G-Men," a kidpix series. “Star" buy marks its first attempt to pitch to the adult market via a grownup series. Empire Sets Subsid To Film Commls Empire Broadcasting Co., the New York recording firm, has es- tablished a film subsidiary which will produce commercials and will film programs on a contract basis. Suhsid, Empire Productioris, is headed up by Bill Reilly, who re- cently moved over from Reilly- Schewan Co. to become general manager of Empire, and Larry Un- termeyer, who resigned his radio- tv directorship at the Huber Hoge & Sons agency to become account exec. Empire initially will house the film stages in its present Lexing- ton Ave. facilities, but may take on additional space. There’s one stage completed at present, with an additional one slated for con- version. Filming has already started on the completed stage, al- though it opens officially today (Wed.). Empire Productions has existed as an Empire Broadcasting subsid for some five years, but it's been a packaging subsidiary dur- ing that time. Henceforth, it will cease to package shows, but will lease facilities or do physical pro- duction of outside packages on a contract basis. AAP 58 FEATURES SOLD IN 9 MARKETS Associated Artists Productions has latched onto a good thing in selling its "new-to-tv" package of 5G feature films by "trailerizing" Hie General Teleradio “Million Dollar Movie" package. AAP first sold the group to WOR-TV, N.Y„ which then announced it would play them off immediately after completing the Teleradio Group. Now five other stations which have the Teleradio pix have bought the A AP package with the same sched- uling plans. AAP package is now set in a total of nine markets, with nego- tiations proceeding in an addi- tional 33. Stations already set with the AAP group are KEYD, Minne- apolis; KTLA, Los Angeles; WFBG, Greenville, S.C.; KONA Honolulu; CKLW, Detroit; KBTV, Denver; W'HBQ, Memphis; KTVT, Salt Lake City and WSAU, Wausau, «isc. Last five stations are using the pix to follow the Teleradio package. Time Slot Poser MAYOR OF THE TOWN With Thomas Mitchell. Kathleen Freeman, Jean Bryon, David Saber, others Producers-Directors: John Raw- lings, Marshall Grant Writer: TSrna Lazarus 39 half-hours Distrib: United Television Pro- grams Despite the thesping and name values of Thomas Mitchell, this Rawlings-Grant production in as- sociation with Gross-Krasne lacks the steam to build much of a track record and on its first go-around the vidpix circuit. Chief handicap lies in the scripting department, with yarns that challenge the pa- tience of the most gullible. Various plots of the series evolve around Mitchell as the kindly mayor of a small city and his household which consists of a small lad, played by David Saber, and a garrulous housekeeper, portrayed in broad stereotype by Kathleen Freeman. It's a formula peg with some potentialities for the family audience but its appeal is blunted by the things the cast has to do and say. Improbable tale on segment seen, tagged “The First Year," dealt with the mayor’s efforts to keep in town a young engineer brought in to work on a new water system. Engineer threatened to pull out after his new frau got all upset over the marital advice given her by the spinster housekeeper. Happy upshot had the bride landing a job on the local paper which solved all the difficulties. Dave. Continued from page 45 moving into the fringe hours and into late-night (NBC with "To- night'), aside from the fact that Ko many syndicated and spot shows have grabbed off prime slots for themselves. Situation has re- solved itself into a "grab the time- slot, then get the client" opera- tion, or into a "get the client with f liine slot and forget the new-to- tv advertiser" setup. Pressure is pointed up by the fact that al- lhough there are over 380 stations the air in 247 markets, some *0 c of total U. S. television homes j* le concentrated in about 32 mar- *ots. And although these 32 mar- kets have three or more stations, l, ieir population concentration n'Akes the crush of advertisers the heaviest. The remaining 83% of he nation’s markets are one or J' v o-station cities, and pressure is H'avy there too, simply by virtue i the fact that only one or two outlets exist. Jack Webb Continued from page 45 Warren Reins ‘Gunsmoke’ For Debut in Vidfilms Hollywood, Dec. 14. Veteran film producer-director- writer Charles Marquis Warren debuts in the vidfilm field as pro- ducer-director of CBS-TV’s "Gun- smoke" series. Warren will per- sonally script the first of the films based on the CBS radio series. Assignment postpones a pair of Warren theatrical film projects, “The Norman," to star Jack Palance, and “The Long Swords," until 1956. He recently completed direction on “God’s Angry Man,” starring Raymond Massey. tertainment, but there are those who also want to see adult fare. "I think there should be pro- grams for the young ones, and there are many of them now. But they keep telling us ‘tv comes into the home, so you have to be very careful about the kiddies.’ What do they mean by this? Do they mean we should bracket our shows so that some can fit the 12-year- olds, some the 14-year-olds, and so on? I don’t understand such gen- eralizations. "Producers are faced with one important problem — providing en- tertainment. The majority are dictated by good taste, and it’s not fair to judge all shows by a few which may offend. It’s also not fair to judge all shows by just what’s good for kids. Many shows filmed for adults also have appeal for the youngsters. "It’s unfair to talk about censor- ing tv because some shows may not be considered ideal for youngsters. We can’t shut the door to adult entertainment. How can we have a variety of programs if we are censored? Let the public be the final censor — a bad program won’t last. And no sponsor will bankroll a cheap, sensational show'. Kids have their own shows, and pro- gramming should avoid being standardized." Liebmann Brewery Drops Fonda Show Liebmann Breweries Is dropping its sponsorship of "Star and the Story,’" which it carries under the title "Henry Fonda Presents” (with Fonda as host), In its six California markets. It will retain the show in the east, where it ^irs for Rheingold Beer, but is dropping in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno, Santa Barbara. San Diego and Bakersfield, where the show is on for California Gold Label Beer, a Liebmann subsid. With Liebmann dropping, rights to those markets go over to Official Films, which has already sold the series in Los Angeles to KTTV, where it will start Jan. 15 under an unusual sponsorship deal. Se- ries will be bankrolled by the Los Angeles Times, a rare Instance of program sponsorship by a news- paper. Deal involves a switch in stations, with the show having aired for Liebmann on KNXT. Title on KTTV will be “Star and the Story," without Fonda as host. Reason Official takes over the rights to the series in those mar- kets lies in its original distribu- tion deal with Don Sharpe and Four Star Productions, which owns the show and made the original sale to Liebmann. Original deal called for Fonda to host the dra- matic anthology series in Lieb- mann markets only, with Official to distribute without the Fonda inserts in all non-Liebmann mar- kets as "Star and the Story.” With Liebmann dropping in California, Official takes over its six markets, and expects to have sales in the other five shortly. Meanwhile, se- ries is set in more than 90 mar- kets. Telepix Followup CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (Night Call) It was only a matter of time that Cavalcade would get around to documenting the doctor. Every- body else has — "Medic," “March of Medicine," the upcoming ABC’s “Horizons" and the reactivated “Dr. Christian." In its tradition of fidelity to the subject. Cavalcade makes such a good case for the man with the stethoscope that the American Medical Assn, showed the film at its annual convention. No better choice for the doc could have been made than Dean J agger. whose tender ministrations and devotion to duty, whether it 5 a hypochondriac or the victim of a baffling disease, give "Night Call” its warmth and dramatic motiva- tion. When a soldier falls ill of a strange malady, Jaggcr attends him constantly and can’t get him out of his mind. But this does not cause any neglect of his other pa- tients. Viewing the vidpic is like trailing the medic on his daily rounds. For the afflicted it ends on a high note of hope. Jagger makes the part pulsate with strong conviction and is given good support by a cast of 17. fore- most of whom are Alyn Lockwood. Sheila Bromley, Nancy Hale. Don- ald Murphy, Jill St. John. Jackie Donner and Paul Burns. Direction of Robert Stevenson retained the force of simplicity that powered the Larry Marcus script. Helm. LADIES IN RETIREMENT (Lux Video Theatre) The dramatics that projected Columbia’s 1941 film version of the Reginald Denham-Edward Percy “Ladies In Retirement" into one of the most interesting lethal events of the season still held enough b.o. ingredients to form strong offering for "Lux Video Theatre." Vehicle furnished Claire Trevor with a compelling role for her live tv bow, and through ex- cellent adaptation to the more nar- row confines of video a particular- ly able cast limned the powerfully- plotted drama. Director Richard Goode handled his cast to advantage, concentrat- ing upon characterization from the odd set of figures who participate in this story of a young English housekeeper’s tragic concern for her two older mildly-deranged sis- ters. So they will not be sent to an institution she murders her em- ployer when latter turns them out of her home. Situation becomes intensified when her rascally nephew pieces out her crime and attempts blackmail. Miss Trevor endowed the tragic heroine with superb dramatic shadings, the effect accentuated by the truly fine performances with which she had to compete. Recre- ating their original screen roles, Elsa Lanehester and Edith Barrett lent conviction as the helpless sis- ters for whom she garrots Isobel Elsom, tope in the part she pre- viously played both on the stage and screen. Seaji McClory deliv- ered another of his offbeat inter- pretations as the nephew, and Lisa Daniels vitalized the maid-servant. Richard McDonagh’s teleplay re- ceived atmospheric art direction from William Craig Smith, and Rudolph Schrager’s musical direc- tion definitely w ; as on the plus side. Whit. Stone, Hyman Set Gabby (or Telepix Gabby Hayes will make his re- appearance on the television scene via a syndicated series to be filmed by Martin Stone and Eliot Hyman and to be distribbed by Motion Pictures for Television. There’s a twist to the show, in that Stone and Hyman will take 52 full-length MPTV westerns, whittle them down, and shoot fresh footage star- ring Hayes as an emcee to bridge the gaps and as a tail-tale teller. Series will be shot and edited in New’ York starting Jan. 10. with Joe Claire writing and producing. Claire is a staffer of Kagran Corp., the packaging outfit which Stone heads. However, Stone, who man- ages Hayes, Is doing the show as a partnership venture with Hyman, who as president of Associated Ar- tists Productions, distributes the Kagran -made "Johnny Jupiter" series. MPTV comes into the pic- ture with a deal to distribute the films by virtue of providing the old features which will form the basic content of the show. Plans call for 52 half-hour pix. Set Leopold Spitalny H. Leopold Spitalny, onetime NBC musical director, has been signed by North American Televi- sion Productions to arrange and conduct the upcoming Carl Brisson series, which goes before the cam- eras next month in New York. Spitalny will head an 18-piece orchestra and a mixed choir. Procter’s Coast Setup Prockter Television Enterprises, Bernard Prockter’s own packaging outfit as distinguished from his American National Studios inter- ests. is setting up a permanent Coast office on the American Na- tional lot, where two of the PTE shows, "T-Men in Action" and "Man Behind the Badge,” are be- ing filmed. New office will be headed by v.p. Jerome C. Robinson, who’s moving out from New York. Ope" your eyes and get an earful sounding off B about our new FILM COMPANY We set out to engineer a film studio that would have the flexibility and sound quality of live television. Believe us, it was no easy job. We turned our sound hounds loose on this project 5 years ago, and they’ve been in it up to their ears ever since. Finally, we’ve got what every agency film man has been dreaming about — live quality sound on film — and we’re proud of it! And we’re real proud of Bill Reilly, our studio manager. Bill was a sound engineer ten years ago before he jumped lens first into Television. Since then he has been inside of the camera as a technician, behind it as a cameraman, in front of it as a pro- ducer figuring out how to save a buck for the client. And this fellow Reilly has a solid background in agency- client relations. He has developed a sound film studio that can turn out anything you want produced faster and better than it has ever been done before. Hard to believe? Then come up and see it. We’ll bet -a film can against a shipping case we’re not fifteen minutes from your New York office. Call Empire Production Corporation for film spots and programs with the finest sound you’ve ever heard. EMPIRE PRODUCTION CORPORATION 480 Lexington Avonuo PL 9-4505 48 MUSIC Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Jocks, Jukes and Disks By MIKE GROSS The Crew-Cuts: “Dance, Mr. Snowman. Dance’’-“Twinkle Toes" (Mercury ». The Crew-Cuts have another winner in “Dance, Mr. Snowman, Dance." It’s a lively winter frolic with a catchy shuffle beat. A spinning natural on all levels. Bottom deck is a mediocre Yule offering. Bob Manning: “My Love Song To You '-“After My Laughter Came Tears” (Capitol). On the basis of its showcasing on Jackie Gleason’s CBS-TV show, “My Love Song To You" rates as a strong commercial bet. In this case it’s not the tune so much, but the exposure that counts. Song is just a fair Tin Pan Alley concoction and Bob Manning, always a standout song interpreter, gives it a good ride. Flip side is a pleasant ballad entry. Jackie Lee: “I Can’t Oive You “You’re In The i much hope, however, for i The Sweetest Sweetheart World" on the flip. Percy Faith Orch: “Petite”- (“Ching Ching-A-Ling" (Columbian The attractive orch workover given "Petite” by Percy Faith should win this side lots of deejay spins. The catchy melodic strain hugs the ear and Faith takes full advantage of it with a rich interpretation. “Ching Ching-A-Ling" is a breezy item that gets a jaunty orch and chorus workover. Rates spinning at- tention. The Johnson Family Singers: “The Lord Is Counting On You”- “Do You Know Where God Lives?" (Victor). "The Lord Is Counting On You" is a natural for the pop- religioso market. The catchy beat is excellently paired with a charm- ing lyric and the Johnson Family ... % k: 1 :'-i' Best Bets THE CREW CUTS DANCE, MR. SNOWMAN, DANCE {Mercrjp Twinkle Toes BOB MANNING MY LOVE SONG TO YOU (Capitol) After My Laughter Came Tears Anything But Love’’-“Blue Boogie” (Coral*. The oldie “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love" is headed for a solid jukebox whirl via Jackie Lee’s deft keyboard workover. His 88ing is fresh and vivid and adds up to topdrawer listening. He takes “Blue Boogie” for a stimulating ride, and it, too. rates play. Jan Strickland: “Let’s-“Come To Me My Dari in ’ ” (Label X>. Jan Strickland’s “Let’s” is in the rhythm & blues groove, but it’s also got a strong, pop potential. Side has the kind of drive and feel- ing that appeals to disk fans in both the pop and r&b field. Croon- er is a newcomer to the wax mar- ket but this side will give him a solid footing. He comes off well belting “Come To Me My Dari in’,” but the side has limited appeal. Georgie Shaw: “Unsuspecting Heart’’-"House of Flowers” (Decca*. Kicked off by Terri Stevens on the indie AA label, “Unsuspecting Heart" has attracted the attention of the major diskers. Georgie Shaw’s cut can’t help but get the tune around. It’s a strong ballad item excellently suited to the crooner’s piping attack. “House of Flowers,” title song from the in- coming Harold Arlen-Truman Ca- pote musical, is a warm and in- triguing melody and Shaw delivers with proper feeling. Side should do well with deejays who care about their programming material. Tony Alamo: “Idle Gossip”- “You’re The Sweetest Sweetheart In The World" (Majar). “Idle Gos- sip" keeps getting standout wax workovers and one of these days the song will break through. Tony Alamo’s treament could do the trick. It’s a class ballad which Alamo belts appropriately. Not belts effectively. Flip is deeply rooted in the religioso vein. Dick Hyman Trio: “I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm’’-“Jeal- ous” (MGM). This coupling of old- ies should win plenty of program- ming attention for Dick Hyman. He’s a versatile and imaginative musician who knows how to bring a fresh quality to the fave items. On “Fve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," he’s featured at the organ and on “Jealous,” he tackles the harpsichord successfully. George Williams Orch: “The Song From Desiree’’-“Tiger Rag Mambo" (Coral). George Williams can always be counted on for a fresh approach to a tune. He gives the melodic “Song From Desiree” a rousing rendition and brings a proper peppery touch to “Tiger Rag Mambo." Both sides are okay spinning bets. Lorry Raine: “When Your Lover Has Gone’’-“Lost Weekend" (Dot). Lorry Raine has a good takeoff chance with “When Your Lover Has Gone." It’s a slick mood bal- lad right up her piping alley. The jocks are sure to hop on it. Re- verse is in the same mood and will get its share of the spins. MGM Pacts Fr. MacEwen MGM Records has tagged Father Sydney MacEwen, Scotland’s "sing- ing priest," for a special album release. Package, which will in- clude Scottish and Irish melodies, will be issued as an LP and EP set. Father MacEwen recently made his concert debut in the U.S. and is skedded to return shortly for a national tour and tele guest shots. LAWRENCE WELK and his CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 170th Consecutive Week, Aragon Ballroom, Santa Monica, Calif. Exclusively on Coral Records THERE’S A SMALL HOTEL •nd SAW Y OUR EYES BBC Ban on Xmas Tunes In August Seen Hurting Entire Brit. Music Biz London, Dec. 7. Absence of a big Christmas song here is called the reason for the slump in sheet music at the pres- ent time. Usually Christmas sees a boom in sheet sales, but it’s not happening at the moment, and re- liable information suggests that the top songs are only selling, in some cases, as little as 6,000 copies per wee^. The BBC has set its face against the seasonal August to January plugs of the Christmas songs, and has informed publishers that it will only air Christmas records and performances not more than a fort- night before the holiday. With this lack of air plugging, it has been impossible to create a demand for a Christmas song, such as existed for “1 Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" last year. One big song which takes the public into the music shop is good for the business and, at the moment, the BBC's de- cree is mitigating against a real hit emerging. Although publishers, songwriters and record companies are not happy about the BBC and its lack of Christmas spirit, writers in the lay press and members of the pub- lic are with the BBC in its attitude. In past years the bells have started jingling and Santa Claus and his Reindeers have pursued their snowy path from autumn onwards — which may make good sales, but not the best of listening. yXteTETY 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 1. MISTER SANDMAN (5) 2 . 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7. 8 . 9. 10 . I Chordettes Cadence { Four Aces Decca I Lancers Coral i pt mp rft i nvi'D t Joan Weber Columbia. LET ME GO, LOVER (3) j Teresa Brewer Coral TEACH ME TONIGHT (6) listers u.^hin ) Jo Stafford Columbia NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE (3) J ^ mc . s . B ™ thers V , lct0T o | Archie Bleyer Cadence I NEED YOU NOW (15) Eddie Fisher Victor MAMBO ITAI.IANO (1) Rosemary Clooney ...Columbia PAPA LOVES MAMBO (10) Perry Como Victor ( Doris Day Columbia IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU (14) Denise L ° r •••• Majar Connee Boswell Decca I Dinah Shore Victor HOLD MY r HAND (11) ; Don Cornell Coral SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL (9) Bill Haley’s Comets Decca Second Group THIS OLE HOUSE Rosemary Clooney . . . Columbia HEARTS OF STONE , * Fontane Sisters Dot / Charms DeLuxe COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS . .. \ Eddie Fisher Victor / Rosemary Clooney . . .Columbia DIM, DIM THE LIGHTS Hill Haley’s Comets Decca HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Perry Como Victor WHI'IHER THOU GOEST Les Paul-Mary Ford ... Capitol MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE Sarah Vaughan Mercury DOWN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE WELI Wilder Brothers Label X IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD ... 1 Four Ace * Decca I Ray Anthony Capitol o THAI S ALL I WANT FROM YOU Jaye P. Morgan Victor V. ,tr iourcs «n parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 101 < > It’s RCA Victor’s year so far as original cast albums are con- cerned. Already out with “The Boy Friend," the diskery recently hit the market with three other legituner sets, “Fanny," “Peter Pan" and “Mrs. Patterson." (Other disk companies in the original cast album sweepstakes are Columbia, with its upcoming “House of Flowers," and Decca, with its al- ready released "On Your Toes." Victor is due to move in again next month with “Silk Stockings. ”) Victor’s current album trio is wide in its appeal. "Fanny" has stature, “Peter Pan" has charm and “Mrs. Patterson" has Eartha Kitt. Miss Kitt, in fact, is the only reason for the “Mrs. Patterson” album. It’s a 12-inch LP that con- tains only six songs. The rest of the grooves are filled in with dialog leading into tunes. The songs, by James Shelton, and the script by Charles Sebree and Greer John- son, are not outstanding, but they serve as an excellent showcase for the actress-singer. She scores in both departments but the switch from the 15-year-old in dialog to* the hoyden in song becomes a bit too jarring at times. Ruth Attaway, Helen Dowdy and Alonzo Bosan supply excellent support. Bosan, incidentally, is not in the New York company of the show. Harold Rome’s score for “Fanny” has many inviting items and such stalwart singers as Ezio Pinza, William Tabbert and Florence Henderson to deliver. Even Walter Slezak, who’s no singer but who has a delightful way with a melody, scores handsomely. There’s plenty of listening pleasure in this 12- inch LP, with Pinza’s “Why Re Afraid To Dance" and “Love Is A Very Light Thing" standout. Also effective are Slezak’s “Panisse and Son" and “To My Wife,” Tab- bert’s treatment of the title song and Miss Henderson’s “Be Kind To Your Parents.” Philip J. Lang’s arrangements are tiptop as is Leh- man Engel’s orch direction. In addition to a light but de- lightful score, “Peter Pan” has Mary Martin. She sings with a captivating gusto that brings added wealth to each tune entry. Score, fashioned by Mark Charlop and Carolyn Leigh with additional songs by Jule Styne, Betty Com- den and Adolph Green, is bright and gay. Best of the lot are “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I’m Flying" and the warmly effective “Tender Shep- herd." Cyril Ritchard and Kathy Nolan are standout vocal aides. “There’s No Business Like Show Business" (Decca). The only thing lacking in this soundtrack set from the 20th-Fox pic Is Marilyn Mon- roe. Everyone else is represented, however, and that takes in plenty. There’s Ethel Merman, Donaid O’Connor, Dan Dailey, Johnnie Ray (on loan from Columbia), Mitzi Gaynor and the Irving Berlin score. For the absent Miss Monroe < who’s tied up by RCA Victor), Decca subbed Dolores Gray, and she comes across a winner. The set w ill clean up. There are close to a dozen Berlin gems included and all ring the bell. From La Merman’s brisk title song workover to the troupe’s global treatment of “Alex- ander’s Ragtime Band," this is a 12-inch longplay delight. Songs With Largest Radio Audience The top 30 songs of week ( more in case of ties), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John Gray Peatman, Director. Alphabetically listed. * Legit musical. t Film. Survey Week of December 3-9, 1954 Christmas Alphabet Budd Count Your Blessings — t“White Christmas" Berlin Fanny — *"Fanny" Chappell Hajji Baba — V’Adventures Of Hajji Baba" Remick Hey There — *“Pajama Game" Frank Hold Me In Your Arms Artists Hold My Hand — f“Susan Slept Here" Raphael Home For The Holidays Roneom I Need You Now Miller If I Give My Heart To You Miller It’s A Woman’s World — t“Woman’s World" Robbins Let Me Go, Lover H&R Make Yourself Comfortable Rylan Mister Sandman Morris Mobile Ardmore Muskrat Ramble Simon My Own True Love — t“Gone With The Wind" Remick Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Paxton No More Maple Leaf Papa Loves Mambo ' Shapiro-B Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer St. Nicholas Silver Bells ! Mills Sleigh Ride Bourne Smile Hub-L Song From Desiree — f"Desiree" Miller Teach Me Tonight Hub-L That’s All I Want From You W & B This Ole House Hamblen Whither Thou Goest Kavelin You’re Nobody ’Til Somebody Loves You Southern Top 30 Songs on TV (More In Case of Tics) A Whale Of A Tale — t“Twenty Thousand Leagues" . Disney Choreography — t’ White Christmas” Berlin Count Your Blessings — 1“ White Christmas" Berlin Girl I’ve Yet To Meet O’C & M Here I Go Walkin’ Down The Road Folkways Hey Jacques Music Prod. Hold My Hand — t“Susan Slept Here” Raphael Home For The Holidays Roneom I Need You Now Miller I Want You All To Myself Shapiro-B I Want’cha Around . . Joy If I Give My Heart To You Miller If I Was A Boy Garland Let Me Go. Lover H & R Love Is A Very Light Thing Chappell Love, You Didn’t Do Right — i “White Christmas" .. . Berlin Make Yourself Comfortable Rylan Mister Sandman Morris Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Paxton Papa Loves Mambo Shapiro-B Santa Claus Is Cornin’ To Tow n Feist Shake, Rattle And Roll Progressive Silk Stockings — ’♦•“Silk Stockings" Chappell Sleigh Ride Mills Teach Me Tonight Hub-L That’s All I Want From You W & B That’s What I Like — t“Living It Up" Chappell This Ole House Hamblen To My Wife Chappell Welcome Home Chappell Why Be Afraid To Dance Chappell Young At Heart Sunbeam XL V<1ness produced in N. Y. in 1903 by Sam and Lee Shubert »nd marked the Shuberts’ first legit enterprise. Hubbell did the (Continued on page 54) New H’wood Mills Bldg. Hollywood, Dec. 14. Mills Music will build its own building in the heart of Holly- ''oods music area. Pubbery has bought a site on Vine St., south 4,1 Sunset Blvd., and will begin construction next year. Building will house all of the | facets of the Mills Music enter- 1 prises, including American Kec - 1 ords. i BMI't Music Editor Milton Rettenberg an export In Hie "tong shark” details the New Beat for Suckers in *Song Shark 9 Racket * * * an interesting editorial f eater# , ia the upcoming 49th Anniveraary Number of US-RIETY DUE SOON Dorseys Prep Own Plattery Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey are prepping their own indie disk com- pany operation. A nationwide dis- tribution setup is now being or- ganized and the brothers expect to begin operation by the first of the year. Although the Dorseys record for Bell Records, they’ll also etch un- der their own disk banner. Con- tract with Bell, a lowprice platter line, allows them to wax for a regular-priced label. The Dorsey disk firm will also record other performers. Meantime, the Dorseys are set for a stand at New York’s Hotel Statler, beginning Friday (17). TV Again Aids Disks; 'Love Song’ OK to Hot Start Television again has come to the aid of the disk industry. In a re- | peat of the sales surge on Joan Weber’s Columbia slice of "Let Me Go, Lover” after its showcasing on CBS-TV’s “Studio One” several weeks ago, Bob Manning’s Capitol cut of “My Love Song to You” got off to a hot sales spurt Monday (13) after its plug on Jackie Glea- son’s CBS-TV show Saturday night ( 11 ). Cap had hanked on the impact of the Gleason plug and had shipped 200,000 platters around the country in advance of the show. From reports coming during the early part of the week, it looks like the diskery underestimated the power of tv and will have to keep its presses going full time to meet the growing demand. In addition to the unprecedented advance pressing, Cap also went on the hook for about $100,000 in ex ploitation and promotion. Diskery had rushed out to dealers and dis- tributors around the country 25,- 000 window streamers and 50,000 counter displays. Roy Alfred and A1 Frisch penned the tune especially for the Glea- son stanza. It’s being put out by Gleason’s own publishing opera- tion, Songsmiths. Apparently having learned a les- son from the Joan Weber instance, rival disk companies, thus far, have held back “covering” the Manning slice. After Miss Weber’s breakthrough, several major com- panies cut “Let Me Go, Lover” with their top artists, but the young songstress held her lead de- spite the top competition. The diskeries now figure that the origi- nal exposure is hard to buck. Bluebird Into EP The Bluebird label, RCA Victor’s low-priced longhair line, is ex- panding into the 45 rpm EP field for the first time. First release this month will comprise seven packages selling at $1.19 each. Some of the EPs will be new recordings while others will be reissues. Votoran Muim Fvblithor Reg Connelly finds London's Tin Pan Alloy no difforont from tha Brill Bldg, in a pioco Everybody Tries to Hit The Global Jackpot * * * an Interesting editorial feature in the forthcoming 49th Anniveraary Number of USnitfr DUE SOON Mercury Sets Up 0&0 N.Y. Branch Mercury Records is prepping an owned & operated distributor set- up for the New York area. Move follows the pattern already set by Dccca and Capitol, which have an o&o distribution operation around the country. Merc’s Gotham branch will tee off Jan. 1 and will be known as Mercury Record Distributors, Inc. The new operation will replace Malverne, which had been han- dling Merc’s distribution in New York for the past several years. Art Talmage.s label’s v.p., said plant for an o&o distributorship was initiated to establish closer contact with the music industry in general for Merc’s management personnel. Morris Price, Merc’s veepce in charge of sales, Is coming in to N. Y. from Chicago headquarters this week to organize the branch. PORTER’S ‘STOCKINGS’ IN BIG DISK SENDOFF “Silk Stockings,” the upcoming Cole Porter musical, will open in New York next month with the biggest wax barrage given a legi- tuner In recent years. Chappell Music already has set 30 separate diskings on the showtunes. Every major label, except Columbia, is on the “Stockings” bandwagon. RCA Victor will release the origi- nal cast set. Tuner, which stars Don Ameche and Hildegarde Neff, is set for a Broadway preem Jan. 21. Show' currently is trying out in Phila- delphia and then moves to Boston. Feuer & Martin are producing. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly .Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 36 154 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 6311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 612 N. Michigan Avo. LONDON, W. C. 2 B St. Martin’s Place Trafalgar Squaro Although no spectacular holiday tune smashes have turned up this year, the Christmas music biz is currently rolling at a solid clip. As expected, disk sales have be- gun to zoom, particularly in pack- aged goods, while sheet music sales have come out of their year- long doldrums for concentrated action, at least until the end of the Christmas period. Topping the Christmas lists again, as it has so often in the past 12 years, is Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas.” Among the new entries. “Home for the Holi- days.” cleffed by A1 Stillman and Robert Allen, is the leading copy seller, sparked by Perry Como’s disk version for Victor. The Stillman-Alien team are also repre- sented with “I Saw Mommy Doing the Mambo,” which is in the sixth slot on the 10 best Xmas sellers this year. The perrenial favorites, “Rudolph the Red-Nosod Reindeer,” "Win- ter Wondei/land” and “Silver Bells,” are lodged firmly in the three, four and five slots. Another new tune. "Christmas Alphabet,” by Buddy Kaye, is also showing up strongly this year in the No. 7 position. This tune is being pushed via the McGuire Sisters version for Coral and is being pub- lished by Kaye. The phenom of 1952. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” is No. 8 this year while two other standards, “Santa Claus Is Com- ing to Town” and “Frosty the Snowman,” complete the top 10 bracket. Several dozen tanes, mostly novelties, were entered in the Christmas tune sweepstakes this year but, as usual, the casualties far outnumber the clicks. Break- through with a Xmas tune is re- regarded as one of the toughest hurdles in the music biz since the plugging time is so short, being limited to four weeks after Thanks- giving when the jockeys begin laying on the seasonal items. The prospect of coming up with a Xmas standard, with its perennial heavy payoff in copy and disk sales plus performance points, continues to be attractive odds to most publishers. Top 1954 BMI Hits Get Swank Kudosing at 3d Annual ‘Award Dinner’ The top BMI hits of 1954 w’ere given the usual swank kudosing by Broadcast Music Inc. execs at the Roof Garden of the Hotel Pierre, N. Y., last Wednesday night (8) in the third annual “award dinner.” Some 200 BMI toppers, publishers and writers attended the affair, which w-as hosted by BMI prexy Carl Haverlin. BMI hits of the past year, in al- phabetical order, are “Crazy ’Bout You Baby,” written by Rudi Mau- gcri (Sunbeam Music); “Good- night, Sweetheart, Goodnight,” by James Hudson and Calvin Carter (Arc Music); “Here/' Dorcas Coch- ran and Henri Rene (Hill & Range); “If You Love Me,” by Marguerite Monnot (Duchess Music); “I’m A Fool To Care,” by Ted Daffan (Peer Int’l); “Jirted,*' by Robert Colby (Sheldon Music); “Let Me Go Lover”; by Jennie Lou Carson and A1 Hill (Hill & Range). Also, “The Man Upstairs,” by Dorinrda Morgan and Hal Stanley (Vesta Music); “The Man With The Banjo*; Fritz Schulz Reichel and Robert Mellin (Mcllin Music); “Santa Baby,” Joan Javits, Phil and Tony Springer (Trinity). Also “Sh-Boom,” by Carl and Claude Feaster, James Keyes, Floyd McRae and William R. Ed- wards (Progressive-St. Louis Mu- sic); “Shake. Rattle & Roll,” by Charles Calhoun (Progressive); “This Ole House," by Stuart Ham- blen (Hamblen); “Woman.” by Dick Gleason (Studio), and “Young At Heart.” by Carolyn Leigh and Johnny Richards. Majar Builds Roster Majar Records, recently formed indie label, bolstered its roster last week with the patting of thrush Betty Ann Grove and crponer Jack Smith. Their platters are due for re- lease early in January. 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G a o r- • G u a hC co cj c C/3 C/3 G O U 3 o $ s O u o 6 u •H £ (0 y- »— a o ”3 b 3 o c 6 o X Survey of retail disk best >> C u c <0 u 03 c C/3 o o 2 o .2 C/3 & DC G '3 >k tellers based on reports ob (0 W •H 1/3 2 ■s cc '3 u Cj X yi o £ C/3 o CJ 3 1* 3 u mined from leading stores in 20 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this 2 u G 3 Sh CJ c "O c G O o >> C o ifi 3 O £ CE ■j Q 2 _o SC a 3 C/3 «-» CJ 3 u a o O 8 > 3 G K C/3 G X CO C/3 3 OC u 2 G 03 < c 8 c o Q <0 X 00 £ TD i/i 3 2 and last week. K 1 C/3 c 1 * I *G > G I 3 1 1 ~T 3 . 1 JK e ’** G o 1 J National i S *5 ] C T ►> A a X *o A hi u 3 C/3 ] G ] A is 1 c c — c I ho I a ►a 5 t/2 i 3 G G hi c Ratine ! h k‘ S L wk! Artist, label. Title it V Z A M n s 1 c « a < a ■ — A CL A an ■— £ 1 t. £ Miam 3 e a £ 1 2 Dallas < c (I C/3 n G A u Cj C C •M 2 X (A e n X O J C/3 < i/i o o U) 3 s CO 3 £ 3 0 U 1 u e (0 u Ua C (0 / W) TJ O o O & u g > c G Q g > s v O 0 U >* co U 1 c co E u Oi JC C/3 CO G C/3 T O T A L P 0 1 N T S 1 1 CHORDETTES (Cadence) "Mister Sandman" . 2 2 4 1 1 3 2 2 10 7 4 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 JOAN WEBER (Columbia) "Let Me Go, Lover" 1 1 1 9 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 8% 3 6 9 2 3 3 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) "This Ole House" 6 • • 9 9 2 2 8 3 2 3 4 • 6 10 2 6 7 2 5 4 3 EDDIE FISHER (Victor) "I Need You Now" 3 • • • • 4 8 7 .. 2 10 5 3 3 6 10 4 3 4 5 A 6 PERRY COMO (Victor) "Papa Loves Mambo” .. 7 • • 5 5 4 3 6 4 7 7 9 3 4 8 5B 5 DeC ASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) "Teach Me Tonight" • • 4 3 2 3 4 4 4 9 10 6 10 2 7A 10 AMES BROTHERS (Victor) "Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" . 5 6 6 8 10 7 . . 9 8 1” 9 2 5 4 7B 8 EDDIE FISHER (Victor) "Count Your Blessings" 4 • • 7 3 6 8 6 7 6 9 6 8 9 • 9 7 BILL HALEY'S COMETS (Decca) "Shake, Rattle and Roll" 3 8 • • • • 10 5 1 10 7 9 3 7 8 10 9 DON CORNELL (Coral) "Hold My Hand" 8 10 • • 6 • • 5 , . 10 6 8 5 i~- - 8 11 12 FOUR ACES (Decca) "Mister Sandman" • • • • • • • • 3 1 2 7 12 13 DORIS DAY (Columbia) "If I Give My Heart to You" • • • • • • • • 5 . . 5 • • 5 6 13 14 SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) "Make Yourself Comfortable" 9 5 • • 10 8 9 3 • • • 14 17 BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) "Dim. Dim the Lights" # • • • • • • 6 7 4 • • 6 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) 15A 10 "Hey There” 7 71 53 53 50 33 31 23 22 9 10 10 16 FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) 15B 16 "Hearts of Stone" JAYE P. MORGAN (Victor) 8 10 16 17 23 "That’s All I Want From You" 10 . . . • 5 .. .. 8 6 15 18 17. McGUIRE SISTERS (Coral) "Muskrat Ramble" 8 .. 7 . . . . 5 . . 13 19A PERRY COMO (Victor) "Home for the Holidays" 2 .. . 9 19B PENGUINS (Dootone) "Earth Angel” 2 9 21 A ARCHIE BLEYER (Cadence) "Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" 3 . . 8 21 B JACKIE MILES (Coral) •Tm A-Rollin” • 3 8 23 A 21 THREE CHUCKLES (Label X) "Runaround” 6 .. 9 7 23B DeJOHN SISTERS (Epic) "No More” 10 .. ., 5 .. 7 25 15 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) "Mambo Italiano” . . 9 .. .. 7 .. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6 1 2 3 4 5 4 SIX TOP STUDENT PRINCE WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSIC, MARTINIS ' A STAR IS BORN GLENN MILLER BRIGADOON Marie lanxa Crotby-Kayc-Laa AND MEMORIES Judy Garland LIMITED EDITION, II Hollywood Cast ALBUMS • Decca Jackie Gleason Columbia Glenn Miller Victor DL 8083 Capitol BL 1201 Victor MGM LM 1837 ED 819 W 509 BA 1201 LPT 6701 E 3135 ERB 1837 A 956 EAP 1, 2, 3, 4—509 BM 1201 EPOT 6701 X 263 Kay Starry-Eyed at Two New Pacts; 800G 5-Year Guarantee in Las Vegas Hollywood, Dec. 14. If the first seven years as a sin- gle are the toughest, Kay Starr can look for some sock years ahead. For the initial span of seven, difficult at first, is winding up with a pair of contracts that rate as about the best ever handed * girl singer. One takes her over to RCA Victor as a disk artist, be- ginning Jan. 1, at "the best con- tract since Vaughn Monroe." The other guarantees the onetime band singer $800,000 over the next five years in the longest contract yet signed by a Las Vegas hostelry in the mushrooming trend to tie tal- ent down to longtermers. rile Victor contract continues the virtual autonomy in selection oj material and release dates that Starr and her manager Har- oid Stanley have enjoyed for the iabl few years at Capitol. Only Second Disk Pact f 11 s °nly the second disk contract , '* iss Starr, who has been 1 1 Capitol since she branched *t on her own seven years ago and proceeded to climb the cafe It, u r ‘ For better than five years th : , s been consistently One of top disk sellers in the busi- Available records indicate at n ot since "Hoop Dee Doo" in 1950 has she had a platter that | went under the 200,000 mark in sales. Figure is the arbitrary guidepost for a hit used in the music biz. In the seven years she’s been with Capitol, Miss Starr has sold more than 10.000,000 records — although her annual release av- erage is four records. Curiously, only one of her disks, "Wheel of Fortune,” has gone over the 1,000,- 000 mark. The big Victor contract was quickly followed by the pact with the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, where she has long been a top attraction. It calls for a flat $20,- 000 per week for eight weeks per year over the five-year period. Un- der its terms she probably will henceforth work cafes only 12 weeks a year, supplementing the eight weeks in Las Vegas with four at the Riverside in Reno. Brubeck’s Frisco Deal San Francisco, Dec. 14. Dave Brubeck, who has been working at the Downbeat Club weekends only this month in order to be near his family for the holi- days, has set a deal with club op Helen Noga. This will allow him to use the club as home base six months out of the year and in addition free him for concerts and lucrative one- nighters even during the time he . is at the Downbeat. I Donahue Back on Cap Label for Second Time Hollywood, Dec. 14. Capitol signed sax man Sam Donahue to an album deal which will be included in the label’s “Listening Jazz’’ series. It’s Dona- hue’s second time on the Capitol roster. Donahue recently has been front- ing the Billy May band on tour around the country. Deal set by artists&repertoire rep Francis Scott leaves the way open for fu- ture recordings after the album is released. Vet Songsmith Jimmy Kennedy hat written a revealing cloteup on London and I\oiv York's Tin Pan Alloys * * * another outstanding editorial fea- ture in the upcoming 49 th Anniversary IS umber of ^SrIeTy OUT SOON VICTOR BACK INTO R&B MARKET; CLARK NAMED RCA Victor is getting back into the rhythm and blues market un- der its own banner with the ap- pointment of Ray Clark to handle the r&b chores. Clark is a vet- eran field man for Victor, having most recently been posted in the southeastern division. Since the exit of Danny Kessler early this year, Victor’s r&b activ- ities have been limited to the Groove label, which is distributed for the most part through Label X, the RCA subsid label. Eddie Kissack, assistant to Label X artists and repertoire chief Jimmy Hilliard, has been handling the r&b output for Groove. Sal Peruggi is moving into the field spot vacated by Clark. Just Rambling Along Hollywood, Dec. 14. New lease on life given the standard "Muskrat Ramble” by re- cent vocal treatments has cued the inevitable switches. Mickey Katz is already out with l he "Moscovitz Ramble” on Capitol i and Gaby Bruyere is prepping a Gallic version for Trend. Her disk ; will be tagged "Montmartre Ram- 1 ble." Evans Needling RCA Via Como HMV Gossip' Redd Evans, publisher of the tune "Idle Gossip,” is needling RCA Victor by importing the Perry Como version of the tune from England for distribution to jockeys in tne U. S. Como cut "Idle Gos- sip” late last year, but the side was never released in this country. The Como version, however, was issued in England under the HMV (His Master’s Voice) label, and be- came a bestseller there. In the past few months, a few copies of the Como HMV disk have been making the rounds of the dee- jays. Evans now has decided to send the platter to any jockey who requests it. It’s figured that if enough consumer demand is gen- erated by the jockey spins, Victor may release the Como disk here. Juggy Gayles once similarly at- tempted to force a Victor release of an Eddie Fisher side. "A Fool Was I,” which also was issued in England but canned in the TJ. 3- Gayles did not succeed. Some Victor distribs, according to Evans, have been squawking to the jockeys over their program- ming of the Como "Idle Gossip” side. The Victor distribs don’t have any of the platters to sell and they fear that it may cut into the cur- rent Como hit, "Home for the Hol- idays.” COAST PLATTERY TO STRESS SONGS FROM PIX Hollywood, Dec. 14. Artbffs Records, a new platter subsidiary of Arwin Productions Inc., launches operations this week and will concentrate on etching songs from films, especially pix produced by Arwin. Latter is the indie operation headed by Marlin Melcher, husband and manager of singer Doris Day. First artist inked by the indie waxery is Frank DeVol, who’s cut four sides this week. Two of them will be vocaled by Tabby Calvin. First of the four to be cut will be "There’s A Rising Moon for Every Falling Star,” Paul Francis Web- ster-Sammy Fain ballad from the forthcoming Arwin film, "Young at Heart,” which costars Miss Day and Frank Sinatra. Talent signed by Artists Records will be pacted on a non-exclusive basis. Disks, according to Melcher, will be "pinpoint exploitation rec- ords.” Kenton to Re-Form Band; - 1st Frisco Cafe Date Set San Francisco, Dec. 14. Stan Kenton, currently resting in Hollywood after his cross-coun- try concert tour, will re-form his band in the spring. Kenton is cur- rently planning a two-week break- in date in April at the Downbeat Club, preceded by several one- nighters in the Valley on the way north. This would mark Kenton’s first night club appearance in San Francisco. His last location in the town was a week at the old Down- town Theatre several years ago. Russ Morgan to Go Hula in Decca Set Hollywood, Dec. 14. For the first time in many years, Russ Morgan will dish a Hawaiian beat on records. The old coal miner is currently on the Coast vacationing before taking to the road again. Closest he has come to the island music before was when the band first started it in- cluded a Hawaiian guitarist as a sideman. - ' Album of Hawaiian music and an album of polkas will be cut here this month and Morgan also will cut some sides with Bing Crosby before taking to the road. Mean- while, Morgan’s family has again taken up residence here. Bernice Park* to Coral Songstress Bernice Parks has been inked to a term pact by Coral Records. Miss Parks formerly cut for Mercury. Bob Thiele. Coral artists and repertoire chief, also added the : Twin-Tunes, a vocal duo, to the I label’s roster. 52 MUSIC P^RIETY Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Wexler Folding Syndicate Disk Sales Operation The year-old experiment by El- liot Wexler to initiate a wide- spread distribution of disks in chain food stores and kindred syn- dicate outlets has now ended*with the folding of his company. Music Merchants Inc. Wexler disclosed that he was liquidating the busi- ness after “dropping a bundle” in his effort to pioneer new disk out- lets. Wexler stated that his business ; didn’t make the grade because he couldn’t get the right kind of deals from most of the major compa- nies. Columbia Records granted i Wexler a subdistributorship under which he received a favorable price break to service the chain stores, with a 100% return privilege. Such coinpanies as RCA Victor. Deeca and Capitol, however, refused to give Wexler any such arrange- ment. Wexler recently sued Decca and Capitol, which have factory -owned branches in New York, for alleged conspiracy to put him out of busi- ness by discriminatory price poli- cies. Wexler stated that this suit would be pressed despite his exit from the chain store operation. W’exler is the brother of Paul Wexler. Columbia Records vice- prexy over sales. Yacht Club Routines To Four Lads; Adler Assist The Four Lads, Columbia Rec- ords combo, have leased over 200 special material songs and routines from the repertoire of the Yacht Club Boys. Charlie Adler, one of the origi- nal Yacht Club Boys, is currently coaching the Lads in the use of the material for niteries. Colum- bia is also propping an album with the Lads framed around the Yacht Club Boys repertoire. pj&RTETt Scoreboard OF TOP TALENT AND TUNES Compiled from Statistical Reports of Distribution Encompassing the Three Major Outlets Coin Machines Retail Disks Retail Sheet Music as Published in the Current Issue NOTE: The current comparative sales strength of the Artists and Tunes listed hereunder is arrived at under a statistical system comprising each of the three major sales outlets enu- merated above. These findings are correlated with data from wider sources, which are exclusive with Variety. The positions resulting from these findings denote the OVERALL IMPACT de- veloped from the ratio of points scored, two ways in the case of talent ( coin inachines, retail disks ) and three ways in the case of tunes (coin machines, retail disks and retail sheet music). POSITIONS This Last Week Week 1 1 2 4 3 2 4 3 5 7 6 5 7 6 8 10 9 8 10 9 POSITIONS This Last Week Week TALENT ARTIST AND LABEL TUNE CHORDETTES (Cadence) Mister Sandman JOAN WEBER (Columbia) Let Me Go, Lover fl Need You Now EDDIE FISHER (Victor) {Count Your Blessings (Fanny This Ole House ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) {Mambo Italiano Hey There (Papa Loves Mambo PERRY COMO (Victor) {Home for the Holidays (Things I Didn’t Do De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) Teach Me Tonight 'Shake, Rattle and Roll BILL IIALEY'S COMETS (Decca) {Dim, Dim the Lights Rock Around the Clock AMES BROTHERS (Victor) Naughty Lady of Shady Lane DON CORNELL (Coral) Hold My Hand rwiTi> »rrc /rv \ (Mister Sandman FOUR ACES (Decca) jit’s a Woman’s World TUNES (♦ASCAP. tBMI) TUNE PUBLISHER Ballroom Ops’ Figures Show Spotty Band Biz i { • Ballroom biz blew hot and cold last month, if some 53 name band reports submitted by dancery op. erators may be construed as a cross-section in the period from mid-October through mid-Novem- ber. Of 28 bands documented in National Ballroom Operators re- porting service, about 58% brought a profit for the ops, while the rest meant break-even biz or worse. Slightly over 30% of the name bands went into percentage, while 28% made money sans percentage for the ballrooms. Break-even class registered 15% and the losers 26%. Naturally the ops, figuring all name bands should make money every time out, consider the over- all picture cloudy. In many cases, however, bands were up against In- auspicious weather and stiff com- petish from other attractions. Of- ten, too, the failures were blamed on fact that certain name bands are not well enough known in cer- tain territories. Mitchell, Martino Wind Okay British Touring London, Dec. 14. After the longest tours ever car- ried out in Britain by top Ameri- i can recording stars, singers Guy Mitchell and A1 Martino fly back j to the States from London Airport tonight (Tues.). They came here last May and Martino has been here all the time, touring in variety and concerts. Mitchell, who appeared at the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium in November, ; only missed out for a week when he flew back to the States to make some records for American Colum- . bia. A reverse journey by a British singer was taken by David Whit- field, who flew out last week (6) i to appear on Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town” tv show. 1 1 ♦MISTER SANDMAN Morris 2 2 fLET ME GO, LOVER Hill & Range 3 4 fTHIS OLE HOUSE Hamblen 4 6 ♦TEACH ME TONIGHT Hub-Leeds 5 5 "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Berlin 6 3 *1 NEED YOU NOW Miller 7 10 "NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE Paxton 8 7 ♦PAPA LOVES MAMBO Shapiro-Bernstein 9 8 *IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU Miller 10 9 ♦HOLD MY HAND ; Raphael from ti be 20th Century-Pox GnrmaScope Production "DESIREE” 1 HE SONG DESIREE WE MEET AGAIN MILLER MUSK CORPORATION A WONDERFUL SEASONAL SONG St, .e ond Cahn'j w if Snow/" Iff IT $H0W“ LtTlTSHOWr CAHN MUSIC COMPANY MGM On Piano Kick With Five New Sets In line with the upsurge of pop piano packages, MGM Records is prepping five new keyboard albums for release at the end of this month. Album sets will be issued on longplay platters as well as on extended play disks. Keyboarders featured on the al- bums will be Dorothy Donegan, Van Smith, Jose Melis, Jack Kelly and Jack Fina. Fina’s package will spotlight the music of the late Ralph Rainger. Dore Schary, Metro’s v.p. in charge of produc- tion, has penned the liner notes for the Fina-Rainger set. Cadence N. Y. Huddles Cadence Records distributors in the east will converge on New York over the weekend (18-19) for a series of huddles with homeoffice brass. Confabs will be headed up by Archie Bleyer, label’s prexy. Cad- ence is celebrating its second anni of operation this week. Janies Chirp Quits Band For Florida, Radio-TV Hollywood, Dec. 14, After one year with the band, chirp Paula Gilbert ankles the Harry James payroll next Sunday (19) to head for Florida and a new radio-television career for the Flor- ida Citrus Assn. Singer has signed a sixmonth contract with Tom Moore Produc- tions to be starred in the “Florida Calling” program. Deal was set re- cently while she was touring Flor- ida with the James band. Latest DECCA R«l*as« STARS NEVER CRY b/w NOT TOO YOUNG TO HAVE MEMORIES CHARLIE APPLEWHITE Par. Mgf. Direction WYNN LASSNER WM. MORRIS AGENCY THE TOP 6 ON JgNDON CARA MIA 1486 David Whitfield with Mantovani SANTO NATALE isos David Whitfield THE FINGER OF SUSPICION ms Dickie Valentine MY SON, MY SON 1501 Vera Lynn and Frank Walr THE BANDIT 1470 Tha Johnston Brothari CUCKOO CRIES 1503 Frank Wait .wSsg [A.'Wv, December 15, 1954 Draper and the Little Symphony Orchestra. Guber-Ford handle the Little Symph (30-piece ensemble) and planned a kickoff concert, with Draper and Krupa staging an ad lib finale. Charlie Barnet Cuts Band Set for Victor Hollywood, Dec. 7. RCA Victor cut a big band jazz package here last week, spotlight- ing Charlie Barnet and his crew. Twelve sides of his “Indian stuff” probably will be released under the title “War Party.” Billy May did several of the ar- rangements for the platter. Continued from page 49 ing via Terri Stevens* version on the AA label and sparked covers by Sunny Gale for Victor and Georgie Shaw for Decca. Roy Hamilton was the first crooner on “Hurt” via Epic and because of 54 MUSI C Victor s Lightning ‘Melody* Release Victor pulled another lightning recording-release stunt over the weekend and stores around the country yesterday (Tues.) were re- ceiving copies of a Tony Martin- Dinah Shore duet on “Mp’ocW of Love." Tune, a fixture in the Sha- piro-Bernstein catalog and once used as the background for the “Why Do I Love You” recitative, recently had lyrics added. Lyrics were telephoned to Vic- tor artists & repertoire chief Joe Carlton on the Coast last Thurs- day. He had them transcribed, picked up a lead sheet and notified Martin and Shore to be ready for* a recording session Friday after- noon. Between 0 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, two arrangements were completed and the recording ses- sion went off as scheduled. After the tune was cut, Carlton boarded a plane and returned to New York, carrying the tapes with him. Rush treatment was patterned after the express job done on Ed- die Fisher’s “Oh My Papa,” which catapulted it into the hit class al- most overnight. Duet, incidentally, marks the first time in a consider- able period that Martin and Miss Shore have worked together. Cheers Find Long Time Tween Sides for Cap Hollywood, Dec. 14. Hit records usually cue fairly swift followups for disk artists, but recording sessions have been a long time coming for The Cheers, Capitol trio which made some noise with “Bazoom (I Need Your Lovin’).” Trio etched the hit disk last July and it has been among Capitol’s top 10 sellers for more than four months. However, The Cheers (Gil Gar- field, Bert Convy and Sue Allen) didn’t have their second recording session until last week. The two new sides, with backing conducted by Buddy Bregman, will be re- leased next month — five months after the release of “Bazoom.” 'Hit Parade’ Lineup (On Deer 11 NBC-TV Show) 1. Teach Me Tonight.. Hub 2. Mister Sandman. . . Morris 3. Count Blessings .... Berlin 4. Papa Loves Mambo... S-B 5. If I Give My Heart. Miller 6. Let Me Go, Lover . H & R 7. Naughty Lady Paxton VICTOR TO RELEASE PAR TOYS’ SOUNDTRACK Hollywood, Dec. 14. Deal was closed here for RCA Victor release of the soundtrack album of “The Seven Little Foys,” Paramount film based on the career of Eddie Foy Sr., vaude headliner. Bob Hope plays Foy and James Cagney recreates his George M. Cohan characterization in one of the big production sequences. Pic, a show biz cavalcade, has a score that includes several stand- ards of the first quarter of the 20th century. Among the tunes are “Smiles,” Chinatown,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Mary.” Monroe, Marshard Team Before Separate Tours Boston, Dec. 14. Prior to taking off on separate junkets, Vaughn Monroe and so- ciety maestro Harry Marshard, president and veepee respectively of The Meadows, are currently ap- pearing. at their swank bistro in a brief double engagement, the first time the pair has teamed in sev- eral years. Following the Meadows stint, Monroe is set to open a four-week engagement at Miami Beach’s new Fontainebleau on Dec. 20, while Marshard heads out on his annual three-week tour of New York and the midwest the latter part of this week, to play a series of deb and Christmas parties. Maestro will take 22 men on the tour, forming separate units for the various en- gagements. Larry Green will join Monroe as his personal *88er, replacing Ernie Johnson, who will return to New York. Dick Hayman will baton the band at the new Florida spot. SHIRLEY HARMER Sings A PAIR OF BLUE EYES MEET ME HALFWAY MGM 11875 K 11875 78 RPM 45 RPM Wednesday, December 15, 1954 RETAIL SHEET BEST SELLERS J^SrIETy Survey of retail sheet music best sellers based on reports obtained from leading stores in 11 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. ♦ ASCAP t BM1 National Rating This Last wk. wk. Title and Publisher ♦Count Your Blessings (Berlin) ♦Mister Sandman (Morris). . . tThis Ole House (Hamblen) ♦Teach Me Tonight (Hub-L) tLet Me Go, Lover (H&R). ♦If I Give My Heart To You (Miller) ♦I Need You Now (Miller) ♦Naughty Lady (Paxton) ♦Papa Loves Mambo (Shapiro-B). . . . ♦White Christmas (Berlin) ♦Rudolph the Reindeer (St. Nicholas) ♦Hold My Hand (Raphael) ♦Home for the Holidays (Roncom).. ♦Hey There (Frank) tWhither Thou Goest (Kavelin) PHILLY JAZZ PROMOTERS BACK TO UPPED FEES Philadelphia, Dec. 14. Convinced that top prices are not necessarily the answer for a successful jazz concert, promoters Lee Guber and Frank Ford have returned to a $4,50 top for their brace of shows New Year’s Eve at the Academy of Music featuring Les Elgart's orchestra, Chet Baker, Charley Ventura and the Modern Jazz Quartet. Concerts are skedded for 8:30 and 11:30. Guber, who operates the Rendez- vous, Philly's name music spot, and Ford, WPEN deejay, went in the red with a program at the Met re- cently headlining Woody Herman and Billie Holiday, scaled at a $2 top. Guber-Ford Attractions had an- other setback wjien Gene Krupa balked on a concert date with Paul “Better Times,” “The Elusive Lady,” “Nifties of 1923,” “The Girl From Cook’s,” “Yours Truly,” “Three Cheers,” and “Here And There.” Hubbell’s songs include “Poor Butterfly,” “Just My Style,” “Life Is a See-Saw,” “Little Girl in Blue,” “What Am I Going to Do to Make You Love Me,” “Beautiful Girl,” “The Ladder of Roses,” “Hello, I’ve Been Looking For You,” “Melodyland," “Somebody Else” and “Look at thq World and Smile.” In 1914, Hubbell pioneered ASCAP along with Silvo Hein, Vic- tor Herbert, Louis A. Hirsch, Gus- tave A. Kerker, Glen MacDonough, George Maxwell, Jay Witmark and attorney Nathan Burkan. All are now dead. Hubbell was a director of ASCAP from 1914 to 1941 and served as treasurer from 1917 to 1928. He is survived by his widow, Finkelstein Back From O’Seas Copyright 0.0. Herman Finkelstein, general counsel for ASCAP, returned to his N. Y. homeoffice Monday (13) after a two-week visit to Europe to o.o. copyright problems on the Continent. Major concern for Finkelstein was the upcoming case of Swiss film exhibitors against the Swiss performing rights society (SSAE). Case, which has been postponed until the end of this month, in- volves the exhibitors' contention that they do not have to pay licens- ing fees for music, since their con- tracts with film distributors also cover the music on the sound- track. SSAE contends that the music is owned exclusively by the publisher and not by the film dis- trib or producer. us winning sunu spiniitng unit: in both the pop and r&b field, Decca and Capitol currently are mulling coverage. The larger disk companies have put a close watch on indie prod- uct. This season they’ve even latched on to a Christmas song that a small company launched. The indie A-Bell company kicked off “Santa and the Doodle-Li- Boop” and Columbia moved in quickly to cover it w'ith Art Car- ney. MGM was also alerted and made a hurried buyup of the mas- ter for release under its own ban- ner. In the talent department, the in- dies have springboarded such thrushes as Jaye P. Morgan, De- nise Lor and Rosalind Paige to ma- jor label pacts. Ray Hubbell SBSBB Continued from page 49 music for the “Ziegfeld Follies” from 1911 to 1914 and also in 1917, 1923 and 1924. Hubbell’s show credits include “Fantana,” “Mexicana,” "Mam- selle Sallie,” “A Knight For a Day,” “The Girl At the Helm,” “The Midnight Sons,” “The Air King,” “The Jolly Bachelors," “The Bachelor Belles,” “The Three Ro- meos,” “The Man From Cook’s,” “A Winsome Widow,” “Cheer Up,” “H i t c h y Koo,” “Everything,* “Among the Girls,” “Miss Mil- lions,” “Good Times,” “Sonny,” UDOI VI IIIOU JUCCI UCUCi D (Weed ending Dec. 4) London, Dec. 6. Hold My Hand Wood If I Give My Heart. . .Robbins This Ole House Duchess My Son, My Son Kassner Santo Nqtale Spier Can’t Tell Waltz Reine Must Be Reason. . . .Connelly Smile Bourne Veni, Vidi, Vici Dash My Friend Chappell Happy Wanderer . . .Bosworth Things Mean a Lot. . .Robbins Second 12 Sky Blue Shirt Wright No One But You. ,.. .Robbins Story of Tina Macmelodies I Love Paris Chappell Count Your Blessings. .Berlin I Still Believe. . .Macmelodies Mama Doll Song Leeds Wait For Me Lafleur High-Mighty .Harms-Connelly Sway Latin American Heartbeat Kassner Not As a Stranger. . .Pickwick It's Music by JESSE GREER Program Today Yesterday's FLAPPERETTE MILLS MUSIC, INC. (1*1 1 Broadway, Now York) WILL OSBORNE AND HIS ORCH. Now 39fh Week New Golden Hotel, Reno Mgt.c MILTON DEUTSCH America's Fastest ■^Selling -Records! UVilneaday, December 15, 1954 On The Upbeat New York loni James set for a tour of one- niters in January and February . Ka Carter operating a new Jan J!?.L The Hi Note, i.n Miami. pr,'icl.er Roll® and Buddl Satan V ; on ( l ,rrent bill . . . Tommy and Jimmv Dorsey return to the Hotel Srt Cafe Rouse Friday (17) . . nirdland celebrates its fifth anm tomorrow iThurs.) with a special avout featuring Sarah Vaughan, rount Dasie and George Shearing Jark Carroll on a personal floDearance junket for his Majar etching of “Which Way" and "Say What’s The Weather Like In Paris 0 ” ... London Records’ staged a cocktail party for British singer David Whitfield last week (8) in N.Y. Paula Watson currently singing a t the Birdland in Miami Beach, W ith The Three Peppers also on the bill . . . Singer Bob Anthony, former vocalist with the Eddy Duchin band, has been inked for a ro!e in the biopic of the late band- leader. Errol! Garner kicked off a seven- week stand at The Embers Mon- day (131 . . . Sam Fox Music bought US. rights to the theme from the Italian pic, “Cadets of Guas- cone” from Organizzazione Musi- cale Nazional Music. Deal was set by the Italian firm’s U.S. rep Paul Siegel . . . Birthday bash for Eddie Bonnemere set for the Savoy Ball- room Dec. 19 . . . The Chordettes guest on Ed Sullivan’s CBS-TV show Dec. 19. Vocal combo treks to Milwaukee Jan. 7 for’a stint for the Cerebral Palsy Drive there . . . “DIXIE DANNY” Recorded by The Motys Brothers (Sound) Art Lund (Coral) Published by SOUND MUSIC GO. , Selling Agent Moonlight Music, Inc. 1733 BROADWAY, NEW YORK Leroy Anderson s SANDPAPER BALlE ' 1 $©N<§> Omm # 2*31* YOUR SONG RECORDED!- by professional recording artists s« it tan ■>• submitted properly ta recard cam- penie*, publishers, tr fer yeur pleasure. The Only Way to Sell Song* Today Send 25e tor Breehur* & Info. LflNNY & GINGER GREY Productions ter Adam Hats. Ysakers Raceway, Bitty, Chsss National Bank, Suaece, Rinse, ete. ■200 V. E. 72 ST., N.Y.C. 21— EN B-7777* Nick Nickson, program director and deejay at WBBF, Rochester, celebrating his seventh anni with the station . . . Tunesmith Alice Simms commissioned by the new Balmoral Hotel of Bal Harbour, Florida, to write a song about the hostelry. San Francisco Bob Scobey’s dixieland band switches from the Tin Angel to the El Rancho in Lafayette this week, with Bob Mielke’s Bearcats replac- ing them at the Angel . . . Turk Murphy returned to the Italian Village Dec. 9 after three months on tour in the east . . . The Dottie Grae Quartet is at the Blue Lei . . . Buddy DeFranco Quartet opens at Fack’s Dec. 20, replacing the Kings IV . . . Louis Armstrong returns for a week to the Downbeat Dec. 27, with Machito booked in for Jan. 11... Barbara Carroll Trio opened at the Black Hawk Dec. 7 for two weeks. Terry Gibbs Quintet opens Dec. 21 . . . Lillian Roth opens at the Fairmont Hotel’s Venetian Room Dec. 21 for three weeks . . . Harry James booked into the Bay Meadows Racetrack Clubhouse for a one-nighter Jan. 21 . . . Guy Mitchell to play the Sportsman’s Show in the spring . . . Fantasy Records recorded the Ron Crotty Trio and a new LP by Cal Tjader featuring Tjader on drums and trombonist Bob Collins. Chuy Reyes has been booked to open the new Mambo Club sched- uled to debut before New Year’s on the site of the old Barbizon . . . the Downbeat signed the Four Aces for the holidays, but it is not the recording group; it’s a local outfit that claims previous title to the name . . . folksinger Stan Wilson returned to the hungry i Dec. 10 . . . Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band replaced Muggsy Spanier at the Hangover Dec. 7 . . . The Four ! Ways opened at the Geary Rumpus Room Dec. 7. Pittsburgh Tommy Carlyn band signed for Carnegie Tech’s annual Military Ball . Joie Vance Trio held over for five more weeks at Jacktown Hotel . . . Musician-arranger Eddie Koch and his wife, Carol Hirth, formerly of singing Hirth Sisters, have another date with the stork, their second, around Easter time . . .Ralph DeStephano, who used to have the band at the old Carousel, now has a five-piece outfit playing weekends at Veterans of Two Wars Club in East Liberty. . .Bobby Vin- ton orch signed for season for Wednesday night teenage dances at West View Park...Morry Allen band back into the Vogue Terrace until after New Year’s. Allen just finished two new sides for Coral, “Buona Sera” and “I Didn’t Know You Cared,” on which he backs local singer Rosemary Belan . Harmonicaires go into the Ankara for three weeks on Jan. 3. Omaha Tony Bradley orch into Arling- ton, Neb., Ballroom Saturday <18>. Dick Brown slated for that spot New Year’s Eve ... Dorothy Kun- kel, Nebraska Wesleyan student who pays nine instruments, fea- ture-storied by several midwest papers last week. She’s the daugh- ter of Dr. L. N. Kunkel, ex-theatre ; orch director and Chautauqua cir- cuit traveler ... Dick Jurgens orch played Oak Ballroom at Schuyler last Wednesday (8)... Don Casey orch played for Omaha’s free teen- ager Pop Hop . . . Lee Barron, orch leader, is announcing local rassles for promoter Max Clayton and also ! is state correspondent for Wres- ttt m mrrr a m m * ■ ■ ■ 9B THE VICTOR RECORDING ARTISTS BARBARA CARROLL TRIO i 9 Currently fi f BLACK HAWK. San Francisco « ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 I Starting Dee. 22 llndef.l 3 L SANDS HOTEL, Lee Vegas J » • u ■ a ■ ■ ■ * ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ASSOCIATED BOOKING CORPORATION JOE GLASER, Pres. New York I Chicago 745 5th A,* PL ■4600 203 Mo vVabcsh Hollywood 86 1 9 Suntel Bivd Top Christmas Sellers (As Reported by MDS) 1. White Christmas ..Berlin 2. Home Holidays . . Roncom 3. Rudolph St. Nicholas 4. Winter Wonderland . BVC 5. Silver Beils Famous 6. Mom Doing Ma’bo Regent 7. Christmas Alphabet Budd 8. Mom Kissing Santa Regent 9. Santa Is Coming .... Feist 10. Frosty H & R tlir\£, USA mag . Spec Redd Trio into the Fiddle at Des Moines . . Barbara Kerns is handling vocal duties for Verne Byers orch . . Sam Fraser orch continues at the Legion Club. Kansas City Ted Weems and orch in for a one-nighter at the Kansas City Club . . . Tommy Reed has had his option picked up and will stay sev- eral weeks with orch in the new Terrace Grill at Hotel Muehlebach . . . Joanne Wheatley and Hal Kanner to the Mapes Hotel, Reno, following their fortnight at Eddys’ Restaurant here . . . Beverlee Den- nis set for the Casino Royal. Wash- inton, opening Dec. 27. They’re currently in a two-week stand at the Muehlebach here . . . George Shearing Quintet playing weekend dates at the Mayfair Club in Jock- son County . . . Stewart Scott Snd orch in third return engagement in Drum Room, Hotel President. Scotland Neville Taylor, West Indian singer, to Germany to entertain in American Forces Zone . . . Anne Shelton, English chirper, topping at Empire, Glasgow . . . Kirk Stevens, young Scot singer, waxed his own tune, “My Dearie, My Darling.” for Parlophone label . . . Billie Anthony topping local hit parade with “This Ole House” on Columbia. NEW OUTLET FOR NAME BANDS AT PALM SPRINGS Hollywood, Dec. 14. New outlet for name bands in Southern California will be The Stables, Palm Springs resort which will open shortly. Spot will be under management of Noel Clarke, who currently operates the Capistrano Beachcombers Club. At Capistrano. Clarke employs a strolling trio for entertainment purposes. Stables, however, has a sizable ballroom and Clarke cur- rently is dickering for name bands on a full-week basis. • Heath Joins Good Music; Conn to Robbins, Feldman London, Dec. 14. -London’s Tin Pan Alley has some changes this week. Jack Heath is leaving the exploitation department of Campbell, Connelly, after eight years’ service, to be- come director and general man- ager of Good Music. This is the publishing company controlled by bandleader Ted Heath. At the same time, Leslie Conn leaves Peter Maurice Music Co. for the exploitation department of the Robbins-Feldman group. Conn has been with Maurice for over two years, and prior to that was with Chappell. Col Sets Sales Talks On District Mgr. Level Columbia Records sales brass will fan out around the country during the last week of this month to head up confabs with diskery’s district managers and sales man- agers. Plans for first-quarter packaged goods and singles will be discussed at the meets. Parleys will be held In New York and Chicago Dec. 27 and in Los Angeles Dec. 28. Paul Wexler Col’s v.p. in charge of sales, will take over in Chi, Forrest Price, label’s national sales manager, will officiate in N. Y., and Stan Kavan, general merchandise manager, will head up the L.A. confab- BMI Komack Exclusive Jimmie Komack, cleffer -and Coral Records singer, has moved into the Broadcast Music, Inc., fold under an exclusive composer pact. Komack got a minimum guarantee plus the usual 2c and 3c payoff for each local and network plug. Komack writes his own material and got a good number of per- formances on his last Coral side, “The Nick-Name Song.” Inside Stuff-Music Vet Hollywood music flack, Tim Gayle, will be more careful hence- forth about lending address labels after the mixup that occurred with a package shipped by Pacifica, Coast offbeat waxery. Labels were to have been used to ship a “Johnny Holiday Sings” LP — but the waxery included a single by a thrush tagged Michael Raine. What cued the confusion is that Gayle’s top client (and wife) is Dot recording artist Lorry Raine. Deejays and reviewers around the country deluged Gayle with queries. What had happened was that Gayle loaned 150 addressed labels to Holiday as a favor. In sending out the Holiday album, Pacifica boss Dick Bock and Holiday, a friend of Michael Rainc’s, inserted her single. Klavan & Finch, WNEW, N.Y. disk jockey team, are conducting a “What Is a Doodle-Li-Boop” contest on their show in behalf of the Children’s Aid Society. Idea stems from the Xmas novelty, “Santa and the Doodle-Li-Boop,” which Sam Ulano sliced for the indie A-Bell label. MGM has since taken over the master. In another disk jockey Yuletide effort, Martin Block is staging a party at Manhattan Center next Monday (20) in behalf of the Police Athletic League. Top singers, such as Patti Page, Sarah Vaughan, Julius LaRosa and others, in addi- tion to a flock of sports world personalities, will guestar. ABC network will broadcast the event. Joel Herron, orch leader for WMGM, N. Y., has collaborated with the station’s scripter-director, Jim Rubessa, on a new tune, “In the Fall.” Nat (King) Cole is cutting it for Capitol. Herron’s previous tune, “Closer, Closer, Closer,” was also sliced by Capitol with Con- nie Russell. BABY BROTHER (Regent) KITTY KALLEN (Dacca) CAMPANELLE (Montauk) JULIUS LA ROSA (Cadence) CINDERELLA WALTZ (Republic) FRANK SORRELL TRIO (Audivox) ECHO POLKA (Meridian) NORMAN PETTY TRIO ("X") HEARTS OF STONE (Regent) FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) THE GOOFERS) (Coral) VICKI YOUNG (Capitol) THE CHARMS (DeLuxe) RED FOLEY (Decca) HOCUS P0CUS (Sheldon) PATTI PAGE (Mercury) I LOVE YOU MADLY (Angel) THE FOUR COINS (Epic) IN THE BEGINNING (Hill l Range) FRANKIE LAINE (Columbia) IT'S A PITY WHAT MONEY CAN DO (Acuff-Rote) MARTY ROBBINS (Columbia) LET ME GO, LOVER (Hill A Range) JOAN WEBER (Colombia) TERESA BREWER (Coral) SUNNY GALE (Victor) PATTI PAGE (Mercury) HANK SNOW (Victor) THE COUNTS (Dot) CARMEN TAYLOR (Guyden) LOVEY D0VEY (Progressive) • ELLA MAE MORSE (Capitol) MAYBE (Berkshire) - THE FOUR COINS (Epic) NO MORE (Mapleleaf) DE JOHN SISTERS (Epic) McGUIRE SISTERS (Coral) OUR FUTURE HAS ONLY BEGUN (Sunbeam) DENISE LOR (Mercury) STAR OF LOVE (Sheldon) ROY HAMILTON (Epic) 'll*] Billboard Cosh Bom Variety Disk of Spotlight tho Weak 76 (Good) B-|- (Excellent) Good 70 (Good) Best Bet Excellent Sleeper of 76 (Good) th# w##k Good Best Buy Spotlight 78 (Good) Best Buy CAW Spotlight Sure Shot Very Good B (Very Good) C-f(Good) Very Good Bullseye Disk of Spotlight th# w##k Spotlight Excellent CAW Best Buy Best Buy Spotlight Spotlight Spotlight CAW Spotlight R A B Spotlight Good Best Bet Sloopor of tho Week CAW Bullseye Disk of tho Week Disk of tho Week Disk of tho Week Disk of tho Week Bullseye Award o' the Week Best Bet C-j- (Good) Good Good Spotlight B (Very Good) Spotlight Spotlight Best Buy Sloopor of tho Week Disk of tho Week Sloopor of tho Week A word o' tho Week Very Good Good Best Bet Good VAUDEVILLE Martin Switch Cues Talent Battle As Miami Beach Niteries Prepare Miami Beach, Dec. 14. 4 With prospects of a good Florida | season, nitery and hotel operators , might get involved in a talent war, | although the battle is not expected i to be as fierce as in former years. The opening salvo in what may develop into an expensive hassle was fired by the Fontainebleau, one of “this year’s hotels,” which booked Tony Martin for a Feb- ruary date. The Beachcomber claims that Martin, through letters and telegrams, had been committed to it and stated that it would tajee the case to the American Guild of Variety Artists. Patti Paige, who had aiso been dickering with the ; Beachcomber, has also been signed by the Fontainebleau. There have also been reports that Joe E. Lewis, who will play the Latin Quarter here for two weeks in February and another fortnight in March, was being signed by one of the hotels for a term in between those two dates. However, this step was denied by the William Morris Agency, which books Lewis. A personal note is injected in j the Martin-Fontainebleau deal. Martin and Ben JafTe, one of the owners of the inn, are close friends. Music Corp. of America, (Continued on page 58) I ROBERTS | jsjsts. *' no " l 1 Eddie Cantor wants to know What 9 8 Wrong With Reminiscing? * * * a bright bylinn pioco in thn upcoming 49th Anniversary Number P'SrIETy OUT SOON Steinman’s ‘Hippodrome’ Hits Fine $60,000 In Seven Days at Kaycee Kansas City, Dec. 14. “Hippodrome of 1955,” the Harold Steinman roller show, laid off after close of ittf date in Muni- cipal Auditorium here Sunday (12). After the Christmas holi- day it resumes at the Coliseum, Houston, Dec. 29, and has a string of dates in Texas and the south- west before moving to Omaha to open the new city auditorium there. Five-day engagement here in- cluded two matinees, all playing at $2.50 top. Seven performances figured a $60,000 gross, largely with the help of the city firemen, who shared in receipts for the benefit of their pension fund. In nine years in which the fire- men have participated with this show, their fund has grown by over $200,000. Ciro Kimac sails today (Wed.) for a Dec. 26 opening at the Mou- lin Rouge, Paris. 7 IT'S BEEN A GREAT YEAR ! Currently Headlining ciRcrs December 10, 1954 Mr. Sonny Howard Sunset Towers Hollywood, California Dear Sonny: You scored a big hit in your first engagement at Ciro't. Hollywood has taken you to its heart and is looking forward to your return. So are we. As ever, jfZJt Herman D. Hover HDH/ns Coming Engagements: MAPES HOTEL, Reno, Dec. 15-29 THUNDERBIRD HOTEL, Las Vegas, Dec. 30-Jan. 27 BEVERLY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, Cincinnati, Feb. 4-18 CHASE HOTEL, St Louis Not Available Till July , 1955 RCA-Victor Records Direction: MCA The Big Tip ‘ Detroit, Dec. 14. Windsor, Ont., and Detroit police are pressing a search for Harvey Harrington, head- waiter at Windsor’s Elmwood Casino, who is charged in a warrant with stealing $5,000 in cash and $12,197 in checks from this area’s largest nitery. Harrington was on his way to the bank to deposit the cash • and checks when he abscond- ed, Elmwood Casino officials said. The checks were recov- ered in Harrington’s auto, ab- andoned in a parking lot. ’55 Auto Shows Angle (or Names Auto shows will be an important talent buyer next month. Virtu- ally all car displays in the major cities will be angling for names to hypo boxoffice as well as bring in prospective buyers. In Washington, for example, during the nine day show there will be three changes of head- liners. First to play for the first three days hasn't been set as yet, but Sarah Vaughan goes in Jan. 11, and Don Corrtell goes in Jan. 14. George Werfel is booking this lay- out. In Indianapolis “Dancing Wa- ters” has been set for the auto show. Car displays in other cities are making inquiries for top names. GM MOTORAMA LAYOUT GETS FOREIGN ACCENT The General Motors Motorama will assume a foreign accent this year. Layout, which opens next month at the Hotel Waldorf-As- toria, N. Y., has signed ballerina Liane Dayde of the Paris Opera to head the cast. Another import will be the Seven Ashtons, an Aus- tralian act, current at the Latin Quarter. Singer Priscilla Gillette has also been signed. Dick & Edith Barstow will pro-i duce and direct the show with Vic- tor Young helming the music. Mpls. Op in Temporary Site; Govt. As Partner Minneapolis, Dec. 14. Vic Levine has found a new tem- porary location for his nitery, Vic’s, which was one of the town’s top bistros until destroyed recently by fire. The city council is permitting him to utilize his liquor license thusly with the provision that he can move back to the former build- ing after it’s rebuilt. However, Levine will have Uncle Sam as a "silent partner,” doubt- lessly for a considerable time. In- ternal Revenue Dept, has filed a $133,825.65 tax lien against Levine and it will be in effect regardless of his club’s location, officials say. The tax lien, against any Levine property or “right to property,” covers delinquent cabaret taxes from January, 1951, to Dec. 31, 1953, and penalties. Christopher’s Magico Week Again in Balto Baltimore, Dec. 14. Milbourne Christopher brings his “Nights of Magic” to the Hill- top Parkway Theatre here the week of Dec. 20. Holiday week of hocus-pocus is an annual date for the magico. A feature will be “The Arrest,” a quick-change act with Christo- pher playing five characters. The Great LaFollette topped vaude bills with this novelty in the 1920s. ARA Hikes Filing Fees Artists Representatives Assn, has hiked the filing fee of performer contracts from $2 to $5 per pact. Action was taken in an effort to meet the rising organization ex- penses. All agency members file a roster oi their talent with ARA. Fee is charged for each exclusive con- tract in effect. Filing also serves notice on the agents that no at- tempt can be made to induce the act to leave for another office while contract is in effect. Nilda & Michael Terrace pacted for the Statler, Buffalo, Dec. 20. WednTftday, December 15, 1954 Nitery Sites Scarcer Now in N. Y.; Fla. Ops in Market (or Eastside Spot Nitery sites are becoming in- creasingly more scarce in New York. Virtually every situation where there had been a cafe in re- cent years has been absorbed by the “over 28” dancehalls. Most of them are sufficiently prosperous to have tied up the location on a lease for a number of years. The former Midnight Sun (later the Hurricane, etc.) and the Diamond Horseshoe, in the Paramount Hotel, have been taken over for the a.k. dances. The former Havana-Madrid is now partly a ticket agency and the kitchen portion belongs to the restaurant next door. Lately, some money has been floating around for a new night Atlantic City Warned Of Florida Resorts Aiming To Lure Convensh Trade Atlantic City, Dec. 14. Resort hotelmen were warned here Friday (10) that Florida re- sorts are moving to lure Atlantic City’s convention trade which en- ables most of the resort’s great hotels to keep open and out of the red during the off-season months. E. D. Parrish, director of sales and advertising for Chalfonte-Had- don Hall, beachfront house which, under the management of Joseph I. McDonell, gets more than its share of conventions, gave the warning. Parrish recently returned from Florida, where he attended a meeting of the National Hotel Sales Management Assn. He told members of the local as- sociation that numerous Florida hotels are planning added conven- tion facilities, including huge rooms for meetings and convention banquets, and are working harder than ever to get more conventions to come to that state. Big factor favoring the local re- sort, he declared, is it's close prox- imity to the large population cen- tres, which helps reduce conven- tion travel costs. He added that the resort can help itself by adding new things to lure the convention trade, mentioning the new outdoor swimming pool built this year at the Traymore and its outdoor ice- skating rink to be opened this win- ter, the new convention hall which is to be erected as another part of the Hotel Shelburne, and similar projects contemplated or under way. Parrish declared that Florida spends much more for promotion, especially vacation promotion, than New Jersey. Against this state’s $1,120,000, Florida spends $3,700,- 000. Despite this, he added, figures show the rate of hotel occupancy i has been dwindling in Miami Beach and rising in Atlantic City in re- cent years. OTHER CAR OCCUPANTS COUNTER-SUE DAVIS Los Angeles, Dec. 14. Two suits were filed against Sammy Davis Jr., as a result of the auto accident which caused the | loss of his left eye. Davis had pre- viously filed action against Helen S. Boss, driver of the car that col- lided with the one driven by Davis, and her passenger, Bessie Roth. In the countersuits, Mrs. Boss asks $125,000 damages and Mrs. Roth $75,000. Chase Club, St. Louis, Closes for 2 Weeks St. Louis, Dec. 14. The swank Chase Club has joined the two local legit houses, American and Empress, in shut- tering for a fortnight and natives have only the smaller bistros for entertainment unless they motor across the Mississippi to the Club Prevue near Collinsville, 111., 10 miles distant. The Chase is cater- ing to private parties until Friday (31) when Diosa Costello and her review with Roberta & Alicia and Leo DeLyon move in for a 12- night stand. The Empress Theatre closed Sun- day (12) until Dec. 28 when “Room Service” will be presented for one week. The American doused the lights Nov. 27, reopens Dec. 20 for a two week sessLon of “The Tea- house of the August Moon.” club. A Florida outfit is reportedly trying to acquire the East 58th St Red Coach Inn for conversion to a cabaret. Monte Froser had to seek put a hotel in order to preeni La Vie, slated to open in mid- January. The Shelton Hotel is en- larging the site of a spot which formerly housed a cocktail lounge for La Vie. Cafe sites have become impor- tant pieces of propertly, primarily because of the N. Y. State Liquor Authority rule that a liquor license will be issued to restaurants which have been in operation a minimum of 90 days. Even after this require- ment has been filled, there is no guarantee that a license will be granted. Consequently, restaurants and hotel rooms which already have a drink permit have increased in intrinsic value. At the same time, some cafe sites which are available have proven to be too difficult to oper- ate. La Martinique, for example, is a tough proposition. Some spots which can be made available have a forbidding reputation and can- not attract the right kind of trade. Although N. Y. nitery biz is in the midst of its usual pre-Xmas slump, there are some lively searches on for new operations. Feeling is that in the midst of all this prosperity, New York may very well find that it has an under- seating problem. It’s already evi- dent on Broadway, and it may spread to other parts of town. closest thing to paradise we know 3rd ANNIVERSARY FOR LEONARD YOUNG Singing M.C. and Host Air Conditioned uAtfi • McEntyrt, Managing Director ON THE OCEAN AT 4Stk ST. MIAMI MACH. HOtlOA Miss NAOMI STEVENS "Chant* With a Chuckle" C«fr..Hy: Club Datos, Chicago Opening Dac. 21 »» BLACK ORCHID. Chi Dir.: JIMMIE HUSSON AGENCY 119 W. 57th St., Naw York COMEDY MATERIAL. For All Branch*! of Theatrical! FUN-MASTER THE ORIGINAL SHOW-BIZ GAG FILE (Tha Sorvlco of tha STARS) First 13 Filoi $7 00-All 35 issuas $25 Singly; S1.05 par script. • 3 Bits. PARODIES, par book.. $10 • • MINSTREL BUDGET *25 • • 4 BLACKOUT BKS., at. bk...*25 • • BLUE BOOK (Gags for Stags) *50 • HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES *3.00 GIANT CLASSIFIED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GAGS, $300. Worth ovor a thousand No C.O.D.'s BILLY GLASON 200 W. 54th St., Naw York It— Dapt. V Orel# 7-1130 WHEN IN BOSTON If* Me HOTEL AVERY The Home of Show Folk A vary A Washington Sts. Nice to have you back. After 7 Smash Months Playing To Capacity Aud Wednesday, December 15, 1954 iences Everywhere In Europe- one/ THANK YOU-LEW and LESLIE GRADE for having arranged these dates for our client WEEK OF May 17-EMPIRE THEATRE, Sunderland, England May 24-EMPIRE THEATRE, Nottingham, England May 31 -PALACE THEATRE, Manchester, England June 7-EMPIRE THEATRE, Sheffield, England June 14— A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY IN PARIS! June 21-EMPIRE THEATRE, Liverpool, England June 28-HIPPODROME THEATRE, Brighton, England July 5-EMPIRE THEATRE, Glasgow, Scotland July 12-EMPIRE THEATRE, Leeds, England July 19-THEATRE ROYALE, Portsmouth, England July 26-HIPPODROME THEATRE, Birmingham, England August 2-EMPIRE THEATRE, Newcastle, England August 9-EMPIRE THEATRE, Edinburgh, Scotland August 16— GAUMONT THEATRE, Southampton, England August 23-EMPIRE THEATRE, Finsbury Parle, England August 30— HIPPODROME THEATRE, Coventry, England September 6-HIPPODROME THEATRE, Bristol, England September 13— EMPIRE THEATRE, Chiswick, England September 20— HIPPODROME THEATRE, Manchester, England September 27— EMPIRE THEATRE, Hackney, England Exclusively CAPITOL RECORDS General Artists Corporation NEW YORK CHICAGO BE VERIY HILLS • CINCINNATI DALLAS LONDON October 4-HIPPODROME THEATRE, Derby, England October 1 1 -HIPPODROME THEATRE, Dudley, England October 18— PALACE THEATRE, Leicester, England November 1 -PALACE THEATRE, Hull, England November 8-HIPPODROME THEATRE, Belfast, Ireland November 15-THEATRE ROYAL, Dublin, Ireland November 22— EMPIRE THEATRE, Wood Green, England November 29— Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees, England December 6-NEW THEATRE, Cardiff, England SUNDAY CONCERTS June 27-OPERA HOUSE, Blackpool July 18-OPERA HOUSE, Blackpool August 1 -DAVIS CROYDON THEATRE, Davis Croydon August 22— Plymouth, England September 5-OPERA HOUSE, Blackpool September 26— GAUMONT THEATRE, Lewisham, England October 24-ODEON THEATRE, Romford, England October 31— REGAL THEATRE, Edmonton, England November 28-ELEPHANT & CASTLE TROCADERO, London, England December 12— BARKING GAUMONT, London, England Personal Management GABBE, LUTZ and HELLER 119 West 57th Street New York 19, N. Y. 1626 Vine Street Hollywood 28, Cal. 58 VAUDEVILLE Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Vaude, Cafe Dates New York , Rosita Serrano, who’s been on the Continent for the past few years, is returning to the U.S. in January to play a series of cafes being booked for her by the Ken Later Agency . . . Stan Grover starts at the British Colonial Hotel, Nassau, tomorrow (Thurs.) . . . Johnny Pineapple preems the Chi Edgewatcr Beach Hotel’s new Polynesian Room, Dec. 29 . . . Jerry Rosen, former agent, named manager of the Leslie House, N. Y. . . . Cab Calloway went into the Casino Royal, Washington, Monday <13>. - Mae West has been signed for the Chase Hotel, St. Louis, in April . . . Georgie Kaye goes into the Latin Casino. Philadelphia, Dec. 23 . . . Jose Greco has a May date at the Palmer House, Chicago . . . Ben Blue tapped for the Chi Chi Club, Palm Springs, Feb. 17 . . . Geraldine Garner, billed as Sequin, who opens at the Empire, Newark. Dec. 24. picked up a few q?*d with her modeling of bikini suits at a fashion show at the Vanderbilt Hotel. N. Y., yesterday (Tucs.) . . . Cliarlivels to the Mapes, Reno, Dec. 31 . . . Dave Barry opens at the Clouds Club, Honolulu. Saturday (18) . . . De- nise Darcel to preem at the Hollen- den, Cleveland, Jan. 27 . . . Billy Grey to the Sands Hotel, Las Vegas. Feb. 23 . ? . Date for Billy Daniels at the Copa, N. Y., set for Feb. 24 . . Jack Leonard and the De Castro Sisters go to the Minne- apolis Home Show March 12. Chicago Lena Horne dated for Chez Paree three-framer beginning Jan. 19. with Mae West following in Feb. 9 . . . Yonely set for fortnight at Golden Hotel, Reno, Jan. 12 and four weeks at El Cortez, Las Vegas, Jan. 27 . . . Burl Ives play- ing Eddy s’ in Kansas City Jan. 21 for two weeks . . . Cross & Dunn open Riverside, Reno, Feb. 3 for couple frames . . . Four Joes and Jimmie Koniac set for month at Black Orchid starting FeU. 1 . . . Three Chuckles and Three Lads & Lass current at Preview Lounge in Chi. VXanety's Fork Rtp Gene Moskowitz hat torn* inside stuff on Syndicate Control of Paris Nitelife * * * on* of tho many editorial features in th* upcoming 49lh Anniversary Number of P^kIeTy DCE SOON Miami Beach Talent Battle Continued from page M CIRO RIMAC and REVUE Opening European Tour December 26th, 1954 at MOULIN ROUGE, Paris European Representatives Albert Tavel and Maruani Paris and Harry Foster London * e ♦ * ♦ MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR AMIGOS CHI EDGEWATER ROOM TO DEBUT FOR TERPING Chicago, Dec. 14. On New Years Eve, the Edge- water Beach Hotel debuts its Polynesian Room, a remake of its longtime vaude showcase, the Ma- rine Dining Room. Hostelry has re- solved to give up floorshow enter- tainment and will feature Hawai- ian music for dancing instead. Marine Room shuttered on Nov. 19, with Ted Lewis wrapping up its history. « Johnny Pineapple will open the new room, splitting dansapation chores with Henry Brandon orch. Jessel Sub for Lewis As Chez Paree Headliner . Chicago, Dec. 14. Chez Paree plugged up a New Year's week booking gap with the inking of George Jessel to spell Joe E. Lewis as headliner. Lewis cancelled when doctors advised he would not have been fully recov- ered from a recent ulcer operation to do the show. Peggy Lee is also on the bill, which kicks off Dec. | 28. Chez also snagged Lena Ho^ne for a Ihreeframer beginning Jan. 19 and Mae West for a fortnight starting Feb. 9. MCA Offering Gobel To Cafes; Beachcomber Bite George Gobel. who played cafe dates at a fairly modest salary a couple of years ago. is again being submitted for niteries at prices ranging up to $15,000. Gobel, prior to his advent on tele, was getting under four figures weekly for his vaude stands. Deal is being negotiated by Music Corp. of America for a stand at the Beachcomber, Miami Beach. Hollywood Ice Ilovuo Omaha, Dec. 8. Arthur M. Wirtz presentation in two acts <18 displays). Stars Barbara Ann Scott, Jimmy Grogan. Gundi Busch. Andra McLaughlin. Freddie Trenkler. Skippy Baxter, The Bruises CO. Bobby Blake. Assistant producer. William H. Burke; chorcoRranhy. staging and lighting by Donn Arden: manager. Ludolf Kasse- bnum: costumes by Raoul Pene Dubois; musical director. Paul Van Loan: stage manager. Ray Gavnor. At Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum, Omaha, Dec. 8, *54; $3.50 top. KIRBY STONE FOUR ON TOUR Dir.: WILLIAM MORRIS Aqrncy Mgt. : WYNN LASSNER Assoc.. Inc. Saranac Lake By Happy Benway Saranac Lake, N. Y., Dec. 14. Earl Lewis, chairman of “We The Patients’’ committee here, an- nounced that preparations have started for coming elaborate Christmas Party and blowout. Don’s Melody Lounge, a local i nitery, opened its wfnter season 1 with Gladys Young from England, 1 as the show’s feature. 1 Ray (IATSE> King, of CBS, N.Y., in for a quickie visit to his sister, | Mabel King Hutchins, who is fight- ing a recent setback. Trudeau Sanatorium shuttered after 70 years of service towards tlie curing of tuberculosis, lack of patronage being the main cause. Last patient to leave the famed sanatorium was the ace second baseman .of the Giants. Larry Doyle, who was a patient there for 12 years. Joe McCoy, Loew manager who is taking the rest routine here, re- ceived word lie is a father; wants medicos to hustle his cure so lie I can go home to see the new addi- tion to his family. Harriet McKearnin in to hold a j bedside gabfest with her brother, Tom McKearnin, whose progress is a special item. Write to those who are ill. BIMBO announces the appointment of WILLIAM LOEB at DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 COLUMBUS AVE., SAN FRANCISCO Address Inquiries Direct: WILLIAM LOEB ARTISTS’ MANAGEMENT 449 SOUTH BEVERLY DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS. CAIJF. CR*ttvi*w 4-4489 CRestvIew 4-192? Arthur M. Wirtz has always tagged his “Hollywood Ice Revue” as “The Show With the Stars.” And the catchline is even more apropos in his 1955 unit, the 20th annual presentation. For this year Wirtz has added two dazzling newcomers, Gundi Busch and Jimmy Grogan, to the by-now familiar cast of Barbara Ann Scott, Freddie Trenkler, An- dra McLaughlin, et al. Result Is the best show Wirtz has put into the blade field. Miss Busch, last year’s world champ, is given a big sendoff in her first act “Pastorale,” coming on in a eye-grabbing outfit of robes which she quickly sheds to go into her routine. In the second- half, she opens with Skippy Baxter in a symphony affair that goes over big. Gal has the looks and poise to be an ice headliner for many years. Grogan, also making his pro debut, is tallish for a champ skater but nevertheless handles all the tough stuff without flaw. In fact, the only criticism of his efforts would be the fact he makes it look so easy. In the second half, he teams with Miss Scott in a gypsy hit and makes a competent part- ner. Miss Scott, incidentally, also gets the red-carpet treatment in the first act, entering on a clever nightclub set designed by stage manager Ray Gaynor. In the big production effort, “Wizard of Oz,” Miss Scott brings on her French poodle. Pierre, while she does her solo bit. This is something few blade stars would allow, since the crowd’s eyes naturally are on the little pup as it skids along the ice attempting to keep up with his mistress. Miss McLaughlin is her usual effervescent self in two numbers, with calypso and Scottish themes. However, it seems as though her bits haven’t the outstanding back- ing and arrangements of some of her previous offerings, especially the jazz presentation. Skippy Baxter, always a favorite, opens and closes his single the same way — with a foot-to-foot backw-ard somersault that draws gasps. Bobby Blake seems improved in a clever “Revival Daze” display, and the comedy falls upon the vet- eran hands of Freddie Trenkler and The Bruises. Trenkler does his familiar “Bouncing Ball” rou- tine and fire-engine turn that vary ! little over the years. The Bruises, too. haven’t changed one iota. But their charwoman antics remain i near-showstoppers. Trump. which books Martin, refused to discuss the situation. Meantime, the big three among the straight night clubs in this area — Latin Quarter, Copa City and Beachcomber — tee off their seasonal runs next week, having finalized their opening show ros- ters. The latter two neighboring rivals will come up with the heavi- est roster of upper-bracket names, to meet not only the inter-trade competition but the imposing list of entertainment scheduled by the beachfront hotel circuit. Copa City will unveil its rebuilt main and late-room adjunct with a lineup that has Peter Lind Hayes & Mary Healy, Tony Bennett, Eileen Barton, Step Bros., Red Caps, a June Taylor line and David Tyler’s orch. On tap for ensuing weeks are Mae West and company, Jimmy Durante and his unit, Los Chavales de Espana, Sammy Davis Jr., with the most prominent names in television being pitched to round out the roster. TV Emanation Point Murray Weinger, general man- ager for the spot, has already re- vealed his plans for turning the club into a once-a-week emanation point for tv shows. Jimmy Du- rante will probably be the first to telecasUhis Texaco hour from that location. Current plans are to pre- sent one show nightly In the main room, with an all-night policy maintained in the adjoining lounge, enlarged for the purpose. Many of the acts booked will double between* the two opera- tions. Beachcomber owner Norman Schuyler, for a long time unde- cided on what he would do with the 900-seater this season, will re- tain the policy of recent years — buying the top names. First group is headed by Martha Raye and in- cludes Vic Damone, Jack Carter and the Novelites. Per custom here, there will be no produotion setup. Ticketed for coming weeks are Louis Armstrong. Ritz Bros., Sophie Tucker, with others soon to be announced. Schuyler will stick to combinations such as the first show, then the Ritzes and Arm- strong. He’s also bidding for Liberace at $50,000, Ann Soth- em and other personalities who’ve clicked on television or in pictures. LQ Extravaganzas The Latin Quarter will adhere to the Lou Walters extravaganzas, with the usual contingent of Euro- pean talent he brings in every season. To buttress the display he is adding some of the stronger* cafe acts around such as Betty and Jane Kean, Johnnie Ray, Harry Belafonte, among others. The Wal- ters production concept, however, has always done solid business, de- spite lack of a star name during some weeks of the annual run. Out of the competition for the big-salary acts, the Clover Club’s Jack Goldman has swung over to a production policy that has been drawing heavily in recent weeks. The Selma Marlowe stagings (now in her third year at this mainland bistro) blend lavishly costumed lines, novelty acts and for the top- per, a stripteuse. Sherry Britton comes back for a repeat run next week. Currently, Kalantan is the feature. Backed by a $3.50 food and beverage minimum, the idea has been paying off. Goldman’s, decision to adhere to this setup has made available Tony Martin, Lena Horne and the like, who pay the Clover an annual winter visit. Far In Advance The hotel rivalry is particularly strong this time out, what with the hoteliers booking far in ad- vance of the niteries. It adds up to a name-dropping list: The Sax- ony’s Perez Prado with the Hur- tado de Cordoba dancers, followed by Ted Lewis and company; Xavier Cugat, Abbe Lane and unit, and the Dorsey Bros, and their ar- ray. The Fontainebleau is set only for the first six weeks at the mo- ment. Vaughn Monroe, Richard Hayman and orch, and the Bel- monts will tee off, followed by the Lecuona Cuban Boys revue. They’ll add more within the next 10 days. Sans Souci will offer Larry Storch, Myron Cohen, Joel Grey, Joyce Bryant, Denice Darcel and Harvey Stone. Nautilus Hotel is concentrating on comics with Larry Storch, Morty Gunty (cur- rent), Gene Baylos, Phil Foster, and Joey Bishop already dated. Both the Sans Souci an Trio) 3rd Consecutive Year Th# SANDS, Las Vtgas Thanks JACK ENTRATTER MGT.: G.A.C. BUD AND CECE ROBINSON Still In TEXAS Back in N*w York for th* Holidays Management: MCA THE CARNEVALES (RALPH AND MARY) Currently XMAS SHOWS (Ohio and P«nna.) Thanks TONY 5ENNES Dir.: Jimmlo Husson Agency 119 W. S7th St.. New York CAB CALLOWAY Currently (December 13-19) ROYAL CASINO - WASHINGTON, D. C. Mgt. RILL MITTLCR, 1419 Broodway. Now York VAUDEVILLE Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Blueprint TV One-Niter ‘Circuit’ To Aid Singer-Disk Exploitation A series of local video shows has been lined up by General Art- ists Corp. in an attempt to create ‘. series of one-nighters to public- ize singers, disks and nitery en- gagements. As presently Wue- printed, an entertainer with a rid- ing platter and a nitery date in a major cafe can be given a senes of local video shows paying reason- able salaries while enroute to the engagement. Singer then will plug his disk releases, and while in that town will visit radio disk- jockeys. Lined up so far by GAC is WEWS-TV, Cleveland; WLW-TV, Cincinnati, and WBBM-TV, Chi- cago. GAC will book the shows on those stations to insure a steady flow of talent. Grande Quitting As Statler Talent Buyer John Grande, for many years talent buyer for the Statler Hotel chain, will leave that post Jan. 31. Estelle Reiss, his assistant, who has been with the outfit for more than 30 years, is also slated to vacate her spot. All talent buying will shift from New York to Chi- cago, with Merriel Abbott in charge. Chain has been merged with the Hilton Hotels. The food buying operations will also transfer to Chi in an economy move. According to GAC, the stations realize that the primary purpose is to exploit the artist, but they are willing to go along. Major rea- son is the desirability to get a lo- cal show starring such names as Patti Page as well as other diskers whom they cannot afford under other circumstances. GAC figures that the artist will be able to get maximum exposure both on video and radio, without injuring chances for network shows. GAC said that the singers frequently have to pay their own expenses on jaunts to publicize their disks. In this case, they’ll be able to take on these exploitation trips and come out ahead of the game . Jacoby Seeks Paris Site For Summer Blue Angel Herbert Jacoby, who operates the Blue Angel, N. Y., in conjunc- tion with Max Gordon, left for Europe yesterday (Tues.) to look for a site in Paris to set up a French edition of the Blue Angel, which he would operate in The summer. In addition to hunting a new cate site, Jacoby will tour Lon- don. Barcelona and Madrid, trying to dig up some new acts. Eckstine Subs Davis At S. F. Italian Village San Francisco, Dec. 14. Billy Eckstine opens at the Italian Village tomorrow (Wed.) replacing Sammy Davis Jr., whose scheduled engagement was can- celled due to his accident. Eckstine originally was booked for the Fairmont Hotel’s Venetian Room for November, but postponed that date until January. The Fair- mont engagement has now been cancelled entirely. JERRY BERGEN Currently PALACE Theatre NEW YORK Booked by Jack Kalcheim CORBETT MONICA Dir.: Garbar-Waiu. N. Y. CO 5-S680 When li Buffalo Step at the ROANOKE APARTMENT HOTEL An Apartment for tha price of a Room Complete Cooking fJcilitiot M. lenchner. Mgr., 206 So. Elmwood Av. Green’s Cuffo Vaude Date In Honolulu as ‘Brides’ Ballyhoo Goes Over Big Honolulu, Dec. 7. If composer-conductor Johnny Green ever gets tired of his pix music chores, he can go out as a single nitery act. He w'on’t run Liberace out of business, but he’ll present something far better than the usual “ — and then I wrote” routine. His break-in date, if one wants to call it that, drew two capacity houses last week (3) to the Kuhio Theatre, which nominally is on a straight film policy, with the per- sonable musician putting on a 30- minute show. A cuffo date to help get his Metro studio’s ‘‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” off to a neat start, Green took audiences behind sound stages and told of problems faced in making Cinemascope shorts with M-G’s concert orches- tra. Personable gal musicians in the studio orch are selected exclusive- ly for their musical prowess, he in- sisted with a grin, and get fan mail. So does the serio-comic pic- colo player, Green said. After a 15-minute informal chat, which found the conductor insist- ing that longhair music can be fun as well as inspiring, Green played many of his own compositions — “Coquette,” “I’m Yours.” "‘Out of Nowhere,” “I Cover the Water- front,” “I Want to Be Loved” and “Body and Soul,” latter drawing top applause. He bowed off with a warm, touching version of “The Man I Loved,” played with the ex- planation that “I’m one composer who plays other peoples’ music, too.” Green shunned any vocals, claim- ing that “I sing worse than Irving Berlin.” Because the Cinemascope screen blankets the stage, the piano was on the floor in front of the stage, and Green exited simply by walk- ing out the nearby exit. Walt. MONTREAL VAUDER SET TO RESUME IN JANUARY The Seville Theatre, Montreal, will resume vaudeville sometime in January. Roy Cooper, of Mon- treal, will book. The Seville, which will be the second major theatre in Canada to be on a variety policy, closed down stageshows in the spring. Other major Dominion vaudery is the Casino, Toronto. Intime Policy Set For Miami Beach LQ Lounge Boniface Lou Walters will install an intime cafe policy in the lounge of the Miami Beach edition of the Latin Quarter. Labeled the Made- moiselle Room, spot will have an initial bill Dec. 23 including Gaby Bruyere, Andre Phillips, Lee Sharon and Toby Stevens. Lounge seats 200. The main room will have John- nie Ray topping the Dec. 23 pre- miere show, with the Kean Sisters coming in Dec. 31. Walters leaves for Florida Monday (20). The Treniers have been booked into the Lounge of the Riviera, Las Vegas, for 11 weeks starting April 8. Outfit has also been set for the following season for 12 weeks. Cohan Corner in LaG Hotel LaGuardia Hotel, adjacent to the airport on Long Island, opens today (Wed.) following a press and celebrity hoopla last night. In- cluded in the inn are a restaurant and lounge. Louis Ritter, owner-president, will unfurl a George M. Cohan Corner next week with former Postmaster General James A. Far- ley and George Jessel, lifelong friends of Cohan, officiating at dedication ceremonies. N.Y. s East Side Cafes Battling For Late-Nite Biz A bitter battle is being fought among niteries and cafes of east side. New York, for the late supper biz. The results of this battle are likely to have a major effect na- tionally on hotel and nitery think- ing. At the present time there are two operations that are being dished up as models and an excel- lent type to follow. One is the lounge of the Copacabana, the other being the newly-opened Em- bassy of the Hotel Ambassador. Both seem to be getting the bulk of the late business, although the Blue Angel and Le Ruban Bleu seem to be holding their own in this setup. However, the newer trend seems to be pointed in the direction of opulent surroundings where a cou- ple can hit the heights on a budget. At the Ambassador, there’s a $3.50 minimum with dancing as the major lure. But a couple can get a half-bottle of champagne for $5.50, and thus they can have a light snack and a qualify quaff at a reasonable price. The Copa brings it show to the Lounge from the downstairs room. It’s the only spot in that part of town where there’s a complete show at that hour. Pol- icy has made the Lounge one of the major hangouts on the east side and has emptied a lot of spots around town. Lush Refurbishing The east side bonifaces, of late, have been refurbishing their late operations. For example, Billy Reed’s Little Club has installed a singer, L’Apache (Andre Tofel). The Harwyn has instituted a dance policy. El Borraccho has taken to closing earlier, presumably an ad- mission that the quest of late biz is rather tough. The newer rooms that will open in that sector of town will go in for some sort of entertainment and/or dancing. For example, agent Ken Later will open the Patio, an eatery in the Ritz Towers. He’s re- furbishing to the tune of $250,000 and will open shortly with a policy similar to that of the Monseigneur, Paris. Several platoons of violins will stroll about the premises. With no dancing, there will be no 20% tax. Another room, the Larue, will reopen with two dance bands. Nino, a longtime east side restaurateur, will be in charge. Rita Allen & Ken I Thomson are reportedly behind the venture. In virtually every instance, the east siders have been forced to face one major problem — that of I instituting a policy that forces | them to apply the 20% cabaret tax. In virtually every case this has been done in an effort to get busi- ness during that portion of the night when the bulk of the popu- lation should be in bed. It’s consequently axiomatic that there would be a lot more talent and musician employment if the 20% surcharge wasn’t the major stumbling block. The test will come 1 a little later. Should the public ! rebel at this kingsized impost, then a lot of talent operations would go by the wayside. It has become evident that even during the wee hours the beaux will still shop around for price. The budget romeos will still go out to an attractive spot if the tab isn’t too high, and there will al- ways • be fgmmes to accompany them. The battle is being watched by execs of the Hilton and Kirkeby chains. For example, the Kirkeby management would like to get a policy for the Hampshire House and one that will make the War- wick better attended. Both are seemingly handicapped by their west side locations. ’ 59 THE DYNAMIC MAUREEN CANNON Hotel Radisson, Mpls. “Maureen Cannon proves for a second time that she’s the proper entertainment dish for a tiny supper club like this. Her vocalizing fits in well with her plush surroundings, and she’s good to look at. “Miss Cannon’s melodic ses- sion leans toward the lively. Singer vigorously belts over such rousing perennials as “Red Hot Mama” and “Bill Bailey,” giving them original, distinctive twists. However, there’s no lack of diversity or pace as she also demonstrates a way with ballads like “Look to the Rainbow” or comes through neatly with a Harry Lauder impression.” Rees. _ Chicago American MOVIE SCOUTS — ATTEN- TION: DON’T MISS MAUREEN CANNON “One of these evenings, should you happen to visit the Empire Room of the Palmer House where Maureen is the singing star, you will notice that she is adorable to look at — tiny, dark-haired, with bright eyes, dainty features and a lovely complexion. You will be aware that her voice is a delight to the ears; that she moves about the room with grace and poise; that she has a fresh, lively, endearing per- sonality. You will love her — not only for her talent — but for that great gift — CHARM. Here is a potential movie star if there ever was one.” By Ann Marsters. New York Daily Mirror MAUREEN CANNON AT WALDORF RATES RAVE “The wonderful job at the Waldorf Empire Room by love- ly, little Maureen Cannon, the Irish beaut, whose thrushing is big league anywhere.” By Lee Mortimer. P^rIeTy Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Empire Room “Miss Cannon, a wide-eyed looker gave these sessions a note of cuteness, pertness, which is also the feeling she purveys at this Hilton hospice. Her opening show called for a begoff.” Jose. PHriety Palmer House, Chicago “Maureen Cannon with vi- brant warbling pipes, and a belting manner. Miss Cannon has what it takes to impress on the boards, and “Bill Bailey” strutter gets her away to a salvo.” Les. Just Concluded Empire Room— WALDORF ASTORIA, N. Y. Empire Room— PALMER HOUSE, Chicago Thanks - MERRIEL ABBOTT RADISSON HOTEL — Minneapolis Followed by BAKER HOTEL — Dallas THUNDERBIRD HOTEL— Las Vegas Direction: GENERAL ARTISTS CORP. 60 NIGHT CLUB REVIEWS Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Coparabana, ST. V. Vagabonds (4), Maria Neglia, Martha Bentley, Dunhills (3), Pete Conway, Jean Stevens, Bob Swee- ney, Copa Girls (8), Michael Dur- so & Frank Marti Orchs; staged by Douglas Coudy, lyrics and music by Norman Gimbel (plus Rizo and Morgan; costumes, Billy Living- ston; $5 minimum. Frank Sinatra moves in next for the holiday show and this is the traditional .slow period. Current Copa pre-Christmas offering isn’t one of Jules Podell’s best. The Vagabonds aren’t the type of strong headliners usually identi- fied with the east side spot. They’re a good warmup team, capable of arousing ,the audience and placing it in a receptive mood, but the Copa needs sterner stuff. Familiar to tv viewers, via out- ings on the Arthur Godfrey show and “Colgate Comedy Hour,” the Vagabonds have the ability to evoke mirth. Their zany antics are strictly eornball, however, and re- veal little that is original or clever. Many at the show caught, however, appeared to enjoy the perform- ance thoroughly. Vagabonds are at their best when they stick to vocalizing, and a couple of special material num- bers, such as the “Salt Song” and an Italo version of “MacNamara’s Band” ("Marinara’s Band”), bring nice responses. Lads are a hard- working team, and never let up in their 30-minute stint of singing, clowning and mugging. They’re E robably a hot tourist attraction, ut not for Copa regulars. Supporting acts don’t make up for headliner limitations. Maria Neglia is a novelty fiddler who concentrates too hard on her facial expressions. She pouts, flirts and muggs to fit the style of the music. She dispenses with the bow and scores with one-handed strum- ming. Preceding the Vagabonds, she stays on for the lads’ opening turn and lends her fiddle for a hill- billy workout. It’s not all novelty, though, as she slips into a schmaltzy “Return to Sorrento.” Martha Bentley brings ballet to the night club floor, but not the type of pirouettes familiar to the Met or New- York City Center. An amazing toe terper. Miss Bentley provides sensational whirls, dis- playing outstanding agility and balance in the turns around the small-area Copa floor. The Dunhills are a fast-working tap trio, working away with great energy. Having returned recently from a tour of South America with Danny Kaye, they vary the routine with tribal dance indigenous to African miners. They don boots and remove their coats and move into a flat-footed terp that is unique if not overly sock. The Copa cuties are on display, of course, but one does not see them often enough, as they appear only for an opening and closing turn. Jean Stevens and Bob Sweeney carry the production vo- cals nicely. Pete Conway’s hoof- ery heeds some variation. Michael Durso orch, which provides the backing, is unnecessarily loud, be- ing too big and brassy. Holl. who makes a nice Impression as singer and male foil for the head- liner. Miss West titles their inti- mate dance, “It Takes Two to Bango.” Second vocalist, Don Kent, registers with good voice and personality. The nine muscle- men are still laugh-toppers with chest and abdominal ripples in time to the tunes in a colorful Olympics games display before the mischievous star. With its sparkle and vitality the show as received here on its return should register with the same healthy biz as be- fore. Juggler Rudy Horn, last seen here in the first Marlene Dietrich show, is just as adept at juggling balls and dumbbells. He excites on a unicycle while flipping six cups in pyramid fashion from his toe to the top of his head. The George Moro Saharem Dancers intrigue in a chorines’ backstage dressingroom number, with costumes and terps meriting the sustained applause. Sam Mineo conducts the Cee Davidson orch for Miss West capably. Bob. Black Orchid, i lii Chicago, Dec. 7. Buddy _Baer, Rogers & Cooper, Dinah Kaye, Rudy Kerpays Duo; $4 minimum. Sahara. Las Vegas Las Vegas, Dec. 7. Mae West (with Tony Dexter, Louise Beavers, Dick Dubois, Don Kent, others l (19), Rudy Horn, Saharem Dancers (12), Cee David- son Orch (12); no cover or mini- mum. Boniface A1 Greenfield is plug- ging up the pre-Xmas two-week gap with an offbeat show that should get fair response at the door and slightly less than that at the tables. Most rewarding feature of the current card is the pervasive warmth of headliner Buddy Baer. Grabbing attention by his sheer size, the handsome giant holds the outfronters firmly with an affable charm that seems to forgive short- comings in phrasing and intona- tion. Still his voice, which has a nice baritone quality, maneuvers well on a virile catalog of ballads like “One For the Road” and "Soliloquy,” and he’s especially effective on a humorous specialty opener which outlines his career in the boxing ring and in Holly- wood. In general, he handles the uptunes best and should pare his routine as much as possible of difficult entries like “Funny Valen- tine.” He’s assisted on the bill by shapely thrush Dinah Kaye (see New Acts) and comedy team of Rogers & Cooper. No youngsters, R&C unreel an act that seems to have its roots in oldtime burlesque, one that would be better pegged for a barroom than for a chichi supper club. Comedy is broad, the gags corny and pedestrian for the most, and they’re interlarded with song fragments by straight- man Cooper and tap terp by Rogers, the buffoon. Roger’s Oljl Soldier pantomime, with Cooper narrating and providing sound effects, is by far their strongest material, and it’s saved for the getaway. Briefer comedy, but with better impact, is served up by the usually staid emcee Benny Dunn, who dresses in boxing garb with foot- ball shoulder pads to introduce Baer. It’s a quickie, but zany. Rudy Iterpays at keys and Dave Poskonka on bass back the acts fluently. Les. Shera ton-Carl ton, Wash. Washington, Dec. 10. Marguerite Piazza, with Jack Bunch, John Calti, Joe Hamell; Joe Ricardel Orch, with Sherry Gibson; cover $1.50 weeknights, $2 Saturday. Marguerite Piazza, who has clicked solidly on television and in grand opera, proves she can do it again on the supperclub circuit, delivering a carriage trade act which has pace, novelty, and al- most enough production gimmicks to turn it into a capsule revue. Miss Piazza delivers the voice, warm personality and, in the latter stages, a very handsome pair of gams. The elaborate production ideas are the work of Herb Ross, who is still busily polishing in ad- vance of the New York engage- ment at the Hotel Pierre in Janu- ary. Working with the star are a dancer, a mandolinist and a pianist, plus plenty of assist from Joe Ricardel’s house orch. It’s the expected Marguerite Piazza of tv’s “Show of Shows” w ho opens in costume as a singer of Italian light operatic selections, with Jack Bunch, in Pierrot cos- tume and white grease paint, dancing about her, tossing carna- tions to the women at ringside, and even working on a chair. John Calti plunks a small mandolin and lends a very mellow touch to the overall performance. Number is warm, friendly and definitely “dif- ferent.” At this point. Miss Piazza builds up to the weak spot of the evening. Dancer Bunch erects a small portable dressing cubicle about her and she switches to a sophisticated costume to sing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” — which turns out to be a mistake. Gal wrestles the smooth Cole Porter standard as though it had to have it' shoulders pinned to the mat. Thereafter, however, Miss Pi- azza’s performance takes a sharp turn upward, and keeps on going up. She delivers a delightful chil- dren’s lullaby. “Blanket Bay.” the aria from “Poor Butterfly,” and bows off. She returns to heavy applause to deliver the real surprise of the night, a session of New Orleans jazz. Miss Piazza whittles her cos- tume down to a slinky number with the skirt slit on one side al- most to the waist. On this one she sings “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” “Birth of the Blues,” “When the Saints Come Marcning Home,” plays a kazoo, waves a Confederate flag, struts and cake- walks. Bunch works effectively with her as a jazz dance man, while four pieces of the orchestra strip to their shirtsleeves, seat them- selves on the edge of the band- stand and turn the music on hot. For a signoff, gal sings “Count Your Blessings.” A very solid act. Lowe. Ililz ( nrhon. Montreal Montreal, Dec. 7. Fernanda Montcl, Johnny Gal- lant, Joe Settano Trio; $1.50-$2 cover. Thnnderbird* Las Vcjjns Las Vegas, Dec. 9. Sons of the Pioneers (6), Har- bers & Dale, Los Gatos (3), Thun- derbird Dancers (8), A l Jahns Orch (11); no cover or minimum. Lacking only the fresh attack of a first-time-around presentation. Mae West returns to the stage where she made her nitery debut last July, to once again earn the acclaim due her now as a bistro ▼et. Trouper West, with added poise j overall impact with her wardrobe Since her last appearance here in Montreal at an east-end saloon, Fernanda Montel, via the boites of Paris and New York, brings a much more sophisticated, polished offering to the current showing at the Ritz Cafe. Show holds till A tall, handsome blonde chirper, Miss Montel further enhances her the result of her cafe experience, brings into her month’s stay the same show as the initialer. Hand- somely gowned in vivid scarlet sequins. Miss West jibes at sex in her long-familiar “come up and see me sometime” manner as she fronts her cast of 19 males. Still toppers are “Strongest Men in the World” and “I’ve Got Something for the Girls.” in which the famed musclemen do their biceps bits headed by Mr. America — Dick Du- bois. Miss West belts “I’d Like to Do All Day What I Do All Night” for 1 yocks. The soicily-vivid "Diamond Lil” skit scores with a strong nar- rative, assist from Louise Beavers. The star chirps “Frankie And Johnny” to resounding applause, and winds with “What a Night,” dispensing room keys with time assignments to the males to rock and husky piping, which maintains attention throughout. On night caught, Miss Montel fought the constant yammering of a most un- Ritzlike crowd who were more in the mood for “Beer Barrel Polka” than for her Gallic nifties. How- ever, this authoritive femme took them in hand and directing a few pointed lyrics their way, * soon quieted them to a murmur. Manner is much more relaxed this time around and the stiff, straightforward type of thrushing ot other days has now been sparked with a socko songalog and a routin- ing that has pace, ideally suited for the better-class cafe trade. With the exception of the occa- sional lyric midway through a number, all items are in French, with a bilingual intro that is pointed and explicit. Mixed in with a eornball group of standard Par- the room with laughter. Included ; isian pops are such standout songs in the 40-minute stint at the open- as “Don't Give a Darn.” “Piano of er was Miss West’s sly propensity j the Poor” and a moody “Dance on to halt the proceedings to enable I My Street.” Winds to rousing the press to flash pictures. ! reception. “Mon Homme” for a The lively show includes a new second encore and clincher rir*ws , Newt, 'H'-Ur ' **»»<•• U The current layout, a fortnight- er, runs 50 minutes and toplines the Sons of the Pioneers, who edify with prairie tunes. Neverthe- less the show has its work cut out trying to draw more than sparse audiences. Sagebrush ditties of the sextet, featuring a fiddle player, two gui- tars and a bass, include the theme, “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,’ “When Payday Rolls Around” and ‘ Tim- ber Tr#il,” the latter a tuneful under-the-stars campfiresite haunt- ing melody that pleases. The days of the pistoleers on blood-splat- tered trails are pictured in song, but this act is far from star cali- bre for the strip. Harbers & Dale are a well- turned-out couple in adagio, giv- ing a nice- exhibition dancing dis- play. Exciting turn is fast and fea- tures spins by the femme held aloft -by her partner. Their ver- sion of the cakewalk is excellent terps from old Dixie. The Los Gatos, an aero trio, is held over for a risley routine that thrills. The husky understander handles light partners with ease in balancing stunts in an act that’s as good as anything on the bill. A pair of new production num- bers move well to the nicely or- chestrated backing by the A1 Jahns crew. Bob. member to the cast, Tony Dexter, 1 sustained milting. . i • « K* Gnrilen Terrair, Philly Philadelphia, Dec. 3. Melanie M agnan, Farrar & Car- ter, Bobby May, The Franklin-Iccrs (4), Howard Retinoids Orch (8); $2 Tninitnurn, weekend, $2.50. Dolores Pallet, who handled the staging and choreography, has come, up with the best paced rink re ■ i.. /’ 1 revue the Hotel Benjamin Frank- lin’s Garden Terrace has offered in many a long freeze. The frappe frolics is subtitled “Cocktails With the Stars” and each number is named after a drink such as “Pink Lady,” “Vermouth Cassis,” etc., which seems more of a suggestion for the diners than anything re- lating to the doings on the ice. Melanie Magnan, former Aus- trian figure skating champion, is the solo lead and she does all the required leaps and turns and gen- erates startling speed in the spins for a flash finale. Although Miss Magnan gets the billing, the top performers of the show are Alice Farrar Si James Carter, * husband-and-wife adagio duo. Their, opener is a modified Apache number that makes the ringsiders sit up as Qarter tosses his spouse about inches from the ice. Bobby May, a juggler who has refrigerated his craft, provides an arresting interlude and what is always needed in rink revels — a touch of humor. May’s topper is his gymnastic cigaret lighting stunt. The line, captained by Lynn Clare, has four attractive gals, each of whom does a brief spe- cialty. They’re on three times and, since speed is a prinqe require- ment, the whole show runs through in less than 35 minutes. It’s fast, eye-filling and entertaining, par- ticularly for the family trade. Maestro Howard Reynolds, back for another season at the hotel, is an old hand at supporting cafe acts and supplies all the necessary mu- sical fanfare. Gagh. Black Hawk. Frisco San Francisco. Dec. 12. Barbara Carroll Trio, Buddy Motsinger; no cover or minimum. One of the most entertaining jazz groups to hit this aficionados’ hideway, the Barbara Carroll trio combines a solid bill of fare with a warm, ingratiating personality on the part of the leader. It adds up to solid selling. Playing a deftly designed pro- gram of jazz classics, showtunes and ballads. Miss Carroll succeeds in making all of them palatable to both the hipster as well as the cas- ual citizen who strays into one of these spots. She handled her own emceeing nicely and is ably assisted by a bass man and drummer. The tex- ture of the trio’s music is light. It sw'ings throughout and does not deteriorate into heaviness. The group also displays a novel twist in arrangements on some the old- ies. On the more moody ballads, such as “You’re So Nice To Come Home To,” Miss Carroll gets across the kind of melodic live the hab- itues love. Buddy Motsinger, a facile, en- gaging pianist, handles the chore of playing intermission music. Rafe. New Terrace Brill. K. C. Kansas City. Dec. 9. Bcverlee Dennis, Nicki & Noel, Tommy Reed Orch (8) with Jo- anne Lewis; $1 coyer. Revamped dinner-dance room of the Hotel Muehlebach has a blend of comedy and dancing as second bill since its recent reopening. Both comedienne Beverlee Dennis and terpers Nicki & Noel are new to these parts, and combo results in a moderately entertaining 35 minutes. Orch leader Tommy Reed dou- bles as m.c. and starts proceedings with Nicki & Noel, on for a round of aero adagio numbers, featuring good deal of airplane spins and aerial work. They vary the mood with a pantomimic terp of the dancehall hostess and her assorted customers. Turn is well paced, has a tinge of comedy in its finale, and gets show underway in good style. For her inning Miss Dennis has a variety of special material for her song and comedy antics. She’s especially effective with “A Chorus Girl’s Lament,” a telling, funny bit about the girl behind the girl be- hind the girl in back of the star. It’s the peak of her work, which includes a mimic of Sophie Tucker, a salute to A1 Jolson and some comedy jibing with the band and the house. Once a fairly frequent band- stand name in these parts. Tommy Reed and crew haven’t heen here in several years. Reed has made much of carrying a large crew’ and playing the one-nighter circuit. For the time being, however, he’s rounded up an eight-piece crew, featuring the reed section and in- cluding his own several saxes. Lineup has three reeds, with a great deal of solo and lead work from Tommy Reed, trumpet, trom- bone, piano, string bass and drums. Crew’ is very able in backing the shows, playing for diners in the early evening, and bringing in a catchy dance tempo later ! n thp evening. Quin, > ; \ i T ' 1 i * .• . . . . ! Nlutala, Honoluln Honolulu, Dec. 7. "Sunset Serenade ,” with Puan - ani Alania, George Naope, Nani Castro, Keoki Paoa, Leinaala Haiti, Tautasi, Winona Kaniho, Kamalani Momilani, Billy Heui Len Beachboys (3), Orch (10); $4.50 inch dinner. Niumalu's new Friday-night re- vue, in for 14 weeks, is a cinch to attract heavy tourist biz for it adds up a* one of Waikiki’s best enter- tainment bargains. * It’s a “first” in several respects — first modern revue (with black- outs yet) to be staged in a beach nitery here; first use of exclusively young Hawaiian talent, most of the singers and dancers in their late teens; and probably first time hereabouts that a hotel manager has emerged as a bonafide orch leader. . John Spencer, the manager- maestro, also is producer of the show and did many of the orches- trations, with Clem Low sharing the latter stint. In some respects, the music overshadows the onstage talent, but that will be corrected as the youngsters gain confidence. It’s almost a Hawaiian version of “New Faces,” with four young- sters impressing nicely — Puanani Alama, a graceful, strikingly-beau- tiful hula dancer; George Maope, a potential comic dancer; Keoki Paoa, ex-highschool grid star who emerges as a handsome singer of Isle ballads, and Leinaala Haili, whpse voice and technique are in the tradition of Lena Machado, the “songbird of the islands.” Paoa and Puanani, incidentally, stage what could be the most sensuous Tahitian dance presented in Ha- waii; it radiates s.a. but not in- decently. Mirror-backed stage, largest ever built for a Honolulu nitery, now includes swank curtains that per- mit extensive use of production numbers. Opening show went on without a dress rehearsal but the youthful troupers came through neatly. Walt. llotel Roosevelt, N. O. New Orleans. Dec. 3. Beachcombers (4), Betty & Bob Hightower, Dagenham Girl Pipers (12), Roger King Mozian Orch (15); $4 minimum , Neatly tailored bill at this plush nitery makes for variegated fodder, and most of the acts are aud- pleasers. The Beachcombers, three lads and a petite Hawaiian lass, rate with the most pleasant sirtging groups to play Blue Room. Their harmony technique is ear-appeal- ing and their numbers include enough clever accompanying ma- terial to give production values. Group presents topdrawer vocals including “I Got Rhythm,” “Love Your Neighbor,” “Count Your Blessings” and rousing “Hawaiian War Chant,” with some island gyrations by femme member inter- larding the latter tune. The Hightowers supply the dance interludes. Duo combine graceful adagio with thrilling over- head spins and aero terping. Best bits are redheaded looker’s back- bend from high twin pedestal and bit in which husky partner tosses her from platform to land in a full-split centerstage. Act is well- paced, done with finesse and ap- plauded all the way. Teeing off show is unusual nitery act. the Scotch-plaid Dagen- ham Girl Pipers, a dozen attractive misses who folk-dance solo and precision numbers to the accom- paniment of squealing bagpipes and heavy beat of snare and bass drums. Troupe got fair reaction at show caught. Liuz. Riverside. Reno ’ Reno, Dec*. 10. Bernard Bros., Vivianne & Tassi, Riverside Starlets, Bill Clifford Orch; no cover, $2 minimum. This show is in between holidays, following a big name, and has no big names of its own. It won’t fill tables but it’ll make the thin auds sound bigger. The Bernard Brps., one of the first record pantomimists in the biz, show their experience. In- stead of a couple of comics mouth- ing the words of records, it almost becomes a case of records fitting themselves to the antics of the comics. They’re that good. It’s the usual repertoire — the standard disks which other record acts have done less successfully. “Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie.” “You’re Not Sick You’re in Love,” and the Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Solo and dueting, the Bernards make rowdy but delightful fare. Props are crazy and costuming silly, but all fits. From the open- ing, as the ‘'Andrews Sisters,” the boys wear some red plaid play- (Continued on page 61) i . 4 •< > • '1 * s • ' i i i Wedntffltlay, December 15 , 1954 REVIEWS 61 House Reviews *Palaee, N. V. Church A w “ lc ' Bobb V jerry Bergen (2), Park A Cltf- tnrd ’Pigment' Markham A Co. \ 4 1 'Roberto A Alicia, Wally Dean, Prof Haller’s Wild Animals, Jo Lombardi House Orch; "Passion" iRKO), reviewed in Variety Oct. 6, ’34. Outside of three serviceable acts and a flashy animal windup, this is a generally dull bill. There must be a better way ' of putting an eight-act layout together than tak- ing the grab-bag route. There’s a good ace-deuce punch in the Church A Hale tapology and juggler Bobby Jule. Former, a mixed duo, are smart operators oozing perfection itself on the paired work, displaying poetry-in- niotion rhythm, and in individual deportment. Gammy Miss Hale has looks besides and pard Church is a smooth hoofer with a versatile book. Jule Is a dandy manipulator with lotsa props and a light touch that adds humorous fillips. He has speed, a repertoire that's interest- ing to watch and nice presentation. Jerry Bergen, in the trey, is. from the old vaude shelf. Coat- tailed, diminutive buffoon is in the misfit-misfiddlee groove that bor- ders on the panto. Also handles Swiss bells, xylo, etc., as fulcrums for unfinished symphonies, has a rather odd approach to laugh-rais- ing and is a bit undisciplined be- >ond the act character itself. Un- billed tall femme, whose major ap- pointments are apparently intend- ed to meet the little fellow at eye level, is on in exaggerated oriental garb for a quickie vocal to his an- tics. Just a fair turn. “Pigmeat” Markham A Co. is a too frequent returnee in courtroom capers spotted fifth. It’s loud, fun- ny In an antiquated fun-poking sort of way and, let it be said here and now, is a distinct dis- service to the Negro race and ques- tionable whether it’s appreciated even on the Apollo time. Up ahead are Park A Clifford, a worthwhile standard combining vo- cals and aero, some of the latter a good deal more difficult in the merging than appears on the sur- face. Employ a piano effectively as a base for tricks. They give a literal lift to the proceedings. Rob- erto Sc Alicia take their flamenco stepping into offbeat, vague paths not especially articulate in a vauder. Wally Dean, berthed next-to- closing, needs the benefits of more original style and material. He’s got a good thing going in brassy instrumentation under his trench- coat, but. this is a quickie that comes a hit late in the fray to earn him overall positive reaction. In closing slot is Prof. Keller and his ensemble of mixed wild animals. It's an imposing array borne in a huge cage (about 30 feet) and the showmanship values are in accent, especially when the trainer makes with the "hypnotic” eye in the individualized subjuga- tions. Has couple of good tricks, too, such as the charges walking a rope and pedestalled plank. The way Keller talks to them in Eng- lish to cajole and coax 'em (some- times 1 if ireful tone done straight) is an unusual aspect of the flashy turn; that and the intro speech to the customers building up the dif- ficulty of handling a mixed group in one arena, and urging delay on the applause for fear of upsetting the beasts, etc. Act has a fine ele- ment of suspense about it and the prof carries it all off with an air of authority. Jo Lombardi is kept busy throughout on the showbacking and the expertness is obvious. Trail. tomers are pretty Indigo and should be dropped, particularly in contrast to the well-mannered de- livery of her male partner. The Revellaires (4) follow for a 1 neat session of vocalizing (New Acts). The Jdggling Colleanos (Jimmie, Phillip, Kitty, Winifred), brothers and sisters, are on for one of the fastest of acts, with rings and clubs, with this third-genera- tion family group easily evidenc- ing why they’re a Rlngling Bros, centre ring act. Finish has Nina de Paris, shape- ly blonde, on for some graceful dancing with the fans, with a switch to unusual strobolite effects, all over on disciplined ballet dancing and novelty to hefty ap- plause. Ambling In and out throughout the acts as emcee is Savoy for some nonchalant patter, mainly based on sour sex stories that don’t go over. McStay. Empire, Glasgow Glasgow, Dec. 10. Anne Shelton < with Hal Chamb- ers at piano), Sid Milltoard A Nit- wits (9), Freddie Sales, Peter A Sam Sherry, Alexander’s Dog Re- vue, Dunn A Grant, Bobby Dowds Orch. Casino, Toronto Toronto, Dec. 10. Revellaires (4)( Juggling Col- leanos (4), Kay A Aldrich, Nina de Paris, Harry Savoy, Archie Stone Orch; " Sleeping Tiger" (Indie). % This is a 70-minute stage pack- age in which the toppers, judging from, audience reaction, are a jug- gling team, The Colleanos; and a \ocal foursome. The Revellaires •New Acts), with two of the other turns so lurid in spoken material * s . to draw gasps from an other- wise sophisticated audience. Proceedings open with Harry Savoy as emcee for a lazy delivery of patter that should be immedi- at eiy cleaned up. This brings on Ray Sc Aldrich for combined eon- Jortos and balancing work, plus knockabout that is interpolated with the hoydenish, breaking-up- lue-act routine that is okay on tnayhem and balancing dexterity. Rut the girl’c asides to the cus- Anne Shelton, established Eng- lish chirper, heads this thin lay- out which is obviously Intended as a fill-in prior to teeing-dff of Christmas season fare. Miss Shelton employs a calm as- sured style in chirping born of years of experience, and offers a pleasing songalog of old and new hits. Opens with "I’ve Got The World On A String,” then into cur- rent hit "If I Give My Heart To You.” Attempts impersonation of various British dialects in comedy tune but is n.s.g. with the phoney Scot diaftet, and scores better with Cockney and Lancashire twang. Freddie Sales, English radio and stage comedian, offers a new act as_a film studio starlet in first seg- ment of bill, but needs to sharpen this though it has much comedy potential. After Intermission, he returns to score solidly with quick- fire patter into which he draws the customers. Comedian is garbed in bright yellow cap and socks, and has clever line of gabbing. Peter A Sam Sherry, two broth- ers, are versatile in dancing, song and musicianship, but average in quality. Dunn A Grant, mixed two- some, raise laughs with knock- about aero work in which the distaffer gets the better of male J tartner. They get bright support rom the crazy-style comedy band of Sid Mill ward A his Nitwits, decked in antique-looking wigs and engaging in much musical lunacy. Alexander’s Dog Revue is a fair- ly intriguing line-up of various pooches, best feature of which is their costuming. With them is a monkey which clicks in series of skillful back somersaults. Gord. FRANCES BERGEN Songs 30 Mins. Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans Frances Rergen (Mrs. Edgar Bergen), making her debut as a pitery thrush, garnered slick re- action at break-in. There were few who didn’t root for the luscious strawberry blonde, an ex-Pow«!rs model. Bathed in a baby spotlight and garbed in a dazzling gown of lace and apricot tulle that grabbed gasps from the femme ringsiders. Miss Bergen sang all mood and manner of song and the end result was a delightful melange of melodic souffle. Vocally. Miss Bergen has thin but pleasing pipes, but her voice is backed by a sense of rhythm and salesman- ship that blend to make her stint exciting. Miss Bergen has material that stands out. Songalog shines with good pacing and showed that plenty of work went into polish job. Evelyn Love Cooper con- trived the special material of fine satire that bulwarks the turn. Some production fillips also add to the appeal of each tune she warbles. Looker w r on heavy mitting with original tunes like "High Time,” "I Like It,” "The Language Song” and "You Can’t Make Him Over.” Songs were smart, clever and tuneful, and she extracted full meaning from the lyrics. It’s the attention to words aa well as melody that provides a large por- tion of Miss Bergen’s impact. Singer also generated plenty of enthusiasm with ballad and rhythm tunes that included "Hey There," "I’m in Love.” "Cuddle Up a Lit- tle Closer,” "Got World on String” and "Sitting on Top of World.” It was in these happy tunes that her personality was best projected. Her small talk between numbers has the quality of being impro- vised and her informality seems genuine. Her mood of friendli- ness is transmitted to her listen- ers. Supper clubs should be Miss Bergen’s immediate goal. Although she lacks an outstanding voice, she has all the qualifications as a bis- tro belt bet: beauty, personality, charm, poise and show business savvy. She has plenty to be happy about at thia stage of her career. Danny Deane's orchestra gave excellent backing. Liuz. 4 COINS Songs 14 Mins. Boulevard, Rego Park, L. I., N. Y. The Four Coins, who are riding a rising Epic disking, have come into the Boulevard, while the platter is on the upbeat. The cus- tomary procedui;e for Those with a record is to start the personal appearance tour while there’s a chance of building. Many would better equal their record reps if they could get a little seasoning before goining on the pezsonal ap- pearance route. This situation applies to the Four Coins. On their first stand in the metropolitan N. Y. area, they impress as a likeable group with a good knowledge of funda- mentals in harmonics and projec- tion,’ but a few more weeks in the hinterlands might have taken off the rough edges and given them a more polished mien. They Impress as serious kids with a lot of drive and a desire to please. Some of their harmonics show a lot of discipline and yet some of their drive seems to be dissipated by movements made only for the sake of not standing still, and have little relation to the theme of the number of the style they’re attempting. In their bid for hep stylization, they do virtually every- thing but swing a long keychain. They’ll find their metier after more time on the circuits. At the moment they are a good quartet still to reach their performance peak. One of their number throws in an occasional sax bit, which adds a different note to the proceedings. Their tunes seem to be the driv- ing variety with more change of pace needed. Jose. THE REVELLAIRES Songs 18 Mins. Casino, Toronto The Revellaires, a colored vocal quartet, inevitably face some similarity to the Mills Bros, and Ink Spots, W’ith the first tenor also possessing a trick falsetto voice, but the foursome ha6 a song style and mannerisms of its own. In dinner jackets, this tall quartet has plenty of harmony values and disciplined volume effects, plus lots of palm-slapping and campus calisthenics. At two mikes, they open with a rousing "If There’s Anybody Here from My Home Town”; a subdued spiritual styling of "Some- body Bigger than You and I,” which has just been released under the Burgundy label; a bouncy "Get Set,” with plenty of finger-flutters; a cheerful burlesque of "Sh- Boom”; and a wham finale of "Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Foursome (Jimmy Bryant, bari- tone; Bill Duncan, 1st. tenor; Joe Irby, 2d tenor; Bill Robison, bass) have lots of showmanship savvy, a neatly diversified repertory, and were over to top^audience response when caught. McStay. DINAH KAYE Songs 15 Mins. Black Orchid, Chicago A former band vocalist in Scot- land, Dinah Kaye has already made a slight impression in the U. S. on Label X and in several appearances at minor nightclubs. In her first major engagement, she sells an admixture of American tunes and Scotch ditties which are S iven the Yankee treatment. She 11s the bill amply as a supporting act. She is striking in a glittering strapless gown, and she delivers with the knowhow of a seasoned band warbler. A wavering rhyth- mic style and strong throaty voice distinguish her yield, as does a general theme of the scarcity of good men. Intros and between-numbers patter Is all times warm and casual, and therein lies much of her appeal with the crowd. Les. Night Club Reviews Continued from page M Hlverftlde, Reno suits and stay in these even when doing Kirsten Flagstad. Jugglers have pretty well satu- rated this room with every con- ceivable trick and Vivianne A Tassi simply add a touch of sex to the arrangement. They do some in- terchanging of flying objects and that’s about It. George Moro puts equal effort into all shows so that the River- side is always bookended with at- tractive routines. An authentic Ozark jig ia Is made feminine and cute while Bill Clifford sings "County Fair.” To wrap up the show, the Starlets charleston, et. al.. through a flapper era num- ber, finally being joined by the Bernard Bros, for the payoff. Mark. Ruby Eoo’s, Montreal Montreal, Dec. 8. Charles Trenet (with Fred Lein- hart); Roger Joubert; no cover or minimum. Since the agreement ending the American Guild of Variety Artists and the American Federation of Musicians’ hassle became effective, the managements of Ruby Foo's is the only one in Montreal to take any sort of definite step towards bettering their entertainment jpolicy. As a teeoff for the belated sea- son, they’ve brought in Charles Trenet. Getting Trenet to work the room was no great problem as he was out on $25,000 bail in Mont- real following his contract wrangle with the management of the mu- sical. “Hello, Paree,” which folded in Wilmington Dec. 4. Despite frequent showings around Montreal in past years (mainly in the east end), Trenet is still a master of the French ballad and topnotch composer of material that is standout in any company, both lyric and musiewise. His performance in Ruby Foo’s Starlight Room is no exception and solid business has greeted this offhand krtist throughout the en- gagement. Warming up in quiet fashion, Trenet (with only his own songs, of course) impresses with his glib manner and assuredness, reprising all his waves and intro- ing several new items that are cincheroos in this bilingual town. With Trenet, the language barrier is seldom apparent as he switches from one tongue to another with ease, and his simple but descrip- tive French lyrics keep attention at all times. Pianist Fred Leinhart backs Trenet handily and house 88’er Roger Joubert does interlude sets. Neal. I versatile pipes of headliner Phyl- lis Branch. i Miss Branch has magnetic pres- ence, a wide vocal range and whip- ' like control of her voice. Her Afro- I Cuban chants are excitingly vi- brant, and her versions of “Cum- bancherb” and "Babalu” pack a wallop. She’s equally adept for diction on calypso ditties like "My Man Is Good” and "Out the Light” j»and Indicates she can work com- fortably in any mode of song. Count Daville, a good-looking chanter who accompanies himself on guitar, essays four tunes in- tensely, one of them "My Dinero ’* which he cleffed himself. Lady Tina Marshall grinds out sex in a brief costume and nifty chassis. Sultry gal warbles one tune, and wiggles and wags her way out of it in exotic terp. Joc-a-bodi Danc- ers, a pair of muscular lookalikes. dish up a couple well-fashioned primitive productions, working in synch most of the way. Whole lineup appeals for costuming and polished execution, and colorful finale ends in a salvo. Al D'Lacy and his gypsy string orch show- back deftly and handle the in- terim terp chores. Les. ■•lei Radlaaon, Mpli. Minneapolis, Dec. 11. Felix Knight, Don McGrane Orch (8); $2.30 minimum. Quagllno’s Sc Allegro, London London, Dec. 1. Leslie (Hutch) Hutchinson: Thn Claytoii and Tibor Kunstler Orchs; *4 .65 minimum. In Just over a year Hutch (as Leslie Hutchinson is always known and billed) has been the sole cabaret attraction at these twin niteries for six months and now he’s back again for another ex- tended, run which takes him into the New Year. It’s an unique feat and as there’s no visible sign that he’s outstaying his welcome, it may well be repeated in 1955. A veteran cabaret performer who has mastered most of the tricks of his trade, Hutch has be- come the fave of chi-chi society. Although his rich baritone voice does full justice to his carefully chosen songalog, much of his new wave of popularity is undoubtedly due to the success of one number: his parody of "Let’s Do It” and this has been allowed to grow and grow until it now fills almost half his act. The customers, apparently, cannot have too much of it. Myro. Bine Angel, ( HI Chicago, Dec. 7. "Calypso Jamboree," with Phyl- lis Branch, Count Daville, Lady Tina Marshall, Joc-a-bodi Dancers ( 2 ), Al D’Lacy Orch (5); $3.50 minimum, no cover. A favorite here, Felix Knight is back for the fifth time. Robust tenor again provides an enjoyable two-week vocal interlude, for an enthusiastic response. With an ar- resting personality and his Metro- politan Opera background, Knight finds the going good. Dramatic fervor and humorous overtones, an the occasion demands, along with exceptional vocal ability, distin- guish a performance which local cafe society finds very pleasant. While Knight offers several un- familiar numbers and one chuckle- some original . selection, his rou- tine comprises mostly surefire pop perennials. Distinctive arrange- ments and interpretations make them standouts. Interesting intro- ductions and a few amusing stories vary the proceedings acceptably. Especially good are "Bohemian Fiesta,” "Mattinata," "Nothing Like a Dame” and "Philosophy/ At opening-night dinner show, with the room filled, Knight did 10 num- bers and finished to begoffs. Don McGrane and his music scintillate backing up Knight and playing for guest terpers. Rees. Em Rose Roa|e, Paris Paris, Nov. 30. Freraa .Jacques (4), Les Guar- anis (6), Maia Angelo (2), Les Asses (2), Rose Rouge Orch (5); $3 minimum. Jean Fardulli has packaged his best revue to date in this intimate room, one of the country’s main ports of calypso. Layout unwinds at a neat pace with plenty show- manship and a tasty balance; of song, dance and comedy — the lat- ter, per usual, coming through on the entendre and sometimes out- spoken calypsonian lyrics. But the real impact derives from the rich, Though attendance at this pre- viously SRO club has fallen great- ly in the • last year, the return of the Freres Jacques (4) now gives this its packed aspect of yore. Be- cause it vacillates, Nico has sold his controlling interest in this cave spot, and has given up the idea of producing another revue, based on Pierre Daninos "Carnets De Major Thompson,” as planned. As it stands, the club presents a nicely- rounded vaude show with enough offbeat aspects to please those look- ing for the unusual in nltery fare, and helping maintain the atmos- phere of- this club. Faeres Jacxgues are in fine form and clever miming to thefr well- chosen songs makes this a most pleasing act, with an hour of songs not enough for the crowd. In their black tights, multicolored jerseys and assortment of moustaches and hats, they sachay into such bits as the medium who is frightened by the tail of a cat, a crowd at a foot- ball game in which they play mob and players, the story of a man who swallowed a clock, and many more specially cleffed numbers. Finely- blended voices and caperings make them standout. They head for Canada and the US. after this stint. Les Guaranis (6) are a staple here in their authentic South American songs and dances, and bring color and lilt into this show for fine aud response. Maia Angelo is a stalwart, sepia artist from the "Porgy And Bess” troupe trying her nitery wings, and this intense songstress shows enough spark to be pegged under New Acts. Les As4es (2), which means the Aces, give out with a good patter routine. Primarily in the chansonnier cat- egory, this clever patter goes over with the hep crowd. Rose Rouge Orch <5) supplies okay listening music, since there is no dance space available. Tabs stay at usual $3 top. Mask. 62 Wednesday, December 15, 1954 VARIETY BILLS WEEK OF DECEMBER 15 Numtrals In connection with bill* bolow indicete opening day of show whothor full or split week Letter tn parentheses Indicates circuit. (I) Independent; (L) Loewi Mess;

Paramount; RKO; (S> Stoll; Tivoli; (W> Werner NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (I) 14 Shirlee Emmons George Sawtelle William Upshaw Edward Powell Shellie Farrell Eric Hutson Clausons Famous Bears Ramses Rockettes Corps de Ballet Sym Ore Palace (R) 17 Tanya Acraments Townsmen Van St de Rovart G 4c H Nells CHICAGO Chicago (P) 17 Don Cornell Mambo Jets Ice Rev AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE Princess (T) 13 Jean Sablon Chris Cross Guss Brox & Myrna Ron Parry • 3 Hellos Irving * Glrdwood Eddie Lynn Dale Gower Show Girls Dancing Boys Tivoli 19 Roy Barbour T Fontane & K Vaughn Margaret Brown Julian Somers Nina Cooke Eddie Edwards David Eadie John Bluthal Lloyd Martin Vocal Octette Male Dancers PERTH His Majesty's (T) 13 Michael Bentine W Latona & Sparks Buck St Chic Dagenham G Pipers O’Hagan St H Stead 2 Myrons Francis Van Dyk Seyler Heylen Max Blake Irene Bevans Ballet Girls SYONKY Ttvoll (T) 13 Jerry Lester Howell St Radcllffe Harry Jacobson 2 Chadells A tele St Latu G Dawn St F Cleary Singers Dancing Boys Ballet Girls BRITAIN BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (M> 13 Terry-Thomas Morgan & Manning Gary Miller Louise Pets Ch Warren tw J Del Cort'ia Terry Ha** Shipway Twins BOSCOMBE Hippodrome (l> 13 Bob Gray J Sc B Patton Sheila Atha Billie Roche 8 Del Rosa Dancers BRIGHTON Hippodrome (M) 13 Issy Bonn Noberti G H Elliott Nicolettes Leslie Sarony Copa Cousins Iris Sadler Tommy Locky BRISTOL Hippodrome (S) 13 Martita Hunt Michael Gwynn Hugh Wakefield CARDIFF New (S) 13 Ike Hatch Johnnie Mason Mundy & Earle Ron Perrian 4 Tune Tellers Jacqueline McVee Ann Davis I)ick Beamish Exotic Pauline 8 Gordon Lawrence Girls CHELSEA 9 Palace (I) 13 Acott Sanders Silver & Dry Len Marten Tommy Godfrey Carizelles CHISWICK Empire 13 Peter Cavamgh Sally Barnes Daisy Mae & Saveen Baker & Douglas Pa® Rose Anion St Janetta EDINBURGH Empire (M) 13 Fr Crock St Crackpots Rey St Ronjy Wilson Keppel St B Yale St Diane Harry Bailey Alexanders Dogs Richmnn St Jackson FINSBURY PARK Empire (M) 13 Caroll Levis Co Violet Pretty Teen Agers Alalne Diaeora LEEDS Empire (M) 13 Tony Brent Kay St Katrina Gladys Morgan Russmar 2 Eddie Arnold Brian Andro Billie Anthony S St P Kaye LEICESTER Palace (S) 13 Billy O’Sullivan Wilton Family Monsantos Kathryn Cain Salome Alan Fielding 13 Ted Slraeter Ore Mark Monte Ore Motel Roosevelt Guy Lombardo Ore Hotel St Regis Rosalind Courtright Milt Shaw Ore Ray Bari Hotel Statier T St J Dorsey Ore Hetel Taft Vincent Lopez Orr Latin Quarter Wlere Bros Chiqulta St Johnson Uas Sheva Ashtons Debonalrs Jet Sharon Ralph Young Piroska Art Waner Ore B Harlowe Ore Le Ruben Bleu Julius Monk Irwin Corey Turtlenecks Norman Paris 3 Dorothy Louden Melita Little Club L’Apache Faconi Jules Kuti Rudy Tlmfield Two Guitars Kostya Poliansky Misha Usdanoff Lubov Hamshay Aliya Uno Vei sallies “Bon Voyage" Paul Gray Louise Hoff Tommy Wander Margaret Banks Rosemary O’Reilly Carl Conway Betty Colby Ann Andre Rain Winslow Danny Carroll Danny Desmond Don Dellair Jim Sisco Salvatore Gloe Ore Panchlto Ore Viennese Lantern Helene Aimce Dolores Perry Bela Bizony Ernest Schoen Paul Mann Charles Albert Village Barn Hal Graham Senna & Gyle Jack Wallace Givens St Ferris Mary Ellen Trio Larry McMahan Piute Pete Weldorf-Asterig Jose Greco Dcrs Nat Brandwynne Mlscha Borr Village Vanguard Stan Freeman Sylvia Syms C Williams Trie CHICAGO 8 Eager Misses Vicky Day Gwen Fields LIVERPOOL Empire (M) 13 Smith Bros Granger Bros Jack Jackson Nordics Frank Cook Allen Bros St J Joe King Billy Maxam NORTHHAMPTON New (I) 13 Sonny Roy Chinger Chilton G St B Joy NORWICH Hippodrome tl) Jane A J Powers Buddy Ritchie Max Moran Co Kay Elvin Girls Tp NOTTINGHAM Empire (M) 13 Sonny Dawkes Arthur Knotto Gary Webb Mel-O-Macs PORTSMOUTH Royal (M) 13 Jimmy Young Conway St Day Suzette Tarri Angelos Morris St Cowley Arthur Worsley Dashs Chimps SHEFFIELD Empire (M) 13 Frankie Vaughan Hunty St Clair B St A Person Kosinas Hilly Russell Eddie Vitch Don Philippe & Bruce ForsMh SOUTHHAMPTON Grand (I) 13 Tanner Sis Frasers Harmonica Bd Tiki Del Potter St Carole Hal Hiller SWANSEA . . Empire (Ml 13 Leon Cortez Doreen Harris Nat Gonella Afrique Nelson Lloyd S St R Holland Percivales Dogs WOLVERHAMFTON Hippodrome (I) 13 Dexter St Dale Freddie Carlisle Garland St Koba-ts Ann Rooney Katrina Jimmy Lee V Valentineses Royal Girls WOOO GREEN Empire (S> 13 Harry Rowson Philipe Rivers Wilfred Gartel! Maureen Comfort Michael Packer YORK Empire (L) 13 Phyllis Dixey Varga Models Jack Tracey RAJ Penn DuMarte St Danzer Revel St Fields Dorothy Reid St Mac Black Orchid Budy Baer Cooper St Rogers Dimh Kaye Rudy Kerpays Duo Blue Angel “Calypso Jamboree" Phyllis Branch Count Daville Lady Tina Joc-a-hodi Dcrs A1 D’Lary Quintet Blue Note C Ventura Ore Mary Ann McCall Lou Levy Chez Pare# Cross & Dunn Tommy Leonettl Richman & Mannequins Brian Karnon Ore Cloister Inn Ruth Price Laurie Allyn M Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY BIRDLAND Count Basie Geo Shearing Sarah Vaughan Lester Young Jimmy Rushing Bon Soli Tony St Eddie Jimmy Daniels Blue Angel John Carradine Pat Carroll Mort Sahl Susan Johnson Bart Howard Jimmy Lyons Trio Chateau Madrid Ralph Font Ore Maya Ore Belmont Plaza Joan Bishop A1 Castellano John Barney Hotel Ambassader Quintero Ore Sarkozi Ore Hotel Pierre Denise Darrel Stanley Melba Ore Copacabane Vagabonds Dunhills Maria Neglia Martha Bentley Bob Sweeney Peter Conlow Jean Stevens M Dureo Ore Frank Marti Ore Gale's Alan Gale Jackie Heller Warner St McGuire Larry Foster Teddy King Ore No. 1 Fifth Ave Bob Downey Harold Fonvlll# Hazel Webster Hetel Plate Kay Thompson Paul Methuen Ralph Sharon Ace Harris Dick Marx Johnny Frigo Conrad Hilton ‘Skating Stars' Margie Lee Cathy St Blair Shirley Linde Weidemanns Polo Perky Twins Jimmy Caesar Eileen Carroll Ray McIntosh B Dears St Dons Frankie Masters Ore Palmer House Ilildegarde St Jack Whiting Howard Senton Gene Bone Robert Norris Empire Eight Charlie Fisk Ore Riverside Bernard Bros Vlvlanne St Tassl Starlets Betty Joyce BUI Clifford Ore Montmartra Novellos Lago Sisters Romero St Chicuelo Salvador Levy Nancy St Rolando C Playa Orq Fajardo Orq HAVANA Tropicana Tex Mex D’Ruff Quartet Tropicana Ballet S de Espana Orq A Romeu Orq S Suarez Orq Unit Review Hippodrome of IB55 Kansas City, Dec. 9. Harold Steinman presentation, featuring the “Skating Vanities ” and “ Dancing Waters . Staged by Gae Foster, with Flo Kelly, Anolyn Arden and Nadine Gae; costumes by Michi ; arrangements by Frank Ventre -and Benjamin Schwartz, musical director Schwartz. Cast: Nancy Lee Parker, Caroline Mire l- li, Tony Mirelli, Johnny Williams, Bob Grimes, Pat Williams, Barry Clark & Larry Knight, Dalton & Bailey (3), Mrs. Remos & Toy Boys t Trio Olympiads, Line. At Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Dec. 8, ’54; $2.50 top. tos ANGELES Ambassador Hotal Joyce Bryant Ryan & McDonald Harry James Ore Band Box Billy Gray Leo Diamond Dorothy Claire Nicco & Barba Larry Green Trio Bar of Music Happy Jesters (3) Jacqueline Aires C Callinicos Freddie Katz Eddie Oliver Ore Biltmoro Hotal Romo Vincent Tippy Sc Cobina Norton & Patricia Hal Derwin Ore Ciro't Jack Durant Jan Valerie Manola Mera Trio Fayes Dick Stabile Ore Bobby Ramos Ore Charley Poy'k Gil Lamb Fran Gregory Tommy Dugan Charley Foy Mary Foy Abbey Browne Ore Crascendo Mel Torme Mocambo Andre Philippe Paul Herbert Ore Joe Castro Four Moulin Rouge Frank Libuse Margot Brauder Szonys (2> Miss Malta & Co Doutiledaters <4; Mme Ardelty Jery LaZar re Ffolliot Charlton Tony Gentry Gaby Wooldridge Luis Urbina Eileen Christy Bob Snyder Ore Statlor Hotel Xavier Cugat Ore Abbe Lane MIAMI-MIAMI BEACH Clover crub Kalantan Luis Torrens Betty Ford Tony Lopez Ore Selma Marlowe Line Woody Woodbury Leon A Eddie s Lois De Fee Toni Rave Rose Ann Rita Marlow Charlotte Watera Nautilus Hotal Morty Gunty Antone & Ina Sid Stanley Ore Black Orchid Jo Thoihpson Richard Cannon Count Smith Sans Souci Hotai Lenny Maxwell Saeasas Ore Ann Herman Dcrs Anne Barnett Saxony Hotal Marion Powers Harmonicaires The Garcias (2) The Havdoeks (2) Tano St Deo Nirva Freddy Calo Ore Johnny Silvers Ore Bombay Hotal Phil Brito Nelida Peter Mark Sandra Barton Johnina Hotel B S Pully Sam Bari Harry Rogers Ore Bobbie Lynn DILido Hotel Bea Kalmus Martin Sc Maio Fausto Curbelo Ore Vanity Fair Pat Morrisey Havana Cuban Boys 3 Tones Jerry Brandow Club 72 Paula Watson Three Peppers Club Echo Jayne Manners Bobby Byron Satin Dolls Grade Scott Mikki Mars Ray Sindinn Trio Bar of Music Bill Jordan Hal Fisher Beth Challis Harvey Bell Fred Thompson Flvo O’clock BeM Barth Hal Winters Don Ostro Ore Isle Do Capri Charlie Farrell Holly Warren Eleanor Luckey Charlie Carlisle Caprieian Trio Wally Hankin Ore This is the ninth time around here for the Harold Steinman show, now with the inclusive title of “Hippodrome of 1955.” encom- passing the long-established roll 1 . “Skating Vanities” with the newer novelty, “Dancing Waters.” Show carries a lot of class, color and spectacle as always, and is well sprinkled with top vaude turns, as also has been the Steinman cus- tom. This one shapes up with its predecessors in most respects, with at least three outstanding produc- tion numbers and the water-spray novelty more integrated into the show. With the top held to $2.50, the 135-minute spec gives full value. After a “Hit Parade” opening production and “Teddy Bears Pic- nic” as entry appealing to the juves, the “Dancing Waters” is brought in as a featured produc- tion number on its own. The vari- ations are fully displayed, and thereafter the "Waters,” with some excellent lighting, is used as back- ground for the show, an unusually good effect. Nancy Lee Parker has her first inning of smooth solo skating midway in the first act. Outstanding trapeze work is shown by Rhoda Bailey of Dalton & Bailey, one of the few femmes making a comedy bit out of her high flying skill. Also in the first act is the impressions session of Barry Clark and Larry Knight, who also handle m.c. chores, and throughout the proceedings are the two Remos Toy Boys, dancing and clowning in the production num- bers. “Indian Summer” produc- tion closing the first act is an es- pecially well-done combination of color, rhythm and skating. Second stanza, of somewhat shorter duration but livelier pace, "kicks off with “Mambo Wedding,” which is a frenzied, bellshaking workout for the entire cast. Mid- way is “Merry Widow Waltz” as a vehicle to feature Miss Parker and Johnny Williams in duo skating. Finale is a brief “Patriotic Mood,” with all hands joining in and cus- tomers singing their way out. Spotted between production num- bers are A1 Gordon and his “do- nothing” dogs, and a new trio of acrobalancers brought over from Europe, the Trio Olympiads. Three lads are excellent in their balanc- ing and tableau work, and draw a deserved hand. Show is another successful entry in the Steinman manner. Quin. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Flamingo Ka.v Star Alan King Sllvor Slipper Sally Rand Buddy Baer Kalantan Ilank Henry Datart inn L Walters’ L Q Rev Sahara Marlene Dietrich Last Frontlar Dorothy Shay Shecky Greena * Cl Cortaz Rowan & Martin Vicki Young Golden Nugget Gas Lights & Pink Tights Sands Vic Damone Louis Jordan El Rancho Vtgas Sherry Britton A1 Bernie Barry Sisters Thundorblrd Lecuona Boys Choir Saharo Mae West RENO Mapos Skyroom Buddy Lester Continentals Don Arden Skylets E Fitzpatrick Ore New Golden Romaine Brown A the Romaincs Lorry Logan Rowan St Martin W’lU Osborne Ore Road Compares Continued from page 1 holdovers from last season that closed but didn't go out on tour include “By the Beautiful Sea,” “Girl in Pink Tights,” “Golden Apple,” “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac,” King of Hearts,” “Oy- dine,” “Remarkable Mr. Penny- packer” and “Sabrina Fair.” During the past few weeks road grosses have been exceptionally bullish, with a large number of tryouts one of the factors. Playing weeks as of Dec. 4 tytaled 412, or 52 more than for that period last season. As was the case with the gross take, figure was on a par with the top tallies of the past five seasons, but was 156 weeks below the totaled scored for the same period in '48-'49. For the first 27 weeks of the season (through the week ended Dec. 4) the comparative gross totals for the road for the last seven seasons have been as follows: Season Total Gross 1948- 49 • $11,674,500 1949- 50 8,800,100 1950- 51 10.375,200 1951- 52 8,917,200 1952- 53 10,694,200 1953- 54 8,243,900 1954- 55 10,108,400 For the same 27 weeks, the com- parative number of road playing weeks for the last seven seasons have been as follows: 1948-49 1949-50 409 1950-51 456 1951-52 1952-53 426 1953-54 360 ’ 1954-55 412 Olympic Films Continued from pagf 2 cerned, films were controlled by the Finnish organizing committee, which wanted $100,000 for U. S. showing. However, no U. S. source was willing tb fork out that much loot, and the pic went unseen. Bingham stated that even though Finland officially lost film control last year, it was a long pull even getting a few prints over here for limited college and club showings. Last month (November) Finland, finally gave two prints of the two- hour coverage to the U. S. Olym- pic Committee at a cost of $900. For the moment, Bingham was hap- py — that is, until he found the prints to be defective. Now he wants two others before he puts his cash on the line. Helsinki's fighting it. With the '56 Olympics in Aus- tralia coming closer, Bingham feels that the official Helsinki coverage will have increased commercial value. And furthermore, “Helsinki wants to limit us,” he said. “They can’t keep us from selling the mo- tion picture now; their rights ran out after a year.” With this angle to consider, it doesn’t look to ob- servers like the U. S. is going to settle for two prints for just small- time distribution. N. Y. Talent Reps Continued from pace 2 strumental in keeping theatres light this season, if not drawing much coin. These include “Getting Gertie’s Garter,” “Moon Is Blue,” “Naughty Natalie,” “Pajama Tops” and “School For Brides,” the latter having shuttered Dec. 4. “Gentle- men Prefer Blondes,” also a two- fer, closed earlier this semester. A medium-price tourer this season is the bus-and-truck company of “Oklahoma.” Other road items as of Dec. 4 were “What Every Woman Knows” and “Three For Tonight.” Former closed, but plays a short New York run soon, and the latter is due next spring. Tourers that opened and closed this season include “Saint Joan,” “Sholom Aleichem,” “Face to Face,” “Pardon My An- tenna.” “Dial M For Murder” and “My Three Angels.” Last two were originally mounted for the New York’s subway circuit and were not the original road versions. Upcoming road shows include a Coast edition of “Teahouse of the August Moon” and a second com- pany of “Pajama Game." Broadway low standards of good business procedure.” Several agents have actually pledged to join the new organiza- tion, but a temporary committee (for the 50) signed the agreement with SAG calling for contracts be- tween agents and non-exclusive artists. The reason a SAG pact was made in the East is due to the fact that the bulk of tv film com- mercials are shot here. Further- more, some vidfilm shows are be- ing lensed in the N. Y. locale. Agreement, which points the way for future dealings with AFTRA and Equity, was the result of the first meeting between East- ern franchised agents and SAG. It says that a contract be made be- tween the agent and the non-ex- clusively repped artist for indi- vidual jobs done by the artist. A second stipulation says that the agent may rep either the producer or the artist but not both. The organization of East Coast talent agents Is headed temporar- ily by He*iry C. Brown. Among those pledged to join are Robert L&ntz, Olga Lee, Miriam Howell, Peter Witt, Xucy Kroll and Gloria Safier. Incidentally, since the Eastern agents had no organization, AFTRA actually went to the Coast to ne- gotiate a deal in the recent past, so believes one of the N. Y. reps. "Without a group of our own (one of the few interests in show biz that has none) the unions handed down resolutions and we had no means of contesting them.” Botkin’s Anthology Continued from page 2 Gilbert’s "Lost Chords,” Gene Fowler’s “Schnozzola,” H. M. Alex- ander’s “Strip Tease,” Jo Hanson and Oliver Pilat’s “Sodom by the Sea,” Leo C. Rosten’s “Hollywood: the Movie Colony” and “The Strangest Places,” Oscar Lewis* “Sagebrush Casinos.’” Isaac Gold- berg’s "Tin Pan Alley,” Earl Wil- son’s “Pike’s Peek or Bust,” Alva Johnston’s “The Legendary Miz- ners” and “The Great Goldwyn.” Damon Runyon’s "Short Takes,” Evan Esar’s “The Humor of Hu- mors,” Bernard Sobel’s "Burley- cue” and from the writings of such crackerjack Gotham journalists and essayists as John Crosby, Meyer Berger, Maurice Zolotow, Cleveland Amory, Lucius Beebe, Richard Gehman, Janies A. Miche- ner, Joseph Mitchell, Robert C. Ruark, Sigmund Spaeth, Stanley Walker, the late Russell Maloney and dozens of others. The show biz reader will also re- discover many wonderful pieces on such varied subjects as ad agency lingo, bop jokes, old cir- cuses, blue laws. Bowery enter- tainment, Greenwich Village screw- ball characters, bunco steerers, burlesque bits, dancing routines, street cries of the city, dime mu- seums, saloon behavior, hoaxes, juke joints, peep stows, mardi gras, slanguage of the street, night clubs, press agents, Billy Rose and the Algonquin Round Table, George Solotaire, Weegee and Gro- ver Whalen, Winchellese and Men- cken, bawdy houses and, of course, the theme of Brooklyn and other joke towns bearing the letter K as in Hoboken, Hohokus, Skaneateles and Podunk. This bulging anthology is in in- deed an eye-popping kaleidoscopic view of the fast, highly irregular beat of the city. Blame Exhibs Continued from pate s prompted by the remarks of Pat McGee, official of Theatre Owners of America and a Denver circuit operator. Speaking before the South Dakota Exhibitors Assn, last week, McGee said “no company now in production has a continuing program for the development of r.cw personalities." He charged that the studios wait for “someone else to take a chance on a young personality in the hope that when he has been developed, they can borrow him when they have a suit- able role. There are dozens of youngsters in California who could be developed into stars if produ- cers would only make the effort.” He said that by the very policy of fewer but bigger pictures, with no willingness to risk featuring a young but capable player, film com- panies are making themselves vie* tims of the policy of which they have made exhibitors the victim. “As the stars get older and retire, without suitable replacements be- ing trained,” McGee said, “salaries of those who remain are naturally forced up by spirited bidding for their services, in which the agents for the stars take full advantage.** The higher the salaries, accord- ing to McGee, the less the stars want to work because of high in- come taxes, and “thus you see the results of the fewer but bigger pictures policy, all of which raises costs which in turn force higher film rentals.” Despite this situation, McGee maintained that “we see a few newcomers rising to stardom. You see Grace Kelly, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson, .and others like them com- ing to the fore. Just think what would happen if a determined ef- fort were made to develop new personalities, thus widening pro- duct! jn possibilities.” Gandhi Biopic Continued from page 1 Gandhi in the pic which will be made In one of the widescreen processes, likely Cinemascope. Preminger said the theme of the film would necessarily revolve around the "life of Gandhi per se, who was assassinated in 1948, but rather the effects of his teachings and the course of the “bloodless revolution” In India. While on the Coast, Preminger will discuss with 20th a possible production proj- ect. Under his contract with the studio, he is committed to make one film a year for 20th. He is also working on a play. uvilnfday, Pwml^r 15, 1954 LEGITIMATE 63 Roger (12-Show) Stevens' Own Coin Only in Hard-to-Finance Plays Roger L. Stevens is practically a f ,-eit production factory. Probably not in modern theatrical history h,s a single individual been ac- vely involved in so many shows. Having been partnered in the nroduction of nine shows last sea- ),» ic involved in 12 thus far son he is involved ihis season and already has seven productions scheduled for the 1955-56 stanza. The figures for this seaS on and next are- by no means final, since Stevens is a man for ouick decisions and. since he has ready funds available, he can schedule a production on a couple of days’ notice. Unique angle of Stevens prolific production activity is that although he is frankly governed by potential boxoiftee considerations in the selection of shows, he appears to be not personally interested in making money in legit. Thus, if a script stacks up as a likely com- mercial hit, Stevens does not in- vest personally. But if there is difficulty raising the financing, he personally invests whatever is necessary (or raises the balance among h i s friends and business associates). Thus, he has ho personal stake In the new Playwrights Co. pro- duction of Maxwell Anderson’s ' Bad Seed,” which looked promis- ing and involved no bankrolling problem. But, to some extent be- cause he was too busy with his realty interests at that time (and as he expresses it, ‘‘too lazy”) to raise any capital himself, he per- sonally put up half of the $75,000 Investment for the Katharine Cor- nell production of Christopher Fry’s ‘‘The Dark Is Light Enough.” Stevens is the largest single in- vestor in the Phoenix Theatre, (Continued on page 67) Have Fun, Kids Managements of two thea- tres in a key road town an- nounced that they’d be dark this week and next to permit employees “to enjoy the holi- day season.” Legit attendance is traditionally lighter during the pre-Christmas period, in- cidentally. Presumably, the employees will have to do their enjoying without salary for the fort- night. Shuberts Show Odd Way of Backstage Reform With Ban on Eats n Drinks Open Year-Round Legit For Moppets & Adults A year-round children’s theatre will open Dec. 27 at the off-Broad- way Greenwich Mews Theatre, N. Y. Initial presentation will be a double bill, “A Christmas Carol,” performed by the Mews company, and a puppet version of “A Chanuka Story.” Offering will run for eight performances through Dec. 30 and will be fol- lowed by regular Saturday kiddie matinees. Eli Rill’s adaptation of Countee Cullen’s “Noah’s Ark” is skedded as the next production. As adult fare at the Mews, “In , . . , i . 11 . , Splendid Error,” which wound up 1 asslc ’ ,iad $79*459 still to be re- a seven-week run at the Green- c °nped on its $99,841 production wich Village theatre last Sunday 1 cost as of Nov. 27. Richard Halli- Tan Still Needs 79G to Recoup “Peter Pan,” the current musical version of the James M. Barrie Harry Feldman Heads New Haven Stagehands New Haven. Dec. 14. Harry Feldman, house carpenter at Shubert here, has been tffected president of Local 74, 1ATSE. Others on the new roster of the stagehands’ union are Charles Miller, vice-president; I. E. Web- ber. recording secretary; Guy Cap- ' piello, financial secretary; John 1 friendly, cooperative attitude. Miller, business agent, and Robert Watson, sergeant-at-arms. New slate will be installed next Sunday (19). <5), is scheduled to return Jan. 4 for at least four more weeks. Pressagent Denenholz A Vestpocket Backer; $54.16 Stake in ‘Seed’ Pressagent Reginald Denenholz probably has the distinction of hav- ing the smallest individual invest- ment in a current legit produc- tion. He has a $54.16 piece of “Bad Seed,” for which he’s asso- ciate to Playwrights Co. p.a. Wil- liam Fields. The Maxwell Ander- son dramatization of William March’s novel at the 46th Street Theatre, N. Y., is financed at $65,000. Other backers include William Adams, Russ Brown and Margaret Webb, all in care of Actors Fund president Walter Vincent, $650 apiece. Vincent, himself, has $6,500 in the show. Other inves- tors include Fields, $650; producer James Gardiner, $650; actor-au- thor-director Elliott Nugent, $650; his wife Norma, his daughter Bar- bara Nugent Glouchevitch, his son- in-law, legit director John Gerstad and his granddaughter Annabelle Gerstad, $650 each. Also, ABC Paramount Thea ties prez Leonard Goldenson $650; ticket broker Edward Hahn $650; theatre party agent Ivy Lar ric, $650; tv producer Max Lieb man, $650; Robert Weiner, assist ant to pressagent Arthur Cantor, $650; Norman S. Maibaum, auditor for the Playwrights and one of the operators of Theatre-Goers, Inc., $1,300; Morris Schrier, attorney pepping Music Corp. of America, $1,300; Irwin D. Wolf, president of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, $1,300; theatrical attorney Joseph R. Margulies, $2,600, and A. R. Glancy Jr., a realty associate ot producer-realtor Roger L. Stev- ens. $7,800. Limited partnership agreement Provides for 20% overcall. ‘FACES’ EARNED $33,038 ON 134G INVESTMENT Leslie Stevens, Script Machine See Legit Boom In Home-Toll TV Another obstacle to the presen- tation of Broadway legit shows via theatre tv has been surmounted, according to Box Office Television. The closed-circuit outfit says it has completed working arrangements Leslie Stevens is apparently the I Edwin Lester produced the show. I with “all 26 unions” involved in day presentation, starring Mary Martin (Mrs. Halliday) earned op- erating profits of $3,446 and $3,- 109, respectively, on grosses of ap- proximately $53,300 and $51,100 for the two weeks ended Nov. 27. The statement lists $119,841 to- tal production cost, less $20,000 al- lowance from the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Assn., for which busiest author in sho'w business, i Included in the production outlay Having bowed professionally only i $11,396 tor scenery, $7,905 for a year ago with the off-Broadwav I cos tumes, $25,000 option on the , , a. M ...... J 1 _ 1 Ain P . . Bullfight.” the playwright now has four scripts scheduled for pro- duction. In addition, a filmization of “Bullfight” is slated by an inde- pendent company. Also, a touring. including $14 925 trans- edition of the play is understood 1 n e ’ intluam 8 $14,925 tians original Barrie play, $2,010 for mu- sic and incidental music, $24,265 j rehearsal expense, including $2,464 ; to the principals and $1,517 to the chorus. Also $12,059 for publicity and advertising, and $37,206 other | to be a possibility under the spon sorship of Jay Lurye, midwest the atre operator. Of the quartet of plays on Stev- ens’ completed list, two are set for Broadway, while the other two are due for strawhat next summer. Pair set for Main Stem production are “Champagne Complex” and “Marlowe.” Former was tried out last sum- mer at the Bucks County Play- house, New Hope, Pa. It has been substantially revised and is sched- uled for Broadway presentation, probably in February, with Gayle Stine as producer and Donald Cook as star. “Marlowe,” under option to the Playwrights Co., is slated for production next fall. Plays to get summer stock show- ings are “Between Us Folks” and “Good Florantine.” Although no contracts have been signed, the former script is slated for Bucks County, while latter is skedded for portation, $4,116 transfer and ex- pressage, $11,271 per diem allow- ance and $4,149 music arrange- ments and copying. For the show’s first six weeks on Broadway the operating profit putting on a Broadway presenta- tion. The finalizing of these deals, ac- cording to BOTV’s Edgar Rosen- berg. paves the w r ay for negoti- ations with Broadway producers. “Now r we know what it’s going to cost.” he said. The BOTV staffer said his company is eyeing all shows to which the film rights have not been sold. Picture companies which have acquired rights to plays have nixed theatre telecast- ing of the properties. Rosenberg said BOTV would seek to make deals for the closed-circuiting of totalled $16,382, including $1,378 ' show s before their Broadway open- loss for the four-performance first week. There was $4,000 additional revenue from the advance on sou- venir program royalties. On the basis of the operating profit for the final weeks covered by the statement the production will need to run through next May 14 to get into the black. It was (Continued on page 67) ‘Fortuna’ to Stevens “Fortuna,” by Lucille S. Pruinbs. has been acquired by Roger L. Stevens for Broadway produc- tion, probably this season. There has been no decision wheth- er the script will be assigned to .. _ T , , , , . the Playwrights Co. or Producers the Hilltop Theatre, Lutherville, Theatre, in both of which Stevens Md. Besides those four plays, Stevens also has another finished script. "Hilda,” a new adaptation of Ib- sen’s “The Master Builder.” is a member. Miss Prumbs’ previous Broad- way efforts were “Five Alarm Waltz” (1940-41) and “I’ll Take the High Road” (1943-44). ings because “if they become smash hits, the price becomes pro- hibitive.” In another sought-after link be- tween legit and toll-tv. Zenith Ra- dio Corp. called Broadway’s lead- ing producers to a symposium on home subscription tv at Sardi’s N. Y., last week. Herman Levin, prexy of the League of N. Y. The- atres, felt that pay-as-you-see tv could be a tremendous stimulant to the theatre. He outlined the potential return to the theatre, both in financial terms and terms of increased interest, which might result from, allowing the televising of first nights of certain N. Y productions on a fee-tv basis. - ♦ Whether the Shuberts intend to cooperate in efforts to improve backstage conditions in Broadway theatres remains to be seen. In the meantime, however. J. J. Shu- bert has taken what is viewed as an indirect slap at actor agitation for the reforms. A Shubert representative made the rounds of Broadway houses last week with members of an Ac- tors Equity-League of N. Y. Thea- committee and showed a But the day following the second tour of inspection, a notice was posted backstage at all Shubert theatres in New York, forbidding anyone from bringing food, coffee or other refreshments into the premises. Shubert’s name was appended to the order. There was considerable confu- sion and speculation about the no- tice. Inquiries at the Shubert of- fice reportedly drew non-committal replies, and there was no indica- tion whether the incident was re- lated to the Equity-League commit- tee activity. At most theatres the signs soon disappeared. Degree of compliance with the order varied at different houses, but it was noted that no attempt was made to halt the sale of soft drinks to the public in the front of the theatres. Latter op- eration is on concession from the theatre owner, which receives a share of the proceeds. It’s expected that the order will be ignored within a week or so and forgotten within a matter of months. Coffee during rehearsals is a tradition of legit. As for the age-old custom of stars having their dinners served in their dress- ing rooms on matinee days, there’s (Continued on page 66) Betsy Sees Reporters As Beans, Sez J. Dalrymple, Explaining Bad Press Betsy von Furstenburg is “a glamorous actress of the old school who has been plagued by a bad press because she insists on treat- ing reporters as prospective beaus and refuses to talk to them if they fail to measure up to her personal qualifications," according to Jean Dalrymple. The producer-pressagent made the statement during a recent lec- ture appearance before the wo- men’s club of Ridgewood, N.J. Among her various activities. Miss Dalrymple is director of the drama v Ralph Bellamy, prexy of Actors’ \ department of the N. Y. City Cen Equity, is another andent sup- porter of toll-tv for the legit the- atre. Although unable to attend the Sardi session, Bellamy has been pitching the medium in inter- views and magazine articles. New Faces of 1952,” the re- cent edition of the Leonard Sill- nian revue series, earned $33,038 Profit on its $134,000 investment. J nat includes revenue to date from the fi] m version of the show. With the recent payment of a $4,020 dividend, the total distrib- nted profit on the venture is $30,- wo . thus far, with $2,218 balance Available for future distribution. L)e show played 10 months on Hr oadway and about a season on tour. OUT SOON . The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 154 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 21 4311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Av*. LONDON. W. C. 2 I St. Martia't Place Trafalgar Square ter, in whose coming play series Miss von -Furstenburg is slated to appear in support of Helen Hayes in “What Every Woman Knows." Among other things, Miss Dal- rymple told the clubwomen that Miss Hayes had refused to do “Vic- toria Regina” at the Center be- cause “she feels she’s too old to play the early scenes,” that Bar- bara Bel Geddes’ “well-scrubbed look” was responsible for the re- cent failure of “The Living Room” and that Tallulah Bankhead “must have had her face lifted to make her look so young” in “Dear Charles.” She concluded with the state- ment that Saroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” and Wilder’s “Our Town” are the finest American plays ever written, and read the latter drama’s final scene aloud to explain how it had changed her at- titude toward life. Talk was re- ported in the Bergen (N.J.) Evening Record. ‘11:45 REVUE’ ON COAST; TO PLAY GUESS WHEN Hollywood, Dec. 14. A new intimate show, “11:45 Re- vue,” opens Friday night (17) at the Ivas Theatre, at the pre-mid- night hour indicated by the title. Show will play a similar schedule nightly, with a “matinee” at 8:45 p.m. Saturdays. Ray Bourbon, local cafe satirist, will headline a cast that includes Barbara Syaples and Dick Mere- dith. James Barnhardt and Peter Saporito will produce with material by Biff Jones and Chuck Stevens, and special material for Bourbon by Steve Goodman. Producers plan a San Francisco run after the local stand, and a possible Broadway j trek. 64 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Equity Sets Rates for ‘Readings/ So New School Folds Name Series A program of dramatic readings f at the New School of Social Re- 1 search. N.Y., has been cancelled ! following intervention by Actors J Equity. Union recently decided to , exercise jurisdiction over the se- i ries, which used professional actors. Equity is demanding that ! participants in such programs be i , paid a minimum of $30 per per- j formance and $5 for a rehearsal ( week. Readings were offered at the New School as part of the curricu- j lum. Actor-director John Helda- brand was coordinator of the | series, which began last year and j initially comprised about a half- dozen readings. Current program began Nov. 7 and was scheduled to run through Feb. 13, taking in seven readings. Project was cut short last Sun- day (12) after the fourth presenta- tion. Offered on a bi-weekly basis, productions were given one-shot show casings Sundays. School claims it can’t meet Equity’s salary demand as it’s al- ready functioning at a deficit of one-third of its budget. Prior to the union’s move-in, the cast shared in two-thirds of the coin taken in for the production in which it appeared. Tab was $14 for admittance to the entire series, or $2 for each performance. Coin will be returned to those who pur- chased tickets for the entire program. Actors who’ve appeared at the Greenwich Village school so far this semester include Maggie Mc- Namara, Arnold Moss, Alexander Scourby, Darren McGavin and William Redfield in “Measure for Measure”; Blanche Yurka, Helen Gahagan Douglas, Olive Deering, Russel Hicks, Dennis Hoey and Basil L a n g t o n in “Family Re- union”; Uta Hagen, Philip Bour- neuf, Whitford Kane, Barry Ma- collum, E. G. Marshall, Sanford Mcisner and Scourby in “Doctor’s Dilemma” and Geraldine Page in * Hedda Gabler.” An attempt to get Equity to modify its demand is being made by the school. Atlanta Muny Extends To 8-Week Summer Sked Atlanta, Dec. 14. Municipal Theatre Under-the- Slars is expanding its season to eight weeks for 1955, but will again present six shows as it did last summer. Padding out the run will be a two-week stand of the open- ing production, “Showboat,” and a similar run of the closer, “Annie Get Your Gun.” Other musicals skedded are “Call Me Madam,” “Vagabond King,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Stu- dent Prince.” Theatre Under-the- Stars presents its shows in the 7.500-seat, city-owned amphithea- tre at Chastain Memorial Park. In a bid for Christmas trade, the proj- ect is selling gift certificate sub- scriptions at 10% reduction. M. B. (Brocno) Seltzer, is presi- dent of the nonprofit organization, and Nancy McLarty is public rela- tion director. Eric Mattson is producer-director. Baseball-Mad Milw’kee Playwrights Yank Out 1st Row at ‘Seed’ Preem In Last-Minute Rush After some frantic last-minute scrambling last Wednesday (8). the Playwrights Co. arranged to have the entire first row of orchestra seats in the 46th Street Theatre, N.Y.. removed in time for the opening performance of “The Bad Seed.” Members of the cast had complained that the audience, sitting so close to the stage, made them self-conscious during pre- views. Situation arose when Roger L. Stevens, a Playwrights member, telephoned Nancy Kelly, star of the Maxwell Anderson play, on the morning of the premiere. They agreed that the final preview per- formance, the previous night, had not gone well, and the actress ex- plained how the too-close audience had unnerved the cast. Now Agog With Plans For Own Pro Legitery Milwaukee, Dec. 14. Milwaukee, already daffy over baseball for the past two seasons, is now doing a flip at the pros- pect of getting its own profes- sional theatre. A. $115,000 fund- raising drive for the project is expected to result in over *3,000 donations, with practically the full amount already contributed. Theatre, tagged the City Circle, is being converted from a film house at a cost of over $25,000. Arena-style spot will seat 300 and will be operated as a non-profit venture by Drama, Inc. Trustees include Ray McCallum, ! co-producer of the Broadway pro- duction of “At War With the Army” in 1949, and Dori Hcrsh. | former Chicago tv producer now acting head of the -drama depart- ment of Milwaukee-Downer col- lege. Another trustee is Mrs. Mary John, sparkplug of the Circle proj- ect. She’s had previous legit ex- perience, having worked in New j York on the staff of producers ! Paula Stone and Michael Sloane : and also as assistant Bretaigne Windust on the direction of “Car- nival in Flanders.” Circle is scheduled to begin a 20-week season Jan. 25, presenting 10 plays each for two weeks. Sub- sequent seasons are planned to run for 40 weeks. Resident Equity company will be employed, with guest stars. Contributions for the founding of the theatre range from 50c to $5,000 and include such donors as the Milwaukee Journal, which gave $2,500. Besides the large number of financial contributors, more than 800 townspeople have been active in soliciting funds. In addition, office space, blue- printing of alterations, construc- tion, plumbing and secretarial aid were all provided cuffo or at a minimum fee. In one instance, a window cleaner offered to provide free service for the first year of operation. Stevens promised to try to rem- edy the situation. Although he an- ticipated that, with the house com- pletely sold out and only a few hours remaining before curtain time, there’d be little chance of having the front row of seats un- occupied. he asked Victor Sam- rock, Playwrights general man- ager, to see what could be done. On reaching the theatre before the premiere. Stevens was surpris- ed to discover that not only was the front row empty, but the seats themselves had been removed. Ordinarily, such a move would have been impossible, but it turn- ed out that virtually the entire first row r had been assigned to Play- wrights Co. personnel, relatives and friends. Samrock had man- aged to get some ticket holders other locations, had arranged standing room for others, and per- suaded the rest to see the plasi another night. Louis A. Lotito, president of City Playhouses. Inc., which operates the theatre, had rushed the work of taking out the heavy divan-type seats. Those associated with the pro- duction agreed that the premiere performance of “Seed" w‘as the smoothest and most effective to date. Soothing Influence Like practically all experi- enced actors, Nancy Kelly is always subject to nerves just before a performance, a con- dition that becomes acute on opening nights. She was par- ticularly jittery just before curtain time at the premiere last Wednesday <8> of “The Bad Seed,” in which she’s starred. She was standing in the wings, talking to director Reginald Denham and trying to control her feelings of panic, when moppet actress Patty McCormick, making her initial stage appearance in a featured role in the drama, strolled over and inquired casually, “Mr. Denham, is this the open- ing night or another preview?” Inside Stuff-Legit In a recent Sunday column deploring the state of Chicago legit, Claudia Cassidy, drama critic of the Chicago Tribune, finally got around to suggesting a remedy of sorts. “In the overall picture,” she concluded the piece, “what can we do? We can have a firstrate rep- ertory theatre, which would help. But w'hen it comes to the best of Broadway, Paris, London and the rest of it, how about this for a sug- gestion? You know that sometimes when a Broadway show has run its course, another management takes over the physical production, re- cruits a cheaper cast, and sends it touring? Or, as in the case of ‘The Teahouse of the August Moon,’ reputable folk like Lindsay and Crouse finally acquire touring rights and put in a Burgess Meredith as Sakini? Then how about this? “Suppose we had a front-rank producer or two who could duplicate a worthwhile show for us, not at the end but at the beginning of its New York run? Suppose W'e had a guarantee fund to encourage just such firstclass theatre — not just the slick hits but the brilliant fail- ures, too. Suppose we catered to ourselves lor a change, in theatres as in music. It might even pay off. I do hate to answer that tele- phone and tell friends as stagestruck as myself that they had better go to the movies.” Richard Watts Jr., W'hose review of “Wedding Breakfast” was rated “inconclusive” by Variety, subsequently commented on such tabula- tions. He wrote, “This baffled description, of course, means that the reviewers have tried to explain in their notices the complicated pat- tern of good and bad in the new plays, instead of seeing things in terms of sheer praise or complete blame.” He then offered a sort of no-yes-no summary of his “Breakfast” reaction, concluding, “My im- pression is that the bad outweighs the good, but the good sections are so engaging that I hope the popular verdict reverses me, even though I think I am critically accurate about the play.” That apparently adds up to a pan. Les Thomas, company manager of the touring “Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” is painting a series of water colors, which he calls “America from a Hotel Window,” in the various towns the show plays. In each case, he depicts the view from his hotel room, with few' exceptions a grubby outlook of old factories, rooftops and untidy sidestreets of the older, downtown sections of industrial cities. Paintings are miniatures, about 6x8 inches, and constitute a return to a boyhood hobby for Thomas. He says the project gives him a continuing interest during the split-week and one-night jumps of the tour. He’s had an offer of an exhibit of the series when he returns to his home on the Coast when the “Caine” tour is completed. Helen Hayes grossed a total of just under $40,000 for' her engage- ment, ending Dec. 4, in “What Every Woman Knows,” at the Metro- politan, Seattle. Revival drew $11,600 for the first three performances, Nov. 26-27, and added over $28,300 for the final eight performances, Nov. 29-Dec. 4. The 1,500-seat house was scaled to a $5 top, but The- atre Guild-American Theatre Society subscription commission reduced the show’s share (and the gross) to the quoted figures. The engage- ment ended the show’s Coast tour. Miss Hayes will star in the revival again, however, at the N. Y. City Center for two weeks beginning next Wednesday night (22). She’ll also close the Center’s winter drama season with a revival of “Wisteria Trees,” Feb. 2-13. Strawhat producer Paul Marlin, arrested on a morals charge last summer at the Chagrin Falls (O. ) Theatre, was acquitted last week when prospective prosecution witnesses, police officers, failed to ap- pear against him and co-defendant Richard Spears, a local resident. Presiding judge at the hearing recommended action against the miss- ing policemen. Marlin and co-producer William Van Sleet had a lease on the Chagrin Falls barn for two more seasons, but the deal was cancelled after the charges were filed against Marlin. Legit Bits Ditafr* Historian Bernard Sokel back from a year abroad ravaals [ soma dosoaps on Outdoor Paris Shows * * * a bright bylina piece In the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number * USkieTt DUE SOON Paris Readies For Xmas Trade Paris, Dec. 14. Paris legit producers are making j frantic, last-minute preparations to greet Christmas holiday patrons in a big fashion. Xmas usually sees an influx of tourists both from provinces and abroad and all is be- ing done to lure them to theatres. Semi-clicks and near-flops are be- ing quickly yanked, with promising replacements put in so that all 70 of the city’s houses will be lighted by Yuletide. Among recent departures were Ballets of Marquis de Cuevas, winding up a profitable tw'o-month stay at the Sarah Bernhardt and “Porgy and Bess,” after 10 weeks at the Empire. Cuevas troupe is now off to tour the continent and North Africa and “Porgy” next goes to Bucharest. Doing return stint here, the latter showed strong j drawing power but heavy overhead made it imperative for show' to , sell out all performances. This proved impossible. Empire reopens with double-bill of Gluck’s opera, “Orphee,” and new opera-ballet, “Armida,” by Maurice Jarre, Dec. 21. The Sarah Bernhardt gets Marcel Ayme’s adaptation of Arthur Miller’s “Cru- cible” on Dec. 16. “White Horse Inn” finishes a year-long revival run at Chatelet Dec. 15. The new Francis Lopez operetta, “The Golden Fleece,” based on a Pierre Benoit novel, will take over Dec. 18. The Chate- let director, Maurice Lehmann, w’ho doubles as director of two state- angeled opera houses, Opera and Opera-Comique, will be presenting his own new' staging of Mozart’s "Magic Flute” at the Opera Christ- mas week. Several New Legit Shows Week’s preems include the long- awaited Henri de Montherlant drama, “Port Royal,” at Comedie Francaise’s Salle Luxembourg; Thierry Maulnier’s dramatization of Andre Malraux’s novel, "La Condition Humaine” (Man’s Fate), at Hebertot, and “Seigneur de San-Gor,” by Gloria Alcorta, at Theatre des Arts. Italian mario- I nette company, Piccoli de Po- ! drecea, went into Theatre des : Champs-Elysees. Casino de Paris has a solid hit with its new revue, "Sensations de Paris,” which bowed Dec. 1. The intimate Potinere has relighted j with “Lovers of Stresa,” light com- edy by Albert Sablons while The- atre de Paris has a detective I comedy, “The Affair Concerns You,” by Jean-Pierre Conty, with Jacques Dumesnil and Jacqueline Porel. Offbeat houses are also busy with plans to attract Xmas visitors. Noctambules reopened with a twin-bill of Paul Green’s “No- Account Boy” and Yves Jamiaques’ dramatic poem about race prob- lems in Dixie, “Negro Spiritual.” Herb Rogers Reopening Jan. 11 at Palm Springs Palm Springs, Dec. 14. Producer Herb Rogers will operate the Palm Springs Play- house for its sixth season, opening Jan. 11. Initial bill for the resi- dent company and stars will be “My 3 Angels.” Bulk of the com- pany is recruited from New York. Staff includes Michael Ferrall, director; Paul Kelvyn, stage man- ager, and Joan Babcock, produc- tion manager. Production sked in- cludes two original scripts. Rogers, incidentally, also runs the Tent- house Theatre, summer stock in Highland Park, 111. Hermit Bloomgardcn, interview- ed last week bv George Hamilton Coombs over WABC, New York, told listeners that his primary motive in producing the serious sort of plays he does is his own artistic satisfaction. He prefers boxoffice success to failure, he ex- plained, but the financial angle is secondary . . . Ross Stewart, house manager of the Royale, N. Y., is taking a leave of -absence to be company manage^* of “Tonight in Samarkand.” \ Floyd Worthington and William Kaye plan production of a musical, “Blue Grass.” with score by Irving Schlein and book and lyrics by Kaye, and with Worthington as leading singer. It’s currently being auditioned for backers . . . Pro- ducer-manager Morton Gottlieb, discharged from the hospital last week after an attack of pneumonia, leaves Monday (20) for a week’s Florida convalescence. Judy Roberts, daughter of Don Roberts. Chicago manager of the American Broadcasting Co., played the femme lead last week in a production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” at the Vassal’ College Experimental Theatre . . . Howard Hoyt, talent agent and co-producer of the proposed musical, “Ankles Aweigh,” was recently hospitalized with a face infection, but held production confabs in the sick room. Les Thomas, company manager of the touring edition of "Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” planes to the Coast immediately after next Saturday night's (18) performance in Norfolk and after spending the holidays with his family, while the show take a week’s layoff. He’ll plane back in time for the reopen- ing Dec. 27 in Wilmington . . . Add quotes: Columnist Frank Farrell in the N. Y. World-Telegram, Dec. 9. “Nancy Kelly proved last night in ‘The Bad Seed’ that she is the greatest actress to tread the Arner- 1 ican stage since Helen Hayes first walked on.” Although a program note stated that Raoul Pene duBois did not design the costumes for Enid Markey, Avon Long and Emory Richardson in “Mrs. Patterson,” it was included in the minor produc- tion credits instead of on the initial billboarding page of the Playbill, and several reviews panned him for the costumes, including those he hadn’t designed . . . Out-of-town critics catching the Broadway shows last week included John Rosenfield, of the Dallas News; Virgil Miers, of the Dallas Times Herald, and Boyd Martin, the lat- tef shepherding a show train con- tingent for the Louisville Courier- Journal. Florida Friebus won the $250 first prize. Arthur Kingsley the $150 second prize and John Buck- waiter the $100 third prize In the essay contest, open to professional actors, on the subject. “Why the U. S. Needs the UN.” John Golden was chairman of the committee and Mrs. Robert F. Wagner, wife of the Mayor of New York City, was co-chairman and awarded the prizes . . . Thomas Chalmers, who was mentioned by a couple of the New York critics as being “in- audible” opening night of “The Bad Seed,” had lost his dental plate, but recovered it and was back in properly resonant form the following night. Staff for “Southwest Corner” includes Chandos Sweet, general manager; Robert Pryor, stage man- ager; Bette Simone, assistant stage manager and Lewis Harmon, press- agent . . . James Geld and Richard Baldridge are production stage manager and stage manager, re- spectively, for “Festival” . . . Charles Bowden and Richard Barr have relinquished their option on “Shoemaker’s Children.” “Time Out for Ginger” made an approximate $3,000 profit at the Biltmore Theatre, L.A., during its two-week run, which ended Dec. 4 . . . Actress Dodie McLean back in New York after six years as Army Entertainment Director of all shows touring the Orient. Wednesday, Decenilier 15, 1954 LEGITIMATE 65 Philly Still Zippy; Anastasia’ $15,000, ‘SI’ 53'/ 2 G, House’ 32G, ‘Susan’ 15G Philadelphia, Dec. 14. Despite the expected pre-Christ- n>as slump, legit continued at re- cord December attendance. Two productions extended runs. “House of Flowers,” at the Erlanger, added a fifth week through Dec. 25. “Black-Eyed Susan,” at the Locust, tacked on a fourth sesh at reduced nrices and holds through Dec. 25. P Cole Porter tuner, “Silk Stock- ings ” continues at capacity. “Caine Mutiny Court Martial” return didn't match SRO status of initial production here, but was still plenty strong. Future bookings include Dec. 27, “Grand Prize,” Locust, tryout, two weeks, and Blackstone the Magi- cian, Erlanger, one week; Jan. 3, “Tea and Sympathy,” Forrest, sub- scription, three weeks; “Plain and Fancy.” Shubert. two weeks, try- out; Jan. 11, “Desperate Hours,” Locust, tryout, two weeks; Jan. 24, Jose Greco, Forrest, one week; Jan. 31, “Bus Stop,” Walnut, tryout, two weeks. Estimates for Last Week Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Academy of Music n this week in an effort to make • He Eva Gabor starrer acceptable on Broadway. ‘Itch’ $27,000 in Split Toledo, Dec. 14. Seven Year Itch,” starring f udie Bracken, played the Para- here last Friday-Saturday * 1 1-12), getting over $15,300 for the three performances. Show took in over $11,700 ear- l* er ^ the week in tw’o stands split between the Keith, Grand Rapids, and the Palace, South Bend. Anastasia (tryout) (Viveca Lind- fors, Eugenie Leontovitch) — Wal- nut St., Philly (13-18); Plymouth, Boston (20-25) (Review-ed in Variety, Dec. 8, *54). Black-Eyed Susan (tryout) (Vin- cent Price) — Locust St., Philly <13- 18) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 17, ’54). Caine Mutiny Court Martial ! (Paul Douglas, Wendell Corey, | Steve Brodie) — War Memorial Aud.. Trenton (13); Mosque, Rich- mond (14); Univ. Aud., Charlottes- ville, Va. (15); Muny Aud., Norfolk (16-18). Dark Is Light Enough (tryout) (Katharine Cornell, Tyrone Power) — Cass, Detroit (13-18); Hanna, Cleveland (20-25) (Reviewed in Variety, Dec. 1, ’54). Festival (tryout) (Paul Henried) — Colonial, Boston (25). Fifth Season (Chester Morris, Joseph Buloff) — Erlanger, Chi (13- 25). Flowering Peach (tryout) ; Shu- bert. Detroit (20-25). Pajama Tops (Diana Barrymore) — Blackstone, Chi (13-25). Plain and Fancy (tryout) — Shu- bert, New Haven (13-18); Shubert, Boston (20-25) (Reviewed in Variety this week). ' Portrait of a Lady (Jennifer Jones) (tryout) — Ford’s, Balto (13- 18) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov. 17, ’54). Sailor’s Delight (Eva Gabor) (tryout) — Hartford, L.A. (13-18) (Reviewed in Variety, Nov, ’54). Seven Year Itch (Eddie Bracken) — Colonial. Akron (13-14); Shea’s.) Erie (15-16); Aud., Rochester <17- 18). Silk Stockings (Ilildegarde Neff, Don Ameche) (tryout) — Shubert, Philly (13-25) (Reviewed in Variety, Dec. 1. ’54). South Pacific (Iva Withers. Alan Gerrard) — Forrest, Philly (13-25). Southwest Corner (tryout) (Eva Le Gallienne) — Shubert, ' New Haven (23-25). Tea and Sympathy (Deborah Kerr) — Nixon. Pitt (13-18). Teahouse of the August Moon (Burgess Meredith. Scott McKay) — Hartman, Columbus (13-18); American, St. Louis (20-25). Three for Tonight (Marge and Gower Champion, Harry Belafonte) (tryout) — Muny Aud., Beaumont, Texas (13); Texas A. &i M. Gym, College Station (14); Aud., Austin (15); Aud., San Antonio (16); Aud., Corpus ChriSti (17); Music Ilall, Houston (18) (Reviewed in Vaude section of Variety, Nov. 3, ’54). Time Out for Ginger (Melvyn Douglas)— Curran, S. F. <13-25). Wonderful Town (Carol Chan- ning) — National, Wash. (13-25). ‘Season’ $17,900 Beflamy $16,900, ‘King’ $49,700, Chi Chicago, Dec. 14. The four Loop legit shows were somewhat affected by the expected pre-Xmas slump last w-eek. Ebb was slight, however. Both “King and I” and “Fifth Season” are building a hefty advance for Janu- ary. There are no definite bookings at the moment for the first two months of the new year. Estimates for Last Week Fifth Season, Erlanger (4th wk) ($4; 1,300) (Chester Morris, Joseph Buloff). Almost $17,900 (previous week, $19,600). King and I, Shubert (3d wk) ($5; 2,100) (Yul Brynner, Patricia Morison). Nearly $49,700 (previous w'eek, $51,400). Oh Men, Oh Women, Harris (1st wk) ($5; 1,000) (Ralph Bellamy). Topped $16,900 for first full week, with the favorable notices and the Bellamy and Peggy Cass names a b.o. help. Pajama Tops, Blackstone (2d wk) ($4.40; 1.358) (Diana Barrymore). Edged $15,800 on twofers. Witness’ $16, ‘Peach’ 18i/ 2 G, Hub Boston, Dec. 14. There were but two legits alight here last week, and both fared okay. “Flowering Peach,” nabbed fairly good notices and did mod- erately in its first week at the Co- lonial, while “Witness for the Prosecution,” in its finale at the Plymouth, picked up slightly. Ballets Espagnols, which bowed into the Shubert last night (Mon.) for a single w'eek, is the lone new- comer this frame. A late entry for the Christmas night sweepstakes is “Models in Season,” slated for a three weeks at the Majestic, on two-for-ones. Estimates for Last Week Flowering Peach, Colonial (1st wk) ($3.85; 1,590) (Menasha Skul- nik). Pulled nice $18,500 for first week; final week is current. Witness for the Prosecution, Plymouth (2d wk) ($3.85; 1,200). Final week topped the first to nab over $16,800. Pre-Christmas slump finally hit Broadway last week. Except for the solid smashes, nearly all shows were affected. Most registered dips, but a few held even. B.o. is ex- pected to remain sluggish until the annual Christmas-New Year’s week surge. Only opening last week was “Bad Seed.” Preems this stanza are “Lunatics and Lovers,” w-hich bowed Monday (13) and “Witness for the Prosecution,” which debuts tomorrow night (Thurs.). There were no closings last week. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedy Drama), R (Revue), MC (Musical-Comedy), MD < Musi- cal-Drama), O (Opera), OP (Op- eretta). Other parenthetic designations refer, respectively, to weeks played, number of performances through last Saturday, top prices, number of scats, capacity gross and stars. Price includes 10% Federal and 5% City tax, but grosses are net: i.c., cxclttsiue of tax. Anniversary Waltz, Booth (O (36th wk; 283; $4.60; 766; $20,000) (Macdonald Carey, Kitty Carlisle). Almost $17,600 (previous week, $23,300 at larger Broadhurst). Bad Seed, 46th St. (D) (1st wk; 5; $5.75-$4.60; 1,319; $37,000) (Nancy Kelly), Opened last Wed- nesday (8) to unanimously favor- able reviews; grossed over 823,900 for first five performances and one preview. Boy Friend, Royale (MC) (11th wk; 84; $6.90; 1,172; $38,200). Over capacity again, topping $38,400. Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Plymouth (D) (47th wk; 372; $5.75- $4.60; $33,331) (Lloyd Nolan, John currently subbing for Tom Ewell who returns as star Dec. 27. Solid Gold Cadillac, Music Box (C) (58th wk; 461; $5.75-$4.60; 1,- 077; $27,811). Just under $17,700 (previous week. $20,100); lays off for a week beginning next Mon- day (20). Tea and Sympathy, Barrymore (D) (63rd wk; 501; $5.75-$4.60; 1.- 214; $28,300) (Joan Fontaine). Al- most $15,400 (previous week, $17,- 900). Teahouse of the August Moon, Beck (C) «61st wk; 492; $6.22-$4.60; 1.214; $33,608) (David Wayne, John Forsythe). Over capacity again; topped $34,000. Tender Trap, Longacre . Nearly S13.200 again. MISCELLANEOUS Sandhog, Phoenix (M) (3rd wk; 24; $4. 60- $3. 45; 1,150; $24,067). Al- most $15,000 again. OPENING THIS WEEK Lunatics and Lovers, Broadhurst (C) ($5.75-$4.60; 1,160; $29,500). Play by Sidney Kingsley, present- ed by May Kirshner; production financed at $100,000, cost about $65,000 to bring in, including ap- proximately $2,000 tryout loss, but excluding bonds, and can break even at around $17,000 gross; opened Monday (13) night to three favorable reviews (Chapman, News; Coleman, Mirror; Hawkins, World- Telegram), three negative opinions • Atkinson, Times; Kerr, Herald Tribune; McClain, Journal-Ameri- can) and one yes-no (Watts, Post), Witness for the Prosecution, Mil- Hodiak Barry Sullivan) Nearly j ,er ' D) <*5.75-$4.60; 920; $23,248). $23 200 (previous week $26 000) * l Play by A & atha Christie, presented CanV.» Shubert (M0^84th by Cllbert Miller and Petfr Saun - wk' 668' $6 90' 1361* $50 160) Al-[ ders ’ P roduc t'° n financed at $75,- mo^t S45 MO (Drelfious week 148 - °° 0 ’ cost about * 55000 "> brln * in most $45,500 ,i previous »eik, $«.- (broke about even „„ tryou „ ex _ Dear Charlea. Morosco '13th ™ d „5 ab ' V .* n OFF BROADWAY SHOWS JENNIFER LIMP $7,800 FIRST WEEK IN BALTO Baltimore, Dec. 14. First stanza of Jennifer Jones in “Portrait of a Lady” grossed a poor $7,800 at Ford’s here last week. Unfavorable reviews drew a plethora of refunds, despite an okay advance sale. Current second week will be limited to seven performances to allow sufficient time to- hang the heavy production for its New York preem next Tuesday (21). (Tallulah Bankhead). Over $19,- 200 (previous week, $23,800). Fanny, Majestic (MD) (6th wk; 44; $7.50; 1,510; $65,300) (Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak). Over ca- pacity again; topped $65,900. Kismet, Ziegfeld (OP) ( 54th wk; 428; $6.90; 1,528; $57,908) (Alfred Drake). Almost $52,200 (previous week, $53,000). Mrs. Patterson, National (D) (2d wk; 14; $6.90-$5.75; 1,172; $36,000) (Eartha Kitt). Over $32,200 (pre- vious week, $27,300 for first six performances and one preview). Pajama Game, St. James (MC) (31st wk; 244; $6.90; 1,571; $51,717) (John Raitt, Janis Paige, Eddie Foy Jr.). Capacity as always, over $52,100. Peter Pan, Winter Garden (MD) (8th wk; 61; $6.90; 1,510; $57,500) (Mary Martin). Nearly $49,200 (previous week, $52,300). Quadrille, Coronet <6th wk; 46; $6.90-$5.75-$4.60; 1,027; $30.- 000) (Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne. Edna Best, Brian Aherne). Over capacity again; topped $30,700 (previous week, $30,600). Rainmaker, Cort (7th wk; 52; $5.75-$4.60; 1,056; $29,000) . Almost $14,500 (previous week. $16,000; moves Dec. 27 to the Holiday, with “Anastasia” opening here temporarily Jan. 3, to be followed by “Grand Prize” Jan. 26. Seven Year Itch, Fulton , has the' stage offered a malevolent char- j acter to compare with the disarm- 1 ing little urchin of “The Bad Seed.” An innocent - looking. | sweetly-mannered girl on the eve of her eighth birthday, she turns | out to have been the remorseless killer of a nice old lady, and she coolly heats a schoolmate to death and makes a human torch of a hired man during the show’s two ; acts. This isn’t exactly a jolly eve- ; ning’s diversion, but it’s enthrall- ing drama. Not everyone may accept the story’s basic premise that the mop- pet’s homicidal trait, skipping a generation, is inherited from her wholesale murderess grandmother, i For contemporary psychiatric theory minimizes inherited charac- teristic and stresses environment. But even disputing the premise, j the events and circumstances of the yarn are apt to be engrossing and unnerving. The title player in this psycho- logical shocker is a blonde pig- tailed, rosy-cheeked young tele- vision actress named Patty McCor- mick, who’s going to be the talk ; of the Broadway season. She’s a bland little thing, not too pretty to be plausible, and beneath ladylike j affectation she can suggest implac- able psychotic menace. It’s a brilliant bit of casting that’s going to establish Miss McCormick as a juve name. Nancy Kelly is starred as the child’s mother, a complex role of considerable range and depth. She must suggest normal wifely and maternal love at the start, blend- ing extrovert cheerfulness with a hint of underlying worry. But as the play progresses she is horri- COMMON STOCK The Company will employ it* funds in diversitied entertainment enter- prises connected with television, motion pictures and the theatre. Pric« 50< a shara r - - « HOLLYWOOD ANGELS, INC. I • 29 Wsst 65th St., N.Y. 23, N. Y. Dept. VI! I 1 TRafaliar 4-1815 I J Send Free Offering Circular without cost. J 1 Nome J 1 r;, r Phone No. SUMMER RENTAL ! MAPLEWOOD PLAYHOUSE Maplewood, N. H. Seats 600 — Open for Inspection Phene: JUdson 6-0637 or Write 227 W. 45th St., New York City _ fied at the discovery of her own background and finally over- whelmed at the realization that the ! malignant “seed” dooms her j daughter to a career of murder. The actress gives an expertly , developed perforpiance, probably | the best of her career to date, even though the script’s denouement isn’t entirely convincing. It seems reasonable to assume, for example, that the mother would have fore- seen the flaw in her solution of the situation, and also that she would J have wanted, in fact would have ! felt obliged, to give her husband i some explanation of her action. j (Since the drama has a surprise - 1 switch ending, the tnatter cannot be discussed too specifically.! Henry Jones is excellent as the subnormal janitor (what a social comedown from his last part, an unctuous General Motors officer and hoard member in “Solid Gold Cadillac”) who intuitively recog- nizes the little girl as a fellow- psychopath. Eileen Heckart gives an expressive performance within the limited emotional range of the role of a murdered little boy’s distraught mother, although she i and director Reginald Denham un- 1 cover nothing new for the second of her two scenes. Evelyn Varden gives dimension to the character of the psycho- analysis-happy landlady who dotes on the homicidal youngster; j Thomas Chalmers is properly gruff as the moppet’s foster-grandfather , whose well-intentioned protective- ; ness in tha past contributed to the sinister situation. and John O’Hare, Joseph Holland. Lloyd Gough. Joan Croyden and Wells ; Richardson provide effective sup- ; port. Denham, whose melodrama stag- ing credits also include “Ladies in Retirement” (which he also co- authored with Edward Percy) and [ “Dial M for Murder” has supplied smoothly professional direction, for the most part, notably in the suspenseful use of an empty stage, ; and George Jenkios’ single in- terlor setting combines a sunny feeling for the bland opening scene and a subtle suggestion of ominousness for the tense, curtain- drawn climax. “The Bad Seed” is sock theatre whose boxoffice pull may be some- what limited by the horror of its story. Significantly, a few first- nighters walked out during the second act. presumably because they couldn’t take it. But most patrons will probably shudder happily and spread the gruesomely j salubrious tidings to fcllow-goose- pirtiple-addicts. Hubc. l. Dan Cupid Buddy Hackett Joe Gonz Nat Cantor Sable Wellington Sheila Bond Waiter Maurice Brenner Judge Sullivan Dennis King Desiree Vicki Cummings Will Harrison Arthur O'Connell Marian Harrison Mary Anderson Policeman James Nolan House Detective George Tyne Hotel Manager Fairfax Burgher Bellboy Maurice Brenner Bride Lynn Merrill Groom Rex Partington Bridesmaid Donna Pearson Having collected several Pulitzer and Critics Circle prizes over the years for his serious dramas, Sid* ncy Kingsley has now turned to farce. “Lunatics and Lovers.” which the author’s sister. May Kirshner. presented Monday night (13) at the Broadhurst, is not only farce, hut broad, raffish sex farce. On the thedVy that frivolous- minded diversion seekers in the big bad city probably aren’t averse to smoking-car brand jokes, j the show should do moderately well. It obviously has plenty of ; laughs (or has plenty of laughs obviously), but its backfenee style of comedy would have to be steel- wooled almost beyond recognition to be acceptable for films. As one veteran first-nighter observed. “Lunatics and Lovers” For n° show SPECIAL RATES! Bight in the heart of Philadelphia’s ^ theatrical and night club district . . • excellent facilities, spacious, homey rooms. is a sort of verbal burlesque. Avoid the word “dirty” and note merely that the show's characters are un- savory, the dialog bristles with vulgarities if not actual profanities, and the general flavor is tasteless. Add, however, that there are un- deniably funny scenes and situa- tions, plus some genuinely laugh- able lines sfattered through the knockabout shenanigans. “Lunatics and Lovers” is in gen- eral artfully cast, skillfully played and handsomely produced. Given its unprepossessing characters, locale and premise, the story is reasonably well worked out. The yarn about a drunken, lecherous judge involved with two petty hoodlums, a couple of strumpets, a philandering husband and the latter’s distraught wife suggests something of the harum-scarum quality of such vintage Broadway farces as “Three Men on a Horse” and “Room Service.” Although the talk is contemporary, the general style is traditional. Dennis King is excellent as the boozy, amorous judge and there is a priceless performance by nitery-film comic Buddy Hackett as a primitively philosophical goon, the only character written with a point of view'. The actor has a direct, driving style of play- ing slightly reminiscent of Sam Levene, and Kingsley has thought- fully cast small, earnest Nat Can- tor as a dimwit partner-in-larceny as a sort of Teddy Hart gesture a la the George Abbott farce hey- day. Vicki Cummings and Sheila Bond are suitably tough as fre- quenters of the racketeers’ nest, and film actress Mary Anderson is attractive in one of those nice- girl parts that always seem to ' baffle Kingsley. Arthur O’Connell ! is convincingly confused as the errant husband tossed around by jealous women, and there are com- petent supporting bits by James Nolan as a cop, Fairfax Burgher as an officious hotel manager and Maurice Brenner as a waiter who can adjust to unusual situations. Having presented himself with an exacting directorial assignment by providing simultaneous action in three different playing areas at various times, the author has come through with expertly paced and resourceful staging that large- j ly solves the problem. Frederick Fox has designed and lighted the production stunningly, even pro- viding a plausible looking tub at the left for Miss Bond’s appre- ciatively attended bubble-bath, the funniest moment in the show. “Lunatics and Lovers" is a likely commercial hit. But although it has plenty of comedy, it hasn’t much humor. Ho be. EatsY Drinks Continu.-d from page 63 lively interest in the trade as to whether the Shuberts will attempt 1 to prevent Mary Martin, for in- stance, from continuing that prac- tice at the Winter Garden, N. Y., where she’s starring in “Peter Pan.” Part of the order requiring that j food used onstage as part of the production be “disposed of” ini- J mediately after each performance, ! has occasioned some picturesque joking, but is actually figured to be a relatively simple matter. However, no one seriously expects stage doormen or house managers to prevent actors, technicians and other backstage personnel from bringing in coffee and occasional food. Apparent cooperative altitude of the Shuberts toward the Equity- League cleanup campaign is re- garded with cautious satisfaction | by members of the joint sanitation I and safety committee. Lawrence Shubcrt Lawrence, Jr., house j manager of the Majestic. N. Y., has ] been making the inspection rounds with committee representatives and has reportedly seemed rea- sonable and helpful. Since the withdrawal of * Shu- ! bert from the League nearly a year j ago. it had been feared that the Shuberts might resist efforts to remedy unsafe and unsanitary con- ditions backstage at their theatres. Union officials make no secret of their willingness to force such a cleanup, by boycott of individual theatres if necessary. But they strongly hope the situation can be handled amicably. Under the basic agreement be- tween Equity and the League, there is provision for joint committee effort to solve mutual problems, including backstage conditions at theatres in New York and out of town. If unsatisfactory conditions aren’t remedied by committee ef- fort. Equity has the right to take action independently. I Operating Statements PAJAMA GAME (As of Nov. 27, ’54) Original investment (repaid* $250,000 Gross, last 4 weeks 208,479 Profit, last 4 weeks 48,730 Total net profit to date 138,925 Distributed profit to date 50.000 (And additional $50,000 dividend was paid Dec. 1) Balance $ 88,925 (Includes bonds, touring production cost, cash, etc.) (Note: The Frederick Brisson, Robert Griffith & Harold' Prince pro- duction opened May 13, ’54, at the St. James, N.Y.) KING AND I (As of Oct. 30. ’54) Original investment (repaid) $ 300.000 Net profit, B’way run 745.824 Profit, last 5 weeks on tour 86,313 Total net profit to date 1,169.558 Distributed profit to date 1,000,000 Balance (including $25,000 reserve) '. $ 169,558 (Note: The Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein 2d production played 1,246 performances on Broadway and has been on tour since last March 24.) TEA AND SYMPATHY (As of Nov. 27. ’54) Original investment (repaid) $ 60,000 Gross on B’way, last 4 weeks 78,534 Profit on B’way, same period 10,894 Total net profit to date, on B’way 283,331 Production cost, touring company 33,667 Gross on tour, last 4 weeks 115,134 Operating profit on tour, same period 22,235 Touring cost to be recouped 11,431 Total net profit to date 271,900 Current dividend 20,000 Distributed profit to date 225,000 Balance, excluding bonds and $30,000 reserve $ 1,140 (Note: The Playwrights Co.-Mary K. Frank production premiered Sept. 30. ’53, at the Barrymore, N.Y., and the second company opened its tour last Nov. 5 at Asbury Park, N.J.) Equity Reviews Tnki 1 n Gianl Slop (LENOX HILL, N. Y.) Although “Take A Giant Step” received favorable critical atten- tion, public apathy to Louis Peter- son’s wise and tender play was an anomaly of the 1953-54 Broad- way season. It has been suggested that the script’s qualities might be better adapted to a smaller house. and certainly Equity Library Theatre’s revival in their Lenox Hill Sandbox has a moving intimacy. Performance credit can be shared several ways. Bill Gunn’s yearning as the adolescent Negro boy, with whose wistful adjust- ments to harsh reality the play deals, and Jacqueline Andre’s tartly compassionate grandmother, are particularly affecting. Stanley Greene’s rugged strength is well suited to the role of the boy’s well-intentioned but blunder- ing father. As a woman who helps the lad in his deep need, Rosetta LeNoire has a buoyant sympathy. Comely Lois Kibler is good as a lonely girl the boy wants to be- friend, Royce Wallace is a raucous prostie, and Claire Leyba plays the boy’s tormented mother. The young Negro’s highschool friends are not credibly cast, but the balance of the company satis- fies. Frank Wilson “saved” the show- Thursday night (2) by pinch- hitting at an hour’s notice in his original role of bartender. Ira Cirker, late of video serials, debuts as legit director with “Giant Step." While he has adopted a deliberate beat that extends the evening until 11:40, the produc- tion’s thoroughness is due to his sympathetic understanding of the slice-of-life values inherent in the script. Geor. Tin* Isirl On Tlio Via Flaminia (1 1th ST. THEATRE. CHI) Chicago, Nov. 23. Equity Library Theatre, with a building fund as its target, has launched its most ambitious season with three major productions on the docket. If the subsequent projects come off as well as the initialer, “The Girl On the Via Flaminia,” the local ELT will be a group to be reckoned with on the Chi legit scene. This was the first Chi showcas- ing of Alfred Hayes’ adaptation of his war novel and it was satisfy- ingly professional throughout. The acting ranged from competent to excellent. Will Haas’ direction evi- denced both subtlety and disci- pline. And Jack Cornwell’s two- level set fit the mood. If there were more moments when the preachments broke the spell, the fault apparently lay largely with the author’s failure to stay with the “little picture” in his study of human conflicts of the liberation of Rome in World War II. The role of Lisa, the Italian girl who gave herself to the American liberator out of necessity and de- spair, was played by Jane Roberts, who lacked only a slight added spark of latent warmth for a stand- out portrayal. Marc Reyna was wholly believeable as the GI lover. The bitter young Italian war vet was potently depicted by Fredd Villani. Irene Sartini and Jose Borcia turned in fine jobs as the middleaged couple in whose home all the action occurred. Also in effective support were Melodi Lowell, James Mclnerney, Berend Hayes, Barbara Drell, Nick Vanous and Paul Condylis. Dave. ADVANCE AGENTS ! COMPANY MANAGERS ! We hav# been serving theatrical shows for over 42 years. Ours is the oldest, most reliable and ex- perienced transfer company on th# West Coastl • Railroad privileges for handling shows and theatrical luggage. • Complete warehouse facilities l • Authorised in California. Equipped to transfer and haul cm^where in u s , • RATES ON REQUEST I Atlantic Transfer Company GEORGE COtfANT 1100 East 5th Street Los Angeles 13, Calif. MUtual <121 or OXford 9-4764 FAIRFAX BURGHER Understudy to DENNIS KING IN “LUNATICS and LOVERS” BROADHURST THEATRE New York ' PRODUCER Need person with business acumen far yaar-round art thaatra in midwest ta arrange tours in and out of city) also summer Shakespeare festival. No Investment' needed. Great po- tential. Write t. O. Bax 7012, Chicago, III. WrtlnrMlay? December IS, 19S4 LEGITIMATE 67 Shows Abroad Tlie Lillie Glass Clock London, Dec. 4. i..hn Clement® Play® Ltd. production . / cmedy in three act®, by Hugh Mill*, mars Kav Hammond, John Clement®. c,a|, e d by Clement*; acenery and cos- mcs. Doris Zinkeisen. At Aldwych Theatre, London. Dec. 3. '54; $2.25 top. KfU. com.— a. H*«„ mond Al „„„wn PJWam. Dark this week house re 0 p e ns - Best ot All, on NBC Monday Monday (20) with Katharine Cor- Greco $7,500, Clevc. Cleveland, Dec. 14. Jose Greco’s dance troupe kicked up a thin $7,500 for the Hanna last week in eight performances at length will be written by six Eu- ropean composers, eight from the United States and one from South America, as follows: Benjamin Britten (Englandt, Henri Dutilleux (France), Gottfried von Einem (Austria), Jacques Ibert (France), Darius Milhaud (France), Goffre- do Petrassi (Italy); Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Cop- land. Howard Hanson, Bohuslav Martinu, Walter Piston, William Schuman, Roger Sessions, all U.S. and Heitor Villa-Lobos (Brazil). Each score will carry the inscrip- tions: "Commissioned in celebra- nights. Inell’s "Dark is Ligtit Enough.” N. Y. to See Tudor Opus In ’55 Can. Ballet Visit Ottawa, Dec. 14. National Ballet Co. of Canada’s 1955 tour will feature Anthony Tudor’s new ballet; "Offenbach in the Underworld” (or "Le Bar du Can-Can”); which he’s directing now in Toronto, bicycling between there and N. Y. Action occurs in a Montmartre bar in 19th-century P&ris. The NBCC will be the first Ca- nadian ballet company in over a dozen years to play New York, which is included in its ’55 trek. Artistic director is Celia Franca, formerly with the Sadler’s Wells Ballet. Dutch Orch Winds Tour to 300G B.O. Classical Disk Reviews Strauss: Wiener Blut (Angel). Johann Strauss Jr.’s final operetta, though not his best, is still a trip- ping, melodious collection of tune- ful arias, waltzes, etc. Here it gets grade-A treatment from a skilled group of Viennese opera stalwarts iion*. ^">—7 I headed by the redoubtable Elisa tion of the 75th Anmveisaijr of Schwarzkopf, who brings 1 the Boston Symphony Orchestra, graceful light and artistic ap Charles Munch, Music Director, and “Dedicated to the memory of Serge and Natalie Koussevitzky.” The original manuscript scores will be deposited ultimately in the proach to her Countess role. Otto Ackermann and the Philharmonia lend suave support.. Stravinsky: L’Histoire du Soldat & Les Noces (Vanguard*. "Soldat, Serge Koussevitzky Collection of | short modern opera with charming the Library of Congress. Dr. Kous- sevitzky was a longtime conductor of the BSO. dissonances, is very engaging "Noces," a stark, strongly rhythmic choreographic cantata, also in- trigues. Fine performances by a Viennese orch and choral ensem- ble under Mario Rossi. Bartok: Violin Concerto (RCA Victor*. Harsh, dissonant, at times forbidding, but always compelling, this difficult opus gets a vivid per- Angel Records has issued a sec- formance by Yehudi Menuhin, with ond album of songs bv the Obern-|the London Philharmonia in solid kirchen Children’s Choir, skilled ; assist under the late Wilhelm Furt- group of German youngsters who wangler. made a sock impression in their ; Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (Co Obernkirchen Kids Choir Scores Again in 2d Album U. S. concert debut this fall. Al- bum, tagged "Little White Hen I lumbia*. One of the top rung in Strauss tone-poems, despite its length, this lush, opulent work gets And Seven Other Songs, doesn t an e j e ctric presentation by the have as good a selection ot num- Philadelphians under Eugene Or- ders as the first platter, but is ; mandy. The string section is par quite appealing nonetheless. There’s another catchy rhythmic tune in "Wenn Ueber Sonnen- wegen,” by the group’s co-founder. ticularly sumptuous-sounding. Bach: Magnificat in D (Vox*. One of Bach’s most grateful and gra- cious choral compositions, with The Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, one of Europe’s top symphs, w'ound up its first U.S. tour early this month. In eight weeks of touring, traveling by bus, orch gave 45 concerts, for an esti- mated b.o. take of $300,000. Orch’s share was $206,800. Group played to solid houses everywhere, with the exception of Detroit. Symph was booked by the Jud- son, O’Neill & Judd division of Columbia Artists Mgt., with Lever- ett Wright, CAM’s eastern sales manager, credited with superin- tending the bookings, handling all tour arrangements, etc. Dutch in- terests subsidized the ocean round- trip fares, amounting to $50,000. Orch had some unusual costs in addition, however. It had to main tain a subscription series at home, hiring outside symphs while it was here on tour, so that the American trek, despite the imposing take, wound up in the red. Management, however, said this had been taken into account against the goodwill value of the U. S. tour. Loss was no more than expected. 4 The Metropolitan Opera is offer- ing an unusual novelty at its N. Y. headquarters tomorrow night (Thurs.) in a double-bill that also includes a variety of "firsts.” Bill will comprise a revival of Strauss’ short opera, "Salome,” and the world preem of a ballet, "Vit- torio.” The N. Y. Philharmonic’s mae- stro, Dimitri Mitropoulos, will make his opera and ballet conduct- ing bows in this country by baton- ing both performances, while the "Salome” will introduce a top Viennese soprano, Christel Goltz, to the Met. "Vittorio,” first new ballet at the Met in seven years, was devised and choreographed by the Met’s ballet director, Zachary Solov, who’ll also make one of his rare appearances by dancing v the title role. Music is by Verdi, with Esteban Frances doing the sets. Behind the opera offering are a couple of neat inside stories. "Sa- lome” is also in the repertory of the rival Gotham operatic group, the N. Y. City Opera Co. The Met arranged for exclusive rights to "Salome” from music publishers Boosey & Hawkes for 1954-55, thus preventing the City Center outfit from doing it this season. Further- more, the City Center had Miss Goltz tentatively pacted to make her U. S. debut with them, last season, in "Salome.” Primadonna canceled out when a better offer from the Met came along. The Met pulled a similar stunt in 1952-53, when it secured an ex- clusive on another Strauss opera, "Der Rosenkavalier," thus prevent- ing the N. Y. City Opera from do- ing the work that season. City Center apparently doesn’t worry over these things. It’s gone ahead and scheduled the U. S. premiere next spring of another Strauss opera. "Die Frau Ohne Schatten.” The Met’s going along, too. It also will present an American preem of a Strauss opus this season, in “Ara- bella,” for quite a Manhattan run on Strauss this semester. George Szell in rousing though faithful readings of preludes to Meistersinger.” "Rienzi,” "Tann- hauser” and "Dutchman.” Brahms: Concerto No. 1 in D Minor (RCA Victor). A warm, dra- matic though poetic reading of the masterwork by Artur Rubinstein, who is. however, a little too pound- 1 Carol Fox, head of the nevvly- ing at times. Fritz Reiner and Chi ! formed Chicago Lyric Theatre Symph add vivid, driving support ; which had a successful teeoff in its right from the impressive opening, | debut season last month, was in Longhair Bits for an overall exciting as well as artistic album. Reed: La Fiesta Mexicans (Mer- cury). "Fiesta* and some other at- tractive, unfamiliar showpieces for symphonic band, in an unusual offering by the Eastman Symphonic Wind Ensemble under Frederick Fennell. Beethoven: Harp Quartet & Haydn: Lark Quartet (Bluebird). Attractive coupling of the lyric, ex- pressive Beethoven and the light, gay Haydn, played with clarity and fine phrasing, in a sensitive ap- proach, by a gifted young group, the American Art Quartet. Broil. F. W. Moller, who composed their , tender, graceful airs w'oven in well theme-song, "The Happy Wan- ! with powerful choruses, and all ex- derer.” “Ein Hennlein' Weiss” ; cellently done by the Pro Musica (Little White Hen* is charming. Al- of Stuttgart under Rolf Reinhardt, bum contains a lovely coloratura I P°PPy Westmin- duet in "Erst Kommt Das Linke i^ er) * Ballet suite, very lyrical for •• 4 „ the most part, has some lovely mu- ,1. mnvin . l e , s i sic in it, winding with the familiar i'll, . ? * 5 ? hlat , e - “« 1 , n exciting Russian Sailors Dance. A 1. nZ w lC L.., The Brahms Itn Sill- ver y engaging work, sensitively len Naeht is overproduced and played by the Vienna State Opera too heavy, losing some simplicity, orch under Hermann Scherchen. 3 lie kids, as expected, sing en- Wagner: Overtures (Columbia), chantingly throughout. Bron. The N. Y, Philharmonic under Atst. Mgr. and Pro** Head of Met Opera Francis Robinson U cm optimistic kid as ko fools Opera s Golden Day Is Always ISoiv * * * ao interesting byline piece in tke upcoming 49 th Anniversary IS umber of J^rIFFy ou r soon N. Y. over last weekend, slarting preparations for an enlarged five- week Chi opera season next year . . . Darius Milhaud will have a new viola concerto ready for Wil- liam Primrose in 1956. Latter leaves today (Wed.) for Xmas holi- days in London, followed by a six- week tour of Europe, starting Jan. 2. Due back in U.S. in mid-Feb- ruary . . . Wolfgang Stresemann quitting next spring as conductor of the Toledo Orchestra. Dimitri Mitropoulos has been re-signed as musical director of the N! Y. Philharmonic for ’55-’56. It will mark his fifth season as musical director . . . Frances Yeend, N. Y. City Opera Co. so- prano, will sing four performances as Eva in "Meistersinger” at the Teatro Lyceo, Barcelona, in Janu- ary, for her first appearance in Spain . . . The League of Com- posers aad International Society for Contemporary Music have amalgamated. Roger Sessions is chairman . . . Lou Snyder is back in the press department of the Met Opera, doubling up with his duties as secretary of the National Coun- cil of the Met. Burton Wohl left the Met’s press setup. Pianist Lenore Engdahl signed an MGM Record pact . . . Valerie Bettis was guest speaker at the N. Y. Ballet Club meet Sunday (12) . . . Diana Adams and Andre Eglev- sky will dance at the annual din- ner-concert of the American Fund for Israel Institutions at the Wal- dorf, N. Y., Jan. 5. Inl’l Dance Festival Set for Genoa in ’55 An international dance festival is being prepped in Genoa. Italy, for the first time. Civic authorities have appointed a committee to set it up, with Trudy Goth, of New York, named American rep. An* other New Yorker, Dale Wasser- man, has been set as artistic super- visor, and will go over next spring. Known as the Genoa Dance Fes- tival, and planned as an annual af- fair, event is tentatively skedded for June 25 to Aug. 5. 1955. Both ballet and modern dance groups will be included, each giving sev- eral performances. Fest will be held in two open-air theatres in a park at Nervi, suburb of Genoa, on the Adriatic coast. Marquis de Cuevas Grand Bal- let and the Azuma Kabuki Co. of Japan have been signed already. The N. Y. City Ballet is ateo re- ported practically signed, but not agreed on dates. Management is also angling for the Ram Gopal troupe of India and a German bal- let company. It hopes also to get one or two American soloists to appear. Budget, though not set yet, reportedly will be consider- able. NBC’s Adler to Guest With N.Y. Choir & Orch Peter Herman Adler, director and conductor of the NBC Tele- vision Opera, will be first guest conductor for the N. Y. Concert Choir and Orchestra at their March 11 Town Hall, N. Y., con- cert. Adler will conduct a concert ver- sion of Dvorak’s "Rusalka” in the work’s first New York perform- ance. BBC’s Apology British Broadcasting Corp. broad- cast an apology twice to the Scot- ch Daily Record, Glasgow for re- nvii'ks made during an edition of Sc radio serial. "Mrs. Dale's Diary.” The journal was referred to in uncomplimentary terms. Statement from the BBC said: ••■’ lie BBC regrets that in an edi- tion ot Mrs. Dale’s Diary’ certain references were made to a newspa- per described as the Daily Record. The BBC would like to make it dear that such broadcast refer- ences were never intended to refer to the wellknown morning news- paper of that name published and minted in Glasgow with a circula- tion throughout Scotland and else- where.” _____ Real-Life (?) Novel Rights to “The Man Who Would Be God,” new novel by Dr. Haakon Chevalier, bone of contention in the J. Robert Oppenheimer-A- bomb case, have been bought by Editions de Seuil for France. Paul List for West Germany, and op- tioned by Victor Goliancz fori Great Britain. The completely bilingual former 1 University of California literature professor wrote his roman a clef (novel in which the characters are easily recognized as characters in real life* originally in French and then did his own translation into English. List has recently published Che- valier’s first novel ‘‘For Us The Living,” originally brought out by Knopf in the U. S. and by Seeker j and Warburg in London. Chevalier is best known for his English translations of Malraux, Aragon. Salvator Dali, Maurois, Vercors and Kessel. Paris’ Literary Prizes The three big Parisian literary prize plums of the year were given out last week, with the recipients getting cash prizes and the pub- lishers getting hiked sales with the possibilities of pic rights. These prizes, the Goncourt, Femina and Priz Renaudot,* are what publish- ers work towards all year, hoping these bonanzas will fall into their laps. Every outfit needs one big one to pull him through the many mediocre volumes which have been the lot of late. Goncourt, the most important prize both prestigewise and com- mercially, went to Simone De Beauvoir for her kingsize novel “Les Mandarins’’; the Femina to Gabriel Veraldi for his ‘‘La Ma- chine Humaine,” and the Renaudot to Jean Reverzy for his *'La Pas- sage.” At the same time writer Jean Giono was elected to the Gon- court Academy to replace the re- cently-deceased Colette. Dior .Bra’s ‘Best* Billing For the 12th successive year, Mademoiselle mag has just named the ‘‘Ten Young Women of the Year.” Recipients of the mag’s 1954 Merit Awards for “signal ac- complishment in their fields” in- clude: actress Eva Marie Saint for her performance in the film, “On the Waterfront”; comedienne Carol Haney for her performance in “The Pajama Game” legiter; dancer Diana Adams for her work in the pic, “Knock on Wood,” and with the New York City Ballet, and concert singer Mattiwilda Dobbs. A special award is being made this year to the Dior Bra, which is cited / as “the most revolutionary fashion change since Christian Dior’s New Look in 1947.” New Spectator Editor Tan Gilmour, who is principal shareholder of the Spectator, Lon- don weekly review, was named editor of the journal last week. He is a 28-year-old lawyer and this is Ins first experience in journalism. Ian Hamilton, who has held the job of assistant editor for the past two years, has been appointed as- sociate editor. Acting Business Legit-radio-tv actor Merrill E. Joels has authored a tome, “Acting Is \ ° U r Business,” on means of getting into tele and radio as a performer. Guide-book, intended for pros as well as newcomers, will be pub- lished next March by Hastings House, N. Y. f in hard-cover bind- British Stage Annual „ f Theatre World Annual No. 5” (Macmillan; $3.75) is written and compiled by Frances Stephens, editor of the British stage maga- zine Theatre World. The book, roughly comparable to Daniel Blum s yearly “Theatre World” in this country, covers productions in London’s West End from June 1, 1953, to May 31, 1954. Casts are listed, but production credits are not as complete as in the U. S. vol- ume. Tome is liberally illustrated, and the pictures, generally, have greater clarity than the cuts in Blum’s work, which is printed by offset process. Donald Wolfit, apparently appre- ciated far more at home than abroad, is reported in a busy sea- son; Richard Burton enjoyed an outstanding personal success with The Old Vic; opera and ballet flourished. Dame Edith Evans rates the cover portrait for her work in Christopher Fry’s ‘‘The Dark Is Light Enough,” a perform- ance of “wonderful charm and spirituality.” Down. Martha Deane’s Cook Book “Martha Deane’s Cooking for Compliments,” just published by Barrows, is by the WOR commen- tator, Marian Young Taylor (“Mar- tha Deane”), and includes recipes by show biz personalities like Sophie Tucker, John Gambling, Gayelord Hauser (“Greta Garbo’s favorite luncheon dish”), Jeanette MacDonald, Mariko Niki, et al. The ~ chatterer’s prolific spot radio commercials all over the metropolitan N.Y. area, in addition to plugging on her own show, has resulted in beaucoup reorders. Jessel Delivers His Book While George Jessel is in New York doing a special promotional pitch for his alma mammy studio, 20th, on its “No Business Like Show Business,” he’s delivered the final revisions of his memoirs and speeches to Henry Holt & Co. It’s titled “This Way, Miss,” addressed to Jerilyn Jessel, his 12-year-old daughter, and intended to update her on the world’s churning hap- penings during her formative years. William Saroyan did the fore- word. Publication in the spring. Jessel addressed a Holt sales meet- ing as part of the preliminary ballyhoo. J. Bryan 3d A Busy Kid Former Satevepost associate editor Joe Bryan 3d, currently freelancing and residing in Rome, is preparing a biography of P. T. Barnum for Random House pub- lication. He’s living in Henry Ringling North’s apartment in Rome, and with the circus season over, North will join him there shortly and will help on the re- search. Second book venture in Bryan’s immediate plans is a series of children’s stories for an Italian publisher, tentatively titled “Uncle Romulus.” Work on the Barnum biog will start as soon as Bryan wraps up a series on the Duke of Edinburgh for Holiday. Same mag has a couple of other pieces in type by Bryan, and Satevepost has scheduled his piece on a jet flight across the Atlantic for January publication. Order Belfrage Deported Onetime Hollywood writer and presently National Guardian editor Cecil H. Belfrage has been ordered deported by U. S. Immigration Service inquiry officer on the grounds of “Communist Party membership.” Belfrage, a British subject, said he’d appeal the order. Inquiry officer, according to the Dept, of Justice, said that a hear- ing had determined that Belfrage had been a Party member at the time of and since his latest re- entry into the country. Belfrage entered the U. S. in 1937, and re- entered in 1945. Former ‘Variety’ Scribe Cited Newsman Sgt. George F. Gaal, former United Press and Variety correspondent in Hungary and Germany, was presented a* Certifi- cate of Achievement on his dis- charge this week by Col. A. T. McAnsh, Commander of the Psy- chological Welfare Center, Fort Bragg, N. C. Gaal was cited for his work in the Public Information Office of the Center, home of Army propa- ganda training. For the past year he sparked the news output of the Center. A native of Hungary, the 26- year-old reporter came to this country in 1952. Brit. Show Biz Scene “In Show Business Tonight” (Hutchinson, London; $1.75), is the third of a series authored by Peter Duncan, producer of the BBC’s only simulcast, “In Town Tonight." It’s an account of the show biz scene, mainly as seen through his work with the BBC. Briskly written, the book adroit- ly steers from the controversial and contains a wealth of impres- sions gained in Britain and the U. S. over a span of 21 years. Myro. Thomson Eyes Brit. Com'l TV Roy Thomson, Canadian news- paper owner and boss of Scotsman Publications, Edinburgh, is trying lo enter the commercial tv field in Britain. Wants to tie in the Labor Party in Scotland. He already has commercial tv interests in Canada. CHATTER Ayrshire Post, Scotland, cele- brating 75th birthday. Dexter Masters has completed his novel, “The Accident” which will be published by Knopf this spring. Pinky Lee’s “Otto the Bashful Pup,” book of verses for children, will be published in February by Dial Press. Current (Dec. 18) issue of the Saturday Evening Post has an article by Lionel Hampton titled “Me and Benny Goodman.” Screen writer Hugh Gray’s first novel, “The Wondrous Road,” deal- ing with ancient Rome, will be published by Harcourt Brace. Chic, a new “purse-size” maga- zine for women, being brought out by Berkley Publishing Corp. Monthly will be edited by Margo Korda. Archie McCulloch new chief show-scribe of Glasgow Evening Citizen, with assistance from Rob- ert Hewitt (theatre) and John McShane (radio). Pocket Magazines (Tempo, Quick, Bold and Point) will begin taking advertising after the first of the year. Allen Camelli named ad manager for the mag group. Managing editors of tw r o of Ne- braska’s leading, papers last week were named presidents of their cities’ Chambers of Commerce. Honored were Bill Lee, Ord Quiz, and Floyd Wismer, Scottsbluff Star Herald. Beaverbrook Newspapers plan- ning to launch a new evening newspaper in Manchester, Eng. City already has two evening sheets, the indie Evening News and the Kemsley - owned Evening Chronicle. Literary-play agent John Tiffany Elliott is playing his annual cir- cuit of lecture dates, talking on books and plays. His first date was last Saturday (11) and he’ll be in and out of New York for appear- ances through January. Profile of Alec Frutin, Russian- born Scot impresario, and owner of the Metropole Theatre, Glasgow (where Sir Harry Lauder made his professional bow), was penned by Jack House in the Glasgow Eve- ning News “They Struck It Rich” series. Colorado U.’s campus humor mag, the Flatiron, last week was suspended despite the fact it had been described as a "howling suc- cess and making money fast.” A school spokesman said its success was attributed to “top much em- phasis on sex and alco'hol.” Authors, scribes and colleagues tossed a testimonial dinner to James Seager, editor-in-chief of the Edinburgh Evening News, for 50 years’ service with the journal. Speakers included Sir Robert Bruce-Lockhart and Roy Thomson, owner of Scotsman Publications. Jim Bishop, editor of Catholic Digest, has just started a CD Book Club (30,000 members so far) with the first three publications com- prising Giovanni Guareschi’s “Don Camillo,” Lillian Roth’s "I’ll Cry Tomorrow” and “The Deliverance of Sister Cecilia,” as told to Wil- liam Brinkley. George Biderman, who has been doing public relations for the Pre- mium Advertisers Assn, of Amer- ica, N. Y., has been named its exec- utive secretary as of Jan. 1 but will also continue his own PR busi- ness. He has recently been han- dling promotion for the Drew Pear- son newsletter. Robert M. Jones has resigned as managing editor of Better Homes & Gardens, effective Jan. 1. He will become editor of Family Circle, a magazine with 4.300,000 circulation distributed through grocery chains. He had been with Lhe Meredith Publishing Co. (BH&G) for nine years. Hugh E. Curtis is editor. Dean Jennings, Frisco freelance scribe and former columnist for the Chronicle, scored an unusual double with his current piece in the Saturday Evening Post on Frankie Laine. This is the second full-length feature on Laine that Jennings has sold. The first one was to Collier’s a couple of years ago. - ... - ' , SCULLY’S SCRAPBOOK By Frank Scully Palm Springs. The sons of Sir A. Conan Doyle, who were built like tackles, called on Frank Harris, who was shorter than Readers Digest filler. Harris looked up to them. “Seems to me your father was bigger than you,” he said. Yes, they admitted with a condescending air, he was bigger. “And still is!” said Harris. Like Joe Cook, I couldn’t help thinking of them while reading Arthur Marx’s “Life With Groucho,” a Saturday Evening Post serial now manufactured in more permanent binding by Simon & Schuster for $3.50, index included. • It’s pepped up with footnotes by Groucho, a device favored by Essandess ever since they came upon it in an H. G. Wells version of history. I don’t recall thaf- the Doyle boys ever thrived on their pop’s bad grammar. In fact, I don’t remember anything they ever wrote. In this respect the Marxian sprout is a great improvement. But the fact remains that if Groucho had never quit school while still at P S, 86 and climbed to his present eminence, Arthur would have had a tougher time carving out a literary career either in tennis or biography. It is, of course, true that you must either look up or look down on your subject. Rarely can you loqk him right in the eye. Chesterton did when writing, of Shaw. But even here there were moments of hero-worship. I suspect the school of biographers who treated their subjects as microbe-hunters treat bacilli began with Strachey, but actually the method goes back to Michelangelo, who was working on a bust of Lorenzo de Medici A critic remarked that the statue didn’t look like Lorenzo to him. “I’ve known him for years and I wouldn’t recognize him from that bust,” he insisted. Michelangelo finally quit working and 9aid, “who will care whether it’s like him or not a thousand years from now?” History’s Longest Running Gag I suspect that Groucho never got over the amazement that anyone who went to USC could actually write at all, for his son went there at a time when there seemed to be two courses — football and track, with possibly an extra half credit for tennis. He obviously is proud of his son’s skill with words, even if maay of them seem to make him look a dope in his own household. , . That he was forever worried that he would end his days as a bit- player and for that reason saved his money, turned off house lights, which were not being used and were therefore enriching nobody but stockholders in a public utility, seems to me the best part of Grouch’s greatness. Arthur kids a lot about his old man’s penchant for annuities and comments wryly that now that he doesn’t need them they are fast maturing. But it may well be that the knowledge he has this sort of security behind him, accounts for his brashness before a mike and a tv p/inipra Didn’t Hope Start This Trend? Fact and fiction are expertly woven into this rag rug of belles lettres. Just about every gag that missed out when Clarence Day wrote “Life With Father” has been included in “JJfe With Groucho.” However, you can’t be too sure of this. Next spring Simon & Schuster bring out George Burns’ life and love, and until that one has been reviewed, the souped-up home life of stars of show biz cannot be considered a closed subject. In some ways, I feel like a covered wagon pioneer -watching the DeSotos and Plymouths speed by as these show biz books gather momentum and hit bestseller lists. Twenty years ago I used to bom- bard these once boy-publishers with show biz ideas, only to be quietly told that these characters are great to watch but in the publishing world they are strictly for the remainders. I had to retreat to high Olympus to get a show biz subject they believed might sell. That was G. Barnum Shaw. But since that time they’ve got so low they’re dredging the Salt Sea for likely subjects. Grouch belongs somewhere among the foothills of literature. He has written two books himself. His son says he wrote them himself and I believe he did. He’s a great reader, or was, and that’s the first step to becoming a writer, as author Arthur, the wounded tennis player, well knows. No longer a kid (he is now 33 and the father of two), he is well aware by now that Art is long and time is fleeting. He knows what to put in and what to leave out. At least he knows what to leave out when it comes to pitching for the bestseller market. The ribaldry of Grouch is not there at all. Neither are his thoughts on politics and religion — two mighty enduring subjects of this world and the next. This in a way should have me breathing a prayer of thanks, for it leaves the road open for Scully’s “Cross My Heart,” an autobiog- raphy with spiritual overtones which should be on the stands next fall in time for people who get terribly pious around Christmas time. Entertainment Is a Serious Biz The best part of “Life With Groucho” for my devoted public I believe will be found in the last third of the book. The gag file Is heaved overboard and the author gets down to trade-talk, showing how “You Bet Your Life” was conceived and how it is put together, run long, cut and edited. Like invitation tennis, the players are seeded and when even then they are off their game. Grouch is allowed a certain amount of second- guessing before the general public sees or hears what a studio audienct does. It is the right way to do such a show. People, being performers, junior grade, can’t be trusted completely. So questions are prepared to trap them into certain answers, whicA open the door wide for Groucho’s memory file of surefire ad libs. When one goes blue, it must take a terrific effort of will for Grouch not to top him. Just why people will not mind such humor in one gathering place and scream like Pharisees if it breaks out in another gathering place is strictly for Sumner’s “Folkways.” That’s the way people are and Grouch has learned to accept them at their own terms. He was even beaten down by public opinion to drop Cads and Fords for DeSotos and Plymouths as a means of transportation, though he claims that even in this he got an insider’s price. How To Save $7,000 I had rather hoped that a good provider like Grouch would have kept clear of the 1929 madness, but he seems to have been just a big chump at trying to get something for nothing in Wall St. as everybody else. Everybody else, that is, but me. He held out, too, against swimming pools until his grandchildren began visiting neigh- bors who had them and passed him up. • These are weaknesses, however, shared by so many that it would be churlish to hold him up to ridicule for participating in them. Nevertheless, I wish he had pointed out to his progeny that standing under a garden hose does everything a swimming pool does and in addition cuts down the hazards of death by drowning. A constant reader of Variety and The New Yorker, according to his son, Grouch nnce had this to say at a Coconut Grove banquet: “This is the first dinner I have attended in years that didn’t cele- brate Cantor’s birthday. Cantor’s birthdays are like the yearly anni- versary numbers of Variety. They happen about every six weeks. This, of course, isn’t so. It only seems so, and more to the editors than to the subscribers. 70 CHATTER Wednesday, December 15, 1954 Broadway Alfred Hitchcock to England on a holiday. Sidney Bernstein back to Lon- don today (Wed.). Violinist Joseph Szigeti due in from Paris Saturday (18). Harry Hershfield the Saints & Sinners “faJU guy” Dec. 29. Metro pub-ad chief Howard Dietz and publicity manager Dan Terrell returned from Coast con- fabs yesterday (Tues.). Universal hot ’n’ bothered be- cause a “phony Race Gentry” ap- peared on the arthritis-rheumatism telethon pitch over ABC-TV. Warner shorts subjects topper Norman Moray back from Holly- wood where he set release plans on new one and two-reelers. Sonia Arova, Continental balle- rina, in yesterday (Tues.) on the Queen Elizabeth, to join Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer. Seymour Mayer, regional direc- tor of Near and Far East of Loew’s International, back after three- month survey of his territory. Walter Reade Theatres, which recently moved its headquarters to Oakhurst, N. J., holding open house Friday (13) at the new site. Bing Crosby has an affectionate vignette titled “Happy Birthday, Dear Irving!” saluting the song- smith, in the December Town & Country. Philip M. Sherman, son of RKO Theatres film buyer-booker Robert Sherman, engaged to Doris Gott- lieb. An April wedding date has been set. With three pix under his belt (“Battle Cry,” “Cell 2455” and “Man Without A Star”), William Campbell returns from the Coast today (Wed.) for a two-week home- town visit. The Jose Ferrers’ (Rosemary Clooney) Xmas greetings include a compelling blank-check RSVP for donations to the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children (non- sectarian). Denver. E. G. Marshall, Sylvania award winner as tv’s best supporting actor, en route to the Coast for film assignments. He recently com- pleted a role in Warner Bros.’ “The Silver Chalice.” Yvonne De Carlo planes to the Coast tomorrow (Thurs.) after sev- eral days in town plugging AlHed Artists’ “Tonight’s the Night” in which she costars with David Niven and Barry Fitzgerald. Gogi’s LaRue becomes Nino’s LaRue, when the host of the East 52d St. eaten' bearing his name transplants himself to the 58th St. spot, which has been dark since its financial debacle a year ago. Jinx Falkenburg and Nina Foch added to list of sponsors of New Year’s Eve Celebrity Ball of United Epilepsy Assn., which sup- ports Variety Club clinic at Co- lumbia-Presbyterian Medical Cen- ter. Sam Stark, collector of old the- atre, minstrel and kindred memo- rabilia, corrects Variety’s Philly mugg Arthur B. Waters that the late Powers Gouraud made his S rofessional debut in 1905 in “The ew Yorkers.” Lucille and Harry E. Gould fly- ing to St. Moritz Jan. 15 for the winter sports. Theatre owner and industrialist is sparking a $3,500,- 000 building fund drive for the new Beth David Hospital on a site vir- tually next door to United Nations. Longtime Paris resident, Ameri- can showman-agent Irvin Marks- invited to Grosse Point, Mich., for Xmas and thence a Florida yacht- ing excursion with his host in quest of sun, which hasn’t been around much on the Continent, including on the Riviera. Jose Ferrer, east on an exploi- tation quickie for his “Deep In My Heart” (Metro biopic on Sigmund Romberg), did some tv guesters and was impressed by the occupa- tional travail that goes with video work. “They all look like they’re gonna keel over,” said the actor- author-producer. RCA prexy Frank M. Folsom was awarded the 1954 Catholic Ac- tion medal by St. Bonaventure U., which makes the award annually to an outstanding Catholic layman. The Olean, N.Y., institution cited Folsom’s “faithful profession of the Catholic faith in and through the achievements of a useful pub- lic life.” Edwin K. Hastings, who is re- signing as managing director of the Waldorf-Astoria to head up all the Matson hotels in Hawaii start- ing with the new year, hirfhday- surprise-partied Claude C. Phil- ippe, who is generally known as “the new Oscar of the Waldorf.” Incidentally, a farewell party to Rene Black, who shifts to the new Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, as maitre d’, was a sentimental eve- ning last week. Vernon Duke back to his Holly- wood home for the holidays, hav- ing completed three symphonic works for the Vienna Philhar- monic. His score to Theodore Pratt's “Miss Dilly,’* book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee, is virtually set for Broadway production, and he has an Edwin Lester musical on the horizon. Duke’s memoirs, “Passport to Paris,” is due via Little Brown publication next month. Trip-Charge Inc., S. J. Rudolph president, with head office in Pitts- burgh, has gone the Diners’ Club and kindred charge-it outfits a step further. Oae credit card is good for all sorts of merchandise, from restaurants to specialty shops to hotel-motel and similar accommo- dations in the U.S., Europe, Central and South America and North African countries. Paris By Gene Moskowitz (28 Rue Huchette; Ode on 49-44) John Ringling North here ogling the circus prospects. Mel Ferrer in for gala preem of “Knights of Round Table” (M-G). Minerva Pious hospitalized here at the American Hospital for minor surgery. Spivy back in nitery biz here with a new saloon off the Champs- Elysees. Larry Adler recording an album here for U.S. Angel Records called “Paris Pops.” Ava Gardner here on her globe- girdling tour for forthcoming “The Barefoot Contessa.” Henri De Montherlant’s “Port Royal” preems at the Comedie- Francaise this week. Suzet Mais’ illness closing down her legiter, “Souviens Toi Mon Amour” (“Remember My Love), for a week or more. Brigitte Bardot to play the daughter of Dany Robin in Franco- Italo pic, “Frou Frou.” Miss Bar- dot is 19 and Miss Robin 25. Sheldon Reynolds preparing his* first full length pic version of “Foreign Intrigue,” which he will do here in color and C’Scope. Comedie-Francaise will play Mo- liere’s “Le Bourgeois Gentil- homme” in Boston, N.Y. and Wash- ington next October and November. “Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde” get- tP z legit presentation here at the Grand Guginol with two actors playing the good and evil counter- parts. George Bernard Shaw’s “Pyg- malion” gets a reprise here at the Bouffes-Parisiens Dec. 20 with Jean Marais directing and starring; also features Jeanne Moreau. Rome By Robert F. Hawkins (Archimede 145; 800 211) Keita Fodeba’s African Ballet group filling in at Sistina Theatre. Spyros Skouras and Albert Corn- field in from Paris for huddles with local film industry officials. Skouras goes on to Greece. Jane Powell and new husband, Pat Nerney, spending large part of their honeymoon in Italy and Rome. Hefe by way of Milan. Rhonda Fleming to Montreux, Switzerland, after ending stint on “Semiramis” Leonor Marla Ballet current at the Open Gate Club nitery. Carmine Gallone signed by Rizzoli Film to direct third pic in the “Don Camillo" series. New one, with shooting to start in spring, will be called “The Honor- able Peppone.” Vittorio DeSica in new pic, “Sign of Venus,” opposite his new team- mate, Sophia Loren. Duo recently completed “Peccato Che Sia Una Canaglia,” and go into “Ferdinan- do.” for Titanus, nex spring. Anthony Quinn, who’s starred in several Italian productions during the year, is being sought for a return visit to star opposite Silvana Pampanini in “The Beauty from Rome,” based on Goldoni’s “La Locandiera.” Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen Evans Family taking club dates so they can stay home for Christ- mas this year. Jean Wolf, wife of Tiny Wolf, the Copa maestro, into West Penn Hospital for an operation. Sid Dickler broke his right leg when he slipped on the ice while crossing a downtown street. Bebe Sherman coming home New Year’s week for a singing date at the Merry-Go-Round. Frankie Elia, who used to have a cafe on Liberty Avenue, opening a new one, the Bandbox, on Grant Street. Eddie Bracken’s “Seven Year Itch” will give a special matinee at the Nixon Dec. 30 for benefit of Actors Fund. Jack Lester’s bad leg is okay again and dancing fmcee is off op a Southern tour opening in Bir- mingham, Ala. Drama League honored Robert Anderson, author of “Tea and Sympathy,” with a dinner at Arts and Crafts Center. London Rawicz and Landauer celebrating their 25th anni as piano duetists. Orson Welles in town to start his role in John Huston’s production of "Moby Dick.” Mai Zetterling planed to N.Y. last week for her Broadway role in “A Knight in Samarkand.” Variety Club holding its annual Christmas party tomorrow (Thurs.) when they’ll be hosts to the Water Rais. Irene Hilda, star of the Coliseum production of “Can-Can,” cele- brated her birthday with a back- stage party last Friday (10). Nat Cohen, Anglo-Amalgamated topper, postponing his N.Y. trip until next month because of illness of his partner, Stuart Levy. Frank Westmore due today (Wed.) from Cairo where he has been on the Cecil B. deMille loca- tion for the “Ten Commandments.” In his last day in office as the president of the Royal Academy, Sir Gerald Kelly opened an exhibi- tion sponsored by Granada Thea- tres. James E. Perkins, chairman and managing director of Paramount in the United Kingdom, sailed on the Queen Elizabeth, last Thursday (9). Lizbeth Webb and Harry Mor- ris are making the journey on the Caronia via Bermuda. Bernard Del- font and George Black returned last week via the Queen Mary. Madrid By Ramsay Ames (Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Legit theatre Lope de Vega be- ing converted into a cinema. Richard Burton due soon to be- gin preparations for his starring role in UA’s “Alexander the Great.” John Hauser, veepee of the Hil- ton hotel organization, here for final negotiations on contract to build the new hotel, the Cavagliere Hil- ton, in Rome. The Zambra, a sort of Spanish tourist club, opened here with the blessings and aid of the American Embassy. It has two Flamenco floorshows nightly. Mexican songstress Ana Maria Gonzalez in Madrid to record for Columbia. Most exciting of the new disks is her version of Car- melo Larrea’s new “Camlno Verde.” Algraga Films tossed a cocktail soiree to celebrate start of its pic, “Un Hada en la Ciudad” (A Fairy in the City). It stars Susana Can- ales and will be directed by Rafael Salvia. Producer-director Juan de Or- duna, whose latest film, “Canas y Barro,” starring Virgilio Texeira and Italian actress Ana Amendola, opened strongly at the Teatro Ri- alto, plans a busy film lineup for 1955. Memphis By Matty Brescia Boston Pops concert skedded for Feb. 20. Lind Bros, were socko for Mem- phis State of Israel Bond drive last week. John Rogers, Press - Scimitar sports scribe, back from covering Look Mag sports and show event in N. Y. Linda Burson, 11-year-old daugh- ter of promoter Leo Burson now- directing Children Theatre produc- tions here. Hal McIntyre orch to Peabody for two weeks with Don Reid and crew skedded fqr two weeks begin- ning Dec. 30. Hippodrome shuttered to Negro traveling shows and now doing biz as a skating rink for Negro patrons under the banner of a Kansas City group. Bill Trotter, WMPS. Memphis ABC outlet, and Max Michel, WHBQ, Mutual station here, both honored as top radio hucksters here by local Ad club. Philadelphia By Jerry Gaghan Hugo Winterhalter was in mak- ing rounds of radio-tv stations. Dr. William B. Richter, songwrit- ing dentist, elected to membership in ASCAP. Dorothy George, long a chorine at Big Bill’s, created Latin Casino’s new chorus line. Don Redman, former band mae- stro, playing the chief of police in “House of Flowers,” musical at the Erlanger. Jack Silvers, former operator of Little Johnny’s and the Chancellor Bar, moved to Miami to launch a drive-in restaurant. Vince Carson substituted for Gaylords at opener in Chubby’s (Fairview, N. J.) when one of sing- ing group became ill. Eura Baileyi Pearl’s sister, is topper at the Creole Cabana, Mar- ket St. club, which has 'just switched to sepia policy. Joan Weber, the Paulsboro, N.J. singer who clicked 'with “Let Me Go, Lover,” is slated for appear- ance on “Toast of Town” Dec. 28. Goddard Lieberson and wife, Vera Zoriha were guests at sub- scription dinner of Philadelphia Orch at the John Bartram Hotel Dec. 8. Edna Phillips, harpist, will preem original work for instru- ment at New York’s Town Hall, Dec. 16. Work was commissioned by Samuel Rosenbaum, Miss Phil- lips husband and head of Musi- cians’ Transcription Fund. Frankfurt By Hazel Guild (24 Rheinstrasse ; 76751) Spyros Skouras due here Dec. 17 for a looksee. Ava Gardner due here for Christ- mas bally of “Barefoot Contessa” opening. N. Peter Rathvon in town from Paris, setting release deals for his Trans-Rhein films. Peter Ostermayr’s “Martin's Cell” is due for U.S. release with sub-titles in 1955. Universal’s next German release will be “Bengal Brigade,” now be- ing dubbed in Berlin. Richard Widmark’s acting in "Inferno” (20th) rated rave re- views in German press. T. S. Eliot’s “The Private Sec- retary” debuts in German on Hes- sischer Rundfunk (tv) here Dec. 20. Robert Siodmak’s color film for Allianz, “The Last Day’s March,” into second week at two theatres here. Austrian opera singer Lea Seidl signed by Romulus Films for the German production of “I Am a Camera.” Shooting in Wiesbaden is the German - Spanish coproduction, “Duel of Hearts,” to be released by Doring. Swedish actress Ulla Jacobsson set to star in “The Holy Lie” which Constantin Film starts shooting here in January. Omaha By Glenn Trump Ed Wilken re-elected as prexy of Adams County Fair Board at Hastings. Ed Sullivan and his “Toast of the Town Revue” booked for Sioux City, la., Aud last week for two shows at $4.25 top. Harry Fowler bringing* in the Harlem Globetrotters at Ak-Sar- Ben Coliseum Dec. 18 to follow run of the “Hollywood Ice Revue.” Don Romeo of local Paul Moor- head Agency last week hosted press, radio and tv reps at a steak dinner to announce his signing of Mills Bros., Monica Lewis, Gil Lamb, Darling Debutantes and Eddy Haddad orch for February’s New Auto Show. Ottawa Canadian Repertory Theatre do- ing Jean Cocteau’s “The Eagle Has Two Heads.” Gatineau Club billing Dorothy Kramer Dancers as “The Queen and Her Ladies.” Eddie Ackland, local drummer- chanter with Harry Pozy’s Gati- neau Club band, in stage lighting business as side line. Stan Helleur, former showbiz columnist with Toronto Telegram and later flacker with Warner Bros, in Canada, resigned as National Film Board publicity chief to re- join Telly as chatter-column writer. Reno By Mark Curtis Rose “Chee Chee” Murphy do- ing late hour biz in the Mapes Terrace Room. Harolds Club has underwritten practically all of the “Five Against the House.” Columbia pic. It stars Guy Madison and Kim Novak. Local tv station. KZTV, brought coals to Newcastle. Station now running a weekly Marko game which originated in Los Angeles. Beatrice Kay opened Dec. 6 in a Reno Little Theatre production, “Personal Appearance.” Leading man is Riverside orch leader, Bill Clifford. Washington By Florence S. Lowe Frances Langford marquee top- per at Casino Royal nitery last week. Met star Jan Peerce due in Dec. 26 to top the “Big Show For Is- rael.” Tele actress Maria Riva, daugh- ter of Marlene Dietrich, here to plead for United Cerebral Palsy. “This Is Your Army,” new docu- mentary being distributed under the COMPO aegis, launched at Stanley-Warner’s Metropolitan with a brass hat preem attended by top military execs. Hollywood Jose Ferrer in from N. Y. Wesley Ruggles in town after a long stay abroad. Kurt Neuman returned after nine months in Europe. Morey R. Goldstein in from N.Y. for Allied Artists huddles. Marvin Sugarman in town for huddles with Gene Autry. June Foray planes out this week to entertain troops in Japan. Mary Grant to Philadelphia to visit her husband, Vincent Price. Frank McDonald leaves for Rome this week for 12-week stay. Jane Powell and Pat Nerney re- turned from their European honey- moon. Turnabout Theatre celebrated its 4,000th performance Friday night. Dore Schary, afflicted with an ulcer, ordered to rest for next two weeks. Henry Fonda leaving next month for a three-month vacation in Europe. Dana Andrews received the "Nurse of Mercy” award from City of Hope Bob Hope and Margaret Whiting sold Christmas Seals at Hollywood and Vine. Johnnie Ray, ready to plane to N. Y.. sent to hospital with in- fected foot. Protestant Motion Picture Coun- cil named “White Christmas” as picture-of-month for December. Aldo Ray, Tab Hunter and Perry Lopez will ride the U.S. Marine float in Tournament of Roses parade. Rose Joseph and Sam Froelich, married a year ago in Las Vegas, celebrated their first anni by being married in California. Johnny Puleo, star of Borrah Minevitch’s Harmonica Rascals, and his wife have bought a new home in North Hollywood. Motion Picture Permanent Char- ities Committee reported 19.904 subscriptions amounting to $954- 927.50 to date in the 1955 cam- paign. This represents 76.4% of the $1,250,000 goal. Of this sum, $548,860 will be turned over to the L.A. Community Chest fund. Final report meeting will be held Dec. 17. Chicago Betty Jones ankled Max Cooper flackery last week to open her own office. Frank Sinatra here yesterday (Tues.) to visit plant of the Toni Co., his radio sponsors. Stuart Hamblen, composer of “This Ole House,” making rounds of deejays here with new material. Bob De Vere, music publisher who stopped for a single week and stayed eight, returned to N.Y. this week. Joan Weber, Columbia artist, meeting Chi disk jocks for first time on arm of Col chieftain Mitch Miller. • ’ Joe Delaney and Jimmy Hilliard, Label X toppers, in city briefly this week for dealer contacts and pro- motion. Joe Kayscr, MCA agent who’s being retired after 12 years, feted in farewell affair at Edgewater Beach Hotel by local staff. Bill Russo spelling Gene Krupa in first Jammin’ In Jazz concerts this week at Orchestra Hall and Austin High School, with Cozy Cole also on bill. Randolph Square bought out by Johnny Annes and renamed Ran- dolph Rendezvous, with Johnny Kaye ^nanaging. Billy Devroe and Devil-aires are current. Ernie Harper, keyboarder at Chez Paree Key Club, hosted to small party of personal friends by Chez management last week to mark his first anni in the room. Ed Seguin, B&K publicist, plan- ning onstage 25th birthday cele- bration for Julius La Rosa at Chi- cago Theatre on Jan. 2 per urging of his fan club here, the “Juliets.” San Francisco By Ralph J. Gleason Muzzy Marcellino in town mak- ing the d.j. rounds under wing of Bill Bisthum, Decca distributor. Mambo has proven so successful at the Mocamba that a second club, Mambo City, will be opened shortly. Gjon Mill flew up from L.A. to finish shooting a film on Dave Bru- beck for possible future use on Omnibus. Mary Kaye Trio off to slow start at the Fairmont but snowballed into success largely because of unusually solid press coverage. R. H. Hagen. San Francisco Chronicle second string music critic, doubling between music and drama to assist Bill Hogan, drama editor. Wednesday* December 15 , 1954 71 RAYMOND HUBBELL Raymond Hubbell, 75, vet com- poser and one of the founders of the American Society of Com- posers, Authors & Publishers, died in Miami Dec. 13 after an illness of two weeks. Details in Music. FRED C. SWEENEY Fred C. Sweeney, 60, a standard vaude act for 20 years (Duffy & Sweeney), died Dec. 10 in Olive View Sanitarium near Los Angeles of pulmonary tuberculosis. He had been confined for the past month after being hospitalized on and off for the past few years. Sweeney started in stock in Har- risburg, Pa., and after doing com- edy parts with travelling com- panies teamed up with Jimmy Duffy playing all top vaude houses. After the act broke up, Sweeney moved to Hollywood where he played bits in pictures. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby al- yer and author, died Dec. 14 in New York. ' An attorney for 49 years, he was general counsel for the American Civil Liberties' Union, director of the Writers Guild of America and attorney for the Authors League of America. He also repped such show biz per- sonalities as Billy Rose and nitery impresario Nick Prounis. Books penned by Hays include “Enemy Property in America,” “Let Freedom Ring,” “Trial by Prejudice,” “Democracy Works” and “City Lawyer.” He was married twice. Two daughters, one from each marriage, and his first wife, survive. GASTON W. GRIGNON Gaston W. Grignon, 61, retired vice president and general man- ager of radio station WISN, Mil- waukee, died Dec. 6 in that city after a long illness. He was a re- porter for the Fort Worth Record and the Milwaukee-Sentinel before JOHN HYDE DECEMBER 18. 1950 FROM FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES ways found parts for Sweeney due to friendship dating back to his headline days. Sweeney was con- sidered quite a hand at poetry and wrote most of the material for his vaude act. He served in World War I. Funeral services will be held to- day (Wed.) in Los Angeles with in- terment there. Surviving are his mother and two sisters. HENRY A. BULL JR. Henry Adsit Bull Jr., 49, for 12 years editor-in-chief T>f Town and Country mag, and former member of the New York Drama Critics Circle, was found dead Dec. 11 in his New York apartment. Death apparently resulted from acci- dental gas poisoning and was listed REMEMBERING G. MOLASSO and MINA MINAR daughter SERINA as such by police pending further investigation. On the staff of Town- and Coun- try for 17 years, 12 of them as editor-in-chief, Bull resigned in 1947, reportedly because he didn’t see eye-to-eye with mag’s pub- lisher, the late William Randolph Hearst. While editor of the mag, Bull lectured on legit and also penned dramatic criticism. He was elected to the N.Y. Critics Circle in 1945. His parents and a son survive. JOHN SLATTER John Slatter, 90, bandmaster of the 48th Highlanders until retire- ment eight years ago and first president of the Canadian musi- cians union on its formation, died in Toronto Dec. 8. Born in Eng- land. he was cornet soloist with the 1st Life Guards in 1882. leav- ing London later for New York to IN LOVING MEMORY OF HARRY MOSS December 18, 1947 The Family become soloist with John Phillip Sousa’s band. In 1896, Slatter joined the De- troit Symphony but left this to go to Toronto as bandmaster of the newly organized 48th Highlanders holding this post, with tho rank of captain, for over 50 years. During World War I, he was in charge of 63 bands for the Canadian Army. At world’s fairs at Buffalo and Chicago, his kilted band w r as an at- traction and he made several tours of Canada and the U. S. Survived by three sons, a daugh- ter. ARTHUR GARFIELD HAYS Arthur Garfield Hays, 73, •law- joining the old Wisconsin News. With that paper he became the ra- dio editor and radio program di- rector. His interest in the radio indus- try led him to become station man- ager, promotion manager and pub- lic events director with radio sta- tion WSOE, in 1924. In 1927 the station’s call letters were changed to WISN. Grignon served as WISN’s public relations director and assistant general manager from 1930 to 1932 when he became general manager. Surviving are his wife and three daughters. DAISY BELMORE Daisy Belmore. 80, vet stage and screen actress, died Dec. 12 of a heart attack in New York. She was a member of a theatrical family, widely known on the Brit- ish stage. Her late brothers, Lionel and Herbert, were both ac- tors. She came to the U.S. in 1910 to appear in “Our Miss Gibbs,” roduced by the late Charles rohman. Miss Belmore also appeared un- der the management of David Belasco, and had played support- ing roles on the stage with Laurette Taylor, Mrs. Leslie Car- ter, Leslie Howard, George M. Cohan, Alfred Lunt and Lynne Fontanne, and in films with Gary IN MEMORIAM EDWARD B. MARKS 1845 > 1945 Cooper, Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon. / Surviving are a daughter and a son. GLADYS GEORGE Gladys George. 50, stage and screen actress, died Dec. 8. in Hollywood. Born of a theatrical family in Hatton, Me., she became an actress in her own right at the age of 15, making her Broadway debut in the Isadora Duncan starrer, “Betrothed.” After seasons of stock in Denver and San Francisco, Miss George starred in “Personal Appearance,” and later toured with the late Pauline Frederick. Her first film role was in “Straight Is the Way,” produced in 1934. Prominent among her pictures were “Valiant Is the Word for Carrie” and “The Best Years of our Lives.” BERNARD SANDWELL Bernard Keble (“B.K.”) Sand- well, 78, member of the board of governors of the Canadian Broad- casting Corp. during 1943-47, and editor and drama critic of “Satur- day Night” for 19 years, died Dec. 7 in Toronto. He began his journal- istic career with “The Toronto News” and later was editor of “The Montreal Times” during 1911-18. Sandw-ell took over the editor- ship and drama critic post of “Saturday Night,” Toronto, when the late Hector Charlesworth va- cated these to become, in 1932, the first general manager of the newly organized Canadian Radio Broad- casting Commission, forerunner of the present State operated CBC. Survived by wife. PETER P. ERMATINGER Peter I*. Ennatinger. 66. man- ager of the Biltmore Theatre in Los Angeles for 22 years, died Dec. 10 in Hollywood after a short illness. Dean of Coast legit thea- tremen. he was born in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and opened his show business tareer at the Metropoli- tan Theatre in St. Paul. Moving to New York, Ermatin- ger managed the Astor, Gaiety, New Amsterdam. Fulton. St. James and the old Madison Square Gar- den. While at the St. James he met and married Gertrude Stan- ton, a ballerina in George M. Cohan’s “Billie.” In addition to his wife, five chil- dren survive. HELEN C. GARRICK Helen Collier Garrick, 87, vet actress, died Dec. 9 in Goshen, N. Y. She made her stage debut at the age of 14. appearing with her late father, Edmund Collier, in “Richard III.” On Broadway Mrs. Garrick was seen in “The Patriot.” “On the Quiet.” “Caught in the Rain.” “The White Slave,” “The Dictator” and “Never Say Die.” She also ap- peared in the Weber & Fields Jubilee Performances, and had toured Australia with her late brother, comedian William Collier. Widow of actor Thomas Garrick, she retired in 1924, Surviving is a brother. JOHN W. KANE John W. Kane, 57, veteran show- man and manager of the Gayely Theatre, Cincinnati, for three years prior to this season, died Dec. 7 in that city. He had been in ill health for two years. Son of an actress. Kane was a child actor and was a straight man in vaudeville and burlesque before becoming an agent and house man- ager. Prior to transferring to Cin- cinnati in 1951, he managed bur- lesque theatres in Cleveland. De- troit and Canton, O. His wife survives. JOHNNIE JAMES James J. Galbraith, 63, retired comedian known professionally as Johnnie James, died Nov. 19, in West Bromwich, Eng. He toured Britain in vaude and revues and was a regular performer in panto- mime. He also trouped with his Wife. Marjorie Dean, in the turn of Sinclair & Dean. After his re- tirement from the stage in 1940, he entered the hotel business. Surviving are his wife, a son and a daughter. ANTONIO (TONY) DIAZ Antonio (Tony) Diaz, 54, circus impresario, died recently in Va- lencia, Spain, after a long illness. He was part owner of the “Kama- val Circus” with which he toured extensively in Latino countries. Diaz also trouped with his broth- er in a clowning duo known as Tony & Emilio. They frequently appeared at the Medrane in Paris and for Bertram Mills in England, while the rest of the Diaz family took care of the touring circus. ROBERT S. LEIBER Robert S. Leiber, 47. Pittsburgh theatreowner, died of a heart attack, Dec. 6, in that city. He and his brother-in-law, Mike Sha- piro. onetime operator of an indie chain in tri-state area, owned the Paramount in the Braddock dis- trict and Leiber had been its man- ager for years. In addition to his wife and a son and daughter, he leaves his mother and a sister and brother. WILLIAM C. NOLAN William C. Nolan. 60, pioneer screen cartoonist, died Dec. 6, after an operation at Veterans Hospital, Sawtelle, Cal. His last association with film production was as tech- nical adviser on UI’s “Francis” series. His wife and two sons survive. THOMAS G. MULGREW Thomas G. Mulgrew, 65, show biz figure for years, died Dec. 3 in Providence, R. I. A song and dance man in vaudeville, he played in a number of stock companies and had pavis in films with the Eastern Film Co. Surviving are his wife, a son, a daughter and two sisters. TRULY SHATTUCK Truly Shattuck. 78, retired stage and screen actress, died Dec. 6. in Hollywood. Starting her career at the Tivoli Opera House, in San Francisco, in 1893, she appeared later at Tony Pastor’s and Ham- merstein’s Olympia Theatre in N.Y. Her last film was “The Perfect Clue,” in 1934. FLORENCE ANDERSON Florence Anderson. 58, died in Twin Lakes, Wis., Dec. 7. With I husband James F. A;.idei-soi> as partner, she loured the U. S.. Eng- land, and Australia from 1919 to 1929, as a vaudeville act. Her husband survives. Mrs. Isabelle Lawrence, mother of conductor Robert Lawrence, , died Dec. 13 of a heart attack after watching her son rehearse the : Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra I and the Schola Cantorum at Car- j negie Hall, N. Y. Surviving, be- j sides her son, are her husband and another son. Joaquin Carreras, 60, veteran radio and leg.t actress, died re- i cently in Madrid. Daughter of noted actor-manager Emilio Car- reras. she appeared as leading lady in his company. For the last 10 years she was heard On Radio Madrid. Helena Rapport, 70. retired char- acter actress, died Dec. 5 in New York. She had appeared with the j Fifth Ave. and Poll’s Stock Com- j panics, and in such productions as | “Baby Mine.” "Song of Songs” and “Abie’s Irish Rose.” German Producer SS Continued froirt pace Z ^ would bring the distrib about $4,500 per film. Taking into ac- count fixed expenses (prints, duty, etc.) of about $1,850, the German outfit was. offered a guarantee of $1,500 per picture. On receiving the detailed break- down of per-theatre earning esti- mates, the German firm wrote back in hurt tones about the poor take of German films in the American market. “It is on those grounds that we have repeatedly refused to sell our pictures for the U. S., the importer was told. "It is hard to believe that, even in the few Ger- man houses, the grosses are this low. This only confirms our prior attitude, i.e., not to release our productions for your country at all.” It’s understood that, despite the German desire to create a wider export market, this attitude is shared by some other German dis- tribs. Feeling in N. Y. is that a position such as this can hardly assist the German industry per se in capturing any segment of the American market where German pix have made barely a dent since the war. Giuseppe Albrrfihini, . former ’cellist in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, d ; ed Dec. 1 in New York alter a long illness, llis wife, Alice Zeppilli Alberghini. a for- mer operatic singer, a brother and a sister survive. Nella Webb, 78. former musical comedy actress, died Dec. 1, in New York She appeared in the original production of "Babes in Toy land” and toured in England and Australia. After retiring from the stage, she worked as an astro- loger. Anthony Levane, 72. retired bass viol player who had been with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 25 years, died Dec. 6 in New York. Surviving are two sens and three daughters. Mother, 78, of screen director Leo McCarey. died Dec. 8, in Santa Monica, after a long illness. She was the widow of the late Tom McCarcy, sports promoter. Lilyan O’Connor Flynn, one of the O’Connor Sisters, harmony singers, died Dec. 14 in Asbury Park, N. J. Sam Bernard, Jr., lawyer and son of the late comedian Sam Bernard, who died in 1927, died Dec. 12 in New York. Surviving is a sister. Jose Pey Xandri, 57, impresario of the Principal, Palacio and Esa- panol Theatres in Barcelona, died of a heart attack recently in Barce- lona. Kate Davenport, 58, retired act- ress, died Dec. 7, in Hollywood, after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Harry Daven- port, character actor. Andrew Douglas MacCorkindale, 71. marine surveyor who, as Capt. Cameron King, wrote and drama- tized a radio serial of sea adven- tures, died Dec. 8 in New York. Mother, 78, of John McGreevey, chief booker and buyer for Harris theatre chain in Pittsburgh, died at the home of her son in that city, Dee. 4. William F. Graham, veteran Pittsburgh projectionist and at the Regent Square Theatre for years, died of a heart attack in that city Nov. 29. Mother, 80, of Francis Drake, of M-G exchange staff in Pittsburgh, died there Dec. 1. Carl J. Martin, 31, musician, was killed in an auto accident Dec. 6, in Lufkin, Tex. Nina Vasilyevna Varzar, wife of Russian composer Dmitri Shos- takovich, died Dec. 8 in Moscow. Julian Rosetti, pianist and mu- sician, died Nov. 27, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Wife, 56, of Stanley Gordon, Chicago radio-tv actor-announcer, died Nov. 28 in that city. Brother of Earl May, founder of KMA, Shenandoah, la., died Nov. 30 at Hayes Center, Neb. . Father, 80. of actress Florence Eldridge March, died Dec. 7 in Los Angeles. MARRIAGES Barbara Frances Smith to Law- rence Eisenberg, Dee. 12. Broak.yn, N. Y. Bride is^m actress, Barbara Frances, professionally; he’s a N.Y. Hera d Tribune staffer. Doiolhy Green to M. Allan Har- wit, Los Angeles, Dec. 8 lie’s a screen publicist. Meline Manoukian to Richard Eiger, Chicago, Dec. 10. lie’s been an investor in such Broadway pro- ductions as "Ondine.” Sara Luzita to Tutte Lemkow, London, Dec. 4. Both are dancers. Peggy Clifford to Phil Mooney, Beaumont, Tex., Nov. 27. Bride is production manager at KPRC-TV, Houston. Nan Franklin to James A. Doo- little, Las Vegas. Deo. 1. He’s im- presario of tiie Greek Theatre in LA. Pique Klein to Albert Norman Hcnnes, Las Vegas. December 5. Bride is associated with the MCA agency. Betty Higgins to Johnny Victory, Greenock, Scotland, Dec. 4. Bride’s a chorine; he’s a comedian. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Rege Cordie, daugh- ter, Pittsburgh, Dec. 11. Father’s on KDKA. Mr. and Mrs. David Crantz, son, Pittsburgh, Dec. 11. Father is Play- house p.a.; mother's Lucy Seibert, actress. Mr. and Mrs. Coit Butler, son, San Antonio, recently. Father is news director for KITE in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sheffield, daughter, Abilene, Tex., recently. Father is assistant manager of Par- amount Theatre in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Barton, son, Hollywood, Dec. 4. Parents are film and tv players. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kaufman, son, Hollywood, Dec. 2. Father is a sound editor at Columbia. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Allison, son, Philadelphia, Dec. 8. Father con- ducts comment and interview show on -WPEN; mother is dancer, known professionally as Wanda Hilliard. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Halley, son, their second, Dec. 11, New York. He’s the attorney-author who came to attention on the Kefauver committee’s tv investiga- tion; among his law firm’s clients are Technicolor, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Hank Colman, son, New York, Dec. 10. F \'ier is with the production staff of “Robert Montgomery Presents,” NBC-TV show. Mr and Mrs. Robert Arbogast, son. Chicago, Dec. 5. Father is a deejay there. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Simon, son, Pittsburgh, Nov. 30. Father’s manager of Shea’s Orpheutn Thea- tre in McKees Rocks. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Diskin, sor Pittsburgh, Dec. 3. Mother's Be' Friedman, of tv. Mr. and Mrs. Harold r son, Hollywood. Dec. 3. N Gerri Green, of Joy M* Mr. and Mrs. John V Nottingham, Eng., N' is an actress know as Daphne Slater Mr. and Mrs. Portchester, N. is promotion n fadden Publicatii Wednesday, December 15, 1954 72 The Fabulous CHEZ PAREE, Chicago U^RiEff "The Treniers make history; the likes of them has never been conceived for this stage be- fore. "Watching these seven youths perform is like watching a multi-ring circus, and it's im- possible not to pay attention. Group cuts loose with everything forte and mobile in its 40-minute stint, shouting, singing, stomping, jabbering, comedizing and blasting instru- mets till the rafters shake. "Treniers are a cinch to do good biz in their fortnighter." Les. "TRENIERS BEST COMBO IN YEARS." By Robert Sylvester, N. Y. Daily News. "By all odds the most exciting musical act to come along in years is a group called the Treniers." CHEZ PAREE, Chicago • BILLBOARD By STEVE SCHICKEL "The Treniers literally broke up the house. Their ranting and raving delivery registered 100 on the applause meter and left the patrons begging for more." Just Concluded (Dec. 4)— CHEZ PAREE, Chicago Currently Appearing Dec. 6th to 18th XMAS SHOW International Brotherhood Electrical Workers Union, Chicago Opening December 24th for 3rd Season CIRO’S, Miami Beach EPIC & OKEH RECORDS qac. THANK YOU- JACK GOLDMAN, Managing Director of the RIVIERA HOTEL, Las Vegas, FOR SELECT- ING US TO BE THE OPENING ATTRACTION IN The LOUNGE of your MAGNIFICENT HOTEL - Opening APRIL 8 , 1955-/ 1 WEEKS eral Artists Corporation GO BEVFRIY HIUS CINCINNATI DALLAS LONOON Personal Management GABBE, LUTZ and HELLER m West 57th Street New York 19, N. Y. 1626 Vine Street Hollywood 28, Cal. FILMS RADIO VIDEO MUSIC STAGE Published Weekly at 154 Wert 46th Street. New York 36. N. Y.. by Variety. Inc. Annual aubacrlptlon *10. Entered aa aecond class matter December 22. 1905, at the Poet Office at New York. N. Y.. under the COPYRIGHT. 1954. BY VARIETY. INC.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Single coplea. 25 cents, act of March 3. 187B. VOL. 197 No. 3 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1954 PRICE 25 CENTS ♦ -4 Unperturbed by Versailles’ Row, Customs Stands Pat: No Nude Scenes The U. S. Customs Service in the past has, on several occasions, closed an eye to nudity in foreign films. Last week, spotting it in the French pic, “Versailles,” Customs didn’t wink an eye. It ordered the import temporarily detained. This immediately brought howls of protest from Jean Goldwurm, Times Film prexy. who’s bringing in “Versailles.” Not unawares of the publicity value of an interna- tional controversy in the making, Goldwurm dispatched wires to the French Consul General in N. Y. and Washington officials, asking them to “quickly correct this blun- der which would cause a misunder- standing between our two coun- tries.” “This ill-considered action on the part of a Government agency is an affront to the Republic of France and to the French people,” he huffed, adding that “Versailles” was produced with the full coop- eration of the French Ministry of National Education and “should be welcomed here at this time as an important instrument toward rees- tablishing the traditional cultural exchange between our country and France” . At Customs House in N. Y., Irv- ing Fishman, Deputy Collector of Customs, appeared unimpressed by the threatened clouds of inter- ( Continued on page 63) Tex McCrary’s Political Future Keyed to His New Public Relations Setup Tex McCrary and the GOP may still get together on an official basis. Indications that McCrary’s long-known political ambitions may finally reach fruition came to the fore Monday (20) when he attended President Eisenhower’s stag dinner in Washington for the wheelhorses of the 1952 campaign. It was an off-the-record affair but political pundits claim the politicos met to discuss organizational activities for the future. McCrary’s future tieup with the GOP is seen t . a development of his move-in on the public relations field. The radiocaster is tied up to WRCA, N. Y. t for the next two years (Tex & Jinx), hence he w'ill limit his publicity activities to a few select accounts; but it’s ex- pected that when NBC pact ex- pires he’ll move out of broadcast- ing entirely to concentrate on his p r. office. Coincidentally, the pact winds up in an election year. His wife, Jinx Falkenburg, however, will continue and expand her broadcasting work. McCrary currently is negotiating to partner in {iis public relations firm with Albin Dearing, who com- manded a paratroop division dur- ing World War II. McCrary’s set- up also includes Bill Safire, man- (Continued on page 18) Chevalier Due on B’way In September for Miller Maurice Chevalier will do his one-man show in America, under Gilbert Miller’s auspices, on Broadway next September. The French singer-comedian is coming to New York in April, “just to look around and breathe the new ' times and television and see the ' best shows,” he wrote to Variety. After 58 recitals with his solo : stint at the Theatre des Champs- I Elysees, Paris, Chevalier’s pattern j now is to “Americanize my stuff ! during my winter season in Lon- don and Sweden.” Film Execs Rue Legit Hits At Sky-Hi Prices Film industry execs are doing a burn over the high cost of going ; legitimate. They insist the pro- prietors of stage properties are going way overboard in the prices they’re demanding for the licensing of screen rights. Reps of the Hollywood studios in i some instances think Hollywood’s own Samuel Goldwyn is to blame, at least in part. It’s figured that Goldwyn’s deal to buy “Guys and Dolls” at $1,000,000 against 10% of the world’s gross has tended to give the Dramatist Guild and in- dividual writers and producers of Broadway shows over-enthusiastic ideas about prices generally. Underlining this, according to a v.p. of a major film company, is (Continued on page 18) ‘HITLER’ SHOWS UP IN A MUNICH NIGHT CLUB Munich, Dec. 21. In line with the recent stories about reviving Hitlerism in Ger- many, a new nightclub act has ap- peared in Munich. At Giseia’s, an avant-garde student hangout in Schwabing — the Greenwich Village section of the town — an unan- nounced entertainer stepped up on the platform and did an imitation of Hitler. He vocalized the sound of goose-stepping Nazis, the crowds’ applause, the introduction by Goeb- bels. The Hitler bit was in no way a ridicule or sarcasm; it included a garbled few words about the greatness of the country in a voice accurately simulating the dictator’s. Act received standard applause from the student crowd, most of (Continued on page 18) U.S.1E0, Clifts YEN O'SEfiS FACES The transatlantic traffic in talent is getting heavier. Due to the de- mands for new faces, brought on mainly by television, the talent agencies are importing an increas- ing number of acts. As a matter of fact, the favorable trade balance in talent now en- joyed by U. S. agencies seems to be shifting in favor of the Continent. The U. S. is facing the necessity of becoming primarily an importer of acts instead of its customary role of being an exporter. The needs of television and the desire for new talent in the cafe and outdoor circuits seem to be the primary reasons for the shift. Cafes and what theatres remain are also contributing to the rising amount of imports. For instance, Radio City Music Hall, N. Y„ has been giving a fresh facz.de to many of its bills with a Continental turn. Hotel and cafe circuits are also relying more heavily on imports, with many of them becoming at- tractions. For example, Patachou, now at the Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y., and booked for other hotel situa- tions, is a French import, as is Edith Piaf, who for several years brought SRO business to the Ver- sailles and who this season will tour theatres. Noel Coward is be- ing submitted by Joe Glaser’s As- (Continued on page 20) Gobel Playing It The Safe Way On ‘Over-Exposure’ Apparently George Gobel has no intention of wearing out his wel- come on tv, according to his per- sonal manager, David P. O’Malley, who points out that the comic, if anything, has no desire to “cash in” on his new popularity by spreading himself thin on the guest star circuit, but that in recent weeks he; 1. ) Turned down the Milton Berle show during the latter’s brief illness; 2. ) Rejected a 90-minute NBC* TV spectacular two weeks ago; 3. ) Turned down the General Motors’ Motorama show via NBC* TV originating at the Waldorf-As- toria. N. Y., scheduled for Jan. 19, despite a firm offer of $25,000 plus a budget for a writing staff; 4 ) Refused a repeat appearance on Jack Carson’s one-a-month NBC- TV show; 5. ) Turned down an appearance on last week’s NBC-TV Overseas Press Club “Dateline” spec; 6. ) Refused numerous offers of guest appearances from competing networks which O'Malley, as man- (Continued on page 18) Just as Tough as Ever’ Laments Don Quinn on Telefilm ‘Blacklists’ 4 Buff. Minister Extols ‘Spiritual’ Mae West Buffalo, Dec. 21. Description of Mae West by the I Rev. Thomas J. Kelly, minister of the Spiritualist Church of Life of Buffalo, as a “wonderful, spiritual person” drew heavy attention from the dailies here when it was coupled with a report that Miss West had contributed $500 to the work of the church. Rev. Kelly also declared that Miss West had been instrumental in inviting a group of newspaper men and critics to see a special per- formance staged by him at the L*iin Quarter in New York under her sponsorship in which he gave what he termed a “performance of psychic phenomenon.” See N.Y. 3% Sales Tax Test Suit Vs. Indie Producers City of New York is preparing to attempt to tax the “producers’ share” qf the gross revenues of film distributors operating out of the city, it was learned this we r k. Tax which would be applied against the producers’ share of film revenues would be the 3% sales tax, and it would apply on all sales regardless of where they were made, be it Hollywood or Oshkosh. City’s tax department has been studying the problem for more than a year now, but it was be- (Continued on page 20 * 81 ENTERTAINERS HIT GI CHRISTMAS TRAILS Hollywood, Dec. 21. Hollywood Coordinating Commit- tee will play Santa Claus to serv- 1 icemen overseas with a flock of 81 troupers who will put on Christ- mas shows at military bases in Japan, Alaska, North Africa, Eu- j rope and the Northeast Air Com- mand. They will be gone two weeks. Following is a list of enter- tainers: FAR EAST — Unit A; Johnny Grant, Hal Biller, Freddie Browne. Jean Fowler, Pat Ireland, Carol Jarvis, Berneta Denson, Karleen Millard, Wanda Smith, June Wil- sott, Joan Wright. USO Musicians: Owen Bari, Joe South. Unit B. Carolina Cotton, Marlene Gaylord, Norm Nielsen, Texas Rase. Thad Swift. USO Musicians, Craig Ev- (Continued on page 20) Hollywood, Dec. 21. There’s a sharp split among Hol- lywood telefilm producers on the question of whether a "blacklist” of certain creative talent is still as rigid as ever. Some say it’s eased up a bit in the past year, while others contend the employment tabus are being as strictly im- posed as ever. All the producers agree, how- ever, that they are nonplussed by the inconsistencies of the various “blacklists,” wherein some talent is acceptable on certain series but not acceptable on others. Turn- down in nearly all cases is because the talent isn’t politically able to sponsors and/or ad »en- cies, although producers are never told this in so many words. In some rare cases the talent is un- employable for reasons of morals. It’s admitted by most producers that the hardest hit are zictors and writers in the “twilight zone" — those who have neve- been iden- tified as Communists or fellow trav- elers, but who are nevertheless considered suspect by pressure groups. Most in this category never know why they are “unemploy- able,” producers say, since it’s im- possible to tell them the truth with- out incurring a civil suit. Most outspoken of telefilm pro- ducers contacted on the “blacklist” question was Don Quinn, of “The Halls of Ivy.” Quinn, asserting that (Continued on page 53) ‘Okla’ Calling It Quits; Bus & Truck Folderoo Ends 1 1 Years of Tour “Oklahoma” Is seceding from the road. On tour almost continu- ously for more than 11 years, the Rodgers & Hamn\erstein musical goes into mothballs Jan. 1. Show is currently touring under the sponsorship of Nick Mayo, Phil Mathias and Jean Barrere, the third management to have routed the tuner since it first hit the hinterlands Oct. 14, 1943. Present trek was designed pri- marily to cover out-of-the-way territory skipped by preceding editions. Production, traveling via bus and truck and playing at reduced prices, was originally scheduled to run through the ’54- ’55 season, but sufficient promis- ing bookings weren’t forthcoming. Business has been spotty. Vehicu- lar company played its initial date Sept. 17 at the Klein Aud., Bridge- port. Playing mostly split weeks, the tuner will have racked up 131 per- formances when it closes. Run will have covered 36 cities, half of which were getting the show for the first time. Musical is at the Shubert Theatre, Detroit, this week, moves to the Central High School. Kalamazoo, next Monday- Wednesday (7-29) and folds at the (Continued on page 53) MISCELLANY Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Winner of the John Golden-iponsored essay contest. “Why the „ U. S. Needs the UN.” was Florida Friebus. with Arthur Kingsley and John Buckwalter taking second and third place, respectively. Trio share In cash prizes totalling $500. Contest was open to mem- bers of Actors' Equity and Chorus Equity and was initiated in conjunction with United Nations Day. Awards were made at City Hall, N. Y., Dec. Uf at a ceremony marking the occasion. Miss Friebus is currently on Broadway in 'Tea and Sympathy.” Award committee included such show bizites as Golden, Ralph "^^Sellemy, Victor Borge, John Effrat, Jinx Falkenburg, Walter Greaza, Helen Hayes, Mrs. Joshua Logan, Tex McCrary and John Shubert. City Hall ceremony wound uo with the Dent, of Sanita- tion Band playing Golden's "New York Town.” Miss Friebus* essay follows: Why the U.S. Needs the UN 'The United States needs the United Nations as each actor in a play needs the other actors, for all the world's a stage and the men and women on it cannot play their parts effectively without direct association, close communication and mutual understanding. All of these the United Nations provides. "Now that science and technology have made the broad stage of the world so small, and electronics, like Puck, can "put a girdle ‘round the earth in 40 minutes,’ to 'go it alone’ is as foolhardy 4©r our nation as it would be for an actor in a production. "The United States needs the United Nations of the world as it needs its own states united: for keepng the peace, for Doliring of evils, for mutual betterment, and for the maintenance of its position as a leading performer. “When one is acting on a stage filled with players, as this small world is filled with people, it is absolutely necessary to know what the others are thinking, where they are moving, and what cues they are 'giving in order to achieve that teamwork which alone can make the world's performance a success and save us from chaos." Hollywood, Dec. 21. Everybody talks about the neces- sity of building an act when screen talent embarks on a nitery tour, but nobody does anything about it. At least, nobody has until now. But after the first of the year, a completely new show business personal service setup will begin functioning under the aegis of Ann So them's indie Vincent Produc- tions. Its primary purpose will be to create, develop, stage, choreo- graph, costume and arrange com- plete acts for talent of all k ; nds. Special emphasis, however, will be placed on film names who have succumbed to the blandishments of Las Vegas— only to discover there's more to personal appear- ances than walking on stage and saying "howdy.” Vincent P .'eductions has a tele- film seres and a theatrical feature In its ' eprint, but the nightclub pack? .* setup will be one of its most important continuing opera- tions. “I found out when I went out,” Miss So* hen emphasizes, “that there are difficulties most people never think about. They say ‘Let’s do an act.’ T ir.'.’s fine, but after a few minutes of discussion you realize that what you should say is •Who will do it?’ ” After agree. ng to do nlteries, 3 ?veral mont’is ago. Miss Sothem iscovered that there are only a handful of p-ople in the business who are equipped to turn out an act — end they are usually booked long in advance. "Most people.” ahe explains, "think immediately of Nick. Castle and Bob Alton among others, hut they are usually tied up. And besides, people who create acts are very expensive — so that new talent has very little chance to pet food material.” Vincent Productions' plan calls for a complete package job. It will include the services of choreo- (Continued on page 18) Maxene Andrews is Okay After Sleeping Pill Boot Hollywood, Dec. 21. Condition of Maxene Andrews was described as good, following her attempt at suicide today (Tues.) by swallowing 18 sleeping pills. Miss Andrews was said to have been despondent 'over' family trou- bles and the breakup of the famed singing sister trio. She was taken to the Valley Hospital, Van Nuys. Suicide attempt came within a few hours after her arrival from Australia, where she and her sister Laverne had been on a concert tour with Billy Daniels. The exhaustion of the trip may also have been a factor. Both Maxene and Laverne were to have determined whether they would continue to do their act with Dorothy Squires. Their sister Patty had been doing a sin- gle a little less than a year. Maxene was formerly married to music publisher Lou Levy, whom she divorced. They have two adopted children. The Andrews Sisters' tour with Daniels drew an alltime high of 36.000 paid attendance to Sydney Stadium. They were paid $25,000 to try out their new double. Dan- iels got $40,000. Latter is already negotiating with producer Ben Reyes for a similar Down Under junket in late 1955. HORACE HEIDT For 8wift A Co. Starting Jan. 8th Office* — J. Walter Thompion, Chicago See Hollywood Glorification of French Outfit Enticing Swiss Youth to Vamoose Homeland Box Office Television is offer- ing theatres a closed-circuit thea- tre telecast of a jazz concert. Package, being assembled by the Associated Booking Corp., is be- ing aimed for midnight viewing on March 4. Among those listed for the jazz program are Gene Krupa and Louis Armstrong. BOTV is feeling out the attitude of theatres with closed-circuit large-screen installations. On the basis of early demands, exhibitors complained that the terms de- manded were unsuitable, espe- cially since the event represents an untried quantity. They’re also wondering how much cf an audi- ence they can corral at midnight. BOTV, it’s understood, has pre- sented two plans — either a guar- antee from the theatres or outright rental of the house and the tv equipment on a four-wall basis. One chain closed-circuit booker termed the offer of $300 for rental of the house as "ridiculous.” unu/ii a ijcuib Hollywood is being Indirectly nunmANMiir blamed by the Swiss for many of their young men making the "prej- n ^°r . Palsy udicial and punishable” decision of i Into 48 States joining the French Foreign Le- lenson s resignation , Qn the supposition that the film if Lmted Cerebral ; version of the Foreign Legion has “V board chairman had an effect on Swiss men. police lght on the heart ! officials in Zurich have decided to s. Radio and tv eie- ! gj- an t no further permits to pix ture companies via j "which deal with life conditions > and hundreds of j n the Foreign Legion or in any ponded to Golden- other foreign military organiza- a mammoth job in t ion, describing these conditions in cause. ^ SUC h a way as to rouse or favor >ed to get the mes- in the feelings of young patrons lethons, benefits of a desire for adventure and a wish :ity from all direc- to enlist in a foreign army.” reached the public In line with this thinking, The cs show the result. Swiss have ordered pre-release 0 was raised in the censorship on all films dealing e Goldenson took with or relating to foreign mili- tary service "and especially the a national health F renc h Foreign Legion.” Los Angeles’ Democratic News Goes to Tunes On Ere of Guild Action Los Angeles, Dec. 21. The Daily News, only metropoli- tan Democratic daily on the west coast, suspended publication over the weekend following its sudden purchase by the Times-Mirror Co. Passing of control was announced ir. a terse staff bulletin Saturday afternoon by Clinton D. McKinnon, who purchased the Daily News a year ago. Times-Mirror acquired the cir- culation list and most of the fea- tures of the departed daily and promptly suspended publication of the Daily News. T-M, owned and operated by the Chandler family, publishes the morning Times and the afternoon Mirror. Purchase price of the off-size tabloid w’as not disclosed. How- ever, it was known that the bulk of the coin will go toward meeting current debts, including salaries and a one-week paycheck repre- senting a week's salary that had been deferred from the time Mc- Kinnon took over. The Daily News has been in con- stant difficulty since its acquisition by McKinnon and its known that several groups have advanced coin from time to time. Recently Robert (Continued on page 53) Jessel’s 3GG Tab To Host Royal Nevada Bov/: S°!s Indie Film George Je c sel is the new Royal Nevada's deii to t.ie S10.000 cock- tailery fee for Jor.n Crawford hos- tessing at still another new Las Vegas hotel, the Riviera, at a super-cocktailery. Jessel’s expense item is $30 009 h t for this he’ll also assist in putting on the debut show, possibly do a gag or two be- sides a little hosting on his own. Frank S'lifTirrn ?.nd Eddie Rio. latter the ex-Coast rep for AGYA. head up trie Royal Nevada, which is slated for a February bow. The Riviera debuts a month or so later. Jessel's other activities include an independent film production of "Blessed !' t N e L“nd.” based on the Louis Zara book, dealing with the first landing of fhe 23 Dutch Jews from Br'nil in Nieuw Am- sterdam, and also a taped radio show called "Breakfast in Holly- wood.” which Frank Cooper will syndicate. It’s an extension of the (late) Tcm 3;eneman title, but with new open-end variations so that Jessel can "originate” theo- retically from the Sheraton Hotels, with whom he Ijas a rapport, or Las Vegas, or anywhere. Cooper and his associates own the title and NBC is interested in the syndica- tion. Geo. Headley’s 295G Stock Issue to B.R. Five Different Show Biz Cos Los Angeles, Dec. 21. Red Doff, former press agent for Liberace, filed a $350,000 libel suit against the Hearst Corp. in Fed- eral Court, claiming false, defama- tory and malicious statements were made about him in an article attributed to the pianist in the December issue of Cosmopolitan. Complaint contains passages from the magazine in which is quoted as saying that Liberace is not worried about "lavender tinted innuendos” which "have stemmed principally from the threats of a press agent he fired." Liberace is also quoted as saying that the pub- licist "sold a great many untruths to a local paper for $100*’* Doff contends that these state- ments have injured his good repu- tation and caused him embarrass- ment. ^ He asks $175,000 punitive damages and $175,000 general dam- ages. New wrinkle in "diversification” is incorporated into the plans of a new show’ biz company, George Headley Associates, which will op- erate in no less than five separate entertainment fields. Prospectus for a $ 295,000 stock issue floated by the firm reveals plans to oper- ate a radio -tv-film packaging divi- sion, a high fidelity record and tape division, a music publishing and children's book publishing unit, a talent management opera- tion and a public relations-mer- chandising-sales promotion depart- ment. all under the same corporate banner. * Purpose of the issue, which com- prises 295.000 shares of voting common stock at $1 a share, is to provide for administrative ex- penses for the r.rzt yerr'e opera- tion. Issue consists of 49 '.'o of outstanding common stock, with Headley retaining 51^ of the com- mon: Agent for the issue is the brokerage house of F. M. Hall & (Continued on page 18) Jas., Pamela & Portland In Mason Family Vidpic Which Hits Theatres Hollywood, Dec. 21. James Mason’s 15-minute vidp:^ "A Star of Bethlehem.” opened at three L. A. theatres day after it was seen on Ed Sullivan’s "Toast of the Town” Sunday (19) on CBS- TV. Telepic which is now at the Fox Beverly. Egyptian and Loew s 4 State, is believed to be the first to be seen in theatres so soon after vidviewing. Mason produced and directed the picture, and with his wife. Pamela, wrote it. Their six-year-old daugh- ter, Portland, stars in the religioso. Masons plan to reissue it on tv and : theatrically every Christmas. While it was filmed in color it was seen j in black-and-white on Sunday, but in tint theatrically. Laurie’s Comedy Library George Freedley, curator of the Theatre Collection of the N. Y. Public Library, is planning a spe- cial shindig to celebrate the offi- cial acceptance of the Joe Laurie Jr. Comedy Library’ Collection. Some 17 crates of memorabilia was willed by the late author- comedian to the 5th Ave. & 42d St. institution. Ed Nealis, Bill Rowland Producing Video Films Hollywood, Dec. 21. Edward Nealis, former Holly- wood film producer and currently operator of a hotel below’ the Mexi- can border, reports the formation of a company to make motion pic- tures and telefilms in Baja Cali- fornia.^ Outfit is bankrolled by the Nealis group and by New World Productions a Mexican company headed by William Row- land. former producer-director. New corporation will tee off w’ith two telefilm series with Nealis as executive producer and Rowland as active producer. First of the series, aimed at the U. S. markets will be "The Avenger” based on the feats of Joaquin Murietta. Second will be "Rosa- rita Beach Nights,” a Latin musi- cal series. Theatrical films will Subsrripiion Order Form Enclosed find check for $ Please send VARIETY for y*". Harold Robbins Not a bwnoroas vignette io ‘ff ire 9 Service !*- ni V»m»l on* of th* many byline pieces in »h* npcoming 49th Anniversary IS umber Regular Subscription Rates One Year — $10.00 Two Years — $18.00 Canada and Foreign— $1 Additional per Year P^RfETY lac. IS4 West 44th Straat New York 34. I P^rIETy OUT SOON Wednesday. December 22, 14S4 nmnEs NEW DISTRIBS ON TRIAL IN ’55 Treble Damage Tax Bite May Take Fan Out of Antitrust Victories Hollywood, Dec. 21. ♦ Successful antitrust case liti- gants are awaiting, with consider- able anxiety, the verdict of the V S Supreme Court in a case that vould render taxable the whole a nount of treble damages award- ed. Previously only one-third of the antitrust awards have been taken bv the income tax collector. C'se in point is that of William Goldman Theatres. Inc., winner of a heavy treble damage award sev- eral years ago in Philadelphia. When the Third Circuit Uourt of Af peals denied the Revenue Bu- reau's contention that it has a right to tax the full amount, the case vas taken before the Supreme Court. If the decision favors the In- ternal Revenue Department it means that winners of treble dam- ages will be faced with huge taxes. For example, if a theatre corpora- tion should win. the treble damages would be taxed at 52% over the first $30,000. but if the winner were an individual exhibitor the bite would be much higher. If the award were $100,000 he would pay $67,000. If $500,000 he would be nicked for $430,000, and if he won $1,000,000 the revenuers would take $885,000. There is not complete agreement among Federal Courts on this ques- tion. Recently the Seventh Circuit of appeals ruled that awards in treble damage suits are taxable in full. It was not a film industry case. More Cases Due? Following a period of com- parative calm in the antitrust suit field, year’s end has seen a sudden resurgence of activ- ity. attorneys report. Not only have several new suits been filed against the film distributors, but some dormant actions have been re- vived with exhibs pressuring for out-of-court settlements. There's r.o indication what might cause this renewed ac- tivity on the legal front. There's a possibility that it may be tied up with the case now’ pending before the U. S. Supreme Court. In it the Com- missioner of Internal Revenue argues that the whole — not just one-third — of any anti- trust suit award should be tax- able. Harry McNaugfaton, Vet Broadcaster, Set For Par’s 'Vagabond King’ Veteran radio-tv comic Harry McNaughton planed Sunday (19) to Hollywood under an eight-week contract to play the role of Pierre, the rogue in “The Vagabond King." This is to be directed by Michael Curtiz for Paramount and VistaVi- sion. Contract was negotiated for McNaughton by Baum-Newborn agency in N. Y. This is not Me- l's aughton’s screen debut, but his first sucb assignment in some years. His last release was 20th- Fox's "Thanks a Million.” McNaughton. of the English Mc- Naughton-Lloyd-Hyman theatrical family first came to air note years back when he did “Bottle" on the old Phil Baker series. More re- cently he’s been part of “It Pays to Be Ignorant" panel and has had his own radio series, "It's Higgins." 1 Warners’ Faust’ Seeks Met Opera Singer’s Co-op Hollywood. Dec. 21. Goethe’s literary classic “Faust.” with music from the Gounod opera of the same name, has been slated for * high-budget production by Jack L. Warner, with part of the cast made up of .Metropolitan Opera stars. Under consideration for roles are Jack Palance. Mario Lanza. Jerome Hines. Ezio Pinza, Nadine Conner and Eleanor Steber. It is possible, Warner said, that the Metropolitan will provide its entire operatic en- semble for the picture. The new departures from con- ventional distribution patterns are going on trial in 1955 and the re- sults will influence industry opera- tions on a global basis. Or, at least, the situation is so s'zed up by a few vet sales execs in New York Being watched as the tipoff on things to come is the handling of Walt Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Buena Vista in the U S. and native distributors in foreign territories. Sharing the spotlight is the setup established by Distributors Corp. of America. It’s no secret that Samuel Gald- wyn hasn’t decided on a releasing channel for his uocoming “Guys and Dolls" as yet. And it has been strongly suggested that James Mul- vey, president of Goldw’yn Produc- tions. wants to await the outcome of the Disney and DCA efforts before any decisions are made. Goldwyn, like Disney, heretofore has had a tieup with RKO. Vista, a Disney subsid, already has handled a couple of features. “Living Desert" and “Vanishing Prairie." But these are lesser en- tries in comparison with "Leagues." which has a negative cost of $5,000,000. The big question is whether such an important project can be so’d by such a limited, structure-wise, organization that doesn’t have the exhibitor contacts (Continued on page 18) Stage, Book Writers Best Bets; Video Stuff Not Too Worthwhile; Brown Sees Studios Story-Alert GREGORY TO JAMAICA ‘Naked and Dead’ Starts There In August — Release Not Set Philadelphia, Dec. 21. Paul Gregory was here Friday to confer with his partner, william Goldman, Philadelphia ex- hibitor. on the forthcoming filming of the Norman Mailer book. “The Naked and the Dead." It is now planned to roll next August. This is some months later than original- Classify Drive-In Staff As Parking Lot Jocks; High Insurance Rates Drive-in operators are beefing about the high workman’s com- pensation rates they’re forced to pay. They blame the situation on the fact that the insurance com- panies are lumping all employees, except manager and projectionist, as parking lot attendants. “And the way some of them handle cars,” says Theatre Owners of America, “r.o small wonder the rate is so high." At any rate. TOA. at the urging of its ozoner members, is opening negotiations with the National Council on Compensation “to dis- cover. if possible, the reason for the very high rates prevailing." Drive-in ops have been asked to forward to TOA information re- quired to secure reduced rates. It notes that the National Council on Compensation is currently con- ducting a survey. Information wanted includes name of drive-in. city and state. UA Praay Arthur B. Krim has k«M impressed by Yaak films' global impact bat bo Sees Pix Bis As A T ico- W ay Street * o * as iatorostiog editorial feature ie the epcomieg 49ih Anniversary Number of OUT SOON Lost His Head Hollywood Dec. 2i. Hairline economics of shoe- string production was under- lined this week by an indie whose production manager scouted downtown Los Angeles for a weather-beaten old house to sene as a location site. | After several hours, he re- ported back triumphantly and told his chief he had found the perfect place. “How much?” queried the producer. “A steal." said the produc- tion manager. “I told the woman we’d buy her a turkey." “A turkey?" retorted the producer. “How many pounds?" Fashion Tie-Ups, If Properly Made, Help Bally Films With advertising tieups via en- dorsements on the decline, film ballvhooers have stepped up their wooing of New’ York’s Seventh Ave. and the promotional results, in many instances, have paid off handsomely both ways. The fash- ion peg has had its ups and downs in selling pictures and dresses, but when coordinated correctly it means sales for the dress manu- facturer and space for the film company. The fashion promotion can turn out to be a big bust when the aim is merely to gain mentions and space * in a haphazard manner. However, long-range planning, de- ’ signed to give the manufacturer (Continued on page 10) With a view towards the devel- opment of writing talent. 20th-Fox is ontioning a number of new novelists and playwrights even though their work may not be of immediate and tangible benefit to the studio, according to David Brown, head of 20th’s story depart- ment on the Coast. In N. Y. to o. o. the new plays and huddle with publishers. Brown said that a good many new writers were on the horizon, but that the number of originals submitted had dropped. He observed that, with the large investment going into pix nowadays, and the require- ments of the wide screen, it was more difficult than ever to pick subjects that would appeal to all in equal measure. Television, he said, wasn’t of much help, even though the studios were conscientiously monitoring its Crashing of the Trendex Top 10 output. Brown thought the tv me- dium was helpful in that it acted as a “test tube" for new writing talent with eventual Hollywood po- tential. "Right now the stuff they turn out is somewhat akin to our ’B’ or *C' pictures," he commented. Brown opined that Hollywood was tackling more difficult sub- jects than in the past. Asked r* (Continued on page 23) National Boxoffice Survey Pre-Xmas Sloughs Biz; ‘Christmas’ No. 1 for Eighth Time, ‘Paris’ 2d, ‘Desiree,’ ‘Cinerama*’ Next Tropaganda’ Seminar Thinks USL4 Staffers Should Enjoy Tenure Boston. Dec. 21. An all-day conference on Amer- ican “propaganda" in foreign coun- tries was held here Friday >17) at the Center for International Studies of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Some 28 representa- tives of publishing and education (but apparently nobody from the (Continued on page 18) ly planned Gregory departed Saturday with name of insurance company, and director Charles Laughton for 10 policy number, days in Jamaica where some of the footage will be shot. Gregory-Goldman Enterprises.' it Is revealed, is still shopping around for a distribtuion deal on I First the film. BETTE DAVIS' RETURN Indonesia’s 567G Motion Picture Export Assn, has received $567,000 from Indonesia, representing the second half of !9o3 remittance due from that country. i n the light of Indonesia’s c^fficult economic situation, ’the !V m companies’ 1954 earnings there remain to be unblocked. . * coin from Indonesia is due ,*V ary and amounts to $120.- , ■ “ s one of several payments aimed at iiquidating the Ameri _ c ns 19o2 accumulation in Indo- nesia. Pic Role In 2 Yeans Will Be Liz the First Hollywood. Dec. 21. Bette Davis is returning to the screen after an absence of more than two-years to co-star with Richard Todd in "Sir Walter Raleigh." She will play Queer Elizabeth, a role she previously portrayed in "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" at War- ners in 1939. Filming starts Feb. 14 with Charles Brackett producing and Henry Koster directing. Other members of the cast thus far are Joan Collins and Jay Robinson. Miss Davis’ last picture was “The I Star" in 1952. * This is the week before Christ- mas, and biz is so bad at many first- runs that most exhibitors will be glad when it’s all over. Numerous theatres are looking forward to launching new. stronger product in keys covered by Variety to take advantage of year-end holidays. Rain along the- Atlantic seaboard followed by cold and snow, and snow and colder weather elsewhere put a crimp in what slim possibil- ities many houses had of doing biz. The few films doing fairly good trade are rare exceptions. All of which makes the showing by “White Christmas" (Part all the more remarkable since it is not be- ing launched in any new keys. It is the only picture on the list with no lukewarm sessions. Both in ac- tual coin and individral playdates. “Xmas” easily is champ pic for the eighth week in a row. “Last Time I Saw Paris" (M-G) is taking second plate. the same as last round. “Cinerama" (Indie) again is holding in third position although sagging considerably in several spots. “Desiree" (20th » will wind up fourth. "Carmen Jones.’’ also from 20th- Fox, is finishing fifth despite sev- eral mild to fair showings. “Reap Wild Wind’’ (Par', out again on re- issue. is showing sufficient strength to take over sixth spot via some five or six c ates. “Star Is Born” (WB) is managing to take seventh position. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA*, which has played out its main key city angagements. is displaying enough stamina to take eighth. I "Hansel and Gretel" (RKO), fair- ly new. and "4 Guns To Border" lU) are the runner-up films. For- mer likely will fare better in the holiday sessions via juvenile at- tendance. Among other oldie combos trotted out this session is "Battleground” (M-G* paired with “Asphalt Jungle” i M-G*. This got some sizable coin but never rose higher than a fair- ish rating. “Saratoga Trunk”-“Big Sleep," two oldies from WB. like- wise managed moderate results. Several new’ pix, launched this session, indicate great promise. “Country Girl" (Par* looms stand- out with a terrific opening round in N. Y. despite the weather and pre- Xmas opposition. “No Business Like Show Business" *20th>, which preemed at N. Y. Roxy, also shapes a winner. It is smash opening week. “Young At Heart" (WB* is rated nice in Chi with stageshow. “Gate of Hell.” import from Japan, is great opening week in N. Y. “Beau Brummell" (M-G) is more disappointing than ever currently. “Karamoja" « Indie' is nice in Min- neapolis. “High and Dry" (U) is okay in N. Y. and K.C. ( Complete Boxoffice Reports on Pages 8 9) i Trad* Mark Reel stared FOUNDED BY 8IME SILVERMAN Published Weekly by VARIETY. INC Harold Ericbs. President 154 West 46th St New York 36. NY JUdson Z *700 Mellyweed It •311 Yucca Street Hollywood 9-1141 ‘ Washington 4 1293 National Pres* Building STerling 3-5445 Chico** II •13 No Michigan Are. Delaware 7-4864 London WC3 • St. Martin’s PI Trafalgar Sq. Temple Bar 3041 SUBSCRIPTION Annual 310 Foreign til Single Copies 33 Cent* ABEL GREEN Editor Vol. 197 in No. 3 MERRY CHRISTMAS Tushinsky Lens Cost Cut Hollywood, Dec. 21. Joseph and Irving Tushinsky who perfected the SuperScope anamorphic lens, reveal that its price will be reduced by more than 40% on Jan. 3. Present cost of a pair of projection lenses is $700. INDEX Bills 53 Chatter 62 Concert -Opera . . t 60 Film Reviews 6 House Reviews 53 Inside Legit 56 Inside Pics 16 Inside Radio-TV 34 International 12 Legitimate 56 Literati 61 Music 41 New Acts 54 Night Club Reviews ’ 54 Obituaries 63 Pictures 3 Radio-Television 24 Radio Reviews 30 Record Reviews 42 Frank Scully . . 61 Television Reviews 31 TV-Films 39 Vaudeville 50 Wall Street 22 DAILY VARIETY (Published In Hollywood bv Dally Variety. Ltd.) •13 a Year t30 Foreign 4 PICTURES Wednesday, December 22, 1954 No ‘Paradise’ for Yvonne de Carlo, Who Regrets Film Straight Pay Deal By GEORGE GILBERT Freelancing may have its finan- cial hazards but to Yvonne De Carlo it’s been a trip around the world. For in the last 18 months the actress has made more than a half-dozen films in such varied lo- cales as Britain. Germany. France and E'Jypt. Fact she’s made so manv pix abroad has no special significance to her, she said in N r w York this week, for “I take the work where it’s offered and the pictures were all for American co™' na rues anyway.” Miss De Carlo, who recently re- turned to the U. S.. has been busy- ing herself in behalf of Allied Artists’ ‘Tonight’s the Night” which preemed a fortnight ago at Minneapolis’ Radio City Theatre. On the scene there for several davs she said she was impressed with the spontaneous enthusiasm of filmpoers she met. “Tonight’s the Night,” in which Miss De Carlo costars with David Niven and Barry Fitzgerald, will have its New York unveiling to- night (Wed.) at the Trans-Lux 52nd St. Theatre. Opening night fan- fare will, be televised via WPIX and receipts from the initial show- ing are for the benefit of the New Yo r k Foundling Hospital. Miss De Carlo, whom Universal likes to take credit for building up, made “Tonight” last year in Eng- land. starred in “La Castiglione” for Warners in France last winter, did “Magic Fire” in Germany last spring for Republic and after that went to Egypt for locations on Cecil B. DeMille’s “Ten Command- ments.” Last summer she returned to the U. S. to do “Shotgun,” a John Champion production for AA release. Somewhat blase and almost cyni- cal, Miss De Carlo says she doesn’t worry or concern herself unduly about the business aspect of things for she has three managers look- ( Continued on page 18) SEVERANCE SETTLEMENTS $1,000 to Gandel — $3,500 to Handel Under SPG Pact The Screen Publicists Guild, representing pub-ad staffers of five homeoffiee film companies, recently made settlements of $1,000 with Universal and about $3,500 with United Artists. Coin involved severance pay for staffers who exited the company because of disputes with management. The $1,000 went to William Gan- del who was summarily .dismissed by U after he denounced Sen. Wil- liam Jenner during an appearance before the Senate Internal Secur- ity Committee. Charles Handel, vet UA staffer, was reinstated to his post follow- ing a disagreement with publicity toppers. However, upon his rein- statement he resigned and under an agreement between the SPG and UA rceived back pay plus sever- ance coin totaling about $3,500. Sponsored Premieres Of Big Films Strictly Okay by Exploiters The motion picture business is becoming increasingly aggressive and ingenious in promoting bigger and better “free” plugs on tv. Latest example is 20th -Fox which had its Roxy preem of "There’s No Business Like Show Business” covered via a one-hour telecast on WPIX which sold the segment to Nash. According to Charles Einfcld, 20th ad-pub v.p., the company in the future will throw open all of its openings to sponsored telecasts. In addition, 20th is filming its gala preems and is shipping out the newsreel clips to tv stations as a gratis service. Glamour parade that accompanies the pic bows is a big incentive for the stations to run the foolage. In a different way, Universal also is promoting tv plugs. Colgate Hour's full-blown treatment of “So This Is Paris,” starring several of the pic’s top stars, had sock im- pact and, apart from everything else, helped "sell” the talent along with the upcoming pic. Ed Sullivan’s CBS-tv “Toast of the Town” show Sunday devoted considerable time to Sullivan’s filmed visit with Stanley Kramer on the "Not As a Stranger.” It shaped as a sock plug for the pic and. incidentally, also as good tv fare. Feeling prevails* that, without actually cooperating with the tv medium to the point where it be- comes an economic disadvantage, the film industry hasn’t begun to really exploit all its potential pro- motional advantages anent its elec- tronic competition. Wisdom of "using tv on certain type pix is bo ing recognized by exhibs as w'bll as distribs. Latter are now’ think- ing in more ambitious terms than mere trailer plugs. Neil Agnew Sells ‘Day’ Neil Agnew, veteran distribution exec, has been named sales mana- ger for “Day of Triumph,” re- ligioso film being distributed by George J. Schaefer. Agnew has been ales head for Paramount and Sclznick Releasing Organization, among others. Yank Film Firms Moulding Policy Re ANICA Setup American film companies’ for- eign toppers are getting their heads together on policy to be followea under the proposed revisions of the distributors’ section of ANICA, the Italian film trade organization. Lengthy “Guide” on the subject is being distributed by the Motion Picture Export Assn, and its essence is also being transmitted to the Continental managers in Paris. While not all of the details are known in N.Y., the companies understand that ANICA proposes to take three major steps, at least one of them agreed on in N Y. during the last visit here of Eitel Monaco, ANICA topper. Revamped distrib section will vote on the basis of a two-thirds majority. The three classifications within the section, breaking dis- tribs down in local and national (Continued on page 23) Budd Schulberg bat tom* interesting views en How Much Do You Want to Do It? an editorial pieca in tha forthcoming I 49 th Anniversary Number of y^KlETY OUT SOON Johnston Reports; Hopeful Japan Won’t Worsen Film companies’ foreign man- agers, sitting as the Motion Pic- ture Export Assn, board, met in N. Y. last week (27) to hear Eric Johnston, MPF.A prexy, report on his recent month-long trip to the Far East. Johnston dwelt at length on the situation in Japan, expressing the belief that there would be no cut in American imports or remit- tances in that area for the new film year which starts April 1. He also outlined various compensation deals he discussed in Tokyo and Manila. MPEA chief had stated earlier that he expected to return to Japan prior to the opening of the film year. Irving Maas, MPEA’s Far Eastern supervisor who re- cently returned from Japan, said the Johnston visit to Tokyo has done “a lot of good” and had cre- ated a very favorable impression among Japanese officials con- cerned w'ith problems of finance and- importation. For the 1954-55 year, the Japa- nese had cut American imports by 20%, to 101 permits. It’s under- stood that, in their preliminary discussions with Maas. Tokyo au- thorities had indicated that, due to the precarious economic posi- tion of their country, permits allo- cated the Americans might have to be cut back further. Board also briefly discussed the situation in Pakistan where an agreement on a remittance split pends. RKO’s Loss-Carry-Forward a Puzzle Odium and Grainger Estimates of Crucial Accountancy Value Differ by $10,000,000 UA NIXES $12 DEMAND Publicists Guild Wage Issue May Go to Arbitration Request for a $12 across-the- board wage hike by United Artists homeoffiee pub-ad staffers has been nixed by the UA manage- ment. However, talks between UA and the Screen Publicists Guild, representing the pub-ad staffers, are continuing, and if no agree- ment is reached by Dec. 31, the wage question goes to arbitration. UA and the SPG are currently operating under a two-yeat* paci which allows for reopening of wage negotiations after one year. It is the only film company whose mem- bers are affiliated with the SPG which consented to a wage reopen- ing clause when the contract was signed a year ago. Flick Tskt-Tskts Brutal Judo In Screen Brawling Hugh M. Flick, the N. Y. censor, has joined others in the film biz in deploring a rising tendency towards excessive violence in pix. Although his board has no direct power to deal with the problem. Flick Is still trying to do some- thing about it. He said in N. Y. Monday (20) that he was engaged in “a quiet sort of campaign” against screen brutality. To convey his feelings in the matter, he’s had conversa- tions with various company execs, trying to point out to them what he considers to be the unnecessary extent to which screen sadism is being carried. “It isn’t so much the fact that there is brutality on the screen,” he observed. “It’s the detail that’s now being shown. There isn’t such a thing as a plain, hard fist- fight anymore. Now it’s all judo, with a man hitting another man in the stomach or the neck and spine. The fights are. getting (Continued on page 18) SPIRITED QUESTI ONING AT COL UMBIA MEETING Momentarily Resembles Plot of ‘ Solid Gold Cadillac 9 — Cohn Satisfies Heckling Lady —Columbia's Expansion Using Up Cash , Hence Dividends Via Stock By GENE ARNEEL Meeting of Columbia stockholders in N. Y. Fri- day (17) looked like a trailer for “Solid Gold Cadillac,” the legit play about a spinster’s heckling the management of a big corporation. ( It so hap- pens that Columbia has “ Cadillac ” on its upcoming production schedule with Judy Holliday as the dis- sident stockholder. Also, Col president Harry Cohn had hoped that Miss Holliday would attend the Friday session — he states she's actually a Col share owner — but she couldn’t make it.) In the real life version. Miss Rosalind Copping, a familiar figure at many film company annual meet- ings, had a few barbed questions to level at Cohn. Such as, how much time he spent away from his job at the studio, the amount of his cut of Columbia profits, and why should the company go for par- ticipation deals where the talent “takes all of our money?” Cohn, presiding at the meeting with an assist from attorney Charles Schwartz, who’s corporate secre- tary, answered to Miss Copping’s apparent satis- faction that he’d been out due to illness for only two weeks, that he doesn’t have a percentage of earnings (although, he cracked. “I tried this once and couldn’t get away with it”), and lastly, Co- lumbia doesn’t get hooked nearly as badly as other companies in profit splits with directors, players, etc. Participation Deals Re those participation deals. Cohn said he fig- ured Paramount is coming to the surface with only 20% of the ownership of “White Christmas.” He added that “Warner Bros, does even worse, winding up with only 10% of one picture.” He didn’t iden- tify this film. Meeting, on the overall, was a mild one, bring- ing from the floor only a few other queries and the results were non-controvcrsial. When the mat- ter of extension of Cohn's employment contract was introduced, there was a show of interest in the proxy’s health and his age.. He's 03 and, said Cohn, "I’m willing to go five rounds with anyone in this room.” How come Columbia, with its unusually solid bal- ance sheet, is paying out dividends in stock rather than more cash? Abe Schneider, treasurer, took this one on, explaining that Col is growing bigger and, in effect, is putting its cash on hand, plus bank borrowings, to use in the expansion program. Cohn added the company is putting more money into a greater number of large productions. J Fiscal Motive s j Schneider said Col’s earnings in the first six months of the current fiscal year are continuing at a healthy rate and, further, cited Screen Gems, Col’s tv subsidiary, as a source of revenue of in- creasing stature. Gems’ gross last year was $3,000,000 and this year should be $6,000,000, he said. (Actually, other sources allegedly on the in- side believe the gross business this current year might be closer to $9,000,000). To a question about a common stock split, Schneider said this hasn’t yet been considered by the board but he emphasized that his answer didn’t mean that a split in the future is precluded as a possibility. Suggesting the split was management’s program, okayed by the stockholders, to increase to 2.000,000 the authorized stock issue. The stockholders, in formal vote, also reelected all members of the board, okayed extension of Cohn’s $3,500 weekly salary deal to Feb. 10, 1960, and defeated a minority investor’s proposal, which was opposed by management, to shift to the cumu- lative system of voting on board members. Lester Martin, who ranks as an important Col stockholder via ownership of close to 60.000 shares, attended the meeting but more or less quietly. When his name was suggested from the floor as a possible board member, Martin merely said he was not a candidate. Schwartz at one point commented that it would be “unwise and unbusinesslike” to invite Martin to the board since the latter is involved in a pro- tracted court, bout with the company based on his, Martin's, criticism of management's policies. The picture of RKO Pictures Corp. is more out of focus than ever. Currently a difference of $10,000,000 exists in estimates of what this corporate she’l is worth in terms of tax advantages’. Floyd Odium, head of Atlas Corp., who’s been angling for con- trol, told an Atlas stockholder meeting recently that the RKO outfit has a capital-loss-carry-for- .ward of $20,000,000. Thus, the company, if it were to embark on an investment career, would be free of any tax burden uo to that amount in capital gain proceeds. But James R. Grainger, presi- dent of RKO Pictures, thinks the amount involved “may be as much as approximately $30,000,000.” He said this was “based on prelimi- nary jfludy.” How Grainger and Odium could be so far apart in their computations was not ex- plained. Adding to the blur was a meet- ing of RKO Pictures board in N. Y. last Tuesday (14), followed th* next day by a letter from Grainger to all stockholders. Grainger dis- closed that Howard Hughes no longer has the privilege of selling his 1,262,120 shares back to the company at $6 per share. The time period for this had expired. He further stated that the Dec. 31 deadline by which other stock- holders might redeem their stock (Continued on page 23) L. A. to N. Y. Harry Ackerman Dana Andrews John Bash Robert F. Blumofe Charles Brackett David Brown Kelly Brown Billie Burke Louis Calhern Marion Carr Madeleine Carroll Marguerite Chapman Jackie Cooper James Dean Olivia De Havilland Nina Foch Henry Fonda Morey R. Goldstein Alan Hale Jr. Harold Hecht Henry Henigson James Hill Tab Hunter Frank King Charles Laughton James Lipton Peter Lorre Gordon MacRae Myron McCormick Franklin Pangborn Hildy Parks Otto Preminger Milton R. Rackmil Paul Raibourn Ronald Reagan Thelma Ritter Ann Robinson Robert Ryan Nicholas M. Schenck Joseph Schildkraut Martha Scott Norman Taurog Dan Terrell Tennessee Williams N. Y. to L. A. Larry Barrett Harry Cohn Joe Glaser Howard Keel * Dick Lyons Kenneth MacKenna Stanley Meyer Alexander Paal Jerry Piekman Ron Randell Selene Walters Robert Wells Europe to N.Y. Mattiwilda Dobbs Frances Goodrich Albert Hackett Sir Cedric Hardwick* Garson Kanin Prof. Marco Malinl Harry Morris Michael Murray Mark Robson Spyros P. Skouras Lizabeth Webb N. Y. to Europe Manny Ford F. Borden Mace Les Paul Irving Rapper John Sinn Tom Stathos Elizabeth Taylor Richard Todd Michael Wilding Wednrtwlay* December 22, 1954 PICTURES LIBERIA: TAX ESCAPE HATCH Mann Urges All-Hollywood Pool Of Data and Experience Helpful To Native or Foreign Locations Hollywood, Dec. 21. Establishment of a central in- dustry bureau whereby all film companies, both major and indie, could avail themselves of a pool of information concerning location sites and conditions throughout the world is urged by Anthony Mann, who in his career as a director has probably shot as many big-scale pictures on location as any megger in the business. To emphasize his feeling in the matter. Mann this week wrote a letter to the Motion Picture Asso- ciation of America suggesting the formation of such an agency, which he believes would be of inestimable aid and value to production away from Hollywood, and lead to great- er cooperation in the making of films. Move in no wise would effect present location departments in studios, Mann pointed out — rather, they would benefit by having their job made easier. “Although individual location de- partments are highly effective, they need the aid of an overall library and statistical center that can pro- vide complete and UD-to-the-minute information concerning any loca- tion,” he said. “In the recent case where four companies made pictures in Egypt, the facts and figures derived by any one of the production organi- zations could have helped the others, if they were given to the central pool,” Mann opined. “True, there must have been an exchange of information, to a ccr- (Continued on page 20) Reissues, Plus Toll-TV, Kill Chances of Film TV Sales— Schneider Subscription television has be- come a factor militating against the licensing of major company films to conventional tv at the pres- ent time. Abe Schneider, Columbia treas- urer-v.p., in N. Y. Friday (17) told the Col annual meeting of stock- holders that the company wouldn’t peddle its catalogue because It has a greater future money potential in, (1) subscription tv, and (2) the- atrical market reissue. Following the meeting, Schnei- der. asked to enlarge upon his comment, said that actually the order should be reversed, that re- issue values are of the greater im- portance. However, he thinks toll tv Is a possibility in the distant future and must be considered as a means of contributing to Col’s welfare. He said this does not mean that Col is indorsing the principle of home boxolTice video and conceded its introduction would be harmful to exhibitors who are, of course, Col’s source of revenue. This will be given major consideration before Col makes a move in any direction, he concluded. JUSTICE DEPT. OKAYS 72D ST. FOR LOEW’S As a result of an agreement with the Dept, of Justice, Loew’s Thea- t*es is no longer forced to divest Loew s 72d St., N. Y. The theatre company has been •lying to lease or sell the house lor some time but, according to Prexy Joseph Vogel, “the offers jvere ridiculous.” Vogel said the »,;,o f / / ealized the situation and agreed to permit Loew’s to keep this house if it divested itself of two lesser situations. th. 1C ! er *. the T . deal reac hed with divpH a Stl r Dept * the company diNerted Loew’s 86th St., Man- hatUn. and Loew’s Victory, Bronx. lister! sduat ‘ ons not previously liMed for divestiture. The 72d -i’i? a c,ass situation in the de- niable east side section of the city Shirley Temple Still B.O. Richmond, Dec. 21. Nostalgia is a good way to pack ’em in for charity, the girls discovered here. They filled the Capitol Theatre for a morning show- ing of the Shirley Temple flicker, “Rebecca - of Sunny- brook Farm,” to raise funds for the Randolph-Macon Wom- en’s College endowment fund. Ohio s Advice: Don't Label Any Film British’ Columbus, O., Dec. 21, The Independent Theatre Own- ers of Ohio charges that Warner Bros, is killing its chances of do- ing business with “Duel in the Jun- gle” by emphasizing the picture’s British origin. The trailer, accord- ing to ITOO, says “Associated Brittish presents.” To many people in Ohio, accord- ing to the exhib’s org’s bulletin, “the word British is like waving a red flag- They see that and think they are goin£ to see a picture that is typically British with Oxonian accents and all.” The trailer also notes at the end “Distributed by Associated British Productions,” leading the ITOO to comment that “it would seem that Warner Bros, doesn’t even want to take the credit for distributing the picture.” Sam Katzman’s Roster Hollywood, Dec. 21. Sam Katzman reveals the first six films in his production program for Columbia in 1955, with the other nine to be disclosed by January. Films ready to go are “Jail Bait,” starting in January; “Ten Nights in a Harem.” February: “The Hous- ton Story,” March; “The Attack of the Flying Saucers,” April; “In- side Detroit,” May, and “Blackjack Ketchum,” June.. By FRED HIFT American film companies, groan- ing under heavy tax loads both in the U. S. and abroad, might lend an ear to Julian Weiner, a New York C.P.A. and attorney, who’s figured out a legal way under which producers might beat the tax rap. Weiner, who works for the firm of Anchin, Block Sc Anchin, says producers so far have neglected to investigate the possibilities of Liberia, to his knowledge the world’s only democracy where na- tive corporations aren’t required to pay taxes on income derived from outside the country. It’s a tax philosophy which, if properly ex- ploited, could save millions for Hollywood, according to Weiner. To start with, says Weiner who has investigated this subject thgr- oughly while doing work for a shipping-firm client, Liberia is a fine and convenient place to in- corporate. It’s a country run very much along the lines of the U. S.; its official currency is the dollar and the official language is Eng- lish. What’s more, it’s anxious to encourage incorporation. Big Saving? According to Weiner, American producers, by organizing a Liberian setup, could save themselves a lot of tax dollars. It works the fol- lowing way: The Liberian corpora- tion produces a picture somewhere in Europe. When completed, it is sold outright to a U. S. company, the negotiations for such a sale taking place outside the United States. If these conditions are fulfilled, the net result then is that a Liberian corporation has sold a property to an American corpora- tion outside the U. S. This means that the Liberian company doesn’t owe any income taxes to Liberia, nor does it owe a penny to the U. S. Revenue Bureau, as Weiner figures. If production and distribution are handled by two different com- panies, says Weiner, “it’* impor- tant that the distribution organiza- tion be a non-Liberian organiza- tion. The distributing company, which would probably handle nego- tiations with U. S. and other pur- chasers, could then buy the film from tne Liberian corporation, tak- ing title outside the U. S.” If this procedure is followed, the Liberian corporation’s profits aren’t tax- ( Continued on page 18) Lutheran Church, Pleased With Success of Founder’s Biopic, May Produce Life of fiach Calendar Frees Man Lawton, Okla., Dec. 21. Marilyn Monroe’s famed birthday-suit calendar picture helped free a photographer here from charges of procur- ing a model for a lewd photo- graph. Defense Attorney Ralph Cline showed the picture to . each member of the all-male jury and asked if it excited them. All said no. It took the jury only 14 min- utes * to free defendant Leo Schottenfield, whose picture apparently was equally unex- citing. Nix Drive-In As ^ % Waste of Scarce Factory Acres Philadelphia, Dec. 21. A. M. Ellis Theatres’ proposed 1.500-car drive-in on the Roosevelt Blvd. in Northeast Philadelphia has been nixed by the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustments. Ozoner was to go on a 20-acre site in a district i zoned to limited industrial and C residential. It was to have cost $500,000, in- cluding purchase of the land. Both | the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and the city’s Commerce Department opposed the plan oiwihe grounds that it would "waste some of the city’s already meager supply of industrial land.” Encouraged by the success of iti “Martin Luther” film, Lutheran Church Productions is currently scouting topics for a followup pro- duction. Odds are heavily in favor of a pic on the life of John Se- bastian Bach. According to Robert E. A. Lee exec secretary of the outfit, a treatment on the Bach story ii currently in the works. If the film is decided on, it would very likely again be made in Germany, where Bach lived and worked. “We’ve done a good deal of re- search on Bach, and we find that, quite apart from the music, his own personal life was very dra- matic. What we would be trying to- do would be to relate his personal story with his great contribution to the world of music.” He said that Lutheran Church Productions had no commitment with Louis de Roehemont, or anyone else, to un- dertake production of its next film. De Roehemont was responsible for the making of “Luther.” One of the other projects under consideration at the moment is a film on the life of the Rev. Dietrich Bonhoffer, an anti-Hitler German pastor who went underground dur- ing the Nazi period, helped plot the assassination attempt against Hitler and subsequently was ar- rested and executed. As for “Luther,” Lee said the film, which cost $500,000 to make, has returned $750,000 so far from domestic distribution, where it’s played some 3,000 da'es. It’s ex- (Continued on page 10) Ann Blyth in ‘Kismet’ Hollyw’ood, Dec. 21. Metro has assigned Ann Blyth to portray the role of Marsinah in the film version of “Kismet,” co- starring with Howard Keel and Dolores Gray. Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, who wrote the*N. Y. stage show, are collaborating on the screenplay, which will be produced by Arthur Freed and directed by Vincente Minnelli. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 1 54 W. 46th St. HOLLYWOOD 2t 4311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 . 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martin's Place Trafalgar Square Rapper Lectures N. Y. Film Critics for Unfair Partiality to Imports Director Irving Rapper called i meeting with the trade press in N. Y. Thursday (16) to sound ofl against the film critics on Goth- am’s lay dailies. The latter are guilty, he insisted, of favoring im- ported pic product over the U.S. output. This is unfair, said Rapper, be- cause pictures from overseas have the advantage of being free from censorship. Instead of rapping Hollywood’s films, the press corps ought to fight the censorial restric- tions imposed upon them. Rapper declined to say whether he bad specific reference to the Produc- tion Code or any particular pres- sure group. (Ed. note: N. Y. critics over the years have denied foreign film fa- voritism and some such as the Times’ Bosley Crowther and the Herald-Tribune’s Otis Guernsey have been outspokenly anti censor, ship). Rapper left over the past week- end for London and Rome for ad- vance work on “The Boy and the Bull.” It’s to be lensed in Spain as a King Bros, production for RKO release. PERSPECTA URGED UPON OVERSEAS PRODUCERS In making arrangements for the installation of Perspecta sound re- cording equipment in four studios abroad, Metro is making a strong bid to European producers to make use of the process. Installations al- ready have been effected in stu- dios used by Metro in Paris and Rome, and similar equipment soon will be installed In studios in Ber- lin and Bareclona. Additionally, company is nego- tiating to equip the RCA-Interna- tional Studios in London, and an arrangement has been signed licensing the Paris studio of the Compagnie Generale D’Energie Radio Electrique to handle Pcr- speca recordings. Praesens Films of Switzerland is the first European production company to use Per- specta, on “Heidi and Peter,” now being recorded in Paris by Metro. FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Vera Cra* (Color-SoperSeope) Gary Cooper, Burt Lancaster In rough, rugged, Mexican- locfled outdoor actioner. Stout b.o. United Arti«ts release of Hecht Lan- caster ( James Hill) production. Stars Cary Cooper, Burt Lancaster; co-stars Denise Darrel. Cesar Romero; introduces Montiel. Directed by Robert Aldrich. Screenplay, Roland Kibbe*. James K. Webb; story, Borden Chase; camera (Technicolor). Ernest Laszlo; A,a " Crosland Jr.; music. Hugo Frierthofer, orchestrations and conducting by Raul Lavista; song. Frledhofer and Sammy Cahn. Previewed Dec. 16, 54. Running time. *4 MINS. Trane Gary Cooper Erin “*-**■*;. Burt Lancaster Countess Denise Darcel N*na Sarita Montiel Maximilian'..’. < L eorg J! Donnegan Ernest Borgmne Ramirez Morns A ***™”| Danette ^ Henry Brandon Pittsburgh Charles Buchmaky Charlie J * ck . Lambert Jack Elam Little-Bit James McCaUion Abilene R eno Charles Horvath Pedro ... .• „ J “ an GarcU (A: pact ratio: 2-1) Editing by Alan Crosland Jr., has figured importantly in making this a tight fllm v Hugo Friedhofer’s score makea 'beautiful use of a f guitar emphasis to set the mood most of the time. Also, he did the title tune with Sammy Cahn. Or- chestrations and conducting by Raul Lavista is another good music credit. Brog. The Violent Men (COLOR) Strong marquee names. Cin- emascope bolstering com- mercial chances of otherwise conventional outdoor feature entertainment. Exhibitors playing this Hecht- Laneaster production, being dis- tributed through United Artists, should find it a stout performer at the boxoffice. It could be figured as a money film almost off the marquee pull of Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster alone, but this initial sparkplug is backed with the kind of rough and rugged out- door action that their fans partic- ularly like, suggesting hefty re- turns all down the line. Picture is the first release in SuperScope (the second will be RKO’s "Underwater:’ going out in February) and the anamorphic lensing is in an eye-kindly 2 to 1 aspect ratio, entirely ample to the dimand of the outdoor locationing in Mexico and to the sprawling action that features much of the footage. Scenic values, done in Technicolor, add to the overall en- tertainment punch of the film. The Borden Chase story, expert- ly fashioned for the screen by Roland Kibbee and James R. Webb, is of the high romance school that responds aptly to the vigorous direction given it by Robert Aldrich in the James Hill production. The stress is mostly *on the violence and suspenseful action bred during Mexico’s revo- lutionary period when the Juaristas were trying to free the country of the French - supported Emperor Maximilian. Era of the hapless Hapsburg has been used before, but here it is approached via American soldiers of fortune who drifted south of the border to f et in on the loot and killing. here’s no politicking, however, plot merely using the setup as a springboard for some rather fanci- ful entertainment. Cooper, ex-Confederate major from New Orleans, joins forces with Lancaster, western outlaw, and his gang of choice pug-uglies to escogt a countess from the court of Maximilian in Mexico City to the port at Vera Crux. It’s more than the simple guard job indi- cated, since secretly the countess has a load of gold to be used in Europe to bring more troops to Maximilian’s aid. It doesn't take the two Yanks long to figure out the setup, both scheming to doublecross the other at the windup and claim all the money. The countess, Denise Darcel, has a doublecross in mind, too, planning to grab the gold herself and leave Maximilian’s officer, Cesar Romero, holding the bag. The Juarista forces want it, too, so there are plenty excuses for violent action along -the road to Vera Cruz, and by the time it’s all over, Cooper has switched allegiance to Juarez, gunned down Lancaster in a final duel and gets Sarita Montiel, a fiery follower of the Juaristas, as a reward. Besides the more obvious ad- vantages of their star teaming, Cooper and Lancaster come through with actionful and color- ful performances. Miss Montiel, of the Mexican film industry, being film-introduced stateside in this, shows up well in her U. S. debut. Miss Darcel, the subject of some | overhead photography that shows off her curves, puts an acceptable flamboyance into character, and Romero brings off his spot with j considerable aplomb. Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bu- 1 chinsky, Jack Lambert, James Mc- Callion, James Seay, Archie Savage and Charles Horvath are among the toughies helping to add menace to Lancaster’s gang. George Mac- ready, as Maximilian, Morris Ankrum, as the leader of the Juarez forces, and Henry Brandon are among others contributing : capably to the action. Ernest Laszlo’s cameras are used excellently to bring out the pictorial splendors of the Mexican settings, and he never misses any ' of the fast action in the story. | Hollywood. Dec. ??. Columbia release of Lewis J. Kathmil production. Stars Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck. Edward G. Robinson, Dianne Foster, Brian Keith, May Wynn; features Warner Anderson, Basil Ruysdael. I.ita Milan. Richard Jaeckel, James Wester- field, Jack KeUy. Willis Bouchey, Harry Shannon. Directed by Rudolph Mate. Screenplay, Harry Kleiner; based on a novel by Donald Hamilton; camera (Tech- nicolor), Burnett Guffey, W. Howard Greene; editor, Jerome Thoms; music. Max Steiner; conducted by Morris Stoloff. Previewed Dec. 2 . '54. Running time, 9S MINS. John Parrish Glenn Ford Martha Wilkison Barbara Stanwyck Lew Wilkison Edward G. Robinson Judith Wilkison Dianne Foster Cole Wilkison Brian Keith Caroline Vail May Wynn Jim McCloud Warner Anderson Tex Hinkleman Basil Huysdael Elena Lita Milan Wade Matlock Richard Jaeckel Magruder James Westerfield I)e Rosa Jack Kelly Sheriff Martin Kenner. .. .Willis Bouchey Puruue Harry Shannon George Menefee Peter Hanson Jackson Don C. Harvey Tony Robo Bechi Dryer Carl Andre Hank Purdue James Anderson Mrs. Vail Katharine Warren Mr. Vail Tom Browne Henry Bud Hinkleman Bill Phipps (Aspect ratio: 2.55-1) A good array of commercial val- ues, topped by strong marquee names and CinemaScope, should stir up generally neat trade for "The Violent Men.” Without this bolstering it is just a conventional feature western of the type that plays best in the outdoor market and to nondiscriminating patrons of action fare. Despite its more obvious marketable values, it’s not for the plushier de luxers because the entertainment does not live up to the initial promise. Chief performance assets in the cast are Glenn Ford and Dianne Foster, both of whom bring off their characters in acceptable fash- ion. Less able to make something out of the stereotypes given them are Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson, although their sea- soned ability does do more for the parts than less talented hands could have done. Two of Colum- bia’s newer talents, Brian Keith and May Wynn, are given star billing, too, in the Lewis J. Rach- mil production and prove okay with what the^ have to do. The Donald Hamilton novel, on which the Harry Kleiner screen- play is based, held out the promise of an interesting action drama, but in the scripting «nd direction by Rudolph Mate the impact is un- even. Some scenes have all the dramatic tension needed, but others bog down in too much talk and a general static feeling that let the show lose its force. Sceni- cally, the picture is outstanding, the anamorphic lensing by Burnett Guffey and W. Howard Greene capturing all the pictorial values of the outdoor locations. Plot is the one about a cattle baron, now a cripple, who is driv- ing the small ranchers and farmers out of "his” valley. Robinson plays this role, and egging him on is his grasping wife. Miss Stanwyck, and his brother, Keith, a cozy twosome carrying on an illicit romance be- hind Robinson's back, to the dis- gust of his daughter, Miss Foster. The plans for empire probably would have been successful if the baron’s henchmen hadn’t pushed Ford around too much. A pacifist after war service, Ford wants no more of fighting, but adopts guer- rilla tactics to put down the gun- slingers. In so doing he wins Miss Foster and Robinson wises up after Miss Stanwyck and Keith die violent deaths. Two big ranch fires, a horse stampede, an ambush and the mild Ford's gunning down of Richard Jaeckel after the latter has wan- tonly killed Bill Phipps, one of his hands, are among the stronger se- quences during which the picture makes like a good western. There are a number of well-value charac- ters in the featured and supporting lists, such as Jaeckel’s gunslinger; James Westerfield's toadying dep- uty and Willis Bouchey’s strong sheriff, another victim of Jaeckel’s gun. Lita Milan, as a Mexican girl with whom Keith dallies when he’s not busy with Stanwyck, creates a good impression. Editing by Jerome Thoms is good. So is the score by Max Steiner, although it is not Used to the best advantage, being recorded much too loud for comfort. Brog. Utopia "Utopia,” formerly titled "Atoll K”, waa reviewed in Variety from Paria on Nov. 21, 1051. The Sirius release of Franco-London production, currently at the Globe, N.Y.. starring Stan Laurel ana Oliver Hardy, is being re- leased in the U.S. by Exploita- tion. Reviewer Mosk opined, "A basically sound comedy idea is overloaded by coproduction exigencies necessitating that French and Italian partici- pants have an equal footing with stars Laurel & Hardy. Old L & H routines seem to lack their previous zest. Hardy’s resigned double-takes and the Laurel crying binges do not register for heavy yocks. However there are some good moments such as Laurel’s fight with a self- inflating lifeboat and a run- away table during a storm.” The Silver I hallee (COLOR— C’SCOPE) Religioso themed spectacle based on Costain novel. Pros- pects okay for general market. Hollywood, Dec. 17. Warner Bros, release of Victor SavlUa production. Stars Virginia Mayo. Pier Angeli. Jack Palance; introduces Paul Newman; features Walter Hampden. Joseph Wiseman, Alexander Scourby, Lome Greene. Directed by Saville. Writ- ten by Lesser Samuels; from the novel by Thomas B. Costaln; camera (Warner- Color). William V. Skall; editor, George White; music, Franz Waxman. Previewed Dec. 14. '54. Running time. 143 MINS. Helena Virginia Mayo Deborra Pier Angell Simon Jack Palance Baail Paul Newman Joseph Walter Hampden Mijamin Joseph Wiseman Luke Alexander Scourby Peter Lome Greene Adam David J. Stewart Linus Herbert Rudley Nero Jacques Aubuchon Ignatius E. G. Marshall Aaron Michael Pate Helena (girl) Natalie Wood Basil (boy) Peter Reynolds Benjie Mort Marshall Hiram Booth Colman Sosthene Terence de Marney Idbash Robert Middleton Theron Ian Wolfe Ephraim Lawrence Dobkin Ohad Philip Tonge Kester Albert Dekker Eulalia Beryl Machin With its religioso theme and the best-seller status of the Thomas B. Costain novel, "The Silver Chalice” should hit a respectable grossing level. This type of spectacle has a good reputation for boxoffice in the general market, where its en- tertainment merit is more readily accepted than in the deluxers. Like the Costain book, the pic- ture is overdrawn and sometimes tedious, but producer-director Vic- tor Saville still manages to instill interest in what’s going on, and even hits a feeling of excitement occasionally. The CinemaScope photography in WarnerColor, ex- pertly done by William V. Skall, is an advantage to the presentation, as is the production design by Rolf Gerard and the art direction by Boris Leven, even though many of the settings have a modernistic feel at variance with the Biblical period of the story. The picture serves as an* intro- duction for film newcomer Paul Newman. He’s a personable young man who will probably make an impression on the femmes. Handles himself well before the cameras. Helping his pic debut is Pier An- geli, and.it is their scenes together that add the warmth to what might otherwise have been a cold spec- tacle. Jack Palance also registers strongly with colorful theatrics that are just the right touch, and, for glamour, Virginia Mayo dresses up the footage. Other casters, all ac- ceptable, are used less prominently as Saville’s direction unfolds the Costain story, scripted by Lesser Samuels, who also served as asso- ciate producer. The plot portrays the struggle of Christians to save for the future the cup from which Christ drank at the Last Supper. On the side of the Christians is a Greek sculptor, played by Newman, who is fashion- ing a silver chalice to hold the religious symbol. On the side of evil are the decadent Romans, ruled over by an effete Nero, and Simon, the magician (a real charac- ter), played by Palance, who wants to use the destruction of the cup to further his own rise to power. In the end, right and the pure love of Newman and Miss Angeli tri- umph. even though the cup is lost, a disappearance that led to the prophecy by Peter (well played by Lome Greene) that it may well reappear sometime in the future to guide a troubled, warring world back into the way of Christian principles. There are several good action sequences in the long footage, the best being Simon’s death when he commits the rather common error of overconfidence. Believing in his own supreme magic, Simon tries to fly over Rome, but fall* to his death. Thia thriller sequence, sua- pensefully developed, will be a talked-about acene. A rousing score by Franz Waxman dominates the mass action momenta. Brog. Lon| John Stiver ( ("Scope Color ) (AUSTRALIAN) Robert Newton starred In robust actjon-packed sequel to "Treasure Island.” British b.o. looks strong but U.S. less likely. London, Dec. 21. 20th-Fox release of Joseph Kaufman production. Stars Robert Newton; fea- tures Kit Taylor. Connie Gilchrist. Di- rected by Byron Hsskin. Screenplay, Martin Rackin; editor, Mike Bel Campo; camera. Carl Guthrie; music, David But- tolph. At Rialto Theatre. London. Dec. 15, '54. Running time, 104 MINS. Long John SUver ......... Robert Newton Jim Hawkins Kit Taylor Purity Pinker Connie Gilchrist Trip Fenner Eric Reiman Ned Shill Syd Chambers Patch Grant Taylor Old Stingley John BrunskiU Big Eric . . Harry Hambleton Billie Bowlegs Henry Gilbert Dodd Perch Elwyn Daniel Harry Grip A1 Thomas Governor Strong Harvey Adams Lady Strong Muriel Steinbeck Mendoza Lloyd BerreU Kling Tony Arpino Ironhand Billy Kay Sentry Frank Ransom Sgt. Cover Don McNiven Elderly Naval Officer .. Charles McCallura Israel Hands Rodney Taylor Father Monaster Hans Stern Elizabeth Strong Thors Smith Capt. McDougal ..George Simpson Little Young Naval Officer John Pooley It’s only about four years or so since Robert Newton played Long John Silver in Walt Disney’s Brit- ish-made live actioner, "Treasure Island,” and the star turns up in the same role in this anamorphic production, lensed in Australia. It’s a robust melodrama in the Robert Louis Stevenson tradition and looks set for healthy grosses, particularly in situations which cater to a substantial juve trade. The action story has been writ- ten by Martin Rackin, using some of the Stevenson characters to make it an acceptable sequel to bis "Treasure Island” classic. The at- tractive Botany Bay locales make ideal settings,' and they are en- hanced by excellent color lensing. In this new version, “Long John Silver” is still the wily, cunning, one-legged pirate with a disposi- tion to doublecross anyone except young Master Jim Hawkins, a boy of quality, who plays such an im- portant part in "Treasure Island.” His first major adventure is to rescue the Governor’s daughter from a bitter enemy, and this se- quence ends with a major double- cross in which he collects the ran- som and also loots the King’s warehouse. He then succeeds in getting his gang of thugs on board a ship taking the boy to England, but after an unsuccessful mutiny they are all dumped on an island which turns out to be the secret headquarters of the above mentioned rival. Eventually they get to "Treasure Island” and get their hands on the missing hoard after a battle with the rival gang. Under Byron Haskin’s skilled di- rection, the story keeps moving at a lively tempo and the wealth of incident is developed with gusto. Once again the title part proves a natural for Robert Newton and his fruity performance is one of the picture s main entertainment ele- ments. Kit Taylor, a screen new- comer, gives an appealing por- trayal as the boy while Connie Gilchrist, the woman innkeeper with marital designs on Newton, turns in a lively contribution. Lloyd Berxell, as Long John’s main adversary, gives a virile perform- ance. The others play their roles in the robust key set by the star. Mj/ro. . Black TucMflay (SONG) Prison break melodrama, grim but expertly fashioned for fan- ciers of tough action. Hollywood, Dec. 20. United Artists release of Leonard Gold- stein (Robert Goldstein) production. Stars Edward G. Robinson; features Peter Graves, Jean Parker. Directed by Hugo Fregonese. Story and screenplay, Sydney P*oehm; camera, Stanley Cortez; editor, Robert Golden; score. Paul Dunlap; song, "Black Tuesday" by Robert Parrish. Pre- viewed Dec. 17, ’54. Running time, SO MINS. Vincent Canelli. ... Edward G. Robinson Peter Manning Peter Graves Hatti Combest Jean Parker Father Slocum Milburn Stone Joey Stewart Warren Stevens Frank Carson Jack Kelly Ellen Norris Sylvia Findley John Norris James Bell Dr. Hart Victor Perrin Lou Mehrtens Hal Baylor Boland Harry Bartell Parker Simon Scott Howard Sloan Russell Johnson Fiaschetti Phil Pine Donaldson Paul Maxey Collins William SchaUert Selwyn Don Blackman Benny Dick Rich ( Aspect ratio: 1.85-1) Some real rough melodramatics are dished out in “Black Tuesday,” so tt’s a rather grim 80 minutes of film mostly suited to those who fancy tough action. In the program field It will get a good share of bookings so tbo payoff looks okay Edward O. Robinson makes a re- turn to gang caar roles in this Syd- ney Boehm screen story and has lost none of his menacing quali- ties. The direction by Hugo Frego- nese is hard-hitting and everything connected with the Robert Gold- stein production is expertly shaped to do a good job of telling a crime yarn. Plot concerns the break from death row in a New Jersey prison by Robinson, who takes along Peter Graves, bank robber and killer, who has $200,000 in loot stashed away as well as several hostages. The ill-assorted group is cornered on the top floor of a warehouse, from which the kill-mad Robinson plans to toss out the body of a hostage at regular ^intervals until the police withdraw. The police won’t pl$y, however, and violence runs high until Graves relents enough to gun down Robinson to prevent the death of a priest and then charges the law, guns blazing, to die himself. A rather intriguing idea for a successful jail break is staged by having Robinson’s girl friend. Jean Parker, and his outside hoods kid- napping a guard’s daughter so he will help Robinson and Graves after they have gone into the death chamber for electrocution. It’s not too implausible as set up in the Boehm script and directed by Freg- onese. The assorted characters in the plot are brought off well. More prominent among the players after Robinson, Graves and Miss Parker, are Milburn Stone, the priest; War- ren Stevens, Jack Kelly, Sylvia Findley, James Bell, Victor Perrin, Hal Baylor, and the uncredited po- lice chief who refuses to bow to gangster threats. Stanley Cortez gives the story good lensing and the settings help put over the yarn. A title tune by Robert Parrish is used as a prison- er song early in the footage. Brog. lor the h.ont lily (COLOR) Documentary of trek by Dana and Ginger Lamb into wilds of southern Mexico. Interest- ing for armchair adventurers. Hollywood, Dec. 16. RKO release of Sol Lesser (Dorothy Howell) production. Photographed in 16m Kodaohrome (35m print by Eastman Color) by Dana and Ginger Lamb. Narra- tive written by Dorothy Howell; narra- tion. Hal Gibney; Introduction. Tom Har- mon; special photography. Nelson S. Knaggs: editor, Robert Leo; associated in production. Bill Park: score. Paul Sawtell. Previewed Dec. 14, '54. Running time, 44 MINS. •• ( Aspect ratio : 1.33-1) Armchair adventurers . who mostly daydream their derring- do should find this film saga of a couple’s trek into the deep jungles along the Mexican-Guate- malan border an interesting 64 minutes. It’s a good supporting subject for regular twin bills. The two hardy souls who made the junket, with only that equip- ment they could pack on their backs, are Dana and Ginger Lamb. Their search for a lost Maya city, a trek made under the most primi- tive of conditions, is heady enough vicarious adventure for those com- fortably seated away from the steamy, buggy jungle. The Lambs used a delayed ac- tion 16m camera for their filming and the Kodachrome tints have been blown up to 35m Eastman Color for release. While the lens- ing is not of professional photo- graphic standards, it still comes off effectively and adds a quality of realism to the quest. An intro- duction by Tom Harmon and nar- ration by Hal Gibney of the nar- rative written by Dorothy Howell, who also produced, clearly estab- lishes the hardships of the junket. Robert Leo gives the film excel- lent editing and the Paul Sawtell score is apt to the adventuring. Brog. True Friend* (RUSSIAN; COLOR) Artkino release of Mosfilm Production. Stars V. Merkuryev, Boris Churkov. A. Borisov. Directed and written by Mikhail Kalatozov. Camera. M. Magidson: music. T. Krennikov. At Stanley, N.Y., starting Nov. 12, '54. Running time, 165 MINS. Nestratov V. Merkuryev Chizhov Boris Chirkov Lapin A. Borisov Nickhoda A. Gribov Natalya Sergeyevna L. Gritsenko Katya L. Sliagalova ( In Russian; English Titles) The purveyors of Russo propa- ganda are not in there pitching in this picture. The story has the fa- miliar collective building program, the collective fanning and collec- tive horse-raising — and even the usual commissars of surgery, the master horse-raiser and architect chief, but "True Friends” dors not hesitate to poke fun at many of (Continued on page 22) PICTURES T Wednesday* December 22* 1954 H’WO OP’S ’5 4 PIX COUNT Hollywood Production Pulse SJftOTERS 179 allied artists Starts, This Yaar 25 This Date, Last Year 26 T pTod l ®W^ll5m L F V Broldy H'chardTonte^CoMtance Smith. BruW Bennett. Cathy Down*. J»mei Mlllican (Started Nov. 29) COLUMBIA Starts, This Year This Date, Last Year . . 33 37 • my SISTER EILEEN" Prod.— Fred Kohlmar l)ir.— Richard Quine Janet Leigh. Betty Garrett. Jack Lennon. Kurt Kazsnar (Started Sept. 10) "DEADLOCK" . . . Ex Prod.— Mike Frankovlch Prod. — Maxwell Seton Dir. — Arthur Lubin . , Stewart Granger. Jean Simmons. Finlay Currie. William Hartnell (Started Nov. 16) 20th CENTURY-FOX Starts, This Year !5 This Date, Last Year 18 "DADDY LONO LEGS" Prod. — Sam D. Engel Dir. — Jean Neguleaco Fred Astaire. Leslie Caron. Terry Moore. Thelma Ritter. Fred Clark. Charlotte Austin. Kay Anthony Sc Or- chestra. Katherine Givney. Kelly Brown (Started Nov. 13) "SOLDIER OF FORTUNE" (Shooting In Hong Kong) Prod. — Buddy Adler Dir. — Edward Dmytryk Clark Gable. Susan Hayward, Michael Rennie. Alex D’Arcy, Gene Barry. Jack Kruschen, Frank Tang Started Nov. 22) "VIOLENT SATURDAY" Prod. — Buddy Adler Dir. — Richard Fleischer Victor Mature. Sylvia Sidney. Tommy Noonan. Richard Egan. J. Carroll Naish. Stephen McNally (Started Dec. 6) METRO Starts, This Year 20 This Date, La6t Year 30 "ITS ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER" Prod.— Arthur Freed I,ir.— Gene Kelly. Stanley Donen Gene Kelly. Cyd Charisse, Dan Dailey. Michael Kidd, Dolores Gray (Started Oct. 13) "SCARLET COAT" Prod. — Nicholas Nayfack l)ir.— John Sturges Cornel Wilde. Michael Wilding. Anne Francis. Bobby Driscoll. Robert Doug- las. John McIntyre, Robert Dix (Started Oct. 25) "ELACKBOARD JUNGLE" Prod. — Pandro Berman I)ir.— Richard Brooks _ , Glenn Ford. Anne Francis. Louis Cal- hern. Margaret Hftyes (Started Nov. 15) "LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME" Prod. — Joe Pasternak Dir. — Charles Vidor Doris Day, James Cagney. Cameron Mitchell. Robert Keith. Harry Bel- iaver (Started Dec. 6) "THE COBWEB" Prod. — John Houseman Dir. — Vincente Minnelli . Richard Widmark. Lauren Bacall. Glo- ria Grahame, Charley Boyer. Lillian Gish. John Kerr. Oscar Levant. Kee- nan Wynn. Jarma Lewis. Adele Jer- gens. Fay Wray, Susan Strasberg (Started Dec. 10) PARAMOUNT Starts, This Year This Date, Last Year. . . . 20 17 UNIVERSAL Starts, This Year This Date, Last Year, 32 29 I OUTPUT "AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'" Prod.— Sam Marx Dir. — Eddie Buzzell Rory Calhoun. Piper Laurie. Jack Car- son. Mamie Van Doren. Reginald Gar- diner. Barbara Britton. Dani Crayne, Harris Brown (Started Oct. 28) "KISS OF FIRE" Prod. — Sam Marx Dir. — Joe Newman Jack Palance. Barbara Rush! Rex Rea- son. Martha Hyer, Alan Reed. Leslie Bradley. Henry Rowland, Larry Dob- kin (Started Nov. 8) "TACEY" Prod. — Ross Hunter Dir.— Jerry Hopper Anne Baxter. Rock Hudson. Julie Ad- ams. Natalie Wood. W'illiam. Hopper. Barry Curtis. Betty Garde. Fay Morley (Started Nov. 19) "FEMALE ON THE BEACH" Prod. — Albert Zugsmilh Dir. — Jerry Hopper Joan Crawford, Jeff Chandler. Jan Ster- ling. Cecil Kellaway, Natalie Schafer WARNER BROS. Stqrts, This Year 17 This Date, Last Year 21 "THE SEA CHASE" Dir. — John Farrow John Wayne. Lana Turner. Tab Hunter. Lyle Bettger, Richard Davalos, James Arness. Alan Hale, Jr. (Started Aug. 16) "the McConnell story" Prod. — Henry Blanke Dir. — Gordon Douglas Alan Ladd, June Allyson. James Whit- more (Started Nov. 24) "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS" Prod.-Dir.— Cecil B. DeMlile Asst. — Henry Wilcoxon Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Yvonne De Carlo. Debra Paget. Nina Foch. Edward G. Robin- son, Cedric Hardwicks. Vincent Price, John Carradine, John Derek. Olive Deering "YOU'RE NEVER TOO YOUNO" Prod. — Paul Jones Dir. — Norman Taurog Dean Martin. Jerry Lewis. Diana Lynn. Raymond Burr, Nina Foch. Mltzi Mc- Call, Veda Ann Borg, Hans Conried, Romo Vincent. Donna Percy, Whitey Haupt (Started Oct. 18) "THE GIRL RUSH" Prod. — Frederick Brlsson Dir. — Robert Pirosh Rosalind Russell, Fernando Lamas. Ed- die Albert. Gloria De Haven, Jimmy Gleason. Marion Lome, Robert Fortier (Started Dec. 6) "THE DESPERATE HOURS" Prod.-Dir.— William Wyler Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March. Martha Scott, Arthur Kennedy. Dewey Martin. Gig Young. Mary Murphy. Robert Middleton. Richard Eyer. Whit Bissell, Beverly Garland, Walter Baldwin. Bert Freed (Started Oct. 19) "THE ROSE TATTOO" Prod.— Hal Wallis Ihr — Daniel Mann Burt Lancaster, Anna Magnani. Marlsa Virgfijnia Grey, Ben-Cooper, Jo V®** J •®*t, Florence Sundstrom, Dor- nt Keiton, Rosa Rey, Georgia Sim- mons. George Humbert. Mlmi Aguglia, reSfrW.r* N *‘*“* Murr *» COURT JESTER" ^Frank*- — Norman Panama. Melvin Johns. Angela Lans- AntH* Pathbone. Cecil Parker. rhilV d » N .* twick ’ Et, ward Ashley. Mi- AhV* 1 Allan Napier, Patrick (Sta?ted Nov W 22) M * rtin * ” 0el Drayton RKO Starts, This Year 8 This Date, Last Year 6 INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC S f °rts, This Year 9 This Date , Last Year 19 "MOBY DICK" (Moulin Productions) (Shooting Overseas) Prod.-Dir. — ‘John Huston Gregory Peck, Leo Genn, Richard Base- hart. (Started July 15) "GENTLEMEN MARRY BRUNETTES" (Russ-Fleld-Voyager Prods.) (Shooting in Paris) Exec. Prod.— Robert Bassler Co-Prod.— Richard Sale. Robert Water field Dir. — Richard Sale Jane Russell. Jeanne Crain, Scott Brady. Alan Young, Rudy \£pllee. (Started Sept. 13) "NOT AS A STRANGER" (Stanley Kramer Production) (U. A. Release) Prod.-Dir.— Stanley Kramer Olivia de HaviUand, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra. Gloria Grahame. Brod- erick Crawford, Charles Bickford, My- ron McCormick, Lon Chaney. Jesse White, Lee Marvin. Whit Bissell, Har- ry Morgan. Jerry Paris. Virginia Chris- tine, Mae Clarke, John Dierkes, Jack Rain. (Started Sept. 28) "MARTY" (Hecht-Lancaster Prods.) (Shooting at Goldwyn Studios) Prod. — Harold Hecht Dir. — Delbert Mann Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair (Started Nov. 1) "ROBBERS ROOST" (Goldstein-Jacks Productions) (Shooting in Durango. Mexico) Prod.— Robert Goldstein Dir.— Sidney Salkow George Montgomery, Richard Boone. Svlvia Findley. Bruce Bennett. Peter Graves. Warren Stevens, Tony Ro- mano. William Hopper. Leo Gordon. Stanley Clements. Joe Bassett, Leon- ard Geer, A1 Wyatt, Boyd Morgan (Started Nov. 8) "MAGNIFICENT MATADOR" (National Pictures Corp.) (20th-Fox Release) (Shooting in Mexico City) Exec. Prod.— Edward L. Alperson Prod. — Carroll Case Dir. — Budd Boettlcher Maureen O'Hara. Anthony Quinn. Rich- ard ENnning. Lola Albright. Thomas Gomez. Manuel Rojas. Eduardo Norie- ga. William Chlng (Started Nov. 8) "KISS ME DEADLY" _ Prod.-Dir — Robert Aldrich , Ralph Meeker. Paul Stewart. Maxine Cooper. Clovia Leachman ledgers Question of whether there’s a product shortage, and who suffers the most from it, may be debatable, but there’s no denying one basic fact: There’s been another severe drop In output from the major studios in 1954. Statistics show that nine Holly- wood studios put only 179 featuie pix into work between January and mid-December of this year, a drop of 24 from last year when 203 were put before the cameras in the same period. Not counted in the 1954 or the 1953 totals are the inde- pendents who contributed approxi- mately 35 features in ’54. If the current production pace is maintained in 1955, this will mean that, in numerical terms. Holly- wood will rate third or even fourth (numerically) among the world’s theatrical film producers. Japan and India both make an average 200 features a year. (Mexico makes around 100). Numerical index isn’t realtisic in the light of the superior Hollywood production values. Also note must be taken of the large number of tv pix turning on Coast soundstages. Comparative rundown shows Metro and Republic as having suf- fered the largest production cut- backs, both being down 10 pix from 1953 — Metro to 20 and Republic to 9. Warner Bros, and Columbia both dropped four; 20th-Fox three and Allied Artists one. On the positive side, Paramount and Universal both gained three pix in 1954, starting 20 and 32 respec- tively. RKO is up two, from six to eight, this year. In addition, Metro, Par and U each are starting a pic a piece between now and the end of the year. Six indie productions ) have gone before the cameras since* July. The 179 total for 1954 is close to one-half of the number the studios used to turn out in years gone by. Drop reflects a realization that it doesn’t pay to turn out small- budgeters. It’s argued, however, that pix today are better and com- mand longer runs in the theatres. Furthermore, while production is down, the actual number of re- leases handled by distribs doesn’t correspond since various compa- nies have taken on outside product. Investment of the studios in the 179 pix is as high, if not higher, than that put up in prior years for a much larger number of theatres. Production costs are up by as much as 60% in some types of pix, and color content is much higher, run- ning to about 70% of all films turned out. Exhibs Demand for 75-100 Extra Features Must Be Supplied From Other Than Hollywood Majors 20th’s First Batch First four months of 1955 will see 20th-Fox releasing eight Cinemascope pix (all in color) and two standard films (one tinter). Then’ll be two C’Scope pro- ductions a month, with the 2- Ders going out in February and March respectively. 500G 16m Field In U.S., Canada Not for C’Scope FOREIGN LANGUAGE QUEST Walter Reisch Chairs Acad’s Com- mittee For Non-English Films Hollywood, Dec. 21. Charles Brackett, Academy president, has appointed Walter Reisch chairman of *the Honorary Foreign Language Film Commit- tee for the 27th Oscar Derby. Other members of the commit- tee are William Feeder, Field Gray, William Holden, Steve Goodman, Ely Levy, William Gor- don, Luigi Luraschi, Roy Metzler, Geoffrey Shurlock, Carl Schaefer and Robert Vogel. Unwilling for both practical and policy reasons to reduce Its Cine- mascope pix to 16m, 20th-Fox is virtually giving up its U. S. and Canadian narrow-gauge market. Annual loss involved runs close to $500,000. Company’s 16m market abroad isn’t affected at the moment due to the accumulated backlog of 2-D features there. Shortage in 16m releases isn’t expected to affect 20th’s foreign setup until 1956. Narrow-gauge operations abroad net 20th approximately $1,000,000 a year. In the U. S. and Canada, 20th, in turning out reduced C’Scope versions of its films, actually would be put in a position where it would have to make available also stand- ard 16 editions of its C’Scope re- leases. It’s pointed out that most of the nontheatrical situations probably couldn’t afford Installing Cinemascope anyway and that, in order to retain that market, 20th would have to reduce to flat film. Execs take the view that there’s little to be gained from such a policy. Also, it’s feared that, once 20th agrees to produce standard 16m versions, the next step would be for exhibs to ask for standard 35m editions of the CinemaScopers. And this is one thing 20th wants to delay as long as possible. There is a considerably large area of agreement between the company and C’Scope equipped ex- hibs that no good purpose would be served in deliberately diminish- ing the widescreen appeal. It’s 20th’s thinking also that, with the company showing & very solid prof- it, the loss of $500,000 was worth taking in view of the difficulties that present themselves via serving the limited 16m market. Only one Cinemascope film, "The Robe,” was lensed in a stand- ard "flat” 35 version. It’s never been made available and there are no present intentions of offering it. 20th is said to be in a position to reduce C’Scope to 16m if it wants to, but it’s not a simple proc- ess and, from the point of view of the limited outlets, not an eco- nomic one. 4- Exhibitors who want 75 to 100 additional pictures annually will have to look to sources other than the eight major film companies if they expect the 1955 output to be boosted by that extent. On the basis of early announcements of the major producer-distributors, tentative plans, and projection of early 1955 release schedules on an annual basis, it appears that the prime suppliers of pictures are going stick pretty close to their 1954 release turnout. Despite the clamor for more product, exhibitors can expect no more than 20, or at the most 25, extra films from the eight majors. If there’s any hope of establishing a buyers market, the pix will have to come from the new’, independent producer - distribs. from Allied Artists and Republic, or from foreign sources. Reissues In Tally During 1954, the eight majors — Metro, 20th-Fox. Columbia, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, RKO, and United Artists — released a total of 228 new pictures. This total was bolstered by 32 reissues. Latter includes only those films officially placed on the release schedule. Some companies — Co- lumbia, for example — do not spe- cifically list re-releases, claiming that most of their past films are available for reissue. A rundown of tentative 1955 release plans reveals that the ma- jors. as of the present, plan to issue a total of 237 pictures. This is only 11 above the 1954 total, but this not a final count. The majority of the companies haven’t indicated the full extent of their ’55 pro- grams, and have intimated they intend to add several productions to their tentative '55 skeds. Gaby 1954 Compared With 1953 Following is a breakdown of the number of pictures put into w'ork by each studio between January and mid-December of 1954. It shows a total of 179 compared to 203 films that started lensing In the same period in 1953. Company 1954 1953 Difference Allied Artists 25 26 — 1 Columbia 33 37 — 4 Metro 20 30 —10 Paramount 20 17 -f* 3 RKO 8 6 + 2 Republic 9 19 —10 20th-Fox 15 18 — 3 Universal 32 29 4- 3 Warner Bros 17 21 — 4 179 203 —24 COMPO PoD To Seek Press Aid Council of Motion Picture Or- ganizations is angling for the sup- port of the nation’s newspapers when ft comes time to conduct its public poll covering pictures and players. Industry organization also is making the point that the proj- ect will not conflict with Holly- wood’s annual Academy Awards. In its full-page ad in the current Editor & Publisher. COMPO states that "because moviegoers are newspaper readers, the poll, it seems to us, offers an excellent opportunity for newspapers to par- ticipate. The nature of this par- ticipation, of course, is something that will have to be worked out between newspapers and local theatres.” Although details have yet to be worked out, the broad plan is to have local theatres canvass their local patrons with the results tabu- lated on a national basis. Special COMPO committee last week rec- ommended that the poll be con- ducted between next Thanksgiving and the following Dec. 7. COMPO says the "people’s choice” nature of its project will distinguish It from the Oscar win- ners who are selected by film in- dustry professionals. Two Bids for Allyson Hollywood, Dec. 21. June Allyson is being paged si- multaneously for leads in two fea- tures. She’s wanted at 20th-Fox for "Left Hand of God” and at Warners for the proposed remake of "Dark Victory.” 20th-Fox is seeking Humphrey Bogart for the male lead of "Left Hand of God,” which Buddy Adler will produce. Henry Blanke produces "Dark Victory” for W. B. It was first done in 1939. with Bette Davis and Bogart. PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 22, 1954 L.A.Trade Hard Hit Albeit ‘Xmas in 8th Wk.; 'Desiree* Bright $14, 10G, ‘Fate -‘Mistress’ Light 16G Los Angeles, Dec. 21. < First-run business is running along the bottom this frame, with only a few spots showing any signs of boxoffice life. Nearly all houses are marking time until Christmas brings in new fare the latter part of the week. Still rated best is the bright $14,000 being garnered by “White Christmas’’ in its eighth week at the Warner Beverly and the down- town Paramount. Fifth week of “Desiree” also looms good at the Chinese. Estimates for This Week Los Angeles, New Fox, Hits, Lo- yola (FWC) <2,097; 965; 1,363; 1.248; 70-$l. 10)— “Twist of Fate” (UA) and "Golden Mistress” <1.905; $1-$1.75) —"Desiree” (20th) <5th wk). Good $10,000. Last week, $10,100. Hollywood Paramount (F&M) (1,430; $1 -$1.50)— “Last Time Saw Paris” - (M-G) <5th wk). Okay $6,500 or near. Last week. $7,400. Wilshire, Iris. Rialto (FWC-Met ropolitan) <2,296; 814; 837; $1 $1.50) — "Carmen Jones” (20th) (7th wk Wilshire; 2d wk Iris: 1st Rialto). Oke with $10,000 or near. Broadway Grosses Estimated Total Gross This Week $551 100 (Based on 22 theatres.) Last Year $512,000 ( Based on 24 theatres.) Paris’ Lusty 16G, Philiy; ‘Xmas’ 13G Last week, with Los Angeles, with- out Rialto, $13,600. Fine Arts (FWC) (631; $1-$1.75) —“Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (7th W'k). Good $5,000. Last week, $6 200 . Warner Beverly, Downtown Paramount (SW-ABPT) (1.612; 3- 200; 90-$l. 50)— “White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk). Bright $14,000. Last week, $16,500. Pantages (RKO) <2.812; $l-$2.25) —“Star Is Born” (WB) (12th wk). Modest $8,000. Last week, $8,800. Warner Hollywood , $11,000 tn 9 davs. llipp (Telem’t) (3.700; 60-90) — 4 Guns to Border” (U) and “Black 13” (Indie). Mild $10,000 Last (Continued on page 20) Pre-Xmas in K.C.; ‘Guns’ OK $15,01)0 Kansas City, Dec. 21. Pre-Christmas week is light- weight all around as film theatres wait for the upcoming holiday trade. Film fare is light with new bills in only two situations while reissues and holdovers hold other screens. Fox Midwest is combatting doldrums with series of sneak previews in addition to “Four Guns to Border,” and doing quite well. “Fire Over Africa” dualled with “They Rode West” is urab at the Midland. “Saratoga Trunk” at Mainstreet looms thin.' Hans Chris- tian Andersen” at Paramount shapes light. Weather is holding a seasonal trend of near-freezing temperatures over weekend. Estimates for This Week Fairway (Fox Midwest) (700; 65- 85) — Currently back in fourway tieup with other Fox Midwest first- suns. Last week. "Desiree” (20th) (3d w’k), oke $3,000. Glen (Dickinson) (750; 85-$l) — “High and Dry” (U) (7th wk) and “The Promoter” (U) (2d run) (2d wk). Fair $1,000. Last week, same. Kimo (Dickinson) (504; 85-$l)— “Julius Caesar” (M-G) <4th wk). Oke $1,000. Last week. same. Midland (Loew’s) (3,500; 60-80) — “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col). Drab $6,000. Last week “Athena” (M-G) and “Masterson of Kansas” (Col) $7,500. Missouri (RKO) (2,650; 50-80)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Crim- (Continued on page 20) Pittsburgh, Dec. 21. Town's In the doldrums this week, and everybody is just wait- ing around for Christmas, when seven pix are opening for the big- gest crush of new product around here in years and years. Penn had the best weekend with “Sitting Bull” but even so it was sluggish by ordinary standards. “Bounty Hunter” at Stanley also is swing- ing low. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-85)— “Princess of Nile” (20th) and “Gambler From Natchez” (20th) Will be lucky to hit slight $4,000 Last week, “Desiree” <20th) (4th wk), $3,500. Harris (Harris) (2,165; 65-85)— “The Raid” (20th). Looks like very weak $4,000 in 6 days. Last week, “Bengal Brigade” (U), $6,500. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-85'—’ "Sit ting Bull” (UA). Modest $8,500, not very hot even at this season. Last week. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G), $13,000. Squirrel Hill (SW) <900; 65-85)— “Lili” (M-G) (reissue*. Art naber smartly stuck in a couple of fine oldies for fortnight preceding Xmas. Should be oke $2,500 or near. Last week, “Julius Caesar” (M-G), (reissue), $2,000. Stanley (SW) (3,800; 65-85*— “Bounty Hunter” (WB). Lean $6,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G*,. $7,000. Warner (SW) (1,365; $1.25-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (55th wk*. Hitting rock bottom at slow $5,000. About same last week. Detroit, Dec. 21. " Christmas shoppers currently are streaming right past the down- town cinemas bent on getting that last gift. As nsual, it’s the dismal season for exhibs. Only two new double-bills in first-runs and both are oldies. “Asphalt Jungle” and "Battleground” combo shape fair at Madison. “House of Wax” plus Phantom of Rue Morgue” looms slow at the Broadway-Capitol. And all the holdovers are dragging bot- tom except “Reap Wild Wind,” mildish at the Palms. Estimates for This Week Fox (Fox-Detroit) (5.000; $1- $1.25) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). Drab $14,000. Last week, $17,000. Michigan (United Detroit) <4,000- 80-$l)— “Black Knight” (Col) and "Race for Life” (Lip) (2d wk). Thin $8,000 in 5 days. Last week, $13,000. Palms (UD) (2,961; 80-$l) — “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) and “Si- lent Raiders” (Indie). Mildish $9,- 000. Last week. $22,000. Madison (UD) (1,900; 80-$l) — “Asphalt Juncle” (M-G) and “Bat- tleground” (M-G) (reissues). Fair $8,000. Last week. “A Woman’s Face” (M-G) and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (M-G) (reissues), $7,000. Broadway-Capitol (UD) (3.500; 95-81.15) — “House of Wax” (WB) and “Phantom of Rue Morgue” (WB) (reissues). Slow $7,000. Last week. “Shield for Murder” and “Operation Manhunt’ —"Young at Heart” (WB) with Don Cornell topping vaude. Stout $54,- 000. Last week, “Star Is Born,” CWB) <9tli wk», $16,000. Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98- 51 25)— “Drum Beat” (WB) (4th wk). Oke $6,000. Last week, $9,000. I.oop (Telem’t) (6Q6; 90-$1.25>— Cornell topping vaude. Stout $54,- (3d wk). Neat $4,500. Last week, $7,300. McVickers (JL&S) (2,200; 65- $1.25)— "PhfTft” (Col) (4th wk). Brisk $10,000. Last week, $18,000. Monroe (Indie) (1,000; 65-87) — 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (reis- sues) (2d wk). Light $4,500. Last week. SO. 500. Oriental (Indie) (3,400; 98-$1.25) — “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk). Good $16,000. Last week, $18,500. Palace (Eitel) (1,484; $1.25-$3.40) — ' "Cinerama ” Indie) 73d wk). Good $21,000. Last week, $25,000. Roosevelt B&K) (1,400; 65-98'— ' Black Knight” (Col) and “Law vs. Billy Kid” (Col). Fine $17,000. Last week. “Track of Cat” (WB) and “Bob Mathias Story” (AA) (2d wk). $14,000. State-Lake (B&K) (2.700; 98- $1.25' — “White Christmas” (Par) (7th wk>. Winding up at socko $20,000. Last week, $28,000. Surf (H&E Bala ban) (685; 95)— "Mr. Ilulot’s Holiday” (GBD) (8th wk'. Trim $2,000. Last week, $2,800. United Artists (B&K) (1.700; 98- $1 25'— “Carmen Jones” (20th) (5th wk). Finishing strong at $13,500. Last week, $18,000. Woods (Essaness) (1,206; 98- $1.25 — “Last Time I Saw Paris” JM-G) (4th wk). Fancy $17,500. Last week, $25,000. World (Indie) (697; 98)— “Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (6th wk). Fair $2,000. Last week, $2,700. Hub Low; ‘Trnnk’-'Sleep’ Fair 14G, ‘Bean’ Light $17,000, Tans’ 8G, 5th Boston, Dec. 21. l he combination of a stormy Saturday and the usual pre-Christ- mas slump is sloughing biz this sesh here, with newcomers and holdovers very light at the b.o. Beau Brummell” at the Orpheum , * ate shapes slight while * teel Lage” at the Pilgrim is only S . at ,V, 1 ' day opening of “Hansel and Gretei at the Memorial, was ''ashed out by rain but figures to E'vLPP- Balance of town is either over o r shoeing reissues until new product boWs in on Xmas Estimates for This Week “ll S , V B& 9) (1 ’ 50 °: 70-SL10)- , I Saw Paris” (M-G) 8 dav? k i ° kay $800 ° or less in & n Pr m.°. US Week WaS SH.OOO. 50^n "u H I U (Beac °n Hill) (800; (8th ^. H M bR ? n l S o Cholce ” (UA) $3,600 * 681 $3 ’ 000 * *** week * (1 3 ®® ston ^‘oerama Productions) (Cnnf • 20 '! 2 ‘ 85) “ "Cinerama” (Continued on page 20) Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. 'Suddenly Lusty $12,000, St. Louis St. Louis, Dec. 21. Usual slump here in week be- fore Xmas has set in and biz is very spotty all over the city. "Suddenly” looms best of new product with neat takings at Loew’s. "Star Is Born” winds fourth stanza with nice takings at the St. Louis. “Vanishing Prairie” is still good in fourth round at the Shady Oak, a record for arty theatres. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1.400; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (47th wk). JNice $10,000 after $10,500 lacf u'ppk Fox (F&M) (5,000; 75)— “Sara- toga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB). Opened today (Tues.). Last week, “Desiree” (20th) “This Is Your Army” (20th) (2d wk), fair $9,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75) — “Suddenly” lUA) and “Khyber Patrol” (UA). Neat $12,000.' Last week, “Lakt Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (2d wk), $11,000. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,400; 50-75) — “Rogue Cop” (M-G) and “Capt. Kidd, Slave Girl” (UA) (2d wk). Good $5,000 after $8,500 opening StdflZd. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1.000; 82) — “Seventh Veil” (Indie). Nice $3,500. Last week, “Trouble in Glen” (Rep), $3,000. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82) — ‘‘Caesar and Cleopatra” (Indie). Fine $2,500. Last week, “Trouble in Glen” (Rep), $2,000. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; 75)— “Star Is Born” (WB) (4th wk). Nice $8,000 after $9,000 last week. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; 82)— “Vanishing Prairie” (BV) (4th wk>. Good $2,500 after $3,000 last round. Toronto Also Sagging; 'Billy Kid’ Ohe $11,500, ‘Xmas’ Torrid 7G, 7th Toronto, Dec. 21. With last-minute Xmas shopping badly denting per usual, trade is at usual seasonal low, with town’s returns generally spotty. Of the newcomers, “Bullet Is Waiting” looks light. “Three Hours to Kill” shapes fair but “Crest Wave” looms very slow. Of holdovers, “White Christmas” is holding nicely in seventh stanza. “Last Time I Saw Paris” is oke in fourth frame. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale. Scarboro, State (Tavlor) (1.059: 955; 698; 694; 40-70)— “Law Vs. Billy the Kid” (Col) and “Iron Glove” (Col). Okay $11,500. Last week. “Operation Manhunt” (UA) and “Golden Mask” (UA). same. Eglinton, University (FP) (1.080; 1.558; 60-$l)— "Fire Over Africa” (Col). Light $6,000. Last week. “Passion” (RKO). same. Imperial (FP) (3.373: 60-$l> — “White Christmas” (Par) (7th*wk>. Still hep at $7,000. Last week. $11,000. Loew’s (Loew) (2.090; 60-$l) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (4th wk). Satisfactory $7J>00. Last week. $10,000. Odeon (Rank) (2.380; 75-$l) — “Bullet Is Waiting” (Col). Fair $8.- 000 or close. Last week. “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (4th wk). $9,000. Shea’s (FP) (2.386; 75-$l) — “Three Hours to Kill” (Col). Fair $7,000. Last week, “Pushover” (Col), ditto. Uptown (Loew) (2.745; 60-80) — “Crest of Wave” (M-G). Light *6.- 500. Last week. “Glenn Miller Storv” (U) (reissue) (2d wk), $ 6 , 000 . OMAHA SAGS; ‘JUNGLE’ MODERATE AT $9,000 Omaha, Dec. 21. Streets are jammed with Xmas shippers this week, and few are heading for the cinemas — hence grosses are down at all spots. “Hu- man Jungle” is best of lot at the large Orpheum. "Bob Mathias Story” is off at the State and “Reap Wild Wind” is fairish at the Omaha. Estimates for This Week Brandeis (RKO> (1,100; 50-75)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Slow $3,- 000. Last wee'ic, “She- Wolf” (Rep) and “Tobor the Great” (Rep), $3,- 200 . Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 50-75) — “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reis- sue). Oke $5,500. Last week. “Four Guns to Border” (U> and “Hell’s Half Acre” (Rep), $6,000. Orpheum (Tristates) (2.890; 70- 90) — -“Human Jungle” (AA) and “Bowery to Bagdad” (AA>. So-so $9,000. Last week, “Athena” (M-G), $9,000. State (Goldberg) (875; 50-80)— "Bob Mathias Story" (AA) and “Fast and Furious” (Indie). Thin $3,200. Last week, “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk). oke $4,000 at 60c-85c scale. ‘Hansel’ Okay 13G, Frisco; 'Brown’ 6G San Francisco, Dec. 21. It’s the week before Christmas, and most first-run biz here shows it. There are. few bright spots in the lineup which is studded with reissues doing fair to thin trade. “Father Brown Detective” shapes solid at the bandbox Bridge, for the best pre-Xmas week at the house. “Hansel and Gretei” are rated okay in nine days at Golden Gate. Estimates for This Week Golden Gate (RKO) (2,859; 80- $1)— “Hansel and Gretei” (RKO) and “Silver Lode” (RKO). Okay $13,000 in nine days. Last week, “Passion” (RKO) and "This Is Love” (RKO), $9,400 in 8 days. Fox (FWC) (4.651; $1.25-$1.50)— "Hajji Baba” (20th) and “Outlaw’s Daughter’’ (20th). Slow $12,500. Last week. “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk), $8,500 for 6 days. Warfield (Loew’s) (2.656; 65-90) — “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asphalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues). Thin $9,000. Last week. “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk), $8,500. Paramount (Par) (2.646; 65-95)— "Reap Wild Wind” (Par) and “Miss Grant Takes Richmond” (WB) (reissues). Modest $11,000 or near. Last week. “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col), $ 10 , 000 . St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 65-95)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Fair $8,000 or close. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) (4th wk). $7,500. Orpheum (Cinerama Theatre Calif.) (1.458; $1.75-$2.65)— “Cine- rama” (Indie) (51st wk). Good $13,- 000 or better. Last week, $16,500. United Artists (No. Coast) (1.207; 70-$l) — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA) (6th wk) Dullish $5,500. Last week, $ 6 , 000 . Stagedoor (A-R) (400; $1-$1.25)— “Jekyll and Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (Reissues) (4th wk), fair $2,000. Last week, $2,300. Larkin (Rosener) (400: $1) — “Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (7th wk). Oke $1,900. Last week, $2,100. Bridge (Schwartz-Reade) (399; $1-$1.20) — “Father Brown Detec- tive” (Col). First week ending tomorrow (Wed.) jooks solid $6,000 or over-, best pre-Xmas week ever here. In ahead. “High and Dry” (U) (6th wk), $2,300. Vogue (S.F. Theatres) (377-$l) — "Ugetsu” (Indie) (5th wk). Fine $2,000. Last week, ditto. ‘Trunk’-'Sleep’ Good 9G, D.C.; ‘Xmas’ Big 7G, 8th Washington, Dec. 21. Downtown houses are now feel- ing the full impact of the Christ- mas shopping spree, biz taking a further slump except in a couple of small-seaters. Least hit are “Desiree,” winding up a four-week run at the Palace, and “White Christmas” which is still strong in eighth roi#id at Keith’s. “Rear Window” bows out on Christmas day after 16 weeks at the Play- house. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1,400; 60-80) — “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “The Big Sleep” (WB) (r^ssues). (Continued on page 20) B’way’s Pre-Xmas Spirit: 'Show Biz’ Solid 90G, 'Girl’ Wow 60G, 'Heart’ Wham 172G2d, 'Gate’ 21 G, Palace 19G Broadway first-run- business, sluggish enough in this traditional- ly very slow week, was further sloughed by several days of rain plus snow and severe cold yester- day (Tues.). It was a case of too many potential patrons being too busy Xmas shopping. However, en- couraging were the strong open- ings by a batch of new films, brought in for the yearend holiday season. Of the new entrants, “Country Girl” seems sure of hitting a smash $60,000 in the first week ending today (Wed.) at the Cri- terion. “No Business Like Show Business” also looms sock with $90,000 probable in the initial ses- sion winding up tomorrow (Thurs.) at the Roxy. Both are surprisingly big for pre-Xmas weeks as are several arty theatre entries. The big coin champ, however, continues to be the Music Hall wi' 1 its annual Christmas stage- show and "Deep In My Heart.” It looks to hit huge $172,000 in second round ending today (Wed.). Hall is scheduling early morning shows starting next Monday (27) to han- dle the holiday week crowds. The mammoth theatre had an 7:45 opening the last two Saturdays, and still could not take care of the patrons. The Hall had long lines despite the rain last Satur- day with the gross soaring to $34,- 000, amazing for the day. “Star Is Born” continues sur- prisingly strong, with $20,000 reg- istered in its 10th week at the Victoria. It stays on. “Port of .Hell” and vaude is holding for an okay $19,000 at the Palace. “Hunters of Deep” looks nice $6,000 in first Trans-Lux 60th Street week. “Game of Love” hit $1L200 in first stanza at the Baronet, rated terrific for this house pre-Xmas, being way ahead of anything there in weeks. “Gate of Hell,” the Japa- nese import, landed a wow $21,000 opening round at the Guild, deluxe arty smallseater. This is next to the record held by “Queen Is Crowned” at this house. "Big Day” shapes sturdy $6,500 or better at the Normandie. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 75-$1.75) — “On Waterfront” (Col) (21st wk- 8 days). Looks to hold with oke $11,500 in final round after $13,000 for 20th full week. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV) opens tomorrow (Thurs.). Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) — “Game of Love” (Indie) (2d wk). First stanza ended Monday (20) hit big $11,200. In ahead, “Notorious” (Indie) (reissue) (3d wk-4 days), $2,500. Capitol (Loew’s) (4.820; 85-$2 .20) — “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (5th-final (wk). Present stanza end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.) looks fair $16,000 or near for 8-day week. Fourth week was $27,000. “V.era Cruz” (UA) opens Saturday (Christ- mas day). Criterion (Moss) (1.700; 75-$2.20) — “Country Girl” (Par). First round ending today (Wed.) soaring to great $60,000 terrific for season of year. Appears set for run, with rave reviews helping. In ahead, “Sabrina” (Par) (12th wk), $11,000, but highly successful longrun, be- ing one of best here. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20) — “Aida” (IFE) (6th wk). This round ending today (Wed.) likely will land good $7,500 after $9,500 in fifth week. Stays on. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —"The Detective” (Col) (8th wk). The seventh frame endefl Sunday (19) held with fine $6,200 after $7,200 in sixth. Continues on. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50) — “Athena” (M-G). Opened yester- day (Tues.). In ahead, “This Is Your Army'’ (compo) with “Utopia” (Indie) in support, lasted just one week, doing drab $5,000 including preview. Guild' (Guild) (450; $1-$1.80) — “Gate of Hell* (Indie) (2d wk). First session ended Sunday (19) hit wow $21,000, umisual for this time of year. Looks set for long- run. Broke all records for Sunday and also on week excepting “Queen Is Crowned” (U). “Queen” did $27,800 opening week here. Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736; 79-$1.80) — “Sitting Bull” (UA) (4th-final wk). Current week ending tomor- row (Thurs.) looks to finish with lean $8,000 after $10,500 in third round. “Green Fire” (M-G) opens Friday (24). Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.80)— “Big Day” (Indie). Initial round ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like sturdy $6,500, especially big for time of year. Holds. In ahead, “Heart of Matter” (Indie) (4th wk-8 days). $3,500: Palace (RKO) (1,700; 50-$ 1.60)— “Port of Hell” (AA) and vaudeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) is heading for fair $19,000 or over. Last week. “Passion” (RKO) and vaude. $20,000. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3,664; 85- $1.75)— “Track of Cat” (WB) (3d wk-10 days). This is apparently just marking time until the arrival of “Silver Chalice” (WB) on Satur- day (25). Final 10 day looks to sag to slow $26,000. Second week, seven days, was $26,500. Paris (Pathe 'Cinema) (568; 90- $1.80) — “Bread, Love. Dreams” (IFE) (14th wk). The 13th round finished Sunday (19) was good $5,200 after $6,500 in 12th week. “Animal Farm” (Indie) comes in Dec 29 Rivoli (UAT) (2,092; 85-$2) — “Carmen Jones” (20th) (8th wk). Present session winding tomorrow (Thurs.) looms fair $11,000 or close after $12,000 in seventh week. “Prince of Players” (20th) is due in next, and soon. Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6,200; 95-$2.75)— “Deep in My Heart” (M-G) and annual Christmas stageshow (2d wk). Con- tinues in smash fashion with $172,- 000 or near after $170,500 opening week. Stays on. Despite steady downpour Saturday, the Hall again racked up a terrific day, around $34,000. To take care of patrons, the Hall again opened doors at 7:45 a.m. last Saturday, and with house opening at 7:30 in the morn- ing Dec. 27 through Dec. 30. Roxy (Nat’l Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40> — “No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th). Soaring to great $90,000 or near in first round end- ing tomorrow (Thurs.). Preem on Thursday (16) night, for benefit of Actors Fund, got pic off to a flying start despite having to bat- tle pre-Xmas conditions. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75)— “Phffft” (Col) (7th-final wk). Go- ing nine days and may get slow $10,000 in blowoff session after $11,000 for fifth week. “3-Ring Circus” (Par) opens Friday (24). Sutton (R&B) (561; 90-$1.50> — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA). Opened yesterday (Tues.) for benefit of March of Dimes. In ahead, “High and Dry” (U> (16th wk>. held at $3,500 after $4,500 for 15th week and great longrun. Trans-Lux 60th St. (T-L) (453: $1-$1.50) — “Hunters of Deep’ 1 (DCA >. Initial week ending today (Wed.) looks to hit nearly $6,000 nice. Holds. In ahead, “Little Kidnappers” (UA) (15th wk-8 days) $3 700 ' Trans-Lux 5?d St. (T-L) (540; $1-$1.50)— “Tonight’s the Night” (AA). Opens with gala preem to- night (Wed.), which Is open to pub- lic, with regular run starting to- morrow. In ahead, “Lili” (M-G) (93d wk-8 days), okay $3,000 after $3,900 for 92d regular week, for greatest longrun t any arty thea- tre. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; $l-$2) —“Star Is BoriT’ (WB) (11th wk). Continued very strong with $20,- 000 in 19th week ended Sunday (19 after $27,00ff in ninth week. Stays on. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30)— “Cinerama” (Indie) (81st wk. The 80th week ended Saturday (18) was solid $31,000 af- ter $34,000 in 79th week. Now set to stay until at least February. ‘Bull’ Leads Lean Det; Fair 10G; ‘Duel’ Slow 8G, ‘Xmas’ Big 6G, 8th Cincinnati, Dec. 21. “Sitting Bull” at Albee is a couple of jumps ahead of “Duel in Sun” at Palace as top new gross- er this week before Christmas. Neither doing well. “White Christ- mas” is rounding out record en- gagement of year at Keith’s. Half- year mark is reached this stanza for “Cinerama” with low tide in sight. Estimates for This Week Albee (RKO) (3,100; 75-90)— “Sit- ting Bull” (UA). Fair $10,000. Last week, “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G), $12,000. Capitol (Ohio Cinema Corp.) (1,376; $1.20-$2.65) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (26th wk). Okay $15,000, but low for first six months. Last week. $17,500. Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-84)— (Continued on page 20) 10 PICTURES Wednesday, December 22, 1934 Panama Vexed at Canal Zone Priority fuMu tw-up Proposed Law Threatens Fine Against Pictures Shown First in Yankee-Controlled Strip Law establishing a 45%»sliding scale rental ceiling and threatening fines on pix released in the Canal Zone before they’re shown in Pan- ama has been introduced in the Panamanian legislature by Deputy Alfredo Aleman Jr. Measure, according to informa- tion received by the Motion Pic- ture Export Assn., sets the rental ceiling at 45% for the firstruns charging 60c admissions. For the second-run situations, the rental top would be 35 % on weekends and 30% in midweek. Other houses would pay 25% tops. Aleman also has proposed fixing admission prices at a 60c top, with theatres allowed to charge more only on "exceptional shows” or special films. In the past, it had been the prac- tice to release pix in the Canal Zone first and then in Panama. Calling this discrimination an in- justice, Aleman’s bill proposes that, on any film released in the Canal Zcne first, the rental ceiling be dropped an additional 10% in all categories of theatres. Large-scale fines, and a threat of license can- cellation for any outfit unwilling to abide by this regulation, are em- bodied in the Aleman measure. Unfair to Next Film! Chicago, Dec. 21. Abe Teitel, operator of World Playhouse in Chi, nixed IFE requests for two-a-day showcasing of "Aida” at ad- vanced prices. Pic, which opens for Christmas, will get six continuous shows a day with regular admish of 98c. Teitel said he felt a price boost for an individual film would tend to make patrons feel that regular price pix were inferior. Berlin and Army Fund May Reissue Soldier Pic; WB’s $7,800,000 to GIs Before turning over the negative of Irving Berlin’s "This Is the Army” to This Is the Army Inc., for the Army Emergency Relief Fund, Warner Bros., which pro- duced the World War II soldier show picture sought to purchase the negative. Warner offered $50,000, but Berlin Insisted that $200,000 would be a fairer figure, feeling that the picture was worth that much for theatrical reissue or for tv rights. The picture earned over $7,800,- 000 for the Army fund. Previously, the legit show on which the pic was based earned about $2,000,000 for the same fund. , Berlin is turning over all profits from the score of "This Is the Army” to the God Bless America Fund, an organization which al- ready has $250,000 in the till from Berlin’s "God Bless America.” Since this coin goes to the Girl and Boy Scouts of America Foun- dation, Berlin feels the Scouts should also get the "Army” song royalties since "the Scouts will make up our future Army.” In December, 1943, when the picture was released, the then Undersecretary of War, Robert Patterson, termed "This Is the Army” a notable and “effective stimulus to civilian morale” and as a "splendid contribtuion to Army Emergency Relief” by War- ners and Irving Berlin. 20th ’54 Rentals, Under Year Ago Domestic film rentals of 20th* Fox this year are expected to yield slightly over $65,000,000, a drop of about $2,000,000 from 1953 when U. S. and Canadian rentals ran to over $67,000,000. In 1952. the domestic take was $57,430,000. Accounting in part for the cut in rental collections are the reduc- tion in numerical releases (20th had 30 in all in ’54), the partial loss of the drive-in season this year, and the very strong showing of "The Robe” in the last quarter of ’53. Foreign rentals of 20th in 1953 ran to $38,353,000 and it’s consid- ered douhtful whether 1954 will see this figure exceeded or even reached. 20th is the second company to ex- perience a drop in domestic film rentals this year. Warner Bros., also with fewer pix, is in the same boat. However, the WB annual report said that an increase in foreign rentals had more than made up for the deficiencies in the domestic take compared with 1953. Last earnings report of 20th showed a net of $5,732,063 for the 39 weeks ended Sept. 25, 1954. This compared to a net of $1,433,- 000 for the corresponding period in 1953. Continued from pact S a run for his money, results in a space payoff for the film company. The mere clothing of a film star In a particular gown for a fashion magazine ad is an example of a quick space-grabbing effort. The ideal promotion is one based on the fashions in the picture. At the inception of production, a manu- facturer is contacted with the sug- gestion that a line of women’s fashions inspired by a particular picture could be merchandised ef- fectively by combining the vast bally activities of the film company with the manufacturer’s own pro- motional efforts. The fashion "inspiration” can be copying modern clothes on a Hol- lywood fashion designer or adapt- ing the wardrobe of a costume pic- ture for modern usage. When agreement on the "line,” is set, the promotional machinery is oiled. The fashion mags, a potent force in setting styles, play a key role in advancing the new designs. Special advertising and editorial matter is arranged. In addition, the mags, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, etc., lend their merchandising knowhow to the effort. The nation’s department stores then enter the picture. Special windows are planned, fashion- shows may be arranged, and spe- cial local advertising is set. In all activities, of course, the film gets its plug. Frequently, the local theatre may use its lobby or stage to cross plug the manufac- turer’s wares and the department store where they are sold. The film company fieldmen -are often the liaison men responsible for setting up the multi-pltig promo- tion. Metro has been one of the lead- ers in fashion promotion. It is one of the few companies that re- tains a full-time fashion coordi- nator on its staff. She’s Frances Lane, w hose sole duty is to dream up and arrange the deals with man- ufacturers, fashion magazines, and department stores. As a result of Miss Lane’s efforts and those of the gals at other film companies, manufacturers have frequently made a "killing” with a line in- spired by a film. Recently, for example, Metro’s "Brigadoon” re- sulted in a new wave of Scotch plaid garments. I New York Sound Track I 800 NEW ENGLANDERS TRAIN TO MUSIC HALL Nearly 800 New Englanders traveled to N. Y. last Friday (17) night on the special New Haven Railroad Show Train to see the Radio City Music Hall’s annual Christmas stageshow and "Deep in My Heart.” The New Haven’s show train has been a semi-annual affair ever since 1951, New England pa- trons coming both for the Easter show and the Xmas program. The railroad puts together a special train, appropriately decorated, with a public address system and two cars having buffet service. Besides railroad reps on the train, it carries a Music Hall rep- resentative, some of the Rockettes and members of the ballet. This year it was sold out to capacity (all reserved mezzanine seats) weeks ago. The next train will be for the Hall’s Easter show, and comes into N. Y. April 15. The CONSULTANT SAYS HE’S ‘WATERFRONT’ CARBON "On the Waterfront,” isn’t a fic- tional dramatization of life on the Jersey docks but is based upon his own personal experiences, Anthony De Vincinzo charged yesterday (Tues.) in a $1,000,000 damage suit brought in N. Y. Federal Court Action, which claims his right of privacy was Invaded, names pro- ducer Sam Spiegel and Columbia Pictures, the film’s distributor, as defendants. A former waterfront hiring boss Lutherans’ Back Continued from pace 5 pected to rack up another 1,000 engagements in the U. S. Mean- while it has opened abroad with success ranging from good to ex- cellent. Oddly enough, it did poor- ly in some of the urban centers in Scandinavia, where, theoretically, it should have earned big coin. In other places, such as Switzer- land and Australia, it started slow but built up to sock b.o. Film so far hasn’t been shown in Catholic countries, such as Spain, France and Italy and, Lee said, "we’re not rushing it there.” Under the setup with 20th-Fox, which Is handling "Luther” in most places abroad, Lutheran Church Productions via its European affil- Mark Robson came in on the lie de France yesterday (Tues.) after directing "Prize of Gold,” Columbia pic, in England and Germany . . , Barney Balaban, president of Paramount, named chairman of the Jan. 13 Waldorf-Astoria dinner which launches Brotherhood Week . . , Harold Hecht and James Hill are due in N.Y. from the Coast Sunday (26) and head for London after a 10-day stay . . . Hill is to produce "Trapeze” for Hecht-Lancaster Productions in England next September and the two are abroading to set the preliminaries. Italy’s Ponte di Laurentlis, producing team starts lensing its version of "War and Peace” March 1. They’ve got a script all ready . . . Uni- versal has 20 fiehl men out exploiting key city openings of "Sign of the Pagan” and "So This Is Paris” and the New England territorial preems or "Six Bridges To Cross” . . . Mike Todd may get Carol Reed to direct "Around the World in 80 Days” . . . U.S. distribs are appar- ently helpless in the face of the continuing Indian practice of copy- catting Hollywood pix and embellishing them with native treatments. India doesn’t have a law to stop this "custom” . . . After trying its hand at optical subtitling of its CinemaScopers, Metro has given up the experiment and has again signed up with the Titra titling outfit in N.Y. which puts ’em on the mechanical way . . . Ted Grohnich, Motion Picture Export Assn, rep in Germany, ^in N.Y. following his brother’s death . . . "Co-existence” gets a new meaning — this one outside the political sphere — in the year-end message to the field from A1 Lichtman, 20th-Fox director of sales. He uses it to describe a happy relationship between 20th and its exhib customers. John Hennegan of the Cincinnati lithography house of the same name, adopted Variety as format for his, and wife Helen’s, Christmas greeting . . . it’s a 12-page bit of Yuletide spoofing with the neatest touch of all a simulated letter from Robert K. Shapiro of the Para- mount Theatre, the kind the managing director writes to actors and they use on the backcover . . . Inez Robb of the N.Y. World-Tele was not upset about the remaking of "Birth of A Nation” for the reasons others expressed — possible spreading of Ku Klux Klan apologetics— but because she resented impertinence of the new Phil Ryan syndicate in thinking it could tamper with the art of D. W. Griffith. She de- scribed her enthusiasm as imbibed from her grandmother, an unre- constructed Southerner. «^Iore than 1,000 exhibitors from all parts of Spain attended the Perspecta Sound demonstration at the Windsor Palace Theatre in Bar- celona last week . . . Robert Clark, production chief of Associated British Pictures Corp., conferring with Jack L. Warner on the Coast before returning to London over the weekend . . . Carl Schaefer, for- eign publicity chief at the Warner studio, in New York after a trip to London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, and Cacablanca. He Coasts over the weekend . . . Four experimental films of the Twenties, including early works of Rene Clair and Fernand Lecer, inaugurated the new series of 10 lectures and film showings at the New School of Research last Thursday (16). Course is being conducted by Arthur Knight, film critic of the Saturday Review of Literature . . . Henry Fonda in N. Y. from the Coast to spend the holidays with his family after completing "Mr. Roberts” for Warner Bros. Karl Hoblitxelle, Interstate Circuit prez, has been Awarded a papal decoration, the Medal of. Good Merit, although not a Catholic. He donated $100,000 toward the $250,000 building fund for 'the new St. Peter’s Academy school building in Dallas . . . Harry Cohn is spend- ing more and more time in N.Y. on the prowl for legit properties. Friday’s (17) meeting of Columbia stockholders was the first he pre- sided over in six years . . . “Country Girl” the first release since "On the Waterfront” to receive unanimously excellent notices in the Gotham dailies. Frank Milton switched from the legit field to Distributors Corp. of America. He’ll head the outfit’s casting department in the east . . . RKO Theatres moves its homeoffice from Rockefeller Center to 1740 Broadway . . . Alex Harris in Toronto Globe and Mail wonders if “Beau James,” the Jimmy Walker biopic which will star Bob Hope, will be called "The Road to Ruin.” Metro has set world premieres for two upcoming productions. "Bad Day at Black Rock,” Dore Schary’s personal production, will be launched in five Texas cities betiveen Jan. 13 and Jan. 15. Anne Francis, who appears in the film, will make personal appearances . . . "Many Rivers to Cross,” starring Robert Taylor, goes to New Haven and Taylor w'ill appear in person . . . Dana Andrews in from the Coast to appear at an Israeli bond drive at Madison Square Garden tomorrow (Thurs.) I— _ t _ i _ _ __ in— 2 a | * ivuuvuviio via na uui uucaii dim- A as f, ert . s i iation is responsible for obtaining letam ® j d him ln August, t h e necessary import permits. 1953, in an advisory capacity to 1 r pick a location for the filming of "Waterfront.” Instead, he contends, Spiegel sent writer Budd Schul- berg and director Elia Kazan to chin with him and obtain informa- tion as to his life history and career as an ex-waterfront boss. The Marlpn Brando starrer, De Vincinzo charges, depicts his life when he worked as a longshore- man in Hoboken and lived as a pro- fessional boxer with a fancy for pigeons. Drawing a closer parallel between his own career and that of the Brando role, he stated that he also testified before the Senate Crime Commission in 1952 as to i waterfront corruption. These per- 1 sonal incidents, the complaint al- leges, were all Incorporated in the film without his~ consent. Shift Shoo Managers Shea Circuit has made a number of managerial shifts. A1 Kqley takes over the helm of the Lawler Theatre, Greenfield, N H. Ed Mason assuiqgs Foley’s post as assistant to Fenton Scrib- ner at Manchester, N. H. Bill Kibrige has been named manager at Amherst, Mass, with Louis Masson as his assistant. Ffolkes With Rossen David Ffolkes, currently con- ducting classes in costume design- ing and history 6f architecture at Boston U. has been inked to de- sign the costumes for "Alexander the Great,” which Robert Rossen will direct for United Artists. Ffolkes will take a leave of ab- sence from the university and is New Haven already is taking reser slated to travel to Madrid for ; vations for it. | filming of the pic. I Attornty-Author Louis Nizer Hat written a $agm piece W ords to Live By * * • t m interesting byline piece in the upcoming 49 ih Anniversary Number of DUE SOON Deflation Paramount recently regis- tered “My 50,000,000 Chil- dren” with the Motion Picture Assn, of America as title of a short. Film company, v presumably after more thought, felt less extravagant and submitted an- other label: "My 20,000,000 Children.” TOKO-RI’ PRIMES TALK VIA PRIVATE SHOWINGS Paramount Is set with plans to lease a theatre in all key cities for one-day screenings of "Bridges at Toko-Ri” for private audiences. They’ll atart around the second week in January. Idea is to get the word-of-mouth started on the Perlberg-Seaton pro- duction. On the invitation lists in each situation will be exhibitors, civic brass, press and radio-tv reps. Tieups with the U. S. Navy, which figuresJn the film’s story, are being worked out. Col Settles Its $4,000 Suit Vs. Evelyn Keyes Los Angeles, Dec. 21. Columbia Pictures’ $4,000 suit against Evelyn Keyes was privately settled for that amount and dropped from the Superior Court calendar. Plaintiff declared Miss Keyes signed an agreement in 1950 to pay the studio 25% of her earnings from*other sources. Complaint adds that she was paid $16,000 by Bon- Air Pictures in 1951 but refused to j turn over the $4,000. Nat’l Review Board Kudo To ‘Waterfront’ as Best; Kelly, Foch Top Women Columbia’s "On the Waterfront” has been selected as the best pic- ture of 1954 by the National Board of Review. Committee on Excep- tional Films of the Board, which 34 years ago started the practice of selecting each year’s ten best films, named the following as the year’s best after "Waterfront”: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (M-G); "The Country Girl” (Par); "A Star Is Born” (WB); "Executive Suite” (M-G); "The Vanishing Prai- rie” (Disney); "Sabrina” (Par); "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (Disney); "The Unconquered” (In- die); and "Beat the Devil” (UA). Renato Castellani was named the year’s best director for "Romeo and Juliet.” Grace Kelly was cho- sen best actress primarily for "Country Girl,” but also for her work in "Dial M for Murder” and "Rear Window.” Bing Crosby was named best actor for "Country Girl.” Nina Foch was voted best sup- porting actress for "Executive Suite,” and Jabn Williams best supporting actor for "Dial M” and "Sabrina.” The Board chose "Romeo and Juliet” as best foreign film shown in the U. S. during 1954. Nine other films on the foreign list were "Heart of the Matter,” "The Gates of Hell,” "Diary of a Country Priest,” "The Little Kidnapers,” "Genevieve,” "Beauties of the Night,” "Mr. Hulot’s Holiday,” "The Detective,” and "Bread, Love and Dreams.” December 22, 19S4 11 PICTURES INDIE IMPORTERS’ TIGHT RACE Smaller Importers Squeezed; R May Hare to Buy European ‘In’ Competitive squeeze put on the| small indie importers today!* such that the only way in which they cm expect to insure themselves of continuing supply of P ro< }^ is to invest in overseas production. That’s the opinion of Arthur L Mayer, vet indie operator and long- time partner of the late Joseph Burstyn and also °< Edward R. Kin^ix business, other recent deals having signed with the U. S., France. England, Argentina and Germany. Ironically, all these ' pacts be- KRS Calls On Exhibs to Act In Rental Row London. Dec. 21. The Kinematograph Renters So- ciety has passed the ball to the ex- hibitors in an attempt to resolve the impasse that has suddenly developed in connection with the arbitration award on break figures which is the yardstick via which concession terms may be offered to independent theatre owners. The distributors have taken the un- usual step of placing fullpage ads in the local trade press to explain where they stand. Prior to the arbitration hearing in October, the Cinematograph Exhibitors Assn, indicated its will- ingness to accept the findings and the KRS agreed to implement the verdict at a council meeting two or three weeks back. The latter body now claims that the exhibs are failing in their promise by re- fusing to agree to passing of a joint unanimous resolution as rec- ommended by the arbitrator. Conditional upon the acceptance by the CEA of the terms of the resolution, the XRS has promised to withdraw its original break fig- ure motion which, when passed in 1951, led to the present dispute. The unanimous resolution recom- mended by the arbitrator calls upon any exhib desiring a revision of his break figure contract to dis- close certified figures at the open- ing of negotiation. East Germany Showing 50% Foreign Films Frankfort, Dec. 14. The proportion of films showing in East Germany is now about 50- 50, local and foreign pix, with half coming from DEFA, the Red-con- trolled producing firm in East Ber- lin, and other eastern countries, and the other half coming from West Germany and other western European countries. Even in West Berlin, the theatreowners report that about half of their audience comes from the East Zone. At the three large theatres near the rail- road linking the East and West sectors of Berlin, the percentage of Easterners attending is even higher. One of the biggest hits currently in East Germany is “Fanfaren Der Liebe,” starring the popular Ger- man comic, Georg Thomallo.. Also big draw’s are a pair of Maria Schell starrers, “As Long As You Are There” and “The Dreamy Mouth.” A last-minute hitch has devel- ( „me void next Dec. 31 if the RUSSO PEOPLE YEARN FOR CURTAIN LIFTING l Edinburgh, Dec. 14. The people of Russia are highly artistic and are just longing for the Iron Curtain to be raised, accord- oped in negotiations between ex- hibitors and distributors in the adoption of the arbitrator’s ruling on the break figure dispute, ad- vocating the restoration of freedom \ wmv v wav* IIV Al L/V V.. U 1 ML U1V , • , f T T A. /-I ri _ Italian Protective Film Law is not ,ng . !°, IJul V e i’ Cowan. Scot submitted and approved for ex- tension before that date. Con- tinued delay on behalf of the gov- ernment in dealing with the film of trading between theatre owners law situation is again worrying lo- and distributors. cal filmmakers. The dispute dates back to 1951 1 ' when the Kinematograph Renters Society adopted a resolution setting out the terms in which it was pre- pared to give special film rates tor exhibitors whose weekly tako- fell below a stated level. Thus resolu- tion had always been resisted by the exhibs. and after a prolonged hassle both sides went to arbitra- tion. The award, published a month or two back, was mainly in favor of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Assn., which had agreed to accept the findings in advance. The KRS COMMIE WANTED THEATRE Tells Aussie Spy Inquiry lie Tried To Buy . Showcase Sydney, Dec. 14. Bruce Joseph Milliss, a confessed member of the Communist Party in Australia, admitted to a spy in- quiry here that he had tried to buy a front rank city theatre for the purpose of showing Russian films. Called before a Royal Commis- artist back from the Soviet Union, The Russians, she said here, have a great yen for ballet and opera, and their huge theatres are packed nearly every night. The Russian Opera “would shake the world if it could come to the Edinburgh International Festival — If we had a tl\eatre worthy of them,” she ’said. She found the Soviet people proud of their work of reconstruction. B^ija Calif. Not To Get Gambling Mexico City, Dec. 14. Baja California, Mexico’s newest state, is not to be anywhere near the indoor gambling ground pic- tured in newspaper yarns from the U. S., anent revival of reports that syndicates of Yank gaming opera- tors plan to bid for casino conces- sions in and about Tijuana. Th^s was stressed by Baja California government reps interviewed while on official business here and by Gov. Braulio Maldonado in Mexi- cali, the state capital. The Baja California chiefs de- clared that no gambling conces- sion will be granted because the state government is carefully obey- ing instructions from President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines that legalized gaming be barred from that region because its position, immediately over the border from California, is sort of a front window’ for Mexico, and it is much nicer to have that window show orderliness. Gam- bling halls, the chiefs explained, are not regarded as nice things by national government toppers. The Baja California official spokesmen again spiked wideopen gaming reports that began last September on the strength of a re- ported $1. 000,000-take in a day at a Baja California fall fair which featured gambling. Zurich, Dec. 14. The first four months (Septem- ber to the end of the year) of the current legit season at Schauspiel- haus here, the country’s leading legit house, loom as the hottest this theatre has seen in years. Out of eight plays staged so far, only tw'o have flopped. This constitutes afl unusually sock result. In line with the wellknown con- servative attitude of local audi- ences, most of the hits have been either classics or revivals. For ex- ample, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and Moliere’s “School of Women,” are already past their 25th performance (an excellent score by local standards ) , being on the bill since the beginning of the season. Ibsen’s “Wild Duck” has played to satisfactory "biz, whereas the revival another of the Bard’s works, "Henry IV,” in its first re- appearaAce since 1941, is a sellout at every performance. Next open- ing skedded, Heinrich von Kleist’s “Penthesilea,” a German classic, w'ith a particularly strong cast headed by local faves Maria Beck- er and Will Quadflieg. Advance sale on this one is already high. Exception from the rule are two modern Anglo-U. S. works, T. S. Eliot’s “Confidential Clerk,” which fared very w’ell despite mixed no- tices, and the recently staged “Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.” Lat- ter shows promise of becoming one of the real hits of the season. The only flops so far are Jean Anouilh’s “Leocadia,” one of the author’s earlier comedies, and Swiss playwright Arnold Schwen- geler’s new comedy-drama, “In This Sign . . .,” a wasted religious essay of the Roman days. Additional coin is pouring in from regular one-nighters of the French road company, Galas Kar- senty which, almost automatically, is SRO at Schauspielhaus. This was the case with its first two ’54- ’55 offerings, Jacques Deval’s “Etienne” and Julien Green's "South.” Also skedded are “Daz- zling Hour,” “Dial M for Murder,” “Gigi.” “The Lark” and “The Four Truths.” announced its acceptance a week sion which is investigating revela- or two ago. Since then a scries of t>*>ns by a defecting Russian Em- joint meetings have been held be- bassy official, Vladimir Petrov, tween the two bodies to agree on a Milliss said last year he was con- formula for future operation. A te>ned in negotiations for pur- full report on the current negotia- 1 chase of the Embassy Theatre, tions was given at last week’s CEA ' Milliss said he was chairman of executive session, when it was sug- 1 a local outfit called New Dawn gested that if necessary they should go back to the arbitrator for further advice. Claims Readers Like To Read Bad Reviews proposed that Sov- Export Films Films, which had a franchise con- tract with a Russian film organiza- tion. The asking price for the the- atre was $662,500. of which Milliss would find $25,000, hoping to raise the remainder in mortgages. He • Vienna, Dec. 14. Friedrich Schreyvogl, director of the state-owned Burgtheatre, has "discovered” why reviews about new plays are mostly bad. This is how he sized up the situa- tion. “The casual reader prefers a bad critic. It makes him feel better. The editors know that so they in- struct their reporters to tear the premieres to pieces.” should put up $300,000, as a sec- ond mortgage, to complete the purchase. The bait held out to Sov-Export Films, he admitted, was that 70% of the pix would be Soviet films. The deal fell through. At that time the Embassy, operated as an ace house by General Theatres Corp. on lease, was on the mar- ket. Eventually General Theatres bought the property. BFPA Votes in Favor Of Pix Standardization London, Dec. 14. British Film Producers Assn, is in favor of standardization of as- pect ratios. It confirmed this de- cision at an executive council session after discussing a report prepared by its technical commit- tee, which embraced developments in widescreen cinematography over the last two years. Purely from a production view- point, the BFPA technical commit- tee considered that results on some large screens have not proved “en- tirely satisfactory,”' and they sug- gested an investigation into the possibility of achieving a standard- ization. Understood that the BFPA survey embraced every form of panoramic production including CineinaScope and VistaVision. At the same meeting, the BFPA executive indorsed suggestions from its studio sound panel advo- cating the substitution of magnetic sound for photographic sound; standardization of 35m as the size of sprocketed magnetic film; and conformation with the American Standards Assn, standard for 200 mil magnetic sound track W’here triple track magnetic film Is used. Hope to Streamline ’55 Cannes Fete: Only 2 Films Per Country Paris, Dec. 14. Although 1956 will probably see only one of the top film festival tandem of Cannes and Venice holding a competitive fete be- cause of the edict of the Interna- tional Assn, of Producers, the or- ganizers of the Cannes festival are going all out this next 'year to make it a big event. Budget has been upped and the film list stream- lined along with the number of kudos. A true international jury is in the offing for this fest. It will be held from April 26- May 10 or a few weeks from the usual date. The government has brought up its coin allotment and the city of Cannes has hiked its outlay for the fete. This gives the festival a fi- nancial backing of $105,000. Favre- Lebret, fete prexy, says that in 1955 a gold palm will be given as the grand prize for the first time plus five other rewards. Also that at least 50% of the jury will be in- ternational. Countries producing over 100 films will be allowed only a maximum of two films as op- posed to the previous five. lie hopes in this way to cut down the marathon aspects of previous fetes, and also raise the standard of en- tries. There seems sure to be some out- cry at this from large producing countries whose big private incen- tive, besides the international pres- tige and goodwill, w’ere the tax Paris, Dec. 21. I ^ ree visa s and free remittances After a six-month hiatus from ' handed out to all pix entered in Fears Far East Countries May Dent Hawaiian Biz Honolulu, Dec. 14. Even if Hawaii’s resort facilities are expanding, the Isles face in- creasing competition from the Far East, according to Dick Evans, lo- cal passenger agent for American President Lines. Just back from two-month sur- vey, Evans says “there’s building and improvements everywhere.’ He’s referring primarily to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila and Bangkok. Hong Kong remains the jewel of the Orient, Evans found, with new hotels and excellent tourist facili- ties. British and American inter- ests are investing heavily in that city, even if it is literally a stone’s throw from Red China. Spivy Returns To Paris Nitery Scene the Paris nitery scene, Spivy came back this week by taking over the Windsor Bar on Rue Pierre Cha<- ron off the Champs-Elysees. Now called Spivy ’s, this wood-panelled room has a pleasant saloon atmos- phere. Besides the raucous-voiced Spivy It features the piano and songs of Don Gais and the bqllads of Ray Kidd who is also playing the Folies- Bergere. Drinks are at a $1.25 minimum and this has the ear- marks of emerging as an addition to the winduppery corps here. the festivals. Anne Shelton Mulling 1955 Australia Tour Glasgow, Dec. 14. Anne Shelton, British thrush, is mulling a trip to Australia in 1955. Plan is for her to star in vaude and sing on commercial radio. Singer has already appeared in the U. S., South Africa and in Eu- ropean countries. She’s currently at the Empire vauder here on a 1 United Kfhgdpm tour. <|ai* pla<* Wheels Within Wheels a bright byliaa placa la 49th Anniversary Number of OUT SOON Broadway Hits Now Showing On German Video Frankfurt, Dec. 14. German tele is finding that its most popular plays with the local viewers are German adaptations of New York stage productions. Upcoming performances are set for "Caine Mutiny Courtmartial" on Jan. 6 (with Julius Gellner from BBC in London as guest director), Eugene O’Neill’s “Anna Christie” and Ernest Hemingway’s “Short Happy Life of Francis McComber” set for early next year. Already used on the fall sched- ule are Tennessee Williams "Cam- ir.o Real,” John Patrick’s "Tea- house of August Moon,” Thornton Wilder’s "Our Town"; T. S. Eliot's "Confidential Clerk" and Jean Anouilh’s "Colombe." All were translated into German, with spe- cial casts, costumes and sets for the one- or two-hour dramatiza- tions. West Germai\tv has key stations splitting the time, so that on the Frankfurt Hessischer Rundfunk channel, plays can be transmitted to other stations or picked up from senders in Berlin, Munich. Ham- burg, Bremen, Bonn and Cologne. New Paris House Makes 5,224-Seat Day-Dater; 4 Big IT'S. Pix for Xmas BAN TALL OF BERLIN’ SHOWINGS IN HAVANA Havana, Dec. 14. Showing of the Russian film, "The Fall of Berlin," has been banned here. Pic had played here for six days after having been okayed by the government’s film commission. Scheduled to play only one week, the banning was ordered on the seventh day by Minister of the Interior Ramon O. Hermida. It was reported that Britons liv- ing in Cuba had objected to the film’s characterization of Churchill. The objections reached strongman Fulgencio Batista, who attended a special showing. Shortly thereafter police seized the only print in Havana and pulled down all ad circulars. Before it was exhibited, the dis- tributor and the film commission had included a Spanish script em- phasizing that it was a Russian propaganda film. W. Germany to Promote Its Product in U. S. Berlin, Dec. 14. The Federal government of West Germany is to make available $60,000 to be used for promotion of the export of West German films to the U. S. This experimental amount is said reportedly divided among six German films due to be released in U. S. in 1955. Dubbing and other costs must be borne by the exporters them- selves. Negotiations took place in Bonn last week and were at- tended by reps of the Federal Ministry for Economical a(|airs, the German Foreign Office, the Federal Press Office, the West German Film Producer Assn, and the Export Union. DEFA, W. German Prods. Plan First Co-Prods. Berlin, Dec. 14. The first coproductions between DEFA, sole pic producing outfit in Soviet-controlled Germany, and West German companies likely will be made in 1955. This is the result ” of negotiations between East and West German filmites which took place here last week. Meetings were attended by D£FA boss Hans Rodenberg, sev- eral other top DEFA officials as well as West German film pro- ducers, including Hans Abich (Goettingen), Friedrich A. Mainz (Hamburg) and Alfred Rauschen- bach (Munich). Coproduction deals also Include a pic to be made by Veit Harlan. Slate-con- trolled DEFA is interested in co- productions with West Gorman outfits chiefly for political rea- sons, newspapers here charge. Aussie-Born Producer Clicks by Giving B’way Styling to Panto Shows Glasgow, Dec. 14. Freddie Carpenter, young Aus- tralian-born producer, is giving the Broadway treatment to current English and Scottish pantomimes. He is making them eye-catching musical spectacles with the tradi- tional kiddie stories retained as kernels. As chief producer for the How- ard Ac Wyndham group, Carpenter has charge of pantomimes at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool and Blackpool. As soon as he clears one production, he’s off a few hours later to launch another. y His aim is to give the traditional British panto, “the slick up-to- date appeal of a Broadway musi- cal." He has achieved * standout success with spectacle of "Goldi- locks and the Three Bears" at the Alhambra Theatre, Glasgow, where Jimmy Logan (nephew of Ella Logan) scores a solid hit in comedy. New Mex Setup To Hypo So. America Mexico City, Dec. 14. Improvement of servicing for- eign markets for Mexican pfle by increasing official aid to distribu- tors is being continued. Newest step in that direction is the trans- formation of Peliculas Nacionales, oldline indie distributor in Mexico and abroad, into "a company of public interest" for the announced purpose of increasing playdates for Mexican films in Central and South America. The new PN in- vites all producers who want bet- ter Central-South American dis- tribution to join it, on the basis of stockbuying. PN is to have an ultimate capital of $1,280,000, of which '$720,000 has already been paid in. The trade’s own bank, the Banco Na- cional Cinematografico, has upped it« 5% participation in the old PN to 25% in the new. Structure of the new PN is iden- tical to that of Cinex which the government recently organized to control pic distribution abroad, and to which 80% of Mexican pro- ducers belonjg. Saging Central- South American market prompted changing the setup for Mexican pix down there. Paris, Dec. 21. After lone-wolfing it for awhile, the big Pathe 1,670-seater, the Marignan, soon goes into tandem harness with three other spots — the Max Linder, the Alhambra and Les Images. This will create a 5,224-seat setup, and will be an important outlet for pix since the firstrun Paris take is vital In film distrib here. Tieup of Marignan will be for the Metro pic, "Knights of the Round Tablj," and may continue. Three biggest hookups here are the six-shot combo of the Para- mount, Folies, Palais-Rochechou- art, Lutetia, Select-Pathe and Elysees, with 7,265 seats; the Ber- litz, Gaumont-Palace and Paris, with 7,151-seat capacity and the Rex, Normandie and Moulin-Rouge With 6,424 capacity. Other biggies are the Balzac, Helder, Scala and Vivienne, with 2,540-seat; the Colisee and Marivaux with 1,964; and the Biarritz, Madeleine, with 1,307. There are other variable setups which change alignment and day- date combos at times, but together they are the vital first-run outlets. Christmas will see a mass distri- bution of big U. S. pix for the Yuletide. Among these are "Knights," "On Waterfront” (Col), "White Christmas" (Par), "Hell and High Water” (20th), and the French with "Ali Baba" and H. G. Clou- zot’s "Les Diaboliques." 1st German-Egyptian Co-Prod. Set for *55 Frankfort, *Dec. 14. In line with the efforts of the German film industry to make co- productions with more foreign countries and increase the circula- tion of German pix in other lands, the first German-Egyptian co-pro- duction has been set Jor 1955. Pierre Zarpanely, head of the A1 Hilad Productions Co. in Cairo, says his company has been work- ing on the Egyptian end of the deal since 1953. Now, plans have been finalized to shoot the first of a series next year. Dieter Borsche, German actor, is to star opposite Egyptian actresses Fatma Hamama and Samirah Ahmed. Salah Abu Seif will di- rect. German scripter Gerda Cor- bett is now in Egypt getting back- ground for the film, which’ will concern a German soldier mis- takenly put into an English prison in Eg.vpl, but decides to stay after WEST GERMAN GOVT. AID FOR FILM PROD. Frankfurt, Dec. 14. The West German government is determined to aid the local film industry in growing to its pre-war heights of international ac- ceptance. At a recent meeting in Bonn of the Federal and State Film Industry Committees, the two government branches' set up a plan for further cooperation in the financing of films. Where both federal and state funds were for- merly available to producers here, restrictions of the various govern- ment groups differed. Now a uniform code of rules has been set up for both the fed- eral and state, to make it easier for film producers to apply for funds. Among other parts of the plan are (1) inclusion of private banks as lending agencies for funds; (2) agreement that the cultural and political viewpoints of the states will remain independent regard- less of financial arrangements with the federal government for pix; (3) groups of. preferably four pictures will be financed jointly by either central government or state, to spread the risk. BBC-TV Does Repeat Of Controversial Show Despite Press Squawks London, Dec. 21. Despite a mass offensive by the press, public and in Parliament, BBC-TV stood its ground and went ahead with a repeat performance last Thursday (16) of George Or- well’s "1984." The initial telecast on Nov. 12 was greeted by contin- uous telephone protests by viewers the same evening and by big news- paper coverage the following morning. It developed into a major run- ning story in the national press, which in turn, inspired Members of Parliament to intervene. Four mo- tions had been tabled in the House of Commons 48 hours before the repeat broadcast was due. One of these deplored the ten- dency of BBC television programs to pander to sexual and sadistic tastes, while another deplored the tendency of MPs to attack the courage and enterprise of the BBC in presenting plays acceptable of appreciation by adult minds. A third motion, which calls at- tention to the faci that many of t\\e inhuman practices depicted in the play are already in common use in totalitarian countries, welcomed the sincere attempt by the BBC to bring hdme to British people the logical and soul destroying conse- quences of surrendering their freedom. Sir Charles Taylor, Tory MP for Eastbourne, with the support of other back-benchers of the same party, tabled a motion expressing thankfullness that freedom of the individual still permits viewers to switch off, and also commends the government’s foresight which will soon allow alternative programs. The second performance of the play attracted the biggest ever television audience for a repeat presentation and this had an effect on attendances at picture thealres and other entertainments through- out the country. Biggest Swiss House Opened Lausanne, Dec. 14. The largest Swiss theatre, The- atre de Beaulieu, recently was completed here in Lausanne, sec ond-biggest city in French Switzer- land. House, which has a capacity of 1,900, is located in the building of the Comptoir Suisse, annual tradefair. Theatre has a balcony built es- pecially to secure excellent view- ing. Its stage is 46-by-29 feet, and Jap Takarazuka Troupe Set for Honolulu Da?es Honolulu, Dec. 14. Japan’s famed Takarazuka The- atre troupe will give 20 perform- ances in Honolulu next spring in connection with the Cherry Blos- som Festival, one of Hawaii’s three top wecklong fetes. Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce here is underwriting the date,, with a $50,000 budget in- dicated for the revue, tentativt ly set for April 8-18. Takarazuka stages classical and semi-classical | in figypi, IJUI uttiuua oiuy uuti j me- -- Ivlp the war and marries an Egyptian ' it can be extended back as far as Japanese theatre, western- " l girL . p . 1 98 feet. * • * l operas, ballet and musical revuts. policy to do is our the way he like .< Wednesday, December 22, 1954 MM| business with I to do business Al Lichtmcn Wednesday, December 22, 1954 16 PICTURES Wednesday, December 22, 1954 SECRET RENTAL FIGURES DISCLOSED IN TRIAL OF MPLS. TRUST SUIT VS. MAJORS Minneapolis, Dec. 21. Actual grosses of loop firstrun and neighborhood theatres, the percentages or flat rentals charged them, and the amounts houses have paid to distributors in rentals are being made public in Federal dis- trict court here and the figures are showing that the percentage deals varied considerably on the same films. Such usually secret information Is coming to light during the trial of the independent circuit owners Volk Bros, against major distribu- tors, the Minnesota Amusement Co. (United Paramount Theatres) and RKO Theatres for approxi- mately $1,000,000 damages and for injunctive relief so that their $500,000 suburban Terrace will re- ceive an earlier run. One of the reasons why the Volks are contending the Terrace is entitled to an earlier and ex- clusive neighborhood run is be- cause it outgrosses the 10 other outlying houses in the same 28-day clearance slot and it has been pay- ing higher film rentals. In many instances, according to the tes- timony, its engagements have yielded higher film rentals than downtown moveover theatres play- ing the same films earlier. The Terrace now is one of about 10 neighborhood houses here hav- ing the same earliest uptown avail- ability, 23 days. Alleging a con- spiracy in restraint of trade, the Volks claim they’ve been damaged to the extent of $1,500,000 because of clearance discrimination against their Terrace for which they ask a playing position the same as the town’s only two moveover houses, both located downtown, or one day after the conclusion of the films’ loop firstruns. Witnesses for the plaintiff so far, called for adverse cross-examina tion, have included John Branton Minnesota Amusement Co. buyer booker manager; M. A. Levy, 20th Fox division manager; Harry H Weiss, RKO Theatres district man ager; Art Anderson, Warner Bros district manager, and branch man agers Abbott Swartz 1 United Art ists); "Hy" Chapman (Columbia) Fay Dressell (RKO); W. H. Work man (M-G-M); Fay Dresser (RKO); Jesse McBride ‘ there's a crying need change centers. New contract pro- for what j bave to offc V. .{ have vides for a $5.50 across-the-board expcric nccd it, I know what people wage hike and a reduction of the need And the fact lha t my act work week from 40 to 37 \*i hours j wag success f u l is an' indication starting Jan. 3. It also provides i that mv pe0 ple can do the same for an improvement In the sev- tol . others.” erance pay clause. Vincent Productions will have The salary boost is retroactive absolutely nothing to do with to Dec. 1, 1954, expiration date of j booking. Its function begins after the former pact. New agreement a booking has been arranged and will run from Dec., 1954 to Nov the talent involved, or the agency, 30, 1956 decides a new act should be Unlike the previous contract, created. ^ , current Agreement was ncsotisted ; I he semi*pemiflnent stnlT of ox- by the IA international office for ports will also be able to help all the locals in the country. Last small tv companies which may time each individual union negoti- need a choreographer for a few ated and signed its own agree- steps in one scene and can t afford ments with the film companies, to maintain one on the payroll. This year, after a poll of the locals. I Vincent Productions’ staff will be the majority agreed to let the in- available on a daily basis or even ternational office handle the deal, for a few hours at a time when a IA prexy R chard R Walsh par- Service fhat has been ! ?„ P Inrt g wM haS-' needed for some Ume " the actress v. Th — I,™ ! feels. "Were ready to provide it. Yvonne do Carlo died by general secretary treas urer Harland Holmden, v.p. I.ou'se Wright, and international repre- sentative Joseph D. Basson. Mike Rosen of Loew's Inc. was chairman of the distrib negotiating com- mittee. Distribs on Trial Continued from page 3 Somewhere along the way we' may also be able to help some promis- ing young talent with this service. But that doesn’t mean we’ll take just anybody. They’ve got to show some promise.” Miss Sothern will exercise some supervision over the setup, but she doespjt plan to be too active in that phase of the indie opera- tion. She’ll be concentrating on the tv series, “tho I won’t be in it,” and the theatrical feature which the firm is readying. William Morris Agency will work with her on packaging various aspects of Columbus, Dec. 21. Board of directors of the Inde- pendent Theatre Owners of Ohio, which met last Tuesday (14) for- mally protested Warner Brothers plan to release only a cut version of :‘‘A Star Is Born” to small town and subsequent run theatres. The board in a letter it directed Robert A. Wile, 1TO executive sec- retary, to write Warner’s pointed out that the sole advantage a sub- sequent run house has is the fact that it plays the same motion pic- tures as are played in first-run theatres. The board admitted some members would like to play the cut version, but asked that both versions should be available for the exhibitor to make his choice. Board members asked that an an- swer be sent to each of them. In other actions, the directors re-elected Wile for another year’s term as executive secretary; paid tribute to Lee Hofheimer, former Columbus theatre owner who is moving to Norfolk, Va., to manage a theatre there; and accepted the resignation of Horace Shook as board member and vice-president because Shook had disposed of his Lima theatre holdings. Prosecution Tracing Over 100 Corporate Structures Within Schine Empire Buffalo, Dec. 21. With the trial of J. Meyer Schine, Louis W. Schine and other indi- viduals and Schine corporations on the charge of civil and criminal contempt of court in violation of a 1949 anti-trust decree currently in its third week, the proceedings are being marked by attempts on the pa.t of the Government to show the connection of the Schine fam- ily individu. Is with the arious cor- porations which are cited as de- fendants. Voluminous books and records subpoenaed by the Justice Depart- ment, over the objections of de- fense counsel, have been brought into court to support the Govern- ment s charge that the Schine fam- ily controls the corporations. Trust agreements relating to the Schine children were also put in evidence upon a charge that Hildemart Cor- poration (Mrs. J. Meyrr Schine ’s name is Hildegarde) was ‘‘used as an instrumentality of the Schine Theatres, Inc.” under the “com- plete power or control by J. Meyer Schine and Louis W. Schine.” It was established that there we e Liberia Continued from pace 5 Headley Stock Continued from page 2 In each exchange area maintained by a major company. Obviously, Disney and his chief exec in the east. Leo Samuels, think yes. ( , he , ndje ratioo Of major concern, too, is the future of “Leagues” abroad. There’s — some opinion in the trade that theatremen in some foreign nations are adverse to Yank film opera- tions in their respective area.- These same exhibs, it’s felt, might look more favorably upon an American film if it’s peddled through a native distrib, via such deals as now being entered by Dis- ney, instead of the branch offices of a U.S. major company Some independent producers al- ready have had experience along these lines. Goldwyn, for one, found that grosses went sharply up in Japan when distribution was shifted to the local Daiei Motion Picture Co. of Toyko. As for DCA, this outfit intends to draw in 75% of its domestic revenue through its own limited- size organization — sales offices in about six key cities — and is relying upon states rights units for the 25% balance. Since the latter per Co,, with general partner Francis M. Hall slated to become a board member. Headley gets rights to 2,295,000 shares in exchange for exclusive rights, to songs, film, television, radio and other proj- ects, for services in acquiring these properties and for expenses and efforts in planning and setting up the company. Officers of the company, besides Headley, who’s president, include consulting engineer A. J. P. Wilson as v.p.; broadcaster Nancy M. Wheeler as secretary; Rubin Abrams, former assistant comptrol- ler of the Randforce theatre circuit in Brooklyn, as treasurer; Kenyon Hopkins, radio-tv arranger and con- ductor, as a v.p. apd musical director; Ralph C. Ehmke, of G. centage might well mean the d if- Schirmer, the music publishing fercnce between profit and loss on house, as v.p. and publication di- a picture, the wisdom of such a rector; and Oscar Liese, theatrical plan is open to question in major ( agent and producer, as v.p. and company circles. DCA feels though that today’s market economies dictate the pol- icy, that organization of its own ' offices in all key areas to cover the sub-runs would be too expen- sive in light of its limited number of pix. First major production to be handled by DCA is “Long John Silver,” goin&out in February, and the payoff on this doubtless will be a guide to the future for DCA and others. Separate distribution deals will be made abroad, follow- ing the Vista pattern. On the home front, the states rights setup was revealed in N.Y. yesterday (Tues.) by Charles Boas- berg, v.p.-geuera} manager, and Irving Wormser, v.p. -general sales manager. Listed are the key areas and the local distributors repping DCA: Albany, Lewis J. Leiser; Atlanta, Frank White; Buffalo, Leiser; Charlotte. White; Chicago, Max Roth; Cincinnati, Jack Safer; Cleve- land, Bernie Rubin; Dallas, Her- man Beiersdorf; Denver, Hal Ful- ler; Indianapolis, Safer; L.A., Irving H. Levin and Charles Kranz; Memphis, White; Minneapolis, Donald Swartz. Also, New Orleans, Harold F. Cohen; Oklahoma City, Beiersdorf; Philadelphia, Jack Engel; Pitts- burgh. Bert Stearn; Salt Lake City, Fuller; San Francisco, N. P. Jacobs; Washington, Myron Mills; Omaha and Dos Moines, William Feidl; St. Louis. Herman Gorelick; N.Y., Joseph Felder and Jack Bellman, and Boston, A1 Swerdlove. director of artist management. Latter three together with Headley comprise the production planning board, and there's an advisory board consisting of James E. Ko- vach, radio-tv director with NBC in Washington; Monroe J. Lawrence, staff engineer at NBC; Howard P. Abrahams, of the National Retail & Dry Goods Assn.; and Lawrence Conley, onetime music publisher, theatre operator, producer and songwriter. Flick’s Tskt, Tskt Continued from page 4 bloodier and bloodier, for no good reason other than someone thinks the audience will like it better that way.” Flick is by no means the only one to feel that way. Geoffrey Shurlock, the new production code administrator, stated on a recent N. Y. visit that, he, too, was con- cerned over the amount of exces- sive violence in films, and that he intended to do something about it. Asked in N. Y. recently whether he had any thoughts on the prob- lem, Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th-Fox’s production topper, declared that he wasn’t aware of screen vio- lence and brutality exceeding the limits of reason and good taste. "I don't sec where there’s so much of that in our pictures,” he said. Yet it’s that. kind of superaction which creates the basis of much of the censorship U. S. films en- counter in the foreign markets. able by the U. S. and of course any sucht profit wouldn’t come un- der the Librian tax laws since it's income derived by way of a non- Liberian company, i.e., from with- out that country. Should circumstances not allow negotiations to take place outside the U. S. — even though a picture may be lensed in Europe — a U. S., distributing corporation would then have to be formed in the U. S. The 'film would still be sold to a U. S. outfit without this coun- try, but the 10% or so charge for negotiating the deal would come under the U. S. tax laws. As for a producing corporation, formed in Liberia but making films in the U. S., tax savings would accrue to it from the showing of its pix outside the U. S. It would have to pay taxes on revenue from films shown within this country, but as a resident foreign corpora- tion. it wouldn’t be required to file a return on its foreign income. Lower Than U. S. Weiner admits that such foreign receipts would still be subject to taxes in the respective countries abroad, but he points out that these rates in most instances are lower than the corresponding U. S. rates. There are certain other ad- vantages to be derived from in- corporating in LflTeria and doing business in the U. S. as a foreign corporation. One is that, on the foreign income of such a setup, the withholding requirement of the present tax laws doesn’t apply since such a Liberian corporation would be considered as a resident foreign corporation under the law. As Weiner sees it, Liberian in- corporation could lead to substan- tial tax savings, particularly on profits derived from outside the U. S. “Ultimately.” he says, “the earnings of the Liberian company, accumulated taxfree, could be dis- tributed to its stockholders via a corporate liquidation taxable as capital gain, and not ordinary in- come rates.” He adds that com- petent guidance should be gained to stay within the framework of the law at all times. Continued from page 4 ing after that. But she expressed annoyance over the fact that her agent “badly advised me to take a straight salary on ‘Captain’s Para- dise’ instead of a deferment.” Her motive in taking the “Para- dise” role, she said, was to enhance her prestige by appearing in a film with Alec Guinness. The financial consideration was looked upon as secondary for “we thought the pic- ture’s market would be confined to the art houses, hence a defer- ment would be a risk.” (Actually, the film to date has grossed more than $1,000,000 in the U. S.) A ‘Harem’ Alumna An alumna of Universal’s “harem” pictures. Miss De Carlo has been off the home lot for sev- eral years although she’s tied to it on a non-exclusive contract. It calls for her to do one film a year for the studio. “When something comes up that I’d like to ao out- side I go to them (U execs) and say ‘couldn’t I please?’ And they think and say, ‘well all right.” (U’s rea- soning on this apparently takes the course that by assuming Important assignments off the lot the actress would be increasing her vtilue to it.) • In line with her off-lot “im- ovcr a hundred corporations in portant assignments” is the role of which Schine Theatres, Inc., is in- Zephora (Moses* wife) in Para- | terested and the Government at- mount’s “Ten Commandments.” torneys told the court that they Miss De Carlo, who visited Egypt would show “the corporations tied last spring for locations o*n the U P with Schine.” DeMille opus, declared she was ■— — .. ■■ — very much impressed with the vet- eran producer as a stickler for de- tail and accuracy. “He wants me,” she said, “to wear contact lenses to make my blue eyes brown. ‘But Mr. DeMille,’ I complained, ‘there are some Bedouins with blue eyes.’ “ ‘That doesn’t make any differ- ence,’ he said, ’you’re to have j brown eyes’.” Gobel Continued from page 1 High-Priced Legit Continued from page 1 ager, did not permit to go beyond their initial request calls. Gobel, says O’Malley, is all too aware of the danger of over-ex- posure, explaining that the comic went on the “Lights’ Diamond Ju- bilee” since it give him an enviable four-network introduction (“which did more to establish him as a na- tional tv personality than his com- bined appearances on his own show which preceded ‘Jubilee’).” Gobel’s guesting on the Carson show was in return for a similar appearance made by Carson on Gobel’s program, while a third outside guest shot, on the Dinah Shore show, gave Gobel exposure to an early-evening audience, whereas his own stanza isn’t seen until 10 p. m. in the east and on the Coast. the price tag put on “Pajama Game,” coproduced by Hal Prince, Robert Griffith and Frederic Bris- son. He says it, too, is $1,000,000. Also -subject to some criticism in the film field is 20th-Fox be- cause of its purchase of “Can-Can” at the fancy pj;iee of $750,000. Painful to the pic studios is the fact that they need properties, from the stage or anywhere, because of the current dearth of original story material. One factor complements the other. The cost of anything goes up when there’s a shortage. The competition for vehicles on the boards has grown plenty keen. I aging editor of all the Tex & Jinx The operators in legit are aware of programs, in the public relations this and tilting their prices accord- operation. ingly, it’s said. McCrary’s two new public reia- Recent purchases include Colum- tions accounts will be contractor- bias buy of “Solid Gold Cadillac” builders Bill Zeckendorf (Webb & at $260,000 and Hal Wallis’ acquisi- 1 Knapp) and Bill Leavitt (Levittown Tex McCrary Continued from page 1 tion of “The Rainmaker” at $350,000. Propaganda Inltrtfaft't Topper Robert J. O'Donnell while he solutes the film industry's merchandising he also sees an all 'round «» Need for Industry - TV Bally * * * a bright byline piece in the forthcoming 49 th Anniversary Dumber of Pftfi/ETY OUT SOON ^ Continued from page 3 commercial motion picture or broadcasting industries) attended. Event was invitational and the tab was picked up by the Edward L. Bernays Foundation. Press was not admitted to the conference, but afterwards Ber- nays held a conference with news- papermen and defined the broad areas of discussion. An official overseas information service was endorsed as a necessity, but care- fully differentiated from a strong military, economic and financial policy. Considerable stress was placed upon the need for employes of the USIA to have the job tenure, pension* and other privileges of American civil service. The Boston press in general gave little attention to the meeting, but the Christian Science Monitor gave it frontpage notice. housing developments) and he’s just inked the United Hospital Fund to a three-year deal. Among the other wheelhorses at Ike’s stag dinner were Vice-Presi- dent Richard M. Nixon. Republican national chairman Leonard W. Hall, Sherman Adams, assistant to the President, Attorney General Herbert Brownell Jr., Postmaster- General Arthur E. Summerfield, U. S. Ambassador to the U. N. Henry Cabot Lodge, and Secretary of Commerce Sinclair Weeks. ‘Hiller’ Burstyn Award to ‘Gate’ “Gate of Hell,” the Japanese color film distributed in the U. S. by Ed Harrison, has been picked as the recipient of the Interna- tional Motion Picture Distributors Assn.’s annual Joseph I. Burstyn award for the best foreign language film of the year. Award will be handed to the [ Hon. Jun Tsuchiya, the Japanese I consul general, in N. Y. Dec. 28 by ! Bosley Crowther, film critic of the I N. Y. Times. Continued from page 1 them too young to have experi- enced much of the Hitler regime. “Now to peddle papers,” tlie en- tertainer announced, and strode through the audience selling w.k. unradical German periodicals. ‘No Anti-Semitism Here* The recent N.Y. Times stories on extreme nationalism reasserting it- self in west Berlin got brushoff comment from Variety’s corres- pondents in Berlin, Bonn and Mun- ich. After exploring it they “saw no manifestations of any anti- Semitism here,” and certainly not within the show biz segment (tra- ditionally, of course, a field where "there are no frontiers on talent.” This report from Munich may be something else again — or it may be one of those screwball manifes- tations, a la Yorkville (New York’s German belt) things in the days of the Bundists. However, the Ger- man-American Bund was certainly no Campfire Girls meeting. — Ed.) “The Year’s TOP HONORS will go to Wednesday, December 22, 1954 * The Word is Flashing across America from the Most Famous Typewriters Reporting Pictures! "George Seaton and crew may get trampled in stampede of Oscars in direction of 'The Country Girl ' . " -ALTON COOK, New York World-Telegram "Crosby hailed for top male per- formance of year. Grace Kelly gives best female performance of year . " -FRANK QUINN, Daily Mirror * * * "One of the fine, forceful pic- tures of the year. Mr. Seaton wrote and directed it with a hand as firm as iron." -BOSLEY CROWTHER, Now York Timet # * * "May win Bing another Oscar! " * * * —LIFE MAGAZINE "Until I saw this picture, I thought (another actor) would walk off with the Academy Award. Now he'll have to beat Mr. Crosby . " -sheilah graham, arc-tv * * * "Highest Rating!" —KATE CAMERON, Doily Newt * * * "Crosby may very well win an Oscar. . .one of the most compel- ling movies of the year." — LEO MISHKIN, Morning Telegraph * # * * * * "Sure to be one of the most talked about pictures, one of year's best." , —rose pelswick, N. Y. Journal-American * * * "Don't miss 'The Country Girl'— a 4-0scar filming." —FRANK FARRELL , Scripps Howard Columnist * * * "Crosby gives performance of a lifetime. Holden hurtles thru the film in staccato fashion." -OTIS L. GUERNSEY, Jr., N .Y. Herald Tribune * * * "Excellent! Exciting . . . when performers break their personal sound-and-sight barriers while you watch . " -archer winsten, n. y. p 0 u # * * '"The Country Girl' will knock you right out of your theatre seat." -LOUELLA O. PARSONS * * * "A likely Oscars! " competitor for —JANE CORBY, Brooklyn Eagle "The dramatic thunderbolt of the year!" -look magazine PARAMOUNT presents BINC GRACE WILLIAM a pt.Ri.BERC-skATuN P-du CROSBY KELLY HOLDEN THE COUNTRY GIRL 'r .d iced tn WILLIAM PLRLBLRG • Wr.tte- 'or 1 if - 1 >R(TL SLATON ♦ h « ^ •, ( i ♦ | * r rj • i » 20 PICTURES Exhibs Ask FCC Importers’ Race Delay Zenith Washington, Dec. 21. Motion picture exhibitors, mobil- ized under the Joint Committee on Toll-TV to fight subscription video, called on the Federal Com- municaions Commission last wc?k to hold off action on a petition by Zenith urging immediate authoriza- tion of the service. Through its Washington counsel, Marcus Cohn, the Committee ad- vised the FCC it is preparing an opposition to the Zenith oetbion and requested that consideration be deferred pending its submission. Asserting that “all viewpoints” should be heard on Zenith’s “very vital request for a change in the rules” (waiving further proceed- ings), the Committee told the Com- mission that pay-tv “would drastic- ally revise the present pattern of broadcasting and would result in fundamental changes in the philos- ophy of the Communications Act.” Zenith and its subscription tv subsidiary, Teco, Inc., petitioned the Commission last month to either dispense with further pro- ceedings or institute limited pro- ceedings to permit commercial pay-tv. Meanwhile, indications appeared that Sen. Harley M. Kilgore (D-W. Va.), who is to become chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the next Congress, may look into possible monopoly aspects of subscription video. The Senator, according to his aide, Harold Mil- ler, is concerned with the effects of limiting pay-tv to certain stations. Sen. Kilgore is also interested in the possible monopoly implications of radio-tv manufacturers in the broadcasting business. He is con- sidering an investigation into this field, with Howard Chernoff, part- owner of an ultra high tv station in Parkersburg, W. Va., as consult- ant. Location Pool Continued from pane 5 tain extent, between the various companies. But the total expe riences, cost problems, the talent situation, government relations pro- cedure and travel figures could have been made readily available simply by sending a carbon copy of the arrangements and an extra set of still pictures, pre-production and production, to this single source.” Indie producers don’t have the location facilities of the majors, Mann noted, and many are at a complete loss, unless they have the cooperation of the big studios. Since the number of such produ- cers continually is increasing, their location problems become a serious consideration, and might mean the difference between authentic back- grounds on location or “just any location” near at home. “It appears that the economics of such a project would allow this new agency to more than pay for itself,” according to the director, who recently completed “The Man From Laramie,” William Goetz’ first indie under his new Columbia pact, on location near Santa Fe, N. M. “The constant searching and gathering of new statistics would be delegated to a single source that would keep figures up- to-date at all tmes. “A producer who made a picture in Italy two years ago, and still believes he has the correct idea about costs is sadly amiss in his thinking. The change of pay rates for technical crew s ’and performers is so rapid that it is often difficult to make a pre-production budget before shooting a picture abroad. “Constant surveillance of costs by the proposed bureau through contact with the various guilds and unions will give the producer a present-day account of what he is to expect in the way of budgeting wage costs away from Hollywood. “It seems within the realm of plausibility that foreign producers may be invited to utilize the in- formational pool in exchange for information they may furnish it on last-minute conditions i.i their own countries. The complexities of lo- cation-hunting are becoming more numerous by the day, and there appears no valid reason why the problems on collective shoulders could not be solved more quickly and efficiently than by having them tackled individually by each film company.” Continued from pace 11 imports. However, they do noth- ing more than share in the profits. There are some doubting Thom- ases among the indies. Whereas Reade makes a point stressing that “the producer will feel the im- mediate effect • in the assurance that his films will receive extended and preferred playing time in key situations,” some of the indies feel that such a bar on free competition may actually hinder rather than help a picture. Furthermore, They’re skeptical about the effec- ts vei ess of an exhibitor selling a film to other exhibs, some of whom may be his competition. “It all depends, of course, what sort of film it is,” was one com- ment. “If it’s an obvious b.o. hit, then everything else is overlooked. If it isn’t, then there’s likely to be trouble.” There is general agreement that pre-production financing has mer- its. even though it definitely in- creases the risk. “Chances are good that you’ll get a better price by getting in on the groundfloor than by trying to get the picture after it’s made,” one indie importer observed. .Problem, of course, is to come up with a film that’ll spell b.o. in the U.S. In France partic- ularly, men like George Lourau have indicated they’re primarily interested in the French market and only secondarily in U.S. ap- peal. Stating that he hoped via his plan to encourage the production of better product, Reade disclosed he was negotiating for “a package of English films — some are com- pleted, some are still being made.” In the U.S., physical distribution for Continental Distributors may be handled by National Film Service. There’s every indication that exhibs going into the foreign field are primarily — and logically — in- terested in British pix and that, with Universal now apparently more intent on “commercial” Rank releases, a good many of Rank’s smaller releases will be available. Another circuit that already has a British tie is Trans-Lux which is partnered with Renown Pictures. Neither Read nor Kassler would reveal the names of the exhibs who have joined their plan. Asked whether affiliated circuits would or could participate, Reade said this was something for the lawyers to decide since such chains might be barred under the decree. Transatlantic Traffic Continued from page 1 sociated Booking Corp. for a Las Vegas engagement. The Seven Ash- tons are a mainstay at the Latin Quarter. An increasing number of acts are willing to come to the U. S. to try out for the Las Vegas gold. However, tele is using the great- er number of imports. It’s becom- ing customary for British talent particularly, to use the transatlan- tic planes very frequently. As a matter of fact, agencies are start- ing to inquire whether the airlines issue commutation tickets. For ex- ample, Richard Hearne has been in the U. S. several times for work on the Ed Sullivan show. He has imported David Whitfield for a single date on that layout. Jeannie Carson and Jack Buchanan were induced to commute for a stand on the NBC-TV specs. The traffic in legit is similarly heavy. Video is also regarded as the rea- son for the decline in exports of U. S. talent. It’s true that England still relies heavily on U. S. names and there are quite a few touring that country. Australia has also opened up as a lucrative market. However, these countries are using headliners which are in demand in virtually any part of the world, and could easily fill all their playing time in the U. S. But the U. S. is now importing non-headlining acts at very fancy prices and even pay- ing transportation. In England video has cut somewhat into the takes of the vaude houses and more slices are expected when British tele goes commercial, thus there's less need for American acts in the non-headlining class. However, as video grows in Eng- land and all eligible British acts have worked that medium several times, then it’s anticipated that England will resume its role of an importer in U. S. talent. But until then the traffic westward will be heavier. EX-EXHIB GUILTY Sol Bank Faces Six Months In Prison — Bat in Hospital St. Louis, Dec. 21. Sol Bank, former owner of an indie nabe, was sentenced to six months in Federal pen and fined $5,000 last week when he pleaded non contendere to one count of a two-count indictment for income tax evasion. The punishment was imposed by U. S. District Judge Roy W. Harper who stayed' execu- tion until Jan. 17 and allowed Bank to continue on his $2,000 bond until that date. Bank’s plea was on a charge he reported only $10,812 in income in 1949 on which he paid a tax of $1,532 whereas the Government contended his actual income was $19,790 on which a tax of $4,184 was due. In the count which was dismissed after the plea, the gov- ernment charged Bank reported an income of $8,112 in 1948 and paying a tax of $1,127 although the government said he had an income of $14,217 on which a payment of $2,622 tax should have been paid. Because of Bank’s ill health Judge Harper said the defendant will be permitted to serve his sen- tence at the U. S. Medical Center at Springfield, Mo. NY. Tax Test Continued from page I lieved to have dropped the project. This week, however, the City Col- lector slapped an assessment for three years of back taxes on the producers’ share of all distribu- tion revenues collected by Distin- guished Films, a now nearly in- active theatrical distribution firm. Oliver Unger, head of Distin- guished and executive v.p. of Na- tional Telefilm Associates, a tele- pix distribution outfit, said he be- lieves the city is using Distin- guished as a test for the proposed tax extension. General industry reaction is that the application of such a tax would have the effect of driving inde- pendent film distributors, be they theatrical or television distribs, out of N. Y. A further effect would be to cut sharply into lab orders in the city, with distribs having their prints made elsewhere for fear they’d have that “doing business in N. Y.” tag applied to them by the city taxers. Hardest hit by such a tax application would be United Artists, since with the volume of distribution for indie producers UA does, a retroactive tax would run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. With lesser distribs, the tax would not represent so great a financial burden unless it’s retro- active, in which case the distribs would have a hard time getting producers to turn over the 3%. Tax would be applied to gross re- mittances to producers by the dis- tribs, in most cases amounting to a 3 % lien on some 65% of the gross revenue of each film. Under- stood the city is imposing the tax on the producers’ take because it already taxes distribs directly via an occupancy tax and other measures. Gl Xmas Trail Continued from page 1 ans. Jack LeMaire. Unit C: Cynthia Bell, Kay Bell, Georgette Nichele, | Gene Nash, Larry Roberts, Milli- cent Rogers. USO Musicians: Sandy Oliver. EUROPE — Forrest Tucker, ( Tony Romano, Adelle August, Chuckie Bradley, June Foray, Kathryn Grant, Patricia Lynn, Jana Mason, Dick O’Shughnessey, Jim Reeves, Bud Widom. USO Musicians: Byron Long, Jack Lowell, Tony Sandifer. NORTH AFRICA — Maxie Rosen- bloom, Donna Brown, Grant Gar- rett, Ruth Gillis, Regina Gleason, Agnes A. Goetz, Barbara Jones, Judy Marsh, Molly Mulligan, Elyse Novey, Novella O’Hara, Rima Ru- 1 dina, Helene Stanton, USO Musi- I cians: Jimmy Haskell, Gershon Kingsley. Richard Wilson. NORTHEAST AIR: Joy Callahan, I Heidi Christian, Eddie Edwards, Shirley Lawrence. Ruta Lee, Wayne Sherwood, Christine Towner, Leon Tyler. USO Musicians: Earl Baxter, Onest Conley, Eddy Samuels. ALASKA — Mardelle Anderson, George Conrad, Alliene Flanery. Renee Garin, Louise Goon, Wally Hawk, Dave Ketchuin, Ann Lamp- kin, Brandee Stevens, Loretta Sweeney. Jackie Watson. USO Mu- sicians: Don Carson, Armin Hoff- man, Tony Jobs. Wednesday, December 22, 1954 w ■ — Cincinnati (Continued from page 9) “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asphalt Jungle" (M-G) (reissues). Fairish $6,500. Last week, “Fire Over Africa” (Col) and “They Rode West” (Col), $6,000. Keith’s (Shor) (1,500; 75-$1.25) — “White Christmas” (Par) (8th wk). Eight days for finale of the- atre’s longest and biggest grossing run of 1954 and probably ditto for all time. Big $6,000 in sight, topping last week’s $5,800. House shutters Friday only and starts Christmas Day with “Vera Cruz” (UA). Palace (RKO) (2,600; 50-84)— “Duel in Sun” (SRO) (reissue). Slow $8,000 in 10 days or near. Last week, “Athena” (M-G), $7,500. ‘Westerner’ Okay $6,500, Port.; ‘Duel’ Light 5G Portland, Ore., Dec. 21. Biz continues in a pre-holiday slump with nothing outstanding at most firstruns. “The Westerner” and “Dead End,” two oldies, are as good as anything in the city, and just okay at the Liberty. “They Rode West” and “Cry Vengeance,” the only two new entries, are not getting any place. Estimates for This Week Broadway (Parker) (1,890; 65-90) — “Cry Vengeance” . Slim $5,000. Last week. “Athena” (M-G) and “Re- turn From Sea” (AA), $7,700. Fox (Evergreen) (1,536; $1-$1 .25) — “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk). Steady $4,500. Last week, $4,900. Guild (Indie) (400; $1) — "Young Wives Tale”. (Indie) and “Laugh- ter In Paradise (Indie) (2d wk). So-so $1,500. Last week, $2,100. Liberty (Hamrick) (1.875; 65-90) t — “The Westerner” (Indie) and “Dead End” (Indie) (reissues). Okay $6,500. Last week, "Golden Mistress” (UA) and “Crossed Swords” (UA), $6,700. Orpheum (Evergreen) (1.600; 65- 90)— “They Rode West” (Col) and “Fire Over Africa” (Col). Meagre $5,000. Last week. “Phffft” (Col) and “Black Dakotas” (Col) (2d wk), $6,800. Paramount (Port-Par) (3.400; 65- 90)— “Duel In Sun” (SRO) (re- issue) and "Unholy Four” (Lip) (2d wk). Slow $5,000. Last week, $5,800. KANSAS CITY (Continued from page 8) son Pirate” (WB) (reissues). Thin $3,500. Last week, “Shield for Murder” (UA) and “Scarlet Spear” (Indie), $5,500. Orpheum (Fox Midwest) 0.900; 75-$l) — Closed but reopens Christ- mas Day. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) (3d wk), okay $6,000. Paramount (United Par) 0,900; 70-90) — “Hans Christian Andersen” (RKO) (reissue). List $6,000. Last week, “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue), $7,500. Roxy (Durwood) (879; 70-90) — “Desiree” (20th) (4th wk). So-so $3,000. Last week, $4,000. Tower, Uptown, Fairway, Gra- nada (Fox Midwest) (2,100; 2.043; 700; 1.217; 65-85) — “4 Guns to Border” (Indie) and “Javanese Dagger” (Indie), with added sneak previous. Shapes okay $15,000 in 9 days, and above standard in shop- ping week. Last week. Tower, Up- town and Granada coupled with “Farmer’s Daughter” (RKO) and “Notorious” (RKO) (reissues), $7,000. Vogue (Golden) (550; 75-SI) — “Pickwick Papers” (Indie) (3d wk). Ok $1,000. Last w’eek, $1,300. CLEVELAND (Continued from page 8) week, “Down 3 Dark Streets” (UA). $11,000. Lower Mall (Community) (585: 60-90* — "Marihuana Story” . Un- die* and “Cowboys” (Indie). So-so $1,800. Last week. $2,400. Ohio (Loews) (1,200; 60-90) — , “Last time I Saw Paris” (M-G) i (4th wk) and “Tarzan and She-Devil” (RKO). Modest $7,000. Last week. “Yel- low Mountain” (U) and “Ricochet Romance” (U), $4,500. Stale (Loew’s) <3,500; 60-90) — “Reap Wild Wind” (Par (reissue). Okay $12,000: Last week, "Athena” (M-G), $13,000. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 60-90) — “Athena” (M-G) (m.o.). Neat at | $7,000. Last week. “White Christ- | mas” (Par) (7th wk), $8,000. ‘XMAS’ STILL PACING MONT’L, SOCK $21,000 Montreal, Dec. 21. Lone really bright spot here this session is "White Christmas” which is still topping the city with a sock take despite being in fourth round at Loew’s. “Beau Brummell” is lagging in second Palace week. “Athena” at the Capitol is rated solid. Estimates for This Week Pa’ace (C.T.) (2,625; 60-$l)— “Beau Brummell (M-G) (2d- wk). So-so $10,000 following $16,000 opener. Capitol (C.T.) (2,422; 45-75) — “Athena” (M-G). Solid $17,000. Last week, “King Richard Cru- saders” (WB), $17,000. Princess (C.T.) (2,131; 40-65)— “They Rode West” (Col). Slow $8.- 000. Last week, “Ring of Fear” (WB), $11,000. Loew’s (C.T.) (2,847; 60-$l)— "White Christmas” (Par) (4th wk). Socko $21,000 following third at great $25,000. Orpheum (C.T.) (1,048; 40-65) — “Gog” (UA) and “Lawless Rider” (UA). Good $6,000. Last week, “Wicked Woman” »UA) and “Dia- mond Wizard” (UA), $7,000. BOSTON (Continued from page 9) (Indie) (51st wk). Nice $12,000. Last week, $12,500. Exeter (Indie) (1,300; 60-$l) — . “Inspector Calls” (Rank) (4th wk). Okay $3,500 or better. Last week, $4,500. Fenway (NET) (1,373; 75-$l)— “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and "Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Fair $4,000 in nine-day stand. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB) and “The Raid” (20th) (3d wk), $3,000. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 50-$l)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and ‘‘Africa Adventure” (RKO). Opened slow Saturday (18). Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) and “Outlaw’s Daughter” (20th) (2d wk), $16,000. • Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 50- $1) — “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (re- issue) and “Silver Chalice” (WB). Mild $14,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Desiree” (20th) and “Bowery to Bagdad” (Indie) (3d wk), $9,500. Orpheum (Loew’s) (3,000; 65-$l) — "Beau Brummell” (M-G) and “Diamond Wizard” (UA). Sluggish $10,500. Last week, “Sitting Bull” (UA) and “Capt. Smith Pochahon- tas” (Indie), $14,000. Paramount (NET) (1.700; 75-$ 1 ) — “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues). Fairish $10,000 in 9 days. Last week, “Drum Beat” (WB) and "The Raid” (20th) (2d wk), $9,800. Pilgrim — “Rear Window” (Par) (16th wk). Good $3,000. Last week, ditto. Warner (SW) (1.300; $1.20-$2.40> — “Cinerama” (Indie) (59th wk*. Down to fair $7,500. Last week, $8,800. Holds. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600; 70-$D— i “On Waterfront (Col) (14th wk'. , Okay $3,800. Last week, $4,000. I Stays. L SiVSMlfi TAP l, tN AND INTRODUCING is on*- of f /•* t* ads in the pies shook campaign Wednesday, Decemkr 22, 1954 iisnas tlietitj) »tioi),ai)d tljis <*}) of Sin” HELENA THE SEDUCTRESS who embarked on a wanton life of sint OEBORRA THE INNOCENT whose virtue defied all of tyranny! Warner Bros, present the mightiest story of good and evil EVER TOLD, EVER LIVED, EVER MADE INTO A MOTION PICTURE I FROM THE RECORD SETTING BEST-SELLER BY THOMAS B. COSTAIN, READ BY OVER .TWENTY- FIVE MILLION PEOPLE TO DATE! who brought the worlato near chaos! The Silver Cup that began the Quest of the Ages WarnerColorStereophonic Sound VICTOR SAVILLEmooucTOtiw the slave who battled to save the sacred Cup! WARNER BROS LESSER SAMUELS Associate Producer ‘muctio »y VICTOR SAV1LLE pintNno rr MUSIC COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY PRANZ VAXMAN wmi WALTER HAMPDEN [Kl J II v WARNER BROS. * Begin the Special Engagements This Week! 22 PICTURES y jSU g Tf Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Film Reviews Continued from pace C True Friends the flaws in the Soviet regimented system. In fact, the entire plot turns on the master architect’s laxness in handling the needs of the people. Resultantly, film is an interesting comedy-drama, with the humorous side always stressed. Story depicts how Nestratov, the role played by V. Merkuryev, has become a pompous stuffed-shirt and inveterate speechmaker while new construction stalls and awaits his long-coming decisions. The ef- forts of two boyhood companions, one now the head surgeon of the land, and the other is Master Horse Trainer, to bring the top architect down to earth constitute the bas s of the yarn. The two friends, now masters in their right, inveigle the big archi- tect to accompany them on a boat trip, not telling him it is to wind up a three-some affair on a raft. Their adventures floating down the Vo’ga river provide most of the action. Plot manages to land the three in a typical Russian 'illage where delays In getting material has thrown the new building pro- gram out of kilter, and a lazy local commissar has further aggravated the situation. Of course, there is a heroic deed by one of the town gals in averting a horse stampede In which she is badly injured. This enables the surgeon-general to exercise his skill, and save the femme’s life. f The third member of the trio contents himself with trying to lo- cate a former sweetheart in this same village. Maybe, the pro- ducers should have worked him into the horse-stampede scene. It would have helped. The two suc- ceed In making the Commissar of Architecture see the errors of his ways, and establish closer contact with his people. M. Magidson’s camerawork (Sov- color) is a bright spot in the pic. This is one of the best tinter joVs to come from Russia. Besides Merkuryev. Boris Chirkov and A. Borisov make excellent co-stars, Mikhail Kalatozov’s direction, which considerably better than many Russo directorial efforts, goes far 4 3874 + 1% 3874 2214 RCA 432 38 3 4 36% 3874 + 74 81/4 2 7 4 RKO Piets. . . 750 874 7% 8»4 + 74 10 414 RKO Thea. . . 302 10 934 974 + % 7 3 Republic .... 242 6 3 a 6 6 3 4 + 74 1434 1014 Rep., pfd. ... 20 14 1374 1334 + % 20 1174 Stanley War. 110 19*4 1874 1934 + 74 2934 1834 20th-Fox .... 228 29 27% 29 + 1 3274 1874 Unix. Pix. ... 21 31% 2834 31% +274 81 6334 Univ., pfd. . . ’•‘240 7974 7874 . 7974 . +1 2174 13% Warner Bros.. 106 19% 1874 19% + % 96 • 6314 Zenith 34 91% 8974 i 9M4 + 74 0 3% ¥ American Stock Exchange Allied Artists 88 4*4 474 434 103-4 934 Ail’d Art., pfd. 13 10'V 10 1074 + 74 16*4 914 Du Mont .... 117 1434 14 1474 —1 1674 II 34 Technicolor . 116 1534 15 15% — 74 3% 234 Trans-Lux . . 28 374 374 374 — 74 Over-the-counter Securities Bid Capitol Records 12 Ask 12% + 74 Chesapeake Industries 3% 3 7 a Cinerama Inc. 1*4 194 Cinerama Prod 474 5 Official Films 2H 3 Polaroid 5- 53 Skiatron 2% 314 U. A. Theatres 1674 18 Walt Disney 22 23 Vi (Quotations furnished by Dreyfus 4 Co.) + 3 8 + % 4-1 Vi 4- 74 — 34 — 4 ♦ Actual volume. a defiant mistress. With Miss Felix it is love, but he soon tires of her. Then she goes away with an American millionaire, who makes her the toast of New York. She gets fed up wdth his puritani- cal ways and heads homeward. She becomes an international star, but the boy friend is killed in a duel.' Director Richard Pottier has given this conventional trimmings, but has left the characters stilted and lifeless. The ordinary and platitudinous dialog and screen- play are no help either. Dance and song numbers are passable and color work is fine. Miss Felix brings only looks to her role while Jacques Berthier is unprepossess- ing as the loved one. Mosk. •Senhlme (The Princess Sen) (JAPANESE— COLOR) Tokyo, Dec. 7. Daiel Studios release of a Maaalehi Na- gata production. Stars Machiko Kyo and Kenji Sugahara. Directed by Keigo Ki- mura. Camera, Kohei Sugiyama; screen play, Fuji Yahiro; sets. Icbizo Kajiya; music, Fumio Hayasaka. Previewed in Tokyo. Running time. 90 MINS. Prepared for possible entry in next year’s Italian film festival, “Senhime” looks to win a prize of some sort. Filmed in Eastmancolor by Daiei, the studio which has al- ready taken international prizes with “Rashomon,” “Gate of Hell” and “Golden Demon,” it stars the female lead of “Rashomon” and is as visually striking as “Gate of Hell.” Its story is simple and the performances are exemplary. The Princess Sen (Machiko Kyo), grandaughter of the founder of the Tokugawa government in the 17th century, is married to another shogun to form an alliance with her father’s forces. After his death, she takes to drink and promiscuity. By accident she discovers a ronin (hired soldier) (Kenji Suguhara) who has sworn to kill her for be- ing responsible for the death of his master. She finds in him what she had lost in her husband. Torn between duty and desire, he suc- cumbs to her charms. After a short-lived idyl, he is slain in a fight with a rival faction. She goes to a nunnery. The Noh plays which the prin- cess watches are corrupted to the point where they are burlesques of the original dignified perform- ances. She lies on imported Chi- nese carpets over straw mats/ When she dances, the sly note of the lascivious enters. The perfectly captured atmo- sphere, the brilliant use of color and the provocative performance of Miss Kyo and the persuasive performance of Suguhara are pointed up by the clever direction of Keigo Kimura. Sure to be smash in the arty houses, “Senhime” may do well in general release if the vogue for Japanese films continues. Lars. Shares Down But Retrieve Prices By MIKE WEAR Wall Street gave the stock mar- ket a thorough testing last week, as shares sold down three days in a row, and then snapped back to former quotations or higher. The Amusement Group came through with a fine, showing, particularly radio-tv shares. How well this group fared is shown by a greater number of plus signs than losses. Many film and picture theatre issues showed minor fractional changes both in the advances and declines. However, there were three highs in this category, ABC- Paramount Theatres comrqon | pushing to a new peak at 24 1/8 or a gain or 50c on the week. RKO Theatres edged up to 9%, a new 1954 high while RKO Pictures ad- vanced to new high ground at 8V4. Latter was up 1V4 on the week. General Precision Equipment, with a stake both in films and the tv field and numerous diversified interests outside both, soared 274 to 49*4- It had been doggy early in the week, dipping below 46 at one point, with %ome bears ap- parently trying to get in a few wallops. What appeared to be short covering shot the shares up in Fri- day’s trading. Columbia Broadcasting System issues had a field day near the end of the week. The Class A shares hit a new high *at 8 5 74 and sported a gain of 5 points at the windup. CBS “B” stock’s new peak was 85% with an almost identical net gain. Zenith continued high around its recent level of 9214 but wound up at 9114 for a one-point loss. The 54 high is 96. RCA common, while selling off with the market in general earlier in the week, wound up virtually un- changed on the w T eek at 3714 as compared with the year’s best quotation of 3874. ' Columbia Pictures common wound up at 3374, only 50c away frord the 1954 peak. The shares showed an advance of 75c on the week. Renewed buying near the close last week followed the stock- holder meeting on Friday and ob- viously reflected a bullish attitude towards the shares. Republic Pix shares were* actively higher on a couple of days. The 20th-Fox shares wound up less than a point from the year’s best price reflecting no doubt an optimistic outlook for “No Business Like Show Business” which preem- ed at the N.Y. Roxy last week. W^lneadaT. December 22 , 1954 23 This Is Small Town Shutdown Week Rather than buck the traditional pre-holiday business draught, hundreds perhaps thousands, of the nation’s smalltown and nabe theatres are closing their doors from two to five days this week. Theatre operators feel it’s cheaper to keep the house dark than run losing battle against no business. All the situations usually keep their staffers on the' payroll during the closing-down stanza. Many of the houses employ the period for necessary repairs, refurbishing, and paint jobs. They reopen big on Christmas Day with a top attraction set for the vacation week business. Majority of theatres have set special New' Year's Eve shows. The smalltown situations are offering five solid hours of motion picture entertainment starting at 7 p.m. and ending at midnight with the usual hoopla. A typical example of the programming is thal of the State Theatre, Boonton, N. J., which has set four com- plete features for the five-hour period. Pix include “Walking Mv Baby Back Home,” “Jalopy,” “Prisoners of Casbah,” and “Royal African Rifles.” Some theatres go the State one better and offer five complete features. Many of the houses are offering special kiddie matinees on New Year’s Day. The pitch to the kids is “celebrate just like your mom and dad.” Free noise makers and paper hats are provided for the moppets. PICTURES Allied Regaining Civil Tongue For Columbia, WB Allied States Assn.’a prime targets — Columbia and Warner Bros. — are winning their way back into the good graces of the exhibi- tor organization. This isn’t just a whim induced by the Christmas spirit, but is based, according to Allied, on concessions won after a hard-fought battle. The exhib org attributes the “giving in” to Al- lied’s recent threat to appeal to the Government for additional reg- ulation of the industry. Most sig- nificant of the changes in Allied’s eyes is the decision of the film companies to sell pictures flat to the smaller situations. Berger’s Promise Minneapolis, Dec. 21. North Central Allied and Bennie Perger and Martin Lebedoff, as members, have promised to be “good” and never again to cause the Co- lumbia exchange to be picket- ed “in any dispute between Columbia and Allied or mem- bers thereof concerning terms with respect to the licensing of its pictures for exhibition in the Minneapolis exchange area.” On that condition, Colum* bia, through Its attorney David Shearer, has joined S. D. Kane, NCA executive counsel, in a Federal district court stipula- tion for the dismissal without prejudice of its suit against the organization and two officers for a temporary injunction to restrain the picketing. IDZAL’S CAMPAIGN OF SUPERLATIVES FOR ‘BIZ’ Detroit, Dec. 21. In an all-out promotion cam- paign, David M. Idzal, managing director of the 5.000-seat Fox, is selling “There’s No* Business Like Show Business” on a money-back guarantee and has teed off a con- test to coin a new word or phrase because “superlatives and adjec- tives presently available are inade- quate to fully describe the grand entertainment contained” in pix. Large-size ad takes the form of an open-letter to Spyros P. Skou- ras and Darryl F. Zanuck, 20th top- pers. Idzal tells his reaction after seeing film three times and the reaction of film critics which he describes as “. . . at first spellbound and speechless with a hidden tear in their eye and a kerchief at their nose, slightly embarrassed, for they were at a loss for words to adequately express their praise and enthusiasm.” Idzal, who has built solid rep here in show biz, stated: “It’s a showman’s dream come true. . . It’s a movie patron's dream come true. . . . It’s the industry’s l. uch hoped- for miracle. . . . It’s got everything for everybody. “If ‘There’s No Show Business Like Show Busi- ness’ does not bring back our lost patronage, it’s because they are dead and cannot come back!” Pix is scheduled to open at the Fox Christmas Day.* Stage, Book Continued from page 3 Both WB and Col recently gave assurance that their pix would be available to the smaller situations at flat rentals. Allied has notified all its units that Ben Kalmenson, WB sales chief, “has given instruc- tions to his various branches that those theatres that have been buy- ing pictures on a flat basis pre- viously may still buy all pictures flat except ‘A Star Is Born’.” The new policy, it’s noted, includes all CinemaScope pictures except “Star.’’ The price, it’s pointed out, is subject to negotiation by the exhibitor. The belief is also expressed that it’s not Kalmen son’s “intent to make It impossi ble to buy through unreasonable increases, if any increase is war- ranted.” Earlier, Col agreed to sell all pictures flat in situations where the top is $100. The flat rental policy includes Col’s “The Caine Mutiny" and “On the Waterfront.” ( ol has also agreed to hear exhib complaints growing out of nego- tiations or on the returns of a specific picture. An important concession won from Col was the i ight of an Allied rep to sit in for a . member in a discussion of grievances. Metro and 20th-Fox are also selling flat to the smaller theatres. M-G will sell flat to any theatre which is paying under $200 top. ie difference in the top bracket set by the different film company has caused Allied to ask “what is a small situation?” However, the ha ? not ™ade a big thing ° u * of Jhe discrepancy and, at the luiment, is accepting whatever concessions it can obtain. Lniversal, according to Allied, the studios’ apparent reluctance to dramatize controversial subjects, he commented that “the thresh- hold of controversy nowadays is higher than in the past”; in other words that it was difficult to find a solid controversial subject outside the political arena. He pointed to the example of “The Blackboard Jungle,” dealing with juvenile de- linquency as an example of Holly- wood getting its teeth into an is- sue.” As for political themes, Brown agrees with a good many others in the industry that the public just doesn’t want to see them dramatized on the screen. 20th’s own contribution to the list of anti- Red pix, “Night People,” was a considerable disappointment, he acknowledged. Yanks Vs ANICA Continued from pgge 4 categories, are to be combined into one single group. And a one- third vote in the assembly can force any decision of the ANICA exec committee to be taken to the floor of the assembly for ratifica- tion. Combination of these three steps is seen giving the American dis- tribs a better break in ANICA where, in the past, they have found themselves frequently outvoted. ANICA votes are determined by the number of films handled multi- plied by the regional areas in which they’re released. It’s felt that, with any decision requiring a two-thirds majority, the Ameri- can group is in a better position to make its point-of-view heard. PUBLIC RELATIONS: SAD SAGA THEREOF Hollywood. Editor, Variety: In your current Issue of the Weekly, there appears a very inter- esting and, to me, amusing piece aptly headed “PR’s Same Song, New Words.” As far as I am con- cerned even the words are not new. I agree, wholeheartedly, when you say “The film industry, while the most active user of bally meth- ods to exploit pictures, are still ne- glectful In selling the industry as a whole ...” . The amusing part of the piece, to me, is where it calls attention to Metro’s announcement that it will spearhead a drive "to sell” the local theatre as a force in the com- munity. The reason I am amused by this is the following: A cooperative, industry-wide public relations plan was under- taken a few years back by United Paramount Theatres in conjunc- tion with the Motion Picture Indus- try Council of Hollywood, which made the exhibitor, at the local level, the representative of the mo- tion picture industry, and its spokesman. The plan, sponsored by Leonard Goldenson, was carried out by Earl Hudson, then presi- dent of the Paramount theatres in Detroit, on one end, and myself, here in Hollywood, working to- gether with the MPIC, on the other. This plan, which UPT and MPIC trail-blazed, received unquali- fied praise and commendation from the industry’s top publicity and ad- vertising chiefs as well as from amorfg the leading showmen of the 1 nation. They all expressed the hope 1 it would be a continuing program. It was, for almost two vears, thanks to the vision and courage of men like Goldenson who, smglchanded- ly, practically, carried the program along far beyond the call of duty. In essence, thee plan pointed the way in an attempt to stimulate and aggressively support all other pub- lic relations activities throughout the industry, including those of COMPO and TOA. Through MPIC making available its library of fac- tual information, the theatre mana- ger, at the local level, was pro- vided with a wide variety of mate- rial, including news stories, spe- cial features, speeches and radio and television material — all of it designed to earn greater public re- spect for the industry and greater public interest in the entertain- ment offered on the screens of the nation. The results of this program, af- ter 18 months, by far exceeded its nominal cost, yet, when this same format was officially presented by the MPIC to COMPO for adoption, it was turned down cold. The rea- son given by COMPO leaders was that nothing must interfere with the campaign then being waged to eliminate the admission tax. This is like a mother saying, I will not give nourishment to my child for fear it will stunt its growth. Sub- sequent events bore this out only too well. Even the ad series in Editor and Publisher instituted by COMPO to explain the industry came too late with too little and was originally suggested by the MPIC. Notwithstanding all this, I would like to stress the following point: I Conceding that COMPO and/or ! TOA might get around to sponsor- i ing such a public relations program at some undetermined time, in the j future, the important question is — j are there sufficient industry lead- ers with sufficient industry inter- est at heart who would consider it worthwhile to support, even on a limited basis, such a program right now. When we have the answer to this question then will we have the answer to what’s wrong with the industry’s public relations. Lou Greensjxin, Motion Picture Industry Council, Inc. Reade Circuit HQ Functioning Smoothly in Oakhurst, N J., Mansion Hoary Ticket Takers Minneapolis, Dec. 21. Death last week of the loop Gopher theatre’s 82-year-old ticket taker sustains a local belief that local downtown film houses probably have the most elderly such employes any- where. These dpormen, mostly on matinee shifts, range in age from 70 to 80. Scarcity of younger people for such jobs mainly accounts for their em- ployment, it’s stated. As old as they are these men apparently have no difficulty in standing on their feet for the long periods required, ac- cording to house managers. Film Geography Changes in N.Y. Via Divorcement Newest step toward the com- plete separation of the production- distribution companies from their former theatre affiliates is taking place via the maintenance of home- office headquarters in separate office buildings. Stanley Warner, the offshoot of Warner Bros., exited the WB build- ing on W. 44th St., N.Y. Monday (20) and took up residence in its own building; the Warner (form- erly Strand) Theatre building on Broadway. RKO Theatres, which had its offices in the same Rocke- feller Center building as RKO Pic- tures, has shifted to the Mutual Life Building on Broadway. Paramount Pictures and ABC- Paramount Theatres still maintain separate office units in the Para- mount Building and Loow’s Inc. and Loew’s Theatre share the Loew’s Building. Latter recently separated operations so as to main- tain offices on different floors. Na- tional Theatres, which has its headquarters on the Coast, long ago closed down its skeleton office in the building of its former affili- ate, 20th-Fox. The move of Stanley Warner creates a real estate problem for Warner Bros. Company will have to find a new tenant for three floors, covering some 30,000 feet of space. WB, which has been con- solidating the office space at its own headquarters, has long been on the prowl for outside tenants. It’s even ready to lease a complete building unit with a separate en- trance and elevator service. At present, WB has one outside ten- ant, the Armed Forces Film Serv- ice, which occupies the ground floor of the 321 W. 44th St. build- ing, the main unit of the Warner holdings. Columbia, which never had any theatre ties, is nevertheless con- templating a move from its 729 Seventh Ave. headquarters. Com- pany is reportedly seeking more space at one of the newer east side of town edifices. United Artists also has its main headquarters in the 729 building. RKO Loss-Carry Continued from page 4 does not have a national sales pol- icy. How’ever, sales chief Charles Feldman said the company would sell flat but has refused to commit himself to any definite plan, giving the local branch manager auton- omy in setting flat deals. Kids’ Birthday Stunt Hartford, Dec. 21. A long-range public relations program, aimed primarily at young- ster trade, is under way at the Palace, Torrington, and Bristol, Bristol, both in Connecticut. David and Irving Jacobsen have requested youngster patrons — via newspaper ads and lobby displays — to register dates of their birth at the theatre boxoffices. During Saturday afternoon clos- est to actual date, children are called up on stage to receive sur- prise birthday gifts from manage- ment. at the same $6 price will not be extended. As of last Wednesday, the own- ership of the company conse- quently was split on this basis; Atlas, up to 1,000,000 shares; Hughes, 1.262,120 shares; about 4,500 individuals, between 700,000 and 800,000 shares. The puzzler now centers on who’s to take the helm and launch the company on some sort of busi- ness endeavor which, if successful, could put to use the tax benefits. Its assets are $17,671,556 in cash. Odium, who apparently is con- tinuing to buy up more stock on the open market, has said he hopes to have some agreement with Hughes on management control by the end of this year. In the event there’s no accord, differences can only be resolved at a meeting of all stockholders. By GEORGE GILBERT Oakhurst, N. J., Dec. 21. When Walter Reade Theatres moved its headquarters from New York’s film row to Oakhurst, N. J., some three months ago, industry observers were prone to comment that the circuit would find it diffi- cult to carry on business 55 miles from Broadway. But with all op- erations of the chain now consoli- dated under one roof, the switch has facilitated biz ' instead of im- peding it. For, a Reade exec pointed out here last week, most of the com- pany’s 40 theatres are located in and around the Jersey shore area. “Moreover,” he added, “we have several tie-lines to N. Y. from our switchboard and a good part of our business is done by phone. When it’s necessary for someone to make the trek dow-n from N. Y.', his trip is bound to be essential. Thus we’re spared the annoyance of trivial calls.” Before moving to Mayfair House, a palatial 20-room, three-story mansion originally occupied by the late Walter Reade Sr., the cir- cuit’s administrative branches were spread in several cities. Conces- sions, for example, were handled out of Asbury Park and mainten- ance out of Red Bank. Buying and booking were done in N.Y. along with sundry other functions. These activities, along with advertising- publicity, accounting, legal dept., etc., are all centralized in Mayfair House. Setting up housekeeping in Oak- hurst, however, was not without its difficulties for reportedly a town zoning ordinance had to be revised to permit a commercial enterprise to be carried on in a residential area. This was accomplished, it’s understood, by turning a piece of property the Reade organization owned elsewhere in Oakhurst over to the town for the latter’s use. Shift obviously entailed a mass move on the part of most of the Reade personnel. Ip an inspection tour for the trade press held here last week it was explained that practically all Reade employes with the exception of some clerical workers left the N.Y. area and found new homes in the Asbury Park-Long Branch region. Ad-pub director A1 Floersheimer, among others, has moved from Queens to Asbury while film buyer Jack Har- ris also has found new quarters near Mayfair House. From a physical standpoint the new headquarters has been taste- fully and sumptuously redecorated. Former bedrooms, dining room and the like all have been converted to office • use. Even the mansion’s basement has a new decor with a recreation room and bar plus a “Cellarama.” A Reade-coined word for projection room, it contains some 24 seats and can handle all aspect ratios. Reade personnel, who say living expenses are less at “the shore,” toil in a pleasant atmosphere for Mayfair House is located on a landscaped six-acre site and faces the Hollywood Golf Club. While it's still 55 miles from Broadway, the distance is easily traversed by car via the Lincoln Tunnel, New Jersey Turifpike and the new Gar- den State Parkway. When traffic’s light the trip is no more than 70 minutes. New York Theatres RtOlO CUT MUSIC Htll Rockefeller Outer ‘‘DEEP IN MY HEART” In OI*rl«wt COLOR ttorlni WSt MERLE HELEN FERRER • 0BER0N • TRAUBH Am M-O-M Pktvra Mi Tlw Mask HaN's firtat Chrlrtiaa* Staff SM* V^WARNIM Mao*. 1 (ROBERT M itch U M Teresa Wright um i itu a tun • aaaai’C ’ .WILLIAM A. WELLMAN’S PARAMOUNT II AMO-TELE VISION '55 Target Year for RCA s Billion Biz; Samoff Report Cites Advances Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff, toting up the 1954 statistics in a year-end statement as board chairman of RCA, found that the giant outfit would be only about $70,000,000 short of the magic billion dollar mark in the sales of products and services. Thus, 1955 becomes the target year to achieve the “spec- tacular” round number. As is, the $930,000,000 turnover represents RCA’s peak volume in its 35-year- history, yielding $84,000,000 in net profits before Federal taxes, $40,- 000,000 after the contribution to Uncle Sam, and dividends to stock- holders of $22,051,000 ($18,898,- 000 of that on common stock, the balance on preferred). Gen. Sarnoff pointed to seven major developments during the year: compatible color tv with the introductory specolas; 21-inch color tube and new receiver; magnetic tv tape recorder (actually unveiled for the press last December at the Sarnoff Research Center in Prince- ton, but brought to commercial design development in ’54 with field tests, including color, slated for ’55); electronic light, making possible new forms of illumina- tion and "cold light”); electronic light amplifier, with important ap- plications in tv, X-ray. radar and other fields when further devel- oped, and making possible also what Sarnoff has previously plugged as “flat screen framed and hung on a wall like a pic- ture”; transistors, with designs for commercial use “substantially ad- vanced.” and extended use in 1955 ••certain"; high fidelity, with in- creased popular interest in phonos and records. 420 TV Stations Statement declared that there will be more than 420 tv stations operating as the new year opens, with 140 of them equipped to han- dle network color shows. Some 90 new outlets were added in ’54, and Canada's contribution to the station list will be 26 by early next year. NBC affiliates number 200, five of them owned-and-op- erated by the web. In the radio sphere, Sarnoff had this to say: "During 1954 the competitive im- pact of television upon network radio became increasingly appar- ent. The management of NBC early recognized the symptoms of economic dangers that threatened network radio and resolved to cope affirmatively with them. NBC has been leading the way in developing the patterns of audience and ad- vertiser service for the purpose of building a new' base for success- ful and continuing network radio operation, \yhich is an instrument (Continued on page 40) Crosby Scripts ‘Omnibus’ Looksee at TV Industry The 90-minute “Omnibus”-er training its guns on the television industry will be “exposed” on the CBS-TV Sunday stanza some time in January. It will be a workover of eight years of viedo, with script by John Crosby, radio-tv critic of the N. Y. Herald Tribune. Times’ ‘Man of Year’ To Kick Off WRCA-TV Drama Series Jan. 8 Time magazine’s "Man of the Year” for 1954 will launch WRCA- TV’s series by that name on Jan. 8 as a joint effort with the publica- tion. The New York flagship of NBC will kick off the skein With the "Man” selected by Time, but thrt-eafter will documentize living and dead subjects. Saturday slot will be at 1 p.m. for the half-hour show, with Richard Heffner (Co- lumbia U.) as emcee, Larry Roe- mer directing and Ted Nathanson as exec supervisor. Station also cards another Satur- day package. “Madison Square Garden Filmed Highlights,” for an indefinite ride starting Jan. 1. Sports end will be a recap of up- to-date activities from the arena, while other events, such as the an- nual circus, rodeo, etc., will neces- sarily be in an older vein. First of the series will be a quarter-hour at noon, but thereafter for 30 minutes at 2:30 p.m. Leslie Winik is the producer with Stan Lomax and Marty Glickman narrating. Wednesday, December 22, 1954 WM. KEENE "Wishes You A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS He will play Tom on “Ethel and Albert” on Christmas Day, NBC-TV 7:30-8 p.m. Mull ‘Disneyland’ For London Airing London, Dec. 21. There have been top level dis- cussions within the Disney organ- ization to determine whether their ABC-TV series should be made available on British channels. This was revealed in London last week by Cyril Edgar, head of their Brit- ish releasing organisation, on his return from product conferences in New York. Edgar admitted that this item had been on the agenda but said they were some way from taking a firm decision. Expressing a per- sonal viewpoint, he did not think there was much likelihood of the "Disneyland" programs being made available in the British mar- ket until such time as industry policy had been clarified. He emphasized that their policy in America was to harness televi- sion to exploit their own product, and, while meeting with some ex- hibitor resistance in the first in- stance, they had proved to be a valuable booster for their own product. What was currently hap- pening in America was coifl parable to the results in Britain when ex- cerpts fisom the Disney cartoon feature "Alice in Wonderland” was shown on BBC-TV last year. There was an immediate upswing on re- ceipts throughout the country. BRITAIN TAPS GILLETT FOR COMM’L TV POST Roland Gillett, British film and tv producer who for the past eight years has been active in American television, has been tapped for the key program job in Britain’s new commercial system. Gillett was named controller of programming and production for Associated- Rediffusion Ltd., the new setup which has the Monday-through- Friday franchise in London. Gillett, who’s in New York for Christmas but who returns to Lon- don to begin operations after the first of the year, will have the re- sponsibility of supervising all As- soeiated-Rediffusion (the Associat- ed Newspapers Ltd. tv arm) pro- grams from script stage to per- formance. For 16 years a film pro- ducer in Britain and Hollywood before entering tv in 1947, Gillett has at one time or another worked on such shows as "Toast of the Town.” "I Love Lucy” and "Pu- litzer Prize Playhouse." Among his film productions was a trio of , Charles Laughton Dix. one of which : was "Jamaica Inn.” Camel Axes ‘Mile’ , R. J. Reynolds (Camel Cigarets) is cancelling out on NBC Radio’s "Walk a Mile” w'hich it’* backed for several years. Web will re- place it in the Wednesday night at 8:30 slot with William Gargan’s "Barrie Craig” private eyer. Camel will continue to ride along with the Saturday night "Grand Old Opry” on the network. Radio and TV Gagman Ed Simmons and Norman Lear have written a fantasy (without music) on The Last of the Sami notvs * * * one of the many briqht byline pieces in the upcominq 49th Annivertary Number of TeTy DUE SOON Big Chi Play For ’56 Conventions; TV Talking Point Chicago, Dec. 21. Although the national political conventions are still some 19 months away, Chicago civic leaders are readying their bids to the party chieftains. Committee has been set up to raise a $500,000 kitty to help lure the GOP and Demos back to the Windy City in ’56. The Chi boosters recognize they have a potent ally in their corner in the person of Doth the television industry and tv-conscious politicos. And they're expected to play the video theme for all it’s worth. Reason that tv figures so promi- ( nently in the Chi convention pitches is that the expansive inter- national Amphitheatre layout suc- cessfully passed the tv test of fire as the site of the ’52 conclaves. Also the midwest time factor gives Chi an edge over the both coasts with the home tele gallery upper- most in the minds of the vote hunt- ers. Just prior to the 1952 gath- erings of the political clans, the Amphitheatre was equipped with permanent cable installations to handle the radio-tv hookups. Initial pitch by the Windy City contingent will be made to the Re- publican convention committee whose sessions traditionally pre- dates the Democrats by a few weeks. It has become the custom the past several decades for both parties to use the same site, to share costs. The half-million dol- lar fund being raised here has be- come the standard convention sub- sidy from the host city and is split between the two parties to hlep underwrite the costs. It’s known that J. Leonard Reinsch, managing director of the Cox stations and the Democrats’ radlo-tv consultant is personally pretty much sold on Chi’s Amphi- theatre. His advice and that of his GOP counterpart will undoubtedly have a bearing on the final choice. Sheaffer Pen Baying TV ‘Who Said That?' In Switchover to ABC ABC-TV has resolved its Wednes- day night lineup with the inking of Sheaffer Pen Co. as alternate- week sponsor of the onetime NBC panel show, "Who Said That?” Over and above the Sheaffer deal, the network has a firm commitment from the Russell M. Seeds agency of Chicago, which reps Sheaffer, for an every-week order, which means that Seeds must come up with a biweekly client to be drawn out of its own stable. "Who Said That?” goes into the 9:3( slot Wednesdays, starting Feb. 2, with ABC veep John Daly as mod- erator. Panel will be picked by next w'eek. Series will be produced by Ann Gillis, who produced it at NBC, but the show becomes an ABC package by virtue of the deal. Sale gives the web an SRO status up to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, with “Disneyland” kicking the evening off at 7:30, Frieda’s Tall Beef on Low Power Washington, Dee. 21. To stimulate construction of more tv stations in small cities, the FCC has called for comments on a proposal to permit low power <100 watt) operations in communities of under 50,000 pop- ulation. The agency wants information on plans and costs of such opera- tions. It wants to know whether low power stations should be limited to towns without tv, whether they should be at least 50 miles from operating stations, and whether licensing them to existing stations w'ould involve monopoly problems. The proposal, a drastic departure from existing minimum pow'er and antenna height requirements, is in line with a recent order w'hich permits establishment of stations which do not plan to originate local programs. An authorization for a satellite VHF station in Lufkin. Tex., was issued by the agency last month. As in the Lufkin grant, the proposal was issued over a sharp dissent by Comr. Frieda Hennock. With “insuperable competitive difficulties” already discouraging building of new stations, said Miss Hennock, “the Commission is now opening the way to the use of satellite stations which will not only enable the large ‘parent’ stations to invade deeper into the markets of the smaller outlying stations, but also will serve as a device for preempting unoccupied channel assignments and thereby blocking the construction of additional independent stations for which these channels were reserved for an indefinite period under the allocation plan . . . "The desperate need propeller on Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City last Wednesday (15), originally entered the radio audtence measurement business at the behest of print media. It was a sort of “draft” of him by news- papers and magazines which, 20 and more years ago, were becoming alarmed at the inroads made by a broadcasting industry with scarce- ly a decade of network history be- hind it. ^ What bothered the m black and white” boys was that the “upstart” sound medium was making claims on its listenership that, it was al- leged, actually represented the number of radio receivers in dis- tribution. Many a program would blandly claim an audience of. say 20,000,000 simply because there were that many sets believed to be tuned in, regardless of the fact that the show was competing with others. Some went so far as to claim the entire radio listening population as their “audience.” Archibald Crossley had preceded “Hoop”' as the “Mr. Big” on 'the radio nose-counting scene. Crossley and Hooper were the two house- hold words in the measuring firma- ment at radio’s height, but Hoop- er’s fame was greater. When com- ics and commentators started to mention Hooper and “Ilooperat- ings” in their stints^ Claude Ernest Hooper was “in.” Hoop’s intra-trade name was made as an employee of Daniel Starch (Starch Reports), a pro- fessor under whom Hooper sat at Harvard. Starch achieved his rep- utation as an analyst of magazine readership and radio audiences. Hooper joined Starch in 1931 and was assigned to supervise the de- velopment of the company’s syndi- cated services. He established the firm of Clark-Hooper Inc. in 1934 to bring more “reality” into AM listener polling and became noted for the origination of the “coinci- dental” method, whose Innovation gimmick w r as to phone persons at random to ask what programs they were listening to at the time. Hoop started a 32-city market for his sampling, and introduced numer- ous supplementary services. Hooper was praised and blasted by the trade in general and per- ( Continued on page 40) Dozier Shifts To Coast for CBS-TV William Dozier, CBS-TV’s exec , producer over live dramatic shows, was tapped this week for the new post of director of network pro- grams, Hollywood. He’ll report on the Coast to Harry Ackerman, CBS veep in charge of Coast operations. Move is believed designed to re- lieve Ackerman of some of the cre- ative load there. Dozier has occupied his present exec producer spot in New York for nearly three years. He moved over to the web after a tour as assistant to Samuel Goldwyn, which he preceded with production posts at several major motion pic- ture studios. Dozier’s had a hand In independent telepix production too, via his Cornwall Productions, In which he’s partnered with Ella Raines. Cantor Telefilm Show Also as Radio Series Ziv Television Programs is cut- ting tapes of its new Eddie Cantor telepix series to be sold separately as a radio entry. Show will bear the same title, “Eddie Cantor Com- edy Theatre.” Firm, via its radio arms, is already peddling the ET series. Ziv, of course, has done this be- fore, in the case of “Mr. District Attorney,” for example. But the project reflects a trend on the part of telefilm distributors and pro- ducers to get more mileage out of their film by the sale of taped ver- sions for radio. Guild Films is do- ing it with Liberace and plans to extend i'u radio Operations to in- clude shows by Florian Zabach and Frankie Laine, along with an AM version of “Life With Elizabeth.” TV -Modi* Strip4»r Charles Isaacs hat an interesting reminiscence on Eddie C oarer’s debar la rkar new* f angled medium called televlsiea dried Through Every Medium tvith Burnt Cork and 5 Daughters * * * aa amusing byline piece In the forthcoming 49 ih Anniversary IS umber of I'K&IETr OUT SOON Philco Facing Anti-Trust Rap Philadelphia, Dec. 21. U. S. Justice Dept, has accused Philco Corp. with violations of the Sherman and Clayton Anti-Trust Acts in a civil suit filed in U. S. District Court here which charges the company with controlling the sale of its product right down to the ultimate purchaser. The action was filed for U. S. Attorney General Herbert Brownell by William F. Rodgers, attorney in the Justice Dept.’s anti-trust divi- sion. The complaint charges Philco violates the law by requiring whole- sale dealers to restrict sales and shipments of Philco products to a designated territory. Retailers in return are required to sell only to consumers and not to other re- tailers. The charges, which cover the whole Philco line, claim the com- pany has effected a sales control of its products at Both wholesale and retail prices. The complaint fur- ther charges that Philco sells its complete line of products to whole- sale distributors on the condition the wholesalers wiR not deal in any products competing with Philco. ' James M. Carmine, president of Philco, described the suit ‘‘as a sweeping attack on an established system of distribution which has been widely used for years by man- ufacturers of brand name products to protect the public. The Govern- ment is attempting to impose an entirely new concept of antitrust regulation and business control.” ‘Medic’ Doing Repeat Of 1st Stanza, Figures 10,000,000 New Viewers NBC-TV’s “Medic” appears headed to do a repeat show some time in January (probably the 10th) within only a few months of its premiere. That would be unique as a retread stapza since the MD telepix series is scarcely past its first cycle. By the web’s reckoning, the widely acclaimed show has picked up an additional 4.500,000 in homes reached since its opening in the fall and there’s been a tremendons flood of newspaper and magazine stories stemming from the Monday nighter. Thus* perhaps up to 10,- 000,000 additional viewers have latched on to the program since the initial exposure, story then be- ing titled, “White Is the Color.” Latter, about an expectant mother afflicted with leukemia (with the baby saved) will be the rerun ve- hicle if plans on "Operation Re- peat” jell. Murphy’s Albany Post Albany, Dec. 21. Thomas S. Murphy, formerly with Lever Bros, and Kenyon Si Eckhardt, is new manager of WROW and WROW-TV. He is the son of Supreme Court Justice Charles E. Murphy of Brooklyn and former president of the New York Advertising Club. Harry L. Goldman, former vee- pee and general manager, is now station's manager. DROP OP THI TILOP Imogens Coca's Worried Look on TV Guide' Cover Provokes Nix WRCA-TV, New York flagship of NBC, has rejected use of the cover of the Dec. 18 TV Guide (Triangle Publications) as s station telop. The o&o’s objection was to the cover of Imogene Coca, showing the performer with a “worried look’’ — with the word worried used as the caption. Understood this the first time a TV Guide cover has been nixed for plugging on the exchange ad- vertising setup between stations and the publication. Miss Coca and various NBC execs are known to have expressed their displeasure at the “wrinkled brow” photograph. Set Gosed-Circuit 'Medical Journal’ Chicago, Dec. 21. American Medical Assn, and the Smith, Kline & French pharmaceu- tical house are prepping an “Amer- ican Medical Journal of the Air” for coast-to-coast beaming to 30 cities Feb. 9 along a closed-circuit i hookup arranged by Theatre TV’s Telesessions adjunct. It’s another in the medical pro- fession and drug industry’s experi- ments in the use of tv for post- graduate instruction to keep the nation's medicos up on the latest developments. SK&F is under- writing the 90-minute session deal- ing with heart disease. The show will originate in New York, and will be lensed by the drug firm’s own production unit headed by Fred Roll, the company’s tv spe- cialist. If response warrants and the costs can be kept within rea- sonable bounds, the “Journal of the Air” may become a regular monthly project. Tennessee Ernie, NBC Resolve Hassle Over Control of TV Slow Hollywood, Dec. 21. Long drawn out hassle between NBC and Tennessee Ernie over control of his upcoming morning strip for the tv network has ended in draw. Both will have sayso as to who goes on show and how it is conducted. MCA. acting for Ernie, de- manded what amounted to auton- omy in choice of performers and material but the net refused to yield and finally agreed to a col- laborative settlement. With new half-hour teleshow airing five times weekly, Ernie will be one of the busiest performers on the networks, second only to Arthur Godfrey. He will continue his five half-hours a week on CBS radio. NBC series starts Jan. 2. At CBS he does one live’ and one tape broadcast daily which allows him time for recording sessions. ALL WESTINGHOUSE STATIONS JOIN NARTB All the Westinghouse radio and tv stations are joining the Na- tional Assn, of Radio & Television Broadcasters as of the first of the year. Two of the Westinghouse tv properties and one radio outlet are already members, > with one more tv’er and fdur AM outlets new to the NARTlp rolls. New members will be WBZ-TV, Boston; WBZA, Boston-Springfield; KWY, Philadelphia; WOWO, Ft. Wayne; and KEX, Portland, Ore. Already members are WPTZ, Philly; KPJX, San Francisco; and KDKA, Pittsburgh. WDTV, Pitts- burgh, which Westinghouse has contracted to purchase from Du- Mont, is already an NARTB mem- ber. Decision to enroll the other stations was that of Westinghouse Broadcasting Co. prexy Chris Witt- ing. who said it was an endorse- ment of NARTB’s program and Harold E. Fellows’ leadership. L & M TRIMS 'GUNSMOKE' Liggett & Myers, which had un- derwritten the two Saturday air- ings of CBS Radio’s “Gunsmoke,” has dropped the 12:30 to 1 p.m. edition. Ciggie outfit will continue the 8 o’clock version, plus the tri-weekly I Perry Como show on the web. Canadian TV’s Drama Upbeat *. Toronto, Dec. 21. Canadian television drama has shown a remarkable improve- ment in the last two months and it is a definite possibility tRe Canadian Broadcasting Corp.’s drama stanzas may reach the same high level of quality as CBC’s standout *adio plays, particularly it’s “Stage” series. When CBC-TV drama preemed this autumn, performances were mostly ragged and unconvincing and scripts were only adequate. . There were exceptions, but no series can exist on exceptions. Besides, CBC scheduled shows like “Studio One," “Dragnet,” “Medic,” other imported high-standard dramatic airers for viewers to compare the Canadian shows with and the comparison was not good. Sydney Newman, theatrical producer for the National Film Board who became CBC’s video drama chief, has upped general drama quality on the v/eb. Scripts have shown improvement but the greatest advances have been in direction, production and performances. Newman has wisely avoided comedy since Canada has little if any adequate comedy talent, either in scripting or performing categories, and emphasis has been on tense, heavy material. As a result, CBC, which produces all tv dramatic shows, sponsored or sustaining, is developing an effective stable of players, both new and drawn from radio. At the moment, all English-language drama originates in Toronto, with French-language plays coming from the Montreal studios, and there is the danger of CBC bypassing considerable dramatic talent in other Canadian centres much as it has done on its radio webs. The danger is not in depriving its viewers of top talent but in confining production to one centre it is compelled to use the same players over and over again to sacrifice a considerable amount of reality and conviction. A. D. Dunton, CBC’s chairman, said last year such a concentra- tion'of production w r ould be avoided but so far there has been no apparent effort to decentralize it. An example of a bypassed pool of talent is Ottaw r a w-here a six-year-old repertory company and a quarter-century-old drama league operate to clicko business regu- larly. Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax and other major Canadian cities also have good supplies of dramatic producers and artists who could be advantageously used by CBC video. Norman Cash Named to Top-Level TvB Post as Double Threat Man’ Humoritt H. I. (Hi) Phillips has written his awn show bla perspective en The Medical Hour e e e ene of the many byline pieces In the apcomlng 49th Anniversary Number oC tsfiSnETr OUT SOON Chi Tele-Cheivers In Teenage Buildup Chicago, Dec. 21. Under the guidance of the high command at ABC-TV’s WBKB, a novel new tele packaging “firm” tagged The Tele-Cheivers is being launched. Outfit, with all the cor- porate trimmings of a regular com- mercial setup including stock capi- talization, will be manned exclu- sively by teenagers as a WBKB- sponsored Junior Achievement project. It’s the Junior Achiever’s first entry into tv and thus it’s believed the first time the “learn by doing” juve program has touched any phase of show biz. Like the group’s other ventures, usually in the handicraft and manufacturing field, a formal company has been set up, only this time it’ll be for the production and selling of a tv show. WBKB has set aside a Tuesday night half-hour starting in Febru- ary which the Teile-Cheivers will program and staff from general manager down to studio techni- cians. With the supervision of the station's pro staff, the youngsters will be in complete charge of all phases, including sales and pub- licity. As the project is being projected, it’s hoped a major com- munity advertiser will underwrite the show on an institutional basis with the T-C’ers peddling partici- pations to other Junior Achieve- ment groups as blurbs for their own wares. As proof that the teenage enter- prise is no fly-by-night affair, ABC veep Sterling (Red) Quinlan, busi- ness manager Matt Vieracker, sales manager Jim Beach, and publicity- promotion chief Ell Henry all have pieces of the company via the stock purchase route. Appointment of Norman (Pete) Cash as director of station rela- tions for the new Television Bu- reau of Advertising, not only marks the beginning of the official membership drive, but indicates that the organization hasn’t the least intention of letting a single tele station get the impression that the industry-wide promotion outfit will ignore the indie’s needs. When Cash, lately of ABC, was last week given the “station rela- tions” tag, obviously TvB’s No, 2 post, his new boss Ollie Treyz and org treasurer and member- ship committee chairman, Lawr- ence (Bud) Rogers of WSAZ-TV, Huntington, W. Va., were on hand to Draise his virtues as a “friend of ’ie stations” as well as a top salesman. Treyz made it clear that Cash was his “double threat” man, who, once all the stations were signed on for the ride, could turn some - of his attention to other things. Rogers, though not once putting the big city boys in the back seat, stressed need of TvB among the small town television operators, “who are spending as much for building and operation as others’* but w'ho don’t have all those mil- lions in revenue of the big mar- kets to draw on as quick compen- sation. He reiterated the new out- fit’s stand on giving these hereto- fore disassociated stations a cen- (Contlnued on page 34) Claim Sabotage In S. F. Walkout San Francisco, Dec. 21. Amid charges and denials of sabotage of technical equipment, 47 engineers and production as- sistants walked off the job at the Westinghouse tv station KPIX last week, taking the station off the air for 13 hours. A threatened tleup of the tele- cast of the Bobo Olson fight Wed- nesday (15) did not materialize although a CBS unit was flown up from Hollywood to handle the re- mote. The station has been operating even since last Tuesday with net- work shows and one-camera live programs with executive personnel handling the engineering chores. The strike was called by the Na- tional Assn, of Broadcast Engi- neers and Technicians as a result, a union spokesman says, of dead- lock on the union’s demand for a new contract to replace the old one which expired Nov. 1. Although American Federation of Musicians members and also the American Federation of Radio and (Continued on page 34) Wednesday* December 22, 1954 HAMH-TELE VISION 27 INDIES’ ‘FINE & DANDY’ STATUS M & L Vs. Toast’ Bally Martin & Lewis, making their first appearance of the 1954-55 reason on Colgate’s “Comedy Hour” on Sunday (19), were ex- pected to but did not deliver a Trendex drubbing to Ed Sullivan’s ••Toa^t of the Town” on CBS. The comedy duo Tacked up a 32.4, less than three pegs ahead of the 29.9 for “Toast.’’ In the past, m&L have usually run roughshod over the Sullivan stanza, and since this was their season’s preem, an accent overwhelmingly in favor had been freely predicted in the trade. What happened was the dynamic “Toast” ballyhoo, some of it that passes for “showmanship” only if accuracy is overlooked. The week before, as a trailer for last Sunday’s program, "Toast” plugged high on the number of stars coming up — about 40 — although when it came to a rundown of the names, it could identify less than a dozen that would fit in that lofty marquee class. On last Sunday’s paid advertising, there was a listing of the talent, top- billing those in a filmed comedy sequence (meaning the stars of “Not As a Stranger” as a sidebar with Sullivan celluloided on the Coast). The "film” value received very much of a play down in the ads, and what burned the opposition was that plus the fact that most of the program logs in newspapers failed to indicate that Hollywood names would be on film. The only live appearance on “Toast” were by Patti Page, Julius LaRosa, Mata and Hari and the Chordettes, femme four- some. Johnnie Ray was introduced as an audience spectator. The film figures were Olivia De Havilland, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Grahame and Charles Bickford. Counting everyone, live and film, this added up to nine stars, inclusive of the grouped troupes such as the Chordettes. Also on film, however, was James Mason, presenting his Nativity production with an all-children’s cast. Onward & Upward With T to P’ Murrow Demonstrates How to Beat the 10:30 P.M. Time Rap Crashing of the Trendex Top 10 by CBS-TV’s “Person to Person" during the first week in December is attributable to a number of fac- tors of varying weight, but of spe- cial significance on the time and competitive facets. It marked the initial foray into the Trendex win- ning circle by the Ed Murrow-ring- mastered and Murrow-John Aaron- Jesse Zousmer-masterminded Fri- day nighter, which for the mea- sured period on Dec. 3 scored a 29.9 to emerge ninth, ahead of Rob Hope’s Tuesday show on NBC which brought up the Top 10 rear. That “P to P” managed to coup in its fringe, station option 10:30 time was a feat all by itself with incidentally, eight of Trendex’s 10- city spread covered in the report, excluded being Detroit and Cleve- land. (This wafc the week in which Jackie Gleason came out on No. 1 with 41.8; Columbia shows also drew the fifth through ninth posi- tions to make it six out of 10 over its NBC rival.) The NBC Gillette boxing bouts, long anchored at 10 o’clock, will normally show its heels to the Mur- low stanza when the fights spill over into the 10:30 niche, but (Continued on page 28) V«f Radio-TV Stripter Milt Josef sberg • humorously discourses on why bo's a Frustrated Author * * * an amusing bylint pitet in the forthcoming 49 1 h Anniversary Number of IsfiniEfr DUE SOON GOTHAM STATIONS Buicks 2-Year $11,000,000 Deal Blanchard Stirs A Frisco Rumpus San Francisco. Dec. 21. Rod Blanchard, whose unpredic- table show geared to the younger set of space cadets grabbed him spreads in Time and Life and w hich was dropped two weeks ago by KCBS, kicked up a storm last 'veek in a joint letter to Frisco radio columnists which resulted in his being lopped off the KCBS payroll by veepee Arthur Hull Hayes for “rank insubordination.” Blanchard, f and defecting Bert Wayne. Gabbers Bill Williams. Lonny Starr and Ed Locke are ('• '- in? the cross-the-board slots vaial- eu by Collins and Wayne. In an- other move, Norman Prescott was brought in from Boston to initially fill four weekend slots left open by the shifting of Williams, Starr and Locke. Station has put Prescott, until now with WORL in Beantown.-into four weekend moorings, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, for a total of seven hours work. WNEW seems to have developed a policy under Buckley, who took over from Bernice Judis early in 54. to have a "reserve” corps of dee jays. It was explained that Prescott's week- end-only status might be changed, with addition of others shows. This is in line with the Locke takeover of Collins post-midnight sessions. Locke was held in reserve for just inch an exigency as :he ankling of Collins. Blanchard ______ Continued from pajte 27 - When he returned the next day to do the half-hour disk show he’d been handling since his own show was lopped, he found himself a man without a station. “He gave me no choice,” Hayes said. “It was rank insubordina- tion.” Blanchard didn't see it like that, but felt he was only protecting himself and his NBC future. The inter net. he says, told him not to let it appear that CBS was drop- ping him. “All I wanted was no publicity,” he said. However, that was exactly what he did get. Three of the local radio columnists devoted the ma- jor part of their copy to the inci- dent within two days and the gen- eral consensus seems to have been that Blanchard needed some good public relations advice. Still up in the air is the fate of the proposed NBC series. '3-STAR' GOES CO-OP "Three Star Extra.” NBC Radio quarter-hour news strip at 6:45 p.m., will be available as a co- op on the network, excluding the cast, beginning in January. Sun Oil Co. underwrites the show in the east. Home-Made WQXR, N. Y., “Good Mu- sic” radio outlet, today . WMAL- ABC, which originated President Eisenhower’s annual stint for the network pool, conceived the novel idea in order to take panorama shots of the four cornered setting of the most impressive Yule cere- ' mony ever held here. Traditional pattern of lighting a tree on the White House lawn was expanded this year into a three- week “Pageant of Peace,” brain- child of Edward Ki Ay, former Army radio-tv topper. Kirby is also acting as general director of the observance, in which every segment of capital’s official, civic and international life is participat- ing. Object is to accent the peace theme for international consump- tion, and to explore possibility of building up pageant as an annual tourist attraction. In addition to network pickup of the Presidential tree lighting chores and speech. Voice ol Amer* ! ica has set up studios for recording 1 and broadcasting during entire three weeks of activity. The idea of a non-secetarian, non-partisan, non-profit venture such as this, in which even such non-Christian j countries as Israel and the Islamic nations are participating, has im- pressed United States Information execs as a natural for spreading its message overseas. Conn. Broadcasters Elect Ryder as Prexy Hartford, Dec. 21. Connecticut Broadcasters’ Assn., composed of 25 radio and tv sta- tions, has been formed in the state. Prexy of the group is J. Maxim Ry- der, manager of WBRY, Water- burv. Other officers are Aldo de Dominicis of WNHC-TV, Newr Haven, vice prexy; Walter B. Haase, general manager of WDRC, Hartford, secretary. Directors are Paul W. Morency, general manager of WTIC. Hart- ford; Samuel Heller of WATR, Waterbury; Eric Hatch of WBIS, Bristol, and William O’Brien of j WCNX, Middletown. One of the purposes of the or- ganization is to provide a good conduct code in the industry in the state. To this end the group Is ex- pected to set a code of ethics and standards for radio and tv. ■svX Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Hansel and Gretel" at your local theatre over Christmas and discover for yourself the greatest new motion picture technique for television. You can see electronic puppets on TV now for these advertisers: GREEN GIANT (Leo Burnett) HAZEL BISHOP LIPSTICK (Raymond Spector) It took Michael Myerberg 15 years to create this new kind of puppet with no strings attached — “super-human” electronic pup- pets with stop-action “brains”! Their skin is a special plastic that looks and feels like real skin — the hair is real. They have “bones” of steel that move in every joint They have a repertoire of 87,000 facial ex- pressions! Yes —the Myerberg electronic puppets can act — walk alone — run — dance — talk — sing ... on cue t on call , on film , in color or black and white! And they are the only actors you've ever seen who never lose their audience! • More interesting, more charming, more flexible than “live” actorsl • More “real”, more believable, more novel than “flat” animated cartoonsl • Here’s the medium that has everything to make your commercials new — different— exciting— entertaining! Here, at last, are all the qualities you’ve been looking for to capture interest — to hold interest— TO SELL! Whatever you can dream of-we can dream up-and produce! Let your imagination run wild. Is it moppets you want? Or anything in the animal kingdom? Witches? Giants? Cinderellas? Prince Charmings? The unattractive “before” — the beau- tiful “after”? The touch of magic to bring a “static” product to life? Then here's your answer: call Michael Myerberg Productions. Each character is custom-made for you — remains your exclusive property. And a contract with us gives you an exclusive franchise in your industry. Unlimited in its application to the problems of TV and commercial films. jE.rvV3 PRODUCTIONS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL FILMS MICHAEL ITI I K- JELEVISION COMMERCIALS 234. W. 44th Street. New York City, N. Y. Telephone: CHIckerlng 4-4S46 Studio: 216 E. 2nd Street, New York 9 N. Y SO RADIO REVIEWS NEW WORLD A’COMING (Free and Equal) With Louis Gossett, Maurice Tarp- lin, Jim Stephens, Anne PPon- iak, Lulu King. Sandy Bickart, Sidney Paul, Owen Jordan; mu- sic, George Gill Producer-director: Howard Phillips Writer: Edgar Marvin 30 Mins., Tues. (14), 9:30 p.m. WMCA, New York "New World A’Coming,” WMCA’s award-winning series of dramatic documentaries, returned for its 11th season last week with a study of the effects of the Su- preme Court ruling on segregation. Series, which will air on a once-a- month basis (with juvenile delin- quency as the next topic), is a laud- able public service effort by a re- sponsible indie. But if the remain- ing programs are as limpid as the opener, the series isn’t going to have much impact. Perhaps it’s the realism that tel- evision has brought to public serv- ice broadcasting that makes the so- called dramatic documentary on radio seem pale by comparison. It’s tough for AM to compete with that sound-and-picture impact of video documentaries, and thus it’s been radio’s taped documentaries, taken on the spot, rather than the drama- tized ones, that have been most ef- fective. Sophistication of the American audience has grown sharply over the past several years, and what once sufficed as a public service vehicle now seems inade- quate. At any rate, the dramatized story of a composite of the Dover, Del., school story and several others welded into dramatic form by Ed- gar Marvin lacked punch and pur- pose. It related the story of educa- tional integration in a small town as seen through the eyes of a Ne- gro schoolboy. At first, everything went smoothly, then the hate- mongers started their work and forced the Negroes back to their own schools, and then the good people of the town rallied. That was the story, and its ending ap- peared to dangle with no resolu- tion (although so has the entire in- tegration problem at this point). More to the point, the central character, as played by Louis Gos- sett (who achieved some fame for his performance in last year’s "Take a Giant Step” on Broadway), was all virtue, and the young heavy played by Sidney Paul was all evil. As if to strike a balance, Marvin wrote a cowardly friend for Gos- sett into the script, a virtuous and completely fair schoolmarm, and a friendly but confused white boy. "With none of the characters espe- cially credulous and with a situa- tion that was never Fesolved, the entire story fell flat. Acting was merely so-so, and Howard Phillips’ direction could never get the story off the ground. Chan. COMPANION With Warren Parker, Martha Greenhouse, Lon Clark Producer-Director: Drexel Hines Writers: Virginia Travers, Betta Ripley 30 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 11:15 a.m. ABC, from New York Collaborating with Woman’s Home Companion mag, ABC’s domestic relations "angle” evolved as almost a straight-line quarter- hour soap opera when launched last Monday (20). Show, called "Companion,” was supposedly based on the cases and counselling of Dr. David R. Mace who does a monthly feature Tor the 'distaff publication. However, what ever element of candidness and accu- racy there was in the script was by and large suffocated by overly familiar histrionic cornball. Some- how, the scribbling and direction reflected a fear that the hausfrau couldn’t take an untainted docu- mentary so early in the morning (11:15 am.), and documentary treatment seemed just what the slot needed. "Cases” are designed to run for an entire week, with cliffhangers to entice another day’s listening. First such was built around the roblem of a wife who was told by er husband of his temporary in- fidelity. While she forgave him verbally, she managed to carry a secret burn over the fact. What happened to her emotions became a matter for Dr Mace. Dramatic scenes were tied to brief expository sessions with Mace, played by War- ren Parker. Treatment failed as a deeply honest, hangup impact piece, be- cause of the superfluous dramatic dressing. Art. Liveright Upped in N. O. New Orleans, Dec. 21. Herman Liveright, production manager of WDSU-TV, was upped to program director of station Fri- day (17). New post gives Liveright full supervision of all tv programming. Radio FoDownp Martin Block probably made a lot of kids happy by making his "Make Believe Ballroom” a live affair at New York’s Manhattan Center Monday (20) but it came over as an unusually raucus ses- sion. Close to 5,000 youngsters jammed into the Center to get a first-hand glimpse of the platter spinner and his disker-guests. There isn’t much chance for these fans to get an in-person view of their wax faves and it’s quite un- derstandable that they’d act up. But background noises of a rowdy crowd hardly make for good listen- ing. The flock of recording artists on Block’s guest roster was impres- sive. They all came through ad- mirably singing their disclicks but the babbling aud diminished all values for the dialer at home. Show was fashioned by Block as a special Christmas treat for New York’s Police Athletic League. It was aired over ABC from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and over the net’s Gotham key, WABC, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Gros. THE JOYFUL HOUR With Irene Dunne, narrator; J. Carrol Naish, Ann Blyth, Steph- en McNally, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jeff Chandler, Marilyn Horne, Roger Wagner Chorale Writer: John T. Kelley 60 Mins., Sun., 9 p.m. Mutual, from Hollywood (transcribed) With a cast of Hollywood stars and the Roger Wagner Chorale group "The Joyful Hour” could hardly miss. It doesn’t. The film personalities not only are well chosen but come through with un- expected brilliance in this musical- narrative story of the first Christ- mas. Concentration is on the birth of the Christ Child. Irene Dunne, who serves as nar- rator, takes her audience back to Bethlehem and characters best known in events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Special Christmas music is interwoven, with the re- peated singing of the Lord’s Prayer. It is all done in such good taste and so intelligently that the full hour copies through with real Impact, /‘'especially for Sunday night audiences. J. Carrol Naish is good as Ben- jamin. in the Annunciation se- quence, while Ann Blyth is very strong as Rhea in "The Visitation.” Stephen McNally is the real stand- out as the Innkeeper in "The Na- tivity” episode. He fits in splen- didly in this character, contribut- ing a masterful portrayal. Maureen O’Sullivan, as Rachel, in the "Presentation” sequence and Jeff Chandler as Ezra in “The Finding,” measure up in fine style. Much credit is due Miss Dunne for her skillfull carrying of the story theme. Each of the episodes starting with "The Annunciation” is de- scribed as the first, second, third, etc., in the joyous mystery of the Rosary. “Little Town of Bethle- hem.” "Silent Night.” "Joy To the World,” etc., all typical Christmas songs or hymns, are introduced in keeping with the story. The single soloist in "Night,” is Marilyn Horne, and she is excel- lent. However, it is the magnifi- cent voice blending of the Wagner group which gives the show such a splendid musical backgrounding. John T. Kelley’s scripting is top- flight while Harry Zimmerman de- serves credit for composing the score and conducting a big symph orchestra. Father Patrick Peyton is intro- duced as the man who made the program possible, and one suspects he had much to do with its pro- duction. He deserves credit for a very fine program of its sort. Wear. NBC Radio Schedules Soapers for Morning NBC Radio will launch 1955 with "Operation Human Interest” cross-the-board morningside. To achieve that status, the web will schedule daytime serials in the ayem hours for the first time. The Mary Margaret McBride capsule fixture at 10 o’clock will segue to 10 minutes of clergyman Norman Vincent Peale, available for sponsorship. (Dr. Peale, author of marathon bestseller “The Power of Positive Thinking,” was coincidentally "Person to Person- ned” on CBS-TV last week.) The 10:15 to 10:45 pair of soapers fol- lowing the Peale stanza will be “Joyce Jordan” and "Doctor’s Wife.” MEET ERNEST HEMINGWAY With Leon Pearson, others 60 Mins., Sun., 7 p.m. NBC, from New York "I Remember Papa” is the tag NBC should have given its hour- long salute to Ernest Hemingway last Sunday (19). Stanza, which was put together by net’s news director William R. McAndrew and central news desk manager Joseph Meyers, featured recorded reminiscences by celebs of the Nobel-winning author. * Best thing about the hour was its novel approach. It spotlighted commentary that was for Heming- way as well as agin’ him. Too often prize-winning authors have been put on pedestals by radio profilers without any attempt at digging into the heart of the matter. In this instance, however, he was slapped down as often as he was revered. In the long run, he came out ahead but the going was lively and made for interesting listening all the way. Among the pre-recorded celebs who sounded off were Marlon Brando, Leonard Lyons, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Max Eastman and John Mason Brown. Leon Pearson, NBC’s "Critic at Large,” wove the whole thing together neatly. Stanza closed fittingly with a Hemingway statement to the Nobel committee. Gros. Pitt Telethon Hassle Had Nothing to Do With CPA Resignation: Kates Jerome B. Kates, the former Cerebral Palsy Assn, exec who was pinned with the blame for the failure of Gene and Fred Kelly to show at a Pittsburgh telethon, declared this week that he had never promised the Kellys for the stint — in fact had said they were unavailable — and that he had re- signed from CPA three days be- fore the Pittsburgh affair over "personal differences.” His resig- nation, he said, had nothing what- soever to do with the Pittsburgh hassle. According to Kates, he was ap- proached for talent for the WDTV one-hour YMCA fundraising show which aired in Pittsburgh Dec. 5 by Joe Feldman, partner in the Dubin & Feldman agency and one- time Warner publicist. Kates told Feldman, who had come to N. Y., that he’d let him know who he could round up. He then called Fred Kelly, in Reading for a Junior League show, abput the possibility of doing a CP telethon in Manchaster, N. H., but Kelly turned him down because of the Reading commitment. When he called Feldman a couple of days later, Kates says, he said he had tried to get Kelly but without suc- cess, that Kelly was unavailable. Gene Kelly never entered the pic- ture, Kates says, since he was in California all the time. What happened thereafter in Pittsburgh he doesn’t know, Kates says, except for reports in the newspapers that the Pitt dailies had carried big stories about the Kelly’s’ appearing on the telethon and of course their final non-ap- pearance. Why Feldman would have planted publicity about hav- ing the Kellys when he was told they were unavailable is what Kates can’t figure out, he says. As to Feldman’s charge that Kates had told them that the Kellys were booked for a telethon the preced- ing wekend in Baltimore, Kates says they were never booked in Baltimore and there was no pub- licity about an appearance by them in Bfelto. Regarding a final charge that he had falsely promised Bert Parks for the Balto stint, Kates says he called WAAM-TV general manager Ken Carter on Nov. 26 to inform him that Parks couldn’t make it. Kates, who formerly worked for Hal Roach Jr., Herb Moss Produc- tions and KRLD-TV in Dallas, joined CPA nine months ago as telethon coordinator and national talent coordinator. He resigned on Dec. 2, three days before the Pitt telethon but after he had sopken to Feldman. ■, Kates says the resignation was over a per- sonality clash, and adds that he expects to rejoin CPA as soon as the differences are resolved. Tacoma — Maurice Dallimore, formerly with NBC in New York has been named production man- ager of KTVW here. Dallimore was a writer and director of Brit- ish motion pictures before World War II and was active on the Lon- don stage and as a radio producer. # Wednesday, December 22, 1954 4 >•»♦♦♦♦< Fi rom t he 1 Pi rod »♦» ucl ion Cent . < ► res !; t t IN NEW YORK CITY . . . Jeanne L. Meyer handling radio-tv angles of Heart Fund drive for the Win Nathanson office . . . Anne Hummert (remember?) is still potent at Air Features despite its ownership by CBS, and her latest theory (actually a return emphasis) is that all daytime serials with femme central character ought to be written by a femme writer . . . Donald H. McCollum elected a veepee of Schwerin Research Corp. in charge of client relations . . . Starting Christmas Day morning (9:05 to 10) the "Rosa & Bill” show (Rosa Rio and BUI Yeoman) will air from their home in Shelton on Far Mill River via WELI, New Haven . . . WRCA-plus-tv staffers and stars at Waldorf tonight (Wed.) for annual Xmas party. Bill Berns, the NBC stations’ neWs-special events director, to Boston for holidays . . . Richard Essey, ex-Lever Bros., joins Grey Advertising as manager of office services . . . Mildred Fulton, until recently with Biow as head timebuyer on the Bulova account, moved over to McCann-Erickson for the same chore . . . John Lee Herbert, formerly with McCall’s mag, joined the radio sales staff of George P. Hollingbery station rep outfit. Irwin Greenfield to WMGM as staff director . . . Perry Como pre- siding this afternoon (Wed.) on special Xmas stanza on behalf of Cardinal’s Campaign for Foster Homes. WLIB will air . . . Bob Con- sidine grabbed off Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Assn, renewal on his Sunday quarter hour via Mutual as of Jan. 23 . . . Bill Snyder play-by-playing "Santa Claus Bowl” tot grid game on Mutual Dec. 29 . . . Mutual audio coverage on the Bowl games actually kicks off on Sunday (26) with world pro championship twixt Detroit and Cleveland, with Earl Gillespie and Chris Schenkel doing gabbing. Gator Bowl five days later goes to Bob Wolff and Art Gleeson and New Year’s Day East-West Shrine game to Harry Wismer and Mel Venter . . . Bob Leder back from fortnight in Bermuda . . . Actress Grace Kelly and father and brother, Olympic champs John and Jack Kelly, guested on Harry Wismer’s "General Sports Time” show via Mutual last Sabbath (19) to plug fund-raising for ’56 Olympics . . . Bill Lang shooting local ski conditions on nightly capsule via WMGM . . . Gabber Bert Wayne ankled WNEW last week. Station also recently released d.j. A1 Collins from contract so’s he could shift to WRCA. IN CHICAGO . . . Richard E. Hellyer, ex-Vogue-Wright, is WLS’ new manager of sales promotion, advertising and publicity . . . Joseph Keene, James Isham and John Nagel awarded veepee chevrons at Needham, Louis & Brorby . . . Chi NBC sports and news spieler Norm Barry and wife off to South America for a January hiatus. John Holtman pinchhits on his WMAQ morning news stint and Joe Wilson takes over his WMAQ-WNBQ sports shows . . . WFMT airing series of 13 weekly Fine Arts Quartet Tuesday nights from Kimball Hall with Daily News music critic Irving Sablosky conducting the intermission show. Allied Radio is bankrolling . . . WIND and the Chicago Church Federation combining forces on a "Christmas In Chicagoland” special airer Saturday afternoon (25) . . . Tom Mercein now supplying the chatter for WMAQ’s Saturday after- noon "House of Music” record roundelay . . . David Winton added to the Needham, Louis & Brorby traffic department . . . Standard Radio the past month has peddled its transcription library service and monthly Shorty-Tunes to 11 additional stations. IN WASHINGTON . . . Esther Van Wagoner Tufty, capital editor for NBC’s "Home” show, currently in the Netherlands as an official guest of the Dutch govern- ment . . . Enid Love, assistant director of School Broadcasting for BBC, back to her London desk after a four-month State Department sponsored tour of the U.S. for purpose of studying educational radio and tv in this country . . . Earl Minderman, onetime FCC exec and more recently on staff of the National Citizens Committee for Educa- tional TV, has been elected executive v.p. of the Greater Washington Educational Television Assn. . . . Robert M. Adams leaving WRC-NBC to return to WTOP-CBS as new director of promotion for tv, replacing Cody Pfasntiehl, recently promoted station p.r. boss . . . Mac McGarry replacing the vacationing Holly Wright as emcee of WRC’s daily "Terrace Room” airer from National Airport . . . Local radio-tv stations vying with each other to spread Yule cheer amongst town’s needy . . . Navy flying its famed Navy Band to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl telecast and to originate the "Navy Hour” immediately preceding game. IN SAN FRANCISCO . . . Dick Cook, hired as a temporary replacement for Herb Kennedy wh® resigned from KSFO staff, starts a new three-hour morning disk jockey show on the station this week. Cook comes from WLWD, Dayton . . . Chan Mueloy, a San Francisco State student, has been hired as Del Courtney’s assistant and has taken over Courtney’s KSFO disk jockey chores while the latter is on vacation . . . KPVR readying new office* in downtown San Francisco . . . Cottonseed Clark’s Western show dropped by KOVR . . . KSFO is getting ready to move into its new quarters in the Fairmont Hotel ... A new travel show sponsored by Pacific Grayhound debuts on KNBC next week. Ira Blue will handle it and Beaumont & Holden is the agency for the M-F 5:40-5:45 p.m. show . . . Russ Coglin ill with laryngitis and KROW staff filling out his chores. IN DETROIT . . . WJR has requested FCC permission to change location of its pro- posed Flint transmitter site which would put station out of Detroit coverage area. This move is expected to quiet Flint complaints that WJR is merely seeking to build a fifth Detroit tv station, rather than serve Flint primarily . . . Robert J. McKendrlck, from WLOK-TV, Lima, O., is the new assistant program and production manager at WWJ-TV . . . Soupy Sales, WXYZ-TV comic, is auctioning himself off to attend a private party of the viewer who writes the best letter — in 25 word* or less — why he’d like Soupy and his gang at the party . . . Ron Gilbert, formerly with a life insurance company, has joined the WWJ-TV sale* staff. IN MINNEAPOLIS ... WTCN-TV personality Jack Thayer, whose programs include a chil- dren’s show, held his first annual toy dance at Prom Ballroom to accumulate toys for underprivileged children. Admission was by toy . . . Black Hills Broadcasting Co. authorized to operate a tv station at Rapid City, S.D. . . . Minneapolis established as a permanent link in coast to coast Boxoffice TV Network . . . Produced by U. of Minne- sota radio station KUOM workshop, WCCO-TV’s new children’s show, boasting original idea, has Betty Girling, Minnesota School of Air director, stepping out of stagewagon to tell 15-minute stories about pirates, trolls, snowflakes and dragons, etc. . . . WTCN-TV and WMIN- TV jointly offering the series of 13 "Amazing Tales of Hans Christian Andersen” series filmed in Denmark ... U. of Minnesota Quiz Bowl team won seventh consecutive victory in NBC network radio college contest show with cash scholarships going to winning school. Last year it won eight in a row, a record not since equalled but now being (Continued on page 34) . Wednesday* December 22, 1954 TELEVISION REVIEWS SI :! Tele Follow-Up Comment | ; ; +.+.»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ »♦»+• ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»*♦♦ ♦•♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦++♦+»♦+♦ Th . r * wasn't a chance that any- , senting bits and pieces from such • JL rou j ( i have missed placing 1 lw ** lr » aa v«»n— - {l, efface last Saturday (18) night when l>ook mag paraded 13 win- ners before the earner, to receive laurel’s as video s best in 54. And if the viewer just happened to miss the name after one of Steve Allen’s intros, identification was otherwise aided because not a sin- gle one of the winners stepped out of character on the NBC-TV stan- Z « bankrolled by Toni in lieu of ils regular veek-to-weeker “Place the Face." Carry Moore (best emcee) was flu* picture of charm and modesty; Ed Sullivan (best variety) was humble; Groucho Marx (best quiz) was hackdropped by “You Bet Your Life” props and didn t miss a yok: -lack Webb (best director), who along with Marx and Gobel. was filmed making his acceptance from the Coast, did a montonic thankyou in shirtsleeves: Helen llaye^- (accepting best dramatic show for “U.S. Steel Hour”) bowed her head and rendered in tremolo; Georec Gobel was George Gobel; Dr Frances Horwich (best juve casing. “Ding Dong School") spoke slowly, enunciating each word), but the capper on the evening was Edward R. Murrow’s cigaret smoke; the same gentle spiral to be seen on “Sec It Now” could be seen then. There were others. Win Eliot (for Gillette “Cavalcade.” best sports show); John Cameron Sway/e (best news program); Fred Coe (top producer), who was, inci- dentally. the least known face on the half-hour show; Alistair Cooke (educational tops was “Omnibus”) being his typical literate humorist, and Bishop Sheen (best religioso show*, who closed out the night as number 13 with some cuties. in- cluding a how to his four writers, Matthew. Mark. Luke and John. Program wasn’t strictly entertain- ment. but the big names in big numbers «13 being a lot for 30 minutes) gave the show a specola flavor. Allen, an NBC hireling, and others exchanged network plugs freelv. Most obvious were contained in just the appearance of Murrow (who rejected a pre- vious NBC Overseas Press Club show) and the CBS “eye” cufflinks belonging to Moore. However, rather than have people think that Gobel was plugging Toni by his appearance, his own NBC sponsor. Dial (with same kind of products as Toni), demanded the only “here through the courtesy of” plug in during the whole night. As for maestro Harry Sosnik. he could have created another “Let Me Go Lover” with that embarrassing four-minute stretch the orchestra was left with because of the show’s mistiming. Art. books as Rudyard Kipling’s “How The Whale Got His Throat;" Ruth Krauss’ “I’ll Be You and You’ll Be Me”; Dr. Suess’ "Horton Hears a Who,” and a new Robert L. Stevenson biog. The Cronyns were completely at ease and seemed very much like the ordinary parent coup’e read- ing their favorite stories to their children. M«ss Tandy in particular- ly is a charmer who can tell a story like nobody’s business. One wishes they’d do this more often on tv! The world-famous Vienna Boys Choir was given a proper setting for its c’ear-voiced carol singing, the Cloisters providing a dark and beautiful background for their mu- sic. Whether the boys marched in procession down the corridor or assembled in one of the cham- bers of the museum which was put together from a number of old French monestary relics, the music was always equally lovely. The lighting, with the singers holding candles part of the time, w'as par- ticularly effective. After all the repeats of Dicken’s “Scrooge” story and various other Christmas staples, this offbeat “Omnibus’* show was a real treat. Alistair Cooke d : d the introduc- tions with his usual suave skill. Seymour Robb e directed, the over- all supervision being under the Ford Foundation’s TV-Radio Work- shop’s Robert Saudek. Hift. AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS (Hallmark Hall of Fame) With Bill Mclver, Rosemary Knhl- mann, Andrew McKinley, Wil- liam Aiken, Leon Listener, Fran- cis Monachino, John Butler, Felisa Conde, Glen Tetley, others; Symphony of the Air (Thomas Schippers, conductor) Producer: Samuel Chotzinoff Stager: Gian Carlo Menotti Director: Kirk Browning CO. Mins.. Sun. (19). 5 p.ra. HALLMARK CARDS NBC-TV. from N. Y. (Foote, Cone & Belding) Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” which achieved the enviable position of having become a modern opera j classic almost immediate y after its premiere performance in 1951, has done well at the hands of NBC- TV, for whom it was initially writ- ten. As a “television” opera — in that it was commissioned and staged for tv by Menotti — it’s re- ceived sensitive and respectful treatment in its five performances by the net. Sunday’s (19) “Hall- mark of Fame” rendition was no exception to the rule set over the past three years by the web MARTIN A LEWIS (“Colgate Comedy H our**) Producer-Director: Ernest D. Glucksman Writers: Artie Phillips, Harry Crane 60 Mins., Sun., 8 p.m. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE NBC-TV, from Hollywood (Ted Bates) Dean Martin A Jerry Lewis, do- ing their first tv show this season! have undoubtedly put on more stimulating programs. They might have been out of practice for this season’s inaugural on the Colgate “Comedy Hour” Sunday (19), on NBC-TV. The duo relied on ma- terial rather than themselves, and the writing unfortunately was based on cliches. However, the major gag of their show worked out well since it was designed to leave the viewers flabbergasted. The guest, widely advertised as Phil Abrams, hap- pened to be . Jack Benny. Upon clearing his throat, he was congratulated on his ster- ling performance and that was the end of his guestshot, except for the farewell at the end. It was a A sincere, unpretentious yarn about jazz musicians provided a solid foundation to the “Armstrong Circle” show on NBC-TV last Tuesday night (14). Titled “Hit A Blue Note,” the script neatly fell into the half-hour format with a natural blend of drama and dixie- land music, as supplied by a first- Porhans * the most aDDoalinc ; reciprocation for a similar type t ^liiaps me most appealing j Hpal a few weeks nun when x, i facet of the opera, apart from its did a walkon for * seasonal theme, is its aiiover , U1< * a * a,kon for Benny. The material seemed to have had some hard usage in many show’ is warmth, and the entire NBC Opera staff, from producer Samuel Chot- zinoff on down to the lowliest biz fields. The cafe sketch and the member of the chorus of shop- 1 in which the Dean Martins se- herds, retained this warmth in a an orphan, (Lewis) for adop- f lawless presentation. The human Lon had a familiar design. There’s traits of the three kings, the comic something basically unfunny in an awkwardness of the shepherds, the | orphan submitting himself to a agony of the mother, all give it a ; prospective parent that doesn’t universality far beyond the Christ- l pn d itself completely to comedy mas theme. And with all due rev- treatment. erence for the story, it was the The production elements such as stressing of these very human Castle Dancers’ interpretation of feelings that gave the opera its i “Swing Alley” and the excellent spirit and movement. pacing imparted by Ernie Glucks- Bill Mclver. essaying the role of I man were the plus factors on the Amahl for the third time, turned in a masterful performance in both the vocal and thesping depart- ments. Youngster’s voice has those rate combo headed by Conrad j clear-fs-a-bell choirboy tones that Janis. endowed his performance with the Plot -involved a has-been trumpe- ; purity that the role calls for. and ter, who cares for nothing except I b* s acting was no less effective Leave it to CBS-TV’s “Omnibus" show to come up with a Christmas presentation that’s both different and mature. Last Sunday’s (19) program not only caught the spirit of the season, but also offered en- tertainment of a very special and very appealing sort, the likes of which one isn’t likely to find else- where on the air. Show divided up into three parts, each distinctive and done in excellent taste. Starter, a “live” telecast originating from The Cloisters, N. Y„ was a staging by Elliot Silverstein of the 15th cen- tury mystery play, “The Second Shepherd’s Play,” which in those clays was presented on the streets on Saint’s days. This was followed by a wholly delightful reading of children’s stories by the stage team of Hume Crony n and Jessica Tandy. Yule- tide show’ ended on a fitting mu- sical note, with the Vienna Boys Choir offering Christmas carols? against medieval background of the Cloisters museum. being the No. 1 man. and his cver- loving and ever-suffering girl friend who gels him a combo snot in the club where she sings. The trumpeter not only goofs his own chances but messes up a potential big break for the songstress when a couple of bigtime agents show up in the nitery. At the windup, the trumpeter sees the light and promises to reform by playing in time with the rest of the boys. Performances were excellent, not least being the offstage horn blowing by Charlie Shavers for the role of the trumpeter. Latter was played convincingly by Walter Matthau with Carol Bruce also turning in an intense portrayal of a gal carrying a torch. Janis, be- sides fronting the jazz combo, also handles his straight lines with lotsa savvy. Herm. show'. There were some moments when individual effort^ seemed to rise above the material, but these were the exceptions. Dick Stabile’s Orch, the .Castle Dancers and a load of bit parts made this one of the larger casts around. Jose. For its near-to-Xmas show on Sunday (19) CBS-TV’s “Toast of the Town’* deployed Its load of talent between live and film, with about equal effectiveness. The big marquee noise on the live side was via Patti Page and Julius La- Rosa, both in duetting and solo roles (on and off ice skates), with LaRosa winding the package in a Christmastime hymn. They w'ere paired up front on “Winter Won- derland” and another Yule tune after a production number on the ice by the Ed Sullivan show’s grouping, and toward the end of the hour Miss Page let go niftly on “Let Me Go, Lover.” Before that, there was a plug for Mer- cury (the car), and after Page’s “Lover” workover, a commercial for Lincoln, which made this area of the stanza a bit topheavy on the blurb values. A good deal of the publicly- , slanted bally was pegged around Since tv these days isn’t exactly a filmed comedy scene with some given to experimentation program- of the stars of the Stanley Kramer- wise, the performance of “The j produced “Not As a Stranger,” Second Shepherd’s Play” was a I based on the bestseller. Various welcome departure, fascinating as I vignettes rounded up Olivia De Havilland, Robert Mitchum. Frank Sinatra, Gloria Grahame and Charles Bickford, with Sullivan capering with a few of them. (He also arranged one of those non- spontaneous ad libs under which the “Stranger” cast presented him with a gift for his grandson.) The Hollywood sequences, di- rected bv Kramer, were undoubt- edly a big plug for the film, which is the main intention. There were, ... v — “'"•<»* aim iHE nielli | of course, Oscar values in the visitors’’ which went on on the j threesome of De Havilland-Sinat- conipeting Channel 4 at the same ra-Grahame; fourth Acad Award time. | winner in “Stranger" is Broderick The children’s book readings of | Crawford, not scon in the comedy tionyn and Miss Tandv (himh.iml much for its educational values as for the version of the Three Shepherds it presented. Adapted by John Gassman. it was capably acted out by Wood Romoff, Bram- well Fletcher, Earl Montgomery, V right King, Adnia Rice and Mar- ni Nixon. Romoff in the role of thieving rascal was particularly effective. How oddly this medieval British vehsion of the long-familiar * cL C( ? n *' ras ^ e ^ with the same story told in “Amahl and the Night Rosemary Kuhlman. another veteran of the opera, w’as equally effective in quite an opposite di- LET’S TAKE SIDES rection as the mother. Her voice With Waiter Kieran, Frank Coniff had the sense of hardness that re- Sloan Simpson, guests fleets the character of the loving Producers mother faced with the realities of Baer poverty. As the most comicly 30 Mins; Sun. 1 p.m. human of the three kings. Andrew WABC-TV, N.Y. McKinley’s stint was full of hu- As indicated by the title “Let’s Gerry Cross-Norman mor, while William Aiken and Leon Lishner as the other two visitors lent the proper sense of pomp. JPrancis Monachino’s page was well enacted and sung, and the dancing trio of John Butler. Felisa Conde and Glen Tetley did an excellent job of executing But- ler’s comic choreography. Ensemble singing of the three kings was highly melodic, as was the choral work of the shepherds. Symphony of the Air, under Thomas Schippers* baton, backed the opera beautifully, although audio director George Voutsas might have kept the more climatic segments of the accompaniment down so that the voices weren’t drowned out quite so often. Eu- gene Berman’s sets were intimate, yet realistic, and his costumes were in the spirit of the story. Topping the long but not-to-be- neglected list of credits was Kirk Browning’s deft and fluid direc- tion. Hallmark filled in the last 10 minutes of its hour with a pleas- ant medley of Christmas carols performed very ably by the Columbus Boycnoir of Princeton, under Herbert Huffman’s direc- tion. Chan. Miss Tandy (husband and wife in real life), with their uo children as listeners, were a pure delight both in their sim- plicity and their execution. They , alternated in their readings, pre- [ takes. A cast of kids romped off with the show’s honors. Led by de- lightful Portland, daughter of the James Masons (Pamela Kellino), (Continued on page 40) ‘American Forum’ Goes Tradey’ in Kickaround Of TV & Radio’s Future It wasn’t by popular demand that Theodore Granik’s “American Forum” played around with “What Is the Future of Radio and TV” on NBC-TV Sunday (19). It’s too late now, “but the title should have been “The Future of Radio in Relation to TV”; the sound medium couldn’t have been equated with its visual counterpart in the way the ques- tion was put, considering that AM’s future is, as they say, behind it, at least in the multiple network form under which it became one of the great communicators of our time; whereas video’s future is happening every day on a larger if not necessarily more qualitative scale. The point is that in tv it’s hap- pening; in web radio, it’s happened long since. But with four* promi- nents on the panel there was bound to be a lot of interest engendered, perhaps more so from the trade (Continued on page 36) BABES IN TOYLAND With Dave Garroway, Dennis Day, Jane Piper, Jack E. Leonard, Karin Wolfe, Edward Brian, Jo Sullivan, Wally Cox, Bil and Cora Baird, Bambi Linn, Rod Alexander, A. Robbins Jr., Charlie Cairoli and Paul, Charles Sanford Orch Producer-Director: Max Liebman Adaptation: William Friedberg, Fred Saldy. Neal Simon, Will Glickman. William Jacobson Associate Producer-Director: Bill Hobin 90 Mina., Sat., 9 p.m. OLDSMOBILE NBC-TV, from New York (color) (D. P. Brother) What a natural this Max Lieb- man production of Victor Herbert’s “Babes In Toyland" would have been for Christmas Day! Especially in its dressed-up rainbow reincar- nation which found the NBC-RCA compatible color impresarios put- ting their best tint foot forward in fashioning a brilliant ly-toned holiday spectacle. But do what you will with “Babes In Toyland,” it’s still a kid show, its whole appeal directed toward a moppet mentality. To pass it off for adult-slanted entertainment as a 9 to 10:30 p.m. presentation long after the kiddies are tucked in, is something else again. Despite its pretentions toward the spec- tacular — and it’s obvious that pain- staking care and lots of coin went into this tv adaptation — 90 minutes of sugar-coated kid fantasy can tax even the most patient and charit- able of the Yuletide-infccted adult viewer. There were parts of “Toyland** that were stunningly executed, notably those which featured the Bil and Cora Baird marionettes. Indeed, the live performers had a hard time keeping up with the Baird-manipulated performers and, for the most part, the “live” con- tributions came off second best. With the exception of Jack E. Leonard, who managed to vest his role of the villainous Silas Barna- by. a “man of diabolical achieve- ments and the inventor of castor oil,” with an unscrinted humor and sly comicalities (the guy was itching to break out as Jack E. Leonard); or again in the loo brief Wa’ly Cox episodes as the toy- maker, it remained for the Baird marionettes to endow “Toyland” with its most perfect moments. The inventiveness with which the Bairds manipulated various species of the animal kingdom, notably an ostrich, the cats, the lambs and the rabbits; or again their trio of ballet performers and the March of the Soldiers, provided some joy- ful moments, for they were noth- ing short of sheer artistry. A beautifully executed turn by Bambi Linn and Rod Alexander and the insertion of some standard acts, such as A. Robbins Jr.’s long familiar and still delightful clown- ing, and the musicology of Charles Cairoli and Paul, Were on the plus side to help alleviate some other- wise distressing moments in pro- jecting the “book” aspects of fan- tasy. It was, for the most part, pretty rough going for Dennis Day and Jo Sullivan as the love in- terest; or for Karin Wolfe and Edward Brian as the two kids lost in the forest; and particularly for Dave Garroway in his thankless role of Santa Claus reciting the “Toyland” fantasy to a lost kid. Rod Alexander's choreography, Paul de Pont’s costumes and Charles Sanford’s music were eye and ear appealing. But overall this “Toyland” was lacking in imagina- tion, either in use of cameras or in executing a novel or different projection of the Mother Goose classics. It rated the tag of spec- tacular only from the standpoint of lavish expenditures and size of Take Sides” is a discussion show. A subject is introduced and then its pros and cons are bandied about by four panelists. Quartet is evenly split in the debate. Impact of the program depends on the quality of the topics presented. However, splitting of show’s half- hour running time between two subjects permits only skimpy eval- uations by the debators and does little more than w’het the viewer’s appetite when dealing with conse- quential matters. Initialer, Sunday (12) concerned itself with the questions, “Are Bachelors Happier Than Married Men?” and “Is President Eisen- hower a Strong President?" The Eisenhower discussion was meaty enough to carry the whole show, with gueslers New Jersey’s Gov. Robert Meyner taking a negative view and U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush (Rep., Connecticut) an affirmative stand. Show’s regular panelists, N.Y. Journal-American scribe Frank Conniff, and Sloan Simpson sided with Gov. Meyner and Sen. Bush, respectively. The less exciting problem of the emotional state of bachelors had Gypsy Rose Lee and author-play- wright Max Shulman voicing their opinions. Miss Lee, in a lowcut gown, was against bachelorhood, while Shulman, a married man, was on the opposing team. Part- nered with him was Miss Simpson, while Conniff joined forces with Miss Lee. Walter Kieran, filling in for moderator Bob Considine, also of the Journal-American, did an okay job. Camerawork at the start of show was a little sloppy, with lens- men failing to focus on Miss Simp- son when she was introed by Kieran. Jess. NBC’s Big D.C. Year . Washington, Dec. 21. Stations WRC and WRC-TV, the NBC o&o outlets in Washington, are having their biggest financial year in 1954, according to NBC veepee Carleton Smith, general manager of the outlets. The tv sta- tion, which went on the air in 1947, is having its greatest pocketbook ?.!?:• J2f "i 1 ! 0 " 8 ' spo ' I Kiner. oP t^ci'evXnd ’ indffi? the production. Hose. STOP THE EXPERTS With Jim McKay, Bill Hickey, guests Producer: McKay Director: Frank Moriarty 15 Mins.: Sat., 4:45 p.m. WCBS-TV. N. Y. “Stop the Experts” should score a comfortable batting average in attracting a sports-minded audi- ence. It’s an informative 15-min- ute show covering all aspects of athletics. Program doesn’t have any particular visual merit ns it’s solely a question and answer ses- sion. As show’s moderator. Jim McKay did a smooth job on initial- er. Saturday (18), while permanent panelist Bill Hickey and gnestcr Tom Meany. sports editor of Col- lier’s mag. demonstrated an au- thoritative knowledge of the sports field. Ilickey. incidentally, has his own WCBS-TV show as commentator on “Sports of thp Night.” while McKay is also sportscaster for sta- tion’s "Six O’clock Report.” Ralph ^VV j “ time being up 28% over 1953. scheduled to guest with Meany had Time sales on the radio station | to cancel out. Questions used on are the best since 1948. I (Continued on page 36) Wednesday, December 22, 1954 MORE homes. More families. More people. No matter how you figure it, NBC «• * ■ Television delivers more, and keeps on delivering. MORE homes for nighttime sponsors— an average of 803,000 more homes per , • * program than the second network since the middle of September, when the most competitive programming in TV’s history began. That’s almost equivalent to 4 . • - ••• • •' v'-.v. *•' . ' . : - ■ ■ • . . . .* % •• . vW*. . .•/>. • .•>. • ••• ••• •• •>>•. •- * a :• • . ’ ' .. :• - • • ' ' ... - - • " all the homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and it’s extra! MORE programs in the “Top Ten.” In the first four Nielsen Reports this fall, NBC twice hit six out of ten, and twice made it seven out of ten. It’s seven out ■ . of ten in the latest Nielsen pocket-piece, and every one of them reached more { than 11,000,000 homes; the details are listed on the opposite page. \ . . ••...• • • . ___ ' • ' . •. ' ' MORE sets tuned to NBC Spectaculars, and the dynamic program leadership that they represent. The latest Nielsen ‘report shows still another of these 90-minute color super-shows in the top ten: the sixth to make a top-ten- sized audience out of the seven so far rated. And the seventh barely missed. MORE homes for the time-tested programs, too. It’s seven years now since Milton Berle took command of Tuesday night for NBC. He still holds it, and as the listing shows, he’s attracting greater audiences than ever before. - MORE. That’s the story of NBC programming. More homes. More families. . More people. And naturally, more values for advertisers. EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING ON NBC’s 7 out of 10 • •. .V ' FROM THE LATEST NIELSEN REPORT* No. off Momeo Program Readied DRAGNET 13,998,000 YOlf BET YOUR LIFE 13,221,000, BUICK-BERLE 12,463,000 ►MAN SPECTACULAR 11,71 1,000 STEVE ALLEN SHOW 11,581,000 A SERVICE OF Wednesday, Pecfaphof 22, 1954 THIS IS YOUR LIFE (WK. 2) 11,549,000 FORD THEATRE 1 1 ,001 ,000 DATA VERIFIED BY A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY (SEPT. REPORT #2, 1954-*NOVEMBER REPORT #1) iji# ANCASTIR Wednesday, December 22, 1954 54 RADIO-TKLEVISIO^ Inside Stuff — Radio-TV Politicos’ demand for equal air time can work in reverse. It did with Edgar Bergen. Bergen had been having quite a time of it getting Republican bigwigs to appear on his CBS Radio show,.. The only politicians out of Washington represented on the stanza have been Democrats — Governor-elect Avereli Harriman of New York and Sena- tors Gore and Jackson. The ventro, in a telegram to Presidential assistant Sherman Adams and GOP national chairman Leonard Hall, brought up the question of the Republicans’ '‘lackadaisical” attitude while needling them about the representation from the Demos. It worked. Adams himself and Jim Hagerty, Ike's press chief, plus Bernard Shanley, the Presidential legal eagle, all expressed interest In appearing on Bergen’s Sunday night show. President Eisenhower did a commercial for CBS News at his press conference last week. Earlier in the week web correspondent Bill Shadel had reported on “World News Roundup” that the Administra- tion w’as planning a 100.000-man reduction in military strength and withdrawal of a Marine division from the Pacific area. CBS corre- spondent Daniel Schorr referred to the report and asked the President if he would explain the reason for the moves. President Eisenhower asked where this information had been reported. “On CBS, of course, sir,” replied Schorr. Ike joined in a roar of laughter with the news- men and said he guessed he would have to accept that as authoritative, then proceeded to explain in detail his thinking on military problems. Gabe Pressman, WRCA (N Y.) roving reporter, who then as a news- paperman was one of two Americans permitted to cover the Cardinal Mindszenty “trial" in Budapest five years ago. guested on Tex & Jinx McCrary’s afternoon show last week to discuss latest news on possible release of the prelate. Unusual intra-station “booking” may have been the start of a regular on-the-air parade by Pressman tied up with such timely events since Pressman’s erstwhile news beat (for the N.Y. World-Telegram & Sun) took him into a multitude of spots in the U. S. and elsewhere, although he’s now* limited to Gotham. NBC Radio’s hourlong tribute on Sunday to Ernest Hemingway is part of the web’s “auralacular” specials blueprinted by program veepee Ted Cott. Among other biggies due for the biog treatment are Arturo Toscanini (planned for two hours). Gertrude Lawrence, Bernard Baruch, Jimmy Durante. Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and John Golden. The specially slotted Sir Winston Churchill 80th birthday paean. “His Finest Hour,” is being albumized by the sponsor, Allis-Chalmers, and web has sold the latter the broadcast rights for New Zealand and Australia. Eleven stations have signed formal agreements and as of yesterday (Tues.) eight others were on the verge of latching on to CBS-TV’s Ex- tended Market Plan under which the web’s major shows arc serviced to small markets. Contracts were turned in last week in New York at a CBS-hosted luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria. The 11 pacts are from WMSL-TV, Decatur. Ala.; KGVO-TV, Missoula, Mont ; KVEC-TV, San Luis Obispo, Cal.; KFXJ-TV. Grand Junction, Colo.; WINK-TV. FT Myers. Fla.; KLIX-TV, Twin Falls. Idaho; WFAM-TV, Lafayette. Ind.; KVOS-TV. Bellingham, Wash.; WDXI. Jackson, Tenn.; WBOC-TV, Salisbury, Md., and WGBI-TV, Columbus, Miss. With these in the bag and others expected momentarily, the web established a special sales unit for EMP, with Terence McGuirk as sales manager in charge. McGuirk is a sales services specialist of the network. Edward J. Noble, key stockholder in American Broadcasting-Para- mount Theatres and chairman of the corporation’s finance committee, has donated $5,000,000 to the Edward John Noble Foundation, an en- dowment fund which supports hospitals, education, charities and other philantropic activities. Gift follows by a year a $2,000,000 donation by Noble to the Foundation, which was organized in 1940. Noble said he was making the gift as an individual effort in the hope that it “will encourage other businessmen to give as individuals to charitable causes or to foundations which strive to meet the constantly increasing needs of charities, of hospitals and of educational institutions.” “Peacock City" air credit on CBS’ ‘Studio One’ recently misspelled the author credit. It should have read Carey Wilber, not Wilbur. That disposes of any family resemblance or coincidence with the oldtime screen actor-writer-director Crane Wilbur w ho, by sheer happenstance, had spent some time in Phenix City, Alabama, the city which sees Itself the original of the Wilber television script, as presented on “Studio One.” Wilber and CBS deny that this is true. Wilber lives and writes in Connecticut, has never visited the faiped gambling burg of the South. The Channel 8 Mighty Market Place all yours WGALTV DU “° M lAkirACTCD DA 5TEINM AN STATION LANCASTER/ PA* ciair mccououoh mis. CLAIR McCOHOUGH PRES. MEEKER TV, INC. Headers SRO Status Gabriel Heatter strip via Mutual achieved an SRO status this week, with the signing of two new bank- rollers. Bankers Life and Casualty Co. of Chicago will hereafter al- ternate on Tuesdays with Beltone hearing aids. The other new biz comes from Olson Rug Co. in the lately sustaining Thursday anchor- age. Bankers Life starts on Jan. 4 and Olson on Jan. 6. Grant, Scl wenck and Baker agency inked for the former and Mark Smith agency handled matters for Olson. Show is cross-the-board at 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. Norman Cash Continued from pane 26 tral organization working for their collective interest, thereby raising tv to the top revenue position among the media. 55% of Goal Achieved Though it wasn’t until Cash got the official nod that the TvB mem- bership campaign began, there was $213,000 in the till from unsolicited station memberships. That’s 55% of the $400,000 that Treyz expects as working capital in the org's first year (Jan. to Jan.). He said that $400,000 was far less than he expected. He mentioned that there are 400 some odd tele stations now in operation, but he said that he deliberately avoided counting how many of them were actually members of TvB so far. Rogers, however, managed an aside to the effect that none of the stations who had joined the short-lived TVAB, inspired by stations alone, had yet failed to come through as members of the new outfit. It was an afternoon when Rogers, Treyz and Cash all had their say. entirely for the benefit of the preifc. In answer to a query, Rogers explained that TvB will avoid generalities, and actually pitch local, spot or network tele- vision, according to the advertiser’s It was an afternoon when Rogers, Treyz and Cash all had their say. entirely for the benefit of the preifc. In answer to a query, Rogers explained that TvB will avoid generalities, and actually pitch local, spot or network tele- vision, according to the advertiser’s needs. Incidentally, in tlte naming of [ Cash to a top level TvB post, the. industry is seeing a repetition of the radio-to-tv swing that began in 1948 and continued strongly through 1951. Fact is that TvB, set up as an all-industry organiza- tion to promote tv, has recruited its two key men from the ranks of network radio. (Treyz was for- merly director of ABC and Cash was its eastern sales chief.) What makes the present situa- tion stand out is the fact the tv station owners and network rep- resentatives running TvB have reached into network radio for their new execs at a time when the latter medium is being counted out. Of course, they counted radio out back in the height of the AM- to-tv trend, but then it was ac- cepted practice to change your me- dium. Now. it makes news, es- pecially when it’s in regard to video’s representative group. Cash, incidentally, came to ABC from WLW, and was just upped to east- ern program chief a couple of weeks ago. ABC Radio veep Charles Ayres, commenting on the loss of two key men to TvB, wryly said, “Paradoxical, isn’t it?” N ° Y 0 f Claim Sabotage Continued from page 26 Television Artists continued to cross the picket line, AFTRA has asked the San Francisco Labor Council to sanction a strike at the station, and it is expected that AFTRA will also walk out momen- tarily. In a statement released shortly after the station was struck, gen- eral manager Philip G. Lasky charged that the station’s equip- ment had been “sabotaged in a manner unprecedented in the 30 years of broadcasting history in the U. S.” In the 36 hours after the strike started, Lasky charged, such examples of sabotage as the following were found: fuses re- moved and dummies inserted in their place; equipment hidden; blueprints and instruction books hidden; sync generators knocked out by small bits of wire; audio circuits shorted; tubes removed; the optical system of film pro- jectors put out of alignment. To all the charges, Robert Leni- han, NABET representative, is- sued a categorical denial. From the Production Centres Continued from page 30 = |M r approached . . . Bee Baxter, KSTP-TV personality, one of winners of McCall’s 1954 awards to outstanding women in radio and tv because of her series, “Operation XLC,” produced in cooperation with U. of ! Minnesota radio station KUOM and telling story of nursing profession • in effort to enlist more women for it . . . After 19 years at WTCN, much of time as program director, Judy Bryson has resigned to join j new KEYD-TV as assistant to program director Bob Fransen. The same video newcomer will have Jim McGovern, from KGTV, Des Moines, as promotion manager and news broadcaster. Prior to joining KGTV, he was WDGY radio news director here. IN BOSTON ... WCRB. suburban indie, has been granted a nighttime license and is now on the air from 6:30 a. in. to 12:30 midnight. Station feature; longhair platters ... In addition to his regular sportscasts, Leo Eagan, WBZ gabber, has taken over the newscasts formerly handled by Ken Mayer, vi?ho recently, ankled the station . . . Richard II. Gurley, Jr., formerly a salesman at WTAO-TV, has joined the WEEI sales staff . . . WBZ deejay Paul Knight who formerly conducted an all-night disk show, is now on staff with the platter show on automatic play . . . Disk “What is Christmas?”, scripted and etched by WTAO deejay Ed Penney, on Radex label, getting big play over local airwaves and shapes as one of most successful newcomers of the Christmas season . . . Latest survey shows 1,339.424 tv sets installed in Hub coverage area, a jump of 15,643 sets over previous survey. IN DALLAS ... Buddy Harris, dean of local dee joys, quit record spinning at KGKO to become commercial manager there. Behind him are top stints with WRR, KLIF and KGKO here, and KFWB. Hollywood. With Harris’ promotion, station added d.j. staffers Ray McFarland, Frank Bell, Art Magee and Charlie Boland . . . Evangelist Billy Graham aired his ABC “Hour of Decision” from the First Baptist Church, where his mem- bership rests . . . Audle Murphy, personaling here with the “Destry” film opening, guestarred on Gerry Johnson’s “Variety Fair” via KRLD- TV and on Gene Edwards’ KLIF platter show. Edwards retains his deejay slot after being promoted to program director at KLIF, suc- ceeding Bill Stewart . . . George Wilson, announcer-newscaster, now a WFAA staffer . . . Charles Clary, KRLD-TV announcer, moved into the news department of KRLD and KRLD-TV. IN PHILADELPHIA ... • A1 Krivin, formerly of KYW, has joined sales staff of WPTZ . . . Director Cal Jones and Producer Dick McCuteheon hoarded Venezuelan freighter below quarantine at Lewes, Del., to vidfilm ride up Delaware River and delivery of iron ore to Fairless Steel . . . Hal Woodard is the commentator and Mark Olds the producer-writer on the new KYW three-hour Saturday matinee show “Hi Fi Festival” . . . David G. Steph- ens, musical director of WCAU, ha* been elected to membership in ! ASCAP. Stephens is a graduate of Curtis Institute and was a member ! of Stokowski’s All-American Youth Orchestra . . Max I. eon, president ; of WDAS, has received authorization from the FCC to increase his station's power to 1.000 watts . . . Jim Learning, WIP sports director, has been elected presidenf of the Philadelphia Basketball Writers Assn. . . . Harry Sylk, WPEN owner, was awarded the annual Mastbaum award for outstanding community service, by the Jules E. Mastbaum Lodge, B'nai B’rith . . . Del Parks, former WPEN broadcaster, is doing a late evening show for WPWA, Chester, Pa., originating from a Chester night club. IN CLEVELAND ... WSRS Executive Director Norman Bergholm banned “Calypso Christmas” (RCA) and Rosemary Clooney’s “Mambo Italiano” saying first leaves bad Xmas taste, latter as being slanderous to race . . . WGAR’s Jack Dooley, out for four months because of gunshot wounds, now newscasting 5 p.m. daily stint . . . Lloyd Yoder and Bill Davidson back from NBC managers’ New York convention . . . Wayne Vaughn shifting from WXEL to WEWS sales . . . Tom Slater named radio-lv director for Fuller. Smith, Ross . . . WXEL engineers and projectionists picked CIO as reps . . . Johnny Andrews adding late aft-earl.v-eve stint as Bill Mayer relaxes . . . Irvin and Co., decorators, pacted con- cert pianist Arthur Loesser as narrator, Karl Bates, announcer, in hour- long Sunday 3 p.m. disk stint . . . Karnan Wright, ex-NHK, Tokyo, is nightly WSRS organist-announcer. IN PITTSBURGH . . . Wanda Saylor quitting as leader of EZC Ranch Gals on WDTV next week to join her husband, Leo Heisel, in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he’s an engineer at WSUN-TV. They’ve already bought a hoipe and equipped it with a nursery; the baby's due the end of January . . . Dottie Talbot, formerly Jean Connelly’s assistant and stand-in on Chan- nel 2, picked to replace Elaine Beverly during latter’s maternity leave of absence on daily “Meet Your Neighbor” program. Miss Beverly co-stars on it with her husband, Joe Mann . . . George Kleeb, trans- mitter supervisor at KQV, just chalked off 13 years of service with the station . . . Noel Mills, wife of Tommy Riggs, WCAE nighttime platler spinner, doing a lot of tv pinch-hitting work on WDTV . . . Eddie Brennan. ex-Post-Gazette reporter, has left the Harry Kodirrsky office to go with public relations department of the Ketchum-McLeod- Grove agency ‘Kukla’ Continued from page 24 I tv-shy bankrollers. North Amer- ican Insurance Co. will bankroll in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with another insurance outfit, Wylie B. Marshall Co., sponsoring in Manchester. In York, show will be cosponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and the Manufac- turers Assn. National Bank of De- catur is sponsoring, while in Wichi- ta it will be the Southwest Federal Savings & Loan Co. as cosponsor. Lord & Taylor department store sponsors in Hartford, while the Stone Dept. Store bankrolls in Wheeling. In Washington, D. C.. it’s the Washington Gas & Light Company. Dallas — Gene Edwards, KLIF disk jockey, has been promoted to program director, replacing Bill ' Stewart. I TEXACO STAR THEATRE SATURDAY NIGHT— N.B.C. Mat.: William Morris Agoncy (VERY DAY ON EVERY CHANNH BROOKS COSTUMES IW«IMil».. N.Y.C.-I-Y H T itOO PlUHSOH tik M»CH8^ h0P GlUWOl SHIPhmo BHC»U HUMPHRY CH »isrfv0(p S M0H4MMfD 4ti HOBlin Q IW‘5 **U*IC f MkW»*** U aso* I |rrT[JS| PERSON A REALLY HAPPY HOLIDAY FOR MAKING American Oil Company *** 86 RADIO-TELEVISION Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Television Reviews Continued from page 31 program are sent in by viewers, with contributors receiving cuffo tix if their queries stump the panelists. Preem show included questions on baseball, football, basketball, poetry relative to sports and topi- cal news. Answers to queries were generally elaborate and interest- ing. Jess. ROAD OF LIFE With Don McLaughlin, Virginia Dwyer, Barbara Becker, Harry Holcombe, Bill Lipton, Elizabeth Lawrence, Michael Kane, Els- peth Eric, Hollis Irving; nar- rator, Nelson Case Producer: John Egan Director: Walter Gorman Writer: Charles Gussman 15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 1:15 p.m. PROCTER St GAMBLE CBS-TV, from N.Y. ( Compton ) “Road of Life” is Procter & Gamble’s latest entry in daytime “serialities.” A 17-year radio weep- er, it continues in its aural groove on CBS at 1 o’clock. Since the vid- version is slotted 15 minutes later, a constant follower of the ups ’n’ downs of this particular “Life” is afforded a daily double merely by segueing from the sound to the sight knob on a radio-tv receiver. Lacking a combination set, the householder need only walk over to the video receiver to achieve her objective. (Presumably it’s “her,” according to the age-old sta- tistics). That the broadcasting duality may cause confusion as to episodes (etc.) on a given day is probably of no particular consequence. It is legendary that a hausfrau has that particular mental agility which en- ables her to put a dozen disaster operas into a mental sorting ma- chine and follow each chapter of each series each day with a com- prehension that could easily con- found the best of psychiatrists with a predilection for the whys and wherefores and the what-goes of daytime draymas. No reviewer should be obliged to entrap himself by appraising the story and performance values of a daytime serial. Neither should “Road of Life” be made a patsy. It’s sufficient to restate what is held to be a great truth: that if the captive-at-home didn’t want these programs, they wouldn’t have sponsors. This does not suggest that “Road of Life” is either good or bad. Smart poker players know when to pass. Show replaces “The Seeking Heart” for P & G. Trau. PEE WEE KING SHOW Director: McKinley 90 Mins.; Sat., 10 p.m. NATIONAL CLOTHING; GRAND CENTRAL MOTORS WBBM-TV. Chicago With WLS’ “National Barn Dance” a Windy City Saturday night rad’o fixture for more than two decades, there’s no reason to assume a Saturday night tv hoe- down won’t stir up some interest among the country and western cli- entele. Alfalfa entry has a big c&w name in Pee Wee King and his versatile gang of sidemen and an apparently lavish guest budget. Initial show (18) left a big ques- tion unanswered. That’s whether King’s regular gang and the as- sorted guests can keep the hayloft , jumping over the 90-minute j stretch. What with the padding of the two amateur square dance sets, and a couple of throwaway pro guest stints, the affair seemed about 30 minutes too long for all but the most avid barn dance patronage. King showed he’s no novice at this sort of thing, hosting the pro- ceedings with the proper flair of geniality without overdoing the drawls. He fronts a hep bunch of instrumentalists who stepped for- ward to join him in such King trademarks as “Slow Poke” and “Tennessee Waltz” for the eve- ning’s best moments. Name visi- tor this time was Lauri Anders, the “I Like the Wide Open Spaces” gal, who bounched through "Sure Fire Kisses” and “Mr. Sandman” in lukewarm fashiom. The Davis Sis- ters vocal due, raced through a brace of ditties for unexciting effect. Frank MacCormick spieled the overlong National Clothing pitches on the first hour and Bruce Rob- erts worked the Grand Central Motors blurbs. Dave. NALLE Piano * Organ 9 Celeste I REMEMBER MAMA e Radio Registry * Ing follows “Omnibus” pattern, with moderator introducing each segment. Opener on Giuseppi Ver- di “an essay for television” had narration of w.k. biographical facts done by Facenda to stills showing b.rthplace and town backgrounds, with musical excerpts from the operas. An exceptionally dated device showed Verdi, quill in hand, com- posing such scores as “Rigoletto” and “Traviata.” Not much better was another live contribution of three people, presumably seated in a box, nodding their approval to the flow of recorded melody. A frail rendition of the “Dies Irae" and a creditable ballet number by Jan Ozog (also a set designer) were other live features. The Verdi segment would have had practically the same effect if it had been done on radio, and seems too hard a try for the fledgling group. Less difficult and better nego- tiated was the second half “Sur- prise for Barbara,” a satire on office party collections. Barry Cassel had the lead with a support- ing cast recruited from Hedgerow. Although the general effect was more amateur than experimental, the idea behind “Montage” is sound. Opening program was well balanced in its contrasting halves. 1 he WCAU-TW newcomers appear too steeped in the cliche* of their elders. A littie more originality, or some venturesomeness would have compensated for the lack of professional gloss. Gagh. Television Chatter ‘American Forum’ Continued from page 31 slant than from a layman’s view. The kickaround group consisted of NBC prexy Pat Weaver, comic and author (“Treadmill to Oblivion”) Fred Allen, N.Y. Daily News radio- tv critic and author (“I Looked and I Listened”) Ben Gross, and BBD&O radio - tv vicepresident Robert Foreman. On network radio: Weaver didn’t offer any panaceas for the main- tenance of web radio although hint- ing at a blueprint in this connec- tion. He admitted that it must New York John Alexander, who created the “Teddy Roosevelt” role in the play, film and on radio, will again do the part in “Arsenic and Old Lace” on CBS-TV’s "Best of Broadway” Jan. 5 . Bob & Ray pacted to do the Piels Beer plugs on WCBS-TV's two-hour “New Year’s in New York” show (Dec. 31-Jan. 1). Inci- dentally, the singers with Tito Rodriguez, one of the orchs play- ing the talent-evaded show, will be Josephine Madera and Marilyn Winters . Julius Bing cast for NBC-TV’s “The Hunter” Sunday (26) . . . Legit producer Clinton Wilder granted Bob Downing leave of absence from "Tender Trap” for one night so that he could lee it to Philly to appear on Mike Ellis’ WPTZ show. Ellis and Downing were in the Boston company of “My Sister Eileen” in ’41 and were together on several other legiters . . Clancy Worden, ' PubAffairs chief of WCBS-TV, to Acapulco, Mex., for three weeks of fishing. . . Jay Barney featured on DuMont’s “The Stranger” Friday (24) Al- lan Melvin in a longterm pact on the Phil Silvers telepix skein . . Jim McKay’s WCBS-tTV pre-Bowl sizeup on New Year’s Day backed by Consolidated Cigars. Station’s news review of ’54 for a half-hour that evening, consisting of film clips out of CBS Film Sales for the one-., hot syndicate circuit, will be narrated by Ron Cochran, the “News of the Night” recapper . . Rod Serling’s “Save Me From Trea- son” set back a week to Jan. 4 on NBC-TV’s “Armstrong’s Circle Theatre.” Dec. 28 show will be Carol Warner Gluck’s “The Way Things Happen.” Same night, ABC- TV’s “Elgin Hour” will present George Lowther’s “Falling Star,” and with Miss Gluck and Lowther both repped by Blanche Gaine, lat- ter is struggling with her con- science as to which program to view. (Suggestion: Do what’s be- come a tv habit; start with Arm- strong at 9:30, then turn the knobs MONTAGE Producer: WCAU-TV Experimental ' Theatre Director: James Lindemuth 30 Mins., Sun. (19) 3 p.m. WCAU-TV, Phila. Charles Vanda, v.p. in charge of television at the WCAU stations, turned over a half-hour of Sunday matinee time to the newly-or- ganized Experimental Theatre, to showcase new ideas and techniques of the “young men” on the staff. “Montage” is their first effort. Al- though it turned up nothing avant garde in either writing or lensing, the training ground concept should prove worthwhile. Scripts and problems of production are han- dled without assists from regular personnel, the lone exceptions being announcers John Facenda and Barry Cassell. Composed in two sections, offer- change its form, perhaps leading to at 10 to Elgin’ for the last 30 min- a diffusion” of listenershiD. Fore- utes.).. James Blumgarten’s “Let Nothing You Dismay” on DuMont's The Stranger” last week was his listenership. Fore man blimod both ad agencies and networks for not knowing how to capture large audiences currently, saying it’s still an important me- dium. Gross said the “golden era” of radio will never return, dpubted the survival of the network setup, but saw the auralsphere as a great field for music, discussion of im- portant issues and other programs gaited to local or community ap- peal. On talent: Allen, speaking as an actor and writer, said no one in the business Ls interested basically in the development of performer, scripter and other talent. Foreman countered by saying that there’s no future in the esthetes of radio, that no one is going to throw his dol- lars into the medium against such values, to which Allen countered that without esthetics (through the building of performers, writers, etc. “you have no medium.” Weaver pointed to the NBC Coc- edy Development Plan, admitting it was concentrated in tv, so that Allen’s key question remained un- answered as far as radio is con- cerned. On spectaculars: Weaver 24- shected* his web’s 90-minute big ones, again chiding the critics for making an adjective out of the word (as per his recent extended remarks on the Steve Allen “To- night” show) and said the specolas are here to stay. He thought the load of doing a show every week is “terrible” and enthusiastically endorsed the occasional show (or spec) for bigtime talent. Foreman, on the other hand, said that the weekly, habit-forming exposures should not be “written off.” Allen, playing with the frequency idea, thought conditioning the audience to a monthly show presents diffi- culties, while noting the “dangers” of steadier exposure. Gross de- clared the specs were a “good idea” but wondered whether audi- ences needed these “tremendous spectacles.” On color: Weaver said RCA’s 21- inch color receivers are coming off the line; Foreman, that even a bad show in color is “tremendously ex- n 1 1 1 n ff oml ♦ L n 4 Aiinnt.Ui, J.. ...ftl • _ _ eighth script in the series; he al- ternates with John Gay . Jinx Falkenburg will present her “Wom- an of the Year” in a special hour show on WRCA-TV Dec. 31. Jackie Robinson replacing Marty Glickman for 10 weeks as emcee of “Junior Champions” on WRCA- TV while Glickman tours the coun- try doing play-by-play on NBC- TV’s pro basketball series. . Harry Townes set for the innkeeper role on Kraft’s production of “A Child Is Born” tomorrow (Thurs.) on ABC... David Cole will star as David Copperfield on “Robert Montgomery Presents” Monday (27) in the production of the Dickens novel . Leslie Nielsen planed for the Coast over the weekend for a role in Paramount’s “The Vaga- bond King” . . Alfred Drake signed for Max Liebman’s production of “Naughty Marietta” on Jan. 15... Frank Baxter did another “See It Now” commercial last night (Tues.). Lou Goldberg’s (“Original Ama- teur Hour”) music box collection, planned as nucleus for a museum, showcased Monday (20) on DJVe Garroway’s “Today” . . . Doreen Lang on “The Stranger” Friday (24) . . . Producer Arnold Wolff sailed yesterday (Tues.) on the Caronia with his wife for 12-day holiday cruise to the West Indies and South America . . . With Renee Wolf, timekeeper on “Mas- querade Party,” to absent herself next month to have a baby, Janice Gilbert, the * teller on “Break ‘the Bank,” will pinchhit . . . Bud Pal- mer telecasting the finals of Holi- day Festival basketball tournament from Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve via NBC . . . Be- fore hitting out for H’wood and a pair of film commitments, Louise King will play femme lead on “Studio One” Monday (27). Everett Chambers directing his initial video program this Sunday (26) on NBC’s “American Inven- tory.” Megged Equity Library presentation of “Doughgirls” few weeks back . . . Cantor Moishe on material and execution . . Larry Storch will head up NBC- TV’s 8 to 9 Tuesday nighter Jan. 4 . . . NBC-TV veep John Lanigan will appear on CBS-TV’s “Omni- bus” in mid-February in a curling session, he being a master at that sport. Victor M. Ratner, onetime CBS v.p., has been upped to veep status at the McCann-Erickson agency . . . Milton Douglas, former exec producer at ABC-TV, joined packagers Barry, Enright & Friend- ly in the same capacity . . . ABC’s John MacVane elected president of the Assn, of Radio News Analysts, succeeding H. V. Kaltenborn . Eric Kirkland, eight-year-old son of Gypsy Rose Lee, guesting a piano stint on Ted Strater’s WABD show tomorrow (Thurs.). Chicago Chi NBC’er Alan Beaumont, got the directorial nod from the Ted Bates agency for Sunday’s (26) “Comedy Hour” showcasing of the “Hollywood Ice Revue” from the Chicago Stadium . Packager Jules Power has opened production shops in Detroit, St. Louis and New Haven Snyder & Sons, appliance dealer, is reviving one of those tv wedding displays Sunday noons via WBBM-TV with Franklyn MacCor- niark and Patricia Vance as the co- hosts . . With Janet Brace off to fill an engagement at the Blue Angel nitery in Manhattan. Judy Jones has signed on as one of the femme vocalists on Tom Duggans WBKB daytimec . Kling Films shooting an animated color film for the Par- affined Carton Research Council which is being scripted by staffer Ruth Ratny and scored by musical director Jerry Abbott ... Lincoln Park Zoo director Marlin Perkins, who conducts NBC-TV’s “Zoo Pa- rade,” has joined forces with ex- NBC-TV producer Reinald Werren- rath Jr., in an indie packaging firm Sig Sakowicz working the blurbs for City & Suburban Heat- ings Thursday night WBBM-TV telepix series ..WNBQ music su- pervisor Larry Johnson vacation- ing in Mexico. Galveston — Robert S. Wilson has been named general sales manager for GUL-TV, it was revealed by Paul E. Taft, prez of the outlet. Wilson comes here from the Katz Agency, New York. REHEARSAL HALLS LARGE BALLROOMS, STAGE, BY DAY, WEEK OR MONTH REASONABLE RATES BEETH0VEH HALL 210 E. 5th St., New York City OR 4-045f SPECIAL WEEKLY FROM $19.00 TRANSIENT ROOMS ALSO AVAILABLE H0TEl Willow Madison Ave. & 55th St. A KNOTT MOTEL Madison Ave. & 55th St. Ralph Hamrick, Mgr. • New York City citing” and that everybody will 'go I Oysher (long of WMGM’s radio RAYMOND HAGEN 177 North State St. GEORGE KANE 6151 Santa Monica B!vd. FRED BARTON 1346 Connecticut Ave. S W. CALDWELL, LTD. 447 Jarvis St. TORONTO md other principal cities in the U.S. and Canada for a tint set if it’s at a good price; Allen, that they sure will if they don’t have to pay for it, meaning when it’s on the install- ment plan. On ratings; Allen said the sam- ple was too small; Foreman, that measurements give vague indica- tions; Gross, that the audience sur- vey was nothing for the sponsor to show “American-Jewish Caravan of Stars”) into first “Jewish Home Show on Jan. 6 via WATV. Lester Lewises and Alex Segals off to Cuba for winter vacation next week . . . Bob Sammon and John Horn to Rye for Xmas Eve “Person to Person” on John Daly . . . NBC holiday party at Toots Shor’s today (Wed.) with comic IT’S NEW! FOR YOU! Introducing the COMP CUT using the latest Parisian electrical wave-comb technique. Long- er lasting, smart casual lines, treated in a coiffure especially for YOU. Where is this personalized service? Visit: Henrietta Beauty Salon 380 Main Street, Hackensack. N. J. Plione: Dlmnnd 2-1618 INTERESTED? Lawyer and Public Relations con- sultant, varied theatrical experience, willing to invest money and full time services in established entertainment organization or related fields. Write BOX V-121754 VARIETY, 154 West 46 St., New York worry about if his product sells; Lee Melis as entertainer . . . Jack and Weaver, that ratings are tools Carter skedded to join Imogene that should not be substituted for Coca siiovv as regular. . . . Sid judgment. j Caesar’s stanza will be revue for- Sleve McC ormick was the mod- ; mat until further notice, the story erutor. Trau. I line getting the heave as too tough Television Producer AVAILABLE, JANUARY 3rd Complete network production experi- ence: Musical-Variety, Comedy, Chil- dren's Shows. Excellent credits. Radio and films, also. Box V-12054, Variety, 154 W. 46th St., New York 36. Season's Greetings FROM ME AND A FEW OF MY WRITERS TV-FILMS Wednesday, December 22, 1954 M ARB City-By-City Syndicated and National Sfeot Film Chart VARIETY’S weekly chart of city-by-ciiy ratings of syndicated and na- tional spot film covers 40 to 60 cities reported by American Research Bureau on a monthly basis. Cities will be rotated each week . with the 10 top-rated film shows listed in each case . and their competition shown opposite . All ratings are furnished by ARB, based on the latest reports. This . VARIETY chart represents a gathering of all pertinent informa- tion about film in each market , which can be used by distributors , agencies', stations and clients as an aid in determining the effectiveness of a filmed show in the 'specific market . Attention should be paid to time — day and time factors , since sets-in-use and audience composition vary according to time slot , i.e., a Saturday afternoon children’s show , with a low rating , may have a large share and an audience composed largely of children , with cor- responding results for the sponsor aiming at the children’s market ., Abbre- viations and symbols are as follows: (Adv.), adventure; (Ch), children’s; (Co), comedy ; (Dr), drama; (Doc), documentary; (Mus). musical; (Myst), mystery; (Q), quia; (Sp). sports; (W ). western; (Worn), women’s. Numbered symbols next to station call letters represent the sta- tion’s channel; all channels above 13 are UHF. Those arl agencies listed as distributors rep the national spot sponsor for whom the film is aired. TOP 10 PROGRAMS DAY AND OCTOtER SHARI can TOP COMPETING PROGRAM AND TYPI STATION DISTRIB. TIMI RATING (%) mm PROGRAM ST A. RATING GRAND RAPIDS-KALAMAZOO Approx. Set Count — 425,000 Stations — WKZO (3), WJIM (6), WOOD (8) 1. Liberate (Mas) WOOD . . Guild Wed. 9:00-9:30 36 5 60 61.1 Strike It Rich ...WKZO .. 22.3 2. City Detect'Ye (Myst) WOOD . . MCA * Thurs. 8:30-9:00 29.3 . . 51 57.9 Climax ...WKZO .. S. Mr. District Attorney (Myst). WKZO . . Ziv Sat. 10:00-10:30 .25.4 .... 57 44.9 Max Liebman Presents.. ...WOOD .. 19.5 4. Wild Bill Hickok (W> WKZO . . Flamingo . . . Thurs. 6:00-6:30 24.9 95 26.3 Rowena Roundup ...WOOD .. 0.0 Runyon Reporting . . . WOOD . . 2.3 5. Range Rider (W) WKZO . . CBS 34.7 .... 73 . . . . 33 8 Secret File, USA . . . WOOD . . 8 4 6. Cisco Kid (W) WOOD . . Ziv Sun. 7:00-7:30 20.3 43 47.5 Football . . . WKZO . . 27.4 7. Waterfront (Adv) WOOD . . UTP Mon. 10:30-11:00 \ . .18.1 . . . . 41 .... 43.7 Studio One . . . WKZO . . 25.6 8. Mr. District Attorney (Myst). WOOD . . Z'v Sat. 7:00-7:30 .15.3 .... 39 .... 39.5 Trouble With Father. . . . ...WKZO .. 21.9 9. Favorite Story (Dr) WOOD . . Ziv Fri. 8:00-8:30 .14.7 .... 30 .... 49.6 Mania . . • * . . . WKZO . . ., . . .33.1 10. Victory at Sea (Doc) WKZO . . NBC Thurs. 10:00-10:30 .14 2..... .... 29 48.8 i Lux Video Theatre. ...WOOD .. 31.2 SYRACUSE Approx. Set Coupt — 345,000 Stations — WSYR (3), WHEN (8) 1. Llberace (Mus) ...WSYR Guild Wed. 7:00-7:30 .... • • • • • 40*0 ••••••«•• 92 .. 43.3 Industry On Parade .WHEN 3.3 Political .WHEN 2.9 2. Amos ’n* Andy (Com) ..WSYR . CBS Tues. 7:00-7:30 26.5 76 . 35.1 Life Begins at 80 .WHEN 3. City Detective (Myst) . .WSYR . MCA Tues. 10:30-11:00 .. 24.8 71 . 34.tt See It Now .WHEN 4. I Led Three Lives (Dr) ... . .WSYR. . Ziv Sun. 7:00-7:30 23.3 55 . 42.4 Lassie . WHEN 5. Badge 714 (Myst) ..WSYR . NBC Sun. 6:00-6:30 22.2 78 . 28.6 Omnibus ... .WHEN 6.5 6. Foreign Intrigue (Dr) . .WSYR . Sheldon Reynolds Wed. 10.30-11:00 ... 14.8 24 . 62.2 Blue Ribbon Bouts .WHEN 47.4 7. Wild Bill Hickok (W) . . WHEN . Wed. 6:00-6:30 .... 14.3 58 . 24.6 Canyon Jack .WSYR Favorite Story (Dr) ..WSYR Thurs. 7:00-7:30 . . . 14.3 .. 59 . 24.3 Pepsi Cola Playhouse . WHEN 10.0 Ramar of the Jungle (Adv) ..WSYR . TPA Sat. 7:00-7:30 14.3 90 ..T... . 16.0 Score Board; Industry . WHEN 1.9 % Industry; Winter Comes. . WHEN • •#•••• 1 *0 10. Big Playback (Sp) ...WHEN. Tues. 7:45-8:00 .... • • • • • 12a • ••••••••• 31 .. 40.5 "'News Caravan WSYR 28.1 QUAD CITY, IOWA Approx. Set Count - — 265,000 * 1 Stations — WHBF (4), WOC (5) 1. r cket Squad (Adv) . . .woe . ABC . Tues. 9:30-10:00 . . 35.2 71 . . 49.7 See It Now . WHBF 14 b 2. Superman (Adv) . . . WHBF. . Fri. 7:30-8:00 34.3 68 . . 50. b Golden Opportunity . WOC . 16 3 3. Range Rider (W) ...woe .. CBS Sun. 5:30-6:00 .... 34.1 89 . . 38.2 The Christophers . WHBF 4.1 4. Liberace (Mus) .. .WHBF. Guild Fri. 10:00-10:30 . . . 21.7 58 .. 37.6 Masquerade Party .WOC . 15 9 5. City Detective (Myst) . . . woe . . MCA .Mon. 9:30-10:00 .. 2 1 .S 44 . . 49.1 Studio One . WHBF 27 6 6 Death Valley Days (W) . . . woe . McCann-Erickson Wed. 9:30-10:00 . . 19 3 30 . . 64.9 Blue Ribbon Bouts .WHBF 45.6 7. Abbott and Costello (Com). . . .WHBF. MCA Sat. 10:30-11:00 . . . 18.7 100 .. 18.7 8. Captain Midnight (Adv) .... . . .WHBF. Sat. 10:00-10:30 ... 17.4 100 .. 17.4 9. Favorite Story (Dr) . . . WHBF. Ziv Tues. 10:00-10:30 . 13.3 43 .. 30.7 It’s a Great Life ..WOC . 17.4 10. Meet Corliss Archer (Com). woe . Ziv . Sun 6 '00-6 *30 12.6 26 . . 48.9 Lassie . WHBF 36 3 TULSA Approx. Set Count— 230,000 Stations— K0.TV (6), KTVX (8), KCEB (23) 1. Life of Riley (Com) KOTV. NBC Mon. 7:00-7:30 • • 50«T ••••••••• 81 60.3 Come Closer . . . KTVX 8 1 2. Death Valley Days (W> .KOTV. Sat. 9:30-10:00 . 42.4 81 52.6 My Hero . . . KTVX 6 8 3. Stories of the Century (W). . . .KOTV. « . 40.8 ••••••••• 87 46.7 China Smith . . . KCEB 4 4 4. City Detective (Myst) KOTV. MCA .Thurs. 7:00-7:30 . .36.9 84 44.0 Mail Story . . . KTVX 6.1 ft. Boston Blackie (Mvst) KOTV. Ziv Fri. 9:30-10:00 . . 36.4 79 46.4 Cavalcade of Sports . . . KCEB 5.9 Person to Person . . . KTVX fi. Amos ’n* Andv (Com) . KOTV . CBS Sat 6 00-6 30 . . 35.4 80 44 2 Theatre 8 Matinee . . . KTVX 8.3 7. Liberace (Mus) .KOTV. Guild Sun. 5'30-6‘00 . . 33.7 88 38.3 Draw With Me . . . KTVX 44 Channel 8 Melodies... . . . KTVX 3.4 8. Annie Oakley (W) . KOTV. CBS Mon. 5:30-6:00 27 6 83 33.2 Western Movie . . . KTVX 6.3 r • Chief Blue Eagle . . . KTVX 4 9 9. Waterfront (Adv) .KOTV. UTP Tues. 10:00-10:30 . . 24.7 61 37.6 News Weather, Sports. . . . . . KTVX 10.3 10. Colonel March (Myst) . KOTV . Wed. 10:00-10:30 . .23.2 72 322 News, Weather, Sports... . . . KTVX 7.6 SAN ANTONIO Approx . Set Count — 205,000 • Stations — WOAI (4), KGBS (5) 1. Badge 714 (Myst) . WOAI . Fri. 8:30-9:00 . .38.3 60 63 8 Our Miss Brooks . . . KGBS 25.3 2. I Led Three Lives (Dr) . WO A I . Ziv Mon. 9:30-10:00 . .35.0 68 52 5 Studio One . . . KGBS 17.0 3. Favorite Story (Dr) . KGBS. Ziv Tues. 9:30-10:00 . .32.0 67 48 0 Hollywood Half Hour. . . . . . . KGBS 16.0 4. Death Valley Days (W) RGBS. Fri. 9:30-10:00 . .30.0 ‘ 65 46.0 Cavalcade of Sports . . . WOAI 20.0 % Price of Liberty . . WOAI 11.0 5. City Detective (Myst) KGBS. MCA Thurs. 9:30-10:00 . 27 0 54 50.0 Lux Video Theatre . . . WOAI 23.0 6. Lone Wolf (Adv) .WOAI UTP Sun. 9:30-10^)0 . . 26.5 48.5 What’s My Line . . . KGBS 22.0 7. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv). . . .WOAI TPA Sun. 5:00-5:30 . .25.0 74 33.8 Omnibus . . . KGBS 8 8 8. Liberace (Mus) .KGBS. Guild Tues. 7 00-7:30 . . 23 0 41 56 3 Miltnn Rerlc . . WOAI 33 3 9. Mr. District Attorney (Myst) KGBS. Ziv ; Thurs. 10:00-10:30 .... ..19.3 64 30.3 10 O’clock News . . . WOAI 16.5 Star Showcase . . . WOAI 10. Dangerous Assignment (Adv) KGBS. NBC Fri. 10:00-10:30 . . 17.0 49 35.0 10 O’clock News . . . WOAI 17.5 • You Bet Your Life . . . . . . . WOAI 18.0 LITTLE ROCK Approx. Set Count — 70,000 Stations — KARK (4), KATV (7) 1. Amos V Andy (Coni) .KATV. .Mon. 7:30-8:00 . .50.7 82 69.6 Caesar's Hour ...KARK 18.9 2. Badge 714 (Myst) .KATV. .Tues. 7:00-7:30 . .39.0 59 63 9 Martha Raye ...KARK 25.0 3. Annie Oakley (W) .KARK . Thurs. 7:30-8 00 . . . . .37 9 . 63 . . 60 4 Climax KATV 22.5 4. Liberace (Mus) .KATV. .Sun. 5:00-5:30 . .30.4 63 48.1 Meet Corliss Archer.... ...KARK 17.7 5. Cisco Kid (W> .KATV. Ziv .Sun. 6:00-6:30 . .24 9 47 53.4 People Are Funny . . .KARK 28.5 6. Duffy’s Tavern (Com) KARK. . Thurs. 8 00-8 30 . . . 23 5 45 . 52 5 Climax KATV 29 0 7. Kit Carson (W) .KARK. MCA . Mon. 5:30-6:00 . .22.3 80 27.9 Within the 48 . . . KATV 8. Meet Corliss Archer (Com). . . .KATV. Ziv Sun. 4 30-5 00 . . . 20 6 ... 72 , 28 8 This T« Your Mimic KARK 83 9. Hopalong Cassidy (W) .KARK. Sat 5 00-5 30 19 7 90 22 0 Rcllv Fnwlpr KATV 2.3 10. Hopalong Cassidy (W) .KARK. •Tues. 5:30-6:00 . .18.9 67 28.4 Slim Rhodes . . . KATV 9.5 H wood Gets Public Relations Assist Hollywood, Dec. 21. Good public relations and good business obviously go hand in hand in the new packaging firm set up by publicist Aleon Bennett to meet the needs of organizations around the country which want Hollywood names for fund-raising purposes. As a direct result of the profitable and successful initial package, Bennett finds him- self with a salesman’s commission on a telefilm series. Initial package headlined Marie Wilson, who was breaking In her new nitery act in the junket to Minot, S. D., for the dedication of the new Civic Auditorium. Others in the cast were Penny Sin- gleton, Champ Butler, Hal Peary, Rodney Bell, Earl Barton, Joe Russeli and pianist-leader Phillip Della Penna. Bennett packaged and produced the layout, working on it for more than two months. Unit left Hollywood a day early in order to have plenty of time to make necessary production arrangements and supervise light- ing, etc. The result was a show that went off like clockwork — and one that made a decided impression on Minot residents, to the tune of editorial comment praising Hollywood and its personalities and plugs during the show, on the air and in the paper, for upcoming productions with which cast members are connected. “Usual stories about troupes of this kind,” Bennett declared, “are about the snobbish attitude on the part of townspeople. I went along to protect the troupe and act as a sort of buffer. I felt I owed it to both parties. But there was no difficulty of any kind here, nothing but mutual respect and admiration. They got a good show and Hollywood got some good public relations.” TV Inc. Sets 1st Station-Owned Filmbuying Org; Seek 100 Outlets First station-owned and oper-, ated filmbuying organization has been established and will go into operation in New York Jan. 2 un- der the corporate name of TV Inc. Firm, which will be headed ad- ministratively by telepix vet Herb Jacobs, has some 40 station mem- bers already participating, with an additional 10 outlets expected to sign by the starting date, and a total of 100 stations as the mem- bership goal. Only object of the company, which is headed by station oper- ator Gene O’Fallon (KEFL-TV, Denver) as president, is to act as liaison between its member sta- tions and distributors by acting as a central buying office for the out- lets. Idea is to get film at lower prices for the member stations via volume buying, and at the same time procure the cooperation of distribs because of reduced selling costs involved in central selling. Membership will be limited to all but the largest markets, following the principle of servicing distribs through centralized purchase for what otherwise would prove pro- hibitive sales expense in getting to the small markets. Another possible function of the organization as it affects its mem- ber stations is a push for stand- ard methods of film* pricing. Jacobs pointed up the fact that “the tv industry has grown to a point where it can no longer af- ford the hit-and-miss methods now (Continued on page 40) OF to Syndicate Denove’s ‘Music’ Official Films, W'hich has been expanding its distribution catalog rapidly over the past couple of months, has signed to syndicate Jack Denove’s “This Is Your Mu- sic,” the half-hour series which is airing in some 14 Coast markets for Pacific Tel & Tel. Official’s distribution begins as of now, and only a couple of days after it got the property last week, it set it in Lake City via Ben Larson’s KTVT. Series, which stars Byron Pj er and Joan Weldon, has been ing for Pacific Tel & Tel for yeeks and has just been rene for another 13. Denove himself the telephone company deal had been pitching the series large regional deals himself, without success. Result is handing it over to Official •indication, with 13 already in |' an :. °* ficial ®lso partici] in the financing of the upcon P>x. Halsey Barrett, who rep I enove on the series in the i , continue to act as his re tentative on other properties commercials and industrial out no longer will handle .“Mui Ziv TsU vision Programs Proxy John L. Sinn details why lie calls * Zivcolor: a Tint-Mint * * * as Interesting byline piece In tbe forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number ef USuiEfr OUT SOON Filmways’ Major Manhattan Studio Seen Boom to East New film studio, said to be the second largest in Manhattan and the first in the east to employ a Hansard rear-screen projection unit, will be opened in mid*Janu- ary by Ed Kasper and Martin Ran- sohoff, owners of Filmways Produc- tions. New setup, which will be lo- cated on E. 95th St. in a new build- ing, will have a 100x55 ft. sound- stage which will be able to house program production as well as commercial and industrial shoot- ing. Studio, W'hich will operate under the name of Cinema Soundstage Productions, will greatly enlarge program shooting facilities in the New York area. It brings to three the number of studios in Manhat- tan available for largescale produc- tion of programs, the others being Fox-Movietone and Biltmore, and to seven the number of studios in the metropolitan area, others be- ing Bedford Park and Vitagraph in the Bronx, the Warners lot in Brooklyn and Parsonnet Studios in Queens. Kasper and Ransohoflf will continue to use their present Film- ways site on W. 54th St. for com- mercials, while shooting programs or leasing the premises of Cinema Soundstage. Use of the Hansard rear-screen projection unit, the only one in the east, purchased outright from Robert Hansard, its owner and in- ventor, will effect great savings in commercial and program produc- tion costs, according to Ransohoff. Unit can eliminate location shoot- ing for commercials, since back- ground footage can be taken from stock libraries, set up on the unit and the entire scene with the com- mercial and background together can be shot in the studio. Unit is being used extensively on the i (Continued on page 40) NEXT YEAR VITAL IlflllH Finalization this week of the merger between the Music Corp. of America’s syndication subsidiary and the Coast-headquartered Unit- ed Television Programs, with all the ramifications it bears, has alert- ed the telefilm distribution field to the cold facts of life of the coming year. Key tradesters feel that 1955 will be a year of decision, one in which only the strongest- entrenched distribs will be able to i weather successfully. Feeling by : these distribs is that if they do come through next year unshaken, they’ll be in for keeps. Back of the MCA decision to ex- pand via the merger route, it’s said, is the fierce competitive situation that reigns in the field today, with all its outward manifestations of wild pricecutting. Belief at MCA is said to have been that such would not only make MCA the biggest distrib in the field with more than 25 separate series, but would elimi- nate a substantial chunk of top- flight competition. While UTP has one of the hottest sales runs of any firm recently, it’s also had that finger of accusation pointed at it on the pricecutting score. Elimi- nation of a major competitor, ab- sorption of a number of shows that are doing well ("Mayor of the Town,” “Lone Wplf,” et al.) and strengthening of its sales depart- ment were all key considerations. But the fact that MCA is now kingpin in terms of properties and manpower has flashed the danger- signal to other distribs. Prospect of having to compete with the in- dustry’s ^iew Goliath has resulted in two stave-off-the-wolf philoso- phies, one of expansion and one of belt-tightening. Official Films, for example, is taking on new prop- erties as fast as they can sign them and expanding their sales force rapidly, under the belief that if they’re to compete with MCA and stay in business,' they’ve got to achieve volume. On the other hand, other distribs, ABC Syndication for example, has set a policy of staff austerity, under the philosophy that a tight black-ink operation is the best manner of weathering the storm. What’s responsible for the price- cutting wave and what also may cause several distribs to go under this coming year is the stretch on their financial resources. In many cases where distribs are selling cheap, it’s because they’ve got to meet guarantees or loans now com- ing due. It’s a matter of raising cash as quickly as possible to meet their payments; and if pricecutting achieves the purpose that’s what they resort to. But at best, this is considered a precarious exist- ence, and the emergence of the telepix “giants” will make it far more so. WOR-TV to Also Give Italo Pix Multiple Ride A la Million $ Movie WOR-TV has inked with Jules Weill’s Fortune Films for use of several of the Italo feature films in the New York market. Aim of the station is to sell the dubbed pix in a fashion somewhat similar to the way “Million Dollar Movie” (General Teleradio’s Bank of America films) was handled, with each pic getting 14 showings over a two-week period. This multiple exposure on pix, including names like Gina Lollo- brigida, Jean Pierre Aumont, Anna Magnani and Alida Valli, will consist of seven showings the first week on the air at 9 to 10 p.m. (this being between evening show- ngs of “MDM”) weeknights and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. weekends. Sec- ond week will have version from 11:30 p.m. to signoff for seven nights. Bankrollers are being of- fered a chance to buy first or sec- ond week or a combination of both. The Associated Artists pix, an- other recent WOR-TV buy, will not be integrated with the Italo show- ings. MCA Finalizes $1,000,000 Takeover Of UTP; Catalog Tops Industry | * — V Final papers were signed yester- NBC ixot Carl M. Stanton details Ills plan far How to Stop the Price War in Syndication * * * an Interesting editorial feafnre In the npcomlng 49th Anniversary Number ef J^SrIETy DUE SOON Anglo- Jamaican Telepix Venture; $1,000,000 on Tap Island of Jamaica is putting in its bid as a site for production of feature and television films. A joint Anglo-Jamaican venture to be known as Jamaica Film Centre was organized last week to build studios in Kingston, the island’s capital for the production of all types of motion pictures. Jamaica is the second Caribbean site to be devoted to filmmaking in the past six months, the first having been Bermuda, where a large studio site was set up on Darrell’s Island, the former airfield serving Hamilton. Jamaica Film Centre will be jointly owned by the Industrial De- velopment Corp., a statutory cor- poration comprising Jamaican in- dustrialists established under the island’s Industrial Development Law, and the American producing trio of Martin Jones, Henry Olmsted and Gordon Knox. Latter, head of the Princeton Film Centre in Princeton, N. J., will serve with the others as a member of the board and executive producer, while Olm- sted, president of Olmsted Sound Studios in N. Y., will handle all sound work. Studios are initially financed at nearly $1,000,000 and the first building to go up on the Hope Gar- dens Farm School site in Kingston will cost some $390,000. It will house two stages, one 90x80 ft. and the other 90x60. According to Jones, local labor savings can ef- fect overall cost reductions of 20% without sacrifice in quality, even with the projected use of Ameri- cans for the technical jobs. An- other advantage is availability of varied backgrounds for location shooting. Construction begins on the studio before the end of the year, and the first program to go before the cameras will be a series of 52 half-hour dramatic telepix, slated to start early next year. Unity’s $1,500,000 In ‘Len Firestone Drive’ Unity Television’s “Len Fire- stone Drive’' honoring Its sales manager is winding up its 12-week term with over $1,500,000 in con- tracts with two weeks still to go. Unity topper Archie Mayer, who set the drive, said to be the first of its kind in the telepix field, said he expects it to finish with more than $1,800,000 'In contracts. Contest angles to the drive have eastern division manager Noah Jacobs leading in largest single dollar contracts; north central di- vision manager Bill Young ahead with largest dollar volume; and Coast branch manager Jerry Weis- feldt leading with the largest num- i ber of contracts. day (Tues.) in the absorption of United Television Programs by the Music Corp. of America, thereby giving MCA-TV, the agency’s syn- dication arm, the largest program catalog and the biggest fulltime sales force in the industry. Take- over of UTP’s properties and staff, said to have cost MCA about $1,000,000, brings the MCA-TV’s program roster to 22 half-hour series comprising about 1,100 half- hours of film, with 10 series having been brought in from UTP. Addi- tionally, MCA’s national sales de- partment acquired representation rights on at least two series for- merly repped by UTP. Under the staff transfer, wherein all UTP sales personnel become MGA-TV staffers, former UTP sales veep Wynn Nathan becomes an MCA-TV v.p. and general sales manager. Aaron Beckwith, UTP Gotham veep, becomes v.p. and sales manager of the New York of- fice. John Rohrs, UTP’s midwest- em sales veep, becomes a v.p. and midvvestern sales chief, and Tom McManus, UTP eastern sales chief, becomes eastern sales manager of MCA-TV. MCA’s own Robert Greenberg becomes a v.p. and western sales chief, while UTP’s Ray Wilde has been named south- western sales manager. Additional- ly. staff expansion has resulted in setting up of a group of field su- pervisors, with UTP’s Frank Brill in charge of New York territory, MCA’s DeArv Barton in Cleveland, USP’s Karl Von Shallern in Chi- cago, MCA’s Layton Bailey in Dal- las and UTP’s Ed Simmel in New Orleans. Total number of MCA-TV branch offices will be 19, two of them inherited from UTP. Buyout of Jack Gross and Phil Krasne, who were sole owners of UTP, involves their return to a production-only status with Gross- Krasne Productions, but it’s un- derstood that G-K will have its properties distributed through MCA, and that the agency will help finance new properties. Lee Savin, UTP executive vicepresident, joins Gross-Krasne on the production end. All but two UTP-represented properties, “The Ruggles” and “The Chimps,” were involved in the transfer. Among the key shows moved over are “Lone Wolf,” “Waterfront,” “Mayor of the Tbwn,” “Rocky Jones,” “Where Were You,” “Heart of the City” ("Big Town” reruns), “Royal Play- house” and "Counterpoint.” MCA-TV will also establish two new departments, a station pro- gram sales division, to be headed (Continued on page 40) EdHaDNamed To Helm Vitapix Vitaplx Corp., which has been without an active administrative chief since Frank Mullen assumed the presidency of Vitaplx-Guild Programs, Inc., gets one this week in the person of veteran CBS exec Edward E. Hall, who becomes v.p. and general manager of the sta- tion-owned firm. Hall, until nowr business manager of the CBS Ra- dio sales department, will oper- ate as administrative head of the firm, working particularly in the area of station clearance for the Guild vidpix entries. With the alignment of Vitapix with Guild and subsequent elec- tion of Kenyon Brown of KWFT- TV, Wichita Falls, as president to succeed Mullen, who moved over to the .newly-formed Vitapix-Guild setup, Vitapix as a corporate en- tity had no administrative facto- tum to guide the operations from New York. Hall fills this niche, having in his several years at CBS operated in station relations in both the radio and tv networks. Before assuming his most recent post in the radio sales department, he was eastern station relations chief of the tv network. 40 TV-FILMS Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Lush Foreip TV-Film Market Looks Wide Open for ‘Berlitzer Brisson The lush foreign market, long a{ bonanza for Hollywood studios using dubbed-in talk strips to ‘ ber- litz” the attractions, looms as a dis- tinct tv possibility for the new filmed “Carl Brisson Show” which bows in early next year under the North American Television Pro- ductions banner. Brisson, dubbed the “Dazzling Dane” on the swank supper club circuit in this country, occupies a position in his native Scandinavia somewhat akin to that of Bing Crosby over here. He’s been knighted by the Crown, etc., and his popularity extern^ to London, Paris, Brussels and other Conti- nental landmarks. What is more important— Brisson has command of several tongues, giving carbon copy performances in French, Ger- man, Danish, of course, and Eng- lish. The Brisson “United Nations package” filmwise will be done on an encore basis using identical sets, camera positions, lighting and other production techniques when- ever possible. In other words, as soon as the English version Is in the can there’ll be ' another run through in French, German or Danish, as the case may be. Since the Brisson show is being tailored for local sponsorship there’ll be no commercials to be scissored out for the overseas editions. With NATP poised for the first of the half-hour programs right after the holidays (with H. Leo pold Spitalny wielding the baton) the first order of business, natu- rally, will be to iron out the to-be- expected production snarls, whip camera and technical crews into shape and “get the show on the road.” The next gleam in E. M. Glucks- man’s eye (he’s prez of NATP) is *io shoot pilot films of the Brisson stanza in Danish for peddling in Denmark, Sweden and Norway where, based on Brisson’s proven draw and popularity, sales pros- pects seem brightest and best geared to keep pace with the spread of television in those coun- tries. It’s planned to repeat musical numbers on the multi-lingual shows to get additional mileage out of Spltalny’s arrangements but there’ll be insertions from time to time of traditional German. French and Scandinavian songs not considered Hit Parade material qn these shores but surefire across the pond. In addition, special ma- terial will be filmed to fill un- avoidable gaps in the English pro- grams such as might occur when gue&ts are used who, unlike the star, do not “have” French, Danish or German. Tele Followep Continued from page 31 with Mason as narrator-producer, they were showcased in a preview of the British actor’s “Star of Bethlehem” as seen through the dream of Portland. Fifteen-minute recap of the Nativity was a charm- ing piece, acted out by the all-kid cast as if they were doing a grade school play, for a winning sort of recitative. Little Portland was particularly captivating and will be heard from again. The Masons should make sure of this to secure their old age. pect to go into fullscale production on the series at the new studio in 90 days. New site will be a fully-equipped studio. It's housed in a new build- ing on the former site of a lot, and was built with studio facilities in mind. Stage has a concrete floor and street entrance-ways that en- able autos, trucks and other heavy equipment to drive in and be housed there, and enough floor space to house seven standing sets, according to Ranshoff. MCA • UTP Continued from page 39 by MCA’s Lou .Friedland as v.p. in charge, and a* merchandising di- vision, to be headed by former “Lone Ranger” merchandising chief Frank Mincola, who'll also get veepee stripes. Friedland’s de- partment will handle library sales Sullivan had a good laugh at j and station packages. himself announcing an act pre- maturely. (It was Jane Russell, who came on later via film for a quickie Christmas greeting from an orphanage in England.) Entire syndication operation of MCA will continue to be headed by veep Dave Sutton, who recently was named a member of the board of MCA-TV. It’s understood, how- ever, that Sutton will operate Mata & Hari were on in a slick and click impression of clowns on I s t 7,ctly"in th7nationif '.nd'high- a tight wire — probably a slack 1 thread at that considering the flexi- TV Inc. Continued from pace 39 bility with which they carried out the terping antics. The Chordettes, femme quartet, pitched their wax winner, “Mr. Sandman,” for good results. Trau. Whether in color or in mono- chrome, a Fred Waring show has the same staple ingredients of good taste and good music. On his first colorcast for the “General Electric Theatre” stanza Sunday night <19> on CBS-TV, the tints were a definite plus but subordi- nated to the usual Waring program- ming formula. This show’, one of four that Waring is fronting in the GE spot, was pegged to a Christ- mas theme and few stanzas will be more Yuletidish than this one. The Waring chorus delivered a flock of the standard seasonal numbers from “Jingle Bells” to “Cantique Noel” in typical Xmas settings. Major production sequence was a colorful ballet framed around Tschaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Robert Onigman and Ralph Linn handled the featured dance spots with grace while the musical selec- tions were rendered with Waring’s usual precision. Plug for GE was also in the Christmas groove with clips of the company’s massive lighting display In Nela Park, Cleveland. Hcrm. level regional sales sphere, with Nathan actually directing the syn- dicated sales effort. Program- wise, MCA prexv Lew Wasserman and v.p. Taft Schreiber will con- tinue to maintain control. Aside from the 22 shows currently in syn- dication, MCA-TV will get reruns on several MCA and Revue Produc- tions packages now on the net- works. Berle: Desk Man Continued from page 25 as the Morris brass listened with rapt attention to what, some say, was a definite primer and a college course on the overall subject of television. Berle told Weaver why he wants to go film. Weaver, no slouch him- self on the gab circuit, put up a persuasive argument in defense of staying live. Apparently Berle was impressed, but wouldn’t con- cede that he was changing his mind — yet. Berle said live tv, aside from being so arduous, has too many restrictions. Suppose, for example, said Berle, he wanted to do a show from Las Vegas, so he could utilize LV talent and cap- ture the atmosphere of the resort. What would his chances be as a live performer? Easy, answered Weaver. Go to Las Vegas or wher- ever you want — we’ll bring it in Coast, on the Hal Roach, General liv * k*.Vj Cr ‘ . . Service and Goldwyn lots. Han- Eerie's still torn between «lm sard himself is planing into New «" d J e « d " , 8 Weaver s plea to stay Filmways Continued from pare 39 York in January to conduct a one- week clinic for technicians on the use of the unit. To back up their claim that the studio can shoot programs, Kasper and Ransohoff are going ahead with one of their own, the first package they’ve tried. It’s a quar- ter-hour children’s series, titled "Flukey Luke,” which employs live actors in a manner to give them cartoon characteristics. Pilot has already been shot and is being of- EDDY ARNOLD TIME With Betty Johnson, The employed.” And O’Fallon, discuss- fered for sponsorship, and they ex- ing the evolution of the organiza- J tion at an initial regional meeting held last spring in Spokane, said that when the station operators there compared prices, “there was no rhyme or reason” to them. ; “They didn’t reflect our rates, j They didn’t reflect the tv receivers In th£* market. They didn’t reflect each market’s population.” Result of this comparison and the fact that small buying combines were getting the “best buys” was the establishment of the* organization. Directors Named Directors of the organization, besides O’Fallon, are Joe Floyd of KELO-TV, Sioux Falls; Tom Bos- tic of KIMA-TV. Yakima; Gene DeYoung of KERO-TV, Bakers- field; W. D. (Dub) Rogers of KDUBTV. Lubbock: and Ed Craney of KXLF-TV, Butte. Jacobs, formerly head of syndicated sales for DuMont and latterly with Atlas Television before forming Herb Jacobs Associates, is v.p. and gen- eral manager. Each station holds stock in the amount of its owm rate card highest hour rate. Stock is common. non-asses c able voting live.’ Holtz Joins Fathor Portland, Ore., Dec. 21. Merrlman H. Holtz Jr., former manager of co-op programs and film sales at DuMont in New York, has become associated with his father, Merrlman Sr., northwest rep for Guild Films and president of Pictures, Inc. Holtz ankled DuMont three months ago, and was abroad before returning to Portland. New Telepix Shows Hooper — — j Continual! from pug* 34 formers and programs in particu- lar, depending on how they fared on the Hooperatings, but as a per- sonality he was almost without peer in the Industry. A colorful, dynamic figure, he matched survey strategy with super salesmanship and an alertness as a speaker. He could have made a fortune as a network salesman, ad agency exec and “front man,” but preferred to operate on his own. Hoop sold his network rating service to the A. C. Nielsen Co., of Chicago, in 1950, agreeing to ex- clude national measurement from his domain and devoting himself to studies more limited in scope, such as city ratings. The five-year agreement between Hoop and Niel- sen expires in March of next year, when the Hooper coifipany would be permitted to reenter the nation- al sphere, if it wished, but Hooper was to have no personal connection with such a setup. Such an agree- ment naturally bespoke Nielsen’s own view of Hoop as a master drumbeater. Before joining the Starch com- pany, Hooper, son of a Kingsville, O., clergyman, was an appliance salesman and advertising executive (Harvard Business Review, Scrib- ner’s Magazine, among them). Hooper’s death resulted from being hit across the body by a plane-type propeller of a boat with an overhead motor. When the boat became lodged on a sandbar, Hooper climbed out to dislodge the craft and was knifed by the whirl- er, dying shortly after being ad- mitted to Latter Day Saints Hos- pital in Salt Lake City. He was on a fishing trip with an old friend Frank McClatchey, owner of sev- eral stations on the Coast and of KSL in Salt Lake. donaires (4), Hank Garland and Roy Wiggans Exec Producer: Joe Csida Producer-Director: Ben Park Writer: Park 26 half-hours Distrib: Walter Schwlmmer Co. This series has a lot of, things going for it in the admittedly rugged musical telepix sweep- stakes. It marks the telefilm debut of Eddy Arnold, whose name needs little pre-selling what with his RCA Victor recording sales now at the 30,000,000 level. And while Arnold, and rightly so, is the kingpin, it’s more than a singleton effort as he’s aided and abetted by a worthy supporting cast in the person oL Betty John- son. a pert, telegenic lass with pipes to match, the Gordonaires, a real pro vocal quartet, and Hank Garland and Roy Wiggins, guitar specialists. The basic ingredients are there. trimmings to give the necessary Gor- ! spice and movement to the inher- ently rigid format of a musical package. After a standup opening ditty by Arnold, who comes through with lots of low-pressure warmth, this particular film seques into a period piece vignette built around a Western Ho wagon train. Campfire layout, featuring bits of neat (lighting and iensing, is the takeoff point for a string of fitting tunes by the entire company. Arnold supplies tasty treatments of “Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair” and “Across the Wide Mis- souri.” Miss Johnson sells prettily “I Know Were I’m Going” for the distaff pacechanger and the Gor- donaires deliver a zingy rouser with “Battle of Jerico.” Routine makes for pleasant watching and listening. Half-hour finales with an Arnold trademark, his closing hymn. With host Arnold projecting potently throughout, this project b5s a folksy appeal that escapes the strict country and western ’54 TV Profits Continued from page 34 New York City area, 28 of whose 31 stations did an aggregate gross business of $16,191,000. This does not include operations of three network ow’ned and operated outlets. Next largest concentration was in Chicago where 23 of 27 stations reporting grossed an aggregate of $9,750,000 and earned $1,441,000. Third was Los Angeles, where 23 of 25 stations reporting grossed a total of $8,820,000 and earned $1,437,000. The report confirms the network upswing in tv and the downturn in radio. It shows a 3.3% reduction in radio revenues in 1953 by the webs and their 22 o&o stations. Network radio profits last year were down 7% from 1952. Profits for the radio industry as a whole were off 8.4%. Time sales by radio networks fell 10.49& last year. Non-netwoi^c time sales to national spot adver- tisers Increased by 4.8% and sales to local advertisers rose 4.1%. Whether radio suffered last year because of tv cannot be deter- mined by the Commission’s report. However, the agency plans to break down its figures in forth- coming tabulations to show opera- tions of radio stations in tv and non-tv markets. Data will also be issued on profitable and losing stations. No Raidins— Sarnoff Continued from page 33 clock Firm w ill Hn no Hnnlr K„«r . cuiems air inert. , me SiriCl country ana Western ine and each station is aniono t,ie lnsta ^ men t viewed, ; idionj without alienating the c&w moil s h. . Vi no nniv JiVl ? Tt £ S . apparent that Producers Joe I fans. It could well be the first big bu\ing only what film, it Cs!da and Ben Park are dressing telepix winner bearing the Windy lianis - I the series w ith the production I City dateline. ~ Dave. ties from NBC and ABC to Co- lumbia radio. In fact, Paley is represented today as opposed to such talent raiding for tv, prefer- ring Instead to develop shows from scratch, just as Sullivan did op CBS. (Practically every major property on the network today comes within this CBS-built-and- developed concept and even though Jackie Gleason was wooed over from DuMont at fancy coin, his emergence into the big bigtime didn’t actually crystallize until he got rolling in his Saturday 8 to 9 Columbia slot.) The NBC nix on future talent raiding will certainly be embraced as one of the healthier gestures of the new year in tv, portending a “we’ll-start-from-scratch-too” bid to try to take the play away from Sullivan's Sunday 8 to 9 dominance by developing its own brand of showmanship in the competing time slot. WEILL TO DOUBLE ITALO PR SUPPLY Jules Weill, topper of Fen-tone Films, plans to nearly double his supply of Italo features for video by next spring. He just recently added 52 films to his original sup- ply of 30 dubbed pix, but new addi- tions will bring the total to 150, with 26 of the properties to be in tint. Weill and Italian Films Export’s Ralph Serpe are heading for Italy in February to decide on the new films. The color plans are Weill’s first step in that direction. Fortune’s first 30 pix were ac- quired last January, and so far Weill reports they’ve played 93 markets, with the next 52 films (picked up this fall) currently inked in 27 markets, including N. Y. To accommodate the in- crease in properties for distribu- tion, Weill will move to larger quarters after Jan. 1. And for the present he is adding two more to his office staff. Indies’ Stains — Continued from page 37 the FCC. The other non-special- ized radio station among N. Y.’s in- dies is WMCA which pushed sales up about 20% over ’53. National spot has increased also. Among specialized language in- dies, WWRL (dealing in Negro as well as Spanish) national spot, which accounts for 60% of the station biz. is slightly up over last year. WEVD (Yiddish) reports to have fallen off in national spot ad- vertising, but has picked up major advertisers to bankroll Yiddish stanzas in their entirety. WEVD had a 40% gross increase, but management feels much of it was due to upped rates. WLIB (slightly less than half foreign lingo programmed ) saw a small in- crease in all billings, with na- tional spot ( accounting for 80% of the biz) remaining steady. WHOM (Spanish) and WOV (Italian) would not comment on the year end picture. However, as far as WOV is concerned, informed sources say that the station, doing all national biz but for three local accounts, is quite well off, particu- larly since tv hasn’t yet made a dent in Italo programming. RCA Target Year . Continued from page 34 of national service and national defense. “The NBC adjustment to the changing circumstances of network radio is well on the way, and as a result of systematic, considered action, NBC is again leading all networks in nighttime radio and in actively seeking to bring about similar improvement in its day- time radio position. We are confi- dent that radio as a medium will continue to live, and we expect that NBC will maintain leadership not only in television, but in radio as well.” In summation, , Gen. Sarnoff pointed to the achievements in sci- ence, art and industry that marked the year in radio-tv and electron- ics as one of progress, stating that these advances “augur well for even great accomplishments in 1955.” The electron and the atom are “strengthening the bulwarks of freedom and democracy” on land, sea and in the air. “The new and promising developments of the Electronic-Atomic Age open the way for the creation of new businesses, new jobs, and higher standards of living. With the bless- ings of peace and the practice of good will, we can surely trans- form these promises Into realities.” Aveo Continued from page 35 who was advertising director for Monsanto Chemical Corp., along with John Kelly, advertising di- rector of All, a Monsanto product, resigning their respective jobs to head up the Columbus agency and pave the way for the acquisition of the Avco biz. Arnold Cohan, who recently shuttered his own advertising agency in New York, will run the N. Y. office foj; the Columbus setup, I as reported some weeks ago. Wcdncidiyt Pwtipbcf 22 , ^954 MUSIC NEW BIZ HORIZONS FOR DISKS BMI Wins Sundry Legal Decisions SARNOFF SEES In Prelim Exams of Suing Cleffers j| g Problem of Copyright Renewals Due to Be Intensified in 1955 The 33 songwriters suing the4i — — _ broadcast industry and Broadcast tIm Fen Alley Vet Music Inc. for $150,000,000 in an antitrust suit suffered a •ctbac-k A1 Stillman last week, when N. Y. rederai Judge E. J. Dimock ruled that the has authored plaintiffs could not begin immedi- , . _ _ . ate examination before trial of the A Practical Catechism defendants. The judge said that . , , BMI. which has only examined 10 f OT Lyrical Neophyte* of the 33 songwriters, should first * * * complete Its examination of the remaining 23 cleffers. a bright by lino piece The judge, however, stipulated la Hie upcoming that this examination must be . completed within the next 30 days. 4Vth Anniversary Number That, however, is contingent on the ability of John Schulman, attorney oT for the songwriters, to produce the f/ fe rir C v rest of the plaintiffs in N. Y. for rJVKMUri I •*<* the examination before trial. That OUT SOON may prove a difficult assignment, since some of the writers are out ~ may * v * n 1,0 out of SacksDenies BMI also has won court rulings b/UVOO I/UIUUO under which three songwriters were ordered to answer specific P 1 TJ queries put to them by BMI at- ^\1U|TP|| pFAf|) torneys. These questions sought A A Will to link the American Society of Composers. Authors It Publishers, If* ■ ■ Iinri with which all of the plaintiff VM*l01T |A H|K( songwriters are affiliated, to the * IvlVI Iw lll/v suit. The court has also ruled that the songwriters have the right Recurrent rumor that Manie to examine BMPs books but only Sacks, RCA v.p., was exiting his Tin Fan Aliev v»t Horizons for the disk industry y art due for a tremendous expan- A1 Stillman sion in the next half decade, ac- cording to RCA board chairman bos authored David Sarnoff. In his year-end j n . . statement to RCA stockholders, 4 Practical Catechism Samoff predicted that about 20,- n r • v wr i . 000,000 phonographs are expected Or Lyrical Neophytes to be produced and sold in the next . * * * fiv e years. That will virtually double the o bright byline piece gross of the disk industry if the in the upcoming current rate of sales per machine * 9th Anniversary Number . S&.&SirE TSJSSKS of of the 33 and 45 rpm speeds back in 1948-49 greatly increased the ^ number of record players in use ~ IT , r cnnw * Compared with only 16,000,000 CtC 1 aOUIi phonographs in use at the end of ______________ __________ World War II, today there are I # more than 25,000,000 turntables. O Oil C I lAniAC Many of these machines, moreover, flv llj I/CIUCO are equipped to handle all three disk speeds (including the old 78). n •. 1 Wl Sarnoff saw a reciprocal action \|AT|fpn H |*AVYI between the upped phono sales and iiVvlIvll 1 I Ulll the disk gross. He said: “Renewed popularity of the phonograph is ex- ¥?• _ pected t0 continue to increase the Vl/*lAF I A IMKI number of machines in use and V IvlUl IU lil/v this, of course, will mean greater sales of records.” Sarnoff spotlight- Recurrent rumor that Manie ed Victor’s introduction of the Tin Fan Alley'* Arnold Shaw hot written another authoritative clotuup ou the music business 7 Just Love It 9 * * a one of the many byline pieces in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number OUT SOON Sacks Denies Switch From Victor to NBC lore than 25,000,000 turntables. | lany of these machines, moreover, iV Vl. 1 re equipped to handle all three 1 ,2)VTOiriltf)PI IVmV isk speeds (including the old 78). VW1 UUVUUVI 1T1UJ Sarnoff saw a reciprocal action ~ - etween the upped phono sales and V/sIIia IIuua# tie disk gross. He said: “Renewed IflJSI opularity of the phonograph is ex- erted to continue to increase the -- . ««y a u vm «11 umber of machines in use and UaaaIa 11/. iL his, of course, will mean greater []dSSI6 nllil 1T1111S ales of records.” Sarnoff spotlight- iiiui muav r.I^ r ’ S H- intr0dUCt i° n . , lhC Amicable talks are currently tin- Srs? SS.b'STtt between Hoagy Carmichael t The chronic problem of renew- als, with the continual threat of lost or split copyrights for the old- line publishing firms, is due to be intensified next year. The question of renewals, in fact, has become one of the major headaches of the music biz in view of the flock of valuable copyrights written in the late 1920s on which the first copy- right term of 28 years is now run- ning out. * The top publishers are not wor- ried about each other as far as angling for renewals is concerned. There is apparently some kind of gentleman's agreement among the oldline firms not to compete for re- newals, but rather encourage the writers to let their tunes remain where they are. That, however, doesn’t go for the younger firms in the business. Some of these have been aggres- sively competing for the renewals by dangling fat advances, ranging up to $10,000, before the writers. Oldline publishers can’t or don’t want to meet that kind of front money, and have to sell writers on renewals on the grounds that they are better equipped to handle I the sustained exploitation that a ‘ standard needs to earn steady disk, sheet and performance revenue. Added Threat Another threat to the oldline on BMI premises. In addition, P?st as general manager of the this year which by raising the rim : and o£ Mms rfusic on the „ KH°h « tu ."i® the plaintiffs must keep any in- Victor disk division for a top spot and centers of the platters, pro- Coast for a settlement of the song- publishers lotting the renewals formation on how BMI acquires its in the NBC web again cropped up tects the playing surface. | writ e r * s court action to get b£ck ste ™ 8 fr ™ th p e aclio " s „ of ' vrdel s contracts confidential. this week and again was flatly de- The RCA exec also stressed the ( the copyrights on some dozen mk-ha^l ^ The songwriters’ suit, launched med by Sacks. Rumor apparently importance of the hi-fi movement ; son gs. including the standard, “Star Both are involved ?n court l S In November. 1953, alleged that stems from the fact that Sacks was in stimulating the sales of disks. Dust.” No definite agreement has V *?i iJil..®?? r A _ su j!5 down the performances of tunes basis with the idea that he would in 1954 by 50% over the previous I i n g favorably upon a "deal" under tbe ' songwriter assigned his copy- by writers who were not affiliated resume his activity as an NBC exec. year. “It is estimated,” Sarnoff j wh i c h the Mills firm would retain wh*n he inked the orirtnaf Dart At tiilli D T A Ica n o m o Q C Ho. C C 9 lH Ho HaH n n ini anlinn CQlH t Hn annual rot oil r aloe n i a. _ V\ il s. II lit? 1 D K P (1 IMC 011 x 11131 UoCv. A l with BMI. Also named as de- Sacks said he had no intention said, “that the annual retail sales the copyrights, fendants were RCA Victor and of getting out of Victor, although total of $225,000,000 will rise to Carmichael, Columbia Records, both of which he would like to spend more time (Continued on page 46) tornev Lee V Columbia Records, both of which he would like to spend more time are subsidiaries of broadcasting on the broadcasting end. He sug- networks. gested that RCA toppers w’ere in no mood to “divorce” him from the _ i disk operation at this time. “My livn RaTkIK Annincf duties with the company today,” JHIl Ddthuo AUUlUg Sacks said, “are the same as they New Facet to Career wcre last year ' As a matter of fact With Col Disk Deal Hollywood, Dec. 21. Triple and quadruple threat men \a iiicii me rnu» nrm avouiu leiain when he inked the original pact . At the copynghts. ... . the present time, under the Song- Carmichael, represented by at- writers Protective Assn, basic con- torney Lee V. Eastman, launched tract, the writer automatically gets « ‘h« NBC ,abel switch when his current pact board and have been some time." wlth MGM ReC ords winds up in his suit against Mills a year ago, nt.n....../. BaiMM under which he challenged the tSHFARINfi'MAPS SWITCH* copyright renewal clause in the JllEiAIUmi IVl/UJ OIU tun, original contracts he signed with CliFN CWIiarTNr Tn TAP the publishing firm. He sued for uLLil uTTlilulilU IU v/lf return of the copyrights in a case George Shearing is mulling a that promised to be precedental for bel switch when his current pact (Continued on page 48) Atlantic Pacts Hunter February. Shearing, one of the few keyboarders of the modern Triple and quadruple threat men Atlantic Records, indie rhythm school to crack through commer- AlMflii tn Pnl Rncfar are becoming almost commonplace At blues label, has tagged Ivory daily, currently is being dickered /1UUCU IU 1411 11U5ICI in show business, but Jim Backus Joe Hunter to a longterm pact. b y several major diskeries. It’s Columbia Records has inked apparently Is out for the decath- Hunter already has cut his first expected, how'ever, that he’ll swing crooner Don Cherry to a special ..1* suii dKdii.M mills a year a K o. (Continued on page 46) under which he challenged the copyright renewal clause in the original contracts he signed with the publishing firm. He sued for fjOIllUDflO liOS 10 U01, return of the copyrights in a case », , ni*r I that promised to be precedental for AtW€U 10 I QUIDS ill (Continued on page 48) n • i i l o • i ii „ i /n Label Switches Hayes-Healy, Cherry London, Dec. 21. . . * , n Edmundo Ros and Winifred At- Added to Col Koster 1 wel1 are * witchin « disk affiliations. ^ , ‘ n , ‘ , Trinidad pianist Miss Atwell. Brit- Columbia Records has inked I a i n ’s topselling pianist on wax, who crooner Don Cherry to a special ; came from Decca to Philips early four-side deal. Cherry previously ! in 1953f lg now returning to the Ion record. Already established sessions for the label and they’re over t0 Capitol Records. four-side deal. Cherry previously i 1953, jg now returning to the in seven different fields. Backus being prepped for release within Shearing has been with MGM recorded under the Decca banner, j Decca fold. Among her first record- will invade a new branch of the en- the next few weeks. since 1949. He’s currently appear- Also added to Col’s roster last ] j nes f or r> e cca will be the Grieg tertainment industry in 1955 when he becomes a disk artist. Deal has been set with Mitch Miller for Backus to record for Columbia Records, the terms to be finalized as soon as the suitable property is obtained. Etching 1 either singles or an album, will probably be based on the “Mister Magoo” character which Backus created lor the United Productions of America cartoon series. In the last year and 1 half. Backus has appeared regularly on the “I Married Joan” tv series; had a featured spot in “Deep In My Heart” at MGM; broke in « new nitery act; continued guest shots on radio as “Hubert Updyke,” the richest man in the world; starred *s “Magoo” iq the award-winning aeries; did “The Man Who Came to Dinner” in stock; sold a screen- play, “Big Talent,” to MGM and j another to UPA; and did the voice of the villain Judge Hawkins in the cartoon feature version of the Broadway hit “Finian’s Rain- bow.” Actually, Backus made his re- cording debut on “Finian’s.” since it was strictly a vocal stint. Capitol Records will release the sound- track album, so Backus will be heard on disks via Capitol before his Columbia deal gets underway. Betty Johnson to RCA Betty Johnson, member of the singing Johnson Family which is on RCA Victor’s roster as a coun- try group, has been inked by the (liskery for pop singles. Miss Johnson had been cutting solo sides for Bell Records, the j 1 ocket Books’ lowpriced label. MGM Records. 1 nitery. his wife Mary Healy. OUT SOON The 49th Anniversary Number e next few weeks. since 1949. He’s currently appear- Also added to Col’s roster last j ngs f or Decca will be the Grieg Hunter previously etched for ing at Birdland, New York jazz w-eck w'ere Peter Lind Hayes and pi ano Concerto, which she recent- GM Records. nitery. his wife Mary Healy. l y p i ay «d as goioist with the Lon- ■■ don Philharmonic Orchestra at the - .. ' I Royal Albert Hall. • Britain’s top Latin • American oatoneer, Ros, is going over to Co- lumbia. Contracts were signed last m V week and the first session will take fl I T ■ >1111 |\| place on Jan. 10. JL A m Ros, who is addition to being one of the country’s busiest band- leaders, also owns the New Coco- nut Grove nitery on Regent Street. I H0 , He has been with Decca since 1941, and his contract expired in August 49th Anniversary Number of thl5 — DANNY THOMAS FORMS °‘ OWN PUBLISHING CO. Hollywood, Dec. 21. - Now, it’s Danny Thomas, music 'Mr / 1 f V* PU Comedian is head of the new W M M pubbery Dan’s Tunes Inc., founded with his brother, Ray Jacobs, and his longtime pianist-arranger Wal- Forms dosin 9 shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail M&i D * n ' 8 Tu "' s * s Special exploitation advantages DietrichsBriL ^ Marlene Dietrich’s nitery stint Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office . er.fmontha b^n’pi* into NEW YORK 3A HOLLYWOOD 21 CHICAeo 11 LONDON. W. C. 2 in* Lp’paeluip by' Columb!TRe<> 154 W. 44th St. 4311 Yucca St. 412 N. Michigan Ava. I St. Martin's Place ords early next year. Platter was Trafalgar Square etched during one of Miss Diet- rich’s performances at the nitery. , Album already is on release in . England under the Philips banner. Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office . NEW YORK 34 1 54 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 2$ 4311 Yucce St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON, W. C. 2 I St. Martin's Placn Trafalgar Sqnara contracts confidential. this w-eek and again was flatty de- The RCA exec also stressed the j the copyrights on some dozen mk-hael (Seo^seoaratP JtorV) The songwriters’ suit, launched med by Sacks Rumor apparently importance of the hi-fi movement | son gs, including the standard, “Star Roth are involved m court sihs in November. 1953, alleged that stems from the fact that Sacks w’as in stimulating the sales of disks. Dust.” No definite agreement has u ,, ar f m *u v iiJ?* co , i su , ^ the broadcasters and BMI w r ere originally moved into the disk divi- He said that in the hi-fi instrument been reached as yet but it’s un- cha | ,en £ in £ validity of the old involved in a conspiracy to hold sion early in 1953 on a “temporary” field, the industry increased sales derstood that Carmichael is look- f. onlract Provisions under wnicn , A 42 MUSIC Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Decca 'Show Business’ Set Parlays Top Names, Berlin Score Into B.O. Wax By ABEL GREEN < Decca, with its penchant for original soundtrack albums from top filmusicals, wilf hit the jackpot again with its newest, Irving Bei- lin’s "There’s No Businless Like Show Business.” It will ride the crest for big sales, as did Decca’s "Glenn Miller Story," produced by its affiliated Universal Pictures Co., and as did the more recent Par pic, "White Christmas,” another Berlin score. The diskeries have a pretty good inside track with their contractual tieups of personalities so that what- ever the Hollywood producer’s in- clinations and merchandising ideas, the picture companies must bow to the platteries. If, as in Decca’s circumstance, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye happen to be exclusive artists, then automatically the "White Christmas” package se- gues to the Milton R. Rackmil firm. Metro, which has its own MGM disk label, has found itself de- feated frequently in original sound- tracking where, for example, a Mario Lanza happened to be an ex- clusive RCA Victor recorder, or such as when Judy Garland was with Decca (since shifted to Co- lumbia). Decca had Ethel Merman, Don- ald O’Connor, Dan Dailey and Mitzi Gaynor already signed. Vic- tor wouldn’t release Marilyn Mon- roe. just signed exclusively, but Columbia did a noblesse oblige and loaned Johnnie Ray to help round out the original cast of stars for the Decca album. In the case of this Decca omni- bus. Dolores Gray, a regular con- tractee, but not in the film, sings the Marilvn Monroe songs — "Heat Wave" and "After You Get What You Want” — assuming that MM’s sizzling performance comes under the generic category’ of "singing.” (As a matter of fact Miss Gray, while simu’ating the Monroe style, will probably emerge a standout with her own individual singles of the same songs, maintaining the Alfred & Lionel Newman orches- tral interpretations). This has certainly been Berlin’s year, with two kingsize filmusicals a month or two apart, playing the two top deluxers in the world — "White Christmas” at Radio City- Music Hall, where it established a No.»2 money record for the mam- (Continued on page 45) Cavalcade’s Debut Disk To Feature Bahamas Cop Cavalcade Records, a new indie label, will hit the market after the first of the year with a coupling featuring former Nassau, Bahamas, policeman Eddie Munnings. Tunes on the initial release will be “Goombay” and "My Heart.” Cavalcade has been set up by- Allan R. MacLeod with headquar- ters in New York. Label already has lined up 20 distributors around the country. Another recently formed indie Thunderbird Records, also will tee off with the new year. Diskery, which w ill be headed up by Jordan Ramin with Meyer Gendel as gen- eral manager, has inked Jack Has- kell, crooner with Jack Paar’s CBS- TV show. Haskell’s initial sides, "I Remember Mambo” and "Who Can Say,” were cut under the musical direction of Sidney Ramin, who’s associated with Milton Berle’s tv show-. Distribution will be handled by Sam Clark. TO TRY SOAP & SHELLAC FOR DISCUCK FORMULA j Having scored twice in one mouth with a tv tieup, the diskers 1 are now prepping a collaboration with a soap opera. Columbia Rec- ords is readying a longplay album, "Joanne Sings,” with which it will tie with CBS-TV's daytimer, "Search for Tomorrow.” Platter was cut by Mary Stuart, j star of the soaper. The tunes will be integrated into the story line and the platter will be played on a regular basis. Previous disk-tv tieups were one- shot plugs: Joan Weber’s Col slice of "Let Me Go, Lover" via CBS- TV’s "Studio One” and Bob Man- ning's Capitol cut of "My Love Song to You” via Jackie Gleason's CBS TV show. Col and CBS will get an extra promotional push for the album from Procter & Gamble and the Biow agency. Ruby BrafT Quartet (Bethle- hem 1 . Bethlehem Records, one of the new entries in the jazz field, has been turning out consistently tasteful releases in a variety of jazz idioms. In this set. Ruby BrafT’s trumpet is showcased on a group of eight standards. Braff is a swing exponent and plays with a light touch that makes him highly listenable. He’s supported in this album by Johnny Guarnieri on piano, Walter Page on bass and Bobby Donaldson on drums. Also on the Bethlehem label is another new jazz set titled "Horn o’ Plenty,” which features a jazz nar- ration by disk jockey A1 Collins and Charlie Shaver’s trumpet in a series of carbons of other great horns. The takeoffs are accurately executed by Shavers and this set can properly be categorized as vaudeville jazz. Gloria DeHaven - Tony Curtis - Gene Nelson - Paul Gilbert: "So This Is Paris” (Decca >. This is a neat-sounding soundtrack album from the Universal pic, “So This Is Paris.” The title tune by song- writers Pony Sherrell and Phil Moody sets the Gallic mood for a series of catching numbers. Tony Curtis and Gloria DeHaven reg- ister on "The Two Of Us.” while Curtis. Gene Nelson and Paul Gil- bert join brightly on a clever number. “A Dame’s A Dame.” "If You Were There” is a swinging ballad handled lightly by Nelson and Miss DeHaven, while Nelson solos effectively on "Looking For LAWRENCE WELK and hit CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 171 *t Conaecutiva Waek, Aragon Ballroom, Santa Monica, Calif. Exclusively on Coral Records Latest Album VIENNESE WALTZES (For Dancing) Someone To Love.” Joseph Ger- shenson batons the studio orch. "Private Hell 36” (Coral). This is a series of mood instrumentals i taken from the soundtrack of the Ida Lupino starrer of the album’s title. Leith Stevens, who also did the expressive score for "The Wild One,” again displays his agility with modern jazz techniques which he juggles in a variety of tempos, all interesting. The sidemen in the orch. conducted by Stevens, are all firstrate and they execute I the solo and ensemble choruses with perfect precision. It's for the hipsters and Bill Simon has written an appropriate liner to the set. Woody Herman Orch; "The Three Herds” (Columbia). This is another one of Columbia’s super- lative historical jazz sets. In this package. Woody Herman’s various bands from 1945 to the present are collected on wax and Herman’s ! niche in the jazz world, as both a swing traditionalist and a modern innovator, is greatly clarified. Above all, this set swings in all idioms. Among the great sidemen spotlighted in this package are Stan Getz. Kai Winding, Urbie ' Green, Shorty Rogers. Neal Hefty. Dave Tough, Zqot Sims, Serge Chaloff and numerous others. Johnny Holiday Sings *Pacifica). Johnny Holiday, a younger singer from the Coast, shows consider- able savvy in this indie label set. : He doesn’t belt, but gets impact via proper phrasing and sensitive piping. He also has the fortune to be backed by a solid combo un- der Russ Garcia’s baton. Tunes include "I’ll Never Smile Again.” “Speak Low.” "Come Rain Or Come Shine.” "Baby All The Time.” "I’ll Never Be The Same." "Julie Is Her Name,” "She Doesn’t | Laugh Like You” and "Please Re- member.” Jocks, Jukes and Disks .By HERM SCHOENFELDh Four Aces: "Melody of Love”- "There's A Tavern In The Town" • Decca). The 1942 oldie, "Melody of Love,” which was revived re- cently by Dot and Mercury Records releases, is now sparking an un- usually intensive competitive race among major labels. It’s the only pop to make its way through the current holiday tune crush and promises to be a big one in the post-Christmas period. One of the unique aspects of the flock of cur- rent versions is that the interpreta- tions are varied, instead of being carbons of each other. All are solid, with the Four Aces, slice for Decca having top potential. The boys give it a slow, schmaltzy workover with plenty of commer- cial impact. The flip is a fine ar- rangement of another great oldie that also may take off. Jill Corey: "Edward’-’Tm Not At All In Love” (Columbia). Jill Corey, Columbia’s young song- “Tweedle-Dee,” she essays some of the rhythm A blues idiom with her usual forcefulness on one of the brightest items in this genre. She may, however, be a little late on I this tune. Flip is a fine ballad | which she also gives a strong | reading. Bob London: "Mister Publisher”- ; “Is That Asking Too Much” (Amer- ican). "Mister Publisher” may have I originated as some kind of gag be- tween vet songwriter L. Wolfe Gil- bert and publisher Irving Mills, * but the tune has definite merit as a piece of material despite its in- side trade stuff. Bob London gives it a highly effective rendition and this young baritone also shows con- siderable savvy on the pretty bal- lad on the reverse. The Ameri- can label, incidentally, is part of the Mills Music enterprise. Bernice Parks: "Only Love Me"- "Lovin’ Machine” (Coral). Bernice Parks makes an impressive bow on Best Bets FOUR ACES ( Decca ) JILL COREY ...» (Columbia) .... MELODY OF LOVE . . Tavern In the Town EDWARD I’m Not at All in Love stress who is still looking for her first hit. may find it in "Edward.” It’s a cute novelty by tunesmith Bob Merrill and she delivers with enough zest to ride it up into the bestsellers for a short stay typical of this type of number. On the re- verse, Miss Corey changes pace on one of the fine ballads from the legit musical, "The Pajama Game." Dinah Shore and Tony Martin ef- fectively duet "Melody of Love” for RCA Victor and this side could be the biggest one these artists have had in some time. The smooth voice blend gives this class. Victor has also issued an excellent instru- mental version of the number by harmonieist Leo Diamond and has also reissued the original Wayne King side. Frank Sinatra has turned up with a solo vocal on "Melody of Love” for Capitol that’s due to get plenty of spins by the new' wave of Sinatra fans. It’s an easy, almost casual interpretation with the usual Sinatra inflections. On the flip, Sinatra clicks on "I’m Gonna Live Till I Die.” a number which never quite made it on disks, but is a fave with cafe singers. Sin- atra’s version could make it on wax. Franklyn MacCormaok’s philo- sophical romantic recitation, with "Melody of Love” in the back- ground, has also been reissued by MGM Records. This side also could share in the tune’s upsurge even though it’s hardly a jukebox item. Georgia Gibbs: "Tweedlee Dee”- "You’re Wrong, All Wrong” (Mer- cury). Georgia Gibbs is a savvy stylist who can belt any kind of number to a fare-thee-well. In the Coral label with this coupling. "Only Love Me” is a big ballad which she gives an emotional treat- ment that sells. This number could grow into a big one. Flip is a sharp contrast. "Lovin’ Machine” is a rhythm number with a clever lyric that jocks might well examine for that "smooth spice” before air- ing it. It’s a cinch for the jukes. Dean Martin: "Belle From Bar- | celona”-"Confused” (Capitol), j "Belle From Barcelona” is a pleas- ant novelty in a familiar groove. Dean Martin works it over infec- tiously and could earn this number considerable spins. "Confused” is an okay ballad with fair chahces. Jo Stafford: "Darling, Darling, Darling”-"Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” (Columbia'. "Darling” is a fair tune with an echo cham- ber gimmick which has long since become routine. Jo Stafford, how- ever, renders the number with charm. On the reverse. Miss Staf- ford changes pace w ith one of Duke Ellington’s great standards jand she gives it a good ride, al- though her pipes are not usually associated with this kind of bluesy tune. . »+♦♦♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦+» ASCAP Trio Wins $750 In Albany Infringe Suit Three ASCAP publishers (Sha- piro. Bernstein; Harms and Joy Music) were awarded $750 damages and costs last week in a copyright infringement suit against Gerard’s Restaurant, Albany. Suit charged the defendant with the unauthor- ized performance of three tunes, "Pennsylvania Polka” ‘ (S-B>. "Three Little Words” (Harms) and “Honeysuckle Rose” (Joy). Judge Stephen W. Brennan of the U. S. District Court for the Northern District, N. Y., also awarded an injunction which re- strains the defendant from public- ly performing these songs in the iu t lire. 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines • ' \ Joan We her Columbia 1. LET ME GO, LOVER (4) ' \ Teresa Brewer Coral ) Patti Page Mercury j Chordettes Cadence 2. MISTER SANDMAN (6) J Four Aces Decca ) Lancers Coral 3. NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE (1. { & ^eyer’. . \ ! ! ! ! Cadence 4. TEACH ME TONIGHT <7> '. j ^o^Sta/ford “'"‘'.V: Vcofumb* 5. 6 . 7. 8 . 9. 10 . I NEED YOU NOW (16) Eddie Fisher Victor MAMBO ITALIANO (2) Rosemary Clooney ...Columbia HEARTS OF STONE (1) j Fontane Sisters _. Dot HOLD MY HAND (12) Don Cornell Coral PAPA LOVES MAMBO (11) Perry Como Victor SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL (10) Bill Haley's Comets Decca Second Croup r Doris Day Columbia J Denise Lor Major IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU - „ j Conhee Boswell Decca l Dinah Shore Victor MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE \ Sarah Vaughan Mercury .. ( Peggy King ... Columbia ^ THAT S ALL I WANT FROM YOU Jaye P. Morgan Victor THIS OLE HOUSE Rosemary Clooney ....Columbia NO MORE DcJohn Sisters Epic DIM, DIM THE LIGHTS Bill Haleyjs Comets Decca HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Pcr ry Como Victor WlilTHER THOU GOEST Lcs Paul-Mary Ford ... Capitol WHITE CHRISTMAS B ing Crosby Decca IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD j Four Aces Decca ( Ray Anthony Capitol ITioures In parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 101 • VOGEL WANTS TO BE IN AS ‘HILLS OF HOME’ PARD ! Jerry Vogel filed an action in N.Y. Federal Court last week against Carl Fischer Music to be declared partner in the tune "Hilla of Home.” Vogel is charging inter- ference by the defendant over the renewal rights. Vogel claims that Margaret M. Calhoun, heir to Floride L. Cal- houn, who penned the tune’s lyrics, assigned the renewal rights to him, while Oscar Fox, who wrote the music, assigned the renewal right* to Fischer. Vogel also is asking for an accounting of profits. Vienneau Into Lyons’ Asst. A&R Post at MGM Jimmy Vienneau will take over the assistant artists & repertoire post vacated by Dick Lyons at MGM Records. Vienneau, who’s been with the diskery’s production division for the past seven years, will work under Harry Meyerson, label’s a&r chief. Lyons ankled the company last week for a stab at the tv-film biz on the Coast. He'll be associated with the Edward Small org. Lyons left for the Coast Monday (20). Camden’s Dealer Contest To Hypo Platter Sales Camden Records, RCA Victor’s low-priced line which recently was taken over by Victor’s regular dis- tribs, is holding its first dealer contest to hypo sales. Label will hand out 53 prizes with a top award of $250. Contest will revolve around Camden’s packaged set of the six Tchaikowsky symphonies as well as a similar multiple-disk package due to be released in February. w^lnradav, December 22, 1954 MUSIC 45 See 3-in-Row For Cap Via Album On ‘Guys’ Soundtrack Hollywood, Dec. 21. For the third time in six months, Caoitol's contract roster appears to have guaranteed it the . 1 rack album on one of the film versions of a big Broadway musi- cal There haven’t been any formal negotiations, but the Coast label apparently will wind up with the soundtrack packaging of Samuel Golduvn's independent filmization of “Guvs and Dolls.” Decca had the original Broadway cast album. Capitol's inside track stems from the fact that Frank Sinatra, a Capi- tol artist, will star in “Guys and Dolls.’’ along with Marlon Brando, Vivian Blaine and Jean Simmons. 1 abel recently got the soundtrack for the cartoon feature version of “Finian’s Rainbow” because of the cast presence of Sinatra, and Ella I.ogan and snagged the film sound- track album on “Oklahoma” be- cause the pic stars Gordon MacRae, another Capitol artist. KOOL Disk Jockeys Deny Station Banned Tm a Rollin’ ’ Disk Phoenix. Editor. Variety: 1 feel I must clear up a situa- tion that I’m sure came about as the result of a misunderstanding. Here’s the complete story. Some time ago when “I’m a Roll- In" first came in I played it for Tom Chauncy, our managing direc- tor. He did not bar the record; on the contrary he thought it was so funny he wanted to get some extra copies for his friends. He did take the record home with him, not because he didn’t want it in the library, but because he wanted to play it fqr his guests. We ac- tually went out and purchased a 78 rpm version for the station so that Bob Donnelly, our morning deejay, could play it on his novelty show and morning program. 1 myself have not played the rec- ord on the air on either of my two shows, not because I was told to bar it. but because it does not fit in with the type of music I play. I rarely play novelties of my shows, preferring to concentrate on stand- ards and the prettier popular tunes. I’m one of these rare dee- jays who didn’t play "Doggie in the Window” or "The Mama Doll Song." On several occasions I was called and asked if I would play the record. I told the caller that 1 did not play the record on my shows. Perhaps Mr. Jonas was one of those who called and misconstrued my answer to mean that I couldn’t play it. If so, he is mistaken. In the two years and three months I have worked at this station I have never once been told what not to play or what to play on my shows. The management here has always hewed to a hands off policy when it comes to the musical content of our record shows. As this is a rare experience for me since I first en- tered radio some 10 years ago, I have been extremely happy with KOOL. If at any time they w r ere to tell me what to play I w’ould have. I feel I am a responsible person who knows music and I would never play anything in bad taste. I presume they have the same regard for my ability for they have never interfered. Frank Pollack. P£R&Ti Scoreboard OF TOP TALENT AND TUNES POSITIONS This Last Week Week 1 2 2 1 8 9 10 NOTE: The current comparative sales strength of the Artists and Tunes listed hereunder is arrived at under a statistical system comprising ec.ch of the three major sales outlets enu- merated abore. These findings are correlated with' data from wider sources, which are exclusive with Variety. The positions resulting from these findings denote the OVERALL IMPACT de- veloped from the ratio of points scored, two ways in the case of talent (coin machines, retail disks ) and three ways in the case of tunes (coin machines, retail disks and retail sheet music). TALENT ARTIST AND LABEL TI NE JOAN WEBER (Columbia) Let Me Go, Lover CHORDETTES (Cadence) Mister Sandman { I Need You Now Count Your Blessings Fanny This Ole House ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) j Mambo Italiano Hey There AMES BROTHERS (Victor) Naughty Lady of Shady Lane De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) Teach Me Tonight 1 Papa Loves Mambo PERRY COMO (Victor) -{Home for the Holidays Things I Didn’t Do Shake, Rattle and Roll Dim, Dim the Lights iRock Around the Clock \ Mister Sandman FOUR ACES (Decca) /it’s a Woman’s World SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) Make Yourself Comfortable 5 6 8 6 BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) 10 POSITIONS This Last Week Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 4 7 5 3 6 8 TUNES (♦ASCAP. tBMI) TUNB PUBLISHER ♦MISTER SANDMAN Morris fLET ME GO, LOVER Hill & Range ♦TEACH ME TONIGHT Hub-Leeds ♦NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE Paxton ♦COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Berlin tTHIS OLE HOUSE Hamblen ♦I NEED YOU NOW Miller ♦PAPA LOVES MAMBO Shapiro-Bernstein ♦MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE Rylan 4 +HEARTS OF STONE Regent Ditto Donnelly Editor, Variety: "hen the recording of “I’m a 7 lh " by Jackie Miles arrived a our station, I had the pleasure ( ! aui ‘itioning it for our managing d:i ector, Tom Chauncey. Chauncey ‘ts ' e, y amused by the recording and encouraged me to plug it. He • ^0 lrquested me to purchase sev- whi. h i -» h j S own ^0^1 use, 11 1 did. At no time did he niemon the banning of it. Bob Donnelly. New Scot Orch Maestro » T ; , . ^ Glasgow, Dec. 21. condnMn has been named Vaho,v t0 n °J the BBC Scottish Kem In £ h ,L succee 13 sbsubm — 8HAI— 1 qanqo xi !0 sbsub^i— an.vv— nns ®“*«m •S[dpM-inBd 'IS — NIWAA — uouubj ®a»»s flutsusq — Kir.W — q«<»MS I J *£> jToa^aa— Mar.u— UJoq.iBaa— — jnoiuXas u iq«»H ooija^BM.— 1 13 XM— ||»ssnjx ®llJ«q 3 sauioiM saQ — XNHX — II®8 «®Q o3boim 3 — AIVAV — uosuy Ilia 3HOJJON — HONAA— M J1| I3 J » , O O •a f « «J .2 u S > ft) £ "•* H *■ v e ^ . •r js . q be J c • I- 5 4» Igl 1*1 & 2 C H P • # *2 ^ 11 “ fa — | Si j s 3 - f rS-g : *> *2 _ * s S ; fa. » O i §s< ! (5 fa « « -2 ^ O. K S< Op - 5 o d S 1 ! x ® O ? fa O « « « « O t- T3 t. •- O <0 O > U U U -3 cj O w W O ^ O ^ fa t* o a o a» .Si ^ .Si — • c . • XJ o ^ w O Ih ■ o c .ts S g ts o 73 .ts 5 g'O U g o g *r (Q m Zi O >h O CC O o a o a» .s « a Q>du s S 5 b > b o o « • CO *2 ft) "" X3 o jD • E c p : I-S O W o O U U U Q ■S g- fc g s ■81 eg? s 1 *s 3 ^ I ss 2 .5 S! 5 ^ « k.S 2 53 g ? isSl-a 1 \l&sh: kg I'lisil • B 2 : " c t be 5 S f 3 O d x * 03 ! 1 1 U r/i 1 f 5 ► " | B 1 4 t ^ ft 2 k s U) 4^ fa 2 «g ^ •>« ■ w ' fat nA ^ >S ,p ^ 9 ftp* l j •CjBfafafa CA ^ C I O^Sfil! A fa. 2 SE-c« ^^ &, Ib!?v« k .ccE 0 S£So^l:fc»- 4 . 5 if 2 tfi£b t^L.CW“^B 3 L. 0 !». — M»ON'»*>Cn-*»WCft r. *T* ^ r N : : *S : : > . » o . . . : 1 1 \\ c o C •* b *d ? U « a ? X S.s!?«. B i C ! 5 i Cft ~ u C O ;B « B •-» O C« < ,s be 18 - z »5 Id ID < H K Q fa h 0 , h 5 o« o js J « fi fa •? * « fa • K g C ►» « s •= fl J N W « M “ o 3 O O Q •"» H *J •H e-t JQ ^ O G O ♦-* C 4-» ♦-* ^ *-* e\ a 2 a .Si ® 2 ft o a & z o U U U w Q u PQ ^ M mm Z be a 7S s s i 2 §«« C« !s ^ «sS^ 5 £ 2 sfa ooRP atf 5 |i “!S Ilf * 5 1 S « o a s I n « « k h M O M O 2 Survey of retail disk best sellers based on reports ob- tained from leading stores in 22 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. National Rating This Last wk. wk. 1 1 2 2 3 7 4 5 5 3 6 4 7 5 8 7 9 13 10 9 11 15 12 11 16A 25 16B 12 18 19 20 14_ 21 A 23 21B 19 23 23_ 24A IQ 24B 17 Artist, Label, Title I as 1 £ I eo CHORDETTES (Cadence) “Mister Sandman” 12 6 JOAN WEBER (Columbia) “Let Me Go, Lover” 2 1 2 AM-ES BROTHERS (Victor) “Naught y Lady of Shady Lane” 3 10 . . "DeCASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) “Teach Me Tonight” 5 1 ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col.) “This Ole House” “EDDIE FISHER (Victor) “I Need Y ou Now” 8 . . "PERRY COMO (Victor) “Papa Loves Mambo” 4 9 "EDDIE FISHER '(Victor) “Count Your Blessings” 7 SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) “Make Yourself Comfortable”. 6 6 8 “HALEY’S COMETS~Tbecca) “Shake, Rattle and Roll” 4 "FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) “Hearts of Stone” 4 FOUR ACES (Decea) “Mister Sandman” BILLY VAUGHN (Dot) “Melody of Love” COWBOY SCHOOL (Decea) “ Open Up You r He art” H. WINTERHALTER (Victor) “Barefoot Contessa” ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Col ) “Mambo Italiano” 7 „ . .. DORIS DAY (Columbia) “If I Give My Heart to You”. .10 . . PERRY COMO (Victor) “Home for the Holidays” 9 .. 3 PAUL — FORD (Capitol) “Whither Thou Goest” HALEY’S COMETS (Decea) “Dim, Dim the Lights” DeJOHN SISTERS (Epic) “No M ore” 10 PENGUINS (Dootone) ^Earth Angel” THREE CHUCKLES (Label X) “Runaround” DON CORNELL (Coral) “Hold My Hand” 5 .. .. JAYE P. MORGAN (Victor) “That’s All I Want From You” e ’O « « £ 2 < fiu 1 1 5 2 3 3 2 7 8 8 6 10 10 6 I I 1 1 4 6.. 4 5 10 3.. 10 6 8 6 10 1 .. .. 2 8 5.. 2 3 7 7 4 5 .. 6 5 7 8 4.. 4 7 7 4 .. 2 ..-5 7 9.. 6 9 4 8 .. 5 7 9 6.. 9 8 6.. 9 .. 3 . . 2 9 8 1 .. .. t . 4 . .. 4 .. 5 3 .. 4 10 9 10 7 .. 6 8 7 7 . «. 6 •• *. % . .. 10 SIX TOP ALBUMS 1 2 3 4 5 STUDENT PRINCE WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSIC, MARTINIS GLENN MILLER A STAR IS BORN Mario Lanza Crotby-Kaya-Laa AND MEMORIES LIMITED EDITION, II Judy Garland Decca Jackia Gleaion Glenn Millar Columbia Victor DL 8083 Capitol Victor BL 1201 LM 1837 ED 819 W 509 LPT 6701 BA 1201 ERB 1837 A 956 EAP 1, 2, 3, 4—509 EPOT 6701 BM 1201 1 166 2 153 3 84 . 82 6 71 5 70 8 66 . 47 . 38 . 13 7 12 2 .. .. 9 11 the package line. The disk com- panies have been issuing a steady flow of new jazz releases, but they figure the market is big enough and still growing. Many orchs are still on the disk company rosters but they’re not getting the same promotional push as they did a couple of years ago. Only sock band slice this year was Ralph Marterie’s “Skokiaan” for Mercury. Orchs also are taking it on the cjhin from the touring jazz pack- ages and “big shows.” Orchsters have been squawking that fans have been staying away from their gigs because they only offer one name, while the packages have been giving them as many as 10 stars. The touring packages also have clipped the booking opportunities for the orchs. Promoters have gone all out to nab the packages and in most cases have been brushing off band bookings to con- centrate on the concert package promotion. * DECCA UPS HURLEY TO HEAD N.Y. SALES BRANCH Edward Hurley, manager of Decea Records’ Philadelphia branch, has been upped to man- ager of the New York branch in line with the diskery’s policy of promoting from within the com- pany. Hurley, with Decca’s sales force since 1946, will work under Albert E. Simpson, vice-prexy of Decea Distribution Corp. and east- ern division manager. Leonard Salidor, who has been doing disk promotion for Decea in Philly, takes over Hurley’s spot in the city. Both will assume their new posts on Jan. 1. Hurley replaces Lou Klayman who left Decca to head up Mer- cury’s newly organized N. Y. branch. x Alan Freed to Promote ‘Rock & Roll Ball’ in N.Y. Deejay Alan Freed will head up New York's first rhythm & blues bash at the St. Nicholas Ballroom Jan. 14-15. Freed, who airs on the Gotham indie WINS, will feature the winners of his current r&b popularity poll at the shindig. The jamboree will be tagged “Bock and Roll Ball.” Freed pre- viously had promoted similar af- fairs in Cleveland and Newark un- der the “Moondog Ball” monicker but he recently lost the title to the original Moondog, Louis Hardin, blind perucssionist who works on the streets of N. Y. TyJTil 16 MUSIC Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Inside Stuff-Music In its third year, “Silver Bells” 'moves into select company as an •lltime Christmas song with its inclusion in a special deejay album of Bing Crosby tunes issued by Decca. Other tunes in the package are “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells” and “White Christmas.” Ironically, “Bells” has become an annuity for Jay Livingston and Ray Evans who wrote it, almost under duress, for “Lemon Drop Kid,” the 1951 Bob Hope starrer. Tunesmiths balked, figuring all Yule tunes had been written, finally decided to try one with a city theme. It is now Hope’s annual Christmas theme song, and the tune now is second only to “White Christmas” as the Yuletide sales topper of modern times. By the end of the current season, sheet music will have passed the 365,000 mark and disks the 1,000,000 mark. Coincidentally, Crosby — the alltime topper with "White Christmas” — has the biggest “Bells” disk as well. Others are by Doris Day and by Jimmy Wakely and Margaret Whiting. The old argument about “is there a season for songs?” got another working over this week after tunesmiths L. Wolfe Gilbert and Ben Oakland put on an oldfashioned songplugging routine. Gilbert and Oakland penned “Mr. Publisher 'Have I Got a Song For You)” and Gilbert and Sammy Fain turned out “Is That Asking Too Much?” Both tunes were bought by Mills Music and recorded by the pubbery on its subsidiary American Records, back to back. However, Irving and Paul Mills decided to wait until after the holidays before pushing the tunes or the etchings by Bob London. Gilbert and Oakland how- ever, decided not to wait and took some dubs around to Coast deejays, mailing others east. The result was that the firm was forced to get the disk into release. Tunesmiths on the Coast are accustomed to the whims of film pro- ducers who demand special tunes for any and all occasions, but Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane faced a new one when they went to work on “The Girl Rush” at Paramount. Producer Frederick Brisson demanded a theme song with the flavor of Las Vegas and adaptable to every sort of tempo.” After some wor 4c, Martin and Blane came up with “Take A Chance.” In the picture it will be played and sung as a waltz, tango, beguine, German oompah band standard. French cancan, dixieland, fast foxtrot and lush ballad. Montreal pianist Andre Mathieu’s claim for a world record for con- tinuous playing, following his recent 21-hour pianothon, is being contested by Frank Crowther. who broadcasts under the name of Red Cross on WMAZ-TV in Macon. Ga. Cross played 121 continuous hours back in 1929 in a “world championship” match with a German 88er. Cross, who was chained to the piano, won by 15 hours. MACHITO CREW TO PLAY COAST BEFORE S.A. TOUR Hollywood, Dec. 21. Machlto and his Latin-American orch have been set for a flock of one-niters and jazz spot engage- ments on the Coast in the next couple of months. Following its ! current stand at the Oasis in Los Angeles, the Machito crew will play a couple of one nite stands ’ before moving into The Downbeat in San Francisco Jan. 6 for two weeks. Following, the combo will tour through Arizona and Califor- nia before starting its annual South American tour Feb. 10. Tour has been handled by the Storper Agency in N. Y. and the Sennes Agency here. Meyers Music. Philadelphia firm, has set up a branch in Toronto. It’ll be headed up by Eli Kassner. DEAN PARKER VERA CRUZ Sings I MANDOLIN MGM 11866 78 RPM K 11866 45 RPM MGM RECORDS v E N E Vj y O 9 * 3 £ \ » Songs With Largest Radio Audience The top 30 songs of week (more in case of ties), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research, Inc.. Dr. John Gray Pentman, Director. Alphabetically listed. * Legit musical. t Film. Survey Week of December 10-16, 1954 All Of You — ♦“Silk Stockings” Chappell Christmas Alphabet ... Budd Count Your Blessings — t“White Christmas” Berlin Fanny — ♦“Fanny” . Chapnell Give Me Your Heart For Christmas Fisher Hey There — ♦“Pajama Game” Frank Hold My Hand — +“Susan Slept Here” Raphael Home For The Holidays Foncorn I Need You Now Miller Idle Gossip Evans If I Give My Heart To You ... Miller It’s A Woman’s World — ^'Woman’s World” Robbins Let Me Go. Lover II & R Make Yourself Comfortable Pylan Mister Sandman Morris My Own True Love — f “Gone With The Wind” Remick Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Paxton Papa Loves Mambo Shaoiro-B Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer St. Nicholas 'Santa Claus Is Cornin’ To Town Feist Silk Stockings — ♦“Silk Stockings” Chappell Silver Bells Paramount Sleigh Ride Mills Smile Bourne Teach Me Tonight Hub-L This Ole House Hamblen Vera Cruz — +“Vera Cruz” Feist Without Love — ♦“Silk Stockings” Chappell Wrong, Wrong, Wrong : Porgie You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You Southern Top 30 Songs on TV (More In Case of Ties ) Cara Mia A Dame’s A Dame — + “So This Is Paris” Crazy ’Bout You Baby Count Your Blessings — f’White Christmas”.. Crazy ’Bout You Baby Dance, Mister Snowman, Dance Davey Crockett Every Christmas Morning Give Me Your Heart For Christmas Home For The Holidays I Dreamt That I Was Santa Claus I Need You Now If I Give My Heart To Vou Let Me Go, Lover Love Can Change The Stars Make Yourself Comfortable Mister Sandman Muskrat Ramble My Love Song To You Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane Papa Loves Mambo Pupalina Santa Claus Is Cornin’ To Town Santo Natale Sh-Boom Silver Bells Sleigh Ride Teach Me Tonight Three Bon Vivants — t“So This Is Paris” .... Two Of Us— +"So This Is Paris” Wait Till Paris Sees Us — t’ So This Is Paris” . Feist Mills Feist Berlin Sunbeam Favorite Disney Radio Music Fisher Roncom Ludlow-F Miller Miller H & R Feist . Rylan Morris Simon , SongSmiths Paxton Shapiro-B , Pincus . Feist , Spier H Si R Paramount . Mills . Hub-L Mills Mills Mills FELDMAN CLUB, BRIT. GI MUSIC HANGOUT, FOLDS London, Dec. 21. The Feldman Club, jazz resort on Oxford St. which was visited by hundreds of GI’s and American musicians during the war, closed its doors last Sunday (19). Opened in 1943, the club never missed a session throughout the darkest days of the war, and Glenn Miller was one of its regular visi- tors when he w as over there. ' Reason for the closure is the dearth of the right kind of jazz talent. to bring in the fans, say the organizers. Best British Sheet Sellers (Week ending Dec. 11) London, Dec. 14. Hold My Hand Wood If I Give My Heart .. .Robbins Santo Natale Spier This Ole House Duchess Can’t Tell Waltz ..... Reine Mitster Sandman Morris My Son, My Son Kassner Must Be A Reason ..Connelly Veni, Vidi, Vici Dash Smile Bourne Happy Wanderer ...Bosworth My Friend Chappell Second 12 No One But You .... Robbins Things Mean a Lot . .Robbins Sky Blue Shirt Wright I Count Your Blessings .. Berlin I Still Believe. . . Macmelodies I Love Paris Chappell i Story of Tina. . . Macmelodies High-Mighty . Harms-Connelly Wait For Me. Lafleur Heartbeat Kassner Mama Doll Song Leeds I Finger of Suspicion . .Pickwick This Personal Mgr. Even Pounds Keys for Singer Hollywood, Dec. 21. There can’t be any complaint about the amount of work personal manager A1 Lerner is willing to do for singer Bobby Milano. Latter made his debut as a Capitol Rec- ords artist in a session last night (Mon.) — with Lerner at the piano. Lerner, keyboard accompanist for Frankie Laine, signed Milano in Buffalo and the youngster is a Laine protege. Capitol is giving Milano a big treatment in the first sides which have backing by a 25-piece orches- tra, including 16 strings, arranged and conducted by Les Baxter. Bell Bells Colby Bell Records, indie lowprice label, has tapped Marion Colby to a disking deal. Nitery and le- gituner thrush etched her initial sides (“Dim, Dim the Lights” and “Unsuspecting Heart”) for the diskery last week. She’s currently appearing in the legituner, “Pajama Game,” on Broadway. Renewals Continued from page 41 back his copyright at the end of 28 years and has a second lick at bat in trying to make a new deal either with the old, or with a new firm, depending on where he can get the best deal. Also part of the general problem is the growth in the number of split copyrights. In cases where there are two or more songwriters on a tune, the possibility of the col- laborators splitting the copyright renewals is always present, particu- larly if an estate is involved where ; the savvy in music biz operation is lack ng. In the case of split copy- J rights, the publishers point out that everybody loses, including the writers, since no one is going to lay out any exploitation coin on a tune in which they have only a half-interest or less. Disk Horizons — ^ Continued from page 41 $300,000,000 for the industry as a whole in 1955.” . SarnofT also touched on another aspect of the hi-fi movement in pointing out that magnetic sound recorders are gaining in popular- ity. He said that over 750,000 are already in use in homes and in- dustry. He pointed out that Victor became the first major record com- pany to make a library of tape re- cordings for the commercial mar- ket. Sarnoff also said that Victor was also the first to produce stereo- phonic recordings. The RCA top- per stated that the company will explore further possibilities in these new fields in 1955. A WONDERFUL SEASONAL SONG $•, c-ic Ca hn i 'LET ITS NOW.'" 1£T nsnoivr "LtTlTSNOM" CAHN MUSIC COMPANY Latest DECCA Ralaasa STARS NEVER CRY b/w NOT TOO YOUNG TO HAVE MEM0RES CHARLIE APPLEWHITE P«f. Mflf. Direction I WYNN LASSNER WM. MORRIS AGENCY I SPACE AVAILABLE Office Space (furnished) for Music Publisher or Theatrical Agent 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street) CaH JUdeon 4-3344 America's Fastest ■’Selling -Records! 1 \t«ilne»-day, """" ~ _ December 22 ; i 9& 1 MSHETr s^- \-*v ; ; V>: '.■.•, ■ --•.•• • • «.■<« I !■! .u. 47 a great duet by TO NT MARTIN and DINAH SHORE i j ! C ( L > I i I f f f ! f i * t j i i i ! : | *• | i I ME B I 2 Q/ 4 7 - 5 »,'■• >. 4 ’ V - 4 V-^C ■ >■■■ Si*- ■ y ' %7 'W -T ' ■ >£*/ 'sM& •. K-K-: «r i ’« 5 < , y * < r • • y: v *•> r*X- * <*•;•; .mftijfc: rca "Victor • : *> S r N * K O 6 A 0 •* v ' 1 ' F> w 'Wf:$ f *#*$?£> ? • PA P»5*» k **lf O H CC i- .-.r.v.-. .v..../i4kAv/...-. -vvv. . 4*. /. ««4 ‘C> • .*>v . 1 .a .kvyv/^r.y/. /*V 4 ! * * < i I * . •r i 4 Wednesday, December On The Upbeat RETAIL SHEET BEST SELLERS I New York Abbey Albert orch winds up a stand at the Hotel Statler, Wash- ington, Saturday (25 » and moves into Detroit’s Hotel Statler Dec. 27 for an indefinite stay . . . Al Mor- eau, currently at the Hatboro Hotel. Hatboro, Pa., into the Copa- cabana, Pittsburgh, Dec. 27 . . . Disk promoter Buddy Basch edit- ing Top Hit Record News mag . . . N.Y. indie WNEW staffers Rudy Rudderman and BiM Harrington penned the new Guy Mitchell tune, “Gee But You Gotta Come Home” . . . Sam Clark, MGM Rec- ords Boston distrib, in town for sales huddles . . . Joni James guesting on WLWD-TV, Davton. for the polio drive . . . The Four Joes, new MGM Records vocal combo, open at the Hotel Statler. Cleveland. Jan. 16 . . . Sol Yaged’s Quintet into Birdland Monday (27) for a one-nite jazz concert . . .Cy Baron and Willie Shore, owners of The Composer, feteing Deems Taylor with a special afternoon birthday party today (Wed.) . . . Dick Linke, Capitol Records’ east- ern promotion manager, back at his N.Y. desk after a quickie Coast- east deejay trek . . . “Day of Triumph” has been bought by Ross Jungnickel Music, Hill & Range’s ASCAP firm. Chicago Jimmy Blade had olosing notice recalled at Drake Hotel, where he’s played some three years, and stay- The Perennial Favorite Santa Claus Is Cornin' PLEATED SHIRTS "On Stage'' or "On the Town' ing on indefinitely . . . Charlie Ventura playing Rendezvous in Philadelphia Dec. 19 for single week . . . Mutual Artists Corp. plucked organist Hack Swain for management and for multi-track recordings on the Cardinal label . . . Eddie Howard set for Casa Loma Ballroom, St. Louis, Jan. 21 for couple frames . . . Harding & Moss Revue in for two-framer at R ipid City Air Base, South Dakota, Jan. 17 for two weeks, following | with Offutt Air Base assignment i beginning Feb. 7 . . . Modern Jazz Quartet playing concert series in Chi Dec. 7 and 28. Pittsburgh Tommy Carlyn’s band signed for Newspaper Guild's annual Page One Ball at William Penn Hotel Jan. 29 . . . Bill Brant orch set for New Year’s Eve party at Gateway Plaza . . . Del Monaco Quartet back into the Blue Moon for an indefinite stay . . . Bobby Cardillo. recuperatirg from kidney opera- tion, expects to resume with Reid Jaynes at the Carlton House’s twin pianos on Christmas night . . . Stan Conrad, organist, has picked up a six-month option hike at the Vogue Terrace . . . Doreen Faust 1 foursome opened New Nixon res- taurant and will be there for two weeks . . . George Wittington Trio now featured at the Midway Lounge . . . With Chicago and Las Vegas bookings in the offing, Larry Faith’s orch will pull out of the Horizon Room after the first of the year . . . Everett Haydn, organist, renewed at Dore’s res- taurant in East Liberty . . . Deuces Wild engagement at My Brothers Place has been postponed until Jan. 3 FLANAGAN’S STRING OF LOCATIONS, ONE-NITERS After a three-week hiatus, the Ralph Flanagan orch is swinging into a string of location ard one- ! niter booking through April. Orch opens the Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans, tomorrow' (Thurs > for a two-week stay and then moves to a one-weeker in Houston, playing for the Auto Show there. Flanagan will then begin a one- niter schedule which will take his band through Texas, Kansas, Ne- braska, Iowa and Michigan. The one-niters will be primarily at colleges and universities. Survey of retail sheet music best sellers based on reports obtained from leading stores in 13 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for thij and last week. • ASCAP t BM1 . . tThis Ole Ho use (Hamblen).. •Naughty Lad y (Paxton) •I Need Y ou Now (Miller) . . . •If I Give My H eart (Miller). •White Christma s (Berlin). . . •Papa Loves Mam bo (S-B). . . •Rudolph (St. Nicholas) •Home for Holida ys (R o ncom) •Make Comfortab le (Rylani.. •Hold My Hand (Raphael). . . . "tThat’s AM I Want (W&bTT” S 2 | S. I « I | i S J ! c — V ■2c -O ® £ o S >> -t S 1 e — * X cfl < 73 j I 2 120 1 114 9 92 6 81 5 10 4 8 9 10 6 10 10 44 6 9 7 9.. 43 7 7 8 4 32 4 8 5 7 30 22 8 14 10 10 6 . . 7 4 . . * Toiloftd in tin* fabrics, handtsms pleat!, Hat- ** A teriaf tall, ipreol j J tailor. (Sam by Show ' J lit Folks with Tuiede / or everyday wear. r a TV Bit/ a or Whila • Sixos 1 4- 17V] in slock mail order! accepted, prepaid Carmichael 111 Seventh Are. Ieu> magram records ( Hr t/jj "The finest sound on record Continued from page 41 the music biz in establishing the validity of the old renewal clauses. Billy Rose, in his suit against Bourne Music for return of the copyright on “That .Old Gang of Mine,” written with Mort Dixon and Ray Henderson, is involved in a similar court test. The first 28- year term on “Star Dust” runs out in 1957, while on several lesser tunes in the Carmichael suit, the initial terms have already ex- pired. Lyric to “Star Dust” was written by Mitchell Parish, whose part of the copyright would re- main with Mills Music no matter what Carmichael did. Jack .Mills, head of Mills Music, recently returned from a trip to the Coast, where he confabbed with his brother Irving, the firm’s v.p. on the proposed Carmichael settlement. The Mills attorney, Sam Buzzell, also was on the Coast for the talks. MUSIC WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR HARRY RANCH AND HIS ORCHESTRA CorrooHy J. P. MALONEY'S CHAUDIERE COUNTRY CLUB Hall, Qnoboc Opening Dec 31 NEW MELODY CLUB, Wait Palm Baach, Fla. ★ ★ ★ ★ MGM Racords Epic Gives Go-Ahead To Hawkins-'George’ Disk An artists & repertoire man can withstand pressure from most peo- ple but usually gives in when it’s coming from dealers and distribu- tors. After a bootlegged master of Dolores Hawkins’ etching of l “George” had been aired by jock- ! eys in key cities. Marvin Holtzman, Epic’s a&r chief, gave the green light for the release of the platter to meet the mushrooming demand that had been sparked by the dee- jay plays. Holtzman had nixed the release because of tune’s offbeat Lyric. It’s a special material tune which Miss Hawkins uses in her nitery act. The tune had been cut several months ago but Holtzman had been hesitant to put it on regular re- lease despite pressure from Don Seat, thrush’s manager. Deciding to force the issue. Seat procured the master and sent acetates to jocks in N. Y., Detroit and Cleve- land. The plays brought in orders for close to 30.000 platters and the go-ahead signal from Holtzman. Tune was penned by Bobby Max- i well and is published by Planetary music. . — Betty Blasco Set-Up New K. C. Music Firm Kansas City, Dec. 21. New publishing firm, Happiness Music, is being organized here by j Betty Peterson Blasco. She is with- drawing from Blasco Music. Inc., which was established by her late husband, Louis Blasco, and which they operated for several years. In the new setup, the bulk of ASCAP copyrights formerly held by Blasco Music will become Hap- piness Music properties. Mrs. Blasco also will head Midland Music, the BMI catalogue. A lead- ing property of the new firm is “My Happiness,” for which she wrote the words, and which is now an established standard. Blasco Music will continue ac- tive in publishing and in the re- cording biz, according to Frank Blasco, president, who succeeded his brother, Louis, in that position. Company has the Cardinal label and a talent roster including The Mulcays, Cathy Bryan, Carl King and Hack Swain. MGM DIGS INTO VAULTS i TO RIDE ‘MELODY’ WAVE MGM Records has dug into its vaults to get in on the current “Melody of Love” surge. Oldie tune, which is now getting a top push by the majors and the indie Dot label, originally was issued by MGM in a 78 rpm album of recita- tion to organ by Franklyn Mc- Cormack in 1947. The package was tagged “Why Do I Love You?” * Diskery has pulled the master of “Melody” out of the files and is rushing it as a single release. It’s also repackaging the album into a 10-inch LP and changing ! the title to “Melody of Love.” . Papa Celestin Continued from page 43 Oliver, Bunk Johnson and Buddy Bolden dominated the music scene. By 1910, he was blowing his cornet at Lulu White’s notorious Mahogany Hall, Tom Anderson’s and the old Tuxedo Hall on Frank- lin street. In 1911, he formed the Original Tuxedo Orchestra. It was not a “jazz” band since the term was not yet in use. For the next 15 years. Celestin’s was the band that played for most of the debu- tante parties. The Original Tuxedo Band nur- tured many of the jazz masters who were later to gain fortune and fame surpassing that of Celestin. Such two-beat artists as Lorenzo Tio, Baby Dodds, Shots Madison, Jimmy Noone and Alphonse Picou made up the Celestin aggregation during its 15 years at the top of jazz world. Ijut in the early 20s, the vogue in dance music changed. Bands with elaborate arrangements caught on Celestin and his dixieland crew were eclipsed. He worked for years as a lrng- shoreman on the Mississippi docks, as a construction worker and truck driver to earn a living. Ten years ago he returned to his horn and once again found himself In de- mand for parties and social affairs. In 1953, he and his band went to Washington to play for. the annual dinner of the White House Cor- respondents’ Association. Celestin received a certificate of merit from President Eisenhower which read, “Mr. Celestin, you are a fine gen- tleman and a credit to your race and country.” Only survivor is his widow. Tht couple had been married 32 years. from the 20th Century-Fox CtnemaSiope Production "WOMAN S WORLD" IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD ROBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION It's Mb tic by JESSE GREER Program Today Yaitarday'i ONCE IN A LIFETIME FROM EARL CARROL'S "VANITIES'* ROBBINS FOR RENT BRILL BLDG. B’WAY & 49 ST. Saany 400 tq. ft. aait, 2 win- dows, high Roar, 24-hr. sanrlco. BRILL REALTY • CO 5-4V50 ASSOCIATED BOOKING CORPORATION JOE GLASER, Pres New York 1 Chicago 205 No WobcMh Hollywood 8619 Sururt Blvd ' Another BMI *PI» Up' Hit hearts of stop * 9eo rded bv THE* OOOfm$ TER *' f “"I RED Folf y I VICI YOUNG '.'.'.r, 0 ^ RUBr WEUS \ Mcguire sisters co'r° in!J ls ,NN,S ™ SEWK:::::- Published by REGENT MUSIC CORP. ■ ■ I I Wedne§d«y mSSm X.;>iw y.y.y.’A/.p+W'.S.lfyft. /.sy.;v. ;X;w.v •xix : :■ - m ^ - :■ ■S-?*Z»&-v • ;>•:%••• :?x« venue, New Y< VAUHVOU Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Tollies' Healthy $84,000 For 10-Shows in N. Haven Milbourne Christopher New Haven. Dec. 21. Playing its annual eight-day stand at the Arena. “Ice Follies'* topped last year's gross for equiva- . lent performances by a slight per- . centage. Show pulled an approxi- ! mate 32.000 payees through the turnstiles for an extremely healthy i $84,000. at $4.80 top. 10-perform- | ance figure represented 90'© capacity. Show laid off following final Sun- day (19* show here, brief pre-Xmas vacation for the troupe being a I “Follies’* tradition. ‘Hollywood* 90G, Omaha Omaha. Dec. 21. * Hollywood Ice Revue * grossed a beiow-par $90,000 for its eight- day, 10-performance stand at Ak- Sar-Ben Coliseum here Dec. 7-14. Officials believe the dates were too i close to Xmas and that a Novem- j her booking would have draw n far * better. Show. too. also bucked a bad weather b r eak. While the weather actually was had only one day, the reports constantly predicted bad weather, discouraging outstate Ne- braskans and lowans. 1 i “ilollywood” headed from here ' i for Chicago, where it will open at I the Stadium Christmas night. The Truth About 1 The Rope Trick ' lattrMliag byliN 49lh Anniversary Number policy based on lavish production determine who is responsilbe for plus a single name headliner. the business It also accustoms the Walters flayed the practice of customers to a talent diet that can- the competing niteries which, he not be maintained, according to said, are going wild in the talent Walters. dept. He cited the case of the Copa City, which will have on its UR fl 1* PI 1IJ_ _ AUry 1 Healy. Tony 1110^ liU UieZ HOC Barton and the Step Bros. The 1 Beachcomber is opening with, I|F*,| I A 1* Martha Raye. Vic Damone, Jack With I AQ ATIXl Carter and the Novelties. The f f III! Ll CC 1111X11 Hg Miami Beach hotels are also likely to go in for the multiple headliner Chicago. Dec 21. policy. With Peggy Lee ankling the bill Walters said, prior to his depart- to recuperate from a recent opera- ure for Florida, that it’s • sound tion. Chez Paree here has lost its policy to make actors wealthy, be- original New Year’s lineup entirely cause they can make the operator As announced last week. % Joe E wealthy. However, that applies up to Lewis cancelled also because of an a point, after that you start giving * operation and the June Taylor away your profits and a lot of the Dancers had to make a booking OUT SOON HELD OVER 3rd WEBC Thunderbird Hotel * LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Currently Sahara Hotel Las V* qas ‘Peter Pan’ Tab Set For ‘Ice Capades’ Workover Pittsburgh. Dec 21. John H. Harris has landed the rights to “Peter Pan" for the big production splash in the 1956 edi- tion of his "Ice Capades.’’ The title role will be skated by Donna Atwood »Mrs Harris! in what is to be her farewell appearance in the extravaganza. “Pan" will have all of the regu- lar stage trappings, including the flying equipment, for which he has already contracted. “Ice Capades” has for years been using a con- densed stage or film as its big pro- duction number; this season it’s “Wish Y’ou Were Here.” which has been preceded by. among others. “Snow White’* “Brigadoon,** “Stu- dent Prince.*’ and “Cinderella.’* Phil Lawrence and Mitzi EXOTIC PRIM A BALLERINA • Cara**— Phil B«. 1 • Cl a#y— Oakland Oaa. Il-laa • Saa Fraaaitra 1 • Laa Aaiala* f • Laa V««a« V Contact DICK HBMRY 17U a'wey . H. V. JU *4* Tooth oo Top Jo, and opening bill will star Norman Brooks and Bob- bie Sargent, with the Deep River Boys to .follow Jan. 6. Contracts .were signed last Wednesday (15) between Bill Lester of United ! Amusements, who operate the : house, and Roy Cooper, who will ' do all booking for the theatre. Ottawa, Dec. 21. Ottawa’s 65 - year - old Central Canada Exhibition is getting set to battle the opposition of television. With video but a harmless infant during the 1953 CCE dates, last summer’s CCE was the first to feel the draw of tv and the >955 lair, scheduled for Aug. 20 to 27, will use several weapons to fight tv in- fluence and attract the customers out of their living rooms and into Lansdowne Park. Among them will be reduced moppet prices on midway rides day and night throughout the fair, a definite upping in quality in both grandstand and midway presenta- tions. and some method of prizes for stubholders. Until city bylaws made it illegal two years ago. CCE boosted advance admission sales by offering valuable door prizes on ad- vance tickets. The 1955 fair will distribute prizes but the CCE has not decided how. CCE has again pacted George Hamid to provide the grandstand show. Frank Bergen’s World of Mirth midway will appear in its second year of a five-year contract with the exhibition. Bergen will repeat the highly-successful Danc- ing Waters tent which he intro- duced here last summer to stand- out business. Hamia’s Grandstand Follies for 1955 will use a 42-girl chorus line and a group of eight singers as well as specialty acts to include Beatrice Dante and her chimp; Simms, aerial act; Annell and Brask, European cyclists: Six Ash- ers, risley aero turn; Wiados and doves; Elkins Sisters, acro-contor- tion terps; Mr. Ralph, moppet mu- sician; Ghezzis, comedy panto. Lacy Troupe, five femmes and a male in acro-balancing. and others. Show will have a revue format. Manuel Capetillo has been signed for the Cocoanut Grove of the Am- bassador Hotel, Los Angeles. Dec. 29. THE BE A UT1FUL Current Engagement: CIRO’S HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA “The public Just loved her and the is a real beauty.” —HERMAN HOVER Cire’s ray gilbert management: albert allardale LOU IRWIN AGENCY HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA CRestview 1-7131 9165 Sunsut Blvd SAM ANGER For The Best Deo! Or A FORD FORD THUNDERBIRD HoH of tho Smith A Oaf* Ufotimo T, Joe Smith racolU wm •fhraatara* a# I Avaa Ciai fy 4 la Salliaf August . . . Colony Club has Paul Roquet, Vernon At Gaylo and ex- otic Candy Barr through the holi- days, with Lynn Carter St the Car- tiers due Jan. 17-30 . . . Quintette Allegro inked for Jan. 14-16 at Greater Dallas Club, with Con nee Boswell set for Feb. 4-6 . . .Capitol Record’s local branch tossed cock- tailery for Vieki Young during her Baker Hotel stand . . . Dngg Fin- nell, Negro 86* er now at La Villa Roma, inked a Richtone recording pact. Now York Kirby Stone to the Monte Cristo, Palm Beach, Feb. 19 . .Sam Bran- son, of the William Morris Agency cafe dept., to Miami Beach for a selling trek . . . George Jessel opens at the Chez Paree, Chicago, next Tuesday (28) . . . Lenny Kent goes to the Five O’clock Club, Miami, March 20 . . . Ken Hoffman, admin- istrative assistant to Tim Gale, wed recently to Joyce Munchiek . . . Tony At Eddie, playing the Bon Soir, N. Y., since September, have been set for the Latin Quarter, N.Y., in June . Dick Shawn pacted for the Latin Quarter, Miami Beach, Jan. 16... Vic Damone set for the State, Hartford, Jan. 8-9. . . Barry Sisters to the Riverside, Reno, Jan. 6. $12.50 to $10. plus tax. for dinner, a cocktail, and show headlined by Robert Clary. Highest price is being asked by the Gaslight, a socalled private club for the advertising set. where the fee Is to be $50 per couple for pheasant dinner and champagne. Formal dress is required, and a variety of singers and pianists com- prise the entertainment. By con- trast, Cloister Inn on the same street has gone to the other ex- treme and is staging an Open House for the holiday with no cover or minimum, though drinks are to be hiked slightly. Show con- sists of Laurie Allyn, Ruth Price, Ace Harris, and Ralph Sharon. Rest of the niteries are asking what they got last year. Chez Paree tab is $15 per person, plus 2 Americans Abroad by Joe Smith (A Dale) (us told to Aaroa Hafcuma. la Hwfc 49th Annivertary Number DUE SOON Omaha Lowe, Hite At Stanley at the Italian Village in Lincoln last week, set for Don Hammond’s Seven Seas here in March . . . Lee Barron orch followed Charley Chaney into Sam Salzman’s Angelo’s . . . Pat Lelaney continues at organ $t White Horse Inn of Regis Hotel . . . Panto Mimics doing three floorshows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Grand Bar. The Hilton Hotel chain will ex- pand its operations to Rome. 1m- mobilaire Societa Generali and the Hilton Hotels International have organized a company to be known as the Italo Americano Nuovo Al- berghi, which will be capitalized eventually at $3,000,000 for opera- tion of the new Albergo deo Cava- lieri Hilton, which will cost ap- proximately $7,000,000. Inn will have 400 guest rooms and restaurants. Site will be in Rome’s Monte Mario district in the northwestern part of the city. Meanwhile, the Hilton chain re- ported that its offer of 1.004.509 shares of common stock at $6.42 had been oversubscribed. Of that number of shares, 960.455 were of- fered to Hilton stockholders, under- writing companies absorbed the re- mainder. Chicago Sarah Vaughan skedded for Chi- cago Theatre on Jan.' 21 for two weeks . . . Terry Haven opens Col- ony Club, Omaha, this week for fortnight . . . Eileen Todd and Jackie Kannon playing New Year’s Eve show and week following at Lake Club in Springfield . . . Paramount Attractions booking Old Dutch Potato Chips shows in Minneapolis exclusively, with Bob Hope set for Feb. 16-17 . . . Penny Singleton and Larry Logan pegged for Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, on Jan. 14 for two weeks, with Dan, Dick 8t Jimmy coming in on Feb. 11. The two local hotels will have the I same price. $12 per person. At | Adolphus Hotel Century Room, | Herman Waldman will play for ! dancing and the Dorothy Franey i Ice Show will be featured. At the ; Baker Hotel’s Mural Room, it will • be Dick Barlow's band, and singer Maureen Cannon toplining the floor show. Colony Club will have Johnny Cola’s orch. with Raul Roquet, Ver- non A Gayle, and exotic Candy Barr on the floor show, with a $6 charge per person, tax included. At Pappy’s Showland, the price will be $5 for Rip Giersdorf’s band and a floorshow' featuring Uncle Willie. The Chalet has $4.75 each down- stairs and $4.50 per person for an upstairs table. Music will be by Leonard Ohlson and his trio. KIRBY STONE FOUR ON TOUR Dallas Joe Reichman orch goes into the Rice Hotel, Houston, Dec. 27. New crew had its shakedown there in C urrentiy CORA CITY Miami loach CORAL RECORDS 2 OF 3 OTTAWA CLUBS IN WINTER SHUTDOWN fBeauty and th • Least ) A new not* In Glamor Comedy State* ay Merry* Neiioe Currently (to Jia. I) PALUMBO S Philadelphia Ottawa, Dec. 21. With nightclub business ap- proaching its annual winter dol- drums in these parts, two of the three niteries in the Ottawa area are shuttering. The Gatineau Club closed Saturday (18) and will prob- ably shutter until early in March. The Chaudiere Club will close this week for at least three weeks. The Fairmount Club will remain open. These niteries are all on the Quebec province side of the Ottawa River and so must obey Quebec’s early-closing laws. Not only must they close on Sundays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Epiphany (Little Christmas), but on the eves of those holidays they have to close at nine p.m. Ottawa vaudefans may get an unexpected supply of vaudeville There is a Otis Skinner Memorial, Fund at Woodstock, Vt Woodstock, Vt., Dec. 21. An Otis Skinner Memorial plaque has been presented to the Universalist Church here by the actor’s daughter, Cornelia Otis Skinner. Skinner’s father and grandfather were ministers in the Universalist Church, and the star spent his last days in Woodstock. An Otis Skinner Fund has been established to help restore the North Universalist Chapel to its original colonial simplicity. NIGHT CLUB and RESTAURANT Tho World Famous LA MARTINIQUE COMEDY MATERIAL for AH Brandt** of Thomlricolt FUN- MASTER rH< owcinju show-mi 65* • HOW TO MASTSR THB CEREMONIES S3 M OIANT CLASSIFIED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GAGS. S3**. Worth ovor • thousand No C.O.D.'S BILLY GLASON 30* W. 54th St.. N*w York 19— Oept. V Clrcl* 7-113* right at their doorsteps strong possibility that the Centre Theatre, indie uptown filmer stra- tegically located in the center of this city’s main business section, may expand its stage facilities and install a policy of live acts and films on a temporary’ basis as a trial this winter. * Material by Vitk comedy routines**** burlesque BEST COMEDY BITS A. GUY VISK Writing 'Enterprise* 156 Hill Strati . Troy. N “Craatar* at Spatial Cano*y Malarial London, Dec. 21. Arthur Helliwell, columnist on the People, a London Sunday sheet, who accepted a challenge from Rudy Vallee to catch his act a second time at the Cafe de Paris, gave his further impressions last week. “I can now report that (1) Vallee has cut the saxophone routine I criticized; (2) he has kept in the smutty jokes, and » 3> his singing is still mediocre,” he wrote. ‘‘In fairness, however, I must record that (1) the restaurant was packed, (2* most of the customers applaud- ed loudly, and (3' a couple even cheered.” with a Dawn Patrol Jan. 5 at the Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y, that distinctive song duo herb and betty warner Currently hotel statler CAN YOU SING AND DANCE? DO YOU PLAY A UKE OR BANJO? CAN YOU HELP WITH THE PRODUCTION OF AMATEUR SHOWS? CLEVELAND, Ohio management: BERNIE ILSON Mex Cafe on Move Mexico City. Dec. 14. The Waikiki, raucous oldjime nitery here which many Ameri- cans and other foreigners fre- quented before the 8c peso made it tough for everybody excepting outstanding stars, has been de- prived of its choice site on swanky Pasco de la Reforma. The city amusements supervi- sion department ordered Waikiki to move to a less conspicuous lo- cation. It s doing that right after a gala New Year's Eve fiesta. A multimillion-peso tourist hotel is to replace the hot night spot. We are looking for the above type of girl that would like a position for 10 weeks in the summer of 1955. One of New England's famous resort hotel catering to a discriminating Jewish Clientele would like a girl that has a child and is looking for b connection for the entire summer. After Three Consecutive Years of Bookings AT HOME for the Holidays— MERRY CHRISTMAS Mqt. BILL MITTLER. 1419 Broodway. N*w York Write to room 600, 275 Tremont Street, Boston. Send recent photo and short resume aoout yourself, Will interview in New York. Dir.: Mft.: WILLIAM MORRIS WYNN LA3SNER Ateaey Auk. Ik. VARIETY BILLS WEEK OF DECEMBER 22 llimirl „ in c*nn«c 1 t«a •*«» MHt *•«•» Indict* *g*nlng day *f «*» Num# wh«th*r full *r t*lit ***k in-MrMtkdSM indict** circuit (I) Independent; (L> L—w, (M) M«w r r.-imt — <«> «R®' *» «T» Ttv.ll; (W) Warner nEW YORK CITY Music Mall HI M Shirlr* Kmmonj (Irorfit Sawt*U* W illism Upehaw Edward Powell SneUie FarreU Eric Hutaon Clausons tamou* Bears Ramses Rockettra t'orp* de Ballet S»m Ore Palac* <■> 14 Kovaca Stuffy Bryant Leonardo ft Anita Michael Chimea Sybil Bowan De Mattiazzia Frankie Marlow 4 Comet* CHICAGO Chic*** 4 Don Cornell Mambo Jet* lee Kev Ted Straeter Ore Mark Monte Ore AUSTRALIA Melbourne P rincess 3ft Jerry Lester Howell ft Radcliffe Harry Jacobson 2 Chadells Atele ft Latu G Dawn ft F Cleary Singers Dancing Boy* Ballet Girls Ambassador Hotel Joyce Bryant Ryan ft -McDonald Harry James Ore Band Be* Mickey Katz Larry Green Trio Bar of Music Happy Jesters <3) Jacqueline Aares C Callinicos Freddie Katz Eddie Oliver Ore Biltmoro Hotel Sue Carson Gal. Gal. Cheerleaders (5) Yillenaves <2i The Derwin Ore Hal Derwin Ore Cl re's Jack Durant , Jan Valerie | Manoia Mera Trio Fayes ' Dick Stabile Ore Bobby Ramos Ore Chaney Fora Gil Lamb BRITAIN ASTON Hippodrome el Gorlina Lionel King GLASGOW Empire 20 Dickie Valentine Bonar Colleano Jits Bops P ft P Page J Laycock ft M K ft A Alexis Ballet Montmartre , Wendy Murphy B ft B Adams De Vere Girls GRIMSBY Palace (I) 20 Wilton Family ! Billv O’Sullivan | SOUTHAMPTON Grams (•> 20 ; Bob Grey J ft B Patton Sheila Atha ! Billie Roche Del Rosa Dancers WOLVERHAMPTON Hippodrome (I) 20 Norman Stanley Prince Nareda Terrie ft Watt* Jack Reed Sid England Sabrina ‘ Jackie Allen ft B YORK Empire (I) 20 Dawn White Co Sandra Dawn Alexandra ft Devens Jimmy French Fran Gregory Tommy Dugan Charley Foy Mary Foy Abbey Browne Ore Crescendo Arthur Lee Simpkins Choo Choo ft Arlene Moca m bo Andre Philippe Paul Herbert Ore Joe Castro Four Moulin Rouge Frank Libuse Margot Brander Szonys «2) Miss Malta ft Co Doubledaters (ft) Mme Ardelty Jery LaZarre Ffolliot Charlton Tony Gentry Gaby Wooldridge Luis Urbina Eileen Christy Bob Snyder Ore Stotlor Hotel Xavier Cugat Ore Abbe Lane [ ed vigilantes to make such deci- sions. That’s totalitarianism.” “It’s not up to the networks and agencies to decide who is ‘accept- able’,” Quinn added. “A man’s poli- tics are not his qualifications for a job. There is too much area for mistake when you make this a measuring stick. The people in the so-called ’gray area’ are those who suffer most. They don’t even know the charges, and there are no ac- cusers to face. ‘‘TV is too tcared of these pres- sure groups. They get three dirty postcards from a vacant lot and yank the show off the air,” said Quinn angrily. Quinn then suggest- ed that the three network prexies and heads of the top agencies get together and burn the "blacklists.” Hush-Hush Tactics House Reviews t'hlrago. rhl Chicago, Dec. 17. Don Cornell (with Jerry Car - retla I, Mambo Jets < 2 * , Ice Re- vue produced and staged by Truly McGee, with Jeane Matthews, Jim McAnany, Douglas Duffy, Jack A Jean Page, Tom O'Horg on, Mar- lene Lind. Deicers (8>, Louis Basil Orch; “Young At Heart'' t\VB). After a nine-week layoff owing to the length of “Star Is Born,” the B&K flagship returns to stage- shows auspiciously with an eyefill- ing ice revue and the headline he makes the most of ’em with brisk gabbing. Despite many years in England. Colleano has a vibrant transatlantic accent which teen- agers like. His travesty of an op- era is a standout, and also his im- pression of a man trying to keep from smoking. Paul & Peta Page, mixed two- some. score solidly in clever pup- peteering. and Johnny Laycock St Maureen are a bright musical pair. Dickie Valentine (with Don Phil- lips at the keyboard) closes the second half in a 30-minute songa- log of pops (See under New Acts), and also joins with Colleano in a Bobby Dowds ..MOU-..UOU A Btma , I1IK Jvc icvuc diiu me Hnnl RrtHhv TVkiL’ric *•>.»« «!•**«• I tot- orch showb«cks with effi* frankly 7 of the blacklist modus op- erandi, were insistent on anonymi- ty. They said the clearance machin- ery is all operated from N. Y. on an extremely hush-hush basis, and nobody is permitted to so much as admit the existence of such lists — not openly. In this weird world of the “black- list” are complex factors, and pro- ducers are baffled as to the who or why of much of it. For example, one actor who appears regularly in major pix and on tv isn't accepta- ble at the vidfilnieries because one of his kin is “unacceptable.” lion clicks for lightheartedness and flash and shapes as an appeal- ing entry for the Christmas season. Cornell, figuring importantly in the current record splash, unloads a raft of seven tunes in his spot, most of which are resellings of his Coral etchings. Guy has relaxed presence, a virile approach to the ciencv. and the Marie De Vere chorines add a fair degree of femi- nine cheesecake in colorfu’ lines. Gord. Palace* X. V. Gay A Harry Wells, Tanya, . . Terry Bennett, Townsmen *4), ballad, and showmanly ways about Coo ,: & Broun. Van & de Rorart. — . 1 1 LUL/’v IV Ul l/U ft ft*#* « mi nvi the nuke. Rep is pegged largely p^die White, Agramon tc; “Port of for the teenage element, as it should be, and impact is felt most strongly on his spread-eagle deliv- 1 ery of his record biggies. “It Isn’t Hell” ( AA >. The Palace layout isn’t one of ■ .. , .... the more brilliant d solays. a fact Fair. “Hold My Hand and I m t ba t' s accentuated by the compara- \ ’ „ . . *9 Ii./vxhn 4 U A n 1 1/1 I a \ ours. Cornell works the audi- tive’y sparse pre-Christmts attend- a* * , mm. _ n 1 « • V* mm 1 a a •/>/) V* *1 • 1 ll A U r — . m mm m ante. One of the unarual facets of MIAMI -MIAMI BEACH .ence smartly between numbers , -IIVC . WI1C U1 lllc uua * ua . This actor isn’t the only one in but spends slightly too much time the ourre nt stageshow Res in the such a singular position. There are i selling records. He’s accompanied fa(>t t | 13t lhe bulk of the p er form- handily by Jerry Carretta at the , Club 22 Paula Watson Clover CtoD Sherry Britton Luis Torrens i Three Peppers Betty Ford | Club Echo Tony Lopez Ore I Jayne Manners Selma Marlon* Lin* Bobby Byron Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY BIRDLAND Count Basie Geo Shearing Sarah Vaughan Lester Young Jimmy Rushing Bon Soil Tony 6t Eddie Jimmv Daniel* Blu* Anqei John Carradine Pat Carroll Mint Sahl Susan Johnson Bart Howard Jimmy Lyons Trl* Chateau Madrid Ralph Font Ore Mava Ore Belmont Flax* Joan Bishop A I Castellano John Barney Hotel Ambassader Quintero Ore Saikozi Ore Hotel Pierr* Demse Darrel Stanley Melba Ore Copacabana Frank Sinatra De Marco Si* Joey Bishop R"b Sweeney Peter Conlow Je«n Stevens *• Uurso Ore Frank Marti Ore Gale's Alan Gale Jackie Heller Warner ft McGuire Larry Foster leddv King Ore No. 1 Fifth Av* pub Downey Harold Fonvill* Ha /el Webster Hotel Plaza De Marcos Jenny Collins T.* d . s * r *«ter Ore Mark Monte Ore Hotel Roosevelt Lombardo Ore Hotel St Regis vnit* oi. d < J" It Shaw Ore "«y Bari T M «H*f 1 4 J Dorsey Ore v . M *»l Ta« '■ncent Lopez Or* W .. L .a. #, *L •»•**•* “*re Bros Chiquita & Johnson Bas Sheva .Ashtons Debonairs Jet Sharon Ralph Young Piroska Art Waner Ore B Harlow* Ore Le Ruban Bleu Julius Monk Irwin Corey Turtlenecks Norman Paris 3 Dorothy Louden Melit-> Little Club L'Apache Faconi Jules Kuti Rudy Timfield Two Guitars Kostya Poliansky Misha UsdanofT Lubov Ha ms hay Aliya Uno Versailles "Bon Voyage’* Paul Gray Louise Hoff Tommy Wander Margaret Banks Rosemary O’Reilly Carl Conway Betty Colby Ann Afeidre Rain Winslow Danny Carroll Danny Desmond Don Dellair Jim Sisco Salvatore Gloe Ore Panchito Ore Viennese Lantern Helene Aime* Dolores Perry Bela Bizony Ernest Schoen Paul Mann Charles Albert Village Barn Hal Graham Senna ft Gyl* Jack Wallace Givens & Ferri* Mary Ellen Trio ! Larry McMahan Piute Pete Weldorf-A*f*rl* Jose Greco Dcrs Nat Brandwynn* Mischa Borr Village Vanguard Stan Freeman Sylvia Syms C William* Trl* Woody Woodbury Leon ft Eddie's Lois De Fee Toni Rave Rose Ann Rita Marlow Charlotte Water* Nautilus Hotel Larry Storch AiUone & Ina Sid Stanley Ore Black Orchid Jo Thompson Richard Cannon Count Smith Sans Souci Hot# 1 Fecundo Rivera (5) Del Brcece Sacasas Ore Ann Herman Dcr* Anne Barnett Saxony Hotel Hurtado de Cordob and Co. Perez Prado Ore The Havdocks (2) Tano ft De* Nirva Freddy Calo Ore Johnny Silvers Ore Bombay Hotel Phil Brito Nelida Peter Mack Sandra Barton, Johnina Hotel B S Pully Sam Bari Harry Rogers Ore Bobbie Lynn DiLido Hotel Bea Kalmus Patsy Shaw Four Joes Wally Waneer l.ine Fausto Curbelo Ore Vanity Fair Pat Morrisey Havana Cuban Boys 3 Tones Jerry Brandow Satin Dolls Grade Scott Mikki Mars Ray Sindino Trio Bar of Music Bill Jordan Hal Fisher Beth Challis Harvey Bell Fred Thompson Five O’clock Bell Barth Hal Winters Don Ostro Ore Islt De Capri Ruth Wallis Holly Warren Eleanor Luckey Charlie Carlisle Caprician Trio Wally Hankin Ore Copa City Peter Lind Hayes Mary Healy Tony Bennett Eileen Barton Step Bros. June Ta.vlor Line Red Caps David Tyler Ore Fontainebleau Vaughn Monroe The Belmonts <2) Richard Havman Ore La Plata Sextette Yal Olman Ore Beachcomber Martha Raye Vic Damone Jack Carter Novclites Len Dawson Ore Casablanca Billy Daniels Myron Cohen Kramer Dancers Jacques Donnet Ore Balmoral Hotel Hildegarde Jack Whiting Emil Coleman Ore other actors, some in the top- bracket. who although they appear ^eys^ regularly in major feature films, are never “cleared” by agencies to whom lists are submitted by producers. One w.k. actor is on live tv regularly but isn’t “acceptable” for telefilm. Mambo Jets prepare the house White and Agramonte are for the chanter with some nifty ; known here from previous visits, flash footwork in south-of-the- Gay & Harry Wells. Tanya. Terry border tempos. Good-looking Latin Bennett. The Townsmen <4> and lads offer three routines in snapp> y an ^ de Rovart are further dis- cussed under New Acts. White is a vet of many years’ stand’ng in the vauders around the country. He hasn't changed his style since he worked when there was a lot of b : gtime. and sometimes there's the feeling that he hasn’t changed h : s verbiage too much. White has a lot of familiar lines, but they’re delivered with authority. A pa r of comedy tunes at his close give him a strong exit. Cook & Brown, duo of comedy dancers, similarly get their mes- sage across. They work energeti- cally and create an air of excite- ment. In the closing slot Agra- monte. working the s’ack wire, does a good assortment of aero work. Although his tricks are fair- ly standard, he dresses then^ up ers are new to this house. Of the entire session, only Cook &. Brown, synch, climaxing with a step called the “Cha Cha Cha.” and bringing Producers have virtually stopped 1 a good mitt for each effort. ' ’ - — “ 1 Truly McGee's ice package, corn- asking why there are such incon- sistencies, and assume it's because each series has a different agency prising the show’s second half, scores for quick pacing, diversity and sponsor, and each has a "dif- : ferent attitude.” as one put it. One producer who said he'd been unsuccessful in trying to get okays on certain "unacceptable” talent said he asked his eastern contacts what would happen to those peo- ple, actors who have never even been accused publicly. “I was told it’s better that they suffer than that any harm come to the show,” he said. is done in skating vignets based on “Up In Central Park” but with Windy City adaptations in the lyrics, which are sung appealingly by Tom O'Horgan and Marlene Lind. Canadian figure skater Jeane Matthews gets the spotlight on two occasions for a graceful solo terp and burns up the ice on “Bumble Booeie.” Jim McAnany’s nimble acros on the blades provide the , thrill ingredient. Comic side is Same producer says he always j Douglas Duffy's, who specializes in prattfalls and who has an amusing submits his cast, writer and di- rector list to his eastern ad agency j moment spoofing apache dancers fo. clearance. “What the clearance machinery is, how it operates, is Jack and Jean Page has proper unknown to us. I've done several smoothness and ease in the lifts, series, and some people okayed for cight-pirl line fills the one series were not approved for backgrounds and interims hand- wit h a rag doH. Adagio work of ^ ^ow manship. His drunk reel- 1 ing on the strand is the best part of his turn. Jo Lombardi showbacks with his usual precision. Jose. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Flamingo Kay Star Alan King Silver Slipper Sally Rand Buddy Baer Kalantan Hank Henry Oeserl Inn L Walters' L U Rev Sahara Marlene Dietrich Last Frontier Dorothy Shay Shecky Greene Cl Cortez Rowan ft Martin Vicki Young Golden Nugget Gas Lights ft Pink Tights Sands Vic Damone Louis Jordan El Rancho Vegas Sherry Britton A1 Bernie Barr>\ Sisters Thunderbird Lecuona Boys Choir Sahara Mae W est another.” Same producer said. “Two years age it was terrible, but this past year there has been a slight re- laxation of the list, and we can use some people we never could before.” Producers generally agree the “blacklist” is toughest when the sponsor is one who sells directly to consumer, rather than where a sponsor deals in merchandise not bought by the general public. Louis Basil emcees and conducts the house orch adeptly in cutting the show. Les. L. A. News Continued from page 2 Empire*. (*laKgotv Glasgow. Dec. 20. Lew & Leslie Grade Ltd. presen- tation of vaude show, “Wonderful Time.’* starring Dickie Valentine and Bonar Colleano. Also Bill & Bab s Adams, Ballet Montmartre. Jits-Bops < 6 1 . Paul A Peta Page, Johnny Laycock A Maureen. Ken A Anna Alexis. Wendy Murphy, Marie de Vere Girls (14'. Bobby Dowds Orch. Staged by Albert J. Knight; dances. Marie de Vere. ‘Oklahoma’ Continued from page 1 RENO CHICAGO - •lOCR Orchid Robert Clary Aiello- Lark* F<»omi Steven* _ An#*| Calvpso fhvlli* Branch J "unt DaviU* Lily Tina JWbodi Dcr. A1 D Lmf Quintet B| u* Met* Chez Pare* Crow ft Dunn Tommy LeonetU Richman ft Mannequin* Brian Farnon Ore C 1*4 tier Inn Ruth Price Laurie Allyn Ralph Sharon Ac* Ham* Dick M*n Johnny ITrUjo Mapes Skyroom Joanne Wheatley Sonny Howard Donn Arden Sky lets E Fitzpatrick Ore i Rouen ft Martin Larry Logan Will Osborne ore New Golden Romaine Brown Roinaines Riverside * Mary Kay Trio Starlets Betty Joyce Bill Clifford ore HAVANA Troplcan* Tex Mex K. Straus of the Macy family took an option on the property, but finally dropped it. contending he could get no local group to go along with him in keeping the paper going. Sale of the paper came on the eve of a Daily News Newspaper Guild unit meeting to take a strike ! vote. Distressed by the purchase of the name, goodwill, circulation Youthful vaude layout is a worth- while experiment at this house, which has featured so many sing- ing acts, both British and Ameri- can. throughout 1954. With new teenage and youth proportion in audiences, house is aiming to con- Murat Theatre. Indianapolis. Thurs- day-Saturday <30-31'. Show had intermittent bookings for the next three months, but producers were unable to fill in the vacant dates. Approximately 15 scheduled hookings have been cancelled. Musical was supposed to move into the south following its Indianapolis stand. During its entire road run, “Oklahoma” has played more re- peat dates than any other show in modern legit history. Limited strawhat rights to the tuner were released for the first time last sum- mer. The Todd A-O filmization of the property is in its final stages of production. The musical, adapted from Lynn serve this patronage with a new- D . , f „ style vaude bill of a modern flavor, t ^88* 5* Ie j n . le Customers with a craving for " as Produced by the Theatre Guild singing marquee names can go for an ^ opened on Broadway in March, Dickie Valentine, young English 1943. The Guild’s road company disk and vaude star, while Bonar bowed in New Haven, the follow- Colleano. New York-born come- ing Oct. 14. and except for sum- dian. supplies the slick Yankee Montmirtr* XoveUos I^go Si*trr. h . cucio j D . Ruff Q ua r t et Romero Salvador Levy Nancy 4c Rolando C Flay a Orq Fajardo Orq Tropicana Ballet ; S de Espana Orq A Romeu Orq S Suarez Orq layout is on the youthful side. Ken & Anna Alexis are a stylish terping duo. scoring mainly in their second-half spot In a farm- land scene and prior to finale cur- Telefilm ‘Blacklists’ lists and features of the News. 1 s tyle patter and comedy. Rest of lawyers of the Newspaper Guild are trying to mastermind a scheme to revive the News, under another title, preserving a Democratic paper for this increasingly indus- trial burg, and the jobs of the 450 stranded staffers. Guild is also demanding details of the sale to the Chandler family, on grounds McKinnon owes nearly in mer layoffs continued until May 2, 1953. Rodgers it Hammerstein ac- quired the rights from the Guild during the summer of 1953 and another road tour began Oct. 5, 1953. after a five-week break-in at tain. Youth and bright garbing tb e r .tv C on ter NY „AA ♦ r, Hon/tino talent in neat ti.-.v* l ° e '~ Il > tWlle r. IV I That tour continued through last add to dancing talent in neat two- SO me. Solid hit of the first half is the French cancan as danced boister- ously by the Ballet Montmarre May 8. Rights for the present tour were then acquired by Mayo, Mathias and Barrere, all former Continued from pag* 1 notice and severance payments as the “blacklist” is as tough today covered by contract. Guild wants as it’s ever been, declared “if all books audited and is furious that the agencies and networks burned first news of sale came Saturday their lists nothing would happen in a terse typed announcement except that they’d get a few letters , dumping employe! just before from crackpots. It s un-American | Christmas. to keep anyone from working be- | News survived 31 turbulent years . ^* 11 ** of their political beliefs. We in a town which now has but two J have ample policing agencies and publishers. Chandler and Hearst. .gainst sub- This is the third or fourth, aa U IT t wo group, an English act making head- 1 stage managers of the New York retioactive wages, plus two week. way c j oses a "C’Est Paris” and touring companies of R&H’s scene which hits an authentic Gal- . “South Pacific.” Besides its lie note. Into it zoom the six Jits- lengthy U.S. run, “Oklahoma” was Bops, a group of jiving youngsters a record-breaking hit in London • three males, three femmes) direct • and on tour in England and has ■lu. M*t* c*£ rU Lu. Th. e„, rt to luard against sub- This is the third or fourth. R 0 *ffg JHerSSa Ore » Vti »ion. It isn’t up U> acif ®PP® - * * P •• “Y* .■■•***•* • • • * from Paris, who put a large amount of energy into three min- utes of jitterbugging, and then proceed to Invite members of au- dience to join ’em in the jiving. Colleano haa a relaxed Ameri- can-style manner In comedy. His sketches lack strong taglines, but been produced successfully in Australia. South Africa and nu- merous other countries. Financed at $90,000 when origi- nally sent out on by the Guild, show 7 has earned over $9,000,000 profit since then. 54 xreiT an reviews WfdnfdiT, Dfffmbfr 22. 1954 Wal4«rf*Atl»Ha. X. Y. Jose Greco Spanish dancers, writh Paul Haakon. Lola de Rondo* Lupe del Rio. Anita Ranos, R ostia Torres. Do.oret del Carman. Luu Olivares. Jose Mancilla. Angel So- lera. Ar.:or io Jimsnez, Roger M achcdao. Miguel Gama. Sat Bntnd trynne Orch. Mischa Rjtt E*um5>; $! >>S2 50 carer Tuas the »wk before Christmas and all through the room hardly an empty table wis showing a: the 9 30 performance That indcau* the boxoffice draw of the dynamic Jose Greco. It's a second engage- ment at the Empire Room for the Spanish artist, long established as a legit-concert attraction in the U. S. His capsule 40 minutes of vanegated ‘and sophisticated* flamenco flew down the ‘.racks Thursday <16 like a diesel locomo- tive. Beautifully costumed and gowned all the way. the troupe has solid musical support, not only from the well- rehearsed B~and- wynne houre group, but from Roger Machado. Greco’s regular pianist, and guitarist Miguel Gar- cia. These, a.ong with the high- voiced flamenco singer. Joie Man- cilla. are the minimal require- ments for backgrounding a big hotel room 1 ke tms with the mood and idiom of Hispanic tradition. Greco has added that superb technician of the dance and long- time favorite of the L\ S. presenta- tion bouses. Paul Haakon. He ap- pears only in the first number. “Caprechio Espanol.” but brings a fillip of added distinction to Gre- cos company. Greco, of course. is the center- piece. piece de resistance, dynamo and master showman of this gor- geous terpsechorean paella. He takes the second spot solo for a Cana Alegrias and is seen again in the exciting choreography he’s set to Ravel's “Bolero.” The solo, duet and quartet movements gen- erate great dramatic power and draw spontaneous outbursts. Greco closes off his floors how with the Cortijo. in which be is horseman and Luis Olivares. An- gel Solera and Antonio Jimlne/ are prancing horses. The four girls. Lola de Ronda. Anita Ramos. Lupe del Rio and Rosita Torres who earlier offer an equestrienne routine. “Zapateado.” musiced by the Greco pianist. Machado. al*o come into the finale. Three strong, sharp, saucy spe- cialties are studded through the fast-moving lineup of events. Anita Raipos- Lola de Ronda and Jose Mancilla thus introduce the necc.— sary chance of pace. The show opens with vigor and continues that way. climaxing with those spirited “horses.” The astonishing vitality and grace of the star al- ways predominates. Nor do the ladies in the audience fail to re- mark Greco's beautiful long less and slender hips, and his ability, second only to the late great John Barrymore, to wear “difficult pants.” In keeping with the stellar at- traction. booked for the Dec. 16- Jan. 13 period. Nat Brandwynne and Mischa Borr provide a very ; heavy dose of hot rhumba, samba tango and other hisoansapation The guests use uo all the floor space pronto. Land. Beverly Hill*. A*en|H»rl Newport. Ky.. Dec 18 Benny Fields A Blossom See'ey. The Goofers <5". Dick Hyde. Firi Lindsay Dancers *10*. Gardner Benedict Orch 1 10 » ; S3 minimum, $4 Saturdays. Billed as “Mr. and Mrs. Show Business.’’ Benny Fields and Blos- som Seeley are reunited ar.d selected this Greater Cincy swank spot for the break-in New Acts . Engagement is for a single week Fields is a perennial fave here and on numerous visits always was accompanied by his bride of 32 years, who was made known to the customers from the ringside. Teamed again after six year*. they spell a double treat of song and dance entertainment. Miss Seeley has lost none of her charming personality and know- how despite the long layoff And the modern microphone makes her voice sound almost as testy as in those yesteryears when she was a flaming red hot mrmma of caba- ret. vaudeville and musicals. Fields retains some of his stand- ard minstrel song and dance rou- tine. with high hat and cane, and duets with his partner when she is spotlighted alone. Miss Seeley’s comeback has a twist. For quite a speli she has been try-ng to persuade Betty Hut- ton. who played Blossom Seeley in the Paramount biopic. “Somebody Loves Me”, not to retire Now Bloss is back in the business. Opening performance here clicked without a single hitch but three-quarters of an hour running time could be trimmed to advan- tage. Fields does a neat bio intro of Miss Seeley. Their specialties are well divided. He sticks to the cream of his standard top hat and stick song-and-dance man rou- tine and inject* appropriate new lines and pieces of business. Miss •Seeley registers with talk and the ’ songs ?ne did through the years. The> re mostly torch? . several sentimental. Changing to bright red dress ar.d gloves. Miss Seeley, with F.e!ds at the p.ano. is socko with a med'ey from che Some- body Lo.es Me” iY. musical. “Mr. and Mrs. Show Business.” as they’re billed, again fill an lm- 1 portar.t place m the entertainment world to which they have given plenty. They pued up hefty applause, which means more because follow- ing is the show stopp Jig Goofers. These five young men do everything but wreck the place with zany in- strumentals. acrobatics, singing ard dancing. Smash finish is upside playing by the trumpeter and trombonist while suspended from their fee: on a trapeze The line -of Lindsay lovelies turns in three polished and swell , costumed routines, topped by "Jmg’e Beils.” With them is smg:ng emcee Dick Hyde. KoIL San» Sumri. Miami IT Hi Miami Beach. Dec 17. Lenny Maxrcell. Riviera* '2», Sacascs Orch; $2 50 bre minimum. Young Lenny Maxwell impresses a< an upcomer in comedian ranks with this, fc.s third date in the area within a year (Five O’clock. Clover Club played previously’. He returns a much smoother act. with fresh material injected in tighten- ed routines to mark up a sol.d score with the hep Blue Sails Room audiences. Maxwell’s blend is carefully con- trived. the mixture of gags and impressions turned out at a fast pace to keep the laugh mood sus- tained. Running gag on arsonist tendencies adds to gtggle-garr.er- mg. asides on psychiatr.sts aiding in the build. The car boning se- quence is incisive, the topper a sock takeoff on Louis Armstrong, complete to the growly song-sell- ing and lusty trumpet work. Vir- tuosity on the horn is also dis- played via a Harry James bit and some funny arrangement-entangle- ments with the orch, to add to overall impact and enthusiastic payoff from the tablers. The Riviera s spoof Apache dance ideas in a pattern.ng that exploits mayhem, with the femme half toss- ing her bu’ky partner all over the floor. It's a palm, gasp and laugh rousing idea, the distaffers in attendance leading in the milt- ing earned. Saeasas and h s orch are adept, per usual, on the show- backings and keep the dance- minded happy with their bright Laiin-Amencan tempos. L&ry. Statler. Hartford Hartford. Dec. 14. Tony Martinet O r ch. w'th Carlo* Valadcr, Michael & Si.da Terrace, Fabian Dancers 3 1 : Carl Sand* Orch, truth Marilyn Evans. George Cool. Joseph Tortscelli: SI cover Monday through Thursday; Si. 50 Fr.day and Saturday. Current layout is all mambo beat, with the Terrace Room show- casing a Music Corp. of America package tabbed * Mambo At The Stat’.er.” Unit is being bicycled about the various supperclubs of the Statler hotel chain. Show is a fast 45 minutes with a windup of a Quintet from the Tony Martinez orch sending out w r.h the mambo music for a se>h of aua dancing. Maestro Martinez spends as much time performing in front of the band as he does in conducting it. A versatile chap, the pir.tsized leader gives with a heavy tiosaze of varied instrument playing a la mambo. Carlo Valdes sells solidly with his baritone offerings done in Eng- lish and Spanish. Michael & Nilda Terrace are also top sellers with their fast-paced latin hoofery. The Fabians ams winch sue ails into clow nm* nign kick on occasion to punctuate a song, or mark her reentry to tne tioor auer a waikoli. A good oeal of the DD route is re- served presumably ior Couli.oa nabitues privy to ine imported lingo, ana w rule the room s gen- era, customers are not especially noted for pahing around wan tnat idiom, tne savvy in teas pan.cu.ar is not important, since Miss Dar- cel is nothing if not tongue-in- cheek about her Frencn corpus- cles. In a way. that’s part of her act. She s an ingratiating creature wno. with tnose oigleague appo.n.ments mated to a cnarm that just oozes and oozes, has learned long smee that many an operatic p.per is putting a lot less money in the (bank than sne is tor her, tne race is to the lookers. In a purple gown that was cot maue to oeemphasue her struc- tural virtues. Miss Darrel does a run-through of plenty of thisa and much of lhata. some of it more narrative and indicative than song- aiog. but with lots of nerve ana a i am endowment of personal mag- netism. Gets close to the tao.es. too. in a strolling mute that's snrouaed by a big beaut of a rose, to nit individuals in a ser.es of in- tone capers. In a spot w here the estnetes don't p.ck up the cneck. Piushy Cotillion might be de- scribed as custom-bui.t for a Dar- cei. For the purer form of entertain- ment. it's tne Arum A Consue^o bailroomoloejsts. who flashed some 20 minutes as the opening turn last Wednesday <15 to score a resound- ing begot!. Tneirs is a big. bouncy and interesting library -on-the- hoof. spliced effectively with humor, from Brazilian to Argen- tine. Cuban to Viennese, witn the Charleston tr.rown in along with a couple oi examples from tne van- tage shelf of the Castles, latter with a sizzling whiriaway finish. Polish polka for their return number is just as socko as the rest of th<».r higr. action stepping, all of it carried off with ease, charm ar.d wit by a couple repeating in the room after about a four-year lapse. Maestro-host Stanley Me.ba. along with the Chico Relli contin- gent. furnish examples of show- back ana dansapation music that's tops in town, and for that alone rates high in reservations. Trau. Moulii Hvnge, Paris Paris. Dec. 15. Annie Co**dy, Little John. Portia To-'.cs Sailer 9 , 5 Peres. Kan- yots 2 . Hollywood Marionettes ■2 , B. Mills end 5 Chimpanzee*, Carer Girl 8 . Charles Carlier O-ch i!2 ; $1 carer. With the dynamic Annie Cordy and her bouncy songaieg m top spot, and a roster of excellent to fair acts, this big. reasonably- priced house looks w for another good stanza. Listless production numbers, surrounding acts, cry out for a change, but the cancan chor- us is ever fresh and zesty. Miss Cordy is a delicious, hoyder.ish type who immediately belts the aud with a rousing offbeat num- ber. and follows up with upbeat baiiaos ar.d interp in which she utilizes her expressive phiz, mobile body, and becomes everything from a frolicsome Charleston dancer to a zany cowgirl by the means of a few props and malle- able chassis and face. She s of star proportions and a fine nitery or revue find for the C. S. Add a well-timbered voice to her other attributes. Little John, the 14-year-old aero phenom. goes through his balanc- ing act with a finesse, suppleness and sureness that belies his age. Perfectly-proportioned youth makes for gales of pa'.rns. Pacita Tomas Ballet <9» is a flamenco out- fit that adds color to t e spec, but v »s more professional an vibrant rand rates only fair in the canoe a department. A natural is B. Mills ' and 5 Chimpanzees, w hose moo- j key shines make for chuckles and' mitts. Tne 5 Peres are a harmony group, in multicolored dress, who take a iitt.e from the more well-known dealers in this genre and nothing to il Though harmonizing well. , they lack the material and mime knowhow to take this out of the filler category' Thcv are more at home in offbeat spots. Hollywood Marionettes *2> have two men ma-j nipulating a group of stringed characters from a clucking hengio- mg opera to a skeleton, etc. His is always a good filler here. Tne i Konyots <2» are a com; to darce 1 entry whose pratfalls and timing are perfect to make this an ebulli- J ent turn and a savory knockabout routine. Jfost El^jfaife, I rao klv I. Billy Shepard. Arthur Ellen. Jes- sie Elliott. Melino Lane A Russ , Curry Qrchs; $3 minimum. This operation on a far corner of Brooklyn is one of the tony cafes of that borough. It's a spot accessible without too much diffi- culty by auto, and a sleeperjump for those trying to negotiate this distance by the underground. Like other spots of this kind, they do best witn the disk names, which aren't always available. However, they seem to do com- i paratively well with promising | singers. The Brooklyn youngsters seem to be able to sense a bit of potential excitement by scanning the program In the local press. The current singer. Billy Shep- ard. has recorded in England and has been active on the nitery cir- cuits in the U.S. A diminutive, nea! -appearing lad. Shepard shows a set of well-developed pipes and carefully wntten arrangements. AL though the routine displayed here seems to have been devised pri- ! manly for theatres, it's potent enough for niteries. He opens with “Hey There” and sets himself sol- idly w ith a medley of sturdy old- • timers. “Little Things” doesn’t seem to be a tune for him but be i does it well enough. Act brings him hack for a pair of encores. The novelty of this session is Ar- thur Ellen, a hypnotist, who is con- sidered a name in the club date field. Ellen works rapidly and lit- erately with a set of audience vol- unteers. At session caught, te suc- ceeded in getting a sailor under, ar.d put him through the set of tricks that seem to be standard for hypnotists. It sometimes isn’t an amusing kind of entertainment, but ? it seems to do well wherever it s displayed. Elien’s work passes mus- ter in this respect. Jessie Elliott, who combines sing- ing and comedicg. with reliance on the change of pace to provide im- pact. doesn’t give herself a chance to register in either department. For example, she goes into “Bill Bailey.” gets a nice and charming gait, only to spoil the effect with raucous comedy. Miss Elliott hasn't reached that state of expertness in which these transitions can be made to hit the desired effect. She needs playing time to reach that status. Russ Curry »r.d Me’.ino Lane baton the bands here. Jose. Sbmr+ham Hotel, Wank. Washington. Dec. 17. Frank & Lola Levis. Ttppy Stnnger; Shoreha^n Sestet, Shore- hem Ballerinas '6*. Singing Vio- lin* '10*. Barnce A Orch; cover 50c; SI Fri.-Sat. Current revue in the Blue Room is probably the best of the series of new style entertainment which the Shoreham has been offering since early last summer. Bernie Bralove has put together two fast- paced. shows, widely different for thg dinner and supper crowds, and . once again proves that the whole can be a lot bigger and better than the sum of its parts, if it is smartly- produced. Youthful warbler. Tippy Strin- cer. delivers “Idle Gossip” in the first and “I Have to Teil You” in the late show while the dance team of Frank A Lola Edwards come through handsomely with a pair of numbers. The Shoreham Bal- lerinas 6‘. now almost as much ' as fixture as the Singing Violins, are looking a lot better and brigh- ter in their offerings. For a change of pace, this time, they work part of the time with a new unit, a male sextet which not only* sings welL but also dances with the girls. The j Singing Violins who. by now, have become a trademark of the hotel, remain a feature of the entertain- ment. working both with the show and out near the tables. Show continues the recently- adopted format of working from two stages, one directly before the band and the other a small rotating stage set back among the tables. Lowe. I Blae Amgel, X. Y. John Carradme . Pat Carroll. Mart Sakl, Susan Johnson: Jimmy Lyons Trio, Bart Howard; %5 mini- mum. Per usual, a good show at the Herb Jacoby-Max Gordon plush bistro on East 55th although it's a shade on the cerebral side with legit readmgs by John Carradme and the unusual Mori Sahl. from the Coast, likewise a bit too aca- demic in his funstering. Sahl is a holdover, as is Susan Johnson, with her offbeat, low-key vocal fol- de-rol. in the folk song idiom. Pat Carrol! is a pert comedienne whom NBC-TV has latched on to — she’s been on several top shows — and her brand of songalog is likewise solid. Carradme should mix his stuff more and groove it into a more “popular” payoff. He’s an authori- tative reader, and perhaps a sug- gestion of something from the Barrymore school could be geared for broader nitery appeal. He’s no novice now in the saloons, having had his prep schooling in Gordon'* downtown Village Vanguard. In- cidentally. while co-bonifhce Jaco- by is in his native Paris, with fam- ily etc. for the holidays also audi- tioning a possible summer branch for l’Ange E'eu’. Gordon is on a bicycle minding the store uptown as well as down. The Jimmy Lyons trio . Awxomo Mo* elli Orch « 15 » ; no cover or mini- mum. For the Sands' second anniver- sary show, a one-weeker. Jack Entratter has brought back Danny Thomas, who opened the Copa Room. During this extraordinary engagement the headliner features, during his 7 5- minute stint, high- light excen>*.s of his nitery career, all of which produces a rousing reaction from a room that will be jammed the entire week. The twist in the “Make Room for Daddy” comedian’s stint comes with a surprise opener, the story he usually reserve? for the last — the “Jack Story.” The Irish-Cath- olic priest yarn is still a laugh buster ar.d his greatest Yiddish story is about the praying parrot. The star brings back his “Ode to a Wailing Syrian.” during which he shows the magic he can wield over an audience even at a dinner show. As always he winds with “II] See Y'ou in My Dreams.” dur- ing which the audience participates by lighting matches in a darkened room With everyone paying tribute to the hotel's second anni. an unusual note in the show is the hotel’s kud* to songwriter Jimmy McHugh. Nice vocals by Judy Collins. Chuck Nelson and Linda Dawson blend in a McHugh array of melodies that gamer a big hand. His latest tune, written with word coll abo rater Sid Kulier. is "Anytime's the Right Time for Love." a song that »:m popular favor at the opener. Mis* Dawson, one of the three vocalists, was plucked from the Copa chorus ranks to make her professional singing debut and the beauteous m:ss displays a nice set oi pipes ir. “Sunny Side of the Street" to rate solid support. McHugh makes his entrance to take bows at the end of the song presentation and is given a lusty ovation. In a brief chore at the harp, Renee Sheranian give? an interest- ing account of herself in a Chri?t- m25 medley and several classical numbers. The Copa line, in a pair of holdover production cumbers, proves popular window dressing and the music of Antonio MorelU and his orch blends smoothly with the show. Bob. HatH Statler. >. Y. Dorsey Bros. Orch f 154 . irtxH Lynn Roberts, Bill Raymond, Bnice Snyder; Si 50 cover after 10 p."i. < Jfan.-thra-Fri. >, $2 54 cover after 10 p.*n. * Sat . ». There should be a steady stream of tablers and terpsters coming in- to the Statler's Cafe Rouge for the next six weeks. With Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey as marquee lures, room should hit peak biz during the holiday weeks. The Dorsey f re res have played this mammoth room (solo and in tandem* often enough to know the (Continued on page 55 » DICKIE VALENTINE VlllaK* Vugaanl. X. Y, Sylma Syiru, Sian Freeman Clarence Williams Trio ; 53 50 mini mu 1 / 1 . Club Hollywood. ^ Frankie Scott is a young Laugh- getter who for year* has been sea- ^ ned in the smaller cabarets and v w o now seems ripe for higher notching, given some sharper m»- t- S M to work with. Lean, sadfaced aid nc nou*. a. beOU. U> "aeder- nourished comic" billing, he d be missing a good bet in not making fuller use of this demeanor that tecs for sympathy. Guy's delivery is promising, and h * versatility will never be a hin- drance. Specialty starter, which snoofs his bony build In the way Durante mocks his nose, gets him off on the nght foot; but after that the gags weave in and out of char- acter as the topics fall. It becomes a matter of a gag for the gag’s sate, regardless bow it fits with the overall delineation of the character he’s trying to be. He has a strong bit in his satires cf modern and vintage singers, in- voking Harry Richman. Johnnie P.av. Ted Lewis. Li be race and Ear.ha Kitt. and winding up with a zany tune of the future. "Rocket Ship Baby." His trumpet impres- sions of Harry James and Henry B-sse are surefire getaway offer- ia £s. Les. NICK NOBLE Songs 15 Mins. Club Hollywood. Chi Former band chanter, who Is row one of the newer names on the Mercury* label, is embarking on tr.e in-person circuit with a long cate at this suburban nitery. Nick Noble is a lad with plenty to of- fer vocally and. as he acquires i thing or two in stagecraft, fig- ures to do very well on the boards. There's a freshness to his easy tar.tonmg. and he delivers a lilt- ing ditty or wistful ballad with equal effectiveness Slow romantic t-r.e» like "Funny Valentine" and ‘ My Own True Love" dominate Kj? output, fittingly, as he ingrati- ates personally and has the neces- sary vocal hues. Still, there'* much he can do onstage to m*>o the distaff side better, and there’s a need for more movement about the shelf, notably on his Christ- mas olio. Le*. former theatre page-boy and neid - Thu dance band crooner is now a 25- him off year-old top - of - any - bill singer. vent carr hailed by some as Britain’s croon- * nd wou ing challenge to America. Despite field* *it undoubted talent, especially in takeoffs of U. S. disk-names, lie needs to develop his personal! tv TANYA more and pace his act w ith greater Violin sharpness for L\ S. consumption 5 Mins, As currently offered, act is of Falaee, N satisfying entertainment calibre. Tanya, but lacks the bounce of other sing- violinist, ing acts in both United Kingdom of catgu and the U. S. If the crooner can good tone impersonate Billy Daniels and of showm Johnnie Ray with such pointed ac- Unforti curacy, he can also add more smil- sional D* ing fire to his own early-half act 0 f her i smile and twinkle to more effect, fuse For and show he s enjoying his songa- determine log in place of present stolid if Traumer !l T fr V. P ? r “ < ' h whether ! vocal talents are strong and he Her cut has sincere style of belting out Rhapsody pops, using roving hand-micro- phone. Physically, he’ll have to look to his waistline, which is sol- idly squat. Best part of act is his travesties of personalities such as English comedian Robert •"‘Bumper Fun- Book "• Moreton. unknown to U. S audiences, and of Nat King Cole. Billy Eckstme and Inkspots each giving a lesson on how to do The Creep. Catches authentic fineer- snapping and prancing of Biliv Daniels in That Old Black Magic.** and winds with a standout o* John- nie Ray. Go-d. Pre-Christmas biz slump is ap- parent at this Greenwich Village bistro. Despite a usually surefire talent lineup, patronage at the club has been sparse since cur- rent show s bow la«t week. Be- sides the Clarence Williams Trio, spot s regular instrumental group, bill comprises songstress S>l\ia Syms and Stan Freeman, comic 88er. Miss Syms and Freeman have worked out at the Vanguard be- fore. with both acts definitely grooved for Max Gordon's intime cellar club. Freeman, incidentally, has also been frequently show- cased at the Gordon-Herbert Jaco- by uptown east side outlet, the Blue An eel. w hile Miss Syms has previously been a holdover attrac- tion at the Greenwich Village boite. In the vocal department. Mis* S>ras continues as a sock sowc- seller. dishing out tunes with feel- ing and savvy. Freeman dispenses a pleasant stint with his azile fin- eerwork. light natter and bright song material. Williams Trio plav 8 for terping and backs Miss Syms in u^ual topflight manner. Jess. HORACIO A LANA L*»b4o ! London. D< ( hateau Madrid. N.Y. Anita Ellis. with Mono i Horacio A Lana comprise a renrum; Felix King & Do flashy Latin terp twain. Both Orchs: $5 minimum. work energetically with a maxi- mum of movement. They run Anita Ellis, doing the \ through several numbers in which ‘Gentlemen Marry Bn the lad relies on his blonde part- makes her London caban ner for support while he is slitb- in this popular Berkeley enng around close to the floor. taurant. Her opening dre' Both of them generate sufficient stantial segment of the A heat to reap a hefty amount of colony who gave her an im applause. Their rhumba and sendoff. mam bo hit it off well. They are Miss Ellis is a stylish p< garbed in the traditional garb of with a wide vocal range the Latin dancers and they make facility to vary her mood a good appearance on the floor. casion demands. When d< Jose. dramatic numbers like * Bike \atf. ( hi Chicago. Dec 8 Charlie Wnrvra Quartet irifh Mar)/ Ann McCall, Lou Levy; S3 minimum. Blue Note is kept swinging dur- ing these slump weeks with the Charlie Ventura foursome and chirper Mary Ann McCall, who is working despite third - degree bums on both legs which has her strapped to a wheelchair. Biz won't be as hot as the music, but it never is this time of year. Miss McCall s injury occurred a few days before her opening here •8* in a kitchen accident, but ap- parently it hasn’t . affected her mans -textured vocalist ics. She han- dles four numbers per set and sells em all sensitively with good jazz sense. Tunes like "Nearness of You" and Hadn’t .Anyone Till ^ou" show her off best. With a three-piece rhythm hark- ing. Ventura does a virtuoso jam- ming job on nearly every manner of saxophone. On bass sax he es- says a wistful ragout, then switches to tenor for Three Little Words ' and baritone for "Sweet Georgia Brown " Sidemen each find an opening for runaway solos during the course, with Sonnv Igoe spot- lighted on drums. Whitev Mitchell on bass and Dave McKenna at kevs. Local pianist Lou Levy, held over from the previous bill, fills in the interims with some solid finger- ings and a few off-the-cuff remarks about jazz. Les. Mlaal IlfgHi Miami Beach. Dec. 17. Morty Gunty. Antone A Ina. Syd Stanley Orch; 8 2.50 her. minimum. First display of Morty GuntV* comedic concepts hereabouts was at the Sans Souci last August. A click, was in the cards that the Nautilus Hotel would pyi in a bid for the fresh, new laughmaker’s return to these precincts in short order, what with the hostel’s Drift- wood Room featuring comedians as often as they can be booked. Gunty’s teenage looks belie a vet’s approach to his material. He wins them quickly with a direct, breezy delivery that is authorita- tive; his yams about family, take- off on Jerry Lewis — whom re- sembles and at times sounds like — and a highly-original piece on teaching experiences, are stand- outs. Interweaves Yiddish dialect stories, then tops matters with a clever sequence. The CIowtis.’* which contains a rundown of the better comedy-names in* every facet of the field, winding into a showmanly tribute to Danny Kaye, The segment stressing the grace- Comedy 15 Mins, One Fifth At*„ N.Y. New team of Mildred Cook A Herb Corey give a vigorous per- formance but that’s about all. As singles they both won talent con- tests at this downtown bistro and as a result had solo bookings at the spot. Major fault with their dual effort is poor materia!. Re- partee between the two is loaded with corny one-liners and bad puns. However, it should be noted that turn drew favorable audience re- sponse. In some cases duo use tunes to springboard into gab segments. Act is paced rapidly, but the hot rod aspects cant hide the weak comedy values. Jess. ESTELA GIL Songs 9 Mins. Chatean Madrid, N Y. Estela Gil. a Latin singer, dwells on the fast and lively tunes that are easy to absorb. Work re- quires little concentration and fre- quently she’s able to entice the customers into accompanying her with rhythmic applause. Nicely built and well barbed. Mis* Gil stays on for three num- bers to healthy applause. The sole item generally familiar to U S. audiences is "Anna** which she endows with a tremendous amount of vigor. Jose. DOROTHY KRAMER DANCERS (4) With Jimmy Kirby Dancing 12 Mins. Gatinean Club. Ottawa One of the best terp groups on tr.e circuits. Dorothy Kramer Dancers, with Jimmy Kirby, is a veil organized. highly-trained, sotko act though generally used in l:ne positions. Once paired with Buddy King in The Kings A Their Ladies, Miss Kramer, herself a standout dancer and cboreogra-t pher. replaced King and Kirby, retained the act’s format, and uses her name in the title. Besides handling choreography, she de- >‘gn* costumes, holds solo spots 8 Mins. Palace. N.Y. The Townsmen have the mak- ings of an excellent quartet. They have individually good voices and a fine sense of harmonics. Group puts some good color into their ar- rangements, and they project strongly. They seem to be in the position of singfrs grounded in the classics who haven't completed the break into the modern idiom. They show a good potential with rendition of "12th St. Rag.” One of the medleys is strictly in the nl^nm* vein. These kids seem too young to revel in the songs of the good old days. Jose. TVS TVS 12) Songs. Dance 15 Min*. Chatean Madrid. N.Y. Tun Tun's act is as unusual as his name. He's a midget with body development approaching that of a normal male, but w4th short legs. He has a full and ro- bust voice and a sure sense of comedy. He capitalizes on his miniature status excellently, throw- ing around the small legs of his with an abandon that gives a com- edy impression. Tun Tun sings fairly well in English and Spanish. But the songs are merely fill-ins to his terpmg. There is one spot in which he is assisted by a femme terper. It provides a good curtain to his turn. Jose. Las Vegas. Dec. 14. Harry Richman, Patti Moore A Ben Lessy, Les Charlirel* '3*. Art Johnson, Donn Arden Danc- ers -20’, Carleton Hayes Orch <14*; no cover or minimum. Repertoire is extensive, covering Latin, Oriental. Afro-Cuban, slick modern American, manv others, and routining is such that the group can work on both large and ?.~all floors and stages. Care is evident in selection of femmes, all v e.’-built lookers with dance ability. and Kramer training and attention to smallest detail is seen • n every action. Costumes are rich but in good taste, showing enough girl but dressing the act v .,n color and charm. Kramer Dancers are tops for tv. nitery and GAT A HARRY WELLS Dance Mins. Palace, NT. Gay A Harry Wells are a youth- ful tap pair who work in an easy and familiar groove except during the brief period when the male does some flips. The dancing seems to be from a former era. A fresh viewpoint seems to be necessary if the team is to travel into important coin. The pair have a pleasant de- meanor and seem well-drilled in fundamentals. Jose. Bt Happy Ben way by being present to remind diners Saranac Lake. N Y.. Dec. 21. 0 f the nostalgic* which were rungs The new house committee of in his climb up the ladder of Broad- , W * T* ~‘ BPr T, Eiri Lew^s. chairman, Norma Cloos. Q ra y the hysterical duo of Moore Dorothy Yegelry, Verna Summers. A Lessy display their well-known Phillip Klein. John *IATSE> An- eccentricities to garner plenty of - yocks. The material anc the act aerson and Jack Kelley. still carries the old format. Lessy Bob Cosgro%e. Co.umb: a P;x the elusive popcorn dancing office staffer in N.Y., who was re- for Mommy and Miss Moore clever- centiy rushed here to recuperate dispensing gags some clean and following virus pneumonia, upped * ome i that could do with a little to the ambulatory floor. laundering Bob Jacobs at the A** R Field, of the Chappell 5 " f0r Th* Char live!* are rtill the ra«e ...e rest observation period, , n t ^ ls spot an( j are show stoppers Christmas spirit ail over the W;l! before the act is well under way. Rogers Hospital, every member of Their leaps, sommersaults. splits the staff and personnel of the ac( j spins are a revelation that Palace, N.Y. Van A de Rovart show some in- teresting routines in this stand which marks their local debut. Work is a mixture of ballroom and ballet with some fast spins thrown in to maintain a fast pace. Duo open with lad wearing the beret and smock of an artist. What they're attempting to convey isn’t projected too definitely. Sequence is a«toit puzzling. However, once they discard that number, they go into some work- able terp combinations. Some of tb^r figures are arresting and they maluge a good impression Jose. TERRY BENNETT »?> Ventriloquy 8 Mins. Palace. N.Y. Terry Bennett, do i 56 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Show on Broadway w 14 Witness for the itlon Gilbert Miller & Peter Seundere pro- duction of melodrama la three acts (four scenes), by Agatha Christie. Features Frauds L. Sullivan. Patricia Jewel. Ernest L. Clark. Gene Lyons. Una O’Connor. Robin Craven, Horace Braham. Staged by Robert Lewis; scenery. Raymond Sove.v; costumes. Kathryn Miller. At Henry Miller. N. Y.. Dec. 1«. '54; *5.75- 54.00 top <56.90 opening). Carter . Gordon Nelson Greta Mary Barclay Sir Wilfred Roberts . Francis L. Sullivan Mr. Mayhew Robin Craven Leonard Vole Gene Lyons Inspector Hearne Claude Horton Detective Ralph Leonard Romaine Patricia Jessel Jurors Dolores Rashid, Andrew George Jury Foreman Jack Bittner Court Usher Arthur Oslflag Court Clerk Ronald Dawson Prosecutor Ernest Clark Justice Walnwright ... Horace Braham Alderman R. Cobden —Smith Judge’s Clerk Harold Webster Court Stenographer W. W. Thomas Warder Ralph Roberts Barristers Henry Craig Nesto. Brace Connlnf. Ruth Greene. Albert Richards. Frankly n Mon- roe. Sam Kramer Policeman Bryan Herbert Dr. Wyatt Guy Spaull Janet Mackenzie Una O’Connor Mr. Clegg Michael McAloney Other Woman Dawn Stetnkamp In London, where whodunits are a staple and the theatregoing pub- lic isfft too persnickety, Agatha Christie is the champ nlaywright In the field and her “Witness for the Prosecution” is an established hit. But on Broadway, which is sometimes considerably more than an ocean away from the West End, the courtroom meller seems like a poorly-done antique, with only a startling quadruple-switch finale as evening-saver. Miss Christie, a veteran novelist and dramatist, still has her fami- liar plotting skill. Having come up with a fairly ingenious gimmick climax, she has given it a series of quick reverse twists that bring re- peated audience gasps. The au- thoress actually seems to carry the reverses beyond the point of maximum effectiveness, but the multiple turns unquestionably create surprise and will perhaps arouse helpful word-of-mouth. Unfortunately, "Witness” almost talks an audience into a coma be- fore it gets to the histrionic- packed climax. Not just talk, either, but heavy-handed narrative mechanics, stock characterizations and uncomfortably banal dialog. This potboiler quality of the script is compounded by spotty casting, trite staging and, inevi- tably under the circumstances, very uneven performance. . The yam is about a likeable young drifter accused of murder- ing his rich, middleaged bene- factress. His only chance of being acquitted appears to be his wife’s word that he was at home at the time of the crime. But she be- comes the key witness for the prosecution and, after coolly clinching the case against him, breaks down in a wildly dynamic scene on the stand, topped by the quick back-and-forth climax. The opening act in the defense counseler’s quarters is not merely garrulous and loaded with anti- quated mechanics, such as the counseier and solicitor’s discus- sion-of-the-obvious, and the stand- ard sleuth-and-stooge confabs, a la Holmes and Watson, etc. It is also painfully slow-on-the-uptake. The pace gradually, too gradu- ally, picks up thereafter through some transparently melodramatic showmanship, but finally goes through the roof with the fireworks courtroom nfiale. An army of whodunit devotees will doubtless accept the quiet preliminaries contentedly reveal in the pyrotech- nic climax. But a few non-addicts may figure the initiation too at- tenuated. not to say corny. As the wily defense counselor who turns out to be comparatively naive after all. Francis L. Sullivan lets himself go in an actor's field day, huffing and puffing, grimac- ing and lounging, but somehow tending to belabor the obviousness of the writing without getting be- low the surface of the character. Patricia Jessel, imported for the title part she played in the original London production, is excellent and even affecting at the end, within the limited melodramatic scope of the assignment. Gene Lyons enacts the cheerful num- skull defendant with nervous talkative, jauntiness or wild emo- tionalism. but with little apparent consistency or motivation. Ernest Clark, Imported from London for his Broadway bow as the sardonic prosecutor, under- plays skillfully; Una O’Connor registers as a streotype servant and witness box eccentric, and Horace Braham gives a notable S ortrait as a chilly but human ritish justice. Robin Craven has a surfacey joviality as the fatuous solicitor and yes-man. and Claude Horton and a small army of bit players are un- able to make much of the verbose material and Robert Lewis’ aston- ishingly old - fashioned staging. Raymond Sovey’* two settings, re- presenting the counsel chambers and courtroom, are standard. Despite its gabby, cornball quality, there may be a market for this time-bomb whodunit. It’s perhaps a bit old-hat as screen material, but in type if not in tech- nique it’s the sort of thing tv is doing these long winter evenings. Ho be. . 2 Greater N.Y. Dailies Boost Amus. Ad Rates Cost of legit advertising, along with other amusements, has been upped by the New York Post and Newark Star-Ledger. In both cases the hike is 5c per line. Post boost is attributed to a jump in circula- tion. while the Ledger raise is ex- plained by increased publishing expense. Rate at the Ledger has gone up from 55c to 60c a line. Scale at the Post is now $1.47 a line daily and $1.23 a line for the weekend edition on contracts set since Nov. 1. Old tabs, 5c less in both in- stances, hold until next Jan. 1 for shows under contract prior to Nov. 1. The same holds for a spe- cial 100-line rate, which is now $1.27 a line and $1.07 weekends. Per line rates at other N. Y. newspapers follow’; Times, $1.94 daily, $2.37 Sunday; Herald Trib- une. $1.37 daily, $1.82 Sunday; News $2.94 daily, $3.43 Sunday; Mirror. $1.70 daily, $1.85 Sunday; Journal-American, $1.90 daily. $1.95 weekend edition, and the World-Telegram, $1.85 daily (sheet has no Sunday edition). The J-A and W-T have special 100-line dates. Former gives a 5c reduction per line on that basis, and the latter drops to $1.57. The Times, incidentally, raised its scale a few months ago, but several shows under contract at the time are still getting previous rates of $1.90 daily and $2.30 Sunday. High Earned Today Nico Production* presentation of drama in three acts (six scenes), by David Zelag Goodman. Stars Art Smith. Dorothy Blackburn; features Stanley Tackney. Darryl Richard. Rita Colton. Geoffrey Home. Directed by George Englund; set- ting*. lighting, costumes. John Blanken- chip; production supervisor. Edward Nayor. At Theatre de Lya. N.Y., Dec. 10, '54; 53.45 top. Rob Law son Geoffrey Home Russell Lawson Stanley Tackney Nancy Lawson Dorothy Blackburn Elsa Eva Gerson Peggy Ross Rita Colton Lloyd Reed Art Smith Gar Lawson Darryl Richard ^ Soldiers . . Frank Leo. Don Hotton. Ray Johnson, Gunner Hafsten, Fred Scollay Sgt. Willoughby Jay Warren Mr. Gibson WU1 Erwin Mr. Warren Sid Gordon Louisa Miller Susan Brown I Apparently David Zelag Good- man is against war. but if hostili- ties should erupt, advocates hope rather than despair. However, that’s about all that’s apparent in his play, "High Named Today.” Drama occasionally offers dramatic punch, but generally seems ob- scure. Involved yarn has a youth defy- ing his mother’s wishes to join the army during the Korean war. He has the blessing of his 107-year- old grandfather. The mother is convinced her son will die in com- bat. as did her father and lover during World War I. After the boy goes Off to war the bellicose old grandfather also fears the worst. Only really stable character In the play is the lad’s father. His I views and personality are apparent j and provide drama with some of its more level moments. Role is handled believably by Stanley Tackney. Art Smith does well as the bellicose grandfather, while Dorothy Blackburn fails to draw’ sympathy in the confused part of the mother who sends her son off to battle with the certainty he’s going to die. and then refuses to correspond with him so as to lessen the impact of his anticipated death. As the youth, Geoffrey Horne lacks conviction and is also unable to evoke compassion. Rita Colton is stock as the youth’s comely fiancee. Darryl Richard is ingra- tiating in a moppet role. George Englund’s direction shows up best in a foxhole se- quence. but the martini guzzling scene in the first act is overdone. John Blanckenchip’s settings, light- ing and costumes are okay, with ! his handling of the foxhole seg - 1 ment especially imaginative. Jess. I Inside Stuff-Legit Helen Hayes, quoted in last week’s Issue of Cue mag: "About the recent story in Variety concerning her 50th anniversary in the theatre next May, Miss Hayes confessed, T made an awful boo-boo. It’s not 1955, it’s 1956. I first appeared at the Belasco in Washington, D.C., In 1906. I don’t keep scrapbooks, and when somebody called, I was confused. Anyhow, I hope everybody forgets all about a Hayes jubilee.** Variety phoned Miss Fayes about the matter after being Informed that the actress had told friends that her 50th anniversary in the thea- tre would occur in 1955. Miss Hayes told the reporter that she wasn’t sure when she’d made her professional debut, but that her first public appearance had probably been at a dancing school entertainment when she was 5, or in May, 1905. Variety so reported. Matter Isn’t entriely clarified in "Letters to Mary,” Miss Hayes biograhpy, written by her late mother, Catherine Hayes Brown. The book reports that she was entered in dancing school w’hen she was "around five,” and that her "first public appearance w r as in a little dance that had no name except pas seul.” It adds that the following year Miss Hayes did a Dutch song and dance in costume, and that a year later she did a Gibson Girl impersonation that was seen by Lew Fields. However, the book reproduced an old photo of Miss Hayes in the Dutch costume, with a caption giving her age as three at the time. In a subsequent chapter, Mrs. Brown states that Miss Hayes first professional appearance w’as as Prince Charles in "The Royal Family,” with the Columbia Players, a stock company in Miss Hayes’ native Washington. It adds that she was five years old at the time. It asserts that her appearance in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" was during her seventh year. Just to complpicate the whole subject further, however, Who’s Who in the Theatre states that Miss Hayes debut was in ‘‘Little Lord Fauntleroy” in 1907. Total profit of $33,038 thus far on "New Faces of 1952,” does not include returns from the film version, as erratumed in last week’s issue. The revenue reported in the latest accountant’s statement for the Leonard Sillman production has been solely from the Broadw'ay run and tour, with proceeds from the film edition of the revue still due. Legit Bits Jerome Lawrence & Robert Lee with war* tratk Hmm flattery have whipped ap A Handy Guide to Insincere Compliments ( F or All Occasions ) * a * on am m laq bylie* place la the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of VARIETY OUT SOON Sez $420 2d Balcony Too High for ’Flowers’ ’Rehearsal’ in Philly Philadelphia. Editor . Variety: Your illuminating article of last week Philly’s legit grosses in- spires hope that this town will con- tinue to have a study b.o. But the management of the Erlanger is apparently doing Its best to stir audience resentment, if the night I attended the "House of Flowers" is any indication of what goes on. Prices at the enormous house are strictly Broadway, and on Fri- day and Saturday nights the be- ginning of the second part of the balcony, which starts where most theatre walls leave off. sells for $4.20. The figures of the actors are almost indiscernible, but the scenery is pretty enough. Amplification is used, of course, and the sound comes across muf- fled. But with concentration about half the lyrics, when the sound doesn’t die off, as it did in Juanita Hall’s number at the per- formance I saw. After Pearl Bailey’s opening number (in w’hich the lyrics were fumblingly read from a book to only a pianio accompaniment in the pit), the second balcony audi- ence started to ‘move down’ to the first balcony and mezzanine, which are on the same plane. Although the first balcony w’as two thirds empty, the spectators were in for a surprise, for the ushers and a policeman were there to intercept the mass migra- tion. There began a constant shuffling back and forth, and throughout the first act the only progress made was a complete dis- traction for all in the mezzanine and first and second balconies. For a show still in rehearsal, and for $4.20 a throw in a second balcony that makes the amphi- theatre at the Academy of Music Seem ^like a diamond horseshoe, it might be a good idea just to leave that section to the ghosts of the long darkened Erlanger Irving Bregman. Derwent, Kane ‘Reunion’ For Off-B’way ‘Venice’ Forthcoming appearance of Clar- ence' Derwent and Whitford Kane in a revival of "Merchant of Ven- ice” opening Jan. 6 at the oflf- Broadway Finch Theatre, N.Y., will be a "reunion” for the two character actors. They started their stage careers together more than 50 years ago with Mrs. Band- mann-Palmer’s Repertory Theatre, Weymouth, England. Their only other appearance together was in Katharine Cornell’s revival o f "Doctor’s Dilemma” about 10 years ago. Derwent will play Shylock in the off-Broadway Shakespeare re- vival, with Kane playing Old Gobbo and Lesley Woods as Portia. Story and Play Editor Eugene Burr wba sheatd knew about those. Hilaft disceerset on Droves of Dialog — or, So You Wanna Be a Playwright? * * * 0*0 of the Many byline pieces la tbe forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of yfisZIEfY DUE SOON Add quotes; Sidney Kingsley’s, at the luncheon meeting Monday (20) of the N.Y. Drama Desk, that “urgent need for impolite laughter or a kind of Rabelaisian laughter” was one of the motivating forces for writing his current farce, “Lunatics and Lovers.” Ahem . . . Because of dissatisfaction with script revisions, Mai Zettlerling has withdrawn from "Tonight in Samarkand,” in which she was to have costarred with Louis Jourdan. Her part is being rehearsed by Felicia Montealegre. Playwrights’ Co. has joined the move of several other Broadway managements in dropping "The” from the title of . "Bad Seed,” thereby moving it forward to third place in the alphabetical ad list- ings. It’s explained that the action was to clarify the distinction be- tween the Maxwell Anderson drama and Rinehart’s published edition of the William March novel . . . George Gino, of the "Bad Seed” cast, is the stage name of off-Broadway producer Ted Mann. Betty Field will ' co-star with Paul Henreid in "Festival” . . . Elizabeth Hijar, directress of the Edouard VII Theatre in Paris, due in New York the end of this month . . . Actress Mildred Mur- ray returned last week from an eight-month tour of Europe. Ruth Vernon, who danced in the Broadway choruses of "Oklahoma.” "Guys and Dolls” and “Can-Can,” has returned to h£r hometown of Pittsburgh where she’ll play the title role in the Pitt Playhouse pro- duction of "Sabrina Fair.” She’s also switched to her real name. Ruth Plvorotto . . . Janet de Gore will appear in "Glad Tidings,” at the Shubert Theatre, Washington, opening next Monday (27), with Constance Bennett as star. Pressagent Bill Fielda will take his seven-year-old son with him next week to Sarasota where he’ll have pre-season confabs with Ring- ling Bros.-Bamum & Bailey execs . . . Armando Bergo, proprietor of Armando's restaurant, N.Y., an- nounces plans to produce a play, “Swizzlestick,” by Emil Harkeet, a former bartender at the estab- lishment. He says he’ll personally supply the $120,000 bankroll for the venture, w-hich is scheduled for production next spring. David Gray is general stage man- . ager and Herbert DuFine stage ' manager of "Tonight in Samar- kand” ... Ed Sullivan, In the N. Y. New’s last Thursday (9>, calls pro- ducer Richard Aldrich’s biog of his late actrcss-wife, Gertrude Law- rence, "the greatest book ever written about a theatrical celebri- ty.” Incidentally, the columnist neglected to mention the book’s title. "Mrs. A.” Richard Charlton has commis- sioned Evan Hunter to write a kidnap drama to be titled "King’s Ransom” for production next spring. Hunter’s dramatization of “Blackboard Jungle,” his own shocker novel about New York City schools, is under option to Robert Whitehead for production next spring . . . Staff for "Witness i& the Prosecution” includes George Banyai, general manager; Sam Schwartz, company manager; Rich- ard Maney, Frank Goodman and Peggy Phillips, pressagent; John Effrat, production stage manager; assistant stage manager, Eugene Stuckmann; production assistant, Betsy Holland. Alberta Hunter went on as Bessie Bolt, the Chicago blues shouter, in "Mrs. Patterson” for several per- formances last week when Helen Dowdy was ill . . . Aldrich & Myers have optioned "Yankee Cousin,” by Benjamin Simcoe, which was tried out off-Broadway in 1943 as "Play- boy of Newark.” with the author billed as B. K. Simkhovitch. Legit Bits Abroad Edinburgh, Dec. 21. Solid biz at Lyceum Theatre, Ed- inburgh. for Britishjnusical "Love From Judy,” with Jean Carson as star, billed as "direct from terrific American success” in tv . . . Mi- chael Elder, young Scot actor, authored new’ play "Outrageous Briefs.” a modern farce preemed at Byre Theatre, St. Andrews, with Damaris Hayman staging and Roy Boutcher in central part. Jacqueline James, Atlanta-born singer-dancer is a click as Miss Adelaide, the "well-known fiancee” In "Guys and Dolls.” which teed- off on three-cities Scot run . . , Alexander Scott, poet-playwright, authoring new musical. "Tam o’ Shanter’s Tryst," set for preem at Citizens’ Theatre. Glasgow, Jan. 17 and based on the classic Robert Bums poem. Five-w-eek tryout tour is set for "Night of the Ball.” which preemed at King’s, Glasgow, wdth Wendy Hiller and Gladys Cooper. John Loder and Tony Britton costar with the two distaffers, and Steph- en Mitchell presents the Michael Burn piece . Wilson Barrett stock company producing Kenneth Horne’s com- edy, "Trial and Error” . . . Newly- opened Princess Theatre, Edin- burgh. presenting a double bill of Shaw’s "The Man of Destiny” and Chekhov’s "The Bear.” Christine Orr is staging . Scheduled N.Y. Openings ( Theatre indicated if set > BROADWAY What Every Woman Knows, City Center (12-22). Black-Eyed Susan, Playh’se (12- 23). Ruth Draper-Paul Draper, Bijou (12-26). St. Bleecker St., B’way (12-27). Flowering Peach. Belasco (12-28). House of Flowers, Alvin (12-30). Anastasia, Lyceum (1-3). Purple Dust, Bijou (J-4). Time of Life, City Cent. (1-5). Festival (1-12). Put All Together (wk., 1-17). Fourposter, City Center (1-19). Plain & Fancy (1-20). Sjlk Stockings, Imperial (1-21). Painted Days, (wk., 1-24). Grand Prize, Lyceum (1-26). Desperate Hours (1-27). Tonight In Samarcand (wk.. 1-31). Wisteria Trees, City Center (2-2). Dark Is Light Enough (2-9). OFF-B’WAY Troublemakers, President (12- 30). Passion of Gross, de Lys (1-9). Dr.’s Dilemma, Phoen’X 11-11). 3 Sisters, 4th St. (2-10). 1954 LEGITIMATE Only Regional Theatre Can Spark Road Revival, Says Marg. Webster Minneapolis, Dec. 21. A The legit road, which has been declining steadily for a quarter- century, will get worse before it sets better. Moreover, a road re- nascence. if and when it comes, will have to have a grassroots base, for touring shows as we know them are doomed. Temporary boxoffice booms and local production up- beats are without permanent sig- nificance. That, in essence, is the opinion of director-producer-actress Mar- garet Webster, here to participate in several college Shakespeare semi- nars and assist in a Hamline U. production of “Twelfth Night.” In newspaper interviews Miss Web- ster, whose bus-truck repertory company folded several years ago after some seasons’ touring success, presented a discouraging picture of road prospects. Places like the Twin Cities, for- merly key stands for touring show's and strongholds of professional stock, are likely to have even leaner legit fare than the present drought diet. Miss Webster pre- dicts. She believes that there’ll be no health in the American theatre until strong regional theatres are developed — good enough for such theatres to pay actors a living and to draw the public. She doubts that the Paul Gregory type of sceneryless touring offerings will be a solution of the present “too high cost” of tQUring Broadway shows. In addition to the high touring costs that are keeping even Broad- way successes off the road. Miss Webster explains that a deterrent to managers is the fact that most actors prefer to stay home in New York and act for tv “rather than to take the rugged traveling jobs.” Actors should take touring offers (Continued on page 58) Even Legit Financing ‘Controversial’; Seidman And Merrick in Debate Like practically everything the- atrical, from the critics to “the Stanislavsky method,” legit financ- ing is explosively controversial. An unsuspecting luncheon meeting at the Harvard Club, N. Y., found that out the noisy way last week. The session last Tuesday (14), one of a regular -series offering talks on matters of contemporary business interest, featured a talk on legit finance and investment, by J. S. Seidman, a public accountant, with several theatrical clients. About 75 luncheon guests were present. Among them was David Merrick, coproducer with Joshua Logan of the sellout Broadway musical, “Fanny.” He was accompanied by two of the show's backers, Byron Goldman and Max Brown, as sort of “character witnesses.” After Seidman’s regular discourse, lasting about 45 minutes, Merrick and his two supporters turned the affair into a debate. The surprised lunch- eon audience had never had it so entertaining. As the accountant for and a backer of various hit and flop Broadway productions of recent seasons, Seidman reportedly was inclined to be somewhat bearish on legit investment generally. While conceding that a few shows make money, he noted that most ven- tures end up in the red, and he cited various examples of misman- agement. After a single question from an innocent bystander, Merrick launched a rebuttal, taking the general position that Seidman’s *tatements had been so distorted as to be 759© untrue. He argued that a standard investment in all Broadway productions, even in- cluding outright floppolas like the recent “Hit the Trail,” would earn about 7 r 'o profit over the average *eason, and brought out that Seid- man himself had made an overall pr ®l t from his legit investments. The producer disputed Seid- s assertion that the customary 50-50 split of profits from shows is vi n fair to the backers, asserting inat there is a varying fee or per- centage for capitalizing Wall St. investments, and citing the risk and continuing function of man- agement in legit productions. ‘Spider’s Web’ Clicks, ‘Joker’ Ditto, London London, Dec. 21. With the successful launching of “Spider’s Web” at the Savoy, there are currently three Agatha Chris- tie hits in the West End. The lat- est entry, also presented under the Peter Saunders’ banner, opened last Tuesday (14) to a rave ovation and mixed press reaction. The production also marks Margaret Lockwood’s return to the legit scene after a long absence. “Spider’s Web’’ has been direct- ed at a brisk pace by Wallace Douglas. It runs smoothly after an extended Provincial tryout tour. There’s no doubt about the b.o. potential of the new Crazy Gang revue, “Jokers Wild,” presented by Jack Hylton at the Victoria Palace last Thurs. <16). It is an unmis- takable smash and will run as long as the Gang can stand the gafT. Stander-Gorney Aim New People A new' edition of the 1940-41 Broadway revue, “Meet the Peo- ple” is slated for production early next year. Tagged, “Meet the People, 1955,” the presentation will be co-produced by actor Lionel Stander and Jay Gorhey, who com- posed the music for the original production and the updated ver- sion. Others repeating original assign- ments will be lyricist Henry Myers, revue editor Edward Eliscu and sketch director Mortimer Off- ner. Production reportedly will be budgeted at around $100,000, and as was the case with the origi- nal, will use “unknown” talent. Performers who appeared In the 1840-41 edition at the Mansfield Theatre, N. Y., after a Coast en- gagement, included Nanette Fabray, Marion Colby, Jack Al- bertson, Jack Gilford, Doodles Weaver and Fay McKenzie. Dallas to Get ‘Itch’ Dallas. Dec. 21. The Interstate Circuit has booked the touring company of “The Seven Year Itch,” with Eddie Bracken, for March 4 6 at the State Fair Auditorium here. Film chain, which sold the 1,800- seat Melba, the only midtown legit house, now converted to Cinerama, will rope off the outer portions of the 4,300-seat Auditorium aud and sell ducats for a closed-in center section. Tft«ofr« Guild C*#r«f«<*r Lawrence Langner detail* how vldaa’s inroad oa logit works two ways, and Aids *The Road ’ * * * one of the many editorial features in the upcomioa Shuberts Ease B way Booking Jam; Evict the Moderate-Gross Shows 49ih Anniversary Number •f j OUT SOON y Force Standby Managers Fee On Road Shows Although the Assn, of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers has been unable to force the Playhouse. Wil- mington, to hire a union house manager, it now requires all tour- ing shpws to pay for a stand-by manager for engagements at the theatre. Thomas J. LaBrum. a pressagent-manager In the Phila- delphia chapter, has been getting such calls. Setup calls for a reported sal- ary of $150 a week for the assign- ment. For a split-week engage- ment, usual for the spot, a show must pay the stand-by manager a w'eek-and-a-half. For a full week’s stand, the requirement is two weeks’ pay. LaBrum, a Philly ad agency exec and local legit p.a. (he’s the rep for the municipally-operated Play- house in the Park there), reported- ly commuted to Wilmington every few days during engagements of shows for which he’s the standby manager. Falk at Nassau Again; Has $5,000 Financing Although contracts with Actors Equity haven’t been negotiated, Lee Falk plans another winter sea- son at the British Colonial Play- house, Nassau, Bahamas. Venture will be capitalized at $5,000, prob- ably getting underway early next year. According to a limited partner- ship agreement filed in New York earlier this month, Larry Aldrich, of Ridgefield, Conn., is the sole in- vestor, with Falk listed as general partner. Pact gives Aldrich 25 r /o of the profits. Falk, who also operates the Bos- ton Summer Theatre, Is reportedly in Nassau. List Theatre Greats As Postage Stamp Subjects Move to promote a special post- age stamp plugging legit is getting up steam. Under the chairmanship of Jacques Minkus, stamp depart- ment head of Gimbel Bros, in N.Y., , a Committee for Postal Commemo- ! ration of the Legitimate Theatre has been formed. Project, initiated by Minkus, is endorsed by the Council of the Living Theatre. Preem step being taken by the committee is the preparation of a list of former theatre greats to be memorialized on the commemora- tive stamps. Drama critics and ed- itors throughout the country are being approached for name sugges- tions. It’s hoped the Post Office Dept. ! in Washington can be persuaded to i*sue a set of three or five stamps similar to the writers, musicians and poets series of the Famous American group. Committee has 21 members, including legit actors, playwrights and producers. Tonight’ Layoff For Song Revise Holly w’ood. Dec. 21.' “Three for Tonight,” Paul Greg- ory’s intimate revue costarring Marge and Gower Champion, Harry Belafonte and the Walter Schumann chorus, will lay off the first two w'eeks of February for re- vision of the songs. With the ex- pectation that the show' will be a hit on Broadway, the idea is to in- sert original tunes in place of two or perhaps three standards now used. Robert Welles, who wrote the lyrics and continuity for the revue, is due here this week to collaborate with composer Schuman on the ! new music. When the material is ready. Champion, who staged the* show, will do whatever redirection is necessary. After limited re- hearsals. "Tonight” will resume its tryout tour briefly and then be taken to New York. Back for “Amazing Adele” Robert Wells, who went to the Coast over the weekend, is due back in New York next March to resume work with composer Albert Selden on the songs for “The Amazing Adele,” for which Anita Loos is supplying the book, based on a French comedy. Selden and Morton Gottlieb will produce the musical comedy, due on Broadway in the late spring. OUT SOON! The 49th Anniversary Number VARIETY Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 t$4 W. 44#h Sf. HOLLYWOOD 2t 4311 Ykco St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martin’s Placa Trafalgar Sgnara The Shuberts are apparently try- ing to solve the Broadway theatre shortage. They’ve already served eviction notice at least on two hit shows and are reportedly offering several other houses for incoming productions. No independent thea- tres are involved in the show- juggling. Getting the gate are the longrun “Tea and Sympathy.” at the Barry- more, vacating the Barrymore, Feb. 5. and the newer “Reclining Fig- ure," exiting the Lyceum next Sat- urday (25) and moving to the indie- operated Holiday Theatre the fol- lowing Monday (27). Scheduled closing of “Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” Jan. 15 at the Plymouth, is said to have been decided by producer Paul Gregory, who planA to send the play to Chicago. The Shuberts are understood to be offering the Cort, Longacre and Music Box to upcoming produc- tions. The three houses currently have “Rainmaker" (Cort), “Tender Trap” (Longacre) and “Solid Gold Cadillac” (Music Box). Earlier this month the longrun “Anniversary Waltz” had to move from the 1.160- seat Broadhurst to the 766-seat Booth, with the new Sidney Kings- ley play, “Lunatics and Lovers,” replacing at the larger house. Both spots are Shubert orerations. Following “Figure” into the Ly- ceum are two shows. “Anastasia” and “Grand Prize.” Former has a temporary three-week booking be- ( Continued on page 58) Brynner to Quit ‘King’ Next Spring for Films; To Resume Directing Yul Brynner, coslar of “The King and I,” reveals that he’s leav- l ing the show next spring, after four years in the role of the Sia- mese monarch. In an interview with Sydney J. Harris, of the Chicago Daily News, the actor said that when he exits “King,” playing the Shubert, Chi- cago, he’ll go to Hollywood to ap- pear in Cecil B. De Mille’s “The Ten Commandments” and then re- peat his current role in the film edition of the Rodgers-Hamme** stein musical. "After that,” the interview con- tinues, “he proposes to take a long vacation and then resume, on an expanded scale, his directorial ca- reor. The potentialities of films and television interest him more than the living stage ’because the stage is basically the actor’s medi- um, while the director comes into his own in movies and television.’ “ ‘Good parts are extremely scarce,’ he shrugs, ‘and good plays even more so. As a director, I can help find my own plays and direct them with imagination and scope. The acting life has its fascination, but it requires a constant discipline that is quickly tiring if the role is not as rewarding as my present one.’ ” Playwrights’ Co. Meets; May Tour ‘Bad Seed’ Playwrights Co., which has an apparent hit in its new production, “The Bad Seed,” will decide today (Wed.) about sending out a touring edition of the Maxwell Anderson dramatization of William March’s novel. Other matters to be considered at the Playwrights meeting are a successor to Joan Fontaine as star of the Broadway company of “Tea and Sympathy” and what to do with the Robert Anderson drama after Feb. 5, when it must vacate the Barrymore Theatre, N.Y. Kim Stanley, who was upped to stardom in the Playwrights pro- duction of "Traveling Lady” last fall, is mentioned as possible sub for Miss Fontaine. Obvious move would be to trans- fer ‘Tea” to another house to con- tinue its Broadway run. However, a suitable theatre may not be avail- able, in which case the show might be sent on a limited tour, perhaps opening in Boston, with Miss Fon- taine remaining with it until her scheduled withdrawal March 1. ai the expiration of her contract. After Boston, the production would tour other key cities not played by the No. Two company. i A 58 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Shows Abroad results, and Miss Lockwood con- tributes the light, flighty touch de- manded by the script. The yarn is probably no more far-fetched than the average who- dunit. but Miss Christie's plots, as a rule, are abovfc average. The mystery, as posed, is who killed the man whose body was found behind the sofa in the heroine’s country house? Here is a new Crazy Gang revue, The murder comes at an incon- and like its recent predecessors, j ', rnienl ,lme * will run as long as Jack Hylton can <]ue to r q tur n a distinguished keep the cast working without a diplomatic visitor and in order to rest. There is nothing startling i * vo ^ enibarrsassment. the hostess about the layout, production or ma- P e _ rsau ^ e , s u } If 55. . terial, but the fcomics are surefire lid London, Dec. 17. Jack Ilyltnn production of revue in two •eta <17 accncs). Stars Crazy Gang (Bud Flanagan. Nervo A Knox. Naughton A Gold); features Vera Day. Josephine Anne, Sheila O’Neill. Kenneth Sandford. Dolinoffs A Raya Sisters; John Tiller Girls. Directed by Charles Henry; music and lyrics. Ross Parker; choreography. George warden; orchestrations. Ronnie M unroe At Victoria Palace. London. Dec. IS. '54; S3 top. favorites with local audiences and remove the body. But they only have time to park the corpse be- hind a' sliding pahel before the Red Letter Embargo Temporary notice posted on bulletin boards at Shubert theatres in New York two weeks ago, banning eats 'n* drtnks on the premises, was replaced last week by printed signs restating the prohibition in large red letters. However, no steps w’ere reported to en- force the tabu and none ars anticipated. There's still no indication whether the notice is a Shu- bert reprisal against campaign by the safety and sanitation committee of Actors Equity and the League of N. Y. The- atres to improve backstage conditions in Broadway houses. there can be no element of doubt ; n,na A snamg panel oeiore uie ir p Starlight Thpfltrp as to its b.o. potential. Unless tops arrive on the strength of an IV- OianiglU 1 neaire ~ ----- £ - ' nnnnvmm.s telPtshnne rail. That I j n SOUP j n a u.v. pvvcuviai. wuuo.) . , • ■ mi there is evidence of failing sta- anonymous telephone call. That smina. this one, like the others, j P° ses a second problem, who should be good for a two-year »ea- tipped off the police, son. That's the main story, but the The Gang, comprising as usual authoress has dressed it up with Bud Flanagan. Nervo Knox and fancy trimmings, introduced the Naughton & Gold, dominate the j usual flow of red herrings, as presentation with their boisterous, ' well as a number of surprise, if Connor. Kansas City. Dec. 21. Final figures on lust summer’s Starlight Theatre season show an operating loss of $13,300. Report was given by board chairman Paul raucous, and sometimes keyhole not always logical twists. Miss humor. They are uninhibited. Lockwood serves her author re- without trace of subtlety, exploit markably well, and her comedy every obvious gag and never fail to; flair is at its best when she even- get the laughs. It doesn’t matter | tuallv decides to tell the police the if their material is thin and their! whole truth and they won’t believe! sketches are occasionally labored, a word of it. Their mere presence on the stage Felix Aylmer, stalwart of the is enough to satisfy most of tne . London theatre, plays her guar- There is an inventory of nearly $12,000 in operating supplies on hand for the start of 1955 season, according to the report. On that basis the 1954 semester of 10 shows rates as virtually a break-even af- fair. Early in the season there were Christmas Prelude ( The following, written by stage manager Carl Benson, was posted on the backstage bulletin board last week at “ The Fifth Sea- ton, " at the Erlanger, Chicago.) The time has come upon us all When BO grosses start to fall, When SRO is much too rare And should-be yoks receive a stare. And when the curtain slithers down A silence greets us and we frown; You say to me, “You’re down tonight! “You’ve got to read that line just right!" And 1 reply with catty smirk. “You just tend to your own work!" Tempers shorten, ad libs lengthen, As the show you try to strengthen. And suddenly there is no more Of wonderful esprit de corps. Now Christmas time in charts and graphs Means smaller houses, weaker laughs; ' Don’t let this perverse statistic Make your art antagonistic . *. . The same old play that brought us here Played the same old way will keep us here. And soon we’ll all be back in clover As soon as our slack period's over . . . So don’t lose heart — you know the reason ; We’re govig through our own fifth season! cash customers. i dian with delightful aplomb and. nights with temperatures vary* In this new revue they have a a ft t . r starting off by trying to bam- ln 8 from 90 to 103 degrees at cur- broad satirization of “What’s My boozle the cops, successfully turns ^ain t* me - Later in the summer Line?" and a comedy bur esque of ' sleuth himself. Margaret Barton four shows were rained out in 17 “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” but their consistently type cast in juve roles, nights, Connor said, best item is their appearance as a looks every bit a 12-year-old A substantial loss was averted quintet of bell-ringing monks who schoolgirl, although she is actually through “Oklahoma," as the season slowly and imperceptibly move i 28 and has a child of her own. { closer, playing 14 nights for a gross into a pop routine. This dumb j T} iere j s a powerful comedy con- of $152,000, far above average, and item is one of the most ingenious tribution from Judith Furse who, making up a deficit of about $90.- things they ve done for a long an amazon j an gardener, domi- 000 to the theatre up to that point. time. A solo vocal spot by Bud , nates by sheer force of personality * P Flanagan, des^ned to familiarize j eV £py scene in which she appears. British cities with American tunes v Carles Morgan as the man who is an intriguing novelty which ge(s murde red, Harold Scott and doesn t quite come off._ „ ; Miles Eason as the other two house Rest of the show follows the fa- g ues ^ s an( j Campbell Singer as the •ia Palace layout. \ era ► detective, make a good supporting Current Road Shows (Dec. 20-Jan. 1) Da^and^Josephine Anne »re ade- «"“• * Buuu »<•«•»■*•»« Aanaat.si, (tryout i (Viveca Lind- quate chirpers, Kenneth Sandford \ . ,. , , f° rs - Eugenie Leontovitch) — Plym- has a number of pleasing vocal 'V allace Douglas has directed at outh. Boston (20-1) (Reviewed in contributions, and Sheila O’Neill is f brisk pace and Michael Weight Variety, Dec. 8. ’54*. a bright dancer and singer. The j bas designated an opulent drawing College Shows Tunitu Anyone? Wilmington. N Dec. lfi. Triangle Club of Princeton U. produc- tion of musical comedy In two acts (16 scenes). Book, Z. Taylor Vinson, John T. Osander. Ronald N. Friedrich. Peter T. Blue. Garrett M. Heher; music and lyrics. John C. Eaton. Z. Taylor Vinson. Ronald N. Friedrich. Robert C. Hemmeter. John | T. Osander. Rae H. Graham. Peter T. I Blue. Stephen F. Gregory. WilUam G. Glassco. Robert J. Mufcare. Production director. Mike Stewart; choreography. Forreat Bonshire; scenery. Jerome Press; costumes. Frank Brady; musical direction. John C. Eaton, technical direction. John G. Gregory; choral and orchestra coach- ing. Harry Pierpont; orchestrations. Earle Moss. At Playhouse. Wilmington. Dec. 16. M. Theatre Evictions Continued from page 57 John Tiller girls provide a dancing line of perfection. Production has been vigorously directed by Charles Henry and Ross Parker has penned suitable music and lyrics. George Carden supplied the choreography and his expert dancers do justice to the routines. Mi/ro. Spider’s Web • London. Dec. 15. room set. M i/ro. Legit Followup The Teahouse of I he August Moon (HARTMAN, COLUMBUS) Caine Mutiny Court Martial 'Paul Douglas, Wendell Corey. Steve Brodie) — Christmas layoff • 20-25'; Playhouse, Wilmington •27-29>; Lyric. Baltimore (30-1 >. Dark Is Light Enough (tryout) (Katharine Cornell. Tyrone Power) —Hanna, Cleveland (20-25); Taft. Cincinnati (27-1) (Reviewed in Variety. Dec. 1. ’54). Festival (tryout) 'Paul Henried. Betty Field) — Colonial, Boston Howard Lindsay* and Russel < 25-1 ). Clouse ought to rake in plenty Fifth Season (Chester Morris Peter Saunder. production Of comedy- | u ith their road edition of “The | Joseph Buloff) — Erlanger Chi’ T-**)*— — — »• ,20-1 1. Glad Tidings — Shubert, Wash. (27-1 *. Grand Prize (tryout* — Parsons, Hartford (23-25 »; Locust, Phila. (27-D. House of Flowers (trvout) — Er- langer. Philly. (20-25i (Reviewed in Variety, Dec. 1, ’54'. King and I (Yul Brynner, Pa- ChriM( r e tn sur» n Mar h g r rret Lofkwm'd. stVged I Teahouse of the August Moon, by Wallace Douglas; decor. Michael which broke in its tour here with * 1,eatre ’ London, Dec a four-performance sellout. The ciarUM iiaiuham Brown S company is ahead of the game with Maigaret Lockwood its two stars. Burgess Meredith and Sir Rowland Delahaye . . Fellk Aylmer Pippa HaiUham-Brown. . .Margaret Brown Mildred Peake Judith Furse Scott McKay, who recently played the Sakini and Capt. Fishy roles in the Broadway original while David Oliver Costello Charles Morgan Jeremy** Warrender u'ytelf fiSn jJVa.vne and John Forsythe were on inspector Lord Campbell Singer leave of absence. Also, Barbara tl'/nry lUlUh.ni-Brown '"SwSS t » M » r ; tricU'MoAoB)- Shubert." Chi. Constable Jones Desmond Llewelyn . *ko JSlkkl as the Geisha in the (20-1). New York cast. Models in Season— Shubert. Bos- It looks like three hits in a row As the interpreter, Meredith ton (25*; Majestic, Boston (27-1'. for Agatha. Christie. “The Mouse- Rives an ingenious performance^ Moon Is Blue (Jerome Cowan)— trap" is now in its third year at with strokes now broad, now lisht Cox. Cincy. (20-25»; Orpheum, K.C. the Ambassador. “Witness for the ! and wispy. McKay doesn’t go in (27-1). Prosecution” has entered its sec- tor understatement as does For- Oh Men. Oh Women (Ralph Bel- ond year at the Winter Garden ' sythe in the New York company, | lamy)— Harris, Chi. (20-1). (a second edition has opened on but plays an army of occupation i Oklahoma — Shubert, Detroit Broadway) and a lusty new infant officer in fumbling, bemused and (20-25); Central Highschool, Kala- is bom with “Spider’s Web." It’s very funny fashion. mazoo (27-29); Murat, Indianapolis also an impressive record for im- , Victor Sutherland, instead of be- (30-1). presario Peter 6aunders, who pre- i n R explosive and bombastic, has Pajama Tops (Diana Barrymore) sents the trio. I adopted a seething, ulcer-bubbling — Blackstone. Chi. (20-1). “Web” is by no means the best resistance to the onslaught of Plain and Fancy (trvout)— Shu- of Miss Christie’s crimemellers. cricket-cage Orientalism. Miss bert. Boston (20-1* (Reviewed in but she has fashioned a strong Luna makes a gracefully plastic Variety. Dec. 15. ’54'. starring vehicle for Margaret geisha. I - Put Them All Together — Shu- Lockwood’s return, to the London The production is beautifully bert. New Haven (29-1 ». stage after a long stay in films done, and the comedy is played j Sailor's Delight (Eva Gabor) (excepting her seasonal entry in with incredible smoothness in its (tryout) — Christmas layoff (20-25); “Peter Pan” last Christmas). The breakin here. Physically, nothing Lyceum. Minneapolis (27-1) (Re- combination of the Christie-Lock- j has been spared. Billy Matthews, viewed in Variety, Nov., ’54*. wood names on the marquee spell ; repeating the original staging of Seven Year Itch (Eddie Bracken) b.o. smash. . Robert Lewis, has utilized the dif- — Christmas layoff 1.20-25 >; Nixon, Obviously conscious that she ferences in personality and acting Pitts. (27-D. has a rather thin plot. Miss Chris- styles to build a distinct flavor, asj Silk Stockings (Hildegarde Neff, tie turns much of the emphasis valid and as funny as the New Don Ameche) (tryout) — Shubert. away from the suspense angles York original. This fine touring Philly. (20-1) (Reviewed in Variety, to concentrate on comedy situa- troupe should repeat the latter’s Dec. 1. ’54>, tions. She achieves the desired boxoffice success. Princeton Triangle Club’s 63d production is a zippy musical comedy that satirizes everything from Liberace to commuters, politics and girls’ schools. The re- vue acts are loosely connected by a slight story of the kidnaping of “Him” by a band of desert rogues. Incidentally. “Him" turns out to be Liberace. but the plot doesn’t get in the way of the traditional melange of songs, dancing “cho- rines” and comedy. As usual, the music is reminiscent and the dialog is somewhat less than professional, but the hoofing is vigorous and the whole performance is lively. Among the better scenes is “Dig That Hippopotamus” wherein Dun- can Hoxworth. Edmund W. Jones and Joseph Knox frolic as Tarzan, a boy and Jane, respectively. The lead roles — a quintet of comedy sleuths — are handled capably by John Macrae. Theodore James, Albert Hinckley, Thomas Pettus, and Ronald N. Friedrich, the latter a nimble dancer. Top tunes in the show are “Someday,” “Travel, Travel, Travel” and “Charleston Bop.” Jerome Press’ gettings are color- ful and the scenes have been well coordinated by Mike Stewart. ✓ Klep. Happy Medium Cambridge, Nov. 30. Hast? Pudding production of musical show in two acts (id scenes', with a book by Jerard Kent Hartman; music bv Michael 1-ay and lyrics by Henry Stein- i way Ziegler. Directed by Donn Fischer; 1 choreography. Dolly Niggemeyer; pro- ducer*, Walter Damrosch Littell, Camp- bell Steward, Donn Fischer. Dolly Nigge- mever. At Club House, Cambridge. Mass., Nov. 30. *54. ginning Jan. 3. with latter moving in Jan. 26. Shubert theatres currently va- cant but booked are the Belasco, getting "Flowering Peach”; Broad- way, “Saint of Bleecker Street”; Imperial. “Silk Stockings," and Na- tional, “Tonight in Samarkand.” Grosses have not fallen below the stop-limit for some shows at theatres reportedly being offered for incoming productions. How- ever, that's regarded in the trade as a relative technicality. Explana- tion is that a theatre management can reduce attendance at any mod- erate-gross show by having its box- office employees discourage win* dow patronage. Treasurers are gen- erally glad to cooperate in such a moVe, since they’re inclined to pre- fer gambling that a new show may prove to be a smash. Margaret Webster Continued from page 57 Dean. GRISTMILL PLAYHOUSE ANDOVER, N.J. FOR RENT OR SALE Located in Hi* heart ef Sassex County, amidst 80 lakes. Suitable far tammar or year ’rouod theatre. 800 teat*; heat and air conditioning. Alta equipped with protection ream for movie*. Contact: EDITH PIERSON Bex 1, Andover, N. J. Phone Andover 3801 South Pacific (Iva Withers. Alan Gerrard) — Forrest. Philly ( 20-1 >. Southwest Corner (tryout) (Eva Le Gallienne* — Shubert, New Haven (23-25'; Wilbur, Boston (27-1). Tea and Sympathy (Deborah Kern — Christmas layoff (20-1 ). Teahouse of the August Moon Burgess Meredith, Scott McKay) — American. St. Louis (20-1 >. Three For Tonight (Marge and Gower Champion. Harry Bella- fonte' (tryout* — Christmas layoff (20-25); State Fair Aud.. Dallas '27-3D; Municipal Aud., Oklahoma City (1). Time Out for Ginger (Melvyn Douglas) — Curran. S.F. (20-1). Wonderful Town (Carol Chan- ning) — National, Wasfo. (20-1). Not since the resumption of the ' Hasty Pudding shows in their tra- ditional form after the war has the outfit come up with quite so baffling a show as this one. It has all the usual elements: the hairy gams of the chorus line, | the solo specialties, the songs, dances and boisterous goings on, etc. But somewhere along the line in this cheerful improvisation someone overlooked the necessity for a comprehensible book and an occasional joke. The result Is — un- like many previous productions — | of interest mainly to the alumni. Plot has something to do with newspapermen, politicians and me- diums. It offers songs and dances by newsboys, thug bodyguards, I embodied spirits, burlesque strip- pers and whatnot, i Performances are vastly superior to the material. Hugh Fortmiller Is a strenuous spirit medium and there are ac- ceptable performances by Stephen Addis, Tom Whedon, Stephen Bolster and Bob Norris, the latter's dancing being the one Pudding i touch of previous years. Elie.* ; for their own good, to develop as artists, she says. “A few- successful experiments of dramatic productions without scen- ery started a touring vogue, and of course reduced transportation expenses.” But there isn’t sufficient dramatic material strong enough to be effective that way, she claims. Shakespearean drama, Miss Web- ster’s specialty, is losing out most of all In this era of higher road company and theatre operating costs, because of the big casts, the costumes and the elaborate scenery that make it prohibitive, she notes. “However. Shakespeare is as strong as ever In college and community drama programs,” Miss Webster declares. She feels that a possible solution to the present “money problem” af- fecting touring shows would be their commercial sponsorship in the manner that tv and radio pro- grams are now sponsored. An encouraging sign, she asserts, is that college drama departments are apparently becoming a little less theoretical and more practical in their approach. Members of the A.T.P.A.M. who w*r* paid up collaborator* of th# lata, lamented Fancy Moating You Hara Club, which mat in tha Bucket af Blood adjoining tha lata, lamented Chicago Journal of Commerce, ere in- vited to be guest*, when visiting th* t®*p on business or pleasure, ef the St. Leui* Browns Fan* Memorial As- •ociation ef Chicago. Information; Bax 1222, Variety, 412 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 11, III. r LIVE BETTER FOR LESSI NEW STUDIO ROOMS IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE • 14— WEEKLY— *14 Beautiful Room*. 24-hour Switchboard. ( Restaurant. Cocktail Lounge, Valet. Barber. CALL MR. MOSES AFTER S P.M. — v Cl 5-5)17 Philly Eases Off; Anastasia’ 196, ‘Stockings’ 496, “Flowers’ $16,809 (7) Philadelphia, Dec. 21. With five shows still taxing thea- tre availabilities here last week, "Silk Stockings’’ remained the pacemaker, although seats were available for all performances. Future bookings include Dec. 27, "Grand Prize.” Locust, tryout^ two v eeks: Jan. 3, “Tea and S>ropa- thv ’ Forrest, subscription, three weeks: Plain and Fancy ” Shubert. ♦rvout. two weeks; Jan. 10, South- weM Corner.” Walnut, tryout, two veeks: Jan 11, “Desperate Hours 1 ocust. tryout, two weeks; Jan. 31, • Bus Stop.’’ tryout, two weeks. Estimates for Last Week House of Flowers. Erlanger (M> (4t.i wk> i $5.40. 1 .880 '. Illness of Pearl Bailey caused the cancella- tion of one performance, and wholesale book revisions and cast changes haven’t helped; costly Sltj. 800 for seven performances; continues this week. South Pacific, Forrest (MD' (12th vk) <$4.80; 1.7601 <$3.85; 1.590) (Menasha Skul- j { nick). Pulled ahead of first weeks, nabbing $21,300. ‘Plain’ Not Fancy, 32G, 9-Show New Haven Test New Haven, Dec. 21. Full-w eek stand, plus one pre- j view, of “Plain and Fancy” at the Shubert topped $32,000, just fair, 1 ! for nine performances at $5.00 top. \ Opposish of "Ice Follies” was an 1 attendance factor for the run end - 1 i ing last Saturday <18*. Musical tryout drew excellent word-of- mouth. A breakin of “Southwest Cor- ner” plays this Thursday-Saturday i (23-25). Other bookings are pre~ I micros of "Put Them All To- gether,” Dec. 29-Jan. 1, and “Des- | perate Hours.” Jan. 6-8. “South Pacific’’ is due for a week’s stop- i over Jan. 17-22 and the national • company of “Pajama Game” opens i here with a preview Jan. 29 and a full week through Feb. 5. Itch’ 14G in SpUt Rochester, Dec. 21. “Sevpn Year Itch” grossed nearly $14,000 in an eight-per- 1 formance. three-way split last week. Eddie Bracken starrer gave two performances Monday-Tues- day (13-14) at the Colonial. Akron; three performances Wednesday- Thursday (15-16) at Shea’s. Erie, and three performances Friday- Saturday <17-18) at the Auditorium here. Comedy is laying off this week and resumes next Monday (27) at the Nixon, Pittsburgh. Current Stock Bills (Dec. 20-Jan. 1) Fourposter — Playhouse, Houston (20-26). % w Hemlock Cup (tryout), by Ed- ward Hunt — Theatre ’54, Dallas ( 20 - 1 ). Time Out For Ginger — Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, N. J. ' (27-1). Town’ Perky at $33,900 For Opening Week, Wash. Washington, Dec. 21. Christmas apparently had little effect on the drawing power of “Wonderful Town,” with Carol Channing, which brought In a healthy $33,900 at the National last week to atari a three-week engagement. Manager Scott Kirkpatrick re- ports advance sales already equal to the first week’s receipts, indi- cating the play may maintain its present pace. Musical drew stand- ees Saturday night (18). Pre-Xmas Clips B’way; ‘Seed’ 2!%G, ‘Lunatics’ $28,800, ‘Witness’ 13^G (5) ‘Can-Can’ $36,100, ‘Breakfast’ $9,00 to the firs? * JK? SSSSL Thi Broadway went into the expected eating ^ tails P in week. Most Vhows Drescnt ru»r»!» VfnTi^ai dropped $3,000 or more from the ees Satiir^av niahf SUnd ’ previous downbeat stanza. Musicals ees Sat uiday night (18). Registered the biggest dips. $9,400 for one tuner. Only the solid n 11 ffM n « aa smashes held even. Annual slump KaIIoimit CIV Iflyl is expected to continue this week. Deuamy m,m w ~ kcnd -« There are three openings this \aaaam Cl k ClUl week. “Portrait of a Lady” bowed ijCdSOn ilj.JUU last night ( Tues.), “What Every wvwuwu Woman Knows” gets the City Cen- . , _ ter drama festival underway to- JHl / f* night (Wed.) and “Black-Eyed IVlIlD (4f 1 /*)ll I ill Susan” debuts tomorrow night VIII (Thurs.). Preems last week were ^ " "Lunatics and Lovers” and “Wit- Chicago, Dec. 21. ness for the Prosecution.” There Biz at the four Loop legiters were no closings last week, held up fairly well last week, with Estimates for Last Week one show even registering a gain Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), despite the anticipated pre-Holi- CD (Comedy Drama), R (Revue), day lull. “Pajama Tops” is ex- MC (Musical-Comedy), MD . ' J. .... wlr . Oh Men. Oh Women. Harris (2d S i i q- *37 000) wk • ($5; 1.000) (Ralph Bellamy). Jv’ Rose to $18,100 (previous week, J trionn Her $16 900' vious week, S23.900 for five per- Pajama Tops, Blackstone «3d wk) an <* on « Preview). <$4.40; 1.385» (Diana Barrvmore). Boy Friend, Rovale (MC) (12th Almost $12,100 on twofers' (previ- wk: 92; $6.90; 1,172; $38,200). Over ous week. $15,800'. capacity again, topped $38,400. Caine Mutiny Court Martial, HAAmAiMi, . Plymouth "alter Slezak). Over ca- Bond, who appeared in the play P a £ y agaI ": with Horton in a strawhat tour. 4 o£ 1S JJJ C (!n . Z i le £>ft d * v? onfl^^A 1 f rid will come from New York for* the 1 - 528 i,? 5 o 7 A n° 8 ! date, and the other players will be Dra £ e $44,300 (previous cast locally week. $52^00). Horton will return later to star , ^uniUcsand Lovers. Broadhurst in “Nina” and “White Sheep of the Ini "oVer smroo’ 6 ?™- 1 firSt Family,” and Illona Massey is be- $29>5°® • $28,800 for first ing sought to try out a new play. eig Mi e P p^ # ° t 'l? a, l ce 1 fT‘ / 7r j “The Journey.” Actors Lab has 1 172^ OAO) also booked William L. Shirer for * 5, a March 27 lecture appearance, and ,£artha ^Itt). Over $30,200 (previ- will produce another play, yet to 0U ^ e £ a ’ Gam?, St. James (MC) be selected, in April. (32nd wk 2 52; $6 90; 1,571; $51.- Other plans call for bringing m 717) (John Raitt Janis Paiget Eddie Charles Laughton next fall for a , p 0 y j r ) Capacity as always, over series of readings. 1*52 100. ‘Moon’ Fades to $4,600 In 3d Visit to Cincy Cincinnati. Dec. 21. “Moon Is Blue” eclipsed to a sorry $4,600 last week in the 1.300- seat Cox, for the start of a fort- night stay, at $1.98 top as a two- for. It’s the third time here in two years for the comedy and pre- Christmas was an added woe. Katharine Cornell and Tyrone Power in “Dark Is Night Enough” will tenant the 2.500-seat Taft next week at $3.96 top. • Eartha Kitt). Over $30,200 (previ- ous week, $32,200). Pajama Game, St. James (MC) (32nd wk; 252; $690; 1.571; $51.- 717) (John Raitt. Janis Paige. Eddie Foy, Jr.). Capacity as always, over $52,100. Peter Pan, Winter Garden (MD) (9th wk; 69; $6.90; 1.510; $57,500) (Mary Martin). Almost $42,000 (previous week. $49,200). Quadrille, Coronet (109th wk; 869; $5.75-$4 60; 1.063; $24,000'. Over $12,300 (previous week, $17,100); George Keane is currently subbing for Tom Ewell who returns as star Dec. 27. Solid Gold Cadillac, Music Box (10th wk; 77; $5.75-54.60; 1.048; $26,317) (Robert Preston, Kim Hunter, Ronny Graham), Nearly $18,000. with some theatre parties (previous week. $21,400). Wedding Breakfast. 48th St. (C) <5th wk; 33; $5.75-54.60; 925; $23,- 720). Almost $9,000 (previous week, $13,200). Witness for the Prosecution, Miller w Academy Honors thor-!lffi Ser T Aaron Copland, au- hiMri’ 1 1C A M 0seph Wood Krutch, libi oMist w H n — Vins and P° et to t[ ’ Auden were elected in 1 A • — — V* V V » X* V- A. v V* & i , H Ame , ncan Academy of Arts the\,S» ,ast week. Election to slim tl , for which member- stitnJ", l* 1 ® la rser National In- cmjsj.p °( Arts & Letters is a prere- as < i !) onor ? ^e new members ■ a n e artists whose works are Pitt Evangelist Clipped Federal Judge John L. Miller in Pittsburgh last week ruled that Jack Munyon, local radio evan- gelist, plagiarized from the work of a Milwaukee printing firm and “pirated” its poems and art work appearing in a booklet published as “Selected Poems of Dr. Jack Munyon,” which he offered for magazine will include book re- views. “Bingo, Morality and the Criminal Law” is the title of one of the four feature articles to be run in the initial edition. CHATTER Veloz & Yolanda completed their autobiography, titled “Break Their Hearts.” Frank W. McCulloch, Time-Life correspondent in Los Angeles, will be the new head of Time’s Dallas bureau. He replaces William Johnson, who transferred to the Boston bureau. “The Chartered Libertine,” long a bestseller in Canada, will be pub- sale on his broadcasts. „ _ . Judge Miller granted a summary ■ lished next spring in the U S. by injunction in favor of the Ideals St. Martin’s House. Novel by Ralph Publishing Co. of Milwaukee. Allen, editor of Maclean’s maga- which had brought a copyright zine, ribs a not-entirely-mythical infringement suit against the evan- millionaire radio - station owner gelist and the Latmer Printers & who employs the first crying an- Lithographers, a Pittsburgh firm { nouncer and owns a femme ball which printed Munyon’s booklet. I team called the Queens d’Amour. Slap Contempt on Press Photogs Columbus, Dec. 21. Ohio’s Supreme Court, which has been getting tougher lately on court photographs, upheld convictions of three Cleveland Press staff members because they took a photograph of former Probate Judge Nelson Brewer during his arraignment in Cleveland on an embezzlement charge. . ...... The three were City Editor Louis Clifford, who authorized the taking of the photo, photographer James Thomas and reporter Sam Giaimo. An appellate court had sentenced Clifford to an hour in ’sheriffs court and a $500 fine. Giaimo was fined $100 and Thomas received a suspended sentence. The court in the decision, said a court in session is under com- plete control” of the judge whose directions must be obeyed. The Press published the picture despite a court order against it. “Deliberate disobedience of such orders constitute a contempt of court punishable under the statutes of this state,” the court said. t ■ _ Palm Springs. Dore Schary says that originals are by no means poison in Holly- wood. While not as high as they used to be, Metro, for one, is still buying 40 original stories for every 60 that has made the grade before pre-tested audiences. _ That’s a better gamble than Vegas, meaning it is time for us to toss some more free plots into the hopper for otherwise discouraged authors to pick up and run into Christmas money. Read ’em and reap: Old Tit’e New Title STANFORD’S DREAM WALL HOW TO HOLD UP A BANK Stanford Beige, an architect, wrote a piece on retaining walls for the Do-It-Yourself page of his hometown paper. Some smart-cracking copyreader titled it, “How To Hold Up A Bank.” One paragraph ran, “In holding up a bank, the reduction of capital involved is always an important feature.” Before the day was out Stanford was a marked man. The cops grabbed him and gave him the lie-detector test. Bankers checked his account. While the cops were working him over, gangsters moved in on his home. His wife was frightened and rushed for the phone. The line was cut. “Come on. kid, wher» are 4he plans?” Happy Hooper demanded. (He was called that because he had a rating as an escaped three-time loser.) She brought out b.ueprints of retaining walls for hillside homes. Bright Boy Blotch smacked her across the mouth. “Smart dame, eh?” “Here, none of that,” ordered Hooper, booting Bright Boy in a part of his anatomy. Just then they heard approaching footsteps. It was Stanford. Worn out from his hassle with the cops, he had come home for a shower and a good stiff drink. As he entered, Hooper yanked him past the door. Cops in the squad car which had dropped Stanford at his home heard shrieks and scuffling. They staked out the house and called for reserves. That brought shooting all over the place. Hooper and Bright Boy escaped in one of the unguarded squad cars. The chase made exciting footage. It always does. The gansters w r ere stopped by a road block established at the state line by fruit inspectors. “Marrying any grapefruit?”* the inspectors asked. “Oh what a spot for Cagney!” cracked Bright Boy. By the time they were checked out, cop cars from two states were on all sides of them. Out of ammunition, the gangsters surrendered hands up. Soon all of them were back in the can, the Stanford Beiges included. This time the architect was so nervous he flunked his liet-detector test. He had to be cleared by A. L. A. officials. After that the F. B. I. praised him for trapping the three-time losers. It all worked out for the best because the notoriety landed the architect a contract to build a retaining wall for the new state canitori- um. “But don’t build it on an angle, with holes in it for flowers,” the warden W’arned. “Build it straight up, solid — 30 feet high and six feet thick.” “Yessir,” said Stanford, who by then was so cowed he thought he was back in the infantry. THE PILTOWN PRESS New Title Old Title SHAD1E THOMPSON Chick Dana, an anthopoidal editor, hated dames on his staff. If they came in via the publisher he gave them the kitchen beat of the saloon set. They got so sick of hearing “Whaddeyuh hear from the mop?” They usually quit in two weeks. But not Shadie Thompson. She hated sunlight. Niteries were her dream world. The publisher sent her to Dana because Dana had tur. i down a chance to hire Polly Adler as a gossip-writer because Poiiy refused to put everything in the first par. She said no highclass dame worked that way. When he tried to give Shadie the old razzle-dee she said, “Listen, kid, just because you and I belong to the two oldest professions and they’re bolh being ruined by these eager amateurs, is no reason for us to pitch for old age pensions.” Dana looked her up and down. She looked good. “You’d look pretty silly,” Shadie went on. “if I wrote a book instead and you had to pay as much for one installment on the second serial rights as you now have to pay me for one week of keyhole-peeking.” “Say,” said Dana, “you’re a smart chick. Sign here.” What she signed gave him 50% of anything she might subsequently write (even after he fired her.) It was a smart move because he had to fire her two months later because she slipped in a blind item that obviously referred to him and his latest cutie. “I thought this was a free press,” she said. “If you want to work for a free press, get a job on a throwaway,” Dana told her. “We sell our papers. We give nothing away free, except advice, and my advice to you is to get a place of your own. keep your mouth shut and your ears open and write that book because, re- member, I got a share of you.” “Of me?” “Well, the syndication rights on your book.” “I could call you something,” said Shadie, “but it would look better in a book.” — Her book publisher met her at the door. Old Title New Title SHOOT THE WORKS ALL FOR HOKE This is a science-friction feature about Eve Eden and Adam Atom. Eve could not stand the radioactive bragging of Adam. Ever since the bombing he crawled around with such a superior air. He kept saying as he lifted his cocktail glasf, “We who are about to die wouldn’t bother to salute you!” He was head of a clique known as the Bombed Brahmins. They were forever singing the Whiffenpoof Song. Off key. They surely doomed that one from here to eternity. Adolphe Heister pointed out to Eve that Adam was not worthy of her love because those who wanted to live were obliged to kill those i who w r anted to die, if the philosophy of the survival of the fittest were not to die out completely. “You mean I should kill Adam?” “You most certainly should,” said Heister, “and marry me." “Very well,” she said, ‘and may Darwin have mercy on his frag- ments.” She gave Adam a Fuchs cocktail — 10.000 volts of hot uranium in a beaker of prussic acid. When Adam realized he was going, he smiled for the first time since the bombing. He dietf singing the Whiffenpoof Song and at the word ‘doomed” he expired. “Kiss me,” she said to Adolphe, “before the next radioactive bomb blows us into oblivion.” He took her in his arms and wrapped a cloak around her. “It’s a magnetic shield.” he said. She thought his dialog was pretty heavy too, but he kissed like a lover instead of a husband. “Let’s go underground,” sTre^ urge d,” and forget the whole mean business of living like people.” “Are you getting discouraged?” Yes,” she said. He hated to. hear this. It meant only one tlHng. He would have to kill her next, if the will to live were to survivals. But before he could feed her a Fuchs cocktail, 'a^omb went off. It blew them both to bits. 62 CHATTER Wednesday, December 22, 1954 Broadway Freelance announcer John Sav- age off on a flying visit to France for the holidays seating capacity of Portugal in the last six years. The company of actor-managers Amelia Rey Colaco and Robles Monteiro has returned here after Paris u a two-month provincial tour. They Harry Morns, bomface of the * resented a tI £ ged y , “Father Lewis I Colony Club in London, arrived E .. t the S an Carlos Opera from Britain Saturday (18) on the House ’ ^ commemoration of the La r!I 1, n« fl r , ho Accrt death, 100 years ago. of author Al- . J ®« £ la i? r ’,A ead °! V? e A meida Garret, considered the "fa- ; elated Booking Corp. to the Coast th of the Portuguese theatre.” today (Wed.) for the holidays with his mother. D ». Writer Jerry Lieberman has DCnlO named his daughter Laurie Jo in honor of his friend, the late author- comedian Joe Laurie Jr. Frederick C. Schang, Columbia Artists Mgt. prez, left last Friday (17) with his wife for Palm Beach, for the holidays. Due back Jan. 1. Mattiwilda Dobbs. Negro colora tura soprano from Atlanta, arrived | a t last count. By Hans Hoehn ( Lichterf ., 9a Tulpenstr; 760264) I There are now 250 cinemas in West Berlin, with seating capacity of 120.000. West German cinemas that can play C'Scope pix were totalled 476 Monday (20) from London, where she appeared with the Royal Opera. Vet vauder Francis Renault, who is staying with friends at 328 West 84 St. until his reentry in the N.Y. Hospital, will undergo surgery on Dec. 27. Phil Isley, Dallas theatre chain owner, in N.Y. to spend Christmas with his daughter, Jennifer Jones, and o.o. her legit performance in “Portrait of a Lady.” Edward L. Bernays named chair- O. W. Fischer will play title role in "Hanussen.” based on a book by Curt Riess. Ulla Jacobsson. Swedish actress, pacted for her second German film, “Die heilige Luege.” Frederic Kohner currently scrip- ting “Helene Willfuehr,” new CCC film based on Vicky Baum’s novel. West Germany’s entry at the Punta del Este Film Festival will be the Lili Palmer starrer, “Fire- man of the p.r. committee of the works.' National Multiple Sclerosis Soci- Ivan Desny pacted to play lead ety’s 1955 fundraising campaign. j n “Griff nach den Sternen” National goal is $2,000,000. (NDF), which Helmut Kaeutner Longtime Paris expatriate Irvin ' will direct. Marks clippered in via London for a New York holiday, with detours “Musik, Musik, Musik” is the title of a new German musical di to Grosse Point. Mich., and a rected by Ernst Matray. England's Miami yachting excursion as guest Suzy Miller may appear in it. of American friends. i Latest GI show in Berlin is the Harry Tannen has taken over the Hollywood Stars, a group of pro Restaurant Charles, class French entertainers who feature doubles eatery in Greenwich Village, and of the famous Hollywood Stars, his ex-partner Bill Hardey is eye - 1 Heinz Goldberg, German pic di- | ing Florida as a possible new scene rector and scripter of the pro- of operation since both sold out Hitler era. will visit Berlin next their Bill’s Gay 90s on East 54th week after an absence of 22 years. St. to the 3 Crowns restaurant Latest U.S. pix preems include operators. I “Gypsy Colt” (M-G), "Man Behind John Golden waxes punny when Gun” . 1 ” arrlea an An * Spanish Nani Fernandez, with gC rnm ZiTL H r „ 'Jorge Mistral playing the male Company of Irene Isidro, An- ]pafl Pi -tartPH rniiina tw o in tonio Silva and Barroso Lopes has r J r r pfnn » 15 transferred its production of the viJJLVnnS* aH^FnrmiP^ 1 * 011 f Spanish comedy, “Three Bed- ^ , £ ve ?‘P°nde and lorque rooms.” from the Monumental to the Avenida Theatre. Dancers Fernando Gil. Tony Spain’s participants to date in Uruguay’s Film Festival are pro- ducer Cesareo Gonzalez, actresses Emma Penella and Elisa Montes shall’” Birmingham Tpivpira Dranna c-nuiia I'ciieua ana r.nsa monies MarU^c'lara^hSv? leftThe* v£& ^u'n'TLr'^ Gaio ballet, operating at the San T gom % to Punta Carlos Opera House, and have nil? Po r rtu1u*se a fo C lklore r ° UP PreSen,ing long, of liienvemdo Mr?" uZ- Alicia Markova and Alexis Ras- sine started here on a tour of Pen- insula Iberica. They filled 1. 600- seat Tivoli Cinema here and 2.000- seat Rivoli in Oporto at four mati- By Fred Woodress nees. organized by impresario Var- Joan Hager and Christine Pier- ela Cid. Scale was upped to $4. son now at Mirror Lounge of Tut- very big for Portugal, but at this wiler Hotel. price, hundreds were turned away WABT has broken ground to en- in both cities. large its tele studios to have a re- New cinemas have been launched volving stage, in Alcanena. Castclo Branco and RKO booked “Hansel and Gre- Covilha. All have facilities for the tel” into Empire for week around latest cinema inventions. Each Christmas time. •eats about 1.000. The continuous, Jimmy Blount, trombone player opening of new modern houses in in Jerald’s Scott’s Dixieland Band the provinces and in the Portuguese at the Beverly, left to join Ted empire has virtually doubled the i Weems. Frankfort The German tv chain is now- complete, with stations added in Bavaria. South Germany and Southwest Germany. _ Republic has set a pair of Ger- man-made films for U.S. release — “Stars Over Colombo” and “Pris- oner of Maharadscha.” 20th-Fox is now set to do its Cinemascope dubbing of dialog in Germany, instead of having to send work back to the U. S. Constantin’s next film is “The Holy Lie.” starring Ulla Jacobsson and Karlheinz Bohm. It goes be- fore the cameras in January. Werner Egk’s new opera “Irish Legend.” based on W. B. Yeats’ “Countess Kathleen,” will be done at the Salzburg Festival next year. Charles Kalman, son of the com- poser Emerich Kalman, has writ- ten his first operetta. “The Great Tenor,” which preems Jan. 8 in Wiesbaden. Mrs. Wanda Jennings. “Mrs. America of 1954,” did three shows for Armed Forces network. She’s touring Europe with her husband, and publicist Bert Nevins. Vicki Baum’s novel, “Stage En- trance.” being filmed in Munich as a German-French coproduction. Marc Allegret is directing pic, due to start early in December. “White Christmas” (Par) opens in 20 prints in key cities for Christmas throughout Germany. Studio has arranged tie-ins with 3,000 German music stores on rec- ord album for window promotions. Trio of American companies on location at Gieselgasteig, Owen Crump making “The River Changes” for WB, William Dieterle megging “Magic Fire” for Repub- lic, and the 20th-Fox “Oase” com- pany which just finished its Moroc- can shooting and moved in. Vienna By Emil W. Maass (Lichterf., 9a Tulpenster, 760264) Karl Hofer, film producer, a sui- cide. Film actor O. W. Fisher to play part of “Hanussen” in a new film. All -Austrian Star Quintette formed. They played for Lionel Hampton. Milan Scala ensemble to be guested at Bregenz, Vorarlberg fes- tivals in 1955. “Immortal Mozart,” directed by Alfred Stoeger, preemed to good crix appraisal. Philadelphia orch under Eugen Ormandy invited for Vienna festi- val weeks in .1955. Rondo Film, “Echo of Moun- tains” (all-Styrian production), preemed with success. Walter Kamper won Metro’s best : pianist competition in Austria. He 1 is on his way to Paris for the ! finals. Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen Marty Allen, of the comedy team of Allen and DeWood, holidaying with his parents. Local singer Sylvia Karlton working the first winter cruise of the lie De France. Sid Dickler doing his record pro- motion from a bedside phone until his broken leg mends. Sportswriter Tom Birks leaves Xmas Day for Florida on a three- month leave of absence, i Work begins shortly to enlarge seating capacity of Horizon Room at Greater Pittsburgh Airport. Earl Gordon, manager of Squir- rel Hill Theatre, and his wife cel- ebrated their 8th wedding anni. Ankara’s Raul and Eva Reyes gave up their dancing studio at Hollywood Beach Hotel in Florida. Shirley Jones home with her folks for the holidays after finish- ling Laurey role in“Oklahoma!” on Coast. Johnny Kirby passed up Twin Coaches booking to open tonight (Wed.) at Copa City in Miami Beach. Deborah Kerr left for Palm Beach after “Tea and Sympathy” , closed here, to spend show’s layoff with her family. Minneapolis By Les Rees Felix Knight continuing at Hotel Radisson Flame Room. St. Paul Civic Opera Co. sched- uled “Tales of Hoffman” Jan. 13-15. Prom, leading Twin Cities’ ball- room, shuttered pre-Christmas, Dec. 13-24 . Jan Peerce “Bonds for Israel” benefit concert at Lyceum drew audience of 1,600. Twin Cities’ lone topdrawer sup- per club, Hotel Radisson Flame Room, will have “The Diplomats” and a $7.50 minimum for New’ Year’s eve. Star Theatre offering “My Three Angels,” with “Father of the Bride.” “Death of a Salesman,” “Gigi,” “Sabrina Fair’ and “Sum- mer and Smoke” to follow’. Robert W. Burtt, 32-year-old actor and stage prop director at lo- cal Old Log strawhatter here, J found dead in his Cincinnati, O., apartment, and autopsy was or- dered to determine cause. Legit Lyceum manager Lowell Kaplan back from New York with promise of “The King and I” im- mediately after end of its present Chi engagement and companies of I “Pajama Game” and “Teahouse of August Moon” “at earliest avail- able times.” Ireland By Maxwell Sweeney (22 Far my Pk : Dublin 64506) Abbey designer Vere Dudgeon bowed out for study trip to Paris. Dublin Globe Theatre currently presenting M. J. Farrell comedy, “Spring Meeting.” Liam Redmond pacted for lead in N.Y. production of Paul Vin- cent Carroll’s “Wayward Saint.” T. C. Murray’s “Autumn Fire” broadcast by Radio F.irean as trib- ute to Abbeyite late M. J. Dolan. Gladys Cooper and Wendy Hiller in pre-London tryout of Michael Bun’s “Night of the Ball” at the Olympia, Dublin. Harry O’Donovan scripted new Christmas show, “Date with Laugh- ter,” for Ireland’s comedian Jim- my O’Dea at Gaiety, Dublin. Hollywood Peggy Lee hospitalized for sur- gery. Lisa Montell to Tucson to enter- tain troops. Ricardo Montalban returned from Rome. Jack Kruschen returned from Hong Kone. Ivan Hayes changed his name to Steven Hayes. Roy Evans recovering from an appendectomy. Johnny Green returned from his Honolulu vacation. Luigi Luraschi feted on his 25th anni with Paramount. Clark Gable and Edward Dmy- tryk in from Hong Kong. Mel Torme to St. Louis for that city’s Cerebral Palsy telethon. Tony Martin and Cvd Charisse heading for a tour of Australia. Gene Autry and Pat Buttram to Denver and Chicago on a p a. tour. Mara Corday east on a month’s drumbeating tour for “So This Is Paris.” Pinky Lee and Jimmy Brown performed at the L.A. Press Club’s Christmas party. James Stewart back in town after attending his father's wxd- ding in Pennsylvania. Y. Frank Freeman and William Demarest to the uranium discovery claim near Tonopah, Nev. Jean Hersholt received the 1954 Award of Honor from the Cali- fornia Home for the Aged. Washington By Florence S. Lowe Eric Johnstons, just back from a Far East trek, off to their Spokar.e home for Christmas. Mrs. Eisenhower sponsoring a benefit preem of “Romeo and Juliet” at Lopert’s Dupont The- atre. Cab Calloway spread Yule cheer to local military hospitals during his oneweek stint at Casino Royal nitery. Alexander Stewart, octogenarian father of screen star James Stew- art. here with his bride before planing to Hollywood for Christ- mas with his family. Three-vear-old Channing Carson brought here to spend the holidays with his mother. Carol Channing. current in “Wonderful Town.” and father, pro-football star Alex Car- son. Miami Beach By Lary Solloway Ocean front hotels sold out for the holiday week. Jerry Brooks’ Patio and Felix Young’s L’Aiglon reopened for the season. The Hilton Sisters booked into the Red Barn, which heretofore had featured strippers. The 560 -room Fontainbleau readied by a crew of 1,100 men for official opening this week. Monte Proser and Buddy Howe at the Balmoral hotel to check bookings and take in some sun. Biltmore Playhouse, only legit house in area, shuttered tempo- rarily by new owner Jonathan Dwight. Jack Rael, Patti Page’s manager at the Sans Souci, setting up a season date for her, two hotels reported bidding. Maurice Schwartz, vet Yiddish stage star at the Delano hotel while looking over likely theatre : for plavs this winter. Joe E. Lewis resting at friend Danny Arnstein’s oceanfront es- j tate. living the ^arly-to-bed life ! while recuping from recent sur- gery. | New Fontainebleau hotel started I five day junket for press reps from ; all over the country (Saturday. 18) with a guided tour followed by a cocktail party and buffet. Lou Waiters previewing his Latin Quarter show’ Dec. 22 for Variety Children’s hospital bene- fit; reservations for this affair tabbed at $50 and $100 a couple. I Variety Tent 33 is sponsoring. Sooth Africa By Arnold Hanson Emlyn Williams Co. doing good biz with Charles Dickens character series. Because of biz slump, local cinemas are starting an economy campaign. Brian Brooke Co. opening a the- atre in Johannesburg to expand its activities. The government, through the Controller of Imports and Exports Dept., is sponsoring a conference with Schlesinger Organization, Metro and 20th-Fox to discuss importation of C’Scope. High fidelity panoramic screens made in South Africa are being fitted to local cinemas. The frame complete with automatic adjusting shutters is made locally and equipped with an imported U. S. plastic screen. tr^lnesdaT. December 22, 1954 OBITUARIES contralto pipes with a very low register, starred in "Artists and Models" and "Hitchy Coo" in the early '20s. Besides playing the vaude/ cir- cuits of that era. Miss Morse also performed on radio with the Blue Grass Boys, a band whose person- nel included such sidemen as Benny Goodman, the late Glenn Miller, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey. She also composed several songs, including "Shadows On The Wall" and "Don’t Ever Change A Picture On The Wail." Miss Morse attempted a come- back in the 1940s and played such spots as the Monte Carlo in N. Y. She is survived by her husband. Ray Farese, communications oper- ator for the Rochester fire and po- lice bureaus. Her brother is Glenn Taylor, former Democratic Sena- tor from Idaho and nominee for vice-president on the Progressive Party ticket in 1948. Oscar dixieland jazzman, died Dec. 15 at his home in New Orleans. Details in Music. JAMES HILTON James Hilton. 54, author-scen- arist died Dec. 20 in Long Beach, Cal of cancer of the liver. Hilton, whose novels were the basis for Moral Hollywood films, hit the l melieht in 1933 with the publica- tion of "Goodbye Mr. Chips." Writ- ten for the Christmas supplement of a British Protestant mag, the story was reprinted in the U. S. and became a bestseller. That same vear his novel, "Lost Hori- zon’’ was published and also racked up hefty sales. Both "Chips" and "Horixon” LOUIS J. VORHAUS Louis J. Vorhaus. 87, show biz attorney, died Dec. 19, at his home in New York. During 65 years as a legalite, Vorhaus repped numer- ous theatrical personalities includ- were made into films as were sev- ; ing Oscar Hammerstein 2d, the eral other Hilton novels, including comedy team of Weber & Fields, "We Are Not Alone," "The Story Earl Carroll and Oliver Morosco. of Dr. Wassell,” "Random Harvest” He was most actively associated and "So Well Remembered." Hil- with the entertainment industry ton went to Hollywood to work on during the ’20s and ’30s. the scri pt for ’ Horizon with Vorhaus was also founder of the Frank Capra and stayed on. While N Y . law firm of House, Gross- ^ re M e SC M pt ; ed °M her p,x ,nclud ' man, Vorhaus & Hemley, which ing Mrs. Miniver. j s ac tj ve j n show business. Most recently, Hilton had been Surviving are two sons,- a daugh- working on the legitmusical adap- ter and a sister. tation of ’■Horizon," scheduled for Broadway production by Courtney RUTH SELWYN Burr and John Byram under the Ruth Wilcox Selwyn Warburton, , lian £ r i-La.” Hilton was- 49 former stage and screen actress married and divorced twice. ! and Broadway producer, died Dec. 14 in Hollywood after a long ill- FRNESTO VILCHES ness. Ernesto Vilches, 76, actor-man- Known professionally as Ruth ager. died Dec. 8 in a Barcelona 1 Selywn. she started her career as hospital where he was taken two a singer and dancer in George days previously after he had been White's Scandals. Later she be- struck by a taxi. He was an in- came the first feminine stage pro- Euential figure in the Spanish ducer on Broadway when she pre- iri. re for some 60 Years. I sented the "9:15 Revue." She was >'hen news of Vilches* death married to Edgar Selwyn, stage spread throughout Spain, theatre and screen producer, audiences rose for one minute of 1 Survivors are her son. Russell silence and flags wrere flown at Selwyn; sisters Mrs. Nicholas M. THE SONGWRITERS PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION expresses it* sorrow on the passing of ARTHUR GARFIELD 41AYS M°se counsel and aid made our Association possibla. He was our c enshed friend, a truly great American and a courageous defender of the dignity of mankind. haif mast. A noted actor, he fir? captured public fancy in 1913 vi a distinguished performance i The Abhorred." A star for some 41 years. Vilche appeared in all classics of the the? as , vve11 as many modern Spar t , an ? foreign plays. He briefl hit ,l in L films in 1919 and I 92 v ' „ ' the screen when he fel could not adapt himself to th Diet nr!? 1 ' u At the advent soun S D !pK? , he ^} ade several pix i f ° r Fox ’ Paramoun t an first°M Ver t ] le theatr e was hi stage r) e and he re *urned to th countrfn a t n , nual tours of Latin V c ,y IIe a .lso trouped in th stances .fu 1 ! in modest cibcurr erositv c hLS death due t0 his « er H , an ,m Presario. s w ife and sons survive. Lee 1 EE m ORSE of the ir,.s. >e ’ blues singe ester \ , d, ' d Dec. 16 in R* 1939. v she has lived sine s • *°rse, who had blues Schenck. wife of the president of Loew’s, Inc., and Mrs. Max Fur- man of New Haven; brothers Fred i H. Wilcox, film distributor, and Dr. Paul Wilcox of Pipeville, Ky. EMIL MIX Emil Mix, 73, onetime tuba player with Sousa's Band and a manager of musicians and musical organizations, died Dec. 18 *of a heart attack in New York. During the ’20s he toured the country as manager of Caroline Beebe's Chamber Music Society, later be- coming assistant manager of the City Symphony Orchestra. Mix was the organizer and man- ager of the All-American Sym- phony Orchestra and representa- tive of Julian Carillo, Mexican composer. He retired in 1950. Surviving are his wife, the for- mer Nicoline Zedler, violinist, two sons, two daughters, two brothers and three sisters. - • B. K. SANDWELL Bernard Keble Sandwell. 78. edi- tor, columnist and theatre critic. died Dec. 7 in Toronto. His final column for the Financial Post ap- peared two weeks before his death. He was for 19 years editor of Sat- urday Night, influential Toronto weekly, until 1951. Soon afterwards Sandwell went over to the rival Maclean-Hunter Ltd. as a colum- nist. On Saturday Night he was also theatre critic, using the pseud- onym. Lucy Van Gogh, and he had in earlier days been drama editor of the Montreal Herald. He was one of Canada’s wittiest speakers, and had two books of humorous essays published. He was for years president of the Civil Liberties Assn, of Toronto. Wife survives. WALT H. GOAN Walt H. Goan. 45, former man- ager of radio station WAYS. Char- lotte, and also known as "Colonel Walt" to listeners of his "Young Americans Club" over that station, died in Charlotte Dec. 3 after being ill for eight days. Goan joined WAYS as promo- tion manager in Dec., 1941. Shortly after that, he was ap- pointed sales manager and on July 1, 1942 became general man- ager. During the period when he was manager, the station increased its power and added on FM sta- tion. Surviving are his wife and sev- eral sons and daughters. VICTOR HANBURY Victor Hanburv, 57. British film producer and brother of the late Ralph Hanburv, longtime RKO- Radio chief in London, died of a heart attack Dec. 14 in London. He had been active as a producer and director for years and at one time was associated with John Staf- ford for whom he directed a string of British films. One of Hanbury’s last ventures was the Anglo-Amalgamated, pro- duction of “The Sleeping Tiger" starring Dirk Bogarde and Alexis Smith. His wife survives. BETSY E. B. COOKE Betsy Eleanor Beckwith Cooke. 79, former concert singer and teacher, and wife of James Francis Cooke, president of the Presser Foundation and former head of Theodore Presser Music Co., died Dec. 19 in Philadelphia. Before the turn of the century Mrs. Cooke made a singing appear- ance with the New York Symphony under Walter Damrosch at Car- negie Hall. Surviving, besides her husband, is a son. JOE BRADY Joe Brady, vaude comedian who teamed with Will Mahoney in the turn known as Brady & Mahoney, died Dec. 14 in New York. His partnership with Mahoney contin- ued for more than 35 years. The act was rated as one of the 10 oldest teams in vaude. More re- cently he was a staffer with the Century circuit’s Rialto Theatre in Brooklyn. Surviving are his wife, two brothers and four sisters. WILL DONALDSON Will Donaldson. 63, songwriter and vocal coach, died Dec. 16 in Los Angeles following a heart at- tack. In the lush days of vaude- ville he served as pianist-accompa- nist to such headliners as Elizabeth Brice, Adele Rowland and Elsie ' Janis. Later Donaldson operated a vo- ;cal studio in Hollywood and func- tioned as vocal coach for radio players. Among his songs were "I Can’t Resist You," “Spellbound" and "Love Ain’t Blind." GWENDOLYN T. EMERSON Gwendolyn Tilley Emerson, 64. comedienne, character actress and formerly with the London Gaiety Theatre, died Dec. 18 in New York. Born in England, she came to the U. S. 20 years ago. Miss Emerson had been on tour with "Pygmalion" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." and in "Ring ' Around the Moon." BERNARD RUBIN Bernard Rubin, 42, independent film distributor and exhibitor, died Dec. 14 in Cleveland from a heart attack in his own office. He re- presented Imperial Pictures for 20 years in addition to other indie film companies in Ohio and the ad- jacent territory. Surviving are his wife and three daughters, as well as father, brother and a sister. SAM FEIXBLUM Sam Feinblum, 59. head booker in New York for Columbia Pic- tures. died Dec. 18 of a heart attack in N.Y. He was with the company in the N.Y. sales branch since 1931. Surviving are his wife, two sons, a daughter, three sisters and a brother. MRS. LEE MORTIMER Mrs. Ann Koga Mortimer, 28 former dancer and wife of Lee Mortimer, columnist for the N.Y. Daily Mirror, died Dec. 18 in New York. ROBERT M. BURKE Robert M. Burke, 65, general manager of the Tyson-Sullivan j theatre ticket agency in New York, ! died Dec. 20 in N.Y. after a brief illness. At one time he Jiad been associated with the management of Mae West. Burke formerly owned the Equity Ticket Agency and was a onetime manager of the Royale Theatre, N.Y. Maurice Eisner, 74, retired con- cert pianist, died Dec. 14 in Long Beach, Cal. He had appeared as a soloist with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and as an ac- companist for such artists as Fritz ! Kreisler and Mme. Schumann- Heink. Steve Bennis, vet exhib in Cen- tral Illinois, died Nov. 17 in Lin- coln. 111. At the time of his death he owned two houses in Lincoln and an ozoner near Freeport. 111. Three sons were associated with him. Father, 66. of agent Baron Polan and Mrs. Jerry Wald, wife of the | Columbia Pictures production voe- pee, died Dec. 19 in Beverly Hills, Cal., after a short illness. His wife also survives. David Gold, 65. chief electrician and light effects man for Maurice Schwartz and the Yiddish Art The- j atre, N.Y., for many years, died Dec. 18 in New York. Surviving are his wife, two sons, a daughter, two brothers and a sister. Karl Hofer, 60, film producer, fell or jumped four stories to his death in Vienna Dec. 1. He pro- duced "The Big Sinner," among other productions. He was suf- J fering from a nervous breakdown. William Allen Luey, 71, retired motion picture director, died Dec. J 16 in Noroton, Conn. He was a former partner in the Worcester, Mass. Film Co., producers of in- dustrial and educational films. Ed Dinsmore, 39, radio news- caster and tv emcce on stations WBEN and W BEN-TV. Buffalo. N.Y., died Dec. 19 of a heart attack in that city. Surviving are his wife, mother, a son and a daughter. David B. Mills, 51, former Re- gina, Sask.. pianist and radio per- sonality, died in Rockford. Mich., Dec. 1. Surviving are his wife, three sisters and three brothers. ^ Helen Daly, secretary to Robert Fellows of Batjac Productions, died Dec. 15 in Hollywood follow- ing a heart attack. Her mother and a sister survive. Bernard (Barney) Randall, 70. , vet actor, died Dec. 17 in New York. He had appeared on stage, radio, television and in films. At one time he was a rep for AFRA. Surviving are his wife and a son. Mother, 75, of Mrs. Cordelia Kel- i ly, producer of "What’s Cooking Today?” on WFMY-TV. Greens- boro, N.C., died Dec. 14 in Green- ville, S.C. Ludwik Solski, 100, Polish actor, died Dec. 19 in Cracow. Poland. Believed to be the world’s oldest actor, he was active in Polish plays until last month. - ■ ■ t Janies Maltman, tenor, and lead singer of Eyemouth Operatic Society, died at Berwick. Eng., af- ter an auto crash Dec. 11. Edmund M. Leonard, 52. singer, died Dec. 14 of leukemia in Syra- cuse, N.Y. Surviving are his wife, three sisters and a brother. Mrs. Leroy M. Dehan, 54. former stage and screen actress known as Evelyn Atkinson, died Dec. 16 in Seattle, Wash. Henry Leonard Hall, stage and screen actor, died Dec. 11 at the Motion Picture Country Home in California, Hollywood. George P. Beyer, 61, a pioneer exhibitor in St, Louis, died of heart disease Dec. 9 in that city. Two sons and five daughters survive. Brother, 71, of songsmith-man- j ager Harry D. Squires died at his home in Philadelphia on Dec. 18 Dwight Breeze, 51, film studio technician, died Dev. 15 in Holly- ,wood after a long illness. Cistoms Collector — — , Continued from part 1 national tension. *Tve had a call from the French Consulate, and they’re just as annoyed about this as I am," he declared. "The facts are quite simple: ‘Versailles’ has a scene, running about 15 feet, in which nudity is shown. Specifically, it involves a man undressing a woman. Under our regulations, this kind of stuff just doesn’t get by." (Goldwurm said yesterday 'Tues.) that the French Embassy had seen the film end had fou"ri no‘hipg ob- jectionable in it. The Embassy was cabling Paris he reported.) Fishman went on to explain that his inspectors weren’t interested in the moral content of a film, and that even certain types of nude scene had a chance of getting into the country. "It all depends how it’s done and from what distance." he said. There are currently in the coun- try at least three foreign films with nude scenes in the^r The Ger- man "Die Suenderin" is one; "One Summer of Hapuiness" and "Il- licit Interlude" others. "Game of Love.” a French p s c, got into the country even though it showed the partially exposed bodv of a boy. (This scene was cut prior to exhi- bition of the picture.) In protesting the Customs’ action in holding up "Versailles.” Gold- wurm made no mention of an*’ ob- jectionable scenes. He said Mon- day that he had seen the picture and that th‘*re was nothing censor- able In it. Goldwurm stressed that 209& of the proceeds of the picture had been as« : gned to the French government for the reconstruction and preservation of Versailles. Pic is in color and is one of ihe most expensive ever to be produced in France. Wrtten and directed by Sascha Guitry, it stars a strong line- up of French, Italian and American actors. If nude scenes in pix get into the country, the Customs Service isn’t always to blame, according to Fish- man. He said that there were many ports of entry’, some of them not as consr entiods as N. Y., ana that in some instances nuae scenes were known to have been snipped out of a print and sent into the U. S. via the mails, to be spliced back into the negative. Customs only gets a positive pr nt to look at. In many ports a mere declaration by the importer, stating that a film contains no objectiona’ scenes, is sufficient to gain it entry. MARRIAGES Joan Ellen Drosin to Howard Candy Caine. New York, Dec. 12. Bride is a singer; he’s an actor- singer in touring production of “Wonderful Town.” Sheila S'lverrtein to Irwin Tarr. New’ York. Dec. 18. He’s manager of jukebox and syndicate store sales for RCA Victor; bride was Alan Kaves’ secretary. Leslie Felker to John W. Al- dridge, Stowe, Vt., Dec. 11. Bride as a freelance writer; he’s English prof, at U... of Vermont and book critic for The Nation mag. Nancy T. Azur to Gerald T. Wil- ley. Montpelier, Vt., Dec. 11. He’s assistant manager of Star Theatre, St. Johnsbury, Vt. Elayne Foreman to Roy Lewis, Pittsburgh, Dec. 5. Bride’s a singer and groom is a salesman for WILY. Marie Joy to Ricky Johnston, Manchester, Eng... Dec. 11. Bride's a comedienne; he's a vocalist. Ruth Benjamin to Jerry Paris, Santa Barbara, Dec. 17. He’s a screen actor. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lieberman, daughter, New York, Dec. 15. Father is a comedy writer. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sheils, son, Los Angeles, Dec. 12. Father is a personal manager. Mr. and Mrs. John Gray, son, Stockport, Eng., Dec. 3. Father is leader of musical quartet. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mann, son. Pittsburgh. Dec. 12. Father and mother. Elaine Beverly, costar on daily "Meet Your Neighbor” over WDTV. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Laux, daugh- ter, Pittsburgh, Dec. 11. Father manages Hollywood Theatre for Stanley Warner circuit. . Mr. and Mrs. Ted Stanford, daughter, Dallas. Dec. 15. Father is a nitery and tv singer there. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harvey, daughter, Philadelphia, Dec. 15. Father is staff announcer at radio station WIP. Mr. and Mrs. Paul O’Stcen Jr., son, M'ami, Dec. 2. Father is an account excc with radio station WQAM there. Wednesday, December 22, 1954 THRnilRH IAN Pec2?‘54p DULLES FAVORS FILMS FOR RUSSIA Mixed Trade Reaction to RCA Plan, ]f\[\] QKAY PUTS H wood Doubles Telefilm Production But Most Agree Disks Overpriced p|]( g|^ g|| gp[]j Budget for ’55 With $80,000,000 Tab With RCA Victor’s dramatic price reductions on its longplay disks sparking as much intra-trade excitement and confusion as did the “battle of the speeds” some five years ago, immediate reaction on the retail level was generally favorable. Other major labels, for the time being at least, are “watch- fully waiting” with expectations that most companies will go along with Victor’s overhauling of the price structure. Ben Kay, Liberty Music Shops (N.Y.) topper, cheered the Victor move while Sam Goody, head of the biggest discount operation in the disk business, was far from en- thusiastic as the price reduction found him with a $400,000 inven- tory of disks. Kay, however, summed up the reactions of “the list price” dealers, both big and small, who envision the Victor price move as knocking the props out of the discounters. Kay, who said “he never felt better in his life” over the Victor announcement, asserted that the price reduction was beginning in the right place — from the top of (Continued on page 40) CBS Can’t See the Fee (20G) for the ’Forest’ In TV Snag on Bogart Humphrey Bogart’s appearance In "The Petrified Forest” on CBS- TV's “Best of Broadway” was to bring him $20,000. He still has the weh on the hook for that amount, but it won’t be in the Robert E. Sherwood work in which the actor played the gangster, Duke Mantee, in the legiter (1935) and film. After inking Bogart, CBS dis- covered that it doesn’t have any hold on the play. “Forest” is in NBC’s corner by virtue of its long- term deal with Sherwood giving the network initial access to his properties in addition, of course, to originals. Bogart has agreed to star in an- other CBS special. NAACP to Powwow On AM-TV Discrimination The N. Y. branch of the National Assn, for the Advancement of Col- ored People will powwow with in- ti ustryites on discrimination in ra- tv on Jan. 18. NAACP’s Ddell Clarke says the meet is to methods and avenues for cre- ation of employment opportunities of qualified Negro and non-white •rtists and personnel.” ge . ttogether with agency and execs, aa well as with union and community or- ganization officials, comes as part of an allout drive to end segrega- f*on in the radio-tv field that be- intensified ‘basis” 0 "’" 8 W “ MCA’s Vegas Office Hollywood, Dec. 28. Music Corp. of America is open- ing a branch office in Las Vegas, first time a talent agency has ever started a branch in the Nevada resort centre. Move is result of Vegas’ boom, and demands for talent from Swank hotels on its strip. Bob Burns was named to head the branch. Metro’s Pic On > Asia’s Buddha Hollwood, Dec. 28. Heralded as “the most important international picture in Metro’s his- tory” is the life story of Gautama Buddha, the Oriental prince turned philosopher whom more than 500 million Asiatic followers hold in reverence as the great holy man of all time. Edwin H. Knopf will produce the film in Cinemascope and color. Associate producer will be Robert Hardy Andrews, who wrote the story and recently returned from a research tour of the Far East. ’Positive’ Americanism, New III. Legion Policy, Follows ’Joan’ Backfire Chicago, Dec. 28. Instead of heresy hunts, the Il- linois American Legion will stress “positive” Americanism. That is indicated in the announcement here last week of a new policy for the state unit of the veterans’ group. Announcement of the state-wide project with its emphasis on the positive angles of patriotism fol- lows by only a few weeks State Commander Irving Breakstone’s disavowal of individuals claiming Legion backing in their charges of “disloyalty” leveled against thea- trical personalities. The new policy statement made no direct references to such finger- pointing activities as backfired last month during the so-called “Saint Joan” incident, when local vigilantes passed out erroneous in- formation about the tourer. But the statement makes clear that the Legion leadership’s desires to steer the group's Americanism activities into more constructive channels. “Our. real to protect American- ism from subversion and un-Amer- ican sets of loyalties has some- times appeared to take the historic form of a fight to extirpate per- ( Continued on page 55) Washington, Dec. 28. The American picture industry is on an international hot seat as the result of new Washington con- cern about sending Hollywood product to Russia. Secretary of State John * Foster Dulles and Charles Bohlen, Ambassador to the Soviet, have now quietly conveyed that they’d like to see U. S. fea- tures made available to the Iron Curtain realm. According to highly placed film sources, Dulles and Bohlen ex- pressed this attitude in informal and unofficial fashion. Nonethe- less, it’s the first time in years there has been any State Depart- ment show of feeling one way or another. The Yank industry has main- tained a firm nix on pix to Russia in the absence of specific Washing- ton approval. However, even though this greenlighting appar- ently now has been given, the (Continued on page 55) Papa Had Enough Mambo? Bambuco Next Gringo Hop Hollywood, Dec. 28. Next South American dance to win Norte Americano attention may be the Bambuco. now being featured in the Yma Sumac con- cert program, according to Eliza- beth Waldo, violinist and authority on south-of-the-border rhythms. Miss Waldo is featured fiddler with the Sumac troupe, now on holiday layoff before starting the second half of a nationwide trek. Current American popularity of the tango, samba, rhumba and mambo hasn't even scratched the surface of the dance styles which can be successfully imported. One of these is Bambuco, a pursuit (Continued on page 55) Agented by Blue Cross Chicago, Dec. 28. Emergency bookings pre- dominate on the new show' Tit the Chez Paree which opens here tonight (Tues ). George Jessel substituted for the ail- ing Joe E. Lewis, originally slated for this semester. Peggy Lee, who was to have been the co-headliner, took ill and Joyce Bryant was moved in. How- ever, Eugenie Baird goes on for one show (tonight) only be- cause Miss Bryant couldn’t make it here on time. Jessel, surveying the situa- tion, opened his act with, “This show must have been booked by Blue Cross.” WB’s Remington Pic The murder of William Reming- ton may become the subject of a film by Warner Bros. Film company has registered the titles, “Murder at Lewisburg” and “The Remington Case.” with the Motion Picture Assn, of America. Plan Two-Hour Uncut ‘Peter Pan’ . Mary Martin and NBC are cur- rently involved in negotiations designed to bring to tv a two-hour uncut version of her “Peter Pan” musical, now playing at the Winter Garden. N.Y. If plans are finalized, it will be done sometime in March or April under Ford and RCA sponsorship auspices. Only major stumbling block at the moment is finding the two hours of time, preferably on a late Sunday afternoon. That’s when Miss Martin w'ants to do it. but since it would entail preemptions, NBC isn’t sure it can be arranged. NBC is still trying to persuade the star to permit a 90-minute version for the RCA-Ford-spon- sored Monday Night “Producers Showcase,” but Miss Martin has nixed the idea. She wants maxi- mum exposure for kids and doesn’t think 8 to 9:30 at night will per- mit it. Also, she insists on doing an uncut “Peter Pan.” 6,030,000 Tickets Sold; Music Hall’s 1954 Take 2 % Oyer Previous Year .Reversing the downward trend, after several years of declining pa- tronage, the Radio City Music Hall, N. Y., is winding up 1954 with an anticipated 6,030,000 attendance figure. While not an all-time high, it is one of the bigger yearly fig- ures, and represents an improve- ment of nearly 2% in attedanre over 1953. There were 5,921X^0 patrons to the Hall in ’53 or 110,- 000 fewer than in the current year The Hall regards the reversal of trend as significant since attend- ance has been in a declining cycle since 1946-47. Because of the Improved attend- ance, the Music Hall was able to go through the year with only 10 feature pictures as against 12 pix used in 1953. The low for the Hall in “pictures used” to operate was in 1946 when eight were required. Incidentally, the 10 pictures for 1954 represented the .lowest prod- (Continued on page 55) ► By DAVE KAUFMAN Hollywood, Dec. 28. A staggering $80,000,000 — about double the record figure of 1954 — has been budgeted by telefilm pro- ducers in Hollywood for 1955. A survey of every Hollywood vidfllm- ery reveals a steady growth in pro- duction, with the solid substance of the year ahead best illustrated by the fact that the preponderance of series to be filmed are in the pre-sponsored classification. Bearing out pas{ predictions that telefilms are facing their best years is the fact 111 series are planned for the coming year, as compared ; to 64 last season. This figure does not include many pilots, only se- ries definitely blueprinted by the various film factories. Of the in upcoming series, 60 are pre-sponsored, as compared to 34 pre-sponsored a year ago. In the syndication bracket there’s also (Continued on page 34) Egyptian Coptic Priest Says U. S. Films Corrupt, Also Misrepresent Yanks Chicago, Dec. 28. Hollywood is being charged by an Egyptian priest with painting a false picture of American life in its efforts to make money over- •seas. Rev. Makary El Souriany of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt told religious education officials of J the National Council of Churches here that the Egyptian, through Hollywood films, knows ti e Amer- ican to be “a vague confusion of gangster, playboy and industrial tycoon. The American is never pic- tured as the hard-working church- going individual he really is.” The priest also blamed American films for “destroying the family i and social life of the Egyptian youth” by giving them ideas about divorce, drinking, and illicit sex. “The East’s cry today is for moral feature-length movies with no of- fensive scenes.” Father Makary is in this country to study social psychology at Princeton U. Grade Fields Sez Radio Builds Stars Too Fast Blackburn, 'Eng., Dec. 28. Gracie Fields, set for U. S. visit early in 1955, believes radio is building up stars too quickly. They are seized too avidly by talent-hun- gry promoters and given star status before they deserve it. They should be allowed to mature naturally, said the English comedienne, and given the practice and rehearsal that the oldtime vaude performers had to undergo. She topped the bill at a capacity house at the 3,000-seat King George’s Hall here. s MISCELLANY Bob Hope, Chevalier Signed (or 1955 Aussie Dates; Sinatra s 2 Jan. Weeks Sydney, Dec. 21. 4 Planing home for a talent-buying trip to the U. S. and Europe, David N. Martin, head of the Tivoli vaude circuit, revealed he has signed Bob Hope and Maurice Chevalier to ap- pear Down Under next year. Mar tin said Hope would earn more than $45,000 playing the main Aus- sie cities, while that Chevalier would get more than $22,500, play- ing only here and in Melbourne because of other commitments. Chevalier and Hope, of course, will appear in separate shows, Mar- tin »aid he has also signatured Winifred Atwell for Melbourne in February; British vocalist David Hughes, to open here Dec. 27; Ital- ian tenor Luigi Infantino, for Syd- ney in February; pianist Julius Katchen, for Sydney in May; and the Hohner accordion group, open- ing in July. Martin said that French singer Jean Sablon, now playing Melbourne in a revue, will come to Sydney in February. Frank Sinatra has accepted an offer by entrepreneurs Lee Gordon and Benn Reyes for $40,000 to do a fortight of stadium dates open- ing in mid-January. Bill McColl, a radio personality who previously has promoted jazz concerts, has the Ink Spots set to play six Aus- tralian cities and three dates in New Zealand (after opening in Sydney Jan. 12, in a 12 day span. Nat "King” Cole, is due to open here Jan. 7 for Lee Gordon, with his trio, June Christy, Rowan and Martin, and Judy Kelly. Harry Wren, who operates as the Celebrity Circuit; states that he of- fered Marilyn Monroe $50,000 for a visit of 12 days, but that her agent wanted twice as much. 20th- Fox office says she will not come here. FRAMER GETS SPLIT DECISION ON ‘RICH’ N. Y. Magistrates Court yester- day (Tues.) gave Walt Framer’s "Strike It Rich” radio-tv show a split decision in its protracted tus- sle with the city’s welfare commis- sioner, Henry McCarthy. Judge Samuel Ohringer ruled that Mc- Carthy’s office couldn’t interfere with program’s format, including solicitation of funds for the "Heart- line” pitch. On the question of studio audience, however, the bench said the show would be re- quired to take out a license. Framer is appealing the license phase of the decision, though he hasn't determined whether he will continue the studio audience. "Rich” was recently cancelled on CBS-TV nighttime (as of Jan. 12) but continues as a daytimer on CBS video and NBC radio. Gobel’s Victor Album Unexpectedly good vocal stint j on his Christmas Day show on NBC-TV may likely earn George Gobel a term disk pact with RCA Victor. Victor execs who tuned in the show were surprised at Gobel’s facile chirping of some traditional Xmas songs and roundelays. It was the first time he displayed his vocal talents on the show. Gobel will likely cut a package of holiday numbers for Victor re- lease next year. ‘Portrait’ Floppola No Surprise to Jennifer, But Where Was David? Quick fold of "Portrait of a Lady” last week was apparently an- ticipated by several people promi- nently associated with the produc- tion. The Jennifer Jones starrer, adapted by William Archibald from the Henry James novel, expired Saturday night (25) at the ANTA Playhouse, N. Y., after a paid pre- view and four regular perform- ances. Miss Jones, who was making her Broadway debut in the drama, re- portedly favored closing the show during its tryout tour, when it drew generally negative notices and spotty business. However, the actress apparently wanted to avoid criticism on the ground of Holly- wood "temperament,” and didn’t make an issue of her desire not to be seen in New York in the show. The star’s husband, film pro- ducer David O. Selznick, who is noted in the trade for his Enthusi- astic interest in projects with which he or his wife is associated, surprised the "Portrait" manage- ment by remaining carefully on the sidelines. Situation became so marked that, immediately after the closing, one person with the show made the reverse-switch observa- tion, "Maybe if Selznick had done some backseat-driving we might have had a chance.” Not only Miss Jones, but also Robert Whitehead and Roger L. Stevens, who were partnered in the venture under the Producers The- atre banner, reportedly wanted to fold the show out of town. How- ever, co-producers Lyn Austin and Thomas Noyes are said to have joined adaptor Archibald in insist- ing on bringing it to town. Following the unanimously un- favorable New York reviews and the lack of boxoffice activity, its scheduled matinee last Thursday (23) was cancelled. Since Miss Jones’ contract called for a layoff Friday night and Saturday matinee (Christmas Eve and Christnfas Day), the only performances were the preview Monday night (20), the premiere Tuesday (21) and the eve- ning showings of Wednesday (22), Thursday (23) and the finale. The production is understood to have involved a loss of most, if not all, of the $80,000 investment. FAILS BY THREE VOTES Writers’ Anti-Commie Proviso Due Up Again in April Hollywood, Dec. 28. Writers Guild of America failed by a three vote margin to adopt a constitutional amendment which would bar Communists or anyone who has evoked Fifth Amendment before congressional investigation committee. Majority writers voted affirmative but resolution fell just short of two thirds needed for adoption. N. Y. and L. A. members of Writers Guild participated in secret balloting. This anti-communist proposal will probably be brought up again at WGA membership meeting next April. Subscription Order Form Enclosed find check for $ Please send VARIETY for years 12 29 To Street (Please Print Nam«> City Zone. . . . State Regular Subscription Rafts One Year— $10.00 Two Years— $18.00 Canada and Foreign — $1 Additional per Year y&fZIETY Inc. 154 West 46th Street New York 36. N. Y. Wednesday, December 29, 1954 Soviet Propaganda Campaign Cues Era of Russ Brainwashing Pix HORACE HEIDT For Swift A Co. Starting Jan. 8th Offices — J. Walter Thompson, Chicago No Cure Yet For Newsreels’ Woes In C’Scope Age Newsreels, which have been hav- ing a rough time of it in 1954, are engaged in a price war in their continuing attempt to maintain their market. One of the companies reportedly is willing to sell a "fresh” reel for as little as $4 firstrun, taking a loss of around $7 on the reel. Some of the distribs are trying to stem the tide, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to hold the line. One of the solutions to the sit- uation, it’s suggested, is the pro- ( Continued on page 55) 'Susan’s Black Eye To B’way Seers How Broadway can reverse the road and also cross up the crystal- gazing of theatre management was illustrated last week by the fast flop of "Black-Eyed Susan.” The A. B. Shiffrin sex farce had drawn moderately good critical no- tices in its tryout engagements in Hartford, Boston and Philly, but ran into a blast of unanimous pans from the New York first-stringers and staggered out after only four performances. Severity of the re- views probably killed any outside chance of a film sale and hurt the script as a stock item. Folderoo represented an equally stunning blow to the Playhouse, which has had only spotty book- ings in recent years. Because of the current theatre shortage, the house management had a choice of bookings, and turned down such likely longrunners as "Bad Seed” and "Witness for the Prosecution” in favor of "Black-Eyed Susan.” Ben Marden, owner of the Play- house, not only liked the Shiffrin play well enough to pick it over the Maxwell Anderson and Agatha Christie clicks, but reportedly agreed to put up $10,000 for pre- liminary advertising and promotion to get the comedy started. With the theatre shortage already easing a bit, he must now hustle to find a likely run prospect to carry his 990-seat house. Louis Sobol hungers for and deplores the • absence of These Yesteryear Broadway Feuds * * * \ a bright byline piece in the 49 1 h Anniversary IS umber of PftniETY OVT NEXT WEEK Saranac Hosp’s 1st Pro Show in 5 Years Is SRO; . Perfect Holiday Tonic By HAPPY BENWAY Saranac Lake, N. Y., Dec. 28. The first professional show in five years to entertain the Will Rdgers Memorial hospital patients drew a packed house last week (21) and proved a real holiday tonic for the ailing gang. The show provided a 100% mental lift This was the first annual Christmas Show spon- sored by New York's Cinema Lodge of B’nai B’rith for the patients of the entertainment industry’s hospi- tal here. Full cooperation of AGVA, Theatre Authority and AFM Local 802 made the show possible. Will Rogers Hospital au- thorities held up the start of the performance until ambulatory pa- tients of nearby Ray brook Veterans hospital arrived. Buddy Roth tied together pro- ceedings in his job as emcee, which went far in making the show of six specialty acts jell. Irving Sacher teed off with a piano solo, to be followed by Bob Coffee and his standard harmonica act. Fred Hal- lette contributed his skillful one- legged hoofing act. Then Dario Cassini scored nicely with his tenor ballading. The Amazing Mr. Ballantine (Carl Ballantine), comedy magico act, and the Two Zephyrs followed for solid returns. Margie Coates, AGVA’s national director of sick and relief, brought the show to a close. She also directed the whole show. Robert K. Shapiro, N. Y. Para- mount Theatre managing director, is chairman of this Cinema Lodge project, which was developed as a special industry proposition. Mil- ton Livingston, veepee and pub- licity chairman of the lodge, ac- companied the unit, as did Ned E. Shugrue, exec director of the Rogers Memorial Hospital, who co- ordinated this entertainment junk- et. They were met here by Burton E. Robbins, president of the lodge, and Dr. George E. Wilson, medical director of the hospital, and his staff, who acted as hosts. Invited guests included Mayor A. B. Anderson, who also is manager of the Pontiac Theatre here; George LaPan, president of the Adirondack National Bank, Irving Altman, Benny Ressler and Larry Doyle. JESSEL THE BONIFACE He’ll Produce, Perform and Do Ambassadorial Chores For Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas, Dec. 28. George Jessel closed a deal to be "Goodwill Ambassador” for the Flamingo Hotel, beginning with the new year, on a setup that cuts him in for an interest in the hostelry. Pact was completed over the holi- day weekend with reps of the new management of the Flamingo. Under the terms of the deal, Jessel will produce and appear in one show annually at the Flamigo. Format hasn't been determined, but it probably will be a showcase revue starring Jessel and intro- ducing Hollywood starlets. For the remainder of the year, Jessel will serve as a roving am- bassador for the Flamingo, pub- licizing the hotel by mentioning it in each of his speeches. The na- tion’s "toastmaster general” al- ready has a schedule of 50 speeches for 1955. Telefilm Award Nominees Hollywood, Dec. 28. Five nominees for the television director award of the Screen Di- rectors Guild have named tlw tele- films they consider their best works during 1954. Candidates and their choices are: William Asher, "Lucy’s Mother- in-Law” ("I Love Lucy” series); Robert Florey, "The Clara Schu- mann Story,” ("Loretta Young Show”); Roy Kellino, "Interlude” ("Four Star Playhouse”); Ted Post, "High Wafer” ("Waterfront”); Jack Webb, "The Big Producer” ("Drag- net”). 4- By ART SETTEL (Variety’s Iron Curtain Mugg) Kremlin’s current total propa- ganda crusade, which has reached a new pitch in intensity, reveals that the Iron Curtain film industry has been saddled with what the Agitprop — top level echelon in Cold War strategy — calls "new im- portant tasks” in the year ahead. The All-Union Congress of So- viet Writers holding daily confabs in Moscow, is dishing out the same treatment to all information media — increase your production, or else. Novelists, People’s poets, histor- ians, critics and translators, news- men, radio scribblers and film- makers have been lumped to- gether for tongue-lashing, shot-in- the-arm treatment. In essence, what Agitprop told verse writers applies to all others: “We are proud of the fact that Soviet poetry has become the instrument of prop- aganda of the ideas of Commu- nism.” A report by Comrade A. S. Gera- simov on Russ film biz, broadcast by Radio Moscow and dissemi- nated to the provincial press for reprinting, sets production norms for 1955 at 150 films per year. "This is in line with the tasks of Communist education and the greater cultural requirements of our people,” said Gerasimov. Film makers patted on the back for 1954 "greats” such as "Chapa- yev,” "Deputy of the Baltic,” "The Great Citizens,” "Maxim’s Trilogy,” "We Come from Kronstadt,” "Len- in in October,” "Lenin in 1918.” "Great successes have also been achieved by film art in our Repub- ( Continued on page 55) BERTHOLD BRECHT GETS STALIN PRIZE Washington, Dec. 28. Berthold Brecht, who wuu a Stalin Prize last week as an "out- standing poet and playwright,” was one of the 19 persons subpenaed in October 1947 for the original Hollywood Red hearings before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Brecht testified at that time that he was not a Communist. Although writing in this country, he was not actually employed in Hollywood. Later he returned to East Germany where he has lived since in the Communist sector of the country. Guernsey, Zinsser Swap Posts on N.Y. Herald Tnl Otis L. Guernsey Jr., film critic of the N. Y. Herald Tribune, and William K. Zinsser, drama editor, swap assignments effective next Saturday (1). Double switch was reportedly decided on by the sheet’s top editors about a week ago, and was announced Monday (27) without explanation. Walter F. Kerr remains drama critic and Bert McCord continues his daily drama news column. Guernsey, who was acting drama critic for several months during the 1950-51 season following Howard Barnes’ exit and prior to Kerr’s ar- rival, has generally attended the Broadway openings since then. He is a graduate of the Yale drama school, and wrote a play, "What’s Hecuba to Him?”, which was pro- duced there. Zinsser, who recently returned from an African vacation, during which he wrote several pieces pub- lished by the HT, subbed as film critic for a month last summer while Guernsey was on vacation. Chandler’s Nitery Bow At Las Vegas Riviera in April Jeff Chandler makes his nitery bow April 29 as second headliner at the new Hotel Riviera in Las Vegas, following Liberace, who opens the inn April 8. Actor, who emerged as a disk artist earlier this year, has been set for a four-week stand at the nine-story hotel. Salary is undisclosed, but hotel indicated it’s on a par with top prices paid other filmites who debuted at Vegas hotels. Star currently is making "Female on the Beach” with Joan Crawford at UI. He’s also to make “Spoilers” with Anne Baxter be- fore launching his nitery career at the Riviera. ^ wlnfmlay. December 29, 1954 PICTIHES 2 TOP CHAINS SEEK RKO STUDIO This-Is-Where- W e-Came-In More and more the film business is becoming a this-is-where- we-came-ln industry. The five major companies came into inte- * ated being when producers bought theatres as outlets for their films and theatremen bankrolled production to assure for them- selves a continuing supply of product. RKO, Loew’s, Paramount, 20th -Fox and Warner Bros, thus came to make their own pic- tures for their own theatres plus, of course, independent ac- counts. ■ The Department of Justice, prodded by the indie exhibitors, upset such organizational structures with its antitrust suit that led to separation of domestic film houses from production-dis- tribution affiliates. So here we go again. Two of the previously-affiliated chains want back in production. Specifically, they’re angling to buy the KKO picture company. But there’s a switch. They want this Howard Hughes operation as a means of stimulating more pro- duction for all exhibitors; as it’s now set up RKO is no longer major league as a product supplier. On other fronts, 30 non-major circuits are backing Distribu- tors Corp. of America, also for the primary purpose of bringing more pictures to market. And thousands of indies have ex- pressed eagerness to guarantee playing time for pictures in ad- vance of production just to encourage this production. All this, because most of the principal studios have cut down on produc- tion schedules and the exhibs on all levels are screaming “shortage.” Provocative question among film men is this: If there hadn’t been that divorcement, would the major studios still be pro- ducing enough pictures for their own theatres plus, of course, independent accounts? Par Has 20 Pix Completed (or ’55, But Releases Geared to Playoffs J See Rank Trend to Indie Distribs; The 20 films which Paramount* has on its distribution schedule for " 1955 already are completed and five on tha 1956 slate go before the cameras by Feb. 1, Barney Bal- aban, president, revealed in N. Y. last Wednesday (22). Par’s plans and policy were discussed by the chief exec, board chairman Adolph Zukor, distribution chief A. W. Schwalberg and v.p. Paul Raibourn at a luncheon following a homeof- fice screening of “Bridges At Toko-Ri.” Balaban added that the number of releases for next year would be increased if “distribution could handle more,” but there was no promise that this would be the case. Me made the significant point that the scheduling of new releases U determined by the playoff of pic- tures in current sale. For example, he said in effect, it would be economically unwise to cut in on extended runs of, per- haps, "White Christmas,” with an- other film. This would cause loss of some of the “Christmas” poten- tial. Plenty bullish on the future, Bal- ahan anticipates record gross busi- ness in 1955, this based on the apparent strength of the product. (Separate story on Par's 1954 gross business.) Balaban. answering intra-trade criticism about product availability, (Continued on page 16) Of 152 Features, Italy Tints 61 152 features produSed by e Italian industry between Jan. v al a . nd t.M 0V ' 30, 195 4, more than Film r bl ”“ were in color . Italian * Urns Export reported in N.Y. Mon- er . y J 27) - , The majority of the tint- ers were in Italy’s own Fer- eou? C i°i °. r; 15 were in Eastman- p. ’ 1 ,n Tecjpiicolor, three in Tpv- 0 0r an . d two In Warnercolor. n ' , statistics showed that 43 co- Productions wen t before the cam- cras during the first 11 months of with 4 r ’ ™ ance leadln « the field with c 6 'i Three fiIms were made one ,. SP u ln ’,t) V0 Germany and °ne each with Japan and Egypt. thrc« e r- Par a ' so saw the start of films a. In J ?maSc °P e P»x. Several in g in i9 55 Ue f ° r VistaVis l on lens - Cecil B. DeMille who should know abour thoso things gives his reasons for The Values of Cinematic Research m bright editorial feature in the 49 th Anniversary Number of t / SniEfr OUT NEXT WEEK William Saroyan has written a humorous piece which started out Seeking a Stage Prop and Winds lip Being a Commercial for ‘Uar/e/y’ one of the many byline pieces in the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of PSk/ety OUT NEXT WEEK Yugoslavs Sending Negotiator Over Arrival in N. Y. in January of a representative from Yugoslavia Film is expected to break the im- passe in the Motion Picture Export Assn.’s 50 picture deal with Croa- tia Film. Yugoslavia Film has in- dicated to MPEA it wants to talk business and indications are that the agreement will be switched from Croatia Film to Yugoslavia Film, the import monopoly. MPEA originally signed with Croatia Film for 50 films, each at $4,500, a price Which Yugoslavia Film refused to pay but to which it did agree in the instance of Metro alone, which consequently made its own arrangements with Yugoslavia Film. One of the con- ditions of the Croatia Film pact was that it would get the $225,000 involved via the informational media guarantee program. It later on turned out that, even Pakistan Take-Out Needs a Formula Disagreement on a formula un- der which 850,000 rupees (about $200,000) are to be brought out of Pakistan is holding up transfer of the coin. Motion Picture Export Assn, board had the matter on its agenda at a meet in N. Y. yesterday (Tues.). Also discussed were means of splitting up 300 permits allotted the companies in Bolivia. Under the last deal with the Pakistani government, negotiated by the MPEA’s Irving Maas, the Karachi authorities agreed to okay remittances of all coin accrued up to July, 1954. For the year ending July, 1955, the government con- sented to the Issuance of unlimited import permits plus a bulk remit- tance of 850,000 rupees. Pakistan has lived up to its promise to remit all monies to July, 1954. and it also came through with the import permits for the first half of the current year. Hitch now involves the sec- ond half for which the MPEA com- panies have applied, and the trans- fer of the 850,000 rupees. MPEA wants the money to come out under its own formula. The Pakistani government is using a yardstick based on old billings with the explanation that its method is the one conforming to local law. It’s Indicated that MPEA will abide by the Karachi formula in order to get transfer clearance. SANCTION DEAL? By GENE ARNEEL Two of the country’s major thea- tre circuits — the same chains which were divorced from the production end of the business by Federal Court decrees a few years jigo — are involved in a king-sized scheme to again become affiliated with film- making via the purchase of RKO Radio Pictures from Howard Hughes. Syndicate formed for the pur- pose of trying to swing a deal with Hughes comprises United Para- mount and Stanley Warner plus Eliot Hyman and the First National Bank og Boston. Hyman is a film dis- tributor in the television field. He’s been angling for RKO for some time but without success; now that he’s linked with the top-rung the- atre companies plus the big money institution there appears more likelihood of some kind of accord with Hughes. Latter has received proposals from various sources in the last couple of years but has remained aloof. It's believed other important chains may become a part of the syndicate. At least, the door is being left open to them. There have been no official com- ment but strong indications are that the prospective buyers are willing to pay close to $25,000,000 for the Hughes properties; i.e., film backlog, Hollywood studio and pro- duction facilities and the RKO worldwide distribution network. Major contingency is the atti- tude of the Dept, of Justice, whose prosecution of antitrust charges against the film companies begin- ning in the 194C’s led to the di- vorcement judgments. United Par- amount, et al., will ask D. of J. approval of the RKO buyout and if this is forthcoming U would be tan- tamount to a required formal okay by the N. Y. Statutory Court. This is the tribunal that heard the anti- trust suit and has kept the case in its continuing jurisdiction. I though it’s an importer— not a dis- Since the U. S. Supreme Court trib— Yugoslavia Film was appar- itself directed the divorcement ver- J ently the only outfit capable of ob- dict, there can be no certainty that taining the necessary dollars. Her- the theatre chains will obtain the bert Erlanger, who handled the D. of J. clearances. Efforts could J Yugoslav negotiations for MPEA, be made to reopen the decrees for was contacted by Belgrade and a new, latter-day argument before date was made for the Yugoslavia (Continued on page 46) I film rep to come to N. Y. for talks. National Boxoffice Survey Xmas Week Booms Trade; ‘Show Biz* New Champ, ‘Sea’ 2d, ‘Chalice’ 3d, ‘Heart’ 4th, ‘Cruz’ ‘Circus’ Next Guinness’ Paris’ Highly Significant Noting the diminishing number of "typical British” J. Arthur Rank films on Universal’s release sked, trade circles say they’ll be watch- ing with more than ordinary in- terest the showing made by Rank’s “To Paris with Love” which was acquired by Walter Reade Jr* and Frank Krassler’s buying co-op. Fate of the Alec Guinness starrer, for which the Reade-Kass- ler combine is shelling out a $300,- 000 advance guarantee, is seen as a clue to future relations between Rank and U re pix that don’t ap- pear to have an out-and-out appeal in the commercial houses. No Rank films of that type have gone to U for its special films division since “High and Dry.” Impression is growing that the Rank Org., while still maintaining its contractual relations with U, is now in the mood for playing ball with the indie distribs, possibly even at the expense of Universal. Execs at U, while traditionally mum on their Rank relations, which continue sensitive, admit that they now have some “compe- tition” via the indies and others who are in a mood to put up cash for the Rank films. Asked whether U would have been interested in “To Paris with (Continued on page 14) Bogart Near Big Sellout to Col Hollywood, Dec. 28. Humphrey Bogart’s negotiating outright sale of his Santana Productions to Columbia Pictures, in what may be one of the biggest capital gains deals yet involving a single actor. Bogart is prexy and owner of most of stock in San- tana. Only other shareholder be- ing Morgan Maree, Bogart’s biz (Continued on page 14) an Cinema biz in big key cities is in high gear this holiday week, with favorable weather in many loca- tions and strong product hypoing trade. Result is that the five big- gest grossing pictures will rack up a total gross of more than $2,000,- 000 in the key cities covered by Variety this stanza. “No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th) is the new b.o. champ by a substantial margin. Playing in some 17 key cities, this C’Scope musical ranges from big to great and terrific. The new Disney pro- “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) is finishing ninth, with “Last Time ♦ Saw Paris” (M-G) in 10th. “De- siree” (20th). “Romeo and Juliet” 813 a Year 820 Foreign PICTURES Wcdneadajr, December 29, 1954 Panama Legislators Exhibs on Side United States Film Interests Resentful of Owners Of Theatres Using Alter-Ego Role as Congressmen Film companies in N. Y., doing Still Fixing ‘Jet Pilot’: a bit of sleuthing re a proposed ® . . restrictive law pending in the legis- Myctpry F||m Mnf VlPWPfl i lature of Panma, last week had; 1Ti J MCI J 1 11111 nWl IWWCU th^ir surprise answer: Many among , . D M i Dlf A the local Congressmen and officials ] Dj IflOSt luVU UlULldld pushing the measure were or are i »j et pilot," which Howard personally interested in various Hughes produced at RKO a couple \ theatre circuits in Panama. 1 of years ago at a cost said to be Alfredo Aleman Jr., Deputy of j over $4,000,000, is in line for more i the National Assembly, who sub- -revision. It was reported in N. Y. mitted the bill, is a shareholder this week that Hughes is still not j in the Central and Bella Vista cir- , entirely satisfied with the finished | cuits. Temistocles Diaz, Minister j product and is making additional Ken Englund IMS whipped ap A Handy Hollywood Baedeker one of the atony byline pieces ia the 49 th Anniversary Number of OUT NEXT WEEK Catholic Critic to Modify Comments Dale Francis of South Bend. Attacks Bryan Foy, Himself a Catholic, for Legion-Okayed ‘Bamboo’ 1 of Commerce, whose department would be called on to impose any fines, is a large stockholder in the Bella Vista Theatre. Other cabinet members also have exhibition interests. Ricardo Aries Espinosa, Minister of Health and Labor and also vice-president of the Republic, actually owns the Lux, Cecilia and Roqsevelt thea- 1 tres in Panama. Everado -Duque, manager of the free zone, is also L.ez of the Circuito de Teatros Unidos Atlantico & Colon in Colon. Aquilino Boyd, Congressman, is a partner in the same circuit and he also runs the Ancon Theatre, Pana- ma City. The law submitted by Aleman would establish a sliding scale rent- al Veiling based on the type of the- atre, with 45% the absolute top. Secondruns would pay 35% tops on weekends and 30% midweek. Other houses would have a ceiling of 25%. Measure further would freeze admissions at 60c top except on unusual films. One of the major purposes of the bill would be to force the U. S. distribs to release their pix in Pan- ama before showing them in the Canal Zone. Violation of this rule would bring the rental ceiling down 10% in all categories of theatres. Execs in N. Y. are frankly con- cerned over the measure, partly because, should it be adopted, it would set a dangerous and easy precedent for other South Ameri- qpn countries. Also, they’re resent- ful of being put in a situation where exhib interests in a country are in a position to do their own legislating vs. American films. Draft of the Aleman law has •‘teeth” in the form of hefty fines ranging up to the revocation of a distrib’s operating license. changes. The film, which stars John Wayne, has been a source of mys- tery right from the start. Even many of the top execs at RKO haven’t been given a chance to see it and a specific date for its re- lease to theatres has yet to be set. A second epic at RKO, one which is set for distribution, is "The Con- queror,” produced and directed by Dick Powell. Company is figuring on releasing this one in May. Cut in Number Of Festival Pix; See Quota Link New limitations on the number of films each nation may enter in the Cannes and Venice film festi- vals in 1955 has American observ- ers wondering about the reasons for such moves. __ «... i Authorities of both fests have PRF 7 ‘ PARRAS AMT^ Stated their purpose is to maintain 1 lU^L, 1 VlUtrtJ yUllJ ; high artistic and cultural levels via CALDERON NEW AZTECA Rank’s Value for Money’ First Pic in VistaViswn; No Known C’Scope Plans The J. Arthur Rank Org's first VistaVision picture, "Value for Money,” uoes before the cameras in London in early 1955, according to John Davis, the Rank outfit’s managing director. The romantic comedy, in Eastman color will be lensed at the Pinewood Studios. Davis said the second Rank VistaVision pic will be an adapta- tion of A. J. Cronin’s "The Span- ish Gardner” at Ealing Studios. Latter will have several Vista- Vision productions on its 1955 sked. Davis hasn’t indicated whether Rank has any intention of trying its hand at Cinemascope. Several other ‘British producers are com- mitted to do films in the C’Scope system. Los Angeles, Dec. 28. Azteca Films, Inc., distributor of Spanish language films in the U. S. and Canada, has a new president, Ruben A. Calderon, former secre- tary-treasurer and general mana- ger. He succeeds Alberto Salas Porras, one of the founders of the company, who is retiring from business. New president of the firm, which the reduction in the number of entries. It’s recalled in N.Y., however, that, under the rules of the Inter- national Federation of Film Pro- ducers Assns., any festival entry not only gets into the respective country on an extra-quota basis but also is entitled to free remittance of its local earnings. American ex- ecs are wondering aloud whether there may be a connection between maintains its headquarters in Los . Angeles, will also function as gen- ; these regulations and the clamp- eral manager. Gustavo Acosta takes over the post of secretary- treasurer and Guillermo Calderon continues as veepee. MARIO LANZA'S RETURN Warners Set Him for Long-Held ‘Serenade’ Script Hollywood. Dec. 28. Mario Lanza is returning to screen activity as star in Warners’ under which they’d alternate each year. IFFPDA exec council, at its down on entries. Italian Films Export reported in N Y. Monday (27) that the 1955 Venice festival would start Aug. 25. Following in the footsteps of Cannes, Venice authorities have de- cided to reduce the number of pix each country is allowed to enter in the competition. There has been no indication to date of whether or not Cannes and Venice have reached an agree- ment on the proposed new system BOSUSTOW ANIMATIONS SET FOR CINEMASCOPE Hollywood, Dec. 28. From now on United Productions of America will make its animated short subjects in Cinemascope. Its entire 1955 program, filmed in the anamorphic process, will be re- leased through Columbia. Stephen Bosustow, UPA presi- dent, revealed that after release of the CinepiaScope shorts they will be made available as flatties. First of the new series will be based on the character of Mister Magoo. FRIARS' FIRST 'MR. & MRS.' Coast Fete To Honor Burns and Allen Jan. 23 ‘Don’t Think We Won’t’ Allied Warns Distfibs In Admitting Gains Allied States Assn, has warned distributors not be lulled into a false sense of security by the re- ported opposition to Allied’s plan to seek additional Government reg- ulation of the industry if necessary. While the exhib org admits that there’s been a general improve- ment in exhib-distrib relationships, it nevertheless stresses that it will seek the drastic action if condiwj tions warrant it. The policy was fully outlined recently by Allied general counsel Abram F. Myers, who claims that there has been a general misap- prehension of Allied’s intention. He said that "despite all the tu- mult and the shouting” all that the Allied board ever did was to instruct him to draft a bill for sub- mission to Allied’s convention in Milwaukee last October. The board, he noted, did not pass on the draft before the convention and has not met since. The convention dele- (Continued on page 17) Serenade,” based on the novel by I James M. Cain and heralded as "one of the studio’s top produc- tions for 1955.” Story, owned by Warners for several years, was originally slated for production by Robert Sisk in 1951 but the project was dropped at that time. Currently no pro- ducer or director has been as- signed to the picture. O'Connor With Crosby Hollywood, Dec. 28. Donald O’Connor will be one of the four stars in Paramount’s film version of Cole Porter’s "Anything Goes.” He will join Bing Crosby, Mitzi Gaynor and Jeanmaire in the Robert Emmett Dolan production. Films will contain the Porter score used in the stage version, in- cluding the title song, "You’re the Top,” "All Through the Night," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and "I Get a Kick Out of You.” last meet in Madrid, decided there should be only one competitive in- ternational fete each year. It in- structed Venice and Cannes author- ities to get together on who goes first in 1956, or else face lack of support from the Federation. Based on info received in N.Y., there’s every reason to believe that, suppbrt or no, both festivals will continue on an annual basis. Disney May Take 'Grizzly' Minneapolis, Dec. 28. Author Frederick Manfred (Feike Feikema) after struggling through creation of seven novels, is listen- ing to sweeter music with his eighth. Book, "Lord Grizzly” has a film bid from Walt Disney or- ganization. Based on historical incident in- volving pioneer nearly clawed to death by grizzly bear. Hollywood, Dec. 28. George Burns and Grade Allen will be guests of honor at the Friars Club’s first "Mr. and Mrs.” tes- timonial dinner, to be held Jan. 23 at the Biltmore Bowl with George Jessel as toastmaster. Special committee on arrange- ments consists of Jack Benny, Harry Mirkin, Arthur Stebbins, Leo Fields, Harry Joe Brown and Jules James. Dick Quine Ineligible Hollywood, Dec. 28. Because of his recently signed exclusive contract with Columbia, Richard Quine was forced to with- draw as director of Universal’s "So This Is Rio,” a sequel to "So This Is Paris” which he directed under his former contract which per- mitted two outside pictures annu- ally. Albert J. Cohen, who produced "Paris” will repeat on its sequel, along with the same stars, Tony Curtis, Gene Nelson and Paul Gil- bert, and the same writer, Ray Buff urn. A1 Lichtnian ha* his own views on a Design for Living Together * * * an interesring editorial feature in the 49th Anniversary Number of yfcfilETY OIT IS EXT WEEK IN FINAL DAYS OF YEAR, PARAMOUNT GROSS REVENUE MAY HIT NEW HIGH Amount of coin chalked up by Paramount in art not to distribute "Rear Window” until there this current week will determine whether 1954 was no possibility of a conflict with Universal’s turns out to be a record year for the company. It's "Glenn Miller Story,” an earlier release. Next, Par a close race. * was restrained from selling "Sabrina” until Sept. 1 Par’s total revenues in 1953 climbed to a new so as not to clash with the "Sabrina Fair” legit play, high of $110,300,000. First half of 1954 was behind Finally, the deal with Danny Kaye meant a holdup the ’53 pace but a strong pickup was experienced as on “Knock on Wood” until July 1. the company went into the second half. Following is a 10-year breakdown on Par’s gross That there’s a good chance of the necessary blue business on a pro forma basis, that is, considering chips income in this final week is reflected in the the corporation as it is now constituted and ex- product now in circulation. In the Los Angeles eluding the domestic theatres which were a part area alone, 45 theatres are playing these' four pix: the integrated setup until Jan. 1, 1950: "White Christmas,” "Sabrina.” "Three Ring Cir- 1945 j 84,200,000 cus” and "Country Girl.” This quartet of pix is in 1946 ‘ ’ ] * * ] * * ’ ’ " * *. , \\\ ’ \\\ 103, 700^000 circulation at many key situations and could bring 1947 98 300 000 in exceptionally tall money. 19 4 8 86!600]000 An assortment of unusual contractual factors 1949 78,200,000 kept Par’s overall revenues below the 1953 level in 1950 81,800,000 the first half of 1954. The release of three sub- 1951 94,600,000 stantial -money films was held back by these com- 1952 1 104,800,000 mitments. 1953 110.300,000 First, there was an agreement with Jimmy Stew- 1954 1 ? ? L. A. to N. Y. Jim Backus Aleon Bennett Edgar Bergen George D. Burrow^ J. J. Cohn Lester Cowan Broderick Crawford Sammy Davis Jr. Charles Feldman Nina Foch William Gibson Vonne Godfrey Thomas Gomez Margaret Hayes Fritz Lang Peter Lorre Diana Lynn Dan McNamara Gene Nelson Joseph Newman Jerry Pickman Paul Rai bourn Nicholas Ray Harry Ritz Elaine Stritch Philip A. Waxman Brooks West Europe to N.Y.* Robert Alda Helene Cordet • A1 Crown Lili Darvas Evie Hayes Herb Jeffries Richard Mealand C. C. Philippe Muriel St. Glair Joseph H. Westrich N. Y. to L. A. Harry Brandt Ervin Drake Lee Eastman John K. Philips Jimmy Shirl Spencer Tracy • India Producer Sol Lesser details how Hollywood met the b.o. challenge with Fewer But Better Pix an Interesting editorial featwre in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of I^SrIeTy OUT IS EXT WEEK Dale Francis, a film reviewer for Our Sunday Visitor, a widely circulated Catholic paper of the South Bend, Indiana diocese, ap- pears to have singlehandedly stirred an abortive near-boycott of Bryan Foy’s production, "Bam- boo Prison,” released through Columbia. Final upshot may not amount to much and it’s now stated that Francis has promised to modify his comments in the next (Jan. 2) issue of Our Sunday Visi- tor. Not clear is the extent to which the review’ was reproduced in other Catholic diocese newspapers. It is known to have appeared in the Herald of Sacramento and the Evangelist of Albany. The action of an American Legion post in Timken, Kansas, is believed due to its commander reading the original South Bend critique. The review itself, or quotes therefrom, w’as "syndicated” by the National Catholic Welfare Council News Service. Critic Francis termed "Bamboo Prison” “the most brazenly insult- ing act in film history.” Comment- ing editorially on his review, the Sacramento Herald declared the plot "sounds silly enough to be amusing were it not for the fact it heaps shame and deceit upon the memory of a great priest and hero.” Foy states the Legion of Decen- cy rated "Bamboo Prison” A-2, un- objectionable on moral grounds for adults. He adds that the picture depicts a situation in which a Com- munist spy masquerades as a priest who has actually been murdered but the film audience "knows he's (Continued on page 14) m # « ~ln«d«T. Peeemhtr 29, 1954 PICTURES 17 % OF FILMS LACK CODE SEAL Foreign Films Indexed in N.Y. Following is a comparative listing of foreign film imports re- viewed by the office of Hugh M. Flick, the N.Y. censor, for the neriod of Nov. 30. 1953 through Dec. 1, 1954. It shows a drop of 48 in the number of pix submitted, bringing the total for 1954 to 485: Country 1954 1953 Difference Britain ** « 7*> Mexico ™ *0 -2 Spain 30 —18 Russia 3® 28 + 8 485 533 —48 Inside Stuff-Pictures In commenting about rising payoffs to Hollywood talent. Columbia president Harry Cohn disclosed in N.Y. last week that he had offered a flat payment of $300,000 “plus a percentage" to Tyrone Power to star in a film. Power turned it down, he added. Actor, incidentally, recently completed starring work in “Long Gray Line” for Columbia. Film, Cohn reported, tvas brought in at a negative cost of $1,750,000. The prez further revealed that Columbia is negotiating a new deal with Rita Hayworth which will be unusual in that it doesn’t give Miss Hayworth a participation in her pictures. Miss Hayworth had been in partnership with Columbia via Beck- worth Corp., outfit under whose banner her films were produced. Beckworth has a suit going against the company which asks for an accounting and it’s presumed this is to be settled. T IGNORES SETUP Of the 1,190 foreign and domes- tic features and shorts licensed by the N. Y. censor between Dec. 1, 1953, and Nov. 30. 1954. a full 550 pix — or 47% — did not carry a pro- duction code seal. Compilation made by the office of Hugh M. Flick last week also showed a drop in the number of films submitted by the eight major producing countries abroad. Total went down from 533 in 1953 to 485 in the 12-month period in ’54. However, it’s slightly higher than the 467 pix okayed by the censor’s office in 1952. Statistics of the N. Y. censor aren’t 100 % 20th s Foreign Take Up By $3-MiI; Skouras Lines Up European Studios URUGUAY'S CRITERIA South Americans Only On of Film Festival Exact methods and standards by which an international festival jury arrives at its conclusions in award- ing prizes have always been some- thing of a mystery to the American r , . companies. The new regulations _ t 0 1 ur _ a8 __ _ for the Punta del Este, Uruguay, film festival narrow dow r n the choice of the winners via a tangi- ble yardstick: “The Gran Premio De Sud Amer- ica 1955, to the feature film that Ronald Neame, British film producer-director, who scrapped his plan to film Michael Croft’s book, “Spare the Rod," when he was warned by the censor that the pic would receive an “X” certificate 'adults only), wrote to the London News Chronicle last week that that category should be scrapped. Pointing out that the idea of the certificate was to encourage the production of ifdult films, the British filmmaker as- serts most of these come from abroad and had already recouped their cost in their own countries and what they earn in Britain is all profit. But a British film, he argues, must earn the greater part of its revenue in Britain and an “X” certificate precludes that. “The censor board.” he says, “admits that irresponsible showmen are using the ‘X’ category to advertise sheer sensationalism but that, they say, is nothing to do with them. Rubbish!" John Ireland and his wife, Joanne Dru, agreed to an out-of-court settlement of their damage suit against producer Jack Broder involving the film “Hannah Lee," in which the pair acted and which Ireland directed. Plaintiffs contended that Broder had promised to release the fllm through a major studio but took over the distribution himself, thereby lessening the gross receipts. Settlement called for the couple to receive a lump sum in return for relinquishing all interest in the picture. 1An ,, . . .. .will best meet the preference of aien t 100 o accurate as to the t h e South American public," reads " Un L be _L® f . £ore,gn hlms b r ought lpart of Article 8 of the rules. The seven-man jury will be composed exclusively of South Americans. In addition to the Grand Prix. each participating country will win a prize for the best picture submit- ted and there will be a special Gran Premio for shorts. It’s specified that the winner of the main prize will promise to men- tion the full title of his award in publicizing the picture. in during any one year since a good many Chinese, Mexican and other productions enter the coun- try' via the west Coast. However, the vast majority of pix imported do go through Flick’s office and are destined for exhibition since few' importers would undertake the expense of getting the censor seal unless they intended to release the product. Flick's figures dramatically em- phasize the unwillingness of produ- cers abroad to apply for a code seal. Of the 492 foreign films ap- proved by the censor in 1954, only 25 — less than 5% — carried the code seal. In contrast, of the 698 American features and shorts li- censed, 615 had the seal, whereas 83 did not. There are instances where distribs of foreign pix have (Continued on page 55) New device, developed by Paramount, will enable theatres that are not equipped (or anamorphic projection to give the illusion of a curved screen picture and a near three-dimensional effect at a low cost. New development is adaptable to theatres of any size. Demon- strations on a 60-foot screen have been made with a dimensional effect and without distortion. Producer Sam Katzman can’t see that trend toward fewer pictures. One of the most active filmmakers in Hollywood, so far as numbers are concerned, his Clover Productions unit at Columbia is set with a program of 15 features to be lensed in 1955. Properties which Katz- man has lined up include stories on juvenile delinquency, oil strikes In Texas, a science flctioner on flying saucers and a western desperado. ■ i ■ i — Litvak Beats Tai Rap; Court Nixes Treasury ‘Wrong Number’ Bid Washington, Dec. 28. Santa Claus wore judicial robes here yesterday (27) for screen di- rector Anatole Litvak. Internal Revenue was trying to collect $50,- 000 additional Income taxes for 1947. Matter revolved about Litvak’s •ale of “Sorry, Wrong Number” to *“ al Wallis Productions for $ 100 ,- 000 . Litvak reported the transac- tion as a capital gains item, but ine tax collectors contended it was •ubjeet to the considerably higher •Haight income tax rates. Tax 1 itvak ^ rno ^ R* um agreed with Litvak, who now resides in Paris, bought the script from radio au- Lu T cille Fletcher for $15,000 in ,. , . ** had become a broadcast classic.” Court agreed that buy- 'g and selling of story was in Lit- as s normal line of business. Stripes for Bryan, Weber Frank Bryan and Louis M. Weber i\e been named veepees of ,„ k r ° ur * 8 Theatres Corp. At the - . e * prexy Spyros S. Skouras Pi ointed Irving Palace to the post °f comptroller. 4 : rj * n wi H also continue the du- np s ® [ treasurer, and Weber of cor- ^on counsel, assistant treas- j ' anc * assistant secretary. I David Wayne on Sound For ‘Finian* Cartoon Hollywood, Dec. 28. * David Wayne, who created lep- rechaun role in original Broadway company of “Finian’s Rainbow,” has signed after extensive nego- tiations to recreate voice record-, ings of character in producer Mau- rice Binder’s feature cartoon film version for Distributors Corp. of America. Binder agreed to make sound- track in N. Y. to permit Wayne to bicycle between legiter, “Tea House of August Moon" and new video show, “Norby." All other recordings by leading artists are to be made here. Tal- ent includes Frank Sinatra, Ella Logan, Ella Fitzgerald, Barry Fitz- gerald, Louis Armstrong, Red Norvo, Jim Backus and Jerry Hausner. With 20th-Fox’s foreign gross in 1954 hitting $41,400,000. an in- crease of more than $3,000,000 over , , 1953, the company’s world gross y , this year will show an improvement I over last year, Spyros P. Skouras, 20th prexy, reported in N. Y. yes- terday (Tues.) on his return from a six-week European jaunt. Domes- tic rentals in 1954 ran to $65,000,- OOO. a drop from last year but. in a remarkable achievement” in view’ of the lesser number of pix released. He said 20th’s 1954 net would be anywhere between 75% and 100% over 1953 profits. While in Europe. Skouras dis- cussed CinemaScope with pro- ducers in Rritain. France. Italy, Sweden and Spain and also re- ceived accolades from exhibs .for his C’Seone contribution. He said that, in 1955, European producers could be expected to contribute be- tween 50 and 75 CinemaScope pix. At the moment, between 12 and 15 *>re in production and 15 to 20 are in preparation, including four in Britain. 20th next year will have .an interest in four or five European C’Scope features. One of them is “Oasis” a French-German copro- duction that loeationed in Morocco. European C’Scope Installations are ahead of original estimates, Skouras disclosed. There are now' 3 000. By the end of July, 1955, ♦ hat number should grow to 7.500, ith 500 total is Tweqtieth-Fox last week mailed ! expected to go up to 1.500 by next out 50c. per share dividend checks julv. Skouras stressed every one for the fourth quarter of 1954. of the 18 C’Scope films released by bringing to $1.60 the total amount 20 th so far was profitable, and that per share paid out by the company [ »atcr C’Scope releases were actual- Comparisons, Prophecies To 20th Stockholders Along With 50c Dirvy during the year w'hich has been one of the most successful on record. The fourth quarter divvy con- sisted of the regular 40c. per share plus an extra 10 c. per share. 20 th’s divvy payments during the first two quarters ran to 35c. per share. Third quarter brought 40c. Earn- ings for the 39 weeks ended Sept. 25, 1954, had been previously put at $5,732,063, or $2.17 per share. ly doing better than the early ones, a circumstance which he saw' as a tribute to the attraction of the medium. Asked whether he thought there were enough pix available, Skouras answered with an emphatic “no.” In 1955, 20th expects to have 30 top C’Scope releases, the studio contributing between 22 and 24, Skouras said. He added “w’e shouldn’t have any more 2-Ds” but This compared to $1,433,037 — the j agreed that the sales department equivalent of 52c. per share — for 1 might take on some. the same 1953 period. In his message to the stock- holders, prez Spyros P. Skouras said CinemaScope installations in the U. S. and Canada numbered 10,200 and are expected to rise to 12,000 by the end of March. By the end of the year, he said, more than 3,000 C’Scope installations (Continued on page 54) OUT NEXT WEEK ! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 1 54 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 2S 4311 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ava. LONDON, W. C. 2 t St. Martin’s Place Tra f algar Sqaara Regarding 20th’s attitude to- wards the sale of pix to tv, Skouras emphasized that “ti e theatres must be be protected.” He said this thinking also extended to toll-tv. Demonstrations of the industrial Eidophor models for 20th execs are set for the near future. Compensation Contracts Of Stanley Warner Execs; $130,000 Paid Kalmine Total remuneration of $526,262.27 was received by the officers and directors of Stanley Warner Corp. for the fiscal 'year ending Aug., 1953. Sum is revealed in a proxy statement calling stockholders to the company’s annual meeting in Wilmington, Del., on Jan. 13. Breakdown of compensation to I officers and directors reveals that ! prexy S. H. (Sfl Fabian and execu- i tive v.p. Samuel Rosen received an aggregate total of $196,744.77. ! This is payable to Fabian Enter- l prises Inc. under a deal between it ! and SW providing for the services of Fabian and Rosen as chief ex- ecutives of SW, yvlth Fabian Enter- prises receiving $3,000 weekly plus a percentage of the annual consoli- dated net profit of SW. Harry Kalmine, v.p. and general manager, received $130,000; Mau- 1 rice A. Silver, zone manager in I charge of operation of the Pitts- burgh and Cleveland zones, $44,800, and David G. Baird, chairman of the finance committee, $36,400. There were no pension, retirement, or other payments to officers or directors. Set for consideration at the an- nual meet is a proposed amend- ment to the certificate of incor- poration, requesting that the selec- tion of director conform wifh the . method approved in the by-laws. (Continued on page 14) 6 FILM REVIEWS Vedaewli;, Dwaber 29, 1954 The Bridge* at Toko-KI (COLOR) Greei Fire (COLOR — SONG— C’SCOPE) Seek war melodrama for strong response in all situa- tions. Hollywood, Dec. 23. Paramount release of a William Perl- berg-George Seaton production. Stars Wil- liam Holden. Grace Kelly. Fredric March. Mickey Rooney; features Robert 6trauss. Charles McC.tw, Keiko Awaji. Directed i by Mark Robson. Screenplay, Valentine Davies; based on novel by Barnes A. Michener; camera. Loyal Griggs; aerial photographv. Charles G. Clarke; editor, Alma Macror*"; music, Lyn Murray. Run- ning time. 1*2 MINS. Lt. Harry Erubacher (USNR) William Holden > Nancy Brubo'-her .... Grace Kelly Rear Admiral George Tarrant • Fredric March Mike Fornev Mickey Rooney Beer B; rrel .... Robert Strauss - Commander Wayne Lee . Charles McGraw Kimiko Keiko Awaji j Nestor Gsm'dre Earl Hollimar Lt. 4 PICTURES 7 FAN MAGS NOT STRIKING OUT Heavy Tax Load Motivates Germans; Seek Quick Mop-Up in Homeland; Gronich Also Sees Global Drive By FRED HIFT F.xtraordinary tax load being carried by the German producers is forcing them to focus attention on the domestic, rather than the export market, according to Fred Gronich. the Motion Picture Export Assn’s German rep. Gronich, who left N. Y. for Frankfurt over the past weekend, said in N. Y. last week that the technical and artistic standards of German production are high and still rising, and he expressed his conviction that the German indus- try was on the way to “turning out pictures that will be completely competitive in the international market.” Difficulty at the moment, he ex- plained. is that— with the tax load so great— the Germans are still pri- marily engaged in making films de- signed to pay off in the surefire domestic German market, with ex- port considerations secondary. This is changing rapidly, however, with the German industry becom- ing definitely conscious of the need to establish itself in the Conti- nental and overseas markets. Gronich. whose quickie U. S. trip was occasioned by the death of a brother, indicated he was aware of considerable German sen- timent for reestablishing the in- dustry abroad and of plans aiming towards that end. The govern- ment. he said, was aware of the in- dustry's need for an export mar- ket and it’s likely that in the year to come, the Germans will estab- lish themselves abroad, possibly in the manner of Italian Films Export which both publicizes and distrib- utes the Italo product. MeanwhHe, he reported, the Ger- ( Continued on page 16) N.Y. CRITICS' CIRCLE PICKS BESTS OF 1954 Columbia’s “Pn the Waterfront” was named the best picture of 1954 by the New York Film Critics Cir- cle in their annual selection of motion picture honors. Choice was made on.the first ballot. Balloting yesterday (Tues.) of lb reviewers representing the metro- politan daily newspapers saw Mar- ion Brando cop the best actor award for “Waterfront'* and Grace Kelly the ,best actress accolade. Miss Kelly was named for her per- formances in three pictures — “Rear Window” (Par), “Dial M for Mur- der” (\VB> and “The Country Girl” (Par). “Waterfront,” produced by Sam Spiegel, was also responsible for winning Elia Kazan the nod as the year’s best director. “Gate of Hell,” the Japanese im- port being released by Ed Harrison, received the honor as best foreign picture of the year. The awards will be presented to the winners sometime in January at Sardi’s, N.Y. ^ Paramount Distributing Proxy A. W. Schwalberg insists that quality films aiona count and deprecates That Product Shortage * * * one ef tbe many byline pieces *" In tbe 49th Anniversary Number ef y^RIEfY OCT NEXT WEEK In IndanaDoodlings’ Grope for Axioms Governing Terms In a doodling mood, the Allied Theatre Owners of Indiana has jotted down “just for fun” some figures on sliding scales and how control figures on a theatre’s over- head might be established. While distributors may not be interested in a theatre’s overhead, the ATOI notes, “the fact remains that you must take your expenses into ac- count in order to know how much you can afford to pay in film rental. The “jottings” resulted in three different formulas. The first, based on profit equals film rental, is seen as applying particularly to the very small situa- tions. Citing, for example, an ex- hibitor who grossed $150 for Sun- day-Monday-Tuesday and paying $45 film rental, the ATOI says he cannot be satisfied with less than another $J5 for his profit. „ In this instance, the exhib org says he can pay 25% on a gross two times (Continued on page 16) PIG BIZ BOOM BUILDS READERS By IIY HOLLINGER Motion picture fan magazines, despite the ups and downs of the film business, have remained an in- tegral adjunct of the industry. The three major fan publications — Pho- toplay, Modern Screen, and Motion Picture — held on to their reader- ship even during the lull in film attendance. As one publisher ex- plained it: “Maybe our leaders didn’t go to the movies as often as before, but they still maintained their loyalty to the stars." George T. Delacorte Jr., publish- er of Dell’s Modern Screen, said that the fan books over the long pull “are tied up with the pros- perity and advertising of the mo- tion picture industry. If the down- ward trend of the film industry had continued, w'e would have suf- fered eventually." While the top, established film books held their own during the film biz’s recent “darkest hours,” some of the secondary and one- shot publications fell by the way- side or suspended operation tem- porarily. Some have now returned. The pattern of prosperity for the leading fan publications follows the trend of other national maga- zines rather than the vicissitudes of the film business itself. During the first six months of 1954 there was a general drop in magazine business of from 10% to 25%. The | Combination of CinemaScope, fan books, according to the leading and more interesting choice of sub- - _ . - - . - _ _ • A A A % J _ 1 — .1 1 _ December s Best Grossers Include Repeaters, 'Desiree/ 'Paris/ ‘Xmas’ ; ‘Phffft’ Gets Into Scoring Pack Me Pub-Ad Veep V Howard Dietz tongue-in-cheek Manner detail! hi* own fonnela for The Practical Side of Show Biz e bright editorial feature In tbe 49th Anniversary Number ef OUT NEXT WEEK Jones Explains Exhibs’ Renewed Zest for Shorts least de- O' publishers, showed the cline, sliding about 10% to 12 ;o Fan mags are not dependent on the film distributors for advertis- ing. Only 20% of their paid space comes from the motion picture companies. This applies particular- ly to the three leaders — Photoplay, Modern Screen, and Motion Pic- ture — which obtain 80% of their advertising from cosmetic and fash- ion firms, with the former the prime source. This points up the predominantly femme readership of the publications, the majority being in the teenage bracket. Although one or two of the film companies are maintaining their fan mag schedules intact, the in- dustry as a whole Is currently spending about one-third less in space, according to Dell’s Dela- corte. The cosmetic and fashion (Continued on page 14) ject matter, is beginning to re-es tablish shorts as an important part of the theatre program, according to Lem Jones, 20th-Fox short sub- jects sales manner. Returning to N. Y. last week fol- lowing a two week trip to the w'est and northwest, Jones said he had encountered considerable evidence that exhibs are once again attrib- uting a ticket-selling value to the onereelers. ‘‘They’re asking for one-sheets and other promotional material,” he said. “In some places I found shorts advertised, something theatres haven’t done for a long time.” One of Jones' missions on the jaunt was to convince exhibs to run a C’Scope short along with trailers of forthcoming C’Scope attractions. Theatre running a 2-D bill and inserting a trailer to call (Continued on page 17) The boxofflee winners in Decem- ber in many instances were the same big grossers which scored in November, according to reports from Variety correspondents in some 24 key cities. This was a natural development as many ex- hibitors held on to the b.o. champs of November in an effort to weath- er the usual pre-Xmas slump. Oth- erwise, theatres brought in reissues or juggled their product to get by with any available fare until the year-end holidays heralded the usual upbeat. “White Christmas” (Par), the initial Vista-Vision production, did a full repeat of its November per- formance to easily cop the Decem- ber boxoflice sweepstakes. The Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye musical registered more than $1,000,000 gross in the first four weeks of the month, something of phenomenal nature for such season of the year and in view of the fact that most of the coin came from extended run dates. “Christmas,” which will get not only extensive playdating for the Christmas-New Year’s holi- days in this country but also in the foreign market, already has indicated just how terrific this money will be. Pic has been get- ting three to five times as much as what pictures- normally gross in a good week in keys of 50,000 to 60,000 population. “Desiree” (20th), a C'Scoper with the hypo of Marlon Brando’s name, is taking second place. “Cin- erama” (Indie) is finishing third, although sloughing off in recent weeks pre-holidays. Film was fourth in the previous month. “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G) is managing to take fourth spot. “Carmen Jones” (20th) is captur- ing fifth position while “Drum (Continued on page 14) ECONOMICS, LOCAL RIVALRY ARE BLURS IN 1955 CRYSTAL BALL ON PIX ABROAD U phold Karp Handling Of ‘Pop* Sherman Stock Hollywood. Dec. 28. District Court of Appeals, by unanimous decision, has upheld sale of California Studios stock by •Jacob Karp, administrator of es- lale oi late Hafry “Pop” Sher- rnan. The 15-page ruling held cioss-Krasne Inc. obtained stock •lie in accordance with procedures s , el , fffrth in Probate Court Judge Newcomb Condee. i A l . nan ' s daughters Theodora . ' i 1 Uvvynne Sherman had ap- Uu, Judge a decision, contend- k other bids for property weren’t onin! deied ’ In upholding sale. " I" f p P roved Karp’s action and Cl*? tf J at he "feced a crisis mmed aieiy upon qualifying. He mann _ in hold straightforward tiouslv 1 ’ j.^Pfditiously, conscien- Tl ad he not done so, judge by who is now criticized for his orders m 1 , 8ht already ^■ninistrator.’ have installed new Rising foreign distribution costs, coupled wth a threat of more in- tense competition from native pic- tures and the possibility of eco- nomic deterioration in some areas, are among the prospects ahead for the industry, internationally, dur- ing 1955, Year’s end traditionally is the time to do some crystalball gazing. Company execs charged with sell- ing the American product abroad on the whole are optimistic in their outlook for the coming year. Pri- marily there’s the feeling that the overseas b.o. is’ still capable of ex- pansion via new theatres and the kind of better and bigger films Hollywood is now turning out. Point is made that one of the great positive factors in 1955 will be the spread of CinemaScope in Europe and elsewhere. As it has done in the U. S., CinemaScope at its inception is apt to produce ex- traordinary grosses and, as it settles down, grosses that are well above the average. It is a pattern that augurs well for the foreign market next year, execs believe. But even as they contemplate a better year at the b.o. abroad, foreign sales toppers are con- scious of a host of major and minor problems In the months to come. The problem of the socalled non- controllable costs, i.e. taxes, wages, etc., is but one of the many. Amer- ican outfits have tried hard to keep I controllable expenses down and imost of them have succeeded. However, the curve of other costs is rising at a worriesome rate. Japan and Brazil Of the major world markets, the two specifically concerning indus- try execs are Japan, which is in economic straits and trying to cut down on both imports and re- mittances, and Brazil where there has been a steady devaluation of the currency, forcing the Ameri- can distribs .to earn a lot more local coin to keep remittances at an even keel. They had a taste of this in Chile this year and the prospects of devaluation taking place in other spots — such as the Philippines, for instance — is not a pleasing one. To make matters worse, both in South America and elsewhere, governments have kept the lid on admission prices. Where on the one hand authorities have fought against allowing films to be put into an “essential” category, on the other hand they have insisted On keeping admissions to a fixed level for precisely the reason that pix are the only popular entertain- ment available and should not be priced out of the reach of the aver- age man and his family. Aboaf’s Estimate As for the overall economic pic- ture, men like Aqierico Aboaf, Uni- versal’s foreign .sales manager, take the view that it is still very closely tied to the volume of for- eign aid the U. S. will grant to any one particular country. Since this aid is gradually diminishing, the American pic biz is certain to suffer the consequences as dif- ferent governments tighten up on their dollar supply. “But,” commented Aboaf in N. Y. last week, “we do have a very powerful counter-weapon and that Is better pictures. There is no question that, just like the Ameri- can market, the foreign market also has already responded to this improvement in quality. Today, the ‘little picture’ means less abroad than ever. But there is no question that the ‘big’ picture can earn more than ever before.” There is a feeling that not only will 1955 see the French, Italian, German and British industries as tougher competitors of the Ameri- can imports, but the U. S. distribs w'ill have to compete more among themselves. This, it’s held, will be particularly true in the light of the still limited European and other overseas CinemaScope outlets. Asked last week whether he felt that somewhere there was a limit to the expansion of the foreign market as presently constituted, one of the foreign toppers replied that, in his view, there did exist such a limit. “When we reach it,” he said, “we’ll just have to do what we are trying to do at home all the time — take business away from one another.” This is a process which, some claim, has al- ready started. ARTHUR W. KELLY, 64, DIES IN NICE, FRANCE Arthur W. Kelly, 64, who died in Nice on Sunday (26), held a unique position in motion picture affairs. At various periods as exec vice- president of United Artists, he held complete rein over the company’s foreign operations which were be- yond the supervision of the presi- dent. He w'as eastern representative for and long time associate of Charles Chaplin. Yet, although Chaplin continued as an important UA stockholder, Kelly was eased out when the company a few years ago was shaken by an extreme shortage of product and w'as under- going management changes. He was among many UAites released when Paul V. McNutt and Frank Mc- Namee took over the helm in a deal with Chaplin and Mary Pick- ford that proved shortlived. At this point Kelly opened a pri- vate office in the, UA homeoffice building to function as sales rep- resentative on pictures made by Chaplin for UA release. Early in 1954 he moved to Paris where he intended to engage in the field of television production and distribu- tion. Born in London, Kelly began his film career in the U. S. in 1911 in association with Frank J. Gould Enterprises. He served with the British Army during World War I and following this joined UA as treasurer. He held various other posts, including an association with Eagle Lion, until 1947, when he was named UA’s exec v.p. Andrew Stone’s Company Hollywood, Dec. 28. New Indie film company, Andrew L. Stone, Inc., filed incorporation papers calling for permission to is- sue 100 shares of stock. In addi- tion to the producer, the directors are Virginia Stone and Gordon W. Levoy. . , Company’s first picture, recently completed for Columbia release, is “Terror In the Night.” PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, December 29 , 1954 LA. Big; ‘Sea Record $50,000, ‘Pagan’ Fast 20G, ‘Girl’ Same, ‘Circus’ Loud $26,000, Show Biz’ 45G, ‘Chalice’ 47G Los Angeles, Dec. 28. 4 Local first-runs, shaking off j slump of past few weeks are. 1 bouncing ahead to a smash session currently sparked by many big league entries. “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is heading for a new record of $50,000 at Wilshire. way ahead of any previous highs there. "Show Business” is giving its best gross since “The Robe” over a year ago, with fancy $45,000 prob- able. "Sign of Pagan” shapes fast $20,000 at Hollywood Paramount. “Country Girl” is fine $20,000 at Warner Bev while “Silver Chalice" also is robust with $47,000 in two locations. “Desiree” is doing nifty $39,000 in four spots. “Detective" is rated sock $11,000 at Four Star. ”3-Ring Circus” is sturdy $26,000 in two houses while "Young at Heart” looms brisk $26,000 at three. Estimates for This Week Warner Beverly — “3 Ring Circus” (Pari. Good $26,000. Last week, Orpheum, “Garden Eden (Indie) and "Window” <965; 70-$1.10) — “White Christmas” . Great $45,000. Last week, “Desiree” (20th) <5th wk-8 daya), $11,800. State, Egyptian (UATC) <2,404; 1.536; 90-$ 1.50)— "Deep In My Heart” (M-G). Fairly good $28,000. Last week, "Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Mighty Fortress” (AA) (8 days), $15,800. Los Angeles, Ritz, Loyola, Holly- wood (FWC) (2,097; 1,363; 1.248; 756; $1-$1.50)— “Desiree” (20th) and “Steel Cage” (UA). Nifty $39,- 000. Last week, with New Fox, without Hollywood, “Twist of Fate” — "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Record $50,000. Last week, with Iris. Rialto, “Carmen Jones” (20th) $10,000. Hillstreet, Pantages (RKO) <2,- 752; 2.812; $1-$1. 50) — "Silver Chalice” (WB). Robust $47,000. Last week, Pantages, “Star Is Born” (WB) (12th wk-9 days), $9,500. El Rey (FWC) <861'; $1-$1.50)— “Romeo and Juliet” — “Barefoot Contessa” (UA> < 8th wk). Neat $5,000. Last week. $6,500. Warner Hollywood . Smash $35,000. Last week, “As- phalt Jungle” M-G i and "Battle- ground” (reissues), $8,000. Broadway - Capitol (UD) <3.500; 80-$l>— “Destry” and "Phantom of the Rue Morgue” , (5th wk), $6,000. Adams <1,700; 80-95) — “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Utopia” (Indie>. Oke $12,000. Last week. “Last Time I Saw Paris” (M-G), (4th wk), $5,200. Music Hall (Cinerama Produc- tions) (1.194; $140-$2.65 )— "Cine- rama” * Indie) (93rd wk). Re- bound to big $16,000. Last week, $ 8 , 000 . ‘Sea’ Record $17,000, Omaha; ‘Destry’ Big- 8G Omaha, Dec. 28. "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” at the State and “Silver Chalice’ 1 at the big Orpheum are the paceset- ters this holiday session. Both are sock. All spots are up, with “I?es- try” especially big at the Omaha. “Hansel and Gretel,” getting heavy moppet play at the Brandeis, looms great. ’Sea’ looks to hit a new- record at State. Estimates for This Week Brandeis <1.100; 50-75)— “Hansel and Gretel” and “Private Hell” i Indie). Big $8,000 or near. Last week. "Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue), $5,000. Orpheum (Tristates) <2,890; 75- $1> — "Silver Chalice” (WB). Ex- cellent $14,000. Last week, “Hu- man Jungle” and “Bowery to Bagdad” (AA >, $8,000 at 70c-90c scale. State (Goldberg) <875; 75-$l) — “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). Smash $17,000. Last week, “Bob Mathias Story” i AA) and "Fast and Furious” dndie', $3,000 at 80c top. ‘Cruz’ Terrif 22G, Cincy; ‘Sea’ 16G Cincinnati, Dec. 28. Strong lineup of new bills is magneting trade to downtown^! houses this week in high holiday volume. Far afront of the pack is “Vera Cruz.” terrific at Keith’s after record "White Christmas” run. Walt Disney’s "20.000 Leagues” has the Palice in clover and the Albee shapes okay with “3-Ring Circus.” Grand is getting satisfac- torv juve response on “Hansel and Gretel.” Estimates for This Week Albee '8th wk) and “The Promoter” ( U * (2d run', Oke $1,100. Last week. $900. Kimo (Dickinson! <504; 75-$l) — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA). Best here recently, great $3,500. Stays. Last week, “Julius Caesar” . Fast $4,500. Last week, “Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde” (M-G) and “Woman’s Face” (M-G) (reissues) (4th wk), $ 2 , 100 . Larkin (Rosener) (400; $1) — “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday” . Sprightly $13,000. Last week, “Battleground” (M-G) and “Asp- halt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues), $4,400. Cinema (Schwaber) (466; 50-SI ) — “Bread, Love. Dreams” <2.800: 50- $1) — "20,000 Leagues Under Sea” , $13,000. Stanley (SW) (2.900; 74-$1.40>— “Silver Chalice” (WB). Fine $27.- 000. Last week, “Carmen Jones” (20th) (5th wk). $9,000. Stanton (SW) (1.473; 50-99)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO). Sock $15,000. Last week, “This Is My Love” (RKO) and “Gog” (UA», $ 6 , 000 . Viking (Sley) (1,000; 74-$1.50)— “Last Time Saw Paris” (2d wk). Neat $10,000 or over. Last week, $16,000. Trans-Lux World — Young At Heart" (WB> with Don Cornell topping vaude (2d wk 1 . Tall $56,000. Last week. $54,000 Grand (Nomikos) (1,200; 98- $1.25 '• — "Fire Over Africa" (Col) and “They Rode West" Coll. Fair $10,000 Last week, “Drum Beat" * W B * <4th wk), $6,000. Loop (Telem’t) (606: 90-$l:25> — "Hansel and Gretel” (RKO). Lofty $16,000. Last week. "Reap Wild Wind" .reissue) (3d wk), $4,500 in 5 days. McVickers ( JL&SM2,200; 65- $1 25'— "Deep in My Heart” (M-G>. Nice $23,000. Last week, "Phffft” (Col) 1 4th wk). $10,000. Monroe (Indie) 1,000; 65-87) — "Trouble in Glen” (Rep). Tall $12,000. Last week, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” — Cinerama” (Indie) 74th wk). Good $19,000. Last week. $21,000. State-Lake — "Aida” • n , Sockeroo $8,000. Last week. ,“[ ead - Love and Dreams" (IFE) (6th wk) $2,000. Last (GBD- ‘Show Biz’ Great $16,000, Prov.; ‘Cruz’ Sock 14G Majestic " 'th “No Business" Providence, Dec. 28. is hitting it off nicely Business Like Show c, , , (his session. Loew’s ^tate Is hep with •'o i l e the Strand is J H;ng Circus only fair Gretel. “ with ‘Vera Cruz” happy with RKO Albee is “Hansel and Lstimates for This Week Alheo - RKO» <2.200; 50-75)— ®' ld Gretel" (RKO) and S? nnn a * dve nture” (RKO). Slow gar ‘ ' n ' 3St ' veek - “Bengal Bri- -lA,S«W“ nd ■' G °‘ Man - G °'' U,,.... l (2.200; 70-$ D— (20 t, ? ess Like Show Business” , 'h Lpoed scale $16,000. Hark Streets Guns t 0 •\^ ate ' L °eWa> (3,200; 50-751— Lao J 5™; «UA). Big $14,000. (M c> voek - “Beau Brummell” (L A , S7 : 'i] d “Diamond Wizard” Mrand Siiverman) (2,200; 70-90) $13n<», n " Circus ” (Par). Sock Hours » H' t- r. ear - Last week “3 Bakotas” (Con - (Con and “ Black Estimates Are Net Film gross estimates as re- ported herewith from the vari- ous key cities, are net; i.e., without usual tax. Distrib- utors share on net take, when playing percentage, hence the estimated figures are net in- come. The parenthetic admission prices, however, as indicated, include the U. S. amusement tax. ‘Show Biz’ Great $19,01)8 Tops Pitt Pittsburgh^ Dec. 28. • Downtown is looking up sharply again, with the shopping season ovct and fine weather over the Xmas weekend helping. Harris has the Yule winner in "There’s No Business Like Show Business,” w'hich should hit a socko figure. Penn’s “Deep In My Heart” shapes smart. Squirrel Hill is smash with “The Detective.” "Carmen Jones” doing well enough to hold at Fulton. Estimates for This Week Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 65-$1.10)— "Carmen Jones” (20th). Doing fair- ly well at $12,500. Will hold. Last week. "Princess of Nile” (20th) and "Gambler From Natchez" (20th), $3,500. Harris (Harris) (2.165; 65-$1.25) — "No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th>r Should kick in with a socko $19,000. Last week. "The Raid” (20th), $4,000 in 6 days. Penn (UA) (3.300; 65-SI )— “Deep In My Heart” (M-G). Heading for smart $16,000 or over. Last .week, “Sitting Bull” was yanked after four days at anemic $3,000. Last week. "Bounty Hunter” (WB), $5 000. Warner (SW) <1.365; $1.25-$2.65) — “Cinqrama” (Indie) (56th wk). Holiday pickup expected to contin- ue down the stretch with announce- ment that it’s finally closing Feb. 12 to make way for the second one, "Cinerama Holiday.” Edging close to oke $9,000 this week. Last week, $4,500. ‘SEA’ LIVELY $28,000, BUFF.; ‘CIRCUS’ 8G Buffalo. Dec. 28. Christmas holiday week trade is soaring here. "Show Business” is rated strong at the, Buffalo. But real sock newcomers are "20.000 Leagues Under Sea” at Century and “Silver Chalice” at the Cen- ter. "3-Ring Circus” looms bright at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Buffalo (Loew) (3.000; 50$ D — “Show Business” <20th). Strong $20,000 or better. Last week, "Battleground” (M-G) and "As- phalt Jungle” (M-G) (reissues), $5,000 in 6 days. Paramount (Par) <3,000; 50-80) — “Three Ring Circus” (Par). Bright $18,000. Last week, “Crest of Wave" (M-G) and “Hell’s Outpost” (Indie), $7,000. Center (Par) <2.000; 50-80) — “Silver Chalice" (WB). Heading for smash $16,000 or over. Last week, “Carmen Jones" (20th) (2d wk-9 days), $8,000. Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 50-80)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO) and “Yellow Mountain” (Indie). Okay $10,000. Last week. “Sands Iwo Jima” (Rep) and “War of Wildcats” (Rep) (reissues), $5,000 In 6 days. Century (Buhawkt (3.000; 50-$l) — ‘‘20.000 Leagues Under the Sea” • BV). Soaring to wham $28,000 or close. Last week. ’’Bob Mathias Story” — "Bread, Love, Dreams” (IFE). Opened Sunday (26*. Last week. "Inspector Calls” (Rank) (4th wk', fair $4,000. Fenway (NET) (1,373; (75-SI. 25) — "3 Ring Circus” and “Jam- (Continucd on page 16) ‘Pagan Lusty 10G, D.C.; Chalice’ 23G Washington, Dec. 28. Film biz generally is smash along the mainstem with upbeat of Christmas Day and holiday week ticket supplanting the weakness of pre-Xmas week. Top drawer new product moving into virtually every showcase for week provides a strong assist in the loud b.o. music, with upped tab on children admissions also helping. "Sign of Pagan,” “Silver Chalice.” “Show Business,” “20,000 Leagues Under Sea” and “Deep in My Heart” lead boxoffice parade, with “Hansel and Gretel” providing a big disappoint- ment. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (SW) (1.400; 70-$l) —“Silver Chalice” (WB). Big $8,- 000 or over. Last week. “Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and "Big Sleep” (WB) (reissues), $3,500. Capitol (Loew’s) (3,434; 75-$l)— "Deep in My Heart” (M-G)... Fancy $22,000. Last w'eek. “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (3d wk), $9,000 in 9 days. Columbia (Loew'si <1.174; 70-95) —“Hansel and Gretel" (RKO). Dis- appointing $7,000 despite advanced prices. Last week, "Crossed Swords” (UA), ’$7,000. Dupont (Lopert) (372; 65-$l) — "Romeo and Juliet” (UA* Big $8.- 000. Last week. "Ugetsu” (Indie) (4th wk), $2,000. Keith’s (RKO) (1.939; 75-$l>— "20.000 Leagues Under Sea” . Mighty $10,000. Last week. “Rear Window” (Par) (16th wk), $2,500. Did $93,- 000 in 16 weeks. Warner (SWF (1,300; $1.20-$2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) <60th wk>. Profitable $12,000 after $7,000 last week. Trans-Lux (T-L) (600: 70-$l)— “On Waterfront” (15th wk). Oke $3,000 in 6 days, and end run. Last week, same. B’way Booms; 'Chalice’ Boff o 80G, ‘Sea’ Wow 63G, 'Cruz’ Sockeroo 90G, 'Circus’ 60G, ‘Heart-Stage Huge 190G ‘SHOW BIZ’ FAST 28G, ST. LOO; ‘SEA’ LOUD 22G St. Louis. Dec. 28. Biz at mainstem houses has taken a sharp upbeat after a mild session last week. “Show Business” is rolling up a great total at the St. Louis to pace city although ; “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” is not j far behind and playing the much ; smaller Orpheum. “Hansel and i Gretel” looks nice In two arty theatres. “Sitting Bull” Is rated only fair at Loew’s. Estimates for This Week Ambassador (Indie) (1,400; $1.20- $2.40) — “Cinerama” (Indie) (48th wk>. Good $11,000 after $10,000 , last round. Fox (FAM) (5,000; 65-90) — I (Continued on page 1G) Combination of usual Christmas week holiday upbeat, mild and clear weather until late yesterday (Tues.) and launching of nine new pictures is spelling a terrific week at Broadway first-runs this session. Fact that Christmas fell on Satur- day this year made Dec. 25 one of the biggest in many years at most of the deluxers. There was a slight dip Monday, and then trade roared ahead yesterday (Tues.). Of the newcomers. "Vera Cruz” at the Capitol, “20,000 Leagues Un- der Sea” at Astor and “Silver Chalice” at Paramount shape standout. Par’s “Chalice,” is head- ing for a mighty $80,000 while “Vera Cruz” likewise is terrific with $90,000 in prospect. Both in- clude New Year’s Eve. "Sea” looks to reach an amazing $63,000 in first round ending today (Wed.). "Three-Ring Circus" is another smash newcomer, with a giant $60,- 000 in prospect opening round at State. Another Paramount pic, “Country Girl.” at nearby Crite- rion. is pushing to a sockeroo $67,- 000 in second week or about $10,- 000 ahead of initial session. Christmas stageshoyv with "Deep in My Heart” at the Music Hall continues to amaze, with a giant $190,000 probable for current (3d) stanza. The combo may crack the all-time money high for one week. "No Business Like Show Business” is soaring to nearly double open- ing week's take, with $142,000 in sight for present week, the second, at the Roxy. "Green Fire.” a -new entrant, looks like about '$19,000 in first round at Mayfair, not good for this season of year. “Athena” did okay $10,000 in initial stanza at the Globe while new combo of “This Is My Love” and vaude is soaring to smash $29,000 at Palace. Another new pic, “Romeo and Juliet,’’ is rated sock $15,000 at Sutton. "Tonight’s the Night.” also new. likely will reach big $10,000 at Trans-Lux 52d Street. "Gate of Hell” climbed to giant $22,500 in second week at Guild, phenomenal for this small house. “Star Is Born” did nice $23,000 in 11th week at Victoria. Estimates for This Week Astor (City Inv.) <1,300; 75-$1.75) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV). Soaring to wow $63,000 but not a new record in first week ending today (Wed.). Holds, of course. In ahead. “Waterfront” (Col) (21st wk-8 days), $11,500. Little Carnegie (L. Carnegie) (550; $1.25-$2.20> — “Aida” (IFE) (7th w r k>. Present stanza winding today (Wed.) is pushing to great $11,500 or better after $7,500 in sixth week. Continues. Baronet (Reade) (430; 90-$1.55) — "Game of Love” (Indie) (3d wk). Initial holdover session ended Monday (27) continued big with $9,406 after $11,200 opening week. Capitol (Loew’s) (4,820; 85-$2.20) — “Vera Cruz” (UA). This is roar- ing ahead to terrific $90,000 or thereabouts in first stanza ending Friday (3D. First week includes New Years. Holds, natch! In ahead, “Last Time Saw Paris” (M-G) (5th wk). $15,000. Criterion .Moss) (1.700; 75-$2.20) — "Country Girl” (Par) (2d wk). First holdover frame ending today (Wed.) appears headed for sockeroo $67,000 as against $57,000, in first week, terrific for pre-Xmas session. Stays on indef. Second session likely will be one of greatest ever at house. Fine Arts (Davis) (468; 90-$1.80) —“The Detective” (CoD (9th wk). The eighth week ended Sunday (26) held up strongly with $6,000 after $6,500 in seventh roand. Con- tinues on. Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.50> — “Athena” (M-G) <2d wk). First stanza ended Monday (27) hit okay $10,000. good in view of opening pre-Xmas. In ahead, “This Army" <20th> and "Utopia” (Indie', dull $5,000 with preview. Guild (Guild* (450; $1-$1 .80) — "Gate bf Hell” (Indie) (3d wk'. 1 Second round ended Sunday (26' | hit mighty $22,500 after $21,000 opener. Stays on indef. naturally. 1 Mayfair (Brandt) (1,738; 79- $1.80)— “Green Fire” . Head- , ing for $19,000. not so good for season of year. First session end- i ine tomorrow . Will hold. Normandie (Trans-Lux) (592; 95- $1.75> — “Big Day” (Indie) (2d wk>. Initial holdover frame ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks to get ! smooth $4,200 after $6,200 open- ing week. Cor inues. Palace (RKO: (1.700; 50-$1.60)— ■ “This Is My Love” (RKO) and I \ audeville. Week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) looks like smash $29,000, best here in months. Last »eek, "Port of Hell” (AA) and vaude, $19,200. Paramount (ABC-Par) (3.664; 85- $1.75) — “Silver Chalice” (WB). initial week winding up Friday (31) is heading for mighty $80,000. First week includes New Year’s Eve. House brings in “Young at Heart” (WB) for the single day Friday (3D. with “Chalice” resum- ing its run Jan. 1. “Chalice” naturally is holding. In ahead, v Track of Cat” (WB) (3d wk-10 days), $26,000. Paris (Pathe Cinema) f568; 90- $1.80) — “Animal Farm” (Indie). Opens today (Wed.). In ahead, “Bread. Love, Dreams” (IFE* (14th wk-9 days), okay $7,000 after $5,200 for 13th full week, to round out a highly successful longrun here. < Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- fellers) (6.200; 95-$2.75)— "Deep in My Heart” (M-G) with annual Christmas stageshow (3d wk). Current session is climbing to soar- ing to colossal $190,000 and may equal all-time weekly gross mark. Week only included three 5-show days where generally* Christmas week takes in more expanded- schedule days and this cut in some. Holding, natch! Second week was $168,000. Continues on, with re- served seats for New Year’s Eve show sold out many weeks ago. Roxy (Nat’l. Th.) (5,717; 65-$2.40) "No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th) (2d wk). Initial hold- over session (ending tomorrow) is pushing to whopping $142,000 or close after $77,000 opening week, not up to hopes, obviously the pre- Xmas lull hurting more than antici- pated. Holds on. State (Loew’s) (3,450; 78-$1.75>— “Three-Ring Circus” (Par). Looks to land huge $60,000 in initial stanza ending tomorrow (Thurs.). This Martin-Lewis pic is second Paramount VistaVision production. In ahead. “Phffft” (Col) (7th wk-9 tion. Naturally, it is staying on. days), $10,000. Sutton (R&B) (561; $1-$1.80> — “Romeo and Juliet” (UA) (2d wk). First session ended Monday (27) hit socko $15,500, with 140-minute running time hurting turnover. In ahead. “High and Dry” — “Hunter? of Deep” (DCA) (2d wk». Current round ending today (Wed.) is heading for fine $3,000 or over after $5,700 for first week. Trans-Lux 52nd St (T-L) <540; $ 1 -$ 1 .50 ) — "Tonight’s the Night” (AA). Looks to get socko $10,000 or better in first week ending to- day (Wed). -Holds. Regular run was preceded by gala preem on night of Dec. 22. Victoria (City Inv.) (1,060; 50- $1.75) — “Star Is Bom” (WB* (12th wk). The 11th week ended Sun- day (26> perked up to sock $23.- 000 after $20,000 in 10th week. Holds on. Warner (Cinerama Prod.) (1,600; $1.20-$3.30) — "Cinerama” (Indie) <82d wk>. The 81st week ended Saturday (25 > held at big $30,000 after $31,000 in 80th session. An- nounced that this initial "Cine- rama” production has only six weeks to go at this house, next “Cinerama” pic being due early in February. ‘Pagan’ Powerhouse 18G, Toronto; ‘Circus’ Bangup 25G, ‘Show Biz’ Ditto Toronto, Dec. 28. With release of top holiday prod- uct. the town is jumping, with such items as “No Business Like Show Business," "Sign of Pagan” and “3-Ring Circus" off to socko starts, with trio neck-and-neck for town’s top coin. Also hefty are “Deep in Heart" and “So This Is Paris.” with “Young at Heart” also fine at a two-house combo. “Trouble in the Glen” and “Vanishing Prairie” likewise shaoe sturdy. Estimates for This Week Downtown, Glendale, Scarboro, State (Taylor) (1.059; 955; 698; 694; 40-70)— “Naked Alibi” (U) and "Dawn at Socorro” . Be- lows hopes at a lean $5,000. Casino (Indie) <1.337; 70-$2.15) — “Cinerama” (Robin) < 12th wk). Dinped slightly to good $10,500. Empire (M-G) <3.099; 55-$1.70)-r “Make Me an Offer” . Fair $2 300. Warner (WB> (1.735; 50-$1.70)— “Carrington, V. C.” (IFD) (2d wk). Nice $6,200 after sturdy $7,800 opening week. 'CINERAMA' CLICKS AT BANGKOK’S FILM FAIR Washington, Dec. 28. Topped by “This Is Cinerama,” the U. S. exhibit at the Bangkok Fair in Thailand took first prize for originality, the U. S. Informa- tion Agency has announced here. Impact of “Cinerama” was just as great as it had been previously at the Damascus Fair in Syria. Crowds were so big and ticket demand so great that the show is being held over for two additional weeks after the end of the fair. It is being shown in a 2,000-seat auditorium; hence the added time will enable an estimated 56,000 more Siamese to witness “Ciner- ama.” U. S. exhibit also included American fireworks, a see-your- self television show, sale of tv and hi-fi equipment. Honolulu House Sold BBC-TV, Brit Equity Agree ob fre Wares London, Dec. 20. An agreement has beep reached between BBC-TV and British As- tors Equity which will permit re- peat airings of kinescoped pro- grams. Hitherto the ihespers’ union h&d imposed a bar until settlement had been negotiated. ' Under the tdVms of pact the BBC is permitted to repeat a program twice within a year of its original airing. If the repeat is given with- in four weeks, the artists will re- ceive a fee equal to^ their original payment excluding rehearsal fees. 1 If the repeat is given later, the | payment will be 75% of the total paid for rehearsals and first per- formance. ‘Xmas,’ ‘Obsession,’ Coins Mex Draws Mexico City, Dec. 21. Pix are top draws here more than ever this Yuletide, tradition- ally a long one in Mexico — Dec. 16 to Jan. 6. U’s partly because that’s in tune with the seasonal buying trend this time — the most for the least money. Such strong films as “The Stu- dent Prince” (M-G), “White Christ- mas” (Par), “Three Coins in Foun tain” (20th) and “Magnificent Ob session” (U) are all playing to top biz, with long lines at most shows. Choice pix only cost 32c. It’s difficult to find good stage fare for less than $1.20. Theatres and nite- ries admit trade is under par. See Spanish-Portaguese Film Co. Prods, in Near Future; Some Deals Set Lisbon, Dec. 21. Producers Anibal Contreiras and Artur Duarte have been busy going between here and Madrid in the last few weeks trying to close deals for production of films in both countries. Contreiras plans to produce Spanish - Portuguese pix here with the cooperation of Sue- via Films-Cesareo Gonzales; pro- ducer Benito Perojo and Espejo Films, all of Madrid. . The Spanish part of the setup will contribute artists and techni- cians while Contreiras will pro- vide necessary facilities and money in Portugal. Contreiras, who is also a distributor and owner of a chain of cinemas, is furnishing a suitable Portuguese market. He also will be very busy next spring because he’s in charge of the or- ganization 'of a Spanish Films Week here, organized by the Span- ish Foreign Ministry and its Em- bassy in Lisbon and by the Ma- drid Film critics circle. Producer Duarte has just fin- , isl^ed his pic, "Zalacain, the Ad- venturer,” in Spain for Espejo | Films. It stars Helenita Espejo, Virgillio Teixcira and Humberto Madeira. He also has signed a pact with Infante Camara. Portuguese manager of Espejo Films, to pro- duce two other pix in collaboration 1 with Portugal. These will be done in Spain with a star coming over from Portugal to work in Madrid. Busy Ramsay Ames Madrid, Dec. 28. * Honolulu, Dec. 28. Sixth interest in the downtown King Theatre purchased by Von Holt Co., estate management con- sultants, from Alice Mary Mackin- tosh. now living in England, for $37,085. House is operated by Royal The- | atres Ltd., playing first-run Para- mount and Republic product. De- spite limited seating capacity, it Is regarded as one of Honolulu's j most profitable operations. Ramsay Ames. American actress who has been living here for some time, has been set for a top role in “Un Hada en la Ciudad” (A Fairy in the City), which is being pro- duced by Altamira & Algraga, with Salvia directing. Miss Ames also is starring in a pic (as yet untitled) which Juan de Ordina (“Locura de Amor”) starts next month. She also is be- ing cgnsidered for “Alexander the Great.” Hans Hoehn from lorfiB fim a clotoap of Show Biz In A Divided Metropolis * * * om of Hm many editorial TfOTurti in jmw 49th Anniversary Number of P'SkIBTy OUT NEXT WEEK Interchange Of - Scot-U.S.-Canada TV films Seen Edinburgh, Dec. 28. An interchange of filmed tv pro- grams between the U. S. A., Canada and Scotland is foresee!) by Rov Thomson, Canadian news- paper boss of Scotsman Publica- tions and of tv stations in Canada. He forecast here the filming of programs dealing with Scot indus- try, life and scenery, and their sale to American and Canadian tv sta- tions. Th ; s would encourage a de- mand for Scot products, and would also boost tourism. “Vice versa, there would be amole room here for interesting and instructive film programs from Canada and America,” added Thomson. He thought it possible that the Canadian tv^ system might be adopted in Scotiand. F’rinstance, in addition to the main national station, there would be local sta- tions in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dun- dee and Aberdeen, plus, possibly, one or two others to cover areas not getting good reception. He said that private tv stations now operating in Canadian cities of a size comparable to Aberdeen and Dundee were now broadcast- ing about eight hours per day. These hours were increasing all the time, and American private stations now largely operated for 16 hours each day. According to Roy Thomson, the advantage in the present Canadian system over BBC monopoly was that there was competiton for the viewer. The Canadian Broadcast- ing Corp. at all times was con- scious of the fact that, if they did not do a good job and give the public interesting programs of good quality, the public would watch the private stations. He warned that advertisements would only be bought if a station had a substantial and approving au- dience for its programs. Stations overloaded with advertising would become offensive to viewers. ‘Piper,’ ‘Holiday’ Preem In Big London Week London, Dec. 28. In a week when seasonal open- i ings normally dominate the West End, a new revue and musical made entries along Shaftesbury Avenue. The revue, “Pay the Piper,” opened at the Saville last Tues. (21), followed the next night by “Happy Holiday” at the Palace. First of the holiday openings last week was the new Bertram Mills Circus at the Olympia, with its familiar VIP audience headed by the Lord Mayor of London, with Lord Montgomery as guest of hon- or. This year’s program, more di- versified than last, has fewer horse parades and more skillful bal- ancing, high wire and trapeze ^cts. ! “Puss in Boots” was staged last Monday (12) by the London’s Chil- drens Theatre at the Fortune. This is a songless adaptation by Charles Perrault, and an adult style of dialog and presentation made an unusual variation to the traditional show. "Pay the Piper,” which Laurier Lister presented at the Saville after a provincial tryout tour, is I notable for the West End return of Elsie and Doris Waters, noted music hall act. The revue lacks the polish, intimacy and piquancy demanded for this type of produc- tion and may have difficulty in I staying the course. Paris Producers Bring Out Legit Big-Guns; Three Plays Look Hits Neagle-Flynn Film To Be Shot in Yugoslavia London, Dec. 21. The second Herbert Wilcox pro- duction to co-star Anna Neagle and Errol Flynn is to be lensed in Yugoslavia. It will be made both in Cinemascope and for the wide- screen ratio of 1.75 to 1. Entitled "King’s Rhapsody,” it,^tarts stu- dio filming at Elstree Studios Jan. 17 after which the unit will go on location. As a result of negotiations made by Wilcox during a recent visit to Belgrade, the Yugoslav au- thorities have arranged special fa- cilities which will include the pro- vision of up to 10,000 extras and grouping of the ballets from the j five states in the Yugoslav Repub- lic with the Folk Ballet Orchestra. “Rhapsody” is based on Ivor Novello’s musical • play of the same name. Wilcox will produce and direct. The initial Neagle- Flynn starrer, “Lilacs in the Spring,” had its West End preem Christmas Eve at the London Pa- vilion. Republic is distributing here and United Artists has Western Hemisphere rights. | . $2,250,000 Spent On Aussie C’Scope Sydney, Dec. 21. • At a film industry luncheon here hosted by Hoyts’ loop to mark first anni of CinemaScope in Aussie, the circuit’s topper, Ernest Turnbull, said hik company had spent $2,250,- 000 so far oh the anamorphic idea here. He added that biz as a con- sequence had been increased at the chain’s theatres. Turnbull claimed that, based on a comparison of 49 weeks of the old order and the first 49 weeks of C’Scope the loops ace Regent the- atres in Sydney, Melbourne, Bris- bane and Adelaide, average at- tendance was up 88% and average gross had jumped by 154%. He said Hoyts would have 100 houses equipped by next week. Turnbull pointed out that his out- fit and. the rival Greater Union had always been the best of friends, and there was nothing unusual in their getting together on a joint application for a tv license in Mel- bourne. GFD, Rank Distrib Co., Got Over $2,000,000 Of Eady Fund’s ’54 Total London, Dec. 28. Of almost $7,000,000 raised by the Eady Fund during the year ended last July 31, the J. Arthur Rank releasing outfit, General Film Distributors, received over - $2,000,000 as its share. British Lion collected mure than $1,000,- 000; Associated British-Pathc netted $6,400,000; Independent Film Distributors, $4,250,000 and Eros, $336,000. The Eady pool, which paid out a distribution of 36% of the dis- tributors gross, was shared be- tween 679 features and 55 dis- tributors. The fund operates to 4he bene- fit of all British quote pictures in- 1 eluding those made and financed i by the American majors. The j U. S. distribs collected from the ifund as follows: United Artists, '$117,000; Metro. $100,000; Repub- lic, $92,000; 20th-Fox, $81,000; Paramount, $52,000; WB, $29,000 | and Columbia, $28,000. U. S. Pix at German Film Week Frankfurt, Dec. 21. The neighboring town of Er- langen, Germany, has set its an- nual International Film Week to ; begin Jan. 15. Schedule includes U. S., French and German pix. ^irst screenings will be “Grapes of Wrath,” "Traumulus,” (with Emil Jannings), “The Puritan,” Jean Anouilh’s “Pattes Blanches” and the 1953 version of “Amphi- tryon.” By GENE MOSKOWITZ Paris, Dec. 28. Christinas is traditionally a time of theatregoing here, with legit di- rectors bringing in their big .guns to tap this flow of goodwill and moola. Not less than 17 r f ew plays have been put on the boards, with a clearing of the air showing three real heavyweights that look in for b.o. long after the holidays, and about seven of the remaining en- tries probably in for from fine to fair runs, with the rest to fade as soon as their Xmas funds run out. Of the 17, nine are originals, four reprises, three adaptations of lit- erary works and two are operettas. The big three came in with good publicity, name calibre, and also enough varying levels of good the- atre to warrant the success prob- ably in store. Most. likely to suc- ceed is the Marcel Ayme version of Arthur Miller's “The Crucible” at the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre. Called “I>es Sorcieres De Salem’* (“The Witches of Salem”), this is a first, stagewise, for singer Yves Montand and his film actress wife, Simone Signoret. Their names, plus the sock reviews, should be enough to make this a seasonal tdnant. Raymond Rouleau has given this story of intolerance and ignorance a breadth and substance In staging, and Montand emerges an actor of stature with Mile. Signoret second- ing him in a lesser role. Henri De Montherlant’s “Port- Royal,” at the Comedie-Francaise, I Is announced as his last play about a 17th century convent condemned by the Pope and dispersed by the Archbishop of Baris, done for 2 Vi hours without an intermission. Montherlant has written a pure, crystalline series of episodes huing to the unity of time, space ana action. However, the wordage, beautiful in itself, weighs a literary ton and the scenes of soul search- ing and doubt and grace succeed each other in heavy rhythm, and it is only at times that the breadth of drama sweeps into this heavy- handed piece. Stultifying rather than edifying in effect, this is pri- marily Gallic In appeal, and does not look to be a likely Anglo-Saxon export. Crix have unanimously la- beled this a masterpiece, but It Is of classical, declamatory style and its moments of beauty and revela- tion are not enough to make this transcend the lingo barrier, though it looks like another feather in the C-F cap, which has two hits this year. Massive Malraux Least likely to be a longrange hit is Thierry Maulnier’s adapta- tion of Andre Malraux’s massive novel of revolution and man’s need, “La Condition Humair.c.” Depict- ing an incident from the Chinese Revolution of 1927, this has a group of Communists who have joined •with Chiang Kal»Shek. After the victory they are told to lay down their arms but refuse, and are dropped by Moscow, who feel it is too soon to interfere in China. Staging at the Theatre Hebertot by Marcelle Tassencourt is reminiscent of the agit-prop theatre and is too splintered and sprawling before it gets down to its main theme. For the U. S,- Robert Sherwood is pur- portedly interested in adaptation and there is a possibility in this if the literary-styled dialog of this version is avoided and a more co- herent first half is blended togeth- ed Crix were split here, but the Malraux name and press discus- sions have helped make this a me- dium success which may grow by word-of-mouth. Secondary hits include a well- construcfed Whodunit and a hand- ful of reprises. “Affaire Vous Con- cernant” at the Theatre De Paris, by J. P. Conty, is a neatly con- structed detective play done in the manner of cool logic and sense by a humane inspector, much in the Anglo tradition. Two-sectioned set with the police office in the mid- dle allows for clever staging with flashbacks and sudden disclosures part of the setup to make this en- grossing, and with a chance for possible U. S. import, since this type of play, if well done, can al- ways spell b.o. After her disastrous experience with “The Man Who Came to Din- ner,” Simone Berriau, of the The- atre Antoine, has gone back to safer things in reviving a Georges Feydeau farce, "La Main Passe” (“The Roving Hand”). <;s DREW PEARSON PICTURES Wednesday, December 29, 1954 Irate Frisco Exchange Locals Cool . OS as IATSE Wins ’Em New Pay Pact San Francisco, Dec. 28. ♦ New pact between the Interna- VISTAVISION ON GALLOP tional Alliance of Theatrical Stage ViiiMViiiwwwi v * UaVr Employees and the companies Sel En ,,„ di Italy- December’s Best 10 1. “White Christmas” (Par)." 2. “Desiree” (20th). 3. “Cinerama” (Indie). 4. “Saw Paris” (M-G). 5 “Carmen Jones” (20th). 6 . “Drum Beat” (WB). 7 . “Star Is Born” (WB). 8 . “Contessa” (UA). 9 . “Track of Cat” (WB). 10. “Phffft” (Col). FOX WEST COAST BONUSES Rhoden Issues Season Passes Te All Circuit Help. Not Just Execs Fan Mags Continued fr pace 7 Los Angeles' Dec. 28. space is holding its own. Delacorte Fox West Coast handed out a said, with this business being only total of $93,748 in bonuses and about 5% off. V drive awards for H)54 to the cir- The importance of the fan mags cult’s Northern and Southern Cali- to the film industry is perhaps . 4 U a UralB on III EiHgftflHU, IHUJ — is looked upon as a step in the Fitzpatrick Travelog •Too right direction” toward eliminating Fttepatric k trav elog, rfi oo the beefs of th * f e *^} a " ge Paramount-fostered VistaVision against the parent u . " process, introduced to the public ternational office under the direc- fhe current relcase of .. White tl .°" . of . prexy Christmas,” is getting a worldwide obtained a $5.50 across-the-board * ! niir(a hnc ODiaineu a jpa.ou R ... _ t «ii rn nr«*» 1 * »eai is wmiuuib uf * "«* hike and a 37^-hour week. P;^ nly But £111, £° “"^teh up The latter was eighth in N.ve»- Mwta Long time complaint of the at- , wlth , he stm growlng ust of 20th- 1 her. the same executives tur 9 . “Track of Cat” (WB). fornia district and theatre man- summed up by Metro’s advertising 10. “Phffft” (Col). agers. In addition, Elmer C. Rho- chief Si Seadler. “We consider the • den, head of the parent compahy, fan magazines an important ad- L 1 - - 1 ' National Theatres, ordered season junct to our business in selling to 1$ L D ..la passes to be issued to all employes, the mass public, especially to the U 0 C 6 niD 6 r ■ dCOlS In the past they were issued only teenagers who comprise the largest to circuit executives. part of our audience,” he said. ts; continued from page 7 « Northern California managers “When there was a lull in film Beat” ( WB) is winding up sixth were' presented with $27,890 by business a few years ago, we did The latter was eighth in Novem- general manager Edwin F. ZabeP not cut our advertising This was h .with the still growing use of 20 th- , 'the same executives turned over filiated unions has been that the i Fox’s- CinemaScope. Spyros P. “Star Is- Born” (WB), second in *35 953 j n Southern California. IA toppers were not Sufficiently Skburas, 20th president, said he November, will take seventh spot. | ’ forceful in their negotiations with ; ,» X pects 125 C’Scope films from the The Judy Garland-James Mason the film companies. The dissatis- > y g ma j or companies In 1955^ starrer was b.o. champ in October. faction was manifested by several j ... p poinp in “Barefoot Contessa” (UAL sixth- abortive a . tt . em P t * * V’Vision. In England two* film! on place winner in November, is man- tb ? IA a 3 |?t t 0 i? Sii ioStrart the J- Arthur Rank Organization a S ln * to finlsh e, * hth ’ other AFL union*. New contract sked flre tQ be , ensed . q thig syg ‘Phffft’ Rounds Out List ^tisfaction bv the ex- tem and others may be added. In “Track of Cat” (WB), also a has somewhat ? taly the Lux ? nd Titanus outfite C’Scopcr. is taking ninth, although •Star Is' Born” (WB), second in KS'eKl. v ^ < t tvember will take seventh spot. * 65 ’ 858 m Southern ( alifornla. For publications whose fate is le Judy Garland-James Mason ■ n % t — — - closely allied with that of the film irrer w r as b.o. champ in October. _ |a aa ■ b ^> the *l ron f» comeback of pic- iarefoot Contessa” (UAL sixth- CathOlIC UNtlC - tbres bas ! P ro Y. ed a g welc °me boon, ice winners in November, is man- wwsmvmv Pines Publications, for example, is ing to finish eighth. continued from page 4 bringing back Silyer Screen and „ . A . . . . . , Screenland which suspended publi- Phffft Rounds Out List not a priest at aU within 20 min- cat i on in Aug., 1954. Previously "Track of Cat” (WB), also a utes after the feature starts.” monthlies, both books will return Scoper, is taking ninth, although ; Foy calls the South Bend attack j n February on a bi-monthly basis, dined to be spotty. Some critics I “completely unwarranted.” He unlike the publishers of Photo- Continued from page 4 rhanre staffers has somewhat ouinm acoper, is taxing mmn, roy cans uie aouiu dc.u in February on a bi-monthly basis, eased demands for more autonomy. bave announced plans for 8 t least inclined to be spotty. Some critics “completely unwarranted. He Unlike the publishers of Photo- a - . ..1 one production m V Vision, and saw this pic as being most suited revealed that he just finished read - 1 puJay (Macfadden)> Modern Screen Placing the negotiations in the Henri Alekan has been assigned to for arty theatres. “Phffft” (Col) ing an article on Father Kapaun, iuell) and Motion Picture (Faw- hands of IA international office , j tns a fii m this same process rounded out the Big 10 list for De- a Korean War hero,” for the i cett) Fran k Lualdi vd ahd circu- this vpar rpnrpsented. to an ex- ' 1 x V 1IVU this year represented, to an ex- f or a Fte nch group. 1 a a a i 4 U* 1 0 * 1 cember. tPnt “one more chance” for the I — “ — — i — first ^ and could not “see latio ^ director of p in " es , believes iminn Tho PV .h»np»- ran ma » azine Dusiness is jusi For out-of-town exchange unions. o° V !’ WhIch WM ac< * uired b y the n hnwpvpv i ik. , , .. Week. She-Wolf (Rep) also * - Here in San Francisco, however, the company maintains that in the W i e€k /i “ She Wo ! f ” ' t R h ep) als H ° there is still some rumbling of dis- l0 n „ , „ r an o | h “ k placcd runnel " up m another round ' content although it has not mani- . g ’ Rank ls beMer off distrib- "Bengal Brigade” (U), which has Indignation In Kansas Kansas City, Dec. 28. media. Drops ‘TV’ Tie A slight but nevertheless strong indication that motion pictures can stand alone without television’s help is shown by the recent name change of Fawcett’s fan mag. All content although it has not mani- * 7 ;° I "Bengal Brigade" (U), wmen nas Kansas City, Dec. 28. chan ge of Fawcett’s fan mag. All fested itself in any overt acts since | utin 8 .through !t and is apt to end finished the bulk of its bigger Protest stirred up in Timken, during 1954, the publication was the two Frisco exchange unions up with more dollars in his pocket, dates, won runner-up classification Kansas, over the interpretation of known as Motion Picture It Tele- withdrew their petitions to the Within the recent past two Rank another session. ‘‘Rear Window” the role of Father Emil Kapaun vision. However, ^for the Decem- seeking disaffiliation from the IA. films have been sold away from U 55 it’ll be edited by Ruth Erik- he declined to state, merely noting Indie distribs are naturally very terrific results in N. Y., even pre- A pne p ln . e ^ l,n J ls an under " son, formerly editorial chief of the that request for autonomy was be- interested in the apparent Rank Xmas. A crix film, it racked up a u Stearn Publications film books, ing considered by the I A and move to diversify his American rc- gross opening week at the Cri- , J d J g ff^’X, “7^“* *“ h F *iD Sky Publishing hit the market a Walsh and" that he had received lease channels, with United Artists terion that amazed even the most a “ a P ®mmandfr of the Amerlr^ H ttlc over a year ag0 with Movie a letter to that effect. also in the picture. They know optimistic. Legion Post in Timken Fov re! T an an ^,- Ho l lywood Stars * both Jansen said it was only a coin- that Rank’s managing director, "No Business Like Show Busi- D ii e d the Drotest evidently w-as bl_ ” lon thlies. Movie Prevue, which cidence that Local F-17, the white John Davis, is dissatisfied with the ness” (20th) also looms as smash based on misinformation as no part !i a< L*wl , .f P i- n ^?: b r 2 £ k _ M * collar union, petitioned the NLRB returns of Rank films from the grosser predicated on what it did 0 f the picture is taken from the n { ontbly in December. There are at the same time as local B-17, U. S. market. Their interpretation opening round at the N. Y. Roxy iif e of Father Kapaun and the pic- 8 S ° I ? a 5 ls / 1 0r ,ssuanc ® °* I * 1 *Py U it. - 1 I? np - A j 1 i. . .. I1AC VA r flUICI afl r au, *» aim me nnA-chnt filnri hnnlra Hnrinrf 1 representing the backroom staffers, of recent developments is that pre-Yuletide. “Young at Heart” ture early establishes the facts th He stressed that there were no dis- Rank is now in a mood to play ball (M-G), the Xmas pic at the N. Y. the priest in the film is a fake. cusslons or contact between the "ith the indies when it comes to Music Hall, also shapes as sock ^ two locals Jensen also said his artie product, with U concentrating business-getter, “Gate of Hell” an Priest Advised Foy » union had not had contact with the primarily on the “big” commercial import from Japan, astonished the Hftiivwgwf rw Detroit exchange and the latter’s pix. such as "West of Zanzibar.” most critical by registering a great rr. 1 ,- w«iivu/n/vH Pn’ct ♦ inr UI r«u,r rvapau.. «nu v..c p.c- 0 ne-shot film books during 1955. ture early establishes the facts that Tho i _ _ _ fne tnroe long - established the priest in the film is a fake. monthlies have a total circulation . *°f. about 3,600,000, according cir- Priest Advised Foy a Hollywood, Dec. 28. culation figures of Standard Rate and Data Service. The leader is move for autonomy. Stanley Warner aa Vt w 1 \ T H The Hollywood Post of the M acfadden r s PhotoDlav with U * sucb a pol i cy T ,s ne,tber l? t n l H 0pen in g 0 *f SS !K n N * Y ‘ American Legion rallied to support 1.440 000. Modem Screen is sec- confirmed nor denied. Impression Guild, small arty theatre. the Foy production, “Bam- 0 nd ^ith 1 280 000 and Motion Pic- divAn hmrpvor that thn onm. /ITA\ • _ 1 % UIIU Willi l,^OU 9 UUU aUQ MOllOn rlC # is given, however that the com- “Vera Cruz” (UA) is another boo Prison,’’ which had been 7i5? 0 ws with M0 ^000^ A?cord‘ pany has plenty of good American which promises to be a big grosser, blasted in a column written by i ng 4 0 Macfadden Drexv Irvine S b.O. DTOduct on its hands and haspd nr» tho hiT hpinu oarnororl r-v„ t _ s_ c i \ti~ s . . maCiaQQen prexy Irving 3. 1 b.o. product on its hands and based on the biz being garnered Dale Francis in Our Sunday Visi- Manheimer Photoolav was one of ■ ■■■ Continued from page 5 r. w0uld "f 11 8 ive up the opening week at N. Y. Capitol, tor, a Catholic newspaper with a t he two of’ 50 national maeazines . . i smaller Rank problem pifc. There are several other new en- circulation of more than 875 000 u- u j national magazines ^ tbat tbe d * rec ^°rs be di- . while U maintains that it’s doing tries on the horizon which promise Evidently Francis did not know vertisin^iwf^cf 311 H inc . reai ad ’ vided into two classes, elected for a the best possible job with these to go places, including “20,000 that Foy is a staunch Catholic and Jr S inea 8 e during 1954. two-year period, with the term of films, its execs also acknowledge Leagues Under Sea,” the new Walt had produced the picture with the nim *£ ^fiA \h°*i "J 8 n *f ln J tbat Iprnatp vparc c l a ss expiring in al- j that the constant rift over them Disney; “Three-Ring Circus” (Par), advice and assistance of the Rt. during thA 'Vith Davis makes them wonder "Silver Chalice” (WB) and "Sign Re v. Mgr. John J. Devlin. ™ ,12 ternate 1 years. with Davis makes them wonder “Silver Chalice At the upcoming meeting three whether the arrangement is worth of Pagan” (U). directors are to be elected, with while. Fabian, Rosen, and Baird being nominated by the board for two- Queried on reports that it was ready to disband its special films nr r , ,H S r I and department which handles the tinue their terms of office after fi. k . P ! y den ed Bogart the meeting. Dr. McKhann was elected a director in June, succeed- ing Lester Crown, who had been elected for a two-year term expir- ing Jan., 1956. Dr. McKhann is a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry and chairman of the ex- ecutive committee of Zonite Prod- ' ucts Corp. He also had headed Playtex Park Research Institute, a public service foundation spon sored by International Latex Corp., a subsidiary of Stanley Warner. Fabian Enterprises Inc., the proxy statement notes, owns of rec- ord and beneficially 328,094 shares of common stock of SW, represent- ing about 14% of the shares of the company. Fabian Enterprises, it notes, is a corporation owning and operating a theatre circuit of which Fabian is prexy and Rosen v.p. and treasurer. 1 the story this week. Harriet F. Pilpel (of tho law firm of Groonbaum, Wolf A Ernst) Itai written an Interattinq treatise en U.S. taies at applied to authors titled Pens Into Plough Shares * * * one of the many editorial features in the 49th Anniver»ary Number of J^SrIETy . OUT NEXT K EEK Continued from page 3 ( manager, Mho is veepee-treasurer of the company. Transaction includes Santana's percentage ounerships fn eight film negatives, five for Columbia j release. Pix on block are "Knock on Any Door,” “Sirocco,” “Tokyo Joe,” “And Baby Makes Three,” "Family Secret.” Columbia financed pix in arrangement calling for Santana to get 60% of profits, Col 40% after studio recouped invest- ment. Other films in deal include pair of United Artists releases in which Bogart has interest, “African Queen” and Moulin Productions pic, “Beat the Devil.” _ Amount of coin^ involved cur- rently unknown. Expected negotia- tions Mill be closed Wednesday or Thursday. 0 t I t A star s during the dip in film at- Rev. Mgr. John J. Devlin. tendance. He’s also upbeat on the Meanwhile Wl liam H. Mooring, fllm biz . s (uture .. Ju £ as )ong as who writes a column in The T id- the n)otion picture industry * r0 . ings, another widely lead Catholic duces good pictures," he said, “it Fov S Dnd e ih C e a ni e clu°rJ has nothing to fear from television. **?££* — ls are go lo SSX ? 1 1 e * There are currently about 20 fan mags'in the field. These are DCA Prexy books that are issued on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. In addition, r red J. Schwartz there are numerous one-timers, hi. for . Th , e total of regularly-issued publi- p, eduction «.w in . pine. m ‘ y ,Ump t0 aboUt 25 ,n The film fan mags include Photo- The Importance of P lay (MacFadden), Modern Screen ■ and Screen Stories (Dell), Motion Momentum Picture (Fawcett), Movieland (Hill- man), Movie Stars Parade, Movie i Life, Movies (Ideal), Filmland Movie World, Screen Stars, Screen Magazine (Goodman), Movie Fan, Hollywood Stars (Sky), Silver Screen, Screenland (Pines), Movie Prevue (Saunders), Movie Play. Movie Spotlight, Movie Time (Stearn). There’s also a regularly- issued quarterly known as Screen Album. ont of the many editorial feature* in the 49th Anniver»ary Number of OUT NEXT WEEK A climaV to lift OUT OF YOUR SEAT YOU Unexpected, thrilling 1 Sotm>- thmg happens that you ve never seen before. Down a desertea trail at midnight plunges the jeep with the stranger and the blonde marked for doom but suddenly it happens 1 See for yourself the thr'II climax of the year. M-G-M’sS MOTION PICTURE -THEATRE Celebration MVdnesrlay, December 29, 1954 THE YEAR'S SUPREME SUSPENSE DRAMA! COMES JUST ONE OF M-G-M’s s CELEBRATION RELEASES ! A wealth of product for every type of theatre. Ask your Branch. Capitalize on M-G-M’s nationwide promotion ! M-G-M PRESENTS IN GlNEMASCOp£ and COLOR! i itkvkmg in v ■ ■■ mw vwmw SPENCER TRACY- ROBERT RYAN IN V’lL' O DAY AT BLACK ROCK THE STRANGER I THE KILLER! He came from Slim and cold and nowhere on an errand lethal as a steel of mystery! bullet! THE BLONDE! A white-hot jet of flame in tight blue jeans! THE KID I Haunted by a horror out of hit own past! THE SHERIFF! THE DOCTOR I With a tin badge over The town wit— his frightened and its heart ! conscience ! co-starring ANNE FRANMEAN 1AGGER-WAUER BRENNAN JOHN ERICSON-ERNEST BORGNINE-LEE IMWELL COLLINS Screen Play by MILLARD KAUFMAN ♦ Iy b {y^owAifo U |?ESiiN • Photographed in EASTMAN COLOR Directed by JOHN STURGES * Produced by DORE SCHARY * An M-G-M Picture 16 PICTURES Vcdneiday, December 29, 1954 Picture Grosses BALTIMORE (Continued from page 8) Last week, "This Is Love" (KKO), $ 6 , 000 . Keith’s (Fruchtraan) (2,400; 35- ID — “3 Ring Circus” (Par). Tail $16,000. Last week, "White Christ- mas" (Par) (7th wk), $6,500. Little (Rappaport) (268; 50-$l) — “Aida" (IFE). Great $6,000. House back to firstruns after using split- week reissues. Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 50-90)— “Hansel and Gretel” (RKO). Pleas- ing $4,500. Last week, "Yellow Mountain" (U), $2,200. New (Fruchtman) (1,800; 35-$l) —“Desiree" (20th). Solid $12,000 or over. Last week. "Barefoot Con- tessa” (UA) (6th wk), $5,000. Stanley (WB) (3,200; 30-75-$l)— “Silver Chalice" (WB). Okay $12,- 000. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk" (WB) (reissue), $4,000. Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 50- $1.25) — "Show Business" (20th). Wow $17,500. Last week, "Crest Wave" (M-G), $6,000. ‘Sea’ Standout $26,000, Seattle; ‘Pagan’ Big 13G Seattle Dec. 26. Barrage of new fare sent Christ- mas week into high gear here. “Three-Ring Circus" looms wow at Coliseum, "Show Business" shapes big at Fifth Avenue, "Sign of Pagan" is doing stoutly at Or- g heum and "20,000 Leagues Under ea" is rated socko at Paramount. Estimates for This Week Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (800; 90- ID — "Hansel And Gretel” (UA). <2d wk). Mild $2,000. Last week, ditto. Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,829; 75- ID— "3 Ring Circus" (Par) and “Black Dakotas" (Col). Wow $15,- 000. Last week, "Shield for Mur- der” (UA) and "Steel Cage" tUA), $6,700. Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,500; $ 1-11.25)— "Show Business" (20th). Big $15,500. Last week, "Desiree" (Col) (4th wk), $5,200. Music Box (Hamrick) (850; 90- $1.25)— "Sa.brina" (Par) (8th wk). Fairish $3,200. Last week, $3,800. Music Hall (Hamrick) (2.300; 75- ID— "Young at Heart" (WB) and “Fast and Furious" (Indie). Mod- est $7,000. Last week, "Shanghai Story" (Rep) and “Outcast" (Rep), $4,800. Orpheum (Hamrick) (2,700; 75- ID — “Sign of Pagan" (U) and “Four Guns to Border" (U». Big $13,000. Last week, "Down 3 Dark Streets" (UA) and “Operation Manhunt" (UA), $4,800 in 10 days. Paramount (Evergreen) (3,039; $1-$1.25) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV). Sockeroo $26,000. Last week, "Bamboo Prison” (Col) and “Secruity Risk" (AA), $4,200 at $1 top. 'Sea’ Boff 45G, Cleve.; M&L 18G, ‘Heart’ 12G Cleveland, Dec. 28. Booming biz here currently is being steamed up by "20,000 Leagues Under Sea," which is giv- ing the Palace its fanciest take in two seasons. “Silver Chalice” at Allen also is soaring high for the Allen. "Show Business" stacks up smartly at Hipp but act as strongly as anticipated. Stillman’s “Deep in My Heart" shapes extra good. “Three Ring Circus” looms big at State, Martin-Lewis pic doing espe- cially well. Estimates for This Week Allen (S-W) (3,000; 75-$1.25) — “Silver Chalice" (WB). Swell $25,- 000. Last week, “Cry of Venge- ance" (A A), $9,000 in 8 days. “Show Business” (20th). Hearty Hipp (Telem’t) (3,700; 75-$1.25) — “Show Business (20th). Hearty $25,000 but could have done better Last week, "Block 13” (20th » and “4 Guns To Border" . $7,000 Palace (RKO) <3.287; 70-$l>— “20.000 Leagues Under Sea” (BV). j Soaring to wham $45,000. and ! pulling house out of long spell of j doldrums. Last week. "Tarzan and She-Devil" and "Hansel and 1 Gretel" (RKO), $7,500. State (Loew’s) (3.500; 60-90'— “Three Ring Circus" (Part. Big $18,000. Last week, "Reap Wild Wind" (Par) (Reissue), $8,000. Stillman (Loew’s) (2,700; 60-90) — "Deep in Heart" (M-G). Extra good $12,000. Last week, “Ath- ena" (M-G) (m.o.), $5,000. ‘CRUZ’ TERRIFIC 30G, DENVER; ‘CIRCUS’ 15G Denver, Dec. 28. Most cinemas were packed to capacity over Christmas weekend although the heaviest snowfall of year Sunday (26) afternoon and night slowed up rush somewhat. Very cold weather with mercury dipping near zero Monday night also hurt. Biggest money is going to "Vera Cruz," gigantic at Para- mount. “3-Ring Circus," "20,000 Leagues Under Sea" and “Show Business" also are big. Estimates for This Week Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 50-85)— "Detective” (Col). Fine $4,000. Holds. Last week, on reissues. Centre (Fox) (1,247; 60-$l)— “Show Business" (20th). Terrific $18>000. Stays on. Last week. “Des- iree” (20th) (5th wk), $7,000. Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 60-$l) -"Three-Ring Circus" (Par). Giant $15,000. Holding. Last week, on reissues. Denver (Fox) (2,525; 60-$l)— *20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV). Big $27,000. Continues. Last week, “Carmen Jones" (20th) (3d wk), $ 6 , 000 . Esquire (Fox) (742; 50-85)— "Bread, Love, Dreams" (IFE). Fancy $4,000 or near. Last week, shut down. Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 50-85) — "Hansel and Gretel" (RKO) and “Tobor the Great" (Rep). Slim If ’ 00 ?.* , T , La8t week - “Shanghai Story (Rep) and “Sleeping Tiger" (Indie), $5,000. Paramount (Wolfberg) (2,000; 60-$l)— “Vera Cruz" (UA). Colossal $30,000 or near, but cold weather hurt- Last week, “Bounty Hunter" WB) and "Operation Manhunt" (UA), $10,000. TORONTO (Continued from page 9) U3.000. Last week, Fire Over Africa" (Col), $6,000. Hyland (Rank) (1,354; 60-80)— "Trouble in Glen" (Rep). Big $8,- 500. Last week, "Father Brown, Detective" (Col) (5th wk), $4,000. Imperial (FP) (3,373; 60-$ D— "3 Ring Circus*’ (Par). Smash $25,- 000. Last week, "White Christmas’ (Par) (7th wk), $8,000. Loew’s (Loew’s) (2,090; 60-$l)— "Deep in My Heart" (M-G). Wham $23,000 or over. Last week. “Last Time Saw Paris" (M-G) (4th wk), $7,000. Odeon (Rank) (2,380; 75-$l) — "So This Is Paris” (U). Very good $12,000. Last week, “Bullet Is Waiting" (Col), $7,000. Shea’s (FP) (2.386; 75-$l)— "No Business Like Show Business" • 20th). Sock $25,000. Last week, "Three Hours to Kill" (Col), $9,000. Towne (Taylor) (693; 60-90)— "Vanishing Prairie” (Disney). Big $7,000. Last week, "Modern Times” (UA) (reissue) (6th wk), $3,500. Uptown (Loew) (2,745; 60-80) — "Sign of Pagan” (U). Socko $18,- 000. Last week, “Crest of Wave" (M-G), $5,506. BOSTON (Continued from page 9) boree" (Indie). Stout $9,000. Last week, "Saratoga Trunk" (WB) and "Big Sleep" (WB) (reissues), $4,000 in 9 days. Memorial (RKO) (3,000; 75-$1.25) —"No Business Like Show Busi- ness” (20th). Opened big on Sat- urday (25). Last week, ‘‘Hansel and Gretel" (RKO) and "African Adventure” (RKO), mild $8,500. Metropolitan (NET) (4,367; 75- $1.25) — "Silver Chalice" (WB). Very good $30,000 shapes. Last week, “Reap Wild Wind” (Par) (reissue) and "Tobor, the Great” (Rep), $13,000 in 9 days. Orpheum (Loew’s) (3,000; 60-$l) ’PhfTft ’ (Col) and "Masterson of Kansas" (Col). Fancy $25,000. v week, "Beau Brummell” • M-G) • and "Diamond Wizard" (UA), $15,000. Paramount (NET) (1,700; 75- $1.25) — “3 Ring Circus" (Par) and "Jamboree” (Indie). Fine $21,000 Last week, "Saratoga Trunk” (WB) and “Big Sleep" (WB). $9,000. Pilgrim (ATC) (1,800; 65-95)— "Violent Men" (Col) and “Cannibal Attack" (Col). Good $15,000. Last week, “Steel Cage" (UA) and "Vic- tory at Sea" (UA), $8,000. State (Loew’s) (3,500; 60-$l)-^- “PhfTft" (Col) and “Masterson of Kansas" (Col). Solid $18,000. Last week, "Beau Brummell” (M-G) and “Diamond Wizard" (UA), $9,000. Par’s Eastern Stadia Rap Russell Holman details the whyfore of Always Gold in Them Thar Scripts , if You You Know How * * * * a bright byliaa piece in the 49 th Anniversary IS umber of f'fiKiETr OUT NEXT WEEK END ALBANY OFFICE . OF STANLEY WARMER Albany, Dec. 28. The Stanley Warner zone offices in the Strand Theatre building here will be closed Dec. 31, with the transfer of Charles A. Smak- witz to Newark, as zone manager. Joseph Liss, Massachusetts district manager, will supervise the seven theatres now operated in Albany, Troy and Utica. James Totman, assistant zone manager in New Haven, Conn., will also visit this territory from time to time. The new setup was outlined at a meeting here last week attended by Liss and Totman, Harry Feinstein, New Haven zone manager; James Bracken, contact manager; Larry Lapidus, New Haven zone booker; Smakwitz, and the house managers. Part of the operations have been handled from New Haven for the past 18 months. It is understood that Irene Smith will transfer to Newark as Smak- witz’s secretary, and that the sec- ond floor offices here will be rented. Art House’s Big Screen To Keep Up With Europe’ Berkeley, Cal., Dec. 28. Larkin Theatre here will become first U. S. art house with a wide- screen adaptable to any process. Installation of new screen begins in January, according to Henry pin- cus, manager, and will fill entire rear wall cf 400-seat house. Screen will be biggest in Bay area, includ- ing Market Street firstruns. Pincus explains Larkin is in- stalling screen in anticipation of widescreen films now being made in Germany and other European countries. ST. LOUIS (Continued from page 9) "Young At Heart" (WB) and “Bob Mathias Story” (AA). Opened today (Tues.). Last week “Saratoga Trunk" (WB) and “Big Sleep” lW3) (reissues), mild $9,500. Loew’s (Loew’s) (3,172; 50-75)— "Sitting Bull" (UA) and "Gog” (UA). Fair $14,000. Last week, "Suddenly” (UA) and "Khyber Patrol” (UA), $10,500. Orpheum (Loew’s) (1,400; 75-$l) — “20,000 Leagues Under Sea" (BV). Socko $22,000. Last week, "Rogue Cop" (M-G) and "Captain Kidd" (UA) (2d wk). $3,500 in 5 days. Pageant (St. L. Amus.) (1,000; 82)— "Hansel and Gretel" (RKO). Fine $4,000. Last week, “Seventh Veil" (Indie), $2,500. Richmond (St. L. Amus.) (400; 82)— "Hansel and Gretel" (Indie). Neat $3,000. Last week, “Caesar and Cleopatra” (Indie), $2,500. St. Louis (St. L. Amus.) (4,000; 75) — “Show Business" (20th). Wow $28,000 or near. Last week, “Star is Born" (WB) (4th wk), $6,000. Shady Oak (St. L. Amus.) (800; 82) — "Vanishing Prairie” (Indie) (5th wk). Okay $2,000 after $2,500 in fourth. National Theatres Proxy E. C. Rhoden doesn’t think exhibition is a one* way street and is of the opinion that Hollywood is Eclipsing Exhibition on the Showmanship Front * * * a bright editorial feature in the 49th Anniversary Number of OUT NEXT WEEK WOMEN’S CLUBS DIVIDED RE ‘WATERFRONT,’ ‘GIRL’ Columbia’s “On-the Waterfront" and Paramount’s "The Country Girl" tied for top honors in the annual poll of the editorial commit- tee of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Top acting awards went to Bing Crosby for "Country •Girl" and Grace Kelly for “Girl" and “Rear Window." Elia Kazan was selected best director for "Waterfront." In addition to “Girl" and "Waterfront,” other pix selected among the 10 best were "Rear Window" (Par); "Executive Suite" (M-G); “Broken Lance" (20th); "A Star Is Born” (WB); "Sabrina” (Par); "White Christmas” (Par); “Night Peopled (20th), and “Deep In My Heart" (M-G). Walt Disney’s “The Vanishing Prairie" was named best docu- mentary of 1054 and “Hobson’s Choice" and “The Little Kidnap- pers’’’’ as the best foreign films. Best children’s performance honors went to John Whitely and Vincent Winter in “Kidnappers.” German Taxes ; Continued from page 7 - Columbia Into Houston; Shifts Sales Personnel Along with key personnel changes in the field, Columbia dis- tribution v.p. Abe Montague yester- day (Tues.) disclosed that Col will establish a new branch office in Houston. This area has been han- dled out of the Dallas exchange. Col thus is expanding its domes- tic distribution network in the face of some trade opinion that fewer field offices are needed. Col obvi- ously is taking the contrary view that the closer the company moves to all theatremen in all areas the better. Slated to head the Houston oper- ation is John Winberry, who for years has been a salesman in New Orleans. The personnel changes all are promotions from within the ranks, stated Montague. Topping the list is the elevation of Wayne Ball from L. A. branch manager to di- vision manager of Southern Cali- fornia and the Rocky Mts. Suc- ceeding him in L. A. is Harold Green, shifting from manager in Salt Lake City. Sam McFadden moves up from Salt Lake salesman to the manager’s spot. Mel ,Klein becomes San Fran- cisco ifianager, up from salesman, and Mon Whitcher makes the same jump in Dallas. Jerome Safron, salesman in Minneapolis, has been named Cleveland manager, suc- ceeding the late Oscar Ruby. WHITNEY FILLS STAFF Artistic and Administrative Posts Set by Cooper Hollywood, Dec. 28. Merian C. Cooper, production veepee of the new C. V. Whitney Pictures Inc., made 10 appoint- ments to key posts to fill out the company’s staff. Appointees include Winton Hoch, director of cinematography; Max Steiner, music consultant; H. Lee Van Hoozer, executive administra- tion assistant; Lowell Farrell, pro- duction manager; George M. Fran- cis, treasurer; WilMam Cameron, secretary; Ed Boerger, comptroller; Zoe Porter, executive assistant to the veepee; Ann Harris, research editor, and Frank Perrett, publici- ty director. Par 2| In Continued from page 3 said common sense dictated the lopping of lower-bracket pix from production lineups. If these pic- tures had made money they cer- tainly would not have been dropped, he commented. He stated further: "It’s to Para- mount’s self interest to handle all the pictures we can. But the com- pany would rather have one good picture that grosses $3,000,000 to $3,500,000 than four that do a com- bined $4,000,000. Top pictures — good, well-made pictures — mean lines at the boxoffice, life at the theatres and extended playing time. Such pictures are worthwhile." Schwalberg disclosed that Par will release 12 films in the first six months of 1955. If this rate were maintained it obviously would mean a total of 24 for the entire year, in contrast with Balaban’s estimate of 20. Presumably, the rate will be lessened or the 24 will include reissues. • V • • V •« if* m w \ I’m u il man industry, "carrying a tax load that’s almost equal to production costs," is making efforts to obtain relief from the government and va- rious measures for alternate financ- ing are currently being explored. "Whatever the eventual outcome is,” he said, “the German industry is making a very determined effort to avoid any setup under which it would be government-controlled." Economic Reasons-Why Asked about the possibilities of restrictive measures being taken against American film -exports into 1 Germany, Gronic|i said there were two German views on this. One holds that the future of the Ger- man film is in a higher amortiza- tion in the domestic market, and this group logically wants various restrictions imposed. The oppos- ing view is that the German indus- try compete fairly and on the basis of merit with the American films, seeking it own level both at homo and abroad. One of the measures proposed in Germany is a severe “release tax" on all pix put into distribution. However, it would benefit the Ger- man producers since part of the proceeds would be kicked back to them Gronich opined that the Ger- mans “show every indication of de- veloping a healthy industry" and he stressed that they are "trying to help themselves.” Current re- lations between the U. S. and Ger- man industries were termed "ex- cellent" by the MPEA rep, who stressed that there was an open exchange of views and an effort on both sides to discuss problems as they arise. As for the content of German films, Gronich said there was a greater preoccupation with "analy- sis of their own problems," a tend- ency which, he said, was mistaken by some as representing a new wave of nationalism. "Actually it’s a very healthy development," Gronich opined. One of the com- plaints against German films has been that they refuse to deal four- square with current problems. Im- mediately following the war, the Germans put out a wave of films depicting the terror of Nazism. Since then their pix have been mostly escapist entertainment geared primarily to Teutonic taste. Indiana Doodles Continued from pace 7 the overhead, 30% on 2.5, 35% on 3.3, 40% on 5, 45% on 10. 50%, it says, is unattainable. The second, based on profit equals one-half the film rental, is figured applicable to larger gross- ing situations which, paying more money for film, feel that a profit of half the film rental will not be too bad. In that case, says the ATOI, the theatre can pay 25% on a gross that 1.6 times the film rental, 30% on 1.8, 35% on 2.1, 40% and 2.5, 45% on 3.0, and 50% on 4.0. The third, based on profit is to film rental as rental is to gross, might work okay for the very big grossing situations, according to the exhib org. In this instance, the theatre can pay 25% on a gross that is 1.45 times the overhead, 30% on 1.64, 35% on 1.9, 40% on 2.27, 45% on 2.88, and 50% on 4.00. The ATOI says it doesn’t know what good the figures might do, "but it might suggest that you re- examine your own scale to see if you are getting a fair enough share of the big grossing pictures to off- set the pictures that do not even reach the 25% control figure.’’ Sues Lippert on 'Rocket* Lippert Pictures and Productions was slapped with a suit in N.Y. Federal Court yesterday (Tues.) charging infringement of a story property. Suit was filed by writer John Welz who claimed that a story he wrote and copyrighted in 1944, “The Rocket," became the Lippert film, "Rocket Ship XM," which allegedly was copied from his work. Action asks for an injunction, damages sustained, and an account- ing of the profits from the alleged piracy. Suit requests the court to have impounded all alleged in- fringing copies of the film. • 4 j, PICTURES 17 Wednesday, Decwnber 29, 1954 ‘You’ve Learned to Be Honest’ Crack Peppers Mpls. Exhib-ENstrib Trial Minneapolis, Dec. 28. Sharp and vitriolic interchanges Hurinn the cross-examination of- Sidney Volk, one of the plaintiffs, and further disclosures regarding Minneapolis theatres' grosses and film rentals have been enlivening the progress of Volk Bros.’ anti- trust conspiracy suit against major distributors, the Minnesota Amuse- ment Co. (United Paramount Thea- tres) and RKO Theatres. Sidney and William Volk are seeking approximately $1,500,000 damages because of alleged clear- ance discrimination against their comparatively new and beautiful $500,000 suburban Terrace. They’re also asking the court to order dis- tributors to release pictures to the theatre one day after the downtown first rrn’s end at the initial house played or to give it a moveover position. This would be instead of the present 28 days, the earliest subsequent run availability which now is shared with 10 other local theatres. Tempers flared when Mandt Tor- rison and David Shearer of defense counsel interjected into the pro- ceedings during Sidney Volk’s cross-examination the fact that the Volk Bros, had settled out of court by a cash payment and with notes, the last of which was recently re- deemed. a major distributors’ suit charging underreporting percent- age pictures’ grosses by three other of their local theatres. Lee Loevenger, the plaintiffs’ at- torney. objected strenuously to ref- erence to this past conflict on the grounds that it hadn’t been ex- humed in the defendants’ answer to the complaint or in the pre-trial examinations of the plaintiffs and that it was immaterial to the pres- ent action. / However, Shearer and Torrison argued that the alleged fraud and deceit involved in the percentage suits concerned the witness’s credi- bility and the question whether Volk Bros, are “good” customers of the distributors. Defense lawyers also pointed out that the major film companies' per- centage suits against the Volk Bros, had caused the latter to institute a counter action accusing the dis- tributors of virtually the same anti- trust law violations cited in the present litigation. Inasmuch as the other suits were settled with preju- dice by the Volks it is not valid for them to revive the accusations now, the attorneys argued. ‘Good’ Customer Lnder the vigorous cross-exam- ination, Sidney Volk’s recollections about the percentage suits proved extremely vague as he replied “they happened a long time ago” and long 'before the Terrace opened. He didn’t feel that the distributors would be influenced in negotiating runs with an exhibitor “ he was or wasn’t considered a good ’ customer and he wasn’t cer- tain what the term “good” meant in this connection. * He further testified that, any- " ays, “chiseling” no longer occurs and is now impossible in view of the manner in wnich distributors are checking the theatres’ box- offices. W hen Torrison then cut in with Dh. you’ve learned tb be honest all right,” Loevenger leapt to his leet angrily and objected heatedly and strenuous* to the statement. rhe defense counsel might have told the court that the film com- panies have learned to be honest, a tiling they were taught by the courts consent decree and court decisions outlawing their trade piactices,” barked Loevenger sar- castically. * Judge G. H. Nord-bye ruled that the percentage suits’ bearing on the present action was to be limited in scope. A* tbe Terr ace “the nation’s Sidney Volk testu Y!? l u at prior t0 and after its open- uin ^ ad t r i ed repeatedly and !,a°u U L success t0 obtain an earlier ;? dbett er run for it. He said that pp.«°lI S ^ dlstr * ct and br anch mana- fu « ad * vi,lted U and agreed that of ppen ® r appointments and type nLT ra ,0n entitled it to better npialli? u lme tban °tber inferior neighborhood houses *i ,,om « Office Negative ays ’ bowever . Volk testified, espouses from the home office 0n ne Kative, although at least Dp o°?u Pa ny intimated it would UvoK U * the J errace to bid competi- y for first runs. He was in- Sxhibitor loodar Trueman T. Rembusch hopes that Maybe ’ 55 Will Bail Vs Out an Interesting editorial featnre In the 49th Anniversary Number of OUT NEXT W EEK formed generally, he said, that downtown firstrun theatres, pos- sessing larger grossing potentials and chalking up bigger grosses and paying the bulk of film rentals, were entitled to at least 28 days protection. Also, he was told by its distributors they’d invite law suits if they gave the Terrace pref- erential playing time over the other 28-day houses in different sections of the city. Volk testified that, playing 28 days after dowmtown and day and date with up to 10 other outlying houses, the Terrace could not op- erate on a solid and sufficient profit basis. He told how he tried to buy “Genevieve” when the Terrace needed a picture badly and "Uni- versal couldn’t find a home for it, but the company’s branch manager told him he was “sorry,” but he couldn’t sell it at that time. He also failed in attempts to negoti- ate for moveovers to the Terrace of “The Magnificent Obsession” and “The Glenn Miller Story” af- ter long downtown firstruns and was turned down. He^aid he even failed to get “Julius Caesar” and some other pictures like “The Robe” for the Terrace on its regu- lar 28-day availability and he still hasn’t been able to book “Julius Caesar” although it played down- town more than a year ago and he has offered the same 50% that the loop house paid. According to Volk, whereas the downtown firstrun RKO Pan bought “Springfield Rifle” flat for $375 flat rental, playing it a week, the Terrace, playing it three days day and date with a number of other neighborhood theatres, was charged 30% and the distributor received $480 rental. Numerous other occasions when the Terrace* outgrossed and paid larger rentals than the city’s only two moveover firstrun theatres, both located downtown and labeled inferior physically to the 1,300-seat Ter- race, were cited. It was claimed by Volk that these loop moveover houses’ per- centage terms run from 15% to 24% generally, compared to the 30% to 50% paid by the Terrace playing the pictures later and day and date with other neighborhood houses. Volk said an offer of a $1,500 guarantee against 50% for a week’s run at the Terrace was turned down in the case of “Stalag 17” and the picture, instead, went to a moeover loop house at 20%. Realtor Testifies A. D. Strong, a realtor, testified that the Volks had listed the Ter- race with him for sale, but he had pointed out to them that the pur- chase price would be influenced mainly by the theatre’s earning ability and because this was small he doubted if he could get a buyer for $250,000, although the invest- ment was in excess of $500,000. Strong said that the earnings’ report furnished to him by the Volks showed that in its first year (eight months) the Terrace suffer- •ed a small deficit and that that its net earnings were only $7,000 and $10,000 for its second and third years, respectively, with no sala- ries charged against it by either of the Volk Bros, who are devot- ing all of their time to operating it and three other local neighbor- hood houses. It’s now in its fourth year. The court sustained an ob- jection to a question asked Strong as to whether the Terrace could not earn substantially more if it had a better run. It’s expected the trial may con- sume another week or longer. Bull Market Unabated at Year End; Film and Radio Shares Booming Schine Wives Paid By Hildamart; One Acted As Film Previewer Buffalo, Dec. 28. Wives of J. Myer Schine and. Louis W. Schine were revealed as salaried employees of both Schine Chain Theatres and Hildamart Cor- poration in the Federal contempt of court proceeding against Schine and other defendants here this week. Hildegarde F. Schine, wife of J. Myer Schine, received pay as an interior decorator consultant for Hildamart operate^ hotels while Martha R. Schine, wife of Louis W . Schine, was paid to review screenings of pictures to be used in Schine theatres. Both women, with all of the Schine children, own the stock of Hildamart Corp.^ It is the Government contention that Hildamart was an instrumen- tality of the Schine Chain Thea- tres involved in a conspiracy to de- feat the 1949 court decree order- ing disposition of Schine theatres and cessation of monopolistic prac- tices. Testimony aiso revealed that Schine Chain Theatres and Hilda- mart had accounts on the books of each showing transfers from one to the other. Allied Warning Continued from page 4 gates, he pointed out, did not give the board an unqualified mandate to have the bill introduced and press for its passage. According to Myers, the conven- tion did two things. It commended the board for its activities in fight- ing high film rentals and approved the draft of the bill and requested the board “in its discretion” to seek enactment of the bill “unless, during the three months that will elapse before the next Congress, the board (again) in its discretion, shall conclude that conditions in the industry have so changed as to make resort to legislation unnec- essary.” Myersr also stressed that the con- vention approved “keeping the door open” for the reception and consideration of any proposals the film companies may make to im- prove conditions. The Allied general counsel depre- cated the many polls and inter- views condemning the idea of Gov- ernment regulation, noting that “the important counting of noses will come when, if ever, the Allied board decides that Government regulation is essential to the pres- ervation of theatres.” James R. Grainger INI No Breach Between ‘ Sane 9 Exhibs and Distribs * * * a bright editorial feature in tha 49th Anniversary Number of U&KIEfY OUT NEXT WEEK Lansing Foundation s \% Of Cinerama Boxoffice Again Unchallenged Stockholders of Cinerama Pro- ductions Corp. for two years in a row failed to question the man- agement on the deal w'hich gives the Lansing Foundation 1% of the boxoffice receipts, excluding ad- mission taxes, of all theatres for the life of the contract with Stan- ley Warner. Payment to the Foundation Is currently being made by SW for the account of Cinerama Produc- tions, and the amount so advanced is to be recovered by SW from Cinerama Productions' share of future theatres income. The 1% of the receipts deal stems from an arrangement made July 3, 1953 when the Lansing Foundation guaranteed repayment of a $1,000,000 loan made by SW to Cinerama Productions. The loan had been repaid by Dec., 1953, but Lansing’s 1% out of Cinerama Productions’ cut con- tinues unchanged. David G. Baird, a director and chairman of the finance committee of Stanley Warner Corp., is presi- dent of the Lansing Foundation, a tax-exempt philanthropic organiza- tion. A SW proxy statement noted that “Mr. Baird has stated that he has no financial interest in the Lansing Foundation Inc. The Lansing Foundation, Inc. owns of record and beneficially 61,448 shares of capital stock of the (Stanley Warner) Corporation.” | By MIKE WEAR Although holding near the best prices of the year recently, the Amusement Group began reflecting anticipated yearend upbeat in busi- ness at a hot clip early In last week’s abbreviated stock market session. Where normally there often is tax selling in Wall Street in December, this year shaAs roared ahead after brief profit- taking early in the four-day week (market was closed Dec. 24). Result is that two radio shares and four film theatre stocks regis- tered new 1954 highs. And many others came close to old peak quo- tations. There was hardly a stock in the amusement division which did not sport a gain, numerous be- ing up a point or better. Traders got busy with Paramount Pictures early, and shoved it to a ’54 high of 39. The shares closed at 38%, virtually on top, for a net gain of 2% on the session. Loew’s also was active on great volume around midweek, with the shares Reaching new high ground this year at 19 3 4. The issue advanced 1 % points net, greatest gain in many weeks. Both RKO Pictures and RKO Theatres also soared, both reaching new peaks for 1954. Each issue ad- vanced 50c net. RKO Pix hit a new high at 8% while RKO Theatres went to a fresh peak of 10%. ABC-Paramount Theatres trav- eled around the highest level of the year, to wind up at 25% as against the ’54 high of 24%. It was up fractionally. Columbia Pictures was in like category, hovering around the top quotation of the year to finish at 33% as compared to the high of 33%. National Theatres fol- lowed a similar pattern, winding at 9%, up nearly a point, and only 37% away from the best price of the year. Universal common also was ac- tively higher, boasting a gain of 1%, to finish at 31%, near the best 1954 price. Decca also held even to better, with an advance of 50c to 16%; 20th-Fox was up 75c to 28%. Year’s high is 29%. CBS Class A shares and the “B” stock both wound up at 86. Each registered new peaks for the year, the “A” stock going to 88% and the latter to 88. General Precision Equipment held around recent lev- els at 49. RCA was in like category, to gain nearly a point at 37%. Skiatron held its recent gains to finish with an “ask” price of 3%c. i Amusement Stock Quotations (1V.Y. Stock Exchange) For W'eek Ending Tuesday (28) ^ ^ 1954 Weekly Vol. Weekly Weekly Tues. Change High Low in 100s High Low Close for week 24% 14% Am Br-Par Th 207- 23% 23 . 23% — % 88% 41% CBS, “A” . . . 18 88 83% 83% — 4% 88 i 41% CBS, “B” . . . 11 88 84% 84% —3% 33% 19% Col. Pix 84 33% 32% 333 g 4- % 18% 9% Decca 297 17% “ 15 15% —1% 72 46 3 4 Eastman Kdk. 74 71% 68% 71 4-2-% 19% 13% Loew’s 630 19% 19 19-% 4- % 10% 6% Nat. Thea. .. 263 10 9% 97 s 4- % 39 26% Paramount . . 134 39 37% 38% 4- % 39% 28 Philco 150 38% 3634 37% —1% 38% 22% RCA 362 38% 37% 38% — % 8% 2% RKO Piets. . . 194 8% 8% 8% 4- % 10% 4% RKO Thea. . . 223 10% ST* 97 s — 7 3 Republic .... 80 6% * 6 6% — Vi 14% 10% Rep., pfd. . . . 4 137k 13% 1334 — 20 11% Stanley War. 142 1934 103& 19% 4- % 29% 1834 20th-Fox . . . . 160 29% 277 s 283g — % 32 % 18% Univ. Pix. . . . 43 31% 29% 30% — % 81 63% Univ., pfd. . . *190 82 80 82 4-2% 21% 13% Warner Bros.. 69 1934 19% 19% — 96 63% Zenith 32 91% 88% 90% —1% American Slock Exchange 6 3% Allied Artists 67 4% 434 4% + % 103 4 93 4 Ail’d Art., pfd. 40 10% 10% 10% 4- Vi 16% 9% Du Mont 91 14% 14 14% — 16% 1134 Technicolor . 110 14% 14% 14% — % 33% 2% Trans-Lux . . 16 3% 3% 3% — Over-the-Counter Securities Capitol Records »-.... Chesapeake Industries Cinerama Inc. • Bid .... 10% ... 3 3 a ... 1% Ask 11% 37 k 1% — 1% rinrrami Prod .... 4% 47 s — % Official Films ... 2% 2 15/16 Polaroid . . . . 49% 51% — 1% Rkiatrnn . . . 2% 3% U. A. Theatres Walt Disney .... 15% .... 23% 16% 24 Vi — 1% 4-1% ( Quotations furnished by Dreyfus A Co. I * Actual volume. Jones on Shorls SSS Continued .from page 7 attention to a forthcoming C’Scope film is running into physical prob- lems according to Jones, since the projectionist has to change the lens, etc. Coupling the trailer with a short simplifies the switch. Control of 20th’s shorts produc- tion, at one time split between N. Y. and the Coast, has now been returned to N. Y. mostly due to cost reasons. When the shorts were lensed under the aegis of the studio, they ran budgets up to $70,000. Subjects now cost any- where up to $20,000. 20th has skedded nine Cinema- Scope shorts for release between Jan. and April, 1955, Jones said. All are tinters. In all, 20th will have 20 C-6cope reelers in 1955, in ad- dition to 26 Terrytoons. Release rate of the C-Scopers will be two a month. New York Theatres RADIO CITY MUSIC DILI Rock.frll.r Center “DEEP IN MY HEART" y In OMen COLOR atarH** mi mate mum FERRER • 0BER0R • TRAUBEL kTHK Silver Of alk PARAMOUNT 18 BAMO-TELBVISIOlf Wednesday, December 29, 1954 Mutual Turning to Sports As Nighttime Network Salvation; Formula Seen Bowing Next Month By ART WOODSTONE Nearly always having been able to attract coin to Its past sports stanzas and because of some facts found in the recent Ward survey off radio listening habits and pref- erences, Mutual is now seriously negotiating for a complete night- time sports sked, not to start some- time next spring, with night base- ball, as originally planned, but sometime next month with the lineup of events from Madison Square Garden. The radio web sees the Garden hockey, basketball and miscellaneous sports as salvation of an after-9 p.m. radio net, par- ticularly since virtually everything is unsponsored after that time. Official verification has not been made by either the Garden or by Mutual of current negotiations, but reliably informed sources say that talks indicate an early January start. The deal is not finalized yet, largely because Mutual is believed trying to determine on what basis to accept the various Garden events. Due to its 8 to 9 p.m. “multi-message” block, Mtitual is limited to a post-9 sports pickup, forcing some events to be elimi- nated because of an earlier start. Then too, WMGM, N. Y. indie, has a contract with the Garden for ex- clusive metropolitan radio cover- age, thus eliminating a key adver- tising market for potential nation- al sponsors. However, seen as pos- sible is the selling of the nighttime sports show regionally or on a co- op basis — as with Mutual’s “Game of the day” (one of the few re- maining solid co-op shows in the lineup last summer). An after-9 start will automatical- ly lay heavy emphasis on Garden double header basketball, with part of the first and all of the second game being available to the net- work audience. With the end of the winter sports program at the Garden, there still remains a pos- sibility of night baseball next spring and summer, what with the increase in the number of major league night plays. (This could also lead to a possible decrease in local video coverage since night baseball (Continued on page 26) WOR-TV in Black For ’54 — 1st Time WOR-TV, the N % Y. General Tele- radio outlet, making capital of the 30 Bank of America feature films rented from its own parent com- pany, has run in the black for ’54 — the first time in the station’s his- tory. Nearly all of the profit was made during the- last 16 weeks (from the starting date of the films). As a matter of fact, the sta- tion’s last quarter in ’54 was 190% ahead in billings from the first quarter of the year. The films, bunched into a multi- exposure (16 times weekly) package called “Million Dollar Movie,” are SRO for the next 10 weeks, with the last of the original eight $1,250- a-week bankrollers having signed on for another 13 weeks. Also contained in a year-end re- port by the GT N.Y. stations Js one on WOR radio. Latter, long considered to be in a major billing position in N.Y., did 16.8% better than ’53 this year. Gordon Gray has been topping the combined radio-tv operation since the first of ’54. 2-A-WEEK SWAYZE RIDE FOR PLYMOUTH Camel cigs will get off the hook twice weekly on its longtime NBC- TV “News Caravan,” with Ply- mouth on the verge of taking the Monday and Wednesday slices of the 7:45 p.m. newscast ringmas- tered by John Cameron Swayze. The auto outfit will pass up Mondays, however, on the onee-a- month “Producers Showcase” 90- minute spectaculars, since these are berthed at 8 o’clock — too close for comfort, with Ford the co- sponsor (along with RCA)/ of the Fred Coe-produced series.' Chairman a/ the Mot' on Pittura De- partment of New York University Prof. Robert Gessner hat written a sage discourse on Between the Commercials * * * one of the many byline pieces In the 49th Anniversary Number of t^SniETY OVT NEXT WEEK Sign of Times- Wayne, Swift As ‘Norby Owners Under terms of the deal which they negotiated with Eastman Kodak, their sponsor, David Wayne and David Swift own all the resi- dual rights to their upcoming half-bour “Norby” color film series, which preems in the Wed- nesday night at 7 NBC-TV slot early in January. Despite the fact that Eastman is plunking down up- wards of $3,000,000 for a full sea- son’s bankrolling of the series, one of the most costly in video, they have no hold on the film after the initial exposure, with Wayne as the star and Swift as the creator of “Norby” retaining all future rights. This is one more evidence of the trend toward longrange thinking on the part of major personalities establishing their future stake ih the medium. One of the principal reasons for Jackie Gleason signing with Buick for his half-hour “Honeymooners” film series, start- ing next season, is that the comic controls all the residuals, which is tantamount to a lifetime annuity. That’s the reason, too, why Mil- ton Berle wants to switch to a half-hour film Show next season, although they’re laying odds around NBC that he’ll be back same time, same live format, Tuesday 8 to 9, primarily because of NBC prexy Pat Weaver’s per- suasions that he stay on the live bandwagon. ) Philip Morris Also Invites Sp!& Tab On ’Public Defender’ Hollywood, Dec. 28. Philip Morris, which already made a deal for Procter and Gam- ble to split the tab on "I Love Lucy,” is expanding Its shared sponsorship theory, figuring it will reach an estimated 19% more homes weekly through having more programs via split tabs. Sponsor, beginning mid-January, will have a co-bankroller deal on “Public Defender,” but hasn’t re- vealed the second angel. On Jan. 9, its “Little Margie” radio show will have a second alternating sponsor. Firm yesterday (Mon.) signed as participation sponsor for Tennessee Ernie's CBS cross-board radio strip, picking up the tab three days weekly beginning Jan. 5. Radio: Motel-Style Omaha. Dec. 28. / KOSI, Denver's newest radio sta- tion, is on the air with studios in 1 a motel. Station features five-min- 1 ute news summaries on the hour ! and waxed music. Outlet is owned by Mid-Ameri- can Broadcasting Co., headed by David M. Segal, which also owns ! stations in Kansas City, Clinton, Mo., and Greenville, Miss. Senor Wences Series NBC will finance a pilot film on the “Johnny and the Gaucho” series, a new package starring Senor Wences, the nitery ventrilo- quist. Package is owned by Wences, together with Parke Levy, who created it, and Abner Gresh- ner, who’ll produce. Film will be shot within the next couple of weeks on the Coast, and wilt employ live actors as well as Wences’ puppet characters. ‘Foreign Legion Bought by Heinz Heinz Foods has purchased the new “Captain Gallant of the For- eign Legion” telefilm series and is placing it in the Sunday-at-5:30 slot on NBC-TV, thereby giving the network a Sunday SRO status from 4 p.m. on. Series, which stars Buster Crabbe and his son, Cuffy, and which was shot on lo- cation in North Africa, starts Feb. 13. Deal was set by Television Pro- grams of America, which copro- duces and distributes the vidpixer, and the Maxon agency, which reps Heinz. Reportedly the food out- fit is dropping its “Studio 57,” vid- pix series produced by MCA and sponsored via Heinz over a limited DuMont web and on a spot basis elsewhere. Films in “Studio 57” presumably would go into the MCA-TV syndication stable for re- run distribution. Sale of “Gallant” gives TPA its third network entry, others being “Lassie” and “Halls of Ivy,” and also its second major food sponsor, first being Camp- bell’s Soup, which bankrolls “Lassie.” Heinz sponsorship is a longterm deal which calls for an annual ex- penditure in time and program of $2,500,000 and which with’ options would run to a total of $7,500,000. Also near finalization is a syndica- tion deal with Heinz which would permit TPA to syndicate the series in all but the 66 network markets [ involved simultaneously, with the network run. Series, which is being filmed with the cooperation of the French government, is owned by TPA together with indie producer Harry Salzman, with the former having provided financing. Gil Ralston produced. There are about 10 in the can presently, with the remainder of the first 39 cur- rently in production. Plans call for at least 13 of the films to be shot in color. Further facet of the deal is a cut- back by Hallmark to a half-hour every week in its 5-5:30 Sunday slot. Card company up to now has been running an hour every fourth week, with the sustaining “Background” in the 5:30 slot three out of four weeks. Farm Directors Choose Jackson as Man of Year Kansas City, Dec. 28. National Assn, of Television and Radio Farm Directors at ifk recent meeting singled out Jack Jackson, director of agriculture for KCMO and KCMO-TV, as its man of the year. He was cited as the farm di- rector who has done the most out- standing job through radio and television work in interpreting ag- riculture to the American public. Jackson has been with KCMO since 1947 when he organized the farm department there. He was president of the NATRFD in 1950, and conducted a European tour of 25 American farmers studying ag- riculture in 10 European countries. He has also served as a govern- ment consultant to European farm broadcasters under the Marshall Plan. ABC’s Pay Hikes ABC has come through with pay raises for a large number of key personnel, the first sal- ary increases since the web’s ma- jor personnel cutback of Sep- 1 tember. Web has granted increases of 4% and 8% to various of its staff, scattered through many de- partments. Rough guess is that some 80% of the network staff is I affected. Cutback of September, which in- volved dropping of more than 100 , staffers including a large number of execs, will have saved the web an estimated $1,000,000 annually. Rating the Canines Talk to anyone at ABC-TV, and they’ll tell you all about “Rin Tin Tin,” which although a 1954 starter, now is the third highest- rated show on the network, back of “Disneyland” and NCAA Football. Latest Nielsen reading for the canine starrer in its usu- ally-quiet Friday-at-7:30 slot is an explosive 30.4, with a 46.1% share of audience. And thereby hangs a tail (sic). At the season’s start. General Mills had held onto the time after relinquishing Stu Erwin to Chesterfields. It was GM’s announced intention to substitute the June Havoc starrer, “Willy,” but without any explanation, they switched “Willy” to CBS-TV Saturdays at 10:30. ABC-TV was the Blue network again until along came Nabisco with “Rin Tin Tin.” “Willy,” on the verge of cancellation, pulled a mere 15.1 on CBS-TV in the same report that "Rinny” came up with its 30.4. CBS-TV has a shaggy dog story of its own, though. “Lassie,” the web’s opposite number to “Rinny,” pulled a 27.8 in the same Nielsen for its Sunday-at-7 slot. Show, which started at the end of September, has built steadily from its initial 15.7 to a 26.0 report before last and the 27.8 last report. “Rinny,” which came on at the end of October, has been somewhat more spectacular, starting with an 18.7, jumping to a 28.1 and now panting heavily with the 30.4. Biow Clarifies Agency Status Board Chairman Also Sets Forth His Philosophy Upon Switchover if- Hal Kanter hat a humorous piece on Life with George Gohel * * * one of the many byline pieces in the 49th Anniversary Number •f P'SrTeTy OVT NEXT WEEK Foreign Language Show Slots Cueing WATV Biz Upbeat In the past two weeks, the pic- ture of foreign language telecast- ing in the N. Y. area has had a change for the good. After months of indecision concerning use of video for an Italian-speaking audi- ence only, five Italo advertisers have joined La Rosa spaghetti and Medaglia D'Oro coffee as pactees .with WATV, Newark, thus enabling the station to get at least part of its foreign language plans started. Definite launching of a seven-day 11-to-noon strip in Italian takes place on Jan. 10. Not only has the commencement of the Italian sked been firmed, but inkings with the Italo bank- rollers as well as contracts with (Continued on page 24) Carrier Pigeons Fly News To WWBG During Dispute With Phone Co. Bowling Green, O., Dec. 28. Carrier pigeons had to replace telephone lines — not erected — so that listeners of WWBG, Bowling Green, could get AP news prompt- ly. The station went on the air on Dec. 2Q without any telephone service, as a result of a dispute with the Northern Ohio Telephone Company. Howard R. Ward, head of the station, said the telephone firm had placed an “exorbitantly high” es- timate on t'-.e cost of erecting tele- phone wires to the station, located 2 miles east of Bowling Green. He offered to string his own wires, but the company refused. The case will be heard before the Ohio Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 4. To solve the problem of getting news to its listeners, several car- rier pigeons were borrowed from the American Homing and Racing Pigeon Union, and installed in a loft on the roof of Tiedtke’s De- partment Store, in downtown Tole- do. The store permitted Ward to install an AP teletype machine in its quarters, and the pigeons carry the reports to the station, about 20 j air miles away. With New Year’s marking the changeover of the Biow Co. .to Biow-Beim-Toigo, Inc., board chair- man Miltori H. Biow last week of- ficially alerted agency staffers to the new deal and delivered his personal philosophy in a three- page letter. With Biow devoting more time to executive direction in a switch from his longtime role of running a “one-man agency,” he pointed out that the top twain, F. Kenneth Beirn, prexy, and John Toigo, executive v.p., “will assume growing responsibility for admin- istration of the firnWs, activities.” The company, he declared, will henceforth function “on the broad base of organizational operations,” giving this as a prerequisite to further growth. If what he has seen so far is a “dress rehearsal,” he has complete confidence in “the success of the show,” Biow said. Biow noted in his letter that 1955 will mark the 40th anni of the Biow firm and that “we have never deviated from my original principle that we must be fresh and young in mind in everything we do, that we must be courageous enough to try new ways, new paths, but remembering always that being new is not enough — being right is ( Continued «on page 24) Godfrey Back To SRO Radio Status One way to lure a sponsor is to plug his product once or twice over lightly on the cuff. But maybe the gift blurb gets more attention if an Arthur Godfrey happens to be behind it. Coincidence or not, Godfrey picks up business from Turns (which he’s been mentioning in byplay) for the first quarter- hour of “Arthur Godfrey Time,” starting this we^k via CBS Radio on an alternating sked. With Mu- tual of Omaha previously annexed, AG is again SRO after a brief spell of vacancies. The web drew additional coin last week. Having put the last 15 minutes of the Tennessee Ernie show on the Power Plan for Jan- uary availability, the network drew Philip Morris Cigarets for the 7:25 to 7:30 p.m. segment on Wednes- day, Thursday and Friday. First quarter-hour of the show doesn’t come under the Power Plan; the whole 15 minutes must be bought. Under PP, three sponsors can get in for a five-minute seg each. Un- der the old 30-minute PP three clients rode for a 10-minute slice. This was scrapped last season. CBS Radio’s Repeat On Jan. 8 Senior Bowl CBS’ exclusive radio coverage of the Senior Bowl game from Mo- bile on Jan. 8 — there’ll be no tv — will have Red Barber anchored on the stripe-by-stripe calls. It will be Barber’s second major grid as- signment within a couple of Satur- days, since he will play-by-play the Miami Orange Bowl doings on New Year’s Day. Senior Bowl aircast will be the fourth year under the CBS tag. Wmlneg«1«y» December 29, 1954 * RADIO-TELEVISION 19 THE YEAR TV BROKE THE RULES Post-Mortems on Gleason Deal While it’s generally conceded that Jackie Gleason’s just about the hottest tv property around at the moment (the one reason that influenced Buick’s decision to cancel out on Milton Berle and latch on to the CBS-TV star in a two-year. $11,000,000 firm deal), the circumstances surrounding the new commercial venture are still cueing considerable pro and con trade debate. For one thing, the fact that Gleason is abandoning his hour live format (in favor of a 30-minute film series in which he’ll own all residual rights), is not without its element of risk, many feel. The impact of the full hour live format has been one of the major success stories of tv. But for the top comedy star to embrace the 30 -ininute situation comedy vidfilm pattern has its undeniable hazards, it’s felt. For every “Lucy,” they point out, there are a dozen “also rans.” Equally to the point is the fact that Gleason, in full hour dress, has been less vulnerable to competition this season than any other personality in tv. (He’s been grabbing off 45 and better on the Trendex, to an 8 to a 9 rating for the NBC entries.) But relin- quishing the 8 to 8:30 Saturday night lead-in to his own “Honey- mooners” series, is an open invitation for NBC to move in with some heavy artillery (vvhich, incidentally, it intends doing). Par- ticularly since the Gleason-packaged Dorsey Bros, variety show has been earmarked for the 8 o’clock time. Latter property, which did summer duty for Gleason last summer and is now pencilled in for two w'eeks while Gleason rests, has been kicking around the agencies for months with no takeis. Gleason No. 1 In New Nielsens ‘Lucy* Down to Third Spot (‘Toast’ 2d) On Latest National Ratings The new Nielsen ratings (for the last two weeks in November) pro- ject Jackie Gleason into the No. 1 spot, with the comic deposing “I Love Lucy” for the first time. (Previously Gleason had already moved into the kingpin berth on the Trendex returns.) “Lucy slipped to No. 3 position, indicative of the fact that the competing “Medic” Monday at 9 show on NBC-TV has already made its mark in grabbing off a good chunk of the “Lucy” share of audience. Moving into the No. 2 Nielsen spot is Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town,” also reflecting the weakness of the competing “Colgate Comedy Hour” this sea- son. The new Nielsens are revealing from several other aspects as well. ABC-TV’s Wednesday night “Dis- neyland” has moved into the No. 5 position (with Milton Berle fourth), and DuMont pulled off a major surprise by copping the sixth position with its Thanksgiv- ing afternoon pro grid telecast. The NBC specs don’t come into the picture until No. 9 position, and missing from the Top 10 for the first time in several seasons is Groucho Marx’s “You Bet Your Life,’’ which generally has been hitting among the top five along with “Dragnet." Latter settles for seventh spotting on the new Niel- sens. Here’s how the Top 10 comes off: Jackie Gleason (CBS) 53.0 Toast of the Town (CBS).. 52.1 I Love Lucy (CBS) 48.9 Milton Berle (NBC) 47.6 Disneyland (ABC) 44.4 Pro Football (DuM) 43.7 Dragnet (NBC) 43.0 Martha Raye (NBC) 42.1 Liebman Presents (NBC).. 41.4 Jack Benny (CBS) 39.7 ‘You Are There’ Shifts To Coast as 1st Dozier Move in New Status Hollywood, Dec. 28. Coincident with the return to Hollywood of William Dozier a® director of tv network programs will be the transference to the Coast of one of the network's top programs, “You Are There.” which has been a pet project of Dozier’s since he developed it. He took hold of the idea from scratch, nursed it along and brought it to its present eminence as the skein’s top entry in the historical- documentary category. It is still undecided whether Walter Cronkite will continue as narrator or that a picture personal- ity will be engaged for the role. Program airs weekly in half-hour form and will be filmed by one of the CBS outside production units. Transfer of Dozier back to Holly- wod from N. Y. is effective Jan. L5 when James Fonda relinquishes the program director post to join the CBS staff as creative producer. Dozier first joined CBS here three years ago in charge of new talent and stories. DIYALS TOO BIG' F By GEORGE ROSEN Some unprecedented shenani- gans have been going on in tele- vision over the past couple of weeks — a fitting climax to a year that saw all the established eco- nomic patterns go out the window. Not in radio-tv’s long history has the economics of a business changed so radically or accepted sponsorship formulae been subject to such alternation as occured in video during '54. But the clincher came last week when NBC-TV firmed up three rival soap companies tis sponsors of the same program. If, five years ago. anyone would have been rash enough to predict that tv would undergo such an upheaval as to permit Procter and Gamble, Manhattan Soap and Colgate to underwrite the same show, he’d be railroaded out of the business so fast that he wouldn’t know what happened to him. Yet that is precisely what happened, when all three companies last week negoti- ated with the network for spon- sorship segments of the web’s morning “Ding Dong School” (a deal, incidentally, that accounts for more than $1,000,000 in bill- ings). It reflects, of course, not only tv’s ever-expanding flexibility in coping with changing times, but perhaps more to the point, points up the octopus-like branching out of major corporations that are moving in on control -of diversified products — to such a degree, in fact, that not a single product conflict is involved in the three- way sponsorship wrapup. Thus, P&G has bought into the show to plug pin curlers; Colgate for its toothpaste and Manhattan Soap for its Sweetheart soap. Room For All The days, for example, when a General Foods couldn’t venture near a General Mills program, either fore-aft or in competition, are now over, thanks to such cor- porate branching out which now finds them in control of products that are in no way in conflict with one another. Even a General Elec- tric can compete with a Philco (as Sunday nights) because of their diversified product interests. The “year, that tv broke all the rules” found a complete new thinking on the part of major ad- vertisers to whom plugging of the corporate name meant less and less and w'hen they w r ere willing to (Continued on page 26) Weintraub Jr., Trenner in Agency Exit; New Org Brings Craig In B-M’s ‘4-Star’ Buy Parker Pen relinquishes its al- ternating sponsorship of the CBS- TV “Four Star Playhouse” to Bris- tol-Myers, effective Jan. 13. Other underwriter, in since the start of the vidpixer, is Singer Sew- ing Machine. NBCVIfM&L Fail to Deliver, That’s AD, Boys’ NBC isn’t saying it out loud, but the network brass is nonetheless disturbed over both the critical and lay reaction to the first Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis tv show of the season last week on “Colgate Comedy Hour." It’s not exactly a secret that the network has been having some anxious moments over the manner in which “Toast of the Town” has been dominating the Sunday 8 to 9 hour (some of the web brass aren’t averse to blaming it on the kind of “Comedy Hour” shows that the Colgate agency. Ted Bates, has been bringing in this season). Thus the initial M & L appear- ance was considered one of the eagerly-anticipated events of the season, with NBC backing it up with some unprecedented pre- show promotion. That the M & L show barely squeaked past “Toast” on the Trendex ratings is attrib- uted in large measure to the fact that, while the comedy duo may have had the audience going iti. they lost large portion of it as the show progressed. NBC has ordered a breakdown of the Trendex to as- certain if that’s what happened. NBC wouldn’t mind doing some kind of qualitative measurement to find out just why Martin & Lewis were far below their pre- vious boff standard. Some say. aside from the material they were working with, they had stayed out of the medium too long. Whatever the reason, NBC already has moved in with a major promotion- exploitation campaign, utilizing the comics in person, in the hope that their second time up will be like old times — when they used to double the “Toast” rating. ♦ When Walter Craig (ex-Benton Si Bowles and for the past year with Pharmaceuticals Inc.) returns to the agency business on Jan. 17, as radio-tv veepee of the Wm. H. Weintraub agency (a stock deal is also involved), it will correspond with the inauguration of a whole ! new Weintraub regime, topped by: 1. ) The resignation of Wm. H. Weintraub Jr. His future plans are not known. 2. ) The resignation of Harry Trenner as radio-tv veepee, with Craig succeeding to his post. Tren- ner’s future-status is also not de- termined. 3. ) The ascendancy of Elkin ! Kaufman to the presidency of the agency, with Weintraub Sr. becom- ing chairman of the board. Wein- ' trau b sold out his majority inter- ' est to the younger management group, topped by Kaufman. How- ever, it’s understood Weintraub will remain active on some ac- counts. Weintraub agency reorganiza- tion follows on the heels of a simi- lar reshuffle at the Blow agency ^in which the founder, Milton Biow\ similarly divested himself of his majority holdings to assume the board chairmanship. Craig checks out of Pharmaceu- { licals this weekend. He’ll spend two weeks in Florida before punch- ing in at Weintraub. He’s now the owner of a 600-foot strip of land in Sarasota on which he's building a motel. Liebman Dickers Yankee’ as Spec Max Liebman Is negotiating for the rights to Rodgers & Hart’s “A Connecticut Yankee” as an NBC spectacular with a late February oating The former Broadway musical has been treated on tv a couple of times. Liebman, who expects word in m next week or so as to whether , . P r °Perty win be available to , ^ is s P ec ola series, looks 81 , n 8|y on Ray Bolger to play Questionable, however, ,. in , 'f r Bolger can undertake ex- mm, ed r , ehear sals in view of his Ul( pix show on ABC. OUT NEXT WEEK! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly • • - Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 154 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 29 4311 Yecca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ave. LONDON. W. C. S I St. Martin’s Place Trafalgar Square G-T Quizzer Axed, Tanto’ as Sub Revlon has axed “What’s Going On,” the Goodson Si Todman panel- quizzer -played with remotes, after only five outings on ABC-TV. Cos- metic outfit has made a contract settlement with G-T, with whom it had pacted for the show for 13 w'eeks, and is bringing in instead the veteran “Pantomime Quiz,” which starts in the Sunday at 9:30 ABC slot next Sunday (2). “Panto,” which In the past sev- eral years has made the rounds of virtually all of the networks, is a Mike Stokey package which will h« originated in New York. Stokey is coming in from the Coast to pro- duce and emcee the stanza. G-T office, incidentally, said that it had warned Revlon when it bought “Going On” that it would take more than a 13-week cycle, let alone the first couple of weeks, to iron out the kinks in the show, but Revlon apparently wasn’t satisfied to wait till that happened. IKE’S STATE OF UNION TALK IN TINT VIDEO Barry Wood, NBC-TV special events director, planed to the Coast on Monday (27) to o.o. the web’s coverage of the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena as part of his* 10-day vacation (and his second California trek within a couple of w'eeks). Although the tinted version of the pageant has been shelved by the network, it will be colorized locally via KTLA. Meantime, the u r eb was attempt- ing to get the go-ahead on tinting up President Eisenhower’s State of the Union message slated for Jan. 6 from the House of Representa- tives in a joint session. Air time is 12:30 to 1:15 p. m. Cantor Salt Guestars Eddie Fisher makes his first ap- pearance in a syndicated series via a guest shot in the fourth in (he ; “Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre” series. He’s set in a variety seg- ment which stars Cantor and w hich is currently being shot by Ziv on the Coast. Other guesters in the Canlor j series so far include Charles Co- burn, Billie Burke, Brian Aherne, James Gleason, Pat Crowley and | Don Defore. I 20 ■AMO-TBmiSION WedalMday, December 29, 1954 ‘RUNAWAY RATINGS’ THING OF PAST AS AGE OF EQUALIZATION SETS IN *♦ A look at the Nielsens for the fall ot ’54 shows that television’s “age of equalization" has set in. No longer do the "Lucys" (and Milton Berles of the earlier era> pull 20 and 30 points ahead of the opposition; it's now more of a bat- tle all along the line of late “kings" for supremacy during their time periods, with rating tops being in the low 50’s, not the 70’s. The average once-a-w-eek half- hour evening video rating is slight- ly off f.om last year, meaning that all shows are getting a more equi- table share of the whole national viewership. That doesn’t mean, however, that the number of homes watching ls off since the number of tv sets in operation has in- creased from ’53. It marely means that the share of audience (actual rating; has evened off. The rating picture also indicates that neither CBS nor NBC can per- manently call any night its own. Big example of "the share and share alike" of video time is “1 Leve Lucy," which until this sea- son gave CBS complete supremacy on Mondays. Evidently, NBC’s Sid Caesar-‘‘Medic" did more damage to the CBS 8 to 9:30 period than was originally discerned this fall. This November (for last two weeks- "Lucy" dropped to a 48.9, no mean figure but far less than the 83.5 managed last year against Dennis Day for the same period. B&A, Godfrey Affected The rest of the Monday night lineup has been affected too. The charmed lives of "Burns and Allen" and Godfrey’s "Talent Scouts" weren’t so charmed in the latest Nielsen. B&A was down 3 points, Godfrey down 15 (according to Nielsen minute-by-minute rating* against the still-not-so-spectacular- but-stroi\g -enough status of the "Caesar Hour." ' Taking Thursday as another ex- ample, "Dragnet" could only get 43 in the police lineup. That's a drop from 58.6 in ’53. Groucho Marx Ls down from a 46.5 on NBC that same night to a 39.1. Last year’s Ray Milland "McNutley” show didn't cut much into the quiz stanza, but the new formated Mil- land casing is up to a 16.6, while DuMont's late "They Stand Ac- cused” managed an 11. Here the spread among three networks is in- dicative of the more even sharing of audience honors also. (ABC's "Quick As a Flash" last year didn’t do over about a 5.) It was evident to the industry last season that the Godfrey ratings on both Mondays and Wednesday* were suffering. He’d already begun to lose his toprated spot, but ’54 shows him to be even more deeply in trouble, or so read the Nielsens. First off, Walt Disney via ABC has not only whittled down Godfrey but upset the whole Wednesday night applecart. The Holly wood- based film show cut a fancy 44.4 in the last two rating weeks, with Godfrey dropping to a 25.4, and on an average per-minute rate, Dis- ney got 36.7 vs. Godfrey’s 22.2. Yet, while ABC copped the lead on Wednesdays via its big entry, the entire picture is a three-way one. NBC is in there fighting (typi- cal of all three networks on all time fronts) with moderately rated "I Married Joan" and "My Little Margie,” though ABC has hurt "Joan," as against last year. Seen as a chief cause for the equalizing of the rating pictuie— something nearly as evident in the less dynamic hours as with the former "big big” rated stanzas— is the fact that ABC is coming more into its own as a "major." Since there’s more programming to choose from, the audience lat- ing figures on one show have dropped from the colossal to a more even spread. WRCA «n«f WKCA-TV V»«p Hamilton Shea waedort How Local Can You Get? * * * on* the many editorial features' in tha fortkeoming 49 th Anniversary Number •f OUT NEXT WEEK TV Reprieve For life With Father Affiliates of CBS-TV have appar- ently been screaming loud enough to cause the web to drop-its plan for slotting "Adventures of the Kingfish” in the 8 to 8:30 Tuesday time following the shift of Red Skelton from there to 9:30. The “Kingfish" series is the “Amos ’n’ \ndy" skein under a new tag, al- though emphasis was to be on the sidebar character’s exploits via a new batch of 13 films to mix with the old celluloiders. Squawking affiliate stations took the position that In giving "King 1 fish” a network ride, the web was not playing fair- in that the “Amos- Andy" show* is in local syndication, via CBS Film Sales, and that the national slotting would affect cur rent and future status on the re- runs. As result, Columbia has rein stated “Life With Father,” which has been cancelled in its 10 p. m. berth, and will put it into the 8 o’clock time starting Jan. 4. Not known, however, how long "Father” will remain in that slot, although there’s talk that the show will con- tinue there in its new vidpix dress • it’s been a live show since open ing last season). H’wood Legion Stadium Fights Packaged for TV New packaging firm of St. George & Gale has wrapped up video rights to the weekly fight calendar of the American Legion Stadium in Hollywood. Firm is dickering with ABC-TV to carry the bouts, but there’s no deal In eight yet. According to George Gale, partner in the firm, bouts would have fllm stars appearing during the prelims to pitch their favorite charities. Second package controlled by the new outfit is a Saturday a. m. kidshow which would feature a new clown character, Peppo the , Clown. Chi Biz ‘Insertions’ Chicago, Dec. 28. NBC-TV’s magazine concept con- tinues to lure rookies into network tv. Central division veep Edward R. Hitz’s crew last week brought In two first-time clients for the web’s “Today" and "Home" strips. Culligan water softener ordered 13 inserts in "Home" starting in April and the E. L. Bruce floor wax firm bought 20 participations in "Today.” Good Music— & Loud Washington, Dec. *28. Washington’s “Good Music Sta- tion.’’ WG]\JS, will soon become the most powerful outlet (up to sun- set) in the District of Columbia area as a result of an authorization by the FCC last week to increase its daytime power to 5,000 watts and to operate nighttime with 1,000 watts on its 570kc frequency. Station will spend approximately $100,000 to erect four towers, each 450 feet high, and a new transmit- tei on a 100-acre tract near Bethes- da, Md., where auxiliary studios will be established. Present trans- mitter is in Falls Church, Vs. KXEL’s 500G Transfer Chicago, Dec. 28. Stockholders of WOPA, Oak Park indie, are shelling out $500,- 000 for a minimum of 80Tfc interest in KXEL, Waterloo, Iowa. Sale re- sults from the decision of KXEL founder Joe DuMond (Josh Hig- gins) to retire from the radio biz for reasons of health. Egmont Sonderling, prexy of WOPA, will take over as general manager of the Iowa station. Kintner, Lewine Set Coast Disney Huddle ABC President Bob Kintner and tv program chief Bob Lewine plane out to the Coast late next week for a weeklong huddle with Walt Dis- ney on the latter’s projected one- hour children’s strip tentatively set for 5-6 p.m. cross-the-board. They’ll discuss matters of format and production on the strip. Show', tentatively titled “The Mickey Mouse Theatre," will be all film, which would easily make it the largest physical film project ever undertaken. Thinking thus far calls for the use of a multi- camera system employing the nat- ural backgrounds of the Disney- land amusement park for back- ground footage. Into new footage would be wound some of the Dis- ney theatrically-released cartoons and short subjects. Project is still In the earliest of stages, with im- mediate problem one of meeting the enormous physical and format demands the undertaking would exact. Video Espanol Madrid, Dec. 28. This country, rich in program material, is moving slowly in television. Although receivers are displayed in store windows, there are only about 500 in use in all Spain, all of them in Madrid W’here the government operates an experimental station. Broad- casts are limited to two evenings a week, Thursdays and Fridays, with, less than four hours in all. Film, interviews, variety and puppet shows make up the schedule. Sets cost from $400 up. Jose Luis Colina, director of tv programs for Radio Nacional de Espana, is planning for an expansion in 1955 when a new transmitter is to be installed and a studio building is to be pro- vided. He expects the transmitter, to be purchased from Phillips, to be ready in March. It will have 500 watts power. Television Madrid will then up its schedule to four evenings a week for a total of eight hours. Just how tv will operate in Spain is still to be determined. Colina points to three approaches to finance programs: taxes on receivers, advertising, and outright government subsidy. He thinks it may evolve into a compromise by which half the programs would be supported by advertisers and half by the government. Colina plans to put bullfights on tv next year and is not greatly concerned as to the possible impact on attendance at the arenas. Although the bullfights offer rich material for color tv, Colina sees little prospect of tint in Spain for the foreseeable future. Goodman Grinds ’Em Out in Aussie Because He Thinks AFTRA Unfair Israel-Created Quizzer Bids For Inti Attention By JACK LEVY Jerusalem, Dec. 28. After six rears of regular broad- casting, the Voice of Israel’s most popular weekly radio program. "The Musical Quiz." will take a rest in February when producers Aron Schmuckler and Itzhak Shi- moni make their separate ways to Europe and America in an effort to arrange an international inter- change of this unique cultural show. Although a longfiair program, the "Quiz" has stirred up immense musical interest throughout Israel, offering indisputable proof that ed- ucation can be achieved through entertainment. In the cities and in the Kibutzes (agricultural vil- lages), among children as well as adults, a considerable portion of the nation's population gathers at their radios at 10 a. m. on Satur- day’s to hear whether they correct- ly identified the previous week’s music and to test their mettle on the current offering. The format of the “Quiz" is sim- ple enough. Often, passages from'] musical compositions, usually clas- sical. are played. Sometimes, there are introduced instruments (for which special music is written to correspond with the score) which do not belong in the original or- chestration. A number of such pas- sages are played and the audience is asked to identify < 1 ) the com- position and '2) the intruding in- strument. Prizes given are nomi- nal. The satisfaction of being able to identify the composer and to detect the instrumental flaw in the composition provides the incentive for listening. In one program caught, the first (Continued on page 26) Gf TIiMlrt'i Host Ronald Reagan gives his reasons why he sees TV Losing Its Inferior Paperclip Complex * * * one of the many byline pieces in the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of OUT NEXT W EEK Giveaways Fade Off Canada Radio Ottawa, Dec. 28. Giveaway shows are dying out on Canadian tadio and the Cana- dian Broadcasting Corp. has dropped plans for its threatened curb on such airers, according to A. D. Dunton, CBC chairman. Last spring, Dunton warned that CBC, which controls and regulates all Canadian broadcasting, would take regulatory steps unless prize show's decreased in number. The warning followed an outburst cued by an Ottawa station’s (CKCY) quizzer offering a jackpot of nearly $8,000 with clues pointing to Hon. C. D. Howe, federal cabinet minis- ter, whose home and office became chaos with contestants’ probing for facts about him. Yukon Ukase Chicago, Dec. 28. Memo to tv rasslers: It’s no longer cricket to hit your part- ner over the noggin with a chair during two-act routines on DuMont’s Saturday night comedy from the Marigold grunt & groan emporium. So ruled the Illinois Athletic Commission last week (then it slapped a 30-day suspension on Yukon Eric for doing just that. It seems Yukon has decided to revise his routine, switch- ing from his traditional Galla- had role to the villain type, as a hypo to his billings. He launched the switchover with a bang a couple of weeks back by bopping partner Verne Gagne with a ni“tal chair dur- ing the televised show’. v DuMont Names Kelley William H. Kelley was named veepee and general manager of all DuMont manufacturing and sales divisions and William C. Scales was chosen manager of the receiver sales setup in what were officially described as "major organization changes" at DuMont Labs. New deal calls for the firm’s in- strument, cathode-ray tube, com- munications products, receiver and sales division as well as the inter- national and government contract divisions to report to Kelley. Kelley was formerly veepee head- ing marketing. World's '55 Lineup World Broadcasting will launch seven new cross-the-board trans- cribed series on Jan. 1 as the high- light of its 1955 programming set- up. New series are all musical, comprise some 12 hours of pro- gramming a w'eek. Shows are "Music Coast to Coast," "Passport to Daydreams," “Guess Who, Guess What,” “West- ward to Music." "The Song and the Star." 'The Three Suns” and "The Blackwood Bros. Quartet." San Antonio — Glen Krifeger has been named merchandising and promotion manager, a newly-cre- ated post at KITE. here. Junita Ramsuer, of the Traffic Depart- ment has been upped to post of Office Manager. With production of half-hour radio dramas at a fragment of its former self because of decreased network operation in that area, the revenue of thesps has, naturally, taken a dip too, according to Everett Goodman, a top sales exec for Harry S. Goodman Productions. In discussing his firm’s new li- brary plan on radio dramatic stanzas, Goodman also pretty much laid it on the line as far as radio acting is concerned. His is one of the few companies producing ra- dio drpmas on a fairly extensive basis, and for a long time, much of its production has been done in Australia because of what he feels are restrictive prices on talent set by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Goodman feels that AFTRA de- mands on talent fees in radio are too rigid in light of radio's current status. There are certain replay rights that choke off the produc- ers profits, and other inequities, according to him. Goodman has plans lor new audio drama pro- duction, but it’s a question of whether he and AFTRA can come to terms before he’ll bring produc- tion back to the U. S. from Australia, where thesping restric- tions, he claims, aren’t as strong. Meanwhile, Goodman will short- ly launch a deal to sell half-hour dramatic shows built along the lines of library plan on the theory that radio network affiliates want to fill the gaps in the afternoon and evening lineups made by the great decrease in the number of dramas at those times formerly supplied by the webs. Realizing that it’d have to be a lowcost proposition to entice sta- tions to buy for times when radio listenership is off, Goodman in- tends basing the setup on some so far undetermined facet of the sta- tion rate card. Actually, the proposition shapes as far more than a method of dumping his ex- tensive supply of half-hour dra- matic shows (Goodman has w'ell over 100 series), because the out- lit intends continuation of produc- tion. with all new product — and Goodman assures it will be fairly extensive — going into the library plan. Basing his afternoon-evening "drama for local radio" pitch on large sales to WOR, the Mutual key in N. Y.; WMPS, Memphis, plus other network affiliates or o&o’s, Goodman, figures that the network radio stations, having built much of their personalities on the presence of dramatic shows and not wishing to compete with stations previously established in the music and news format, will want to continue similar program- ming if costs are equitable with radio’s declined afternoon and evening audiences. Heretofore, Goodman has been charging A, B and C (quality) prices, plus offering quantity dis- count, on his transcribed shows. Audio outlets will order now by the number of hours daily or weekly needed to ‘fill dramatic needs. Stations will be able to reject undesirable stanzas. ■'..WihIut. December 29, 19S4 P'S&lETr ramo-tblbvismn 21 RICHEST GUYS RADIO CamerasAweigh Washington. Dec. 28. i hc U.S. Navy Is stepping up the use of tv in its recruiting „.,i«n Variety learned today (Tues.). Although it has had no . plm laiiv’skedded tv show for several years, the Navy is currently in* tlie facilities of 400 video stations throughout-the country in its efforts to interest young men and women in the special advantages of its branch of the services. Most intensive efforts are via a series of one-minute spots, the * t f 0U1 - of which are ready Ur hit the nation’s tv screens. Using existing stock footage, Navy plans 20 spots in initial series, each ot which will beat the drums for a special phase of the service or one of its major activities. Those completed carry such titles ‘ Passage to Freedom,” showing evacuation of Indo-China; “Antie- as Strike Up the Band,” plugging the Navy School of Music; tain ” hypoing interest in air activities of the Navy. In addition, stock footage is being used to make recruiting trailers in 20 and 50-second lengths. These are in the works, and will-be offered to tv stations through local Navy recruiting office as soon as they are completed. Although Navy deals directly with stations in distributing its radio material, tv distribution is done on the local level. In addition. Navy is lining up a series of 15-minute shorts for - tv. the first of which, “Carrier Action in Korea." will be distributed soon alter Jan. 1. “Take ’Er Down,” a short on the submarine service, and “Malta Revisited,” the story of air rescue service, are currently in the works. A more ambitious project. “The History of the U.S. Navy," is being updated so that eventually it will bring the entire story of the service to the public in half-hour install- ments. much in the manner of NBC’s “Victory At Sea.” The first two segments are already in use. The brass-in-blue also has an eye to color, and several 16m tinters. including “Naval Aviation and You” and “The Annapolis Story.” have already been cleared fdr tv. In the AM-FM field. Navy continues its regularly-skedded weekly ABC “Navy Hour” musical shows, featuring its own band and orch. The Saturday afternoon sfiow 'uses such commercial talent as producer Jack Logan, ex of WMAL-ABC, and WMAL staffer Jackson Weaver as announcer. It it probably one of Navy’s most potent attention-getters, and is being used to introduce the Sugar Bowl game from New Orleans on New Year’s Day. A new quarter-hour musical package series of 14 shows featuring top musical names and combos teed off Dec. 20. CBS Foundation Makes Initial School Grants in Name o( Execs Fourteen colleges and univer-^. sities are embraced in the first- year grants made in the name of 16 CBS executives by CBS Founda- tions Inc. Latter is the agency formed some time ago by CBS Inc. for distribution of charitable and educational grants. Hie group was selected solely on objective standards “which do not involve appraisal or evaluation.” -The foun- dation said in this connection that the formula used for selection is not to be made public but includes minimum service of 30 months on a continuous basis, “and promo- tion to or beyond a specified level of responsibility,” with another re- quirement being graduation from an accredited privately-endowed educational institution. The 16 execs in the first group under the “CBS Plan” were drawn from two classifications, those who met the standards in 1953 and those w ho had met the same stand- ards before 1953. “Not all of the CBS executives who had qualified prior to 1953 could be Included in the first -year group, and their in- dividual names and their colleges and universities will be announced in succeeding years on a seniority schedule,” the statement said. Dr. Frank Stanton, prexy of CBS Inc. and a member of the founda- tion, said that in adopting the plan the foundation “is attempting to do more than express CBS’ apprecia- tion to the institutions from which (Continued on page 26) Mutual of Omaha Exits Frl Sports _ ^ 1 u t u al of Omaha is cancelling r i ?} L ,ie Frld »y night post- Nhp TO b c ut ? sports Prog 1 **™ on (--IV. Series is scheduled to go sometime in February after a ‘6-week ride. Snnrt ne »Y ,G , reates t Moments In , s ' has had tough going from .... . s ar f» Primarily because of the Production problems entailed in c„- or t ln « and ed iUng the sports to s > V? m * et time requirements, e there s no way °* determin- rui ,’. n adv *nce how long the sit v of wU1 last * th « neces- Al*an<1 Sherwood Schwartz lieve ■ liMMereMt piece titled Not As a Writer •a amusing byline piece la the forthcoming 49 th Anniversary Number . PfatlETY OIT NEXT W EEK AFTRA Joins In KPIX Walkout; Probe Sabotage San Francisco, Dec. 28. The two-week-old National Assn, of Broadcast Employees and Tech- nicians strike against KPIX, West- inghouso tv outlet here, became a joint NABET-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike last week when AFTRA broke off negotiations and walked out. This makes the second joint NABET-AFTRA strike running in Frisco currently: Both unions have been struck for three months at KEAR, indie good music station, where a suit asking for an injunc- tion against the unions and charg- ing various acts of violence has been postponed until Thursday (30) in San Mateo county court. In the KPIX situation, the sta- tion's protest to the FCC on al- leged “sabotage” of station equip- ment resulted last week in the FCC announcing its intention of con- ducting a probe into the situation at KPIX. NABET representative Robert Linehan said his union “welcomed an impartial probe” but added that ® f «Hing out the remaining 1 NABET is by no means certain it ' e °, ! l . pm - becomes practically ! will be one. pointing out that the 111 DISK JOCKS' SI. 10, 10 TAKE It’s the strictly-local talent that rules the radio earnings roost these days. Time was when they all as- pired to a network showcasing for the big paydirt. But today tlje situation has moved into reverse as the hard-hit AM webs pull in their spending horns while the still-affluent local radio opera- tions make with the tempting of- fers for personalities. Go into any big city or small town around the country and it’s the disk jockey with th£ local fol- lowing who has established him- self 'as the solid citizen with the high-bracketed income tax return. In New York City alone the plat* ter spinner who doesn’t knock off $40,000 a year and more isn’t worth the time he takes up, and all told their earnings during ’54 went well over the $1,000,000 mark in their business-sharing deals with the sta- tions. And what goes for New York also applies to Boston, Cleve- land, Detroit, Hollywood, Wash- ington, Chicago — and up and down the line. These are the boys with the long chunks of time and per- centage arrangements, and they’re having a field day. Take the Gotham contingent, for example. John Gambling , one of the vets of the business, Is good for at least $150,000 a year. Then there’s that other vet, Martin Block (WABC), who, independent of his network affiliation, grabs himself a minimum $100,000, a year locally. Klavin Sc Finch (WNEW) are* good for an estimat- ed $90,000 a year. Bob Sc Ray (WINS) have geared themselves for an estimated $75,000 a year, and the same for Jerry Marshall (WNEW). Other estimated earnings: Ted Husing (WMGM), $60,000; Jack Sterling (WCBS>, $60,000; Allyn Edwards (WRCA), $50,000; Art Ford (WNEW), $40,000; Ted Brou’n (WMGM), $50,000; Bob Haymes (WCBS), now' that he’s been given 45 minutes of addition- al time, from $40,000 to $50,000; Al ( Jazzbo) Collins (WRCA), $30,- 000; Jim Coy (WRCA), $35,000. There are at least a dozen other guys in the New York disk jock sphere who knock off anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 each per year. Out in Hollywood, Harry Maiz- lish, of WKBW, claims the top dee- jay payroll for any station, totaling better than $200,000 annually. Peter Potter (KLAC), Al Jarvis and Larry Finley (WFWB) have an estimated income of around $60,000 each. (While Maizlish pays $40,000 top, Finley also has a sharing deal.) Most of the others earn around $25,000 annually each, these being KLAC’s Dick Haynes, Alex Cooper, Jim Ameche and Gene Norman; KFWB’s Bill Ley- den, Red Rowe, Zeke Manners, Frank Bull and Bob McLaughlin; KMPC’s Ira Cook, Johnny Grant and Dick Whittinghill. These three stations have the bulk of the top I*. A. spinners. Chicago’s Howard Miller Is re- portedly good for $70,000 annually. Gallaher in Washington reaps an estimated $50,000 annually. Ditto for Rege Cordic, Pitt’s top platter boy. MacGuire in Philadelphia (recently wooed over by KYW) grabs an estimated $35,000 annual- ly and about the same goes to Johnny Andrews in Cleveland. Jack the Bellboy in Detroit, Bos- ton’s Back Bay Ballroom are other segments, among many others, that are local pride and joys and big coin collectors. Chi TV Wonders About AD Those Cuffo Plugs (or Conunl Products CaS-TV fru r _l J. L. Van Volkenburg details ills r ease as for As Long As It’s Good , lf’$ Worth Repeating * * * a bright editorial feature la the forthcoming 49th Anniversary Number of OIT NEXT W EEK Totalitarianism In Europe Slated As Telementaries Henry Salomon Jr., head of NBC’s tv documentary unit, is blueprinting a large scale sizeup of totalitarianism in Europe. It will be one of the series of full hour “special event specs” which the web has commissioned him to bring in and is planned for aa ex- posure next May. Salomon has returned from a two months’ tour of Europe, hit- ting England. France, Italy and Germany and exchanging views with the top television program- mers there. He made a study of both live and film video values in the respective countries, cementing contacts to be employed on a mu- utal basis as his formats for the U. S. crystallize. The show on political distatorships will be simi- lar in approach to his “Three-Tw'O- One-Zero” covering the birth and development of nuclear fission. That show, incidentally, was picked up by the BBC during his stay in Great Britain. Chicago, Dec. 28. Wifdy City advertisers and agen- cies with a coin investment in local tv shows are beginning to raise not- so-quizaical eyebrows over the amount of gratis video showcasing of commercial products. Trend has been particularly noticeable on in- terview shows with manufacturing reps and company spokesmen aboard as guests to “discuss” some “newsworthy” gadget or service. Although admittedly an extreme case, one local tv time salesman tells about the account he lost be- cause the client said he could get more video exposure through his press agent than he could afford to buy outright. There’s little complaint about the standard cuffo plugs such as for records, motion pictures, legit shows and books, usually pitched by guests who have personality in- terests in their own rights. What rankles are the direct product dis- plays and “institutional spiels’* tossed out for free for the latest in outboard motors, such-aml-surh a dress label or the newfangled kitchen gadget. Of course, that goes double for the advertisers who are shelling out a couple hun- dred bucks for a legit participation on the same show. In defense, the stations argua that it has become common prac- tice for daily newspapers to ;ive a helpful editorial “assist” to various new products. But it’s pointed out that such cuffo newspaper displays are at least indirectly tied in with an advertising campaign. Whereas frequently the tv giveaways go to outfits who have yet to spend their first dyne in the medium. ar ) ad lib job. (Continued on page 30) IBEW To Strike KCOP Hollywood. Dec. 28. As a result of a breakdown of negotiations with KCOP over wages, the executive board of Broadcasting Television Recording Engineers, Local 45, IBEW, sanc- tioned a strike, although definite date w r as set. That will be decided tomorrow (Wed.) after a meeting with the U. S. Conciliation Service. About 70 technicians are Involved. Hazel Markel Joining .Ted Granik’s Setup; Prep New Panel Show Washington, Dec. 28. Hazel Markel, one of the capi- tal's top femmecasters, has been named associate producer in charge of radio-tv activities for Theodore Granik, producer of “The Ameri- can Forum” and “Youth Wants to Know." In addition to her produc- tion chores, Mrs. Markel will be first femme to act as regular panel- ist on Granik’s 26-year-old forum show. Mrs. Markel is currently femme commentator for Mutual and for its capital affiliate, WWDC. In addi- tion, she had, until recently, a daily tv show over WTTG-DuMont, and has a weekly society column in the Washington Daily News, as well as one in the Diplomat Maga- zine. She will sever all other broadcasting affiliations when she enters the Granik organization. Addition of a femme exec and panelist to the Granik staff ac- cents his interest in launching a new all-femme show, “Woman Wants to Know.” It is no secret that Granik and Martha Rountree, who ankled “Meet the Press” over a year ago, have been in a race to see w hich one gets to the channels first with such a show. ‘Studio T Play Cues Libel Action Montgomery, Dec. 28. A $1,000,000 libel suit was filed here last week in Federal District Court against CBS and Westing- house for Hugh Bentley, president of the Russell County Betterment Ashn., who claims the Studio One play, “Shortcut,” implied he was the slayer of crime-fighter Albert Patterson. Bentley charged in his suit filed by attorneys Roberts H. McMillian of Opelika and Lt. Gov. James B. Allen of Gadsen, that the program televised Dec. 6 “over all or a large part of its (CBS) network, includ- ing station WBRC-TV, Birming- ham, and station WAGA-TV, At- lanta,” and “viewed by an audi- ence of upwards of 20,000,000 per- sons,” implied that Bentley killed Alabama’s attorney-general-nomi- nee who .was shot down at Phenix City, Russell County seat, on June 18, 1954. Bentley, who lives in Russell | County but w'ho operates an appli- ance and mercantile business in Columbus, Ga., claims the play, “Shortcut,” which starred Jackie Gleason, plainly portrayed Phenix City and that the chief characters in the tv play were himself and Patterson, alhough all actual names were changed. Bentley demanded a jury trial in the complaint. * He is asking for special damages as well as punitive damages, on the claim that his bus- iness has been harmed and that he has suffered “mental anguish, hu- miliation and embarrassment.” ST. l/S 70G PALSY TAKE St. Louis, Dec. 28. A 42-hour hour tv show staged in the Henry W. Kiel (municipal) au- ditorium and telecast over WTVI last week netted $70,000 for the United Cerebral Palsy Assn, of Greater St. Louis. Goal was $100,000. Webster Exits Caesar Show; Dickers Imogene Tony Webster, one of tha key writers on the Sid Caesar Monday night show on NBC-TV (his weekly stipend is $1,750), is checking off the program, reportedly due to •behind-the-scene differences. He’s one of Caesar’s vet writers dating back to the ex-“Show of Shows.” Webster is negotiating for a writing assignment on the Imogene Coca Saturday night show. «r„w« Lee 120 Mins.; Sun.-thru Sat., 11 p.m. Participating WOKO, Albany Bob Lee turntables a wide va- riety of selections on this show, one of the few- area late-nighters the week round. He spins many new records by established and little known companies; platters current hit tunes, oldies *nd stand- ards. Lee seems to possess a good knowledge of popular music. His comments are often brief; some- times he does little more than tab the title, featured artists and per- haps the waxing concern. Occasionally deeiay makes a cryptic observation, as in compar- ing the pipes of Betty and Rose- mary Clooney. And he knows re- cording artists. Jaco. The kid goes away in tear$, is almost run over by a truck which gets rescuer Andy instead — plus a blowout from a handful of horse- shoe nails in his pocket. Hospi- talized, the old man dreams the Devil comes to drive him to hell in an automobile. Play ends with narrator telling how Andy sits watching the youngster play “mail stage” with a horse s head he has carved for him on a stick. Might have been better ended with Andy and the kid actually speaking. Sam Payne, vet of Vancouver’s Totem and Ottawa’s Canadian Repertory Theatres, did a rich, de- lightful job of the crusty old die- hard. Shannon Fowler was easy and natural as the cab driver, anil Doug Haskins. Dorothy Fowler and Stan Jones were good in the other roles. Ray Whltehouse’s direction was warmly effective. Card. NEW MUSIC FROM HALLE' S With Wayne Mack Producer: Charles P. Hoover 60 Mins.; Sunday, 4 p.m. HALLE BROS. WTAM, Cleveland This is a pleasant hour of Sun- day relaxation, paced to the tempo of good taste, good music, and good listening. Although it’s in [ the disk jockey category, it is more than the usual put-the- , record-on-take-the-record-off vari- ety. Selections played are part of an overall script with short intro tie-ins used to connect the music. ■ In stanza caught (19) motif was Christmas music, that ranged from 1 Robert Shaw Chorale to Bach and | "Snow” from “White Christmas?” Selections, too. from “Milstein Re- cital” "Red Mill” and "The Robe” further indicated the scope of mu- sic covered. Spieling around the music is Wayne Mack’s professional presen- tation with a soothing, easy-to- listen-to approach. Overall han- 1 dling. with underplay of commer- , cial is in keeping w ith program’s dignity and taste. Mark. Foreign Langiage » Continued from pace II others in the Anglo-Jewish field and with four sponsors for approxi- mately half of the 47-game college basketball sked has given the Irv- ing Rosenhaus station a high de- gree of new biz. In Italian, La Rosa has pacted for an 11 to 11:15 ayem slot on weekdays, taking over 11 to 11:30 weekends. (All days will consti- tute live variety presentations, ex- cept the Sunday 30-minuter in live Italo drama.) Medaglia D'Oro is in at 11:15 to 11:30 weekdays and at 11:30 to noon on Saturday and Sunday. While the first half hour in the Italo sked is SRO, the sec- ond has six or seven quarter hours to go: to date Caruso Oil has three 15-minute periods a week at 11:30; United Warehouse has one, and Cinzano winery is very near patt- ing. according to one report, for seven 15-minute periods each week. Two drug names, Branca and Briosci. have separately pacted for 20-second ajancies to the Italo sked. This biz fills the better part of one hour a day (four hours daily was the original plan), but WATV is opening an hour and a half earlier in the morning (actual time depending on other billings in Italian) for Italo feature films — without titles and without dubbing. The pix are being opening by the station to non-Italo products which wish to reach the large Italian market in N. Y. Incidentally, the features — 60 for now — were pur- chased from a firm run by Vincent Parisi and Martin Blau, who, it's understood, control in the vicinity of 150 Italo pix altogether. In the Anglo-Jewish field, Bor- den's and General Foods have signed on to sponsor a total of 45- minutes “in English with a Jewish flavor.” The sports sked of 47 metropoli- tan basketball games, has attracted so far Amana freezers, Esso, Phila- delphia Dairy and Wildroot hair oil. These four, according to WATV sales topper Bert Lebhar, constitute buying in about half the time available. Biow Continued from page 18 the overall objective. This is the essence of American progress.” Expressing himself as “fortu- nate” in finding two capable asso- ciates, Biow said “that is why I told Ken Beirn and John Toigo that I wanted their names on the masthead of the company, that I looked to them to help me guide the destinies of the company. The Biow Co. started 40 years ago— one small office and myself, not even a stenographer. With the help of our staff over the year.., we have grown into one of America’s fore- most advertising agencies with a roster of approximately 500 mem- bers, and serving a list of leading American manufacturers. I will be your chairman, and like you, I will be working here.” Reviewing 1954, the board chair-, man admitted loss of some person- nel and clients, saying that “some left us” and “some we left” for various reasons. “What I am happy to report is that most of this busi- ness has been replaced with equal- ly distinguished names, adding to the strength of our roster.” if From the Production Centres j -»+♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦+ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ »»4 ♦♦♦♦»♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦ IN NEW YORK CITY . . . Bill Bern*, WRCA-plus-tv news and special events chief, conferring with staff of Governor-elect Averell Harriman on a blueprint for sta- tions’ Albany coverage under the new Demo administration . . . Milburn McCarty, head of the p.r. firm, and wife (she’s in the firm) to Europe for three weeks to visit clients there, plus a quickie to New- castle-Km-Tyne in northern England to set up photo and feature coverage for Norwegian America Line’s new flagship, the Bergensfjord. now abuilding in yards there . . . CBS’ “Mr. and Mrs. North” marks 13 years on air Monday (3) . . . WRCA publicity mgr. Bill Anderson planed to Dallas for holidays. Station’s Sydney Smith on two-week vacation in Mexico . . . John Ives, producer of the CBS “Gangbusters” and “21st Precinct,” bedded with pneumonia at United Hospital in Port Chester. N.Y. . . . Red Barber and John Derr off to Miami for Orange Bowl previews and broadcast of New Year’s Day classic via CBS. CBS scribbler Jo Lyons to Mexico for the holidays . . . Mutual prexy Tom O’Neil off on Caribbean cruise . . . Bill Leonard vacations from his WCBS “This Is New York” stanza New Year’s eve and is replaced by Auld Lang Syne perennial Guy Lombardo. . . . Dick Jackson, pub- licity head of WOR and WOR-TV,’ lectures on p.r. at Fordham on Jan. 6. Tape of stint will be later aired via WFUV, college outlet . . . Jackson's right hand, press editor Mary Jane McDougall, did similar guest lecture stint before N.Y.U. radio-tv p.r. class last week . . . Max Wylie’s “Cleared Channels” (on radio-tv industry) details facts re WCBS program director Sam Slate and station’s talent roster to bring out comparison twixt U.S. radio and that of England . . . WMGM shuffled around its midday sked to add 30 minutes to the Aime Gauvin-Dick DeFreitas “It’s a Woman’s World” gab session. Show hereafter runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. . . . 88’er Lalan Parrot returns to home, Oklahoma City, to feature with Guy Fraser Harrison and the Oklahoma City Symph for Mutual’s Sun. (2) broadcast by that group. N.Y. Times publisher Arthur Hays Sulzberger to deliver New Year’s Eve message via his WQXR. in rhyme, no less . . . Frank Campanella doing “21st Precinct” . . . WLIB has set a novel Xmas bonus: gift to employees of the radio station were insurance policies ranging from $2,000 to $7,500. depending on salary. Deal for insurance was made with the Radio-Television Industry Group Insurance Fund, with outlet paying entire premium (or for duration of employment) and no physical examination necessary. IN CHICAGO .... Jim Shelby is departing the McCann-Erickson Chi office this week after 14 years with the agency during which time he served as radio-tv director and later a specialist on a string of accounts. He’s revealing his new connection after the first of the year . . . Chi CBS veep H. Leslie Atlas* spending the holidays cruising aboard his yacht “Sis” off Ber- muda . . . John Keown resigned his Chi NBC producer chair to join the Cunningham & Walsh agency . . . Les Lear, general manager of CBS-TV’s "Welcome Travelers,” named chairman of the Chi Heart Assn.’s special events division . . . Francis Coughlin, WGN and WGN-TV continuity director, conducting a tv waiters’ workshop at the U. of Chicago’s downtown center . . . Ned Williams, exec secretary of Chi- cago Unlimited, back at his desk after minor surgery . . . WLS director of education Josephine Weteler one of the seven winners of McCall’s mag's 1954 awards to top radio-tv femmes . . . Chi’s Findlay Galleries picking up the WBBM tab on CBS’ "Years Of Crisis” roundup Sunday (2) . . . Frank McGivern signed on as a veepee with the Moore A Strand agency in Kankakee IN PITTSBURGH . . . Bill Burchinal, former New York actor now with Ketchum. McLeod A Grove agency here, will make his Playhouse debut as one of the Larabee sons in “Sabrina Fair” . . . WDTV’s Bill Jewett, when he taught stagecraft at Yale in 1946-47, had as a student Chandler Potter, now head designer for the Pittsburgh community theatre . . . Pat Klepser, KQV publicity and continuity girl, engaged to Bill McNamara. He’s a student at Pitt and a relief engineer at the station during the summer vacation season . . . Rita Gould, head of TV Guide program- ming department, on an lie de France cruise with her parents over the holidays . . . Pat Moreell, of Norman Burk agency, signed for role of Elvira in International Repertory Theatre Co.’s February produc- tion of “Blithe Spirit” . . . Felisa Conde, assistant choreographer for Max Liebman’s Spectaculars, and her husband spending the holidays with Miss Conde’s parents. Attorney and Mrs. Eugene A. Caputo, of nearby Ambridge . . . Elaine Beverly returning to WDTV’s daily "Meet Your Neighbor,” which also stars her husband, Joe Mann, on Monday (4) after a three-week maternity leave. Dottle Talbot subbed for her. IN CLEVELAND . . . WTAM’s Gloria Brown into New York for week’s hiatus . . . WERE’s Phil McLean emceed five-station hookup that saw Arlene Perry, offered through WSPD, named winner in Ma Brown’s Ohio Talent Hunt . . . WGAR pacted with CBS for 19th year affiliation . . . NBC Christmas features included General Manager Lloyd Yoder, in cooperation with Society for Crippled Children, distributing toys to needy moppets, and Maggi Byrne luncheoning 80 nabe chairmen of “Make a Christmas Toy Club” . . . Burt Schildhouse named general operations manager for Ohio Advertising . . . McCann-Erickson shopping for woman tv weathercaster . . . Bud Ford leaves WTAM production for WRCA. John Wellman moves over to handle Ford’s Bandwagon production and Jim Prunty enters production staff. Ji\ PHILADELPHIA . . . Ed Harvey is filling in for vacationing Ralph Collier on WCAU's “Hi Neighor” and Johnny Lupton is subbing for Collier on “Wonderful Town” ... Ed Hurst and Joe Grady’s Saturday noon tv show \vas dropped (25) to be replaced by network’s Tennessee Ernie program . . . Mary Jones, director of women’s programs at WFIL, will receive the 1954 McCall’s Award to women in radio and tv, for “The Mary Jones Hearth,” non-profit project which shelters stranded young women . . . WPTZ news editor Dick McCutcheon has received invitation to address student group at Columbia U. on racial integration . . . Bill Givens, Vince Lee, Mac McGuire, Ruth Welles and Jack Pyle, radio personalities of KYW, are conducting two weeks on-the-air campaign to collect used and cancelled stamps to aid four different religious charities IN OMAHA . . . Black Hills Video Co. of Rapid City, S.D., has asked FCC permission to build a $310,000 microwave relay system between Denver and Rapid City . . . WOW-TV last Saturday carried an original half-hour tv play of the Omaha Junior Theatre . . . Dick McGee, former KOMO and KJR staffer in Seattle, has taken over top ad post for Clay County News-Sun at Sutton, Neb. . . . David L. Scheie, formerly KOB, Albu- querque, has joined WOW here as staff announcer . . . Dick (Arch) Andrews, WOW’s new allnight d.j., is an ex-KCOM staffer in Sioux City . . . Bob Morey is play-by-playing Hastings College basketball games at home and on the road for KHAS a WHO’S ON FIRST? 99 ^ , NBC Radio- Network The # 1 night-time program is on NBC -/ Lux Radio Theatre The # 1evening multi-weekly program is on NBC News of the World The # 1 daytime program is on NBC Young Widder Brown And thin’s tots more in Niolsin’s latest* that will interest you: • * The leading Sunday daytime show is also NBC’s... THE DENNIS DAY SHOW. The *2 evening multi-weekly is ONE MAN’S FAMILY, giving NBC the two leading programs in that category. The #2 weekday strip is STELLA DALLAS — giving NBC the two leading shows in that category also. And there’s non . . . The first of our new selling personalities, Mary Margaret McBride, had her rating shoot up 33% over the previous report NBC gives all sponsors the most. . . most of the most popular programs, the biggest, and biggest -buying audiences of any net- work. In fact, 5 of the top 10 shows on radio are NBC 's. And NBC gives evening sponsors a higher average audience than any other network. HAPPY NEW YEAR! RADIO NETWORK _ A SERVICE OF * Nielsen Radio Index, First Report for November, 1951 ItADIO-TW.EVISIOI* Wednudi;, December 29, 1954 Television Chatter New York Cyril Ritchard getting running role on NBC-TV’s “Mr. Peepers” starting Jan. 16 . . . Jay Barney playing the Executioner in the trial scene of G. B. Shaw’s “Saint Joan” on CBS-TV "Omnibus” Sun- day (2) . . . Ramsay Williams, just back from the Coast, appearing on ABC-TV’s “The Mail Story” to- morrow (Thurs.) . . . George Skin- ner to replace Carol Reed on WCBS-TV’s “Rain or Shine” seg- ments as of this week as Miss Reed gave birth (a boy) . . . The tab for comic Larry Storch’s workout in the NBC-TV Tuesday 8-9 p.m. slot on Jan. 4 will o* picked up by Turns. Also in the cast will be singer Teresa Brewer. Ken Banghart to start his new WRCA-TV newscast Jan. 3 . . . Eddie Andrews returns to CBS- TV’s “Studio One” Monday (3) in “The Missing Men” . . . Back on the scene after several month’s ab- sence is announcer-emcee Bill Bivens. . „ Ramon Vhiay does “Otello via DuMont’s “Opera Cameos” this Sabbath (2) . . . “Down You Go” moderator Bergen Evans has stall- ed on next tome (after “The Spoor of Spooks”) — a study of animal myths called “The Moral Verte- brates” . . . John Carradine inked with Mercury Artists as his radio- tv reps. He kicks off association with guestshot on the WRCA-TV Igor Cassini show Jan. 9 . . . Her- man Edel is new assistant (to Mrs. Shirley Stone Godley) manager of DuMont promotion, advertising and merchandising. Herb Shriner heading up the entertainment at the annual fund- raising luncheon for the Greater N. Y. Councils of the Boy Scouts of America sponsored by the Men’s and Boy’s Wear Industries. It’s Jan. 18 at the Commodore . . . Bradford Dillman set for the juvenile lead on Kraft Theatre tonight (Wed.). Chicago Studs Terkel bows Jan. 16 with a tele version of his “Wax Mu- seum” via WBKB under the aus- pices of Leader Cleaners ... In the latest of a series of directorial changes since the daytimer has been taken over by the Dancer- Fitzgerald & Sample agency, James Colligan replaces Lew Gtfmavitz as shot caller on CBS- TV’s “Welcome Travelers’^. . . WBKB’s man-with-the-gab, Tom Duggan, off to Florida for 10 days with Tom Casey filling in on his daytime and evening shows “Won- derful Age” was quietly axed last week by mutual agreement be- tween emcee Howard Miller and WNBQ . . . JuMan Kantor moved up from the sales traffic manager berth to the WBBM-TV sales crew. Eugene McClure, ex-assistant pro- duction manager, takes over the traffic post, with his seat going to Gilbert Graham . . . WNBQ’s sec- ond weekly bowling telecast hows Jan. 4 under the General Cigar banner with Joe Wilson hosting . . . CBS’s WBBM-TV heralded the unveiling of its new 100,000 watt antenna and transmitter with full page ads in the lo^al dailies . . . WBKB weatherman Wayne Griffin and spouse on a two-week Caribbean cruise. Chock Bill sub- bing on Channel 7 . . . Laurie An- ders has signed on as a regular on WBBM-TV’s Saturday night “Pee Wee King” show . . . Sunshine Bis- cuit purchased one of Len O’Con- nors’ local news inserts Fridays on NBC-TV’s “Today” via WNBQ . . . Gene Duncan, farm director-emcee at WICS, Springfield, called back to active duty in the Air Force... CadiPac Heating bought a Sunday night feature film on WGN-TV. The Year TV Continued from page 19 — — . sacrifice program control and ex- clusive identification with pro- gramming and personalities in re- turn for circulation. That was the big word in ’54, when a Procter & Gamble, for example, was willing to fork over top coin to share in the “Lucy’’-“This Is Your Life” (etc.) audience popularity and latch to the shows’ mass circulation even though it meant merely paying for the privilege of inserting a P&G THE OIL DAILY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1954 Sign Contract to Develop Leases in New York Area NEW YORK, Dec. 20 — Transcontin- ental Gas Pipe Line Corp. has signed a contract with Dome Gas & Gil Corp., subsidiary of North Star Oil & Ura- nium Corp., for Joint development of Dome’s . oil and gas leases in Ulster County, New York. Dome’s first test well is now drilling near Phoenicia on Panther Mountain. Plans call for Transcontinental to build a 125-mile pipeline between New York City and Phoenicia, with a mini- mum capacity of 25 million cubic feet daily of gas at a price of 27.5c per 1,000 cubic feet. The contract also provides for a possible underground storage project, assuming gas is found and the supply subsequently exhausted. Dome and North Star were formed in Novem- ber 1953. NORTH STAR OIL & URANIUM CORP. Subsidiaries: Dome Gas & Oil Corp. North Star Mines Ltd. OIL-GAS IN NEW YORK STATE Drilling for gas and oil on 12,000 acres of leases at Panther Mountain, Ulster County, N.Y. Drilling com- menced March 27, 1954 and is now below 4,000 feet. URANIUM IN CANADA 1,950 acres of mining claims In Lake Athabaska and Beaverlodge regions of Saskatchewan. 200 acres at Kenora, Ontario which are soon to be exchanged for 100,000 shares in larger adjoining mining enterprise. COMMON STOCK PRICE 50c A SHARE Write for free offering circular LINCOLN SECURITIES CORP.^ Dept. V-l 42 Broadway, New York 4, N. Y. Phone HAnover 2-6490 product plug with no control over the shows. It was the year when “insertion advertising” (again with accent on circulation rather than program control) took a firm hold as the “Today” - “Home” - “Tonight” tri- umvirate solidified Pat Weaver’s NBC concept of “making like the magazines.” Selling concepts, indeed, took such topsy turvies that even major full hour shows began to open up for the so-called “insertions.” Thus if a Speidel asked to be ex- cused temporarily from sponsor- ship of the Sid Caesar show after the Christmas holidays when gift biz slackens, as will happen in Feb- ruary, a General Mills is standing by to move in on spot insertions. Israel Qaizzer Sii Continued from pas* 20 ,15 minutes were devoted to re- playing and identifying 12 themes which were offered the previous week in which a clarinet solo was included. They were passages from Tschaikowsky, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Strauss, Verdi, Bizet, Mendelssohn. Sibelius, Borodin. Names of 82 persons who wrote in the required 10 out of 12 answers were than read. They came from 10 cities and 18 settlements. The next 15 minutes contained the new quiz, written and conduct- ed by Israeli composer Hanan Schlesinger with the Voice of Is- rael Symphony Orchestra. Five themes were played, each of which included “confusing” instru- ments. The audience was informed (in Hebrew, of course) that in one the oboe did not belong, in an- other the flute, and that in an- other an unidentified instrument was interposed. Listeners - were asked to identify the passages played and the interposed instru- ment. A point system is used for award- ing monthly prizes, with 120 points given for 100% correct answers for each program. The three contest- ants with the highest points re- ceive records or musical scores. A national “champion” is selected from 10 outstanding participants invited to an anViual broadcast orig- inating from a large theatre in Jerusalem. How many people listen to [."Quiz” is not known as radio is government-operated in Israel and there are no sponsors who require audience surveys. But the pro- gram has brought in as many as 700 letters in a week, many . of which represent the consensus of answers of groups of listeners. Schmuckler and Shimoni once attempted to arouse an internation- al competition with “Quiz” only to find that the program is unique to CBS Foundation Grants Continued from page 21 Seattle — Seattle’s educational-tv station, KCTS, will receive an award of $10,000 from the Emer- son Radio Corp. for being one of the nation’s first educational tv sta- tions to go into operation. key personnel bave been gradu ated. We believe it is a way of demonstrating our belief in, and support of, the American system of privately-endowed education.” Members of the board of the foundation are all directors of CBS Inc.. In addition to Dr. Stan- ton, they are: J. A. W. Iglehart, partner in W. E. Hutton & Co. and foundation prexy; Ralph F. Colin, of law firm of Rosenman, Gold- mark, Colin & Kaye; Dr. Leon Levy, of Philadelphia, and Robert A. Lovett, general partner in Brown Bros. Harriman & Co. and former Secretary of Defense. Recipient Schools Listed The 1954 contributions go to five colleges on behalf of execs who met the requirements in 1953. In addition, nine other institutions were included because of exec em- ployees who met the standards earlier. The recipient schools and the CBS’ers on whose behalf con- tributions are being made, with the year in which each joined the com- pany, «re: Brown U. — Hubbell Robinson Jr., v.p. over network programs, CBS- TV (1947). Columbia College — Louis Haus man, v.p., CBS-Columbia (1940). Cornell U. — Henry Untermeyer, WCBS, N.'Y., sales manager (1937). Dartmouth — Harry S. Ackerman, v.p. of network programs, Holly- wood, CBS-TV (1948), and James B. Conkling, prexy, Columbia Rec- ords (1951). Denison U. — John Hundley, man ager, CBS-TV programs service (1938). Duke U. — George Klayer, Chi- cago sales manager, CBS-TV (1946). College of the" Holy Cross — Dan- iel T. O’Shea, v.p., CBS Inc. (1950). U. of Kansas City — Edward P. Shurick, director fit station re- lations, CBS-TV (1950). Knox College — J. Kelly Smith, administrative v.p., CBS Radio (1931). New York U. — Norman A. Adler, ■general attorney, Columbia Rec- ords (1951). Ohio Wesleyan U. — Dr. Frank Stanton, prexy, CBS Inc. (1935). U. of Pennsylvania — William S. Paley, board chairman, CBS Inc. (1928), and James M. Seward, ad- | ministrative v.p., CBS Radio (1933). Princeton — Adrian Murphy, prexy, CBS Radio (1938). Wesleyan U. — Harry Ommerle, director of programs, CBS-TV (1950). The sum of $32,000 is provided In the first-year grants, or $2,000 in behalf of each of the 16 alumni, this amount approximating the ex- tra “cost of education” which the Burlington, Vt.— Stuart Hall, formerly producer - director for WBLN-TV in Bloomington, 111., has been named as producer-director for television station WMVT in this city. Cincinnati— Stepup of WKRC- TV broadcast power to 316,000 watts boosts it to the most power- ful of Cincy’s three video stations. Increase pushes Channel 12 to the limit power allowed by FCC. San Antonio — Ground breaking ceremonies at the site of the new KCOR radio and tv building were held here Thursday (23) signaling start of work on the $400,000 proj- ect. It will be the first Spanish language installation in the state. Columbus — Dan E. Ries, former assistant promotion director for Radio Cincinnati, Inc. (WKRC Radio and tv)), has been named promotion - publicity director of WTVN Radio here replacing Jo Ann Srtiart, resigned. Both WKRC and WTVN are owned by the Taft family interests. San Antonio— -Raoul Cortez, head of KCOR-TV, local Spanish- language tv outlet scheduled to take the air here around Feb. 1, is away on a 10-day trip to Mexico City to sign up Mexican, Cuban and Argentine talent to appear here on KCOR-TV when it takes to the air. college bore from endowment or other funds on which was “over and above the tuition and other fixed charges the individual was asked to pay at the time he was a student.” Maival Continued from page IS demands eliminating blush coin re- turns from regular shows.) Minor league objections ir. respect to ra- dio coverage on such things as major league night baseball seem to have been overridden by tha majors themselves. In order to get nightly sports coverage, Mutual is reported to be negotiating to fill any gaps with another arena in N. Y. To the web, sports represent an inexpensive brand of program- ming, one that lowers costs and yet — according to Ward survey pat- terns and past billing performances — still might attract enough of an after-dark radio audience to re- new at least some measure of faith in nighttime continuance. Kansas Seek $1,000,000 For 5-School Educ’l TV Kansas City, Dec. 28. A five-school network of educa- tional television is being proposed in Kansas through a request for $1,000,000, which is being made of the state legislature. The fund as explained by Dr. James A. McCain, president of Kansas State College, Manhattan, would provide separate broadcast- ing channels and stations at both K-State and the U. of Kansas at Lawrence. Three other schools, Pittsburgh State Teachers College, College of Emporia and Hays Stata Teachers Colleges, would ba brought in with auxiliary facilities. While K-State and KU would op- erate fullscale television stations, the other schools would have tha use of a mobile unit, work on film, and use of the stations at the two top state schools. TEXACO STAR THEATRI SATURDAY NIGHT— N.B.C. % Mflt.t William Morris Agency The Channel 8 Mighty Market Place all your WGAL-TV LANCASTER, PA* NBC • CBS DUMONT STEINMAN STATION ClAIR McCOUOUOH PftfS. MEEKER TV, INC. a o ls r . 1 P***"*^ 1, 29 ' 1954 TELEVISION REVIEWS 27 1 . +♦♦♦♦♦ ,»»»♦♦♦♦ »»»»»< i: Tele Follow-Up Comment !: ***** -♦♦♦♦«.»», «,aUht narrative at the aacrl - 1 B’rith distaffers. End. plug was # dramatic depth and charac- ,lc Mion may have Its place in terization » • but u in any television ^ theatre, motion “‘Se® and literature itself-if. Kind to suffer by virtue of Ita -- „ lttnK r This wa» the case in Srt Montgomery, two-part nrC-TV adaptation of David NBC 1 ILih ” it was all narrative, C °t h P n tie characterization, little in Jf lth *?v of suspense and virtually nothing at all in the way of drama- 11 Conceding Hie difficulties in boil in* the Dickens work down to two hours-an achievement ac- tW m nil shed by toeing two entire nnrtfons of the book and playing them off whole— Doria Folliot s ^adaptation lacked the ingre- dients that make for a memorable Suction. It was mostly straight narrative and the little character- ization tliat went into the roles of Uriah been and Mr. McCawber, for example, more nearly resem- bled caricature than character. On top of this. Norman Felton chose to direct in a leisurely manner, a choice which made the play ddwn- right dull h t times. The acting, though competent throughout, also fell into the pat- tern set bv the tone of the adapta- tion and direction. It comprised exposition without feeling through- out Rex Thompson and David Cole did nicely as David the boy and David the young man, but no- where did they leave any lasting impression of a memorable per- formance. Earl Montgomery's Uhiah, again a caricature, was per- haps best, with Montgomery get- ting that sense of grasping loathe- someness across strongly. J. Pat O’Malley’s McCawber was a little on the weak side, more through the inadequacies of the script than his performance. Another caricature Cavada Humphrey’s Jane for the upcoming N. Y. and De- troit engagements of the blader but anyone who saw Sunday’s show would hardly want to watch it again — even “in the flesh.” Trau. was . . . Murdstone, perhaps more remini- scent of the femme counterpart of the mustachioed villain of the mellers than any other villaincss yet seen on tv. Others in the com- petent but unimposing cast were Isobel F.lsom, Ethel Owen, Carolyn Lee, Sarah Marshall, Frederic Tozere, Betty Sinclair and Lynn Bailey. Chan. One of the more pleasant week- to-week items about “Kraft Tele- vision Theatre” are the tempting commercials, with Ed Hcrlihy’s ef- fective “sell” matched by the yum yum quality of the pictorialized Kraft products (those Philadelphia Cream Cheese spreads, etc.). It’s unfortunate that Kraft doesn’t bring to its productions the same painstaking care and devo- tion to the niceties of direction as it does to the “sell” portion. Somehow they invariably succeed only in disturbing the viewer, be- cause they come close to the brink, of registering with a click stanza only to fall short on the di- rectorial, scripting and/or produc- tion end. Usually the cast is well suited to the presentation (the same personalities are brought back time and again) and their contribution, on^the whole, hold up well. Last week’s presentation of “Little Stone God” was a case in point. With such gifted perform- ers as Felicia Montealegre and Tom Helmore in the loads and such capable actors as Constance Ford and Russell Ilardie in sup- port, they projected the yarn of a self-centered publisher who, as the human counterpart of the Aztec “little stone God” which lurks in 1 o n e the background as a symbol, in- sists on destroying his happiness because he is so self-contained. Natch, he sees the light in the St. Nick of. time. But unfortun- latey, the writer couldn't quite come to grips with his interesting subject and related his saga in fits and spurts (there must have been 20 scenes in the three short acts). It obviously handicapped the di- rector, who therefore had difficulty establishing a mood or bringing to life his characters. Ros\ MANY MOONS With Burr Tillstrora, Fran Attiaoa, Kukla, Oliver J. Dragon, Col. Richard Crackie, others; Carolyn Gilbert and ABC Oreh Producer; Beulah Zachary Director: Lewis Gomavitz Hjgiter: James Thurber Mins.; Sat., 5 p.m. CO-OP ABC-TV, from Chicago Burr Tillstrom and his “Kukla. Fran and Ollie” cohorts did the Christmas Day honors for ABC-TV w-ith this puppet adaptation of James Thurber’s “Many Moons” fairy tale. 'Hour-long onetimer went out to some 85 affiliates via a co-op deal with Gordon Baking, KFO’s weekday bankroller. spon- soring as usual in New York, Chi- cago. Detroit and Elkhart. Here was a one-man tour de force of amazing virtuosity by Tillstrom as he manned no less than 11 roles during the unspin- ning of the gentle yarn. The be- tween-acts narration was handled by Fran Allison* But in the gaudy context of this era of the tx ex- travaganza where the spectacular has become commonplace, what emerged was a shade too delicate and diffuse to capture and hold unwavering interest over the 60- minute span. Tillstrom created six new puppet characters for this fantasy about the little princess who wished for the inoon as a cure for her tummy- ache brought on by too many rasp- berry tarts. After she was given an artificial moon, the court was thrown into confusion by the ap- pearance of the real moon in the sky. But it all ended happily when the princess contentedly pointed out that nature hnd simply re- placed her “moon” with a new “Toast of the Town” got a lot of diversity, if not name power on Sunday’s (26) edition on CBS-TV. Result carried a good amount of entertainment. Conferencier Ed nnwaw . ! Sullivan, however, did come up There s a lot of power in an ice , one persona iity who has been show when the freeze frolic can be seen “in the flesh,” as per the o 1 d phrase, but questionable whether even a small part of the impact can translate itself to tv. In addition, some of the marquee slrength of “Colgate Comedy Hour” on NBC was missing when illness took Barbara Ann Scott out of the fray in the Chicago Stadium originator of the Holly- wood Ice Revue. So they did the best they could, what with being forced to restyle the layout and sequence to allow for the star- berthpd vacancy. Any icer made up of operatives of the calibre of Freddie Trenk- ler and the Three Bruises for the comedy dept., and Gundi Busch, okippv Baxter, Andra McLaughlin, Jimmy Grogan and Bobby Blake for the virtuoso stuff, is bound to ring up a score. Trenkler has more bounce to the frozen ounce, and they could have had him on for the hour if physical endurance permitted, hut in his couple of lurns he walloped over, as did the Bruises in their w.k. chrfrwomen laugh-getter. Also on for a pair of workouts was Miss Busch, the figure ballerina in her first U. S. appearance. Her second turn was 1? i P ? il 7V g with Baxter, another stylish hlader slotted up ahead in solo Miss McLaughlin pranced anout in a couple of interpretive sessions, one a calypso that could thl e .u en f rom an > groove, and n in Scot Hsh vein with *V ctlon complement. As io » hi* ? e i r 1 mass numbers, they’re Inhnu d to stage for the medium, o!w Rh /, ° L therwis « sparkling. Sjjjjljj f ash : ? as *** Best in this h*»»!l eCtlon ' w ^ exceptional over- 4« m camer *work setting off the cheerin' ber “ Wint *r Holiday” ° ensemble in accent of the hi ? IJ e . ason ’ Blak « excelled in * M J ro[erps ' Brogan i„ Latino- sor ; ! d w a i Pers ’ and even the spon- With !* a v° g0 t lnto the Bve act deep freeze. e S anted PlU * °* the Ws° S tn th t h * e . acts made their whether stadlum audience, hut tatecMo l his . wa « technically dic- haos ft S lard i to determine; per- «l,usion ?r S tended to give the solely Vr a performance meant f'r arena spectators. mereW^tnn,? 0 ^ Gordon MacRae an inirn k 0d by 0n ska tes, making t)V u.inm Cre and there and nestr for th£ d accepting a citation th e show from the B’nai a subject of considerable boxoffiee elevation of late. Joan Weber, who waxed “Let Me Go Lover” for Co- lumbia into the bestselling lists, made her initial tele appearance since the celebrated “Studio One” show which catapulted that num- ber into deeiay attention. Miss Weber got a lot of produc- tion on that number with a stage- coach setting that had little to do with the lyrical content of the tune. She displays an over- schmaltzed style that seems to be the trademark, of many singers who reach the bigtime on disks. There’s enough display of emotion in this rendition to spare. Despite the lofty disk sales and deejay plays, it’s not for universal con- sumption. Her second tune. “Sit- ting on Top of the World” had considerably more appeal. Another songseller on this show' was Cab Calloway, who recently has been devoting his time to legit and as a singing single. The for- mer bandleader ripped off a pair of tunes in two spots, first being o swingy version of “Birth of- the Blues” and later, an excursion into reverence with a choral back- ground. “Let My People Go.” Both were well done. On the novelty side, Mr. Ballantine. the psuedo magico. provided a lot of comedy in act that he hasn’t exhibited pre- viously. He’s not as frustrated as in his former turn, but he socks over a lot of entertainment. Also providing comedy were Hermione Gingold and Billy De Wolfe who did the bit from Al- manac” legiter in which a pair of ladies get drunk while riding a train. There was a lot of good humor In that sketch. The Briants. In a novelty turn scored nicely with slow motion knockabout. Tun Tun, a midget singer dou- bling from the Chateau Madrid provided a bit of lively song and dance work. Sight of this lower- cased gent thrashing his tiny legs made for a lot of chuckles. The Harmonicaires showed some solid musical work on the mouth organ for a fine response. The Dunkills contributed one new routine, a boot dance they picked up in Africa. It’s a picturesque number Per usual Ray Bloch backed ex- cellently. Jose. For. his Christmas video show on ABC-TV last Wednesday (22). Walt Disney unwrapped one of nis (Continued on page 30) To be sure, there were moments of real delight, especially when the KFO regulars were present, such as during Kukla’s bit as the court jester working with the royal go’dsmith fashioning the hand- made moon. Nevertheless, perhaps because of the absence of the iden- ification of familarity, the new puppets remained for the most part just that. Because they failed o come to life with that spark that has made Kukla. Ollie, et al, v personalities in their own right, the fantasy itself didn’t complete- y jell. Ollie acted as stage manager and his intro and entia’cte ap- pearances with the ever-charming Miss Allison were the liveliest se- quences. Color, incidentally, would have been a welcome trimming both for Joe Lockwood’s attractive costumes and the elaborate, spe- cially-designed staging. With the action sliding through four sets, plus KFO’s usual stage, director Lewis Gomavitz and crew did a commendable lensing job. Musical backdrops by Carolyn Gilbert batoning the ABC orch were effecr tively unobtrusive supplements. Dave. RED BARBER’S CORNER With Estes Kefauver, Arch Ward, guests Producer; Judson Bailey Director: Rai Purdy Wed., after Pabst fiehts to 11 p.m. STATE FARM MUTUAL INSUR ANCE COMPANIES CBS-TV. from New York (Needham, Louis & Broby) The initial telecast (22) of “Red Barber’s Corner” was meant to be a whitewash of the fight game. Maybe it was sponsor State Farm Mutual Insurance Companies’ way of being friendly to neighbor Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer (which directly precedes the Barber affair on CBS- TV Wednesdays), but it was shame that Pabst (and even Gil- lette) didn’t pay at least part of the freight; it was their advertisement. Purpose of the show eluded the viewer for only a minute. Barber’s guests were Sen. Estes Kefauver and sports scribbler Arch Ward Their presence seemed innocent enough. As a matter of fact, Barber began by asking Kefauver about his career as a Dixie athlete. The senator turned away the Old Red Head’s compliments with excesses of modesty, but that was all right Ward, a pleasant looking press veteran with a disarming per- sonality, slipped in a few min- tes about the beginnings of the Golden Gloves (w'hich, it might be said, the Chi Tribune and the N.Y Daily New-s were responsible for starting). Soon, however, withou* the aid of a few nervous questions by Barber, the scribe was into fullscale essay on how nice every body in boxing is. He lauded the state commissions for “doing a fine job.” and was kind in all his obser vations on pugilism. Finally. Barber and Ward turned to the crime-bustin’ Sen. Kefauver for a nod of approval. It seemed Kefauver. rather than be mean and spoil such nicely laid plans, could at worst manage an extremely (Continued on page 30) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Shower of Stan) With Fredrtc March. Basil Rath- bone, Ray Middleton, Bob Sweeney, Christoper Cook, Queente Leonard, Sally Fraser, Craig Hill, Janine Perreau, Peter Miles. Juney Ellis, John Murphy, Billy Griffiths, Jimmy Baird, Rex Evans, Tonf Pennington, Bonnie and Judy Franklin, Dick Elliott, Ezefle Poule, John Meekt Roger Wagner Chorale (16); Orchestra (40); host. William Lundigan Producer-Director: Ralph Levy Librettist: Maxwell Anderson (from Charles Dickens story) Cqmroser - Conductor: Bernard Herrmann 60 Mins., Thurs. (23), 8:30 p.m. CHRYSLER CORP. CBS-TV, from H’wood (color) i McCann- Erickson ) If the law of averages holds, every regular television series should produce at least one show for which it will be remembered. The Chrysldr’s Corp.’s chef-d’- oeuvre in this its baptismal season will most certainly be its classic transference of the classic "A Christmas Carol.” Given last Thursday (23) as a CBS-Coast celluloider. it was not only the best of the auto outfit’s twin “Shower of Stars”-“Climax” one- for-us-three-for-you packagings, but superlative tv on its own with- out regard to the comparative efforts under the one roof. A colorized, musical version of the Dickons gem. it had all the fore- ordained components plus re- siduals. Advance statements by librettist Maxw'ell Anderson and one of the stars. Basil Rathbone, had led orospective viewers to believe that, after all, there was a master- ful script to start with. All that was needed was faithful transplan- tation to video. True enough. But Dickens did not dictate the flavor and poetry of Anderson’s lyrics or his stunning conception of the absorbing, no-waste-motion libret- to; nor could Dickens have known how truly majestic the music would sound when specially com- posed by Bernard Hermann, who also led a 40-piece orch in a hearty succession of tunes, complemented bv the cheery work of the Roger Wagner Chorale. And so it was all down the line — Fredric March in an interpreta- tion of Scrooge that strikingly brought the identifiable character to new dimensions and must be scored as one of March’s most vivid portrayals In a long career that has spanned the major branches of show business: ditto Basil Rathbone In his one long and splendid scene as Marley the Ghost: and a special, nod for Ray Middleton in the doubling roles of Scrooge’s nephew and the Spirit of Christmas Present, lifting his baritone in the latter part in a manner that brought fulfillment to the dream scene with its finely wrought playout and Imaginative use (here and elsewhere) of effects such as montages (including mate- rialization and disappearance of characters “before your very eyes.” as if the magic of a fairy tale was really at work, as indeed it was). At least two songs stood out, "What Should I Give My Girl for Christmas” and “A Very Merry Xmas To You,” done with verve as solos and with orch or chorus background. Even the brief danc- ing workouts (arranged by Don Saddler) were deftly handled to accommodate the medium, but with the fullest expression given to that so-called limitation. The decor and costumes were letter- perfect while not falling into the traditional trap of ostentation in trappings. The less taxing roles fell neatly into Ralph Levy’s conception of the staging (he also produced, and as Jack Benny’s mastermind, there’s sure to be a family fuss raised by the comedian to fit him into the “Carol” pattern one of these Christmases): the foremost of these wereHhe Bob Cratchit of Bob Sweeney, the Tiny Tim of Christopher Cook (leveled to its proper weight in the narrative, whereas some versions give the role an over abundance it rates only when the intention is on the saccharine aide); the Mrs. Cratchit of Queenie Leonard, looking very queenly too in her modest clerk’s wife garb; the dual deployment of Sally Fraser; Craig Hill as Young Scrooge; and even the mere walkons, all handled with a fne relevance while never intruding on song and story. > Anderson had said in advance that in making the adaptation, ”1 tried to add nothing, subtract nothing, tried only to fit the classic narrative to the new medium.” He also said, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, that “CBS Television thought some singing would be suitable, and so I wrote a few lyrics, trying to keep THE MERRY WIDOW (Omnibus) With Patricia Mangel, Martyn Green, Theodor Uppman, James Hawthorne. Jerome Kilty, Eu- gene Ormandy and Symphony Of Air Staged by Cyril Ritchard Producer: Robert Saudek 90 Mins., Sun., 5 p.m. Participating CBS-TV, from New York (color) The Ford Foundation Radio-*TV Workshop went spec-happy on “Omnibus” Sunday (26) in a day- after - Christmas gilt - and - glitter presentation of Franz Lehar’s "Merry Widow,” dressed up in CBS-TV ’s best compatible tints. That it was the last word ih lavish production and rich musical enter- tainment is not to be disputed — a departure in experimental work- shop showcasing, though some- thing. certainly, to be overlooked in keeping with the holiday spirit. Cyril Ritchard, w r hq staged “Widow,” chose to play it straight, in the tried-and-true operetta form, coming up with as beautiful and slick a production as could be imagihed without adding anything in the way of refreshing subtleties or distinguished choreography, to mention but two possible avenues for revitalizing what at best is saccharine sentimentality of an- other dav. But translated into terms of light entertainment, “Omnibus” _ unquestionably had a winner for operetta fans. Eugene Ormandy. conducting the Sym- phony of the Air in the Lehar score, gave a fast paced and full bodied musical richness that no lesser director or orchestra would have provided. Patrice Munsel, the Metop so- prano. in the title role, never looked more beguiling and was in splendid voice throughout. Thesp- ing of Theodor Uppman as Prince Danilo isn't likely to invite hand- springs but he. too, was in good voice, both Martyn Green, who bridged the continuity and dialog as Nish, and Jerome Kilty as Pop- off managed to provide some spir- ited moments, particularly the for- mer in his “Girls, Girls, Girls” caperings. Ritchard took full advantage of a finished cast and some of the most impressive background trap- pings seen on tv this season, with some imaginative staging and cam- erawork. Wilh Ormandy never al- lowing the music to lose that spar- kle. there were some very happy scenes indeed, especially that of the “Waltz” turn. Keeping “Wid- ow” moving along for an hour and a half is a commendable feat. Rit- chard and associates came through with flying colors of a brilliant hue. But Graustark in ’54 — ouch! Rose. XMAS HOUR OF STORY & SONG With -Judith Anderson, Monty Woolley, Oscar Brand, Choraliers with Eugene Lowell, Syinpho- nette with Mishel Piastre; Frank Knight, announcer 60 Mins.. Sat. (25). 5 p.m. LONGINES-WITTNAUER CBS-TV. from N.Y. * ( Victor A. Bennett) A flavorsome, somewhat old- fashioned hour was offered to its many well-wishers hR Longines- Wittnauer Watch Co. on Xmas day, as it presented familiar faces (and a couple of surprise-casting guests) in 60 minutes of music and story tailored to the'Yuletide sea- son. In a change of pace, legit tragedienne Judith Anderson nar- rated the Hans Christian Andersen classic, “The Little Match Girl.” while the pathetic, tender little tale was unfolded in film. Monty Woolley was a bigger surprise, as he narrated “Signor Pizzicato’s Xmas,” an adaptation of a Grimm Bros, fairy tale. This was a charming uplift story of a violin maker and his little mice friends, and the dramatization also had an entertaining ballet of danc- ing mice to boot. Mishel Piastro, head of the Longines Symphonette, played two fine solos for back- ground. Balladeer Oscar Brand contrib- uted an old Xmas folksong. The Choraliers, under Eugene Lowell, and the Symphonette, took im- portant roles throughout the hour, the Choraliers coming into their own with an oldtime vaudeville routine, with costumes, vocal quar- tets, dancers, even a tapping trom- bonist, included. Nice clean, family fun for Xmas. Bron. them in the spirit of the times Dickens knew and recorded.” This is the creative artist having a bit of fun. There was never any doubt as to his debt to Dickens, bpt this was Anderson A Co. at work cross- ing “A Christmas Carol” over to a “new medium” and producing what will surely be a Chrysler an- nual for tv as Lionel Barrymores Scrooge was for radio. Tran. Wednesday, December 29, 1954 (A year-end report to advertisers and agencies ) Ineaclay, December 29, 1954 Any place, it’s not easy to stay head and shoulders above all competition. Ia New York, talent and production center of the nation, it’s twice as tough. But WCBS Radio does it. Commands larger average audiences (and more quarter-hour firsts) than any other New York radio station .. .month after month, year after year— 1954 included, of course! With such nationally-known local personalities attracting the biggest audiences in the big town, WCBS Radio is the buy of the coming year. Here’s the way one happy sponsor recently put it : t “In the first place, our schedule has had such an amazing cost per thousand figure that I doubt it could be duplicated anywhere. And the selling effectiveness is just as impressive. In the second place, your merchandising is terrific. We can actually see the dramatic effectiveness of each promotion.” Make this New Year’s resolution: To stay head and shoulders above your competition in 1 955, use the big New York station with the big-name personalities. For availabilities, call Henry Untermeyer at WCBS Radio (PL 1-2345) or CBS Radio Spot Sides. And with good reason. For Monday through Friday WCBS Radio has the most famous roster of big-name local personalities in the business. Names like (1. to r.). Galen Drake, Bob Haymes, Martha Wright, Bill Leonard, Lanny Ross, John Henry Faulk, Jack Sterling, Herman Hickman, Joan Edwards.* Names which mean that WCBS consistently places more programs on the list of Top Ten local daytime participating shows than all the other New York network stations combined ! Temporarily off the air because of illness. fName on request. RAMO-TBLKV1SION * Television Reviews : Continued from pane 27 euphemistic warning. He said that there been many “rumors” of fight fixes and that something must be done to keep the sport clean. The word “rumor” was meant to be inoffensive, or so it looked: less important men, have used a strong- er word. And it seemed strange that Kefauvcr’s tone conveyed only that dishonesty be ket>t out of boxing; it could never have been inferred that dishonesty was al- ready in. It doesn’t look as though sponsor (in all but the New York and New England areas) has a chance of getting tile full 15-minutes before 11 p.m. each Wednesday night. Many fights go the full 10 rounds. .Such being the case (as with the fight Jast Wednesday between lightheavies Harold Johnson and Marty Marshall), and with the lor.g closing Pabst commercial 10 or 11 minutes would be more like the time the show has. Barber, among the more experi- enced sports gabbers, seemed to have first nightitis. Art. HOLY NIGHT With Eileen Rowe, John Alvin, Stephen Chase, Trevor Bardette Producer: Rev. James K. Friedrich Director: John T. Coyle 30 Mins.; Sat. (25), 4:30 p.m. Sustaining CBS-TV, from N.Y. (color, film) This production by Cathedral Films, telecast in color, made for a reverent Christmas Day pro- gram. It attempted to transcribe several Biblical passages, concern- ing the birth of Christ, into a dramatic format and was largely successful. It’s a moot point, how- ever, whether this kind of literal depiction of events which have ac- cumulated highly symbolic signifi- cance adds anything to under* standing or belief, even for chil- dren. The opening sequences were most effective in their retelling of the story of the siege of Jerusalem 700 years before Christ. At this tyne. the prophet Isaiah made his prediction about the coming of the Messiah. The second half of the show centered on the story of the Nativity, from the heavenly an- nouncement to Mary to the birth in the manger. Eileen Rowe played the role of Mary with an appropri- ately saintly quality with other members of the cast also handling their assignments with a formality demanded by the script. Herm. TOTEM POLE MATINEE With Stan Richards, guests Producer: Kenneth Mayer 60 Mins., Sat. 2 p.m. HOWARD JOHNSON WBZ-TV, Boston While this newcomer to local programming will undoubtedly lure a fair segment of teenage viewers, for whom it is primarily intended, it’s unlikely that anyone outside that particular age bracket will give it more than a passing glance for it’s nothing more than a televised record hop emanating from the spacious and attractive Totem Pole Ballroom. During the hour-long stint, the camera roved from deejay Stan Richards, sitting at his turntable, to the teenage couples dancing identical steps to the fox trot, waltz and mamho, and to groups of youngsters sitting around the fringe of the ballroom floor. This does not add up to very interest- ing viewing for older dial twisters. Richards did arf okay job keep- ing the initial show’ moving, in- troing and interviewing guesters, The Crew-Cuts and Jon: James, who nabbed the spotlight to panto, before a dead mike, several dis- clicks. Guy also did a convincing job of handling the commercials seated at a replica of a typical Howard Johnson soda fountain. As an added gimmick. Richards in- vited four youngsters to serve as a panel to judge the hit poten- tialities of several previously un- released platters. Lone foray into the “live” music department was injected by clari- netist Fred Guerra, who baton s the spot’s house band, aided by a trio of instrumentalists to de- liver a nifty rendition of Leroy j Anderson’s “Sleighride.” Show will bypass the next two Saturdays, due to network com- mittments by WBZ-TV, but is slated to resume Jan. 8. Elie. TASTYKAKE CHRISTMAS HOUR Wi h Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Trapp Family, Anthony Tudor Ballet, Edith Evans, Adelaide Bishop, Ben Grauer 60 Mins., Thurs. (16) 8 p.in. TASTYKAKE BAKING CO. WFIL-TV, from Philadelphia In gratitude for the “loyalty” of its legion of customers. TastyKake | sponsored a charming gift package in its third annual Christmas con- cert. Program by the Philadelphia Orchestra had general appeal, be- ginning w ith Rimsky - Korsakov’s “Christmas Eve” and offering ex- cerpts from “L’Arlesienne Suite,” “Sleeping Beauty,” "Hansel and Gretel,” Morton Gou'd's full or- ■ chcstral setting for “Jingle Bells” and "The Lord’s Prayer.” i The Trapp Family Singers in l native dress and home-style vocal lent seasonal color. Their selections ‘ with the recorders had what the progressive ear might call a t "sound.” Ben Grauer’s beautiful narration of the Nativity from the Gospel of St. Luke was under- scored by Handel’s “Messiah.” This was followed by Soprano Adelaide Bishop’s rich and reverently supg “Ave Maria.” The Tudor Ballet was disappoint- ing, seemingly all costumes. The dancers were not helped by lensing 1 which cut off their legs below the f knees. Shots of Ormandy and the s orchestra personnel were good, f with interesting treatment . of the J various first chairmen in the string t choirs, woodwinds and brass. Ses- l sion originated from the Academy i of Music, where the big stage was ? arranged in two levels, the orches- tra in the foreground and the bal- let and soloists performing on the upper tier against a conventional forest backdrop. While a chorus, narrator, dancers and soloists would clutter up a regular Philly Orchestra concert, the variety deemed fitting both for the telecast and the season it celebrated. Simulcast the last two times, pro- gram this year went out over video i only. Sponsor got three commer- cials all suitably handled by Grauer who appeared completely at ease, whether with goodies or good music. . Gagh. ANIMAL CARETIME With Curley Bradley Producer-Writer: Morgan Perron 30 Mins.; Sat., 12 Noon Sustaining WNBQ, Chicago Like many another AM pro, Cur- ley Bradley has made the switch to tv with ease. Fore years one of Mutual’s singing "cowboys /’Brad- ; ley has joined the Chi NBC-1 V station, specializing in moppet fare. Current assignment is a simple little weekender on the care and , feeding of pets. With its stress on kindness and duty it’s a construe- , tive half-hour for the kiddies. Bradley gives the unpretentious format just the right note of friend- : ly enthusiasm. - Lessbn on edition Watched (18) dealt with the handling of Christ- mas present pets with the message that it’s usually better to bring the new little dog or eat into the home a few days before the Y’ule festivi- ties to avoid undue excitement. There also was a midpoint film spelling out juve responsibilities of owning a dog. Ilighpoint was the visit of a trained Chihuahua with some interesting info by its owner , about the breeds' Mexican back- ground. . . No one can charge this project with giving the kids "wrong” ideas. Dave. WSAZ-TV * m. .uil- -* v - — ----- 400 M ^OO i mmm mm WMmsm Tele Followup Continued from paee 27 , - bright full-length cartoons, which was originally released in film theatres under the title of “The Three Cabrllerrts.” This Disney pie had a Latin American locale and, unfortunately, the splashes of color in the original were com- pletely lost in this monochrome telecast. Even in black and white, however, the film conveyed much of the film’s charm and originality. This was Disney’s first attempt to combine live actors and cartoon j characters in a single frame. The original cartoon was neatly edited down to the requirements of this 60-minute layout with the plugs inserted at the end of the various musical numbers. Disney supplied a brief intro to the show and finaled with a briefer holiday greeting. Herm. Sumner Locke Elliot whipped up a lightweight drama for Lee Ann Merriwether (Miss America) on her first pro excursion on NBC-TV’s Philco Phayhouse Sunday night (26). Seripter wrote the piece with Miss Merriwether in mind so the role wasn’t too taxing and show- cased as a -pleasant if not exciting ingenue. The Miss America prize won her a scholarship to the Pasa- dena Playhouse and her debut shows she has the material to de- velop. Drama, titled “Run, Girl, Run,” had a telebackground but skipped the behind-the-scenes stuff in favor of expounding on a young thesp’s insecurity which had been nur- tured since her moppet days by an overprotective father. Tossed for a loss in New York by a “disagree- able” director, she goes home to the folks where mother finally straightens her out about adoles- cent “need for everyone to like her.” Miss Merriwether was on-camera virtually through the whole hour and she handled the long assign- ment of the young tv actress with insight. Mary Astor gave a class performance as the mother and Robert F. Simon was properly dot- ing as the father. Supporting play- ers were all tiptop as was Robert Mulligan’s direction. Gros. Mooney Dickers WKGN Inside Stuff — Radio-TV Parker H. Ericksen, executive v.p. of Crosley and Bendix Home Appliances Divisions, Avco Manufacturing Corp. calls “completely without foundation” the report that the two Avco divisions would switch advertising agencies. Variety last week reported Benton Sc Bowles represents all billings for the two divisions. Ericksen pointed out that Benton &n Bowles handles kitchen appliances advertising, while Earle Ludgin and Co. of Chicago handles Bendix laundry equipment and BBDfcO handles radio and television. Ralph H. Jones Co. handles Crosley defense advertising. “We have no intention of changing agencies In any of these lines,” Ericksen sgid. Westinghouse is staging a musical revue closed-circuit telecast today (Wed.) from 6 to 7 p.m. to unveil its new line of radios and tv sets. Technical facilities are being handled by CBS which undertook the task since It is the outlet for Westinghouse’s weekly “Studio One.” Production is being supervised by CBS and Fuller Sc Smith. & Ross, Westinghouse’s ad agency. Telecast will be piped to 26 cities, with hotels the outlets in 13 and the remainder going to tv studios or Westinghouse regional offices. It’ll originate from the Barbizon Plaza, N.Y. Featured in the telecast will be the Honey Dreamers quintet, Joel Herron’s orch, Westbrook Van Vorhees, and Betty Furness. Perry Lafferty directs. Recent letter from BBC to Voice of America said the job of filming the television greeting of Bernard Baruch to Winston Churchill on latter’s 80th birthday was so good it was used as a model to show others how to say “Happy birthday” to Winnie via tv. J. R. Poppele, director of Voice which arranged the filming, wrote to Baruch telling how much BBC thought of his filmed telecast. Letter from BBC said in part: “Mr, Baruch’s tribute was, in style and manner, so exactly what we have hoped that I have (and I hope Mr. Baruch will not mind this — I think we telephoned to ask you if we might) shown it to some of Sir Winston’s other friends who are about to record their tribute, in order to let them see how beautifully it can be done.” , % Teenage Public Relations, Inc. is going after the radio-tv money relating to the group from 11 to 19 years of age and has formed a division for that purpose. According to Joan K. Philips, prexy of the outfit which she heads with Earl S. Peed, a N.Y. public relations exec and former tv magazine editor-publisher, it will be the first commer- cial service in the history of audio-visual communications under which consultancy is made available to the trade, including agencies, net- works and packagers. In creating the radio-tv division of TPRI, Miss Philips said that “95% of all radio and television programs and commercials today are potentially adaptable to capturing a loyal and enthusnastic mass teenage audience. Consequently, they can open a new and important market for their networks and sponsors.” In addition to counsel, the intention is to create special teenage program ideas independently as well as in conjunction with the groups to which it will cater. There’s considerable year-end activity on the CBS Radio spot sales personnel front. Allan J. Hughes has been tapped as manager of sales development for the Central Division based in Chicago; Jack Woolley, as manager of the Los Angeles office; and Thomas J. Swafford as an account executive for the eastern office in New York. “Ethel and Albert” had an offbeat bit of casting last Saturday (18) via NBC-TV. The video situation cpmedy got Sy Siege), known prin- cipally as an educator and director of WNYC, the N.Y.C.-owned radio outlet, to play the role of an election commentator. For this, Siegel’s t first pro thesping experience, special clearance was given by AFTRA. KPIX Strike Continued from page 21 -A' * nt : Memphis, Dec. 28. George Mooney, w.k. sportspieler j n this sector, is repping a syndi- . cate to purchase WKGN, Knox- ville Mutual affiliate. Sale is sub- ject to FCC approval. Mooney’s partners include Don Lynch, formerly of WHHM here and now veepee of WBSR, Pensa- cola CBS outlet, and Abe Wald- auer, local barrister. The trio also o. and o. WBSR with Mooney as prexy and Waldauer as secretary- treasurer. Mooney also will head WKGN operation with Lynch 4 and Waldauer as execs. FCC was prompt to act on the pro- test of the station in the KPIX case, but had never even acknowl- edged receipt of the several pro- tests NABET had filed concerning management practices in the KEAR strike situation. (NABET ob- jected to station owner Stephen Cisler appealing for strikebreakers on the air.) NABET categorically denies all charges of damage to the station. “Everything was o.k. when we left,” Linehan says. Negotiations broke down com- pletely last week between KPIX and both unions after a series of meetings with Federal and State conciliators. No definite date for resumption of the negotiations has been set. KPIX, which operated for over a week with AFTRA per- sonnel passing the NABET picket line, is now using film to replace the program time affected by the AFTRA walkout. A Joint AFTRA-NABET “Spon- sor Visiting Committee” is can- vassing the stations’ sponsors “pre- senting the facts in the situation” with the result, says the union, of considefable loss of revenue to KPIX. Both unions maintain that the biggest stumbling block In their ! negotiations is the desire on the part of the KPIX management to gain acceptance of various West- inghouse fringe benefit social se- curity plans which, according to the unions, are not as advantageous as those enjoyed previously at KPIX or at other local stations. The AFTRA strike was sanc- tioned last week by the San Fran- cisco Labor Council. Negotiations on both contracts have been going on since early November. FCC Orders Probe Washington, Dec. 28. The FCC has ordered an investi- gation into alleged sabotage of equipment by employees of West- inghouse tv station KPIX in San Francisco to determine whether operator licenses of persons re- sponsible should be suspended or whether criminal action should be taken. The agency said it -has informa- tion that damage to KPIX equip- ment 'was such as to so disable the station that it was unable to broadcast for 12 hours on Dec. 14. This damage, said FCC, may have been “willful” and may have been committed by persons licensed as radio operators. In that event these operators (engineers or technicians) might be liable to license suspen- sion. WL ALLE flLLL at th« Piano • Organ • Celeste I REMEMBER MAMA * , e Radio Registry * ■vtav ear ON WIRY CHANNM V - BROOKS COSTUMES S W«l «M U.. N.Y.C. *f*L 7-MSO iyXxVVji; mm TELEVISION TV ADVERTISERS EVERYWHERE ARE SHOUTING AND THEY'RE SIGNING HIM UP tHO Alert advertisers all over the country ... in big markets, little markets, state and regional areas, will be selling with “The Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre. 1 ' Your market may be snapped up soon. So write, wire or phone now! NEW YORK # CINCINNATI • HOLLYWOOD HURRY! let us show you how to put tho Cantor name and famt to work for you ... on TV and in all your advertising and merchandising. 82 TV-FILMS Wednesday, December 29, 1954 WvETt - MB City-By-City Syndicated and National Spot Film Chart VARIETY’S weekly chart of city-by-city rating a of syndicated and na- tional spot film covers 40 to 60 cities reported by American Research Bureau on a monthly basis. Cities will be rotated each week , with the 10 top-rated film shows listed in each case , and their competition shown opposite. All ratings are furnished by ARB, based on the latest reports . This VARIETY chart represents a gathering of aR pertinent informa- tion about film in each market, which can be used by distributors , agencies, stations and clients as an aid in determining the effectiveness of a filmed show in the specific market. Attention should be paid to time — day and t time factors , since sets-in-use and audience composition vary according to time slot , i.e. f a Saturday afternoon children's show , with a low rating , may have a large share and an audience composed largely of children* with cor - - responding results for the sponsor aiming at the children's market. Abbre- viations and symbols are as follows t (Adv.), adventure; (Ch), children's; (Co), comedy; (Dr), drama; (Doc), documentary ; (Mus), musical; (Myst), mystery; (Q), quiz; (Sp), sports; (VP), western; (Worn), women's. Numbered symbols next to station call letters represent the sta- tion's channel; all channels above 13 are IJHF. Those ad agencies listed as distributors rep the national spot sponsor for whom the film is aired. TOP 10 PROGRAMS AND TYPE STATION DISTRIB. DAY AND TIME OCTOBER RATING SHARE (%> MTS IN 1 USB | TOP COMPETING PROGRAM PROGRAM # STA. RATING ROCHESTER Approx. Set Count - —240,000 Stations — WHAM (5), WHEC (10), WVET (10) 1. Cisco Kid (W) ... WHAM .... Ziv Tucs. 7:00-7:30 .... 27.3 80 34.0 Film Short ..WHEC .. 5.2 Political ..WHEC .. 4.1 2. Amos ’n’ Andy (Com) ... ....WHAM .... CBS Sun. 7:00-7:30 .... .... 26,9 ... 62.... 43.6 Meet Corliss Archer . . WHEC . . 14 8 3. Wild Bill Hickok (W) . . . ....WHAM .... Flamingo . Wed. 6:00-6:30 . . . .... 24.5 ....'. ... 81.... 30.4 Early Show ..WVET .. 8.5 Local News; Weather. . ..WVET .. 2.6 4. Annie Oakley (W) ....WHAM .... CBS Thurs. 6:00-6:30 . . 23.9 ... 79,... 30.4 Early Show ..WVET .. 7.8 Local News; Weather . . . WVET . . 5. Liberace (Mus) ....WHAM .... Guild Tues. 9:30-10:00 .. 23.2 ... 39.... 59.7* U.S. Steel Hour . . WHEC . . 33 5 6. Superman (A*dv) ....WHAM .... . . . . Flamingo Mon. 6:00-6:30 . . . .... 22.3 ... 78.... 28.6 Early Show ..WVET .. 85 Local News; Weather... ..WVET .. 4 1 7. Janet Dean, R.N. (Dr) . . . .. ..WHEC MPTV Sat. 7:00-7:30 .... 21.9 ... 75... 29.3 What D’ya Know ..WHAM . 7.4 8. Death Valley Days (W) . . . ... .WVET Mon. 7:00-7:30 ... .... 20.2 ... 69 . . . 29.2 Do It Yourself ..WHAM . 96 Five-D Playhouse ..WHAM . 7.0 9. Eversharp Theatre (Dr) . . . WHAM ....Ziv Sun. 6:00-6:30 18.2 ... 63.... 28.9 Omnibus ..WHEC .. 10.4 10. Hopalong Cassidy (W) . . . . . . . WHAM .... NBC Tues. 6:00-6:30 ... 18.1 ... 67.... 27.1 Early Show ..WVET .. 8.5 Local News; Weather. . ..WVET .. 5.6 WILMINGTON, DEL. Approx. Set Count— 220,000 Stations — WPTZ (3), WFIL (6), WGAU (10), WDEL (13) 1. Annie Oakley (W) .WFIL ....... . . CBS Sun. 6:00-6:30 . 460.0 . . . 61. . . . • • • • . 32.6 Meet the Press . . WDEL . . . 5.2 2. The Falcon (Myst) . WPTZ . . . NBC V/ed. 10:30-11:00 .185... 42... a • • • . 44.1 Blue Ribbon Bouts .... . . . WCAU . . . . . . .19 3 1 Bouts; Sports Spot... . . . WCAU . . . . ...14,1 3. Boston Blackie (Myst) WCAU . . Ziv Thurs. \00-7:30 . .14.8. . . • r» • . 35.2 Award Theatre ...WPTZ ... 14.8 4. Waterfront (Dr) .WCAU . . MCA Sun. 6:30-7:00 .14.5 . . . 44... • • • • . 32.6 Janet Dean ...WFIL ... 8 5 5. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv) WFIL . . TPA .14.1 . . . 52... • • a • . 27.0 Award Theatre ...WPTZ ... 6.7 6. I Led Three Lives (Dr) WCAU . . Ziv . . . . Wed. 7:00-7:30 . . 13.3 . . . 42 . . . a • • • i . 31.9 Award Theatre ...WPTZ ... ....100 7. Badge 714 (Myst) WCAU . . NBC Fri. 7:00-7:30 ..11.9... 37... • • • • . 31.9 Award Theatre .. WPTZ ... . . . .14.8 8. Wild Bill Hickok (W) . WPTZ . . . Flamingo Wed. 6:00-6:30 .11.5... 41... • • • • . 27.8 Ramar of the Jungle... ...WFIL ... . ... 8 9 Kit Carson (W) . WPTZ . . . MCA Thurs. 6:00-6:30 .11.5... 45 ... . • • • • . 25.5 Early Show . . WCAU . . . . ... 7.4 10. Liberace (Mus) . WPTZ ...Guild Sat. 11:00-11:30 .11.2.... 42 ... . • • • • . 26.4 News; Sports Final .... . . . WCAU . , . Mystery Theatre .... . . WCAU . . . . ... 6.7 WINSTON-SALEM Approx. Set Count — 215,000 Stations — WFMY (2), WSJS (12), WTOB (26) 1. Life With Elizabeth (Com) . .WSJS Wed. 9:00-9:30 38.8 70 . . . 55.0 Masquerade Party WTOB .. .... 5.2 2. Badge 714 (Myst) .WFMY. NBC Sat. 7:00-7:30 .25.2. 70 . . . 36.2 Mr. Wizard .WSJS ... .... 5 2 3. Liberace (Mus) .WFMY. Guild Tues. 8:00-8:30 .22.6 . 35 . .. 65.5 Martha Raye .WSJS .. 35.5 4. Heart of the City (Dr) .WSJS Wed. 9:30-10:00 .20.0. . . . 59.7 I’ve Got a Secret .WFMY .. ... .32.0 5. Lone Wolf (Adv) . WSJS . MCA Thurs. 7:00-7:30 .19.1. 69 ... 27.8 Cactus Corners .WFMY 7. .... 5.2 Fieldcrester 7 .WFMY . . 5.2 6. Janet Dean (Dr) .WFMY MPTV Sat. 7.30-8:00 .18.8. 53 . .. 35.3 The Christophers .WSJS .. .... 7.4 7. Wild Bill Hickok (W) .WFMY Fri. 6:00-6:30 .17.5. 58 ... 30.3 Jolly Junction .WSJS .. ....135 Sagebrush Theatre .WSJS .. ....10 3 8. Eversharp Theatre (Dr) .WFMY '. Ziv Sun. 6:30-7:00 17.1 . 48 . .. 35.8 Sunday Vespers .WSJS .. .... 9.7 9. Kit Carson (W) .WFMY MCA Wed. 6:00-6:30 .16.5. 51 ... 32.6 Jolly Junction .WSJS .. ... .16 1 * Sagebrush Theatre .WSJS .. ....13 5 10. Mr. District Attorney (Adv) . WFMY Ziv Wed. 7:00-7:30 .15.5. 50 ... 31.1 Cavalcade of Arherica WSJS .. ....10.0 NASHVILLE Approx. Set Count - Stations — WSM (4), WLAC (5), WSIX (8) 1. Boston Blackie (Adv) . WSM . Ziv Thurs. 7:30-8:00 48.7. 72 . . . 67.3 Climax WLAC .. 11 y 2. Ramar of the Jungle (Adv) WSM . tpa :.. Wed. 6:00-6.30 33.3 83 . . . 40.3 Range Rider WLAC .. .... 4.7 3. Cisco Kid (W) . WSM . Ziv Thurs. 6:00-6:30 32.9. 67 ... 49.0 Amos ’n’ Andy WLAC .. a mW. 4. Mr. District Attorney (Adv) WSM. . Ziv Tues. 9:30-10:00 29.2 . 65 . . . 45.0 Stop the Music WSIX .. 11.6 5. Superman (Adv) WSM . FrL6:00-6:30 29.0 75 . . . 38.7 Today In Sports r. . . . WSIX .. .... 68 News — John Daly .WSIX .. 7.4 6. Liberace (Mus) WSM . Guild Sun. 5:00-5:30 27.8. 77 ... 36.1 Omnibus .WLAC .. 29 8 7. Badge 714 (Myst) WSM . NBC Mon. 9:30-10:00 .26.5. 52 ... 51.0 Studio One .WLAC .. 12.6 8. I Led Three Lives (Dr) .... WSM . Ziv Mon. 10:00-10:30 20.8. 63 ... 33.0 Big Town .WLAC .. 7.4 9. Meet Corliss Archer (Com) WSM . Ziv Wed. 9:30-10:00 .19.8. 37 ... 52.9 Blue Ribbon Bouts WLAC .. 17.9 Wrestling WSIX .. . . . .17.4 10. City Detective (Myst) ..WSM . MCA Tues. 10:00-10:30 .16.6. 65 . . . 25.5 News; Weather .WSIX .. .... 6.8 Late Show WSIX .. .... 5.3 JOHNSTOWN, PA. Approx. Set Count - -170,000 Stations — WJAC (6), WARD (56) 1. Ellery Queen (Myst) . . WJAC TPA Fri. 9:30-10:00 48.8. 93 . . . 52.6 Feature Theatre WARD . . 1.7 2. All Star Theatre (Dr) . WJAC. Wed. 7:00-7:30 38 5. 94 ... 41.1 Football Film . WARD . . 13 3. City Detective (Myst) ..WJAC. MCA Tues. 11:00-11:30 33.2. 93 ... 35.7 News; Sports . WARD . . Paradise Island . WARD . . 4. Superman (Adv) . .WJAC. Mon. 5:00-5:30 28.3 97 ... 29.2 UN in Action . WARD . . 5. Wild Bill Hickok (W) ..WJAC Thurs. 5:00-5:30 25.3 95 ... 26.6 UN in Action . WARD . . 0.4 6. Mr. District Attorney (Adv) WJAC Ziv Mon. 11:00-11:30 23.9. 93 . .. 25.6 News; Sports WARD . Production . WARD . . ivnvii 7. Kit Carson (W) ..WJAC Sat. 11:30-12:00 .16.8. \.. 91 . .. 18.5 8. Big Playback (Sp) ..WJAC Fri. 6:45-7:00 . . . .’ .13.6. 91 . .. 14.9 Uncle George . WARD . . Tfv'MiY] 9. Badge 714 (Myst) ..WARD NBC Mon. 8:30-9:00 . 2.4. 4 . .. 60.1 Godfrey’s Talent Scouts . WJAC . . 56 8 10. Liberace (Mus) . WARD Mon. 9:00-9:30 . 1.7. 3 . .. 51.3 Theatre Tim* WJAC .. 47.9 COLUMBIA, s. c. Approx. Set Count —55,000 Stations — WIS (10), WCOS (25), WNOK (67) 1 . 2 . 3. 4 5. 7. 8 . 9 . 10 . Amos ’n’ Andy (Com) WIS Badge 714 (Myst) WIS... All Star Theatre (Dr) WIS... City Detective (Myst) WIS . . Mr. District Attorney (Adv) .WNOK Annie Oakley (W) WIS .. Wild Bill Hickok (W) WIS^. . Hopalong Cassidy (W) . WIS . . Ramar of the Jungle (Adv) ..WIS .. Kit Carson (W) WIS... CBS Thurs. 7:00-7:30 . 44.3 84 . . . . 52.7 Robbie’s Roundup WNOK . . 8.5 Sports Time . 4.6 NBC Wed 9:00-9:30 35.0 . 47 . . . . 75.0 Masquerade Party. . .-. . WCOS .20 0 Strike It Rich WNOK .20 0 Screen Gems . . . Tues. 9:30-10:00 .33.8 63 53.9 U.S. Steel Hour .....WCOS 13.1 MCA . . Thurs. 9:00-9:30 .32.7 52 62.7 Climax i . . . .WNOK' . . . . .27.7 Ziv Fri. 8:00-8:30 31.5 54 58.0 Jack Carson WIS .21.9 CBS . Sun. 6:30-7:00 .31.5 ' 71 . ... 44.2 You Are There WNOK . 92 Flamingo . . . Thurs. 6 00-6:30 24.3 75 . . . . 32.4 News; Weather WNOK . . . 3.8 > • Robbie’s Roundup... WNOK .... . 6 2 NBC . . . Fri. 7:00-7:30 23.9 56 . . . . 42 4 Robbie’s Roundup WNOK ... .10 8 Sports Time WNOK .10.8 TPA . Sun. 6:00-6:30 21.9 60 36.2 Early Show WNOK . . 89 MCA . . . Tues. 6:00-6:30 • 20.7 ••••••••• 57 . ... 36.1 Western Theatre WCOS . 9.2 w^InrMlay, December 29, 1954 Bill Boyd: A Video Credo In contradistinction to the spate of reports and commentaries linking television and telepix to juvenile delinquency, William Ilooalong Cassidy) Boyd made some pertinent remarks regarding television’s role in strengthening family ties. Boyd, just returning from a six-month world tour, made the comments recently in a iucst stint on the Australian Broadcasting Commission network. J.“ ovv "Guest of Honor.” His speech, repeated twice by the ABC, got wide press comment, mostly favorable. Excerpts from the talk follow. Speak , ng of television, I’d like to mention the way I feel about it.. I understand that in the near future television will go into operation here in Australia. Believe me— the sooner it comes the better. It is obvious that television provides a source of tremendous entertainment, and it provides good entertainment as well. More important, however, is the way this entertainment is enjoyed. In my own country, the war years and the strain and pressures of our way of life had brought a great change in the average family. Our families had grown apart from each other- each member seeking his own amusements separate from the others. It didn’t add up to a healthy situation for anyone, and it was especially bad for the children. They were growing up away from their parents and missing the warmth, the closeness and the love that can exist only in a happy home. It was a bad condition— and then television came along. "Within a few- years, television sets were in nearly every home in the country and our whole living habit had changed. Instead of running around in all directions vainly seeking amusement, mother, father, sister and brother found it in the last place they’d suspect— ri^ht in their own living room. They also found that what they were seeking wasn’t entertainment at all— it was really just being close together. Now our families have come to realize how much they had been missing and our homes have come to be homes and not just houses. Our kids have fathers and mothers again, and our fathers and mothers have their kids back with them. "That, I think, is the real miracle of television . . Ziv in $1,400,000 Takeover Of AN Studios in Coast Expansion Ziv Television Programs this» | week acquired full ownership of Vidpix Producer American National Studios in Hoi- _ lywood in two separate deals repre- Kalph M. i loll 11 senting an outlay of approximately $1,400,000. Acquisition of the old *"• ow " v, * w> •"•dium Eagle Lion lot by Ziv, after a two- at detailed in year search by the telefilm outfit n (1 last week from a series of used in the series, tentatively iw X ork huddles with Lever tagged “Bristol-Myers Favorite s ” the "Big Town” sponsors. Playhouse.” TV-FILMS Hack Stuff $10,000,000 Budget Leo Burnett agency, which for the past couple of years has been one of the biggest spots and syn- dicated filmbuyers among the agencies, has set its biggest deal to date with a 10-year pact with Gene Autry’s Flying A Productions for the new "Buffalo Bill Jr.’s series. Deal calls for Mars Candy to sponsor the series, with Brown Shoe to move in later as a cospon- sor, but agency is committed to a 10-year pact that calls for an ex- penditure of $10,000,000 # in time anf volume in the next 12 months.” He t- said that development of color s television into its commercial phase e will move ahead in 1955. Folsom stated that the Federal y. manufacturers’ excise tax on both s radio and television is continuing o at discriminatory levels despite s. cuts made on other products by >r Congress. He said that the tax on color tv sets will produce only small revenue and only penalize the customer. “I think,” he said, “the Government would do well not to try to harvest the field at [I least until industry has completed sowing it.” Paramount Music Plans Pop Tune, Pic Theme Concentration Next Yr. Paucity of fllmusical product due from the Paramount lot dur- ing the coming year, is spearhead- ing a concentrated push in the pop tune field by the Paramount- Famous publishing combine. Here- tofore, tunes from the film scores received priority treatment by the publishing subsid Only big musical skedded by Par so far is “The Vagabond King.” Firm already has the Rudolf Friml score in Its fold and will also pub- lish additional songs now being penned by Friml and Johnny Burke. Current Par pix, “White Christmas” and “Country Girl,” have scores published by other firms. “Christmas,” with an all Irving Berlin score, is being pub- lished by Berlin’s own firm, and “Country Girl," with tunes by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin, is being published by E. H. Morris Music. Par-Famous, however, plans a hefty push on the theme music from upcoming Par releases. Among the themes, which will be given a pop drive are “The Bridges At Toko-Ri.” by Lyn Murra”; “Strategic Air Command,” by Vic- tor Young; “To Catch a Thief,” Lyn Murray, and ‘The Trouble With Harry,” composer not yet set. Meantime, Eddie Wolpin, Par- Famous general manager, heads out to the Coast Dec. 29 for hud- dles with studio execs. He plans a Las Vegas stopover, before re- turning to his New York desk in mid-January. 86 MUSIC Wednesday, December 29, 1934 Jocks, Jukes and Disks By MIKE GROSS Les Paul - Mary Ford: "Song in Blue" - ‘‘Someday Sweetheart” (Capitol). ‘‘Song in Blue" is an- other winner for Les Paul and Mary Ford. Side is a nifty blend- ing of Paul’s guitajrwork and Miss Ford’s piiping. Tune moves at a breezy pace and it all adds up to a spinning natural. Paul’s slick strumming makes ‘‘Someday Lombardo but the "Pupalina" side is gm>d enough to sneak out for a solid score. It’s a brisk item with a lively vocal contributed by Kenny Gardner. Cliff Grass and The Lombardo Quartet. It’s doubt- ful if Lombardo will catch up to the De John’s ‘‘No More” on the Epic label. Adrienne Kent Orch: "I’ll Re- Best Bets LES PAUL-MARY FORD SONG IN BLUE ( Capitol Someday Sweetheart CATERINA VALENTE MALAGUENA ( Decca ) Mamho From Chile DOLORES HAWKINS GEORGE \ Epic ) Silly Man BETTY MADIGAN I HAD THE FUNNIEST FEELING ( MOM ) Be a Little Darlin ’ "Mambo From Chile" (Decca). This version of ‘‘Malaguena’’ has a U.N. flavor. The Latino standard was cut by a German orch with a German lyric sung by an Italian thrush and it should clean up in the U.S. disk market. Orch under Sweetheart" worth hearing again. Caterlna Valente: "Malaguena”- the direction of Werner Muller projects a rich and colorful sound, excellently matching thrush’s vi- brant attack. They get the same effect on ‘‘Mambo From Chile” but it looks like "Malaguena" all the way. Dolores Hawkins: "George”- "Sllly Man" (Epic*. Offbeat lyric idea will give "George” a solid ride on the jockey turntables and in the jukes. It’s in the "Gloomy Sunday" genre and Miss Hawkins delivers appropriately. She does an okay job with "Silly Man" on the flip. Betty Madigan: "I Had the Fun- niest Feeling”-"Be a Little Dar- lin”’ (MGM). "I Had the Funni- est Feeling" could be 1955’s first , breakthrough ballad. It’s a charm- ing tune, both melodically and lyrically, and Miss Madigan gives it an appealing flavor. "Be a Lit- tle Darlin’ ” has a pleasant 18th century drawing room quality which should ' win it occasional spins. Eddie Albert: "Come Pretty Lit- tle Girl”-‘Tm in Favor of Friend- ship” . "Come Pretty Lit- tle Girl" is a lilting waltz that will catch the deejays’ fancy.* Eddie Albert handles the lyric with just the right amount of warmth. The gimmick of interpolating the sound of a baby’s laughter throughout the side is the kind of stunt that could push the disk to the top. "I’m in Favor of Friendship" is a bright and catchy entry which rates attention. Sammy Kaye: "Melody of Love"- *‘You Are the One" (Columbia). It’s a tossup as to which "Melody of Love" version will get the play but Sammy Kaye is in the run- ning with his wax workover. Tune and sentiment are right up Kaye’s alley and he makes the most of it. "You Are the One" is an okay entry that’s easy on the ear. The Lancers: "Open Up Your Heart "-"Tweedlee Dee" (Coral). "Open Up Your Heart” is another of Stuart Hamblen’s religiosongs that’s due for a big play. The- Lancers get the message across with a zingy harmony attack. "Tweedlee Dee" is excellently suited to the group’s driving style. Sammy Davis Jr.: "The Birth of the Blues"-“Love (Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere)" (Decca). Workover of these two oldies will increase Sammy Davis Jr.’s disk stature. His delivery and phrasing are tiptop and he gives each side a fresh quality. "Birth of the Blues" should get the big play but "Love" won’t be overlooked. Fred Norman Orch: "My Love for Dorothy" - "Monday - Tuesday- Wednesday - Thursday - Friday" (MGM). Fred Norman’s orch gets its best crack at a hot biscuit W'ith "My Love for Dorothy." It’s an easygoing ballad which gets a socko lift via Malcolm Williams’ vocal. The longwinded calendar title on the reverse is a routine Tin Pan Alley concoction. Lawrence Welk Orch: "At the Junior Prom" - "Home Again Blues" (Coral). "At the Junior Prom” has a long-lasting quality and rates wide diskery coverage. Lawrence Welk’s w r orkover is serv- iceable as is Dick Dale’s vocal, so It’ll probably get good playing time. The orch does well by the Irving Berlin-Harry Akst oldie "Home Again Blues." Guy Lombardo Orch: "Pupa- lina"-"No More" (Decca). This is another "cover" coupling for Guy LAWRENCE WELK and hit CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 172d Consecutive Waak, Aragon Ballroom, Santa Monica, Calif. Exclusively on Coral Records Latest Album VIENNESE WALTZES (For Dancing) RCA Trices For The Masses’ Continued from page 35 member April" - "Rose Room (Bruce). Adrienne Kent will win plenty of attention for her orch and her keyboarding with this cou- | LonffV i ew . Tex.— Sammy Lilli- pling of fave oldies. The orch and bridge, disk jockey and announcer vocal chorus give each side a lush on the staff of KFRO, has signed interpretation “I’ll Rememher 1° record for Hilite Records, with interpretation. in Remember hjs fipst release sct f or after the April could be the noisemaker. | jj rs j 0 f jh e year. ered price even with all quality standards rigidly maintained. Rea- sons for Victor’s optimism is based on the expected 25% increase of the teenage population, the biggest disk consumer segment, in the .next five years; the number of new homes as a market for turntables; high "fidelity as one of the most potent selling ideas in the disk business; the increase in the num- ber of phonograph manufacturers, and finally, the demise of the 78s within the foreseeable future. In his letter to distributors ex- plaining the program, Manle Sacks, Victdr viceprexy and general manager, pointed out that "we have put the tools in your hands to make the record business a mass market — for the first time in its history. We have put the tools in your hands to make the record business truly a business — from which real profits can be derived." It’s figured that a reduction in price to a $4 top will immediately improve the regular dealer’s com- petitive situation vis-a-vis the dis- count houses. The spread be- discount houses. The spread be- tween the list price and the cut price will no longer be so attrac- tive that consumers will only buy at discount houses. After the ♦♦♦♦♦♦ t 1. LET ME GO, LOVER (5) . 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines . Z. MISTER SANDMAN (7) 3. NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY 4. TEACH ME TONIGHT (8) 5. HEARTS OF STONE (2) 6. MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE (1) 4 IF I GIVE MY HEART TO YOU 7. 8 . 9. 10 . MAMBO ITALIANO (3) ... HOLD MY HAND (13) I NEED YOU NOW (16) . . . PAPA LOVES MAMBO (12) Second Croup f Joan Weber .Columbia ^ Teresa Brewer Coral ) Patti Page , . .Mercury 1 Chordettes . . Cadence * Four Aces Decca \ Lancers \ Ames Brothers Victor / Archie Bleyer . . .Cadence ( Dcdastro Sisters . . . . . . . Abbott ) Jo Stafford Columbia i Fontane Sisters Dot ( Charms , . . . DeLuxe ( Sarah Vaughan . . . . , . . .Mercury ( Peggy King ... • . . . . . Columbia , Rosemary Clooney . . .Columbia Don Cornell Coral Eddie Fisher Perru Como Victor . Bill Haley’s Comets . , . . . . Decca . Jaye P. Morgan . . . . . . . .Victor f Doris Day . Columbia Denise Lor Majar Connee Boswell Decca Dinah Shore Victor THIS OLE HOUSE Rosemary Clooney .... Columbia HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Perry Como Victor SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL Bill Haley’s Comets Decca WHITHER THOU GOEST Les Paul Mary Ford Capitol WHITE CHRISTMAS Bing Crosby Decca NO MORE DeJohn Sisters Epic MELODY OF LOVE Billy Vaughn Dot IFiguret in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 10] RETAIL SHEET BEST SELLERS Survey of retail sheet music best sellers based on reports obtained from leading stores in 11 cities and showing com- paratwe sales rating for this and last week. * ASCAP t BMI National Rating This Last wk. wk. Title and Publisher 4-» a 6 6 U o rj a o * o £ u o o •H V) o •mm a a 3 -H .a ¥i 3 a v> 4; G * • H a, o u 4 * J3 a* JB o Ih 3 2 +-t w V) 3 2 c 3 C/3 V "5 a m E 6 G o •H c n m* ' 2 i~ a B ct £ r_ PQ I JC •mm M c 3 2 t u D 2 & jS 0 1 m < 1 •E 4 * C e $ 'w' 4> 'W' J a* o 1 s 1 « rj •mm u I 1 tri 1 a eg l % 2 'W 1 M a Q MS e 3 W I O 7 3 l K C I 4> l u 7 l ■/. 1 3 •ew £ i 1 r w n > •« 3 u •mm I t a ’ a 2 s s 3 - X *3 3 & < 5 I 1 T O T A L P 0 1 N T S 1 2 •Count Your Blessings (Berlin) 4 3 4 2 1 2 2 3 1 4 2 93 2 1 ~ *Mlster Sandman (Morris) 1 • • 2 1 2 • • 1 2™ 2 1 1 86 3 3 tLet Me Go, Lover (H&R> 3 6 1 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 7 “77 4 4 •Teach Me Tonight (Hub-L) 6 2 8 5 3 1 5 3 v 9 2 9 66 5 6 •Naughty Lady (Paxton) 2 4 7 9 4 3 4 10 6 6 8 ' 58 6 5 tThis Ole House (Hamblen) 5 • • • . 3 6 7 1 3 7 3 "53 7 9 •White Christmas (Berlin) • • 10 5 6 • • • • • • 3 5 5 30 8 11 •Rudolph Reindeer (St. Nicholas)... • • • • 3 8 • • • • • • 7 8 4 23 9 , 7 •I Need You Now (Miller) • • 9 • • 7 7 6 7 10 9 a a “22 10 8 •If I Give My Heart To You (Miller). • • 5 • • 10 9 8 8 8 10 10 ”20 ii 11 •Home for the Holidays (Roncom). . . • a 1 6 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15 12 13 •Make Yourself Comfortable (Rylan). 9 8 • • • • • • 7 • • • • • • • • • • 9 13 10 •Papa Loves Mambo (Shapiro-B) • • • • • • • • 8 • • • • 6 • • • a a • 8 14 • • •My Own True Love (Remick) • • 7 • • • • • • " 8" • • • • a a a • a • ~7 usual mailing and packaging costs are added on, the consumer can just as well buy in his neighbor- hood store. While revamping its prices, Vic- tor has also amended its discount structure which, the company says, was established "during the early days of the record industry" and w'hich "does not now nor has it reflected the trend in record mer- chandising." Under its new set- up, Victor will give larger margins where the risks are greatest. Hence, the diskery is boosting the gross dealer margin frpm the tra- ditional 38% to 42% on all 78 and 45 rpm merchandise. On the LPs, which have a more durable life span, the discount remains at 38%. The traditional return privilege of 5% is also revamped. Under its new r program, Victor will give all qualifying dealers a minimum of 5% on their 4$ and 78 rpm pur- chases while cutting out the re- turn privilege on LPs. Victor plans to kick off the new program with the most intensive ad-promotion campaign in its his- tory. Company execs have allo- cated $500,000 for advertising and it’s anticipated that Victor’s heavy selling drive will be one of the main factors in getting the rest of the industry to follow suit on prices. Victor is also making available to dealers a moderniza- tion service. The diskery is put- ting at the dealer’s disposal an in- dustrial consultant who has made special studies on the problems of traffic, fixture design, effective display, utilization of space and layout. Although Victor has set up five base prices for its disk line, it is also allowing for some exceptional albums. HMV and original cast albums will go for $4.98 while the Bluebird LPs will carry a $2.98 list and Camden LPs a $1.98 list platter. Children prices will re- main the same, ranging from 49c. for Bluebird singles to $3.10 for storybooks. Bluebird single EPs will go for $1.19 while multiple sets will remain at $2.98, whether three or four pocket albums. Cam- den EPs have been boosted from 69 to 79c. Victor’s pre-recorded tape prices will also remain statu* quo. Johnston Serves 2-Way Platters: Eats & Disks New r York restaurateur Johnny Johnston is mixing his platters. Al- though it’s not listed on the menu at his two Charcoal Room steak houses, Johnston is also dishing out biscuits of the wax variety. He’s moved in on the disk field via the formation of a new label, Vitam Records, which has as it* initial release, "I’ll Always Love You” and "Can It Be Love,” re- corded by Ray King and the Joe Derise orch. Sidelight to the "I’ll Always Love You" side is that the tune was written by Gotham disk jockey Art Ford under the nom-de-plume of Martin Lawrence. Number is ! the thgme from the pic of the ! same title, which Ford wrote and ! directed for independent producer Bill Kohler. Song was originally tagged "Stay Close to People” and was published by Republic Music, with a few indie labels cutting the tune. Republic, however, released the number and it was picked up by Howie Richmond. Derise, who incidentally is the company's artists Sc repertory man, is also associated with Four Jacks and a Jill as manager, mem* ber and arranger. MGM Adds Carroll, Naturals to Roster MGM Records expanded its ros- ter last week with the inking of crooner Bob Carroll and The Natu- rals. a vocal combo. Carroll previously recorded for the now defunct Derby label. Tha Naturals will be released for both the pop and rhythm Sc blues mar- kets. Patti Jerome to Jubilee Thrush Patti Jerome is swinging to the indie Jubilee label. Warbler previously etched for Central Rec- ord*. Jubilee also purchased Miss Je- rome’s roaster of "No Mama. No Papa" from Central and will re- lease it under its own banner. AN OPEN LETTER TO RECORD DEALERS FROM ... EMANUEL (MANIE) SACKS « Vice President and General Manager RCA Victor Record Division % The record business is at a crossroads. No other industry, with the possible exception of color television, has its tremendous growth potential. And yet certain problems are inherent which threaten to block the path of wide and vigorous expansion. We at RCA Victor have complete faith and confidence in you, our dealers. Because of this feeling we view with concern any factor that might serve to undermine or impair your business health. We feel that a daring and cour- ageous program, emanating from us, can help improve conditions, cement closer relations and insure increased prosperity for you. Accordingly, starting January 3, 1953, the Radio Corporation of America ^ • and its distributors are launching such a program. It is designed to: 1. Increase your volume by offering your customers more music for less money. 2. Increase your profit margin on traffic merchandise. % 3. Place all dealers on a competitive basis. 4. Introduce a new and simplified price structure. 5. Streamline your operation. ^ "i .. ■ . v To promote this plan widely and effectively, RCA Victor will, during 1955, present the greatest .and most extensive advertising campaign in its history. Further, in an effort to increase dealer service and efficiency, we will also make available to you plans detailing the most complete store modernization program ever offered. I feel that these new moves will not only represent an unprecedented opportunity for business improvement, but will also enable you to instill in your operation greater vigor, enthusiasm and progress. I extend to all of you at the beginning of this, the New Year, warm and cordial good wishes and hope that you may experience a healthful and prosper- ous 1955. 4 ^ 0 . Top Record Talent and Tunes 88 MUSIC Wednesday, December 29, I 954 r hoh m o CO CM to 00 eo *■ o I CO o eo t~,m I I CM O) 00 CO eo 11 6 & % u pi « • M t < Wl k . I M w iii •54 I a* in CM n ■»f co cm in in cm in 00 co 01 ■<* ►» •O a J ►» JS I a SB CO X> A t o v« E o U t> JO a as » b 3 o Im 0 ) s c A JB he 3 10 ► J= A *- A 05 00 eo 09 CM in .cm CM CM eo CO eo m in co cm eo 09 m o •H a K co in CM & CM CM in 00 *> 00 in eo Oi co _ co co 09 co 00 in 00 eo in ,co I I o f l0 1 a e jjfc a ^ X ►> s 2 o eo 00 00 t- t- o in 00 00 i ►> C 5 3 o l- < 00 00 m CM eo CO eo CM co 4 > X he e *» B 8 5 5 6 « < 4 i s 3 O Q m eo co 00 t E o a ►> o a 4 » J 09 E 0 U £ 1 flu in in 1*1 f*o r> M CM CO Vh CO eo 09 1 in 00 C- |o © •n ►» e mm t ►» t ■§ « © a s +■ # •* b 3 c e o 5 u S CM r ^ 1 *^ in co e 1 C /5 Ml „ TS Ss X o CM rH in eo < M eo •VCM 09 in CM in 09 :eo i* ► M I — •k o O CO ►» e c JC o eo 00 m CM m 09 eo 00 CM 1 m * A V a u 3 O >1 a & e & O A O O 9 0 1 x & ►» 2 i*S •-5(3 C /5 ►> i * o U c J= he 3 A ► ►> ■A flQ CM CO Jo 09 09 CO ►> •A s he « : = a m co eo 00 eo 01 m I |i e •s X O O & « 3 A X> Ih 3 2 o -H U > 8 “ i £S #l £ i\t CM I 1-1 2 co CM < X «• i» eo eo 00 O S CM •> 00 ae 00 CO CO <8 eo 'eo a A u i > 1 oj i • ( I I il o x si* A S A 0 i « w ■a 3 3 * 8 c» | |f 0| 2 C 0 S c X N 3 __ s cc a >■■ c •r «a CO flfl '&1LDL PLUS DINAH SHORE TONY MARTIN MELODY OF LOVE YOU’RE GETTING TO BE A HABIT WITH ME 20 / 47-5975 THE HI-FI FOUR with HENRI RENE ^ V FA R AWAY MY LITTLE NEST OF HEAVENLY BLUE 20 / 47-5971 THE THREE SUNS FOR YOU / PERDIDO 20 / 47-5961 PLUS! • t EDDY ARNOLD’S latest # . . I’VE BEEN THINKING / DON’T FORGET 20 / 47 - 6000 RCA VICTOR N «? i C “NEW ORTHOPHONIC” HIGH FIDELITY RECORDINGS Wednesday, December Mixed Reaction to RCA Plan Continued from page 1 the industry. He felt that disk prices were too high three years ago and sees Victor’s move as sta- bilizing the industry on a healthy price base. “It will mean a squeeze on the mail order and discount houses,” Kay said, “but it will lo- calize a lot of business. And that is good.” Squeeze Play Kay explained that in recent years Liberty Music Shops were also compelled to give discounts because of the competitive situa- tion, but from the viewpoint of day-to-day business, he was all for setting up a practical list price structure. Kay’s sentiments were echoed by several neighborhood re- tailers who stated that now, for the first time, it would pay to stock up on classical longplay merchandise v^hich they could sell to local traffic. Goody, who does a $3,000,000 an- nual business, half of which is in mail order, stated that Victor ac- counted for about 18-20% of his total business. The decreased value of his merchandise therefore is the first negative impact of the Victor announcement. “We knew about a price reduction four months ago, ’ Goody said, "and so we bought carefully. But we still think it’s a rough deal.” Goody pinpointed Victor’s elimi- nation of the 5% return privilege on longplay disks as the weak link in the plan. He stated that the other major companies assured him IF W, Latest I DECCA 9 Release ^STARS NEVER CRY 1 NOT TOO YOUNG TO HAVE MEMORIES CHARLIE APPLEWHITE P«r. Mgt. Direction WYNN LASSNER WM. MORRIS AGENCY they would retain the 5% return privilege. He has received assur- ances, moreover, irom two major companies that their prices would remain the same for the next 90 days and got the same guarantees from three important indies in the longhair field. Sam Goody's $3.50 In any case, Goody said that he would sell all his 12-inch disks at $3.50, a mere 50c reduction from Victor’s new $3.98 price. He was not convinced that Victor’s price slash would multiply business.’ Stating he always sold for $3.50 and sometimes for even less, Goody never found the customers break- ing down his doors even at those prices. He conceded, however, that local dealers might benefit by the price development. Goody believed that many of the major labels would hold the line at $4.98 and buck Victor’s lower price by fancier packaging. (Victor, incidentally, will continue to re- lease de luxe packages at higher prices and has set its showtune sets at the $4 98 figure along with HMV releases). Costs Goody didn’t see how the major companies could profitably cut prices. He pointed out that it cost from 60c to 65c to press each disk with packaging, royalty and selling costs the same, the possibility of cutting prices and coming out ahead were slim. Victor execs, however, believe that per-unit man- ufacturing costs can be drastically cut by a doubling or trebling of the gross output. According to George R. Marek, Victor’s artists & repertoire man- ager, the company’s immediate ob- jective is the doubling of its busi- ness, along with the industry as a whole. Victor is putting $2,000,000 on the line to carry through the project and he was confident that ; it ranks among the company’s greatest merchandising coups. The sales impact of price reduc- tions was manifested back in 1948. I before longplay disks were intro- duced, when Columbia cut prices on $2 classical disks in half. Sales I immediately shot up. mm- : i GEORGE SHEARING QUINTET Play Undecided Adieu MGM 11874 78 RPM K 11874 45 RPM MGM RECORDS 0 THE G k E A T E S T NAME 'N entertainment > c v t N ■ h A v E N E W YORK 3 6 Scoreboard TOP TALENT AND TUNES — \ ' Compiled from btuusucal tie ports of Distribution Encompassing the Three Major Outlets Coin Machines Retail Disks Retail Sheet Music as Published in the Current Issue NOTE: The current comparative sales strength of the Artists and Tunes listed hereunder t* arrived at under a statistical system comprising each of the three major sales outlets enu- merated above. These findings are correlated with data from wider sources, which are exclusive with Variety. The positions resulting from these findings denote the OVERALL IMPACT de- veloped from the ratio of points scored, two ways in the case of talent (coin machines, retail disks ) and three ways in the case of tunes (coin machines, retail disks and retail sheet music). TALENT POSITIONS This Last Week Week ARTIST AND LABEL TUNE JOAN WEBER (Columbia) Let Me Go, Lover CHORDETTES (Cadence) Mister Sandman AMES BROTHERS (Victor) Naughty Lady of Shady Lane This Ole House ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) - Mambo Italiano Hey There 1 1 Need You Now EDDIE FISHER (Victor) 4 {Count Your Blessings [Fanny De CASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) Teach Me Tonight [Papa Loves Mambo PERRY COMO (Victor) 'Home for the Holidays [Things I Didn’t Do Shake, Rattle and Roll BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) {Dim, Dim the Lights Rock Around the Clock FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) • Hearts of Stone rAITD . r n C /r . v [Mister Sandman FOLK ACES (Decca) ] It - s a Woman's World TUNES (♦ASCAP. +BMI) POSITIONS This Last Week Week TUNE PUBLISHER ♦MISTER SANDMAN Morris fLET ME GO, LOVER ; Hill & Range ♦NAUGHTY LADY OF SHADY LANE x . Paxton ♦TEACH ME TONIGHT Hub-Leeds fTHIS OLE HOUSE Hamblen ♦COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Berlin *1 NEED YOU NOW Miller ♦PAPA LOVES MAMBO Shapiro-Bernstein f HEARTS OF STONE ;... Regent ♦MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE Rylan BANDLEADERS’ AGENCY IN RELAY BOOKINGS Chicago, Dec. 28. Unique booking practice of new- ly-formed Orchestras Inc., wherein five bandleaders are shareholders in a Chi bureau operated by Bill Black, has three of the orchs hand- ing down the stick in relay fashion at two locations. Bands follow in succession at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, while their order is re- * Best British Sheet Sellers (Week ending Dec. 18) London, Dec. 20. Hold My Hand Wood Santo Natale Spier Can’t Tell Waltz Reine.. If I Give My Heart. . .Robbins This Ole House Duchess Mister Sandman Morris Veni, Vidi, Vici Dash Count Your Blessings. Berlin Happy Wanderer ...Bosworth My Friend Chappell My Son Kassner Must Be A Reason ..Connelly % Second 12 No One But You Robbins Smile ... Bourne Sky Blue Shirt Wright I Love Paris Chappell I Still Believe .Macmelodies Finger of Suspicion . . Pickwick Mama Doll Song ..... Leeds Things Mean a Lot. .. Robbins Heartbeat .Kassner Wait For Me ........ Lafleur Story of Tina . Macmelodies High-Mighty .Harms-Connelly versed in a concurrent string at the O’Henry Ballroom in Chicago. Upshot is that they’ve milked a pair of sites for solid bookings for several months to come. Don Reid opened the Peabody for four weeks Dee. 13, with Ray Pearl following directly for a fort- nighter and Russ Carlyle for an- other pair through March 20. Pearl 1 started a six-framer at the O’Henry I last week before answering the Peabody commitment. He’s fol- lowed at the dancery by Don Reid for five weeks Feb. 13 and by Russ Carlyle on April 16 for six frames. Carlyle is also playing the Schroe- der Hotel in Milwaukee Jan. 11 for two and is set to open a new Key- stone Room in Fort Worth’s Texas Hotel, beginning next Sept. 9. A fourth member of the Orches- tras Inc. stable, Larry Galth, takes over the Peabody for two weeks March 21. It’s Music by JESSE GREER Program Today Yesterday's ONCE IN A LIFETIME FROM EARL CARROL'S ''VANITIES" ROBBINS L & nuTm W l [■ Oft 1 ' 1 1 1 u 1 1'loi Fort Wayne Dance Spot Opened By Band Singer Fort Wayne, Dec. 28. Cliff AyreS, singer formerly with Sammy Kaye, Les Brown, Tony Pastor and other name bands, re- cently opened up Melody Acres, formerly known as Covington Downs Barn, near Fort Wayne, for round and square dancing. The spot will feature name bands on occasion. Six months ago Ayres returned to Fort Wayne and moved the of- fices of the Emerald Record Co. here from New York. The EVnerald records are made by 14 country and western music stars, headed by Lullabelle and Scotting. i "MV OjJ- ? l TRUE l ° VE -'I (lato ■\V\r.flV WILL OSBORNE AND HIS ORC’H. Now 41 it Wook Naw Goldan Hotel, Reno Mgt.: MILTON DEUTSCH f^RiEfr Brought to you by UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURES and DECCA RECORDS - HE WINNING COMBINATION that gave »ou THE GLENN MILLER STORY' " and the "MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION" Sound T-ac- Hit Albums 1 SAW AND HEARD ABOUT IT ON THE (Sunday, December 12, NBC-TV Network) .... the sensational New Motion Picture and sound track album— "SO THIS IS PARIS"— featuring TONY CURTI S, GLORIA DE HAVEN, GENE NELSON and other great U-l stars mm Smash Single GLORIA DE HAVEN sings "SO THIS IS PARIS" "THE TWO OF US" D«(i 29366 and 9 29366 IF IT'S a DECCA Sound Track Album — It's the BEST I 'Jr XP J-’iiiL Wednesday, December SCHOOL CUSTODIANS l MATRICULATE IN R&B Hollywood, Dec. 28. Current rhythm & blues kick is generally regarded as a younger generation setup, but The Nuggets, singing ' group under contract to Capitol, is the exception to the rule. Its members range in age from 30 to 50 — which makes the group one of the oldest r&b com- bos in the country. Nuggets are all employed as cus- todians by the Los Angeles Board of Education. They’ve been sing- ing together for some time and finally came in to see Jerry Sybil- rud. music librarian at KMPS here. He had a dub made and took it to Dave Cavanaugh at Capitol, 'who promptly made a deal for the group. They debuted with “Curl Up in My Arms.” Sybilrud, still at KMPC, is now manager of the group. And they’re •till with the Board of Education. Omaha Jokes to Dime Omaha, Dec. 28. Omaha jukebox ops last week de- cided to follow the lead of other major cities and will convert to dime play. The entire state is ex- pected to follow suit at the Ne- braska Automatic Phonograph Op- erators Assn, meeting in Norfolk Jan. 11-12. Three major phonograph distrib- utors of this area cooperated on the move. They were Atlas Music Co., Seeburg, H. Z. Vending & Sales Co., Rock-Ola, and Lieber- man Music Co., Ami. from the 20th Century Fox QnenuScope Production DESIREE " THE SONG FROM DESIREE WE MEET AGAIN MILLER MUSIC CORPORATION Jo. \ DO. ( a £ e. o r d s \ * •/ a# "The finest sound on record A WONDERFUL SEASONAL SONG j* , * r.ic 1 lorn \ Iff If 5 N 0 W.'" ltTIT$N0Wr LtriTSNOW!" CAHN MUSIC COMPANY RETAIL DISK BEST SELLERS L? Survey of retail disk best sellers based on reports ob tained from lending stores in 19 cities and showing com- parative sales rating for this and last week. National Rating This Last wk. wk. Artist, Label. Title £ £ £ s c W3 2 | S ? fc S A A m a = • n T Q o e a « C < 8 1 I 1 i < * e J 5 6 1 1 i T 3 loll 6 6 8 10 9 12 10 8 11 11 12 9 13 16 14 21 15A .. 15B .. 17A 21 17B 24 19 18 21A 23 21B 20 24 13 25 16 JOAN WEBER (Columbia) “Let Me Go, Lover” ■' CHORDETTES (Cadence) “Mister Sandman” AMES BROTHERS (Victor) “Naughty Lady of Shady Lane” ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) “This Ole House” DeCASTRO SISTERS (Abbott) “Teach Me Tonight” “EDDIE FISHER (Victor) “I Need You Now” PERRY COMO (Victor) “Papa Loves Mambo” BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) “Shake, Rattle and Roll” % FOUR ACES (Decca) “Mister Sandman” EDDIE FISHER (Victor) “Count Your Blessings" FONTANE SISTERS (Dot) “Hearts of Stone” SARAH VAUGHAN (Mercury) “Make Yourself Comfortable” ROSEMARY CLOONEY (Columbia) “Mambo Italiano” PENGUINS (Dootone) “Earth Angel” DAVID WHITFIELD (London) “Santo Natale” TERESA BREWER (Coral) “Let Me Go," Lover” DeJOHN SISTERS (Epic) “No More” JAYE P. MORGAN (Victor) “That’s All I Want From You” PERRY COMO (Victor) “Home for the Holidays” JO STAFFORD (Columbia) “Teach Me Tonight” THREE CHUCKLES (Label X) “Runaround” , f ; BILL HALEY’S COMETS (Decca) “Dim, Dim the Lights” *. CHARMS (DeLuxe) “Hearts of Stone” BILLY VAUGHN (Dot) “Melody of Love” DORIS DAY (Columbia) “If I Give My Heart to You” 31 1 5 22 2 3 1 2 48 3 8 3 146 9 114 2 6 4 2 2 8 112 2 1 1 1 2 1 141 5 8 4 5 3 4 8 95 5 7 3 5 3 3 99 10 367 1 5 83 3 3 4 4 .. 10 3 10 8 8 .. 10 5 4 5 .. 2 9 62 7 6 49 9 10 3 7 9 8 . 10 10 . . 7 6 . . 10 8 9 7 7 8 6 .. 44 . 10 6 6 4 5 2 1 76.. 68.. 7 . 43 4 . . 42 8 . . . . 5 . . 36 4 7 6 10 27 ..589 6 8 9 . . .. 19 2 . . 2 18 7 ^ 3 .. 12 7 10 . .. 5 SIX TOP ALBUMS STUDENT PRINCE Mario lama Victor LM 1837 ERB 1837 2 3 4 WHITE CHRISTMAS MUSIC, MARTINIS A STAR IS BORN Crotby-Kaya-Laa AND MEMORIES Judy Garland Decca Jack!* Gleason Columbia DL 8083 Capitol BL 1201 ED 819 W 509 BA 1201 A 956 EAP 1, 2, 3, 4—509 BM 1201 OLENN MILLER LIMITED EDITION, II GUnn Millar Victor LPT 6701 EPOT 6701 PAJAMA GAME Broadway Caat Columbia ML 4840 A 1098 McCONKEY UPS PITCH IN SMALL UNITS FIED Chicago, Dec. 28. McConkey Artists Corp., which lately dropped its band depart- ment, is strengthening its pitch in the small units field. Agency has plucked some new cocktail acts and has expanded its staff. Myron Katz was appointed mana- ger of the cocktail department in the Hollywood bureau; Lou Reda was hired to assist Lloyd La Brie in the New York office, and Dick Sarlo was added to staff in Chicago. MAC additionally pacted Nancy Lee and the Fandango Three, Frank Cock and the Western Capers, the Flo Dryer Quintet, and the Pat Sheridan Quintet. Combos of Don Ragon and Ray Reynolds renewed their five-year manage- ment contracts recently. ‘Hit Parade' Lineup (On Dec. 25 NBC-TV Show) 1. Mister Sandman. .. .Morris 2. Let Me Go, Lover. .. H.&R. 3. Count Blessings Berlin 4. Naughty Lady Paxton 5. I Need You Now. .. .Miller 6. Teach Me Tonight. ... Hub 7. White Christmas Berlin Island Hopeful Hollywood, Dec. 28. Next singer to be brought in from the Hawaiian Islands is Gene Roland, 19-year-old baritone who has been working at The Clouds, Waikiki Beach. Roland signed a personal man- agement contract with Buddy Toub, who brought Alfred Apaka from Hawaii a few years ago. He’ll make the junket to the mainland after the first of the year. Toub now is trying to set a disk deal. JERRY FIELDING ORCH JOINS DECCA ROSTER Decca Records has enlarged its dance band roster with the ink* ing of the Jerry Field orch to * term pact. Milt Gabler, Decca ar- tist and repertoire chief, plans t« shift Fielding’s orch to a muted, sweet style. Decca’s hillbilly chief, Paul Cohen, meantime pacted country singers Bob Wills and Lee Bondi. ASSOCIATED BOOKING CORPORATION JOE GlASER Pres Chicaqo 203 N o WabaO’ Hollywood 86'9 filvd Dm. »»lll MILLS MUSIC, Inc. r Another BMI 'Pin Up" Hit LET ME GO, LOVE ffecorefeef by TIMM 'll ' wm ’ • Col “'" l,i « THI COUNTS SUNNY CALS ”*®Y L(( ' yatti pack. man maitin c hank snow.:;;: ££ ?** Mw «»«»...* ruHnJl * H,u * range songs, INC n ^lnfBday, December 29, 1954 VAUDEVILLE 43 N. Y. Cafe Ops Avert Tooters Strike Set for Eve; Men Gain $10 Hike A musicians* strike that had ♦* been ^ated to start m New York night clubs on New Year's Eve was averted by an agreement signed vesterday e Mary Kaye Trio has been cooked for eight weeks at the Alibi j n a,m Beach opening Jan. 17 anti is then set to open the new oom at the New Frontier, Las '(‘gas, for a two-month run. . an ^ Shank is leaving the group iui is being replaced on piano by ;•> Brown from the Alvino Rey • Shank is starting his own Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office NEW YORK 34 154 W. 44th St. HOLLYWOOD 28 4311 Yecca St. CHICAGO 11 412 N. Michigan Ave. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martin’s Pine* Trafalgar Sqaara By LARRY SOLLOWAY Miami Beach, Dec. 28. The biggest holiday week in years saw more night clubs and hotel-cafes in operation than at any time in this resort history. Business generally was good for most opening nights sending them off to a healthy coffer-fill. The newer spots encountered some difficulties in readying their cafes, most notably the $14,000,000 Fontainebleau and in lesser degree the Balmoral. The Fontainebleau postponed the official opening of its La Ronde several times, with definite date set for tomorrow (Wed. > night. However, a closed— to-the-public inaugural dinner- show was held for some 1,600 per- sons last Monday (20), who con- tributed $50 a head to the pro- ceeds, divided between the Mt. Sinai and St. Francis Hospitals — $40,000 each. Staged in the grand ballroom it served to introduce the Richard Hayman orchestra and Vaughn Monroe, with Patti J’age also on hand for the affair. Miss Page is set for a February date in the La Ronde. Glittering as was the turnout, it marked another first, what with the hotel's marbled lobby and overall immensity steal- ing the show from the beminked- be jeweled crowd who canve to be seen, and in turn, remained to gasp and comment. Addition of the Fontainebleau and the Balmoral Hotel further up the Beach, has led many to believe that the mid-section of the strand would be marked obsolete. Holi- day bookings disproved this think- ing in no uncertain manner. There’ll always be a Roney Plaza, and the Algiers is in the area, boasting a new addition which fea- tures a 1. 000-seat convention room. FTirther down are the Nautilus, Delano and DiLido Hotels — all comparatively new. They attract different elements than those who flock to “this year’s hotels.” A guest at these hotels is from the substantial garment trade group or the borscht-belt, younger type. . As for the swank big three, the Saxony, San Souci and Sea Isle, they remain as glittering and as tough to get into as ever. The Fontainebleau, it seems, has added to the attractions that lure more and more tourists to this area, in addition to the thousands who re- turn year after year. Heavy na- tional advertising campaigns and television program promotion have aided no little in helping to in- crease the influx. For the after- dark entrepreneurs, the compe- (Continued on page 44) FISHER PACTED FOR PALLADIUM PREMIERE Eddie Fisher has been pacted for the premiere of the Palladium, London, March 28. Fisher will film several of his Coca-Cola shows in advance in order to make the date. Palladium is opening later than usual this season because of the extension of the pantomimes. Beachcomber All-Male As Martha Raye Begs Off Miami Beach, Dec. 28. Norman Schuyler, operator of the Beachcomber, who thought he had himself one of the strongest lineups in town for the competi- tive holiday-opening week of the season, wound up with an all-male show when Martha Raye didn’t make the date, due to reported “nervous exhaustion.” Supporting acts Vic Damone, Jack Carter and the Novelties car- ried on, with Milton Berle filling in for the first show (23). Miss Raye, who was staying at the Fontaine- bleau, checked out of the hotel over the weekend for an unknown des- tination, with Schuyler trying fruit- lessly to get a replacement He de- cided, finally, to continue on with the trio of male acts and a $4 95 food or beverage minimum policy installed to aid in luring the patronage. Wednesday, December the Kramer Dancer* to spell the duo. Opening night saw two sell- outs, a novel experience for this spot, auguring a successful two- framer. Daniels, working in gen- tler manner than formerly, still retains his growly, at times fre- netic stylings. On this outing he adds some of the stronger current hits to his standards, and walks off to plaudits with “Black Magic.” Encore is “My Yiddishe Momma,” to keep them pounding for more. Cohen, a regular returnee here, comes up with new character-yarns to embellish his assortment of funny tales about New York’s garment centre types and other gentry whom he can pinpoint in dialect. A suave raconteur, he rings up a consistently high score on the laugh-meter. Interjection of topi- cal lines adds to overall yock-rais- ing w'ith his change of name for Fontainebleau • to “Fontanbloom,” a gag already being passed around the town. The Kramer dancers of- fer up routines that look much like those the small units purvey on more modestly-budgeted tv shows. More imagination would help mat- ters. LATIN QUARTER Lou Walters has come up with an opulent production with a healthy sprinkling of novelty acts plus toppers Yvonne Menard and Johnnie Ray. The Gallic touch is more evident than ever in the brilliant costuming and revue con- cepts, interlarding of Spanish rhythmics adding to the Continen- tal flavor. Certain to attract the wolf and balding contingent around is the group of showgirls he’* brought down this year. Ray, on after the 90-minute show, takes to the mirrored stage as though he’d been working in this spot for years. Backed in apt manner by Arne Barnett and his orch. Ray spells out his collection of torchants, jump tunes and re- vival meetin’ styled arrangements to continuing table pounding. Stagewise. he’s a confident, assured performer who captures the aud quickly and keeps the receptive mood maintained throughout a 30 some-odd minute stint. Delivery is more relaxed than in former ap- pearance in these parts, but enough fervor is retained for the trade- marked style. There are plenty of calls for his standards in the en- core segment, enough to keep him on longer. Gauging patronage during first two nights, he’s the extra fillip that fills the room to overflowing. Yvonne Menard, imported from the Folies Bergere in Paris, lives up to her buildup, physically cos- tume and terp-wise. Working throughout the 90-minute show she keeps changing “costume,” said adornment usually consisting of just enough to keep within bounds of the law. Volatile and orb-filling, she works with Alan Conroy and John Delaney in the varied routinings, among them ex- citing adagio and Latino terps. The Stuart Morgan dancers, now a trio, raise gasps and mitts with their adagio. Federico Rey (Freddy Witton), who created the dazzling costumes) and partner Pilar Gomez are stand- outs in theTir Spanish dance. Lu- cienne & Ashour. with their Apache mayhem, add to the French motif. Almost stealing show, the European imoprt, a dog act, billed as “Excess Baggage,” add a new touch to this type turn. Using shaggy-haired little canines guided by a huge sheep dog, their original tricks earn steady returns as they are guided through their paces. Kathy Barr adds up as a well- versed songstress, teaming with personable Ralph Young in the production numbers staged by Mine. Kamarova. Another stand- out is Renita Kramer who, in a brief stint, wrapped up a Peacock dance idea that is one of the more inventive to be seen around. THE BEACHCOMBER With Martha Raye out of the show (see separate story) this big- gery Is continuing on with Vic Damone. Jack Carter and the Nov- elites. Though lacking a femme feature, the combo plays well. Da- mone is a much-improved cafe per- former since seen here several years ago. The personable young songster now delivers his wares in easy, mobile manner. At best in the ballad department, he switches to faster-tempoed tunes effectively to keep the tablers interested all the way. His selection of standards and current pops is an intelligent one, adding to the impact. Carter is a regular along the bistro beat here and. per usual, belts out his chatter and impreshes at a fast pace to keep the giggles Continued from page 43 pianist, billed as “Lydia.” Al- though not fully geared to nitery needs, de Cordoba and his troupe keeps them intrigued with their na- tive routines. The flamenco pat- ternings are fiery and are brought off with authenticity, albeit the costuming — though equally au- thentic — is comparatively, shoddy, looking out of place on a cafe floor. Overall, the stomping, castanet w’ork and finger-snapping self-ac- companiment is brought off to healthy reception. Understood the act has been tightened and rerou- tined since opening nMit. COPA CITY Murray Weinger and Lou Cheslar have changed the interior of this biggery completely, turning what was a cavernous room into an 850- seatcr than manages- to take on an intimate air, thanks to a black, tufted ceiling and framed stage de- signed to project the acts clearly to every part of the layout. First show’ of the season i$ a smooth, cleverly staged production, all facets clicking solidly. Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy, via their effortless approach to intelligent and incisive lampoons on show biz and names-in-the-news characters, spark a continuous stream of laughs. Much of the ma- terial is new. with standouts lam- poons on Farouk, Liberace and Helen Traubel. Another bright spot is a heckling bit w ith Hayes in the audience offering up howl-rais- ing lines on Miss Healy’s singing, tablers and room decor. The tra- velog sequence is retained, but new lines are interwoven to impart the fresh angle. Their “Disk Jockey Blues” also allows for in- terjection of their ace carbonings. Eileen Barton, in this showcase, emerges a top performer. Her new routining and staging (for which she credits Milton Berle and Bob Merrill) is a well-rounded one that has her teeing off with a trio of hit songs she’s been associated with, then leads into a Harold Arlen tribute that displays talent for takeoffs on the greats who introed his songs through the years. Winds with a showmanly piece in which she relates her upbringing in vaude by her parents, meantime chang- ing into minstrel-man’s garb and makeup complete to blackface for a Jolson dedication that winds her into a wrapup reception. The Step Bros, add pace to the proceedings with their hoofery. tition is stronger than ever. There was a score of premieres through the week, the smaller rooms, such as the Sans Souci Blue Sails Room and Nautilus Hotel’s Driftwood Room, filling up early of an evening. Larry Storch is the current Driftwood attraction; the Facundo Rivero quintet is top- ping the Blue Sails bill. The big premieres were; SAXONY The Pagoda Room policy has been switched this season to a unit Idea, with Perez Prado and his orch holding down one segment of the show and the Hurtado de Cor- doba dancers the other. Though a 400-seater,. the confines of this layout are sometimes too small to contain the brassy arrangements that distinguish Prado’s rhythms. The goateed little showman is a colorful conductor, working his hands and at times legs in lieu of a baton. His 16-man group is a strongly disciplined one, the trum- pet section especially so when hit- ting those high notes that dominate the mambo-compos. Prado leads them through a di- versified compote that stresses the blare and beat, the mixture includ- ing standard American, tunes twisted to the mambo style. It’s an instrumental-song-solo act that runs some 35 minutes. The con- servative croft d this room attracts goes for the offering, with a goodly portion hitting the floor when the dansapat^on follows, to Indulge in some Pradomania, the hep hip- swingers adding up to a show in themselves. Contrast in the Hurtado de Cor- doba company. Working under a handicap at show caught — house bandleader Freddy Calo was hos- pitalized at the last moment for an appendicitis operation, and Prado does not play for shows — the Cas- tilllan dances were brought off in okay fashion, thanks to their own THE KOVACS (4) Aero 12 Mins. Palace, N.Y. The Kovacs are a lively trampo- line turn comprising three lookers and a well-built gent. They give the Impression of working hard, and present some novel facets in their act, such as coming out of the bedsprings onto a nearby table for hand-to-hand formations. Making their first appearance in this house, they show the need of some sharpe'r editing, and must ulti- mately cut down on their side tricks which draw attention away from the centre of their act. For example, while there is some hand-to-hand tricks, one of the femmes is using the trampoline. The audience doesn’t know which to look at. They do small dance steps while one of their number is working the trampo. All this by- play gives the impression that some of their main tricks aren't strong enough to stand on their own. They can use the extra show- manship in building up a focal point for their efforts. Jose. THE GARNERS Trampoline 10 Mins. Ak-Sar-Ben, Omaha The Gamers, young man-and- wile duo, currently a half-time at- traction with the Harlem Globe- trotters basketball team, are one of the better trampoline acts to play this territory in quite some time. They're definitely good bets for vaude and niteries — when the ceil- ing is high enough to permit them to work. Jimmy, a handsome, muscular youth just out of the Army, caps the turn with a nifty two-and-one- half somersault while Yvonne, a pert brunette, works fast and draws a big hand with her rope- skipping, somersaulting through a hoop finale. Trump. SCIPLINI’S CHIMPANZEES (2) Stunt-comedy 8 Mins. Kelvin Hall, Glasgow Amletto Sciplini, for many years assistant to w.k. Swiss trainer Rudy Smith, and more recently in charge of the chimps on the Ber- tram Mills circus, now currently debuts with his own act. Sciplini and his eye-filling frau (a Raspini and till recently member of the big unsupported ladder act of that name) appear in French gamin cos- tume, humans and all six chimps being dressed alike. Trainer Impresses inside seconds by reason of his effortless control of six anthropoids (five biggish and one baby) being quite free in menage at all times. Monkeys seem happy, and indi- vidual, off-the-cuff stunts by mon- keys with flair for improvising, are not discouraged, but each animal, though fetterless, is clearly under non-stop control from first to last. Stqnts include tightrope walk from opposite ends by two chimps, goofy business circling in opposite directions on kiddie-size tricycles, nursemaid business with baby chimp in pram, etc. Number closes with danceband scene, all chimps playing instru- ments on neat rostrum and taking turns to quit work to do conga on dancefloor. Act is ideal for cabaret, entirely free of any stunt which might be b.o. poison to sophistocates, rapid, well-routined, and everything ap- parently dead sure. Gord. LITTLE WILLIE Dance 10 Mins. Apollo, N.Y. Negro terpster has a pair of welk- trained feet. In a fast-paced 10- minute turn, which leaves him breathless midway, he displays a lot of clever cleat ing. He fools around expertly with a slow shuf- fle as well as with a machinegun- paced tap routine, lie’s in control at all times and the aud goes for his tapology in a big way. He’s an okay bet as a vaude opener and should do well in niteries. He’d better sharpen his patter, though. Gros. and Eddie rising. He tosses off a sharp series of topical lines, pointed barbs on the Miami Beach scene, then hits the palm-raiser route with his car- bonings. A tribute to vaude greats topped by the Jolson impresh is the zinger that earns him encores. The Novelties, also regulars in this spot, return with a bright col- lection of musical zanyisms. Com- bo of guitar, bass and accordion is a deft one, buttressed by a solid catalog of comedy-song material tailored to their predilection for mugging and impressions. They balance screwy hillbilly, operatic and tv lampoons with straight har- mony and solo instrumentals to set a breezy tempo for the show. BALMORAL HOTEL This new svvankery up in Bal Harbour, which will feature acts playing the smarter hotel-cafe circuit, currently is debuting its Embassy Room with Hildegarde and Jack Whiting. The terraced in- timery is a good setting for the Hildegarde stylings. Exquisitely gowned, the Milwaukee chantoo- sey sticks to her familiar format, in which ringsiders are worked into the act. Tecs off with new “Say Yes to Love,” accomped by composers Howard Fenton and Gene Bone, then moves to the Steinway for ballad, “All This Is Mine.” Special* lyric item is “Take It All in Your Stride.” switched from the distaffers to their escorts in the advice patter contained. The authoritative delivery held the first-nighters, usually a noisy crowd who attend every premiere. Passing out of the roses is worked in via community sing and bring- on of ringsiders for dance-smooch- sing sequence. Whiting follows, to spell Hilde- garde. Looking younger than ever. America's Great New Comedy Team Currently CORA CITY Miami Baach CORAL RECORDS Pie. i William Morrh Agemey GENE RAND JIMMY KANE Currently ALPINE VILLAGE, Cleveland Next Wk. CHUBBY'S, Camden Sensational Subtle STRIPPER EXOTIC PRIMA BALLERINA • CARMEN— Phil Dac. 23 21 • EL REY — Oakland ...Dac. >1-Jan.13 • San Francisco T • Los Angelas t • Los Vegas ? Contact DICK HENRY 1733 B'way., N. Y. JU 2-SOU KIRBY STONE FOUR ON TOUR HAPPY NEW YEAR! COMEDY MATERIAL For All Branch#* mf Thoofncofa FUN-MASTER THt ORIGINAL SHOW-BIZ GAG Flit fTho Sorvlco at tho STARS) first 13 filos $7.00— AN 35 Isowas $35 Singly; 11.05 p#r script. J VUI I^VA ill U II L. V L.A , the perennial musicomedy juvenile turns in a pleasant, albeit unexcit- ing series of show tunes he’s been associated with through the years adding s bit of light hoofery to balance matters. Immaculately at- tired in tails and top-hat, he makes for a smooth partner for Hilde- garde when they Join in duets and their best bit. “The Old Soft Shoe.” Finale is well staged, Bone and Fenton joining them for reprise on “Say Yes To Love.” In for two weeks, they should attract the up- percrust trade from the posheries, as well as the Palin Beach crowd expected during ensuing nights. PEPPI • 5 aw*. PARODISS. par Saak 510 • • MINSTREL BUDGET 525 a • 4 BLACKOUT BKS., aa. bk. 525 a • BLUE BOOK (Oaaa for Stags) 555 a HOW TO MASTER TH« CEREMONIES 53.00 GIANT CLASSIFIED ENCYCLOPEDIA OP O AGS, 5300. Worth ovar a thousand No C.O.D.'t BILLY GLASON 200 W. 54th St., Now York 19 — Dopt. V Orel# 7-1130 Closed Dee . 26 MOULIN ROUGE Thank You, Frank Sonant Opened Dec. 28 CIRO'S Hollywood u Pflnftxlay* December 29, 1954 VAUDEVILLE 43 Tour Setup Now Olf for N.Y. Cafes As Bonifaces Hike Rates on Parties Ne w York niteries, which used* to depend so much on the packaged tours, have been able to establish a degree of Independence from them. Lately, the cafes still cater- ing to the tours have been able to hike prices to the point where they can come out with some mar- gin of profit. Until a comparatively short time ago the tours were getting a bot- tom price that barely covered ex- penses. Many cafes were so eager to provide a semblance of activity that they sacrificed any sort of profit in order to create the illu- sion that they were doing business. However, as the number of big- league niteries dwindled, the cafes still catering to the travel agencies were able to boost rates gradually, until they hit the point where they could make a profit. A spot like the Latin Quarter, which virtually has a monopoly on Broadway busi- ness, formerly had to share the tour parties with the Diamond Horseshoe, Havana-Madrid and Leon & Eddie’s, among others. To- day, except for the LQ, the other clubs are defunct, and the tour packagers have had to shell out higher tariffs to the Lou Walters spot. Every other representative cafe catering to the parties has been able to get prices that en- ables them to profit. The situation had been similar to that which prevails in Miami Beach today. The agencies provid- ing all-inclusive tours have their choice of niteries, all of which have top name entertainment. What is more, the cafes are giving away their seating space at minimal rates. What the situation will be later in the season in that resort, remains to be seen. Most of the Florida openings last week weren’t sensational. Warm weather in New York and cold and rainy weather in Florida didn’t bring out the spend- ers in the Southern resort. Ice Show Review The Pheby Sisters W««k 'December 3 let PALACE THEATRE ix'M ' 3 ‘'NMMtl New York City &WA - • M: Eddie Smith 1697 Broadway, New York City BUD AND CECE ROBINSON on TV CBS Gala New Year's Eve Show Mqt. MCA Miss NAOMI STEVENS "Clionfj With a Chuckle" Currently black orchid CHICAGO Dir : JIMMIE HUSSON AGENCY 119 W. 57* S».. New York WHEN IN BOSTON lf$ the HOTEL AVERY Home of Show Folk Avory A WaiMaqtoa Sts. Vienna Ire Hevue Vienna, Dec. 23. Vienna Eislauf Verein produc- tion, directed by Will Fetter. Stars Jirina Nekolova: features Helmuth Seibt, Emmy Puzinqer, Fernand Leemans, Lotte Schwenk, Susie Giebisch, Emi Z lam, Heinz Smely, Hans Leiter. Wolf Litto, Edwin Wiesinger, Fritz Penitz. Herbert Bobek, E. Poelzl, E. Obcrhuebner, L. Schimdt. Vienna Ice Ballet. Music by Robert Stolz, orchestra under direction of Walter Heid- rich. Costumes, Gerdago and Ellen Bei; sets, Moser and Zehetner. At Fair Hall, Vienna, Dec. 23, ’54. It gets more difficult every year to invent new ice entertainment, but the “Vienna Ice Revue’’ man- ages to find new ideas. Latest ver- sion is an ice semi-operetta with eye-tilling costuming, lighting gim- micks, glamorous girls and sweet music. Story told by Linda Fischer is the love affair of two comedians, Heinz Smely and Hans Leiter, after winning the grand prize in a foot- ball lottery. Many of the old favorites are back again in a succession of good numbers, starting at Montmartre and winding up in Vienna. Jirina Nekolova tops the show, and in her solo work exhibits savvy and showmanship. Aside from the principals, all have tasteful rou- tines. Good comedy bit is by Herbert Bobek in a bathing scene. Susi Giebisch is excellent in her “Seven Veil Dance.” Acrobatics by Ernf Zlam and Wolf Litto go over well. Among the production standouts are “Cuban Festival.” “Bullfight,” “Skiing on the Arlberg” and a “Boxing Match ” Choreography of the Vienna Ice Ballet is excellent. Will Petter di- rected. Costumes were contributed by Gerdago and Ellen Bei, decora- tions by Moser and Zehetner. Ever-young Robert Stolz con- tributed the entire score, consist- ing mostly of new compositions. It is full of soothing waltz-time, sharp marching tunes and rhythmic dance steps, made to fit the blades and follow every choreographic in- novation, of which there are many. The score contains a fine theme melody, “Good Luck,” and a march, “Greetings to Vienna.” Special credit also goes to Stolz for his ballet music to the climax scene, “Taboo.” Conductor Walter Heidrich han- dles the blade show orchestra skill- fully. Maas. Albany Night Chib Ops Shift to Bigger Spot Albany, Dec. 28# Joe Belardo and Tony Fusco closed the Casa Bianca, on Cen- tral Ave. in Albany, Sunday (26) and moved to the larger Hawaii Club on Albany-Schenectady Rd., Monday (27). They reportedly purchased the latter for $40,000. The Hawaii Club, successfully operated for ^sometime under an other management, lost its liquor license two years ago. It was re- lighted last summer, with a tem- porary license, and again did busi- ness — only to face a closing of the night spot operation just before Nov. 1 because the liquor permit expired. Belardo and Fusco are understood to have switched the Casa Bianca license to the Hawaii. First show comprises Dave Starr, comic-emcee; Else Dell, songstress; Wallace Bros., dancing team; Ann Perri, and Lee Henderson Dancers (7). Charlie Randell’s orchestra plays the show. Peter Bertasso or- gans at the bar. CARLTON JOINS GREENE ON COLOR BURLEY FILM Sam Carlton, of Jessel Enter- prises, has joined Ben Greene in a projected production of “Bur- lesque,” a feature film in color along the lines of a family hurley show. Carlton will do the script. Shooting is scheduled to begin in March. MCA Nabs Outdoor Plum With Indiana State Fair Chicago, Dec. 28. Music Corp. of America’s grab of the Indiana State fair plum pin- points the company’s strengthened pitch at the outdoor markets, coin- cident with the transfer of Dallas agent Elwood Stacey to the Chi bureau. Indiana date, which had been booked exclusively for the past 20 years since its inception by Barnes & Carruthcrs. was plucked this season for the first time by Stacey and Jimmy Richards. Music Corp. has name attractions to offer, which is its major selling point. Fontaine Sisters may head- line the Indiana show. Chi bureau is also bolstering its other departments with the recent addition of Clay Campbell to the one-night bands section and Dick Marcus to the acts department. New Orleans Eve New Orleans, Dec. 28. New Year’s Eve prices in hotel spots here are a bit higher than last year. Top price is $22 per head at the Roosevelt, with the Jung and Monteleone $16 per person, and the Pontchartrain, $12.50. Prices include dinner, plus a fifth of champagne. Miami Beach Cafes Start Blueprints For Summer; Sonja Henie Booked Tourist Trade In Mex (or ’54 Nears New High Mexico City, Dec. 21. Tourism more than likely will es- tablish a new high in number of visitors and spending in 1954, ac- cording to Gustavo Ortiz Hernan, chief of the government’s tourist department. He conservatively es- timated that the trippers will num- ber 450,000 and that their spend- ing will reach a total of $100,000,- 000. The volume of this year’s visi- tors will top that of 1953 by 70,000 and that of 1952 by 50,000. The 8c peso, which despite the 23%-50% price hikes, does allow more for the dollar, better treat- ment by migration-customs serv- ices, improved travel and hotel-res- taurant facilities (the people of Mexico are slowly becoming more tourist-minded) and intensified publicity drives abroad are cited as top factors in the tourist upbeat, and more money obtained from this source. However, Hernan revealed, there is a drop in tourist trade that was important to U. S. border spots, particularly Ciudad Juarez and Ti- juana. He attributed that largely to an economic adjustment, cuts in budgets for the armed service bases in San Diego, Calif., which effects thousands of prospective tourists and induces them to elimi- nate or curtail visits to Tijuana, nearest Mexican hot spot. This drop is hurting Ciudad Juarez, op- posite El Paso, and Tijuana eco- nomically, although not very bad- ly so far. The tourism chief is optimistic about 1955. He feels this new year has earmarks of being super bump- er in tourist trade. Mex. Does Well, Could Do Better Mexico is doing well in tourism, but she hasn’t yet come of age in that trade because she can only draw 18% of Americans who travel abroad for fun, said Enrique Bur- meister, a top local travel expert. Despite what Mexica offers in the matter of climate, scenery and his- toric interest, Canada draws 68.2% (of Yankee trippers, and the rest of Latin America 7.4%. He urges still more official and private atten- tion to tourism. There are still cases of indiffer- ence, even hostility, which pro- vokes Intelligent Americans to comment. Those cases include open resentment toward Americans and others, such, as Canadians, who look like Americans; slovenliness in service and appointments in even top hotels and restaurants. In a top provincial city, Jalapa, capital of Vera Cruz, one of Mex- ico’s most important states, a bank manager is reported as refusing to cash a $100 National City Bank of New York travelers’ check unless a customer of the bank endorsed it. Vaude, Cafe Dates New York Celeste Holm goes into the Bal- moral, Miami Beach, Jan. 22 . . . Lenny Kent tapped for the Five O’clock. Miami, March 20 . . . Barry Sisters booked into the Riverside, Reno. Jan. 6 . . . Lee Salomon, of the Morris Agency cafe department, off for a Florida vacation . . . Nick Noble, of the Mercury label, at the Club Holly- wood, Chicago, until Jan. 5 . . . Joyce Bryant into the Chez Paree, Chicago, Dec. 29 . . . Juanita Hall cocktail-partied at Basin Street, N. Y. Monday (27) by her radio sponsor, Phillip Morris cigs . . . Leonard Young marked his third year at the Monte Carlo Hotel, Miami Beach . . . Jackie Cain A Roy Krai, current at the Purple Onion, N. Y., switch to the sim- ilarly-named spot in San Francisco Jan. 14, to be on the same bill with Mori Sabi, now at the Blue Angel. Chicago Morty Gunty set for Chez Paree Feb. 9 on bill with Mae West . . . Cross & Dunn into the Ankara, Pittsburgh, Dec. 31 for two weeks, following with two frames at De Lido, Miami . . . Vicki Young inked for fortnighter at Fazio’s, Mil- waukee, starting Dec. 31 . . . Diosa Costello opening Chase Hotel, St. Louis, Dec. 31 for tw'o-framer, with Leo De Lyon on bill . . . Julius La Rosa goes to the Des Moines Auto Show Feb. 5-12. HUB PIANIST-THRUSH SET FOR SICILY SPOT Cindy Parker, cocktail-lounge pianist-thrush, is slated to sail from New York Jan. 6 to Taormina, Sicily, to fill an engagement at the LaGiara nitery, a spot oper- ated by ex-Hub maestro Chico Simone. Following her engagement there, she’ll appear In spots In Capri, Monte Carlo and Rome. Her husband, booker Danny White, will sail to Italy the latter part of January on a talent book- ing quest. Cafe Society Downtown Readying Jan. Preem Cafe Society Downtown, N. Y., which had heen originally slated to open in September, is expected to be ready for a Jan. 18 preem. Spot, to be fronted by Mike Rainey, is now attempting to line up shows. Difficulties with building con- tractor are said to have delayed the preem. Spot is rebuilding so that it will have a capacity of more than 400. Plans Include an up- stairs cocktail lounge and an in- crease In seating on the lower floor, which will be made possible by elimination of the bar. The op- erators had booked the Treniers to preem the spot, but that contract had been played out at La Mar- tinique, which Rainey also fronted until its recent closing. Although the Miami Beach win- ter season has just opened, there are longrange plans of maintain- ing the Florida bookings for the lush summer trade. The first name booking lor the warm-weather months has already been made. Sonja Henie has been signed to head a .show at Copa City starting June 17 for six weeks. Other niter- ies are likely to line up summer attractions shortly. It’s evident that Miami Beach is no longer restricted to the 10- week season as in former years. For the past few seasons the hotels have been pitching lower tariffs during what used to be the “off- season.” As a result, traffic in that area has been heavier than usual. Evidently, the crowds during the hot months are well-heeled. Prices during that time are only a mite lower in the cafes than they are during the winter. The hairline difference, is apparently sufficient to lure a lot of people who would not ordinarily go for the cafe tabs. The savings In hotel rentals, how- ever are considerable, and sum- mer vacationers apply the differ- ence to entertainment. Hitherto, the major amusement enterprises were the hotels, which found that name bookings were profitable. The niteries that went after the summer trade, did so In their smaller rooms, generally. However, with Miss Henie’s book- ing, it’s evident that the larger rooms will be operation. Skater will provide her own show and furnish her own tank. The Copa City stand is her first nitery booking since Las Vegas, and may provide a new field for this vet skater. Magico Milbourne Christopher, in his second week in his solo show at the Hilltop Parkway Theatre, Baltimore, came into New York last week to set up the magic tricks on Saturday’s (25) Jackie Gleason tv show. “Mr. Hot Piano Is Hotter Than Ever” Mapping Million-Dollar Pier for Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, Tex., Dec. 28. Edward J. Swerk, of San An- tonio, has offered to build a $1,000,- 000 pleasure pier here, 500 feet long and 100 feet wide. It would contain a cafe, theatre, dancehall and various concessions. He is to meet with the city pary and recrea- tion board soon to discuss the mat- ter. Swerk would lease a parcel of land in Corpus Christi Bay for the project. JACKIE LEE C oral Recording Star Latest Release I Can't Give You Anything But Love b/w Blue Boogie Opening Jan . 6 Seville Theatre, Montreal Pert. Mgr . KEN GREENGRASS Booking Director Bernie Rothbard Suez-Rothbard Office Theatrical Agency 250 South Broad 5t. Phila., Pa. Kingsley 5-1665 Vaude- Hoop Combo Sock Omaha, Dec. 28. Best local show biz coup of the pre-holidays season was Harry Fowler’s booking of the Harlem Globetrotters’ basketball team and vaude show at Ak-Sar-Ben Coli- seum Saturday, Dec. 18. Negro outfit drew 7,687 paid — including 1.081 standees — for a gross of $19,000. CAB CALLOWAY Currently GOLDEN HOTEL RENO, NEVADA M,t. KILL MITTLEH, lilt N,w York 46 Wednesday, December 29, 1954 House Reviews Marx, conductor and director of the Mack tv show, batoning the { house orch tiered onstage. Music Hall, IV. Y. Leon Leonidoff production of “The Nativity ” and “ King Krin- R le” unth Shir lee Emmons, Norman fyatt, George Sawtelle, William Upshaw, Egar Powell, Shellie Far- well, Ramses (4), Eric Hutson, Marlys Watters, Clauson’s Bears. Glee Club ( directed by Raymond Paige), Corps de Ballet (choreog- raphy, Florence Rogge; director, Margaret Sande ) ; Rockettes ( cho- reography, Emilia Sherman), Ray- mond Paige Symphony Orch; Deep In My Heart" (MGi re- viewed in Variety Dec*J, '54. During the Christmas week, when the schools are out and New York is flooded with visitors, the Radio City Music Hall is probably the top attraction in the city. The only institution that exceeds the Hall’s gate at this time is the N. Y. subway system. The esteem with which this an- nual presentation is held by all and sundry is seen by the fact that the queues around the house are prob- ably the longest in theatrical an- nals. Many regard a trip to 4he Hall during Christmastide as a must. The annual presentation of “The Nativity” is perhaps the ma- jor lure here. This superb blend of music, pageantry and narration has an eleyating feeling for many. For this many wait as much as three hours in line, and they are rewarded with one of the most im- pressive theatrical tableaux around. The vocal solos by Shirlee Emmons and the narration by Norman Wyatt contribute to the unity of the presentation. And after this excursion into reverence comes a frothy and frivolous tribute to the Yule sea- son. Leon Leonidoff, who has f iroduced this session, has fash- oned an imaginative show. The Corps de Ballet, working from a choreographic blueprint by Flor- ence Rogge, has a pleasant routine with Shellie Farrell providing- a picturesque solo. The costumes during this number draw applause as the skirts form poinsettas. It’s one of the top segments in this cession. As always, the Rockettes work with their w.k. precision to draw top plaudits. In this Emilia Sher- man-designed routine, the Rocks depict toy soldiers to “Babes in Toyland” music. The charm of the routine is evident at all times and when the girls kick through to the finale, the applause hits jackpot proportions. The Glee Club adds a chapter on the light side with a variety of tunes for good effect. George Saw- telle. William Upshaw, Egar Powell, Eric Hutson and Marlys Watters contribute to the proceed- ings.. The outside talent does excel- lently here. Novelty inherent in The Ramses, three men and a girl, doing some heavy aero work, brings out maximum response. The chief switch of this act lies in the fact that the girl is the understand- er and she, at one point, supports three huskies on her frame. Their tricks are sufficient to bring spontaneous applause at various times during their act. Clauson’s Bears provide another novelty note. The animals are paced by a lively blonde who works along with the future rugs and gives the act a lively pace. / Raymond Paige conducts the orchestra with his usual profi- ciency. As always, the Hall’s technical facilities contribute hand- somely to the excellence of the show. At times, it seems that the stage can do a terrific juggling act by itself. Maybe Leonidoff and Russell Markert can work it out. Jose. Casino, Toronto Toronto, Dec. 24. Ted Mock A His Amateurs, with Lloyd Marx; Ronald Sweetz, Danny McKinnon, Benny Brown Jr., Peggy Jo Stewart, Teddy Block, Theresa McMahon, Vis- counts (4), Ed Neily, Sam Petrou, Tony Russo, Freddy Hallette, Fay McKay; Archie Stone Orch; “Al- giers” (UA) (reissue). With most of the youngsters on school holidays, including a male teacher, this is a one-week get- together rounded up by Ted Mack from his tv series, plus three To- ronto acts who survived a three- day private auditioning of some 550 local applicants. The 70-minute stage stint, showcased for a week only and then to break up, is breezily emceed by the personable Mack and notable for his clear enunciation of names, with Lloyd On a four-a-day basis, the show has 12 acts, with all expertly cut down to short appearances, and whole run off at top tempo. It’s a pleasant novelty that is doing hep biz on holiday mood, with the cash customers not too critical, thanks to Mack’s handling and the youth of the amateur artists. Obvi- ously, most of them are lacking in trained showmanship values, but some of the youngsters portray plenty of potentiality. Outstanding and over to ova- tions are Danny McKinnon, the schoolteacher, for tenoring of “They Called It Ireland” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”; the neat, self-taught tap dancing of Benny Brown Jr., a young colored hoofer; Fay McKay, a port- ly brunet, who hits plenty of high notes in her warbling and packs a wallop with her ‘‘Wheel of For- tune” finale, all to her own piano accompaniment, and Freddie Hal- lett, a one-legged tap dancer, who also manipulates his crutches for comedy airplane swoops. Other acts over with the holiday-mood payees include Ronald Sweetz on accordeon for a "Bumblebee Woog- ie” finish; Peggy Jo Stewart, in cowgirl outfit, for some yodelling to her guitar accompaniment; Teddy Block for vocal effects of a blitz, a dogfight and jungle sounds, including trumpeting elephants; Theresa McMahon, a young trum- peter who doesn’t read music, and over on a “Tiger Rag” finale; The Viscounts (James Drover, John Little, Bob Taylor, Frank Little), a singing quartet, for “Organ Grinder’s Swing”; Ed Neily, for voice impressions of film stars; Sam Petrou, warbling “Granada,” and Tony Russo, in service station coveralls, getting tunes out of a fire-extinguisher, a tire pump, and a “Stars and • Stripes” finish squeezed out of an inner tube. Me Stay. Apollo, N. Y. Joe Loco Band (5), Four Guys, Sonny Stitt Orch (12), Little Wil- lie, Othella Dallas, Magid Triplets, Pigmeat A Co. (3); “Drums Across the River ” (U). The Apollo’s holiday show this sesh is the usual mixture of music, song, comedy and dance. It’s a festive blending in the last half of the bill when headliners Joe Loco and The Four Guys take over. Loco’s group is one of the top mambo crews around -today and the boys whip out a flavorsome potpourri of chile rhythms. Sparked by Loco’s expert key- boarding, the segment rolls with a peppery beat. Best in the rep- ertoire are “Jingle Bells Mambo,” “Flamingo,” featuring Pete Ter- race on the vibes, and “Cha Cha Cha.” spotlighting Bobby Flash’s bongo work. The Four Guys are a standout vocal group. The two ofays and two Negroes hit a neat harmony pace on the sprightly rhythm stuff as well as the romantic ballad items. They make a flashy en- trance with a rocking “Tonight’s The Night,” then segue to a sincere reading of “I Believe.” After that comes a well-balanced songalog consisting of “Organ Grinder’s Swing.” “Ebb Tide” and “Zing Went The Strings of My Heart.” Closer, tagged “School Days,” shows the ofays as slick in- strumentalists (piano and sax) while the other two display some slick terp trickery. The Magid Triplets are ofay juves with a showmanship flare. The lads, effectively garbed in blazers, score with old-fashioned strutting and vocalizing of “Dark- town Strutter’s Ball,” a takeoff of George M. Cohan and a naval rou- tine. They just passed their eighth birthday but they hold the aud like vets and work to a solid begoff. Othella Dallas is a looker with an engaging piping style. At times she gets a bit too mannered in her delivery, but in all it’s an okay stint. Does well with such varied tunes as “Girl From Memphis,” “Vous Qui Passez,” “Lo Ultimo” and "I’ve Got A Right To Sing The Blues.” Pigmeat and his two aides have some fun with a blackout about a hustling Santa. Sonny Stitt swings strongly in such numbers as “Stitt’s It,” “Pink Satin” and “Sonny Sounds.” Stitt's sax leads the three rhythm, five brass and three other reeds. Little Willie, a terpster making his Apollo how, is reviewed in New Acts. Gros. Palace, N. Y. Kovacs (4), Stuffy Bryant, Leo- nardo A Anita. Michael Chime* (5), Sibyl Bowan, DeMattiazzis (2), Frank Marlowe, Four Comets, Jo Lombardi Orch; “ This Is My Love” (RKO), reviewed in Vari- ety Sept. 29, ’54. The Palace has fitting holiday fodder for this semester. With the kids home from school, there’s big boxoffice, and at a time like this, Danny Friendly has yisely extend- ed himself in getting a topnotch bill. Bulk of the turns have worked this house previously and most of them comprise those that have been hits. One of the timely factors lies in the preponderance of comedy and turns using comedy. With the hol- iday spirit around, there can’t be too much of this on the bill. For example, Frank Marlowe, who has played this house several times, scores heavily with his prattfalls and talk. He still shows the ten- dency of using a lot of trade gags best appreciated by the orchestra and the agents in the house, but the larger portion of his gab is ap- preciated by all and sundry. He gets off to a hot mitting. Another fine comedy turn is Si'byl Bowan, a vet impressionist with a fine gallery of characters. Miss Bowan is an excellent oper- ator, working smoothly and provid- ing a generous sized act. Her king- sized running time is appreciated by the audience. Leonardo & Anita, a ventrilo- quist turn, is an essentially clever bit of technical manipulation. Male handles five dummies simultane- ously, and has a good gimmick whereby he draws a face, which becomes a talking character. With some sharper material, this act could hit some tall coin. Stuffy Bryant has a good dance turn. He works atop a drumlike platform, and knocks off some good slithering movements. Some of his tapping could be edited for sharper effect, but he still hits a heavy re- sponse. Michael Chimes has a pleasant family act. Chimes and three small sons, whose top age is 12, play the harmonicas in solo and in tandem, and his daughter accomps. They work very well and hit a top with a collective effort, “Tiger Rag.” The DeMattiazis, doing their doll act. continue to hit fine audience response. It’s a good novelty of a dancing doll which gets periodic refurbishing and the audience takes to it avidly. Closing are the Four Comets, four youthful girls in a tumbling act who throw in some trick for- mations. These fresh-looking kids still need to iron out their rough- spots, but they have the base of a good turn and go over well. Jo Lombardi has worked out a good Yule overture which gets ap- plause. The New Act this session is The Kovacs (4). Jose . . Unit Review London Palladium .Show (Prince of Wales, London) London, Dec. 21. After 34 weeks’ run, show has been transferred to the Prince of Wales, to make room for the Pal- ladium’s annual pantomime. Other- wise, it could have stayed on for several more months till the vaude- ville season, due sometime in March. Despite the Wales’ stage being half the size of the Palladium, crew managed to transplant the entire scenery with good effect. Small- ness of Wales, in comparison to the Palladium, has proved to advan- tage of Norman Wisdom, th£ chief comic of the show. House is more intimate for his type of comedy to get across. 'Changes necessary due to panto season has Fayne & Evans replac- ing The Three Monarchs, and Jean Bayless subbing Fay Leonore. Flor- ence & Frederic, Continental ada- gioists, have also been replaced by James Upshaw and Lydia Kuprina, Americans. Fayne & Evans, vaude populars, rely mainly on a series of comedy takeoffs of current personalities: Offering is well received. But as show is to a good extent built for the kids, act is not suitable for their consumption, being more for adults. Upshaw & Kuprina turn in per- fect ' adagio work, with femme partner not enhancing offering by her stern look. She would help much by relaxing. Otherwise, they are okay. Other feature acts transferred from the Palladium are Walter Dare Wahl, Schaller Bros., Bob Williams and the Peiro Bros. They go over even better at this smaller capacity house, with Williams and his pooches a standout both for the kids and grownups.- Rege. VARIETY BILLS WEEK Or DECEMBEK tf Humoral* In connection with Mils bolow Indicate oponlna day of show - whether full er split week Letter In parentheses Indicates circuit. (1) Independent; ft.) Leewi Masai

Paramount; (R) RKO; Stoll; Tlvell; Warner NSW YORK CITY Music Hall (I) IS Shirlee Emmons George Sawtelle William Upshaw Edward Powell Shellie FarreU Eric Hutson Clausons Famous Bears Ramses Rockettes Corps de Ballet Sym Ore Palace (R) SI Bomb Busters Capt Shaw & Bobby Theby Sis Martin Bros Wallis Sc Car roll J Valentine A R Larry Best Co CHICAGO Chicago (P) 31 Julius La Rosa Kitty Kallen Gary Morton P Lawrence A M AUSTRALIA MSLBOURNl Princess (T) 17 Jean Sablon hr Is Cross uss Brox St Myrna Ron Parry 3 Hellos Irving Sc Girdwood Eddie Lynn Dale Gower Show Girls Dancing Boys Dale Gower Patricia Raye Helen Stocks Shirley Murphy Jennifer Eddy Eddie Edwards Mel CliiTord William Eastham Robert Herbert Lewis Jacob Tivoli y their audible requests, that icy re disk disciples, completely cli!. ^ujrot with his catalog. He d»,\ CS t* le torchants in the style he accustomed them to. He v s his „ re P«rtoire as "Songs a ^ oung Lovers,” and no matter r ® aRe l 9 { , the outfronters at the ,;?!*?• which isn’t exactly a Horn & nii strives responsive juve- Hnd roma , nti c accord. He’ll also "‘UP P Ie nty of sweet music on tvT e *chequer this semester. tain nV h ?K W ’ t ? t0 » is * tron *. re “ frm/ 1 * ^ bas,c Dou 8 Coudy ndM^ ork cl it l tersp,lced with the 5 « ( ... £ rco Sisters and Joey Bishop • mar< * uee - But Pete Conlow s)!l!r\ an u effe ctive acro-ballet a ,s f ? st purging as find ' i* • and will suddenly I,, r , hi mself properly showcased iv th„ ipusical or an important &how * which he rates; video-wise he already evidenced solo oppor- tunities on the Sherman Billingsley "Stork Club” semester. Conlow works as if he likes it, and what’s more the backer-upper babes smile as if they like him. Incidentally, they’re an improved aggregation of femme lookers. Jean Stevens and Bob Sweeney are also holdovers as the ingenue and juve singing leads, handling "As Long As I Have You,” "Remember When” and "Cha-Cha-Cha,” the latter an up- surging mambo of distinction. The DeMarcos have matured nicely with their group singing, doing standards like "Hernando,” "I Believe,” "Mambo Italiano” and "Little Rock.” The kids need something standout; they’re still trying, with the obvious standout the middle sister as the come- dienne, but in the final analysis it’s the material. Joey Bishop is a returner here, a fast-talking alumnus of the borscht belt, who ad libs about his "sincere” humor and while, for a time, it appears. that he’s fighting too hard, that is his technique and he registers by and large. The breaking-down of the song lyrics is now a little on the familiar side, first done by Frank Fay in the hey- day of vauaeville. His East Indian nonsense and the Ted Lewis take- off (latter was out-front at this show, but not spotlighted by Bishop) take him off to a good laff result. Per usual the Mike Durso and Frank Marti bands are plenty OK for sound, both for dansapation and show backstopping. Abel. Hotel Plata, N. Y. Sally A Tony DeMarco, Jenny Collin*, Ted Straeter Orch, Mark Monte’s Continentals ; $2 $2.50 cover. Moeamba. I,. A. Los Angeles. Dec. 22. Mary McCarty, Paul Hebert’s Orch (4), Joe Castro Combo (3); $2 cover. Not as a stranger does Mary McCarty come into the Morrison tavern. Whatever the nitery trans- lation of "going to the well too often,” it would apply to this bun- dle of unloosed energy, who can belt with the best and activate like an atom. How well she does on this two-w'eek stand will depend on the out-country trade to whom she is new. The regulars are not likely to populate the pews, not because of her lack of talent but more to the point, they’ve had it. and Miss McCarty is not flexible enough to give them something entirely new, or make them think so. Riding in on a "Mary” theme, she bows with a flourish to pro- claim "It’s a Good Day” and 40 minutes later settles down to a sentimental Christmasy thing, the only serious note in her repertoire. They like her better the other way,, like when she parodies a has-been actress on Skid Row or the little blue number, "Got To Stay Sober Tonight.” Frankly, Miss McCarty is an entertainer and comedienne and not a singer of serious songs. She has some fresh material and her antics are variants rather than originals. Much of the McCarty rapid-fire monolog is edged in double mean- ings and only the habitues catch up with the gamey satire. For prop laughs she effects “such sundry getups as the beatup habilaments of a frowsy dame, wigs, tambou- rine and guitar, which serve as muted accomp to her caricature of folk singers. Not too funny but worth the try. It’s gay and divert- ing if not a w'hopping sortie into the brasher elements of comedy. Paul Hebert and Joe Castro front Local 47 on the bandstand. Helm. Blue Oil Chicago, Dec. 22. Woody Herman Orch (16), with Leah Mathews, Lou Levy; $3 mini- mum. The pre-Christmas slump ended, and the Christmas boom began, for the Persian Room on Thursday (23) when Tony DeMarco opened his 19th engagement there (six for Sally) and the party trade flocked in. For the next four w’eeks, after l which comes Lisa Kirk, this dance marriage, in the double meaning, will qualify as one of the culti- vated pleasures of the town. Let’s simplify the report: the ’ DeMarcos remain great dance en- 1 tertainers. Experience and show- manship shine in their style. They dress, they move, they pirouette, they radiate with the practiced authority of world-travelled sure clicks w ho got there, and still .get there, on solid merit. In baby blue (we think) Sally De Marco never looked lovelier. Her effortless grace continues to neatly match Tony’s high gloss. Their pace is a rapid one, and since they are on the floor some 25 minutes, there is the practical problem of catching their breath. That both of them manage dialog, and quite well, is itself a sufficient, tribute to physical discipline and breath control. At a guess more of this personality commentary is a good bet for future routining, to take the sheer labor off the pumps. Undoubtedly there is in- teresting patter to be developed. An audience might well enjoy more observations on dancing from this qualified expert. Opener on the current bill is Jenny Collins. An attractive Amer- ican with a background as college vocal coach. Godfrey warbler and “King and I” cast member, she’s been reviewed from Toronto and One Fifth Ave. What the previous Variety reviewers had to say re- mains true: she plays a cautious game at the mike and offers noth- ing in song choice w’hich is mem- orable. It qualifies as a compli- ment that, practically without a line of special material, this gal has rated the Persian Room and that she proves popular with the clientele. Miss Collins works in a stun- ning white and black evening gown. Her small sample of French lyrics is authentically Parisian, by the testimony of the Paris-born companion of this reviewer, and is a result, ’tis said, of coaching by her husband, a French painter. Her problem in terms of future growth as an entertainer is to find something more distinctively her own. Gershwin medleys are com- monplace. The Romany gypsy bit, for which she lets her hair down, contains a glimmer of possibility. Plainly her voice is more power- ful and trained than the demands put upon it. She gives the impres- sion of having more to give than her conservative approach, and ma- terial, now' allows her to give. Which is not to suggest she stands in any need of apology. She han- dles herself like a trouper, dis- plays firstclass poise and gets off very k nicely in 12 minutes. The Straeter and Monte musi- cal ensembles, the subject of much comment in these columns through- out the year, can take ditto marks this time. Land. El Raaeho, L mu Vegan Las Vegas. Dec. 22. Sophie Tucker with Ted Shapiro, Dick Kallman, Matty Malneck irith Eve Marley and Beverly Richards, El Rancho girls (12), Bob Ellis orch (12); no cover or minimum. his bouncing presence and exactly- timbred voice. Headlining in the act department are the Borrah Minevitch Rascals <6), in their first stint here since 1950. Boys are in fine fettle and bring hearty yocks their irrepres- ible clowning and harmonica hoity- toity. Johnny Puleo’s harassed I Sophie Tucker continues her little man tactics as one who is ; Golden Jubilee, headlining a show perennially the miscast but fights : that leads heavily towards vocals. Ins towering oppressors tooth and in this six-weeker. The Red Hot nail, again shows his mime and Mama makes a classic entrance in comic mastery and the well-worked striking frillery and proceeds to routining and playing bring gales?) entertain in her 40-minute stint in of palms. Sid Krofft. a U.S. act, { a manner that shows the old girl brings his uncanny marionettes on still has zing in her songs. Her rec- tor ample appeal as he has svelte datives of today gather as much Balinese dancers, an eerie dance applause and are as heartwarming macabre, a stripper and a low as they were in song by the Tucker down Frankie and Johnny-type ; 0 f yesteryear. The star mdkes no j couple. Dressed in black. Krofft bones about the fact that she is ; animates his stringed sapiens with | aplomb and mastery. George Matson, another State starting all over again as she melodically declaims “Open Your Heart.” In "There Is a Fountain side entry, does some w k. disk of youth You Can Find,” Miss •names in a solid lip synch mime Tucker bubbles, and whether the l act that comes to a boiling, laugh lyrics be blue innuendos or down- crescendo as he does \ ma Sumac right sexy, when La Tucker belts acting out a witch-craft frenzy ; them they are strictly for laughs over a flaming ritual pot. This is anc j that is how they are taken, high-geared inventive platter in- 1 terp and adds another name in this small, select field. John & . . . Rene Arnaut come back after two T be t ”? s ^ a ^ lc de- years with their clever fiddle act V^ ark „°* tbe sta . r ', Some of 1 hese A garment centre rouser is When Am I Getting the Mink, Woody Herman orch is one of those rare units that rates in the higher strata in both the dance and jazz modes. In this head- quarters of midwestern jazz, where the walls are wide apart, group gets more than ample leave to cut loose its solid, if deafening, library of progressive music. It’s a sock of- fering for the holiday trade, and biz looks to be terrif. Herman's robust arrangements rock the cognoscenti with steady barrages of lush and vital sounds and with offbeat instrumental in- terplay, notably in the trumpet and sax duet on "Mulligan TawTiy.” Group is marked by an exceptional and sometimes over- whelming eight-piece brass section which spotlights Cy Touft as solo- ist on bass trumpet. Rhythms and four saxes comprise rest of the orch, with maestro entering from time to time to tootle the clarinet moments or for a lighthearted vo-, cal. Leah Mathers, band’s regular vo- calist, has a good gift of song but goes slightly overboard on the off- key stylings. Lou Levy works the keyboard between sets with ap- pealing low-swinging fingerings. » *- Les. and bird mating takeoff for high howls. Their bird travesty, in which they give a lesson in court- ship, is a bright bit. Dru A Dijon Days,” segues into cheers by the audience, and notwithstanding the title a number that amuses but doesn’t offend is her sly "Get Into are a striking looking pair who do *lj*'*y 8 Ted Shapiro is the ice aspects of the show, and i JP 18 ??. ai u C ? nd accom Pl lc e in perform some slashing whirls and J niucb °* tbe banter, ice skimming that shower aud with j In his first westward trek Dick cooling chips but keep the palms Kallman, a young man with inter- esting delivery, is a click. He belts "Gee. But I Would Like to Be a Star,” "Summertime.” "The Gal That Got Away” and some west- erns and is a winner. Bob. warm. Numbers all have the electric forward impetus of the Don Arden choreography which shows off the girls and costumes well, and studded in this elegant canvas are a sensational aero act. The Brux- ellos <2>, pegged under New’ Acts, and the frenzied hypoing of the Paul Steffens Dancers <4). a lithe, long-haired lass and three lads, who add the electric element to the dances. Most c. SandN. Ijin VVtfii* Las Vegas. Dec. 22. Lena Horne, George Tapps Beverly HIIIn* Newport Newport, Ky., Dec. 25. Jack E. Leonard DeCastro Sis- ters (3), Musical Wades A Jackie Rurtell (5), Earl Lindsay Dancers (10), Dick Hyde, Gardner Bene- dict Orch (10); $3 minimum, $4 Saturdays. This well-selected holiday pack- age is crammed with entertain- Dancers (5), Chuck Nelson. Copa , ment. Should be a bellringer for Girls & Boys (14), Morelli Orch (15»; no cover, no minimum. Guaranteed to give Yule visitors a happy time is the current Jack Entratter three-week layout top- lining Lena Horne. Although the j Wades & Jackie Burtell. New Year’s Eve when tariff is $12.50. Jack E. Leonard, rolypoly comic, and the DeCastro Sisters, mirthful melodears. co-headliners, carry on the fast pace set by the knockout novelty turn, Musical For. fes- IJflo 9 Paris Paris. Dec. 24. Pierre Louis Guerin & Rene Fra- day presentation of revue in two parts, “Desirs.’’ Staged by Guer- in, Fraday. Costumes and settings, Fost and Folco; choreography, Don Arden; music, L atidreau,' Brienne, Moran. With Borrah Minevitch’s Harmonica Rascals (6), Bruxellos '2), Sid Krofft, George Matson, Dru A Dijon, Glenn Burris, John A Rene Arnaut, Bluebell Girls (16), Lido Models (8), Paul Stef- fens Dancers (4), Pierre Delvin- court Orch (22); $7 minimum. New Lido show marks the 25th anni of this fancy boite, and Messrs. Pierre-Louis Guerin and Rene Fraday have a new spec which will run until next Decem- ber. Actually, show adds nothing new to the genre except for keeping up with the film Joneses and introduc- ing height, space and width to the show via the Lidorama (in which the stage has been widened to Cinemascope proportions plus still using the runway). Girls are swing- ing above the aud in a vacation idyll, and a plane is roaring down the runway to disgorge its cargo of plush and perfect costumes. There are nifty nudes and the rest of the show includes the usual well- selected acts worked into the fast- poced revue for fine results, the I well-disciplined Bluebell Girls G6) and their spicy, bare breasted ; partners the Lido Models (8). Glenn Burris, U S. singer, does fine in setting the mood for each act in j show* leans a bit heavily towards dancing (in fact, the George Tapps Dancers split their act to appear on both sides of the star, which may be somewhat disconcerting to the presentation's • continuity), nevertheless, the package is swift- ly-paced to a finish involving Miss Horne and the production dancers that is nothing less than smash. Between them, Sid Kuller (who staged the show) and Jimmy Van Huesen have contrived a number called "It’s a Magic Town.” This song saga depicts the typing of Miss Horne as strictly a belter of “Stormy Weather,” and she sings "I Get the UI, Cinerama? Wide- Screen Blues.” Her portrayal of a tongue-in-cheek Camille, as a juvenile delinquent Juliet and as Mata Hari, in which she proves the femme fatale to the four dancing boys, brings down the house. In her solo chore which lasts but a short 30 minutes, Miss Herne proves conclusively that she has never before been shown to such advantage as this trip. In a tight- fitting pale pink satin gown with inch-long fringes the star, in full and whimsical tones, purveys sex in impish fashion. "Let Me Make You Mine” has punchy lyrics. "I Learned How” is cute and spicy. Miss Horne, who can convey more expression in her eyes than most sirens can in their full field- pack, scores with her oldies "Papa Don’t Preach to Me,” “Love Me or Leave Me” and her most-in-de- mand fave, the electric "I Love to Love.” Her melodic performance of "Everything I’ve Got Belongs to You” is socko. Lenny llayton dou- bles from the piano to wield the baton over the Antonio Morelli orch to lend his wife solid support. The Tapps dancers present the intricate routines that showed here during the "Ziegfeld Follies” turn. Leading his quartet of terp artists, Tapps is a winner in fast-moving choreos to garner an ovation. Still the strongest offering of the group is the spine-tingling taps version of "Bolero.” An ingenious, offering that gets across is the opening production number choreo’d by Hal Belfer. as- sisted by Bob Gilbert and Rene Stuars. Titled "Where’s Ace.” the 10 girls and four dancing boys car- ry innumerable props to depict scenes from Chicago to the African jungle as a search is made for the private eye. At times the move- ment is somewhat incoherent, but for the most part the dance illu- sion conveys the story adequately. Bob. tive trimmings the line of Lindsay Lovelies, dapper emcee Dick Hyde, and the Gardner Benedict orch contribute to a sock 90-minute show. Rapidfire chatter by Leonard is keyed to needling. of the pre- mises and patrons, and gives way to a bit of surprisingly light hoof- ing by the 320-pounder. He’s one of this class spot's established faves. Riding high on the current popu- larity of their "Teach Me To- night” recording, the DeCastro threesome of Cuban beauts make their initial visit here a rousing one. Stunning of figure as well, which they display in form-fitting white tinseled gowms with a long left-leg slit, their clowning is as clever as their harmonizing. Her- bie Dell is their piano accompanist. Musical Wades and Jackie Bur- tell top off playing of piano-organ, marimbas, accbrdion and clarinet with dancing, acrobatics and w'his- tling. Plumpish Jackie Burtell is featured in a baton-twirling spe- cialty while contortioning through a silver hoop. Koll. Thunderhlrd* Kam Vegas Las Vegas. Dec. 23. Winged Victory Chorus (17), Mickey Shaughnessy. Harbers A Dale, Thunderbird Dancers (8), Al Johns Orch (11); no cover, no minimum. This one-weeker carrying no marquee names is a lightweight of- fering that must depend on a heavy Yule crowd of tourists if it is to do well at the boxoffice. Head- lining is the Winged Victory Chorus, comprised of 17 male singers in paratroop uniforms. Their blended harmonies are okay and the physical maneuvers prove nice window dressing. Repertoire includes military pops, and west- ern tunes with a sprinkling of spir- ituals. "Some Enchanting Eve- ning,” "Nothing Like a Dame” and “Still of the Night” are the best offerings. ■ Mickey Shaughnessy is back to sing his Irish songs and render brogue jokes. His topper U still a portrayal of a boy at a film matinee which is always good for yocks. Adagio experts Harbers & Dale are held over and please in their Dixie cakewalk routine. The pair embody grace in their roman- tic numbers. The Tunderbird Dancers show up well in a pair of holdover pro- duction numbers backed by the able orch of A I Jahns. Bob. LEGITIMATE Wednesday, December 29, 1954 48 Shows on Broadway The Sain I of Bleecker Sirret Chandler Cowles production of a music drama in three acts. Music, libretto and staging by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Production supervisor, Lincoln Kiratein. Features David Poleri. Virginia Copeland. Gloria Lane. Davis Cunningham. Gabrietle Rug- giero. Leon Lishner, Maria Dl Gerlando, Maria Mario. Catherine Skos. David Aiken. Scenery and costumes. Robert Randolph; lighting Jean Rosenthal; con- ductor. Thomas Schippers; associate. Sam- uel Krachmalnick: assistant director. Bill Butler. At Broadway* Theatre. N.Y., Dec. XI, '54; $6.90 $6 top ($9.20 opening). Assunta Catherine Akos Carmela Maria Di Gerlando Maria Corona Maria Mario Her Dumb Son Ernesto Gonzales Don Marco Leon Lishner Annina Virginia Copeland. Gabrlelle Ruggiero Michele David Poleri. Davis Cunningham Desideria Gloria Lane Salvatore David Aiken Concettina Lucy Becque A Young Man Richard Cassilly An Old Woman Elizabeth Carron Bartender Russell Goodwin First Guest Keith Kaldenberg Second Guest John Reardon A Nun Dorothy Krebill A Young Priest Robert Barry Neighbors. Friends. Policemen, etc.; Theodora Brandon, Betsy Bridge, Lor- raine Bridges. Elizabeth Carron. Doris Davis. Mignon Dunn. Elizabeth Dunning. Joyce Duskin. Elaine Galante. Jeanne Grant. Mary Hensley, Caroll Jones. Dor- othy Krebill. Leslie MacLennan, Bessie Milahovich. Doris Okerson. Francesco Roberto. Donna Sanders. Robert Barry. Michael Bulzomi. Richard Cassilly. Rico Froelich. Russell Goodwin. Gary Gordon. Don Grobe, Fred Jones. Keith Kaldenberg. Chester Ludgin, William McCully. Michael .MacLennan, Dan Merriman. John Rear- don, Reid Shelton, Alan Smith. Robert Watts. Although some stray ends dangle In Jthe libretto of “The Saint of Bleecker Street,’* Gian-Carlo Me- notti has successfully married dra- matic music to dramatic action. To the solid merits of score and script he has added sheer loving care in production The casting, the scenery, the work of the orchestra under Thomas Schippers (who got an opening night ovation of a kind seldom vouchsafed a conductor in the Broadway theatre) all shine with sheer competency and obvious pride of craftsmanship. The result is theatrical entertainment of high distinction. Some may quibble as to whether this is opera. The official desig- nation is music drama. While in- cluding a fair amount of recitative it is entirely sung. And what mag- nificent singing it is. The princi- pals have responded to the de- mands of perfectionists. The •stagemanagement of the ensemble is peculiarly vital and alive, the chorus doubling as “mob” on several occasions and creating convincing menace. The sets and costumes by Robert Randolph give the visual note of authenticity. This is the way Bleecker Street and en- virons in Greenwich Village look on ordinary days and on the feast of the Neapolitan San Gennaro. The music sets the mood and maintains it throughout. But the acting and the tensions inherent in the plot situations key up the volt- age. Menotti has again brought home a stunning parlay as musi- cian, dramatist and director. As to what he is trying to say about sainthood or life on Bleecker Street, that leaves room for spec- ulation. The character of the ill- fated brother (David Poleri plays this role in alternation with Davis Cunningham) seems unresolved at the end. He was bitter to start with and is bitter (i.e. unchanged) at the tragic denouement. His rage against life is believable enough and the part Is superbly played and sung by Poleri. Still he is not dramatically resolved. All his woes do not teacn him anything, and he has no word of remorse for having killed a particularly loving sweet- heart along the way. It is perhaps ungrateful to focus on a couple of dangling angles in a production which is otherwise superlative. For instance, Gloria Lane as the lusty Italian sweet- heart snubbed by the respectable folk of Bleecker Street, is a true showstopper both as singer and actress. Her final clash with the lover who will sleep with her but not marry her is charged with emotion which builds to a scorch- ing second act crescendo. She taunts the lover with an in- cestuous interest in his saintly sis- ter and is stabbed to death, dying in his sister’s arms while the slayer flees arrest. The fugitive has earlier sung a moving aria of soul torment and of homesickness for the Italy he has never known. This does much to help explain the bit- ter introspective nature of the character. Menotti steers an adroit course through the shoals of religious sensitivity.' The overall note is one of piety and compassion. The saintly girl, yearning for nunhood, is not overdrawn despite the sym- bolic first scene where in a trance of agony she shows the stigmata (nail wounds in the hands, emu- lative of Christ on the cross). This role puts a heavy singing-acting burden upon Virginia Copeland and she came Ihrough with total conviction opening night. (Her alternate is Gabriele Ruggiero). The third-act climax brings the girl to the hour of her death and simultaneously of her takifig the veil in a ceremonial within her Bleecker Street cold water flat by special dispensation of the Church. For a comparable theatrical use of sacerdotal pageantry memory prob- ably must go back to Max Rein- hardt's “The Miracle” in the 1920’s. Leon Lishner as the parish priest is especially forceful and versatile in this scene. High theatre is implicit in the dying girl, garbed in the white wedding gown of a noviate. The renunciation of the - world which precedes a nun’s “marriage” to Christ, complete with wedding ring is an act of primitive but deeply- felt faith. The staging of this scene is a model of taste, tact and taut- ness, even though the brother’s final outburst has no true resolu- tion (which is a libretto item). Because it packs so much sheer theatre and professional distinc- tion. it would appear that “The Saint of Bleecker Street” should enjoy boxoffice success. The doubt would centre on the economic factor. There are some 19 princi- pajs, 45-odd choristers. 60 in the pit and another platoon of stagehands, i With so many employees, why was there nobody in the front lobby opening night to help people find the right aisle?) At a guess, the Italian religious processions, the party in the neigh- borhood spaghetti joint with the murder sequence, the bit in the subway where the brother hides out, all suggest good pictorial pos- sibilities for screen translation. Film version would have to be mounted and produced in operatic terms, since the plot, alone, would be too meagre. This would be a problem but also an innovation. The widescreen treatment would find lots to exploit. Meanwhile, as a show on Broad- way. Menotti has labored and brought forth excitement. Land. TVIml Even Woman Knows N.Y. City Center Theatre Co. revival of cometl.v in four act*, by James M. Barrie. Stars Helen Hayes; features Kent Smith, John Cromwell, Betsy von Furstenberg, Viola Roache, Philip Bour- neuf. William Lantcau. Stages by John Stix; scenery. John Koenig: costumes. Grace Houston; lighting. Feder: music arrangements, Max Mariin. At City Cen- ter. N.Y., Dec. 22. *54. James Wylie William Lanteau Alick Wvlie Farrell Pelly David Wvlie Philip Bourneuf Maggie Wvlie Helen Hayes John Shand Kent Smith Comtesse De La Briere ... Viola Roache Lady Tenterden ... Betsy von Furstenberg Feikie Sid Cassel Maid Virginia Low Mr. Venables John CromweU Manservant George Cathrey Bagpiper James Roche Electors and Townspeople; Linda Ber- lin. Jarmila Daubek. Anne Edwards. Mary Hara. Alison Landor, Lily Lodge. Jill McAnney, Rosemary Shein. Mearl Allen. James Bernard. Marshall Breeden. Richard Buck. Wescott Carpenter. Russell Chase. Vincent Dowling. Mark Fleisch- man. David Friedman. Bernard Gilmore. Smn Gordon, Erie Hall, Austin Hay. Ben Jemne. Mary Halp. Howard Lanser. Rich- ard Marr. Paul Marin, Nelson Miller, Philip Morini. Hale Matthews. Tom Bran- num. Cecil Rutherford. Kenneth Sleeper, Ted Theoharous. Matthew Tobin. David Eliot. Jay Sweeney. Don Wadley; Charles Williamson. The N. Y. City Center Theatre Co. has started its winter drama festival auspiciously with its two- week revival of Barrie’s “What Every Woman Knows,” starring Helen Hayes. It’s a handsome pro- duction. with some unusually at- tractive sets by John Koenig, sprightly direction by John Stix, and flavorsome performances by a well-chosen cast. Result is a pleasant, nostalgic evening, al- though not a completely successful one. The Barrie comedy about the poor but ambitious young Scot who rises fast in politics and on the social ladder, thinking it’s by his own doing and unaware that a woman’s brain and hand are guid- ing him. holds many a nugget of universal truth. But it’s a little dated by now\ though in a fra- grant. harmless way. It has to be played completely in character — especially by its central figure, the woman. Miss Hayes, who first did the Barrie classic in 1926, is admirable for the most part as the canny Maggie. Every entrance lights up the stage, to keep it radiant all evening. But Miss Hayes occasion- ally overacts, even burlesques the role, dropping as suddenly into farce as she as quickly pulls back from it into character again. This tends to jar the mood a little and cause the play to lose some poig- nancy. Her support is generally first- class. Kent Smith is perfect as the humorless, priggish John Shand, in a performance that Kay Ashton-Stevens widow of Hio Doom of Amoricoa dromo critics, recoils Ashton Stevens’ memorable inter- view with Lionel , the Big Brother of the Barrymores * * * an Interesting editorial feature in the 49th Anniversary Number of y&fZIETY OUT NEXT WEEK holds its own against Miss Hayes’. Philip Bourneuf plays Maggie’s eldest brother superbly, investing it with a good deal of stature. Viola Roache lends considerable distinction to the role of the Comtesse; John Cromwell plays a Cabinet minister with assurance and flair, and William Lanteau is fine as another brother. Betsy von Furstenberg is attractive as a titled young lady who almost lures Shand away from Maggie, but she isn’t always convincing in the dif- ficult birdbrain role. Bron. Pori rail of a Ladv a' Lyn Austin St Thomas Noyes and Pro- ducers Theatre production of drama in three acts (seven scenes) by William Archibald, based on the novel by Henry James. Stars Jennifer Jones; features Robert Fleming, Cathleen Nesbitt. Doug- las Watson. Barbara O'Neil.' Halliwell Hobbes, Kathleen Comegys. Jan Farrand. Staged by Jose Quintero; scenery and lighting. William and Jean Eckhart ;cos- tumes. Cecil Beaton. At ANTA Playhouse, N.Y.. Dec. 21. '54; $5.75-S4.60 top ($6.90 opening). Lord Warburton Peter Pagan Mr. Touchett Halliwell Hobbes Caspar Goodwood Eric Fleming Ralph Touchett Douglas Watson Isabel Archer Jennifer Jones Mrs. Touchett Kathleen Comegys Henrietta Stackpole Jan Farrand Serena Merle Barbara O’Nell Gilbert Osmond Robert Flemyng Pansy Marcia Morris Countess Gemini Cathleen Nesbitt As a stage actress. Jennifer Jones has beauty, a suggestion of emotional depth and a sort of per- sonal glow. Those gifts are not enough, however, to give more than flickers of animation to “Por- trait of a Lady," a dramatic wax- work which opened the renovated ANTA Playhouse (formerly the Guild Theatre) last week as the most sumptuous legit house on Broadway. The film star has taken on a paralyzing assignment in the sin- gle-dimension heroine of the Henry James novel, which William Archibald has adapted for the stage. Under the circumstances, she comes through rather credi- tably. Making her first Broadway appearance* (she .was a child ac- tress in stock and was in a couple of plays on the Coast several sea- sons ago), she appears to be a stage personality of considerable prom- ise. Besides looks, Miss Jones has an air of not only self-possession, but of some stature and authority, plus a degree of emotional depth. Al- though her present role offers lit- tle range, she seems to have learned something about projec- tion. The ability to develop and sus- tain a characterization, plus a feel- ing for pace and variation, are still beyond her. of course, as is the experience-bred knack of making each line a kind of entity in itself. But at least the actress has poise, and gives a direct, clear perform- ance, with an expressive quality. Except for Miss Jones, however, there’s little of interest in “Por- trait of a Lady.” The James char- acters seem anaemic, and Archi- bald’s overly faithful dramatiza- tion is static and tedious. In that sense, the piece is well named, for it has the immobility of a portrait and its subject is relentlessly lady- like. The jaundiced yarn about Amer- icans abroad, either self-righteous- ly butting into the life of the un- sophisticated Albany belle or cyni- cally destroying her illusions and happiness, is a slow-motion conver- sation piece. The conversation is all terribly literate, and always seems to imply more than it actu- ally says, but the effect is elusive and unsatisfying. Perhaps the pivotal lady learns something from her decadent com- patriots, and in her misery is a wise and better, or at least deeper, person at the curtain. But that's not certain, and indeed not much is except that “Portrait” has only Miss Jones’ person and name in the way of life expectancy. Allowing for th® inadequate script, the star is well served in the production. She has an im- pressive supporting cast, including the expert Robert Flemyng as the heroine’s detestable husband and the uncannily deft Cathleen Nes- . (Continued on page 50) Shows Out of Town The Southwest Forner New Haven, Dec. 23. John Huntington production of comedy in three acts (six scenes) by John Cecil Holm, based on novel by Mildred Walker. Stars Eva LeGalllenne; features Enid Markey, Parker Fennelly. Staged by George Schaefer: scenery, lighting and costumea, Ralph Alswang. At Shubert Theatre, New Haven, Dec. 23. '54; $4 top. Orville Greenstead Parker Fennelly Marcia Elder Eva LeGallienne David Keating Ra.v Boyle Bea Cannon Enid Markey Edith Summers Jean Gillespie Sam Wilson Joe Latham Hattie Carew Muriel Pearce “Southwest Corner” is an ex- ample of why legit shows require out-of-town breakins. If this one were to storm Broadway as is, it would probably rate as merely a commendable try. However, four more weeks’ tuneup can conceiv- ably multiply present values satis- factorily. . Obviously meant to be a com- bination of heart tugs and rustic humor, “Corner” has moments of audience sympathy, and others that generate laughs. There are three interesting character studies, and the production is attractive decora- tively. But it requires stiffer the- atrical backbone for Broadway competition. Show’s billing as a comedy is misleading. It concerns an octo- genarian widow who is about to have the lifelong treasures of her Vermont homestead sold at auc- tion. Via a classified ad. a subtly domineering smalltown Massachu- setts widow moves in to care for the old lady, presently marries the devoted handyman neighbor and arranges to auction off the house- sold belongings. However, she dies and a returning newspaperman and his wife acquire the property, and allow the old lady to finish up her days in the hollowed wing (south- west corner) of her ancestors. Eva LeGallienne’s performance of the octogenarian seems in per- fect tune with the role, which does not tax her talents. Enid Markey is capital as the housewife-turned- farmhouse - mistress, playing a heavy without being too obnoxious about it. Parker Fennelly is a nat- ural as the handyman, his rural drawl and unobtrusive humor be- ing especially suitable. In support, Joe Latham does a good job as a smalltown auctioneer, Ray Boyle and Jean Gillespie are okay as the youthful lovers, and Muriel Pearce adds a competent bit as the housekeeper’s friend. Ralph Alswang has created an interesting farmhouse kitchen and George Schaefer has utilized play- ing areas of this single setting to good advantage in keeping the story moving. - Bone. Festival Boston, Dec. 25. Walter Fried (In association with Felix Brentano) production of comedy in three acts, by Sam and Bella Spewaek. Stars Paul Henreid. Betty Field; features Luba Malina. George Voskovec. Stagett by Albert Marre; scenery and lighting, Rob- ert O’Hearn; costumes. Noel Taylor. At Colonial. Boston. Dec. 25, '54; $4 top. Sally Ann Peters Betty Field Wong Harry Shaw Lowe Joey Foster Abbott Lee Ruskin Max Granada Paul Henreid Ruby Patricia Englund Sacha Rostov George Voskovec Martova Luba Malina Joe Foster Pat Hingle Emily Foster Ann Barlow Dr. Algernon Burton James Reese If “Festival” is not at the mo- ment exactly a festival of laughter there are many signs along the w'ay that Sam and Bella Spewaek may make it so before this interesting bit of nonsense reaches Broadway. It is interesting, not so much for the highly evolved and sometimes absurd story line, but for the re- markable ears these collaborators have in catching the special idioms and points of view of the contrast- ing characters involved. The fur- ther emphasis of this aspect of the comedy, as well as the omission of the more intrusive elements of slapstick in the second act, is clear- ly an obligatory bit of dramaturgy 1 if the show is going to get by. The basic situation, though wild- ly improbable, is ingenious. There appears in the Beverly Hills man- sion of a harrassed musical impre- sario a scholarly virgin with a very lively though not so virginal mind. With her — for she is a piano teach- er — is her prize pupil, an eight year-old piano prodigy whom she likens to the young Mozart. Her project, and it is a relentless one, is to induce the impresario to give the youngster a debut. The impresario, who hates music and is distracted by the fact that a piano virtuoso living in his house is refusing to fulfill a contact to ap- pear at a Mexican music festival suddenly sees in his visitor and her prbdigy a stratagem to lure the pianist to Mexico. The develop- ments thereafter, though they often defeat themselves by being too developed, rise to moments conveying much amusement, if not i hilarity. The particular strength and i $ promise in the play is in the con- trasted personalities involved as well as in the many contemporary witticisms — and, in fact, in the fa- miliarity of the audience with the general prototypes of the action. Everyone will recognize in the mu- sic teacher for instance, the intel- lectual conceits and “frame of ref- erence” vocabulary of the type. So, too, will everyone recognize the ego-maniacal charms of the hypochrondriac musical virtuoso as superbly represented by George Voskovoc and Luba Malina (with- out whom this would be a dismal affair indeed). Added to this is the prodigy himself, one of the first stage moppets in recent years who doesn’t drive an audience out of the house. On the contrary, the boy, Abbott Lee Ruskin, does play the piano like a prodigy and is an attractive kid, though no actor. Well endowed with pleasantly recognized conventionalities of ec- centricity, also, is James Reese as the venerable composer with a hearing aid, while Harry Shaw Lowe manages an ovation by means of his teeth only. Patricia Englund contributes a handsome portrait of the impresario’s girl of all tasks. Nor must either Pat Hin- gle or Ann Barlow be overlooked I in brief turns. As for Betty Field, her artful * virginality as she makes her suc- cessful stand in the enemy’s camp is a neat example of life observa- tion and techniques, while Paul Henreid as the impresario, if occa- sionally a little too bombastic and assertive, demonstrates his com- mand of the stage. There is little doubt, how'ever, that it is the knowing reading of the knowing lines by Voskovec and Miss Malina that keeps this one in the running. It is a character piece, in short, and if the Spewacks can remove the farcical elements with- out destroying the line, they have another hit on their hands. Robert O’Heam’s set, incidental- ly, is a little incomprehensible to the Bostonian (but amusing), while Albert Marre’s direction, save in the opening moments, is adroit and well-paced. Elie. The brand Prize Hartford, Dec. 24. Shepard Traube production of comedy in three acts (five scenes), by Ronald Alexander. Stars June Lockhart. Jonn Newland; features Betsy Palmer. Di- rected by Traube; scenery and lighting, Pat Cambell; costumes. Virginia Volland. At Parsons Theatre, Hartford. Dec. 23, '54; $3.80 top. George Ken Harvey Lucille Cotton . June Lockhart John Condon Mitchell Bill Gibberson Brenda Johnson Nancy Wickwire Mack Perry Bruskin Kate Wilson Betsy Palmer Robert Meredith John Newland Edward Martin Tom Poston Green Donald McKee In its initial tryout state, “The Grand Prize” is not a contender for Broadway success. It needs re- writing, strengthening, tightening and polishing. Considering nis material, direc- tor-producer Shepard Traube has done an excellent job of blending his talented cast to the rather verbose, lightweight script, an- other item in the season’s growing list of sex comedies. Play is about a secretary who, as a tv contestant, wins the privilege of becoming her boss’s boss. She resists his advances, but ultimately marries him. “Prize” pokes fun at tv con- tests. man-hungry girls and vice- versa, Madison Ave. ad executives and assorted other contemporary metropolitan characters.. Former actor Ronald Alexander has au- thored some funny lines and situa- tions. Nancy Wickwire, Ken Harvey, Perry Bruskin and Bill Gibberson have a laughable scene about tv contests, and Kate Wilson is a vivacious commedienne. John New- land gives an effective perform- ance as the boss on the make, and Donald McKee is poised and re- sourceful as the butler. Tom Poston is amusing as a stuffy ad man who goes on a tear. June Lockhart is charming, though tense, as the boss’s boss. Pat Cambell’s single set of a secretarys one-room utility apart- ment is ably executed. Eck. Current Stock Bills (Dec. 27 -Jan. 9) Fourposter. — Playhouse, Houston (27-1). Hemlock Cup (tryout), by Ed- ward Hunt — Theatre ’54, Dallas (27-9). The Miser (tryout), Miles Malle- son adaptation of Moliere — Arena Stage, Washington (5-8). Time Out for Ginger — Paper Mill Playhouse, Millbuoi, NJ> (27-9). Wednesday, December 29, 1954 . LEGITIMATE 49 Otf-B’way Getting Back in a Rut; Few Clicks, None by New Authors By JESSE GROSS Off-Broadway is getting back to normal. Promising early-season indications of a continuation of ti ie T>3-’54 boom have fallen flat. Although the quantity of pro- ductions this semester is on a par with last season, the quality has generally been disappointing. Con- trary to last season, none of the shows that have received favor- able reviews have been by new playwrights. Top showcases such as the Theatre de Lys and the Phoenix Theatre, which last sea- son scored with a variety of pro- ductions, haven’t yet been able to connect with their ’54-’55 offerings. Top critical acclaim this season has gone to two Restoration come- dies and a Shakespeare classic. Former are “The Clandestine Mar- riage.” which wound up a run at the Provincetown Playhouse last Sept. 29, and “The Way of the World," which calls it quits Jan. 29 at the Cherry Lane. The lattei* entry. "Twelfth Night," is current at the Jan Hus House. Last season’s top entries in- cluded Leslie Stevens’ “Bullfight.” Calder Willingham’s “End As a Man” and Alfred Hayes’ “Girl on Via Flaminla." All* three authors were making their professional bows, with Willingham and Hayes adapting their own novels. Of the three, Stevens has remained the most active, with several shows slated for future production on Broadway and on the strawhat cir- cuit. Of the present lineup of oflf- Broadway shows, two, besides "World” have set closing dates. They are "Stone for Danny Fish- (Continued on page 50) Road Managers Seek Rights to B’way Shows For Local Area Runs Minneapolis, Dec. 28 In a move to activate legit in this area, two local managers are dickering for touring rights to cur- rent-season Broadway shows. Idea would be to finance and produce Ihe plays for local runs, then book them into surrounding territory, or in some cases for extensive tours. What road business may be in other key cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul are having the slimmest season in years. In a desperate effort to hypo conditions, Bennie Berger, who operates the Lyceum here, has approached Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, who have the road rights to “Teahouse of the August Moon,” with a bid to put on a third company for en- gagements here and in adjacent territory. Meanwhile, Jay Lurye, a Duluth manager who has been booking various legit and concert offerings over his own circuit of towns, is dickering for the road rights to a current Broadway show, “The Tender Trap," not only for his regular route but for a national tour. He’d like to take over the original company, which is slated to close Jan. 8 at the Longacre, N Y. He’s also seeking the touring rights for other Broadway shows. Despite optimistic advance pros- pects, Minneapolis has had only “Picnic,” the twofer offerings of Moon Is Blue” and "Naughty Na- talie ’ and the current week’s pre- Broadway tryout, “Sailor’s De- light” thus far this season. Can. Stock Continues; Was Slated to Close Ottawa, Dec. 28. The Canadian Repertory Thea- lie, local winter stock which had been slated to fold next Sunday has gotten a 10-week reprieve. Board of directors has agreed to continue the operation through next March 12, at least, and great- er public support is promised. *n a move to bolster business, five-ticket books are being sold for !&•>. good for any seat in the house, V, ch is scaled t0 a $1-75 t0 P* Ian cl lows, assistant general manager, ! ;eomes "resident producer" and ul engage occasional guest pagers. Peter Sturgess continues ! IS business manager, and most of the company remain. Theatre is currently offering a ' nristmas pantomime, “Mother Loose." Custom Must Go On Nobody can • accuse play- wright Bella Spewack of be- ing unresourceful. With hers and husband Sam Spewack’s new comedy, “Festival," due to open a tryout last Saturday night (25) in Boston, she nat- urally wanted to follow the- atrical tradition by sending flowers to the femme star, Betty Field. The authoress had been so intent on the usual backstage preliminaries, however, that she forgot the premiere was on Christmas Day. and realized too late that all the florist shops were closed. Something had to give, and it wasn’t Mi's. Spewack. She calmly appropri- ated a vase of roses on the front desk of her hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, had them charged on her bill, and ordered them sent to Miss Field at the theatre. Just Witness Millers Surprise Apparently no one was more sur- prised than Gilbert Miller by the click Broadway reception of “Wit- ness for the Prosecution." follow- ing the fold of “The Living Room.” Producer has confided to congratu- latory friends that he really pre- ferred the -Graham Greene drama, which he says “those critics killed." As more tangible evidence. Mil- ler followed his regular policy in personally supplying the entire fi- nancing for “Living Room,” but made an exception on “Witness” by taking in backers to the amount of $58,625 and putting up only $16,- 375 of the capital in the name of his wife, Kathryn B. Miller, who incidentally costumed the court- room meller. In thus hedging his bet on "Wit- ness,” the producer reverted to the financing procedure he initiated with T. S. Eliot’s “The Cocktail Party,” the 1949-50 hit he presented in partnership with London man- ager Henry Sherek. With the ex- ception of Andrew Rosenthal’s “Horses in Midstream," which he co-produced in 1952-53 with Don- ald Oenslager but without having any financial stake, Miller has al- ways supplied the entire bankroll fof all his shows. In many cases, including “Wit- ness," “Living Room" and “Cock- tail Party," the shows have played Miller’s own theatre, the Henry Miller, N.Y., named for his late actor-father. He thus gets a size- able extra revenue from the hits. 9,728 Yank Patrons At 1954 Edinburgh Fest Edinburgh, Dec. 28. Americans are the biggest over- seas audience for the Edinburgh International Festival of Music and Drama. According to new sta- tistics, 9.728 of the 23,194 foreign visitors to the 1954 arts junket were from the U. S. Comparative tigures for the U. S. influx in previous festivals were 7,015 (1953); 6,879 (1952); 4,304 (1951), and 3,928 (1950). Records of the Edinburgh Fes- tival Society show that visitors in- cluded peoples from 45 countries outside of Britain. Yankees’ Take Over in Spring “Damn Yankees," the musical version of Douglas Wallop's recent satirical novel, "The Year the Yan- kees Lost the Pennant," is now slated for production next spring by Frederick Brisson, Robert Grif- fith and Harold Prince, with Paul Hartman as possible star. It will he done immediately after the open- ing of the touring edition of the same producers’ "Pajama Game.” The new musical is reportedly headed for the 46th Street, N.Y., on the assumption that the Broad- way booking jam will have eased sufficiently by that time to trans- fer “Bad Seed," current at the house, to a smaller theatre more suitable for a straight play, “Yan- kees” is to reach Broadway early next April, after a tryout tour. George Abbott, who collaborated with Richard Bissell on the “Pa- jama Game” book, is teaming with Wallop on the adaptation of "Yan- kees.” and will also stage the show. In addition, “Pajama” songwriters Richard Adler and Jerry Ross will supply the tunes, and Bob Fosse will likewise do the choreography. No one is set for the cast. The musical for which William Saroyan and Abbott are to collabo- rate on the book, also for produc- tion by Brisson, Griffith and Prince, is listed for next season. LINK OHIO STRAWHATS FOR TANDEM BOOKINGS Cleveland, Dec. 28. A two-theatre strawhat combina- tion has been formed In northern Ohio. The Theatre-in-the-Round, Canal Fulton, and the Chagrin Val- ley Little Theatre will offer the same shows on an alternating basis next summer. Both houses are un- der the same management. David Fulford, William Dempsy and Elizabeth Bliler, who’ve been running the Canal Fulton silo, have just acquired the Chagrin Valley showcase. Producers plan one- week runs at each house, opening in mid-June. Chagrin Falls was previously operated by Paul Marlin and Wil- liam Van Sleet. Equity-Chorus Merger Still Hot; Everybody Wants "Equitable 9 Terms Anybody Here Seen? With the idea of cooking lip a feature story about "Bad Seed.” in which Nancy Kelly is starred, the Playwrights Co. press department did some re- search last week on the vari- ous Kellys in show business. Grace was no problem, btfing the femme lead in two newly- released pictures. "The Coun- try Girl” and “Green Fire." Also, Gene and Fred Kelly have leading roles in the filniusical, "Deep in My Heart." Immediate check of the newspaper files failed to come up with info on the current activities of Paul Kelly, Patsy Kelly, Walt Kelly or Grace’s uncle, playwright George Kelly, however. Pre-U.S. ‘Tryout’ Folds in Britain London, Dec. 28. Plan to use London as a pre- Broadway tryout for “The Duchess and the Smugs" has had to be abandoned by U. S. producer Wal- ter Starcke. The play folded on the road after three weeks. It had been scheduled to open at the New Theatre, Jan. 5. replacing "I Am a Camera,” which closes next Saturday (1). “Duchess," authored by Pamela Frankau, starred Martita Hunt and Hugh Wakefield and was staged by John van Druten, who, incidentally, dramatized “Camera" from a Chris- topher Isherwood story. “Duchess” was being presented here in asso- ciation with Donald Albery. According to Starcke, one of the main reasons for the closing of the play was difficulty in casting a moppet role. Originally this was played by 21-year-old Dudy Nim- mo, but she was regarded as too mature. Subsequently she was re- placed by a 13-year-old child, who was considered too immature. Tarheel ’54 Drama Boom Greensboro, N. C., Dec. 28. Outdoor dramas in North Caro- lina had a big season in 1954. “Unto These Hills” drew an at- tendance of 149,905, an increase of 12,155 over 1953, despite 1,061 re- funds because of rain. “Lost Colony” drew 45,227, de- spite rain and hurricane, while “Horn in the West" played to 41,- 439 payees. OUT NEXT WEEK! The 49th Anniversary Number Of Forms closing shortly Usual Advertising rates prevail Special exploitation advantages i Copy and space reservations may be sent to any Variety office m. . _ . m IIAI I UtllA S A « i I AUAAkl IAI ^ ^ NEW YORK 3* 1S4 W. 4*Hi St. HOLLYWOOD 2t *31 1 Yucca St. CHICAGO 11 *12 N. Michigoa Ava. LONDON. W. C. 2 • St. Martia't Ploca Trafalgar Sqaara By HOBE MORRISON Having tossed out a couple of proposed constitutional “reforms,” Actors Equity can now resume concentration on the question of merger with Chorus Equity. Mat- ter is now in eommittee, but is due for a reconsideration agffin by the Equity council and, probably, by the memberships of the two groups after that. Two proposed constitutional amendments were recently voted down at a quarterly membership meeting of Equity. Both had been condemned by the council. Only about 200 members attended the meeting and a maximum of only 128 cast votes. One of the proposed amend- ments would have required a two- thirds vote of a special membership meeting to ratify all agreements and contracts terms of employment or working conditions for actors. The other measure would have changed the union’s election ma- chinery to eliminate the nominat- ing committee and substitute individual nominations by petition. Issue of merger, w'hich has been relatively quiet for some weeks, is likely to stir considerable heat when it is taken up again by the council. Equity president Ralph Bellamy, currently in Chicago as star of the touring “Oh Men, Oh Women," is a stro'ng advocate of merger, and has the support of a large segment of the council. At- titude of the Equity and Chorus memberships isn’t clearly indicated. A merger program was approved by the Equity council, with the apparent support of the Chorus representatives and the Chorus executive committee. However, a Chorus faction then raised a row and led the council to recon- (Continued on page 50) Questionnaire, Heavy Ad Campaign As B.O. Lures For St. Loo Muny Opera St. Louis, Dec. 28. In a move to hypo interest in the summer light opera season at For- est Park, the Municipal Theatre Assn, has been conducting a ques- tionnaire via an intensive ad cam- paign. Ostensible object is to get suggestions for next summer’s line- up of shows, but the primary aim is to stimulate a sense of participa- tion on the part of the public and expand the mailing list. Series of display ads in news- papers in St. Louis and neighbor- ing cities, headed “Wanted,” asks for “Your Opinion" on the best of the 11 shows presented last sum- mer and “Your Advice” on the most desirable of 39 listed musical comedies, operettas and operas-in- English for the 1955 season! Those replying are asked to indicate sex and age bracket. Previous questionnaire to a list- of 11,000 guarantors, subscribers, etc., drew 60% response. It’s hoped that the ad campaign reaching a combined circulation of about 1,- 000,000, will bring another large response, boosting the mailing list, substantially increasing the sub- scription and incidentally giving the management an idea of pop- ular choices in booking shows. Ads are handled by the Gardner agency, a local outfit. The 1955 Muny season will open June 3 and continue 12 weeks. Backers of Proposed Revival Sue for Coin Two backers of a proposed re- vival of‘“Good News" sued in N.Y. Municipal Court last week for the return of their $3,000 investment. Plaintiffs are attorney Edward M. Miller and radio sportswriter Frank Litsky, and the defendant is Leon- ard Karzmar. Action charges that the $3,000 was advanced last June and July on Karzmar’s prom- ise that the musical would open on Broadway before Thanksgiving. Miller claims that with the dead- line past and the show not in re- hearsal, no cast signed and no part- nership agreement filed, Karzmar has promised several times to re- turn the investment, but has failed to make gfiod. Karzmar’s previous producing experience is said to have been limited to amateur shows. LEGITIMATE P^rieTy Wednesday, December 29, 1954 50 Shows Abroad Pay Ike Piper London, Dec. 22. Lauricr lister, by arrangement with S.T.P. (Theatres) Ltd.. Production of revue in two act. <3», ^i" 1 * and Doris Water.. Elisabeth Welch. De. mond Walter-EUi.: features I» n WalUce. Fenella Fielding. T.nya Duray. Hermione Harvey. Sally Steward. Pamela Hill. Yvonne Barnes. Rpwena ®i7h«Ji y 'oTon- Abineri. Spencer Teakle. Michael O Con nor David Rees. Julian Orchard, Matthew Winsten. April Olrlch. Maurice Metliss. Kenneth Smith, Malcolm Hughes. Leonora Walsh Staged by Lister; lyrics and music. Michael Flanders. ^"“^.^“"liLdriaues- numbers directed by Alfred Rodngues. decor. Roland P>m. Stanley Moore. At Savllle Theatre. London. Dec. Zi. a 4 *- $2.20 top. With two revue hits in town, Laurrer Lister is taking a gamble bv bringing in a third in the midst of the Christmas rush. Pay the Piper” lacks the intimacy of “Joyce Grenfell Requests the Pleasure and the biting satire of “Airs on a Shoestring.” It is mainly a wit- less production not in the tradi- tion of sophisticated revue and hardly likely to repeat the triumph of Lister’s other shows. Principal interest in “Piper” is that it marks the return to the West End stage of Elsie and Dons Waters after a 20-year absence. In that period they have become best known to audiences through- out the country as a broad music- hall act with their familiar Gert and Daisy characterizations. They try to break away from the pattern they’ve carved over two decades, but' too many of their sketches reveal an origin of the variety the- atre. They’re not West End fare for hep revue audiences, and one of their items misfire very badly. On the other hand they reveal a surprise charm in a song about the Gaiety Girls. Main strength of “Piper” is in three revue veterans, Elisabeth ; Welch. Desmond Walter-Ellis and Ian Wallace. They’re the mainstay of the production, provide the best entertainment and display a gen- uine talent for this kind of show. Miss Welch scores with an in- terpretation of “Such a Night,” Jan Wallace makes a big click with several numbers, particularly one about an income tax collector, and Walter-Ellis raises laughs with a bright sketch staged in a store. April Olrich stands out in a num- ber of ballet sequences and displays a piquant personality and rich sense of humor. The production has an opulence not normally associated with revue and the costuming is often extrav- agant. The decor, too, is more im- pressive than usual. Oddly enough the lavishness of the staging is not a plus factor, as London revue always essentially demands wit and intelligence, qualities which are too often lacking in this presen- tation. Myro. Adorable Julia Paris, Nov. 30. Paule Roll* and Martr-RoM B«lin pro- duction of comedy in three act, (five scenes) by Marc-GIlbert Sauvajon. Stars Madeleine Robinson. Translated from "Theatre" by Somerset Maugham and Guy Bolton. Directed by Jean Wall. At G.vmnase Theatre. Paris. Pierre Rene Genln Baron WeUl-Amaury Fernand-Febre Michel Gosselln . . Maurice Teynac Julia Lambert Madeleine Robinson Roger vGosselin Jacques Pierre Jean-Paul Fernols Daniel Caccaldi Kina Devey Elisa Lamothe Eve C’lalre Gerard Chris Vallamont Ginette Pigeon Director Gabriel Gubin Concierge Gaston Cladel did similar rewrite on original of “Dear Charles” and sent it back to Broadway a hit on itg second 1 try, has performed no major sur- gery on the Maugham-Bolton text, simply switching background from England to France, incorporating its six scenes into five and adding some local flavor. But the play is a smooth elegant piece of production, shrewdly cast, perfectly paced and possessing an intriguing keyhole view of back- stage life. There is always a big public for the competent boulevard play in Paris. Play, is a facile, amusing cari- cature of stage life and the devas- tating egotism that sometimes consumes some actors. As the temperamental actress wife. 1 Madeleine Robinson projects the character’s frequent outburst of false theatricalism. Maurice Teynac has the proper drawing-room finesse as the selfish husband. Jacques Pierre registers in the small hut important role of their son who hates his parents’ habit of acting offstage. Fernand- Febre. as Julia’s elderly admirer and confidant; Daniel Caccaldi as her young lover; Elisa Lamothe, as the haughty society lady; Ginette Pigeon as Julia’s youthful rival; Rene Genin. as the stage-wise old butler; and Claire Gerard, as Julia’s dresser, lend deft and helpful support. Jean Wall’s direction is excel- lent. neither emphasizing nor underplaying emotional conflicts and making the most of the occa- sionally witty dialog. Curt. Un^m ls«(l Rrodutor and to-producor d Agatha Chritlis'i "Witna ss tor Rroaatution'' Peter Saunders has written an Interesting treatise en Your Plotless Plays one ef the many byline pieces ia the 49 1 h Anniversary, IS umber of » \ UfiteTETY OUT NEXT W EEK Legit Bits Wallach Exits ‘Teahouse’; To Stage London ‘Rose’ London, Dec. 28. After eight months in “The Tea- house of the August Moon,” Eli Wallach leaves the comedy Jan. 15. He was imported from New York to portray Sakini, the Okinawan interpreter In the comedy at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Wallach will be replaced by local Dickie Henderson Jr., son of vau- deville comic Diek Henderson, w ho toured the U. S. some 20 years ago. Henderson’s last musical was Jack Hylton’s “Wish You Were Here,” Wallach, when asked why he w-as quitting “Teahouse,” replied, “Con- tractural differences with the man- agement.” He’s understood to have wanted a salary increase. HLs next assignment here will re- portedly be to stage and star in a West End production of Tennessee Williams’ “Rose Tattoo.” in which he was the original male lead on Broadway. Shows on Broadway Continued from p*(« 4$ “Julia” is biggest legit click in Paris, doing capacity at all per- formances and selling out two weeks in advance. Script is based on the Somerset Maugham-Guy Bolton comedy. “Theatre.” which in turn was based on the Maugham novel of the same title. “Theatre’ had a short run in N. Y. back if 1942 and a longer one in London two years ago under the title “Larger than Life.” Marc - Gilbert Sauvajon. w ho ADVANCE AGENTS ! COMPANY MANAGERS I Wo h«vo boon serving fhoatrlcol shows for ovor 42 yoors. Ours is tho oldest, most rolioblo end ox* porionced transfer company on tho West Coastl • Railroad prlvilogot tor handling •hows and thoatmal lugg ago. 9 Complete warehouse facilities! • Authorized in California, Equlppod to transfer and haul anywhere In U. S.I — — • RATES ON REQUEST I Atlantic Transfer Company GEORG! CONANT 1100 last Sth Street lee Angelee 13, Calif. MUtval 1121 or Oxford 9-4744 Although “Sailor’s Delight” drew 4 skimpy business during its recent four-week tryout engagement at the Huntington Hartford Theatre. Hollywood, the booking was on a flat guarantee basis, so the produc- tion didn’t take a loss . . . Jed Harris has acquired the London rights to “Lunatics and Lovers” . . . Willard Swire has resigned as assistant executive - secretary -of Actors Equity, from which he was on a year’s leave of absence, to continue permanently as executive director of the American National Theatre & Academy. Paul Jones succeeds him in the Equity pest. Richard Watts Jr., of the N. Y. Post, expressed the opinion of vir- tually all the other New' York critics • including at least one who didn’t share his enthusiasm for Eartha Hitt’s performance in “Mrs. Pat- terson”) when he last week de- scribed as “fantastic” the recent statement by George Jean Nathan that the singer-actress’ favorable notices w'ere only because she is a Negro . . . Ted Ritter and John Gerstad have optioned John Mc- Liam’s “The Sin of Pat Muldoon.” which was strawhat-tested last, as a projeeffor Broadway. Gant Gaither has expanded his production schedule by optioning the Jack Kirkland dramatization of Nelson Algren’s novel, “The Man with the Golden Arm,” for- merly held by Fred Finklehoffe . . . The latter is associated with How- ard Hoyt and Gabriel Katzka in a ■plan to produce a musical version of Howard Lindsay’s and Russel Crouse’s 1942-43 comedy, “Strip for Action.” Michael Gordon will stage “Champagne Complex,” Gayle Stine’s production of the Leslie Stevens comedy, to star Donald Cook . . . Ben Simcoe denies re- ports that his script, “Yankee Cousin," which Aldrich & Myers and Julius Fleischmann recently optioned, is a revised version, or anything like, his “Playboy of Newark," which had an off-Broad- way production in 1943, when lie was billed as B. K. Simkhovitch. . . . Donald Duncan resigned from the Bennett & Pleasant publicity office, as of Jan. 1. The “ANTA Album” is sched- uled for next March 28 . . . Cheryl Crawford plans an immediate pro- duction of an untitled comedy by Roald Dahl . . . Francis L. Sullivan. British-born lead of “Witness for the Prosecution,” received his U. S. citizenship papers Monday <27> . . . Producer Morton Gottlieb back from Florida, wl^ere he recu- perated from a tussle with pneu- monia . . . Producer David Merrick taking a week’s vacation in Cuba. Ralph Lycett, who’s been press- agenting the Paper Mill Playhouse. Millburn, N. J., will also drumbeat the British Colonial Playhouse, Nassau, and the Palm Beach Play- house this winter . . . Milwaukee’s new professional dramatic group will he named the Frederick Miller Theatre in honor of the brewing company owner, killed in a recent plane crash, who was one of the project's principal supporters. Equity Chorus Continued from page 49 sider the proposal. In recommend- ing the latter move, Bellamy sug- gested that the council consider allowing Chorus Equity to go its own way — that is, secede from the parent union entirely. Quite A Facer That appeared to be a facer for the Chorus reps, who thereupon toned down their agitation a bit, although they have continued to demand greater voice and au- thority in the proposed merged organization. Merger proponents also claim that the militant Chorus demand would give the Chorus membership what would amount to autonomy without commensurate responsibility, and w'ould also give it an unfair financial edge. Whole merger question Is in volved and to some extent con fused. As an obvious example, practically no one openly opposes merger, but Chorus militants, in particular, claim that all they want is “equitable” merger terms. They themselves would be the judges of what’s “equitable,” of course. Thus, Chorus executive secre- tary Ben Irving has heatedly denied being anti-merger and on one occasion persuaded the Equity council to issue an inconclusively w r orded statement on the subject. But merger adherents regard his attitude as anti-merger, and some Chorus militants agree privately that he is allied with them. The same applies to Chorus Equity attorney Rebecca Brownstein, who was also legal rep for the parent union until she was dropped a year or so ago. From recent deevlopments, there appears to be a political tinge to the merger situation, with a sus- picion that the issue is being used by certain factions for non-theatri- cal considerations. There are also indications of unified strategy by anti-mergerites In Equity and Chorus. Portrait of a lady bitt to make every line a seeming gem of theatricalism. There’s also the reliable Barbara O’Neil to give dimension to the role of a feminine Machiavelli, Douglas Watson as a wan admirer, Halliwell Hobbes as a deathbed benefactor, Kathleen Comegys as an ill-defined protectress, and such competent players as Jan Farrand, Peter Pagan, Eric Fleming Marcia in lesser parts. Jose Quintero’s staging has an expressive “feel,” William and Jean Eckart have designed suit- ably atmospheric for the 1870 England and Florence locales, and Cecil Beaton has supplied a suc- cession of stunning period gowns. In fact, the whole show is as pretty as as an artificial flower — and as lifeless. Hobe. ( Closed last Saturday night 125) after four performances.) II ii 111 Draper and Paul Draper Charles Bowden A Richard Barr pro- duction of program of dramatic readings by Ruth Draper, and dances by Paul Draper, at Bijou Theatre, N.Y., Dec. 28, •54; $4.80 top. 2 Charles Bowden and Richard Barr are again sponsoring Ruth Draper in a limited Broadway engagement. This time, however, they’ve paired the actress with her dancer-nephew, Paul Draper. Last season, Miss Draper did a solo stint at the Vanderbilt Theatre under the Bowden-Barr banner, with a limited three-week run ex- tended to seven weeks. Present stand at the Bijou Theatre, begin- ning last Sunday (26), is also announced for three weeks. Teamup of Miss Draper and her nephew' is a pleasant blending of solo acting and terpifig. with both standout. Dancer’s interpretations ol classical compositions are the opener. - A polished performer. Draper’s agile footwork and graceful move- ment are ably demonstrated, both in the longhair segment and in the second act opener, grooved along more popular lines. His improvisa tion closer, based on audience re- quests, is a showmanly wrapup. .A musical offstage combo provides an okay assist. Miss Draper continues to dem- onstrate her artistry in creating believable characters and situa- tions via an imaginative perform- ance. Her first-act turn provides several yock moments as she portrays an elderly club-w'oman at a bazaar and then changes character for a looksee at an art exhibition in Boston. In the ensuing act, she switches to French for a takeoff on a Gallic actress and then for a more serious bit on France in 1940. Although the language barrier lessens their impact, the latter offerings create an effectively solemn mood. Program will be varied during the three weeks. Jess. I in the unprepossessing role of the hiedical assistant. The actress, who drew critical enthusiasm last sea- son in a failure called “Lullabj ” turns in* a small gem of a portrayal in “Susan,” and under the circum- stances something of a triumph. Anyway, it stamps this versatile young veteran as someone to watch — until Hollywood grabs her. Otherwise, there’s an acceptable performance by British ingenue Dana Wynter, as the purposeful young adultress. At any rate, she’s an attractive looker and somehow manages not to seem embarrassed by the slightly appalling things the playwright has given her to do and say. Everett Sloane, who’s survived innumerable other minor fiascos in the course of a busy, commendable career in legit, films, radio and tv, turns in a solid job in the rickety part of the doctor's accented doc- tor, and Charles Boaz wisely plays it straight as the parent who sus- pects the spuriousness of his pa- ternity. That leaves .Vincent Price, starred as the waggish, sex-con- scious doctor. It would be easier, of course, to do just that — leave him. But this being a resolutely dutiful publication, let it be noted that the role is unpalatable, if not actually unplayable, then add that Price’s solution of the problem con- sists in some sort of record for smirking, leering, flamboyant takes and elaborate mugging. Presumably Gregory Ratoff must have been around the premises somewhere during rehearsals, for his name is on the playbill as di- rector. Finally, a word for the toney modern doctor’s office set- ting and the appropriate, even goodlooking, costumes designed by William Molyneux. Hobc. ( Closed Saturday night (25) after four performances. ) Exotutivo Director of tbo Loaguo of N. Y. Thoatrot James F. Reilly baa his own views on why The IS. Y. Legit League Should Be a National Organization \ * * * a$ intarasHag editorial feature ia the upcoming 49th Anniversary Number of OIT NEXT W EEK Blaek-Kyed Suwan Gordon Pollock (in association with Hart 4c Goodman) production of farce In three acts (four scenes), by A. B. Shif- frin. Stars Vincent Price; features Kay Medford. Everett Sloane, Dana Wynter. Stages by Gregory Ratoff; scenery and costumes. William Molvneux. At Play- house, N.Y.. Dec. 23, *54; $5 73 $4.60 top ($6.90 opening). Dr. Nichows Marsh Vincent Price Dr. Zelda Barry Kay Medford Dr. Louis Beaumont Everett Sloane Susan Gillespie Dana Wynter Peter Gillespie Charles Boaz Of course it’s a lugubrious farce, with a spectacularly hammy per- formance by the star, but other- wise “Black-Eyed Su-san” isn’t so bad. As a matter of fact, it has a mildly gruesome interest. But even for nefarious Broadway, It’s an undeserved indignity. In the case of the practical joker’s perverse pre - Christmas present, the word “dirty” is prac- tically inevitable. This A.B. Shif- frin sex antic is about a lecherous doctor believed to be doomed by an incurable ailment, plus his amorous assistant who’s only too anxious to get him into the hay, and an intense young woman who insists he must father the child her husband is unable to give her. On that dreary premise the au- thor has contrived to festoon a rather imposing string of hack- neyed incidents and unsavory quips, a few of which could con- ceivable send a smutty-minded 12- year-old into the giggles. There were even a few guffaw's from out front opening night, perhaps over some private jokes between mem- bers of the trapped audience. Even in the most doleful pre- mieres, however, there is occasion- ally a gleam of light, and in the case of "Black-Eyed Susan” It Is in the skillful, spirited and even taste- ful performance of Kay Medford Off-B’way in a Rnt SSSaB Continued from paie 49 er,” which wraps up Jan. 10 at the Dow'ntown National Theatre, and “The Dybbuk,” which finishes Jan. 16 at the Fourth Street Theatre. Besides these shutterings, the de Lys already has had five produc- tions this season. All but one of the quintet were quick closers. Fast fades were “Homeward Look,” Salvation on a String,” “Pony Cart” and “High Named Today.” while “I Feel Wonderful” stayed on for several weeks. Other shows that opened and closed this season included “The Cretan Woman,” at the Province- town; “World of Scholom Alei- chem," for a limited rerun at the Barbizon-Plaza Theatre; “Sands of the Negev,” at the President; “In Splendid Error” at the Greenwich Mew's Playhouse (due to resume this month); “Dolls House,” at Finch College; “Slightly Delin- quent” at the Blackfriar’s Guild and “Sing Me No Lullaby,” which was followed by the current “Sand- hog” at the Phoenix. Still running is “Importance of Being Earnest,” which opened Nov. 9 at the Provincetow'n after pushing out “Clandestine.” Future openings include “The Trouble- makers,” tomorrow (Thurs.) at the President; “Passion of Gross,” Jan. 9 at the deLys; “Doctor’s Dilem- ma,” Jan. 11 at the Phoenix; “Thieves Carnival,” Feb. 1 at the Cherry Lane, and “Three Sisters,” Feb. 10 at the Fourth Street. Scheduled N.Y. Openings ( Theatre indicated if set) BROADWAY Anastasia, Lyceum (12-29). House of Flowers, Alvin, ( 12-30'). Time of Life, City Center (1-5). Festival, Longacre (1-12). Sailor’s Delight, Imperial (1-13). Put All Together (wk 1-17'. Fourposter, City Center (1-19). Plain & Fancy, Hellinger (1-20). Painted Days (wk. 1-24). Grand Prise, Lyceum (1-25). Tonight in Samarkand (wk. 1-3P. Wisteria Trees, City Center (2-2'. Silk Stockings, Imperial (2-3 >. Dark Is Light Enough, ANTA (2-9). Desperate Hours, Barrymore ( 2 - 10 ). Three for Tonight, Plymouth (wk. 3-20). OFF-B’WAY Troublemakers, President (12-30 . Passion of Gross, de Lys (1-9*. Dr.’s Dilemma, Phoenix (1-1 1'- Thieves’ Carnival, Cherry Lane (2-1). Three Sisters, 4th St. (2-10). ?u,wad av, Poccrober 29, 1954 LEGITIMATE 51 * i philly Sags; ‘Rowers’ $11,000 in 7, ‘Stockings’ $37,800, ‘Anastasia’ 13G Philadelphia, Dec. 28. ♦ Pre-Christmas exacted the cus- tomary toll last week but the town K , unusual situation of four . 0 J ’ view during which is S Tmallv a layoff period. Two Thus left town Saturday evening fi? 5, Anastasia” and ‘‘House of Flowers” moving on to Broadway. H Arrival !«* night Won.) was •Grand Prize”, at the Locust for a tryout. A non-legit tourer, Blackstone. the Magician, also opened at the Erlanger. Future bookings include Jan. 3, • Tea and Sympathy”, Forrest sub- scription, three weeks, and Plain and Fancy”, Shubert. tryout, two tucks Jan. 10. “Southwest Cor- nt .r” Walnut, tryout, two weeks; Jan 12, “Desperate Hours , Lo- cust trvout, two weeks; Jan. 31, •Bus Stop,” Locust, tryout, two \\ ccks. Estimates for Last Week House of Flowers, Erlanger (M) (5th wki <$5.40; 1,800)*. Variety of factors, including Miss Bailey’s ill- ness combined to hurt this one, brutal at under $11,000 in seven performances for the windup of the tryout stand. South Pacific, Forrest . King and I, Shubert '5th wk' ($5; 2,100) (Yul Brynner, Patricia Mbri- son). Almost $43,000 (previous week, $47,500). Oh Men, Oh Women, Harris (3d wk) ($5; 1,000) (Ralph Bellamy). Nearlv $14,200 (previous week), $18,100). Pajama Tops, Blackstone (4th wki ($4.40; 1,385) (Diana Barry- more). Almost $0,700 (previous week, $12,100). SCHIDULID OPENINGS Glass Clack, Aldwych (1-3-55). B way Not So Merry; Hayes $31,500, ‘Witness’ $22,600, ‘Lunatics’ - ‘Charles’ $10,300; ‘Lady,’ ‘Susan’ Flop Current Road Shows (Dec. 27 -Jan. 8) Caine Mutiny Court Martial — Playhouse. Wilmington (27-29); Lyric, Balto (30-1); Muny Aud., Ft. Lauderdale (3); Dade County Aud., Miami (4-5); Muny Aud, Lakeland, rla. (7); Muny Aud., Orlando, Fla. (8). Dark Is Light Enough (tryout) — Taft, Cincy (27-1), Memorial Aud., Louisville (3-5). Desperate Hours (tryout) — Shu- bert, New Haven (6-8). Festival (tryout) — Colonial, Bos- ton (27-8). Fifth Season — Erlanger, Chi (27-8). Getting Gertie’s Garter — Shu- bert, Detroit (3-JB). Glad Tidings — Shubert, Wash. (27-8). Grand Prize (tryout) — Locust, Philly (27-8) King and I— Shubert, Chi (27-8). Models in Season — Majestic, Boston (27-8). Moon Is Blue — Orpheum, K.C. (27-1); Convention Hall, Tulsa (3-4); Municipal .Aud., Oklahoma City (5-6); Arcadia, Wichita (7-8). Oh Men, Oh Women — Harris, Chi (27-8). Oklahoma — Central H.S., Kala- mazoo (27-29); Murat, Indianapolis (30-1). Pajama Tops — Blackstone, Chi. (27-8). Plain and Fancy (tryout) — Shu- bert, Boston (27-1); Shubert, Philly (3-8). Put Them All Ttogether — Shu- bert, New Haven (29-1); Plymouth, Boston (3-8). Sailor’s Delight (tryout) — Ly- ceum, Minneapolis (27-1); Pabst, Milwaukee (3-8). Seven Year Itch — Nixon, Pitt. (27-8). Silk Stockings (tryout) — Shubert, Philly * (27-1); Shubert, Boston (3-8). South Pacific — Forrest, Philly (27-1); Ford’s, Balto (3-8). Southwest Corner (tryout) — Wil- bur, Boston (27-8). Tea and Sympathy (Deborah Kerr) — Forrest, Philly (3-8). Teahouse of the August Moon — American, St. L. (27-1); Playhouse, K.C. (3-8). Three For Tonight (tryout) — State Fair Aud., Dallas (27-31); Municipal Aud., Oklahoma City (1); Convention Hall, Tulsa (2); Okla. U. Field House, Norman (4); Aud., Sioux City (6); KRNT Thea- tre, Des Moines (7). Time Out for Ginger — Curran, S.F. (27-8). Tonight In Samarkand (tryout) — McCarter, Princeton (6-8). Wonderful Town — National, Wash (27-1); Hanna, Cleve. (3-8). Broadway continued to hit bottom last week. The pre-Christmas slide ended Thursday <23) and Friday (24) for some shows, while biz at others remained sluggish through- out the week. Receipts for most shows, except the smashes, were down from the previous semester. Upbeat is expected this frame. There were three openings last week, two being fast folds, “Por- trait of a Lady,” which preemed Tuesday <21 ) and “Black-Eyed Susan,” which debuted Thursday <23) shuttered Saturday <25). Other entry was “What Every Woman Knows,” the inaugural two-week bill of the eight-week City Center drama season. Four new shows open this week. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedy Drama ) , R (Revue), MC (Musical-Comedy ) , MD (Musi- cal-Drama), O (Opera), OP (Op- eretta). Other parenthetic designations refer, respectively, to weeks played, number of performances through last Saturday. 0 top prices, number of seats, capacity gross and stars. Price includes 10% Federal and 5% City tax, but grosses arc net: i.e., exclusive of tax. Anniversary Waltz, Booth (C) (38th wk; 299; $4.60; 766; $20,000) (Macdonald Carey, Kitty Carlisle). Almost $13,800 (previous week, $12,700). Bad Seed. 46th St. (D) (3d wk; 21; $5.75-$4.60; 1,319; $37,000) (Nancy Kelly). Over $28,100 (pre- vious week, $28,500). Black-Eyed Susan, Playhouse (C) (1st wk; 4; $5.75-$4.60; 990; $23,500) (Vincent Price). Opened last Thursday (23) to unanimous pans; grossed nearly $5,200 for first four performances; closed last Saturday (25) at a loss of approxi- mately its total $60,000 investment. Boy Friend, Royale (MC) (13th wk; 100; $6.90; 1,172; $38,200). Had a clean statement at $38,200 (previ- ous week, $38,400). Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Plymouth (D) (49th wk; 388; $5.75- $4.60; $33,331) (Lloyd Nolan, John Hodiak, Barry Sullivan). Almost $17,500 (previous week, $18,200); closing Jan. 15, to tour. Can-Can, Shubert (MC) (86th wk; 684; $6.90; 1.361; $507160). Almost $36,300 (previous week, $36,100). Dear Charles, Morosco to decide their organization’s future. After extended deliberation, those pres- ent, plus five proxy votes, chose to change their name to the Interna- tional Concert Assn. Their vote, in effect, meant w with- drawal from the longer-established Community Concerts group in order to join International. Inter- national’s chiefs. Ward French and Bob Ferguson, recently left Com- munity Concerts to form their own group. Action of the El Pasoans brought a prompt reply from Community Conceits, printed in the El Paso Times. Among other things the letter stated bluntly: “We don’t plan to lose Community Concerts in El Paso.” The letter referred to an agreement between the local and national orgs giving the latter the power to “reorganize on the resignation of one or all officers.” Such action, Community informed the El Pasoans, “is exactly what we will do.” on Broadway in Gian-Carlo Menot- ti’s opera. “The Consul,” and Ger- trude Ribla, ex-Me't Opera soprano, will have the leads in “Lord Byron’s Love Letters,” short opera w'hich is to be double-billed with Tennessee Wililams’ play, “27 Wagons Full of Cotton,” here next month. Opera, with a Williams libretto, has music by Raffaello de Banfield, who has done some ballet scores. Classical Disk Reviews Philippe Entremont, 20-ycar-old French pianist, arrived in New York from Montreal Sunday (26* to begin a tour of 45 concerts in this country. He’s exchange artist in the program sponsored by the National Music League and the Jeunesses Musicales abroad, now in its fourth season. Kipnis As Boris (Bluebird). Reissue of six scenes from the Moussorgsky opera, with the one- time Met basso Alexander Kipnis revealing his sonorous tone, digni- fied bearing and impressive artistry plus Nicolai Berezowsky leading the RCA Victor symph and chorus in solid support. A welcome re- vival. Menotti: Amelia al Ballo (Angel). Menotti’s short opera buffa holds up very well — tart, spicy, melodi- ous and quick — in this superior La Scala version under Nino San- zogno. Margherita Carosio is a skilled, fetching soprano. Bruckner: Symphony No. 3 (London). The so-called “Wagner” symphony, in D Minor, is massive, sprawling and diffuse, but meaty and interesting. Its Wagnerian effects and motifs, its musical quotes from Wagner, add to the appeal. Vienna Philharmonic under Hans Knappertsbusch gives it a hearty, solid reading. Schumann: Quartet & Quintet, in E Flat (Vox). Two charming works, the gentler mood of the quartet balanced against the vigor of the more romantic quintet. Skilled performances by the Bar- chet Quartet and pianist Walter Bohle. for an attractive coupling. Bloch: Sonata: Handel: Sonata; Schubert: Sonatina (RCA Victor). 1 Jascha Heifetz in some felicitous readings. The Bloch is stern, 1 rugged, mystical music, of high Alexandra Danilova Co., renewed by Sol Hurok. Both troupes, inci- dentally, are under personal man- agement of Alfred Katz, who got up the packages. Small terp teams havo been steadily increasing, in the wake of the growth in ballet’s popularity generally. Interest in such dance groups by the smaller towrns that can’t get the largescale troupes hai been on the upbept. In addi- tion to Boris-Hobi and Danilova, the circuit is now getting Marina Svetlova & Co. (a group of three dancers and a pianist); Inesita Co. (of five); and in a lighter vein, though in the longhair sphere, the groups of Mata & Hari and Iva Kitchell. Also last w r eek, Co- lvric quality too. The Handel is lumbia signed Lola Montes and in classic Italianate style and the her troupe of four dancers and two Schubert is a lovely, tuneful instrumentalists for a tour starting miniature. Choice disk. in January. Walton: Viola Concerto & Hin- The Boris-Hobi troupe, compris demith: Schwanendrcher (Colum- ing three dancers (third being bia). Strong, rhythmic and lyric Stanley Zampakos) and a pianist, Walton and the light, melodic but is inked for a solid 17 weeks this less appealing Hindemith in sturdy season. The Danilova company, performances by William Primrose wit h four dancers and two pianos with the Columbia Chamber Orch — dancers comprising Mme. Dani- The Berlin Philharmonic’s first U.S. tour, set for this winter, which seemed in danger of col- lapse with the death of Wilhelm Furtwangler in November, has now been assured. Herbert von Karajan, head of the Philharmon- ia Orchestra of London and one of Europe’s top maestros, will lead the 106-man orch for all of its 26 dates from the Feb. 27, ’55 opener in Washington to the final April 1 concert in N.Y. And the $50,000- $60,000 transatlantic passage money for the orch which Henry R. Reichhold, Detroit industrialist, had originally promised for the Furtwangler deal, and subsequent- ly withdrew, has now been assured by vote of the Berlin Senate, which will subsidize the fares. Tour consummation, according to the trade, is chiefly due to the tenacity of Andre Mertens, veepee of Columbia Artists Mgt., which is booking the trip. He kept working on the deal after the various sup- ports fell away. Some local man- agers wanted to cancel out, feeling they couldn’t hold the dates open due to the uncertainty of the orch’s coming. But Mertens held them in line. No manager of an important town pulled out, although « couple of small spots did. Three dates are being given in N.Y.’i Carnegie Hall; two-thirds of these are sold out already, and there have been few cancellations. Mer- tens had to line up tho substitute maestro, and work Dr. G. von Westermam, Berlin symph man- ager. into getting the city of Ber- lin to foot 'the overseas passages. Orch is being sold here at $6,000 a date. Karajan had to adjust a full winter’s sked (he’s currently con- ducting at La Scala) to take on the tour stint. After Furtwangler’* death, while Mertens w'as still scurrying around for a sub, Bruno Walter agreed to conduct the first concert in Washington, in tribute to Furtwangler. The 'Berlin symph is Walter’s old orch, and the 78- year-old maestro was willing to make a special flight from Cali- fornia to D.C. for the one-shot. under John Pritchard backing him in the latter. Vaughan Williams: Fantasie on Theme by Tallis & Britten: Varia- tions on Theme by Bridge (Angel) The Britten is a charming, lyrical suite with some very expressive writing. The Vaughan Williams, a beautiful fantasia, is by now a mod- ern classic, even though the per- formance here is, though brilliant, somewhat driving. Herbert von Karajan leads the Philharmonia. Haydn: Symphonies No. 100 in G Sc 102 In B Flat (London). Two fine examples of the late work of Haydn. The snappy, rhythmic G Major and the more sonorous, domantic B Flat get breezy read- ings from the London Philhar- monic under Georg Solti. Bartok: For Children & Sonatina (Angel). The children’s suite con tains lovely, melodic pieces of wide variety, with simple but unconven- lova, Roman Jasinsky, Moscelyn Larkin and Michael Maulc — is booked for 16 weeks. Both debut tours hava been highly successful thus far. 50 OPERATIC YEARS AS NEW RCA DELUXE ALBUM RCA Victor is readying a deluxe album for next spring, which may prove one of the highlights of the season. Titled “50 Years of Great Operatic Singing,” album of five disks (10 sides) will comprise selec- tions from great Metropolitan Opera operas and arias of the past five decades, from Marcella Sem- brich to Rise Stevens and from Francesco Tamagno to Jan Peerce. Material was selected by Irving tional harmonies, all very appeal- Ko|°ciin, music editor of the Sat- ing. They’re played here by pianist urda y Review, who has written a Geza Anda with delicacy or force, couple of histories of the Met. and as required, as well as with feeling, who also has written the text for musicianship and skill. Broil. the album. Philharmonia Due in U.S.; Karajan Double-Header Herbert von Karajan, top Euro- pean conductor, will make a unique double-header bow to U. S. audi- ences, guest-conducting with the Berlin Philharmonic here this sea- son, and reappearing again with his own orchestra, the Philhar- monia of London, next season. Lat- ter orch has just been set for iti first U. B. tour, comprising 30 dates over a five-week period in the fall of 1955. Tour will cover a triangle bounded by Chicago, Bos- ton and Atlanta. The Judson, O’Neill & Judd division of Colum- bia Artists Mgt. is handling the tour, hoping to sell the orch at $6,000 a date. The Philharmonia, a new or- chestra, was put together about five years ago mainly for record- ings (under the E.M.I. label). It became quickly established as a major orch, gave concerts in Eng- land and on the Continent, and now is stepping out internationally. The U. S. tour is also likely to hypo sales of the orch’s disks, under the Angel label here. (E.M.I. is be* lieved financing the overseas pass- age money.) Wedne*d*y, December 29 , 1954 LITERATI 53 Literati First Int i Pres* Ball The proximity 1 to Xmas militated against the first international Press Ball, under the auspices of the Foreign Press Assn., which un- dSubfedly was a sellout but <1) saw many voids at certain tables, indicating seat sales but not oc- cupied due no doubt (2) to the oc- cupational pressure and general letdown that comes with the Christ- mas week's final lap. Victor Borge headed a slick show; the Waldorf’s Claude C. Philippe did a tophole job with an international culinary roundup for the Press Ball; and the four-way charity auspices undoubtedly bene- fited beaucoup as result. They were the Free Milk Fund For Babies (Mrs. William Randolph Hearst’s longtime pet charity), the United Nations’ Children’s Fund, the N.Y. Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fund, and the N.Y. Joumal-Amer- ican Christmas Veteran Fund. N. Y. Newsmen Off Base Two New York newsmen, roam- ing off their metropolitan area beat, have come up with a hit tome dealing with the old west. Co-au- thored by Paul Sann, executive editor of the N. Y. Post, and James Horan, assistant city editor of the N. Y. Journal-American, “Pictorial History of the Wild West” (Crown) is set for a second printing after the first order of 20.000 sold out over the Christmas holiday. Cary Cooper, an old hand in de- picting western characters, is lend- ing his support for the i)Ook via endorsements, an unusual activity for Cooper. Crown and United Artists received the okay from Cooper's lawyer, I. H. Prinzmetal, to use Cooper’s picture in cooper- ative advertising plugging the book and "Vera Cruz.” the Hecht-Lan- caster production being released by UA. Steve Allen’s Book Steve Allen, quondam disk jock- ey, panelist, midnight conferencier, radio-tv humorist, songwriter and et ceteras, joins the show biz book parade. He’s whipped up a flock of short stories which Henry Holt & Co. will publish. Carlton Cole, who agented the Hy Gardner’s “Cham- pagne Before Breakfast,” also a Holt publication, handled this deal. Aldrich’s 'Mn. A* There can never be too much authoritative material in print ancut a great star. Richard Aid- rich has added to stage lore with his new book, “Gertrude Lawrence as Mrs. A” (Greystone; $4.95). Un- derstandably, Aldrich . has created an idyll. When a partner in a mar- riage dissolved by untimely death writes his memoirs, few could or would deny his point of view. As Aldrich points out. Miss Law- rence was one of life’s “givers.” She touched many lives; but often her relationships with people who felt very close to her were, her husband believes, extensions of her stage self rather than manifes- tations of the lady's inner heart. Consequently, some may not find the Gertrude Lawrence they knew, and perhaps loved, in these pages. Most readers, however, will be held by Aldrich’s fine, flowing style, and by his captivating report on his mother, who was slow to appreciate her famous daughter- in-law, but who finally became a devoted Lawrence fan. Aldrich’s account of New England matriarch learning V ARiETY-ese provides an hdarious passage in his book. I his volume is a worthy suc- cessor to Miss Lawrence’s autobi- ography “A Star Danced.” It is beautifully produced and hand- somely illustrated. Virtually all proper names are correctly en- tered save that of Robert Flemyng, it r * ls consistently misspelled. Unfortunately, there is no index. Down. Soots’ Canada Issue the. Weekly Scotsman, E< nrgh will shortly be flown aci tne Atlantic, reprinted in Toroi and distributed throughout Can f n n< * the ,U. S. It will be on i » o?, da same da y that it’s s in Scotland. Journal is now owned by ] inomson, managing director Scotsman Publications, Edinbui A 10 controls Canadian newspaf in Vancouver, Toronto, etc. p ml t * ls aimed at the exiled Sc arket, a vast one in Canada. Ackland’s Frustration Rodney Ackland has had tl professionally produ * h ' le in his teens but he one overpowering passion in ] anfnK-° me a film director. In ioinHv 08 ’ ‘‘ Ce Holoid Mistre Jointly authored with film ci Elspeth Grant, (Allan Wingate, London; $2.30), Ackland describes with commendable frankness how he never quite achieved his goal. But he’s apparently never lost his enthusiasm for discussing The Art of the Cinema (always in caps), which is a recurrent theme throughout the 250-odd pages of the book. This can be more than irritating, although the lively style of the two writers, plus a full measure of in- teresting incidents, offers some compensation. As a story of a man who wasn’t quite satisfied with the success he had attained in one field of show business, the book is a stimulating example. Myro. Largest Browsery Kroch’s & Brentano’s new Chi- cago bookstore is the largest browsery in the world <45,000 square feet). Store’s got every- thing from a rare book department to a paper book division. Paper- backs are located in the “super- market section” — with shopping wagons thrown in. Setup represents $500,000 out- lay. While the official launching takes place on Jan. 22, the picka- bookery is in operation now. Jules Archer’s Redbook MCA’s Revue Productions bought the tv rights to Jules Arch- er’s short story, “Magic Fella Skin,” as part of the vidfilm series, “Soldiers of Fortune.” and Archer that same day sold Redbook a story, “Ladies Man”; both deals via the Lenniger agency. Satevepost ‘Treasury’ “The Saturday Evening Post Treasury” (Simon & Schuster; $7.50) is an impressive 550-page tome, a selection of outstanding stories, articles and pix in the mag- azine since way back in 1728. Selected from the complete files by Ro a r Butterfield and the Sat- evepoi editors, the book contains a wealth of reading matter from Ben i ranklin’s humor to William Faulkner’s gloom, with an amazing lineup of writers — Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, F. Scott Fitz- gerald, Joseph Hergesheimer, Irvin S. Cobb, down to Clarence Buding- ton Kelland ant} Mary Roberts Rinehart, to mention just a few. It’s an astonishing two-century panorama of American life and literary taste. Bron. Paris Publishing Statistics The Syndicat of French Editors has released a study on publishing conditions, and general consensus has it that on both levels, interior and international, France has forged ahead this past year. About 600 editors published 130,000,000 copies of 10,017 books, and the gross sales came to 28.000,000 francs ($84,000,000). Of this sum, $18,000,000 came from literary ex- ports, and 35,000 tons of paper were utilized in all. About 214 new pub houses opened during the year, and there were 30 bankruptcies and five liquidations. France is fourth in publishing, following England, West Germany and the U. S. with 18,257; 13.913 and 12.050, respec- tively. Biggest importers of Gallic books are Belgium and Luxem- bourg, followed by Canada, Switz- erland, South America and Israel. Translations into foreign lingos have risen this year, with over 2,000 works put into various tongues. Obverse is true of foreign works being imported, which have fallen off somewhat the last few years. Report concludes that publish- ing is in stable form in France, with a slight fall in fiction com- pensated for by a rise in special classical and technical editions. Chas. Dickens Collection A collection of 324 letters writ- ten by Charles Dickens, many of which reveal the author’s lifelong interest in the theatre, has been turned over to the Free Library of Philadelphia by Mrs. Katharine K. ; Benoliel. as a memorial to her hus-' band, chemical corporation head , D. Jacques Benoliel, killed in plane crash Aug. 30. Included are 85 letters to Mark Lemon, one of the founders and an editor of Punch. The Benoliel items added to three other collec- I tions already in the Free Library . will give it one of the most exten- j sive collections of Dickensiana in the U. Career of Texas Jack “Buckskin and Satin” by Her- schel C. Logan (Stackpole; $3.95)), ! is billed as "the true drama of Texas Jack Omohundro of the Old ; West, and his celebrated wife, ; Mile. Morlacchi, the Toast of the i East, premiere danseuse, origina- tor of the cancan in America.” In most respects, Logan’s book lives up to this extravagant prom- ise. The career of Texas Jack, Confederate scout, partner of Buf- falo Bill, quondam actor, and hero of dime novels, is fully traced; and his hitherto somewhat slighted ro- mance with Josephine Morlacchi. Italian dancer who acted with Jack and Buffalo Bill, is properly re- corded. Logan’s style makes for difficult reading, but his lack of literary facility is more than balanced by his enthusiasm for his subjects. The book fills a niche in lore of the frontier stage. It is well put together, with many illustrations and a useful index and chronology. Down. CHATTER Bill Early is the new Coast edi- tor of Picturescripts. Neville Brand is writing an au- tobiographical novel. Mildred and Gordon sold serial rights for thein novel, “The Talk- ing Bug,” to American magazine. George W. Joel, head of Dial Press, denies that h^’s bringing out a book by Pinky Lee titled, “Otto, the Bashful Pup.” Andre Fontaine in Hollywood, to look over the film situation for La Monde, Paris daily, df which he is foreign editor. Johnny Weissmuller is writing “Let’s Start From Scratch,” the story of his experiences with film chimps, for a national magazine. The Buteman, weekly journal published at Rothesay, Scotland, celebrating 100th anni under femme editor Mrs. J. M. Steven- son. Pressagent Gunther Law’rence begins a weekly music column, tagged “Musical Discords,” for the Brooklyn Daily, Coney Island, N.Y., area publication, next week. Virginia Bird’s article on Rose- mary Clooney, titled. "Hollywood’s Favorite Songbird,” appears in the Jan. 1 issue of the Saturday Eve- ning Post. Miss Bird is wife of Pete Martin, Post’s chief Holly- wood feature writer. James Hilton, who died Dec. 20 in Beverly Hills of cancer, willed $25,000 to Adele Barricklow, his longtime secretary, and left $500 a month to his first wife and to his father, but did not mention his second wife who divorced him in 1945. World Publishing will bring out Clifton Fadiman’s “Party of One.” an anthology of his writings in Holiday, in April. Same firm will publish the N. Y. Times’ education editor Benjamin Fine’s firsthand report on juvenile delinquency, “1,000,000 Delinquents.” The N. Y. Publicists Guild is holding an open meeting at the Hotel Warwick, N. Y., Jan. 6, with magazine editors as guesters. Speakers will include William Ar- thur, managing editor of Look; Charles Rice, associate ed, This Week, and Thomas Prideau, asso- ciate ed, Life mag. Max Ehrlich’s new novel, “First Train To Babylon,” will be pub- lished in the fall by Harper & Bros. Originally scheduled for Harper’s spring list, the novel, a suspense and love story, was held over when it was also bought by Ladies Home Journal. Journal will publish it earlier, in condensed version. The Bristol (N. H.) Enterprise, a weekly, has been sold by Bow- doin Plumer to Mr. and Mrs. Ed- ward J. Bennett of Canaan N.H., former co-editors and publishers of the Canaan Reporter and Enfield Advocate. Bennett was formerly with Newsweek, while before her marriage Mrs. Bennett w’as on For- tune’s staff. Harry J. O’Donnell, executive as- sistant and press secretary to Gov. Thomas E. Dewey, will handle up- state public relations for the N. Y. Republican State Committee after Jan. 1. He will serve as the com- mittee’s press representative dur- ing the forthcoming session of the Legislature. Herb Hartig hat written a humorous piece on What Every Writer Should Know * * * one of the many byline pieces in the 49 th Anniversary IS umber of t^K-RlETY OVT NEXT W EEK | SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK j + ♦+♦♦0*0*4 ****** By Frank Scully »♦♦♦**♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦$ Hollywood. It turns out that Thomas Costain’s version of “The Silver Chalice” is not a search, not La Quete du Saint Graal, but the story of the hiding of it by those who rightfully have it and treasure it above life itself. To Hollywood this is a much more dramatic twist. In the vulgate it is known as the “wienie,” a word St. Jerome, who translated the Bible from the original tongues into the people’s Latin, would have loved. It is the chase which keeps a picture moving. Some persons have the object. Others want it In the Warner presentation of Victor Saville’s production, as in 20th’s version of “The Robe,” the chase follows formula, except that in both instances good people have the wienie and Roman heavies are on the hunt for it, either to destroy it or somehow neutralize its mystical repercussions. Produced in Cinemascope and Wamercolor and starring Virginia Mayo, Pier Angeli and Jack Palance and introducing Paul Newman, Saville’s production and direction of “The Silver Chalipe” rides the crest of a renaissance in religion and ancient history. Though looking like gold when seen on altars, all chalices actually are silver. The gold is only a plating because tradition and canon law require that the chalice itself be of silver in conformance with the cup used at the Last Supper. Frazer, Martin, Rhys, Mannhardt and other researchers in folklore have sought to show parallels between the Holy Grail and the Adonis legend, the Tammuz legend, and indeed of similar legends all over the world. They have attempted to show that a food-providing self- acting talisman is not exclusively a Christian belief. This does not, contrary to their possible intentions, make the silver chalice a myth anymore than the presence of uranium in Africa, the Carpathians and Brazil makes uranium in Utah a myth. The distinction between the silver chalice and others is that Chris- tianity believes the chalice contains food for the soul, not the body, and is not a self-acting talisman but the result of a miracle of the Mass which alters bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ in conformance with His statement at the Last Supper. That the chalice was lost and was sought for centuries has been the source of p library of literature in the last 1000 years. Costain added nothing but a fictional version of its origin and the hunt of pagans to destroy it. Tom Costain himself is a bit of a miracle. It is part of contemporary folklore, not found in Sumner’s “Folkways” or Frazer’s “The Golden Bough,” that editors are editors because they can’t write. So they become parasites on other people’s bad grammar. Costain was an old Saturday Evening Post editor. By breaking away from copyreading to writing and turning out one bestseller after another, he has chipped huge chunks off that myth. In this he followed Francis Perry Elliott, who was one of Harper’s editors and whose job it was to keep Mark Twain’s English within bounds. Elliott too believed editors were editors because they couldn’t write. But his wife became desperately ill and he had to quit his desk and take her from New York tp Denver in the hope of saving her lifje. After she died he found in her trunk packets of papers neatly tied with red ribbon and labeled “Frank’s Plots.” Bitter with grief, he turned to writing as a sublimation. The first plot developed into “The Haunted Pajamas,” one of the most hilarious comedies of 50 years ago. After that he vfrote “Lend Me Your Name,” “Pals First” and other hits. This opened the way for the Costains of our era. Costaln’s Contribution “The Silver Chalice,” though highest praised of all Costain’s novels, and in the picture version likely to be one of Warner’s top grossers, is in no sense an original story. Stories dealing with this subject flow mainly down one of two streams. They either deal with the subject as (1) romance or (2) history. Costain has tried to merge these two and that’s what makes it an interesting picture. The romance stream has its source of course in Malory’s Arthurian tales of the Knights of the Round Table. In the search for the Holy Grail, Malory established the grail as the chalice or cup used by the Saviour at the Last Supper and subsequently believed to have caught the blood which flowed from Christ’s wounds as He was crucified. It thus became the original relic of the Christian religion and its value was literally priceless. That the Romans wanted to find it and destroy it could easily be understbod. In the end it turned out that an empire stood or fell around this relic. Other legends revolve around Gawain and Galahad, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.' Perceval wrote a story called “Didot,” consid- ered by many to be the most logical history of the relic. According to Perceval, Christ when imprisoned gave the chalice to Joseph, and the chase was on. In Perceval, whose source was probably Fecamp or Lucca (or both), the grail was of gold and set with precious stones. It reflected a light so bright it extinguished candles. / Another version was that it was not a cup but a precious stone brought to earth by angels and guarded by the Grail King and his tem- plars, or knights. No man supposedly would die within eight days of seeing it, which certainly fortified the king's knights in battles lasting less than a week. It’s tie-in with Christianity was that its life was re- newed every Good Friday by a dove from heaven. In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Ghost. Chalice of Antioch Now In N. Y. Prof. -Eisen, former curator of the California Academy of Science, is credited with having found the Chalice of Antioch, which is now at the Cloisters in New York. But of course this, though a rare and prized objet d’art, is not the original silver chalice as used at the Last Supper and around which Costain’s story evolves. That the search for chalices and the belief that they were made of solid gold did not end with the Middle Ages, came to me only last summer. On our ranch at Desert Springs we have a little chapel. One Sunday the padre told us that in 1928 he was preaching in Dusseldorf, Germany, and after Mass a man came to see him to present to him a battered old chalice a friend had given to him. This friend, back in 1916, then in the Prussian army, pillaged a French church, and as his part in the loot got the chalice. He assumed it was solid gold and went through hell trying to keep it hidden from his superior officers j till the war was over. He dreamt of all the uses he could make of that gold. When, however, the was over, he tried to melt it down and found that it was only gold-plated over a hard silver alloy. So he tossed it aside as a war souvenir that had not paid off any more than the war itself had. , In time his conscience began to bother him and in order to get rid of the accusing finer he gave the banged-up old chalice to a friend, who gave it to our padre, Father Patrick Henry Linneman. Father Linne- ^ man took it to a Dusseldorf goldsmith and asked if it could be restored. It was of the Empire period. The jeweler said it would take so much work to restore its beautifully simple design that he could make two copies cheaper. But the padre said he’d rather have the original re- stored. It took months but when completed no expert could detect the | reparations. Such restaurations tnust be pretty discouraging to the forces of evil. These forces have to perpetually face the fact that for all the chalicbs the smash or steal they haven’t a chance of destroying the ■ spiritual force behind these vessels. | It’s a nice thought for Christmas to go with a nice Christmas picture. 54 CHATTER Wednesday, December 29, 1954 Broadway Late sqngsmith Irving Kahal’s daughter, Ethel Lenore Kahal, en- gaged to Julius Grossman Staff. The Richard Mealands and con- cert singer Muriel St. Clair in from Europe last week on the Maure- tania. William Saroyan in town attend- ant to the revival of his play, “The Time of Your Life,” at the N. Y. City Center. The Sol Huroks sailed last Thursday (23) on the lie de France lor a 12-day Caribbean and South American cruise. Bill Halligan coming in from the Coast to attend the Friars’ shindig for Martin & Lewis March 11 at the Waldorf - Astoria. David Merrick, co-producer of “Fanny,” is vacationing in Havana this week. He will return after the New Year holidays. Andre Mertens, veepee of Co- lumbia Artists Mgt., bedded this week at his Westport, Conn., home with a virus. Harry Brandt, N.Y. circuit owner, off to the Coast yesterday (Tues.) for three weeks of com- bined business and vacation. Actor Sidney Blackmer in seri- ous condition at the Rowan Me- morial Hospital, Salisbury, N. C., after undergoing a major abdomi- nal operation there last Friday (24). Dick Lederer, ad copy writer at WB homeoffice, promoted to copy chief of the ad dept, under Gil Golden, ad manager. Before join- ing Warners in 1950, Lederer was a member of Columbia’s advertis- ing staff. Elliott Nugent was struck by an auto while crossing First Ave. at 57th St. on Christmas eve but after receiving ambulance treatment on the scene for facial and heSd cuts and bruises he decided he did not require hospitalization. Moon Carroll, ex-actress, who appeared on Broadway in “And So to Bed” (1927) and “Cradle Snatchers” (1925), shares in the estate of Arthur Garfield Hays, lawyer, who died Dec. 14, with a bequeathipent of $15,000 and the income from one-third of his re- siduary estate until she marries' or dies. Chicago Pressagent Max Cooper and wife off to Puerto Rico on vacation. Gene Autry here last week for pre-holiday visit with Chi friends. Jimmy Konos orch at Randolph Rendezvous on Mondays and Tues- days. Film attorney Seymour Simon running for 40th Ward Alderman on Democratic ticket. Sam Honigberg, flack for George Gobel, in from Coast to spend holidays with his family. Abe Turchin. manager of Woody Herman, in town during band’s two-weeker at the Blue Note. Ralaban & Katz declared year- end dividend of $1.25 on common stock, making total of $4 50 paid for the year. Lesa Davis. Finis Henderson, Parrish and Bob Hahn comprising first musical revue in Gaslight Club’s new Back Porch room. Per custom, ABC-TV veep John Mitchell and wife in from New York to share Xmas with the Dave (Balahan & Katz) Wallersteins. Reegie Dombeck retained by Chi Universal office to do special promotional work in department itoyes and on tv for “So This Is Paris.” Pittsburgh By Hal V. Cohen Blackstone magico show booked back into Nixon for week of Feb. 7. Local singer Barry Parks is the new house vocalist at Casino bur- ley theatre. Nat Nazarro and his wife, Marge Ne'son, gave up the chinchilla- raising business. Major Harold Broudy, son of the late maestro. Dave Broudy, now stationed in Siam. Joe Hillers went up to Detroit over Christmas weekend for mar- riage of his niece. Leo Strini. musical director for “Ice Cycles.” rejoined show in Spokane, W’ash., after holidaying with his family here. Former Sun-Tele drama critic Geort* Seibel, age 82, resigned as director of Carnegie Library on Northside after 15 years. Minneapolis Alex Kallao, blind Detroit pi- anist, at Augie’s theatre lounge to accompaniment of liberal news- paper plugs. Oskar Nordh, Swedish modern pianist, reported heavy draw at White House, where he splits pi- anistic chores with Jerry Mayeron. Adair Dance Studio harked back to 25-year-ago heyday of kiddie re- vues with juvenile show presented with success at the State this week. Show was in for matinees only. “Nothing But The Truth,” initial 1955 play at Edyth Bush Little theatre, St. Paul, opening Jan. 6 for run of three Thursday-through- Sunday weekends. Split run pol- icy proved a marked success at the house last year. “Sailor’s Delight” underwent weekend rehearsals before installa- tion of new second act for week’s date on Lyceum theatre stage, play, which is N.Y.-bound, stars Eva Gabor, who was hostess at press luncheon Monday (27). Schiek’s Cafe marks fifth anni of nightly shows by singing sextet Dec. 29. Fashioned by Glyde Sny- der, the show series have been a local phenom, occasioning holdouts nightly. In five years, show has used some 75 singers. Paris * By Gene Moskowits (28 Rue Huchette-Odeon 49-44) Jacques Berline upped to head of sales in the French Columbia Films setup. Lionel Hampton orch broke all records during its stint at the Olympia Musichall. For the U.S. pic, “Fireman Save My Child” (U), Romeo Carles has created subtitles that do not trans- late any of the film’s actual dialog. Jesse Hahn, U.S. actor, into a top role in the Gallic legit version of “Love of Four Colonels.” Peter Ustinov in for a looksee of his play. Bella Darvi attended the present- ation of her first pic in France, “Hell And High Water” (20th). Although French, this is her first film. Marcel Pagnol here to attend the preem of his wife’s (Jacqueline) return to legit in a reprise of Jean Anouilh’s 1941 play, “Le Rendez- vous De Senlis”. For his next pic, “Lola Montez,” Max Ophuls has a big star cast with Martine Carol, Peter Ustinov, Anton Walbrook, Gerard Philipe and Oscar Werner. Maurice Chevalier slated to head for Hollywood soon to super- vise the pic being made on his life, and also to appear in a film with Bob Hope, “The Cheat.” Georges Guetary, Edith Piaf, Luis Mariano and Tino Rossi are the only Gallic singers to have re- ceived the traditional gold disk for the millionth record sold. Bernard Lafay, head of the Paris Municipal Council, would like to have special heating lamps in- stalled before cinemas here to ease waiting lines during the winter. Olivia De Havilland and finance Pierre Galante Air Francing in from Hollywood, where she just completed “Not As A Stranger” (UA). Couple will be married here in January and then Miss De Havilland starts her next Contin- ental film chore in “Leila,” to be made in Paris and London. Scotland By Gordon Irving ( G lasgow; Kelvin 1 590 ) Olga Gwynne to King’s, Edin- burgh, as Principal Boy in “Dick Whittington.” Janette Scott, teenage Associated British contract star, to film part of “First Love” in Scotland. Stewart Cruikshank, Howard & Wyndham topper, to Edinburgh and Glasgow for panto openings. Chic & Candy Ross, Canadian dancers, pacted for cabaret week at Piccadilly nitery, Glasgow, open- ing Jan. 10. Helen Russell inked as Principal Boy for pantomime at His Majes- ty’s, Aberdeen, with Suzanne Foret as Principal Girl. New film comedy, “Mad About Men,” starring Glynis Johns, given sneak-preview at Gaumont cinema, Anniesland, Glasgow. Yolande Donlan to His Majesty’s, Aberdeen, in new comedy, “It’s Different For Men,” by Michael Pertwee and Monja Danischewsky. Caledon Pictures tossed dinner to celebrate 40th anni of Lome Cinema, Glasgow, where Sir Alex- ander King, cinema magnate, was first manager. Yolande Donlan, in Glasgow with new comedy, “It’s Different for Men.” planning trip to Tangier with film producer hubby Val Guest to o.o. location sites for new pic. Harry Gordon and Jack Rad- cliffe clicked as new partnership in pantomime success, “Dick Whit- tington,” which garnered rave notices at King's Theatre, Edin- burg. Lennox Milne, Scv i actress, awarded prize by Scot Committee of Arts Council for top perform- ance in “The Heart Is Highland.” She’s wife of author Moray Mc- Laren. London William J. Gell, head of Mon- arch Films, off to Hollywood for his annual looksee. Denis Forman, director of the British Film Institute, leaving his job in February to enter commer- cial tv. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. read the lesson at a St. Paul’s Cathedral memorial service to the late Sir George Robey. More than 700 gifts collected at the Variety Club Christmas lunch- eon last week were handed over to children in hospitals. Lord Anthony Vivian, who was recently involved in a shooting in- cident, back from Switzerland to undergo further surgery. Tony Reddin, Paramount pub- licity topper, back in town after fortnight’s New York and Holly- wood quickie for product confabs. Lina Lopez, star of the French- made. “The Sheep Has Five Legs,” currently preeming in the West End, in from Paijis for a tele as- signment. Duncan Lamont ankled the cast of “Deadlock.” Stewart Granger- Jean Simmons starrer for Mike Frankovich, because of a clash of film commitments. A Noel Coward radio program recorded before he left for his American and Jamaican trip is to be aired by BBC sound radio over the Christmas holidays. Stuart Levy, partner with Nat Cohen in Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distribs, returned from Monte Carlo where he has been recuper- ating after a long illness. Sir Charles Coleston has re- signed his appointment as vice- chairman of the Independent Tele- vision Authority, the organization responsible for the commercial web. Charles Russell and Lance Ham- ilton sailed for N.Y. last weekend to o.o. the American tele scene on behalf of Noel Coward and to sign Hermione Gingold for a revival of “Blithe Spirit.” They *are going on to Jamaica to join Coward. Richard Mealand, Paramount production exec in London, sfciled for America on the Mauretania. Helene Cordet is a fellow passen- ger enroute to Canada for her cabaret debut, and Trude Adams is joining the liner at La Havre following her season at the Colony restaurant. Australia By Norm Louden (Sydney, Box 4457 GPO) Borovansky Ballet is slated to tour New Zealand under J. C. Wil- liamson banner, opening in Auck- land this week. Local actor John McCallum, and his English wife, Googie Withers, will open at Comedy Theatre, early in February in “Simon and Laura.” Ernest Turnbull, managing di- rector of Hoyts, called the circuit’s top brass into Sydney to celebrate the first birthday of Cinemascope launching in Aussie. Wally Orr, manager for Univer- sal in Tokyo, here for talks with A1 Daff, who is skedded to plane this month. U exec will be back in his native country for Xmas. Uranium finds on mining prop- erty owned by Sam Snider are hailed as the richest yet uncovered in New South Wales. Snider is chairman of Snider-Dean cinema loop. Joe Fearon, Metro exec, ap- pointed to fill vacancy on the Mo- tion Picture Industry Benevolent Fund Council, created by the re- signation of Les Wicks, former dis- trib and lab topper. Madrid By Ramsay Ames (Castellana-Hilton; 37-22-00) Jose Iturbi, in Madrid again last week, enroute to spend Christmas in Valencia. Les Paul and Mary Ford arrived Dec. 19 for a 10-ten vacation at the Castellana-Hilton. Ingrid Bergman, Rosselini and their children arrived last week in Barcelona, where she is appearing in “Juana en la Hoguera” (Joan of Arc) at Teatro Liceo. La Bergman recently completed filming the pic, “Fire,” in Munich, with German Mathias Wiemann as co-star. Miroslava left Dec. 16 for Mex- ico, pulling out of “La Legion del Silencio,” after having started to shoot, with her role taken over by Spanish Nani Fernandez. Nieves Conde and Forque are directing instead of originally-slated Juan de Orduna. Jorge Mistral con- tinues as the male lead. Miroslava says she will return to Spain next year after she finishes “Fedra” in Brazil. Rosario returned the night of Dec. 15, at the Teatro Madrid, where she drew a capacity audi- ence. After an extensive tour of Europe and South America Rosa- rio’s return was triumphant. Be- sides her solo dances and with her full, company there waa a guitar solo by Juan Garcia de la Mata, a piano duet by Alfredo Rodriguez Mendoza and Sofia I£noll and Flamenco songs by Alvaro de la Isla. There were solos and duets by some members of her company, notably Roberto Iglesias, Juan Alba, Juan Quintero. Aida Rami- rez, and Pedro Lorca. Omaha By Glenn Trump Lind Bros, flew in from N.Y. to appear at the climax of Israel bond sales here. Charles E. Greenlee, operator of Silver Hill Theatre, Oshkosh. Neb., named prexy of chamber of com- merce there. Ralph Qpldberg, owner of local theatre string, donated $100 to the World-Herald’s Good Fellows fund in memory of Jake Rachman, late Variety mugg here and theatre editor of the paper. Omaha Carpenters District Coun- cil last week feted press and radio at a luncheon to release publicity on its dance and show slated for new City Auditorium Jan. 22. Helen Boyce, Karl Wayne, Two Checkers, three bands and Darling Debutantes set for show. India Clifford Agarwala, former chief censor, appointed special counsel for American Film Export Corp. Paramount’s latest Bob Hope pic, “Casanova,” did substantial biz at Bombay’s Eros for two weeks. In Madras, it also is drawing good crowds. Oldest theatre in Calcutta, the Poorna, converted into air-condi- tioned house. Gives Calcutta 15 air-conditioned houses, biggest number for any city in India. Since the government of India has refused to cooperate with the film unit in producing “Bhowani Junction,” by lending military per- sonnel or railway staff, George Cukor may produce the film in Pakistan. Negotiations between India gov- ernment and president of Indian Film Federation having fallen through, India has decided to force screening of Indian newsreels in all South Indian theatres under 1952 Cinematograph Act which em- powers the central government to give necessary \ directives in this connection. At the same time, the India government has shown a willingness to allow private pro- ducers 50% of the playing time al- lotted to approved films if they produce documentaries. Santiago By Edythe Ziffren (Dr. Corbalan Melgarejo 27 -A; 31o45) Tito Davidson in from Mexico in connection with his plans to film “Cabo de Homos” (Cape Horn) in Chile. “Crimen Perfecto” (Dial M for Murder) over the 500-performance mark, new record for a Chilean theatre. Argentine Metallurgical Exposi- tion at the Edificio Espana is fea- turing a nightclub with performers including Marua Montes, Margarita Padin and Adolfo Stray. Authorities permitted “Folies Bergere” company to open at Municipal Theatre in Vina del Mar, coastal resort, despite a flood of lawsuits and church opposition. Xenia Monty, production’s star, who walked out on the show here, is still out. 20th Statement Continued from page 5 — would be a fact with another 5,000 expected by the end of March. In the major European markets, Skouras said France now had 500 installations, with 900 due by the end of March; Italy has 700 and expects to have 1,250 by March; Britain has 750 with 1,350 in pros- pect; Germany should have 750 by Jan. 1 and 1,250 by the end of March. The 20th prexy estimated that about 125 Cinemascope releases would come from the major companies in the U. S. during 1955. European production in the widescreen process had been great- ly accelerated, he reported. Skouras also noted the sinking of a fourth oil well on stadio prop- erty on the Coast. Tests of the third we41 so far have produced 90 barrels of 37.7 degree oil daily and 1,600,000 cubic feet of clean sul- phur-free gas. The well is bot- tomed at 5,300 feet. The fourth well, started on Nov. 18, is now at 6,600 feet. Hollywood Shelley Winters In from London on vacation. Ron Randell in from London for the holidays. Lester Sansom out of the hos- pital after surgery. Kenneth Harlan in the hospital with virus infection. Allison Hayes spending holidays in Washington, D. C. Liberace ordered to take a month’s rest because of a heart condition. Donald O’Connor and Sidney Miller returned from their Hawai- ian siesta. James Millican will ride his horse, “Chips,” in March of Dimes parade, Jan. 15. Doris Day hostessed 85 mem- bers of the Ohio State football squad for luncheon at Metro. Dean Martin. Jerry Lewis and Debbie Reynolds accepted their Golden Apple awards from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club. Cleveland By Glenn C. Pullen Herbert Elwell, composer and Plain Dealer music critic, back on job after illness of several months. Walter Alvord made annual visit to the Hanna, ahead of Katherine Cornell’s current “Dark Was Light Enough,” which opened Dec. 20. Eddie Sindelar tentatively plan- ning to trim his Sky-Way’s budget down to just a dance band after New Year’s Eve week, resuming floor shows in spring. Frank Senness and his brothers closed local branch of their Sen- ness booking agency last week. Local biz will be* handled here- after by their Cincinnati rep. Play House’s repertory company doing “Best Foot Forward” as an- nual, in addition to “My Three Angels” and “Material Witness,” originally known as "Dead Pig- eon,” in its three theatres. Philadelphia By Jerry Gaghan Joe Letizia named manager of the Bistro, West Philly musical bar. Helene Darcel, Denise’s sister, makes local nitery bow at Car- roll’s, West Philly spot. Eddie White, comedian and owner of Drury Lane- Inn, took week off to play the Palace, New York. Barry McGuigan, vet staffer in Shubert Theatres’ pressroom, in Women’s College Hospital with heart attack. Bill Gerson (Pep’s Musical Bar) pacted Roy Hamilton, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan for dates early in 1955. Mary Ann McCall, songstress at Rendezvous, working from wheel- chair as the result of burns suf- fered from overturned coffee pot Rome By Robert F. Hawkins (Archimede 145; 800 211) Howard Hawks looking over Sicily for possible future filming. Michael Stern back in town after U.S. 'visit followed by quickie trip to Germany. Ava Gardner arrived from Far East junket to p.a. locally-made “Barefoot Contessa.” Actress-model Ivy Nicholson, now in “Summer’s End,” shooting in’ Toscanini’s north Italian villa, skedded to star in an upcoming Toto comedy, as Cleopatra. - Corinne Calvet goes into her third Italian production, “Opera- zione Notte,” for FederalCine. Stint follows previous work on “Loves of Casanova” and “Girls of San Frediano.” Marcel Carne, French director, here for huddles with writer Ce- sare Zavattini concerning upcom- ing joint project, “Men of the Dike,” which Carne is slated to do next spring. “La Figlia Di Iorio,” Ildebrando Pizzetti’s new opera based on the D’Annunzio play a critical hit in its Naples opening. Roberto Ros- sellini stage-directed it, with Gian- Andrea Gavazzenl batoning. Omaha - By Glenn Trump Eartha Kitt’s “Mrs. Patterson**- slated to play here in February. Slivers Madison signed to work Tom Packs Elephants at Omaha Shrine Circus this spring. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, featuring Maria Tallchief, slated for new City Auditorium Jan. 6. Nebraska Assn, of Fair Man- agers annual confab slated for Lincoln’s Cornhusker Hotel Jan. 24-28. Henry Fonda In town for two days with his sister before heading for N. Y. to spend Christmas with his family. OBITUARIES HORACE L. LOHNES Horace L. Lohnes, 57. partner in Dow Lohnes & Albertson larg- est radio law firm in Washington, d ed there Dec. 23 of eorowry thrombosis.. He was probably the most important figure in Waahing- Sn radio legal circles, his firm act- afeounil before the Feder.l Communications Commission for m,nv of the nation's most proral- S y broadcasters. HI* «tensiv« estate near Vienna, Va., has been fhe locale of the annual outing of the Federal Communications Bar Assn, of which he was a past presi- ^ Born in Donnelsville, O., Lohnes attended Ohio State U. and re- ceived his law degree from George Washington U. Early this year he was named District* area chairman of a $ 4 , 500,000 drive to establish « Law Center at GWU. Surviving are his wife, a daugh- ter. a brother George, of the radio engineering firm of Craven, Lohnes & Culver, his father and two sis- ters. KEN DAVIDSON Kenneth R. Davidson, 49, bad- minton player who had worked the vaude circuits with a variety of partners, was killed in a plane crash at Prestwick, Scotland, Dec. 25 At various times, he was part- nered with Thelma Kingsbury, Don Vaughn and Hugh Forgie. Among the spots he played were the Rainbow Room, N.Y., Roxy and Loew s State Theatres, N. Y., as well as other theatres and cafes. Regarded as one of the leading badminton exhibition players, Dav- idson was returning to the U.S. from an exhibtion tour in Malaya and India. Of late he had been technical adviser for a sporting equipment manufacturer and had been a coach of the American Thomas Cup Team, equivalent of the David Cup in badminton. HARRY SINGER Harry Singer, 73, for years a film house operator in association with his brother, the late Mort Singer, died Dec. 22 in North Hollywood after a long illness. He was being prepared for surgery when the end came. Throughout most of his active years he operated theatres in Chi- cago, He also managed theatres in St. Louis and opened the Hillstreet Theatre in Los Angeles. In his later years he was a realtor in San Fernando Valley. Surviving are his wife, and a brother, Will, who once managed the Brandeis Theatre in Omaha. EDWARD B. HESS Edward B. Hess, longtime Pitts- burgh nitery and restaurant owner who operated several of that city’s bestknowp cafes in the ’20s and early '30s with his wife, the former Freda Pope, died in that city Dec. 21 after a long illness. Hess and Miss Pope flourished as tavern hosts during prohibition and in the mid ’30s became proprietors of one of downtown Pitt’s best-known res- taurants, Eddie Hess’, which they relinquished several years ago when Hess took sick. In addition to his wife, he leaves two daughters, five sisters and a brother. BERNHARD HERZMANSKY Bernhard Herzmansky, 67, dean of European longhair and pop music publishers, died of a heart attack Dec. 13 in Vienna. He was stricken while riding in his chauf- leur-drivcn car en route to his office. Born in Lang Enzersdorf, AU uf ri , a ’ he was * he 8on °* a noted publisher. Hentmansky, whose firm was founded in 1813, published works of franz Lehar and other celebrated composers. He was a former presi- dent of the Austrian Society of Author 5 , Composers and Music Publishers. ARTURO CASIGLIA Artuio Casiglia, 63, founder and " ,( : ct( > r °f the Pacific Opera Co., oied of pneumonia Dec. 21 in San . ' Born in Sicily, he came “ an , Francisco in 1922 and four n,? rs a J, er established the Pacific pera Co. Aside from batoning Pn<- re 5 u,a , r Performances of the ftihn he fre< l ue ntly conducted at c °ncerts in the San Fran- cisco area. inP, siglia ’ ^ ho was noted for aid- in fu 0Un ^ singers seekipg careers bv h?f °P erati c fWld, is survived - his wife and two daughters. llnr, H e R u RY SCHAEFER w.niri^L Scha ? fer ’ 71 • a theatrical In If ob ? assistant for nearly a century’ died Dec 23 ln chi _ c m™ A d , r esser with the touring fataih^V/ u King and 1 ” he was y stricken with a heart at- tack ln the apartment of Harold Goldberg, the show’s company manager. Schaefer had been touring with Goldberg the past 10 years with such plays as ‘’Carmen Jones,’’ “Showboat,” “South Pacific’’ and latterly “King and I.” A sister survives. KATHLEEN KEY Kathleen Key, 48, screen actress for more than 30 years, died Dec. 22 at the Motion Picture Country Hospital In California. Among her early pictures were “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and “Ben Hut,” in which she played a featured role as Ramon Navarro’s sister. After playing in several Austral- ian films, Miss Key signed a Metro contract but in later years became a freelance and appeared in Lon- don and Paris before returning to Hollywood. REUBEN MELCHER Reuben Melcher, 59, theatre supply dealer, died in Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 24. He was president of the Poppers Supply Co. and the Hollywood Servetncnts Co., both located on K.C.’s film row. As one of the concession suppliers, he was associated with the theatre in- dustry for more than 35 years. Surviving are his wife, two sons, two daughters, a brother and two sisters. JOHN E. SCOTT John E. (Joe) Scott, 55, manager of the Omaha office of 20th-Fox for 20 years, died in that city Dec. 17 after suffering a heart attack. He was a past president of the Omaha Variety Club. A native of Baltimore, he was with 20th in St. Louis before coming to Omaha in 1934. Survived by his wife, four daugh- ters and three brothers. ZOFIA NALKOWSKA Zofia Nalkowska, 69, Polish nov- elist and playwright, died in War- saw Dec. 17. She was a deputy to the Polish parliament at the time of her death. Author of many books, most of which were translated abroad, she was probably known best for “The Frontier,’’ a novel, which won the Grand Prize of Poland in 1937. CHARLES E. KESSNICH Charles E. Kessnich, 67, Metro Southern district manager who retired last February, died in At- lanta Dec. 24. He had been with the company since 1918, when he joined it as Atlanta branch man- ager. He was upped to Southern district chief in 1920. Surviving are his wife, a daugh- ter and a sister. WILLIAM WALLACE William Wallace, 54, still photog-* rapher, died of cancer Dec. 22 in Hollywood. He had been a mem- ber of IATSE Cameramen’s Local 659 for 25 years and worked sev- eral years for Edward Small. His wife and daughter survive. ARTHUR W. KELLY Arthur W. Kelly, 64, former exec v.p. of United Artists, died in Nice Dec. 26. Details in film section. Mrs. Marie Celeste Stranahan, 78, who sang professionally in light opera under the name of Marie Celeste before her marriage 50 years ago, died of a heart attack Dec. 17 in Teledo. A past president of the Toledo Symphony Society, she is survived by her husband and a son. Russell H. Edsall, 56, sales man- ager of radio station WTOL, Toledo, died Dec. 19 in that "city after a two-year illness. He had been with WTOL for the past seven years, coming from WXYZ, Detroit. His wife and a daughter survive. Dr. Harry J. Linton, superin- tendent of schools in Schenectady 6ince 1946 and one of the most active educators in the use of radio and television, died Dec. 18. in that city of a heart ailment. John Alexander, 26, leader of the Johnny Ace Orchestra, was shot to death Dec. 25 in Houston. Police said Alexander was playing Russian roulette when the gun he held to his head went off. Mrs. Ellen Frances Phalr, 78, wife of Daily Variety columnist George Phair, died of a stroke Dec. 27 in Los Angeles. She had been in a cama since Christmas Eve. Mrs. Carrie Miller, 76, who as Carrie Hayes was a musical com- edy singer on Broadway and who * n several silent films, died Dec. 22 in Philadelphia. Alexander W. Dannenbaum, for- *ner president of radio station WDAS, Philadelphia, died Dec. 22 in that city. His wife, two sons and a daughter survive. Mother, 78, of Harry Mervis, for- mer legit actor, and of Norman, Charles, Jack and Ralph Mervis, Pittsburgh theatre owners, died Dec. 22 in that city. George B. Kinsey, 75, interior decorator who specialized in the- atres, died Dec. 25 in Columbus. Survived by wife, daughter and sister. Aaron Gershwin, 65, uncle of George, Ira and Arthur Gershwin, died Dec. 24, in New York. He was a retired engineer. Mother, 68, of Marvin Marx, head writer for the Jackie Gleason tv show, died Dec. 27 in Newark, N.J. Father of Sally Kettles Robert- shaw, Pittsburgh radio and little theatre actress, died there Dec. 16. Mother of screen actress Kath- ryn Grayson, died Dec. 23 in Los Angeles. Soviet Propaganda • SS Continued from pant Z lies,” Gerasimov’s report continued. “During the years of the Father- land War, the Soviet film industry, in close cooperation with litera- ture, was capable of responding to the patriotic upsurge of the So- vit people by issuing film news and full length wartime pictures. It helped the front and the man be- hind the front lines to forge the victory over the Hitlerite invaders. “The postwar years have im- posed new important tasks upon Soviet film industry. In their decisions on ideological questions, the Party mapped the way toward the solution of these tasks.’’ Increased output of brainwash- ing pix will make production of the “old fashioned” type of motion picture with romantic themes, suc- cess stories, etc., obsolete. Light comedies, adventures and films for kiddies have almost vanished. Re- port cited the success of novel writing with brainwashing theme as evidence of what can be accom- plished in films. Iron Curtain scripters criticized for “having failed to date to mas- ter the specific features of film making, and showing no particular desire to master them.” To cure errant scripters. Agitprop has set up series of “creative workshops” throughout Iron Curtain countries where writers and producers “are combining their efforts to perfect their art.” Films which “speak for peace, the great friendship of nations, and the happiness of mankind,” will be assigned top priority. Film export to be stepped up also in line with total propaganda crusade. Bambuco Continued from pat* 1 dance with an Afro-Spanish back- ground. “There are many different styles of dancing in South America,” Miss Waldo explains, “and we have seen only a very few here. These have been popularized by enter- tainers who have come north and specialized in one particular dance. But rhythms throughout South America have been strongly in- fluenced from three sources — In- dian, Negro and Spanish. As a re- sult, there are uncounted numbers of dances which could be brought to the U. S. with perhaps as much success as the mambo is enjoying now.” Among the dances are the Huino (pronounced Wino), the Crillio, a waltz with a slight off- beat, the Joropo and the Porro. These dances are largely from Co- lombia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile. A longtime specialist in South American music, Miss Waldo was persuaded by .Miss Sumac to abandon her work with her own ensemble temporarily to travel with the Sumac troupe in a fea- tured spot. In talks with audiences while on tour, she has become convinced of a growing public in- terest in the southern rhythms. Sumac tour heads east after the first of the year and the trek will be highlighted by a N. Y. Car- negie Hall cohcert Feb. 9. After the tour, Miss Waldo will return to the Coast to continue her own work and prep some recordings in which she will Introduce some of the new dance beats she feels have a commercial potency here. ■ Music Hall v SSSS Continued from page 1 uct requirements for the vast the- atre since 1946. There were two eight-week pic- tures, “White Christmas,’’ Para- mount’s first VistaVision subject, and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Metro’s opus. “Xmas” grossed $1,200,000 while “Brides” did $1,352,000. The Hall upped its scale slightly when the first C’Scope v pic was launched early in the year, and has retained this admission setup be- cause of greatly increased operat- ing costs. It’s figured that the av- erage weekly gross of the house was $149,000, although the weekly gross has dropped to as low as $ 120 , 000 . Illinois Legion SUSS Continued from page 1 sons and ideas deemed heretical and disloyal,” the statement said. "This phase of the Legion’s Amer- icanism program has received an emphasis out of all proportion to its extent and importance when compared with other Legion Amer- icanism activities in the schools and veterans hospitals.” “In concentrating on the nega- tive phase of fighting the enemy,” the announcement continued, “we have neglected the positive phase of Americanism set forth in the preamble of the American Legion . . . We must understand the prin- ciples of justice, freedom and de- mocracy that we are sworn to safe- guard.” Under the new project, “freedom chairmen” will be appointed for the various posts to set up discus- sion and reading programs based on American history. Code Seal S55 Continued from page 5 applied for code okay after sub- mitting their flings to Flick, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. Drop in imports, as gauged by the N. Y. censor’s figures, affected all but one of the eight leading producing countries abroad. France alone showed an increase, with Flick’s staff reviewing 36 French films in the 12-month period end- ing Dec. 1, 1954. This compares with 25 in 1953. Biggest drop was in imports from Britain, which went from 81 last year to 51. Germany went down from 69 to 56; Italy from 77 to 52 and Spain from 30 to 12. MARRIAGES Marie Joy to Ricky Johnson, Manchester, Eng., Dec. 11. Bride is a revue artist; he’s a cabaret singer. c Dorothea H. Reynolds to Wil- liam R. C. Weber, Miami Beach, recently. He’s a musician. Jean B. Seidler to Gregory A. Falls, Burlington, Vt., Dec. 18. Bride was formerly with CBS in New York and Boston; he’s a sum- mer theatre director. Roberta Barbara Epstein -to Sid Golden, Dec. 26, Miami Beach. He’s an announcer at WBNS, Columbus, O. Erna Rubinstein to Martin En- gels, New York, Dec. 25. Bride is. daughter of Edward Ruby, head of Ruby Film Co. Lilli Rose Brunner to Howard A. Kalmenson, New York, Dec. 23. He’s an account exec and mer- chandising manager of WABC-TV, N.Y., and son of Ben Kalmenson, Warner distribution head. Mrs. Julia Schlesinger to F. Stillman Elf red, New York, Dec. 22. Bride is widow of M. A. Schlesinger, of the Schlesinger cir- cuit in South Africa. Penny Rubin to Sol Weinberg, Newark, Dec. 26. Bride is with the Leon Newman Agency. Harriet Gross to Stanley Smer- tenko, New Rochelle. N. Y., Dec. 26. Bride is secretary to Bob Mer- rill and Kelly Camarata, music publishers. Mildred Elaine Michel to John O’Hara, Falls Village, Conn., Dec. 27. Bride is the daughter of Wil- liam C. Michel, 20th-Fox exec veepee. Dalles Favors Contlmied from pas* 1 trade is still not committed to any move. May Hurt Elsewhere Some officials believe that de- spite the State Dept.’s endorse- ment, films sent to the Soviet would take on the stigma of propa- ganda, an objectionable label since the product is fashioned strictly as entertainment and not “mes- sage.” If the pix are thus stigma- tized their circulation in other parts of the world might be Im- paired, it’s suspected. Another major consideration is the home front reaction. There’s some fear among film men that a deal would not sit well with cer- tain American groups opposed to any kind of trade with the Reds. Political antagonism in any form and from any direction to- ward Hollywood heads the list of trouble situations that should be avoided, the industryites maintain. As for actual values in selling Democracy, the Hollywood films are tough to size up. If left un- touched. the pix doubtless would represent a reflection of life on the other side of that Curtain. But, it’s asked, what can be done to prevent distortion of the screen- plays. It’s no great feat to change around meanings through dubbing and sub-titling films in the Russo tongue. Dulles and Bohlen doubtless have this angle figured out to some extent And the mere fact that they’re represented as want- ing the American films in Russia means the matter will be given top priority appraisal by the pic execs. It’s now up to the latter to call the turns. Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Assn, of Amer- ica, worked out a deal for the sale of films to Moscow but nothing actually came of this. The Rus- sions were given long lists of titles of available properties but stalled on making their selections to the extent that the project subse- quently was abandoned in 1946. Newsreel Woes ; Continued from pate 2 duction of CinemaScope newsreels for which, like the shorts made in that and other widescreen proc- esses, exhibs may be willing to pay more. However, prospects of a C’Scope reel are dim. Three reasons are cited for this. (1) Such a reel wouldn’t be eco- nomic in the light of theatre op- erators’ apparent determination to do away with the newsreel alto- gether rather than pay higher prices. (2) A C’Scope reel would require two separate crews to shoot. (3) There is a technical problem at the lab, since any C’Scope reel would have to be in color and It’s at the moment not practical to process tint subjects at the speed required of a newsreel. The newsreels are currently Paying anywhere between 2,500 to 3,000 dates on each issue, and there are two such' issues every week, bringing the total to around 5,000. “There’s lots of undercutting go- ing on," one newsreel exec stated last week. “There’s nothing much anyontr can do about It. It’s fool- ish, of course, but not surprising considering the sad economic state of the reels.” •BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Dale McMickle, daughter, New York, Dec. 20. Father is trumpeter in Eddie Sa- franski orch on Allyn Edwards’ WRCA show. Mr. and Mrs. Dave Grayson, daughter, Los Angeles, Dec. 18. Father is a makeup man at Co- lumbia; mother is a former actress. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walton, son, Pittsburgh, Dec. 20. Father’s the son of Herb Walton, ad artist for S-W Theatres in Pitt. Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Meyers, son, Pittsburgh, Dec. 20-. Mother’s Dell Saunders, a singer; father’s a mu- sician. Mr. and Mrs. Vince Boylan Jr., daughter, Pittsburgh, Dec. 21. Father’s a singer. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dobson, son, New York, Dec. 28. Mother is Carol Reed, WCBS-TV weather- caster; father is a singer. Mr. and Mrs. James Lewis, daughter, Norwalk, Conn.. Dec. 25. Father is a member of The Mari- ners. Mr. 8c Mrs. Walter Ruckersberg, daughter, N. Y., Dec. 27. Father is managing director of Titra Sound Studios Inc. 56 Wednesday, December 29, 1954 PERSONAL MANAGER JOHN F. NONNENBACHER, JR. 224 West 4tth Sr.. Now York It and his Company •INIRAL REPRESENTATIVES WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY dynamo and master showman . . Currently WALDORF-ASTORIA NEW YORK (4th Return Engagement) »nd „» ». js? ugh the room ^ finance. Jhat Grec0 . 5 ““the weU-rehe^h to ® d0i Greco's r^ >m hut irom Eog f, Miguel Garcia. J0 e ckgr°u n ^ ll d g idi om o! H lspa , n 0 { the •he mood and l d lha t superb technlctau Greco ha s ^ tlm e He appea rs „° dut dance al house! Paul ?£tprechio. Espa " Greco's Company- the centerpiece, P ie “ t his Greco, o. *££,' *J master r * *c- reS ' St ous e terpschorean P»C U Meg rlas and . I ^ l0 gor f spot solo lor . t f n g choreosraPM quartet °«aln In the exciting 0 duet ano and Ravel’s "f ^nerat^eat hramatlc P movements g outbursts. pities are lU ^^hoS>hsr^ g 3Ph^f h ;^al- Jy r'r^anfy and grace *«» in the ^elommates. s p ® fall to remark his ability, r lence iau ^ ana rym0 re, to , and slender j 0 hn Bam U nd. v to the laws fticult pants. Guest Starring JAN. 9th (5th Return Engagement) Ed Sullivan's TOAST OF THE TOWN" CBS-TV Scanned from microfilm from the collections of The Library of Congress National Audio Conservation Center Coordinated and sponsored by M E D I A HESTQRV i: A search of the records of the United States Copyright Office has determined that this work is in the public domain.